The rain pattered gently upon Aubreen's black umbrella. She liked the rain. The freshness it lay upon the air. The glistening of plants. The ripples and flows it sent bubbling down the bitumen streets. The background hiss. Rain was something Aubreen associated with calm and peace.
Heels clacking on the sidewalk, Aubreen enjoyed the rain and the brief reprieve in gave in her life. It was a reprieve that everyone enjoyed. After the horrors and upheaval of the past month everyone was more the willing to embrace the rain and the pain it seemingly washed away. People moved quickly along the streets, huddled under umbrellas or with jackets pulled overhead. Cafes and restaurants bulged with sudden patrons. For a brief moment it was as though the meteors had not fallen.
'Once in a while we all need to relax and enjoy ourselves. It's not as though people have been lax of late. Perhaps even Schicksal has been pulling its weight.'
A tingle trickled down Aubreen's back. Unlike the icy rain this tingle rippled out from her spine, tracing the nerve-paths until it embraced her chest. Aubreen tsked. This wasn't something she wanted. But was also an outcome that was unavoidable. She wasn't about to abrogate her ethics because of the inherent danger it would put her in. Tipping her head to one side, she got a feel for the area. Two blocks down, hidden in a nexus of alleyways. She couldn't tell the state of the buildings. But it wasn't a stretch of the imagination to assume that they were likely abandoned. That was where her foe liked to congregate. Out of sight where it could lurk, growing in power undetected until it was too late.
'And to think it was merely raining'
The woman in black picked up her pace. Running would help no-one and only draw attention when she wanted it least. Aubreen was a woman that walked with purpose.
Dearest Vee,
So much has changed since we last spoke. You were right. And you have every reason to be smug about it too. I applied to join Fire Moth and they finally accepted my candidacy. Initially they were against it, citing my age. I rebutted with the example of DR MEI. Then they asked just what I could contribute. Yes, I'm not Doctorate in Quantum Physics. But I'm still a paragon programmer. I laid out my thesis on how flawed their compression and encryption standards for Soulium substrate data retention are. You would have been so proud. Telling Fire Moth their programming standards suck.
When I finally explained I could improve those systems by a factor of five the panel relented. So now I'm working at one of the Fire Moth branches. People are on edge. After the loss of Australia everyone has been in a panic. With all this pressure they must have taken my offer seriously. Now I can truly help.
Things are going to change, Vee, and I'm going to show you a world without the Honkai.
Yours,
Zee
Birds fluttered from the wet eaves, sending feathers tumbling down. Lizelle scrambled backwards. Her back and bottom were soaked through where she had landed on the concrete. Scrabbling away on hands on feet, the young girl did her best to put as much distance between herself and the beast hot on her trail. Streams of water fell from the high rooftops, forming columns that flanked the panicking child as she ran down the alley. Footfalls like distant thunder, her pursuer followed close behind.
The girl risked a quick glance over her shoulder. The beast was at least twice as tall as she was. It looked vaguely like a bulldog with silvery grey skin and magenta highlights. Its front was densely built, long and thick limbs carrying it forward, shoulders heaving, a head something like a three-quarters ring watching her. The rear was much narrower, legs stubby yet still carrying the colossal weight.
Lizelle had seen the beast before. Newspapers had splashed their images all over the world.
HONKAI.
Reaching a corner, Lizelle dashed down the narrow street, hoping the tighter walls would keep the beast away. She quickly ran into an inner courtyard, multiple alleyways converging on the same location. Lizelle checked behind her. The beast wasn't in pursuit. The silence gave Lizelle a moment to catch her breath. Her clothes were damp from the downpour, jeans and jumper soaked where she had fallen, even her socks in their sneakers were damp.
Finishing with some deep breaths, Lizelle resolved to find a way out of the maze of buildings and back onto the streets. Once there she could warn someone. A low magenta glow glimmered in the shadow of an alley. The light source slunk forward. Lizelle pulled back, eyes wide and heart thumping. The beast was nearly as large as she was, built like an angry wasp with swept back wings in shades of grey. The girl couldn't help but let a whimper break free. In the grey light of the rain the girl withdrew, looking toward any other exit. Each of them glowed with the enemy. A pool of deep shadows appeared around Lizelle. Listening to her instincts, she looked up to see something blotting out the sun high above. Adrenaline thrummed through Lizelle's veins. In sheer panic she dove to one side. As she sailed through the air the shadow slammed into the concrete courtyard, the shockwave picking up Lizelle and carrying her into a brick wall. The blow was agony. For a moment Lizelle lost consciousness before bouncing to the ground, body aching and ribs possibly cracked. Still she fought on, cracking her eyes and trying to push up off the floor. The large Honkai beast loomed above. One of its bulky limbs lifted, ready to squash the tiny prey beneath.
