Sandplay Therapy/Opened Azur Sandbox

1.
I need to be faster...！
Faster,faster,faster, even faster……！
………
――Why now
Why, why did「this」had to happen……！！
…………
Commander……
Please be safe……！

Victorious: This is annoying！Everyone, focus on avoiding the incoming fire！
Baltimore: Enemy aircraft from the northeast! Maintain anti-aircraft firepower and keep the flagship and commander safe!
San Diego: Come at me as maaaaaaany times you want！

Union・NP City
-The harbor was surrounded by a sea of fire and smoke.
Housings, warehouses, bunkers and docks ... Various place where people lived got caught up in the Siren attack, were burned up and exploding,
The appearance of the carrier planes of the Sirens in the red-black-stained sky-
It was as if they were laughing at how fragile the extent of human power was....

Hornet: We won't beat the Siren fleet by hiding here, we need to strike back！
Baltimore: Hornet, the tactical analysis is still not complete……
Hornet: Don't worry about me！Go shore up the defensive line, Baltimore！
……
A few hours ago――
Hornet: We will reach NP city soon！Commander！
Victorious: Hmmm, I didn't think I would come to the mainland again under such circumstances.
A few days ago, I received an letter ordering me to a very important meeting in the Union mainland.
This is why I had led our fleet to come over here
Victorious: …「Will decide the fate of future operations」Just what on earth was this meeting about…？
Hornet: Ohh！Let's hurry on, they have already come to take us in!
Victorious: Oh my, where are your manners! You must be more graceful when greeting people!
Hornet: Oh, nobody told Victorious about this?
Hornet: E-chan will be returning to the docks here after coming back from a regular sortie！
Victorious: Oh my, the Hero of the Union, Enterprise? I look forward to meeting her.
（Seems like they were not notified of Enterprises emergency mission…）
Baltimore: Aha, what is that noise on the horizon! Is that Hornets voice I am hearing?
Hornet: Baltimore, long time no see!
Hornet: Ah, commander, let me introduce to her. This nice lady in front of you is Baltimore, known as the「The Handsome Stylish Onee-san」！
Baltimore: Hornet, there you go with your usual jokes.... I am just Baltimore. I will be under your care, commander.
Baltimore: I am the flagship of the NP City Defense  Fleet. I am responsible for your guidance during this stay.
Baltimore: Although this place is a bit cramped due to being a military port, there is a famous resort nearby.
Baltimore: I can introduce you to some nice spots there. Please don't to call me.  So, just relax and be sure to make some unforgettable memories~…

……………………
Even though this was our strongest fortress……
「Get out of here, this place will fall soon!」
No, I will not do that...
「At least, when sinking I can be with those girls……」
「Cough Cough…that promise I made with you…… things ended up like this…」
……
War, as cruel as ever……

2.
I was awakened by the voices of Baltimore and Victorious。
……Apparently, when I arrived in NP City the Siren attack began and due to the confusion they lost track of me.
Baltimore: Commander, I am very sorry. It turns out the Union radar defense system is offline.
Baltimore: A surprise Siren attack has partially destroyed NY City and all surrounding facilities have been completely devastated.
Baltimore: The evacuation, search and rescue operations are all underway but unless the enemy airstrikes and bombardments are stopped the situation won't improve.
Victorious: Indiscriminate bombings…！
Victorious: Well, I guess I understand the unpreparedness. This area is far from the frontlines.
Victorious: But even if the patrol fleets failed to spot them how did such a massive enemy fleet penetrate so deep in our lines without raising the alarms…？
Baltimore: Worrying about such will not help now. Let's do this later.
Baltimore: Hornet went off to search for the Siren main base on the open seas but the numbers too skewed against her.
Baltimore: ……Any anyway, we can't let the ones who dared to attack the union mainland off the hook so easily, can we.
Baltimore: And that's why I am asking for your permission to launch a counter-attack, commander！

3.
Victorious: I found the location of where Hornet went and the Siren fleet ！
Baltimore: Excellent work！It's time to go to her and do my best！
Victorious: Ah, wait a bit！
Victorious: I know the spirits are high in the union base Hornets efforts but please don't forget about me. I will accompany you.
Victorious: Commander, I will be going with them now！

4.
Hornet: I won't let you do as your please！
Hornet: I will send you back flying to the horizon――――！！！
Baltimore: Yelling at these emotionless mass production sirens won't do you any good other than relieving some stress...
Baltimore: So, do you need any help mopping them up？
Victorious: Haaa,haaaa(panting) you were so fast... everyone seems to be fine！
Baltimore: Oh no, I am sorry about that. I was just too worked up by that infectious spirit Hornet showed earlier.
Hornet: Commander, the girls... is NP City OK？
Victorious: Siren extermination and rescue operations are all going well. All thanks to you here.
Hornet: That's a relief...well, I believed you guys would come for me, I could give everything I had to the fight because of that！
Hornet: The only thing left is the enemy command. If they are destroyed then the rest of the mass production types should scatter!
Baltimore: Hornet, your condition is.... can you still fight？
Hornet: The more effort we give now the easier the situation will be when we go back！ This level of damage is nothing to worry about!
Baltimore: ……That settles it then. Sirens, you will pay dearly for the sins you have committed today！

5.
Baltimore: This is the end for you！
Hornet: …………（Fall....
Victorious: Hornet, get yourself together！As I thought, it was a bad idea for you to continue in such condition…
Hornet: Sorry about that, just the tiredness made me a bit light headed……
Baltimore: Leave the rest to us and the commander。Commander, about Hornets evacuation……
We instructed our destroyer escorts to evacuate Hornet to NP City。
With the destruction of the Siren command their lines are starting to collapse and the rest of the sweep is just a matter of time。
Even so, to think they managed to carry out such a massive raid into the union heartland...
Baltimore: As instructed by the commander, the remaining fleets will move to NY City while performing rescue operations.
Baltimore: After meeting up with the main fleet located in NY City we can rest and repair. After that the operation to locate the rest of siren resistance will begin――

