Our Bonds

The area where that monster showed up seems like any ordinary part of the ocean, but the reactions of the shipgirls from Azur Lane and IJN sent there to investigate shows something is very wrong about that place.

"So, it's the same as those on our side."

"Yeah. Don't even mention about the other girls, even Akagi didn't want to take another step into the area." (Suwanto Ao)

Right now, I'm speaking to Ao about their investigation. Our operation has been put on hold for the time being. At first, we sent in a Aoba, DesRon 6, Hitomi, and Iyo to investigate and track down that monster. However, upon entering the area where the monster was seen, they suddenly became too terrified to continue. The Akatsuki sisters started brawling their eyes out, Aoba was adamant on not moving any further, and the two submarines were in an almost catatonic state. The same thing happened to Yamato's fleet. All six of them returned back, visibly traumatized.

Azur Lane sent their own investigation fleet, only for the same thing to happen. All 18 girls said the same thing. They felt as though someone was watching them and an overwhelming sense of dread, so much so that it has inhibited their ability to carry on the investigation. If Azur Lane's Akagi, one of the scariest shipgirls they have, is traumatized to the point where Ao has to pet her while in the meeting, it's safe to say that we are stuck for now.

I can see a brown fox ear twitch at the bottom of the screen,

"Is she alright?"

"Yeah. She is better now. It's the first time I seen her like this. She isn't faking it this time." (Suwanto Ao)

I'm just going to ignore that part of the comment.

"How are the girls on your end?" (Suwanto Ao)

"Zuihou and Shioi are the only ones that witnessed the slaughter first-hand. I would say they are just shocked to see such a gruesome sight. But it's not that different from normal. We have seen Abyssals getting their limbs sliced off, blown to bits and scattering everywhere, and getting themselves covered in Abyssal blood on a daily basis. Yes, this one is gruesome but like I said, it's the same as usual. As for the 12 that went to investigate... I think it's best to leave them to their respective Commanders and partners."

Sure, seeing the Abyssals being slaughtered like that made me squeamish, but honestly, I'm more or less used to these kind of scenes.

"Anyway, the other day, you mentioned about the octopus creature. Was it the same one as this?"

"No. Sure, the one we encountered was big, but not this big. The one in the footage was twice the size. Furthermore, yours was entirely purple and can fire projectiles. Compared to that, the one we encountered was just an giant octopus." (Suwanto Ao)

"Purple?"

Was it purple?

"Yeah. It was four purple tentacles. I couldn't quite see the smaller ones though." (Suwanto Ao)

Wait, hold on. I thought it was black. I played the footage on another monitor. Isn't this black?

"How is this purple?"

"I thought it was black too. But apparently, it's a really dark shade of purple." (Suwanto Ao)

...Nah. I still see black.

"Whatever. Anyway, how shall we go from here? We don't know what that thing is or where did it run off to. Why did it attack the Abyssals? Where did it come from? There so many questions."

"As far as I can tell, the Sirens may be involved in this." (Suwanto Ao)

"How sure are you?"

"At least 60%. There is evidence that spatial-manipulating powers were used. We can't see or feel it, but multiple spatial distortion were detected. So yeah, those guys are at it again." (Suwanto Ao)

Ok. Why am I not surprised? Trust those aliens to spawn something as terrifying and ridiculous as this.

"Okay. Since we are can't do anything about it right now, I'm going to write a report and recommend that we continue our operation. You guys can cease the investigation on your end if you want."

"Eh? Are you sure about this?" (Suwanto Ao)

"Well, we can't do anything about this until whatever is causing our girls to freak out disappears or subsides away from that area. It's time for the waiting game. The area has already been cordoned off so I doubt there would be anyone stupid enough to sail through. Besides, the Abyssals aren't going to wait for us to investigate the monster. Might as well continue our operation."

"Well, you do you, I guess. I want to figure out what is that monster and where did it come from. I don't mind waiting for the distortions and it's effects to subside. Maybe I can get Nagato to do a rite of purification and get rid of the effects." (Suwanto Ao)

What is that? Sounds interesting.

"Got it. If we encounter it again, we'll let you know."

"Likewise, I will share with you guys if we obtain any new information." (Suwanto Ao)

I ended the meeting and shut off the monitor.

...This is ridiculous...

Abyssals and Sirens are one thing, but that the hell was that? If we were to fight it, will we be able to take down without suffering any casualties? Seriously, why did the Sirens have to create something like this? And why now?

I turned off the Command Centre's lights and shut the door behind me. Lets just think about it in the shower. I can use the time to figure out how am I going to write that report. Although the days are getting colder, with Summer ending pretty soon, it's still pretty warm. It probably didn't help that I'm wearing the winter variant of my uniform. I was tricked by the weather. It was cold in the morning, but now it's so hot. My back is all sweaty and sticky.

I entered my office and the first thing I saw was Zuihou lying on my desk. Her robe was opened ever so slightly, exposing a little of her pearly white skin beneath.

"What are you doing?"

"It's so hot~" (Zuihou)

"And how does lying on my desk make it any cooler?"

The wood... cold..." (Zuihou)

"Where are the others?"

"Shigure is with Yuudachi and Yamakaze. Zuihou-chan is playing with the DEs." (Zuihou)

Zuihou-chan with the DEs... That's a rare combination. She will definitely be tired afterwards. Those kids have way too much energy in them.

Seeing Zuihou roll about on the desk while her robe is coming undone is...

"Zuihou,"

"Yeah?" (Zuihou)

"I'm gonna take a bath. You want to join me?"

Zuihou stared at me for a while,

"Sure. I want to wash off this sweat." (Zuihou)

"Now, let's get those clothes out if the way."

I immediately pulled down her robe. I have done this so many times already.

"Hya! What are you- I knew it! You want to do more than just bathing!" (Zuihou)

"Full points. As a reward, I will fill you up."

"I don't need a reward like that!" (Zuihou)

I carried her into the bathroom. We ended having to wash ourselves twice.