Chapter 88: Liberation of the Central Solomon Sea

A Type 98 Night Reconnaissance Seaplane flew over the now dark blue skies and water. Unlike before, the eclipse had let up a little. Now, the sun is akin to a waning crescent. Visibility has been slightly restored to the point where we can make out the colour of the surrounding area, but not enough to fully utilise our usual aircrafts. 

The water and sky being of a dark, eerie blue is a testament to the girls efforts in this operation. It has been a week and a half since Zuihou and the others went back to Rabaul. After days of rotating between fleets and personnel, we finally got the Abyssal Sun Princess cornered. Christmas is just a week away from now. If today's a lucky day, it will be the last time we engage and sink this pain in the ass. Just yesterday, I was wondering if we would have ever complete this operation before our annual organisation retreat.

"Mutsu, see anything?"

"Ara ara. A little eager, aren't we? Just kidding. Nothing just yet. So far, the route is clear." (Mutsu)

"Then, should we advance?" (Nagato)

"Of course. Move at 4th battle speed. Mutsu, keep your recon plane up in the air as long as you can. Carriers, be ready to switch aircraft configurations and launch at a moments notice."

"Roger!" (All)

"Why do you call it a 'configuration'? Wouldn't 'type', 'method', or mode be a better choice?" (Hiryuu)

"See, Akiyama? I told you 'configuration' is stupid."

"Agh... Here we go again. It's a 'configuration' because we have to switch between offensive and defensive modes. 'Type' or 'method' or 'mode' is not a good description of the plan." (Akiyama) 

"While I agree with the definition, the name is a little..." (Nagato)

"In the first place, why was it approved and implemented?" (Isokaze)

"Don't look me. Your Admiral is the one that suggested it. And the higher echelon approved of it."

"That's just one cute little feature of our cute Admiral. Ufufu~" (Mutsu)

"Mutsu!" (Akiyama)

"Hawawa~ Please don't fight!" (Gambier Bay)

'Relax. Those two are always like this." (Isokaze)

"Lock it down, everyone. We are at a critical point of the mission. Let's continue that little exchange later." (Nagato)

I cleared my throat,

"Alright. Let's go through it once more. Intel from Scout Planes indicate that the Abyssal Sun Princess is damaged and on its last legs. The dark blue sea and the sun peeking out from behind whatever is blocking it is proof of your efforts. That being said, we can't afford to be complacent. Rather, this is going to be even more dangerous than before."

"Based on past observations, the enemy fleet composition would most likely be changed and their firepower would increase drastically. However, if we stick with the plan, react accordingly, and make sure we don't take any reckless actions like charging in blindly, we should be able to win this." (Akiyama)

Nagato looked away sheepishly. In one of our previous runs, she got a little too heated and broke formation, charging into fray. She was immediately surrounded and heavily damaged by the Abyssals. The rest of the fleet weren't unscathed when they went in to rescue and pull her out before making a tactical retreat.

Though rare, it's not the first time she had done something like this. Not just Nagato, the other battleship girls sometimes charge straight into the battle like a berserker.

"We will win this. Once we are in range, take on formation 2. The carriers will take out, or at damage, as much units as they can with their opening airstrike. Nagato, your Broadside Special is are essential to this strategy, so use it to finish off the boss."

"Understood." (Nagato)

"Oh. I found them~" (Mutsu)

"Any changes to their fleet composition?"

"This might be bad. Now, there is a Aircraft Carrier Princess and a Heavy Cruiser Ne-class Elite in its fleet." (Mutsu)

"Another princess?! Two Battleship Princesses escorting it already made things tough for us." (Akiyama)

Ah!" (Mutsu)

"Don't tell me..."

"The enemy fleet has launched their own air group! My seaplane has been shot down! We have been spotted!" (Mutsu)

"All units, prepare for battle! Carriers, configuration 2!"

"Understood!" (All)

"Kaga, let's show them the power of the remodelled 1st Carrier Division!" 9Akagi)

"Yes, Akagi-san." (Kaga)

"Now, let's do this! Attack corps, take off." (Zuihou) 

Four squadrons of Reppu Kai 2 Model E, two of which are of CarDiv 1 variants, and two squadrons of Prototype Type 97 Torpedo Bomber Kai No. 3 Model E with Type 6 Airborne Radar Kai and TBM-3D took flight. This set-up is know as Configuration 2, or what I wanted to call Defensive form. In the event, the enemy detects our scouts and send their air group, the Standard Carriers will launch their fighters while the Light Carriers fire off a couple of bombers. The fighters will, well, fight off the enemy air group while the bombers attempt to slip past the enemy aircraft and deal some damage to the enemy fleet.

