*This is ported by Wattpad, feel free to come by as I've focused on making stories there rather

The 'XZJQ Project' Presents...

|Location: Azur Lane Base|
|Time: 1830|

In a large meeting room, a purple-glowing black cube is in the middle of the large table...

"This so-called group, the Crimson Axis... To have such capabilities..." Wales spoke out as she along with King George, Howe, and Duke Of York are analysing the black-purple glowing cube that is on the table. These along with Edinburgh, Hood, Washington, North Carolina, Rossiya, Yat San, and Richelieu.

King George V turns to Akashi who is with them, "You know nothing of this technology?" She asked.

"N-nya, I only saw what Akagi did to that huge scary thing." Akashi replied with a nervous tone.

"Orochi..." Edinburgh muttered out loud.

"And that's not the worst situation..." Rossiya responded, "And if the maids stated what they saw..."

"That scumbag!?" Washington questioned, "Yeah she is working with that asshole, how can she do this!?" She exclaimed in a frustrated tone.

North Carolina assures Washington, "Calm down, Sis..." She whispered.

"The leader of the terrorists is alive, and Akagi is working for him on this project Orochi." Wales replied with a serious tone.

"Do the Crimson Axis leaders know this?" Yat Sen asked with worry.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they do, given how they betrayed us!" Washington scoffed.

"Let's not push our assumptions..." Richelieu advised her, "Right now, we need to deal with their weapon, Orochi."

North Carolina nodded, "Indeed, this weapon has capabilities beyond anything we ever face. Manage to tank our shots if it were nothing." She said.

Hood stares at the cube, "Well, Edinburgh and Sheffield have managed to steal this wisdom cube..." She stated, "Tho, it's unlike anything I've ever seen."

Rossiya nodded, "Agreed. We need further analysis of this item at the lab." She stated. "With that, great job on stealing it." She complimented Edinburgh, "With this, it might hinder Orochi from going all out as you informed. You may go."

Edinburgh nodded as she leaves the room. Akashi slightly raises her arm.

"Um, nya... What about me?" She asked.

Richelieu smiled, "You will stay here, our new Commander is welcomed to have you being safe here." She assured.

"Nya... Thank you." Akashi sighed in relief as she heads out.

Wales continues to stare at the cube. "The Commander needs to see this..." She said.

"Alright... You're good to go, Commander." John says as he finished wrapping the bandage around Xavier's bruised leg. Xavier got up, in his uniform, but underneath his clothes is a patch of elastic bandages wrapped around the injured area. Beside him are Hornet and Baltimore.

"That was reckless of you..." John reminded. Xavier was silent in that response, "...So, is Akagi convinced?" He asked.

Xavier shook his head, as he looks around the area, he and the doctor are at the large infirmary along with Sheffield, Newcastle, Gloucester, and Helena being recovered along with Enterprise who is being chastised by Vestal.

Meanwhile, other girls are here as well, Cleveland and her sisters are with Helena. Belfast, Curlew, and Curacoa are with Sheffield, Newcastle, and Gloucester.

John notices he is looking at Enterprise, "Enterprise left off," He explained, "She saw you arrived and left, deciding to break your rule, with Hornet and Baltimore following her." He added.

Hornet slightly bowed, "Commander, I am really sorry." She apologised, "My sister wouldn't listen..."

"It's okay Hornet." Xavier replied, "I'll speak to Enterprise once again." He assured. "How is she?" He asked.

Hornet rubbed behind her head, "Well, Orochi gave her a beating, Vestal is going all out..." She said.

"So that, Orochi thing? It's a weapon made by the Crimson Axis?" John assumed.

Xavier nodded, as he begins to explain, "Yes, we noticed that the lab was empty, Richelieu's fleet saw no wreckage, and Edinburgh and Sheffield saw..."

"Oswald..." John chided, "Yeah, leader of the terrorists alright. Commander and I had to deal with his crazy schematics."

