A sharp knock on the door brings my head snapping upwards, shifting my attention from the form I was currently filling out. The door creaks open, and through the opening, a large man appears. He is wearing a similar uniform to me, with exception of significantly more medals and stripes, showcasing his experience and rank, in comparison to my own inexperience.
Immediately I stand to attention, my back stiffening into a straight line and my arms shooting up to my head in a sharp salute. "Sir!"
He nods officially at me, but I notice a small smile on his lips, pleased with my reaction. "At ease."
I soften my stance, and he beckons me over. I walk around the desk, finding the lack of space in the cramped office annoying. As I reach him, he offers me his hand and I shake it wholeheartedly.
"Congratulations on your promotion, that last operation was impressive. More men like you are what this war needs."
I beam at the high praise from my commanding officer. He was referring to a small incursion into Ironblood territory I had led as a captain. We had been ambushed but had managed to retreat with minimal casualties. Apparently, according to the men, the only reason it hadn't been a bloodbath was my quick thinking and reactions, but I wasn't as convinced, personally, I think I was just lucky.
"Due to your new position and the developing nature of the war, you are to be assigned a fleet."
My mind reels at the implications, command of a whole fleet? It was a huge responsibility, but I would gladly take it. My CO grins at my reaction. "Oh, it's better than that. It shall be a fleet of Kansen. You are a lucky man. That is a lot of power to command. Ready to meet your new flagship?"
I stiffen up. Kansen? I had heard about them of course, but not once had I seen one, or even engaged one in combat. They were a fairly new development in the war, from both sides of the conflict.
But I was used to commanding a ship, a normal metal ship. With a hull, a bridge, and a crew. I was not sold on this Kansen business at all. Women that had the firepower of battleships and carriers, but significantly more manoeuvrable and deadly, it sounded bizarre.
My CO seems to read my confusion but does not offer any words of reassurance, instead, turning his head around and calling through the door to someone. "Enterprise."
Through the door enters a figure, the figure of a woman. I feel myself grow nervous, realising that this woman must surely be one of the very Kansen my CO had been talking about. My breath hitches in my throat as she fully steps into the room.
Her crisp white hair gently flows down her onto her bare pale shoulders while her beautifully smooth face eyes me curiously. My gaze naturally takes her in, admiring her curved figure, her shirt just large enough for her medium-sized assets, meaning that the bulge of her shirt draws the eye.
Lower still she finishes the ensemble with a short black skirt, showing her bare thighs before ending with some knee-high socks and topping it all off with a long black coat, which is slouched slightly off her bare shoulders.
But… She looks so… normal….
I mean… not normal, in fact, she looks stunning. She must surely turn the heads of countless men when entering a room.
But, she didn't look… I don't know... Menacing? Not at all how I expected a humanoid weapon of war to look.
Her eyes lock onto my own and she flashes me a cute, yet reserved smile and I feel my heart skip a beat.
This was a Kansen? A brutal weapon that would decimate our enemies? She was a girl… And a beautiful one at that. I feel my gaze begin to slip once again over her body, and it's not until she shifts uncomfortably that I realise I have gawking at her this entire time.
I feel heat start to flush my cheeks in embarrassment at my actions. My CO just laughs good-naturedly at my reaction as he pats my shoulder. "Don't ask me why they all look like women, got no clue. Impressive though right? Easy on the eyes, and they have all the right bits in all the right places if you catch my drift… again, I don't know why though, ask the eggheads."
He digs his elbow into my side in a jesting manner, speaking as if the girl was not even in the room. His tone takes on a more serious note. "Of course, they may look the part, but I trust this won't distract you? This particular ship is a very expensive piece of kit, one of the finest in the fleet, don't distract yourself while you work. Of course… what you do with your off time with her is another matter… although I am obligated to remind you she is navy property, so don't be too rough."
I blush deeply at my CO's lecherous speech. She was standing right behind him, yet he treated her with complete indifference. For her part, she stayed completely still and utterly professional, not reacting to his words in the slightest. Unless… was that a slight blush on her cheeks? If it was, she quickly forces it down, keeping the stoic façade up.
My CO lets out another hearty laugh at my blushing face. "Right, I must be off. Please, get familiar with her equipment, loadout and specifications. You will meet the others in your fleet in due course, but I thought I should ease you into the idea. Takes some adjusting, these Kansen … But trust me, when you can see what they can do…"
He trails off ominously before giving me a cheery wave, not bothering to look at Enterprise as he exits the room, closing the door behind him.
Left alone in a room with her, my blush worsens. She just looked too human… too… female… It was incredibly distracting. "I…I'm really sorry about what he said. That was incredibly crass. Rest assured, I would never…"
She cuts me off, giving a gentle smile before speaking. "It's no bother, sir. Thank you for the kind words, but I'm used to it. No need to defend yourself, you haven't done anything wrong."
