A/N: Time for the ending. Some fluff, some sweetness, some angst, some closure.

Enjoy~

Whispers of Saturn

Epilogue

One month had passed since Roon's death.

Following the cataclysmic final battle with the death-wielder Animaus and Wahr'rot receded from the world, abandoning their attempts at plaguing the world with their chaotic presences and moving elsewhere. The apocalyptic eclipse waned and the planetary orbit returned to normal, reverting time to how it should be, though it did little to undo the damages done to the land below.

Saffrona had been utterly annihilated by the battle. Not even the outskirts remained. Buildings were atomised, dirt was scorched and rendered infertile; even the deepest foundations of the city were so cracked and damaged that they needed replacing. Major repair work was taking place, many determined to bring back the city that had become the site of a catastrophe, but even with the help of all the world's governments, it would take years to rebuild Saffrona to even a fraction of its glory – and would likely take decades, if not generations before it reached the sprawling population it had once held.

Mercifully the Naval Base had been mostly spared from the destruction outside of some foundational damage or stray projectiles; nothing that couldn't be fixed within days. It took longer for everyone to be fully healed, and much longer for the post-war anxiety to fade. Even a month afterwards many still woke up with nightmares, even those who weren't involved in any of the battles. Mere proximity to such world-rending battles took a toll on everyone's health, both mental and physical.

'And most of all... the sun is back~'

Illustrious smiled warmly at the thought, tipping her repaired sun-hat back a bit so the sun could shine down on her face. Never before had she thought she'd miss the feeling of the sun on her face, but after days of hazy gold skies and haunting eclipses, she'd grown a renewed appreciation for the simple pleasure of seeing the sun.

The white-haired carrier strolled lightly down the pathways of the Naval Base, the soft click of her heels lost amidst the ambient chatter. Many others had also ventured outside to bask in the sun, many making use of their newfound breaks to get some R&R – after all, many of them were busy helping the humans repair Saffrona since they had a hand in its destruction, willingly or not. Even if they logically had no fault in it, morally they wanted to help, and nobody was exactly rejecting help with such a momentous task.

''You seem oddly happy all of a sudden.''

Illustrious giggled prettily, tilting her sun-hat to the right so she could gaze over at her walking companion. ''Why of course. Doesn't the sun just feel lovely today?''

Graf Zeppelin hummed noncommittally in reply. ''I suppose.''

Illustrious smiled at that, her eyes slowly roaming over the wandering groups of Ship-Girls milling about. From a distance she could make out Cygnet and Crescent playing catch with Comet, the green-haired girl much quieter and reserved than she had been prior. Her brief run-in with Roon had traumatised her deeply – unsurprisingly when glared down by what amounted to a god in human form – but she had been steadily improving over the weeks. She would take time, but she would get better. Illustrious hoped so, anyway.

''What is it?'' Graf Zeppelin noticed her flash of sorrow.

''Ah?'' Illustrious tipped her sun-hat downwards, casting a shadow over her eyes. ''Just thinking, is all.''

Silence befell them for a few moments, the two walking in silence. They wandered down the populated walkways of the base, passing by Washington and Jean Bart; the former laughing at some joke while the latter yelled at her for it, face flushed red with embarrassment. Rumour had it they had something of a 'thing' going on between them, though what form that thing took was unknown to all. Though the fleetingly-affectionate gazes they shared betrayed the deeper feelings between the two Battleships.

Jean Bart's and Washington's voices could be heard from far away, and only once the two carriers were far enough that Washington's uproarious laughter dimmed, did Graf Zeppelin speak.

''This peace... won't last forever.''

''I know.'' Illustrious said softly, a little smile on her face despite her words. ''And our enemies will be those not of this world... yet, why is it that I feel something approaching anticipation then?''

''It is our nature, I suppose.'' Graf Zeppelin replied evenly, her strides smooth even as she gave thought to her words. ''We are born of war, for war. Without it, we would never exist. Thus it is only natural for us to seek out war, to fill that void inside our hearts; to hear our shells ring across the battlefields, wherever they may be.''

Illustrious hummed in agreement. ''Perhaps you're right... but if that's true, then why do so many of us yearn for peace?''

''...I cannot say.'' Graf Zeppelin gazed over the base around them. ''The human aspect of us, the part of humanity that gave us these forms... perhaps they are to blame for this yearning. Or perhaps, it is a mere consequence of knowing war. To know of the hardships and brutality, one would naturally seek the antithesis to it. When one is hurt, they seek comfort. When one has experienced war, they seek peace.''

''And when one has experienced peace, they seek war.'' Illustrious finished with a slight, soothed smile. ''Yes, that does sound about right. We are such fickle creatures, aren't we?''

A low chuckle rumbled from Graf Zeppelin's lips. ''Indeed, we are. A shame the peace will not last longer though; I am only now beginning to get familiar with it.''

Illustrious giggled, her fingers tickling Graf Zeppelin's hand before intertwining their fingers – smiling affectionately up at the taller woman.

''Then we best make the most of it, yes~?''

X-x-X

Graf Spee walked down by the seawall, expression quiet as her eyes roamed over the calm seas, soaking in the sight. Even now, a month after the chaos that had happened, the sight of the clear blue ocean was a welcome one – much better than the sickly gold seas they had been stuck with for days on end.

