Disclaimer: DemonsFlame does not own Azur Lane. Just the OC Kriv.

Last Chapter: Kriv arrived at Azur Lane HQ, and immediately got pushed to the limit while being tested by the Takao class ships. When he woke up he found himself in the presence of Nagato.

[Azur Lane HQ ]

[Commanders Office/Temporary Quarters]

Kriv raised an eyebrow, "You'll have to explain it to me, Nagato-sama. Quite frankly, I find it hard to believe that a Civilian like me is needed at all." He told the battleship with a shrug of his shoulders. "Ah." with a small gasp of pain he grabbed hs right shoulder.

Nagato chuckled with a mischevious smirk on her face as she got up to leave. "You'll see in time Commander. Now, if you excuse me I must head back to the dorms." Her tone respectful yet playful at the same time. She bowed and exited the room.

With his guest gone, he flopped back onto the bed. It was going to be a long tenture here, wasnt it?

[Knock Knock Knock]

A firm knocking at the door interrupted his peaceful musings. "Master, are you decent? I saw Madame Nagato leave and assumed you're awake." He heard from the otherside of the door.

Looking down, his clothes were suprisingly still intact. That made him raise an eyebrow. Pushing that thought away for the moment he responded. "You may come in." He said plainly. Speaking, normally for once.

"Thank you, Master." A second voice chimed in as the door opened.

'Wait, Master?' The thought finally crossed his mind as two figures walked in.

The first of them stepped forward, and gave a curtsy. "Allow me to be the first to give you proper welcome to Azur Lane, Commander." She stood 5 foot 6 inches tall, has blueish purple eyes, and long white hair that reaches her waist. Shes wearing a maids outfit with armor in certain places. For combat he assumed.

"Im Belfast, Head Maid of Royal Maids, and part of the Royal Navy." She said with her signature smile. Unlike his encounter with the Sakura. She gave off an immediate warmth. As did her fellow maid next to her.

"Good Morning, Master. Im Sirius of the Royal Maids. Its a pleasure to meet to you." She said with a small smile. Sirius stands at 5 foot 5 inches, has silverish hair that stops just before her shoulders, and red eyes. She wears a less, intricate maid outfit than her superior.

"Nice to meet you both. Please any title you girls give makes me feel weird. Call me, Kriv. If you absolutely must call me Master, I'll just have to deal with it." He said as slowly sat up.

"As, Maids, we would perfer to call you Master." Belfast said or basically insisted that he accept the title. "How do you like your coffee, Master?" She asked as she turned to walk out the door.

"One sugar, and two cream please." The onyx eyed Commander sighed in defeat. "If they so insist I shall abide." He said more to himself. Walking over to the window and climbing on the sill.

"Master?" Sirius said as she quickly made her way over to his side. "Be careful Master. I dont want you falling or worse jumping." She said as she grabbed his shoulder.

"Hm? Oh, Im sorry for worrying you Sirius." He apologized. 'This'll take some getting used too.' He thought as got comfortable. "Im used to drinking my coffee looking out the window and enjoying the sun." Kriv slipped one leg out of the window and let it hang. Looking out over the entirety of the base it was nothing short of awe inspiring.

The island appears to be apart of an achepeligo. From what he can see, each nation has there own dorms. They each had a distinct flair about them. The Sakura, suprise suprise, had sakura petals adorning their quarters. IronBlood dorms were adorned with old german others he couldnt really tell, "I'll figure that out later." He finished that thought out loud. Luckly, Sirius had already left, saying something about informing the base that if they see him hanging out the window to not panic. Fair enough.

[Knock knock knock]

"Come in." He said as he brought himself back inside. Belfast wouldve just came in if she had his coffee.

"Commander, your awake." Hes heard this voice before, just couldnt remember where. Looking at the door, he saw an Sakura Empire uniform and raised an eyebrow. "I hope Im not interupting anything important." She said with caution in her voice.

"The only thing your interupting, is this day from being boring. " He offered the female a smile, and a seat. "So, what can I do for you Takao?"

Takao stands 5 foot 8 inches tall, has her black hair done up in a ponytail, and bright orange eyes. She is wearing a white Saukra Empire uniform with trimmings and buttons that looks like gold, her white skirt stops at around mid thigh(could be shorter, but he wont judge.) White gloves adorn her hands, as well as stockings covering her legs, and black officers shoes on her feet.

