*Heavy breathing*
Who the hell... keeps trying to assassinate Richelieu?

After Richelieu, Akira, and Takao chased Le Triomphant I stayed behind after getting stabbed in the back. Who is behind this?

Perseus: You should be okay now...

Minato: Thanks Perseus... doesn't sting as much now.

Perseus: No problem Commander...

I looked at Perseus and noticed a slight smile.

When I got Perseus, she wasn't a ship that showed much emotion but as I came back I helped her build her emotions. I don't want anyone to go through what I felt.

Minato: I can sense your feelings are improving.

Perseus: How can you tell?

Minato: I was like you, but way dead inside.

Perseus giggled a little. I gotta say, our emotions did improve over time.

Baltimore: Ah, it's good that you're okay now Commander.

Bremerton: Yeah, if the same thing happened to you like before... I would've been inactive on Juustagram again, ehehe...

Warspite: Commander, I don't want to see you die for a French girl alright? You are the most important person here.

Minato: Yeah I get it... but I made a promise to her.

Laffey then approached me as I was kneeling.

Laffey: Whatever it is Commander... I'll help you...

She placed her hand on my head.

Warspite: What was the promise? If I may ask.

Minato: Thanks, Laffey. The promise was to reunite the Iris Libre and Vichya Dominion. I'll find a way to reunite the Iris to back what it was.

Warspite: I see, very well Commander. I will also help you.

Baltimore: I support you too, Commander!

Bremerton: Same here!~

Perseus and Essex nodded.

Minato: Thanks, guys.

Minato: Hey, Perseus. Can I see that knife again?

Perseus: Sure...

Perseus gave me back the knife.

Perseus: Why do you want it...?

Minato: I want to investigate who originally had it.

Warspite: But it already has the fingerprints of you and Perseus.

Minato: That's true. However, we both didn't touch the bottom of the knife.

Perseus: Hm... you are right. I did not.

Warspite: How will we figure it out though?

Minato: ...I know someone who is a specialist in knives...

Essex: Who's that?

Minato: *sigh* Taihou...

Warspite: Huh, wow. I'm... not surprised at that.

We all heard footsteps from a distance.

It was Richelieu, Akira, Takao, Saint Louis, and Le Triomphant coming back from the Church.

Richelieu: Tu te sens mieux? Commander?

Minato: What?

Richelieu: Are you feeling better?

I should probably start learning French...

Minato: Yeah, thanks to Perseus.

Akira then walked towards me.

Akira: Alright Minato, basically the one who was trying to kill Richelieu was Béarn.

Minato: Béarn?

Richelieu: Béarn... she was my most loyal ally but it seems... she changed...

I got up and placed my hand on Richelieu's shoulder.

Minato: Don't worry. I'll help you no matter what.

Richelieu smiled at me.

Richelieu: Merci, I appreciate it.

Essex's mind: If Enterprise saw this she would snap...

Bremerton's mind: They need to become a couple, they're both cute together!

Warspite's mind: I wonder if this is the girl Commander likes...

Perseus's mind: Seems like Commander likes the nice French girl...

Laffey's mind: They are nice together... *yawn*

Baltimore's mind: I wonder if the Commander would ask Richelieu out.

Richelieu: Erm... what's wrong guys?

Everyone looked away. I wonder what they are thinking...

Minato: Anyways, Le Triomphant. Where is this Béarn girl?

Le Triomphant: Well... last time I was with her, we were in a secret passageway.

Richelieu: Well, considering it's Béarn... she's probably somewhere else. I know her ways. She probably knew we would eventually search for her.

Minato: I see...

Takao: Commander, are you fully recovered?

Minato: Eh... yeah I guess.

Takao: We plan to begin searching when both you and Le Triomphant feel 100% ready.

Le Triomphant: The commander feels better so let's just do it!

Richelieu: But what about your emotions and recovery?

Le Triomphant: It's alright.

Akira: So what's the plan?

Minato: I'm going to Taihou for her to inspect this knife. It's probably hers since she is one of the only shipgirls that have many knives.

Come to think of it... only Akagi and Taihou have an arsenal of knives on the base. I've heard Nanaki is attempting to bring back Roon. Hope she doesn't become lovesick for me again...

Richelieu: Very well Commander. Do you need assistance?

Minato: Nah, I'll go solo. Taihou will only want me in her room no one else.

Warspite: Just be careful alright?

