The battle raging through the town had become increasingly fierce.
Rapture droids poured through the streets, exchanging fire with the local resistance. Buildings shook from the constant gunfire and explosions, while civilians scrambled between ruined structures in search of safety.
Takao, Atago, Maya, and Choukai moved cautiously through the chaos, keeping their weapons ready as they searched for any sign of their missing comrades.
They rounded a damaged building and suddenly encountered a group of armed civilians.
The resistance fighters immediately raised their weapons.
One of them stepped forward and pointed his gun directly at Takao.
"Who are you?!"
His voice was tense.
"Are you one of them?"
Takao immediately raised one hand, signaling that they meant no harm.
"No. We're not with those machines."
The resistance fighter kept his weapon trained on her.
"Then who are you?"
Takao lowered her hand.
"We are part of the Global Defense Initiative."
She gestured toward the distant battlefield.
"We're here searching for our missing comrades."
The man's eyes narrowed.
"You're not with those machines?"
"No."
Takao shook her head firmly.
"Think of us as advanced humans from another faction. We're fighting the same enemy you are."
Atago stepped forward beside her.
"And judging by the state of this town, you could certainly use some help."
The resistance fighters exchanged uncertain glances.
Finally, the man lowered his weapon slightly.
"Then please…"
His voice softened.
"We need aid. We can't fight these things by ourselves."
Takao nodded.
"Very well. Tell us where you need us."
The man immediately pointed deeper into the town.
"The cathedral."
Takao's expression became serious.
"Why the cathedral?"
"Our people have been hiding there."
He swallowed.
"But the machines are closing in."
Takao exchanged a glance with Choukai.
"Our intelligence indicates that our missing comrades may also be trapped there."
The resistance fighter stared at her.
"Then you're looking for the prisoners too?"
"Yes."
He suddenly looked relieved.
"Then please help us!"
He gestured desperately toward the distant cathedral.
"The mercenary calling himself Mendoza is bringing these machines here. He's demanding that we hand over the prisoners who escaped."
Takao's expression hardened.
"Mendoza…"
She looked toward the burning streets.
"And those prisoners are the people we're looking for."
The resistance fighter nodded.
"If what you're saying is true, then you're here for the same people."
"That is correct."
Takao stepped forward.
"Then we'll help you."
The man looked relieved.
"But you don't understand. There are too many of them!"
Takao glanced toward the Rapture droids advancing through the streets.
Her expression remained calm.
"We have fought enemies like these before."
Maya hefted her weapon.
"And we're not leaving our comrades behind."
Choukai nodded.
"Tell your people to withdraw toward the safer areas."
Atago smiled reassuringly.
"We'll handle the machines."
The resistance fighter hesitated.
"You're willing to fight them for us?"
Takao nodded.
"Yes."
She looked directly at him.
"And listen carefully. Even if you surrendered the prisoners, these machines wouldn't simply leave you alone."
Her voice became firm.
"They've already decided that this town is theirs."
The resistance fighter slowly lowered his weapon.
"You're right…"
Takao nodded.
"So let us handle them."
She pointed toward the evacuation route.
"Get your civilians to safety. We'll make our way to the cathedral and rescue our comrades."
The resistance fighter looked at the four Shipgirls.
Then toward the battlefield.
Finally, he nodded.
"Understood."
Takao turned toward the others.
"Ladies."
Atago raised her weapon.
"Let's clear the way."
Maya grinned.
"Now that's more like it."
Choukai checked her equipment.
The city condition had prohibited them from using Volt Auto Rifles and Laser based rifles in the crowded streets and wood based structures, where an accidental discharge could cause devastating collateral damage.
For the time being, they would rely on their Raptor Auto Rifles and R59 Sniper Rifles.
The weapons lacked the overwhelming firepower of the Volt rifles and Laser rifles, but they were more than sufficient against the Rapture droids.
A controlled burst to the head could bring one down.
A well-placed sniper round could drop another instantly.
Choukai secured her rifle and glanced toward the advancing machines.
"Several shots to the head should be enough."
Maya checked her Raptor Auto Rifle.
"Then let's make every shot count."
"Let's go."
The four Shipgirls charged toward the battlefield.
Behind them, the resistance fighters began moving the civilians toward safety.
Ahead, the Rapture droids continued advancing.
But now the resistance had reinforcements.
=====================
"Looks like those meddling pests called the GDI are here."
Behemoth's voice crackled through the radio.
Far above the town, a Rapture transport descended through the smoke.
Its rear ramp opened.
A man stepped out.
The world knew his name.
Carlos Mendoza.
He had a rugged, aggressive appearance, with facial hair framing a hard, predatory face. A tactical sweater covered his torso, while tactical pants and heavy boots completed his outfit. A beret sat low over his head, and a cigar hung casually from the corner of his mouth.
He looked down at the burning town with visible annoyance.
"I am not getting paid enough for this."
"Shut it," Behemoth replied coldly. "We gave you those enhancements. Now earn your payment."
Mendoza took another drag from his cigar.
His eyes narrowed.
"Fine."
He checked his weapon.
"Line up those GDI bitches."
A twisted grin spread across his face.
"I'll make them bleed."
Behemoth's voice returned over the radio.
"Carlos Mendoza. We hired you to track those Shipgirls and eliminate the GDI pests. Deal with them."
Mendoza snorted.
"And after this?"
"After this, perhaps we'll hire you to find the pest of a commander leading them."
Mendoza's grin widened.
"Now you're speaking my language."
He raised his communicator and activated its tracking interface.
A map of the town appeared before him.
Multiple signals were clustered together.
One location immediately stood out.
A small section of the town was surrounded by Rapture droids.
Mendoza's eyes narrowed.
"There you are."
He pointed toward the location.
"Move."
The Rapture forces began advancing.
Inside the surrounded building, a lone maid Shipgirl stood between the civilians and the approaching machines.
She wore a white collared shirt decorated with small ruffles, with a distinctive opening at the chest secured by a black ribbon and a red gemstone. An open dark-purple coat hung over her shoulders, partially fastened, while a white apron covered the front of her matching dark-purple skirt.
Black tights and high-heeled boots completed her outfit, along with a black hairband and a single metal gauntlet.
She held her weapon firmly as she watched the windows.
Outside, dozens of Rapture droids surrounded the building.
Children huddled behind overturned furniture.
Civilians whispered prayers.
The maid remained calm.
"Everyone, keep your heads down."
She raised her weapon.
"Do not come out, no matter what happens."