A sound like singing metal carried across the courtyard. A silver blade projected from the Honkai beast's chest. The blade withdrew only to slice through its hind legs. The beast collapsed to one side. With half-lidded eyes, Lizelle could barely make out the details of the new arrival. The beast's bulky forelimbs were severed in a single stroke. The winged Honkai swarmed their prey. Three converged on Lizelle. A second later they were bisected. The guardian shadow moved so fast the girl could not keep up. Their movements were fast, efficient and lethal.
Unable to muster any further strength, Lizelle collapsed onto the wet concrete. Her mind started to drift. She wasn't sure when, but someone touched her face and then her neck.
"Come a cropper, haven't we? Best we be off before someone notices too much. I've little time enough as is."
Strong arms picked up the girl and carried her as the darkness finally won.
Dearest Vee,
I wish I could say things have improved. The 8th Herrscher caused more devastation that I might have otherwise imagined. Fortunately Kevin Kaslana was able to defeat it with the newly constructed Divine Key. The power the Herrscher wield is one thing. The Divine Key are a weapon unto themselves. We are fortunate to have Kevin onside. Though a small voice in the corner of my mind shouts a grim warning. If Kevin were to one day abandon his humanity on his crusade against the Honkai we would all be dire straights.
But enough on such grim matters. Due to my expertise on Soulium encoding I've had the privilege of meeting and consulting with DR MEI on several occasions. It seems that she intends to take all the previous retrieved Herrscher Cores and turn them into Divine Keys. What that woman has in mind is possibly the last hope for humanity. I do worry though. You would know my personal reservations for utilising such resources.
Her next test case was the freshly acquired core of the 8th Herrscher Core. As is typical of DR MEI, her lateral and oft-times novel thinking bore unique results. The Ember Dust Divine Key allows someone to manipulate the mind and memories of whoever they target. In theory even a Herrscher is susceptible. Personally, I think this is a good direction. Whilst weaponry is fine and all, creating tactical tools is just as important. Wars are won through information warfare and rational solutions. Even the Judgement of Shamash come second to knowledge.
Ahh, my apologies. You know me and my rants. Back to business. My input regarding the Soulium baryonic nanostructure of the Divine Keys has me thinking on some interesting tangents of my own. Memories are simply data stored within an unreliable organic medium. Maybe there is a way to integrate pure information into Soulium at a higher density than anything I've previously achieved. Maybe that's a key to helping me close in on how the Honkai decision making process operates.
I hope I make you proud. I think of you constantly.
Yours,
Zee
Lizelle awoke to a warm bed and warm clothes. Her head rested upon a soft feather pillow. She cracked an eye. The room was expensive. Possibly the classiest room she had ever been in. Cream walls, finely polished furnishings and wood skirting boards. Even the carpet looked expensive. Shifting beneath the sheets, the girl hissed in pain. Her chest ached. Curling into a ball, Lizelle did her best not to cry even as the pain spiked.
"I expect that hurts much more than I assessed," a mellifluous voice observed.
Pulling her eyes open, Lizelle saw a beautiful woman with a tea tray standing in the doorway. The girl's eyes were drawn to the steaming food, toast and what looked to be orange juice in a glass and accompanying jug
"Careful. You might just start drooling."
Lizelle wiped her mouth, only to gasp in pain at the movement after the fact. The woman walked over and set the tray down on a bedside table. Using her hands to gently guide her, the woman shifted Lizelle into a seated position. Lizelle's host set the tea tray over her lap and proffered some cutlery.
"Do tuck in," the woman offered.
Lizelle didn't need to be told twice. She devoured the meal. Eggs, bacon, toast, mushrooms, tomato: nothing survived. It took all her willpower not to chug down the juice. Instead she too measured sips and looked to the mysterious woman. Her clothing was all black and lace, dress reaching her ankles, a waistcoat over her chest followed by a bolero jacket. Her black hair was cut shot in a neat bob.
