A.N. Alright three chapters a week should be enough...I'm gonna go on break now and focus on some school and stuff...and then I'll resume next week. As always fave, follow and review if you enjoy it, especially the review part. and I'll see you next time.
Teri looked to each side as she walked outside the room. It was late at night, and she had to go to do the bathroom. Unfortunately, despite her reputation and her prowess, Teri had…some issues. Specifically, she was missing a certain giant cross that had always been by her side. "Oh, Judah, where are you?" She muttered as she walked out into the hall.
Despite the friendly demeanor she couldn't help but feel jumpy that the Herrschers were out prowling about the base. It still shocked her that Cecilia had let Kiana go with them to sleep. The thought was chilling honestly, imagining her niece cuddled up next to the two. They were still strangers after all.
"Now where is it?" She wondered aloud. The halls were large and empty, with the lights being dimmed to save power. Teri's little footsteps echoed softly as she walked. She should have asked Einstein for a map or something, but the good doctor had been asleep, and Teri just let her be. She had no idea how the situation had been, considering, for the most part, the Herrschers had 'threatened' the Doctor more than anyone else.
She looked through several rooms, find various stores, offices, and even a breakroom, but no bathroom. After what seemed like an eternity, she opened one last door at the end of the hall. The room inside was pitch black, with only the light from the hall illuminating a piece of it. Within it, Teri's eyes widened at the sight.
There was Kiana sleeping very peacefully with a blanket draped over her. Teri smiled softly as she unconsciously walked toward the girl. She didn't notice the toys laying on the floor…or the other figure in the room. She accidentally stepped on a homu plushie, the toy in question making a soft squeak, barely audible to most.
A golden eye opened in the darkness as several white lances materialized within the room, all focused on Teri. Theresa froze as the soft glow of Void's powers illuminated the room. Teri now saw the Herrscher lying right behind Kiana, an arm wrapped protectively over the child. She could feel the golden eyes on her, analyzing her. The lances soon dematerialized as the Herrscher lifted her hand, 'freeing' Kiana.
With a few hands movements, Void turned on the lights in the room and moved all the toys aside. Teri took it as a sign to approach and thankfully she was right, as Void made no moves to stop her. The Herrscher faded from her spot behind Kiana, appearing by the door before walking out, leaving Teri alone with her niece.
Teri let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. She had never felt so much fear before in her life. Siegfied and Cecilia were still competent fighters, but Kiana…she was someone who was so young and fragile, Teri thought as she moved a strand from her niece's face. Yet here was a Herrscher, arguably stronger than the one that threatened to end the world a few days ago, cuddling with her.
It wasn't often Theresa saw children, but it never ceased to fascinate her. Perhaps it was because she was never a child herself. She had technically been born in her current form, never knowing the process before, and never growing further. She was eternally stuck looking the way she did. She remembered when Cecilia had been young as well, but now look at them. Cecilia was now a mother with an increasing family and Teri was still physically a 12-year-old girl.
"You deserve to grow up in a world without all this," Theresa muttered. A world without the Honkai, without all this fighting, was a dream many had. "But that's just wishful thinking," She mused.
She recalled seeing Sirin's pain and suffering; fuelled by humanity's desire to combat the Honkai. She saw Sirin's rage and hatred; fuelled by the Honkai to destroy humanity. Either the Honkai would take from them directly, or indirectly. It was intrinsically linked with them.
Even now, loathe as she would admit it, she could see Kiana growing up to continue this fight. She was born as both a Kaslana and Schariac, two families that were a part of this war forever. Yet she still hoped there was a slim chance it would never come to be. "Sweet dreams," she told Kiana as she kissed her on the forehead. Teri herself would dream as well, for a life of peace for her niece. Leaving the room, she cast one last look at her niece, a smile on her face before she turned the light off.
Teri then found herself surprised for a second time by the Herrscher of the Void who had been waiting in the hall. However, what was more interesting was what the Herrscher had on her person. "I believe this is yours," Void spoke as she held the Oath of Judah out for Teri.
