Lost at Sea and In another World

by Ark Shiranui

After being caught in a storm caused by an unusual weather phenomenon, Tirpitz of Iron Blood discovered she is lost in a world parallel to hers. There, she meets another Bismarck and other shipgirls who are different than the one she knew. Stranded, Tirpitz chose to stay among the shipgirls of that world while she finds a way to return. (CHAPTER 31: END)

30. Farewell, my sister

Author: This is the last chapter of the story (sort of) and Chapter 31 is just going to be an the end, I chose with the "not good for everyone" ending. I originally planned to kill the other but maybe that's a bit too much. Oh this a really long chapter, by the way.

There's not really a resolution since this is somewhat a cliffhanger. Anyhow, I might create a sequel where Bismarck is the focus and it's a bit of a reverse. Still not sure.

06/02/2020: Updated the last part between AL Bismarck and AL Tirpitz.

---

To finally accept and change the future...

Prinz Eugen had finally been defeated by Bismarck while I stood and watched the two of them clash. Both sides fought each other without holding back but in the end Bismarck never victorious. Though I don't know if I could call it a complete victory because Prinz Eugen was only defeated when she scuttled herself...by blowing herself up.

"Eugen was an enemy but I can feel everyone somewhat sad after the battle" I muttered to myself

They may not be showing it but I can tell that other Iron Blood ships felt grief over Prinz Eugen's death. She was a comrade even if she was a spy for the enemy all along. Though the one who's mostly affected right now is Admiral Hipper, her older sister.

"Admiral Hipper..."

Even with her back turned, I can hear her sob and cries, both angry and sad for the loss of her sister. As soon as she noticed me, she quickly wiped her tears and looked at me, trying to look angry as much as possible. She's trying to act as her casual annoyed self but her sorrow is too much right now.

"W-what?"

"Were you crying?" I calmly asked

"Of course not! Why would someone like me cry?"

"..."

"Eugen betrayed us and even if she was given a chance to surrender...that idiot chose to fight to the death!"

Admiral Hipper was also at the battle but she only saw the bright and round expression that soon imploded in a vacuum. In an instant, Prinz Eugen annihilated herself as she was already dying.

"That idiot sister...should have just surrendered!"

Hipper could no longer be back her tears and so it started flowing out. Unable to handle it, Hipper turned away, not wanting anyone to see her with such face. I couldn't say anything to comfort her, but I tapped her shoulder.

"Only the future one died..."

I left those vague words to her and left without saying anything else. Hipper doesn't want anyone to bother her right now so I will let her mourn for Prinz Eugen in her own way. She has feisty personality and she might pick a fight if anyone tried to bother her too much. On my way, I came across Graf Zeppelin who is in not in the mood like usual.

"Eugen has been eliminated but you're the one whose the least affected"

As I walk past her, she suddenly mentioned about it. She really likes noticing details and suspects them immediately.

"Why would I be highly affected? I already prepared myself for this outcome the moment Eugen made it clear she betrayed us"

Eugen betrayed us and prepared for her own end and I did the same. It's not surprising she'd even take herself out when it was clear she was defeated.

"Same goes for the rest. I won't shed tears or grieve over a known outcome"

I'm not good at handling or even feeling grief and sorrow, Tyrant being the example of it. She couldn't handle losing everyone so she went down on the path of self-destruction. I want to mention it but it would be unwise since our next mission is to eliminate Tyrant.

"..." Graf Zeppelin frowned at my answer

"While I don't like to lose others, emotions are difficult to keep in check if it came unexpected. That's why Bismarck still couldn't get over the betrayal since she believed no one would betray Iron Blood"

I chuckled just remembering how Bismarck is utterly shocked that Prinz Eugen was working as a spy for Tyrant all along and she didn't count the possibility of someone working within our ranks.

"What are you trying to say, Tirpitz?"

"I'm saying if she only realized that betrayal exists behind loyalty, none of this would have happened. She was caught in the illusion that no one would think of betraying Iron Blood"

"Are you saying it's Bismarck's fault?"

To her it looked like I'm blaming Bismarck for her negligence and ignorance. Well, she's not entirely wrong. Bismarck is the leader and to let a traitor roam around she blindly believing that everyone had the same views as her...is something I hate about her.

"Bismarck isn't entirely at fault but...she could have prevented this. In fact, any of us could have prevented this but all of us ignored this"

In the end, we are all to blame. Eugen managed to become a spy for the enemy for so long without suspicion is because no one was looking for a traitor and no one thought there would be one.

"Let me ask you something, Graf Zeppelin"

"Hmm?"

"If one of us were to abandon our nation and betray it, what will you do?"

I want to know if she's prepared for another scenario like what happened with Eugen. I want to know if they will repeat the same mistake.

"I won't let it happen. I won't let another traitor within Iron Blood so no one will have to be put down like what happened with Eugen"

Despite Graf Zeppelin's personality, she genuinely wants to protect her allies and her nation because she views it as her home. Someone who hated both God and the world actually loves her own allies. I find it greatly amusing.

"I see..."

I laughed a bit and left after getting the confirmation from her. I would want to ask my sister but she'd be upset.

"I wonder how is Bismarck doing?"

I wanted to check on her again but she's preserving all her energy for the next mission against Tyrant. Bismarck used most of her strength and energy in order to beat Prinz Eugen who has the power of the Sirens, a Code.

"Perhaps I should already give it to her before the moment passes..."

I thought to myself as I bring out something I've been keeping for a while now. I've been reserving it for a while waiting for the perfect opportunity but I feel like now is not the right time. Everyone is preparing for the next big mission, especially Bismarck.

"...No. Not yet"

I quickly cancelled my plan since I believe right now is not the best time to give it to her. I have to give it to her without her knowing and since I'm still here...I can't do that yet. As I walked out of the building, I stopped when I saw Friedrich der Grosse.

"...?!" I got startled for a moment

As usual, she's cheerful and friendly towards everyone in the base since she views everyone as her children and showers them with too much motherly affection. Bismarck is the only one who rejects her affection knowing her serious and strict personality.

"My, Tirpitz~"

She quickly run to tightly embrace me between her chest. Since her blueprint is based on an improved version of the Bismarck class, she's much stronger than I am. So strong that my body is literally getting crushed by her affection.

"I...I can't breathe..."

She quickly lets go as soon as she heard me choking and unable to breathe anymore. I gasped for air before I relaxed myself and steadied my breathing.

"Hmm..."

Friedrich der Grosse tilted her head left and right, and examined me from all directions.

"Is there something wrong?" I feel a bit uneasy"

"I feel like you're a bit different today. Is there something wrong? You can tell your mother all about it"

For a moment, I became silent. I really don't know where to start talking since one things happened after another. I just can't catch a break without thinking about what will happen next.

"Well, Eugen was taken down but the real threat is still there. Tyrant is out there in the north, waiting for us...waiting for me"

I'm expecting her and she's expecting me. By how things are going, this is going to where we will settle it once and for all. No more running and no more games, just between me and my future self.

"Thinking about Tyrant is stressing me out. Even if she's an enemy, for a moment I saw someone who's following a path she believes is right. Eugen said like her, Tyrant wanted to save Iron Blood but she would destroy anyone who stands in her way"

In those eyes who had lost it all and abandoned everything, I felt like I saw myself who walked a path and continued even if she knows it's not "good". I felt like Tyrant is someone who would be willing to achieve a goal for the sake of others even if it means destroying everyone who stands in her way.

"She's a horrible person who would do anything to get what she wants" I showed a bit of resentment

"Even if she's also you?"

"Even if she is me, Tyrant is someone who wouldn't care dying in the end so long as her goal can be achieved. I suppose I'm a bit like that too..."

For me, unless I'm willing to sacrifice what for what I want, what I want will be sacrificed. Perhaps it doesn't matter whether it's good or evil so long as she can accomplish what she wants. When I looked at Friedrich der Grosse, she looked a bit worried.

"She may be my future self but I'm not like her. Do you think I would become that kind of person? After seeing what I kind of person I might become, I will never walk in the same path as her...because I will end up making the same mistake as she did"

I came to a realization that Tyrant existed here like to give me a choice whether I will allow myself to become her or become someone else.

"Thinking about Tyrant is really stressing me out..."

I wanted to asked something but I don't want to talk about it anymore I cut the conversation short and left immediately.

"A choice, huh..."

Thinking about my own future because of Tyrant made me stop and look into it. I never care much of what I will do for the future until Tyrant came. It's because I did nothing that I became like that. I allowed myself to become like that and I don't want to repeat. If I allowed it, I will just be in Tyrant's position.

"I made my decision to never let it be repeated. I won't become someone like Tyrant"

I have to accept Tyrant as my future or nothing will ever change for my future. Everything is going to repeat"

Learning about Tyrant's memories gave me more reason why I should make sure I won't become her.

"What should I do to prevent it? Must I sacrifice something like her?"

I asked myself since this is something I can't talk to anybody. This is something I have to figure out for myself.

"Unless something is done, my cruel fate won't change..."

I closed my eyes and then I gazed at the bright sun. It's been a long time since I feel this troubled and conflicted.

"To prevent my fate to be repeated and for Iron Blood to be saved, it seems there's only one thing I must do"

After thinking about it deeply and thoroughly, I finally came to a decision. Though that decision is something me or anyone would be happy about but I have no choice.

"Heh, in the end...I will have to make a difficult decision just so my older sister and my comrades can be spared from their fate. I want to protect them...and I won't let any of them die"

I don't have much time to contemplate or hesitate about it so I ended up deciding that I will have to go through with it even if it means hurting my older sister's feelings. When that happens, I don't think I can ever look at her face and apologize.

"Tirpitz, there you are"

I jolted out when I got caught off-guard when Bismarck suddenly called me from behind.

"Big sister..."

"Our mission to take down Tyrant once and for all will begin soon"

Ah. She just came by to remind me about the next mission. Here I thought she heard me talking to myself.

"...are you alright?"

"I'm fine. It's just that our enemy is my future self. It's hard to accept it but I have to"

The next battle will be about taking down my own future, killing my own future. She is an enemy but it's not an easy thing to do, especially after I learned her goal was for Iron Blood's sake but she became twisted and lost sight of that goal.

"You don't have to kill Tyrant yourself"

"You were badly wounded when you took down Eugen. Tyrant is a stronger opponent"

I feared that if my sister tried to fight her in an all-out battle, she might lose and I end up losing my sister for good. If that were to happen, I won't forgive myself.

"Besides, this is a battle where it's either she dies or I die..."

That's right. This time, I'm going to fight my future self and that means one of us has to die. Tyrant is waiting for us and we prepared for her. This is suicidal on both our parts.

"I won't let you die so long as I am here. I won't let anyone in Iron Blood die"

My foolish sister is willing to throw away her life for this nation. I don't think she realized it's because of that...

I really have to change something to myself...

If I want to prevent the same future from being repeated it seems, the choice and where it will lead will fall to me.

"I thought you're going to rest for the next mission since you will need all your strength against Tyrant" I raised an eyebrow

"I recovered enough strength for the next fight. How about you?"