"Gothic Lolita," the woman offered.
"Pardon?"
"My sense of fashion. It's called Gothic Lolita."
"Oh."
Lizelle sat back and enjoyed the warmth of the food in her belly and the sheets she was snuggled under.
"I do apologise for the inconvenience but you will need to vacate your bed shortly. I paid only for an overnight room."
"Wait. What!"
Lizelle sat a little straighter.
"After your little encounter your body was in quite a state. Never mind how malnourished you are. When was the last time you ate a square meal?"
All the girl could do was lick her nips nervously.
"Which would imply that either your family was sorely impacted by the war against the Second Herrsher or…"
A question drawn out that needn't be spoken aloud. The way Lizelle gripped her bedsheets tightly. The woman gave a sad smile.
"Drink up your juice, young lady. Then shall we change you into some new clothes and be on our way."
The woman fished a pocket-watch from her waistcoat, popped the lid and tsked.
"I apologise for being a bother but we've little time left. I at least want a pot of tea."
The woman picked up the tea tray and set it back upon the bedside table. Offering a hand to Lizelle, she gently guided the girl to her feet. It took a moment for the girl to realise she was dressed only in her small clothes. And fresh clean ones too. The woman then laughed and motioned for Lizelle to sit back on the bed.
"My memory is off with the fairies. I'll go fetch your clothes. Too anxious for a good cuppa."
The woman strolled out of the bedroom before returning, a new pair of jeans, t-shirt, hoodie, shoes and soft looking socks in hand.
"My, my clothes?" Lizelle managed.
"The war ended a month ago. I doubt either you or your clothes had a scrub in the intervening time. Last night was a healthy soak, washed hair, trimmed nails and a proper massage to help relax those taught muscles. I think the exhaustion caught up with you. Eyes closed and sleep upon your face the entire time. I took the liberty this morning of buying you some new clothes. I apologise for my poor manners. It's only a single set. But enough to set you on your way."
Everything was happening so fast. The girl shivered, though the room was quite warm. She bent forward, elbows on her knees, faced masked by her hands as she wept. It all came flooding out. The surprise torrent took even Lizelle by surprise. She hadn't cried when her home had been crushed. When the beasts had swarmed them, when her parents and brother had told her to run without looking back. But now, a fresh pair of clothes and a clean body had her shoulders shaking as she was wracked with quiet sobs.
The presence of the woman was beside her, bed creaking under her weight as she sat down. Warm, gentle hands pulled her into an affectionate embrace. Lizelle cried until nothing was left. The woman said not another word as she stood and left for the bathroom. Lizelle noted the pile of clothes on the bed and quickly put them on. By the time she was done the woman had returned with a damp cloth in one hand. Kneeling before Lizelle, the woman gently wiped down Lizelle's face, the cool damp of the cloth helping settle frayed nerves.
"We best be off now. Scant time."
Lizelle followed obediently behind before slowing in pace.
"I… uh… excuse me miss. But, what's your name?"
The woman picked up a black umbrella from where it sat beside the door.
"You may call me Aubreen."
"I'm Lizelle."
Dearest Vee,
I don't want to speak of the 9th Herrscher. Mu was our home and now it is gone. Though we are separated, we are also fortunate to have not been caught up in such a frightful horror.
My sleep is poor these days.
The 10th Herrscher was a different sort of terrible. It's a matter I'm uncomfortable elaborating on. But the rumours were true. A member of Fire Moth turned against us. Actually, that is not the right way to put it. It is not as though these people were traitors. The Honkai seemingly possessed them at random and used its twisted power to make them into Herrscher. The pattern repeats itself. The thousand odd Herrscher Core retrieved from corpses were and were not a Herrscher Core. DR MEI theorised that the Herrscher of Domination was more like a quantum entangled consciousness. A linked hivemind that coordinated itself across continents.
This has me excited and appalled. Anyone and everyone could become a Herrscher, or at least a weaker echo. A fragment of the greater power. I used my security clearance to acquire one of the 10th Herrscher Cores for lab testing. I want to explore the ideas behind how the Honkai "select" someone to become a Herrscher. I also wish to see if I can locate the Gates of Sanctuary, the seeming portal between our reality and the Imaginary Space where each Herrscher's power. Is it through this self-same Gate that the 10th Herrscher Cores are entangled? Links directly between each of the Cores would defy physics as we know it. Not that the Honkai care much for the laws of reality. It seems more feasible to me that they are linked to an inner nexus within a phase of Imaginary Space.
