Journey of Comets - Cipher32 - 崩坏3rd (2024)

Chapter 1: Good Old Friends

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: Good Old Friends.

"There is no time to explain"

It began with that. A sentence consisting of 6 words and 22 letters, delivered in a suppressed urgency by a familiar voice through her phone for her brain to process. Said brain deciphered the information in less than half a second later for her heart to react with the appropriate emotions and feelings but above all one stood obvious.

Dread.

It began with dread, and then the confusion and unfounded panic emerged. She had asked back the what and why but all she received in return was a vague you'll know, as if it would explain everything and wash away her worry.

It began 5 hours ago.

It began with a blinding flash of light that awoken the residents sleeping in night hours with her being the exception. She hadn't gotten a sleep since the call ended, switching between pacing around her room in the dark and staring anxiously at the pale white rocks that seemed to glow in the endless nights surrounding them outside her building. Waiting and expecting something she didn't even understand the what.

Then the light came and she immediately rushed out, snatching her jacket from the hanger behind her door. It rattled and fell to the floor but the owner had long gone to care or notice what fate befell it.

Kiana jogged to her destination, passing through many confused scientists on her way out who looked at her for answers she couldn't provide. Slipping her resized Valkyrie jacket around her body, she zipped it up to her chest level just in time for the last airlock to open, exposing her body into the cold temperature of the moon.

Countless stars hung above, twinkling in the boundless sky as guides for those who looked. Despite the bright blue energy dome covering the base and allowing its relatively hospitable environment, it couldn't really take away the breathtaking view. It made for a good date, something she could vouch for both herself and Mei.

Mei...

The thought of the purple haired woman sent a surge of urgency in her veins her steps turned into an outright sprint, a dull ache on her finger where a silver ring rested was a reminder of what dear for her. Kiana traversed the catwalks connecting the base exteriors to where the Stargate was, eyes glued to its ever glowing center signaling a transit in progress.

She spotted a head of red hair on the observation area and made her way there, careful not to step on the energy lines dispensing the excess heat the Stargate created.

"Doctor Tesla?" She called out but when the smaller woman didn't budge a bit on her second call Kiana decided to go at her. "Doctor, are you okay?"

Kiana grabbed the woman's shoulder gently, pulling the redhead out from her stupors. Tesla blinked and adjusted her glasses, glancing back towards Kiana. "Ah, sorry, you were saying?"

Kiana frowned internally. "I said are you okay?"

Tesla seemed to ponder the question a bit and it scared Kiana more than anything. She had worked intensively with the woman for almost a decade now, though worked was not really work but just her sitting on a chair with various instruments and questions directed at her but nevertheless. Kiana never seen Tesla this unsure and the way she kept not so subtly glancing at her made Kiana nervous on her feet.

"Kiana. If, this is an if, Mei was taken from you and you had a chance to take her back at the cost of someone close to you...Will you take it?"

"Did something happen to Mei?!" Kiana almost yelled in panic but she was quickly suppressed by an exasperated Tesla before she could bombard her with questions which the ultimate answers were no's.

"It's a rhetorical question" Tesla clarified and when Kiana blinked at her blankly she elaborated. "A question that is more to elicit a response than for information"

"Oh... I swear I heard that word before" Kiana chirped and Tesla chuckled, though Kiana noticed it was a bit different than normal. She also looked less enthusiastic today and more melancholic for some reason. "Well, I wouldn't want to burden that someone but I wouldn't be giving up on Mei either"

"So, what would you do?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Kiana grinned in hope to alleviate whatever worry the good Doctor was having, although it seemed to have the opposite effect when the redhead's smile faltered a little before she forced a wider one. "I believe in Mei as much as she believes in me. We both would want to meet and we both would do whatever we could to reunite and be happy. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week or year but we wouldn't be giving up on each other. There will always time and chances, no matter how small and unlikely, and the people around us would definitely help us out if they could"

"You and your love story" Tesla admonished jokingly with a roll of her eyes. "You both are not really a good example of ideal relationship"

Kiana laughed merrily, showing her ringed finger. "Hey, we've got our happy ending so it works out"

"Mei beat you up for being an idiot"

The Kaslana shrugged and grinned slyly in return. "Mei likes it rough"

They both stared at one another until Tesla chuckled while Kiana gave her a suggestive raise of her eyebrows. Whatever turmoil Tesla had, had simply been forgotten in the little banter between the two friends. "But seriously, what is going on?"

Tesla sighed, her mechanical arm flexing as she thought over her words. Once, she got a direct contact with Honkai and it costed her an arm. The itch hadn't been noticable until recently. "You've got the message from Overseer Theresa?"

"I did. But Aunty didn't tell me anything except a vague foreboding that something is coming"

Tesla nodded. "There has been... a happening. I would like to tell you what but the Overseer gave her strict order to wait for her" The flexing of her fingers stopped and Tesla crossed her arms, cold metal over warm flesh. "It's Welt"

Kiana blinked, her jaw dropping in surprise as she straightened up. "Mr. Yang? Is he okay? Do we know where he is?"

"I..."

Before Tesla could spill the beans, the light intensified and out of it five figures emerged. Kiana immediately recognized every single one of them and jumped out to greet the newcomers.

"Guys!" She shouted, excitedly running towards the dying light of the Stargate transport beam, only to tackle a certain woman into a spine shattering hug. "And Mei!"

Mei giggled, returning the hug with the same intensity. She planted a kiss on Kiana's forehead as her hand moved to brush a stray strand of white hair. "Hello, Kiana"

"Hi!"

"Annnnddd they're sucking on each other's faces" Bronya said flatly, appearing from behind Mei. Her stare was as emotional as her words as she looked at the two, which to say as devoid as the night sky itself. "This is why I refused to travel together to the Moon"

Kiana tactfully flipped her the bird.

"I'm sorry, Bronya"

"No you are not, Mei" Theresa interjected with a barely concealed amusem*nt as she joined the trio. Mei sent her an apologetic look after she pushed Kiana's face to her bosom so she could free her face from Kiana's clutch. "But you're not one to talk either, Bronya. Don't think I'm oblivious to what's happening behind that door whenever Seele visits you"

Bronya huffed and turned around to hide her reddening face, a bad move because it allowed Kiana a clear picture of it. Face still planted on Mei's chest, the Kaslana sent Bronya a smug grin the latter returned with a glare.

Kiana would've teased Bronya more. It was all good jab and poke between long time friends that knew each other so much to make fun of their own predicaments, the small smile on Bronya's face was unmistakable nor was the one on Kiana's own. This was her family of a lifetime and all of them was just as precious. She did, she had and she would sacrifice herself again and again just to see their smiles, a notion all of them shared towards another.

Bronya had sacrificed herself once to save them from Cocolia's grasp so had Mei for Kiana. For her, the little circle of friends were her everything and it only got bigger now with more joining the once three figures.

Case in point was her older sister.

"Bianka!" Kiana greeted cheerily at the other woman, releasing her hug on Mei only to envelope the blonde in her arms. Bianka reciprocated the gesture with a smile. "How are you? How's papa?"

"Dad is doing well, he's currently on a vacation" Bianka replied softly, pulling back to look at Kiana in the face. "So am I"

Kiana's eyes traced the gentle curve of her sister's smile and equally gentle blue eyes. So much of what Otto did to her had worn off as more and more of the woman's true self surfaced. Her hair had more white streaks on it, almost as much as her golden locks. Kiana knew because she had been secretly paying attention to it the last time they brushed each other's hair.

"The doing well part or the vacation part?" Kiana asked cheekily and her sister chuckled.

"I'm sorry, but I'm here for work"

"Ah, bummer"

It had taken the newfound father-daughter a while to catch up. The first few months had been stiff and a little awkward with Siegfried open eagerness and Bianka's tentative acceptance mostly hindering the progress. Siegfried being Siegfried tried to talk to Bianka every possible time Theresa had to kick him out once when he intruded into a meeting he wasn't supposed to be in for a simple reason he wanted to ask his daughter for a lunch together, said daughter happened to be the one to report in said meeting.

Bianka reasonably freaked out. Though the girl had never truly lost her composure in the years Kiana knew her yet the distress was obvious when her sister called her on that exact same day. Bianka was afraid she had offended her father and wanted to apologize but didn't know how so there she was asking Kiana, the only living relative with direct relation with the old man.

"Papa is like that" She had told her sister then with a laugh through the phone. "He does whatever he does. Don't worry, just talk to him and he'll forget it ever happened. Besides, it's not your fault Aunty had to kick him out. Look, just go have a lunch with him and talk, it'll make him a happy old man"

"I don't know what to talk with him" Bianka replied anxiously, as if Kiana had just sent her into her yet most difficult battle.

"Just be yourself" Kiana smoothly assured. "He loves us too much to care about the details. To have you there with him is a great joy for him"

"Well, if you say so..."

"Sis, I know him enough. I want you to know him, too. Look, don't look into it too much and just go. You'll know what to do"

"Okay, then. Thank you"

"Make sure he doesn't embarrass himself, though. Send me pictures of your get-together, okay? Love you, and tell him I love him too. Now go, you've got this"

So that was the first few months, after that they found their own pace without Kiana needing to help. She was more than content to hear either Siegfried or Bianka talking about their days together, which usually followed with a wistful words of her being there with them to complete the family. Kiana did what she did best and comforted them it wouldn't be a dream for long, with Honkai manifestation rapidly climbing down all over the world it would be a reality in a few years to come.

She held that thought deep in her heart as a reminder of what she fought for and what her hardships were for. Her family had grown big so it was her duty to keep them safe together, as they would to each other.

Kiana pulled back from the hug entirely, letting her hands rested on Bianka's arms for a moment before she let them go. Still smiling, she turned towards the last newcomer, expecting a greeting only to find her already knee deep in conversation with a certain redhead.

Doctor Einstein, Tesla's long time friend and coworker, was just as precious as any of her other friends. The decade she knew her, Kiana had grown a fondness for the bluenette the same way she did Tesla. She was not as... temperamental, as Tesla with most of her banters strictly reserved for the redhead but she was a honest and good companion. She didn't sugarcoat stuff, always talk from the scientific point of view when encroaching a topic which allowed Kiana a firsthand experience of the past.

It was from Einstein she truly learned what happened during the Second Eruption for the good Doctor was there herself. While Tesla also talked about it, her story was mostly about how mad she was to what Otto had done, which from then would spiral into a cursing and cussing. Kiana was sure she would tear the late Overseer's soul apart had he heard her.

Right now, Einstein was currently speaking with Tesla in a hushed tone and whatever it was it had the redhead looking hopeful and anxious at the same time. Kiana caught the latter glancing at her for a split second before she redirected her gaze to Einstein.

"So, what's the occasion?" Kiana asked out loud, giving her sister and friends a sweep with her smile. A smile that faltered immediately when she noticed their tight expression. "Something wrong?"

"How about we head inside first?" Mei proposed, offering a hand to Kiana who immediately accepted it. "I'll cook something for you"

"Won't say no to your cooking!" Kiana said with a grin, dragging Mei away from the group while giggling.

"Lovebirds" Bronya muttered under her breath, following the duo. Bianka chuckled and fell a step behind the silver haired woman.

Mei was an excellent cook but few knew it wasn't a skill she born with. When Kiana met her in Nagazora all those years ago, before the tears and disasters, Kiana was a terrible cook through and through.

Mei was a heiress of one of the biggest technology companies in the world. Her father, Raiden Ryoma, was a leading genius who pioneered many breakthroughs in both military and civilian worlds. After he was framed by Cocolia and the subsequent fall of the company, Mei was left alone to face an uncaring reality. Her once vibrant world was left dull after her teachers and 'friends' shunned her, even the staff who once worked and cared for her also saw her with leering eyes in her own house.

Mei's life was not an easy one. A lie took everything she had once. She was a kind hearted girl who looked after everyone with equal eyes despite her title and upbringings, always mingling with those around her without discrimination. Yet that lie proved those people around her wanted nothing but her wealth, which Kiana found stupid because nothing worth more than that kindness itself.

It was that same kindness that connected Kiana and Mei, a kindness that had dulled but burned bright again once Kiana reached out towards it. Mei never told just anyone that Kiana was the reason she was a good cook, not out of shame but because if there's something special between them it was that little secret they shared.

Kiana nuzzled that lonely girl's hand and that girl fed and took her into her heart like she would a cat. Kiana wasn't complaining though, in fact she loved it.

Dinner was filled with merry talks and stories, a familiar sight for the St. Freya girls. They had this before, exactly before everything. While nobody said a word about it, it was a thought residing in their minds since years after their reunion. Eight chairs, seven occupied and one empty with a can of full, opened beer as opposed to the half or empty cans on the table, reserved in memory of her per tradition whenever they had dinner together.

Mei picked a stack of dirty plates and maneuvered her way to the kitchen sink, intending to wash them. Kiana who saw her smile silently stood up and followed, ignoring Bronya's not so subtle eye roll.

"Hey" Kiana whispered to Mei's ear, wrapping her hands around the taller woman's stomach. Mei hummed in response but didn't say anything in return, simply relaxing into the embrace. "I miss you"

"It's been a long month" Mei said just as silently, putting a cleansed plate into the dryer and picking another dirty one to wash. "Did I miss something?"

"Moon rocks" Kiana mumbled, voice muffled by Mei's shirt as she buried her face into her back. "How's the kids?"

"They're doing alright. You know you're barely ten years older to call them kids, right?"

"Eh, doesn't matter. They remind me of us"

"Carole is as energetic as ever. Everyday she's turning into you more"

"I like her" Kiana giggled, the vibration made Mei's chest rumble pleasantly. "She's a good kid"

"I'm sure you do, you both get along fine. Maybe it's the recklessness"

Kiana hummed but didn't say anything more, content to hold her and feel her warmth. Mei took her time to turn off the faucet and dry her hands with a rag, still not moving from their interlocked position. When Mei's cold hands found Kiana's warmer ones, the latter barely flinched from the contact.

"Something happened, right?" Kiana mumbled and it was Mei's turn to flinch. It was all Kiana needed for confirmation, releasing a sigh Mei couldn't see. "I see"

Kiana released her hold and retreated back to the table, her demeanor returning to her cheerful one as she rejoined the conversation. With nothing to hold, Mei's hands fell to her sides and clenched at nothing, seeking a warmth that was no longer there.

"Kiana, what I'm going to tell you is a question you will have to answer with a yes or no. I will tell you the consequences of each so I hope you'll make a wise choice"

"Wise doesn't mean correct, does it?" Kiana joked but there's a hint of bitterness in her tone. Einstein who sat across from her simply stared back. "Sorry, that was inappropriate"

The Doctor nodded. "To put a week worth of headache into a short story; we found Welt"

Kiana blinked, once and then twice, processing the information she just received. "Oh... Is he alright?"

"We don't know" Tesla answered and for the first time Kiana remembered there was other people in the room. Usually, her sessions had one of the Doctors only accompanying her but now she had half her family with her. "We only received a message, at least according to it he is"

"What does it say, precisely?"

"He's in a journey" Einstein answered and Kiana furrowed her eyebrows in thought.

"Journey?"

"Yes. Apparently, he lost Void Archives shortly after he entered the portal and got picked up by someone. He also mentioned Aeons, Astral Express and Antimatter Legions"

Kiana scratched the back of her head in confusion. "I don't understand what those are"

"Don't worry, neither do we" Tesla exhaled frustratedly, her prosthetic finger tapping her thigh as she thought over her words. "But he said it might give us a lead about Sky People"

Kiana's expression darkened at the mention of Sky People. After Honkai had mostly been sealed, these strange group of enemy began to appear all over the world to wreck havoc, destroying everything in their path like Honkai itself. But they were not Honkai, they didn't even know what they were except that somehow they're capable of harvesting Honkai energy. For what purpose remained a mystery the scientists still couldn't figure out to this day.

Her friends had been fighting them actively for the last decade while all Kiana did was watch with her thumbs fiddled. It pissed her off once and still did but Kiana understood she had her own duty to conduct. She trusted Mei and the others enough to hold on, even if Kiana had to vent her anger and worry when she learned Mei almost lost her life to them a while back on the moon. The kilometers deep craters on the dark side of the moon was her doing, marks of her frustration that would stay hidden for the rest of the time, hopefully.

Kiana was the Princess of Honkai itself, yet she couldn't protect her most beloved nor come to her rescue. Thankfully, the kids were able to get her to safety or otherwise.

Otherwise she might actually descend and lay waste on the invaders.

"What about it?" She asked slowly, just to hide the growl threatening to slip out of her throat.

"Astral Express is an interstellar train capable of superluminal travel. He mentioned that these Antimatter Legions bear great resemblance with the Sky People in terms of nature although also with great difference. The amount of destructive race out there is astounding, to say the least, and it is imperative for us to send our own vanguard force"

"... you want me to go to him"

"I ask if you want to accept the job" Einstein emphasized. "Like it or not, the force attacking us right now is merely a beachhead for a larger invasion force. If we don't get to the bottom of this, we'll lose"

"Does he know? The homeworld, I mean"

"No" The blue haired Doctor said with a shake of her head. "However, the Astral Express itself has a lot of navigational data on its databank. Even if it doesn't have a fix on it, there's plenty of sapient race in the galaxy that might be of help in this quest. For every sparks, there's fire in the making, so if the Sky People have been doing what they're doing for long there's a big chance someone knows something"

"It's a witch hunt. Just in a forest with your eyes closed in the middle of the night with said witch hiding in a mouse hole" Tesla explained. "The only clue you have of its existence is a piece of paper you found in the bathroom that morning that might or might not have been true"

"The odds are against us" Einstein added.

"Have they ever not?" Kiana asked back with a sigh. "The odds have always against us yet here we are now"

Here we are now in a world won against an adversary with yet another struggle.

Perhaps, she was looking too much into it but who could blame her? In all honesty, Kiana was tired. Only so much a woman could do to protect the world and its beauty, a thought born not out of pessimism but reality instead. Even right now her friends were still fighting for a tomorrow uncertain.

No rest for the weary.

"Was it a yes?" Einstein began anew, watching Kiana standing up to her feet. The Kaslana paced about the room, blue eyes tracking nothing in particular until they stopped on a certain purple haired woman.

She made her way to Mei and the rest on the far wall. "I have my happiness here, Doctor" She said, grabbing Mei's hands between her own, eyes never leaving a pair of amethyst. "Should I abandon it..."

"Oh, you misunderstood us"

Kiana blinked and turned on her heels to look at the scientists. "Sorry?"

Tesla put her prosthetic hand to her hip and smiled, co*cking them to the side. "Bronya and Mei are going with you"

Kiana's lips parted in surprise, staring at Tesla dumbly and then Mei and Bronya. The former simply smiled while the latter crossed her arms and stared back impassively.

"Wha...?"

Mei grabbed Kiana by the cheeks. "We promised to stay together until the end and we will"

"That, and the more technical reasons" Bronya piped in. "Honestly, I'm sick being the third wheel so I would've refused if I could"

"You didn't want to go?" Kiana asked worriedly and Bronya fell quiet. Sighing, Bronya then gave Kiana one of her rare smiles. Smiles that were reserved for her family.

"I said I'm going so I will"

"What about Seele?"

"Seele understands. She is more mature than you in that regard" Kiana protested but Bronya ignored her with a nonchalant shrug. "This journey will require us three anyway"

"The power of Truth and Origin are indispensable" Einstein explained when she noticed the question in Kiana's gaze. "As well as Bianka's Genius system"

"Finality is a power immeasurable" Tesla joined in. "And without guides we risk damage, or worse, destruction of countless universes"

"Hold on, let me be the one asking. It's a bit overwhelming"

They shared a glance and nodded, gesturing for Kiana to sit down again. Silently, Kiana pulled the chair and took a seat, eyes glazed for a moment as she pondered where to begin. A vague warmth rested on her shoulder and drew her attention, revealing Mei's hand.

Her gaze found the silver ring there and it gave her the resolve.

"So... You need me for what, exactly?"

"We received Welt's message via one of our Quantum Beacons with its source being the cardinal quadrant of what we call Cluster Heinrich. Deep Space Scout Scope pointed out the real time equivalent being a galaxy seventy six million light years away from the Perseus Arm's edge of our own galaxy. To put it simply, Welt is far away from home"

"Okay, but Quantum Beacons?"

Tesla waved her prosthetic hand dismissively. "Mophead dumped tons of them a few years back into The Deep with Seele's help. Better not ask the technical"

Kiana wisely nodded. "I'm guessing you want me to open up a portal and go there?"

"That would be impossible" Einstein replied curtly. "The distance itself would take forever for you to scale even with Void power. However, by drawing power from the Imaginary Tree itself with your Finality Authority, we're given access to limitless energy already. What you need is a guide and helping hands"

"Origin"

"Origin" Einstein repeated with a nod. "Origin and Finality are one and the same. With Origin's help, Finality is unstoppable in time-space control. Mei will help you create a path while Bianka's Genius system will be the guide to your destination" She paused and gave Bronya glance. "I don't think I need to explain why you need Truth"

"Create everything Bronya wishes, yadda yadda"

"Precisely. Once you make contact with Welt, Bronya will need to acquire the necessary information to create a working Subspace Communication Network so you can establish permanent contact with home and a way back"

"So, that's all?"

"Based on what we know, yes. You will have to act accordingly, however, because circ*mstances are most likely to differ"

"Do you accept?" Tesla asked and Kiana could sense the hopefulness in her tone.

"... with a cost" The Kaslana said with all the seriousness. Tesla who saw the glint in those blue orbs immediately narrowed her eyes.

"Name it"

Kiana grinned and it sent a chill down Tesla's spine. She knew that grin, a devilish expression befitting a cat that had caught the canary. The last time she saw it they had to clean a mess the couple left behind everywhere. "3 months vacation for Mei, in which she'll stay on the Moon with me"

"Are you serious- Ugh, fine. Just... don't go too overboard with it this time, please. The stains from the last time are still on the ceiling"

"Oh, my..." Mei mumbled, face red and thoroughly mortified. Kiana gave her a wink that deepened her blush even more.

"No promises, Doc"

Both scientists worked fast in setting up all the equipments necessary for Kiana to ramp up her Finality power to its highest since the fight against Kevin all those years ago. With Honkai gone, the opening of the floodgate might cause some unprecedented outcomes that might risk a sudden spike. Kiana, despite being its ultimate ruler, hadn't tapped into it for a long time so it was better to be ready for all scenarios.

Deep in the recess of the Moon Base, almost a kilometer underground was the heroes of the Honkai War. Each busy preparing themselves for what to come and go. Bianka and Theresa being Schicksal's top echelons had to stay put in case of emergency, leaving the trio and duo scientists to deal with the actual operation.

Currently, Kiana was talking with her sister about the application of the Genius system and how to use it but frankly, the woman hardly understood a word her older sister said.

"So, it's a compass?"

"In short, yes. Overseer Theresa made a few modifications to it so it's now compatible to be used with the power of Finality. A few limitations have also been liberated with the advancement of technology"

Kiana scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "Walk me through? Again?"

"Of course" Bianka put the circular device into Kiana's open palm and it immediately glowed up upon contact. "Former Overseer Otto's research data was set to open use upon his retirement which allowed us a good look on many sort of apparatuses, one being the Genius Device. From here we developed it further"

"Otto was a selfish prick but he loved his Valkyries and hated Honkai with passion so I'm not surprised"

"Indeed" Bianka agreed, smiling fondly at her little sister. "He gave a lot for us to cherish, actually"

Kiana chuckled softly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Hey, now. Don't get all sentimental on me. We've talked about it"

"Sorry, I just... I don't think I've told you how grateful I am to have you as a sister"

Kiana looked at her sister's face and smiled, putting her hands behind her back knowing Bianka wouldn't talk about job at the moment. A rare occasion, but she learned she did that often when she was around Kiana. "Wanna talk about it?"

The blonde hummed affirmatively. "Dad sent his regards, he wishes you luck and, um..."

"Um...?"

"... he said 'woo as many women and spread the charm of the Kaslana in the galaxy in your journey' and I must tell you that because it's important"

Kiana, understandably, face palmed. "That old man... He does realize I'm married, right?"

"He was there"

"He was there" Kiana deadpanned. "Do me a favor and tell him I only have eyes on Mei, and that Mei would absolutely murder me if I flirt with someone else in her presence, God knows she could. Not everyone has the same patience as Mom"

"Sure. Anything else?"

Kiana's lips quivered, her expression softening. "Tell him to not worry, because I know he is. I have my family with me so I won't be alone this time, you too"

"... Is it that obvious?"

"Nah, I just know. Call it sisterly intuition" Kiana winked and grinned. "So, how do you use this thing? And please spare me the technicals and give them to Bronya, just tell me what to do"

"Right, so the Imaginary Tree..."

The next morning saw a buzz of activity on the Moon Base with the heroes of the Honkai War and the Princess herself gathering in the Main Test Room. After a night long of sleepless preparations and explanations, the trio were finally ready to embark on their journey across the universe in a seemingly impossible quest to save the galaxy.

But first thing first, they had one final obstacle they needed to remove.

"In order for this to succeed, Kiana will need to revitalize the Herrscher Authorities of both Mei's and Bronya's" Einstein explained, dropping a heap of equipment onto the floor where it then clicked on place as its magnetic clamps engaged themselves. The room was in Zero-G state to help the scientists moving around equipments with everyone except Kiana wearing magnetic boots to help them stay glued on the floor. "To do this, you will have to act as a relay with the Imaginary Tree for them both"

"How do you want me to do it?" Kiana asked, sidestepping to give a worker carrying a person size energy coil a way. The man gave Kiana a thanks which she returned with a nod and smile.

"The same way you did to Mei years ago; by connecting your consciousness with theirs and tapping into their power to establish contact"

"The Herrscher Core inside Mei went dormant after we sealed Honkai on the moon" Tesla joined in. "Though, due to the unique nature of Reason's power, Bronya's simply weakening. For this you'll have to inject them both with a healthy amount of Honkai energy to fish out their powers back"

"I don't have the Herrscher of Reason's Core anymore but I'm still a part of the ad idem. Unlike yours or Mei's, my metamorphosis is also unique on itself. Kiana don't have to worry about tapping my power back up, I will guide it on my own"

"So in short, you just need a recharge?" Kiana asked and Bronya nodded.

"That is correct"

"I feel like there's a catch to this..."

"Nothing major" Tesla assured with a wave of her hand. "It sounds easy because it is. To begin with, the only reason Mei and Bronya lost their powers is because we cut Honkai's manifestation on Earth, disallowing them to draw energy from nearby. We don't return them because it might cause incident in Honkai-free Earth but with you around you can act as a gate to control the flow of the energy"

"You sure it won't cause an Eruption, right? Because if we're to go out there, I'd rather we don't bring a disaster with us"

"Kiana, you're the ultimate ruler of Honkai. You can snap your fingers and it will stop existing for all we know. Besides, Mei and Bronya also have absolute control over their powers so you don't have to worry about them losing it"

Kiana shrugged. "Just voicing my thoughts"

"They are a good thoughts" Mei said softly, the clicking of her magnetic boots echoing in the room. Stopping beside Kiana, she crossed her arms and gave the scientists a smile. "Compassion towards fellow sapient beings is a quality we must have in this journey. We cannot disregard any possibility that we might accidentally harm them due to negligence. Honkai is destructive by nature, we all know this more than anyone else, so we must be careful when using its power out there"

"We've been fighting since we learned of its existence" Mei continued, glancing to everyone and stopping on Bronya. "Some are earlier than the others. We survived because we are strong, but most importantly because we are together. Until we can confirm the situation, we must limit the use of our powers"

"I concur" Bronya said. "As Mei said, Honkai is destructive in nature. We risk contamination on local biospheres if we are not careful"

"Welt should be able to help you in that regard" Tesla added helpfully. "He's been there for a while now so he must have a good grasp of the surroundings. Consult with him before you go all out"

"But of course" Said a familiar voice from the doorway, drawing their attention and revealing a smirking Theresa. "We won't send you guys without... precautions"

As soon as she finished talking, the Overseer stepped aside to allow a group of workers inside. They carried with them metal crates of various size, each floating in the cycled air of Zero-G environment. One of them set the crate he carried down near the trio, followed shortly by his friends.

