View source for 7432/The Mirror Sea Pt1

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2021/02/19
|Synopsis=After some time in tense peace, the Princess of Progress has shown herself in a section of the Great Ocean patrolled by a united seagoing peacekeeping force known as the Azur Lane, and their ideological rivals, the Crimson Axis. It is neither of these factions that draw Midway, but rather, rumors of a facility operated by the mysterious Sirens, concealed within a dangerous patch of ocean: the Mirror Sea.
|Cast of Characters=1122, 685, 7061, 457, 7075, 7
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Entering the Mirror Sea is remarkably easy. So easy that one could even do it without realizing. The initial transition is subtle, unlesss one looks back whence they came -- and sees their own image and the infinite expanse of the ocean reflected back on them. It's a bizarre phenomena, poorly documented, poorly understood. Major shipping avoids these Mirror Seas when they appear, as entire flotillas are known to disappear into them if they don't escape quickly.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes, entering the Mirror Sea is intentional. Such an incident is today, as announced by the Princess of Progress. Somewhere in this region, the Abyssal known as Midway lurks. It's not the kindest environment for normal sensors or radio waves, though the Multiversal-tuned Radios work much better. Radar keeps turning up false contacts, as it bounces off the distant walls and obstructions of the Mirror Sea itself.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wedge-shaped aircraft, distinctly different from those fielded by the Abyssal Navy, engage in a dogfight against the ball-shaped Abyssal Hellcats more well-known to be fielded by Midway. As the aerial battle plays out, both sets of warring aircraft clearly ignore surface-bound newcomers. In the distance, initially not showing at all on radar and yet plainly visible; black and gray hulls of futuristic-looking warships marked with glowing crimson lines. Far too small to have human crews, and yet, clearly participating in the battle with anti-air energy weapons. The biggest one is perhaps only the size of a large truck, despite its clear purpose as a battleship.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And in the middle of this formation, the Princess of Progress, a gaunt and ghastly figure, ghost-white skin, billowing white dress, and wide eyes glowing scarlet; perfect circles of crimson hate.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Shigure (685)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All units, switch to visual tracking, Radar will be useless within the area of effect." Shigure transmits before contact with the border of the Mirror Sea. She's come alone, talking to other responders as she unhooks her rigging from her back, bracing for whatever trickery the Princess of Progress has in store. "Air Wing, you are weapons free on any threats inbound." As the barrier is crossed, and the scale of what's happening is revealed the Destroyer slows, and turns off bearing just slightly. "That's Midway in the center... but what are those other ships, I have never seen that configuration before..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7061|Lily (7061)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Somehow getting the direction to this Mirror Sea, the most out of place boat in this field of warships... a simple speed boat driven by Rei with one more figure on the back, Lily herself, with an assault rifle under her arms. "Hi hi, Lily here! Don't mind us, it's a new area we just /have/ to explore!" the boat just speeding past... and right into the mirror sea with a yell of excitement. "Rei, keep it steady, keep it steady."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Understood~. Be careful, Lily, I'll be here if you need the boat again!" Lily just nods while the boat slows a bit down, not by much, both of them looking at the strange area... looking behind to watch the mirror image just get smaller and smaller as that speedboat just churns on, hopping over some waves.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And there's an air battle overhead... strange ball shaped things and black, wedge aircraft going at it.. and strange warships in the distance... "Hmm." she gets this grin on her face and aims her arm. A grappling hook shoots out and grasps at the Hellcat ball, yanking the girl off the boat and into the air, "WHEEEEEEEEEEEE! Oh this is faaaaaaasst!" beat "Hellcat?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, if she's going to let her borrow it... might as well make some use of it, "Okay, bring me higher..." as bullets from the assault rifle spray out to shoot at the wedge-aircraft, adding a bit of anti-air firepower to this planething!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:457|Evangeline (457)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline, the little Neuroi, follows after Shigure in the air. &lt;...understood...&gt; she radios back at the advice about radar, her voice quite soft and with little inflection as usual. Once the barrier is crossed she too slows to a hover. &lt;...they look like...Neuroi...&gt; Evangeline says over the radios. &lt;...but...Neuroi cannot operate on water...&gt; she adds. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She flies up higher, then tries to zoom in on one of the strange watercraft, trying to identify it. And she broadcasts the video feed to the others who can receive it. &lt;...should I scout ahead...?&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7075|Nanoha Takamachi (7075)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The battlefield personified, Midway, has been traced to this location. As Shigure moved to investigate, Nanoha was only too happy to join along and provide support. She's not faced off against the Abyssal, though she's heard of her and her kind. Potentially dangerous. And should probably be investigated when they express interest in a location.