「Announcement to all fleets in the surrounding waters of NY City」
「At this moment, the Port of NY City is under siege by the main fleet of the Sirens」
「The defensive line is collapsing, the NY City is about to fall」
「Therefore, the rendezvous command is rescinded. Destruction of the Siren fleets around NY City is now the top priority to far off fleets」
「To all Azur Lane fleets in the nearby area, support the evacuation and rescue operation in NY City as soon as your can」
「Provide emergency relief to NY City----」

6.
Union、Defensive line near NY City

Juneau: N-no way, how did they reach the Union mainland……
Juneau: Atlanta-nee-san…I am so scared……。
Birmingham: Found you.
Juneau: Hiayh！？
Birmingham: Juneau, calm down. I am... Birmingham.
Juneau: Oh, Birmingham…… I was sacred that the Sirens reached this far...
Birmingham: Don't be afraid. The line around NY City is holding strong. They can't reach here so easily.
Juneau: You are right…I, I was just being too nervous...
Birmingham: Don't worry about it, somethings things like this happen. No one expected the sirens to appear so suddenly.
Birmingham: How is the evacuation work going?？
Juneau: Y-yes, it's basically completed. Now they are under the escort of Dewey and Aylwin until they reach to NY Harbor…
Juneau: I wish Atlanta-nee-san was here…
Birmingham: Cleveland-aneki…… No, I can not hide behind my sister forever
Juneau: Birmingham…？
Birmingham: We should be able to do just fine under these circumstances. ... Juneau, try to take some deep breaths.
Juneau: Suuuーーwahーーーsuuーーwahーーー……l-like this？
Birmingham: So, do you feel a bit calmer？
Juneau: Ah, yes.... Birmingham, Thank you.
Birmingham: That's fine, don't worry about it. Soon, we will drive the sirens away from this place. Juneau, will you come with me？
Juneau: Y-yes！Atlanta-class light cruiser Juneau will join in this endeavor!

7.
Birmingham: It's weird.... the enemies were just too weak.
Birmingham: Even though this is not part of the port, it's still part of the defensive line.
Birmingham: We are still close to the NP City after all、unless……
Birmingham: ……！！！！
（BOOOOOM!）
Birmingham: What was that now……！？
Juneau: A high level Siren appeared！
Purifier: Ahahahaha! Chao～♪
Birmingham: That's… Purifier！
Birmingham: Juneau, retreat to the harbor！ We are no match for this threat!

8.
Sea Port near NY City

NY Port is the largest port of the Eagle Union, with the most advanced port equipment and the most complete supporting facilities.
In addition to its important geographical position, since the beginning of the Azur Lane alliance, the fleet command for the entire NA sea area operation has been set up in NY Harbor.
And it's the Long Island Defense line that is responsible for protecting the NY headquarters and surrounding affiliated facilities.
Strong fortifications, large caliber fortress guns, adequate supply of ammunition, plus a number of military ports and home defense fleets along the coastline.
This is a solid defensive line.
This line of defense helps humans resist the most insane offensives of Sirens in the darkest of times.
This is a line of defense that will never fall, as long as everything is still on track.
Because of the betrayal of the Crimson Axis, the NY Command has to increasingly operate most of the defensive fleets around the world in order to cope with the increasingly dangerous situation.
Perhaps, this centralization was part of the Sirens plan all along.
Anyway, there is much uncertainty here.
The defeat of the Union, and thus the Azur Lane, will not only affects the balance of power among the world powers, but also breaks the stalemate with the Sirens which may lead to a resumption of their wide-scale offensives.
Therefore, Commander, there is only one path out of this peril....

Victorious: Such a scene... Commander, what should we do now？
Baltimore: Sirens…you will pay for this…！


9.
Dewey: Farragut-class destroyer Dewey! It's an honer to meet you!
Aylwin: I am also a Farragut class destroyer, Aylwin. I am also reporting for duty.
Victorious: Were you the ones assigned to the defensive line near NY City？
Dewey: Yes! We were...
Baltimore: What was the situation back there?
Dewey: The attacking fleet successfully attracted the attention of Sirens, and we were able to take the opportunity to break out with the wounded...
Aylwin: But there were was nowhere to withdraw to, The NY Harbor has been surrounded, and the sea is full of the Sirens
Aylwin: What could just the two of us..
Dewey: If the commander is here...surely you are going to help us！
Baltimore: Ah, the commander is fine. Now, lets get this crisis over with.
Victorious: The Goddess of Victory is with us! You two, closely follow behind the fleet.
Dewey: Oh, earlier I received a message from Juneau-san and Birmingham that they made contact with a high level Siren!
Dewey: Commander, Please save them！

10.
Birmingham: Damn it...I can't move any more..
Juneau: Birmingham, please hold it together!
Purifier: Ohh, seems like I get play a lot this time？Are you listening to me, nobodies？
Juneau: P-please don't come any closer!
Purifier: Th-e-n d-o-n-t point that gun at me while wearing such a crying face～
Purifier: If you keep quite and nice I might forget about your existence, you know?
Purifier: Tiny insignificant things like you don't remain in my memory anywaaa~y!
Birmingham: Juneau, it's okay... please forget about me and runaway, quick....!
Juneau: No...! I won't abandon my friends! Or surrender to the enemy...!
Baltimore: Exactly! You said that right!
Dewey: Everyone... we were able to reach them in time！
Juneau: Dewey-chan! Why did you come back... ah, it's the commanders fleet!
Birmingham: We are saved……
Baltimore: Both of you did an excellent job. I am impressed that you could hold your own against such an opponent for such a long time.
Baltimore: So, it was Purifier, huh? Enough bullying, your true opponents are here!
Purifier: Aha☆Bingo! As observer said doing this would make you all scurry out here～
Purifier: While the Protagonist is not yet here... all of you are invited to have a front-row seat with me as the fun starts!!