I nodded.

Everyone else went their own ways.

I can do this... it's just in and out... should take less than 5 or 20 minutes.

Richelieu's POV:

After we all departed, I decided to head to the church again.

I opened the doors and... Jeanne d'Arc?

Richelieu: Jeanne?

I saw... Jeanne d'Arc... praying? Wow... it's nice to see her praying for a change.

Jeanne d'Arc: Oh, Cardinal it's you...

Richelieu: Am I interrupting?

Jeanne d'Arc: No... it's fine. I'm done with my prayers.

Richelieu: That's nice. However, weren't you in my room?

Jeanne d'Arc: I was. I woke up a few hours ago.

Richelieu: So the tranquilizer lasted a while this time it seems. Anyways, how did I not see you? I entered here not too long ago.

Jeanne d'Arc: I hid behind those boxes.

Jeanne pointed at some boxes in the corner of the church.

Richelieu: Oh.

Jeanne d'Arc: Yeah... I also now know about Le Triomphant and Béarn. They sure did change too...

Richelieu: Yes, they did change but Le Triomphant is normal again! Béarn will too eventually!

Jeanne lightly smiled but then it quickly vanished.

Jeanne d'Arc: I've... realized my mistakes and... I'm sincerely sorry for what I've done... I'm very sorry... I didn't know what came over me.

Richelieu: It's fine Jeanne.

Jeanne d'Arc: You know Cardinal... You've thought me a lesson... in comparison to someone like me, you are a true saintess.... I can't compete with that. You're just... perfect...

Richelieu: No, I don't think I am. Nobody is really perfect in this world you know? It doesn't matter Jeanne. You are my friend and like a sister to me. That's why... I want you to fight with the Iris Libre to unite with Vichya.

Jeanne d'Arc: ...

Richelieu: Saint Louis, Le Triomphant, and now you... we can win with the Commander leading us! So please... Jeanne... will you join us?

Jeanne d'Arc: ...

Richelieu: Jeanne...?

I looked at her but she turned around. Oh no... please don't snap again...

Jeanne d'Arc: I sense something...

I looked around the church. Is there something she senses that I don't?

Jeanne d'Arc: Watch out!

Richelieu: Eh!?

Something dropped on Jeanne as she pushed me aside.

Jeanne d'Arc: G-Gah!!

Richelieu: Jeanne!

A red mist spread around Jeanne.

Jeanne d'Arc: Agh...! S-Stay back Cardinal!

Jeanne started to slowly fall down to the floor.

Richelieu: What's happening to you!?

Jeanne d'Arc: I-I don't know but I suddenly feel so weak...

Richelieu: Why did you save me?

Jeanne d'Arc: Y-You... are... the most important person of our faction...! You are our leader! We can't lose you!

Richelieu: Merci Jeanne... I'm glad it seems you've chosen to join us. I'll find a way to cure your pain.

???: My, it seems that I've missed.

I know that voice...

Richelieu: I know it's you L'Opinâtre!

I looked up and saw her on the second floor.

L'Opinâtre: Well if it isn't the Cardinal herself.

Richelieu: Why... why did you try to hurt me? Your own ally?

L'Opinâtre: Ally? Don't think I'm dumb. I know what you've done.

Richelieu: It's a false rumor! Please!

Jeanne d'Arc: *pant* S-She's... telling... the tru-uth...

L'Opinâtre: I don't care if you are telling the truth or not. All I care now is to be with the Commander!

Richelieu: No! I won't let you!

I summoned my lance.

Richelieu: O-Ow!!

I forgot that I'm still not 100% ready for combat. After that intense battle with Jeanne it made me use up a lot of my strength.

L'Opinâtre: This is such a waste of time... here, go to sleep would ya?

As I looked back to L'Opinâtre she threw something at me.

Jeanne d'Arc: C-Cardinal!

L'Opinâtre left the church.

I'm starting to feel dizzy and sleepy...

A green mist surrounded me.

Richelieu: No... it can't end... like this.......

Jeanne d'Arc: N-No! W-Wake up! Cardinal!

Everything... went black...

Minato's POV:

Taihou: Commander!? Come in!

She sounds excited...

Hoo boy... I haven't seen Taihou in such a long time have I?

I entered her dorm. It sure looks... unique I guess... is that... a shrine of me?

Taihou: Ahaha... is there something you need my love?

