Let the heaven fall pt.2

Summary.

Ever since Hylia's departure, along with her chosen comrades for training, several days have passed unnoticed.

Within the ceaseless flow of time, several significant events have unfolded, serving as key points in shaping the future of their epilogue.

For the feasty haired girl, it all commenced with her eventual rendezvous at Skull Island. There, Hylia established connections with six ship girls, and take a piece of their 'Love'.

As for the tales of the foolish holder, his next path has been entwined with the arrival of System users in that realm. Who arrived with his allies and their subordinates, driven by their own aspirations and desires.

Whether he decided to repeat the tragedy or not, he had already found his answer. And amidst the looming threat of an incoming storm, several strategies had been devised to counter it.

However, at times, even the most meticulously planned endeavors encounter unexpected obstacles, compelling the architect of the scheme to make a drastically different decision.

Yet, isn't that the usual course? Much like how destruction follows creation, failure eventually catches up with those unable to tread the path of success.

Just what he's planning to do, only two individual who somehow know about it. 

The content of his plan that intricately involves Saratoga's responsibilities and role within his scheme, as well as Akashi's significant contributions to numerous research and development facets.

As each battle plan and puzzle piece fall into place, a broader picture will gradually emerge when everything is illuminated.

Engulfing all within the radiance of justice, malice, and love.

Everything has been set despite not everything has been told.

The stage is now fully set for the coronation of the thorny crown.

The long-awaited piece has also been positioned on the board.

While certain participants continue to wait and observe from the shadows, all arrangements are firmly established, poised to unfurl based on the choices of each individual.

Whether this unfolds as a positive progression or transforms into a nightmare, what will happen has now become inevitable, for the story of many.

—————————————————

Skull Island

The pitter-patter of raindrops cascaded, drenching the earth on Skull Island.

The once fertile soil metamorphosed into a wetland, prompting the creatures that were once active around to seek new territory for their hunting grounds.

Amidst the somber embrace of the island's atmosphere, a petite girl with hair reminiscent of a fractured rainbow hurried along the woodland's edge.

Her vivid presence stood out amidst the subdued surroundings, painting a stark contrast against the somber landscape.

Clad in her bright yellow raincoat, she reveled in the moment.

"It's the scent of rain, I love it." (Hylia)

With each raindrop trickling and landing where her feet tread, a unique aroma carrying an earthy scent wafted up and met her small nose.

It was a fragrance that stirred memories of the past, evoking a sense of comfort for those who cherished it.

"Ahh! Not good, fooling around and Uche-sama will angry again. Uhh, where's the way to the spring water again?" Hylia

Unfortunately at that moment she's engaged in her own task, so she couldn't linger too long to savor the atmosphere around her again.

〈Advance forward until you find the flower field, then turn right and go straight for 50 meters, and you'll reach your destination.〉

"Alright, thanks Purple screen." (Hylia)

Resuming her stride following the given directions, Hylia proceeded toward the direction indicated by the floating transparent screen ahead, eventually leading her to a flower field that naturally halted her steps.

Despite navigating through muddy paths and numerous obstructing branches, the sight left Hylia feeling fulfilled, as if the journey was worth the obstacles encountered along the way.

"Colors..." (Hylia)

Rarely had she seen various types of flowers with different hues flourishing in a single area.

In fact, there hadn't been a single place she had visited that was teeming with an array of flowers like the one before her.

Gazing at the breathtaking sight, Hylia walked while delicately touching a few petals, with each touch evoking memories of certain individuals as she observed the flowers.

Red as fire symbolizing courage, white just like a lined paper symbolizing emptiness, and vibrant yellow just like a silk symbolizing hospitality, and there's still more and more among her vision.

"Ehehe, this one is Fuwa." (Hylia)

From the diverse array of colorful flowers, she was certain that each possessed its unique name, their distinctions compelling Hylia to believe so.

This was no exception for those in shades of gray and deep red. When she caught sight of these particular blooms, Hylia couldn't help but envision Sakura Zeimachi and Cera upon them.

"... I git it, I can't be sad right? If I'm not mistaken, it's just a turn there and arrive." (Hylia)

Her heart felt a slight tug, an urge to cry once more. Yet, it appeared she had matured enough to suppress those tears.

Furthermore, she was hesitant to falter in front of those beautiful plants, she felt ashamed at the thought of crying before them.

Gazing at the sky that dampened both the flowers and her face, Hylia struggled not to succumb to the swirl of emotions, determined to resume her task of finding clean water and begun to drift away from the flower field.

