The following story is a work of [FAN-FICTION]! Azur Lane is owned by Shanghai Manjuu, Xiamen Yongshi, Bilibili, and Shanghai Yostar. And inspirations/aspects by Warframe is also owned by Digital Extremes. Please support both of the franchise.
Wait, wait wait. Before we get started. I should explain. First off, what is this story? Well, this story is primarily set in a Azur Lane Universe but more of the alternative way with the setting and world building. However, this story takes heavy inspirations to Warframe. Which I played the game a lot. No really, it's one of my favorite games. Then next is Azur Lane, I seen many streamers playing and I gave it a try. To be honest, I rarely play Azur Lane because I only play Warframe for a reason. However, both games are very similar based on the model. Anyways, let's cut to the chase and begin this story, shall we?
Zauberers: Azur Lane Alternative
CHAPTER 1 - Awakening -This is Who You Are-
[TWENTY-NINE YEARS AGO… BEFORE THE CRISIS…]
The scenery starts where there was a bright, vibrant city… However, the skies darkened as it suddenly opens a hole in a red sky. Suddenly, a shape of a large black dragon was descending down slowly. Just then, the dragon roared and begun it's rampage, firing beams of fire as most builds were caught in the explosion caused by the dragon. The fire grew ablaze as black smoke roses up from the smouldering buildings. Yet, the dragon let out a mighty roar across the destroyed city. But, the mysterious projectile of light was racing towards the dragon as it lands a hit, damaging the eye as it was in pain. Far from the dragon's sight where the four people who were standing on the top of the building. One of them who fired the arrow of pure light was a blonde woman hidden by her hood. The three people took off their robes to reveal their military-styled clothing. However, what's interesting is the emblem on their shoulders that showed a symbol of a magic rune with a sword stabbed through it. But, with no time left. The dragon finds them as it roared with such rage. The four people revealed the glowing light on their left arms as they jumped off the building. Leaping next to another as the dragon spewed out a fireball as it leaves with the explosion. Just as the four were about to reach. Everyone and the dragon suddenly came to a halt as they looked up into the sky. The holy light emits from the darken sky as there was a beautiful woman with blonde, long hair and green eyes. Her angel wings flaps down as she descends with a hover in mid air. But, things ends quick as she conjures a holy sword as the Goddess proceeds to seal the dragon away with a beam of light. Ultimately, at the cost of it… the light quickly swallowed up everything… including the four… And then… Earth was changed forever…
[YEAR 2047 A.D.]
[Location: Island in the middle of the Ocean]
"For decades, you've slept, no purpose, no call to wake you. But now, something has risen from the ruins of the Bahamut Crisis…"
The flying futuristic-like airship was seen flying towards the lone island during the daytime. However, far from that. A battleship was also heading it's way to the island.
"Damn, we're too late! Those Scab bastard is going to get there first and find out what's inside the lab!" The man was seen using his binoculars to see that they've already made it. "Commander! Can't you tell Gneisenau to take the shot!?"
"No." The commander replied. "I do not want to risk it to have her shoot down the ship. I want to wait to see until it happens. Again, no one knows what the lab is hiding. Our leader has given us a task to go there, Miles. You should know that."
"R-Right… I guess we can wait…" Miles sighed as he continues watching from afar as he puts his binoculars again.
"The Scabs, the cruel empire, has sent their trusted commander, Krulcifer, on an urgent mission…"
Just as the airship lands at the island. The man with white hair and with a burnt scar on the side of his face looked around. However, their bodies has cybernetic augments in them. That man… was Krulcifer himself…
"Hmph… this is the place that the Empire sent me? No matter. If the rumors here are true… Then I shall make this so called, 'Zauberer' mine… Let's go." Krulcifer lead his army of men as they ventured inside the lab. Yet, the lab was led to the underground sector further down…
"To ignite their conquest which they've started… to transform every remaining island into an empire. To see that the Zauberer, hidden, asleep, will never awaken…"
Just as Krulcifer and his men arrived to the location they wanted to see… they come approach to find a cryostasis pod containing a person inside… a young man with black hair. His clothing was far more normal than the rest of the people. He had a red t-shirt and black sweatpants. Just as the pod opens up… the man fell to the ground as he started to gasp for air… Krulcifer's men were ready to gunpoint at him until the captain halts at them.
