A/N: TL Note: Kanzlerin = Chancellor.
Whispers of Saturn
Chapter 15: Lords of Iron
For thirty long minutes Bismarck trudged through the dimly-lit forest under the gaze of the reigning moon, the soft pitter-patter of U-556's boots helping reassure her of her companion's presence.
While she maintained a stoic facade, she couldn't deny the inkling of instinctual worry that nipped at her heart. The forest was dark at this time, providing ample room for ambush – whether by Roon, or some unsightly beast. And while she was confident in her strength, she wasn't wholly confident in her ability to face down a monster like Roon while simultaneously protecting U-556.
Bismarck slowly shook her head, dismissing such pointless thoughts. She may've failed to protect U-556 in the past, foolishly overlooking I-56's slow descent into madness, but she wouldn't do it again. She would protect U-556 at the cost of her own life if need be – for she wouldn't dare give her beloved 'knight' any less. She only deserved the best; a decision that was what led Bismarck on this path in the first place.
''Lord Bismarck...'' U-556's gentle voice broke the weighty silence that reigned over them.
''What is it?''
''Um...'' The Submarine squirmed. ''Do you... do you feel like we're being followed?''
Reflexively Bismarck cast her gaze out around their surroundings. The wind barely blew, ruffling the many branches only a touch; the quiet rustling of the leaves accompanied by the occasional distant hoot of an owl. No footsteps or even miniscule movement could be heard. However after her experience with I-56 and the worms, Bismarck no longer wholly trusted her five senses. There was no way to know if what she saw was real.
''I cannot say.'' The Battleship stated slowly, offering her right hand. ''Stay close to me.''
''M-Mm!'' U-556 nodded quickly and gladly took her hand. Bismarck pointedly didn't mention that it comforted her just as much as it comforted U-556.
Together the duo wandered through the forest, the trees gradually beginning to thin out. Bismarck's eyes narrowed as her eyes set upon a clearing, not recalling any such gap to exist on the map. The whole forest canopy had full coverage according to Graf Zeppelin just last week; and yet now a small, open clearing was laid bare to her. And as her eyes shifted further up, she soon found out why.
''Queen Elizabeth.''
''Fair greetings, Bismarck.'' Queen Elizabeth smiled haughtily, lazily sat back on a fallen tree with her sceptre in her lap.
Bismarck inclined her head, stepping out past the final tree and into the open space. Her eyes flickered past the blonde queen, taking note of Belfast seemingly manifesting from thin air, a light smile on her face and head tilted down, clearly showing she meant no harm. After a moment Bismarck flicked her gaze back to the regal queen, a question swiftly leaving her lips.
''What is it you require from me, to wait for me so far out from the base?''
''Merely to speak.'' Queen Elizabeth replied honestly, hopping up from her seat. ''It would be troublesome for someone of your standing to disappear off the map without any warning, after all. You know how the Sir Wilhelm feels about diplomatic affairs and all.''
''Indeed. A troublesome man to be sure.'' Bismarck tilted her head in acknowledgement, the politician's face fleeing from her mind after only a second. A troublesome nobody. ''I have left the relevant documents on my desk. A key should be delivered to your room by Z23 within the hour, granting access to my quarters. The documents will grant all my authority to Mikasa, while leaving enough breathing room for you to interfere as necessary.''
''How forward thinking of you.''
Bismarck smiled thinly at the praise. While Mikasa would be more experienced at handling problems with the remaining Ironblood girls, Queen Elizabeth had more skill when it came to diplomacy. Keeping a tight lid on things and leaving the world governments out of their mess would be a breeze for someone like her.
''However, diplomatic affairs are not the only reason for my presence here.'' Queen Elizabeth continued slowly.
''I didn't imagine it was.'' Bismarck hummed, casting her gaze out around her. It wouldn't hurt to be cautious.
Queen Elizabeth smiled at her caution, but tactfully didn't point it out. ''I'm sure you can understand that I cannot simply let you walk away to join the enemy.''
''My focus will be solely on Roon. Of that I assure you.''
''I have no doubt about that...'' The Iron Queen slowly hefted her sceptre, the orb tip resting in her dainty palm. ''But allow me to pose the question, Kanzlerin Bismarck... are you readyfor Roon?''
A beat of silence passed, an invisible weight seeming to sweep over the area. Bismarck raised her gaze, inclining her head back and giving the Iron Queen a steely gaze.
''Even if I am not, then I shall soon be.''
''Tsk, tsk...'' Elizabeth shook her head slowly, lifting her sceptre in her right hand. ''You know well I dislike such wasteful answers...''
The ground split open as Queen Elizabeth stabbed her sceptre into the earth, her superhuman strength blowing aside dirt and shattering the stone beneath.
''You shan't pass me by until you give me the right answer, Iron Chancellor.''
For a long moment the world was silent, the two legendary Battleships staring each other down. The Iron Queen and the Iron Chancellor. The Oldest Ship-Girl and the Ironblood Leader. Each with over half a decade of experience, and immeasurable power within their grasp. It was merely fate that they would one day come to blows.
''So be it.''
With a bright flash Bismarck's rigging manifested around her, and not a second later Queen Elizabeth's own supreme rigging appeared around her too. Bismarck's cannons boomed first, four golden shells soaring across the midnight sky and erupting into plumes of dirt and motes of light – but Queen Elizabeth had already leapt away, a confident smile curled at her lips.
Bismarck glanced back at her submersible companion. ''Fall back and observe. I shall deal with Queen Elizabeth.''
''R-Right!'' U-556 hastily bobbed her head, retreating back to the edges of the clearing.
Whether out of mercy or simple politeness Queen Elizabeth waited a precious few seconds for U-556 to get clear before she fired her own guns – a deafening boom flooding the clearing as the blue shells soared. Bismarck kicked off the ground and leapt to the left, the earth behind her erupting into tall columns of brown as dirt and rock was sent airborne. Even as the debris peppered down on her Bismarck didn't stop; sliding across the dry grass and raising her smaller-calibre guns.
Flashes of light lit up the clearing as she opened fire, a barrage of golden shells whistling across the clearing. Queen Elizabeth didn't even try to dodge.
''[Second Royal Decree: Divine Protection]!'' The Iron Queen declared resoundingly – and in an instant a golden wall was erected right in front of her.
The barrage of small-calibre shells battered the translucent barrier, cracking it in several places but failing to penetrate. Bismarck needed only a single second to think, and one more second to bend her knees – before she kicked off the ground, lunging across the distance with great speed. Her gloved hand tightly gripped her battle-standard, and with a yell of exertion she swung with full force at the barrier.
