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Chapter Text

April 30th, 2019, Misawa Air Force Base

Chiho stepped into the ready room, the familiar scent of jet fuel and coffee grounding her just enough to keep her legs from trembling. She set her flight bag down with more force than intended and glanced around, heart racing. Santiago wasn’t there yet. Good. That gave her a moment to breathe or panic. She wasn’t sure which she’d do first.

Her hand slid into her jacket pocket, fingers closing around her phone like a lifeline. She pulled it out and tapped the screen; the message was still open. The confession. The one she’d rewritten a dozen times, deleted twice, and finally sent just hours ago.

“I must be out of my mind,” she muttered under her breath. “Why would he want someone like me? I can barely hold a conversation without freezing up... There are prettier girls. Cooler girls. Women who actually sound confident when they talk.”

But she couldn't take it back now. It was out there, flying through the digital ether straight into his hands. Her chest tightened just thinking about it.

When the door opened, and Santiago walked in, his usual calm demeanor radiating from every step, Chiho’s breath hitched. She immediately looked away, cheeks burning with embarrassment. Did he read it? Was he pretending he hadn’t? Her thoughts swirled into a storm of self doubt and what-ifs.

During the briefing, she was useless. Every word the commander spoke floated past her like white noise. Her eyes flicked toward Santiago now and then, but she couldn’t read his expression. Her fingers clenched around her pen, knuckles white. The sortie would be soon, but it was her heart already in freefall.

After the briefing, Chiho's heart skipped a beat; she’d been assigned as Santiago’s WSO, his "Wizzo." The words had barely settled in her mind when they stepped out of the ready room together, their boots echoing in rhythm across the tarmac. Parked ahead was their ride: an F-4EJ Kai, its frame dressed in the distinctive blue SEA camouflage, gleaming under the midday sun.

As they approached the jet, Santiago ran a hand along the fuselage, eyes scanning for imperfections born of hard use and time. Without looking at her, he spoke. "You sure you're ready for this, Chiho-chan? You looked a little tense in the briefing. Aerial refueling isn't exactly beginner stuff. I need you to be focused...your job is to help me navigate up there, not just deploy weapons."

Chiho nodded, swallowing hard. His use of the affectionate "-chan" at the end of her name made her heart flutter. She knew he used it for all his female colleagues, but she couldn't help imagining it was special when it was directed at her.

She took a deep breath, standing up straighter. Her voice wavered slightly as she responded. "I...yes, I'm ready, sir. I've trained for this. I know I can handle it." She hesitated, then added softly, "I want to handle it...with you."

Her gaze drifted to the F-4, its airframe promising power and speed. She could feel the anticipation building in her chest, the rush of adrenaline already flowing through her veins. This was what she lived for - the thrill of taking to the skies, the chance to prove herself.

Turning back to Santiago, she met his eyes with a determined nod. "I won't let you down, sir. I'll be focused. I'll make sure we complete the mission successfully." Her voice was steadier now, filled with a newfound resolve. She knew she had to show him she could handle this, that she was capable of being his WSO.

She climbed up the ladder, her heart pounding in her chest as she settled into her seat behind him. The cockpit surrounded her, a cocoon of buttons and switches. She ran through the pre-flight checks, her fingers flying over the controls with practiced ease. The jet hummed to life around her, the engine roaring to a start.

As they sped down the runway, Chiho felt a sense of calm wash over her. This was where she belonged. In the air. With him. The rest of the world fell away, and all that mattered was the mission and the man with her. The twin J79 turbojets roared as they climbed to their designated altitude...nothing else mattered.

The flight was uneventful over the Sea of Japan, Chiho and Santiago refueled with the KC-135 and continued their training op until Chiho picked up a spike on the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). Her heart raced as she tried to figure out where it was coming from. Then, several miles out, she spotted a pair of glints approaching at high speed, two Chinese J-15 Flying Sharks coming in fast.

"This is Chinese Navy, this is Chinese Navy. You are approaching Chinese aircraft carrier." The J-15 pilot said.

Santiago sighed deeply, "Not this shit again," He said before keying his mic, "I am a US Air Force pilot operating with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force. We are conducting lawful military activities outside of national airspace. I am operating with due regard as REQUIRED under international law." 

"Meow..." The second J-15 pilot replied before locking onto their F-4.

"Seems like they wanna play..." Santiago scoffed. "Hold on tight, Chiho..."

Santiago jerked the stick to the right and pulled the F-4 into a hard bank. The F-4 was not known for its maneuverability, but with his skill, he could at least keep the Chinese fighters at bay until they decided to finally leave. In the rear seat, Chiho was trying her best to handle the G-forces, using the proper breathing techniques she had been taught during training. It was just another day keeping up international relations...

"Stick with me, Chiho...stick with me..." He breathed.

Chiho gripped the grab handles tightly, knuckles turning white as she fought against the G-forces pressing her back into her seat. Her breath came in short, controlled bursts as she focused on regulating her breathing, just as she'd been trained.

"Y-Yes sir, Always!" she called out, her voice strained but steady. "I've got a-a visual on the bandits. Two Chinese J-15s, bearing 090, closing fast!"

She flicked switches and adjusted the radar, trying to keep a bead on the incoming fighters. The J-15s were fast and maneuverable, their AESA radars presenting a significant threat. But Chiho was calm, focused on the task at hand. This was what she'd trained for and she was determined to prove herself to Santiago.

"I'll keep monitoring their transmissions and radar emissions. If they lock on, I'll engage the chaff and flare countermeasures."

Chiho glanced at the radar screen, watching the blips move closer. Her heart raced, but she kept her fear locked down, channeling it into concentration. She knew Santiago had this. They had trained for this scenario countless times. This was just another challenge they would overcome together.

"I'm with you all the way, sir," she said firmly, "Whatever you need to do, I've got your back. Let's show these guys what the JASDF can do!"

She checked her harness, ensuring it was secure, and braced herself for the maneuvers to come. The old jet shuddered slightly as it pushed through the air, and Chiho felt a thrill of excitement mixed with trepidation. But even then, she knew it was a lie. The Chinese pilots were already escalating, their aggressive maneuvers and locking radars pushing them closer and closer to the brink. She just prayed it wouldn't come to that.

The J-15s were each armed PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles and the pilots were quite aggressive with how close they flew to the Phantom but if push came to shove, the F-4 could still hold its own even with its AIM-7s with the right tactics, thanks to its upgraded avionics.

As the jets began their aerial ballet over the Pacific, Chiho listened to Zero as she tried to keep herself from blacking out. While the Chinese jets were deadly at lower speeds, the Phantom could still hold its own at higher speeds in the energy fight. As the battle reached its crescendo, the once clear sky began to darken and the gauges spun wildly in the front and rear cockpits of the F-4 while the displays in the J-15s flickered. Despite the inconvenience, egos overpowered logic, and the pilots continued their skirmish.

