Our Bonds

Due to the lack of time and the urgency of the situation, a conference call was held in the Command room. All the Admiral's from the other districts and the Commander of Azur Lane are present. Even the Marshal Admiral has made an appearance.

"Alright, everyone is present. Let's start." (Rondo)

"As everyone knows, there was a sudden outbreak of Abyssals and Sirens in Cape Engano. As of 1500hrs yesterday, both Abyssals and Sirens have vanished from the area." (Yokosuka)

"Zuikaku told me that the Abyssals they were engaged with suddenly went under the ocean. Is that what you meant by vanished?" (Kure)

"That's right. For the sirens, a portal opened up and they just went through it. Currently, we are monitoring the area for any stragglers." (Brunei Anchorage)

"That's how sirens move around the place." (AL Commander)

"During the operation, Maizuru's fleet had a direct encounter with the Abyssal Crane Princess, sustaining heavy damage in the process. Yamato's fleet and Enterprise's fleet managed to damage her and chase her off." (Yokosuka)

"While it was a close call for my girls, what they and Azur Lane's Zuikaku told me was extremely concerning. I was informed of the identity of the Abyssal Crane Princess which was responsible for the outbreak. Shouhou-class 2nd ship, Zuihou."

"Yamato can attest to that. The Abyssal Crane Princess was smaller than what we know. She also witnessed the Crane Princess speaking to the members of Maizuru's subjugation fleet with familiarity. She even called Yamato by her nickname before retreating." (Yokosuka)

Did the Zuihou of the past meet Yamato before? Maybe it was before I enlisted.

"Can Abyssals retain memories of their time when they were shipgirls?" (AL Commander)

"No. Or at least that should be the case. When a shipgirl sinks, her memories of their time spent with us disappears entirely. They may have a sense of nostalgia when found again, but until then, they are just mindless beings filled with hatred and despair. The only memories they seem to have are those of the Great War." (Rondo)

"Likewise, the shipgirl won't retain any memories of being an Abyssal."

But this one is different. An Abyssal which retained her memories of being a shipgirl. She knew about Ooyodo. She knew about me.

"This is a big issue." (Brunei Anchorage)

"Yeah. This not only changes everything we know about the Abyssals, it also makes things harder." (Kure)

"My subjugation fleet experienced it first hand. They could bear to harm their old comrade, that's why they were badly damaged."

Ooyodo told me that when they realized it was Zuihou they were fighting, they couldn't bear to point their guns at her. However, the Abyssal Zuihou had no quelms about hurting her former comrades. She attacked with the intention of sinking them. If Enterprise and Yamato didn't appear in the nick of time, I would have lost six shipgirl's that day.

"How are your girls?" (Rondo)

"Physically, they are fine now. I'm more concerned about their psych."

"I don't understand. Weren't you guys killing your former comrades for years?" (AL commander)

"It's the core that matters. Killing someone who knows you is harder than killing a mindless zombie. Even if they look different, the contents are the same." (Yokosuka)

"Sorry. Can't say I understand it. We have only been fighting mindless zombies as far as I can remember. Apart from the high-ranking Sirens, the others are just machines." (AL Commander)

The Commander is right. The Sirens are technically mechanical husks. In the first place, what are they? The high-ranking ones like the Purifier and Observer can float, summon portals and shoot lasers and stuff. The mass-produced Siren sh.i.p.s travel through portals and shoot lasers too. Are the Sirens some kind of alien entity?

"He is right. The whole thing is not as easy as sinking normal Abyssals or Princess types. This is a whole new level." (Rondo)

"But I have to agree with Azur Lane on this one. It might be a Zuihou, but she is still an Abyssal. Friend or not, we have the duty to sink her." (Brunei Anchorage)

"But she's our ally! Or was, in this case. We can't just order them to kill their friend." (Sasebo)

"But we are fighting an Abyssal! An enemy of humanity and shipgirls. If we sink her, we might save more shipgirls." (Kure)

Everyone is split on this. To kill a friend that turned evil or to spare her. I know it is necessary, but the fact that it's the Zuihou I know from before and lost, makes it harder to make a decision.