A burst of gunfire erupted outside.
The maid leaned around the window and returned fire.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
A Rapture droid fell.
Another took its place.
The maid's expression hardened.
"There are too many…"
Then she heard something approaching.
Heavy footsteps.
A shadow appeared outside.
Mendoza emerged from the smoke, followed by a contingent of Rapture droids.
He stopped in front of the building.
"Maid!"
The woman immediately aimed her weapon at him.
Mendoza grinned.
"Come out, and we won't kill everyone around you."
The maid's eyes narrowed.
She fired.
BANG!
The shot struck Mendoza directly in the head.
His head snapped backward.
The civilians gasped.
But Mendoza merely stood there.
A few seconds later, he slowly straightened.
The bullet wound began closing.
He looked toward the building.
Then he laughed.
"Is that all you've got?"
He casually wiped blood from his face.
"You hear me in there?"
He took another drag from his cigar.
"Comfy?"
His grin became more vicious.
"Because this is going to be you and all these people's tomb."
He raised his voice.
"Get used to it!"
The maid stepped closer to the entrance.
"Why don't you come in here and face me face-to-face, coward?"
Mendoza laughed.
"Brave."
He raised his weapon.
"But foolish."
His expression became cold.
"Like sheep to a slaughter."
He aimed at the building's supporting structure.
"Enough of this."
BOOOOOOM!
The weapon fired.
The support structure exploded.
The front portion of the building collapsed with a deafening roar.
KRAAAAAASH!
Concrete and debris came crashing down.
The maid barely had time to react before the ceiling collapsed around her.
"Everyone, move!"
But there was nowhere to go.
Dust filled the air.
The front of the building disappeared beneath a mountain of rubble.
Mendoza watched the destruction with satisfaction.
"That's better."
His Rapture forces began moving forward.
Then—
A radio signal suddenly broke through the communications channel.
"Come in? Any resistance fighters nearby?"
The voice was distorted by static.
"We are trapped beneath the rubble with the mercenary Mendoza waiting outside."
A pause.
"We require aid."
The transmission ended.
Inside the collapsed building, the maid slowly pushed herself upright.
Dust covered her clothing.
She looked around.
The civilians were alive.
The children were frightened, but unharmed.
She immediately moved toward them.
"Everyone…"
She checked each person.
"Is anyone injured?"
A few shook their heads.
The maid breathed a small sigh of relief.
Then she looked toward the collapsed entrance.
Mendoza and his Raptures were still outside.
She knew the truth.
No resistance fighters were likely to reach them in time.
No reinforcements.
No escape.
She tightened her grip around her weapon.
If this was where she died, then so be it.
She would not abandon the people under her protection.
The maid looked toward the frightened children.
"Stay behind me."
She raised her weapon toward the rubble.
"I'll protect you."
Outside, Mendoza waited.
He was confident that his prey had nowhere left to run.
Mendoza took another drag from his cigar and slowly exhaled the smoke.
"Any last words?"
Suddenly—
Mendoza heard footsteps.
He turned around.
A woman was walking toward him.
She wore full golden armor, every surface covered in gleaming hexagonal scales. A long cloak flowed behind her, stirred by the growing wind. Her helmet completely concealed her face, leaving her identity a mystery.
She carried no firearm.
Only a katana rested at her hip.
Mendoza's eyes immediately caught the insignia on her shoulder.
The Diving Eagle crest.
His expression changed.
"Ah."
He grinned.
"Meddling GDI."
He raised one hand.
"Behemoth told me about you."
The Rapture droids surrounding him immediately turned their weapons toward the approaching woman.
Mendoza's grin widened.
"One more step, and I'll order these machines to shoot you."
The golden-armored woman stopped.
She didn't raise a weapon.
She didn't even appear concerned.
Then—
Three more women emerged behind her.
They wore the same golden hexagonal armor.
The same cloaks.
The same concealed helmets.
The four women slowly advanced together.
Mendoza stared at them.
Four unknown warriors.
No rifles.
No heavy weapons.
No visible firearms of any kind.
Only swords.
They had deliberately walked into a formation of heavily armed Rapture droids with nothing but blades at their sides.
Mendoza narrowed his eyes.
Either they have a death wish…
…or they're extremely confident.
The lead woman stepped forward.
Her golden armor caught what little light remained beneath the storm clouds, the hexagonal scales shimmering like overlapping pieces of metal.
Her cloak billowed behind her.
She placed one hand upon the hilt of her katana.
Then she spoke.
"I offer you the same choice."
Mendoza's smile disappeared.
Behind the leader, the other three women simultaneously drew their swords.
SHING!
The sound of four blades leaving their scabbards echoed through the ruined street.
Inside the collapsed building, the maid and the civilians stared through gaps between the rubble.
The maid's eyes widened.
"Who are they?"
Her gaze settled on the crest.
"Diving Eagles?"
The leader slowly lowered herself into a sword stance.
Her posture was perfectly composed.
Perfectly disciplined.
Like a samurai preparing for a duel.
Above them, thunder rolled across the sky.
Then the rain began to fall.
Drip.
Drip.
Within seconds, rain poured over the battlefield.
Mendoza stared at the four warriors.
Then he laughed.
"You think a few swords are going to save you?"
He pointed toward them.
"Shoot them!"
The Rapture droids opened fire.
RATATATATATAT!
Hundreds of rounds tore through the rain.
But the four women didn't move.
Instead, their armor changed.
The microscopic hexagonal scales covering their bodies rapidly hardened and shifted, forming countless tiny upward-pointing structures across their surfaces.
A bluish energy field spread over their armor.
WHUMMMMM!
The incoming bullets struck the defensive layer.
And stopped.
Some ricocheted away.
Others simply flattened against the hardened microscopic armor before falling harmlessly to the ground.
The women didn't even stagger.
They didn't flinch.
They didn't take a single step backward.
The barrage simply failed to affect them.
Mendoza's eyes widened.
"What the…?"
The lead woman began walking forward.
Slowly.
Calmly.
Completely unhurried.
"You have made your choice, then."
Her voice was quiet.
But there was absolute certainty behind it.
The Rapture droids switched tactics.
Several rushed forward, raising their weapons for melee attacks.
The first swung its mechanical arm.
The golden warrior stepped aside.
Her katana flashed.
SHING!
The droid was sliced cleanly apart.
Another lunged.
She turned.
SLASH!
Its armored torso split open.
A third attacked from the side.
She rotated her body and brought the blade down.