However, this time around, the path to reach the nearby spring water wasn't as straightforward as her System had indicated. In fact, it proved even more challenging than before.

At times, she stumbled into marshy ground, encountered Monsters seamlessly blending into the environment ready to prey on her, and even slipped her footings while carrying the clean water back to her basecamp.

"Phuaah! I'm still alive? Fheeww..." (Hylia)

The path proved far more perilous than her journey to the flower field. At least she managed to secure their supply of clean water though.

"Ouchiee... slippery. Hmm? Isn't that..." (Hylia)

As she lifted herself, smeared with dirt, grass, and moss from her second fall, Hylia realized she had returned to the flower field she had previously traversed.

She couldn't believe she had ended up back there, and at that very spot, she noticed a ship girl gazing at some flowers blooming in the field.

"Humumu..." (Hylia)

She was a ship girl dressed in attire resembling a kimono, shielding herself from the ongoing rain with a sort of paper umbrella.

Visible from the back of her body were several furry tails resembling those of her animal-like ears, a distinctive characteristic of ship girls hailing from the Sakura Empire.

"Sis Ichigo! What's up, are you looking at these flowers?" (Hylia)

"... I'm not. I was just looking for you because you took too long. What made you so dirty like this?"「#1」 

Running over while waving her hand, Hylia approached the ship girl without stepping on any of the flowers.

Meanwhile, the ship girl herself was rather puzzled as to why Hylia looked as if she had just finished a military training session, covered in mud.

"Uhh well... a lot happend!" (Hylia)

The feisty-haired girl puffed out her chest and acted as if nothing was amiss, a customary behavior when she was unsure of what to explain.

Opting not to dwell on the matter, #1, whom Hylia referred to as Ichigo, then gently wiped the little girl's face with a cloth she took from her pocket.

As the fabric swiped across her small face, Hylia who happily accepted the care, smiled warmly at the ship girl.

"You're... unexpectedly clumsy."「#1」 

Despite their initial meeting being somewhat awkward, it seemed that something was beginning to bring them closer. This was in contrast to Sakura Zeimachi, who day by day distanced himself further from the ship girls.

"Which flowers are you looking at, sis?" (Hylia)

"..." 「#1」

Just by pointing her face and her animal-like ears toward a cluster of flowers, #1 remained silent. But in contrast it made Hylia to become curious about those particular flowers.

"This one?" (Hylia)

"Indeed."「#1」

It was a flower that appeared transparent, resembling glass.

Hylia was momentarily amazed and even crouched down to inspect the flower up close.

"This flower... it's like glass? What's the name of this flower?" (Hylia)

"The name of this flower is the Skeleton flower, but most people call it the Glass Flower when they see it."「#1」

Hylia wasn't overly knowledgeable about flowers, but she saw no harm in admiring them. Moreover, she still hadn't fully grasped Sakura Zeimachi's intentions, and she continued to strive to decipher them.

That's why her curiosity was growing.

"In my hometown, I could only see this flower once, so I was a bit surprised."「#1」

"Hometown... but to think the name is Skeleton Flower, it sounds quite eerie. Want to take it home?" (Hylia)

"... That's indeed my intention. If you want it, go ahead. But this flower will 'slightly' change when it's not soaked by rain."「#1」

Hylia and #1 carefully plucked the flowers to take with them.

Handling them delicately as if carrying something fragile, Hylia then positioned herself under #1's umbrella for shelter.

"Whaha! Look Sis Ichigo, some parts of the flower don't look like glass anymore." (Hylia)

"Their petals change when soaked in water. So when they're dry, they return to their original petal color. I once read it from a book Fuso borrowed to me."「#1」

The ship girl didn't seem too bothered by it.

"Sis Ichigo, what are you planning to do with this flower later?" (Hylia)

"... My intention is to give this to the my dear, commander."「#1」

"To Zei? Hmm... is there a special meaning behind giving this flower?" (Hylia)

The more she listened to the ship girl's words, the more she learned, yet her questions continued to pile up. Despite this, Ichigo patiently answered with a warm gaze and a soft smile.

"The meaning of this flower itself encompasses affection and happiness. It could also symbolize purity or an act of seeking forgiveness. But I simply hope that the commander can accept this and receive the feelings and happiness that I offer."「#1」

For the first time, Hylia saw the ship girl smile—a smile she felt was similar with the moments where Gascogne and Deutschland recalled their commander.

It was a different kind of smile, that was what Hylia could comprehend.

This response prompted Hylia to redirect her gaze back to the flowers, which had returned to their petals and no longer resembled glass.

To the bouquet of happiness and joy within her grasp.

