=================

Though there were a lot of things that happened since Azur Lane started Operation: Snowstorm. Caster getting a sneak peek on the mysterious town, getting to meet the Ironblood fleet, fighting the Siren waves and Observer Beta, and finally reunifying Ironblood to the Azur Lane Coalition. 

Time was used so efficiently that all of those events happened in one day. 

Now that the Ironblood has finally trusted and rejoined Azur Lane once again, both of their respective objectives were completed, and finally, they got to learn the new unknown force put into the white Wisdom Cube equation. 

The crystal. Or what Tirpitz would call it: "The Memory Crystal".

For now, it is completely unknown to the Ironblood group and to Azur Lane also. But with Caster seeing Siren materials surrounding the crystal, it has sparked his interest. 

But before anything could be learned more with the crystal, the combined fleet of the Ironblood and Azur Lane is cruising back to base. In the middle of the night.

But let us turn the perspective. 

Back to the base.

=================

In the monitor room, where many of the girls are settled in since Caster left the base, one of those 'settled' girls there is Yorktown. She was appointed by Caster to be the guardian or be the 'leader' of the remaining girls in the base.

And she has done a great job. Even in a wheelchair, her determination to not fail anymore has given her great courage to keep working. Well, granted it was for a day, but as Caster and the Ironblood used their time wisely, they did likewise. 

And one of the many good news that the Azur Lane base has for Caster is the new anti-ambush and deflector shield now surrounding the whole island. 

Now, every impending attack that's coming to the base, the alarms will be blaring in the base 15 minutes before the attack. And that's more than enough for the girls to prepare defenses and for counter-attack plans. 

So a direct attack on the base is not so ideal anymore. Good quality of life upgrade for all... 

"Hm..." Yorktown hummed as she's tapping on the table... In front of a speaker. She stayed in front of this speaker for a long time now. Since the day started, Edinburgh would bring her breakfast and lunch in the monitor room. 

The base has gotten multiple communications from Caster's fleet in the day. Including the communications on where extra clothes for Caster was called. In which, again. Roon did all by herself. Even Yorktown can't stop the restless Roon from going. It was supposed to be other girls who aren't... 'Obsessive' per se. 

And just now, they got a transmission from the Prince of Wales as she told them that the Ironblood has finally reunited back with Azur Lane. 

And obviously, everyone celebrated that major victory. An old ally finally comes back to help again. 

And after that, nothing. Nothing yet. 

"Ms. Yorktown, shall I get you out for a nice 'walk' around the base?" Edinburgh offered her assistance. As Yorktown was sitting there on one spot the whole day. And it was nighttime too. Due to her obvious health difficulties, she really needed every hour of sleep she can get. 

"No, dear. It's fine. I'll get to sleep as soon Commander's fleet arrives back to base." Yorktown read Edinburgh ulterior motives on that 'walk' around the base.

A-kun: I swear, Edinburgh is not roasting Yorktown. Even though it sounds like it.

"We have girls that can work around the clock."

The 2 girls straightened up. Edinburgh turned around. 

"Like me."

It was Akagi. Who was amazingly still awake at this time...  And her tails her right up on Edinburgh's grill. Pushing her away. 

"You know, you can finally take a rest. I'll be waiting for my Commander." 

She gently stroked Yorktown's hair... Yorktown, however, was a bit weirded out by the action. Not expecting this at all. But she complied. Knowing Akagi's passion for anything. 

"Okay. If he arrives, just make sure he sleeps immediately. He needs to know the new accomplishments for tomorrow." 

Yorktown said before Edinburgh pushed her out of the monitor room. 

Akagi took out a seat and sat in front of the radio speaker. "I do hope he'll come back in time." Her voice was a bit drowsy. Her eyes on the verge of actually falling asleep on the spot. 

But she gripped the table edge tight. Forcing herself to stay awake. No coffee needed also. 

=================

Many hours have passed, hell, the night has also passed. It is currently a very early morning. 6 AM. 

The monitor room is empty except for the sleep-deprived Akagi. Who just laid her head on the table. Sound asleep. 

Matter of fact, she only just slept 2 hours ago. So on her end, the decision to wait was... A bad one. But she at least got Yorktown to rest. 