KRAK!
The machine fell in two pieces.
The other three warriors joined the battle.
Their swords moved with frightening precision.
One strike.
One machine.
Every motion was efficient.
Every cut landed exactly where it needed to.
The Rapture droids' armor offered almost no resistance.
To the four warriors, reinforced metal might as well have been butter.
Their Level 31 enhancements had changed everything.
Their physical strength was now thirty-one times greater than what it had once been.
Their speed.
Their reflexes.
Their endurance.
Their combat ability.
All had been pushed far beyond their original limits.
The Raptures simply could not keep up.
The maid stared in disbelief.
Her eyes followed the movements of the lead warrior.
Something about her voice.
Something about the way she moved.
Something familiar.
That voice…
Her eyes widened.
Lady Takao?
Outside, Takao continued walking through the collapsing formation of Rapture droids, her katana dripping with rainwater.
And behind her, Atago, Maya, and Choukai followed.
The four Diving Eagles had arrived.
Mendoza was confident that his prey had nowhere left to run.
Then—
Takao burst forward.
BOOM!
Her armored boots slammed against the ground as she accelerated with explosive force.
Yuuki had taught her a technique that had fascinated her from the moment he explained it.
It was a skill that allowed a swordsman to manipulate the ions surrounding them and extend the effective range of a melee weapon.
Her katana was no ordinary blade.
It was an ion-based sword, capable of absorbing ions from the surrounding atmosphere and converting them into a concentrated energy field along the blade.
With enough practice, the sword could project the force of its edge far beyond the physical length of the weapon.
Takao had spent much of her free time practicing.
At first, she could barely extend the attack beyond the blade itself.
Then she managed to double the effective range.
Eventually, she could triple it.
It was one of the skills she had been particularly eager to learn from Yuuki.
He had promised her something even more advanced once she mastered it.
Condensing ions into spectral attack forms.
A technique that could turn the energy of a sword strike into something resembling a blade made entirely from concentrated ion energy.
Takao had not mastered that technique yet.
But she was more than ready to demonstrate what she had already learned.
Her katana flashed.
A wave of ion energy extended from the blade.
SHRAAAAAK!
The nearest Rapture droid was sliced apart before Takao even reached it.
She continued forward.
Bullets hammered against her golden armor.
RATATATATAT!
Her Armor Mode activated.
The microscopic hexagonal scales covering her suit hardened instantly, while bluish defensive energy spread across the surface.
The incoming rounds flattened, ricocheted, or simply disintegrated against the reinforced armor.
Takao didn't slow down.
She simply walked through the gunfire.
Then she accelerated again.
BOOM!
Takao disappeared into the Rapture formation.
Her katana swept horizontally.
SHING!
Three droids were cut apart in a single motion.
She turned.
Another slash.
SHRAK!
Two more machines fell.
Her extended ion blade allowed her to strike enemies several meters beyond the physical reach of her katana.
The Raptures couldn't even understand what was happening.
They were being cut apart before their weapons could reach her.
Then Takao switched modes.
Heroic Mode.
Energy surged through her body.
Her physical output increased.
Her sword strikes became even more powerful.
The four golden warriors moved together.
Atago, Maya, and Choukai had joined Takao only moments later, cutting their own paths through the Rapture formation.
Their armor absorbed the gunfire.
Their swords tore through the machines.
Four Diving Eagles had entered the enemy formation with nothing but swords—
and were carving through it as if it were made of paper.
Their training under Yuuki had unlocked something else as well.
The experience they gained as his apprentices had expanded their personal talent trees.
A new branch had appeared.
SWORDMASTER.
It was unlike the abilities they had possessed as Shipgirls.
Their original talents were deeply tied to their ships, weapons, and naval combat.
Swordmaster was different.
It was a preset swordsmanship system created by Yuuki specifically to allow them to develop abilities unrelated to ship-based combat or firearms like Nikkes.
The skills were integrated directly into the nanomachines within their muscles and nervous systems.
Once a skill was learned, the nanomachines could coordinate the required movements automatically whenever the wielder consciously activated it.
At their current rank, the katana users had access to three basic techniques.
Sheathed Attack.
By holding their guard and initiating a light or heavy attack, the system would automatically return the katana to its sheath before launching a powerful draw strike.
The resulting blow could break an enemy's guard.
Power Dash.
The swordsman could instantly dash toward a single enemy, dealing concentrated ability damage before moving behind the target and leaving it Vulnerable.
Riposte.
Release the block immediately after successfully guarding against an attack, and the system would convert the defensive motion into an instantaneous counterattack.
As their ranks increased, more techniques would become available.
For now, however, those three were enough.
Takao saw Mendoza.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Overdrive."
Energy surged through her armor.
Her body accelerated.
The world seemed to slow around her.
Mendoza barely had time to react.
Takao vanished.
BOOM!
She used Power Dash.
In an instant, she crossed the distance between them, passing through the Rapture formation like a golden blur.
Mendoza's eyes widened.
"What—?!"
Takao appeared behind him.
Her katana was already in motion.
SHING!
A deep slash tore across Mendoza's chest.
Blood sprayed across the rain-soaked ground.
Mendoza stumbled backward, clutching his chest.
"You—!"
Takao turned toward him.
The Diving Eagle crest on her shoulder was clearly visible beneath the rain.
Mendoza's expression twisted with fury.
"GDI maggots!"
He immediately fired his grappling hook.
THWIP!
The cable caught onto a rooftop.
Mendoza was yanked upward.
"Get back here!"
Takao stepped forward, but Mendoza was already disappearing across the rooftops.
He vanished into the rain and darkness.
Takao clicked her tongue.
"He escaped."
Atago suddenly stepped beside her.
"Then we'll deal with the rest."
She reached into her equipment and pulled out a grenade.
Takao recognized it immediately.
An anti-gravity grenade.
Atago tossed it directly into the center of the remaining Rapture formation.
"Catch."
The grenade landed.
BEEP.
The Rapture droids looked down.
Then—
WHOOOOOM!
The grenade detonated.
A powerful anti-gravitational field erupted outward.
Every Rapture droid within the affected area suddenly lost its effective weight.
The machines began rising into the air.
One after another.
WHOOSH!
WHOOSH!
Dozens of droids were lifted helplessly upward.
Their legs kicked uselessly as they floated above the battlefield.
Atago smiled.
"Much easier targets now."
Takao raised her katana.
Maya and Choukai followed.
However, the four Diving Eagles remained firmly planted on the ground.
