Back at the Hyperion Battleship
"Aunt Teri? Shouldn't we call him back?" The red void drifter asked as the overseer looked at the horizon. She shook her head.
"We told Hajime to take a break, Kiana. If we call him back, it might give him a wrong impression that we need him here. We told him to spend his month off relaxing, remember?" Kiana pouted but nodded.
"Still... I was just thinking that he might have something or a lead and i want to be there helping him." Theresa smiled as she pressed a button of holotab on the desk.
Theresa always knew that her little niece has been the most sympathetic one out of the original valkyries and she always carry the undying Kaslana oath despite just being a clone.
To people like Kiana, Idealism and Identity matters.
Next to that, Probably Mei.
Friends and Family was the next in line of importance.
And the matters of blood is at last. Something that isn't necessarily to be ignored but the first 3 things should be held in high regard. She doesn't have any blood relation as far Kiana is concerned but she is willing to keep an open mind.
Theresa have always known about this part of her and probably an expert of the subject.
After all, it takes a clone to know a clone.
And Theresa is happy to know that (K423/Sirin/Herscherr of the Void) Kiana Kaslana ended up like the overseer.
A valkyrie upholding Cecilia's will, bearing Siegfried's oath and keeping Himeko's legacy alive with a huge grin.
She just wished one of them gets to see the fruits of her little niece's labor.
After pressing the button on the holotab, It showed Kiana multiple notes and failures in Hajime's investigations. It even showed her that Hajime gave up finding Mei. Kiana sighed in dejection after reading it multiple times to see if she was getting it right.
Kiana always know that her captain has always been more perceptive than her and she wished she listened to her idiot captain before getting the original members into some mess of a situation.
Hajime has always been observant and patient. He always gives her a summary of reports and suggestions at the end of the day after being deployed to the battlefield since Kiana usually forget how strong she actually was and often break more things than she should which was supposed to be zero property damage.
Himeko even gave her a stern scolding on her first day but Hajime was willing to defend her to her surprise. He just wished that he should have learned Kiana a bit more to avoid more incidents like that. So when Kiana was learning how hard it was to be a good valkyrie, Hajime took 10 steps forward.
Next deployment, There was less property damage and more public saving. All because Captain's observation and planning.
So when the captain Hajime says he gives up because he has no more leads to look into. it means he has given up on his investigation on finding her dearest Mei.
"Oh..." Kiana slumped her shoulders upon processing the news.
"He did tell you that he doesn't want to keep your hopes up." The younger and taller silver-haired rubbed the back of her head.
"Yeah... He did. Kinda wished he didn't." Kiana readjusted her orange jacket.
"Hey... Maybe he just need a breakthrough. But that wouldn't work if he is over-focusing on this case." Theresa held her hand and smiled.
"Guess you are right." Kiana's smiled returned to her once more much like how embers light up the dark room.
"That's my niece. So why not ask him how he spent what's left of his vacation when he comes back?" Kiana nodded. "Good. So no more of that nonsense, Kiana until this is all over. Besides, if he needs help, It is just one call away with his Personal Ai-chan at Soukai."
"You are right, Aunt Teri." Kiana looked out the observation window and saw they were heading to a giant cave found in Australia.
"We won't likely have Hajime back for another week past his month off because we will be exploring this cave right?"
"That's right. It might be possible that this won't be a 1 week long expedition. Dr. Tesla and Dr. Einstein said that there are remnants of Honkai readings here. Ancient. Possibly from PE." Kiana nodded.
"You just don't want another Chiyou incident, right?" Overseer nodded.
"So we will be exploring this cave and leave no stone unturned." Kiana chuckled as Theresa tried to make jokes similar to the Captain.
"It's not funny when you do it, Aunt Teri." Theresa pouted.
"Still, It will be good news for Hajime because he gets another week off." Kiana nodded as she looked at the holotab to check the available valkyries.
"All of the valkyries of the Hyperion are available." Overseer nodded with her arms crossed.
