Light laughter entertained the darkness as they confided among themselves.

"That raid was certainly daring. As expected of the side that knew the risks… and of the other who let success cloud her judgement."

"Indeed," spoke the newcomer. As always, her indistinguishable gray coat aligned her to no allegiance, yet its faceless hue and yellow highlights blended among the more alien entities around her. "Tanager too should have known the risks… particularly in relegating the harbor's defenses to a mere automated warning system."

"Hmm. The one thing instrumental to her plans, was also instrumental to her foe's strategy."

The woman scoffed, her tone singed with mocking humor. "Of course. I even saw their agents sneak inside to disable it. Such an obvious weakness yet our client couldn't see it. Oh well. Letting her have her way would have ended the war too soon. If I had stepped in to interfere I would've denied ourselves some entertainment."

The Siren smirked. "As expected of an opportunist."

The woman smirked back unoffended. "Problem?"

"No. Our little experiment will benefit from this development. We have yet to see the full extent of both parties, power that defines this world from the other... What we've witnessed thus far was nothing remarkable. It is, as humans are so fond of saying, barely scratching the surface..."

The smile widened in agreement. "You will see what this world has to offer in due time. Soon… very soon, you will see the seeds you've planted blossom with destructive fruit..."

She chuckled. Then after a pause, reverted to business-like tone as she moved to the next topic.

"Back to the topic of opportunity, I do believe our dear Tanager's already found her next move..."

As people were hastily ushered into the room, so too did hushed silence as Fort Grace's serious expression cooled the mood.

"What's up, Fort Grace?" Cleveland asked. "Another major sortie?"

The carrier nodded. "Yes. We have a situation."

Buzzard nudged her glasses, her attention already gripped. "What's the mission?"

With a nod from Fort Grace, Andromeda stepped forward. Typing away at her datapad, she drew all eyes to the war map. "Thanks to our raid of Comberth Harbor, we've made a chink in the Rose Kingdom's armor that has given them pause. We've proven to them that their Invincible Fleet is just a title." She paused to let the map display plunge onto a certain grid.

"Since then, we've been preparing to follow-up on the success of that attack. The Delta Coalition has designated their far west outpost to be their staging ground for our future operations."

All eyes peered for a closer look to discern the details. Against the blank backdrop, they made out specks that dotted the display. Like the blue tint that saturated the digital map, they were sprinkled in the ocean that almost threatened to swallow them. But as insignificant as they were, their appearance gave their existence power as a name appeared.

"The Comona Islands?" Kestrel asked.

"The site of a premiere observatory and aeronautical center, yes. At least, before the war. Now a far-off base that's in the middle of nowhere, having been ignored by the Rose Kingdom thanks to its relative isolation. However, it's the furthest base that's under our control and from it we can commence operations in multiple areas throughout the mainland for a planned counteroffensive. Material have been transferring to the Comona facilities to prepare for that eventuality which is still days ahead."

Unmoved, Tennessee crossed her arms in impatience. "So what's the big deal then?"

Now it was Fort Grace's turn to step forward with an answer. "We've received word of new enemy mobilization. It seems they've taken notice of those islands and what we intend to do with them. We've dealt them a serious blow but it's evident they're not ready to let the tide turn against them without another fight."

With a daring smile, Cleveland cracked her knuckles. "Well, what're we waiting for? We know where they're headed and what we gotta do!"

The cruiser felt a hearty slap on her back, courtesy of Vulture. "Kid's speaking some truth right here! So when are we rolling?"

"Patience, our young grasshopper of a sister," Buzzard chided. "It's Fort Grace's call when we move and who will."

The carrier in question spared only a second to perform a head-count. "If our enemy thinks of the Islands as we do, we can expect heavy contact. Other than myself, I'll need the strength of our carriers to defend Comona."

Exchanging looks between her sisters, Kestrel spoke for their unanimous behalf. "You can count on us, Fort Grace. We'll protect the islands."

"Count us in!" declared Eagle Union's Knight of the Sea. "My sisters and I will get the carriers' backs covered!"

"Me too," Tennessee announced. "If those island bases are as important as you've made them out to be, then you're going to need some real heavy firepower to defend them."

Fort Grace nodded in approval. "Very well. We depart for Comona shortly. Prepare for anything - this may prove to be an even bigger fight than Comberth."

Under the blazing sun, the ocean glowed in a sparkling blue. Dancing lights twinkled from the cool breeze. With land so far and few in between, nothing dared to disturb the world of blue, in the skies or in the waters.

Yet one dared, ever so discreetly appearing from beneath the surface. Her dark gray hair blended with the waves as she peered toward the horizon. With such subtlety, other disturbances stood out in her eyes.

Beowulf π reached for her radio, her eyes glued to what she saw. "π to fleet, the islands in sight but we've spotted movement. It's the enemy fleet, 12 ships in total. Five carriers, six cruisers, and one battleship."

"Stay your hand, submarine. This response was not unexpected. You are to maintain cover and observation until we arrive."

The submarine frowned but did not hesitate. "Understood. Beowulf π out."

Report finished, she promptly ducked beneath the waves, entering yet another world of blue. The sun's light pierced the water as rays before dissipating into nothingness to form a reign of murky darkness below, its true depth an innumerable fathoms deep. And while the open air was not allowed within the deep ocean, this did not trouble Beowulf π as a submarine.

She sat back down on her slender tube-like rigging with a sigh, its beakers and tubes fashioned out of conning towers silently bubbling and brewing with unknown compound and intent. But they were far from what concerned Beowulf π.

