⛔️ ⚠️ WARNING !!! ⚠️ ⛔️

This chapter doesn't contain a lemon, but spoilers : not only about the "Abyssal Refrain" event, but on the Azur Lane's lore as well !

Before reading this chapter, it is strongly advised to be familiar about the Azur Lane lore, as this chapter will contain spoilers from the game, and the next chapters might contain spoilers as well !

If you are already familiar with the Azur Lane lore, then you can proceed directly into the chapter !

But if it is not the case, go learn more about the Azur Lane lore to avoid being spoiled elements you weren't aware about !

If you end up being spoiled about the lore, you only have yourself to blame ! After all, I did warned you, so don't put the blame on me !

And now, let's start with the next chapter !

In the previous chapter :

In a corridor of a metallic structure could be seen a girl walking. She was wearing clothes that are mostly white except on the breast area where it was black, with a huge white hat on her head. She had long brown hair.

??? : I'm hungry. I hope there is still some chocolate in the cafeteria.

That woman with Northern Parliament clothes was on her way to the cafeteria to get some chocolate, and maybe vodka. As she was on her way, an anomaly abruptly appeared in the form of a portal.

As she was preparing for the worst, something got out of it. It was humanoid but crashed down into a wall, before falling on the ground, unconscious.

The woman approached carefully to see what it was, and as she got closer, she saw that it was a human, and a man as that, with a rigging. She tried to see if he was alive by checking his pulse, which thankful, there was one.

But still in panic, she called one of her comrades.

???2 : What's going on ?

???1 : I need help ! There is a man with a rigging that got out of a portal and crashed into a wall, and he fell unconscious !

???2 : You sure you aren't seeing things ? You must have drank too much vodka.

???1 : There is no way I would joke about something like that !

???3 : Hearing her tone... I think she is serious, it would be better to go check it out.

???2 : Alright, we're coming. Watch over him while we are on our way with the other girls.

???1 : Got it ! I'll be waiting for you all !

Back to the chapter :

3rd P.O.V

After the unexpected event resulting in an unconscious man coming out of nowhere, it was decided that he was to be brought to the infirmary. Out of the five girls coming to help, only one stayed at the infirmary while the others continued whatever they were doing.

An hour as passed since then, and the red-haired girl was still waiting for the man to wake up. She got her wish as she heard grunting, she looked to see then man started moving and oepining his eyes.

Charles : Urgh...

As he fully opened his eyes, he found himself in what looks like an infirmary. He looked around and put his sight on a girl dressed in a uniform corresponding to the Northern Parliament.

???1 : You're awake.

Charles : Um... hello. Could you tell me who are you and where are we...?

???1 : It's gonna have to wait a bit. I'm gonna bring my comrades first before we can start talking.

Charles couldn't speak as she already left to bring her comrades back here. The only thing he could do was to wait for her return.

(Small Timeskip given to you by the legend Downneck who actually updated his book)

It has been fifteen minutes since that girl left. The wait is now over as Charles saw her enter the infirmary with four other girls.

???1 : Sorry for taking too long. Everyone were scattered around the place.

???2 : Well, now that you are awake, do you mind introducing yourself ?

Charles : Alright, I am the MNF Charles de Gaulle, nuclear aircraft carrier and leader of the Iris République. Could you introduce yourselves as well ?

Kronshtadt : I am Kronshtadt, first Large Cruiser of the Northern Parliament and leader of that small group.

Volga : I am Volga, an Aircraft Carrier of the Northern Parliament. I was the one who found you unconscious.

Arkhangelsk : I am Arkhangelsk, a battleship from the Northern Parliament, and a former member of the Royal Navy. A pleasure to meet you.

Soobrazitelny : I am Soobrazitelny, destroyer of the Northern Parliament and a genius mechanic ! I really want to see your rigging from close !

Kiev : I am Kiev... destroyer of the Northern Parliament... nice to meet you...

Charles : I see. Thank you.

Kronshtadt : So, how did you got here ? We're in a submarine and underwater as well.

Charles : Well, I had a fight with a Siren named Magister. As I defeated her, the dimension in which we were started to crumble on itself. Suddenly, she threw me through a portal and then, everything went black.

Volga : I remember seeing a portal as well. And you got out of it. When I checked, you were breathing but unconscious.

Arkhangelsk : Looks like it matches. It must be true then.

As Kronshtadt was about to ask another question, TB appeared from the rigging.

TB : Charles, Dreamweaver is calling you. I'm connecting her call to you.

And soon enough, Dreamweaver's hologram appeared, and engaged a conversation, much to the shock of the Shipgirls.

Dreamweaver : I've finally found your location, and so I decided to contact you. I take it you defeated Magister.

Charles : Yeah, I did.

Kronshtadt : Excuse me, what is happening right now ?

Dreamweaver noticed the Shipgirls that are with him, and looking at their clothes, she concluded they were members of the Northern Parliament

Charles : Dreamweaver, could you bring Soyuz to the call please ? It will help to explain to them what is going on.

Dreamweaver : Roger that. TB, you know the drill.

TB : Order acknowledged. Calling Sovetsky Soyuz now.