Even with things as grim as they are, I lose myself in my work and soldier on. I will fight to the bitter end, just as you have cheered me on to do. The Herrscher of Domination, Soulium, Quantum Entanglement: there is something in this. I simply need to weave all the pieces together into a coherent solution. Something to give Humanity the edge it needs. I reach out to the future and toward you, Vee.
Yours,
Zee
The pair walked down the damp streets. It looked like the rain had continued overnight. Lizelle was surprised at how many people were walking the streets. Only a month ago the city had been devasted. It was still recovering. Security forces patrolled the perimeter even as walls and defensive outposts were erected. The Honkai still lurked beyond the city's limits. They had destroyed the smaller cities and towns. Searching for fresh prey.
"Drat it all. A quiet nook with some good tea is all I ask," Aubreen muttered.
Lizelle found the woman's way of speaking novel. It seemed both refined and antiquated. Aubreen's unusual clothing matched her demeanour.
"Can I help?" Lizelle asked quietly.
"Mayhap. With your keen eyes can you spy a small café or teashop that seats only a handful of people? With a preference for something out of the way. Not exposed to the public."
The request was a curious one. Still Lizelle did as asked. She scanned back and forth.
"What about there?" the girl asked with a gesture.
Aubreen looked toward the barely seen café down a side-street.
"Ah, just perfect. You have saved me a great deal of grief. Well, best be off. I want to savour the moment."
The pair waited on the street corner as the traffic buzzed by. Lizelle hesitated. Finally finding her nerve she reached out and grasped Lizelle's gloved hand. The woman's eye glanced downward before flicking back up to the traffic. The corners of her mouth curled into a smile.
"Why?" Lizelle asked.
"Why what?"
"Why me? Why save me?"
"Because I could."
Lizelle slowly swallowed. The traffic cleared enough for the pair to quickly cross. Once on the other side they made good time toward the café.
"It might be hard to grasp, young Lizelle, but I did what I did simply because I can. I'm certain that many people would think there is some grander design in such actions. Perhaps that you are special, that I have singled you out for a greater purpose, for inscrutable reasons that suit me best. None of that is true. I saved you because I felt like doing so. That's what you do with power. You choose how to wield it. I chose to save someone. That is my own code of conduct."
A sign hung out the front of the Café.
-Soma-
Aubreen knelt before Lizelle and put a hand on each shoulder.
"That's what makes it really special. It is one thing to save someone of apparent worth or purpose. A resource to be used. It's another to sacrifice everything for a total stranger who you will never see again. You seemingly have no value and I still value you dearly."
Lizelle wasn't certain whether to be insulted or thankful. She tipped her head to one side. With a warm chuckle Lizelle stood up and settled a hand upon the confused girls head.
"One day you will understand."
The pair entered the café. Inside was wood panelling, warm light and the earthy smell of tea. Aubreen made a quick order at the counter before choosing a side-table up against a wall. The woman arranged three chairs before gesturing for the pair to take a seat.
"So," Lizelle tried to find something to break what she felt was an awkward silence, "what do you do?"
"Are you asking as to my occupation?"
"I think yes."
"Hmmm. Let me see now. What would be the most ambiguous and entertaining way to put it? I work in insurance."
"Is that why you are here? All the houses lost after the meteors and then the Honkai?"
"Something like that."
The tea arrived along with three cups and a plate of cute looking biscuits. Aubreen gestured toward the plate.
"For you of course."
Lizelle grinned and snatched up one. She nibbled at it carefully, savouring the sweet flavour and wondering when last she had enjoying something so simple.
"There is of course a price."
The girl stopped mid mouthful.
"You need to have at least one sip of tea."
A bergamot scent wafted from the tea pot. Lizelle wrinkled her nose but accepted the steaming cup after Aubreen poured one for herself. The woman tipped a small amount of milk into each cup and breathed in slowly. With a satisfied smile she took a sip. Her eyes shone with approval.
Lizelle stared at her cup.
"Ms Aubreen. Why are you… you keep hinting something. Like you're in danger. Or something is going to happen."
"Both."
"Pardon?"
"I am both in danger and events will occur at a rapid pace."
"Why?"