"Problem, nu?"

She turned to see her partner beside her as expected. She too was seated on her rigging identical to π's with the only things that differed being the presence of a cosmetic microscope in front of her.

"From what I could see, just the arrival of the enemy fleet," Beowulf π replied. "No doubt to defend the islands. But that's not what I find problematic. It's… something feels peculiar that I cannot rationally describe."

Beowulf v nodded. "Nu, I believe I know what you're talking about. Hard to believe that such an outcome could ever happen, nu."

"Certainly not," Beowulf π agreed. "I can't remember the last time the Invincible Fleet ever lost as badly as we did..."

She paused, her eyes drawn to the glowing object that remained tucked by Beowulf v's side. Her gaze was followed by Beowulf v who had the same thought has did her companion.

Beowulf v raised the Key in her hands as if to test its already familiar weight. "Did she say anything about the probability of bringing those drone ships here for support, nu?"

The question was met with only a shaking head. "No. Tanager only told us to maintain observation until she arrived."

"So knowing her, that would be a 'no'..." Beowulf v shrugged.

"The 'Key'... Tanager said it would reward the Rose Kingdom with unprecedented power… But if Comberth has shown us anything is it really one?"

"Who knows, nu. But although its controls are simple, I am very curious as to the nature of its origins."

The two silently stared into the dancing lights held within the Key. A beacon of light, yet underwater it created an unsettling ethereal glow.

"This might be late to say, but I do wonder, nu… Even though the controls are simple enough to understand, I am curious about the nature of the Key's origins..."

"... That's the other thing that still worries me."

Elsewhere in the seas, Tanager stood, facing the distant islands that was to be her next prey. Having eyed her objective, she now knew that her adversaries were out there. Lying in wait, to impede her.

"Is everything prepared?"

"It is, my liege," Geofon answered. Turning, Tanager faced the armada assembled before her, fearless faces greeting her. She studied each and every one carefully as if to find some discernible flaw.

"Although we are not at full strength, this remains a considerable task force," Geofon continued. "We can augment it further if we call upon those autonomous ships to aid us."

Tanager's frown twinged. "... We will not."

Geofon glanced at the battleship with narrow eyes. "They are unnecessary?" she asked, choosing her words strategically.

"Do you not see that this is a matter of pride? We have sullied our honor in the ruins of Comberth - our reputation as the 'Invincible Fleet'. Our enemy has dared to embarrass us with a mortal blow and it is now our turn to inflict a retaliatory wound. We are to restore our pride, our tradition. To resort to those faceless drones in this crucial hour is to deny ourselves the chance of our fullest redemption. This is to be our victory, by our merits."

The carrier stewed on the claim with rigid silence. She questioned the objective logic of the decision but decided to keep such thoughts to herself. The strike on Comona was of her conception and it was enough that Tanager had readily agreed to it. To Geofon, the attack was indeed a matter of redemption, but not on the romantic values of pride Tanager had espoused; the impending attack was to redeem the Rose Kingdom of a possible defeat awaiting their future. If Comberth was the tipping point, then Comona was to be their chance to correct the course of the war.

Though she hadn't mentioned it, she knew the battleship was aware.

"Knights of the Rose Kingdom Aegir Fleet! Prepare for combat! Today we avenge the embarrassing defeat at Comberth by spilling the blood of our foes! You have sinned but today you fight for redemption! Remember that you are among the Kingdom's greatest champions - do her proud!"

The faces of the armada changed little; their expressions still held firm, some even grimmer as Tanager's words threatened to stab into them.

Among those was Sparrow. Though standing beside her squadron leader, she could feel the pain from the words. What was once an aura of strength was instead a reminder to Sparrow of her mistake.

She glanced at Raven's face and saw no weakness in it. Like ice, she remained as cool as Sparrow remembered. Unmovable like stone yet without the rough edges. How she was able to do it, Sparrow wasn't sure. The more she looked at it, the more she enamored Raven's stoicism. To be free of weakness…

Sparrow focused, letting her desire strengthen her. Having found it, she let Raven's presence be her anchor once more.

This time, she would not fail the fleet - and her - again.

Location: Comona Islands

The sweet scent of salt in a cold gale welcomed them as they arrived. A speck of humble land upon the earth of blue, its carpet of lush green painted a picture of a secret land far from civilization and close at one with nature. The only discrepancy was the presence of gray blocks and roads that lined the open lanes to share the land with the denizens of seagulls that circled overhead.

"It's beautiful..." Kestrel breathed as she stared in awe.

Vulture couldn't help but whistle at the sight as she passed by. "One hell of a place you got there."

"Man, if it weren't for the war I think this would be a cool place to have a vacation," agreed Cleveland. "I hope someone brought swimsuits!" she joked.

"Oh yes! I even made sure to bring along a towel and a camera!"

"C'mon, I was joking- Uwaah!" Startled, Cleveland jumped away from the unexpected ship behind her. "A-Ark Royal?! How'd you get here?"

Behind Cleveland, in plain sight, stood the Royal carrier. "Hm? Oh I simply took it upon myself to accompany you. Despite the damage from earlier, I am as right as rain! I couldn't bear the thought of being bed-stricken in the infirmary while important battles are being waged! By the way..." Delving a hand into a bulky knit bag in her arms, she fished out two-piece strips of blue which Cleveland found all-too familiar.

