Disclaimer: I do not own Honkai Impact 3rd
Please read the author's note but other than that…
Enjoy!
It was an ordinary day in St. Freya for the 5th Valkyrja Squad, having finished the last of their classes. It would've continued in being a normal day for them if it wasn't for Kiana, who was currently dragging her two other teammates with her through the halls of the academy.
"Kiana-chan?" Mei asked the white haired girl who was leading them to…somewhere that she had not yet revealed. "Where exactly are we going?" Beside her Bronya didn't even bother resisting, simply allowing the Kaslana to drag her to whatever destination she had in mind.
"Somewhere special!" Was all Kiana said, turning her head to give the two of them a wide grin. She didn't give them a chance to ask for any elaboration as she swiftly turned her head back around and increased her pace.
Seeing how she wasn't going to get any answers soon, the dark purple haired girl simply allowed herself to be pulled, hoping that wherever the Kaslana was taking them was somewhere close by.
While that happened the valkyrie in training allowed her mind to drift in reminiscence of what had happened the past week. The most notable thing that had come to mind was the 5th Valkyrja Squad's first mission.
Contrary to how…uneventful it had been, it was something that Mei was glad to have happened. Some of her fellow peers might think that a routine patrol mission with another squad in a low Honkai risk area would be boring but she knew the importance of taking it slow in the beginning. This was a critical time in which your foundation was built and if it was weak then you would not be a strong Valkyrie.
It was the same for how she trained in kendo.
Though that was not the only thing about the mission that had Mei happy. During the mission the ex-heiress had some questions for the experienced Valkyries and was happy with the discovery of what she had learned from asking them.
Valkyries-in-training rarely got to go on missions due to the fact that they were inexperienced, something that could only be remedied by going on missions though that usually only happened once they became B-Rank Valkyries and even then it wasn't a guarantee.
However with Himeko-sensei's help in getting the 5th Valkyrja Squad fielded for their very first mission it meant that they no longer had to wait for the promotion trials to happen in order to accept missions.
It also meant that they could finally join the 6th Valkyrja Squad and finally fight alongside them shoulder to shoulder.
Speaking of which, ever since the 6th Valkyrja Squad had come back from their second mission they had been all in a remarkably great mood. Even Sora, who had stowawayed and had sent everyone into a panic when she had been reported missing, had a bright smile on her face that didn't seem to ever go away.
But the most notable thing was the atmosphere that surrounded Haruto. It wasn't something as obvious as Sora's but Mei had spent enough time with the redhead to know that he was in a very great mood. He seemed much more upbeat than normal and Mei was more than curious to know what had happened.
However when she had asked the 6th Valkyrja Squad she was surprised to know that even they didn't know what had happened to him as well. The only thing that they knew of was that he had gone on a mission that had lasted the entire day and when he had returned he had a big content smile on his face.
She had considered asking him directly but she had a feeling that whatever had happened to him was something personal and she could only hope that he would share with her what had happened.
That didn't do much to indulge her curiosity, if anything it made her even more curious.
The dark purple haired girl was so deep in thought that she hadn't noticed that Kiana had dragged them out of the academy's halls and that they were currently moving to a sizeable crowd that was congregating around the main gate of St. Freya. She was only aware of this fact as they got closer to the crowd could she begin to hear the excited murmurings of the assembled people.
"Oh my god is that her?!"
"It is! It is!"
"It's finally happening!"
"Our goddess has finally arrived!"
"She's more beautiful than I could have ever imagined!"
These were but a few of the excited words that were said as Kiana pushed her way to the front. It was hard to see what had everyone so thrilled but as they made their way closer and closer it became clear what the reason was.
Or rather who the reason was.
As it was none other than Durandal Ataegina and Rita Rossweisse, the two strongest and revered Valkyries of Schicksal.
"That's her!" Kiana gushed as she pushed her way to the front, stars in her eyes as she saw the two renowned Valkyries.
"Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie…" Breathed out Bronya, a rare look of awe in her normally blank face as she looked at the blond valkyrie.
Even Mei was not immune to feeling awe-struck at the sight of Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie as she looks at Durandal for the first time. All the rumors about the valkyrie seemed to pale in comparison to the real thing.
A beauty that was plain to everyone and a strength that could simply be felt just being in her presence.
It was easy to see why she was so idolized by her fellow valkyries.
Being at the forefront of the crowd the dark purple haired girl was able to hear what the two S-Rank Valkyries would say. "So this is St. Freya Academy," Durandal mused as she inspected the iconic main building of the academy. "He was right, this is a beautiful place."
Mei couldn't help but tilt her head in confusion at her words.
He?
Before she could think anymore on her words as the blond valkyrie moved her eyes from the building to the crowd that surrounded them. "Say Rita, did we intrude on some kind of special event?" She said confusedly as she looked around, trying to find the reason why everyone was there. "I would've thought that everyone would've been in class right now."
"One might say that a rare, special, once in a lifetime, event has come for these valkyries in training," The maid merely giggled knowingly on why the crowd had built around them in the first place.
"There she is, my rival!" Kiana proclaimed, though her words were only heard by her squad and not by her 'rival'. "Watch out because Kiana Kaslana is going to come and swoop your position from right out under you!"
"Idiotka has a .0000000005% chance of ever defeating Durandal-sama," Bronya deadpanned at the Kaslana.
"That's still a chance Bratnya!" Kiana retorted as the two glared at each other once again. At this point Mei shouldn't even be surprised at how the two interacted with each other anymore.
Thankfully before they could go on any further a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Is something going on here?" Haruto interjected as he walked up behind them, Mashu and Layla following right behind him.
A smile blossomed on her face upon seeing her friend. "Yes as you can see we have some important people visiting the academy," She motioned to the legendary duo. "Those are-!"
Haruto more than knew who Durandal and Rita was, who in Schicksal didn't know about them, so Mei thought nothing of the recognition that flashed through his hazel eyes when he saw the two valkyries.
What she could have never predicted was the smile that appeared on his face as he called out to the two Valkyries. "Bianka is that you?"
And nothing would've prepared her for the moment that the S-Rank Valkryie quickly responded back.
"Ah Haruto!" The blond Valkyrie joyously greeted back, much to the surprise of everyone present. The simple casual greeting had everyone, including herself, slack jawed at what was occurring right in front of their very eyes.
The legendary S-Rank Valkyrie was casually greeting one of their own like one would do to an acquaintance…
No…
Like a friend.
Looking behind Haruto Mei saw that even his own teammates did not know of this development, if the absolutely shocked expressions on their faces were not telling enough.
Uncaring, or rather unknowing, of the bombshell that was just dropped, Haruto waved to the valkyrie. "It's good to see you!" Carefully he pushed his way to the front of the crowd, which had Durandal move to meet him. "When I said we would be seeing each other soon I wasn't expecting it to be this soon."
"Rita had a mission here and seeing how I had nothing else better to do at that moment I asked if I could join." She replied with a smile on her face.
"Is that so?" The red haired teenager looked to where the maid was, who was watching the conversation happening in silence, and nodded his thanks for allowing the blond valkyrie to join her. In response the maid merely nodded her head back in thanks further adding to the surrealness of the whole situation.