"Good. Have them all deployed here in case of ambush or traps. And due to the cave's interior walls, Dr. Tesla, Dr. Einsten and Dr. Nagamitsu said that we might not get any signals from the Hyperion, let alone from St. Freya so we are going to camp there for a few days just in case we get caved in. Have them pack their necessities." Kiana was about to say something but Theresa interupted her.
"I already got you covered with the meals, Kiana. We already have 6 months worth of food and they are ready to be moved for our 1 week cave spelunking." Kiana cheered with glee. Theresa smiled and pressed a button on the desk.
"Ai-chan!" The ai system of the hyperion presented herself in front of the overseer as a hologram. "Yes? Teri-Teri san?" Theresa narrowed her eyes with a blush as she knew this was Hajime's doing.
The sudden outburst of the Ai through the bridge's PA caused few of the Hyperion to hold their chuckle.
"Hajime, someday, i am going to..." Theresa sighed as it happens everytime and it feels more and more embarassing for her.
"Fine. Fine... Just... Okay..." Theresa composed herself with a smile desite having a small blush on her cheeks as she looked at the Ai. "Ai-chan? We will be landing down there."
"As Teri-Teri san, the world's no. 1 cutie, commands."
Even Kiana couldn't resist laughing on the floor how funny this was as Theresa fully blushed while covering her face.
Mei's mission was to bring back Elysia to the World Serpent. To bring her back to Kevin without his knowledge.
She doesn't know why they are keeping it from Kevin and doesn't want to care right now because she is more confused on what was going on.
She couldn't believe it straight from the Horse's mouth, which was Raven's.
Raven happily provided her with a photo evidence .
And yet she still couldn't believe it.
How was this possible?
All she heard from the Elysium Realm archives is that Elysia 'died' 50,000 years ago.
The Flamechasers attested to that fact.
And yet, Here she was, walking around in the food stall, looking for foods.
"You don't want to take this one, Raven?"
"The world Serpent isn't paying me enough money to do this. Even if they did, i rather not deal with her, let alone fight her.
And since you and 'Elysia' are friends. This gives you a huge advantage of getting her back to sire, no?" Mei sighed.
"'Elysia' and I being Friends is a huge stretch, Raven." The mercenary chuckled.
"And yet somehow, i enjoy watching you tearing your hair out talking to her. Sounds like the same thing if you ask me." Mei narrowed her eyes at the smirking Raven.
"What happened to the original operatives who tried to get Elysia back?"
"Well... your former captain paralyzed them from the neck down and the gray serpents had to dispose of them before informations gets out to Schicksal." Mei chuckled as Raven smiled.
"They must have pissed him off if he resorted to crippling someone. Still, you find the situation amusing." Raven raised an eyebrow with a smile.
"I am just their mercenary, not their lapdog, Mei. I only get paid to do their dirty work.
And besides, people who does that to the serpents earn my respect." The Herscherr of Thunder chuckled.
"Yeah... Hajime always know how to do just that and often enough, unintentionally too." Mei softly smiled.
"Missing your captain?"
"No... Just looking back at my past regrets, that's all.
And he is not my captain... Not after what i did." Mei shackled her heart deeply to that day.
"Is he here? I want to avoid him as much as i can as i take Elysia back to Kevin." Raven shrugged.
"They don't know his current whereabouts as those two operatives were their best and only ones in the district. If they bring any more than that, It will attract more attention from the Hyperion and Schicksal."
"So i am heading there blind?"
"Pretty much."
"And i have to deal with this one, alone?" Mei crossed her arms.
"I told you. The world serpent isn't paying me enough to do this." Raven smiled.
"Thank you for your help, Raven." Mei narrowed her eyes at her coworker as she responded back with a wink.
"You fought her and won before. I am sure you'll win this upcoming fight with her as well." Mei sighed.
"Fine. Let's get this over with." Mei quietly walked out of the stalls just to walk behind Elysia who has problem handling something.
