I just watched the first episode of Azur Lane and now you all get a story with H44 in it. If you don't know who this is, H44 is a ship boy from my story The H Stands For Help Me and the soon to be written sequel The H Stands For Kaiser. For this story, the name will stay H44, as this H44 is separate from the Kancolle H44 that I have written.

(EDIT: Fixed a continuity error and removed a sub-plot that will be re-implemented later on)

Open Waters, near Azur Lane Central Base

The open waters were a very clear blue and calm. The blue skies had very few clouds in it, which allowed for the sun to shine on the water. But soon, the water was split as a ship's hull sliced the surface of the water. The grey steel was dull, the anchor was black. The ship was huge, the main superstructure of the ship similar to Kriegsmarine battleships. The ship had four two barrelled turrets, several underwater torpedo launchers, and a multi-layered AA defense layout. The ship's RADAR device spun as it searched for any hostels, and the ship was making a steady 30 knots. With this massive battleship were two carriers and around two dozen alien-like ships. The two carriers were making a steady pace behind the battleship. Soon, two figures jumped into the air and landed on the deck of the battleship.

While both figures were wearing clothes fitting of a shrine-maiden and had nine tails similar to a shrine-spirit, one had brunette hair and red eyes and the other had snow white hair and blue eyes.

"The plan would still be fine if it was just us two. Ayanami is already at the base, and they aren't expecting an attack." The snow-haired one stated.

"We are fostering good relations with Iron Blood, dear sister Kaga." The other explained. "Besides, this one is rather impressive."

"No one needs eight 508mm cannons." The snow-haired, Kaga, said. "And a battleship with torpedoes and multi-AA? Iron Blood is expecting this ship to fight everything, Akagi."

"And if my orders require it, I will." The two turned around to see a person leaning on a turret, the cannon making the figure seem very small. The person's features were hidden by the shadow of the cannon. "I plan on making a great first impression on Azur Lane. Especially on the Royal Navy."

"What about Eagle Union, since they don't know you exist?" Kaga asked.

"Well, considering they never got around to bringing anything bigger than sixteen inches to fight, I'm not nervous." The person responded, as he began walking towards the two. "My older half-sister could handle whatever they threw at her. I can do more." The figure wore a black full-body wetsuit with red steel armor pieces on his arms, shins, chest, and back. A white Iron Blood sigil was on the left side of his chest piece, a wolf head sigil on the right. He had piercing blue eyes and steel grey hair. His skin was pale, and he had a downward scar across the left side of his mouth. He stood noticeably taller than the two carriers at six feet, four inches.

"And that would be?" Akagi asked.

"I can give them back what they throw at me tenfold."

Kaga narrowed her eyes. "You sound confident."

"I do?"

"Yes."

"Well, hope I can deliver on it then."

Kaga sighed. "You know, we can handle this on our own."

"And? You need someone to keep the battleships busy while you all deal with the lighter but more numerous ships."

Akagi nodded. "He's right. If he keeps their battleships at bay, we can focus on the more numerous smaller ships."

Kaga seemed to think on this, while the Ship-boy stretched his arms. "Whatever the case may be when we get there, do realize that no plan ever survives contact with the enemy."

"Oh, I am well aware of that." Akagi said. "Don't you worry your little head about it."

He nodded. "I will prepare what supplies I have. I pray for a good fight."

Azur Lane Central Base

"To what we owe the pleasure of being greeted by you, your Highness?" A woman wearing clothes befitting an upper class socialite.

"Don't be silly, it's not like that." The woman wearing the clothing fitting of a royal prince responded. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"It has. Who is your friend?"

Another woman wearing clothes more befitting of a rebellious schoolgirl waved. "I'm Cleveland, from Eagle Union!"

"Nice to meet you. I am Illustrious." The socialite responded. "Nice to see Prince of Wales making some friends."

"Prince is awesome! She's been a big help to the upper echelon here and getting everyone organized!" Cleveland exclaimed.

Illustrious looked out to the docks, looking at all the docked ships. "It seems so." She looked down at the small girl who had accompanied her. "While I have you two here, I would like you to meet our newest carrier."

Wales and Cleveland looked down to see the small girl hide behind Illustrious. She wore a white dress and was holding a stuffed unicorn.

"Wales, Cleveland, meet Unicorn."

Seas adjacent to Azur Lane

The large warships of Akagi, Kaga, and the battleship moved towards their rallying point. The dozens of Siren ships behind them made them an even more intimidating presence.

"Akagi, I'm launching the Siren planes to soften them up." Kaga said, signalling the Siren ships to send up their air power. "We'll make our appearance shortly after."