"No… he is mine…" Krulcifer then approached to the man. "I see the Voice has tried to wake you… sadly you are too late."
Krulcifer then grabbed out the device which appears to be a tracker as he places it on his left leg…
"You are my prize now, Zauberer…" Krulcifer let out a silent chuckle but grim as he stood up and left. "Brothers, we are taking him with us. Bring him to the ship."
"What has he done to you? You can't afford to lose yourself by the hands of the Scabs, Zauberer. Allow me to empower your Arm. Now, fight back."
"RAAAH!" The man then channeled his power from his left arm. All soldiers and Krulcifer quickly took notice of this. But the men were able to drag Krulcifer out of the area. Some soldiers stayed as they were ready to kill him.
"Use your powers quickly. Defend yourself."
The man then conjures a burst of fire from his left arm, igniting the Scab on fire. The second soldier fired his rifle but he quickly dashes and subdues him by snapping his neck. He quickly grabs the rifle and aims at the third soldier. He pulled the trigger three times, having the bullet pierce his armor's chest. His body was still cybernetic. Yet, he starts to stutter and falls to his death from the bullet holes. The man kept the rifle and straps it around his back.
"Well done. However, It is time for me to materialize myself of my true form."
After the man was able to get used to his powers. He saw a small ball of light floating around as it starts to take form… It was a very small, yet beautiful fairy. She has candy pink hair and light purple bottom that is long and quite wavy. She has tied a piece of hair into a ponytail on her side, that curls on her tip. She have small turquoise and purple colored eyes. Above her chest, she has a red crystal. She was seen wearing a very long yellow dress, and under it, a white dress, that is slightly shorter than the yellow one. Also, she wears big round red earrings and red high heels. She also has a gold bracelets on her arms. She also has sky blue wings, which is seen pointing out behind her back. However, she started to stretch her arms and yawn.
"Now… that turned out better. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Vox. Right now, you're not in the good condition to fight. I was the one responsible powering your arm. But right now, you need to get out of there. The Scabs will be hunting you down." The fairy known as Vox introduced herself but warns him of the enemy he'll be facing from now on. "You don't have much time. Arm yourself with a melee weapon."
Vox then lands and finds simple sword which she heavily carries. The man then takes the sword and swings it around like practicing it. However, he's getting the hang of using weapons. But, he must proceed further to make his exit from his two decade sleep. He runs out of the large room and into the hallway to give chase. He continues running down the hallway to find that Krulcifer is already at the elevator as it closed on him. The man had no choice but to take the stairs and make a run for it. Vox was still flying as she followed him as well.
Minutes later… he soon reaches the surface and leaves the abandoned lab. But he was too late. He encountered a dead body of a man and a airship flying away with Krulcifer on it… Suddenly… the man felt a strange pain inside his head…
"Fool… You're supposed be mine… MINE! But no matter, you'll soon be under my command. I will have you come back to me by force. Don't think your little fairy could help you now, Zauberer…"
"You need to snap out of it! Don't let his influence control you!" Vox warned him as he manages to calm down as the headache disappears from his mind. "You still there? Good. I thought I lost you…"
"Hey! You there! The Zauberer! There's no denying of that arm of yours!" The voice of another male spoke. "Get to the ship! I can explain! That body there? That's my Commander… he sacrificed himself to fend off those Scabs."