Little did the pilots realize that they were being pulled into a vortex, the same vortex that had claimed many pilots and ships alike over the past decades, sending them God knows where. Airframes shook and fighters vibrated as the jets continued to chase one another through this vortex.

"I'm scared.." Chiho said softly.

"Don't be, I'm here." Santiago replied.

Just as quickly as it began, the sky cleared. The GPS was inoperable and none of the pilots could make heads or tails of where exactly they were...and now it was an opportunity for the J-15 pilots to show what they were truly capable of, to settle old scores, politics be damned.

"Wherever we are, you will die here...you and your friend." the J-15 pilot threatened as he fired a short burst from his 30mm, the rounds flying past the Phantom's canopy.

"Be a better shot first, asshole..."

Chiho's heart leapt into her throat as the 30mm rounds whizzed past the canopy, the sharp crack of the shots echoing in her ears. She instinctively ducked, a yelp escaping her lips before she caught herself. "Sir, they're firing on us!" she cried out, voice laced with panic. "The bastards are firing on us!"

Her fingers flew over the controls, engaging the emergency transmit button on the radio. "This is a Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-4 operating in international airspace. You are committing an act of war, cease fire!" she said, trying to keep her voice steady and commanding.

But even as she spoke, Chiho knew it was unlikely to deter them. These Chinese pilots seemed intent on pushing things to the brink, their aggressive actions defying all norms of international relations and safety protocols.

She turned to Santiago, her eyes wide with fear but also fierce determination. "Sir, I've engaged the chaff and flare countermeasures. I recommend we try to disengage and extract ourselves from this situation immediately."

Chiho knew the stakes were high. If this escalated further, it could have serious diplomatic repercussions. But more than that, her own life, and Santiago's, hung in the balance. She couldn't let anything happen to him, not when she'd only just...Quickly, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the here and now.

"Smoke in the air!" Chiho called out. 

Santiago immediately split the Phantom's throttles, allowing the jet to yaw heavily to the left and forcing the J-15 to overshoot. Once he was on the leader's six, he locked on with a Sparrow and fired. The missile tracked past the chaff and impacted the Flying Shark, shearing off its wing. 

Chiho's heart raced as she watched the next missile streak towards the second J-15, the smoke trail arcing gracefully before the warhead detonated in a brilliant flash. The Chinese jet vanished in the fireball, the wreckage tumbling earthward in a shower of twisted metal and flames.

"We need to find a place to land and soon, Santiago-san..."

Chiho let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding in her ears. They had done it. They had held their own and come out on top. But the adrenaline was already starting to fade, replaced by a creeping sense of unease. As she glanced at the fuel gauges, she knew that they were on borrowed time after that battle. "But where? Our GPS is still down and we have no idea where we are." She continued.

She glanced around, trying to get her bearings. The sea stretched out in all directions, an endless expanse of blue beneath the sun-drenched sky. There was no land in sight, no obvious place to set down safely. Fear gripped her chest as the reality of their situation sank in. They were lost, hunted, and now responsible for ending two lives. It was a heavy burden to bear. But she had to stay strong, for both of their sakes.

"We have our gauges...our compass..we head east. This is why I have always been fond of aircraft like the F-15 and F-14...analogue gauges. Primitive but reliable.." Santiago chuckled softly. "You trust me?" He glanced back at her through the Phantom's rear-view mirrors.

Chiho met Santiago's gaze in the mirror, her heart fluttering at the question. She knew he was trying to keep their spirits up, to maintain that air of calm and control even in the face of this crisis. She also knew that trusting him was the only choice they had right now.

She nodded firmly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth despite the fear that still gripped her heart. "Of course I trust you, Santiago-san. Completely. If you say we head east, then that's what we'll do."

Chiho took a deep breath, trying to center herself. She had to stay focused, had to keep her head clear if they were going to get out of this mess. And more than anything, she had to have faith in Santiago's abilities as a pilot. "I've got your back, just like always. Let's get out of here and find a safe place to land this bird."

She checked the fuel gauges one more time, mentally calculating their range. It was going to be tight, but if anyone could pull it off, it was Santiago. She just had to trust in his skills and keep the faith. "Lead the way, sir. I'll keep an eye on our tail and make sure we stay on course. We'll find a way out of this together."

After three hours of flying, the duo spotted an island on the horizon, as they flew over the airfield, Santiago's eyes widened in shock. Docked nearby were the top ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy; IJN Musashi, Nagato as well as Kaga and Akagi and parked on the airfield nearby were A6M Zeros and G4M Betty bombers...they had not just arrived in another world but they had also gone back in time. When they touched down, both planes drew quite the crowd as well as a group of armed guards.

Amagi watched as an F-4 Phantom touched down onto her base. This jet was unlike anything she had ever seen before, surpassing even the brand new Kikka that the Sakura Empire had just begun testing. She assumed that it was a Siren type...or perhaps some secret weapon of the Iron Blood, but then she saw the Hinomaru painted on the wings and forward fuselage.

She rushed out to see her guards, their hands resting on their weapons as they intimidated the pilots of the aircraft, one of them was a Japanese national, while the other was a foreigner. She had to de-escalate this situation before it got out of hand.

"P-Please stand down..." Amagi said to her guards before letting out a cough.

Chiho's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as she took in the sight before her. The aircraft on the ground, the ships in the harbor, they were all from a time long past, a era she had only read about in history books. And the woman, no, the Kitsune standing before them, she was a myth made flesh, a creature of legend now standing in the flesh.

Her heart raced as she quickly unbuckled her harness and stepped out of the cockpit, her boots hitting the tarmac with a soft thud. She bowed deeply, pressing her forehead against her knees in a show of utmost respect and deference to the divine being.

"Sumimasen, Sumimasen!" Chiho stammered out, her voice shaking with a mix of fear and awe. "We mean no disrespect, O Honorable Kitsune-sama. We are humble pilots from a distant land, lost and in need of aid. Please, we beg of you, have mercy on us."

Chiho kept her gaze lowered, not daring to look directly at the Kitsune's visage lest she incur her wrath. Chiho's mind reeled as she tried to process the impossible situation they now found themselves in. Gone were the modern aircraft, the bustling base of their own time. Here, they were strangers in a strange land, dependent on the whims of a supernatural entity.

Glancing back at Santiago, Chiho silently pleaded with him to tread carefully, to say or do nothing to offend their host. They were at the mercy of the Kitsune's goodwill. Chiho's heart pounded in her chest as she waited for the deity's response, hoping against hope that she would show them the compassion and mercy they desperately needed.

Amagi's fox ears flicking as she drew near. She looked at Santiago with curious violet eyes, taking in his foreign features and the unfamiliar aircraft he flew. Her gaze flicked to the other pilot, Chiho, noting her surprised and respectful demeanor.

