Part of my first attempt at a Honkai fic. I had fun doing this, my friend had fun reading it, maybe someone else will have fun reading it? Doubtful, but whatever. I originally wrote this for my bestie just a few months ago when Kolosten released.
A father makes a deal with "The Will of Honkai" for his son to live a happy life.
In a hospital ward an older man sits hunched over his sons unmoving body. The only sounds the man hears are the monotonous beeps from the various medical equipment monitoring the young teen.
His son was attacked by some hired thugs months ago and fell into a coma. After a rather enthusiastic interrogation he found out that they were hired by his boy's stepmother. That witch had wanted her son from her previous marriage to inherit the company he made his fortune from, so she sought to eliminate the "competition".
Just recently he had sold the company at a low price to a rival one just to spite her. If he knew this would've happened he would never of remarried.
It didn't even make him feel even a bit vindicated. His boy was still here with almost zero chance of recovery. According to the hospital's best neuroscientist the chances of him waking are less than the chance of winning the lottery.
Feeling the tears come on yet again, he clenchs his fists in rage.
"God! Anyone! Please! I just wanted him to live a happy life! Anything! I'd do anything knowing he'd be happy and saf- Eh?"
He blinked and rubbed the tears away...
He wasn't in the hospital anymore. He must have fallen asleep greiving again. All around him is white as far as he can see.
Then he saw something. A figure of a person.
"Son? Is that-" No. That's not his son. It looks like as if someone molded white clay into the image of his son.
[What is it that you wish? If you become my apostle, I can grant you anything you desire.]
That poorly made facsimile didn't even twitch, yet he heard that voice directly from inside his head.
He wasn't dreaming. Is this thing God? Could it heal his son? Could he live happily? Could it let his son fulfill his dreams?
[Is that your desire? A happy life where your kin can fulfill his dreams? Easily.]
[All you have to do is become my apostle and destroy this disgusting civilization. If you agree, I will send your kin to another world where he can live contently and fulfill his dreams.]
Destroy civilization!? He wants me to commit mass genocide! This isn't God, this is the Devil!
[You may refer to me as whatever you want, I care not. If you're not receptive to what I offer, maybe your kin would be? Both you and your kin's souls are compatible with the energy required to become my apostle.]
...Is that a threat? Fine. You aren't leaving me a choice anyways. I said I'd do anything for him and I meant it.
...Can I talk to him one last time?
[Hmph. Very well.]
In a flash of white light where the Devil once stood was my son instead.
"Huh? I was- What? Dad?"
I rushed over and hugged him with all I could.
"Shh, you're fine now. There's nothing to worry about. It's okay. Everything's okay now."
"*sniffling* Dad are we dead? Everything's white. I told you that woman was no good. *sniffling* I told you so. Haha."
It's definitely him. No one else I know would be able to laugh in this situation. My baby boy is okay now.
"...No, we're not dead. At least I'm pretty sure. You were right. I didn't listen to you, I really should've. I just thought having a mother figure would be better for you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay Dad, I know. Are we really not dead? Again, everything is white and I can't see the end. I'm starting to freak."
"Haha! My son having a breakdown? To think I'd live to see the day that the unflappable boy wouldn't be able to keep his cool."
"Hardy har har. Yeah, laugh it up. Can you explain now? I'm gonna punch you."
"...Mm. You've been in a coma for a few months. I... didn't take it too well. Son, you understand that I love you more than anything? I made a deal with something. I have to do something for it and in return you... You can live happily, you can walk again, you... you can live... just not with me."
"...Dad. Please tell me you didn't make a deal with an interdimensional monster."
"...I might've and I would do it again. The Doctor's said that you would likely never wake again. I... couldn't live knowing that you were going to die because of my mistakes. I just couldn't."
My son's face scrunched up in clear emotional pain. I'm sorry. I love you.
"Son. Live happily in your new world. I won't be there, but I know you'll make me proud."
"Wait, what? What do you mean new world?"
[I'll explain that in a bit. Are you ready?]
I give my son a final look, burning that face into my memory. I turn back to the Devil that appeared and give an affirmation.
