A Mentor's Legacy
Chapter 4:
It started from here
The gentle chorus of birds chattering outside heralded the arrival of dawn, their songs mingling with the soft rustle of leaves stirred by a light morning breeze. The first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape and filtering through the sheer curtains of the kitchen window.
Inside the house, the serene atmosphere was heightened by a melodic hum that floated through the air—a tune as sweet as it was melancholic, carrying the weight of both love and loneliness. The hum resonated with a certain nostalgia, as if each note was a memory etched in time.
In the middle of this tranquil setting stood a woman, her presence gentle yet commanding. Her long silver hair, radiant in the morning light, was neatly tied into a ponytail that cascaded down her back, the strands catching the light with a subtle shimmer. Soft bangs framed her delicate face, their silvery hues contrasting beautifully with the warm tones of the room. Her eyes, though focused on the task at hand, held a depth of emotion, reflecting the bittersweet melody she hummed.
She wore a pristine white apron that cinched at her waist, protecting her lilac sweater from the occasional splash of soup. The sweater, soft and comforting, hugged her form gently, its color a soothing contrast to the earthy tones around her. A knee-length skirt, made of a flowing material that swayed with her every movement, added a touch of grace to her appearance. Her legs were clad in stockings that extended just above her knees, the fabric smooth and warm against her skin, providing comfort against the morning chill. On her feet, she wore a pair of simple indoor sandals, their soles whispering softly against the wooden floor as she moved.
The kitchen itself was bathed in the soft, diffused light of the early morning. The walls were painted a pale cream, adorned with small, delicate floral patterns that added a touch of vintage charm. Wooden cabinets lined the walls, their surfaces polished to a soft gleam, reflecting the sunlight in muted tones. The countertops were clutter-free, save for a few essential items: a cutting board with freshly chopped vegetables, a small bouquet of wildflowers in a glass jar, and a well-worn cookbook open to a favorite recipe. The stove, an old but reliable piece, held a large pot of soup, its gentle simmer releasing a fragrant steam that filled the room with the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals.
As she stirred the soup with a ladle, the woman's movements were slow and deliberate, her touch as gentle as the morning breeze outside. The hum of her song continued, each note infused with a tender affection for the moment she was crafting—a moment of warmth, comfort, and quiet reflection. The house, though simple and modest, felt alive with her presence, every corner imbued with the love and care she poured into her daily routine.
Her eyebrows furrowed as she pondered for a moment, then she took a small portion of the soup with a ladle, pouring a bit into the palm of her right hand for a taste.
"Hmm…"
She honestly couldn't tell whether it tasted good or bad.
Since she doesn't really require to eat food.
But she did her best!
This is for Kiana's sake!
Misteln bit her lower lip and added some salt to the soup, hoping to achieve the flavor she desired. Her left eyebrow twitched as she tasted it a second time.
Now…this is terrible.
She could feel a bead of sweat trickle down her cheek as she closed her eyes and sighed in defeat.
Thirty-four attempts in total…all ended in failure.
'Should I serve this soup to Kiana-chan?' Misteln wondered, adding some water in hope to balance the taste and stirring it once more.
After giving it another taste, she smiled, satisfied with her work.
"It's done." She clasped her hands in happiness and brought the pot to the wooden table. Misteln then placed two bowls on the table, along with a spoon for each of them. Once done, she used the ladle to pour the soup into the bowls.
The silver-haired woman returned the pot to the stove and then hung her apron on a nearby hook. She sighed in relief before walking towards Kiana's room to wake the young girl from her sleep. Misteln opened the window, letting the breeze enter the room. The sound of cute mumbling could be heard as she approached the bed and sat on the edge, gently waking the girl.
"Kiana-chan, wake up…time to eat."
Misteln sweat-dropped when the girl shifted her position and covered her face with a pillow, mumbling a few words underneath it.
"Just five more minutes…pwease…"
Misteln sweat-dropped again as she cleared her throat and said, "And here I thought you wanted to be the strongest!" She shook her head in disapproval. "Or are those just words?"
Kiana's ears twitched as she rose from her slumber, sitting up with a straight posture, and tossing the pillow into the air above her head.
"I'm up!" she shouted, on high alert as the pillow hit her head causing her to pout.
Misteln giggled and informed the young girl.
