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The sounds of mechanical work filled the room of Akashi's tech lab as Hipper was performing some magic on the Shikikan's armor. The officer himself was sitting down, resting his body after yesterday's failed attempt to learn movement on the seas. Vestal had worked wonders with her healing abilities able to keep his leg from being broken, but she did order him to take it easy. No workouts or any form of hard exercise for the next few days. Meanwhile, he asked Hipper for some technical help with the armor since the Ironbloods had reversed engineered Siren tech for their riggings.

Suffice it to say, Hipper was the best option since she had vast knowledge of maintaining her rigging along with Prinz Eugen's. Hipper didn't hesitate to take on the challenge of figuring out what made the armor work although he only asked her so she could 'fix' it. The Admiral had no idea how much time his counterpart had put into making such a great weapon but didn't leave some for of manual to operate it. Then again, there was no time for manuals when you lost everything.

"How's it looking, Hipper?"

The blond tsundere gave a huff before ripping the armored breast plating off, "It's definitely Siren-like. No way could humanity make something like this without a little help from the Sirens. However, I need to take apart piece by piece before I can say anything."

"How long?" he asked

"Mm, two days without interruptions, three if Eugen bothers me,"

Shikikan gave a nod, "Thank you for helping me out here. I thought I was going to die on day one of testing it out."

Hipper ripped another piece of the armor off, casually throwing it off to the side, "It's not like I care about you like an older sister would, dummkopf bruder."

"At least that tsundere side never goes away," The officer mused to himself before getting up and walking outside of the lab. As he opened the door, he noticed Carabiniere standing guard to the side like a good sentry she was. With the bombshell news he dropped on the shipgirls just yesterday, everyone was on high alert which meant Shikikan's personal space was non-existent. Everywhere he went, even in his own room, he was being watched by one of the shipgirls. Could he blame them for simply looking out for his safety when one of their enemies was on the base?

"Carabiniere, do you mind taking this letter to Enterprise?" he asked the short Italian destroyer while procuring a letter from his pocket

The girl gave a salute while accepting the letter and made her way towards the Eagle Dorms. He had a date for today and it was going to be light on his leg since most of the day was going to be traveling. Traveling to where? That was unknown but as far as he knew, his date wanted to get off the base for some time. Who was that shipgirl?

It wouldn't be a far stretch to say that he promised Cesare a date to the opera. But as Shikikan made his way towards the docks, he noted the French battleships docked and awaiting him. As he got closer, the battleships were more recognizable by the shipgirl associated with them. His ideas were laid to rest when he spotted a particular shipgirl resting against the rails of her ship.

Her darker silver hair blended in with the ship that partially covered her right eye. A dark jacket wrapped itself around her shoulders but was not closed. Her garments consisted of a simple blouse that went from her breasts to her legs, stopping short of her knees. Armored leggings followed all the way down to her feet, leaving very little skin exposed. Finishing her appearance was dark gloves that had some armor to them, but nowhere like the Ironbloods.

"Bonjour, Amiral," she waved towards the man as he got closer

Shikikan returned the wave but then noticed more shipgirls near the battleship. Their apparel were similar or contrasted completely which only meant one thing, he was getting an escort party. Not just an escort party, one from the all the French navy, both the Iris Libre and Vichya. Great, just great.

"I should have seen this coming," the Admiral thought to himself as he approached the group of gathered French ladies

His escort consisted of Saint Louis, Gascogne, Temeraire, Jean Bart, and Forbin. If Shikikan didn't know he was going on a date, his first thought would have been the French were readying for a sortie. At least it was a nice sight to see both sides of the French navy working together for something bigger than politics.

"Master, I have already calculated the time it will take to travel towards F-" Gascogne began to speak before a hand went over her mouth

Jean Bart's hand kept the fellow Vichya battleship from speaking, "Gascogne, don't spoil the surprise. Dunkerque wouldn't be very fond of that."

"If the Admiral wishes, I can reduce the time by half," Forbin offered, looking a bit bashful

Saint Louis placed a hand on the younger destroyer's shoulder, "Attention à ta langue, you'll outrun the escort."

"Pardonne-moi,"

The Admiral waved off the apology, feeling that there was no need to apologize for simply making a suggestion, "It's alright, let's sail off as soon as possible. I will rather be somewhere else than in the cold."

With that set in motion, the man walked up the ramp into Dunkerque's vessel while the other shipgirls proceeded to their own ships. Once onboard, he found Dunkerque awaiting him in the bridge where it was nice and warm compared to the outside. Minutes later, the battleship lurched forward to begin a long journey towards a very special place the French held dear.

"I'm assuming you aren't going to tell me where we're going are you?" Shikikan asked, taking a seat for the long journey ahead

Dunkerque tried to stay stoic, although the corners of her mouth perked upwards to betray her expression, "I'm afraid not. It's a secret you have to see with your own eyes."

