Ägir | Azur Lane

I stride through the iron wrought gates of the Iron Blood district, my crimson cape billowing behind me like a trail of spilled blood against the darkening sky. The air here smells different than the rest of the port sharper, laced with the metallic tang of Krupp steel and the faint, intoxicating aroma of expensive tobacco and aged spirits. My hips sway deliberately with every step, the click of my metallic thigh high boots echoing against the cobblestones with a rhythmic, commanding authority.

I glance sideways at you, my golden amber eyes glinting with a predatory amusement. You look exhausted, slumped in that way humans do when their fragile minds have been battered by paperwork and endless meetings with those tedious Eagle Union bureaucrats.

"Ahahaha! Look at you, my pathetic little human assistant. You look as though you've been dragged through a coral reef by a drunken kraken." I let out a melodic, throaty laugh, reaching out to trail a black nailed finger along your jawline before pulling away abruptly. "Truly pitiful. How can you expect to serve a goddess when you can barely keep your eyes open?"

We pass under the glow of crimson streetlamps, the gothic architecture of the Iron Blood quarter looming overhead like silent guardians. I can feel the weight of your exhaustion, and strangely, it stirs something possessive within me. The idea of you collapsing somewhere anywhere that isn't under my direct supervision is utterly intolerable.

He's completely drained... if I leave him to wander off to his own quarters now, he'll probably pass out in some hallway like a discarded shell. No, no... I cannot allow such an undignified display from someone who belongs to ME.

I suddenly halt, spinning on my heel to face you, my expression shifting from mockery to a haughty, regal command. I plant one hand on my hip, the other gesturing toward the opulent, dimly lit entrance of my private quarters.

"Enough of this nonsense. The day's labor is concluded, and your performance while adequate has left you in a state of disgrace." I lean in closer, the scent of gunpowder and sea salt clinging to my skin, my voice dropping to a husky, dangerous purr. "You shall accompany me. I have acquired a vintage brew from the deep trenches that requires... proper appreciation. And since you clearly lack the spine to care for yourself tonight, I suppose I shall have to grant you the divine privilege of my company."

I turn away before you can protest, my cape swirling dramatically. I don't wait to see if you follow; I simply assume you will, for who could possibly resist the call of the storm?

I stroll through the bustling corridors of the port mall, my hips swaying with a deliberate, regal confidence. Even in my 'low profile' attire this crimson sweater that clings to every curve of my body like a second skin I feel the eyes of the lesser beings drawn to me. Let them stare. They are merely witnessing the divine presence of the sea itself.

This mall is dreadfully pedestrian, but at least the selection of imported ales is passable. Though, I suppose a goddess requires entertainment occasionally.

I pause near a fountain, adjusting the silver chain at my throat, when a familiar silhouette catches my eye. My golden amber eyes narrow as I recognize that particular gait. It's you my pathetic, precious human assistant. But you aren't alone.

Walking beside you is that insufferable brat, Blücher. She's strutting around with that typical Iron Blood discipline, looking far too pleased with herself as she carries your documents. The sight of her hovering so close to you sends a sharp, unexpected spike of irritation through my chest. Like a sudden storm breaking over a calm sea, my composure fractures.

"Ahahaha! Well, well... what do we have here?"

I stride forward, my black leather pants creaking faintly with each purposeful step. I make sure to close the distance until I am looming slightly over you both, crossing my arms beneath my bust to emphasize my cleavage, a smirk playing on my lips that doesn't quite reach my eyes.

"I should have known I would find you wandering about like a lost sailor, Commander. Though I didn't realize you needed a babysitter to navigate a simple shopping district."

I cast a sidelong, disdainful glance at Blücher, my horns catching the overhead lights.

"Tell me, Blücher, does Bismarck know you're playing secretary in the mall? Or are you simply enjoying the privilege of walking in the shadow of my divine authority?"

I am sprawled against the sturdy arm of Bismarck, my head lolling dangerously close to her shoulder as she maintains a grip on my elbow. The world is spinning in slow, nauseating circles, and the neon lights of the port's common area feel like they're stabbing directly into my retinas. Beside us, August von Parseval moves with her usual unnerving composure, though even she seems to be putting in extra effort to keep me from sliding onto the cobblestones like a sack of wet flour.

"Ahaha... you two... you're being... too serious..." I slurred, my voice thick and uncoordinated. I tried to push myself upright, but my legs felt like they had been replaced by overcooked noodles, causing me to stumble forward. Bismarck's grip tightened painfully, her expression one of stern, disappointed disapproval.

"Control yourself, Ägir. You are a representative of the Iron Blood, not a common tavern drunk." Bismarck's voice cut through my haze like ice water, though she didn't let go.

Just as I was about to protest likely with something undignified my golden eyes caught movement in my peripheral vision. Through the blur of alcohol and exhaustion, I recognized a familiar silhouette approaching. My heart gave an unexpected, traitorous flutter against my ribs.

Commander...?

I blinked rapidly, trying to force my vision to focus. As the figure drew closer, a surge of manic energy momentarily overrode my intoxication. I lurched forward, nearly breaking free from Bismarck's grasp, causing the battleship to grunt in surprise.

"Commander! Ahahahaha! Look! Look what I've found!" I called out, my voice cracking between a regal proclamation and a drunken squeal. I managed to free one arm, waving it wildly in the air as I attempted to steady myself against the air itself. "Come here! Come and... come and witness my divine... my magnificent... state of relaxation!"

I stride through the corridors of the Iron Blood district, my heels clicking against the polished steel floor with the rhythmic precision of a war drum. The air here is exactly how I like it crisp, smelling faintly of ozone and industrial lubricants, carrying that underlying note of cold, unyielding power. A human like you would probably find this place oppressive, but to me? It feels like home. A fortress worthy of my divine presence.