She continues her lovely smile as she holds her hand out for me to shake. "To formally introduce myself. I am Enterprise. CV-6, some call me Lucky E or The Grey Ghost. But if im honest, I prefer Enterprise. I'm here to complete any orders you wish of me and I hope we can get to know one another better, Sir." She gives a sharp salute before returning to a dazzling smile.
This… smiling, happy girl was to be my new ship? How peculiar…
Present Day – Eagle Union Alliance Port – Commander's Home
I hear a voice, it sounds distant, quiet. I mummer slightly, shifting my body. Then, all of a sudden, I feel my body shake slightly and I call out in protest. Eventually, I feel a painful sensation on the tip of my nose, causing me to open my eyes to find Akagi fully dressed, her finger poised to flick my nose yet again.
She pulls back when she notices that I'm awake. "Dear me… Shikikan, I've been trying to wake you for well over a minute. There is a fine line between resting and being a sloth." She chastises me with a disapproving look in her eyes.
I rub my bleary eyes and rub my sore nose as I sit upright, I grunt thanks to her for waking me up, before stepping out of bed and giving her a quick peck on the cheek, then proceeding to the en-suite and splashing some water on my face in an attempt to wake myself up.
As I look at my image in the bathroom mirror, I feel Akagi wrap her arms around me, her hands running over my bare chest as her face appears in the reflection just above my shoulder. "Everything ok, dear? You seem distracted." She settles her chin on my shoulder, nuzzling me slightly before looking into my eyes in the mirror.
"Just got a lot on my plate. And I'm not really a morning person…" Akagi looks concerned for a second, then hugs me tighter, kissing my neck lovingly leaving a mark from her bright red lipstick before pulling back.
"I wish I could do more to ease your worries… please, feel free to vent at me anytime, yes?" She flashes me a pitying smile, knowing the stress I was currently under. "Alas, I'm afraid I must go now. Do try to make yourself look more presentable for your work today."
She runs her hands through my ruffled hair, all the while smiling at my reflection. I turn my head and she gives me a quick kiss on the lips before strutting out of the door.
She was right, I did look a bit of a mess. I quickly try my best to make straighten myself out, before returning to the bedroom and grabbing one of the various commanders' outfits in my wardrobe. I quickly slip it on, straightening my tie in the mirror before setting out the office for the day.
Later, I find myself on my PDA rapidly shooting messages back and forth to various staff members and Naval HQ. The Sirens had started a major offensive about a week ago, ceasing their hit and run tactics and hitting the Ironblood frontline hard. A lot of the resources and ships at my disposal had been diverted to that theatre, so I was left with minimal supplies to hold the line on our front.
Luckily for me, the Sirens had only made small incursions towards the eastern coast so far, nothing that we couldn't handle, but our ammo and fuel situation was becoming increasingly desperate and it wouldn't be long before we ran out.
I scratch my head and sigh as I put the PDA down, tired already. My secretary, Arizona, gives me a reassuring smile upon seeing my expression but continues to clean in silence.
In my head, I try to calculate how long we could last with our limited supplies. In theory, we should be fine. Naval HQ had promised a shipment within the next three weeks, so as long as we kept sorties to a minimum, we could last till then.
However, what worried me, was the Siren's actions. To change their tactics so frequently, with no perceivable rhyme or reason, it was unsettling. Sometimes their actions even seemed detrimental to their own war effort…
It sounded bizarre, and it was not something I had ever mentioned to anyone else, but it honestly felt like the Sirens just… didn't care, they didn't act like they were at war at all, it just felt like we were being played with.
Regardless, if we were hit with a large-scale attack, similar to the Ironblood right now, we would crumble, that, I was certain of. I could only hope that the Sirens simply did not have the numbers for such a large two-sided assault.
An alert noise from PDA informs me of a priority message, which I promptly open.
/ CONFIDENTIAL - PROJECT ASCLEPIUS/
WISDOM SHARDS ARRIVED ON SCHEDULE – EMPIRE AWAITING COMPENSATION
MISSING APPROXIMATELY 28% OF WISDOM DATA
DEVICE B ARRIVED ON SCHEDULE – IRONBLOOD AWAITING PAYMENT
INITIAL TESTS SHOW POSITIVE REACTIONS FROM SHARDS
MORE TESTING REQUIRED BEFORE CONSTRUCTION CAN BEGIN
/ CONFIDENTIAL - PROJECT ASCLEPIUS/
I glance over the message before deleting it, allowing myself to smile slightly, the diversion of ammo and oil to the Ironblood had not hindered the project, finally, some good news. This was something I had started some months ago, but it had taken some time to organize.
The Shards were badly damaged and were missing various pieces of data. I expected this, it was the very reason I had asked the Empire to relinquish the shards to us, their attempts to reforge them had failed.
But if we could succeed…
I had not even told my wives about the confidential project, not because of it's secrecy, but because I didn't want to get their hopes up, especially Akagi. I could imagine her reaction, but when the results were not guaranteed, it seemed cruel to give her that hope, when it could be ripped away at any moment. She had already suffered with that once before, and I had no desire to inflict it on her again.
I would only tell her if it succeeded. If it failed, she never needed to know of the project's existence.