The man quickly ran towards the ship as he didn't know what's going on. But, he and Vox made it after he performed a high jump that no people can do. He then lands on the deck as the other man signals his hand as the battleship starts to move, slowly leaving the island. After the events of the man's awakening. However… he had no idea of what's happening with him or what has he dragged himself into. But, he really wanted to remove the tracker on his leg that was attached to him. Just as he was about to get rid of it…
"Dont'. I seen those before. If you take off the tracker of yours, you'll die. Again, I wouldn't do that if I were you." The man continued. "Oh, where are my manners. The names Miles Cruz, I'm the Commander's vice… until he died to save us all. Gladly no one got hurt but I won't forgive those bastards for killing my Commander… he was like a family to us. I'm sure Gneisenau is shocked that she lost her trusted commander. Ah! I forgot… again! Gneisenau is inside the ship, controlling her body. Well, her body is her ship."
"Umm… Miles Cruz, was it? I thank you for saving my Zauberer. If you didn't arrive, the Scabs would take him in the end." Vox asked him that she felt happy. Much to Miles' surprise…
"Huh? A fairy? That's strange, they were gone after the crisis. How are you still alive? It's been 29 years since the crisis. Not to mention, we still have these battleships that are still alive and kicking. Heck, we all remember of what happened across the ocean. By the way, Zauberer. Can you speak? If so, what's your name?" Miles noticed as he looked at him.
"Y-Yeah… I do. Josh Spencer… That's my name." The Zauberer named Josh introduced himself as Miles smiles.
"Well, the pleasure is mine, Josh. Now then, we need to get rid of that tracker of yours properly. If not, you'd be screwed." Miles added as he proceeds to walk back inside.
"How do I get this off then?" Josh asked him as Miles turned around with a smile on his face.
"You know me, I know where the device is at. It can remove your tracker without killing you. However… the guys of Yorha has it. Sure, the Scabs makes good military shit but they're just insane than those Automatons." Miles continued complaining until he talked in.
"Umm… I... don't get of what's going on. All I remember is waking up in the underground labs until those metal people found me. Next, Vox saved me in order to fight back. And now, that's how I came here… I don't remember anything…" Josh placed his hands onto his head, he struggles to remember one thing but only the present.
"Huh? You… You don't remember anything? Like at all?" Miles was confused at the moment as Vox started to think.
"Hmm… I get it! Josh, I believe you are suffering amnesia when the Scabs awake you. Perhaps I should refresh your memory? What about you, Miles? You mind sharing with him?" Vox kindly asked him as she sighs.
"Can't say no to that but sure." Miles decided to agree on this in order to refresh Josh's memory. "Now, Josh. Do you remember the old war known as the Bahamut Crisis?"
"Bahamut… Crisis?" Josh said the name as he tries to remember from his head… "I think I don't…"
"I see. My Commander… who sacrificed his life explained to me with a bit of history. Two decades ago, the calamity dragon known as Bahamut descended from the skies. He destroyed everything around the world. Yet we failed to stop that thing. Then there comes the Zauberer, elite task force filled with magicians. Or people with glowing arms that gives them powerful capabilities. And the now… Earth was changed since Bahamut is gone. No one knows why…" Miles explained as Vox talked in.
"The year is 2047. You've woken up here when you first met the Scabs. Yet, everything is different now. The years of rain, the howling winds, gave away to the blue skies. And even a new world in bloom… However, there was a another war until you slept but I can't seem to remember what it is. Ahh, oh well." Vox shrugged as Josh seemed to understand of where he's in.
"To be honest, that war was from five years ago. A Naval warframe of course. I forgot what is it but I believe my leader knows. After all, we ARE the Resistance." Josh then yawned. "Oh yeah, you should talk to Gneisenau. I can tell she was watching you this whole time. Again, she wants to talk to you."
"S-Sure. I'll talk to her. Vox, can you come with me?" Josh asked her as she nods.
"What are you talking about? Of course I'll follow you anywhere." Vox then replied as she hovers and lands on Josh's right shoulder as he proceeded to visit her.
Then, Josh made his way into the navigation room where it was completely empty. But, he meets a tall woman with light purple/pink-ish long hair. Her outfit looks rather interesting that Josh has never seen that is quite revealing (A/N: See Gneisenau's design in Azur Lane) and also her big breasts as well.
