Chapter 52: Victorious

Once Force X has completed their transport mission, it's our turn to complete the rest of the mission. Phase 4 of the mission is another straight-forward, yet tough, mission. Using a Carrier Task Force, we are to engage and sink the European Armoured Carrier Princess. Force Z is in charge of this phase. The main fleet consists of Souryuu, Hiryuu, Zuihou, Prinz Eugen, Zara, and Pola, whilst the escort fleet has Kuma, Shigure, Yuudachi, Murasame, Suzuya and Kumano. After they have significantly damaged the Princess and entered the Last Dance Stage, a detached Strike force, consisting of Yahagi, Mutsuki, Asashio, Samidare, Suzukaze, Yamakaze, and Shimakaze, will engage a series of TOIs which are believed to be sustaining the Princess's power. How was it determined? No idea either. This is another thing HQ can't figure out even after so many years of war. Then again, they can't figure out anything. That's why this war has long came to a standstill.

I don't really want Zuihou to leave my side and move to the forward base, but we have our roles, sadly.

The European Armoured Carrier Princess is essentially a sexier Wo-class that is extremely hard to kill. It looks like one and functions like one. Only difference is that it has a bow. After an arduous battle and week of bombing and shooting the crap out of the Abyssal fleet, we are finally at the Last Dance phase. Yahagi's fleet has also successfully destroyed all TOI's that were marked for this phase. The boss is on it's last legs.

"Tomorrow's the last battle. Right? Admiral~" (Zuihou)

"If we are lucky. Last Dance phases always take longer than necessary."

Right now, I'm on the phone with Zuihou. Even though she is on an remote island on the other side of the globe, we can still communicate with one another. Hooray for technology!

"Come on. We were just unlucky during those times. Maybe this time will be different? We will be able to defeat the target in one try." (Zuihou)

"That's right. Let's hope this time is different so you can come home early."

"Hehe. I want to go home soon." (Zuihou)

"By the way, are you in the clear? There is no one around, right?"

"Yep. I'm in the brushes. I made sure no one was around before I called you." (Zuihou)

"That's great. I miss you, Zuihou."

There was silence on the other end.

"Zuihou?"

"Y-yes! I'm here!" (Zuihou)

"Did something happen?"

Maybe someone walked passed so she had to be silent for a bit.

"No. Nothing happened." (Zuihou)

That's good. I thought we were about to get caught back there.

"Admiral?" (Zuihou)

"Yeah?"

"Can you say that one more time?" (Zuihou)

"Say what?"

"Just now... You know..." (Zuihou)

"What?"

I think I know what she is talking about.

"You know? The one that has a 'M' in it." (Zuihou)

Yep. Fine. I'll humour her for now.

"I miss you, Zuihou."

There was loud 'thump' and some muffled noises on the other side. I have watched and read enough anime and manga to imagine her reaction.

"You all right?"

"Yes. I'm fine." (Zuihou)

"Zuihou! Where are you?" (???)

"Ah. Hiryuu is nearby. I think I need to go now." (Zuihou)

Aw... Can't be helped...

"You better go back then. It's evening over there now, right?"

"Yeah... Wait, isn't it midnight in Japan now? You are still not asleep?" (Zuihou)

"I still had some work to clear."

"Zuihou!" (Hiryuu)

"You better go. Good night, Zuihou."

"Good night, Admiral." (Zuihou)

I hang up the call.

Well, the work part is lie. I have been monitoring the time over there and when she will return to the Forward Base so I could have a little chat with her.

I pray that the Last Dance with this boss will end quickly.

----------------------------------------------------

Souryuu's Type-2 recon plane flew around, scouting the area ahead. Before long, it finally located the European Armoured Carrier Princess and her entourage. After destroying all Targets-of-Interest, the European Armoured Carrier Princess's helmet is gone, revealing a rather mature-looking lady. Accompanying it are three Abyssal Princesses, 2 Heavy Cruiser Ne-class Kai B, 1 Light Cruiser He-class Kai Flagship, 1 Light Crusier Tsu-class Flagship, and 4 Destroyer Na-class Late Model II Flagships.

"There they are." (Souryuu)

"Another weird phenomenon."

The point where the fleet would engage the Princess in battle was Point Z3. However, while conducting the usual scouting phase, the enemy fleet was no longer there. Because of that, we wasted some daylight trying to search for it. For some reason, it decided to make Point W it's final resting place. Why are the Abyssals moving around so much this time? It's not like they were chased out of their territory.

"Anyway, let's finish this up quickly so everyone can come home earlier."

"I miss Japan already." (Suzuya)

"Before we go back, can we go buy some wine?" (Pola)

"I want to visit Italy for a bit." (Zara)

"Makes sense. You are near your home country after all."

"Ooh! Can I tag along? I have always wanted to go sightseeing in Europe.

I think I can let them let loose for a bit.

"I will let the Italian government know some of you will be dropping by. That's the least they could do after getting us to clean up their territory."

"All right!" (Pola)

"Admiral, Grazie!" (Zara)

"Ooyodo, send a formal request to the Italian embassy and get them to allow entry for us."