The door opened in the monitor room. 

The 2 monitors came in the room to do their day's work. Their first thing in their view was Akagi. 

The 2 sisters shared a stare. 

"Sister. Shall we...?" 

"Yes, Erebus. The fleet has arrived. She needs to know." 

The 2 tug on the crimson fox and she wakes up... She was 'awake', but not quite... She was... Sleep-walking? 

The monitors kept talking to Akagi about the recent arrival of Caster's fleet but Akagi seemed to ignore all input to her ear and just started to clumsily walk out of the room... Confusing the 2 monitors who again looked at each other. 

But not wanting Akagi to look stupid out there, a small little concern about Akagi has turned into an inconvenience on many levels. As they were trying to get Akagi out of her dazed form.

And with the 2 seeing the inconvenience play out in front of their eyes, trying to get her back to reality to no avail, with the already unenthusiastic demeanors, they were on the verge of just giving up on the fox. 

Erebus just sighed at the situation unfolding. Her face just emotionless, "I'm getting annoyed..." 

The 2nd ship of the Erebus-class was also getting annoyed. Getting their work started with not a computer and some peace of mind, but a stumbling, bumbling, and an out-of-character fox. 

After a while, the 2 just lost their minds and with their combined strength, pushed the much bigger Aircraft Carrier onto a wall. With Terror calling for help and Erebus making sure that this fox will not do no-good once again.

=================

The steps in the buildings were turbulent as the girls were running to one of the main docks of the island. 

All excited. 

But all...

To be... 

"H-hi... Guys..." 

Disappointed.

The view was common. You know, Illustrious carrying Caster on her arms, you know, no big deal. 

But like all the girls before, all jaws dropped when they all saw his massive sling around his entire left arm. In an instant, all morale and excitement all deflated upon the sight. 

Hood and Lusty noticed and wanted to keep this as light on the girls as possible. To not worsen the situation for everyone else.

"I'll just put him in his office, everyone. He's very tired..." said Illustrious as she walks past some of the girls, all staring at her and Caster. 

And at this point, Akagi was finally in reality and when she saw Caster and the condition he was in, she immediately pursued him into the building. 

What Illustrious said was not reaffirming the belief that their Commander is 'okay'. So Hood had to come in. 

"It will be okay for our Commander. And actually, he brought here some new members." Hood, Wales, Cleveland, Helena, etc. Stepped over to make way. 

Tall and intimidating were the only words that could explain the new members who stepped off the KMS Prinz Eugen. 

"Ah," said Eugen as she plays around with her heir. And looking up at the sun. "I haven't felt this warm for a long time."

The members of the 1st Gen Ironblood, already knew the atmosphere, the 2nd one, however, a bit rattled by the sudden, drastic change in the environment. 

Tirpitz was already not 'warming' up to the weather, so she already broke off from everyone to find some shade.

The U-boats ultimately preferred the water so they went and played there instead.

And the massive PR ship Friedrich, her maternal instincts kicked in immediately when she saw more 'children'. Already trying to befriend and well... 'own' them.

A-kun: Yeah, I don't know what to feel about that.

Seems that everyone was all aboard with the inclusion of new friends so Hood didn't have to worry that much about integrating the Ironblood into the status quo. Seems that they're doing it themselves. 

"Cleveland,"

"Yes, Ms. Hood?" 

"Call Akashi and Vestal to the office now."

"Understood."

And like that, Cleveland ran off. And everybody who joined the operation went into their buildings and got their well-deserved rest...

=================

A silent breath came out...

"Hmm..?" 

His eyes open, his whole body is limp and sapped all of his energy. 

Can't even raise a finger as well... 

But he's awake. 

"Finally... A bed..." said Caster in his lowest tone yet. As he gripped his right hand to a soft pillow. Fortunately for him, it was actually a real pillow this time. 

He panned his head to his left. He can't even see over his desk. So he's put his face back to the ceiling. He felt a hand go over his stomach. 

A gentle touch. 

He looked over to his lower left. 

With her beautiful purple-ish hair, Unicorn is sleeping with Caster. With her hand going over his whole waist hugging him like he's some kind of teddy bear.

