Bronya had lived a rough life. She bore witness to the horrors of war at an early age, witnessing countless deaths with her own eyes, some even committed by her own hands.
Whether it be allies or foes, her heart had always been indifferent to these sorts of things as she paid no attention to them. Death had always been her constant companion wherever she went.
Yet in an instant, her world fractured, crushing her heart to pieces. Bronya watched helplessly as Mei, her dearest friend, succumbed to the Honkai right in front of her very eyes.
"MEI!" Her anguished cry echoed across the battlefield, a desperate plea to reject such reality that befell her. Tears flooded her eyes just as her memories of Mei echoed within her mind. Memories of a much simpler time.
The laughter they shared, The anguish they went through, and the taste of her cooking were all but a fleeting remembrance now, like a cloud forever out of her reach.
If only she could reach out for her hand once more. If only things worked out differently. If only they could bid their goodbyes in a better circumstance.
Bronya gritted her teeth. Her despair gave way to fury—a primal, feral rage that consumed her soul.
The Herrscher of Truth roared. She summoned energy cannons, unleashing torrents of energy upon the battlefield, killing all the Honkai beasts within her vicinity.
She aimed those cannons at the Ruler, firing them in rapid succession, which ultimately dealt very little damage as the Ruler easily blocked her strong yet predictable attacks.
"Captain!" A familiar voice pierced through the dark fog that clouded her mind. Blinded by her rage she ignored a few of those calls and continued her onslaught of attacks.
"Captain!" The voice became louder.
"Captain!" Adam shouted, firmly gripping her shoulder. Finally snapping her back to her senses as she stopped her futile attempt.
His glossy eyes spoke volumes. He understood the pain she was going through as he also lost someone important to him— his teacher, and squad leader.
"Get a hold of yourself… Captain… We still need you." He said. His voice and hand were shaky, trembling with emotion.
Bronya replied with a resolute nod. There would be time to mourn and grieve, but not now.
Despite the fatigue that tormented their bodies, despite the anguish that weighed heavily on their hearts and souls, they couldn't allow Mei's death to be in vain even if it meant they had to fight until the bitter end.
They stood their ground ready to fight the Ruler a second time.
However, the three of them noticed something was off. The air around them felt thicker, brimming with Honkai energy as Honkai energy continued to gather more and more into a single area.
The air crackled with Honkai energy and a mysterious colossal blade materialized on the horizon, a blade wreathed in a futuristic blue glow.
The blade parted the dark clouds, forming a hole in the center of it as it descended.
It stabbed the Ruler, crushing it under its enormous weight. The impact of the blow reverberated throughout the earth, annihilating the Gorgon-shaped Ruler in a matter of seconds.
It was an awe-inspiring sight one could only describe as a [Miracle], reigniting the embers of hope.
From the cloud of dust and smoke their Savior—Houraiji Kyuushou emerged, slowly walking towards the three Herrschers bearing the lifeless Mei's lifeless body in her arms.
"Mei nee-san!" Tears streaked down the Herrscher of Truth's cheeks.
Mei's skin had turned pale, marred by the ominous purplish marks that spread throughout her body.
With a heavy heart, the savior handed Mei's body to Bronya as she continued to walk forward, toward the other ends of the battlefield.
And thus, the Last Herrscher officially joined the war on the side of the humans. She became their symbol of hope in humanity's darkest hour as she single-handedly turned the tide of battle in humanity's favor.
But the war was far from over, In fact, it had only begun to escalate.
Honkai Gakuen, Several minutes before Kyuushou joined the war.
Sitting in her office, the Last Herrscher— Kyuushou looked dejected, staring at the holographic screen in front of her. The situation was getting hopeless by the minute as the war escalated.
Their Earth had been isolated, and efforts of reconnecting with the Cocoon of finality's domain had been proven ineffective and made little progress. They could only pray and hope Finality's Schicksal could hold on or defeat the Ruler of Will on their own.
Of course, it would be overly optimistic on their part to assume the best-case scenario would play out. Naturally, they had thought of other contingencies if the worst-case scenario came.
Because of this many had become opposed to Kyuushou's and Vice Principal Theresa's ideas of continuing their fruitless endeavor and they should instead, focus on bolstering their own defenses.
A part of her understood their logic, but abandoning them wasn't the answer. How could she call herself the Savior if she forsaken those in need? It would go against everything she fought for.
If they gave the Ruler a chance to recuperate and cement their influence onto this world again, Humanity's chances of beating it again were slim— very slim. It may even become an impossible task and humanity would again fall into another endless war with the Honkai.
"There has to be a way." Kyuushou furrowed her brow. She refused to give up, as long as a glimmer of hope remained, they could still turn this bleak situation around.
"Just like last time," She remembered their victory and how it was achieved. They had somehow managed to beat the Honkai by creating their own miracles by combining the hopes and dreams of trillions of people. People alive at the time and those who died in the past fought for humanity's freedom.
O Savior of Light
A familiar voice echoed within her mind, beckoning her.
