"Welcome to The Roost," Sora announced.
The two Valkyrja turned Herrscher were overwhelmed. The moment Sora had completed her introduction multiple doors across the structure were flung open. Children between ages 7 to twelve charged out. All wore hand-me-down and patched up clothes. All had small medical devices attached to themselves or mechanical companions like Mark II attending closely. Their limbs were often wrapped in bandages. After seeing what lay beneath Sora's it didn't take much of an educated guess to realise what was going on.
"Each of them has a Stigma," Kiana whispered.
"Incomplete Stigma," Mei corrected. "Whoever this Sensei is, they are well informed. Look at all the medical equipment. Each of their Stigma must have flaws. The equipment would be custom tailored to their needs."
'Someone is playing a very elaborate game with their lives. I wonder if meeting this Sensei was a wise decision.'
The children's grasping hands pulled Mei and Kiana forward. The pair couldn't help but be dragged inside. The interior of the main building was surprisingly well constructed and sturdy. Ladders lead between three levels. The bottom was a communal living area. Repurposed couches, seats, a dated plasma TV and DVD player in one corner. The rear was for food preparation. Cooking stoves were recessed into a bench. Electrical ports were present but few. Likely the children relied on solar panels built into the roof. A long table scattered with mostly clean cutlery and crockery flanked the kitchen. Glancing up Mei could see the second storey was filled with bookshelves and sports equipment. Contained there was the cool storage for the various medical supplies, currently running rather low, that the children needed. The third was sleeping quarters.
"Who are you, Onee-san?"
"Why are you here?"
"Where did you get that cool sword?"
"You smell like a storm."
"Did you save Sora?"
"Can you play with me?"
Mei was utterly overwhelmed by the cacophony of voices. They pulled her attention in all directions. What made things worse was how easily Kiana adjusted. In moments she was giggling and carrying on with the horde of children. Somehow, she answered each question with the right answer. She knew which voice belonged to which child. Within a minute Kiana had memorised their names. The whirlwind of childish energy infected Kiana. The children of the Roost had found a new friend and they were going to capitalise on their time together.
"Wait, one at a time!" Kiana merrily shouted as she was directed up a ladder and toward a care-worn table tennis bench.
It was a struggle of herculean proportions. The sort of insurmountable fight that made crossing the path of a Herrscher pale in comparison. Finally, Mei broke and smiled. A fresh giggle rose from her chest. Kiana was the happiest she had seen in… since…
Well…
Before Wendy. All those months ago. Mei's smile was bittersweet. Her eyes felt a little misty when she realised just how much time had passed.
'When was the last time I saw this Kiana? When was the last time she was this loveable idiot with that infectious enthusiasm and genuine grin?'
"I'll crush you all!"
'And a complete idiot.'
"Are you okay, Mei-onee?" Sora asked.
Mei's sighed and shook her head.
"I'm fine. Could I trouble you for a drink?"
"We have orange juice."
Mei allowed herself to be guided along by Sora, hand clasping hers, over to the kitchen. One of the fridges was opened and a bottle of long-life juice taken out. Sora poured the two of them a glass. Mei sat at the table and sipped her drink.
"You said that this Sensei comes every month or so. When is she next due?"
"It's been two months. Any day now. I miss Sensei. I hope they come back soon."
"So do I, Sora. I think I have a number of questions for them."
Mei continued to drink and wonder what questions she needed to ask. The children left her alone. A wise decision. She wasn't rude. But her attention was focussed elsewhere. Future plans and resources. She would need information. Enough to make her first moves. Amarant would be useful. That woman was a wealth of useful information and connections. Sora sat politely with Mei and let her think. The other children came one by one and asked Sora what happened. The same story of falling unconscious and waking up to a good meal was repeated.
'Of course that's what's on her mind.'
"Mei-onee is a good cook?"
"Could she make something for us tonight?"
"What does she make?"
"Does she want to cook for Sensei?"
Before Mei knew it, she had been press ganged into making dinner. When Kiana joined in from where she shouted at the third storey Mei knew the war had been lost.
"Fine. Fine."
The chorus of happy cheers echoed throughout the roost. Mei took the opportunity to slip outside and pull the radio from her jacket pocket.
"Have you died yet?" she asked
Seconds ticked by.
"Until you have paid me, I shall remain by your side, dear customer."
"Drat."
"Why the courtesy call?"
"Feed the pet dragon and lock the front door. Kiana and I are staying the night at the Roost."