"Do you think this would be appropriate for the occasion? I would like to make sure their destroyers can be more relaxed if they were given a vacation feel. And my looks are rather stunning already so-"

A firm hand snatched the back of her collar, eliciting a surprised squawk from Ark Royal. Tea Time's disagreeable eyes went from the carrier to the salacious swimsuit still in her hands. "Your Grace, it looks we have a stowaway."

"... I was afraid this would happen," Fort Grace sighed. "Given the circumstances we'll have to-"

"Nooooo~! No, please!" Ark Royal wailed as she practically got onto her knees before the Coalition carrier. "Anything but the court martial because of my tastes! Anything but solitary, I BEG OF YOU!"

"... confiscate your items that were of questionable intent," Fort Grace slowly finished with a bemused look. "It would be no use to simply order you to head back know that we've arrived. Since you've gone through the trouble of coming here to assist us, I'll oblige you this chance. But do please notify us next time."

Now instantly prim and proper, Ark Royal bowed. "Yes, I shall! You have my word."

Gaping at what she had just witnessed, Vulture couldn't help but confide with the light cruiser. "Remind me how she even made it this far…?"

Cleveland could only put up a nervous laugh in response. "W-well, she may be special but she is rather good at what she does..."

However, further hijinks were cut short as warnings were cried out. "Alert! Bogeys on radar!"

"Confirmed. Eight contacts approaching fast at bearing 350!" Andromeda called, confirming Helena's report.

All heads turned serious as they heard. "Well they have impeccable timing," muttered Fort Grace. "All ships, into combat formation! This will be our second round against the Aegir Fleet so let's go for gold!"

Enthusiastic shouts hailed in place of simple confirmations as all hands moved into position. At the head, Fort Grace peered ahead to see distant figures dotting the blue scenery where the sea and sky blended together. Though she could not discern their identities, she had a unpleasant feeling she could guess who they were.

Then a lone tracer hurtled towards her.

"Incoming!" Fort Grace grunted as she reacted, her body's hair-split moment of reflex saving her from the shot's impact by the narrowest margins. Recollecting her composure from the dodge, Fort Grace swiftly laid out the plans.

"Fan out! All ships, assume defensive postures! Cleveland, don't let your sisters stray too far. We must not let them past us!"

"You got it!" Like a practiced drill, the fleet shifted to meet their oncoming foes. Coming into view the first wave came: from the skies, the distinct gray-hulled Terminators; and from the seas, the V-shaped formation of five particular ships aimed straight for them. Before anyone could react, the air became blanketed in smoke as a hail of missiles was launched.

Cleveland rushed ahead. Where there would be fear the sight instead emboldened her. "Everyone! Tennessee! Let's do this!"

"Right!" At once, the Eagle Union ships all surged forward following Cleveland's example. Their guns raised, they immediately opened fire. The hail of missiles was met with a collaborative hail of lead, the two negating each other in a thick cloud of flak and ash. When the smoke settled, confidence soared.

"Not bad," Buzzard commented. "The combined firepower of your primary cannons and AA secondaries as improvised point-defense. Clever."

"Crude, but effective," the intelligence vessel added.

With their grand opening salvo blunted, the combined fleet tacitly jumped into the fray to return the favor. The tranquil islands of Comona became alight with the raging sounds of war.

The sounds of thundering guns and rumbling engines filled the air as much as ordnance. The skies above seemed alive with dark shapes that were too many to count. The numbers were a comfort for the allied fleet but the air war remained contested despite the opposition's scant aircraft. But where the war raged above, Cleveland was focused on the war below.

She took the lead as she pursued her adversaries, their yellow highlights and shoulder tailfins dancing just barely within her view. Like a dog chasing a car, Cleveland could not let them go.

As expected, the Aquila Vanguard sailed in organized unison, a close squadron of five. But like them, Cleveland did not pursue alone. Converging behind her wake, the light cruisers of Eagle Union merged into their own arrow-shaped arrangement.

"They can't run from us forever!" cheered Denver.
"We'll shown 'em that we Knights mean business!" Columbia added.
"Time for payback for last time!" declared Montpellier.
"I'm right behind you. So don't worry about slowing down!" As anxious she sounded, Helena dared not hesitate.

Ahead, Cleveland spied one of the Aquilas - her dark-colored hood the only immediate characterizing trait she could identify - who glanced back at her. Then in a grand sweeping motion the entire squadron wheeled around with her in the lead. In the split second they locked eyes Cleveland felt even more pumped to have battle: five vs. five; squadron vs. squadron; the Aquilas of the Rose Kingdom vs. the Knights of Eagle Union.

She kept her eyes locked on them as they dashed towards them as if in a joust. But before the clash came, the Aquilas suddenly veered off, leaving only missile fire as their parting gift.

But rather than break rank and evade, the cruisers pressed forward, Cleveland's grin widening as they did. A sound of faint whining and the oncoming missiles suddenly spiraled out of control as if repulsed by the cruisers' daring bravado.

Ahead, the Vanguard watched with stunned faces as the Eagle cruisers braved the impotent hail, their cannons raised as their muzzles flashed, belching fire. The enemy cruisers scurried from the fire with their experienced dodging. They ran and so Cleveland and her Knights continued the chase, their fire dowsing any chance of the enemy's.

Amid the fight, Cleveland's eyes caught the dark cloak of their leader, accompanied by another in a brown jacket. Kicking off into flank speed, she pursued. Having noticed her, the Aquila leader began swerving as Cleveland fired shots after her. Her companion remained close to her side, even shielding her from Cleveland's aim with startling consistency. Intrigued, Cleveland withheld her fire as she caught up to her opponents.

