⛔️ ⚠️ WARNING !!! ⚠️ ⛔️

This chapter  contain spoilers : not only about the  "Khorovod of Dawn's Rime" event, but on the Azur Lane's lore as well !

Before reading this chapter, it is strongly advised to be familiar about the Azur Lane lore, as this chapter will contain spoilers from the game, and the next chapters might contain spoilers as well !

If you are already familiar with the Azur Lane lore, then you can proceed directly into the chapter !

But if it is not the case, go learn more about the Azur Lane lore to avoid being spoiled elements you weren't aware about  !

Now that the warning has been said, the chapter will start !

If you end up being spoiled about the lore, you only have yourself to blame ! After all, I did warned you, so don't put the blame on me !

And now, let's start with the next chapter !

Basilica, after Charles got back from Shtorm's world :

3rd P.O.V

Charles finally got back with Ember, Ash, Cinder and Hiryuu META after bringing the Ashes that followed Charles from Shtorm's world.

It took them a bit longer than intended because of a fourth member of the Ashes that was being late, but they managed to bring them to the hidden location just as planned.

They got back to the Basilica where Richelieu was waiting for Charles. She was wondering where he was because he didn't came back directly to the Basilica.

He answered by doing a patrol around to make sure some enemy Sirens didn't followed him through the portal, and the Ashes were conveniently near his location, explaining why they were with him.

Richelieu accepted that answer seeing that he was meticulous when it comes to organization. So, the secret with the mysterious Ashes is well kept for now.

As he entered, he got welcomed by everyone. He profited of this to give to not only Purifier, but Omitter as well an AK-47, and thus replacing Purifier's AK-12, as it was deemed too weak.

It was safe to say that the Purifier and Omitter of Charles's Simulation were the strongest of all the Simulations existing in terms of raw power.

Since it was evening, they all went to the cafeteria to eat while the trio of Iris Shipboys told what happened in Shtorm's world. Empress was pleased to learn that Charles give a lesson to her other self.

To resume, it was a peaceful evening with some interesting stories to tell. The lull from the Sirens gave them an opportunity to get some well-deserved rest. And an opportunity for Charles to finally check the folder "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS".

(Timeskip given to you by the buffed Meowficcer preparing to punch the horny readers)

Basilica, the next day :

Charles P.O.V

After a night of rest, I woke up early as usual, because it's always good to see the sun rising from the horizon, while waiting for my wives to wake up.

After being satisfied watching the sunrise and waiting for my wives to wake up, we all went to the cafeteria to eat our breakfast before doing whatever we need to do today.

In my case, it was to look at the folder I didn't looked yet. For Purifier and Omitter, it was testing their AK-47, because they want to compare it's effectiveness compared to the AK-12, helped by the other Advisor-class Sirens.

After everything was done, I went towards my office, but not before kissing each of my wives. After that, I was gonna accomplish what I have planned for today.

I entered my room and went to my desk before sitting down and take the folder that was getting all my curiosity. I opened the folder and at the same time, I blinked my eyes.

Auditorium of the Arcana Sanctum :

Charles P.O.V

As I opened my eyes, I found myself again in that place. Does this mean I'm gonna see again that Anzeel girl and that Aoste guy ?

And by looking at his face, something feels wrong.

Aoste : ...More electronic interference ? How is that possible ? We are deep below the surface and should be immune to any kind of jamming.

The Arcana Sanctum was supposed to be an underwater base ?

Aoste : Zero, survey the surrounding waters and determine if there are hostiles approaching.

Wait, Zero ? As in Observer Zero ?! Is there something more going on ?! I might ask her about that Aoste guy.

Aoste : Nothing of the sort ? I see. Well done, my child.

Excuse me what ?! Is he Zero's father or what ? I was so shocked that I didn't even noticed that Commander being here with Aoste.

Commander : It seems to have been an equipment malfunction. Let me push the system restore button.

He did that and everything was working again.

Aoste : And you fixed it ? Thank goodness it was nothing more than that. Why would there be a hardware failure now though...? Diagnostics were performed on the system yesterday and everything was in working order... There must've been some reason for it...

Commander : The audience is growing anxious.

Aoste : Yes, you're right... We'll look into the source of the malfunction later. It may well have been the result of the solar flares we've experienced as of late.

Both left the room where they were before returning to the auditorium. Of course, I followed them. There shouldn't be any problems as they cannot see me from what I've observed.

Aoste : Apologies for that. Our equipment suffered a malfunction, but the issue has been rectified. Rest assured, this auditorium is completely closed off the outside. No electronic signals can get in or out. Furthermore, we are safe with Anthiocus's fleet guarding the perimeter.

