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The 'XZJQ Project' Presents...
|Location: Crimson Axis Base|
|Time: 0930|
It was a peaceful morning at the base, there Ayanami is sitting on the bench, sheltered by the pink blossom tree as she is pondering about the past moments. Back at the ruined city...
"Javelin... Laffey..." Ayanami muttered. It's been a day since the battle at the misty city... The Crimson Axius has returned
"Ayanami?" A familiar called out, and it was none other than Z23 herself. She walks up, holding a tea tray with two cups and a teapot, and sat down next to her. "Are you okay?" She wondered.
"..." Ayanami is silent, so Z23 placed the tea tray, and pours a teapot onto the two cups. She places it down, then gives one of the teacups to Ayanami. She takes it and sips it with Z23 following up.
"Nimi..." Z23 hears Ayanami speak up, she sees her staring at the cup. "During the battle... About Javelin and Laffey..." She mentioned. "Why must we fight?" She asked, "I don't wanna fight our friends."
Z23 hears this and thinks before saying, "I don't know." She admits, "Orders are orders. But for now, we must hope that this is over." She replied.
"Why can't we try to work together?" Ayanami asked as her expression continues to get sad.
Z23 sadly sighed, "...Akagi has already informed us that a replacement is on its way, and we learned by her and Kaga being the witness of a missing body, he must be alive. And the Navy decided to not continue the search."
Ayanami is silent, "...I hated this..." She muttered. "I wish he is here..."
Z23 can empathise as she comforts her, "Me too, Ayanami... Me too..." She said, seeing that she needs to try to cheer Ayanami up, "Come on, we should find others." She insists and gets up grabs Ayanami's hand and pulls her out.
"I present to you, Orochi at its 90% complete capacity." Akagi introduced Orochi as it stands tall and behind her with Kaga beside her as well.
"So, what difference does it have this time?" Jean Bart asked as she along with Nagato, Mutsu, Bismarck, and Vittorio Veneto seated to witness this weapon project. Along with Kawakazze and Brunhilde remained on guard duty on those important leaders.
Kaga informs, "Project Orochi now has a new expansive arsenal, from laser cannons to missiles and flamethrowers, and is capable of controlling drones that can teleport back to our harbor base once they acquired an item."
"And once Orochi is 100% completed, it'll be the frontlines against all Siren enemies." Akagi smiled and concluded.
Nagato looks at Orochi as it remains still like a statue, "And what of the stolen Wisdom Cube and the Repair Ship?" Bismarck asked, reminding the missing Akashi.
"Rest assured, the Crimson Axis will reclaim what Azur Lane has stolen from us." Akagi ensured. "By sending Orochi to the base itself." She stated.
"How will you do that?" Vittorio asked. "You claimed Orochi is not capable to move through the waters like us."
Akagi smiled, "Orochi is fitted with teleporting technology similar to likes of the Sirens, it now has enough energy to arrive at the base, and as Orochi reclaims the Wisdom Cube, the energy will be restored and will safely return back." She explains.
"You're putting way too much faith in that Project we just discover it for a while." Jean Bart remarked.
"Rest assured..." Akagi bowed, "As Akagi promised, that Project Orochi is under the Crimson Axis' control." She said.
The leaders think for a moment as they also glanced at Nagato who has been the most silent out of the group.
"Nagato?" Mutsu whispered, asking if she has a response.
"...Very well." Nagato spoke up, "But, the actions you've caused against the Azur Lane made many problems for us and for Project Orochi."
Akagi explains her actions, "It is inevitable. Desperate measures must be taken. The Officials will discover Orochi, they will stop us and our pursuit to find Shikkian. The Crimson Axis must save him by using their weapon against them." She stated.
"Humanity is barely winning, and Shikkian has been our top victor against our enemies." Kaga added, reminding them that their previous Commander had put them on victory for nearly 5 years until his death. "And if we rescue him, he might have the knowledge of the Sirens due to his capture and we will finally win this war."
The others are silent as Nagato finally accepts, "You two have a point, for now, the two of you shall continue this project, as we will stop the Azur Lane from preventing it." She said. "Dismissed."
Akagi and Kaga bowed before heading off with Orochi turning back and following them.
When they are gone, Bismarck begins to speak, "Project Orochi, I still raised suspicion over that machine..." She said.
"Agreed, that thing has been doing almost the legwork for the Crimson Axis." Jean Bart agreed.
"And scary..." Mutsu mentions.
"And it's sheer power when facing the Azur Lane." Vittorio recalled when seeing Orochi in battle.