"Goodbye. I love you."
"Dad!"
Back in the hospital the teen the man was sitting over disappeared.
The man started screaming in pain and glowing with purplish energy sparking off him like electricity.
Then he Erupted.
"Dad!"
You idiot! I... love you too.
[Now then. Kin of my newest apostle, the world you are going-... Hm? It seems someone is attempting to intrude into this space. Oh? It's another Otto. How amusing.]
The thing turned away to look at... a handsome blonde man? When the hell did he get there? Now he's kneeling while staring bugeyed at the thing that looks... like a beautiful woman? What.
[Otto Apocalypse. Didn't expect to see another one of you so soon. Come to bargain a deal for your beloved Kallen? Maybe knowledge on how to bring her back from the dead? I can only tolerate so many versions of you before I get bored.]
Otto Apocalypse? Why does his name sound so familiar? I know I've never seen him before... I think?
"...God. You could only be called that. Please, anything. Just say the word. All I ask in return is the answer to my question. How do I bring Kallen back?"
[I could give you the knowledge you seek... Instead however, how about a deal? You do something and in return I'll bring your beloved Kallen back for you just this once. It'll save me the effort this way. Afterwards, you'll serve as my assistant in some... managerial work for the rest of your existence.]
"Yes! Anything for Kallen."
Fast! Way too fast to accept! What is wrong with this guy?
The thing smirked in amusement at my direction, it's totally reading my thoughts, and then turned back to Otto.
[Very well. Come closer and I will bestow all you'll need.]
The Otto guy basically ran over to "God" like a puppy and groveled before it. Oh god it's placing it's weird clay hands on his head. Am I about to witness a murder? Will his head be twisted off like a bottle cap?
Then a blinding flash of light. My fucking eyes!
"Gah! Turn down the brightness! My eyes are burning!"
Blinking the spots away, I see that Otto dude bowing towards "God" in what looks like gratitude while bawling his eyes out.
[You know what to do now. You, kin of my apostle. You'll be going with him. He'll be explaining everything to you in due time. There seems to be a sort of soul fragment that's dormant in you. Otto will take care of it. Now, begone.]
With another blinding flash of light everything faded to black.An unfamiliar ceiling.
Is what I would say if I actually woke up staring at one, but as it is I've woken up strapped to an upright table with that Otto dude right in my face.
It looks like we are in some futuristic laboratory. I can see all manners of scientific equipment, 90% of which looks like they came straight out of sci-fi films.
"Ah. You've awoken. Right. First thing, let's get rid of that little soul problem. Wouldn't want it to possess you or improperly fuse with you. That would be against the Will of God."
...Am I about to be dissected? God my ass! That thing was the Devil! Wait, what the hell is in that syringe? Keep that pink glowy stuff far from me!
"This may sting a bit, but you'll only feel it for... approximately 3 weeks."
"MMMMPPPHHHH!"
Sting a bit!? My body feels like it's on fire! You psychopath I'll-!
I felt something break. I can't exactly tell what it was that broke, but I can feel... something flowing into me.
Memories that aren't mine, feelings that aren't mine, and... Ah. That's why Otto seemed familiar.
The sweet embrace of unconsciousness welcomed me once again.
I remember- No that's not right. That's not my memory. It's "his". That soul fragment.
He held love for a certain game. "Honkai Impact", love so great that he spent thousands and collected as much merchandise as he could.
That game helped him at his lowest point. Seeing the way that the Valkyrie girls struggled against an inevitable outcome emboldened the man to struggle as well.
He wanted nothing more than to live in a way that would leave him with no more regrets. He tried helping as many people as he could but in the end was betrayed by those he wished to help.
The betrayal shattered not just his heart, but his very soul as well. When he later commited suicide his soul fragments scattered into the aether, most shards dissipating into nothing but some remained intact.
A soul just fresh out of the reincartion cycle had picked up a tagalong.
Them? We? Us?
No. I'm me. Just because I have some memories and feelings associated with them doesn't mean that I am that person.
I am me.
No one else.
An unfamiliar ceiling.