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And a weird location it is. Flying along not too far behind and above Shigure, Nanoha glances around as they move deeper into this part of the sea, "Do you feel that, Raising Heart?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The staff in Nanoha's hand chimes, <span style="color:xterm206">&lt;Confirmed. Medium levels of interference. Caution&gt;</span> Nanoha nods along in agreement, before focusing on what's happening ahead. An aerial battle by the looks of it, with some of the forces registering as Abyssal. The others... Unknown. Though their colour scheme looks just a tad menacing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still! Don't judge a boat by its paint job. Nanoha radios a signal to the other Paladins in the area, "We should try and establish contact with the unknown force. They might prove to be friendly and can help in taking down the Abyssals."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>For the first time in a very long time Kotone's life had been very quiet, between her more mundane paladins duties she'd had time to catch up with friends and even her family. However it wasn't to last as here she was in the Mirror sea with Shigure, Eva and Nanoha. Koton thanks to Evangeline ability is up in the air with her flying along. Her body looks seek now with glowing red lines looking much live Eva save for her face which has a transparent red visor over it. She seems pretty pumped to be flying. <br><br> &lt;&lt;Thanks for the help Eva!&gt;&gt; <br><br> Kotone has a few hovering drones with her though they latched on to her body for the moment as she keeps up with Eva. &lt;&lt;Right switching scanning modees&gt;&gt; <br><br> Kotone has a few non-radar options and will shift to infrared hopefully the heat signatures from the enemy are not masked in some way. <br><br> &lt;&lt;I agree I'll make for them&gt;&gt; <br><br> Kotone would brank heading or the unknown high tech ships which she'll try to contact.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Princess in the middle of the unknown flotilla lifts her head, fixating those wide scarlet eyes on the first to wander into her apparent range. It's an expression the destroyer may recall from earlier encounters; in the brief moments when the roiling rage concealed within Midway is briefly brought to the surface. She raises her arms to either side, talon-tipped fingers angled upward. Something sparks behind her, materializing and expanding itself into a sleek backpack-like shape. A grid projects past her hips on either side, expanding itself into armored arms housing multiple gun turrets on the left, and a flight deck on the right.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wordlessly, the Princess sweeps one arm back, the other thrusting forward.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The unknown fleet milling around Midway swings into action. Being so much smaller despite their obvious intended roles, these are a bit more maneuverable than one might expect, coming about into a battle line remarkably fast. The larger vessel, its profile suggesting a battleship or heavy cruiser, opens fire on Shigure with a spray of spherical blue orbs. Around it, the smaller escorts swing their anti-air batteries towards the aerial intruders, filling the sky with bursts of blue beams and orange-tinged bursts.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Shigure (685)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Princess fixes Shigure with that wild glare... and before the destroyer can register what's happening, she's pulling some kind of rigging on and then /ordering/ those small unknown ships into attack formation. As they open fire, she calls. "Evasive Maneuvers!" pushing the throttle and... taking a direct hit. The orbs strike home and she's knocked skidding sideways, a plate of metal falling from her Rigging, trailing smoke as it's slagged from the impact. "Damage Control, lay to turret three. All gunports, open fire!" she brings her rigging up, and fires back at the picket line of Production Models, lobbing 12.7cm shells at them. "Reload. Armour Piercing. Ahead full, bring us about, bearing 165." she murmurs to herself, and adjusts course to take her in closer to the Princess and her new allies... Midway will know what's coming. A torpedo run.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7075|Nanoha Takamachi (7075)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nanoha continues to fly along with the others, cautiously watching the forces ahead. She's just about to get on the radio to contact that unknown fleet when Midway chooses to take notice of their approach. Nanoha watches the battlefield manifest her equipment, "Oh, this can't be good..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even as the call for evasive maneuvers comes in, Nanoha starts swerving through the air as those unknowns begin to rain laser fire down on them all. Bolts rush pasts Nanoha as she turns and rolls through the air. Bursts explodes around her, scorching parts of her Barrier Jacket that are caught on the edge of the explosions. Nanoha takes a few hits as she tries to evade, but not enough to worry her just yet, "So much for potentially being friendly!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Aerial Mage is already preparing a counterattack as she maneuvers through the air, spell rings appearing around the head of her staff. She points the weapon forward towards the front line of the enemy formation, an orb of pink forming and quickly growing in size. Once her spell has charge, Nanoha calls out, "Photon Smasher!