"I'm missing out on something special, aren't I?"
"Whatever gives you that idea?"
"Because you're a sadist and wouldn't call me unless you knew it would annoy me."
"Look after yourself, Amarant. We'll rendezvous in the morning."
"I can share the good news then. Think I've got this facility of yours figured. Watch your back."
"Understood."
Mei turned off the radio.
"This curry rice tastes so good!"
"The sides are amazing!"
"Are you a chef, Mei-onee?"
"I want thirds."
The children were little bundles of joy. It had taken a few hours, but Mei finally warmed to them. A genuine smile was worn. Broken up by the occasional chuckle. Once Mei managed an actual laugh when one of the kids got the drop on Kiana and slipped a bucket over her head. The Roost was a warm and lively place. A home amidst the sea of destruction. Mei understood why Sensei had left the children here.
'It's possible they are safer here than anywhere else on the planet right now. Let them live in this happiness for a while longer.'
Mei also understood what the children represented. Their presence only firmed her resolve to make the necessary decisions.
Kiana devoured plate after plate, much to the astonishment of the children. It was only when she lifted her gaze to look at Mei that her pace slowed. A guilty expression shadowed her.
"I'm glad you enjoy my cooking as usual," Mei smoothed things over.
Kiana bit her lip. She looked close to tears. Mei sighed and got out of her seat. She snatched Kiana's clean plate out from under her.
"I'll get your fifth portion."
By the time Mei had returned the energetic and bubby Kiana was back.
The children were surprisingly disciplined. Broken down by age, they showered, brushed their teeth, took their supplementary medication and went to bed. By 9:00 pm only Sora was awake by dint of being their host. Mei, Kiana and the lilac haired girl lazed about in the well-worn couches, a cup of hot barley tea in their hands.
"Do we wait here until Sensei arrives?" Kiana asked Mei.
"I think it's rude to impose upon the children. Their resources are finite. We can scrounge up more than enough supplies. Besides, I need to investigate the lab."
"Lab?"
Realisation flashed. Mei hadn't told Kiana anything of her plans.
"There is a lab connected to ME Corp. Amarant and I managed to locate it. I need the information contained within."
"Do you need our help, Mei-onee?" Sora asked.
"No, Sora. But thank you. This is something I alone can do. But the information might benefit you too. Anything I learn I will share with you and your Sensei."
Kiana's eyes narrowed. Her goofy personality was discarded.
"What are you planning?"
Mei rolled up her sleeve. The Honkai energy burns glowed an uncomfortable white in the dim light of the Roost.
"I'm not getting any better. Neither are you. This lab was involved in research into Stigma and Herrscher. My father found a way to seal my Stigma. That meant my connection to any Honkai energy was severed."
Kiana shifted from her lounging position. Her eyes bored into Mei.
"What are you up to?"
Mei chuckled.
"There are only two groups that know anything about Stigma. Schicksal and World Serpent. Neither wants to share their information. Therefore, I'm going to a third source. One that I trust. Every time I try to use any Honkai or Herrscher energy I collapse. The lab will have medical and technical information on Stigma, Honkai energy and how it affects humans. Both of us are very sick and if we don't get treatment we will die. I need long-term solutions."
Mei hoped off her seat.
"Talking about this won't make anything happen. Let us have an early night and ready ourselves for tomorrow."
The chirping of birds woke Mei. The sun peaked through curtained windows. For the moment she wanted to stay in the borrowed bed. After another dozy minute she growled and rolled out of bed. She dashed sleep from her eyes, dressed and climbed down the ladders. Breakfast wasn't going to make itself. Cooked rice, pan-fried fish and miso soup. Simple, healthy and very filling. The idiot continued to snore upstairs. The experience was nostalgic. As the meal was nearing completion the children of the Roost awoke. They quickly clambered down the ladder and attacked the breakfast. Last to wake was Kiana. The girl was mostly dressed when she mostly climbed down the ladder. The last few rungs she missed, slipping and sliding down the frame before falling into a heap. Mei dashed over and checked the idiot over. The girl was half-asleep even after the injury. The Honkai burn marks had grown overnight. They now reached her jaw. Mei hissed and dragged Kiana over to a chair.
"This breakfast is amazing."
"Thank you Mei-onee."
"I wish we could have this every day."
As Mei eased Kiana into a chair the front door swung open. A figure in a dark cloak stepped in and shut the door behind. Grey hair poked out from the hood. The new arrival was a woman clad in form-fitting smoky grey armour, boots and armoured gauntlets. Her magenta eyes took in the scene. The children. The breakfast. The two unexpected intruders.
