Azur Lane: Return of Davis

Chapter 43: Solemn Memories

June 11, 1942

Heather: <<< Those bastards...! >>>

I look to the beauty on the other end of this connexion (I think that is what this is called...).

'It's spelled "connection;" connexion is archaic.'

'Huh. The English language has changed a bit since my time.'

'Naturally. It's been like 200+ years since your era.'

"Heather, who did this to you?"

Heather, slipping into her more natural English accent: <<< It was that bastard Kennedey! He left Captain John Roberts to die and killed Philemon Ray. They tried to sell me! Abandon me! >>> Heather grips her head in anguish. <<< Howell... It just wasn't the same without you. I missed you, love. >>>

I look down using this body. "...You will keep missing me."

Heather: <<< Huh? >>>

I look back up with this body. "This body isn't mine. It's Jason's. He has his own life that he must live with this body, and I am dead. No matter how much I would like to spend quality time with you on the seven seas once again, it is impossible. Either I strip Jason of his life, or he strips me of mine. And I have lived my life."

Heather: <<< Howell... Howell, no! Please! >>> The woman who once claimed I'd be her husband breaks down, tears flowing down her eyes. <<< I don't want to lose you again! Please! >>>

"Jason will continue my existence as my proxy. I will still exist in his mind, but I will not try to take over." I contort the face to make a warm smile. "I will be going back to sleep for a while."

Heather, her tears staining what little makeup she's wearing: <<< No... Please... >>>

With one last push of effort, I smile, my spirit body exiting Jason's for but a moment.

"I love you, Heather. Until next time."

And with that, I return to the sea of Jason's mind, where I was this entire time, at rest.

--

Sensation floods my mind as I regain control of my body again. I shake my head before looking at the countertop. I sigh before looking back at the hologram.

Empress, or rather, Heather: <<< Howell...? >>>

I simply shake my head.

'Smooth moves, Howell, you fuck. You left me alone with a crying woman who thought you were dead for the longest time. I hope we can find a way for you to inhabit a separate body so I can beat your ass in real life. You dip.'

I don't hear any thoughts back, so Howell must actually be asleep. Asshole.

"...October 18, this year."

Heather: <<< ...What? >>>

"I'm heading to the Atlantic, but to do so, I need to cross mainland America. I'll be at Port Angeles that day. We can meet there, in the forest. Say... 3 mikes due south from the Ocean View Cemetary?"

Heather: <<< ...Why would you tell me this? >>>

A slight smile appears on my face. "Howell forced me in this position, so I'll force him to rectify it. In person."

'Jason! You prick!'

"What say you?"

Heather: <<< ...Done. I'll be sure to be there. October 18? >>> I nod, and she gives a thumbs up.