"Eat breakfast first, then we can start your training."
"Okay, Big Sister!"
Misteln watched as the girl jumped down from her bed and rushed to the dining table, sitting on the chair and staring silently at the bowl of soup while her feet playfully swung beneath the table.
"C'mon, Big Sister!"
"Yes, yes, I'm coming," Misteln giggled, taking a seat across from the girl as the two ate their breakfast in peaceful silence. Once they finished eating, Kiana helped her older sister with the dishes while the latter walked to the main bedroom and took out a pair of training clothes.
She stared at the small training outfit and hummed in thought.
A green jumpsuit with orange-strip legged warmers.
"What's this…?" She tilted her head and lifted the pants, realizing they were equipped with weights. Misteln examined the materials and hummed in confusion.
"It's much heavier than I thought," the silverette muttered, wondering how it was made. It seemed like a normal garment, yet she could feel the weight in it. She then read the small note attached to the spandex.
Build her chakra foundation and teach her master the basics
Mastering the basics wouldn't be hard, but the chakra foundation?
She recalled him talking about how chakra works and the possibility of people from Earth mastering it. However, that possibility could only exist for children.
She remembered that it was almost impossible for adults or anyone older beyond certain age, as the chakra network had solidified.
Misteln nodded.
She has no clue on how to work on the chakra foundation.
So…she leaves that to him when he gets back.
"Let's start with the basics."
But first…
She grabbed the green spandex and walked back to the kitchen. Misteln smiled when she saw Kiana waving at her.
"I'm done, Big Sister!"
How cute.
At first, she thought it would be a hassle to take care of a child.
But as the days passed, she realized that while it was tough, there was a sense of joy and happiness in seeing how happy Kiana was.
And for her, she refused to let this moment slip away.
Just like how she met him the first time.
That day…
She still remembered it like it was yesterday.
Death shadowed her every step, a relentless specter that pursued her wherever she went.
She was a calamity, not only to the Honkai but also towards humanity.
No one could escape her curse. And yet, the first time she was given a name—Misteln—it came from a woman on her deathbed, a kind woman that taught her about life, she was also a mother whose life had been claimed by the very disaster Misteln had unwittingly brought upon her.
But the woman did not hate her.
Instead, with her final breath, she expressed gratitude for Misteln's existence.
That woman was Alexandria Zachyik.
She was the one who gave her the name, Misteln – the Holy Mistletoe, she was also the one who pulled Misteln from the abyss and made her realize that her existence had meaning, a purpose.
Yet, like all living beings, Alexandria too succumbed to death.
Since that fateful day, Misteln wandered the frozen tundra, lost in the cold, dark, and desolate wasteland. Her very presence seemed to draw others, and once again, she encountered someone—someone who offered her a place, a purpose.
Despite being a harbinger of calamity, her existence was needed.
She was tempted.
Gray Serpent waited for her, a hand extended, offering her a path to follow. And she would have taken it, if not for him.
Endlessly, she walked through the tundra, where no settlements existed, and all life had long since perished. She had tried to save them, but her efforts were in vain. No human could withstand the stigmata she bore.
She was a curse, an angel of death in the mortal world.
Her steps faltered, and she looked up at the sky—a stygian expanse, heavy with clouds and endless snow.
Everywhere she looked, she saw only a barren, white canvas.
And here, once again, she found herself at her origin; the place to which she first materializes in the mortal world.
"Come with me and witness the true stigma,"
The words of Gray Serpent crossed her mind, but for some reason she filled dissatisfied as she could feel her heart yearn for something else, leading her back here once again.
What exactly is this unknown feeling?
She stares at her feet, debating with her decision; if she decided to accept Gray Serpent offer, then she knows exactly where she needed to go. Since finding her would be nearly impossible for anyone else.
The chance of meeting her was a staggering 99.9% failure.
And yet.
And yet, he found her.
"And here I thought the anomaly of the Honkai outbreak in Siberia came from the Second Eruption."
"!"
Her eyes widened at the sound of his voice—calm, daring, and approaching her like a moth drawn to a flame. His gaze was steady, and she could feel the warmth he radiated.
His radiant blue eyes locked onto hers, and she could feel the pressure emanating from him. It wasn't dreadful… rather, it felt sad.