"Whose been sleeping in my bed?" Raven teased with a vicious smirk.
"Sensei!" Sora cried out.
Raven embraced the child, ruffling the girl's head and looking her over.
"Have you been taking your medicine and pacing yourself?"
"Yes, Sensei. Well mostly. I went looking for building materials. Then I felt ill. Mei-onee found me. She looked after me and fed me. Then I showed her the Roost and she made dinner for us. Kiana-onee played with us all afternoon too."
Sora didn't take a breath as she explained the circumstances. Raven arched an eyebrow at her unwanted guests. Kiana was alert, hands hidden beneath the table, eyes searching for vantage points. Mei on the other hand filled another bowl of miso, plated the fish and rice, and deposited it at a spare table seat.
"Take off your gauntlets and cloak," she ordered. "I've got more if you want seconds."
Raven did as instructed. The expression of surprise as she ate her breakfast gave Mei a reason to smirk back.
"I should have you cook for me more often," Raven complimented.
"I charge top dollar. Not many chefs in Nagazora."
"Fair point."
Mei looked to Kiana and give a subdued shake of her head. The silver-haired girl sighed and relaxed a fraction.
"Aren't we playing nice?" Raven observed.
"I don't want to see red walls," Mei explained. "Not good for the constitution after a meal."
"You failed in Arc City. Think the Herrscher can protect you again?"
"Two Herrscher are more than enough."
Raven shook her head.
"I doubt it. You should take some of the medicine I supply."
"Prefer not to rob from sick and dying people. I'll ask you for pointers later."
Raven chuckled.
"You've teeth now girl."
"Red walls. We can talk outside."
"Let me finish this fine breakfast first."
Raven took her time with the meal. In the meantime, Kiana summoned the energy to climb up to her bed and properly dress. She slid back down and waited by the front door impatiently. Once everyone was finished Mei went about cleaning the table and washing the dishes. She dried her hands and fetched her jacket, gloves and weapon. Raven was dressed once Mei had finished.
"I'll be going out for a minute," Raven told the children. "Now thank our guests for everything they have done."
"Thank you!" was the chorus.
Three figures walked in the early morning sun. With the door closed Mei's hand settled on her katana.
"Where are we going to do this?"
"Do what?"
"Do not be coy, Raven. We both know the other wants blood. And Kiana is probably fuming. You nearly obliterated an entire city for nothing."
"What would you know, girl?"
Mei smiled.
"I know you failed. And you'll fail again. And again. And again. Stigma is a failure. You're a failure. World Serpent is a failure."
"Your hubris is stunning."
"World Serpent failed the moment I met these children."
Raven's expression morphed to cold fury.
"Do not harm them."
"They're an example of what would have happened in Arc City. The few that survived a lethal dose of Honkai radiation. I created Nagazora. You tried it in Arc City. Their Stigma are failures. That's why you keep them here in Nagazora. They need the high ambient Honkai radiation to live."
Mei stared into Raven's eyes. Unflinching. Proud. Without compromise. Raven knew this woman was either confident beyond all measure or utterly mad. Probably both.
"Mei-chan," Kiana said in a low, level voice, "Can we leave now? I don't want to scare the children."
Mei offered her hand. With her other she gave a mocking wave to Raven.
"I'll be seeing you soon."
A morning breeze caught the cloak. Tossed it about. Claws beneath flexed. Armour creaked. Mei seized her power within. Her vision doubled. She grabbed Kiana in a tight embrace. Swallowed the bile of breakfast. Focussed on the ground beneath. With a flare of electromagnetic energy Mei launched the two off the building. The howl of Raven as she just missed rending the two was satisfaction enough. They sailed high through the air and toward the ME lab building. At her apex Mei directed an EM field downward to guide and cushion her fall. Partway through their flight Mei's grip on her Herrscher power slipped. The sea rushed up to meet them. They hit the water hard, the cold shock froze Mei's limbs. She couldn't swim. Her head was a mess, up and down lost in the turbulence of bubbles. Strong arms grabbed her and pulled her toward the light. Mei breached the surface with an explosive breath. She kicked her legs and barely managed to keep her head above water.
"This way, Mei-chan!"
Mei let herself be tugged through the water. Kiana hauled her onto a pontoon. The pair lay coughing and spluttering for a few minutes. They were shivering, bruised and somehow had survived. Mei finally managed to sit up, swearing and padding over her jacket. She pulled out the radio. The underside read 'water resistant.'