The first male student of St. Freya Academy not only knew Rita Rossweisse but was seemingly also on a first name basis with Durandal herself.
Shocked did not seem to adequately describe what everyone was feeling.
Eventually the silence was broken by a certain black and green haired sniper. "W-What is going over here?!" She stammered out in shock, pointing a shaking finger at Haruto and Durandal.
"Is something wrong Layla?" The red haired teenager replied in a confused manner, completely oblivious to what the crowd was feeling.
"Is something wrong over here?!" She asked incredulously, dramatically motioning to the two of them. "There's something a lot wrong here! When the hell did all this happen?!"
"Can you elaborate please Layla-san?" Durandal asked, tilting her head in confusion as well.
This time the eggplant haired shielder spoke up, her lavender eyes still wide in shock. "When were you on a first name basis with D-D-Durandal-sama?!"
"Well remember when I went on that mission that took the entire day? I was accompanying Durandal-, sorry Bianka, on helping her complete it and-!" He explained and Mei could not help but internally balk at what he was insinuating. The reason why he had been in such a good mood was because he had managed to befriend Durandal?!
And he didn't think that was something to tell them?!
As if reading her mind, and probably everyone else's', Layla proceeded to speak on what everyone was thinking. "And you didn't think that befriending her was an important detail you should've told us!?"
Haruto opened his mouth to reply but as the words of his teammate caught up with him did he stop in his tracks, his cheeks growing red in realization of what he had done. "...Sorry about that, it kinda just slipped my mind."
Just saying those words had him even more embarrassed as his cheeks grew even more flush, almost matching the color of his hair. Realizing how he had essentially dug himself a hole he coughed into his hand, desperate to change the topic.
"...Layla, Mashu," He began before motioning to the blond Valkyrie, who merely nodded upon hearing her name. "This is Bianka.
He then moved his hands over and motioned to his teammates, who realized what he was doing. "Bianka, these are Layla and Mashu, the best teammates I could ever ask for."
"I am in agreement," Walking forward the strongest Schicksal Valkyrie brought her hand up for a handshake. "Greetings Layla-san, Mashu-san. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last." She formally introduced herself, much to the shock of Haruto's two teammates and the crowd around them.
Mashu was the first to shake Durandal's hand, her hand trembling at the fact that she was actually shaking the Valkyrie's hand. Mei was slightly worried that something might happen to the shielder but to her relief the magenta and ash blond valkyrie had managed to complete her handshake.
Next up was Layla's turn, who looked to be in a state torn between pure elation and pure panic as she shook Durandal's hand. The dark purple haired valkyrie in training never thought she would see a day where the spunky sniper would be this flustered.
After shaking hands Layla stepped back, staring at her hand in disbelief for what it had just done. "I-I think I'm dreaming. Someone pinch me to make sure I'm not dreaming." The black and green haired sniper pleaded.
Normally Mashu would've protested such an action yet instead she wordlessly raised her hand and pinched her teammate, before pinching herself as well.
Smiling from seeing his team's 'formal' introduction with Durandal, Haruto once again spoke up."Say Bianka since this is your first time here at St. Freya, why don't I and the 6th Valkyrja Squad give you that tour I promised you?" He motioned to his two other teammates, who stiffened at the sudden spotlight placed over them. "I may not know everything about the academy but I'm sure Layla and Mashu can help me out, right?"
Realizing that this was an opportunity to spend even more time with the revered Valkyrie the two were quick to shout out their response. "Y-YES!"
Smiling at how enthusiastic they were, Durandal turned to face her vice captain."Rita, can I leave you to complete what we originally came here for?" She asked.
"Of course Durandal-sama," The maid simply nodded as she smiled at her superior. "Do enjoy your tour."
Giving her thanks, Durandal soon followed the 6th Valkyrja Squad who quickly started their tour of St. Freya Academy, leaving the 5th Valkyrja Squad and the assembled crowd of students at the main gate.
Realizing that following either Durandal or Rita would be very rude the crowd began to disperse, talking amongst themselves in hushed tones over what had just happened. As they began to disperse Mei watched as the 6th Valkyrja Squad and Durandal slowly walked out of view.
A part of her had wished that somehow 5th Valkyrja Squad could join them but she knew that they would be intruding. It was clear that they had already developed some sort of friendship or familiarity with each other and trying to get in on that was uncomfortable to say the least.
Yet there was something else Mei was feeling as she saw Haruto and Durandal talk with each other. It was hard to explain it but seeing how easily the two talked with each other, exchanged banter back and forth…
It made her heart constrict in such a painful way, yet why was it doing so? She should be happy that Haruto was having a great time, not the other way around. Why was she-!
Before her mind could try and rationalize what she was feeling Rita walked over to where she was. "Are you busy Mei-sama? Her voice asked, interrupting the inner dialogue the Valkyrie in training was going through.
"U-Um no, why do you ask Rita-san?" Mei replied confusingly, not understanding why the maid had approached her.
"It has been some time since I've stepped foot in St. Freya and I fear I have forgotten where Theresa-sama's office is." The maid said before she curtsied. "Could you guide me to it?"
Such a rather normal request was nothing to be suspicious about yet for some reason something about those words had Mei on her guard. However before she could say anything Kiana suddenly spoke up in her place. "Mei-senpai sure can! She's super reliable and will get you there in no time!"
Internally sighing at just how eager the Kaslana was, the dark purple haired girl had no other choice but to accept her request. "I would be happy to help you Rita-san."
"Splendid," Rita thanked her before she bowed in gratitude. "At your leave then Mei-sama."
After saying a quick goodbye to Kiana and Bronya Mei began to lead the maid into the main building before navigating through the halls of St. Freya to get to Theresa's office. The walk was silent for the most part, with her answering any questions that Rita might've had to the best of her ability.
Speaking of the Maid of Schicksal, Mei could not help but confirm for herself what had people so drawn to the brown haired S-Rank Valkyrie in the first place. Some were attracted to the maid's mannerisms and skills as a Valkyrie, others were attracted to her mysterious past.
It was something that the two S-Rank Valkyries seemingly shared, both having mysterious histories that only they seemingly knew of. Yet while Durandal had no shame in hiding her past Rita had her's concealed so heavily that they were countless theories on what it was.
And she had a feeling that none of them were remotely true.
Mei wasn't so sure how long they had been walking in silence but as they turned a corner with the new hallway they walked into splitting off in two different directions at the end the maid decided to break the silence. "How are you finding St. Freya Academy so far Mei-sama?" The S-Rank inquired. "I hope it is to your liking?"
"It is," She answered truthfully. In St. Freya Academy one's own status, compared to Chiba Academy, was not what determined how many friends one got. Here people befriended Mei not because she was once the heiress of Massive Electric, but rather who she was as a person. "The atmosphere is much friendlier than it was in Chiba Academy."
"That is great to know," The maid smiled, happy with the answer she got. "It is a relief to know that you have acclimated here well…"
"After all as the Herrscher of Thunder one can never know when you might decide to…snap."
And with that the once amiable atmosphere that they had was instantly shattered with the maid's words. Turning around, Mei saw the completely casual expression on the maid's face. It did not take her long to realize that the S-Rank Valkyrie had always intended to say that.
