Slowly trying to get back to the rhythm of publishing.
Here's the epilogue you've been waiting for, volume 2 might not come out for a while since my attention is needed elsewhere but I'll try to get out something small.
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Japan
Tokyo was slowly starting to get back on its feet as roughly 3/4 of its population was back from different shelters. As night was beginning to fall upon the largest city a commotion could be seen at one of its major docks.
A bright flash of light briefly lit the area, temporarily blinding those who didn't cover their eyes in time. In its wake the sound of metal groaning could be heard as dock workers could only stare in shock and horror as the once lightly damaged Argo was now in critical condition.
Its hull was riddled with scars and holes so big you could fit a 2 story building. Its AA was but a ghost of its former self with 2 main guns, turret 2 and 3, simply vanishing as if they weren't there in the first place. The ship groaned as if in pain, water rushing in through its port side tilting it to the left.
The ship slowly sunk but luckily it was in dock thus it only listed to a 15 degree angle and the water level just about reaching the deck of the ship.
Workers immediately went into damage control mode as they brainstormed how to lift a 100 thousand ton monster from the dock.
However, just to the side of them the sound of engines spooling caught their attention as they saw a cosmo seagull aggressively take off from the Shinano. Doing a short hover to a nearby path, its ramp open fully, to where some workers could see Shinano and Ginga crouching beside someone lying on the floor.
Even if they wanted to go help the 2 kansens already carried the injured person into the seagull before it even touched the ground. Once they were properly seated the ramp closed and the engines ramped up to full throttle propelling them through the darkening sky.
Closely following 2 blackbird cosmo zeros from Ginga escorted them, their weapons armed and ready to swat anyone from their path at any cost.
It didn't take long for them to arrive at the most advanced hospital in all of Tokyo, some would even say in all of Sakura Empire in a record breaking time.
The twin engines on the seagull titled horizontally, slowing it down for a gentle landing as a multiple doctors and nurses emerged from a nearby elevator with a stretcher. The 2 blackbirds circled ahead as Ginga still wasn't comfortable leaving her elder sister with people she didn't even know.
The presence of the 2 fighter jets put some of the medical staff present under pressure as the ramp of the seagull lowered together with its landing legs landing with a gentle touch as the engines spooled down. Shinano and Ginga walked out of the seagull gently supporting Yamato in between them.
However, due to the fact that she was unconscious her camouflage was off showing her true which was instantly recognised by one of the doctors who was silently a kansen fan.
"Empress!"
Shinano's sharp gaze instantly locked onto the owner of the voice and gave him a serious order, "Do your best to take care of her."
She didn't have to add any threat as her presence alone together with Ginga were more than enough to send the staff present into overdrive. They skilfully placed Yamato in a stretcher before rushing her to the elevator. The 2 sisters quickly followed as Ginga sighed into the air her golden eyes looking up to the sky as her blackbirds returned back to her ship, the roar of their afterburners still echoing in the area around them.
"This is going to be a long night." she muttered under her breath as she entered the elevator its doors closing behind her.
In the dressing room the doctors quickly dressed up as one of them said in a tone their partner never heard them talk in, "Guys today might be most high stake operation in our lives! Failure is not an option!"
His colleagues looked at him weirdly but they understood the bare bones of it since Shinano was in the waiting area after being held back by Ginga from wanting to be with her sister at any cost. It was at that moment that the word sister was highlighted in everyones mind giving them a faint chill in their spines as they were going to operate on none other than a Yamato class kansen.
Everyone present took in a deep breath before locking in as they entered the operating room.
While all this was going on, Yamato's mind was faintly active as she was going through another dream of hers or was it a memory.
The waves of the pacific ocean battered against one of the biggest naval arsenal ports in all of Japan or was it Sakura Empire.
Yamato could be seen strolling around, her hair longer and tied in a bun, her outfit a red and golden kimono that showed her status as she walked down the streets of Kure her tails the same colour as her hair, pink.
The people around her repeatedly paid her respect as she walked past them, with adults bowing respectfully and children occasionally bringing her gifts but for other children merely walking together was a treasure for them.
Yamato had a vague feeling at the back of her mind that something was off but she didn't know what since her actions felt natural. A few hours later the kansen made her way back to the piers of the naval arsenal, the sun casting a soft warm glow on her battleship docked at the pier but something still felt off.
She studied her ship, noting the deadly array of weapons it contained and her most treasured piece the AN-Spy-6 radar that gave her multi situational awareness.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" a familiar voice said to her left side causing her to turn her head to see herself but in different more modern clothing.
"Who are you?" Yamato asked as a faint headache pounded her skull.
"I am you but at the same time I'm not." her twin said cryptically as she focused on the confused Yamato.
"In both worlds people always look up to us as their pillar of strength and hope. Me and my Empire," We turn to see the Yamato now in a battlegroup sail out of the port as many people wish her good luck and a safe journey in her voyage, "You and your country, Japan."
