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Chapter Text

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Lieutenant Chang 
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9 Years Ago, September 20th, 2032, 15:48

“Stay down!” I coughed up some blood while Hawk and his gang circled me. There was nothing I could do but endure the pain. 

A kick to my spine forced a scream out of me, making the whole gang laugh. 

“You're nothing but a pathetic yellow monkey,” one of them called to me. I groaned as I tried to stand up, only to greet a metal bat to the face. 

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Commander Hawk
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5 Years Later, May 18th, 2037, 04:03

Location: Philadelphia, PA, Bravo Bootcamp  

I heard somebody yelling, but I decided to just roll over. 

That was a mistake. 

A few seconds later, I felt a cold breeze. I woke up groggily. And there, before me, stood Captain Hugo with my bed sheets. 

“Private Hawk, you have no situational awareness! That will cost you another 6 hours of clean-up and your furlow!” 

That immediately woke me up. Ever since I came to boot camp to fight the war, I was the one who was constantly suffering because I was unable to adapt fast enough. I had been cleaning the toilets since day one, yet everyone seemed amused by it. 

“No. Please, Captain Hugo, give me a chance! I was so tired from-” 

“IS THAT EXCUSES I HEAR?!? Give me 20 push-ups right now!” Barked Hugo. 

I could not believe it. Is everything always against me? Has my life always been that of suffering? And yet, everything seems to point in that direction. 

But just as I was starting to begin doing push-ups, someone asked, “Captain, permission to speak freely?” 

Everyone, including the Captain and myself, looked in the direction of the voice. 

“Yes, Lieutenant Chang?” Questioned Hugo. 

I wondered why Chang spoke up. Maybe he wanted to make me suffer even more as revenge for what I did to him in 6th grade. I knew what I did then was wrong, but now my fate lies in his hands. 

“Sir, I would like permission to transfer his punishment to myself and any other troops who are willing to bear it.” 

Huh? 

Did I hear that correctly? 

Did Chang, the one man who could have made my life even worse, say he would bear my punishment? He has no motive in shouldering my affliction, yet why would he do it? 

“Captain, Private David, and I also would like to ask for permission to follow Lieutenant Chang,” Private Josh requested. 

I was shocked. Why would these two men also want to bear my punishment?!? None of this makes any sense to me! 

“Lieutenant, it seems you have your men. The rest of you, including Private Hawk, can get your furlow at O’ 1700. Battalion Wolf, DISMISSED!” Roared Captain Hugo. 

As everyone prepared for the day, I was still in awe at why Chang, Josh, and David would stand up for me. I guess I will have to ask and thank Chang one day... 

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Lieutenant Chang 
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2 Years ago, October 7th, 2039, 11:44

Location: Somewhere near Fayetteville, AR

I took cover in a trench as multiple shells landed around me. 

Josh was pressing hard on David’s abdomen, which was bleeding badly. David was screaming in pain, even after 2 shots of morphine. 

“Dang it. We are taking a lot of fire. I will cover you two as yall fall back. Got it?”

“Roger that, Chang,” he replied. Immediately, I raised my modified PTRD-41, firing a 50 cal. incendiary round at the incoming Kansens. They immediately ducked down just as Josh began to drag David out of the trench back to our lines. 

I kept firing shot after shot, hitting several Kansens who fell. 

After my 9th shot, I turned to fall back when, suddenly, I was launched upward and suddenly knocked out.

Approximately 6 Hours Later, 17:56

The first thing I felt waking up was the searing pain in my left leg. I pushed myself up to survey the battlefield. 

Many fires were burning everywhere, and no one was in sight. 

I grabbed my PTRD that was next to me and began making a splint out of it. 

As I stood up, I felt much pain. Guess I'll have that treated when Charles sees me. I hobbled towards our defensive perimeter, or so I thought...

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Commander Hawk
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1 Year ago, February 16th, 2040, 08:27

Location: The Ruins of Washington D.C., MA

I watched as John Thorton, former President of the United States, signed the armistice with the Kansens. Although I hated to see such an ending to the war, I knew it was the only way for humanity to survive. 

The Kansens had pushed humanity to the brink of extinction, and both sides suffered heavy casualties during the war. We decided to cooperate and to live together in harmony instead while getting rid of those who were warmongers. 

During the reading of the armistice, I overheard that some of our POWs would be released. 

I was glad to hear that as I yearn to see Chang and his squad again. They were the best of our country and remained patriotic & loyal even while behind enemy lines. 

However, I will have to set him aside for the moment. The Kansens wanted to combine our armed forces with theirs, meaning new positions are available and require someone to fill it. I was specifically requested to help them with one of their naval branches called Azur Lane. I hope that I am up to the task…

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Lieutenant Chang 
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Present Day, December 9th, 2041, 09:19

Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Courtyard

I grabbed the mop and the cleaning equipment for another day of hard work. Just as I was heading to the Sakura's Empire Dormitory, someone grabbed me by my shoulder from behind. 

I stopped and turned around to meet Belfast. 

“You know, I still wonder why you are here in the first place,” she stated. “However, I would still like to thank you for keeping our dorms clean.” 

I pondered that statement for a few seconds, wondering how David or Josh would reply if they were still here. I shrugged and quickly replied, “Thank you, I guess,” before quickly excusing myself. But just as I got to the door of the Sakura’s dorm, it opened. 

And before me stood the Commander of Azur Lane, Commander Hawk.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: An Unexpected Turn of Events

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Lieutenant Chang
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December 9th, 2041, 09:27
Location: Faroe Islands, Sakura Empire’s Entrance

“Well, greetings, Chang!” Hawk said, smiling at me. I replied with a glare. He glanced around before looking straight into my eyes. 

“For the last time, I had no choice, alright?!?” He growled. “It was either join them or-” 

“Death. I know. But how could you throw away the lives of thousands?” I retorted. He looked back in frustration. 

“You’re impossible. I’m sorry for them, but they’re doing much better now than during the war. They have fo-” 

“Oh, shut up. You know nothing.” I replied before sliding past me with his cleaning equipment. I can’t let my emotions get the best of me now. 

I sighed still. Hawk wasn’t with us when we went through that period…

Three Hours Later, 11:38
Location: Faroe Islands, Sakura Empire Dorm

I was just about finished mopping the Sakura Empire’s last corridor outside when the sound of the katana sliced through the air. Looking outside, Zuikaku and Takao had just begun katana training near the Pink Cherry Sakura Tree. For some reason, the sound of a blade slicing nothing but the air had always calmed me for no apparent reason. They were just about beginning to practice their horizontal slash when I called out, “ Howdy. How has your day been?” 

They both turned and smiled back at me. Zuikaku was the first to reply. “Doing OK. Wanna try practicing a bit with my katana before moving on to the Royal Navy’s dorm?” I chuckled, flashing one of my rare smiles. 

“Thank you for the kind offer, but I am on a tight schedule. Hawk wants these dorms clean before it’s afternoon. Says someone of some sort is coming to visit our base.” 

Takao frowned at the mention of Hawk. “I do not know why he is so mean to you. You have done nothing wrong.” 

“Well, he has his reasons to be mad. But thank you for being so thoughtful.” I answered. Takao blushed, a rare occurrence for the heavy cruiser. I only grinned back before letting them resume their training. 

Just as I was turning from a hallway to exit through the main lobby, I nearly bumped into Shinano by accident. Fortunately, it seemed she knew this was going to happen as she took a step back just before I collided with her. I began to apologize, but she just simply smiled timidly. “It’s fine. You do not need to apologize, especially after what you’ve been through.” 

I sighed, knowing that somehow she knew my past. That was something I wished to forget, but those memories were burned into me. Shinano could tell that I wasn’t happy about it and reminded me that I should get going. Wishing her a good day, I continued my day.

One Hour Later, 12:34
Location: Faroe Islands, Royal Navy’s Garden

As I swept the last pathway in the Royal Navy’s Garden, I looked at the outdoor pavilion house where Queen Elizabeth and her subjects were having tea. Unicorn was chasing some butterflies around with Javelin while Hood and Prince of Wales were arguing with Howe and Illustrious over their opinions of the best tea. 

“Yorkshire tea is better than Black tea! Its flavor is much more delicate and flavorful,” Prince of Wales argued with Hood nodding along. 

“As if! Black tea has a stronger taste and can bring anyone fully awake within twenty minutes!” Countered Howe. 

I chuckled as they continued debating, finally finishing sweeping the pathway around the garden house. As I picked my things up, I made eye contact with Queen Elizabeth, whose eyes were begging me to help end the argument already. 

I shrugged back as I began packing up my equipment. However, Hood called out to me "Hey Chang! We've been squabbling for too long, so what do you think?" 

Knowing she has a huge crush on me (which I am still trying to figure out why), I just merely smiled and replied, "obviously Chrysanthemum Tea," and quickly ran away with my equipment before Howe could go on a rant of how bad Eastern Asian teas were.

Two Hours Later, 14:03
Location: Faroe Islands, Iron Bloods Dormitory

I sighed a breath of relief while putting up my cleaning equipment. Hawk had me work double-time today, which probably meant that he had someone important coming down to meet him today. Guess I'll figure it out later. 

But first, I need to get some rest- " Guten tag , Chang!" 

I instinctively jumped straight up and turned, preparing to fight whoever was behind me. Except, the person who scared me was Z46, who was a bit confused by my stance. 

"Are you alright, Chang?" She asked, looking a bit scared. 

I immediately relaxed and apologized if I scared her, explaining she scared me first. That made her laugh, which always makes me smile. Her laughter reminds me of my younger brother… 

"So, what can I do for you?" I asked her. 

She giggled and skipped around me, singing, "We're going to an amusement park, and we would like you to come along!" 

"We?" I asked. 

"She meant us." A cold voice answered. I didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"So you and Viersech will be heading to the beach to check out the new amusement park they set up, Ja Tirpitz?" However, another voice that wasn't Tirpitz replied. 

"Correct. We were wondering if you care to join us." Dropping the keys to the ground, I turn in shock to face the one who just uttered such words. 

Bismarck. She was very exclusive and never spent time with anyone outside of her faction besides some Royal Navy ships. At the same time, she had only asked for me three times in the past year I've served on this base. "Well, are you gonna accept my request?" Questioned Bismarck stoically. 

Still a bit surprised, I was initially gonna turn it down (I needed some sleep and rest), but Z46 grabbed my hand. "Pretty please, Chang? We have never been to an amusement park before and may need you to be our guide!" 

I groaned reluctantly and smiled at her. Who could refuse such a request? "Of course, my dear Viersech." 

However, my mind was still pondering one question: Why did Bismarck ask me to join them?

Chapter Text

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Commander Hawk
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A few seconds before Chang Leaves Hawk, December 9th, 2041, 09:29
Location: Faroe Islands, Sakura Empire’s Entrance

Watching Chang walk away, I shook my head reluctantly as I began to head towards my office. I felt bad for him. He was a true, down-to-earth soldier who did not always understand things. But his compassion and kindness were something I always welcomed.

Nevertheless, I shook my head, reminding myself it’s not time to dwell on such thoughts. Enterprise asked me if I could help her with some paperwork before the Grand Inspector came to visit. Rushing to the office, I tore open the door. “Sorry, I’m late! Had a side conversation with-”

“Stop talking and do more work, Commander,” Enterprise replied coldly as she signed off another piece of paperwork. “You promised you would be here by 9:30. It’s 9:32.” 

“I’m only two minutes late!” I cried.

 Enterprise rolled her eyes. “It’s still late.” I exhaled slowly, trying to control my emotions as I showed my hands to prove I surrender. Walking over to her, I rubbed her shoulder, knowing she always enjoyed it.

“Mggh! Commander!” Enterprise groaned in bliss as I rubbed my hand around her shoulder blades. 

“Hey, since I was late, just a little punishment for me as a reward for your patience~” I teased as I finished the back rub. “Shall we get back to work?” 

Mumbling something to herself, she nodded as I sat down and began going through the massive stack of paperwork.

Three Hours Later, 12:28
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane HQ

I quickly signed the last of my paperwork from the UKC. Looking over at Enterprise, she was finishing up the last report. I smiled and asked her what she would like for lunch. "And before you say ration bars, I already had Belfast confiscate them.” 

She frowned at the mention of her ration bars being taken. “I know they’re bad, commander. But they are very convenient and can be easily consumed.” 

“Yes, but remember, you promised Belfast not to eat ration bars for a whole month and today is only day six. Perhaps a nice meal at the cafeteria will do,” I replied warmly, hoping she’ll finally relax a bit. She sighed. 

“Very well, then. I’ll ju-” 

Suddenly, North Carolina barreled into the room, shouting, ''Commander, the United Kansen Coalition General Inspector has-” I immediately groaned and held my hand up, interrupting what she was about to say. 

“For goodness sake, North Carolina! We’ve been over this! Don’t rush in without knocking first!” 

She blushed red for a moment, then regained her composure before apologizing. “I’m very sorry, but the General Inspector is already here and wants to start the inspection early!” 

That caught my attention. “Oh shoot! That is very bad. Let us quickly prepare to greet him!" 

Rushing out of the office to head to my room, I was unaware of the banana peel that was clearly laid in front of me. Slipping on it, I crashed to the ground with a thud, the wind knocked out of me.

“Run!” Looking down the hallway, I could make out Archerfish and Albacore dash around a corner in a fit of laughs and giggles. 

I groaned as Enterprise walked over and looked down at me along with North Carolina, who was trying her best not to laugh. “You should be more careful, Commander. Never know when the peels might get you,” Enterprise joked as she offered me her hand. 

Taking it, she jerked me up with much force, causing us to collide as both of us collapsed to the ground with me on top of her.

“Oh? I never knew the Commander had it out for Enty, fufu~” North Carolina joked as Enterprise and I quickly got off of each other and faced in opposite directions, brushing ourselves off. 

“Let’s move on. We’re getting late,” I sorely replied as I headed towards my room. This had been one heck of a morning.

One Hour Later, 13:46
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane HQ 

I quickly straightened my tie for the 6th time in front of the window, nervous to greet the General Inspector. "Stop messing with it, Commander. You'll ruin it," North Carolina noted, slapping my hand. 

I quickly withdrew my hands, a bit surprised North Carolina would do that. But she just wrapped her hands around my tie, helping to retie it. "Thanks, Carolina. But come on. You know that's just my way of handling my nervousness." 

"At the rate, you're touching it, it's gonna be more untied than straight," Enterprise commented coldly. I groaned, knowing she said that because she was mad I had her bars hidden. Still, having a good meal at the Cafeteria with my two secretaries was preferable to eating alone in our rooms. 

Acknowledging defeat, I gave in. "Alright. I’ll owe you lunch tomorrow then, Enty. But I won't be so lenient next time." This made Carolina giggle a bit while Enty just grinned ever so slyly. 

Moments later, a knock came from the door. Rushing over, North Carolina opened the door, allowing the General Inspector to walk in. I immediately snapped to attention. "Afternoon, Inspector," I said, saluting him as he walked up to me. "What is your purpose for being here today?" 

The General Inspector stared at me for a while before turning to and questioning Enterprise. "Has the commander done anything out-of-line for the past few weeks?" Enterprise shook her head. 

"Very well, then. I am General Inspector Lewis from the UKC. I have orders to inspect your base to see if it is combat-ready at any notice." 

I nodded. "You may begin your inspection as soon as you would like to, sir." The inspector saluted me, then began walking down the hallway with me and my two secretaries following suit. If everything is set, then all should go well.

Two Hours later, 15:44
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Seawall Command Center

"And as you can see, the seawall is always manned at all times and on guard for anything out of the ordinary." I was a tad bit nervous we might have missed something, but Grand Inspector Lewis just nodded his head and turned towards me. 

"Soldiers, you've done a good job. I'm glad to report this is the best-managed base out of all the ones I have visited." 

I let out a sigh of relief alongside North Carolina and Enterprise. "Thank you, sir!" 

"The UKC should be the one thanking you. You've done well. Now, I saw there was a temporary amusement park set up on the boardwalk earlier. With your permission, may I take a stroll there before I leave?" 

I wasn't too surprised by his request. Many officers who visit my base often try to spend as much time as they can, most often glancing at girls lustfully. And judging by his expression, that was what he wanted to do. 

And since he was higher in rank than me, I couldn’t refuse. "Very well. Let's head there then, shall we?"

As we approached the exit to the Command Center, I heard a noise behind me. Looking back, I saw Helena run up to me with an anxious expression. "Hawk, we ma- '' 

I quickly made a gesture with my hand towards Grand Inspector Lewis, to which Helena's eyes grew wide. "Well, Hawk. What seems to be the issue here?" 

Shoot. He heard her. "I'm not quite sure myself, sir. What is the issue, Helena?" 

Helena nervously replied. "Hawk, the computer defense system seems to be having a few bugs and glitches again. Currently, Langley and Baltimore are taking a look at it, but we need to bring in the IT guy from the UK." 

I groaned. The new computer defense system we received last month had lots of bugs that never seemed to end. Whenever we cleared up a few bugs, more appeared. I had been petitioning for a new set of codes for the computers, but the UKC refused to do anything about it. 

"Nothing irregular, sir. Just the usual problems we have every week or so." 

This made General Inspector Lewis frown. "You know I'll have to report this, right?" 

"By all means,” I answered. “I've already requested assistance, and so far, they've done nothing." There was nothing else to say after that as we continued walking towards the boardwalk. Enterprise, however, walked up to my left side and whispered to me. 

"I forgot to let you know, but Vestal was able to find the blueprint and a wisdom cube to construct a new battleship that could help with the coding." 

I was shocked. "And why wasn't I notified of this?" 

"Vestal was gonna tell you today after the inspection. I didn't know those glitches would occur today." 

“Hah… Very well then. I'll talk with Vestal after Lewis leaves. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, my little eagle~" 

This joke made her cringe, which made me smile inside. Though Enterprise is often cold to me, she had grown used to my poor sense of humor and my teasing, possibly showing some of her soft sides though I had yet to confirm that.

However, my mind was on other things. Despite how useful this new Kansen could be, I wondered whether she would be too late to help. 

However, the bigger question I pondered was which battleship class would the new Kansen be?  

Chapter Text

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Lieutenant Chang
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Approximately fifteen minutes before Helena informs Hawk, 15:28
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Boardwalk  

Watching from below as the three kansens rode the Ferris Wheel, I smiled as Z46 poked her head out. She seemed very happy to finally be a child rather than the weapon most believed the Kansens are. Watching Z46, her playfulness reminded me of someone, yet I couldn’t seem to remember her name…  

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"Chang, hurry up you nitwit! The ride is about to start, pardner!" 

"Hold up! I'll be there in a second, Pr-"  

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"Chang, don't tell me you're dazzled by Strasser?" I was brought out of my memory by Eugen, who was teasing me. 

"Hmph. You're always one to mess with anyone, aren't you?" I replied woefully. She giggled at my remark, which only gave me an idea. "You know, I did notice the gentleman who operates the Ferris wheel staring at you for a while. Perhaps he has a crush on you?" 

That was a little lie. Though he had looked at her, he never really did stare, but that was more than enough to get Eugen off of me to chase another unfortunate soul. But before she got to him, she leaned towards Strasser and whispered something to her. I had a pretty good idea of what Eugen said…  

One Hour Later, 16:15
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Boardwalk/Amusement Park  

Having finished a snack at Littorio’s Sardegnian Pasta stand, Bismarck suddenly spoke up. “So, Chang, mind telling me a bit about yourself?” 

I raised an eyebrow, confused by Bismarck’s sudden curiosity in me. I wasn’t too sure why she was into me, but judging by her aggressiveness, she wanted answers. 

Fortunately, Z46 unwittingly saved my bacon. "Look at that giant panda!" 

Upon closer inspection, the booth she pointed at was a cowboy-style one, with players having to draw and shoot six moving targets with a Colt Peacemaker. However, it seems accuracy and speed are required to win the grand prize, which was the giant stuffed panda. 

Unfortunately, it's run by someone I despise. 

"Alright, who's ready to spend more money, nyaa? That giant panda is waiting for someone to claim it!" 

I could hear Essex and her sisters groan nearby, meaning they must have spent a lot of money trying to get it. I could only chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief that they thought they could win it. I knew one way or another, Akashi had rigged the game.

But quite frankly, there were a lot of people there who had failed. Even Hornet was disappointed that she, despite acting like a cowgirl, couldn't get it. 

"Out of the way! The best sniper here will get me that panda!" Everyone looked in the direction of the voice. 

It was Queen Elizabeth with Warspite along with the others from the tea party. Howe had a murderous look in her eyes, but I knew she wouldn’t assault me in front of everyone.  

"Now, Warspite will show you all the true might of the Royal Navy!" Queen Elizabeth boastfully declared as Warspite paid Akashi a hundred gems in exchange for a holster with a Peacemaker before stepping up. 

The crowd grew silent. I too was a bit curious about the outcome since everyone on the island knew she was the best marksman on the island. 

Wrapping the holster around her, Warspite took a glance at the targets before taking a breath. Then she drew the colt, carefully executing each shot with excellent precision and speed. 

Five targets hit out of six in ten seconds with four bullseyes. Impressive, but not fast enough nor accurate to get the grand prize. I could see Elizabeth's ear smoking from the rage after receiving the medium-sized one. 

"Whoops. Too bad for you, nyaa. Who's next?" Akashi proclaimed, grinning from ear to ear as she took the pistol back from Warspite. 

"Tirpitz, can you get me that stuffed panda?" Z46 asked. Tirpitz, knowing Akashi, looked reluctant.

“Guess I'll try once," she replied. She gave the smirking Akashi a hundred gems and stepped up with the holster around her waist. 

She took a breath, and fired the six shots within fifteen secs, hitting four out of the six targets, zero bullseyes. It was a good try, but the prize was a small stuffed panda. Tirpitz sighed, but reluctantly took it and gave it to Z46. She took it, thanking Tirpitz, but deep down, I knew she wanted it. 

“Heh… maybe I should?” I muttered to myself, conflicted on whether I should intervene or not. I knew I could do it, but if I did, it would expose me, with those in the crowd most likely to get curious about my skills. They may even question my past like Bismarck herself. 

Yet... I couldn't let Akashi ruin Z46's day. I walked up to Akashi determined nonetheless. 

"Let me try," I asked as nonchalantly as I could, handing her a hundred gems. 

She grinned even more mischievously at me. "So you're gonna give me your money, nyaa? I thought you said you would never spend money on my stuff anymore, nyaa?" 

I ignored that statement as she gave me a holster and stepped up. Wrapping it around my sweater, I could hear Bunker Hill whisper to Warspite behind me. "You think he can do it?" 

"I highly doubt it. He's just a human." I frowned inwardly. Sometimes, the ultimate way to victory is through intelligence, not just experience or strength. As my friends used to say: “Work smarter, not harder.” 

Looking at the targets, I carefully examined each target’s movement before I drew the Peacemaker, ready to fire. However, my hunch that something was off was right. Feeling the weight of the gun, I remembered something from my past. Lowering the gun, I began to chuckle before bursting out into laughter.

Everyone stared at me in confusion. Shaking my head, I lifted the gun, cracking it open as I unloaded it in front of everyone. "Nyaa?" 

Everyone else gasped. No one here knew how to unload it except Akashi. Holding one of the bullets in my hand, I rolled it around...  

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Flashback

4 Years Ago, July 18, 2037, 13:27
Location, Philadelphia, PA, Bootcamp Bravo's shooting gallery  

"... What is this?" Hugo demanded. I looked at the five privates who were looking down. So they were the ones who rigged the game. "So yall thought it was a good idea to give me heavier bullets? Have you considered how heavy a Colt Peacemaker is? I know how heavy it is since the four years I've used it?" 

They started to twitch heavily. I sighed and turned to Hugo. "How about this, sir. A rematch with our service pistols. That way, there's no way of manipulating the outcome nor any unfair advantage gained since it's our own." 

Hugo turned, frowning. "You're not out of this too, Chang." 

I shook my head. "Although I would love to beat you, I had nothing to do with this, sir, I believe, however, that these men just wanted to see someone beat you." 

I turned towards the five men. "However, cheating is something I too despise. I'll deal with them later, but how about that rematch right now, sir?" 

Hugo nodded, acknowledging the rematch. He slowed his breath, then fired. Five out of six targets hit. He cursed under his breath, meaning he somehow slipped. 

It was my turn. As I stepped up, I remembered my Grandfather's motto. "If you are going to be fast and accurate, don't rush it. But instead, know your enemy before attacking." I grinned, watching the targets move. Then, I slowed my breath...   

End Flashback
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I watched the targets move back and forth while moving the bullet around my hand. I then put all six bullets on the counter along with the gun. "Nyaa? Are you not gonna shoot?" Akashi asked, smirking. I shook my head, grinning mischievously. "Perhaps I'll show you." 

With that, I drew my Peacemaker and fanned off six rounds, successfully nailing each target in the bullseye within four seconds. Though it was fast enough to win the grand prize, I just hoped no one would get curious about my skills. But Akashi and everyone else just gawked at me. 

After a few seconds had passed, I looked over at Akashi and just smiled innocently. “So, the grand prize?"

Dazed, she shook her head. "You can't do that, nyaa!" I frowned coldly and leaned close to her ear. 

"If you don't hand it over, I'll tell everyone you rigged the game with heavier bullets," I whispered. That was enough for her. She immediately turned and grabbed the giant panda. She tried to give it to me, but I motioned for her to give it to Z46, who was still in shock. 

But when Akashi gave it to her, she turned towards me, with the stuffed panda in hand, and hugged me. "Thank you, Chang, thank you!" I could only smile warmly and pat her head. 

The next thing I knew, Tirpitz was next to me, putting a hand on my right shoulder. I turned to greet the same cold expression, yet her eyes told me a different story. 

She cleared her throat, then smiled for once. "Thank you, Chang, for winning that for her." 

I merely smiled back warmly, shrugged, and replied, "’ To defeat the enemy, one must know their enemy.’ That is all I did to win." 

"Sun Tzu, Art of War." I turned around to see Hood standing there. Of course, she had read it. 

Bismarck walked up next to her, eyebrow raised. "So how did you win?" I stared at her before breaking out into laughter. 

"Did you not hear what I just said? If you don't understand that phrase, then you really should read Art of War." Hood chuckled and tapped Bismarck lightly on the shoulder. 

"Maybe we could read it together, Biscuit." She teased. Bismarck groaned. 

"For the last time, don't call me that!" I could only laugh in response to her outburst. 

After the shock wore off, Hornet walked up to me along with others from the crowd and asked me, "How did you do so well? How are you so fast? Where did you learn that skill?" 

I could only grin mischievously before lifting my gun and reloading it. Then I held the barrel and pointed the handle at her. "Feel it." 

She grabbed the gun and immediately exclaimed, "Hey! This is lighter than the gun Akashi gave us!" This caused the crowd to turn towards Akashi in anger. 

She turned towards me, a look of horror on her face, and yelled, "You said you wouldn't tell them!" 

I merely shrugged and menacingly replied, "I never told them you rigged it. They found out." 

"But, but-" Fortunately, I never heard the end of it. The crowd descended on her with anger, demanding refunds. But something else distracted me. 

A presence nearby. I looked towards the end of the boardwalk and saw Hawk with his secretaries along with an inspector of some sort. But judging from his wide smile, I knew he was gloating over the fact I was hanging out with the Kansens.

“You win this time, Hawk,” I thought to myself. “You win.”

Four Hours Later, December 9th, 2041, 19:89

Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Boardwalk

As I finished helping Littorio close up her shop and collect the rose and bottle of water she gave me (along with a blow-kiss, much to my surprise), I sensed a presence nearby. 

Hood wanted me to go out with her, didn’t she? 

Anyhow, I needed to hurry. Tomorrow is Sunday, meaning I had to go to church, but tomorrow was also a special day. I groaned. I was probably gonna have to turn her down for the 8th time. 

Walking towards her, Hood began walking towards me, closing the gap between us. “What do you want, Hood?” Taking a sip from my water, I expected her to just tell me to forget it due to my “bad” behavior. 

I was wrong. “Would you like to go out for lunch tomorrow? I know you have church tomorrow, so I figured we could hang out after that.” 

"Pffff?!?" I nearly spat the water out from my mouth. 

“Are you alright, Chang?” She asked me, surprised by my sudden action. 

I nodded while wiping my mouth. “Y-y-yes. Just surprised you asked me out.” 

She chuckled warmly. “So? I’m sure you knew I had a crush on you. Besides, have you ever been asked out?” She teased. 

I immediately turned away, downcast. “Chang?” 

After a short pause, I sighed. “Yes. But it was a long time ago, about 6 years.” 

Silence. 

After a few minutes had passed, I looked up towards the sea, walking to the railings before placing my arms on it. “Have you ever questioned your existence? About how life could continue even though the universe is against you?” 

This seemed to surprise her. “What? No! Why would I consider such notions? And why would you even consider it at all???” 

I could only shake my head. “Sometimes, there is no hope in this harsh reality. All that exists here is pain and suffering. But I guess you don’t know that since you had it easy.” 

I began to walk away, but she grabbed my hands from behind. “Chang, if you need help, I’m here. Please. Come have lunch with me.” She requested, her once composed voice now starting to break. 

I exhaled reluctantly and turned around, ready to admit defeat, yet I was spooked seeing her tear up. I had never seen anyone besides a couple of people who passionately cared for me once. I took a deep breath, took both of her hands, and looked her in the eye. She looked back at me through the tears. 

“‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.’” 

She took a step back in surprise. Guess she didn’t know I was forced to study his works in English class. Funny how I thought it would never come in handy. Nevertheless, I continued.

“I’m sorry. It was wrong of me to say those harsh words earlier. I’ll see you at lunch at Sun’s Noodle Shop, OK?” She smiled through her tears and embraced me in a sudden hug. 

It was quite the surprise, but a warm one nonetheless. I could only stand there and pat her back, whispering to her that everything will be fine. But my guts and instincts told me that it would all be a lie.

Chapter Text

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Commander Hawk
****************

The Next Day, December 10th, 2041, 11:41
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Chapel

I was a bit surprised seeing Hood and Chang sitting with each other during service. Chang normally sat alone in the back or didn’t attend at all. Guess Hood was able to convince him to sit with her. I hope he builds some sort of a relationship with her. 

Casting that thought aside, I listened to Richelieu preaching about the Gospel of Peter. How unfortunate that the Catholic church was allowed to continue, yet the Protestant church was persecuted to extinction. However, Richelieu's preaching was monotonous and was starting to make me feeeeeel sleeeeee- 

*SMACK*  

Silence. Everyone is now facing me. Geeez. You don't have to smack me so loud, Enty! Almost everyone heard it! Richelieu stared at me for a few seconds before making a coughing sound to get everyone’s attention. “I believe we are nearing the end of our session. Will you all please rise for our final song?” 

Everyone, including myself, stood up, but as we sang, my mind wandered again. 

Despite the number of reassurances I get from North Carolina and Enterprise, there was something about the glitches in the system that made me feel uneasy. This had been going on for months, and I believe something or someone is behind it. 

I remembered an old saying from my 9th-grade coding teacher, long before I was drafted: “If something looks or feels wrong, it normally is.” 

But hey. Tomorrow is the day when the new battleship will be brought into this world. She’ll be able to help us, hopefully. 