Hey, now I actually get it! Didn't even know why I thought that before but now I do.
Looking to the side, I see Otto freaking Apocalypse sitting next to my hospital looking bed reading through a stack of papers with an almost lazy smile.
That handsome bastard. As much as I don't like him, I have to respect him. The simp levels he carries demands my respect.
"Hm? Up so soon? No matter. Preliminary test results show that the soul fragment that was once attached to you has disappeared. How are you feeling? Any new memories? A second voice in your head?"
"Uh, good I guess? Yes to the memories, no to the voice. You're Otto. Otto Apocalypse and I want to punch you. I really want to punch you."
"You want to punch me? Ah. Right, God mentioned that you would know a certain version of myself. That version is almost identical to me in every way so I can understand."
You understand? You smug motherfu-
"Very well, might as well let you get it out of your system. I'll have to warn you tho-"
I punched him right in his smug face but immediately regretted it.
"Fuck! What the hell is your face made of?! 'Cus it felt like I just punched a boulder!"
I think I broke one of my knuckles. Son of a-
"If you had let me finished I was going to say that even if you punched me it would only hurt you more than it could ever hurt me."
"Screw off! Gah, whatever... So what's going to happen? From your conversation with the Will of Honkai I assume that you won't trying that completely asinine plan of basically rewinding time outside a small specific area."
"Correct. God will directly be bringing Kallen back at a certain point in time that I am not at liberty to discuss. My first task... is adopting you. Not like Theresa, but actually training and making you my successor. You will become Overseer of Schicksal in the near future."
"...What?"
Is he right in the head? Me becoming Overseer? I want to wake up now. This dream isn't funny anymore.
"I've already gotten your identification and personal records ready. You will be enrolled into a school I am sure you are already familiar with. Your new name is Crimson Apocalypse. It is not up for discussion, so no we can not change it. You received your new name directly from God, show some happiness."
...He's laughing at me. He knows as well as I do how ridiculous that name is. Crimson fucking Apocalypse.
It's totally the name of some cringey villain that monologues about how imperfect the world is. I don't want it. I really don't want it, but I know that I can't say no even if I wanted to.
The Will of Honkai directly gave me this name and there is no way I am telling that thing no without being erased from existence.
"Haaah... Fine. Whatever. I don't care anymore. I'm just gonna go with the flow. What else?"
"Well, you're gonna need bodyguards. So I got the Captain and Vice-Captain pulled from the Immortal Blades to expand their experience. Their first assignment is the protection of one Crimson Apocalypse, duration unknown."
"...You effectively crippled the strongest Valkyrie squad to get me babysitters? You're an idiot."
"Haha, you're very honest. I like that. They are actually on their way here as we speak. They will be taking you to your new accommodations in Nagazora. If I recall K-423 was seen around the-"
"Don't. Don't call her that. Her name is Kiana. Even if... Even if she isn't the original, she is who she is. Just like Theresa and Amber. They're not Kallen but more than just some serial number."
"...I see. I really do like you. If you feel so strongly then I'll respect your wishes. Ah. Durandal has just arrived outside the facility. Do you need an escort? Sorry, but there are still things I must do and we'll have to part here for now."
"Probably. My memories aren't going to help me navigate this place. Where are we anyways?"
"We are currently located in a facility on the outskirts of what used to be Kolosten. I believe you know which one it is. It holds a rather special place in my heart and also houses my personal lab."
"...That escort? I wanna leave. I don't want to be here any longer than I have to. Makes me feel dirty."
"Haha, your honesty is refreshing. Crimson, I will withhold no answers from you unless told otherwise by our mutual acquaintance. My wish has already been granted in a way and you are to inherit my title as Overseer once it's time. You can ask me anything at anytime. You'll always have a direct line to reach me, you're very important after all."
"...Do you have any regrets about the things you've done? If you could change what you've done after Kallen died, would you?"
"Hm. If I had to say... I would of changed the time of when I contacted our acquaintance to as soon as possible. As for regrets? No. Everything I've done is in hopes of one day granting Kallen the chance to live again, I'd never regret anything that helped me achieve that goal."
