Authors Note: Have a Christmas Gift. Which comes in the form of this chapter. Which is not actually about Christmas... Oh well.

To be Noted: I changed the ship Anya served on when the war started. Instead of a Cruiser, it is now a destroyer. Since the last Missile Guided Cruiser named the U.S.S. Topeka was decommissioned sometime during the sixties.
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Arizona let out a yawn as she lounged on her bed, reading a copy of 'The Da Vinci Code' that the captain had lent her. Flipping to the next page, she spared a glance over at the empty beds.

It had been almost a full week since she along with the other six had arrived at Yokosuka.

That meant it had been almost a full week with absolutely nothing to do since their riggings had yet to arrive.

If Arizona recalled correctly, Bristol and Ellyson were currently with some of the Japanese destroyers. Bristol was rather popular with them for her never ending energy and the fact that you were never exactly sure what she was going to do next.

Ellyson was popular for a whole other reason. Or, Asakaze, as Arizona had heard multiple times during the past week. When it had been discovered that Ellyson could speak fluent Japanese without the stutter that was present during her English, her popularity with the Japanese ship girls had skyrocketed.

Arizona had no doubt where Atlanta was. While not to keen on the idea at first, Atlanta had become quite close with the Tenryuu sisters, Tenryuu and Tatsuta, and their gaggle of destroyers that were ever following.

The Battleship's mind then wandered to the three American Carriers. Safe bet was that the three were well within the grasp of their Japanese counterparts.

Houshou and Langley seemed inseparable during the short time the two had known each other.

Lexington had made a good friend in the light carriers Ryuujou and Shouhou.

And Enterprise?

Enterprise was the object of adoration for multiples of the Carriers. Even Zuikaku seemed to soften up immediately towards Americans when E was within earshot.

That left the Battleship Arizona to her own devices.

It wasn't that the American girl hadn't made connections of her own, her mind wandering to the hyperactive Ise and the ever pleasant Myoukou.

Rather, it was who she hadn't made connections with yet. Someone she very much wished to see.

Pennsylvania.

Name ship of their class, and the older of the two, Arizona very much yearned to meet her sister in this form. Especially after Arizona had had her right to fight alongside her sister back then taken away from her.

The Battleship had no doubt about the others as well. Bristol and Ellyson had been blessed in that way, coming through the gate with one another.

Langley was a class of one, her and herself. But she had seemed to find a sister in Houshou. At least that's what Arizona thought.

But the other four? They all had sisters they were waiting for. And they were all worried.

They were worried because the Summoning Gateway had fallen silent after their arrival.

It had fallen silent to their Admiral. It had fallen silent to their pleas of seeing their ship sisters once again.

Even though they only had seven of their allotted sixty summoned.

It had fallen silent to them.

Arizona let out a groan of frustration, nearly pulling at her hair as she did so. She marked the place in her book as she flopped back onto her bed.

She was overthinking this. She had to be! Whoever was conducting this whole thing had to have a good reason for withholding more of the American Ship Girls. Just like they had to have a good reason for putting a limit on how many each country could have. Much like the one Japan had run into.

Arizona gave a huff of agitation as she shot up off of her bed, the sheets moving with the girl's sudden movement. Heading for the door, Arizona through the solid piece of wood open with a slam.

Only to almost run into her Admiral.

Coming to a stop just before she ran into the woman, leaving Anya's face rather close to her sizable chest, Arizona quickly back peddled, letting out a startled laugh. Anya simply smiled as she watched the Battleship.

"Going somewhere Arizona?" Anya asked, looking up at the Battleship. Arizona shrugged.

"I was. Decided staying cooped up in here won't do me any good. Gonna go stir crazy..." The battleship admitted. Anya gave a nod, her hands behind her back as she stood there.

"I've got something you could do..." Anya said to no one in particular. Arizona arched a brow as she looked down at her Admiral.

"And what might that be, Admiral?" Arizona questioned. Anya merely smiled as she produced a package from behind her back. From the way it looked, Arizona guessed it was clothes.

"Put these on. And then I'll show you." Anya reasoned. She then produced a pair of boots to go with the clothes.

Keeping a careful eye on the woman, Arizona took the items from her. Closing the door behind her, she put the boots on the ground as she opened the package, carefully laying the contents on her bed.

She had been right. It was clothes.

To be more specific, a uniform.

A uniform of the likes which she had never seen.