Configuration 1, or Offensive form, is the direct opposite. The Light Carriers launch some Fighters to escort the Bombers that were launched from the Standard Carriers. Ideally, this would be our best option to sink as much enemy units as we can so that Nagato may deal the decisive blow.

The plan is pretty straight-forward, on paper at least. First, we take out the Abyssals starting from the lowest ranks. Once the boss has been softened up, the remodelled Nagato will use her Broadside Special attack to deal the killing blow. It's similar to the Nelson Touch, without the weird appearance

Numerous red blips appeared on the radar on my console, approaching the girls location. Within seconds, our fighters will intercept.

"Cruising formation 2. Give them hell."

"The long-awaited decisive battle huh. I'm getting fired up! Don't underestimate the power of a remodelled Big Seven!" (Nagato)

"Hiryuu, Souryuu, prepare another squadron of Fighters. Akagi, Kaga, switch to bombers. Launch on my command. Mutsu, only use your Type 3 shells when a bunch of planes get too close. Yuubari, Isokaze, you two are on AA duty. Shigure, Fubuki, launch your torpedoes as soon as you are in range. I'll leave the timing to you."

"Shigure, acknowledging. Begin the attack." (Shigure)

"Fubuki, preparing for a torpedo attack." (Fubuki)

The two opposing air groups clashed, filling the dark sky with balls of fire.

"Launching Star shell!" (Yuubari)

The starshell illuminated the barely lit sky, allowing the girls to see their targets.

"I won't let you pass... It won't reach... You cannot save them... I TOLD YOU!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

A blue aura emitted from the Abyssals' body. The ring behind it has turned blue and its eyes are open. It's robe had opened up as well, revealing rows of sharp teeth. Despite being supposedly damaged, it looks even more menacing than before.

The fighters took out as much Abyssal Aircraft as they could while our bombers slipped past them unimpeded. At the same time, a small but sizeable number of enemy aircraft manged to slip through the net and made a beeline to the fleet.

"Incoming!" (Mutsu)

"I still... have another face to show at night!"

"You shouldn't underestimate my current strength!" (Isokaze)

Yuubari and Isokaze begin shooting the enemy planes down. Some of the Abyssal Torpedo Bombers managed to drop the load in the water before bursting into flames. 

"Evasive action!"

"Mutsu, slow down! Let that torpedo pass you. Zuihou, Gambier Bay, speed up at little. Otherwise, you're going to get hit." (Akiyama)

"Okay~" (Mutsu)

"That was close!" (Zuihou)

"Baaayyy~~!!!" (Gambier Bay)

While Zuihou and Mutsu followed Akiyama's instructions and avoided the torpedo gracefully, Gambier Bay got on all fours and scrambled away in terror.

"No way, there's definitely no way! This is dangerous, I'm telling you!" (Gambier Bay)

"Gamby-chan, calm down. It's all right." (Zuihou)

When it comes to night battles, or even anything remotely dangerous, she transforms into a nervous-wreck. 

The Abyssals on the opposing side made guttural screams as our torpedoes made contact. Unfortunately, only two Destroyer Na-class were sunk, while the others only took some damage.

"Launch the next wave of bombers!" 

"Siiiiink!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

"More planes incoming!" (Yuubari)

"Launch the next air group! Keep moving."

"All main cannons, volley. Fiiiiire!" (Nagato)

 The two battleship fired their 41cm Twin Gun Mounts at the enemy fleet just as the planes took off. The fighters once again clashed with the opposing Abyssal Hellcats and Imp Aircraft. A number of torpedo bombers were taken out but we still have decent amount that passed through the enemy's net.

"Mutsu, type 3 shell!" (Akiyama)

"It's my turn, huh. Okay then, I'll let them have it!" (Mutsu)

Mutsu's number 3 turret bellowed and emitted black smoke from its barrel as the Type 3 shell flew out at full velocity. It travelled into the midst of Abyssal aircraft and exploded, spraying shrapnel which shredded the enemy planes.

