A few days later…

Enterprise was in awe of what she saw.

Before her, a colossus of a complex stood, seemingly afloat on the great blue in brazen challenge of the ocean and the elements. It stood not as one, but as a series of platforms that formed a web of solid ground. A titanic realm of concrete, metal, and glass sculpted in the shape of a model city whose terraces towered over her. No singular flag was raised above to claim the international loyalty the metropolis presided in.

A piece of the very earth, forged by nothing but the hands of man and their persistent brilliance.

She now understood why the place was named as such: Megafloat.

Enterprise couldn't help but breathe in awe. Neither could the others that accompanied her.

"Oh… my..." Enterprise turned to see the reactions of the others. Closest to her stood a short woman dressed in the regal colors of Royal Navy nobility. Her creamy-blonde hair, although well-groomed and kept, bore fringes that evoked the image of a royal corgi.

Royal Navy Battleship
WARSPITE

Beside her, staring equally wide-eyed and open-mouthed in shock at the sight, stood another battleship. She too was dressed in royal garments and although she was no taller than Warspite next to her, this ship gave off a larger-than-life visage as evident of the crown she wore.

Royal Navy Battleship
QUEEN ELIZABETH

Although the sight rendered Warspite in silent awe, Queen Elizabeth was more resistant. "What… the… devil?!" the queen asked, baffled.

Enterprise allowed herself a modest chuckle. "I did mention before about how different this world was. But even I never expected something like this."

"It's… it's truly a spectacle," commended Warspite. "An entire city out at sea… It's a remarkable achievement."

Hearing this, Queen Elizabeth swiftly huffed. "Hmph! Do you dare to suggest something like this to be above even the Queen?"

"N-nay, your majesty!" appeased the old dreadnought.

Enterprise looked up at the afternoon sun, its bright amber glow casting the earth in an orange haze. The city skyline cast a sharp shadow silhouette as did the seagulls that gave the day one last circling flight. But one of those shadows was different, gliding through the air before coming to perch on Enterprise's outstretched arm.

Enterprise gave her pet eagle Grim Reaper a gentle nuzzle before motioning towards the others. "Well, we're here. Let's head on in before we're late."

The three walked briskly towards the entrances of the city, devoid of unwelcoming gates or obstructive walls, seemingly inviting all to enter the home at sea. Enterprise took the lead while the battleships followed, keeping pace but refraining from surpassing her.

"Pray tell me, do you know the way?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not for the life of me," the carrier admitted. "We were however promised to have someone to help guide us."

They passed the city boundaries and found themselves in the open urban streets. The asphalt road and concrete blocks at least conceded to lush greenery in orderly arrangement. Discordant lights and sounds were the only deviations from this norm, mimicking the hustle and bustle of urban metropolises. All around them ordinary people walked, their daily lives and routine indistinguishable from the world beyond the shores.

Directly ahead, Enterprise saw a familiar face.

Buzzard approached the trio. "Welcome. Good to see you make it." A brief handshake was made before she turned to look behind Enterprise. Curious eyes and investigative stares were exchanged between the carrier and the battleships.

"Are they the heads of the Royal Navy we were expecting?"

An assured expression presented itself on Queen Elizabeth's face. "Of course I am! You stand within the presence of Your Majesty, the great Queen Elizabeth of the Royal Navy! My companion is here as my consort."

A quick bow preceded Warspite's introduction. "I am Warspite, Queen Elizabeth-class battleship 03. I am here to accompany my queen as her loyal knight."

"And I am the Hubert-class aircraft carrier Buzzard," she presented, following along. "I've been assigned as your guide."

Introduction made, Buzzard turned to Enterprise and exchanged nods, leaving the past buried in the past.

If all went well, their first encounter will be the last time they would ever be enemies.

"If you would please follow me, I will take you to the meeting place. The others are awaiting your arrival."

Situated deep within Megafloat, there lay a palace of marble and ivory pillars. The evening lights gave the complex an ethereal glow, bathing it in warm light to seemingly banish the setting darkness.