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The orb bursts, a large beam of pink rushing forth to quickly close in on the first of those unknown ships. But as it strikes, Nanoha turns her staff to the side, causing the large beam to sweep around. It cuts through the water, large clouds of steam rushing upwards. It also threatens to blast any of its targets apart.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7061|Lily (7061)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lily smiles a bit, this is just too fun for her. As such, she draws herself closer to the Hellcat, firing out some more sprays of gunfire to take out some more aircraft.. at least, that's when the blue beams and orange burst. "Lily, incoming anti-air fire. Please be careful!" "Of course... hey, Hellcat. Bank around, let's avoid this." as it follows Lily's commands, it ducks down to try to avoid the fire while Lily's assault rifle dissapears and gets replaced with a sniper rifle. "Rei, anti-armor bullets, please." "Loading. Inventory set, you can reload now." "Got it, reloading!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lily swings herself around to land right on top of the Hellcat, kneeling and holding herself tightly to the flying ball... "Hey, keep steady, I need you to be steady please." she requests from her 'ally'. She aims, looking at the bigger ships, looking for the bridg, maybe she can snipe a weapons control officer...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's the aim... and... the click, the anti-armor shell causing recoil, sending the girl off the hellcat... only to relatch right under it with her grappling hook. "Woah..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone is closing on on the unknown fleet but soon she's finding out this wasn't the best idea at all. The small high-tech ships will bring their AA systems online and open up. She and Eva would fin they are under fire and while Kotone is fast? She's not fast enough to avoid all the fire coming her way. She takes several hits which pit across her body, and to her surprise, the breaches start to seal up. There's still damage but there are no open holes to worry about things getting inside her. <br><br> Damn that was cool she muses before she banks. <br><br> What was an interesting effect of what Eva did to her. She will level her arms which morphs into some sort of rapid beam emitter much like her SMG or assault rifle which she uses as she'll do a strafing run on the ships opening up on her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:457|Evangeline (457)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline looks over at Kotone as she is thanked and gives a very slight nod. &lt;...you're welcome...&gt; she says before following after Kotone and Nanoha. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Despite being able to see the other ships lining up and Midway pulling out some kind of...cybertech fit out? As she is looking at it, those AA shots come in. Evangeline's shield flares, a sphere of hexagonal energy plates appearing around her. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But, despite that, noticable portions of her body and arms are gone by the time she gets through the barrage. As Nanoha engages from one direction, the ends of Evangeline's arms begin to glow a sinister red. She takes up a flanking position with Nanoha and brings both arms together. The glow intensifies until it looks like a red star in the sky. Almost in time with the mage's pink beam comes a thick red beam of energy. It too cuts into the water and starts sweeping across the ranks of the unknown ships. At first it only leaves glowing red in its wake, but moments later the sea and any ships caught in the ray are caught in an upward explosion if not outright suddenly and violently disintegrated by it. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And after hearing Nanoha the little Neuroi adds after a moment. &lt;"...Breaker Beam..."&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure's barrage buries itself into one of the escort MP vessels, blasting out the opposing side. As it lists, burning, the vessel dissolves into cubes, which in turn vanish into glittering crimson particles. Lily's unable to locate any sort of crew; but that looks important! An anti-armor sniper round punches through the squat bridge tower of the cruiser-like vessel. Similarly, this results in an explosion. The larger ship doesn't start to dissolve, but it does catch fire, and whatever was destroyed casts all of the gun batteries into chaotic disarray.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kotone's strafing action punches holes through several of the escorting ships, softening them up and drawing their attention. A great pink laser sweeps across them next, trailing explosions and a great wave of water. Before the wave has even settled, Evangeline sweeps in the other direction, drawing destruction through the flotilla with another blast of water and force. When at last the sea settles, only the bow section of the heavy cruiser remains, pitched upward, sinking as it dissolves into scarlet particles.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This leaves Midway on her own, somewhat charred by the wide-angle weaponry being used, but still very much standing. Her expression does not change, wide-eyed and staring, mouth concealed behind that brace of horrific spines. Her outstretched hand retracts, her posture shifting as the Princess begins gliding backwards across the rolling waves. A hanger door on her rigging slides open, and wedge-shaped aircraft begin spilling out onto the flight deck and hurling themselves into the sky-- distinct from the spherical Hellcats she's used in the past.