"All done, Madame" The man said respectfully to Theresa who thanked him with a nod. Giving a nod himself, he gestured for his friends and not long after they vacated the room again.

"What are these?" Kiana asked curiously, approaching the smallest of the three crates. There was something written on its surface and she focused on the white letters.

7th Divine Key.

Kiana gasped, eyes wide and mouth open. Hands moving before she could stop them, she quickly opened the lock and then the crate, gaze fixed on the dual handguns in it.

Her fingers traced the smooth surface, feeling the signature ambient warmth she hadn't felt for a long time on the sensitive skin of her index and middle fingers. Grabbing the grips, Kiana pulled the weapons out and tested her grips on them, smiling a nostalgic smile all the while.

"Judgment of Shamash..." She muttered, twirling the guns as her muscles regained their dormant memories. These were the signature weapons of the Kaslana family, the banisher of Honkai and the creator of martyrs. Countless Kaslanas had died wielding Shamash in the past in their duty to be the shield and sword of humanity sans three so far.

Kevin, her father and Kiana herself were the only Kaslanas who ever wielded Shamash at its full potential and survived. In her case, she was about to keep using it, as intended for a true Kaslana.

"I didn't know you guys managed to recover it"

The weapon was listed as 'lost' following the war, for Schicksal to be able to recover it showed how far their technological level had reached. After all, it was a relic from the Previous Era and nobody really knew how they worked, similar to many other Divine Keys.

"I figured, rather than to keep them on storage collecting dust I should just give them back to you guys" Theresa said. "With Honkai gone, the Herrscher Cores in Divine Keys went inert and they become dormant. We have no use for them anymore without Honkai powering them"

"But we should be able to use them still" Mei softly piped in and Kiana tilted her head curiously when she saw her unlocking another crate. This one read 3rd Divine Key. "It's been a long while, old friend"

Unlike Kiana, Mei simply took the weapon straight from the crate, holding it in her right hand as her left traced the sharp edge of the purple sword. Like Kiana, she was also hit by a sudden wave of nostalgia, of a head of pink hair and cheerful greetings.

"Hi, Mei~"

Elysia...

The Third Divine Key; Key of Sanction. More commonly known as the Seven Thunders.

Each Divine Keys were unique on their own rights and the Seven Thunders was no different. It was a weapon made of the Previous Era Herrscher of Thunder's Core and had shape shifting ability because Vill-V thought it would be cool, or funny, for a weapon to have its own moods. Natasha had told her once all those years ago when she joined World Serpent how the weapon almost got her killed because it shifted into a catapult in the most dire of situation. Apparently, it could and would decide whether it liked its wielder or not by itself.

Mei never had the problem, though. Being the Herrscher of Thunder, the weapon bent to her every will because it recognized her power. In a way, it had become an extension of her power, greatly improving her already strong constitution towards lightning.

Sighing, she sent a jolt of electricity to it from her weak Core, watching it pulsated weakly with purple energy before it disappeared. Even now, sending a few volts took so much effort compared to back then and Mei had no doubt it was only possible because she was on the Moon where traces of Honkai existed.

Kiana watched Mei's smile with a fond smile of her own, deciding to let her be she shifted her attention to the last crate. This one was bigger than the other two and thicker, almost twice as thick as the one containing Seven Thunders in fact. Kiana was a curious girl by nature, often compared to cat in that regard, so it was not her fault when she lost to her urge to find out what it actually contained.

She only managed two steps before she froze on place, smile disappearing from her face. Large crate meant large letters and large letters meant they were clearer and more visible from the distance.

6th Divine Key.

"It can't be...?" Her blue eyes turned about the room until they found another pair of blue. "Why is it here?"

"Because you will bring it with you" Bianka explained gently, moving to unlock the last crate. Kiana could only watch as her sister took the weapon and presented it to her. "Come, take it"

"But... It's yours"

"And I'm giving it to you" The blonde took Kiana's limp hand, holding it on her own until it loosened before she put it on the handle of the weapon, fingers wrapped around Kiana's own. "Well, technically it belongs to Schicksal so..."

"Sis, I can't take this. I know how much it means to you!" Kiana protested but Bianka shook her head in an obvious disagreement.

"It means to protect everyone I hold dear and right now this is the only way for it to be useful in that regard"

Despite the Zero-G environment, the weight of the lance nearly caused Kiana to topple over when Bianka let her hand off. The 6th Divine Key, the Key of Creation was probably the most valued weapon in their small family due to its history.

Designation Abyss Flower, it was a weapon made of the Core of the Herrscher of Death of the Previous Era. The lance could actually split into two; Black Abyss and White Flower, each possessing powers opposite to one another. Due to its nature with Death, Black Abyss could quite literally kill and corrupt any living being. Anything damaged by Black Abyss would wither and die with only one way to reverse it; White Flower, the exact opposite of it which was restoration.

Combined, both weapons became Abyss Flower, the night in day of Death and Life. However, it also had a special relation with the Schariac Family, an ability that only a Schariac could use.

Honkai neutralization.

It was unknown exactly how but the Schariac Family, the designated Holy Maid of the Three Houses, had a special genetic make up in their blood that gave it anti-Honkai characteristics. Unlike the Kaslana and their immense Honkai resistance, Schariac could control and neutralize Honkai if the blood was potent enough. The previous wielder of Abyss Flower, the one and only beloved mother of Kiana and Bianka, sacrificed herself by using Abyss Flower to draw her blood and scatter it across Siberia to cure the state-wide Honkai Corruption during the Second Eruption in 2000. It costed her her life, but her blood sowed the flowers of future generation. Everything was thanks to her deed, that Kiana and Bianka could be here right now talking as sisters.

"I don't think I'm worthy..." Kiana muttered, giving Bianka a look that had the blonde frowning. "It's Mom's, and you're her daughter. I have Judgment of Shamash from Papa so if I were to take Abyss Flower too..."

"Kiana" Bianka began sternly. She did not like the way Kiana admonished herself. "You are more worthy than anyone else I know. Abyss Flower is a prized weapon of us, the Schariacs, but at the end of the day it was just a weapon. We trained together for years so trust me when I say you are an excellent lance user. Abyss Flower is in a good hand"

"I..." Kiana drawled before she gave up and sighed. "Thank you"

"You are as much as a Schariac as you are a Kaslana. Remember what I taught you and you will be fine"

"I understand" Kiana shot Bianka a grateful smile the blonde returned. Patting her shoulder fondly, Bianka stepped back to give Kiana some space. She knew what she was about to do, so did Mei and everyone else in the room. "I'm going to use Void power to store these, is there anything else?"

"That would be all. I'm sorry but Welt has the Star of Eden, Bronya" Theresa admitted solemnly to Bronya who simply shrugged.

"It's fine, Madam Overseer. Falcon Flare is enough for me, besides I don't think I will need it anyway"

"Well? Where's your weapon so I can store it too?" Kiana asked but Bronya waved her hand dismissively.

"I will construct one later. I designed it myself after all so I know the ins and outs of it"

"If you say so"

Kiana took a deep breath, relaxing her muscles and closing her eyes. Around her, both Tesla and Einstein quickly returned to their respective terminals to monitor a possible deviation in Honkai energy flow. It never happened before, but they were not taking risks when it came to Honkai.

A spark in the air, then a sudden expansion of a void portal right beside Kiana. When she opened her eyes again, her irises were crossed and glowing slightly from the steady flow of Honkai inside her. Kiana grabbed Abyss Flower and put it inside the portal gently, doing the same with Seven Thunders when Mei handed it over, and unceremoniously chucked Judgement of Shamash inside before she closed the portal. The weapons were now safe in her dimension pocket, undisturbed even if the universe was to come to an end.

"Proceed at once" Einstein ordered and Kiana nodded, extending both hands towards Mei and Bronya. They silently took her hands, one held on each, and they closed her eyes in concentration.

Kiana focused her mind on the throbbing heat in her chest, beating incessantly with each rhythmic beat of her heart. That heat was the flow of Honkai she allowed to exist, small and almost insignificant. A little push and the flame was stoked, burning brighter and hotter until it enveloped all her veins.

She then directed that heat to the points of contacts on each of her hands, balling her fists to hold tighter on the warmth flesh of her friends' hands. The warmth crept and spread to their limbs, straight towards their chests. For Mei, it was as if she had been shocked awake, feeling her skin tingling and heart beating erratically. She gritted her teeth and panted, finding it harder to keep her mouth shut instead of open in fear she would scream from the pain.

Kiana didn't notice because she kept injecting Honkai energy into her, otherwise she would have stopped and refused to continue until they figured out how to revitalize her Core without hurting her. If she screamed now, it would be for nothing, so Mei opted to keep her mouth shut and jaw clenched.

The pain subsided, receding like a hot wave from her skin until all Mei could feel was coldness. When she opened her eyes again, everything was dark and silent.

It was not dark dark without light. It was dark as if a fog had just descended upon her mind and blanketed her thoughts with nothingness. She found herself standing on a familiar room of a house no longer existed, but instead of the warmth daylight she remembered it was the abyss staring back at her from outside the sliding doors to her left.

This was her old house, back in a district in Nagazora. This was her old training room where she would train her kenjutsu after school, often alone until the sun set over the horizon.

This was built with her memory.

She felt rather than saw the gaze piercing her body, scrutinizing and sharp with confidence. A chill ran down her spine yet Mei couldn't help but smile crossing her arms as the sliding doors slid open to reveal a void.

A pair of narrowed amethyst eyes and red horns looked at her, unblinking like a tiger scouting its prey. They glowed in the dark, the only light in an otherwise lightless abyss.

"Thunder" She greeted simply, tone flat betraying her smile. Thunder's eyes narrowed even more until Mei could see her approaching, stopping only when she reached the veranda.

It was a familiar face. A youthful one Mei had a decade ago, cladded in her old Thunder Armor. It seemed when her Core lost its energy, time stopped for her other self.

"Raiden Mei" Thunder said back, voice thick with echoes and coldness Mei came to associate with the Herrscher of Thunder incarnate. Once, she was terrified of her, but that was once when she still feared many things. "I did not expect we would meet again"

"You are always a part of me" Mei replied warmly, if not fondly, and it had the Herrscher frowning.

"How many years have it been?"

"Long. Almost a decade now"

"I see..." Thunder paused and for a second Mei could see her mask falter, only a second though. "How is she?"

Mei's smile broadened. If there's someone who loved Kiana as much as Mei loved her, it was Thunder. Long ago she made a vow she would be the one to kill Kiana, an attempt to hide her fascination towards their silver haired knight who reached out and saved both of them, quite literally. Thunder would never admit it, or maybe she would now, but her love for Kiana was so big Mei had to fight her to make her understand Kiana had to go to the Moon. Mei wasn't sure if she still held a grudge on her because of it, most likely did still.

Wordlessly, Mei raised her hand, giving Thunder a clear view of the ring around her finger. What happened next was almost comical because Mei had never seen Thunder look stunned she was rendered speechless, despite her time sharing a body with her.

"Oh..." The Herrscher of Thunder muttered, still in apparent shock, before she recovered as quick as lightning itself. There was a glint in those amethyst eyes when she looked up again, a glint of determination Mei saw on her own face on daily basis when she woke up everyday on her room in Elysian Realm. "I want to talk with her"

Mei chuckled. "Sorry, but you'll have to wait. We have a situation and—"

"Fine, whatever, call me when you need me. When can I talk to her?"

"Later" Mei promised and Thunder must have seen the sincerity because she didn't argue back. Thunder was an embodiment of determination and conquest, always getting what she wanted when she wanted it. It's hard to appease her so this victory was rare. "I'll let you borrow the body for a day when we're on the clear"

"You promise" It wasn't a question, it was a statement from Thunder. Crossing her own arms, Thunder flashed her a warning look. "I get what I want"

"Of course" Mei said with a nod. "It's good talking with you again, but I'm afraid I have to go"

Thunder didn't say anything and Mei expected as much. She gave one final smile before she turned around and headed for the door, intending to leave her other self behind when said other self suddenly spoke.

"Likewise"

Bright blinding light, as cliche as it sounded it was exactly what washed over them the moment their bodies accepted the power they once had in abundance. Like a dried sponge, the Core inside Mei absorbed everything Kiana gave her, opening the dead floodgate and filling the dam to its brim.

Bronya was no different. Although she had no Core anymore, the unique characteristics of Reason and her Truth allowed her access to the power past beyond any real Herrscher of Reason could. Material was the true power of Reason, the ability to create anything from nothing. This same reason applied to their Core and its rule, wherein other Herrschers required them a Core the Herrscher of Reason only needed to be accepted by the power itself to wield it.

She was accepted once, by none other than the progenitor Welt Yang himself after she finished his trials. From there on, Bronya developed the power further until she broke the barrier of Truth, a barrier no other Herrscher of Reasons had ever broken through in the past. Bronya was the first to do so, and most likely would be the last, with a power to transcend time and reasons itself, she could stand in an equal ground with both Origin and Finality as a representative of humanity and its will.

The three women stood their ground, seemingly unaware with the change of their attires. Mei's pained expression relaxed until all she showed was passive serenity, the flow of Honkai finally stabilizing. Their bodies, trained well to resist the Honkai as Valkyries, showed great resilience and it paid off, both in the past and present.

Kiana was the one to open her eyes, blue with a deep tint of purple in her crossed irises as the power of Finality flooded over her body. She traced her gaze on both Mei and Bronya, noticing the familiar armors cladding them both, and she smiled in content.

Feeling sufficient, she cut the flow and lowered her hands, bringing down both Bronya and Mei's. They noticed the shift and opened their eyes too and for a moment they only looked at each other.

"I must say" Kiana begin, voice a whisper for only them three to hear. "You look super hot in Origin armor"

Bronya promptly sighed and let go of Kiana's hand. "If you both want to flirt with each other, please refrain from doing so with me around"

Mei gave Bronya an apologetic look, releasing Kiana's hand too. "Sorry about that" She said, ignoring a purring Kiana to look at Einstein and Tesla instead. She couldn't see neither Theresa or Bianka so they most likely had vacated the room as agreed. "How was that?"

"All within acceptable thresholds" Einstein replied, gaze locked on her terminal. "We're good for phase 2"

"If you guys have something to say, this is your last chance" Tesla reminded them and for a moment Kiana looked hesitant. The Kaslana gave both Bronya and Mei a concerned look but they waved it off.

"I've told the kids and my father" Mei explained. "Don't worry about me"

"Likewise" Bronya chimed in. "I have my goodbye with my team and Seele"

"Okay, then. I guess we're good to go"

"You don't want to say anything to your father?" Tesla implored gently and Kiana paused. "Just say something, it's recording"

Grimacing, Kiana shifted to face one of the cameras. "Papa, I uh... I'm sorry I can't tell you this in person but I'm going now. I've saved the world once so I figured I should up my game and save the universe now" She chuckled, but it came wet with unshed tears. Mei moved and grabbed her back in a comforting manner, an action Kiana was thankful for. "I know Bianka told you but I need to say it myself; I love you. I love you and Bianka and I'm really, really grateful to have you both as my family. Bianka, please take care of Papa when I'm gone, we both know he has a thing for troubles"

"... is that all?" Tesla asked when Kiana fell quiet. The Kaslana pondered the question for a few seconds before she nodded.

"Yep. I'll tell the rest when I'm back. The kids love story and I know I'll get plenty once I return"

Tesla chuckled. Kiana, always the optimistic Kiana. "Alright. Whenever you're ready?"

Nodding once more, Kiana proceeded to tear open space and time with a mere thought. A portal emerged before the trio, meanwhile the two scientists were doing their best to monitor the spike of Honkai energy bleeding into real space, looking for something that might spell trouble.

"We're going now"

"Good luck!"

Kiana glanced back to Tesla with a grin. "You don't say that to soldiers before they go. You say—"

"Good hunting" Mei and Bronya chorused in unison and the Kaslana laughed.

Thus, the three warriors of humanity set foot onto the unknown, braving the darkness as pioneers that would light the way forward. Their story began with a laugh and they were determined to end it with one, no matter how long it would take them to finish.

A thousand years journey began with a single step, one little step for a man was a giant leap for mankind. A new chapter unfolded for a story filled with uncertainties, yet none of them could wait to see what it had to offer.

A story's end was not the boon, it was the journey that mattered most. They had theirs once, and now they would have another.

The Origin, the Truth and Finality walked into a void, ready to embrace their destiny once more.

TBC

I've had this idea for a year now and now with Star Rail finally released I can write a crossover I desire so much.

Please leave reviews on your way out, thank you very much!

Chapter 2: A Shoulder For the Past

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: A Shoulder For the Past.

The universe was one giant ball of oddities and chances haphazardly thrown together into a projection of reality as it was known by thinking beings throughout the galaxy. Possibilities, or one might call coincidences, were the drives of life that allowed one to exist in the cosmos.

What was the chance for the Express to be on the space station at the exact same moment it was under attack? More importantly, what was the chance for its crew to make contact with her in that one time, on that one place and precisely that one circ*mstance?

Space and time were the fundamental bases of reality, for them to align to her favor was too much of a coincidence to be just that.

It was almost like her life was a plot of something beyond her humble understanding, as if a wall was erected to keep her away from the slightest of comprehension. Maybe it was a work of a higher being that her fate brought her here but she couldn't be sure. For all she knew, she didn't exist in said being's plane of existence.

Stelle. A young woman of a technical age of 5 hours, began to contemplate existence the moment the clamors quieted down around her. The Express was a welcomed change of scenery, one she expected from such unique bunch of people.

Herta Space Station, the place she was born in, held little 'happy' memories as one would associate with their birthplace. The people were nice but she had to fight a bunch of murderous space anarchists the moment she comprehended breathing, which was not a good start for normal people's list of 'happy' memory lane. Here things were quiet and reserved with the occasional murmured conversations between the crew and the slow albeit solemn melody playing from the music box on one corner was a nice addition to the atmosphere.

Here she could breathe. Here she could think and that brought her thoughts to places. Like Peppy. She missed Peppy already.

The Parlor Carriage was huge. It was, after all, one entire car used to house a gathering for the crew. The rest of the carriages were used for the crew's personal quarters with only the first car being used as March 7th had so graciously explained to her. Stelle would be the first person to use the second car, a little bit lonely but nothing too bothersome.

The four crew... Well, five if she included a certain fluff ball, were that; interesting. She had never met such rag-tag group of people but then again, she only just lived for 5 hours and those hours provided her little to no perspectives on outside world.

Himeko was the Navigator of Astral Express, the space train technically belonged to her although she had no claim on it besides that she took of its operations and technicals. The redhead was the the only mature woman around, and if Stelle discerned right then she must be in her early 30's or so. Himeko was kind and caring even to strangers, and she smelled a lot like homebrew coffee which was rather pleasant. All in all, she didn't look like a bad person and her kindness appear to be genuine.

Welt... Wasn't a bad person either. At times, he appeared to have something hiding under his eyes but it seemed to be the case of 'knowing more than others' rather than malice. His appearance suggested he was in his 50's but the wisdom and care he had didn't fit the age projection. He acted like your average warm-hearted grandpa at times especially around March but his power...

It had Stelle shuddering on the semi circular sofa she was at.

It... felt strange, when he used it on her. When that cane of his touched her forehead it almost like a ripple ran down her very soul, weaving and ebbing her consciousness to force a foreign serenity down her heart. It wasn't a pleasant experience but it didn't cause any harm on her except mild fatigue, which she supposed was better than to have the Stellaron inside her went thermonuclear.

Welt was kind, too. From what little conversations she had with him, he always had a small smile on his face. Nothing big because it didn't fit the aloof visage he exhibited but it was there. Stelle could understand, though, because apparently he was not from this galaxy and that he was lost looking for a way home. She genuinely hoped he succeeded one day but until then he would stay with them as a family.

March 7th was March 7th. Eccentric and cheerful, a textbook definition of energy tank. Lost in space and amnesiac, she stayed on the Express in hope to recover her memories and the knowledge of her origin. The pinkette was the second female around, one around her physical age, so they kind of get along from the get go. Stelle found her company enjoyable, though it would be better if the girl turned down her excitement a little so she could keep up. Oftentimes it felt like March would drag her to one place to another without proper explanation, which often would land them into troubles.

Dan Heng was... Well, she couldn't say much about him except that he mostly kept to himself. Stoic to the boot, the young man was the coldest coal in the burner. He seemed to have his own circ*mstances, too, but Stelle wasn't sure what. Asking sounded rude so she never, knowing he was a good person was enough for the most part.

Last was Pom-Pom. The Express' conductor. Pom-Pom was a mysterious creature that suddenly appeared onboard the Express. Not even Himeko was sure what Pom-Pom was but Pom-Pom took care of the Express as much as Himeko did because they claimed to be the Express itself. Well, ghost stories and stuff but whatever.

So that was her family now. A group of individuals that couldn't be any less distinctive.

And then there was her; Stelle. A Stellaron vessel-turned hero who caught a pure energy blast to the chest in her attempt to save her friend and nearly caused a nuclear chain reaction that would've killed the people she tried to save had it gone off. It sounded like a good idea then but now she realized it was actually very dumb.

But hey, things turned out fine. March was still alive, the people in the Space Station were still alive and she hadn't gone supernova. So yeah, everything was good.

... maybe she would give Welt something later as a thank you, after all. He did save her ass.

A familiar smell of coffee wafted in the air first before she heard Himeko spoke, voice sweet with a certain wisdom in it. "How are you doing, hun?"

She glanced to the woman approaching her, a mug of dark liquid in one hand and what appeared to be a lighter variant of it in another. Himeko gave the latter to her and she accepted with a quiet thanks. "I'm fine" Stelle said, taking a sip and smiling at the taste. Not too strong, not too sweet either. Just perfect. "This is good"

"You younglings like it that way" The redhead said with a chuckle, taking a sip of her own coffee. "Us old people meanwhile prefer it a bit more pronounced. Well, sometimes anyway"

Stelle nodded in understanding. People and preferences. "Thank you for accepting me aboard, by the way"

"Oh, cut it with the formality. I invited you, remember?"

That was probably the first big decision she made in her short life and she was not regretting it. The stake was this, or becoming Herta's guinea pig until she was bored and tossed her away so this option was better by large margin. Of course she could just walk away but this journey gave her purposes and companions so she would rather be here than nowhere in her lonesome.

Stelle offered the woman a seat beside her and the redhead took it with a nod. After that, they talked a bit about pretty much anything that came to mind. From the Express, its occupants, and the journey ahead of them.

In the meanwhile, the Express was slowly moving off the Space Station and entering hard vacuum outside. It didn't take long until Herta Space Station to be nothing but a small twinkling speck, lost amidst the sea of stars in the background.

March joined them at some point, fresh from shower and comfortably dressed in a plain white shirt and short pants. When Stelle asked her why bother changing when she could use the universal hygiene machine to cleanse her clothes in an instant, the pinkette replied with a self assured smile that she enjoyed the feelings of her casual clothes on her skin from time to time. March seemed like the type of person who would do what she wanted as long as it was nice and comfortable.

When Pom-Pom called for the rest of the crew to gather in the Parlor Car for Warp preparations, she couldn't help but to stare at Welt's cane when the man descended down the stairs on the other side that led to the Express' locomotive. He gave them a nod and sat down on the opposite half circle sofa, one foot folded over another and cane resting horizontally across his thighs.

"Where's Dan Heng?" He asked them, eyeing the three females with that calculating gaze of his. There never seemed to be a shortage of thoughts behind those orbs and Stelle wondered if the man actually ever stopped thinking and just drifted like people would.

"Oh, he's busy" March chirped. "Updating the databank and all that. I tried to get him out of his room but you know how he is"

Dan Heng was rather reserved and quiet, opting to stand back and watch. The fact he and March, an opposite of another in personality, could become friends was nothing sort of miracle. But then again, March seemed to be capable of befriending anyone or anything. If given time she would probably befriend an Antimatter Legion soldier, a notion that wasn't so farfetched if Stelle was honest.

Welt hummed. "I see"

Chapter 3: Never Let You Go

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: Never Let You Go.

"Thanks for the help, Dan Heng. Because of you we can continue our journey again"

"You're being generous, Himeko. You're the one who did most of the repair"

"True, but your help is indispensable. Well, I won't bother you now so take a moment to rest. We won't be arriving until tomorrow"

"Sure"

Himeko gave Dan Heng a warm smile he returned with a clipped nod as he returned to his quarters. The door slid closed leaving her alone in the hallway. Steady, faint humming of the Warp engine drowned the silence but even from this far her well-versed ears could hear the strain in its operation. Nothing she could do for now so Himeko was forced to push the concern to the back of her mind.

Priorities reassessed, she had another concern to deal.

After doing a quick check-up on her own room to make sure nothing was damaged in prior incident, Himeko skipped towards the second passenger carriage. Aside from a few strewn mugs and coffee packs, none of her stuff was out of place. She made sure to give her beloved coffee machine an extra attention, though, because it was probably her most valuable belonging onboard the Express.

The prospect of losing her coffee was comparable to death itself.

Passing by Stelle's room, Himeko blinked and took a step back when she saw something through the corner of her eye. The door was ajar and a series of soft clicking noises could be heard from the inside. Curious, she changed direction and peered into the room.

Stelle was sitting behind her personal computer, typing something to someone and Himeko could see her frustration and exasperation from this far. Balling her fist, Himeko rapped her knuckles against the doorframe, smiling all the while.

"Something the matter, hun?"

Stelle twirled on her seat and pouted. "Herta is being an ass, per usual"

She chuckled, stepping inside once she got a verbal permission from Stelle. Nodding to the terminal, Himeko crossed her arms and sighed tiredly. "Sorry about that, the main comm relay is busted so the Express' native network is down. You'll have to use your computer for the secondary relay"

"Nah, it's okay" Stelle waved her off, smiling a reassuring smile. "I needed to sit down, anyway"

"What are you talking with Herta, by the way? She doesn't really speak to people unless it's in her interest"

Stelle ran a hand through her ashen hair, clear aggravation in her tone when she answered. "You remember the Simulated Universe thing she's working on? She wants me to test on it further, but—" She yanked the monitor to face Himeko and the redhead leant in, her golden eyes narrowing to read the chat. "Just look at it yourself"

The conversation was, for a lack of better term, very Herta.

It began with the genius scientist asking if Stelle was there, a noticable time gap between it and Stelle's own reply because of its concurrence with the incident, and then it continues with Herta pestering Stelle to return soon so she could do some test on her.

But it was the last two messages that really caught Himeko's attention.

Stelle: Look, I want to help but we're kind of stranded right now. The Express ran into some trouble and we're in no position to do a quick transfer with the Fast Beam because the hyperdrive is busted. If I use the Space Anchors, I might come in pieces , disregarding the fact I'd be dead I'd also make quite the traumatic view for your people.

Herta: I miss the part where that's my problem.

It was followed with an automatic reply from Herta, signaling she had pretty much signed off and wouldn't want to be bothered. Stifling a laugh, Himeko ruffled Stelle's hair affectionately. "Don't risk yourself. Herta can be rather persistent with her request but she won't hold it against you if you really can't"

"She could've said it herself..." Stelle muttered and Himeko chuckled in response.

"I'll have our Fast Beam fixed as soon as possible once we arrive"

"Take your time" Stelle grumbled. "I'm not really that enthralled with Herta's schemes, anyway"

Smiling a fond, albeit amused smile, Himeko asked if Stelle felt okay after the incident. The girl pondered the question for a moment before she nodded, voicing her concern about the newcomers instead of her own well-being.

"I'm fine. You might want to check on those two, though. They thought I didn't notice but I could see something was troubling them"

"What's your thoughts on our new guests?"