Then I realized I had wandered into my thoughts for so long. Service was over and North Carolina was poking me. “Errrrm. Hawk? Are you good? You seem lost in thought.” 

I quickly shook my head. “Sorry. I’m just really uneasy about the glitches.” 

She smiled at me. “Hawk, stop worrying. It’ll only make it worse.” 

I sighed. “I guess you’re right.” 

Suddenly, a hand landed on my left shoulder. I turned to face Enterprise. “If you remembered, Commander, you promised me you would take us out today to a restaurant of my choosing.” I could only facepalm. I forgot about my promise to her. 

“Alright.” Breaking out my wallet, I checked the contents of it to see if I had enough money. I can already see the dollar signs flying in front of me already. “I think I can manage.” 

Enterprise smiled. “Is noon at Washington’s Fabulous Steak OK? I need to talk with Yorktown for a while.” In my pocket, my hand grasped whatever cloth it could. Yorktown hadn’t been doing well after recently being summoned.

“I understand. Enjoy your time with her.” Enterprise returned me a salute, possibly smiled inwardly, and then left. North Carolina, however, just waited for me. 

“You know, Carolina, today's morning is your day off. You don’t have to be with me.” She replied with a smile. 

“I'd rather spend it with you.” I could only smile back, take her into my arms, and walk out the front door.

“So what do you want to do?” She just kissed me on the cheek. 

“How about a walk along the boardwalk? We can watch as they pack up the amusement park~”

Smiling back at her, I just wrapped my left arms around her. “Well then, let’s do it~” 

Forty-Ish Minutes later, 12:22
Location: Faroe Island, Washington’s Fabulous Steaks

In all honesty, it was no surprise that Enterprise had chosen Washington’s Fabulous Steaks as her choice of meal. Washington had quite the experience cooking and bbq-ing with some ex-soldiers who were friends of mine when I took her and North Carolina to visit my hometown of Austin, Texas.

She loved it, and so when she opened up her restaurant (tailored to her schedule, of course), everyone scrambled to get a taste of her steaks and ribs. 

Sitting at a table, I checked my watch. 12:23. Now it was Enterprise’s turn to be late. North Carolina sighed as she set her menu down, resting her head on my right shoulder. “You know, I don’t know how I would have turned out if it wasn’t for you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? So you would have been shy and sarcastic for the rest of your life?” 

That made North Carolina laugh softly as she snuggled against his right side. “Oh, I’m sure one way or another I would have found you, fufu~”

I groaned, blushing slightly. “Please don’t make that noise, North Carolina. You know that embarrasses me.”

She just chuckled. “Ara ara, then perhaps this for a change~” Damn. She was annoying but in a good way. I turned to face her and smiled in a way showing defeat.

Just then, I heard a commotion upfront. “What do you mean, ‘Hawk made a reservation?”

Standing up, I walked over to the front, where Enterprise was arguing with the assistant at the front, Baltimore. Her face was red with frustration as she tried to explain to Enterprise. “Well, Hawk checked in around 11:59 and asked for a reservation for three, so I naturally assumed you would be his third member.”

Enterprise was about to argue right back at her, but she caught eye contact with me and backed down. “Alright then. I stand corrected.” 

Baltimore looked as if she was gonna strangle her, but Bremerton just walked up from nowhere and whispered something to her, which calmed her down. “Very well then. Enjoy your stay.”

Nodding to Baltimore, and winking at Bremerton my thanks, I took Enterprise in arms and walked her over to our table. North Carolina smirked at Enterprise. “You’re late.”

Enterprise sighed, sitting down across from us. “Apologies. My sister… wasn’t in good health.”

That statement soured the mood. Sitting her down, I sat down after her as Washington approached us. “Commander, Enterprise, sister, what can I get for y’all?”

After we had placed our orders, Enterprise continued. “Yorktown suffered some PTSD when Kaga interrupted her tea time with Amagi. Fortunately, Amagi was able to calm her down.” 

Looking up from my Coke, I asked, “What did Amagi do?”

“She called Akagi to bring her some special herb. She gave it to Yorktown, calming her down to help her fall into a deep sleep.” She sighed. “I had to carry her back to our dormitories, so that’s why I was late.”

Feeling her worry, I reached across the table and held her hand. “We’re here for you, Enterprise. Anything you need, I’ll try and help.” North Carolina just nodded as well to show her concern. 

Enterprise replied with a sad, yet thankful smile. “Thank you.” I just smiled as I shook her relaxed hand. 

“Any time. Now speaking of which, I think Nevada is bringing over our meals”

Three Hours Later, 15:44

“That would be three hundred gems.” 

I groaned in pain as I took out my wallet, paying Washington the amount. The meal Enterprise had ordered was extremely expensive, which dented my wallet. “Couldn’t you at least make a discount?”

North Carolina smiled innocently. “I’m sure Washie wouldn’t mind if she made it a 40% discount, would you Washie~?”

“WHAT?” Washington roared, her face contorted with anger and annoyance. 

“My, my~ Be a bit nicer, Washie.” North Carolina teased. 

“DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME THAT!” Washington retorted. I took a step back. She is terrifying when you enrage her. 

North Carolina just continued to tease her. “Well then. I guess you’ll have to give us a free meal if you don’t want me to call you that anymore, or even worse~”

I facepalmed myself, expecting the worst. But Washington just stared at her before she sighed and shook her head. “You win this time, Carol. But I’ll get back at you later.”

North Carolina just winked. “Perhaps. We’ll see~” 

Taking my arms, we walked out with Enterprise trailing, who was looking at North Carolina and Washington. Siblings. Can’t relate, unfortunately. My dad was a drunkard and divorced my mother when I was three years old. I wished that I had chosen to go with my mother instead, but I hadn’t. 

Opening the doors, I watched as both girls began to discuss something, but I couldn’t hear them. Looking back, I watched as Washington closed down the restaurant for the day. Suddenly, I bumped into North Carolina’s back. “Hey!” I cried out.

Chuckling, North Carolina just smiled at me.“So, what are you gonna do tonight, Hawk?” Carolina asked.

“Hehe… Well, Vestal notified me that the Wisdom Cube is reacting as expected and the new battleship will be developed by 17:53.”

“So you got one hour to burn. Enterprise and I were wondering if you would care to join us at the mall.” She gave a grin. “We’ll buy your favorite drink if you come with us.” 

My mouth began to water. I had always loved the texture of cookie and cream milkshake melting in my mouth. “You damn right I am.” This made all of them laugh as we headed to the Azur Lane Grand Mall.

Chapter Text

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Lieutenant Chang
###############

About ten minutes before Hawk’s reservation, December 10th, 2041, 11:52
Location: Faroe Island, Sun’s Noodle Shop

Such disrespect. 

I’ve studied Art of War, military warfare specifically since I was nine years old, and now I am eating in a place named after it. Sure, the decoration is around the Eastern Zhou Period when Sun Tzu was around, but I felt this is such a disrespect to such a great general and philosopher who revolutionized warfare. 

I checked the time. 11:53. Hood should be here by now. I began to wonder if this was a setup and if the UKC was gonna come get me, but fortunately, I managed to catch a glimpse of her at the reception desk. 

Breathing a sigh of relief, I took a glance around. The only people around were a few Sakuran and Vichy battleships. They were discussing something, and if my lip-reading is correct, I think they’re talking about-

“Evening, Chang.” I turned back around to see Hood sitting in front of me. Guess that’s why Dunkerque was asking Ise if I was dating her. 

“Oh. Evening, Hood. I presume you had a good stroll?” She nodded, then asked for a waiter. When she turned back towards me, I could see the curiosity and concern she had in her eyes. 

“Chang, about last night… Did it have something to do with your past?” I sighed softly, took a glance around again, then turned back towards Hood. But just as I did, the mirror on the edge of my glasses caught something. 

Bismarck and Graf Zeppelin were sitting behind us, with Bismarck sitting directly behind me. Although I didn't see them come in, I was sure they came just after Hood did while I was distracted by her. 

This was the reason why I got mirrors on the side of my glasses. Someone is always gonna snoop around, sneak up on me, or, in my case, eavesdrop on a conversation I am having. 

However, I was planning on this. I knew Bismarck was curious about my past, considering the amount of sudden interest she had in me. But I still needed some evidence to confirm my hunch on why she was interested. 

Anyhow, a waiter had come to take our order, so Hood and I ordered our food. We both decided to order Chow Mein, which surprised me since I had never seen her eat traditional Chinese food. 

After the waiter left, Hood turned towards me again. “So, Chang, you’ve always been the quiet one on base ever since you arrived a year ago. What is your story? ”

 I pondered that question. I was told specifically to keep my past a secret, but Hood cared so much. I didn’t want to hide that secret anymore. I took a deep breath. 

“Just letting you know, once you hear my story, there's no turning back, got it?” Her eyebrows perked up, but she nodded. I looked in my glass mirror again. Bismarck, although seemingly focused on her fried rice, definitely had a change in her posture. 

Good. I smiled at Hood and said in a soft voice that only she (and Bismarck) could hear. “Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?”

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10 Years from Present Day, December 10th, 2031, 16:48
Location: The Xin’s House

“Happy Birthday, Tim!” My younger brother’s eyes opened wide as he took out a brand new phone. 

“Just what I wanted! Thank you, 哥哥 (Elder brother)!” I smiled as I patted his back…

……

The next day, as school was ending, I saw my brother sniffing when we got on the bus. “What’s wrong?” 

“Some kids came over and stole my phone! I’m sorry.” 

This enraged me. “Who did it?” 

“I don’t know, but one of the kids called the leader Hawk I think.” I stiffened. Hawk was new to town, hailing from New York. He has been bullying the little kids ever since he came. 

I turned towards my little brother. “I promise you. I’ll get the phone back.”

… 

It didn’t go entirely as planned. After I went straight up to Hawk and asked for the phone back, he only laughed and dangled it in front of me. “You want it?” he asked before putting it into his pocket. “Come get it!” 

And I did. It only resulted in me being used as a punching bag by his gang. 

However, while they were punching and kicking me, I managed to slip the phone out of his pocket and into mine. After they were finished, I cried out, “Mommy!” as I ran towards the bus, trying my best not to laugh with the phone in my pocket. 

When I got on the bus, grinning, my brother was shocked. “What happened? Why are you bleeding?!?” 

I just smiled mischievously. “Let’s just say I had a rough argument,” as I pulled out his phone, fully intact. 

My brother cried out, “My phone!” as he grabbed it and hugged me. 

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“So that’s how you first encountered Hawk? No wonder you two don’t get along too well.” 

I chuckled in response to that statement. “I guess that could be part of it. But no. That isn’t the main reason why we don’t get along. What he did a few years later is still not the reason why we don’t get along.”

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9 Years Ago, September 20th, 2032, 12:45
Location: Texas, Austin Middle School, Back Parking Lot

“Hey, Chang!” I looked back as Hawk and his gang surrounded me. “You stole my Linux Switch, didn’t you!” 

I frowned. “That wasn’t even yours. It was Howar-” 

Before I could finish, he struck the first blow, punching me square in the face. I doubled back as one of his friends kicked me in the shin, making a crunching sound effect. I could only howl in pain as another one of his friends' karate chopped my back, which sent jolts of pain up my spine. 

I immediately took a huddle position, protecting my head. After several blows, one of his friends called me a coward as I received a kick to the spine, which made me scream in agony. “Hahaha. Look how pathetic you are, yellow monkey.” 

I tried to stand up, but then I noticed Hawk with a metal bat. Before I knew it, it made contact with my head, and everything went black.

4 Hours Later, September 20th, 2032, 16:38
Location: Texas, Austin, Dwight Eisenhower Hospital

The only thing I felt was fierce pain when I woke up. My head was throbbing real badly. I tried to put myself into a sitting position, but my arm couldn’t move.  

“Chang, you’re awake!” My mother cried as she hugged me. I was confused as to what was going on, but a doctor walked in at that moment. 

“Glad to see you’re still with us, Chang.” Looking at the doctor, I tilted my head carefully, confused. “That gang did a number on you. You received a concussion from the metal bat and several broken limbs. But we expect you to make a full recovery.” 

I could only shake my head in disbelief as my memories began to return. 

“As for the gang, they’ll be in juvenile detention for the rest of their life. Although consideration was made to put them on trial for attempted murder, they considered that they’re too young.” 

The doctor droned on, yet there was only one thing on my mind: “Why did you use the metal bat?” 

////////////////

“... That’s dark, Chang,” Hood commented as she began to eat her Chow Mein. 

I could only nod my head, swallowing the noodles in my mouth. “It is. But that would not be the last time I would see him, and that wouldn’t be the formal reason for my bias against him.” 

“What do you mean?” I shook my head. 

“He’ll come back later, but there is someone else you need to know.” This statement seemed to pique her interest. “And who would that be?” 

“Let’s backtrack a bit, shall we? A few years before this all happened and he was sent to juvenile detention, a bunch of extremists began experimenting on people in the Middle East, mainly women. Eventually, they released them into the world to cause chaos and terror.”

I paused, the memory of what those women did still burned into my head. “They called them the Sirens. The only reason we know so much about them was that they released the files to every government before they were destroyed by the Siren’s themselves after learning of their true purpose.” 

I chuckled a bit. “How ironic. The creator’s creation became their ultimate demise. But because of the files they released, the governments began working on a countermeasure against the Sirens.” 

Hood nodded. “And that’s where we came in, correct?” 

“Yes. The Kansens. Weapons of war, both new and old, were converted into a human, female state that could match the Siren’s equally with their power as they too evolved and developed new weapons.”

I took a sip of my chrysanthemum tea before continuing. “After two years of brutal conflict, the Kansens believed they eliminated every Siren. And since they no longer served a purpose, every government agreed to let them integrate themselves with society.” 

I took a short pause to catch my breath before smiling, remembering the day. “And that’s when I met her .”

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5 Years Ago, August 18th, 2036, 11:08
Location: Texas, Austin High School, Cafeteria

“Hi.” 

I looked up from my lunch to see a Kansen standing in front of me. She had long pink hair, red eyes, and wore a white uniform dress. “Would you mind if I sat here with you?” 

I looked around. I was the only teenager sitting at that table since everyone else believed me to be a nerd. “By all means. It’s a free country.” 

She smiled, blushing a bit as she sat right next to me. She stretched out her hand and introduced herself “I’m USS Princeton. And you’re?” I looked at the hand for a while before gripping it firmly in a handshake. 

“Chang. Chang Xin. A pleasure to meet you.” She blushed. 

“You know, you’re quite handsome for an Asian.” I paused, taking in that compliment before replying. 

“Well, you’re quite outspoken and pretty for a girl.” This made her blush even harder, which made me chuckle in an attempt to distract myself from blushing. Then we both realized we were still holding hands. 

We both blushed and laughed as we released each other's hands and ate our lunch together.

////////////////

“So your first love was this Kansen named Princeton?” Hood asked. I blushed, still unused to hearing her name after so long. 

“Yes. Quite frankly, no one had ever noticed me before. She was also the first besides my mother to call me handsome. And we were a good pair. We did our homework together, got into trouble together often at times, and spent our free time together. We were quite literally inseparable.”

I chuckled warmly as the memories of running around carnivals and eating out at our favorite restaurants slowly filled my head again. “We even had a nickname for each other: Pardner.” However, my demeanor quickly changed. “However, that would all change on March 9th, 2037.

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4 Years Ago, March 9th, 2037, 8:09
Location: Austin High School, Courtyard

“Where the heck is she?” I thought as I checked my watch. 8:09. She’s normally here by 8:00 and is never late. I sighed as the bell rang. She’s gonna be tardy, which is something I know she despises. 

As I sat down in my math class and prepared for the notes we are going to take for the AP Calculus test, our teacher walked up to the front and announced some news that shook me to the core. 

“If some of you have been wondering where your friends are, all Kansens have been recalled by the UN to New York for some unknown reasons. They should be back in a few days.” 

Huh. No wonder Princeton couldn’t make it today. Hope she’s doing alright...

5 Hours Later, March 9th, 2037, 13:28
Location: Austin High School, Accelerated Chemistry Class, Room 319

“Just before class ends, there was a joke one of my students told me this morning that I must tell you.” I looked up from my textbook, wondering what bad puns Mr. Callaghan had. 

But before he spoke a word, an explosion rocked the building. I grabbed my desk as the school groaned and began to tilt sideways. “Everyone, outside NOW!” 

Everyone began to panic and run down the stairs. As I exited the door from my class, all I saw was chaos. Students were running down the stairs, tramping other students while the teachers tried to control the crowd. 

As I ran down the stairs, another explosion rocked the building. A fellow student fell on top of me and I screamed as everything turned black.

… 

I was awakened by the awful stench of death. 

When I opened my eyes, all I could see was Zach’s dead face. I tried to shove him off, but there was something heavy on top of him. 

Using whatever strength I had, I shoved Zach and whatever was on top of him off of me. I puked at the stench that immediately filled my nose. The entire school was buried in rubble with no one in sight. 

“Hey! There’s someone over there!” I was mistaken. Two soldiers walked over to me, armed with M16 Assault Rifles. “What happened?” I asked, still dazed by the events that just occurred. 

“The recall of Kansens was a lie. They were planning an assault on humanity. God help us all.” I looked into the distant skies, filled with smoke and death. “Have mercy on us, oh Lord.”

////////////////

“... I’m speechless.” Hood’s face had turned quite pale. “How could our previous selves turn against Humanity?” 

I shook my head. “Turns out, there was a bit of miscommunication. Though many believed it was a preemptive strike, the evidence afterward said otherwise. Some Sirens had somehow survived and infiltrated the meeting in New York. With that, they somehow were able to convince the Kansens to turn on their creators too. The combined might of the Sirens and the Kansens in their surprise attack on the world led to 3.3 million deaths at the outset of the Great Kansen War.” 

Taking a short pause to catch my breath. I continued. “Two months later, I was drafted and sent to Bootcamp. And that’s where I met some of my best friends and a familiar face…”

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4 Years Ago, May 11th, 2037, 05:59
Location: Philadelphia, PA, Bravo Bootcamp  

“Gentlemen! ‘If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight!’ Sun Tzu said that! I bet y'all don’t know anything about him!” I raised my hand. 

“DID I ASK FOR AN ANSWER, CORPORAL!?!” 

I quickly lowered my hand, gulping. 

“DO TWENTY PUSH-UPS RIGHT NOW!” 

I quickly got down and began doing push-ups. “Your form is good, Corporal. Looks like JROTC has already whipped you into shape, correct?” 

I nodded. “Yes, Captain!” Fortunately for me, I took JROTC to get into shape, but it also helped me become a better soldier. 

But apparently, that only made it worse. Putting his boots on my back, he yelled, “ THEN DO ANOTHER TWENTY! ” 

After I finished the additional twenty, I got up and snapped to attention. The Captain, despite keeping his face stoic, was impressed by my knowledge and skill. “Well done, Corporal. What’s your name?” 

“Corporal Chang Xin, reporting for duty, sir!” I yelled, saluting him in the process. He nodded his head in approval. 

“Well, Lieutenant Chang, I want you to whip these sorry ladies into shape. You have two weeks to do this!” 

I was a bit surprised that Captain would promote me so early into boot camp. But I just replied, “Thank you sir!” before giving him another salute. He returned the salute and proceeded to shout at everyone. “Everyone, I am Captain Hugo. You will obey my orders! My first order is to follow any orders Lieutenant Chang gives. IS THAT CLEAR?!?” 

“Sir, yes, sir!” The group shouted. 

“Ladies, move out!”

2 Hours Later, May 11th, 2037, 7:24
Location: Philadelphia, PA, Bravo Bootcamp, The Gauntlet

I was impressed by those who held ranks that were leading the privates around the Gauntlet. Private First Class Josh Green and Specialist David Hlinka both show passion and competitiveness. They’ll need it as my NCOs. As for the guy who was falling behind in the back… 

“Private! Get over here!” This seemed to scare him a bit as he split off from the group. “What is your name, private?” He gulped, nervous for some reason. 

“Sir, I’m Private Hawk Thompson.”

Chapter Text

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

December 10th, 2041, 13:16
Location: Faroe Island, Sun’s Noodle Shop

“So you met Hawk again in boot camp, and you’re the commanding officer?” Hood questioned with a serious look on her face. 

Through the corner of my eyes, I see Bismarck’s posture stiffen. I know what both of them are thinking. 

“Yes, but I believe that revenge is not mine for the taking. So while Captain Hugo was extremely harsh on him, I tried to be more lenient and patient with him.”

I leaned back into my chair, still keeping an eye on Bismarck. “Eventually, though, David and Josh became my NCOs while Hawk remained a Private, unfortunately. Nevertheless, the three of us were quite the exception and gained more training than the others.” 

I paused to catch my breath. “Eventually, after four months of training, we were shipped out. And my first confrontation with the Kansens at the Battle of Memphis was a bloodbath.”

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September 16th, 2037, 06;35
Location: Memphis, Tennessee, Somewhere in the City

I gripped my Trench Shotgun tightly as I looked at the left side of the street. Shit. Several armed Kansens were guarding the crossroad junction. 

I took a deep breath before making some hand motions to David and Josh behind me. They nodded, so I began the assault. I rushed across the street, surprising the Kansen guards. But they all pointed their weapons at me, which was a mistake. 

As they were distracted by me, David and Josh mowed them down with an M1 Garand and a BAR 1918. 

As I caught my breath, David motioned for the platoon behind us to secure the junction. “Lieutenant?” I turned around to face a private who was a few years older than me. 

“Permission to speak freely, sir?” “Granted, Private.” 

“Why are you leading us? And why are we armed with WWII weaponry?” 

I groaned softly. “Making myself clear, again, I have more expertise and experience than you. As for our weaponry, our resources and production rates have worn thin. All remaining modern equipment is sent to special forces while the army, navy, and air force receive 20th century weaponry. And our unit just happened to receive WWII equipment.” 

This made the private frown. “Are they trying to get us killed?”I shook my head again. “Simply put, we follow orders and never question it. Unless it threatens our moral standards, we get what we get and do what we have to do.” 

Just as I said that a shot rang out. The private fell back, a red hole in his forehead. “SNIPER!” I screamed as I dove through a window. 

Josh and David too dove into the same building I was in. I took a swift glance outside, looking out the corner of the broken window. Most of the men had done the same thing, though some were unfortunately shot dead before they could react. I could only shake my head in sadness. 

I motioned to Josh and David to sweep the house. They nodded as they began to move upstairs. As they did, I moved towards the back, opened the door to the laundry room, containing two Kansens. 

One of them was brown hair, laying on the ground with bandages around her waist. The other was blonde and had a terrified look on her face. She had her rigging activated, though it was damaged to the extent that if she used it, it would probably injure herself.

I stared for a few moments before David called out, “Clear!” I quickly turned my head around and yelled, “Clear!” This seemed to frighten the blonde Kansen, who aimed her rigging at my head. I quickly turned my head back around and put a finger to my lips. 

She frowned, clearly expressing her confusion. I quickly took out my first-aid kit and a few ration bars from my backpack and tried to give them to her. Surprised, she shook her head. 

“It’s not a trick. If it was, I would have shot you already,” I whispered as I set it down in front of her. 

Just as I turned around to regroup with my men, I caught a glimpse of something in her eyes. It was…”

////////////////

“...Gratefulness.” “Hmm?” I looked curiously at Hood, confused how she knew what I was about to say. 

“Renown told me about you. Because of you, Repulse was able to survive her wounds. Fascinating how fate works, doesn’t it?” I stared for a while before chuckling. 

“I guess so. Fate does work in interesting ways. But when David, Josh, and I regrouped with our men, we were down to only twenty men. So we tried to retreat, but were surrounded and had to break our way out. In the end, our platoon was down to nine men from our initial fifty-six men. However, our platoon had messed up their logistics and troops with a total of at least sixty-seven confirmed kills.” Pausing, my mind slipped a memory of those men all happily singing on their way to the city. I smiled unconsciously before it became serious again.

“Unfortunately, that was the only good thing that happened. Our entire front had nearly collapsed. I had to make the difficult decision of giving up some troops for the 132nd Armored Panthers, who desperately needed infantry to help support. Hawk was among those to leave as he was traumatized by our experience in Memphis. The remaining troops left in my unit were forced to fight a guerrilla war.” 

I could only shake my head. “We fought for two more years, gaining more attention as the war dragged on.” 

“How come?” Hood asked. Through the mirror on my glass lens, Bismarck, who was supposed to be listening to Graf’s complaints about Prinz Eugen again, had her ears perk up with interest. 

“Well, perhaps it was the fact our unit was nicknamed, ‘The Black Horsemen.’ ” This got a reaction from both Bismarck and Hood. 

“You were part of the 38th Guerilla Division? The one with the legendary sniper, The Silent Eagle ?!?” 

I nodded. “Yes. He was a good man and was fighting for his family and his faith. However, after the war, I heard he lost his entire family during the war, and his religious beliefs were persecuted.” 

Hood’s facial expression saddened. “That’s very dark and depressing. I hope he is doing well” I could only sigh again. 

“Indeed. Unfortunately, that would not be the case as my entire unit was captured near the end of the war.”

////////////////

2 Years Ago, October 7th, 2039, 11:30
Location: Somewhere outside Fayetteville, AR

“Damn. Why won’t this rain let up?” Josh whined as we huddled in a foxhole. 

“At least they won’t be able to get their air force up. High Command told us there would be a large convey heading this way.” I replied, shivering from the rain. 

Just as I said that I heard a screaming noise. “ARTILLERY!!!” I screamed as I ducked my head. 

David, who was, unfortunately, bringing our lunch, was caught in the open. “GAHHHH!!!” 

“David!” Josh cried, trying to leave the foxhole. “Damn it, Josh! Don’t get yourself killed!” I cursed as he left the foxhole. 

The artillery stopped. Shoot. I too left the foxhole, seeing Josh pulling David into our outer trench. I turned to face the front, my face turning white. I could make out a large division pushing their way through the fog. How could they have known? Was it a trap?!? 

“Josh, hurry up!” I screamed as I pulled out my PTRD-41. This anti-tank rifle was given to me as a gift for my superb sniper skills. It was very effective at tearing apart Kansens and, quite frankly, saved my life on more than one occasion. 

I quickly raised it and fired a shot from my hip while I retreated, nailing someone in the fog. Immediately, I could see flashes. I ran towards Josh and David, diving into the trench they were using as cover as several rounds flew overhead. I looked at David, whose legs were bleeding badly and nearly torn off. 

“Shit. We’re taking heavy fire. Get David out of here! I’ll handle them!” Josh looked back. 

“Sir, you can’t possib-” 

“DAMN IT, JOSH! GET OUT OF HERE!” I yelled into his face. 

He nodded. “Good luck, Lieutenant,” he replied as he proceeded to drag David out of the trench back towards our camp. I turned back around and began firing the PTRD, hoping I can hold them off long enough for Josh and David to escape. 

Realizing I was gonna be overrun. I tried to pull back as well only to suddenly feel nothing but air, and then, darkness.

……

Pain. That was all I felt as I woke up. I tried to push myself up but felt as if my left leg was on fire. I tried again, succeeding this time. 

As I viewed my surroundings, all I saw was fire and ruin. Guess the rain must have stopped. 

Looking around, with no one in sight of me, I decided to first get myself fixed up. Rolling over to where my PTRD was, I began making a splint out of it. As I stood up from the makeshift splint, I could feel my leg still screaming in pain. 

“Charles, you better not still be addicted to morphine,” I swore to myself as I hobbled back towards our camp. 

…

When I reached the outside of our camp, I heard a weapon’s cock. I turned around to see several Kansens pointing their riggings at me. There was only one thing in my mind when I realized what had happened. “God help us all.”

////////////////

“What’s wrong with being captured? We treated POWs well.” Hood questioned, looking very confused. I looked down. 

“It’s… complicated. But in short, that wasn’t our case. Several men from my unit, including myself and the Silent Eagle, were tortured due to our legendary status. They demanded mainly information on our military and political status.” I sighed faintly as I felt the scars on my arms, legs, and back begin to burn from the memories. Fortunately, Hood could not see it as I always wore long-sleeved clothing to hide it. 

“It was dreadful. Felt like years of pain and suffering for us. And yet we didn’t give up hope. I managed to locate the Silent Eagle and break out with him. After escaping, we went our separate ways, hoping to never see each other again.” 

I put my elbow on the table as I used my hand to hold the back of my neck. “After the war ended, I survived by working as a janitor in a bar where old USAF members drink. The only thing they knew was that we were all brothers in arms.” I chuckled softly. “We all bonded well together. However, one day, I got a visitor I was not expecting.”

////////////////

Several Months Ago, April 1st, 2041, 19:34
Location: The Poor Man’s Bar, New York City

“Look alive, boys. A traitor has arrived.” I looked up from my mop to see the man that Aaron called out. He was tall, had brown hair, and was wearing a UKC uniform. He walked up to me, taking his hat off. 

“Lieutenant Chang?” I frowned and continued mopping. 

“Hawk. What do you want?” 

He looks at me, confused. “I thought you would be more grateful. I’m looking for a janitor to help clean up my base.” 

“And where would that be? Some base somewhere in Germany or Iran?” I questioned sarcastically. 

He shook his head. “The Faroe Islands, now formally known as Azur Lane HeadQuarters.” 

I looked up at him. “So you’re the commander, huh?” He nodded. I looked at him for a few moments before bursting out into laughter as did everyone else in the bar. 

“What? What’s so funny?” Hawk demanded. 

“Don’t you have the royal maids to help you? You can flirt with them all you like,” Broody commented from the back, who received a pat on the shoulder from Matthew. 

Hawk looked back at me. “Look here, Chang. The only reason I’m here is to pay back the favor for what you did for me in boot camp. If you don’t wanna come, then don’t. So are you in or out?” 

I looked at the men around the bar. They were all shaking their heads. 

However, just as I was about to turn his offer down, I made eye contact with Aaron. Though his demeanor told me his intolerance of Hawk, his eyes told me all I needed to know. 

“You know what, Hawk? I’ll take the deal.”

////////////////

“And that’s how I got here,” I concluded, sipping the last of my tea. 

Hood stared in disbelief. “And I thought Hawk brought you in as an extra hand. I never knew you had such a complicated past with him!” 

I chuckled a bit. “To be fair, no one understands someone until you know them well.” Leaning forward, I made eye contact with Hood. “So then, what about you?” 

Hood smiled sadly. “I was brought into this world in June of last year, so I don’t have much to say, though if you want to, I can explain my life during WWII.” 

I shook my head. “I know your history. But I want to know you personally. There is a difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing them” This statement lit up her face. 

“So, who’s the one asking who out now?” I snorted. 

“Very well then. I guess we can meet up some other time, yes?” Looking at my watch, it showed it was 15:23. She nodded. 

“Aight then. I’ll see you sometime tomorrow?” I asked as I motioned for the receipt. 

“Of course. We’ll have lunch again, but it’ll include my companions in our garden. Will you be okay with them?” 

I shrugged. “Fine by me. As long as Howe doesn’t murder me, I think I should be fine.” 

Now it was Hood’s turn to laugh. “Very well. Have a good day, Chang,” she replied as she got up, bowed, and headed out. 

I chuckled warmly as I signed and paid for the meal. I added fifty gems as a tip for the three hours we had spent talking. That reminds me… 

“You know, it’s not smart to eavesdrop on someone,” I commented as I turned around, making eye contact with Bismarck. 