"So Akagi is working with him..." Hornet has a look of worry and disgust.

"Unless... Akagi is using him?" Baltimore suggests, "Edinburgh and Sheffield told us when they snuck into their base." She recalls.

"It makes sense how Akagi got the controls of the Siren tech now," John concluded. "Akagi somehow manage to get Oswald to do her work by taking every material and knowledge the terrorists had."

"And find the first Commander..." Xavier stated as they look at him.

"To think she would go this far to find him..." Hornet quietly exclaimed.

"More reason to stop her, with that tech and Oswald still alive who knows what's going to happen." John replied.

"So what's the next plan?" Baltimore wondered.

"The Crimson Axis not only consists around half of our Azur Lane forces, but with Siren ships, and that of Project Orochi." John listed out the threats. "Making an offense now may lead to more risks."

"Agreed." Xavier replied, "For now, we stay for a while, with more surveillance." He added.

"Don't worry." Hornet smiled, "I'll grab some others and we'll do the quick patrol outside near the coast." She affirmed.

"I'll be joining you Hornet." Baltimore joins in.

"Thank you, I should go and see Enterprise." Xavier reminded as he gets up.

"I'll be checking on others, you can go now." John replied as Xavier heads to Enterprise, and Hornet and Baltimore go off to prepare their patrol.

Xavier arrives to see Vestal is still in her bickering state with Enterprise as she is on her clinical bed.

"You got yourself hurt again Enterprise!" Vestal yelled, "You disobey Commander's words!" She reminded.

"I understand..." Enterprise replied.

Although Vestal wasn't convinced, "I don't think you do, if you keep this up, you'll be staying in the base forever if I were the Commander!" She scowled.

"Ahem, Vestal?" She turns to see Xavier is there.

"Thank goodness you are here and fine Commander..." Vestal replied, she turns and lowers her head slightly, "I am deeply sorry for this."

"It's fine, can I speak to Enterprise in my office?" Xavier requested.

Vestal looks at him before turning to Enterprise with a glare which the Grey Ghost took no reaction to it, then turns back to him. "Of course, Commander." She nodded as she turns back to Enterprise again. "You can go." She stated as Enterprise gets off the bed.

Xavier sees how fast Enterprise left the bed, implying she didn't want to stay there.

Vestal sees them leave as she sighed deeply to herself, John, Cleveland, Columbia, Montipler, Denver, Birmingham, and the recently arrived Biloxi.

"Enterprise is surely troublesome..." John spoke up.

Cleveland understands his saying, "Do you think Commander is gonna do more than keeping her in the room?" She wondered.

"I don't know." John replied, just then he hears a buzz, as he takes out his device and sees a message, "Everyone you all need to go to the bunker, there's a meeting for you all." He ordered.

"Will, you be okay by yourself Doc?" Cleveland asked as he nodded, then they left. Now John is with his injured patients, Helena, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Gloucester.

Xavier and Enterprise are at the main office, both of them are seated, and the Manjuus are settling themselves here.

"Enterprise, you heard what Vestal said." Xavier attempts to reason with her. "You followed me and the others, with your sister telling you not to."

Enterprise's expression remains neutral, "I suggest you needed support. As my assumption is correct given how you were injured and how it could've gone worse." She calmly explains.

"But it also made your condition worst." Xavier replied, "Has Belfast even treated you?" He asked.

"I had ration bars, I had plenty of time to eat." Enterprise excused, this perk him up.

"But don't you use to eat normal food before?" He questioned her as he read her file before.

"That was in the past," Enterprise stated, "As for now, I have exceeded my own results."

"But this makes you overconfident, you cannot throw yourself every battle." Xavier pointed out as the argument is getting louder.

"My place belongs to the battlefield." Enterprise refuted as her tone is slightly irritated.

"Even the best of the best needs to rest." Xavier's tone also raises with frustration.

"What would you gain by restricting me?" Enterprise questioned.