Stelle hummed in thought as she shut down her computer, swiveling her chair around slowly all the while formulating her words. "They're Welt's friends from his world so I don't think they're a bad people"

Himeko nodded. "I can see Welt views them in high regards"

"Yeah, it's as they said; went through some stuff and fought together. Bronya in particular seems to have a close relationship with him"

None of it was clear but seeing how they interacted it was obvious Bronya and Welt were very close. In both of their accounts, they were sort of mentor and pupil with Bronya being the golden child. Welt didn't give out the vibes that he would take just anyone under his wings so it was unknown how many of his so called successors were there back in his world, for all they knew Bronya could be the only one.

"I recall he once told me about them" Himeko began, catching Stelle's attention and she stopped spinning at once. An intrigued eyebrow rose up as she fixed her gaze at the redhead who crossed her arms as she delved into her own memories. "But he was very vague about it. He told me of a group of kids who lived an imperfect life but still found companionship on the others, how that life was torn from them by a cruel fate and how they had to fight for their happy ending"

"One lived a soldier's harsh life, one suffered from her inability to protect those she held dearly, and one aspired to burn as the brightest alone. It's a story of regret and despair" Himeko recited what Welt told her some time ago. "Yet they prevailed and emerged as Humanity's heroes in the darkest of time. Their trials were forged with sharp glasses and each step ahead was more painful than before, but they had never given up once because they believed they could end their wretched story the way they wanted"

"Did they succeed?"

Welt smiled his rare smile, big and unreserved. "They did"

"Did you?"

Deep, icy cold voice echoed in her head, bouncing all the way from her chest to her skull. A feeling of frustration welled up from her distant heart, one she forced to swallow through her borrowed throat to the pit of her stomach where it then rested like an overweight anchor.

"Did you really think she's not ready?"

A snarl of anger, before her jaw clenched painfully it made her teeth creaked. The question had no malice in it but it still made her upset regardless. They were one and the same, one more direct than the other yet they knew one another better than anyone else.

"Answer me, Thunder"

Glowing amethyst eyes snapped open to stare at the woman laying on the bed, a hand reached out towards a limp one belonging to said woman, a pair of silver rings brushing on each other when their fingers connected.

"I do not wish to see her like... that again" Thunder admitted softly, like a moth her gaze was glued to that glinting ring on Kiana's finger. "I'm scared"

There was a long pause from the rightful owner of the body she insisted on borrowing and Thunder used the opportunity to bring Kiana's hand to her face, inhaling the sweet familiar scent she hadn't smelled in years. Despite the situation, a smile curled up on her lips as she continued to held it close.

Mei, currently on the backseat after giving Thunder control, watched it all played out from her eyes. It had always been weird to see everything going on with the sense of passenger in her own body and it took a moment for her to get used again after the years. Still, the feelings were the same, the sincerity was unmistakable so was the vulnerability in Thunder's voice.

After all, Thunder had been in this position before back in Nagazora when Mei had less than a fight but more to a quarrel with Kiana atop their old school. The helplessness must have been immense she was desperate enough to relinquish her power over to Mei so she could succeed in getting away.

Thunder, the ever steadfast and unshaken version of herself, was scared her resolve wasn't big enough in the face of a certain white haired girl. Kiana had certain ways to shake their grounds and plant all sorts of doubts to their intentions. Thunder had all the rights to fear that Kiana would do it again with how easy she tore down that steel wall in their first fight and meeting.

It would've been odd to hear Thunder being so open but ever since they had their fight back then she saw Mei in a more respectable light. Not only did Mei beat her in pure prowess but also resolve, because for once their resolves clashed against the other. Mei's desire to protect Kiana was the same as Thunder's, but wherein Thunder wanted Kiana to not get hurt Mei believed Kiana should make her own choice and that she should be ready to help her instead of dictating her decisions.

"She has grown" Mei explained softly, pacing around in the domain of her mind just to shake the need to move off her spiritual body. "She will be fine"

Chapter 4: The Breeze of Your World

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: The Breeze of Your World

Curiosity was one of the biggest drives of mankind. It led countless individuals and civilizations to either glory or doom in this infinite cosmos. Curiosity fueled man's desire to reach the stars even with the unknowns standing in his way, eclipsing even the ultimate fear towards uncertainty.

What was it up that steep hill that seemingly never reveal itself? Was there treasure or trap? Was that fruit hanging in the low branch edible? If so was it tasteful or bitter as the biting cold itself? What was it that lay beyond the ultimate boundary of a black hole?

Curiosity killed the cat sometimes, but only at times where it didn't sate the primal desire in its nature. To chase after a... fulfilment, was the way of life. Humans existed solely to fill their needs and desires, nevermind what grand purposes the arrogant tried to make many believe.

It was a hubris. To believe we were meant for something greater than ourselves. It led us to certain doom and dark abyss.

March practically dragged her out of her room despite her protest and Stelle gave up rather quickly once she past the protection of her chamber. Resigning to fate was her to-go formula when dealing with the eccentric girl so despite her weak attempts to protest she knew it was a fruitless endeavor in the end.

But that curiosity... That desire to know that had killed many was unmistakably growing in her chest like a living, malignant super-cell. Fed by the excitement and words of the pinkette, it steadily ate away her resolve to stay firm and preferably asleep in her room. If March's words were enough to cause a genetic disorder that lay dormant in everyone's blood and flesh to become active, then she might have some sort of superpower none of them knew of.

Stelle yawned and rubbed her eyes off the remnants of her sleep, wobbling more than walking a humble step behind March who still had enough energy to obliterate a neutron star from the way she skipped on her steps. Sleep was a great thing, actually, and it was becoming one of her favourite things to do. The ability to simply turn off your cognitive function for certain amount of time was God's greatest invention, if someone were to ask Stelle.

If only she could enjoy it more but alas. Fifteen minutes were hardly enough and she honestly couldn't wait to catch more of her sleep that so suddenly escaped her. She just had her coup de foudre and now she had her fait accompli. Talk about ruthless.

Oh, well...

"Over there, look" March whispered to her ear, her breath tickling ashen hair. Stelle tried her best, she really did, but between the sleepiness and the distance between her and March's subject of curiosity there really was not much she could discern except a bundle of white.

She blinked owlishly.

"That's Bronya and Welt" Stelle almost deadpanned, giving her dead fish stare to March who looked back as if she was an idiot.

"Duh. I asked you to come out so we can listen to what they are saying! It's super interesting"

"Eavesdropping is borderline illegal" Stelle did deadpan this time, already half turning to leave so she could finally sleep. She was tired, her hair was still damp from a shower she took not twenty or so minutes ago and she forgot to put on her boots. The floor was cold and she hated it.

She understood why people told her she looked like a wet dog now because she felt freaking miserable.

"It's okay, here on the Express we don't do secrets!"

Well, that's concerning. She would rather keep a thing or two to herself. Himeko should've told her of this policy before she agreed to board.

"Besides, they didn't seem to mind before. Maybe we could actually join them"

Now that was less concerning and more intriguing, ignoring the implication that March had attempted to eavesdrop Welt and Bronya before. To be entirely honest, Stelle was curious to know what the two mentor-pupil might be talking about and a chance to know Bronya and Welt more was a chance worth dipping her toes over. Welt was a fascinating person by default, he exhibited both resolve and compassion in the extreme. Not to mention she really wanted to ask about his cane because it couldn't be a normal cane, right?

Stelle bit her lower lip hard and contemplated.

Oh, cosmic squirrel on a bike. We might not have the chance later.

Turning back to face March so quickly she startled the pinkette, Stelle digged into her shorts pocket and fished out a rubber band to tie her hair with. She did it so quickly she probably set a new record for ponytail making in the galaxy.

She tidied her black tank top next, smoothing the wrinkles by pushing it down further to make herself as presentable and decent as she could in her sleep wear. She was dressed for comfort with her skirt, coat and shirt absent. Instead, a pair of black shorts and a matching black tank top covered her body. She wanted to sleep, dammit.

"Let's go" Stelle announced flatly, moving ahead the pinkette. March blinked her surprise before she shrugged and followed her, a smile on her face.

Welt was listening to something Bronya said and from his position he could see the two girls approaching. When the man didn't shift or send Bronya a silent gesture to warn her, Stelle figured March was right when she said they might be able to join and listen.

Bronya somehow could feel them approaching and Stelle suspected it had something to do with her ability to detect the Stellaron inside her. The white haired woman was dressed in some sort of dress with one shoulder draped with a cape that resembled bird's wing instead of her blue and white armor. She looked elegant to the boot and beautiful to the bone in that set up.

"I figured as much" Bronya continued whatever it was she said to Welt after giving both girls an acknowledging nod. They were sitting behind one of many coffee tables in the Parlor Car, the one with a chessboard near the sofas. Said chessboard was currently open with its contents set. Bronya accentuated her words by moving a knight. "The Sea of Quanta is a better option"

Welt hummed, pushing his glasses to the bridge of his nose. He wasn't so much as thinking as he was musing when he replied. "The Quantum Beacons?" He asked, moving his own piece. Stelle and March sat down on the empty chairs across the ones Welt and Bronya occupied.

"They have enough bandwidths to at least allow us message back and they're in positions where we can reach from here"

Tap

"We will need Kiana's power"

Tap.

"As soon as she wakes up"

Tap.

"I suggest you wait until we arrive at Jarilo-VI" Welt moved another piece, taking her bishop from Bronya's disposal. "The hyperspace is a fragile little bubble the Express created, if we initiate another spatial anomaly it might cause some unprecedented interferences to the hyperdrive"

"I see" Tap "I thought as much and was actually going to consult you"

"Better be safe. She's running on fume as is"

Tap.

Both March and Stelle watched with clear fascination as both players went silent. Bronya steadily pushed her attack and cornered Welt to defeat. His verdict was announced with a rather emotionless tone, though.

"Check" Bronya said flatly, folding her hands over her lap and sat back. Welt studied his pieces for a second before he chuckled.

"I yield" He announced yet for someone who had just been defeated he sounded rather proud. They shared a look and Stelle could see Bronya's aloof gaze softened considerably as she stared at Welt, a small smile on her lips Welt returned.

It was a level of communication only family members could share. Welt looked at Bronya the way a father would look at his beloved daughter and Bronya looked at Welt the way a daughter would to her most respected father. There was pride in their gazes, each delivered to the other.

"You did well" Welt praised and Bronya shrugged nonchalantly in reply.

"I have a good teacher"

Stelle suddenly felt out of place and a quick glance towards March revealed the pinkette was in pretty much the same condition as she was. It almost like they were intruding even though they got permission to watch from one of them, well sort of anyway.

The same line of thought must have crossed March's mind because the girl bounced back rather quickly. She grinned and clapped slowly, drawing two pairs of eyes. "That was awesome!" She uttered excitedly. "You're probably the only one onboard who can defeat Mister Welt on game of Chess!"

"Himeko can't?" Stelle asked, a bit surprised. However, now she thought about it, it shouldn't be a surprise to begin with. Welt was your big brain neighbor stereotype, besides being a doting grandpa.

"Himeko is not really into Chess" March explained, watching Bronya storing the chess pieces back into its board. "Dan Heng is usually the one to have a game with Mister Welt"

"Dan Heng can't?" Stelle asked again but this time amusem*nt painted her tone.

March snorted. "It's a slaughter"

Welt who had been watching them in silence shook his head fondly, bringing his mug of coffee to his lips and taking a measured sip from it. "What can I do for you, March? Stelle? You girls should catch some sleep"

"I was" Stelle lamented with a heavy sigh, slumping down on her chair while shooting March a meaningful look. "Before I got dragged off my bed, that is"

Chapter 5: The Despondent Crowd

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: The Despondent Crowd

It began like this.

"Mei?"

"Hm?"

"Have I told you that I very much hate alarm clocks?"

"That's not alarm clock, Kiana. And yes, you have"

"What if, say, I obliterate it right here right now?"

"You'd make a mess. Also, someone might reprimand us later"

"Oh, come on... I wanna stay on the bed a little longer"

"Duty's call, sweetheart"

It began with Kiana declaring war on all alarm clocks in the universe, a quick kiss, and hasty morning routines when Pom-Pom's voice rung from the terminal for the second time with their names specifically in the announcement. Breakfast was out of the question instantly, much to Kiana's dismay and Mei's regret because she knew how much Kiana was looking forward for her cooking despite Herrscher and their superpower which allowed them to live without food. But old habits died hard, not yet to say it was one of many things Kiana did when she was still a human.

"I don't want to forget who I'm fighting for" Was what she said once when Mei threw her the question. "I'm a human and will forever be"

With that much power, she could pretty much ascend to godhood and abandon all mortal traits but it wasn't who Kiana was. Her mind was simple, her wish even simpler; to fight for all that's beautiful. What was more beautiful than the world where her loved ones lived, then?

Kiana did not wish for power. She saw her strength as a form of trust her friends and family gave her, entrusted as a legacy for her to carry. Most of people on Earth did not even know her face. All they were aware of was that a goddess living on the Moon was looking after everyone down there. Parents told their children to not fear the dark night, for it was when the goddess's sight was the clearest.

It was all she wanted, really. To give people hope.

After grooming Kiana's hair in what admittedly was her best record, Mei set up with her beloved to the Parlor Car. Everyone was there this time, including Himeko and a young man neither recognized because he wasn't with them before. March greeted them with a cheerful greeting they returned while Himeko smiled warmly to the two women.

"All freshened up, ladies?"

"Yup! Even a better sleep! Shame we have to skip breakfast, though. Mei is an excellent cook, you know"

"I'd love to know"

Kiana slipped to an easy conversation with Himeko afterwards and Mei couldn't be more proud of her. She could almost feel the relief deep in her chest from Thunder despite her other self not saying anything at the display. Seeing how Kiana was already knee deep in talk, Mei saw it fit to be the one to introduce themselves to the young man.

"I'm Mei and that's Kiana"

"I'm Dan Heng"

Dan Heng was a polite person. That was the impression Mei got the moment their hands locked into a handshake. Being a teacher and Squad Leader, Mei had the first hand experience of young men vowing themselves to protect everyone including her with forced bravado. A squeeze too tight, a smile too confident. It was kind of adorable, really, because it reminded her of a certain Kaslana so Mei made sure to subtly ground them to reality by beating them in exercise later on to show how much they would need to grow to protect her.

But Dan Heng's grip was gentle. No pretentious strength underneath. Instead, Mei could feel how rough his palm was, showing his hardships even if he wasn't verbal about it.

He reminded her of Adam. Another one of her prized students.

Kiana gave him a wave of greeting amidst her conversation with Himeko and Dan Heng returned it with a nod. Mei observed how he quietly blended with the background and her mind immediately flagged him as the strong silent type. Exactly the type she would need to keep an eye on because they're prone to bigger problems.

Turned out the reason why they're gathered so suddenly was because Himeko called for an emergency meeting and the what for was obvious once they looked outside the window. Jarilo-VI, a lush green planet with sapphire blue oceans in the Express' databank, was very much anything but. The planet was covered in ice from pole to pole with hurricane visibly swirling in one point and just by looking at it they could feel the coldness sweeping in. It drew a horrified gasp from Kiana and a troubled frown from Bronya while Mei grimaced.

There were people living in the planet according to the databank Mei read last night when Kiana was fast asleep. The IPC, a galactic corporation of some sort, had an account of losing contact with the planet local inhabitants for decades now. Mei hoped there were still people around.

Another problem they had was the Stellaron. Himeko told them they had detected an energy signature with patterns similar to the World's Cancer itself and it's interfering with the Star Rail network so even if they wanted to, they couldn't leave until it was destroyed. Dan Heng and the girls volunteered for the job and Mei, being a mother hen she was, decided to join them to make sure there's someone to bail them when they were in trouble. She knew the song and dance, that it was impossible to keep a bunch of teenagers from troubles. They were there once.

Kiana excitedly announced she wanted to go with them, how she finally get to set foot on an actual planet again and interact with people after so long. At least, until Bronya grabbed her by the back of her jacket collar like she would an overly excited kitten and squashed her hope like she would a co*ckroach.

"We have a job to do" Was Bronya's decree to Kiana's diminishing excitement. The Kaslana wailed like Bronya had just demanded her first born all the way until they exited the Express, her scream muffled by the vacuum of space until the door coldly slid shut.

Mei, being the only available adult because Himeko and Welt still needed to fix the Express after their little run in, was now responsible for the kids. She had no problem and plenty of experience so Mei was confident she could look after them. That didn't stop Welt from reminding her of the one crucial rule, though.

"Mei, I'm sure you know but this will be their first expedition alone. You'll have to keep your involvement to bare minimum and let them grow"

"Of course"

It was the pillar of adulthood; to let the youngsters grow on their own accord. Their Himeko didn't intervene much when they were in her squad back then and Mei followed her teacher's teaching to the T. She would be there if they needed her and that was enough.

After Kiana was gone in a swirling void with a defeated expression Mei couldn't help but be sorry for, Himeko announced a suitable place for them to drop the Express' Space Anchor. Turned out, there was a large heat signature in one big place, at least city scale, and if they wanted to look for civilization it would be their best bet.

Frankly, Mei was simply relieved they had a little hope still. The world was harsh it went a literal apocalyptic event at one point that turned it into one giant ice ball. When the Anchor was set and they made their planetfall via the Fast Beam, the extreme cold immediately bit into their clothes unbidden. Thankfully, the path of Trailblazer gave the kids some measure of tolerance against extreme climates amongst many other benefits and the cold was still within the tolerable thresholds.

Mei herself hardly felt a thing. While she wasn't the ruler of flame who was always warm, she was still a Herrscher of equal footing with her Finality. Thunder even snorted at the idea of such a meager inconvenience hindering her, remarking how insignificant it was compared to Ana's power when Mei fought the Herrscher of Ice back in Coral City.

She was not one to brag so Mei gave Thunder a halfhearted shrug as a response for her quirk.

Ambling through the knee deep snow, however, was proven to be the more problematic endeavor. Mei, Stelle and Dan Heng who were in the taller section in physical term fared a bit better compared to March. The pinkette was a bundle of energy, unfortunately the way she skipped on her steps often would fall her into problems. Literally. March had at least two mouthfuls of snow because she dove headfirst into the ground when her foot got stuck on particularly deep ditches.

In the end they decided to slow down, sacrificing time for a more safer travel. Mei was looking into her phone Himeko gave her and replying to Welt's message when a commotion from the trio reached her super hearing. They thought they found a body stuck in a ditch but that body was pretty much still alive and asking for help.

Mei was quick to jump to action, positioning Seven Thunders aside before kneeling down and beginning to dig into the snow. Dan Heng joined her a split second later with March while she ordered Stelle to watch their surroundings for danger. Stelle gave Mei a thumbs up and shouldered her baseball bat, ready for anything.

It took them a while to help the man because, somehow, he was stuck to chest level upside down. It almost like he just jumped off a nearest cliff headfirst into the ground. Once he was freed, Mei was quick to go back to her feet and regarded him.

March offered him water while Dan Heng helped him up. He graciously accepted and thanked them before introducing himself to them.

"My name is Sampo, dearest saviors of mine!"

Chapter 6: Where to Go Where to Come

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: Where to Go When to Come

"A soldier must be ready for anything"

From the moment she joined Schicksal's Valkyrie Training Program for budding and talented young girls roughly a decade ago it was the first lesson her teachers had been teaching her and her fellows. Day one, two and the months after, in fact.

Be ready, be vigilant and be smart. No shortage of happenstances could be too little or few to kill them in their line of work. A slight mishap could be all it take and that could begin with a split second hesitation. Those who see first had the highest chance to survive because no strategy was better than a sudden and swift surprise.

Mei taught her students what she was taught. It kept her alive in a job where many died young. She wasn't Bronya who had the most experience in warfare for the Silver Wolf of Ursals herself was born and lived in war. No, Mei was just a normal girl when she was forced to understand the blade at age where many thought of trivial daily life like hanging out with their friends or dumb romance.

War was not always about kill or be killed. Sometimes you had to save lives, sometimes you had to wait in a dark trench. But when the battle started, there was nobody who could truly help you besides yourself. War was as predictable as death itself, meaning it could come to you when you're less prepared.

Mei did not teach her students only to kill. She taught them how to survive which was more important than the act of taking life itself. There was only so much places and times in the variable but the individual was always one, always the same. She taught them so that even if the time and place were wrong, they could always be the right man.

Humans were domesticated but they never forgot how to kill. What they forgot was how to survive without the luxuries of the standards.

And standards were subjective to the person in question.

The Underworld was of standard of its own. The people living there lived a life of struggle from the moment they were born. Jam packed in a single point underneath the earth with no clearway for air or sunlight, everyone here lived with the thought of surviving just another day. It was truly a wonder nobody turned to their basic instinct of savagery so far.

She had read about the Underworld last night and the more she did the more horrified she became. The first Supreme Guardian, Alisa Rand, built Belobog ontop a massive Geomarrow reserve centuries ago to combat the threat of Eternal Freeze. The reserve was enough to fuel the city for millennia to come with its sheer abundance in the hollow earth and from the look of it, it was true.

The original purpose of the Underworld was to be a mining city but throughout the years it had become a second city on itself. Belobog now was divided by two cities, each relying on the other to survive. That, however, changed when Cocolia imposed an order to seal the Underworld to secure Overworld's backdoor from Fragmentum threats spilling in the underground and recalled all her Silvermane Guard detachments to protect the Overworld instead.

Now, the trade between the two worlds was done out of necessity. The Overworld could not survive without the Geomarrow and the Underworld would starve to death without a steady food supply from the Overworld, no matter how scarce it was due to yet another limitations. It seemed Cocolia focused only on her precious Belobog she could see, barely caring for the one beneath her feet.

So, it was only natural for the people here to be so mistrustful towards foreigners like Mei.

Mei could feel eyes following her every movement and it was not the kind one, moreso towards Bronya still in her arm. Men and women either glared or leered at the unconscious Silvermane with spite and Mei did her best to not glare back in warning. She could see the way they twitched with suppressed hatred and for a moment she wondered if bringing Bronya was a mistake she too precariously took without much thought. Fragile as it was, things could collapse around Bronya and Mei would be the one responsible for it all.

She grimaced then, tightening her arm around Bronya protectively. Try as they might, she would make sure nobody touched Bronya the wrong way. Mei should probably message Bronya, her Bronya, to be careful when she joined her later or sooner.

That still threw her in a loop. Their first stop and she already met another version of her best friend. The journey ahead would be interesting.

She absently wondered if she would meet another version of herself, or Kiana's for that matter.

Sampo was oddly quiet during their trip but the same easy smile on his face never faded, thought Mei noticed it wasn't a genuine one as he had showed her earlier. It was his typical smirk, that came out friendly and placating for the most part. Some of the people would also glare at him but it was not hatred or disdain that filled their eyes but rather contempt, mostly contempt. For what she couldn't be sure.

He led her deep into the heart of Belobog's Underworld and as they walked in further, Mei noticed the stares became less jagged until they diminished into normal, not hostile, curiosity. Mei mentally wrote it down to unpack later.

Steps made of yellowing metal creaked and groaned under their combined weights. Mei glanced down and frowned at the rust covering the metal steel. While it was regularly maintained, as proven by the less fortunate buildings and fences of the Underworld, the damp air of the underground was not kind to steel constructs. Most of the buildings were built with reused materials, a far cry to the shiny Overworld with their pristine glory and all that.

But Mei kept the opinion to herself, instead focusing on Sampo as he pushed the doors open for them to enter with his foot. Before her sight could take the new surroundings, a sudden gust of air hit her with an all too familiar medicine stench, making Mei wrinkle her nose. She spent enough time in hospitals and medical wards to know one and this was obviously it.

The building interior, for the most part, was well kept. The paint was faded, telling a silent story of its age, but everything was in good condition, all things considered. Pushing through the double doors before they could close again, Mei carefully maneuvered through the narrow passageway with the two women on each arm so to not run them into the wall.

She scanned the room, cold and calculating amethyst eyes taking in everything within their line of sight. Beds here, IV stands there, tables in the mix and some patients of varying problems in various positions and circ*mstances. It's a clinic or some sort. Mei had no doubt about it.

"You can put them down there" Sampo said, catching Mei's attention. She glanced at him who was still wearing his usual smile and his outstretched hand that was pointing at a row of beds lining the wall. "I'll get the doc"

Mei hummed, watching him left behind a door. Glancing around once more, she was yet met with curious stares from the patients and visitors she ignored in favor of putting both March and Bronya down on the respective beds. After making sure they were comfortable, Mei sat down on the furthest chair in the corner so she could see the entire room without a risk of having her back exposed to attack.

She didn't trust Sampo and rightfully so. After being thrown around like a puppy in a box, Mei was not taking another risk of possible backstabbing.

Thunder was quiet but Mei could feel her restlessness inside her. If she focused and peered inside her heart, she could picture her other self pacing about the domain of her Core with flashes of silent lightning illuminating the red moon above her. She was probably pissed because Mei ignored her earlier but Mei herself was not really in the mood to entertain her and her ruthlessness to problems.

With not much to do, Mei pulled her phone and began typing a report for the Astral Express crew to read, not missing a detail of what they had gone through since they set foot on the planet yesterday. She waited for precisely seven seconds before the first reply came and unsurprisingly it was from Welt.

Welt: That's troubling.

Welt: People are susceptible to their predisposed counterparts' actions. This Cocolia definitely has some traits our Cocolia has and from the look of it she's also manipulative to Bronya like she did back home.

Mei: I thought the same, too, which is why I bring Bronya with me.

Welt: That is probably for the best.

Mei: Speaking of Bronya... Have Kiana and Bronya returned? I checked on them last night and Kiana said they were almost done.

Welt: They have. They encountered a little problem so their work was delayed. They'll be with you soon.

Himeko: Are the kids okay, Mei?

Mei stared at the string of words for a second, a small smile tugging at her lips. People and predispositions, huh...

Mei: They are fine. I'm looking after them.

Himeko: That's good. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask.

Mei: I won't. Thank you.

"Um, is anyone there?" A meek voice called from behind the curtain to her left and Mei blinked. She looked around, a little unsure, and found nobody else besides herself.

"Sorry, are you talking to me?" She implored gently, pocketing her phone back after typing a quick goodbye to the crew. The voice was feminine and youthful and it immediately raised her maternal instinct through the roof.

Chapter 7: No More Fear of Right or Wrong

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: No More Fear of Right or Wrong

One hour thirty four minutes and twenty three seconds.

That was the amount of time Bronya needed to infiltrate and bypass the heavy security of Belobog. More impressively without alerting a single soul aside from a stray cat in a nondescript alleyway that scampered away when the air concealing Bronya shimmered and revealed the aloof woman under the shadow.

Optical camouflage was a handy piece of technology, one that would usually take a massive amount of resources to build and operate but Truth's power make it easy to create and utilize for personal use. That combined with Bronya's extensive knowledge of silent warfare allowed her to set the record.

Of course, she had Mei to thank for giving the routes earlier. Intel was arguably the most important element in war and Mei provided her a solid one. She knew she could rely on Mei.

Admittedly, she could've gone in sooner but Bronya took leisure in knowing the battlefield. She spent a good few minutes to scrutinize the city of Belobog, memorizing the map with the speed of supercomputer and planning escape ways for when necessary. Bronya refused to get caught underhanded, moreso after learning that her Matushka was the leader of Belobog.

She was bound to be careful. While Bronya didn't hate her foster mother, it wouldn't be wrong to say she wasn't a saint. Cocolia had the tendency to throw everything just so she could achieve her goal, including her family which was rather ironic because that woman loved nothing more than her family. Bronya had learned to forgive her Matushka, but this Cocolia was not her Matushka thus didn't grant her the sentiment.

Cocolia also appeared younger in the brochure she inconspicuously snatched from a bespectacled midget girl in the city's center a while ago, a Silvermane Guard that looked like she would fare better as a scholar than soldier which sort of set some alarms in Bronya's head. The Path of Trailblaze allowed her to read and understand languages she previously didn't understand as explained by Welt and it turned out the girl was a part of Silvermane's Intelligence Division.

In other word; a spook. One thing soldiers hated to see besides their superiors when they called for volunteers. Both spelled troubles and nonsenses soldiers would rather avoid.

