View source for 3506/Expedition 1-1-B

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/12/10
|Location=Great Ocean - Southern Loop
|Synopsis=Summoning more firepower, the fleet goes back to the expedition area and combat ensues.
|Cast of Characters=7, 367, 582, 637, 680, 685, 863, 901
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last time on Expedition 1-1, meeting the enemy and watching a corpse get towed along. Akizuki ordered a retreat back to base with Kuma, Kako and Furutaka launching to meet up with what looked to be an enemy resupply fleet. With Destroyer Division 10 refuelled and ready, even if the morale was down for retreating, the order to Sortie is given again by the Admiral.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Destroyer Division Ten, launch!" comes the order over the radio with Nagato's forceful voice, "Find victory on the dawn's horizon. Send the carrier back to the ocean to rest, destroy the Abyssal transport fleet, rescue any human survivors." comes the rest of the orders.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Atago's launched, currently, awaiting the rest of the destroyers outside of the launch bay, that cheerful smile on her face, "Don't worry, we'll get them and we'll show them not to drag up the sleeping. And if you feel uneasy, just hide behind me and I'll take care of you~."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, already near the edge of the fleet daughter's operating regions, the Abyssal fleet continues to be hampered by their added load. The Wa-class that are towing the raised wreckage struggle as best they can to pick up the speed, but there is only so much they were designed for, even if it is a mostly empty husk of what was an escort carrier. The urgency had increased so much that the non-glowing I-class and Ro-class destroyers had also fired tow cables from their maws, and contribute their own horsepower, while the flagship I-class and elite Tsu-class keep watch ahead of the struggle.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The biggest breakthrough had actually come from the humans aboard the hulk. The long hours of uncertainty had affected each of them different ways: Some watched the humanoid, and not-so-humanoid, Abyssal ships operate while on security detail. Others continue to pilfer through the small treasures still covered in the muck of decades. For the chief mechanic below decks, he came what did naturally, and continued tinkering with the corroded and rusted machinery. By some minor miracle, he has gotten one boiler and turbine out of the original four operational, and it takes the Abyssal ships a moment to adjust, since it was so unexpected. It's the Multiverse, after all -- maybe they're some kind of mechanical wizard.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever the case, the time isn't completely boring for the inhabitants, either. One of the female security guards happens to notice a glow, down one of the narrow hallways, and goes to investigate. A few moments later, she comes scrambling out onto the deck, where several others with rifles turn to look at her. "What the hell? Was there a sea monster under there?" "There was a ghost!" "You're seein' things. These kinds of missions will get to you like that." She mutters, in response, "I didn't imagine it," in that sort of half-defeated way where she suddenly isn't certain, herself. "More importantly," the other guard wonders, "How the hell did he get the turbine going? Well, whatever. The faster we clear this space, the better."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The practically diseased sounding hum from the chassic echoes through the immediate area, as the dark shape continues chugging along into the deepening night.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:367|Na`Sabal-Une Fang (367)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NA-191, or Naikui, was there quickly. Hovering above the ground to go faster, which likely looked odd because she didn't have wings in her illusion, so it just looked like she was randomly floating along at high speeds, possibly spooking a few of the fleet daughters that were afraid of ghosts or similar! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But more importantly, it got Naikui there quickly, and hopping onto her circle to launch quickly. She was quiet through most of the launch, only speaking once she was out on the water and ready. "Naikui still wonders about just re-sinking the ship, but is not my place to decide what happens with it." Naikui murmurs softly, turning and stopping beside Atago in a relatively smoothe motion. Honestly she was moving smoother than she should, but she was cheating just a little bit. It was believable cheating though, just to help make her more effective. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Naikui turned towards the exit shortly afterwards, getting ready to make leave once the others were ready. They were going to attack, so the smiles and silliness were gone from her face, and the warrior had taken its place. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This time, Haguro's launching as well! She skims along the surface of the water steadily, circling around to stop nearby Atago before bowing lightly to those gathering up. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it last time. But... But I'm here now, and I'll be with Miss Kuma and the others providing supporting fire." Despite trying to sound brave, it's rather apparent that the heavy cruiser is nervous about the whole thing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If anything, she's probably still shaken from the last time she was out at sea. It won't do her any good to mull on that again, though, and she even gives her face a few light smacks to try and psyche herself and the other girls up. "We can do this. We'll be fine!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just who needs that reassurance more, anyway?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unlike the last few times that she showed up here, Hoshi isn't smiling much. She passes along quick greetings and nods to the girls, makes a beeine straight for the dock, and starts her warm up stretches next to #7's pad. Once that's done, she's on the pad, her mouth set into a grim line. "DDS Amakasu, launch!" She calls out, waiting patiently to get all of her equipment in place before she shoots off quickly to find her place next to Atago. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ship-girl's reassurances got a small smile, but she shakes her head firmly. "There's really one thing I'm good at. Fighting. So... don't worry about it. I'll be fine. I'll be sure not to drag everyone down."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma sails alone, her course taking her to meet with the other members of this Combined Sortie. She salutes to Kako and Furutaka as she links up with them, and falls into formation, line ahead, taking up the rear of the three ship formation. "Kuma thinks it's good to stretch your legs, kuma!" she calls to her companions. "Lets do our best, kuma!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Akizuki doesn't launch normally like the rest, this time. Rather, the girl trots down the beach from the direction of Mamiya's, followed by the scurrying shapes of her turret-bunnies. Before long, metal shoes splash in the surf and she jumps, a glittering silver glow trailing behind her. By the time she lands, she's stable on the surface of the sea and surrounded by her hip-mounted equipment, leaning into a turn that brings her towards the other members of DesDivTen. Still trailing behind her, now motoring along the surface with an intense buzzing noise, are her twin Choujuucentihou-chans. They struggle to match pace, and the lead one flails its little paddle arms.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not until Akizuki takes her positon in the formation that she slows down. Mercifully so, it seems, as the twin turret familiars wobble to a halt on either side, mock-panting. One falls over, eyes swirley and letting out smoke, though Akizuki picks it up gingerly in both hands and sets it into her rigging.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Our goal isn't to sink the enemy, but to keep them from taking the ship away." Leaning down, she collects the second Choujuucentihou-chan, whose arms drop in relief, "If the run away and leave it, we've won." The second bunnygun is dropped into place and she gives them both pats on their heads, then thrusts a hand forward, "Single file, thirty knots, plotting for intercept! DesDivTen, anchor's aweigh!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa gets the mission and given this world's nature she understands. The Bluenose is following behind the smaller unit as she noted over the com. The Bluenoses guns and missile launchers come on line, for the moment the guns are silent but the launchers are tracking the enemy she's also attempting to scan for lifeforms on the hulk first hopefilly she'll be able to pin point where they are, as she's got an idea but it may involved boarding action on her part. As the missile launchers track the ship she makes ready as she waits for her allies to move in.