"And...there."

"Huh, that's the third time in a row I lost."

While the Royal Navy fleet had gotten much closer to their destination in the following days, Gabriel honestly had the hard part of keeping himself entertained. Not that he hated the tea parties Elizabeth invited him, although it was literally every day. It was more of not letting his thoughts wander about what had happened so far. However, he couldn't help in thinking about the one time Elizabeth decided to sit on his lap as her 'honorary throne.' Thankfully, Unicorn was the brighter part of each day; childlike innocence pushing away any stressful or anxious moments.

The teenage light carrier would ask him to play various board games or ask some interesting questions. Interestingly, Unicorn was very good at checkers, which Gabriel happened to be losing at for the third time today. She must be some sort of secret master at the game with all the spare time she spent around Illustrious. Was Illustrious that good at checkers as well?

Still, being beaten by a teenager was definitely a humiliation. Doubly so when he was losing on Unicorn's ship.

"Unicorn, how did you get so good at checkers?" Gabriel asked as he began collecting all of his pieces and returning them to their original positions.

The light carrier smiled earnestly, "Big sister Illustrious played it all with big sister Harmonie. I just picked up on all their moves."

"Harmonie?" Gabriel never heard that name before, it must be another Royal Navy ship he hadn't met yet. "Who is that, if you don't mind me asking."

"Big sister Harmonie is one of Dido's sisters." Unicorn answered with her little plush flapping its tiny wings. "U-chan likes her a lot."

"She sounds like a good person." Gabriel commented, moving one of his red chips for his first turn. "Although, from what I heard about Dido, I hope Harmonie isn't too hard on herself like her sisters."

Unicorn smiled, a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts and cause heart attacks. "She's not like that at all. She tries really hard to impress Queen Elizabeth."

"That's good to hear. Are there others like her I have yet to meet in person?"

"There's a lot. There's big sisters Howe and Eagle who helped keep many of the convoys safe during the war."

Howe and Eagle? Convoy escorts were vital back in the early part of the war, especially for the Northern Parliament. Gabriel wasn't part of that operation but he did contribute some of his best subordinates to keep the Sirens from overrunning the motherland. He never got to hear or see some of the girls who managed the escorts but if Unicorn had a fond view of them, then that was more than enough to say about them. Well, not always but it gave Gabriel more of a positive view.

As the new game of checkers continued, Gabriel glanced down at his revolver to notice that the Royal Navy symbol was faintly illuminated. It had been like this for the past few days and it only drove him to speculate the weapon functioned based on who was present around him. However, with that hypothesis, it didn't light up all the symbols when he was back on base. Even so, what would happen if he fired on one of the enlightened dials?

"Admiral?"

Gabriel blinked before turning to his left to be greeted by Ash. Well, it was easy to assume it wasn't her based on the fact she looked more like her original self, save for lack of the naval cap. "Ah, hello Ash. How are you feeling?"

The carrier sat down on a nearby chair before answering. "Mm, I have to admit that I missed having a hot shower."

"And Ember?"

This time, she looked less pleased. "A bit better than before but she still mumbles about the Sirens from time to time. She's asleep after having showered herself."

Gabriel nodded, "Good. We still have a while to travel through the seas so I want to ask a few things. Excuse us, Unicorn."

Unicorn gave a nod as Gabriel led Ash out of the interior of the ship and towards the bow. The sun was bright as always with clear blue skies stretching as far as the eye could see. The wind flowed past them, caressing their skin as the ship went through the waves.

Now it was time to get serious. "Ash, I want to know a bit more about your Commander and humanity during the dark times. More specifically, about this gun."

Ash's facial expression tightened in response, "There's not much that he told me. There were a lot of things he kept secret all the way to his grave."

Okay, looks like figuring out the weapon was going to be a trial and error method. "Tell me about humanity when it all fell apart."

Ash looked out towards the sea as memories of her past began to claw their way back. "Humanity split itself apart once more. Some took extreme measures like the Ironbloods and their sentient rigging. Others fought until their final breath. A group of us tried to use Siren technology to go to the past."

Humans using time machines? That was something a bit different from what Gabriel was used to. "What happened to them?"

"Never heard from them since."