The call was sent, and  a few seconds later, her hologram appeared as well.

Sovetsky Soyuz : Comrade Charles, is that you ? Then, it means you succeeded taking down Magister from what the others told me.

Charles : I did. And the reason I called you was to explain to your comrades what's happening.

Sovetsky Soyuz : My comrades ?

Soyuz looked next to Charles to see Kronshtadt and her group.

Kronshtadt : Conrade Soyuz, is that really you ?

Sovetsky Soyuz : Indeed, although this is only an hologram you are seeing right now. It's been a long time since we could contact each other.

Kronshtadt : It does. Should I make the report now ?

Sovetsky Soyuz : Not now. Wait until we get you back to the surface. Finding you will be easy since you have Charles at your side.

Kronshtadt : So, could you explain why are we talking to a Siren ? Weren't they supposed to be our enemies ?

Sovetsky Soyuz : You missed that much ? But then, it's been a year since you went on that mission. Alright, get comfortable because it's gonna take a while.

(Timeskip given to you by Charles and the boys in suits going to watch "The Rise of Gru")

It took Soyuz between two and three hours to explain what happened. It was a year since Kronshtadt's group started their mission, which was before Charles came to this world.

They are now aware of all the different events that took place since then : from Charles's arrival to this world to now, after beating Magister, including the reunification of Azur Lane and Crimson Axis, Charles becoming a Siren, peace between Sirens and Kansens, and even their most recent success with Magister's death and the Sirens in their world under Charles's control.

Sovetsky Soyuz : And that's basically the gist of it.

Arkhangelsk : I can't believe we missed that much.

Soobrazitelny : Does this mean we're coming back ?

Sovetsky Soyuz : We're gonna prepare ourselves to come retrieve you. Thanks to Comrade Charles being with you, pinpointing your location will be much easier.

Kronshtadt : I see. Siren technology is really useful.

Sovetsky Soyuz : Indeed. Until then, goodbye. We'll see you soon.

Sovetsky Soyuz's hologram disappeared, and so is the case for Dreamweaver, but she left one last message before that.

Dreamweaver : I'll tell the others about your victory against Magister. And I will help prepare the team to retrieve your group. Over.

The Russian Shipgirls left their trance before Kronshtadt spoke.

Kronshtadt : How about visiting the Suliko while waiting for Comrade Soyuz to pick us up ?

Charles : The Suliko ?

Kronshtadt : That's the submarine we are in right now.

Charles : I'll take you up on your offer.

Kiev : Follow us.

And so started a guided tour inside the Suliko, a huge submarine made by the Northern Parliament.

(Timeskip given to you by Purifier punching Senator Armstrong)

Inside the Suliko :

3rd P.O.V

It took thirty minutes to make the whole tour of the submarine. Once it was over, everyone went back to their business, except Kronshtadt as she asked Charles to speak with her in private about a secret.

Both of them went towards a room that only Kronshtadt herself and Arkhangelsk could access. Kronshtadt opened the door and let Charles come inside the room. What he saw was a lot of advanced technology with screens with in the middle a big machine.

Kronshtadt closed the door behind her before starting the conversation.

Kronshtadt : I apologize if it was out of the blue, but I needed to see you, so we can talk about something important.

Charles : I take it that it's about that machine there.

Kronshtadt : Yes, let me explain how it works. That machine uses the energy of a meteor that crashed down in this zone, but we must use it here because bringing it outside of the zone would make the meteor lose its energy.

Charles : Alright, I see. What is the purpose of the machine ?

Kronshtadt : Well, the thing is for the machine to work, I must put a helmet on my head that is connected to the said machine. And then, Arkhangelsk activates it and that's when it gets strange.

Charles : Strange ?

Kronshtadt : Yes, I end up in what seems to be the Samos Islands. Not only myself, but also my comrades were there. But when the simulation ends, I am the only one who remembered what happened. The others seems to have forgotten it for some reason.

Charles : That's definitely weird.

Kronshtadt : And that's the reason I brought you here. After listening to what Soyuz said, you are the one who most likely has the answers to the questions I'm gonna ask you. Could you help me answering them ?

Charles : Alright, I'll try my best.

Kronshtadt : Great. I'm gonna start with my first question. I have heard something about the "Federation" and the "Revolutionary Front" when I was in that dream. Do you have any idea to what it corresponds to ?

Charles : Said like that... Do you have more details about those factions ?

Kronshtadt : From what I can remember, the "Federation" contacted us in that dream, asking for our identity. But when we said we were from the Northern Parliament, they immediately hung up, and after, they attacked us.

Charles : That's intriguing. What about this "Revolutionary Front" ?

Kronshtadt : About the "Revolutionary Front", we have seen their ships. They look similar to our mass-produced ships, but they're completely different from what we have, and they didn't looked friendly to us either. I though that it might be an alternative reality. What do you think ?

Charles : I'm definitely agree with the "alternative reality" theory. This seems to me like another Simulation, and from what you told me, the "Federation" and the "Revolutionary Front" could possibly be the Eagle Union and the Northern Parliament respectively.

Kronshtadt : Really ?

Charles : It's very likely. Also, from what you've told me, they could be in what I would consider as the "Cold War".