In a blink of an eye, reality warped around her, no longer was she sitting in her office, Instead, she had been cast into a realm of ethereal beauty. The sky blushed with hues of pink, and stars adorned its endless expanse, while she stood on a shallow body of water as pink sakura petals befell around her.
Speechless, she beheld the splendor surrounding her. This place felt surreal like a gorgeous dream.
Amidst the surreal scene, a familiar strain of purple caught her attention as she cast her gaze toward the feminine figure. A bittersweet smile formed on her lips as she gazed at someone who had a similar appearance to her old ally and friend.
Raiden Mei
Though the Mei she knew and the Mei in front of her shared the same name, the two threaded a different legacy.
"...Houraiji sama." The Herrscher of Origin spoke, her voice tinged with sorrow as she bowed her head. "I'm sorry that I'm leaving our burdens to you." With a regretful smile, Mei straightened her posture, her form beginning to fracture, light seeping through the fissures.
"Please," Mei implored as the fractures spread. "Save us all." And with that, She disintegrated into shimmering balls of light
Gasp-
Kyuushou's eyes shot open, waking her back to reality. In her hand, a beautiful purple crystal flower bloomed— A parting gift from the Herrscher of Origin, a reminder of Mei's plea and–
"K-Kyuushou sama! We've established contact!"
–A beacon of hope.
A smile formed on Kyuushou's face and put away the crystal flower in her pocket. "Let's go. Sirin." With resolve, she joined her companion, Sirin*, heading to the portal room where the forces of Houkai Gakuen would officially enter the 2nd Honkai war.
Kyuushou had braced herself for the worst, yet the reality that greeted her was far worse than she had imagined. The air was thick with despair, the very atmosphere laden with the echoes of battles past and present.
"MEI!" The anguished cry of the Herrscher of truth was heard, a painful reminder of the agony the Will of Honkai brought to Kyuushou's earth during the first Honkai war.
She gritted her teeth. In anger and regret, she raised her arm above her head, calling on her Herrscher power as she summoned a massive blade high above the sky. It cleaved the dark clouds above, crushing the Ruler of Will in its path, eradicating it from the face of the Earth.
Mei fell from the ruler's grasp as the giant sword cleaved through the Ruler's giant body like butter. Kyuushou leaped high into the air and safely caught Mei in her arms.
Her body no longer had its warmth. Her delicate skin was marred with purple lines of corruption that had spread all across. Lamentation hung heavy around Kyuushou as she walked through the dust clouds before emerging out from it.
If only I arrived sooner.
If only she could. Mei wouldn't sacrifice her life like that. Even though she wasn't the Mei, Kyuushou personally knew. It still hurts seeing someone just like her succumb to the Honkai's corruption.
Please save us all.
Savior of light.
Kyuushou suppressed her grief. Now's not the time to mourn. The fate of their entire world lay on top of her shoulders now. The hopes and dreams of many culminate into one, pushing her forward.
She passed on the lifeless body of Mei to Bronya's care before walking past her, offering Adam and Timido a solemn nod. "I'll take it from here. Go and rest." Amidst the emotional turmoil, Kyuushou forced herself to smile— a warm smile full of hope. Her infectious smile lightened up the mood as she bid farewell to the young Herrschers, assisting the other fronts with their war effort.
With the help of the Last Herrscher and reinforcements from Houkai Gakuen, Schicksal managed to repel and even push the Ruler's army away.
At the cost of her life, The Herrscher of Origin's gamble had worked. It gave Humanity time to rest and reorganize their forces. Above all, it granted them time to honor the valiant souls who had laid down their lives for humanity's survival.
Schicksal current HQ, Salt Lake City
The weight of loss hung heavy in the air. The prospect of a proper funeral seemed like a luxury. Many complications arose when they were retrieving their fallen comrade's bodies. Not all of them could be retrieved and those that could, some of them weren't in good shape.
So to honor those brave soldiers, A mass burial was held with the names of the fallen engraved on the tombstone.
Families and friends gathered around these hallowed memorials. Amidst the crowd, Raiden Ryoma stood silently, his gaze fixed upon a single name. His daughter's name.
"Your progress is truly remarkable, Mei."
"Mhm~ is a very good teacher Dad!" The young Mei smiled proudly after showcasing the art of Kenjutsu she had learned to her father.
"Indeed he is." Ryoma smiled, his palm gently brushing against his daughter's crown. His affectionate touches caused the young girl to giggle. "But you're more impressive Mei."
"How so?"
"Because you've worked hard to get to where you are. Remember, talent alone is meaningless without the dedication to hone your skills."
"Then I'll work harder!" Mei declared. His speech seemed to have motivated her as the ember in her eyes burned brighter than ever. Ryoma chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"Remember to rest and don't neglect your studies."
"Mhm~ I'll remember that," Mei nodded reassuringly.
"Dad!" Tears welled up in Mei's eyes. Now a Valkyrie, she dashed towards her father. Her heart was overflowing with longing and relief after being separated for a long time. Their long-awaited reunion was finally at hand as the two of them embraced each other in a tight hug.
"I've missed you…" Mei's voice trembled as she nestled in her father's embrace. Finding comfort in a familiar presence.