Again that Anthiocus. But maybe Zero can give me the answers I need.

Aoste : With that behind us, let us continue where we left off. Standing with me today is the leading expert on the study of Wisdom Cubes. This individual may have a solution to the issue of metamorphosis which plagued us so. Allow me to introduce-

Back to Charles's office in the Basilica :

Charles P.O.V

Introduce who ? Just at the moment he would introduce that person, I have to get back here. Dammit ! Could it have been that Anzeel girl ?

??? : Charles

The more I think, the more mysterious everything is becoming. I wish I could have an answer to all of this...

??? : Charles !

Urgh... There's no point complaining. Doing that won't help me.

Arbiter III : CHARLES !!!

Damn ! My ears ! What is going on ?! I almost fell backwards because of that ! I looked to see that Empress was in my office. When did she got here ? Was I gone for that long ?

Charles : When did you got here ?

Arbiter III : Just now. But I need to show something important right now.

Before I could answer, she shows me a screen while pointing to two messages in particular. I was dumbfounded and frightened at what I saw.

[11:24:36 : Entity MNF Charles de Gaulle removed from the Simulation #19422020]

[11:24:37 : Entity MNF Charles de Gaulle added in the Simulation #19422020]

Charles : What...? You're saying that I've been removed from existence ?!

Arbiter III : Not only that, but it is also the third time it happened, hence why I am here to ask you this : Did something strange happened to you those times where the system said you were removed and then added back in our Simulation ?

Charles : Not that I remember that... although I had some strange visions recently.

Arbiter III : Visions you say ? Elaborate please !

Charles : Before that, do you mind bringing Observer Zero here ? I have some questions myself to ask her, and it's about what I saw in those visions.

Arbiter III : If it is linked to that, then, okay. But you better explain me everything.

Charles : Bien sûr. I need her because of some informations I need. And informations you might possess as well.

Empress sent a message to Observer Zero to come here immediately. And just like that, a portal opened with Observer Zero coming out of it.

Observer Zero : I came as fast as I can. But why am I here ?

Arbiter III : Charles needed you because he has some questions to ask. And we will have some informations about his predicament, if you see what I mean.

Observer Zero : About the fact he was removed from existence before being added back ?

Arbiter III : Exactly.

Charles : In that case, let me explain what happened on my side...

(Timeskip given to you by Takao and Ember training together with the katana)

A long explanation later :

Charles P.O.V

Arbiter III : ...Damn...

Observer Zero : You don't say.

Charles : Well, in that case, my turn to ask questions, if you don't mind.

Arbiter III : Go ahead.

Charles : Well, that question is specifically for Observer Zero, which is the following : do you know someone named Aoste ?

I saw that Observer Zero widen her eyes, just like Empress, which mean they know him.

Observer Zero : I take it you heard that name in your visions.

Charles : Oui. And I also heard that he called you "my child". Could you explain ?

Observer Zero : ...Well, he is the one behind the creation of the Sirens. So, it would make sense that he would be considered as a father.

Charles : I see. But I didn't knew that. All I know is that he was linked to something or someone called "Anthiocus". Do you might know about who this is ?

Arbiter III : ...Actually, they were right in front of you all this time.

Charles : Wait, you're telling me you are Anthiocus ?!

Arbiter III : Well, yes, but I'm not the only one. The other Arbiters and Enforcers are also considered as Anthiocus. But for avoiding complications, we decided to be considered as Sirens.

Charles : Wait a minute ! You gave me your blood that time, does this mean I am an Anthiocus as well ?!

Arbiter III : Pretty much. Sorry for hiding that fact to you.

Charles : ...I'm not mad, just overwhelmed by those facts. But then, does this mean that Aoste and the Creator are the same person ?

Observer Zero : Correct. Although it's hard to believe, he was a good guy, even though his researches were considered as... questionable at best from the point of view of his colleagues, except for Anzeel who supported him.

Arbiter III : But then, that day, he went to a fight against an unknown threat, but when he came back... he was completely different from before, becoming in the end the ruthless and abusive tyrant you know today.

Charles : ...

I was still processing all of this. So much Informations to process. I was finally snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Observer Zero asking me a question.

Observer Zero : What is "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS" ? Is it a project you are working on ?

Charles : No. And this is what is disturbing me. The fact I am a test subject of a project I'm not even aware of. And I don't even know who are those Elohim Dog and Azazel Lucifer.

Arbiter III : I never heard those names before.

Observer Zero : And neither do I.