Kronshtadt : Cold War ?

Charles : I'll keep it simple. It's a war of ideologies between the Eagle Union and the Northern Parliament. I know about it because it happened in the world I came from. I'll explain more when we will have more time.

Kronshtadt : Alright. When the fight between those two factions was about to start, something happened. A huge black tornado came out of nowhere, causing destruction and big waves around it. Do you know if it's something done by the Sirens ?

Charles : You'll be surprised to hear that that black tornado isn't something made by the Sirens. And it actually happened once before from what I've been told.

Kronshtadt : Seriously ? That isn't the work of Sirens ?

Charles : No. Enterprise and a small team of the Eagle Union saw the black tornado you described me. When they got there, they saw the culprits, which happened to be Enterprise META and Takao META. But note the fact that this happened before Azur Lane and Crimson Axis got back together and Ashes and Sirens were still hostile.

Kronshtadt : In other words, it's the work of a member of the Ashes ?

Charles : Oui. Do you have more questions ?

Kronshtadt : I have one last question. During that dream, I met a shipgirl that calls herself Bon Homme Richard and claims to be part of the Eagle Union. Is it true because her name feels like she would be from the Iris République ?

Charles : I can confirm you that this Bon Homme Richard is from the Eagle Union, especially because I know she is part of the Essex-class Aircraft Carriers. But however...

Kronshtadt : However ?

Charles : I haven't seen someone in the Eagle Union called Bon Homme Richard. I might have to ask Enterprise about her whereabouts.
Actually, I'm gonna do it now. TB, please call Enterprise.

TB : Alright, calling Enterprise.

It took only a few seconds for Enterprise to answers the call.

Enterprise : Charles ? While I'm glad to hear you are well, why are you calling me ?

Charles : I wanted you to confirm if there is someone in your faction whose name is Bon Homme Richard.

Enterprise : Bon Homme Richard ? Are you sure she is really from the Eagle Union ? Her name sounds like someone from the Iris République.

Charles : I'm really sure. She is supposed to be an Essex-class Aircraft Carrier.

Enterprise : Like that, it doesn't ring a bell. I will go ask Essex. Worst case, I will ask Dreamweaver about her.

Charles : Alright, keep me updated.

Enterprise : Alright. See you soon.

Enterprise ended the call.

Kronshtadt : That's quite weird that Bon Homme Richard isn't even known by her own faction.

Charles : That's weird. I will wait Dreamweaver's answer in that case.

Kronshtadt : In any case, I think I'm gonna try to use this machine one more time. But before I call Arkhangelsk, I needed to do something first.

Kronshtadt got closer to Charles before putting in his hand a transmitter, before backing down.

Kronshtadt : That transmitter posses a private channel that only me, and now you, can access. I was thinking that if you end up in that "alternate reality", we could communicate since we should both retain the memories of what is going to happen, thanks to your Siren side.

Charles : I see. I'll keep it then.

Kronshtadt : Good. Let's call Arkhangelsk to start again the experiment.

Charles : Before you go, do you know what Bon Homme Richard looks like ?

Kronshtadt : I remember she is wearing the usual Eagle Union uniform in black and blue, she has semi-long white hair and blue eyes.

Charles nodded at the information and stayed inside the room while Kronshtadt went to get Arkhangelsk to start the procedure. She came back ten minutes later.

Kronshtadt laid down on the table while Arkhangelsk and Charles looked to see if everything is functioning.

Arkhangelsk : Looks like everything is working correctly. Are you ready, Kronshtadt ?

Kronshtadt : I am. Activate it.

Arkhangelsk activated the machine and everything went white.

(Timeskip given to you by Shimakaze being stuck in Level !)

Somewhere in the Samos Islands, Simulation #77

Charles P.O.V

I remember everything going white, and as I blinked, I found myself around some tropical islands. I looked at my radar to see I was in the Samos Islands, in the Bermuda Sea.

I looked around and saw Kronshtadt and her group asleep on the sand. As I was about to stand up, Dreamweaver's hologram suddenly appeared.

Charles : Dreamweaver, is something wrong ?

Dreamweaver : I called you right after Enterprise asked me to find info on Bon Homme Richard when you asked her. Is it true Kronshtadt talked about her to you ?

Charles : Yes, why ?

Dreamweaver : You must protect them. Bon Homme Richard is an extremely dangerous Shipgirl for absolutely everyone.

Charles : Is she that bad ?

Dreamweaver : That's the understatement of the century. If you see her, try to neutralize her as soon as possible.

Charles : ...Alright. I'll see what I can do.

Dreamweaver : Good, once you're back. We're gonna talk about her. I already told the other Sirens and the Ashes and told them to keep quiet for now.

Dreamweaver immediately ended the call. After hearing what I say, I decided to first investigate about her. For now, I will turn invisible, or that was what I wanted to do when Kronshtadt woke up.

Kronshtadt : ...Charles, you're here ?

Charles : Yes, I was just finished talking with Dreamweaver about Bon Homme Richard.

Kronshtadt : What did she said ?

Charles : She told me she was extremely dangerous. So I'm gonna investigate about that. I'm gonna turn invisible and look around while keeping an eye on you all. And be wary of her.

