Disclaimer: 'Honkai impact 3rd' is the property of Hoyoverse, Singapore. I do not own any characters in this story except the minor OCs here and there.
End of Innocence
One year later
This past year had gone by like a dream for Kevin. Between the cultural festival in school, the school trip for the second years, the new year's celebration at Dr. Ryoma's house and the summer vacation he had just one month prior, it was the most peaceful time of his life that he ever had. For him, the only thing he had was fighting Honkai beasts but he got to experience the life of a common high school student because of this assignment. If he had to admit, it was not so bad after all and he would have liked it to go all the way towards graduation; but fate had other plans. On a sunny day in June of the year 2021, he was reminded again of the true nature of this world and his duty.
It was a warm afternoon. Class 3-D, along with Class 3-F was having a gender-split P.E class in which the boys were having volleyball and the girls were having swimming lessons. In normal conditions, it meant that the perverted males in the boy's camps had a great chance to check out the girls in school swimsuits but that was not the case here as:
"Tweet….. Team-1 another score. The Total score for Class-D to Class-F is 20-0."
"Holy crap, he is too good."
"Kyaaaaaaa. Ouji-saaamaaa. He looks so cool."
"He looks like a hero."
"He is my hero. Oujii-sama please look at me."
"No, no look at me."
"Kyaaa. He's wiping sweat from his forehead."
"Oh my goodness. His body. I can't take it anymore. Fwee…"
"Garghg…." (Intense nosebleed sounds)
Sounds like this filled the entire pool where the female population was oogling their so-called prince instead of swimming. The boy's reactions were as usual:
"Damm pretty boy."
"He's not only pretty. Look at his abs."
"Why does he have such a good ripped body. What does he even eat?"
"I saw him frequenting that ramen stand near the school in after-school hours."
"Dumbo. If he had these kinds of abs while eating ramen, then I should too."
"Maybe he just works out?"
"What kind of workout does he do? I have not seen a person in this city who works out having those much-defined abs."
The earlier boy shrugs.
"Damm. Being athletic along with being a genius. Leave something for us will ya. Ya European bastard."
The said European bastard looked at the source of the commotion. His cold sky-blue eyes were enough to shut up the male population, however as for the female population:
"KYAAAAAAAA."
"He looked at us."
"His ice-cold glare is soooo hot."
"Please punish me daddy, I've been a naughty girl."
The boy was weirded out, for some reason the female population was making even more ruckus now. He turned to his friend and asked:
"What do you think have got them that agitated Su?"
"Hell, if I know." Su said while wiping sweat from his own forehead. He then looked at the girl's side and saw the commotion they were making, no doubt because of this guy in front of him. How could be one so dense? He literally didn't get the hints thrown in his face, let alone respond to them. During valentine's day this year, he got chocolates from almost the entire female student population, only to reject them to face saying that he didn't like them. This caused no shortage of tears on that day and he had to do the clean-up, console the crying girls by saying that the guy didn't mean it in a hurtful way, and reign in the exploding male population who were going feral by having all of their chocolates snatched away by this guy.
Hell, he didn't even accept Mei-chan's chocolate, giving it to him and Seele-chan. Only after being requested by Seele-chan repeatedly, he took a bite. They were expecting some sort of response but to their dismay he gave none, causing Mei-chan to become sad. Did he even know how hard she had worked on that chocolate? She worked for one-week straight consulting him and Seele-chan continuously to create a chocolate that was not too sweet. However, all that hard work went down the drain by his non-responsiveness. As tears appeared in the corner of her eyes due to the frustration, then he put a hand over her head and said "They're good, Mei." Causing Mei to cry due to happiness and relief. Seriously this guy had the talent to make even the most aloof girl in their class to behave like this.
As he looked up towards his friend, he saw Kevin looking at the Horizon with an unreadable expression. Sensing something was up he asked:
"Kevin, is everything alright?"
"It's coming." Kevin said his expression becoming more hardened.
"What's coming?"
"The third eruption."
"Wha-" but before he could say further, the ground shook violently and there was an explosion of some kind. Then he felt extremely hot and went unconscious.
…
As he came about, he found himself seated at the back of a car. The car was moving and he felt someone sitting beside him as well.
"Hmmm." he woke up groggily trying to make sense of the situation.
