It was Spring. April, to be exact. The cherry blossom trees had just come into blossom the day beforehand, the alluring pink petals slowly falling off the trees and dancing on the slow breeze, carrying them to destination unknown. The sun loomed overhead, the scarce few clouds in the blue sky doing little to abate its heat, ailed only by the cool wind that flowed through the island.

Various Japanese-styled houses rested along the length of the mountain in the centre of the island, belonging to the higher-ranking members of the Sakura Empire. For those who were exceptionally strong, incredibly cunning, or simply a tactical genius – if you could prove your worth, you deserved to live on the mountain. It served a dual purpose; one, to give social authority to those that deserved it – and two; to give the tacticians a vantage point of which to command the defensive forces in the event of an attack.

Practicality mixed with aesthetic; the way of the Sakura Empire.

The very top of the mountain held a grand structure, three stories tall and easily capable of holding half of the entire Sakura Empire's Fleet. It was the home to the Head of the Combined Fleet, currently occupied by Nagato. A river ran through from the centre, out from the well-maintained gardens and off the side of the mountain – forming a waterfall as it hit the next 'layer', where Amagi's home resided.

Compared to the sheer scale and grandeur of Nagato's miniature palace, Amagi's was rather small. It was single-storey, and while it was moderately large it didn't have the same air of awe about it. Connected to the building was an outdoor onsen that overlooked the great blue sea, a grand sight from such a high location. The waterfall that came from Nagato's palace travelled outside Amagi's home, a small bridge built over it, before the water fell down onto the area below it, and so on until it reached the ocean.

Out of all homes along the mountain, Amagi's was truly one of the most peaceful. Which irritated Kawakaze to no end.

''You're such an idiot.''

Sharp blue eyes glared at the woman in front of her, leaning against her porch for support. Her skin was sickly pale and her breaths came out in a laboured gasps, fanning herself in a futile attempt to cool herself down. Amagi's health had deteriorated rapidly over the past month, yet never lost that stubborn grace that had drawn Kawakaze to her in the first place.

Amagi smiled weakly at the irate Destroyer. ''You've claimed such many a times, Kawakaze.''

''Yet it is a wonder how you have not accepted such a fact.'' Kawakaze grumbled, a scowl marring her pale face as she approached the frail Battlecruiser. ''I've told you a dozen times within the week alone to take it easy. Your constant exertion isn't helping your health.''

The brunette tactician hummed quietly, not wasting her breath responding. Seeing that Kawakaze huffed, disappearing inside Amagi's home without a word – only to return less than a minute later, a cold wet cloth in hand.

''Thank you...'' Amagi murmured, sighing in content as she pressed it against her forehead.

Kawakaze said nothing in response, silently leaning against a wooden pillar. Her sharp blue gaze wandered, trailing over the front garden of Amagi's home. In particular her eyes were drawn to the litany of cherry blossoms dotting the rim of her territory. There was something so enamouring about this place. Amagi's home was truly peaceful, so undisturbed, so... disconnected, from the rest of the world. Like the legends of the Plains of High Heaven, Takamagahara, this was their own slice of such a heaven.

Cherry blossom petals danced on the wind, lazily swimming through the air like fireflies. Kawakaze never believed in such legends, of a realm beyond their own where everything was good and happy. It was illogical, pure and simple. Even if such a world existed, why care? They were trapped in their own world, and they had a job to do – there was no point in wondering about a potentially-fake world that they couldn't reach even if they tried.

And yet... in the past few weeks, she was forced to face the potential of such a world. And she truly wished there was one, if only for Amagi's sake.

Her sharp eyes tracked a single petal, floating so close to her she could reach out and touch it if she dared, but she didn't. Instead she watched it move, floating down into the river and be carried away over the waterfall, dragged down by the current.

''I was attempting... to dance...''

Kawakaze looked down, turning her attention back onto Amagi. ''I see. Even though Kaga herself told you to, quote, 'stop being such a dumbass and rest for once'?''

Amagi laughed softly. It was an airy sound, refined and elegant.

''Yes... but, by now I'm sure you've realised I'm not all that good at following advice.'' The fox-woman smiled with a hint of coyness.

''Believe me, I know.'' Kawakaze remarked dryly, eliciting another soft laugh.

Silence befell them for a minute. There was no real need to speak – they had shared each other's company for many years. Their lines of thinking were so similar it was only natural they become friends – where Kawakaze was apathetically pessimistic, Amagi was grimly optimistic. Two sides of a coin, in a sense.