Well, time to start searching.  And I don't know why but I have an ominous feeling about this. And the first page isn't helping either.

Preparations for "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS" :

Step 1 : Find a ship that will give us the best results. The MNF Charles de Gaulle is our best bet.

We could have chosen a ship from the Royal Navy due to their highest number of naval victories, but decided against it for one reason.

We preferred to choose an Iris ship because their country have the highest number of military victories in the world.

And Charles de Gaulle brought an important victory, so that's why we chose this ship. Especially since his descendant is at the head of this ship.

What ? Even my Admiral had something to do with this.

Step 2 : Prepare everything to bring the MNF Charles de Gaulle into the Simulation #19422020.  That was easy, we made believe Observer Alpha that this ship was a threat. Ironic, as he is supposed to be the solution to our problem.

Despite the Admiral's refusal, we decided to continue the plan.

I don't like this at all. They even managed to fool Observer Alpha. Thanks God that my Admiral refused their proposition.

Arbiter III : What ? How could they easily make Observer Alpha do that ?

Charles : I don't know either.

Step 3 : Development of his light power. To make it a success, he has to bring back together the Iris Orthodoxy and Azur Lane. Ragnell and Alondite will help for this.

That excuse of God existing was funny tho. We all know he's just an artificial being that doesn't even exist.

I don't want to know how Richelieu, Jeanne d'Arc and Saint Louis will react if they see this. Good thing I'm an atheist, but still... This project is way too ominous in my eyes.

Step 4 : Development of his dark power. That's why the Sirens will have a major role in this, especially the highest classes.

We're using their abuse as an advantage to make them join Azur Lane. Then, the Creator will try to kill the MNF Charles de Gaulle. But he will survive because we have decided upon it by making sure some Siren blood is injected in him to make him survive and to develop his dark powers.

The funniest thing was that Empress was not aware of that. That was exactly what we searched to do. So easy to trick those Sirens and Anthiocus.

Arbiter III : ...What ? All of this was planned ?

I could sense she was honest, but in my side, I was starting to feel more and more angry that I was seen as nothing more than a toy to those two researchers. But I managed to keep calm, at least for now.

But sadly, this won't last after I read the last phrase. I don't think I ever felt that angry until now.

To make sure everything is going as planned, we have infiltrated the Azur Lane by making us be seen as God and Satan. With the Iris being religious, it was easy to make them believe in us, so we won't be seen as suspicious people.

Since the Iris Orthodoxy believed in us, the rest of the Azur Lane did the same. I can't believe it is so easy to fool everyone these days. That's why knowledge is power.

...They were actually toying with us all this time. I'm not mad. I'M ABSOLUTELY LIVID !!!

I punched the table with such violence that the injuries of the abused and neglected characters in RWBY stories on Wattpad are nothing more than a joke compared to this. There was nothing left of that table.

(A/N : I mean, if Sirens can go in different Simulations, they might know about ours where we are Wattpad readers and authors.

So, they might be among us right now, who knows ? Scary thought, isn't it ? Good thing this is a fiction, right ? RIGHT ?! Please reassure me !)

It was so violent that my hand started bleeding. Not that it matters, since my healing factor will get rid of it. I got up from my chair.

Arbiter III P.O.V

I was angry at what I saw, but that anger got replaced by fear as I heard my Emperor obliterating the table in one punch.

If that table got already destroyed, I don't even want to know what will happen to those two impostors, not like it will matter to us.

Charles : ...Is there a Mirror Sea that isn't under our control nearby...?

He's already angry, but the fact that he talks calmly makes it even worse. I heard how dangerous an angry Charles is, but this time, he might go to a brand new level of anger.

I decided to give him some coordinates with the help of Zero, don't want this to become even worse than now, which is already frightening.

Arbiter III : Here, take this.

Charles : ...Merci...I'm gonna vent out a bit of you don't mind...

That was the last thing he said before turning into his Siren form and teleporting out of here. I looked at the window to see his ship teleporting somewhere else, most likely to that Mirror Sea.

Observer Zero : ...How are we gonna explain this to the others...?

Arbiter III : I don't know either. Do you think they will understand if he made a discovery so bad that he got mad ?

Observer Zero : Well, it's not a lie in itself, so it should be legit. That, and they also know that an angry Charles is a serious matter to everyone.

Arbiter III : True, although I never thought I would witness it myself.

Observer Zero : Same.

Meanwhile with Charles in a Mirror Sea :

3rd P.O.V

Charles could be seen in a Mirror Sea which coordinates were given by Empress and Zero. He has found the base and he's gonna wreck some havoc to vent out after he took back his human form.