Bronya wisely distanced herself from the oblivious girl then, careful with her steps so to not leave suspicious footprints on the snow laden ground. Fortunately, the place was quite crowded so she didn't have to worry too much.

Once she was certain she wasn't being followed, Bronya set foot into the Underground by going through an abandoned ventilation system. It was more akin to tunnel so she had no problem going through the vast space, still as silent as the cold draft blowing from outside world.

Flickering yellow lights that hadn't seen much maintenance were her companions as she traversed the place, following where the dust was the least. Although people didn't come through regularly, there were still traces on the walls and floor Bronya's sharp eyes didn't miss.

Her intermittent journey didn't last long either as soft ambient light crept into the exit on the other end. She stopped just before the light could reach her, a pair of silver orbs taking in everything visible from under the shade like a hunter stalking its prey.

But Bronya was not in a hunt. Otherwise, it would've gone differently. She didn't rig the place with explosives and traps or prepare some defensive spots to pick on said preys, instead she simply walked in to the plain views of the others.

Literally.

The moment she exited the tunnel, people stopped to stare at her. Some was surprised, some was in disbelief. A lot, however, was hostile.

Bronya hummed to herself.

Looks like Mei was right.

She marched forth, keeping her eyes open and ears sharp. The glares hadn't turned to direct physical assault and if there was something Bronya was a master at, it was ignoring others.

Kiana could sod off.

The thought of her best friend sent another pang of annoyance to her chest and Bronya scowled. She was not upset Kiana left her so she had to go through such a length of sneaking into the city. Rather, Bronya was more annoyed by the fact Kiana jumped the guns, again, into a possibly hostile environment by using her Void power. If she were to use fingers to count how many instances Kiana recklessly charged into battle in the years they knew each other, she would need at least another ten pairs of hands to help her count.

Her hind brain is always in control whenever Mei is involved...

Mei was upset about something and it did worry Bronya a little. She was the kind sister who looked after others wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, that meant she was the one that care the most. Bronya had learned to never get too close to others since she was ten when one of her late uncle Maxim's friends caught a bullet in the head during a raid, a man that was significant enough to Bronya she felt the sadness deep in her heart when he died.

Ever since, the Silver Wolf closed her heart to the world. Rough and jaded like the stock of her Dragunov and cold like the Siberian tundra. She was truly the alpha predator of the snow plains. Her enemies feared her, her allies were wary of her. They spoke of the emotionless girl who could twist a knife into a man's gut and didn't twitch in the face at all.

Even before X-10 and all, Bronya had learned to ignore people and unnecessary things with her mask of indifference. So when a group of armed men and women approached her Bronya easily walked past them until one of them raised their rifle towards her.

Bronya was many things. She was a mercenary, a Valkyrie, a Herrscher, and a game designer rightfully in that order. But above all, she was a fighter from the day she was born.

That was to say her instinct was well tuned against aggressions, more than normal people's.

The moment the man raised his gun, said instinct kicked in in the form of Truth's power. She dismantled the weapon with as much as a thought violently, making it explode on the man's shoulder and sending splinters of hot metal and wood into the man's face and upper body. His hands were outright mauled, fingers missing into a fine red mist and skin set ablaze by Geomarrow powder in the cartridges. His scream of agony was a wake up call to his friends who began to charge at her.

Bronya tensed up, fingers flexing and ready to construct Falcon Flare. But there was something in the air that caught her hearing, an incessant beating that akin to a swarm of butterflies. Her eyes widened as an influx of Quantum energy sliced the atmosphere apart.

In a literal flash of Quantum explosion, the world exploded and the men and woman surrounding her suddenly found themselves lying on the ground, writhing in pain. At the same time a girl flickered to existence right in front of Bronya, her giant scythe shouldered on a shoulder while her other hand rested on her chanted hips as if it didn't weigh in tens of kilograms.

Then she spoke, and Bronya was taken aback by her scathing tone. There was not many that could surprise her nowadays. "You lots have a death wish or something? Looking for troubles right in our backyard..."

She dropped the bladed head of her scythe down and the ground shook from the sheer mass before she walked forward slowly, dragging the scythe against the cobblestone and making an eerie scraping noise of metal against stone. "Well, I don't know what you want but if it's death you seek then I can grant you one"

"I—it's Babochka! Run!"

In an amazing display of self-preservation instinct at work, they dispersed to nearly all corners of the Underworld while dragging their wounded with them. Some hissed and growled profanities but nobody dared to press their attack, not after getting beat so easily and before long there was only the two in the now empty street.

Bronya, still stunned, could only stare with wide eyes and mouth agape.

The golden glow from nearby lamppost bathed the girl before her in a beautiful cascade of shadowy static, turning her flowing long hair into an even more fascinating sea of purple that lost on her back. Her dress dragged into two points behind her, creating an illusion of butterfly wings as they continued to sway along the buzz of Quantum energy surrounding the girl. Beautiful, fierce and dangerous but at the same time nurturing. A nature's keeper.

A swallowtail. Her butterfly.

"What with the rumors of an Overworld's princess in the Underworld?" Said the girl as she released her grip on her scythe, the heavy weapon disappeared in a flash of purple before the shaft could hit the ground. The girl turned around and Bronya was met with a pair of disapproving if not aggravated red eyes. "Are you stupid?"

Not a lot of things could surprise Bronya but being called stupid for the first time by someone with her dearest's face and voice certainly caused her thoughts to grind to halt.

"Are you actually stupid or what? Close your damn mouth before you've got an insect in there"

Now, that certainly didn't help. Seele had never called her insults before. Not even the other Seele, at least not right in her face like this. Bronya was drowning so deep in her shambled thought she almost missed the way the girl's eyes turning color to a more well-versed purple.

"Seele...?"

Chapter 8: To the Heaven I Dream

Chapter Text

Chapter 8: To the Heaven I Dream

A lot of words could be used to describe the mining sector of Belobog's Underworld yet at the moment two were the best amongst the many; hot and suffocating.

Geomarrow was a special mineral with even more special characteristics. It was capable of storing energy and releasing it in controlled radiation form of heat while at the same time never losing its potency until it was exposed to open air.

That was to say to keep the Geomarrow 'fresh', the miners had no choice but to build an array of dampeners that kept cycled air trapped in the mine which contributed to the humid heat all around the area. Seele foresaw this and gave each of them a water bottle to keep them hydrated. Judging from the way March sweating bullets it probably had saved them from an inevitable heatstroke.

Kiana, Bronya and Mei had no need of their share but they kept them pocketed anyway for the three teenagers. Kiana had discarded her Valkyrie jacket and changed her Battlesuit to her Void Drifter set, one Mei still found pleasingly appealing to the eyes especially now with how much Kiana had grown. The Kaslana caught her staring and winked cheekily and suddenly Mei felt the heat on her cheeks was more concentrated than the rest of her body.

"You two had sex and the notion of ogling made you blush?" Bronya teased with a chuckle, earning a mortified groan from Mei. Despite Mei and Bronya being on the furthest back, Kiana heard them still and laughed from the middle of the group, startling Stelle who was talking with her thanks to the sudden interruption. Mei felt the heat crept even further to her neck and ears.

"I wasn't staring..." Mei denied weakly and Bronya snorted as a response.

"Right, and I'm a donkey." She deadpanned. "Just don't be distracted too much. The last time one of you was lusting over the other, we literally got run over by a space train"

"Bronya!" Mei hissed in an odd mixture of embarrassment and apology. "There's children."

"They're teenagers, Mei. They know what sex is" Bronya shrugged nonchalantly then. "I doubt they heard, anyway."

Bronya, as always, was correct. The only reason Kiana heard them was because of her Herrscher traits that gave her superhuman sensory receptors. Still, Mei couldn't help but to feel embarrassed all the same. "Thank you, by the way" Mei began anew. Although she wanted to change the subject first from her behind the door life, she was sincere in her gratitude to Bronya. "Your help means a lot."

Bronya hummed and waved her hand dismissively. "Enough, Mei. It's nothing."

Nothing to her but everything to Lysetia. Mei had explained to her what her help was needed for and Bronya was right in her assumption. It involved a kid in trouble as always with Mei. Lysetia was asleep in the short moment Bronya checked on her with Mei, the latter telling the former the girl's story. It was hard to not feel sympathetic and Bronya was sure she would help regardless Mei's request.

Unfortunately, Lysetia would have to wait. While Bronya could create her limbs back with a literal snap of her fingers, the recovery procedures would require a more delicate and closer attention. Lysetia was not a soldier. She was not trained to handle the following shock of having her body modified so suddenly. She would survive, but it would be painful.

Right now, it was a secondary concern. As much as Bronya hated to rank the girl second on her priority list, they had a more pressing issue to handle first. The mine was huge and it wouldn't be a surprise if they got lost without proper guide. Seele, thankfully, knew the Underworld like the back of her hand.

As they went deeper and deeper into the heart of Underworld's economy source, none of them uttered a single word. Like ducklings following their mother, Seele led them into the main entrance where the commotion was.

People of various age and injury scattered about the vast gap of rocks, muttering hushed conversations to each other while they looked out anxiously. Amongst them, two men with red ribbons on their arms stood on guard, expression tight in a grimace.

They moved to approach them, carefully maneuvering between the sea of people. March and Stelle stared wide eyed at the victims around them, horrified at the sight of severed limbs and bleeding flesh.

"This is horrible." The pinkette muttered, clearly horrified. Stelle put a hand on her shoulder to guide her away from the sight, squeezing it comfortingly.

"We're here to help." She said resolutely and March nodded. Mei moved first, again approaching a group of children who looked like they had fallen in a coal pit. Dirty, bruised and scared, she closed the distance as slowly as she could so to not startle them before offering them her share of water.

"I'll let you guys do the talking," Kiana told Seele somberly who nodded back. She turned towards the Astral Express trio and sighed. "I won't force you to join. It's a rather gruesome scene." She began with a reassuring smile. "But if you want, then let's go."

Kiana didn't try to shield them. The old her would without hesitation. Instead, she gave them a choice in which they took with grace. They shared a glance and smiled resolutely while Dan Heng nodded.

"We're here, either way. It is better if we do." He said.

The next few minutes were spent with the crew helping the wounded. Kiana and Mei, being a former Valkyrie thus having enough knowledge in first aid, went and helped Wildfire's medics in administering treatments around them. Bronya watched it all with crossed arms, standing close to Seele and her Silvermane counterpart to listen to their conversation. She would've helped, but she had her own duty to perform as the team's tactical genius.

"—northern sector's is holding up but we're not sure how long the barricade will last especially with the vagrants cutting our supply line." One of the Wildfire members told Seele in angry mumble so to not be overheard by the civilians. "It wouldn't be long until we have a breach."

"Those assholes were usually holed up on Robot Settlement." His friend added with a similar tone. "This stupid mining feud spurred them to arms while they wouldn't be bothered if it was a monster attack. It's money they after."

"Just like any other Underworlders." Seele scoffed. "I wouldn't blame them for trying to survive."

"But it's a crime still, no?" The lone Silvermane Guard asked, drawing Seele's attention to her. It seemed she had forgotten the Silvermane Bronya's existence in the short time she talked with her colleagues.

"Obviously. That's why we're here."

"To bring them to justice?"

Seele's brows dipped as she scowled. Bronya could feel the aggression in the air as Seele stared down the Commander, still she kept quiet and watched from behind. "To kill them. A crime of this magnitude means death."

"Kill?! Surely there's justice system in place...?"

"What f*cking justice system, princess? Your mother took it with her when she closed the Underworld. The only justice around is example." Seele spat, glaring at the startled Silvermane with clear disgust in her purple eyes. "If we kill them, it'll show them to not pull the same stunt again in the future. Do it with actions, that's how it is here."

"... how'd the Supreme Guardian's heir be down here anyway?" Asked a Wildfire member to Seele who shrugged.

"It's Nat. She must be up to something."

Seele took a step away but a hand stopped her before she could took another. Looking down to its owner, she was met with a pair of shocked silver.

"You can't be the judge and jury." Bronya whispered in horror. Seele's cold purple regarded her for precisely three seconds before she tore her hand from Bronya's grasp and sneered.

"I've been the executioner, too." She felt another pair of silver staring at her, courtesy of another Bronya. Glaring at the aloof woman, Seele began. "What? Are you going to stop me, too?"

But the Herrscher was different. Despite the hint of sadness in her eyes, her expression was not changing. That sadness was not directed at the situation but rather Seele herself, something the purple haired woman caught. Seele was not oblivious. She'd noticed the way the other Bronya would look at her from time to time. She couldn't put it into words but it always seemed soft, almost affectionate.

She didn't understand.

"I'm not going to interfere," Said the Herrscher calmly. "However you conduct yourself and your business is not my concern. I'm here to help, that is all to it."

Seele blinked, a pleased smile slowly forming on her lips. "Huh, even if we have to kill people?"

"Yes."

Short, clipped. Almost disinterested. Seele was grinning now and Bronya's eyes never left her shining purple. "sh*t, didn't expect you to be that cold and decisive. I think I like you better than I do this princess over here."

The two Wildfire members were staring at Seele in disbelief, never had they seen her admitting she liked someone upfront. Babochka spoke with her fists and scythe. If there was a conflict, she would resolve it by throwing punches not words. But Bronya didn't find her praise comforting. In fact, it did the opposite to her.

Chapter 9: Embraced Under My Shield

Chapter Text

Chapter 9: Embraced Under My Shield.

After an hour of working together with someone previously so vehement in throwing them into the brigs for a crime they did not commit Stelle could finally conclude that it was awkward as hell.

March was a little jumpy and Dan Heng was... Well, Dan Heng. He didn't appear bothered by it and seemed focus as always as he talked in a normal manner with the Silvermane Commandant about business and it actually was a little fascinating to watch. She still couldn't figure out what kind of an individual Dan Heng was, though she was sure he was a good person and it hadn't changed.

Maybe it was her fault for not really trying to bridge herself with this Bronya but that Bronya could've put someone else to accompany this Bronya instead of her and the gang. Mei was a cool girl and Kiana was even cooler to Stelle, both were universally liked by the three of them including Dan Heng and she could tell, hence it would've been better if it was either of the two.

But here was the problem; none of them was strong enough to fight what Oleg dubbed as "A wave of monsters flooding in every corners" alone so Kiana and Mei were the best answers to said problem, despite their voiced concern about their safety. Bronya, that Bronya, told them to not worry and she said it with such certainty she was almost indifferent. She didn't tell them what their capability was, just a simple "Have confidence on them", or how strong Kiana and Mei were to begin with. They could only believe, it was everything they could do.

The other option was not spoken yet Stelle understood. Pairing Seele and the Silvermane Bronya was a disaster waiting to happen. Hate was a strong word so she refrained from using it to describe Seele's view on the Silvermane Commandant but Seele certainly didn't see her in high regards either. It was a little misplaced to blame Bronya for something she didn't do but Bronya would need to prove herself first to Seele, that seemed to be the rule under here.

So that Bronya had to go with Seele because, somehow, she seemed capable of handling Seele just fine while they had to work with this Bronya. Stelle didn't dislike her for accusing them of something they didn't do but there was certainly a road they must walk first to really understand each other.

The more she observed the Silvermane Commandant, however, the more she saw the person underneath that uniform and it drew her into a more respectable light. Bronya seemed genuinely care for the Underworlders and it showed, extending hands to the wounded and giving reassuring smiles to scared children as they went back and forth from the entrance to the outpost. Her regal uniform, one a Wildfire member Stelle heard muttered to his friend of being a Supreme Guardian's ceremonial outfit, was marred in dirt and dried blood but it didn't stop her from looking all dignified to the people she swore to serve as she helped them through the crisis.

Right now she was on the forefront of the third civilian group they must escort out of the mine, leading her people like she should a good leader. Stelle and March was guarding the rear so she could see the stares Bronya received from her people.

None looked at her with contempt this time. Exhaustion, resignation to their wound and a whole bunch of hope in their eyes. Yet Bronya didn't see it as she was too busy, looking on their immediate area to make sure there was no harm that might come to her people.

That Bronya told her of the Kaslana oath, of being the shield and sword of the innocent, and Stelle could see the Rands doing something of similar actions to their people. She feared it might do Bronya perils like it did the Kaslanas, but as she looked at the young boy resting on Bronya's back as she carried him in a piggyback carry, it probably wasn't a concern for now.

What they needed was an anchor to reality, that although the people came first they should also understand that there was someone or something waiting and hoping for their safe return. That, in the end, they were still as precious to the people around them.

The boy was Bronya's anchor. His weak grasp on her back and subtle warmth were her reminders. The moment she extended her kindness, she had become a precious person to the boy. He would wish for her safety and be remembered as his hero. Someone who carried him home unconditionally despite the grime and blood seeping into her clothes from his various wounds.

Bronya didn't care of any of that. They were nothing but stains. The safety of her people was her everything at the moment as she whispered words of comfort to the boy who could only nod through half lidded eyes as exhaustion ate him away.

They arrived at the mine entrance and started to load everyone back into the waiting carts. This time, a lot of people had joined the Wildfires after they learned of what happened in the mine to help, carrying with them water and medical supplies. Down here, people must learn how to survive, meaning almost everyone had basic medical skills. Down here, people could be selfish to survive but it was also true the other way around, that strength could be found in unity and solidarity.

It was a sight of raw human's nature as social creature.

Bronya moved to a waiting group of Wildfire members, telling them of things they must do. None of them questioned her orders, none of them gave her a second glance as they moved out to carry said orders. Stelle watched as Bronya turned to address her people.

Her voice boomed with surety there was not a hint of doubt in her words. Right now she was not Bronya Rand, right now she was a Silvermane Commandant and an heir to the Supreme Guardian's seat. "Attention, please! We've arrived at the entrance but I will have to ask for everyone to prioritize the heavily wounded and children first! Anyone with superficial wound will go on the second pass! Water is on that tent, go if you need some and please refrain from bothering the Wildfire members unless it's an absolute emergency!"

She passed the boy on her back to a Wildfire medic, ignoring the disgruntled murmurs some people gave her. Some of his blood got stuck on her silver hair and the contrast was glaring yet Bronya paid it no heed, opting to talk with the local leader instead with the trio following closely.

"Are you miss Risa?" She asked the woman on the command post. Unlike Oleg, she was a rather young woman who looked like she wasn't older than thirty year old.

"I am, Madam Rand." The woman greeted respectfully, offering her hand to Bronya who shook it. "How can I help?"

"Nothing at the moment. I just want to ask the situation back in the town."

Risa sighed heavily as she ran her gloved fingers down her shoulder length blonde mane, glancing to the outside of the tent for a brief moment she said in low voice for Bronya and the trio to hear.

"Natasha said she's running low on medical supplies," she whispered grimly, "and I am honestly not sure with how many more we can take in to the town. We had to put patients on the streets."

Bronya nodded in understanding. "Regardless, we have to help. Let's figure how to treat them later, for now we just have to bring them back, alright?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Risa paused, a small smile on her lips. "You're doing alright."

"... I just want to help."

Exiting the tent, they were right on time to watch the carts being pulled away. The boy Bronya carried saw them and smiled, waving his little hand to Bronya who returned it with a warm smile of her own.

"Thank you, Miss Silvermane!" He yelled as best as he could with his condition and it was followed with a series of gratitude from the others for the four of them. Stelle grinned and gave a thumbs up while March waved her hands enthusiastically in return. Dan Heng and Bronya, being on the more reserved side, simply nodded and smiled.

Bronya watched them go for another few seconds before she gestured at the three teenagers. "The way out is relatively safe. If you want to rest, go ahead. I'll ask for a few Wildfires to help me escort people out in the meanwhile."

They shared a glance and came into one conclusion. "We're okay," March began, "We can still go on, come on."

"Are you sure?" Bronya asked worriedly. "Rest is important."

"We're sure."

She gave them a once-over before she nodded, accepting the answer. "Okay, then. Just tell me if you want to switch."

Oleg was not kidding.

That was the first thought that came to mind when they arrived on scene to reinforce the Wildfire members holding up the tertiary checkpoint in the mine. The third and the last defense against monsters attack before the outpost itself.

The situation was bad. The defending Wildfires were downright overwhelmed but the sheer tenacity of the defenders held the monsters at bay. This close to Geomarrow reserve, they couldn't use firearms so they had to engage in close quarter battles with nothing but melee weapons and crossbows, further limiting their strength.

Chapter 10: Tiniest Tenderness

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: Tiniest Tenderness

The majority of the Underworlders worked as miners for the living with Geomarrow being a resource that would not be gone for a long time while being in constant demand all the time. It was easy money, compared to other income sources especially in a place like the Underworld.

Which was why the amount of the wounded easily numbered in hundreds.

Patients flooded the streets and corners of central Boulder Town surrounding Natasha's clinic, all in a varying state of distress that ranged from small to big. The clinic itself had long passed its maximum capacity yet Natasha kept taking in people until it was impossible to put someone down without the risk of accidentally trampling over them. When she couldn't take more in, she ordered the Wildfires stationed on the area to set up temporary encampments around her clinic yet it was not enough.

Stelle, March and Dan Heng could only watch helplessly at the depressing scene around them from a corner, wanting to help but hardly had enough medical knowledge to actually lend a hand for the Wildfire medics and doctors attending the injured civilians. Children crying, mothers trying to comfort their kids and the pained groans from the men as they bled all over the place with one or two medics desperately attempting to stave off their wounds with limited supplies was the sight around them. Wherever they looked or glanced.

Natasha was very busy she was literally a blur, moving from one place to another to help directing her staff. Her dress was bloodied and each time she walked on the ground, the crimson mud would accidentally get kicked up and smeared on her back. But she kept her hands and front as clean as possible, washing her hands every possible time before going again to attend for another patient.

Sometimes, the person she treated would nod when she whispered for them a parting comfort, sometimes they were a still figure she left behind without as much as a word. One thing for certain, the doctor did not stop for more than ten seconds once she was done, much less to rest.

Stelle spotted a familiar figure in the crowd and frowned, nudging March gently to gain her attention. The pinkette jumped at the contact, obviously startled, and stammered. "W—what?"

Silently, Stelle raised her index finger towards a figure sitting on nearby bench and March followed it. Gasping, she suddenly stood up, nearly toppling the hastily stacked planks Stelle appropriated into a makeshift seat off and sending her down onto the cold ground. Stelle grunted and stood up, putting a hand on her bottom to ease the pain. Dan Heng was right to not trust her building skill, moreso in refusing to sit with March on such a dubious set up.

"Lysetia?! Why is she...?"

The girl noticed them approaching and smiled, though it looked a lot like grimace than anything else. They also noticed the thin sheen of sweat covering her forehead and neck.

"Oh, you guys!" She exclaimed but her voice trembled at the end. Lysetia visibly swallowed and patted the seat beside her with her shaking one hand. "Come, take a seat."

Stelle and Dan Heng frowned while March gave the girl a concerned look. "Are you okay? You don't seem great." Said the pinkette.

"Oh, it's just a minor discomfort. Don't worry about it." She assured but they knew she was lying through her teeth. March wanted to argue but Dan Heng put a hand to her shoulder and stopped her, nodding at the girl instead.

"Why are you here?" He asked, a hint of worry was audible in his tone. "It's cold."

"I gave up my bed for someone who needed it more," Lysetia answered truthfully with a shrug, an action that caused her to wince though she tried to mask it, "there's a lot of people who need more help."

"You could use some attention too." Stelle interjected disapprovingly, shaking her head, "you're sick."

"I'm not in any need for emergency, miss Stelle," she smiled then and it looked far more genuine than before, "I heard of your deeds in the mine. You're awesome, you know?"

It was clearly an attempt to steer the subject of the conversation away from her well-being and it was obvious. Stelle's frown deepened until she sighed, accepting Lysetia's wish for a change. "It's nothing," she said absently, "we hardly did anything, anyway."

"That's not true. I heard the kids talk about you and how you fought that one corrupted automaton," Lysetia protested. "If you weren't with them, they surely would've had problems."

It happened on their fourth trip. Stelle didn't know what the thing's name was but it had this big flaming chainsaw and could move fast as hell for its size. The robot was corrupted by the Corrosion with some Fragmentum crystals sticking out of its metal shell and somehow managed to slip through the defensive line amidst the chaos.

They succeeded in dispatching it, though, but not without effort. Bronya told them that the machine was built using ancient technology that had been lost, probably something people dug out long ago from the snowy plains, and used for combat purposes. Under their combined efforts and Bronya's guidance, they could defeat it without a loss.

The Silvermane Commandant was one hell of a tactical genius. The way she directed them during the fight spoke of how great of a leader she was. Calm, collected, almost detached to everything happening yet focused. Bronya hardly flinched when a stray bullet zipped past her head during the fight after it bounced on the robot's armored body and embedded itself in the mine's rocky wall.

At that moment she reminded them of their Bronya, though the comparison didn't really do the Silvermane Commandant justice. While their Bronya looked aloof all the time, the Silvermane Guard one always looked determined with the fight. They hadn't seen how their Bronya fight, though, so none could tell for certain.

Speaking of Bronya...

Stelle's eyes drifted towards the Silvermane who stood like a sore thumb amidst the sea of Underworlders but not because of her regal stance nor setups, but rather the fact she seemed like she had just returned from the battlefield after being soaked in her enemy's blood. Her blue and white uniform was thoroughly ruined with blood, dirt and anything in-between, missing some of its ornaments while her once beautiful silver hair had turned into a dark shade of black and red.

Bronya was washing the wound on her cheek with lukewarm water, one she got after accidentally running her head onto an overturned mining cart in her attempt to shove a Wildfire member out of the harm's way during the fight. It cut a little deep and more than likely would leave a scar yet despite it all she still refused treatments from local medics, saying they should treat the civilians first and that her wound was manageable by herself.

Stelle didn't know what sort of approval Bronya would need but in her humble opinion, she certainly had done a lot to earn at least a modicum of trust from the Underworlders.

As if on cue, a pair of man and woman approached her. Although Stelle couldn't hear what they were saying, it was pretty obvious from the solemn smile Bronya gave them both. The Silvermane Commandant put a hand onto her chest and lowered her head, saying something that earned her a smile from the couple.

March sat down beside Lysetia after giving Stelle and Dan Heng an implicit question of offer. Both she and Dan Heng shook their heads, allowing the pinkette who smiled slightly in return to claim the seat. The worry was still clear in March's eyes as she talked with Lysetia about things Stelle's brain tuned down to half performance to listen.

"Yo!" Someone called out from their right and they turned to face the newcomer who was none other than Kiana. The Kaslana had her hands in her pockets and face scrunched in an easy smile as she approached the four. "You guys look okay," she stated, looking down towards Lysetia and greeted the girl, "and hello again, Lysetia!"

"Hello, Miss Kiana," replied the girl softly, "where's Miss Mei?"

"Don't worry about her, sugar." Kiana chuckled with a shrug. "What about you? Why are you here?"

"Well..."

Lysetia told her of the reason but unlike the trio she simply nodded in understanding. There was not a hint of concern nor pity in her blue eyes, instead there's pride and encouragement beneath the gentle pools. "I see... You did good."

"Are you sure about that? Don't you worry?" Stelle asked Kiana. They found it odd how she seemingly did not care about the girl and her predicament with how easygoing she was being. Kiana saw their thoughts and paused, regarding the group better as her gaze soften.

Wordlessly, she went down to a knee in front of Lysetia, drawing confusion from the girls while Dan Heng hummed quietly. Kiana reached out for Lysetia's remaining foot to tie her shoe, earning a gasp from the girl.

"M—Miss Kiana, you don't have to do that..."

But Kiana ignored her, finishing her job and patting Lysetia's knee tenderly. "It's not that I don't worry." She began softly as she stood up, meeting each and all their stare. "I worry. A lot. But I want to support all of you and your decisions, even if they're scary and will end up hurting you in the future. Whatever you choose to be now and tomorrow is all up to you."

"Is that how adults think...?" March mumbled to herself but Kiana heard her regardless. Chuckling to herself, Kiana continued.