The two of us stared at eachother, him with that slight smile on his face as per usual while I had a grimace.
"Silly me, I almost forgot. I should mention, that I may have done some "slight" modifications on your body while you were out this time. No need to worry, the modifications were all necessary and you already had Stigmata. What do you think?"
He rolled a full length mirror over to the front of my bed and then I saw "myself" for the first time.
Longish gray-white hair, a face similar to what Siegfried might've had when he was a younger teen, a body that looked absolutely stacked and eyes that screamed inhuman.
They were a violet color but what worried me is the pattern and color of what used to be my pupils. The shape was of two different sized four pointed stars overlayed on top eachother ringed with what looks like a crosshair while the color seemed to be ever-shifting unable to settle on one.
"...Otto. Did I become a Herrscher? Also, do tou have a dictionary? I think you need to check the definition of 'necessary'."
To be honest, having the power of a Herrscher would be amazing to experience but highly troublesome too. If I'm heading to Nagazora, Cocolia hasn't enacted her retarded plan to get her hands on Mei to research yet.
My arrival with the Immortal Blades may completely scare her off and make her not go through with it. While that would be good as thousands won't die, it would be bad as canon will be completely thrown out the window and I won't be able to predict anything accurately.
"Yes and no, you have become a Herrscher. To an extent, but your body itself hasn't fully "awakened" yet. Be careful with your strength though, while you can't hurt me you can definitely be considered on par with an A-Rank Valkyrie's physical ability."
So this Otto got a massive upgrade then. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't of been able to not even flinch from my punch if he didn't. If I've become a Herrscher...
"You need not worry about the influence on your personality either, your Father is holding up his end of the bargain and as long as he does so you are safe. I was also told to keep what exactly your ability, or abilities, as a Herrscher are secret until your body fully acclimates to the Honkai Energy."
"...I still feel like myself. I thought Herrschers were actually the second personality born from their Gem. Bronya didn't have a second personality, but she got her Gem from Welt so... Did someone give me mine or did it grow in my body naturally?"
Otto just smiled lightly as always in answer. Guess that means it's a secret. This son of a bi-
I turned towards the futuristic looking automated door next to where Otto was sitting earlier as it made some hissing sounds like air was decompressing.
Are we in some anti-contamination area? Is it normal to have air sealed rooms for infirmary beds or is it Otto's excessive spending? It's gonna be a while before I get used to the technology of this world.
Walking into the room was an extremely beautiful woman. Amber, AKA A-303, another clone of Kallen mixed with Honkai Beast DNA, I think both her and Theresa have Vishu mixed in? Is that still canon or did that get retconned as well? Theresa was once ordered to kill her only to refuse after defeating her.
"Amber, I see you decided to stop eavesdropping and come in. Can you escort Crimson to the room across the hall for his luggage and a change of clothes? I'd do it myself but I'm going to be tied up for some time. Once you come back I have a new assignment for you."
I think she twitched at the eavesdropping mention. I mean, I'd be curious too considering this is Otto we're talking about.
He never does anything without a hidden agenda...except this time since he's been quite open about it. At least I think and hope. I don't want anything to do with canon Otto, I'd rather die then help even indirectly with those plans.
"...Of course Overseer. If you would follow me Young Master?"
Young Master? I really love hearing that from her but at the same time feel like I am going to die an ignoble death from a shitty Xianxia protagonist.
"Wait. Otto, you said I could always reach you with a direct line. How?"
"Where's the fun in that? It's a surprise 'Young Master', hahaha!"
So much for not withholding answers. I guess he can still bend his orders a bit or maybe this was something he decided to do on his own. Either way he's having fun at my expense and I no longer want to be near him.
I totally didn't leave the room with a quickened pace from embarrassment, I just didn't want to see Otto's stupid smug face any longer.
"...Young Master you still need to pick up your luggage before you go."
Oh right. I'm still wearing a hospital gown and apparently have luggage readied for me. Wonder if Otto got me a toothbrush and other essentials.
...Now I can't help but imagine Otto in a department store picking out daily essentials and clothing. Nah, he'd probably just send someone else to do it instead. I hope.