"Of course, dear sister." Akagi said, and she turned to the battleship. "Can you hear me?"

"Of course, Akagi."

"I would like to thank you for accompanying us on the mission."

"It's been a pleasure. Let's hope our first mission will not be our last." The battleship responded. "You and your sister seem to be quite the duo, I hope I do not ruin that relationship."

"You are quite the respectful one." Kaga said. "Unlike some of your Iron Blood companions."

"Respect is important to fostering good relations." The battleship said. He watched the Siren planes fly above as they flew towards the Azur Base. "Shall I launch a salvo to wake them up?"

"You know...that is not a bad idea." Akagi said. "Go ahead."

The battleship smiled. "Excellent. Battleship H44, let's go!"

The battleship that H44 was standing on glowed, and broke into cubes. The pieces floated into the air, and formed into pieces of H44's Ship-girls form. The bow and stern separated into two pieces, each taking form on either side of his body. The ends opened up, making them look like metal dragons, the mouths and eyes glowing like fire. The torpedo launchers formed on his legs, while the AA formed up on platforms on his shoulders.

H44 aimed his cannons, his head disappearing in a glow as a helmet with a metal facemask/gasmask hybrid appeared in its place. "Cannons aimed, firing one salvo." The cannons thundered, causing large ripples in the water around him.

"Akagi, what is he?" Kaga asked.

"He is the love-child design of Prinz Eugen and Friedrich de Grosse. He has the shoulder AA platform of Prinz and the cannon design of Grosse. He's a monster made to keep the younger Iron Blood ships's morale up." Akagi responded. "And he's our most powerful ally."

"The armor seems a bit much."

"Well, he is the most armored ship in all four camps. They kept him secret during the Siren War, sent him on missions that regular Ship-girls couldn't do." Akagi explained. "And he's a gentleman to boot."

"A commandant's favorite?" Kaga asked.

"Most likely. Now, let's not let him have all the fun." Akagi smiled.

Cliff overlooking Azur Lane Base

The explosions woke Laffey from her nap. She looked around, and stood up. "Whaa?"

She looked out from the cliff she was standing on, which overlooked the base. She watched as Siren planes dropped bombs and fired missiles at the unarmed Ship-girls. Laffey noticed her allies donning their ships and getting into the fight. She began to turn around to join them when she heard a whistling noise.

"Huh?" She looked up, and saw shells screaming down from the sky. They were orange tipped. "HE shells? Ships don't use those anymore…" The shells impacted the ground, and huge explosions erupted from the ground. "Or...maybe they do."

She turned around, seeing her friend Javelin and her new friend Unicorn run up from the base. "Laffey! We gotta go!" Javelin said. "Siren aircraft are attacking the harbor!"

In the waters below

Ship-girls moved in and out, destroying aircraft and avoiding missiles from the surviving ones. The harbor sky was filling up with smoke, with several un-equipped ships sinking into the waters. Many of the ship-girls were taking notice of the larger explosions taking place on the docks.

"Saratoga, does it look like something's pounding the docks?" Cleveland asked the smaller girl.

"Kinda! Why-" An explosion knocked the carrier into the water.

"Saratoga!" Cleveland shouted, only to be knocked off balance by an explosion. "What the-" She looked to the sky to see planes of- "Are those Sakura Empire planes?!"

"Correct." Cleveland looked to see two carriers approaching the harbor. Standing on them were Kaga and Akagi.

"Crap, we got incoming!" Cleveland shouted. She then noticed something shooting in between the carriers. "Huh!?"

The plume of water got closer until it reached the harbor and jumped into the air. It was coming down for a punch at Cleveland. It was an armored figure, the superstructure reminding Cleveland of an Iron Blood ship.

"Crap, that is an Iron Blood ship!" She crossed her arms, taking the blow from the figure. She was knocked back. "Damn! A CQC expert!?"

"Mostly correct." The figure said, the voice slightly distorted by the helmet gear. "You aren't worth my time." He rushed up to Cleveland, grabbing her by the wrist. "Where is she?"

"Who!?"
"Don't play dumb!" The figure's cannons turned, and fired at two approaching Ship-girls. They were blown away by the explosion. "Where is Prince of Wales?"

"I-" Cleveland was interrupted by an explosion freeing her from the figure's grasp.

The figure backed away. "Guess I didn't need that damn light cruiser." The figure's bow and stern dragons roared. "Prince of Wales!" The figure shouted.

Wales arrived next to the down figure of Cleveland. "Cleveland, get out of here."

