The Iowa Sisters #1 Pacific Fire

Chapter 28

TOKUYAMA JAPAN APRIL 1945 "YAMATO"

The look on my crews' face was determined and focused. It was the same look that I'd seen on Mushashi's face as she led Halsey's planes away in a suicidal run.

I knew what was going to happen before my captain told me about it. "We're going to Okinawa. We'll beach ourselves there and you'll take the Americans out with your big guns. We only have enough fuel for a one way trip though." He said.

"Understood." I growled. I knew this would be the last time I ever saw Japan. This was suicide and we all knew it. But I wasn't afraid. I was a battleship, born and bred to live and die as a warrior.

For nearly a year, I'd tried to do what Mushashi had asked of me. I'd tried to be happy and lead my fleet in the way that any great leader should but I couldn't do it. I couldn't be happy when I knew she was gone.

I needed her now more than ever and I had no way of reaching her. The stars had been silent since the battle of Leyte last October and I couldn't help but wonder if our ancestors had abandoned us. Shinano had been sunk in January by a few lucky shots by Archerfish, therefore following Mushashi to the Ancients. It was all I could do not to return the favor. I wasn't willing to stoop down to their level and kill a healer, even if she was just an apprentice.

The sound of Nagato's approach shook me back to the present. "Yamato, it's time." She said. I sighed. Turning to my deputy I said "Lead them well." She nodded. "I'll do my best." She promised.

I nuzzled her. "Stay safe, may the gods protect you." I whispered. She smiled. "And you, may they bring glory to your name." She replied. Nuzzling her one last time, I turned for the open ocean, my escorts following.

The fleet gave three blasts on their whistles in salute as I left them for good.

Racing across the Pacific at full speed for Okinawa, I couldn't help but think of Mushashi. Gods I missed her, I missed her so much I was amazed that I hadn't died already from the pain. She might've suggested differently but I knew in my heart it was my fault.

If only I'd not ordered her to come. If only I'd convinced her that there was another way besides her suicidal diversion. There were almost too many 'if only's'. The ironic thing is that if any one of them had been different, Mushashi most certainly would not have died.

As I raced away from my beloved homeland I thought I saw the air shimmer in front of me. Mushashi and Shinano appeared, their hulls sparkling with starlight.

"We are waiting." Mushashi whispered. Shinano smiled that sweet little smile of hers. Raising their bows in salute, they vanished.

My sisters were waiting for me, for me. How I longed to see them again. But to know they were watching me, I took courage from that.

My captain patted my side. "You've fought well for the Emperor, Yamato. Now you must fight one last time." He said. "And so I shall." I growled.

"FOR THE EMPEROR!" I yowled. My crew echoed me. With my props churning a long white wake behind me and my hazel eyes narrowed and focused solely on the path ahead, I raced on to Okinawa on my voyage of death.