I hear loud footsteps proceeding up the hallway towards the office, soon followed by a loud knocking on my door. Arizona looks to me and I nod, so she opens the door allowing Cleveland to rush inside with a frantic look on her face.
"Cleveland? Everything ok?" I ask concerned.
She immediately fixes her gaze on me and speaks hurriedly. "Commander, Enterprise… she and some others. They just arrested Akagi."
My ears cannot quite comprehend what I'm hearing. "They did what!? On what grounds? And why on earth was I not informed beforehand!?"
Cleveland replies immediately. "They took her to the Interrogation room, the one we built for Sirens. I have no idea why, I only saw them from a distance."
I leap up, my heart hammering away, I hadn't spoken to Enterprise in just over a month, then she goes and pulls something like this? I ask Arizona to man the office while I'm gone and motion for Cleveland to follow me.
I throw my overcoat and commander's cap on and stride out of the office building, with Cleveland in tow, making a beeline for the new structure on the other side of the naval base. It had been built so we could interrogate humanoid sirens, but embarrassingly, we had been unable to capture any alive.
I storm in through the front, heading for the single interrogation room that the small building housed. I open the door, finding Enterprise, Minneapolis and Hornet in the observation room. They all turn to me and Cleveland, with looks of surprise on their faces.
Through the thick one-sided glass, I can see my wife, shackled to the table with an incredibly thick high tech restraint that glows with wisdom cube technology, the only way to stop her (or a siren) from breaking them. Her face is one of pure fury as she eyes the glass, knowing full well that her captors are behind it.
"Enty! What the hell is going on!?" I shout, my voice filled with anger.
She quickly regains her composure as she motions for the others to leave, her eyes unreadable. "Commander, please, let me explain before you do anything rash."
I try to calm myself as the others pass me and leave the room. There had to be a good explanation for this, surely? I nod curtly at Enty, allowing her to explain herself.
Her eyes soften slightly, and she gives me a light smile before returning to her serious expression. "We just received reports of attacks to various ports nearby. Focussing on materials and supply storage. The strikes were carried out with Sakura aircraft, and first-hand reports state that there was a Sakura Empire carrier present… I…" She looks uncomfortable and her eyes sadden, she looks like she's… pitying me.
"…I…I'm sorry…there's no easy way to say this. It was Akagi. Her morning patrol route took her right past that area at the same time. All the reports of the carrier's appearance match her. I know you don't want to believe it but…"
I hold my hand up. I had heard enough. I had tried my best to remain calm, but this was too far. "Enterprise. Release her. Now. That is a direct order." I command her, my voice cold and flat.
"Commander! Did you not just hear me?"
"It was a Siren mimicking her. I would have thought that would be obvious. She would never do anything like that, why would she?" I reply.
"It was her. Her weaponry, not Siren. Even the radar signature from the attacks matches her exactly. No distortion, no Siren mirrors. I'm sorry, but it was her."
I can't help it. My anger at seeing my wife held against her will gets the better of me. She would never do that. There was a simple explanation.
"I said. Let her go. Immediately, that is an order!" My voice this time raises into an angry shout and Enterprise looks hurt by my tone and my words but quickly becomes angered herself.
"Commander! Absolutely not! You're letting your emotions cloud your judgement!" She glares at me.
And, at that moment, before I can stop myself, words leave my mouth in a withering tone that I immediately regret. "You arrested my wife... I don't think I'm the one who is letting my feelings get the better of me here…"
Enterprise's eyes widen in surprise and pain. I feel awful for saying it, but I can't take it back. I quickly soften my voice and try to apologize. "Enty… I'm so sor…"
Before I can finish my sentence, a sharp pain causes me to recoil. I hear Cleveland gasp behind me at Enterprise's actions.
She had slapped me. Hard.
I hold my stinging cheek with my hand, it was undoubtedly bright red, but I didn't blame her. I deserved it.
She roughly points at me with her hand, her finger jamming into my chest as she shouts at me accusingly, her voice is full of anger and pain. "How dare you! Do you think I wanted this? I warned you about them in the past, yes. But I hated it! You're so damn happy with her, with them! I knew it would hurt you, that's why I didn't want to tell you, not until I had some answers!" She glares at Cleveland, the very reason I was here.
"It's my job to protect this port, and you! The second I heard the reports, I wasn't pleased. I wasn't happy. I was devastated, for you! What kind of person do you think I am!?" She seems to run out of steam, her finger dropping from my chest and stepping back.
Her eyes glisten with tears and she speaks in barely a whisper. "I would've hoped you knew me better than that. But I should have guessed you would choose her over me… you always have…"
She doesn't look me in the eye, instead, walking straight past me, Cleveland hurriedly moving out of the way of the upset carrier as she exits the room.
I stand there, my mind reeling. I can't believe I had said what I had said so carelessly, Enty's voice was so full of pain… My guilt eats away at me, making my chest ache.
It takes me a minute to straighten my head and realise that Cleveland is still standing in the room, awkwardly waiting for me. I glance up at Akagi through the glass.