"I was a teenager once, you know. I know the rush of young blood in my veins and being a Kaslana only made it worse. We are known for our stubbornness."

Chapter 11: Buried Deep in The Earth

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: Buried Deep in The Earth

The soft glow of the candle illuminated the drying ink and highlighted them on the white paper, Bronya staring at the words she had just written with thinning lips and a frown. She set the borrowed pen between her fingers down on the table and brought the paper close, examining every sentence and letter intensely.

Behind her, Seele was quietly doing routine maintenance on her scythe, tinkering on the giant weapon which she had disassembled to its smallest components on her bed. A linen of white fabric was spread over her sheet where she put her tools and weapon components on while Seele herself was sitting cross legged over it.

When Bronya asked for a place for privacy, she certainly did not expect Seele to invite her to her bedroom. She had requested for a less intrusive place in the house instead of Seele's room, finding the prospect itself a bit daring and disrespectful, but Seele waved the concern off and told her to join her in her room. Seele told her the rest of the house was vacant and that she did most of her works in her room. Bronya did not want to argue further after that.

So, here she was now in Seele's room. Occupying the only table Bronya knew Seele would've used as her worktable otherwise. She tried to hold her tongue but the more she did, the harder it was to ignore the uneasiness she felt until it slipped out of her mouth with none of her order.

"I'm sorry," Bronya blurted out and she immediately clamped her mouth shut. But the deed was done. Seele paused on her work and looked up, a scowl on her face as Bronya turned to face her.

"What for?" Seele asked, bringing a chipped blade up to eye level and glared at it, her purple orbs glinting back in the silver, sharp metal.

She could see Bronya over the blade, looking at her with troubled grimace. "For intruding and troubling you. You should've been using the table instead of me."

Seele sighed, tossing the blade away into a separate box where the rest of the damaged components were for repair later and taking a new one from her supply box. Somehow, Bronya could feel the sigh was not entirely of her dismay to the state of the blade. "I told you it's okay. You worried too much over the small things."

"But still..."

"But not, princess. Are you Overworlders always high up your asses or something? If someone told you it's okay, then it's okay, get it?"

"I'm sorry. I've never personally troubled someone to such an extent. I don't want to overstep my boundaries."

"Really? Not even once?" Seele asked, incredulous. "There must be times where you asked for favors, right?"

"I tried not to," Bronya answered simply and Seele blinked, perplexed, "life as a government official is difficult, moreso when you're the Supreme Guardian lineage. People will try to take advantages of your position by offering things seemingly out of goodwill only to ask for paybacks later. It's difficult if you're not careful so one has to learn to take care of oneself."

Seele scoffed. "Rats. So it's the same with down here, just nicer in appearance."

"There's always people like that."

Seele raised an eyebrow, a mocking smirk gracing her lips. "So, you're not worry that I might see this as an opportunity to curry a favor from you? I thought you'd be smarter than to trust people so easily."

Bronya fell silent for a long moment afterwards. Seele, who had been waiting for her answer, returned back to working on her scythe yet she lacked the focus she had before. Her smirk of mischief disappeared, thinking that Bronya did not deny it because it was true she didn't trust her enough, while an ugly feeling akin to disappointment settled on the pit of her stomach.

Which was why when Bronya spoke next, she nearly cut her finger on the blade of her scythe because of what she said.

"I believe, while selfish people like that exist, the opposite is also true. I've received helps before, ones which were done out of the goodness of the heart, and will continue to do so in the future. I know that you are a good person so I trust you. Even if you ask me something in the future, I know it will be for the greater good," Bronya confessed, giving Seele a warm smile. "You are the most selfless person I have ever met, Seele, and it's an honor for me to meet such a wonderful individual like yourself. I know how difficult it is to care for others tirelessly without hope for rewards."

Seele huffed, yet the smile she had had not gone unnoticed to Bronya. "Well, you're hopeless without me, so..."

Bronya chuckled. A comfortable silence descended upon them afterwards. Seele continued working on her scythe and Bronya was left to finish the letter, putting it in a plain white envelope and held it on the table for her to absently stare at.

"What are you writing, anyway?" Seele asked after a while and Bronya looked back to her, finding a pair of curious purple staring back to her silver ones.

"A letter."

Seele rolled her eyes. "Yeah, no sh*t. I mean, what is it about?"

"I'm planning to confront my mother," Bronya began, tone solid without a hint of doubt and Seele frowned, "so I need an... assurance, to ensure that our efforts will still continue regardless of my presence."

Seele's frown deepened. "You're saying that in case you're gone, you'll still have someone working to fix everything?" She asked, distaste clear in her feature. "Are you planning to die or something?"

"No, I doubt that my mother will hurt me..." Bronya trailed off, "but she's still my superior. If I were to disobey her orders, I'd still be arrested. I'm not immune to justice and rules, after all."

"You sure have it rough."

"Not as rough as everyone else," Bronya admitted and Seele snorted. "It's a small price to pay."

"Just don't die because it'd be suck for everyone else," Seele said with a shrug. "So, who you want me to deliver it to? I presume it's some Overwolder, right?"

"Are you sure that you're willing to take the burden?" Bronya asked worriedly but all she received in return from Seele was a pair of narrowed eyes.

"Don't think I'm stupid, princess," she growled warningly and Bronya winced. "We both know you want me to deliver it since the beginning."

Bronya fell quiet. Shame flooded her heart and she lowered her gaze to the floor. Of course Seele knew. She was the only option. The Astral Express crew were criminals in the eyes of the Silvermanes, to have them roaming the city was akin to putting the lamb in the wolf's den. Their faces were plastered on every walls and corners it would be impossible for them to walk in the open without being recognized immediately. Kiana was the second option since she was not around when they were evicted and chased but Bronya trusted Seele more.

"Her name is Serval," Bronya said as she stood up, approaching Seele who was looking up at her, "Serval Landau of the prestigious Landau family. She runs a shop called Neverwinter Workshop in the Administrative District near the stairways to Qlipoth Fort."

Bronya extended her hand, in it was the letter, and Seele glared at the item as if it had just insulted her and her mother, whoever she was or wherever she was. Sighing, she snatched it off Bronya's hand and asked "Can we trust her?"

Bronya did not even hesitate. She simply nodded. "Yes. I knew her since I was young. She and my mother have a little bit of history. She'll believe you once she reads the letter."

"What do you want me to do? What do you want me to tell her?"

Stelle was this close from beating her highest score recorded when someone decided to come to visit. She groaned, tried to multitask and failed pathetically as her thumb slipped on the screen of her phone when she stood up which sent her game character to certain doom into the sizzling pit of lava lining in the stage. Stupid game didn't even have a pause button but she supposed she was more stupid for still playing it despite that one fact.

For the first time in almost an hour, she looked around the living room and scowled at what she saw. March was passed out on the long sofa, snoring lightly, while some of her pink strands got into her slightly parted mouth yet she seemed too far deep in slumber to notice it.

Dan Heng was sitting near her on the floor, reading something from a small book Stelle wasn't sure where he obtained from. He heard her groan and looked back at Stelle, expression flat as usual as they engaged in a little staring contest.

Waiting, urging.

Another knock and Stelle admitted her defeat.

She mumbled something that wasn't really a word, pouting, while Dan Heng smiled a near imperceptible smile at her antics, or his victory. One couldn't really tell with him. Sighing, she made her way to the front door, ready to shove someone off the cliff if it was something unimportant.

"Yo!"

It was Kiana.

"Sorry for taking so long."

And Mei. Of course. These two didn't really go alone if they could help it with the former being such an affectionate cat that would stick around and engage in physical contacts as much as possible. There was also food Mei carried which Stelle's brain automatically tagged as priority target.

Chapter 12: Right Away Torn Apart

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: Right Away Torn Apart

When the Architects designed and built Belobog many centuries ago, one fundamental idea was put above all and considered as the foundation of the fortress city; all must be fair up and below to accommodate not just the souls but also the bodies. In other word, what stretched above was also true to the underground.

Belobog was massive. It had in and around it facilities to support a civilization for generations to come. A self-sufficient city that could persist both time and dangers, a shelter to protect the last cradle of humanity in a planet ravaged by a never ending winter. Power plants, administrative districts, farmlands, agriculture centers and military fortresses were ones amongst many more that were too much to mention. The city was built in a wall as it was the wish of the Architects, to preserve and protect lives against the inevitable destruction of the universe.

However, while time itself was preservation's greatest ally, it was also its greatest enemy. Throughout the years, many portions of the city had either fallen to the never ending cycles of moon and sun due to the lack of care, or the blades and unholy screeches of its enemy. Many of the once mighty castle-city districts had fallen to ruin in the generations after Alisa Rand up to the reign of the latest Supreme Guardian Cocolia Rand, this was even more true to the Underworld.

Neglected for a decade, plenty of the Underworld had been left vacant by its settlers, either willingly or not. Not just once they must retreat back after a monster attack, more often they were forced to abandon the lost ground due to the lack of resources to rebuild even if they reclaimed them somehow, which was far and between, because if they were lacking in material, they lacked more in terms of manpower.

Rivet Town was one of the many abandoned districts. The once bustling Underworld town that in its glory rivalled even Boulder Town was now nothing but a ghost town. Its atmosphere felt thick and heavy with coldness and decay, a whisper of past splendor lingering like dried blood in white cloth. Trash heaps sat on the sides of the roads, remnants from residents once living in the buildings and shops all around them. In the cold, decomposition happened slowly so trash from years ago were still present without someone to feed them into the incinerators.

Once Seele gained the permission to enter Rivet Town from the Wildfires guarding the blockade they immediately set foot and began their search for the kids. The town was significantly colder with the heaters long ran out of Geomarrow to fuel them and dark with street lamps being the only source of lighting for the group.

Seele told them that the Wildfire often expedited into the abandoned districts to maintain the lights, replacing the busted ones with new bulbs to keep the roads lit. So, although the buildings around them were dark, the streets were not. One of the reasons was so they wouldn't live surrounded by darkness where the monsters creep, the other to ensure that those lost might still find a way home, no matter how unlikely was the latter.

Still, trickery of the mind preyed on them no less. The dark houses and shops were haunting with the silence permeating in the air like a blanket of pure dread. The light coming from the lamp posts illuminated the dusty windows, not only once giving an illusion of faces staring back towards the strangers so daring to walk in lands where many died horribly.

Already, the group could see where battles once were fought and the subsequent sight of dried blood and other fluids. Being in the Underworld meant there was no rain and no rain meant nothing to wash the black stain that had seeped into the materials. An eternal reminder of what befallen the town.

The houses themselves were in so terrible state calling them inadequate for living would have been a gross understatement, dangerous would be the best word to describe them. Wood and steel collapsed under their own weight, be it from the elements or the previous fights. Although rain couldn't reach the Underworld naturally, the air itself was incredibly dank it was guaranteed any metal based structure would crumble without proper maintenance for so long.

Whatever houses left standing, they looked worse for wear often with missing doors and window panes, most likely salvaged by whoever daring enough to brave the monster infested town.

March jumped to cling at Dan Heng's side with every noise produced not by the group, looking around her with visible fear and apprehension while Dan Heng quietly allowed the pinkette an easier access to his arm for the pinkette to hold. She hated ghosts and Dan Heng knew it.

Stelle fared much better than her friend as she walked right beside Kiana. She noticed that the white haired woman had her hands on each of her sides instead of pockets while her blue eyes would constantly look around them, occasionally lingering at one spot Stelle couldn't see for it was always beyond an obstacle before they flicked to somewhere else. Kiana had a pair of handguns holstered on her outer thighs, weapons of intricate designs she had never seen before that emitted warmth which Stelle could feel perfectly from near Kiana.

The mood was quiet ever since they stepped foot onto the town and Stelle could understand that. Still, she decided to ask Kiana about the guns, partially to break the silence but mostly because she was curious.

"Hey," she began quietly, nudging on Kiana with her shoulder to gain the woman's attention. "What are they?"

Kiana blinked, a grin Stelle had come to associate with Kiana blossoming on her face. "Family heirlooms," Kiana said simply, her mirth didn't go unnoticed by Stelle. "They're the chosen weapon of us Kaslana."

"Are they Divine Key?"

"Yup! These pistols are actually one weapon! The true form of the Judgment of Shamash is a sword!"

"No way! Can I see?!"

Kiana smirked as she unholstered the guns. "Okay, so when you put them together like this and press these buttons over here they will—agh?!"

Bronya, their Bronya, who had been watching the interaction stepped to Kiana's side and unceremoniously smacked Kiana in the back of her head, scowling. "Must I remind you that we're still in the Underground?"

Kiana glared at her. "But you told me that I can use Shamash!"

"In its pistol form," Bronya elaborated, pronouncing each word slowly as if explaining the nature of rocket science to a monkey. "Shamash's sword form has surface temperature of thousands of degree Celsius, you lit that up you quite literally be carrying a small sun."

"So?"

"So don't," Bronya said, more than just a little annoyed at Kiana's stupidity. "We don't want to suffocate everyone by burning the oxygen, not to mention the Geomarrow."

"You're such a party popper, you know that?"

Her best friend leveled her an exasperated glare Kiana returned. "I'd rather pop your party than us popping the entire Underworld up and dooming the entirety of Belobog and Jarilo-VI, by extension."

With that, Bronya moved ahead to talk with Mei. The purple haired woman glanced back at Kiana and Stelle before she shook her head with a fond smile.

Kiana threw her hands up in the air after she put her weapons back, interlocking her fingers behind her head and pouting. "Man, what a bummer."

Stelle hummed. "Sorry, I didn't know."

"Nah, it's fine. You didn't know. I'd show you later, alright?" And in a more conspiratory voice she whispered to Stelle "Bronya said that, but the idea of pistol-sword is actually something she adapted to her own weapon! Though, it's a little different but still."

Stelle's mouth dropped down as she stared at Bronya's back. "Really? She got the idea from Shamash?"

"Well, not really. Many Divine Keys have secondary forms or more," Kiana began, voice returning to normal volume and Stelle nodded. She remembered Welt who told them about it earlier and Bronya who also gave a little demonstration afterwards. "Shamash have three power levels, actually, two of which are in its sword form. Mei's Seven Thunders have plenty of forms, too. So much in fact it is known to shift about depending on its users, sometimes unintentionally."

"Unintentionally?" Stelle asked inquisitively, raising an eyebrow at the choice of word Kiana used.

"It can change to whatever it wants without the user's order which caused troubles in the past. Remember the tidbits about how Divine Keys were made of dead Herrscher Cores? The Herrscher of Thunder was the only one who could make it submit because it was basically the same element it was made of. Mei is the only one who can use the weapon effectively."

Stelle's eyes found the sword strapped on Mei's hip. It was of elaborate design, which she supposed was something common for Divine Keys, and extremely powerful. She had no doubt about the later. When they escaped from the Silvermane Guards a few days ago, Mei was this close from taking it out and using it but she hadn't. Yet, the sheer suppressive electricity emanating from the weapon at the slightest of tug was overwhelming, as if the the storm itself was demanding its conquest and dominion of the world's thunder. Welt's weapon was powerful, and supposedly it was wielded in a power not even half of it. Mei's? The user herself was a full fledged Herrscher equal in footing with her Finality. Just thinking about the destruction it could cause made Stelle shudder.

"How many Divine Keys do you have with you?" Stelle found herself asking Kiana who shrugged nonchalantly.

Chapter 13: Across a Land Bare and Dark

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: Across a Land Bare and Dark

A moonless night was not uncommon for the Belobogian living in the Overworld, with the harsh environment of Jarilo-VI the normal weather itself was always cloudy and gloomy. Unobscured sunlight was a rarity, a far and between occurrence that happened only at times in weeks. Once, the planet had summers but now the hottest of days were barely reaching a few degrees higher than the normal days.

The cold wind howled at the darkness in stead of the long extinct wolf species native to the land, few if no records about them were available at all for the children to learn. In the past, Belobog was a symbol of hope and fortitude, the willingness of humanity to win and persevere against the tidal wave of outer world invaders, but nowadays the city had decayed and deteriorated past glory became nothing but a secondary concern.

Its citizens were accustomed to it. Living in the dark night and bitter cold. It was a part of their lives, their normalcy, yet something felt different that one particular night.

The whispers of the wind was disquieting, slithering through buildings and walls alike like an elongating vines of poison ivy, carrying with them a silent promise of a warning in its deceitful, gentle caress; anyone who dared to mingle would know the consequences for it was not compassion that filled the air but disdain.

Disdain of a woman who was so utterly disappointed.

Shadows dominated the room, blanketing the room in the blackness of abyss but she felt no fear for her eyes had been gifted with the power to saw through it. It made sense for the force of darkness to rule over the dark itself. After all, it needed its monsters to stare at their victims in the face before they jumped and maimed them apart.

That's right. She thought to herself, watching the door open before a figure entered through it. The only monster here is me.

She looked at her victim up and down, what little light coming from the hallway providing the unnecessary assistance but was welcomed no less. Despite herself, she couldn't deny the sweet warmth blooming in her chest at the sight, though it was easily suppressed by years of training.

Still, the sight of a woman who undeniably gave her a second chance to happiness brought back pictures of idyllic past long gone but not forgotten, moreso when she looked to be on her prime compared to her actual foster mother rotting in prison in her own world. Her Matushka had never looked so young anymore with stress lines and depressive frowns ravaging her beauty until nothing was left. Nothing but an empty hollowness in her once radiant eyes.

When she was still in the orphanage, scared and wary like a feral kitten brought onto a new environment, it was her that reached out her hand to her first, unheeding the fact that she had tried to take her life in the endless snow. For her, it was just another job and if she was honest, she would've never thought that she would receive a new life and path towards happiness.

It was funny. Her mother was the reason she met her beloved and it seemed it was also true in this world, in a twisted way. Had she never ordered the arrest of her friends, her counterpart would've never chased after them and met Seele in the Underworld, opening an intertwined destiny that bounded across the stars and galaxies. Fate, as it was, had an odd way to reunite the soul and its armor.

She was pulled out of her thought when the door clicked shut, blinking she then focused back to matter at hands. Without a warning, she turned on the small study lamp on the desk before her, making her victim jump in surprise at the noise and sudden explosion of light.

Cocolia stared at her with wide eyes and Bronya returned her gaze with her pair of cold silver, though she knew all Cocolia could see was the blinding light and her glowing eyes due to her deliberately pointing the light ahead of her. The Supreme Guardian reached for her dagger in her dress and held it in defensive grip.

"Who are you?! What are you doing in my personal chamber?!"

Cocolia looked terrified and angry like a cornered animal. Bronya took no pleasure in seeing her like that but she didn't feel sorry either. She watched as the woman who wore her mother's face slowly inched back towards the door and opened it, ready to dash and warn her personal guards stationed in the outside of her room about the intruder sitting on her study.

Bronya did not allow that.

She tapped into her Truth power, transforming the interior material of the walls and door into thick, soundproof metal. Cocolia twisted the knob and pulled but the door was now quite literally glued with the wall, effectively trapping her inside her own room.

All the while the guards were being utterly oblivious.

"It's no use." Bronya stood up, still watching Cocolia who tensed up the moment she spoke. She rounded the table and stood before the light, casting a shadow upon the woman. "You cannot go."

"Bronya? You're back?" Cocolia began, shocked, before it turned into indignation. "What's the meaning of this? Why didn't you report back to your post?"

Bronya kept a rapt attention to the dagger still in Cocolia's hand. Although lowered, it's still in her grip. The implication didn't lose on Bronya.

"You don't even trust her, do you?" She asked, crossing her arms and sitting on the edge of the table. "But it's not always like that, is it?"

"Who are you talking about?"

"It doesn't matter," Bronya sighed, her stoic silver eyes turning sharp as she regarded the woman again. Contempt and disappointment filled her gaze but they were not directed at Cocolia particularly. "What matters is you."

"Me...? Bronya, what are you—"

Bronya raised a hand up and Cocolia immediately fell silent, tensing up as her grip tighten around her dagger. "I shall talk and you will listen." She stepped forward, nearly entering Cocolia's personal bubble, and narrowed her silver eyes. "I am so, so disappointed on you."

Cocolia frowned in confusion. "Is this about my earlier order?"

"No, I have no knowledge about it whatsoever."

"But how could you not—"

"I told you I'm not her." Bronya's expression hardened. "Look closer."

Cocolia did as told. Looking Bronya up and down with a frown until, as Bronya predicted, it clicked on place. Almost in an instant, Cocolia had her dagger up and swung it to Bronya, intending to stab her in the neck as it was the most efficient way with their current position.

She did it with a practiced ease of a military woman, swift and fast and effective. To normal person, it would've been a successful surprise attack but Bronya saw it coming from miles away.

Bronya caught Cocolia's hand, pivoted on her feet and kicked Cocolia in the back of her right knee to force her down onto the table. Cocolia grunted in pain as her head was slammed onto the wooden surface with a loud thud, the sound of the impact muffled by the modified walls to the outside world. Bronya wrenched the dagger off of her grip and brought both Cocolia's hands together behind her, twisting them to the point it was almost painful.

"You're an imposter!" Cocolia hissed amidst her daze, raising her head only for Bronya to push it back against the table with her left hand. Her right hand kept Cocolia's own together until she created a pair of handcuffs to lock them in place instead. "What have you done to Bronya?!"

Bronya gazed at the woman with near cold indifference. Bending against the table with her face pressed on the table. She didn't want it to come to this but Bronya knew it would, regardless her wish. "I'm here to talk," Bronya told Cocolia with a level tone. "If I wanted to kill you, I could've done it differently but I didn't want to do you any harm. You forced me to this, just like you always did."

"Where's my daughter?!"

"She's fine. She's on her way to meet you and will be here soon," Bronya told her as she put the dagger down on the table right beside Cocolia's face who looked at it intently. "Now, this could've been an easy conversation had you not been such a rash woman but that was to be expected. Especially from you."

Cocolia gritted her teeth. "I am the Supreme Guardian. I don't know who you are but I will find and punish you accordingly for what you do to me right now. You are trespassing a state owned building and assaulting a government official, an attempt on my life."

"Did I not tell you? If I wanted you dead, you would be already. I could get close and personal or far and away you would never see it coming, but I'm here for a talk." Bronya released her hold and Cocolia slowly straightened up, glaring at Bronya all the while as she circled the table and sat back down on the chair of Cocolia's study. "Now, let's cut the chase because we don't have much time. The last thing we want is for your daughter to walk on you when you're like this. That would be terrible, no?"

Cocolia's grounded her jaw at the blatant humiliation but kept her mouth shut, earning a pleased hum from Bronya.

"Fine, you have my attention."

Bronya smiled, not kindly but not hostile either. If anything, it lacked all the emotions necessary for such action. There was no warmth to be found nor comfort, just a silent blow of the wind before a blizzard came and ravaged a land where it then forever lost under the blanket of an impenetrable plain white snow.

Chapter 14: Far From the World

Chapter Text

Chapter 14: Far From the World

The door opened and a sudden shift in the atmosphere caused Mei to grimace slightly when a thick, heady smell of alcohol and cheap drinks filled her nostrils. She subtly made a face, entering the bar with measured steps while ignoring the ogling from both men and women inside.

Raising her hand to push a strand of purple hair behind her ear, she purposefully showed the silver ring resting around her finger to signal that she was a married woman and not interested in any of the 'fun' they might offer to her. It worked like a charm and the stares immediately stopped coming, not just one of the bystanders expressing their disappointment verbally as they returned to their routine.

Mei smiled to herself. Kiana made it pointedly clear that she was beautiful, in all sense of the word, so much Mei started to have the confidence to believe it herself. She knew that she was quite the sight, too, considering the state of the Underworld and her being an outsider. Her attires spoke for themselves compared to the semi decent state many Underworlders wore so she was sticking out like a sore thumb.

The bar was quite packed but not verily so. Most of the patrons were keeping it to themselves, drinking and chatting amongst only their peers but not just one was the opposite. Mei steered away from the more obnoxious people and made her way to the counter, raising an eyebrow in amusem*nt when she saw the only person she knew already waiting for her.

Wordlessly, Mei sat down on the stool right beside Natasha and flashed her a smile.

"Hello, Mei," she greeted warmly. A shot of... Mei wasn't sure what because it's green between her hands on the counter. Natasha saw her gaze and she chuckled before downing the fill in one go. "Sorry, I started without you."

"It's fine," Mei told her and she meant it. Natasha seemed like she could use a drink or two with the state she was in after the grueling day of putting people together, sometimes literally. "What are you having?"

"This?" She gestured to the bottle on the counter Mei just realized was filled with the same stuff Natasha was having. "We call it the Devil's Lime."

"Is it good?"

"Honestly? I don't know. It's the most common we can find down here so my taste is kind of askew."

Mei grinned. "I'll be the judge, then."

"Please."

Natasha called the bartender for another glass and bottle and the woman gave them without as much as a word, pouring the drink into the glass she then slid it to Mei's reach with a smile of encouragement.

Mei stared at the green liquid for a moment, silently contemplating why it's green before she brought it near her mouth. She sniffed at it to get a hint of its taste, finding it to be somewhat alright before she took one tentative sip.

She hummed.

It wasn't bad, at least not as much as she thought it would be. She sipped some of it more and rolled her tongue gently, soaking her taste buds and swallowing slowly. "It's okay," she told Natasha before she downed her shot entirely. "Not bad, not as bad as I thought it would be."

"But it's still bad?" Natasha asked with an imploring grin.

"I've had worse."

The doctor giggled as she watched Mei poured more into her glass and silently drank them. "You don't have to force yourself."

Mei raised an eyebrow. "It's not bad. I'd say it's an acquired taste. I'm getting used to it."

Natasha sent her another smile before they fell into a comfortable silence. The cacophony of noises in the background had dulled and merged with the atmosphere, providing an addition to the whole vibes for the two. The night was still young so a lot of people were coming and going constantly.

"So..." Natasha purposefully drawled to gain Mei's attention. "Does your wife know you're here or should I expect an ass kicking after this?"

Mei blinked before she bursted into a laugh. "Oh, she knows so don't worry about it." She told her between chuckle. "Kiana said hi, by the way."

"Was that some sort of subtle message?"

"No, she's being genuine." Mei shifted on her stool and leant her body on the counter, arms crossed over it. "Kiana can be clingy sometimes but she's not an overzealous lover, at least not anymore. I guess, now she knows that we're tied in a marriage she doesn't have to worry about losing me to someone else."

"She puts her faith in you," Natasha said knowingly and Mei nodded in agreement.

"The feeling is mutual, always has been. I always loved her but I was not as straightforward as Kiana was so I couldn't really express my love the way she would. I felt bad that she seemed to be the one who always chased after me but I have my own ways in returning her love."

"Oh?"

"We went to the same school and we lived in a dorm with our other friends and teachers."

"You both lived together when you were kids?" Natasha cut in teasingly with a suggestive look on her face. Mei saw it clearly and huffed.

"It's not like that! She and I started as friends!"

"Friends. Right." Natasha snorted and took a sip of her drink, her tone was anything but believing. "If you tell me nothing happened between you two back then I wouldn't believe you."

"Well, nothing happened."

"Right..."

Mei's brows dipped and she skulked, grumbling to herself as she took another large sip from her own portion. "Why am I telling you this..."

It was Natasha's turn to laugh. "I'm sorry, but you're so easy to tease especially when the subject of your wife is brought up." Her laughter gradually subsided until all that left was a grin before, eventually, it turned into a fond smile. "You love her so much, huh?"

Mei glanced at Natasha through the corner of her eye, slightly looking down due to the difference in height, and found the doctor staring at her drink with a forlorn look on her face. "Of course," Mei told her quietly but surely. "She's the one and only person I love like nobody else."

"Mhm..."

The night went on along the drink in the bottles, now that Mei had her taste buds adjusted to its unique compositions, she found herself enjoying the drink with all her heart. She noticed Natasha refraining from drinking more than a bottle, her empty one sitting on the counter alone right next to Mei's third bottle.