Kronshtadt : Alright, but what do I say to the others if they ask about you ?

Charles : You could tell them I wasn't affected by the machine, and thus, I am still inside the Suliko. And we can still communicate with that transmitter of yours.

Kronshtadt : Well... considering who and what you are, that could sound legitimate. But be careful.

Charles : I will.

I turned invisible right in front of her while going on a neighboring island where I can see them while staying hidden.

Kronshtadt P.O.V

I looked as Charles has gone invisible, but as soon as he was gone from my sight, I heard groaning and looked to see the others starting to wake up. Remembering my previous try, I know what to do.

Volga : Urgh... where are we ?

Soobrazitelny : Wait... Are those tropical islands ?! But we were in the Suliko just a few seconds ago !

Arkhangelsk : I see you are already awake, Kronshtadt. Do you know where are we ?

Kronshtadt : I gathered some intel and I can conclude we are in the Samos Islands, in the Bermuda Sea.

Kiev : So this means we are in the Eagle Union waters ?

Kronshtadt : Indeed. Now that we are all awake, I think we should explore around to have a better understanding of the surroundings.

Volga : Leave it to me and my planes.

I saw Volga launching a plane to look around while we're starting to move to a specific place considered as the exercice area.

Arkhangelsk : Wait, where's Charles ? If we all ended up here, then why can't we find him ?

Soobrazitelny : Maybe he wasn't affected by the machine, which could be logical due to the fact he is a Siren !

Kronshtadt : I'll try to contact him.

I used my transmitter and put it on the private channel exclusively for Charles and I. He quickly answered just as I expected.

Charles : Charles, reporting.

Kronshtadt : You answered. Where are you ? I can't see you unlike the others.

Charles : I should be asking that. I am now all alone inside the Suliko. What happened ?

Kronshtadt : The machine I told you about send us somewhere else. We are somewhere  in the Eagle Union waters. I'm surprised you weren't affected.

Charles : Must be because I'm a Siren. In any case, be careful.

Kronshtadt : We will.

I ended the call before turning back to the others.

Soobrazitelny : I was right after all ! But it was expected from a mechanic genius such as me !

Kronshtadt : You were right.

Soobrazitelny : But wait, if we were sent in that "alternate reality", are we actually dreaming ?!Kiev, pinch my cheeks !

Kiev : Sure.

I looked as Kiev pinched really hard on Soobrazitelny's cheeks, and she was suffering.

Kronshtadt : Kiev, stop it now.

Kiev immediately stopped.

Soobrazitelny : Hey ! You didn't have to pinch me that hard ! It hurts you know ?!

Volga : Ara~ Are you okay ? Do you need me to kiss your cheeks ?

Soobrazitelny : No ! I'm okay !

Volga : Awww...

Kronshtadt : Everyone, focus ! We need to go around to survey the zone ! We cannot waste our time ! We need to regroup some intel !

Arkhangelsk : I definitely agree. Let's get going.

Soobrazitelny / Kiev / Volga : Alright.

Now that we're focused on the mission, I will proceed according to the plan. If I do that, I could see again that Bon Homme Richard, and Charles could investigate more thoroughly the matter.

His act was pretty convincing. If he didn't told me, I would have believe it. He could make a good spy. In any case, he definitely caught my interest.

3rd P.O.V

While the Northern Parliament girls were advancing, Charles was not too far away to keep an eye on them while trying to find that Bon Homme Richard.

He's restricted in his choices of investigation. If he launched a plane, it would be seen by both sides which would put the mission in jeopardy.

The best he could do was to stay invisible, but he could allow himself to fly in the air to have a better view.

As he looked around, he saw something moving on the water. As he looked closer, he could definitely see it was a shipgirl. But he was too far to see her looks. All he knows is that she was heading towards Kronshtadt and her group.

Charles decided that it was better to follow her to see what she is going to do, and that's what he did, without being seen.

Meanwhile with Kronshtadt :

Kronshtadt group were still advancing around the zone known as the "exercice area", but as they were continuing, they got interrupted by a voice, which was recognized and expected by Kronshtadt herself.

??? : Hey ! You there ! This area is off-limits !

Kronshtadt : *thoughts* Just like before.

Kronshtadt knew that this was Bon Homme Richard, however what surprised her was her looks, which were completely different from last time. Her hair is shorter, her eyes are red and her smile is similar to one often shown by psychopaths.

Kronshtadt : *thoughts* Something is wrong. She looks radically different from before.

The appearance she is seeing is the same as Charles is seeing right now. Speaking of him, he was right next to the girls, without them being able to see him. He was wondering why her looks doesn't match with Kronshtadt's description but stayed quiet for now and simply observed.

Kiev : Who are you ?!

Kronshtadt : Stand down, Kiev. I'll take care of this.

Kiev reluctantly backed down while Kronshtadt started a discussion with the newcomer.

Kronshtadt : I presume you are Bon Homme Richard ? My apologies if we scared you.

Bon Homme Richard (?) : Wow, I didn't know I was famous ! But yeah, that's me ! Sorry for calling you out of nowhere.