It also didn't take long for her to understand why she had been chosen to lead her to Theresa's office.
It provided the perfect opportunity for a private conversation.
"Do not misunderstand Mei-sama," Rita walked in front of her and turned to face her, showing that her otherwise diligent dark pink eyes now had a serious, dark gleam to them. It was there that the dark purple haired valkyrie in training saw why exactly the woman in front of her was the second ranked Valkyrie in Schicksal. "I am not here to kill you. We both know that I can cross the distance between us fast enough before you can react and if I wished I would've done so by now."
Mei could not help but agree with her words. The skill gap between an S-Rank and that of a trainee was so vast that even if she did decide to try and activate her Herrscher powers it wouldn't save her, excluding the fact that she would have to destroy her values in the process and the bomb in her heart would have killed her.
Powerless to do anything in this situation the valkyrie in training steeled herself for whatever was to come. "Then why are you here?" She asked, doing her best to hide the tremble in her voice.
If Rita saw through her facade she made no comment or inclination of it being so. "To see whether or not Theresa-sama's decision to have you enrolled in this academy is a sound decision." The maid calmly explained. "Many within our organization were skeptical to put you in the same place as where the Valkyries of tomorrow are trained."
She had a sinking feeling that's what Rita was going to say, there was very little about her that could get the attention of the Maid of Schicksal. Other than her status as the ex-heiress of ME the only other thing was her status as the Herrscher of Thunder.
And if she had been completely honest she almost forgot that she was a host to a harbinger of destruction, with the persona being completely silent most of the time. The only people that knew were her squad, Haruto, Theresa, Himeko, and Asplund. Her fellow classmates were blissfully unaware that the very thing they trained to fight sat right next to them in class.
Though the woman standing in front of her could so easily change that.
"In order to put their fears to rest the Overseer has sent me to evaluate whether or not you should be allowed to stay and continue being a Valkyrie." The maid crossed her arms behind her back, an unreadable expression on her face.
"...And what is your evaluation of me then Rita-san?" Mei asked, trying to keep her emotions in check.
In response the maid simply smirked. "Inconclusive," Was all that was said before Rita spun on her heel and walked towards the end of the hallway, turning left which was the direction of where Theresa's office was.
It was then that Mei also realized that maid had never actually forgotten the route to the principal's office, merely pretending for the sake of luring her in for this conversation. Resisting the urge to frown at just how easily she had been led she silently followed behind the maid.
There were no further attempts from the maid on making conversation, something that the dark purple haired girl was thankful for, as they neared closer and closer to Theresa's office. After seeing just how easily it took for the maid to hide her intentions she did not know now whether or not the brown haired Valkyrie would be truthful.
Fortunately it did not take long for the pair to reach the double doors that were of the principal's office. However as they neared it Mei could hear the sounds of Theresa and one other person speaking.
Were they about to intrude on a private conversation?
Before she could even try to warn Rita the maid casually opened the door, revealing the two figures inside. Theresa was easily recognizable, the petite white haired woman was sitting in her chair and was facing the door so it was easy to see her. The Apocalypse saw them and gave a small nod of greeting in their direction.
However when she moved her head to look at the other person in the office Mei could feel her eyes widen as she saw the back of their head, knowing only one person had that kind of hairstyle
No…it couldn't be.
"This ends my report on Durandal-sama's and Rita-sama's wishes to request the aid of the 6th Valkyrja in future missions. There is more information in the folder given to you," Midori Aki bowed before turning around, seeing Rita first. Her expression immediately brightened at seeing her superior.
"Ah Rita-sama I have given Theresa-sama the documents as you have…-!" She trailed off as her eyes drifted behind Rita, her facial expression morphing one into absolute shock as she laid eyes on Mei for the first time in what had felt like forever.
"M-Mei?" She called out in shock, taking a step back in surprise.
However Mei simply remained silent, an unreadable expression in her dark blue eyes as she looked at her friend from head to toe. Seeing the dark blue garb of the Immortal Blades on her made her realize that she had been a valkyrie for a long time, maybe even when she had attended Chiba Academy.
…
…
Had she been ordered to attend there under the guise of a student?
…
To spy on her?
…
…
Yet even so…
The ex-heiress' silence was received as a bad sign from Midori, whose surprised expression turned into a sorrowful one. Green eyes shamefully looked down to the floor, unable to look her friend in the eye.
"I-I know you must hate me," Midori rubbed her arm as she attempted to apologize. "I-I abandoned you when everything for you started to turn on you and you have every right to hate me but I couldn't-!"
Whatever she was going to say was interrupted when Mei suddenly ran up to her and engulfed her in a hug.
"B-Baka," Mei sobbed into Midori's shoulder she might've been a spy sent to gather information on her due to her position in ME. Yes all of those moments the two had would have all been fake.
Yet would someone who 'faked' a friendship leave a letter of encouragement in someone's darkest hour? Even more so when the easiest choice was to leave without saying anything? To leave her wondering what had happened to their friendship?
No.
No they wouldn't
"Why would I hate you? You're my best friend, I could never hate you."
Those words was all it took for Midori to lose her composure as her face scrunched up. The Valkyrie tried to hold back her emotions, but failed to do so as her eyes began to tear up before returning Mei's embrace, the two sobbing in happiness that they had been reunited at last.
All the while Rita and Theresa watch the reunion from the sidelines with happy smiles on their faces.
When I had forged my friendship with Bianka I never really understood just how significant the impact would be. I wasn't totally clueless, I knew that being her friend would cause some ripples but I underestimated just how big those ripples were going to be.
Case in point, as I and the 6th Valkyrja Squad were leading the blond S-Rank Valkyrie around St. Freya Academy, I would have been a fool not to notice the 'concealed' stares of various classmates who were watching us from the shadows of the windows and corners.
I could feel the anxious, eager energy from all of them as we moved through the academy and I was so thankful for the fact that I had Layla and Mashu helping on the tour, taking some of the stress off of my shoulders.
Still it was a great tour. While my knowledge of St. Freya Academy wasn't exactly a lot, which would've normally resulted in a short tour, but thankfully I had a secret weapon,
Which was in the form of the Yggdrasil Advanced Engineering Corps' base.
Aside from the engineering corps' staff the only ones who had access to the workshop was the 6th Valkyrja Squad and some other academy staff including Theresa. What Asplund and Marie had in there was easily much more advanced than what the Far East Branch currently had.
Bringing the S-Rank Valkyrie into the workshop had certainly surprised everyone, especially Marie who started stuttering out apologies for how messy the place was, though Bianka was quick to reassure her. Seeing the S-Rank Valkyrie had smiles on everyone's faces as they eagerly introduced themselves to her.
All except for a certain pudding scientist who had the single handedly greatest smug look on his face, something that was unnerving to say the least for the eccentric man.
"So has Nagamitsu come and decide to finally admit that I am the better scientist?" He gloated as he walked up to Bianka. I threw a confused look at the scientist, my teammates mirroring my actions. It had definitely been a first to see the white haired man act so confrontational.
Though judging by how quickly Marie had facepalmed meant that whoever this 'Nagamitsu' scientist was, she had some history with Asplund.
