To Thaw a Lost Heart

A Step to Reconciliation

Iron Blood or "old home" as Tirpitz perceives it now. It's the nation tied to her existence, but she strays away from its ideals after seeing more of the outside world. This is seen as an "outside influence", but Bismarck surprisingly shows no disapproval of it. A year has passed, and a lot has changed, namely on Tirpitz's side. After all that time, Tirpitz inevitably finds herself back at her fatherland whether she likes it or not.

"Nothing has changed since then....."

Tirpitz gazes at the sky first before turning her attention to the base she once called her home. The north is where she's familiar the most, but she sometimes returns to the mainland when Bismarck isn't making her "guard" a distant fjord.

"I feel nervous all of a sudden. It's like I'm not supposed to be here" Victorious tugs Tirpitz's cape
"To be precise, I'd say not everyone welcomes you here" King George V steps forward
"I kind of expected that....." Victorious awkwardly smiles
"Don't worry much about it. While some Iron Blood ships see you as a nuisance to Tirpitz, Bismarck is more..... open-minded" King George V pats her in the back
"They won't do anything to you so long as you don't go far from my side"

Tirpitz shifts her gaze at Victorious who's still clutching her cape that it's getting wrinkled. At least, she could safely assure Victorious that she's protected so long as she's nearby. Even if Tirpitz doesn't mention it, it should be natural to remember that no one would even harm Victorious because the Royal navy and Iron Blood are both under the Azur Lane faction.

"Look at it this way, they don't want to risk getting Tirpitz's attention" Prince of Wales does her best to comfort Victorious
"I don't want to treat Tirpitz like an attack dog or as a shield" Victorious lets go of Tirpitz
"There's no problem with that. I won't allow threats near you"

Tirpitz gently puts her hand on top of Victorious' head as the only way she could think of comforting the anxious aircraft carrier. There are two Royal knights with them as extra precaution, but Victorious swallows her breath to ease her trembling.

"Please don't turn anyone into a popsicle. Last time you got pissed off, they nearly had to amputate someone's leg off" King George V stands in front of Tirpitz
"That's their fault" Tirpitz only tilts her head
"Isn't that a bit cold-hearted towards your fellow Iron Blood ships" Prince of Wales crosses her arms
"......" Tirpitz immediately turns to stare at her
"Eh?"

Tirpitz doesn't even say anything, so Prince of Wales is somewhat nervous and puzzled as to why Tirpitz eyes her as a predator staring down at her prey. There's no emotion to distinguish it, just Tirpitz's usual stoic expression, but Prince of Wales' instincts screams of danger.

"Anyhow, you and Victorious must separate for now. The arrangement is for Bismarck and Victorious to have a private meeting while Tirpitz has her checkup done by Neumark" King George V clears her throat
"I know it's arranged, but do I have to be really alone in a room with Bismarck?" Victorious profusely sweats
"Wales is going to accompany you....by standing outside the room" King George V cheerfully pats Victorious' shoulders
"That's not comforting at all!" Victorious nearly screams
"We won't even stay long here. I prefer to leave as soon as I get what I need"

Tirpitz stares at what's in front of her instead. Right before the four of them is the "main building" of the base, where most offices are located including Bismarck's private office. Only a year has passed, so Tirpitz's memory of the last time she stepped on her homeland is as fresh as it is unpleasant.

"Do you think Bismarck will find a loophole to make her stay?" Prince of Wales whispers to King George V
"I don't think Bismarck is in a hurry. My concern is whether they'll use Victorious as a leverage" King George V whispers back
"I'm worried that they might hurt Victorious in any way" Prince of Wales faintly groans
"Trust me, Iron Blood isn't that reckless. Tirpitz's condition is volatile and the last time she got provoked, she nearly turned this base into a frozen wasteland"
"That's not really reassuring since it sounds like they see Tirpitz as a threat that needs to be controlled....." Prince of Wales couldn't hold her displeasure
"No, it's a matter of misunderstanding. They don't understand that it's Victorious keeping Tirpitz in line"