"Greetings, travelers," Amagi began, her voice soft yet commanding. "I am Amagi, the nameship of the Amagi-class battlecruisers and strategist of the Sakura Empire's fleet. I must express my surprise at your arrival in such a remarkable vessel. It is like no other I have seen before."

She coughed lightly, a hand pressed to her chest as she regained her composure. "Tell me, where have you come from, and what brings you to our shores in this era? Our guards were merely... overzealous in their duties. Please, let us speak openly and honestly."

Amagi gestured for them to follow her to a nearby office, her tails swaying behind her as she walked. She could sense the power emanating from these two, especially the foreigner, Santiago. It was both exhilarating and unsettling. She needed to understand the nature of their arrival and intentions... before the wrong people caught wind of their presence and turned it into a conflict.

As they walked, Amagi couldn't help but feel a strange connection to Santiago and Chiho, almost as if their fates were intertwined somehow. She shook the thought from her mind, attributing it to her faltering health and exhaustion. Still, she knew she had to tread carefully and make the right choice in how to handle their arrival... for all their sakes.

Chapter Text

The year was 1943, but history had long since diverged from the path known to mankind.

In a world reshaped by war and unknown forces, a coalition known as Azur Lane stood as humanity’s first unified response to the incursion of the Sirens, mysterious, hyper-advanced beings who emerged from the sea with technology far surpassing human understanding. Their arrival shattered the balance of power and ushered in a new era, marked by the creation of the Wisdom Cubes, artifacts capable of manifesting vessels of war in human form: the Kansens.

Once born of steel, now of flesh and embodying the memories of the vessels before them, these shipgirls became the frontline defense against the Siren threat. Figures such as Amagi of the Sakura Empire stood not only as warriors, but as symbols of hope and strategy in a world teetering on the edge of annihilation.

For a time, Azur Lane maintained fragile unity. The Eagle Union, Royal Navy, Sakura Empire, and Iron Blood cooperated under a shared banner, setting aside their ideological differences in the face of a common enemy. Yet even in unity, cracks formed. Tempted by the Sirens’ forbidden technology, Iron Blood pursued a darker path: one of rapid advancement and dominance through integration of alien knowledge. Their intentions, though couched in pragmatism, were viewed as reckless by the Eagle Union and Royal Navy, who feared the cost of becoming what they once fought against.

Caught in a maelstrom of ambition and tradition, the Sakura Empire initially aligned itself with Iron Blood. Cultural bonds and shared suspicion of Western powers made the alliance seem natural, inevitable, even. But over time, disillusionment grew. The Sirens’ influence ran deeper than expected, and Iron Blood’s methods grew increasingly erratic, even inhumane. What began as cooperation soon turned into mistrust.

Eventually, the Sakura Empire severed ties, retreating into a position of guarded neutrality. Their decision, though rooted in principle, left Iron Blood abandoned, isolated and standing alone against a coalition it had once helped build. The balance of power had shifted once more, and Iron Blood while isolated had the technological advantage to take on the world if they truly had to...and it would begin with the Sakura Empire, the ones who they viewed as traitors. 

"So the Sakura Empire as you call it had a falling out with this Iron Blood...uh-huh.." Santiago rubbed his chin as he ran through his thoughts, trying to understand what was going on, "And why would you trust me? An American or...a member of the Eagle Union as you call America in your world? I am an exchange pilot flying with Japan in my world after all...I am not Japanese or...Sakuran, as I should say, since I'm here."

Amagi listened intently to Santiago's words, her violet eyes searching his face as if trying to discern the truth behind them. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding, her voice soft yet firm. "Indeed, the political landscape has grown increasingly complex in recent times. The once-united front of Azur Lane has fractured, with each faction pursuing their own interests and ideologies. The Sakura Empire, once a steadfast ally of the Iron Blood, now finds ourselves... isolated, caught between the ambitions of others."

She paused, coughing lightly into a silk handkerchief before continuing. "As for trusting you, Santiago... I believe there are several reasons why I should place my faith in you, despite your origins. Firstly, your presence here is not of your own making, but rather a result of forces beyond your control. The very fact that you find yourself in this divergent world, piloting a vessel that transcends the boundaries of space and time, speaks to a destiny that may be intertwined with our own."

Amagi stood up from her desk, walking over to a map of the world, marked with the shifting alliances and battle lines of this war. She pointed to the eastern edges of Japan, now the heartland of the Sakura Empire.

"The Sakura Empire, as we stand today, is a nation forged in the fires of adversity and tempered by the trials of war. We have learned to be cautious of those who would seek to exploit the power of the Sirens for their own gain. The Iron Blood, once our ally, has shown themselves to be reckless and ruthless in their pursuit of victory, caring little for the cost it inflicts upon our people."

She turned to face Santiago, her expression solemn yet hopeful. "You, however, are different. You are not a product of the machinations of the factions, but a wild card, a variable that threatens to disrupt their plans. In you, I sense a purity of purpose that I believe can be an asset to our cause. Your presence here may be the catalyst we need to turn the tide of this war."

February 22nd, 1943

Santiago was checking the tire pressure on the F-4 when Chiho arrived, "Hey...how are you holding up?" He cupped her cheeks in his hands, "I know it's not easy...trying to figure this all out but I think these Sakura Empire folks have taken a liking to us...especially you.."

Chiho leaned into Santiago's gentle touch, feeling a wave of comfort wash over her. The days since their arrival had been a whirlwind of confusion and adjustment, but his presence was a constant comfort she couldn't do without.

She gave him a small smile, her cheeks flushing slightly at his closeness. "I...I'm managing, thanks to you and the hospitality of our hosts. It's just so much to take in, you know? Being stranded in a time long past, depending on the goodwill of a divine being..."

Chiho paused, biting her lower lip nervously before continuing. "But you're right, the people here, especially Lady Amagi, have been so kind to us. And I can't help but feel a special connection to her, as a woman and a leader in a field dominated by men."

Her gaze drifted downwards briefly before meeting Santiago's eyes again, a glimmer of vulnerability shining through. "I just hope we can find a way back home someday. And more than that, I...I don't want to lose you, Santiago. You're my anchor in all this chaos." She then reached up and placed her own hand over his, squeezing it gently. "Promise me we'll face this together, no matter what happens. Promise me that even if we're stuck here, we'll have each other."

Santiago drew Chiho gently into his arms, holding her close as he swayed with her beneath the quiet hush of the moment. His voice was a whisper, warm against her ear. "Always, Chiho..."

Chiho melted into Santiago's embrace, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest as she listened to his soft, reassuring words. She wrapped her arms around him in return, clinging to his strength and solidness like a lifeline. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as a wave of emotion washed over her. Relief, gratitude, and something deeper, something she dared not put a name to, even in the privacy of her own mind. She savored the feeling of his arms around her, the warmth of his breath on her skin, the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek.