With that thought in mind Amber lead me to a door that again seemed to be airlock sealed.
With another grand hiss I am greeted by a completely bare room with a typical Japanese school-bag, a school uniform with shoes on top of the bag, and two suitcases sitting on a table.
Seems like a huge waste of space considering how big the room is. I did always wonder if the devs at miHoYo just didn't bother to fill those rooms with assets or if there really were a bunch of completely empty rooms in Schicksal's and Anti-Entropy's science facilities.
Damn my curiosity. I need to change and get the hell out of here. I wasn't lying about feeling dirty here. I'm pretty sure this is the facility Theresa and Amber were 'born' in and I feel sick just standing here.
Grabbing the clothes I... Amber's still just stoically staring at me.
"Could you... like turn around or something? I'm planning on changing and don't really want to be stared at by a beautiful girl. It's embarrassing."
She just nods and turns around. Awkward. Right, moving on.
The outfit is the Chiba Academy male uniform. Which year I'm joining is something I'm not sure of yet. Mei was a year ahead of Kiana but I don't think it was said whether she was in her 3rd or 2nd year.
Actually, could Chiba Academy be a mixed Junior High and High School? Forget it. I'll find out when I get there I suppose.
The uniform... fits perfectly. Otto must've measured me while I was asleep. Of course he did, he modified my body too. Repressing that line of thought now.
Picking up the bag I see a note simply taped on it.
[You'll find all your school related documents and materials in this bag along with a case of unique contact lenses. The suitcases contain everything from casual clothes to your official Schicksal ceremonial garb. No, it's not the type of outfit Kallen and Theresa wear, as amusing as that would be.
Anyways, you'll find a certain device in the bag as well. Attach it to your wrist as soon as you can. It has multiple functions and uses including the ability to mask your Honkai Energy signals. This device will also regulate the Honkai Energy in your body properly. Wouldn't want to try and open a door only to pull it off it's hinges, right? It also has a direct contact line to me. You can use it anytime you need, or maybe for a quick chat?
Best Regards,
Your Loving Grandfather Otto]
Crumpling the letter with righteous fury I throw it off to the side. Grandpa my ass. The day I accept him being related to me is the day I stop being human!
...Shit. I realized it only after I thought it. The day I accept it is the day he dies of old age! Ha! I know that'll never happen!
I reach into the bag and pull out... Is that a God Eater armlet? It a little less bulky then one but it's eerily similar looking. Is it gonna be injecting me with stuff periodically?
Only one way to find out, I slide my right hand through into the hole only for it to snap tightly on my wrist.
Woah, I feel completely sapped of strength. It's like that feeling you get the next day after excessive exercise without the muscles aches.
Right, leaving now. To be honest, I'm terrified. As much as I hate Otto and dislike being here, it's kinda like a security blanket. I know that once I leave, stuff I have no control over will start happening.
"Young Master? Are you feeling unwell?"
Get it together me. Come on! Here I can help people, meet some of my favorite characters, get supernatural abilities, and live freely. Deep breathes.
"Sorry, I'm fine. Thanks for your concern Amber. I'm ready to go."
With that we began our almost hour long walk to the nearest elevator. Seriously, how big is this place? All there is are blue-metal hallways with doors occasionally sprinkled in every hundred meters or so.
When I think underground laboratory I don't think of a massive structure miles wide and long. How can Schicksal afford this?
I can only imagine what their budget reports look like. Billions for a research facility that could house multiple small cities but will only have less than 5% in use. Otto probably approved it himself since he's the Overseer.
"You're slightly wrong in that assumption Young Master. The Overseer paid for this facility himself. The assets that are considered his include Schicksal however."
"Was I saying that out loud? My bad. I always have had a bad habit of talking aloud when I get lost in thought."
How embarrassing. I thought I had this under control months ago. Maybe Dad just stopped pointing out that I was saying things aloud.
"If I may ask Young Master, who is your Father? The data the Overseer gave me did not include any personal details such as your family or your birth name."
"...It doesn't matter anymore. That life is so far gone that it's like a dream to me now. All that matters is that I am me. I am Crimson Apocalypse now and will be for the foreseeable future."