11.
Baltimore: Damn! There should be a limit to how sturdy one can be! Just die already!
Purifier: Oh no how scraaaryyyy！Though I gotta ask, do you lot really have time to play fight with me here? It's about time your guys back there are defeated.
Victorious: ...! Commander, NY City will....!
Juneau: No, I will be your opponent... this is as far as you will go!
Purifier: ?!!
（BOOOM）
Purifier: Attacked my engine from behind!?... Damn, this little girl g-got m....!
Baltimore: Time to say your last words before I send you to the after world!
Juneau: I, I did it!
Birmingham: Juneau, you were superb.
Juneau: O-oh, it's too embarrassing to receive praise...

With that done everyone is instructed to rush to NY City and handle the situation.
As for the [Protagonist] Purifier was talking about...

12.
NY City, Approximately at the same time

Long Island: W-what should we do! The sirens have completely broken through the line!!
Langley: Not only the mass produced models but also the siren "dolls" are here in large numbers!
Bogue: We are receiving emergency requests of assistance from NP city too!
San juan: Damn it...! With this amount of enemy air power our AA positions are getting overwhelmed! They can't hold out!
Saratoga: Annoying! They just keep coming one after another! This is not just a sneak attack, this is an offensive!
Long Island: Uuuu... I can't get in contact with either the commander or Enterprise!
Saratoga: Mumumu.... this jamming is giving really bad vibes to Saratoga-chan....
Vestal: Saratoga-chan, we are in the Headquarters of NY City, you shouldn't say things like that...!
Saratoga: Everyone calm down! Ausburne, can you take a small fleet and scout out the situation!
Charles Ausburne: Roger! Justice is on our side!
Foote ＆ Aulick: Yeahhhh\Yeahhhh!
Bataan: Ah, um... Is there something I can do...?
Saratoga: Bataan-chan! Could you go check on the condition of the defensive line?
Saratoga: Langley, Bogue, follow me. We'll wrest air superiority from those Sirens! We won't have the usual fleet support but hey, what can you do~
Saratoga: （…………）
Saratoga: （Everyone, please be careful and safe...）
Saratoga: Let's go! We'll show those Sirens what happens when you mess with the Eagle Union!

13.
Saratoga: Phew... No more Siren signals on the radar. Saratoga-chan wins again~!!
Langley: The scout planes report that new enemies are approaching the southeast！
Saratoga: They just don't stop!
Bogue: Saratoga-chan, look out...!
Saratoga: Eh, they didn't attack…?
Langley: Did they just dive down just to... scare us?
Saratoga: (No, that's not it..)
Bogue: New spotting at 11 o'clock！
Langley: What, there is no radar signature!
Saratoga: （……Enterprise!?）

14.
NY City, Surrounding area

Victorious: The defenders are still holding out. Looks like we've made it in time.
Tester: One minute and thirty-five seconds ahead of schedule. Revising combat rating assessment.
Baltimore: "Tester", huh? Looks like the sirens are really going all out this time.
Baltimore: ……It's impressive that you managed to reach this far into the mainland, Siren. I can not underestimate you.
Tester: Eagle Union Heavy Cruiser, Baltimore. Standard displacement: 17000 tons. Three triple 8-inch guns. Anti-air specialization....
Baltimore: It seems you did your homework right. You know quite a lot about your opponent who will defeat you.
Baltimore: Apparently, you are the one in change of the Siren fleet here.
Tester: ...Once we defeat you, we will guide NY City and Commander down the true path.
Baltimore: That's what I wanted to say. One we defeat you this area will be safe again.
Baltimore: Your Sirens indiscriminately attack people and all the denizens of the ocean in your madness. For the sake of Justice, we will defeat you.
Tester: Fufufu, you are talking about [Justice], tools born for the sake of war and slaughter？
Tester: You would even strike down your allies without hesitation if the humans ordered you to.
Tester: Mere weapons like you talking about [Human] things like freedom, justice - how absurd.
(Boooom）
Baltimore: Oh, you sure had a lot to say. I have my own reasons for pursuing this path.
Baltimore: Using my power to protect  those who I love - That is my Justice!

15.
Baltimore: Damn it...! My 8-inch guns aren't enough to penetrate her armor...!
Tester: Are you done? What happened to that speech from before?
Baltimore: Not yet...
Baltimore: You seem to have overlooked something, Siren.
Baltimore: Did you think that we'd blindly challenge a dangerous enemy like you without any preparations?
Baltimore: You're exactly where Commander wanted you to be!

Commander: Alabama, now!! Blast her with the Super Heavy Shells!

Tester: What?!

KABOOM!!
KABOOM!!
Tester: Long-distance barrages from a 16-inch battery...?!
KABOOM!!

Baltimore: So, how was that? Did you like the taste of those Super Heavy Shells?
Alabama: Did I hit her?...It's quite far from here, I can't observe the impacts...
Baltimore: No, it was a direct hit. Well done.
Alabama: No(quietly)... it was only possible due to Baltimore's guidance.
Tester: ... ....
Tester: Sacrifice and suffering of this degree - when compared evolution and progress it brings - is nothing more than a mere droplet in the ocean. The salvation granted in the end pales before the desolation wrought through the means.
Baltimore: Evolution and progress? Why does that even matter to you?
Baltimore: You are nothing more than a crazy bringer of havoc, an enemy to all of humanity.
Tester: So much ignorance, so much hatred. Just keep barraging your opponent with such negative emotions... this falls within the expected behavior of this test subject.
Victorious: Ahhhh, I have had enough of you! Stop talking in riddles! It's always about this sacrifice, that evolution, such an such experiment, this and that ignorance - I don't know what you are even talking about!
Victorious: You appear without warning, attack on a whim, say whatever you want and then just disappear without an closer!?
Victorious: Just try to communicate normally without going on about inane things!
Tester: ... ... ......
Baltimore: V-Victorious...
Saratoga: Saratoga-chan has arrived! Commander, I have come to cheer you on!
Saratoga: Hehe~! Tester, while you were having your chitchat, this Saratoga-chan have beaten up all your minions!
Saratoga: Just quietly surrender like a good girl!
Tester: That's true... I suppose I've said too much.
Tester: But too bad for you. It's time.

