Author: Two more chapters left (Technically it's three chapters left). The extra a kind of like a flashback so it's a unrelated to this chapter. and I'll probably add a part about the two "rogue Princesses" The next chapter will be all about the battle and saying farewell to a friend...sort of.

I think the truth is kind of clear by now. What really happened will be revealed in the...sequel.

Back to the North where I came to be...

Upon arriving in Tromso, Norway, Tirpitz stood still and stared at the sea. Her eyes didn't focus on anything except for the endless faint waves reaching for the shore.

"Norway again, huh. So...Tirpitz..." Bismarck hesitated to ask

"I still feel uneasy. I spent most of my career here. Not to mention, the remains of the original Tirpitz is still here"

"I-I see..."

"How about you? What do you feel after coming back here?"

"We're kind of the same, I guess. I mean this is where you sunk. It still feels weird coming back here...after six years"

Much like Tirpitz, Bismarck feels uneasy returning to Tromso, Norway where her younger sister sunkp

"I'm sure it's going to be alright. It's not like going to be the past again. We're here together...so we'll fight the battle ahead together..."

"Together, huh..."

Bismarck sounded so confident, but Tirpitz feels the opposite. Normally she would feel joy and believe in what Bismarck said, but all she feels right now is the sadness brought by regret.

"Is something wrong? You look depressed. Did I say something?"

"No. It's not you..."

Tirpitz looked away, in order to conceal her true feeling visible in her expression. She felt a tight grip on her chest, knowing it's both guilt and regret doing this to her. She would always feel guilt and regret, but the feelings are it's worst when she's with Bismarck.

"You and everyone else doesn't know a thing. Looking at you smile...it hurts me rather than comfort me"

"...?"

"I wish it didn't have to be this way, but sacrifices must be made...for the ones we loved"

"..."

"That's why no matter how much it hurts me to lie to you, as long you and everyone else is safe...nothing else matters to me"

"The way you talk...it's the same back then...when you sunk" Bismarck grabbed Tirpitz's shoulders

Bismarck felt what happened eleven years ago will happen again with the way Tirpitz is talking. She doesn't want that to happen again. Never again.

"Don't...leave me again..." Bismarck embraced her

"...?!"

"I don't want to lose you again...!"

After losing her parents, Bismarck swore to protect her younger sister no matter what ever since that day. She lost Tirpitz once, that's why she doesn't want the same thing to happen again. To Bismarck, her little sister is the most important person to her.

"I lost our parents. I don't want to lose you too...again"

"...It's alright. I won't leave you again" It hurt Tirpitz saying that

"..."

"It's going to be alright this time. Because we're together again"

"Right. It's going to be different this time"

Bismarck slowly pulled away and wiped away her tears.

"I'm not a child anymore. I'm an experienced battleship just like you"

"I know that, but...you're still my little sister"

"J-just don't treat me like a child in front of everyone. It's embarrassing..."

Tirpitz lowered her face and covered it with her cap, embarrassed at how Bismarck is petting her head.

"I'm capable of doing things on my own...but there are times where you have to rely on people in order to accomplish something. Scharnhorst taught me that"

"Scharnhorst may be a carefree and laid back person, but she does say useful things sometimes"

"Yeah. Scharnhorst taught me a lot of things and helped me a lot of times. She's one of the people who made me the way I am today"

"Tirpitz..."

"If it wasn't for her, I'd still be the stoic and close hearted battleship I was once. I'd still be the Lonely queen of the North..."

"This is the first time..." Bismarck reacted somewhat shocked

"What?"

"You never call yourself by that nickname. You hated that nickname so you hated speaking or even mentioning it. So it surprised me you said it so...casually"

"It's a part of who I am. I don't want to avoid my past anymore...no matter how much I hated it. That's why I came back here to the north...because I'm willing to put my fears aside in order to face her again"

"I see! That's my little sister for you hahahaha!" Bismarck slapped Tirpitz's back

As an older sister, Bismarck couldn't be prouder of how she's there to see her younger sister "grow up".