"Are you awake Su?" a voice asked, a voice he knew too well.
"Wha-… Kevin? What happened, where am I?" he looked around to see them in a car being driven by Kevin and on his side, Mei-chan was sitting.
"Mei-chan? What happened? Kevin, answer me?"
At this time Mei was also getting up, she woke up groggily and was disoriented. She found that she was wearing a shirt of some kind over her swimsuit.
"Hmmm….. what happened? Last I remember, there was this huge blast and then the ground started shaking…." Then she noticed Su-kun was sitting beside her and they were in a car of some kind being driven by… Kevin-kun?
"Eh? Kevin-kun? Su-kun? What happened? Why are we in a car? No, how can you drive a car Kevin-kun?"
"It seems like you are both awake, then I will cut to the chase. The city is hit by a disaster, but it's not the kind of the ones which we have read in class." Kevin explained.
"What do you mean by that Kevin?" Su asked. He was growing more anxious by the second. Kevin seemed like he was a totally different person now.
"Long story short, everyone you both know are dead. You both have survived only because both of you have some innate resistance to the thing that caused this disaster in the first place."
"Wha-" Su was stunned beyond words. Is everyone dead? How can that be? They were just having P.E not too long ago.
"If you don't believe me, look outside." Kevin replied.
That was when Su saw what was outside. The entire place looked like a warzone, with buildings on fire and destroyed roads and pavements. But what shocked him the most was these creatures in the distance who were destroying everything in their path. They looked like a knight from those old times, wielding a lance-like thing. However, those creatures were totally white as chalk with purple-veins like things running through their body.
"Kyaa." Mei shrieked seeing them for the first time. Su was also flabbergasted, what were those things and from where they had come from. It seemed the answers he wanted could only be given by the man in front of him.
"What are those…those things, Kevin?" Su asked in trepidation. However, Kevin stayed silent causing Su to become frustrated.
"Answer me, Kevin." he said banging the window. However, Kevin still remained silent. As he was trying to hold his shoulder, Mei stopped him. He looked over at her and she just shook her head. He sat down again clicking his tongue audibly. After some time, they stopped in front of a familiar apartment.
"This is-…. Where you live?" Su said in a questioning voice. That is when Kevin opened his mouth.
"Wait in the car, I will bring Seele and some other important stuff." as he started to open the door and climb down.
"Wait let us come with you." Su said frantically, with Mei nodding vigorously in agreement. He didn't know what those beasts were, but he knew that he will be safer with Kevin than remaining in the car outside. Kevin just nodded and the two followed him into his flat.
"Onii-chan." a black blur tackled Kevin as he made into the flat. He just rubbed her head and said.
"Are you all right?"
"Y-yes hic Seele was d-doing laundry w-when hic there was t-this loud sound hic a-and then the ground shook so badly hic Seele thought- Seele thought-" Seele couldn't finish her sentence as she started crying. Kevin continued to stroke her hair to calm her down. After some time when she calmed down, Kevin said:
"Pack the important stuff. Try to make it one bag only."
At this Seele nodded and went to pack the crucial documents and change of clothes. Mei went to help her while Su just stood in the living room. He then noticed Kevin going to his room and followed him. Within his room, Kevin bent down and pulled a large case from under the bed. Being curious Su asked:
"What's in that Kevin?" to which Kevin wordlessly opened the case revealing very modern-looking handguns and pistol holsters.
"Wh-wh-wha-" Su was stuttering. He Knew Kevin had secrets but he never would have imagined them to be such dangerous secrets. As he was stuttering, Kevin flicked the safety off and loaded the pistols with a click.
By this time both Mei and Seele had come to the living room carrying a medium-sized trolley. Mei had the same reaction when she saw Kevin putting the pistols in the Holsters. Seele, on the other hand, didn't look too surprised but her expression showed that the idiot was going to do something stupid.
"Onii-chan, are you going to fight those monsters?" Seele asked in a very worried voice. Hearing her question, both Su's and Mei's eyes widened. He was going to fight those things with these pistols?
"No, I need Surtr to fight them properly. But I have to go to Dr. Ryoma's house and aid in his evacuation if possible."
"What do you mean 'if possible' ?" Mei asked him in a shaking voice.