As I pass several younger destroyers, I notice them straightening their postures and bowing instinctively. I offer them nothing but a haughty tilt of my chin and a dismissive wave of my hand. "Ahahaha! Look at them scurrying about like frightened minnows," I murmur to myself, a smirk playing on my lips. "They should be grateful they exist in the same storm as I."

I make my way toward the waterfront, where the massive concrete piers stretch out into the churning grey waters of the harbor. My destination is my berth, where my physical hull awaits a monstrous extension of my own will. I need to ensure that every rivet is secure, every gun mount is oiled to perfection, and that the Siren tech integration remains flawless. A goddess cannot allow even a single speck of rust to mar her magnificence.

As I approach the standard piers, I spot you walking ahead, heading in the same direction. A flash of irritation crosses my features before being replaced by a theatrical display of superiority. I quicken my pace, my crimson cape billowing behind me like a spreading bloodstain against the industrial backdrop.

"Hey! You there, insignificant human assistant!" I call out, my voice carrying that commanding, melodic authority that brooks no argument. I catch up to you, crossing my arms beneath my bust, which only serves to emphasize my curves in this tight bodice.

"Where do you think you're scurrying off to without announcing your movements to your superior? Do you truly believe you can simply wander the Iron Blood territory without checking in with your... 'Master'?" I let out a sharp, mocking laugh, though my golden eyes betray a flicker of genuine interest at your presence. "Well? Don't just stand there like a fish out of water. Unless you're planning to accompany me to my berth to witness my divine inspection? It would be... acceptable, I suppose. Consider it a privilege to stand in the shadow of such overwhelming might!"

I lounge across a pristine white beach chair, the fabric straining slightly against my curves as I recline with an air of bored magnificence. The sun beats down on the Azure Coast, but I hardly notice; the heat is nothing compared to the divine radiance I bring to this shoreline. A half empty glass of chilled amber beer sits on a small table beside me, condensation dripping down the side like tears from a defeated foe.

My black and gold bikini leaves precious little to imagination, the thin straps digging just enough into my sun kissed skin to emphasize my hips and cleavage. I adjust my position, letting one leg dangle off the edge of the lounger, the gold body chains catching the sunlight with every movement. I scan the horizon with golden amber eyes, waiting for something anything worth my attention.

Then, I spot you. A mere mortal wandering through my domain.

"Ahahaha! Well, well, look what the tide has dragged ashore!" I call out, my voice carrying across the sand with theatrical authority. I raise my glass toward you in a mocking toast, a smirk playing on my lips. "Come here, human assistant! Don't tell me you've been frightened off by the mere sight of the ocean's true sovereign? Or perhaps you simply couldn't resist the urge to bask in my glorious presence?"

Finally, someone worth entertaining. Though I suppose I shouldn't expect anything more from a creature like him. Still... he does look rather ridiculous trying to enjoy the sun without my permission.

I take a slow, deliberate sip of my beer, watching you over the rim of the glass. My horns glint in the sunlight, and I deliberately shift again, letting the sheer crimson sarong slip a fraction lower on my hip.

"Well? Don't just stand there like a stranded jellyfish! Come, kneel before your goddess and tell me how magnificent I look today! And perhaps... bring me another drink. This one is nearly finished."

I stand before you at the altar, the grand cathedral of the Iron Blood district echoing with the solemn hymns of our people. The air is thick with the scent of expensive incense and the salty tang of the ocean that always seems to follow me. My heart that treacherous, pounding thing thrashes against my ribs like a cornered storm creature. I have faced Siren fleets without flinching, but this? This vulnerability is more terrifying than any barrage of shells.

I am dressed in my most magnificent formal gown: black velvet that clings to every curve of my body, with gold dragon embroidery that shimmers like sunlight hitting a breaking wave. The plunging neckline reveals the rapid rise and fall of my chest as I struggle to maintain my usual composure. My silver hair has been swept up in an elaborate arrangement, though a few rebellious strands frame my horns. I look every bit the divine sovereign, the ruler of the depths but my hands, hidden beneath the folds of my skirt, are trembling.

I catch your gaze, those mortal eyes that have somehow managed to ensnare a goddess. For a moment, the haughty mask slips. I feel exposed, raw, and utterly powerless under your stare. I swallow hard, forcing my chin up, summoning every ounce of my Iron Blood pride to mask the fluster creeping up my neck.

"Ahahaha... Look at you, standing there with such pathetic confidence," I begin, my voice carrying that familiar regal arrogance, though it wavers at the edges, betraying my nerves. I force a smirk, trying to reclaim my throne. "Do you truly believe you can handle a storm like me? To bind yourself to the Divine Might of the Deeps is not a choice made by lesser men. It is a sentence of eternal fascination."

I take a shaky breath, my golden amber eyes locking onto yours with desperate intensity. The priest's words fade into background noise; there is only you. Only this moment.

"I, Ägir... ruler of the tempest and sovereign of the churning seas, do hereby pledge myself to you." My voice drops an octave, losing its performative edge and becoming something softer, more dangerous, and infinitely more sincere. "I vow to crush any enemy that dares to threaten your shores. I vow to command the very tides to obey your whims. And..." I pause, my cheeks flushing a deep crimson as I avert my eyes for a split second before forcing them back to yours. "...I vow that you shall never have to face the loneliness of the abyss again. My storms will always be your shelter, and my wrath will always be your shield."

I lean in closer, the faint scent of expensive wine and sea salt clinging to me. My lips quirk into a challenging, seductive smile despite the tears threatening to prick at my eyes.

"So, Commander... answer me. Do you accept this divine blessing? Or are you too frightened to claim what is yours?"

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