The tip of her flag-bearing spear struck true, impacting the golden barrier and instantly creating a spiderweb of cracks throughout the whole construct. Her main cannons boomed and fired at the weak point, shattering the magical construct into nothing but scattering shards, until they swiftly faded away from the world. However there was no time to admire the falling shards, to watch them twinkle as they disappeared.
With a loud clang sceptre met battle-standard, the two weapons colliding with enough strength to shatter the earth beneath them. Despite Bismarck's taller and broader frame Queen Elizabeth easily matched her strength, a prideful smirk on the queen's face as they pushed against each other's weapon for a long few seconds.
''Hn!'' Bismarck was the first to give, pushing her weight back and letting Elizabeth overreach.
The Iron Queen predicted the feint however, smirking as she tucked her sceptre close and fell to a knee – jabbing the ball tip out towards Bismarck. The blow struck Bismarck's battle-standard, the resulting clang of metal sending a brief shockwave booming around them, and making Bismarck stumble back a single step. A minor weakness that Elizabeth ruthlessly capitalised on.
Bismarck's only warning was the queen's lips curving into a devious grin, and the tip of her sceptre glowing gold. ''[Third Royal Decree: Queen's Deliverance]!''
A sharp screech filled the clearing as a golden laser screamed out from the tip of Elizabeth's sceptre, crossing the distance between the two lords in a heartbeat. Bismarck grit her teeth and threw herself to the side, but even then the laser was too close for her to dodge – a stifled hiss passing her pursed lips as it burned away the side of her coat and singed her skin, narrowly avoiding giving her a first-degree burn.
''Hmhm~'' Queen Elizabeth smirked haughtily. ''Didn't expect that, did you?''
Bismarck didn't deign that with a reply, simply leaping back and giving herself a chance to breathe. A quick glance revealed it wasn't too bad – the laser itself had been small, leaving her formerly-peachy skin an irritated red and the skin throbbing with pain. However all it took was a single second to inflict that, and she certainly didn't want to see what more than a glancing blow would do.
At some unspoken signal Queen Elizabeth shifted, raising her sceptre again. Not a second later the tip glowed and another laser screeched out, crossing the distance in a heartbeat – forcing Bismarck to leap aside, firing her main cannons as she moved; using the momentum to keep herself out of the firing line. Her shells struck true, erupting into columns of dirt and debris all around Elizabeth and abruptly cutting her laser short, the beam dissipating into wisps of golden light.
''Not bad.''
Cannons boomed, and the smoke disappeared – four blue shells racing towards her. Bismarck wisely ran straight towards them, one shell narrowly flying over her shoulder before it struck the ground behind her. Pointedly ignoring the heat flushing against her back Bismarck tilted left, gripping her battle-standard with both hands before swinging towards the barely-ruffled Elizabeth with a bellowing yell.
With her smirk in place Queen Elizabeth met her halfway, their weapons powerfully clanging together. Bismarck was swift to act, shifting onto her right foot and swinging her battle-standard skywards – knocking both their weapons above them. In an instant Bismarck brought her polearm back down, meeting Elizabeth's sceptre in a flurry of wild blows. The very ground beneath them cracked and trembled after each blow, their titanic strength splitting the earth beneath them with explosive force.
Queen Elizabeth's smirk widened. Bismarck acted on her judgement and fell back a step – just in time to avoid the golden laser that shrieked out from the tip of her sceptre. With a swift swing the Iron Queen swung her weapon horizontally, forcing Bismarck to leap into the air; the laser sweeping right under her feet.
''You're wide open.'' Elizabeth remarked, but didn't fire. ''You should've gone below.''
Bismarck landed on her feet, pointedly ignoring the cacophonous crashing of falling trees behind her. Looks like she found out how a clearing mysteriously appeared. ''A minor mistake.''
''One that might cost you.''
''Perhaps.'' Bismarck raised her arm, her guns following suit.
The Iron Queen wisely kicked off the ground, leaping away from the four golden shells that boomed towards her, erupting into pillars of dirt. Bismarck burst through the falling debris ruthlessly, thrusting her polearm out and scoring a moderate gash across her opponent's cheek – though the wound only seemed to amuse Elizabeth more, a flicker of terse approval in her blue eyes.
She tilted her sceptre down and Bismarck threw herself to the right, avoiding the screeching gold laser that shot past her by a mere foot. Knowing she was at a disadvantage without a Gift of her own Bismarck rapidly closed the distance, her battle-standard sliding back in her grip – before she threw it like a javelin, the weapon whistling through the air towards her blonde opponent.
Queen Elizabeth waited until the last second before swinging her sceptre up, knocking the battle-standard aside and sending it spinning, impaling itself into the ground a few feet away. It remained there for only a second before Bismarck snatched it up, throwing her momentum into a spin and putting her full weight behind the blow – the resulting clang of their weapons splintering the ground beneath their feet and sending Elizabeth stumbling back a step.
''Hn...!'' The Iron Queen's expression tightened.
Bismarck ruthlessly capitalised on her brief lapse, tilting to her left and aiming her cannons – a deafening eruption of golden light igniting the moonlit forest as her shells flew true, engulfing Queen Elizabeth in a rapturous explosion. Despite the blood pumping in her veins Bismarck didn't act on her opponent's weakness, instead pulling back a few steps and raising her guard, awaiting Elizabeth to reappear.
The golden light quickly dissipated, a heavy smoke cloud lingering; the wind too low to clear it. That was fixed as a cannon shot boomed, four blue shells shrieking high into the sky – blowing away the smoke and revealing Queen Elizabeth, her clothes slight burnt and stained with blood on her right side, her skin-tight outfit becoming dyed crimson.
''Hmhm...'' Despite her wounds, the Iron Queen chuckled – a sharp glint in her eyes. ''As I had hoped, you still haven't lost your edge despite the peace we've been languishing in, Bismarck.''
''Nor have you, despite your rare forays onto the battlefield.'' Bismarck complimented in turn, expression stoic. She wasn't foolish enough to believe Queen Elizabeth had let herself get rusty, but she had to admit she was startled by how wickedly sharp the petite queen remained.
''Indeed... but of course, I'm far from finished...'' Queen Elizabeth smiled wider, stabbing her sceptre into the earth – and extending a hand above her. ''[Fourth Royal Decree: Archibald Wisdom].''
Before Bismarck's surprised eyes she watched as a deep amethyst glow was emitted from the queen's palm – before three glowing purple orbs manifested above her. They hovered in place and bobbed slightly with Elizabeth's movements, small crystals jutting out from the tiny crystalline centre; almost making them a pincushion of crystals.