Minato: Well... I was hoping if you can inspect this.

I pulled out the knife and showed it to Taihou.

Taihou: What the!? So that's where it went! Did you take it Commander? I won't be mad if you did~

Minato: No, apparently a girl named Béarn took it.

Taihou: Grr... I'll dispose of her when I find her!

Minato: Woah, let's not do that. She's pretty important.

Taihou: *sigh* Fine. What do you want me to do with this knife then?

Minato: Do you know a way to find her?

Taihou: Fufufu~ Of course I do. How do you think I always know where you are?

Minato: Right...

Does she have yandere vision or something?

Taihou: Also... I know that you've been with that girl lately...

Oh brother... can't Richelieu and I just be friends without people thinking we are dating?

Minato: We're just friends. Anyways, can you just figure it ou-

I saw her lick the bottom of the knife.

Taihou: Is something the matter dear?

Minato: Why are you licking the knife?

Taihou: I have my ways to find people...

Minato: Um, alright.

Taihou: Hmmm... follow me.

Minato: Alright.

I decided to follow Taihou. I wonder what the others are doing...

Yu's POV:

Ugh... my head...

I'm still chained up in bed. When am I gonna leave this place!? That Vestal girl isn't here... where is she?

Huh? Is that... me?

I looked at the mirror.

Yu?: You're weak. Why don't you become stronger with my help?

What the? It is me!?

Yu: No, I don't need your help. I have to awaken to my persona by myself!

Yu?: How can you awaken when you lost to a girl that's shorter and weaker than you?

Yu: She got lucky that's all!

Yu?: Excuses, excuses...

Yu: What do you even want from me? Why do you even exist?

Yu?: I exist within you because of the darkness in your heart...

Yu: What...? What do you mean?

Yu?: Don't you remember that time?

Yu: Ah!

Yu: H-How do you know about that!?

My reflection smiled and laughed.

Yu?: Because I was there! I am you remember!?

I looked at my hands and I started to shake...

It all happened when I came here...

Akira and I got ambushed by some weird looking girls.

*flashback*

Yu: Ahhhhh! OOF!

I fell to the ground.

Akira: Aaaahhh!!!

Yu: No no no!!! OOF!

Akira fell on top of me.

Yu: Ow... why did we fall? I thought when we stepped in the portal we would just walk into this universe...

Akira: Eh... I don't know. Hm? There's light over there!

Akira got up from my back. I then got up and wiped the dust from my clothes.

Yu: What is it?

Akira: I think they're shipgirls...

Yu: Shipgirls?

Akira: Get down!

Yu: Huh!?

Akira suddenly pulled me down.

???: What's that noise?

???: Someone's eavesdropping...

???: I think it's from that direction.

Yu: What... what the heck is that slimy noise!?

Akira: I don't know! Just keep it down...!

???: Well, well, well... what do we have here?

Fuck...

Akira: Erm... hello. Who are you?

???: That doesn't matter. Why are you here?

???: What's with all the noise?

Another girl appeared. She seems friendly. She also looks like... Labrys...

Purifier: Hi! You can call me Purifier. That over there is Observer.

Akira: Uh, I'm Joker.

Yu: I'm Yu.

Observer: Joker? Hey... I know that name!

Akira: Huh? You do?

Observer: You were with that Commander that saved the world!

Akira: Haha, yeah that's me. I knew I'd be famous!

Purifier: I think our plan can work.

Observer: Yeah.

Akira: Huh? What plan?

Purifier: Well, Observer was observing the Commander for a long time and we've figure to have him under the Sirens so we can be unbeatable!

Observer: Did you have to tell him our ambitions?

Purifier: Ahaha... whoops. Actually... I have an idea! Why don't we make one of them under our control!

Observer: I guess we could.

Akira: I won't let you! PERSONA!

Observer: Just what I thought you would do. I know your tactics.

Akira(Joker): Yu! Let's get out of here!

Yu: Alright!

Purifier: Oooh! I'm itching for a fight! Let's go!

Observer: No. Let's just throw one of these...

Purifier: Smart idea! This will make sure we have at least one of them under our control.

Purifier: YEET!

Akira(Joker): Huh? Are those aiming potion bottles!? Makarakarn!

Akira reflected one of the bottles. The bottle was reflected but then came back like a boomerang.

Akira: This isn't good...

Akira was then hit by one and got knocked out. Uh oh...