He could have directly attacked, but instead decided to let out his murderous aura to make his presence known, and that he is pissed off.

The Sirens were doing... whatever things that Sirens do during their free time, but then they felt an immense pressure.

Siren 272 : What the hell is this ?!

Siren 372 : I don't know, let's look outside.

They went to look outside only to see Charles letting out his murderous aura.

Siren 272 : Oh fuck. He's here. We're screwed.

Siren 3726 : What is he doing ?!

Siren 2628 : He's just standing there, menacingly.

Siren 4837 : Hmm... what shall we do ?

Siren 472 : Let's attack him. It should be easy since he's alone. What could go wrong ?

Siren 2528 : I agree. Let's do this.

Some of them went outside to attack Charles. But that was the biggest error of their life as Charles decided to go all out by launching several missiles while also deploying the Panthers.

Siren 372 : Shi-

Siren 481 : Fu-

Siren 5828 : Oh no-

They got brutally killed by the missiles and Panthers. Some of the missiles even exploded on the Siren base, which has activatedthe alarms.

🚨 : WARNING !!! THIS ISN'T A DRILL !!! THE BASE IS ATTACKED BY A THREAT RECOGNIZED AS THE MNF CHARLES DE GAULLE !!! ALL UNITS DEPLOY TO PROTECT THE BASE !!!

It didn't stopped Charles to continue his way towards the base. He summoned Ragnell and Alondite. His anger levels were extremely high, to the point it started affecting his own Wisdom Cube.

Unknown to him, he has initiated the Awakening Protocol. Something that will change him by the pain of betrayal.

A minute before Charles's attack, in a cell of the Siren Base :

??? P.O.V

...How long since I've been here...?

...It feels like an eternity since the Sirens got me...

...What happened to you, Aoste ?... Why did you went that far ?...

...It's been so long since I'm here that I stopped counting the number of days I got imprisoned here... still wondering why the Sirens are keeping me alive...

🚨 : WARNING !!! THIS ISN'T A DRILL !!! THE BASE IS ATTACKED BY A THREAT RECOGNIZED AS THE MNF CHARLES DE GAULLE !!! ALL UNITS DEPLOY TO PROTECT THE BASE !!!

...Huh...? Is the base attacked ? And why does the name MNF Charles de Gaulle reminds me of something...?

...But then, all the Sirens went to the front to fight her... This means I could escape...

BOOOOOOOOOM !!!

I was shaken by a violent explosion, but I'm still somehow okay. If I have to escape, it's now because I don't know how long this base will survive her assaults.

To my luck, the door of my cell has taken damage, I decided to try to push it, and to my surprise, it actually fell. I decided to try to find a way out without being seen by the Sirens or being caught in the explosions.

Back to Charles :

Charles P.O.V

The Sirens got out to fight me. Good. They better have to satisfy my sudden bloodlust.

Skill activation : Satanic Bloodlust

Charles : COME !!! I SHALL TAKE YOUR LIVES !!!

Since they are under the Creator's control, it's okay to murder them. I launched my A-10 alongside my Panthers for maximum damage as well as more missiles.

Charles : BLOOD !!! WILL !!! RAIN !!!

Siren 5648 : ARGHH !!!

Siren 5829 : NOOOO !!!

I'm still not satisfied. But why do I feel pain ? I feel my Wisdom Cube starting to become unstable. The more it lasts, the worse the pain becomes.

BOOOOOOOM !!!

More explosions shook the base, which actually make it start to crumble. But who cares, I have to kill.

...Urgh...

HAAAAAAA !!!

This pain... it's... unbearable... it's consuming me... I can only see a white light around me...

Back to ??? :

??? P.O.V

I must hurry up. Her attacks are getting more powerful as bigger explosions hit the base. Some parts are even crumbling. Another explosion occurred right next to me, projecting my self against a wall.

I got hurt in the process but not that much. I felt with my fingers a little bit of blood coming out of my forehead but it should be ok. As I got back my vision, I looked to see a hole in the wall which lead outside.

It was the perfect opportunity to escape. But as I got out, I saw a huge bright light engulfing a part of the port. But that white light feels familiar...

I remember ! Something like that happened to Enterprise, and she has drastically changed. Is the same thing happening to the MNF Charles de Gaulle ?! I must see it myself !

Meanwhile in the Basilica :

3rd P.O.V

Empress and Zero went to the cafeteria where surprisingly, everyone was there, even God and Satan.

The both of them were less seen those last times, but everyone thought they are busy watching over the balance of this world, which was understandable.