"Cecilia… no," the blonde-haired man paused, shaking his head before a smirk tugged at his lips. "You must be her stigmata… to think it could manifest as a walking disaster."
Cecilia…?
"Have you been following me?" Misteln asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty and caution.
"Why would I waste my time following a curse?" the man retorted, his words twisting her heart in pain as he stepped closer, their faces inches apart. His hand reached out, grasping hers—soft, delicate, and unwilling to let go.
She tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding.
"If you're a curse, then I am your blessing," he said, his voice soft yet commanding. "Tell me, Schariac, do you wish to live and walk the mortal world without fear of causing misery to others?"
"…?"
He was human.
Yet he dared to challenge her very existence.
Misteln pursed her lips.
He was a stranger… but she found herself feeling rather safe by his side.
Such a confusing emotion.
Like a moth entranced by a flame, she too was drawn in, curious to see where this encounter would lead.
Gray Serpent watched from a distance. He had done everything to track her down, and when he finally found a lead, he discovered something far more valuable than he had anticipated. The robotic man's eyes widened at the scene unfolding before him and retreated from the scene.
It seemed that Misteln Schariac had made her decision. The World Serpent had lost a worthy individual. But the knowledge of him being alive might yet unify the Serpent once more.
Only time would tell whether this news would lead them to partake in the Sire's plan to vanquish the Honkai once and for all.
"Big sister!"
Misteln's eyes blinked in surprise as she felt Kiana's little hands tugging on her sweater. The silverette smiled, cleared her throat, and handed Kiana the training spandex provided by Naruto.
"Wear this, and we'll start training in an hour or two."
"Okay!" Kiana nodded, heading to her room to put on the spandex. The young Kaslana stared at her reflection in the mirror, admiring the green spandex.
"It's heavy!" the young Kaslana exclaimed in excitement, stars in her eyes, as she felt the weight on her feet. She moved around the room, adjusting to the weight.
After an hour had passed, she met Misteln standing at the entrance.
"Ready?"
"Yes!"
The two headed outside, though Misteln couldn't help but find the jumpsuit an eyesore.
However, she didn't say anything about it.
Instead, she instructed Kiana on what to do, starting with the basics to build her foundation.
Misteln might understand almost nothing about this so-called chakra, but she could work with Kiana's stigmata and expand the young girl's understanding of how to utilize her Honkai energy. Hopefully, the girl could one day contain the Herrscher within her, should such a formidable being ever awaken from its slumber, and use that power for the good of humanity.
Misteln observed the girl as she did her exercises, starting from a light jog, then sprinting, followed by push-ups, sit-ups, and more. Each training exercise had to be completed within the set time she had ordered.
Despite struggling, the young girl did her best to finish them all, and she did so with a huge smile on her face.
'For a kid her age… that's really impressive,' Misteln thought as she stood on the sidelines, watching the girl panting across from her.
Each set had to be completed 100 times, and Kiana passed with flying colors—though Misteln may have spoken too soon.
"W-w-what's…" Kiana panted between each word, struggling to finish her sentence as she hit the floor and sat down. "Next, big sister?"
"We take a moment to rest." Misteln giggled at how the girl tried to be energetic despite actually getting exhausted.
Kiana nodded and accepted the water bottle handed to her, savoring the cool liquid with delight.
The two sat across from each other, and as they rested, they had a small conversation.
This interaction reminded Kiana that she was loved by the people she had just met.
It was a feeling Kiana rarely experienced. Her father often ignored her, even trying to forget her at the beginning, yet she persisted and tried to be there for him.
Was it all a futile attempt?
Since at the very end, her old man ended up abandoned her.
Kiana glanced at Misteln. The older silver-haired woman was talking with vigor, her tone sweet as honey, with a smile that could put many people in a trance.
Kiana thought about it.
She wished she could call Misteln her mama… instead of a big sister.
Since she feels like Misteln is closest mother figure she could ever get.
It was a wish she kept deeply to herself.
Misteln smiled as she gave Kiana a gentle pat on the head.
After a few minutes of resting, she then told her to prepare herself.
"We're going out to hunt."
Kiana's lips widened in excitement as she nodded.
"Though you cannot use your pistol."
"..?"
"Use this instead."
Misteln handed her a bow and a quiver of arrows from her storage space. Then she gave Kiana a dagger. The girl looked at it with excitement, recalling how Mister Hero would take down the Honkai using a small knife he called a kunai.