"I've missed you too… I'm glad you're okay." Ryoma murmured, relieved that he was able to see her again.
In the tender embrace of their reunion silence enveloped them. There were a lot of things they wanted to say to each other. But in that moment all that mattered to them was that they were together again.
"So, how was your first day as a teacher?" Ryoma inquired a swell of pride swelling within him at the sight of his daughter, now a capable and poised woman.
"It's okay. I can't help but feel bad for Himeko sensei and all the ruckus we've caused before." Mei chuckled, taking a seat beside him as the two had their dinner together. "Teaching a student isn't as easy as I thought."
"I'm sure Himeko san would be proud of you."
"I hope so," Mei replied with a smile, her thoughts drifting to her beloved mentor. She imagined Himeko watching over them from afar "Soon I would have to nurture my own squad of Valkyries. Just like she did."
"Just remember not to go easy on them. Discipline is key," Ryoma advised, his tone firm yet supportive.
"I know Dad."
"And speaking of the future…" Ryoma's expression grew serious as he turned to Mei. "When are you planning to get married?"
"Da-Dad!" Mei stammered, her cheeks flushed red from the unexpected question her father posed. Ryoma couldn't help but laugh at his daughter's flustered reaction although there was a hint of seriousness when he asked her that.
A flood of memories engulfed him as he traced the letters with his trembling hand. A single tear left the man's eye, tracing a path down his weathered cheek as he smiled through his grief, accepting the fact that his beloved daughter was no longer with him.
"Can't believe you left your old man like this…"He murmured. With a heavy sigh, he rose to his feet, wiping away the tears that stained his cheeks. "Say hello to your mother for me, won't you? Don't worry about this old man…"
"I'm proud of you, Mei… Thank you for being my daughter." With a bittersweet farewell, he turned to leave.
As he was about to leave, a figure caught his eye—Bronya, sobbing quietly. She clutched her arm tightly.
If she had been with her during that battle perhaps she could've prevented her death.
It shouldn't have happened.
It's my fault that Mei nee sama died.
I was too weak.
In the end, I couldn't protect them.
Himeko sensei
Mei Nee-san
I'm sorry, Ki—
Her thoughts were interrupted by a warm touch on her shoulder. "This isn't your fault, Zaychik san. It's okay, I don't blame any of this on you." Ryoma said.
"You've done well, Zaychik san." Ryoma's reassuring words comforted her. At that moment, amidst the pain and sorrow that envelops them, there was a glimmer of understanding.
Bronya's cries echoed in the silence, her grief pouring out like rain.
Life was often cruel, It gave and took whatever and whenever it wanted. She couldn't see how the wound in her heart would ever heal. But life always moves on, like a flowing river it won't stop for anyone.
It would continue forward whether she liked it or not.
Meeting Room
The atmosphere was awkward, especially for those who had to meet 'themselves'. Both Theresa stared at one another, silently nitpicking each other's clothing choices.
"Wait so let me get this straight, You can turn a Herrscher back into a human?" Tesla reiterated what she just heard. The information itself was quite baffling for the two AE scientists although it seemed like common knowledge for people from Honkai Gakuen.
Yssring nodded her head. "Normal humans, not a Quasi Herrscher like how you describe the Herrscher of Reason named Welt Yang."
"That's– How!? You're essentially reversing the process that turned someone into a Herrscher without eroding their resistance to Honkai or killing them from genetic reshuffling!" Tesla and Einstein were equally shocked and intrigued by the revelation that a Herrscher could be reverted to a regular human without an entity like 'Finality'.
"It'll take a while to fully explain the intricacies of the process but on the other hand I'm also confused as to why would someone voluntarily turn themselves into a Herrscher?" Yssring asked, puzzled. Sirin quietly shared the same sentiment as them, the thought of doing so was pure madness.
"To prevent the event that happened two years ago from recurring. From that event, we learned that the future of Humanity lies in the optimization of Honkai energy instead of getting rid of it." Einstein explained.
"What happened two years ago?" Yssring asked, intrigued.
"Aliens invaded. We called them the sky people." Einstein answered. "Fortunately, There had been no news about them since their initial invasion."
"Aliens huh… Come to think of it we haven't tried to explore much of space." The green-haired scientist pulled up her notepad, noting down space exploration as one of the future agendas she should invest her time in.
Their individual debates quieted as the last two individuals entered the room, carrying something unusual.
"Jyahnar…Why have you brought her here?" Kyuushou pointed at the body Jyahnar was carrying.
"We're going to reconstruct Araya's Reborn Protocol." Jyahnar, The Honkai beast in human form answered. "Using that android as the base." She gestured towards the android, Prometheus, who was hovering above the ground.
The android nodded, agreeing to Jyahnar's statement, sparking tension between her and the other humans.
"Jyahnar! Resetting the world would spark another endless war!" Kyuushou was the first to voice her opinion.
"I agree with Kyuushou here." The other 'Theresa' added. "Resetting the world? That's too radical of a proposal."
"You guys have a tool that can do that?" Tesla looked towards Yssring, who let out a loud sigh.