"I already explained to Su, but the main reason you three survived is that you all have innate resistance of some degree. If Dr. Ryoma also has this resistance, then all is well and good. But if he doesn't-"
"I-if he doesn't?" Mei was visibly shaking now.
"Best case scenario he will die a human. Worst case scenario, he will have a fate worse than death." Kevin said in a cold and calculated voice.
"What do you mean Kevin?" Su asked. At this Kevin took a deep breath and said:
"I'm going to tell this only once so listen well. Whatever you are going to see from now on is the ugly, bitter and cold truth. These disasters happen frequently and cause untold amounts of destruction, but that is not the worst part. Along with those disasters, beasts like those appear and kill the remaining humans without exception."
"But why?" Mei asked while still trying to calm down.
"That is something we have been trying to find for decades but to no success. However, the worst part is the former identity of some of those beasts."
"And that is?" Su asked feeling his stomach become extremely heavy. He somehow knew that he was not going to like the answer.
"They are or rather were former human." Kevin said in-fact tone.
Su was feeling that his whole world was turning upside down. Hours before, they were all playing volleyball and now he was being told that some of those nightmarish creatures are humans? It didn't make sense, nothing did.
Mei could only look at him, her mouth agape. If what he said was true then there might be a chance that Otou-san was-…. No, she refused to believe it. He was still safe. He was waiting for her at home. He was not turned into that- that- whatever it was.
Both of them were brought out of their thoughts when Kevin spoke again:
"Su, take Mei and Seele to the place I have marked on the map. People should be waiting for you there. After you reach there, follow their every word to the last letter if you want to live."
"W-what about you Onii-chan?"
"As I have said, I have to check on Dr. Ryoma and help him escape, but if it is too late then-" Kevin said while taking out a pistol and clocking it.
"NO." a voice shouted across the room. Everybody saw Mei looking at Kevin with wide eyes.
"Let me go with you."
"No."
"What?" Mei was shocked.
"It is too dangerous. Dr. Ryoma had instructed me to help you escape to a safe location if something like this happens. It was the part of the deal he made."
"What deal?"
Kevin remained silent.
"Kevin, what deal?"
"You don't have the authority to know."
"I'm his daughter. How can I not have authority?" Mei asked lividly.
"I'm not at liberty to tell you. But understand this Kiyome Mei, this is bigger than you or me. The answer that Dr. Ryoma has will decide the future of humanity."
"Wha-" Su was stupefied. Humanity's future, what was the deal that Mei-chan's father made.
"Please. Let me go with you, I will not get in your way. I will remain at a safe distance and I will follow every word you say. Please, Kevin." Mei said begging him but Kevin still refused. At this Su finally looked Kevin in his eyes and said:
"Let her tag along Kevin. I know that you have many secrets, and I know that you keep them from us to only protect us. But Ryoma-san is Mei-chan's only family. It is normal to be worried about one's family, surely you would understand right?" he said while looking at Seele.
"Onii-chan, let her go with you, please?" Seele also requested.
Kevin weighed his options. On one hand, he could forcefully make them go to the place where the soldiers had set up the evacuation point, but there was a high chance that these two or just Mei will slip away unnoticed and try to follow him getting killed in the process. On the other hand, he could take them with him. It would be slightly more dangerous, but he can keep an eye on them better and they will willingly make their way to the evacuation point whether the situation in Dr. Ryoma's house ends in a positive or negative way.
Releasing a long breath and making up his mind, Kevin finally relented and said:
"You all will follow my every instruction. If I see any one of you doing anything unnecessary, I WILL take you to the place where it's safe whether you all want it or not." Kevin warned.
"Thank you, Kevin-kun." Mei said while sobbing.
"Thank you, Onii-chan." Seele said while smiling.
Kevin looked at Su who just raised his hands in a surrender fashion showing that he agreed as well.
"Then get in the car, and don't make useless noises that can attract those beasts."
At this, both Mei and Seele made their way to the car parked outside. Su on the other hand remained behind.
"This is not going to end well, is it?" Su asked knowingly.
"No."
Su could only sigh. He wished that Mei-chan would be strong enough to go on after today as both of them made their way to the car as well.
