Crimson-Azur Alliance HQs, Mers-el-Kébir :

3rd P.O.V

After Charles and the coalition fleet came back from the Midway Atoll, he went to the Research and Development Department accompanied by Anzeel and some Manjuus, so they could get started on working on the blueprints of five more Priority Ships that he has found after his fight against the Creator.

Normally, they would have take five weeks to build all of them because of the fact that it required a huge amount of ressources, hence why they decided to start as soon as possible.

But thankfully, Observation, Investigation and Dreamweaver helped in the process, mostly when it came for the data necessary for the completion of each Priority Ship.

The way they helped was by creating some Mirror Sea in which the Shipgirls could fight against some dummies all for the sake of collecting data, although they also use the occasional missions to fasten the process.

Several factions were required for this job : the Royal Navy, the Eagle Union, Ironblood, the Sakura Empire and the Sardegnia Empire. Ironblood was the faction that gave out the most amount of data. The reason was that three of the fives Priority Ships needed data from Ironblood.

Akashi and Shiranui were dealing with the others ressources such as Blueprints and Wisdom Cubes with the help of the Manjuus.

But finally, after a week of hard labor, they finished giving life to the new Priority Ships. For now, they hid in a secret building until they will get revealed the next day.

Most of those who were involved with the new Priority Ships directly went back to their room to sleep as they haven't any strength left to do something else, including Charles and Anzeel who spent a few nights without sleeping.

(Timeskip given to you by Putin starting his harem)

The next day :

3rd P.O.V

The sun rose up once again on Mers-el-Kébir, and it was the day where the new Priority Ships would be introduced to the rest. It should happen in the afternoon, so everyone would be here to meet them.

Thanks to his Siren powers, Charles managed to bring the new Priority Ships in a room without being seen to make it a surprise for everyone else. Everything was ready. Charles talked with them to see if they were ready, which they are.

It was now 2 PM and everyone was outside, waiting for Charles to show up, as they were called there by him for a reason that wasn't told. But most of them were thinking it was about the rumors of new Priority Ships while a few others were thinking about a plan to defeat the Creator.

But they would soon get their answer as Charles and Anzeel got up on the stage.

Charles : Thank you for coming here.

Anzeel : So, you have apparently heard some rumors about new Priority Ships, right ?

Saratoga : That's right !

San Diego : Where are they ?!

Anzeel : Well, they are no longer rumors as yesterday, we finished bringing life to them. And before starting, I would like to thank everyone who helped to bring them among us. Thanks to your help, it only took us one week instead of five to build them.

Everyone was cheering among themselves for the feat, especially the major factions and the Sardegnia Empire as they were the most active for the task.

Charles : I think you have waited long enough. Without further ado, let's introduce them to you all, one by one.

Once again, they were cheering as they were excited to finally meet them for the first time.

Charles : Let's start with our first new addition hailing from the Eagle Union.

That was the signal for the first girl to show up. She had pink eyes and long brown hair with a rather revealing outfit with sleeves way too long for her. However, her personality is the exact opposite, featuring an innocent personality similar to some of the Destroyers.

Anchorage : Hello... I am Anchorage... and I am here thanks to Teacher !

Everyone got confused at the "Teacher" part, and looked at Charles for answers.

Charles : Don't ask me why because I don't know either. She just started calling me like that out of the blue. At least, it's better than being called Owner by Cheshire.

Cheshire : Hey ! Why don't you like it ?! If you don't apologize, I won't be cuddly anymore, but pouty-pouty instead.

Charles : No.

Cheshire just pouted before turning away, getting some chuckles.

Charles: Anyway, Anchorage here is a Heavy Cruiser from the Eagle Union. From what I've seen from the blueprints, she is considered as an improvement of the Baltimore-class Heavy Cruisers.

Baltimore : So we can consider her as our sister ?

Charles : Pretty much.

Bremerton : Yeah ! Let's hug to celebrate the coming of our new sister !

Anchorage, Baltimore and Bremerton are simply hugging each other for a minute before letting go.

Charles : Well, I think I can introduce you the second one.

A second girl came out. She had silver hair and eyes with a cocky smirk. She had two horns, one white and one red with a braid rolled around it.she also had a katana and some riggings that looked like those of Ironblood despite the colors. But looking at her appearance was enough to know she was hailing from the Sakura Empire.

Hakuryuu : So, you are my new allies ? I see. I am Hakuryuu. Try to challenge me and you will end up becoming a laughingstock. Remember that !

They got startled by her personality which means she is one to like fighting.

Charles : As you heard, this is Hakuryuu, an Aircraft Carrier from the Sakura Empire. Yes, you heard right. She is the first Priority Ship that is an Aircraft Carrier. And according to the blueprints, she is considered as an improvement of the Taihou-class Aircraft Carriers

Taihou : WHAT ?!

Hakuryuu : You're god dam right ! I'm stronger than you ! Heck, I might be stronger than that boy over there !

Charles looked at Hakuryuu with a deadpan before taking away her katana. However, something unexpected happened.