“You should be arrested,” she replied with her iron facade. I chuckled a bit.

“Quite true, but who will believe you? I’m sure Hawk and Hood won’t cough up anything.” This made her frown. Standing up, I put my hands into my pocket as I leaned on my right foot. “Which then begs the question: Why did you invite me to the carnival in the first place?” 

For a split second, I thought I saw a light pink hue on her cheeks, but she quickly snapped back at me. “Maybe it was because Viersech wanted to invite you along? Besides, she hates being with Fredrich.” 

I grinned. “Perhaps. Perhaps. Anyhow, I hope you’ll have a good day.” 

“You too, Chang.” 

I turned around and began to walk out. But just as I took a step, I heard her mouth something under her breath. I continued walking, but as I exited the restaurant, I chuckled warmly. 

“Farewell, ‘Mein Liebling’? Nice ring to it.”

Chapter Text

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

December 10th, 2041, 17:53
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane Research Lab

“Is everything up and running?” I asked Vestal. 

“Yes. The building process is nearly complete.” 

I nodded my head in approval. “Right on time, Vestal. We are gonna need this new battleship.”

“So I’ve heard. Langley has been coming in, asking for Aspirin due to the headaches those bugs have been causing.” 

“Heh… Yeah, but at least we should be able to fix it now.” 

“Indeed, Commander.”

Turning around, I found myself staring into someone’s face. I could smell the mint in her breath. “Erm. Enterprise. Would you mind taking a step back?”

Her cheeks turned light pink. “Oh. Sure.” Backing away from me a little pink face, I chuckled.

“If you two are done,” Vestal retorted in annoyance, “the manifestation has been completed. Please put on the glasses I gave to you earlier as I would rather not handle eye paralysis again.”

I quickly don my glasses as did Enterprise. The first time I revived a ship, Illustrious, I neglected to wear a goggle and received eye paralysis for a full day. It was not fun. The wisdom cube that was in the middle of the room began to glow brightly. 

“96% near completion” Vestal called out. 

“So what do you think she’ll look like?” I asked over the ever-increasing hum of the cube. 

“I do not know, but I hope she’ll be just like me!” Replied Enterprise.

“Who knows? We’re about to find out,” I yelled over the now loud humming as Vestal called out, “100% Brace yourself!”A sudden blue light flashed, nearly blinding me despite wearing the goggles. 

As the light dimmed, I could make out a figure in the smoke. She had blue hair and was quite tall. Sighing in relief, I took off my goggle. “Well then. I’ll let you two handle her while I wait outside.” 

Enterprise nodded as she took down her goggles. “Wouldn’t want a repeat like last time with Roon, don’t you?” She teased.

I shivered. “Please don’t bring that up, Enty.” She just laughed at me, so I shook my head as I exited the room and headed down the hallway outside.

… 

Several minutes later, I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. 

Standing up, I prepared myself to meet the new Kansen. “ Hopefully not a Yandere, ” I thought as they approached me. The new Kansen did have light blue hair, along with a body that could rival a model. She also had bunny ears and a wide, beaming smile.

“Hi! I am the battleship New Jersey, also known as the indomitable Black Dragon of the Eagle Union! And when I say ‘indomitable,’ I'm not joking~ If you knew more about me, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about~”

Damn. She is somewhat aggressive, but thankfully not in a yandere’s way. Reaching my hand out, I shook her hand. “Greetings. I am Commander Hawk of Azur Lane, the Naval branch of the United Kansen Coalition or UKC. A pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine~ Now, Enterprise said there was an issue with some codes. Would you mind showing me?” Nodding my head, I opened the door to the Research Lab, showing the way out. “This way, ladies.”

Two Hours Later, 19:28
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane Seawall

“Dont’cha just love moths?” 

“Huh?” I tiled my head, a bit confused by that phrase. Having spent most of the time with her at the seawall, New Jersey had been going through each of the security system codes while Enterprise and I had been watching her with Vestal returning to her office after she heard Zuikak got hurt in a sparring match.

“That was the original word for a bug in 1947,” she replied, beaming with pride. 

“Right,” I answered, still confused. “So can you explain the ‘moth’ in the system again?”

She looked over it, definitely concerned. “There is a whole section of code that’s creating these errors and glitches. See how this line of code that opens the gate has a variable that will cause this line of code to close the gates just after you opened them in the afternoon?”

I was surprised. “How come we didn’t recognize this earlier?”

“That’s because these types of code are subtle. They appear much later on as they’re a public line of code compared to these private ones, meaning they can make some variables accessible while the others are denied. Only those who are well experienced in coding can recognize these subtle differences.”

I walked in circles, worried about this. “So this was done intentionally?” 

“Correct. Don’tcha just love it~?” She joked playfully.

I looked over towards Enterprise, who too had a worried expression. “This is big.” 

“Indeed.” She replied. “We’re gonna hav-” “Hawk! I have a messa-”

I turned to face Carolina, frustrated. “CAN YOU FOR ONCE STOP INTERRUPTING ME?!?” She took a step back, surprised by my outburst. Then, she took off running.

Immediately, I felt regret, so I facepalmed hard. Damn it! Why do I always let my anger get the best of me?!?

Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see Enterprise. “I’ll go talk to her.” 

I shook my head. “No. I should be the one. I caused this to happen.”

New Jersey walked over, frowning a bit. “You know, you need to take a break! Like go to the beach or hang out with Enterprise and that other girl!”

Enty looked at me and nodded. “I’ll make sure that he’ll do that. We’ve been filling out paperwork for quite a while, and I’m sure Belfast wouldn’t mind helping out.”

I nodded back in approval and looked back at New Jersey. “I’m sorry if we had a rough introduction, but Vestal will show you your room in the Eagle Union dorm.”

“Sure! I don’t mind~ Dont’cha just love meeting new people?” She replied, beaming. 

I nodded my thanks and turned back towards Enty. “Let’s go find Carolina now.”

One Hour Later, 21:38
Location: Faroe Island, Eagle Union Dorm

*Knock Knock* “Carolina? It’s me, Hawk.”

The door swung open to reveal North Carolina, looking at the floor. 

“What is it that you want now?” She asked quietly.

I shook my head sincerely. “I’m sorry for my outburst. I was tired and confused by all the events that have happened recently. I’m apologizing for my actions and asking if you would like to come with me and Enty on a cruise to the Caribbean. Both of you have worked hard; therefore, I want to reward you two with a vacation.”

She looked at me, her eyes red, as she started to cry again, but I could tell this time it was tears of happiness as she smiled and hugged me. I just chuckled as I returned the hug with Enty snickering softly in the background, definitely knowing she is gonna make fun of this moment for a while.

“Glad to see you are starting to relax a bit. So when are we leaving?” Carolina questioned. 

“As soon as possible. I believe we don’t have anything planned unless the message you were delivering earlier is important.”

She released me, facepalmed, and groaned aloud. “I almost forgot! The UKC Board of Directors wants two representatives from each nation of Azur Lane along with the Commander to discuss issues and status on the fleet and base.”

I groaned in pain. “When is this gonna happen?” 

“Three weeks from now. If we take off in two weeks, we can make it on time.”

Enterprise walked over, clearly showing her disdain for talks. “They’re just gonna make it all political again.” 

I shrugged, shaking my head too in disappointment. “At least I can address the code issue. I’ll let everyone know tomorrow, and don’t forget to bring New Jersey with us. But for now, let’s call it a night.”

Just as I said that Carolina looked over at Enterprise and winked, which confused me. But I didn’t have time to ask. 

The next thing I knew, Enterprise had shoved me into North Carolina’s room and landed on top of me, rubbing against my back. “Mmm, Commander~”

Before I could respond, I felt a click before a thud to my right. Turning my head, I could see North Carolina with a cute expression on her face. 

“So, shall we get started?” She asked as she closed the gap, kissing me on the lips.

Chapter Text

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

About an Hour before New Jersey’s Summoning, December 10th, 2041, 16:42
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane Grand Mall

Picking up a bouquet of various flowers, I headed towards the cashier. Just as I was making a left though, I nearly ran into Bismarck, the second time I have seen her today. “Whoops! Sorry, Bismarck.” 

She took a step back, surprised. “Errrm, evening, Chang…” she greeted as she hid something behind her back. 

“So what are you doing here?” I asked, leaning to the side trying to get a view of what she was hiding.

She quickly took a few steps back. “Nothing too important. Just buying a present for Strasser.”

“Oh?” I replied, somewhat curious. “So did you buy her a chess set of some sort?” I asked, still trying to get a good look at what she was hiding.

“Yes, but the set was missing a Rook. So I just came from the woodworking shop that made a custom Rook that looked exactly like her.” 

I stroked my chin, wondering if she was truly lying. “Well, I hope Strasser will enjoy the gift.” 

She nodded quickly. “Yes. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get going. Talk to you later.” 

And with that, she was gone. Guess whatever she was doing, she’s in a rush to get it done. I amused myself internally as I self-checked out. As I stepped outside, I checked my watch. 17:02. It was almost time. 

About Ten Minutes before New Jersey’s summoning, 17:47
Location: Faroe Islands, Torshavn Peninsula

As I neared the tree at the edge of the cliff carrying my basket and guitar, I could make out a figure sitting at the edge. Curious, I walked up to her, surprising her. “Oh. It’s you, Chang.” 

I greeted Yorktown with a bow. “Nice to see you too. Beautiful view, isn’t it?” 

She nodded with a sad expression. “Indeed.”

I looked at her, concerned. “Why are you so downcast? Did something happen?” She shook her head. 

“No. I’m just worried about my sisters.” I nodded my head slowly, understanding the fact she was just summoned a few months ago. 

“How come? Enterprise is quite capable, and Hornet is usually hanging out with the Cleveland class.”

She looked into the distance. “I don’t know. I feel like I’ve failed them when I died at Midway. Being brought back, it’s hard knowing that I failed Hornet and Enterprise as the oldest.”

 I stood there in silence for a while. 

“You know, you didn’t fail them. You motivated them to continue the fight despite your death. Even now, you can help them through their problems.” 

She looked at me with anger in her eyes. “You have no idea what it’s like to fail as the oldest, do you?!?”

 I took a step back, somewhat surprised by her outburst, and looked at my basket. “I do in fact.”

Turning around, I walked to the base of the willow tree. As I knelt before the tree, I took out a picture from the basket along with the flower and incense I bought earlier. Laying the frame of the picture against the trunk, I laid the flowers before it and lit the incense. 

“Happy birthday, 弟弟 (Little Brother). If only I could have been there to save you.” I cast my eyes down to the roots beneath me as I pulled out my guitar and began to sing his favorite song, strumming along softly.

“Leaves from the vine
Falling so slow
Like fragile tiny shells
Drifting in the foam
Little soldier boy
Come marching home
Brave soldier boy
Comes marching home.”

As I stood up, a single tear streaming down my eyes, I felt a hand placed on my shoulder. Looking over, I could see Yorktown with a different sad expression. 

“Your younger brother died in the war, didn’t he?” I nodded, letting the teardrop fall. “My brother wanted to serve on the frontline as a cook to help others, but more importantly, to help his older brother out. I wanted to stick with him, but I couldn’t.” 

Setting my guitar down into its bag, I locked eyes with Yorktown and gave her my advice. “Don’t fail your sisters now. You still have a chance to redeem yourself.” 

She nodded, looking down. “I’m sorry for my impulsive statement.” 

I shook my head. “No need to. You’re just a bit lost, just as I was-” 

Suddenly, Yorktown collapsed. I grabbed her just before she hit the ground as she pulled me into a hug, sobbing uncontrollably into my shoulders. 

“H- hey! What’s wrong?” I asked, surprised at the sudden change.

“It’s just… I…” She stuttered as she cried, embracing me tighter by the second.

“What?” I asked, a bit confused by the rush of things.

“I… I still don’t want to fail them again and feel so lonely, especially after the dream I had last night.” 

I stroked her hair, trying to calm her down. “What dream?” 

“In this dream, a woman that looks like me said, ‘You have failed your sisters again. They will no longer see you as the oldest sister, but rather as a failure.’”

Pausing to think things through, I exhaled mildly, tightening the hug. “Yorktown, whatever this dream may be vision or not, you are the one who decides who you become.” 

Loosening the hug so I could make eye contact with Yorktown, who sniffled, I asked her a question I had pondered for most of my life. “So, will you cower and hide? Or will you resist and push to make yourself a better sister?”

She looked at me, then, in a surprisingly strong voice, answered, “Yes. I will not fail Enterprise and Hornet again. I will protect them with my life.”

I smiled, giving her a quick pat on the shoulders. “Sounds good to me. Why don’t we get you some chow? It’s almost dinner time.”

She blushed at me, smiling happily for the first time. “Yes. Yes indeed. That reminds me, I think I have a place in mind for dinner. Would you mind coming with me?”

I smiled warmly. “Of course.” I helped her up from the position as we began to head back to base. 

“Oh, and what about your brother?” She asked, pointing at the base of the willow. I looked back at the picture, the incense still burning with my guitar laid in front of it. 

“I think I’ll let him enjoy the sunset.”

About an hour later, 18:18
Location: Faroe Island, Sakura Empire Dorm

“Why did you bring us here, Yorktown?” I was curious as to why Yorktown had brought me to the Sakura dormitory as I knew there was no place to eat here. 

Yorktown just smiled at me. “You’ll see.”

Reaching a doorway at the end of a hallway, Yorktown knocked softly twice on the door before it was opened. 

“Yorktown-san,” Amagi greeted as she bowed curiously. 

“Evening, Amagi-sama,” Yorktown replied as she and I bowed in return. Inside, I noticed Akagi standing over a pot of curry inside.

“I see you accepted my offer, cough cough .” Amagi covered her mouth before recomposing herself. 

Yorktown nodded before making way for me. “This is Chang-san. I hope it’ll be fine with you if he tags along with me.” 

I shook my head. “Thank you for making such a request, Yorktown-sama, but I must refuse this offer. I do not wish to intrude on your time together.” 

Amagi shook her head. “Nonsense! I made a bit more than usual today, so please stay, Chang-san.” She walked around me, her tails roughing the edge of my legs. “Besides, I’m sure we have things to discuss~” 

Behind her, I could see Akagi roll her eyes. Something tells me she has been speaking with Shinano…

……

Finishing the last of the rice with my chopsticks, I placed it on my empty bowl, watching the others eat.

“Please. Help yourself, Chang-san.” I shook my head. 

“Arigato, Amagi-sama, but I’ll just finish whatever is left.” 

She frowned. “I heard you fought against the Great Kansen War. Was this a habit that came from there?” 

So she did speak with Shinano. “Hai. We were often hungry, but as the leader of my unit, I had to make sure everyone was in their best shape. It was my duty to keep them alive. So often now I find myself not craving food as much as I used to.” 

Akagi, in response, muttered something incoherent to me, but Amagi nudged her back, meaning she must have said something impolite. “I’m sorry, Onee-sama.” 

“Please apologize to our guest,” Amagi asked, her facial expression kind, yet showing her influence over Akagi.

Akagi turned to me, her face surprisingly still downcast. “I’m sorry, Chang-san.” 

I was a bit surprised. Normally Akagi would be a bit persistent, but something was off. “Daijobu, but please. Do tell what you said.” 

Seeing the hesitation on her face, I added, “Please. I mean no disrespect nor harm. I just want to know.”

Looking at Amagi, who nodded her head, Akagi faced me again and hesitantly answered. “I said you deserved it for the death you caused.” 

I just nodded upon hearing that. “I understand. In all honesty, I believe I deserved and endured things worse than death.” 

This comment surprised everyone at the table. “What do you mean?” Yorktown asked. 

I looked down at the floor. “It’s something that makes even the strongest-willed person fear and is something I am not proud of.” 

“... How many did you kill?” Akagi asked in a curious tone. 

Amagi looked at her mortified, coughing a bit before she stood up from the table. “Akagi-san! Please show some respect!” 

Before Amagi could strike Akagi, I reached across the table, grabbing her hand. “It’s fine, Amagi.” 

Amagi looked at me, confused. Looking at Akagi, I answered her question. “All I can say is, I lost count after a hundred and six, but I can’t say for sure myself. All I know is that killing was my biggest regret in my life.”

That was a partial lie. I knew the true count I’ve killed, but they didn’t have to know. Besides, that was a thing in the past. 

Looking back at her, I asked her a question of my own. “You haven’t been yourself recently. Does it have to relate to Hawk?” 

Shrinking back, Akagi scarcely whispered, “Yes.” 

“Hahh. It has to do with Enterprise, doesn’t it?” Now it was her down to look down, a tear slipping down her eyes. “I just want to be with the Commander…” 

Seeing the loneliness she was expressing, I decided to walk around the table to her seat. Hesitant, I asked her, “Would you like a hug?” 

This surprised everyone, including myself as I wasn’t the hugging type, but she just smiled sadly before quickly tackling me to the ground, snuggling against my chest as she cried into my shoulders. 

“I- I wanted to say hi to him today at lunch,” she sobbed. “But I saw he was happy with her and that blonde Washington-class battleship, so I just froze and walked away.” 

Stroking her softly, I just whispered to her. “Hey. It’s alright. Even if Hawk sometimes can be ignorant at times, there are still plenty of other men out there. And even if they turn you down, Amagi and your sister Kaga are here for you.” 

Akagi just nodded, rubbing her head against my chest as she began to wrap her tails around me. “Will… you stay with me for a while?”

I just stroked one of her tails. “Just call me whenever you need company. I’ll be there.” 

Watching the whole thing unfold, Amagi stooped down to help Akagi up. “Come, little one. I think it’s time for you to get some rest.” 

As she took Akagi to her room, who seemed a bit happier with a slight smile on her face, I looked at Yorktown. “Apologies if that made you uncomfortable.” 

Yorktown chuckled. “It’s all good.” 

Helping her up from the seat, we gathered the dishes and leftovers with Yorktown packaging the leftovers while I did the dishes. As we finished up, Amagi came walking out. 

“Thank you for inviting us, Amagi-sama,” I said as I shook her hand. 

“It was my honor, Chang-san, cough cough .” Hearing a slight change in tone, I hesitated with what I asked next. 

“You sure you’ll be alright, Amagi-sama?” 

Amagi tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?” 

“You seem… a bit envious.” 

Looking around, Amagi chuckled. “I see no one to be jealous of.”

Yorktown, though, apparently had the same hunch as me and pressed. “No. Chang’s right. I think you’re a bit jealous of your sister because of the embrace. Is it because you feel lonely as well, Amagi-san?” 

Backing away slowly, she looked away. “It’s getting late. You sh-”

COUGH COUGH!

Catching Amagi as she fell to the ground, I looked at Yorktown. “The cabinets, quickly!” Rushing over, Yorktown opened each cabinet, looking desperately for Amagi’s medication. 

Looking at Amagi, whose coughing was getting rougher & rougher, I knelt to the floor, pulling her into a hug as I patted her back, trying to get her coughing to stop. “Cough- Cha- Cough.” 

“Save your breath, Amagi-sama,” I whispered to her as I continued patting her back.

Fortunately, Yorktown came rushing over with a steaming cup. “Here. This should help.” 

Sitting down, I rolled Amagi around in my arms as Yorktown poured the contents of the cup into her mouth slowly. As soon as she finished, she immediately turned to face me, her face red. 

“Wo- would you please let go of me, Chang-san?” Realizing I was still carrying her in my arms, I blushed too as I let go of her, helping her stand up. 

“Sorry, Ama-”

Then, for the first time in my life, she suddenly closed the gap between me and her, grabbing my face and kissing me. I was a bit shocked. 

As she let go of my face, I asked, “Why?” Shyly, she backed away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Goo-” 

“No. That’s not what I was asking. Why the feelings all of a sudden?” Amagi looked away. 

“I- I’ve never had anyone but my sisters care for me. The doctors who tried to help me just saw me as a subject, and Shikikan is always so busy with those Eagle Union girls, he just usually buys me the medicine and has Vestal deliver it to me. I- I felt something I had never felt when you caressed and patted my back, so I…”

Amagi’s voice died out, but what she said revealed something subtle that I had not realized in my past year till now. 

“Hah…” If I’m correct, it seems a lot of the Kansens on-base lack any sort of relationship with Hawk. He had been so caught up with Enterprise and North Carolina that he had completely ignored those around him. 

Smiling at her warmly, I pecked her forehead. “Very well then. I should have paid more attention to you this last year. I’ll pay a visit every time I sweep here now, OK?” 

Smiling weakly, Amagi whispered, “Yes. Please do,” before slumping in my arms, fast asleep from exhaustion. 

Looking toward Yorktown, who was frowning a bit from jealousy, I chuckled. “Don’t worry. We’ll have our time to talk and hug as much as you like on our way back to your dorms.” 

That seemed to cheer her up as she cracked a small smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get her to her room.”

Carrying Amagi to her room, I laid her on her mat before covering her with some blankets. Looking at her one last time, I whispered, “Oyasumi,” before leaving the room. 

As I approached, Yorktown offered me her arms. “Well then. Will you be man enough to go out on a walk with me?” She joked. I chuckled as I opened the door for her before turning back around to lock the door with my keys.

Taking her into my arms, I smiled at her. “Now that I’ve done that, yes. Yes, I can.”

Several hours later, 20:32
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Courtyard

Walking through the night, the stars were burning brightly above us. Most of the base was now dark save for the dorms. Strolling through the Azur Lane courtyard that led to the dorms, Yorktown pointed towards one of the stars. 

“Look. It’s Aquila.” Looking up, I saw several bright stars in the night, forming the wings of an eagle. 

“You know, you should be careful with that name. You know some might mistake it for Aquila from the Sardengian Empire.”

She chuckled warmly, hugging my right arm tightly. “I guess so.” 

Approaching the Eagle Union dorm, I saw Albacore and the rest of her sisters running around outside, shooting toy guns at each other in the dimly lit yard. 

Avoiding the mayhem, we made our way inside, walking to Yorktown’s room. “Thank you so much for spending your afternoon with me,” She leaned against my side, seemingly not wanting to let go as I opened the door to her room. 

“No problem. However, I do have a question I would like to ask before you retire.”

Releasing my arm, she looked at me, tilting her head to one side, “Oh? And what would that be?”

“You don’t have to answer this, but are you a perfectionist?” 

She looked down and sighed reluctantly. “Yes. It has been something I’ve struggled with.” 

I looked at her, then put a hand on her shoulder. “That makes two of us.” 

She looked up, somewhat confused. “How come you’re a perfectionist?” 

I chuckled lightly. “Guess it’s in my Asian heritage. But if you ever need help or someone to talk to, just knock on my door. I will always welcome you or anyone into my room.”

She nods her head in understanding. “Thank you, Chang. For everything. Have a good night.” 

I cracked a smile in return. “You too, Yorktown.” 

She beamed, giving a sudden quick kiss on the lips before she closed the door quickly. I shook my head lightly, not believing the day I just had, as I began to head back to my room. 

Chapter Text

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

About thirty minutes later, 21:12
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane HQ

Just as I was about to open the door to my room, ready to collapse on my bed, Z46 came running around the corner, slamming into my legs. “Owwwww!!!” She cried as she rubbed her head, lying on the ground. 

“Oh! Viersech, are you OK?” I asked, trying to lift her off the ground. 

“I think so,” she replied, but she quickly began tugging on my hand. “But we need you right now!” 

I leaned against the wall, my mind exhausted by the events that have occurred in the last few hours. “Now what? Did Prinz Eugen spill the chocolate again?” 

Z46 shook her head frantically. “Worse. She threw away something that Bismarck bought, and she is not willing to see anyone right now! She’s not even letting Tirpitz in, and she’s the closest to her!” 

I groaned. I knew what probably happened. Looking at my watch, which said it was 21:14, I looked back at Viersech, who was trying to get me to come by using puppy eyes. 

I rolled my eyes and chuckled warmly. “Please don’t do puppy eyes. You’re just making me feel guilty now,” I joked. And with that, we set off towards the Ironblood dorm.

December 10th, 2041, 21:44
Location: Faroe Island, Ironblood Dorms

I walked towards Bismarck’s room, where Tirpitz sat outside with a worried expression. “Chang! Thank goodness you’re here!”  

I was about to greet her, but she hugged me before quickly taking a step back. “Forget that ever happened, got it?” She said coldly.

I just cracked a grin. “Cross my heart.” 

She smiled warmly for a split second, but her cold demeanor quickly returned, turning to face Bismarck’s door. “I have never seen her so upset before. She’s not letting anyone in, so I had to turn to you. Can you talk some sense into her?”

I glanced at the door, not knowing if I should or not. I felt a tug on my hand. Looking down, I could see Viersech with her puppy eyes again. “Please, Chang?”

I took a deep breath before exhaling, my response simple. “Very well.”

I walked towards the door and knocked. “Bismarck, it’s me. Chang.”

*THOOM*

The wall next to the door bulged in the shape of a TV. “Leave me alone,” she replied soberly, her tone sad and downcast.

I knocked again, harder. “You know, I’m gonna be waiting out here all night till you open this door.”

Unresponsive, I reached into my pockets, pulling the janitor keys out of my pocket. “If you’re gonna do this the hard way, I’m just gonna unlock the door to your room.”

More silence. I knocked again. “Look, I’m just as equally tired as you are. I’m just here to hel-” 

The door flew open as she grabbed and pulled me in before quickly locking the door. She wore a nightgown that could be mistaken for a uniform. Her eyes were red from crying and looked as if she had just fought several Sirens at once. 

“Make it quick.” She snapped. “I don’t have time for a motivational speech.” 

I frowned, crossing my arms. “And what? You would rather spend your time groveling over something instead of doing something more productive?” 

That made her stature change, meaning I had just snapped her. She looked at me straight in the eye, the aurora of the room becoming heavier and darker by the second.

“As if! You’ve never known the pain of being a failure to a younger sibling! You don’t know what it’s like to always put on a facade in front of others! And you most definitely don’t know what it is like to be the best and fail your country!!!”

I took a step back at her outburst and grimaced, not backing down. “So? That’s it? You’re still gonna cry over something so small?” 

“YES!” She replied in a frustrated manner, looking away. I shook my head, knowing I was gonna have to do this the hard way. “Look here, Bismarck.” 

As she turned her face back towards me, I slapped her face as hard as I could. She looked back in pure rage, the atmosphere so heavy that a normal human would have trouble standing. 

Unfortunately, I was not normal. 

“What was that for?!?” She cried angrily. I just shook my head and turned around, prepared to leave.

“You’re not the Flagship of Ironblood. You’re just a coward who doesn’t want to face the past, a simple girl who wishes everything went her way,” I answered as coldly as I could. 

“HOW DARE YOU?!?” She roared as she got up and began to charge me. 

But I expected this to happen. As she neared, I swung around and took a simple Wing Chun posture as she threw a right swing at me. Deflecting it with my right arm, I ducked swiftly, crouching along the left side of Bismarck, and delivered two quick jabs before using my left arm to backhand her spine, knocking her to the floor.

“Even now you act irrationally,” I muttered. “This is childsplay. You’re acting like a cow-” 

Before I could finish, my legs were swept from beneath. Angled to my left side, I immediately brought my arms up to my chest, which instantly took the impact of her wide right hook.

“UMPTH!” I could feel my muscles and bones stretch to their limits as I was flung across the floor onto her bed. As I tried to get up, she landed on top of me, fist raised. 

“ DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME A COWARD ” She angrily cried in pure rage, her eyes glowing red. I look back at her, showing no emotions at all. 

“Make me. You let a simple problem get the best of you. That is not the Bismarck I know. That is the action of a coward. Strike me, and you let your emotions win” She turns her face away, refusing to let me make eye contact, either from shame or guilt. 

I continued. “The Bismarck I know is the one who is willing to defend her honor and character, even if those around her want to hurt her.” 

I exhaled with a bit of seriousness. “I’m sorry for what I said, Bismarck. As much as I hated this route, there was no other way I could have convi-”

“I know.” She replied as she turned her head back towards me, her eyes filled with shame. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have hit you.” 

I chuckled a bit. “It hurts, but you did what you had to do. But what did Eugen do that pissed you off?”

“Hah… Well, I was getting Tirpitz a specially made sword for Christmas with a Black Forest tree wood for the hilt, which was what I was trying to hide from you today.” 

She shook her head in sadness. “I’m afraid that little piece of wood she threw away was worth two-thousand gems as the Black Forest is now a global park, its wood some of the rarest in the world. And I had spent a long time waiting for this so I could make amends with my sister.”

I stared at her as tears began to drip down her face for a while before replying. “Bismarck, Tirpitz would rather spend time with you than a simple gift. And memories are something no one can take or throw away.” 

Looking at me with a thoughtful expression, she watched as I wiped the tear from her face before grabbing my hand. “Yes. You’re right. Thank you, Chang.”

I smiled back, relaxing finally. “No problem. Now, would you mind getting off of me?” 

Releasing my hand, she put it up to her chin, considering my request. Then, to my surprise, answered, “No. I won’t.” 

“Huh? How com- MMPH?”

With surprising speed, she closed the distance and kissed me, her chest pressing tightly against mine tightly. My mind was turning rapidly, confused, exhausted, and excited by this event. 

After a few seconds, she released me from the kiss, beaming so wide I thought she was a different girl for a moment. “I’ve never gotten a chance to say this, and I’m not sure how to put it, but I have had feelings for you for a long time, and I’ve wanted you by my side.” She whispered shyly before kissing me in the neck a few times.

I just stared up at the ceiling in utter disbelief. “Ho- how long have you had a crush on me?” I asked, my mind trying to comprehend what was happening to me.

“Since I first made eye contact with you back when you first arrived.” 

I closed my eyes, remembering only being lectured by Hawk and Belfast on what it meant to be a janitor on the base, but I did remember seeing Bismarck out of the corner of my eye.

“However, it wasn’t till I heard you sing that song with that guitar of yours that I realized our heart and soul are the same.” Shoving that memory aside, I just turned to face her. “What song?” 

“The song where you sang about your purpose.”

My eyes went wide. “You… How long have you been listening?” 

She blushed slightly. “I was walking by your room one day when I heard you sing, so I might have stuck around to hear you finish.” 

I shook my head. “I can’t believe you would go out of your way to trail me.”

Bismarck's face flushed. “When I heard you sing, I felt a connection. The loneliness and loss, I felt it all. After that event, I could not get you out of my head. And so I observed you for the last year, hoping to find an opening one day to talk and get to know you.”

I looked at her, still dazed in confusion. “So that’s why you followed me and Hood to the noodle shop?”

She blushed a deep red hue. “Yes, although I had not expected to hear your entire past. I’m very surprised you have such a long past with Hawk.”

Leaning close to my ears, she whispered, “As for the threat I made, I wanted to see what your reaction would be. Your reaction did not disappoint me.”

Her eyes filled with love, she reached for the lights. “Besides, this is my way of repaying you for being with us yesterday and for today.” 

*Click*

Instantly, the room turned black though I knew what was about to happen. Soon, her lips were mashed against mine as she kissed me passionately, caressing me in such a manner I never felt before. 

I couldn’t resist. I was feeling emotions I long thought I would never feel again. Love… Joy… A sense of purpose… 

Maybe… I can start fresh… 

However, our moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Hey, Bismarck. It’s me. Eugen. I just wanna apologize for what I did.”