KABOOM!!
KABOOM!!

Baltimore: Another enemy airstrike?! Wait, this is a Corsair! Saratoga, what are you doing?!
Saratoga: Awawawawa! Those aren't Saratoga's planes, though!!
Baltimore: What's going on? Commander, quickly contact the other ships...!
Transmitter: Zazaza...
Victorious: Our radio communications are down! We're going to be surrounded by sirens at this rate...
Victorious: Wait, are you trying to run away?!
Baltimore: What did you do? Tester!
Tester: Fufufu, the experiment has just begun. Just like that person said---
Tester: This is not a "reproduction" of your "history," but it is your "Story" ((might mean play/novel too)). Do your part well, my little "Actors."
Baltimore: Ahhhh...! She disappeared in a flash...!
Saratoga: The Siren fleets are withdrawing all around us. The only ones left are the ones who were attacking NY Harbor!
Saratoga: The corsair came from that way... Maybe it's some kind of secret message from an ally who got surrounded!
Saratoga: Hey! Whoever you are, Saratoga-chan is coming to help!
Saratoga: ....eh.....
Baltimore: No... impossible...

... ...
It was an incredible scene.
There "she" was, standing quietly in the midst of the Siren fleet.
That figure, it was almost as if...

??(Dark Takao): It will be completed soon.
????(Edgy E): ....Ah.
??: And you're sure that the target is... that [person]?
????: ...Yes. I can feel that persons presence.
??: But, are you really ready to do this? "She" will be there...
????: I have forsaken any regrets.
??: All that have transpired, has been to fulfill the wish of [■■■].
??: ..Now then, [I] ((拙者, very old school and warrior style)) should get back to finishing my part.
??: Those who were awakened by our Master, as yet un-burnt [Embers]----

16.
"We found Moby Dick at dawn yesterday, and now, another dawn has arrived."
"The dawn of today is the same as yesterday's, but now we have lost sight of Moby Dick."
"Of course, everyone understands that we and Moby Dick will meet again."
"Otherwise this story will not end"
"And the story, whether it is comedy or tragedy, should have its end."

Operation Area - Bermuda Triangle

Essex: Ugh... We are done for...! This was the Sirens' trap after all!
Essex: Victorious! Shangri-La!
Victorious: We've lost communication with the special task forces!
Shangri-La: The enemies are several times more numerous than the intelligence report claimed....
Shangri-La: We've been completely surrounded...

KABOOM- -!!

NY City - Wharf

Enterprise: For the timely arrival I express my gratitude to all of you. I'll be providing the mission briefing.
Enterprise: As we all know, a large Sirens raided NY City just a week ago. Currently, NY City is still mostly out of operation.
Enterprise: However, due to the Commander's effective leadership of the fleet, the damages were lot less than predicted.
Enterprise: During the time of the attack, many of us, including Cleveland and myself, were unable to come to the defense of the harbor due to Sirens jamming of our communications.
Enterprise: In addition, the Radar defense system around NY City was temporarily disabled by the Sirens.
Enterprise: In such circumstances we can not expect a sufficient defense against another similar attack.
Enterprise: As such, Headquarters has submitted a proposal - that we [Strike the Siren base] instead of trying to mount a futile defense. Commander will be joining us in this operation.
Enterprise: We've determined that the most likely location for the Siren  base is in the [Bermuda Triangle].
Enterprise: There is ample evidence to support this conclusion. When the Sirens' attack began, abnormal weather - such dark columns of clouds rising from the ocean surface - were spotted in this area.
Enterprise: Additionally, strong electromagnetic readings have been detected from that area, similar to when the "Winter's Crown" Singularity formed near the Northern Parliament sea area.
Enterprise: When the [Winter's Crown] singularity appeared all of Northern Parliament and allied forces in the area were required to contain the situation, therefore, if we are faced with a similar threat again then NY City might not survive the predicament.
Enterprise: The primary goals of our operation are to find and destroy the Sirens' main base, secure the maritime routes of NY City on the eastern seaboard, and finally...
Enterprise: Victorious, could you kindly explain what a "Singularity" is.
Victorious: I am Victorious, a carrier from the Royal Navy. I accompanied Commander to NY City in order to participate in a strategic meeting.... some of you might know me as "Robin."
Victorious: Anyways...! I will be joining as an adviser in this operation, representing the Royal Navy, an ally of the Union!
Enterprise: "Cough"... Victorious, the explanation...
Victorious: Ack! My apologies!
Victorious: [Winter's Crown], [Winter's Crown] ... The best way to describe it is as an area of anomalous weather, similar to the Mirror Seas. I first encountered one during an operation with Duke of York.
Victorious: Similar to a Mirror Sea, we experienced significant electromagnetic disruption to our communications equipment. About half our fleet lost radio contact temporarily, and a variety of other electronic equipment were also disabled.
Victorious: Without being able to utilize radar, it became very difficult for us to control our aircraft. We had to rely on experience - and at times, sheer luck and gut feelings.
Victorious: Us Royals attempted to conduct reconnaissance operations inside the Crown, but we would lose our observation planes and balloons as soon as they entered, as if they were getting absorbed the expanding cloud.
Victorious: However, this [Bermuda] Singularity is a bit different.
Victorious: We are still able to see into the area, meaning that we will be able to visually confirm and direct any combat that happens inside.
Victorious: In other words, we will approach from here⁠—
Enterprise: If we are able to destroy the core, we can stop the spread of this singularity.
Enterprise: In this mission, Essex, Baltimore, and I will each lead a fleet into the Bermuda.
Enterprise: Our final objective is to stop this singularity from forming!
Enterprise: In addition, the Commander will go to the front-lines with us and will be providing tactical command from his flagship.
Enterprise: Everyone, I wish you the best of luck.

Commander: Operation [BM], commencing!

17

Victorious:
There's six.. seven... no, more siren fleets surrounding us!

North Carolina:
Looks like the sirens came well prepared.

Enterprise:
The singularity has the power to change the course of the war. We know this, and the sirens understand that.
Enterprise:
When the sirens created the singularity, we were left no other choice.