Flying high above the main atrium, the flags of those participating in great change flew: emblems, icons, symbols, and ideas of all shapes and colors. In the past, only two flags were raised in acknowledgement of the superpowers that had made Megafloat's dream a reality: the stars and eagle of the Silver Star Federation and the bold star and antler wreath of the Verusan Entente.

Now, two more joined their ranks: the swooping raptor of Eagle Union and the crowned lion of Royal Navy.

Within the complex interior history was about to be made.

Behind the grand doors that led to the innermost chamber did those changes occur. But in the halls outside, the world was relegated to hushed silence.

Cleveland leaned back on an oak chair humming listlessly to herself as she waited. Her bold white capelet and outfit had been traded for a deep blue suit and white undershirt; were it not for her characteristic long blonde hair one would have mistook her for a gentleman.

She glanced towards the double doors again. 'I wonder what's taking so long...'

Several hours ago, Enterprise and Queen Elizabeth had finally arrived as part of the diplomatic mission on behalf of the Azur Lane; only a couple of hours ago had both of them had disappeared behind those doors, to act as representatives of their respective nations. Other ships had arrived long before them and during this time Cleveland saw familiar faces and many new ones, hailing from nations she had never heard of. Many had come from the Silver Star Federation but the others she wasn't certain, the only descriptor given was that they came from the world's other great power, the same power which helped build this city.

She wondered what was happening behind those closed doors. With the leaders of each nation assembled, it was deemed necessary for them to be confined by themselves.

The words that would alter history - two histories in fact - were for their ears only.

Cleveland found this annoying. Annoying and boring.

"Psst! Hey!"

Cleveland turned towards the hushed whisper to find herself staring at the tomboy carrier, now dressed in a black tuxedo albeit unbuttoned and without a tie.

Cleveland rolled her eyes once she recognized who it was. "What do you want, Vulture?"

Now having caught her attention, Vulture leaned closer to reel it in. "Hey, who was that handsome hunk earlier?"

The light cruiser looked at her puzzled. "Who?... Oh, you mean him."

"Yeah. Who was that guy?"

"He's our Commander."

Vulture did a double-take. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me, he's the Commander," Cleveland repeated. "Who else did you think was in charge of the alliance?"

Vulture leaned back, a contemplative look on her face. "... Weird."

Cleveland grumbled to herself. How much longer would this go on…?

Enterprise yawned as she stretched, making sure not to stress her black silk dress. The day had yet to strike twelve yet she felt she had spent an eternity in that room.

She had always expected talks to last long, but this one dragged longer than she ever expected. So much time spent just for the two worlds to formally recognize and acknowledge each other. So many new names to remember, so many new identities to consider, so many situations to account for...

Even if it was all necessary, she could never find any enjoyment in it.

Enterprise reminded herself that she will thank the Commander for his role in having foreign relations off to a good start.

With the talks concluded and enacted word spread, the halls flourished with life. Casual talk, clinking wine glass, and even the accompanying symphonies of a manjuu orchestra (bizarrely referred to as "nuggets" by the denizens here) ruled the atmosphere now unshackled by formal silence. Every ship of every type, class, size, and walks of life from either world mingled with each other; a one-of-a-kind cross-cultural exchange. Watching this all happen suddenly gave this city another meaning as an international monument.

Yet, as she gazed out to see past the bright urban lights and into the great beyond, her mind remained festooned with questions.

What was this world?

Who were these ships really?

Discreetly as she could, Enterprise snuck away from the social atmosphere and vanished into the night.

Out on the courtyard, Enterprise found herself shivering against the ocean wind.

'... I guess stepping outside in these clothes wasn't a good idea,' she internally remarked as she regained her composure. Though the building shone with warm light, the outdoors was barren and cold. Sounds of talk and music continued to reach her, but in the short distance ruled by the dark they began to feel muted and intangible.

Enterprise watched as her pet soared through the air, a mere shadow in the night sky. A respite for him to be free from the confines inside.

She followed after her bird, tracking his movements. Out in the courtyard, nary a soul was seen. The overhead lamps provided illumination, but such offers were powerless to banish the twilight.

As Enterprise continued to walk, the lights did reveal to her something that caught her eyes.