She had since stopped with her furious gaze and was sitting down, her back hunched over, ears and tails drooping as she looked at the floor, a sad expression on her face.
I start to look around for the keycard to the room and the key for the restraints, but cannot see them anywhere. Perhaps they were somewhere else in the building, or Enterprise still had them.
Then, I hear a small voice call out loudly. "Commander! We're under attack!" I turn to find Javelin at the door. She looks out of breath, hunched over and breathing quickly.
I curse, this day just kept getting worse. "How bad?"
She shakes her head. "Not good. They're attacking our supply stores. Got past all the patrols somehow, appeared like ghosts. We need you. Now."
Damnit. I look back at my wife once again, wanting more than anything to set her free, but it appeared someone else would have to do that. I turn to Cleveland. "Cleve, can I trust you to release her?" She nods with a serious expression. "Good, find the keycard and key for the restraints. Tell her what's happened, I need to go." With one last glance at Akagi, I rush out the door, following Javelin to the supply stores.
I have trouble keeping up with the speedy destroyer, but as I start to flag, we approach the area of battle. Siren jets fill the sky, AA fire and our own fighters trying desperately to stem the tide. How the hell did they slip so many carriers past our patrols?
As I observe the air battle, I notice something, Sakura aircraft, dogfighting our own fighters? I remember what Enterprise had said. But surely it was just the Sirens up to their tricks?
I didn't have time to think about it, I keep running, finding myself closer to our frontline, not far from our supply warehouses. A quick observation of the battlefield makes it clear we were taken by surprise. Static defences lie in heaps of scrap, rubble and fire covering the area and only a handful of our Kansen battling the mass-produced siren models in the bay.
"Shit" I audibly mutter and Javelin agrees. She turns to me. "It's a mess. We're low on ships due to the new Siren offensive on the Ironblood lines. Half of our fleet is out on patrols, specifically to prevent attacks such as this… The main defence fleet is returning, Washington and some others, but they're going to be at least twenty minutes…"
That wasn't good. The Sirens could never hope to take and hold the port, even with our diminished numbers, not with our reinforcements. But it was transparently clear that was not the objective. They must know about our supply situation and were attempting to take advantage, by dealing a killing blow to our dwindling supplies then retreating.
If they could manage it, they could simply return with a larger force later, and we'd be sitting ducks. I curse out loud again.
Suddenly I see Pensacola collapse in the bay, having just been dive-bombed by an inordinate amount of dive bombers, Sakura dive bombers…
Cassin rushes in to collect her, but they both leave a gap in our flank as they retreat south-east. The Sirens take advantage quickly with various ships pouring through, and I catch a glimpse of at least 2 or 3 humanoid models before they start heading towards the shore, and us.
Javelin readies her weapon. "Commander, stay back."
The mass-produced variants split off, flanking our main defensive line, while the 3 humanoid models make a beeline for us, and by extension, their target.
Wait… No… 2 humanoid Sirens… and one… Kansen?
As they get closer, there's no mistaking her. I would recognize her figure anywhere, even at a distance. Her many brown tails, her perky ears, her sculpted face. It's my wife…. But… it can't be, because my Akagi was still locked up, less than 5 minutes ago. So, this had to be a Siren, imitating my wife.
The thought makes me shudder. To use her image, why? To taunt me? To distract me? Just because they could? It was sickening. They had no right.
The two sirens, carrier models going off their rigging, grin as they approach, setting their sights on Javelin. Soon, bombs are flying and Javelin is moving quickly, dodging the worst of it with her AA guns blasting loudly into the sky.
She lines up her guns and fires a salvo directly at one of them. The rounds hit but do minimal damage to the heavy, otherworldly armour. Javelin follows up with another, then another. The Siren's rigging starts to scuff and spark.
The Siren, annoyed, launches another airstrike but misses the nimble destroyer.
"Enough of this farce!" The Akagi-lookalike steps forward, her eyes settling on Javelin. She summons an ethereal projectile, just as Akagi could do, and sends it flying towards the destroyer, who is currently pre-occupied dodging the Siren dive bombers.
It hits her directly and I wince at the painful-looking blow as she falls onto her knees. The fox waltzes up to the weakened destroyer, and with a chuckle, kicks her in the stomach, sending her flying across the ground into a nearby wall. There's an audible *crunch* as she hits it and the wall cracks slightly, Javelin stays in heap, unmoving.
"Pests… every single one of them." The lookalike's eyes settle on me. "My…my…" She looks me up and down, appraising my uniform. "The enemy commander no less. So fragile… You really shouldn't be out here with just a destroyer protecting you… Your loss…" She starts striding toward me, her intentions clear.
"Siren bitch!" I yell. Hell, if I'm to go down, I'm not going to stand here and take it. However, I'm surprised when she stops in her tracks, fury and confusion crossing her face.
"How dare you! I am not one of these monsters! They are simply a means to an end. The other ports were of no consequence. This one was a harder nut to crack, so I required some unsavoury aid." Her words confuse me. If she was telling the truth… I… didn't know what that meant at all.