Hakuryuu : Wait... my katana... please give it back... I'll do anything you say... Just give it back please ! ;-;

Everyone was dumbfounded by the sudden change of personality, except Taihou that was wheezing until she got bonked by Clémenceau. Charles gave back her katana.

Hakuryuu : That was embarrassing... But know that my power is real.

Anzeel : She isn't lying about the part of power as in theory, she could be as powerful as Shinano.

Shinano : This one would like to witness this...

Enterprise : I would to test it out myself.

Zuikaku : She could be a worthy opponent to train with.

Hakuryuu : Ha ! I'll be waiting for you ! But don't complain if you get overwhelmed !

Charles : Well, let's continue with the following girl.

The next girl revealed herself. Her appearance was quite similar to Prinz Eugen but with longer hair, aside from the horns and the black clothes. Her riggings however, were monstrous, even for Ironblood standards. But unlike Prinz Eugen, she is bad at teasing.

Ägir : Well met, I'm Ägir. I hope you are ready to see what my Arsenal of weapons can do.

Prinz Eugen : Wow, her riggings look as massive as Friedrich.

Prinz Eugen META : I must admit that they are really impressive.

Friedrich der Grosse : Oh my. A new daughter that definitely got my attention.

Charles : You are aware that Prinz Heinrich, of the P-Class panzerschiffe, is an improvement of the Deutschland-class Heavy Cruisers, right ?

Admiral Graf Spee : Of course.

Deutschland : And what of it ?

Charles : Well, Ägir was part of the project of the O-Class Battlecruisers, which is an improvement of Prinz Heinrich.

Prinz Heinrich : Wow, she looks strong !

Anzeel : One more detail about her. She is actually considered as a Large Cruiser, which mean she is one of the only two Large Cruisers alongside Azuma.

Azuma : Well, I can't wait to talk with you.

Ägir : So do I.

Charles : Well, I think it's time to introduce the second new Priority Ship from Ironblood.

The next girl revealed herself. She has long black hair that covers one of her eyes. She also has horns and black clothes. But what makes her unique is her rigging. Unlike most of Ironblood who had riggings looking like sharks, this girl had a dragon rigging, literally. Despite that, she is more calm personality-wise.

New Jersey : Wow ! Is that a dragon ?!

August von Parseval : Yes, it is. I am the Unhulde August von Parseval. It's a pleasure meeting you all.

Charles : She is an Aircraft Carrier from Ironblood and was supposed to be a member of the Graf Zeppelin-class Aircraft Carriers.

Graf Zeppelin : I can't believe I went from the only Aircraft Carrier of my faction to a having  two sisters.

Peter Strasser : Are you implying that we are a waste of your time ?

Graf Zeppelin : What ?! No ! Instead, it makes the world even less detestable !

Z46 : Well, you have more family now.

Weser : And Ironblood is showing their aerial arsenal.

August von Parseval : In any case, I would like to spend some time with my sisters.

Graf Zeppelin : Consider it done. I will show you why this world isn't as detestable as before.

Peter Strasser : Time spent with family is time well spent. Let's do that after the end of this.

Anzeel : Alright, then we can call the last girl hailing from the Sardegnia Empire.

The last girl finally got out of the curtains. She had long blue-grayish hair and red eyes. She also wore black clothes and had a scepter with a Venetian mask at the top. She had a snake tongue as well, but like her faction, she was willing to spread the Sardegnian culture across the world.

Marco Polo : I see you are people of culture here. My name is Marco Polo. Know that like the rest of my faction, I will spread the Sardegnian glory across the world.

Charles : By the way, Marco Polo is considered to be an improvement of the Vittorio Veneto-class Battleships.

Littorio : Interesting. I am curious about the extent of her abilities.

Vittorio Veneto : Do you mind if we test it out ?

Marco Polo : I have no problem with that.

Charles : And that's it for the new Priority Ships. I will give you the rest of the day to learn more about each other.

Aquila : Charles, can you come with me for more training with my planes ?

Charles : Oh right. I couldn't train you last week. Sorry about that.

Aquila : No, it's okay. I understood why. Besides, Béarn trained me during that time.

Charles : I will thank her later. In any case, show me your progress.

She nodded before the two went to the training grounds. The rest went back to whatever they were doing while getting the themselves more familiar with everyone else.

(Timeskip given to you by Saint Louis chasing a Meowficer with her spear because the Meowficer destroyed her flowers)

Mers-el-Kébir, Crimson-Azur Alliance HQs :

3rd P.O.V

Charles and Aquila were in the training grounds for the Aircraft Carriers. Right now, Aquila was using her planes to fight against moving dummies. Needless to say, Charles was satisfied of the progress she has made since he took her as his disciple.

Thanks to Charles, Béarn and even Graf Zeppelin, that sometimes came to see her, Aquila managed to quickly grasp her potential as an Aircraft Carrier.

She managed to "sink" all the dummies before calling back her planes. Once it was done, she turned around to look at Charles with a hopeful expression on her face.

Aquila : So, what did you think about it ?

Charles : Well, I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting you to progress that quickly. But I'm proud of what you did. And Veneto and Littorio must be proud as well.