"Enough!" (Marshal Admiral)

At his cue, everybody shut their mouths.

"Seriously, you kids still want to fight at this timing. This is not a matter of friend or foe. Can't you see? That girl is suffering." (Marshal Admiral)

Suffering? Speaking of which, Ooyodo did tell me what the Abyssal Zuihou said. It was,

"I was so lonely... Suffer the same sorrow and bitterness... That Abyssal is suffering."

And it was my fault.

"Take responsibility and put her to rest!" (Marshal Admiral)

Huh? What did he just say?

"It was your girl, wasn't it? If you feel like its your fault, then fix it! That Zuikaku girl from Azur Lane said she might be heading your way, right?" (Marshal Admiral)

"Yes sir. But we still aren't sure whether-" (AL Commander)

"Then that's perfect. I am hereby ordering an emergency pause to all operations. That Abyssal Crane Princess variant is now renamed Abyssal Phoenix Princess. Maizuru Naval District is to lure and sink the Abyssal Phoenix Princess! All other districts are to support in this operation. That's an order. And that includes Azur Lane as well, young man." (Marshal Admiral)

Everyone was shocked at the Marshal Admiral's order. He is basically ordering the entire IJN to sortie against one Abyssal.

"Eh? With the respect, sir, I don't think-" (AL Commander)

"Are you defying your elders, boy?" (Marshal Admiral)

"What are you saying, you senile old man?!" (Rondo)

"Shut up! This is an order! Right now, we need to prioritize ending that poor little one's suffering." (Marshal Admiral)

Now I see. This guy truly cares about both the Abyssals and shipgirls. He believes that the Abyssals are shipgirls stuck in limbo. Sinking an Abyssal releases them from their eternal torment. It's not a matter of whether we can do it or not, it's for the sake of the shipgirl stuck inside. Now I feel like an idiot. At the same time, I can't help but feel proud to serve under such a superior.

I stood at attention,

"Understood. Maizuru Naval District will pull all stops to put her to rest."

"Eh? Oi, are you serious? It's the Zuihou you lost. Can you bear to sink her again?" (Sasebo)

"That's right. I'm the main reason why she is suffering now. That's why, I'm going to fix it."

"Good. Then it's settled. Now then, I have to go see my precious Ise-chan." (Marshal Admiral)

The Marshal Admiral disappeared from screen. I can hear him calling out to Ise in the background.

"Your grandfather really is something else. As expected of the man that tamed a Northern Princess"

"His naming sense still sucks. What the heck is Abyssal Phoenix Princess? Physically, she is still a Crane Princess." (Rondo)

"Well, she did come back to life, technically."

"Anyway, we have our orders. Each district is to send support over to Maizuru Naval District within the next two days." (Rondo)

"But what if it comes earlier?" (Brunei Anchorage)

"That won't be a problem. She was damaged during the fight, so she is definitely taking the time to recover. Until then, we can set everything up." (AL Commander)

"Haah~ What a drag. I will send a fleet over there. You guys better not start without me." (Sasebo)

"Make sure there's enough rooms and beds for my girls." (Kure)

"I will get Akashi to furnish some rooms. They are always welcome here."

"I just got dragged into something troublesome. I will form some patrol fleets to monitor the area. I will send some Eagle Union carriers to help you. If she shares the same traits as your Zuihou, they should scare her." (AL Commander)

"Thanks but don't send them too early. I don't want my girls to be terrified before we go into battle."

With that, our next mission is clear. I will put the Abyssal Phoenix Princess to rest. End her suffering once and for all.

And finally, atone for my mistakes.

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It hurts...

It hurts...

I want go home...

I hate this...

I don't want this anymore...

Why must I suffer like this?

I just wanted to be with everyone...

Is that so wrong?

Maybe... If I can get Admiral to come with me...

Everyone will follow...

Hehe...

Hahahahahaha....!!!

Then we can be together forever...

Ah... Wait for me... Admiral...

I'm coming...