Laying the various pieces of the uniform on her bed, each separately, she took one last look over it before starting to tackle the task that was putting it on.

Fifteen minutes later, she was just tying up her boots. Tucking the pant legs inside, she stood fully, walking over to the mirror that sat in the room. Taking a look, she studied herself.

Her strawberry blonde hair stood out well against the blue pixelated pattern of the uniform. Over her left breast sat U.S. Navy in gold. Over her right breast sat her name, Arizona, also in gold. Adjusting the sleeves, she gave it one final look over before turning to the door.

Opening it once again, there stood Anya, waiting rather quietly. As Arizona stepped into her view, she gave a smile.

"Did I put it on right?" The battleship asked. Anya gave her one good look over before giving a nod in response.

"Yes. You look good." Anya said as she began to walk away, gesturing for Arizona to follow as she did so. Battleship in question shrugged as she followed.

"Certainly not like the ones when I was around. Although... These have a certain flare about them...." Arizona mused. Anya gave a small nod as she looked back to the Battleship.

"I'm glad you think so. From now on, dress in these for the most part. Although, I'm not against what you girls arrived in either. And if you have any ideas about other items of choice, talk to me later about it." Anya instructed. Arizona gave a nod as she spoke.

"Are these the only items I received in terms of clothing?" She asked. Anya shook her head.

"No, there's quite a bit more. I just wanted to see what you looked like in these." Anya informed the battleship as they walked out of the dorm building. The sun beat down on the two as they walked on.

"So Admiral. Where might we be going?" Arizona asked, looking at the woman. Anya gave a small smile as she looked up at Arizona.

"Arizona, you're a battleship. Your kind once held the sea in your command. Queens of the sea of you will. But you held the sea in your grasp because of what?" Anya asked. Arizona thought about the question, mulling it over a moment. After a few tense seconds of silence, she answered.

"My guns." Arizona answered. Anya gave a nod.

"But what are you missing?" The Admiral asked. Arizona arched a brow.

"My guns." Arizona responded again. Anya's smile suddenly turned brighter.

"Not anymore." Anya responded. Arizona's eyes went wide with surprise. And a hint of excitement.

"They're here?" Arizona asked, her voice filling with enthusiasm with each passing second. Anya gave a nod in response.

"Mhm. Everything arrived this morning. Your girl's riggings, your uniforms. Everything. We're headed to meet up with Nagato and Mutsu to run you through the basics." Anya informed her. Arizona nodded before she thought of something.

"Won't sending me out damage the resource count? I thought we were rather low to begin with..." Arizona asked. Anya gave a shake of her head.

"I discussed it with Ishigara. Along with the riggings and uniforms, they also sent a decent amount of resources. Although no where near perfect, the base is no longer about to go broke. So sending you out on a short practice won't do any harm. Even sending you on a combat sortie wouldn't do much." Anya answered. She then looked to Arizona. "Do you remember what we said about your mentor?" Arizona gave a nod in response.

"Do not embarrass the poor Japanese Battleship Nagato with comments about her body or pronounced parts thereof." Arizona recalled. Anya gave a nod, an amused smirk forming on her lips.

"Right. Smartass." Anya responded. Arizona just laughed in response, brushing off her Admiral's name.

Eventually, the two met up with the two Battleship sisters near the launching chamber doors. Nagato, her arms crossed, watched the two approach as Mutsu offered a small wave.

"Admiral. Arizona." Mutsu greeted once the two were in earshot. Anya gave a nod.

"Nagato. Mutsu. Shall we get started?" Anya asked. Nagato gave a nod as the door behind them began to open once again. Expect, unlike yesterday where Arizona had met the large group of Kanmusu, there stood no one. Mutsu looked at Arizona.

"We've already loaded your rigging into the Launching Machines. All that is required now is for you to get the feel for them. If you will follow us Arizona-san?" Mutsu asked as she stepped in the doorway. Arizona nodded as she followed the younger of the two inside. Nagato then turned to Anya.

"We will help her through the launching process. After that, we will guide her to the front of the base. If you would head that way, that will be the most sensible spot to continue your observation." Nagato informed the Admiral. Anya gave a nod in return.

"Thank you Nagato. I will head there now." Anya answered as she turned to go. Nagato gave a nod as she stepped inside the doorway as well, the large metal door slowly closing as she did so.

Quickly and quietly, Anya made her way to the front of the base, the water sitting calmly as she approached. But as she did so, she ran into to familiar destroyers.