The scene changed to a barren desolate land but we could see something break through it as from the husk of its old form a new battleship was breaking forth, its turrets breaking the camouflage and aligning into place as the hull lifted off the ground.
Deep below in shelters we could see the few remaining settlements watching the broadcast in silence not because they were scared but because they didn't want to disturb the moment as their hearts burnt with the hope that the Yamato can save humanity from extinction.
The scene finally changed to a beach with 2 Yamato's anchored offshore, one its space variant and the other its ww3 modern equivalent.
"In both worlds you were revered because the people put their trust in you, they believed in you with their entire being." the Azur lane Yamato said as she focused on the 2 ships anchored at sea.
"Why tell me this?" Our Yamato asked as the headache was starting to get more intense.
"Because I need you to understand your role in this empire. You've seen how people act when they see the true you. Everyone in this empire cares about you and believes in you. I'm not asking you to take the burdens of this empire on your shoulders. I'm just showing you a memory from the past." The Sakuran Yamato sighed as she watched the headache burden Yamato to a point it was visibly showing. She could only do one thing and bring her in for a hug.
"You are Yamato, lead ship of the Yamato class battleship and the strongest kansen to exist and the rightful leader to the Sakuran Empire. Do not let anyone come between you and your goals, and always remember that in no matter what circumstance you always have someone behind your back."
The area around them slowly disappeared together with the other Yamato leaving her in a limbo of semi awake and semi asleep but that was quickly broken as she heard something.
'There will be consequences dear sister.'
A faint image of a purple haired kitsune flashed through her mind startling Yamato as she abruptly woke up. Her eyes stared into the white ceiling above her as the pungent smell of antiseptics assaulted her nose.
A scowl crossed her face as she struggled to sit upright. That small exertion of strength left her tired as she eyed her mummified body. Bandages were wrapped around her arms and forehead together with her torso and legs making her wonder how badly she was injured.
She was almost about to try and stand up before the doors burst open revealing a teary eyed Shinano who didn't waste a moment to rush towards her sister who was startled. Before Shinano could bear hug her sister a hand grabbed the collar of her shirt robbing her of her momentum.
"Don't you see that your dear elder sister is hurt or do you want to reopen her wounds." Ginga reprimanded Shinano who could only hold her head low at her actions. Since Ginga was a support ship she was arguably better at medical stuff compared to her sisters but the class didn't really mean much for her either way.
"Its fine Ginga, it's good to see that you guys are well." A smile plastered itself on Ginga's face before both sisters brought her in for group hug reigniting her previous wounds.
Only after the plea from a doctor was when they let go of her. At this point her tails and ears were still out making Yamato worry but something within her made her calm down and see what the doc had to say.
"Your empress," the doc started giving a respectful bow, "it is not my area to ask what had happened but if I can say one thing, I'm glad that your safe, empress Yamato." the doc said adding another bow that was even deeper shocking Yamato slightly at their hospitality.
"Now back to business, " the doctor said taking a chair and looking at Yamato, "I can't really sugar coat this but you had 8 broken ribs, multiple fragments of shrapnel in your back as well 3rd degree burns to your forearms. Your forearm was close to being shattered, both of them, but luckily your right one was dislocated and your left one was slightly fractured. Now for any patient I would have suggested that you stay under intensive care for over a month but since you are a kansen your wounds healed much more quickly and luckily you'll be able to be discharged in an hour."
Yamato let out a sigh of relief as she laid back on her bed, the doc told her that they'd be back to check her wounds and see if she was eligible to leave.
In the meantime as morning rose on the urban city we go back into space towards the Eagle Union space station that now was close to the Sakuran station to help with repairs of the fleet
Different ships could be seen towed into the stations for repairs as their kansens cried at how badly they were damaged. Most of the damaged ships this time were cruisers and destroyers while battleships were less damaged which was weird since it would have been the other way around.
Admiral Mason was in the eagle union station processing the post battle reports and dealing with procuring materials for the repairs of kansens and next to him was his trusty Enterprise.
But one thing he found as a recurring topic were those new ships that appeared when it seemed like they were on the backfoot. He couldn't help but remember the massive firepower they displayed and tactics they used.
"Hey Enterprise, what do you think about that mysterious faction that helped us?" Mason asked glancing at Enty who was skimming reports from kansens.
"Dangerous," Enterprise said after a small delay, "The technology they use is more powerful compared to even our best and the numbers they fielded weren't anything to joke at. If we ever got on their wrong side we wouldn't even be able to stop them." -Note her theory is based from the spamming of WMG and the absurd number of the wave Motion Gun fleet
"Then," Mason paused as he saw a blurry photo of a familiar fox who liked to hide," do you think Argo is part of them."
