Let the heaven fall pt.1,5

This is a moment of respite, the days begone before the heaven fall.

「Azur Lane Academy, Cafeteria.」

On one peaceful and serene day at Azur Lane Academy, Sakura Zeimachi found himself in the cafeteria—a bustling hub where ship girls from various factions gathered.

He felt a slight brunt of hunger and sought to satiate it, that was his sole purpose for being there.

"My, so that's him? I wonder if it's fine to say my greetings to him."「Le Triomphant」 

Coincidentally, there happened to be a celebration in the cafeteria, featuring a diverse array of menus from various factions available for ordering.

"Bis sis, is that the 'good guy' I mean commander who gave us each a pair of socks?"「Ping Hai」 

With a bit of money saved up from his work behind the scenes, Sakura Zeimachi decided to order whatever caught his fancy.

"Huh? D-d-did C-Commander just glanced o-on us?"「Spence」

Even amidst the bustling crowd, it didn't take Sakura Zeimachi long to place his order, as most of the ship girls intentionally made way for him.

After getting his food, he carried everything to a vacant table, far from the presence of other ship girls. It seemed she simply wanted to enjoy his meal in peace.

However, all that tranquility shifted when he had settled at one of the secluded tables in the cafeteria, as a round and fluffy object approached him.

"Fuwa!"

"Ohh, so it's you. What's wrong?"

Setting aside the various pairs of eyes continuously observing his every move, the serene moment the man desired was suddenly disrupted by a furry ball of fluff hopping around on his table.

Continuously chirping 'Fuwa,' the furball kept hurling itself toward the man's face as he was trying to enjoy his meal in silence

"Hylia's still safe, but she still needs time before she can return here."

"Fuwa?"

"Maybe a week at the very least, or perhaps a month. Who knows."

"Fuwa?!"

Although not understanding Fuwa's words, the man could still sense what was on its mind.

It was evident, because after hearing Sakura Zeimachi's seemingly oblivious words, Fuwa grew even more agitated.

Not only did it keep hurling itself at his face, but it also resorted to using its mouth to nip at the man's head, disrupting his peaceful mealtime.

"I believe in her, she's someone that Cera... someone my friend entrusted me to watch over. I won't do anything harm."

"Fuwa..."

"But this is something that she need to carry on, I'll help her as much as I can but the rest will be on her hand."

Fuwa indeed wanted to meet with Hylia. As a friend, family member, and companion, Fuwa hesitated to leave Hylia alone in an unfamiliar place with someone she had just met.

However, Fuwa seemed to halt its relentless ramming upon hearing the man's explanation about what the Feasty Haired girl needed to discover on her own in that place.

"Ahaha, it seems you two are closer than I thought. I'm even more grateful now, knowing that she won't truly be alone."

"Fuwa?"

For a moment, the furry ball seemed to hear words that turned its face into something akin to a bowling ball.

Fuwa appeared to be trying to decipher the meaning behind what the man had just said.

"No worries. By the way, do you want some milk? I grabbed it earlier, but it seems I'm already full."

"Fuwa."

"It's a habit, really. My friend liked to drink this, but I forgot he's away for now. Anyway, let me open it for you."

"Fuwa!"

Unsure of Fuwa's actual favorite food, the man thought milk wouldn't harm the creature. Fuwa seemed delighted by the unexpected treat anyway.

With a swift movement of his fingers, he unscrewed the bottle cap and poured it onto a clean, unused plate.

"For these days, where did you sleep furrball?"

"Fuwa!"

"With Unicorn? Ah, you mean that Unicorn plushie? Well, well, well looks like you got another friend over there. A little girl and also their guardian, guess Hylia and Unicorn-kun is matched in some ways."

"Fuwa fuwa!"

Fuwa appeared increasingly impatient to get its treat. The furrball even latched on his hand, similar to a stamp.

However, when the man finished pouring out all the contents of the bottle, there came an impending sense of doom from behind.

Followed by a sweet whisper into their ears.

"Commander, Akagi also like milk fuwa."「Akagi」

Simultaneously, nine brown-furred foxes tails began to move from behind, enveloping the man's body in a sweet encircling motion.

Creating a sensation of smooth and gentle, yet simultaneously unsettling fur against his skin, creating a mix of comfort and concern all at once.

"But its not some ordinary milk, do you know what 'milk' it is fuwa?"「Akagi」 

The tails, seemingly possessing a will of their own, began to form a structure akin to that of a Venus flytrap.