"Arigatou, Santiago," she breathed out, her voice thick with feeling. "You always know just what to say to make me feel better. How did I get so lucky to have you as my partner in all this?"

She pulled back slightly to gaze up at him, her dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears and a depth of emotion she could no longer hide. Her fingers curled into his shirt, not wanting to let go.

"What would I do without you? I...I don't ever want to find out. So let's promise each other this, no matter what happens, no matter where we are, we'll face it all together. You and me, as a team, always."

She leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his jaw, pouring all her gratitude and affection into the simple gesture. In that moment, the rest of the world fell away, and it was just the two of them, lost in a moment of connection and understanding.

Santiago and Chiho made their way to the ready room for their first mission briefing under the flag of the Sakura Empire. The Iron Blood's Monsun Gruppe had expanded its submarine force to include surface ships, including the infamous Prinz Eugen for the purpose of raiding Sakuran and Royal Navy commerce in the Eagle Union, they were now based out of Formosa. It was on the cusp of the Phantom's combat radius with a centerline droptank, but they could still do the mission with the proper planning.

"In case you need to make an emergency landing, IJN Taihou will be present. She is our only kansen with an armored flight deck and can in theory withstand the weight of the Phantom...as it was once a naval aircraft from what Guzman-san has told me." Amagi said.

"That thing is massive! There is no way it would be able to land on my flight deck without ripping a hole through it!" Taihou pouted.

"Now, now, Taihou-chan...we don't really have much of a choice." Amagi replied before letting out another sickly cough, "I-26 will confirm any and all targets destroyed. Please return safely, you are hereby dismissed."

With the briefing concluded, the duo headed to their Phantom and prepared for the mission. The F-4 still retained its two ASM-2 anti-ship missiles but its outer wing racks had been loaded with six two hundred and fifty kilogram bombs each. Because of how they were mounted, Santiago jiggled the mounts to make sure that they were secure.

Chiho watched nervously as Santiago double-checked the bombs, her stomach twisting with a mix of nerves and anticipation. She knew the stakes were high, knew that their mission could have far-reaching consequences. But more than that, she worried about the strain this was putting on the poor Kitsune who would be their safety net.

She stepped closer to Amagi, bowing her head respectfully. "Sumimasen, Lady Amagi, I cannot express how grateful we are for your aid in this matter. But I must voice my concern for Taihou-sama's safety. Surely, a vessel of her size and stature cannot safely accommodate an aircraft as large and heavy as our Phantom?"

She glanced back at the frail yet imposing Kitsune, her voice filled with worry. "Is there no other option? Perhaps if we reduced our armament, or if you could provide us with a different aircraft carrier that is better suited to this task?"

Amagi let out another cough, sighing softly as she stared at the droplets of blood in her palm, "I wish I could find an alternative, but unfortunately, there is not one...unless you can make possible an aircraft that can refuel yours in flight, then Taihou is our only option..." 

Even as she spoke, Chiho knew that they were already pushing their luck. The Sakura Empire was not equipped to handle modern aircraft, and the fact that they were even attempting this was a testament to their desperation. But Chiho couldn't bear the thought of putting Taihou at risk, not after her superior had shown them such kindness.

Turning back to Santiago, Chiho met his gaze with a determined nod. "We'll make this work, sir. We have to. But let's be smart about it, and make sure to come back in one piece. Our hosts are taking a big risk to help us, and we can't let their faith in us be misplaced."

The seas were calm as the mass-produced ships and U-Boats of the Iron Blood calmly bobbed at their moorings in the harbor. Once the pride of Iron Blood’s heavy cruiser fleet, Prinz Eugen now bore a different kind of responsibility; she was the guardian of the Monsun Gruppe, a quiet blade drawn in the shadows of larger operations. Her mission was clear: deny the Iron Blood's former ally, the Sakura Empire naval dominance of the Pacific regardless of the cost. Supplies were limited, reinforcements infrequent with priority being placed on the garrisons in North Africa. Yet her poise never faltered. With her sly smile and confident swagger that masked her razor-sharp instincts, Eugen turned the island into a fortress of subtle menace. A single misstep by the enemy would invite devastating retaliation.

To aid her, her sister ship had been deployed, though not in the form many remembered. Weser, reborn from the same Hipper-class roots, had undergone a radical transformation. No longer a cruiser, she was now repurposed into an aircraft carrier. Her flight deck bristled with ME 190Ts, Iron Blood’s answer to the skies. Each aircraft was sleek, deadly, and piloted by sheer willpower, ready to scramble at a moment’s notice.

Together, the sisters forged an unbreakable bastion. Weser’s eyes scanned the skies while Eugen’s guns swept the horizon. Their coordination was flawless, a dance of steel and fire honed through blood and legacy. They knew the Royal Navy was coming...scouting, probing, testing their defenses. But it was not fear that settled on the island; it was anticipation. This was not just a holding point. It was a crucible. And Prinz Eugen would let no one pass.

"All clear...nothing will pass." Eugen said with absolute conviction.

Suddenly, Z-23 caught a faint blip flying at low altitude and moving at the speed of sound...unheard of for anything currently in service. As the F-4 crossed the final waypoint, Santiago turned on the radar and switched the control of the radar and weapons to  Chiho.

"Akagi here...sink this so-called invincible Monsoon Group while they're at anchor, good luck." She chuckled before cutting communications. 

Chiho locked onto the first target and released an ASM-2, seconds later, the anti-ship missile impacted the broadside of an Iron Blood Destroyer, keel snapping the ship. "Destroyer Erich Koellner sunk!" I-26 confirmed. 

"I-Impossible! Where did that shot come from!?" Z-11 gasped. 


"Shut up, Z-11 before I-" A second missile streaked in, cutting off her retort. It struck with ruthless precision.


"Kyaa! Friedrich Eckoldt!" Z-11 screamed, eyes wide in horror as her sister ship vanished in a plume of fire and water, the explosion echoing like a death knell.

"They're sinking, they're sinking!" Another shipgirl cried out, voice trembling as flames lit the sky and the sea turned to chaos.

"Prinz Eugen, the contact has vanished from radar!" Z-23 cried out, frustration etched on her youthful features.

Eugen slammed a fist on the chart table, shards of wood splintering under her blow. "Vanished? Impossible!" She turned to the communication officer, a lanky man with a wireless headset. "Raise Weser! Tell her to scramble every plane! Now!"

The man nodded, shouting into the microphone, his voice cracking as he relayed the urgent order. On the flight deck of Weser's ship, alarms blared, and the screech of jet engines pierced the air as the ME 190Ts roared down the deck, leaping into the sky in a blaze of exhaust smoke.

Eugen turned to the gunnery officer, a tall woman with a severe bun and steely eyes. "Captain, what's our status?"