She bowed and took seat. "I came to apologize for our actions, the other day." She started by offering an apology. "We were curious because none of the previous commanders were particular of the sword. I know it doesnt excuse our insubordination, but we feel really bad." It was eating at her, because of her and her sisters he fainted from exhaustion. Because they sensed a challenge. Expecting to be admonished or suspended from duty, she lowered her head waiting.

"Im not mad at you or your sisters." the Commander said after giving it some thought. To say she was shocked was an understatment. Her eye went wide he could swore they were gonna pop out of her head. He chuckled and continued. "But if you really think you deserve a punishment. Then I guess I cant let you off easy." His tone serious.

"Perhaps you could order her to service you, Master~." Belfast teased as she brought in his coffee. Her smile now looking smug. She sets the mug on his desk. "Your coffee, Master."

"Thank you." Kriv chuckled at Belfasts' tease. "No, I couldnt do that to someone I just met, Bel. It would also be improper of me, as her superior to do that." His chuckles subsiding. "Hm, I guess the only suitable punishment for you and your sisters. Is to show me around the base." He said as he took a sip. "Ah, thats good. My compliments, Belfast."

The maid simply bowed, "Thank you, Master."

Takao just stayed silent. A tour around the base? Is he serious? Just like that? She wanted to voice her frustration. But Kriv beat her to the punch. "Takao, Im sure your near livid right now. You and your sisters basically assulted me and I defended myself." His voice as stern as he could make it. "Im letting it slide as a spar, and another day on the job." His eyes narrowed and his eyes sharpened.

He continued after an extended pause. "I'm still new to this base, the day to day operations, and its inner workings. I'd like a friendly face or two to show me around. Plus, Im going to be honest with you. Im scared. This is all new to me. Also, if I did anything to get any of you mad or get you pissed off at me, Im screwed."

He took a deep breathe, getting that off his shoulders helped. "Bel, I dont want that repeated to anyone. Not even Queen Elizabeth. I know thats asking much, but I'd rather not have anyone hold that over my head." His voice wavered to almost a worried tone. He was right, he's basically alone, knew almost nobody on base, and feared for his life. On top of that, three of the eight people he hardly does know assulted him. "Im not telling you this to get sympathy from either of you. Im just telling you cause I want my position as a Civilian known." He sighed, this conversation got heavier than he wanted.

"You have alot of patience, Master. The other Commanders would've done alot worse than ask for a tour." Belfast said, stunned that Kriv was being so forward.

"Belfast, what does my schedule look like today?" he said to get another conversation going.

"Your actually fully booked with meetings today, Master." The head maid said with a smile. "Its currently Noon, so Madame Bismarck and Madame Eugen should be here soon." She said getting the office ready for the meetings.

"Do I have any opennings in the next couple days? That way we can plan this tour." He questioned as he straightened up his outfit and hair.

"Friday is clear for the day, Miss Takao, Atago, and Maya can show you around the base. Is that ok, Miss Takao?" The maid asked, her ever present smile waiting for an answer.

"Uh, yes, friday bright and early. I'll leave you to your meetings, Commander Kriv." The Sakura Swordswoman said with a bow.

"At ease, Takao. See you Friday." Responding with a bow of his own. Walking with her out of the office and watching her leave. As soon as Takao turned the corner. He was met with a new voice.

"Well, well, this must be the new Commander~." He heard a teasing tone behind him. Before he could react, he felt a pair of boobs on his back and arms wrap around his neck. "He will do nicely Biamarck." The females teasing tone continued.

"Sorry about Prinz Eugen, Kommandant. She likes to tease." Bismarck said in an apologetic tone.

"Its, fine. I can handle it." He sighed with a scarlette blush. Today was going to be a long day.

-Commanders Office 5pm-

"Au Revoir, Commandant." "We hope you enjoy your time here." The voices of Richelieu and Jean Bart, sounded as they exited the office.

"Merci, Madame le Cardinal, Mademoiselle Jean Bart." He thanked them in the best Iris he could muster. He was tired, these meetings wore him out.

He heard Richelieu giggle, "We'll help you with your Iris. I know it is difficult for some from Eagle Union."

"Thank you, Dame Cardinal." He said with a sheepish chuckle. The dialects of Europe were always the hardest to learn. A teacher would actually help.

"By your leave, Commandant." Jean Bart said with a quick bow, they turned and made their way back to the Iris/Vichya Dorms.

"Fuck me." He sighed, which hes felt like he done after every meeting today.