"Ever since the events of the previous month both obviously active power groups have been on the move. For now, those that saved this land are sweeping in to collect resources and knowledge. That includes leftover Honkai, novel artefacts and over course people. Those that survived are certainly a resource to be studied.
There are a wealth of sensors and means of detecting all manner of disturbance currently in use. When I chose to save you, I announced my presence in a very loud way. If I had acted slower then you would be dead. Which means that those watching this city will have been zeroing in on my location via various cameras, interviews and other forms of sensor. I estimated 24 hrs at most before I was boxed in."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
Aubreen waved off the Lizelle's guilty expression and even sadder looks.
"I'll be mad only if you apologise any further. As I said, I chose to save you because I chose to save you. There are no regrets."
The café door jingled. A tall man with sweeping blonde hair in a long coat strode in. The merry laugh Aubreen made carried across the room. Though it sounded mirthful, Lizelle even at her age could sense something else in it, an edge that had her more afraid than ever.
Afraid of Aubreen.
The man turned to the source and gave a mild smile of his own. He strode over to the table.
"Would this seat be taken?" he asked in a cultured accent.
"Not at all," Aubreen replied with a demure smile.
The man took off his coat, hung it off the back of the seat and eased himself down. Without asking Aubreen filled the third cup and added a breath of milk.
"It's not everyday you serve tea to the Overseer Otto Apocalypse," Aubreen said as she slid the teacup and saucer across. "Were you just passing through or was the teashop so good you needed to leave your residence just to savour the aroma?"
The man picked up the cup and enjoyed the smell.
"I was observing reconstruction plans and simply stopped by," Otto admitted. "This is not my usual beverage. But it would be rude of me to refuse the offer."
"Earl Grey and Chinese Lapsang Souchong. Breath of milk. No. Sugar."
The Overseer inclined his head before taking a sip.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Aubreen asked.
"We can be polite or perhaps we can move straight to the point."
Aubreen shrugged and continued to sip her tea.
"Would it be wise to be so gauche in such a public place. I did try to find something out of the way but even a teahouse such as this has a handful of customers."
The teahouse went silent. Lizelle looked about. Everyone had stopped in place. Their faces were blank, breathing even and arms hanging by their sides. Aubreen gave another chuckle.
"You have me there, Overseer. So what is it you wanted to ask?"
"Who are you?"
"My name is Aubreen. Before you ask, no I do not have a surname. I've no need for such things."
"Why are you here?"
"Whim."
"Who do you work for?"
"I could work for any number of people. Perhaps your counterpart, perhaps a smaller player, perhaps one of the silent actors. Maybe even myself. It's my business to be discreet."
Overseer Otto had another mouthful before setting his cup in its saucer.
"I can ask more serious questions. But I would prefer not to in front of a child."
"Yet you haven't touched her mind as you did the others. An attempt to emotionally blackmail me perhaps?"
Aubreen tipped her head to one side. The smile she gave matched her earlier frightening laugh. Lizelle knew for certain that an exchange was being conducted between the two. One she had no sense of but was surely deadly. The Overseer's eyes widened in surprise. Aubreen set her nearly empty teacup down.
"I'm sorry, Overseer, but you'll find that such feathery tricks have no effects upon me."
The Overseers charm melted away. He set a hand on the table and drummed fingers in an ominous fashion.
"You may come with me," he commanded coolly.
Aubreen shook her head.
"I'm sorry but I cannot acquiesce."
"You know what happens next."
"Frightfully so. May I make a request of you?"
The Overseer's formerly charming expression returned. He inclined his head a fraction.
"May I finish my cup first?"
Aubreen picked tipped her teacup back and drained the last of it.
Sticky heat covered Lizelle's face. The smell of bergamot and iron filled the air. The girl licked her lips, only to taste thick, sticky copper. Bringing hands to face, Lizelle ran her fingers down her cheek and drew them away. Blood coated them. Looking up, the girl understood the tableau before her. The table had been thrown to one side. Overseer Otto had pinned Aubreen against the wall by her chest. A dagger was buried to the hilt in Aubreen's neck, the woman's hand firmly gripping it. The last sputters of arterial spray landed at Lizelle's feet.
The girl lacked the ability to comprehend what had just happened. Her mind was paralysed in shock. The Overseer let out a disgusted grunt. He let go of Aubreen, the woman falling to the ground in a misshapen heap. He looked more irritated by the blood that stained his clothes than the dead woman lying at his feet. Overseer Otto turned around and sized up Lizelle.