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Atago falls in line and gives Amakasu a gentle pat on the head, "I have confidence in you, Amakasu~" she reassures, nodding. "Heavy Cruiser Atago, ready!" Line ahead formation was one of her favorites, easy to stay in a line and thirty is something she's easily capable of getting (maybe). "Alright, Flagship, we're ready for your orders." Atago's cheerful nature does attempt to put a rainbow over this unfortunate expedition, one of the many things Atago is good at.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kako and Furutaka ruffle Kuma's hair and grin, "Line abreast, Kuma." Furutaka's armature turret swirls around, "Let's give those destroyers the best protection we can!" "Right, sister! Full speed ahead!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma grouches a little at the ruffling. "Don't pet me, kuma!" she says, getting all huffy at the two Heavy Cruisers. "Don't underestimate me, kuma." she adds, folding her arms over her chest as she skates up into Line Abreast formation. "Isn't this usually for anti-submarine, though, kuma?" she asks, a little confused as to why they're sailing side-by-side.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks to the operational turbine, the original projections for heading and position were likely a bit off, but it isn't difficult to re-establish contact, either. A single, mud-choked propulsion system, though helpful, isn't a night and day difference. The electronics guy, still messing around in and around the ship's remains of an island, happens to notice a contact on the radar, again, which he's since taken scrubbed of the previously resident barnacles and coral for even more accuracy and range. It's a familiar return: Kotone's ship again.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, it's more likely that one hit is about to multiply, based on prior experience. "We got company!" He reaches for the switch he'd installed for the alert horns, but gets interrupted by the other crew member that was posted to guard him, that seizes his hand mid-motion, "Those things sound like a duck with a cold. Use the radio!" "Fine..." Lifting up the headset of his transceiver, he radios to the rest of the crew, as well as the Abyssals, "We've got incoming. If it's those ones from before, our firepower isn't going to do much. We fight pirates in motorboats, not those fleet daughters or space ships." One of the security detail radioes back, "That's why we've got our own. If it comes to it, we'll cut and run. We already have our operational costs covered."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Abyssals, alerted by the human skeleton crew, gargle and buzz between each other, none of them apparently capable of human speech -- though the Flagship I-class and Elite Tsu-class are certainly capable of comprehension, and pass the information along to the others via their shared thoughtscape. While it would be nice if they were left alone, they have to prepare for what seems to be inevitable, at this point. The four more standard Abyssal destroyers release their tow cables, and break away from the Tsu-class, as well as the group of Wa-class transports. Lead by the one with the golden aura, they form into a single file line to minimize their profile as they make their approach. The Tsu-class stays behind to guard the transports, which are just as important as the ship they're towing, but she also raises one massively gloved and gun-covered arm -- skyward?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noticing the speeding dot coming towards them, Hoshi covers her eyes and looks over, then gives a salute when she sees it's Akizuki. The flagship had come, and now was the time for them to start their operation. Taking a deep breath, she tugs out her locket from under her shirt and holds it tightly. "We'll let the ship rest in peace, and she won't have to go through what the Admiral did." Or worse, be utterly scrapped. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taking her position in the line ahead, Hoshi sets her cruising speed and follows after the flagship. As they travel, Hoshi takes a moment to speak to her fairies. "It might've been a bad idea to name you guys after the characters I did, but that's okay. We're going to win this, and none of our friends are going to get hurt, or killed. Get ready. I'll try to give you the best directions I can during the fight."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:367|Na`Sabal-Une Fang (367)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Single file, thirty knots. Alright, so they were going for an agressive formation for now? Maybe? Naikui gives a small nod as she begins to move forward, her eyes half-lidding as she began to move in formation, speeding up to the ordered speed as she keeps eyes and ears peeled for anything important. Alright! Cheerful Atago. Hmmm. Well, being cheerful is better! It keeps morale up! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Okay, so aim is not sink, but instead keep from taking the ship away." Naikui muses on that, her ears twitching underneath her illusion. Well, she had her dagger with her. Maybe she could focus on cutting towing cables and such, since her aim isn't necessarily that great. Hmmm. But that would possibly hinder the others. She shifts her gaze towards Amakasu. Alright. Her persona would probably be the best option if they go with that option. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Naikui shifts slightly, crouching lower as they begin to near the area where the abyssal fleet was supposed to be. She was working at making herself less visible. And above their heads, a small storm seemed to be brewing and moving with them, mysteriously. For some reason. Said reason was largely because Naikui didn't want to deal with the sun when the fight came, to be honest. Right now it was 'innocent' cloudcover that was moving at a reasonable speed. Possibly faster than one would normally expect, but with Multiverse weather, odd weather patterns wasn't necessarily /that/ strange... <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spotting Kuma joining with the two other Heavy Cruisers, Haguro bows towards the Destroyer Division and Atago again before skating backwards slowly. "I'll be over there if you need me!" One more bow, and she takes off at a rapid clip! Or at least as rapid as she can be, anyway. It takes her quite a bit of effort to catch up with the other cruisers, but she does make it eventually and fall into the anti-submarine formation with them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once she's in position, she starts making adjustments with her turrets while watching that gold-covered ship. "So that's what it looks like..." She mutters to herself, swallowing nervously before casting her eyes skyward and noticing the clouds moving in. That actually reassures her quite a bit, and it lets the cruiser focus her attention entirely on the sea itself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As she listens to the orders over the radio, she glances at the other Cruisers before starting to angle herself southwards. She still refrains from firing just yet, instead waiting for... Something. Orders, most likely.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa is closing in as the Abyssals ake up, they are moving to engage the fleet as it closes. KOtone is going to have to be careful at this point, as ith her shots she turns her guns not on the ruined carrier but on the Abyssals she attempst to get a lock on one of the destroyers and gets a lockw ith the missile launchers but does not yet fire. <br /><br /> "Missiles away, readying guns." <br /><br /> Kotone then pulls a cable out of the back of her neck and plugs it into the console she's currently stationed at. It takes her mind a second to get used to the torrent of data from the ships systems she's plugged into. She now waits for the fight to really get going it's a bit more tenses than she's used to but she gets why and when she's working with another group she understand it to do it their way.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the enemy comes into view on the horizon, even with the cloud cover reducing visibility, Akizuki leans slightly one way, then gestures and turns the opposite direction, angling herself away from the vessel and its protectors. Her torpedo launcher swivels across her back and levels itself, prompting the girl to lean forward until the launcher itself is mostly level. There's a hiss of compressed air when the torpedoes hurl themselves into the water, disappearing within moments. Unlike the Type 90s equipped in the other 'destroyer' launchers on Hoshi and Nasa, these are Type 93s-- There's no wake, no bubbles hitting the surface to show that they were even fired in the first place.