They continued to move, 'devouring' Sakura Zeimachi's entire body, making it difficult for him to move.

"Hey, commander, did you hear me, fuwa?" 「Akagi」

Luckily, he was still granted the liberty to breathe, which unfortunately was also something they seemed keen on taking away sooner or later.

...

....

.....

「Azur Lane Academy, commander's office」

"Commander nya, congratulations we have reach 80% progress."「Akashi」 

Inside his office, Sakura Zeimachi was in conversation with Akashi and Saratoga.

Seated behind his desk, which was always tidy and devoid of any documents, the two ship girls explained the outcomes of their respective task developments before him.

"Our progress in researching the Observer shell usage has been smooth, thanks to Reno and Da Vinci's assistance. Additionally, the bunker development beneath the island has been completed, thanks to the Bullin sisters and Manjuu. Akashi and the others have been working diligently nya~"「Akashi」

"Thank you, and please continue. Also, convey my gratitude to all of them if I'm unable to do so later. How about your task, Saratoga?"

The atmosphere around them felt a bit tense and serious, particularly emanating from the commander.

Due to his instinct that always sensed impending chaos, he always appeared outwardly prepared and vigilant.

This was unlike his inner self, which did not perceive things in the same way.

Currently within the Chamber of Mind, there existed only one persona dominating over there. A persona he identified as Nanekluh ref Rednialsig, or simply Als for short.

Different from the brain of operation, Als is more like a will in operation, a purpose in action.

Thus just what is the true significance of this persona and what Sakura Zeimachi truly sought remained an enigmatic puzzle.

"No problem at all, Saratoga-chan is the perfect definition of idol so masking my face is easy peasy."「Saratoga」 

"Good, as long as they still believe you're trying to protect Gridley, at least you won't be thrown away."

"Dismissed, you know that's an improper word to address such as Saratoga-chan, right?" 「Saratoga」

"Ahaha, sorry, I've been talking without filtering my words lately."

About the conversation between Saratoga and the man above, it was all linked to the incident where he learned through Vestal, about Gridley's dissemination of information regarding his whereabouts and photos.

Upon delving even further into the ship girl's motive, there're many clues that lead them to the intricacies of espionage, betrayal, and the unexpected twists of secrets within their circle.

Something that isn't ready to be burned yet.

Saratoga's concern mingled with the man's contemplative silence, marking a moment of shared vulnerability in a world of concealed motives and veiled intentions.

"I appreciate you forgiving Gridley for spying on you, but wouldn't this make me the villain now?" 「Saratoga」

"The HQ, or rather the 'some certain someone' within HQ will continue to monitor both of you. Give them the information I provide, and you will be kept safe."

"Sigh... You listen here, newbie..." 「Saratoga」

Saratoga and her commander continued their heated debate, one voicing concern while the other remained utterly indifferent.

As the tension reached a breaking point, Akashi interjected into their conversation, presenting detailed information she hadn't yet conveyed.

Pulling out a few more files from within her overgrown sleeve, Akashi proceeded to read and hand over copies of the reports she had prepared, all still related to the tasks she had undertaken.

"And finally... Saratoga, do I need to be the one to inform commander?" 「Akashi」

With a tone far from the cheerful and lively manner they had conversed in earlier, Akashi turned her head towards Saratoga.

All previous arguments came to an abrupt halt as the ship girl in pink hair unnaturally clenched both her fists.

"... No, I still feels ashamed for keeping it a secret, so I'll be the one to convey it. Commander..." 「Saratoga」

"Yes?"

"That person has returned, just as you mentioned. Around 10:56 A.M., in the west part of the HQ's district city two days ago. Alongside the five figures presumed to be his associates." 「Saratoga」

Upon hearing Saratoga's explanation, the man didn't respond, displaying only his silence and allowing Saratoga or Akashi to continue.

A small question lingered in his mind: 'Why are you only conveying this now?' Especially considering the urgency and significance of this particular issue.

As if grasping the man's thoughts, Saratoga, wearing a guilty expression, bowed her head even further.

"I'm sorry, but I had no other choice." 「Saratoga」

.....

....

...

While Sakura Zeimachi carried out his duties as the commander at the Academy and as Hylia continued her training, Yulijer and his group chat's member finally arrived in that world.

〈Dimensional transportation process completed.〉

〈Resuming at the initial Host location where Yulijer began.〉

"Annd we're here." ☆Yulijer☆

After closing their eyes and reopening them for quite a few times, guided by notifications from the System the fallen stars landed upon the land.