Unperturbed by his words Bianka greeted him back. "She expressed her wish to come with us but her duties to the Overseer took precedence Asplund-san."
Asplund for his part didn't look all that disappointed with the answer. "That's fine," He said as he haughtily tipped his head up, spun around, and began to walk away. "Try as she might, my Kingsbane Battlesuits will soon trump her inferior Godsbane Battlesuits."
Another tidbit of information about this Nagamitsu to file away, she was apparently the one to develop the fearsome Godsbane Battlesuit line.
Aside from that…strange interaction with the pudding scientist everything else went well! The 6th Valkyrja Squad had brought Bianka to all the noteworthy places on campus, all the while making small talk on the way and getting to know her better.
When the tour had subsequently finished it came to the time where we would have said our goodbyes. Fortunately the blond Valkyrie decided that we still had time to do one more other thing.
Training.
"Hah!" I yelled as I swung my sword at Bianka, who blocked it with her spear. We were currently dueling at the sparring field, in the arena that the squad normally used to train in. Who would've thought it was here that I would get to spar against the legendary Valkyrie.
Then again…
I shouldn't be so surprised with how often the unexpected popped into my life.
"You have to be faster than that Haruto!" She yelled back before she pushed me back with her spear. Our current spar was a far cry from how we had first fought at the Immortal Blade Exercise.
For starters she thankfully wasn't garbed in her Bright Knight Excelsis Battlesuit, instead garbed in her Valkyrja Gloria uniform instead. This black, almost officer-like, uniform was the battlesuit that most would see her in, as her Kingsbane Battlesuit was strictly either for fighting or some ceremonial purpose.
Another factor was that she wasn't going all out in this duel. It wouldn't really be called training if I got mercilessly beaten down to the ground now would it?
Though that didn't mean that she was going easy on me, far from it. Her Valkyrja Gloria rivaled even the strongest battlesuits that A-Rank Valkyries had access to, not to mention her unparalleled skill with the lance that could ignite with flames, which she thankfully wasn't using right now.
And if there was one thing that the blonde haired Valkyrie took seriously it was training, pulling no stops whatsoever.
A fact that the crowd of my classmates could attest to, who had no problem voicing their admiration.
"Kyaa look at Durandal-sama!"
"She's so graceful!"
"So powerful too!"
"Haruto-san stands no chance against her!"
"Do you think she would train me as well after this?"
Though that wasn't to say that I didn't have at least some people cheering me on.
"You can do this Captain!"
"D-Do your best Senpai!"
"Meow,"
From the corner of my eye I could see my two teammates cheering me on, and Kuro just watching the duel with minimal interest. The black feline had popped in sometime during the tour to see who exactly we were guiding through the campus.
Note to self, Bianka has an extremely soft spot for cats. I don't think I've ever been more perplexed towards the blond Valkyrie when she immediately started cooing and affectionately grooming the black feline.
"Easy for you to say," I said back as I regained my footing, sheathing one of the swords that I had been holding in favor of acting a luminous blaze shield on that corresponding gauntlet. "I don't think anyone in Schicksal could match your speed."
"Excuses will get you nowhere Haruto," She replied back before she changed her more offensive-based stance in favor of a reactive one.
I couldn't help but lightly frown at that, mentally cursing that she had read my move. By switching for a more defensive approach the blond Valkyrie would have to come to me instead and with Caliburn's built in defenses I could've possibly turned this duel around.
However now that she had read my intentions our roles had now been flipped with her waiting for me to come and I having to make the first move instead.
As a more defense oriented fighter the most sensible thing to do would be to hold my ground and force Bianka to take the first move, but I had a feeling I wouldn't be winning any brownie points with her if I had done that.
Besides…
I briefly glanced to my left shoulder, where my stigma was, and could feel the faint thrumming of it.
I don't think she was going to expect what would happen next.
"I had to try," I merely said before I raised my non-sword arm up, deactivating the Luminous Blaze System in the process as I aimed my open palm at her.
I barely resisted the urge to grin when I saw the confusion on Bianka's face, doubly so when I could hear murmurs of wonderment on what I was doing from the crowd watching us. The S-Rank Valkyrie slightly lowered her lance, trying to figure out what I was doing, as well as giving her a better chance of reacting to whatever I might try.
But I knew that this course of action now had a higher chance of success now.
After all she had been gracious enough to give me more than enough ample time to charge it up.
"But just for you here I come." In a flash a golden spear appeared in my open hand and without wasting a single second I grasped the corporeal weapon and threw it at the S-Rank Valkyrie with all my strength.
Blue eyes widening in realization, the blond Valkyrie quickly twirled her spear from its relaxive state into a more alert one, but in doing so had guaranteed this plan would work.
I didn't have the expert aim of Layla or the experience like Fu Hua to throw a spear accurately but I never intended to actually hit Bianka with it in the first place.
Ever since I had drawn upon my stigma's power when fighting against Bianka the first time Fu Hua had been relentless in training me on how to call upon its powers. It was the one thing we primarily trained upon for the entire week, yet I was nowhere near trained enough to expertly use it in battle.
A great example of this was the spear I had just thrown. Unlike the ornate, vibrant golden cross spear that I had once used before the spear I had just thrown was the complete opposite. The light it emanated was fuzzy at best, lacking the elegant details it once had, and it looked as if it could fizzle at any single second.
Which was the very thing that I was hoping for.
You see during our training Fu Hua and I discovered something about any weapons my stigma could create. If the creation process was unrefined or there was too much power in them it had a little interesting effect.
They would explode in light, effectively creating a crude flashbang.
Which was a perfect weapon if my opponent never saw it coming.
Bianka couldn't even voice her surprise as her entire field of view exploded in a shower of light. Having averted my gaze to avoid getting flashed and hearing the cries of surprise from the spectators I rushed in with the intent of fully capitalizing on this window of opportunity.
Yet it was quickly proven that not even losing her vision temporarily would stop Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie. Getting over her temporary loss of sight, relying solely on her other senses, Bianka narrowed her closed eyes before swinging in my general direction with her lance, almost clipping me if I hadn't blocked it with my sword.
"I applaud you for your quick thinking," She praised as she eventually opened her eyes, the worst effects of the impromptu flashbang wearing off on her. "Using your ability in a non-offensive way is resourceful however you must-!"
Whatever she was going to say would remain a mystery as the moment her blue eyes finally refocused she saw what my end goal had been with that tactic.
Which was a barrel of a gun that was pointing directly at her.
Grinning at her widening eyes I pulled the trigger of the rifle in my hand, feeling it thrum with energy. Some might have hesitated in firing a weapon at their opponent point blank in a training match but Bianka had stated that if I wasn't aiming to win then this training wouldn't have been beneficial.
Besides I knew that a simple energy blast, even one created by Asplund's hands, wasn't enough to kill Bianka. I just needed it to be enough to give me the edge in the battle.
But of course it wouldn't be so simple.
"Queen!" She yelled suddenly, much to my surprise. Didn't she need her Bright Knight battlesuit, and not the Valkyrja Gloria battlesuit she had on, in order to be able to do that?!