Damn, that would have been nice to hear of a group of daring individuals going to the past to fix everything. The Sirens wouldn't have let that slide but those people deserved the respect for trying. Gabriel only hoped that a similar situation wouldn't have to happen to this world.

Gabriel cleared his throat as the silence continued, "Sorry for making you remember. I just felt I should know anything that might be useful."

"I don't blame you for asking...It's what you said to me before you stepped through that portal." Ash leaned against the railing as Gabriel gave her a double take. There was another him?! He was one of those individuals that tried fixing the past?!

This was beginning to sound ludicrous. It sounded like some sort of sci-fi novel plotline being revealed. "Ash, please don't tell me that I'm secretly that person and I happened to lose my memories."

To his surprise, Ash merely smiled at that notion. "Of course not. I would have found them after getting access to the Siren's portal network. I can assure you that you're original and nowhere like that other you."

"Phew…" Gabriel sighed, "I was hoping that wasn't the case. But, now that we are on the topic, tell me who else went with this other me…"

There was a pause with the earlier smile being crushed under the frown that replaced it. "I only know of the Wraith."


After that long journey, Gabriel looked out with wonder as the Royal Navy fleet began to come into port. He could see Big Ben from a distance and it was just as majestic as it looked. From what Sheffield had told him, Elizabeth had planned their course towards London right away. Good thing there was a port for them to dock and get right into walking around the city. Although, it wouldn't be the Admiral's choice on where they would go. He was their guest after all.

The ramp was lowered and awaiting the group was a sizable group of Kansen and regulars. Several maids were part of the group including a few who donned the royal red in their uniform. Once Queen Elizabeth began stepping down the ramp, the whole group bowed until she passed. She would soon be followed by the Royal Knights and maids before Gabriel himself was allowed to disembark with the others.

As he reached the cement of the port, one of the maids bowed. "Welcome to England, Master Harper. I will take your luggage."

Gabriel took a moment to look her over and noted she wore a little more black in her maid outfit compared to the others. The skirt portion of her dress had much more fabric and one could wonder what she could hide under it. Possibly some of her rigging could be concealed in such a big dress?

"How do yo-?" Gabriel was beginning to question how the maid could know his name. Did Queen Elizabeth reveal it to the rest of the Royal Navy? Most likely, and the other factions Kansen would most likely know his full name as well. So much for staying incognito…

"Her Majesty told me, Master. Harmonie, at your service," A quick curtsey tacked onto the simple introduction.

Gabriel handed over his luggage before replying, "So you're the one Unicorn was talking about. Dido's sister if I recall correctly."

"Ms. Unicorn has been talking about me? Oh heavens, I think she exaggerates my capabilities." Harmonie raised a hand to her mouth to suppress a giggle. "Now then, Her Majesty has already made arrangements for your quarters."

"Great, I assumed it was already arranged. Let's get moving."

From the port, the trip to the palace was beyond imagination. Gabriel had to use as much of his willpower to not let his eyes wander all over the city. So many shops, people, and unique structures made by men from older times. Naturally, some eyes landed on him since his uniform already was giving off an obvious importance factor. Another was the fact that there was a bit of a procession for Queen Elizabeth, which happened to be a bit overdone. His only relief would be when it all ended at the palace.


"Ah...this is nice."

Gabriel was splayed out on a bed inside one of the palace's many rooms. Thanks to the generosity of the Queen, he got one of the larger bedrooms with too many luxuries to count; he wasn't complaining about it though. He thought that the bed back on base was comfortable but this one...this was like sleeping on clouds. If there weren't any prior plans, he would have fallen asleep right now. Speaking of plans…

Tap Tap Tap

"Yes?"

"Master, are you ready? Lady Hood and Howe are waiting for you." Sheffield's voice came from the other end of a large door.

"Right, I'll be right there," Gabriel answered, rising from the bed with an annoyed grunt. The bed could wait but he really wanted to sleep in it.

Checking himself quickly thanks to the nearby bathroom, Gabriel noted he dressed appropriately for the date. He changed out of his uniform for a white short-sleeved dress shirt paired with some jeans. The weather today was cool but not cold enough where he had to wear a sweater.

"Sheffield, where has Ash and Ember gone?"

"Outside, waiting for you to join Lady Hood and Howe. Please don't let your lazy tendencies make them wait."

