Chapter 50: Renewed Hope (Part 9)

"I see…that is a rather concerning state of affairs."

A series of wracking coughs afflicted Amagi as soon as she finished speaking, Alexander frowning in concern as a ragged breath from the nine-tailed fox didn't sound healthy in the slightest. Sure, he'd heard rumors every now and again from Sakura residents back in the Union that she was unusually sickly for a shipgirl but this seemed a bit extreme.

[That is indeed the case, Master. The Amagi of my time was not anywhere near this level of ill health.]

"Being enslaved to some demented fucking machine probably didn't help. No offense."

[None taken. I shall endeavor to create a means of aiding her, I believe her ailments may be due to a rare flaw in her Wisdom Cube that translates to real world inflictions, the manifestation of corrupted knowledge causing her relative fragility.]

"Alright, do what you can, TB."

Snapping out of his ruminations as Belfast delivered cups of steaming tea to the group he turned to Nagato, asking, "Any news from Azur Lane on what's happening in the larger theater?"

Smiling as she motioned for Kawakaze to retrieve a nearby datapad the Sakura empress replied, "The remnants of the Imperial Sakura army and navy are already mobilizing to land in the recently liberated bay, linking up with resistance elements as they go. Current objectives are to secure the highways that lead to our old capital and the Sacred Sakura's resting place before allowing limited return of citizenry as the coastlines are cleared of any remaining Sirens and fortified with technology provided by the Bakunawa."

Kawakaze handed Alexander the datapad, Nagato more gleefully remarking, "And you have played your part to perfection, Alexander."

"What?"

Giving the room a concerned glance Elizabeth and Enterprise merely smirked at his obvious confusion, clearly in on the joke as they convened within the carrier's command bridge, Belfast and Kawakaze standing as both server and guard while Amagi and Shinano flanked where he sat.

…No more than a hand's width away and with their tails carefully curled around his waist, the Aloadae having to constantly fight back the urge to fluff them. Even with clear snarls and matted bits of fur from their long captivity he could tell they were soft.

Neither had wanted to separate from him by any metric and since it was still uncertain just how bad off they were from the original Sirens actions he wasn't about to deny-

"What the fuck?"

He gazed at the datapad with wide eyes, scarcely able to believe what he was seeing.

[In a clear turnaround from the previous decade of operations Azur Lane had just announced the taking of Tokyo Bay from-]

[Sakura, BANZAI!]

[-consisting of fleet elements from all factions that have been provided with these strange upgrades-]

[-while simultaneously escorting refugees that miraculously survived within the northern portions of the planet, analysts predict that with the return and reinforcement of so many shipgirls and ramping production of standard fleet elements-]

[-suggest that two more Sakura shipgirls were rescued although no identities have been confirmed. The operation was lead by Alexander Curtis, the volunteer who was the first to undergo the strange process-]

The man dumbly stared at the countless news stations broadcasting word of their success, the centerpoint being a picture of him standing next to Belfast while Warspite fired a salvo in the background, Siren bases and outposts burning within the bay while yet again he was being made out to seem as a demigod. Battered armor and weapons yet standing strong, whoever had provided the picture even going so far as to photoshop him with the helmet off even though he'd been wearing it at the time so his face could be seen.

"Don't tell me, let me guess. This is Akashi's doing."

Nagato proudly nodded, musing, "Perhaps she missed an opportunity to be a photographer? She certainly captured the moment perfectly."

He sullenly stared at both matriarchs, the pair seeming inordinately pleased with the situation.

"Still trying to paint me in the best light possible?"

"Do you have complaints? One would think you should be feeling grateful rather than indignant!"

Elizabeth tapped her scepter against the floor and sent him a truly superior look, the man certainly not about to decry their good will when it would have made him come off as a complete and total prick. And while it did admittedly make him feel warm and fuzzy that they were going so far for his sake there was even a good reason beyond that, ensuring that the humanity of this time wasn't so averse to technology and enhancements of Siren make since they were going to play such a key and integral role in the future.