"Uh..." -He contemplated on what he's going to do next- "Did not see this coming..." 

'How do I deal with this?'

He had mixed feelings about his circumstances. 

'Shall I let it happen?' 

It may not look like it at first, but Caster is having a heart attack on what to do. He wants to get up but doesn't wanna bother the pure Unicorn at the same time. 

As his thoughts run more, The little girl's eyes open up. And instantly sharpened her eyes on Caster. 

And she started to tear up...

Instead of panicking, he put his right hand on her head at stroked it gently...

"Don't worry, Unicorn. I'm fine." 

Caster never thought that he would try so hard to smile but he did in this instance. But it was for Unicorn. And she smiled back.

And that smile was so pure that it gave Caster *actual* pain in his chest. Forcing him to lay down more. 

With all the noises coming from the bed, all the other girls in the room, which Caster didn't see, noticed the commotion on the bed. And most of them opted to check it out.

"Commander?" Illustrious was the 1st one to check on Caster. 

And after that, here comes Zuikaku, Shoukaku, Akagi, and Prinz Eugen. Who was first introduced to the Commander's office. 

And as everyone looked at the current scene, Caster laying down helpless on his bed with Unicorn hugging trying her best to comfort the chest pain. 

And for once, they actually understood the situation. Not labeled as a 'pervert' situation for the Commander. 

Zuikaku was the first one to also put her hands to Caster. She knelt down and lowered her head. 

"I'm so sorry, Commander. I could have saved you from this massive bother," said Zuikaku as she was stumbling to her words. The regret train hitting her hard again. 

Akagi was behind Zuikaku with her usual psychotic eyes. Which made Caster shiver once again. 

"You don't belong to him. And if I was there instead, I would have destroyed his adversary. Right, Commander~? " 

Caster thought that the points were very flawed, but considering her behavior towards him, she would jump to his rescue in a heartbeat. Which was something that he did not consider in his planning till now. Now that he's noticed, he'll adjust accordingly. 

Zuikaku just didn't care about Akagi's words and still kept her hands on Caster. 

Akagi, not to be outdone, did the same. 

Unicorn got scared and moved over to Caster's right side. 

And one annoyed and fuming Shoukaku, gave Akagi her own little death stare without Akagi knowing. Angry at her remarks towards her sister. 

Illustrious, trying to keep the weight of the girls to overload him, she tried getting Akagi out of there, which it worked, and she put her eyes on Unicorn and her hands going towards her. 

But the Commander raised his hand. "Don't. If she's comfortable enough here, let her." He pointed to her sleeping face. Which was adorable. 

Eugen's face made her signature smirk... Caster noticed though and braced for the incoming words. 

"Seems that my new Commander is a 'lolicon', ja?" Eugen smiled as she tried first-hand at trying to tease Caster. 

Like all attempts, it was shut down by Caster. 

But this time, not in the way that everyone was expecting. 

He slowly shook his head... 'Welp, I guess she's a chronic teaser...' And he put his 'look' onto Eugen. 'Is this really how girls act sometimes?'

"A teaser, eh?" He blended his statement with his own brand of sarcasm. "Those words don't work on me." 

Eugen was still amused by the response. Seeing that she's going to try a bit harder next time to get a reaction out of him. 

Well, with the prior history of Caster and teasing, probably won't work unless Eugen pulls something crazy that will force him to react. 

And a bit more banter from Akagi and the other girls, Caster just had enough of it and started to sleep within the chaos of the office. 

=================

In Akashi's shop, the green Neko cat was on her personal quarters inside the shop.

Akashi's main trait as a shopkeeper is nonchalant. The way that she persuades people into buying her products, the near-scumminess of her tactics, all make for a really profitable and smart business person. Or a cat in this case. 

But being the lone girl to take care of the finances of the whole Coalition, it's a role that she loved.

But not as much anymore. Due to the new challenge. 

Their money is now going on a steady decline. With Caster's injury and ship repair costs from the recent mission, the once abundant treasury is now getting taken away. Bit by bit. 