The captain consulted the damage report, her brow furrowed. "Prinz Eugen, the destroyers Koellner and Eckoldt are sunk. Minor damage to the light cruiser Emden. Our main battery is ready to engage."

Eugen nodded grimly, her mind racing. Two ships lost, but the heart of the Monsoon Group still stood strong. She would not let some upstart pilot and their missiles dictate her fate. "Very well. We'll give them a taste of the true power of the Iron Blood!" She turned to the helm, a petite girl with a shock of red hair. "Hard a starboard! Bring us about! And raise the yellow flag, battle stations!"

The ship shuddered as it turned, the propellers churning the water into frothy bubbles. The yellow flag snapped in the wind, a warning to all, the lioness was roused, and she would not go down without a fight. The battle for Formosa had only just begun.

Then Prinz Eugen spotted it...an F-4 Phantom in blue camouflage, a Hinomaru emblazoned on its wings as it flew past her ship breaking the sound barrier, a vapor cone forming along its fuselage as it effortlessly outran the Messerschmitts launched by Weser. The culprit was right there...and for once, she was powerless. She stood on the bridge, her fists clenched at her sides as she watched the sleek blue Phantom slice through the air, its vapor cone a mocking plume in the sky. The Hinomaru emblem flashed beneath the harsh sunlight, a painful reminder of the enemy's audacity.

"Damn you, you Sakuran dog!" she snarled, slamming a fist against the window. "Do you have any idea who you're messing with?"

But even as the words left her lips, a sinking feeling settled in her gut. The F-4 was already gone, vanishing into the horizon as quickly as it had appeared. The Messerschmitts, her sister ship's pride and joy, were left scrambling, their guns falling silent as the target slipped from their grasp.

Eugen turned to her crew, her expression grim. "Status report!"

The damage control officer, a woman with a bandaged arm, stepped forward. "Prinz Eugen, the ship's hull has sustained minor tremors from the overpressure of the explosions. No significant damage reported. Main battery and anti-aircraft guns are ready to engage."

Eugen nodded curtly, her mind racing. The enemy had caught them off guard, had sunk two of their destroyers, and had escaped with impunity. It was an embarrassment, a stain on their honor as the guardians of Formosa.

"Set condition one throughout the ship," she ordered, her voice ringing with determination. "And raise the red flag. We'll give this arrogant pilot a welcoming party they won't soon forget!"

The crew leapt to obey, the red flag snapping in the wind a moment later. The harbor waters churned as the Prinz Eugen shuddered, ready to unleash the full fury of her main battery.

"This isn't over," Eugen muttered, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the horizon for any sign of the Phantom. "The Iron Blood will not fall to such a cheap trick. We'll show them the true meaning of a German fortress!"

She turned to the communication officer, a man with a wireless headset. "Raise Weser. Tell them to keep their planes in the air and to patrol the skies constantly. We cannot afford to let our guard down again."

The man saluted crisply, relaying the order into the microphone. On the flight deck of Weser, the ME 190Ts circled like angry bees, ready to defend their hive.

Eugen knew the battle was far from over. The Sakura Empire had drawn first blood, but the Iron Blood would have the final say. She would not rest until the ghost of the F-4 was purged from their skies, until the name of Prinz Eugen was etched in infamy as the invincible guardian of Formosa.

"This is only the beginning," she vowed, her voice echoing through the bridge. "The Monsoon Group will not fall. The Iron Blood will not yield. And I will have my revenge!"

Eugen's eyes widened as the Phantom came around for one final pass, "Blow that piece of junk OUT OF THE SKY!!" She roared. Her anti-aircraft guns attempted to lead the Phantom but its speed made it impossible to get a bead on the supersonic fighter, "More..." she demanded, her fists clenching hard enough to make her palms bleed, "MORE!!"

Then the F-4 dropped its load of six 250kg bombs, but the bombs missed; they impacted close enough to shake the ship. The Phantom then pulled up and climbed to the heavens far outside the accurate range of Eugen's anti-aircraft guns...and then the fighter was gone.

"Damage report!" Eugen yelled over the chaos, gripping the railing tightly to keep her balance. The damage control officer, nursing a bloody cut on her forehead, rushed to her side.

"Prinz Eugen, the bombs missed us by a narrow margin, but the blast has caused minor damage to the hull. No significant flooding reported. Anti-aircraft guns are reloading and preparing to resume firing as soon as a new target is acquired."

Eugen cursed under her breath, her face flushed with anger and humiliation. The audacity of this pilot, to bomb them with impunity and then flee before they could even retaliate properly! It was unacceptable.

"They're toying with us," she growled, slamming a fist against the broken window frame. "Testing the limits of our defenses."

She turned to the radar operator, a petite girl with a bandaged hand, hunched over the flickering screen. "Any sign of that damn plane?"

Z-23 shook her head, her expression grim. "No, Prinz Eugen. The craft has escaped the range of our anti-aircraft guns and vanished from radar. It's as if it was never here, like a damned Phantom."

Eugen's eyes flashed with impotent fury. The Phantom's speed, its agility, the sheer arrogance of its attack, it was a slap in the face to the Iron Blood and everything they stood for. They were the guardians of Formosa, the unyielding bulwark against the encroaching forces of the Sakura Empire and their lackeys. And yet, they had been made to look like fools.

"This cannot stand," she declared, her voice ringing with grim determination. "The Iron Blood will not be made into a mockery!"

She turned to the communication officer, a man with a wireless headset and a cut above his eye. "Raise Weser. Tell her to keep her planes in the air and to patrol the skies constantly. We cannot afford to let our guard down again. And... "

Eugen hesitated, a thought striking her. She leaned in close, her voice lowering to a growl. "Offer a substantial bounty to any pilot who can bring that aircraft down. I want that arrogant bastard's head on a platter!"

The officer gulped, his eyes widening at the intensity of her gaze. "Y-yes, Prinz Eugen!" he stammered, relaying the order into the microphone.

On the flight deck of Weser, the ME 190Ts circled like angry hornets, ready to defend their queen. The pilots gripped their flight sticks with white knuckles, their eyes scanning the skies for any sign of the hated Phantom.

Chapter Text

Three months had passed since Santiago and Chiho arrived in this world. He walked into the hangar to check on the F-4EJ now that it was receiving some much needed maintenance. Santiago was surprised to see a beautiful woman with brown hair and piercing yellow eyes tending to the Phantom, she was in the process of finishing up maintenance on the starboard J79 engine before reinstalling it.

The woman paused as she heard footsteps approaching, wiping her hands clean on her coveralls as she turned to face the source. She looked up at the tall man, her yellow eyes widening slightly as she took in his appearance.

"Ah, you must be the American pilot I've heard so much about. Captain Guzman, correct?" Zuikaku asked, stepping down from the ladder and extending a hand in greeting. "I'm Zuikaku, the shipgirl assigned to work alongside you and your WSO. I've been helping to maintain and prepare the Phantom for battle as per Amagi-san's orders."

