Cold air whistled in Mei's ears and through her hair. Her grip on the spinal ridges remained firm, tall buildings sweeping by left and right, shaded in blue and cloaked in fog.

"You're insane, Raiden!"

Mei chuckled.

"Then why are trying to hold back your bubbly laughter?"

"Shut it!"

"Why do I employ rude employees?"

The red and black dragon banked hard left, wings tipping to adjust as they turned a corner surprisingly tight for such a gigantic beast. The two women held onto to Kurikara and did their best not to let the adrenaline buzz show. They were meant to be in a lethal situation. It wouldn't have been normal to enjoy the moment.

They did regardless. After all, neither of these women were anything close to normal.

"How close?" Amarant asked.

"Not much father. Kurikara can taste it too."

"Think this will pan out?"

"Herrscher hunting is never dull."

Their conversation was cut off when Kurikara suddenly started flapping her wings. Compared to her normally smooth gait this was quite crude. The reason bloomed from the foggy air ahead. A wall of ice the nearly reached the roof of the First level rose up from a frozen lake far below. Kurikara adjusted her angle of ascent further and put more power in, taking all three over the obstruction before diving hard down the other side. Just before she reached the lake the dragon flared her wings and ascended gracefully. The Dragon circled the lake twice, Mei scanning the frozen surface far below. When her eyes slid toward the wall something was confirmed.

A bolt of crimson lightning fell upon the lake. One second Raiden Mei had been astride her scarlet and black Dragon, the next she was crouched upon the lake, her impact cratering the ice and breaching the frosty bottom. Glacial water oozed up to fill the depression. An aura of crimson lightning clung to Mei as she strode out the crater, the heels of her boots hissing as the scarlet static radiating outward. Inhuman eyes scanned the scene of the battle. There was nothing left but the colossal wall. At least to mortal eyes. Mei could feel the storm of Honkai and Herrscher energy diffuse with the environment. Whatever had happened here, it had been titanic. For a Valkyrja to stand up to such titanic forces, let alone strike back, was a feat Mei felt obliged to respect. Now her problem lay in determining the direction her prey had left in. The saturation of Herrscher energy made tracing troublesome. She could circle the entire perimeter of the lake to pinpoint their egress. Or clear the air. This did however predicate on her plans coming to pass.

A squall of snow and bitterly cold air swirled around Mei as Kurikara landed beside her. She reached out a black gloved hand and affectionately caressed the Dragon's snout.

"Soon," Mei whispered.

Amarant slid off her perch on the beast's back and landed roughly. Unlike Mei, the chill could definitely reach her and right now it was frightfully cold. She pulled her jacket even tighter and huffed out a few misty white breaths.

"I'm going to start freezing off important appendages, Mei. Can we not spend too long here?"

Mei reached over, flipped open a jacket breast and touched the Blaze Destroyer pistol in its holster. A thread of Herrscher power twinned with Honkai energy passed between gloved fingers and the weapon crafted from the results of Project MEI. The originator of the weapon understood the concepts and principles likely better than its original creators. Those principles Mei manipulated, generating a field of warmth that pressed back against the unnaturally low temperature.

"Too embarrassed to ask or don't see the point of doing so?" Mei teased,

Amarant rubbed feeling back into her fingers.

"Thanks," she said with a genuine smile.

Hand still resting on the Dragon's snout, Mei's eyes continued their search of the perimeter, though she did not 'see light' so much as the field of Honkai and Herrscher energy that surrounded them. They fixed on a point in the colossal wall of ice that broke up the lake. A crimson shaded Danzai Spectre winked into existence beside her, its appearance quickly transitioning to a near-perfect simulacra.

"There's something in the ice," Mei murmured.

Amarant looked ready to argue. Her words were swallowed when Mei flicked her eyes in another direction.

"I'll let the big girl look after you then," Amarant commented before jogging towards the wall with the Spectre shadowing.

Waves of heat rippled up from the Dragon. A brilliant flare of crimson light occupied the space where the beast stood, the humanoid Kurikara, bathed in rosy lightning, now standing in the fading aftermath.

"We have guests, my Lady," the woman said.

"Let us greet them."

The two walked casually toward the centre of the frozen lake. Two figures mirrored their approach. They slowly resolved into the form of Raven and Magpie.