"It was made in the original Era or Era Zero as we called it. Araya or the stigmata terminal was created from the corpse of the Herrscher of the End." Yssring explained.
"What the hell!? Your people are all nutjobs!"
"I…" A memory of Arc Bishop Otto flashed in her head. "Can't deny that." Yet, she knew that the madness of her predecessors had played a crucial role in Houkai Gakuen's fight for freedom.
"This was originally my proposal to Jyahnar," Prometheus spoke up, making everyone's gaze focused solely on her, shocked to hear the original idea came from Prometheus of all people.
"Before you ask any further. Let me explain." The android said as she looked at Theresa. "Ther— Our Theresa asked me to calculate how probable our victory is."
"I did. You said our chances were 10% before." Theresa reiterated what Prometheus had said before to her.
"Affirmative, but I didn't tell you the whole truth knowing you wouldn't take the risk and instead chose to prioritize saving as many people as possible which lowers it significantly. Even with Houkai Gakuen's aid, the probability of attaining victory wouldn't change much since the situation had changed."
"The Will of Honkai that we are facing currently isn't the same as the Will of Honkai, Kyuushou, Ther– Apokalypse san, Sirin, and Yssring faced previously. It is also not the same Will of Honkai that gave birth to Jyahnar." Prometheus informed.
The revelation shocked everyone in the room. 'If that's the case then aren't we fighting another Honkai altogether?' Theresa thought to herself.
"Negative." Prometheus answered seemingly reading Theresa's thoughts "Our enemy is still the 'same' Will of Honkai. Albeit a different variant of the Will." Prometheus clarified, though her explanation only added to the confusion.
"Let me give you an analogy. Imagine a cat as the Will of Honkai. They are the same cat we've encountered before but something within it has changed. Its appearance is the same but the genetic code that made up the cat has changed."
"So in essence. The genus or family is still the same, but it has somehow undergone a form of evolution as a species," Einstein summarized, clarifying the android's explanation.
Prometheus nodded "The way the Ruler attacked us was simply too different than what Kyuushou had informed us."
"While it still harbors the same drive to spread its influence everywhere, It wasn't as disorganized and mindless as before, they were more organized and had planned to separate us from the very start by using 'Alien' Authority and an Authority gained from our universe Imaginary tree similar to how the Cocoon functions—"
"—As we speak. The Ruler has already been trying to spread influence to our solar system. Soon Earth will become another theater, and even if we somehow managed to drive them out they would've already spread to our solar system and potentially our local stellar neighborhood."
"Creating another Endless War."
Silence engulfed the whole room as everyone was left with their own thoughts after listening to Prometheus's horrifying revelation.
'Was this why Kiana said the Cocoon had been restless these past few days? Because it knew the looming threat that the Ruler posed?' Theresa clenched her fists.
If so, then they have to defeat it now while it's still trapped on Earth, even if it means sacrificing their present for a better and brighter future.
'Is this really the right course of action? Ugh, I hate that I have to admit it but she's right.' Theresa mentally scolded herself.
Two simultaneous sighs ended the silence.
"Alright, Jyahnar guess we'll go with your plan."
"Fine I guess we're out of options, so how do we do this?"
'Ah.'
Both Kyuushou and Theresa said it at the same time.
"I would need Yssring's assistance on this matter. You may ask Tesla's assistance in this matter as she's the best engineer we currently have." Tesla flashed a prideful grin, hearing her name mentioned in such a high regard.
"... In any case. I need you to connect me to Araya's module. For the power output needed to recreate the protocol, Jyahnar got it covered but having another Herrscher to assist me would increase our chances of success. Preferably the Herrscher of Rebirth if possible." Prometheus requested.
"I'll call Seele in," Theresa replied with a nod as she made her way out of the room.
"This might take a while…" Tesla commented as she took a closer look at Araya's body. It looked surprisingly good for a bio-computer that lived for over eighty-two thousand years and even after more than 50 years of being deactivated, there wasn't any indication that this bio-computer had rotted yet.
"It depends on how much of the software is still salvageable." Tesla stood up. "And I admit this kind of engineering is foreign to me despite having worked with divine keys in the past. So Yssring do you know the inside of this thing?" The red-haired scientist asked, her index finger pointing at the body.
"Not really but I am quite familiar with some of Era Zero's technology. I'll try my best." Yssring replied.
"Now then, I believe we still have some things to discuss, Houraiji Kyuushou," Jyahnar informed, earning Kyuushou's attention. "Specifically about your role in this upcoming battle."
A few more people were called into the room to be briefed about their new mission. The mission consists of two teams who would execute it and the rest would be put on defending the base.
One team would directly attack the Ruler within the imaginary space, weakening their influence, and the other would help Prometheus execute the Reborn Protocol, killing the Ruler's physical bodies that lie in the real world.
"I see." After hearing the details of her mission, Fu Hua calmly nodded. To some her calmness was an enigma as the mission would essentially send the attacking team to their deaths.
"Is there really no way out?" Griseo asked, looking downcast, her concern was evident as she looked at her comrade.