Turning the lights back on, I watched as Bismarck got off of me, approaching the door as I rolled out of the bed, walking over to her desk and glossing at the items on it to not arouse suspicion.

As the two conversed outside, something caught my eyes. A sketch for the sword Bismarck had designed. Quickly memorizing the schematics, I quickly moved on, my mind racing with ideas.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw a small piece of metal on her desk. Picking it up, I examined it. “You know, that bullet saved me.” 

Turning to face the speaker, I was surprised to find Tirpitz standing there with Bismarck closing the door behind her, leaving the three of us in the room together. 

“I was on patrol when that single bullet nailed a doorway a few inches from me. Though I thought it was meant to kill me, I later realized it saved me as I didn’t push with the other Kansens into an ambush further in. I hope to find the shooter one day to thank him.” 

I nodded, slowly backing away towards a window, a bit uncomfortable by both the situation I was in and what she said. Unsure of what was going to happen, I decided to probe a little further. “So what is your motive for your feelings?”

Her face reddened with embarrassment. “Well, Bismarck told me about your singing, and so when I went with her one day to listen to one of your sessions, it gave me a sense of connection as well.” 

Well great. Though I’m not the Commander, it seems everyone has some sort of feelings towards me to a degree. “OK… I think I have had enough romance for one night,” I continued, my back finally against the window. 

Pleading, I asked, “Would you please let me go back to my room?”

She smiled mischievously. “You’re gonna have to get through us.”

“Us? You mean…” I implored hesitantly as I unlocked the window behind my back subtly. Bismarck raised an eyebrow. 

“You know, now that Eugen has been dealt with and Viersech has been tucked in, I think it’s time we have some… quality time with you, Chang.” 

With a click, I quickly turned around in an attempt to pry the window open, somewhat desperate to go back to my old world of peace. 

The moment I grabbed the latch, I was yanked back with such force that I nearly suffered whiplash as I landed back on the bed. The two sisters then pounced on me, rubbing themselves against me, moaning with much affection and love.

“ Seems like I can’t go back now, ” I thought to myself as Tirptiz reached over the bedside and turned the lights off. Closing my eyes, my emotions changed ever so rapidly from fear to excitement to love with the latter overtaking the others.

For the first time in so long, I could not stop myself from beaming with love as I felt Tirpitz cup my face with her hands, her moonlit face making her look even more beautiful than before. 

Bismarck, not wanting to be beaten by her sister, was busy planting kisses on my neck on my right side, giving me a sense of pleasure and a feeling of ecstasy. Looking back at Tirpitz, she leaned close to my left ear and whispered, “So, will you surrender yourself to two of the greatest Ironblood battleships?”

I chuckled softly, running my right hand through her smooth white hair while leaning close to her left ear. “Do to me as you please, mein Schneeflocke.”

Chapter Text

_________
Narration

December 10th, 2041, 23:57
Location: █████████████, ███████

“ Is everything going according to plan, Grand Inspector Lewis? ”

Grand Inspector Lewis just smiled evilly. “Of course. After years of planning and scheming, Operation Torrent Dragon cannot fail.” 

The other thirteen members nodded their heads. “ So Observer Alpha, what do you think? ”

A figure appeared behind the chair of Grand Inspector Lewis, tentacles starting to surround him. “Of course. We shall have the world at the mercy of our hands within two months.”

She raised both hands into a salute and declared, “Hail Senority.” 

Everyone, including Grand Inspector Lewis, followed. “Hail Senority.”

However, one of the members raised her hand. “What about Hawk?” 

Grand Inspector Lewis grinned wickedly. “I think I’ll leave him to you, Blaze.”

The figure nodded. “I can’t wait to get my hands on his throat. He’ll pay for what he has done.” 

Lewis cackled. “I’m sure you will, Blaze.”

Chapter Text

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?, ?!:??
Location: ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Death and fire. That was all I could see across the battlefield. As I looked around, I saw the faces of David and Josh. “Why did you betray our cause? Why have you done this?” 

I shook my head “No. I did not betray our country. I did what was best for us.” 

Their faces began to melt, showing their bones, their eyes starting to glow red. “No. All you did was abandon us! You are a traitor, and shall always be!”

The ground beneath me gave way as I fell.

……… 

December 11th, 2041, 04:38
Location: Faroe Island, Eagle Union Dorm

“NO!!!” I jumped out of the bed, startled by the dream. Josh… David… 

“Are you okay, Hawk?” I felt a warm hand on my shoulder as I turned around to face Enterprise. 

“No,” I admitted. “There’s something in my past that has been haunting me, and no matter what I do, I can’t make peace with it.”

She looked at me with concern in her eyes. “You failed at something in the past, didn’t you?” 

I nodded my head slowly. She looked away. “That was how I was after Yorktown died at Midway. I couldn’t get her out of my head.”

Silence. After a while, I snaked my arms around her from the back, putting my head on her left shoulder. “How did you overcome it?” 

“I didn’t. It still haunts me today even after making peace with her.” She looked outside the window by the bed. “The price of peace is blood, and we must simply accept that fact.”

Unsure of what to do, I kissed her neck before stroking her smooth white hair with my right hand while I massaged her shoulder with my left. “I guess so.” 

She made a startled noise, grabbing my left hand firmly. Turning around to look back at me, I was drawn in by her beauty. “Enty…” I whispered. 

“Hawk…” She began moving her face closer. I closed my eyes, copying her. 

But the thing that I expected to happen didn’t happen. Rather, I felt something press against my chest. As I opened my eyes, I realized Enty had fallen asleep mid-kiss and was nudging against my chest. “Mmm. Commander… pls… don’t let go~” 

I chuckled as I pulled her under the covers with me, still stroking her hair. North Carolina was still asleep next to me, her face at peace. I kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams, Carol.”

December 11th, 2041, 07:23
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane HQ, Commander’s Office

I took a breath of relief as I signed off another piece of paperwork. Finishing another stack of paper. Unable to sleep anymore, I decided to wake up an hour ago and try to get some work done before Enty and Carol could wake up.

*Knock knock*

However, it seems I was not the only one up this early. Getting up from my desk, I walked over to the door, wondering who it was. 

Unsurprisingly, it was New Jersey. “Mornin, Commander!” She beamed, her body radiating her cheerfulness. “How are you this morning?” 

I chuckled. “Doing alright. Please, come in.” Showing her the way in, I quickly sat her down before walking over to the counter to finish mixing the tea I had made earlier. “What would you like to drink?” 

She replied, “How about a bottle of beer,” before bursting out into laughter as I coughed up some of the tea I had tasted. 

“Just kiddin! I’m not a drinker~ How about some of that tea?” 

Turning around, I just stared in surprise. “I never took you to be a tea drinker.”

“The more you know~ Dont’cha love surprises?” She beamed as I walked to my water heater to add more water to it.

Grabbing some tea leaves while the water was heating up in the jug. “Just curious, but how are things between you and that girl who ran off?”

I just grinned. “I’ll let you decide on that later.” 

She smiled. “Oooh~ did someone have a good night's rest?” She walked over to me, pressing her chest against my back. “How about we do some of that tonight~”

I chuckled shyly, a bit worrisome of her intentions. “Well, I would like to get to know you better, so how about we hold that off for another day?” 

She just hugged me tighter. “I’ll hold you to that~” 

I turned my face to smile meekly at her. “OK. Would you mind letting go before someone comes in?”

She let go of me, a tint of red on her face. “Sorry! Got a little carried away~” 

I just laughed as I patted her head before turning back to the jug filled with heated water. “Yeah, I guess so.”

Pouring the hot water into a cup and mixing it with some of the tea leaves, I handed it to her. “Here you go. I hope you mind some Oolong tea.” ]

She took it without hesitation, blowing on it before taking a sip. “Very calming, I must say~” 

Sitting next to her on a sofa, I remembered something I had planned last night. “Hey, would you mind gathering the key members of each faction in a few minutes? I need to have a discussion with them about a meeting that’s coming up.” 

New Jersey smiled back. “Sure! I'll notify them as soon as I finish this~” 

Taking a huge gulp, New Jersey then proceeded to set her cup down on the table, her mouth wide open. “HOOOOTTTTTT!!!”

I laughed as I got up to go get her some cold water.

Two Hours Later, 09:31
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane HQ’s Meeting Room

“Thank you all for taking your time out of the day for this meeting. I apologize if I may have caused any inconvenience.” 

Queen Elizabeth huffed from her seat, with Warspite and Hood sitting beside her. “You better! I’m losing time that I could spend on golf! So be quick about it, my subject!”

Chuckling inwardly, I laid out the plan. “So the UKC has requested that two members of each faction must attend a meeting in about three weeks. Since this is mandatory, I am asking which members would each of you like to send. Also, New Jersey, our latest member, will be attending as she will be explaining some of the issues to them.”

Murmurs began as they discussed amongst themselves. Enterprise leaned close to my ear. “Carolina and I will stick with you, though normally Saratoga is usually the one to attend.” 

I smiled back. “Thank you for your kind offer.”

Looking back with a suspicious smile, she answered, “No problem, Hawkie~” Why did North Carolina have to pass on to Enterprise her nickname for me?

Turning back towards the table, a bit embarrassed, I watched as they continued their conversation till five minutes was up. “So who can represent their country at the UKC meeting?”

Hood stood up. “Queen Elizabeth will be unavailable as she will be busy in England discussing matters with the queen. I will go in her stead with Belfast as my entourage.”

I nodded my head towards her. “So besides the Royal Navy and Eagle Union, will the nations send their normal ambassadors?” 

Everyone from Joanne the Arc to Vittorio nodded their heads. Bismarck, however, raised her hand. “May I bring Strasser along instead of Eugen? I believe we would like to prevent a repeat of last time.”

I nodded towards her. “I agree. I will allow you to bring Peter Strasser just this once, understood?” 

She nodded, then saluted me. “Thank you, Kommandant”

“Very well then. I'll see you in a week before we take off.” I declared as I saluted them before they returned it. 

As everyone began to leave the room, New Jersey walked over to me, a bit nervous. “Are you sure you want me to explain the bugs?”

 I nodded. “You’re the only one who knows what you’re doing.”

She nodded, blushing a bit while making a cheeky expression. “Dont’cha just love being rushed?” 

I just winked at her. “Don’t worry. I got your back.”

North Carolina, noticing we were talking, walked over while Enterprise walked out the door to talk with Belfast. “So, then. We’ll go on that vacation you said after this meeting, correct?” She asked, smiling. 

I nodded. “Yes, we will. And from the looks of it, we might get a lighter load in the next two weeks.” 

This made New Jersey smile, who grabbed my arm. “Hey!” I cried out.  

“Come on! Let’s go have some fun and get some ice cream!~”

Bursting into laughter, North Carolina followed as New Jersey dragged me by the arm towards the boardwalk, with Enterprise following once she saw us leave.

Ten Minutes later, 09:43
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane Boardwalk

I grumbled as New Jersey asked for four ice cream cones from Akashi. Of all the places to go, she had to pick one of Akashi’s many stands.

Handing me one of the ice cream cones, New Jersey proudly proclaimed, “Here you go! One vanilla ice cream~”

Hiding my pain, I smiled back and thanked her before licking it, savoring the smooth flavor it had. New Jersey just snickered as she handed the other two to Enterprise and North Carolina. 

Enterprise just straight up swallowed hers, which surprised me, North Carolina, and New Jersey, especially the latter. “Hey! That’s not the proper way of eating ice cream!” New Jersey pouted. 

Enterprise just shrugged. “I prefer it in my stomach. Plus, I hate it when it melts.” 

North Carolina just shook her head. “Take it easy, Enterprise. You don’t have to eat it that fast . You’ll get a brain freeze” 

I just watched happily as the three conversed. “Hey, why don't we all just take a walk along the beachside?”

They all looked at each other before looking at me grinning. “OK then~”

Before we left, though, someone called out to us. “Nya! You can’t just get those for free!” 

New Jersey just turned and winked at her. “Thanks for making it on the house!”

Before Akashi could retort in anger, Enterprise shoved me forward as we ran away, roaring with laughter along with the others as we made our getaway. 

……………

Many Hours later, 17:08
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Commander’s Office

I groaned as I pushed the last stack of paperwork away. After our walk, we went back to my office to finish some work. New Jersey was snoring with her face on the keyboard in front of my computer, trying to fix some of the bugs in the security system. Enterprise had fallen asleep a couple of hours earlier and was lying on the couch. North Carolina was the only one awake, making some coffee from the pot I had in my office.

“So then, what will you be doing tonight?” She asked. 

I just groaned as I leaned into my chair. “Just gonna go to bed early.” 

Her eyes twinkled a bit. “Perhaps some alone time together?” 

I chuckled and smiled back warmly. “We’ll see.”

She grinned mischievously as she brought two cups of coffee over. Looking at the coffee, I tilted my head in disappointment. “You know this is gonna break my three-week streak.” 

“Which would you rather break a heart or a streak?” 

Amused, and somewhat touched, I took the coffee. “Thank you, Carol.” 

She just smirked lovingly, walking behind me to give a backrub as I moaned in pleasure. “No problem, Hawkie~” 

Chapter Text

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

Thirty Minutes before Hawk woke up, December 11th, 2041, 06:00
Location: Faroe Island, Iron Blood Dorm

I woke up subconsciously from my military training from the past, but I immediately knew something was wrong. Turning over, I could see Bismarck tossing and turning. “Ngh. No… Tirpitz… Parzival-”

I realized she must be having a bad dream. Hoping this was the best option, I carefully wrapped my right arm under her and my left one over her, pulling her closer and turning her body towards me. “Uuuugh… Don’t you touch me!”

She began to squirm, so I began to stroke her blonde hair. “Shhhh. It’s alright, Bismarck. What is in the past is the past.” She continued to squirm, but less so now. I hesitated, then kissed her. She stopped squirming. “Mmm~”

I let go of her and continued talking, still stroking her hair. “You know, at a young age, I was always fascinated by you, your history, and your service. I wanted to let you know, I’ve also had you in my heart, mein Liebling .”

She had stopped moving at this point, her face making a peaceful expression. I chuckled warmly. “Unfortunately, this will be the end for now. But we’ll see each other again, especially for the emotions you have returned to me last night.” I kissed her forehead one last time. “Till we meet again, sweet dreams, Bismarck.”

Turning over to the left, I met Tirpitz face to face, her cold blue eyes staring into my soul. “And what about me, Mein kommandant ?” 

Closing my eyes. I scoffed lightly at her. “Please do not address me as such. It would be improper of you to address me, a simple man, as a leader.” 

She nudged her forehead against mine, breathing softly against my lips. “Please. Let me in, Chang. Though you’ve expressed your feelings, I feel you still have something in your heart, something that is holding you back.” 

Cupping her head this time, I opened my eyes and kissed her softly. “That will have to wait, my little Schneeflocke.”

She blushed at my nickname for her before she giggled as I struggled to roll over her to get out of bed.

Amused, she embraced and helped me roll over to the edge of the bed. “Promise you’ll stay with us to the end. It has been so long since I’ve felt such purpose and love.”

I smiled at her one last time before kissing her on the cheek. “I don’t keep promises. Rather, I will swear an oath.”

“Oh? So you swear you’ll be with us till the end of time?”

I chuckled. “To the end of time itself, mein Schneeflocke .”

With that, I got up and tiptoed towards the door. Opening the door to Bismarck’s room, I looked one more time at Tirpitz and the still sleeping Bismarck, blew them a kiss, and closed the door as I stepped out. 

Walking down the hallway to my room, I thought about all the events that had recently occurred. I was not sure what God had in store for me, but whatever it is, I hope to accomplish his will.

…

After picking up my things under the willow tree last night, I entered the still quiet HQ as I opened and closed the door to my room. Placing my things down, I walked towards one of the chests I had in my bedroom. 

Opening it up, I took out my wooden Tiger I tank I had made before the war. Looking at the labels, it read, “Made with German Black Forest Tree wood to prove German Tech is the best.”

I chuckled to myself softly. If only my younger self was more mature. As I began to disassemble it, there was a rattling noise outside on the balcony. Walking over cautiously to the doorway, I looked through the living room out the clear doors that led to the balcony.

Two figures were talking, one with blue hair and the other with white hair. “Hah… Guess it’s never-ending, isn’t it?” I muttered to myself as I walked over and opened the door. Both of the figures turn to face me. 

“Commander Chang,” said the blue-haired girl. I raised my eyebrows in disapproval.

“You know that’s not my title, Helena.” 

She just smiled. “I know, my love,” she said as she approached me. I smiled too, letting her hug me as I closed my hug around her. “I missed you, Commander.” 

I just smiled sadly. “Me too, Hela. It has been a while” The white hair girl just looked at me. “Oh come on, Ash. Get in here.” I laughed. She, for once in the few times I have seen her, let a smile escape and joined the group hug.

“So, what’s up with you two here?” I asked as we released our hugs. 

“We’re just here to see you,” Ash answered. 

“Ooh. How sweet of you,” I joked sarcastically. “But in all seriousness, I know y’all don’t drop on me on such short notices.” 

META Helena just frowned. “Unfortunately so. The Sirens are up to something, but we cannot disclose anything else.” I crossed my arms. 

“Of course. The Ashens has always taken a neutral stance between the Siren and Human conflict.” 

Ash just nodded her head in agreement. “Indeed. Anyhow, we must go our separate ways now.”

I grabbed my heart, sarcastically faking pain. “How could you? You just arrived.” 

She just stared, though I could tell she was trying her best to compose herself. For some reason, she always seemed a bit softer around me (or so I’ve been told by Hela).

“I wish you all the best, commander.” I turned towards META Helena with a sad expression. 

“For the last time, please do not call me that. Although that may have been me in another timeline, I am not in this timeline.”

She just hugged me again sadly. “Whatever you say, Commander.” And before I could respond, they were gone. Just like that. Shaking my head, I went inside to grab a winter melon tea bottle. Chugging it down, I quickly donned a new set of clothes and began my project.

……

Several Hours Later, 09:28
Iron Blood Blacksmith Workshop

Banging away with my hammer, I checked my watch to see what time it was. 

Shoot. I’ve spent way too much time on this project. Hawk is gonna kill me if he doesn’t see me mopping the floors. 

I quickly grabbed my jacket as I rushed out the door, dashing across the Azur Lane courtyard. On my way there, I encountered Centaur, who seemed to be in a cheery mood. “Morning, Elder Chang!”

I just laughed, shaking my head. “Please, don’t call me an elder. I’m just the janitor.” 

“But you were a soldier, no?” She asked, looking confused. I just smiled dejectedly. 

“Perhaps I once was, but not now.”

Now it was her turn to shake her head. “Anyone who has served in the military before is always an elder to me.” 

That statement made me smile happily. “Thank you, Centaur. It has been a while since I’ve last heard someone respect another who was once their enemy.”

“No problem. And besides, you’re no longer an enemy, but a friend to me. You’ve always spared some time to watch me practice with my bow.” She grinned. “Also, Hood mentioned you would be attending lunch with us.” 

That made me chuckle. “Guess Hood couldn't contain her excitement, couldn’t she?” 

She laughed aloud. “Indeed, Elder Chang. Indeed.”

Four Hours Later (and After much Mopping), 12:37
Location: Faroe Islands, Royal Navy’s Garden House

“The tea is mighty delicious, your majesty.” Queen Elizabeth just laughed at me. 

“Of course! You can’t beat Yorkshire tea!” 

I slowly shook my head as I set the teacup down on my plate. “It depends. I drink mainly Crysthanamum tea to help my body.”

Howe cringed. “What is up with you and Crysthanamum tea?”

I just howled in laughter. “I’ve had it since I was eight years old. What do you expect?” 

Centaur and Hood just snickered at that while Howe fumed. Wales was also struggling to contain her laughter, her mouth twitching ever so slightly.

Just before Howe could reply, King George V walked in. Belfast nodded courteously before pulling a chair for her. George just returned the nod and sat down. “Afternoon, ladies.” We all returned the greeting. 

She turned towards me, a bit confused. “Did I miss something? I did not know you were invited.” 

I just smiled and winked at Hood. “Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t.” 

She just shook her head, confused by the situation. “Very well. Is everyone here then?”

Queen Elizabeth shook her head as well in a hesitant manner. “There is one more coming that I invited.” 

“And who would that be?” Wales asked. 

“Me.”

Looking up from my tea, I lifted an eyebrow, watching as Monarch approached the small garden house. This was not gonna end well. 

“You!” Wales, George, and Howe all stood up in one perfect synchronized movement. 

I too immediately stood up. “Now then. Calm down, ladies. This is no place for a brawl.”

The three glared at me angrily, but I just stared back at them coldly. The atmosphere soon turned dark and cold with Hood and Centaur trying to calm everyone down. Eventually, they backed down, sulking as they sat back down. 

I just exhaled lightly as I waited for Monarch to sit in the chair next to me, who was eyeing me ever so suspiciously. Siblings can be such a pain.

………. 

One Hour Later, 13:25

“Thank you for taking my place, Hood,” Liz said as she got up from the table. 

“No problem, your majesty. I’m sure Belfast and I can handle it.”

Standing off to the side listening to their conversation while keeping an eye on Wales and Howe talking with Monarch. 

“Very well then.” Queen Elizabeth bowed courteously to Hood. “I’ll be setting off tomorrow. I wish you all the best, Hood.” Hood nodded as she too politely bowed. 

Just as Hood was turning around to talk with me, I heard a cry from Monarch. “You dare?!?” 

Turning around I could see Monarch pinning both Wales and Howe against the wall. George was running over, sword drawn. “Stand down, Monarch!”

“Never!” Monarch dropped both of them and drew her sword, charging George. George grimaced as she too charged. I shook my head as I approached the two, their two swords making loud clangs. 

As both of them drew their swords back to strike again, I took a step between the two. “That’s enough.”

They both stopped their swords midway, their blades inches from my head. Looking at George, I asked, “Is this how a Kansen in command of the home fleet should act?”

George hesitated, so I turned to face Monarch while she contemplated. “And you. What do you have to say that justifies your actions against Howe and Wales?”

Looking at Howe and Wales, who were being cared for by Hermione, Monarch just shook her head. “You don’t understand. They mentioned something from my past, about the fact I still wanted revenge.”

My heart stopped for a moment. Could it be? Shaking any doubt from my head, I quickly recomposed myself. “Whatever it is, I hope you’ll find peace with it. But for now, I would like you two to reconcile.”

Staring into my eyes for a minute, Monarch grumbled something under her breath before turning to face George, sighing as she placed her sword back into its sheath. “Sorry, Monarch. I let my impatience get the best of me.” Monarch just muttered an apology as she shook hands with George before storming off to the Royal Navy’s dorm.

I looked at Hood, worried. “You know that if this continues, they’re just gonna end up destroying each other.” 

She shook her head, exhaling softly. “We’ve tried everything, but Wales, George, York, and Howe are just as adamant.” 

Now it was my turn to sigh, watching as Monarch slammed the entrance door to the Royal Navy Dorm.

Hood continued. “I do hope that it doesn’t backfire on them one day. As for that revenge thing, do you think she’ll have it?”

“ S̵̘̫̼̦͖̋̾̃̔̐̔͑̄ḩ̴̳͔͙͚̽̈͆͒̽̑͒ȩ̵̘̗̞̌̽̕ ̸̡̫̣͕̱̠͙͓̿̀̿͂̂̚͜w̷͓͍͖̞̗̞̣̓i̴̻̓̐͋̈́l̸͚͔̠͛̈͌̌̄͝l̶͎̖̣̹̺̗͚͉̀ ”

 Dropping to my knees, I grabbed my head in pain, groaning as my vision blurred. “Chang?!?” 

“ Not now, you liar. You’re just a shadow of myself,” I thought to myself.

“D̴̮͙̺͕͒͋͂̉̕͜ͅơ̶̹̼͇̮̟͍͇̠̈́̎̄ ̸̡̲͆̔̂y̸̩̱̼͂̅̆́o̸̡͔͎̠̳͙̮͗̔̅͆͂̈́͠u̴̦̟̗̹͔͓̤͊̂͐̎̓̃̑ ̵̡̡̞̖̻̤̜̼͔̌̐̆̉̇̚ř̵͓͕͔̩̣̰̻͎͊͒̚͜͠e̷̞̗̬͗͌͂a̶̟̔͒̑̐̽̑͘̚͝ĺ̷̨̺̩͇̦l̴̳͍̮̺̘̞͖̜̖͋̍̍̍͐̕ÿ̵̨͓͇͕̫́̃̈́̇̉̋̎͂̓͘͜ ̸͙͍̯̞͖̤̲͉̏͒̈͗̂b̷͉̦͎͓͚̑e̷̠̻̭̬͔̱͚̳̐͂̎̓̽̎̓̒͘l̷̞̆̀̒̑ị̵̧̰̦̎̅̈́͝e̶̡͖͉͚͎͎̥͐̂̑v̷̢̡̨̢̺͚̩̩̲͆͆̍͂̅̔̀́͝e̸̢̮͖̘̍̄̍̅͌̓͆̑̿ͅ ̶̧͍̬̞̥̹̥͍̯͔̈́͗̃̅̉͑̈́̚͝t̸̛̤̙̂̑̋̽͒̋̃h̵̥̦̘̙̞̗̲̆̔̋̿̈́̍ͅȁ̶̼͗͆̊͠͝t̶̠̺͚͚̜̻̰̋ ̷͖̩̗̽͗̿ý̵̹̠͎͇̤̘̘̐̒̂͘̕͘͝͝͠ͅó̶͈̑̌̃͗͗́ų̵̤̼̱͓͍̰̬͊̀̈͗͋̉̔̍r̶̡̻̬̻̳̳̼͈̍̓͒̄̾͘ ̷͖̩̗̽͗̿s̸̢͖̮̙̩̤̲̐̀͌ͅé̷̢̨̠͓̜͉͙̗̳̾͗͋͝ͅl̴̥̱̞̫͕̮̲̏̉͜͜f̸̪͎̬̖͈̤̘̏͌̃͐̃͑̅͊̑̈́͜?”

Thinking fast, I smacked myself in the head, knocking myself to the ground as the voice in my head disappeared. “Chang! What’s going on?” 

Looking at Hood and Hermione, who was running over to us with concern on her face, I shook my head. Standing up, I found myself collapsing again had it not been for Hood to catch me.

“Th- Thanks. I- I’m not sure what is going on with me,” I lied, a bit scared of what had just happened. “Maybe my legs grew too stiff from sitting for too long.” 

Hood looked with suspicion, but Hermione just nudged Hood away and inspected me. “Huh. I see nothing wrong. But just to be sure, let’s just get Vestal to check you out.”

Shaking my head, I quickly stood up, able to stand by myself. “I’m fine. I appreciate your concern, but I have to go now.” 

Sighing sadly, Hood just approached me and pressed herself against me again, resting her head on my chest. “If you need anything, you know where I am.”

Hesitant, I hugged her. “I’ll be fine. I promise.” 

Letting go, Hood kissed me on the cheek softly. “I’ll check on you in a few hours.” 

Walking away, I watched as she approached the dormitory only to be greeted by Unicorn. Letting them be, I walked back to the Ironblood Blacksmith shop. I had a project to finish, and a mind to quell.

6 Hours Later, December 11th, 2041, 19:39
Location: Ironblood dorm, Armory

I pounded away at the molten carbon steel, sweating as I brought the hammer down as hard as I could each time. 

*Bang*

I still couldn’t believe what had happened earlier. “ What did I do that caused it to come back? ” Shaking my head, I continued to hammer the piece of molten carbon.

Bring my hammer down one last time, the shape was done. Using some metal tongs, I carefully lifted the piece of steel over some oil before bringing it down. A hissing sound filled the air as the sword hardened.

Lifting it, I could see there were no warps or cracks. Smiling, I brought it over to the hilt and handle I had made earlier. Grabbing the epoxy resin, I began to glue the blade inside the hilt. 

*Knock knock*

Shoot. Quickly grabbing a piece of cloth, I tossed it over the sword and pulled out my revolver, inspecting it. “Come in.” 

The door opened, and Hood walked in. “Spee said I could find you here.”

I chuckled nervously as I pulled out and spun my revolver in my hand, acting as if I was just working on it. “Indeed. Was just finishing up.” 

She raised an eyebrow. “Finish up what?”

“Oiling my gun. Just making sure it’s nice and clean.” I spun my gun one more time before putting it back into its holster.

Judging by her expression, though, she knew I was lying. But what would she expect to find me working on? There were many other projects in the work here from Scharnhorst’s experimental cannon project to Graf’s prototype experimental jet bomber. 

But what distracted me was the light pink hue on her face before asking suspiciously, “Are you open tonight?”

I just stared, wondering if indeed what I was thinking was true. “Lemme guess. You talked with Bismarck a few hours ago.”  

She looked down, blushing even harder. “Yes.”

I smiled and snickered softly. “And you asked her about last night, didn’t you?” 

She looked up, her face entirely red with embarrassment. “Yes,” she replied weakly. 

I twist my face, confused. “What’s wrong? I’m not mad or anything.” 

She looked away. “It’s just that, I thought I was your lover.”

I sighed softly, walked towards her, and hugged her, surprising her. “I thought so too. I never really expected Bismarck to have a massive crush on me. But I will always be here for you. Always.” She just returned the hug as we stood there in silence, with her somewhat crying while I stroked her hair. 

After a few minutes, she let go and looked up at me. “Could we…” 

I could only nod. “If you insist.” As we began to walk out, I looked back at the piece of cloth. Guess I’ll finish it tomorrow...

Chapter Text

________
Narration

December 11th, 2041, 23:47
Location: █████████████████████████████, █████████████

A man dressed in a suit walks up to an old man drinking in a pub. “So, what’s up?”

“The eagle has slept long enough. The time has come.” The old man took another swig from a bottle, emptying it. 

The man in the suit glanced around nervously, but no one was paying attention. “Is it that serious?”

“Yes. More blood will be spilled if we don’t do this.” He motioned to the bartender for another.

The man in the suit looked around again before exhaling with much heaviness. “How do you think he is gonna react? He specifically said he was gonna just gather intelligence.” 

The old man laughed as he downed another bottle of rum. “He’ll understand.”

Chapter Text

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

December 12th, 2041, 07:56
Location: Faroe Islands, Chang’s Bedroom

I was awoken by Hood rubbing against me. I could only smile as she rubbed her head against mine, moaning happily. She is cute when she is asleep. 

“Mmm~ Morning, Chang.” She muttered as her eyes slowly opened. 

“Hehe. Morning, Hood.” I propped myself up as I stretched my arms. “Had a good night's rest?” 

She nodded as she propped herself up as well, her chest bouncing slightly. Leaning against my shoulders, she snuggled against me, making me laugh a bit as I nudged my head against hers. “Will you… stay here with me? I just feel so whole around you.”

I could only smile in response. “As long as I’m here, of course.” Wrapping my arms around her, I tickled her slightly, making her giggle as she rolled around, dragging me along with her. I could only laugh as she rolled on top of me before pressing her lips against mine. 

Pressing back, I could only think how the past week had been. It seemed that I have taken more on the role of a Commander, interacting with the Kansens here more than Hawk though he is the legitimate Commander. It seemed so strange to me that a simple like me would end up having to lead and relate to these Kansens. 

But that has been most of my life, isn’t it?