"What? Wales, you're gonna need help against this thi-"

"This thing is the most dangerous ship Iron Blood has to offer." Wales snapped. "Go, help the smaller ships!"

Cleveland hesitantly nodded, and shot off to the bigger battle. Wales turned back to the imposing figure. "I've heard a lot of things about you."

"I could say the same about you." The figure responded. "Don't worry about the smaller ships, I'm sure they can handle Akagi and Kaga."

"They did say you were a respectful one." Wales smiled. "Shall we dance, H44?"

H44 smiled. "With pleasure." His hands glowed, and were replaced by dragon claws. He lunged at Wales, swiping at her. Wales blocked the strike with her sword, hooking H44's claws with her blade.

"Remember, you're not the only one who has melee skills." Wales smirked.

"I am well aware." H44 gripped the sword, and ripped it from Wales's grasp. "But remember that hooked claws can work both ways." He swiped, scratching Wales's clothing.

"Barbarian!"

"What can I say?!" H44 exclaimed, his cannons aiming and firing. The shells impacted Wales's ship parts, damaging them. "I have an affinity for not fighting fair."

Wales gritted her teeth. "You…"

H44's dragons growled. "Careful what you say, Wales. These babies have done their fair share of killing as well."

Wales fell to one knee. "Illustrious...I'm-"

Explosions tore H44's attention back to the main battle. He watched as Unicorn summoned fighters to assist the Azur Lane ships. "She's a carrier?"

Wales smiled. "A small one, isn't she?"

H44 said nothing, only letting his cannons aim and fire. The shell flew through the air, exploding around the flying figure of Unicorn.

"No!" Wales shouted.

Unicorn was shrouded in smoke, but her body fell from the smoke filled sky and was caught by Cleveland.

"Dammit." Wales cursed. She began to stand up, only to hear a whistling noise. "Huh?"

H44 heard it too. "Oh great." He caught the yellow glowing arrow flying towards him. "You."

All of the Ship-girls turned to the direction of where the arrow had been shot from. Standing in the midst was a girl wearing a naval officer's cap and overcoat, her light grey hair blowing in the wind.

"Enterprise!" Cleveland shouted.

"Damn." Kaga cursed. "We weren't expecting reinforcements." Akagi only smiled.

H44 threw the arrow he had caught at Wales without looking back at her. The explosion knocked her on her back. "Enterprise!"

Enterprise summoned another arrow in her rigging. "You will stand down at on-"

H44 sped towards her.

"Crap, that ship's fast!" Cleveland shouted. "Let Enterprise handle this!" She shouted to her allies.

Enterprise fired the arrow, but H44's dragon knocked it away. H44 was on top of her, slashing downwards at her. Enterprise blocked it with her rigging, but cracks appeared. "What?"

H44's other hand came down, adding more force to the attack. "They call you a pillar of strength." H44's AA came to bear, firing into the air to stop some still surviving aircraft from attacking him. "And yet, you're being held down by one singular battleship?"

"Who are you?" Enterprise asked.

H44 pushed Enterprise away. "Me? I go by many names."

"Give me the real one."

The helmet disappeared, revealing a masculine face. "I am Schlachtschiff Hull 44, but you can call me H44."

Enterprise's eyes widened. "A male?!"

H44's right hand glowed, and summoned a red bladed great-sword. He dashed at Enterprise, and slashed down. The sword struck Enterprise's bow, and the rigging cracked. "Not just any male, the only male."

Enterprise gritted her teeth, hoping her rigging would hold against the attacks. It was only when she heard a creaking sound did she realize it was over. The rigging exploded, and H44's blade swung all the way through and hit the water. Enterprise jumped away, hoping to get distance from H44. Explosions landed around her, and she remembered that H44 and her were not the only ones doing battle. "Damn, they've got us."

H44 smirked. "I would stand down. This won't end well for you. And if you don't." His cannons recalibrated and aimed at Enterprise. "The Grey Ghost really will become one. Your luck won't hold against eight 508mm shells."

Enterprise said nothing, only scowling at H44.

"I'll take your silence as a surrender." H44 said.

"H44, we're pulling back!" Kaga shouted.

H44 narrowed his eyes at Enterprise. "Rest, if you would so kindly. I want you to be at full strength or better when I face you again." His sword disappeared in a glow of red light, and he shot off towards Kaga and Akagi. He jumped up into the air, his form glowing as his ship parts reformed back into their ship form. The imposing form of the H44 battleship scared the younger ships. His battleship was bigger than Kaga and Akagi's carriers. H44 landed on his innermost back cannon, allowing him to turn around at the burning harbor of Azur Lane.