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the aircraft spiral their way up to their preferred altitude, Midway's choice of offense is with the guns on the opposite side of her equipment. The numerous turrets swivel, many elevating. One at a time, in a quick ripple of gunfire, the cannons loose out their shells. Small scarlet orbs. After traveling a few meters, the orbs burst; splitting into cones of smaller, needle-like blue projectiles which travel much faster.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her motions are slow, drifting predictably from side to side. If Midway is expecting a torpedo attack from Shigure, she's not acting on it yet.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Shigure (685)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure continues approaching, bringing her rigging cannons up to tank through the split-shells. The needle-like projectiles digging into the metal, leaving charred and slagged marks in the metal and those that hit her body shredding away uniform fabric and leaving black marks on the newly exposed skin beneath. "... Something's wrong... Midway is acting strange." as those triangular aircraft launch and being spiralling up, and Midway goes into a very predictable movement pattern, "Those are not the Hellcats, either."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, the little destroyer continues approaching, hunkering down a little bit to get some more speed, before launching a spread of torpedoes at the drifting Princess. She does this by angling the launchers, then performing a 'bunny hop' as the gas projectors launch the little murder-sticks in a narrow pattern, bracketing Midway's maneuvering drift.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7075|Nanoha Takamachi (7075)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nanoha pulls away from her sweeping run as she watches the unknown fleet sink. It's unfortunate, but they only seemed to be automated units anyway. No signs of any actual intelligence, that Nanoha could tell.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning her attention to their apparent commander-or servant, Nanoha's not sure at this stage-Nanoha watches as a large number of aircraft begin to launch from Midway's rigging. They could be a problem. Thankfully, aerial combat is Nanoha's speci-<span style="color:xterm206">&lt;Master!&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The warning is too late though, one of those shells fired by Midway catching Nanoha straight in the chest and exploding against her. The only saving grace is her defensive magics which absorb much of the blast, though her Barrier Jacket takes a number of rips in turn. And Nanoha herself begins to plummet out of the sky after that hit.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully though, Nanoha is able to return to her senses in time to pull up, avoiding an impact with the sea and skimming across it at low altitude. Shaking her head to clear away the blast, Nanoha chides herself, "Focus!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once more turning her her attention towards those fliers, Nanoha swings her staff out to the side. Several pink orbs appear around her. She then points towards those formations, calling out, "Sacred Cluster!" The orbs rush forth, closing in on the fighter groups. And once amidst them they explode, releasing bursts of magical shrapnel in all directions to try and pepper the fighters to bring them down.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7061|Lily (7061)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lily just /grins/ at her shot and Rei zips around, this time heading towards Shigure, "Good job, nice hit! Though, please be careful..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I got it, I got it..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are you sure?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes, how many more anti-armor bullets do I have left." beat "Nevermind...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Lily tries to get back up on her mounted point on that Hellcat, the bullets continue to come, the scatter shells nail her Hellcat and it explodes, shrapnel from the plane and the shell make red cuts upon her body as she falls, looking for another Hellcat to latch onto, the grapple hook firing off to latch on and yanking the girl once more. "Okay, okay.... and..." once more, she aims, Midway seems to be unaffected but this is fine... she aims at a destroyer this time... firing off another anti-armor shot, that recoil sending her swinging back and dragging the Hellcat down some more!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone's team up with Eva for the attack run and it goes pretty well against the strange ships. It's far from over though as Midway is not using the sort of rigging she's used before. She's not the only one to notice this either and soon she's hearing this over the comms. A plan is formed, focus on the rigging. She gets the idea she'll start to make ready for an attack run but as she's plotting Kotone would get caught with a good deal of fire that catches her left flank blowing a chunk of it out, it's painful but the regeneration thankfully helps with that, and it's going to take a bit to seal /that/ breach. <br><br> "Damn I got cocky..." <br><br> She'll follow EVE in and this time a different weapons forms from her arm it's Kotone's rail gun or it looks like it if Eva gave it a makeover which it did. It's some kind of energy cannon and it charges up as she takes aim on her attack run opening fire for the back portion of Midway's rigging as she flies by.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:457|Evangeline (457)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline has to take a few moments to recharge after unleashing her beam. In that time, the counter-attack from Midway takes its toll. Those needle-like shots punch through the Neuroi's shield and perforate her sleek black form. Pieces of her fall through the air, slowly flowing away into the air in pink sparkles that look like cherryblossoms. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Most of the damage is not too bad, but a number of those needles hit right in the center of Evangeline's chest, punching through the black shell there and exposing...something that shines with a bright and quite lovely rose-colored light. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It also causes Evangeline to let out an -actual- screech, one of those ear-piercing screeches similar to metal scraping on metal. She starts to lose altitude, and for a moment it looks like she might crash into the water. But, before she hits the glow fades as her shell reforms. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline flies back up into the sky and forms up with Nanoha, and as the mage unleashes another powerful attack Evangeline's arms and leg panels glow before unleashing a multitude of vectoring red beams, each one turning at sharp angles to go after their target. Namely Midway and her strange rigging.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the wedge-shaped aircraft ascend, they're set upon by spherical Abyssal Hellcats, diving and swooping through the formation with the chatter of gunfire. Many of the launched bombers are shredded by the onslaught, bursting into crimson dust. One gets snatched in a Hellcat's jaws, dragged along, burning before it breaks apart. The distinctive white spheroid planes then immediately scatter, breaking their formation as Nanoha's magic explodes.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as the blast of magic dissipates, the Hellcats swarm back in, hot in pursuit of the unknown planes who survived the magical bursts. Lily's new Hellcat behaves as the previous one, obeying her directions, though this one seems somehow anxious to get in on the action. It occasionally swings unpredictably to open fire on the unknowns as they wander close to its crosshairs.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Water settles around Midway, also caught in Nanoha's blast. Despite trailing smoke, she continues her rearward motion, her expression unchanged; wide, staring, unblinking. Lily's latest shot punches through the flight deck on Midway's side, blasting out the rigging's underside. Something catches fire inside, black smoke curling from the hole with occasional flames. Kotone's rail cannon drives another hole, this time through the bulk of the rigging's superstructure, blasting a chunk out the opposing side along with the rail slug.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Evangeline's lasers converge on her next, from multiple angles, surrounding the Princess in crimson light and the resultant smoke and debris of an explosion. No sooner has this concluded than Shigure's torpedoes find their mark; an attack that Midway did not even seem to register as coming. This further obscures her in the columns of water and smoke. When it finally sloshes back into the sea, the Princess is significantly worse for wear.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trailing smoke from multiple breaches and on-board fires, scorched and seared in multiple places on her body and dress. Several of those ghastly tusks have broken, partially exposing her mouth; which remains in an impassive straight line. One of her eyes is missing, that side of her face just an empty void with a single glowing red spot where the eye belongs. As she moves, pieces break off, as if her entire body were cracking, shedding crimson particles. She lifts her right hand, fingers spread.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Both halves of Midway's rigging split open, yawning apart like jaws with teeth made of jagged steel. The flight deck side only pours out flaming wreckage; while the gunnery side's interior glows with blue light. After a moment, it belches out a sphere of energy. After a few moments, this sphere starts casting out lasers in all directions, targeting not just the five gathered warriors fighting her directly, but also the weaving aircraft swarming above her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Shigure (685)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure, having dumped her torpedoes, turns to gain distance, but gets skewered by one of those lasers from the giant ball. It punches clean through her leg, dropping her to a knee with a pained grunt. "D-Damage Control, lay to the engine room." A small group of fairies drop from her hip rigging, and slap a giant bandaid-looking hull patch on the hole in her leg, though her speed is limited by the damage.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The normal operation for a Destroyer in Suicide Range of a Battleship is to break line of sight and gain distance... however this is open water, and she's running on limited engine power after that last hit.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure decides to abandon SOP, and turns back in, bringing her cannons to bear and opening fire on the (fake)Midway, holding up a barrage of shells and aiming for the blue side of that transformed rigging, attempting to disable it so it can't fire another of those big energy balls.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7075|Nanoha Takamachi (7075)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nanoha watches her shots take out a number of the wedged fighters, only for them to move on to engage the Abyssal ones. Even though Nanoha doesn't know Midway personally, this definitely seems like some strange behaviour. Shigure does raise a good suggestion as to the nature of Midway, though for the moment it doesn't really matter. They can sought it out once they've brought her down!