Backing away, I smiled at Hood as she beamed back at me before lying on my chest. I just hummed softly as I stroked her hair, still immersed in her beauty and character. Hood has been one of the best things in my life in a long time. Closing my eyes, I prayed to God silently that he will let things stay like this.

After a few minutes, the alarm on my clock rang, letting us know it was time to start the morning. As we got out of bed, I caught something out of the corner of my eye. A paper on the fax machine. A fax message? Picking up the piece of paper, I read its contents. My heart stopped. My eyes went wide. All it had was five words. “ Code Overlord. Commence Protocol Baron. ”

“Is something wrong?” Quickly turning around with the paper in hand, I could see Hood standing at the kitchen counter, still dressed in her white nightgown.

 “Oh. It’s nothing too serious. Just some surprising news.” I quickly responded.

“What news?” She asked curiously. I kept eye contact, conflicted about whether I should tell her or not. 

“I've won some sort of lottery.” I lied confidently. It had some partial truths of some sort though, unfortunately. “I never applied for one, but I somehow won.”

“Oh. Congratulations then!” She exclaimed, smiling. 

I faked a smile. “Thanks.” 

As she turned towards the fridge to get something to drink, I walked towards the bathroom. Locking the door, I wondered why God answered no, but I guess he always says that when it comes to me. Tossing the paper into the toilet and doing my business, I grimaced as I struggled to control my emotions. One part of me wanted to stay, but my soul knew what I had to do. It was time. 

……

After cooking up some eggs and sausages, I quickly garbled my breakfast down before grabbing my jacket. Hood as well was fully dressed and ready to begin her day. “Why the rush, my love?” 

I grinned at the nickname. “Really? My love? Are you copying Bismarck now?” 

Hood blushed. “I mean, we are together~” She cuddled my arm, nudging her head against it as I turned to hug her.

“If you insist. I need to go run some errands before starting my rounds. I think you need to prepare for that trip I’ve heard of.” 

She smiled at me. “I won’t be gone for long. I promise.” 

I kissed her on the cheek. Making her blush. “I’m sure.”

… 

Three hours later, December 12th, 2041, 10:34
Location: Faroe Islands, Ironblood dorm, Blacksmith Shop

Having several hours to myself, I finished up the polish. Looking at the two swords I have made, I could see the near-identical similarities between them. Nonetheless, both had subtle differences that matched the two people I was gonna give them to. 

Placing both of them in red and black sheaths, I placed both of them in two separate boxes. I smirked dejectedly as I carried them over to the main room of Ironblood dormitory. 

Making sure no one was around, I placed both boxes on a table as well as a letter I had written earlier and, looking around one last time, walked toward the exit. But a certain presence stopped me. 

“My, what is my child doing~?” Turning around to face Friedrich Der Grosse who was looking down from the stairs that led to the second floor, I smiled warmly. 

“Morning, mother. How are you doing?” Though it was blatantly obvious she wasn’t my mother, it was my way of addressing her as it always made her happy. She just walked down the stairs, her arms open wide. 

“Leaving without giving me a farewell hug? How naughty of you, my child~” I chuckled, a bit unnerved by her attitude, but I still approached her nonetheless.

Hugging me tightly against her cleavage, she ruffled my hair. “Next time you come, make sure you don’t try to leave without letting me dot on you~”

Releasing me reluctantly, I just laughed. “I promise. I’ll bring a gift next time too, mother.” 

She beamed with pride. “Well, then don’t let me keep you. Off you go~”

Thanking her, I left the building, a bit embarrassed by the interaction but undeterred from my mission.

…… 

As I was beginning to start mopping the floor of the HeadQuarters waiting room, a certain blue-haired girl came running down the stairs that led to Hawk’s office. “Are you by any chance ex-Lieutenant Chang?”

 I stopped mopping and looked at her. “I am.” Reaching out my hands to shake hers, I asked, “What can I do for you-” Then I realized I didn’t know her name.

She looked at my hand and laughed, gripping it firmly in hers. “Name’s New Jersey. Dont’cha just love introductions?”

Laughing at her cheerfulness, I shook hands with her. “Well then, New Jersey, let’s try this again. What can I do for you this Tuesday morning?” 

Still holding my hands, she yanked on them, motioning me to go up to Hawk’s office. “Hawk needs to see you ASAP. Something came in from the mainland that addresses you.”

Ah. So they came through. 

Entering his office, I saw Hawk massaging North Carolina’s back with Enterprise off to the side doing some sorting.

“Ah, Chang. Good to see you again,” Hawk greeted as he stood up from his massage. 

Saluting him, I snapped to attention. “Janitor Chang reporting for duty, sir.”

Motioning me to stand at ease, I watched as he picked up a piece of paper. “Some guy on the mainland is transferring you over from my command over to his. And since he outranks me, I have no choice but to allow it.” 

Handing over a piece of paper, I looked at it. “Huh. Lt. General Micheal requested for me to work as a janitor at their HQ in Dublin?”

Hawk just shrugged. “I just follow orders. I never expected someone would ask for you though.”

Hiding my smirk, I just nodded. “Well then. When do I leave?”

“Today, in several hours.” 

Well then, better start packing then…

… 

December 12th, 2041, 11:56
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane Airfield

I managed to arrive several minutes early. Good. Hopefully, no one heard of my departure. 

Nearing Hawk, I snapped to attention and saluted. He returned it as did Enterprise and North Carolina. He nodded towards the plane, allowing me to fall out, and began to load up his items.

Just as I picked up the last of the bags and began to head inside the fuselage, I heard the sound of rapid footsteps behind me. Turning around, I could see Hood rushing across the airfield, tears in her eyes.

“Chang!” 

I closed my eyes, my heart rate increasing. I didn’t want it coming to this. Turning around, I continued walking up the ramp.

“I’m sorry, Hood.”

Sitting down in a seat on the cargo plane, I watched North Carolina grab Hood through the window, who was still crying out my name. I just looked away. I never wanted to break her heart, but under such short notice, I knew I had to. 

The plane began to vibrate as we began to take off. One of the crew members walked by, dropping a file onto my lap. “It’s Baron, right? It has been a while.”

I nodded in response. Looking out the window again, I watched Hood drop to the ground, holding her hand to her face as we lifted off the ground. As I watched her, I felt a tear slide down my cheek. “Crying for a Kansen? I never kne-”

I slammed my fist into the crew member, sending him sprawling on the floor. “Shut up,” I responded, my voice no longer containing any emotions. “We got work to do.” 

Chapter Text

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

December 26th, 2041, 16:39
Location: Muir Éireann, Off the Coast of Dublin

I watched as the city of Dublin got bigger and bigger. Standing on the bridge of Enterprise, I was amazed at how far humanity has gone, the size of the skyscrapers impres-

*Knock knock*

“Enter,” Enterprise said over her shoulder as I turned around to see who was knocking.

Hood opened the door and entered the bridge. “Can I ask a question, Commander?”

I exhaled softly. “It’s about Chang, isn’t it?” She nodded sadly.

I wasn’t sure why Chang didn’t say farewell nor let her know he was leaving as he seemed quite close with Hood. 

For whatever reason why he broke her heart, she had refused to talk with anyone for the past two weeks, sortieing whenever I ordered her to.

Even Bismarck couldn’t cheer her up when she heard of Hood’s depression.

Speaking of Bismarck, she and Tirpitz got a Christmas gift from Chang. They had both received a double-edged sword, crafted with such perfection it could have been mistaken to be made by a machine. 

More importantly, each one had a separate phrase in German that could identify the user with the sword. Along Tirpitz’s blade, it read, “ Um Wärme zu finden, muss man handeln. ”

[To find warmth, one must take action]

Bismarck’s read, “ Um Kraft zu finden, musst du Mut haben .”

[To find strength, you must have courage] 

He also left a letter for the two, which neither had bothered sharing with him nor anyone else. Either way, he made quite an impression with the two, especially with Bismarck. However, Hood still didn’t receive anything, which again surprised me.

Bringing myself back, I smiled. “I believe you might see Chang if he is working this hour. If necessary, I can find time for you two to meet after his shift.” 

She smiled sadly. “Yes, I suppose. Thank you, commander.” I waved her off. “Don’t sweat it. I just want the best for you.”

She bowed courteously before heading back out, with North Carolina walking in.

She glanced at Hood as she walked out and turned back towards me. “I think I can tell what she requested.”

I just shook my head. “I just don’t get Chang at times. He’s a good man, yet why would he do such things?”

………

An Hour or So later, 15:16
Location: UKC HQ, Dublin

“All representatives of Azur Lane have entered.”

I raised an eyebrow as I walked past a security guard, talking into his radio. I guess this is standard procedure when there are so many high-priority officers and soldiers meeting in one place.

As our group walked to the reception in the lobby, I saw a familiar face. “... Jonathan?”

The man looked up, his face still just as casual as the day I first met him. “Oh. You’re here.”

He stood up from his desk and saluted me sloppily before sitting back down. “So, you’re here for the meeting, I presume.”

I nodded. He rolled his eyes as he turned back to his computer. “Very well. 18th floor, very top floor.”

“Tha-” 

“Just go.” I frowned as Johnathan went back to his computer, staring at the security cameras. He was one of the few who escaped the catastrophe at Fayetteville, and he too blames me for something I still am unsure of. 

I just nodded my thanks. “Very well. See you around, Jonathan.” I began to turn around but then stopped. Turning back around, I asked Jonathan, “Is Chang around?”

“Oh yeah.” He picked a sandwich I had not seen and took a bite out of it. “He’s just mopping up a mess in the men’s bathroom on the 7th floor. Some guy decided to flood the bathroom.” 

Huh. That’s something you don’t hear every day. “Well, if you see him, tell him that Hood says hi.”

“Sure. Will do. Now move along. You’ll be late.” I checked my watch. Crap. It’s 15:21. The meeting is at 15:35. I turn to face the group. “Let’s go, Azur Lane.”

…

Entering the conference room, I could see Grand Inspector Lewis off to the side, staring out the window with other officials who were waiting on us. 

Observer Alpha was there too. I grimace. I still couldn’t understand how the Kansens and humans could stand the Sirens. They were the reason for all the pain and suffering we had gone through.

Grand Inspector Lewis turned and saluted me as did the other officials. I too saluted along with the representatives from each nation in Azur Lane.

“Well then. Shall we get started on this meeting?” One of the officials asked. She wore a simple dress, yet she was the most powerful person on Earth.

“Of course, President Forest.” President Forest sat down at the end of the long table in the room, with Grand Inspector Lewis sitting on her left side while Observer Alpha sat on her right side.

The rest of the officials and representatives from Azur Lane along with myself sat down in the seats along the side of the table. Enterprise and North Carolina sat beside me, obviously trying their best to ignore those staring at them.

“So then, Commander Stewart of the Armored Kansens, I would like you to start us off.” Requested President Forest. “What is its status?”

Commander Stewart, dressed in a white suit adorned in medals, stood up from my left side, grinning. “Well, Mrs. President, we have been upgrading our arsenal and are prepared for whatever is thrown at us. The new rail gun cannons we have received have increased our armored vehicle gun range by a factor of five.” 

President Forest nodded as Commander Stewart sat back down before turning to the man in black closer to the end of the table on the far end of her. “General Howser, what about the air force?” 

He too stood up but had a stoic face that looked as if he had been frozen in ice for years. “As of now, the Air Force recently has built five Arsenal Birds. Three are currently operational while the other two are being prepared for service as we speak. We are also currently developing UAVs capable of turning 30 Gs.”

Commander Forest too nodded at him as he sat back down. “Well then, Commander Hawk, what about the Navel Branch of Azur Lane?”

Nervously, I stood up. “Madam, all is well. But there has been… a slight issue that has been present for a while.” 

Murmurs began to spread across the room. Grand Inspector Lewis stood up. “Please, quiet everyone. I believe we would like to hear what you have to say, Commander Hawk.” 

I motioned for New Jersey, who was sitting next to Hood, to stand up. Standing up confidently, she began to explain the situation.

………

About Thirty Minutes Later, 15:54
Location: UKC HQ Conference Room, Dublin

“... And so that is why we are currently requesting for the tech genius Wilson O’Conner from the Armored branch, madam.” I watched as President Forest pondered my request as did the others in the room.

“Well then, I guess we’ll give you the support you need for such a project, Commander Hawk.” 

I smile, nearly yelling aloud in celebration. “Thank you, Pres-”

“Unfortunately, you will not receive it before you get back to the Faroe Islands.” 

I frowned. “What do you mean?” 

Observer Alpha stood up, grinning ever so wickedly that it sent shivers down my spine. “Captain Kears?”

The conference room burst open as the troops and security team poured in, pointing their weapons at me and the other members of Azur Lane. The other officials merely stood up and backed themselves to the walls as the troops began to surround us, smirking. 

“Commander Hawk, you are under arrest for opposing President Forest’s global plan.” Said a tall man dressed in all black. 

Pointing his pulse rifle at me, I looked to my side, trying to find Enterprise and North Carolina for help. To my terror, I saw them lying on the ground with the other members of Azur Lane. Each was struggling to get up from the floor. 

Then I realized there was a humming noise that wasn’t there before. It must be some sort of gravitational weapon that only affects Kansens as that would be the only explanation why Enterprise and North Carolina were on the ground.

I turned back towards the President as she began to exit the room with the other officials. “What the hell? What is the meaning of this?!? I demand an answer!!!”

She looked back at me, smiling warmly. “It’s time for a new beginning. And unfortunately, that means we no longer need men like you anymore.”

As she exited the room, the tallest guy (Captain Kears, I think) raised his gun. “Any last words, Ex-Commander Hawk?” 

I look at Enterprise and North Carolina, tears rolling down their closed eyes.

Looking back, in the calmest and most courageous voice I could muster at that moment, I replied, “Evil will never prevail.”

“You’re damn right.”

*BANG*

Immediately, a bright flash of light filled the room, blinding me.

“What the fu-”

Gunshots rang out as cries of pain filled the room.

*Kaboom*

Something blew up as my sight began to return. Most of the security team members were down along with the captain and his group. Only two men in security outfits were left standing. 

One of them took off his mask, exposing his blonde hair and jade green eyes. He stretched out his hands towards me.

“Sorry to meet under such circumstances, Commander Hawk, but we need to get out of here.”

Confused, I took his hand. “No problem. I should be thanking you.” 

“No time. Beta 2!” Looking towards the second guy, he walked over to a wall and pressed something, revealing an arsenal of assault weapons.

“Hawk, this is bad.” Turning around, I see Jean Bart holding her sister, who was bleeding from the legs. Jeanne D’Arc pressed a cloth (she most likely got it from one of the dead soldiers) against the wound, making Richelieu groan in pain. 

The second man, Beta 2, walked back, carrying two ARK-21 rifles and several other assorted weapons.

I look back at the man who just helped me up, confused at what just happened. “Wou- would you care to explain the situation?”

The man just shrugged, taking a rifle from Beta 2 as the latter dashed towards the door, most likely to cover the hallway that leads to the conference room. “In short, Beta 2 and I, Beta 1, are here to save you. We’ll explain more later.”

“Wha-” Before I could finish, Enterprise interpreted.

“Hawk, we need to go. NOW!” Enterprise grabbed my hand.

Gunshots rang out from the hallways as Beta 2 returned fire down the hallway.

“Hold on! We need someone to carry Richelieu!” Jean Bart cried out. Looking back at Richelieu, she was groaning in pain. It was clear she would be unable to put weight on her injured leg. 

“Well, what can we do?!?” Asked Bismarck, pulling out her sword as Strasser helped Littorio up from the floor. 

“Let me.” Hearing a deep, distorted voice, I turned to face Beta 2, who handed me his rifle and picked up Richelieu on his back in a fireman carry. I was surprised. Not even the most robust human could pick up a Kansen, not even a centimeter! 

Everyone, still dazed, began to huddle close to the windows, trying to stay away from the fire-lit furniture. “So, how are we gonna escape?” Belfast asked. Everyone turned towards Beta 2.

He peeks at Beta 1, who was now covering the hallway. “I presume we’re doing the Memphis jump?” Beta 1 sighs, taking a glance down the hallway. “As much as I freaking hate it, yes.”

Beta 2 then motioned us to move away from the windows towards a wall. Following his orders, we were surprised when he fired his rifle from his hip at the windows, causing them to ripple then shatter. ”Everyone, get ready to jump!” 

Seeing there was no way out, everyone followed his order and walked towards where the windows just were. Looking down, I gulped nervously. “Is there no other way?”

*Ratatatat*

“Shoot. You gotta move fast!” Beta 1 yells as he fires off some rounds down the hallway. “We only got one shot at this, Beta 2!”

“Where will we land?!? There’s nothing out there for us to land on!” Cries Hood. 

Everyone looks at Beta 2, who, with Richelieu still on his back, declares, “Nowhere.”

*THOOM*

Something suddenly forced me out the window with the others, launching us through the air. Everyone, except Beta 2, was screaming as we began to fall towards the ground. Tumbling around, I caught a glimpse of Beta 1 jumping out of the burning floor before losing sight of him. 

Then, I realized the ground was closing in, much faster than I anticipated. Guess whatever they planned didn’t work. I close my eyes. “I’m sorry, Enterprise and North Carolina.”

Chapter Text

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

December 26th, 2041, 16:21
Location: UKC HQ, Dublin

I’m… Alive?

Opening my eyes, I could make out the ground beneath me, yet I was not falling. Rather, I was hovering. 

Looking around, I could see everyone else floating, struggling to comprehend what had just happened, though Beta 2 looked calm.

The next thing I knew, I hit the asphalt, head first. Rubbing my head, I looked at Beta 1, dazed and confused.

“Guess the prototype helium grenade worked again, Beta 2,” Beta 1 sorely said as he got up, picking up the ARK-21. 

Beta 2, who miraculously landed on his feet, just shook his head, still carrying Richelieu on his back. “Good thing too. We would have been goners. But now is not the time to squander. We need to move fast.” He nods towards the entrance of the UKC. “We got multiple tangos moving in.”

He was right. I could hear the roar of engines and the squealing of wheels getting closer. Pointing towards the harbor where we had our ships docked, Beta 1 yelled, “Quickly! Get to your ships and summon your riggings! We’ll provide covering fire.” 

Having no other choice, I ran with the others, dashing across the open field that led to the edge of the harbor bank.

Gunfire rang out behind us. Zigzagging, I prayed that none of the bullets would find me. 

And find me one of them did. I felt something hit my left arm. In an instant, it was as if my arm caught on fire. Pain seared through it as I struggled to compose myself, trying to get away from the firefight behind us.

Reaching the edge, Enterprise and the others jumped, summoning their riggings. Jean Bart, though, steered her ship close to where Beta 2 was with Richelieu by the edge of the dock. 

Beta 2, without hesitation, and much to my surprise, jumped a solid three meters across open air before landing on her deck. 

Suddenly, someone picked me up from behind. “I got you, Hawk!”

The next thing I knew, North Carolina jumped off the edge as I hugged her as tight as I could. She summoned her ship, landing on it gracefully with me still in arms. 

“Thanks, North Carolina,” I said as I released her. 

She just waved me off. “No problem. Now let’s get on out of here!” 

Hastily, we made our way to the bridge. Putting a wireless earpiece into my ear as North Carolina steered the ship towards the harbor entrance, I asked, “Is everyone here?”

Bismarck responded. “ Littorio, Vittorio, and I are attempting to break out through the mass-production ships by the harbor entrance with Hood and Belfast. New Jersey and Mikasa are holding off tanks and SPGs from the UKC HQ in their ship form. Richelieu is currently with Jean Bart in her medical bay, who is being escorted by Jeanne D’Arc and Algiere in their rigging form. Strasser and Zuikaku are attempting to gain air superiority along with the Enterprise. So yes. Everyone is here. ”

“Keep it up,” I answered, wrapping a bandage around the wound on my left arm. “And what about the status of Beta 1 & 2?” I questioned.  

Hood chimed in. “ They’re currently retreati- wait. Are they floating on the water?!? ”

Looking out the right side, I could see the two men hop onto the water, one from land and the other from Jean Bart’s deck, skimming across the harbor while opening fire with their pulse rifles. 

Shocking. I had never heard of any scientist who had reverse-engineered a Kansen’s footwear. “Let’s not get distracted now. Let’s get out of here!” Everyone over the earpiece agreed, but North Carolina tapped my shoulder.

“Uhhhh, Hawk? I don’t think that’s possible anymore.” 

Pointing outside the window, I could hear the sound of massive propellers outside. Looking out, I saw a giant plane arrive above the harbor while a massive fleet of mass-production ships along with some Sirens entered the harbor.

A loud voice boomed from the airship. “This is General Howser of the UKC Air Force. Surrender now before it is too late. We will use our arsenal bird’s particle laser cannons!” 

I look at North Carolina, who looked back at me with sad eyes. “I guess this is the end of the road, Hawk.” 

…………

Twenty minutes later, Commander Stewart approached me. “Well looky here~”

I grimaced. Arms tied and weapons pointed at us, we were in a helpless state. Beta 1 and 2 just stared at the ground despite having multiple wounds and bruises on their body. 

Bismarck and Zuikaku were struggling against their cuffs, but they were reinforced. Both looked helplessly at the stack of wisdom cubes the UKC had confiscated from them, their only access to their ship and rigging form. 

As for Richelieu, despite her injuries, she was forced to lay on the ground, receiving no medical attention. I could only look in despair as she groaned in pain constantly.

“Silence, bitch,” one of the soldiers growled as he kicked her. She whimpered before shutting up, trying her best not to irritate him.

Commander Stewart then turned to approach Beta 1 and 2. “Soldier’s, pull off their masks, please.”

Nodding, the two soldiers guarding them pulled off their hoods, exposing their faces to the world.

Beta 1 facial expression was just as stoic as I saw earlier, but seeing Beta 2 shocked me to the core.

That brown hair and piercing blue eyes… It can’t be… 

“Operator Cipher and Tiger, you’re under arrest for opposing the UKC and committing acts of terrorism. Because of your crimes against the UKC, you will face immediate termination.” Declared Commander Stewart, smirking. “Guess your luck ran out.”

The guy with brown hair just spat at him. “Go to hell.” Why was his voice still deep and distorted? His mask is gone, yet why does it sound as if he has a filter in his voicebox?

Commander Stewart sneered. “So, you dare defy me?” He growled as he kicked him in the stomach. Despite getting kicked, he didn't flinch. Instead, the Commander just hopped back, holding his foot as he howled in pain. “You bastard!”

The man just smiled coldly. “Perhaps another try?” He sarcastically requested. 

“Enough!~ I want some fun too~” Turning my head towards the voice, I saw a girl with wide yellow eyes, a light purple hair tone, and a smile as wide as the Joker’s approaching the Commander and the two captives. 

Purifier. 

“So, any last words, old man?~” He stayed silent, so she punched him on the left side of his face, making him flinch in pain to the right but nothing more. To my left, Enterprise winced, most likely out of sympathy for the man.

“Meanie~” She playfully taunted as two soldiers walked up behind them, holding rifles in their hands. 

Looking at the man with blonde hair, I realized he was blinking several times at me intensely. Huh. It’s as if he’s sending me a messa- 

Wait, a message... Morse code? Quickly running what he sent through my head, he had stated, “ One min. ”

One minute till what?

“Well, it was nice knowing you guys and girls.” Commander Stewart laughed as he began to leave with Purifier. “Shame we couldn’t get along. Would have been nice to have you girls rule alongside us~”

“Wait.” 

Commander Stewart stops. Looking to my right, I saw the brown hair man chuckling before bursting out into laughter. “What’s so funny, dead man?” Commander Stewart demanded.

“I do have some last words for both of you.” He answered, staring into his soul. 

“Speak, before I have my men execute you.” Interested, I watched as he cleared his throat as he spoke, or rather, sang. 

“Protege nos qui vitam, frugalem agimus.” 

What? Looking around, I could tell everyone else was also confused. Commander Stewart walks closer to him, clearly confused and angry. “What did you just say?”

He smiles. “Protect us who are thanking, for this thrifty life.”

*KABOOM*

To my surprise, the arsenal bird above us exploded into a gigantic fireball, its particle shield fading away into nothing. 

“Dear God,” Hood commented behind me as the bird began to fall on the city.

“Status report!” Commander Stewart ordered, yelling into the ear of an unfortunate radio operator as AAA guns began to erupt as they attempted to destroy the arsenal bird, trying to prevent it from causing collateral damage.

“Sir, unidentified navel target beyond the horizon! It somehow took down our arsenal bird with a high-powered weapon!” 

“How the hell do they have a weapon that has such a ridiculous range?” 

“I don’t know!” Choked the radio operator, who was most likely trying to comprehend everything that was going on over the radio.

Fuming, Commander Stewart yanked away from the radio from the operator and put it to his ears. 

“This is Commander Stewart of the UKC Armored Branch. I want interceptors now on that unidentified target! And where’s General Howser? Get him on the line.” 

However, whatever he heard next made his face go pale. “Wait, what?” 

Whatever is being relayed to him, he did not like it. “An incoming bogey at high speed… with the insignia of a lightning strike… No… NO!!!” 

The Commander turned towards Purifier, who was watching the arsenal bird. It had careened into a hotel near the coast, minimizing the damage to just that hotel. Deep down, I prayed they had evacuated the civilians by then, though I had my doubts.

“Purifier! Takedown Lightn-” 

An explosion rocked the grounds as the UKC HQ exploded into a giant fireball. In a daze, the Commander screamed into the radio, “What the hell is going on?!?”

Another explosion rocks the harbor as one of the mass-produced battleships is engulfed in flames as a jet flies over it, barely skimming over the water. 

One of the officers nearby yelled towards his men, “Enemy F-18/A has begun its assault! It’s Lightning 1! All units, pull back!!!” His men began to scramble, running into each other as the anti-aircraft vehicles began to concentrate on the jet.

Watching the fighter jet pull up into a barrel roll, I could make out a single lightning strike symbol on its tail. I look towards Enterprise. “Do you recognize that symbol?” 

She nodded, her face expressing much concern. “That’s Lightning-1, leader of Thunder squadron. I remembered dogfighting with him once during the Great Kansen War. He is the pinnacle of ace pilots, performing post-stall & high G maneuvers. Those who tried to dogfight him usually were shot down. I was lucky to survive against him.” 

“As if! I’m gonna go say bye-bye to him!~” Purifier then proceeded to take off after it, firing her laser cannons as it began to perform a series of maneuvers, avoiding the streaks of blue laser coming at him. 

 “So do you think he can get us out of this predicament we’re in?” I ask. She looks at me, tilting her head.

“That’s debatable, but I don’t think so.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” 

Startled, I tried to turn my body to face the person who said that, but someone held me still. “Are you here to kill me?”

The voice just laughed. “Perhaps another time.” 

Suddenly, I felt the cuffs around my hand fall off. Standing up to look at the man with the Thompson, I realized it was Johnathan. “Wha-”

“I’ll explain later. But we need to go now.” In the distance, I could make out several helicopters approaching. 

“Ho-” 

“Lightning 1 destroyed all the coastal radar sites and AA weaponry while they were distracted by the falling arsenal bird. Now, get your Kansens aboard the choppers!”

Realizing that several helicopters, which were CH-47 Chinooks, were starting to land, I called out to the group, “Let’s go! We’re getting out of here!”

As everyone gathered their wisdom cubes and began to dash towards the Chinooks, the army began to take notice of our escape. Small arms fire began to head our way and hit the aircraft.

However, whoever these people were, they were ready. Several armed soldiers came out of the back of the choppers, providing covering fire as we boarded three of the four Chinooks. 

“Is everyone alright?” I look to see a soldier wearing a red cross on his armband. A medic. 

Jean Bart approaches him, worriedly asking, “Sir, my sister requires some attention.” 

He looks toward Richelieu, who was being lowered by the brown-haired man onto a stretcher. “Very well. Beta 2, you good?” 

He nodded. “Just give me a shot of morphine, will you?” Taking a syringe, the medic injected its content into him before Beta 2 rolled his arms around. 

Jonathan approached him, now smoking a cigarette. “Beta 2, we’re gonna need to hold the line for about five minutes. Lightning 1 is currently clearing the airspace with some help.”

“What help?” He replied, confused. Jonathan looks towards me. 

“Guess you got some really powerful allies, Hawk.” Looking out one of the windows, I could see Enterprise engaging Purifier while Zuikaku and Strasser were busy handling the other fighters in the area along with Lightning 1.

Looking back, Beta 2 and Johnathan were gone, with only North Carolina, Bismarck, Littorio, and Jean Bart along with Richelieu and the medic on the floor of the Chinook, who was administering some plasma to her. 

The copilot opened the door to the cockpit, yelling at the top of his lungs, “We have air superiority! We need to make our way out now!” 

Walking to the edge of the ramp, he pulled a lever that began to close the back of the chopper. Just before the ramp fully closed the back of the chopper, I could make out Beta 2 and Johnathan opening fire at a ridgeline that led down a hill to the base of the now burning UKC HQ along with several other soldiers.

I look towards the medic. “Sir, what about those soldiers holding the line?” 

He dismissed me with a wave of his hand. “We’ve been worse. One of the choppers is staying here a bit longer than us as you guys are our priority packages.” 

Looking at my unsureness, he just smiled warmly. “Don’t worry. Everything will be just fine.” 

Just as he said that an explosion rocked the aircraft. I grip the side of my chair tightly as the medic continued his work on Richelieu. Looking out the window, I could see a burning Chinook on the ground. “Well, their ride is gone now!” 

Despite the severeness of the situation, he just looked at me, sighing. “You think we didn’t plan for such an occasion? We have multiple contingency plans in place. Just sit back and calm down.” 

Still unsure, I squirmed nervously in the seat till I felt a hand on my left arm. “Ouch!” 

North Carolina takes her hand off, surprised, then apologetic. “Sorry, Hawk! I forgot about your injury!”

I grimaced in pain, trying my best not to groan in agony. “It’s fine. But be more careful next time.”

She nods, sighing as she laid her head on my left shoulder, this time careful where she placed it. “Guess things won’t go back to normal now, will it?” 

I just leaned my head against hers. “Unfortunately so.”

As we flew away, the sound of gunfire and missiles faded away, replaced by the sound of the propeller.

…………

“ Ladies and Gentlemen, we are arriving at our destination. Please be careful deboarding the aircraft. ”

After what felt like a long ride, the copilot announced our arrival. Looking out the window, I could see a massive submarine on the sea below. “What is that?”

“Home.” The medic helped Richelieu up to her leg, handing her some crutches as I felt a bump on the floor. The back of the helo opened, the sun blinding me as several soldiers began to help us off.

Looking around, I could see everyone else getting off. In the distance, I could see Strasser, Zuikaku, and Enterprise beginning to approach and land on the submarine. Desummoning her plane, Strasser approached me. “This submarine is a technological marvel! How do you think they built this?”

“I think we can ask later. But what now?” I look towards one of the ground crew, who was covering his right ear, most likely listening in to something.

A hatch nearby opened as several soldiers and a major approached me. “Ladies and gentlemen, please clear the deck! We have two friendly aircraft coming in hot. I repeat, please clear the deck and head below the deck! We will lead you to the briefing room and explain the situation currently” 

Following his orders, I began to head below deck with the others. But just as I entered the submarine, I looked back, making out two aircraft on the horizon coming in, both of the trailing smoke. 

One of the soldiers on deck approached me. “Commander Hawk, please head below deck. We got this covered.”

