Challenge-The_opening_Act
The evening sun's warmth shines down on Kiana as she walks through the busy streets. Kiana wore a white jacket with an orange shirt underneath and gray pants that Kiana had borrowed from Hua. It has been a day since Kiana arrived in the past(?). Since then, Kiana had been staying with Carole and Hua in their school dorm.
Kiana signs and looks up at the blue sky with a blank look.
Even after thinking about her current predicament, Kiana still couldn't quite believe where she is. Kiana felt a bitter grin form on her face.
Kiana found it ironic, really, after everything Otto Apocalypse has done, it is Kiana that was in the position that Otto would have given the world itself for.
(Though, it's not like I wanted to be here in the first place. It is just like that bastard to force others into his miss. Even after his death.)
As Kiana walk through the crowd of people, she overheard few words as she walked past a pair of students.
"Hey, did you hear that Miss Eden's newest song is dropping this month! I heard that it's going to be her best one yet!"
"No way! I knew Miss Eden was talented, but I didn't know she was that good!"
"That one of the upcoming star singers for you. Just you watch, I bet she'll be in the top 3 at the end of the month…"
(No matter what era, I guess gossip will always be the same.)
Kiana thought with a slight grin as she followed Carole and Fu…"Hua" through the crowd.
After the…Awkwardness introduction the day before, Kiana had been more or less staying with Carole and Hua. Kiana had managed to mostly avoid their questions with few excuses and quick-thinking redirections. Of course, Kiana knew that both Carole and Hua could tell that Kiana wasn't telling them everything, but either seemed to push her for answers, which Kiana was immensely grateful for.
Kiana walks beside Carole as she is firing off facts about the city, and in particular, the arcane.
"There is this great arcane down the street that we have to check out! It's a gold mine of games and has one of the best visual setups in the whole city. Admittedly, it cost a bít to get into, but it totally worth in the end. Not only that, but I also heard that they were getting a new game this weekend! If we get there first, I'll even let you play on it first, Miss Kiana!"
Before Carole could continue with her rant on the arcane, Hua spoke up for the first time since they had left the dorm.
"...Carole, before you overwhelm Miss Kiana things about the arcane, didn't you have a few assignments to finish first?"
Carole froze mid-sentence before stuttering and waved her hand.
"Hmm, well, th-that true, but we have a guest here, s-so I thought it would be rude to not show her around! Besides, I already finished most of it anyway. Yea, that's it!"
As Carole refuses to look into Hua's narrow eyes as she scratches her cheek nervously. Kiana smiles as she watches from the side.
(I wonder, was this how I acted with Mei in St. Freya…We really were childish back then, huh.)
"Then how about the spot on the [SSHPA] you book this week?"
Kiana saw a flash of panic in Carole's wide eyes before quickly looking down. She begins plays with fingers as she nervously tries to come up with an excuse under Hua narrowed, azure eyes.
"Uh...well maybe, but I'm sure it can wait a little longer, I still have a day left."
"You remember just how long it took you to just get access to [SSHPA] right? You had to wait a whole week to just book a room for a few hours per day. I think it would be best to use all the time you have with it to the fullest."
"Bu-but..."
Seeing Carole's eyes glance from Kiana to Hua with hesitation, Kiana offered her a reassuring smile.
"You don't need to worry about me, Carole-san. We could always go tomorrow. I think I can still make do with what I have right now. Besides, I'm sure Hua can show me around just fine."
Even after reassuring the girl, Carole still hesitated. Carole bites her lips before seemingly making up her mind.
"Fine, but right after I finish up with the stupid program, we're definitely going to the arcane, got it! Hua, can you show Kiana around for me, I'll meet up with both of you later."
"You know Carole, if you show this level of enthusiasm to school as you do in gaming, you could easily be a top student..."
Kiana heard Hua mutter under her breath as they watched Carole daze away. Kiana couldn't help a chuckle as Hua let out a tired sign as they watched the energetic girl leave.
"Carole is...Lively, that's for sure."
"Indeed. Please forgive Carole, I know she can sometimes be a bit much..."
"No problems. If I have to be honest, Carole kind of reminds me a little about myself."
Kiana smiles looking around. They were in the shopping district near the center of the city now. Kiana saw dozens of shops and malls littered around the area. People were walking up and down the streets as they talked among themselves. Lager shops and white business building tower above. Kiana eyes look over the area, analyzing her surroundings with interest.
(So this is what a city from the previous era looked like. It's as normal as any city I've been to.)
On the surface, it truly looks like nothing more than any ordinary city you could find anywhere in Kiana Era, even so, Kiana's known better than to judge a book by its cover.