Their Echo Suits automatically increased their effective weight and stabilized their bodies, preventing the anti-gravity field from lifting them as well.
The four women looked upward.
The Rapture droids were now completely exposed.
Takao's eyes narrowed.
"Ladies."
Her katana began glowing with concentrated ion energy.
"Let's finish this."
The four Diving Eagles moved simultaneously.
SHING!
Four golden warriors leapt into the rain.
And the slaughter continued.
The remaining Rapture droids were completely wiped out.
Not a single machine remained standing.
The battlefield fell strangely quiet.
Then the sound of engines broke through the silence.
VRRRRMMMMM!
Takao turned toward the road.
Several Rapture APCs emerged through the smoke, their armored hulls rolling over the ruined streets. An attack buggy raced alongside them, its weapon already swiveling toward the four Diving Eagles.
Behind the formation came something considerably heavier.
A Rapture flame tank.
Its massive weapon system rotated toward Takao and her sisters.
Maya looked at the approaching vehicles.
"Oh, come on."
Choukai sighed.
"They really don't know when to stop."
Takao reached behind her.
"Then let's end this quickly."
The four women simultaneously pulled out their N72 missile launchers.
CLACK!
The launchers locked into position.
Targeting systems immediately came alive.
Four separate targeting reticles appeared across their helmet displays.
Each woman selected a different target.
Takao marked an APC.
Atago marked another.
Maya locked onto the attack buggy.
Choukai selected the flame tank.
The Rapture vehicles opened fire.
BOOM! BOOM!
The Diving Eagles didn't even bother dodging.
Their Armor Modes absorbed the incoming impacts.
Takao raised her launcher.
"Fire."
FWOOOOSH!
Four missiles streaked through the air.
BOOM!
The first APC erupted.
BOOOOM!
The second was torn apart.
The attack buggy disappeared beneath a cloud of fire and debris.
The flame tank attempted to turn.
It didn't get the chance.
KRA-BOOOOOOM!
Its armored hull was ripped open by the missile strike.
Flames consumed the wreckage.
The four women lowered their launchers.
Silence returned.
Around them, the civilian resistance fighters stared wide-eyed.
They had just watched four women in golden armor walk into a formation of Rapture machines armed with nothing but swords—
and destroy everything.
Some of the resistance fighters exchanged embarrassed glances.
One quietly lowered his weapon.
Another scratched the back of his head.
They remembered their first encounter with the four women.
They had pointed their weapons at them.
They had genuinely believed the Diving Eagles were another type of machine.
Now they were wondering whether they should apologize for it.
A voice suddenly came from beneath the rubble.
"Help! We're in here!"
Takao immediately turned toward the collapsed building.
Atago stepped forward.
"Everyone stand clear!"
She pulled out a C4 charge and carefully placed it against a section of the rubble blocking the entrance.
She stepped back.
"Fire in the hole!"
BOOOOOOM!
The explosion blasted open a passage through the debris.
Atago waved toward the opening.
"Go! The building won't last!"
The maid immediately understood.
"Everyone, move!"
She began leading the civilians out.
One by one, they emerged from the ruined structure.
Some were injured.
Others were exhausted.
Maya immediately moved forward to help those who couldn't walk on their own.
"Easy. I've got you."
She lifted one injured civilian and carried them toward safety.
Choukai assisted another.
Atago helped clear debris from the path.
Takao remained outside, watching for any remaining Rapture forces.
Eventually, everyone made it out.
The moment the last civilian cleared the building—
KRRRRRROOOOM!
The damaged structure finally collapsed completely.
Dust billowed into the street.
Takao looked toward the civilians.
Everyone was alive.
No casualties.
The maid stepped forward.
She bowed deeply.
"Thank you for coming to save us."
Takao studied her for a moment.
Then the maid suddenly froze.
"Lady Gloucester?"
Takao raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
The maid stared at her.
"You are…"
The four Diving Eagles reached up to their helmets.
Click.
Their faceplates disengaged.
One after another, their helmets opened.
Takao.
Atago.
Maya.
Choukai.
The surrounding villagers stared.
They had expected hardened soldiers beneath those intimidating golden helmets.
Instead, they saw four beautiful women.
Some of the villagers stared even harder at Atago and the others whose unmistakable animal ears were now visible.
The village had never seen demi-humans like the Shipgirls of the Sakura Empire.
Gloucester, however, recognized them immediately.
Her eyes widened.
"The Takao-class sisters…"
She looked between them.
"Takao. Atago. Maya. Choukai."
Takao nodded.
Gloucester was overjoyed to see them again after so many years. Although the Sakura Empire was gone, she was grateful to find that some of its people were still alive.
"We came to rescue you and your sisters."
Gloucester's expression trembled.
"You came for us?"
"Yes."
Takao's expression softened.
"Lady Belfast is currently on a mission to rescue Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Glasgow, alongside three KanColle girls."
She glanced toward the village.
"Our commander assigned us to locate the rest of you."
Gloucester's knees suddenly gave way.
She fell to the ground.
"Thank heavens…"
Tears began streaming down her face.
"Thank heavens…"
She covered her face.
"We thought no one would come for us," Gloucester said, her voice trembling. "Bel is still alive. I thought the Royal Navy was gone, but it seems some of us survived. We aren't extinct yet."
"I thought I would never see Bel again."
Takao immediately crouched beside her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"We're here now," she said gently. "And not just Belfast. Illustrious, Unicorn, Javelin, Wales, Centaur, and Albion are alive as well. Wales is currently rescuing her sisters alongside our new commander. More of us survived than you realized, Gloucester."
Gloucester's eyes widened.
"Lady Wales is still alive?"
"Yes," Takao replied. "We recovered her and the others from the headquarters, along with Sandy, Nimi, and Eldridge. We even found Akashi and the Bulin sisters."
Gloucester stared at her in stunned silence as the news sank in.
"We're regrouping…" she whispered.
Her composure finally broke. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she covered her face with both hands.
"Thank heavens… After all these years, we're finally regrouping."
Takao gently helped Gloucester back to her feet.
"You're not alone anymore," she assured her. "We'll find the rest of your sisters and bring them home safely."
Gloucester looked at her through tear-filled eyes.
"You said your commander?"
"Not Smith-san," Takao replied. "We have a new commander now—the one who summoned us."
Gloucester's breath caught.
"Is it true?" she asked. "The voice… Was it truly him?"