"That was a rather large bang," Mei admitted as she approached. "Actually, was it me or the earlier rumble that drew you?"

The two World Serpent cadre stopped a short distance from Mei and Kurikara.

"My lady…"

"I won't need any help. But thank you. You can encourage Raven not to try anything underhanded. Remove the hand that seems more 'under' if you think it necessary."

"You got away from Durandal," Raven said with a sigh.

"That was you? I have to buy you a big box of chocolates. Haven't had that much fun in weeks."

Raven gave a demure smile.

"I will have to politely decline. I'm rather busy right now."

"Oh, that's okay. I'll have them sent to your residence instead. Actually, while we're at it, you need to repair the upstairs bathroom window. Sora is feeling quite guilty right now. But she is a good kid and will eventually get around to telling you. Please forgive the girl. Consider that payment for the favour you did regarding Durandal."

The smile on Raven's face sloughed off.

"The question you must be asking yourself right now is which one of your very highly priced mercenaries ended up betraying you. Or perhaps the better question to ask; what about the PMC you hired them from? Maybe the whole operation was mine to start with."

It was a single step forward. Mei's heel clacking on ice. The Key of Castigation appeared in her hand.

"I told you, Raven, crimson walls. Now if I were you, I'd look into investing in some more thorough defensive measures. After all, if I can track you down, imagine what Jackal is capable of. Those are twelve little parcels of soft meat, bone and Natural Stigma are just waiting to be vivisected."

Magpie had yet to move. Nothing could be made of the figure behind the featureless white mask. Mei could feel it this time. It bubbled around her opponent. With eyes closed she could feel the Honkai and Herrscher energy being drawn into the woman like she was a sponge.

'She likely knows everything' Mei calmly assessed. 'That will make this easier and harder. For now, let us pick up the fight from earlier. Raven should remain demoralised for several seconds. Enough time to end this.'

Pale flickers of lightning teased Mei's skin. An involuntary action. The same on Magpie. One second the two were eyeing each other off. The next they were in the fray. Magpie used the reach of her polearm to keep Mei back, quick sweeps and stabs forcing the woman to dance about the ice. A liquid black blade projected from the weapon's head, changing it from mere staff to naginata. Mei adjusted tactics, feinting twice before pressing forward. She leapt over a leg-sweep, hand-sprung through the air before landing on her feet and dropping her weapon. With one hand she grabbed the naginata just above Magpie's grip, with the other she went for a heel-palm strike. Magpie let go of her weapon, rolled backward and kicked up with one leg. The heel just missed Mei's face. Once on her feet the Cadre officer was back in close quarters. Two punches to wing the Herrscher's ribs, a third caught and pulled aside as Mei returned the favour with a vertical kick. Magpie stepped back exactly enough to avoid the blow before breaking the grip and lashing out with two side-kicks. Mei battered them away and went for knife-hand blows. Quick horizontal slashes that cut the air with static as they passed. Magpie maintained pace with the attacks, guiding the strikes away rather than firmly blocking them.

The electricity that lit up the World Serpent Cadre's arms was now obvious. Mei's face broke into a small smile.

"I thought as much," she whispered.

"Thought what?"

The two were engaged in a lethal melee and still found the time to talk. Mei was more surprised by Magpie's tone. She had been expecting something husky. Perhaps a guttural whisper. Maybe a rasp. Or even a soft feminine lilt.

It was your average young adult woman. The accent on her Japanese was borderline non-existent.

"Was it frustrating? Always clambering to keep up? Back of the class."

"No. I wanted to excel. I strove."

Mei's legs were swept, a forward kick sending her tumbling backward. She called her katana to hand, deflecting the forward thrust of the suddenly summoned Naginata she knew would be there. Her blade was quicksilver, pushing aside the lightning quick thrusts. A ground to sky slash knocked the naginata high. Mei danced back several paces and sheathed her sword.

"The way you fight. You've always been up against more powerful opponents. And multiple. You could never defeat them with strength, speed or endurance. You strove for technique."