I can feel a frown forming on my face. I can't start having a breakdown right here. I hope to be at least be laying in a bed before I start questioning my life.
"How about you Amber? Do you still keep in touch with Theresa? I know that ever since the incident a few years back Otto and her haven't been on the best of terms, but I am sure she'd love to know her 'Onee-chan' is still doing okay. Plus, Otto won't be doing anything like he was before. I'll make sure of it."
I see her freeze for a bit at the 'Onee-chan' and I almost want to apologize for bringing it up.
"No, I have not been in contact with Theresa for quite some time. Do... Do you really think she'd be happy hearing from me?"
Cute. Way too fucking cute. Be still my moe loving heart.
"Of course. She considers you like an older sister, what kind of person wouldn't want to know if their sibling was doing alright? I bet she's been quite worried about you."
"I see. Thank you Young Master. I'll take your words into consideration."
That's as good as anything I guess. Oh? Is that the elevator? It's massive.
We've come to a door that looks like it could fit tens of mechs side-by-side into it. I can only imagine how big the elevator itself is.
Amber steps up to the massive doors and slides an access card into a keypad.
[Access Granted]
With a cacophony of whirring and gears turning the doors slide open to reveal a platform that could probably hold Benares herself with extra space. The sheer extravagance makes me feel small.
Is this how Shinji felt in Tokyo-3? I feel bad for calling him names now. This perspective is really overwhelming. It's an elevator, why is it like this? Even cargo elevators wouldn't need to be this big.
With a total of 37 steps we come into the middle of the platform, yes I counted because I was curious about how big it was.
"The elevator itself is split into multiple sections. The middle of this platform is the only part that goes to the surface. I do agree on the scale being unnecessary, Overseer Otto insisted on it being this size though for unknown reasons."
I don't wanna know those reasons. I really don't.
Amber kneeled down and inserted a tiny key into a barely visible hole. Jeez, Otto. You're insane. I bet he did this just to screw with people.
With a small buzz opaque glass panels encased a small square around Amber and I. Then the platform shot upwards.
"Woah!"
I immediately fell against glass. That's about right.
After a few seconds I can feel the elevator losing speed. Then it came to a fullstop.
Right then. Durandal and Rita await.
Being lead through a building that wouldn't be out of place in a Victorian Era drama, Amber and I eventually come what looks like the lobby with two of the most intimidating women I'll ever meet already there.
"Young Master, this is where we part. I'll remember those words you said. It was a pleasure meeting you."
With a delicate a graceful bow she was gone. Now I am alone with two beautiful women who could kick my ass six ways to Sunday.
They seem to be scrutinizing my very being and it's making squirm in place.
"My, I didn't expect such a handsome young man. Durandal-sama, what do you think? His embarrassment from your staring is quite adorable."
Oh god no. I was really hoping that the flirtiness of Rita was just a joke thing the devs did for events. My face is burning and I hate it.
"I think he's more embarrassed from your words than anything Rita. Stop playing and introduce yourself properly."
"My apologies. I am Rita Rossweisse, Maid of Schicksal. It's a pleasure to meet you, 'Young Master'."
Please stop. She's definitely picked up some tendecies from Otto... or did she rub off on Otto?
"I am Durandal, S-Rank Valkyrie. You'll be under our protection from this point forward."
Very stiff sounding. Wouldn't expect much else from her to be honest. Right, my turn.
"I'm, ugh, Crimson Apocalypse. Just call me Crimson. The pleasure is mine. Let me apologize in Otto's stead. He shouldn't of bothered you two with my protection. If I had a choice, I wouldn't of picked you two."
"Is that so? Durandal-sama, it sounds like he doesn't think we can handle protection detail."
What? Don't twist my words like that witch!
"While I personally haven't had a mission like this before, I assure you that I will fulfill it to the best of my abilities. Rita already has experience and I'll learn the ins and outs from her."
She'll definitely teach the wrong things on purpose to screw with you! Look at that smirk! She's a demon in a sheep's clothing, or I guess a sadist in a maid's clothing?