"I'm fine as I am. I didn't really do much fighting when you took down Eugen"

"I meant if you're prepared to fight against Tyrant"

It looks like she's a bit worried since Tyrant is my future self and I have to fight her again. I fought her with no hesitation before because I believed she was Bismarck but that's only because she has a part of Bismarck within her.

"I know what I must do. Tyrant is my future but she's my future that's beyond saving so the only choice I have is to put her down"

"Tirpitz..."

"Don't hesitate even towards me, big sister. Because one day, I might fall in the same path as her...with just one mistake"

I still fear I might end up like Tyrant one day if I make one mistake. All it takes is just a little push to make someone fall into a better or worse path.

"What's the battle going to be?" I changed the topic

"The northern fjords which is the most familiar place to you"

"Ah, there again..."

"There's a Siren fleet keeping Tyrant there and she's not making a move whatsoever. Her ship is just anchored there for the past few days"

"She's waiting for us"

Eugen did say Tyrant is waiting for us and it's not surprising it's in the northern fjords surrounded by the unforgiving coldness.

"She will only move once make a commotion there. So yeah, she's waiting for us to come to her"

"Hopefully this will be the time we finally take her down"

"We will end Tyrant once and for all" Bismarck is determined

Even if Bismarck wanted to be determined to eliminate Tyrant once and for all, she knew that it means killing the future version of her younger sister. By now, she already made the resolve to take her down since she knew too that Tyrant is beyond saving.

---

Meanwhile...

Before we leave, we came to a decision to meet and say proper farewells to the shipgirls who helped us during our stay here. Iowa said she wanted to stop by the American fleet of this world before heading to Iron Blood to say goodbye to the Tirpitz of this world.

"Tirpitz, you're okay now?" I asked my sister

"My fever is all gone now. I'm in perfect condition again"

Tirpitz squeezed her hands and stretched her arms, happy that she's back at full strength now.

"By the way, I haven't really proper apologized to you, Hiryuu"

Tirpitz then turned towards the two rabbit aircraft carrier. Hiryuu pointed at herself, seemingly confused to what Tirpitz meant.

"I'm sorry for uppercutting you to the ceiling while I had a high fever. I don't really remember much but they said I ended up breaking your jaw or something"

Tirpitz bowed, apologizing the way Japanese people do. I didn't know she felt had for uppercutting Hiryuu since it wasn't her fault when she had a high fever and wasn't aware of her actions.

"You don't have to apologize! It's not that bad. Really..."

Hiryuu looked like she doesn't know what to do when Tirpitz unexpectedly apologized to her.

"You weren't thinking straight since you were sick and all"

"I was taught to take responsibility even if I didn't intend it. Besides, you fetched the medicine for my fever and I ended up hitting you"

"I've taken hits worse than that so don't feel like you've really hurt me" Hiryuu laughed

"Your head went through the ceiling though and you were crying after I pulled you down"

When Souryuu mentioned it, Hiryuu ended up feeling embarrassed since it made her look like she was just acting tough. On the other hand, the others seem to be making their farewells to everyone here. For example, the two Yuudachi who is both similar in appearance and personality shared a meal together.

"Meat is really the best, poi!"

"You got that right!"

"It gives me energy to run around and shoot Abyssals all day, poi!"

"That's why it's better than vegetables!"

They gnawed and ripped the meat like the dogs that they are. Well, one of them is an actual dog while the other is just dog-like. Then again there's no difference...

"Dogs really get along well with other dogs. If you two get swapped, no one will notice" The Shigure in this world pouted

"Well, at least they're having fun. It's been a while since Yuudachi-chan found someone who is wild and energetic as her" Our Shigure is gently watching them eat

Compared to our Shigure, the Shigure here is an assertive one who can be frank sometimes. Ours is a gentle and soft-spoken one which captured the hearts of everyone around her.

"I wonder what's Ark Royal up to..."

I went to check with Ark Royal who disappeared a while ago. Nagato is currently having tea with her version here but she was oddly blushing and seemingly restraining herself before she went on her own.

"Oh? It's her?"

I was about to approach her when she looks like she's talking to the destroyers here. Curious, I hid to watch and hear what's going on since the Mutsuki class here are avoiding her for the past two days. Ever since then, she said about swearing revenge on her version here.

"This one is not a molester like that other one" Inazuma commented

"Agreed but the Mutsuki class doesn't want to get near because of the Royal navy pervert" Ikazuchi added

"Ark Royal-san, when did you learn to make sandwiches?"

The Fubuki here, who is an energetic blue dog, excitedly asked while her ears twitched.

"The Warspite in my world taught me to make all sorts of sandwiches. She even taught me to bake?"

"Your Warspite isn't a knight that doesn't wear anything below?"

The Ayanami here asked while nibbling on one of the sandwiches which presumedly Ark Royal made.

"What?"

"You see, the Warspite of the Royal navy is a knight who carries a big sword. I hear knights wear armor but she isn't wearing anything below her waist" Inazuma answered

"Just underwear and the string type" Ikazuchi added while sipping tea

Hearing the brief description of the Warspite here, Ark Royal covered her face with both of her hands and even in this distance, I can hear her muffled screaming. Surely, she can't tell our Warspite about this. I'd imagined that old lady will faint or freeze in shock.

"I-I think I should check on Akagi and Kaga next..."

I snuck away from the scene and went to where CarDiv 01 are. The two along with the Kaga here and the newly released Akagi here are spending time with their counterparts. I heard Akagi is what we call a "yandere" so I feared for our "bauxite queen".

"...?!"

To my surprise, it seems the two Akagi are getting along well. In fact, the red fox is enjoying spending time with our Akagi.

"That's not right. You should be assertive with your love. Do not let anyone get in the way of your love, not even those pesky cranes"

"Huh?" I'm confused on what she had just said

"Hmm?" Our Akagi isn't sure what she's saying since she's too busy stuffing her face with food

"You're too soft and you're too relaxed! Your admiral is an open prey and as a fearsome beast of love, you should take the opportunity to secure your prey! Chain her to a warehouse and never ever let her go!"

They aren't joking! This Akagi is both obsessive and possessive with her commander and as a result the commander herself is in the American fleet right now. She's teaching our Akagi to be the worst person possible. Well I heard Akagi had "bad issues" before becoming a shipgirl.

"Your admiral should be yours alone! Filthy vexins are surrounding her, ready to steal like insects that they are! Do you love your admiral?"

"Well I love it when the admiral cooks food for me when I do a great job"

"Then you shouldn't let filthy bitches steal her! Especially the devilish cranes! Never take your eyes off them! In fact, tie them and throw them into the ocean or burn them in an incinerator!"

Akagi isn't catching on that she's talking to someone who will murder her own allies just for the sake of the one she loves. Why isn't Kaga doing a thing?!

"Ah..."

I turned to look at our Kaga who's blankly drinking tea there with the other Kaga. The two poker-faced blue aircraft carriers just sit there and watched the obsessive Akagi influence our Akagi.

"Kaga..."

I shouldn't be surprised now since our Kaga is very similar to the Kaga here since the two are both stoic, serious, and only cares about their Akagi. I mean both of them isn't showing an emotion the least. It's like they're supporting whatever their Akagi wants to do.

Well at least everyone is having fun...

Four hours later, Nagato returned and well regrouped. It's for us to leave the Sakura Empire and make a stop to the Eagle Union fleet per Iowa and Atlanta's request.

"I want to say goodbye to little ones there before we go" Iowa looks excited

"I wonder what are the Americans like here?" Nelson is curious

"They're not really that different. Well their Hornet is some cowgirl lady in a bikini"

When Atlanta said that, she ended up chuckling probably imagining about this world's Hornet. While they discuss about the Eagle Union, which is the American fleet of this world, I noticed Tirpitz being quiet.

"What's wrong? We're going home now so we you should be happy" I'm confused

"..."

"Tirpitz?"

"..."

If there's something bothering you, I'm here your as your older sister"

Tirpitz lowered her head, still being quiet. She was just fine earlier this morning but she suddenly went out of mood. She's not always good at opening up so I don't understand her on some occasions.

"I'm think about what happened in the past. I thought it's going to be alright now..."

"What are you talking about? It's alright now!"

"...ah, sorry. You couldn't notice it...because you are my big sister"

"Tirpitz?"

"Forget it. I'm just getting thinking too much again"

Tirpitz sighed and walked past me. There's something she wants to say but couldn't. It's like she's concerned about me so she isn't talking about it.

"She's acting strange again..."

I sighed and shook my head, sometimes thinking being a big sister could be difficult. As we prepared to leave, this world's Nagato met our Nagato. I think this world's Mutsu is standing beside her. She's so small and cute. I think Nagato is blushing a bit? Nagato is disciplined but she becomes vulnerable when around small and cute things.

"We couldn't thank you enough for being so hospitable to us even though we came from another world"

Our Nagato showed her gratitude towards the Sakura's Nagato by bowing. The latter did the same when she responded.

"It's truly a pleasure to meet you, my counterpart who stands proudly as the symbol of your nation"

"I'm also happy to meet another version of my sister. What kind of Mutsu do you have?" Sakura's Mutsu also bowed

"Well...she's a cheerful one much like you and she's big as me"

"Wow! I wish I could meet her but I might end up getting stuck in your world hehe~"

They talked for a while and as I shifted my attention, I met this world's Takao again. I'm amazed how this Takao is the cool-headed and serious warrior type. She even got a nice sword!

"So this is goodbye, huh" She bitterly smiled

"Yeah. We're going home and we can't come back here anymore" I feel a bit sad

"This was unexpected but this was a great experience. I never thought I'd actually be excited to meet another versions of other shipgirls"

"Same goes for us too" This world's Zuikaku joined in

"I'm a bit unsure about that since both Akagis tried to roast me" Shoukaku isn't happy

Several other shipgirls went to see us off and even if it's only been less than a week here, they were glad to have met us and we were glad to have gotten to know them.

"I just wished I could have met your Zuikaku or Shoukaku-nee" Zuikaku pouted

"Our Shoukaku isn't that really different from yours. She's a gentle big sister...except for the tendency to insult others with a smile" I whispered the last part

"What am I like in your world?" Zuikaku excitedly asked

"Well, Zuikaku is Zuikaku no matter what world...mostly"

I stole a glance on her chest area which would be immediately noticed by our Zuikaku if she was here. Thank goodness she wasn't or she might have cried.

"She has this samurai look now though" I added

They don't know what a samurai is but Zuikaku looked happy just by hearing probably because of how foreign it sounds. The Japan here is like what you'd find in a video game like those two shut-in destroyers play.

"Alright, everyone. It's time for us to weigh anchor!"

With a loud voice, Nagato called of us so we can finally leave the Sakura Empire. Everyone rallied and prepared to leave.

"Well, it's time for us to go. It was short but this was a really fun experience"

I gave a salute before and they waved their hands goodbye as I join the others. I think I saw the two Yuudachi crying and hugging each other. The other Sakura girls went to see us off.

"H-here! I made this bracelet so Yuudachi will be always with Yuudachi"

"I'll treasure this forever, poi!"

After gladly receiving the farewell present, our Yuudachi tightly hugged their Yuudachi, almost suffocating her. On the other hand, their Shigure is hugging our Shigure who is awkwardly smiling while comforting her crying Sakura version.