Teri stared at the weapon that was practically a part of her. She raised an eyebrow at the Herrscher, the situation seemed unreal. Judah was a weapon that was made from a Herrscher core, it was made specifically to fight Herrschers and it could nullify Honkai power. Void had every reason to keep it away from her and yet here she was offering it to her.
Call it a hunch, but Teri could tell this weapon was not fake. She'd recognize her Judah anywhere, but she still hesitated. "My arm's getting tired," Void muttered. Teri carefully stretched out her arm as the Herrscher handed it over. Void spoke nothing more, no threats, no warnings against using it against her, nothing. She just walked past Teri before re-entering the bedroom, no doubt to cuddle up once more with her sister.
Teri just stared once more where the Herrscher was before staring at the cross. She made sure to look around for anyone who might be watching or any cameras. Then once she was sure no one was watching, she hugged the Cross like a Teddy Bear as she continued searching for a bathroom.
The good news, Teri eventually did find the bathroom, the bad news she could not remember the way back. This time however she was feeling slightly better about the journey. She had Judah with her after all.
Admittedly she was curious about the series of events. Why did Void return it to her now? Surely there was a better time to return her weapon. It seemed weird that Void's response to being awoken was to bring Teri's weapon to her. Then again considering the lances, Teri wondered if maybe Void intended to fight her but had some code of honor preventing any direct confrontation.
Regardless, the end result had been favorable. Void returned to sleep peacefully, and Teri left in peace and in one piece, along with Judah, so a win-win.
"Maybe I should have asked her for directions?" Teri pondered before perishing the thought. She didn't want to push her luck with the Herrscher.
Once again, she found herself opening and closing various doors as she tried to find her way back to the medical ward. Seriously who designed this place? As she kept searching the various rooms she found herself in the kitchen of all places. It was a standard military-grade kitchen, but she could tell they were various modifications that had been made to help with their current living situation. Figuring she could get something to drink or eat, she went inside.
"Of course," She grumbled after looking through the cupboards. Someone just had to put the box of cookies on the highest shelf, just out of her reach. Luckily she was Theresa, the world's cutest and a trained Valkyrie. It was no big deal for her to climb up the shelves for the cookies. Of course…. even the best can make mistakes, like celebrating too soon and slipping. She braced herself for the inevitable crash on the floor, but it never came. She soon found herself floating mere inches before the ground.
"Looking for a Midnight Snack," a soft voice called. Theresa looked up noticing Thunder who was semi-transformed. Only one of her pupils was glowing red and her horns were out, but other than that she was in night ware. Theresa soon realized she was caught by the Herrscher, both figuratively and literally.
As the floating hands rested her down gently, Teri held the box out with a downcast expression. "Oh, come now. I never said you couldn't eat them," Thunder said. "Here, I'll go and make some chocolate milk for you," She added. "And don't worry…I won't tell anyone about this," She whispered as she took out the milk.
Teri sat by the counter glancing at the Herrscher. She watched as the Herrscher proceeded to make the chocolate milk, with the aid of her extra floating hands. It was such a mundane use of power. The hands would float around grabbing and moving the various things she would need. Placing the glass, fetching the syrup, adding the syrup, the only thing Thunder actually did was pour and mix the milk.
"Here," The Herrscher said as she placed the glass in front of Teri. One of her floating hands even went as far as to grab and place a straw for her. It was truly a testament to her skill how careful she could be with such bulky appendages.
Teri eyed the glass before taking a small sip of the chocolate milk. It was tasty as per usual. Opening the box of cookies, Teri began to snack and drink while eyeing Thunder, who seemed to be reading a cookbook. Glancing down at the box, Teri noted there were quite a few cookies in there.
"Do you want any?" Teri offered as she held out the sweets.
"Herrschers don't need to eat," Thunder mused.
"That doesn't answer the question," Teri noted. Thunder flashed her a small smile before reaching a hand out…a human hand and taking a handful of cookies. She gave the book to the Herrscher's arms and began snacking alongside Theresa.
The silence had been awkward to say the least. Nevertheless, Teri took it upon herself to break the ice. "Are you looking for tomorrow's menu?" Teri questioned. She had recalled how Thunder seemed to be the one responsible for making the meals. For the most part, the girl seemed to like cooking; no one cooks that well, without enjoying it.