Aquila : Thank you for the compliment. But it thanks to you and your advices, as well as Béarn and Graf Zeppelin that I got to that point.

Charles : Well, I don't think I have something else to teach you. Now, the only thing you can do to become stronger is simply getting more experience through missions and fighting.

Aquila : I see... but I can still come to you if I need advice ?

Charles : My door shall always be open. Don't hesitate if you need it.

As Charles was about to leave, Aquila interrupted him.

Aquila : Wait, Charles ! Can I ask you one more thing ?

Charles : Sure. What do you need ?

Aquila : Well, Veneto and I wanted to talk to you about something important. Could you be here tomorrow at 10PM, please ?

Charles : I guess I can do that.

Aquila : Thank you so much. See you tomorrow.

Aquila left to the Sardegnia Empire dormitory, most likely to get more acquainted with Marco Polo. Charles went back to whatever he was doing.

But on his way, he saw Helena META looking in the horizon. He remembered the question she asked him when they first met, and since then, he was still wondering why she asked that question.

Knowing he won't rest until he gets the answer he is looking for, he decided to go talk to her to finally get to the bottom of this mystery. As he approached her, Helena META turned around to see him, but she wasn't surprised at all. Instead, she was actually expecting him to come seeing her. After what she asked before, it was logical he was curious about it.

Helena META : I was expecting you to come, and I'm guessing you want an answer for that... awkward question when we met for the first time.

Charles : You took the words right of my mouth, but that's only if you want, I don't want to force the answer out of you.

Helena META : No no ! It's okay, I mean you deserve to know about it. But let's go somewhere else. This is something I'd rather talk in private.

Charles : Alright. I'll follow you.

Both of them left the harbor before going to the HQs.

(Timeskip given to you by Charles being a Dark Souls boss)

Helena META's bedroom, Crimson-Azur Alliance HQs, Mers-el-Kébir :

3rd P.O.V

After a small walk, the duo finally got to Helena META's bedroom. After Charles entered, Helena META closed the door before inviting him to sit down on her bed. After she sat down, she looked at Charles before speaking.

Helena META : Well, now that we are here, I'm gonna answer your questions.

Charles : Alright, so why talk about it here to begin with ?

Helena META : Even though I said I didn't mind telling you the truth, I'm not ready to tell the rest. But the rest of the META are already aware of that. And I want you to not tell to the others about it yet.

Charles : Fine. I'll keep it secret. But remember that you cannot hide it forever.

Helena META : I know, all I need is just a bit more time to muster all the courage I need before sharing this to the others.

Charles : Anyway, about that question, why did you asked it ?

Helena META : It was because you looked a lot like someone I was really close with.

Charles : How close ?

She said nothing but she showed her right hand to Charles. He looked at it until he saw something shining on one of her fingers. As he looked more closely, he realized it was a wedding ring.

Charles : That close ? But what happened to your soulmate ?

Helena META : ...

Her expression turned into one of sadness and sorrow. It didn't took long for Charles to guess what happened.

Charles : Oh... Sorry... I shouldn't have asked...

Helena META : Don't worry. To be fair, this is something you need to remember because it has importance in the story I'm gonna tell you, which will explained that question I asked you.

Charles : Alright. I'm listening.

Helena META : Well, let me show you...

FLASHBACK

Simulation #1, Azur Lane HQs, ten years before the current events :

3rd P.O.V

Helena META : Well, sorry Narrator, but I have to replace you for this backstory. So, go sleep a bit. You don't mind, Author ?

Author :

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Author : By the way, the P after Charles means that this Charles was from the past.

3rd P.O.V (told by Helena META's perspective)

Helena META : Everything started in the world where me and the other META are hailing from. The time where we weren't even META ships yet. Azur Lane was united and our sole enemy were the Sirens.

At that time, in that world, the Azur Lane HQs we're in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Everything was normal at that time. The Shipgirls were living their life while doing some patrols and fighting against the Sirens that dared approach the base.

But on the harbor, there was someone helping the Shipgirls with moving the supplies to the warehouses. But his appearance was all too familiar. He was a man. But he also had riggings.

Charles : Wait... is that me...?!

Helena META : Yes, but to be more precise, this world version of you.

Charles : ...I wasn't expecting learning about other versions of me.

Helena META : There's a first time for everything. Let's continue.

Right now, this Charles was helping a few Eagle Union girls with the supplies. They finished an hour later. They decided to talk a bit.

Cleveland : Ah, that's sure great to finish this task.

Brooklyn : At least, it's done. Thanks for your help, Charles.

Charles (P) : You're welcome. Anyway, I have to go to prepare myself for tonight.

Enterprise : That's right. We have a party tonight. The only thing I'm not looking forward is to buy my dress from Akashi.

Charles (P) : Who doesn't ?

Cleveland : Wait, wasn't it tonight that you were intending to propose to her ?

Charles (P) : Yes. And I got the ring. I just hope she will say yes.

Brooklyn : Knowing how close you are, there is no way she will say no. And I think your first wive was okay with this. You have no reason to stress out.