Washington
Though they may try and stop us, we can only charge forwards and break through the danger.

Saratoga:
Hmph! Looks like it's time for the sirens to taste Sister Sara's pent up anger!

18

Enterprise:
Strange, though the may appear numerically superior, their combat power was lower than expected.
Enterprise:
Since the start of the battle we have not sighted one elite siren.
Enterprise:
In their place we find these dolls that bear our semblance.

Victorious:
Regardless of appearance, they're just soulless fakes...
Victorious:
Charging as us mindlessly like that...
Victorious:
It's making me sick even without getting hit!
Victorious:
Ah, ah, ah! I wanted to let the sirens experience my usual grace, but it's difficult to forgive them even if they surrendered on the spot!

Enterprise:
...Ah!
As expected of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier, showing perseverance in such unusual environment.
Enterprise:
Cough, cough.. Commander, the other fleets are moving along smoothly, we should proceed too.


19

Baltimore(?):
....

Victorious:
The real Baltimore is a thousand times stronger than you!
Victorious:
Wretched doll, sink into the icy cold oceans with your siren masters.
Victorious:
Hmhm♪ With this, the seas are clear. ~Commander~
Victorious:
Commander?

[Ah...
It's just a little headache, it's fine.]

Saratoga:
Commander's been acting strange ever since we've entered the waters of Bermuda.
This place makes people feel uneasy, and..
(I'm occasionally hearing voices in my head..)
Saratoga:
Could Commander be entranced by the siren's song?  Even though little sister Sara is here!

[I'm fine]

Looks like the situation is worsening. Let's move ahead.

20

Bermuda Triangle · Third Fleet's Battle zone

Shangri-La:
Judging from photographs, it appears the sirens number in the double digits around our surrounding waters.
If we went by numbers, we are at an extremely disadvantageous position.

Essex:
Even though we're only a diversionary force, the sirens have managed to amass such huge numbers to engage us..
Essex:
I wonder how Enterprise-senpai in the main force  is doing..
Essex:
However.. any enemies we manage to distract over here will ease the pressure put on Enterprise-senpai's group.

Shangri-La:
(Hurriedly scribbles something in her book)

Essex:
W-wait, hold on a second! What did you suddenly remember?

Shangri-La
Please pay me no heed. I'm merely recording the ship's log.

Essex:
「Even when surrounded by enemy fleets, Essex continues to worry about Enterprise-senpai's safety」 ?!!
Hey, Hey!
Essex:
I-I had properly pondered over our strategy too.

Shangri-La:
I understand, I'll make sure to record the pose Essex is making too.
Shangri La:
Though I had hoped to be more prepared before making battle, unfortunately soldiers don't get to choose their battlefields..
Shangri La:
The wind is with us, so let the sirens witness the power of freedom.

21.
Essex: All right, we are done here.
Shangri-La: I managed to collect a lot of combat data in such bad weather. Once we get back, I'm going to have to analyze it...
Shangri-La: Speaking of which, did you know that the Bermuda area has been notorious for it's bad weather since ancient times?
Shangri-La: Some of humankind's first records of this is filled with testimonies describing sudden storms that filled the entire sky.
Shangri-La: And then these storms would persist for several days at a time. Only the most skilled navigators could hope to weather these terrible storms.
Essex: Could it be that you think that the Sirens have been lurking here for hundreds of years?!
Essex: No no, that's just too absurd!
Shangri-La: Perhaps. Maybe I am coming at from a weird angle.
Shangri-La: I just think that it's hard to deny the relationship between the Sirens and the strange phenomena we've been observing around the oceans.
Shangri-La: We know that the "singularity" is capable of causing widespread anomalies. The Mirror Seas can manifest illusionary landscapes into reality, and the Sirens are known to possess rigging in the image of marine organisms.
Shangri-La: Rather than being some foreign and unknown entities perhaps the sirens embody our very concept of the [Seas].
Essex: Sirens... what in the world are they...?
Essex: Once this operation is over I think I will request the commander to start an investigation to see whether these weather phenomenons can give us some leads or not.
Essex: I couldn't help but worry about it. Let's continue our advance towards the center of this storm!

22.
Operational Area - Bermuda

Enterprise: Commander, all the fleets are progressing smoothly. We are advancing as planned to the center of the abnormal weather.
North Carolina: Doesn't it feel like we are encountering fewer and fewer Siren forces as we push towards the center?
Victorious: ...Maybe they spent most of their forces on the attack from before.
Victorious: Whatever the reason might be, I am glad to have less enemies to fight.
Enterprise: Commander, I'm a bit interested in that additional objective. That is, to [Investigate the identity of the mysterious Kansen].

Commander: ...I agree.

Enterprise: That's why North Carolina and Washington are with us. They say that they have seen this mysterious ship during their last excursion into the Mirror Seas.
Enterprise: When that ship attacked NY City, it was said that the silhouette of her rigging's resembled [Mine]...
Enterprise: Commander has also seen that ship. For all three of us to be assembled in this fleet, it can be said that our true purpose is to meet her face-to-face.
Enterprise: I am sorry for not informing you earlier, Washington.
Washington: ...I don't really mind or care.
Washington: That mysterious person fought against the elites of the Sirens back then but they clearly aren't on our side either.
Washington: If what Saratoga and Commander said about her being allied with the Sirens during their attack on NY City is true, then we will have to be prepared for a confrontation.
Enterprise: That's right... We should be approaching our target very soon.
Victorious: I don't like this feeling, something is wrong, My skin is beginning to crawl...
Enterprise: We will rendezvous with the other fleets soon. Everyone, let's push forward carefully!

23.
Victorious: Wow... Just when I thought they couldn't get any more tasteless...
Victorious: Event using Hornet's image like this...
Hornet? : ... ... ...
Enterprise: ...
Victorious: Enterprise, you don't have to force yourself. I'll take care of this.
Saratoga: That's right! Leave it to Saratoga-chan, I am burning with the furious anger of Justice now!
Enterprise: It's nothing, Commander, I'm fine.
Enterprise: Whatever it might look like, it's still just a [Chess Piece] created by the Sirens...
Enterprise: It's only purpose to bring harm to those who I love - I won't show any mercy!
Enterprise: Enterprise, entering for combat!