"It feels like yesterday, you're very young I can't leave alone because you cry the moment I leave your side"

"Aaaaah...don't remind me!" Tirpitz turned away and covered her ears

Her childhood of being a child who can't stand being alone without her sister is something Tirpitz wanted to bury at the deepest corner of her mind. It feels embarrassing for her since an admiral and experienced shipgirl like her was a crybaby during her childhood.

"What? You don't want to remember how you always cry the moment I leave you alone"

"Stop reminding me of that horrible past of mine!"

"Hahahaha! It's been a long time since I saw this vulnerable side of yours, mein schwester" Bismarck never felt this much joy

Noticing how genuinely happy Bismarck is, Tirpitz felt a sharp pain in her chest. For some reason, it hurt her seeing Bismarck so happy...knowing Bismarck has yet to learn the truth. While Tirpitz and Bismarck continue to enjoy their time together, Gangut saw the whole thing and smirked.

"This is kind of heartwarming, don't you think?" Gangut asked Donitz

"..."

Donitz narrowed her eyes, completely focusing on Tirpitz and Bismarck who are happily spending their time together.

"What's wrong?"

"Something doesn't feel right. It feels like...there's something out of place"

"Out...of place?" Gangut scratched her head

"It's hard to be explain, since my instincts keep warning me about something"

"I don't get it..."

"Neither do I, but I wouldn't feel this way unless it's serious. I have to stop thinking about it now with the upcoming operation"

Donitz scratched her, annoyed at her instincts warning her about a danger that isn't even present. She always trusts her instincts as doing so always saved her life in whatever trouble she got herself in.

"Don't you notice anything different lately?"

"I didn't notice anything unusual. As far as I know that is..."

"So you didn't notice, huh" Donitz sighed

"Notice what?"

"Something just doesn't feelt right. I don't exactly get it, but there's no exact word to describe it"

Donitz is probably the only one who suspected something is out of the ordinary. Since no one else seemed to notice it, Donitz concluded she might be getting paranoid or she's just over thinking everything again.

Later...

Warspite stood by the shore, gazing at the sky and wondering at everything that happened so far. After learning the truth from Tirpitz, Warspite's heart is in a state of confusion right now.

"To go this far...just for that. You really are a horrible person..." Warspite looked behind her

Tirpitz stood there with her hands tucked inside her pockets. She silently walked towards Warspite, but stopped midway upon seeing the indication the Grand old lady doesn't want her coming any closer.

"Do you really hate me that much?"

"..." Warspite doesn't need words to respond

"You have every right to hate me. I'm a horrible person and you're right about that"

"How long are you planning to keep this up?"

"Until all of this is over..."

Tirpitz tips her cap, distracting herself with body movements in order to restrain her emotions.

"To think someone like you would do this kind of thing. It's very unlikely of you"

"Is it? I guess I changed ever since I made up with my other self. To think I met her again when..."

"..."

"I made a promise and I will fulfill it. I don't expect someone like you to understand why I'm doing all of this" Tirpitz looked far at the horizon

Waespite may still be furious at Tirpitz for 'lying' to everyone, but she knows she can't be completely angry at her. What Tirpitz wanted is to fulfill a promise, but her method is something Warspite doesn't approve.

"She's the only person that mattered to me..."

"She wouldn't approve of this is she was here"

"But she's not here anymore. That's why we both wouldn't know...how she would feel in this situation" Tirpitz reminded Warspite

"..."

"Well, she's still here...just not the same person"

Tirpitz removed her cap and let the gentle breeze swept away her bangs. The wind in the north may be different from Japan, but she still enjoys it nevertheless. It doesn't matter where, Tirpitz enjoys all kinds of places as long as she can have her peace.