Yesterday was a day of big leaps for the girls. Again, the deflector shield and ambush alarms were finally installed. Though it took a great effort and a lot of money to keep researching it and develop it. 

About the PR ship research, that has also progressed pretty well. Research and resource gathering has accelerated before the bad news. But due to the current circumstances, She's second-guessing the research effort. 

And lastly, the new, modern attack planes and guns from the hijacked Siren Aircraft Carrier, has finally have been repurposed to be used for the Coalition's benefits. 

Though the idle Siren Aircraft Carrier is still sitting inside of the hidden docks that the base has. Knowing it could have another purpose, but still not sure what it will be yet. 

With all of that news that happened yesterday elaborated, It turns back to Akashi again. Her face plastered with worry. As she's deducting the resources and rerouting them to more favorable options. 

And with the dilemma that she has, She's having a tough time. 

As the final taps on the calculator have been done, she looks at the result, her face even more bewildered. A worried grin formed on her lips. 

"I have to do something about this before it's too late." said as she kept staring at the remaining resources... 

=================

The setting is now nighttime in the Azur Lane base. Caster is sitting on his favorite outdoor spot, the coconut tree with a view looking over the ocean. 

Also, the same spot where his musical talents got exposed to the rest of the fleet. 

So he's far away from the building that houses his office/quarters. He was about to sleep again for the day but he couldn't. So he elected to go outside. With permission from Hood and Wales. 

He would be beaten up more if he didn't. 

But he isn't alone. No, it's a not a girl with him, nor a stalker watching him.

It was the white Wisdom Cube. 

Caster took out the white Wisdom Cube and looked at it for a few seconds. And in a matter of seconds, he remembered something.

=================

'There is no way that this mission would be that hard... I'll leave this.' 

'I have to prove that I can fight and live without this.' 

=================

"I really do lack common sense, huh?" He said facepalming in regret. "This thing has kept me injury-free since the last time I used this." 

And with that in mind, he remembered why he brought this cube out with him. 

He's practicing to keep this cube beside him at all times. With the poor decision to 'prove' himself, clearly, that hasn't worked. And thank god that the world made him know that immediately. Who knows what other recklessness he could have done without the cube. 

Staring at the ocean, he started to plot out his next moves. Trying his best to not look at the past.

His inner thoughts distracted him as the white Wisdom Cube started to float once again. 

But before he could notice it, the light already enveloped Caster. 

=================

Caster was again floating in limbo. He was expecting the usual pep-talk from the Wisdom Cube. 

But in this instance, the cube was silent. 

He blinked. And blinked again. 

He's struggling to get his eyes open. But the sounds that he was hearing, it confused him.

Sounds of engines, locomotives passing by. 

He opened his eyes... 

The first thing he saw what the ground he was standing on. 

Concrete. 

He raised his head and started to pan his head all the way around to get a sense of where he is now.  

The tall buildings, the cars on the sidewalks, he still couldn't connect all the dots. As he still thinks that this is a 'puzzle'. 

One last look, he looked at his clothing. It was now significantly different from what he wore just earlier.

A black uniform instead of his normal white. Also, he had a cap laid upon his head also. His shoes were awfully tight now for his liking also. 

His arm is still injured though... The same large bandage is still on his neck to his arm. 

It's been more than 5 months since he was here... 'Wait a minute...' 

"Is this...?" 

One last thing, he dug into his pockets. Trying to get something from it. To finally validate his assumption. 

A key. With some kind of remote attached to that said key. 

"Oh! I'm back." 

Knowing that he was right back here again, he blinked once, the people walking in the streets all suddenly appear. First time seeing real people again. And way different from the place he just came from. 

But baffled, he still can't get why would the cube show this. But nonetheless, the place felt so real. People looking at their phones, the small chatter around him, even the planes flying overhead. All felt too real. 

A-kun: The cube's RTX setting really working huh.

But with this key that he had in his hand, he started to think about what is this key for. 

"Wait... My car...? Yeah! Yeah!"

Even with the 95% too-real Realism, he still went along like he is actually back in his world. And after some walking around, he found his car. Well, what he thought was his car. 

But he saw 2 people going in the car. Eyes widened that his 'car' is getting stolen, he tried to run. 