She glanced back at the F-4EJ, her gaze lingering on the Phantom's muscular lines and powerful engines. "I must say, your aircraft is quite impressive. The F-4EJ is a formidable machine, even if it's not as advanced as some of the newer models in your world. With proper care and maintenance, it can hold its own against the enemy in ours."

"It's very nice to meet you, Zuikaku!" He gave her a respectful bow, "I must say that it's impressive that you have adapted so quickly to working on such an aircraft given that your prior experience was with piston engined types. You can call me Santiago by the way." He chuckled as he passed his hand along the Phantom's nose and gently patted it.

Zuikaku returned the bow, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. "Ah, you flatter me, Santiago. I may be new to the world of jets, but I am a quick learner. Besides," she added with a hint of pride, "the principles behind maintaining an aircraft remain the same, whether it has a piston engine or a jet engine."

She stepped closer to Santiago and looked up at the Phantom's nose, her gloved hand mirroring his gesture as she gently ran her fingers along the sleek curve. "The F-4 is a masterpiece of engineering. Its design is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the humans behind it. I am honored to have the opportunity to work on such an incredible machine."

Zuikaku's yellow eyes met Santiago's gaze, her smile growing warmer and more genuine. "I look forward to fighting alongside you, Captain. Together, I believe we can accomplish great things, both in the air and on the ground."

Santiago then looked at the F-4 and remembered the need for missiles, with a sigh, he met Zuikaku's gaze once more, "What about missiles? How capable is the Sakura Empire at reverse engineering? We have a 20mm rotary cannon but if we can have AAM-3s or Sidewinders and some AIM-7s, it'll really give us a massive advantage that no aircraft in this world has."

Zuikaku's expression turned thoughtful as she considered Santiago's question, her brow furrowed slightly. "Missiles, you say? The Sakura Empire has made strides in reverse engineering and adapting modern technologies, but we are not yet at the level of your world's military-industrial complex. However, I believe it is possible to obtain the missiles needed for your Phantom to operate at its maximum potential."

The young carrier paused for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities. "I can put in a request with the research and development division. They may be able to procure a small batch of AAM-3s, Sidewinders, or even AIM-7s through... shall we say, creative acquisition methods. It will not be easy, but I believe it can be done with careful planning and discretion."

Zuikaku's eyes gleamed with determination as she looked up at Santiago, a hint of excitement in her voice. "If we can successfully acquire these missiles for your Phantom, it will indeed give us a significant advantage in aerial combat. I will make it my top priority to see this through, Captain. Leave it to me, and I will not let you down."

July 22nd, 1943

Social Distortion's Reach For The Sky blared on Santiago and Chiho's headsets as they tore through the sound barrier over Royal Malaya. It was their Phantom against six Heinkel 280s flown by the Iron Blood's most elite pilots. While the Heinkels could outturn the F-4, they were nowhere near a match in the vertical. 

"Hold on tight, Chiho!" Santiago grunted as he pulled the stick back, pulling the F-4 into the vertical, the G indicator reading 6.5G.

Chiho gripped the grab handle tightly, her knuckles turning white as the incredible G-forces pressed her back into her seat. The blood rushed from her head, leaving her dizzy and lightheaded. But she gritted her teeth and held on, determined to support Santiago in the high-speed aerial battle.

"I'm with you!" She called out, her voice strained but resolute. "We've got them on the ropes, sir. Two bandits had stalled and were falling back." She squinted at the radar screen, watching the blips scatter as they climbed steeply into the sky. The Heinkels were skillful, but they couldn't match the Phantom's raw power in the vertical.

"Use the altitude advantage, Santiago. We can't let them get behind us," she advised, even as the world spun around them. Chiho knew they had to stay fast and on the offensive if they wanted to come out on top. She glanced at the weapons panel, confirming that the M61 had been selected. Despite the immense pressure on her body and mind, Chiho felt a surge of adrenaline and confidence. She trusted Santiago completely, knew he could handle anything thrown their way. Together, they would face this threat head-on and emerge victorious.

Santiago then came back down with a large chunk of the Phantom's energy still retained and placed the lead HE 280 into the HUD, with a squeeze of the trigger, the M61 snarled and ripped the Iron Blood fighter to pieces in a hail of high explosive rounds.

Chiho watched in awe and exhilaration as the Heinkel 280 exploded in a brilliant fireball before their eyes, the wreckage raining down into the azure sea below. The thunderous roar of the M61 cannon echoed in her ears, sending a thrill down her spine.

"Wow...impressive shooting, Santiago!" she exclaimed, a grin spreading across her face despite the harrowing situation. "One enemy aircraft destroyed, five more to go!"

She checked the radar, noting the remaining bandits were scattering and trying to regain formation. "The others are getting nervous. They're breaking off and trying to disengage." Chiho quickly calculated their remaining options. "We still have plenty of cannon ammo. I say we press our advantage, Santiago. Let's not give them a chance to regroup."

She glanced over at him, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and determination. "What's our next move? We can't let them escape after losing one of their own. The Iron Blood needs to learn not to mess with the Sakura Empire.

Weser felt a bit of her soul die when she saw the numbers. The Iron Blood was so hopelessly outmatched in the domain of naval aviation. Less than ten carriers in total compared to the Eagle Union's hundred or the Royal Navy's nearly twenty. How on Earth was the Iron Blood supposed to compete against that?

But war never cared about how one could compete against a powerful enemy. Absolutely everyone knew that war wasn't fair and if it was, then it wasn't being done right. Even someone as nice as Weser would never forgo a strategic advantage, and she didn't expect other factions to do any different.

She was one of the Iron Blood's top pilots and now she would be in charge of not only training the other carriers how to fight while outnumbered but how to dominate in the air. While the Eagle Union, Royal Navy, and Sakura Empire still operated piston engined aircraft, the Iron blood invested in navalizing their jet fighters, the Heinkel 280 and Messerschmitt 262.

Weser sat in the cockpit of her ME 262 as she waited for the signal to launch against that Phantom. Her hand shook on the control stick and her heart raced in her chest. Then the signal came, "LOS, LOS, LOS, LOS!" The airboss roared. Without hesitation, Weser fired up her aircraft's Jumo 004 engines and closed the canopy and taxied to the catapult...it was time to face that Phantom head-on.

99 Luftballons by Nena played on Santiago's headset as he neared Weser's ship. He was too fast for her anti-aircraft guns to track but at least she could attempt to bring him down despite his superior speed advantage.

Weser gripped the control stick tightly as the ME 262 surged forward off the catapult, the force pressing her back into her seat. The wind rushed around the cockpit as she climbed at a steep angle, the Japanese coastline falling away beneath her wings.