He didn't smile, not even a smirk. His face was similar to one looking down at unworthy people, his eyes looked bored, his arms crossed. He turned around, and jumped off the giant turret.

"Enterprise!" Cleveland appeared next to the carrier. "What happened?"

"He...got the better of me." Enterprise didn't seem too perturbed by this.

"Huh!?" Javelin exclaimed, appearing on the other side of Enterprise.

"It's no surprise." Wales said, walking up behind the group, causing them to turn around. Wales looked pretty bad, her right turret was busted, the top blown wide up. The left cannon seemed fine, except the two of the barrels were bent. "He's not exactly someone we can beat."

"What do you mean, Wales?" Cleveland asked.

Wales seemed to be lost in thought for a second, and then looked back up, directly at Enterprise. "Hull four-four, or H44, is the newest battleship in Iron Blood's naval register. They can only make the one type because of the massive amount of resources building him consumes. He works with eight 508mm cannons, six 533mm torpedo tubes, and a wide array of AA weapons and secondaries."

"I noticed he didn't fire his torpedoes." Enterprise said.

"Curious, he usually loves using those."

Cleveland stepped into the conversation. "Hold up, timeout." She made a timeout symbol with her hands. "How do you know so much about him?"

"Because I fought with him during the Siren War." Wales answered. "He used to be much...different."

Open Waters

Kaga and Akagi landed on the main deck of the H44 battleship. H44, who was leaning against his Bravo cannon, looked at the two. "Mission success?"

"Indeed, H44." Akagi answered. "Thank you for keeping our dear friend Enterprise busy while we mopped up the defenses."

"Did they get the message that we mean business?"

Kaga stepped forward. "I believe so."

H44 smiled. "Excellent. I'm looking forward to fighting against the Royal Navy again."

"When did you last fight against them?" Kaga asked.

H44 looked away from the two carriers. He was silent for a bit, but then spoke. "Uh...just now?" He tilted his head in confusion.

Kaga and Akagi looked at each other, speaking to each other without actually speaking to each other.

"Sarcastic as ever." Kaga and Akagi looked up. Perched on the battleship's bridge was a Ship-girl H44 was very familiar with.

"Prinz Eugen? How long have you been there?" H44 asked, not looking at Eugen. "You know better than to follow me."

"I do, but it's still good to check in to make sure you're still safe." Eugen said, jumping from her perch and landing next to H44. "I even brought your favorite destroyer."

H44 looked at Eugen at that. "Z23 is here? I thought I told her to stay at the base until I was done with helping out the Sakura Empire."

"Well, I asked to come along. She demanded that I leave her at the base, but I dragged her here. So if anyone needs to be punished, it's me~" Eugen said, leaning forward to allow H44 to look at her 'assets' better.

H44 scoffed, and looked at Kaga and Akagi. "Did you guys know that I'm a magician?"

Eugen looked confused, as did Kaga. "Oh? Care to show us a trick?" Akagi asked.

H44 nodded. "Watch this." He brought a deck of cards, he flipped the deck from one hand to another. He spread them out, and compressed them. He slammed his hands together, and when they broke apart, the cards had disappeared.

"Neat trick." Kaga said, slightly impressed.

"Thanks, and for my next trick." H44 looked directly at Eugen. "I'm gonna pay you no mind." He turned away, and walked off.

Eugen became uncharacteristically flustered, but quickly righted herself, as Kaga burst out laughing and Akagi tittered at the joke H44 said. "Well, it seems he doesn't like you that way, Prinz Eugen."

Eugen turned around to face the carriers. "It appears so, but I'll get him one day." She turned back to face the walking away form of H44. "I'll get him soon…"

Front of H44 battleship

Z23 stood at the very front tip of the bow. She looked down at the peaceful seas, wondering why Eugen brought her out here. When the two first caught sight of the intimidating silhouette of H44's ship, Z23 knew immediately that he was going to be angry.

She should've just stayed in the port!

"Z23." The destroyer turned around to see her quote unquote "boss" standing behind her, his arms crossed across his chest. "I heard Prinz Eugen had to literally drag you out of port."

"She did, kommandant, I tried to tell her-" Z23's apology/excuses were interrupted by H44 laughing.

"Do not worry, little one. I'm not angry with you." H44 chuckled. "You followed the orders as well as you could. Lord knows that when Eugen wants something she'll do what she can to get it."

"What about you?" Z23 asked. "You know she wants you."

"I doubt it. Considering my design..." H44 said, referring to his AA gun placement in his combat form. "I think it might be something else."