"Yes," Takao said with a reassuring smile. "Let's gather everyone and meet him. He sent us here to find you, and he'll be joining us soon."
She glanced toward the smoke-filled streets and the ruined buildings surrounding them.
"He should arrive in about twenty minutes. We need to get everyone organized and ready before then."
Takao's expression hardened as she looked toward the rooftops where Mendoza had escaped.
"I doubt Mendoza will let us leave this easily. He'll probably return with reinforcements, so we need to find your sisters and secure the village before he does."
Gloucester wiped her tears and slowly composed herself.
"But how did you get to this place?"
Gloucester looked toward the surrounding village.
"An arcane Shipgirl led us here about a week ago."
Her expression darkened.
"She was captured while buying time for the rest of us to escape."
She clenched her fists.
"Then the Raptures found this place."
She looked toward the direction of the village center.
"They attacked the village last night."
Takao's expression became serious.
"What happened to the others?"
"Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield had to split up."
Gloucester pointed toward the southern side of the village.
"We have to get to Manchester."
Her voice became urgent.
"She is in the village square on the south side of the village. She won't last long!"
She looked toward the civilians she had been protecting.
"I have to keep these people safe."
Takao stood.
"Then follow us."
She turned toward the villagers.
"Everyone, please stay indoors until the village is clear!"
The resistance fighters looked at one another.
Then one of them raised the weapon he had taken from a fallen Rapture droid.
"We can guard this place!"
Others began picking up weapons and ammunition from the destroyed machines.
Another resistance fighter shouted.
"Go, ladies!"
He raised his weapon toward the southern side of the village.
"Liberate our village!"
The others rallied behind him.
"Liberate the village!"
Takao looked toward Atago, Maya, and Choukai.
The four sisters exchanged determined looks.
Takao drew her ion katana.
Its blade began absorbing ions from the surrounding air, a faint energy shimmering along its edge.
"Then let's go."
The four Diving Eagles moved toward the southern village square.
This time, the villagers no longer saw them as mysterious armored strangers.
They saw them for what they truly were.
Their rescuers.
Gloucester led the Takao sisters through the ruined streets toward the village square.
The four Shipgirls moved together, their golden armor gleaming beneath the rain. Their weapons remained ready as they advanced, fully aware that the mercenary Mendoza could still be somewhere nearby.
Atago looked around at the ruined village.
"Ufuu… this is exciting."
Choukai immediately glanced at her.
"Atago-nee… be careful. That Mendoza is still around."
Atago smiled.
"Don't worry."
Maya rested her weapon against her shoulder.
"We can deal with him."
Choukai looked toward the frightened villagers being escorted away from the battlefield.
"Those poor villagers…"
She paused.
"But did you notice something?"
Takao glanced at her.
"What?"
"She mentioned an Arcane Shipgirl."
Takao's expression became thoughtful.
"Kaguya-san did mention that there were others besides her."
Gloucester looked at them in surprise.
"You found another Arcane?"
Takao nodded.
"Yes."
She looked toward Gloucester.
"Arcane of the East. The Fox—Kaguya of the Sakura Empire."
Gloucester's eyes widened.
"Another Arcane…"
"Yes."
Takao continued walking.
"Do you happen to know who the Arcane Shipgirl that led you here was?"
Gloucester was silent for a moment.
Then she answered.
"Irisviel von Einzbern."
The four sisters exchanged glances.
"She calls herself that," Gloucester continued.
"She was the one who led us to this island."
Her voice became softer as she remembered the past.
"She would visit us from time to time. She even delayed the Sirens when they were searching for us."
Gloucester looked toward the distant horizon.
"When the four of us were ambushed, she gave us directions to this village."
"She told us to stay here and lay low while she dealt with the Siren fleet."
Her expression fell.
"Then…"
She paused.
"That was the last time we heard from her."
Gloucester lowered her head.
"We don't know what happened after that."
Her hands tightened.
"We blame ourselves for her capture."
Takao shook her head.
"You shouldn't."
Gloucester looked at her.
"She made that decision herself. She chose to buy you time."
Takao's voice was firm.
"We won't let that sacrifice be meaningless."
Choukai nodded.
"Irisviel von Einzbern…"
Takao's expression became thoughtful.
"Kaguya-san would know her."
Gloucester looked surprised.
"She would?"
Takao nodded.
"She told us she knew every Arcane Shipgirl."
Atago's expression brightened.
"Then it's simple."
She rested a hand on her sword.
"Let's finish this operation first."
Maya nodded.
"Then we can ask Kaguya about Irisviel."
Atago smiled.
"And if anyone knows where to find her…"
She glanced toward Takao.
"Kaguya would."
Takao nodded.
"Then let's rescue Manchester and clear this village."
The four sisters continued toward the village square.
But now, alongside their mission to rescue their missing comrades, another question lingered in their minds.
Who was Irisviel von Einzbern—and where had the mysterious Arcane Shipgirl gone?
Gloucester continued leading the Takao sisters through the ruined streets.
They had barely gone a few blocks when her radio suddenly crackled.
KRRRZZT—
Gloucester immediately raised it.
"Manchester? How are things on your end?"
Static answered for a moment.
Then—
"Glow!"
Manchester's voice came through, strained and breathless.
"I am currently pinned! Dozens of droids are surrounding me in the middle of the village square on the south side!"
A burst of gunfire sounded through the transmission.
"Requesting backup!"
Gloucester's expression immediately changed.
"Roger! I'll be there with the Takao sisters. Hold on!"
There was a brief pause.
"Takao sisters?"
Manchester sounded confused.
Gloucester glanced at the four golden-armored women beside her.
"Long story."
She switched off the radio and looked ahead.
"The village square is another couple of blocks away."
She frowned.
"At this rate, we'll be too slow."
Takao immediately stepped forward.
"Then we won't go by the streets."
Gloucester barely had time to react.
Takao grabbed her firmly around the hips.
"Eh?"
"Through the roofs."
THWIP!
Takao fired her grappling hook.
The cable shot upward and latched onto the edge of a nearby rooftop.
With a powerful pull, the two of them were launched upward.
"W-Wait!"
Gloucester instinctively grabbed onto Takao.
WHOOSH!
They landed on the rooftop.
Takao immediately released the cable and fired another hook toward the next building.
THWIP!
"Hold tight."
The two of them were pulled forward again.
Atago, Maya, and Choukai followed without hesitation.
Their grappling systems made them far faster than simply running through the streets.
THWIP!
WHOOSH!
THWIP!