Bismarck turns to Nagato, "Nagato, is it sure wise, that we would trust only Akagi and Kaga on this weapon completely?" She asked.
Nagato shook her head, "I don't." She admits, "Yet the action has already been made, Akagi and Kaga are doing this for the sake of Shikkian, and so are we." She said. "However we should have countermeasures whether they'll accept it or not."
"I'm glad you think of that." Bismarck replied. "I have already contacted Eugen to bring her companions in hopes she will learn about this Project Orochi."
Nagato nodded, "Very well." With other nods from Mutsu, Jean, and Vittorio, the meeting is over.
Back at the stairs, Akagi and Kaga are walking with Orochi behind, Akagi smiled, "It seems that Nagato still has hesitation." She remarked.
"Nagato along with the others lack your determination, Sister." Kaga replied.
"Don't speak about them badly, Sister..." Akagi reasoned. "They too are driven by a deep strong love."
"But dear Sister..." Kaga responded.
"However, my love for Shikkian is strong enough to incinerate the entire world, and it's still burning. And that fire will never put out for him." Akagi stated, "And soon... Shikkian will be rightfully mine..."
"Then I will always be with you." Kaga stated as Akagi smiles.
"Thank you, Kaga..." Akagi replied, "Let's visit Amagi, shall we?" She asked. Kaga gives a soft smile and agrees. "But first... Orochi, return to harbor." She ordered as Orochi nodded taking another direction.
Z23 and Ayanami are walking by the pathway, there they meet up in an area where other girls are settling themselves. Kako and Furtaka chat together, Yamashiro and Fusou walk together, Peter Strasser is with Joffre, and many others are here.
Just then a familiar shout occurred. "Ayanami!" The two see, three girls coming toward them. It is Yuudachi, Yukikaze, and Shigure.
"Yuudachi, Yukikaze, Shigure..." Ayanami spoke out as they stop and greeted her along with Z23 their smiles.
Before the three can reply, a few gasps occurred as the five turns to see Orochi walking by, Just then Mustui and the other destroyers are very nervous to see it. While some are still imitated by Orochi while the rest of the girls still watch. Yamashiro is slightly nervous as well, but Fusou assures her.
"Can't imagine having Orochi with us." Shigure remarked as Ayanami and Z23 watched Orochi, and Ayanami herself can't feel like Orochi is glancing despite having no eyes, only a visor.
Shigure still puffs herself with pride, "But, Orochi still doesn't have the Goddess Of Luck, unlike me!" She stated.
"Well, they should have brought me into the fight." Yukikaze huffed, "The Azur Lane tries to stop us from finding Shikkian. I felt Yukikaze the Great should at least, teach them a lesson!" She stated.
"How about we settle down and eat?" Yuudachi suggested
Z23 sighed at their antics, meanwhile, Ayanami still stares at Orochi as it walks off. She can't help but think of it, they were told that Orochi will bring victory for the Crimson Axis...
"Ayanami?" Z23 calls out, "Ayanami!" She repeated with a raised tone which alerted Ayanami. "Are you okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, you seemed more distracted..." Yuudachi with slight worry, since this is Ayanami.
"I'm... Fine." Ayanami replied, tho being very dismissive about it.
Z23 wasn't convinced, as she tries to speak to her. Then suddenly a familiar meowofficer jumps out and takes her hat, "Hey!" She exclaimed, the cat officer lands down, and stares at her before hopping off.
"That meowofficer took Nimi's hat!" Yuudachi exclaimed.
"Ha! Then I, Yukikaze The Great, shall retrieve it!" Yukikaze stated as she gives chase.
"You need my fortune for this!" Shigure joined in as Yuudachi follows.
Z23 sighed, "I need to get my beret before they can cause a mess..." She muttered as she follows the three, Ayanami sees there was nothing to do, and joins up with them.
Somewhere, Akagi and Kaga are walking on a pathway, continuing their way, as they see a spar going on.
It's Takao and Zuikaku with their wooden swords due to training, Atago is is also here, but there was another person, that the two kitsune sisters expected to meet, it is none other than Amagi watching the spar.
"Amagi-san!" Akagi beamed, as Amagi noticed and smiled.
"Akagi, Kaga..." Amagi replied. "How are you two doing?" She asked, and then she suddenly coughed for a while.
Akagi is a bit saddened, she hasn't recovered for months since the Shikkian's disappearance, she responds, "Akagi just wanted to see you." She said, "Kaga as well." She mentions her other sister.
Amagi remains her smile, "Dear sisters, I am okay." She assured, "Come and join in, Zuikakau and Takao have been sparring for a while." She explained.