24.
Enterprise: With that.. it's over!
Enterprise: ... ... ...
Enterprise: (Even though I knew it was a fake... I had that sickening feeling in my heart while fighting it...)
Saratoga: Enterprise, don't worry about it! Hornet is all the way back in NY Harbor, getting repaired!
Saratoga: After we finish things up here, I will throw a party for everyone♪
Enterprise: Ah... Thank you, Saratoga.
Saratoga: (Enterprise...)

???: (Hurry... Get away from here...)
???: ([People] should not go in this place...)
???: (Proceed as you were. There is a chance that it might finally bring about the end)
???: (You've kept those girls toiling here for too long...!)
???: (Not yet. There is no other option for us. As [Weapons]... as [Ships] there is no other choice but to fight...)

Saratoga: ...
Saratoga: ... Commander!
Saratoga: COMMANDER!!!!

Commander: What just happened...

Washington:: I'm a bit jealous of your ability to fall asleep in the middle of the battlefield.

Was I really that tired? I seem to have passed out...
But what were those voices...?

Commander: Do you hear anything?

Saratoga: Weird voices? A conversation? But there was no one here?
Saratoga: Well, it's certainly true that the disturbances in this area are making our radios go haywire. Ah, Commander, did you receive a message from "them"?
Enterprise: I didn't hear anything, but something feels off...
Enterprise: I can't shake the feeling... that I've seen all this before...
Victorious: Déjà vu? I'm not getting anything of the sort though...

...

Enterprise: Commander, here's the status report. All our fleets have arrived safely at the rendezvous point.
Enterprise: Ahead of us is the singularity, the point in the ocean where all the anomalous weather is converging. We'll be breaking through to the center shortly.
Enterprise: We'll have our answers soon enough.

25.
Bermuda - Baltimore Fleet Combat Zone
Charles Ausburne: No evil can withstand the gunfire of justice!
Charles Ausburne: Don't you think so too! My ally of Justice!
Baltimore: Ah... right, justice always prevails!
Cleveland: Heard you're the one who saved Birmingham in that battle earlier! Thank you so much, Baltimore!
Baltimore: She was the one who stood against Purifier without hesitation. If she didn't take that stand Tester might have done us all in that day.
Montpelier: You have my thanks as well.
Montpelier: ... The Sirens aren't getting away with what they've done.
Cleveland: Ausburne, is everyone in Little Beavers holding out right?
Charles Ausburne: Back in NY City, we made use of our speed to support from the rear and disrupt the Sirens, so we haven't been in a real fight yet!
Charles Ausburne: We took some light scratches, but nothing that'll slow us down! We'll fight tooth and nail in the name of justice!
Charles Ausburne: ... But I'm wondering, why did headquarters split us up into several fleets?
Charles Ausburne: Wouldn't it better to form one large fleet and smash the enemy in one go, instead of spreading out?
Baltimore: Our rescue effort response in NY City delayed our regrouping plan, and it took a lot of time to properly analyze the abnormal weather patterns in the Bermuda.
Baltimore: Furthermore, we don't know exactly where the singularity is. Splitting up allows us to search a larger area.
Baltimore: The main goal of this operation is to prevent the singularity's formation, rather than to eliminate the Sirens. Only after this task is done we can figure whether we should make the final move on the Sirens.
Baltimore: Have to say, headquarters really thought this through...
Charles Ausburne: In other words, when the opportunity rises any of the heroes of the Justice can take down the "Demon King" - like in those stories, right?
Montpelier: You got that right.
Baltimore: That's right. However, while being in the presence of even a single hero of Justice is a great honer it's always a pleasure when so many them gather together as friends.
Baltimore: While I, Cleveland or even you - Montpelier - don't always talk about Justice like Ausburne does we still follow the same path.
Montpelier: ... I do?
Charles Ausburne: That's the spirit! Come, my partners of justice, and we'll take down the evil Sirens!
Charles Ausburne: Justice always prevails!

26
Baltimore: EAT THIS!
Cleveland: Whoa, I didn't think you would get so passionate about the battle!
Baltimore: Sorry. My blood boils when I see these bastards masquerade as my friends.
Charles Ausburne: I know that feeling!
Montpelier: Cleveland-aneki, you're as cool as ever...
Charles Ausburne: Montpelier, you're also realy cool!
Montpelier: Compared to my sister, I'm just a...
Charles Ausburne: Hey, that reminds me - doesn't Birmingham have a different fighting style compared to you two? It was more... how do you put it...
Montpelier: She works hard in her own way.
Montpelier: ... ...
Charles Ausburne: There are lot of girls within the Fletcher class. Everyone has their own style.
Charles Ausburne: Of course, we often bump heads, but true sisters don't let such things get in the way of bonding!
Cleveland: Well said, Ausburne! What matters most is that everyone gets along!
Baltimore: Indeed. We're about to break through into the objective area, so let's take a moment to rest and resupply first.
Baltimore: Destroyers, stay behind and be on alert. Everyone else will keep advancing!

27.
???: They should not be subjected to this! They are [People] with souls, just like us!
???: You see them - just one of which could singlehandedly annihilate the entire 2nd Fleet - as [People]...?!
???: There has to be an explanation! If we can just talk to them, ask them about it...
???: Your time here as a researcher is over. We will confiscate all of your data as evidence and use it for the betterment of humanity.
???: As for you, you should worry more about your pending imprisonment than the well-being of these monsters.
???:  Take her away...

Bermuda - Central Sea

Victorious: The wind is too strong...! I can't launch my scout planes anymore!
Saratoga: Saratoga-chan can't either! Our flight decks weren't built for this kind of weather!
Enterprise: We're almost there! Call your seaplanes back and keep pushing forward!
Enterprise: From there, we can launch our planes again!
Victorious: Trying to control our aircraft in this storm is just... uhhhh...!
Victorious: Wait... I think I can see silhouettes of unidentified ships!
Saratoga: They must be Saratoga-chans welcoming party!
Enterprise: Everyone, move at maximum speed!