To her observations, It seems to her that Elysia don't' know how payment through phone works.
And having experiences with this kind of technical problem, even before becoming a field valkyrie, she decided to help the poor elf.
"You accidentally pressed the lock button, Miss." As she said with a smile and pointing out her small point of error.
Hajime were drying his and Elysia's clothes in the parking lot and Everything was quiet.
The breeze and atmopsphere helped with the process.
And the best part for him is that such quiet moments like these help him think easily.
It also sorts out his memories in order to keep his mind straight.
It also helps him processed what happened earlier.
That emotional storm he experienced earlier was something he didn't expect to happen.
But then again the door has already been left opened ever since.
He doesn't have the strength to close it nor does he want to.
He sighed as the clothes were slowly drying back to their normal state.
I am not sure if i can take any more of these.
I know that i am just in my mid-20s but i am not sure my heart can take any of these.
More of that and I might die from a broken heart, which is oddly ironic but poetic.
I hope that will be the last for today.
Maybe It was just a fluke or coincidence that Ellie brought this out in me.
Then again...
The problem has always been the person whom the memories belong to.
Not the one who brought it out.
It's unfair to blame it to Ellie.
She meant no harm after all.
Guess that some of my issues has been acknowledged and Ellie and i can go back exploring what's new in Soukai later after eating.
"I am back~" He smiled.
Speak of the devil...
"Oh good. I am glad you are back, Ellie." He turned to show her his grin.
" What did you..."
He didn't finished asking what Ellie bought because he was more focused on who she brought along with.
He was mentally shocked to see an old friend.
Said old friend was also shocked to see him. But also scared.
Unlike last time, she isn't running away from him which was good for him.
At least i didnt die... yet.
He sighed and placed his arms on his hips as he looked at the terrified and trembling thunder-wielder with a pursed lips.
You really know how to bring it out in me, don't you Ellie?
Elysia just handed out the other ice cream to Hajime while Mei just stood there, afraid.
"Thanks, Ellie." Elysia hummed in approval. Both started eating their dessert but Hajime showed to consume his in a faster rate.
"Oh~ I met a new friend today. It's..."
"Raiden Mei, I know. Ellie." His response made Mei flinched and hung her head low.
"You two know each other?"
"You could say that she is a friend at work from overseas." Mei clenched her fist.
"Huh... Small world." Hajime chuckled. Mei could feel his eyes staring at her even if she was hanging her head low.
"Why is she quiet though? Did something go wrong between the two of you?"
"It just... It has been a while since Mei and I last talked. You know how awkward it can get when you failed to reach a friend for a long time."
"Yeah... I know the feeling." Elysia sighed as she savored her desert.
Mei was surprised that Hajime was dealing Elysia smoothly unlike her experience with Sim Elysia in the ER. She was been told that personalities are pretty much the same. The only differences were that the SIM hasn't been updated and some memories are being left out in the dark because of that.
"You are her best friend, Hajime?" She lifted her head to him and saw him pursed his lip.
"Yeah... Pretty much. Elysia suggested that we are best friends. Who am i to refuse her?" He gave a soft smile as he finished his ice cream Ellie bought.
"Mmhmm... It has been great being with Hajime so far." Elysia kept eating her ice cream. He sighed subtly as Elysia was focused on eating the cold dessert.
"Say... Ellie? Do you want another Best friend? It is a girl this time." Hajime made a smile after Elysia showed delight.
"Hand me my phone." Elysia raised one of her eyebrows to him.
"Are you going to call her?" Hajime shook his head with a smile.
"More or less... She is a... special case." He tapped the screen on his phone.
A small holographic green haired girl came out from it.
"Oh! It is like Klein! She is so cute." Elysia held Ai-chan's tiny hands.
"That's my Personal Ai-chan, my personal artificial intelligence or ai for short."
"You are calling your ai Ai-chan?" He rose his eyebrow.
"Yes?" Elysia pouted.
"It sounds boring. Are you the only one get to have Ai-chan?"