Kronshtadt : So what's going on around ? And can I call you Richard instead ?

Bon Homme Richard (?) : That's a lot of questions ! Are you spies from the Northern Parliament ?

Northern Parliament : ...

Bon Homme Richard (?) : I'm joking. There's no way weirdos like you could be spies. But still, the way you were asking those questions were suspicious. Asking what I'm doing here isn't supposed to be the first question you ask to a stranger, right ? But you know what, I'll let you guess.

Kronshtadt : Going out to have fun under the sun ?

Bon Homme Richard (?) : Wow ! You're actually right ! I actually wanted to visit the island and I snuck out of my base ! But I can't stay for too long ! As for the exercise zone, I'm surprised you know about it ! It's really strange that both the Federation and The Revolutionary Front are conducting exercises here, at the same time, despite being at odds with each other. Are you going to take part in ? There's strong opponents there !

Kronshtadt : We're just here as tourists.

Bon Homme Richard (?) : Would it be possible to take a group picture before I leave ? Don't worry, it's just for me. I won't show it to the others. It's just a memento to remember the new friends I made.

Kronshtadt : I don't mind.

Soobrazitelny : I'm gonna show my genius mechanic smile ! You should do the same, Kiev !

Bon Homme Richard (?) : Alright ! Don't blink and say "cheese" !

Everyone: CHEESE !!!

The photo was taken. But they didn't noticed that Charles became visible again in his Ashes outfit and his red glowing eyes for a few seconds, for the photo, before turning invisible once again two seconds after it was taken.

(A/N : The photo is at the beginning of the chapter.

Just imagine that Charles appears in the photo in his Ashes outfit, red glowing eyes and a scary and cold expression plastered on his face.

And imagine that he is behind Bon Homme Richard, and between Kronshtadt and Arkhangelsk.

Remember it as it will have importance later on in this chapter.)

Bon Homme Richard (?) : So, are you going to continue visiting around ?

Kronshtadt : Yes. There's still a lot to be seen here.

Bon Homme Richard (?) : Fair enough. But isn't it boring to simply chill on an island ?

Kronshtadt : Hmm ?

Bon Homme Richard (?) : Since you know about the exercice area, how about going there ? You can see what real power looks like !

Kronshtadt: But won't the Federation question our presence ?

Bon Homme Richard (?) : There's nothing wrong with wanting "power". In any case, I have to go. Peace out !

Richard left, while the Parliament girls were wondering what's going on, especially Kronshtadt as she didn't recognize her. To her, she was a completely different person.

Arkhangelsk : That girl was weird. And I'm left out with too much questions.

Kronshtadt : Same for me. And her talks about "power" is creeping me out.

Volga : And that Federation and Revolutionary Front ? What are they ?

Soobrazitelny : We shouldn't go to that exercise area !

Kiev : But we won't have answers otherwise...

Kronshtadt : We're going there. Arkhangelsk, Volga, I'm counting on you for reconnaissance.

Arkhangelsk / Volga : Roger that.

(Timeskip given to you by Purifier using her head as a bowling ball)

Exercice Area :

3rd P.O.V

The group arrived to the exercise zone, followed closely by the still-invisible Charles watching over them.

The girls tried to contact the Eagle Union with their communicators, but to no avail. With no other choice, they tried to contact the Revolutionary Front, or they were about to do if it weren't for Soobrazitelny's communicator went off.

Soobrazitelny : Wow ! My communicator is going off !

Kiev : But mine isn't doing any sounds...

Kronshtadt : Did you modify your communicator, Soobrazitelny ?

Soobrazitelny : Of course ! It is a necessity for a mechanic genius like me ! But should I answer it ?!

Kronshtadt : Ignore it.

That was the choice she made. Last time she said her faction name, alarms went off and they got attacked. But as they try to adavance, they got blocked by other ships.

Arkhangelsk : Are those Sirens ?

Volga : No, they look more like our mass-produced ships ! And yet, they're completely different with their camouflage ! I don't think they're friendly.

Soobrazitelny : How about we communicate with them ?! Even though we ghosted them earlier...

Kiev : But what if they are hostile ?

This question wouldn't be answered as the zone they're in is suddenly going through a drastic change.

The sea and the sky turned into a darker shade of colors. Seeing this, the mass-produced ships changed targets and started to aim at something.

Despite their power, they couldn't do anything and eventually got destroyed. At the same time,  the winds picked up to the point a black tornado started taking form. Because of the extreme weather conditions, a tsunami was formed, threatening to take with it the Shipgirls.

Kronshtadt : Brace for impact ! Stand behind me !

The girls did as told while looking at the waves that are going to crush them. Charles immediately turned visible before activating his shields to protect them.

The waves crashed on the group, trying to swallow them under the surface.

Kronshtadt : I must persist... so I can see who is responsible...

Despite the shield protecting the group without problem, the sheer power of the waves managed to push them away from Kronshtadt before sending them away.

As the waves calmed down, Kronshtadt stood up, with difficulty, and looked at the tornado, and noticed a shadow inside of it. That silhouette was recognized instantly.

Kronshtadt : So it was you all this time...