The four Diving Eagles traversed the rooftops at incredible speed, leaping from building to building as Gloucester was carried along with them.
Below, the streets remained filled with Rapture droids.
But the four women were already above them.
Gloucester stared in amazement.
"You can move this fast?!"
Atago laughed.
"Shikikan-sama gave us some very useful toys."
Maya grinned.
"And we're still learning what these suits can do."
Choukai suddenly stopped.
"Wait."
Her helmet turned toward a rooftop farther ahead.
"There."
Takao followed her gaze.
A lone figure stood on the roof.
Mendoza.
The mercenary had managed to escape during the earlier battle.
He was crouched beside a damaged wall, tending to the wound Takao had carved across his chest.
The regenerative enhancements were slowly closing the gash.
Mendoza grimaced as he pressed a hand against the wound.
"Damn GDI…"
He finished patching himself up.
Then he reached for his weapon.
A sniper rifle.
Mendoza moved toward the edge of the rooftop.
He looked through the scope.
And froze.
Four golden figures were moving across the rooftops.
His eyes narrowed.
"There they are."
He quickly deployed the rifle.
The scope settled on the nearest target.
Takao.
His finger moved toward the trigger.
But—
KRAK!
A sniper round struck the rifle directly.
The weapon was knocked aside.
Mendoza's eyes widened.
"What?!"
Another shot struck the rooftop beside his foot.
BANG!
He immediately dropped behind cover.
Choukai lowered her R59 sniper rifle.
Her helmet calmly tracked Mendoza's position.
"He's still alive."
Takao landed beside her.
"So I see."
Mendoza cautiously looked over the edge of the cover.
Four golden warriors stood across the rooftops.
Choukai already had her sniper trained on him.
Mendoza snarled.
"You damn GDI—"
BANG!
Another shot struck the wall beside his head.
Mendoza ducked back down.
Atago smiled.
"Looks like someone doesn't like being shot at."
Maya drew her sword.
"Funny."
She looked toward the rooftop where Mendoza was hiding.
"He seemed perfectly happy shooting at us."
Gloucester stared between the four sisters and the mercenary.
"That bastard… He tried to kill me and those people for fun."
Takao nodded.
"Yes."
Her ion katana began to glow faintly.
"And this time…"
She stepped forward.
"…he won't get the chance to escape so easily."
Mendoza tightened his grip on his sniper rifle.
Then, instead of returning fire, he suddenly sprang backward.
He vaulted over the rooftop's edge and landed on the next building with impossible ease. Before anyone could react, he leaped again, clearing the gap between two more rooftops. His movements were too fast, too powerful, and far too precise for an ordinary human.
Gloucester stared after him.
"That's not a normal human."
Takao kept her eyes trained on Mendoza as he disappeared behind the ruined buildings.
"We suspect he's some kind of Rapture superhuman. No ordinary human could jump from roof to roof like that, especially after taking those injuries."
Choukai lowered her sniper rifle slightly.
"He's retreating toward the northern district. I can still track him, but Manchester's transmission is getting weaker."
A burst of static crackled through Gloucester's radio.
"Glow! They're breaking through! I need help now!"
Gloucester's expression tightened.
"Manchester!"
Atago glanced toward the direction Mendoza had fled, then toward the village square.
"We can get him later."
She drew her sword and stepped toward the next rooftop.
"Right now, we need to save the next one."
Maya nodded, raising her weapon.
"Manchester comes first."
Takao fired her grappling hook toward the square.
"Hold on, Manchester. We're coming."
The cable locked onto a rooftop ahead.
A moment later, the four Takao sisters and Gloucester launched themselves toward the village square, leaving Mendoza to vanish into the ruins.
The village square had become a killing ground.
Rapture droids surrounded the area from every direction, their weapons firing relentlessly toward a single position.
RATATATATATAT!
Bullets tore through stone, wood, and whatever cover remained.
At the center of it all, a lone maid lay prone against the ground.
She had soft-styled hair, now dirtied and disheveled from the fighting, while her striking bright green eyes remained wide and alert. Her Royal Maid Corps uniform was soaked by the rain, the dark fabric and white frills stained with dust and debris. Emerald ornaments and the pendant at her chest glimmered faintly whenever lightning illuminated the square.
Manchester gritted her teeth.
"Damn it…"
She rolled aside as another burst of bullets shredded the ground where her head had been.
She tried to crawl toward better cover.
Another volley forced her back.
There were simply too many.
Then—
THWIP!
Something shot across the rooftops.
Gloucester landed on a nearby building.
Takao landed beside her.
Atago, Maya, and Choukai followed.
Takao immediately looked down at the square.
"There she is."
Gloucester's eyes widened.
"Manchester!"
She pointed toward the center of the square.
The four sisters immediately activated their stealth systems.
Their golden armor shimmered.
Then their bodies gradually faded from sight.
Gloucester stared.
"They disappeared…"
"Stay close," Takao said.
The four Diving Eagles moved.
Silently.
Quickly.
The Rapture droids continued firing at Manchester, completely unaware that four enemies had entered their perimeter.
Then—
BANG!
A droid's head exploded.
The other machines immediately turned.
"TARGET—"
BANG!
Another fell.
The Raptures desperately scanned the surrounding rooftops.
Nothing.
BANG!
A third machine collapsed.
The droids began firing wildly.
RATATATATAT!
But the stealth systems made the Diving Eagles extremely difficult to detect.
Their silhouettes barely appeared before disappearing again.
Takao moved between buildings.
BANG!
Atago eliminated another.
Maya fired from a different angle.
BANG!
Choukai's shot struck a droid directly through its optical sensor.
The formation began collapsing.
One by one.
Then two at a time.
The Rapture droids had no idea where their attackers were coming from.
Within minutes, the relentless gunfire ceased.
Silence descended upon the village square.
Manchester slowly lifted her head.
She looked around.
Every Rapture droid was dead.
"Glow?"
She cautiously rose to her feet.
"What just happened?"
Gloucester ran toward her.
"The Takao sisters happened!"
"Glow!"
The two maids immediately embraced.
Gloucester held Manchester tightly.
"We found you!"
Manchester hugged her back.
"I thought I was finished…"
She looked around in confusion.
"Where are they?"
Gloucester smiled.
"Right there."
Four golden-armored figures materialized from stealth around them.
Their cloaking systems disengaged.
The four helmets opened.
Manchester's eyes widened.
"Takao sisters…?"
Takao gave her a small smile.
"Yes."
