Zhejiang and Enterprise (Book One)

Time Fracture: Attacked (2)

Yat-Sen's POV: 

Our empress lies in my arms, fully unconscious. Her ship is nowhere to be seen but she doesn't seem badly hurt. Even so, I'm still shaken by her words. What does she mean Azur Lane attacked? Surely she can't be saying they attacked her...it can't be. 

????: So...are you going to bring us inside or what?

A voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I almost jump back when I see what made the sound. It's a little, tiny girl. I can't quite b certain but she looks like a miniature version of the Empress. Speaking of which, her appearance has changed though I was still able to recognise her. I wonder what happened.

Me: Hello. What's your name?

????: Zeze.

Me: Well, nice to meet you Zeze. Can you tell me what happened?

Zeze: It's as she said. We woke up and those backstabbing Azur Lane pigs were attacking us. We tried defending ourselves but they attacked from all sides and we were forced to retreat.

Me: You're saying Azur Lane attacked the empress? 

Zeze: Yes! Aren't you listening?

Everyone, now gathered to hear what happened, gasps at this. I'm sure it's just as shocking to them as it is to me. Surely there has to be some sort of misunderstanding here. It's just too farfetched for Azur Lane to attack without reason.

Me: There must be some misunderstanding. I-

I'm cut off by the arrival of a crowd of citizens. Somehow, they've heard of what seemingly occurred and as they catch sight of our empress unconscious with her head resting in my lap, all order breaks down.

Citizen#1: They attacked our Empress even though she's done nothing but help them? 

Citizen#2: I always knew we should have never joined their alliance. We're fine on our own.

Citizen#1: Yes! They've only shown their true colours. They never viewed us as equals. They only want to use us.

Citizen#3: I say we take this opportunity to break ties with them!

Citizen#4: Who cares whether they are friends or foes! The Empress is unwell! Get help!

The last comment spurs the entire crowd into action and I watch, amazed as they move together as a swarm of bees, parting in unison to let men carrying a stretcher through. When they get to me, I allow them to gently take her from me before leading them back through the crowd and to the logistics facility we'd built in her absence. As we make our way there, I also issue orders to the other girls to maximize our defensive readiness. I still think there's some misunderstanding here but it's still better to be prepared than not. After all, they could've really attacked and if that's the case then there would be only one suitable response...war.