''Tell me.'' Kawakaze broke the silence, staring down at the brunette. ''Why is that dance so important to you? To the point you risk your health and well-being, just to practice it?''

Amagi was uncharacteristically silent for a long, long minute. Kawakaze was unaffected, waiting patiently.

''...my admiral.'' Amagi began slowly, staring at nothing in particular. ''I do not remember his name, nor his face. But I remember his words. He came to visit me, when I was under construction. Even though I wasn't even seaworthy yet, he looked upon me with such... such vitality, like I was holding the key to heaven itself.''

''You'll be the greatest Battlecruiser in the world. History will remember your courage, our courage, and look upon us as legends rivalling the gods. We'll be the greatest, we will be... everything...'' Amagi recited, her solemn words interrupted by a harsh cough. ''T-That is what he said to me... Perhaps he knew that I, on some level, was aware. Perhaps not. All I know is he saw something in me that no other mortal man or woman has seen. He saw me not as a simple weapon or vehicle, but a method – a method of bringing glory to all who sailed with me.''

''He even brought his wife, showing me off like some prized jewel.'' Amagi smiled fondly, purple eyes glazing over. ''They came and danced upon my deck, and I found myself captivated. They moved with such elegance, such grace, such passion... it was like I was watching cherry blossoms dance in the air. It was unlike anything I have ever, or since, seen.''

There was a pause, drawing a frown from Kawakaze. She could see the miniscule creases around Amagi's brow, the way her eyes stared at the cherry blossoms almost longingly. Sorrowfully.

''When the earthquake hit, they were knocked overboard. The sheer drop killed them both instantly.'' Amagi said simply. ''I was too damaged to be constructed completely, and was thus scrapped. Unable to bring glory and going down in the history books as little more than a mistake, a project forever unfulfilled.''

Silence fell once more, though this time it was far heavier than Kawakaze was used to. She knew Amagi had been wrecked by an earthquake during construction, but that her future admiral was killed alongside his wife, while they were dancing atop her hull? That seemed like an almost cruel twist of fate.

After a moment, Kawakaze sighed. It was so silly. So driven by emotion and not out of logic... and yet she was going to do it anyway.

''Get up.''

''Hm?'' Amagi rose a delicate eyebrow, more confused than anything else.

Kawakaze huffed, stepping off the porch and onto the grass, extending a hand to the weak brunette. Bemused Amagi took it, letting the smaller girl pull her up. She swayed for a brief moment before steadying herself, understanding dawning across her pale face as she realised what Kawakaze wanted.

Amagi laughed lightly. ''You criticise me... yet now you are the one who wishes to dance?''

Kawakaze huffed, and to Amagi's surprise laid her left hand on Amagi's right hip before she snaked her right hand under the brunette's left elbow, lightly gripping her arm through her heavy kimono.

''You... know the dance?'' Amagi asked, genuinely surprised.

''A bit.'' Kawakaze remarked lightly. ''I've seen you do it enough times to get the general gist of it.''

The Battlecruiser smiled. ''Well... it is a pleasure to finally have a partner to dance with... it is a two-person dance, after all.''

''And yet you always did it by yourself.''

''It would be rude to trouble others with the backstory of the dance.''

Kawakaze hummed. The fact Amagi found it alright to tell her, and her alone, did not escape her notice.

Normally when Amagi danced, it was fast. Passionate. She swayed side to side like a tree in the wind, arms snaking through the air as if they were tassels and hands curling around unseen objects. She moved quickly, twirling before bending back, held by an invisible person. The dance followed a similar theme; fast yet passionate.

Kawakaze didn't go fast. She started moving, gently stating to sway side to side and bringing Amagi along for the ride. Cherry blossoms flittered around them, their movements so slow the petals blew right past them, undisturbed.

The white-haired Destroyer lifted her left hand, intertwining it with Amagi's right. She extended their joint hands out to the side, bending and waving like they were cloth tassels in the breeze. Still keeping the swaying motion going Kawakaze slowly turned them around, her footwork startlingly good – and for once, Amagi wondered if she had gotten the dance wrong all along, even though she was the one to actually see it. The way Kawakaze moved... it was so fluid, yet slow. Gentle.

''You tire yourself easily.'' Kawakaze remarked quietly, staring up into her purple eyes. ''So try doing it slowly in future, understood?''

Amagi smiled fondly, tightening her grip on Kawakaze's hand. ''Understood, little River Wind.''