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That ball of energy is fired, lasers beginning to lance out at many in the combat zone. Nanoha included, the Aerial Mage starting to weave through the air, diving down close to the water's surface to minimize any openings to those deadly lasers. A couple manage to sweep across her, burning parts of her Barrier Jacket away, but she continues to press forward, heading towards faux-Midway.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nanoha raises her staff forward, pointing towards Midway. Orbs of pink begin to form in the air around her as she flies, Nanoha starting, "Axel Shooter... Avalanche Shift-" More and more orbs begin to appear, dozens of them. Until finally Nanoha calls out, "SHOOOOT!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The orbs all burst, rushing upwards as beams of light that dance through the air. They spread out, weaving around each other and the aerial battle playing out in the skies. But they soon begin to rain down on mirror-Midway's position from all directions, repeatedly blasting her and the water with magical explosions.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7061|Lily (7061)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, that was it, these strange ships keep firing at her and she was having no more of this, time to end this and have a talk with the pretty dressed lady...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Concentration," Lily starts, "Bullet Line Eraser..." she continues, "Explosive Shot." She swings herself up to mount back up on the top of this new Hellcat, "Sentry Style..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lily? A lot of buffs are going up, what's going on?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aiming..." she replies, "Spot something for me."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Okay... aiming... relaying position, relaying shot vector."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wind speed check, Hellcat stability, check....."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lock on. Right there, Lily!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anti Armor bullet loaded... catch me, I don't think I can recover properly from this shot!" and with that, there's a bang... and Lily gets veryeeted off the Hellcat, sending her spiraling down towards the ocean ... and the Hellcat does whatever it does! The speedboat turns around to maneuver towards Lily's position, should no one else be near.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone scores a direct hit from the looks of it leaving a hole in the rigging in its wake. It seems that's where it's going to be for her. While she can fly thanks to Eva? She's not used to it and makes a rookie flying mistake and gets caught up in the laser storm. It's painful she's looking a bit ragged now even with the regeneration. She looks at Midway she hears the idea to rescue her. As something is indeed off with it she will now turn about in the aftermath of the laser storm and brings several systems online. Her arms both morph into energy canons of some sort and emitters on her body which she tries to return the favour to Midway. Aiming to take out her rigging rather than her. <br><br> "Not done yet!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:457|Evangeline (457)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline just gazes down at Midway as the Abyssal princess's form starts to flake away. &lt;"...where is Midway...?"&gt; she asks, both out-loud thanks to a speaker watch and through an open frequency. &lt;"...and why would you want to impersonate her...?"&gt; she adds as she starts charging again. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That bright, sinister red glow returns to her arms as she takes aim. &lt;"...and if you are not her...why did you attack us...?"&gt; she asks as that star-like glow illuminates the area again. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She should probably wait for the answer before firing, but she can't just hold that energy forever. She floats upward so she has a more downward angle, probably to help ensure none of her allies are caught in the incoming attack. &lt;"...Breaker Beam..."&gt; <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The little Neuroi fires another beam that is as tall as she is. &lt;"...no one deserves to be held against their will without just cause..."&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Midway slumps forward, steadying herself with an outstretched leg rather than collapse after expending so much energy while so heavily damaged. As she recovers her poise, Shigure hammers her with shells, igniting the Princess' body and equipment. Orbs of pink magic pummel her through the growing cloud of black smoke, staggering her back a pace. Her rearward gliding motion has ceased, now, and she raises one hand to shield her face from the barrage.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A single high calibur round from Lily's rifle punches through her chest in a spray of crimson powder. The shell doesn't slow down; punching out through her back in a blast of shrapnel, then boring through her back-mounted equipment. The slug erupts from there in a spray of flames and shards of steel, disappearing into the ocean.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hammering her equipment with additional fire breaks more pieces away, scattering chunks of burning metal into the water. A large portion of the structural tower collapses under Kotone's gunfire, sliding off into the sea.