She leveled out at 20,000 feet, scanning the sky for any sign of the enemy aircraft. The radio crackled to life, "Weser, you have a bogey at your three o'clock, range 10 miles, closing fast. It's that Phantom Eugen faced three months ago."

Weser banked hard to the right, pushing the throttles forward to full military power. She could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins as she tried to bring the ME 262 up to its top speed of 540 mph. The Phantom was fast, but it couldn't match the Iron Blood jet's turning radius.

She leveled out again and spotted the Phantom in the distance. It was closing fast, but she was ready for it. She flipped the switch for her Revi 16B gunsight, the crosshairs appearing in her vision.

The Phantom was closing fast, its compressors screaming as it pushed towards mach 2. Weser felt the ME 262 start to shudder and vibrate as the Phantom approached. She knew she had to act fast, before the Phantom could get any closer.

She flipped the safety off her four 30mm cannons and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The Phantom was now just a few seconds away, and strangely it was packing missiles. Once it was in gun range, her heart practically stopped when she heard the snarl form its rotary cannon. There was nothing like it. 

Weser expected the F-4 to turn with her since this was a guns only duel, but instead the pilot went vertical taking full advantage of the F-4's superior thrust to weight ratio. She had now lost visual of the Phantom in the sun and was trying to track the jet.

Santiago then came in for a boom and zoom pass and fired a shot across Weser's nose. The shot was intended to scare her, to show her that the Sakura Empire now had a weapon that could wipe the floor with the Iron Blood for joining forces with the Sirens. 

Weser's heart raced as the shot whipped past her canopy, the thunderous boom echoing in her ears. She knew this was a warning shot, a display of force from the Sakura Empire's newest weapon. The Phantom's speed and agility were breathtaking, unlike anything she had ever seen before.

As the Phantom went supersonic and surged ahead, leaving a vapor cone in its wake, Weser struggled to keep pace. The ME 262 was a marvel of Iron Blood engineering, but it was no match for the raw power of the Sakura Empire's secret weapon.

Weser gritted her teeth, her knuckles white as she gripped the control stick tighter. She couldn't let this Phantom escape, but she also knew she couldn't keep chasing it. The Phantom was toying with her, and if she didn't act fast, she would be the one who ended up as prey.

With a heavy heart, Weser made the difficult decision to disengage. She pulled back on the stick, the nose of the ME 262 lifting up as she climbed out of the Phantom's reach. "I have to break off!" Weser called into the radio, her voice strained with frustration. "I can't keep up with its speed. I'm outmatched this time."

As she climbed away from the ocean's surface, Weser couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her stomach. The Sakura Empire had a new weapon, and if they had more like it, the Iron Blood was in serious trouble. She knew she had to report this back to base and warn her superiors of the threat.

Weser leveled out at a safe altitude and set a course for home, her mind racing with thoughts of the battle she had just witnessed. The Iron Blood needed to do something fast, before it was too late. She had to find a way to counter this new threat from the Sakura Empire.

Chapter Text

The Sakura Empire's summer offensive had begun, and Chiho and Santiago were at the very tip of it with the Phantom. The Sakura Empire would be committing all that they had to break what remained of Monsun Gruppe while the Iron Blood would hold on despite their inferior numbers. If this offensive succeeded, the Iron Blood would lose their hold in the Pacific, and if it failed, then the Sakuran Navy would be crippled, allowing the Iron Blood enough time to reinforce with the assistance of the Sirens. 

The Phantom flew at low level passing by the Nagato and Yamato-class battleships as they fired a full broadside over the horizon toward the Iron Blood ships. The F-4 then popped up and climbed straight up to an altitude of thirty-five thousand feet before leveling off. 

As the Me 262s and Heinkel 280s of the Iron Blood launched form their carriers, the shipgirls leading the charge in the cockpits of their own fighters broke radio silence in hopes of motivating their pilots, "Viel Glück da oben!" Peter Strasser said as she joined formation with Weser and her sister, Graf Zeppelin. 

Weser gripped the control stick of her Me 262, her heart pounding with anticipation as she climbed into formation with Peter Strasser and Graf Zeppelin. She knew this was a crucial moment, a chance to turn the tide of the war against the Sakura Empire's new weapon.

"Danke, Strasser," Weser replied over the radio, her voice filled with determination. "We'll show them the true power of Iron Blood aviation!"

As the formation of jets climbed higher, Weser checked her instruments, ensuring everything was in order. She knew they would be facing the Phantom squadron soon, and she was ready for them this time.

Weser had spent the past few months studying the Phantom's capabilities and weaknesses, searching for a way to counter their superior speed and agility. She had trained relentlessly with her squadron, honing their skills in the air and developing new tactics to outmaneuver the Sakura Empire's secret weapon.

Now, as they approached the battlefield, Weser felt a surge of confidence. The Iron Blood had developed new weapons and strategies to counter the Phantom, and she was determined to put them to the test.

"Remember, everyone," Weser said, addressing her squadron over the radio, "the key to beating these Phantoms is with agility. We can't match their raw speed, but we can outmaneuver them. Stick to the plan, watch each other's backs, and we'll come out on top." As the formation neared the chaos of the naval battle below, Weser caught sight of the Phantom's contrails high above. The fighter glinting in the sunlight as it streaked through the clear skies. 

"Sparrow selected, sir!" Chiho confirmed.

Santiago nodded and locked the APG-66 onto one of the Iron Blood fighters below, he then pressed the pickle button and an AIM-7 released with a loud thunk. The motor ignited and the missile tracked toward its target, seconds later the missile obliterated the jet closest to Weser, Peter Strasser's, killing her instantly. 

Weser's heart skipped a beat as she saw the missile streaking towards Peter Strasser's Me 262. Time seemed to slow down as the AIM-7 closed in on its target, the fiery plume growing larger and larger behind it.

"Nein!" Weser screamed into the radio, but it was too late. The missile slammed into Peter Strasser's jet with a blinding flash, tearing the aircraft apart in an instant. Shrapnel and burning debris rained down from the sky as the Me 262 exploded in a massive fireball.

Weser felt a wave of shock and grief wash over her. Peter Strasser, one of the Iron Blood's most skilled pilots and a dear friend, had been taken from them in an instant. The realization hit Weser hard, and for a moment, she struggled to keep control of her own aircraft.

"Strasser's down!" Graf Zeppelin cried out over the radio, her voice filled with anguish and disbelief. "They shot her down with some kind of missile!"

Weser took a deep breath, blinking back the tears that threatened to form in her eyes. She knew she had to stay focused, had to avenge her fallen comrade. The Sakura Empire had struck a devastating blow, but they would pay dearly for it.

"Stay calm, everyone," Weser said, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to regain control. "They've got missiles. We have to be careful, but we can't let them break our resolve. This is for Strasser!" Weser pushed her throttles forward, feeling the rush of the ME 262 surging ahead as she climbed into a steep turn. She scanned the skies, searching for any sign of the Phantom that had fired the deadly missile.