"No. They are other people in my line of work where they have their own AI-chan. It is how it is."
"She doesnt stand out in the crowd too? Hajime, you are doing Ai-chan dirty." He smirked.
"If you want, you can customize her and give her new name." Elysia gasped. Ai-chan mimicked her actions.
"Yayyyyyy... I will get busy with you, my little fairy. Hmmmmmmm... How about i call you Aillie?" Hajime could have sworn that he saw Ai-chan cheered with delight.
"Say Ai-chan? Could you help Ellie learn how to use a phone?"
"Sure Ha~Ji~Me." The captain widened his eyes on how quickly Ai-chan adapted from Ellie.
Welp... I feel like i am going to regret this later on.
"MAKE SURE YOU LEARN EVERYTHING FOR AI-CHAN, ELLIE!"
"I WILL, HAJIME!" Hajime chuckled as Elysia disappeared from their sight.
He turned to Mei with a serious look on his face.
"Didn't want Ellie to listen in. Girl's too sweet for her own good." Mei nodded in silence.
"Now...
Let's talk,
RAIDEN MEI."
Mei's breath hitched as she recognized that tone.
It was the same cold tone that he scolded Kiana on their first years as valkyries when he had enough.
It was also the same tone when she tries to scold Kiana on eating her cooking without waiting for everybody else.
The difference?
Hajime can make it a hell lot scarier than hers since he has more years of experience than Mei.
Kiana didn't even know that Mei learned it from Hajime.
After all, Mei came from a wealthy family and she has lived her life honoring the Raiden name. There was never a time that she got scolded in her life because she kept making her father proud. Being disobedient and disrespectful was never an option for her.
That cold voice was so spine chilling that the Kiana, Mei and Bronya agreed to never piss him off again.
Even as a Herscherr of Thunder, she is still terrified of that tone.
She is not sure that Kurikara can even help her now.
Mei has faced a lot of enemies and has defeated a lot more.
She was strong and her swordmanships can prove that.
She has fought Raven, one of the strongest World Serpent's mercenaries multiple times and won.
She has fought Benares, Herscherr of the Void's pet dragon and turned it into her loyal wyvern.
She has fought a self regenerating Nihilus and won.
The herscherr in her didn't grant her victories.
It was her persistence and the herscherr inside her just followed her through.
She has fought Herscherr of Rimestar, Herscherr of Domination's puppets, and other flamechasers who were the heroes of the Previous Era.
Even Elysia herself in the Elysium Realm.
She isn't phased from head of the world Serpent's intimidating aura.
She even heard that Otto negotiated with him because he can't defeat the 50,000 year old immortal hero.
Coming from Otto, that must means something.
He was the ancestor of all Kaslana.
He was Kiana's ancestor.
And yet, she stood tall in front of the man with no signs of fear.
Raiden Mei is strong, brave, composed and stubborn.
She isn't going back down from a fight
and she will get what she wants.
So...
why looking at captain scared her to the core?
She was a sinner that fears no death who was on a mission.
So why can't she accomplish this one?
To her, She was a disgrace to the Hyperion and she is happy to walk away from her old workplace with a composed manner.
So why is she, Herscherr of Thunder, hesitating in front of the man who leads it?
Why can't she just move away?
She has paralyzed him before and she can do it again to finish her mission.
So why Raiden Mei, who inflicts paralysis to her enemies, is paralyzed in fear?
Why can't she move?
Why can't she do something?
Because much like sinners who fear no death, she fears judgement of those whom she has wronged.
She made peace with Kiana and Himeko.
She hasn't made peace with Captain Hajime Stellar.
The man was there for her when Himeko died after Herscherr of the Void came.
He was there for her when Kiana left the Hyperion, atoning for her sins.
He tried to stop her from making a biggest mistake of her life and yet, she left him bleeding and paralyzed back at Nagazora.
She could kill him and get this over with.
One slash of her blade is all it takes.
She has killed innocents before and she can do it again.