The other three stood beside her.
Manchester's expression brightened.
"Lady Takao…"
She looked at the others.
"Lady Atago. Lady Maya. Lady Choukai."
Atago immediately stepped forward.
"Yes, it's us!"
Before Manchester could react, Atago wrapped her arms around the poor maid.
"Lady Atago!"
Atago squeezed her tightly.
"We finally found another sister!"
Manchester's eyes watered.
For the first time since the attack began, she felt safe.
Gloucester smiled as she watched the reunion.
Around them, the ruined village square was quiet.
The Raptures were gone.
And another lost member of the Royal Maid Corps had been rescued.
"I… I thought no one else was found after that fateful day."
Manchester's voice trembled.
Tears began running down her cheeks.
"It was."
Takao answered gently.
"We were all separated."
Manchester looked at her.
"But two weeks ago, everything changed."
Takao touched the crest on her shoulder.
"We owe much of it to Lady Yorktown."
"Lady Yorktown?" Gloucester asked.
Takao nodded.
"She found the man who called upon us."
She looked at the Diving Eagle insignia.
"The man who is reuniting us right now under a single new banner."
Manchester stared at the crest.
"The commander?"
"The Global Defense Initiative," Atago answered.
She placed a hand against her chest.
"Led by a commander who found us when we had nothing left."
Her expression became serious.
"He gave us a place to belong again."
Takao nodded.
"He gave us something to fight for."
"Not for the countries that abandoned us," Atago continued.
"But for this banner."
Manchester looked at the four sisters.
They were stronger than she remembered any Shipgirl being.
Their armor.
Their weapons.
Their confidence.
Everything about them was different.
Atago smiled.
"And we even found our mother fleet, Houshou."
She glanced toward Maya and Choukai.
"My little sisters were reunited with us not long ago."
Manchester's eyes filled with tears again.
"Then…"
She swallowed.
"How many of us are still alive?"
Takao's expression softened.
"Some perished."
"But their cubes were recovered."
She looked toward the sky.
"The Commander is working on ways to bring them back."
Manchester stared at her.
"So even those who died…"
"Their story isn't necessarily over," Takao replied.
"A lot of survivors have already been recovered."
Gloucester suddenly stepped closer.
"They even have Bel, Chester."
Manchester froze.
"Bel?"
"She's alive."
Gloucester smiled through her tears.
"She is currently rescuing Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Glasgow."
Manchester covered her mouth.
"I thought…"
Her voice broke.
"I thought we were left to die."
She lowered her head.
"To think…"
"After all these years…"
"We can reunite once more."
Gloucester placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Chester…"
Her voice was filled with hope.
"It's true."
"The voice that called upon us…"
She looked toward Takao and the others.
"Everything he promised is real."
"Our new master is on his way here."
Manchester closed her eyes.
A long, exhausted breath escaped her.
"Finally…"
She wiped away her tears.
"I don't want to live like this anymore."
Her voice trembled.
"Always running. Always hiding."
She looked toward the four golden-armored sisters.
"I just want somewhere we can call home."
Her eyes moved across their armor.
"Seeing the Takao sisters like this…"
She gave a small smile.
"Stronger than us already…"
"That is proof enough."
Takao nodded.
"Good."
She looked toward the surrounding streets.
"Then we need to find all of you."
She turned toward Manchester.
"I was informed that all four of you were supposed to be at the cathedral."
"We were."
Manchester's expression hardened.
"But that bastard Mendoza started attacking civilians."
"We had to separate."
She pointed toward the northern part of the village.
"Sheffield remained at the cathedral."
"Liverpool stayed at the fancy hotel. She was holding up there with the local resistance fighters."
Manchester clenched her fist.
"I was about to support her when the Raptures surrounded me."
She pointed toward a ruined road.
"They even bombed the closest route to the hotel."
The northern road was almost completely destroyed.
Collapsed buildings and enormous piles of debris blocked the street from end to end.
Takao studied the obstruction.
"I see."
She glanced toward the village square.
"The square is secure for now."
Her expression became determined.
"Let's find Liverpool."
She looked toward her sisters.
"I suspect Mendoza will target her after we foiled him twice."
"Takao-nee."
Maya pointed toward the rooftops.
"The way there is blocked."
She looked at the ruined buildings.
"But we can traverse the roofs."
Takao was about to fire her grappling hook.
Then—
KRRRZZT!
Every radio in the group suddenly crackled.
"Attention, all resistance forces."
The transmission was urgent.
"The Raptures are completing the construction of an Obelisk in the park on the northwestern side."
"If anyone is near the area, eliminate the Raptures and stop the construction!"
"We need the park clear so we can escort those trapped in the south to safety in the north!"
Takao's expression changed.
"Obelisk?"
Manchester immediately answered.
"Mendoza ordered the Raptures to construct it."
She pointed toward the northwest.
"He's trying to prevent the people from escaping to the northern village while he ransacks the southern districts looking for us."
Her expression became grim.
"They only started this morning."
She shook her head.
"And it's already fifty percent complete."
Takao's eyes narrowed.
"That's fast."
"Takao-nee?"
Maya looked toward her.
"What should we do?"
Takao turned to Manchester.
"Is the hotel close to the park?"
"We should pass near it."
Manchester thought for a moment.
"But the direct route to the park is blocked by a crashed Rapture ship."
Choukai looked surprised.
"Crashed?"
"Sheffield shot it down with the resistance earlier today."
Manchester pointed toward the ruined road.
"But there is a vantage point nearby."
She looked toward the distant park.
"From there, we can eliminate the Raptures around the tower."
She paused.
"After that, the hotel is only about ten minutes away."
Takao considered their options.
"We need to reach Liverpool quickly."
She looked toward the park.
"But we can't destroy the Obelisk with what we have."
Atago nodded.
"We aren't equipped to destroy something that large. We should have asked Shikikan-sama for an Ion Cannon Beacon."
"Or we could call in an airstrike from Yorktown-san," Choukai suggested.
"No. We don't know whether the Raptures forced civilians to build it. Let's play it safe for now," Maya replied.
Takao tightened her grip on her katana.
"But we can delay its construction."
"Until the Commander gets here," Maya finished.
Takao nodded.
"Exactly."
She looked at Gloucester and Manchester.
"Lead us to the park."
The two maids nodded.
"We can cut through the town hall," Gloucester said.
Manchester pointed toward the route ahead.
"From there, we can reach the local reservoir."
She looked toward the northwest.