The Aquila leader's head turned towards Cleveland. Beneath her hood, her eyes shone not with the fire of spirit and battle but instead of curious warmth. "... Are you the leader of your own squadron?" she asked, her tone reflecting her calm demeanor.

"Yep!" Cleveland replied cheerfully. "They're my own sisters and friends; I know them like the back of my hand!"

The leader's face remained stoic yet Cleveland felt no coldness from it. "I remember you. Before Comberth. Escaping from our grasp was no mean feat. Please know that my comrades and I did not take any personal pleasure at the time. We were simply performing our duties as was expected of us."

The response left Cleveland taken aback. Now that she got to talk to the enemy, she had never thought of her like this.

The Aquila leader continued. "My name's Raven. This is Sparrow. What do others call you where you're from?"

The response came without pause. "Cleveland. Light cruiser of Eagle Union. Guess it's nice to meet you, Raven."

"The stunt you pulled earlier was impressive. And I see you still have the countermeasure from before," Raven observed. "Taking advantage of the fact it would nullify our weapons while not affecting yours. That's why your squadron didn't hesitate when we attacked."

Cleveland smiled at the compliment. "Not bad, huh? Missiles aren't so scary anymore now that we've wised up to them!"

Although her expression changed little, she suddenly swore she saw a tiny smile on Raven's face. "I hope you haven't forgotten how long the countermeasure effect lasts."

As she now thought about it, Cleveland suddenly realized that the faint whirring sound had long died. And with it, so did her daring smile. She leapt back with a grunt as a missile whizzed past her. Their impromptu truce was now off and the air was back to being filled with missiles.

Cleveland bounded away, returning to her friends' side. "Looks like our ace in the hole's run dry for now."

Columbia swerved to stop by her sister's side, coming back-to-back with her. "Well darn it all! Guess we'll just have to do things the old-fashioned way."

"That won't be a problem, right?" Denver teased.

"Of course not," Montpelier stated flatly. "This is nothing we can't handle!"

"That's right!" Cleveland declared. "Just stick together and keep shooting! Any missile in the air, just swat 'em down!"

But amid the display, Helena's attention was gripped by her headset. Her eyes widened as she listened. "Cleveland! Unknown contacts have just appeared on my sensors! They don't look like ships so they must be-"

Suddenly, the water in the distance exploded in spews of vapor and spray. From the geyser missiles sprung forth, spiraling in the air before quickly finding the allied carriers who flinched and recoiled in surprise.

Cleveland stared in shock. "What was that? Was that from a submarine?!"

"That's an affirmative," Andromeda answered over the radio. "That was a missile launch of VLS-type, only for submarines! The Rose Kingdom must've deployed both Beowulf π and v to this battle to target our carriers!"

Helena pressed her hand to her earpiece, struggling to hear. But a missile swooped by, tearing her focus back to the present danger of the enemy cruisers as they skirted in the distance, inviting them to a dance of death whose invitation they could not ignore. "We'd try to root them out but not in these conditions!"

A pause. Then Andromeda made her reply.

"Don't worry. I know someone who can..."

In the world of water, the sounds of war were muted, muffled and obscured by the billowing waves that acted as the border.

"Next round loaded!" Beowulf π called out. Her submersible rigging slid through the inner sea, its smooth and gracefully movement juxtaposed with the storm above. Although she could not see the combatants for herself the marks they left on the surface made an easy trail for her to pick up on.

"In position. Ready for launch!"

"Ready, nu!"

"Missiles away!" Rows of hatches adorning the top of their riggings popped open in a brisk wave-like motion and from the openings their payload stormed out in identical pattern. Afterburners gave way to messy froth as the missiles sliced through the water to disappear past the surface.

Beowulf π let three seconds pass before she gave her report. "Two missiles hit. Five were deterred with countermeasures, the rest all missed."

Beowulf v nodded, the glowing Key still in her hands unused. "Hm, let's readjust the azimuth by two degrees and recalibrate to take into account likely circumstances of each individual enemy, nu."

But as the two began to relocate, an explosion - an actual one - rocked the pair. The two submarines looked around in surprise.

"Nu, was that-?"

The pair looked up and saw it: a metal barrel presumably tossed overboard now destined for the depths. But this was no loose cargo. The two quickly ducked before it exploded, sending them tumbling about through the murky water.

Quickly, Beowulf π recovered and began to ascend. "We've been had! v, take the Key to safety!" No further words were offered or heard before π smashed through the boundary that divided the world of water with the world of the skies. She found herself suddenly greeted with the sounds of war, of jet engines and guns.

Then there was another, the voice of elegance that formally welcomed her. "There you were. Rather imprudent of you to mingle among us unannounced."

Beowulf π laid eyes upon the source with a wary look. "Tea Time..."

Already the friction began to spark. Yet the maid continued to maintain pleasantries. "It's been a while since we last laid eyes on each other. In between serving my master and the needs of the fleet, it feels like a long time."

"Five months, two days, six hours, and sixteen minutes," the submarine corrected. Her mood remained cautious of the cruiser. "Don't think I'll be revealing national secrets so easily."

"And don't think I shall be letting you damper our impending victory with your antics!" Tea Time returned with an audacious smile. "I'll let you know that dealing with such guests is merely another duty of a maid!"

Fort Grace nodded at the maid's action from the corner of her vision before turning her focus back to the main task at hand. The air war remained hectic and vicious; even with the overwhelming number they brought, the Rose Kingdom fought equally hard with tooth and nail. The very air seemed to come alive with the sounds of missile fire and alerts. But in the ordnance slugfest the opposition still dared not yield, clinging to their own hopes of victory.