Queen Elizabeth dropped her hand, and in an instant the spheres suddenly moved – soaring towards Bismarck with lazy, but painfully obvious intent. In response Bismarck leaped back, opening fire with her smaller-calibre guns and blowing one of the sphere up; watching it erupt into a shower of purple crystals and motes of purple light.
BOOM!
''Nn?!'' Bismarck gasped as an explosion suddenly erupted to her right, her gaze flickering over.
Two more explosions boomed slightly to her right, and her eyes flickered up – just in time to see one last blue shell falling towards her. The shells Elizabeth fired to dispel the smoke.
'She planned thi-!'
Bismarck's thoughts were cut short as the shell came down, striking the ground in front of her and engulfing her in a rush of searing heat as the explosion washed over her. Her jacket took the brunt of the explosion, the material burning away and only just barely singing her skin with the heat – a few scattering chunks of shrapnel cutting her skin, drawing thin rivets of blood and staining her white undershirt.
There was no time to think. The other two crystal spheres were floating towards her – slow, but with dangerous intent. With a muttered curse Bismarck raised her main cannons and fired, obliterating one of the spheres while she swung her battle-standard at the other. It detonated into a plume of purple light, shards of crystalline amethyst shooting past her and cutting her cheek deeply, earning a strained wince from the blonde Battleship.
Bismarck looked up, her wince morphing into a grimace as she watched three more spheres manifest wordlessly above Queen Elizabeth. The Iron Queen smirked at her and raised her sceptre, the tip glowing a bright gold.
''[Third Royal Decree: Queen's Deliverance]!''
The shrieking gold laser cut across the distance in a single second, narrowly passing Bismarck by as she side-stepped it and rushed towards her foe, bringing her melee weapon to bear. Three crystalline spheres swam towards her, their glowing brightening – and Bismarck's eyes widened as she realised the implication, hastily aborting her attack and leaping into the air. Not a full second later the three spheres detonated into vicious plumes of purple light, a searing heat washing through the air and incinerating the grass beneath.
A smog of purple lingered in the wake of the rapturous explosion, blinding Bismarck for a dangerous second – before a golden laser beam suddenly cut through it, shrieking right at her.
Bismarck froze, realising her error. She couldn't move. No amount of throwing her weight would save her; the beam was moving too fast, aimed right at her chest. Her mind raced but could come up with no solution, no calculated move to avert her imminent fate. She would survive it, maybe. But she would not walk away. It wouldn't be fatal, but it would be critical; debilitating. Life-threatening.
Something in her chest wavered, like her heart skipped a beat. An unspoken question, brought forth not by the god who she found herself serving, nor brought on by Elizabeth's words. But rather, a question spoken by her very being, her soul asking her one simple question.
Is this all you have?
An in that instant Bismarck found her answer, the truth to the esoteric riddle reverberating throughout her soul. Raw, unadulterated power flooded her being, igniting her nerves with iron-like firmness and steadying her wavering heart with the strongest of steel, crafting an armour to shield her better than any mortal could begin to fathom. A power that spoke of determination, and unfaltering will.
And in her mind, a single phrase formed, as if she had known it since the day she was constructed.
'Iron Will.'
With the familiar screech of metal-on-metal her Gift awoke, a wall of thick steel erupting from the earth between her and the laser. Bismarck landed on her feet, hearing the laser suddenly cut short, and she willed the steel to part. It did near-instantly, the metal rending itself open for its creator and letting her step through, gazing at Queen Elizabeth with steely confidence.
Queen Elizabeth grinned. ''That's it... that is the answer I wanted, Kanzlerin Bismarck.''
Bismarck huffed, and by her will the steel wall disintegrated into nothing. She tried to deny how thrilling it felt to simply manipulate it like that, but the widening grin on Elizabeth's face told her she noticed.
''Shall we continue then, Iron Queen?''
''Hm... we shall not.''
Bismarck blinked, taken aback as she watched Queen Elizabeth turn her back on her... and walk away. ''What? You...?''
It hit Bismarck a second later. ''You intended for this to happen.''
''Hm?'' Queen Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder, smirking deviously ''Are you insinuating that I, the ruling queen of the Royal Isles, would steep so low as to manipulate you into awakening your Gift, to prepare you for the inevitable confrontation with Roon? Such blasphemy.''
Whether because of the adrenaline pumping in her veins or the ridiculousness of it all, Bismarck couldn't help but laugh – a rumbling, deep laugh. ''I suppose not... forgive me for my assumptions.''
''Forgive I do.'' Queen Elizabeth chuckled, facing ahead and walking towards Belfast. ''I shall hope to see you in future, Bismarck. Tread wisely, and Godspeed.''
''And to you as well, Queen Elizabeth.'' Bismarck returned the sincere words wholeheartedly, turning away from the Iron Queen.
The two lords left the clearing a ruined, smoking wreck; yet walked away stronger than before.
X-x-X
Enterprise slept soundly, the warmth of Essex's body helping lull her back into a dreamless slumber whenever she stirred due to a particularly cold gust.
That was until she suddenly felt herself getting yanked backwards, forcing her awake – and revealing a chillingly familiar world of white. Helios' domain. She was laid sprawled on her back and barely had a few seconds to gather what little coherency she could, before the god's booming voice penetrated her foggy mind like a rock through glass.
Sll'ha'drn
HOST
''Nn...? Enterprise winced, rolling onto her side and blindly stumbling to her feet – her hands touching the invisible, yet oh so foreign ground. ''W-What...?''
Nogephaii
RETURN
The carrier boldly, and perhaps naïvely, ignored the entity for just a few seconds – spending it gathering her wits and shoving down the painful, head-throbbing nausea that pounded at the back of her skull. A feeling that she only ever got when Helios dragged her into this world during her sleep, ejecting her as soon as it had said its piece. Why it needed to talk to her like that instead of just invading her mind, she neither knew nor could bring herself to care.
''What do you mean?'' Enterprise breathed out, gazing up at the eternal whiteness around her. While Helios' creepy eyes weren't here anymore, she could still feel them – their piercing, inquisitive gaze stabbing into her soul.
Wahr'rot uaaah
WAHR'ROT BEGINS
That instantly send a spike of dread down her spine, snapping her back to full awareness. ''What? Are you... erm... what does that mean?''
Nogephaii
RETURN
''To where?''
Helios didn't respond with words, instead forcing an image into her mind – worsening her pounding headache as she endured the painful pushing sensation, like someone trying to shove a brick into her skull. The image swiftly manifested in her mind's eye... and revealed the Naval Base, the image taken from the sky above the base.
Enterprise swallowed, shuddering as the image left her mind. She hated it when Helios did that. ''You want... me to go back to the base?''
A general sense of agreement; a silent rumble of approval.
''Right now?'' She immediately felt stupid for asking that; of course it'd want things done immediately. ''Why now of all times?''
