The Doctor of Azur Lane [UNDER REVISION] / (Wattys 2024)

Aftermath

A void once again... Here I am in this dreamscape, seems I pushed myself too far. I summon a table and a couple chairs. Might as well get some drinks too I'm expecting company.

??? "Ah! Welcome back brother! We didn't even spend a week without seeing each other did you really miss me that much?"

"Ah go fuck yourself Ryū. But yea I got pushed a little too far as I'm still healing from the last bout.. I didn't expect them to fight us so soon."

He chuckled and takes a drink

Ryū: "Yea i noticed. So you and that Empress chick huh? My big brother finally finding love after... Sarina..."

Both of our moods went dark...

"I still love her. But even I know staying hung up on the past leads to you being blind to the future."

He solemnly looks down

Ryū: "Plus I think Sis would be happy you found someone again. I know she wouldn't want you to be hung up either. But that's not the point of this.. You know what's coming right?"

"Yea.. I know... and I will be fucking damned if anyone gets killed. I failed to protect her, this time I'm stronger, wiser, and have the strength to protect them. And I'm not afraid for help like I was.. "

He raises his glass, toasting me to my growth of character.

Ryū: "I'm glad you've grown brother." He looks at me smiling softly before he goes in and out of focus "Your waking Kaiser. Time to get up and smell the ashes."

He disappears.. much as he gets on my nerves he's still my brother. I get ready to wake, already preparing my senses for the new load of information.

*Waking World*

Kaiser begins to stir, unnoticed by the sleeping empress latched onto his arm. He slowly opens his eyes as not to blind himself this time, first thing he noticed was Kaiserin.. she must have been worried sick, he felt bad for that..

"Darlin, time to wake up now." He softly coos and he brushed her hair from her eyes, he hears a soft moan of protest before he sees her open her eyes in shock

"Love! Your awake?!" She semi yells while hugging the man.

"Kept ya waiting huh? Sorry about the scare Darlin. I didn't expect that fight to take my energy so much..." he embraces her and softy kisses her forehead.

"Don't... don't ever scare me like that again... I thought I lost you once.. I really don't want to lose you for real.." her voice a quiver near a cry

I continue to hold her, assuring her I'm not going to leave anytime soon.

It was a few minutes of me holding her before someone walked in. And it was none other than the commander

"Ah Kaiser your awake. Good to see you made a recovery" she sits on one of the chairs in the room.

"Yea it's gonna take a helluva lot more than
That to put me down, how's the girls and base?"

She relaxed a bit before explaining

"Nobody on our side was seriously injured. Akagi is cuffed and bound in a cell with Kaga not far, but she has staunchly refused to do anything. And Bismarck... Shes worried for you. Guess you beating her made an impression. Shes in a holding cell, has not been bound though. Seems she's really convinced on not pissing you or Kaiserin off."

I abruptly sit up, seeing myself shirtless again.

Valentina looks at my torso, i take It she never saw my scars...

"Kaiser... your scars... what, or who did this to you?"

I turn to face her

"Simple really: I did this to myself..."