Yet it was quickly proven that she did not need her Godsbane suit as just as the blue energy ball fired was about to hit a spectral blue shield appeared right in front of her, taking the hit. The impact created a loud bang with a large smoke cloud kicking up, blocking my view of the S-Rank Valkyrie.
The smoke cloud quickly dissipated to reveal the untouched form of Bianka with her spectral guardian Queen standing guard in front of her, who was now quickly fading into blue motes of light. By the time the smoke completely cleared out so too was the shield holding spirit.
Despite having just almost been a hair's breadth away from sustaining a potentially critical injury the blond haired valkyrie simply raised an eyebrow as she looked at the rifle I held in my hands. "A new weapon?" She asked
I nodded as I looked down to the blue rifle I was holding, feeling it power down from the shot. "Asplund-san saw its inclusion as a way to limit my stigma's power from overloading the Caliburn." I explained as I thought back to the recent conversation I had with the pudding scientist.
After I had 'unlocked' my stigma the next action I took was to talk with the creator of my battlesuit to see how he could improve my suit in order for me to use my newfound powers to the best of my ability.
It was only the natural decision to make.
Though what I had not been expecting was the massive revelation that the Caliburn Battlesuit could not handle the Excalibur's stigma.
Or rather it was not built with the stigma in mind.
You see, back when I had used the Caliburn's prototype in the docks of Nagazora the data that was recorded was before the Excalibur's first awakening. Seeing how when I had first used the mystical power it had completely destroyed the gauntlet meant that the data that Asplund and the Yggdrasil Advanced Engineering Corps' had gotten was just of normal me.
And not cleave a giant robot in two me.
As such the Caliburn had been built with a core powerful enough so that the battlesuit was not reliant on its user. Now that I had unlocked my stigma the suit had too much power to deal with, now having to contend with the Excalibur and its own core.
The corps could make adjustments to the Kingsbane Battlesuit accordingly but in the long run the more I trained my stigma then the more I risked the battlesuit exploding due to too much power.
The easiest solution was to simply get a new suit but that was both incredibly expensive and time consuming.
Especially considering Layla and Mashu's own Kingsbane suits were nearing prototype completion and could finally be field tested by their respective users.
So hence why Marie finally cleared me to use the Caliburn's rifle, as a way to redirect some of that energy away from the suit. It had always been a part of my suit weapon collection but due to my inexperience in using firearms it was decided that I could only use it if I got more training with it.
"Fu Hua also's been teaching me on how to control my stigma's power and we've been making some lee way on it, however…" I looked back to where the light spear I had thrown had detonated, the scorched earth showing just how inexperienced I was with it. "I have a far road ahead of me."
"Perhaps," Bianka agreed before a smile grew on her face. "However a stigma is just like a muscle in your body, the more you use the more it will grow stronger." She then readied her spear for round two. "Now then shall we continue?"
I smiled in response as I moved my body to mimic her's. "Yes we-!"
However it seems that fate had other plans as the vents on the Caliburn suddenly slammed open, expelling large amounts of steam in the process. I sighed tiredly, not needing to heed the faint beeping noises the suit was giving me to know what had happened.
"Nevermind looks like the suit has reached its limit," The Caliburn opened up, allowing me to step out of it. Getting out of it my sweaty self turned to face the battlesuit, a frown was on my face as I looked at the white and golden armor.
"This seems…inefficient," Bianka walked up right next to me, seemingly voicing my thoughts. "This battlesuit will prove more to be a hindrance than an asset in battle."
"That's what Marie-san also said," I then thought back to all the tests I had to undergo everytime I had made progress with my stigma training, having to adjust the suit accordingly. "Though I think I'll be okay so long as I don't do anything crazy with my stigma."
The blond Valkyrie just nodded along with my assessment before walking back to where she had been previously. "Still we must prepare you should this ever happen again in the battlefield," She said as she settled into a stance, her arms mirroring the same stance that Fu Hua would make before a spar.
Having fought the A-Rank Valkyria enough times I knew exactly where she was going with this. "Oh gosh not this," I groaned as I settled into a similar stance. "I already get my butt whooped by Fu Hua as it is."
"Worry not Haruto I assure you that I will not be as hard as your sensei." She smirked, deriving too much enjoyment from my suffering. "However if you're not giving it your all then you'll be walking out of here with a new black eye."
"Never going to live that down am I?" Kiana had not let me live that down and getting a new one would only bolster the Kaslana. Not to mention every single soul in this academy would know about it so I couldn't be lazy about this.
But just before we started round two I glanced over to my side where I saw Midori and Mei having a spar of their own. I hadn't actually known that Midori was even here in the academy until we had arrived at the arena to see her and Mei chatting it up, a scene very reminiscent of old times in Chiba Academy.
If I had to be honest I had been dreading their reunion, unsure of how it would all end considering how the undercover Valkyrie had left, but seeing the smiles on their faces told me that it had all ended well.
Currently the two were sparring, and I was hit with deja vu as I thought back to how I sometimes watched the two spar in kendo. Though this was way different than a normal highschool kendo spar as they both had the strength of Valkyries behind their strikes and had their own major advantages, Mei with her latent Herrscher powers and Midori with her training as a Valkyrie.
But the energy of two 'normal' high schoolers sparring was still there.
Seeing the two reminded me of something that my dark purple haired friend had said to me before I started my spar with Bianka.
"Hey Bianka…" I started as I stared at the S-Rank Valkyrie who looked to me in curiosity.
"Wanna have dinner with us later?"
Placing a fork full of food in her mouth, Kiana resisted the urge to moan out with how heavenly her taste buds were feeling.
Eating Mei-senpai's delicious food would never get old!
"I must say Mei-sama that your culinary skills are masterful. It seems that I have a lot to learn if I wish to catch up to you." Rita Rossweisse complimented from her seat at the table as she enjoyed her plate of food.
When Mei-senpai had returned from guiding the Schicksal maid to Theresa's office, never in a million years did the Kaslana think that she would be coming back with Midori in tow. The dark purple haired girl didn't even get a chance to say anything before the white haired girl jumped the once undercover Valkyrie with a bear hug.
After being pried away from Midori by Mei-senpai, Kiana had all but demanded her to explain where she had been and why she had left the way she had. Leaving with only saying goodbye to Haru-senpai and not her and stung!
Before she could continue any further with her 'interrogation' of the valkyrie, Mei-senpai cut in with the suggestion that she could ask her questions during dinner, where she had invited Haruto's squad to join as well.
Not only did she get to reunite with her friendm, and interrogate her, but she got to do it over a dinner cooked by Mei-senpai with the 6th Valkyrja Squad as well?!
Could this day get any better?!
Apparently it could as before they had departed back to the dorm Haruto had walked over with two additional people, who just so happened to be the two most notable Valkyries in all of Schicksal. He asked if Durandal, or Bianka as he could call her, and Rita could join them for dinner and Kiana internally squealed at the invitation.
This day could get better!
Getting to dine with both S-Rank Valkyries was something that her classmates could only dream of and she was going to live out that dream!
"Don't say that Rita-san," Mei assured as she looked at the brown haired maid with a timid smile. "I'm sure your food is much tastier than mine, I've only begun to cook for so many people just recently whilst you must have much more experience."
"That's not true Mei!" She was quick to argue in Mei-senpai's defense. "Your food is always tasty!"