And that hope of theirs seemingly appeared in the form of their leader, Tanager.

A trio of fighter aircraft swerved and cut through the blockade of missile fire as they dove upon the battleship. Yet they barely entered lock-on range before flakfire perforated their hulls, sending them spiraling down to earth in flames to join the rest who have made similar attempts earlier. Where the thunder of missiles rang, Tanager's cannons roared the loudest, her domain marked by a hurricane of lead and tracers where none dared to lay a hand against her.

As she ruled over the battlefield her knight remained close to her side, her characteristic rifle a sly dagger compared to her queen's cruel hammer. Herne's eyes remained as sharp as her gun, seeming to track every move and every potential threat. Together, Tanager and Herne formed a formidable aegis from which no danger could touch them.

If Tanager was the Rose Kingdom's hope of victory, then the Delta Coalition's hope lay in her defeat.

The carrier sped off, swerving in and around enemy fire as she made her way closer to the battle's epicenter. She zipped across the sea, hunched low as if to hide beneath the veil of the war high above. But down below, Fort Grace could see and sense the ships all playing out in a myriad of individual battles and among the melee, she did her best to ignore them - and to be ignored.

Straight ahead, she saw the destroyer. She kept her image in her sight and mind, the world around her coming out of focus as she charged. Herne's gaze, as well as Tanager's, had been diverted elsewhere, their guns trained on an incidental struggle elsewhere.

She drew closer. She dared to draw closer. No missile or ship had yet to impede her as she shot directly towards her goal. Any second now, her moment would-

Suddenly, Herne's head turned. Spotting the carrier, she snapped her rifle up. It was now or never. Immediately, Fort Grace scrambled her jets forward, filling the air ahead. A shot, and Fort Grace felt the wind being knocked out from her. But her planes pushed onward in a determined rush.

Anti-air fire sliced through the air but the defense proved to be hasty as the Phantoms charged through. Herne readied her countermeasures but as the jets continued to close in, she realized too late. Seconds before they could swoop past their target did the Phantoms now release their missiles, too close for the destroyer to react.

The sight of Herne collapsing was the first thing Tanager saw when she turned. Her demeanor twisted as she knelt by the fallen Herne's side.

"Herne!"

The destroyer struggled to sit up, coughing as she did. "S-still here… Argh. Gonna snipe that- Watch out!"

Following Herne's skyward finger, Tanager caught glimpses of shadows darting in the sun. In a flash, the shadows vanished, replaced by raining debris. Lowering her smoking guns, the battleship looked for the offender with accusatory eyes.

"Who dares to lay a hand on me, battleship Tanager of the venerable Rose Kingdom navy?!"

"I suppose that would be me. As the saying goes where I come from, 'who dares, wins!'" Turning, Tanager spotted a ship of archaic fashion, dressed in garbs of deep royal blue and wielding a rifle of peculiar design and make, but a rifle nonetheless as she fixed it in Tanager's direction.

A small smirk appeared on Ark Royal. "I take it you're the sole battleship of the fleet? Pleased to be your acquaintance."

"Ha. And I take it that you must be a member of the so-called Azur Lane offering token support for the fledgling Coalition," mocked Tanager. "To think you would sell yourselves to lowly dredges with your antiquated ways. Tell me, how does it feel to be the fodder for the cause with your inadequate weaponry and equipment?"

"Absolutely smashing, I must say!" Ark Royal's smirk stretched wider. "I'll have you know I helped fell even the mightiest of warships!" As she made her boast, a squadron of Swordfishes appeared hovering by her side.

"Then it meant they were weak, to be felled by pitiful biplanes," Tanager scoffed, drawing her sword. "Herne, remain out of this while you recuperate. The time has come for my blade to put this profligate in her place."

Glancing at the destroyer laying by Tanager's feet, Ark Royal adopted a sympathetic look. "Hm. A pity for her to be in such a state. Fine girls of her caliber are such a luxury. And I was so looking forward to seeing the others as well!"

As Herne shuddered, Tanager tested her blade with a swing, ending with pointing it towards her foe. "Don't make me laugh. The only thing you have to look forward to seeing is the nature of your untimely demise as a degenerate you are." But before she could continue any further, trailing bright orbs burned into the corner of her vision for a split second before followed by monstrous impacts.

Lowering her guard, Tanager was greeted this time by a more familiar face. She stood, with feet apart, on the open sea in direct confrontation, hiding behind nothing but her own blazing desire for battle.

Tanager looked at Tennessee with scorn. "... You again. Have I not shown you your place previously?"

"My place is here on the battlefield," the Eagle battleship answered boldly. "A strong battleship doesn't let a simple loss defeat her. I'm ready for round two whenever you are!"

"Then prepare to perish for real this time!" With a shout, Tanager's cannons roared to life. An ear-splitting bellow yet Tennessee was able to answer in kind with her own salvo. The battle came to life as the pair became strafing, the duel returning to its familiar roots. But this time, Tennessee had a trick up her sleeve.

She dashed side to side, never staying still for even milliseconds. Unlike before, Tanager harried with relentless assault. Gone were the tact and sadistic manipulation; playtime was over. The onslaught forced Tennessee on the backfoot but this she did not mind.

"Fighting for real now, aren't you?" Tennessee taunted. "So you've been holding back on me all along."