But now, they were wondering where Charles went, as his ship wasn't in the harbor anymore, and he told no one where he went.

As they saw Empress and Zero arriving, they directly asked her the question everyone was having.

Richelieu : Have you seen Charles ?

Jean Bart : He suddenly disappeared for some reason.

Arbiter III : We actually saw him, but he looked angry, like very angry.

Purifier : Oh fuck !

Omitter : Oh shit !

Jeanne d'Arc : What happened that he got so angry ?

Observer Zero : We don't know. Before we could say anything, he asked us where was the closest Mirror Sea under the Creator's control.

Arbiter III : By fear of what he could do, I gave him some coordinates, and right after that, he teleported away, most likely to that Mirror Sea.

Saint Louis : Peace to their souls.

As the mystery wasn't solved, something is going to change the outcome.

Observer Alpha : Empress ! Look on the data logs !

Arbiter III : What do you- WHAT ?!

Dunkerque : What's going on ?!

[15:25:48 : Activation of the Awakening Protocol on the entity MNF Charles de Gaulle]

Arbiter III : He has activated the Awakening Protocol !

Everyone else: WHAAAAAATTTT ?!

Everyone was surprised by this, except God and Satan. Something that the Ashes and the Sirens have noticed, especially Ember, Hiryuu META, Observer Alpha, Observer Zero, Empress and Temperance. But they kept quiet about it for now.

Queen Elizabeth : You mean the same one that he told us about with the story of some other version of Bismarck and Algérie ?!

Observer Alpha : Yes ! Wait ! I see something new on the data log !

Tester Beta : Damn... He actually succeeded...

[15:27:27 : End of the Awakening Protocol of the entity MNF Charles de Gaulle.

State of the Awakening Protocol : Success.]

Ash : He actually did it...

Ember : Thank God, he succeeded.

Richelieu : He should stop scaring me like that.

Tester Beta : However, when he comes back, we might need to watch out for him.

Jean Bart : Why would we do that ?!

Editor : The Awakening Protocol may have a side-effect, which in that case, might be a changed personality, but he might still be the same, but more powerful.

Vauquelin : I really hope he will stay the same.

Surcouf/ La Galissonnière : Same.

Meanwhile in Charles's mindscape :

Charles P.O.V

Urgh...

I remember being berserk before I've been engulfed by a white light. And now, here I am in my mindscape.

??? : You're finally awake...

I turned around to find the source of the voice only to see... myself but darker ?

Charles : Who are you ?

??? : Wherever there is light, there will always be darkness not far.

Charles : Wait, are you my dark part ?

??? : Bingo. But you can call me Alter Charles.

Charles : What do you want ?

Alter Charles : It should be obvious, right ?

Wait, does he want to take control ?!

Alter Charles : So you got it after all.

Charles : I won't let you !

Alter Charles : You can defeat me as much as you want, but I'll always come back !

Charles : But even if you defeat me, I will also come back !

Alter Charles : What did you said ?!

Charles : You said it yourself. We are two parts of the same person. No matter how many fights we do and who is winning, the other will always come back.

Alter Charles : And ?

Charles : Although we are completely opposite, we cannot exist without each other. Because without light, there is no darkness. The reverse is also true as well.

Alter Charles : ...

Charles : ...

Alter Charles : ...You are much smarter than I thought... And this makes it better ! You truly know how the world works as well as its balance !

Charles : Of course, it's only with balance that the world can keep its prosperity.

Alter Charles : Exactly ! I like you already ! And I know what we can do !

Charles : You're meaning using both the light and the dark at the same time !

Alter Charles : Oui ! You read my thoughts ! A fusion of us would bring the true balance in our body ! And If we do that, we can bring that same balance to our world !

Charles : Seems good to me ! Let's do this !

I gave my hand to my alter, which took it before we can feel starting to fuse.

Charles : We shall bring the balance to the world !

Alter Charles : And we shall show to those two impostors what is truly the "DARKLIGHT IRIS" !

Charles and Alter Charles : AS WE ARE...

META !!!

I feel both me and my alter's thoughts becoming one, just like our spirits. And then, we became one as we got devoured by darkness and light.

(Timeskip given to you by Chibi Roon, Chibi Hermione and Chibi Stephen Potter in Hogwarts)

Siren Base :

3rd P.O.V

The white light that engulfed Charles finally disappeared. Charles was seen again, but his appearance has changed.

First, his Crusader's outfit that was harboring the metallic grey color was instead replaced by pitch black. That same pitch black color that his riggings are now wearing.

