Azur Lane: Rebirth

Ch8: Z23

Granted, it's only been three days since Z23 was assigned to take care of me but the awkwardness surrounding our interactions still hasn't dissipated. I've tried everything I can to ease tensions but Roon must be constantly reminding the poor thing of what will happen should anything occur to me because she's remained the most vigilant guard I've ever witnessed and I've lived a whole life in the presence of the Royal Guards of the Royal Navy!

I think I'm starting to understand how Her Majesty felt when...no, she isn't my Queen anymore.  I shouldn't think such things. We're enemies now.

Z23: Are you feeling well, Lady Hood?

Lady Hood? It sounds so wrong...

Me: Can't you simply call me Hood?

Z23: I could never show such disrespect to my senior.

Sigh

Me: Fine, then at least help me out of bed.

Z23: But Lady Vestal made it clear-

Me: Yes, yes. I'm sure it is my life to decide what I will-

Z23: But it's also my duty to ensure you recover.

Completely annoyed at her refusal to cave, I summon one of my main turrets and have it pointed her way. Surprisingly, despite the clear threat, she shows more concern for what will happen to my body than her own safety.

Z23: Please put it away before it starts having a toll on your body! You still haven't recovered!

Me: If you don't get to of my way then I'll fight my way out-

I begin attempting to move to stand but almost as quickly as the decision leaves my brain, pain fires along every nerve within my body causing even the hand holding up the turret to fall limp.

Collapsing back in bed, I regret every decision that brought me to this point including coming back to life even though I had little control over that outcome.

Z23: Lady Hood!

She runs over, panicking over whatever she sees before telling me to stay awake as she runs off to get help. I try telling her not to worry anyone else but she either doesn't hear or ignores my request as she leaves the room.

In what seems like seconds later, Vestal is back in the room, berating me for acting recklessly. I writhe in pain as she hastily removes the bandages around my stomach revealing that I've ripped open the wound once more. Seeing it, causes me to lose consciousness.

...

...

...

Me: Ugggghhh!

Z23: You're awake!

Me: I wasn't trying to cross the border-

Z23: Wha-

I laugh hysterically at her confusion, knowing full well this is merely an author's insert and that truly, I'm still unconscious.

...

...

...

Me: Uggghhhh!

Z23: Lady Vestal! She's waking up!

I wince at the high pitch of her voice but ultimately fail to do anything about it as every single cell in my body accuses me of being the cause of their anguish. The pain quickly subsides, however, and is replaced by the cool sensation of something pressed against my neck.

Vestal: She's stable, for now.

Bismark: Z23, I thought I told you that she shouldn't exert herself!

I listen, waiting on Z23 to defend herself but she simply stands there, head bowed in shame. Only Vestal has noticed that I've fully awakened and am now watching things unfold but she too remains silent.

Bismark: If you're not even capable of watching a bedridden kansen then perhaps you're no longer useful to our war efforts and should just be sent back to the reserves.

Tears begin falling from Z23's eyes and yet, she still doesn't respond.

Tirpitz: Sister, perhaps you're being-

Bismark holds up a hand, silencing her sister before refocusing on the small destroyer all but cowering before her.

Bismark: Do you have anything to say for yourself?

When she still doesn't respond, Bismark turns away, her face writhing in disgust.

Bismark: Pack your things-

Me: Wait!

My chest burns from the effort it takes to shout loud enough that everyone hears me but it proves worth it as I garner their undivided attention.

Me: Don't punish her for my actions.

Bismark: She failed-

Me: She did not fail. I was the one that pushed the issue and even under the threat of being blasted to bits at close range by my turret she still didn't falter in her duty. In that regard, I'd say she's better than any of us in this room.

Bismark: Then why didn't she say something if what you say is true?

Me: Because like any other Kansen would, she blames herself despite the situation being completely out of her control. However, Z23, I think you should hold your head high and not let them walk over you.

Bismark opens her mouth to speak but I cut her off, continuing my speech aimed not at her but at the one responsible for my still being here.

Me: Despite what others might think, you'll always be my hero.

Z23: But-

Me: You saved my life by calling Vestal, didn't you?

Z23: I-

Me: That makes you a hero...my hero.