"You know, I won't have this kind of farewell with the Bismarck here. She's the dead serious type so it's just going to be an awkward goodbye"

I compared what saying farewell to my counterpart here to Nagato who just laughed. Everyone will certainly miss the other but I'm sure the Bismarck in Iron Blood will just coldly look at me and say goodbye.

"I heard from this world's Tirpitz she has a soft side so don't worry about it"

Nagato assured me as she tapped my shoulder. As she called the rest, we are all about to leave the port. Before we leave coastal waters, they wave their goodbyes and wished us the best of luck.

Eagle Union...

Just like Iowa requested, we stopped by at the port where Iowa and Atlanta stayed before being escorted in the Sakura Empire. Upon arriving the others went to rest and refuel while Nagato met with this world's Enterprise.

"I heard you're going to return to your world now" Enterprise greeted her

"Yeah. So we decided to at least meet the others before leaving" Nagato shook her hand

"I told some of the Royal navy that you will stop by before living. As expected, some of them wanted to meet shipgirls from another world"

The two shook hands in a friendly manner like they've become fast friends within a few days. What exactly happened on the days I was still with Iron Blood.

"Sorry that our enemies dragged you here into this world"

"It's not your fault. Besides, we managed to retrieve our Tirpitz" Nagato shook her head

"Your Tirpitz?"

Upon hearing the conversation, Tirpitz walked by, puzzled at how Enterprise is looking at her.

"But that's-"

Enterprise looked shocked when she saw our Tirpitz while the latter just stood there quietly.

"Enterprise?"

"It's nothing. I'm just glad you managed to find one of your own" Enterprise laughed it off

"You know, I wished our Enterprise properly met you. I'm sure you two would get along"

Nagato suddenly brought up the topic which made Enterprise blush a bit. She looks a bit embarrassed for some reason.

"It was a mess the last time but I'm sure if given the right chance, we'd talk things out than shoot and bomb each other"

The two laughed, sharing a good time with each other. Meanwhile, as I walk away, I came across a twin-tailed woman in a red old aristocratic outfit. I don't know if she's mad or she just looks like that.

"Hey, Bismarck-"

As Nelson called me out, she noticed the unknown woman in front of me.

"Ah, Nelson. What's wrong?"

"T-that's your Nelson?!" The woman spoke

"Yes, I am Nelson. Who might you be?" Nelson approached

"Hmph. Well, I am Nelson of the Royal navy much like you"

The two Nelson examined each other, even poking each other until their chest bumped against each other.

"So this is the me of this world. Interesting" Our Nelson nodded

"You lack the nobility of our namesake"

"For the record, I am well-refined battleship. I heard you're what people call a tsundere"

They may look hostile but I can tell this is how they get to know each other. It's like making friends in a very strange way.

"It seems I sense a challenge from my counterpart" Our Nelson smiled

"We shall see about that!"

For some reason, it's like they somehow challenged each other and I don't know how it happened. As I looked away from them, I saw someone peaking from a distance, looking at our destroyers.

"And who are you, Ms. Creepily hiding behind there?"

I walked away from the two Nelson who kept examining each other. The carrier with dark hair and bangs covering one side came out and cleared her throat.

"Y-you see, I'm not good with talking to the little ones so I ended up hiding"

Even if she says that, this person is letting out a strange and dangerous vibe like I should tackle her now and pin her down.

"Bismarck-san, who's your new friend, poi"

Both Yuudachi and Shigure approached and as they did, I heard this person's breathing grew heavier and her nose started bleeding. Is she sick or something? She looks really weird right now.

"A-are you alright?" I got worried

"It's fine. I'm just...shy about being around the little ones" She's heavily breathing though

"R-right. Who are you anyway?"

"I'm the proud aircraft carrier of the Royal navy, Ark Royal!"

Ark Royal? I think she was mentioned before but I'm not really sure. I can't remember but there's something about her. Something about never let her get near destroyers.

"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!"

In a distance, our Ark Royal came running and furiously screaming. Upon realizing she's the target, this Arm Royal ran for her life but she ended up getting tackled and wrestled. Our Ark Royal strangled her, putting her this world's counterpart in a headlock.

"It was you! Prepare to die, filthy scoundrel!"

"Eek!"

"You're the Ark Royal of this world. The filthy degenerate who tarnished the proud name of Ark Royal!"

I never saw Ark Royal this violent before. I wonder what kind of grudge does she have against her version here. Does she really hate herself that much?

"Now, now, please calm down"

A maid looking lady pulled off our Ark Royal before she could snap the neck of the other. She broke off the two before it ended violently. I was hoping for some action though...

"No need for unnecessary violence"

"Who are you?" Ark Royal calmed down a little

"I am the head maid of the Royal navy, Belfast"

The mad looking Belfast bowed and formally introduced herself much to my surprise. As the other Ark Royal suddenly snuck off but before Belfast could stop her, Iowa suddenly appeared out of nowhere with a powerful tackle, breaking some of her body parts. A single hit from Iowa is equivalent of a human getting hit by a truck.

"Oh my God! I think I think I just injured this innocent person!"

Iowa, in shocked her powerful tackle had knocked out someone cold, gasped and covered her mouth.

"Nah, it's alright. It's just the Royal navy's local pervert" A tomboyish looking cruiser walked by and assured

"What?"

"Hey, Ms. Iowa, could you show me that Freedom Piledriver move? You could use this pervert to test it"

"I-Is that alright?" Iowa seems reluctant

"As a representative for the Royal navy, I will allow it. It's appropriate punishment" A maid with brown hair in a braided bun and a blank expression gave permission

"Alright then!"

As Iowa dragged away the screaming Ark Royal, I returned my sight to ours who is met by two people in a white dress.

"Do you want to hold U-chan?"

Seeing Ark Royal still a bit angry, a cute girl in a white evening dress offered her stuffed unicorn for comfort. Ark Royal ended up accepting her offer and immediately found comfort not in the stuffed toy but the sheer innocence and cuteness of that little girl.

"We're going to miss this. Once we get back, it's fighting with the Abyssals again"

Nagato approached me and smiled at the peace and joy. I'm going to miss this too but we can't stay here for long. We've been gone from our world for quite a while so who knows what's going on with our fleet.

"Not really different. They have Sirens here and some wandering Abyssals" I shrugged it shoulders

"Are you sad you won't see the Tirpitz from this world again?"

"I'll be a bit sad since we had good times. We didn't get along at first but we got to know each other"

I admitted I am going to be sad that I won't get to spend more time with the shipgirls here, especially the Tirpitz of this world.

"On the other hand, my sister doesn't seem that sad. She spent her time here longer than us but she seems fine" I wondered about it

"I did ask her that but she said she's not the emotional type when saying farewells but she did say she's going to miss this world too"

"Yeah, I figure she'd say that"

I sighed and crossed my arms, enjoying the sight of everyone enjoying themselves along with Nagato.

"We'll be leaving this port in one hour. Our last stop is going to be Iron Blood before we return home"

"Yeah. It's time to say goodbye..."

As Nagato informed me that we'll be leaving in hour before we will go to our last stop to properly say goodbye to the Tirpitz here, I felt sadder at the thought that this little adventure is going to end.

Maybe we'll have another experience like this in the future...

Iron Blood...

It's almost time to depart for the next mission to take down Tyrant and everyone is making last minute preparations. Tirpitz had already prepared herself and she decided to visit Bismarck who is still in her office and not on the port like everyone else. She slowly enters her sister's personal office where she saw the leader of the fleet quietly on her desk.

"Is there something wrong, big sister?"

The worried younger sister, softly asked Bismarck who is in an intense mood right now. It's only natural since the day had come and the battle will begin soon. Tirpitz is the only one who is the least "fired up" about facing one of Iron Blood's sworn enemy.

"I'm just calming myself down. What's that on your hand?"

Bismarck was stabilizing herself emotionally to prevent something like an outburst of emotion once she faces Tyrant hopefully for the last time.

"Ah, this? It's something I've been keeping and I wanted to give it to you"

It's a rather small box but Tirpitz had neatly wrapped a thin sash around it. The younger sister gently smiled at her older sister, briefly puzzling the latter

"A present? For what?"

"Something I've been meaning to give to you but I couldn't because of what's happening"

Bismarck didn't know Tirpitz would actually have a present for her at the same day as a critical battle for her. On top of that, she wondered why the a present of all things. It's not a day to celebrated about since it's the exact opposite of that.

"But you can't open it now" Tirpitz said that as she placed it on top of her desk

"Why?"

"It's really something you should only open once the battle is over"

A normal person would look excited when telling someone about a surprise but Tirpitz only sadly smiled as she gazed at Bismarck with sincere eyes. Bismarck is confused what's going on with Tirpitz all of a sudden but she decided to respect the "surprise" for her.

"I don't really understand but I'll open it after the battle like you asked"

A bit confused, Bismarck decided to comply with her younger sister's request. Besides, Bismarck is genuinely curious to what secret present Tirpitz had been keeping for a while now.

"I see. Thanks..."

Tirpitz cheerfully smiled and this rarity caused Bismarck to return a smile as well. While Bismarck is glad Tirpitz is becoming more lively, she couldn't help but wonder why her heart ached seeing Tirpitz smile.

"I'll be going to my ship now. You should hurry up since the others are waiting"

Tirpitz tip off her cap as she leaves Bismarck's office and when she is finally outside, she lost the happiness in her smile and was replaced by a sorrowful one.

"Mein schwester..."

Tirpitz sadly muttered to herself as she couldn't even reveal her sorrowful emotion to Bismarck. There were no more tears, just the sadness in her eyes.

"I'll have to focus on the battle ahead and once the time comes...I don't think I can look at her in the eyes"

Sighing, Tirpitz fixed her cap and her uniform as she continue pretending like nothing is wrong. Right now she wanted to focus on the battle first, to face off Tyrant and her future self.

Later...

Bismarck arrived in Iron Blood territory and she is greeted by one of its shipgirls, Z23. The Iron Blood destroyer recognized Bismarck since she had stayed in their base for a few days but she didn't recognize the others.

"Oh? You're Tirpitz's friend, the other Bismarck. What can I do for you?"

Z23 raised an eyebrow to why Bismarck returned to Iron Blood after being reunited with her comrades and even brought them along.

"Is Tirpitz here?" Bismarck looked around

She noticed some of the ships aren't anchored or docked, specially the two Bismarck class battleships.

"She's not here" Z23 shook her head

"Did she go off on a mission or something?"

"Well, she did but it's more of an operation"

"An operation? What operation?"

"She and Bismarck along with some of us head to the northern fjords to face Tyrant for a last fight"

"What?!"

Bismarck is shocked and suddenly shouted when she is told that the other Tirpitz went to fight Tyrant in the northern fjords.

"She went to fight that son of a bitch?!"

"Y-yeah. They just left not too long ago but they should have reached the northern territory by now"

Bismarck would just be fine if it's a normal operation but Tirpitz went off to fight Tyrant, the cause of the entire situation. Z23 backed away a little when Bismarck unintentionally emits a furious aura.

"So, uh...are we going to wait or what?" Nelson asked Nagato

"Wait, huh. Well from the looks of it..."

Nagato turned towards Bismarck and even without saying anything or even asking, she understood what Bismarck is planning next.

"Who here wished to stay in this base?"