The figure reacted to Kronshtadt's comment by a sinister chuckle, as she got out of the tornado, who was none other than Bon Homme Richard in her real form : an Ashes.

Bon Homme Richard META : Impressive, you actually survive. But it's useless.

Kronshtadt : My comrades...? Where are they ?!

Bon Homme Richard META : You really think they can survive this ? How cute ! How naive of you !

Kronshtadt : How dare you ?! For my comrades, I shall sink you and solve the mystery of the meteorite !

Bon Homme Richard META : But what mission ? You have no more comrades. Your faction is simply using you.

Kronshtadt : SHUT !!! UP !!!

Bon Homme Richard META : Camaraderie is temporary and only when it's convenient. Weaponry is eternal !

Kronshtadt : You're wrong !

Bon Homme Richard META : Oh ? Am I wrong ? Why don't you prove it by killing me ?! Come on ! I'm waiting ! ATTACK ME !!!

Kronshtadt used her primary and secondary cannons on her opponent, but most of her shots somehow pass through her without doing any damage whatsoever. And the rare shots that DID hit her haven't even left a dent on her rigging.

Kronshtadt : What..?

Bon Homme Richard META : Is that it ? Come on ! Surely you can do better than this ! You're a weapon after all ! That's what you are ! So BE A WEAPON !!!

Kronshtadt shot her again but more blindly, not caring about her surroundings. But at the same time, she felt like she is losing control of herself.

Kronshtadt (?) : I am a weapon. My goal is to exterminate the enemy.

Kronshtadt *thoughts* Why can't I control myself ?

She felt like her memories were getting rewritten. She felt lost, like she is losing everything about herself.

With Charles and the others, just before the fight between Kronshtadt and Richard META :

Charles did his best to protect the girls but the waves still managed to push the group away on a neighboring island.

Once they got to the island, Charles verified the vital signs of the girls. Thankfully, they're still alive and breathing. He backed down as they got up. They turned around only to be surprised to see Charles.

Arkhangelsk : Wait, Charles ?! I thought you were in the Suliko !

Charles : About that I lied. But for good reasons because I had to investigate on Bon Homme Richard, since Dreamweaver told me she's a threat to everyone.

Soobrazitelny : So, you were with us all that time ?! But how ?!

Charles : Invisibility.

Soobrazitelny : Oh...

Charles : Putting this aside, you have to hurry up to Kronshtadt's location as she is currently fighting Bon Homme Richard, and I'm sure Kronshtadt don't stand a chance.

Volga : But what about you ?

Charles : I'm gonna do a sneak attack on that Ashes. Also, if you managed to get to Kronshtadt, tell her to ask Richard about the photo.

Kiev : I don't know why but you must have a reason...

Charles : I do, but now go ! Time is running out !

Arkhangelsk : Alright. Let's hurry up to save our comrade !

The rest : URAAAAA !!!

The Northern Parliament girls went towards the battle while Charles went in another direction to approach by behind the rogue Ashes.

Kronshtadt P.O.V

What happened ? Where I am ? Did I defeated her ?

Last thing I remember was attacking in rage that crazy girl. But now, it looks like I'm in a hallway.  As I was looking at my surroundings, I heard footsteps coming in my direction.

I looked to my right to see a woman approaching me. She didn't looked like a shipgirl at all. But more of a scientist. For some reason, I can't see her face as it was shadowed for some reason. Before I could ask who she is, she talked first.

??? : If you're here, this must mean you are on the verge of losing yourself.

Kronshtadt : Losing myself ?

??? : As you were fighting Richard, your Cube has started to act up, causing the start of the of your METAmorphosis.

METAmorphosis ? Wait, I think Soyuz told me about it, and how bad it was. If that's the case, then I truly got in trouble.

??? : I am here to make sure you won't go down that way. Let me ask you this question : what are you fighting for ?

Kronshtadt : I fight for... for...

??? : Focus on your memories. If you do, the answer shall come naturally. Go to its depth. But time is not on your side. If you find them too late, it's over for you.

I searched through my fuzzy memories. I focused as much as I could until I could finally find something clear : my comrades, my friends and our reason to fight. I found my answer.

Kronshtadt : I fight for the sake of humanity and my comrades !

??? : I told you you would find it.

Kronshtadt : You were right. Thank you for reminding me who I am.

That's right. I am Kronshtadt, large cruiser of the Northern Parliament, and proud member of the Crimson-Azur Alliance !

??? : I'm glad. Now go forth ! Counterattack with all your might !

Kronshtadt : Count on me ! I shall never fail my comrades ever again !

That's all I could say before everything disappears, that mysterious woman included. I can feel myself awaken.

3rd P.O.V

As Kronshtadt woke up again, the first thing she noticed was a stinging feeling on her cheek. She touched to see it was hot. And as she turned around, she saw Arkhangelsk looking at her with a serious expression. It finally occurred to Kronshtadt what just happened.

Kronshtadt : Did you just... slapped me...?

Arkhangelsk : I didn't wanted to, but you left me with no other choice as you weren't answering.

Kronshtadt : I see... I apologize for... whatever I did to you all...

Bon Homme Richard META was surprised by the presence of the four others girls. She was sure they got swept up with the tsunami, and yet, her they are, unharmed.

