Azur Lane: Dragon Rising

Ch8: Dance With Me (1)

Enterprise has just suggested that we work together to get better and after considering it for some time, I accept. Surely it can't be worst than staying here all on my own until my body decides it's ready to start moving again. Besides, this way I might get to know her better and find out whether or not she poses a threat to Dalian and me.

Me: Sure but I'm incapable of moving much on my own right now.

She smiles and turns to Vestal who nods and leaves, returning moments later with a wheelchair. Do they really expect me to get in it? I'm much better on this bed right here. Enterprise notices the distasteful look on my face and laughs. Despite my protests, I can't really do much to stop her as she lifts me and places me in it.

Enterprise: It's not that bad. I promise we'll stay away from public places.

When I don't reply, she laughs and tells Vestal that we'll be off before pushing me through the door. I'm surprised she's so jovial. From what the other Dragon Empery girls had told me about her, she's usually a lot more serious. I wonder why the sudden personality change.

Enterprise: Hungry?

The minute she asks, my stomach responds. I lean back to gauge her response and find a massive smile staring back at me. I don't know why but it causes me to laugh and forget my prior anger towards her for not listening to me.

Me: Where are you taking me?

Enterprise: Somewhere to get something to eat.

True to her word, she navigates through the streets taking care to avoid populated areas and before long we're inside a small restaurant. A lady who's seemingly both the waiter and the owner comes over and takes our order. As she leaves, I turn to Enterprise to ask the one thing that has been bugging me since awakening. I know she answered it somewhat before but I need to know more.

Me: Are you sure we've never fought before?

Enterprise: Still haven't regained all your memories?

Me: It's just that I am certain, based on the memories I do have that we've fought.

Enterprise: Well, what do you remember?

Me: I remember there being a battle and that you were there.

Enterprise: Oh. Well, that was the battle you took part in a few hours ago. You fought in it, yes, or rather you were the instigator of sorts but it wasn't between you and me. It was between you and those that had come to attack the base. I arrived afterwords with the others and brought you back here as you had been severely injured.

So we didn't fight after all. I wonder who I fought against then. Was it the SIRENS or girls from Crimson Axis? Before I can ask her, however, the lady returns with our food and we both dig in. Before the food's arrival, I thought I was merely a bit peckish but after the first mouthful, I find myself ravenous.

Enterprise notices I'm eating much faster than I should but doesn't mention it, instead, smiling as I look up to find her staring at me. It's not long before my meal is finished and I feel rejuvenated. In fact, I feel so perfectly fine that I forget about the fact that I was all but paralyzed earlier and stand. To both Enterprise's and my surprise, I stand normally, without issues. Still, it doesn't stop me from swaying a bit as it catches me off guard but Enterprise catches me before I can hit the ground.

Her grip enlightens me, making it clear that I am still hurt as pain rips through my side at the point of contact. She notices and lessens her grip as she helps me up.

Enterprise: Don't push yourself.

Smiling, I use her sturdy frame as my support as I reposition myself until I'm comfortable standing on my own feet. Still, because we didn't plan on me walking, I didn't bring my shoes. Enterprise had recommended them but I couldn't be bothered to wear heels in a wheelchair. I'm pondering what to do in response to this when the thought occurs to me. I watch silently as Enterprise walks over to the lady and pays her. When she returns, however, I propose my plan.