"No, This is a one-way trip. " Jyahnar's cold response cut through the room like a knife, leaving no room for a hopeful return for the participants of this mission. "Even if they could return to the real world there wouldn't be anything left for them to return to once the Reborn Protocol has taken its course."
"I see." Griseo wasn't the only one who showed concern; many others did too.
"This is like the final battle when we fought against the Herrscher of Finality isn't Su?" Fu Hua casts her gaze upwards, remembering that fateful day when she and the other remaining MANTISes fought the Herrscher of Finality on the moon. "That day we didn't even know if any of us would see the light of tomorrow ever again yet we persisted."
"Aren't you afraid, Hua?" Griseo asked.
"I am." Fu Hua admitted. "But turning my back wouldn't be the right thing to do."
"I see… Then I wish you the best Hua." Griseo offered an encouraging smile, trying to mask her own sorrow.
"You better kick its ass old timer! Don't make me go there and do it for you!" Senti childishly remarked while pointing her index finger at Fu Hua. Her playful demeanor lightened the tense atmosphere slightly. Hua chuckled at her remark.
"Say, do you hate me Jyahnar?" Kyuushou asked a hint of sarcasm was present within her voice. "If you do then I'm sorry for whatever I did in the past."
"Hate you?" Jyahnar scoffed. "You're not the only one who would sacrifice themselves in this plan, Herrscher. Out of all the humans, you and Kiana Kaslana intrigued me the most."
"..Aww thanks for the compliment, Jyahnar!" Kyuushou replied with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Hmph well then, Kyuushou sama won't back down either!" Her smile curled into a wide grin, infecting her positivity to others.
'Kyuushou sama is still the same.' Sirin thought, her admiration of her savior going unvoiced. "Mhm, I wish you good luck Kyuushou sama." Sirin's smile was bittersweet.
"Rita…" Bianka, clad in the imposing God Killer Battlesuit, A technological marvel that Houkai Gakuen had provided, looked at her best friend. Rita's eyes looked downcast.
"Listen, I–"
"I know Dur– No Bianka sama." The maid smiled, double-checking her friend's new God's Bane battlesuit for any faults. "It's okay. We both know the duty of Valkyries"
"So…" Wrapping her arms around Bianka, Rita gave her the warmest hug she could muster. "Give it your all. Know that this maid will always cheer you on."
'I wish this maid could help you with your final mission. But it seems fate has said otherwise. Sorry Bianka sama, this is the best I could do to you as a maid and a friend.'
Bianka hugged her back. Not a word was exchanged between them. Their embrace was a silent language of their unbreakable bond. "I'll return, I promise," Bianka whispered.
Though they knew it was only a lie, a promise that would be left unfulfilled. But despite knowing that Rita smiled a bittersweet smile, pulling herself back from their hug, and nodded.
"Then I will wait for you. Bianka sama."
"[Preparing the Rebirth Module]"
Prometheus's monotone voice, devoid of any human inflection she once had, echoed throughout the room. Tesla and Yssring watched, their faces etched with a mix of hope and worry, praying silently that they didn't accidentally tamper with something they shouldn't.
From the swirling vortex of ambient Honkai energy, a golden halo materialized above Prometheus's head forming a crown of shimmering light that cast an ethereal glow to its surroundings.
"[Cycle Setting Complete]"
Prometheus announced. A tense silence descended upon the room, broken only by the soft hum of the portal that was being created and the rhythmic whirring that came from the Android.
"Kyuushou sama. The gateway is opened." Sirin said, standing beside the portal that connects the physical world and the imaginary space.
Fu Hua clenched her fist, exhaling a large amount of air from her lungs. Bianka tightly gripped her weapon, turning her knuckles white. Their heartbeats grew louder as anxiety spread.
"Alright! Let's do this." Kyuushou exclaimed with a confident smile, replacing her worries with determination as she led the first group into the unknown. With a deep breath, all of them stepped forward. Their silhouette eventually disappeared as they ventured deeper into the Imaginary space where a part of the Ruler of Will resides.
"[Initiating Rebirth Protocol]"
A beam of golden light shot upwards, with Prometheus being at the epicenter of it all, surrounded by Jyahnar and the two Seele. "It's time." Jyahnar proclaimed as the two Seele nodded in affirmation.
"Everyone! To your position!" Theresa's command cut through the air as she rallied the rest of the Valkyries, each moving systematically like a cog in a machine, working together in unison for one goal in mind, winning their gamble.
Kyuushou POV
Kyuushou and her party ventured deep into the unknown, The alien landscape stretched before them, a swirling vortex of impossible colors that defied comprehension.
However, their journey was cut short as the Ruler came to them instead, sparing them from having to search for it in this endless expanse. The ground shook as the Ruler landed in front of them, its guttural screech, laced with otherworldly malice, shattered the silence, echoing through the alien landscape.
However, the Ruler looked different than what Kyuushou had remembered previously. "Guess It has wings now?" Kyuushou commented on the Ruler's new appearance, Its appearance was similar to the one that appeared on the moon but it seemed to have grown a pair of wings on its back. These wings looked translucent with vein-like lines cutting through their membrane resembling the wing of an insect, causing an ominous fluttering sound to emanate from the Ruler.