"Air superiority achieved!" (Akagi)

"Maintain it. Don't let up!"

Shigure and Fubuki launched their torpedoes to complement the ones released by the carriers bombers. Nagato and Mutsu fired their main cannons with support shelling from the Yuubari and Isokaze. I always knew the sound of explosion and ghoulish screams, combined with a rather phenomenal display of fireworks, had such a spectacular harmony. 

"All of you are wasted!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

"More torpedoes incoming!" (Fubuki)

"Increase battle speed to the max! Move away from its course and get closer into shelling range."

"It's my turn soon, huh." (Nagato)

"Soon. We still haven't land a hit on that bitch yet. Keep up the attack and continue evading theirs. Don't rush. Hiryuu, Souryuu, switch to bombers and join CarDiv1 in the attack. Zuihou, Gambier Bay, continue using Fighters. Once the two Light Carriers are out of Fighters, Akagi and Kaga will take over escort duty while they switch to bombers. The rest of you, keep shelling and torpedoing the enemy fleet. Take out the smaller units before moving to the Princesses."

"Yes!" (All)

Both fleets traded cannon fire and torpedoes as the planes move to decimate the weaker enemy units. Some of their torpedoes managed to score hits on the two Battleship Princesses, crippling and leaving them exposed. It was not one-sided. Some of their shots managed to graze our girls and send a couple of them falling backwards. Thankfully, their injuries are considered minor.

"Eeny, meeny, miney, moe... FIRE!" (Mutsu)

Mutsu's main guns bellowed as she fired a volley of shells at one of the two damaged Battleship Princesses, sinking it.

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

"Please hit!" (Fubuki)

"Too bad." (SHigure)

The two destroyers launched another torpedo slavo. Their Type 93 Ocygen Torpedoes made contact with the Aircraft Carrier Princess and remaining Battleship Princess, damaging the former and sinking the latter.

"Look out!" (Gambier Bay)

Gambier Bay suddenly broke formation and went in front of Zuihou who was preparing to launch another attack wave. 

"Kyaaaahhh!!!!" (Gambier Bay)

An explosion enveloped the Casablanca-class escort carrier as she creamed in pain.

"Gamby-chan!" (Zuihou)

That was a torpedo. How did neither of us catch that?!

"Main fleet, move forward and draw fire away from the escort fleet. Shigure, Isokaze, cover her!"

"Yes!" (Shigure)

"Got it" (Isokaze)

The two destroyers moved in front of the injured escort carrier, guns pointed at the water to fire at any incoming torpedoes. The smoke cleared, revealing an injured Gambier Bay lying on the water surface. Her hair is messed up and her clothes are tattered. Her body is covered in burn marks and blood flowed from her head and arm.

"Argh. There's definitely no way I can keep going..." (Gambier Bay)

"Can you stand? We have to keep moving." 

"No way. My rudder is damaged and I can't move my leg." (Gambier Bay)

Sure enough. Her left thigh is bleeding profusely.

"Do we have anything to stop the bleeding?" 

"Ah. I can use my sleeves again." (Zuihou)

Just like last time with Shigure.

"Thank you, Zuihou. Shigure, help her."

"Okay." (Shigure)

Zuihou plucked and snapped the threads holding her right sleeve to the rest of her outfit. With the cloth now detached, she wrapped it around Gambier Bay's leg and secured it with a knot.

"Th-thank you." (Gambier Bay)

"Don't mind it. Thank you for covering me. Let's keep moving." (Zuihou)

The two destroyers helped Gambier Bay on her feet. 

"Kyaa!" (Fubuki)

As soon as they got Gambier Bay on her feet, Fubuki flew past them and crashed onto the water. Her vitals turned yellow. Blood dripped from her forehead. 

"Fubuki, you all right?"

"Auu... That hurt... Ye-yes. I can still fight!" (Fubuki)

"Don't push yourself. Fall back if you have to. Small change in plans, Akagi will take over escort duty once Zuihou's fighter complement has been used up. Kaga will stick to bombers."

After putting another starshell in the air, Yuubari and Fubuki shot and killed the Heavy Crusier Ne-class Elite, who must have sent Fubuki flying earlier.

Zuihou launched another wave of fighters to escort the bombers.

"I'm out of Fighters! Switching to bombers." (Zuihou)

"Acknowledged! Akagi, switching to Fighters."