While Kiana wasn't an expert of the subject, Kiana had learned as a student at St. Freya, at least when she was paying attention, the basics of what the Previous era was.
Whether it be the Divide Keys, Nanomachines technology known as [Souliume], Artificial Stigma used by Schicksal, or even the Godsbane battle suits that S-ranker use. All were gifted by this very era that Kiana was now standing in.
Looking back on it, Kiana wanted to punch herself for not paying more attention to her lectures back then.
While walking with the Hua and Carole, Kiana had spotted a few unusual things when compared to the city of her era.
The first thing that Kiana made note of the difference in technology-wise. From what Kiana has learn from Carole, most people in this era have access to Ai tech and more. Apparently, they use input from the brain neurons system to give commands to the Ai. To Kiana, they were basically this era version of a phone, just on steroids.
Kiana paused and glanced at the small, floating, oval-shaped robots that were drifting around, asking if anyone needed assists.
(I wonder what the more advanced cities look like. From what Carole told me, this city is only considered average by most, but if I have to be honest, it wouldn't lose to top cities back home like Singapore or Arc City…)
Kiana glance at the surrounding building as people passed by. The second thing that Kiana noticed was the abundant level of security.
Kiana saw over dozens of cameras discreetly placed on edges of buildings and shop windows all around the area. A large shadow covers the area as a blimp passes by. Kiana's enhanced sight spotted a small camera looking down at the crowd. Kiana looked forward as the camera was directly above her.
(Honkai sensor cameras…Including eyes in the air as well. It's almost felt like I'm back at Arc City.)
Kiana Puch back a shudder as she remembers her time in that city. Kiana immediately known she rather not experience it anytime soon. It was only thanks to her Taixan training, that Kiana hadn't thank Fu hua nearly enough for now, that allowed Kiana to mask her Herrscher energy. Of course, Kiana knew that this was only a temporary solution. And with Kiana luck, it was probably only a matter of time before she was found out. Kiana grim as she felt a headache coming.
And speaking of problems...
"...Miss Kiana?"
"Huh…Oh yeah, sorry. I space out a little."
Kiana blush slightly as she realizes she was losing in thought. Kiana turns to Hua with an apologetic grin. Hua smile slightly.
"...It's no problem. I was asking if you mind me showing you around. I don't really know as many places around here as Carole, but I'll try my best. If that's ok with you, of course."
"Yea…Um, that sounds good. I would rather be with a friend than go in blind."
"Then you wouldn't mind if we go to the park first?"
"Sure, I wouldn't mind some air."
Silent set between the both of them as Kiana felt that if she tried, she could practically touch the awkwardness between them. Kiana shook her head and tried to get back to her train of thought.
(If what Otto said before our battle were true, everyone in Koleston shouldn't have been affected traveling back in time, even go back with us, yet…)
Kiana looks at the Hua in front of her as she leads the way. Kiana frowned.
(This "Hua" definitely isn't the Fu hua I know. So did Otto lie…?)
Kiana thought about it for a moment before shaking her head again.
(As much as I hate Otto, he never lies, only half truths. And the fact I don't see the reason in lying to us at thar point. So, this is probably that thing that I saw in the blank space, [The Will of Honkai].)
"But what's the point?"
No matter how much Kiana thought about it, she couldn't see the point in sending her back, especially so far in the past. Kiana let out a small sign of frustration.
(No, calm down, remember your training, Kiana. I have to focus on the Now before I think about anything else. I have to first get my bearings and understand where I am before I can see the bigger picture.)
Kiana closed her eyes and took a calm breath as she steady her mind. Kiana pushes her thoughts to the back of her mind and looks at the area she is in.
While Kiana was in deep thought, they had seemed to have moved to a small park. Tree surrounded Kiana from either side of the walkway. Kiana heard birds chirping as people were sitting on the side benches, relaxing in the tree's shade. Kiana saw some people talking freely to each other around them, while others were quietly keeping to themselves as they enjoyed their surroundings.
Kiana and Hua kept moving until they reached an open field. Kiana felt the sun gently shone down on her as a cool breeze passed by as Kiana breathed in the fresh air. Kiana saw numerous families sitting on picnic blankets as they ate. Kiana felt her worries ease as she let the peacefulness of the park wash over her.
(Now that I think about it, when was the last time I relaxed like this.)
After the whole fiasco of the [Herrscher of Dominance] and Kolosten only a month afterward, Kiana didn't have much time to relax at all. Kiana didn't even realize how tired she really was until now.
"It feels nice, right?"
"Huh, yea, it does."