"I couldn't tell her the truth because I don't want to break her heart. I could never break my sister's heart"

"Your sister, huh. Tell me, is Bismarck still even your sister?"

"..." Tirpitz lowered her head

Silence fell between the two. Tirpitz doesn't let out a single word and neither is Warspite.

"Nein"

Tirpitz could no longer bear the weight of the conversation. She decides to cut it off before she could get more upset which she doesn't know is possible.

"That person is not here anymore and she's never coming back. Remember that"

Before leaving, Tirpitz reminded Warspite on the most important fact she shouldn't forget. As upsept and furious Warspite it, what Tirpitz is said is the undeniable truth.

The next day...

At the day of the battle, much like the others, Tirpitz prepares to set sail into the Nordic seas for a last confrontation with an old friend after her appearance and location is confirmed.

"It's becoming worse..." Tirpitz looked at her body as she change clothes

After putting on her sleeveless coat and cap, Tirpitz left the room and happens to meet Prinz Eugen on the way.

"Tirpitz-neesan, that Iron cross..."

Prinz Eugen pointed at the Iron cross that replaced the anchor hanging on Tirpitz's collar.

"This was something Scharnhorst gave to me a long time ago"

"When you face her again..."

"It's going to be alright, Eugen. I'll put Scharnhorst to a rest...because it what she wanted"

"J-ja! I believe you can do it! I'm sure you'll succeed" Prinz Eugen smiled confidently

"Hahahaha. I appreciate the encouraging words"

It's not just Prinz Eugen, the others believe everything is going to be alright and they will succeed in the battle.

"I have to do this. Just this once..."

Tashkent already warned her how sailing would be risky as it would damage her body the longer she sails. Just for this battle, Tirpitz is willing to accept any risk if it means giving Fast battleship Princess the rest she had been longing.

"For Scharnhorst's sake, I have to do this. Even if it's risky..."

As she makes her way to join with the others, Bismarck tapped her in the shoulder by surprise.

"I'm sure we'll succeed this operations. Graf and the others believed so"

"Yeah. Scharnhorst won't have to be an Abyssal any longer. She wanted me to sink her and that's what I'm going to do"

As the two walk together, Bismarck reminisces their past together in Norway.

"This brings back memories. The two of us in Norway..."

"This is the first time in eleven years I'll be fighting again in the north" Tirpitz nodded

"I will make sure it's going to be different...because me and the others are here now. We'll be fighting together this time, Tirpitz"

"Yeah. It's going to be different because everyone is here"

After eleven years, Tirpitz is going to sail in the north again as the battleship she was once. She won't let fate prevent her from achieving her goal of putting Scharnhorst to a rest. She have gone this far, so she's not going to back down that easily.

(To be a shipgirl...is the biggest irony there is for me)

Tirpitz silently laughed herself and smiled upon facing the shipgirls waiting for her.

"I-I don't know...if I can do this. I-I'm scared baaaaayyy" Gambier Bay trembled

"It's going to be alright" Saratoga comforted her

"Ms. Sara..." Gambier Bay begins to cry

"No need to cry, little Bay. The big stick is here" Iowa flexed to also comfort Gambier Bay

Gambier Bay cried as she clung to Iowa who's patting her back.

"Let's do this, poi!" Yuudachi jumped excitedly

"We'll kick their assess!" Even Kawakaze is excited

The two Shiratsuyu class destroyers excitedly yelled, annoying some of the shipgirls like Kasumi and Michishio.

"Those dogs are so annoying" Kasumi crossed her arms

"They always yell when there's a battle" Even Michishio

Just seeing them so happy with each other made Tirpitz think about her conversation with Warspite. She's selfish for keeping the truth and pretending like nothing is wrong, but she's willing to lie to everyone just for the sake of someone she knew who's now gone.

(I wish I could tell all of you, but I can't. I don't want...to hurt all of your feelings...)