Honestly, after hearing the intricate meanings behind the petals she gently stroked with her fingers, Hylia too yearned for something that could bring her happiness and joy.

"Affection and happiness... Hn! I hope everyone gets them. Be it Fuwa... all big sis in this island with me, and even Zei. Everyone in the academy will be included!" (Hylia)

"Yes."「#1」

"And special for Zei to maximize its impact, I'll present him with three flowers, thereby tripling the joy he'll received!" (Hylia)

"... I won't lose."「#1」

Hylia appears earnest in bestowing three times the quantity of flowers upon the foolish man, and it appears that #1 or Ichigo also regard the words of the feasty haired girl with seriousness.

The rain continued to pour, its lament echoing, carrying numerous tears from the heavens..

Yet, beneath the same umbrella and carrying the same flowers, both of them walked along the path they had traversed, heading back to their base camp.

—————————————————

「Naval Command Center of Operations, HQ」

As befitting a military establishment in a world marked by interwoven conflicts, the HQ bears the architectural structure akin to military bases that have undergone subtle modernization in various sections

There lies a gate guarded by military personnel, an open shooting range fenced by iron and walls, and even a helicopter runway nestled amidst numerous key infrastructures like weapon depots and administrative rooms.

The place is also considered the safest haven from Siren attacks, given the presence of several ship girls the likes of Bismarck or Sovetsky Soyuz acting as representatives of their factions to attend to their respective political matters.

Although now they won't be able to set foot in that place anymore.

Anyway, political matters are too perplexing, so let's conclude the explanation here.

That day marked the end of the three days granted by Yulijer, the day when he and his five companions would head towards the place where the ship girls and their commanders resided.

On this pivotal day, Yulijer was in the middle of his last research, meticulously reviewing numerous paper folders in the confidential file room of the HQ.

No one was around him, and there were only dozens of cabinets housing folders containing documents stored in that room.

Many files lay open, evidence of how earnestly he planned his revenge, involving the destruction of Sakura Zeimachi and the ship girls.

"This is useful." ☆Yulijer☆

Upon reviewing all the available data, Yulijer felt a sense of satisfaction.

As he perused through everything at his disposal, it seemed as if the world itself supported his existence and every action he intended to take.

It was as though the universe conspired to aid Yulijer in seeking his vengeance.

Therefore, after enduring everything he had to pull through within that world, Yulijer grew increasingly content, knowing that his long-desired vengeance would soon be realized.

Be it concerning his dealings with Sakura Zeimachi or others, all his desires for retribution were on the verge of being fulfilled.

"I'll make sure to pay everything in return, also with interest." ☆Yulijer☆

A disdain and scornful smile adorned his face as he gathered all the files and documents. And as he finished gathering all the papers, from the direction of the exit of the confidential file room, a young girl made her appearance.

"Hey Yuli, Mourgant that old man is getting impatient, let's go. Oh, I heard laughter earlier, was that you?" ☆Katchia☆

"Yeah, let's go." ☆Yulijer☆

Receiving the call from a companion who had been obedient and beneficial to him, Yulijer took the documents and stowed them away in some form of an Item Box or perhaps a Dimensional Storage.

Whatever it was, all the papers seemed to vanish, swallowed by the Void.

"By the way, what are we going to do with the humans here? Since they're not too useful, it wouldn't matter if they were to die, right?" ☆Katchia☆

Walking through corridors and halls towards the open field with Katchia, Yulijer surveyed his surroundings, where numerous humans—military personnel, government officials, or even civilians present at the HQ for their own purposes—filled the space.

"There's some with roles akin to heads of state or at least military heads in this world. It's a waste to kill them." ☆Yulijer☆

Unlike the ship girls, they're just some ordinary humans who offer a mere +1 or few more Merit when killed, so they refuse to take that Merit until emergency comes.

It's better to leave the flies be because they're never-ending when killed, that's more or less what Yulijer meant. Similar to a mercy given by the strong.

Furthermore, he actually favored Suzuko's method of utilizing her Sharingan ability to extract diverse information and details she sought.

Through this, he managed to gather intriguing insights about Sakura Zeimachi's activities in the academy from the ship girl.

Given Katchia's ability, the Quirk All for One that hold many superhuman abilities, Yulijer deliberately guided her to follow Suzuko's lead. If she could assist in enhancing his comprehension of mental attacks and stability, he would also appreciate it.

Unfortunately, her heart wasn't as vast as her mind.