"Hello Anya-san." Greeted Shigure.

"Hello." Came Yuudachi's greeting.

Anya waved back in response as the two destroyers fell in step with the Admiral.

"So what are you up to, poi?" Yuudachi asked, her white scarf hanging loosely around her neck. Anya gestured to further along.

"I'm going to be observing as Nagato and Mutsu put Arizona through trials." Anya responded, looking over to the blonde destroyer. Yuudachi's face seemed to go ecstatic at the mention of it.

"You mean they finally got their riggings?" Shigure asked. Anya gave a nod in response.

"They did indeed. But the other girls don't know that yet. Gonna see how long it takes them to figure it out when Arizona starts firing off Fourteen inch shells as practice. You two want to watch with me?" Anya asked the two. She two immediate nods in response.

"If that is alright, Anya-san." Shigure stated. Anya gave a wave of her hand.

"It's alright with me, no worries. And I don't think Arizona will mind either." Anya said as the three approached the area. As Anya looked on, she spied Captain Algerona and Admiral Ishigara already present, standing on the end of a pier together. As the three approached, Anya offered a wave.

"Hello Admiral. Shigure. Yuudachi." Admiral Ishigara greeted. Anya gave a nod as the two ship girls did as well, albeit a tiny bit more excited.

"Has she appeared yet?" Anya asked. The Captain shook her head.

"Not yet. The Admiral here guesses that it'll be a few minutes. They're probably still explaining the launching process to her is the best bet." Sofia reasoned. Anya gave a nod as she and the two destroyers stood next to the two in waiting.

Ten minutes later, Nagato sailed into view, hands on her hips as she slowly sailed backwards. Behind her came Mustu and Arizona, chugging along at a slow pace. The two seemed to be holding a conversation with each other as they sailed along, Arizona looking like nothing short of an expert.

Coming to a stop, Nagato waited for the two to reach her. Coming to a gentle stop, the two reached the stoic battleship.

"Arizona, if you will follow me. Mutsu, set up the targets." Nagato instructed. The two gave a nod as Arizona chugged along after Nagato, Mustu peeling off along the water to retrieve the targets.

The five on the pier watched as the two battleships neared them, the two sailing in a quiet silence. Having Arizona come to a stop, Nagato turned to the American battleship.

"Before we start, there is someone you should meet." Nagato informed her. Arizona arched a brow as she looked at the Battleship.

"And who might that be?" Arizona asked. Nagato gave a nod as she gestured to Arizona's rigging. Curiously, Arizona turned her head to her own rigging. And she found herself surprised as she looked at one of her main batteries.

On her first turret, standing rather still, stood a miniature version of herself. The chibi Arizona gave a salute as her captain's uniform stood out against the dark gray of Arizona's rigging. Arizona looked rather surprised as the miniature version of herself preceded to stay put. Arizona looked back to Nagato, who was now adorning her own miniature version of herself. The mini Nagato was currently standing proud atop the Battleship's head.

"She is your captain so to speak. Even in this form, we have a crew as well. Respectively, many of us Kanmusu refer to them as our fairy crews. For us Battleships, our captain  and engineers are the two most important of all of them." Nagato recalled. Arizona gave a nod as she turned back to her captain.

"So you're me, right?" Arizona asked as she held out a hand for the fairy. The little being gave a confident nod as she stepped onto Arizona's open hand. Carefully, Arizona held the occupied hand out in front of her. "Well, alright then." Arizona said as she raised her hand to her head. Scrambling up, the miniature Arizona came to a rest on top of the blonde battleship's head. "So how come she hasn't shown herself until now?"

"Because before, you were not your full self. True, you are the battleship Arizona given a new form. But you weren't your full self without your riggings. Now that you are connected with them, your fairies are as well." Nagato explained. Arizona gave a nod in return.

"So the rigging acts as sort of a wake up call. Right?" Arizona asked. Nagato gave a nod.

"Essentially. Another thing to note is that your fairies will only have a voice to you. This means that while I can see your Captain, I can not converse with her. Not directly. Either mine or yourself would have to inform me of what she said." The battleship explained. Arizona gave a nod in understanding.

"Now, let's see if your rigging functions properly. Try out with something small, like rotating one of your turrets." Nagato suggested. Arizona gave a nod as her captain jumped down from her head, back to her rigging. Coming to a stance on one of Arizona's turrets, she looked for the battleship to continue.