As he tried, a large crowd of people just showed up and bumped him off-balance. Knocking him to the ground and his arm is in pain by the collision. 

"Aghhh!" His right hand immediately went to his left shoulder to try to ease the pain. He moved his injured hand closer to himself.

The crowd moves past him as he's on the ground. People are staring at him. Unsure what to do, but still moved past him without a care in the world. Or the person they're stepping over.

Caster felt some shame in this position he's in. He put his head down. Waiting for the crowd to disappear. And it did. 

He looked on where his 'car' should be, but it's now gone. An angry look is all written along his face. Someone stole his car. 

So he tried the next best thing to do, try to take out his phone...

...Which he didn't bring. 

Weirdly, Caster was never the one to use a smartphone or any device unless it's necessary. Which in most cases, he didn't. He rather liked just working alone or not talking generally even if the internet existed. 

Where you can say the vilest things and most people will just have to take it. 

But it doesn't really matter now for Caster since he has no memory of this world. All recent and really old memories are Azur Lane. And some memorable military experiences that shaped him to be the man that he is today. 

All those months have really affected his memories, how he thinks, and how the Azur Lane world affected him mentally. 

Even in this position, back in his world, he could only think about the spot he was in before this. The harbor. The coconut tree spot.

But he can't stay here being pathetic. So he raised his head once again. 

And now he's... In another place. 

The subtle, but relaxing wind passed through him. The iconic leaves that signified autumn passed by. The shade of the trees around him gave him comfort. 

It was calming down Caster... And also making him realize how impressive this world is also. How beautiful it can get with the right circumstances and timing. 

The place made him felt that he was meditating... 

But he stood up. Looking around again, not just the trees he was now seeing in his view, but there are some houses nearby. 

"Is this a suburb?" Caster said curiously about why he's here now. 

He walked on the sidewalk, still relishing in the comfort of the tress and the shade. 

Then a car rolled in to be seen. And it parked in front of one of those said nearby houses. 

"That's my car." 

He started to walk towards the car but an all-powerful, mysterious force is not allowing him to move anymore. 

The harder he tried to resist and force it, the more of his energy getting drained away.

Seeing that the tiredness he was receiving is giving trouble, he just gave up and just stared at the car. Which at this point, he saw the same 2 people come out of it. 

He squinted to focus on the people coming out of the car. 

One of them is wearing a black shirt? Uniform? And the other person...

The long, stylish, and gorgeous hair is the only thing he can see... 

Even at this point, with the girls he has been exposed to. To small and cute, and to tall and beautiful, he was... 'Surprised'... 

With his mind fully focused... He assumed something outrageous. 

That first person in a black uniform is... 

"Me?" Caster said in disbelief. His face confused and wondering how did the Wisdom Cube manage this. 

"So I'm with that... Wonderful... Woman?" said Caster. Assuming again the identity and gender of the second person that came out of the car.

Caster was so out of his nature that he called a woman beautiful, not that it was strange for him to say that in the first place, but he didn't even see the face of that woman yet. 

And this sight... Made him feel second-hand regret... 

But the question is: 'Who is that woman?' 

And Caster got his answer. As the woman finally turns around. His eyes looking intently. 

=================

"Who was that? Why did you turn around?" 

"I don't know... Felt that someone was watching us..."

"How could anyone could be watching us in this type of place?"

"Just a gut feeling... Sorry. I'll cook dinner." 

=================

Silence... 

Caster was now looking at the ocean once again. 

"...Commander?"

Caster was taken aback immediately. As the person next to him started to look around.

"...Energy... Levels... Abnormal in this area... And... Commander... Appeared." 

'Am I speaking to a girl Terminator? Who is this?' said Caster appalled. 

"Are you okay...? Master?" The girl tilted her head. 

"Um..." Stuttering as he is remembering the recent events that happened just now. "...Yeah." 

The girl stood up and left the scene without more problems.

"That lying could have fooled that new girl here, but not me." 

Caster was confused about how to take that statement. Was she worried? Being sassy? 

"Well, at least that the 'new' girl cared what's happening even if she was stoic. You didn't introduce yourself first." 