"Umm… Hello? Are you Gneisenau? I'm here to talk to you?" Josh then slowly approach her as she turned around with a pink lollipop on her hand.
"Hmm… You must be Josh Spencer, is that correct?" Gneisenau asked him as he nodded. "I see. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am the Scharnhorst-class Battlecruiser, Gneisenau. You may have seen that body when you left that lab, yes?"
"Yeah, I did. Miles told me that it was your Commander. He died protecting you all as a sacrifice against the Scabs." Josh explained about the fate of her Commander. Yet, she was still sadden of her loss.
"I… I see. You do know. However, I have heard you wish to get revenge on those Scabs, yes? Despite he has put a tracker on your legs. I will make a one-time offer." Gneisenau continued as she points at Josh. "From now on, you will become my Commander of this ship. So, please take responsibility and seriously. Your crew would be pleased if you lead them well-"
"Hey, Josh! I found the location where the Yorha is at. They have the device! Thank my pet hawk, he's a spectacular bird for scouting out many locations. Apparently, this small island is called Inves. The travel time is short so it should be no problem." Miles comes into interrupt them. Gneisenau sighed in disappointment.
"Really, Miles? Could you not intervene our conversation. I was having talks with my new Commander here." Gneisenau bluntly glared at him as he chuckled.
"A-Apologies. But hey, she chose you as the new Commander. Nice! Anyways, I have the location for where it's at. So? Let's get going. Tell her!" Miles was surprised but encourages him to begin his new adventure.
"Right… Gneisenau. I want you to set sail to Inves based on Miles' details." Josh commands her as she saluted.
"Very well. Setting sail to the desired location, Commander." Gneisenau replied as she starts controlling the ship on her own as it started to turn towards the direction that she is heading.
"Now, we wait. Once you arrive there. Sneak in, and take their device. If you're caught… well? Go all out, my hawk will watch you from above. I attached a small camera on my bird so I can see you while I'm at the ship." Miles gave Josh a thumbs up as he was seen with a generic look on his face.
"Thanks." Joshed thanked him as he continued looking through the window to see the vast ocean. Yet, it seemed beautiful. "Say, Vox… What do you think of this world?"
"Hmm… Can't say for sure. It has changed a lot since the Crisis. After all, you are a Zauberer. " Vox added as she had a smile on her face. "However, you're not the only Zauberer left. There are more who have woken up around the world. Confused same as you. They may have their own ships already so you might encounter them someday."
"Yeah… I guess so…" Josh responded as he felt that it was fate. His journey is yet far from over… This is the journey, for a Zauberer. Josh nearly remembered something. From Vox's voice. Now, he understands. In which the Zauberers has their last mission to fulfill…
To become humanity's protector… and their last hope…
OPENING CREDITS THEME - Lifelight (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Search your soul and reawaken the undying light
On that day, when the sky fell away
Our world came to an end
In our eyes, did a fading sun rise in the dark?
Glimmering shadows
Silence grows, in the spaces between
Stretching out beyond time
Rising up, as a chorus of souls find a voice
Flickering through the void
These little sparks, cling on to life
Everyone caught in the struggle,
And then the storms of change, they fan the flames
Scattering ashes to the wind
Every soul contains a whisper of light
Gleaming faintly as it dwindles from sight
No escape, no greater fate to be made
In the end, the chains of time will not break
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Search your soul and reawaken the undying light
-[Next Chapter: II - Arrival ~To Take His Pain Away~]-
Josh Spencer, who has woken up in a new world two decades later where the crisis has ended. However, he met Krulcifer, captain of the Scabs. Only for him to become his prize. Vox, a fairy who has connections to the crisis, guides Josh to fight through his way. Krulcifer escapes but he ends up meeting the crew known as the Resistance and a shipgirl named Gneisenau. Becoming a new Commander of this ship, his journey was far from over. He must take the device from Yorha, a mega corporation excelling in advanced technology. Thus, he must remove the tracker and confront Krulcifer himself… Can he ever regain his memories back? What caused Earth to flood most of the lands? No one knows…
Author's Notes: Thank you for reading this story. This chapter is a prologue of Josh's journey as a Commander. But as a Zauberer. His journey is far from over but he must find a way to defeat Krulcifer and his army of Scabs in this new world. But yeah, Azur Lane's world will remain the same but some are changed or new. Again, this is a concept here so I have no idea if I were to continue this. With 2019 coming, there is a small chance of hope to work on it. Plus, I will leave a list of profile here to know about the characters and factions. Anyways, until next time. Switch on your youth!