Akagi nocked an arrow onto her bow and pulled it back. 

"2nd Fighter Squadron, all planes take off!" (Akagi)

She released the arrow, which transmuted into 8 Reppuu Kai 2 Model E fighters.

Hiryuu and Souryuu's planes managed to finally take out the Aircraft Carrier Princess and scored some hits against the boss.

"ENOUGH!!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

The Abyssal Sun Princess launched numerous torpedoes and planes at the same time. With her entourage gone, she is getting desperate and even more dangerous.

"Hiryuu, Kaga, switch to fighters and assist Akagi!"

"On it!" (Hiryuu)

"Roger." (Kaga)

More fighters took flight to resist the enemy onslaught. The remaining bomber squadrons dropped their payload into the water and the torpedoes made a beeline for the Princess. Nagato and Mutsu continued shelling it, their shots creating plumes of smoke and pillars of water around the Princess.

" I TOLD YOU... IT"S USELESS!!!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

"AAAHHH!" (Mutsu)

"Mutsu!" (Akiyama)

"Mutsu!" (Nagato)

A large explosion send Mutsu tumbling on the water. A torpedo must have hit her!

"Kh! I'm alright! I-I'm not going to detonate!" (Mutsu)

Her vitals are in the orange. Moderate damage...

"Can you stand?"

Mutsu got up. She seems a little unsteady but that answers my question.

"Nagato, do it now!"

"Understood! Mutsu, follow me!" (Nagato)

"Let's go, Nagato." (Mutsu)

Nagato turned to ensure her broadside is facing her target. Her main guns turned and primed towards the enemy.

"Let's do this! Main guns, full broadside! FIRE!!!!!!!" (Nagato)

She launched a full salvo at the Princess. Within the next second, Mutsu followed up with a full salvo of her own. The sound of cannon fire reverberated through the speakers of my Command Centre. Both salvos struck the Abyssal Sun Princess, setting her ablaze. 

"ARRRGHHH!!!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

The Abyssal Sun Princess was still standing. Her body riddled with holes and a void replaced the right side of her face. 

Damn it! I was hoping that would kill her.

"Tch! Tough bastard! Load the next volley! Hurry!" (Nagato)

The Abyssal Sun Princess turned around. It's trying to run away?!

"Escort fleet, pursue it!"

"I still... have another face to show at night!" (Yuubari)

Yuubari fired a volley at the Princess, but all it did was made it stagger forward a little bit. 

Come on! Just a little more!

"Kazagumo reporting! The 10th Destroyer Divison has arrived! Akigumo, ready? Yuugumo-nee, Makigumo-nee; let's do this!" (Kazagumo)

About time the Friend Fleet arrived. We can win this!

The four destroyers; Kazagumo, Akigumo, Yuugumo and Makigumo, showed up on the monitor. All four of them launched their torpedoes simultenously at the retreat Princess. Two of the torpedoes struck the muscular arms propping the Princess up, tearing a huge chunk off and causing the princess to fall.

Just one final push...

"Too bad." (Shigure)

Shigure fired a torpedo at the fallen Princess. That was enough to finally deal the killing blow. Portions of the Princess's body start exploding as she laid on the water surface.

"I was defeated... sink again huh... I wanted to go far some more..." (Abyssal Sun Princess)

The eclipse begin to let up. And the sun finally showed itself after weeks of darkness.

"Ah... What is this light? " (Abyssal Sun Princess)

Her voice changed from a ghostly one to that of a young girl. It's happening as usual.

"What I see is opposite... Alright. Yes! I am... So I want to go that sea again!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

With a final big explosion, the Abyssal Sun Princess disappeared from the face of the earth and the sea returned back to it's usual blue hue.

"We won..." (Akiyama)

"The Central Solomon Seas have been liberated. We did it!"

"HELL YEAH! VICTORY IS OURS!" (Nagato)

"Finally, it's bright again..." (Zuihou)

"Hey. Look." (Isokaze)

Right at spot where the Abyssal Sun Princess blew up, there were bubbles and a green light shone from the depths. Seconds later, a small naked body, in a fetal position, emerged from under the water. 

A new shipgirl.

"All right. Come back home everyone. Don't forget to bring your new companion along." 

"YES!" (All)

I can't wait for them to come home. It's going to get lively again.