Bon Homme Richard META : To think you actually survived that... but no matter, you should remember that you are all nothing but weapons ! To think I could provoke the METAmorphosis to the five of you actually is better !

While Richard was rambling like the mad woman she is, Kiev was pulling on Kronshtadt's arm, who looked at her.

Kronshtadt : Kiev, why are you doing this ?

Kiev : Charles told me a message... he says : "Tell her to show the photo you took earlier".

Kronshtadt : Why ?

Kiev : I don't know either, but he seemed like he know what he was doing by saying this.

Kronshtadt was puzzled by Charles's message, but ultimately decided to try it out.

Kronshtadt : Richard, where is the photo you took with us earlier ?

Bon Homme Richard META : Hmm ? Why do you need to see a photo when your situation isn't in your favor ?

Kronshtadt : I want to verify something.

Bon Homme Richard META : I absolutely have no idea why you are asking for that. Must be because of despair ! Oh well, I can at least comply to your last request before I finish your METAmorphosis !

Richard took her phone before approaching the group and showing them the photo. As the group looked closely, they noticed one thing that stands out. They now knew about the meaning of the message. Kronshtadt used this opportunity to formulate a plan.

Bon Homme Richard META : I still can't understand why you are asking me to show you this ! If it's about my looks, I have always been like this !

Kronshtadt : In that case, you don't mind if I ask you who is that man in the photo behind you ?

Bon Homme Richard META : A man ? Did you truly lost it ? You should know by now that there is no Easter Bunny, no Santa Claus, and certainly no men here ?

Soobrazitelny : Well, explain it then ! Because it doesn't looked photoshopped to me !

Volga : I can clearly see him.

Arkhangelsk/Kiev : So do we.

Because of how sure of them they looked, Richard looked at the photo, just to humor them, still with that psychopath smile. Only to change into a face if surprise when she saw there was indeed a man in the photo, when clearly haven't seen any around.

Moreover, that man was looking menacingly with red glowing eyes. So much questions were going through her head, and she couldn't start asking them as she felt something touching her shoulder.

And as she looked behind her, she finds standing there the same man than in the photo, looking at her with the same scary cold expression plastered on his face. And if wasn't enough, he had actual riggings. She couldn't believe that there was actually a male kansen, and yet, one is right in front of her.

Before she could do anything, the man moved his hand to slap her. And he did with force. Enough that she fell.

As she stood up, she glared at him. Finally asking the questions.

Bon Homme Richard META : Who are you ?

Charles : ...

Bon Homme Richard META : Tell me !

Charles : I am the apex of the Iris République engineering : MNF Charles de Gaulle.

Richard loosen up her glare before returning to her usual psychopath smile.

Bon Homme Richard META : Oh ? You think you can defeat me ?! Well, I'll let you try ! But I will force you to undergo the METAmorphosis either way !

Charles : Well, if you're that desperate to die, I suppose I can indulge you in your selfish request.

The Northern Parliament girls backed down, knowing a fight will occur, and they don't want to become collateral damage.

Richard prepared herself to counter his planes. She knows that his rigging design was one of an aircraft carrier. So, she readied her fighters. However, she wasn't ready for what Charles launched towards her : a missile.

She didn't had time to process what was happening and got hit right in the face by said missile, causing an explosion and big damage to her. As the smoke dissipated, Richard was seen still standing, but with difficulty, showing she had took actual damage.

Bon Homme Richard META : Damn you ! Let's see how you will deal with this !

And she started to launch her planes towards him. He did the same while activating his AA guns, reinforcing his defenses.

And it continued for several minutes, with Charles taking very little damage, while Richard took more damage because of the fact he keeps the pressure on her.

Whether she won or not wasn't the objective for Richard, the only thing she wanted was for Charles to trigger his METAmorphosis. But the longer the fight became, the more she got worried as he never shown any signs of triggering it.

Her moment of doubt was enough for Charles to get on the offensive with his bombers, which managed to hit her as she noticed them too late.

The onslaught of aircraft came to an end with Richard being greatly injured, but despite that, she still managed to get up. She stared angrily at her opponent, whose facial expression never changed.

Bon Homme Richard META : How...? HOW...?! How can you win ? And why aren't you undergoing the METAmorphosis ?!

It was only know that the cold emotionless expression on Charles's face turned into a sadistic grin.

Charles : You cannot force a METAmorphosis on someone who has already completed it.

She understood why it didn't work. He was a META kansen since the very beginning of the fight. She knows she stood no chance against him right now due to his phenomenal strength and power. For the first time, she had to retreat.

Bon Homme Richard META : You leave me no choice. I'll have to leave for now. But don't think it's over. I'll be back.

Those were the last words she said before she completely disappeared.

There was no point following her since she would eventually come back just like she said. Seeing as she was gone, the Northern Parliament girls approached Charles.

Arkhangelsk : You actually made her flee. You truly are something else.

Soobrazitelny : Wow ! All of your guns and aircraft are so cool ! I really want to study them, as a genius mechanic !

Kronshtadt : I'm really glad you were here ! I'm not sure if we could have faced that crazy kansen by ourselves.