There, in the distance, she spotted the glint of metal against the sun. The Phantom was banking away, trying to line up another shot. Weser knew she had to act fast. "Graf Zeppelin, you engage the Kikkas. I'll go for the Phantom,"

Weser ordered, already lining up her shot with the aid of her Revi 16B gunsight. The Phantom was still too far away for a cannon shot, but Weser knew she had to scare it off, to keep it from getting a clear shot at her squadron.

"J-Jawoll!" Graf Zeppelin replied as she turned to engage the Sakuran Kikkas, leaving Weser to deal with the Phantom. 

Chiho meanwhile, spotted Weser's Me 262 approaching, "Bandit on our six, Santiago!" She called out, "What should we do? we can outrun it." 

"Yes, but that'll burn fuel...let's play with her.." He replied, banking the F-4 hard to force a turn fight. While it was a bad idea to turn fight an ME 262 with an F-4, he could at least get Weser to take the bait. 

As the Phantom bled energy, Weser drew closer and closer and fired a short burst from her Mk.108s. The slow rate of fire coupled with the cannon's poor velocity made it difficult to lead the F-4 even with the jet's massive size, Santiago then dropped the nose and forced the Phantom into a dive and Weser gave chase. While the phantom easily exceeded the 262's top speed, the Iron Blood jet was now beginning to compress and soon its wings would rip, forcing Weser to throttle back to idle. 

Santiago then pulled back on the stick and performed a tactical egg maneuver using his superior energy advantage and switched to his AAM-3s. Once he had lined up for an all-aspect shot and had tone, he fired, "Fox two.." He called out, the missile flying off the rail and snaking for a brief period before smashing into Weser's 262, ripping off the tail. 

Weser felt the searing heat of the explosion as the missile tore through her Me 262, the force of the impact throwing her forward in her seat. She heard the sickening crunch of metal twisting and breaking around her as the tail section of her aircraft was ripped clean off.

"Mayday, mayday!" Weser cried out, her voice filled with panic as she struggled to maintain control of the crippled jet. "I'm hit! I'm losing control!"

The cockpit filled with smoke and the acrid smell of burning jet fuel. Weser knew she had only seconds before the entire aircraft would be engulfed in flames. Acting on instinct, she reached for the canopy jettison and pulled it with all her might.

A loud rush of cold air filled the cockpit as the canopy fell away, and Weser undid her straps, falling away from the doomed jet. She felt the wind rushing past her as she was hurled clear of the burning wreckage, the earth rushing up to meet her. Weser's parachute deployed with a jerk, the canopy billowing out above her as she drifted downwards. She could see the burning remains of her aircraft falling away below her, the wreckage plummeting towards the churning sea below.

As she hung suspended beneath her parachute, Weser took a moment to assess her injuries. She was bruised and battered, but miraculously, she seemed to have escaped with her life. The Phantom had dealt her a devastating blow, but she was still alive.

Weser looked around, realizing that she was drifting towards the battlefield below. The naval battle was still raging on, the thunderous boom of artillery and the screams of wounded sailors filling the air. She knew she had to get as far away from the battle as possible before she was spotted and attacked again.

With a grunt of effort, Weser started to pull on the cords of her parachute, steering herself away from the chaos below. She had survived the attack, but she knew that the war was far from over. The Sakura Empire had a new weapon, and the Iron Blood would need to find a way to counter it if they hoped to emerge victorious.

As Weser drifted lower, she caught sight of Graf Zeppelin in the distance, locked in a fierce dogfight with a squadron of Sakura Empire Kikka fighters. She knew she had to find a way to warn her sister, to let her know about the Phantom's missiles and the devastating threat they posed.

With a determined set to her jaw, Weser prepared herself for a hard landing on the rocky shore below. She knew the battle was far from over, and she would do whatever it took to help turn the tide in the Iron Blood's favor. As she drifted closer to the water, Weser took a deep breath and braced herself for impact, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Santiago awoke from his sleep to a loud bang on his door, as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, he could hear the distinctive sound of Chiho's timid voice telling him to wake up before he missed the mission briefing. 

"B-Be right there..." He said.

Santiago quickly changed out of his tanktop and sweatpants and into his flightsuit before opening the door to meet with, Chiho "Chiho-chan...I had this weird dream..we went up for a routine sortie and got intercepted by some Chinese fighter jets...then...then we ended up fighting alongside some Sakura Empire or whatever in this weird retelling of World War II..." 

Chiho blinked in surprise, her eyes wide as she took in the strange story that had apparently been plaguing Santiago's dreams. She had never heard him mention anything like this before, and it gave her an eerie feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Nibbling her lower lip, Chiho stepped closer to him, her voice lowering to a concerned murmur. "That sounds...very odd, Santiago. Almost like something out of a science fiction movie. But I assure you, we are not fighting alongside the Sakura Empire in any retelling of World War II. We are here, on Misawa Air Base, preparing for a real-world mission against China's increased incursions and North Korea's shenanigans."

She giggled and reached out to touch his arm, her brow furrowed in worry. "Are you feeling alright, sir? Maybe you've been working too hard, and it's affecting your sleep. I know these long hours and intense missions can take a toll..."

Chiho's gaze drifted over his face, searching for any signs of exhaustion or distress. She knew the pressure they were under, the responsibility they carried on their shoulders. But she also knew that they had to stay focused and sharp if they wanted to succeed.

Glancing at her watch, Chiho gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "For now, let's put that dream out of your mind. We can't afford to be late for the briefing. The mission is crucial, and we need to be at our best. I'm here for you, always, no matter what. Let's head to the ready room and get ready to face this threat head-on, together."

"Y-Yeah...you're right, Chiho...plus I still owe you that date to that Sushi place you like after the sortie anyway." Santiago teased as he squeezed her hand in his, "Let's get this done.."

Chiho's cheeks flushed pink at the mention of their impending date, a giddy warmth spreading through her chest. She had been looking forward to it for weeks now, a rare moment of normalcy and connection amidst the chaos of their duties.

She gave his hand a playful squeeze in return, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You better not forget that promise, Santiago. I've been dreaming of your company and those delicious rolls for days. And maybe..." she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Maybe a toast or two to celebrate our victory today. What do you say, sir?"

With a final grin and a determined nod, Chiho straightened up and checked her watch again. "But first, let's show those Chinese pilots why the JASDF are to be feared. We've got a mission to fly and a date to keep. Let's go out there and give them a show they won't forget!"

Hand in hand, the pair marched out of the barracks and towards the ready room, their spirits high and their resolve unshakable. Together, they knew they could face anything - from the dangers of the skies to the joy of a shared meal. One way or another, today would be a day to remember.