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Evangeline's questions get no answer. Midway merely lifts her gaze to the little Neuroi, struggling to bring her remaining weapons to the right elevation. This doesn't succeed before Evangeline fires, enveloping the Princess in a pillar of crimson that blasts up the water around her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the water rains back down, two figures can be seen, now. The new one, coming in low, thrusts their hand up at a sharp angle, piercing the standing figure through their backpack; that hand tearing out through the chest, clutching something.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The water falls down completely, exposing Midway impaled on the outstretched hand of... Midway. The critically damaged imposter twitches, dissolving into scarlet particles, while the newly arrived one draws her outstretched arm in. The sphere she clutches, pulsing with golden light, creaks. With the sound of shattering glass, she crushes it in her hand.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This newly arrived Midway recovers her stance, standing placidly upon the waves, her arms slowly crossing. Despite her confident posture, this Midway is also damaged. Scorched, burned in places. Pulsating scarlet cracks run up her other forearm, though she seems to ignore all of this. Instead, silently, she taps her sleeve with her steel-tipped talons.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And that is the last one. Welcome to the Mirror Sea. I see you have recieved as rude a greeting as I."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Shigure (685)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure staggers, dropping back to a knee as Midway kills... Midway? Okay this is getting weird. "Explain." she states, blue eyes meeting red with a defiant narrowing. Damaged as she is, she would likely fall prey to the Princess if she turned hostile now, but this whole deal has the normally placid kanmusu on edge.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7075|Nanoha Takamachi (7075)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nanoha comes to a hover as their combined firepower overwhelms the not-Midway, until finally it is defeated...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By Midway herself.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not entirely unexpected, given the cryptic and ominous commenting the battlefield has been making during their battle. Still, it's an interesting sight to see.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the metaphorical dust settles, Nanoha too is a little concerned about another potential engagement. So she hopes that none of the others get the idea to attack the real Midway and encourage one.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure asks Midway to explain, Nanoha also wondering, "Who were they? And why would they create a fake version of you?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:457|Evangeline (457)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline just hovers in the air for a few moments before she slowly floats down closer to the water. "...Midway...you are not captured..." she says in that quiet voice of hers. The Neuroi's head tilts slightly in an obvious imitation of an expression of curiousity. "...yes...please explain...and keep in mind that we are all still combat ready..." she says before looking around at the others to see if they are alright.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7061|Lily (7061)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And there's a crash right onto the speedboat... "Waaah! Lily!" Rei shouts as the boat comes to a stop... she pulls out a pistol and starts shooting LIly brazenly with blue colored bullets. "O.. okay okay, I'm up, I'm up... ow..." "Don't scare Rei like that. No flying... you're not equipped for that." "But Rei, that w..." "Lily..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A defeated look is on LIly's face, "Alright.." a pause before getting and turning to look at Midway getting defeated by... Midway? "Umm."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Who's Hellcat balls were I riding?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa is aware she can't hold on much longer even with the regeneration that Eva has given her, she's put all she had into it but it doesn't sem to be enough. Just as things seem lost? Midway shows up? Wait Midway shows up? What the heck and kills the other Midway. She'll stop hovering there. <br><br> "Wait what and Mirror sea?!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This appears to be the primary defensive function of the Mirror Sea," Midway intones, "Replication and weaponization." Her head inclines slightly, "Upon arrival I was beset upon by a number of duplications of myself." Those glowing, scarlet eyes narrow. This whole time, she's had that half-lidded, chained malice expression. The measured Midway that Shigure has seen before. The face Midway typically wears. Before her internalized rage boils enough to shine through.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfolding one hand, she gestures, "One wandered off. Obviously, to confront you." Her hand resumes its folded position, "I suspect this is technological, rather than magical. Interesting, is it not?"<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Lily asks her unfortunately worded question, the Princess' eyes close, "The aircraft are mine." Behind her, the sea splits apart, the enormous bulb of her parasite rising into position. Its colossal mouth opens, baring mismatched human-like teeth. Hellcats begin circling above her, descending down into the parasitic rigging in a fashion not visibly dissimilar to a tornado.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"As this Mirror Sea and what it is attempting to conceal exist within the ocean, they belong to me." Her eyes open slightly, narrow slits burning with crimson, "I need only claim it. You are permitted to assist if you wish. If your wish is to deactivate this anomaly for the sake of civlian shipping, I suspect our goals are in the same location. If you wish to obstruct me; well. The location is unchanged."