A faint, almost adorable pink blush dusted the Destroyer's pale cheeks. ''I-I thought I told you to cease using that... nickname.''

Amagi giggled, wrapping her left arm around Kawakaze and bringing her flush against her. ''Why? It is your name after all.''

''A translation those Eagle Union and Royal Navy ships use.'' She remarked disdainfully, almost reluctantly resting her head on Amagi's shoulder.

The brunette Battlecruiser only smiled, continuing their little dance without a word.

X-x-X

A few minutes later they finished the dance, leaving Amagi slightly winded from the mild exertion. Kawakaze led her over to one of the cherry blossom trees, laying her beneath it before disappearing inside her home.

Several minutes later she returned, carrying a tray with tea and biscuits on it. Wordlessly she knelt before Amagi, filling their cups with long-honed ease, her movements flawless as she performed the tea ceremony that Amagi taught her so many years ago. Simple yet graceful.

Amagi smiled as she took the offered cup. ''You've improved.''

''You say that every time.''

''And I mean it.'' Amagi replied lightly, taking a sip. ''I daresay you've surpassed me.''

''In tea making.'' Kawakaze drawled, a hint of dry amusement leaking into her tone. The way her long furry grey tail swished behind her gave away her delight.

The brunette lazily brushed some hair from her face. ''In more than that. You rival me in tactical skill too; even Nagato-sama acknowledges that you've surpassed her with your unorthodox way of planning.''

Kawakaze looked away, pink dusting her cheeks. ''Your words, while flattering, are untrue. I have yet to win a War Game against you.''

''Not so. Last time I found myself pulling out all the stops just to win.'' Amagi revealed, surprising the petite Destroyer. ''If it wasn't for the fact Fubuki-chan made an error in judgement when she flanked our back-line. Had she not faltered, she would almost certainly have taken down Akagi, and led to your victory.''

''H-Hmph...'' Kawakaze dismissed the praise. ''Looks like I'll have to speak with Fubuki about flanking manoeuvrers.''

''Don't be hard on the girl, you know how she is.''

Kawakaze hummed in response, taking a big sip of her tea to mask her embarrassment. Quiet returned to the area, the gentle sound of running water and the cool breeze filling the silence. Once again the Destroyer found herself watching the cherry blossoms, following the petals as the wind carried them away. How grimly fitting that when the last of them fell, so too would Amagi.

A week. That was all the time left.

''You don't have to scrap yourself, you know.''

Amagi sighed, nursing her cup. ''This debate again, Kawakaze? I'd thought I made my point clear on this.''

Kawakaze's lips thinned. The naval treaty, one forged between the Sakura Empire, Eagle Union, Royal Navy and Ironblood. Downsizing their naval forces so as to prevent an arms race. Unfortunately, that meant that Kaga would have to be scrapped – until Amagi somehow convinced Nagato to allow her to be scrapped instead.

It was stupid, and Kawakaze made that thought very clear. But Amagi was a stubborn woman, and wouldn't change her mind when set on something. It was that same stubbornness that brought her deep into the Mirror Sea, leading a rescue force to save Kaga and suffer grievous wounds, which in no small part led to her weakened state.

And while she knew it was wrong, Kawakaze couldn't help but despise Kaga for her recklessness.

The worst part of it all, was that Kawakaze couldn't find a fault in her argument. With Amagi so gravely weakened she was now unable to participate in any future naval conflicts, and her formerly-unrivalled tactical prowess was now challenged by Kawakaze herself. Compared to Kaga, who was still in her prime and ready to be converted into an Aircraft Carrier, there was no need for Amagi. While nobody would ever dare think about her that way, on paper she was now becoming a burden.

''It is for the best, River Wind.'' Amagi smiled sadly, shaking the Destroyer from her thoughts.

Kawakaze frowned and looked away, staring at the grass. Perhaps it was for the best. But that didn't mean she had to like it.

Seeing that Amagi sighed quietly, purple eyes wandering over Kawakaze's face – twisted in an expression of near-physical pain. For someone so stoic and harsh-tongued, she never managed to hide her true emotions well.

China plates clicked as Amagi pushed the tea tray aside, drawing Kawakaze's eye – before Amagi suddenly embraced the petite Destroyer, pulling her into a warm hug.

Instantly, Kawakaze's face glowed crimson. ''A-Amagi?!''