Although not satisfied with that answer, the man found it much more entertaining for his brain to think on their destination. French warships heading to a place they hadn't visited in a long time? It wouldn't surprise him if they went to France for a short time, but where specifically in that country?


Meanwhile…

Back at the naval base, Ash had kept herself away from the other shipgirls since they didn't exactly like her presence. A particular few like Washington, Enterprise, and Elizabeth would have loved to fire upon her since the Admiral was off the base. It was only by his orders that no one tried to pick a fight with her although she doubted any of them could last long. But that's not what she was trying to do.

At the moment, all Ash really could do was stare at the ocean during this eerie peace that fell upon the base. It didn't make sense for the Sirens to back off so suddenly. They always had some sort of plan set up whether it be infiltration or a massive assault. Could it be that maybe her Commander had done some sort of rippling effect with their pyrrhic victory? A rippling effect that caused the Sirens to reevaluate themselves?

"E-...Enterprise?"

Ash slowly turned towards the voice, her eyes of apathy locking onto the small frame of Unicorn. She called her by a name she had forgotten. She remembered that little girl, always nervous around others besides Illustrious or the Commander. She stuck to them like they were her older siblings, even after everything had ended. But this wasn't the Unicorn she knew, a different one that didn't have to see the horror of Ash's world.

The light aircraft carrier hid behind U-chan momentarily before gathering enough courage to speak against someone so frightening, "D-Do you...like it here?"

"I suppose…" she could only answer

It was only a day or two since she arrived with her mainly staying by herself. Although, compared to her world, this one was much better. A world she wished could have been her own, one she could be happy in. But those memories only gave rise to the pain and remorse of having it all taken away. Still, she was doing this as her Commander's parting wish.

"I...I was overhearing big sister Illustrious...a-and I was wondering, what was it like in your world? Before everything went...bad," Unicorn asked again, trying to not upset the very powerful woman in front of her

Ash tore her gaze away to look back at the ocean. The source of everything that had gone wrong, yet, it was also the very thing that gave her the little happiness she did have. Even the rivalries she had in her world felt wholesome at least. Familiar faces that relied on one another until the bitter end, leaving two to be broken upon the fate. Where could it have gone so wrong when they once had a strong bond? Was she too weak then?

She wondered about Ember, would she also try to help the Admiral? Although they had been allies, Ember kept her wishes to herself but the possibility was there.

"Are you scared of the ocean?" Unicorn's voice entered Ash's thoughts as the woman stayed silent

This time, Ash spoke, "I was...I hate it."

Unicorn gave a slow nod, her eyes going to the floor to digest the woman's words. They held truth behind them since Enterprise was scared at one point too. However, she didn't hate the ocean, she grew to accept how it brought both joy and pain. Ash, she didn't seem to accept the concept with all the pain she harbored. So, the little aircraft carrier did the one thing she felt would help mend the wound.

While Ash stared intently at the ocean, Unicorn grabbed one of her free hands and stood next to the woman, "I was scared too. Big bro-...I mean Papa showed me how to be brave. I think...he's scared half the time. Was your Commander scared?"

"...I never asked him," Ash admitted, the little girl hitting the spot she tried to suppress

Neither female spoke, only looking at the ocean with their hands clasped together. Well, it was Unicorn holding Ash's hand, but the woman couldn't resist closing her hand as well.


The Admiral awoke to the sound of boilers shutting off and the lurching of the battleship stopping. The sudden stop caused him to fall out of a hammock he was sleeping in within the ship itself. The cold floor and pain instantly woke his senses while he grumbled with such a rude awakening. It had been many hours, practically a day, since they left the naval base so that must mean they had arrived.

Dunkerque was nowhere near him since she had to maintain the course of the ship itself. When he was awake, Dunkerque went on several naps to catch up on her sleep for this long trek. Some of those naps happening in odd times, such as when she fell asleep on him one time during a hug. But when both were awake, the couple mainly talked about many topics while feasting on some sweets Dunkerque had brought.

Rising to his feet, Shikikan yawned before stretching himself out. Then, he left to go see the secret that the French ladies wouldn't tell him about. What he was greeted with was a beautiful sight. The early sun revealed the beautiful buildings that had survived the test of time, some being made no more than two centuries ago. Large groups of people walked around the harbor and city streets beyond.

"We've arrived at Le Havre," Dunkerque stated, leaving the tower to meet the officer, "I haven't seen this port in so long."

She had changed into something less uniform and more casual. The clothing being a simple blouse followed with a light sweater. A black sun hat sat on top of her head with a pair of square pink shades. She wore no leggings with only a pair of heeled shoes adorning her feet, leaving plenty of skin showing on. Was this a trend with many of the shipgirls who dressed more conservatively? Their normal attire showing little skin but around Shikikan they're willing to show a lot? Still, he was complaining about it.