Enterprise was silent. Since she was with the admiral almost everywhere she knew the allegations that were levelled against the new captain and she couldn't disagree since she had her own theories. "it's possible but without direct proof the logical descion would be to maintain good terms with her."
Mason nodded as he checked an email from the UN.
"Seems like there's an emergency meeting in 2 days. Guess we have to prepare for it early, let's go Enty." Mason said picking up his cap from his desk while Enty did the same and picked up her coat as well.
In the neighbouring Sakuran space station, Nagato could be seen skimming through battle assessments from kansens as well as reports from the station. Luckily she wasn't handling the reports from the mainland since the government would be handling that saving her from having to mull over countless documents only to approve or reject them.
The small kitsune sighed as her eyes looked through the glass pane behind her, another batch of cruisers and destroyers being sent out after being patched. The repair work was going smoothly since their major capital ships weren't damaged they didn't burn through as much material.
Nagato sighed as an image of Argo passed through her mind, she remembered how strong and resilient she was in the whole battle which did make her feel a sense of nostalgia from the past and how her empress would protect them no matter how badly the situation was. A sad smile decorated her face as she glanced at the reports on her desk, she really did miss her.
A knock on her door broke her train of thought as Akagi and Kaga entered the room, the 2 carriers fresh from the basic repairs they had to do.
"Nagato-sama," both carriers gave a short bow as Akagi continued, " 70% of our forces have finished repairs and are on route to their respective bases."
Nagato nodded as that information lined up with what she was given. Both sisters gave each other a look before Kaga summoned a foldable tablet and handed it over to the short kitsune who was confused.
"In the port of Tokyo there was a commotion and those are photos taken by a satellite of the port." Akagi said as Nagato looked at the pictures noticing the heavily damaged Argo stuck in the docks.
"The damage sustained to the Argo doesn't line up with the last time we saw her which was suspicious and if you swipe there's an video that will play."
Nagato did as told and a shaky video played on the screen. The camera man zoomed into the sky where a red light glowed with an ominous colour. This reminded Nagato of that modified Apophis that they failed to stop, she was sure that Tokyo would be wiped off the map but yet it stood.
A few seconds later a bright flash erupted indicating that it fired and in a few seconds it would impact the earth however a bright flash of white erupted in the sky above as something blocked the beam. Nagato's eyes focused on that spot as time seemed to stretch before a giant explosion lit up the sky. The camera zoomed out as 2 objects impacted the city with one flying through multiple skycrappers and ending up in a residential complex while the other crashed through a few more high rise buildings before landing further down on the street the camera guy was on.
At this point the camera man ran to impact site as other people flocked to the location not caring about their safety. Soon the camera was lifted to show some people helping out a kansen that Nagato had never seen before and based on her armaments she was a battleship.
Confusion littered her face as well as a strong familiar feeling almost as if she's seen that ship somewhere. A minute passed before the sound of thrusters sounded and another kansen landed them. The kansen that was with the group had a worried look on her face.
"Sister, your hurt" Ginga at this point had noticed the wounds on Yamato which made her worried.
Yamato walked closer to Ginga as the camera panned to capture her and it was around this point you could see the shocked look on the bystanders
"I know but it's not the worst, I can still fight," Yamato said pointing at her rigging which was still operational and it was at this point she would notice all the stares at her.
Similarly, Nagato's hand could be seen trembling as the tablet visibly shook, her emotions going all over the place as she recognised that voice right away and when the camera fully captured the kansen she felt stupid for not seeing all the obvious clues right in front of her.
"E .. Emp...." a bystander stuttered as he reigned back his emotions, holding back tears as he took a deep bow and shouted, "Her Majesty The Empress Yamato! We are glad that you're safe!"
The other people present also followed closely as the camera man ended the video there with its last frame having a blurry image of Yamato. The screen dimmed to reveal the reflection of Nagato who was close to crying as tears danced in her eyes.
"Why ... Why would she hide herself from us," Nagato asked but only silence followed both the carriers didn't have an answer to that question.
"We may not know that answer but we could go ask her," Kaga mentioned this as the other 2 looked at her, "Recently Shinano booked 3 rooms at one our kansen hotels and if I were to guess I'd believe that Yamato would be there as well."
Nagato immediately got up from her desk as she walked towards the door her eyes burning with a golden fire, "Then I guess we'll go pay her a visit."
Earth
One hour had passed and Yamato was cleared to go and before they checked in at their hotel they passed by the docks to check up on their ships.
Cosmo, Ginga's AI, and Analyser, Yamato's AI, could be seen leading the repair works on the Yamato.
In the morning sunlight cranes could be seen lifting up the damaged and broken battleship from the dock towards a dry dock for repairs.
"How bad is it," Yamato asked analyser as she watched the cranes slowly move on rails, gently transporting her ship.