"Keeping yourself up for works?" Mei asked her and Natasha looked up, her red eyes exploring Mei's own and Mei could see the surprise and disbelief in them.

"Yes, I can't afford to get drunk," She frowned worriedly. "You... seem to have a rather high tolerance. I thought you would be drunk by now."

"I can't get drunk."

Natasha blinked, surprised. "Does it have something to do with your power?"

Mei nodded. Being a Herrscher meant a lot of things to many people. It gave them powers, powers beyond any human's comprehension, and curses. Herrschers were the envoys of Honkai, to gain the power one had to give up their humanity. This was true in both mind and body for many people before them. Elysia might've given them the gift to keep their soul but the body was another matter entirely.

When someone became a Herrscher, they practically stopped being a human. Their body was transformed and mutated to accommodate such a terrible power to the point they hardly resemble a human anymore. Their physiology was changed all the way to their cells, turning them into something the Honkai desired for its enforcers.

Herrschers could not get tired. They didn't feel hungry or thirsty. As long as Honkai exist, they would continue to be in their prime. Their metabolism was altered that normal poison would not work on them. This unfortunately came with the side effect of being immune to all sort of drugs, alcohol included.

"But I'm not always like this," Mei told Natasha with a shrug. "When Kiana went to the Moon, she carried with her the seeds of our power. I returned to a normal human being not long after."

She took a swig after that and fell silent, amethyst eyes growing distant as she stared at her fingers nursing the shot glass. Mei... didn't particularly like alcohol because it brought back terrible memories of her time without Kiana but she always made an exception for her friends and workmates and Natasha was as much as a friend as Raven.

Her lips curled into a subtle smirk but apparently not subtle enough because Natasha saw it.

"What is it?"

"Hm? Ah, I was just thinking about the other Natasha," Mei elaborated with a chuckle. "She and I are drinking buddies."

"You two sound like a good friend."

"We didn't see eye to eye sometimes but she's a good person nonetheless."

Natasha shrugged. "Isn't that normal? You don't always agree with others all the time."

Morning came with the usual dull chirping of her alarm. Seele opened her eyes and sighed, rubbing the remnants of her sleep off of her eyes and silencing her phone's alarm with bleary eyes. She sat up and stared at nothing in particular outside her windows, seeing the usual darkness that was the Underworld.

Sunrise was never a concept down here. Everyday was dark with street lamps being the only source of illuminations along with what little light the ceiling lights provided. It was always gloomy and dank but thankfully not as cold as the Overworld due to the constant stream of Geomarrow being transported all through the town.

That, unfortunately, meant an absolute jacksh*t to Seele.

Chapter 15: Winter Space Between Light and Dark

Chapter Text

Chapter 15: Winter Space Between Light and Dark

"Overlord, Lima Two-Five."

"Lima Two-Five, Overlord. Send traffic, over."

"Lima Two-Five, requesting fire support. Prep to transmit ten digit grids, over."

"Ready, out."

"14282 89042. How copy, over?"

"14282 89042, copy all, out."

"Roger. Target infantry and light armor in the open, over."

"Target infantry and light armor, out."

"High Explosive shell, three guns in effect, four rounds, over."

"High Explosive, three guns, four rounds, out."

"Send, over."

"Send, out."

A deep shrill of high caliber shells sailing through the air made Bronya pause on her way, looking up to the heaven where a whole bunch of them flew across towards their target. Not a moment later, the wall shook as explosions tore the ground in the distance, painting the plain white snow in a hue of red and gold.

Hearing hundreds of pairs of boots thudding onto the battlefield as the Silvermane Guards filled out the protective embrace of Belobog's wall, Bronya peered down to spot a familiar head of white amongst the Guards. Despite the height of the wall, Kiana felt her stare and glanced up towards her, giving Bronya a near imperceptible nod she returned.

Her optical illusion deactivated, Bronya was like a ghost on the lifeless concrete and rebars. Watching as monsters emerged from the smokey haze that caused by the artillery fire in the far off. She summoned a pair of binoculars and zoomed in the incoming horde, frowning despite her expressionless silver behind the glass.

Various kinds of humanoids, corrupted automatons and outright monsters charged across the horizon towards them, their blazing red and freezing blue energy like a contrast to each other. Fliers filled the sky, unheeding to the merciless wind threatening to blow them off course and onto the ground.

The Silvermane Guards were quick on their feet, organizing a defensive position in mere seconds after their arrival. Bronya nodded in approval, picked herself off, and made her way to the highest vantage point on the wall.

A watchtower.

There was a howl of battlecry and it was all Bronya got before the Guards charged ahead to meet up the threats. In the meanwhile, more and more of artillery fire erupted in the rear line of the monster wave in an attempt to thin out their numbers as much as possible. Not long after, artillery batteries built in the wall also opened fire on the two winged monsters flying high over the battlefield.

Shells after shells were shot both onto the ground and into the air, the former impacting with otherworldly rumble and explosion while the latter exploded in a puff of hot shrapnel and black smoke. Both were similar in one thing only; they tore apart monster materials into shreds.

They were also not enough.

The first to meet the monsters were Kiana as she was easy enough to spot thanks to the black Void Drifter Battlesuit she chose for the occasion, followed by Silvermane shielders not a second later. The monsters, numerous and ruthless as they were, were stopped like a tidal wave on a rock and got pushed back by the heavily armored Lieutenants.

That was one thing Bronya found odd. Lieutenant was a Commissioned Officer back on Earth, meaning they shouldn't be on the battlefield like this so openly much less in the front line. But as her gaze swept on Gepard next, she understood.

Gepard was a Captain yet as they fought there was no difference at all. If anything, Gepard seemed to be far high in skill level with how easy he smashed through the monsters ranks with both precision and raw strength. His shield was both his protector and aggressor as he quite literally flattened just not one monster after leaping high upon them with it bared down.

These people fought for neither glory nor profits. They fought for survival. A better tomorrow and their continuous existence. Whatever they chose henceforth was all in their hands and they understood those hands also responsible for the people behind them. They said that often, actually, that a good soldier fought not because he hated what in front of them but because they loved what behind them. And what behind them was their family, friends and home.

They were the first and last line of defense against total destruction.

More and more call for fire resounded and Bronya turned off her earpiece, disconnecting it from her phone which was currently used to hack the Silvermane's communication, and looked around the flat interior of the tower she was in. Her eyes found what she was looking for and she hummed to herself, dragging the empty crate of weapons and bringing it to the closest window overlooking the battlefield.

Bronya sat down on it and put her binoculars on the windowsill where they then disappeared like an ash on the wind.

She had always been a great supporter. Bronya had no doubt about her fighting skill but between Mei and Kiana she was nothing in terms of sheer strength. Mei was an impeccable sword user while Kiana's Kaslana Gun-Kata made her an excellent close to medium range fighter with how versatile the fighting style was. That left Bronya to be the supporter in their dynamic, the back dealer and tactical analyzer who overlooked and planned the moves of the teammates to achieve flawless teamwork. Of course, firepower was relative. With her Truth power she could easily level the battlefield with an endless swarms of missiles or a shot of Gauss cannon that would boil through even the atmosphere with its velocity alone but it would be an overkill especially in a tight formation where friendlies and enemies mingled together like water and oil in the sink.

No, what she needed was something smaller and personal. Something that packed just as bigger punch as it was familiar. She was a supporter and what was the best supporter an army could get in the thick of the battle like this?

A sniper.

Precise, direct and swift. Those were Bronya's traits. Ones she picked up after years fighting in the merciless Siberian tundra with nobody but herself to rely on. A sniper was meant to work alone in the shade and that was what she good at.

She just knew what she would choose for this one.

Tapping back to her Truth power, Bronya's supercomputer of a brain worked quickly to lay down the detailed blueprint of the weapon she had in mind, one she memorized when she was twelve, while her Herrscher authority allowed her to bend the fabric of reality itself to her wish. First to appear was the stock, and then it went forward until the gun was fully assembled without imperfection whatsoever in her arms.

An M82A1.

Bronya unceremoniously deployed the bipod and rested it on the window. Considering what the enemy was and the distance, she wouldn't have to to worry about enemy counter sniper. Removing the scope's cap, she went ahead to adjust the range in her head, calculating based on the grid squares the Silvermane used and her position, and toggled the scope with the results.

A magazine of .50 cal BMG appeared in her free hand and Bronya slapped it onto the gun before she pulled on the charging handle, feeding the chamber with a 12.7mm Armor Piercing Incendiary, and rested her cheek on the cheek pad.

Her fingers nursed the trigger almost absently but in truth Bronya was at zen. This was her domain. This was what she good at. For years she perfected her skills in the harsh cold of post apocalypse Siberia, killing and maiming people apart with her Dragunov all the while evading enemy's counterattacks. She felt no nerves, if anything Bronya was glad her targets were anything but humans this time.

Bronya carefully took aim on her first target, a humanoid monster that resembled a Silvermane Guard so much it would've been difficult to discern from this far if not for Bronya's trained and sharp silver eyes, scooped a ball of snow into her mouth and waited.

Through her slow heartbeat and breathing, time passed almost to a crawl. She saw everything in vivid details like a hawk watching its prey. The red of the snow from the dead or dying Silvermane Guards, the darker tar like liquid similarly oozing from the dead monsters and the vicious clashes of the automatons from both sides as they sent sparks flying in the air in an attempt to turn metal into scrap.

And the smoke.

The smoke was her referral point.

A slight snap to the right to accommodate to the wind direction and its strength, Bronya exhaled. Her cold breath left not a mist so nothing obscured her view to her first victim, blissfully unaware of its doom currently staring at it. Perhaps, it had never had an intelligence to acknowledge it but either way was not an importance to her, or anyone else for that matter. In the end, they were just monsters and monsters deserved nothing but death. Death she had long been associated with.

The Silver Wolf of Urals squeezed the trigger.

A flash of lightning and a boom like thunder itself shook the tower, frozen droplets of water falling from the roof above. One fell onto the barrel of her gun before it shattered against the metal yet Bronya paid it no heed as her eyes were still set on her target.

One and half seconds. Those were the time for the bullet to hit its mark. The bullet itself had muzzle velocity of almost a kilometer per second, meaning her target was over a kilometer and half, yet Bronya hit it without a miss.

Chapter 16: Frozen and Banished

Chapter Text

Chapter 16: Frozen and Banished

"Dunn."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

The howl of the bitter winter wind drowned the world in a never ending cascade of snowfall, the cold biting deep into the flesh and bones threatening to freeze her under the thick clothes she wore. Yet the warmth in her tone was unmistakable and the voice was loud to his ears despite the noise around them.

Dunn looked down to Serval, his helmet shifting slightly down so he could meet her gaze. "It's okay. I don't mind"

He had his shield up against the turbulence, protecting Serval against the onslaught easily with his bulk and armor, as the woman ambled through the snow by his side. The hike to Everwinter Hill was long and arduous even by Silvermane standard in normal days, now with the storm coming it had become even more difficult. Dunn had worried that it would be too much for the others but they exceeded his expectations.

A few feet on his back left was Mei, looking no worse for the wear as she led the three teenagers through the heavy snow, with Seele on the rear of the group to provide lookout for them. Dan Heng walked close to March to help her every time the pinkette stumbled on something along with Stelle, ensuring March alright as they continued on their way in a steady pace.

"I didn't mean for this," Serval elaborated with a gentle knock on the inside of his shield and Dunn's attention returned to her. "I meant for helping us."

He paused at that, eying Serval and the rest through the gap of his helmet, and nodded slowly. "The Captain puts his trust on you."

But Serval was not convinced. She rolled her eyes good naturedly and smiled fondly at him. "You know that's not it."

Of course he knew. Orders were absolute and must be executed at the best behest of oneself. This time, however, he had reasons. Personal reasons. "Madam Supreme Guardian is... Was a friend," he said evenly, trying his best to hide the sting from his tone. "The time we spent together was fun. If what you said is true..."

Serval had told him about the Stellaron and its malice because Dunn deserved to know as much and he had been quiet since then. She knew what he was thinking. Serval herself had the thought when she first heard it so she allowed him the moment of clarity, the moment to process, just so he could reach his own conclusion.

Dunn was a good and honorable man. Despite his rather intimidating complexion, he was very gentle and kind to his compatriots. Something Serval had witnessed for countless times when he was a part of her band many years ago. She had no doubt that he would make a wise decision.

"You know what you have to do." He didn't say anything, at least verbally, but he did nod resolutely. Serval smiled again, this time with an obvious sign of sadness, and gently patted his gauntlet wrapped around his spear. "Thank you."

"You're always like this, you know?" Dunn began anew with a shake of his head and Serval could picture him frowning disapprovingly beneath his helmet. "I kind of dislike it."

"What do you mean?" Though, his words could be interpreted negatively, there was not a hint of disdain in it. Rather, he sounded somber and it confused Serval.

"You sticking your nose on something you shouldn't have to," he explained. "It will always end up hurting you. Be it then or even now. Nothing's changed."

"Dunn... I have my reasons. I don't want them to lose their friend like I did mine. If there's a slightest chance to prevent that then I'm willing to take it." Her eyes lowered and Serval sighed a quivering breath. "It's painful. I understand that more than anyone else."

"I might be not as close with her but she's also a friend so I understand, too. This time I will not allow you to suffer in silence again. This time I will bear the pain with you." He then sent her a glance and through the helmet Serval could see the gentle smile he had. "At least, there's two people here who know and understand why we have to help."

Serval grinned. "Lay your heart into my perfect machine."

"I will show you what you wanted to see."

She laughed then, loud and unreserved filled with warmth and appreciation towards one of her best friends. "You still remember!"

Dunn chuckled and smirked. "You kidding? That's my favourite song we've ever come up with."

"Sing it together with me, then!"

"Eh, no. You know I have a terrible vocal."

"What nonsense. Come one, there's nobody to judge! Just you and your old friend!"

"Serval, no..."

But Serval didn't listen. She was already knee deep in the song, continuing where they left out, singing with all her heart and soul. With a defeated sigh, Dunn mumbled along yet the smile he had was unmistakable. If only it was not obscured by the thick metal he wore.

Even you know

Even you know

This was all for nothing

Just a sad show

Just an ego

I suppose though

As far as I know

We were both pretending

I suppose so

The rest of the walk went in a tense silence afterwards with Dunn occasionally signaling for them to follow his every instructions with clear, easily understood details. The last thing he wanted was for them to accidentally step on one of the many fragile primordial ice surfaces and freeze to death, though he briefly wondered how much tolerance they had to begin with against the cold. So far they didn't show much aside from mild discomfort, which was a lot less than what he expected especially from people who allegedly weren't from Jarilo-VI.

Sometimes, he, Serval and Mei had to help the three teenagers cross a particularly difficult terrain and structures but aside from those moments, the travel went on smoothly and it didn't take long for them to reach the summit of Everwinter Hill.

The rocky mountain side acted as a natural barrier against the harsh snowstorm and it protected them from the harsh wind the higher they went, especially once they reached the passageway that led directly to the mountain peak with it being carved into a ravine a long time ago.

"What is this place?" Stelle asked, glancing around curiously. Dunn regarded her for a moment before answering.

"A research ground," he replied, gesturing with his head towards a mass of scraps and rusty infrastructures in one side of the mountain. A big line of pipe that seemed to run across the mountain itself. "But in the past, Everwinter Hill was one of the many military industrial sites. There was a factory here but it's long gone now."

"Do you guys go here often?"

"Of course. We patrol this place regularly to ensure no citizen is in peril."

"People go here?" March chimed in with a raised eyebrow. "I can't imagine people willingly go here for no reason."

"People sneak out of the city from time to time for various reasons. We hand out permits for those with official business but not everyone gets that privilege. Average citizens mostly are restricted from exiting the city and venturing the wilderness for safety reason."

"But people go out, still." It wasn't a question as Stelle made herself clear but Dunn nodded affirmatively nonetheless. "I kind of understand. Belobog may offer them protection but seeing the same things again and again can get a little boring."

"People are curious. Humans are curious," Dunn repeated, holding a hand in front of March and gesturing for her to walk a little to the side. He stabbed the snowy ground she almost walked on and revealed the dark, otherworldly substance of Fragmentum Corrosion underneath. "That doesn't mean they're less of a headache for us Silvermane Guards, however."

"Fragmentum Corrosion..." Seele muttered, kneeling down to examine it on the ground. The snow couldn't stick on it and it seemed a lot like the dark void of space in the white ground.

"I see figures..." Mei announced and they looked up further up the way, sure enough various humanoid shapes were visible in the mist. "More frozen Antimatter Legions? I can't feel a sign of life."

"They're long dead," Dunn informed, shaking his head. "Let's go, we're close."

They followed closely behind him. It wasn't long until the rock beneath their feet gave away into stairway, another trace from the past, and another wonder found them.

"Woah, what is that?" March wondered out loud and the group looked up.

"Is that a giant mechanical hand?" Stelle joined her, approaching the metal hand that covered the pathway almost like a tunnel. "Is there a giant robot here or something?!" She asked, suddenly excited.

Dunn chuckled at her enthusiasm. "It's the Engine of Creation which we used to build Belobog and assist on its defense in the past. And yes, it's a giant robot."

"Dude, I bet it's just like Titans in Warhammer!"

"A what?"

"Titans! They're these bipedal robots that sometimes are big enough to rival a mountain with weapons just as big." She paused then, hands on her hips. "So, is it still working?"

Dunn blinked behind his helmet, a little taken aback and confused but still managed a shrug. "Nobody really knows when it was last activated, so I'm not sure."

"What a shame," she said dejectedly, tracing her fingers over the enormous digits of the robot as they walked through them. Hers were so small they couldn't even compare. "It would be so cool to see it in action."

Chapter 17: Go Fight Against Your Fate

Chapter Text

Chapter 17: Go Fight Against Your Fate

In a blink of an eye, her world shifted as everything seemed to recede into a brilliant light, blinding her as it robbed her of her vision and senses.

Her surroundings spun and shifted, so chaotically she failed to discern the feeling she felt until a few seconds later when it all stopped just as suddenly as it started. When she blinked next, it was all thick dust. When she breathed in next, it was the smell of ozone that entered her nostrils.

Stelle felt a warm hand on her cheek then, looking up to a pair of glowing amethysts that were full of concern and hidden fury so much so it sent shivers down her spine. Next to her she heard March coughed out the dust clogging in her throat with Dan Heng covering the pinkette with his broader frame from the raining shrapnel.

"You okay?" Mei asked her and Stelle nodded, straightening up from under the cover of the older woman to look behind her.

"Well, that was terrifying," she mumbled to herself at the sight of the destruction caused by the Engine of Creation a good tens of meters or so behind Mei. It was big, bigger than the Doomsday Beast they fought at Herta Space Station, and Stelle honestly wasn't sure how they would defeat such a gigantic construct. "I'm not sure we can destroy it."

"We won't have to," Mei calmly told her, tone both reassuring and certain. "Our objective is to destroy the Stellaron and defeat Cocolia. That robot is just a tool and has no will of its own."

"It's a weapon," Dan Heng deduced for them and Mei smiled slightly despite herself. "Eliminate the master and it will be nothing but a thing."

"She's obviously controlling it," March muttered in a rare case of clarity which earned her an odd look from Stelle. "What?"

"Eh, nothing. Just a little surprised."

"At what?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Why do I feel insulted..."

Mei shook her head fondly at their antics and smiled. "In any case, we should be smart with our approach, especially with the Stellaron since we don't know what sort of defenses it has against altercations."

"Do you have a plan, Mei?" Dan Heng asked and Mei nodded.

"I do," she began, looking at the three teenagers in the eye before her gaze stopped on March. "And you're a big part of it."

All eyes landed on the pinkette who blinked owlishly at the sudden attention given to her. "Me?"

"She meant us," Stelle clarified with a sigh. "But you particularly have a big shoe to fit."

"So, that means you'll take care of the Stellaron?"

Mei nodded again, impressed by Dan Heng's tactical acumen, as she straightened up. The trio followed suit and stood up, watching Mei peering through the corner of the passageway they sheltered on to get a better view of their enemy.

Cocolia now stood on the Engine of Creation itself, elevated by a platform the Architects used to maintain the massive robot in a bygone past, as she waited in silence for them to make their move. The cold didn't bother her one bit despite the height with her lance emanating an even colder aura that matched only with her determination.

"March, go find a vantage point. Stelle, Dan Heng, you both on vanguard duty and will engage Cocolia directly. I'll try to destroy the Stellaron so that even if we fail in taking Cocolia down, our main objective will still be complete." Mei glanced back, earning nods from the three with March looking a little uncertain. She went on to reassure her. "Don't worry, just do your job and everything will be fine."

"What do you want me to do?"

Mei gestured for March to get to her side with her hand, pointing at certain parts of the Engine of Creation for the pinkette to see. "See those joints? I want you to freeze them with your ice for Stelle and Dan Heng."

"They're so big, though. I don't think my ice can freeze them for long."

"It doesn't have to be long. Just enough for them to ascend it to attack Cocolia." Mei reached for her pocket to take her earpiece, addressing the rest of the crew. "Sync your comm, we'll commence on your mark."

Each of them took their phones and connected themselves to a group call with their own earpieces set on their ears. After making sure everyone was connected, Mei tapped hers and spoke. "Comm check."

"Check."

"... Check."

"... I'd never think of this feature," Stelle mumbled to herself last, loud enough for them to hear through the earpiece. "The more you know, I guess."

"It's all about improvisation," Mei told her before she turned to March again. "Go, March. We're running out of time."

Before she could hesitate any further, March dashed away from the group. To have her friends rely on her so much was scary, but the thought of letting them down was even scarier so with that in mind she quickly got rid of her own fear to focus on her job instead. Her friends needed her and she would help them however she could.

She ran, she jumped and she climbed the harsh mountain terrain with surprising agility until she found a good spot with clear view of the Engine of Creation. It was truly a massive thing that despite the distance, it still looked big to her naked eyes. March took a deep breath to calm herself and steadily made her way to the edge of the cliff, swallowing thickly before she summoned her bow.

Her voice was a whisper, almost insignificant compared to the howl of the winter wind around her. Yet it was clear to those listen as the second it slipped through her lips, their moment of respite was met with a sudden end.

"I'm ready."

"Go."

March pulled the string of her bow and for a split second her eyes found her bloodied and bruised pale hands. The cold had numbed them she almost didn't feel a pain from her near frantic ascent but now her brain had registered the injury, a sudden sharp pang bit her and she hissed through her teeth.

Yet she didn't falter, not one bit and not for a second. Still holding the string taut, she called forth her power from deep within her, letting it well on her chest before channeling it through her blood and flesh all the way to her hands and bow. Instead of making quivers worth of arrows like usual, March focused her power to one single point, condensing it into one true strike.

A translucent arrow burst into existence, long and big unlike anything she had conjured up before. Its colors were of her eyes, a mixture of various lighter colors of blue and pink that shifted like the wind itself with its hue reflected in her own orbs, set in a determined glare as she aimed it to her target.

It was a thing of pure energy and will, created from her needs to protect those she held dear in her heart. After all, eyes are the windows of the soul and her soul was reflected well in both her eyes and strike.

A split second before those projectiles hit their marks, Mei was already ten steps ahead from Dan Heng and Stelle, moving in a literal flash of lightning across the battlefield. She saw with crystal clear clarity as the giant arrows sailed through the air, piercing snowflakes and oxygen with ease in an almost suspended movement to her eyes, and she was suddenly struck with a sudden sense of nostalgia.

Maybe it was the hair color, maybe it was the weapon of choice or even the projectiles themselves. But, as she glanced back to where March was, she was suddenly reminded of a certain pink elf she called a friend and mentor a long time ago.

Back then, she couldn't really appreciate Elysia's bubbly attitude with her recent separation with Kiana still hurting her deep yet before she knew it, that cheerful demeanor Elysia always demonstrated to the world had wormed its way into her wounded heart and helped healing her pain.

March was like that, a little less sure with herself maybe which was normal for a teenager such as herself, but Mei could see Elysia in her and her persona. Mei refrained from relating strangers with the people she knew too much because they were their own persons but the thought was there and truth be told, it had been sitting on the back of her mind since she met March.

Talking to Kiana about it was not really helping since Mei was the only one who truly knew Elysia and Bronya was out of the equation entirely because she was even more stranger to the subject which left Mei alone with her thought before, eventually, she dismissed it from her mind entirely.

That was before she met this world's versions of the people Mei knew and suddenly the thought popped back up to the front of her mind. The possibility of another versions of themselves existing in the Tree was not something she just thought but the matter of meeting them? Mei had never imagined it to be a reality.

March was not Elysia. Mei was sure of it. But the resemblances were almost uncanny especially now and it gave Mei mixed feelings whenever she looked at the former.

The first arrow hit its mark without a miss and Mei, still watching in slow motion, saw the way ice crystal bloomed on the point of impact and froze the mechanical joint. Even that reminded Mei of Elysia's crystal flower, granted the color and shape were wrong but still in her mind they still shared some resemblances.

Chapter 18: To Wake Up a Dreamer

Chapter Text

Chapter 18: To Wake Up a Dreamer

The first ray of the day break hit her in the face, penetrating through the thin layer of skin and muscle that was her eyelids and burning her still closed pupils. She groaned in a mixture of annoyance and pain, throwing a pillow to cover her face from the offending light and willing herself back to slumber.

It didn't work.

While the lethargy remained, the drowsiness had gone that even if she stayed on the bed she would only drive herself to the brink of boredom. With that in mind, she quietly sighed and threw her feet to the warm floor, blinking rapidly to adjust her eyes on the new brightness.

The golden glow of the morning sun filtered through the windows, painting the room in a beautiful light it had never been in in her entire life. The last bit made her pause and snort as she made her way to her dresser mirror to prepare herself for the day.

Grabbing a brush, she made a short work on her hair, purple eyes set on an equally purple strand on top of her head that somehow always found a way to defy her attempt to smooth it. It stood upright if not a little bit curled, as if to mock her of her inability to wrestle it down together with its peers. She huffed, giving up because some things weren't meant to change, before she made her way out of her bedroom.

Down the stairs she went and straight to her kitchen where all kinds of foods awaited her on the table, each equally enticing as it was delicious. The scents alone were heavenly to her nose and it made her stomach rumble yet she lacked the enthusiasm to really appreciate them.

She grabbed a small plate and put a little bit of the food on it. As much as it unsettled her, there was no point on hogging them all like she would in the Underworld where a loaf of bread could cost someone a limb or even a life. Here everything was available in abundance. No more fighting, no more struggling and no more hating.

Seele had accepted this new routine rather quickly. A little hard to do otherwise because she didn't have a choice on the matter anymore. It wasn't a bad life, all things considered, because it was everything she ever dreamed of.

Her foods never ran out, similarly to all the other necessities in the house. The broken pipe in her bathroom was now a pristine stainless steel, her sofa was as soft as new and her refrigerator had finally stopped sounding like a rat was having a stroke whenever she opened it. That was only to name a few. She was sure all else were just as good.

Yet, she felt nothing.

Dropping the half finished meal onto the sink, she quietly made her way to her bathroom, not even bothering to do her dishes because they would be cleansed the next morning anyway. She quickly stripped out of her clothes and walked under the shower, turning the faucet to cold just so she could feel something aside from nothing.

It worked, somewhat, as she hissed from the massive difference in temperature as the cold water hit her bare skin, running down in rivers until they slipped down her feet and into the drain.

She rested her head against the wall and closed her eyes.

Ten minutes later she emerged back to her kitchen, not even bothering to cover herself as she made her way back to her room. Why would she when there was nobody that could possibly catch her in the nude? The only living things outside were some animals she had never seen before and trees. Actual green trees and grass and not just some dead trunks.

It was fascinating, sure. But on the second day it grew old rather quickly.

Finishing up in her more casual clothes, she grabbed her gardening tools on her way out to tend on her flowers. The only thing she found still remotely entertaining to do at this point. Seele opened her front door, squinted her eyes when the morning sun shone directly into her eyes and maneuvered herself towards her little garden.