"Why yes…yes it is," Thunder answered. "Any requests?" She questioned.
"No, I'm sure whatever it is, it will taste delicious," Teri noted. "I must say though, the dexterity and skill you possess is impressive. Where did you learn it?" She prodded.
"Are you referring to my Herrscher abilities or my cooking skill?" Thunder questioned.
"Both," Teri answered.
"Well with regards to my cooking….it was an acquired skill. I had to learn to cook for myself at a young age, but I didn't have the stomach to eat...less than stellar meals." She explained. "So, I learned to cook delicious food simply because I was used to eating delicious food. It also helped released any pent-up stress as well. So that was a bonus" Thunder explained.
"I see," Teri answered. She filed away that information for later.
"As for my Herrscher and my Honkai powers," Thunder pondered. "I had a few teachers," She smiled sadly. "They were some of the kindest people I knew, taking in a monster like me and treating me like a human being," She voiced softly. "They helped me use my abilities for the greater good," Teri noticed the longing look the girl had as she stared at her own hand, lightning dancing across her fingers.
"I'm sure they must be good people," Teri said to cheer the girl up. "I'd sure love to meet them," she told Thunder.
"I'm afraid…that's not possible," Thunder replied. "One of them died…a while back and the rest of them… is in a place I can no longer return to," Thunder whispered. Her voice didn't sound angry or upset. It just sounded…empty to Teri.
"Oh, well I'm sorry to hear that," Teri apologized. "Still…they did seem to do a good job," She consoled.
"Yeah…they sure did." Thunder smiled.
It was then that Teri had possibly the stupidest, most absurd, most Siegfied-like idea in her entire life. "You know if you ever want to talk about it. I can always listen. I'm sure some of your experiences might even help me plan my curriculum for St. Freya." Teri explained. She didn't want to seem like she was pitying Thunder, less she offends her, but she hoped her intentions were clear.
"St. Freya," Thunder muttered under her breath.
"Oh, right, silly me," Teri scolded herself. "It's a school that Cecilia and I are planning to build," Teri explained. "An institution that helps teach young girls how to be Valkyries, who fight to not just defend humanity, but to also live for themselves." Teri continued. "We want to help some of those who were affected with the Honkai in our own way, and not Schicksal's way." She finished.
"So would you be like a Principal or something?" Thunder asked in a weak voice.
"Well, actually Cecilia would be the principal. I was going to be vice-principal cause…well…it's less paperwork for me," Teri admitted nervously. Much to her surprise, Teri noticed how there were some tears forming in Thunder's eyes, though the kill in question was trying to hide them. Did she do something wrong?
"Eh…I'm sorry," Teri apologized. What she was apologizing for she didn't know, she just felt like she needed to do so.
"Relax…its nothing serious," Thunder assured her. "You just brought up some old memories…that's all." She dismissed.
"A school like that sounds like a wonderful idea," Thunder admitted. "I'm sure you'll help a lot of young people with it,"
"You think so?" Teri inquired. She was surprised by Thunder's response.
"I know so," Thunder admitted with a smile. "And if my experiences help, I'll be happy to share them," She added.
Theresa then had her the second stupidest, most absurd, most Siegfied like idea for the night. "Would you be willing to be a teacher?" Teri questioned. If Void and Thunder were actually on the side of humanity and wished to help, perhaps she could recruit them as teachers. It could help warm people up to them, they could offer a lot to the students, especially Sirin and those other girls.
"I'll think about it," Thunder answered. "We'll discuss more once this is all over,"
"But just keep in mind….I do not speak for the two of us. You will need to speak to Void as well if you wish to recruit her," Thunder noted. She questioned if Void would even agree, or if this idea would ever come to fruition.
Still, the idea of being a teacher was tempting on its own. Thunder had no way of returning to her own time, she was trapped here with Void. She couldn't return to her family; they wouldn't know or accept her. It would be best to just make a new life and start over. Mei couldn't fight forever after all.
"Alright then," Teri answered. "When this over, I'll gladly have you enlisted… Miss… uh… Thunder."
"Okay…Vice Principal," Thunder smiled.