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Akizuki straightens her posture, her launcher swinging back around, "They'll be in for a rude surprise." Giving her Choujuucentihou-chan a pat on the head, she leans into another turn, "Don't imitate that-- Your torpedoes do't have the range or the low detectability of mine."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My radar's picking up an enemy destroyer squadron coming our way. My salvo should break them up, but I want everyone to be ready for a surface engagement!" Akizuki removes a hand from her Chou and raises it, then points forward with two extended fingers, "Sight in range and fire as soon as you've got a good shot! Atago, you've got the 20.3s, so lead us off!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With cloudcover moving in, Atago hears Naikui's words over the radio and grins, "We should sortie you more often if you can control weather. Would make quick work of the Abyssal Carriers." she says with a matter of fact tone to her voice, following along. Staying in position with Akizuki, she gives a brief nod, only to perk up just slightly, "Akizuki, I'm picking up another contact... rapidly moving. I think its aerial." comes the words from the heavy cruiser who, finally, frowns at the prospect.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kako and Furutaka giggle a bit and move into a more proper formation, Line Ahead, and more so when Haguro makes her way over, "You're right, you're right but you can never be too careful now, can't you? Who knows if they fielded those ugly submarines there." Furutaka gives a matter-of-fact nod as Kako moves into position again, "Alright, we have our orders for the flagship, let's make them proud!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Back at Hikari, Ooyodo raidos to the Admiral everything going on, "Mmm, they've made contact. Ready the docks, this will get ugly..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Back at DesDivTen, Atago nods, "Ready, flagship! Twenty point threes ready and loaded! Cover your ears girls, this will be loud." once Atago gets the contact, "Found you~ PAN PAKA PAAN~" and the rapport of two sets of triple barreled turrets are fired off at the lead, attempting to at least cut some of them off with defensive maneuvering.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma shifts back into her third-place position, then nodes to Haguro as the other cruiser turns up. She might be the smallest one here, but Kuma isn't about to let the CA's have all the fun. "All guns, bearing 2 7 0, elevate 2 0 degrees. Ready to fire, kuma!" her /single turret/ swings into position, the barrel elevating, but waiting for the order to engage. Four torpedoes form on her ankle-mounted brackets, ready to drop into the water, should the opportunity arise.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While it is silent to anyone but them, the Abyssal destroyers notice something returning on their sonar. There is no surface contact, and it's closing fast, so that greatly limits the range of things it could be. Akizuki's fan of torpedoes, accordingly, pays immediate dividends, as with caution to the rapid approach, they're forced to make a hard turn and stagger their line. The golden I-class issues out a hiss, but it's cut off and repeats for several moments, almost as though it were laughing, an effect only enhanced by a flapping of its jaw hinge. The moment it has been waiting for; now that they have been fired upon, it doesn't have to hold back any longer.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The group of Abyssal destroyers turn as one - the shakiness from before gone, as the experienced and disciplined flagship model is now issuing the unheard orders. They all turn to face Akizuki, Hoshi, Nasa and Atago's group, and open their mouths in unison. The row of human-like teeth expose the barrel of an internally mounted, 5 inch cannon, and there is no more hesitation, as they begin to return the shelling started by Atago. This is the real deal! Under similarly thought-transmitted advice of the one with the gold aura, they also remain watchful of the Bluenose. They don't know what its capabilities are, but they can make some educated guesses, based on their pooled, multiversal experience.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An aerial contact is soon picked up, as an Abyssal reconnaisance aircraft also buzzes over the destroyers' formation, and like a daredevil does not seem shy at all about aiming to fly over the fleet daughters' and their friends' position. Part of that emboldening might be that, while it lacks the armaments of carrier-based attack or air superiority aircraft, it does share the jet propulsion of other Abyssal planes, its turbine screaming. Thankfully, it's not literal screaming: With Abyssal technology, you just never know. With it released, the Tsu-class lowers her gun arm again, and makes gurgling sounds at the Wa-class transports; she doesn't seem rattled, but the sense of urgency, even with no actual words, is easily interpreted. They remain unaware of another flanking and approaching force, at least, for now.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Several of the human guards aboard the carrier have once again taken defensive positions around its island and what remains of the deck. They aren't firing yet, that's a last resort to protect their own skins, but they remain fully cognizant of what's going on around them. That might be why they miss a glowing figure emerge onto the deck behind them, before vanishing again. The electronics guy DID see, though, and radioes, "What the hell...this ship really is haunted, isn't it!?" "What are you talking about? Just keep watching the radar! We don't know what we're dealing with!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I hope not... Mm. B-but if they did, we'll just have to take them out, too." Haguro still sounds as if she's trying to convince herself of that more than anyone else, taking slow breaths to try and steady her aim with each of her turrets. "Ten to the left... Yes, perfect. Th-thank you." She forces herself not to look as those shots are fired at the Destroyers, focusing everything on just staying calm and preparing for battle. Her eyes narrow, the shaking stops, and in a few more moments, the Heavy Cruiser is ready to fire. She might not have Kuma's torpedoes, the Destroyers' speed, or Kako's spotlight, but she does have guns! Lots and lots of guns.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:367|Na`Sabal-Une Fang (367)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Naikui lifts her hands to her head, moving her headset into place more directly as missiles were fired, as well as torpedos. Once the headset was in place, Naikui folowed close behind Akizuki, her hands shifting slightly. Alright. So there were Destroyers coming their way. She began to murmur directions to her faeries, her eyes narrowing a bit. Night time was her time to shine, as she did not even need lights to see well in it, and with the cloud cover following them, Naikui's element was rapidly beginning to close in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And her headset was in place just in time, as Atago began to make her battlecry and fire triple barreled turrets. Yep. As loud as she expected from the battleship. Thank the goddess for the noise reduction on the headset she was wearing. Which made that only slightly uncomfortable as opposed to what it /should/ be. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Incoming fire, Naikui moves carefully, moving to move out of the worst of the incoming fire. It didn't stop her from getting hit indirectly with several, but luckily, she was wearing her armor, which absorbed the worst of the damage. There was a brief ripple of her illusion. However, as the abyssal aircraft came in, those clouds that had been following them began to rumble, flashes visible in the clouds, though not falling from the clouds yet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, Nasa crouched down, her own torpedoes angling forward. Two sets of three tubes. One after the other releasing a wide spread of torpedoes. One narrower spread and one wider spread creating an area of explosives that would likely be hard to slip between, and instead they'd have to maneuver around. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Akizuki maneuvers, the anti-air fire director on her hairband swivels in place. The lenses angle upward, glinting in the fading light and then tracking in swift traverse. The Abyssal recon plane may find the harmless lenses of the destroyer's hairpiece pointed directly at it.