Arizona gave a nod as began to rotate the turret without a problem. After a few seconds, the captain gave a thumbs up.

"Now try a multiple rotation."

The blonde battleship nodded as she began to rotate all four without fail. Once again, she received a thumbs up from her captain. Looking back to Nagato, the dark haired battleship nodded, her arms crossed.

"Good. Very good. Let's see if you can elevate your guns." Nagato suggested. Arizona gave a nod as she looked to each of her turrets, watching as she elevated and depressed each of her twelve guns. After she had done so, Nagato gave a nod as Mustu approached, the younger of the two seemed to be rather amused. Her own captain sat on her head as well, offering a tiny energetic wave to the two of them.

"How goes the testing?" Mutsu asked as she slowed to a stop atop the water's surface. Nagato gave a nod as she looked at her sister.

"Are the targets set up?" Nagato asked. Mutsu gave a nod as she gestured behind her. Sitting out on the water were four floating figures.  Not large, but not small. Just the right size to be a couple of Abyssal battleships. Sitting about 11000 yards from the three. Nagato nodded as she looked to Arizona.

"Let's see what you can do." Nagato declared as Mutsu and herself retreated to a position behind the American Battleship. Arizona looked at her targets for a moment before issuing an order.

"Load up HE shells." Arizona ordered In firm voice. Soon enough, a mechanical clinking filled the air as the twelve fourteen inch shells were loaded into her guns. Arizona kept her eyes on the targets as her turrets began rotating, the guns positioned within them elevating. After a moment, her rigging stopped moving. As if silently studying her shot for a few moments, she narrowed her eyes.

"Turret one. Fire."

And they did just that. Loud, thunderous blasts echoed across the calm water as the three 45 calibre fourteen inch guns threw their shells into a high arc over the waters.

As Arizona watched the shells end their climb and begin their descent, she was already rotating her second turret, the guns elevating to compensate for what she knew what would be a miss.

Sure enough, she was proved right as the three shells made high splashes a  few yards away from her targets. Putting the last few edges of degrees on her second turret, she gave her next command.

"Turret two. Fire."

Once again, the water beneath her shook from the recoil as Arizona's guns tossed their shells into high arcs yet again. This time however, it had a different ending.

As if whispering the songs of death in anticipation, the three high explosive shells began their descent.

The first impacted the water mere inches from the target.

The second made a direct impact on the right side of the target, bursting into flames at the collision.

The third ripped the head off of the target, the explosion following right behind.

Arizona admired her handiwork as she watched the flaming target slowly sink beneath the waves. A mechanical clink let her know her first six guns were once again loaded as she turned her attention to the other three targets, her turrets rotating to match. As she did so, Anya turned her gaze to the edge of the base, now playing host to some of the Japanese Kanmusu.

"How long do you think until we have the whole base is watching?" Sofia asked. Anya gave a shrug as she watched the two destroyers in front of her. They were watching Arizona with apt attention, as if they had never seen a battleship fire her guns before. Tapping Shigure on the shoulder, she voiced her question.

"You girls seem to like watching Arizona. You've seen Mutsu and Nagato in action before haven't you?" Anya asked. Shigure gave a slow nod, looking up at Anya.

"Yes but Arizona-san is American. The only time we have seen American Battleships use their guns were during the war. At us." Shigure explained. Anya gave a slow nod, almost feeling stupid for not realizing it earlier.

"My bad. I wasn't thinking about that...." Anya admitted. Shigure gave a smile in return.

"It is no problem Anya-san. It is refreshing to be on this side of your guns for once, rather than vice-versa." Shigure said as Yuudachi turned to the two with a nod.

"Yep, poi. And it'll feel even better when more of them arrive!" Yuudachi yelled in excitement. Anya gave a slow, hesitant nod in response. Ishigara seemed to take notice of this, not turning his sights from Arizona as he spoke.

"Admiral, I would not be worried about that for right now. Arizona is proof. Enterprise is proof. They are proof that the spirits of America's past ships are more than willing to help. It just takes time." He offered in advice. Anya gave a small nod, her hands held behind her back as she watched Arizona fire off a full salvo.

"I know this. It's just, I worry for them. Although they have not been here long, they very much wish to see their sisters. And there isn't a thing I can do to help them with that..." Anya reasoned. Ishigara gave a slow nod in response.