"Have to agree with the spitfire with that one," Midori added as she took a bite of her own food. "You've always downplayed how good your food is, even when it was a single onigiri. Better than most things I've eaten."
"Indeed Mei-san," Durandal chimed in, politely wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Your food is on par with Rita, and I consider her to be a chef in her own league."
"T-Thank you Durandal-san," Mei thanked, her face absolutely glowing with all the praise she was receiving. It wasn't everyday that the S-Rank Valkyrie praised your food. "Your praise means much to me."
Haruto merely smiled at the scene, not feeling the need to say anything but it was clear that he was in agreement with everyone else's words. Mei-senpai deserved all the praise for her heavenly cooking!
They then continued to eat the absolutely scrumptious food that Mei-senpai had graced them with, making light talk and banter. With each story passed the Immortal Blades became closer acquainted with the dynamic of the 5th and 6th Valkyrja Squads.
It felt like a fever dream for Kiana. I mean who would've expected that two squads in training would ever have the opportunity to eat dinner on the same table as the legendary Valkyries of Schicksal.
However all good things had to come to an end as eventually their plates full of food were finished and with it came the natural course of ending the dinner. Yet just when all seemed to be lost, Mei-senpai proposed that they should have some dessert.
Leave it to Mei-senpai to make the best surprises!
Having no objections the dark purple haired girl immediately stood and went to prepping whatever fabulous dessert she was going to bake. Rita stood up as well, offering her assistance to Mei-senpai which prompted everyone to do their own little thing while they waited for the dessert to be finished.
Midori decided that she would formally get to know the only two people that she hadn't had a proper conversation with, that being Layla and Mashu. The two valkyries in training were more than excited to get the chance to talk with a Valkyrie of the Immortal Blades and soon enough the trio were in their own little world.
Himeko-sensei and Fu Hua had to attend to some boring A-Rank responsibilities to do so the two of them had politely excused themselves but oh well…
That meant more dessert for her!
Haru-senpai had to do something with Sora and Kuro decided to tag along with them so that left herself, Bratnya, and Durandal to do something to pass the time until Mei-senpai finished making whatever heavenly desert she had thought of.
So with that in mind Kiana decided that tonight would mark the beginning of her conquest of the revered S-Rank Valkyrie.
"Homu…Kombat Ultimate?" Kiana barely resisted the urge to grin when she saw Durandal tilt her head in confusion as she held the box of the Homu fighting game in front of her face.
The white haired girl closed her eyes and nodded, an 'innocent' smile on her face as she did so. "Yup! This is what everyone in St. Freya plays in their free time. It helps them alot with their valkyrie skills!"
"...Is that so?" The blonde Valkyrie had a perplexed expression on her face, not understanding how a video game of all things was an instrumental piece in the training of the Valkyries of tomorrow.
Sitting on the couch Bronya had an unreadable expression on her face as she watched the blond woman inspect the game case. "The Bronya…cannot dispute that fact as…false." Despite the emotionless face that her gray pigtailed teammate had, Kiana had been with her enough to know that she too wanted to see where this went.
"Well if that's the case then would you be so kind as to teach me how to play Kiana-san?" The S-Rank Valkyrie asked, completely unaware that she had walked straight into the Kaslana's trap.
Laughing menacingly inside, the white haired girl eagerly nodded before she handed the blond Valkyrie her controller. Then with a speed that she didn't know that she possessed, Kiana had set up and turned on the console, quickly navigating to Homu Kombat Ultimate's main menu.
Seeing the two homus, one blue and one yellow, glaring at each other from opposite sides on the screen had the white haired girl giddy as she held her controller. She was going to show Durandal just how powerful she was!
Of course she wasn't heartless as to not explain what the controls were, what buttons did what, and what combos were and the most basic sets you could execute.
She wasn't that cruel of a person!
Though the moment that the blond woman nodded her head that she had a basic understanding of the game she immediately started a game up.
Select Your Character!
But not that kind.
After all this was a game that required hours, even days, to master and be considered a legend in. There was no way that she, someone who had poured countless hours training, pushing herself to be the best Homu Kombat player there was, would lose to a complete noob!
Oh this would be glorious! Today would mark the day that begun the legend of Kiana Kaslana!
She could already see it!
I am the frame of my controller.
Steel is my body and electricity is my blood.
I have played over a thousand games.
Unknown to Game Overs,
Nor Known to New Game Pluses,
Have withstood pain and salt to surpass many obstacles,
Yet these hands will never hold any other controllers,
So as I pray,
Unlimited Video Game-!?
Player 2 Wins!
"H-Huh?!" Kiana cried out in surprise, her blue eyes not believing what she was seeing
"I didn't expect it to be this easy," Durandal casually commented, completely unaware of the gobsmacked expression of Kiana who just stares at the screen in utter disbelief. "I expected it to be harder with how you described it."
Blue eyes stared in shock at her character's health bar, which was completely depleted, before staring at her opponent's, which had barely even been touched. There was no way that this had happened! No way!
This had to be fluke! It had to be!
Completely ignoring the sound of someone taking a photo, probably Bratnya who wanted to forever cement this moment in history, Kiana gave the S-Rank a fierce and determined look.
"I demand a rematch!"
Surely that had been a fluke! Yes it was just beginner's luck, just the gaming gods giving Durandal a lucky break, yes that had to be it!
The S-Rank Valkyrie merely shrugged her shoulders, not seeing a problem in declining her request and very soon they were starting up another game.
With this second round she would regain both her title of gaming champion and her pride!
I am the frame of my-!
Player 2 Wins!
"Again!"
Player 2 Wins!
I am the-!
"Again!"
Player 2 Wins!
"Again!"
"I-"
Player 2 Wins!
"This isn't fair!" She whined as she stared at the defeat screen for what felt like the umpteenth time. How was this possible in the first place!? There was no way a newbie like Durandal could beat a veteran like herself so easily!
So why was she losing so badly right now?!
There had to be some sort of secret but what could it be? From the corner of her eye she could see Bronya and a plan came to mind. "Hey Bronya why don't you-," She stared, hoping to entice her teammate to help.
Which was immediately shot down when the petite valkyrie stood up from her seat. "The Bronya shall decide to help Mei nee-sama and Rita-sama with their baking." Was all she said before she briskly made her way to the kitchen, leaving Kiana to her fate.
"I understand that you may be frustrated Kiana-san but don't you think-!" The blonde valkyrie tried to console the distraught white haired walkyrie in training, even though she had no idea why losing in a video game was getting her this riled up.
Yet it did little to assuage Kiana.
"I poured countless hours into this game so how am I losing this badly!?" The Kaslana raved, clutching her controller so hard that it would not be farfetched to think that the poor device would meet a swift end soon.
"I mean I've been a dedicated player ever since the first Homu Kombat game released, buying every single game that the developers made and even attended tournaments. Yet in the end all it amounted to was-!"
The feeling of a hand softly placing itself on top of her head had Kiana stop in her tracks immediately. Her mind went completely blank, slowly registering the fact that the S-Rank Valkyrie had placed her hand on her head as if she was patting her on the head.
She was not the only one to register the absurdity of what had just happened.