"I guess the smart thing to do right now is admit defeat and just accept the fact that I'm going to be some sort of icon moving forward. Ugh, that's a state of affairs I'm not all that excited by."

"You get used to it."

As if reading his thoughts Enterprise offered her own two cents on the matter, idly playing with the hat occupying her lap as she said, "One of the few times I got to see more of the Union I saw a couple children running around, using replicas of my hat and jacket to pretend they were myself, Hornet or Lexington. It was strange and a fair bit uncomfortable but you start to see the positives over time."

"I'll take your word for it. Still seems mighty strange to me…"

Belfast merely smiled at his mumbled response while Shinano stated with utmost certainty, "The world will naturally come to know of your actions, Dragon-sama. Great courage and prowess…begets fame and respect."

Now well and truly worried with the state of Amagi and Shinano's unconditional worshiping of him he cautiously asked, "You do know that it's my ship that's named after a dragon, right? It wasn't even my idea, that was Kawakaze who came up with the name."

The brown-haired Sakura didn't miss a beat, easily replying, "Shinano's visions and interpretation of events are rarely wrong, Dragon-sama. And would you deny that the descriptor is apt?"

"I don't have wings, scales or breathe fire."

"Mere superficial restrictions. In all ways that matter you are one of the mythological beasts of old."

Feeling more helpless at the moment than if he'd been facing down a Siren armada butt naked he turned to Nagato and Elizabeth in the vain hope that they had some kind of insight into what was happening but the royal duo seemed more bemused than apprehensive, Nagato asking, "Now that you have returned to us do you feel up to reassuring our citizens that you are able to return to your duties? I understand that time may be required to fully recuperate, yet…"

Both foxes merely inclined their heads, Shinano inquiring, "Will Dragon-sama…be accompanying us as part of this publicity campaign?"

Elizabeth gestured his way in a clear request for his thoughts on the matter, the Aloadae responding, "Not entirely sure, in all honesty I need to get back to Azure Lane and start figuring out what to do with those spare Wisdom Cubes as well as make sure the retrofits of your sisters go according to plan with no hiccups…never mind all the salvage ops that are underway. So no, I probably won't be sticking around the islands for very long."

No sooner did the words leave his lips than the fox's tails tightened around his waist to an almost uncomfortable degree, their postures stiffening and jaws clenching.

"If…if that is what is required-"

Amagi promptly broke down into another coughing fit, the mood instantly turning concerned and worried as Nagato hurriedly assured, "If that is not acceptable or you do not feel up to it…"

The silver-haired fox swallowed heavily, quietly replying, "No, Nagato-sama…if that is what is required of us…"

The tiny battleship was clearly ill at ease with the demeanors of the pair, giving Alexander a look that made it absolutely clear he was to not leave their sides until they were more confident as she announced, "No. We have not experienced the miracle of your return only to push you beyond limits that need not be pushed. The technological uplifting Alexander has provided means you can reassure our people from the safety of Azur Lane until you feel that you have regained your health and wellbeing."

While their expressions were ashamed the body language of Amagi and Shinano spoke plainly of released tension, Amagi quietly responding, "You are quite wise, Nagato-sama. And we apologize for being a burden."

"Never a burden. Although if you are to appear before the Sakura people once more then may I suggest performing a level of personnel hygiene at some point?"

Both foxes stilled, gazes traveling downwards to their rumpled robes, matted hair and while they certainly didn't stink there was the unmistakable scent of seawater and dust that was a bit of a head turner.

"Ah. That is an…unwanted circumstance."

Amagi sent Alexander a furtive sidelong glance as if worried what he would think of them at the moment, such a thought about as far as possible from the man's head as he simply wondered if there was anything he could do to help expedite their recovery. The unconditional worship and reliance was ego-boosting, sure, but he was by far and large uncomfortable with it rather than he was enthused.

"If it's cleaning facilities you want then heading directly below this tower and six doors toward the bow will leave you right next to the showers. Not quite the complete works you'd want but it should do for now."

"The offer is appreciated, Enterprise. Will you be coming along, Dragon-sama?"