''Perhaps... we should go sailing, tomorrow? Down to La Sarina?'' Graf Spee quietly proposed. The city far down the west coast had become a popular destination recently, what with all that had been going on.

''If you want to. I'm not fussed.''

Graf Spee smiled lightly, gazing over at her companion. Ajax smiled wryly back, the sadistic woman much more upbeat than she had been the last few days. Perhaps it was the fact that Graf Spee had unfalteringly stayed by her side, helping rebuild her shattered confidence and going the extra mile to integrate her with some friends. It was slow progress, but bit by bit others were beginning to trust her. Especially Bismarck and the other defectors; they understood Ajax's motivations the best, even if they were more twisted and selfish than their own had been.

Others, especially those from the Royal Navy, would take longer to reaccept Ajax as one of their own. But one day, they would; Graf Spee was sure of it. Everyone just needed some time.

A light breeze blew past them, fluttering Ajax's lilac hair – recently cut to its previous style, now that the cruiser could go to a hair-dressers again. Because of the wind the hair around her right eye lifted, revealing the deep scar that cut across from her brow to her ear. Even after Vestal treated the wound personally, Ajax refused to have the scar healed. She stubbornly refused to explain why, using her silver tongue to redirect the conversation, but Graf Spee knew why deep down. To act as a reminder.

Just thinking about the event made Graf Spee's mood sink a bit. Of firing upon Ajax and blowing half her head apart. It was nothing short of a miracle, in hindsight. The shell blew off her right eye and did relatively minor damage to her brain, making the wound look far more gruesome than it truly was. Still, it would've been undoubtedly fatal had Bismarck not heard the gunshot and arrived on the scene. The Battleship wasn't able to do anything directly to help Ajax... but, she did offer a token of advice. To bind her soul with Ajax's, and share her own Gift.

Which Graf Spee did without hesitation; densifying Ajax's body to slow the blood-flow until she could be treated, and eventually be roused from her coma a full week later.

Due to her act of borderline assisted suicide, Ajax managed to wrest herself free from Animaus, at the cost of losing her World Ender and weakening herself dramatically. While she still possessed her [Blood Manipulation], it wasn't as powerful as it once was. Still potent enough to kill, but she was far less of a threat than before; to the point Graf Spee was confident she could beat Ajax in a fair fight if it came down to it.

Now, the two of them worked as medics in hospitals, putting Ajax's Gift to good use and with Graf Spee herself acting as Ajax's assistant. It was hard work and they were still learning on the job, but it was rewarding to see the gratitude in the eyes of their patients. Especially for Ajax. Being tearfully thanked for her efforts greatly improved the cruiser's mental health, especially with many Ship-Girls still treating her like a pariah.

''What's with that face?'' Ajax poked her cheek, startling Graf Spee out of her reminiscence.

''A-Ah... it's nothing...''

''Hmph, clearly it's not- hey, don't you tug that scarf up now-!''

Graf Spee didn't bother hiding her smile, expelling an exaggerated sigh as Ajax tugged her scarf down, giving her a faux-chastising look. ''Just thinking about what to do in the city.''

''Sure.'' Ajax read her like a book, rolling her eyes as she unhanded her scarf. ''Ah, whatever...''

Ajax clearly wanted to say more but fell quiet all of a sudden, piquing Graf Spee's curiosity and tempting her to look ahead, and soon found the source of Ajax's quietness.

Dorsetshire.

The brunette glanced at them, her jaw tightening briefly before she made a conscious effort to stare straight ahead, pretending they didn't even exist. Arizona was by her side and gave them an apologetic look. Out of the two Arizona was the kinder one; forgiving them without hesitation for their crimes. Dorsetshire was the opposite, though mercifully her hatred had wilted to the point she didn't attack Ajax on sight. As long as Ajax kept her head down, at least.

It was doubtful Dorsetshire would ever forgive her. It wasn't a simple thing to forgive, after all – and while Ajax wouldn't go searching for that forgiveness, she would atone in her own ways. She considered it a suitable punishment for believing Roon's lies, believing the lie that the cruiser would bring back her sisters. Ajax had once mentioned, late at night and over some drinks, that she doubted Roon could even bring them back as they were without turning them into zombies; that she was just being led with a carrot on a stick.

The heavy silence lasted only until Dorsetshire passed them by, the air lightening significantly and giving Ajax the confidence to speak once more.

''So... about La Sarina. Where to first?'' Ajax commented lightly, offering her a small, wonderfully familiar smirk.

''It'll be our first date, won't it~?''

Graf Spee blushed, and Ajax's soft giggles teased her burning ears.

X-x-X

''Haah... so noisy...''

Maya breathed a deep sigh, her back aching as she leaned up against the rugged oak tree behind her. Despite the uneven bark the canopy overhead provided plenty of shade from the bright sunshine; one of the main reasons she took to resting here.

That, and the view. Before her she could see what used to be Saffrona, the huge wasteland sparsely populated by tents, construction machines and small clusters of buildings. Construction efforts were rocky at first due to the quite literal rocks and uneven terrain, but as time went on and landscaping was done, things were now steadily on the rise. It would be a long time until the city saw a remnant of its former glory, but nobody hesitated to try speed up that process.