Beside her, adorning the marble wall of the complex, were pictures. Curious, Enterprise turned to get a closer look. The lights, though weak, uncovered enough intrigue to call out to her. As she walked close, she realized what it was.

A mural - a collage of illustrations.

Up close, they dwarfed her. But rather than make her feel insignificant, they connected with Enterprise, making her feel as though she was a participant of the event.

The first image, from what Enterprise assumed was the first in the series, depicted a civilization. Though not without flaws, it formed a symbol of all that was good in the world - the genesis of history she was about to be told.

But as Enterprise walked, the progression startled her:

Falling stars, as though the very heavens were torn asunder and given to rage.
The world below in flames. Great civilizations, powerless before such wrath, decimated. The very earth scarred by such destruction.

Ulysses.

Grief. Loss. A world caught in a never-ending state of mourning as they tried to rebuild what was once lost.
An unexpected discovery from the very stars that destroyed them. Reverence for the powerful artifacts that were contained within for desperate atonement.

Enterprise's eyes widened as she saw what they looked like.

"... How can it… That can't be..."

"Do you recognize it?"

Enterprise jumped at the unexpected voice but as she turned, she forced herself to relax. It was her.

Standing in the darkness, Kestrel was almost hidden with the black dress she wore, more archaic but as equally elegant as Enterprise's.

A worried look bore on Kestrel's face. "I'm… sorry. Did I bother you?"

Enterprise turned away. "No. I just wanted some fresh air and time to be alone."

Kestrel nodded, her voice soft. "I suppose that would make two of us."

For some reason, alone with the carrier, Enterprise found herself unable to look into Kestrel's eyes.

Remaining quiet, her gaze wandered back to the mural where she had left off: the depiction of the artifact that changed this world.

"Those are what's called 'wisdom cubes'," Kestrel explained. "Nobody is sure of their origins, but what was known soon after their discovery was they held immense wonders within: knowledge, secrets of the world that had yet to be unlocked, and of course… us."

Kestrel looked elsewhere on the mural. Enterprise followed her gaze and saw a depiction of conflict. Land consumed by fire once more. Terror striking the hearts of many with technological monsters and monuments of destruction. A strife born not out of grief over the world but by selfish vision granted by hearts of darkness.

And then she saw upright figures bearing ship parts inflicting that suffering.

Kestrel gazed at the art with a solemn expression. "Yet… it was they who were the first to make those discoveries."

Enterprise didn't catch on. "... Who?"

"The ones who began the war years ago… Those who fell to the sway of power and clung to their past glories and grudges… Those who, allured with their newfound gifts, became tempted to use them for self-serving needs…

"As condemnation for their sin, history will forever call them The Tempted, and the war they started named after them - the Temptation War."

The next stage depicted the ongoing war, but this time the Tempted's advance found itself ceased against the bulwark that was the rest of the world; the flags of many united against them flying in open defiance to the enemy's superiority.

And this time, the very thing stemming the tide were their own host of ships.

"... But it wasn't long until the unified world obtained their secrets and knowledge that the war began to turn against the Tempted." With a longing look at the figures, Kestrel paused as she placed her hand close to her heart.

This did not escape Enterprise's attention. "You were there?"

Kestrel nodded. "Yes. The war was the world my sisters and I were born into. The world desperately needed weapons to fight and soldiers to win - and they gained both."

Moving on, the mural now illustrated something unexpected: no more fighting, no more conflict, yet above the smouldering ruins inflicted by the war there was a bright sun - several in fact. Yet their rays evoked no warmth or joy, only sadness and weariness.

"... And then, when the war neared its end, the Tempted suddenly consumed themselves in unimaginable fire. The war ended only with their self-inflicted demise whose motivation eludes us to this day. They took not only their identities and land to the grave, but their ideas, culture, knowledge… even their very intentions as well.

"The only thing that remains as proof of their existence are their leftover discoveries and this tale that incriminated them."

Kestrel paused as the two now reached the end of the mural: the world rebuilt but not recovered. The destinies of each nation were captured as newfound hope for an uncertain future. In the center that seemingly reconciled the world, Enterprise saw the monolithic outline of a settlement held by the dreams and desires of many. She immediately recognized what she was looking at.