Punctual and brutal in her honesty. Gabriel did not want to make the maid mad just because he was a little late. With that said, he opened the door and was led towards the exit where he could spot Hood and another blond woman talking with her. She wore a red dress with a large hat and seemed to have traits similar to Prince of Wales. Could this be the other woman Unicorn mentioned?

His presence alerted the two ladies with Hood smiling. Unlike her usual attire, Hood wore a simple collared white blouse finished with a black skirt. "Did the Queen's generosity impress you, Admiral?"

"More than impressive, Hood," Gabriel answered with a nod. There was hardly a good word to express how generous the Queen was being without losing proper etiquette.

The other woman spoke, "Admiral Gabriel Harper, I presume? Reading your files has been quite a lot of red tape. There's hardly anything about you that wasn't inked out."

"Secrecy was the motto during the war. Nobody knew who was a traitor when it all started so everyone's names were inked out for safety." Gabriel held out his hand in an offering manner, "And what might your name be, Mis?"

"Howe, Admiral. You may call me Howe." The lady placed her hand on top which Gabriel kissed. "I can see why Hood speaks fondly of you."

"A pleasure to meet you, Howe. Do you happen to be one of Wales's sisters?"

Hood decided to answer, "She is, Gabriel. The youngest of them in fact. I asked Wales to join us but she wanted to rest and enjoy some sliced cucumbers."

"Before George eats them all that is, " Howe added; both ladies giggling afterward at the misfortune of the two older sisters clashing over food.

"I won't judge if she wants to enjoy the day by herself. Now, where are we going first?" Gabriel mused as the day wasn't going to wait for them.

Hood answered, "You won't find out until we get there. Sheffield, will you please accompany us?"

"Yes, Lady Hood." Sheffield bowed as the group began the trek out of the palace and towards the city. Warm sun flashing above them with small formations of clouds dotting the sky. A double decker bus passed by with crowds of people disembarking or embarking. Children running amok against the behest of their parents.

The streets were as crowded as expected. Many pedestrians walking around with some stuff in their phones, having conversations or staring blankly ahead. In a way, Gabriel was expecting someone to recognize them but it seemed like nobody paid attention to a group. Ash and Ember were doing a good job keeping out of sight although how they did so was unknown. So far, everything was going quite peachy but it was only the beginning.

"Hey Hood, how come nobody seems to be paying attention to us?" Gabriel finally asked as he began to feel uneasy of not being noticed. The perks of being the only man on base honestly made him a bit spoiled with the attention he received.

"A few good reasons, Gabriel. For one, we aren't standing out amongst the crowds. Second, the public knows about us but don't treat us like celebrities since we are still considered military projects. Finally, the populace is far too busy with their daily life to pay attention to us when we look like them." Hood explained

Howe added on, "Keep in mind, our presence is only ever noticed when the Sirens or another potential danger presents itself. With the current peace we are in, it's easy for the average person to forget."

"There is also the fact that cell phones and computers have fried the brains of the young. It's a good thing you aren't that way, it would be a shame if you were too distracted by the screen." Sheffield finished with her visible eye narrowing almost to a glare

"Sheffield, why do you have to do this to me?" Gabriel suppressed the urge to question the maid's tone but she always was like this. Guess there was no exception even if there were other members of the Royal Navy around.

"And we're here."

The group was in front of some sort of clothing store but a little more refined than most. Why were they there? Gabriel didn't know as the ladies dragged him into men's most hated chore, shopping. Shopping itself wasn't a problem but once there were items that caught a woman's eye, they took quite a while. Thankfully, it wasn't one of those times, but something worse.

"Girls...what are we doing here?" Gabriel let out a held breath as he asked.

Howe was the first to answer, "Getting you some new clothes. I've been hearing from Her Majesty that you normally wear the same clothing."

"That's because I live on a base where I'm normally in uniform throughout the day besides several occasions."

"Then you won't mind if we get you some more," Hood replied.

Gabriel lost all forms of protest as the two ladies went around and began to explore some options to outfit the officer. Sheffield stayed by his side and simply said, "Worry not, Master. I'm making sure you don't run away if you try to escape."

"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Sheffield," Gabriel drawled under his breath.

While the girls shopped, Gabriel began to ponder on what he had learned from Ash. There was another version of him from her timeline who didn't lead the Kansens so who was the commander? More importantly, who was this person she called the Wraith? Some soldier that didn't like to talk about his name or was it a codename for someone very important. Another question was if any of those people landed in this timeline.