"We've lost 50% of our combat ability. 2 main turrets were lost, however, they have been located at the bottom of the Marian Trench and support ships have been mobilised to recover them. Hull damage is at 60% most of the damage being on the port side with some damage to the keel. In summary, repairs will take at least a week to ready the ship for combat."
Yamato nodded, she wasn't happy with that long wait time but there was nothing she could do. From their they immediately head to the hotel where they checked in but Yamato noticed something weird.
She noticed many kansens, mainly Sakuran, in the area with her catching a glimpse of her cruisers and a large crowd of other kansens seemingly in shock at their growth. Other than that she noticed other kansens looking at her specifically, she could almost feel the stares on her back which slightly ticked her off since she didn't know why.
Luckily they reached their rooms in time allowing Yamato to unwind, if she felt one more kansen stare at her might have gone ballistic. It had been a while since she was able to have some time to herself ever since they were back from Iscandar which allowed her to take a well deserved shower.
During this she couldn't help but review the battle in her mind, it was still surreal that her allies arrived to help her in her time on need, Andromeda, Amaterasu, Blue Noah and the whole EDF.
A smile was on her face as she recalled each one of them, "Oh I forgot to thank Antares for saving my crew."
She let out a frustrated sigh as she turned off the shower, drying herself and putting some spare clothes that Shinano gave her. Her tails and ears were out since she was in a private space which was understandable but when she opened the door she was met with the gazes of 3 kansens she would have never imagined to meet.
"Sorry for barging in," Nagato said giving a small bow, "empress."
Nagato's golden eyes clashed with Yamato's red eyes, the mood getting tense as the 2 battleships faced off. However, there was no fight as Yamato sighed, she knew something like this would happen but she didn't think it would happen so soon.
"So what is it that you want," Yamato asked slightly annoyed as her eyes glowed slightly.
This pissed of Nagato as both carriers took a backstage and let the 2 battleships duke it out.
"5 years!" Nagato started as her raw emotions surface, "5 bloody years leading this empire and where were you when we needed you! Why lie to us when you are our leader! Why!"
Tears swelled in Nagato's eyes hitting Yamato with a pang of guilt as she remembered a similar scene with Shinano.
"I was only summoned earlier this year and I only lied because there's a threat out there that will put everyone in danger if I reveal myself." she deflected using the same answer she gave Shinano.
"Even if, we always stand by your side even if things were dangerous because that's what you did to us! Or did we do something wrong to displease you." Nagato questioned her gaze sinking putting Yamato in a tight spot.
Yamato sighed as she weighed her options and choose the only option she had left, "There are enemies out there that are so strong that they can compete with the sirens. There's a heaven that tries to balance things out holding back enemies of the dark and enemies of chaos at bay. I didn't want to reveal myself because I didn't want to expose you all to these dangers. I do trust you all ... because you are my people I trust the citizens of this empire for they treated me well even if they didn't know me. I want to lead this empire but at the same time I don't want to expose it to enemies I made along the way. I promised myself that I will protect humanity, I won't fail like last time."
Yamato's short speech touched the 3 kansens, clearing any doubt they had though Akagi was curious on why she said fail like last time since in the modern era she had saved humanity through her sacrifice or was it because she regretted not being alive to see it through. Akagi pondered as Nagato spoke up.
"Then, if you choose to accept," Nagato stated as her expression grew serious, "there's an imperial law stating that if you are summoned and agree to it leadership of this empire will be handed down from me, the current empress, to you the true empress of Sakura Empire."
A heavy silence dawned on them as Yamato mulled over her words. She knew the risks involved, however, she also knew the responsibilities that weighed on her shoulders. In both worlds she stood as Sakura's and the worlds hope, in both she was their pillar of hope and strength and in both she saved the world from certain doom through her sacrifice. Though the weight of the title was hers to bear she had allies whom she could trust as well as a friend from a different realm to support her.
Yamato took in a deep breathe before answering, "Yes. I choose to lead my people and this empire to a greater future."
A heavy burden that was on Nagato's shoulder was suddenly lifted making her sigh in relief.
"If I may your empress," Akagi said making Yamato nod her head, "There is a UN general assembly in 2 days. I believe that would be the best place to announce your return. People who are die hard kansen fans already believe you exist, however, the greater public are still sceptic and an appearance at the UN would be a good way to pass some of your views."
Yamato held a hand to her chin as she tried to come up with a plan on how to fix her ship in 2 days but other than that, "Sounds good, let's do that."
Akagi smiled as the 3 of them, satisfied with the answers they got, exited the room giving Yamato some time to herself.
"Guess the cats out the bag now," Yamato said plopping down on her couch before glancing through a glass window at the blue sky. Humanities enemies were still at large and she knew that the future would be grim if any of those 2 factions escaped heavens control but that wasn't something she was supposed to be bothered right now.
Chaos dimension
In a system dominated by Red supergiant star a lone rocky planet was the only body left in the system and surrounding it were thousands of ships that strecthed far off into the darkness.