28.
???(Edgy E): ... ... ...
???(Edgy E): Why did you come here?
Enterprise: Are you the [Mysterious Kansen] the report mentioned?
Enterprise: In the Mirror Seas, you attacked the Sirens' forces in order to save one of the Union Fleets.
Enterprise: And then, we also saw you leading the Sirens during the attack on NY City.
Enterprise: And now, following the Winter's Crown incident, you once again seem to be involved with this [Bermuda] singularity.
Enterprise: ... Just who are you?

29.
Washington: We meet again! You handed my ass to me last time, but that ain't gonna happen again!
Saratoga: You got away earlier because we had to prioritize defending the harbor, but we won't let your runaway this time!
Saratoga: I thought we could maybe become allies after you rescued North Carolina and company, but then you...
Saratoga: Attacked NY City, unbelievable! We should've known better; you're no different from the Sirens!
Victorious: Though at first glance they seem different, the electromagnetic readings emitted by the storm in the [Bermuda] are identical to those of the [Winter's Crown]!
Victorious: That incident was your doing as well, wasn't it?!
???(Edgy E):……
Enterprise: ……
Victorious: Enterprise!
Enterprise: Stay out of this!!
???: What are you thinking about, Enterprise.
Enterprise: ... Why won't you answer?
???: You were the one person I hoped never to encounter. But, in the end, you're a mere puppet being controlled by [Antiochus].
???: You've even brought 「■■■」 right into my hands...
Enterprise: Anti...ochus?
Enterprise: ... Everyone, protect Commander! She is aiming for him!
???: ...「■■■」 is not my goal here.
???: At least not until 「■■■」is revived(( can also mean awakened)
Enterprise: You haven't answered my question! Are you friend or foe?!
???: ... ... ...
Enterprise: ANSWER ME!
Saratoga: Enterprise!
Enterprise: I'm okay, but stay alert, everyone! Enemy reinforcements, incoming!
Enterprise: ... Gah?!

Enterprise: ???What is this...!
Enterprise: This place, where am I...?!
???: I've warned you about making unnecessary contact with others in this timeline.
???: I will distract them. You should know what to do.
???: ... Please, take care.
???: ... There are a lot of them.
???: Understood.
Enterprise: Where do you think you're going?! Answer me...!
???: You are not ready to face her.
???: I am [Ember].  My existence is the burning resentment towards humans.
???: Let's see how strong are you, beings from this timeline!

30.
Victorious: Sh-she's strong...!
???(Dark Takao): It appears her judgment was correct...
???(Dark Takao): This Time Axis (timeline) - hidden out of sight by [Antiochus] - differs from all others Time Axis we've seen.
???(Dark Takao): Perhaps it is that commander is with you people.
Enterprise: (They mentioned Commander again...!)
Enterprise: What exactly is it you're planning?! Why did you side with the Sirens and attack NY City?
???(Dark Takao): The attack on NY City... was no more than a ploy devised by the [Antiochus]. Its true purpose setting up our meeting.
???(Dark Takao): As for us, we are but Ember and Ash from a burning flame. You need not concern yourself with our existence.
???(Dark Takao): You can't even fathom the task she has to overcome - do not try to block our path.
???(Dark Takao): ..heed my words and we will never meet again.
???(Dark Takao): ... ...!

Commander: .....

[Locate and neutralize the powerful ship responsible for the singularity]... I'm pretty sure that's what our orders from headquarters were...

Baltimore: All ships, fire!

KABOOM!

Essex: Dive bombers, aim your bombs!

Option 1
Commander: "All forces pull back!"
Enterprise: Commander!

Option 2
Commander: "Press the attack!"
Shells were speeding through the air, all targeting the mysterious ship. However, just as they were about to hit–

???(Dark Takao):... I had begun to believe you may be able to lead these girls...
???(Dark Takao): But if you truly insist on standing in our way, then I will have to show you...
???(Dark Takao): ... the limits of the strength which [Antiochus] has leased you!
???(Dark Takao): Swift death unto evil!	 (悪・即・斬, similar to Takao)

A swift sword swing.

North Carolina: She... cut the shells to pieces?!

A surging wave of energy came forth from the ship's sword, slashing shells, planes, and the very sea asunder.
This immense power was like that of Bismarck's, possibly even stronger...

Washington: Ah?! My rigging...!!
???(Dark Takao): If I correct the origin, [■ ■ ■]... If I cut you down here, her suffering will finally end.

The agent of death turned towards me, seemingly preparing to attack.

???(Dark Takao): ... If I were to...!

Enterprise: COMMANDEEEER!!!
???(Edgy E): That's enough, we've already finished what we needed to do here.
???(Dark Takao): ... ...
???(Dark Takao): ... Pardon. I let myself go.
???(Edgy E): Hmmm. Deviation of this degree won't matter in the end.
???(Edgy E): I've finished installing those. We should now be able to compete with middle level programs.
???(Edgy E): There's no need to fight these people anymore.
Enterprise: Why did you stop...
Enterprise: Why did you stop that attack?!
???(Edgy E): ...Don't misunderstand.
???(Edgy E): I didn't stop the attack on the commander for you.
???(Edgy E): ... I just don't want to experience that regret again...
Enterprise: ... That is...!
Victorious: It's the same light that the Crown emitted!

Commander: "Looks towards the mysterious ships"

Those two mysterious ships, of mighty power yet strange familiarity...
Without a word or a trace of hesitation, they turned and vanished into the light.
As the light faded, the winds began to slow, the ocean became calm, and the whirring of electronics returning to life could be heard throughout the fleet.
The singularity which had covered Bermuda was completely gone, as if it never existed.