He has met with:

Bismarck and Prinz Eugen of the Iron Blood.

Amagi and Zuikaku of the Sakura.

Prince of Wales, Hood, and Warspite of the Royal Navy.

Richelieu and Jean Bart of Iris/Vichya.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened during these meetings. Hell, he had tea with the Royals to unwind as they noticed he was a little nervous. The fact he was so transparent about that bummed him out. But he was grateful they were considerate.

"Sirius, do I have anymore meetings today?" He asked the red eyed maid standing next to his desk, as he was signing the last of the paperwork that has to do with his recent meeting.

"No, honourable Master, you schedule is free the rest of the day. Do you have plans?" She responded, waiting for his next order.

He got up, and gathered his things. "No, I dont. I just wished to see my Personal Quarters. I want to get an early start on tomorrow." He said as he stretched from sitting too long.

"You quarters arent ready yet. Belfast, Sheffield, and Edinburgh need just a few more minutes to get everything done." Sirius said with a small smile. "Most of the other ships are finishing up their days tasks. You could converse with some of them until then."

"Amazing idea, Sirius." He said as he flashed her a smile, and walked to the office door. "When they are done, please ask one of them escort me to my quarters, your dismissed for the night." He said giving her the night to relax.

[Azur Lane HQ Ground Floor]

As he walked out of the main building, the sky had a beautiful orange hue it. He could appreciate sights like this more often. His gaze shifted to all the commotion in front of him.

Watching the various shipgirls moving every which way about the courtyard, and doing various tasks. He oddly felt one of his many fears kind of disappear. Many of them noticed him and waved or struck up a conversation. Introducing themselves, being lost in a conversation for a few minutes until he reminded them of the task they were doing.

Minutes later, a strawberry blonde bumped into him and they both fell over.

"Sorry! I wasnt watching where I was going/standing." The two apologized at the same time. They tried to stand at the same time. but headbutt each other instead. "Hey! Whats the big idea!" They yelled at each other again. The sight was quite comical.

Kriv rushed to his feet first, and extended a hand to help her up. "Being apart of a comedy duo isnt my style. Here I'll help you up." His tone teasing at first but turned warm by the end.

Grasping his hand, the blonde pulled herself up. "Thanks, Im not much of a comedian either. But we make a good duo." taking note of the laughing that was winding down. Extending her own hand to greet him with a smile. "Im Cleveland, namesake of the Cleveland class cruisers."

Cleveland stood at a respectable 5 foot 7 inches tall, has scarlet colored eyes, and her strawberry blonde hair stops just above the waist and she has it in a ponytail off to the side. She wears a a blue and white officers shirt with the sleeves stopping at mid forearm, and a white cape looking thing clinging to her shoulders. A black skirt with red trimmings at the bottom. Her knee high socks are American flag themed. When shes not in combat she has a red, white, and blue themed pair of sneakers on her feet.

He smiled, more friends the better. He took her hand and shook it. "Pleasure to meet you, Cleveland. Im Kriv Dreadborne, or Kriv for short. I'll be your Commander for this day forward. I did hope we could get along, but judging from our little bit just then we'll be just fine." He said with a chuckle.

"Yea, I guess so Commander." The cruiser said as they pulled each others hand away. "How do you like it around here so far? Is everything to your standards?" She asked trying to gauge his reaction.

He chuckled sheepishly, "Today was my actual first day on the job." He sighed, "As Im sure you've heard by now, I had an impromtu spar session with the Takao class cruisers my first day arriving on base. I managed to tag Maya, and just barely managed to draw with Atago." He said as they walked together to the Eagle Union dorms.

"Between, you and me Commander, we shipgirls are stonger than humans. Im sure if they wanted to, they wouldve done alot worse than push you to the point of exhaustion." She looked at him curious of his reaction.

"Yea, I know." He said looking at her with his onyx eyes. "To be honest, I dont expect to be handled with kid gloves, just because Im human and the only male on this base. I expect to be pushed to my limits and surpass them." He said with a fire behind his eyes.

"But at the same time, Im scared. As you said, you girls are much stronger than humans. If I screw up and make one of you upset or mad at me. Im fucked, so to speak." He said with caution quickly replacing the confidence he had moments ago.

Cleveland smiled, "To confide in someone is to be reliant, not a burden." At her words he nodded. I understand you dont want sympathy or pity by telling me this you just want your stance known." She smiled, its that kinda of smile thats infectious.