"Whatever, your words will not save you, barbarian." She grins and takes another step towards me.
In a flash, suddenly, there's a figure standing in front of me. Her stance is defensive, her tails puffed up, ready for a fight. Kaga is standing off against the Akagi-lookalike. It's an odd sight for me, what on the surface appears to be my two wives ready to fight one another.
"Dear Sister!?" The Akagi exclaims. The surprise on her face is evident, and her words emotional. Did that mean, this really was Akagi?
"Filthy Siren, get back from him. How dare you use that façade, speaking to me with my sister's voice, her words. It's dishonourable beyond reproach. I will gut you for that alone." Kaga growls. Clearly, she had quickly come to the same conclusion I had initially.
The Akagi looks hurt, but instead of talking to Kaga, she calls out loudly. "Archiver! What is the meaning of this!"
My chest tightens at her name. I hate that Siren, but I also feared her, greatly.
Archivers voice rumbles around us, but she doesn't appear in person. "I may have left out some details, but surely there is no issue? That thing in front of you is not your sister. Simply a version of her, a far inferior version. She has ties to Azur Lane, as does this world's version of you, they have turned their backs on your beloved Empire, surely that is reason enough for you strike her down, mutt."
Akagi growls angrily in response. "Do NOT call me a mutt! Siren wench!"
She looks at Kaga once again, deliberating. She seems to make up her mind, sighing loudly then taking an aggressive combat stance along with the Siren carriers, and prepares to fight her sister.
Kaga is extremely confused by this point, her sharp wit having picked up that this is no Siren, but clearly her sister. But she doesn't have a choice, before long, Akagi strikes, and she has to defend herself.
Unfortunately, she is significantly outnumbered. Three to one. She struggles valiantly, trying her best. She shows clear skill, but no amount of skill can trump pure firepower. She was at an inherent disadvantage. She also keeps me to her back the entire time, stopping any shells or bombs from getting too close, focusing on keeping me safe. She eventually manages to destroy the two Siren carriers, but she falls back exhausted at the effort. Akagi sends another projectile flying, and it hits Kaga directly in the chest, pushing her backwards, her heels scraping on the ground until she reaches me, her body slackens as she kneels, her legs barely able to support her.
I rush to her, trying my best to check her over, knowing full well there is nothing I can do for her regardless. Kaga looks back at me and smiles softly, trying to reassure me before pushing me behind her protectively and stumbling to her feet.
"Hmph. Impressive. But to continue is idiocy. You are in no position to fight me. Sister… I have no wish to kill you. Move aside, let me deal with this pitiful man."
Kaga spits blood out onto the floor. "Never."
The Akagi looks downcast for a second. "Pride and loyalty were always your deepest flaws, dear sister…" She moves faster than my eye can follow, and before I know it, Kaga is on the ground, coughing up blood from the vicious punch to her ribs.
Suddenly, the weight leaves my legs as the Akagi wraps her hands around my neck, and pulls me off the ground. I immediately start to choke, my hands scratching fruitlessly at her hands, trying my best to dislodge her grip.
She observes my struggles with nothing but idle curiosity, and the world starts to spin. I splutter as my struggles get weaker, and my vision starts to blur.
"NO! PLEASE!" I hear a voice cry, and suddenly the pressure eases from my neck, just slightly, as my feet find ground once again. The Akagi turns her head to Kaga, who is looking up at her in a pitiful state, begging.
"I…please… sister… whatever… whoever you are. Take me instead… please. My life for his." Tears stream from her eyes as she begs for my life.
"Kaga.. No.. don." I'm silenced by the hand closing once again around my throat, not enough to choke me, but enough to keep me silent.
The Akagi looks at Kaga incredulously like she can't believe what she's hearing. "What!? You would give your own life for this pitiful man?"
Kaga nods. "In a heartbeat. As would my sister. My real sister. And… as I'm sure he would for us."
"Hmph, clearly you cannot be my sister, she would never dream of such a thing. Loyalty is one thing, but he is merely your Shikikan. You shouldn't chuck your life away on a whim for his sake! And thinking I myself would entertain such a notion. Your deluded!"
Kaga is just about to answer, but then a bright red projectile hits the Akagi in the side, causing her to yell in pain and drop me. I fall to the ground like a ton of bricks. I find myself pushed backwards, behind yet another figure. This time, it's Akagi. My Akagi. I wave of relief washes over me upon seeing her.
"Get away from my husband, demon!"
The other Akagi stares in surprise, not quite registering what she's seeing or hearing.
"…husband?" She whispers in disbelief, her eyes settle on Akagi's hand, and the oath ring placed there. Her gaze then darts to me, then Kaga, seeing the rings the three of us wear as proof of our bond for the first time.
"Your…. I'm… married?" She stands in shock, stating the obvious. Her eyes focus slightly and she calls out angrily. "Archiver! What Siren trickery is this?"
My Akagi visibly flinches at the name, no doubt recalling the torture she had faced by that damned Siren in the past.