"Mr. Harper, please try this one." Gabriel's thoughts were broken as Howe came to him with some clothes.

So he did. Finding a changing room and changing into the new clothes to inspect what Howe wanted to see. In a way, she also had some good tastes. The clothes were a long-sleeved shirt with a brown jacket over it finished with a pair of dark jeans. To be honest, he really looked tacky and this whole experience was not good already.

"You look marvelous. Now let's see what else would look good on you." Howe commented before sprinting off into the jungle of clothes

"When did I become a model for a bunch of girls?" Gabriel could only think. Quickly, he changed out of the trial clothes and back to his regulars with the burning desire to see this shopping experience over with before someone else got a funny idea.

Sadly, fate was mocking him once more in the form of Hood bringing him another outfit. "Look over here, darling. I found something."

This was only the beginning.


After an hour or two of shopping for clothes, the group made its way out. Thanks to the ladies, Gabriel had received at least a few more casual outfits to wear besides the uniform. Now they were back onto the next destination that he had no clue of and feared it was another store. If this was how he would experience England on day one, it was not a very good impression. This time around, he would be relieved to see a train station nearby.

"Ah, we're traveling by train now? Where to" Gabriel inquired with interest, his previous dampened mood being thrown away.

"To the museums. There are quite a few if we take the train and on the return trip, we'll stop by one of the theaters," Hood answered. The battlecruiser then went up to the ticket booth to purchase the tickets. Afterward, the group was promptly ushered into the available train in some more than accommodating seats.

The train car interior was the most exclusive out of the options available. Comfortable seating that diplomats or higher members of society could afford. Polished wood trim that gave off an older era of train cart compared to the current year. This wasn't just a first-class type of trip, this had to be a VIP sort of accommodation. How much did it cost for the tickets alone?

"Mr. Harper, would you be so kind as to answer a few questions? If it doesn't bother you for me to ask about your little situation." Howe said. The lady laying her hands comfortably at her lap like many ladies seen on the television.

For her to ask about his little situation, however, was a bit odd. Was she referring to the fun part of being the centerpiece in a multinational marriage agreement? "Depends on what you are asking, Howe. There are a few topics I can't discuss due to confidentiality."

The battleship shook her head, "Oh no, not those types of matters. I was merely inquiring about your role in holding Azur Lane together. Specifically, the agreement between the factions to have equal members marry you."

"To be honest, it was done without my input and knowledge. I am no stranger in seeing some of my subordinates show affection towards me, the agreement has made things a bit more...complicated."

"Her Majesty has such insight to make it a bit easier for you then. If I recall, it was her idea to propose the idea with little resistance from the other factions." Hood added. A nearby attendant began to get them some tea and other refreshments meanwhile.

Gabriel raised a brow to the news. He didn't think Queen Elizabeth, of all leaders, would present such an offer. "No one resisted or pointed out an issue?"

"None, it was clear that if you are married to at least one member to each faction, it would keep a relative balance for the future. The practice is a bit archaic in nature, but it is no doubt effective. Especially so when you have gotten close with several individuals." Sheffield explained precisely.

So Gabriel happened to be in a perfect position to be a political and military adhesive. His current relationships with a good number of Kansen from their respective factions made it easy to make the offer pleasing. He wished it could have been brought to him first before it was implemented but the importance was significant. There were still some old grudges that might flare up so it was a precautionary measure.

Gabriel blew some air out with the thoughts still lingering on his mind. The more he thought about it, the more it upset him but also relieved some unnecessary stress. The only problem was introducing the girls to his mother. How would she feel about it? "I'll give my regards to the Queen the next time I see her. Say, Howe, how was your experience with the convoys?"

"Quite unforgiving, Gabriel," Howe replied with her charming smile faltering. "Ironblood were using some sort of cloaking device to hide the identities of their forces. Then the Sirens attacked and we were forced to engage them. Had we known that the Ironbloods were targeting Scapa Flow at the time, it would have been reinforced. Part of the convoy was destroyed but we were able to save most of them."

"Eugen is very smart under that teasing personality. A cloaking device was not what I had expected when I heard the report."