"You better bloody work," Mei cursed.
She turned on the radio. The crisp chirp was a good sign.
"Amarant! We've got problems. Sensei was Raven. We got away but she's not doubt chasing us down."
"Sleepover was a bad idea, huh?"
"I screwed up. Give me grief about it later. Meet up with us out the front of the lab. I was stupid and spoke in front of Sora. I must get into the lab today. Raven will know everything from the child soon. You take Kiana back to our base. We're in no state to fight Raven. Benares should be a deterrent."
"Got it. I'll see you shortly."
"Be careful. Raven might come across you."
"I'd feel sorry for her. Talk the mercenaries ear off, I would."
Mei turned the radio off. The dizziness had finally faded. Kiana didn't look good either. Offering a hand, Mei dragged the woman to her feet. The two moved across the pontoons toward a ladder running up the side of a building. They scaled the structure as quickly as possible. Once atop the pair ran as fast as they could, clearing the buildings one after another. The entire time Mei could feel an itching between her shoulder blades. She knew the sensation. Years of training had honed her senses. She felt the killing intent.
"How much further?" Kiana managed between tight breaths.
"Two buildings up. Amarant should be close by."
"I'm not leaving you behind, Mei-senpai."
"Just shut up and do as your told."
"You cannot fight her."
"And you're not better. I leant enough about stealth from Oto-sama to avoid detection."
"Mei-senpai, we need—"
A figure crashed between them. Cloak billowing, Raven's victorious face peered out from the hood. She gave no opportunity. The woman flew toward Mei, the Herrscher reaching for the katana at her side. Before they clashed a bone-white lance forced itself between. The heavy weapon swept Raven away. She tumbled twice in the air before landing adroitly, sliding on heels, her claws digging into the concrete to slow her movement. Kiana stood defensively in front of Mei. Her clothes had changed, from their outdoor gear to a black and white dress and jacket with orange highlights. Her hands were gloved in black and white, heeled boots matching the motif. In Kiana's flowing silver hair she wore a hairpiece eerily similar the Herrscher of the Void. What chilled Mei's heart was the look Kiana gave when looking over her right shoulder. Her right eye was the baleful gold of the Herrscher of the Void.
"Stay behind me, Mei," Kiana ordered.
Kiana and Raven clashed. Raven was a close combat expert, closing distance and harassing her foe constantly. Claws slashed at face or joint, aiming not to kill but to rend and maim, to bleed their opponent before sweeping in. Kiana kept the woman at bay, swinging the void lance in wide arcs, punctuating the motion with pin-point thrusts to drive Raven back. All Mei could do was lie on the concrete roof and watching the pair duel. She could see the cost with every stab and strike. The Honkai burns were inexorably rising from Kiana's collar. More sprung to life across her bare arms and legs.
'I will not be a damsel in distress! Not now. Never. Never again!'
Honkai and Herrscher energy scourged Mei's insides. The augmented leap had required so little and yet Mei was paralysed by it even now.
'Think, Mei, think.'
The frustrated woman tightened her grip about the katana at her hip. The melee had turned in Raven's favour. Kiana's strength was starting to fade. The white flechette was returned to the void space. Kiana drew her twin ARC Serratus and shifted to long-ranged combat. Bullets riddle the rooftop, Raven slipping between the arcs of fire. Then she was inside Kiana's guard. The woman knocked aside a swift kick with a pistol, dancing back and snapping into the Kaslana Gun kata. The pair were evenly matched. Raven kept out of Kiana's range of fire, swipes from claw and swift kicks harassing Kiana. In return the Herrscher used the kata to keep Raven light on her feet. She had no chance to press any advantage, immaterialised bullets tearing chunks out of the rooftop or sliding just past the woman's movements. It all came to a head when Kiana backflipped high into the air, using the pistols to adjust her orientation before unloading both barrels at her foe. Raven pulled her cloak across her body. The immaterialised ammunition exploded against the reinforced fabric. Kiana landed on her feet and gritted her teeth. Raven's equipment had been upgraded since their last fight. Somehow it possessed the ability to ward against Void powers. The World Serpent mercenary flashed a triumphant grin. All she had been doing was bleeding the last of Kiana's strength. Raven threw several Honkai laced explosive feathers about the rooftop. Kiana had no chance to retreat, the feathers detonating and throwing her backwards. The silver haired girl slammed into the rim of the rooftop.