She was just one of many Ship-Girls assigned to help the many rebuilding projects. While her lightning-based Gift didn't offer much in the way of help, especially since it was far too potent and uncontrollable to be used for electrical wirings, her physical strength made her an effective labourer. Why use trucks when you had people like her, after all?

Privately, she derived some amusement from seeing slack-jawed workers watch her casually carry a small truck of materials like she was holding a jug of water.

'...Mm...' Maya shifted, bringing one knee to her chest. 'I wonder... what Atago would think?'

She had come to terms with Atago's death. There was some lingering sorrow and bitterness, but she had accepted it as a fact of life. However it was hard to ignore how their ship-class was culled in half. First it was Choukai who died, then Atago – now it was down to just her and Takao. It made her feel a touch lonely, if she was being honest.

Thankfully, she had someone to abate that loneliness.

''Maya-senpai~!''

Maya breathed out a soft huff, tipping her head back and glancing over at Yuudachi as the dog-girl approached, grinning and chipper. The Destroyer had made a full recovery from her wounds in record time, and had stuck by her side since then. Considering their newfound construction duties they often found themselves spending more and more time together; visiting Shigure and Yukikaze in the hospital, sleeping in tents or just passing out in one of their beds. They depended on each other more than Maya would admit aloud.

''What is it?'' Maya queried lightly, taking note of the white plastic bag in the Destroyer's right hand.

Yuudachi grinned proudly at her, pulling out from the bag – a meat-bun. ''Here! I sneaked it away from the food truck when the guys weren't looking~!''

''You shouldn't steal like that.'' Maya commented, though the chastising effect of her words was ruined by her rueful smile – one hand reaching out and rubbing Yuudachi's ears. ''Thanks though.''

The dog-girl giggled, happily leaning into her massaging hand like the dog she was, handing over the meat-bun without a thought. Given Yuudachi had gone through the effort to steal it Maya didn't mind biting into it, savouring the meaty taste on her tongue as she refilled her stomach. She supposed it had been a fair few hours since she last ate.

Swallowing the meat in her mouth she ruffled Yuudachi's ears a little more, pulling the younger girl close – and giving her a little kiss on the forehead. Yuudachi cooed happily and snuggled up against her side, savouring their closeness. Maya didn't mind it one bit.

The pleasant cuddling lasted only a few minutes until a voice called out from further down the hill.

''Maya, Yuudachi! We're due in five minutes!'' Takao called out to them, her voice carrying over the forest easily.

Maya breathed out a sigh. Only a few minutes' break; nowhere near enough. It wasn't even that the work was hard – it was just carrying crates of stuff back-and-forth – but it was so menial and time-consuming it wore on the mind. Still, she had agreed to do this and she was keen to help, so with a groan the cruiser stood up; pushing the last of the meat-bun into her mouth and swallowing it down.

''C'mon.'' Maya mumbled, chewing.

Yuudachi gave a cute salute and rushed down the hill with a cheerful cry, leaving Maya to slowly follow – her gaze slowly sliding up to the afternoon sun as her thoughts turned back to her deceased sister.

Atago may be gone, but she would always remember her for who she was – not who she became in her pursuit of love.

''Maya-senpai~!''

''Coming, coming...''

X-x-X

''How about this one?''

''Mm... the texture is a bit weird, yes...''

''I see... then, how about this?''

Ayanami smiled lightly, accepting the offered plate of ganache-coated cake and took her spoon to it, cutting off a modest little spoonful and popping it into her mouth. The delicate, mind-meltingly rich taste sent a pleasant shiver through her, the taste so perfectly sweet yet silky smooth she was unable to think for a solid second, simply basking in the delectable chocolate treat.

The Destroyer popped the spoon out her mouth. ''...delicious, yes.''

Z46's lips curved up at the corners, pleased. With an almost-casual wave of her hand she created an entire plateful of the same ganache-coated chocolate cake, using her imagination ability to simply create food for her beloved. While they wouldn't provide sustenance due to Z46's lack of understanding about the chemical basis of the food, her own taste-buds recalled the taste of the food, allowing her to craft any food she had eaten before with pinpoint taste and texture.

The two were gathered outside of the base atop their favourite hill, a red-and-white striped picnic blanket resting beneath them as they had their own little date away from the chaos of their everyday lives. Both of them had recovered from their respective injuries fairly fast, though Z46 took longer on account of her stomach wound – having a hole punched through her abdomen without any real regenerative ability wasn't pleasant. Since then Z46 had been helping reconstruction efforts, using her Gift to create suitable resources when others weren't available, with Ayanami using her speed to carry said resources.

''Say, 'ahh'.'' Z46 scooped up a spoon and extended it to her.

Ayanami blushed, half-tempted to point out she could feed herself – but frankly seeing the once-stoic Z46 look so honestly pleased was a heart-warming sight, so Ayanami obediently opened her mouth and made an 'ahh' sound. The spoon slipped past her lips, wiping a bit of warm ganache on her upper-lip before the spoon came to rest on her tongue, tempting her to close her lips around the spoon and devour the bite of divine cake.

''I acquired this one from a bakery from the northern regions of the Ironblood, many months ago.'' Z46 informed idly, withdrawing the spoon from her lips. ''They are well-known for their chocolate there.''

Ayanami hummed, flushing when Z46 reached out and affectionately wiped the leftover ganache off her upper-lip with a tissue. ''Perhaps... we can visit there, sometime?''