She did everything she usually did. Pulling off the budding weed from the ground, trimming the overgrown parts of the flowers and fertilizing the soil. The only difference was that she did it all with deliberate slowness, if not to fit her general mood then to kill the time, knowing full well she had nothing else to do afterwards.

Seele sought respite. She was human and it was normal. But even in her days, she hardly took any break for more than a day. Life in the Underworld was harsh and it required constant keeping, a job she took gladly, that even when she was off duty she would've to keep an eye out still.

Here, everything was fine. Here, she could simply rest and Seele hated it. She had no more worries here which was why she hated it. Seele lived her life worrying about a lot of things and in a place where nothing was to worry, she found herself agitating. It simply didn't sit well with her.

Well, that life is over now and this is where I am.

She spent her day like that, tending on her garden while trying to not dwell on the past for much. It was futile. She was hopeless to do anything about it now that she's here where her worldly ties were severed already. Her duty had ended, her time had run out.

She was no longer burdened.

Hours later she found herself sitting under a tree, back against the bark with an arm supported by her folded knee while her other hand held a cup of warm tea.

It was the color of the sunset that reflected on her purple orbs as she gazed at the sea, an open book on her lap she couldn't bother to see. She tried to find new hobbies with one being finally reading her collection of books Natasha and Oleg gifted her in the past but she couldn't bring herself to focus on the words printed on the paper, losing her attention almost immediately the moment she switched paragraph. That alone was a miracle, for her to open a book like this since she hardly read any form of literature.

That fact alone meant she had finally run out of things to do.

So here she was now. Sitting against a tall tree by her house, gazing at the sea absently as the sun settled over the horizon. Another oddity of this place which being the sun that rise and set at the same direction. Always over the sea and nowhere else.

Seele took a sip of her tea and sighed, closing the book and letting it fall from her lap as she slid down further until she laid on the ground with her hands crossed under the back of her head. A cool breeze washed over her from the sea, carrying with it a scent she was unfamiliar with until the first time she was here as it ruffle the leaves and branches above her. It was salty unlike the taste of artificial salt used in Belobog, a true scent of the sea that nobody could truly describe. A few books that spoke about it was borderline fantasy since nobody truly knew the real thing anymore.

Seele knew now, yet in the lonesome she couldn't share the knowledge to anyone but herself.

Her tea had gone cold with the passing time while the sun had disappeared below the sea line, in its place was the full moon that rose unto the sky. A silver glow from the moon bathed her form and her purple hair seemed to shine under it, framing her face amidst the green grass.

Seele closed her eyes and breathed out.

A soft crunch to her side made her open them again, looking over to it she couldn't help but to widen her eyes when a figure stood beside her. Alerted, Seele sat up and instinctively put her guard down as the figure turned around to face her.

It was a young man, probably around her age from the look of it, whose smile was friendly and warm.

"Hello," he greeted. "How are you?"

Mouth agape, it took Seele a few minutes to find her voice. "What the hell? Who are you?!"

"My name is not important, just know that I mean no harm. It's not possible any longer." He glanced around the area then, smile never disappearing. "I see you accommodating well."

"... I thought I was alone," Seele muttered and the man chuckled.

"Oh, everyone is here. Those you knew and you didn't," he paused for a second as he regarded Seele. "Mind if I join you?"

"Suit yourself."

"Thank you."

He sat down beside her, still keeping a respectable distance from her. Perhaps, he felt her distrust towards him from the way her hard gaze was set on him. "You said I knew and didn't. Which one are you?"

"The former."

"I don't remember you."

"Oh you do. You watched me die."

"I watched a lot of people die."

"But none as haunting as my death to you."

The way he said it sent shivers up Seele's spine, as if he was just talking about the weather or some dumb crap that fell on the casual talk category and not the most important event of someone's life besides their birth. "When? Where?"

"A long time ago. I was a fragile old man lying on my death bed after losing a fight against a young girl over a sip of water," he explained and Seele's eyes widened in realization. Sensing her emotions, his smile turned sad. "Said young girl had the misfortune of watching me die by the window pane."

"Oh..." Seele remembered. In fact, she remembered it with crystal clear clarity. It was the day she learned the notion to share and all it took was her inadvertently killing someone because she simply wouldn't. "What, do you want an apology?"

"No." Seele blinked, taken off guard by the offhanded response. "I want to apologize."

"... What?"

"I want to apologize," he repeated. "For what I did to you."

She frowned. "But, you didn't do anything wrong?"

Chapter 19: Let My Shadow Stand by Your Side

Chapter Text

Chapter 19: Let My Shadow Stand by Your Side

As expected, Oleg came on the first sign of daybreak to visit her the next morning, hair and beard still a little damp from the shower he took and smelling fresh amidst the sterile stench of medicine.

He immediately pulled her into a half hug after giving her a greeting, his other hand occupied with her clothes he brought for her, while Seele had to put aside her tray of food lest she wanted it to be squeezed between them. There was no words spoken but the way he held her was enough for Seele to understand.

"Morning, chief," she replied softly as she patted his back with her own free hand, smiling. "Sorry for the trouble."

The double implications weren't lost on Oleg who proceeded to give her a squeeze before pulling back, as if to make sure she was real, while his hand grabbed on her shoulder instead. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're okay."

"I'm fine," she shoved another bite of her breakfast into her mouth which made Oleg release her entirely to let her eat unhindered. "Sorry to make you worry. How's everyone, though?"

Oleg studied her for a moment before he smiled, finally putting down her clothes on the bed beside Seele. "We have never been better. Foods and aids are coming steadily and everyone can finally reunite with their family. All thanks to Madam Supreme Guardian."

"Good," she nodded approvingly between bites. "As expected from Bronya."

"She's certainly wise, especially for a woman her age."

Seele hummed as she finished the last of her food. It wasn't exactly tasteful but she had had worse and it was far from the worst thing she had eaten, far better in fact she could easily ignore the less than stellar taste. It would be hell on earth before she ever waste food, anyway. "Yeah," she gestured at the blue armband around his left arm with a raised eyebrow, asking "What's that?"

He glanced at it and chuckled. "Just something the Silvermane came up with. They couldn't blitz through the Underworld with the distrust still in the air so they let us Wildfire take care of things as usual. This so we're recognized when we're in the Overworld as an ally."

"Huh, neat. You seem rather proud, by the way."

"Is it that obvious?"

Seele rolled her eyes good naturedly and smiled. "Oh, yeah. What with the smile and all."

"Maybe I'm just happy knowing you're alright?" Seele snorted, though it lacked any malice as she sent Oleg a playful huff. He grinned and proceeded to pat her in the head affectionately. "I really am, kiddo. You have no idea how freaked out we were when we caught the news, especially your brother."

She shrugged halfheartedly. "It's not like I could help it."

"Still, you should go talk to everyone when you can."

Seele nodded slowly, leaning on Oleg's touch almost instinctively. He was the first person she had ever opened her heart for and their relationships ran deeper than the frozen rivers of Jarilo-VI, warmer than the bare sunlight of the planet, too. "I will, chief. Don't worry about it."

But from the way he looked at her told the opposite. Concern and weariness lingered in his gaze as his hand slid down to her cheek, caressing the soft and warm skin there with his calloused palm before, eventually, he sighed explosively and suddenly Oleg seemed a decade older to Seele.

"You're the closest I have to a daughter," he started tenderly, still looking at her in the eye. "When my wife died many years ago, she took with her our daughter. Seeing you grow up filled the void they left behind and with it comes the joy of a father."

She inhaled and put her hand on top of his, squeezing it softly in a comforting manner. "I know. You told me this before."

"I suppose. However, I think it's also important for you to understand how precious you are to me, to everyone dear to you, and that your actions really shook us." A frown graced her lips, so quick and fleeting yet to Oleg's trained eyes it might have been permanent. He knew Seele for a better part of her life so he was well accustomed to her expressions, no matter how small and imperceptible they were.

He shook his head and continued, smiling again but this time with a great amount of pride. "No, I do not disprove of your deeds. In fact, I was very proud of you and your selflessness in the face of great perils. Your actions have probably saved Belobog and everyone from certain doom and for that I am pleased, pleased that you've known the importance of life and the need to protect it."

Oleg stepped back then, warm hand slipping free as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You've grown into a fine woman, incredible in feat and deed we taught you. Yet, when I received the news I felt nothing but great sadness and despair."

Her gaze fell and for the first time she felt the weight of her actions on her shoulders, how deep the consequences could have been or how terrible they might have been to those around her. At that time, she felt nothing but the urgency to help Bronya and nothing else seemed to matter but now the dust had settled, it was truly frightful to think.

Though she was familiar with death, she was never one to be its subject for obvious reason. She didn't know dying could be so scary despite her acceptance that she would one day experience it herself. Maybe, if she was the only one affected by it she wouldn't be as caring but life granted connections and when those connections were severed with said life, things tended to be put into perspectives. It was akin to tearing the heartstrings apart, invisible to the naked eyes but the pain was there.

"I did what I had to do," and it was no excuse either. Saying she had no choice would simply be incorrect because Seele chose to help. She was committed to it, to everything even the risk, so she could save someone she truly found worthy to save. All the years she lived, she did so for herself and nobody else but now someone was more important than her meager existence showed herself, she gladly laid down her life to protect her and her beliefs. "I'm sorry for making you worry but I regret none of it."

Maybe just a little but it was none for herself. She regretted it had to come to that, she regretted for the sake of everyone around her who was affected because, at the end of the day, she was just one woman and the world didn't revolve around her. Even if she had died, everyone would eventually move on and forgot about her.

"As you should," Oleg nodded approvingly, tender and proud, making Seele look up. "I know you care not about honor or valor the Silvermane Guards hold, nor fame or wealth a lot of people desire. What you did was pure kindness done out of necessity and that is the highest form of sacrifice one could achieve in their life." He shook his head fondly, "you know, if the Guards caught a wind of your deed they would seek you out and give you the Qlipoth's Sigil of Defense and you could live for free for the rest of your life. The city is obliged to fulfill every of your needs henceforth."

Seele made a face and snorted dismissively while Oleg chuckled, fully expecting her response. "Yeah, no. That sounds neat but I'll have to pass. Everything has a price and being famous is the last thing I want. I'd rather be dead than to have people flocking on me like they would a celebrity or some sh*t, honestly."

A pause as the father-daughter duo related in everything but blood stared at one another until finally Oleg bursted out laughing, followed by Seele who shared the same sentiment. However they thought about it, the image of Seele being hailed and paraded around the city was an amusing one especially with the knowledge that Seele would be frowning her hostile frown the entire time due to her disdain to the predicament. That alone would scare half the people, probably.

"In any case," Oleg began after catching his breath, finally calming down though the grin was still audible in his tone. "You were right for what you did and you should be proud of yourself. I couldn't ask for a better daughter myself."

The meaning behind those words were as warm as it was saddening. She knew that the man before her had gone through a lot in life and thus was very familiar with loss of loved ones. Natasha might have witnessed more deaths than they both combined, but Oleg's experience was more personal that even before he was a Wildfire, he had lost a lot comrades in-arms in his duty as a Silvermane Guard.

"Yeah," she simply said with a smile. Oleg hated it when she discredit herself so she took it all with open heart knowing he did approve of her. "And I couldn't have asked for a better mentor and caretaker, too."

He taught her the way of life and the necessity of connections when all she knew was how to bite and whatnot. Everyone worth their life knew how to fight in the Underworld but not everyone understood what bond was. Not like she could blame them since that too was understandable, at least in her eyes with all that ugliness she had witnessed.

It was only when Oleg took her in did Seele understood that there was always a bigger picture to everything. Sure, if one was to think everything didn't matter as long as one could live and survive for the rest of their life but then came the question; How long until that?

Chapter 20: New Stories Have Yet to Start

Chapter Text

Chapter 20: New Stories Have Yet to Start

Who are those little girls in pain, just trapped in castle of dark side of moon.

Twelve of them shining bright in vain, like flowers that blossom just once in years.

The blizzard was thick that night, just like that time she returned to her home after learning the truth her mother had so precariously hidden from her and the world. A secret that, by intentions, had secured Belobog and its future for generations, even if it's a false one.

Neither Bronya or Seele said a word, the former quietly munching on her food while the latter watched her under a careful gaze from a chair near Bronya's nightstand. Seele's eyes were stern but not unkind, silently imploring Bronya to eat and finish her food.

She had to after Bronya refused to eat, saying that she lacked the appetite to eat anything at the moment, which made Seele mad just from listening the excuse.

"You know damn well how precious foods are so you better not be wasting any. "

Seele had snapped at Bronya, feeling terrible when the woman flinched in fear from her tone only to push said feeling away a second later. She did what she needed and if she had to hurt herself to make sure Bronya was fine, then she would do it.

But in the end, it was a near futile endeavor. Bronya stopped after the fifth bite and put her meal down, head casted low and away from Seele's gaze. Try as she might, no matter how hard she swallowed the food would always try to push back up her throat, rejected by the body and its wounded soul.

Seeing this, Seele sighed and put her leg down from its crossed position, the soft thump making Bronya jumped slightly as it sounded like thunder in the quiet. She heard Seele approaching before the bed creaked and dipped under her weight beside Bronya.

Seele gently picked the small box of food, took a spoonful of its content and motioned it for Bronya. "Come on, now. It's only a few bites left."

She should've been embarrassed but Bronya hardly felt anything to really care if someone spoon-fed her her foods, moreso in the safety of her chamber where nobody could judge her in her most vulnerable moment. Seele had promised her that and Bronya believed she would keep her promises.

Opening her mouth, she caught a glimpse of grin on Seele's lips as she shoved the spoon into Bronya's mouth, giggling. "You really are a baby, are you?"

"I'm sorry," Bronya apologized and went to take the food from Seele's hands only to blink in surprise when Seele pulled her hands away from her reach.

"I didn't say I mind," again with the grin, only this time more noticeable. "Don't you indulge on this kind of thing, princess?"

"What kind of thing?" Bronya asked back as she swallowed the food and almost immediately Seele shoved another spoonful into her mouth.

"Being pampered, I mean. You lots like to give the most mundane of jobs to the peasants, right? Anything to keep your hands clean? But, ah, who am I kidding, you're a soldier first and foremost so it's unlike you to shy away from labor, either."

Bronya thought over it for a second before she shrugged weakly. While there's people like that out there, she wasn't one. Besides the ethical reasons, Bronya didn't like wasting resources if she could do something herself. "Why would I?"

Seele chuckled. "Why would you, indeed."

Soon, the box was emptied. Thanks to Seele's attempt at smalltalk Bronya managed to distract herself and suppressed the bile in her throat from rising again. Seele carried the now empty box with her and put it on Bronya's dresser, sitting down on her previous position on the chair.

"Have you eaten yet?" Bronya asked Seele after taking a little sip of water.

"Yeah, I've had my fill." Which was almost twelve hours ago and Seele was now positively starving after so many time passed. Not that she would tell Bronya that knowing she would send her away to eat. Besides, holding back hunger wasn't something new, anyway, so Seele easily ignored her needs for now. "Serval made something interesting."

"You've had meal with Serval?"

Seele hummed and nodded. "She had a few things she wanted to tell me. She also fixed my phone." Deliberately leaving the this morning part out, Seele shrugged in what she hoped was a nonchalant shrug to Bronya. "Honestly, she's such a kind person."

A small smile bloomed on Bronya's face, the first one Seele saw after coming over. "I know she is."

Seele grinned. "She also told me some very interesting things, though my favourite would be the one about a Bunny and a Wolf in the vast castle."

Bronya flushed, inciting a laugh from Seele. "I can't believe she told you that."

"It was kind of sweet. Who knew you could be very unruly as a child."

"I caused Mother and Serval so much troubles back then."

"Was it true, though? That you climbed a flagpole once in your game of hide and seek with Serval?"

"It was." Seele laughed again and Bronya joined her a second later, unable to keep up the pretense. She still remembered that day when she scaled the top of Qlipoth Fort and climbed said flagpole like it was yesterday, that and the pure terror on the Guard's and Serval's faces when they found her hugging the pole for dear life. "Not my proudest accomplishment."

"I'd be very proud of myself, honestly."

"Well, when you're an heir of a great power with even greater expectations put on you it is important for you to not be selfish about yourself. What I did was a selfish act that endangered not just myself but also the future of Belobog."

"You were just a kid. Kids make mistakes."

"That might be true."

"Might? It is true," Seele said, rolling her eyes. "Cut yourself some slack here and there, everyone makes mistakes even as an adult."

"But a Supreme Guardian cannot," Bronya said matter-of-factly and Seele fell silent. "We live not for just ourselves but also others, what we choose will affect everyone."

"The sum is always greater than its parts..."

Bronya hummed and nodded. "And I am an important part in the dynamic."

Being the Supreme Guardian was a solemn duty she had sworn to carry, even far since she was young she knew that she would be one in the future. It's just that Bronya never expected she would inherit the title from her mother this way.

In the bygone past, back when her mother's warmth was still radiated in abundance, she had caught a glimpse of what it was about. As she grew up, it only got clearer and clearer until it was all she'd known. Bronya understood the burden and responsibility of a leader, joining the Silvermane Guards and subsequently being their Commandant served only to further increase her understanding of the role. That said, while prepared in theory, nothing could've actually prepared her for the actual thing.

Just a week ago everything seemed normal with her mother in charge but now here she was, leading her people in her own light. Bronya hoped that it was sufficient, that all she did was right and just so far, and she had reasons to be once she was told about the Underworlders and their recent predicaments. Still, it was but a small step and it would only get harder therefore.

She was on the right track, but bumps were inevitable in the future and nothing she could do but brace and wait until they actually revealed themselves to her watchful eyes.

"Hey," Seele said softly and Bronya looked up, noticing the unease in her purple eyes. "I tried asking people about you and your mother."

"Yes?"

"I still don't understand."

"What you don't understand?"

"How it feels to have a mother," Seele's gaze dropped down and in a much smaller voice she added "and how it feels losing her."

Bronya grimaced. "I'm sorry, it must have been difficult."

"You don't get it. I'm not worry about me. I never have one so I don't really care about mine." A sigh as Seele slumped down on her chair, fingers absently drumming her thighs as she gazed at the ceiling in thought. "I wanted to understand so I could at least offer you some words, maybe condolences even but I simply couldn't. When I think about Cocolia, all I feel is dissent and disgust."

Seele shrugged helplessly and continued with a snort. "So here I am, cussing over your dead mother who you obviously loved."

"I don't blame you," Seele blinked and looked back towards Bronya, raising an eyebrow while Bronya tiredly rubbed her eyes. "I heard the whispers even before I went to the Underworld and saw the truth myself. At first, I simply dismissed them for normal discontents but it was only after meeting you I understood that they purposefully lowered their voices around me in fear of reprisals."

Seele sat up straight with a scowl. "... do you remember what I told you? About not letting others tell you what to do?"

"I do," Bronya admitted, a small smile gracing her lips before it was gone just as quick. "It was when we promised each other."

"I was wrong."

"Huh?"

Chapter 21: To Taste the Love and Pain

Chapter Text

Chapter 21: To Taste the Love and Pain

"I don't understand."

"Hm?"

"I don't understand why I have to be here."

Bronya stared at the person on the other end of the call, warm silver meeting a pair of confused red through the screen. Though the pools of crimson wine reflected nothing but bewilderment, a hint of annoyance and irk were also visible beneath the surface, swimming deep and concealed except for Bronya whose eyes were trained and well to see it just there.

It was a skill honed not from training, hell it was easier to learn to spot a hare in a tundra than those emotions. No, it was a skill born from experience and experience alone for no amount of training could allow someone to really understand others.

A trial by fire and one Bronya struggled to pass due to her own inability to process emotions. If it weren't for Seele, she doubted she could understand her other self so deeply.

They shared the same face, same traits and habits it was a good start for Bronya to learn about this Seele. In the past, she had feared for that Seele when she told her there exist an entity in her body whose goal was unknown. The fact said entity seemed to be as destructive as Honkai in nature justified her distrust to her, at least until she learned about her more.

Bronya loved her as much as she loved that Seele. There's no denying it. After everything, it was clear that she's not a bad person but rather the contrary. Her fierce persona hid the kindness of her heart and her harsh words held nothing but unfiltered truth. She was pure that way and Bronya couldn't help but to love her, too.

Not that she would brag about it especially to Kiana. That one time she caught them being a little adventurous was a time Bronya wouldn't forget because Kiana kept reminding them of it each time she had the chance. Besides, both Seeles liked to keep things between them where they could whisper sweet nothings in the comfort of their bed unlike Kiana and Mei who were so open with their display of affection, something Bronya herself preferred.

"Well..." Bronya drawled, a sly grin flashing on her face before it disappeared just as quick. "Maybe because I simply want to talk with you?"

Seele snorted, her voice slightly distorted as she entered an elevator. "Then talk. All you did was stare at me the whole damn time."

"Can I not admire the view?" She said with a shrug, earning a huff from Seele.

"You've been around Kiana for too long and it shows."

"What does she have to do with this?"

"Because she's super cheesy and all that crap with Mei. Come on, do you even realize how lame that was?"

"But it's the truth?"

Seele rolled her eyes good naturedly and huffed. "Yeah, whatever." She paused then as the elevator door slid open and Bronya, through the call, noticed that she was now in some sort of a hallway Bronya herself had been so familiar with. "So, why am I here?"

"I've already told you the reason," Bronya explained gently for the nth time that day, though this time she let honesty bleed into her tone as she locked her eyes with Seele's red ones. "I wanted to talk with you."

She must have seen it because Seele didn't retort and instead fall silent as she pondered on Bronya's confession. Sighing, Seele ran a hand through her red mane and scowled, though it directed to nobody in particular. "You know I don't like her, right? And I'm not that girl. She might be blaming herself for what happened but I'm not. I just plain hate her, simple as."

"I know," Bronya admitted softly. "And I understand. I'm sorry for being selfish."

"It's fine," Seele dismissed her apology with a shake of her head. "Besides, we haven't talked much recently with how busy you were. And no, your talks with Seele don't count because all you guys speak about is work and more work. Honestly, you ought to be grateful she's kind enough to deal with your problems but knowing Seele she's definitely happy to be of help to you so it's good, I guess."

"She's kind that way."

"Mhm. She's always like that."

"I can say the same about you, though."

"I'm not like that."

"No, but similar enough while you both have your own ways in expressing your kindness." She offered with a smile. "You're unique that way."

The redhead before her was different than her other self and Bronya had learned to view them as such a long time ago. In a way, they were twins with their own traits Bronya was grateful she had enough love to share with them both.

Their relationships were never complicated because they loved each other equally, though she admitted that sometimes it could be difficult to express her feelings to the two Seeles without making the other feel left out. Fortunately, Kiana was there to offer her some advices at the expense of Bronya having to listen to the Kaslana and her teasing. Kiana had more experience about love life that even Bronya acknowledged, which again she would never tell on her face even if someone were to put her at gunpoint.

It was also thanks to both Seeles, however, that it could work. They understood her more than Bronya understood herself, always caring and taking things at a pace they both were comfortable with when it come to Bronya. Luck was a variable Bronya hated to put into the equation but there was no denying that she was very lucky to have Seeles as her better halves.

Even right now she could see the way Seele was staring at her. Scrutinizing and searching through her warm silver eyes like an experienced diver just to find the glimmer of something beneath her pools. Like her namesake, she understood human's soul like nobody else and with her eyes being the windows to it, it didn't take long for Seele to find the compassion there.

They would argue that the other Seele was better at it but Bronya's belief was firm that they both were equally just as skilled. Ignoring the fact that this Seele would often water down her honesty, she was still Seele and they all shared the same traits.

Bronya smiled briefly at that, remembering another Seele she just only met a few days ago. An interesting individual in her eyes that each time Bronya saw her, she could feel the adoration reserved for her own beloveds only. She couldn't help it. With the way she carried herself, it was like looking at a combination of her own Seeles and the result was very interesting, being both familiar and foreign at the same time.

When she confessed her feelings to the other Seele, her dearest had been amused while Bronya felt nothing but embarrassment. Bronya knew that Seele wouldn't get jealous or anything like that with how open the three of them were to each other but she still felt a little anxiety and worry which turned to be for nothing.

Bronya had expected Seele's reaction, though. At least somewhat. Both her girls loved to tease her with the other Seele being on the more mild side of it but nevertheless, and Bronya loved nothing more than to indulge them.

Still, it was a shame that Belobog Seele didn't remember their first meeting. It seemed that, although her soul was strong, it wasn't strong enough to completely negate the effect of the Sea and her memory of it was washed away in its dark current. Perhaps, it was for the best. Nobody should know what was on the other side besides Death itself. Even Kiana purposefully erased her memory of it after each encounter with the afterlife, understanding the sacrilege it might bring forth.

"Regrets are the roots of misuse," Kiana once said during the graduation of a fresh batch of St. Freya Valkyries in her speech, giving them a glimpse of a woman who had gone through so much in so little. They all knew that beneath her idiotic tendency was a healed scar that told thousands of lessons but nobody knew it better than Bronya and Mei. "And in misuse regrets are born. Powers don't equal absolute authority, otherwise it will be a tyranny. Acknowledge that your actions don't just affect yourself but also the world around you, so be wise with your choice."

She finished with "I spent a whole night thinking on what to say and almost forgot about it because my Mei is there. Thanks for the distraction, babe, you're so perfectly stunning standing there." Which not just ruined the solemn mood but also gave Mei the darkest shade of red Bronya had ever seen on her face from the embarrassment. The Kaslana had quite the laugh back then but oddly enough Kiana never brought it up again, even more odd considering Kiana loved to babble about her wife at any time possible. Whenever Bronya mentioned it, Kiana would blush deep crimson and shut up instantly which gave her a new meta to silence the Kaslana.

Mei also muttered "She has been taken care of," the first time Bronya asked her about it before she caught herself and smiled innocently at Bronya. Whatever those two were up to, Bronya had no interest in knowing.

Kiana had always been like that so Bronya simply rolled her eyes while the rest of the students who weren't as familiar with the white haired woman and her antics stood dumbfounded trying to process the massive curve she threw their way so offhandedly. Still, what she told them was true to her heart and Bronya knew that it wasn't meant for others only.

Kiana had the power to alter reality and bring back what was lost to the world. It would have been so easy, so simple even, but so risky in and on itself.

Chapter 22: For One to Memorize

Chapter Text

Chapter 22: For One to Memorize.

The gentle chime of her alarm clock roused March from her slumber, pulling her back to reality and away from yet another dreamless sleep. She slowly turned and shifted on her bed to deactivate the alarm before sinking back onto her pillow face first and sighing on the soft material.

"Ugh..." She groaned quietly after a minute, finally turning around to face the ceiling with bleary eyes. Blinking rapidly, she pressed her hands over her eyes and rubbed them, attempting to get rid of the rest of her sleep.

Rolling over to the edge of her bed, she put her foot onto the floor and hissed at the coldness, sending shivers up her spine and waking her up further. Putting her other foot down, she blindly sought for her phone on the nightstand where she left it to charge the last night. It took her a few tries to locate it, nearly dropping it to the floor when she accidentally pulled on the cord of her charger instead.

The light from the screen practically blinded her in the dim room and the pinkette couldn't help but to close her eyes again out of instinct. Squinting her eyes with yet another hiss, she lowered the brightness first before turning on the light of her bedroom with her phone.

With her eyes finally adjusted to the light, she could finally stand up without worrying on tripping on her feet or other objects scattered about her room. She glanced at the clock again, seeing that she'd woken up precisely 30 minutes before their estimated time of arrival to their destination and hummed to herself.

Silently, she went to make her bed and do the rest of her morning routine, taking a quick shower and dressing up for the upcoming journey. It was moment like this she was grateful of her short hair since it meant she didn't have to spend too much time drying it after shower without sacrificing its health and beauty, a fact the pinkette was proud of as she stared at herself through the reflection in the mirror.

"Today is a great day," she said with a smile to her reflection and it returned right back to her with all the warmth and eagerness. "Let's do our best!"