The iajutsu technique was faster than the human eye could react. The blade drawn and thrust forward in one quick motion. Mei stood before Magpie. Then stood behind her. Thunder followed. Lightning traced her limbs. Mei spun on heel and fell into a waiting stance. She knew the attack had failed. But the test was what mattered. Magpie had brought her naginata up just enough to guide the sword away from her throat. She couldn't have reacted to the attack. Not with the same inhuman reflexes that Mei possessed.

Magpie had read what Mei was going to do before Mei had even committed, anticipated likely attack vectors and shifted into an appropriate defensive position even as Mei moved to strike. Some might have seen it as a critical gamble. Mei appreciated the incredible skill and intellect for what it was. A situational awareness that would rival S-rank Valkyrja. And certainly, a Herrscher.

"I think if we had gone to school together you and I would have been firm friends," Mei admitted.

"It's your fault."

There wasn't any anger or pain. Just a very normal, calm, everyday voice. Magpie was nobody special.

"I know," Mei said with a smirk, "And I love every second of it."

The ground shook as someone landed behind Mei. A lance stabbed the area where she once stood. Lightning crackled around Mei where she stood beside Kurikara.

"That was faster than expected," Mei muttered.

Durandal, in her silver and blue Godsbane battlesuit, stood in her own crater in the lake. Golden hair trailed behind her, stirred up the bitter winds that swept over the battlefield. She gripped Hler's Serenity, her custom lance for the battlesuit, and took in the situation.

"I am a little busy right now, Bianca," Mei noted. "I'll be 100% truthful. I am happy to take up our earlier dance once I'm finished pacifying these two. Or we can go after the Herrscher before they escape. Your choice."

"You are coming with me, Raiden."

"Is this because World Serpent holds your leash, Schicksal holds your leash, or," Mei raised a suggestive eyebrow, "because I have a firm grip?"

Enough time had passed to settle Raven's nerves. She reached into her cloak and withdrew a small sceptre.

"Knock her unconscious and I will seal her. Then we need your help retrieving the two remaining Herrscher."

Mei rolled her shoulders and ignored the Valkyrja. Her eyes were fixed on Mapgie. She strode toward the woman, blade ready for another iajutsu. Durandal took a step forward.

"I am sorry but I cannot allow you to bring harm to my Lady."

Kurikara shook her head took a step forward. The complex tableau had Mei wearing the whisper of a smile. Magpie's shoulders twitched. She looked about the lake. The only thing she could see were fog cloaked figures poking at something in the glacial wall.

"My target is Raiden Mei," Duarandal warned the woman.

Mei continued her quick stroll toward Magpie. The woman read the scene. The body language. Everything about Mei, Kurikara and Durandal. All three were absolutely confident in their capabilities. It was a matter of who would call who's bluff. Magpie reassessed. It wasn't a bluff. It was combat intelligence. Who knew the most and would act upon it to guide the battlefield to their desired conclusion?

Durandal acted first. Light Wings burst into life as she charged forward. Mei didn't flinch. Kurikara was just there. One moment she was on one side of the battlefield. The next she was a bulwark between Mei and Durandal. The woman caught Durandal's lance in one hand and held firm. Feet slid across the ice until the pair came to a complete stop. Lance still held tight, Kurikara took a step forward, Durandal forced a step backward, then another. Cirmson lightning danced across the guardian's body. Kurikara shoved the weapon away, Durandal stumbling backward several more paces.

You could hear a single flake of snow touch the frozen lake.

Magpie. Raven. Durandal. Amarant where she was excavating the wall. Everyone stared at Mei. They knew who was behind this. Amarant was the first to speak, voicing so loud over the comms that every other person with their inhuman capabilities could hear what she was saying.

"WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. FUCK. RAIDEN!"

"Pardon?" Mei replied with demur.

"That girl's power is derived from your own. How much did you give her?"

"Roughly half."

"Half. HALF! Are you insane?!"

"It's not like I need more than half myself. And there are contingencies if matters complicate."

Mei with obvious intent adjusted to a casual stance and took several precautionary steps away from the two World Serpent Cadre.

"Admit it. You want to see this as much as I do. Who wins decides my fate."