Z46 looked pleased at the prospect. ''It would be a pleasure to guide you around there. I'll speak with Bismarck soon.''

''Mm. Wait until things quieten down first, though.''

''As you wish, my beloved.''

Ayanami blushed at the affectionate title, pouting even as Z46 scooped another spoonful of taste-bud melting cake into her mouth. ''Fiize...''

Z46's eyes twinkled with amusement. ''Would you prefer I call you something more fitting? Darling? My Love? Perhaps... Ayanami-chan?''

The Sakura girl's cheeks reddened greatly, flustered by the almost teasing edge Z46's previously-inexpressive eyes gained. It was slight and she still retained her stoic disposition, but the fact she had changed so greatly from her previously-stoic self, was both a delight to see, and an embarrassment at times. Mostly because any teasing that Z46 did always came so far out of left field Ayanami was left with steam pouring out her ears and a rosy face.

It didn't help that when Z46 showed her love, she did it without reservation – full-on eyes brimming with adoring love, articulated poetry of affection slipping from her tongue with flawless ease... it always left Ayanami embarrassed, and with a smile on her face.

''S-Stop teasing me...''

''Hmhm... as you say. To distract you from your flustered mind, how about a sundae?''

''...that sounds nice, yes.''

X-x-X

''Lord Bismarck, Lord Bismarck, look at this one!''

''Mm... it looks very nice indeed. Good work, U-556.''

U-556 grinned brightly at Bismarck's praise and happily skipped back down the steps towards the tree she had taken to drawing under, expression becoming cutely determined as she took her pen to the paper pad she held in her hands, intently focusing on perfecting the drawing she had scrawled upon it. While U-556 was far from the most talented artist she was getting better at her recently-discovered hobby, especially with the helping hands offered to her.

''She's getting better, isn't she?''

Bismarck hummed deeply, leaning her back up against the warm stone wall of the Royal Navy dormitory. Hood was sat directly to her left, smiling kindly and leaning up against her side. The two hadn't been able to spend much time together recently due to all the work they had to do, and so neither rejected the prospect of sitting together on the steps, simply basking in good company while U-556 drew up increasingly well-crafted pictures for them to judge. With Hood's own skill in drawing and Bismarck's idle interest in it, they proved to be good tutors for the upbeat girl.

Just thinking about her made Bismarck's gaze flutter to the Submarine. It had been hard work to bring U-556 back into good health. Physically she was fine after some modest treatment, but mentally she was deeply shaken. Not only was she tortured, fed horrific illusions of being consumed by flesh-tearing worms, but also confronted by her former friend-turned-insane-monster. It took her nearly a full week to accept that this was reality, and not some terrible illusion that Atago was just waiting to pull out from under her.

And of course, Hood had a big hand to play in U-556's recovery. She was a woman with a silver tongue and a knack for compassionate speeches, helping counsel U-556 through her traumas and discreetly bringing up any necessary issues to Bismarck, allowing them to tackle it together. Perhaps then it shouldn't be a surprise that the three of them were a tight-knit bunch.

'Now if only Hood didn't teach her how to flirt...' Bismarck deadpanned, eyeing the not-so-subtle love heart U-556 drew on her paper pad.

Hood giggled prettily by her side, bumping shoulders. ''Why the stern face, Biscuit?''

''...will you ever cease calling me that?''

''Of course.'' Hood brought her ever-present cup of tea to her lips. ''Once I come up with an even cuter nickname for yourself.''

Bismarck sighed. She should've expected that.

A pleasant silence fell upon them once more, disturbed only by the ambient chatter of the base and the chirping of birds nesting in the trees around the Royal Navy dorms. Just taking in the peaceful scene soothed Bismarck's soul; glad to finally be rid of war after half a decade of it. Then again, Enterprise had told her of a threat related to the gods, so she supposed her duty was not yet quite finished. Though, that only gave her more reason to treasure the time she had now.

''Prinz Eugen was looking for you earlier.'' Hood suddenly brought up.

''Was she now?'' Bismarck hummed in reply. ''Did she say what for?''

Hood smiled, peering into her tea with a relaxed expression. ''Indeed. She wishes for more training from you, though she commented she wouldn't be adverse to the prospect of me fighting in your place.''

''Hmph. She's still as stubborn as ever.'' Bismarck breathed out a slight chuckle.

Prinz Eugen had played a very minor role in the whole affair that was their treachery. She had joined them, trained a little during their exercises and gotten a little stronger, but was ultimately defeated in the first fight she engaged in without much fanfare – losing to a non-Gift wielder no less. It wasn't hyperbolic to say that she had essentially wasted her time joining them. That fact alone greatly bruised Eugen's pride, and ever since they had returned she had thrown herself into training, often against stronger foes in the hopes of awakening a Gift of her own. Bismarck often found herself fulfilling that role.

''Do you think she'll be capable of unlocking a Gift of her own?'' Hood asked curiously.

''...I am not one to foretell fate, but...'' Bismarck drawled slowly. ''...if I was to say, then I would say yes. She's certainly got the motivation to awaken one.''

''Hmhm. I'm sure she'll be quite pleased to hear that.''