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Shigure (685)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, it is some kind of technology, analyzing and copying combat data from anyone entering its area of effect... this will likely mean that I and my allies will be copied also." muses Shigure, pushing herself up onto her feet again, looking wobbly from the damage. "Protecting civilians is my main goal... if our goals align I see no reason to fight."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa get an understanding of what's going on with the sea. "So it copies invaders and throws them at the invaders. Quite the ability." The end of the fight is allowing her regenation to get some progress in and that's goos she has no want to fight the real Midway right now. She looks to Shirgure and then back to Midway as she nods. "I agree a fight would be rather pointless."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7075|Nanoha Takamachi (7075)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nanoha floats there, a pensive look on her face. The implications of the Mirror Sea's function... Shigure speaks of it out loud. There's a possibility that they too have been copied. That is a great concern.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though as Midway questions whether they will assist or oppose her, Nanoha considers for a moment. This place appears to be a common threat, which creates the possibility of cooperation. But... "Depending on what it is exactly that this place conceals, a partnership may not last forever. But I would rather try and work together. Conflict will simply create greater danger for us all in the face of a threat like this."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:457|Evangeline (457)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline is quiet while the others speak, just watching Midway. She doesn't trust the Abyssal. But, she also gives a slight nod when the others talk about working together. "...as long as you do not try to make Shigure go Haguro...we can work together..." she says, then raises an arm to point it at Midway. "...but...if you try anything shady...I will not hesitate..." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She notices Rei shooting Lily and pauses a moment before moving as if to stop her. She even gets a bit of glowing red at the end of her arm. "...you should not shoot your friend..." she says.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7061|Lily (7061)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lily hmms a bit, "I see, thanks for letting me use them, it was good to get around." and then there's Evangeline... coming in... with red on her arms.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rei blinks, "Shoot? Oh, it's my skill, Healing Shot. I just shoot her and she gets healed. It's not powerful but it works well enough! It's not like I'm shooting to injure her!~"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1122|Midway (1122)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That is my suspicion, yes," Midway affirms to the various comments on the function of the Mirror Sea, "It appears to be a common feature in waters controlled by the Sirens. Thus I am given to believe it is an anomaly utilized to conceal something else of importance." One hand raises, fingers stretched out, and then closed, "It shall be mine. The fate of the device behind the Mirror Sea is of no interest to me."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once her Hellcats are gathered up, Midway's parasite closes its mouth and then rolls itself off of her back. It disappears into the water below, as mysteriously as its arrival. "I have no interest in committing betrayals. While we are undeniably enemies, this endeavor is of greater priority." The Princess glides forward, then, passing between those gathered, "I understand that there is no reason to trust me. Therefore, I have little to gain by breaking what little trust has been offered. At least for now; we are allies. As tenuous as that relationship may ultimately be."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Resupply and repair. We shall resume this expedition later. Better-prepared."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa looks to Midway for a moment she seems to get where she's coming from. "Sirens huh? I'll not forget that." She sees as Midway will be packing uyp she'll look to the rest of the group and seems okay with the deal. It's better than a two front fight over this place. "Yes I get it it tenuois but it's better than a two front war." She takes a deep rbeaht and ponders for a moment "We should get back to the base to heal up and rearm..." She also gives a faint smile to Eva as well, she seems pretty thankful for the help today from her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:457|Evangeline (457)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evangeline stops her approach and after a moment the red glow fades. "...that is strange...guns that...heal..?" One can almost hear a processing sound coming from the Neuroi as she floats motionless until finally she nods. "...okay..." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, she turns to face Midway and the others again. Her head tilts slightly at the smile from Kotone before she addresses Midway again. "...you do not command us..." she says, then looks to Shigure.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:685|Shigure (685)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure nods to Midway. "For better or worse you have held to your word." she replies. There is some respect for the Princess here, though guarded.<br> <br>
}}