Archivers voice rubbles around us. "Oh, no trickery here. Really, can you not believe it mutt? Yes, indeed, in this world you are married to this pathetic man. An Eagle Union commander no less. Scandalous I know… He fought in the war, even had a Sakura ship executed, and yet you end up marrying him. Isn't it a stain on your honour? How horrified are you? I'm truly interested." She speaks with glee, taunting the other Akagi.
"No…no, that cannot be true. I would never…" She shakes her head in denial.
Archiver lets out a shrill laugh. "Looks like you're in need of a recap mongrel, here, let me."
Suddenly, I feel a pain in my head as images, memories are streamed into my head. My memories. By the looks of it, Both Akagi's and Kaga were experiencing the same thing as they wince at the sensation.
The day we met, their return to my port, our first date. It all goes whizzing past, yet it feels fresh like I had experienced them just moments ago. Our first night together, many other times besides. And then, of course, it settles on one of the happiest moments of my life, the morning we got engaged.
1 Year and 2 Months Ago – Eagle Union Alliance Port – Commander's Quarters
The sound of the shower from the en-suite could be heard faintly through the walls as I let out a tired yawn. I roll over and find myself face to face with the gorgeous brunette fox sharing my bed.
She gives me a blissful smile as she gazes at me, purring contently. After a minute, she sighs before stretching her hand out towards the nightstand. Her hand explores the area for a while before she lets out an annoyed groan and sits upright, looking around for something.
"Have you seen my PDA anywhere Shikikan?" I shake my head but offer a suggestion.
"Maybe you left it in your coat?" She hums in agreement, slowly stretching her legs out from under the duvet and standing up, waltzing towards the other side of the room, and the pile of coats placed on a chair.
All the while I appreciate the view, she's clad in nothing but a loose white shirt (one of mine) and lacy red panties. The lack of clothes emphasises her curves as her many tails sway happily behind her.
It's absolutely hypnotic, and, as she walks, the shirt rides up, showcasing the back of her tightly fitting panties as they shift with her movements.
I hear her giggle, and find her looking back at me, clearly aware of where my thoughts lay. She bends over and wiggling her butt slightly, putting on a show, then hooking fingers into the band of her panties on each side and ever so slowly sensually peeling them downwards, keeping eye contact the entire time, then stopping just before anything is exposed and slowly peeling them back up.
"You tease!" I say with mock indignation. She just laughs and winks at me as her ears twitch to and fro happily.
"Come now dear, you know you love it…" She turns around, laying her hands on the pile of coats and picking the first one up, mine.
My breath hitches in my throat as I realise something, and my heart almost stops. Shit, I really should be more careful. I find Akagi looking back at me with amusement. "Something the matter dear Shikikan? You look as white as a sheet."
"I…err…it's nothing. You should check your own coat though." I nervously motion towards her own coat, which was placed just under my own.
As the words leave my lips Akagi's grin widens, and I realize my mistake. I had lied. "My…my… Dear Shikikan, lying to your esteemed lover… You wouldn't be worried about me mistaking your coat for my own and searching your pockets now, would you?"
I seal my lips, determined not to get caught out again, although it was already far too late. She laughs before returning her attention to my coat. "Well… if you're not going to say…" She delves her hand to into one of my pockets and starts rummaging around thoroughly.
"No! no, wait!" She obediently stops, the look of mischievous glee not leaving her face.
"Oh? Something embarrassing perhaps? I don't judge…" She looks at me, expecting an answer.
"I…no, it's not. It's a…. gift, for you. But it's meant to be a surprise." I speak the truth, in a roundabout way.
I had decided to hide it in my coat, rather than anywhere else. It was typically on my person, so was the safest bet. If it was in any of my drawers, Akagi would surely have found it at some point.
Unfortunately, the promise of a surprise just excites my lover more, and she immediately starts rummaging again, trying a different pocket. She makes a triumphant noise, finding the object I had been hiding from her. She pulls it out and opens the small velvet box, immediately her eyes fill with confusion and raw emotion as the observes it's contents.
I scramble out of bed as quickly as I can in an attempt to stop her but I am nowhere near quick enough. I reach out, slowly and gently taking the box away, closing it shut with a snap. Akagi doesn't move to stop me, she stands perfectly still in shock, her eyes watering.
I speak softly, trying my best to remain calm, my heart beating so fast I can hear it in my ears. "I…This isn't how, or when I wanted to do this…I've had it for a while… but never had the courage. So, I suppose I only have myself to blame..." I flash her a nervous smile.
This was not remotely how I had pictured this going, but the proverbial cat was out of the bag, so I had no choice but to roll with it.
"But please, let me do it somewhat properly." I lower one knee to the ground, opening the luxurious case as I do so, presenting the Oath ring inside to the women I had chosen.
Tears flow slowly down her face. Her hands are visibly shaking, as are my own. "Akagi. Renown carrier of the first carrier division, defender of the Sakura Empire. Will you do me the honour of being my wife?"