"Oh well, guess this saves us the trouble of finding them!" Kyuushou remarked.
Without a moment of hesitation, Fu Hua immediately sprang into action, transforming into her Active Honkai Reaction state as she took a defensive stance.
Bianka activated the God killer Battlesuit as it emanated a purple glow and Kyuushou materialized a sword in her hand. The trio moved away from each other to divide the Ruler's attention.
Impatiently the Ruler attacked first as it made its first move. Purple spikes made from pure Honkai energy sprouted out of the ground which the trio narrowly dodged, missing them by mere inches.
This battle wasn't going to be easy. However, that didn't stop the trio from going all out from the start.
Soon a large explosion of Honkai energy erupted. Decimating the empty lands nearby. Signaling the beginning of their battle for humanity's freedom
Jyahnar POV
Jyahnar gazed up at the skies, her eyes tracing the familiar patterns etched in golden light, painting the clouds like a celestial canvas.
'How beautiful.'
She never thought that she would see this eerie yet majestic sight ever again, let alone be the one to advocate its recreation.
["Condition has not been met— Recalibrating"]
["Initiating Honkai Dead Spot"]
"So it starts," Jyahnar murmured. As a Honkai beast, she should've been happy, ecstatic even. To finally witness the destruction of her "enemy" once again. Yet her chest felt heavy, her heart sank and Her expression, etched with sadness, betrayed the excitement she should have felt.
Perhaps these humans have changed her more than she realized.
Soon darkness began encroaching on her vision as she continued channeling her Honkai energy into the Android. Each pulse of energy drained her, and fatigue wrapped its tendrils around her consciousness.
I suppose I'll rest for a bit
Kiana…
Do you think when I wake up
I can be just like you?
Could I be reborn as a Human in the next life?
Perhaps It is just a fleeting dream
But thank you for showing me everything
If we ever get a chance to meet again
I hope we can be friends again
Kiana
Kiana POV
On the moon, the battle between the three Herrschers and the Ruler slowly came to an end. The Ruler of Will's defeat is certain as it had been pushed to its last legs by the three Herrscher's combined efforts.
With the Herrscher of Finality no longer holding herself back it cemented the Ruler's fate. In one stab Kiana dealt the final blow, putting an end to the Ruler's tyranny on the moon.
"Mei…" Kiana gritted her teeth, her rage hadn't subsided yet despite defeating the enemy that had taken away her friend's life. Kiana raised her sword once more and slashed the Ruler's corpse.
However, a chilling sense of foreboding washed over her, stopping her hand in its tracks, and sending shivers down her spine.
Her instincts screamed at her, warning of an impending danger that lingered in the air like a dark omen, and as she turned her gaze towards Earth, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of her stomach, her eyes widening in disbelief at the ominous sight unfolding before her.
'No… No this can't be happening.'
A symbol appeared on the planet, spreading its eerie golden glow all over the Earth's surface— A Honkai "dead spot" had appeared.
Her once beautiful blue planet, her home, had erupted into a sea of flames.
'No!'
She raised her right arm, aiming it toward the Earth. She tried to open up a portal to Earth using the Authority of the Void. However, her attempt was foiled as someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand down.
"Kiana stop it." A stern female's voice warned her. But Kiana stubbornly persisted.
"Why!? Bronya, Auntie, Seele, Everyone's in trouble! Let me go!"
"Kiana!" The woman stood in front of her, It was Ai Λ. "If you do that then their sacrifices would be in vain!"
"No! I can st–"
Slap–
A powerful slap reverberated through the air, causing Kiana to be knocked off her feet and fall onto the ground.
"Come to your senses! You've sensed it too don't you?" 'Kiana' berated her other self. "If you go to Earth right now you'll just make everything worse! The Ruler of Will, the enemy our friends tried to subdue will be freed!"
She was met with silence as Kiana rubbed her stinging cheek. The haunting revelation was too much for the Herrscher of Finality. In a single day, she had lost everything to the Honkai once again. In the face of the Ruler of Will's destruction, the Honkai she faced seemed tame in comparison.
'Is this really what I'm capable of?' Kiana questioned her own strength. The Finality had embraced her yet she couldn't even do much to save her loved ones.
"Wh-What are you doing?"
"Saving you of course!" Kiana Kaslana boldly declared, a bright smile plastered across her face. She held Mei's arm firmly as the purple-haired girl dangled from the rooftop of Senba Academy.
"Why!? Why are you helping me to this extent? I've hurt you! I've killed people! I'm just…. A monster…" Mei's voice cracked, her expression filled with somber. "Please just let me go Kiana chan. I don't wish to hurt anyone else… I don't wish to hurt you. It'd be better for both of us."
"No! I promised you remember? That I would always be there for you. A Kaslana doesn't break their promises no matter the circumstance!"
Those words sparked a small ember of hope in Mei's heart, lighting the darkness that had enveloped her.