"...?" Everyone is confused

"Bismarck, you're going after the Tirpitz right?" Nagato guessed

To Bismarck's surprise, it doesn't look like Nagato plans on stopping her and would allow her instead. Everyone looked at each other for a moment while Bismarck blinked her eyes, assuring that Nagato did say that.

"N-Nagato?"

"If you're going after her then I'm coming with you. You're the type of person who can't be left alone"

"Nagato..."

"You want to make sure she's going to be alright and I want to make sure you don't get yourself killed"

"You're allowing me? Why?"

"Not even I can stop you because you're one stubborn German battleship. Besides, we all agreed to say goodbye to Tirpitz before going home, right? We can't do that if she gets herself seriously hurt"

Nagato confidently smiled while Bismarck couldn't help but feel joy that Nagato would come with her than be against her decision.

"Go after them against Tyrant? Isn't that suicide? Last time we fought Tyrant in our world, we barely stood a chance!" Nelson pointed out

"Bismarck-san, please think about this" Even Akagi

"Bismarck, have a bit of common sense. Don't just go in someone else's fight" Ark Royal added

The others are surprised with Bismarck's impulsive decision and pleased for her to not go after the Iron Blood fleet in the north. They are worried for her sake since Tyrant isn't like the Abyssals they fought.

"I'm going with Bismarck. Those who wish to stay and wait, you guys can feel free to do so" Bismarck informed the others

Everyone looked at each other for a moment, unsure now since Nagato is volunteering to go with Bismarck knowing she can't leave the German battleship by herself.

"You too, Nagato?!" Nelson didn't expect Nagato to go along with Bismarck

There was a minute or two of silence with each other since they view it as reckless and they don't want to let Bismarck get herself sunk without going home.

"I can't leave my idiot sister and let herself get killed. I'm coming along too" Tirpitz stepped up

"Tirpitz?!" Ark Royal is surprised

They all thought Tirpitz would be against Bismarck's decision since she would be rational and concerned for her older sister but in the end decided to go along with her impulsive older sister. Nelson looked at the others since both Nagato and their Tirpitz decided to go with Bismarck since someone needs to make sure she doesn't get herself sunk.

"Aaargh! Fine! We're all going along! You happy now, Bismarck?" Nelson gave in

"Wait, we're all going-?"

Nelson elbowed Ark Royal to the side of her abdomen before the mood is ruined. Nelson raised her hand first then a reluctant Ark Royal and the rest as well.

"You don't really have to come along too..."

Bismarck is worried they might hurt themselves by trying to go after the other Tirpitz. It was her decision and they don't have to force themselves.

"Mein schwester, we won't allow you to get yourself killed because of your impulsiveness. We came here to say farewell and go home...and we get payback from that bastard" Tirpitz answered

"What you're going to do is reckless but I'm here so you wouldn't get your rudder stuck by others. Only I get to do that!" Ark Royal added

"This sounds so cliche and illogical but if we can't stop you, then we'll just have to make sure you don't get yourself killed" Kaga sighed

"I think the same as Kaga-san. Bismarck-san wouldn't listen to Nagato-san even if she said no" Shigure pointed out

"We have a score to settle with Tyrant for messing with our world and for causing casualties. We'll help the other Tirpitz and get payback for everything that has happened"

"Revenge for one of the Kure...and that human convoy, poi!"

Nagato beat her fists, stating that she wants revenge against Tyrant for their situation and for killing inhabitants of their world. While they all settled to go after the other Tirpitz in the northern fjord where the battle is, Z23 is unsure whether they're making the right decision.

"Alright tiny one, what part of northern fjord are we talking about?" Bismarck returned her attention to Z23

"Tiny one?! And are you out of your mind?! Tyrant is not just any Abyssal like in your world. She's a weapon with the Siren's power, a Code to be exact"

Z23 shakes her head, surprised at how they both want to help Tirpitz and get revenge against Tyrant.

"It's in the northern territory between the nation of the Northern Union and Royal navy"

Friedrich der Grosse joined in as she saw the two sides causing a commotion. Yuudachi immediately hid behind Shigure upon seeing a figure as large as Yamato with two horns and an intimidating appearance stood before then.

"An Abyssal! It's Battleship Princess, poi!" Yuudachi cried

"That's just a shipgirl, Yuudachi-chan"

"Oh. My bad, poi"

Yuudachi immediately calmed down and returned to normal like nothing happened but somewhat embarrassed she mistook Friedrich der Grosse as an Abyssal for a moment.

"Friedrich der Grosse?"

"It's fine, Z23. They are not weaklings. They are also shipgirls like us so it's fine to let them go after the others"

Bismarck swallowed her breath as Friedrich der Grosse offered to give them the exact location. Z23 had no choice but to stand down and let them go after the others since it's not for her to decide in the end.

"Is it really fine?" Z23 is skeptical

"It's fine. They have a score to settle with Tyrant and they're the type of one of them fights the others will follow"

"..."

"Besides, that other Bismarck reminded of our Bismarck before she became the mature and disciplined leader Susie today. That Bismarck is still young and has a lot to learn from different experiences if she want to lead her nation someday" Friedrich der Grosse gently smiled

To Z23, it doesn't look like it made sense since the Nagato from the other world acted like she's the leader of the fleet rather than Bismarck. Still, she doesn't have anything else to say since their problems are not her to deal with.

---

Northern Sea...

The sky is dark and the air grew colder. Before entering the northern sea, the weather is the exact opposite whether the sun is shining bright and giving off its warmth to everyone below.

"The weather is changing. Tyrant is using that rift opening machine" Tirpitz guessed

"Fortunately she didn't release a storm like she did last time" Bismarck could barely stand the cold

The last time Tyrant opened a rift is when Tirpitz went missing and it took her an entire month to return.

"Tirpitz, you don't have to face against Tyrant" Bismarck is still worried

"I have to do this too, big sister"

Tirpitz insisted she really has to face her future self with the intention to finally sink her. She doesn't want to hesitate like the previous encounters.

"Siren fleet up ahead! Humanoid and mass produced types!" Graf Zeppelin informed the others

Graf Zeppelin's "Stukas" went into formation and prepared to dive bomb the incoming Siren fleet, intercepting them. As the enemy opened fire while dealing with dive bombers, the battle had officially begun.

"Not going to make it easy for us huh, Tyrant?!"

Tirpitz dodged projectiles one after another and we even a direct shot would immediately damage her. The Sirens shooting everywhere makes it difficult for her to shoot, let alone aim properly.

"Tch...!"

She tried to open fire but using most of her focus on evading lowers her accuracy since she's forced to move in different directions every split second. Bismarck, on the other hand, eliminates every Siren who cares challenge her with the might of her shells and the steel of her unique sword.

"Come out and face me yourself, Tyrant!"

Bimarck challenged Tyrant to fight herself as three mass produced cruisers stood in her way after she had just eliminated a Siren Chasers. With all main guns pointed, the proud leader of Iron Blood unleashed her strength and fired all her main guns, immediately causing an explosion on the three ships.

"The others are closing. I have to keep them occupied since my business is with the two"

Tyrant is aware of everything that's happening in the battlefield but she hasn't made her move yet as she is only interested with either Bismarck or Tirpitz. Floating on the cold surface water, Tyrant raised her hand holding the black cube given to her by her "creator".

"Their maximum capacity is at eighty percent of the original at best and I can only reproduce limited copies"

Tyrant has another way of stalling unnecessary "pieces" but it's not the perfect solution. The copies are not as strong as the original and she can't produce an unlimited amount.

"If only I could duplicate the [Silver] code, but that girl - hmph, she'll play her part again soon. I'll just have to make due with what I have. The data of the shipgirls I encountered that I could reproduce"

Tyrant shakes off her head and resumed producing shadow versions of different shipgirls, including the ones present. Due to its limit, she doesn't use it unless she's forced to deal with all of them like right now.

"It's enough to keep the others at bay and let the two reach me. Hmm?"

On another live feed, she received a report from one of the mass produced Sirens but the communication is quickly cut off.

"They're coming here too, huh"

With no time to lose, Tyrant activated the cube and as energy poured out of it, she begun downloading the backup data she had in store and duplicated them. She immediately sent the copies out with the order of dealing with the others.

"I'm leaving the rest to you..."

Tyrant smiled beyond her grim and exhausted expression, watching through a feed of a black steel container hidden and secured in an unknown location.

"Let's see what path will you take, Tirpitz..."

Tyrant still refused to move and face Tirpitz herself, rather she will wait for her or Bismarck to come to her. While the battle continued, Deutschland screamed in frustration as she kept shooting from both her main cannons and handgun.

"They just won't stop coming!"

One after another, more weak but countless mass produced ships won't stop attacking her and the others.

"Such a nuisance!" Roon lost her nerve

"Keep at it! Their numbers are dwindling!"

Graf Zeppelin provided as much air support as she can with the help of her dive bombers.

"If only I was equipped with torpedo bombers. This would have been easier!"

Due to her incomplete creation, Graf Zeppelin couldn't be equipped with torpedo bombers, only fighters and dive bombers.

"...?!"

Her Messerschmitt fighter aircrafts intercepted enemy dive bombers which is the same model of Stukas as hers.

"What's going on-"

Graf Zeppelin immediately realized where the copied aircrafts had come from. There's a copy of her, shrouded in shadow, launching aircrafts of the same type as hers. It's not just her, Deutschland is shooting another Deutschland and Roon is brawling against another Roon.

"Damn it!"

Scharnhorst tried using her fists against her copy but it did the same. To her surprise, she pulled herself back when she realized it's not a cheap copy by the shadowy Scharnhorst almost had the same amount of strength as her and even fight like her. It feels like a mirror fight with themselves and copies of other shipgirls made it worse.

"Kkh!"

The copy of version of Roon used its rigging to chomp down on Roon's rigging like an alligator preparing to tear down its prey. Letting her destructive side loose, Roon furiously screamed at her shadow copy.

"Die, die, die!"

She broke her rigging free and tear off the jaw of the copy's rigging. It may have copied Roon's form and rigging but it is slightly weaker than the original none of the copies have personalities or any free will. With her the others occupied by the several copies of themselves, Bismarck and Tirpitz are undisturbed like them.

"Can you still fight, Tirpitz?" Bismarck panted

"I'm fine. I didn't lose that much strength fighting mass produced ships"

Tirpitz still has enough strength and stamina left against Tyrant. She's preserving as much strength as possible as the more she gets tired, the less chance she has against Tyrant.

"The path is open, we can-"

As Tirpitz says that, an enormous I-class destroyer leaped out of water and its gaping mouth prepared to chomp Tirpitz.

"...?!"

Before Bismarck or Tirpitz could react, Yuudachi kicked the monstrous whale-like Abyssal before it could harm either of the two. Recognizing the destroyer, Tirpitz dropped her jaw while Yuudachi maniacally laughed.

"Hands off, poi!"

The mad dog of Maizuru pointed her turret on the Abyssal's eye and blasted right through its eye and splattered its brain. Causing disgusting flesh and blood to pop out like when someone opens a confetti, except Yuudachi blasted half of its skull.

"Wait, that's-"

Tirpitz somewhat recognized the yellow dog-like destroyer charging at the Abyssals, maniacally laughing as she performs acrobatic moves and blastic their skulls open.