Charles (P) : You're right. In any case, I see you all tonight at the ball.

Cleveland/Enterprise/Brooklyn : See you later.

Charles went back to his room to prepare himself for the ball.

Charles : So, he has several wives as well ? But who is the first one ?

Helena META : I don't need to tell you. The answer is obvious.

The evening was there, and Charles was finishing putting on his suit. He looks calm and ready on the surface, but inside he was stressed. He was in his thoughts until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Richelieu, his first wife, in a party dress she got from St. Louis.

Richelieu : Hey, are you okay, mon amour ?

Charles (P) : Yeah, I am. I'm just stressed for the big moment tonight.

Richelieu : There is no reason you should stress over that. She told me the times you went on a date and she always enjoyed it. So, I'm sure she will say yes. So, just calm down and everything will be ok.

Charles took a deep breath before smiling at Richelieu.

Charles (P): Merci. I needed that. Shall we go ?

Richelieu : Lead the way.

Both of them went to the ball.

Charles : If you're hailing from that world, does this means that this Richelieu is-

Helena META : Yes, she is the one known as Richelieu META now.

Charles : I see. I will let you continue now.

The couple finally got to the room where the ball is taking place. As they got there, their hands separated from each other hold.

Richelieu : Well, go ahead. Don't make her wait too long.

Charles (P) : Alright, have fun.

They went in separate directions. Richelieu was going to talk with the other faction leaders while Charles was looking for the one he is supposed to spend the evening with.

Fortunately, he spotted her quickly before approaching her. As he got to her, he started speaking.

Charles (P) : Hello Helena. You look lovely tonight. I hope I didn't make you wait for too long.

Helena turned around before blushing as she saw Charles in his suit. But she smiled afterwards, happy that he showed up.

Helena : Oh good evening Charles. I just got here myself. And thank you for the compliment. You are looking good as well.

Charles (P) : Well, how about we spend this evening together ?

Helena : I would like that.

Helena smiled brightly before getting closer and put her arm around his and started handholding while talking.

The evening was going smoothly. They also danced together when the music started. Since the Royal Navy was the one who organized that ball, it was expected that classical music was played. After a while, both Charles and Helena were on a balcony to look at the stars.

Charles (P) : How is the evening for you so far ?

Helena : I am really enjoying it. I am glad you invited me tonight.

Charles (P) : You're welcome.

Helena : The stars are so pretty. This evening is really great.

Charles (P) : How about making this evening unforgettable ?

Helena : But how are you gonna do it ?

Charles didn't said anything but instead kneeled down before taking a small box from his pocket. He opened the box to reveal a promise ring, which made Helena gasped.

Charles (P) : Will you marry me ?

Her eyes widen more, with tears starting to fall, but she closed her eyes with the biggest smile she has ever done.

Helena : *crying* ...Yes... I accept...

Charles put the ring on her finger, all of that in front of everyone who saw the scene and decided to applause them.

Helena META : We got married two weeks later. I never felt so happy in my life. Everything was perfect. We even got a child three years later. We named her Lena.

But as soon as she finished her sentence, her expression turned into sorrow, pain and sadness.

Charles : So it didn't last.

Helena META : Yeah, it was two years after the birth of Lena that everything turned for the worst.

Two years after Lena's birth, it was a day like any other, until a Siren attack happened directly to the base. That attack was one of the most brutal they ever did.

Both sides were ferociously fighting. But the fight was proved to be much harder, due to the presence of all the Advisor-class Sirens as well as Arbiter III : The Empress.

Unlike in the Simulation #19422020, the PR Ships never existed, which gave them more difficulty. Their best hope was Charles as he was the most advanced of all the Kansens.

Right now, Charles was advancing to fight the Empress. He managed to destroy all the Sirens standing in his way with ease. As he got rid of the last Sirens, he finally is face to face with the Empress.

Arbiter III : So, you are the human standing in our way ? I must commend you for getting there. But it ends here.

Charles (P) : I will make you eat your words, scum !

A intense duel started between the two powerhouses : the Strongest Warrior of Azur Lae against the Siren Empress.

Charles was launching his planes while the Empress send her drones to the fight.

Both of them actually have a similar strength being shown by the power of their aircraft. Some got destroyed while others managed to pass, inflicting damage with the bombs, guns or torpedoes.

Because of this, this fight was focused on two things : air superiority and endurance.

This fight went on and on, and after an hour, both started to get exhausted. They both took damage, but the Empress took more than Charles. The Empress fell on one of her knees while Charles was using one of his swords to keep his balance.

Arbiter III : *pants* Damn you... you're stronger... than I thought...

Charles (P) : *pants* I have the right... to face destiny... and if it goes badly... I will fight... until death...

As both of them were to unleash their final attack, a male voice interrupted them.

??? : Seriously, Empress... You cannot defeat one pitiful human ? What a disappointment !

They both looked up to see a male Siren with a bored look on his face.

Arbiter III : Creator...?

Creator : I swear I have to do everything here. Just go back home. I'm finishing this myself.

Arbiter III just nodded before entering a portal. As it closed down, the male Siren now known as the Creator descended to face Charles.