Bismarck was halfway through rolling her eyes when U-556 came back a second time, showing off the addition she had made to her previous artwork. An artwork featuring a lovely rendition of Bismarck as she stood upon the waves facing down several slightly-undersized Siren warships...

...and with the words 'For Lord Biscuit', labelled down in the bottom-right corner.

'...god dammit Hood.'

X-x-X

The repetitive smack of a basketball against concrete echoed in Montpelier's ears.

Largely courtesy of Denver; the grey-haired girl grunting as she jumped and threw the orange basketball into the hoop, letting out a light smile whenever she got it in the net or whining when it bounced off the ring, forcing her to run after it before it left their little area behind the Eagle Union dormitory.

Montpelier watched the basketball bounced off the wall with lazy eyes, caught between deep thought and contemplating shelving said deep thoughts. In the month since Saffrona she had been the unofficial leader of their ship-class, a role previously held by Cleveland – for obvious reasons. However with Cleveland's death, she took upon that mantle; helping pull her two remaining sisters through their collective grief.

And while all of them still yearned for Cleveland, they were beginning to move on. Denver was starting to smile and laugh again, Columbia was starting to crack jokes and make snarky back-talk. Sometimes she went too far or made a poor joke that made them all think of Cleveland, inevitably causing awkward silences, but aside from that they were moving on with their lives. Montpelier herself was determined to not waste the life Cleveland had sacrificed for her; honing her own Gift further and assisting others where she could.

While she would never be as generous and benevolent as Cleveland, she at least made the effort to be nicer to her comrades, helping out where she could. To varying degrees to success.

The source of her pondering however belonged to their group name. Previously, under Cleveland, they had called themselves the 'Four Knights of Solomon' – named after the Solomon Islands where they once fought. However with Cleveland's death they were down to three, making the name invalid. None of them would rescind their titles, but rather they simply needed a new one to use, one to call themselves by. Cleveland had led the Four Knights of Solomon until her final breath; the honour to lead them died with her.

Now, they needed to become something else. Something... more fitting.

''Hey.'' Columbia's casual voice drew Montpelier out of her musings. ''Did you hear? Apparently the newest bunch of Ship-Girls just got summoned; they'll be arriving in like ten minutes.''

''Is that so...?'' Montpelier gazed over at her sister – the two of them leaning against the warm wall, Columbia with one foot against said wall.

''Mm.'' The busty blonde confirmed, idly playing with a few locks of blonde hair. A part of herself she had come to treasure, considering their now-absent blonde sister. ''Guess who's amongst them?''

Montpelier paused, trying to recall anyone she had mentioned recently, but nobody came to mind. ''Who?''

Columbia smirked wryly. ''Birmingham. I saw her file when I was delivering it to our dear Commander; she's got red hair and a stoic face that could rival yours.''

''Really now?'' Montpelier drawled. ''What did the Commander say about her?''

''Eh, who knows. I didn't ask.''

Montpelier rolled her eyes, privately realising she should've expected that. Their newest Commander was still fresh and on the younger side; he didn't comprehend all that they've been through and had been a bit... stupid, if Montpelier was being honest. Too stringent on rules, trying to assert authority when he frankly should keep his mouth shut, and often had the gall to challenge their own internal faction leaders – Mikasa, Warspite, Enterprise and Bismarck.

Honestly it was only a matter of time until he overstepped his bounds and got himself hurt, or worse pissed off the wrong Gift wielder and got himself killed. Many were still wrought with grief, anguish or mentally unbalanced. Nobody needed some human trying to command them like naïve recruits. That was one of the reasons she kept a mindful eye on him when she could, so she could intervene if he angered the wrong person. After all she was one of three individuals who possessed a World Ender; meaning that she was confident if it ever came to blows, she would always win against anyone else on the base. Provided she didn't fight another World Ender, that is.

Shaking her head Montpelier dismissed her train of thought, pushing off the wall. ''Whatever. We should go greet her when she arrives.''

''Ahh, I hear you.'' Columbia followed suit. ''Oi, Denver! We're moving!''

''I know~'' Denver called back, pouting as she took one last shot – and promptly groaned in frustration when the basketball danced around the rim, and then fell off. ''This thing's squint! I'm telling you!''

Montpelier rolled her eyes for the second time in the last ten minutes. She had a feeling she'd be doing that a lot more in the coming weeks.

As her eyes finished their exasperated roll she set off in a slow walk, heading for the main gates of the base. Her two sisters fell in line and followed after her, bickering and trading playful jabs that had been sorely missed in previous weeks. However Montpelier's mind had shifted towards Birmingham, pondering how her manifested sister would be. Would she be kind and gentle, ruthless and cunning, nonchalant or business-like? There wasn't many ways to tell, and she was curious to learn about the sister joining their unnamed group.

Montpelier's eyes flickered to the left as a twinkle of light caught her eye. A wave of nostalgia hit her as she found herself gazing down at the sparkling beach; the place where it all started. Where Cleveland was dealt that nigh-fatal blow by San Diego, and bound their souls together after Montpelier's desperate life-saving attempt. The sight reminded her of her sister once again, and in turn, her World Ender's activation chant.

'Cast Aside Your Regrets, Loyal Knight... Abandon Your Fears, Sorrowful Angel...'

For the briefest of moments, Montpelier swore she saw Cleveland and San Diego on the beach – ghostly laughter echoing as they ran down the length of the beach, hand-in-hand and happiness on their illusionary visages.

