The Reunification of Azur lane

A New Home

The shrine maiden stepped into the room, approaching the bed and drawing the attention of the sisters. Her voice conveyed her empathy to their pain.

"You carry much sorrow, however, I sense strength in you both, perhaps far more than you realize."

"Don't you dare tell us that you know how we feel... you have no idea what it's like to lose everything you love in the span of a few hours."

Arleigh sneered, Stout put a hand on her sister's shoulder, attempting to mediate as always.

"Sis... she's only trying to help."

The tension in the room was nearly suffocating, Arleigh's perceived aggression drew Kawakaze to Nagato's side. For a moment, the bitter veteran thought she saw the Kansen's hands linger near her sheathed blades.

"Go ahead, try it, let's see how you stack up against modern steel."

Arleigh growled, her voice laced with poison as she dared the silent bodyguard to draw her swords. Kawakaze's eyes narrowed on the arrogant destroyer, mere moments away from taking her up on the challenge before the younger of the two intervened once again.

"Enough! Please Arleigh, stop it... these people have offered us a chance at finding a home here and maybe, just maybe, a chance of getting back to our future... don't provoke them."

The Burke class destroyer fell silent after hearing her sister's reprimand, sensing the desperation and exhaustion in the younger Kansen's plea. Stout continued the conversation with the shrine maiden after she stifled her sister's aggression.

"I'm sorry for her outbursts... my sister and I have been through more than we can put into words. On behalf of us both, I would like to thank you and the rest of the factions' leaders for your hospitality. Although, I am not convinced that we will be accepted into this... Azur Lane of the past by the others within the alliance."

Stout's somber tone brought down the gloomy atmosphere of the infirmary further, prompting Nagato to think of a way to respond to the crestfallen Kansen before her.

"Acceptance is not a gift easily given, nor is it something that one can demand. If you wish to be seen as allies by the warriors of Azur Lane you will not only have to prove your worth in battle, you will also have to earn the faith and trust of each and every Kansen within our ranks."

Nagato's expression softened before she spoke once more. Her voice was calm and composed as it often was.

"You have endured much, I cannot pretend to know of the weight you both carry. But know this, here, amongst us, strength comes not only from what we wield in battle, it also comes from the bonds we have forged over time and how we stand together in the face of adversity. If what you seek is a place within Azur Lane, then show us that your hearts are as strong as your steel."

Suddenly, the air of the room felt lighter, as if Nagato's speech had paved a clear path for the sisters in this unfamiliar world. Arleigh's eyes shifted between the two foxlike Kansen standing at their bedside before she hesitantly spoke.

"Heh, you're a real smooth talker, I'll give ya that..."

She took a breath, her former aggression ceasing completely. Arleigh relaxed slightly before she continued.

"I don't think we ever got your names, mind tellin us?"

This question further lighten the mood of their conversation, eliciting a small sigh from her sister.

"Always falling asleep in history class..."

Stout grumbled under her breath as her sister defended herself.