"I understand how you feel Admiral, believe me I do. Many of my girls are without their sisters as well. Hatsuharu for example. She is a destroyer. She has sisters she is waiting for. But because of this limit we find ourselves faced with, there is little I can do about the situation... And there is little I can do for her. You still have a chance. With only seven of sixty, the chances of your girls meeting their sisters still stands high... Even if it takes a little while..." Ishigara said thoughtfully, watching as Arizona prepared another salvo. The grin the only American battleship on base was adorning could be called borderline psychotic.

Ishigara couldn't blame her though.

She was having fun.

Anya watched as Arizona fired off another salvo, this time bringing about the end of two of her targets with HE shells. Nodding in acceptance, Anya heard the order to switch to AP shells. Waiting as each second ticked by, the five waited for the inevitable outcome.

BOOM!

Her guns suddenly exploded, twelve shells now flying through the air. Arizona put her hand along her forehead, as if to provide her eyes with shade as she watched her shells make their decent. Sure enough, her sight and aim proved perfect as three of the Armor Piercing weapons put holes into her target, causing the poor misshapen object to slowly begin its new direction. Down.

Letting out a small cheer and giving a thumbs up to her smaller self, Arizona held her hands behind her head as Nagato and Mustu neared the battleship once again.

"Quite the marksman you are." Mutsu mused, her eyes shining with a glimmer of amusement. Nagato gave a nod to her sister's statement, offering her own words to the Pennsylvania class girl.

"While your shooting is to be commended for sure, please realize that this was merely training. An actual Abyssal will not go down quite so easily. That being said, they will try to make sure that you do so. You must remain alert and focused while deployed." Nagato offered in a helpful manner. Arizona gave a nod in response.

"I thank you for the advice, Nagato. And I apologize if I made you feel... Confused the other day..." Arizona replied. Nagato looked at the Battleship with confusion for a moment before something seemed to click within her mind. Coughing once for good measure, the dark haired beauty waved it off.

"It's no concern of mine. That sort of teasing I am used to. I just was simply not expecting it to come from you especially since we had just met." She replied calmly, as if she had rehearsed the response a thousand times over. But Arizona's interest was peaked.

"Wait? You're used to it? I can't see any of the girls here having enough nerve to tease you like that. Well.. Maybe Yamato and Musashi, but they're not like that..." Arizona mused. Thinking it over a few quick seconds, she suddenly had a suspect. A very obvious suspect. A wide grin forming on her lips, her gaze turned to the younger of the two battleships.

Mutsu stifled a giggle as Arizona stared directly at her, her hand covering most of the noise.

"That's not very kind Mutsu, teasing your older sister like that." Arizona mocked, looking at the brown haired battleship. Mustu merely offered a shrug in response, her eyes still shimmering. Giving a light laugh, Arizona turned back to Nagato, preparing to say something. But as she opened her mouth, a different voice shot through the air.

"THAT WAS SO COOL!"

Turning their heads to the voice, the three battleships laid eyes on none other than the ever hyper destroyer, Bristol.

"Oh, well the secrets out then I guess..." Arizona sighed as she laid eyes on Ellyson and Atlanta as well, standing near the giddy destroyer. With a shake of her head, Arizona began to sail over to the edge to converse with the three.

Watching as she did so, Anya ran a few considerations over in her head, mostly concerning Bristol and Ellyson. After a moment, she turned to Ishigara.

"Admiral, since it is about time, may I inquire who will be mentoring those three?" Anya asked, looking over at the man. He returned a nod, looking at Atlanta as the four American ships talked with one another.

"Atlanta will be taught by Takao and Atago, a pair of heavy cruisers. I realize that Atlanta is not a heavy cruiser herself, but what I do understand is that she is made for Anti-air. And none of the light cruisers here could hope to match her in that field." Ishigara reasoned. Anya gave a nod, accepting the logic as sound, as she continued.

"Bristol and Ellyson?" Anya asked. Ishigara grew silent at the mention of the two.

"Hmm.... I've given that some thought as well. There are multiple destroyers here that I do not think would mind teaching the two. It's just I'm not sure who would be best suited for it..." Ishigara explained. Anya gave a nod in response as she spoke.

"If I may make a suggestion?"

"Please."

Anya quietly gestured to the two oblivious destroyers next to her, who were conversing with one another about the display of firepower the two had just bare witnessed to. Twisting his lips in thought for a moment at the suggestion, Ishigara silently ran trough the two's strengths and weaknesses.

Although not exactly the best, the two sisters were two of his most combat experienced destroyers. Whether it be sub hunting or surface warfare, they had pretty good marks across the board.