"Hey there! Did you miss me?"

Kriegsmarine's Bismarck arrived and greeted the surprised Tirpitz and Iron Blood's Bismarck.

"Bismarck?!" Tirpitz rubs her eyes in disbelief

"Thank goodness we made here in time. So how are we doing?"

Bismarck greeted and smiled at Tirpitz like she didn't interrupted and joined in the fight, just like a normal day to her.

"What are you doing here? It's dangerous! Besides, shouldn't you be going home instead?"

"We already found a way to go home"

"Then-"

"I can't say goodbye if you're beaten to a pulp or dead! We won't let that bastard hurt you before I return to my world"

"We?" Iron Blood's Bismarck is confused

Near them, aircrafts from Akagi and Kaga dealt with some incoming Abyssals, dropping bombs and torpedoes at them.

"You brought everyone along?!"

"They came with me. I guess they just couldn't let me recklessly charge here by myself" Bismarck smirked

"I can't believe this. You came here charging...just for me. Are you out of your damn mind?!"

Tirpitz both feels embarrassed and at fault that KC Bimarck went after her after learning she went to fight Tyrant.

"Bismarck, how stupid could you possibly get?" Tirpitz continued to scold her

"Hey! I came here because I was worried!"

"But this isn't your fight, but ours. You were only involved unintentionally. That's why we came to finish this"

AL Bismarck stepped in and expressed what she thinks too. To her, there's no reason for her Kriegsmarine counterpart to be involved since it isn't their problem and they were only dragged in by accident.

"It may be just by accident but Tyrant interfered with our world and created a mess. I'm not going home until she gets beaten to a pulp. So be sure to beat her and send her to bottom of the ocean!"

"One, no one gets to order me around and two, there's no need to state the obvious. We will defeat Tyrant here" AL Bismarck sighed

"Bismarck, I know we can win this time. Because my big sister is here" Tirpitz added

"I know because that's what sisters do. They always have each other's back. So I'll just be supporting here and keeping the pests away while you two make her regret messing with the wrong people"

"You shouldn't have followed us here. How did you even know we were here?" Bismarck grunted

"We came by your base to actually say goodbye but you weren't there but luckily the big one with horns pointed the way"

"Ugh...! Friedrich der Grosse. Of course she'd do something like this"

They've been talking for a while now that more Abyssals are coming towards them so Bismarck faced them.

"By the way, that same person who pointed the direction also gave me this. She said I could borrow this from you"

What KC Bismarck is holding is another sword of AL Bismarck much to the latter's immediate shock.

"Isn't that my sword?! I really have to scold Friedrich der Grosse later about...this"

KC Bismarck kept the sword sheathed as she has her secondary guns shaped and mounted like a rifle as her weapons aside from her four main turrets.

"Anyway, I'll deal with the Sirens and Abyssals along with everyone. You two will handle the son of a bitch"

AL Bismarck decided not to say anything about her sword being lend to other people without her permission and just stopped bringing it up.

"Hey Tirpitz, after this let's drink like there's no tomorrow. I want to leave having a blast here"

"...Yeah"

Tirpitz tried to sound like she's looking forward to it since she doesn't want to ruin how happy KC Bismarck is right now. Tirpitz cheerfully smiled in response to Bismarck's excitement.

"I'll see you after dealing with these annoying pests"

KC Bismarck gave a flying salute as she heads off to deal with the incoming Sirens while AL Bismarck and Tirpitz head towards where Tyrant is.

"...?!"

Before the two could reach the fjord where Tyrant was supposedly anchored, Tyrant herself showed up. With her sword drawn and rigging equipped, the Tyrant of the North faced the two battleships, pummeled through her fodders but still has plenty of strength left.

"So, Tirpitz...which path will you take?"

"The one where you're already dead!"

Without hesitation, Tirpitz opened fire as she made a resolve to sink Tyrant and fight her to the death if she has to. Moments before the shells reach her, Tyrant raised her hand and displayed she's is skilled with the sword by slicing the shells that will directly land on her.

"It's a sword fight. That's fine with me!"

Bismarck unsheathed her own sword, charging for a sword fight. Their blades clashed, the sound and sparking of the steel replaced the sound of cannon fire.

"...?!" She is then pushed back by Bismarck

When the two are separated within a safe distance, Tirpitz opened fire but Tyrant blocked with her other hand, utilizing a barrier at the last second.

"Of course she has a forcefield..." Tirpitz grunted

Without letting her counterattack and taking every opportunity to moment it comes, Bismarck raised her blade to cut her down but Tyrant reacted in time to stop Bismarck's blade from making contact with her shoulder.

"You seem to have forgotten, I've fought you countless times so even if you're more skilled with the sword...I know how to kill you"

She pushed Bismarck's sword away, pushing back Bismarck herself but she immediately opened fire at Tyrant who barely blocked the high explosive shells from damaging her.

"Hmm?"

After two direct hits from both Bismarck and Tirpitz, her barrier showed cracks but it's slowly regenerating.

(My defensive ability can block incoming melee or ranged attacks but after taking a certain amount of damage...it will need to regenerate)

Tyrant is somewhat frustrated at the flaw of her barrier ability which is troublesome against opponents with high firepower like battleships. While the two deal with Tyrant, the Kriegsmarine version of the two deals with the Sirens.

"Tirpitz!"

KC Bismarck shoved her secondary guns to the Ta-class' mouth and blasted its skull open while a panting and exhausted Tirpitz recovers.

"...?!"

When Tirpitz stood up, her glowing red eyes and sharp beast-like fangs became visible again. Consumed by her feral instincts, Tirpitz grabs Bismarck by the throat and strangled her.

"T-Tirpitz...?!"

Bismarck then repeatedly calls out her name, the younger sister snapping out of her feral state upon realizing she is harming her own older sister. Tirpitz immediately, releases Bismarck and backs away, horrified she almost strangled Bismarck to death.

"What's...happening to you?...?"

"I'm sorry, big sister. I'm sorry I hurt you again..."

"What's happening?! Why are you apologizing?!"

"The Sirens are so much different from us or the Abyssals...so their power...affected me. Their energy is like radiation to someone with an unstable existence like me. The more I am exposed to it, the more it becomes hazardous"

Tirpitz coldly sweats as she desperately keeps her monstrous and feral Abyssal side at bay as long as possible.

"How long...has this been happening to you?" Bismarck asked in a shaking voice

"Two weeks..."

"Before we came here, it was already happening to you..."

"I'm sorry, I couldn't tell you. The truth is, I planned to leave once we return. I don't want you or everyone else to see me like this so I decided I'll just leave before I can hurt anyone"

Tirpitz managed to return her eyes to a sky blue color and withdraw her fangs. Just keeping a portion of herself at bay takes a tremendous amount of strength so she can barely fight now. Even if she fights, it will make her Abyssal side progress much faster.

"I don't care if you're an Abyssal or shipgirl, you are my sister...remember?! That's why don't run away again like last time..."

"Big sister..."

"I won't let you become a lonely Beast again so don't fucking run away from everything, dumbass of a sister! It won't solve a fucking thing!"

"Hahaha...here you again, scolding me like when I did something reckless when I was ten"

Tirpitz calmed down and using every bit of willpower, she's trying to maintain her sanity as a shipgirl.

"I won't run away because I can only stay as myself is when I'm with everyone. That became obvious when I couldn't hurt you even after losing my memories"

"You got that right! I won't let you run away from your problems. Because if you do, I'm dragging your sorry ass even if I have to shove an armor piercing shell to your skull!"

KC Tirpitz steadied her breathing and regained her composure as her older sister taps her in the shoulder. While the two resumed fighting, Graf Zeppelin is in disbelief she is fighting with the outsiders.

"So you're the Ark Royal from another world? Oddly enough you're not a child molester or O would have fed you to the sharks" Graf Zeppelin

"Why is everyone making pedophile jokes about me?! Is the other me really that a serious molester?!" Ark Royal gritted her teeth

"She's a repeated offender. Went to jail countless times. Just ask the King George V or Prince of Wales"

On the side, Akagi laughed as she launched another wave of torpedo bombers while Kaga rolled her eyes.

"If only we could visit this world even for like once a month" Akagi wished

"It's not that bad. The other me and I actually get along and share a lot of interests" Kaga shrugged off her shoulders

"Like what?"

"Like we both love our Aka - takoyaki. We both love red takoyaki"

Kaga cleared her throat and clarified what she "meant" to say and Akagi just giggled at Kaga blushing which is a rare and adorable moment. While the aircraft carrier's provided support, Yuudachi went wild on both the Abyssals and Sirens, even helping Deutschland take out one of her shadow clones.

"Hahahaha! Not bad, mad dog! Say, why don't you become my pet?"

"Yuudachi is only the admiral's dog, poi!"

Yuudachi refused while she torpedoed a mass produced destroyer. On the other side, Nagato gave a powerful jab to the one of the Scharnhorst copies that it flew meters away. Scharnhorst then uppercutted it and let her rigging snap it in half like a twig.

"You're quite the brawler type! What's your name?"

"I'm Nagato from the other world"

"Woah! For real?! You're bigger and tougher looking than the other one. You even got a sweet coat"

"Not the first time I heard it..."

Nagato sighs since ever since coming here and introducing herself to the residents here as another Nagato, they all say how she's "bigger and tougher looking" compared to her Sakura Empire counterpart. Now she somewhat understand how Yamato feels when she's called "big" by the destroyers.

"Annoying..."

With additional help from the Maizuru fleet, Tyrant had more headaches to deal with but she's currently focused on Iron Blood's Bismarck and Tirpitz. While her shieled had broke down, her defense remained sturdy but the two are beginning to exhaust. She's superior to the two because of her [Tyrant] Code but she doesn't boast it like a certain Code.

"Have you reached your limit, Tirpitz?"

Tyrant focused more on Tirpitz than Bismarck since dealing with her past self is more important than the sister she had killed in the future.

"I'm not done fighting yet. I'm still standing here!"

Even if Tyrant looks down at her because she's the past where she was "weaker", Tirpitz won't back down from her worst enemy...which is herself.

"I see. That's good..."

Seeing Tirpitz genuinely refusing to back down against her own "future", it brought a smile to Tyrant.

"Now then, since my barrier has been broken down...it's time to go on full offense"

As if thrilled by the thought of a "last stand" and "final showdown", Tyrant didn't notice she was smiling. As the "climax of her goal approaches", she begins to feel excitement but she's too focused on Tirpitz to realize this. Tyrant had focused on her goal for as long as she knows and never once she felt excitement and thrill for all that mattered to her is accomplishing her goal.

"Bismarck?!"

Tirpitz prepared to accept a full on fight against Tyrant but Bismarck didn't allow her, charging at the enemy before her younger sister can. If possible, Bismarck wants to finish off Tyrant herself. Tirpitz doesn't have to be the one responsible killing her future self.

"Don't interfere, Bismarck"

"It's because of me you have become like that. If only carried my burden by myself...you wouldn't have lost yourself, so I will take you down to pay for my future self's mistake!"

Bismarck wanted to somewhat take responsibility since she learned she was the cause of Tirpitz becoming Tyrant, a pawn of the Sirens. She didn't like what Bismarck had just said so out of infuriation, she pushed Bismarck away as their swords clashed.