"As you may have suspected, this city was the product of a cooperative venture that the world's two superpowers embarked in. Even years after Ulysses, its effects are still felt in many. Although their lives were spared, their livelihood was not. The city of Megafloat was conceived as a haven - and an icon - for those people.

"As for the Silver Star Federation, they emerged from the Ulysses Disaster with one dream: to put an end to future misery, to prevent something like another Ulysses from ever happening again. Where the Tempted used their power to conquer, the Federation wishes to use that power to instead protect our world. We have all made our pledge to that goal."

Silence finally fell as Kestrel finished. Enterprise let the entire story sink into her. She found no words to describe the depth of history she was told, nothing to capture its weight.

The silence stretched for a moment longer before Kestrel spoke again. "I'll be taking my leave now. Please pardon my intrusion."

"Wait."

Kestrel stopped to see that Enterprise was facing her yet continuing to avoid her gaze. "I want to ask you something."

Unsure, Kestrel complied. "What is it?"

"Back when we first met - when we fought - I was at the end of my ropes; on the verge of defeat..."

Enterprise paused. A peculiar feeling in her chest plagued her as she finally asked what persisted in the back of her mind.

"... Why did you spare me?"

A surprised look appeared on Kestrel's face, yet it was not for the question itself. "... It was because you weren't an enemy."

An even bigger look of surprise appeared on Enterprise's face. "... What?"

"Back then, we fought because we were strangers. We couldn't understand each other which was why -"

"I already heard that!" Enterprise interrupted. "What I meant was..."

She halted, her mind struggling to conjure her exact ideas into words. "... What exactly did you see in me that made you spare me and take my side?"

This time, Kestrel was the one to contemplate the query. A near minute of silence passed before an unexpected answer was made.

"Enterprise, you actually don't like fighting, do you?"

Enterprise uttered not a word in response so Kestrel continued. "I saw it in your eyes back then. When you were the last ship standing, you fought harder than ever before. You fought the way you did because you were hurt. You fight for your friends - for something more than yourself - but at the same time it hurts you."

Enterprise continued to be silent. Her gaze continued to avert hers.

"... It's not a happy life, isn't it? To be created as a weapon, a tool for war. We were all conceived for the fundamental purpose of inflicting harm; even our best intention to protect those we hold dearly require that we fight. And fight we do for circumstances outside our control dictate when and who we fight. People like us, who are no different from us… People we could be friends with."

…
"... Yeah."

Kestrel looked up. "Hm?"

"It's nothing," Enterprise hastily replied, waving her hand. "It's nothing. I just -"

She suddenly paused, as if unable to say another word. An agonizing silence followed before Enterprise let out a sigh.

"I'm feeling a little worn-out, especially from the negotiations. In the meantime, I'd like some refreshments."

Kestrel was taken aback as Enterprise started strolling away. "We can catch up later." Though her tone remained the same, her voice was suddenly cold.

As Enterprise disappeared into the light of the halls, Kestrel was left alone in the dark with her thoughts and confusion.

In the blowing gusts of the night, a long figure stood atop the grand building. Shrouded in a black cloak, the figure was indecipherable against the night sky. Although the warm atmosphere of inside tempted her with comfort and luxury, she knew better than to join and reveal herself.

She was stunned by everything she had seen thus far. If this floating city was of any indication, then the rest of this world was brimming with so much potential and power.

Power that, as it currently was, was at the risk of falling solely into the Azur Lane's hands.

Her mission was to even the odds.

Sakura Empire Destroyer
AYANAMI

Ayanami lifted her hood, unveiling her horn-like fins that held her hair together. The cool breeze soothed her skin and the city lights made for a majestic view for her eyes to feast on. Yet as much as she wanted to enjoy such simplicities, she had orders to follow.

A four-pointed star, no bigger than the palm of her hand, was held up before her.

"Citrus to Phoenix, the meeting has adjourned. Results are as follows..."

A playful chuckle filled the room as she listened.

"So these fools have had their hands full playing niceties with this newfound discovery. They think they can take it all for themselves..."

Laughter rang out, as though she were told a joke.