〈Katchia +3 Random Military Personel〉

〈Katchia +1 Random civilian〉

〈Katchia +1 Random civilian〉

"Hey... they're just angry because their friend died. Don't kill them." ☆Yulijer☆

"I don't care, I never liked them from the start. Their soldier-like behavior annoys me; I don't want to be around them." ☆Katchia☆

"We need people for later, so if possible, try not to kill too many of them. I beg you." ☆Yulijer☆

The girl, whose height only reached Yulijer's waist, sighed and shrugged her shoulders, seemingly dissatisfied with what she heard.

Despite being a System owner, Katchia's demeanor seemed to match her youthful body.

Shortly after she pulled a "what a hassle" pose, Katchia who initially disappointed and bored, then spoke again with a different demeanor, laced with a hint of threat.

"Well fine, I'll hold myself for a bit. But don't forget Yuli, it wasn't only Mourgant who didn't like your yesterday's side." ☆Katchia☆

It's as if she truly didn't approve of something about Yulijer's actions from days ago.

"If you try to stop me again, I'll create a Nomu suitable for you later. Even though you're a valuable experienced companion, I don't like anyone getting in my way." ☆Katchia☆

Hearing her words, Yulijer was reminded of his deliberate action of allowing the ship girls at the HQ to escape—an event akin to releasing fish intentionally caught in their net.

At that time, Yulijer claimed that he intentionally let the ship girls go out of compassion.

He mentioned that he allowed them to bid their final farewells to everyone at the academy and to have the chance to sleep one last time alongside their new commander.

"Slow down girl, as I've said I let them return to bid their final farewells didn't I? Instantly taking lives is an easy issue but the challenge lies in how to make use of it." ☆Yulijer☆

However, contrary to the supposed intentions behind his actions, Yulijer wasn't as benevolent in allowing the ship girls to return home and reunite with their friends at the Azur Lane Academy.

There's a rotten seed hidden within the fruit.

Much like someone offering false hope, Yulijer hoped that by letting the ship girls return home, it would eventually foster a desire within them to defy fate and protect the people they cherished.

"You shouldn't forget either, Katchia. This is my revenge, you got that? I want to see them suffer, that's why I let them go for once before crushing all of their hope. Merit is a small consequence for me." ☆Yulijer☆

After witnessing their comrades and friends being tortured and harmed, the man desired the ship girls to unite so that eventually they would stand together against him.

It was akin to the tales where heroic characters unite to defeat the dark lord, where various tribes and races emerge to vanquish a common foe.

Sadly, this time it would be the heroes who would perish, considering all their hopes and efforts would shatter alongside their commander.

That was more or less what he meant by his "quality time."

"I've already regained a lot of my money, and I already put them to use. Not to forget, the presence of spies at the Academy has made our job easier. The rest is tormenting them." ☆Yulijer☆

"That's obvious AND I still need those Merit. But if we're talking about suffering, torturing them will probably yield more Merit compared to killing them. You want to see them suffer right? As a pro in farming, ensuring every last drop is extracted and milked them dry is better than a swift death. " ☆Katchia☆

"Well not so sure about it though." ☆Yulijer☆

Yulijer chuckled lightly at the brutal remark from someone with looks younger than him. As they continued their conversation, they eventually reached where their other companions had been waiting.

As Katchia mentioned, they had all been waiting for their arrival. 

"Bastard."

The man with the power of Devil, Angel, Dragon and even God, Mourgant.

"Yo took you guys long enough. We're talking about how we should split up when we reached there, or maybe we should stick together?"

The young man with the power of Manga and Anime of Sword Art Online, Julian.

"From what we know, there's bunch of Ship Girls in that place. More than hundred as a matter of fact, so it'll be faster to harvest them that way."

The woman with the power that could even rival Uchiha Madara, Suzuko.

"I'll stick to my own way, a direct final ultimate on their base. Those who are lucky will survive it."

And the godlike being that could be compared to the God of Otsutsuki himself, Freidhard

"Hey, if you kill them then how about me? I need their body for more Quirk just so you know." ☆Katchia☆

"Calm down fellas, I already got my plan right here. Not only my revenge will be delivered in full, but you guys will also be paid plenty." ☆Yulijer☆

Unbeknownst to the Katchia and Mourgant, Yulijer signaled with his eyes to Suzuko and Freidhard regarding the agreement they had made. It only need a slight eye contact to make them understand about it.

And eventually, all their preparations were completed for their departure.

"Now let's go, to the academy." ☆Yulijer☆

Alongside the One for All Quirk user, Katchia, and the strongest among them, Yulijer, the six of them set out to bring destruction to all the dreams and hopes that continued to blossom.