Zuikaku remains in her stance, and Takao as well, just then Zuikaku goes first, and with sheer speed, the two traded swings with Takao on the defensive.
Atago is here as she explains, "Our dear Zuikakau has been determined to fight better since the previous battle." She said.
Zuikaku hears this as she and Takao are on a sword lock, "Of course! I needed to be better, for Shikkian, and to prove better than the Grey Ghost!" She yells.
Takao is slightly pushed back, but she decides to release her defense form, causing Zuikaku to lose balance and slightly stagger forward. As Takao is about to catch her, Zuikaku retaliates and dodges below her sword.
As Kaga sees this, she noticed someone is missing, "Where is Shoukaku?" She asked.
Atago replied, "She is off to somewhere with Prinz Eugen, had to deal with something important." As Zuikaku and Takao still fighting, until both are locked together once again. Atago starts to clap, "You both have done well, today, there's barely any advantage you two have gained."
With that, the two lower their weapons, Takao nodded, "Indeed, you have fought well." She complimented Zuikaku.
Zuikaku smiled, "Thank you, but I'll still need to do better." She said. "It's a shame that my sister won't be here to see this."
Takao nodded, " I understand, but remember, not every fight must be up to you only, you have others to rely upon." She said. "Shikkian, would not want to see you overstress yourself."
"O-of course!" Zuikaku nodded.
"Now, that you two settle down..." Atago comes up with her own katana, "Preharps, it's my turn." Zuikaku can't help but sweatdrop seeing Atago's smile.
"Ara ara, Atago and Zuikaku." Amagi's smile remains and turns to Akagi and Kaga, "Shall you two join in?" She asked.
Akagi nodded, "Of course Amagi-san." She accepts as Kaga follows up as well. The two sat beside Amagi and watches the spar commences.
Zuikaku and Atago begin fighting, Amagi glances to see Akagi and Kaga. She is glad to see them, okay, hearing that they are in charge of Orochi, she hoped to see them not stressed out, due to their loss.
All they can do is settle down and watch, Zuikaku is on the defensive with Atago on the offensive.
The meowofficer is continued to be chased by Yukikaze, Shigure, and Yuudachi. Z23 and Ayanami follow up on the three.
"Such persistence!" Yukikaze remarked.
"Soon, he shall face my capture wrath!" Shigure stated.
"He reached the end! It's over!" Yuudachi pointed out.
And she is right, the meowofficer reaches the end where he is blocked by a pile of boxes. "I got you!" The three leaped in, as the meowofficer dropped the beret and hoped to the side, surprising the girls as they crashed into the pile of boxes.
Z23 and Ayanami arrived to see the tumbled-up boxes, along with Yukikaze, Shigure, and Yuudachi, with Shigure herself being the one holding out Z23's beret, "Got it..." She mumbled.
Z23 sighed as she took it, "What was that about?" She asked.
"What are you doing here?!" A voice called out as they turned minus the three dizzy girls. They manage to witness Admiral Hipper being the one asking as she is along with Blucher, Shoukaku, Z1, and none other than Prinz Eugen herself.
Just then the meowofficer appears in between, the two groups, Z23 can be the only one who can explain, "Well, they are chasing the meowofficer... We follow."
"What are you all doing here?" Ayanami wondered.
The group didn't answer, with Admiral Hipper being hesitant, but Blucher spoke up, "We're gonna sneak up to find Orochi." She stated.
"Blucher!" Hipper yelled, grabbing her shoulder and practically shaking her.
"But, I thought we could share it amongst others!..." Blucher replied, while being shooked, making her voice quiver.
"Don't worry, dear sis." Eugen spoke up, which Hipper stopped, "Preharps more company is welcomed here."
"Ugh, fine." Hipper let go as Blucher felt slightly dizzy after this.
Z23 and Ayanami are confused by this, Z23 spoke up, "What do you mean by that?" She asked.
"Ever since Orochi is made, Akagi and Kaga haven't given much to know about this thing, only that we were told this is a weapon that is capable of beating the Sirens." Z1 explained.
"Even, I understand Senpai's reason for it." Shoukaku joined in the conversation. "But I can't help, but gain suspicious on Orochi, as it is nothing we saw from the Sirens."
Hipper then finishes the explanation, "That is why Bismarck sends us, to check on the project, in case the project goes wrong, we might exploit some weakness, in case that thing goes against us."
"Did someone say Orochi!?" Yukikaze asked as she recovers along with Yuudachi and Shigure.