"What does throwing your life away means something?" Xavier questioned back.

Enterprise raises her voice, "My whole purpose is to fight!" She shouted.

"Why can't you be like the others?" Xavier refuted.

The argument gets more aggressive...

"You're asking as if this is easy!?"

"You are not trying!"

"You're holding me back!"

"The Commander himself would never let you be like this!"

Enterprise stood up as she grabbed the chair behind her and toss it from her side, clashing with the wall of the office. The loud noise startled the Manjuus, as they jump back and were now terrified by the enraged Grey Ghost.

Xavier who is also angry now jumped back and was surprised by seeing her action. His angered expression softens as seeing Enterprise downcasting.

"You don't know what I went through..." Her voice sounded like she was in pain. She looks up as Xavier sees small tears streaming out of her eyes and going to her cheeks.

"Commander trusted me, he lets me save my sister while knowing I'll be back for him..." Enterprise lamented, "But I failed... I lost him, and my sister Yorktown is hurt because of me..." She gritted her teeth, glaring at him.

Xavier sees her full emotions, as he tries to speak, "...Enterprise, I..."

Enterprise wipes her tears away, as her expression returns back to serious, "Don't..." She said, continuing her glare, "It's best if you let me be this way."

Xavier opens his mouth before his voice lets out, a call was notified by the phone. He picks up the ringing phone, "Yes?..." He spoke out, then a moment hearing a reply. "Got it, Enterprise, and I will be coming."

She hears her name being mentioned, and all she can think of is suspicion toward the new Commander.

Vestal takes a look at the black cube, "A wisdom cube?" She quietly whispers in shock when seeing this. "But it's..."

"Different nya?" Akashi asked as she is beside her. "This is what Akagi is using to control that robot nya..." She shivers once again.

"This wisdom cube it's different than the ones we were born from." Reno joined in.

Almost all Azur Lane girls are in the very large assembly room, John is also here along with them. Just then Xavier and Enterprise are the last ones to enter. Hornet notices them, and waves to them, and they walk to her.

"So what do they speak of this?" Xavier asked.

"Well, we try to figure out this wisdom cube, but right now it is doing nothing." Hornet explained.

"Wisdom cube?" Xavier asked as he doesn't know what it is.

"Oh right!" Hornet realised, "It's those cubes we were born from, but ours are in blue color, the one we have is black." She tells about the cubes.

Xavier looks at Enterprise then back to Hornet, "Can you show me?" He asked.

"Yeah." She said as she calls out to everyone, "Guys, Commander is going to take a look!"

This caused their attention as they let him through as he sees the black cube on the table. He approaches it along with Enterprise.

"So... That's a wisdom cube." He said.

"Yes, Commander." Vestal nodded, "So far the maids don't know its capabilities only saw. Although Akashi has seen the full display." She mentioned.

Xavier looks down to see Akashi, she isn't intimidated just by his height but by the new Commander himself, "No need to be sacred," His words assured her as she settle down. "So, you saw what Akagi use the cube right?" He asked.

Akashi nodded, "Nya. I only saw her activate Orochi's ship." She replied.

"So this confirms that Orochi isn't in full power..." Wales notified.

"Eh!?" Queen Elizabeth exclaimed, "So far we've been fighting the thing that wasn't even trying!?"

"This could be troubling..." Richelieu worries, "If they can complete Orochi, we may not stand a chance."

"Luckily they can't." Cleveland remarked, "So far, that Orochi thing cannot do what we do."

"I'm pretty sure if we combine all of us, we can at least beat it into scraps!" Hammann suggested.

"But if that attack fails..." Eagle called out.

"And an offense won't do good if it's at its element." Ark Royal stated.

"So we just do nothing?!" Nelson questioned the situation.

"The Crimson whatever Axis is gonna target us and we're basically standing still!" Pamiat Merkuria yelled.

The conversation gets louder as Xavier sees the girls don't know what their next plan move is, even Wales and Hood are stuck as well, seeing their argument he tries to call it off.