Hm. Gotta work on my figures of speech, they're getting away from me.
"Young Master, Durandal-sama. We should get going, wouldn't want to miss our transport to Japan would we?"
"Thank you Rita. Crimson, you are not to leave my side until we arrive at the landing pad. Your protection is my mission."
"I highly doubt anything is going to happen from here to wherever we're going. Almost everyone important won't know I even exist unless Otto blabs about it. Well, there is still a chance something big will happen in Nagazora. I take it back, I'm glad you two are here. I'm not too keen on dying just yet."
As we are being led by Rita outside and into a rather hi-tech military transport, Durandal shows a bit too much interest in my words. I probably shouldn't said anything about possible incidents.
"Something big? Crimson, if there is a potential incident that could cause you harm we need to know about it. We can't make any countermeasures otherwise."
She's almost glaring at me with narrowed eyes. I really shouldn't of said anything. Dammit brain, you're supposed to work as a filter for my mouth!
"Uhhh, how about I explain later after I organize my thoughts? I just really want some time to process everything right now."
She looks like she wants to say no but eventually concedes with a small nod. Fantastic. Okay brain. It's time to work overtime.
Basic timeline run down. Kiana goes to Chiba Academy, Mei's Father gets framed by Cocolia, eventually Kiana sticks to Mei like glue, Cocolia does a thing and Mei awakens as the Herrscher of Thunder killing thousands, Kiana does a talk-no-jutsu saving Mei in the process, afterward they try escaping Nagazora together going through things that may or may not be canon eventually meeting up with Bronya that's been sent to capture Mei.
Damn. Why does miHoYo have to change and retcon so many things? I'm not even sure what's canon anymore. Is the Black Box holding Yae Sakura and the Herrscher of Corruption actually somewhere in Nagazora?
Maybe, I dunno. Either way, Cocolia is a monster just like the rest of the scientists in this universe. Except maybe Tesla. Even Einstein does stuff that makes me wanna punch her.
Hold on a second. I just realized that I don't speak Japanese. Shit. I've been speaking English this whole time and it never even crossed my mind since everyone else way replying to me so naturally.
Rita is British, Durandal speaks like six languages or something, Otto is... yeah, and Amber is around Otto almost constantly so she doesn't count.
Kiana probably speaks English from her traveling, Mei... probably does. English is a mandatory class in Japan as far as I know and she's an overachiever. Bronya probably could as well, that girl's intelligence is insane.
Huh. Maybe it won't be that big a deal. Sure it'll be hard to follow along in classes but I'm sure that I won't be taking them for very long.
I feel like Otto wouldn't send me over here to just take some highschool classes. I know that, yet I'm still hoping that the Third Eruption doesn't take place.
On one hand the unnecessary loss of life makes me sick, on the other hand without these things happening so many things will be worse than canon which was already pretty depressing.
I look down at my armlet... Maybe I could ask Otto? That guy is way more intelligent than me. He'd probably be able to figure out the best solution to it, but would he really be honest to me?
Tapping on the little display I can see a menu with a whole bunch of options. He said there is a direct line to him on here so there's gotta be a call function. Good thing it's alphabetized.
There it is, 'Call'... there's only one contact labeled 'Grandpa'. When I get stronger, I'm gonna punch him as hard as I can.
[Oh? I wasn't expecting a call so soon Crimson, I'm afraid you caught me at a bad time. If you could make this fast that would be great.]
"The Third Eruption, what... what is the right thing to do? If I stop it from happening, I could save thousands. If I don't, thousands will die but millions could be saved in the long run. I.. I can't choose. I'm just a kid, I-"
[Crimson, there is no correct answer to that question. Let me give you an example.
If someone had to choose to save either their loved one over a stranger, they'd almost always save their loved one. Increase the number to two strangers, most would still choose that loved one. Then the amount of strangers keeps increasing until some may question whether their loved one is worth the lives of X amount of people.
At what point is it considered "wrong" to choose your loved one over the strangers? Why would it not be considered wrong at first, but with the increased potential loss of life it becomes wrong? Who decides such a thing?