"Shigure. Yuudachi." Ishigara spoke, looking down at the two. The destroyers in question looked at their Admiral with attention at full.

"Yes, Admiral?" Shigure asked, waiting for her Admiral to continue.

"Would you two have any objections if I were to assign the two of you to instruct Bristol and Ellyson about their riggings? Much like you just witnessed Nagato and Mutsu do for Arizona?" The man asked the two girls. Shigure and Yuudachi traded a excited glance with each other. Well, that wasn't quite right. Yuudachi's glance was excited. Shigure's was more along the lines of curious. After a moment, with a confident nod, they turned back to Ishigara.

"We would love to Admiral." Shigure responded in a calm, careful voice. Ishigara gave a nod in response as he gestured across the water to where the four Americans were still conversing. Plus two more, as Takao and Atago approached the light cruiser. The two destroyers gave a nod as they ran off, intent on getting started right away.

The three Naval officers watched as the two destroyers met up with the five. Soon enough, Arizona was heading back towards Nagato and Mustu as the other three American ships were lead away by their new mentors, presumably towards the launching area. Sofia gave a nod as she looked at the other two.

"Wonder why Langley, Enterprise, and Lexington didn't come to investigate..." Sofia wondered aloud. Ishigara shook his head.

"It is no surprise to me. I have watched our carriers practice their skills time and time again. There is a certain level of calm they reach when shooting. If Langley, Enterprise, and Lexington have achieved this level, then I doubt that they even paid the noise any mind." Ishigara explained. Anya gave a nod as they waited for the other three to appear with their mentors.

"So they're basically so focused on shooting, they're not going to investigate some noise." Anya clarified. Ishigara offered a short nod in response.
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And focused they were, as Enterprise kept her eyes on her target, drawing her bow as she did so. With careful aiming and the smallest of adjustments, she made one final call. Soon enough, Enterprise was happy with her aim as she released her grip on the bowstring.

Her careful aiming paid off as the arrow went soaring through the air in a path so direct and narrow, it looked like it was being dragged by a plane rather than traveling on its own. The arrow burrowed itself in her target, a direct bullseye from the look of it. Enterprise admired her handiwork for a moment as someone approached from behind.

"Ahh, very nice Enterprise-san." Akagi praised as she stood behind the Yorktown class carrier. E gave a small nod in response as she turned to Akagi. "You learn quite fast."

"Well, it doesn't hurt that I have some of the most skilled instructors." E replied, looking at the red themed Japanese carrier. Akagi's mouth formed a small o as she gave a small nod, her cheeks dusted a light pink at the praise.

"Yes... Well...." Akagi began, trying to form a response. But before she could, a carrier from behind them called out to the two.

"E and Akagi sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Jun'you called in a sing song tone, sitting along the back wall with a few of the other carriers. Her abrupt opinion sent a wave of laughter among the carriers. Even the ever stoic Kaga, whose face didn't dare show even the slightest of changes at the teasing, seemed to have a certain amusement to it.

Enterprise and Akagi traded a startled glance, before both of their faces turned a bright red. They looked away from each other in a hurry, an action that only served to put a fresh round of laughter into the air.

"Hey, E. You're supposed to learn, not flirt!" Lexington offered in advice. But the Cheshire Cat like grin she adorned offered the exact opposite. Enterprise shot the Essex class carrier a death glare, the promise of retribution in her eyes.

"Girls, let's keep it down please." Houshou asked, her hands in front of her as if to physically calm the laughing carriers. After a moment, they slowly began to do so as Enterprise prepared her bow for another shot.

As she prepared to release, Ryuujou turned to Lexington, finding the Essex class girl fidgeting with a practice arrow. Waiting until Enterprise had released her arrow into her target yet again, the light carrier spoke to the fleet carrier.

"Lexington-san, do you look forward to meeting your sisters?" The smaller girl asked. Lexington looked at the light carrier, rather confused as she answered.

"Do I look forward to meeting my sisters? Of course I do. Essex, and Yorktown, and Hornet, and Franklin, and Intrepid..." Lexington recalled. Ryuujou looked confused at the names though, as she made clear soon enough.

"Wait... I thought Yorktown and Hornet were sisters of Enterprise...." Ryuujou reasoned, the confusion plain on her face. Before Lexington could answer however, Shokaku beat her to it.