"...What?"

Blinking at the sudden inquiry from Amagi the Aloadae dumbly met the fox's gaze, Shinano adding, "Ahh, if it is imposing upon you, Dragon-sama…then you may reject the offer."

He was about to do just that until he noticed the clear disquiet and discomfort in the two Sakura's body language, Nagato and Elizabeth giving him expectant looks as the Sakuran empress mentally informed him, "We are still uncertain just how harmful and long-lasting the damage to their minds has been. Until we know more I do not wish for them to be without a source of stability."

"...But the showers? Really?"

A single, immaculate eyebrow arched in a manner that perfectly conveyed skepticism of the highest order.

"Are you about to pretend you have no interest in a shipgirl's body?"

"Come on, this is different and you know it. They're terrified and barely holding it together after being held prisoner in their own minds for god knows how long. Not exactly the kind of scenario that gets a guy excited."

"Indeed, but the facts are facts."

Inwardly sighing in agreement and submission the man rose to his feet, the Sakura duo quick to follow suite as he announced, "We'll be in the showers if you need us, let me know if the Commander sends orders."

"Of course. Belfast? If you would be a dear?"

The maid curtsied at her queen's request, falling behind the departing trio as she stated, "If you leave your clothes in my care I shall be able to restore them to a relatively pristine condition. I have experience in using the facilities here to restore rumpled and dirtied articles, after all~!"

Alexander didn't quite manage to hide his smirk at the brief blush that adorned the Union carrier's face at the cruiser's comment, tugging her hat low as Shinano merely replied, "The offer is most appreciated, head maid."

"Think nothing of it."

They departed without further comment, the pair of foxes falling in step close behind Alexander on either flank while Belfast took up the immediate rear, the man trying to think of a topic to broach and ultimately coming up short. Instead he slowed his pace slightly out of curiosity, dismayed to find that his companions still matched his movements without missing a beat.

"C'mon, Belfast. Use that super maid power of yours and-"

"If you have additional questions you may certainly feel free to ask. While an abbreviated version gets the job done it is a woeful substitute for an in-depth retelling."

'-okay, genuinely creepy. I didn't even ask her that mentally, just thought it."

[The Belfast of my time was just as prophetic, master.]

Shaking off those thoughts he turned to Amagi as the battleship asked, "Was it true, what Nagato-sama said? That you were originally human?"

"Yeah, pretty much. I was a simple dock worker before I got wrapped up in everything and have kind of just stumbled my way through the rest of the war, relying on the Commander and your sisters to help me out."

He sensed a bit of amusement from Belfast at his admission but the maid refrained from commenting, Shinano softly remarking, "You do not need to be so modest, Dragon-sama…Nagato-sama spoke with much respect and reverence to you."

"Err…if you really want to keep calling me dragon or whatever feel free but Alexander or Curtis is perfectly fine. In fact I would prefer it if you do that."

"Are we allowed to be so familiar with you, Dragon-sama?"

This time glancing behind him to find hopeful expressions on both their faces while Belfast seemed perplexed he slowly replied, "Err…yeah?"

Relief decorated Amagi's features, the woman responding, "Ah. We did not wish to presume. Nagato-sama was amicable towards you and we did not desire to overstep our bounds by assuming the same level of familiarity."

"You would have to assume a great deal more intimacy than simply using his name, I'm afraid. Master Alexander has done quite well for himself and ensnared the hearts of a great many of our sisters, Lady Nagato and her majesty included."

Alexander almost choked on his tongue, whirling around to face the innocent looking maid head on as both foxes seemed in awe of the declaration, Amagi musing, "Ah, that would explain much of why Nagato-sama seemed so fond of him," before breaking down into another series of coughs as Belfast soothingly rubbed circles into her back, Shinano stating, "It is…only natural for a dragon to draw in many maidens, yes?" while the slightest tinges of pink colored her pale skin.

He made a mental note to have a chat with Belfast about proper decorum before promptly deciding that the maid would be about three steps ahead of him and gave it up as a bad job, quietly sighing to himself and just hoping that the two foxes healed sooner rather than later. And used his name.