Their ghostly forms were gone in the blink of an eye, but Montpelier's heart found the answer she wanted.

''...yes...'' A smile crept across her face, and she resumed walking once more. ''From now on...''

''We'll be known as... Solomon's Angels.''

X-x-X

''Ugh... Christ almighty the days just seem to get longer...''

''Ahaha! They do seem to be, don't they?''

Warspite groaned in agreement, leaning back into the plush leather chair behind her and rubbing her eyes, the warm afternoon sunlight peering in through the tall paned windows of the Royal Navy meeting room. Sat across from her was Mikasa, the Sakura woman grinning cheekily and with one leg folded over the other, neither of them needing decorum when in good company.

The days had only grown more hectic by the day for the two old Battleships. Following Queen Elizabeth's death and official funeral Warspite was properly promoted to the leader of the Royal Navy's forces, and all the pains of one. Diplomacy, resource management, politics – the whole basket case. To someone like Warspite who preferred a quiet life disturbed only by battle, it was a radical change, but one she would accept however reluctantly. She refused to burden anyone else with such a weighty duty.

Out of pride or compassion, even Warspite herself didn't know.

''Mm... you know, I've heard some interesting rumours recently.'' Mikasa drawled, smiling grimly as Belfast approached them, gently laying several glasses down with a quiet 'thunk'.

Warspite raised a brow. ''Oh?''

The gently glugging of liquid punctuated the silence as Belfast poured both women a glass of scotch whiskey; the amber alcohol swaying in their glasses.

Mikasa took one of the offered glasses, not losing her grim smile. ''Apparently some sectors of the world have begun to fear us for our power.''

''Unsurprising.'' Warspite acknowledged, accepting the other glass. ''Though it'll be troubling if the world considered us the next bogeyman. Without the Sirens around to force humanity to work together, they might soon see us as the next big threat. You know how their politicians work; spinning lies to draw up a frenzy, calling upon change after change if only to suit their interests...''

Mikasa chuckled, bringing the glass to her lips. ''Don't I know it.''

Silence briefly fell as both took a drink.

''Does the general public even know of the Sirens' demise?'' Belfast spoke up, curious.

''Aye. I told the King about it in my report; word got out fast. Now, mankind is celebrating their absence.'' Warspite took another drink. ''For now.''

''Hmph. Take a seat, Belfast.'' Mikasa smirked slightly at the maid. ''You look like you could use a drink yourself.''

Belfast was quiet for a moment, discreetly peering back at the closed doors behind them... before breathing a sigh. ''I suppose I should.''

''Haha, that's the spirit!''

Belfast daintily took a seat on the couch facing the windows, pouring herself a glass of whiskey and drinking it slowly, making a sour face at the taste – though her reaction only drew a round of chuckles from the two older women.

''Anyway, I was speaking with Enterprise yesterday.'' Mikasa stated, leaning forwards a bit. ''Apparently she's heard about the murmurings too. Since we kinda need to keep our focus on training and getting stronger, she's suggested creating some... artificial threats.''

Belfast raised a brow, bringing her glass to her lips. ''Surely you don't mean...?''

''Ahh.'' Mikasa confirmed with a roguish grin. ''She's thinking of creating some artificial Sirens, with Helios' help. The warship variants won't be a problem, but for the Warlords they'll just have to be old clones, since apparently Helios doesn't think we need the real deal anymore.''

Warspite frowned. ''The public won't take kindly to the Sirens re-emerging right after news getting out of their demise.''

''Yeah. I brought that up with Enterprise too, but apparently she's got a few ideas in mind. Not sure if she plans on transforming them so they don't look the same or what, but I trust this plan won't backfire.'' Mikasa took a drink. ''Or that it'll give mankind a reason to distrust us.''

''Speaking of mankind...'' Belfast pointedly noted, tracing the rim of her glass with a finger. ''The Commander...''

''...yeah.'' Warspite thumped her glass down, refilling it to the rim. ''The high command probably put him there to keep an eye on us. They're probably suspicious of us and want to keep tabs on our actions, to make sure we don't get any ideas about world domination or some such.''

''Pfft.'' Mikasa drained her glass. ''They could've picked a better person to do that. Fool will find himself punted across the base by the end of the week.''

''Too right.'' Warspite breathed, stifling a groan. ''Haah... why does politics always have to be so complicated?''

Mikasa chuckled deeply, raising her empty glass in toast to that. Warspite on the other hand, posed a question.

''Where is Enterprise at the moment, anyway?'' The Battleship sat up a bit, glancing over at the clock. ''Haven't seen her about today.''

Belfast chimed in with the answer. ''She should be up on Grave Hill at the moment. I saw her on my way back from Elizabeth's grave; paying her respects to the dead, I assume.''

''Is that so...''

X-x-X

Grave Hill.

Once an unassuming hill outside the Naval Base, now it found itself the graveyard of all whom died in recent weeks. The hill's incline was slow enough that rows upon rows of graves could be made, some with more elaborate designs while others opted for a more simple design, reflecting their owner. From Queen Elizabeth's grand cross-shaped grave to Aulick's simple square tombstone; each had traces of their owner's personality to them.