He opened his eyes. His formerly blue eyes became much lighter and even glowing. Those signs, and the Awakening Protocol. were enough to consider Charles as a META ship, and thus, a member of the Ashes.

I looked around to see the destruction I caused, and damn, there is nothing left of it. But my eyes stopped as I saw someone on the docks. I thought it was a Siren at first, but looking for closely, I realized it was actually a human.

I really found a human, but why does she seem familiar ? I saw her somewhere, but when ? I decided to get closer.

??? P.O.V

The white light dissipated and only a figure was left. Whoever it is, she actually completed the Awakening Protocol, and became just like Enterprise.

Wait, now that I look more closely, I see that she isn't a girl, but he is a boy. A shipboy ?! But how ?! Only Shipgirls are existing, I must have not thought of that variable.

As I looked back to him, I see him coming in my direction. Crap ! He noticed me ! There is no way to get out of here ! I hope he won't kill me !

Charles P.O.V

Looks like she saw I was approaching and started to get scared. As I got close enough, I decided to talk. There's no point attacking a defenseless person.

Charles : ...Strange... I feel like I saw you somewhere... Who are you ?

??? : Wait ! I'm not a bad person ! I am Dr. Anzeel !

Charles : Wait... Anzeel ? Like, THE Anzeel behind the project KAN-SEN ?!

Anzeel : Wait, you know her ?!

Charles : I do. She is actually in Azur Lane, although she goes by the name of Ash nowadays.

Anzeel : But who are you ? Are you the MNF Charles de Gaulle ?

Charles : That's right. Although I'm wondering how do you know my name ?

Anzeel : Well, first, because the alarms said so.

Charles : Oh ._.

Anzeel : And the fact that your name was mentioned in a folder named "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS"

I got angry at that.

Charles : ...Did you worked for that project ?

She saw I was angry and she panicked.

Anzeel : Wait ! Hear me out ! I know about the project but I never participated in it because it was way too farfetched ! I refused to take part of it !

Charles : And what about Aoste ?

Anzeel : They didn't have his approval either, but apparently, it didn't stopped Azazel and Elohim to continue this projects. But how do you know about Aoste ?

Charles : It's a long story I will tell you later. Right now, he is the mad man leading the Sirens to destroy the different Simulations. More importantly, I need to get rid of those two since they are here in this Simulation.

Anzeel : Really ?

Charles : Oui. And they took the name of God and Satan respectively. Those scumbags ! Lying to the Iris. This heresy won't be ignored.

Anzeel : In that case, let me come with you. I have some matters to settle with them.

Charles : Alright. I can't let you stay here after all. And to whoever is here ! Show yourself !

3rd P.O.V

The figure that was hidden got spotted and decided to get out of her hiding spot. Charles recognized her as a META Shipgirl due to her looks.

??? : Ara~ I never thought you would spot me.

Charles : Another late arrival of the Ashes, I see. Well, no matter, we're leaving to join your other friends in the secret base. Let's go. We don't have time to waste.

Anzeel/??? : Alright.

Anzeel : Wait, what are those ?

Anzeel was pointing to what looks like a gun and a rocket launcher. Charles didn't noticed them before but think that they came with Protocol Awakening. He looks to see that this gun was none other than a FAMAS while the rocket launcher was an AT4.

Charles : Wait, those are some weapons from my country ! The rifle is a FAMAS while the rocket launcher is an AT4 ! I will keep them as they will be useful later ! But for now, let's just leave !

The three of them left the Mirror Sea, completely destroyed by Charles's rampage.

(Timeskip given to you by Tallinn with a mustache)

Surroundings of the Basilica :

3rd P.O.V

Everyone was on the lookout for Charles as he disappeared in a Mirror Sea to kill some Sirens. It has been a few hours since it happened, so everyone was worried.

But thankfully, the worry stopped as one of Béarn's planes spotted an Aircraft Carrier. As she looked, she recognized instantly the ship as being her husband, Charles. She immediately alerted everyone about the discoveries. They all went to the harbor before sailing in the direction of Charles's actual location.

A dozen of minutes later, they finally got to him, but got startled by his new looks. His once grey armor became pitch black, and his face seems colder. They feared that his personality has changed, but hoped it wasn't the case.

Richelieu : Mon chéri, there you are ! You're okay ?!

Charles : ...Yeah, I'm fine. I can't say the same for those Sirens tho.

They felt relieved as he still has some humor, but then the two persons he wished they were dead showed up.

God : Thanks me, you're here, Charles.

Satan : Dude, the fuck you were ?! We were looking everywhere after you !