"The reservoir should lead us to the main road to the park."
Takao raised her grappling hook.
"Then let's move."
The four Diving Eagles prepared to traverse the rooftops once more.
Their next objective was clear.
Stop the Obelisk.
Find Liverpool.
And above all—
Keep their reunited sisters alive until their new commander arrived.
====================
Far away from the village, aboard the GDI flagship, Kaguya suddenly stopped.
Her ears twitched.
Her eyes widened.
She had felt something.
Something she had been searching for.
Magical energy.
Faint.
Weak.
But unmistakably familiar.
Kaguya's expression changed.
"I found her…"
Yorktown turned toward her.
"Kaguya?"
Kaguya closed her eyes and concentrated, reaching out with her senses.
There.
That presence.
An old friend.
But the magical energy was fading.
Getting weaker by the second.
Kaguya's eyes snapped open.
"No…"
Her voice trembled.
"Iris…"
She immediately looked toward the distant island.
"Old friend…"
Her expression hardened with determination.
"This wife won't let you perish!"
Yorktown stepped closer.
"Kaguya, what did you find?"
"Hana-chan…"
Kaguya looked at her.
"This wife found Iris."
Yorktown's eyes widened.
"You found her?"
"She is somewhere near where dearest is heading."
Kaguya pointed toward the island.
"Not far from him."
Her expression became increasingly worried.
"But her magical energy is getting weaker."
She turned toward the launch deck.
"This one have to go."
Yorktown understood immediately.
"Then go."
Kaguya hesitated for only a moment.
Suddenly—
VRRRRMMMMM!
The sound of engines approached.
A Razor gunship flew toward the flagship before banking alongside the deck.
Its side door opened.
Vestal appeared first.
Behind her were Pepper and Mary.
Several Bulins were also packed inside the transport.
Yorktown blinked.
"Vestal…"
Vestal stepped down from the gunship.
"There is a village full of war casualties."
Her expression was serious.
"Doctors are needed."
Yorktown frowned.
"You just got back!"
Vestal nodded.
"I know."
She glanced toward Kaguya.
"But I can leave the rescued Shipgirls with Akashi. She can handle them."
She paused.
"And Bel is assisting her. The maids are helping her."
Mary stepped forward.
"You just got back too, Mary."
Yorktown's voice softened.
"But doctors are needed."
"You need to rest!" Yorktown insisted.
Vestal gave her a reassuring smile.
"We can rest for a moment on the way."
"Don't worry, dear Mother," Mary added gently.
Pepper nodded enthusiastically.
"Mom worries too much!"
Yorktown sighed.
This was exactly what she had been worried about.
She had joked before that she wasn't supposed to be the Nikkes' mother, but somehow, she had naturally fallen into the role. No matter how capable they became or how many battles they survived, Yorktown still found herself worrying about their safety, their health, and whether they were pushing themselves too hard.
And now, even after returning from a mission, Vestal, Mary, and Pepper were already rushing back into danger to help the wounded.
Yorktown folded her arms.
"Just promise me you won't overexert yourselves."
Vestal nodded.
"We promise."
Mary smiled.
"We'll be careful."
Pepper raised a hand.
"And we'll come back safely!"
Yorktown's expression softened despite herself.
"See that you do."
Mary looked toward the distant island.
"We can't rest knowing there are wounded people out there."
She placed a hand against her chest.
"Even if Doctor Yuu is already there…"
She smiled faintly.
"We can still help."
Pepper nodded firmly.
"We can't leave anyone behind."
Yorktown looked between them.
"You girls…"
Kaguya stepped closer.
"Hana, don't worry."
She smiled reassuringly.
"Dearest is with us."
She gestured toward the Razor.
"This wife can go with them."
Yorktown sighed.
She knew that look.
Once these women had made up their minds, there was little point arguing.
Kaguya stepped forward.
"Hana-chan."
She placed a hand against her chest.
"Thou watch the ship while we're gone."
Her expression became determined.
"We shall bring back Iris…"
She paused.
"And our dearest."
Yorktown looked at her.
"Be careful."
Her voice became stern.
"Don't make me send everyone there looking for you."
Kaguya smiled.
"This wife promises."
Yorktown shook her head with a small smile.
"Go, Kaguya."
She gestured toward the Razor.
"And watch Vestal, Mary, and Pepper for me."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Even those Bulin runts."
The Bulins immediately looked offended.
"Bulins!"
Yorktown smiled.
"You have my blessing. Bring Irisviel to our family."
Kaguya's expression brightened.
She spread her tails and launched herself toward the Razor gunship.
She landed inside just as the side door began closing.
THUNK!
The Razor lifted off.
Its engines roared as it accelerated toward the island.
Inside, Kaguya looked toward the direction of Irisviel's fading presence.
"Hold on, Iris…"
Her expression softened.
"We're coming."
The Razor disappeared into the clouds.
Yorktown watched until it was gone.
"They'll be fine."
A familiar voice came from beside her.
Enterprise had joined her on the deck.
"Kaguya is with them."
Yorktown nodded.
"I know."
She looked toward the distant island.
"They're already leveled up."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"And with the Commander around, they'll be safe."
Enterprise nodded.
Yorktown continued watching the Razor's fading trail until it disappeared beyond the clouds.
"We just hope they can come back soon, Enty."
Enterprise looked toward the horizon, her expression calm but watchful.
"So do I."
She folded her arms and glanced toward the island.
"If the Commander gives the order, we can send Orcas or Firehawks to support them. But there are too many civilians in that village. A large-scale deployment could put them at greater risk."
Enterprise's gaze shifted toward the distant battlefield.
"Let's trust the Takao sisters to bring back the other four. The Commander and Doctor Yuu are with them, and now Kaguya, our doctors, and the Bulins are on their way."
She paused, then gave a faint, amused smile.
"Though sending Kaguya, three doctors, and an entire group of Bulins does seem a little excessive."
"Enty…"
Yorktown sighed, though the corner of her mouth lifted slightly.
"I suppose I can leave them be for now."
Her eyes remained fixed on the horizon.
"But if anything happens, I'll scramble the Firehawks immediately."
Enterprise chuckled softly.
"You worry too much, sis."
She turned away from the edge of the deck.
"Come on. Wales's sisters are looking for you."
Yorktown glanced back toward the direction of the island one last time.
The Razor was gone, but she could still imagine its flight path cutting through the clouds toward the distant village.
"Be safe," she whispered.
Then she followed Enterprise back into the Daedalus.