"Narcissism?"

"Most likely." H44 walked over to Z23, and picked her up. He put her on his shoulders. "Now, tell me, what can you see?"

Z23 looked around. "I see the carriers, your Alpha und Bravo turrets, and...is that a destroyer?"

H44 nodded. "Correct. That is Ayanami, a destroyer that helped this little task force in the raid. You'll be accompanying her on the next mission."

"Mission? What mission-hang on…" She looked to the left to see two more carriers coming.

"Good eye." H44 said. "Caught it the same time I did." H44 couldn't turn to see the carriers approaching. Z23's legs were blocking his view to his left and right. "Those are Zuikaku and Shoukaku. Younger carriers than the two that I was with, but still capable."

"Wait, I have a question."

"Go ahead, questions are allowed."

"How do you know there's a missi-"

"We've got a mission." H44 and Z23 turned around to see Eugen walking towards him. "Radar and scouts report a reinforcement group heading towards Central. The carriers, Ayanami, Z23, and I will be going to intercept. You and the carriers are to head to Sakura Empire's base, we will meet up with you after we are finished."

H44 crossed his arms. "Are you sure you don't want me to accompany them? I can provide far support in my ship form instead of directly engaging in my combat form."

"So you say…" Eugen narrowed her eyes at H44. "Are you sure that you and Z23 aren't dating?"

"Very funny, Eugen." H44 snorted. "You know damn well that I see Z23 as a student and nothing more."

"Oh? And why don't you say the same about the other destroyers?" Eugen smiled. "Last I checked, Z23 is the only one you 'teach.'" She looked up at the destroyer.

Z23 squirmed on top of H44's shoulders, Eugen's gaze unsettling her.

"Eugen, enough." H44 ordered. "Don't make me remind you who's got the most power here."

"Sure...sure…" Eugen sighed. "Fine, you may accompany us. But far support only."

"And if things get rough?" H44 asked, Z23 getting off his shoulders.

"Do as you deem fit." Eugen began to walk off, but turned around. "But remember, there will be punishment if you step out of line. Die Kommandants put me in charge of this delegation, and I will exert power and rank if you decide you're too powerful to listen to command." She went back to walking back to Akagi. H44 watched her go, his face betraying no emotion.

"Uh...Kommandant?" Z23 looked up at the imposing figure of H44. "What should we do?"

Before H44 could answer, Kaga walked up to him from the otherside of his Alpha cannon. "I heard the conversation."

"Straight to it?" H44 asked, turning to the snow haired carrier. "I like that about you."

"You'll be joining the strike group?" Kaga asked.

"Well, it's not like Eugen's gonna do anything." H44 crossed his arms, closing his eyes in thought. "I'll do my best to keep your carriers safe."

"You always know what I'm going to ask." Kaga said, her face betraying no emotion. "You seem to be enjoying this alliance more than you comrades."

"My comrades seem to enjoy being lazy and saying they give a damn to their allies." H44 opened his eyes slightly. "I will do no such thing."

"Very well." Kaga seemed satisfied by the answer. "And what of your little subordinate?" She looked down at Z23, who met her gaze.

"She has been trained well." H44 answered. "I have seen to that."

"Excellent." She smiled, turning back to H44. "It seems your faction could learn from you."

"Eugen just likes to think big." H44 waved off the statement. "She wants more, but that's not the priority." He looked down at Z23. "Go check your ship over. This fight won't exactly be a cakewalk for everyone."

She nodded, and walked off.

Kaga watched her go, turning around to see Z23 jump off the port side and switching to her combat form. She smiled. "Looking out for her?"

H44 said nothing.

"I heard you promised something to her." Kaga said.

"I promised her creator to keep her safe, and that's all." H44 said, turning away from Kaga. "The old fool's dying words just had to be those."

"And you agreed to do it?"

H44 looked out at the water. "She's gonna need it."

"Just because Akagi let you in on the project-"

"I've seen what those things do, Kaga." H44 interrupted. "The olds hags and washed up commanders at Azur Lane will think you and the Sakura Empire as traitors."

"And Iron Blood?"

"They will think the same thing." H44 said. "But I don't care." His fists shook in rage at the sides of his body. "You and I both know this is for the better."

Kaga nodded. "Of course...I'm surprised to see you agreeing with us on this."

H44 turned to face Kaga, and for the first time since they met, he smiled. "It's for the world. Now, go see your sister. I have to make sure my ship is good for combat."

Kaga nodded, and walked away. H44 watched her go, his smile faltering. "If you only knew, Kaga. If you only knew, then you would be afraid of your sister."