''Shh.'' The brunette hushed her gently, tenderly bringing her close. ''I know you are worried. But I have faith in you. You will do what I could not, and bring glory to the Sakura. History will remember you, they will look upon your courage and skill with awe in their eyes and inspiration in their hearts. You don't need me to guide you anymore – for you are no longer my pupil. You are my equal.''

Kawakaze was silent, staring up at her with stunned surprise. The heartfelt admission sparked happiness within her, to be considered an equal to someone she had strove to surpass for years ... yet with it came an intangible weight. If she surpassed Amagi... who else was there? Nagato? Kaga? There was nobody greater than Amagi in her eyes. If she was better than Amagi, then she was at the top, the pinnacle of the Sakura Empire Fleet. And the notion made her feel so very cold.

She remembered a phrase that Ironblood Destroyer said often, during their joint exercises. The higher you stood, the further you could see... but, the lonelier you would be.

And for once, the idea of being alone... scared her.

As that thought struck her, she became acutely aware of how close she was to her former mentor. Their bodies flushed against each others, faces so close she could feel Amagi's breath against her animal ears. Her cheeks burned and she buried her head in the crook of Amagi's neck, inhaling her scent almost subconsciously. It reminded her of the forest, of serenity. Of sitting under the cherry blossoms discussing philosophy, from the meaning of life to the nature of existence. Of trying out out-play Amagi in a game of shogi, or in a War Game, or even in a light-hearted spar.

It reminded her of happier times. Times when she actually smiled, the action so foreign her cheeks hurt. Times when Amagi got a laugh out of her, leaving her blushing from the sound, only to blush brighter when Amagi complimented her laugh. Times when they delved into the meanings of their names, finding them oddly accurate in their current forms.

Kawakaze, 'The Wind Who Guides The River'.

Amagi, 'The Castle That Resides In Heaven'.

Her grip on Amagi's heavy clothes tightened. If such a heaven existed, then she couldn't allow Amagi to return to it. She would tear down the golden gates and rend heaven itself asunder, if it meant keeping Amagi with her.

''Kawakaze... are you alright?''

The petite Destroyer lifted her head, heart churning wildly in her chest. Amagi's soft purple eyes stared at her with thinly-veiled concern – concern for her, despite the fact Amagi herself would be scrapped within the week. Her existence deleted, her life gone. Killed, in essence.

''You...'' Kawakaze murmured, blue eyes piercing. ''...are such an idiot.''

Without another word, she kissed her.

Amagi made a noise of surprise, frozen in surprise from the sudden kiss. A myriad of emotions rushed through her, making her heart burn with feeling. After a long moment, Kawakaze was about to pull back – only for Amagi to press her lips against hers, returning the kiss with desperate passion, trying to ascertain the feelings bubbling within her. She had always seen Kawakaze as someone close to her heart, but she had never foreseen something like this happening... and she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea.

They broke apart for air a moment later, breathing slightly heavier. They stared at each other for a long moment, before Kawakaze broke the brief silence.

''I won't let you be scrapped, Amagi. Treaty be damned.'' Kawakaze said quietly, but with a tone of cold conviction. ''Even if I had to fight Nagato-sama for the title of Head of the Combined Fleet, I won't allow you to be scrapped.''

Amagi believed she would, no matter how suicidal such a fight was. Kawakaze may be a tactical genius, but Nagato was a Battleship and a tactician. The sheer strength difference couldn't be overcome with simple tactical superiority.

''More importantly... you aren't allowed to do something so idiotic and reckless ever again. Venturing into the Mirror Sea like that.'' Kawakaze murmured steely, giving Amagi a piercing glare. ''I refuse to let you fade away, to inherit your dream of glory. You will bring glory, not me. You will be remembered, you will be looked on with awe and inspiration!''

''Kawakaze...''

The Destroyer glared at her, a rare fire dancing in her deep blue eyes. ''You said I'm your equal, did you not?! Then why are you falling behind?! I cannot- will not stand atop heaven, inside a lonely castle without a name, Amagi!''

Her shout echoed over the surrounding area, yet neither cared if anyone heard. Piercing blue met hazy purple, one raging like a storm and the other stunned silent. It was perhaps the first time Kawakaze had ever raised her voice in such a manner, much less directed at Amagi. Such an outburst spoke volumes.

''...I'm sorry.'' Amagi murmured quietly. ''I never considered... how you would've felt, by my demise. I entrusted such a burden to you without thinking of how you felt... more importantly, I neglected to notice your feelings until now.''