"Ryuujou, after Yorktown and Hornet sank, there were carriers within the Essex class named after the two. Even Lexington is named after another." The white haired carrier explained. Ryuujou looked to Lexington in surprise, something the American carrier let out a small laugh at.

"I was named Lexington after CV-2 went down." Lexington informed her. Ryuujou gave a quiet nod in response as she thought about this. Lexington went back to fiddling with her arrow as she sat along the back wall. As she continued to do so, Shouhou moved next to the carrier on her left side.

"So how are you enjoying your time at Yokosuka?" The carrier asked. Lexington gave a nod in response.

"It's certainly different from what I remember. Maybe that's just because I can actually walk on base now... But it's certainly been a pleasant experience so far... It would be nice if we could practice with our planes though. Training arrows are fun and everything, but personally I'd like to get some Hellcats flying around..." Lexington responded. Enterprise gave a laugh in response.

"Hellcats are nice and all. But I really like the F4U's." She mused. Lexington gave a nod.

"I ain't saying they're bad, E. Just saying that the F6F's have an easier time of landing. That's all." She replied. "But there ain't a thing I wouldn't do to get my hands on a couple of the fly boys 51's. Those things are absolute beauties." Lexington answered. E gave a roll of the eyes in return. However, before she could respond, Anya entered the range.

Taking a look around at the various carriers, she gave a small nod. Enterprise and Lexington looked to their Admiral with attention, the latter standing as she did so. Langley offered a kind smile in response as she addressed her Admiral.

"Hello, Admiral. If I may ask, why might you be here?" Langley inquired. Anya gave the carrier a smile as she answered.

"I just came to see how you three were progressing... If I might ask, how are the three of you doing?" Anya questioned. Langley gave a nod in response as Akgai ushered Enterprise to the firing line.

"Show your admiral what you have learned." Akagi offered. Enterprise gave a startled nod before falling quiet, her focus shifting gears completely Drawing another arrow from her hip placed quiver with her right hand, she quickly and efficiently nocked it onto her bow. Drawing the bow, she took a calming breath as she kept her eyes on her target. Mere seconds later, she released her grasp yet again, sending the arrow flying.

Enterprise's aim yet again proved true as the arrow found its way to its target, not unlike the first she had shot. Anya gave a nod in response.

"Very well done Enterprise. Very much indeed." The American Admiral praised. Enterprise gave a quiet nod in response, her face adorning a small smile at the praise. Anya then looked to Langley and Lexington.

"And you two? Are you doing well?" Anya asked, watching the two carriers. The two gave confident nods in response at the question. Anya gave a slow nod in response.

"That's good to hear. If I may, I was wondering if you girls heard the commotion from earlier...." Anya questioned. Her answer came in the form of Zuihou, who called out to the Admiral.

"Of course we did! We just figured it was Ise blowing off steam again...." Zuihou reasoned as Anya looked to her. Kaga shook her head in response to the light carrier's statement.

"No. The blasts sounded to compacted to be Ise. It would have sounded more spread out if it had been her six turrets. Instead, I would say four turrets." The stoic carrier replied. Zuihou looked down in thought as as Shouhou responded.

"Are you sure? If that's the case, then the only few it could be are Nagato and Mutsu or the Kongou sisters...." Ryuujou insisted. Zuikaku shook her head at the latter of the groups.

"Can't be the Kongous. If there's one doing it, it's all four. We didn't hear enough noise for it to be Kongou and her sisters...."  The gray haired girl answered, looking at Shokaku in thought. "And there's no way it'd be Nagato practicing. She never does..."

"Wait..." Souryuu began. "What's Arizona's armament?"

"Uhhhh... if I remember correctly, it's four three gunned turrets...." Lexington recalled off the top of her head. She hesitated a moment before it suddenly clicked, Lexington wheeling to face Anya once again. "It was Arizona...." She stated in realization. Anya gave a nod as another round of shots echoed through the air, not as loud as Arizona's but more often and faster coming.

"And that would be Atlanta...." Anya mused.

"Does this mean that our riggings have arrived? And our arrows?" Langley asked curiously. Anya gave a nod as she turned to the door.

"Girls, if you would?" Anya asked to the doorway. Soon enough, Arizona, Ise, and Hyuga entered carrying three black cases. Setting the three on the floor, it was easy to guess what each one carried. The one Arizona had been carrying adorned a large CV-1 on the top in gold. Setting it down on the floor, she popped open the case, revealing Langley's flight deck.