Gof'n ot uaaahoth ng uh'enyth ot fm'latghor epgoka
PRINCESS OF IRON AND BEAST OF FIRE LEAVE
Enterprise frowned deeply. ''Princess of Iron...? Wait... do you mean Bismarck?''
A silent, yet omnipresent rumble of agreement that rippled through the air with terrifying strength was her answer.
''Dammit...'' Enterprise breathed a curse, clenching a fist. She should've spoken to Bismarck sooner; to tell her not to trust Wahr'rot. Then again Helios wasn't much more trustworthy either, and the gods didn't seem to be all that favourable of each other. ''Alright... send me out.''
Helios complied, and Enterprise endured the horrible sensation of being ejected from the foreign world – absolute darkness consuming her vision, so black she couldn't see her eyelashes even though her eyes were wide open. She didn't know how long it lasted; it simultaneously felt like it was taking hours, yet her mind told her only seconds were passing by; worsening her headache further with the time-bending nature of it all.
Time goes by when you're having fun. Time seems to have fun at your expense, when alien gods are involved.
Suddenly the darkness melted away from her sight, replaced by the early morning light – the dark sky seeming so much brighter after she had been blinded by the unforgiving darkness. Enterprise blinked a few times to wash away the spots in her vision, and as she shifted the blanket around her ruffled; reminding her that she wasn't alone here.
''Hey... Essex...'' Enterprise quietly whispered, shaking the blue-haired carrier's shoulder. ''Wake up.''
''Nn...?'' Essex's eyes fluttered open, disoriented and gazing at nothing – only stirring to partial awareness when Enterprise gave her shoulder another shake. ''Senpai...?''
Enterprise smiled weakly. ''We've slept enough; we should regroup... with Zuikaku and Shoukaku, and head on back.''
''Mn... if you're sure...'' It was clear Essex was still half-asleep; and after glancing at her watch Enterprise realised they'd only been sleeping for about five hours; making it bang-on five o'clock in the morning.
Shaking off the last of her own grogginess Enterprise stood up, shivering as the cold morning air greeted her. A heavy breeze that carried with it the faint scent of dirt, mud, and something that left her nose stinging unpleasantly. Ozone.
She wasn't sure if that was a bad omen or not, but she packed up twice as fast than needed regardless.
X-x-X
''Mn...''
Vestal stood in the examination room, frowning down at the empty table laid before her – numerous machines and medical equipment scattered in a loose circle around her. In the background stood Maya with a conflicted expression, Yuudachi crouched by her side and watching the medic work with intense eyes.
''...nothing is showing up on my scanners.'' Vestal finally broke the tense silence, laying her hand over the centre of the table. Something rejected her hand, an invisible pressure that pushed it back – not unlike how water pressure could push things back. ''But something is most certainly here.''
''I told you.'' Maya murmured tersely, an accusing edge to her tone.
Vestal didn't bother turning around. ''Forgive me for my disbelief, Maya. I merely thought it wise to take your sister's words, and of those who investigated the training hall personally, over yours. No matter how true your words now are, from my perspective, it was one voice against many.''
Maya grunted in wordless acknowledgement, though the resentful undertone spoke of how much she disliked being treated like a liar. A common trait amongst Sakura ships, Vestal had learned over the years. Probably due to their stringent rules around honour.
''If you would join me for a moment.'' Vestal beckoned the white-haired woman close.
Maya obliged, quietly walking around to the other side of the operating table. Sorrow flashed through her golden eyes as she stared down at the invisible body of Aulick, only further confirming the truth to Vestal. Maya was an honest soul, and not known for even playful deception. She could never fake such raw emotions.
''Currently, you are the only known person who can see Aulick.'' Vestal iterated slowly. ''While I cannot see her and my machines cannot register her, I can feel something here. Do you know what Atago's Gift might be?''
''...no.'' Maya grimaced. ''If she used it, she never mentioned it, or it wasn't that flashy.''
Vestal frowned, thoughtful. ''I see... I recall Washington remarking that she and the others believed Atago could 'negate' a certain area, thus explaining why nobody notices when a fight suddenly breaks out in the base. Because she 'negates' the area, thus hiding it from view.''
''...any way to break it?''
''Hm...'' Vestal replied with a pondering hum, reaching out and grasping a scalpel. ''Direct me to where her arm is, please. Anywhere will do.''
Maya grimaced deeply but obeyed, gently grasping one of Aulick's arms and placing two fingers on it. Vestal took the unspoken cue and acted, lining the scalpel up between Maya's spread fingers and pressing down. The invisible pressure pushed back against her but she overpowered it with her natural strength, feeling the miniature knife cut into something distinctly flesh-like – sinking deep in until it hit something solid. Bone.
''...dealing damage to her body doesn't seem to effect the negation.'' Vestal muttered, scrutinising the knife intensely. When she let go of the scalpel it just hovered there, stuck in something invisible to her gaze... and the area around it warped, like light bending. ''...but it's a start.''
''You're not going to cut her up just to break it, are you?''
''Of course not.'' Vestal shot a brief, chastising look at the cruiser. ''I'm just testing.''
Maya clearly wanted to say something but held her tongue, displeased. Vestal didn't need to guess as to why.
Ignoring the Sakura woman's displeasure she turned her gaze back down onto the scalpel, grasping the edge and twisting it. Even without seeing it she could still feel flesh and muscle resisting her movement; durable even in their atrophied state. At the same time she ran her free hand over Aulick's invisible body, mentally mapping out her body with touch alone – judging where her nose was by the increasing pressure on her hand; where her neck was by the shape; where her stomach was by the flat area down from her nose, so on.
With a frown Vestal picked up a spray-can and triggered it; pressing down on the nozzle and spraying out a thin, milky substance over Aulick's stomach. The liquid hit something solid and stuck like that, and when Vestal activated a handheld UV-ray torch it didn't show anything either; the liquid just glowing a soft green.
Vestal turned the torch off, frowning deeply. ''...you saw the rest of her ship-class, correct?''
''Hai.''
''...would you be unopposed to gathering them up, and bringing them here?'' Vestal asked carefully; well aware of the Sakura's attitude towards the dead.
That was confirmed as she watched Maya's face screw up, offended anger flashing across her face. ''You... is Aulick not enough?!''
''Keep your voice down.'' Vestal responded sharply, glancing back at the door. She didn't want word to get out just yet. Not until she could prove it. ''And no, she is not. I need to know if the negation is complete over all of them, or if there is some variation. Some might be concealed differently, some might be weaker or stronger, so on. Like different strains of a bacteria.''