His neutral face twisted into a hateful glare, before everyone could understand the sudden change, he fired his Giat cannons upon them.

BOOOOOM !!

They managed to evade the attack, but everyone, except Empress and Zero, can't understand what was going on.

Richelieu : CHARLES !!! WHAT THE HELL ?!

Saint Louis : WHY ARE YOU SHOOTING THEM ?!

Jeanne d'Arc : THEY DID NOTHING WRONG TO YOU !!!

Charles : ...Nothing wrong...? NOTHING WRONG ?! I WAS NOTHING BUT THEIR TOY SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING !!! THEY USED ME ALL THAT TIME !!!

God : His change of personality must have affected him, it's clear.

Satan : Dude, you should go to asylum ! A good place trust me !

Charles : ... Such cowardice... but this was expected from you, God and Satan... or should I say, Elohim Dog and Azazel Lucifer...

God : I don't know what you're talking about.

Satan : The dude became insane !

Everyone had a split opinion, some believing Charles, others believing God and Satan.

Charles : Oh, but I can prove you your identity ! After all, I have some proofs with me.

God : What do you mean ?

??? : He was mentioning me.

Everyone got startled by a female voice, the one that will bring the truth up to surface.

Charles : Thanks for coming to help, Anzeel.

Ash : Anzeel ?!

Anzeel : Hello, Enterprise, or should I call you Ash now ? But it's me. *glares at "God" and "Satan"* And hello to you two.

God : Wait, what ? How ?

Satan : Dude, what the fuck ?! How the hell are you still alive ?!

Satan's last sentence made everyone suspicious of them, after all, how those three know each other to begin with ?

Anzeel : So, you actually did it. You have actually went to the end of "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS".

Queen Elizabeth : Project DARKLIGHT IRIS ?

Algérie : What is this supposed to be ?

Anzeel : A project that was supposed to be canceled but was done anyway to make a powerful weapon. By those two.

Gascogne : And who is that "PROJECT DARKLIGHT IRIS" ?

Arbiter III : It's Charles.

Jean Bart : What the hell ?! How do you know that ?!

Observer Zero : The real reason of Charles's anger was because he found out about that secret project, and especially about God and Satan being impostors.

Richelieu : ...Wait... Is that true...?

God (?) : I can't believe we got found out, but it's true. I am Elohim Dog.

Satan (?) : And I am Azazel Lucifer. And by the way, those aren't real. How funny you believe in him when he is nothing more than a name without any meaning !

And just like that, the faith of Richelieu, Saint Louis and Jeanne d'Arc shattered into pieces. Something that the Iris will not forget, and not forgive.

Jean Bart : You scoundrels ! I may not be religious but hurting my sister like that is taking it way too far ! You will pay for this !

Richelieu : ...In that case, we shall take up the arms to vanquish you...

Jean Bart : You don't have to...

Richelieu : I know, but I will do that. They broke my faith, I will break their souls !

Saint Louis : ...To think that someone like you could be an heretic is simply unacceptable, prepare to face your last judgement !

Jeanne d'Arc : ...And I thought I was fighting for a noble cause, but it's doesn't even matter. I shall fight only for what is righteous, and you are the exact opposite !

Azazel : Cute, but useless ! You will be vanquished by my motherfucking awesome powers ! God, let's do this !

Elohim  : Alright, it pains me to do that, but this needs to be done.

The two of them teleported on the open sea before charging a powerful attack. They would have launched it with success if it wasn't for the fact that Charles planned this way ahead.

Charles : GIRLS !!! NOW !!!

Suddenly, God and Satan were hit by some shells coming from nowhere.

Elohim : What ?!

Azazel : Who is the fucking bitch who did that ?!

??? : That was us.

The shells that hit the impostors created smoke, inside which five figures can be seen.

(A/N : The following characters that you are going to see aren't official and are instead just fanarts, at least at the moment I am writing that.

But I decided to add them because why not ? And 4 Ashes isn't a lot. Don't you agree ? That's why I decided to add them because it would make much more sense if there is more Ashes.)

The figures decided to show themselves one by one, starting by the first one. Even though Azur Lane knows about the Ashes, they still get shocked whenever a new one shows up.

The first one looked like a destroyer, and her appearance is very similar to one of the destroyers of the Sakura Empire. The differences are that her hair are not out in any hairstyle whatsoever, she wears some Ashes-style clothes while having a big katana.

Yukikaze META : I am Yukikaze META, member of the Ashes. Since I'm here, your luck will finally run out. Prepare to be sunk.