"Kiana!"
Her head lolled forward.
.
...
...
...
%$&!#%#! #
...
-snap-
It broke. The Herrscher cracked. That sight. Kiana unconscious. Raven walking toward her. Claw extended. She was going to die.
No.
Never.
Not now.
It wasn't draw out. Not great last stand. So quick. So brutal. Utterly pointless.
The Herrscher broke.
Time turned to glass. The Herrscher's mind moved only faster. Then she knew what to do. A harsh whisper.
"Awaken, God Key."
The Herrscher poured her excess Honkai and Herrscher energy into the Divine Key. The weapon greedily took whatever was offered. Every last scrap of Honkai energy was scoured from the Herrscher's flesh. Free of the hindrance the Herrscher felt its body awaken. If Honkai was poison then it would fight without such those tools. The Herrscher had fought without its power most of its life. This would be no handicap.
A bloodless smile awoke.
The Jizo Mitama manifested, a silhouette of a bulky figure in samurai armour, plates tinged the colour of blood, inky shadows boiling from the gaps between. The Jizou spirit rested an odachi over one shoulder, ready to bring the blade down in a broad horizontal arc. The blade whistled through the air, Raven vaulting in the air and over it.
"Something some crude wil—"
The suppressed presence was behind Raven. She had no chance. The Hokushin-Itto-Ryu was offence and defence in one. The katana was drawn partially from its sheath, hilt slamming into Raven and knocking her forward. Jizo Mitama changed its attack pattern, bringing the odachi into an overhead strike before launching the blade downward. Raven rolled out of the way, using the impact to accelerate her movement and land on her feet. Already the presence was closing the distance. Raven tried to read the Herrscher's movements. The way the girl moved was hard to follow, her eyes slipping off the target. Raven lashed out with a claw. The Herrscher blocked the strike with her sword. Her counter was to step forward and aim their elbow at Raven's blind spot. The woman barely dodged the strike, the Herrscher sheathing her katana.
Meanwhile the odachi swept along the floor. With cat-like reflexes Raven cartwheeled over the weapon. The Herrscher was in her face, Iajutsu sweeping the blade in forward stab, the Herrscher already adjusting her footing and motion. The blade went back into scabbard. In close combat Raven commanded the battle. At least she should have been. The Herrscher's eyes never left the woman, shifting so fast it was hypnotic, body shifting in anticipation of every slash, gouge and punch.
"How can you have been the same one I crushed in Arc City?" Raven cursed.
The Herrscher didn't answer. She spoke with her weapon. Again the katana was drawn, slashing diagonally downward before switching grip and swinging sideways with the sheath. This time Mei connected, blow bruising Raven as the mercenary stumbled back. The Herrscher's footwork kept her perfectly on balance, always driving Raven back, always forcing her into the most difficult position possible. Raven hissed and activated her metamaterial cloak. Light blurred and bent around her. In a heartbeat she had disappeared from all sight. The Herrscher flipped her weapon into a reverse grip, closed her eyes and slipped into a wide stance. The morning sea breeze passed over her. Small plants rustled. Birds cawed high above. There was no sound of boots approaching or muted exhalation. The Herrscher felt the killing intent. Blade edge caught the claw, angle critical as it deflected the attack, the Herrscher's counterstroke slashing upward in the backhanded grip. The katana's edge found its target, biting into armour and lancing flesh.
Raven's form flickered into existence. Her expression was that of unguard shock. It was not rational that the Herrscher could have sensed her. Let alone stopped her. Backed into a corner, Raven decided in area of denial rather than close-quarters aggression. She leapt back and threw several more explosive feathers across the rooftop. The crimson explosives lit up the morning. In the smoky aftermath Raven scanned the scene. The Herrscher had covered Kiana with her body. Her back was scorched, clothing burnt, bare flesh crimson or bleeding where debris had pierced it. Raven cracked her neck and walked toward the pair. She slowed when the Herrscher rolled off Kiana and onto her feet. The Herrscher lifted her head slowly. Raven froze. Never in her life had she felt such pressure. The bloodlust radiating from the Herrscher chilled her blood. Adrenaline spiked as the need to run arose. The Herrscher's eyes switched from Raven to a position above the mercenaries head and to the right. Raven quickly checked over her shoulder. The Herrscher of Ice now gripped her heart. She knew exactly where Mei was glanced.
The Roost.
"Red walls," was the faint whisper.
"What?" Raven asked.
"Red walls."