—————————————————

Meanwhile, at the Azur Lane Academy.

As the six of them departed using their means to reach the academy, on the other side, several ship girls were entering their commander's room.

With calm and unhurried steps, they weren't sneaking around like some of the ship girls often did. Their arrival was purposeful, as they genuinely needed something from their commander.

"Commander? Hmm? He's not here."「Enterprise」 

"That's odd, he's usually in his office at this hour. Given how fatigued he appeared yesterday, I hope everything is alright."「Vestal」 

Two of the ship's girls were Enterprise, who at that time wanted to inspect her commander's condition, and Vestal, who arrived with a somewhat similar reason.

Considering the timing as well, the clock still indicated the time when the man typically chilling in his office, so they felt a mixture of normalcy and peculiarity regarding this occurrence, which they're witnessing for the first time.

"The Commander is human after all, he'll break down if he overworks himself. But it's a shame if he's not around, I thought this would be a great opportunity to get to know each other better~"「Prinz Eugen」 

"From his explanation as well, his body receives a slight strain when using the power of that sphere. Perhaps he's quietly gathering his strength? Uhuhu."「Avrora」

In addition to Enterprise and Akashi, there're also ship girls named Prinz Eugen and Avrora following them. Needless to say, they're ship girls of exquisite and beautiful appearance.

Their own purpose differed slightly from that of the sister outfitted nun and the Code G.

Because considering the incident where their Commander offer his hand to heal the wounds sustained by the ship girls, they came to express their gratitude directly. And perhaps to do something else as well.

"Figures, even his office looks like sad."「Jean Bart」

"Jean Bart? You're here for commander?"「Enterprise」 

"...Yeah, something around that."「Jean Bart」 

Though not yet granted permission, the ship girls began entering the office room, examining various sides and corners that intrigued them, based on their individual assessments.

The more they inspected almost every part, the stronger their opinion became that the room seemed lacking in ornaments and decorations.

Even on the floor, there's only a 'WELCOME' mat that they just stepped on at the entrance.

There wasn't much furniture aside from the desk and its chair, along with a single sofa, a guest table, and a cabinet filled with papers.

"[Confidential] List of ship girls who hold unique abilities upon their awakening from deep slumber, ... Eldridge: Commander's detection radar, ... Formidable: Angel series (minor), ... Birmingham: Idaten Emblem (Flame Kaiser) ... whoa, there's much more of this list..."「Prinz Eugen」 

"It's confidential, Eugen."「Enterpise」 

"You're treating this place actually like your home."「Jean Bart」 

"Oops~"「Prinz Eugen」 

The decorations were no more than discounted curtains given by Akashi, along with a potted palm in the corner next to a small trash bin.

It was truly an excessively minimalist room.

Due to the warm temperature of that room, Avrora even went as far as to open the window to let the fresh breeze flow into the room. Where her gaze met something very impossible to happen.

"What... is that..."「Avrora」 

After fiddling with various aspects and corners of the office room, the ship girls finally felt sufficiently content with the multitude of things they had discovered.

"Now that I remember, he's commonly seen with Akashi or Saratoga wasn't he? Let's look for those two."「Vestal」 

"Yeah, the three of them have been seen together quite frequently lately. Just yesterday, I saw him leaving the office with Saratoga, after Akashi seemed to have fled from there."「Enterprise」 

"Now that's sounds interesting."「Prinz Eugen」 

"Anyhow, we already know where to next."「Jean Bart」 

And since it appeared their Commander wouldn't be returning to the office anytime soon, the four of them eventually decided to leave the room, of course after restoring it to its original state.

However, something was peculiar. All this while, Avrora who was accompanying them appeared to remain completely silent before the window.

"Ehh? Why is it dark already?"「Vestal」

Instead, she remained silent, gazing out through the open window, where the skies strangely had darkened as if shrouded by ominous black clouds masking the once bright light.

Covering the academy with a dark shadow from above.

Feeling disregarded by Avrora who is known for her friendliness with anyone, the ship girls sensed something amiss. From there, Vestal was the first to attempt to approach her.

As Vestal drew closer to assess Avrora's condition, she noticed the color starting to fade from her face, and her limbs began to tremble, making it difficult for her to stand steadily.

Vestal had become worried of Avrora's symptoms.

"Avrora, what's wrong? Are you all— right..."「Vestal」 

Only when Vestal approached to bring her back did Avrora snap out of her reverie. The ship girl in the sweater took a deep breath as if her lungs had been empty of air.

Unfortunately, as Vestal looked in the same direction Avrora had been gazing, she also understood what had silenced Avrora all along.