Hesitant, I walked down the stairs, unsure of what would happen to us.

Chapter Text

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

December 26th, 2041,█████
Location: █████████████, ███████

Walking through the corridors of the submarine, I was surprised at how many people lived here. Not only were military personnel in here but civilians as well. When walking by what I believe is the cafeteria, a kid ran up to me.

“Hi! My name is Anthony. Do you like my toy?” 

Holding up a toy M4 Sherman, I smiled and ruffled his hair. “Indeed, Anthony.” 

“Anthony! Quit talking with that man!” A woman, which I suppose is his sister, quickly scooped him up despite his protests. Giving me a despicable look, she quickly took him to a room. Confused, I continued to follow the soldiers leading Enterprise and the others.

Littorio, most likely impressed by the submarine, leaned towards her sister’s ears and whispered something to her.

Overhearing their conversation, one of the soldiers commented, “Indeed. This has been a haven for many refugees for the past several years.”

Vittorio looks towards the soldier, confused. “A safe haven? From whom may I ask?” 

He just snorted. “Whom? Why don’t you look at yourself?”

This just stumped me even more. Why did these people save us yet hate us at the same time?

“We’re here.” Opening a door on the right-hand side, a soldier motioned us in. As we entered, a pair of medics inside helped Richelieu onto a sofa while the rest of us sat down on chairs. 

“Hawk, do you think these people are here to help?” 

Looking at Mikasa's worried expression, I shook my head. “I’m not so sure about it myself, Mikasa. We’ll have to see.”

“Indeed.” Twisting my head back to the doorway, I noticed a familiar tall man with slick black hair wearing a general’s uniform enter the room. 

"Aaron.” 

“Surprised?” He asked before walking over to me. “Then again, you weren’t always the brightest.” He crossed his arms, chuckling as he leaned against the wall. “Welcome aboard the PFS Broadsword.”

“The PFS?” Knowing the others would be just as confused by what that abbreviation stood for, I decided to question it.

But before he could answer, the lights turned red. Klaxons began to sound as the intercom yelled, “Battlestations! Battlestations! Initiate dive!”

Gripping the armchair, the submarine began to dive down. While a majority of us were clinging on for dear life, Aaron and the soldiers chatted while the medics finished patching up Richelieu with Bismarck and Strasser discussing something in German. 

Opening a fridge in the room, Aaron asked, “Drinks, anyone?”

Bismarck and Strasser requested beers while everyone else politely declined. Drinking her canned beer, Bismarck smirked at me. “First time on a submarine, ja kommandant ?”

I just nodded, still gripping the armrest as tightly as I could to prevent myself from falling forward.

As we leveled out and the lights returned to normal, Aaron answered my question.

“Protestant Federation Ship,” he replied. “We’re a cell of the Protestant Federation, a nation that spans the entire globe.”

I froze as did the members of Azur Lane. “The Protestant Federation? I thought you guys were taken down a year ago! You’re all classified as terrorists!!!”

This made Aaron and every soldier in the room frown and stiffen, causing the atmosphere to turn rather heavy. “I’m afraid that’s where you’re wrong.”

Aaron’s tone turned serious, his voice filled with solemnity. “Look around you. Do you think we would have kept you guys alive despite the fact they tried to kill you? Do you think we would be carrying civilians around?”

Thinking about it, I realized Aaron had a point. Most terrorist groups would travel light and usually have no care for the civilians or their enemies. 

“Those terrorist acts you claim we did were done by a splinter cell of the Protestant Federation who believed we were being soft. We’ve nicknamed them the Zealots of Anarchy. We have no jurisdiction nor contact with them.”

I sighed, releasing my grip on the chair. “You claim you’re a nation, yet you have no borders nor claim on any land. How can you be a nation?”

“And yet what is a nation?”

Looking back towards the entrance, I noticed a man in a pilot suit who was helping Beta 2 walk-in.

“Ah. Nishorumiji. Nice to see you’re still just as poetic as ever,” Aaron joked as he walked over to help him with Beta 2.

Nishorumiji looked towards me, his gray silver hair giving him the look of a wolf. “A nation is not defined by borders or its contents. Rather, it is a group of people unified in their belief that they declare themselves separate from any other cultures.”

Beta 2 chimed in. “But I guess you were always short-sighted, Hawk. You never knew the consequences of your actions, don’t you?”

I grimaced. “ I guess I don’t… Josh .”

His mouth twitched. “So you remember.”

I looked away. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He asked, his robotic voice becoming more and more menacing. “For abandoning me, David, Chang, and thirty thousand others to the UKC? For having my voice box torn out and replaced with a mechanical one? For having us experimented on for three hundred and fifty-nine days???” 

I could only look in horror at his face. “Three hundred… and fifty-nine days?”

Bismarck coughed on her beer. “ Was meinst du? ” 

One of the soldiers translated. “She said, ‘what do you mean?’” 

Josh just stared at me more intensely, his rage piercing my soul. “Remember the treaty you signed at the end of the war? Guess you didn’t read the part where ‘30k of the US Military personnel will be handed over to the UKC for political reasons.’”

I looked down at my hands, dazed and confused. What have I done? Have I been a cause of destruction and death for thousands? Am I destined to be a cause of suffering?

“Jeez. You should tone it down a bit, Josh. He’s just a soldier, just like us.” 

Looking towards the doorway for the third time, I recognized the only man I have over known to be as a savior.

Chang. No longer was he in the janitor outfit with the janky overalls. Now he was clad in military khaki pants and a camouflage uniform coat carrying a massive rifle while leaning against the side of the doorway.

“Chang!” In a flash, Hood dashed over to him only to slap his right cheek.

I expected that to happen, but what I did not expect was for Hood to grab his head and pull him into a kiss afterward.

Breaking off, Chang asked her, “What was that for?”

She frowned. “The first was for leaving.” Then she smiled warmly, one of the most cheerful ones I’ve ever seen. “The second was for staying alive and coming back.”

Chang chuckled as she embraced him, resting her head on my shoulder. Nevertheless, I coughed to get his attention. “Ahem, so, I guess you were part of the PF all along, Chang.” 

He looked at me and shrugged. “What else did you expect, Hawk?”

“I trusted you.” I shook my head. “I never should have gone to recruit you.”

“No harm in gathering some intelligence, Hawk. I wasn’t gonna cause any trouble.” Chang rolled his eyes. “Besides, I was the one who saved your bacon.” 

I just grabbed my forehead, leaning against the back of the chair. “This is a lot to take in.”

“Indeed. I was hoping to get to you before the rest of these fools, but landing a damaged V-22 Osprey isn’t the easiest thing to do.”

“Wait. You were flying that damaged aircraft?!?” Zuikaku shot up, eyes wide. “You could have gotten yourself killed!”

He just laughed aloud. “I mean, I would have if I hadn’t trained under Lieutenant Kamichi Sorviden Tranichi Nishorumiji. I’m sure you know who he is, don’t y’all?” 

Enterprise eye’s widened with recognition. “YOU!” She turned towards Nishorumiji. “You’re Lightening 1!”

Nishorumiji bowed politely. “It is an honor to meet you, Grey Ghost.” She stiffened. “You shot down my sister Hornet over Maryland during the Great Kansen War.”

Nishorumiji sighed lightly, crossing his arms. “Collateral damage, I’m afraid. I was ordered not to return fire during our return from the AO, but it’s a bit hard to do that when I’m being chased by fifteen fighters. So I shot the lead plane down, but I made sure only the right-wing was clipped so the pilot could survive.”

Enterprise paused, then summoned her bow, aiming it at Nishorumiji. “No. I will not accept that. She had to be hospitalized for a week. Apologize, right here, right now.”

Every soldier in the room quickly raised their gun, but Chang just motioned them to put it down. Nishorumiji, staring at Enterprise, just smiled sadly. “Do it. All you’re doing is fighting over a pointless action done in the past. That’s how all wars start after all. From someone’s selfish desires.”

North Carolina has stood up as well, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Enterprise… This is wrong.”

Looking at North Carolina before looking back at Nishorumiji, she exhaled in defeat, desummoning her bow.

Tired, I looked at Chang with a confused and wary expression. “So why save us?”

“Indeed.” Looking at the doorway, I saw Jonah, AKA Beta 1, standing there with his arms crossed.

Looking at Aaron, Chang sighed with much reluctance and stress. “Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?”

…… 

After everyone had settled down, had a drink in hand, and explained who Jonah was (I never expected him to be Beta 1 had it not been for his jade green eyes and blonde hair), Aaron began to explain the situation.

“Several months ago, one of our inside men learned of a group within the UKC that calls themselves Signora’s Final Order. They’re a group of high-ranking officers and VIPs who are determined to rule a world in their image.”

Turning towards me, Aaron crossed his arms as he leaned against a whiteboard on the wall. “Unfortunately, they saw you as one of their high priority risks. So they’ve been planning to take out anyone who could be a threat to their plans.”

I grimaced. “So I’ve learned.” 

Aaron just nodded slowly. “Fortunately, our cell had constructed this submarine for this possible scenario. We designed it to keep us not only mobile but to carry as much firepower as we can.”

“So what design is this submarine-based on anyways?” New Jersey asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

“We based it off of the Alicorn from the Ace Combat series.” Facing Chang and Nishorumiji, Aaron raised an eyebrow. “Chang and Nishorumiji were especially serious advocates for this submarine despite the… problems it presents.” 

Both of the men chuckled before Chang responded. “I’m afraid Nishorumiji and I may have been ambitious in suggesting this design.”

Aaron rolled his eyes. “Nevertheless, with the help of some allies, we were able to build it in secret. As for Chang, intel has always been a high priority on our list. That’s why Chang worked as a janitor for you, though that was completely out of the blue.”

I just nodded, most likely remembering that encounter we had years ago in the Poor Man’s Bar.

Out of the corner of my eyes, though, I noticed Belfast glaring at Chang. I wasn’t sure what she was thinking of him right now, but all I knew was that she wasn’t too happy with him. 

Aaron interrupted my thoughts. “Having said that, a few weeks ago, we received intel of increased activity within the capital of Dublin. Realizing their plans are coming to fruition, we ordered a code Overlord to every contact we had around the world.”

Looking at Chang, he finally spoke up. “That’s why I suddenly had to leave the base. I never expected to receive such an order, but dire times call for desperate measures, unfortunately.”

Hood, who was sitting to his right, turned to face him. “That reminds me. What were you doing in the base?” 

He frowned. “That… gets a bit complicated.”

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

////////////////
Flashback

December 26th, 2041, 15:58, Two minutes before initiation of exfiltration of Azur Lane
Location: UKC HQ Database, Basement Level, Dublin

Sneaking past several soldiers, I look over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching as I plug in the laptop connected to a hard drive into one of the databases in their server room.

Glancing at the guard who just left his post to change shifts, I quickly barricaded myself in, putting as many chairs and tables between the door and the opposing wall to maximize its resistance. 

Going back to the laptop, I noticed I was only at 24% completion in downloading the data.

“Damn it. Any minute now, the pla-”

*Kaboom*

Frick. Jonah and Josh have started the plan. Pulling out both of my Colt 1911, I made sure each one had a fresh mag before putting them back into the holster.

Pulling out my MP-5, I looked out the small window slit on the window. Shoot. Multiple tangos inbound. 

Pointing the gun at the window slit, I fired several bursts down the corridor, nailing three security guards as the rest dived for cover. 

Ducking down, I looked back at the laptop. 63%. Damn it. Hurry up, laptop!

Several bullets began to pass through the door, so I rolled to the right side of it as I heard the door bang. 

Not good. They’re gonna bring a rocket launcher soon. That’s not gonna mix well with the C4’s I’ve planted in here with me. 

Looking around, I noticed a small air vent above me. “Why are you always giving me the uncomfortable mission, Aaron?” 

Stacking some leftover chairs, I quickly rushed back to the laptop, which read “100%. Finalizing upload.” 

“OH FOR THE LOVE OF GO-” 

*Thump thump thump*

The sounds of heavy boots thundering above me alerted me. Not good. That means they’ve brought their rocket launcher equipment. Looking out the window slit from the corner of the left side, I noticed several men setting up a rocket launcher next to the stairwell that led down to the server room.

Taking careful aim with my MP-5, I fired several rounds, nailing one of the guys setting it up as the rest dove for cover. 

Again, I duck back just in time before a flurry of rounds passes through the door again. 

Glancing at the laptop, which had a checkmark on it now, I quickly grabbed the hard drive and unplugged it. 

After stomping on the laptop, mostly out of anger though I was ordered to prevent its capture, I quickly scrambled on top of the makeshift ladder that led to the small vent.

“‘Yeah, Aaron. I’ll get the data.’ What was I thinking?” I muttered as I shoved the hard drive into my left-shoulder pocket. 

Just as I entered the small air-duct and crawled several meters, I heard a loud explosion outside.

“Great. Things are going just gre-” 

*KABOOM*

Suddenly, the temperature in the duct rose several degrees. 

“SHIT!”

Swearing for the first time in two years, I slammed my arms into the bottom of the air duct, causing it to collapse.

Falling, I barely avoided the fireball that passed a few inches above my head as I landed in the corridor.

Looking down the corridor, I realized that the explosion must have passed through here already as most of the guards were severely burned, screaming in agony. 

Grimacing, I rushed up the stairs, hoping to get to the exfiltration point in time.

Passing through the lobby, there was fire everywhere. Ignoring it, I dashed through the burning lobby, my clothing and hair getting singed. 

Dashing out the front door, all I saw was chaos. UKC soldiers were running around, terrified. Some were just sitting behind cover, hugging their legs in complete terror. 

Others were bringing fire hoses to douse the fire behind me. With hesitation, I ran through the crowd of soldiers, trying my best not to draw attention.

And it worked. There was so much chaos going on no one noticed me as I ran towards the exfiltration point, which was a hill in front of the UKC HQ. 

Reaching there, I saw three helicopters taking off while a fourth was still waiting. 

“Baron, get over here!” Following Josh’s voice, I dashed towards a crater on the floor and saw Johnathan and Josh in there. Diving in, Jonathan chuckled.

“Late to the party always, aren’t you?” 

“Kind of hard when you’re kind of popular,” I replied, barely lifting my head above the edge of the crater to look towards the UKC HQ. The troops stationed here, which had been reorganized by their NCOs, were launching a counterattack.

“We better get going. We’re not gonna last any longer.” Just as I said that there was an explosion behind me. 

Ducking down, I look towards our exfiltration helicopter, or more precisely, what was left of it. 

“Frick. We’re gonna have to pull a Bay of Biscay, guys.” 

Josh groaned. “You have to be kidding me. I already had to pull a Memphis jump”

Jonathan just laughed. “We’ve been in worse situations before, buddy. At least it ain't Venice.” Looking around, I noticed a V-22 Osprey several clicks to the northeast. It was all shiny and new, meaning they must have brought it in for some sort of parade.

Well, guess it’s our best way out. Grabbing the radio from Johnathan, I began to bark out orders. “To all PF Soldiers, this is Baron. We have lost our exfiltration aircraft. I repeat, we have lost our exfil. The new exfil is about four clicks to the northeast as a V-22. Good luck, gentlemen. Now move it!” 

Looking at Josh and Johnathan, I joked, “Don’t get lost now, alright?” 

Josh groaned in annoyance. “Still joking?” 

Jonathan just smirked. “Bring it.”

Smiling, I dashed out of the crater, running as fast as I could towards the helicopter. Ignoring the bullets whizzing past me, I managed to reach the aircraft first before the rest.

Several PF soldiers were already there, covering fire for their comrades and helping the wounded on board. Nodding towards me, I dashed into the cockpit and sat down in the co-pilot seat, beginning the flight preparations and checks.

A few seconds had passed before Johnathan entered the cockpit and sat in the pilot seat next to me. “You know Josh is terrified of flying, right?” 

I laughed. “He never could despite all the training Nishorumiji and I gave him.” Grabbing a headset from the helicopter, I announced, “All PF troops, we are pulling out. Get aboard the aircraft now before it’s too late!”

Looking at my watch, I realized it has been twenty-three minutes since the plan was set into motion. 

Josh entered the cockpit. “Everyone’s here!” He yelled.

“We’re taking off!” I yelled back as Johnathan began to increase the throttle, lifting the Osprey. 

*Ping!*

A red light lit up on the gas tank. “Shit! We’re still taking fire, and we’re now leaking gas!” Jonathan yelled as he inverted the propellers from vertical to horizontal.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

“ Missile, Missile! Break, BREAK! ”  

Screaming into the mic, Johnathan braked to the right, firing chaffs as a missile grazed our left engine. 

*THOOM!*

An explosion rocked the plane as the pilot's side window shattered, impaling Johnathan with shards of glass.

“Shoot! Jonathan! Respond!” Nothing.

Taking the controls, I guided the damaged Osprey towards where the PFS Broadsword should be.

*Warning. Warning.*

Shoot. We’re being locked on. I can’t keep this up!

*War-*

Suddenly, the warning alert went off. “ Need some help, Baron ?” 

I took a breath of relief. “Thank goodness you’re here, Lightning 1.” 

“ No problem. Exfiltration was a success, I hope? ”

Looking at Johnathan’s unconscious body, I answered, “Mostly. I’m afraid our casualty list is gonna be a rough one”

“ Not now, Baron. We’ll discuss more when we get back. ” 

End Flashback
///////////////////////

“And so that’s how we got back. Jonathan is currently in our ER undergoing surgery. We lost a lot of good men getting y’all out.” 

Strasser stood up. “And what type of data did you get?” She asked, an eyebrow raised. 

Pulling the hard drive from my left pocket, I turned it a few times in my right hand. “Some project of some sort. From what we’ve heard, it’s called Project Divine Cleansing.”

Hood shivered. “That sounds… menacing. ” 

I nodded. “Indeed. And I’m afraid this is just the beginning.”

Now it was Hawk’s turn to stand up. “You still haven’t answered. Why did you rescue us?”

Looking at Aaron, who nodded, before turning back towards Hawk, I decided to just shrug at him. “Because, despite the fact you’re not the most popular man out there, you’re our best bet at winning this war, Hawk.”

Chapter Text

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

December 27th, 2041, 09:25
Location: █████████████

“ CONTACT, CONTACT, BREAK BREAK!!! ”

Rolling hard to the right, I barely dodged the two missiles that streaked towards me.

“ AHHHHHH!!! ”

Hood screamed as I pulled up as I saw two Alpha-Interceptor class jets fly over me. 

“Lightning 1, I am engaging two Alpha-Interceptors. Requesting backup ASAP.”

Slowing down to 500 km/h, I watched as the two interceptors rolled up behind me, firing another salvo of missiles.

*Warning. Missile. Missile.*

“ I see two missiles coming at us, Chang! ”

“Hold on, Hood!”

Pulling up, I cut the power to the engine and extended my wings, performing the Cobra as the missiles and interceptors overshot by a few feet. 

“WOOHOO!”

Turning on afterburners, I managed to get a lock on one of the interceptors, firing two AIM-7 Sparrow missiles at it. 

Deploying flares, it banked left, but one of the missiles found it, ripping its right-wing off as it spun out of control. 

The second interceptor banked hard up, attempting to perform a post-stall maneuver to point his coaxial machine gun at me. 

Grunting, I increased the engine speed, hoping to outrun the plane.

It didn’t work.

Watching the interceptor nearly complete his turn, I bank to the left, hoping to get out of his line of fire.

Then, with much relief, Nishorumiji came out of nowhere and nailed the interceptor with a spray from his coaxial machine gun as the music ironically dropped at the moment.

Leveling out and flying formation with him, I asked Hood if she was aight.

“ I’m OK. Just not feeling too well… ” She moaned.

I exhaled softly. “I’m sorry, Hood. Normally, we wouldn’t see these patrols.”

Nishorumiji also apologized. “ Indeed. Sorry that it took a while, Baron. My navigator was a bit confused by all the instruments and equipment in the back. ”  

“ Sorry! ” Mikasa squealed softly in the background, making me chuckle.

“Was he harsh on you, Mikasa?” I asked. 

“ Negative. He was quite helpful in teaching me. ” That made me raise an eyebrow. Again, he was normally distant and usually kept to himself.

“Oh. So he taught you what each instrument does?”

“ Every single one, ” Mikasa replied, which made Nishorumiji snort. 

“ Please. You still have more to learn. ”

I laughed. “Don’t worry, Mikasa. I’m sure Nishorumiji will make you an ace pilot by the time we get to the Broadsword.”

“ Shut up. ” Nishorumiji retorted, which made me smile. 

“Glad to see you’re showing your soft side. Also, was it just me, or did you nail the interceptor just as the beat dropped?”

“Screeeech- Beep.” So he turned off his radio transmitter. 

“ What was that about, Chang? ” Hood asked.

“Oh, he’s trying to stop me from asking questions and telling Mikasa too much,” I replied, grinning from ear to ear. “He tends to do that when he has feelings for someone.”

“ What do you- oh. That makes sense. What about that noise? ” 

“He just turned off his radio transmitter, but we can always use the emergency frequency to communicate if needed.” 

“ Roger. We should get out of here. ” 

That made me frown. “Very well. We need to warn the Broadsword. If I’m right, we’ll be meeting some of your friends soon…” 

________
Narration

December 27th, 2041, 10:19
Location: █████████████, PFS Broadsword

“Shit,” Josh swore as he heard the alarms and klaxons rang out. Rushing out of the room, he nearly bumped into Richelieu on his way to the armory. 

“Oh. What’s going on? Richelieu asked, very much confused by what was happening. 

“I intend to find out. Follow me.” He ordered as he grabbed an M16 Rifle from the armory along with an assortment of other items for waging war before dashing towards the bridge with Richelieu on his heels.  

Reaching an intersection that led to a ladder, they ran into Belfast, Algerie, and Jeanne D’Arc who were just turning the corner.

“Oh. Good to see you, Cardinal,” Jeanne addressed, which Richelieu courteously nodded to. 

“If you’re done with your manners, we need to get going.” Josh interrupted as he began to climb the ladder. 

Shrugging, Algerie climbed the ladder, followed by Belfast and the others. Entering the bridge, they gasped seeing the number of men and women running out, talking into earpieces and with each other.

“Welcome to the bridge, ladies.” Turning around, the girls came face to face with Aaron. They all saluted him, but he quickly dismissed them.

“You’re not under my command, but I greatly appreciate the sentiment. Where is your commander, though?”

“Right here,” Hawk answered as he climbed out of the hatch the girls had just entered through along with Enterprise and North Carolina. 

“Well, Commander Hawk, it seems we got some visitors,” Aaron explained, pointing to a chart of the Atlantic ocean between Iceland and Britain. 

“We are currently about one-hundred and thirty-nine miles southwest of the Faroe Islands. A few minutes ago, Lightning 1 & 2 were intercepted by two alpha-class interceptors. Those fighters could only be launched from a mass-production carrier, so we believe they are onto us.”

Hawk frowned. “What does that mean for us?”

Aaron nodded his head towards a map on a clear board. “We’ll be dropping off your group soon. Chang and Josh will escort you to ensure your safe arrival at port though. I had hoped this would have gone better, but we cannot endanger the lives of the civilians aboard the sub.”

Hawk nodded. “Agreed. Ladies, prepare our members to leave.”

Saluting, Richelieu and Jeanne rushed off to find Littorio, Vittorio, & Jean Bart while Algerie and Belfast went off to find Zuikaku, Peter Strasser, Bismarck, and New Jersey.

“Will you be there when we need help, Mr. Aaron?” Enterprise asked.

Aaron chuckled. “Please just call me Aaron. But yes. I told Chang to use a transmitter when you guys need us. Speaking of which.”

Walking over to the communication center, he asked one of the men for a mic with Chang. “Lightning 2, do you copy?”

“ Affirmative. And please, for goodness sake, call me Baron. It gets boring hearing Lightning 2 over and over again. ” 

That made Aaron chuckle. “Good to hear you’re alive. Are you currently landing?”

“ Uhhhhh, negative. Huntsman has just landed, and I’m about to follow. ”

Aaron just looked up, thinking about something before replying. “Copy that. I’ll need you and Beta 2 to cover them in case things go south.”

“ Heh. Very well then. It has been a while since I’ve seen combat, though. ”

“If you survived Fayetteville and you-know-where, then I’m confident you can get through this,” Aaron replied. “Good luck, soldier.” 

“ Wilco. See you around, mate. ”

Handing the mic back to the operator, Aaron turned around, facing Hawk and his two secretaries. “Well then. Time to set off.”

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

December 27th, 2041, 10:34
Location: █████████████, PFS Broadsword

Walking outside, I covered my eyes, blinded by the sun.

Once my eyes had adjusted, I could see most of the Kansens had already summoned their ship form, ready to depart.

“Make way!” Being led aside by a soldier on the deck, I saw an F-14 land, catching the first cable with its tailhook.

I recognized Hood and Chang as the cockpit opened and they walked down. Hood did not look that well as Chang was helping her down. 

“Hood, you alright?” Bismarck asked as she came to help Hood as well.

“I think so. Just remind me not to fly again in times of war.” That comment made Bismarck and Chang both chuckle. 

“Let’s get going then,” Chang replied as he walked over to the hatch of the sub with Hood. 

“Where are you going?” Bismarck asked.

“Getting my gear. Do you expect us to show up in a pilot suit like hits? I would look hilarious.” Chang answered jokingly as he helped Hood enter the sub.

Looking at me, I shrugged at Bismarck. “Let’s just move out now.”

“Wait, Hawk.” Turning back around, I saw Aaron walk towards me with something. “Take this.”

Looking at the parchment he had, I took it, confused. “What does it contain?” I asked.

“Only open that in times of need, Hawk,” he replied vaguely. “Again, good luck.”

Saluting each other, I boarded Enterprise as my flagship. “Where are Josh and Chang?” I asked Enterprise.

“Josh is currently aboard Richelieu. Chang still hasn’t come out yet.”

Looking back at the deck of the Broadsword, which was about to submerge, I saw the hatch open one last time. 

Hood came out first, dressed in her normal attire, but when Chang walked out, only then did I realize how terrifying Chang could be.

###############
Lieutenant Chang
##############

December 27th, 2041, 10:38
Location: █████████████, PFS Broadsword

Setting foot on the deck, I took a breath as I leaped onto the water, my boots the only thing keeping me afloat.

It was weird wearing the same footwear as the Kansens, but it would be best if I hurried over to Hood’s ship, which she had just summoned.

Dashing over and leaping aboard Hood’s deck, I was a bit surprised to see Bismarck aboard her as well.

“You’re late,” she mocked coldly. 

“I had to grab my rifle, aight?” I replied.

Indeed it did take a while to get my rifle out. Getting my massive PTRD-41 out of its crate was difficult. It was buried under several stacks of M16 assault rifles and M1 Garands we had stored.

Nevertheless, it still looked as beautiful as the day I laid it in there.

Bismarck eyed the rifle with much interest. “How come you don’t use a magazine?”

I chuckled. “I found magazines to be useless in my experience with this rifle. I could easily chamber whatever round I need depending on the situation.”

“How heavy is it?” Bismarck asked. Smiling, I unslung the rifle and handed it over to her.

“ Mein gott !” She cried when she grabbed it. “This is quite heavy! How do you lug that thing around?” 

I laughed. “Magic.” 

She stared me in the eye. “Seriously, though. How do you carry that?”

I frowned. “Though much practice and experience. I started off struggling to aim properly with it, but now I can aim with ease.”

She crossed her arms, staring into my soul, but before she could continue, Hawk’s voice came over the earpiece. “ We’re heading out, ladies and gentlemen. ”

I shrugged towards Bismarck. “We can talk more later, but I think we should get going to Hood’s bridge. Besides, she’s probably wondering what’s taking us so long.”

Bismarck shook her head in defeat. “Agreed.”

As we walked up, I couldn’t help but feel the menacing aurora Bismarck was producing. There’s no way she would find out… right ? 

Deep down, a voice I thought had gotten rid of spoke again.

“ Y̴̡̯̗̰͈͕̬̻͍̾͌ö̸͕͈̜͍̩́̽̑̃͜ụ̷͉̗̐͊̉͝ ̶̬̝͔̇̍̎̄̒̃̆̈́̈́c̵̜͚͈̟͍̑́̈̀͠ȃ̵̧̱̜̠͎̺͕͎̟̑̈ṉ̴̯͓̖̣͚̱͚̲̟̈'̷̨͕̜͎̥̟̫̯̖̹͊̈̄̿̀̉̏̈́̕͝t̴̡͎͈̝̤͙̤̲͌̈́̔́̓̀́̚͜͝ ̶̙͚̼̣͕͔͐͌͝ḩ̵͕͔̜̦̹̺̞͕̤̍̿̓̈̅͊̾̃̃̕i̷̡̼͖̳̮͈͕̰͇͎͋̅̕d̶͖̗̦̺̟͆ę̷̢̫̩͉̤̒̋̍̑̏͗̔̅ ̷̢̩̩̩̱̻̬̝̪͋̃̀͐̽̂͜͠͠f̴̺̾̋̈́͝o̶̲͋̇̏́̊͐͝͝͝r̸͕̽̌̌͠e̸̹͓̫͇͕̣̤͔̩͑̇͊̈́͘v̸̥̥̱̥͕̘͇̯̆̕͜ͅē̵͚̫͕͎͆͋͋̎̂̍̐͑̽ͅr̵̳͖͖̖̓ͅ. ”

Chapter Text

###############
Lieutenant Chang
###############

December 27th, 2041, 10:42
Location: Approximately One-Hundred Miles South-West of Faroe Islands

“Hey, Hood, would you mind if you get close to Enterprise?”

Hood turned to face me, somewhat confused.  “Why?”

I pat my backpack on my back. “Got something for Hawk.”

Nodding her head, Hood steered herself close to the Enterprise to about a few hundred meters away. Sailing parallel to her, Hood turned to face me again. “How are you gonna get aboard?”

I chuckled as I bowed courteously. “I have my ways.”

Exiting her bridge, I took a breath on the walkway outside and leapt over the railing. Nearing the water, I brought my foot forward before hitting the water, skimming over to the hull of the Enterprise. Somewhat below the right side of her deck, I grabbed a grappling gun from inside my jacket and carefully fired it at one of the railings on her side, managing to hook it. 

Grappling myself up, I made my way through the ship, making my way through its many corridors, before reaching the bridge. Knocking on the door that led to the bridge, I knew they were expecting me. 

“Come in.” 

Opening the door, I saluted Hawk and Enterprise, somewhat surprising North Carolina, who was sitting off to the side instead of on her ship.

Hawk broke the silence. “So, Chang, what are you here for?”

Taking off my backpack, I pulled out a box. “Just got a little something for you.”

Curious, he took it from me and opened it, his eyes going wide. “Is this-?”

“Yes. It’s the footwear most Kansens have, though it’s been modified to fit your shoe size.” Nodding excitedly, he sat down on the floor before attaching the plates in the package to the bottom of his shoe. 

Standing up, he looked outside. “Do you think I can try this out?”

It was blatantly obvious he wasn’t addressing me. “Of course! Enterprise and I would love to accompany you for the first time on the water~” North Carolina answered sweetly.

The three figures left Enterprise’s bridge as I followed them, quickly grabbing my backpack and snaking it onto my back. However, my mind was deep in thoughts. 