"We may be battleships but our power does not compare," Tanager snarled. "You have not seen what drive is, appreciated true power." She aimed her guns before a shower of bombs warded away the attempt. Emerging from the plumes of water with only scratches and a grudge, Tanager glared at the one responsible.

Humming in satisfaction, Ark Royal quickly made herself scarce. Tennessee brought up the rear, keeping her guns trained on her nemesis.

"Not bad," Tennessee admitted.

"Think nothing of it. Merely doing my part as allies!" As she made her reply, Ark Royal already began to ready more of her Swordfishes. "Would you like me to hold back while you have this dance? It would be inconsiderate of me to deny you this chance of retribution."

Tennessee's answer was swift. "No. Having the chance to fight her again is good enough. But we've got a job to do: repel their attack. We take down Tanager, we end it all right here."

The two turned, dashing right back into the fray. Tennessee charged, guns blazing. Cannonfire sailed through the air scattering columns of upset water. These attempts only saw Tanager slip through the impacts only for her to find Swordfishes buzzing overhead like flies.

She grunted as the combined attacks caught her in pincers, pressuring her. "Aquilas, to me! Your queen demands your strength!"

From the corner of her vision, Tennessee saw the scattered squadron unanimously make their way towards her. Breaking off from her continued assault, she regrouped with Ark Royal the moment missiles began hurtling from the distance.

Shoving the carrier behind her, Tennessee primed her secondaries. "Get back and stay back!" The wide swath of air in front of her was immediately ripped as tracers and flak cut through. Drowned in gunfire, no missile made it through intact. But from the smoke five cruisers zipped into the open to descend upon Tennessee and Ark Royal.

Leaping into action, the battleship squeezed off a quick salvo only for the cruisers' skills see them to safety. Seeing their prey miss her first strike, the Aquila Vanguard slipped around to encircle the battleship and the carrier. Now surrounded, the real blow began to rain upon the two. Left with nowhere to hide, Tennessee and Ark Royal were left with only an ineffectual defense.

"Agh!" Gritting from the missile hit, Tennessee whirled her gun battery around but was left chasing images of her targets. They fluttered in her view like hornets until tracers - far smaller than Tennessee's - started to rain on their parade.

Cleveland and her knights dove into the action, their arrival prompting a spontaneous withdraw from the Vanguard. "Go get the Big T, I got these guys!"

"You better!" Donning a dangerous smirk, Tennessee launched forward to begin the counterattack. Missiles and ships dared to bar her path; supporting fire and aerial attacks cleared her way. Straight ahead Tanager awaited. Tennessee returned the glare from her foe as she took aim. No deceit, no tricks; with a grim look and punctuated with a war cry, she let loose a full broadside. A flurry of light, and the next thing she knew her shells slumped harmlessly in halves.

Fuming at the sight, Tennessee immediately braced for the counterstrike but even she could scarcely prepare for it. With the furor rarely seen Tanager retaliated, her guns a reflection of her expression: without tact or subtlety as she hammered away at the allied ships with an anvil of fire. The wrath she brought was impossible to ignore as she seized the battle's full attention.

Tennessee found herself harried in the onslaught. "Ugh! Can't get a decent hit on her like this!"

"With the Vanguard with her we won't last long!" Cleveland added, caught in the same straits as the battleship even with the luxury of her agility.

A squadron ascended as quickly as their frames could hold, hoping to navigate the maze of shellfire. But even from high above they were not safe from Tanager's AA coverage, plunging down to earth in flames one after another. "Curses! My Swordfishes can't seem to make it through!"

Tanager cackled loudly at her opponents' mishap. "Don't you see? DON'T YOU SEE?! This is but a taste of our strength, proof of my supremacy! Only I could possess the drive to remain strong in a world like this! The distinguished old guard who has rejected the fate mandated by all!"

Despite the predicament, Cleveland found herself unable to stop herself from commenting on the matter. "Great. She's now going to kill us with a cliche speech..." she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"You are nothing! Mere fossils from another time destined only for the scrapheap before the strong! Your era shall be gone - and my reign shall begin! Don't you see?!"

The excitement swirling within Tanager began to swell into hysterical laughter. But before she reached the climax, an unexpected development occurred:

A projectile slammed into Tanager's side.

A modest blow, yet it rang with volume as dead silence fell across the war-torn sea. Many surprised faces turned to the fresh wound upon the Rose Kingdom's battleship, black smoke streaming from the pockmark on her once pearl-white hull.

"Tanager's hit and trailing smoke!" Andromeda exclaimed. "Who's hit was that?"

Tanager's face contorted between shock and fury. "Who was it that dared strike me?!" she demanded. "Who dares to bear the responsibility of that attack?!"

As their eyes searched, a single shape darted overhead with the characteristic roar of jet engines, the sweeping wind following after. Looking up, the Azur Lane ships recognized it, tracking it back to its destination. Hunched low on the sea, bearing her own marks of injuries, sat Fort Grace.

The shock on Tanager's face was met with a sly smirk from the wounded Fort Grace.

The battleship's face twisted as she exploded with anger. "... You utter-" Thunder cut her off right before she became besieged by volleys of missiles. From their trails, dozens of jets flew past, none of which were evidently of Fort Grace's design. From the distance, figures could be seen followed by a chorus of encouragement to the Azur Lane ships.

"All aircraft, concentrate fire on the battleship!"

"Righto! She's going down!"

"We've got you covered. We won't lose any ships today!"

As another wave of ordnance followed to drive Tanager back, the morale of the allied ships soared with it. Raven wasted no time in sensing the danger. "Provide cover for Tanager!"