On the planet we could see a strange device implanted into the ground. It gave off a low hum indicating its mechanical nature as a dark power surged around it.
In front of it we could see countless people kneeling before it and close to the front of it all we could see Nix and Alpha kneeling down with 4 more people flanking them and in front of them were 2 beings that exuded a terrifying aura that made the 2 chaos soldiers sweat just from being in their presence.
The mechanical structure hummed even louder as a broken voice could be heard through it.
"O.ME..GA.. ZE..NO.." A computer like voice echoed from the structure, "Pro..ceed... as... Planned.."
"Yes my queen" the 2 beings said before Omega stood up, her eyes glowing with a red-golden colour, " All units prepare to move out!"
On that day the chaos legion mobilised its full might as their goal drew ever so closer.
Void Dimension Deepest depths.
In a place eclipsed by darkness a rift could be seen in space however around it were tiny cracks that wouldn't seem as much but for the being trapped behind it, it was so close to falling down.
The cracks flared white as an immense force slammed into it repeatedly.
A laughter could be heard echoing through the rift as the monarch of the Void grew ever so happier. After that last ditch effort by Yamato and the EDF space and time were being stretched ever so thinner and that was straining her prison to the point where she could almost break free.
"More, I need more! Yamato you will be my knight for freeing me from this prison. Soon this universe shall fall once more and I shall be there to witness its destruction at their hands." the being laughed again as their voice grew weaker, "Chaos and corruption shall prevail over balance. Prepare as much as you want, redo as much as you can but it will never stop what's coming for we are inevitable!"
Their laughter echoed once more before falling silent. The queen of the void did a splendid job of preparing for what's coming. Plans that were in motion for centuries were now bearing fruit as they were accelerated unknowingly by their foe.
Drifting ever so closer to the Sagittarius supermassive blackhole at the centre of the milky way, a wisdom cube pulsed ever so slightly letting out a blue wave and just for a second in its white core a pitch black colour swallowed the white core before being expelled by the wisdom cubes power.
Time was ticking and for humanities defenders it was not on their side as events far out their scope occurred across the dimensions.
Heaven's dimension Court of Eden
Standing trial at the court was none other than Allena, turns out there was a warrant for her arrest and being in the no man's land didn't save her as she was quickly apprehended and arraigned in court and the one overseeing her case was none other than an archangel, Gabriel.
There was no need for an audience or a prosecutor or judges, he was enough to handle it all.
Sweat poured down her face as even being in the presence of an Archangel was putting a toll on her body even though she was a high angel class, the difference in power was huge and it didn't help that the shackles placed on her hands limited her power.
"Do you, Allena, agree to the charges of disobeying your superior and running away with the very ship that caused the dimensional break." Gabriel said his voice reverberating across the golden court room.
She couldn't lie because if she did then she would be struck by the sword of justice and she valued her life.
"Yes."
"Do you agree that you used your power to heal the ship when she was badly damaged." "Yes."
"Do you agree that you formed a bond with this vile ship." "Yes."
Allena's heart was beating through the roof as the pressure ever so increased with each question.
"Then when the time comes and you have to choose would you kill this ship or would you betray your own realm"
Sweat visibly streaked down her face as she mulled over this dilemma, she could feel Gabriels piercing gaze on her almost as if he was looking at her soul directly.
"Yes." Allena said in a weak voice.
"WHY!" Gabriels voice boomed across the court as the pressure increased to the point she was having trouble breathing, any wrong word and she'd be dead.
"Because she fights for humanity! She protects the realm we were ordered to protect at all cost by the creator."
"You Dare speak his name!" Gabriel's anger surfaced as his skin burned with a golden fire.
Allena knew that she'd die for angering Gabriel but if she was she was going to then she might as well give Gabriel a piece of her mind.
"It's not fair that we cast aside his last creation. Yes they lie, deceive, kill and do so many wrong things. But whenever they face a common problem they unite, they cherish each live that is lost, they adapt, they preserver, they show time and time again that they will not yield to the many enemies that are after them. Yamato understands this and protects them, she knows the beings that lust to conquer the human realm, chaos, Void, she understands the stakes at play and yet she chooses to defend humanity because it her duty, her responsibility and she will stop at nothing to make sure that that is accomplished. Kill me if you want as long as she lives Humanity has a chance against the evil that want to corrupt and destroy this universe. I will gladly die here so that she lives another day to fulfil the last words of the creator."
Allena lowered her head exposing her nape ready for a swift end however that end never came as the pressure suffocating her slowly withdrew. This greatly confused her as she looked up.
"It has been a long time since I last saw an angel defend the order the creator had given us." he said that as the shackles holding her broke by themselves and her power returned.
"You speak the truth, for we have long been held back by the actions of our past selves to the point any change is rooted out. But you are different," Gabriels eyes glowed as a small ember of fire broke free from his own being and floated it down to her, "Take it and you shall obtain the power to vanquish the darkness that knocks at our doors."