"Neither did she." 

"Does it matter now? She left." 

Before the miscommunication could escalate even further, Caster took a deep breath to cool himself off. Realizing that he was getting pissed off for no reason.

"Seems that you're new here, Care to give a name?" 

"I'm a Light Aircraft Carrier, Independence. Nice to meet you." 

He took a good look at her... But the bow she's wielding sure made him remember of someone. Someone that has not arrived back yet to port yet. 

In which the thought of it made him frown.

Independence saw this frown...

"What are you being sad for?"

"No... I was just reminded of something." 

He grabbed the white Wisdom Cube next to him and put it in his pocket. 

And then he stood up and walked away. "Go back to your fellow girls. It's getting late..."

Not sure that Caster's 1st impression with the new girl went well, but judging Caster's and Independence's miscommunication problem, it was anything but well...

Independence was about to go back to her dorm room anyway so she turned... 

And heard a loud...

THUD.

=================

Caster has fainted in the middle of walking back...

And now he is back in his office. Having little to no recollection on what happened before he blacked out.

He opened his eyes. Groggy and his body's energy is worse than yesterday. 

"Master... You're awake..."

The first face he saw is Belfast. She was with the 2nd fleet. She's back. 

"Is he okay...?" The new face asked the Head Maid. 

"Not at all..." 

Belfast was holding out her worst words for Caster as he is in serious pain and more words of discouragement are not gonna help the situation one bit. 

As she got told of the full story by Wales and Hood, rather than rest up and let the new maid take care of Caster for a bit, she is forced to suit up again and get Caster on the right track. 

And the injury report from Vestal, just made her realize the severity of his situation.

And speaking of Vestal, she comes into the room as she learned about the news that Caster finally woke up. 

The starters also follow and also took a look at him...

The frustration that Vestal is showing is not ideal for this situation. And at that point, you know things went really bad. 

Vestal believed that by holding back on the report, she's just allowing him to go rouge again if he's back to normal. 

She needed to be harsh. Or the Commander will never learn. 

The chain of his injuries must be realized and to make him know that he needs to stop and start acting like a 'real' Commander.

"Commander," said Vestal. Clearly frustrated and somewhat pissed off at him. 

"According to the x-ray tests we ran on your body yesterday, your main injury, your left shoulder, is now severely prone to disconnect from your body if not taken the right recovery measures."

"Also, from unknown damage, your chest area, more specifically, your heart, is now also prone to a heart attack at any second. But it is treatable and cured. But extreme discipline is paramount."

As Vestal finished her evaluation of Caster's current condition, Caster, and every girl in the room, all went silent.

All of them were extremely saddened and Caster is absolutely disheartened by the news. 

And in one fell swoop, the atmosphere of the room dropped rock-bottom. 

"One last thing. You're not allowed to move or to get out of your room." 

Vestal said before walking out in silence. 

It was a lot to take in. And some of the girls, particularly the starters, they were still processing that info... 

And Belfast finally had enough. 

"The maids are responsible now on all of your future actions. And all of them will prioritize your safety." 

Caster's response was only to put his head down.

=================

'The power to change. One of the most powerful tools you can have, but also the most cursed.'

'In small doses, you could change the little things. But when used with ambition, it could change the world.'

'But the harrowing downside of this, is when you fail, and hurt yourself in the process, you'll take the full brunt of your mistake and there's no one else to blame but yourself.' 

Action movies have this thing where if the protagonist is defeated and severely injured, the plot just gives the protagonist an 'improvised' bandage to keep the plot going. 

And Caster, having watched many action movies, and grew up watching them, it was depressing seeing himself in this position. 

And this is the thing that those said action films miss. The grueling recovery. The struggle and the regret they feel in the process of recovering back to form. Which takes forever...

And that... Is often...

The tough reality of fights. 

A-kun: Hold on, guys. The Discord server that I was promising is gonna happen. WHICH IS RIGHT NOW! Just comment on this paragraph your Discord username and ID stuff, whatever, and I'll add you as my friend, and I'll invite you to my new server. Hope to see you guys there. 

Word Count: 5107 Words. 

11:16 PM
9/6/20