Kiyome residence (half an hour later)
The house was eerily quiet much to Mei's uneasiness. Nobody answered the doorbell even after five minutes which served to only fuel her anxiety. After five minutes Kevin tore the door down with a kick, much to her dismay.
"That door was expensive." Mei chided.
"We don't have time. Search for your father." Kevin retorted.
Mei wanted to answer back but thought better of it and started to do what he told her.
"Otou-san?"
Silence.
"Otou-san where are you?"
Still silence.
"Otou-san. It's me, Mei."
Still, nobody answered. At the continued silence Mei's heart dropped further. She felt as if the whole world was spiralling out of control. She was having swimming lessons just some hours ago. How did things come to this?
Suddenly, there was a noise in the direction of Dr. Ryoma's study. Mei rushed quickly, her heart beating at a rapid pace. She prayed with all her heart that her Otou-san is all right. However, she was going to learn that not everything happened in this world as you wished it to be.
As she made it into the study, what she saw made her heart stop.
"OTOU-SAN!" Mei shouted as she made it to her father's side.
Kiyome Ryoma was infected by something. His entire lower limb had been transformed into some kind of different creature. The infection was slowly making its way to his upper body as well. Purplish lines were running all over the body, pulsing with each heartbeat as if signalling that whatever this was, it was not going to stop.
As Kevin made his way into the study, he understood with a glance what is happening. It seems Dr. Ryoma had some Honkai resistance but not enough. It was too late now; his resistance had slowed down the zombification process but it was not enough. Kevin understood what he had to do; it was his duty to put them to rest as a soldier of Moths.
Dr. Ryoma regained consciousness as he saw his daughter holding him:
"Mei?"
"I'm here Otou-san, it's going to be okay."
At this Dr. Ryoma chucked a little followed by coughs.
"Mei, I know it's too late for me, isn't that right Kevin-kun?" he said looking at the young man who was going to bear the weight of humanity. He felt conflicted knowing this, but it was the only way.
"Yes. The infection has spread too far." Kevin said emotionlessly.
"What are you saying, can't we treat him at the place where you were planning to take us?" Mei asked not believing what was happening.
"You heard him, Mei. It's too late."
"It's not. Stop saying such things, we will get you to that place fast and you will be all right." Mei said crying.
"Mei, listen to me. I'm proud of the way you have grown up. You have become so beautiful and intelligent, if your mother was here, she would be proud too."
"Don't say such things." Mei said breaking down.
"It seems my time has come, but I know that you will grow into one of the world's most genius scientists. Just follow your heart."
"No. stay with me. You promised that you will be present for my first Nobel prize… hic…hic… you promised."
"Don't worry my daughter. I and your mother will always remain here with you." Dr. Ryoma said while poking her chest where the heart was.
Mei couldn't say anything and was crying. Seele hugged her from behind crying as well. Su just averted his face, his eyes stinging. He wanted to be a doctor, to save people; and here he was not even able to save his friend's father. What kind of a doctor he was?
Kevin on the other hand stayed neutral. Saying goodbyes to his comrades, not even being able to bury them had dulled his heart to these kinds of things. However, he still felt like a failure to be not able to protect his friend from sadness. It was always like this, Honkai taking away from people what they held dear and close. His hatred for Honkai increased, he will purge it and burn down those Herrschers so that not even their ashes will remain.
Dr. Ryoma started speaking bringing all of them out of their thoughts.
"Kevin-kun. I have written the improvements that I could think of. You guys have my full support for the Projects, but it seems that you will have to shoulder the burdens. I'm sorry." Dr. Ryoma apologized.
"It's my duty." Kevin replied.
"Then go ahead and take it. May fortune be with you, warrior of humanity." Dr. Ryoma motioned towards the two files on his desk. Kevin took them promptly and put them inside his coat that he changed into at his home.
Doing this Dr. Ryoma turned to his daughter to say his final goodbyes.
"Mei…. Always be brave… I am going…..I have…..a lot…..to tell…..to Saki as well…."
"Father." Mei said while sobbing uncontrollably.
"Kevin-kun…please….." Dr. Ryoma said as the corruption finally covered his whole face. Kevin understood the meaning and pried Mei away despite her protests.
"Su, hold her." he commanded. Then he unfastened a pistol, switched its safety off and clocked it.