"Indeed she is, we were played like fools. Although, I was able to heavily damage the Siren Omitter with a well-placed strike." Howe smiled once more, "But, the past is the past. When is your wedding with Lady Hood?"

Gabriel was taken aback by the request but Hood was a few steps ahead of him. "Her Majesty is already making preparations. She hasn't given me a date for it but very soon is the expectation."

"Wonderful! I hope it's within this week. Mr. Harper, I do hope you know that you have made such an excellent decision. Had I not met you until today, I was thinking you would have married one of my older sisters." the battleship teased with a childish tone.

Chuckling, Gabriel replied. "No offense to your sisters, but, I haven't found myself attracted to them in the slightest. George is a great cook and I don't need to comment on her much. I'm just trying to take this as slow as possible."

"You already failed miserably at that, Master." Sheffield coldly interjected, making the Admiral sigh in defeat.

"Thank you for pointing that out, Sheffield."

Howe raised a brow while looking to Hood for an answer. "Gabriel has already married himself with Ms. Eugen and promised two more Ironbloods his hand."

Surprised, Howe gasped at the answer. "Mr. Harper! You might actually put the Prince of Wales to shame with your progress."

Oh god. During his time in the academy, Gabriel had read about Prince of Wales's namesake and it was not pretty. She wasn't proud of it either considering her original name was even worse and could have brought misfortune. Still, being compared to a man who was so shameless with his sex life was not something anyone would want. If there was any moment for Sheffield to shoot him with one of her many types of bullets, this one would be a good time. Preferably, the 'sleepy' rounds and not the 'cleaning' ones.

Sadly, Howe didn't end there. "Who else have you promised yourself to? Which faction, and have you officially been married to them?"

This was going to be a long day


The museums couldn't have come faster. After that embarrassing moment in the train, Gabriel was just relieved to be focusing on historical monuments, artifacts, or other items of great importance. Some of them come from wars in England's past and others from other places in the world. Weapons from an age where a man stood in long lines and fired in volleys to some magazine fed rifles. Times where his ancestors could only live through and never see how technology has evolved.

"Master? You've been looking at those cases for quite a while now." Sheffield spoke to drag Gabriel back on track.

"Sorry Sheffield, those questions Howe brought up is still bothering me. Anything to keep my mind thinking something else helps."

The maid nodded, "I agree that Lady Howe's questions were a bit touchy but she simply has not experienced much of the world unlike her sisters. She can be a bit naive at times even if she means well."

Gabriel began to walk around the museum once more, hoping to find something else to distract him. "She seemed interested in knowing my current promises."

"She has experienced little romance, Master," Sheffield mentioned. "All she knows are books and whatever people say about romance. You don't plan on courting her as well, are you?"

Gabriel shook his head. "Not even close. I don't know much about her and I already stated that I'm trying to take this slow. Where did Howe and Hood run off to?"

"A different part of the museum. We will be able to meet them at the entrance once we are finished."

The duo would then walk a section of the museum that held more ancient artifacts. Some were ancient weapons of bronze swords or rudimentary iron weapons while others were tools for farming. Clay pots for water or other liquids lined many shelves with damaged tapestries displaying their once glorious marks. Items of a simpler time where no foe from the future threatened humanity.

But, while the Admiral and Sheffield were walking within the museum, Ash and Ember were watching from the rooftop of a nearby building. Given that most people don't look above them, they would not be spotted and even if they were, only the Kansen knew who they were.

Ember silently watched with her fingers idly tapping at the hilt of her katana. "Did you tell him?"

Ash, who had been mulling over her prior conversations, nodded. "I informed him about the attempt."

"But you didn't try to explain everything about Wraith?"

"I didn't need to. For all we know, they all died in vain."

Ember hissed, "They didn't die."

"What?" Ash looked over with her pupils almost bulging out of their place. "How did they survive?"

"Uncertain but somehow, they survived the journey. The Sirens were tracking them for a while but lost their trail shortly before we came to this reality."

"Then…." Ash lost the words for they had ceased to convey. All she could do was look out as far as her eyes could perceive. Past the man-made buildings and towards the sea like something was coming.

Something indeed...