"Okay, everyone-" Just then the cube suddenly glows purple. Everyone notices as a bright purple flash caused all the girls to cover their eyes, as they strain by the light. Just as the glow fades away, they come with two missing individuals...

"Sis, Commander?!" Hornet exclaimed seeing Enterprise missing.

"Commander!" Javelin worried joined by other girls.

"What happened to them!?" Aulick panicked along with other sisters which are attempted to be settled down by Fletcher.

"The wisdom cube got them!" Portland pointed out as she drags Indianapolis away as the other girls as well move away from the cube. As it remains a low purple glow...

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Xavier looks around and sees himself in the same meeting room... But it's ruined. The entire area is covered in spots, seeing small flames still burning around. Then next to him is none other than...

"Enterprise?" He spoke out as she is here as well, looking shocked by this.

She turns to him, "Commander?" She replied.

They notice small particles float around, as they look up to see the entire roof is gone.

"Where are we?" Xavier asked, he looks around more and so does Enterprise.

Enterprise then suddenly sees someone by the destroyed door, "Commander." She pointed out just as he notices as well. The figure disappear as soon she called it out.

"Hey!" Xavier calls out, but no response, the two look at each other and head to the doorway...

Xavier and Enterprise are exiting outside, they see the entire base is destroyed. The buildings are ruined with flames still burning, smoke and other particles float around them no single life is found.

"What happened here?" Xavier asked. "Everything is..."

"Gone." Enterprise finished his speaking. She summoned her bow as her riggings appear as well in case of any attack.

They walk around the wasteland, with Xavier closely beside Enterprise. Despite their previous argument, they must stick together at least.

"You two are finally here..." A male voice spoke out from their behind as they turn immediately with Enterprise aiming her bow while Xavier was right behind her.

They see it as a person but what stands out is his appearance. He wears what appears to be dark futuristic armor, with purple outlines glowing throughout its entire set only covered by the dark grey metallic plating.

The figure has a dark ruined cloak, it looks up revealing what the hood is hiding. A mechanical sleek helmet, a single lavender visor glows slightly brighter, as it shows its own robotic-like glove pulling out the hood and revealing the whole thing.

"Who are you?" Enterprise questioned, keeping her bow steady at the mysterious figure.

"...What matters not, you are here..." The figure states and shows off a blue glowing cube, the cube floats up and flies straight towards them with instant speed another bright glow which covers Enterprise.

She covers her eyes by the flash and then looks to see that her new Commander... is missing. She is alerted and fires her energy arrow toward the mysterious figure who simply raises his hand summoning a blue energy shield that blocks the arrow.

"Where did you take him?" She demanded drawing another arrow from her bow.

"Rest assured, he is fine." The figure calmly replied. "He will be spoken by my companion."

Xavier opens his eyes and gazes around the surroundings, he feels something wet behind him. He gets up and sees he is lying on the water. He can't see how deep it is, he gets up seeing a vast water area with ruined ships everywhere, a smokey sky along with orange sunset.

"So, he brought you here as well..." A female voice spoke that caught his attention as he turns around to see a familiar figure.

"Enterprise?..." Xavier spoke out, but the Enterprise he sees looks completely different, no cap, wears a dark tattered cape, and her hair is messed up.

"Hello, Xavier." The 'Enterprise' spoke out.

"What happen to you?" Xavier asked.

"...Why did you choose to fight this war?" She asked, changing the topic.

"What do you mean?" Enterprise responded to the figure, "Because we need to stop the enemy. It's my purpose." She stated as she slightly lower her bow.

"All soldiers have a reason, you pointed out the necessity." The Figure replied.

"I'm doing this for my sister, the Commander. To become better." Enterprise admitted, "What is it you are seeking?" She questioned him.

"To see your vulnerability." The figure stated.

"I do it, to help others." Xavier answered her.

"And what reason?" She asked. "Why help them? Why is this your destiny to lead them?"