Though they were loath to admit, the two were interested. They would wait, at least for several seconds, for the right time to strike. Mei stood there with hand on hilt and watched Durandal. The S-rank Valkyrja, though she had been staring at Mei, had maintained her composure. Kurikara was inside her guard. Again too fast for eyes to follow. Lightning licked her body as she moved. Hands lashing out, a salvo of kicks forcing the Valkyrja to shield her body with her lance. Then Kurikara was behind her, vertical kick sending the Valkyrja into the air. The ground fractured where Kurikara launched herself in pursuit, lightning crackling across the ice. Durandal recovered, adjusted herself mid-flight, took aim and hurled her lance. The quicksilver streak pierced Kurikara. The afterimage of the woman flickered. Durandal brought up a hand to catch the horizontal kick. Kurikara hovered beside her foe, crimson eyes unwavering. The sheer momentum behind the kick still pushed Durandal three metres away from her opponent.

Hler's Serenity at hypersonic speed slammed into the lake, creating a vast crater and shattering much of the remaining icy surface. The noise finally caught up with the weapon, a roaring cacophony that left everyone bar Mei flinching. The icy crust heaved and sloshed, throwing about everyone's footing.

A streak of crimson burst through a gap in the ice beside the World Serpent Cadres. A Danzai Spectre with a small package held safely in its hands. The metal container detonated, covering both women in a thick chemical gas. The rebounding pulses of noise from the hypersonic lance dissipated the gas. A sphere of crackling crimson protected Mei from any errant gas. The two Cadre on their knees coughing and spluttering as Mei approached. She lifted her blade to Raven and let the black humour of the situation dye her features.

"I wonder if this is how Rita felt."


- An hour earlier -

Rita watched the two surviving civilians being escorted off by Mei.

'There is a possibility that those two factor into her own plans. Or they could be a distraction intended to turn our attention from her true intentions.'

[The two humans are just people I ran into along the way. The woman assisted me in finding the most effective way out of the city. Unlike Schicksal, I don't betray people out of convenience or a dearth of morality. I consider everything an asset for future use]

Rita's earpiece projected Mei's electronic voice. She looked to the Herrscher.

[Oh don't panic. I haven't breached your encryption this time. As the Herrscher of Thunder I can manually manipulate the tiny electromagnets in your earpiece that project the sound. I can also listen to the subvocal mic you have. A perfectly secure conversation]

[To what do I owe the pleasure of your subversive antics, Ms Raiden?]

[Straight to the point. Wonderful. I'll be frank. What the hell happened to Coral City? I'm no fan of Schicksal. But I still respect the capabilities of its Valkyrja's. There is no way you would willingly allow the situation to disintegrate so rapidly. You are professional and competent]

[The answers involve tactical decisions made by Schicksal High Command and as such I am unable to comment]

The two women were engaged in a vicious banter using their actual voices. To any outsider it would appear that Mei was going out of her way to antagonise Rita. The hidden conversation was a more professional affair. Mei continued with her thoughts.

[I am guessing that somehow a deal was struck with World Serpent. Three Cadre officers, no matter their skill or training, are not going to be able to deal with a Herrscher without serious commitment of resources and individual capable strength]

[As I stated, I am unable to talk about mission directives. My apologies, Ms Raiden, but the answers you seek I cannot give]

[Of course someone as professional as yourself would correct any misconceptions I might have. For the sake of ensuring that I don't not come to erroneous conclusions]

Rita's blank face said it all.

[You were ordered to just corral the Honkai. The Cadre Officers were sent in to subdue the Honkai. They have weaponry from the Previous Era that allows them to do so, even when taking into account the stark difference in power]

By now Mei was slowly approaching Rita. She stopped and continued the act.

[I can seal the Herrsccher too]

[Schicksal are unable to intervene regarding World Serpent]

[You can't help them inside Coral City. Those are your orders. Durandal was sent to subdue me. But only her. She's the only one that might stand a chance. The rest of you could not interfere. Even if it means assisting World Serpent in fighting me]

[I cannot imagine what you are inferring, Ms Raiden. Schicksal are always professional when regarding our contracts with other parties]

Raiden was nose to nose with Rita.

[Blame it on me. Have me be the bad guy. You can maintain face and I'll get what I want. Two sealed Herrscher and South-East Asia not turning into a frozen wasteland]

[Your actions are your prerogative, Ms Raiden]

[Killing the Cadre Officers won't do well for your alliance. But I can take them out of the picture for this fight]

Mei turned on heel and made her way toward the foggy tunnel.