Kiana shook her head in embarrassment as she saw Hua looking at Kiana with a small smile. The awkwardness that lingered in the air between Kiana and Hua early seemed to have disappeared with the cool breeze. Hua looked at the park with such a sincere smile that Kiana found that she had a hard time looking away.
"When I first arrived here, I was overwhelmed by how quickly everything was moving. I found this place after few months back; ever since, I would always come here to take my mind off of things…It reminds me of the quiet and stillness of my home city."
"That and you look a little distracted, so I thought bringing you here would help you relax also well."
Kiana looks away and scratches her head with a bashful smile.
"Was I that easy to see through?"
Hua chuckle slightly.
"Yea, sorry. I'm sure that if even I noticed, then Carole should have noticed already, but chose to keep silent."
A silence came to both of them once more, however, this one was a calm and more relaxed silence that both enjoy as they watch their surroundings.
"Hey Hua."
"Yes, Miss Kiana?"
Kiana tried not to look into Hua's eyes as she felt a guilt well into her.
"Thanks for trusting me to stay with you guys. I doubt it's easy to trust strangers that come out of nowhere."
"...Is that what's been bothering you?"
"Well, that's part of the reason…"
Hua thought about an answer for a second before speaking.
"Even if you are just a stranger, we couldn't just abandon you out in the street. My father would never have forgiven me if he ever found out what I did. Besides, Carole seems to trust you enough. So I don't see why I shouldn't either."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
Kiana was surprised at Hua's carefree answer.
(From the illusion of the Herrscher of Sentience, I knew Carole and the Fu hua here were close, but I didn't know they were this close.)
"And as for the questions…I can't say I'm not curious, but I believe that you have your reason for not telling us more about yourself. We all have things we keep to ourselves. Besides, if there really was a problem, I believe you would tell us."
"Yes…Of course. I can't promise anything, but I try, on one condition."
Kiana saw a look of curiosity in Hua's eyes before smiling and raising her hand toward Hua.
"Let's start over, I'm Kiana, Kiana Kaslana. I hope I can get to know you better."
Hua tilted her head in surprise before forming a shy smile of her own.
"It's good to meet you Kiana. My name is Hua. I hope so too."
As Kiana and Hua shook hands, Kiana felt as if a lump that was weight on her chest was lifted. While Kiana still felt guilty for not telling Hua everything, Kiana felt a little better now that she was on better terms with this Hua.
"Sooo…You know where we're going next?"
"Uh…Well, I was thinking about the shopping district. I doubt Carole would appreciate us going to the gaming arcade without her."
"Yea, Carole seems like a person who would be mad at us for sneaking away when she has to do work."
(And I definitely need more clothes. As much as I love issued Ranger uniform, I don't think that will be enough. And I can't always borrow Hua clothes.)
That and the fact that the clothes don't fit in…Certain parts…Of course, Kiana felt like she didn't really need to tell Hua about that. Kiana quickly shook her head out of the thoughts and glanced at Hua, who was looking at her phone, Hua nodded to herself before looking away from the phone and at Kiana.
"There are a few clothes stores around here that Carole showed me. Afterward, we should probably buy a few ingredients from the food stores to prepare for dinner."
"Sounds like a plan…Though, I don't think I'll be any help making food."
"Hmm, it's fine, my father had taught me how to make a few dishes when I was little."
"You can cook?"
"Indeed, they may not be on par with my father's tradition, but I'll try my best. From Carole's reaction, she certainly thinks they'll be ok."
Kiana saw pride in Hua's smile. Now that Kiana thought about it, the few times where she got the chance to taste Fu hua cooking, it had always made her want more. Of course, it was second only to Mei cooking.
(I wonder how Hua's cooking will be. Fu hua always uses Chinese tyre ingredients.)
At the same moment, Kiana stomach chose to offer its opinion with a small growl. Kiana froze as Hua blick, then let out a small chuckle as Kiana face flush red.
"Or perhaps we should eat first before we go to the clothes stores?"
"Y-yea, that sounds good. Sorry…"
Kiana let out an embarrassed sign as Hua chuckled to herself.
(To be hosent, this entire thing feels like I'm trapped in some kind of sick game. I don't even know if I'm the only one that got sent back…But what I'm pretty sure of is that the WILL was the thing that sent me here. So it is probably using me to accomplish its goals.)
Kiana followed Hua as she thought about the new world she was now in. A slight smile forms on Kiana's face. It was a smile that challenged the world.
(If that's the case, then you should get ready to pay up, Honkai. I don't work for free. I'll beat your game and make you regret trying to mess with this Kaslana.)
"It is as breathtaking as ever, don't you think, Ellie?"