Next, March went to the small fridge she kept in her room where she stored left over food and drinks for breakfast only to pause right as she was about to open it.

"Oh, right..." Her smile broadened and she straightened up. "Mei said she's making breakfast today."

The thought of the older woman's cooking made her stomach rumble and March took it as a cue to go to the Express' kitchen right at the rearmost carriage. It was where the other miscellaneous facilities were including a small training room and a gym for the Crew and Passengers to utilize, though they rarely saw use nowadays besides for Welt and Dan Heng routine training.

March herself trained every now and then, but compared to Dan Heng it was almost insignificant. For some reason, he would spend a lot of time in the training room when he wasn't sleeping or indexing their recent journey. Once, she caught him training in the middle of the night on her way for some midnight snacks and when March asked her about it, his answer was a simple "I couldn't sleep."

Of course, it made her worry but Dan Heng didn't budge an inch when March asked her about the reason. Instead, he gentle urged her to carry on and knowing Dan Heng it was the closest he would tell her to mind her own business, even if he didn't explicitly tell her that.

She had asked Welt about it out of concern yet his answer was just as curt, albeit with a hint of sadness.

"I'm sorry, March. But I can't answer that. It's his right to tell you."

March stopped bringing the subject up afterwards but she hadn't stopped worrying about Dan Heng. She could not help it. He was a friend, a family even. The closest she could get as a brother despite how unfamiliar the concept itself to her.

He had kept her safe in countless circ*mstances and his small gestures of kindness were hard to forget. Dan Heng might not be vocal about it but he cared for them in his own way. He was the kind of person who would wordlessly pass the salt over during dinners, or doubtlessly stand in front of impending dangers if it meant protecting those he cherished, and she knew that he cherished them.

March wanted Dan Heng to know how much he meant to her, to everyone else, and that all his good deeds touched them the way only he could provide. She wanted to return the gesture which was why March had been trying and worrying over him.

At the same time, she understood that everyone had a past. She might have forgotten hers but Dan Heng's was a mystery in itself since he never talked about it. Still, she took Welt's advice and refused to pry on it knowing it was something he had to decide and tell himself. Respecting that decision alone was one of the ways to return his kindness.

Lost in thought, the pinkette arrived at the kitchen without her noticing until she stood right on the doorway. The moment the door slid open, she was greeted by a smell so good it immediately caused her mouth to water and pulled her from her reverie. She blinked, seeing Mei washing the dish with Kiana sitting behind the dinner table playing on her phone.

Mei turned to face her when she heard the door open, smiling softly at the younger girl. "Good morning, March," she greeted warmly. "Come sit. I've saved up your portion for you."

"Huh?"

"Everyone has had their fill," Kiana informed as she threw March a glance before returning her attention to her phone. "You're a little late."

"Wait, what?" March responded, baffled. She had made sure to wake up earlier than usual today and she was sure nobody should have been awake at this hour already. "That soon?"

"Well, it seemed everyone was eager to try Mei's food." Kiana groaned out loud and dropped her phone on the table in frustration, failing to clear yet another stage in her game, before she sighed and grinned at Mei as the latter put March's breakfast onto the table. "Although, I can't really blame them for it, can I?"

Mei leaned over and bopped Kiana's nose with her index finger. "Didn't you say you're going to talk to Himeko?" Mei reminded her and Kiana laughed.

"Right," Kiana stood up then, pocketing her phone. "I'll see you in the Parlor Car."

"Mhm."

"Enjoy your food, March. I know I enjoyed mine."

"Thanks."

"Did you sleep well?" Mei asked her next just as she sat down on the chair, putting a glass of milk for her to drink.

"I did. How about you?"

"I've always had great sleep with Kiana around," Mei admitted, sitting down herself right across of March. "That's not something I got a lot back home."

March frowned, hearing the longing in Mei's voice. "What do you mean?"

The woman didn't answer right away. She gestured at March with a dip of her head to eat and March obliged. After watching the pinkette's eyes brighten at the explosion of taste from the first scoop only did she answer. "Kiana... was away for a better part of our lives. A few years prior to our wedding, she had to stay on the Moon and with lives catching up to the rest of us after the war we didn't get much time together either. We did visit her every now and then but, well..." Mei chuckled bitterly then, obviously remembering something rather unpleasant.

March slowed down on her munching, studying the older woman before her with sympathetic gaze. It seemed that, despite her power and might she was still a woman with her own worries and weaknesses. A normal human, even if she bore the power befitting a goddess.

March decided she didn't like seeing Mei sad.

"Then, I suppose it's a good thing that you both are here now, right? With us?"

Mei laughed merrily at that, once again leaning forward but this time to wipe the sauce marring March's cheek, earning an embarrassed blush from the girl who had been practically wolfing down the food. "You're very kind, March."

"Not as kind as you," March mumbled but Mei shook her head in disagreement.

"Don't sell yourself short like that. We aren't much different. I've met plenty of people in my life and taught all sort of students. Being a teacher means knowing your students and dare I say I have a very good grasp on someone's personality because of it."

"What do you think of us, then?"

"Well..." Mei trailed off, crossing her fingers over the table and giving the question a serious consideration. "Stelle seems like she does what she wants as long as it is entertaining and interesting, which I think stems from her blatant curiosity to things around her. That's a good thing, actually, even if she sometimes can be a little questionable."

The last bit was a joke, delivered with a sly smile towards March who chuckled in silent agreement. She knew how odd Stelle could be, often catching her staring at something for to long as if to ponder the existence of said something. But she also knew a lot of stuff thanks to it, including some formulas she saw in a passing from Herta Space Station. Her memory was rather impressive, which was probably why she had been agonizing over her forgotten past even if she wasn't vocal about it.

"She kind of reminds me of Kiana back in the day. Minus the attention span," Mei continued with a chuckle.

"They both were alike? No wonder they get along very well."

Chapter 23: Life Blooms Like a Flower

Chapter Text

Chapter: Life Blooms Like a Flower.

Ironically, the first sign of life they found on their way was not alive at all. Although, technically it was more alive than most things, it lacked everything describing a living being.

Mainly the ability to think besides rabid, unfiltered rage.

It was a thing of hideous abomination of what was formerly a man, mutilated beyond recognition besides its most basic form. Its arms were transformed into two sharp, golden blades and its body was covered with similarly colored flowers that constantly emitted some sort of pollen around it, giving an illusion that the thing was divine in this mortal realm.

But that was all to it. It was a thing, a creature stripped of everything except its basic nature. It knew no thought aside destruction and its divinity was nothing but a trick.

Kiana made a mistake by calling it out, right before Himeko could stop her.

What happened next was something straight out of horror movie. Kiana watched, horrified, as it jittered and screeched at her after revealing its disfigured head. The sound alone was unholy, the look more so with it looking like someone had just run head first into a tree, split their skull open and had someone shoved all sorts of vegetations into the gaping void. Its 'mouth' had a branch sticking out of it, appearing to have grown from within its body.

So Kiana did the most natural thing a sane person would do in the situation the moment it began to charge at her with murderous intent.

She unholstered Shamash and promptly fired a shot straight into its head.

"What the f*ck?!" She yelled in both terror and shock as it fell onto the ground in a heap, a good portion of its head missing after Shamash's superheated beam obliterated it. Cautiously, she approached it, noting the thick, honey-like liquid that leaked out from its wound. "What in the—"

She didn't get to finish her sentence because it screeched again as it tried to scramble back to its feet despite its missing head.

Kiana, understandably, screamed.

In her bouts of panic, she smashed Shamash together and changed it to its sword form before she swung it at the thing, still screaming, and cleaved it into two. The sword, designed to cut through and melt entities beyond mortal's comprehension, easily went through the thick, fleshly barrier that was its body and only then did it stop twitching.

Kiana kicked the upper part of the thing warily only to jump back and raised Shamash again when it crumbled into golden ember, disappearing from the world as if it was never there.

"What in the f*ck was that thing?!" She finished, turning towards Himeko to both ensure her safety and question her, expression tight.

Himeko lowered the briefcase she was holding, where it came from Kiana had no knowledge about, and grimaced. "I think that was what they call Mara-Struck soldier."

"A what?" Kiana asked back, bewildered and lost.

But before the redhead could answer, another otherworldly shriek resonated, followed by another and another all around them. Kiana refocused her attention to her surroundings, carefully taking a step back to close her distance with Himeko.

More of the thing showed up, one and then two and three until it was too much to count. They jumped, climbed and crawled from, between and through the containers around them, all in their own macabre states that couldn't be possible in a living being.

Himeko opened her mouth and prepared her weapon but Kiana extended a hand to Himeko's front and blindly gestured at her to stay behind her as the Kaslana readied herself, all without facing Himeko.

It was mostly instinctive. Fueled by an innate desire within the white haired woman that was born from her feelings towards an entirely different person. It was misguided, but Himeko wouldn't deny her that.

Mei warned her about it before.

Kiana, oblivious to Himeko's thought, charged to meet the incoming threats with Shamash blazing its righteous fury in her grips. It was far from its full power, in fact it was barely a fraction of its power she was willing to use in fear she might set everything around her aflame, but it was far enough than what was needed.

She liberated herself from all manners of considerations, all sorts of holding backs, as she would to enemies like this. Gone was her reservations, abandoning it in exchange for brutal efficiency. In her eyes, she reminisced of her time in Nagazora many years ago, fighting mindless zombies with almost a glee.

Now, it wasn't so different.

The things attacking them were not humans. They were mindless beasts. Kiana didn't have to feel remorse like she would when she killed humans and that put her heart at ease. That made her glad.

So, the first abomination to reach her was quickly dispatched with said brutal efficiency. Namely with a quick swipe of Shamash that cleaved it in two from waist up, leaving it to tumble and fall like tree cut from its roots.

Kiana didn't linger. She didn't watch to see whether her targets were dead or not because she was sure they were. With each swing, an abomination was cut and killed, their healing factor couldn't keep up with the unreserved destruction that was the combination of Shamash and a Kaslana. A combination that once challenged the End itself.

Her expression was serene, the face of a warrior completely immersed in a world belonging only to her and her kin. A fascinating sight to behold, especially from an outsider's perspective like Himeko.

The Kaslana moved with measured steps and weaved with calculated grace, all born from years of experience. Shamash glowed with faint golden shimmer on its edge6, giving an illusion of a trailing star with each swing Kiana delivered to her enemy.

Yet the destruction she left in her wake could qualify her as a black hole, surrounded by the ethereal light of golden sea around its event horizon. Anything got close to it was immediately torn asunder, rendered to pieces and bits of its former self.

Himeko was only pulled from her stupor when she saw one of the monsters sprinting towards her from her left, slipping through Kiana and her destruction. The Kaslana turned and was about to make a short work on it when Himeko beat her to it.

A portion of the briefcase in Himeko's hand opened and out it extended a sharp, circular saw blade the redhead then unceremoniously directed towards the monster. It whirled to life just as it was about to make contact, spinning in speed of thousands RPM.

Suffice to say, the result was just as gruesome as Kiana's attack.

Thick, golden liquid sprayed out of the monster as its torso was sawed open, splattering everywhere and painting Himeko's dress in its 'blood'. It screamed in pure agony, trying in vain to pull itself away from its spinning doom.

Not a second later, just when Kiana saw the blade finally cut through the screaming thing's back, it suddenly bursted ablaze with red flames and burned the monster into crisp from inside out, guaranteeing not just certain death but also an agonizing one.

Kiana who witnessed it all laughed.

She laughed and laughed until she felt tears prickling on her eyes.

Only then she cried.

She cried because even in this part of the Universe Himeko's fire burned bright and fierce.

Just like back home.

Just like before.

The rest of the group found them not too long after hearing the fight, running straight towards the small opening where it took place. What greeted them, however, made them pause after rounding a corner.

They slowed down and approached the two women, eyes critically scanning the various remnants of some things on the floor around them, before finally settling on both Kiana and Himeko. Intrigue and concern were clear in their gazes but it wasn't until Bronya made a move did the questions start coming.

"Kiana," Bronya urgently called out to her best friend and approached her, face morphing into a worried frown when she noticed the tears flowing down her face. "Kiana, are you okay?" She asked, tone true to her feeling as she pulled the Kaslana by her hand closer to her.

Kiana didn't deny the contact, letting Bronya grab her arms in a comforting manner. She turned towards her and blinked, hastily wiping the tears with the back of her hand and laughed airily.

"Ah, yeah." She chuckled then, glancing towards Himeko over Bronya's shoulder who was now talking with Welt and March while Stelle wandered around to check on the dead monsters. The Navigator sense her stare and glanced back and for a brief second their gazes met before the redhead turned her attention back to Welt.

Bronya saw where Kiana's gaze went to and squeezed her arms tighter. "Is it Himeko?"

Kiana nodded, slowly and distractedly until Bronya squeezed once more, regaining her attention. "Sorry," she said sheepishly. "I just... remembered something."

"Something painful?"

"Something precious." Kiana clarified.

Bronya smiled, small yet genuine as she released Kiana. Her best friend gave a short nod of gratitude which Bronya returned before her expression morphed back to its usual flat.

"So, what are those things?" She asked, gesturing at the three, twitching creatures currently impaled with Kiana's subspace lances a few meters behind the Kaslana. Said Kaslana glanced back and shrugged nonchalantly.

Chapter 24: The Beauty of This World

Chapter Text

Chapter 24: The Beauty of This World.

The ride they had to undertake with the Starskiff was truly a unique experience for the Crew. It was smooth and steady as if they were sailing on water instead of flying in the sky and with communication still unavailable it was a rather peaceful journey with the gentle hum of the engine being their only friend.

None of them said a word the whole trip, content to just savor the moment. A respite even if it was brief was not to be taken for granted especially in a journey where uncertainties were the norm. Who knew what sort of troubles awaited them in the future and who knew when they would get a moment of rest hereafter.

When they arrived at their destination, it was after they went through multiple gates separating the multiple sectors of the Luofu. Each time they did so, the feeling washing over their body was a familiar one, specifically one they felt whenever the Express underwent a Warp and broke through the barrier of reality itself. It wasn't uncomfortable, if anything it was sort of comforting so despite the concerned questions their host asked them they could just smile and assure her that it was nothing.

Tingyun was the first to exit, followed by Welt as he sat close with the woman to occasionally chat quietly with her regarding some things about the Xianzhou. As usual of him and his courteous nature, Welt extended a hand for the four women to help them out of the Starskiff.

"You are such a gentleman, Mister Welt," Tingyun commented the moment Kiana stepped out, being the last person to do so, and thanked him with her usual grin.

"It's nothing," he replied to both Tingyun and Kiana, giving a nod to the latter before turning around to face the former again.

They talked about something then but Kiana was too distracted by the sight to pay any attention to the topic. Her mouth opened slightly as she took in her new surroundings, awestruck by a world so full of life and colors amidst the sea of intricate buildings. One stuck out the most by the sheer size of it, dwarfing the shops and stalls around it and covering them in its shadow.

This was her first time looking at a proper civilization in years. Belobog was a nice place, all things considered, but Jarilo-VI was a planet currently suffering from a disaster and it affected the city despite its occupants' best efforts of keeping its light burning. It was what one might consider as a bare minimum for civilization but the Luofu didn't suffer from similar fate. The Luofu was a working civilization at its peak and it showed from the glorious stretch of architecture and vibrant mood.

Everywhere she looked, everything just seemed alive.

Merchants lined up the streets, hollering their products in hope to gain attention of the passerbys walking about while street vendors went back and forth delivering the orders of their customers to the tables. The Xianzhou Alliance was a military entity but it also was one of the biggest trade partners of many businesses in the galaxy. Their population alone was too great to ignore for even the IPC so everyone wanted a piece of it.

So, for it to be this packed was not entirely surprising.

Especially on the dock.

"Dear guests! We are currently experiencing technical issues so all flights in and out of the Luofu are being delayed until further notice! We apologize for this inconvenience but your safety is our top priority!" A Xianzhou official announced at the waiting group of people as the Crew and Tingyun made their way out of the dock, squeezing through a sea of people to get to the higher ground.

Kiana noticed that some of them weren't wearing Xianzhou traditional clothes the natives wore, some even wore suits and dresses belonging to foreign corporates. There were also heavily armed soldiers mingling with them, their intentions lost to the Kaslana, but all equally upset at the unexpected delay. She would've felt bad for them, she did actually, but the fact people were dying trying to quell said 'technical issues' made the thought far and distant.

Finally arriving at the top of the stairs and away from the crowd, Kiana allowed herself to relax a little and let her attention diverted from the two teenagers in front of her. Stelle had her hand on March's the entire time to help the pinkette navigate through the crowd safely while Kiana looked out after them both to make sure nothing bad would happen to them during their short walks, fully aware how dangerous their new environment could be.

"That would be our next stop," Tingyun announced, pulling Kiana from her reverie. She blinked and faced the Foxian woman just in time to catch her smile. "Lady Yukong should be in her station at this time of the day," she finished with the same smile.

If she noticed the strained smile Kiana had on her face, she certainly didn't show it.

"It is wise for us to talk to her immediately in regard to our visit," Welt suggested and Kiana took it as her sign to finally detach herself from the group.

"Right," she scratched the back of her head sheepishly while throwing a certain redhead glances. "So, I see you guys later?"

"Oh? Is there somewhere you need to be?" Tingyun asked, smile turning curious and inquisitive.

"I have a date to attend."

"My, oh my... Who's the lucky person?"

Kiana laughed bashfully. "It's not like that! I'm married, see?" She brought her hand up to show the silver ring around her finger for Tingyun to see and the woman cooed adoringly as a response. "She is the only one my heart belongs to... But this date of mine is also special, just not in that way," she finished with a meaningful look towards Himeko who only smiled back.

"Well..." The Foxian woman smirked as she threw Himeko a glance too, making a show of thinking by putting her thumb under her chin. "I suppose Mister Welt will be suffice for our upcoming talks. Or maybe our young fellas here can represent the Trailblazers instead?"

March shook her head frantically. "No way! That's too much for someone like me to shoulder alone!"

"March is right," Stelle backed the pinkette up with a casual shrug. "It's a group decision and Mister Welt is a better fit to uptake that."

Tingyun laughed softly. "I was merely teasing. Well, then, shall we?"

"We'll see you both soon," Welt told both Kiana and Himeko, gaze stopping on Kiana with something beneath those bespectacled orbs. He hesitated for a moment as he regarded the Kaslana before settling to a simple wish. "Try to have fun."

Kiana's eyes softened. "I will, Mister Welt. Don't worry."

He took her response with a nod. If there was something he learned from her bloodline, it would be that they would do anything to keep their words. A Kaslana took pride in their steadfastness and the ability to fulfill their promises, which was why every words spoken by them held values that couldn't be found somewhere else. They were a family of knights and honor was their code of conduct.

Their sire was a prime example of this. In the 50.000 years he lived, his entire goal and commitment were set on a single promise he gave to his dearest wife; purge the Honkai regardless the price of the victory. Although Welt only knew a handful of Kaslanas with two closest than the rest, he could tell that all of them held similar values.

Not even the Sea could erase the sheer willpower of a Kaslana. No amount of betrayals and sorrows would taint them of their honor. They of course sometimes doubted themselves, everyone did at a certain point in their lives, but they would always bounced back to do the right thing. That preservation was admirable and probably half the reason why their world survived and won against the Honkai in the first place.

The proof was right there in front of him, wearing her jacket and usual goofy smile. A woman who had gone through a lot but still managed to stay true to her heart and that heart brought her to where she was now in life full of happiness she desired the most. So, although he worried for her, he knew there was nothing she couldn't face anymore.

Bronya obviously had the same thought as he did. The three of them understood each other so much they practically could read the thoughts of the others. She was far from worry, if anything Bronya seemed proud if the spark of light in her eyes meant something.

"Try to not cause troubles, okay?" She told Kiana with a tone befitting a kindergarten teacher, an attempt at humor which was further accentuated by the subtle smirk on her face. "Listen to Himeko."

Kiana promptly flipped her the bird. "Ride it."

"I would but I have girlfriends already and you are married. Also, it's you we're talking about here."

Kiana rolled her eyes and grabbed Himeko's hand. "Let's go, Himeko, I'm sure there are better places we can be where we don't breathe the same air Bronya does."

"I'll leave it to you, Welt," Himeko managed to say just before Kiana dragged her away.

The Kaslana's hand around her own was warm and occasionally Himeko would felt the fingers squeezed her own digits. Kiana didn't seem to do it voluntarily judging from how sporadic it was. The redhead squeezed back after the nth time and Kiana let go of her grip as if she was burned, smiling apologetically at Himeko.

"Sorry about that," she apologized as she shoved her hands into her jacket pockets. "I didn't mean to drag you away like that."

"It's fine," Himeko assured her sincerely as they fell in a more comfortable pace. "Is something the matter, though?"

Chapter 25: Where Will You Belong

Chapter Text

Chapter 25: Where Will You Belong.

The Express was quiet with most of its Crew gone as Mei learned as she sat on a couch in the Parlor Car typing in some mid-term reports of her students with her laptop, a job she had taken with her whole heart that despite being in a middle of long-term assignment she still would find time to work on these reports.

She had to for it was her responsibility as a teacher, understanding the importance of academic achievement as much as fighting prowess of each of her students. To know the weaknesses and strengths of her students individually was paramount to cover them in battles, especially for team assignments in the future and Mei would always put everything into serious consideration, oftentimes to the point of headaches because some kids were just unique.

But Mei never complained. At least, not publicly in front of her students. She, of course, had her gripes on the matter that she would tell her family and only her family which meant Bronya and Kiana sometimes. Although, Kiana's approach on it was too liberal to her liking Mei would either scoff at her "Eh, let them have their fun" or rolled her eyes exasperatedly at her "That sounds hella cool and also you have to ease up a bit" so Mei would wisely consult to Bronya more, much to Kiana's chagrin.

It wasn't like Kiana was a bad teacher herself. She had her own students, in fact Overseer Theresa had been sending the more problematic ones her way to train and teach on the Moon Base, some returning in weeks while others in months, and the results had been overwhelmingly positive. Mei was not sure how Kiana managed to tame them down and she suspected the main reason Theresa sent them to the Moon for Kiana in the first place was to get back on her wife for all the troubles Kiana had caused her in her teen days so it's not necessary to hand them over to Kiana to begin with. Yet Kiana did it, defying all odds and expectations when her first few students returning with a sense of maturity previously not exhibited.

Mei was surprised while Bronya looked outright disturbed by the results of Kiana's teachings, especially considering Kiana was an idiot. Books were never her forte and she would always, always, bail on writing reports. Yet the kids under her care did not just improve but also show a great leadership and potential.

She had tried to take a peek before but even after marrying Kiana for years and knowing her for far longer, there were still times where she didn't understand Kiana. Her quirks, as one might call them, were many and equally confusing which naturally translated to her way of teaching things too.

"It takes one to know one," Bronya had commented when Mei brought the subject up during a lunch, referring to the fact that Kiana was an unruly kid herself back then. "She has ways to connect with the kids."

Mei could see that, actually, in the eyes of Kiana's students. The respect and adulation they had for her was reserved for Kiana and Kiana only that despite being far from the best sort of teachers, she was the one they needed the most to help them through whatever they're going through. Kiana knew people so it was easy for her to understand the deepest struggle someone buried in their chest.

"It's not like they choose to be like that," Kiana once said to Mei in the quiet safety of their bedroom, voice sending pleasant rumble on Mei's chest where Kiana had her head on. "Sometimes, being a troublemaker is the best option than whatever the other is."

She just wanted to help, Mei concluded as she treaded her fingers over Kiana's white mane absentmindedly, humming an acknowledging hum that had the Kaslana snuggling even further into her. There was never a glorified, nor righteous need in her action. No, what Kiana had was a simple desire to help a bunch of kids because in her eyes, a life was a life no matter how much she had saved before.

Kiana had ways with words. A smooth talker but not one to drown her words in lies. Rather, Kiana opted the opposite where she would lay down her earnest feelings to hear. The kids under her care had their own circ*mstances, rarely Schicksal's young Valkyrie candidates came from a normal family considering their line of work, and Kiana would take her time to understand each and every of them.

The first thing she did after introduction was to speak with her students and it was when Kiana would work her magic in a rather endearing way. Then, depending on the kids, she would take whatever measure necessary to guide them. Sometimes, it involved a spar, sometimes a good heart-to-heart talking between two women that was Kiana and her student. Regardless which, the result would always be Kiana earning her student's respect.

But relationships between Kiana and her students were unique as Mei had observed. They talked like old friends rather than pupils and mentor, joking and laughing together like a bunch of well-tuned people.

Kiana had always preferred to see her students as friends and now she did the same to the three teenagers of the Express. Moreover now she had her attention on a certain ashen haired girl. It wasn't without reason, too, with Stelle's well-being as the number one reason.

The girl was unique and not just 'having a nuclear reactor in one's chest' unique but also her predicaments. She was related to the Stellaron Hunter group at one point in the past and clearly still valuable to said group if Kafka's visit meant anything. Of course, Mei believed not a word the woman said and Kiana outright refused to prod on Stelle's locked up memory just to find out about her past, never liking the prospect of violating someone's head like that even if it was to help that someone. So, with her interest now on Stelle, Kiana decided to take up the mantle of guardian for the girl to make sure no harm might befall her.

She did it subtly, though, and not overly zealous either. Stelle would have to face hardships herself, paving her own way while Kiana offered a simple help of kicking away some pebbles that might hinder her journey. She understood the necessity of growth and the kids needed to grow up on their own accord.

Unless it was the most harmful of harm then Kiana would step back and let the three teenagers take the spotlight, watching from behind like an adult she was watching her successors. The world was beautiful, but it was also rife with ugliness. One couldn't exist without the other and the Universe was more black and white than what many believed.

What important was their ability to choose their path. To walk down their decisions they had taken until the very end. Because, whatever awaited them then, was what they believed the most. What they would come to cherish the most.

There would be a time where they would look back to their journey, reminiscing about the meetings and the inevitable goodbyes. Right now, however, the present was what most important as it was where they lived.

Mei closed her laptop down and sighed quietly, finally done with her work after sending it back home via the Quantum Beacons. She folded her hands over the silver case and leaned back on the sofa, amethyst eyes staring at the bright ceiling absently.

Hours had passed since Kiana and the rest left. Occasionally, she would feel a surge of giddiness and excitement in her chest she knew wasn't hers. The connection she shared with her Finality allowed her to feel Kiana's feelings and that was exactly that. Mei didn't mind at all despite it sometimes distracting, in fact she was happy to know Kiana was happy with her time together with Himeko, knowing she was right on her stance about her wife's view on the redhead.

They had talked before about this Himeko back in Belobog when they finally got a brief moment of rest. Thunder had been very vocal with her worry for Kiana she forcefully took over Mei's body just to make her point across, much to Mei's annoyance. She could still take back control if Mei ever so wished and locked her other self in a proverbial cage to prevent her from doing basically anything, but Mei didn't want to put shackles on Thunder like that especially when she was being vulnerable with Kiana.

Well, as vulnerable as Thunder allowed herself to be anyway.

Thunder had called Kiana a lot of things then, ranging from reckless to stupid. Through it all, Kiana was silent as she allowed her to vent her frustration towards their whole ordeal. Knowing that, beneath those harsh words was a concerned soul who wanted nothing but the best for Kiana.

But her best was what she decided, as Mei had learned to accept, so Kiana did what she could to appease Thunder in her borderline frantic growling and hissing.

A kiss so deep Mei could practically taste Kiana despite being on the backseat silenced Thunder, turning the static storm around her into a stunted sizzle that disappeared in both confusion and desire. Surprised, Thunder barely reacted when Kiana pulled away after a good ten seconds with a sly grin on her face while Mei chuckled in her own mind, mouth still open and tongue lolling out slightly from the way Kiana ravaged it inside.

"God, I wanted to do that since a long time ago."

"W-what?"

"Shutting you up," Kiana grinned impishly as she draped her arms over Mei's borrowed shoulders. "You know, you're hot when you're like that I couldn't resist myself. No pun intended."