"Kiana chan…"
"Now give me your other hand! I can't pull you up with only this!" Kiana urged.
Slowly, Mei's other arm reached out to her. Her hands held onto Kiana's as the white-haired girl pulled her up.
"Thank you… Kiana chan." Mei murmured as the two stood together on the rooftop of the academy.
"Hmph Kiana Idiotka never learns a thing." Bronya roasted Kiana's ability to adapt. The grey-haired Russian girl had just won another match against her, totaling their score 5-0.
"Ugh, you're definitely cheating!" Kiana pointed her index finger at Bronya, fuming from the humiliating defeat she just experienced.
Bronya was used to this by now and shook her head, sighing at her friend's antiques. "Bronya never understands how Kiana idiotka always comes to that conclusion when Bronya and Kiana are using the same console to play, HOMU Arena."
"Th-That's…" Kiana couldn't argue with that logic and that really frustrated her. Her stubbornness just couldn't accept that she had been humiliated 5 times. "Fine another match then!"
"If Bronya is going to play another match with Kiana then Bronya wants something in return if Bronya wins."
"Fine! That's a deal! In return, if I win Bronya had to stop calling me an Idiot!"
"Challenge accepted." Bronya nodded. "Bronya wants Kiana to buy Bronya a HOMU plush if Bronya wins."
"Himeko sensei…" Words struggled to escape her lips. It had been so long since Kiana had last seen her sensei and yet here they were, together once more, within a recreation of St. Freya as if nothing had ever happened.
"Long time no see, Kiana." The red-haired woman in front of her smiled. She donned a majestic red-colored Godsbane battlesuit, the Vermillion Knight. A battlesuit that her teacher wore to save her from the depths of the abyss.
"You've changed a lot," Himeko remarked, a mix of pride and sadness seeping into her words.
"..." Silence engulfs the two of them. Words struggled to escape her throat. What should Kiana say to her? A greeting? A farewell? Or perhaps an apology for how her efforts were ultimately had been for naught.
"...It must've been hard for you was it Kiana? I'm sorry, We couldn't accompany you on this long journey."
Kiana clenched her fist. "I'm sorry, Himeko sensei… I'm sorry Mei senpai, Bronya… I'm sorry. I've failed you all." Tears welled up in Kiana's eyes, streaming down her cheeks as she wept, the weight of her emotions poured out.
Himeko raised her hand and gently patted Kiana's head. "It's okay, Kiana. You don't have to apologize."
"Himeko sensei is right, Kiana chan." A familiar warmth touched her shoulder, followed by a familiar soft voice that echoed from the depths of Kiana's memory.
"Mei senpai?" Kiana murmured, turning around. The Herrscher of Finality saw her best friends standing beside each other, smiling warmly.
"Cheer up, Idiotka. Crying doesn't suit you." Bronya said, her voice laced with its usual playful sarcasm as she crossed her arms.
"Bronya…"
"Come on, baby doll. Cheer up. Dad's here too, you know," Siegfried chimed in, offering an encouraging thumbs-up.
"I don't think that would cheer anyone up, Dad." Bianka sighed, shaking her head at her father's antics. "But I suppose none of us are as good as you when it comes to cheering someone up. Sorry about that Kiana."
"Papa… Big sis Bianka."
"Everyone's always here for you, Kiana," Himeko reassured her. "Our journey might have ended but we'll always be watching you and cheering you on."
This dream, this cruel illusion, felt achingly familiar, reminiscent of the time she fought the Herrscher of Domination. How Kiana wished time would forever stop in this twisted reality of what her world could've been.
A world where her friends and family were still by her side. She wondered how this world came to be. Perhaps it was because of the Ruler's weakened influence or her connection with them.
Who knows, in the end, it didn't matter. This fleeting dream of hers would eventually meet its end as the waking world greeted her with its cold embrace.
So just once. Just this one time, Kiana Kaslana chose to be selfish.
"Ki-Kiana chan?" Kiana tightly wrapped her arms around Mei, pouring every bit of her repressed emotions onto Mei's shoulder. "There there." Mei hugged her back.
Despite it all being just a dream, a figment of her imagination. The warmth Kiana felt, everything about it felt undeniably real.
"Mei Senpai… I understand that you needed to do what is required but…–"
"—It hurts. Seeing you leave so suddenly… It hurts, please don't do that again."
"Sorry," Mei whispered.
"But how is everyone here? When everyone is…" Kiana went silent abruptly, though Mei knew what her friend wanted to say.
"I suppose it's because The Ruler's influence was weakened… And at the end of the day, you're always connected to all of us ever since you've embraced the finality." Mei offered her explanation. Truthfully none of them really knew the full truth of this dream.
"I see…" Kiana frowned. She felt Mei's presence fading as the light enveloped her friends and family. Her sweet dream was about to end.
"We have to go now," Mei said, her voice was bittersweet as the two of them let go of each other. "Kiana… You're the most important person in my life, more than anyone else in the world
You've changed my life and many others. So please don't give up hope." As Mei's figure slowly faded. She leaned forward and tenderly kissed Kiana's forehead.