"So of our hundreds of sisters, barely two dozen remain?"

"Yeah, that's the gist of it."

There was only the gentle sound of running water for a few seconds before Shinano broke it, the carrier asking, "When the head maid spoke of Nagato-sama's attraction to you alongside many of our other sisters…"

Fighting back a groan of resignation Alexander let his head thump against the metal wall of the showers, breathing in the steamy air-

-and instantly regretted it, his enhanced senses picking up the scent of the soap and shampoo the pair were using and bringing to mind all sorts of images he really didn't feel like experiencing at the moment. While the pair had taken mercy on him and not requested that he be inside the shower the whole time they had guilted him into talking every few moments and sitting behind one of the thin partitions that provided some semblance of modesty, even though the actual showers were group bathing affairs.

Turns out even that simple arrangement had his mind conjuring up forbidden images of the admittedly gorgeous and seductive pair, the Aloadae unable to help but roll his eyes at himself.

"The mind of a human male is simultaneously one of great inspiration and power while somehow managing to be painfully predictable at the same moment."

"It…happened mostly by circumstance. One of the side effects of the retrofits is that the telepathy you share with your sisters is amplified in scope and power, creating a sort of emotional support network that I badly needed after the siege we told you about. On a side note, that would probably go a long way in helping you acclimate to being freed from that Siren without needing me nearby all the time."

"That would be…welcome."

Amagi's response contained equal parts shame and hope, Shinano adding, "We have been away from the war for far too long…it's for the better if we are able to perform as we should…without being burdens…"

Deciding that that was something they were going to have to work out on their own he stayed quiet, Belfast arriving with the pair's freshly laundered clothing in record time as he briefly considered asking how she managed that so quickly with garments as ornate as a kimono, leggings and Amagi's bodysuit before figuring it was just Belfast doing Belfast things, the cruiser separating each article and setting them aside as he was treated to the sight of modified white and black underwear that rode fairly low, no doubt to accommodate their tails…and no bras?

"Master Alexander, is there something on your mind?"

Belatedly realizing Belfast caught him 100% staring as she teasingly batted her eyes at him he went for a disinterested shrug - which naturally failed to fool her - before responding, "Just going through records of what happened during the original timeline that started this whole mess. I'm thinking that maybe I'll be able to do something with the Wisdom Cubes that we liberated."

While she was obviously intrigued with the notion the maid also wasn't one to let him off the hook so easily, cheerfully remarking, "I'm certain that's what you were doing, master Alexander. Wandering eyes do denote the loudest minds."

Narrowing said eyes at the cheeky response he decided to hold his peace, the water shutting off and Belfast immediately striding forward with towels and clothing in hand as the foxes quietly thanked her, the male turning off his brain for the next few minutes as they toweled off and clothed themselves lest he do something stupid. Again.

To be treated like glass wasn't something Amagi was unfamiliar with, even if she didn't particularly enjoy the feeling. True, she tired more easily than others and was more prone to sickness but she'd made certain that it never impacted her duties outside of expectations, always made sure that she could perform to the best of her abilities regardless of her weak body. But it was perhaps inevitable that many would consider her fragile, or even delicate. Walking on eggshells as if the slightest breath would topple her, or so the saying went.

But to be cared for? That was a new experience for her, one that she belatedly realized had often been the role she filled during the empire's strongest days. Settling disputes between Akagi and Kaga, guiding or reassuring the little ones, soothing the souls of those burdened by great decisions…those had been her providence.

Not that it seemed to matter in the end, a familiar pang causing the battleship's chest to ache in a manner different from her usual ailments. So many of her sisters and charges…all resting at the bottom of the ocean. From proud and feisty Akagi to the quiet and innocent Katsuragi, all taken by the war she hadn't even been allowed to die in.

