On the Other Side

Deciding Fates

AirSpark: So then...I guess you have your answer now?

Hood nodded, all the while she had Bismarck wrapped around her back. She didn't want the battleship to hug her and not let go, but it was useless to pry her off so she let her do what she wanted.

Hood: I think after facing the facts, I can tell neither side planned to kill me

Bismarck: What?!

She hugged Hood even tighter.

Bismarck: I would never want to cause your death, not again!

AirSpark: While that's touching, you should probably loosen up that hug before you do kill her.

Bismarck raised her eyebrows, but they quickly turned to panic as she saw Hood's purple face and the rapid taps she was giving to her arm. She let go as Hood took in a deep breath.

Hood: Oh my lord!...I hate that battleships have so much strength!

Bismarck: I'm sorry Hood! I was caught in the moment and-

Hood put her finger over her lips.

Hood: Calm yourself Bismarck, take a deep breath and relax

Bismarck did just as Hood asked, and felt the stress roll of her in waves.

Hood: Better?

Bismarck: Much better

Hood: Good, now then Commander AirSpark, what's next on the agenda?

AirSpark: I believe that's for you to decide, specifically on which faction you'll be returning too now

...

Hood: Oh...right

...

What...should she choose?

The Royal Isles are her home, her country and where she was the symbol of hope and power.

But now, she made a home in Ironblood, she made friends, met new people, built up a life that she's happy with.

Hood: I'm not sure how I can choose from this...I have important values in each side

AirSpark:*sigh* I thought that was going to happen, so I want to ask you something

He leaned forward, staring Hood down with the glare only a seasoned soldier can muster.

AirSpark: To which side do you believe deserves your attention? You may have served the Royals and led their fleet, but after you sunk they managed to scrounge up what they still had and move on from the event. In short, they don't necessarily need you, but they do miss you

Hood:...

AirSpark: Onto Ironblood, they were your enemy in the past, as you were the symbol of their greatest enemy and what led them to victory countless times. Your death spelled victory for them, but just as the Royals, they too soon forgot and forgave the events of the war...but now, now you walk among them, you lead them. You are their voice, and their leader...their Commander

Hood sat in silence as she listened to every words that came out of his mouth. He was right, the Royals missed her but survived and didn't exactly need her. Ironblood found in her a great leader that has kept them going strong for as long as she was in service. But the question still remained, which side should she pick?

...

Hood stood up, dropping Bismarck back on the couch before leaving the room.

Bismarck: Hood?