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What it may find less harmless is that the two gunbunny turrets in Akizuki's rigging have picked up on the Director's tracking, also swinging about, their guns elevating. The swift abyssal jet's maneuvering is tracked, and then those ten centimeter guns go off with a rapid quad-pop, and then again. Quickly, the air above DesDivTen fills with the telltale black puffs of anti-air flak shells courtesy of the Northern Force's own Anti-Air Destroyer.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaning into another turn, Akizuki's launcher can be clearly seen reloading, one torpedo sliding up into place. After a few moments, a second. But it's a five-tube launcher so this will take a while, yet. One Choujuucentihou-chan continues tracking the scout plane, while the other suddenly swings around. There's an internal clicking as ammunition changes, and it fires a pair of high explosive shells into the enemy destroyer formation instead of the flak it had been using.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Atago takes a moment to reflect. There's two, fresh off the docks destroyers in their first real sortie. An expedition sortie gone wrong. Likely, they've never even fired their turrets or torpedoes for real, to feel the recoil and the shell leaving, the torpedo launching off their thighs... Today would be their first day to do so. At least Naikui knows how to launch the torpedoes, but Amakasu? She puts that aside and as the torpedoes clear the fleet, Atago breaks formation just a bit to move up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And just in time. The return fire crashes down around Atago, some crashing right into the heavy cruiser's 'armor', ripping in that coat of hers, with only a bit of the ocean stained black. But that's okay, it'll take a lot more than that to bring down the heavy cruiser. Atago takes aim once more, letting another rapport fire at the I-class, the high explosive shells making a nice plume of smoke and fire come from Atago's hips, wiggling them to keep the aim for the guns to be on track.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, with Kuma's gang, Kako and Furutaka get the order and with their own loud rapports, take fire at the Wa-class transports, mostly to try and disconnect that cable attaching them to the ship. "Let's go, more ammunition!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Abyssal forces had comitted at this point. She's not attempting to follow up the target locks she's attempted to get on the one of the Abyssal destroyers. She checks the ranged and lets a pair of missiles fly from one of the two launchers on her ship, while the gun turrets start to lock into place. She then fires off several bursts from the energy weapon turrets but well there's fire comming her allies way and then the turrets open up with bursts of energy, they do seem to share a lot in common with their solid slug cousins however as they seem to have a firing cycling time aking to reloading. <br /><br /> "Engaging Abyssal forces."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma's cannon lets loose. It's a much smaller gun than her companions, but she's likely got more experience providing long range fire support. "Don't you dare underestimate me, kuma!" she roars, bellowing louder than her gun reports. She lets loose a six shell volley, before the cannon clanks and whirrs as it reloads. Her full broadside.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still out of range of torpedoes, the Light Cruiser maintains formation. She wants to charge in, get right in that Tsu-class' helmet-face... but she'd likely get torn apart before she could get close. Tsu-class, especially Elites, are /tough/ and carry 15.5cm cannons, compared to Kuma's 14cm ones.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There they were. Off in the distance, she saw the giant floating wreck and the Abyssals that had been tugging it along since yesterday. Seeing them again, clearly ready to fight this time, makes Hoshi go pale in the face, her fights gripped tightly as they moved closer towards the engagement. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sudden change in whether and the drop in visibility isn't particularly helpful, but Hoshi's hoping that their opponents were more screwed up by it than she was. "Fighting in a storm," she mutters. "Everyone--I'm going to hold Rosamond back until we need her. Tell me when, Akizuki." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Atago came under fire, Hoshi grunted and turned to her right, pulling away from the chance of being struck. She's about to charge in to start fighting, but is instead told to go at a wider berth. It'll have to do. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they get close enough, Hoshi points out her targets. "Kambei, Heihachi, fire!" The recoil and the sound was more than she was expecting, and it makes her gasp and almost try to shrink away, likely making her shots go mostly wild. Panting, she croaks out, "Kyuzu, right leg, wide spread. Fire!" Dipping to her right, the torpedoes drop into the water, aiming for... well, anything she can hit, really, on the opposing fleet.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>DESDIV + ATAGO + KOTONE:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The storm. The darkness. It's truly an amazing scene, with the glowing 'head lamps' of the Abyssal destroyers cutting through it all; though it certainly does affect their operations a bit, they're also used to rough weather operations. The ones that don't have an amber halo around them are becoming a bit scattered by the incoming shells, primarily from Atago at first, which are now beginning to splash down, and explode, among their ranks. They almost seem on the verge of panic, if one can read whale-thing body language, before the steely nerved Flagship gives a reprimanding crackling sound. The others seem to regain more cohesive control afterward, fighting the instinct to focus on self-preservation in return of staying in formation. Once again forming a line, their shelling doesn't stop, but in addition, Abyssal torpedoes pop out of their mouths with a pneumatic sound, and begin streaking in the water toward the destroyers, and Atago.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More shells come in from Akizuki, splashing wide; but the explosion still manages to knock the trailing member of their picket off-balance as the waves chop and roil around it. It buzzes in annoyance, but the buzz turns into a desperate shriek, as the torpedoes that Nasa launched, that the others move to avoid, catch it while it's still a sitting duck. Once the bright flash of an explosion clears, and the debris, the I-class destroyer it struck is still afloat, but wounded, judging by the crumpled outer shell, which is leaking congealed oil instead of blood. It is also slightly listing on its side, and it struggles to try and catch back up, but somewhere it seems to realize it's a wasted effort. 'Alone,' some dim corner of its mind that has an inkling of consciousness realizes, 'I'm being left behind again. I hate this.'<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The destroyers that remain healthy turn toward the incoming missiles, their shelling hesitating for a moment, as audible clanking can be heard. They're then left to evade cannon fire from the Bluenose, while they spray anti-air shells of their own at the incoming missiles; they're more banking on not being there when the missiles strike, but better safe than sorry! They do mostly evade both, but one still gets struck in the literal tail section. It cuts down its speed somewhat, but it remains in formation, unlike the unlucky one that's practically dead in the water. They similarly pick up their speed to try and outrun Hoshi's torpedoes. The hampered one isn't able to clear out in time, and gets solidly struck in the side, blasting a hole, with yet more congealed oil 'blood'. Guess its luck ran out!<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The remaining destroyers, including the crippled ones, still have the capacity to fight back, however. The same ammunition switching sounds can be heard, from their internal magazines, and they resume normal surface shelling. In the midst of it all, the Abyssal recon plane had made a valiant effort of remaining aloft, even as some of the flak that settles into the air visibly clips its wings, as sparks and flames indicate. Its airframe eventually loses too much integrity, however, and it makes a similar buzzing as the Abyssal ships do, splashing down into the water and disintegrating into a puddle of black oil and debris.