Something was off. There was no reason for the Signoras to make an attempt on Hawk’s life. He knew nothing, yet why did-

I snapped to reality. Had we really been so foolish? Shaking my head, I quickly rushed outside, watching as Enterprise, North Carolina, and Hawk hop off. 

Rushing over, I quickly leapt off the edge of Enterprise’s deck as her ship began to materialize into her rigging form.

Upon landing on the water,  I saw Hawk struggling to keep his balance with his two secretaries helping.

I chuckled. “Getting rusty behind a desk job already?”

He shook his head at me, wobbling. “You’re impossible.”

I watched the fleet as each Kansen summoned their ship into their rigging form, dropping towards the sea.

Approaching me, Josh nudged my shoulder. “Are you sure you’re up to this?” He asked worriedly. 

Hesitantly, I murmured to him. “I’m not sure myself. I had hoped the rescue operation would be my last, but I don’t know if I have it in me anymore to fight.”

Upon hearing my remark as she approached us, Bismarck raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were an asset; always at the ready for the UKC.”

I hesitated. “It’s… complicated. I’m afraid I can’t say either.”

Bismarck sighed lightly as she turned towards the fleet, taking charge while Hawk was struggling to stand. “Today, we will soon be rejoining the main fleet at our base.”

Hawk, after finding his balance, nodded. “Indeed. However, North Carolina’s radar has located a fleet heading our way. Divide up into three teams and proceed with caution.”

Nodding their heads, Littorio, Mikasa, Belfast, Zuikaku, North Carolina, and Enterprise formed up with Hawk as while Hood, Bismarck, Jean Bart, & Algerie followed me to the right side. Jeanne D’Arc, Richelieu, Strasser, and Vittorio followed Josh to the left flank.

Touching my earpiece, I asked Josh how things were so far.

“ All is quiet on my side. Say, Chang, when will you initiate div- ”

“Not now, Josh.” I snapped. Whatever Josh was about to say, I prayed it would never have to come to it. “That’s an order. Remember, that initiative is only used when everything goes wrong.”

I heard Josh grumble from the other end. “ Understand. Will provide supporting fire with the M16. ”

I groaned in frustration. “I know how much you want to initiate it, Josh. But if we do it too early, then there may not be a future.”

There was silence on the other end for a while before he responded with a sad voice. “ Wilco. By the way, Strasser said her scout fighters were shot down a few miles to the east of us. ”

“Wilco. Moving in to assist.” Switching radio frequency, I contacted Hawk. “Josh’s group scout planes were shot down a few clicks to the east of them. I think it’s time to confront them head-on.”

“ Understand. Moving in. ” Turning towards Bismarck and the others, I nodded my head east. “Contact east. Let’s get moving.”

Nodding, everyone followed, but Bismarck caught up to me on my left side.

“What were you talking about with Josh?” She asked. Damn it, now is not the time, Bismarck!

“It’s a failsafe initiative in case things go wrong,” I replied plainly without making eye contact, hoping that will be enough to get her to back down.

However, Hood came up on my right side, pressing matters into her own hands. “It sounded serious, though.”

I grimaced. “Please, now is not the time.”

Bismarck threw her hands up, clearly frustrated. “If you don’t want to share it, that’s fine. I just kind of wanna know how the world would end though.”

I turn to look at her, surprised. “Who said it would be the end of the world?”

She shrugged. “Seemed like the most likely possible scenario,” she replied sadly. 

Contemplating what to do, I decided to place my hand on her right shoulder. “You know, not everything will turn out bad. Sometimes, you have to look for the sliver of light in a time of darkness and despair.”

Seeing this, Hood smiled softly at Bismarck. “Indeed. You can’t always assume the worst.”

Sighing, Bismarck placed her head on my left shoulder, catching me by surprise. “I hope so.”

Trying my best not to blush, I took her right hand with my left while Hood took my left right hand, leaning her head against my right shoulder as well as we continued on our way.

…

I saw Hawk approach two Kansens with white and light blue hair when I reached the others. 

Splitting off from Hood and Bismarck, I approached Hawk when I heard him grimace. “Sovetskaya Rossiya and Belorussiya.”

Nearing Josh, we exchanged looks, my mind turning rapidly. Russia was one of the few nations allowed to retain their independence from the UKC mostly since they withheld their Kansens the day the Great Kansen War started with their surprise attack. 

Russia had been secretive in its recent dealings in UKC-Controlled Saudi Arabia and China. China’s Kansen fleet had been so weak, their government had capitulated under the war as well due to long-term resentment against the CCP. The Republic of China had replaced them, but they were a mere puppet of both the UKC and Russia with both sides vying for control.

Casting those thoughts aside, I wondered if the Northern Parliament were here to capture us, or perhaps-

“Members of Azur Lane! For whom do you serve?” Rossiya asked in a loud but demanding tone

Hesitantly, Hawk stepped forward. “I am Commander Hawk of Azur Lane. Currently, we serve only our best interests after we were attacked by UKC forces at Dublin.”

Rossiya furrowed her brows as she approached him before grabbing him by the neck. “Are you sure you want to go down this path?” She asked, approaching Hawk and lifting him off the ground with one hand.

“Let him go!” North Carolina demanded as she pointed her guns at Rossiya with Belorussiya returning the favor. 

Just as fast, Enterprise aimed her bow at Belorussiya while Bismarck and Richilieu lifted their scepters as Zuikaku drew her katana.

Josh and I, however, just watched the events unfold. Looking at each other, we just shrugged at the situation.

Suddenly, the phone-like device on my wrist began to vibrate. Looking at it, I groaned. “People? We got company heading our way.”

Looking north, everyone watched as a massive fleet of Kansens and mass-produced ships joined the confrontation, with Monarch leading the way.

Looking at Rossiya, Hawk grinned smugly. “Guess you lose.”

I, however, walked over, forcefully separated Rossiya’s hand from Hawk, and smacked him in the face.

“Hey! What was that for?” He demanded sorely, rubbing his right cheek. 

“You think they’re here to save you? Think again,” I replied before turning to Rossiya. “Apologies for the rough introductions, Rossiya.”

Upon seeing my face, she gasped along with Belorussiya and both of them kneeled. “It is an honor to meet you, Silent Eagle .”

I flinched at the name before giving her my hand. “Please don’t call me that anymore. I’m just a soldier just like you are, comrade.”

Rossiya smiled, taking my hand. “I see you’re still as humble as the day we met, da, tovarich? ”

Reluctantly, I nodded as I gave Belorussiya my hand and helped her up as well. 

Turning around, I saw Hawk along with the rest of the group gawking with Bismarck’s and Hood’s utterly twisted in confusion. Josh, however, was trying his best not to laugh at me. 

“Wait. You know these girls? And more importantly, you’re the Silent Eagle ???” Hawk demanded with much fury and surprise. 

I sighed with much reluctance, knowing full well he had not expected this. “Let’s just say we're acquainted with one another after the Great Kansen War. Speaking of acquaintances, I think we got some company.”

Upon reaching us, Monarch lifted her sword, pointing it at Rossiya. “Sovetskaya Rossiya, you are under arrest for violating the Global Trade Pact and aligning yourself with a traitor,” she stated firmly.

“Traitor? Monarch, I am your commander!” Hawk yelled back. He really was short-sighted sometimes.

“No, Hawk. You have been stripped of your rank and all records of you have been viewed as invalid,” Monarch replied solemnly. “You are now an outcast of the UKC.”

That hit Hawk hard as he took a step back. “That means-”

“Correct. Members of Azur Lane, please fall back within our ranks. He has no jurisdiction over you.” Monarch ordered, now smiling smugly at Hawk. However, none of the Kansens in our group made a motion to join her.

Monarch furrowed her brows. “So you’ve decided to side with this traitor and a murderous janitor? A shame.”

“For god’s sake, Monarch. He is not.” 

Turning around, Monarch shook her head at King George V, who had drawn her sword, with most of the royal navy behind her. “We side with the Commander and that janitor you call a murderer,” King George declared. “Besides, at least Chang had the decency to get to know us and spend time with us.”

“We Eagle Union ships follow as well.” Looking behind the Royal Navy, I saw a majority of the Eagle Union fleet led by Yorktown step out from amongst the mass-produced ships.

“ As do we ,” Nagato answered over the radio as she and the rest of the fleet at Azur Lane followed Yorktown’s group.

It was a sight to behold, and I was completely surprised as well as Hawk, though it was for another reason.

“So none of y’all view me as competent?” Hawk asked, somewhat appalled at how the situation had turned. 

Tirpitz stepped forward and pointed a finger at him. “You just spent most of your time with your secretaries, never really spending time with us.”

Then she pointed her finger at me. “But Chang? He talked with us, helped us, and even sometimes hung out with us. And for that, we are grateful.”

A chorus of agreement filled the air as I stared in shock. Of all people, I never thought the Kansens would come to appreciate me. But, I guess they did.

Putting my hands up, I quieted the crowd of Kansens as I spoke the truth. “Thank you for your support, but I’m afraid I am unqualified to lead. I’m just a simple man.” 

Before anyone could refute, Monarch spoke up. “You’re damn right.”

Approaching me, she pointed the tip of her sword at me. “You’re nothing but a murderer,” she snarled. When I first saw you, I had some thoughts if you were the man who killed my Commander all those years ago. But now, seeing you with that rifle, I remember. I will never forget what you did.”

Hearing motion behind me, I put both hands behind me against Hood’s and Bismarck’s stomachsto stop them from approaching Monarch. 

I took a deep breath, unafraid of what was to come. “Captain James Atkinson. He was awarded the Kansen’s Combat Award for his bravery in New York. He was a high-priority target for the army. He and his group, the Emperor’s Serpents, had been terrorizing the frontlines for a long time.”

Taking another breath, I continued. “Six times I could have killed him, yet I always hesitated to pull the trigger. I knew he was a good man, that he was caught up in a pointless war. In all honesty, I knew you were close to him. I always saw you by his side whenever I observed him”

I closed my eyes as I remembered that day, though. “However, on the day I killed your commander, I was not myself. I had become something even I now could not believe could happen.”

“And what would that be, you monster?” Monarch demanded, holding her sword up to my throat now.

I chuckled sadly. “I’m afraid you answered your own question, Monarch.” 

////////////////
Flashback

About 1½ Year Ago, June 2nd, 2038, 19:42
Location: Mobile, Alabama, Ruins of St. James Major School

I shivered as the rain began to pelt me harder. But I wasn’t cold. Rather, I was at a loss. 

“We regret to inform you that your brother, Tim Xin, was killed by the Emperor’s Serpents in a surprise raid on their base. He fought valiantly to protect the innocent despite being a cook. We are sorry for your loss.”

I still couldn’t believe my younger brother, who was always positive despite the circumstances, was dead. And it was all because I didn’t want to pull the trigger. 

But now, this is nothing holding me back.

Looking through my binoculars, I watched as Captain Atkinson stepped out of his command tent about a kilometers away from the school, walking towards a tent that was most likely the outhouse. 

Putting down my binoculars and hoisting my PTRD-41, I carefully aimed the rifle a few inches to the right of his head. 

If I’m correct, the wind will curve the bullet straight between his eyes, I thought as I took a breath, ready to take the shot.

Suddenly, the tent flaps to the command tent opened again. A red-haired Kansen came running out, dashing through the rain to the tent and knocking on a post of wood outside the outhouse tent. 

I grimaced. Too many variables, so I let my rifle rest on its stand while I lifted my binoculars to see what was going on.

Watching the Captain & the red hair girl enter the command tent with much tenacity, I knew something was up. That meant if I let him slip from my grasp again, he would kill more of my people, possibly even my friends.

I could not allow that to happen. Putting down the binocular for the last time, I lifted my rifle, carefully feeling the wind and aiming to the upper right corner of the tent. 

As the flaps rustled, I fired one single shot. One second, the captain appeared through the flaps. The next, his head exploded into a red mist as he fell to the ground, his upper half falling back into the tent with brain matter falling out, his legs the only thing exposed to my view once he landed.

I could hear the scream of the red-haired girl as I watched through the iron sight the body get lifted as she came running out of the tent with the limp body in hand, dropping to her knees and wailing in the rain. 

Then she looked in my direction. Her eyes were begging me the question, “Why?” With that, I snapped out of my trance. Ducking behind cover, I grabbed my head from a sudden headache, wondering what had I just done.

I felt regretful, yet at the same time satisfied. Killing was a daily occurrence, yet why do I feel sad and sympathetic for her? I could not understand the turmoil inside me.

Shaking my head, I lifted the rifle and put the binoculars into my pocket. It’s time to get out of here before they come for me.

But as I descended the stairs, a voice called out to me.

“ Y̷̜͈̼̎̚o̵̡̖͈̤̭̱̼̿̋͒̓̈́̀̈́̏͆͝ͅụ̴̫̰̄̔'̶̧͇̙̱͙͖͖̬͎̑̍ŗ̷̛̗͉̙̱̤̼̩̲̓̌̈͒̐̈́̏̒ͅe̷̛͍͌̋̄́̿́̋ ̷̡̔ȧ̸̝̔͝͠ ̴̮̓̐̈̂̄̅̋m̶̥̬̤̰̗̝̟͕̩̓͐̌͛͒̀̐͠͝ö̷̙̳́̾͊̀n̴̖͖͓͙̽͑͗̈͝ş̸͚͔̫̫̻̽́ţ̵͖̹̂͑̈́̾͒̿͘e̷̢͉̰̊̍̽̋͐̊̒͠r̷̡̡̙͖͚͇̾́̄͌̾͠,̴͉̺͍̺̮̏̔͌̃̀̆̍ ̸̙͔͎̭̲̺͛̇̋͌̍̃͜m̶̳͑ũ̵̢̾ŗ̷̢̛͈̞̹̗͔̘̇́̀͝d̵̠̍̅͒̅̒̊͐ë̴̳͎̆͘r̶͉͖̓̍̚ͅe̵͇̞̞̲̋̿̇̌̓ŗ̶̨̦̜̹͖͈͍̜̞͛̽̎́͗͠. ”

End Flashback
////////////////

“I had lost my way the moment my brother died. I realized it after I pondered the pain and sadness in your eyes, but I guess that’s what soldiers like me always regret: Our choices.” 

“Still, that does not excuse you from your actions,” Monarch replied, pushing her sword harder against my throat.

“Then what do you want?” I ask, knowing I will accept whatever challenge she gives me.

“Fight me, just me and you. No distractions, no allies, no war. Whoever wins determines the fate of the other.” 

“Don’t do it, Chang!” Turning around, I could see Hood struggling against Bismarck’s grasp as she tried to break out of her grasp, most likely trying to pull me away.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Hood. I need to settle this once and for all.”

Turning to face Monarch, who had taken a few steps back to arm her cannons, I took a deep breath before chambering a round into my rifle.

The mass-produced ships on both sides began to circle us, their guns gleaming against the sun’s rays of light as the other Kansens began to back away, aware of what was about to occur.

“Well then. Shall we begin?”

She grinned before firing a salvo at me. Dodging to the left, I fired a round into one of the two turrets on her right side, incapacitating it as I chambered another round as her salvos landed all around me. 

Firing it at her left turret, I quickly chambered a smoke round into my rifle as she jumped and twisted to the right to avoid the bullet only to be nailed in her chest with the next round as smoke began to surround her.

Firing blindly around with her secondary, I ducked and slid on the water as several rounds landed all around me. 

As the smoke began to dissipate, I fired around only to find she was no longer there. Feeling a brush of air to my right, I spun right with my gun raised as Monarch brought her sword onto it, shattering the weapon in blow.

Grunting, I leaped back and tossed it aside as Monarch charged me. “What are you gonna do now? Chang? You got nothing!” she screamed.

Sighing with much reluctance, I stood my ground as she brought it down, catching the blunt sides of the blades with my hand, stopping her movement.

This surprised her and everyone else as I twisted my hands, snapping the blade. Leaping back, Monarch cursed at me before pointing her guns at me. “Any last words, murderer?” 

I looked up, thinking of my answers as I watched several clouds begin to approach us. But when I opened my mouth, I found not myself speaking, but rather, him . “Life is a lie. Hope is a fallacy. There will never be… true freedom .”

With that, I could no longer feel my body as something took a hold of my mind. Trying to look around, I realized I was no longer in control.

No, no. no. NO, NO!!!

“ Í̸͇̦͂ẗ̶̖̤͔́͛̽̈́̈́͋͋’̸̟͖͙̘̠̻͍̜̖͔̇̄s̴̬͍͉̖̾̈̐̈̃̈̇̚͝͝ ̵̻̘̹̯̟͓̳͎̳̇͆̇͊̋̀͒͜͝a̴̘̦͒̋͂ ̷̢̩̜͈̻̻̰͍̊̂͌̋ͅp̵̘̘͊̄̏͒̚ļ̶͓͓͇̮̐̂͗̎̏̔̍͝e̶̘͕̮̊̈́̈́̌͠ã̴̡͇̥̫̫̳̖͋̚͜s̴̩̎̍ų̴̛̭̩̂̌̅̉͌͒̅͊́ṟ̵̰̳̻͉̻̗̖̜͂e̶̫͍̥̬͔̠̒̎̌ ̷̧̪̟̯͚͇͍̭̻̠̑̍̈́̽̅̒͛t̵̢̼̹͗͐͑̕o̴̧̪͇͉̩͂̂̓̿̋͑͜͜͜͠ ̴̢̧̹̫̤̦̙̥̉̄̿̋̍͠m̴̡̛̼͉̅͐̔̃̓͛̄͛͘ḙ̸̠̋̐̆̕͝e̸̢̡͕̜̣̰͓̝̩͂̍̓͆̈̎́͜͝t̵͔̦̦̰̤̽͋̓͗̇̀ ̴͇͌̈͝y̴̗̒̊̆̓̅ō̸̘̯̅̈̏̀̿̄̚ư̴̡̠̩͈͓̦̣̲͗̾̾̒̐̉͝ͅ ̵͓̙̭̠̤̞̒̇̽̾̅͒ą̵̨̛̯̮͎̮͎̾̒̓͌͒g̴̙̬̞̳͕̠̓͒́̌̾̈́̊a̵̡̧̪̦̼̳̝̤̟̒ĩ̷̘͓͚͉̺̺̺̺̓̉̔̎̑̊̿̈̽n̵̡̩̮̼̜̫̻̂̚,̴̢͇̦͇͚̠̹͓̋̅͒͘ ̸͇̾̍͑͝Ḿ̵̛̜̗̮̺͙̼̙̏ǫ̵̡̛̻͉̗̰̞̹̭̟̈́͆̅͂̐̿̾͠n̷̨͙̥̺̞̟͙̊̑͗͜á̵̳͉̬̰͎̹̘̽͑̃̓r̴̡̲͍̤̗͚̖̟̲̟̿͊c̸̨̮̠̘̺̟͗̓̽͋̏ḩ̴̢̛̠̥̮̌̄͐̔.̶̹̺͌̎̉̐̋͛͆̈́̚͜ ̷̫̼̗͖̼̲͂̎ͅͅͅĮ̶̘̩̘̺̊͐͗̈́͝͝ͅ ̸̡͓͕̥̺̼̗̈́̔̇̚͜͜͠h̸̫̤̖͇͈̎̉̆̕ŏ̶͖̳̱̹̤̦̌̾̾̓̐̏͐͠͠p̵̳̦̜̘̑͗͛͌e̶̛̮̣͇̋̅̓͒ ̸̺̉̃͜ͅy̶͇͐͒̕ṏ̸̡̦̯͚̫͂͗͜u̸̬̔̈́͘͝ ̵̧̗͐̆̈́ȅ̵̙̹̓͂̌n̶̛̰͎͐̆̆͘j̴̯̲̭͔̙̠͔̰͍̠̿̂̕ơ̴͚̩̖̲̫͉̥̭͆̒͆̊̅̃̇̕y̵̧̦̦̼̥͚͙̹̔̅͋͊͝ͅẻ̶̮͐̌d̵̹͇͇̹̯̟̜̭̻̪̊̅́ ̸̡̛̮̭̠͉̠͕̪̘́̃̿͒͒͑͝t̶͔̰̝̞͉̗̥̿̾͐͋̽̆͜ͅh̶̫̞͒̇̔̔̈͊̈̾̚ͅe̴͖̣̒͐̀͠͝ ̸͚̞̖̥̏͊̐̋͒͒̋̌ṙ̵̛̪̲̗̞̣̟̱̘̃̽͂͐è̵̠̰̮̽͌͂͘͜ď̷̢͚̬̹̺̪̞͍̼͊̓͛~̴̰̺̔͜͝ ”

Monarch’s face paled as she backed away slowly. “Wha- What’s going on?!?” Somewhat terrified at the sudden change, she fired another salvo at me. Helpless, I watched as my other self deflected the round with my bare hands into one of the mass-produced ships, shocking everyone.

Stop it! You were never meant to be a part of this world!

I̷̧̺̎̿͝f̸̨̼̜̘̜̝̘̻̩͔͌̿̽̌̾̕ ̶̧̧̧̡̻̫̖̘̙̓̈̾̐y̷͈̙̪̲̆̍o̵̦͗̌̆ṵ̷̘̥̋͆'̵͕̟͓̬̯̭̲̱̩̠̓͐̏̾̅̓̀r̵͔̘̖̟̳̳͆̋̔͌̏̐͒͝e̶͕͎̅̏̒̈́̒͝͝ ̸̻͖͉̼̜̾̎s̵̖̤̞͉̈o̴̞̰̬̭ ̴̧̯̥̩̪̦̯͇̼̪̏͌̄̈s̶̢̡̳̺̼̠͔͉̝̒͑̓͠ų̷̛͉̄͠r̶̖̾͂͗̂̾̕͠e̸̛͎̩͚̜̩͚̎̊̈́,̶̧̻͔̞̩͇͕̊̃̚ ̶̨̠͕̞͙̎͠ţ̵̰̬͕̤͕̤̮͇̈́h̷̭̮̬̅̌̎͘͜ȩ̵̩̖̟̜͔̗̝̲n̶̨͙̙̣̺̪̗̈́̉͑̒ ̴̼̘͙͖̀̍̓m̴͉͙̗͕̺̄͂̿̒̓̆͂̉a̶̢̳̠͋k̵̢̭̑̏̈́e̴̛̜̮͈̠̝͓̲̜̦̐̓̽̌͊̌͂̒̈́ ̸͎̜̳͖͍͎̤̠̓̅͜m̵̞̗͙̯͐̋͛͝ȩ̷̖̼͚͍͖̖̜͇̔̏̕͜͝

My other self cackled as he closed the distance between Monarch and me, delivering several blows to her before kicking her in the stomach, launching her a good solid three meters. 

“Chang! Stop this!” My other self turned around to see Bismarck approaching me, her scepter held by Hood. “This isn’t you. Don’t let this man take you over.”

“ I̵͇̯̟̹̊͒͛̆̃̾̅̈͋ ̷̢̣̰̪̗̟̻̓ͅc̶͇͎͇̰͓̻̗̞̪̤̄̀͌͛͆͒͝͝à̸̡̱͙̰͙̺̣̖̜ͅn̶̛͍̳͚͒̔̍͜͠͝'̵̧̡̙̗̪̗̽͐͆͗̈́t̴̛͍̆̈̍͜ ̵̳̋̉̋̚͝w̴̢̻̮͔̬̟̦̠͌̂̉͌͛̓͊͆̀͜a̷̘͑̉͐̽̓͒ĩ̷̛̞͓̞̙̣̅͂͋̊͊͛͝͝t̸̢̛̹̯͍͓̭̫̣̘̉̆̑͑̂̅̈́̑ ̴̪̝̜͙̹͈̄͑͜t̴͍̻̀̈́̐͗̎ǫ̵̖̓̉̋̈́̍͠͠ ̵̡̼̖̈́̒͋̐k̵̨̛̤͕̩̱̬͕͓̂i̴̯͋l̸͙̒̌͛ļ̵̧̛̼̠̠͙̦̠̳̀̈́͐͛̚͠ ̸͆̄͐͋̇͠͝ͅy̶̛̥̎̉̿̂́͜͠ȯ̸̢͇̫̮̩̣͍̹ͅủ̶̬̺̓̌̽͝~̷̨̢̨̖̘̩̖̤̦̇́͗͜ ”

My other self grinned evilly as he charged Bismarck. That’s when I could not stand it anymore.

ENOUGH! Finally regaining some control, I dropped to my knees, my other self screaming as he grabbed my head as I vied for control from my other-self. You’re just a blood-thirsty hound. BEGONE!

With that, my other self receded but whispered before clearing my head. 

Y̷̭̋ŏ̶̧̖͚̥͔̬̙̕u̷̩̬͐͘ ̵̞̯c̵͖̪̬̰̲͚̯̰̊̒́̋͘̕ą̶̺̣̭̹̦̦͔̤̃̓́̾̾͠n̶̗̘̣̥̈̕'̴͖̭͎͗̆͂͝t̵̺͍͉̬͉̦͙̓̐͆̽̿͌͋̎̿̕ ̷̢̡̲̻̙͙̪͚̯̝̈̄͛͌̀͒̚s̶̡̙͈͍̯̬̦͙͓͖̐̓̐̔͊t̷͈͈̠͕̞͂̎͆͆̚͝ò̶͍̗͈͖̾̐͛̎̿p̶͙͓̻̗̀̇͒̽̓̚͠ ̴̢̨̬͉̠̪̺̎͂̋͆̽͝m̷̛̟̠̳̞̗̼̈͒̿͐̉̾͗ë̴̗͚̤̳̔̈́̍̈͐͐͘~̴̛͔͚͇̭̦̥͈̂̄̽͊̍

Finally, in control, I lay on the ocean, panting as I stared into the bright blue sky. Getting up, I saw Monarch approach me, her cannons pointed at me. 

Closing my eyes, I nodded my head slowly as I knelt before her. “Do what you have to do.”

Yet when I closed my eyes, I waited for what seemed like an eternity before opening my eyes to see Monarch kneeling in front of me.

“Why… can I not do this? Why do I feel so empty?”

Realizing what was going on, I dragged myself over to her and embraced her, which made her gasp in surprise as she shuddered. “You feel empty… because there is no meaning behind killing someone. I succumbed to my feelings when I killed your commander, yet you fought against yours.”

Stroking her hair, I admitted something I never thought I would admit. “You know, being around you Kansens has shown me so much. That there is more to you all than I initially thought. That’s why I tried to make time to spend it with Kansens like you.”

Monarch was crying into my shoulders now, so I just kept hugging her. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I looked up to see Yorktown giving me her hand, tears in her eyes as Bismarck and Hood approached us too to help us up. 

As they helped the two of us up, the mass-produced ships suddenly all shut down. New Jersey glanced around worriedly. “This ain’t good…”

With that, they all powered up with a bright red color as a purple vortex appeared in the sky as a familiar figure descended from the sky.

“You impressed me again, Subject 372.” I grimaced. “I think it would be best if you come along~”

“Never!” With much fury, Josh came out from the group of Kansens, emptying his entire mag into her. She just smirked as she blocked the rounds with her tentacles.

“My my~ Still as impulsive as ever, Subject 285~” She giggled as she fired a beam of a laser at him, burning through his right shoulder as he cried out in pain.

“Josh!” Dashing over, Richelieu picked him up as Hermione and Vestal came rushing over. 

Looking at Observer Alpha, I nodded. “As long as you leave Azur Lane alone, I’ll go.”

However, she just smiled. “But I’m afraid Bismarck will have to come as well~”

This caused Tirpitz and U-556 to outburst at her. “You can’t take her away! She’s family!” 

Bismarck, however, just walked over to the two and whispered something to them. Whatever she said, her sister just hugged her as Parzival cried into her legs. Patting the little submarine on the head, Bismarck kissed her sister on the cheek before walking towards Hood. 

Taking the scepter from her, Hood leaned close to her ears and whispered something. Smiling, Bismarck nodded as she bowed courteously before skimming over to me. Looking at Monarch, who Yorktown was supporting, I asked, “Will you forgive me, Monarch? For the sins that I’ve committed?” 

Surprisingly, she smiled at me. “Yes. Yes, I do. I hope to see you again one day, Commander .” Saluting me, I just saluted her back before bowing to Yorktown.

“Thank you, Yorktown.”

She tilts her head in confusion. “For what?”

“For showing me what to do.” Straightening my back, I turned towards Bismarck. “ Ready to go, mein liebling ?”

She just smiled before kissing me on the lips lightly. “Always, mein Liebling .”

Approaching Observer Alpha, her giggles turned into a cackle as a massive purple vortex appeared above us. Turning towards Hawk, she proclaimed, “You have three months, Azur Lane. Three months!” 

Suddenly, her tentacles shot out towards me and Bismarck, wrapping around us as she flew into the air with us in her grasp. I closed my eyes, prepared to return to the one place I never wanted to return to.

The Zero Time Tables.

Chapter Text

________
Narration

December 27th, 2041, 14:04
Location: Faroe Islands, Azur Lane Harbor

Everyone on base rushed out to greet the returning party only to see the gloom on their faces. As they asked what happened, Hawk snuck his way to his office, locking the door behind him as he sat down in his chair exhausted and numb. He couldn’t believe that he had done a terrible job as the Commander. He wished he was better. He wished… he was Chang.

Looking out the window, he saw the Northern Parliament girls talking with the members of Azur Lane, chuckling softly to himself as he thought about his options. Thinking deep, his mind pondered if it would be better for him to leave Azur Lane as a whole for someone else to take place. Surely someone else can do better than him.

“You know sulking ain’t gonna do you much good.” Turning around, Hawk turned to face Josh. Before he could respond, Josh replied, “And before you ask, I picked the lock. But in all seriousness, you can’t be in here while the Kansens are out there. They need a leader.”

Hawk stood up and pointed his fingers at him, enraged. “Did you not hear what they said? I’m a failure. I didn’t do my job. A janitor did. Chang was always the leader I wasn’t. He always will be. I’m sure everything in his life went his way.”

Josh just stared before sighing, crossing his arms as he took off his pack and leaned against a cabinet. “Everyone always believes that. But it’s wrong.” Closing his eyes, Josh contemplated whether he should tell him or not before deciding to. “You know, Chang never was a leader. Never had been and never was meant to be.” Hawk tilted his head in confusion, so Josh continued. “He wanted to be a simple engineer. He was studying to be one before the war broke out. Having a passion for the military, he joined the Armed Forces to protect his family only to find out none of them survived the war.”

Hawk just stared before shaking his head. “You’re lying. He had competed in several competitions in high school and beforehand. He was always the star of the team.” Slamming his hands on his desk, he stood up with much speed. “And that is something I’ll never be.” He declared, unwavering in his solemn belief.

Josh just looked into Hawk’s eye, determined to shake his character into shape. “You think? You haven’t even tried.” No longer leaning against the cabinet, Josh stood up properly, walked over to him, and shoved Hawk. Pissed off now, Hawk watched as Josh backed away a few feet before taking a fighting stance. “Fight me, you coward! You shy away from the responsibility given to you. That is why Chang is different! He never backed down! So come on! Fight me!”

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

Angered, I ran at Josh full speed before going into a slide a few feet in front of him, forcing him to jump over me. But I had expected this to happen. Reaching up, I grabbed his left leg, dragging him down as I used the momentum of the slide to stand back up before turning back around, facing the downed Josh as threw a punch down onto his back. 