"You really are bound to make the same mistake, Bismarck. This is why..."

Tyrant pointed her blade at Bismarck, directing all her main cannons. She expressed anger again, an emotion she wished had disappeared along with her old self.

"...I have to kill you"

Believing that Bismarck will repeat the history Tyrant is trying to avoid, she had come to a decision to sink Bismarck right here, right now. All main guns opened fire and with a quick reaction, Bismarck had cut through her shells, splitting three out of eight in half. Bismarck charged forward for a thrust, aiming to thrust right through Tyrant's heart but the latter avoiding a fatal bit by turning her sword to the side and using it to block the tip.

"I told you, didn't I? You can't kill me because you don't know how"

Tyrant's sword didn't break from the pressure of Bismarck's thrust. Instead, Tyrant managed to push Bismark away but as soon she nullified the attempt for a fatal blow, Tirpitz stabbed her right through the abdomen.

"...?!"

There was only a second or two of opening yet Tirpitz reacted fast enough to stab Tyrant without letting her react in time.

"You're learning from our past battles, huh"

"Every second counts. One second can be proven fatal" Tirpitz drove the sword deeper

"Heh, that's correct. A second of opening means a second of chance you could be killed"

Somewhat proud of her past self no longer hesitating and learning that every second counts in a fight to the death, she smiled with pride. Tyrant grabbed blade and forcefully pulled it out of her body, knocking off Tirpitz from a powerful shockwave.

"Tirpitz"

Bismarck caught her before she could lose her balance. While Tyrant's wound isn't fatal or serious, she dislike getting stabbed.

"Those eyes of yours. I see...you've chosen what you wanted to do...for your future" Tyrant chuckled

"I won't become someone like you. I won't let you kill my sister or anyone else"

Tirpitz pointed her sword, declaring she won't allow herself to become the future and resented the most and to never let someone like Tyrant kill her sister and comrades.

"I would never walk the same path as yours because it meant losing everything around you. Tyrant, I won't kill the ones I love just to erase my past! Because I'll never try to run away from my sins and regrets like you!"

Tirpitz heavily resented her future as Tyrant because the latter is someone who is trying to run away and discard her her regrets by killing the ones she held dear. Since it's so clear Tirpitz won't fall down in a path of desperation and burden like Tyrant out of disgust for "herself", Tyrant burst in laughter.

"Haha...hahahaha! That's right. What I hated was not Bismarck or the pitiful humans...but myself. How can I forget that?!"

"...?" The two are confused

"I hated myself for letting myself become like this. I was too pathetic to admit that I shifted the blame to others to make myself feel better. I was no different from you...big sister"

After Tyrant's laughter died down, she returned to her usual calm and grim self. Tyrant hated herself, disgusted at herself because she was a "coward" who refused to admit her own mistakes.

"I am prideful that I will blame others more than my own but Tyrant...once I learn my mistake, I will admit and accept it. To be the leader of Iron Blood is not only to be prideful but know when to take responsibility"

"..."

"I understood it a long time ago. Iron Blood's foundations would have crumbled if I continued to ignore everyone pointing out its cracks and gaps. No one had gotten far by being to prideful to look below and notice those cracks and gaps at the ground they are standing! Because I would have fallen if I did!"

Bismarck is someone who is full of pride more than anyone but she isn't arrogant because as a leader and learned how to be responsible and accept mistakes before it reaches to the point its irreversible.

"Tyrant, our sister is someone who is stubborn and prideful...but she's not blink and pathetic. That's why I could never truly hate her. Even before meeting the other Bismarck, I respected my sister because she's someone who wouldn't let her mistakes define her" Tirpitz answered

"..."

"Tyrant, in the end...you regretted the chances you could have taken but didn't so but since you released it too late...you lost yourself!" Tirpitz opened fire

Tirpitz opened fire twice but Tyrant didn't even defend herself and allowed the shells to land on her. Of course Tyrant is not someone who's going to die easily so Tirpitz's attack barely damaged her. Tyrant tightened her grip on her sword with how her past self is lecturing her. Of all people, her past self...is actually lecturing her future self.

(My dear sister...you saw me as a successor but I wasn't the right one because I'm not capable to learning from my mistakes, but perhaps...there's a chance it would change. So this time...I will take this chance so I would no longer feel regret)

Tyrant readied her blade again as Bismarck clashed with her again then Tirpitz open fires whenever Tyrant gains enough distance away from Bismarck. One swing to another, Tyrant uses all of her focus just to prevent a single attack from Bismarck to get through.

"...?!"

Bismarck punched her in the face only to be stabbed by Tirpitz in the chest, missing her heart for a fatal blow. She pulled out the sword but Bismarck drove her sword with a thrust.

"Tch!"

Bismarck's sword is caught by Tyrant and before she could break the sword in half, Bismarck points all her main guns, damaging herself and Tyrant. She had to go through close enough that she would be placed in a position where she couldn't dodge.

"Tyrant!"

Ignoring the damage she had taken, Bismarck slashed Tyrant by the left shoulder but before it could slide down all the way to her chest, Tyrant grabbed the sword but Bismarck is using both hands to try for a deep slice.

"I won't die that easily!"

Tyrant broke free before the slash could fatally reach out her vital spots but she's beginning to weaken by handling the two.

"...?!"

Trying to recover her stamina, Tirpitz didn't allow it and opened fire. Because of Tyrant slowly losing her stamina, she managed to only slice two of the shells, other two bypassing her basic defenses.

"Kkh!"

With both hands, Tirpitz raised her own sword, thrusted the steel blade right to a vital spot in her abdomen as Tyrant would instinctively protect where her "heart" is supposed to be.

"Not yet. I will not fall just yet!"

Tyrant, who couldn't go on a full offensive throughout the fight because the two are forcing her on a defensive stance, finally retaliated by stabbing Tirpitz on the side of her abdomen. With one blade on the sword, Tirpitz grabbed Tyrant's arm that was used to drive the sword through her to prevent an escape.

"It's not easy to deal damage to you on long range so I'll just have to shoot you right at your face"

"That's suicidal!"

Tirpitz knew she couldn't beat Tyrant is direct fight so she had to resort to suicidal and "desperate" tactics like Bismarck did earlier. With all main guns directly landing a critical hit, Tyrant staggered back. Damaged and weakened, Tyrant momentarily surrendered on one knee.

"How fucking stupid can you get?!" Tyrant lashed out

"If you are me then you should know you have to do something dumb to win sometimes"

Regaining composure, Tyrant stood back up even she last a portion of her strength now.

"You will fall here, Tyrant!"

Bismarck declared as she opened fire but the weakened Tyrant tried to defend herself as her stamina had been affected as well.

"...?!"

Before the smoke cleared out from deflecting half of the shells, Tirpitz had launched of her torpedoes, most of them successfully hitting Tyrant. The successful strike cause the surface water to splash upon impact.

"Tyrant!"

Both of them damaged, Tirpitz yelled at her future self and both of them clashed with the sword. Unlike Bismarck, Tirpitz isn't fully skilled with fighting with a sword but she's furiously swinging the steel weapon.

"You have to do better than that!"

After parrying a slash, Tyrant stabbed Tirpitz in the right chest but the latter quickly retaliated with a powerful punch right through the face. Bismarck followed by another salvo, successfully striking Tyrant who couldn't raise her defenses in time.

"To think I'm being worn out. No...perhaps I intend to lose here and already gave up trying to win. Is it because of what remains of my pride...?" Tyrant thought to herself

Tyrant no longer had desire to win but she kept fighting. She no longer saw a purpose but she still remained standing out of pride. She will not let herself wait and die in silence. Tyrant would prefer to be destroyed through one last fight by either her past self or Bismarck.

"...?!"

Tyrant's movements is suddenly restricted. Lines forming a circle surrounded her and paralyzed her movements.

"What's going on-"

Before Tirpitz could know what's going on, she is bombed by several drones and repeatedly shot by Tester Beta's energy projectiles. Caught off guard at that moment, she is unable to defend herself.

"Tirpitz!"

A wounded Bismarck called out to Tirpitz, who after being attacked while in the middle of a fight, could barely stand anymore. It was a direct and sudden hit that it immediately heavily damaged Tirpitz.

"The Bismarck class are indeed too stubborn to die..."

Slightly annoyed, Tester directed all her cannons and opened fire and the weakened Tirpitz, heavily damaging her until to the point she's barely moving anymore. She's displeased that her attack didn't immediately sunk Tirpitz.

"Dealing with any of you at peak strength would be a nuisance. So I had to wait for the three of you to be worn out, especially you Tyrant. You are as resilient and stubborn like your dead sister"

"Tester...!" Tyrant gritted her teeth

"You never let your guard down and we couldn't find the chance to extract the coordinates from you. We had to wait for this moment"

Tester laughed at the weakened Tyrant who is too weak to defend herself from Tester trying to forcibly take the coordinates from her.

"You broke free from Observer some time ago thanks to Code-G so we had to lie in wait to strike you. So be an obedient little pawn and hand over the coordinates and I might end you painlessly"

"Over my dear body!" Tyrant is slowly breaking free from the restraints

"Okay then"

Tester aimed at the heavily damaged Tirpitz who could no longer move. She prepared to open fire and if Tirpitz takes more damage, she might die right at the spot. She wanted to torment Tyrant by killing her past self from a different timeline from hers.

"Tirpitz!"

Knowing that Tirpitz could die from another wave of energy shot from Tester Beta, Bismarck rushed and used herself a shield. Tirpitz, who is barely conscious, widened her eyes in horror after seeing Bismarck using her body to defend Tirpitz.

"I won't let you die...remember..." Bismarck smiled weakly

The heavily damaged Bismarck is knocked away by a shockwave from Tester Beta and as the merciless Siren fired one shot, Tirpitz is another inch closer to death.

"Purifier is supposed to erase unnecessary variables but that girl went somewhere. Well, I am a Tester model so I'll just test how long you can stay alive"

Tirpitz is still alive and floating on the surface water, but she's unconscious after being shot to near death. Vulnerable, Tester savored the moment before she would release another shot.

"Tester!"

Tyrant still had enough strength so used it to break free from her restraints and caused Tester to be knocked back.

"Tyrant, why you-"

"Emergency release"

Tyrant created a deep black dome with hexagonal patterns like a barrier within a certain radius. It won't hold long against Tester as Tyrant have at least ten minutes before Tester breaks through it.

"Tirpitz is still alive. Thank goodness..."

Detecting faint vitals, Tyrant is somewhat relieved Tirpitz is still alive despite her injuries and damage sustained. She's an inch to death but she can still be saved.

"You can't die yet, Tirpitz. Because you will make our big sister cry. We both can't stand her seeing her sad...so don't give up just yet. Cling to life even if you beg the Abyss itself!"

The weakened Tyrant reached out her hand and gently pressed her fingers in Tirpitz's chest. She manifested her Code, essentially ripping it out of her body to give it to Tirpitz.

"I'm already beyond saving but perhaps you can change that. You can walk this path and change the future. You must learn from your past to change the future...and you already succeeded that"

Tyrant closed her eyes and within her inner world, she saw Bismarck's remnants but bits of her are chipped away, like a digital construct losing its physical form.