A silk smooth voice echoes as the starry night shone down. Long, luxurious red hair flows down on the woman's back like a river as they dance in the night breeze. A cup of crimson wine lifted to her cherry red lips. Her beautiful red dress flowed with her white, smooth skin. Her golden eyes stare mesmerized down at the night city.
Hundreds of lights glow in the city. People walking to and from. Each in their own world, walking to their own destiny. Eden had always loved that about this world. In the vast world, the people, the city, and even this whole world was nothing. Yet, this single drove away the darkness of night with its brilliant glow. Every time she thought she memorized every detail about the city, she would always find something new when she looked at it again the next day.
To the person known as Eden, it was like an ever-changing stage that had no end.
(One day, perhaps, my songs will be just as brilliant.)
"Fufu, Los Angele truly is the City of Angels. Your city seems to get more beautiful every time I visit. I really envy you for living here, Eden."
A voice as soft as flowers answers. Eden glanced at her best friend. A girl with short pink hair led on the edge of the building, staring at the city in wonder. Eden didn't feel any sense of fear in her friend, even as a strong gust of air could have been enough to knock her over the edge.
"It truly is beautiful, Eden. It's too bad I can't visit as often as before."
"It is no worry, you know this city will always welcome you here, Ellie."
"You're as kind as ever, Eden, offering this expensive wine and great view, I almost feel ungrateful for not giving anything back."
Eden chuckles as she grabs a wine bottle on the table and refills an empty cup.
"You should know by now, Ellie, your company is all that I could ask for in return. Besides, I wouldn't dream of missing your stories about the world."
The pink-haired girl stepped away from the edge and gently took the cup with a bright smile.
"Fufu, I'm not that great. Besides, I heard that you released a new song, you wouldn't mind letting little old me have an early copy, would you?"
"Unfortunately, you will have to wait a little longer, Ellie. My managers will be quite upset if they know I'm spoiling the song before they even announce it."
"uhh, and here I thought I could get ahead…"
Eden chuckles at her friend while she watches the red fluent dance in gently the wine cup.
"You seem happier tonight, Ellie."
"Oh, so you notice?"
"Of course. From the way you hum and move. It seems like you found something quite interesting, right?"
"Eh, I suppose you of all people would have noticed, Eden. And I was really trying to hide it, too."
"I would have been disappointed if I couldn't tell. Afterall, I know you for quite a bit. So, what is it this time? Did you visit another country, or perhaps you found an undiscovered island?"
"Not quite. This time, you could call it more of a feeling than anything else."
"A feeling?"
"Yep! I can feel it. Something is changing. The whispers that I always hear seem to be changing. The ones months ago also felt the same, yet different at the same time. I can't put my finger on it, but I know."
Ever after knowing this girl for so long, Eden hasn't ever seen the glee that lights up her friend's eyes as it is now. Eden had always seemed that happy smile on her best friend face, yet she could also feel a slight loneliness in them as well.
Yet now, that loneliness seems to disperse into something else.
Elysia's eyes seem to shine with so much emotion, and despite knowing Elysia for so long, Eden couldn't even begin to understand the emotions in her fried eyes. Elysia calmly took a breath of air, as if to embrace the whole city before her.
"I don't know what is going to happen next, but something tells me it's going get far more interesting in the next few months."
Welcome back to Kaslana's In The Past.
Sorry for not uploading sooner. To be honest, I had this chapter return last week, but after looking over it again, I found that it was a mess. So, after I rewrote this entire thing, this is what I got. It definitely isn't the best, but it's all I really got for right now. So, I hope everyone enjoys the chapter even with all of its mistakes. I probably going to correct few mistakes in this and the previous chapter.
Is this where we answer question right...?
Reviews:
FFReader123: Kiana's in the previous era now, interesting. Big question is did Durandal also get flung there too when she got sucked into the singularity?
Answer: That is indeed the big question eh. You'll have to wait just a bit longer to find out what happened.
Tetracinth: Cool fic but fuhua's name in the previous era isn't "fu hua", it's just hua. Fuhua is the name she had during her times as a pioneer.
Answer: Thanks! I may or may not have remembered that part of lore about PE not having last names. I fixed it in the previous chapter.
conkistador159: I'm looking forward to more, even though it's only the first chapter, the story has a lot of potential, I look forward to the next chapter soon, after all it's been more than a week since its publication. We look forward to the next chapter Author.
Answer: Thanks for enjoying the story! Sorry for the wait. I was hoping I could upload one chapter per a week or two, but I might have to reconsider that idea (Tho, it didn't help that I was lazy as well...).
Anyways, I hope everyone will enjoy this chapter was just as much as the last one. And I hope you look forward to the next few chapters as well (Hopefully sooner this time.).