Charles : You're welcome. So, how do we get out of here ?

Kronshtadt : Since we have completed whatever our task was, the machine should bring our consciousness back to the Suliko.

It didn't took long for the group to be blinded by a white light.

Unknown place, unknown time :

3rd P.O.V

In a dark empty void, a man woke up.

??? 1 : Where I am ? Am I dead ?

The man was looking around until he got startled by another voice.

??? 2 : You are indeed dead, Aoste. Charles managed to kill you.

The man, revealed to be Aoste, was talking to a skeleton-looking woman.

Aoste : I see. I'm glad he did. But who are you ?

Hel : I am Hel, the one who rules over the cohort of the dead. Although you are dead, I made you come here because I needed to talk with you personally.

Aoste : But why would you need to talk with me ? Shouldn't I be with the other souls in your world ?

Hel : Under normal circumstances, yes. But this isn't your case. Mostly because of the situation you got in due to Magister.

Aoste : ...

Hel : She was the reason you committed all of those war crimes. This is why I decided to give you a second chance at life.

Aoste : I thank you for this, but I don't really deserve it. After everything I have done.

Hel : And this is why I will give that second chance, so you can repent for the sins you have committed. Your help will be necessary for the future, Charles will certainly need it with what he will face in the future. After all, he just fought Richard.

Aoste : Richard ?!  I don't know how Anzeel will react to this.

Hel : In any case, I will resurrect you but you will be sent elsewhere because I can't bring you back to this world since you're supposed to be dead there. So, you'll come back in another world.

Aoste : But how can I help the others if I'm being brought to another world ?

Hel : Charles will find you in one way or another. I know it. Get ready. This is farewell for us. Good luck to you.

Aoste disappeared in a white light. As it was done, Hel sighed.

Hel : Those two idiots better not did anything stupid. Oh well, if it's the case, I can simply bring Charles to kill them over again.

Somewhere in the Northern Parliament waters, above the Suliko's location :

3rd P.O.V

After the Suliko's location was discovered, a team was sent to retrieve it, lead by Investigation, Avrora and Sovetsky Soyuz. They have been joined by several Lurkers and Attraction.

After a few hours, they got to their destination : a Siren base that has been captured by the Northern Parliament. Their objective was next to it.

Sovetsky Soyuz : We are finally here. The location of the Suliko should be below us.

Attraction : Alright, our turn to act.

Investigation : Alright, Lurkers. Our mission is to retrieve the Suliko. We're going down there and then we'll bring it back up.

Attraction : Of course, we cannot afford to damage the submarine, not only because repairs would be expensive if it takes damage, but there are people inside as well.

Investigation : Explanations are over. Is everyone ready for this rescue mission ?

Lurkers : YES MA'AM !!!

Investigation : All right. We're diving. Follow us.

Both Investigation and Attraction dived immediately, followed by the Lurkers and the mass-produced Siren submarines that were brought here.

(Timeskip given to you by Friedrich der Grosse and Musashi fighting to pamper Charles)

One hour and a half later, the rescue team managed to bring the Suliko back to the surface. It took that long because of the weight of the Suliko, as well as carefully maneuvering around the underwater rock formations to avoid unnecessary damage.

Avrora : Finally, it's back.

Sovetsky Soyuz : Indeed. I missed my comrades.

Attraction : It's finally over.

Investigation : If I was aware of the weight before, I would have asked Strength for her help.

The rescue team was tired from the mission and were all resting and catching their breath.

Avrora and Sovetsky Soyuz opened and entered the Suliko in search of everyone inside. They found them in the room with the experimental machine, all sleeping. It took them a while to wake them all.

After everyone left the submarine, they could finally engage a conversation.

Sovetsky Soyuz : Well, I'm glad to see you all well, Comrades.

Kronshtadt : It's nice to finally walk on the ground again.

Avrora : Now that we're all back together, how about the experiment ?

Kronshtadt : Well, it's a long story.

Charles : And it's something we'd rather share with everyone on the base.

Sovetsky Soyuz : Is it really that important ?

Kronshtadt : Yes. It's something big, and not in the good way. And it concerns everyone.

Sovetsky Soyuz : If it's really that dangerous, then it would be best to prepare a meeting as soon as possible.

Charles : Yes. I think Dreamweaver is already working on it.

Avrora : In that case, we should go back home.

Investigation : I definitely agree. Since you have the intel, it's a must.

They all nodded. They finished parking the Suliko before making a portal to bring them back to Mers-el-Kébir.

(A/N) : And that's it for chapter 51. I hope you have enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your feedback and opinion in the comments.

Once again, sorry for the slow update. But real life is taking my time with things like looking for a job. I try my best to continue uploading chapters tho.

By the way, how are you faring in the Musashi event in terms of gacha ? Managed to get everyone minus Wakatsuki in 120 pulls on my side.

In any case, thanks for reading this chapter. And see you in the next one.

TheBreizhOne out !

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New characters that have appeared in this chapter :

Volga :

Kronshtadt :

Arkhangelsk :

Soobrazitelny :

Kiev :

Bon Homme Richard META :

Of course, none of those images belong to me, so credit to their original artist.