Spurred, the Aquila Vanguard leapt forward in front of their queen. Sensing the invitation, the Knights of the Sea dashed to meet them. With the astonishment of Fort Grace's mortal blow worn off, the battle had resumed where it left off. But this time, the allied fleet could sense blood in the water.

The skies darkened with planes of all shapes and affiliations and in their shadows the flashes of gunfire illuminated the battleground. And none glowed as much as Tanager - but this time the attention she brought was no longer an advantage.

Another plane dove upon her before loosing a missile, and not long after did another plane follow suit. Then another, then another. Despite the defense, shellfire from Tennessee would find their way towards her, some finding destiny buried into Tanager's hull as the fire refused to give her respite.

While the duel between juggernauts were in play, the light cruisers played what contribution they could into it. The Vanguard remained steadfast by her side but there only so much they could do against the tide of fire. Taking advantage, Cleveland used the opportunity to slip past their guard, lining up a shot on Tanager herself.

She allowed herself a quick second to aim before breaking off; as audacious her move was the brawl of capital ships burned too hot for her to dwell for any longer than she could. But her shots struck, her shots managing to pierce the thick hull and striking more susceptible machinery beneath; Cleveland now made her addition to the handiwork on Tanager's rigging.

But despite all the damage, Tanager continued to move and fight as if untouched. The bombs and explosions singed her yet she refused to let them burn her; missiles and shells struck her yet she acted as if uninjured.

Cleveland couldn't help but gape in surprise. "Are we even doing anything to her? How's she able to take all those hits without going down?"

"Look closely! She's minimizing all the damage you're throwing at her," Andromeda's voice answered from the radio. "She's positioning herself and her rigging in a way that lets her take the hits in non-critical areas. That's how she's doing it!"

Cleveland looked in disbelief. "I-is that even a thing?!"

"It is now," the intelligence vessel remarked. "But don't let up! There's only so much damage she can soak up until she hits her limit!"

Hearing this, Cleveland jumped back in. The attacks were relentless and as more and more hits began to accumulate, all could see the damage begin to take their toll. A misstep here, grinding gears there - no matter how much Tanager played up her strength, all could see the subtleties of her growing exhaustion. And the more they saw, the more it invigorated the Delta Coalition.

Eventually, the pretense could no longer be held. Weary and burned from fury, Tanager panted. She stood, but on shaky legs; her rigging remained armed, but with scarred hulls and guns. Her once distinguished uniform and dress had been distained by the mess of battle.

Sensing victory at hand, Fort Grace swiftly moved. The wounded battleship lay directly in her sights as her remaining Phantoms gathered for the last strike.

"It's all over for you!"

Her planes shot forward, confident no matter what danger lay ahead. This was a sure kill.

Time slowed to a crawl as her Phantom swarm descended upon the ship. This was the end. Just as she had delivered the first blow, so shall she deliver the last. The last of this battle… and the last of this war.

This was it.

Then a dark shape came into view. Her eyes widened. In a flash, her Phantoms disappeared, consumed by flames.

"So sorry to interrupt, but I do believe intervention will be necessary."

The voice, barely above a murmur, echoed over the sounds of war. Thunder ceased as heads turned and when they did, all looked upon the visitor with shock and surprise. But as shocked as they were at the sight, their reactions paled before the Azur Lane who gazed at the visitor with horror.

"...Y-you?!"

Observer Alpha snickered with amusement, her tentacles unraveling with her mood. "I must say it has been a while. I certainly hope you have not forgotten about us while everyone was so caught up with this little war."

Like a reflex kicking in, the Azur Lane ships all raised their weapons, but the Siren took no notice, her smile seemingly stretching wider. She turned towards Tanager, looking down at her from her personal throne of tentacles.

"Do return to port, while you still have a use."

Tanager glared at her. "You dare command me what to do? You are naught but a -"

"My liege." Glancing behind her, Tanager saw her lieutenant. But where she would have her rigid posture of attention with her immaculate white coat, she instead stood with unsteady form, her dress tainted with grime and tears. Propping the still-injured Herne by her shoulders and escorted by the shaken submarines, Geofon continued with the taint of urgency.

"We have incurred extensive damage. At our current state, victory is no longer feasible. We have no choice but to concede."

Tanager's fists shook as she glowered at the carrier, but as she glanced at the injured destroyer, she forced herself to vent with a sharp huff.

"... Return to port. Raven, see to it that we return safely."

The cruiser nodded. Sparing one more hateful look towards the assembled allied fleet, and then to Observer Alpha who continued to smirk, Tanager forced herself to finally turn her back and march away. Her mantle, although torn in places, continued to bare the proud mark of the Rose Kingdom as she sailed away with Geofon, Herne, and the Beowulves in tow.

Raven watched as her fleet departed into the horizon, then turned to face her enemies. A quiet standoff ensued, with weapons and suspicious eyes fixed towards each other. Some - from both sides - even glanced towards the Siren who stood alongside the Kingdom's cruisers.

The Aquila Vanguard held her fire but held their guard until Raven motioned for them to be lowered. "Aquilas, stand down. It's time for you to fall back as well. I'll provide cover."

Sparrow whirled around. "Raven..."

"Sparrow, that was an order." But despite this her wingman refused to budge, glancing at their enemies with suspicious eyes. A gentle hand rested on her shoulder.

"The battle's over. We've already done enough today. There's no need to risk yourselves any more than necessary."