"Just what are you to the woman?" he asked.
Before the girl could answer feathers filled her vision. Feathers that overlaid her memories.
Dearest Vee,
It's all over.
It's all fucking over.
Why did I even bother? Why try so hard for nothing? In the end the Honkai didn't defeat us. We killed ourselves. The much-vaunted Fire Moth murdered a girl and brought about the 12th Herrscher. Our last cities fell to our own nuclear weapons.
What's the point of writing this? You're not here. It's not as though any of these ever reached you. Even as I write on this old-fashioned paper my tears fall and blot the pages. I recall how much you loved cute little stationary. The set you bought me is laid out on my desk. I should remember what you always said to me when I was feeling down. I'll write down my feelings and be honest. For both our sakes.
I've been lying to you, Vee. Which means I've been lying to myself. I didn't have much to do with the Divine Keys. Just another minor cog in a vast machine. But because I'm unknown I've been able to do what I needed to.
So why did we lose? We put everything we could into Fire Moth, into the MANTIS. They were compromised by their own power and paranoia. Men and woman killed a child because they believed that it was justified. I cannot condone that. Now there are just over 30,000 humans left on this planet.
I have taken matters into my own hands. My research on the 10th Herrscher Core is complete and my contingencies already in place. Fire Moth took advantage of my skills and then failed me utterly. I might be a small cog but my input was critical. An unseen individual.
According to Prometheus' modelling there is a 14th Herrscher to come. A Herrscher of End. She will wipe humanity from the Earth. DR MEI has set her own contingencies in place. An interstellar Ark to find a new home. Assuming the Honkai do not already exist in deep space. They are on the Moon after all. A computational device akin to a Jupiter brain within a bounded Void dimension. The statistical odds of searching through the impossible number of variables in the vain hope of finding a way to defeat the Honkai seems ludicrous. Only Project Stigmata seems to hold promise.
DR MEI is busy with her final weapon. I haven't asked after the SELENE because it suits my purpose. She needs nobodies like me to work on crunching code, running projections and modelling the varying genetic sequences being spliced into the genome of the next generation. Of the generation that will succeed us. I've seen the overarching idea and I think it holds promise. But I'll not leave the future up to simple luck. I have access to everything I need. Our loss encouraged me to repurpose my research. When your hand is forced you approach things from a lateral perspective. I believe I can see some of where DR MEI draws inspiration from. Like her, I shall take what I have learnt and forge it into something anew. But not a weapon. I tire of weapons. My final project will synergise with everything else being put in place. The I shall step into the cryogenic pods along with everyone else. Mine I will rig to fail. It is necessary for me to die upon awakening millennia later. My cargo needs to be protected until then.
So now it's time to say goodbye. I never had faith. I dislike religion and its trappings. But with all I've seen I find myself unable to refute the existence of a soul. I hope you can wait a little longer, dearest Vee. You've already been so patient and I am sorry for what I ask. If not, perhaps we might be reborn once again, to find each other in the next era.
Yours,
Zee
Dreamcatchers strung with wire and feathers hung in the windows of nearby shops. To ensnare the nightmares of a nation still reeling from such horrific losses. Lizelle winced as the ambulance officer stitched up the cut on her brow. It had been bad enough to cover her face in blood. Everyone crowded in the street outside the collapsed teahouse. Overseer Otto Apocalypse knelt before the girl and offered a handkerchief dampened with water.
"I couldn't possibly accept that," Lizelle said politely.
"Please, young lady."
The girl swallowed nervously and accepted the gift. Once the stitches were in place she cleaned her face and some of her stained clothing.
"First you save me from the collapsing building and then I dirty your handkerchief," Lizelle moaned quietly.
"It is my job to see to the safety of anyone and everyone I come across," the Overseer replied.
Once she was satisfied with her new state Lizelle gave a deep bow to the Overseer.
"Thank you again so much."
A hand rested gently on Lizelle's head.
"Come with me."
"Pardon!?"
Lizelle stood up ramrod straight. The Overseer scratched his chin thoughtfully. Something like humour danced in his eyes. But it was a humour tainted with darkness. He spoke in the barest whisper.
"The woman hadn't lied. This girl was worth nothing and knew nothing. But to take her and make her mine. A suitable reprisal."