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CRUISERS:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Tsu-class had mostly remained vigilant, though there is a somewhat worried grumble of a gutteral sound, at the turn of fortunes for their detachment of destroyers. Nonetheless, she'll trust the flagship to keep their cool, even with all of this going on around them. As much as she'd like to leave her post to reinforce their position, the Wa-class transports take priority. And so it seems, they also do for another force that had circled back to catch them from another delta. The electronics guy aboard the floating wreck manages to get enough of his nerves back to look at his radar screen again. It's now absolutely full of contacts, but he has to double take, before he radioes down, "There's more of them!" This gets more of a rise out of the Tsu-class, than the human crew, as she buzzes intensely, beginning to pivot her helmet of a head this way and that.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a bit too late, however, and that momentary distraction proves to be a potentially costly error. While the primary target of the bulk of the cruisers might be the Wa-class' towing cables and apparatus, as well as general harassing fire, they can't really know that, since shells don't talk. The end result is the same, though. With an annoyed, and slightly hesitant, buzz from the Tsu-class, the Wa-class release their tow, leaving the carrier - at least for the moment - adrift. Free of the burden, the transports are a bit less sitting ducks, though a shell does glance and then skip off the spherical outer shell of one of them, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic explosion, instead denting it and likely damaging some of the cargo inside. While the Wa-cass transports have an obvious order to remove themselves from the combat theater, judging by how fast and how 'not here' their heading is pointed, they still return fire with destroyer-sized gun batteries, that appear from hatches on their frames.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That leaves the Tsu-class basically alone, facing down a gang of heavy cruisers, and one light one that from prior experience, isn't afraid to get in an Abyssal's grill. "Gurrrrh," she drawls out, a hollow ringing of disapproval from inside her helmet, as she levels her guns. Is she really intent on trying to stand up against them? Instead, a sudden whistling, and she's forced to raise one of her massive glove-arms to block an incoming boquet of...bombs? A dive bomber wing climbs back up, fleet daughter-scaled no less, though the dark and gloom somewhat obscures what kind it was. A dive bomber at night? About that time, the cruiser detachment would become aware of another figure coming up from behind them. This time, it's a glowing, ghostly figure. Details are hard to make out, but the outline is unmistakably that of a carrier. She doesn't speak, but it's clear what side she's standing with.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This leaves one set of the Tsu-class' gun batteries smoldering and basically unuseable, but she still continues staring, apparently uncertain of what to do. "I told you there was a ghost," is audible from the deck of the carrier's remains.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hearing the signal, Haguro takes one more short breath as she fine-tunes the aim on her turrets. "Assault team, please begin!" Despite her nervous demeanor, her actual movements are rather controlled, bucking her torso left and right to mitigate the recoil from each of her gun batteries providing additional fire support. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Guns engaged! I hope this is enough..." Shells blast forward from long-range, one launching right after the other before her turrets finally go silent. It's time to reload! She makes sure to keep herself in formation with the other cruisers as well, glancing over towards the Destroyers further back every now and then. Haguro's worried about the newcomers, but she can't go back to reassure them just yet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No, she just needs to stay on task and keep firing! Once those turrets are ready, she'll adjust her aim to start firing again from range, trying to disrupt the Abyssals as much as possible without breaking formation.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:367|Na`Sabal-Une Fang (367)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gasping, beginning to shrink away. Amakasu was not doing that well, it seems. Naikui shifts slightly, falling thoughtful for a few moments. The storm should mute some of the noise, she thought. Hmmm. Alright. She'll be fine. She can deal with it. As Naikui moved, she bit down on a small wax capsule in her mouth, releasing a pre-emptive medicine for what would inevitably happen due to her next action. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She moves quickly, passing behind Amakasu -- which was also an effort to ensure that Amakasu was out of line of fire of those torpedoes while diestracted. Hands move to her shoulders to gently guide her, while the flow of water around incoming torpedoes would be singled out and redirected to turn away from herself and Amakaso. After that, Naikui's hands proceed to perform an arguably dumb action: they lift off Amakasu's shoulders briefly ... to plop a certain headset over Amakasu's ears to cut out the worst of the sound of gunfire and hopefully reduce some of the fear. Ears shift underneath her illusion, folding down to cut out as much sound as possible. "There. The noise should scare you a little less now." Naikui murmurs into her radio, finally moving out from behind Amakasu. Oh god this was going to suck. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Neenee, Hiera. Aim." Naikui says, lifting her hands towards the destroyers. "Target the closest enemy." She says softly, watching as they turn and adjust, murmuring a couple of adjustments. She gives a small nod. "Fire." There was a very brief moment of hesitance from the two faeries, before there was the BLAST of all four tubes of her guns open fire upon the closest destroyer, their aim was... relatively accurate, though a couple of them likely stray to the left or right, or possibly go a bit too far...though that could possibly result in accidentally striking the wrong target, if Naikui's luck stat was high enough. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regardless, that /hurt/. Luckily, she had her medicine to numb pain already beginning to course through her body, as well as gradually enhance her regeneration to keep herself just able to continue hearing to understand incoming orders. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Weather is getting crazy, and Kotone's getting it all either by her ship's scanners or her own cybernetiuc systems. She keeps her ship moving but not in the same sense is eveyrone else here. She's a bit of a fish out of water so to speak but the battle is coming along and everyone is fully comitted now. She readies another pair of missiles to fire into the enemy fleet, she's been avoiding the hulk for the moment after all there's abetter plan for it and she doesn't fancy splattering the hire ons the Abyssals have. <br /><br /> She sees one of the Destroyers seemed to be wingged and was moving slower, that's the one she'd attempt to finish off as the guns line up and make ready to fire but Hoshi is having none od that as she finishes it off. Good there's a few ones left and her guns move to track the destoyers making to aime and now the missiles fire again trying to just supress the enemy and force them to have to move to avoid them. <br /><br /> "Nice shooting, don't let up!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma catches the Tsu-class' eye, and cracks her knuckles in an intimidating way. She grins harshly, it's /not/ a pleasant expression, and one seen by many of the other Abyssals that have come up against this particular Light Cruiser. 'Light' she may be, but she still packs a nasty whollop. Even that Ru-class didn't stand much of a chance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And, now the weather is starting to clear a bit, Kuma's eyes shift up to the overflying aircraft... "Those markings..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The weather is getting worse and there's torpedoes coming along. Atago gives a smile when she hears Naikui's P-P-P, and she sails a bit forth, aiming lower to fire at some of the incoming torpedoes, trying to skate around some of them. When the mention of a dive bomber squadron from the other cruisers, Atago perks up, "Things got interesting quick..." she whispers, letting out another rapport of cannonfire from her hips. "You're not touching my destroyers now~ Atago won't let you!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kako and Furutaka let out even more shells, getting splashed with water from missed return fire. "Heh, let's destroy those transports, you with me Furutaka, Kuma, Haguro?" comes Kako's quiet-ish voice. A nod comes from Furutaka herself, "Cruiser Fleet ready!" only to turn around when Kako acknowledges a carrier contact from behind the fleet. "Eh?" Her guns are trained on it, in a 'just in case measure. A quick blink and a spotlight lights up to try and illuminate the target, "Who are you..