Looking down at herself, Sparrow could see the truth in her words. Though still combat-effective, the wear and tear of battle had already appeared on her rigging. And knowing how many missiles they had spent…

Sparrow relented. As the others began pulling out, so did she, one hesitant step at a time.

Although she had her back turned, Raven could comprehend their hesitance. She understood her squadron's - particularly Sparrow's - reluctance. She was their leader, their pillar of strength.

But in her eyes, there was more.

As she turned to depart, Raven searched among the faces of her foes until she found the one she was looking for. Their eyes met and she could see that they indeed shone without contempt.

She left a small smile for Cleveland and her sisters before she left.

Now, all that remained was the Siren who watched Raven's departure with a bemused look. She found nothing to note of the aegis cruiser, but it was not the ship herself that was in her thoughts as she looked. Then she turned back to the Coalition fleet before her. Nerves tensed as her golden orbs looked over them like baleful suns.

"So it's time you finally revealed yourself," Tennessee mocked. "Come to remind us that you're consorting with the Rose Kingdom for your little schemes?"

"What do you plan by aiding them and starting this war?" demanded Fort Grace.

Observer merely giggled at their questions. "As expected, so hungry for answers. Where you have questioned, this 'Tanager' specimen has not. She asks not where power comes from, only that she tastes it. And ever since the day she has, she cannot let go."

"... What are you even talking about?"

The Siren continued, unaffected by their confusion. "This 'drive' she spoke of… To reshape the world however one sees fit. Power is but a tool to achieve such desires, yet the desires are power itself. And so the cycle continues. Even in death, it does not end.

"... For as short-sighted as she is, I wonder if she's the only one who truly understands..." And with that said, Observer Alpha turned to leave.

"Are you just going to walk away?" a baffled voice demanded.

"As always, you've had your fill of fun," answered the Siren, her course unchanged. "But alas, I cannot let you end this experiment so soon and end the entertainment now, can I?" And with that said, Observer walked away before suddenly vanishing in plain sight.

Vulture looked with bafflement. "... Is this all they do? Fancy talk and leave?"

"On occasions..." Ark Royal answered with a grim expression. "If she knew of our weakened state she would not have let us go as she did."

"And with what she said…" Tennessee added. "The Siren's got something up their sleeves."

"Like what?" inquired Tea Time.

Buzzard rested her chin on her hand as she replayed what she heard. "'Experiment'... She had referred to this engagement or the war as an 'experiment' of sorts. And she mentioned Tanager; is she a key to all of this?"

Staring into the empty horizon as if she could foresee the future, Fort Grace could only worry. "If she is… then she's playing with some serious fire right now…"

A chalice shattered in vain against the stone wall. In the dim light, its shards glittered like diamonds. But Tanager's wrath gleamed no value from them.

"Is something bothering you?" a voice asked. As innocently it tried, it couldn't conceal its innate delight at watching the battleship make a scene.

"EVERYTHING!" Tanager screeched. "What could have been my Aegir Fleet's chance of redeeming itself in my eyes has instead served to humiliate ourselves further! This was not a surprise attack but open combat that we have blundered!"

She paused as she looked around, a private congress of a select few. It did not take her long to find who she was looking for.

"YOU!" Tanager snarled as she advanced towards the figure. "Why have you not intervened sooner when you could?! Are you not beings of great power, of gifts beyond our comprehension?! Why have you not destroyed my enemies when you arrived?!"

As usual, Observer Alpha continued to smile. "Do you mean to imply we should have achieved your victories for you? Was your personal redemption not the incentive for the battle?"

At this, Tester Beta chuckled quietly to herself while Purifier cackled like a jackal. Tanager's eyes widened with rage, her nerve struck. Instantly her rigging was materialized and her sword drawn, its blade glimmering in the dark with ominous illumination. Pressed against the Siren's skin, it made her look even more alien.

"You remained in possession of the Key. Despite having such power you enjoyed, you inexplicably chose not to employ it for the sake of honor. If victory is what you seek, then why not use all tools at your disposal? What is power and glory if you insist on holding yourself back?"

At this, Tanager said nothing, her only answer being an intense glare. Her breath came in heated gasps as she clutched her sword tight.

A more human figure approached from the side, placing a hand on Tanager's shoulder. It was the mysterious woman of gray, adopting a soothing hiss. "If I may… I believe we can work something out. It has become abundantly clear that pride has proven to be an… insufficient weapon. The defeat at Comona is proof enough no matter what we may claim otherwise. Therefore, what we need is a more effective tool, something… magnanimous to turn the tide around."

That did the trick. The sword slowly receded as Tanager placated herself back to rationality, but her eyes continued to shoot daggers at the Siren. "... Continue."

The woman continued, full attention achieved. "Somewhere on this continent there lies an object of note whose power can bring you victory. An object whose history traces back to the meteors. I'm certain you know what it is I am referring to..."

Realization dawned on Tanager, her previous fury dissipated. "Do you speak of…?"

Behind the smirking woman, the three Sirens grinned, their pale skins and glowing lights making a ghostly aura. Purifier practically danced with jubilation, the implications fully recognized to her.

"Yay! Yay! Field trip! Field trip to Stonehenge! Gotta wake those cannons up!"

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

HistoricHippos:

10,000+ total views as of the time of this writing (our first story to have reached it)! A big thank-you to all readers, those who stuck with this since the early days and those who only recently dropped in see what the story was all about.

Next up: the debut of the first superweapon!

EDIT: Apologies to those who missed this chapter on upload day. This was supposed to show up last Sunday but for what reason FanFiction was unable to make this available for viewing.