I ran as fast as I could but I tripped on a rock.

Yu: No!!!

A dark mist surrounded me as it hit me. Everything... went dark...

After that, Akira and I woke up in front of Minato's base.

*End of flashback*

Yu?: You see... this is how I came into this world. You couldn't fight those girls and with that potion I am here...

Yu?: Don't you remember when Le Triomphant beat you and the other shipgirls laughed at you? Not to mention how you did nothing against Saint Louis!

Yu: I... I don't want lose anymore... I don't want to be a laughingstock... I want to win... to win...

Yu?: Yes! To win... accept your fate... the thing you are searching for is right here!

My reflection started to reach towards me.

Yu?: Reach for my hand and I'll lend you my powers...

Yu: Maybe... you are right... I don't want to be a loser... I want to become stronger than Minato and Akira...

???: I'm back!

Yu?: Hmph! We'll meet again.

My reflection disappeared and I saw my normal reflection.

Agh! M-My heart... it feels like it's burning...!

Vestal: Yu!? What's wrong!?

Yu: M-My chest... my heart... it's burning...!

Vestal: Oh dear! Don't worry, I'll fix you up in no time!

Minato's POV:

After some searching around the port, Taihou finds something odd.

Taihou: Hm...

Minato: Something wrong?

Taihou: This...

Taihou pulled out a book from a dusty bookshelf.

The bookshelf then turned to reveal a secret passageway.

Minato: Looks like she's in there right?

Taihou: Yep.

Taihou: Are you prepared my love?

Minato: Yeah. Let's go.

I got out my Evoker and Lucifer's Blade. Taihou got out the same knife that was stolen from her.

We then entered the hidden area.

It's so gloomy inside of here... why hasn't anyone told me about these hidden places?

I walked further in. Huh? I hear some voices... must be her.

???: And so the Cardinal decided to fight me but failed.

???: Ha! How fall she has fallen.

I slightly peaked and noticed two girls talking to each other.

Taihou and I sneaked over to some boxes.

Minato: *whispers* Let's eavesdrop for now...

Taihou nodded.

???: So, have you made anything new?

???: I have. I call it... Yandall.

???: Yandall?

???: Basically... it's a potion to make a person see everyone as yanderes.

???: I see.

???: I have an idea. You should use it on the Commander. He's so attached to that traitor.

???: How do you know?

???: I saw him in Richelieu's room. The commander pinned her down and it seemed like they were about to do it. If you know what I mean...

Taihou looked at me unpleased.

I shook my head in denial.

???: Grrr, maybe you're right! This will teach him.

???: Heh, we should see how he would react with his most trustworthy shipgirl as a yandere!

I moved my leg a bit but then a book fell.
Fuck...

???: Who's there?

???: Someone's been eavesdropping...

Taihou and I both got up.

Minato: I know what you're up to and I won't let you do it!

Taihou: You... you're the one who stole my knife!!!

Béarn: That's right. My name's Béarn by the way. Pleasure to meet you Commander~

This girl looks very serious. Is she actually gonna try to fight us?

L'Opinâtre: I'm L'Opinâtre. Pleasure to meet you Commander~

What kind of name is that...? Im just gonna call her Opin.

Minato: Answer me this Opin. What did you do with Richelieu!?

L'Opinâtre: I only made her fall asleep that's all~

I turned to Béarn.

Minato: Béarn! Why did you try to assassinate Richelieu!?

Béarn: My, you care so much for that traitor... she's nothing but trash.

Minato: Take... that... back!

Taihou: Let's fight them Commander!

Béarn: Hmph, very well. However, I know we will win.

Minato: In your dreams!

Looks like I'm finally having a battle after so long.

Minato: Persona!

I shot myself in the head with my Evoker.

L'Opinâtre: Take this!

Opin threw a potion at me but I dodged it.

Minato: Missed me!

L'Opinâtre: Who said I was aiming for you?

I turned back and noticed that the floor turned to ice. Is she really trying to freeze me?

L'Opinâtre: Watch your step~

Taihou: None of you will have my Commander!

Béarn: *whispers to L'Opinâtre* You throw your potion at him, leave, and make sure you eliminate Richelieu!*

L'Opinâtre: *whispers back* Alright!

Taihou came charging to Béarn. Béarn grabbed both her arms and was struggling to keep Taihou from stabbing her.

Béarn: Now!

Minato: Huh?