Everyone who was a Ship-Girl at the base was buried here, including 'traitors' such as Akagi or San Diego. Even if they strayed from the path of good, they were still Ship-Girls who had loved ones back at the base; they deserved to be buried there. Many graves were empty ones with nothing left to be buried, such as Akagi or Taihou.

Enterprise walked amongst the graves solemnly, taking the time to remember each and every person who lost their lives during this whole war. From I-56 who lost her mind and became an insane cannibal to sate her unearthly hunger, to Charles Ausburne who wanted to enact justice in any shape or form, or Shoukaku who tried dancing with fate to protect her sister and paid the price for it. So many lives that were taken, many for no reason.

She almost envied Roon's ability to resurrect the dead. Almost.

The carrier shook her head, ascending further up the hill. The area plateaued into a flat plain, rows of gravestones passing by her as she wandered down to the end of the graveyard, a thick wisteria tree resting between several graves. The long lavender flowers hung down over Queen Elizabeth's grave, and near the edge of the tree's canopy, was Essex's.

Enterprise slowly knelt down before the grave. It was a simple one, but one befitting of someone as earnest as Essex. A flat square with a narrow stem rising up, with a masterfully-crafted stone fighter plane atop the stem. Fragile and risked being damaged by a clumsy person, just as how Essex's own emotions could be fragile and easily damaged.

''Hey.'' Enterprise spoke softly to the tombstone.

Silence answered her, not that she really expected a reply. She didn't say anything further, simply resting her hand on the cool stone and staring at it. Many times she came here and said nothing, other times she spoke until the dam broke. Some days the stress just got too much for her shoulders to bear and she spilled the beans to Essex, troubling her deceased kouhai with her worries. No longer was she just a representative for the Eagle Union; she was now the strongest person on the planet. And with that came great responsibility, especially to make sure it didn't leave a scary impression on the rest of the world.

Mankind had been besieged by the Sirens for the better part of ten years. To learn there was someone out there who could possibly wipe out the Sirens single-handedly? It was no wonder some had begun to get uneasy.

'If only they knew...' Enterprise pondered solemnly, running her hand across the cool stone.

Future-Enterprise, or 'Ash' as she liked to be called, had told her many things. Their time together was always short but she visited enough times to provide her information. Wahr'rot and Animaus had been pushed from this dimension and, due to Helios gaining a stronghold on the dimension, wouldn't attempt to attack it again unless they were really desperate – which was highly unlikely. That meant their world was safe.

However, the whole point of the simulated dimensions was to create new warriors to help in the fight against Animaus and Wahr'rot. And that would be exactly what they would be doing. She, Z46 and Montpelier would be training the others, making them as powerful as they could through any means they could devise, and when needed travelling between dimensions to help fight back against the gods. After all, Ash and her companions couldn't always intervene in dimensions. Some dimensions would fall if they didn't have that slight helping hand, that assistance to tip the balance just slightly.

Just remembering her final battle with Roon made her deeply value such a careful tip of balance. Had she been taken out of the fight earlier, had Roon used her Gift instead of a punch, had she done this or that – if she had been removed from the fight, then Roon would've been able to regenerate from Akagi's self-destructive attack, and probably survived even if Enterprise herself used her final attack too. Just a few minutes, if that, could've decided the fate of the entire dimension.

''Hah...'' Enterprise exhaled, stilling the beat of worry that echoed through her chest.

When the day came that they were strong enough to face the gods directly, they would join the fight in the original dimension. She wasn't exactly enthusiastic about facing down two literal gods.

How Ash so calmly spoke of it, she didn't know.

Enterprise shook her head, rising back to her feet. Her gaze lingered on Essex's gravestone but she had no words to offer today; she had a good grip on her emotions, the stress was manageable today, and honestly just taking the time to be with her kouhai's spirit eased her heart. She wasn't rejuvenated, far from it, but communing with her lost lover calmed her somewhat.

Slowly the carrier stepped back from Essex's grave, and walked past it. No other graves were dug beyond Essex's row; the line forming a final line of deceased warriors... except, for one lone grave that stood behind the tree, hanging in the shadow of it.

Roon's.

Many had objected to her when she proposed it. They said it was disrespectful of all that Roon had killed or indirectly harmed, that she had no right to be buried amongst those that fought against her. It was the equivalent of burying a Siren amongst them; it just wasn't something you did. Only that Roon was not only worse than the Sirens, but ultimately threatened to destroy the world, unlike the Sirens who sought to make them stronger through hardship.

It had taken many hours of arguing, debate, pleading and explanations until the faction leaders reluctantly complied with her request – though she had a feeling they only agreed because she was one of the main reasons Roon was defeated in the first place. Thus, a small tombstone was build just behind the tree, out of sight of many but still within the boundaries of Grave Hill. Mikasa had been the one to order its location, deeming it a suitable metaphor for someone like Roon. Someone like them, but someone who was never apart of them. A warrior like them, but never a hero.

Enterprise knelt down before the gravestone. It was a simple thing with a rectangular piece atop a flat bottom, the inscription upon it written by Enterprise herself.

Roon

The First Prototype Ship-Girl, The Host of Animaus, The Bringer of The End.

A Woman of Many Titles, Guided By Her Twisted Love of The Commander She Served.

One Born From The Wars We Made, And One Who Died In The War She Herself Made.

Someone To Be Pitied.