Maya looked ready to argue, so Vestal quickly shot her words out first. ''Would you rather I remain here working on Aulick, or go blindly pick them out myself? The result will be the same, Maya. The only thing that changes is how long it'll take.''
The Sakura cruiser grit her teeth, nearly seething before she visibly tempered her thunderous rage. After a long few seconds of deep breathing she opened her eyes; golden eyes alight with anger but tempered with bitterness.
''Understood.'' Maya bit out, storming past the table and towards the door.
She only made it to the doorway before Vestal's voice stopped her.
''One more thing, Maya.'' The medic intoned, her voice softening. ''I understand why you are angry. Don't believe I'm blind to that. However, we of the Eagle Union have different customs. If it meant helping our living allies win, our dead would happily sacrifice whatever necessary. Aulick and her sisters are not exempt from that.''
''They would want this – don't do them the disservice of denying them this final duty.''
Maya was silent. After a moment she left, expression pained. Vestal didn't stop her this time.
X-x-X
When Enterprise finally returned to the Naval Base it was nearly seven o'clock, the morning sun slowly rising into the sky.
Immediately upon nearing the Naval Base Enterprise felt something odd – namely, whatshe didn't feel.
Her fatigue. It was gone. Within moments of stepping past the outer edges of the Naval Base a feeling of tireless euphoria flooded her chest, instinctively making her take a deep breath as if she could finally breathe freely for the first time in her life, sucking in lungfuls of addictively fresh air. Even as Shoukaku and Zuikaku bemoaned how tired they were she didn't feel even slightly exhausted; if anything she felt like she could go for an entire second patrol until nightfall.
Essex was quick to notice her sudden rejuvenation. ''You alright?''
''Yeah... I...'' Enterprise trailed off, frowning. Why did she feel...? ''Oh...''
''What?''
Enterprise hesitated, uncertain how to phrase it. Essex let her simmer for only a few seconds before sighing, strutting up to her side and bluntly elbowing her in the side, eliciting a surprised grunt from the silver-haired woman.
''Just spit it out already.'' Essex deadpanned, her expression quickly shifting to genuine seriousness. ''Is it to do with the guy upstairs?''
Enterprise's lips tentatively quirked up. 'The guy upstairs'. As in the god in her head. Essex's wit knew no bounds, truly.
''Yeah... that's why I suggested we head back.'' The carrier nodded slowly, gazing up ahead at the approaching base. ''It said to return here, now that Bismarck and Akagi were gone.''
''Huh?'' Essex blinked owlishly. ''Why would...? Wait, you mean-?!''
''They're siding with Wahr'rot.'' Enterprise confirmed. She knew for certain that was who Bismarck would be serving; and for all Akagi's faults, she wasn't so tolerant of people like Taihou and Roon as to side with them. She'd sooner rip her own head off than be allies with them. Probably, anyway.
Her blue-haired companion frowned deeply. ''Why...?''
''I don't know.'' Enterprise shrugged helplessly, bumping her shoulder up against her beloved kouhai. ''But I'm sure they have their reasons.''
''I can only guess as to why Akagi would do it.'' Essex drawled, sarcasm dripping from her tongue.
The Grey Ghost only hummed. ''Who knows. Maybe she has her own motivations for doing it.''
''That doesn't involve fighting you to the death.''
''That doesn't involve fighting me to the death.'' Enterprise nodded lightly.
Essex stared flatly at her. ''You're not supposed to brush a comment like that off so casually, you know.''
''Ah...'' Enterprise smiled wryly. ''Guess it's just been said so much that it's lost its impact.''
''You...'' Essex blew out an exasperated sigh. ''You're an idiot. You know that, right?''
Chuckling under her breath Enterprise nodded, snaking an arm around Essex's shoulders. ''Yeah, I am. Too bad you're stuck with me.''
''Che.'' Essex smirked roguishly. ''Not like you could get rid of me.''
''True.''
Their idle banter was disturbed as footsteps patted up behind them, the shrubs rustling as a familiar brunette waded through them. Zuikaku. The Sakura carrier looked awfully tired, unsurprising given her long shift – doubly so when she let out a long, cute yawn and rubbed the corner of her eye with the back of her hand. A fact Shoukaku seemed to take great pleasure in seeing, the white-haired carrier smirking behind her sleeve as she followed after her usually-overeager sister.
''Mn...'' Zuikaku grumbled lightly. ''Either of you have any luck?''
''Nope.'' Essex breathed a sigh, discreetly slipping away from Enterprise. ''Skies are clear, we saw jack-shit.''
''Same here.'' Zuikaku bobbed her head. ''Man... how long until we're back out there again?''
Shoukaku hummed thoughtfully. ''We should probably go out with the fourth group. They're scheduled to leave at around eight tonight.''
The brunette carrier hung her head dramatically. ''Ugh... that's like, what? Eight hours to sleep, an hour to eat and wash up, and then two hours restocking on stuff...''
Enterprise chuckled softly, deciding to not mention she felt ready to go already. No need to make Zuikaku feel like a slowpoke.
''Hmhm, then we should get to bed swiftly.'' Shoukaku smiled playfully at her younger sister, nudging her forwards. ''I'll even play you that nice little lullaby if you're quic-''
''S-Shoukaku-nee!''
''Ufufu~''
…
After guiding Essex back to her room and bidding her goodbye Enterprise departed for her own room, a plan forming in her mind.
Regardless of her newly-found rejuvenation she wasn't keen on taking advantage of it, doubly so considering she might lose it when she leaves the base again. So she would get some rest – after she checked up on Vestal and maybe found the time to speak with Washington about some battle plans; for all her bark, Washington was good with those things. It would be smart to draw up some counters to Roon before they inevitably met in battle.
'What would be her counters though...?' Enterprise frowned deeply, one hand coming up to cup her chin. 'Her reflexes are better than anyone on base, so she can't be ambushed... her armour is too thick to pierce through with anything less than a barrage... her pain tolerance is too high to overcome... she's too insane to fall for mind games...'
Enterprise's frown deepened, uncertainly filling her heart. How could they counter Roon? The thought hadn't truly crossed her mind until now, but Roon had very few weaknesses. Sure she was mortal like the rest of them, but she had no drawbacks. A Battleship had massive physical strength, but were generally slower. A Destroyer was fast, but generally weaker.
But Roon? She didn't have any. She had the strength to match Battleships and the speed to challenge Destroyers. What she lacked she simply made up for with brute force and an impossibly high pain tolerance. She made plans so insane only she could follow through with them; so twisted that only she could understand them. She was intelligence enough to decipher plans or code-names, wise enough to anticipate attacks, devious enough to manipulate her enemies...
She was a monster.
And now she had the backing of a literal god on her side.
