(Dear readers, for this first chapter I will write similarly to what I've had before for scheduling purposes of these chapters and to give a little tease of the story. Welcome to the first chapter, I hope you enjoy.) 

Short disclaimer - I do not claim ownership over Azur Lane or its characters nor the digital art you may find in each chapter. All credit is given to their respective creators.

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Somewhere in familiar waters...

As of today, it was her maiden voyage from Brest to England. We were gracefully cruising along the plotted course at the crack of dawn. The French navy's newest addition to the Mersailles-class battleships, King Louis XIV, named after the Sun King of France. 

As for me—

"Oi Y/n, having fun while the rest of us are working? Haha, we'll have to write this in the report for the captain and the English when we make land." 

"Ah come on Antoine, you're just bothered by the fact that I won the bet. Relax, I'm sure next time will be the day you sing praises to the heavens."

"Keep telling yourself that. If it weren't for me and Alex, you wouldn't have won that money!"

I was enjoying the sea breeze on deck, off the port-side guns where the sun rose. My heart filled with pride for the vessel I could now call home. The rhythmic crashing of the waves up against the hull almost sound like a gentle lullaby. My fellow crewmen sang shanties in high-spirits as they scaled up and down the ship like ants— ahhh... its like I've never left my little town.

The vast open ocean always fascinated me since I was a little boy. Those memories with my father will always remain with me even after he passed. Those were less than fortunate times but... I do not regret the things I have done in his legacy since. 

After taking my little break enjoying the warm sun, I went back to taking on multiple handy-work tasks with some of my new-found friends. Cleaning the guns, doing routine checks, more cleaning- and finally off I went below the deck for the evening. Phew~ that took all day.

"Hey, Y/n. You're turn to hit the hay, captain has a message for you to join him once you're awake." 

"Merci, Jean. Good luck with the night-shift. If a torpedo hits, you know who I'm blaming for not spotting the steel fish."

Looking around, I realize I've never really explored the complete "Ins-and-Outs" of the ship ever since we left. I think I'll just have to save that thought after I get my rest, I can't waste my downtime. Especially when at the captains beck and call. Hello my sweet bed of slight- oomph! ...discomfort (-_-)

It took a minute but eventually I can feel the comforting warm darkness embrace me. Once you're used to sleeping in some of the worst conditions possible, you can sleep about anywhere I guess. 

I wonder how mom and Lou are doing back home... zzZ

Hours later...

My senses came flooding back to me one by one. Although a little blurry, I squinted in an effort to focus my eyes on a blaring red light flashing violently above. Muffled screams from the other compartments... we're in combat-

*Boom!!!*

Smoke and dust enveloped my quarters— is that a shell? The bunks on the other side of my quarters were replaced by the sight of a cannon shell. At the terrific sight, I fled from the crews quarters in a panic through empty hallways. The shouts muffled sounds from outside only added to my terror as I feel  violent tremors throughout the ship. Merde- how did I sleep through this?!

As I was running through the empty hallways, I saw it— Antoine... bleeding profusely from where once was his left leg, his head drooped downwards and a pathway of his blood trailed from where he came from. He's being carried away to the med-bay. I want to check on him but I could only pray he gets out of this alive, that we get out of here alive.

After finding my way above deck, the night-sky was dark. There was no moon. I see my fellow friends running and scurrying along in terrified haste. The damage control parties were busy keeping the ship afloat, each gun on-board firing as fast as they could, the AA party lit up the sky revealing shadows in the clouds. Suddenly yelling from behind me caught my attention.

"Y/n! GET DOWN!!! GET DOW- " 

It was Alex, he was waving his hands in a particular manner. The sound of buzzing overhead could be heard, it got louder and louder. Before I knew it, a squadron of planes came from the heavens and bullets came raining down on us. Those are German markings- theres a fleet attacking us! I stared death in the eyes at that moment, me and the pilot locked in each others gaze. 

"Holy hell- where are the 20's!?" I thought to myself as I frantically scanned the front-end of the deck. Partial relief came upon me as I layed eyes upon it, like a blessing, a turret was within my reach.

I dashed for it as fast as my legs could carry me through bobbing waves and uneven ground. I was right there, within a hairs width of defending myself and from the corner of my eye was Alex. He pushed me away... why? 

"Oomph- " I was angry and confused, why did he push me? That was until I heard faint whistling, it did not sound like the whistling of bombs. I turned and looked at the sky, fast projectiles coming right at us. 

"PUTAIN DE MERDE, ALEX?!-" I caught one last glimpse of Alex's terrified face as I looked back at him.

*BOOM!!!*

...To Be Continued

Good day to all of you, dear readers! This concludes the prologue of the Throne of the Sun King and I am very excited to say that I believe it is about time it got an update. Especially my other works... Anyway- chapter 1 will already been on my to-do list as this is uploaded. After writing this, I've begun to recover my passion for creating these stories. It's simply enjoyable and most of all fun to do, getting all the proof-reading out of the way and deleting the first few ideas several times ;-;

I'll see you all in chapter 1 once it is done and dusted. Don't forget to comment about anything you wish to share in regards to this story. Don't be shy to provide feedback so that I may be able to improve the quality of stories for you all. Lastly, I love you all and my fellow writers and friends on the platform, thank you so much for the kind words over my unannounced hiatus which helped me carry on. Peace for now <3 

— From Author