And, just at that very second, I hear a loud gasp of surprise behind me and I turn to find Kaga, having finished her shower and dressed. She had just walked in on me proposing and had her hands were covering her mouth, a look of disbelief on her face.
I start to panic but try and salvage the situation, in the heat of the moment, I had completely forgotten Kaga was in the shower. "I'm so sorry Akagi, but if you could hold off on your answer for one second… As I said, I really hadn't planned for it to be this way. Could you reach into my pocket and hand me the other case in there please?"
She looks at me for a few seconds before my words suddenly sink in, and she hurriedly searches my pocket for the other ring I had prepared. She pulls it out, and, hands still shaking, gives it to me. I give Kaga my best smile and motion her over to where Akagi was standing.
I put the one oath ring case down, presenting Kaga with hers. "Kaga. Fierce carrier of the first carrier division. Esteemed protector of the Sakura Empire. Will you do me the honour of being my wife?"
Kaga's eyes are wide, the shock clear on her face. I clear my throat. "I guess what I'm trying to ask is… Will both of you, Akagi… Kaga… will you marry me?"
They both burst into tears of happiness in unison. "I…yes…of course!" Kaga exclaims smiling warmly and hugging me tightly. Akagi wipes her tears away and joins us.
"Why Shikikan, did you ever doubt the answer would be anything else?" Akagi speaks softly in my ear. "Ever since we chose you. Our first night. You were the only one for us, you always have been. Every moment with you is a gift that I treasure, as I'm sure my sister does as well. And I would be honoured to treasure our remaining moments together, till the end, bonded as one. I could want nothing more."
Kaga pulls back and wipes her tears away, nodding in agreement. "I agree, wholeheartedly. You are our Shikikan. But you are so much more to me. I will gladly serve you, both as your weapon and as your wife. To stay by your side, it is everything I could ever ask for."
I hug them both tightly, my eyes watering slightly myself. I gently take a hold of Kaga's hand, slipping the ring on her finger, then do the same for Akagi. They both hold their hands up, admiring Akashi's craftmanship. Each ring is a dazzling silver, with a beautifully cut and polished diamond attached.
Akagi lowers her hand and her eyes settle on me. "Shikikan, I'm… sorry for ruining any romantic plans you may have concocted, my troublesome nature got the better of me." She smiles sheepishly, an odd look for the typically confident fox.
"It's fine… If I'm entirely honest, I've had them for a month… but never found the moment or the courage. I think it might have been for the best. Regardless of how or when, I'm just glad I finally did it… If you're happy, I'm happy. Thank you. Both of you, so much."
Akagi's eyes narrow and a familiar aura settles around her as she bites her lower lip seductively, rubbing her thighs together. "Say… dear Shikikan, how about we… consummate the marriage?"
Her looking at me like that, with the ring on her finger, still wearing nought but a shirt and underwear, makes me shudder with need, but I do try to make a point, just to tease her.
"Well… were not married yet exactly, just engaged. We need to arrange an official ceremony… find you two dresses… you'll have to present me my ring, and I'll have to re-present yours. There will be some vows. Then…" She stops me by placing a finger on my lips, silencing me.
My new fiancé looks at her ring once again, before looking up at me with unrelenting lust. "Less talking, more consummating!" She demands, her tails bustling around her in excitement as her ears twitch rapidly in happiness before she leaps at me, bowling me onto the floor, straddling me and smattering kisses across my lips before moving to my neck. I hold a hand to the back of her head as I groan in response to her ministrations.
As she continues to kiss and bite my neck gently, I notice Kaga looking at us with a deep blush, her eyes wide, yet full of need. I call her gently over she deliberates for but a moment before letting out a sigh and lets a smile settle on her features before moving towards me and her sister. They kiss each other briefly, before holding their hands up to one another, the oath rings touching, before returning their attention to me.
Now this, this was bliss.
Present Day – Eagle Union Alliance Port – Supply Storage Depot
Suddenly, I'm back in the present, on the floor with the two Akagi's facing off in front of me. The Akagi who had attacked us appears to be dazed slightly from the various memories she had just viewed, her eyes unfocused.
"I… I… I've never seen myself…so… happy." She eventually whispers, to nobody in particular. However, Archivers voice soon rumbles around us, her voice full of glee.
"It was horrific, was it not? Do you not wish to grind that man's bones into dust for insulting your honour? You were his playthings, he took the purity of your bodies, oh… do tell me how you feel! Angry? Ashamed? Mortified?"
She pauses for a second, seemingly releasing what the Akagi had just said. "Wait! Happy! Did you say happy!? My… this is not the reaction I was expecting at all… even the simulations did not anticipate this... and is that jealousy I detect from you, my mongrel?"
The Akagi doesn't deny it, but she raises her head, showing her eyes, faintly shining with tears.
Archiver hums in disapproval. "I didn't take you for an emotional one, I picked you specifically due to your vendetta against these fools… Whatever, nothing some adjustments and tweaking cannot fix. Regardless, their main fleet is returning, retreat now, that is an order. I have what I wanted anyways…"
The Akagi turns to leave, a pained look on her face. But she falters, looking towards my Akagi, uncertainty in her eyes.