Creator : So, you are the human standing in my way to end this world ?

Charles (P) : Like I will let you do that. As long as I stand, I will not let you win.

Creator : You don't know to whom you are talking. You stand no chance against a god. It's time for you to perish, flawed one.

The Creator moved, with an inhuman speed, to kick brutally Charles in his guts, sending him flying towards the the buildings. He was sent through several walls before ending in the floor.

Despite several cuts and blood flowing from his injuries, he stood up with difficulty but managed it. The Creator was approaching and saw that he was still alive.

Creator : So, you survived. You might be more sturdy than I thought. But it won't last forever.

Charles (P) : *pants* That's easy... for you... you're fighting... someone... already injured...

Creator : That's war. There is no honor. Everything you do is only to guarantee your survival. And for that, you must be ready for everything. I shall take your life now.

The Creator was charging an attack until he heard some cries.

Creator : Hmm ? What's that annoying sound ? I shall get rid of it.

But Charles widen his eyes as he know who was here : Lena.

Charles (P) : You won't touch her, bastard.

Creator : Well, make me then !

The Creator was trying to get to Lena to kill her, but Charles, with adrenaline kicking in, charged towards and punched him in the face. He got sent through a wall in the room besides  the one they were in.

Creator : Grrr ! I'll make you suffer !

Charles hurried up and took Lena with him before getting away from the Creator. It wasn't going to be easy. Between the Creator chasing him and the building burning and collapsing. He didn't had much time. So, he sprinted towards the exit.

Creator : Get back here, you little shit !

The Creator was throwing attacks. Charles had trouble avoiding them while protecting his daughter with his body, so he had to take some blows. But he finally saw the exit and run as fast as possible.

Charles saw that the building was staring to collapse, so he went even faster than before. And he managed to get out just in time as the building behind him just collapsed, with the Creator still inside.

Creator : DAMN YOU !!! YOU WILL PAY FOR THAT !!!

Charles looked behind him to see if there was any sign of the Creator, but there wasn't thankfully.

???/??? : MON AMOUR !!! / LOVE !!!

He turned around, with Lena still in his arms, to see Richelieu and Helena

Richelieu : Are you okay ?!

Charles (P)  : *pants* I'm... exhausted... but I can... manage...

Helena : Thank God, you managed to save our daughter !

Charles (P) : *pants* I couldn't let her... die... Take her... with you... We need to leave...

Helena took her daughter into her arms before they started to leave towards the harbor. But as they started to run away, they heard a yell of pain.

??? : ARRRRRRRRGHHHHHHH !!!

Richelieu and Helena stopped in their tracks and turned around only to see an horrifying scene.

They saw their husband pierced by a sword. The culprit was none other than the Creator.

Creator : You know, if you let me killed your pitiful spawn, you could have spared her from seeing the apocalypse. But now, the only thing you will do is making her suffer by seeing you die.

Richelieu and Helena were mortified by the scene, they couldn't even move.

Creator : You know what, I feel generous. I will let you see him die in front of your eyes. Consider this a moment of respite before the impending demise of this world.

The Creator decided to teleport away. As he was gone, Richelieu and Helena went towards their injured husband that just fell on the ground. Both were panicking and on the verge of crying.

Charles (P) : ...Urgh... It hurts...

Richelieu : Save your energy ! Don't move !

Helena : Yeah ! Don't talk ! You're gonna survive !

Charles (P) : I... don't think... I can...

Richelieu : Don't say that ! You're gonna make it ! The help is on their way !

Charles (P) : Can you do... one last thing... for me...?

Richelieu : What is it ?!

Charles (P) : Could you... smile... for me...? I want... your smiles... to be the... last thing I see before... I leave...

Helena : No ! We won't let you die !

Charles (P) : Please... do it... for me...

They both try to make a smile as natural as possible, despite the tears flowing, but they managed. Charles smiled as well, although weakly.

Charles (P) : Thank you... I am glad... that I could... spend time... with you all...

Richelieu : No... don't give up... help is almost there...

Charles coughed some blood.

Helena : Don't waste your energy... please, don't move.

He saw that they were on the verge of crying.

Charles (P) : Please... keep Lena safe... and give her the life... she wants... even if it means... without me...

Richelieu : No ! You're hearing me ! I won't allow you to die !

Charles (P) : Don't be sad... that I'm gonna die... be happy... that I was... at your side.

Charles moved weakly both of his hands to put them on each of his wives's cheek.

Charles (P) : Finish... that war... for me...

Charles mustered the last of his forces to say that, but as he finished his sentence, his arms suddenly fell on the ground while he closed his eyes.

Richelieu : Mon amour... please wake up...

Helena : Stop joking...

But he wasn't moving at all. Richelieu tried to check for a pulse.

...

But there was none. She denied it and tried again but...

...

Still no pulse. Despite trying again and again, the result was the same. She had no choice but to accept that Charles died, no matter how painful it is.

Richelieu : ...No... NO... NOOOOOOOO !!!