Kawakaze huffed, glare fading to her usual disinterested look. ''Hmph... you are an idiot, after all.''

''So I am, it seems.'' Amagi agreed, leaning and capturing her lips in another kiss.

Despite being the one to initiate the kiss the first time, Kawakaze's face turned scarlet as Amagi kissed her. She gladly surrendered to the kiss, leaning into Amagi's embrace and savouring the warmth.

Perhaps it was illogical. Perhaps it was foolish. But even if it meant turning on the Sakura Empire, even if it meant challenging Nagato herself to a one-on-one duel, even if it meant risking death, she wouldn't let Amagi fall.

She was Kawakaze, the Wind That Guided The River.

And she would unleash a storm the likes of which heaven has never seen, if need be.

X-x-X

Several days passed.

It was mid-afternoon, and Amagi found herself walking up the stone steps towards Nagato's palace. Her parasol hid her frail form from the hot rays of the sun, a merciful blanket of clouds covering the sky today, making the heat slightly more bearable than the past few days.

Soon she reached the summit of the mountain, sighing in relief as her feet hit grass instead of stone. Amagi walked slowly, not in any rush as she admired the grandness of Nagato's home. No matter how many times she saw it, she was always left breathless with awe at the beauty of the building. It was more than just a home; it was a symbol of the Sakura Empire. Walls engraved with stories untold from past Head of the Combined Fleet's, and featuring a small cemetery around the back overlooking the ocean – where all past and future Heads would be buried, symbolically watching over them.

Shaking her head, Amagi pushed open the large front doors, casually wandering down the wide wooden hallways, gazing upon the countless paintings that dotted the walls of times long passed. She eventually came upon a wide shoji door; the door leading to Nagato's meeting room.

''Pardon my intrusion.'' Amagi announced, pushing the door open.

Nagato was sat at a low table, tea already prepared. ''Amagi, welcome.''

And sitting across from Nagato, was Kawakaze – clad in a white kimono. ''Yes, welcome, Amagi.''

''Kawakaze...?'' Amagi mused aloud, curious. ''Am I correct to assume this meeting it related to your trip yesterday?''

''Perhaps.'' The petite Destroyer smirked faintly.

Such an expression was a rarity, piquing Amagi's curiosity.

Nagato coughed, immediately drawing all attention to her. ''The reason I sent Kawakaze away, was for her to meet up with representatives of the Eagle Union, Royal Navy, and Ironblood. At her request.''

Amagi's eyes widened, but Nagato wasn't finished.

''As a result of her dialogue, a modification was made to the Treaty, allowing one extra capital ship to be allowed. In our case, that would be you, Amagi.''

Amagi turned her gaze to Kawakaze, amazed disbelief colouring her expression. ''You...''

Kawakaze smirked, the expression so painfully rare, yet so enchantingly alluring. ''I told you, didn't I? I won't reside in a lonely castle without a name. Therefore, you're stuck with me.''

''I... thank you, Kawakaze...'' The brunette found herself blushing lightly, before she noticed something. ''You're injured...?''

The Destroyer looked down, idly shrugging her kimono off her shoulder slightly so Amagi could view it fully. Her arm was in a sling, wrapped in gauze and protective material all the way up to her biceps, and her fingers were all covered in stitches and bandages.

''HMS Warspite wished to test Kawakaze-san's resolve.'' Nagato informed lightly, taking a sip of tea. ''Their battle was truly magnificent to watch. They fought for three hours, and Kawakaze emerged victorious after narrowly evading Warspite's sword by a hairs breadth. Had it struck true, I imagine Kawakaze-san would have one less eye to use.''

Amagi stared at Kawakaze, before sighing and shaking her head. ''And you call me an idiot.''

Kawakaze huffed. ''It was nothing. Besides, I promised her we would have a rematch next time we met- OW!''

Amagi scowled lightly, folding up her fan and sliding it back into her sleeve. ''You'll do no such thing. Nagato-sama said you almost lost an eye; if I am forbidden from doing anything reckless, then you are too.''

''It's hardly reckless!'' Kawakaze argued, blushing lightly. ''We weren't aiming to kill!''

''And yet you almost lost an eye.''

''At least I didn't charge into the Mirror Sea!''

''I wouldn't be surprised if you did, Kawakaze.''

As the two started bickering lightly, Nagato smiled to herself.

'I suppose I'll have to polish up the wedding pavilion, ufufu...'

[END]