"A-Ah sorry!" The blond Valkyrie quickly apologized, retracting her hand away with blazing speed. "I'm unsure of what came over me. I saw you getting frustrated and for some reason my body moved on its own but I'm unsure of why it did so in the first-!"
Before the S-Rank Valkyrie could launch into a similar tirade she was thankfully saved by a different voice.
"Everybody!" Mei interrupted as she called out from the kitchen. "Dessert is ready!"
"Durandal-sama?" Rita's voice also called out from the kitchen. "Would you come and help me with the plates?"
Thankful for the timely interruption Durandal quickly replied back. "Ah coming Rita," She answered before she stood up from her spot and walked to the kitchen, leaving Kiana alone in the living room.
Absent-mindedly the white haired girl's hands slowly reached up to where she had been petted, mimicking the action with her own hands.
That had felt oddly…nice for some strange reason.
Mei Raiden resisted the urge to hum a tune to herself as she and Haruto were currently washing the dishes. It had been very late in the night when the dessert that she had baked had been finished and with it came the official end of dinner.
Midori, Rita, and Durandal had been adamant that they help clean up but she had assured them that they were their guests, and as a host it would be rude of her to ask them to help clean up the table.
Thankfully Haruto had helped her by saying that it was already late and that they probably had more important tasks to attend to tomorrow, arguing that they would need the early rest.
Unable to deny his reasoning Durandal-san quickly turned it around by promising that they would be the ones next to invite them for dinner, which in turn had Rita accepting the task of cooking said dinner..
To think that a valkyrie in training as herself would not only get the opportunity to cook the two S-Rank Valkyries dinner, but in turn also get invited to join a dinner hosted by them. All in one day as well.
And that wasn't even including the fact that she also got reunited with her best friend Midori the same day. .
Thinking about her black haired friend brought a smile to the ex-heiress' lips. There were so many different outcomes the dark purple haired Valkyrie had theorized how she would reunite with her friend but never did she think that she would reunite with her due to her being a Schicksal Valkyrie.
Fate surely loved to work in mysterious ways.
Throwing a quick glance to the red haired teenager that was right next to her, an epiphany suddenly dawned on her on why he hadn't been as surprised as she or Kiana had been when they saw Midori.
"Haruto?" She started. "Did you know Midori was in the Immortal Blades all along?"
In such close proximity to him she could feel his body stiffen as a result of her inquiry. "I make no comment," Was all he said though Mei knew that was not the truth.
A second later he sighed, knowing that his attempt at deflecting the conversation had not worked out as he would've liked it to. "Sorry Mei," He apologized as he placed a wet plate onto the dryer rack. "To be fair I didn't expect your reunion to be like this."
She simply nodded along with his statement, a small part of her was happy that she wasn't the only one to be caught off guard by her friend's surprise reveal. Then again surprises seemed to love popping up out of nowhere in her life now.
A comfortable silence settled as the two continued to clean the dishes, neither of them put off by the atmosphere. In the living room they could hear their respective squads on the couch, playing another one of Kiana's video games together.
It was a common sight for their two squads, bonding with each other and getting to know each other better through the magical powers of video games.
"Say Haruto…" She spoke up once more, breaking the silence they had as her curiosity got the better of her. "Did you know that Midori was a Valkyrie before we came to St. Freya?"
And just like that the amiable atmosphere they had going stopped altogether as Haruto froze from her words, his hands suspended as he held the half cleaned plate in his hands. She knew that she had struck a sensitive point when the red haired boy didn't respond to her question immediately.
Just as she was about to say something he spoke up, breaking his silence. "Sorry again Mei," He repeated with regret in his words, feeling guilty in keeping such a big secret about her friend from her.
A part of Mei was hurt by his admission, who wouldn't, but she was largely relieved that he was being truthful with her as opposed to trying to hide what he knew from her. "I'm not angry at you…" She trailed off as she told him what had been bothering her. "It's just…it feels like there are so many things that I don't know of."
It wasn't as if this problem was affecting her daily day-to-day activities, it wasn't that bad, but it was a little nagging feeling that she would get that constantly reminded her of its presence. Whenever something happened it seemed as if she was the one most kept in the dark while everyone else around her seemingly understood what was happening.
It made her feel a bit…useless.
Thankfully Haruto looked more than understanding with where she was coming from. "It just never felt there was a right time for it all, and when it did seem like there was I didn't know what words to say." He assured her. "I'll try to be more truthful from this point onward."
Smiling at his promise the dark purple haired teenager decided that she would have him live up to it.
"So you befriended Durandal-san during your mission?" She smiled when she saw the panicked look temporarily appear on the red haired teenager's face. "It certainly surprised everyone."
Haruto coughed embarrassingly, attempting to hide the flush in his cheeks. "Another lack of insight from me," He said as placed another plate that he had been cleaning on the dryer rack. "I…I was so distracted by my new friendship with her that I forgot how it would be perceived by everyone else."
Mei did suppose that logic was sound, after all she could confidently say that the red haired teenager was the only St. Freya student to have the honor of calling the S-Rank Valkyrie a friend.
Yet…
"You seemed really…happy with her today." She saif as her mind flashed back to the events of today. Seeing the 6th Valkyrja Squad lead the blond Valkyrie for her tour, how close in proximity Haruto and Durandal were and the easy attitudes on their faces as they talked to each other…
How it had made her heart constrict in an unfamiliar, painful way.
"I was," He smiled and despite how joyous his expression was his words almost…hurt to hear.
What was happening to her? Why did the thought of Haruto getting close to someone make her feel such complicated emotions? Was it the Herrscher within her trying to take control? Was she sick? There had to be something wrong with-.
Unbeknownst to her current internal dialogue Haruto continued to talk. "After all I got to introduce you guys to her and now you guys are all friends with her and Rita," His words were like the equivalent of a bucket of cold water getting dumped on her, prompting her to snap her head towards him and look at him with wide eyes.
A few seconds of silence passed before Mei could not help but lightly laugh to herself.
"D-Did I say something funny?" Her friend turned to face her, confusion clear on his face.
"No, no, nothing's funny Haruto." She assured him as she got her laughing under control. Here she was thinking the worst when in reality it had been her just overthinking it all. "Just remembered a joke Kiana told me, that's all."
Hazel eyes gave her a look that he didn't believe that was all but simply shrugged his shoulders. "Right…" He trailed off, his focus shifting to finishing the last remaining dishes they had to finish, though thankfully there wasn't too much left and with her lending her assistance they were done in no time.
As the two were cleaning up the sink Haruto suddenly spoke up. "Say Mei?"
"Hm?"
"I know this is a strange question to ask but…"
"Are you free this upcoming summer vacation?"
Fuchsia colored eyes opened up, revealing an unfamiliar yet familiar sight. He had just closed his eyes and where he currently was was not sitting where he had been previously. So why was he all of a sudden-.
"Su?" A familiar voice called out to him, one that he had not heard since…
Turning his head the Fire Moth saw the familiar visage of someone he respected, someone he had once the honor of calling a dear friend.
Dr. Mei.
Taking a quick glance around where he was, the gray haired MANTIS quickly realized why this place seemed so familiar. He was currently sitting in the main base that the Fire Moths once operated from.