"So my beloved friend, live. Don't rush to meet us okay?" With a bittersweet smile, Raiden Mei left Kiana for the second time.
Kiana's eyes slowly opened, and she found herself greeted by the glimmering stars of the waking world, Anger had left her, leaving her with a sense of serenity and a newfound resolve.
dne serthamthgin eht lla yad ehT
An otherworldly whisper rang through Kiana's ears, chilling and cryptic. The Herrscher of Finality looked around, trying to locate the source of THEIR voice.
"Oh! You've finally woken up!" A cheery female voice remarked.
"Sena," Kiana murmured, surprise evident in her voice. She hadn't expected to see her here, on the moon.
Senadina stood before her, a girl with long orange hair and dazzling pink irises, wearing a beautiful white dress that accentuated her beauty.
"What are you doing here?" Kiana asked, confused about the Cocoon of Unwoven's sudden appearance. Shouldn't she be on Mars?
"Hmm? Ai didn't tell you?" Sena tilted her head. Kiana answered by shaking her head dismissively, how long was she asleep anyway?
"Mars and Venus experienced a similar invasion. Ai and I have dealt with them easily, though it's mostly because our planet was so desolate that we didn't mind taking a more destructive approach. Ehe." Senadina awkwardly rubbed the back of her head.
Kiana's gaze shifted to Mars, and the sight confirmed Sena's words The surface of the planet was ablaze with lava erupting from the crust in a fiery spectacle.
elims a htiw enoyreve gnisselb ,moolb lliW
The whisper echoed again. This time the voice sounds a little louder than before.
"Did you hear that?" Kiana pointed it out.
"Hear what?" Sena titled her head, puzzled.
devargne ev'uoy htaO fo sgniW ehT
"That. You didn't hear that?" Kiana insisted, frustration creeping in as Sena shook her head again.
"Are you alright?" Sena asked, her concern was evident through her voice and expression. Kiana herself questioned whether or not she was going insane but her intuition told her otherwise.
Kiana sensed something about the whisper—it was a message meant for her. Someone or something was trying to tell her something, though the cryptic nature of the message wasn't helping.
She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it, Kiana changed the subject. "I'm fine… Where's my other self and the other Mei?" She asked noticing their lack of presence.
"They… Couldn't stay here for long. They said something about them not being mortal in the first place because of what they had to do 50 years ago during the Honkai war that took place on their earth—"
"—But they haven't given up on Earth yet and they said they were going to help the humans fight back against the Ruler by altering some 'rules' about the nature of the Honkai itself. Giving humans some 'Authority' through the brand of a stigmata." Sena explained.
"While they do that Ai and I were making a seal to prevent the Will of Honkai from leaving. Unfortunately, it has rooted itself to Earth. The Will of Honkai must show its face once more to eradicate it completely."
"I see." Kiana cast her gaze back to her home planet. "Guess we still have work to do." Kiana declared. The Herrscher of Finality vowed to do whatever she could to prevent the Will of Honkai from spreading any further.
tsac neeb dah cigam ehT
emoc lliw yad taht
"ytirohtuA" fo redloheb O
The end is a beginning, a new story is about to be written.
? POV
Somewhere in the deep corners of space, far from any civilization. A woman with short grey hair cast her gaze outside of her window towards the vast emptiness of space.
"THEY have returned." The woman murmured.
"My script never lies." A voice replied, causing the woman to turn. Only for her to find a sleek black cat perching on the table nearby.
"Elio." The woman addressed the cat. "Aren't you concerned THEY would hinder your plans?"
"THEY would give me a little trouble when that time comes. But there's nothing neither you nor I could do about it even if we were to try. The Astral Express hasn't connected our worlds to theirs." The cat replied. "It isn't our role to intervene, Eileen."
"...The second war of Propagation will be reignited if we let this situation be, Elio. Does your script really say nothing?" Eileen raised an eyebrow. She was getting ticked off by the cat's carefree attitude.
"Only three possibilities. Some are more likely to happen than the other." The black cat lifted one of its paws as if making a gesture. "Fate isn't easily changed, Eileen."
The woman let out a frustrated sigh as her palm covered her forehead. "And you're just letting it happen?"
"Naturally all we could possibly do was observe how things would play out. But…" The cat suddenly stopped his sentence midway and walked over to two sets of drawings on the table. "We can send one of them back home. Unfortunately, our intervention stops there. The outcome of that story will rest on the inhabitants." His paw rests over the two pictures of two men.
"We have three options. Two of which involve choosing either one of these men back and the other is choosing neither and hoping the situation will solve itself. So what will you choose?" The cat inquired.
"Can't we send both?" Eileen asked, curious. Surely doubling their forces would increase the chances of success, no?
"No, that would unfortunately mess up my plans with the receptacle and it would ultimately doom us all if that were to happen."
Eileen stared blankly at the pictures in front of her, taking her time as she weighed her options. "Then I choose him." The woman pointed at the right picture.
"I see." It was just as Elio expected from the start. "Very well. Then I shall send him back." The cat then jumped off the table, walking away before disappearing into the darkness.