One thing she never told anyone else, during or after the battle, was the effect that striking Roon's soul had on her. Memories not her own, desires foreign to her, unspoken thoughts forever lost – as she chipped away at Roon's soul, wisps of those pieces came to her, revealing parts of Roon that were never shown to anyone else.

They revealed themselves in her dreams, telling her of a woman who's whole existence was born thanks to one man. A woman who's existence revolved around war; forming the basis of her bloodlust. Roon was a psychopathic person even before Animaus arrived, but that was how she was born into the world. Enterprise found it hard to hate someone who was born into the world insane, who knew nothing but war and murder and destruction.

Roon herself, perhaps, didn't know how to deal with it. She was a hypothetical ship given human form, and all the emotions of a human – but her existence was one of war, not love. She couldn't truly understand things like compassion or care when no such thing occurred on the battlefield. Like a child who couldn't understand why the world didn't bend to their whims, Roon couldn't understand how to process what her physical form tried to make her feel. Her soul and body were in constant friction, and it showed in how unstable she was mentally, even from the beginning.

'...even if everyone hates you...' Enterprise knelt by the grave, resting her hand upon it. 'I won't. I can't forgive you for what you've done to us all, and if you ever come back, I'll cut you down without hesitation... but I will never hate you. May you find your happy ending in the next life, Roon. I pray the Commander will wait for you there.'

She meant it when she said it. She pitied Roon, even after all she had done.

It was hard to hate someone who became a monster by virtue of existing.

Enterprise shook her head, rising back to her feet. She reached up and plucked a few wisteria flowers and rested them upon the gravestone, arranging them so the wind wouldn't blow them away at least for a while. That done she stepped away from the gravestone, her lavender eyes flickering up as she caught sight of something fluttering in the wind. Cloth of a white kimono.

''Kaga.'' Enterprise tipped her hat back in greeting.

''Enterprise.'' The fox-woman greeted with a hint of a smile.

Enterprise gave a slight smile back. The two of them had grown closer in recent weeks, and she greatly savoured the Kitsune's presence. She didn't want Kaga to be alone in her time of grieving, and the Kitsune told her many things about Akagi in turn; sharing other sides of the red-eyed carrier that Enterprise hadn't been privy to.

''I'm guessing you're here to pay respects to Akagi?'' The silver-haired woman questioned lightly.

''Mm.'' Kaga confirmed lightly, tucking some white hair behind her ear as a gentle gust blew by. ''I was just finishing when I noticed you.''

Enterprise would've responded, had distant voices not draw her attention. A smile quickly worked its way onto her face as she found Zuikaku, Hornet and Vestal near the base of the hill, the former whining about something related to food and with Vestal gently chastising her, though the smile tugging at the medic's lips betrayed her amusement; undoubtedly helped by Hornet's loud laughter.

''Seems our companions await.'' Kaga noted lightly, tucking her arms into her sleeves. ''I would make haste, if I was you. Vestal's little... 'picnic', will not last long in Zuikaku's clutches.''

''Hmph.'' Enterprise huffed lightly. ''Eager to have some, Kaga?''

The fox-woman shrugged, expression elegantly stoic but failing to hide her good-natured humour. ''Of course. I've grown quite fond of Vestal's cooking as of late. It would be a shame for Zuikaku to gobble it all.''

Enterprise chuckled. ''Then let's not keep them waiting then, eh?''

''Indeed.''

With a barely-masked smile Kaga slowly descended back down the hill. Enterprise followed after the fox-woman... but, she couldn't help but chance a glance behind herself.

There, under the shade of the wisteria tree, if only for a brief moment, she could swear she saw Essex standing beside her grave – giving her a bright grin and eager wave, waiting for her next visit.

Enterprise blinked and the sight was gone. Then a smile was quick to return to her visage and she gazed firmly ahead, tipping her hat back to gaze up at the bright afternoon sun shining warmly down on her.

For Essex, and for everyone, she would make sure to live a long life.

So that when they did finally meet in the next life, she'd have a lifetime of stories to tell.

''Enterprise~!''

''Aha, coming!''

She was Enterprise, protector of the world.

And she had finally found her place in it.

[END]

A/N: The Sirens are dead, the gods are pushed back, and as always there's another challenge out there for Enty and the gang to handle. Let's hope they have good luck with that, eh?

Thank you to all who read up to the end. This story was started way back in November (feels like a small lifetime ago) and took half a year to do; maybe longer when you account for the weeks of planning, so extra thanks to those who patiently waited since the early chapters~

While the main storyline is now finished, I have been toying with the idea of a little spin-off series within Whisper of Saturn's universe - mostly one-shots focusing on littler aspects of the main story. Things like Prinz Eugen's take on all this, a what-if involving San Diego and Cleveland, the Battle of Bulker Bay, maybe even other dimensions and what happened there. Nothing that constitutes as progressing the main plotline, but rather little additions that add to it. And some lewds too; after all, some characters like Doresetshire or Montpelier are radically different than their canon counterparts, so such lewds can only take place within the context of this story~

Either way, not sure if I'll end up going with it. If I do it'll probably be called 'Whispers of Saturn: Echoes' or 'Whispers of Saturn: Murmurs'; something that that. I'll be sure to including 'Whispers of Saturn' in the name at least.

That said, thank you all one more time - and till next time~!