There, amidst the flow of people and vehicles, stood the ones who inexplicably appeared out of thin air, drawing the attention of passersby.

They, who had earlier observed the countdown timer reaching zero, arrived simultaneously at the precise point and time in their present world, where their breath continued to flow.

Murmur-murmur

"Suzuko, nice to meet you in flesh again." ☆Freidhard☆

"Could you stop looking this way, damn it. Don't ogle at my chest or rear in the middle of the crowd, it's disgusting, you know?" ☆Suzuko☆

Looking around, a bustling crowd moved like any city populated by many.

Murmur-murmur

It was a human settlement akin to the City of Rite near the Azur Lane Academy, a city inhabited by many native humans of that world where here's no demon nor angel, neither goblin nor orc, there're only Human.

From Yulijer's recollection, the location where he initially began wasn't far from the Headquarters of Azur Lane, typically shortened to HQ for convenience.

Despite some slight variation from the original checkpoint he received, he recognized the area in his surroundings.

A mere forty-minute walk or a brief five-minute drive would take him to the HQ building in that city district.

Hence, it was safe to conclude that the checkpoint Yulijer had given was indeed in a city near the HQ building.

"I thought this place would be a bit different from my world, but it's not that different after all, huh?" ☆Julian☆

The technology there matched with luxury cars that still can't fly, touchscreen smartphones, and skyscrapers adorned with plenty of glass.

Thus, Julian's observation was accurate.

There's even a passerby who took the opportunity to snap a picture of them, a situation Julian had encountered countless times in his own world.

"Yeah, this place is almost like our home world. Whether it's the people, their gazes, or... their actions." ☆Katchia☆

Unlike Julian, who enjoys being in the spotlight, or others who don't mind being photographed, there might be someone who isn't fond of it.

Unfortunately she's one of them.

"Katchia! What did I told you about sanitation?" ☆Suzuko☆

With only one wave from her hand, Katchia who looked the cutest among the group, indiscriminately summoned a Nomu which then crushed the pedestrian's body.

Causing blood to spill around, followed by screams and the scattering of those who saw it. Creating chaos that occurred in the city pretty near to the HQ.

Yulijer, who clearly witnessed everything unfold, initially wanted to stop Katchia from acting in that manner.

However, his action was prevented by an interface screen of their System displaying a ranking and a number.

〈Katchia +1 Random civilian〉

Merit ranking:

〈1# (Bakugo x Midoriya)「Katchia」〉

〈2# (Kirito slayer and Asuna pounder)「Julian」〉

〈3# (Kunoichi are for breeding)「Freidhard」〉

〈4# (Fuck Issei he's a cultivator)「Mourgant」〉

〈5# (Sharingan collector)「Suzuko」〉

〈6# (Beauty from their hole)「Yulijer」〉

The interface screen was visible to all of them, and witnessing Katchia's recent actions, they immediately grasped how this Merit assessment worked.

"Hmm." ☆Mourgant☆

〈Mourgant +1 Random civilian〉

〈Mourgant +1 Random civilian(?)〉

To prove his guess, Mourgant also did the same thing to the person who was trying to avenge the death of the passerby, and after killing more one person more than Katchia, it was true that his name had changed in position.

Merit ranking:

〈1# (Fuck Issei he's a cultivator)「Mourgant」〉

〈2# (Bakugo x Midoriya)「Katchia」〉

〈3# (Kirito slayer and Asuna pounder)「Julian」〉

〈4# (Kunoichi are for breeding)「Freidhard」〉

〈5# (Sharingan collector)「Suzuko」〉

〈6# (Beauty from their hole)「Yulijer」〉

"What kind of revenge is this? I thought there's something more specific, but it seems as easy as this. You don't even know the meaning of revenge." ☆Mourgant☆

"You're quite clever, stealing IQ from the brain of the girl you took for Dual Cultivation? Typical of an old man." ☆Yulijer☆

"Let's not fight just yet. If the task is as simple as killing everyone, wouldn't we just end up as killers? I'm not into that. Let's find a bigger target than these ordinary villager A and B." ☆Suzuko☆

While what Suzuko revealed might have been driven by her own interests, she's still correct.

If the Merit rules for their mission are about accumulating as much Merit as possible, rather than just tallying up the number of killings, it's better to seek out individuals with higher Merit points.