Taihou: No! Commander look out!

Taihou quickly covered me as a potion came straight towards me.

Opin then left. A red mist surrounded Taihou.

Taihou: A-Are you... alright Commander...?

Minato: I-I am... thanks for saving me.

Taihou: Aha... I'm glad... I was able to save you...

I turned back to Béarn.

Minato: Béarn! I'll take you on!

Béarn: Very well! Bring it!

Minato: Persona! Let her have it Thanatos!

My persona Thanatos lifted its sword and smashed the ground. A small bookcase fell on top of Béarn.

Béarn: Ngh!! Haah... you think you've won?

Minato: You're going to join us. With you we can reunite the Iris Orthodoxy.

Béarn: HAHAHAHA! You think I'll team with Richelieu!? Never! That's why... I can't let her have you! Now L'Opinâtre!

Minato: What the?

Opin quickly ran back and threw something at me out of surprise.

A bluish mist surrounded me.

Béarn: Go L'Opinâtre! I'll figure something out!

???: Fire!

BOOM!

I heard loud noises but I couldn't see anything. I'm starting to feel sleepy... I hear voices though...

Huh? It's Nagato and Akira...!

Akira(Joker): You must be Béarn!

Nagato: Eh!? Taihou! Minato!

Taihou: A-Ahah... hello Nagato.

Nagato: Are you okay!?

Taihou: I'm... fine... it's just... I feel very weak...

Béarn: Go ahead shoot me... but it doesn't matter. That traitor Richelieu will be dead soon!

No... Richelieu...

Akira(Joker): If you weren't so important I would. However, I won't for Richelieu and Minato.

Bang!

Nagato: Nice one Akira-kun!

Akira(Joker): Alright, I'll lift this bookcase and you pull her out.

Nagato: Alright!

So... sleepy...

Akira's POV:

After Nagato got Béarn, I quickly rushed to Minato.

Akira(Joker) Minato! Wake up! Oh no he's not opening his eyes!

Nagato: Let's take them out of here now!

Akira(Joker): Right! Also... that hole you made is gonna cost a lot for those little Manjuus to repair... *chuckles*

Nagato: Aha... sorry...

Akira(Joker): It's fine. It's just a sign that you're getting stronger!

Nagato blushed.

Nagato: Well... it's only because I've been training with you!

Akira(Joker): Heh, yeah. Wait that reminds me... I still haven't trained with Richelieu! Darn, if I was with her, Minato wouldn't worry about her being in danger since I would be with her. Damnit, sorry Minato.

I looked at him but, he already had his eyes closed.

Nagato: It's fine Akira... we will find a way.

Akira(Joker): Yeah...

Nagato: Can you carry both Minato and Taihou?

Akira(Joker): Of course! Anyways let's go!

I picked Minato in one arm and Taihou in the other. While Nagato carried Béarn.

Back at the Church...

L'Opinâtre: I'm back Cardinal... are you ready to die? Huh? Where is she!?

Meanwhile at some random location...

Jean Bart: How's the Commander's base? Algérie?

Algérie: It seems like the Iris Libre shipgirls are starting to arrive at his base and cause some problems.

Jean Bart: Good. This will teach my sister a lesson. I will be the leader of the newly formed Iris Orthodoxy! We may be receiving help from the newly formed Ironblood. However... that Commander... I don't trust him.

Algérie: You mean Ironblood Commander Nanaki? I heard he helped the Commander when the world was about to end.

Jean Bart: Yes, but if he knew about our plans to reunite Iris Orthodoxy and destroy his newly formed Ironblood, he will immediately contact the Commander.

Algérie: I see. Are you not worried that someday you might face your sister?

Jean Bart: I'll be prepared whenever that day comes. *whispers* maybe... 

Algérie: What was that?

Jean Bart: Tch, as if I care if I hurt her.

Algérie: She's your sister though.

Jean Bart: ...Hmph, whatever.

Meanwhile at some random location... again...

Enterprise: *sniff* Ah~ So this is Vichya? No shipgirls insight... but I won't give up! I've already beaten all Sardegna, Northern Parliament, and Dragon Empery shipgirls with ease. If I find their leader Jean Bart... I'll be even stronger! Stronger for Minato... *sigh* I do miss him... I wonder how he is doing... when I get back, I'd like to propose to him.

Enterprise: Ugh, get yourself together Enty! You have a job to do!