Yet he knew for a fact that this base had been destroyed in the awakening of the Final Herrscher which could only mean that he was currently reliving a memory.
However he could not help but wonder why he was having a flashback now, especially considering that it had to do with the scientist instrumental to humanity's continued survival.
Even more strange was that he could not recognize this memory.
But he could not think of it any further as he felt his memory's self move his lips, the memory playing on its own."Yes Mei-san?"
The dark purple haired scientist was currently looking over a terminal, her back directly facing the gray haired pioneer, her posture not even changing as she asked him her question.
"Where do you think hope goes?"
This question dumbfounded both present and past Su. "...I beg your pardon?" His past self questioned incredulously.
"I'm just thinking out loud here." Pushing back the wheels on her chair allowed the scientist to slowly slide across the floor. Turning on the pivot of her chair Dr. Mei was now facing her fellow scientist, an inquisitive gleam behind the lens of her glasses. "But it has me curious with how the Honkai naturally thrives off the darker emotions of humanity. It sows chaos and reaps the seeds it plants in those that it takes from. If those emotions can lead to such powerful energy, think what the opposite could do for mankind."
It did not take a genius to see the exciting gleam in her eyes, her brain no doubt racing with endless possibilities of what she had suggested.
"One could argue that it is easier to find a pawn in those who are full of hate than the opposite." He challenged.
In the past he may have waved this conversation off as a passing thought but recent events surrounding a certain red haired teenager now had him interested in where this past conversation was going.
"True but with how much much we've begun to learn about the Honkai and its existence the more questions we uncover. Your Divine Key, the Cosmic Juggernaut, exponentially increases this and that isn't taking into account the universes that we have yet to peer into."
Silence was all her words got and Su did not have an answer that he could be confident about. These kinds of questions rarely had straightforward answers, with them being more like random guesses that made some sort of rational sense.
Dr. Mei did not look disappointed by the silence, having expected it, as she rolled her chair back to the terminal she had been using. If anything the silence only inflamed her curiosity as she leaned back into her chair, staring up into the ceiling. "Still the question remains, where does hope go? Does it simply flicker away into nothingness or is it drawn to somewhere inexplicably? Like a moth drawn to the brilliance of a fire."
"I wonder…" Was all his memory self said before the Fire Moth could feel the flashback ending. It didn't take long for his mind to come back from the past and back to the present.
"Hey you okay there son?" Standing across from the countertop of the bar he had been sitting at, an elderly bartender was looking at him with concern. "You were spacing out there quite hard."
Yes that's where he had been before he had gone down memory lane, at a bar waiting for something to happen. He had purchased a light drink for the sake of appearances and with considering how it was untouched the bartender had thought something wrong had happened.
"Forgive me," He assuaged as he took a light sip of his drink, resisting the urge to gag at how strong the alcohol was. The Fire Moth had never been much of a drinker anyway, something that time had not changed. "I was lost in thought."
"No problem with that son," The bartender chuckled as he cleaned a glass with a rag. "Can't count the number of times I spaced out, it seems to happen more times than I can count." He laughed and Su could not help but smile at the man's infectious energy.
"But at least you can control yourself to not drown yourself in alcohol…" The bartender gave a stink eye to a very familiar white haired person, who was currently downing what looked like his tenth glass a distance away from them. "Unlike a certain patron I have the displeasure of serving."
"It seems so," Standing up Su gave his thanks to the bartender. "Allow me to thank your hospitality by helping you with your problem." Placing a few bills on the counter the gray haired man walked over to where the drunk man was at.
"Hey man~" Siegfried Kaslana slurred out drunkenly as he turned his head to face Su. "C-Come to join the party?"
The pioneer remained silent as he simply sat down next to the Kaslana.
"...We both know that you are not drunk so please do end this charade Siegfried Kaslana."
Upon being called out, the 'drunk' man instantly stiffened up, showing an alertness that revealed he had never been intoxicated in the first place.
"Well at least I know you're not from Schicksal," The one armed ex-Knight casually commented as he relaxed his body, resting his only arm on the countertop of the bar. "They would've tried to get me more drunk before trying to take me out."
Grabbing the nearest glass the white haired man continued to speak as he brought it up close to his lips, taking a quick gulp of the contents within. "And I know you're not of Anti-Entropy as Einstein would have messaged me about needing something."
Slightly shifting his body, Siegfried's jacket was moved to reveal the Judgment of Shamash in its pistol form, safely holstered away but ready for its destructive power to be unleashed at any given moment. "Unless you're a part of that World Serpent that tried to kidnap my daughter…"
Su did not need for him to elaborate on his threat as he merely raised his hands up in peace. "I can assure that I am not associated with that organization."
"Thought so," Siegfried chuckled before his blue eyes narrowed at the gray haired Fire Moth in concentration. "Hey this might sound off but have we met before? Cause for some reason you seem…familiar to me,"
Su's brow rose up in light of that revelation. "Is that so?" The gray haired man chuckled. If he wager a guess it would be the activated genes in the Kaslana's stigma that made him seem so familiar.
What a strange twist of fate.
"A story for another time." Was all he said as he waved the topic off.
"Must be one hell of a story then." Siegfried commented before he got more comfortable in his seat, not registering the pioneer seating next to him as an enemy. "So what's up? Cause I doubt you came here to drink with me. Unless…" He held his hand, glass still in his grasp, in temptation.
"I'm afraid I must decline." Su politely declined as he raised his hand up. "The reason why I came here was to potentially ally myself with you for what is to come."
Now it was Siegfried's turn to raise his brow, this time in confusion. "To come?"
The Fire Moth from a bygone age looked the progeny of his best friend in the eye, his fuschia eyes reflecting just how serious he was being right now.
"Tell me what do you know of the Black Plague?"
Interesting stuff has happened in this chapter, I wonder what you all think about it? Curious to see your guys thoughts on this all.
Not too much to talk about here other than two heads up, though the last one is a bit iffy.
First one is the next chapter will be delayed, because the day following this I'll be on a vacation with the family so for at least one week I won't be writing as I usually would.
The other thing is that I'm considering putting this off for a while. Now before you all start getting worried that this story might get dropped let me assuage that is not the case. I'm too invested in this story to give up.
42 chapters in and I'm impressed with where I've gotten with this story and I won't lie it gets a bit harder and harder to think of good consistent chapters with each update.. I think taking a break from writing this story will do me good.
So if three weeks from now and there's no new update then assume that I have gone on a little hiatus…
That or I launch a new fanfiction, specifically a Pokemon fanfiction. The idea has been sitting in my mind, which wasn't helped after playing/watching/reading all things related to Pokemon.
Now instead of a Ghost monotype, I also have an Ice Monotype fanfiction in mind as well XD.
Welp that's all for this chapter. If you enjoyed it, drop a fav/follow/kudos as they really help me out with creating great chapters. Reviews are deeply appreciated, they're the biggest motivation to keep writing, and if you have a question or a really interesting theory I am more than happy to reply. Please be patient if I don't respond to you super fast. Even if I don't respond to your comment for whatever reason, know that I read each and every one of them! PMing me is the best way for me to respond to your questions.
Peace!