"...To be honest, I don't believe in fate." Xavier replied.

"And why is that?" 'Enterprise' questioned the new Commander.

"...Because I don't like the idea of being controlled in my life." Xavier admitted.

"So you do the right thing always." 'Enterprise' assumed.

Xavier slightly chuckled, "Well, I ain't called a 'bad' hacker back in the days." He added.

"That is your reason to help, be a hacker to support others outside the law." She replied as Xavier nodded, "As expected from you..." She said.

"What are you saying?" Enterprise questioned.

"You must learn that your greatest strength is also your weakness." The figure said as he walks slowly toward her. "And you are demonstrating an example."

"I'm doing it for the Commander and my sisters, to become stronger than ever without losing them anymore. How is this a weakness?" Enterprise sternly questioned him.

"But you'll lose yourself, that is not what he wanted." He responded.

Enterprise clenched her fist, "You speak like the new Commander..." She fumed.

"..." He was silent when she mentioned the Commander, "That doesn't matter, you do exactly show proof that you have emotions that you were trying to hide." He continued.

"And your point?" Enterprise demanded.

"You are selfish." He blatantly stated. "You wanted to be expendable, throw away your life, it sounds pathetic if you asked me..."

Enterprise widen her eyes as her expression scowled, "I don't need your insults." She seethed.

"No, but you are doing the same thing toward others." He replied. "Your sisters, your friends, your new Commander what will they think if you throw away your life? They'll help you, but you push away, and soon no one will ever be with you shall you die is that want you wanted to help your loved ones?..." He questioned her.

"I..." Enterprise tries to refute him... She is now conflicted about herself... She wants to become better, for everyone, but what he said, she is selfish in preventing others from helping her, she'll be nothing and that's not what she wanted for her sisters, and him...

"Recall your journey... Think about what you become..." He said as he summons yet again another cube as it glows bright, flashing the area.

Just then, she recalls her memories...

Back in World War 2 when she lost her sisters... When she was just an emotionless ship...

She then was born as a human being along with her sisters... How it feels to be alive...

Meeting the first Commander... Being with him... How his generosity affects her...

Then losing him and nearly her sister Yorktown... She remembers her first time losing herself.

After the memories faded away, she sees the figure once again. "You are shown to be vulnerable to your newly founded emotions, that's why you throw them away because you don't want to suffer, you don't want to experience them again. One light is not enough to brighten up the darkest shadows..."

"So be honest Enterprise..." He spoke in a serious tone, "Are you afraid of losing someone you love once again?" He asked.

"..." Enterprise went silent, she wanted to answer but she doesn't speak out, only she slowly nodded. She slowly opens her mouth to speak, "I don't want to repeat this again..." She admits. "I lost him, I don't want to lose again, and be... Helpless..."

The figure replies, "Everyone makes mistakes, you must learn to accept and move on." He advised, "You won't be alone when facing loss once again, no one is facing this alone, do you understand?"

"...Yes." Enterprise simply answered. Just then the area glows, as a big purple light slowly appears in the sky and envelopes the area. "What's happening?"

"We will see each other once again. Although, not in a way you expected to be..." The figure is assured as the light fully covers the area.

"Eh? Expected from me?" Xavier wondered what she meant. She turns away which caused him to blurt out, "Wait! What about Enterprise? And who is she with?" He asked.

"You'll soon learn about us..." She vaguely replied. "And you will once again find more of us."

"Huh? You and the other guy aren't the only ones?" Xavier asked as suddenly a big purple flash slowly appeared from the sky as enveloped the entire area. "Wait, when can we see you?"

"It'll be a matter of moment, Xavier. Farewell, along with your companion." 'Enterprise' replied as she walks off, while Xavier only see a glimpse of her as the purple light covers his vision.

Now everything is white.

Chapter 7 Completed... Commence The Next Chapter...

"Reviews with actual criticism are welcomed here."