Allena carefully grasped the flame as it seeped into her body and she felt a strange new power well up from within her, it was not painful but gentle. Her 2 pairs of wings grew larger and shifted up higher as another pair of wings grew below it but these were made up of that fire she had absorbed but still she was promoting from 4 wings to 6! Thus making her a quasi-archangel.
Though archangels didn't really have a definite number of wings they just liked having 3.
"Use that power wisely, though you cannot challenge a greater being directly, humanities strength lies in their support of one another, that is why from this point, Allena you are hereby ordered to oversee the anomaly. Your time in the human realm is not limited anymore and if a situation pops up, one that you cannot handle you are free to contact any Archangel that is reachable, the council need not be informed those fools will take too long to decide. Whatever challenge the human realm shall face, you shall be our champion for you are Allena wielder of the fragment of light."
Trumpets echoed through the chamber as Gabriel stood up but not without giving the promoted angel a smile before disappeared in a flash of light. Allena was left wondering if what she had gone through was real but looking behind her and feeling the new power well up within her she knew that it was. This put a smile on her face, she will carry out Gabriels will to the best of her ability.
Siren Dimension Singularity capital.
Stationed in a crack in the fabric of space, the sirens built the stronghold there in a place where the known forces that built the universe were stretched to their very limit. Built around the singularity of an actual black hole the sirens massive stronghold stood firm. Its sleek black hull looking as new as the day it was built.
Inside on the structures we could see a large room having a massive oval table reserved for the strongest among the sirens and those were the Arbiters. All 22 seats were filled since for the first time in a long time a general meeting was convened and every Arbiter was meant to participate.
Chairing the meeting was none other than Observer zero who glanced around the room with a cool and calculated look but her focus lingered more on the 2 Arbiters who had lost to a very unique foe.
"This meeting has now begun and before we review the objectives, Strength, and Empress the 3rd, care to explain why you had lost." Observer zeros gaze fixed tightly on the 2 of them, making the Arbiter of strength tense up however the empress had a different feeling.
"That's because the enemy we were facing did not fit the simulations we had run prior, the anomaly finally gave me a decent fight and I loved it. Too bad I wasn't there when her allies had shown up, I would have had a blast." Empress said without a care since she was a diehard battle junkie.
"I had tried to escape but it seemed like I was dragged into subspace, I didn't even know it was possible for humans to make ships capable of survivng in there." Strength said slightly shellshocked from the ordeal of being hunted by submarines and a Neu Desura almost like they were playing with their food before ending her.
Unknown to the 2 the temperature of the room dropped as Observer's anger was levelled against them but mainly the empress.
"Have you 2 forget the mission we were tasked or did your codes get a virus in them," both of the Arbiters felt their spine shiver as a wave of bloodlust assaulted them, "if any of you dare to stray from the objectives I will personally end your existence." this threat was levelled against everyone present.
"Now queen what's the status of the objectives," Queen refers to the other empress the 4th, this was done to differentiate the 2.
"The plan went off without a hitch, we were able to place the mirror seas while the humans were busy looking the other direction and that pesky ark was dealt with by the anomaly, it's like hitting 2 birds with one stone." queen gave a short laugh at how easy it is to fool humans.
"Good, continue to build your forces and from now on all Arbiters are to travel with their respective enforcers, we cannot risk any of you dying by accident," Observer stood up signalling the meeting was over but she had one final thing to say, " Remember, failure is not an option unless you all want a repeat of Alpha to happen"
Silence answered her but she knew that none of them wanted a repeat and all for that sake they kept pushing for a goal that seemed so out of reach.
At the heart of Singularity
Running this gigantic structure was none other than a quantum AI that required the power of a singularity to keep it runing and there was only one person who could access it.
"Nexus, what is your view on the anomaly" A mysterious figure asked the AI.
"Anomaly- Yamato, origin - universe 2199 (destroyed), threat assessment 40%, Review- Highly dangerous and a potential threat. Immediate action is required"
The mysterious figure sighed as they gazed at the projected image of the kansen, the figure had a slight pity for her because events were going to take place that are out of her control.
"Silver, permission to begin operation Blackout." The Ai prompted the user.
"Permission granted," the figure said as silence dawned again, "Nexus is this operation the most logical."
"Of course, this is the most logical approach all for the sake of the future." The AI said as a mechanical hum vibrated through the structure.
Silver gave a short laugh as they stood up from their seat, the universe was starting to become interesting again all because of one ship at the tip of it all. Silver gave a long hearty laugh as they disappeared into the stations structure.
Higher dimension
At the same gazebo we saw earlier in the book, refer to chp 11, Teressa sat next to the 2 beings she had met earlier whom she had discerned were the beings overseeing Heaven due to their golden colour scheme.