Prinz Eugen smiles, "Since now that you know, our plan was originally just us, but some company is required, so we can cover more ground..." She said, "Are you willing to join?" She asked.
Z23 and Ayanami can look at each other, then they nodded and accepted.
"Wait, what are we doing again?" Yuudachi asked. Just then the same meowofficer jumps onto her head and points in the direction of the cave.
Inside the cave, well after Yuudachi, Shigure, and Yukikaze are told about this. While they were hesitant, seeing no choice, they agreed as they walk through the pathway to the cave, along with the meowofficer, who Eugen is impressed by it.
"This cat is telling us where to go..." Hipper muttered.
"Preharps, he knows about this place!" Blucher assumes.
"It seems plausible." Eugen agrees with Blucher.
Hipper sighed, "First, the Manjuus, now this?..." She facepalmed, recalling that embarrassing moment when she and others were swarmed by the Manjuus when attempting to capture the Commander.
Z23 looks around as she and Ayanami are with Shoukaku, "We haven't been this far into the caves..." She speaks out.
Ayanami looks at Shoukaku and speaks, "What about Zuikaku?" She asked.
Shoukaku replies, "I don't want my sister to be part of this, plus I am also suspicion towards Orochi, unlike my sister." She explained. "It's best I keep her safe away from this."
Ayanami can do is nod as they keep going further, following the meowofficer.
Meanwhile, Oswald is checking out Orochi's holographic blueprints, with Orochi in front of him. Then he reveals the full 100% design of Orochi, having its own riggings.
"So far... If we have the cube, Orochi would finally be completed, those foxes won't know their hubris against me is their downfall." Oswald smirked.
Just then Orochi's visor flicker constantly, Oswald wides his eyes, it means someone is coming, and it's not the foxes. He quickly runs off, towards the ship Orochi itself, and hides inside.
As that happen, the girls arrived, "Woah..." Yuudachi sees the ship itself, "That's supposed to be Orochi's ship?" She asked.
"It must be." Shoukaku replied, staring at Orochi standing silently.
"It's bigger than any ship or Siren we've seen..." Hipper stared at the large Siren-like vessel.
Prinz Eugen comes up to Orochi, then notices a device on the table. She presses it and the hologram blueprints show up. "There it is." She stated.
"Those are... Orochi's blueprints?" Blucher asked.
"Indeed, sis." Eugen replied, "Tho, not much is shown about its weaknesses..." Everyone there sees the blueprints of Orochi with riggings, identifying as 100% Orochi, with eight tentacle snake heads behind Orochi's back, a variety of weapons, and drones.
Oswald sees this, knowing that if they see this, they will report to the others, he needs to stop them! "Strain them Orochi..." He whispered out loud.
Hipper then notices on Orochi's ship, "Hey you!" She called out, causing attention from others, "Who are you!?" She summoned her riggings and aims at Oswald.
But suddenly her riggings get grabbed by Orochi who is activated much to Hipper's shock. Just then she gets knocked back by Orochi, and lands unconscious.
"Hipper!" Blucher exclaimed in shock, as her friendly demeanor changed to anger. "You hurt my sister!" She fires her riggings but it does no damage to Orochi.
Orochi then summons its arm cannon and begins to fire, but is staggered by a barrage of shots from Z23, Prinz Eugen, Shigure, Yuudachi, and Yukikaze. Then Shoukaku summons her planes and provides air support, and Orochi gets covered with explosives.
The girls waited for the smoke to be cleared, just then a red glow appears in the smoke and just then an energy blast hits Yuudachi she gets electrocuted, before going unconscious.
"Yuudachi!" Shigure shouted. Orochi gets up, while its armor is slightly smiled by the blast. Shoukaku immediately summons more planes but Orochi summons another arm, a new Gatling cannon then fires laser rounds with each of them hitting each plane.
Orochi aims the same cannon at Yuudachi and at Shoukaku, but Ayanami rushes in and swings her sword down, staggering the aim. Orochi glances at Ayanami as she rushes in with her sword, slashing at its head, with sparks flying out. Orochi tries to hit, but Ayanami dodges.
And just so she attempts a swing Orochi ducks and delivers a devasting punch on her side, knocking her away to the ground. Ayanami is in pain as her vision blurs seeing other girls fighting Orochi, one moment is Oreochi summoning two new cannons that started to emit red flames toward Blucher.
Z23 rushes, with Yukikaze and Shigure, "Ayanami!..." And just that, her vision fades away to black.
Meanwhile, Akagi and Kaga are continuing watching the spar with Amagi, just then both of them felt something, a call from them, it was Oswald. This caused both to stand up, much to Amagi's confusion.