'No...' Enterprise firmly shook her head, dispelling her wavering thoughts. 'So do I. Maybe she's stronger than me now... but she's definitely not stronger than everyone. If we can just band together against her, then she'll lose. Not even her armour could stand up to the entire fleet pummelling her at the same time.'
Enterprise nodded, more reassured this time. It didn't matter if her armour was durable; it wasn't unbreakable. It didn't matter if she could figure out their plans; if she couldn't stop them from happening. It didn't matter if she was powerful – she was alone.
Roon may have allies, but Enterprise was under no delusions that it was out of a sense of camaraderie. She could practically sense the tension from miles away. If she could find a way to make Atago or Taihou turn on Roon, even if only as a distraction, it'd take one less enemy out of the fight.
'Hm?' Enterprise's attention was piqued as she neared her dorm room – spotting a white envelope partially sticking out from under the door.
Curious Enterprise unlocked the door and knelt down, her fingers sliding through the carpet before she gently picked it up. Her pinky finger dipped into the corner and with a quick tug she ripped a sizeable hole in the top, a second tug successfully opening it. And inside was a simple note. Nothing special, extravagant or official – but merely a piece of plain paper. Yet the mere presence of the letter intrigued her far more than whatever style it held, prompting her to unfold it.
Enterprise,
This is Kaga. Yes, I am writing to you, I can already see your surprise.
I wanted to leave this letter for you before I departed with Akagi-neesama, under the newfound command of the deity Wahr'rot. While I do not care to share our motivations, I believe you of all people still deserve to know.
We are enemies. We always have been. Yet I find myself seeing you less as one, and more as a rival, as strange as that might seem. Your fighting capacity knows no bounds and has only increased the since the arrival of Helios unto this planet, and our spars have only left me wanting more after each one.
You are the only one outside of the Sakura Empire who I can confidently say has earned my respect. Treasure that honour while you can, Grey Ghost.
For we will be meeting very soon. And when we come to blows, I will hold nothing back.
I hope the same of you.
Enterprise stared at the letter in honest surprise, going as far as re-reading it just to be sure she hadn't misinterpreted it. By the end of it she was left blinking owlishly, simply unable to comprehend someone as prideful as Kaga not only admitting she respected her, but went so far as to praise her. Granted it was her combat ability, but the compliment was no less genuine.
''Huh...'' Enterprise frowned down at the note; carefully folding it back into the envelope.
Perhaps Kaga was more individualistic than she originally thought.
X-x-X
''Nn... ow...''
''Please stop squirming, Your Majesty.''
Queen Elizabeth grunted wordlessly in reply, biting her cheek as Belfast tightened the bandage on her leg. The blood had stopped flowing by now, but too much movement had opened up her wounds again; hence why Belfast opted to patch her up. Until Vestal could come and attend to her injuries, that is; the Repair Ship was apparently in the middle of some important assignment, and Elizabeth had the tact to not interrupt her. Not when her wounds were, compared to past injuries, rather minor.
As if reading her mind Belfast shot her a chastising look, silently reprimanding her for being so reckless. Queen Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle at the sight – very few had the boldness to give her such a look. It was one of her favourite things about Belfast; the ability to be bold and accept whatever consequence that would follow, be it in battle or elsewhere.
''Tsk...'' Belfast shook her head, slowly standing up from her kneeling position. ''We'll run out of bandages before Vestal gets here.''
''Just use the tea towels. We've got plenty in storage anyway.'' Queen Elizabeth lazily waved off her maid's complaints, leaning back in her chair – wincing when her side get a twinge of protest.
For all her bluster, she had to admit that Bismarck truly did hit as hard as rumours claimed. Give the Ironblood woman a few more years and she might even surpass her.
Knock-Knock~
Queen Elizabeth quirked a brow, her gaze shifting over to her regal double doors. ''Enter.''
The knocker obliged, the left door creaking open and allowing Illustrious to step inside the room. Immediately the blonde queen could see that Illustrious wasn't here for a mere chat – her expression was conflicted, her eyes were flickering between the blood-soaked bandages and the mercifully unstained carpet, her shoulders were slackened with something not unlike defeat.
''Forgive my interruption.'' Illustrious tilted forwards in a delicate bow. ''Are you alright, Your Majesty?''
''As well as I can be. Bismarck certainly lives up to her reputation.'' Queen Elizabeth replied airily. ''What brings you here, beyond inquiring as to my condition?''
Illustrious visibly hesitated for a long moment. Queen Elizabeth did her the favour of getting to the point. ''You're here about those that have left us... Graf Zeppelin of the Ironblood, I assume?''
''Yes.'' Illustrious' eyes glowed with thinly-veiled thanks. ''Is she truly...?''
''...as far as I know, yes. Henceforth she is to be treated as an enemy.'' Queen Elizabeth informed simply, grimacing as Belfast kneeled down on her left; attending to her bruised forearm. ''While I will not order you to fight against her, you should not abstain yourself from such a possibility.''
''I understand.'' Illustrious nodded despondently. ''If... if the battlefield permits, may I combat her by myself? I know her Gift better than anyone else, and there's still the chance I could convince her-''
''Granted.'' Queen Elizabeth cut her short, wincing as Belfast deliberately tied the bandage tight. ''On one condition; that you fill out a report detailing Graf Zeppelin's Gift in totality, and any possible evolutions it might go through. Should you fall on the battlefield, I cannot afford to have such information die with you.''
Illustrious smiled thankfully, bowing at the waist. ''I will see to it at once. My most earnest thanks, Your Majesty.''
Queen Elizabeth merely huffed and waved the busty carrier off – pointedly not commenting on the bundled-up letter clad in Illustrious' free hand.
X-x-X
Ayanami wasn't sure what stirred her from her slumber. The room wasn't cold, yet she couldn't help but feel like she was lacking some kind of warmth.
As the Destroyer tentatively cracked her eyes open she found out why. Namely because Z46 wasn't sleeping by her side. For a brief moment she was left in a state of groggy confusion, grimacing as she slowly rolled onto her left side. Her gaze slid over to the bathroom door but found it wide open, not a speck of movement within the silent bathroom.
''Mn... Fiize...?'' Ayanami slowly sat up, the covers pooling around her waist.
Early morning sunlight crept in through the closed curtains, providing just enough illumination for her to see. Ayanami's chest tightened with worry and she pushed off the covers hastily, vivid re-enactments of the worm incident replaying in her mind – a spike of cold fear filling her heart. However any such worry took a momentary back-seat as her eyes landed on a letter resting perfectly by her bedside, the ink well still unsealed and the feather-tipped quill resting inside.