"Sorry for earlier everyone. I don't like camera pointed at me. From what I just heard, we still don't know if there are other actions that can earn us Merit. I think it's possible that we could obtain significant Merit just by building a city or achieving something else." ☆Katchia☆

"Ah, I get it! I once got an FGO Servant card just by sleeping with a girl, so who knows, right? This thing called Merit might be similar." ☆Julian☆

As if mutually intrigued by each other's ideas, the six of them regrouped after concluding their individual opinions.

Despite some estrangement in their relationships, there seemed to be moments when they were willing to stand together.

Some intended to find shortcuts, others considered establishing their own farming grounds, and there were those pondering over targeting the biggest prey.

At that moment, they didn't appear much different from a particular circle or group standing in the midst of the now-deserted city.

That's how ordinary people would perceive them if they didn't know what they had just done to the body lying next to them.

Very lucky for all those ordinary people who had fled and escaped though.

"Wait, before you all go, follow me to the government headquarters here. Let's make that place our base; besides, there are plenty of items we can use there. It's just a suggestion considering I've done a lot in this world." ☆Julian☆

Seeing some of his 'companions' ready to leave, Yulijer, on the contrary, urged them to head towards the nearby HQ from their current position.

With his past trails, Yulijer was the one most knowledgeable about that world and intended to leverage it once again.

In the beginning, Mourgant who already had a beef with Yulijer refused, as did Katchia since she didn't want to go to a place filled with adult occupying seats of governmental power.

What a pretty weird reason, but still Yulijer understood that.

"If no one's stirring things up, I have plenty of leftovers that can be useful through HQ. And I couldn't care less about you, old man. But you do want to hear about the power and identity of the person who luckyly happened to beat me once in this world, right?" ☆Yulijer☆

However, using his cunning and persuasion, Yulijer managed to coax them into going there.

In short, the six of them pressed on through a city where many of its inhabitants hid in fear's embrace.

Despite the native inhabitants of that world not being much different from the people they encountered and socialized with, it was evident that they didn't pay much heed to any of it.

Even with enforcers of justice attempting to halt them, those third-rate scoundrels amounted to nothing.

Despite a younger brother searching for his sister, he was also silenced for being too loud in their presence, meeting a tragic end.

No one knows why they behave this way, although humans are often equated to animals, that only occurs under specific circumstances and conditions.

"Wait until you see those girls at the academy. If you catch even a glimpse of one of them, you'll understand their mesmerizing beauty." ☆Yulijer☆

"Anything that's up for grabs is fair game for this middle-aged uncle. I'll just do as I please." ☆Suzuko☆

"That's why I'm here, so let's pick up the pace and head to that massive building. I need my own quality time~" ☆Julian☆

Hearing those words, Yulijer was reminded of something. Something that was not good at all.

"Quality time? Hey, I think I have an idea." ☆Yulijer☆...

...

....

.....

"Later on, I was informed by Akatsuki that they broke into the archive room and accessed HQ's confidential files nya. But don't worry Commander, it seems they didn't do anything there nya."「Akashi」

"Not quite, Akashi. Based on what Wales told me, their behavior seemed more like gathering evidence about the Commander. Even more weird was about some strange power that they used, it's similar to... what you used commander."「Saratoga」

Back in the present, the man continued listening to their conversation, his expression unchanged from start to finish.

He appeared like a chess player awaiting his opponent's move, his demeanor poised and calculated, ready for whatever comes next.

"About the Commander? Hmm... hmm? NYA! That makes sense nya! Commander, what should we do nya!? All the evidence you've compiled could be used by them to corner you nya!"「Akashi」

Even when receiving Saratoga's piercing gaze regarding the various suspicious tasks the man had assigned to her, the commander remained unfazed by what agitating those two.

"Any battle occured?"

"There's a slight confrontation that didn't end well. Bismarck, So-ve-tska-ya Soyuz, and L'Indomptable, they're put in out of commission and have returned to the Academy."「Akashi」 

"Have? Anymore bad news?"

"... All the ship girls from the HQ aren't in good shape. After they put the three girls in near death state, those monsters instructed them all to go back to academy. But... only after they intentionally broke their legs and arms and... ravish them."「Saratoga」 

"..."

Upon hearing Akashi and Saratoga's words, Sakura Zeimachi summarize the information from them, and with just a blink of his eyes, the two ship girls seemed to understand that they had conveyed their report sufficiently.

Roughly two days ago, Yulijer and his companions arrived in this world. It coincided with Hylia gathering with other members of the Demi-System plan in Skull Island.