"No. What are you doing?" Mei said while struggling while Su held her from behind.
"No. he is my father, you can't do this." Mei tried her best but Su didn't let her go.
"Let me go Su-kun. He is going to- he is going to papa-" Mei tried again.
"I'm sorry Mei-chan." Su said while feeling extremely useless.
"No please." Mei cried bitterly, but Kevin didn't stop. Besides them, Seele was crying but was unable to do anything. This was the same thing that happened to everyone back in her hometown, so she knew that what Onii-chan was doing will make sure that Ojii-san would go as a human. But seeing Mei nee-chan broke her heart. She wondered why was the world so cruel. At that moment a small mark started to appear on her bosom which would lead to a future tragedy.
Kevin looked at whatever remained of Dr. Ryoma and then at Mei who was looking at him with a pleading expression while crying. He pointed the gun towards Dr. Ryoma's head and said without looking at them:
"Remember this scene and burn it into your memory, heart and soul. This is the true darkness of the world against which I fight. This darkness taints and destroys everything it touches. Comrades, friends, family. From here on decide how do you want to proceed: whether you want to remain ignorant of it or you want to fight against it in your own way." he said as he pulled the trigger.
"NOOOOOOOOO."
And with that gunshot, both Mei's and Su's carefree happy days came to an end.
A few hours later
The car finally made it to the evacuation point made by the Moth soldiers that were stationed there. Kevin, Su, Mei and Seele stepped down from the car and made their way to the command post. One of the soldiers saw them and tried to stop them but when he saw Kevin he immediately saluted.
"Major Kevin."
"At ease. Explain the situation."
"Yes sir. Please this way." He led all of them inside the command tent. Inside the tent, all manners of communications equipment were scattered about. Soldiers were running to and fro. One of them noticed Kevin saluted.
"Sir."
"Explain the situation."
"Yes sir. At 1300 hours GMT, our Honkai sensors at the main base sensed large-scale outbreaks in the major cities of the world. All the battalions and regiments were dispatched to deal with the Honkai beasts and to aid with civilian evacuations."
"Hmm, what about the 4th and 5th battalions."
"4th regiment led by Colonel Ato is dealing with outbreaks in the Western Mu continent, while the 5th regiment led by Colonel Himeko is leading the forces in the Eastern Mu continent. Colonel Ato himself is present in London while Colonel Himeko has gone to one of the leading Chinese metropolises: Sapphire city."
"Hmm. Understood. And for us."
"The 7th battalion of the 7th regiment is to take care of the entirety of Japan. Reinforcements from both the 4th and 5th regiment are to assist as well."
"Who are they?"
"Corporal Kalpas from 4th regiment along with 300 men and Corporal Elysia from 5th regiment along with 300 men."
Kevin just sighed. Both of them were a bit difficult to deal with. Kalpas was a battle frenzy kind of guy who loved a good fight and would sometimes discard orders if he decided that he was going to get a good fight; Elysia was well…. her, let's just say it.
Deciding that he will cross the bridge when the time comes, he glanced at the others who followed him.
Seele was a little frightened as she knew that her Onii-chan was just going to fight against those monsters again, but she also knew that she was powerless to stop him. Thus, she said nothing much but her frown made it apparent that she didn't approve of what he was going to do.
Su was bewildered for the most part. He was like a fish out of water not knowing what to do or expect. His best friend turned out to be a soldier in some secret military organization combating an unseen force. It seemed like a story straight out of the sci-fi genre. But he was more curious about this Honkai thing the soldiers were keeping on repeating. Was it the true darkness that Kevin spoke of? If it was, he had seen what it could do first-hand. It was a nightmare and he couldn't even imagine his aunt or his cousins ever falling victim to it. His desire to find a cure to such an incurable disease burned within him after being powerless to save his friend's father. Speaking of said friend, he looked at Mei-chan.
Mei had been totally silent since her house. She had cried for almost an hour holding her father's ashes as after being shot by Kevin he turned into them. After her tears ceased, she silently got up and went to her room. She changed into casual clothes, took essentials and came back. After that, she didn't say a single word as they made their way through the beasts-infested streets. They somehow made it here thanks to Kevin's keen senses and skills.