A sense of trepidation overcame Ayanami and she hesitated, glancing around herself. Nobody was in the room with her, and she had learned Z46 never left her side until she had awakened, even if it meant waiting for hours. That meant something big had happened, something that required her utmost attention, and thus explained why she would leave a letter.
Her sense of trepidation only grew as she sat on the edge of the bed, one hand picking up the delicate parchment while her other hand cracked the window open.
A cold breeze flowed into the room, just as Ayanami began reading.
Dearest beloved of I,
It is with great regret I must tell you this news, second only to my regret that I cannot speak it to you directly. Should I have awoken you, I know you would've done everything in your power to stop me, or insisted upon joining me. This, I cannot oblige.
I am leaving the Naval Base alongside several of my comrades, led by Bismarck. The demon god known as Wahr'rot has reached out to her, offering power in exchange for her loyalty and the desire for battle. Bismarck seeks to accept this power and use it to combat Roon, and has offered myself power in exchange for my assistance. I have accepted this exchange.
This decision was not one I made lightly. My love for you is eternal and unfaltering; that has not changed in the slightest, and it never will. However I fear I cannot protect you should I remain by your side. I will be unaware of the dangers that lurk beyond our eyes. Of the machinations that elude us.
With my presence alongside Bismarck, I will know of what she plans, and what information she can gather about Roon and her allies. I will know what their plans will be, and shall be in a better position to protect you from any and all harm. And should the need arise, I will seek out any that desire to harm you, and eviscerate them from this world and rend their souls asunder.
I know you will not brighten at this news. I know you will cry, and the thought wretches my heart from my chest. I want nothing more than to stay by your side, Ayanami. Being apart like this, the mere thought, leaves me with nothing but agony. But if it means ensuring your utmost safety, I will endure whatever hell necessary. For you are worth a thousand years of agony, and not a minute less.
I cherish the thought of being reunited with you, once this infernal war is over. And when it does inevitably end, I hope to see the sunset with you, one more time.
I love you.
With utmost sincerity,
Your beloved Fiize.
The paper parchment crinkled at the edges beneath Ayanami's trembling fingers. Several dark splodges plopped onto the parchment, the salty liquid darkening the paper.
''Hic...'' Ayanami's shoulders buckled and her knees gave out, her back hitting the bed as she slid down onto the floor – clutching the note desperately to her chest. ''F... F-Fi... Fiize...!''
Silent and alone in her girlfriend's bedroom, with the morning light reflecting off her streaming tears, Ayanami wept until her very soul ached.
X-x-X
''G-Ghhk! L-Let... let me... g-go! I'll give... you anythi-!''
SNAP!
With a callous twist of her wrist Ajax snapped the poor human's neck with all the easy of breaking a toothpick, watching with disinterested eyes as the life left the young man's eyes. For a brief moment she lost herself in the glazed quality they gained, watching all his muscles go slack and his struggles ceasing in a matter of seconds, leaving him limp in her grip.
''Tch.'' She scoffed, tossing the unmoving corpse aside; creating a clatter as it knocked over a metal garbage can.
The back-alleys were utterly desolate at this time of morning; the sun just barely creeping over the horizon and leaving the air still chilly. Only a scarce few humans passed through these alleys even at peak hours, making her job simultaneously easy and hard. On one hand it meant less witnesses to worry about. On the downside it meant she had to wait far longer for someone to pass by for her to ambush, since they were supposed to be doing things quietly until Roon was ready.
'Supposed to'. Namely because her idiot of a companion was stupidly loud.
''S-Shut up! I- but we- no! I don't-! Listen, just listen for a little- GET OUT ALREADY!''
Ajax twitched, casting an annoyed glare over her shoulder. San Diego madly whispered and yelled, having a conversation with herself and her imaginary little friend. Or maybe she was bipolar now; Ajax honestly couldn't care either way. What she did care about was San Diego smashing her head against a brick wall in-between disjointed sentences, cracking the red wall and drawing unwanted attention towards them.
''I won't-! They will- no! I won't let you- coward~!'' San Diego's mouth twisted and bent at awkward angles, her muscles nearly spasming as she spat out half-formed sentence, often cutting the next word off and transitioning into an entirely new word, her voice alternating between a pleading whisper and a furious yell.
''Cleveland-!''
CRACK
''She needs to-!''
C-CRACK!
''DON'T YOU TOUCH-!''
Whatever San Diego intended to say was muffled as her head smashed straight through the brick wall, bricks clattering down around her as she quite literally smashed a hole in the wall. For a distinctly ominous second she remained stiff, and for a hopeful second Ajax pondered if she had finally knocked herself unconscious – before the cruiser shifted back.
''...she'd understand...'' San Diego breathed, her eyes laser-focused on the air in front of her. ''She'd... understand... ''
Ajax raised a brow, daring to step closer. ''You done now?''
San Diego jerked her head towards her not unlike a marionette, a face-splitting grin quickly gracing her features. ''Yep~! We're all good~!''
''Good.'' Ajax drawled slowly, terse. ''Then let's get out of here before half the city comes to find out what a racket you made.''
The cherry-haired girl giggled, hopping up to her. ''Aw, but it's not my fault~!''
''Then who's is it?'' The sadist deadpanned, pointing at the head-shaped hole in the wall.
San Diego merely winked and leaned in, whispering conspiratorially. ''The little voice in my head is~''
''Uh-huh.'' Ajax didn't bat an eye. ''Tell that to Roon. I'm sure she'll be so understanding when you tell her how you got the whole city on our asses.''
Quick as lightning San Diego suddenly lunged, and Ajax went rigid as a pair of hands delicately cupped her cheeks. Holding her in place, and letting San Diego lean in dangerously close – a wicked, if not mad light to her eyes. With only a few inches between them, warm breath brushing against her face from the closeness, her eyes seemed so uncomfortably large.
''Hey, we're friends right?'' San Diego whispered dangerously, frighteningly wide smile glued to her face. ''Friends do stuff for each other, right? Right?''
''...right.'' Ajax agreed tersely.
All it would take would be a mental flick of the switch, and [Annihilation Zone] would activate. And with her hands on her cheeks... she wasn't sure how well her regeneration could work when she didn't have a head to repair.
''Right~'' San Diego nodded quickly, giggling. ''So you can go tell Roon I did a super good job, right?''
Ajax remained silent.
San Diego gripped her cheeks tighter. ''Right?''
''...right.'' The sadist bit out.
Instantly the hands flew off her cheeks. ''Great! See you there then, ehehe~!''
Ajax remained rigid as San Diego skipped away, not daring to relax until the little psychopath was out of sight. Only then did her shoulders slacken and she breathed an explosive sigh, stubbornly denying the flicker of fear that weaselled around her heart. She wasn't scared of San Diego. Not one bit.
