Azur Lane: Rebirth

Ch10: Royal Ambush

I'm on the beach, relaxing with Z23 when Bismarck joins us. With her is Tirpitz and as they sit down in the sand I can tell this isn't just a friendly visit.

Bismarck: How are you feeling, Hood?

Me: I'm feeling a bit better.

Bismarck: Good enough to be seaworthy?

Me: I thought that was up to Vestal.

Bismarck: You've probably noticed she's different from the Vestal you're accustomed to.

Me: Yeah, what's up with that?

Bismarck: Well, suffice to say she's from a different faction with which we've allied ourselves as our goals currently align with one another. 

Despite the lack of a further explanation, I refrain from pushing the matter further.

Me: So what do you need me for?

Bismarck: We don't "need" you. I would merely like for you to start sea trials and to that end, I've arranged a small flotilla to accompany you.

Me: Would it really matter if I sunk to the bottom of the sea again or do you still not trust me?

Bismarck: It has nothing to do with trust. Haven't you noticed it yet? We all care about you.

I don't know how to respond to that so I merely keep quiet and she uses the opening to explain her plans about how I won't stray far from shore and that we'll have constant air coverage from land. She also goes into the importance of sticking with the group, all of which I agree to.

Bismarck: Great. I'm surprised you agreed without fuss but-

Me: Would you like me to-

Bismarck: Anyways! You're flotilla will consist of: Z23,  Elbing, Nurnberg and Lützow.

Me: Very well.

Bismarck: There's more. U-522 and U-410 will travel ahead of you to ensure you stay clear of any enemy forces. Remember, this is not a combat mission so do your best to avoid engagements. Vestal hasn't cleared you for combat yet.

Me: I...I understand. Retreat at the first sign of danger. Got it.

Bismarck: Hood, I mean it. If you encounter an enemy force you are to withdraw with Z23. Lützow will remain behind with the others and cover your escape as the flotilla's heavy firepower.

Me: Yes, yes. 

She doesn't look convinced but after Z23 promises to take good care of me, she releases a sigh and gives us the go-ahead to begin preparations for departure. At the same time, Elbe begins launching a few of her planes to begin scouring the surrounding region for enemies. After she confirms that there is none present, we set out to cheers and well wishes. 

Z23: Lady Hood, stay close and let us know if you feel any discomfort.

Me: I-

Lützow: She's right. Leave all the heavy lifting to me.

There's laughter amongst the group as Lützow pouts over the fact that no one takes her words seriously. All in all, it's a peaceful day and I'm enjoying the feeling of sailing amongst the waves once again. We're a good distance from the port but still perfectly within the air cover from shore and as planes continuously soar overhead, nothing-

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

An explosion in the distance is quickly followed by a scrambled message from U-522 that she and U-410 have engaged a large enemy fleet closing down on our position. 

Me: We have to help-

Z23: Lady Hood, we have to retreat!

Me: But-

I know she's right but the thought of abandoning my allies...I just can't. I can't repeat the same thing the Royal Navy did to me. I just-

Lützow: Z23, take Hood and hurry back to base. I've already tried radioing ahead but something's interfering with our transmissions. I can't get through so you'll need to warn them in person.

Me: I want to-

Lützow: Go!

Lützow shoves me towards Z23 before turning and blasting off with the others towards the direction the explosion came from. Overhead, the planes also veer from their patrolling pattern and begin speeding towards the site of battle leaving behind Z23 and me.

Z23: We need to go!

Me: I-

Z23: Hurry! We'll only get in the way if we remain!

It hurts to hear her say those words but I know it is true. As such, when she grabs my hand and begins pulling me away from the battle, I don't resist and soon we're travelling at Flank speed. The sounds of battle commencing erupt over the horizon as flashes of light signal the start of the battle. 

Lützow: [It's an ambush! We must retreat!]

Elbing: [Lützow!]

BOOOOOOOOOOM! BOOOOOOOOOOOM! BOOOOOOOOOOOM!