"No matter. We will take advantage of this discovery for ourselves, however way we can. We'll pry whatever advantages they thought belonged to them from their filthy little fingers."

Sakura Empire Aircraft Carrier
AKAGI

As dangerous thoughts danced in her mind, her whole body seemed to quiver along as their manifestation. Her flock of fox tails wagged playfully like a dog greeted with its favorite toy. Her dark and crimson attire already spoke of her malevolent nature, an image not helped as a disarming grin remained etched to her face now wider than before.

"Return to port with all due haste, my dear Ayanami..." With order dispatched, the four-pointed star she used as a medium to communicate vanished in a quick flame.

A brief lull played but Akagi's smile never faded, her mind aflame with schemes and plots. Soon, another voice cut into the silence.

"If Eagle Union and Royal Navy have made their moves, then it is imperative that we make ours." The voice, like the speaker, was firm and of resolute will. Unlike the flowing black coat Akagi wore as a stronghold of Sakura Empire's carrier division, this one donned a more rigid uniform of black-iron and draped with gold and nationalist livery as leader of her indefatigable nation.

Ironblood Battleship
BISMARCK

"Each second we stand idly is another second their alliance cements itself," she continued, ignoring Akagi's personal daydreaming. "If the Azur Lane acquires their own allies for support, then the Crimson Axis's defeat will be looming over the horizon. Even with our combined might, it will only be a matter of time before the tide turns against us."

Grounded back to reality, Akagi traded her smile for a cunning smirk. "Then it is important that we too get involved however way we can..."

Her face darkened as yet more dark dreams filled her head.

"... in any way we can."

Elsewhere…

A grand assembly was taking place. Rows of ships of all class and type filled the arena in rigid orderly formation. In this parade, no celebration was taking place, no amenity was being provided.

Only a proclamation of war.

"My fellow knights and squires," boomed the speaker standing atop a podium. "Our day has arrived!

"Years before, the world knew only conflict and chaos! Discord and death swept the globe, leaving nothing but destruction and devastation in their wake!

Though decimated and humbled, our very nation thrives, triumphant over the ashes of the old order encumbered by archaic thinking and passivity! Yet even as we were in the midst of forging this new order were the rest of the world content to push burden after burden upon us! To concede with upholding vague and nebulous promises of aiding those less fortunate than us, to feed them, clothe them, house them!

"And what have we gained from such sacrifices? Nothing!

"The responsibilities they pushed upon us achieved nothing more than conflict after conflict, dissension after dissension! Our cowardly weakling of neighbors saw fit to turn our homeland into an object of mockery by restraining us in perpetual torment while they recovered!

"But after all the bloodshed, after all the struggles, that ends today!

"Today, as our country stands stronger than ever before, we now know a single truth - our destiny: only through power can we guarantee prosperity! Only through dominance do we know sanctity!

"Only though this destiny do we know salvation!

"Many sacrifices have rebuilt our kingdom! Many losses have granted us unbreakable strength!

"My fellow knights, our day of glory has arrived! Your lives carry weight! It gives you the privilege to take from others!"

At the head of the presidium, there stood a single woman. Against the wind her long immaculate brown hair and striking orange-brown royal mantle flowed gently. Shielded from the elements were her dark-blue uniform and skirt decorated with gold and with nary a crease. Tall ebon boots shrouded her legs up to her knees as she stood in a striking pose. Like a crown, an ornate patterned headband adorned her scalp.

Rose Kingdom Battleship
TANAGER

A great longsword was unsheathed from her side, raised high above Tanager's head directed towards the sky as if in open challenge of the heavens. Its intricate blade glittered brightly against the morning sun, shining in an almost fiery holy glow. But with the metal's otherworldly origins and the intention of the hand that wielded it, the glow was anything but benevolent.

"For the Rose Kingdom! For victory!"

"FOR THE ROSE KINGDOM! FOR VICTORY!" the fleet chanted.

Against the skies twisted in turmoil, flags bearing emblems of an intricate anchor overlaid with a piercing sword and wrapped with thorns and rose blossoms whipped and snapped against turbulent winds.

A storm was about to be unleashed.