Ise and Hyuga did the same, revealing Lexington's and Enterprise's flight decks within. The three carriers marveled over their new gear as some of the other carriers crowded around to get a good look. That's when the three battleships exited the range, soon re-entering the building, this time carrying two cases each.

"And these are your planes. Inventory listed various types such as the F4F, F6F, F8F, F4U, F2G-2, TBF, SBD, TBD, BTD, and the SB2C." Anya recalled. Lexington looked at Anya in surprise as Enterprise and Langley looked over the arrows.

"We've only been here for less than a week... How did they get all these made in that time?"

"It's because the second that it was confirmed that the U.S. Navy would have a new presence here at Yokosuka, R&D started producing these things like no other. We weren't even sure if you girls would come through, but they made them anyway. Glad they did. Gives you girls lots of choices to see what works for you and what doesn't. And speaking of choices, there was also something that came for the Japanese carriers..." Anya said as she quickly exited the range along with the battleships.

Soon enough, Anya re-entered the range, carrying a black case of her own. Printed on the top sat 'Kyushu J7W Shinden (XCV)' in white. She sat the case down as the carriers slowly migrated towards the mysterious box.

"This came from the team that developed your gear. It's a prototype carrier variant of the J7W Shinden. There were strict instructions not to put it into field testing just yet, only practice runs, but they're confident it will work." Anya recalled again. Zuikaku stared at the box in awe.

"Japan only built two of these! And they were abandoned at the prototype stage. They weren't even carrier planes. You're telling me we get to use these?" Zuikaku asked incredulously as some of the other Japanese carriers migrated around the box. Anya gave a nod.

"Yeah. And I'd expect more like that because from the way I hear it, the boys and girls in R&D are having a ball with this." Anya explained. A couple of the carriers offered a nod in response, their eyes looking over the freshly made arrows in the case that Zuikaku had popped open. With a chuckle, Anya got out of their way as she neared the three American Carriers.

"So... How about we see what you girls can do with those planes?" Anya asked, her tone filled with wonder. The three carriers each gave their own confident nod in return.
-------------------------------------

Soon enough, the three American carriers were decked out in their gear. In front of Yokosuka, each stood on her own lone pier. Langley to the left, Lexington to the right, and Enterprise in the middle.

It had been decided by the three that Enterprise would launch the first set, mostly to the fact that it was thought that she deserved it. Enterprise had argued that Langley should be the one, but by that point, some of the Japanese carriers had given their opinion as well. Pointing to the same conclusion.

Enterprise.

Standing on her own pier, she took another look around her. Various girls lined the water, their eyes watching the carrier carefully. This included each and every Japanese carrier. Shifting her gaze, she found her Admiral watching as well. And the Captain. And the other four, Bristol offering a wide grin as she gave a thumbs up.

With a calming breath, she turned her attention back to her targets, sitting out on the water. Her right arm now adorning her flight deck, her bow clutched in her left hand. Reaching down to her quiver, which sat secured to her right side, she ran her fingers over the edges of the arrows. After a few seconds, she selected one, drawing it from the quiver.

A squadron of six F4U Corsairs. Her fairies confirmed it as she raised her bow, nocking the arrow rather easily. As the arrow made contact with the bowstring, her mind launched into a flurry of activity.

Within her mind, she could see it. She could see her crew guiding the six fighters into take off formation on top of her deck. She could see as their wings were unfolded, soon locked into place. She could see as their engines began to come to life, puffs of smoke being emitted as they spun to full speed. As the planes began to roll forward, Enterprise drew the arrow back to full.

Taking one last look at her targets.

Enterprise released her grasp.

And the arrow flew.

She watched as the arrow soared over the water. Exactly three seconds from the time it had left her bow, it bursted into flames. Another second, and the arrow exploded into the six iconic Navy Blue bent wing fighters that the U.S. had been so well known for.

The Corsairs tore through the air over the calm water, their target well within their view. Soon enough, their machine guns opened up, decorating the practice targets with a plethora of   miniature 12.7 mm rounds. Satisfied with their strafing run, the Corsairs angled off as Langley prepared her shot.

Arizona watched as the Corsairs flew over head, flying partway over Yokosuka before turning and vectoring to land with Enterprise.

"Guess it's official then.... The U.S. is now an official player in the Abyssal war...." Arizona reasoned, watching as Langley fired off a squadron of F4F Wildcats. Anya gave a small nod in return.

"Indeed we are...."