-[Zauberer Profile - Spencer]-
Name: Josh Spencer
Arm: Mephistopheles
Place of Origin: United States of America
Codex: Conjurer of Fire and Flames. Capable of igniting enemies and buffing allies. He is the ideal Zauberer for untold destruction of the blazing inferno.
[Passive - Lukewarm] - When Spencer is inflicted by fire, he takes damage reduction to the same element but deal more damage with a imbued Heat effect with any weapons while on fire.
[1st Ability - Burst] - Spencer leaves a burst of deadly fire from his Arm, setting off a chance to ignite them on fire for a short amount of time.
[2nd Ability - Fireball] - Spencer conjures a ball of fire from his Arm, sending a projectile that will explode on impact, knocking back and burn enemies. Can also be detonated in mid-air by pressing the ability again.
[3rd Ability - Flame Cloak] - Summon a cloak of flames that will protect yourself from enemy fire. Enemy bullets have a chance to be reflected back and convert into fire-imbued bullets to ignite enemies for a short time. Allies near Spencer will gain a health buff.
[4th Ability - Firestorm] - Conjure a huge area of effect of circling heatwave. Enemies cannot attack you from the outside but if they are inside your circle, they will be burned overtime the more they stay in your area but consumes more energy quickly. Allies inside your circle will receive damage buff.
-[Faction Profile - Zauberer]-
Description: They were called Zauberer. Warriors of Magic, Sword, and Gun: Master of their Arm. Those who were gone after the Bahamut Crisis. Most survived and awoken into the new world, drifting though the azure sea. Now they are needed once more. To become humanity's protector and hope.
-[Faction Profile - Scabs]-
Description: A vile, brutal empire. They power in numbers through their own military means. Equipped with cybernetics and powerhouse technology. They were viewed as cyborgs and ruthless killers. Yet, they continue to conquer every land by land and push on through whoever stands in the way.
-[Faction Profile - Yorha]-
Description: Driven by greed and profit. They are a mega corporation found in Norway since the Naval Warfare five years ago known as the "Azur Lane Incident". Their technology are way advanced from the past of the Old War and it's current. However, small numbers are supplemented by their legion of robots and drones, designed to take anything that is left unprotected and quick instrument of destruction.
-[Faction Profile - Automatons]-
Description: Sentient robots made through advanced technology from the Old War during the Bahamut Crisis. After two decades has passed, they have betrayed their former masters and declared their own independence. Thus, they take shape of Androids and Battleships based on their human images that were made for war, preventing anyone from traveling through the ocean sea.
-[Faction Profile - Azur Lane]-
Description: An multinational military alliance formed by Eagle Union, Royal Navy, Sakura Empire, and Ironblood. But they were split in two due to the intervention of the unknown enemy. Five years later until now, all factions have seemed to faded away from existence. But some still fight in their respective factions for personal reasons.
-[Faction Profile - Resistance]-
Description: A group of rag tag formed into a powerful army. Located in New Yokosuka, they desire to fight back all three factions in order to achieve world peace. Impossible but simple, they have connections involving the Bahamut Crisis, Azur Lane, and Zauberers. They consider themselves the Sanctuary for all ships who are split from their factions or former Scabs and Yorha who have defected themselves. However, they do seem to support the Zauberers who are considered as Humanity's savior.