She fell on her knees while crying out loud, embracing what's left of Charles's body. Helena would have done the same, if it wasn't for the fact she had her daughter.

So, she simply hugged her daughter while crying. Lena woke up. She didn't understood what was happening, but when she saw her mother cried, she cried as well.

At the same moment, Vestal arrived to the place, exhausted from running.

Vestal : I came as soon as I heard what happened ! Where is he ?!

Helena : *sobbing* It's... too late...

Vestal looked behind to see Richelieu embracing Charles, that died not long ago.

Vestal : No... I was too late...

Richelieu : WHY ?! WHY DID YOU TOOK HIM AWAY, GOD ?!

Richelieu was letting out all of her tears for a few more minutes, before stopping the embrace. She got up, her hair shadowing her eyes.

Richelieu : God abandoned us... No... he works for the Sirens...

She took her spear in her right hand before tightening her hold on it. She didn't noticed at first a Siren going to attack by behind.

Richelieu : If that is the case... damn you all... you shall burn... in the deepest pits of Hell...

She opened her eyes, which became red, before turning behind, her spear ready to pierce the Siren that tried to attack her.

Richelieu : I'LL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU !!!

She used her spear to pierce brutally the head of the Siren, before throwing away her corpse.

Her rage caused by her murder intent clouded her rationality. The only thing she was thinking is show her wrath by murdering all the Sirens that dared her in her way.

Her screams of rage covered the agonizing cries of the Sirens killed. But she saw that the Sirens were retreating, almost like they had accomplished their mission.

This day was known as the day where the end of the world have started. When one life taken was enough to condemn the fate of this world to an impending doom.

END OF THE FLASHBACK

Helena META : I'm done here. The Narrator can take back his role. Farewell.

Narrator : Thank you. I got back my job.

Author : Well, do you mind continuing your job then ? The readers must be already getting tired of seeing us talk.

Narrator : I'm on it !

Back to present, Helena META's bedroom :

3rd P.O.V (Back to the Narrator's perspective)

Charles : ...That's... a lot to take... and your world... I suppose it's too late...?

Helena META : Yeah... his death has impacted everyone... decreasing drastically our mood... which ended up with the destruction of my world...

Charles : ...

Helena META : ...The Sirens won... Most of the girls either died or went missing...

Charles : And the rest... They are now those who we consider as META ships, right ?

Helena META : Yes. After the Sirens left because there is nothing left, we decided to use the equipment of the Sirens to improve our own. But it was harder since Anzeel was missing.

Charles : So, Anzeel was from your world as well ?

Helena META : Yes. But we did it. It made us stronger. And we decided to pursue the Sirens to try to make sure the tragedy we witnessed don't happen again in another world. We travelled through a lot of other worlds until we got here.

Charles : And you stayed here because this was where the solution to the Siren problem was ?

Helena META : Exactly. Although you are solving it differently from what we thought. From what the first META ships that joined told us, things happens differently in other worlds, even with the Sirens. But the Creator is here, if we kill him, then my husband will be avenged.

Charles was going to respond to Helena META, but the door opened. Both of them looked to see a small girl entering the room. Charles was confused but not Helena META, who knew her. She looked like a miniature version of Helena.

Helena META : I see you are back, Lena.

Lena : I am here, Mom and-

The girl known as Lena stopped talking as she saw a man next to her. As she looked closely, she gasped in surprise as she seems to recognize then man.

Lena : Dad ? Is that you ? You're finally here !

The girl looked happy, but Charles was confused and looked at Helena META.

Charles : ...What ?

Helena META : ...

Charles approached Helena META before whispering.

Charles : *whispering* Does she know ?

Helena META : *whispering* I didn't told her as she was too young at that time.

Charles : *whispering* This may be awful coming from myself, but she has to know.

Helena META : *whispering* As much as I hate it to do that, she deserves to know. She didn't knew much her father, so she most likely want answers.

Lena was watching the scene with worry as she saw them whispering to each other.

Lena : What's going on ? Is something wrong ?

Helena META : Lena... I'm gonna tell you something very important... This man... despite he looks like your father, isn't your father.

Lena : What...? You're joking right ?

Charles : Sadly... she isn't lying... I'm not your biological father... I'm sorry for disappointing you...

Lena : But what happened to Dad ?!

Helena META : Your father... he died to protect you... He gave up his life to make sure... you would live another day...

Lena : *sobbing* ...No... No way... Why...?

Lena started crying. Her mother immediately hugged her, trying her best to comfort her. Not wanting to make things worse, Charles decided to leave them alone, so Helena META can explain more in details.

Charles : I'm gonna give you time for both of you. I also need time on my side to process all of this. See you later.

Helena META looked at Charles without answering, giving him a simple nod. Charles left the room, leaving the broken family.

(Timeskip given to you by the META Shipgirls in front of the deceased Charles's tomb)

Mers-el-Kébir :

Charles P.O.V

I was sitting on the white tower in the center of the city, giving me a view of the whole city as well as the base. It's been a few hours already since I am there.

I was busy processing everything that Helena META told me. This was really a dreadful story. And her daughter calling me "Dad" when I'm not even her real father.