Initially, she planned on confessing, but upon seeing their smiles and laughs, Tirpitz just couldn't bear confessing to them. It would hurt them if she did, so she decided to not tell the truth. It's not a wise decision and she knows that...but she doesn't want to hurt their feelings.

"Tirpitz?"

"It's nothing. I'm just...happy...seeing everyone right now. Let's go now. We have to weigh anchor"

Tirpitz went ahead while a slightly suspicious Bismarck followed after her shortly. She send it in the way Tirpitz spoke. She smiled, but she feels sad...as if there's something she's regretting.

(I'm sorry. I truly am)

Those were the words Tirpitz wanted to tell, but she kept it to herself. She shed a tear when her heart couldn't bear the pain, but she quickly wiped it away. Feeling sad will only get in the way so she set them aside knowing she can't show any weakness.

"Now then. It's time I fulfill part of my promise to you..."

Strangely, Tirpitz faintly smiled upon briefly glancing at Bismarck who's preparing to weigh anchor too along with the rest of the first fleet.

"Main attack force flagship, battleship Tirpitz...weighing anchor!"

Once again, Tirpitz shed another tear upon weighing anchor and heading into the open sea along with the rest of the combined fleet. After the fleet had left the base, Nelson, one of the shipgirls left to stay in the base, wandered off.

"You better start talking now, Arkhangelsk"

The reason for it is because she secretly met up with Arkhangelsk who had been patiently waiting just near the base.

"Alright. I'll start by telling you...what your admiral has been up to"

"The admiral? What do you know that I don't?"

"Operation Thunderstorm. There's something she hasn't been very honest with"

"Just get to the point" Nelson grunted

"Are you sure you want to know? It's not something I would reveal very easily"

"I'm prepared whatever you're going to say" Nelson frowned

"Alright..."

Sighing, Arkhangelsk walked towards Nelson and leaned closer, whispering what she's been meaning to tell her for a while now.

"...!" Nelson gasped

"I told you it's not something I could tell very easily"

Arkhangelsk crossed her arms as she sighed. As she lets Nelson try to process what she said, she tied her medium length grey hair into a ponytail and dusted off her black coat and skirt.

"Can we get this over now? I have no time for this kind of thing"

Of course, Arkhangelsk has no time for Nelson's disbelief and insistence at what she revealed to her. Arkhangelsk knows the battle will start soon...and she can't afford to be late.

"But still...it's sounds so impossible"

"I thought the same, but it's not impossible. I mean I'm right in front of you, aren't I?"

Arkhangelsk set herself as an example, proving what she's saying has a possibility. She wouldn't tell such thing to Nelson if it's impossible or a lie. Nelson knows Arkhangelsk doesn't lie when it comes to this kind of matter, but she has a hard time believing it.

"You noticed it too, right? As impossible as it sounds...it's true"

"..."

"The little Russian knows it too, but keeps it a secret to prevent everything from falling apart"

"The destroyer Tashkent?"

"Yeah. She's the first one to know. I'm not surprised she kept her mouth shut though"

She's the type of person to have little to no interest at things that doesn't concern her. It's unknown to how interested she is in this situation, but she wouldn't involve herself unless it gets her attention

"Everything is in place. So I hope you don't get in the way"

"What are you planning now?"

"You'll find out after the operation. For now, you should sit back and hope for the best outcome...if there's one that is"

She laughed upon saying the last statement, as if she finds the current situation something to laugh about.

"By the way, give Warspite my best regards"

"..."

"My loyalty to her haven't changed, Nelson. That's why I wouldn't do anything that would hurt her"

"Arkhangelsk..."

"Anyhow, I can't stay for too long. The KGB are a bit angry at me right now since they found out I've been backstabbing them. So I'll see you again when this over"

Arkhangelsk couldn't care about angry Russians after her for the reason of treason. She can't call it treason if she isn't on their side to begin with. Either way, she knows they wouldn't be able to finish her off when they're just humans and she's an Abyssal.