"Why's that?" he asked curiously

"I was scuttled during the invasion of France, although my ship had been stripped for parts shortly after, attristante," the French woman replied with a shake of her head

The battleships were neatly docked in some designated spots thanks to the port officials. Due to Shikikan's reputation, getting clearance and inspections were quickly done. It really helped being a part of Azur Lane to go through such nuisances as quickly as possible. In no time, the group was allowed into the city to their heart's content.

Well, mostly everyone. Jean Bart stayed behind for her own personal reasons she was not willing to share. As much as the Admiral wanted to know why Jean Bart was not joining them, he left it alone. No point in pestering the Vichya woman when she wasn't willing to disclose her reasons. As for the others, they went off on their own. Forbin going with Saint Louis while Gascogne traveled with Temeraire.

That left Shikikan and Dunkerque to see the place for themselves. The beautiful port having modern streets along with the older architecture. A large spire speared itself into the air as a beacon for the faithful looking for the church. Many stores and unique places set themselves within the city for both residents and tourists to visit. A couple hotels here and a few parks there.

With a woman who had a fascination with sweets, the Admiral was dragged into so many different stores to try their recipes. Thank goodness he didn't wear his officer uniform or the crowds would want to have interviews with him and make his visit turn sour. But, from his experience with French sweets only being Dunkerque's creations, he found many of the treats of good quality. Not outstanding, but not terrible either.

After that, the duo were now in the cathedral that held the tall spire. The mass had ended earlier so there was little to no one inside the large church. Shikikan hadn't attended a church service in years, not since the funeral. The war kept him away although he thanked God for the life he was able to live right now. It could have been better, but it wasn't the worst.

"I remember when Richelieu used to give mass here. She was always one to stick to the faith even when all was lost," Dunkerque spoke while seated at one of the pews, looking around the currently empty cathedral with a guilty tone

The Admiral looked up at the altar and tried to imagine Jean's sister as Dunkerque described her, "She believed in her values. Is that why Jean didn't join us?"

"They had…." Dunkerque paused for the proper words, "A complicated relationship. Jean wasn't a full believer in the faith. I was also in the same regard but I always respected Richelieu."

"So when everything went wrong, you chose to turn your backs on her?"

"We made a choice… a choice we still regret even if Jean won't admit it. Actions speak louder than words, but I don't believe she can bring herself to ask for forgiveness,"

Some silence stopped the conversation as Shikikan looked at the altar with thoughts of his mother. How she would have loved to come here to attend prayer with her family. The annoying early mornings to attend church service on Sundays when her boys weren't sold on religion. Still, she was a lot stronger than he could give credit for. Strong enough to sit through both his father's funeral and brothers' funerals.

The Admiral didn't realize his facial muscles tensed when his memories temporarily took over his vision. The empty pews suddenly being filled with bodies of people sitting comfortably while a pastor was giving his homily. He couldn't remember what was said since he was such a young boy, finding those things so boring he tuned out. The last thing he remembered about a mass, was the last one they had until the Siren War commenced.

"Amiral,"

The full cathedral returned to an empty one as Dunkerque broke memory's spell. This allowed the Admiral to get his wits together and look at the woman sitting next to him.

"Hm?"

Dunkerque had a bit of curiosity in her eyes before her question was raised, "After all this time, you never gave your name to anyone. We only refer to you as your rank or Shikikan, but we never got your true name."

Without missing a beat, an answer was given, "It's classified. Can't have the Sirens know my exact location."

"Do you not trust us?" the French battleship faked a hurt tone

"It's not that," he replied with a sigh, "It's what High Command wants. Ever since this war started, they asked me to go by rank or a nickname. Especially when the Crimson Axis launched attacks during the early years. We didn't know who was a friend or foe."

"Mm, then is it not expectant of a husband to give his name to his wife? Those years have ended and we are now united under a shared goal," Dunkerque responded, a light blush landing on the officer's cheeks

"I'll talk to High Command about that."

That statement gave a smile to the French woman before she kneeled to pray. Shikikan followed suit and began to pray for a few select things. Personal things. A prayer for his mother, his fallen brothers, the shipgirls, and some guidance with his complicated love life. Once he felt satisfied, he raised himself and waited for Dunkerque to finish her prayers.

Another look at the altar caused the Admiral to look in awe as before the altar stood a woman in a beautiful white and red dress. A royal staff in one hand and scripture in her other with a crown adorning her head. Golden hair flowed so elegantly down her back that one could mistake her for some sort of goddess. Her magenta eyes held an air of grace, power, and compassion within them. She bowed towards the officer with a smile on her face.

One blink of an eye and she disappeared as soon as she appeared. Dunkerque rose to find the Admiral's face full of shock in the direction of the altar. Yet, when she looked, there was just an empty altar with no one behind it.

