Azur Lane: Konvergenz

Chapter 27: What Lies Beyond

I've confirmed an inbound Eagle Cry - The Sirens are sending all they've got left, give it all you've got. HOLD THE LINE!

It's not... It's not shutting down! SCRAM procedure failure!

Second portal incoming! Same energy signature!

You'll be alright... You'll be alright. We'll get you help... Hamburg! Bring Planet or anyone who can help over here, now!

I did it... though... you all are safe... Did... I?

Stay with me! Please! I...

Hessen's ears were suddenly filled with something completely opposite of what she had just witnessed.

The sounds of warfare, struggle and the cries of comrades were replaced with the chirping of birds and the sounds of the wind caressing the trees, as if she were near a forest.

She slowly opened her eyes, being immediately greeted by rays of sunshine gently filtering through the brilliantly pink sakura petals of cherry trees looming above her.

Instantaneously, she realized that she did not have her rigging on, nor did she knew where she was.
Is this the incident from the very beginning all over again...?

Slowly, she got onto her feet and surveyed her surroundings.
The beautiful cherry blossom trees... The small, sandy path running between them... The atmosphere which was both very serene and ethereal...

Her mind seemed to be a bit out of order, but something still stirred within her.

A memory suddenly surfaced.

Am I... back in the Sakura Empire...?

She proceeded along the exact same, strangely familiar path until she saw an overhang ahead, a bench mounted on top of it to take advantage of the scenery. But in the distance, it seemed as if a figure with an umbrella was already present, calmly taking in the view.

As the frigate approached, the figure in front of her became much more recognizable. The umbrella... the fox ears... the numerous brilliantly brown fox tails...

Is that... Amagi?

She saw how the woman's fox ears in front of her twitched, signifying that she had detected her approach. She slowly turned around, showing a gentle, warm smile when her deep, purple eyes reached her.
"Ah... I see you have quite a journey behind you, young kit... Would you care to join me?"
She gestured to a free spot on the bench next to her.

Hessen complied, sitting down as she took in the familiar view herself. She wondered for a moment why Amagi had called her a 'kit', but she brushed it aside.

Normally, she would have immediately broken down into tears, the memories of what happened plaguing her. Her comrades had been in danger, fighting for their lives - she had given up her life so they could go on. But... what happened after all this? Have they survived, or will they, too, soon join her in this place she ended up in?
With these scenarios rushing through her mind, she expressed a deep-seated, silent sadness full of acceptance.
"So... This is it, isn't it? I... have always wondered how it would feel like to get sunk. But... I wish I could have told everyone one last farewell..."

Amagi continued smiling warmly at her, manipulating four of her nine fluffy fox tails to wrap around the lost frigate, comforting and soothing her worries. Fond memories resurfaced for the kitsune of moments in the distant past when she would do the same for fellow Sakura Empire destroyers.
"Instead of lamenting your past, you should take your final rest you rightfully deserve. I believe that instead of sadness, you should express satisfaction."