"Roger. Consider it done." (Ooyodo)

"Now. Let's focus on the battle. We got a job to do."

Unfortunately.

"Cruising formation 4. Let's take them down once and for all!"

"Roger!" (All)

"Launch the first wave! Initiate the opening air strike!" (Souryuu)

The three Carriers launched their bombers and fighter escorts. The planes flew towards the enemy. With such a large air group, the Abyssal's were quick to react.

"You still want to have a go? ...Fine then. I'll just sink all of you right here!" (European Armoured Carrier Princess)

"Be wrapped in flames...and sink instantly...!" (Aircraft Carrier Summer Princess)

The European Armoured Carrier Princess and Aircraft Carrier Summer Princess launched their own set of Abyssal aircraft to counter ours.

"2nd Attack Corps, launch!" (Souryuu)

Souryuu and Hiryuu launched another wave of Fighters to fend of the enemy aircraft and maintain air superiority. The enemy bombers that managed to slip past the fighters made a beeline towards the fleet.

"No.4 Turret, I'm counting on you to show my tenacity in this battle!" (Zara)

"Main guns... Ready, aim... open fire!" (Prinz Eugen)

AA machine guns and main guns starting firing off, shooting the enemy birds out of the sky and causing them to miss their bombing run.

"Commence shelling! Feur!" (Prinz Eugen)

"I'm a Zara-class too. I won't lose in surface combat! Supposedly~" (Pola)

"Kumano~ Let's go! Uryah!" (Suzuya)

"Hyaaah!" (Kumano)

Force Z was within shelling range. Both fleets exchanged shells as the planes continued to fight overhead.

<Barracuda! Shoot!!> (European Armoured Carrier Princess)

"I will not give up here." (Shigure)

"Eeny-minee-miney-Poi~!" (Yuudachi)

The girls alternate between speeding up to dodge the incoming shells and slowing down to get a clear and more accurate shot at their target. Ghostly howls came from the Abyssals as the weaker ships sank to the bottom. More planes filled the sky and the dogfights got even more intense as both sides battled to gain and maintain air superiority.

A shell flew towards Zara, exploding and covering her in black smoke. Fortunately, it didn't do much.

"Hmph! You need to do more than that to tenacity! Main guns, target the enemy ahead! Open fire! Sink!" (Zara)

"Even if they are few, they are the elite." (Zuihou)

Zara fired a salvo of shells at the enemy fleet as Zuihou launched a new set of Tenzens and Suiseis. Zara's salvo managed to take out a Destroyer Na-class and severely injure a Heavy Cruiser Ne-class. Zuihou's planes took out another Ne-class while dealing some damage to the European Princess.

"Aaaah!! Annoyances!" (European Armoured Carrier Princess)

"It's getting angry~" (Murasame)

An Abyssal Cat Bomber flew overhead and dropped a bomb onto Shigure, tearing her clothes and sending her vitals into the orange zone.

"Shigure!"

"Ouch! Being able to corner me like this... well, that's fine." (Shigure)

"Right, let's go for the big ones!" (Souryuu)

Souryuu's bombers attack the Aircraft Carrier Summer Princess. The princess howled in pain as fire erupted from various parts of its body,

"This will repeat…again and again…as long as…you don't…change…." (Aircraft Carrier Summer Princess)

"Sink for me!" (Battleship Summer Princess)

The Battleship Princess fired at Force Z. The fleet sped up to avoid the incoming shells, but Pola and Prinz Eugen weren't able to get away in time.

"I won't sink from this..! Counter attack!" (Prinz Eugen)

"No no! It really hurts!" (Pola)

"We'll decide this at long range." (Zuihou)

"Zuihou, Souryuu, focus on the boss. Hiryuu, provide air cover. The rest of you, get rid of the others."

"I show you the nightmare of Solomon!" (Yuudachi)

More planes took to the air. The numerous Tenzans, Suiseis, and Reppus engaged the European Armoured Carrier Princess's contingent. The others continued to shell and launch torpedoes at the Battleship Princess and and the other Abyssals.

"Pathetic... I don't need this! You'll all be wiped out here!!" (European Armoured Carrier Princess)

A squadron of Abyssal Night Torpedo Bombers flew just above the water and launched it's payload of torpedoes. The torpedoes hit both dragon sisters, sending them flying backwards.

"Souryuu! Hiryuu!" (Zuihou)

"You two all right?!"

"Why is it the flight deck again?! It hurts!" (Souryuu)

"I'm hit, watch out for explosions." (Hiryuu)

"I will not give up here." (Shigure)

Shigure fired her guns at one of the Battleship Summer Princesses, dealing the killing blow.

"This is no good after all..." (Battleship Summer Princess)

The sun is setting. Looks like we have to draw this battle out. It's only the European Armoured Carrier Princess, 1 injured Battleship Summer Princess, and a Destroyer Ne-class left.

"Main fleet, retreat to the backline! Force Z escort fleet, prepare for night battle! Pursue the enemy fleet. This is the last spurt!"

"Commence pursuit-kuma!" (Kuma)

"Night battle... There is an idiot who loves them." (Kumano)

"Now is the time-poi. I'll show you what the Nightmare of Solomon is really about." (Yuudachi)

The main fleet retreated out of the enemy's firing range while the Escort fleet advanced.