[HSN-B46 toxin. What World Serpent used against the Immortal Blades in Arc City. Neutralises Honkai energy within the body. Makes the target human. You have some in reserve after the event. I know how meticulous you can be]

[Schicksal have many weapons to fight the Honkai]

[Find a reason to enter Coral City. Take a sample with you and place it in a secure location. Whatever tracking beacon you use I can trace. Let the bad-guy do what you cannot]

Mei vocally made an outrageous offer to the Valkyrja present. There was no chance any of the Immortal Blades would turn traitor. Then Raiden was gone, a roar carrying out of the gloomy tunnel and washing over the women present.

"Vice-Captain, is what—"

"I need all squad formations reorganised. Create several large units and prepare defensive positions and key island access points. Withdraw aircraft from overwatch. The battlecruiser needs to be overhead in 15 minutes. High alert."

"Yes, Ma'am! I can—"

Connection from line Beta Silver 5 requested. Priority

A priority request in Rita's vision. She had delegated communications responsibilities to Alvitr. However, this level immediately included her in the connection.

Connection from line Beta Silver 5 accepted

"My squad has been wiped out. Two with alien powers I've never seen before. Tell Vice-Ca—"

Connection from line Beta Silver 5 lost

Rita's expression was composed. Alvitr awaited orders.

"Maintain redistribution and mobilisation. Transports cannot operate within the cold. I will take several squads on foot from the forward base to intercept the danger."

All the Valkyrja surrounding the Vice-Captain burst into action.

[Agreed]

That was all Rita said. She didn't know if her subvocal microphone was still being monitored. She did however believe that Raiden Mei had read the situation too well and expected her desires would be met.


The two Cadre officers knelt on a somewhat stable chunk of ice. The previously flat lake of ice was now a fractured field of icy bergs surrounded by sharp outcroppings and lakes of glacial water. Magpie made to stand, only to drop to her knees again. To Mei's senses all Honkai and Herrscher energy present had been cleansed from her body. In addition, none of the ambient energy was being absorbed. The HSN-B46 chemical weapon was working perfectly. Killing the two would have benefits and drawbacks. They would no doubt continue to be a thorn in her side. It would however go against her agreement with Rita. But as Mei had told Rita, she honoured her agreements and did not stab people in the back. Her katana she levelled at Raven.

"I wonder if this is how Rita felt."

Mei gestured towards where she had landed.

"I anticipated you would be watching. So I landed hard. The flash of lightning and crater of ice would draw attention. The hole in the bottom through which my Spectre disappeared into would not. Then it was just a matter of waiting for the opportune moment. Thank Bianca for that one."

Raven's face said it all. Mei continued her explanation.

"HSN-B46. Neither of you can absorb or use Honkai energy until the antidote is administered. I need answers. Give them and your life is spared. Don't… and I will take the answers anyway. You just won't like my methods."

Mei lifted a hand. Kurikara was beside her, eyes fixed on Durandal where she hovered in the air. The Valkyrja descended and perched atop an icy projection several metres tall.

"The two members of World Serpent will remain unharmed."

"When I want your blind opinions, Bianca, I'll yank your leash twice. Besides, you don't have any ability to follow through on your threat."

Mei gestured with her thumb at Kurikara. The Herrscher looked back to the two cowed women.

"Who are the two Herrscher? We started with one. Did the second spontaneously manifest or is that your fault?"

Magpie remained silent. It fell to Raven to speak up.

"The first is a Valkyrja by the name of Ana Schariac."

Mei activated her AR interface keyboard.

[Time to come back, Amarant. Is our trading chip intact?]

[Somehow. Looks like the Herrscher made this wall quite strong. Ironic that such a prison would also save her from Durandal's flagrant idiocy]

Mei cancelled the Danzai Spectre, leaving Amarant to carefully scramble over the ice floes between her and the impromptu gathering. The Herrscher returned her attention to more immediate matters. Durandal, Raven and Magpie watched her closely.

"You wanted to seal her, not kill her, correct? That's a Sceptre of UWAS in your cloak."

The Cadre Officer nodded.

"Those are the orders from the Serpent."

"I won't ask for one of your trinkets. I doubt you are willing to share."