"Overseer?" Lizelle asked, unable to make out the words.
"You have nothing left her, young lady. But Schicksal can always do with people like you. Those who want to fight against the Honkai and stop tragedies like this from occurring again. I can offer you a full scholarship. A future for you to grasp."
Lizelle knew she should have been bowled over. Nobody had ever offered her such kindness. But the girl kept her resolve and instead bowed low again.
"Thank you, Overseer. I accept."
An unfamiliar night sky shone overhead. Each of the stars shimmered and glowed, some like the north star, others like the faintest of embers. Getting to her knees, Lizelle tried to feel the dark ground beneath her. It felt alien in texture, humming with static and thumping in tune to her heart.
"Ah, you have awakened," a plain voice noted.
A woman wreathed in shadows stood before Lizelle. Nothing could be made of her beyond a figure that was undeniably feminine.
Also, she was short. Very short.
Lizelle slowly got to her feet and dusted off her jeans.
"Where… am I?" Lizelle asked.
"A section of Imaginary Space that I intentionally partitioned off," the figure replied.
"Uhhh…. Pardon?"
"The uploading of vital knowledge into your mind will have concluded by the time you awaken. Do not worry, it is only my own personal knowledge that I have integrated directly into the stratum of the Imaginary Space. Suffice to say, though right now the terms I will utilise will likely be foreign to you, upon awakening you will perfectly understand the explanation I am about to give you."
Lizelle's eyes were drawn away from the woman and toward the myriad stars that flickered and shone. As she watched them the explanation continued.
"I cannot be certain if you are the first person to be chosen or if you are one of the last and even now are fighting against the Herrscher. As such my message to you is given in the broadest of terms. I am the creator of this Imaginary Space, as well as the knowledge, tools and weaponry you will have access to. In my own time we fought a long and bitter war against the Honkai. I lost a person I loved above all others. Afterwards I joined a group known as Fire Moth. Officially I wished to assist in the fight against the Honkai. Personally I wanted to understand how the Honkai chose who would become Herrscher and find a way to prevent the pain and indescribable loss I once went through.
I was involved in various projects due to my talented programming skills. I did not stand out, but I was good at my work. This let me conduct my own private research. Eventually I was gifted one of the thousand cores of the 10th Herrscher. Each and every one of the Herrscher of Legion was chosen by the Honkai. I wanted to know why and how. Even with all my skills and access to the most advanced computer modelling systems available to Humanity I was unable to divine the answer. But I found an answer that was nearly as good. The Herrscher Cores of the 10th Herrscher are Quantum Entangled with the Imaginary Space that the Core can access to draw form Honkai power. I broke off the Core I had been given from its partners and then recreated it's own Imaginary Space. Though not as complex and containing far less latent Honkai Energy, this was still a significant breakthrough.
I had intended to share my findings, but Fire Moth began to fall apart. The world had given the organisation every resource it could manage. People died of starvation or exposure as the so-called soldiers fought on. Still they engaged in petty politics and power plays. The murder of the 12th Herrscher gave me the resolve to change things."
The shadow put her hand on Lizelle's shoulder and gestured across the wide night-sky.
"Each of these people was chosen to carry on what I started. I could not solve the secret behind how the Honkai chose a Herrscher. But I did subvert the selection protocol. With my own Herrscher Core I programmed in different parameters. The Core would seek out people similar to myself: those who had lost all that was important to the Honkai, that questioned authority, that understood betrayal, those that wanted to make a difference by their own hands. In your Era I do not doubt that the Honkai still plague you. But what is more dangerous is us. Humans turning against Human. My Civilisation has left behind all manner of tool and knowledge to help win the next fight. And I trust none of your Civilisation. What if a person with such tools or knowledge uses it for their own gain? What if they destroy it? What if they blackmail others or hold it back unless terms are agreed to? I am certain that some of the Immortals from my Era will survive. People scarred by everything they have seen and done. How long is it before an Immortal Being loses their grasp on their Humanity? Therefore, I have very specifically only given you knowledge from myself. My personality does not exist beyond this weak avatar."
Lizelle squinted, trying to make out some of the stars.