Dark shame gathered in her soul, much like how she imagined it did in Shinano's as they followed Alexander and Belfast through the depths of Enterprise's vessel. Their sisters had fought, bled and fallen…all while they had stood uselessly in the clutch of some vile machine that they had needed the aid of another to break free from. And even now they needed his presence, Amagi feeling a cold dread seize her everytime she couldn't touch the towering man, couldn't hear his voice and couldn't be certain that he'd destroyed the soulless monster that had held the entirety of her body and mind under its sway.

Really, complete and total servitude to the point of shamelessness and dishonor was the only response they could muster or contemplate. How else to erase the shame, disgust and fear that followed them like a malevolent curse than to debase themselves and endure whatever fantasies or depravations their savior fancied?

…

All they had found was warmth and patience.

What few, brave sisters had been left had welcomed them with open arms, Nagato-sama going far beyond what was best for their people to ensure they were looked after and healthy, Belfast eager to provide her renowned services without prompting while dutiful Kawakaze and many others had been eager to see them returned.

…But she was not treated as if made of glass. Not this time. She was expected to return to the battle, to resume her duties once more and despite her self-deprecation Amagi knew that she could push forward as long as action was expected of her, that there was faith she could serve once more.

"Are you alright?"

The battleship snapped out of her inner thoughts as she heard her savior's cautious words, finding him staring at her as she hurriedly bowed her head, subserviently replying, "I am fine, Dragon-sama. Merely-"

A tickle in her chest quickly turned to spastic coughing, Shinano's reliable hand swiftly finding her back and massaging it to clear out the congestion as she distantly heard Belfast remark, "Perhaps they should rest for now? Unconsciousness is no suitable replacement for proper slumber."

"Sounds like a plan to me. Any bunks or something nearby we can use?"

"Not far from here, conveniently."

Forcing herself to stand upright and keep her ailment under control Amagi stated, "That isn't necessary, I can-"

"Do as Nagato suggested and get yourself back up to full strength. Nothing crazy or important is going on right now, if there's a time to recover or take it easy this is it."

Unable to refute their savior's words Shinano quietly bowed, replying, "If that is what you desire, Dragon-sama."

Neither of them missed the brief grimace that appeared on the man's features, Amagi finding herself pondering the oddity that was Alexander Curtis, the man that had saved them and offered a chance at salvation.

Amagi knew that most who had been offered complete servility by them would have taken advantage of that without delay, their status and standing among the Sakura Empire no small thing…and that was to say nothing of their beauty, which she knew from past experience would have been accepted most 'gratefully' by a fair few of the admiralty if they believed they could get away with it.

And yet the strange man resembling a Siren more than a human had done nothing but unconditionally treat them with respect and dignity - far more than she and Shinano deserved - while seeming immensely unsure of what to do with their professed loyalty. Even going so far as to ask them to refer to him by his name, as if they deserved the privilege.

…It was a welcome warmth to the cold that seemingly clung to her mind whenever she thought back to her time under the thrall of an uncaring machine, no matter how undeserving of it they may be.

"Here. Please, take as long as you require, we shall awake you if anything is needed."

Bowing deeply Belfast departed with little fanfare, Amagi gazing at the accommodations provided and finding them spartan yet fitting, simple rows of beds and blankets no doubt meant for many soldiers and seeming rather lonely without them.

"Pick wherever you want, I have work I can do while still remaining close by."

"Thank you, Dra-"

The exasperated look Alexander sent Shinano's way caused her to reluctantly shift her words.

"Alexander-sama."

"Well it's a start."

Without further ado the pair of foxes crawled onto the nearest bunk, huddling together as Amagi found herself genuinely surprised at the sheer exhaustion she felt, eyes drifting closed as Shinano - ever the sleepy one - already began drifting off to a deep slumber, tails draping over the side of the bed and mixing with Amagi's as the man sat down next to their bed of choice, promptly decorated with freshly washed fur as the battleship slowly relaxed, the reassuring presence allowing her to believe that they really were free from the Siren's control.

…Tomorrow she would have many questions to ask her savior but for now she would allow her unworthy self the chance to rest.

So when I wasn't looking this story clawed it's way up into the top five in the Azur Lane category.

Not much to say other than y'all awesome for that.