In the end, it's up to you to decide whether to stop it or let it happen. I have to go, I have faith that you'll make the 'right' choice after a bit of thought.]
With that he was gone and I was left alone with my thoughts. Well not quite alone. Rita and Durandal are staring at me wide-eyed with their mouths slightly open.
As amusing as I would find it normally, I just wasn't in the mood to appreciate the rarity of both Durandal and Rita being completely speechless.
With that the ride was passed in silence.After we had boarded our transport aircraft, which was basically a miniature battleship, I had locked myself up in my cabin after saying good night to the two S-Rank babysitters.
I layed there for almost 5 hours before I made a decision.
...I'm gonna let it happen. I'll have to live with this sin for the rest of my life. No matter how many times I run it through my head, this is the best choice I can think of.
I just didn't want to be the one to make the call, to be a person who knowingly condemned thousands to die. I was just running from the responsibility. I knew that, but didn't want to acknowledge it.
I cried that night. I cried knowing I'd never see my Dad again, I cried knowing I'd never be able to look at a mirror without being disgusted by who I saw, I cried from the weight of the world itself upon my shoulders.
--This is where the first chapter would've ended--
Last night was an absolute nightmare that I'd be happy to never remember, but the chances of that are slim to none. I'm sure I'll never forget that night.
I woke up this morning just hoping it was a bad dream. Reality hit me a bit too hard.
Breakfast passed in relative silence, the only sounds being the clinking of metal utensils and maybe a "sho gwood" or two from me.
Rita really is an amazing cook and I thank whoever designed this mini-battleship that they included a fully stocked kitchen.
"If I could eat this nicely for every meal, I'd die happy. I've never had food this good, hell I didn't even know food could be this good."
"Flattery, Young Master. I'm just slightly good at cooking, thank you for the praise though."
If that's slightly good, I'd probably have a foodgasm eating great food by her standards.
"I hate to ask this, but what is the date? Year too. I was, uh, in a coma until yesterday. Yeah."
Nice one, that's totally not suspicious. What am I, am idiot? Just ask things normally damn it.
"It's Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. I must ask, when you talked to the Overseer yesterday, were you serious about the Third Eruption?"
I look between Durandal, who asked the question and is currently frowning, and Rita who looks completely unfazed. Rita must've been informed by Otto already or she simply isn't showing what she thinks outwardly.
"Yep. One hundred and twenty percent. I don't know the exact time and date, but it'll happen early 2014. I think February? I don't exactly remember, it's been a whi- I mean uh. Shit, I can't even think of a good excuse for that slip up."
"Durandal-sama. Please sit down and finish your breakfast. The Overseer informed me of the Young Master's origins last night. He's not a threat whatsoever, there's no need to be so tense."
"Oh yeah, definitely not a threat. Between even one of you, I'd die before I could even blink. My physical strength is apparently pretty high, but I have absolutely zero formal training and couldn't fight my way out of a paper bag. Just saying."
I think that helped a little, she even smiled a little at my self-deprecating joke. Great. Maybe now she won't immediately kill me when she figures out that I intend for the Third Eruption to happen.
Eh, she probably wouldn't in the first place out of respect for Otto but it's completely possible.
I turned back to Rita, she'd be more informed and accurate about our scheduling.
"When will we reach Japan? Are our accomodations already ready? Is my enrollment already complete?"
"In approximately an hour from now. Then it's an extra twenty minutes to our new accommodations. You'll have classes starting early tomorrow morning which I will be escorting you to and from. Durandal-sama is to be on stand-by at home until an incident that requires reinforcement arises."
D'awww, Durandal looks a bit disgruntled that she's on stand-by. I know she's really into training, but she may also be a bit of a battle-maniac because of that.
It'd make sense I suppose, you wouldn't really have another way of realizing your gains.
This is where I'll cut it off. Don't want to post too much here and bloat it. This one is the one I liked the most when writing, but it's just a rough first draft. Some parts I had been awake for 20 hours and after waking up the next day and reading it... Well, I wanted to punch myself. The formatting was off when I put it on here, so apologies if there's some that I missed.