One hand on the hilt of her katana and her problem with Captain Hajime will be taken care of.
Just one grasp.
That's it.
And yet, why was she still standing before him, awaiting his judgement?
Why can't she do it?
Why can't she do it again?
It didn't take her that long to do it before and she is certain she can finish faster than last time.
Because she knew she has wronged him.
She left him to die like a stray dog.
Kiana, Bronya and Mei started as strays.
Himeko took them to St. Freya, where they started a new life there.
A New slate.
Hajime accepted them to the Hyperion where they found a new purpose in life.
A welcomed change.
He took her in and she stabbed him in the back.
She was afraid of his judgement and she should be.
Because she decided to be selfish with her own sins and not sharing it with anybody else.
But She has saved Kiana in the process and she was glad that Her and Kiana made peace with each other.
There was no trade-off with Mei and Hajime.
She just left with a huge regret that still caged around her heart.
Griseo has made a painting for Mei before and it looked like she was confined to chains alone in the middle of the lake.
The model of the art understood why.
And she will let herself constricted to the suffocating chains around her neck as she prays.
Until she drowns in the growing lake of her own guilt and shame.
To her, She deserves to be drowned.
And now? She is just waiting for him to hurt her.
Because that is the least thing she can do for the man who loved her dearly like her Himeko sensei did.
And she is certain that Himeko wouldn't have approved her actions against her beloved cousin.
But for now, Raiden Mei wasn't herscherr of thunder who commands authority over the Sky with thunder.
She wasn't hiding in the shadows.
Because under the light of a Soukai City presented to the captain, She was just only Raiden Mei.
She was a prisoner of her own sins and She awaits his judgement.
The silence was suffocating for Mei as she waited for him to say something. Seeing him crossed his arms at her doesn't help.
As she waited, she have decided to think of the possible question or things that Hajime might say to her.
Why are you here Mei?
"That's classified, Hajime."
Oh, we are at the first name basis now? That's good because you are not my valkyrie anymore.
"After what i did, i don't also deserve you to call you my captain."
You are right. You don't deserve to call me your captain.
"I have no regrets doing so. I did it to save Kiana."
And yet somehow you aren't with her at your arm's reach anymore. Funny how that worked out for you.
You're enjoying your new life in the World Serpent?
"No."
Good. You pushed Kiana and me away when we were trying to save you. Now, you made your bed, Raiden Mei.
"I know."
As she kept thinking the possibilities, the further she goes down to the abyss.
She was spiraling in her own sins.
I should have expected this. I did this to myself.
P lease make it quick, captain
Say the 5 words i want you to say Hajime. I want this to be over.
Say "I can't forgive you, Mei."
She heard Hajime sighed and saw him smiled.
"Glad that you are okay, Mei."
Why are you here Mei?
"Me too, Hajime." He chuckled.
"Have you been doing well, for the past few months?"
"You are not bothered of me calling you something else other than your title?"
"Why would i be? I am not just your captain. I am also your friend. And i am always going to be there supporting you."
Oh, we are at the first name basis now? That's good because you are not my valkyrie after what you did.
"I... Does it still hurt?"
"The doctors back at Hyperion says that it was almost fatal."
"Oh..." She saw him smiled and patted her shoulder.
"It's fine. You had to save Kiana. And you did. So as your captain of the Hyperion, You did well."
And yet somehow you aren't with her at your arm's reach anymore. Funny how that worked out for you.
"I don't deserve to call you my captain after what i did." As she tried to renact the moment happened in her head.
"And you are still a Valkyrie. And a captain will always be there to take care of their valkyries. So i'd say you still have the right to call me your captain." Hajime shrugged.
You are right. You don't deserve to call me your captain.
"How's life in the World Serpent?" Mei had a small sense of relief of getting the possibilities right.
"Not... well... To be honest."
"If you want, we can talk about it as little detail as you can. I'll be here, listening."
Good. You pushed Kiana and me away when we were trying to save you. Now, you made your bed, Raiden Mei.