The fiery angel was letting out a pressure so heavy that a mere mortal would get squished and all the anger in its being was being directed to one sole person.
"10 years," the angel said with a harsh tone, "That's how much time that's left because of your chosen one."
Before it was the human like figure that was angry now it was the angel though this time both of them were angry at her.
"You should have died together with your universe, but no you just had to bring your ship to meddle with our universe and destroy it like yours!" the human like being shouted next venting out their frustrations.
"If the human realm falls, we will not help one bit. That is your responsibility now and if you fail consider yourself hunted because we'll alert them on just what transpired in your universe and how you failed to stop it." the angel added with a scowl on his face.
With that threat the 2 beings abruptly disappered in a flash of light leaving Teressa all alone. She had placed her palms over one another to hide the quake in her right hand but now both hands were visibly shaking. Her eyes closed briefly as for the first time she felt doubt creep into her being for the first time and she hated it.
She tried to use her power to try and see what the future had in store but just like any other time she could only see blackness intertwine with the golden threads of this universe confusing her greatly. This would be the first time she would actually have hope in her chosen one for something that she can't control or foresee.
"My warrior of love and hope," Teressa said as she closed her eyes, "do not falter against the trials that you will face. Stand firm and believe in yourself."
Earth, (Day of the general UN assembly)
Yamato didn't know how analyser did it but somehow he was able to at least get the ship sea worth. From the outside everything looks perfectly fine but on the inside, everything was still a mess with most of the work not even started.
Given the time crunch she was satisfied with what they could do and now they were nearing New York where the assembly was just about to start.
Tagging along with her in ship form were her sisters and both cruisers. They held a diamond formation with the carrier in the middle battleships on both sides and the cruisers top and bottom. She knew that they didn't need to do all of that but it was all for looks as the group was soon placed in a holding pattern over the city.
This gave Yamato enough time to look over the damage dealt to New York which wasn't as severe as compared to Washington DC, it was a miracle that no skyscraper was struck thus the NYC skyline lived on. Soon they were cleared for landing making their AI's change course as they gently decreased in altitude before landing on the ocean. Their main engines powering down as their sub-engines or (auxiliary engines for Shinano) took over pushing them into their reserved docks that were able to fit each one of them even Shinano.
Yamato used her chair elevator to take a shortcut to her captains room at the top of the bridge giving her a 360 view of everything around her. She looked at her attire which was just her captain uniform which would fit her style. She's a kansen first and an empress second and she didn't want to compromise on that.
However, this would be the first time she would go outside without hiding anything and this made her nervous but then she remembered her dear sisters who would be with her every step of the journey. A smile was on her face as she fixed her captain hat on top her head, the new cuts allowing her ears to poke out without getting stuck beneath the cape.
Before disembarking she took analyser with her as did Ginga since analyser would actually be really helpful for her upcoming presentation.
Stepping out of her hatch she let go of any seeds of doubt and pushed through with what she had. She choose to protect humanity thus naturally she would also be given the mantle of protecting her own people who would gladly put their own lives at risk just for the kansens.
Yamato walked down to the pier where she meet her sisters and cruisers who also choose to where similar outfits in order to stick together as kansens.
"You'll do great sister," Shinano said encouraging her.
"Remember, no lengthy monologues just stick to the point," Ginga pointed out also encouraging her.
"You can do this," "I believe in you," both Kitakami and Oicchi added their own lines to encourage her.
Yamato smiled as she fully understood that these 4 had her back wherever she went.
"Thank you everyone. Now enough chit chat let's go grab our seats."
Walking in to the building, Yamato was promptly whisked away by Sakuran officials to a VIP area since they didn't want anyone to realise their secret plan.
The meeting was mainly centred on earth as each continent representative gave out their reports while admiral Mason gave a report on the military which surprisingly had little to no casualties which was shocking.
Upon entering the question and answer session most delegates asked Mason on more information he had on the mysterious faction to which he replied he had none and that sparked outrage. In order to quell the fire he had to give them information on Gatalantis which Argo gave him but he couldn't reveal that there so he disguised it as the mysterious allies giving them the information to find a weak point.
After that gruelling session the meeting was almost coming to an end when they reached their last item which was to be headed by Nagato who stepped up on the stage. The kitsune gave a small bow before accepting the mic gently tapping on it.
She silently skimmed through the crowd noticing the many different kansens in the room before her golden eyes noticed Mutsu, her sister, giving her thumbs up making her smile faintly.
"Yesterday, it seemed like the world will end, our forces were scattered and struggling to push through, it looked like we would not make it. However, even at the edge of our hope we believed that we will pull through because unity is one of the greatest strengths that humanity possess. We choose to believe in each other and thanks to the valiant efforts from my fellow sisters and allies and the heroic efforts of our fellow military we preserved and lived to see another day. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger and those words could never be so true. In my time as the leader of Sakura Empire I have faced many challenges but even when I made mistakes I always had my friends and allies around me to help me through it all."