He rolled to the left, however, so my punch ended up connecting with the floor. Standing up, he stood there, no longer in a fighting stance. “Show me what you got, Hawk. Prove to me you’re worthy of the position bestowed on you!” Enraged, I snarled as I threw a right hook into his chest before driving my left elbow into his liver. Yet he just stood there, his face showing me his disappointment. Undeterred, I took a step back, dashing forward as I delivered a roundhouse kick to his chest. It knocked him back a bit, but he just smirked as he wiped some spit from his mouth. “That's all you, Hawk? I heard you fought better when you were younger.” 

My heart burned with fury. Being a bully was the worst thing that ever happened to me, yet he thinks I did better then than now? This man truly doesn’t know anything about me!

“Is everything alright in there?” Looking at the door, I was a bit surprised to hear Enterprise calling through the door. “If no one answers, I’m going to break down the door in ten seconds.”

Looking at me, Josh just crossed his arms and motioned with his head towards the doors. “Tell her, Josh. Is everything alright? Is your life alright? Are your heart and soul in the right place?” 

That stung me hard as I processed everything Josh had just told me. Yes, I had failed, but I realized he had a point. I have been nothing but a wimp lately. If anything, I need to push myself to be better now. And that fight Josh started, could it be that he did that to help me vent myself? Coughing into my hands, I answered Enterprise. “Yes. Would you mind gathering the members of Azur Lane? I believe I have something I need to address you all.”

“Of course, Commander. I’ll see you then.” As Enterprise’s footsteps dissipated, Josh turned back to me, a grin on his face. 

“You know, you have a lot in common with Chang.” I shook my head, but before I could respond, he just put his left hand up, his pointer finger raised to shush me. “Both of you were trying to get by with life only for both of you to end up making history. Both of you ended up having to lead a military group despite the hardships and circumstances. The only difference is that one of you has an example to follow.

I sighed softly. “You’re right. I do know what to do now. But if I ask you to follow me, would you?” 

Josh just shrugged with a smirk. “I can neither confirm nor deny that.” Then his smirk disappeared as he turned away. “But pray to God. I know you never were a religious man, but prayer can really impact your life.” Picking up his pack, he began to exit the room. He stopped, though, and turned around to look at me. “Two more things. Chang never accomplished what he was looking for in those competitions, and he left something in his room. He never mentioned what, but he said it was important.” 

Leaving me to my thoughts and questions, I tucked that piece of information into my brain as I walked over to my desk and opened a drawer. Pulling out my bible, I flipped through till it stopped at a place where there was a bookmark.

Curious, I took it out and saw a highlighted verse. "Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation.” Realizing there was a note to the side of it, I read it aloud. “‘You’ve been forgiven, Hawk. Don’t push that forgiveness and grace away. I still pray for you every day.’ - Chang.”

Looking at the bookmark again, I realized it wasn’t a normal bookmark. 

It was a floppy disk. 

………

December 27th, 2041, 14:33
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane HQ’s Meeting Room

Entering the meeting room, I watched as the leaders of each nation sat down with Rossiya taking her seat for the first time in this room, each one murmuring to one another. Enterprise coughed to get everyone's attention as she began the meeting. “All leaders and representatives except Bismarck are accounted for. Tirpitz will fill in her stead temporarily for now as elected by Ironblood members. As of now, the Commander would like to address Azur Lane on the current situation.”

Turning to face me, I could feel the eyes of everyone on me. I could feel the disappointment and lack of approval by them. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath before opening my eyes, confessing the truth. “Truth be told, we are in a dire situation. I know I have not been the best in keeping up with you all, but I swear that was not my intention. Now that I know what is required of me, I want the best for all of you, not only in military preparation but also in health and relationships as well.”

Looking at them, I nodded my head towards Josh, who was standing in the back of the room. “Right now, we have six months to prepare for whatever the Sirens are gonna toss at us. I suggest we cooperate with the Protestant Federation if that is alright with your leaders.” 

Josh just nodded his head. “I will get in touch with them to confirm if they’ll support us or not.” 

Bringing the attention back to me, I continued. “If you need me for anything, let me know. It was ignorant of me to ignore your needs. I was so distracted by the two people closest to me I forgot there were more out there. I want to try to work things out with you all and help with whatever I can. I hope we can get along now and that we can cooperate much more efficiently than before.” Nods and murmurs of agreement filled the room. “If anyone has anything to speak out against me, please do so now. I am willing to listen to your complaints and requests” 

Watching Tirpitz stand up, I was hesitant as to what she had in store for me. What came out of her mouth surprised me. “Though you were distant, your confession has me at a loss. I will admit that despite your ignorance, we will still follow you, Kommandant. ”

Hood stood up as well. “The Royal Navy too will follow, Commander.” 

Rossiya too stood up. “If our Comrade needs us in his revolution, then we too will assist in overthrowing the Bourgeois!”

Richelieu, Jean Bart, and Vittorio just nodded their heads as well before Nagato spoke up. “I don’t know what Rossiya-sama means, but the Sakura Empire will follow you as well, Shikikan.” 

I nodded my head before turning to face North Carolina and Enterprise, both smiling at me. “You know our answer, Commander.” 

Smiling at them, I turned back to face everyone. “Thank you all. Before I dismiss you all, I believe there is something I would like to share with you all.” Nodding my head again towards Josh, he walked over to the light switches, dimming the lights as a projector dropped from the ceiling. Turning to face the screen that was behind me, I could hear Josh insert the floppy disk I had given to him earlier into a slot on the projector.

The sounds of the projector powering up filled the room before Chang’s face appeared on the screen. “Well, I had never expected you to pick this up, Hawk. But if you ever find this, I want you to know that you’re not the only one who struggles with reality. When my Division was captured at Fayetteville, I thought I failed them all as we went through the brutality of being POW under the Sirens.”

He sighed softly, his expression not as stoic as it usually was, but rather, it was filled with sadness and disappointment. “I yearn for a time when war and pain will no longer fill this world. Whether God will fulfill this wish of mine in my lifetime, I have yet to see. But till then, you must be like Joshua. Be strong and courageous, whether in good or hard times. Godspeed, Hawk.”

With that, his face distorted and glitched before the screen turned black. As the lights came back on, Hood stood up. “Then let us not let his sacrifice be in vain.” She declared. 

Everyone else nodded their heads in agreement. I too followed. “Let’s do this, Azur Lane!”

………

As everyone left, Enterprise and North Carolina approached me. We hadn’t talked much, so I was expecting them to ask me how I was doing. Much to my surprise, both of them just embraced me in a tight hug, nudging their bodies against me. “We’re proud of you, Commander~”

I just gasped slightly from the sudden hug, running my hands through North Carolina’s hair as she rested her head against my right shoulder. Enterprise, not wanting to be outclassed, cupped my cheeks from the left before pressing her lips against mine. Separating, she smiled with a slight blush on her face. “There's no meaning in being peerless. As long as you are here, Commander, I can draw upon all of my strength. Let us end this war.”

Hearing those words made my cheeks red as I kissed her on the lips again. “As long as you’re both with me, I will be content and happy forever.” Both of them beamed as they finally let go of me, I opened the door for the two as they walked out. Closing the door, I tapped North Carolina on the shoulder to get her attention. “I’ll see you two at the office, alright? I think I need to go talk with Hood.”

The two looked at each other before returning their focus to me. “Of course, Commander,” Enterprise responded. “Tell her we’ll be here as well.” I smiled at her, nodding my thanks to her as I ran off to find Hood.

…

It didn’t take long for me to find her. She was standing at the cliff edge where the willow tree was. Walking up beside her, I commented, “Beautiful scenery, isn’t it?”

I could hear her breathing softly as she whispered in response. “Yes. Indeed, it is a beautiful place…”

Knowing her feelings, I wrapped my left arm around her waist, causing her to gasp softly in surprise. “Hey. If you ever need to talk, I’m here. I know I haven’t been the best, and I know Chang is your true love, but know that I too want the best for you.” 

Hood turned to face me, her face down. “Thanks, but that won’t be necessary right now.” 

I just shook my head. “That just tells me all the more that there is something you need to talk about. How about we sit down and talk about it?”

She sighed with much reluctance but nodded her head. As we sat down, she suddenly burst into tears as she leaned into my chest. “I failed him, Hawk. I, the Pride of the Royal Navy, couldn’t save him. I could have done anything, yet I just cried out and watched from the side.” Sobbing, she began to grasp onto me tightly as she continued. “How can he forgive me for this?” 

I could only just hug her back as I spoke softly into her ears. “You know, I thought the same thing too when it came to Azur Lane. But you must come to realize that we all make mistakes. Whether or not we learn from them is up to us to decide. Through some rather unconventional way, I was convinced to keep pushing. As for you, I can give you all the advice in the world, but in the end, you will have to decide.” 

Hood just nudged her head against my chest, her hair now a mess as she continued to sob quietly. Smiling softly, I remembered something. “You know, I remember finding some blueprint for a retrofit for you. How would you like to be retrofitted? Maybe then you’ll find some strength and courage to fight.” Hood just looked at me in surprise a bit, so I continued. “There were plans to retrofit you in the war, but they were never detailed. I found some time to make some adjustments to them, but I never had a chance to ask till now.”

Hood just looked at me before her mouth began to smirk. “Observer Alpha better look out next time she sees me.” She wiped her face before strengthening out her hair as I got up.

“I’ll get those blueprints done as soon as possible. I’ll have to ask Akashi about sparing some Bulins, but I’m sure we can get you refitted soon.” Nodding her head, Hood got up before embracing me.

“Thank you.” 

I just smiled as I patted her shoulders before remembering something Josh said. “Hey, Josh told me Chang left something in his room. Would you mind taking a look around his room? It should still be the same as the day he left.”

Letting go, Hood nodded her head again, saluting me before dashing off to Chang’s room. I just looked out towards the open sea from the cliffside. It truly was a nice view. “Thank you, God. For this second chance.” Praying silently, I hoped Chang and Bismarck were doing well in captivity.  

________
Narration

December 27th, 2041, 14:58
Location: Faroe Island, Chang’s Room

Hood opened the door, the somewhat empty room unpleasant to look at. Looking through the fridge and under the bed, Hood couldn’t find anything. Exhaling softly, she walked over to the balcony to take a look at the view. Maybe he took it with him when he left Hood thought, walking back towards the entrance, her mind racing. She loved Chang, and she missed him dearly. Maybe I should get retrofitted as soon as-

Hood suddenly tripped on the rug in the middle of the living room, nearly falling on her face had she not brought her arms forward to keep herself off the floor. Looking back at the rug, she saw something particular. There was a single nailhead poking out from beneath the rug. How curious. 

Pulling on the board, Hood grunted as she lifted the plank, placing it aside as she looked into the hole under it. There was a hatch, so she pulled on it. A groaning sound could be heard as the hatch revealed a secret compartment. Inside contained two boxes. One was a dark, metallic box with some sort of a humming noise. The other was a delicate glass case surrounding a particular object. 

Picking up the glass case, Hood opened it only to gasp in shock as she saw an elegant crystal necklace in there with a massive ruby in the center of it. There were a few rough cuts alongside the thin crust of silver that bordered the ruby, but other than that, it was a masterpiece. A note rested underneath it, so Hood picked up the ruby delicately with her left hand and picked up the letter with her right. 

“‘Note to self: Find a time to give Hood this necklace when I come back.’” Hood dropped the note as she looked at the ruby necklace in her left hand, the rays of light that passed through the window balcony door reflecting off of it. Wrapping it around her neck, she beamed as she attached the string behind her back before touching the ruby softly with her hands.

Looking back into the secret compartment, Hood lifted the black box as she tilted her head in curiosity. I wonder what could be in this? Breaking the seal on the package, Hood opened it, engulfing her in bright yellow light as she gasped, dropping the box. 

And out of the box fell out a yellow Wisdom Cube.

Chapter Text

****************
Commander Hawk
****************

December 27th, 2041, 13:45
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane Research Lab

“Chang, what the hell are you doing with this?” I muttered as I stared at the yellow Wisdom Cube which was pulsating at an alarming rate. Looking at Langley and New Jersey, who were inspecting it, they shook their heads at me, signaling their confusion as well. Sighing, I leaned against the wall of the lab as the yellow Wisdom Cube before looking towards Enterprise, who had just entered the lab. “Did you call for Josh and Akashi yet?”

“North Carolina is getting them now. But as to why Chang has a yellow Wisdom Cube, it concerns me.” I crossed my arms and tilted my head at her, signaling my confusion. She took a breath before speaking up.

“Wisdom Cubes besides the color blue are rare. They’re extremely volatile and if used incorrectly could lead to the user’s death. But if used correctly, it can be used with deadly efficiency as its power can be amplified by the user's feelings, mind, and imagination. However, I have yet to meet one who could wield such power. The Sirens only showed and explained a Dark Wisdom Cube to a specific few Kansens, which included me, if we were willing to test it out during the war. No one accepted it, so how did Chang come into possession of this?”

Hood shrugged. She seemed a bit taken aback as well by her findings, but she just kept touching that ruby necklace around her neck. Perhaps it has something to do with Chang, but now is not the time to ask. “Well, I hope Josh and Akashi can clarify this as this has stumped us all.”

“I’m afraid I cannot, Hawk.” 

Looking over towards the entrance, I was shocked to see him hold a Glock to North Carolina’s head, his face grim. “Hand it over, Hawk. I would prefer we do this the easy way. I have an anti-Kansen round chambered and would prefer to save it for the Sirens.” Looking at Enterprise, she had already summoned her bow, carefully aiming at Josh’s head. Josh just rolled his eyes. “By the time you let the arrow go, Enterprise, her head will be in the way already. So just hand over the cube now.”

Nodding my head towards Hood, who was somewhat hesitant, she picked up the cube and tossed it towards Josh. In a flash, Josh shoved North Carolina towards me, caught it, and dropped a flashbang as I was blinded by a bright flash. Catching North Carolina, I let go of her as I grasped for the alarm level, finding it after struggling to see and hear. Pulling on it, the klaxons began to sound as the ringing in my ears began to dissipate. New Jersey was helping Langley stand while Enterprise was already out the door, most likely chasing Josh. Looking at North Carolina, who was somewhat shaken, I approached her slowly before embracing her. “You alright?”

Nodding her head, she sighed heavily against my chest. “What is going on, Hawk?” I could only exhale softly, admitting to myself that even I didn’t know what was going on. All I could hope for is that Josh would explain himself.

________
Narration

Enterprise took deep breaths as she dashed after Josh as he hopped over fences that surrounded the Royal Navy back garden, catching the tea party in the penthouse by surprise. “What’s going on?!?” King George demanded just before she got shoved aside by Josh as he leaped onto the tea table and dove out of the penthouse, spilling the tea on the table in the process. 

Drawing her bow, Enterprise let loose an arrow at him only for him to mysteriously summon two axes into his hands as they began to glow red as he sliced the arrow in half. Desummoning it, Josh quickly dashed across the yard before entering the Royal Navy dorm. Enraged that their tea party was ruined, King George and her sister, including Monarch, joined Enterprise in her chase. “Care to explain, Enterprise?” King George demanded as they opened the back entrance to the dorm, dashing after Josh.

“Josh held North Carolina captive in exchange for a yellow Wisdom Cube found in Chang’s room. I think there is something fishy going on, George.” Pointing towards the front entrance, Enterprise yelled, “Keep chasing him! I’ll cut him off!”

Nodding, Goerge and the rest of her sisters quickly rushed up the flight of stairs and looked down the hallway to see Josh crashing through the window, barely making it across the gap to the Ironblood dorm right across from them. Monarch, quite tired of everything that happened, leaped through the broken window and barely caught onto Josh’s leg as he attempted to climb through the Ironblood window, bringing both of them down. 

Crashing onto a dumpster before landing on the ground, Monarch quickly pinned Josh down, putting his arms behind his back. Not willing to give up so easily, Josh brought his legs backward, kicking Monarch hard enough to throw her off of him. Getting up quickly, he ran out of the alleyway. 

Dashing through the courtyard, Josh waved through the crowd of Kansens, somewhat confused by the commotions going on. Despite the King George class's attempt to reach Josh, the crowd of Kansens that were out in the courtyard slowed them down. Breaking through the crowd, Josh swiftly made his way toward the sea.

Approaching the ledge, Josh leaped onto the sea, activating his footwear immediately. Skimming a few yards, he glanced around him as several Iris Libre ships led by Richelieu appeared and surrounded him. Dazed by all the confusion, Richelieu pointed her scepter at Josh. “Look, Josh. I don’t know what’s going on. Can you please explain yourself?” 

Josh closed his eyes and sighed. He didn’t want to do this, but he knew he had to. “Afraid not, Cardinal.” Reaching for the axes on his back, Josh muttered the words. “ In manus tuas, commendo animam meam. ” A red flash surrounded him as Richelieu and the others covered their eyes. Once the red lights dimmed, Richelieu looked at where Josh was. But what she saw shocked her to the core. Standing in front of her was Josh, but he was no longer armed with his axes and Glock. 

Attached to Josh was a rigging around him, one technologically more advanced than any rigging she had ever seen, armed with twin helipads on both shoulders with a twin rectangular barrel cannon on the right side of it along with a metallic box on his left. And in both hands, Josh held dual axes, both glowing red along with streaks of red on his rigging as he pointed one of the axes at her. “Sorry, Richelieu. But fate is never kind.” 

But before Josh could strike, Enterprise had launched an arrow at Josh, forcing him to block them with his axes. Grunting in frustration, Josh dropped two grenades that summoned two AH-64 Apache Attack helicopters which let loose a torrent of missiles and gunfire. 

Distracted by the helicopters, Enterprise and Richelieu along with the others concentrated their fire on the two Apache, destroying them. But this only gave Josh the distraction he needed as he had summoned a Black Hawk. He leaped aboard it as the last of the Apaches crashed, rising into the sky. Josh looked down at Richelieu remorsefully. “I’m sorry, but it’s for-”

The sound of a Merlin engine filled the cabin as the Black Hawk’s tail was shattered by a Spitfire, causing the helo to begin spiraling down. Accepting the fact he had no way out, Josh leaped out of the burning chopper as it crashed into the sea. Looking at Enterprise and Illustrious, who had joined the fray, he sheathed his axes back onto his back and raised his hands. “I surrender.”

…

Several hours later, December 27th, 2041, 19:21
Location: Faroe Island, Azur Lane Holding Cells

Looking at an unarmed Josh through the window, Hawk sighed as he looked at Enterprise and Richelieu. Both were somewhat winded by the chase, but Richelieu seemed to be hurt the most by Josh’s actions. “Did he mention anything important?” Hawk asked, just as tired as they were of the recent events. 

Richelieu just stared at the ground while Enterprise spoke up. “He apologized to Richelieu after he summoned his rigging, claiming the fate of the world was at stake.” Shaking her head, she took a sip of her coffee before continuing. “I honestly don’t know what he’s hiding. He wasn’t aggressive before, and now he turns on us like this? There has to be a reason.”

Hawk just exhaled lightly before turning to face both the red and yellow wisdom cube along with the two axes on the table that Josh had surrendered to them, all three still glowing. “Indeed so. Hopefully, Strasser will get something out of the inte-”

“Let me, Commander.” Richelieu stood up from her seat before looking into Hawk’s eyes. “Though I only somewhat understand him, if you want answers, I’m most likely your best bet. There’s something God has been nagging my heart to find out, specifically him.”

Looking at Enterprise, who nodded her head in confirmation, Hawk crossed his arms and nodded slowly. “Very well. Make sure you ask him about Chang as well. And be careful.” 

“Thank you, Commander.” Walking towards the entrance, Richelieu nodded at Scharnhorst, who opened the door for her. Entering the room, Richelieu sighed as she looked at Josh, who was looking down with his eyes closed. An awkward silence filled the room before Richieliu asked, “Why, Josh?”

“Hmph. You wouldn’t understand. No one will.” Grunting against his restraints, Josh opened his eyes as he leaned against his chair, the chains on his arms and legs jangling. Sitting down in the chair across from him, Richelieu just closed her eyes before opening her bible.

“‘Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might dare to die.’”

“Romans 5:7. What? Do you think I did it for the sake of the Protestant Federation? If so, you’re just as short-sighted as we once were.” Sighting, Josh leaned back forward, the chair making a loud clang as its front legs crashed against the ground. “Very well then. If you want to know the truth, then I guess I’ll tell you, though what I am about to tell you is supposed to be classified.” He closed his eyes again. “Chang had wished this would remain a secret, but I guess I have no choice.”

Josh cleared his throat, his mechanized voice box giving off a somewhat static noise before he began. “Let’s see. Let us begin with the capture of Chang’s unit at Fayetteville. Being the best of the best, the Sirens were intrigued by the information we had, but after recognizing our resilience against them, they switched to other means.” Josh’s left eye began to twitch as he continued. 

“They began to conduct their experiments on us. In their quest to, quote, ‘perfect humanity,’ they killed thousands. But what came from that was me, Nishorumiji, and Chang. Our emotions and will resonate within some of the cubes the Sirens had, changing the colors it emitted as well as increasing its capabilities and power along with ours. ”

Unable to contain his surprise, Hawk made his way towards the interrogation room entrance, motioning for Scharnhorst to open the door for him. Upon doing so, Hood followed Hawk in along with Enterprise as they stared at Josh along with Richelieu for a short pause before Hawk broke the silence. “You mean… Both Nishorumiji and Chang along with you are essentially Humanoid Kansens?” 

Josh exhaled heavily. “Correct. The Sirens were looking for the perfect tools for war, and we were the product of it. While we were imprisoned for a year and a half, the Sirens took us through many simulations in different dimensions with different time differentiation, some in universes similar to this while others, well…” Josh’s voice trailed off as he remembered the world where the trio had been sent and reunited to fight off a vicious and dangerous enemy, one that nearly killed Nishorumiji had it not been for Chang.  

Shaking his head, he continued. “Each of us received a different cube, and each one gave us different abilities and ship classes. For me, I took on the form of an advanced cruiser class with special perception, allowing me to be able to sense the presence of others within a hundred-meter radius even without access to my cube. This greatly enhanced my combat ability, but in some trial scenarios they put me through, I found out I have a Berserker mode where my strength, intelligence, and perception are multiplied. However, I am limited by my body as it cannot take on this strain for more than thirty minutes even after extensive remodeling of my body.”

Curious, Hawk asked him about Nishorumiji, causing Josh to chuckle. “Extremely talented as a pilot, Nishorumiji received hundreds of hours of inflight simulation torture against the toughest opponents, some that are impossible to exist. The strain on him forced him to undergo neck and lung surgery to help him walk and breathe, which also gave him some strength he did not have before. His cube, which has a light green glow to it, gave him the class of an advanced aircraft carrier with a fleet of advanced interceptors and bombers. Along with this cube came his ability to recognize battle patterns in combat style that humans nor Kansens cannot normally see. It also ingrained into him the power to travel between this world & a mirror world, one that allows the user to spectate this world but doesn’t allow either world to interact with each other. That is how he has truly become the King of the Skies.”

Impatient and tired of hearing about the others, Hood approached Josh before grabbing him by the collar and shoving him against the wall, his chains rattling against it. “And what about Chang? What does he have?” She yelled, her curiosity burning inside of her.

Josh tilted his head and sighed. “He never told me. Rarely has he ever admitted personnel matters to me or Nishorumiji. Even though we were friends, he never really tells the whole truth. It was only during our captivity that he admitted that Chang was never his real name as it was his given Chinese name. He claimed it was to prevent his brother from being discovered though, which I forgave him for. As for his abilities, we cannot comprehend nor understand them. He uses a polearm as his main weapon, but it seems he can also manifest other types of weapons. His ship class is an unknown advanced type of ship and looks to be an experimental type of hull and weaponry. After our escape, we swore to hide our abilities. As you know, most Kansens can convert their rigging into actual ship forms or into a single cube, which is what we did. Yet we did not hear from him for nearly two years before he resurfaced as a janitor at The Poor Man’s Bar. I do not know what he did in that time frame, but I know when we escaped, there was something in his eyes. Before we parted ways, he said we must go our separate ways. The way he mentioned it and the look in his eyes were all I needed to understand that they brought out his inner demons, something he spoke little about and feared.”

Richelieu’s eyes went wide. “Is that what happened when he fought with Monarch?”

“Most likely. His inner demons are quite… peculiar and dangerous.”

Hood, angered that Chang didn’t tell her all this, began to rapidly shake Josh against the wall. “Why didn’t he tell me this!?!” Josh just shook his head, which only caused Hood to shake Josh even harder than before, causing his head and chest to smack against the wall multiple times, his chains jangling as she repeatedly demanded. “ANSWER ME!”

Seeing where this was going, Richelieu and Enterprise tore Hood off of Josh, who began to cough up blood. As Hood struggled against the two, Josh put his hands up to calm her down before bringing them up to cover his mouth as he spat some blood out. “It’s fine. I deserved it anyway for not being a good friend. Chang’s inner demons had always been with him for a long time. That is why he usually keeps to himself and prefers to stay alone & isolated. I was quite surprised when I heard he was dating you.”

Chuckling softly to himself, Josh suddenly dropped to his knees as he began to cough blood out violently. Thinking about how David died, he mumbled softly to himself, “Heh. Guess I’ll meet you soon, old friend,” before making one final decree. “Chang truly loved you, Hood. That is why… he…” However, Josh was unable to finish his sentence as he collapsed in a pool of blood. 

“Josh!” Richelieu quickly picked his limp body up as she rushed out of the interrogation room to the medical ward, surprising Scharnhorst on the way out as she barreled down the hallway. 

Looking at each other, Hawk tried to put his hand on Hood’s shoulder, but she just shook him off, glaring at him. Hawk just sighed lightly as Hood grumbled angrily before storming out of the room. Hawk, worried, tried to follow her out, but Enterprise just put a hand on his shoulders. 

“She’ll be fine. Besides, I think we should check up on Carolina in her room anyways.” Hawk slowly nodded, remembering how North Carolina had asked if she could take the rest of the day off, clearly shaken by the events that had occurred. Offering his hands, Hawk watched as Enterprise hesitated for a moment before accepting it as the two walked out.

……

Hood ran through the woods, angry at her recent revelations. Why didn’t Chang tell me? He at least accepted me, yet why did he keep this to himself? He can’t do this alone, and he knows it! And even then! He didn't trust me with his true name! Approaching the clearing, Hood was resolute to find Chang and bring him back. But upon reaching it, she saw a figure standing near the willow tree with a kitsune standing by her with a small umbrella. Approaching the two, Hood put on a smile as she greeted Yorktown and Amagi as the two offered her a view of the port. “How are you two doing today?”

The two glanced at each other before Amagi answered her. “Just enjoying the sunset Yorktown said she enjoyed with Chang.” Hearing his name, Hood grimaced slightly, which was noticed by the two. “Is something wrong, Hood-san?”

Crossing her arms, Hood sighed before explaining the things Josh told to her. Both elder sisters listened closely as Hood explained things. “You know, once I rescue Chang, I would like to get to know his real name.”

Both Yorktown and Amagi looked at each other before smiling and shrugging their shoulders. “It will have to be on him. Sounds like he was just protecting us all, Hood,” Yorktown reassured. “He too admitted some things to me, but I doubt he will ever truly admit everything.” Looking at Amagi, she smiled warmly. “Guess it’s something the eldest always does to protect their siblings. Or perhaps” she continued, turning her attention to Hood now “in your case, how a lover protects someone he loves from harm.”

However, Hood was still unable to sort things out. Protect her from what? The two could see she was going through internal turmoil, so they surprised her with a sudden embrace. Hood, a little surprised, didn’t know how to respond. Letting go, Amagi asked her, “You know, Hood-san, you should come to have tea with us. It should help you calm down a bit. Besides, we can always talk whenever we like, cough cough. ” Looking at Amagi’s kind expression after she recomposed herself, Hood smiled faintly. 

“Thank you for the offer. I hope I won’t intrude on you two.” That statement made Amagi laugh lightly before she coughed a bit again. 

“You won’t. You sound a lot like Chang, you know, Hood-san?” Hood chuckled gingerly as she touched the ruby pendulum around her neck while following the two towards Amagi’s room. Taking note of this, Yorktown smiled inwardly, knowing who most likely made it.

……

December 27th, 2041, 20:01
Location: Faroe Island, Eagle Union Dorm

Hawk approached North Carolina’s door, somewhat feeling confused. Why am I getting the feeling of Deja Vu? Shaking his head, he knocked on the door. Opening it slightly, North Carolina smiled nonchalantly. 

“Evening. Have you come to check in on me?” Nodding his head, North Carolina opened the door fully, allowing Hawk and Enterprise to enter. “So, how did the interrogation go?” Looking at each other, both exhaled heavily in response, notifying North Carolina something serious happened. “What happened?”

Hawk answered very hesitantly. “Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?” Sitting down, Hawk explained in detail what Josh told them, Hawk decided to add his own opinion to the conversation. “I think Chang might have been compromised from the start. I think we may have to handle him somewhat roughly next time.” 

This statement caused both North Carolina and Enterprise to look at him in shock. “But Hawk! How can you be so sure? For all we know, he could have been withholding information that could have caused trouble! Besides, you’ve seen how the Kansens here look towards him as a mentor-like figure. All we can do is hope for the best.”

Hawk groaned as he raised both hands, admitting defeat. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be so pessimistic.” Leaning against the chair, Hawk rubbed his eyes, signaling the two Kansens he was tired. 

Smirking, North Carolina stood up, walked over to Hawk, and helped him up, dragging him to her bed. Hawk, too tired to protest, just grunted softly as North Carolina laid him on her bed before snuggling against his left side. “Let’s just rest, Hawk. We have a long month ahead of us.”

Enterprise, somewhat disappointed in being left out, began to leave the room, but North Carolina just tossed her slippers at Enterprise’s shoulders to get her attention before leaving the room. “Ahem. I don’t think I said this was just gonna be between us two~”

Letting a slight grin escape from her face, Enterprise walked towards the windows to close the blinds before laying against Hawk’s right side. Tired, but feeling an unknown feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time, Hawk turned and grabbed Enterprise before dragging her onto him on the right side of his chest, her breath captivating him as North Carolina rested on his left side. 

The two Kansens looked at each other before turning back to face Hawk before they both kissed him on the cheeks, falling asleep on his shoulders as he stroked their hairs.

……

Error. Unknown Time Disruption and Discrepancy
Location: █████████████, ███████

Tester Beta smirked as she watched Bismarck stand against the Royal Navy alone, launching a volley at the mass-produced ships, producing multiple black holes as swarms of mass-produced ships disappeared into the black void as the rest of the Royal Navy Kansens spread out. “Wonderful~” 

That was when her companion’s console began to vibrate. Looking at the caller, she stiffened as she clicked the answer button on the holographic panel. “ How is the Key handling things?” 

“Extremely well, Observer Zero. I believe we will be on schedule. How is Project Novae Terrae going?”

“ That is none of your concern. Proceed as planned. Oh, and make sure to send Blaze to that signal from Azur Lane. I’m sure she is more than willing to handle Subject 285 again. Besides, we need to recover Subject 372 - 2… and 372 - 1 as he has been… on the loose lately. ”

This intrigued Tester Beta. Smirking, she asked, “Perhaps he is seeking the truth that we told him about?”

Her companion shrugged. “It is possible. Perhaps now we can finally discover the extent of his powers.”