Su couldn't even begin to imagine the pain she was feeling now, to lose the only family she had left. However, his heart went out to Kevin as well; to make such a hard choice and live with its consequences. He was sure even if Mei hated him for the rest of her life, he would accept it. That was the kind of guy he was, to shoulder all the hate, pain and rage of others and to make it his own.
He wanted to support him, but he knew that he was no good now. Thus, he decided that he will speed up his studies and become a doctor not only to find a cure for the infection that he saw today but to also become equal to Kevin so that he won't have to shoulder these types of burdens alone anymore.
Kevin said while looking over them:
"Take them to the shelter, and take these to Dr. Welt a.s.a.p." He said while handing over the two files to the soldier standing nearest to him.
"Sir." the soldier saluted and tried to escort them. But before he could, a small voice spoke up:
"Are you going to fight them Kevin-kun?"
Kevin looked over to see Mei looking at him with blank eyes.
"Yes." he replied.
"But why? They are dangerous. Did you not see what happened to Otou-san?"
"It's my duty."
"Duty? It's his duty he says. Can you even hear yourself Kevin-kun? What can you do? Are you going to kill them again like how you killed my Otou-san?"
"…"
"Answer me Kevin-kun."
"…"
"I said answer me."
"…."
"I SAID ANSWER ME KEVIN KASLANA." Mei roared.
"…"
"Why? Why did Otou-san have to die? He did nothing wrong. He was the most helpful person I've ever known. And to think his murderer is standing in front of me."
"Mei-chan." Su tried to calm her down.
"I hate you Kevin-kun. I hate you so much. He was my only family. He was the only one. And now he is gone because of whatever you are fighting against. Give him back, give my father back to me Kevin-kun." Mei said while banging her hands on his chest.
By this time both Elysia and Kalpas had arrived and saw a girl of their age banging her hands on his chest.
"What the fuck did he do this time?" Kalpas asked a soldier.
"Ah, Sir." the soldier saluted him quickly. Corporal Kalpas a.k.a MAD KING was one of the elite soldiers in the 4th regiment, his Honkai beast kill count was only second to Major Kevin and corporal Elysia in the entire organization. But his battle prowess was equally famous as his fiery temper. It was rumoured that he would bend you to an indistinguishable form if you cross him, thus the soldier was nervous while speaking to him.
"Don't salute me. Tell me what the hero boy did now?"
"S-sir that's-"
"Huh? What? I can't hear you." Kalpas said as he towered over the soldier.
"t-that's-"
"Don't irritate me." Kalpas said as he leered very close to the soldier scaring him so much that he started shaking.
"Now, now~ Kalpas don't scare him too much, see how badly he is shaking." a sweet voice chimed from behind him.
"Tch. He should have answered from start." Kalpas clicked his tongue.
"Now don't say that. Not everyone is comfortable with your spirited approach, so let's tone it down a little okay~." the voice said before turning to the soldier.
"Can you please tell us what is happening?" the sweet voice asked the soldier.
"Ah, Corporal Elysia." the soldier made a goofy expression. Corporal Elysia on the other hand was sweet and pure like a flower. Her positive and encouraging words lifted the spirits of many. Many were head over heels for her, himself included; but unfortunately, all of them knew that she had eyes for only one man.
"I know that I'm a beautiful girl, but we have other matters on our hands currently. Wait for a little, and I will take a photo with you later okay~." she said sweetly.
"Y-yes." he saluted vigorously. A photo with their goddess, he would brag to everyone in his team afterwards every day.
"Tch." Kalpas clicked his tongue seeing the reaction of the soldier.
"Now don't be jealous Kalpas. It's natural for a pretty and sweet girl like me to have so many fans~." Elysia said.
"Whatever."
"So, what is happening over there?" Elysia asked the soldier again.
"Ah, yes mam. Major Kevin brought back lady Seele along with those two just a few minutes ago. However, it seems that the girl has some kind of grudge against him."
"I see. Thank you~." Elysia said while giving a wink and flowing kiss to the soldier making him giggle like a fool. She then went near to Seele and greeted her:
"Seele-chan~."
"Ah. Elysia nee-chan." Seele was visibly happy seeing her here.
"How have you been? Did any monsters scare you?" Elysia asked.
"No, not at all. Onii-chan protected us all, but-but-" at this Seele started crying again.