I feel awful for doing this, but this was the most logical thing to do. But what is better : a beautiful lie or a painful truth ? No wonder reality is considered as the cruelest dream.

But in the end, even if it's horrible to admit it, it is better that she knows the truth. I just hope that she will manage to cross the bridge.

I was still lost in my thoughts until I heard the sound of a portal opening. I looked behind me to see Empress coming out of the portal.

Arbiter III : There you are.

Charles : Empress, what are you doing here ?

Arbiter III : Well, Richelieu and Jean Bart were looking for you and saw you up there. Since they didn't dare climb the tower, they called me to come to you. Can't believe you were here for four hours straight.

Charles : Oh... I see.

Arbiter III : You don't look good. Did something happened ?

I could hear the worry in her voice.

Charles : I was just... processing some information. But in any case, Richelieu is down there worrying. I should climb down from there.

Arbiter III : My portal is still open. Let's just use it.

I nodded and followed her through the portal. I got on the other side. As expected, I got hugged by Richelieu and Jean Bart. Of course, I hugged them back. We broke the hug as they are gonna ask the question I am expecting.

Jean Bart : What were you even doing at the top of the tower ?

Charles : I was... processing a lot of information that Helena META.

Richelieu : About what ?

Charles : I apologize but I cannot say it. She made me promise to not tell anyone about it until she is ready to share her story.

Arbiter III : *sighs* Even though I don't blame you since you are a man that keep his promises, it's still annoying to not have an answer.

??? : So, you were with Helena META before being up there ?

I looked behind to see Richelieu META.

Charles : Were you looking for me as well ?

Richelieu META : Yes. I heard about you were talking to Helena META. But what did you talked about ?

Charles : I was asking her about the first time we met, when she asked me if I remember her, which was weird because it was the first time we met.

Richelieu/Jean Bart/Arbiter III : What ?

Richelieu META : ...

Charles : And she ended up talking about your past.

Richelieu META : ...I see.

I saw that she was upset, by seeing her eyes shadowed by her hair. I decided to try to reassure her.

Charles : Look. I'm not gonna pretend to understand what you've been through, because this isn't the case.

Richelieu META : ...

Charles : But if you need to talk, my door will always be open. So if you need it, don't hesitate.

3rd P.O.V

She said nothing but started to walk in my direction. And suddenly, she hugged me tightly as I could hear her sobbing. I returned the hug while she let out her emotions that she locked away for so long.

The Richelieu Sisters and Empress didn't knew what was going on, but they thought that Charles knew why, so they will be waiting for an explanation.

Richelieu META finally calmed down before breaking the hug. She then looked at Charles, but this time there was determination in her eyes.

Richelieu META : I have decided...

Charles : What ?

Richelieu META : I have failed to save him in my world. And I have to make sure this won't happen again here with you. This is why I'm gonna pledge my sword to you. This way, I will make sure that this tragedy won't happen again.

Charles : Hold up ! What ?! Are you sure ?! This is quite an important vow you are making, whether it is as an Iris Knight or an Iris Republican Guard ! Once you make it, there is no turning back !

Richelieu META : I mean what I say ! And I won't back down ! I took this decision and I will accomplish my duty, no matter what !

Charles looked again with a surprised expression at Richelieu META. He looked in her eyes and saw that she won't take no as an answer.

Charles : ...Alright, if it's really what you want, then I shall accept your choice.

Richelieu/Jean Bart/Arbiter III : WHAAAAT ?!

Richelieu META kneeled down while Charles took one of his swords. He did the accolade by touching both of her shoulders with his sword. Once it was done, she got back up.

Richelieu META : And now, I am officially an Iris Republican Guard.

??? : I never thought you would do that, Richelieu.

Richelieu META : I did, and I will fight at his side no matter what.

They all turned back to see Helena META alongside her daughter. They were all confused apart from the other META.

Richelieu : Who is that little girl with you ?

Helena META : That's my daughter, Lena.

Once again, apart from Charles And Richelieu META, the rest got surprised.

Jean Bart : What ?! How ?! I never saw her before !

Helena META : I just recently brought her here, Yorktown META watched over her whenever I was on a mission.

Arbiter III : That's good and all, but can we finally have an explanation about what is going on ?

Jean Bart : Who is that "he" ?

Richelieu : And what about Lena's father ?

Helena META : Alright, I will answer that. Lena's father is actually Charles, or at least the Charles of my world.

Richelieu META : Do you mean our world ?

Arbiter III : So, another version of Charles ?

Richelieu META : Yes.

Jean Bart : So, where is he ? He isn't doing a good job as a father it seems.

Helena META : Well, there's nothing he can do since he died.

Richelieu : ...What...?

Jean Bart : ...I completely regret what I just said...

Richelieu META : We saw him get killed by the Creator. He lost his life to protect Lena.

Arbiter III : ...

Helena META : I was one of his wives, Richelieu being the first one.

Richelieu META : It was painful to see. It was at the same time that I lost faith in God, because he abandoned us in our time of need.