'Error…..Primary systems non-funcxtscds….attempting repair…'

The Leviathan had lived. The broken and sparking body twitched and contorted as armor plating came off unnecessary systems. The smaller fish-like beings began to burrow themselves into the great beast before humming with a red hue and converting into plating itself. But, as they did so, someone was watching the whole scene play out with mild amusement. The beating the creature had sustained wasn't permanent damage but it was still considerable.

"Was she here?" the figure spoke in a baritone octave. His hood flailing against the harsh winds in play as rain poured in gallons. The howls of the wind raised to a screeching level but hardly fazed the person.

'Target identified...Designation Ash…'

More sparks danced over the metal serpent's body as repairs continued. The figure rose from his sitting position and looked out to sea. "So the traitors have decided to help this reality? What is your game, Arbiter?"

'Priority Target Atlas identified….Exposure to Wisdom Cube radiation has caus-...Error: Analysis incomplete…'

"Wisdom Cube exposure...Very interesting. Let's make sure we upset her little experiment."

A crackle in the sky broke the heavens as lightning whipped across the sea. A low whine was heard behind the figure before footsteps followed. Turning around, the person turned to address his visitor. The rain pelted the other man's cloak and bounced harmlessly off his gloves while he gave a salute.

"Report."

"No signs of Sirens. Signatures have completely escaped this version of reality besides Ash and Ember. Last known location was England." The man's voice was slightly higher pitched but slightly muffled. He produced a small device that began to blink every other second.

The figure took the device before speaking, "Good. I was fearing the Sirens might have been three steps ahead of us. Let's pay our former friends a visit."


Gabriel gave his limbs a stretch as he had laid down on one of the sofas within the palace. The train ride back had put him in a sleepy mood and he almost snoozed through it if it weren't for the fact Sheffield had to pinch him every time. Being in a different part of the world was beginning to mess with his sleep schedule to where he was now finding himself awake during the night. Supper was currently being prepared while he rested near a healthy flame from the fireplace.

The orange-red light that emanated from the source was beautiful to look at and lit up the room in a more natural manner. At the same time, it also pointed out how the edges of the room were darker than normal. Out of the corner of his eye, Gabriel noticed someone standing in the dark. Only one person was known to do that, at least someone that he knew.

"Ember, is something wrong?" He asked, rising to a sitting position on the couch.

The fallen warrior broke ranks from the shadows and answered, "Admiral, has Ash told you everything from where we come from?"

"No, not everything. I can surmise what has happened based on what you and she have told me." Gabriel answered earnestly. With so many little details that were yet to be unveiled, the main picture was still there. "You come from a time where everything that could go wrong, did so. Humanity was decimated, most of the girls died in battle, and you two were last survivors. But, Ash did reveal a group of humans who tried to reset the clock."

Ember looked towards the flames of the fireplace dance around with no consequence. If only humanity had been like that. "Those people did survive but failed to fix our world."

"And?"

There was a pause as the faint crackle of wood filled the air. Ember lowered her gaze to her sheathed blade, pulling it out slightly to see her reflection on the weapon. "They've been hunting us since we left our doomed reality."

A sudden weight pressed on Gabriel's shoulders with his heart slowing. The dots began to connect a bit more but the Sirens weren't involved. "So those things...the Leviathans...You said the Sirens must have sent them."

"Earlier, I believed so. But, with what Ash has spoken about your dreams, it is clear the Sirens are merely puppeteering events." Ember spoke with the blade sheathed once more. "Those machines were sent by those who want to see me and Ash erased."

"Why?"

"Because we fled our home when all was lost. To those, like the Wraith, we are no better than Sirens. Traitors to humanity itself and they believe that so long as we live, we will doom other realities."

As her words rang into the air, the fire slicked back and forth in response. The room either became darker or more illuminated by the light. Gabriel's burden was only increasing by each passing second, "So how long do we have until we see your friends?"

Ember heard the crackle of lightning outside with her hand gripping her sword tight. "Very soon."


Hey all, sorry for the delay. Procrastination and video games can be a bit of a handful. So, one more chapter for the side story with some more spicy things coming up with this story. I hope this chapter was up to your guys' satisfaction as I had to make the decision to spread it out again.

We're actually very close to this story almost being a year old. Whoo, I didn't think I could keep a story going this long but I have you guys to thank. In the meantime, I will be sailing the seas on World of Warships: Legends to get the Roma. So yes, I am a console peasant.

Stay tuned.