"You get it." He said as they reached her room. "Oh jeez, I must've talked your ear off Cleveland. Im sorry." He apologized profusely not being used to longer conversations.

"Its not a problem, it just shows you trust me." She chuckled as he showed off a blush. "Well, this is a first. A Commander with a confidence issue? Your secret is safe with me, Kriv." As her laughing subsided, she noticed the time. "I gotta go Commander, its getting late, and I've got a sortie in the morning, G'night."

"Dont let me keep you, G'night Cleveland." He said as he walked away giving her a wave.

[Outside the Eagle Union Dorm]

-8pm-

Walking out of the dorm, he greeted some of the Eagle Union girls. Those he met earlier he waved to, and those he was meeting for the first time, he went thru the now familiar motions. Greetings and an idle conversation. The last of the girls that he met was a submarine named Archerfish. Always teasing someone that caught her interest, at least that how she came across. Throw a couple compliments her way and she gets nervous herself. He laughed a bit as she bid him goodnight and ran to her room.

"Master, your personal quarters are finished. Sirius sent me to escort you to them." A serious voice said as he turned his head to the source. "It is nice to finally meet you, Master, my name is Sheffield." She said as she knelt.

"At ease, Sheffield. Just guide me home." He said as he chuckled.

"Yes, Master. Please follow me." Sheffield responded as she got up and lead him to an area nestled between the Iron Blood and Sakura Empire dorms. Surely, that wouldnt come back to bite him. Right?

[Commanders Personal Quarters]

Sheffield is a maid of the Royal Navy. She is 5 foot 6 inches tall, has a golden color to her eyes. Her blonde hair which is done in either one big braid or two smaller braids, as for which he really couldnt tell. She wears a standard maids outfit, white thigh highs, and black loafers.

"What is your specialty on the battlefield, Sheffield?" Kriv asked trying to strike up a conversation.

"Well, Master, I specialize in subterfuge and assassination. Need an enemy gone? Thats me. Need to sabotage any enemy? Call on me." She said plainly as they reached his quarters.

He noticed quite a few things about his quarters. It was seperated into five different buildings. This was a fucking complex. They stood in the center of it as the maid began to explain the happenings.

"As you can see, Master each building has it own aesthetic borrowing from the styles of the Eagle Union, Iron Blood, Sakura Empire, Royal Navy, and Iris Orthodoxy." Sheffield said pointing to all of the buildings. Sheffield gave detailed descriptions of which building held which part of his quarters.

Iris/Vichya built his bedroom, closet for his clothes, and a master bathroom. The building itself was an newer Iris design, dubbed 'Grander than Notre Dame' by a Iris designer.

The Royal Navy built the Maids quarters and storeroom. According to Sheffield, Queen Elizabeth wanted it kept simple. "I wouldnt call Buckingham Palace simple, Sheffield." His eyebrow twitched in slight annoyance.

Eagle Union laid claim to building the pantry, cold storage, and the kitchen. All modern appliances, down to the ice cube maker in the fridge door.

The Sakura jumped at the chance to make a classic Edo Period building with a hotsprings for him to enjoy after a long day of work.

The Iron Blood provided a Comms station/Emergency Bunker. Always tryng to prove they are reliable. If anyone was to attack and he wasnt at HQ. He was to report here, assess the situation, then deal with it.

"Hm, impressive, give my best to the designers and the builders." He said as a yawn snuck up on him. "Sorry, I guess the day finally caught up to me."

A small smile crept upon Sheffields normally stoic face. "Its ok, Master. I'll go prepare your bed, while you shower, then I'll head to sleep myself."

After he did just that, sleep engulfed him as soon as his head hit the pillow.

[Commanders Quarters]

-Thursday 8am-

Sipping his morning coffee, Kriv was sitting at his desk looking over requisition forms, vacation requests, and other miscelllaneous things that needed his approval, denial, or signature. He had another hour or so before his meeting with the Northern Parliment shipgirls.

[Knock Knock Knock]

"Come in?" He wasnt expecting anyone this early as far as he knew. He'll just have to play it by ear.

{END}

Cliffhanger for right now. Things are looking good for Commander Kriv so far. He has made some concerns known and addressed. be it smaller interactions off screen or a full blown 'Im trusting you with this.' Conversation. I made the proper corrections reguarding Atago, I said she was a fox, upon close inspection I was wrong. The title this fic has is a work in progress. Im just bad at naming things.

Ja Ne

DemonsFlame