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, back at Hikari. "Unknown aircraft contact? Dive bombers? AT NIGHT?" Nagato shakes her head, usually only the Wo-class can launch planes at night, but why would a wo-class launch planes at her own fleet...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Things started happening incredibly quickly. The storm was getting worse, guns were firing, and Hoshi--poor little Hoshi--is steering along, panting heavily and trying to get herself back under control. It's only thanks to the girls that she's managing to stay on course and with her protectors. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's about the time that Nasa gives up her means of protecting her ears, leaving Hoshi to blink suddenly as the noise was suddenly much less than it had been. She gives Nasa a grateful nod before moving into her attack position. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She still won't summon Rosamond yet, even in this thin frame of calm that she has now. Chatter on the radio told her that they were getting some unexpected allies. Hoshi grits her teeth and points at the Tsu-class. "Kambei open fire!" BOOM! Her aim isn't much improved. "Heihachi, down and to the left! Fire!" BOOM! Hopefully that will do some good.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the air scout dealt with, Akizuki swings her attention back forward, her director mirroring the motion as well as her turrets. Raising a hand against the turning weather to shield her eyes, she squints at the enemy formation. There's a distinctive pinging sound, followed by several fainter pings moments later. Raising an arm, she gestures and then leans into her turn, neatly splicing between two Abyssal torpedoes in the process, "Watch the wakes, don't cut it too closely or they could explode even without hitting you!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahh, the infamous Mark 14.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Akizuki may be overstating the danger, here.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her AA director suddenly swivels and she jerks her face upward with a gasp. Even before the aircraft reveal themselves with a bombing run, her eyes track their position. Though the're hard to make out amidst the clouds, she follows them as they dive out and down, and then follows them back up with just her eyes. Her Director and her Choujuuentihou-chans follow them as well, though she doesn't open fire-- Attacking the Abyssal cruiser in the distance is proof enough of that.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The destroyer's eyes narrow thoughtfully, though she doesn't act on the thought just yet. Rather, she's pulled out of it by Hoshi's gunfire, jerking slightly in position. Hand raising, she points and zeroes in on the same target, the lead destroyer, and opens fire again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>CRUISER SIDE:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'If it becomes a liability, cut her loose.' While the Wo-class that shared a thoughtspace with Tsu-class wasn't present, and the words weren't nearly that articulate in practice, the instructions remain quite clear. That spectral glow of a carrier, backing up the position of the cruisers, takes the very notion of a 'liability' to a whole new level. It isnt hard to guess, even for a barely conscious Elite ship, what had happened. The fighting spirit of wanting to save the carrier and return her to her rest, as well as the meddling of the human crew, probably created a perfect storm for waking their prize up, at least in some capacity. The Tsu-class stares down Kuma, in particular, at least as much as one can without having visible eyes; it's not intimidation that wins out, precisely, but her mind is good enough to be able to factor what they stand to lose, if she makes a last stand here.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From yet more cover shelling from Haguro, she again reaches up that enormous arm that was damaged earlier. This time, it actually explodes through the outer armor and material, exposing the fleshy arm beneath, in gory detail. She doesn't seem pained by this, so much as annoyed, and returns fire with her remaining good arm; this one has a twin 5-inch gun turret, as well as a torpedo launcher, both of which are used to the fullest. It is not a particularly committed attack, however; it's quite obvious that it's just to dissuade the fleet daughters from following her and the Wa-class transports out, the transports of which are still evading fire. On the way out, she gurgles again -- this time to the destroyer picket, to issue the official order. The human crews aboard also seem to be evacuating, climbing aboard a rubber raft. It seems they're still intent on getting away with some of those artifacts, but no raft is going to outrun any of these girls, realistically, even with an outboard motor.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The glowing figure of a girl raises a flight deck, and the dive bombers come in for a landing. This close, and with the glow of the 'ghost' there, their identity as Dauntless is quite obvious. They vanish into energy shortly after; as she is not quite a fleet daughter in this kind of form, things don't operate quite the same mechanically. Nonetheless, she glances between each of the cruisers closeby. She seems to be waiting on something, though makes no move and speaks no words.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma isn't all that intimidating, she knows. She doesn't pursue either, instead, turning back to the Carrier that helped them. Her eyes alight on the landing planes, and with the light of the 'ghost' form, she can see them pretty clearly now. "I knew it..." she turns to the others. "Kako, can you see that?" she asks, pointing at the tiny Dauntless bombers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma turns back, then moves to close in. "My name is Kuma, kuma." she offers cheerfully, smiling brightly. "What's yours, kuma?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>DESTROYERS N' FRIENDS:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Abyssal destroyers, loyal beasts that they are, are intent on taking this to its conclusion, even if it means they sink in the process. The one with a gold aura is quite certainly the boss, and it is through her that the others retain the courage to fight back at all. Their formation has effectively shrunken to three undamaged ships, plus two that are either without power or limping along. The ones that remain continue returning fire, but the flagship one separates itself somewhat from the pack. It seems to have Akizuki in its sights, in particular; perhaps as an unspoken duel between destroyer division leaders. One could almost swear that there's a faint glimmer off of its eye from its chassis, as it hinges its jaw open wider than should rightfully be possible. With those eyes, a sound like a high current arc light switching on causes them to illuminate a cone in front of it, blindingly, and it fires a salvo of torpedoes and its main gun, almost simultaneously, while coursing through the water right at her!<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Night battle giveth, and night battle taketh away, however. The shots from Atago fall wide of the suddenly separated destroyers, but the upwelling of the sea from her shells still effectively pins their formation into place, especially that golden one that had gone slightly berserk in its attempt to exact a pound of flesh. Hoshi and Akizuki, and by chance of it being the clostest, Nasa, had met its thunder, and now its desperate attempts to avoid the repurcussions are ineffective. With a group of explosions, its vanishes briefly into a cloud of spray and a flash of light. When the figurative dust settles, its glow remains. It is on its side, and one of its search light eyes is shot out. It gurgles, trying to level its gun again, but with the remaining eye appearing to dim, it seems to have been knocked unconscious, or whatever that is for Abyssals. The remaining two Destroyers get the order to go, and fire tow cables for their two less wounded sisters, and seem intent on just leaving the fifth one there. That one had just received a fresh dose of cannon fire from Kotone, and is in even less shape to try and follow behind the retreat, with pock marks scored across its already crumpled outer hull.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Don't leave me again...' It sinks lower in the water, despite fighting and struggling to remain afloat, 'I hate this.'<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haguro lets out a relieved sigh as it looks like the Abyssals and the human crew are beating a retreat, waiting until she can no longer see them before finally lowering her arm and letting those turrets rest. She takes a few moments just to let the adrenaline wear off, turning to offer Kako and Furutaka a shaky smile. "W... We did it! Aah... Sorry if I slowed you down any." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She offers the two a quick bow before spotting Kuma heading towards the mystery Carrier. The Heavy Cruiser hesitates for a moment before skating over slowly while keeping her arms open and the turrets aimed away at the water. "Ah... Thank you for helping us. Um... Would you like to come back to the Seaport to resupply? Or... Even relax for a while?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:367|Na`Sabal-Une Fang (367)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's the strangest things that you notice in battle. A struggling destroyer that had tried its hardest to keep up, to continue to fight -- only to have its luck run out and seem almost as if it was giving up, before it... began to sink. Or rather, while the 'kill' had been confirmed, the way it had been confirmed is what Nasa made note of. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The next thing she made note of was Hoshi's grateful nod, which just got a small smile and nod in return. All around, as the battle ends, the rain was beginning to lighten up. The rumbling grew less frequent, until it completely ceased with one last CRACK of light striking a rock somewhere off in the distance, discharging harmlessly into the earth. The non-abyssals were fleeing too. They had done what they could in their way, so Naikui just watched quietly with her sharp eyes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her gaze turns towards the destroyers that had taken the brunt of their attacks, watching them intently afterwards. Seeing if they would leave. Seeing what damaged would be dealt by their final attacks. To see what would happen with them. Did they have the presence of mind to leave as well? Would they try to distract them as they retreated? ... The golden one fought hard, the golden one fought to the last. Naikui's head tilts slightly as the others begin to retreat, and Naikui begins to move forward on the water. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The first one to sink had been damaged, and was too far gone. This one was ... still struggling. Naikui moved forward, there was no hesitation, before the others even said that they wanted to help her. She kneels on the water, a hand reaching to take hold of her, that same hand beginning to glow. "...Give me a sign that you would rather live, and I will help you. Anything will be enough, just show it." Naikui murmurs softly, that glow already beginning to grow. She already knew that she was going to do it. The Hand of Growth was beginning to activate, energy beginning to gather. "If you would rather sink, then I will end your suffering quickly and let you have your rest. Decide quickly. I do not have the energy to save you and keep you afloat both." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kako mms a bit, nodding, "I see her." and with the Abyssal division. Furutaka, however, keeps her sights on the Wa-class transports and the Tsu-class... "They're retreating... So are the passengers aboard that vessel." a pause, "On order I'll scuttle the ship and send her back down to rest again." Kako, sails a bit forward to meet up with the Dauntless... "Kako, second ship of the Furutaka sisters. A pleasure to have your assistance. Would you like to be escorted back to base... or would you rather us let you rest back at the sea again?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Back at Destroyers and Friends, Atago's shots are off the mark, night battle wasn't her best but that's okay. Atago takes a look back, "Naikui, Amakasu. Finish off the two damaged Abyssals, allow the others to retreat..." she orders, but hearing Akizuki's cry, Atago frowns. Atago's the heavy cruiser here, she should have taken a hit or attempted hit for Akizuki... especialy with her as Flagship.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato frowns slightly, getting reports and reports over the radio. "It's almost over..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Destroyer Leader's AA director rotates again, tracking. Her gun turrets do the same, rotating in sync and keeping their gun barrels directed on the golden Abyssal Destroyer. It fires everything it has while masked in blinding lights, and Akizuki returns in kind-- Tough awkwardly placed, so she doesn't use her torpedoes. Rather, her return fire is a double dose of ten centimeter gunfire, while she twists to angle herself such that the incoming shell scrapes by her rigging's side panel rather than penetrate something vital.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the aftermath, with the water settling and the wounded destroyer put under tow by its companions, she corrects her posture with a frown, then glances back towards the crippled I-class.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distracted.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sudden ping of sonar snaps her attention back to the water between herself and the foundering destroyer. Too late to maneuver, she throws up her arms when the torpedoes explode beneath her, scattering chunks of metal in all directions. A Choujuucentihou-chan tumbles away, still locked in its little cradle, with X's where the eyes should be while it tumbles to a stop and floats on the sea's surface. After a moment, it blinks those eyes, shut, then opens them as big wide circles and starts squirming, flailing its little paddle arms and feet while making an obnoxiously distressed squeaking noise.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meters away, Akizuki stands where she'd been struck, up to her knees in seawater, clothing torn and equipment broken, still sheilding herself. She shakes, eyes squeezed shut, and unwilling or unable to move.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 'ghost' seems to be regarding Haguro, as she is spoken to directly. Within the bright glow, only the faintest hints of a facial expression can be seen. What can be discerned seems quiet serious, but not in an unfriendly way, perhaps even a bit sad. After a moment, she gives a shake of her head, and meaningfully looks past the cruiser to the hulk, which is once again abandoned and devoid of life, save the sputtering turbine and electrical systems that the crew had somehow managed to return to service. Nonetheless, after that, and with her intention seeming to be recognized, Kuma, Haguro, Kako and Furutaka would get the impression of a gentle and approving smile from her. Maybe one day she'll be able to rejoin the fight, as they do, but it isn't the time yet. She also takes a moment to glance after the fleeing Abyssals. Her expression becomes neutral again, but doesn't seem to show real contempt or anger.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Nasa, the crippled destroyer's one eye that points upward seems to look directly at her, even though it lacks any obvious pupils or otherwise to indicate it. Just a hunch. It makes a weak gurgling kind of sound, and with Nasa this close, she can actually hear its voice. Well, it's not so much heard, as somehow carried on the wind and into the mind. None other than Akizuki had a similar experience, once, with a certain ship's laughter. 'I don't want...to be left behind,' the voice says. 'I hate...being alone.' There is a sound like choked back sobbing. It's not precisely a yes or a no, but the answer is likely obvious.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma listens to the radio, turns to look at the ghost, then the hulk, before nodding to Kako. She turns, skating in a tight arc to come about on the abandoned hull. "Loaded Torpedoes, kuma. Scuttle spread, 5 degree separation, kuma."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The two turrets on her ankles shift position, one 'tube' angling slightly outwards from the other on each side. She then salutes, and the quad hiss of her torpedoes launching hereld the end of the hulk. Four pillars of water and shrapnel erupt from the strikes. "Rest easy... maybe we will meet again, one day, kuma."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa is in agreement ith the destroyer force she looks over the damage display and finds the Abyssals guns had breached her shields a fauir bit leaving pockmark scares across the hull, even breaching it near the aft section of the ship. Thankfully they are not in space and it can be repaired later but for now they need to focus on the one who was lefgt beihind to die. There is also the mastter of the carrier but one thing at a time. She moves in to help if needed she's can likely tow the ship if needed. <br /><br /> The order to let the humans go is given and Kotone is happy to obey. They seem to have a double duty it looks like. She goves over the controls but grimaces the damage has caused some sort of a fault with the teleporter it shouldn't be too hard to fix but at the moment she can't really do much about it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:367|Na`Sabal-Une Fang (367)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That was enough for Naikui/Nasa. She shifted slowly forward, one arm moving to wrap around the neck of the Ro-class. "...That is good enough, little one. You will not be alone." Naikui murmurs softly, her hand of Growth beginning to glow brighter, as that green and purple mixed light began to engulf both of them. Nasa gives a slow exhale, the glow around her weakening, as the glow around the Ro-class begins to grow brighter. Giving it energy, growing its strength, growing the strength of its mind and its spirit, as well as suffusing it with large amounts of positive energy that is likely to feel pleasant unless it was particularly weak to such energies. Which was unlikely. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As that suffusion happens, metals on the Ro-class would begin to shift slightly. Pockmarks would begin to straighten out, shrapnel would extract itself, and holes in the armor would begin to fold back up to repair the damage and stop it from taking on water and losing oil. Naikui slowly stands, one hand kept firmly on a section of the Ro-class that she could grip, keeping it held up as best as she could. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Luckily the rest of the abyssals were likely gone by now, because it was then that Nasa's illusion faltered and flickered away, Naikui fading back into the Guardian of Nature, her purple skin and wings detailed with the night sky shimmering in the darkness and moonlight, as clouds disperse. "It is done. What happens next is up to you. You should have the strength to leave, or follow us. I do not take well to betrayal, but if that is your decision as well, then so be it." Nasa says, her destroyer equipment shifting slightly, pointedly turning weapons away from the Ro-class. Nasa's attention shifted slightly towards Akizuki afterwards, one ear and eye on her, just in case, but the others already had her, most likely. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>CRUISER-TACHI:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wreckage creaks and groans, the torpedoes caving in the already weakened and weathered structure. You ever wonder how people actually go down with ships? Blink and you'll miss it, it's already submerging that quickly. If any of the contractors had remained aboard, they wouldn't have had a chance. Regardless, despite the somber atmosphere, there was nothing lost this time, merely a ship returned to its rightful place beneath the waves. The glowing figure gives a salute of gratitude to the cruisers, and then decoheres into those same motes of light that the Dauntless dive bomber had dissolved into, earlier. There is an ambient glow that lingers for several moments, where she had been standing, and then, just like the fading bubbles and froth from the re-sunken escort carrier, there's nothing there to indicate something had been there at all.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behind the thin amount of quiet that Nasa's headphones rewarded her, Hoshi's focus stayed. She tried to watch her fire to see if she'd hit, and--she does! Quickly, she reaches up with her fist raised. Finally, she got a hit. Unforunately, she wasn't quite ready for one of those hastily-fired rounds to actually have the proper trajectory to whistle straight for her. Her eyes widen in the split-second that she has to raise her hands to at least block her face when the round explodes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a wonderful thing that Hoshi's endurance has been increased by the power of her Persona--when the dust clears, she's idling and sliding along and not knocked out or sunk. Her arms drop to her side, completely numb, her face blackened by soot. "... Ow..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She had a moment to discuss the Abyssal's fate with the rest of them, and they chose to save her. Something Hoshi approved of. But... After being shot, she lost sense of time, and of Akizuki. Looking over at her... "Ohh crap! I've got her!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She went to Akizuki's side as quickly as she dared, lifting a trembling arm and wrapping it around her waist tightly. Hoshi's trying to hold her up, it seems. "Please... tell me you'll be okay. Please..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fallen sister, we thank you for your service, your deeds will not go unforgotten. Escort Carrier, please sleep well until the day we meet again as sisters of the same fleet." Comes Furutaka's words, both Furutaka and Kako saluting the Escort Carrier in return until she fades. "Kuma, Haguro." Kako starts, "The Destroyer Division has it from here, let's go rest, you two earned it." Kako smiles, turning back and then starts heading towards the base once more.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Akitsumaru comes speeding along with DesDivSix, a Daihatsu landing craft materalizes and she looks towards Amakasu and Akizuki, "Amakasu, sir. Let's load her up and we'll take her back and into the docks. The Admiral gives you her thanks as well, sir." then a snap salute and the Daihatsu is backed up, ready to accept a couple shipgirls.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>TO NA`SA:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ro-class destroyer was going to sink. Except...with the strange suffusion, it can feel its battle damage begin to repair itself, if not to full capacity, then at least enough to be able to remain upright in the water gain. Its buzzing and gurgles of pain turn into ones of confusion, the voice it had been given out of sheer desperation vanishing as it loses that focus of its despair. It flops back upright in the water again, gives a few test spins, and then stares up at Nasa. It doesn't seem offput by the sudden shift in appearance - I mean, just look at the types it hangs out with - but despite not having a face, precisely, it somehow looks confused. It swims around her twice, a bit aimlessly, and then begins to swim away. Was that all it was going to be? Though, if she paid heed to its heading, it actually doesn't seem to be moving in the direction the other Abyssals had left in. How curious.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:367|Na`Sabal-Une Fang (367)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nasa shifts slowly as she watched the Ro-class destroyer stop, turn upright and spin around to test that it was fine. As it stared up at her, Nasa simply gave a mild smile towards it, her purple eyes glowing in a pleasantly inviting way. As it swam in circles around her, she turned slightly, watching it. It seemed happy, rather than full of despair as its voice had been just moments ago. She gave an approving nod towards it as it began to swim off... in its own direction. "...That is your decision then. Off to find yourself and your own adventures. Be safe and may you not be an enemy in the future." She murmurs quietly, waving as the abyssal swims off. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she turns to make her way over towards the other fleet daughters and help load Akizuki into safety as well as anyone else that needed the rest. ...Only after everyone /else/ that needed it was on the ship, would Nasa flop unceremoniously onto it, just kind of laying there and staring up at the sky. Hopefully, that decision doesn't cause major issues later. But, there was that chance, if shown that it wasn't alone... maybe... <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though low in the water, Akizuki doesn't seem to be going anywhere. She's shaking, though, eyes closed and jaw set. On her left side she still has one of her Choujuucentihou-chans, wiggling in its holder, while Hoshi comes to hold up the other side. After a moment, she snaps back to herself with a start, jerking away, "I won't sink!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though knee-deep in the water, now, her tortured engine chokes to life and her stack, previously quiet, belches out a cloud of black smoke with a bogged down sound. Slowly, so very slowly, she pulls forward and comes about, keeping her head bowed. She approaches her discarded Choujuu, collecting it from the water and raising it, hugging it to herself as she silently makes for Hikari at half power. Seems she's refusing help.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Atago nods, moving in front of Akizuki, giving out an order over the radio.. "Diamond formation, destroyers." With this, even DesDivSix comes to help surround Akizuki, no sense in letting the Flagship sink. LEt's take it nice and slow. We'll get her into docks and we'll have a nice big dinner over this." Atago gives a smile, which also gives the destroyers a cheer as they fall into place and escort the Anti Air Destroyer. "You all did well, congrats!"<br> <br>
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