"We must go. Amagi-san." Akagi replied as she walks off with Kaga assuring Amagi.
"Apologies, Amagi-san, we have other business to attend to." Kaga explained.
Amagi was hesitant before nodding, "Very well, stay well both of you." She said as they head off. Much to others being confused by their sudden leave.
Later on, Ayanami woke up and sees herself tied up, along seeing other girls tied up as well, awaked.
"Ayanami, are you okay?" Z23 asked, worried.
"M... What happened?" Ayanami asked.
"Well, this happened..." Oswald spoke up as Ayanami recognised the voice, and sees him approach while Orochi is on guard, "You girls are always annoying."
"You!" Ayanami's rage builds as she struggles off the binds.
Oswald smirked, "Yeah, yeah settle down, your situation is not in your favor." He warned, gesturing to Orochi.
"He's right, Ayanami please." Z23 begged, while also in a rage at seeing Oswald alive. With that Ayanami calms down while still having a hateful glare.
"How in the world, do you survive you monster?" Hipper questioned.
"Well, it wouldn't be miraculous if I explain it, eh?" Oswald questioned.
"Ha?... It's more like a curse!" Shigure responds with anger.
"Yeah, you should be punished by the wrath of Yukikaze!" Yukikaze angrily shouted.
"Oh no, I am so scared!" Oswald playfully mocks.
"What is going on?" Akagi and Kaga arrive.
Yuudachi is relieved by this, "Akagi, Kaga! Help us!" She pleaded.
"No need..." Shoukaku replied, knowing what this meant.
"Huh?" Blucher is confused by that.
"So, the suspicions are correct." Eugen confirmed. "You got this information with him don't you?" She assumed.
Akagi sighed, "Of course, ever so smart Eugen." She said.
Kaga glares at others, "And many more dare to look into our plans." Oswald eye-rolled at the mention of their plans only.
Z1 is bewildered to see this, "Akagi, Kaga! Why working with this terrorist?!" She questioned.
"Akagi isn't working with him, Akagi's using him, to achieve our goals we Crimson Axis desires..." Akagi explained.
"...Shikikan..." Ayanami revealed, while shocked by this.
Akagi nodded, "But, Akagi is willing to let you understand, that you may all be released, and join us. Once Orochi is complete, we will no longer be in need of his existence." She glares at Oswald who slightly backs away.
"Senpai, this is madness." Shoukaku attempts to speak out, "You cannot trust him in relying on Orochi. This isn't what Shikikan would have wanted." She said.
Akagi glares at Shoukaku, "Akagi assure you, my Kouhai, that my love for Shikkian is never broken." She stated. "I found it odd to hear from you, Shoukaku, willfully agree on the Crimson Axis. Would you not do anything to find and save him?"
"..." Shoukaku is silent at this as she is slightly troubled and is glaring, Akagi smirked at that.
She speaks, "The plan must begin, shame it must not go where Akagi plans to be, but this will be enough." She said as she turns to Kaga, "Kaga, commence Orochi and make it reclaimed the cube, along with the fake Shikkian." She ordered.
Kaga nodded, "Orochi, commence the operation." Orochi then walks back to the specific platform where Orochi was originally standing.
"Wait, what do you plan to do with the new Shikikan?" Ayanami asked, worried about the Azur Lane, especially Javelin and Laffey.
"...Akagi shall show the world, that replacing Shikikan, is their worst mistake..." She vaguely stated, and that caused Ayanami and others to be shocked, they never thought Akagi would go this far...
"You said, once we bring Kommandant back, we'd leave the new one alone!" Z23 raged.
"So... What's your deal with us?" Eugen sighed.
"Akagi may have plans for you, but now you must stay." Kaga stated.
"Indeed so Kaga." Akagi replied, "Now watch, as Orochi shall succeed in its goals..."
Orochi reaches for its arms and presses some holographic buttons, then a purple glow appears on the back as it envelops it. Everyone covers their eyes, and as the flash is gone, so is Orochi. The prisoners remain in fear for Azur Lane... Along with the same meowofficer that is hiding and watching, as he tries to think of a way of rescuing the girls.
|Location: Azur Lane Base|
|Time: 1530|
In the green forest, a purple flash appears as it disappears, revealing Orochi standing. It turns around as it scans throughout the area.
And there it sees it... The Azur Lane Base. Orochi begins walking, pursuing the cube and the New Commander...
Chapter 9 Completed... Commence The Next Chapter...
"Reviews with actual criticism are welcomed here."