They arrived and immediately committed murder over trivial reasons, yet paused to enter the HQ to obtain the data and bait he had prepared.

Whether they'll take the bait and get trapped remains uncertain.

The most regrettable aspect is the number of casualties resulting from their actions, even though it didn't lead to deaths.

Strangely, they didn't kill any of the ship girls there; instead, they injured them and allowed them to return here.

Their actions resemble sending an ultimatum or a warning to those who dare to oppose.

Furthermore, considering Yulijer who operates based on desires and freewill, it's highly likely he won't care about the loss of lives from this world.

"Two days, did they leave any message through the ship girls?"

"T-That's impressive nya, Commander. Akashi was about to explain it."「Akashi」

"Enough with the praise. What was the content of their message?"

"Three days, they, or more accurately, that damn White person conveyed, 'Give me three days, and I'll shake this entire world,' Commander, do you understand? What's the meaning behind that scoundrel's words?" 「Saratoga」

The man nodded in response to Saratoga's concerned inquiry. Upon hearing the number three and the word "days," he understood the implication behind Yulijer letting two days pass without incident.

"It's just guess, but there's a high likelihood he intends to repeat what he's done before, and this time, it could be worse."

The Three Days of Hell, a short span of three days where the ship girls and their home were used merely as outlets for unchecked desires.

It's possible that after he entered the file room in the HQ, he learned about the consequences of his actions.

And it seems Yulijer is keen on planning something to bring back those days of misery once more.

"We have less than a day left. Akashi, accelerate the research progress."

"T-That's impossible nya! But considering the time..."「Akashi」

"I'll assist. I'll handle the resource issue no matter the amount. We also don't know if this less-than-a-day time frame is absolute or not. Prepare in the lab!"

"R-Roger that!"「Akashi」

Akashi who saluting his commander then swiftly dashed back to her post, leaving Saratoga and the man alone together.

"..."「Saratoga」

"Take me to those girls. I'll assist with their treatment. Akashi should have some Quick Finisher left, and I can order plenty of Instant Repair from being a Teitoku. By the way, did they arrive yesterday or this morning?"

Saratoga sighed deeply, tidying up the slight mess on her commander's desk, behaving as though she had anticipated this turn of events.

Keeping Yulijer and his companions' arrival a secret was her plan, so she understood and presumed that her commander was upset about the actions she had taken.

"Saratoga, you don't need to overthink what's happened. Let bygones be and choose what you believe is right. Leave those papers there, let's go."

Even though he only know them for less than half a year, and adding further fact that they didn't meet each other every day, for some reason, he seemed deeply concerned about their well-being.

Whether this was his genuine nature or a sense of responsibility, Saratoga was still trying to understand his motive.

"...I apologize and regret it, but at that moment, I felt like I had no other choice. If I had informed the commander about their arrival, I'm certain you would have left us immediately."「Saratoga」 

"So, the reason was simply instinct? I don't intend to blame you, but upon hearing your notion, Saratoga, your actions were quite selfish."

The ship girl understood the consequences of her actions.

Saratoga heard that the man was the one who restored the ship girls to their former selves, and according to many other ship girls, he was also the one who helped them wake up from dark dreams.

As she heard more testimonies from other ship girls, Saratoga found it increasingly difficult to discern the true nature of her new commander.

Was he a friend or a foe?

"It's just Saratoga-chan's feelings."「Saratoga」 

"Feelings... I'm sure yours are wavering right now. "

Clasping his hands together to call one of his tools, the man looked at Saratoga's anxious face.

Indeed, he was a person of plans, and if everything had gone according to his plan, he should have ambushed Yulijer right when they arrived, just like how he had told Moriarty.

However, he was lenient in observing how the girls developed feelings towards him.

Indeed he had tried his 'best' not to have contact with any of the ship girls as long as it wasn't necessary, the man knew that he wouldn't stay forever in that world so he didn't want to deepen his relationship.

But he didn't knew, if even those small touches and conversation will hasten their cocoon to be blossomed more.

Even a with a simple smile that he just showed to Saratoga, he just add one more point to Saratoga's favorability similar to those six who received Demi-system.

Which resulted in a fatal situation where they dare enough to show it through their actions.

Such is the fate of the Fool, who despite knowing many things took place all around the world, he could barely grasp the path of his own life.

A pitiful life.

"But rest assured, as long as you need me, I won't leave you. Let's put an end to this confession already, shall we?"