My Akagi speaks, loud and clear. "I do not know quite what the meaning of this is. Or who exactly you are. But you shouldn't be taking orders from that monster. Join us. I can see it in your eyes, you harbour no loyalty for these damn sirens. Whatever grudge you bear against Azur Lane, it can be forgotten, just as I did."
The Akagi smiles sadly before replying. "I'm you…" She then extends an arm, pointing right at me. "You if you never met him… If the war never ended…" She returns her gaze to her counterpart.
"Azur Lane deserves to be crushed, the dishonour they brought upon the Empire… in such a dreadful war… I couldn't usher in victory in my world, but I was offered a chance to avenge my Empire in another… but… now…" She looks conflicted like she's considering my wife's proposal to stay.
Archiver's voice rings out. "Come now, mutt! Remember our deal, yes? You are mine, to do with as I see fit. You wished to see an end to the Eagle Union and Azur Lane, only I can grant that. You know what breaking our contract means, yes?"
The Akagi's gaze falls to the ground, resigning herself to her fate, ears flattening to her scalp as she turns and leaves. My Akagi starts to run after her, but suddenly clutches her head in pain as she falls to the ground. Similarly, I soon feel the same sensation, as Archiver's voice rings out clearly to us.
"Do not follow. Do not Interfere with my playthings. Think of this as your only warning. It would be such a shame if your wife was to suffer the same fate as she did back then, would it not?" She speaks with a gleeful voice. Soon, Akagi's memories come flooding in, from when she was being tortured by Archiver, watching Kaga, Amagi… and me, die in front of her.
I can feel her pain, it's overpowering, the grief is crushing me. I feel tears run down my face as I experience the same emotions she did at the time. The weight of my body in her arms, the thick blood running everywhere, the sense of hopelessness, of guilt running through her mind. The desire to end it all, right then, right there. Her world destroyed in an instant, the only thing keeping her going is her grief. Then it loops, again. Then again.
Then, suddenly, it all stops. That's was one of Archiver's most vicious assaults yet, she must at least be close by. I feel my stomach turn at the raw horror, raw emotion it had just experienced and sure enough, I turn to the side and spew over the ground, shaking the entire time.
She…went through that… that was hell. Pure, undiluted hell. I knew it was a horrible experience for her… but she had always downplayed how bad it was to me, that… that was enough to break a person. Thinking about her, I scramble up to find Kaga cradling her sister in her arms.
I rush over to find Akagi shaking, tears running down her pale face, eyes unfocused. I call her name worried as Kaga strokes her hair soothingly. Eventually, after what seems like an age, her eyes slowly refocus on me. "I… never…never again…please. I cannot… not again."
I realise she's speaking to Archiver, begging her for mercy. However, there is no reply, presumably, she has already left as the other Sirens and their Akagi retreated. Akagi shakily stands up, Kaga offering her body to help. She slowly regains her strength, giving us both a reassuring smile.
"I…I'm ok. Thank you." She hugs Kaga, then turns to me, gently embracing me. I go to speak, to say… something, anything to her. But she just shakes her head. Instead, she offers her own voice.
"So… I guess there's two of me running around now…" She plays it off as a joke, but I can tell she's worried.
I hold her tight, trying my best to reassure her. "It'll be fine, we'll deal with it as we have everything else, together."
Kaga speaks up, strength clear in her tone. "Worry not, dear sister. Are we not 1st carrier division? Do we not have our esteemed Commander and husband by our side? A fleet at our backs? We will prevail, we always do!"
Akagi smiles at her sister's rousing words while she clings to me, less for physical support now, and more emotionally. She was clearly still shaken by Archiver's attack, but who wouldn't be?
Before long, the Kansen who were holding the line return to shore, along with the main defence fleet, with their flagship, USS Washington, immediately striding towards me and checking the status of the port and our supplies, as well my own wellbeing.
I offer no resistance as she takes charge in my stead, ordering various ships to be repaired, rubble to be moved, fires extinguished. She was a good leader, and I did not have the energy to do what was required of me. I leave her in charge, taking my two wives home for some rest after the trying events of the past hour.
And inside, a part of me wonders what it all means. Why was there another Akagi? What was Archiver up to? She didn't seem to care about the supplies in the slightest, so what was the point to any of this?
Despite my words of reassurance to my wife, I was scared. We had no idea what the Siren's endgame was, no way of defending against Archiver's attacks... she was strong, far stronger than any other Siren we had ever faced.
And to make matter worse, even she had her superiors, presumably even stronger than her, if that's true... could we even win this war?
And, deep down, I think back to what I had said to Enterprise, where was she? She should have been here, helping defend the port. The fact that she wasn't worried me. Had I drove her off with my spiked words? I desperately wanted to apologize to her, to try and make it right, but would I even get the chance?
My mind keeps mulling these questions over, but unfortunately, I had no answers for any of them…