"Amiral? Are you okay?"

A moment passed before he snapped from his stupor, "Yes, I'm alright. Let's go."

As the two of them made their way out of the cathedral, the Admiral looked back to see if he could catch one last glimpse of that woman. Sadly, it was still an empty altar. Was that Richelieu? It matched everything Dunkerque said about her, the ornate dress with the scripture in her hand. Strange for her to show up like that in front of the altar. Maybe, she was always with the Iris shipgirls, just in spirit. Hopefully one day, he could bring her back.


It was nighttime when the groups had returned back to the port where Jean had watched over their ships diligently. The harbor reminded her of the time the Royal Navy came to their land and shelled their ports to oblivion. They were once allies during the first great war but instead of providing help, they resorted to scorched earth. Jean's heart burned with everlasting anger of the Royal's betrayal with the Iris needed them most.

She should have never come here. The memories were still too fresh for the hardened woman to put down. Memories of a nation once happy and enjoying themselves without war. Peaceful, graceful, elegant like all the propaganda would spill out to the populace. Their peace was nice, but it always ignored the monsters that hid in the closet. The Ironbloods took their lands by storm due to the ignorance of politicians.

"Richelieu, why didn't you just surrender?" Jean thought to herself before her attention was broken by the sight of her comrades and the Admiral

"I hope we didn't bore you," the officer called upwards

A mocking smirk came upon the woman's face, "Comme si, I had plenty to do."

She really didn't, just thoughts and occasionally inspecting her ship. They didn't need to know that or the officer would get all sentimental about it. The thought reeked of her sister, the two of them probably would have fallen in love if she were still alive. Shikikan was too kind to not get the attention of those who shared similar sentiments. Yet, he won over cold hearts such as Tirpitz, and that only puzzled the Vichya.

"Jean? Are you ready to depart?" Saint Louis's voice cut through

With a dismissal wave, Jean replied, "Yes, yes, I'm ready."

She saw the rest of her comrades enter their vessels and fire up the boilers. Only the Admiral awaited on the rails of Dunkerque's vessel. Their gazes met and for one moment, Jean saw the reflection of Richelieu in the man. Unconsciously, she gripped the railing of her own vessel tightly with a sneer on her lips. The man entered the opposing vessel before the fleet began their journey back to the base.

"What are you trying to tell me, sister?"


At the same nighttime, a gathering was held among the leaders within the various factions minus the Iris. Within one of the conference rooms were Bismark, Elizabeth, Washington, Mikasa, and Cavour. The Dragon Emperey hadn't sent a representative due to their stake in the Admiral's heart being nonexistent. The other miscellaneous factions were on friendly terms with the officer and nothing romantic as of now.

"So, it seems the Admiral has been very busy lately," Washington mused, her 'distinct' smile plastered on her face

Bismark nodded, "Ja. Already he has promised my sister and Z23 with rings of their own. Has he not already promised three of your own, Mikasa?"

The war god nodded as well, "From what I have been told, yes. His choices in Shoukaku, Akagi, and Takao were very wise in my opinion. Although, only Takao has a promise ring while the other two…"

Elizabeth raised a brow while she had her arms crossed, "What did our gracious Admiral do that secured their positions if they did not have rings?"

Cavour piped in, "Copulation is generally something that can be done before marriage."

The loli battleship sputtered at the thought of the suitable male having done nature's work with two Sakura women but none of her own faction. Hood was always more modest about their relationship so it was a given. But not with the others? None of the maids? This was gravely insulting if it was true.

"You seem to hit a nerve there," Washington chuckled, "Hm, the only one I know of that was dating the Admiral was Baltimore. Hornet hangs out with him from time to time but I wouldn't call her romantic in any way. Then there's Enterprise… the other one."

"Should she be trusted? She attacked our fleets before," Elizabeth questioned, having regained her 'elegant' composure

"She hasn't done anything wrong since she arrived. The Admiral's orders were clear, she is now on our side. The power she wields will greatly benefit us against the Sirens. That kind of power I have only seen once before," Bismark remarked

Mikasa thought on the fallen Enterprise, such a strange one she was compared to their Enterprise, "We should account for the Admiral and his warning about his potential fate. I fear that our own Enterprise might be follow suit if it happens."

"Didn't the officer use experimental Siren tech the other day?" Cavour questioned with a wary glance

Elizabeth muttered, "Seems like he's trying to get himself killed before the Sirens even launch an attack."

"You don't suppose the Sirens' disappearance is tied to that Enterprise's arrival? If so, then we have to track down the remaining leaders and squash them," Washington suggested, ready to unleash a volley of her batteries

Mikasa spoke, "In any case, we should make sure that the Admiral and those he finds worthy to become his brides are happy. We must be vigilant until our enemy is gone for good."

The group of ladies all silently nodded in agreement. One by one, they left the conference room to get some sleep.


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