"Tirpitz..."

"I will fulfill my promise, big sister. I will protect our past selves and make sure they won't make the same mistake as we did"

"..."

"This is your last request, isn't it?"

Tyrant could refuse but she didn't. She accepted her sister's last request before the battle for both of their sakes. She will fulfill it so both of them can be at peace now.

"If Tirpitz dies here, the Bismarck here won't forgive herself. She'll end up in the same place as I am...as we are"

"But what you're going to do..." Bismarck's remnants lowered her head

"I know. I will cease to exist because all my power and this Code...I will give it all to Tirpitz"

Tyrant begins the transfer, connecting her mental cube to Tirpitz which she has successfully done after the last fight. It was just the final step for a situation like this.

"Hey, big sister...is there an afterlife for us?"

"We're just going to disappear, Tirpitz"

"Yeah, that figures..."

"..."

"It's fine though...because I accomplished my goal and promise to you. Yes, that alone is enough"

Tyrant no longer fears disappearing in the world as for once she had "accomplished" something and fulfilled her "promise". She succeeded and she felt somewhat pride and joy in it.

"Aah. So this is what being satisfied feels. I'm going to die but I have no regrets now. I took this chance and entrusted that my past wouldn't discard herself like I did. As long she won't forget who she is, I know she won't become me"

The transfer is now is partially complete and Bismarck's remnants is beginning to fade away, her bits disappearing into nothingness. She is just nothing but lingering data now so she knew she was going to fade away first.

"You did well, little sister. Now it's time for us to rest..." Bismarck approached and petted her head

"..." Tyrant smiled and couldn't hold back her tears

"I'll be going on ahead first. It was only for a short moment but to return to this peaceful time...made me happy"

Bismarck tipped off her cap as the remnants of the future Bismarck fades away into nothingness right before Tyrant's eyes but even as she disintegrated, that Bismarck was already content and so she disappeared without regrets anymore. Tyrant shed a tear as what remains of her sister vanished into bits until nothing remained while she sat down in a bright field of blooming flowers within her own mind.

"...ggh..." Tirpitz slowly opens her eyes

Tirpitz slowly regains her consciousness as her damage is being fixed and her strength returning as Tyrant is transferring the Tyrant Code to her and using her own mental cube to repair Tirpitz. She was already severely weakened and giving what remains all her energy to Tirpitz is an absolute sacrifice...her last sacrifice.

"Tyrant...?" Tirpitz is confused

"You can't die yet, my past self. You can't leave Bismarck crying again..."

"What are you talking about?"

Tirpitz is too weak to move and she's really confused to what Tyrant is saying but she saw sadness in Tyrant's smile. Someone who barely expressed emotions now expressed extreme sadness and sorrow.

"Bismarck is going to repeat the same mistake. Tirpitz, we both don't want to see our big sister to get herself killed a second time"

"What...do you mean?"

"Bismarck will activate the Tyrant Code in this timeline if left unchecked. To change that, another Tyrant must exist to replace Bismarck earlier. To be specific, someone has to rewrite it"

"...?!"

"You both have the Tyrant Code and I nullified hers already so Bismarck but you have it, don't you? The coordinates..."

"The one you gave me on our last fight? You were sneaky enough but I realized what you wanted me to do back then"

"You fulfilled the one instruction on it. That's good to hear..."

"I won't let your future become mine so I changed the outcome for my future. That's why I decided that I will make a sacrifice"

Tirpitz managed to regain enough strength to stand up. Tyrant is already weakened and about to die soon. She transferred all her strength within Tirpitz just to keep her alive.

"Do you hate it?"

"At first? Yes...because what I'm going to do will be selfish in our big sister's eyes" Tirpitz sighs

"Even if it will hurt our sister..."

"Yeah, I know that. I know what I must do...what I have to do. For the sake of our comrades...for our Iron Blood" Tirpitz had made her decision

"Heh. You sound like Bismarck. Well, I suppose that's only normal...for us"

Tyrant's face begin to crack, showing her physical form is destabilizing. Her mental cube had only a few minutes left to keep her alive and moving. Even if her death is close, she wanted to speak to her past self...sincerely and without hatred.

"I swore to never become you but I won't allow your sin and regrets to be repeated in me. That's why I made a difficult decision...that requires to hurt my own sister"

"Tirpitz..."

"You came this far and sacrificed so much just to change our outcome. Tyrant, I don't want your efforts to be in vain. I want you to rest knowing you did everything you could and you didn't fail...to fulfill your promise"

"Hahaha. Is that so...?" Tyrant weakly laughed

Tyrant is slowly feeling numb, her body and her mental cube will collapse soon but she still has enough power for one last resort. She will use that before her life fades away.

"You're not going to say anything else to Bismarck?" Tyrant raised an eyebrow

"No. There's nothing I should say to her..." Tirpitz snooker her head

"Hahaha...as expected from my past self. Parting words is something we're not good at"

"Tyrant..."

"Don't be sad that I'm going to die because there's nothing else for me to go back. My timeline is dead and everyone I know is dead"

"Talk about suicidal..."

"Heh, all the things we do for love" Tyrant snickered

To Tyrant, this is the first and last time she will speak freely to her past self, without forcing herself to be violent and harsh to Tirpitz just to push her away from becoming Tyrant in the future.

"Tirpitz, I will no longer be here for you to avoid leading yourself to a miserable and ruined future...but I know you will not become me"

Tyrant hated herself because of the burden she had to carry for her dead comrades' sake. That's why she dedicated all her strength and effort so Tirpitz will not become the same miserable Tyrant as her. In her last moments, she is satisfied seeing Tirpitz will not become the same Tyrant as her. She believed her past self will not became a miserable killing machine so she finally smiled, completely content.

"I'm going to leave the rest to you. I can no longer protect Iron Blood...but you still can. Bismarck can't protect Iron Blood herself, but so long as you're there...I know everyone will have a future where they can smile"

Tirpitz slowly reached out to Tyrant and her fingertips touched her face with cracks forming and widening. Tyrant closed her eyes and take a deep sigh of relief, displaying how content and relieved she is that she can now be "free" even if she will just disappear entirely. The barrier is suddenly cracked and shattered after a full powered blast from Tester. The frustrated Siren had enough of Tyrant's stubbornness but to her surprise, Tirpitz is standing and alright again while Tyrant is clearly destabilizing.

"Tyrant, don't tell me..."

"I saved this idiot because she is my past self. From the beginning, I never intended to kill her. I was trying to protect her"

"How foolish can you possibly get? And here I thought you're smarter than your sister!"

The dying Tyrant leaves Tirpitz's side, her only form of farewell is her first and last sincere smile towards her past self whom she had to be ruthless against so Tirpitz would be given a reason to stray away from her path.

"Never sacrifice the people you care about...because you will kill more people than you could save. Don't repeat that mistake and you will not be in the same place as me..."

"Tyrant..."

"Love is the biggest and possibly worst sacrifice there is, but hey... it's because we love the people around us that gives us strength to go this far" Tyrant chuckled as she left those words to Tirpitz

"..."

"Both of us never fought for anyone before because we don't have anyone to cherish but when we both realized the people around us are precious...there's nothing we won't do for them" Tyrant left those words filled with warmth to Tirpitz

Tyrant briefly looked at Bismarck as Tester prepared to open fire at Tyrant with the intent to kill her right where she stands. There was no hostility or hatred in her eyes but only a reminisce one. It was if Tyrant had returned to her old self, even if it's for a moment. Bismarck saw her younger sister smiling rather than her enemy.

"...?"

Bismarck jolted when Tyrant gently smiled at her as she shed a single tear before charging towards Tester who tried to jump away but Tyrant grabbed her arm and drove a sword to her chest.

"You're...coming with me, Tester!"

"Tyrant!"

"I'll be taking the coordinates to my grave so your Creator can go fuck herself! You will never find [Aurelius]!"

A split second before Tester finishes off the dying Tyrant, the latter went first by self-destructing to take herself and Tester down. If she's going to die, she's going to take Tester with her. As a further insult, the "coordinates" will be forever lost with her just to anger the Creator.

"...?!"

Both Bismarck and Tirpitz covered their eyes by shielding with their arms. There was a bright of explosion of pure energy which was strong enough to obliterate both Tyrant and Tester into nothingness. As soon as Tyrant is completely annihilated, the shadow copies all disappear into nothing, confusing everyone in the battlefield right now.

"What just happened?" Nelson is confused

"I think we won...or something" Ark Royal sighs

After the bright explosion curls up and reduced in size, it disappeared in a "poof" like a vacuum sucked it in. There were no more enemies, Tyrant and Tester had been completely eliminated, confusing Bismarck.

"Tirpitz, what was that?"

"She wanted to go out with a bang. She got what she wanted" Tirpitz sighed

"Are you alright? Aren't you badly hurt?"

Tirpitz was on the verge of death earlier but she suddenly emerged alright and in one piece like she was barely wounded at all.

"I think I was. I'm fine now but I still took some damage. How about you?"

"I took a direct hit but not enough to finish me off. That Tester was waiting for us to be weakened to easily take us down"

While Bismarck is disgusted by Tester Beta's cowardly tactic, there's nothing she could do now as Tyrant killed herself along with the Siren. Bismarck is confused to why her last ditch in the fight was to destroy herself like what Eugen did.

"We really didn't defeat Tyrant so I feel bit unsatisfied but we won now. Your future will no longer haunt you so we can all go home now..."

"That's no longer an option for me" Tirpitz turned away as she says that

"Tirpitz?"

Tirpitz turned to look back at Bismarck and right before she knew it, Tirpitz opened fired at her weakened sister and stabbed her in the exact spot which would cause a serious damage to Bismarck. If it they were both on normal condition, Bismarck wouldn't have been seriously damaged but right now, Bismarck is at her weakest She doesn't want to kill Bismarck but she had to immobilize her.

"Tirpitz?! What's the meaning of this?!"

Bismarck so utterly lost and confused right now since Tirpitz, out of nowhere, had stabbed her right after the long and final fight with Tyrant.

"It should be clear by now that I'm abandoning and betraying Iron Blood"

"...?!"

"Before the fight, I already made my decision to betray you and everyone. This was the only choice I had. I was willing to go through it"

"Betray...us? Why would you betray me like this, Tirpitz?!"

Bismarck felt like crying since her beloved younger sister outright betray her in the most unexpected moment. Her younger sister struck her without a second thought, only with an empty look in her eyes. It felt like Tirpitz had been wanting to do this.

"Like I said, this is the only choice I had. My dear sister, I chose to no longer fight for Iron Blood. I no longer see a reason to why I should remain in a nation whose fate won't change because of your blindness"

"Tirpitz...?!"

"My sister, this is the path I chose after learning more about Tyrant. Her path is not what I will walk to...but something else I chose"

"Why...why...would you abandon your own comrades?! Your own nation! For what selfish reason?!" Bismarck shouted at the top of her lungs and swung her arm

"For what selfish reason, huh? Yes, perhaps my goal is indeed selfish...I chose this on my own without considering how you would feel"

"...!"

