End of The World (Azur Lane: Origins 3)

Chapter 1: New Commander

I watched as two ships, one of them familiar, docked at the base's port. The unfamiliar ship appeared to be similar to the Perth class that had disappeared four years ago. Soon enough, a figure dressed in white stepped off one of the ships and approached us, followed by Atago and a girl who looked somewhat like Brisbane.

The man stopped right in front of us with his companions behind him and saluted. We saluted back as the gentle breeze picked up, blowing his unusually long brown hair around his face. His arm dropped to his side as his face relaxed into a goofy smile. 'I hate formalities,' he said. 'In case you haven't noticed, I'm your new commander.'

I was already intrigued by this man. I had been told that he would be nicer and more relaxed than our previous one but I didn't want to get my hopes up. Admittedly, it was difficult to see him as strict and mean.

The commander caught my attention by winking in my general direction. Immediately, I turned away. Why would he do that? Who was he winking at? It couldn't be me. Maybe Ayanami? She was standing next to me, after all. Why am I overreacting to the commander winking at Ayanami?

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Atago mutter, 'don't worry about Kawakaze; she's not the best at dealing with new people.' Argh! So he was winking at me! Why!?

Calm down, Kawakaze. Stay composed; you can think about this later. Refocus on what's happening.

Luckily, I was able to calm down in time to pay attention to the commander when he started talking to us. 'On the way here I decided to check some recordings of your training after hearing about your performance.' The goofy smile on his face only widened. 'You girls are seriously, seriously cool.'

Leaving us to our thoughts, the commander started to make his way to his office. Just before he disappeared around a corner, he stopped and said to us, 'while I remember, you have today off. No training allowed. None. I've heard that it's been a while since you girls last had a proper break.'

I was definitely interested in the commander. He appeared to be kind and gentle. Understanding and accepting. Relaxed and laid-back. But I wanted to know what he was really like. Our previous commander did something similar; he put up a front to gain our trust. Would this man do the same?

Now with a question that needed an answer, I set off for the commander's office. As calmly and unsuspiciously as possible.

I arrived at the commander's office just in time to watch him walk inside. After waiting a few minutes for good measure, I strolled up to the office door. As calmly and unsuspiciously as possible. I raised my hand to knock on the door before it opened to reveal the commander grinning down at me. 'I was expecting you,' he said.

'How did you know?'

He shrugged. 'Just a hunch. Please, come in.'

The commander and I sat on the couch in his office for a few minutes in complete silence before he asked, 'how are you?'

'Fine,' I answered without hesitation. I didn't expect him to ask. Our old commander never cared. He was watching me expectantly. Maybe he wanted me to ask about him? 'H-how are you?'

Smile widening, the commander responded, 'I'm doing pretty good.'

I nodded and allowed the room to return to silence when I noticed a katana on a display stand on the commander's desk. It looked like it had been through a lot; there were several small chunks taken out of the blade. Despite this, it had been cared for to the point where it could've been brand new. 'Can you use it?' I asked while pointing at the katana.

The commander nodded and said, 'not well enough to spar with any of you.'

'I would like to spar with you.' Why did I say that? He just said he doesn't want to spar with us! Trying to save myself, I hastily added, 'I can tell that you've spent a lot of time practicing and you really care for your katana. That makes you a worthy opponent.'

'Really?' I nodded. 'I would be honoured to spar with you.'

Before I knew it, I was starting to relax and let my guard down. Apparently, I even started smiling.

'You look even prettier when you smile.' Still off guard, I felt my face heat up as I turned away. 'A blushing Kawakaze is really cute.' I wasn't fast enough.

The room became quiet for the third and final time before the commander broke the silence. 'Well, I've got some paperwork to sort out.' He grinned at me again. 'It's been nice chatting with you, Kawakaze. Even if it wasn't for very long.'

After leaving the commander's office, I decided to take a walk before heading back to my room to try to calm down and sort out the mess of thoughts in my head. I ended up wandering around the docks when I found Atago. 'It's been a while, Kawakaze.' I nodded as I joined her on the bench. 'How was your chat with the commander?' I glared at her.

'How did you know?'

'So I guessed right. I only saw you follow him.' Atago winked. 'What did you two talk about? Is he the reason why you're blushing?' Wait. Is my face still warm? This walk was supposed to calm me down!

'Atago!' I gave her a playful shove as she giggled. I can't get used to her teasing; it comes out of nowhere sometimes.

'It's not like you to act on your emotions before thinking.' I noticed Atago's smug expression as I attempted to calm myself down. Again. I'm supposed to be calm and composed. I'm known for remaining calm and composed even in the most difficult battles. 'So, what did the commander say to you?'

My face definitely grew warmer. I didn't want to tell anyone.

'What did he say, Kawakaze?' Did Atago's expression grow smugger?

Sometimes Atago goes a little too far with her teasing. I was getting annoyed, flustered and didn't want to be in this situation. 'He said I'm pretty! Happy?' Ah. I wasn't supposed to do that again.

'He's definitely into you!'

'We barely know each other!'

Atago giggled again. 'I'm only teasing you. But it does sound like he's interested in you.' I shoved her again. 'Sorry, I'll let you regain your composure now.' Before I knew it, it was just me, myself and I on the bench.