The Herrscher's eyes returned to Raven. At that moment she finally grasped the situation. The Herrscher had gone truly mad. The intensity of that gaze, those startling crimson eyes, was of someone who had cast aside all pretence of empathy and morality.
"I said red walls."
The Herrscher dropped into a crouch and readied to jump. Raven knew she was too far away. The Herrscher would be in the air before she had covered the distance.
"They're children!" Raven implored.
"Quick. Painless. I'll give them neither. You will hurt. You will suffer."
"Mei! That's enough!"
Amarant pulled herself up a ladder and crouched on the lip of the roof. The Herrscher's eyes never left the Roost. The guide took in the scene before running over to Kiana. She drew out her phone and waved it over the girl several times before pressing it against her bare neck.
"She's alive and we've still time."
The Herrscher didn't care. She valued little in this world. That which she did value had been harmed. More than harmed. Her life was nearly spent. The Herrscher had been weak. Had shown weakness and let down their guard. That wouldn't happen again. The Herrscher knew how to inflict pain.
"I can overclock my phone. Burn out most of the circuits and send out an emergency distress pulse to the Hyperion. I know their encryption algorithms. Last known position was in the Pacific just off the east coast of Japan. They'll be here in a few hours. But I can't do that if you're going to start butchering children."
The Herrscher's gaze never left the Roost.
"You cross me," she warned.
Amarant patted her gut wound.
"I have maybe a week to live right now. Threatening to kill me isn't going to work. And I've been tortured before. Profession work too. You let the children live and I secure our safe transport."
Mei nodded once. Raven hadn't realised she was holding her breath. She exhaled and took a step back. It was only now that she realised her limbs were shaking. Several angry words were bitten off when the communicator in her ear activated. The mercenary tipped her head to one side. The orders were surprising. How had they known. Had they? Or was this just an opportune time. Raven flexed her claws then clenched tight.
"I have orders to disengage," Raven announced. "You may do as you please."
The woman turned around with a flourish of her cloak. Heels clicking, she walked to the other side of the building.
"You should know one thing, Raiden Mei."
Mei hadn't shifted from where she was readied to jump.
"The head of the Serpent wishes to speak to you."
"One hour," Mei warned Raven.
"What?"
"I give you one hour. Empty the Roost. Then I level it and any occupants."
The cloak swirled, metamaterial activating and swallowing Raven in a blur of chameleon light. Amarant got up from her crouch and walked to where Mei stood. A hand gingerly rested on her shoulder.
"You did the right thing."
"If I slaughter those children it will break her. She would not seek revenge. She would be broken. Letting her leave is letting a future enemy go free."
"It's not that simple."
"It is."
Mei took the Divine Key from her waist and thrust the weapon at Amarant. The confused woman took it.
"Take Mei back to Benares. If more from World Serpent are coming, she is safest with her."
"And you?"
"I raid the building. Talk as we move."
Mei slung Kiana over her back. It was slow going but the three made their way as best they could.
"About the building," Mei prompted.
"My phone can do a few tricks. I picked up two faint Honkai energy sources. Modulated wavelengths so they're artificial in nature. That'd make them Honkai reactors. Same floor as the lab which adds up. What's interesting is the projected Honkai energy field surrounding the lab. Very subtle work. The technical skill amazes even me. It's a passive system. I'd bet it's the security system you alluded to. Thing is, it's got a very specific signature. Not just that. There's Herrscher energy in that field."
Mei's eyes darted towards Amarant for a moment before returning to the roof they were trudging across.
"That isn't possible."
"It would be if somebody several years ago had a captive Herrscher and built their entire system around the knowledge they have from experimenting upon them."
Mei growled.
"Oto-sama saw through me."
"Pardon?"
"You don't need to finish the conversation. The Honkai energy field frequency and Herrscher energy in the field match myself. The security system is built around me. If anybody else attempted to breach the lab, I expect the defences would activate. He knew I would seek it out sooner or later."
The three finally reached the ME lab. Mei looked across the water that divided them. It would be easier and faster to swim than to negotiate her way across the buildings like previously. Mei very gently set Kiana down and glared at Amarant.
"We are going to have a talk later."
"Fine. Come back alive first."
Mei hopped onto the lip of the building, braced herself against the structure and leapt forward in a perfect dive. She used as little Honkai energy as possible to adjust the angle and very faintly slow her descent. The cold water hit her again. It wouldn't take long to swim over to the building. To swim through old memories and into her past.