Victorious: Do singularities... disappear so easily?
Saratoga: It's finally over... For a minute there, Saratoga-chan really had no idea what could happen~!
Enterprise: …………

The crisis was over, but the mystery was only getting deeper.
We immediately contacted headquarters to inform them that the source of singularity was undoubtedly a ship. And yet, that was all the information we even could give them.
We know nothing about this [Antiochus]" or the ships that call themselves [Embers]...

Saratoga: Uhh, the singularity has disappeared, and the Siren fleet is in pieces, so...
Saratoga: I guess that means the operation was a great success! Commander, lets go back home with everyone already!
Washington: (That other mysterious ship looked like she was from the Sakura Empire, but that can't be... but if she is...)

31.
Cleveland: Yeaa! Finally, time to go home!
Victorious: Sara-sensei, what's the matter? You've looked deep in thought for some time now.
Saratoga: Oh, it's nothing! I was just thinking about what a long and exhausting fight this was!
Victorious: Ah, I was thinking the same thing! It's nothing short of a miracle that we managed to stay in one piece after fighting such tough foes!
Charles Ausburne: Of course we're okay! We're allies of justice after all!
Victorious: But what if those speculations are true - that the attack on NY City was just a ploy to lure us into the Bermuda - then what were the Sirens trying to achieve...?
Essex: Even after destroying the singularity the Siren elites didn't show up, this is making me worried...
Montpelier: We will have to face them again eventually.
Montpelier: Perhaps it didn't happen this time, but I am sure it will - in the future.
Shangri-La: I would say that the knowledge of the fact that - it is possible to disrupt a singularity before it's fully formed - is the best thing we gathered from this expedition
Shangri-La: Hopefully, this will help progress our understand of the singularity's mechanisms and lead to the development of a safe method of eliminating them.
Baltimore: Commander, I heard you came across a Hornet impostor as well?
Baltimore: They clearly were targeting Enterprise with a move like that, how heinous....
Essex: I agree. They are clearly using this tactic to demoralize us.
Shangri-La: We didn't have any problems dealing with the clones, but it's clear that they strive to confuse and emotionally unbalance us by forcing us to aim at the likeness of our loved ones.
Essex: (I heard Enterprise-senpai didn't fall for that trick! I wish I was like her...))
Shangri-La: That reminds me... Before we sortied, we ran into Memphis. She looked quite gloomy, grumbling things like, "Fufufu... have a "pleasant" voyage..." to herself...
Enterprise: Ah yes, she's been working extremely hard behind the scenes for us. I heard she went above and beyond by contacting headquarters, planning the operation, and writing documents.
Essex: S-so that's the reason why she seemed like a whole other person when we saw her...
Cleveland: Well, the operation went off without a hitch, so I think I will actually go to a trip this~ How about you guys?
Montpelier: Aneki, I will go with. Wherever Aneki goes, I will follow.
Shangri-La: Hmm... If I get the time, I think I'd like to go someplace far away... Perhaps to the valley of "Shangri La"?
Essex: Where would you go, Enterprise-senpai?
Enterprise: I... don't really know. Even if the war was over...
Enterprise: Commander... can you tell us about what you'll do once this war is over?
Commander: "Of course. I can confide with such precious comrades of mine..."

32.
Sounds of explosions echo across the ocean.
Traces of smoke, flames, wrecks, and destruction.
Her lonesome, solitary battle continues.
Observer: Well, well, congratulations. You've destroyed each and every last Siren in this area.
Observer: Never did I think you would return to clean up. You must've been particularly fond of the way I am directing the play.
???(Edgy E): ... I told you not to drag unrelated people into your experiments.
Observer: Ah, [People]... What exactly do you mean that?
Observer: If you're referring to those [Pieces], they were made specifically for your disposal. You can do with them as you please.
Observer: But if you're talking about [Those Girls], they are simply guinea pigs. You may break those at will.
Observer: Or perhaps... How curious... Why didn't you approach [■■■] when it was easily doable for you?
???(Edgy E): ……
???(Edgy E): I will stop you, no matter the cost.
Observer: Ah, don't say stuff like that. Being the Prototype that you are we can always reconcile.
Observer: Your life is a miserable existence where you can achieve nothing - just  experiencing that same agonizing sorrow, again and again.
Observer: Actually, you're just avoiding the truth, aren't you?
???(Edgy E): ...Shut up.
???(Edgy E): ...Don't overreach your boundaries.
???(Edgy E): Your only purpose is to report my whereabouts to the Host.
???(Edgy E): You have neither the power nor the authority to stop me ever again.
???(Edgy E): Get lost.

33.
Edgy E: ... Out of the way, Rei.
Observer Rei: The Judge will not meet with anyone today.
Edgy E: What's the meaning of this...!
Edgy E: Why didn't you send reinforcements?!
Observer Rei: If we did that, would that change your fate or the 「Creator」's?
Observer Rei: That we tried our best is reality (Data).
Observer Rei: That we fail is the certain future (Result).
Edgy E: Let me ask you again, why are you acting like this...!!
Observer Rei: Why? Why are you here?
Observer Rei: Why, now? Why, in this moment? Why, in this 「world」-
Edgy E: .......!?
Observer Rei: There was a white whale named 「Moby Dick」
Observer Rei: The story of those who pursued him, yes---- the tale of their adventure was made of many expectations, disappointments, hopes, and despair.
Observer Rei: They believed that they would absolutely find 「Moby Dick」
Observer Rei: Because, if they didn't, the story would never have a conclusion.
Observer Rei: No matter whether the conclusion is a comedy or a tragedy, I will continue to observe it.
Observer Rei: What you have established is a beacon , a signpost in time, an existence that bends the axis of time.
Observer Rei: I recognize that reinforcing the Observation, Movement, and Control Authority of the Time Axis is necessary.
Observer Rei: Our hope mustn't be destroyed. Because that would be the conclusion of the story.
Observer Rei: Arbiter: The Empress-Ⅲ, initiate startup sequence.
Observer Rei: With your power, stand fast in protecting the 「Future」 of the 「Past」
Arbiter - The Empress Ⅲ: I have already witnessed their end. Pray that this world can keep me entertained...