Something crackled across Mei's blade. It wasn't lightning. The energy moved in fractal patterns that were uncomfortable for the eye to look at. The flickers of crimson sheathed the weapon in a radiance that had all present bar Mei flinching.

"It took me a few weeks but I mastered the same principles."

By now Amarant had returned, taking her place beside Mei and Kurikara. Now was the next step. Mei did not like being sandwiched between World Serpent and Schicksal. Durandal hefted her lance and appraised the situation.

"What are you offering?"

A shake of her head had Mei's two juniors easing just a fraction. Their eyes watched the pair from World Serpent closely.

"Coral City is doomed. The loss of the logistical resources irks me but that is that. I'm content to abandon this place and its population. The danger is the Herrscher breaking loose and freezing the entirety of south east Asia. That gets in the way of my plans."

Crimson lightning crawled over Mei's flesh. Durandal recognised the demonstration for what it was. This wasn't the Mei she had crushed in Arc City.

"I'm offering my services as the Third Herrscher and to be honest only person in the city that stands a chance of mitigating this utter disaster. I will kill the Fifth Herrscher before the rest of you incompetents turn this into anymore of a frozen dumpster fire."

"If you can seal her, why are you offering to kill her?" Raven asked.

"That's deal number one. Deal number two is you explain to me how another Herrscher appeared. Then I consider sealing both of them over execution. Random manifestation or was World Serpent involved? And I have prerogative on how the mission is executed."

Raven huffed and shook her head.

"We were betrayed. Owl, another Cadre offier and Information Broker, turned on us and attempted to escape with Ana. We cornered the pair."

'This must be some celestial joke. Are you asserting…'

"Desperation plus exposure to incredibly high doses of Honkai and Herrscher energy," Amarant deduced. "You created your own monster."

"It looks like Oto-sama's theories were proven right," Mei mused. "World Serpent are culpable for this mess and ironically drove one of their own to become a Herrscher. Very well. I'll seal both of them. What happens to their Cores is my business."

Mei turned and pointed toward the small spot of darkness that had been partially carved out by Amarant and the Danzai Spectre.

"I am aware you want no deal with me, Bianca. I do have a tasty little doggie treat if you're interested. That little spec you can see in the wall of ice is Rita Rossweise. Her 4th generation prototype battlesuit is the only reason she is still alive. If you hurry you may be able to save her. I expect you keep the 6th Divine Key held safely in reserve for moments such as this. I will offer for my operative to escort the two World Serpent Cadre along with your second in command safely back to Schicksal forward command post for their collective medical treatment. In exchange for this information and Rita's protection, you are to assist me in sealing the 5th and 9th Herrscher."

Mei didn't wait for an answer. She held her hand up and concentrated. The Honkai and Herrscher energy in the air writhed and twisted. Durandal did not appear pleased. But she flew toward the ice wall and her surviving colleague. Meanwhile the Herrscher slowly drew in the energy, letting it coarse about her body. Though they were barred from using Honkai energy, the two World Serpent Cadre could still sense what Raiden did. Even Magpie flinched at the flagrant display of power. While Mei worked Magpie finally spoke, her words directed towards Amarant.

"Was everything you told me a lie?"

"You know her?" Mei inquired of Amarant.

"She's confusing me with my twin." Amarant looked at Magpie with a mixture of disappointment and contempt. "This isn't a Mr Forkle situation."

"Forkle?"

"Tsubasa and Hikaru?"

All Amarant recevied was a blank expression from all three.

"I sense a lack of culture. Put another way, not all siblings think the same way."

"You never mentioned a twin," Mei noted. Magpie nodded in agreement.

"And neither of you asked either me or my twin."

Amarant patted the pistols hidden beneath her jacket and redirected the conversation.

"What am I to do if the pair try to run?"

"Let them. The Undead and Honkai beasts will take care of the rest and our hands will be clean."

"Understood, dear Customer."

Mei placed her hand upon Kurikara and projected the energy into her guardian. Twin energies was absorbed, further empowering the woman who was not quite Undead, not quite Herrscher, not quite Honkai beast and certainly no longer Human. With the air cleared Mei could feel the trail of energy leading to the Galaxy Ladder.

"I've your scent," Mei whispered with a hungry look.