"So why are you here?"
"That's classified, Hajime."
"I see. Guess World Serpent is keeping your lips tight." He pursed his lips and sighed. "Oh right. I almost forgot. I got something for you in my car. Just let me get it for you."
"Why are you not mad, Hajime?" He stopped as Mei stopped him with her head hung low.
"What do you mean, Mei?"
"I almost killed you, paralyzed you and left you bleeding like an injured stray. So why are you not getting mad at me?" He sighed.
"I will try to find it here. This might take a while so i want the real question when i come back. And please be honest to yourself about it." He smiled and kept finding it in his glovebox.
Hearing what Hajime said destroyed what's inside of her head.
It didn't take long for her to know what was she supposed to ask.
He came back with a small letter in his hand.
"Already know what to ask of me, Mei?" She tried to say something but no sound came out. So she decided to look at what was he trying to give her.
"Is that a letter for me, Hajime?" He smiled. "Yeah. from your father." He gave her the letter as she widened her eyes.
She looked at the letter for a while and took a breath.
She ripped the letter open and started reading.
Dear Mei
I hope that you have been doing well.
I have heard from a certain captain that you have been upholding the Raiden name despite its downfall.
Hearing such noble act, i am proud to be your father. But never forget that you, Raiden Mei, are my pride and joy.
You were my guiding light when i lost your mother.
Your smile and compassion has given me courage when i was having difficult time. Even now, Your saving acts as a valkyrie has given me will to live so i can keep watching you from afar. I will wait for more news about you from your captain.
Your love towards humanity has made me proud. If your mother was here, she would have given you the same response as well.
Thank you for everything, my darling daughter.
Sincerely
Raiden Ryoma
Mei didn't know how long was she crying ever since she started reading the letter. But tears were already flowing and her heart was already aching.
She looked at her captain.
"You have been messaging my father?" He nodded with a smile as he helped her wiped her tears.
"Your father asked me to talk about you one time and he told me not to tell you because he was ashamed of himself for failing the Raiden name and he doesn't have the heart to face you. His guilt and shame were apparent on his face so i decided to send him letters about your adventures. Your stories. Everything. Including Kiana as well." Mei blushed which prompted him to chuckle.
"I even sent him a copy of a group picture of you, Kiana and Bronya happy together. And he was forever grateful at me for doing so." He leaned on his car while crossing his arms.
"So what was the real question you wanted to ask me, Mei?" She looked at him in the eye with fear.
"Can you ever forgive me for hurting you, captain?" Hajime gave his valkyrie a soft smile.
"Raiden Mei... I have already forgiven you ever since you left. You did it for your love with Kiana. Why wouldn't i forgive you for that?" After that, Mei's dam broke as she tackled him with a hug and tears.
I can't forgive you, Mei.
The red-haired man rubbed her back with a smile as she cried for the longest time.
Those weren't the words she wanted him to say but those were the words she needed to hear.
She has sinned to save someone she loves but sinners like Raiden Mei can be forgiven.
And Captain Hajime Stellar has given her much of that.
"Are the other Grey Serpents have gathered enough honkai beasts?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. We just need to wait for the Herscherr and the raven to reacquire the target."
"Was it wise to withhold the information about our second phase of the plan?"
"The herscherr doesn't belong to us and Raven will downright refuse our offer. If we can't ask anyone to topple the hyperion, then it is best to do the tasks ourselves."
"Understood."
Author's note: Alright, I have posted these for now. For those who are confused on why i reposted, I heard from others that the fic cannot be read for some reason. So I had to post again. And much like i said back in the previous chapter, This is more of a me trying to cross post but please dont expect me to post the same time with my original site especially when i post on a whim. They are spur-of-the-moment kind of thing.
Anyways...
What do you think of the work?
Comments would be nice as i am still stuck in a shameful writer's block.
I am still crawling out of it, however so it is going to take a while.
And last but not the least, I hope you enjoyed the 8 chapters of How Things Have Changed.