"Yes~ yes~ Launching starshells~" (Muurasame)

The sky was illuminated as Murasame fired off flares into the air. The European Armoured Carrier Princess shielded her eyes, as if she was momentarily blinded by the flares.

"Something's...all slippery~!" (Suzuya)

"I'm disappointed in all of you." (Shigure)

Suzuya and Shigure fired at the Princess simultaneously, staggering her and bringing her down on her knees.

"Aaaah!!" (European Armoured Carrier Princess)

"Launch torpedoes-kuma!" (Kuma)

Engaging her launchers, Kuma torpedoes popped out and made a beeline towards the remaining Na-class. Two of the 4 torpedoes launched made contact and exploded. The Na-class let out a dying roar before disappearing along with the thick black smoke that enveloped it during the initial explosion.

"Feels really good!" (Murasame)

Murasame and Yuudachi shot the Battleship Summer Princess and launched their own set of torpedoes. It fell onto the water surface but did not sink. Damn!

"You'll all be wiped out here!!' (European Armoured Carrier Princess)

The Princess drew her bow and launched another wave of Abyssal Night Torpedo Bombers.

"Ugh! Gross!" (Suzuya)

"Which should I pick-poi?" (Yuudachi)

Yuudachi and Suzuya engaged the incoming planes while Kumano unleashed her signature dolphin cry-

"Wooooo↑ooooah↓!" (Kumano)

-and fired her guns, hitting the boss square in her face. The Princess let out a shriek as parts of her body begun exploding.

"It can't be... I'm... sinking... How... Why... I won't sink. I won't... disappear! ...But, why do I feel this sadness? I see... My... my memories haven't... disappeared! They never did." (European Armoured Carrier Princess)

As with every bigshot Abyssal boss, her voice changed from the vengeful spirit-like tone to a more normal and hopeful one. Someone is going to appear.

"Too bad." (Shigure)

Shigure fired thrice at the remaining Abyssal, finally sinking it.

"Radar isn't picking up anything in area." (Kuma)

"No more enemies detected. Mission accomplished! The operation is a success!" (Ooyodo)

Cheers erupted from the radio. We did it! They did it! They actually managed to finish off the boss in one try during the Last Dance phase! Zuihou was right!

"Yay! Admiral, I told you, didn't I?" (Zuihou)

"Yea-"

Ah. Oi.

"Oh? What did you tell Admiral?" (Suzuya)

"I told him we will be able to defeat the boss in one one try~!" (Zuihou)

Wait wait wait wait! Zuihou!

"Ooh~ I see." (Suzuya)

"Is that why you were holding in the bushes last night?" (Hiryuu)

"Ah." (Zuihou)

This girl...

"You know. During the last few operations, we always had trouble with the Last Dance phase. I just thought this time would be the same as well."

"Y-yeah. Admiral was a little worried that the battle would drag on. I just... helped to ease his worries. Ahaha..." (Zuihou)

Not really convincing, Zuihou.

"Is that all there is to it? Admiral was just consulting you, right?" (Prinz Eugen)

For some reason, Prinz Eugen looks sad.

"Yeah. I was worried that this already long operation would be prolonged unnecessarily. Zuihou was online so I decided to speak to her for a bit."

"Hmm..." (Suzuya)

Suzuya looks like she is thinking about something mischievous.

"That makes sense. That's good." (Prinz Eugen)

Now the German Cruiser looks relieved.

"Well, if you say so. Are you sure it's not something juicy?" (Suzuya)

"Everyone~ There is something sparkly there poi." (Yuudachi)

Yuudachi drew our attention to something glowing on the water surface. It was a unconscious girl. She has long blonde hair and a tiara.

"Take her back to the Forward base. Once you have recovered and that girl wakes up, pack up and return back home."

"Understood!" (All)

"Good job completing EO. You all earned a well-deserved break."

"HQ just replied. The Italian embassy will be accepting us as tourists with special privileges. Force Z names have been registered and will be issued a visa upon landing at Port of Cagliari." (Ooyodo)

That's fast. I was expecting them to give me an answer tomorrow. In the first place, they are still at work? The guys handling such requests would be 'International Affairs', right? I thought they only work from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

"You heard her. Those that want to go to Italy for a while may do so tomorrow. Come back after a week. I will send you your money via wire transfer, so make sure to stop by a bank to collect your cash."

"Yay~" (Pola)

"Grazie!" (Zara)

"I'm joining you guys~ Show me all the good tourist spots, 'kay?" (Suzuya)

"Sure~ I will give you a tour of all the famous breweries in my home country~" (Pola)

"Get some rest. Keita out."

I shut off the radio and monitor.

"Thank you, Ooyodo. For staying up this late with me."

"Don't mention it. It's part of my duty after all." (Ooyodo)

"Take the week off as well. You deserve it."

"Then, I will take you up on that offer." (Ooyodo)

The two of us shut off and locked up the Command Room. After exchanging greetings, we left for our quarters.

Tomorrow, I will finally get to see Zuihou again.