"There, there." Elysia hugged Seele and patted her head. "Tell your Onee-chan what happened."
At this Seele explained to her about going to Dr. Ryoma's house and what happened there. As she listened, Elysia's sadness grew. She understood that he did what had to be done, but he didn't have to be so hurtful about it. She knew that inside he is cursing himself for something that was beyond his control; but not showing it outside so as to appear as a villain to the girl who was blaming him. He did it so the girl would hate him and find a new passion to live. Taking all the pain, rage and sadness of the girl by himself so she could be free from it and could start anew.
Really, what a hopelessly kind idiot he was.
As she saw the cries of the girl were increasing.
"I hate you; I hate you so much. Now after taking away my father from me, you are going to fight those monsters alone and die leaving me all alone."
"…" Kevin stood still taking it all in. If this is how she finds closure then so be it.
"You are now all that I have left and now you are saying you are going to die because of some duty."
"…"
"Don't leave me alone. Please don't leave me alone." Mei said as she slumped against him to the ground.
"Don't go." she said as all her rage scattered in the wind. Now the only thing that remained is boundless sadness and pain.
That was when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning her head back she saw a beautiful girl with light pink hair and light blue eyes with pink pupils. She had a kind expression on her face.
"It's okay Mei-chan, you can let it all out." the girl said as she embraced her in a warm hug. Tears started to fall from Mei's eyes again.
"WAAAAAAAAAAA." she cried bitterly mourning her loss. Her loss of the only family she had, loss of daily carefree life, loss of her innocence to the cruel reality of the world. All this while the girl with pink hair just stroked her hair and held her tight.
…
After Mei had calmed down, she was taken to the shelter but before that, she hugged Kevin tightly and said:
"Please, please come back to me safe and sound, Kevin."
At this Kevin finally said:
"Mei, I can't return you what you have lost. If it makes you feel better, hate me to your heart's content. However, I can promise you that I will burn the thing that took your father away to the ground so that not even its ashes are left."
At this Mei remained silent. After some time, she said:
"I believe in you. But please return to me after this is over. You are all I've left now, Kevin."
"…" Kevin was silent as he knew he couldn't make this promise. Mei understanding this gave him a chaste kiss on his cheek and said:
"I will wait for you until you return, so don't make me wait for long." she then separated herself from Kevin slowly and turned to Elysia and Kalpas.
"Please take care of him Elysia-san, Kalpas-san." she said bowing deeply.
"If only he doesn't gets his ass busted in the fight." Kalpas said scoffing.
"Don't worry Mei-chan. I will make sure he doesn't do something reckless, so don't worry okay~." Elysia said while giving her a knowing look. Kevin couldn't understand why they were both looking at each other like that.
"My god Kevin, another one? What are you?" Su exclaimed.
"?" Kevin was puzzled. At this, both women giggled.
"Then I leave him in your care, Elysia-san."
"Leave it all to me~."
After saying this she boarded the evacuation craft. Seele gave her Onii-chan a big hug while repeating the same things to Elysia as Mei said earlier. Finally, Su clapped Kevin's back while saying:
"We will meet again, my best friend. And at that time, we will fight as equals." he said with determination. Kevin nodded in reply. At this Su gave him a look and they both clapped their hands.
"Don't die out there, Kevin."
"You too, Su."
Finally saying this he boarded the craft as well. Finally, the craft was fully loaded and started taking off. Kevin looked at the craft as it started hovering in the air. Mei peered outside the window for one last time to look at Kevin as the craft started flying away.
Kevin looked towards the craft until it vanished on the horizon. After this he turned to look at both Elysia and Kalpas and said with determination in his eyes:
"Okay. It's time to begin"
At this Elysia could only smile and Kalpas smirked crazily.
"Yes~."
"Finally."
To be continued….
Hello everyone, welcome back to 'A Warriors Destiny'.
Well, I actually wanted to include the eruption part of the third eruption in this chapter but alas here we are. But now that all the sentimental things are out of the way, we can delve into the action from the next chapter. And we finally have one of the fan-favourite characters with us, let's see how is that going to affect things in this third eruption.
As always if you like the story please leave a follow, favourite, and/or review.
Thank you for reading, until next time.