"This is the path I chose now and you have every right to be angry at me because of my selfish goal to save myself"

"Tirpitz...!" Bismarck gritted her teeth

"My dear sister, your ideals will not save our nation. It can't even save me. This fight made me realize...you are bound to put me in another living hell. I can't let that happen again"

Tirpitz sadly smiled at her older sister whom she had chosen to betray for a reason she won't truly reveal other than her "selfishness". Of course it utterly shocked and froze Bismarck since of all the people and of all times, Tirpitz decides to abandon and betray Iron Blood. She trusted her sister the most and that trust...was shattered in an instant.

"That's right. I decided I will abandon Iron Blood and betray it"

"...?!"

"Dear sister, Iron Blood is not a nation worth protecting. I realized that when I saw how the nation you believed will be only set to ruins no matter what you do. I have no intention in fighting for a worthless nation filled with such foolish ships"

The way Tirpitz spoke with a resentful expression and tone made it mostly certain that Tirpitz is voicing out her personal hatred for the nation she was made to fight for. Seeing how her younger sister deeply resented the very nation she fought to protect, Bismarck is speechless for a moment.

"How could say that to Iron Blood?! Tirpitz, you fought for Iron Blood's sake because you believe in a future for our nation. Both of us...we both had the same wish for Iron Blood, yet...you..."

"Don't be delusional, big sister" Tirpitz clicked her tongue

"...?!"

"You're imposing your own ideals and wish to everyone as their own. I don't want to fight for a blind fool who will send the whole nation to ruins. Why do you think Tyrant hated you so much?"

Tirpitz tightly clenched her fists, not only she displayed hatred for Iron blood but she showed an immense one towards her own older sister. Bismarck is in complete disbelief as the younger sister she cherished bear so much hatred towards her. It was as if this is how Tirpitz felt all this time.

"You and the entirety of Iron Blood disgusts me more than anything. You're devoting yourself to a worthless nation just like those foolish humans! Your kind of leadership will not pave a future for Iron Blood!"

"I will not let you to insult and tarnish Iron Blood, Tirpitz!"

Even if Tirpitz is her younger sister, Bismarck will not allow anyone to insult Iron Blood, the nation she swore to protect no matter the cost. Bismarck is greatly devastated at the betrayal of her own sister but she's filled with rage seeing how Tirpitz kept insulting Iron Blood.

"Sister, if only you had seen the truth instead, I wouldn't have betrayed Iron Blood"

"The truth?"

"Unfortunately, you're a fool who follows shallow ideals so you couldn't see it the same way I did. Now that I've seen it, I came to this decision"

Bismarck wanted to beat up her own sister but Tirpitz had dealt a critical blow on her that she no longer has enough strength to fight, let alone raise her main guns.

"They're here, huh" Tirpitz is somewhat upset they arrived a bit early

Some members of Iron Blood and the Maizuru fleet stopped before they could approach since they saw Tirpitz pull out her sword out of Bismarck.

"T-Tirpitz?" KC Bismarck is confused what the scene in front of her

"Bismarck, I'm sorry you had to see this. I really don't want you to find out personally. Really..."

"What do you mean?"

"I will no longer fight for Iron Blood or anyone else. I made my decision to abandon and betray the people I once called my comrades"

"This has to be a joke, right? You wouldn't betray your own comrades" KC Bismarck is in disbelief

"Bismarck, this is just to show...that you don't really know me at all"

KC Bismarck wanted to rush and punch AL Tirpitz right in the face but her younger sister held her back.

"...?!"

As a final nail to the coffin of her betrayal, AL Tirpitz raised her sword against AL Bismarck who's on her knees now after the serious injury dealt to her. With one swift swing, she slashed AL Bismarck who almost collapsed but used her hand to support herself.

"This is goodbye..."

She couldn't even look at her older sister as she said farewell. Instead, AL Tirpitz turned her back while tipping off her cap. She didn't let Bismarck see that it did pain her to cut her down as a solid proof that she will now abandon Iron Blood, betraying it in the process.

"Tirpitz!"

AL Tirpitz briefly stopped when her older sister screamed her name at the top of her lungs, completely angry...yet filled with sad. She tipped off her cap one last time when without looking back at her older sister. She couldn't bare facing the sister whom she had decided to abandon in an instant.

"Farewell, my sister..."

She refused to see the furious tears on her older sister's since she, as the younger sister, cut down her own sister and turned back on her former comrades. In an instant, Tirpitz chose to abandon Iron Blood and betray it the moment she stabbed Bismarck. There was no regret in her eyes as this is the path she had chosen.

"The next time we cross our paths...it will be as enemies"

Tirpitz left through the rift which leads to an unknown location and the others unable to stop her out of utter shock and confusion.

"Hey, are you alright?!"

Regaining her senses, KC Bismarck rushed towards her Iron Blood counterpart whose alive but badly damaged.

"I'm not alright. My sister just cut me down and betrayed me! None of this is alright!"

"..." KC Bismarck looked away

"Tirpitz, why would you...of all people...do such a thing?!"

AL Bismarck couldn't stop herself from yelling since she's extremely frustrated that Tirpitz unexpectedly abandon her own comrades and betraying Bismarck when she attacked her. The others couldn't say anything as none of them were present to what actually happened but they all know Tirpitz did indeed abandon Iron Blood.

Later that day...

Hours after the battle, everyone is recovering from the all-out fight in the northern fjords. Both the Maizuru fleet and Iron Blood are getting treated from the injuries they sustained except for the two Bismarck who are alone in the office right now.

"Here. I should return this" KC Bismarck wants return the sword she 'borrowed'

"You can keep it. Take it as a parting gift from me"

AL Bismarck softly rejected the return and knowing the mood, KC Bismarck decided to keep her counterpart's parting gift before she returns to her own world.

"Hey, uh...about your sister..." KC Bismarck cleared her throat

"I don't wish to talk about my younger sister"

"I'm sorry. That was insensitive of me..."

KC Bismarck lowered her head, ashamed that she even tried to raise an sensitive topic with a heavy atmosphere.

"My Kriegsmarine counterpart, I have to thank you for short moment we met. I wished we got to know each other more but you have to return to your world now"

"I want to hang out before all of this happened but there's no taking it back now..."

"..."

"Still, at least I got to know you a bit. We talked a little while I was here"

"Ah yes, we had small conversations but they will be unforgettable memories because this will be the last time we will see each other"

Unlike before, AL Bismarck is more solemn and she's quiet, barely showing any emotions. It shows how affected she is when Tirpitz turned her back on her and Iron Blood, declaring she will no longer fight for Iron Blood and will only fight for herself.

"You should rest with your comrades before you all return home"

"Y-yeah, I'll do that..."

KC Bismarck, unable to handle the intense and serious mood because of what happened earlier, planned to leave as much as possible even if there are no proper farewells, especially to the one person she wanted to say goodbye more than anyone.

"Wait"

"...?" KC Bismarck is about to leave the office

"Let's talk a bit over a cup of coffee. To lighten both our mood"

"Sure..."

From the looks of it, AL Bismarck looked like she needed to talk to someone right now but doesn't know how so Bismarck agreed to have coffee with her. About two hours later, the Maizuru fleet recovered enough stamina and strength to sail again and return to their own world.

"Where's Bismarck?" Ark Royal looked everywhere

"I'm here, you English stalker"

Along with KC Bismarck is AL Bismarck who came along to see them off since she never met them personally. She smiled seeing how the parallel versions of some ships have the air of shipgirls who fought countless battles and never gave up once. At the very least, she tipped her cap to them.

"Okay, it's time to go!"

Nelson activated the prototype cube and opened a rift which connected to an unknown part of Japan. They can't exactly direct it to their base but they managed to set it within Japan.

"Bismarck, take care of your sister. Don't make the same mistake as I did"

"...?"

"Just...make sure she won't lose herself. You two only have each other"

"Don't worry. As long as I am here, I won't let anything happen to my sister. I'll whoop her ass if she tries anything funny" KC Bismarck nodded and laughed

"H-hey..." KC Tirpitz clearly heard that

"Don't worry. Abyssal or not, you're still my little sister so I'll go easy on you...probably"

"Probably?!"

AL Bismarck is still hurt after her own younger sister betrayed her left with a sorrowful farewell but she smiled seeing the parallel Bismarck and Tirpitz genuinely acting like close sisters to each other.

"Tirpitz, don't hesitate to show your older sister how much you love her"

"I already am showing it. As a mutated abomination, my sanity is being kept by knowing she'd be here to make sure I won't lose myself" KC Tirpitz smiled at her sister

"I see. Then, I wish all of you the best of luck in your world. I hope one day you will retake your seas...and protect your world"

"Farewell, more serious version of me. I will treasure this gift with care" KC Bismarck raised the sheathed sword

Everyone started entering the rift with KC Tirpitz being the second last since she said her farewell by gently smiling at AL Bismarck who reacted since for a moment she saw her own Tirpitz having the same smile.

"I'll try be a good leader to my German comrades like you. Thank you for everything, Bismarck of Iron Blood"

"As to you, Bismarck of the Kriegsmarine"

They both saluted at each other, a proper and formal goodbye between the two counterparts. Before entering the rift, KC Bismarck waved goodbye with s bright smile on her face As soon as KC Bismarck entered the rift, it closed shortly after. Ending the adventure of the two different worlds.

"We let you say goodbye to them since we already said our goodbye. Scharnhorst even cried. So now what?" Graf Zeppelin asked

"I will search for my sister to learn why she did really betray us. I want to know the truth from her..."

Bismarck made it her goal to find her Tirpitz whose whereabout is currently unknown after the fight. She knows Tirpitz wouldn't betray Iron Blood like that and she believed there is a true reason behind it.

"What a tragic ending for us...but at least they got their happy ending"

Graf Zeppelin sighed, somewhat not satisfied that it wasn't a good ending for Bismarck since their Tirpitz betrayed them and is nowhere to be found while the Maizuru fleet's Bismarck still has her sister and even managed to return home. Bismarck gazed one last time at the horizon where the Maizuru fleet had disappeared and as she turned around from the view, she's still visibly devastated at the betrayal.

Yes. Their adventure had ended...

The Maizuru fleet landed in an unknown area in the Sea of Japan but at least they're glad they're finally back home in their own world. Yuudachi starts crying while Shigure comforts her while Nelson sighs in relief but they're relief is cut short when...

"Kyaaah!" The four destroyers hugged each other

The Akatsuki class destroyers accompanied by Tenryuu coming back from an expedition saw the missing fleet pop out of nowhere. The four destroyers looked like they say a ghost while Tenryuu is speechless. A tear in space had opened up and the fleet missing for a week now appeared all of a sudden.

"Ah. You guys are actually still alive..." Tenryuu is shaking

"Looks like we have a lot to explain...after we return to the base"

Nagato scratched her head since once they return to the base, they will have to explain to the navy to why their fleet mysteriously disappeared and popped out in the middle of the sea. The only problem is now they are going to explain alien-like beings and the existence of a parallel world.

"What do you think will happen to those two?" Tirpitz asked her sister

"I hope that the other Bismarck can face her Tirpitz again..."

Bismarck sadly hoped her Iron Blood counterpart can find and face her Tirpitz since their ending is unresolved with the other Tirpitz deciding to abandon her comrades and nation before she disappeared. If given a chance, Bismarck wanted to help her again...