"Bismarck isn't going to be happy at what I will do soon, but I don't mind. It just have to be this way after all"

As much as Nelson wanted to ask what she meant, Arkhangelsk wouldn't tell her anyway. Besides, she already left in a hurry...since she's currently hiding from angry Russians who want her dead no matter what.

EXTRA

The night after a battle where she was heavily damaged, but managed to limp back to port with a little help from Admiral Hipper, Tirpitz blankly stares at the night sky. She thought how she couldn't appreciate the sky anymore that she has to focus on what's on the sea anymore. Even when she's peacefully sailing on the ocean, whenever Tirpitz would think of the sky, enemy aircraft always comes to this mind. Much like some shipgirls, Tirpitz has a bit of unpleasant history with aircrafts, specially land based dive bombers.

"Couldn't sleep?"

The name ship of her class, Admiral Hipper found Tirpitz standing so still and her eyes fixated on the sky. The biggest European battleship couldn't help but think how she should appreciate the stars spread on the night sky like a blanket.

"..."

"You aren't even fully healed yet you're still going to the next battle. Are you trying to kill yourself?"

Admiral Hipper scolded the unresponsive battleship whose emotionless stare somewhat annoyed her. She wants Tirpitz to stop not caring at all. She always so focus on the battle around her she forgot to tke care fo herself.

"Why are you pushing yourself too hard, Tirpitz?" Hipper deeply worried for her

"It's because fighting is all I know. As a shipgirl, you should know it's our purpose in this war"

"This kind of thinking. It's like your old self again!"

"..."

Even after being punched in the shoulder by an upset Admiral Hipper, Tirpitz remained standing still with little to no emotions visible in her eyes. Either she didn't feel a heavy cruiser hitting her battleship armor or she just doesn't care at all.

"You've been like this ever since...North cape"

Hipper couldn't directly remind Tirpitz by saying Scharnhorst sunk as it instantly upsets her. The first time she did so, Tirpitz almost hit her for reminding such a horrible memory. Fortunately, she still has enough control to her emotions enough to restrain hurting someone close to her.

"I feel...helpless back then. I couldn't do anything but leave her there. I just abandoned her..."

"You didn't abandon Scharnhorst. Everyone knows that, even Gneisenau!"

Admiral Hipper couldn't stop herself from yelling as she doesn't want Tirpitz to feel at fault. Even Gneisenau knows no one is to blame and she doesn't want to make Tirpitz feel guilty for what happened.

"You keep thinking like it's your fault when it's not! Stop hurting yourself, Tirpitz!"

"Then how am I suppose to know I'm still alive?"

"Don't be that kind of Tirpitz again. I don't want you to be your old self again"

"Hipper...'

She refused to "let go" of the current Tirpitz, fearful of losing the Tirpitz she came to feel attached. Tirpitz grabbed Hipper, but the heavy cruiser just refused to let go and tightly wrapped her arms around her.

"I won't lose sight of myself and my comrades" Tirpitz gently stroked the back of Hipper's head

"Tir...pitz...?"

"You and everyone else are important to me. As long as you guys are still here...I will never lose sight of myself"

Tirpitz gently smiled at her in order to soothe Admiral Hipper's fears and worries. As long as she can still Tirpitz smile, Hipper can rest assure that the Tirpitz she came to love will still remain.

"I'll never forget the people dearest to me. That includes you Hipper" Tirpitz returned with an embrace

"...!" Admiral Hipper felt her heart skipped a beat

"Even if there will be a time where I will forget, as long as I have you and the others...I have something to remind me of who I am right now"

"Tirpitz..." She begun sobbing

"That's why there's no need to be afraid of losing me...because I'll always be here" Tirpitz promised, but she knew she could never fulfill her promise when her fate is sealed

Hipper buried her face on Tirpitz's chest, gently sobbing and hiding it, embarrassed at how unsightly her crying face is.