"C-Confession!? What did you just say?!"「Saratoga」 

The star in the Astra Sphere began to spin rapidly.

While allowing the object to continue to float and orbit around him Sakura Zeimachi stepped forward followed by Saratoga who followed behind her.

As usual the man moved in silent, there's barely any sounds leaved behind his footstep.

This behavior though, made Saratoga sometimes tried to tackled the man's legs just to make sure he's actually walking and not floating.

"Commander, you really should stop walking like a ghost."「Saratoga」 

"Ghost don't walk."

"Exactly."「Saratoga」 

They continued their stride until they met Enterprise which was surprisingly, had been waiting for them in the garden outside the commander's office.

Looks like that ship girl got surprised by how hurried Akashi was when she patrolled around that area.

Escorted by Saratoga and Enterprise, the man arrived at his intended destination.

Where, once again, he beheld a sight that made him thankful neither Sengoku nor El Dust were with him.

...

....

.....

「Azur Lane Academy, central garden」

『PoV of Sakura Zeimachi』

Often, I find myself pondering.

Is it actually the world where I live now that is actually broken? And was it actually the law and the way of this world worked, that was wrong from begin with?

In many fairy tales, there's a recurring lesson that there's no night without a dawn.

If their tales are true, then as long as that day arrives, no matter how long it takes, it doesn't matter.

I'll continue to wait, but when will that day truly come?

"Hey, Als. What do you think?"

❛In my personal opinion, it's not the world that's broken, it's just one person here who is flawed. This world is in chaos, and it lacks fairness and sensibility, my friend.❜「Als」

"Is that so..."

❛We live in a world built on lies, leaving no more heroes nor villains, creating only scum and a freewill that's full of ugliness, without a trace of beauty. It's the same as alway.❜「Als」

A trace of beauty, yet all I truly desire is to attain happiness for the ship girls. I don't care much for beautiful things, because no matter how much I wear, it won't change anything.

❛Happiness, must be taken, my friend. But which one will you take?❜「Als」

There's no answer I could let out, as I gaze upon the moons on its throne, there's nothing that I could do beside pondering about the meaning of my existence. 

Even the moonlight seems like a sweet trap that the shadows offer, enticing me to reach for the dark, only to gradually encase my heart in freezing solitude.

If I extend my hand and try to grasp it, I fear I'll revert to my initial steps, becoming that fool who repeats the tragedy.

Thus repeating the never ending cycle.

❛If you give up your own present, does it mean you're going to sacrifice your own future?❜「Als」

"Perhaps, as long as I can achieve my goal, I'm willing to do anything. Even if it means reverting to my former self or reliving the existing tragedy."

Indeed, that's how it should be.

No matter how far I distance myself, in the end, I'll only return to the starting point, rendering the sacrifices of others futile.

The only thing that needed to begone, is none other than me.

❛Ahaha are you sure? Why don't you look what's on your back.❜「Als」

I didn't hold much hope for what might be there, but I looked anyway. Glancing behind me, from a distance, I caught sight of several ship girls.

Those who should have been resting due to their injuries were also there, waving their hands, the same ones I had healed using Astra.

Their voices resonated clearly whether spoken through their mouths, thoughts, or hearts. It was as if they were inviting me to re-enter the building with them.

As I turned away from the enticing moonlight, I found myself smiling unconsciously.

Why was I smiling... I didn't know. What I knew now was that the light they offered was different from the moon's glow.

❛You can reach the sweet offer from the shadow of the past, or maybe just get back to those girls and face your future along with them. Whatever you choose, I'll respect it.❜「Als」

"Coomaaandeeer, hurry and get inside~ Hamman said she'll let you pet her ears~"「Saratoga」

"I-I didn't said that?!"「Hamman」 

"Then let us take that offer."「Laffey & Ayanami」 

"I didn't reject that!"「Hamman」

Despite just receiving news about their friends and comrades who had been injured, coupled with the truth about what happened at the HQ, they remained remarkably strong, behaving as they did in front of me.

As expected from the brave warriors of the sea.

❛You're the one who saved them, so take the responsibilities in watching their fate till the end, my friend. That is your obligation as someone who didn't let them die.❜「Als」

"Moriarty... I think I owe her a huge apology."

❛Haha, that's right, my friend. She'll surely be very angry. I wouldn't forgive you myself if you were to forget about Fuka-san. This moment of peace, this moment of respite... let's protect it, shall we?❜「Als」

"...will do."

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