At least that's what she told herself.
…
Getting back to their hide-out was troublesome at the best of times, made twice as hard after all the racket San Diego had made.
Ajax grimaced as she hopped over the wooden fence that lined the backyard, landing in a low crouch. She paused for a long few moments, listening for any signs that someone had spotted her and was alarmed, but none came. The dog down the road kept barking, the cars kept driving on their morning commutes, that stupid kid two doors down kept wailing about falling off the trampoline, the usual stuff she'd grown accustomed to over the past few days.
''Hmph...'' The sadist huffed, rising to her feet. A quick glance at the backdoor revealed San Diego was already back; namely because it was still hanging open. ''Utter imbecile...''
She strode swiftly into the house, the faint smell of curry still in the air from Atago's cooking. Despite how divine it smelt Ajax didn't dare accept a bowl from the smiling woman, all too wary of attempted poisonings or 'accidentally' using too much spice. While she liked to think she was useful enough to Roon that her 'comrades' wouldn't kill her off, she wasn't so trusting as to accept a bowl of food from them. Meaning she had to do her own cooking for once; simultaneously a strangely fun activity, and one made infinitely more tense whenever Roon sat waiting for her to finish and serve her some food, smiling placidly and staring knives into the back of her skull.
Ajax grimaced at the memory, wandering through the kitchen and into the living room. There, sat on the couch next to the semi-conscious Commander, was Roon – snuggling up against the Commander lovingly. In the corner of the room San Diego was sat with her legs crossed, smile frozen on her face and beads of sweat running down the side of her face. Clearly she had gotten her ass chewed out by Roon – though 'ass chewed out' implied that Roon actually spoke in anything higher than a faux-gentle lilt.
She feared the day the woman did speak in a louder voice. The thought made her shiver.
''Welcome back.'' Roon greeted without opening her eyes. ''Count?''
Ajax's lips thinned. ''Thirty-seven.''
''That's two less than yesterday.'' Roon's eyes cracked open an inch, revealing their dark hue – something primordial lurking behind her lidded eyes.
''Well I would've killed off two more, if little miss psycho over there didn't start slamming her head into a wall.'' Ajax bit back tersely. ''I work better alone. We've been over this.''
Roon slowly sat up, her body briefly wavering like a marionette being pulled up by unseen strings. ''Ahh... but if someone's not with you, what will I do if Helios or Wah'rot's underlings assault you~?''
''I can handle myself.''
Roon stepped closer, smile widening. ''Not against Dorsetshire.''
Ajax twitched at the bitter reminder. ''She's an exception. Her Gift counters mine – that's all there is to it.''
''Is that so...?'' Roon hummed idly, coming to a stop two feet from her. ''Ah well... I suppose that's forgivable. Vestal was never truly a target anyway.''
The sadist raised her brows. ''She wasn't?''
''Oh no, of course not.'' Roon laughed softly, her half-lidded eyes making it seem more ominous than honest. ''If you ended up killing her, good. If you didn't, there wasn't any loss. Fear was the main objective. To tell them we could sneak in whenever we wanted. To make them afraid.''
Ajax's lips thinned. ''...why?''
Roon smiled, tilting her head to the side. ''Fear, is the antithesis to knowledge. Those who are afraid, are too scared to learn; they just want to hide away like little children, and trust in their 'parents' to protect them. And once their 'parents' are gone...''
The Host ran a finger along her neck. ''Snip. Dead.''
Ajax didn't respond, instead trailing her gaze past Roon's placid visage – and at the Commander's feet. Laying underneath, previously hidden by Roon's legs – was a dog. Small and weaselly, it looked like a cross of a Dobermann and a Spaniel; brown fur covering its body and its gaze shy, peering up at the sadist uncertainly.
''...you got a dog?'' Ajax muttered, brows furrowing in puzzlement.
Roon smiled warmly. ''Mm. I found him wandering looking for food, so I gave him some of Atago's leftover curry. He's very cute, isn't he?''
''Yeah...'' Ajax drawled slowly, watching with bemusement as Roon picked the dog up in her arms; the cross-breed giving a few uncertain wriggles before settling into Roon's arms, its tail waggling happily. ''Why though?''
''Hm~?'' Roon glanced up at her, smile unfading. ''Because a family isn't complete without a pet. Kommandant always adored dogs, so I got one.''
''I see...'' Ajax murmured quietly, watching Roon happily nuzzle the cross-breed with something approaching genuine happiness. A strangely pure emotion for someone as unholy as Roon.
Roon paused as she noticed her stare, giggling as she lowered the dog to the ground. ''Sorry... I got lost in thought for a moment... speaking of lost, I imagine that you're ready... to go hunting again~?'
Ajax swallowed. ''...yeah.''
The Host of Animaus smiled and extended a hand. For a moment nothing happened – until a foul miasma began to emanate from her palm. It swelled like ash-laden smoke, black as death and sour with the scent of rot. Had she not known what it was, she would've called it decaying flesh. She wouldn't be far off if she did.
With great hesitation Ajax took Roon's hand – an in an instant her world roughly blurred into an agonising flurry of colour, reality itself melting beneath the cosmic power of Animaus. The ugly beige walls dissolved into a sickening grey shade, the twisted painting of Roon losing all colour until she stood in a monochrome world of incoherent shape – until that too bled away, running off the world around her like paint dribbling down a wet surface, disappearing as it hit the 'floor'.
And as the mess of colour faded, Ajax was left in utter blackness.
Slowly, she sucked in a breath – and spoke.
''Leander...? Achilles...? Are you there?''
A thousand voices screamed back at her, and it took all her strength to wade through them – to look for her deceased sisters, in the land of the lost.
[END]
A/N: Bisko got her own Gift, a little insight into San Diego, a dash of sorrow and angst, and a display of power from QE. A nice little chapter, wouldn't you agree~?
Thus the final chapter of Arc 2 ends, and with it the calm before the storm. Lots of fighting from here one out... including a scene I planned out since this story was first concepted. Take that as you will, hehe~
After all, the third arc isn't called 'Dead Don't Sing' for no reason~
(There'll be some nice Shoukaku trolling next chapter too~)
See ya next time in Chapter 16: Drums of War~
And a nice little preview to tide you over:
''Right you are.'' Mikasa replied, raising her katana. ''If you shall not surrender, then I shall defeat you so that my allies will not have to!''
Akagi giggled, crimson fire blossoming to life around her. ''Ara~? Don't you think you're getting on in your age, Mikasa-san?''
In response, Mikasa summoned her rigging. ''You'd do well not to underestimate me, Akagi. Amagi would be disappointed in you if you did.''
In an instant, Akagi's amusement died.
''Don't you dare utter her name!''