Yukikaze : NANI ?! Another me ?! This is black magic !

A second figure advance from the mist. Her clothes were similar to Ember. She was a heavy cruiser, but Ember recognized her, letting out a few tears. The figure saw that and gave a small but noticeable smile.

Atago META : Ara~ I'm Atago META, and know that big sister don't like at all what you've done. Your punishment will be severe and most likely result in your death.

Ember : Sister...? But... I thought you died...

Atago META : Ara~ You need more than that to get rid of big sister~ And also, why didn't you told me you got married to Charles ?!

Ember : How I was supposed to know you were alive ?!

Atago META : ...Touché. In any case, we will talk later since we have two threats to eliminate.

Now, the third Shipgirl showed herself. She was also a heavy cruiser but this time the gasps were made from some Ironblood girls.

Prinz Eugen META : I am Prinz Eugen META. I won't beat around the bush, we will destroy all the threats that are in our way.

Even though she was literally another version of Prinz Eugen, she was radically different. Her outfit known to be showing some *coughs* exposed parts has been replaced by a black jacket covering everything. And instead of the usual sultry smile, a cold expression took its place.

Prinz Eugen : Ara~ I never thought I would become a META Shipgirl.

Prinz Eugen META : If you're only good to make comments, you might as well shut up.

Prinz Eugen : ...Ouch. That hurts.

Weser : Wow, never thought she could be cold.

Tallinn : Even colder than me.

Admiral Hipper : I wish this was my sister. She looks much more serious than you.

Prinz Eugen : Why do you hurt me ? ;-;

Admiral Hipper : Come on, can't I make a joke too ?

Prinz Eugen META : *sighs* Focus, please.

??? : I agree. We should use this time to kill those fake gods. But even, then, never trust gods to begin with, they are capricious beings who use us only for their own entertainment.

The fourth figure who just spoke revealed her face. She was a battlecruiser, who earned gasps from the Sakura Empire. Especially the First Carrier Division.

Amagi META : I am Amagi META, member of the Ashes. That's all you need to know for now.

She looks colder than the other Amagi. Her clothes were radically different, giving her more mobility. She also had several katanas, and her umbrella is nowhere to be found.

Akagi : To think Onee-sama became an Ashes in another world...

Kaga : But what could have happened to make her like that ?

Amagi : Maybe the loss of loved ones, most likely.

??? : Then, it's my turn, now.

The fifth and last figure finally came to the light. But that was the biggest surprise, as she got gasps from the Iris République. Because no one would expect her, out of all the people, to be one of the Ashes. She looked like a battleship.

Richelieu META : I am Richelieu META, member of the Ashes. I will make sure you two end up in the deepest parts of Hell.

Elohim : Quoi ?!

Azazel : Fuck no ! There's two of them now !

Richelieu : What...? But how did I became like that...?

Jean Bart : I don't even know.

Richelieu META looked at her other self, like she understood what she wanted to know. She looked like a lot to Richelieu, even the stoic expression on her face. The only difference are her clothes, who looks like exactly like the clothes Friedrich der Grosse is wearing.

Richelieu META : I once believed in God. But that was the biggest mistake I have ever done. And because of that, my faction is no more, just like the Iris Templar Knights. But now that I've found you I can avenge them.

The Iris République, apart from Charles, was at a loss for words from hearing her explanations, just like the rest.

Richelieu META : Enough backstory. We have to purge the enemy.

Charles : You're right ! Elohim ! Azazel ! I hoped you have done everything you need ! Because you're gonna die with your regrets !

Azazel : Like that's ever gonna happen ! But I won't go without a fight !

God : I am ready to fight as well !

Charles : Good ! Because I am out of mercy ! The sea will be tainted with your blood !

Azur Lane and Elohim and Azazel were both on each side, ready to fight.

To be continued...

(A/N) : And that's it for chapter 42. I hope you have enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your feedback and opinion in the comments.

As you saw, shit is becoming real. Who knows when the endgame will start ? Because that's when the real deal will come.

And once again, I would like to remind you that the five Ashes that I introduced in this chapter aren't official at all, but fanarts. So don't go saying when they will be released because they might not be released at all.

And a question for you, if you could choose one Shipgirl to become an Ashes/META Shipgirl, who would it be ? I'm curious to see your opinion.

In any case, thanks for reading this chapter. And see you in the next one.

TheBreizhOne out !

________________________________

New characters that have appeared in this chapter :

Yukikaze META :

Atago META :

Prinz Eugen META :

Amagi META :

Richelieu META :

Of course, none of those images belong to me, so credit to their original artist.