"Everyone up there fought the Honkai too?" the girl asked
"Every last one you can see. Each of them has carried this Core within them. The Human mind can only carry so much experience. I modified the gem to house the knowledge of each of your predecessors here in this Imaginary Space with its nigh-infinite boundaries. They are just memories however, not actual minds. When you dream you can access those memories to learn from: to educate yourself, to battle against past foes, Honkai or otherwise, to extend yourself further. If you are one of the first, do as much as you possibly can to help future generations. If you are one of the last, then use everything your predecessors have earnt through blood, sweat and tears."
The shadow tapped her chest before touching Lizelle's.
"The Core within you is similar to a Herrscher Core, but not the same. The Cores of the 10th Herrscher were limited to manipulating a singular aspect or concept. I chose this core because it could manipulate and change information. Not in the same way the 12th Herrscher could. Still it is your greatest tool. Right now, it is awakening the Stigmata that lies within your latent genes. Or rebuilding it if too many generations have passed, and the genetic knowledge is lost. DR MEI's legacy is an incredibly powerful one. It will let you wield more Honkai Energy than any natural Human ever could. Stored within this Imaginary Space are other essential tools that can be drawn across via the Gates of Sanctuary. You will be strong. But never let that strength go to your head. Knowledge and tactics are your greatest strength.
Finally, this Core has now become you. By the time you awaken, though your mind will continue to function seemingly as normal, it will be entangled with the Imaginary Space of this Core. Your knowledge will continue to be fed into the new star that has been born upon this dream's birth. When the moment of your death comes the Core will disappear from you."
The shadow gave a sad chuckle.
"I also have a small assurance. Some might attempt to take the Core by force or other mendacious means. I have built innumerable contingencies into place. If DR MEI did not recognise my actions, as minor as they were, then I find it doubtful anyone in your Era will do so. You will die but the Core will not be retrieved.
Carry on the fight. Hold those to account that you can. Watch from the shadows and do all that you can to ensure that Humanity has a chance. Be suspicious of everybody. Your role, our role, is be unaligned and protect Humanity. How you fight is something I leave to your discretion. Though I do suggest you be novel in your approach. The better to confound our enemies. I hope that since this task is passed from one generation to the next it will not be perverted. I have written in contingencies for that possibility but even I cannot see every outcome."
Some of the words were beginning to make sense to Lizelle. But she ignored them in favour of focussing upon brightly burning star that seemed so close she could reach out and touch it. Going up on tiptoes, Lizelle stretched up and grasped the familiar light.
Tears streaked the Lizelle's face. The plane bumped under some minor turbulence. Everyone else bar the cabin crew were asleep. The stark awake girl dashed the tears from her cheeks. She was tired of crying. Instead she sat up straight and pressed the service button. Very shortly a stewardess appeared. Lizelle was riding in business class after all.
"Could I have a cup of tea?" Lizelle asked politely.
"Certainly, young lady. What would you like?"
Lizelle tapped a finger against her lips. Though she couldn't recall it herself, the girl had touched the strangely familiar star and reviewed the memories it held there. She knew everything that had happened in the tea house. She knew of the promise unkept
"Tea. Earl Grey. English style with a breath of milk. No. Sugar."
The stewardess appeared surprised but didn't ask any further. A steaming cup was returned shortly. Lizelle took a sip and wrinkled her nose. The flavour was so strong she could barely stomach it. Still she finished off the entire cup. It gave the girl the time she needed to consider her future
Some years later…
The heat was baked into the soil. It radiated in waves, hung thick in the moist air, poured down from the merciless sun. In that radiant oven a single figure cut a crisp trot along the bush track. She was dressed for it, fatigues, broad brimmed hat, sunglasses and comfortable boots. Across her back was a bedroll and backpack for camping. Plenty of water on hand. Sensible planning for someone that went away camping solo on foot for a week.
The buzz of a phone slowed the figure. They had been out of mobile reception for the past week.
That was VERY intentional.
Sighing, the camper fished the smartphone out from a pouch on their shirt and scanned through the rapid deluge of communications. She tsked and began mentally prioritising the list of tasks that had been building up on her holiday.
"It's not like I've been gone for long or that I'm anybody important," the figure muttered to themselves. "I'm away for a week and the High School begs me for more tutoring hours, Schicksal wants a rapid increase in digital archiving post Emergence and the servers need…."
The woman's voice petered out. She lowered her phone and gazed off into the far distance. The sensation was one she had only felt in her dreams.
"Now that. That I have to check out."
The woman's face split into a manic grin as she began jogging toward what called her. Something she knew only in her dreams.