Helena META : That was why we decided to use the Siren technology and make it our own, to get the power necessary to destroy the Creator. And that's when the META, or Ashes, we're born.

Richelieu : ...To say our Charles almost died to him...

Helena META : That's what I heard from Ash.

Richelieu META : Hence, another reason why I made this vow to your Charles, so you won't make the same mistakes as me.

Arbiter III : I see. But there's no way we will let him fall. We went to far to lose now. He is the hope of this Simulation.

Helena META : One more thing Charles.

Charles : Oui ?

Helena META : My daughter wants to ask you something.

Charles looked at Lena, who walked shyly towards him. She looked like she was preoccupied.

Lena : Umm... could you... be my new Dad ?

Apart from Helena META, everyone was shocked by this.

Charles : Quoi ?! But why ?! I'm not your real father !

Lena : I know... but Mom told me what happened... and I don't want to live with only her... I want a father, to know what it feels like to have one...

Charles : ...

Lena : You might not be my real father... but you look just like him... so, that's why I'm asking you this...

Charles was conflicted. On one side, he felt like stealing this role to someone else. But on the other, living without a father would hurt her. He didn't know what to say.

Richelieu saw the panic in his eyes. She looks at Jean Bart and Empress to see what to do. They have caught on and nodded to her. Richelieu decided to break the silence.

Richelieu : Mon amour. Whatever choice you make, we will support you.

Jean Bart : In any case, we can explain to the others.

Helena META : I will reveal the truth to the others tomorrow if that can help you make a decision.

After what was said, Charles finally made a decision. He decided to do what was right, according to me.

Charles : Lena... if you really want me to act as your father... then I will be your father.

Lena : Really ?!

Charles simply nodded. Lena reacted by running to him before giving him a big hug, which he returned. Lena cried of joy while the rest looked at the scene with a tender smile.

Lena : I'll promise... to be the best daughter possible.

Arbiter III : *chuckles* Looks like Hope is getting some competition from now on.

They stayed there for a while before going back together to the HQs.

(Timeskip given to you by Lena and Hope starting a competition to see who is the best daughter)

Mers-el-Kébir, Crimson-Azur Alliance HQs, the next day :

3rd P.O.V

Just like promised, Helena META revealed to everyone else what happened to her world as well as how the META, or Ashes, came to be.

Needless to say, they felt bad for what happened to them. But reminded them that the META are welcome to stay and are basically part of the organization, and family, which the META appreciated.

At the same time, Lena's existence was revealed, which surprised everyone who wasn't aware. And even more when Charles revealed that he adopted her as her daughter. But they remember what happened to her real father, understanding why, and accepted it.

For Hope, it was another story. She was jealous because it would mean that she will spend less time with her father. But when she heard about what happened, she felt bad for being jealous, and decided to be the best sister to Lena. They got along surprisingly fast.

And finally, the rest of the META heard about Richelieu META's vow to Charles to become his Knight. That surprised them, but understood the reason.

It was now the evening. It was 9:55 PM and Charles was waiting in the training zone for the Aircraft Carriers just like he promised to Aquila.

Five minutes later, he saw Aquila and Vittorio Veneto, and surprisingly New Jersey, coming towards him.

Aquila : You came.

Charles : Of course, I keep my promises. By the way, I can understand Veneto's presence here, but why is New Jersey with you as well ?

New Jersey : I'm here for the same reason as them.

Charles : Well, what did you wanted to talk about ?

The girls started blushing, which gave to Charles an idea why they called him here.

Vittorio Veneto : Well, we're not gonna turn around the bush.

New Jersey : We want to confess our feelings to you.

Aquila : We already talked about it with Richelieu and Jean Bart, and they didn't mind.

It was Charles's turn to blush now.

Charles : *blush* Well, in that case, I suppose I can give it a try.

The three of them smiles before New Jersey jumped on Charles to kiss him.

New Jersey : Yeah, how did you like it, honey~ ?

Aquila : Hey, calm down.

New Jersey : But don't cha love it when love is reciprocated ?!

Vittorio Veneto : She's not wrong, but you could have shown some restraint.

New Jersey : Hehe, sorry. I was so excited~.

Now that New Jersey got down from Charles, Vittorio Veneto took her turn for a more dignified kiss which lasted a few seconds, before Aquila did the same.

New Jersey : Well, time to go to sleep. You're coming, honey~ ?

Charles : Not tonight, I'm afraid. Lena wanted me to sleep with her and her mother. Maybe tomorrow.

Vittorio Veneto : Alright. In any case, good night to you.

Charles : Good night to you to.

The three girls went back to their dormitories while Charles joined Helena META and Lena to sleep as a family, for the sake of Lena.

(A/N) : And that's it for chapter 47. I hope you have enjoyed it. Feel free to leave your feedback and opinion in the comments.

I don't know what to type here, aside from that chapter that was dark to say the least.

Also, first chapter to have over 8K words. And to say that the very first chapters were around 2K words. Looks like I'm trying to work more and more in the details of the story.

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 :

Anchorage :

Hakuryuu :

Ägir :

August von Parseval :

Marco Polo :

Lena :

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