At this point people in the room started to feel something big was about to happen as even the broadcasts were being aired on Sakuran social media right around the time Nagato started talking.
"Even after 5 years I still feel like I was never meant to be the one in charge," a slight shock passes through the crowd other than Shinano's group, "That is why as per imperial law I hereby resign from the role of Sakura Empire's empress."
Pin drop silence followed soon after as people were stunned at what she just said and even the comments online were outraged that she resigned out of the blue but behind her Nagato could hear the faint sound of footsteps approaching.
"In accordance with the law I hereby transfer the mantle of responsibility to Her Majesty," Nagato moved aside as a hidden door slid open to reveal a new figure walk into the room, 9 black tails proudly on display and her cape casting a mysterious shadow over her eyes that glowed softly, "the strongest kansen in all of Sakura Empire and lead ship of the Yamato class battleship, empress Yamato!"
Yamato reached up and removed her cape allowing her face to be fully on display for the galaxy to see and it was the first time viewership of the summit crossed 10 billion views in such a short time.
Nagato would hand over the mic to the new empress as camera flashes would start popping off one after another almost blinding her if she wasn't used to it from her repeated clashes with powerful foes and space exploration. Analyser also pulled up shortly after and was ready to project though the camera flashes were still in the way. Yamato sighed before letting out a small wave of bloodlust towards the cameramen, just enough to paralyse them in fear.
The lights in the room dimmed as analyser begun to project images she captured during her short explorations. Since she was in front of leaders and delegates there was no need to mince her words
"Earth stands once more. We were victorious but that doesn't mean that our enemies will idly sit by while we celebrate."
Analyser projected different images captured when Yamato had, accidentally, raided different siren strongholds together with images of the Arbiter she had clashed with.
"The sirens are not the only ones who stand as a threat to humanity. Over this past year I have met and fought other different factions who stand ready to challenge humanity and I can attest that they are strong to the point where they could even rival the sirens in terms of how much danger they pose."
Pictures of the Void and Chaos were displayed shocking everyone present and even online.
"However, if there's one thing these factions don't have is unity. Together we stand firm but divided we will fall, no matter what era that saying has held true for as long as civilisations are around. Whoever and wherever our enemies may be earth stands ready for we kansens stand ready to protect humanity from the enemies that lies in the shadows. As the new empress of Sakura Empire I will lead this empire to a great future, though I will make mistakes I trust in my allies that they may correct me and lead me in the right path. That is all"
As she stepped down from the stage a round of applause sounded as the UN general assembly drew to a close.
Later once night fell on the bustling city of NYC with the city still being as lively as it was in the day earning it the nickname the city that never sleeps, the new empress finally made it to her bed after an evening of celebration.
Yamato lay on her bed in her ship's captain's quarter giving her a good view of the night sky even though it was filled with light pollution, she was tired. After her appearance from the UN she was ambushed by reporters outside the UN which put her in a tight spot but luckily her loyal cruisers and sisters managed to free her from the reporters who wanted to milk her for front page news articles. Though she did hear one of them ask if she was connected to the mysterious faction that saved earth.
She wasn't sure if she should be worried if they will find out she's technically not from their universe but more importantly she hasn't told her sister Shinano even and she was sure that her sister had her own suspicions about her since Kii became Ginga but she never brought it up again.
Yamato sighed as the weight of her responsibility started to dawn her. Starting tomorrow she was going to be the leader of an interstellar empire officially. She was ticked off that Nagato said she was going on a well deserved vacation, she toyed with the idea of ordering her to go to the front lines but revoked it since Nagato really needed the vacation after 5 years.
She got ready to go to sleep before a notification sounded in her head.
[Event: Defend Earth has been completed!]
[processing of rewards complete.]
[You have received:
[Cosmo python blueprints for killing Arbiter the Empress 3rd]
[Cosmo reverse System blue prints for defeat the Ark of Chaos]
[Cosmo hound blueprints for stopping the earth invasion]
[Yamato Kai transformation has been acquired for rising up to the mantle of empress]
{Keter wishes you good luck in your next trials :) }
The rewards were sweet but for a system to be wishing her good luck was weird but she didn't pay much attention to it as she buried her face in her pillow exhaustion taking over her.
The lone battleship from the start was not alone at the end for she made friends and found her sisters while also befriending an interdimensional angel. She also made many enemies who silently wished for her destruction.
The wheels of fate were turning and nothing can stop what will transpire in the future.
Thank you all for reading till the epilogue, Volume 2 will be intense as you've seen from the teasers. Though first batch of chapters will be taking things smoothly as we dive into Yamato's new world as being the empress. Catch up on characters we never saw again and meet new people before time runs out.
See you next time in volume 2, will start releasing No Earlier Than march, but is subject to change.