"Catch up."
Kiana's eyes widened as Misteln rushed past the barrier.
The two then went out hunting the Honkai beasts that were left to roam freely on the tundra.
The day ended with the sunset, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky. The vibrant colors of the fading sun bathed the landscape in a soft, amber glow. Kiana Kaslana was seen laying on the ground, her chest rising and falling heavily with each breath, exhaustion evident in every fiber of her being. The cool earth beneath her provided a brief respite from the day's labor, soothing her tired muscles.
Above her, the sky was a masterpiece of swirling oranges, pinks, and purples, as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, leaving behind trails of light that seemed to dance above her head. She felt the cool breeze of the evening wash over her, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth, a reminder of the wilderness that surrounded her.
Beside her, five dead rabbits lay in a neat row, their soft fur ruffled by the wind.
They were the spoils of a hard-fought hunt, each one a testament to her skill and perseverance. Their lifeless bodies were small and fragile, yet they represented a significant achievement for someone so young. The hunt had been long and grueling, and each rabbit had been caught with care and precision, requiring every ounce of her strength and focus.
Kiana's mind drifted as she stared at the rabbits, feeling a strange mix of pride and melancholy.
The sun's last rays highlighted the faint sheen of sweat on her brow, while her fingers, still trembling from the strain, brushed absently against the cool, damp earth. The world around her was quiet, save for the distant chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves in the gentle evening breeze.
As she lay there, watching the sky slowly surrender to the encroaching darkness, she couldn't help but feel a deep connection to the moment—a profound stillness that resonated within her. The hunt had drained her, but it had also filled her with a sense of purpose, a rare and fleeting feeling that she wished she could hold on to just a little longer.
"Can you walk?"
Kiana tried her best to move her little feet, but they wouldn't budge. She found herself stuck on the ground like a mouse caught in a trap.
A smile spread across her lips as the little girl extended both hands towards Misteln.
"I don't think I can, big sister."
Misteln leaned forward, her smile gentle and warm, and lifted the young girl into her arms, carrying Kiana on her back as they began the walk back to their home.
The distance was long, but it felt so short.
If only she could stop time... she would wish for these moments to last forever.
"Big sister Misteln…"
"Hmm?" The older woman glanced at Kiana out of the corner of her eye. The little girl, resting her head on Misteln's shoulder, mumbled softly.
"Do you know where Mister Hero is right now?"
Misteln smiled.
"Do you miss him? It's only been two days," the silverette noted.
Kiana nodded and asked softly.
"Do… you think I'm a burden to him?"
A familiar memory flashed in Misteln's mind—the same question she had once asked him.
"Why do you wish to save me?"
His answer had been simple.
"Because your existence parallels hers. And I cannot accept that. I refuse to see someone tarnish her image because she couldn't control her own power."
Then… am I a burden to you, Naruto?
Misteln closed her eyes and repeated the exact words he had once said to her.
"You're not a burden, Kiana-chan. If the past could repeat itself, I'm sure he would waste no time saving you… just like he did for me. After all, we are both loved by the same person, and his heart yearns for the warmth of the present. That's the kind of person he is… someone who refuses to let others walk in the abyss."
Kiana's heart skipped a beat.
She could feel tears threatening to spill from her eyes, but she buried her face in Misteln's warm shoulder, closing her eyes with a peaceful smile.
Someone loves her.
They care about her existence.
They cherished her as if she was their own child.
"Mama... I love you."
"I wish I could stay by your side forever, just the two of us, in a world where death doesn't exist, where nothing could ever tear us apart."
The words slipped from her lips unconsciously, followed by a soft snore.
Misteln halted her steps, gazing at the setting sun as night slowly consumed the light.
"I love you too, Kiana," Misteln whispered with a smile on her face.
Her steps became as light as a feather, leaving no trace behind as she entered the house.
A storm soon consumed the area, erasing all signs of their existence from the outside world.
"A burden? Heh, if you're a burden, then what am I? I have no home, no family… nothing but my existence. The only lead I had to find a home ended in a dead end. And yet… I still have hope and this is why I refuse to give. That's why you should do the same, I hope to see the day you stand for humanity. That's why I refuse to see you ensnared by the shadows. From this moment onward, you will walk beside me. And I want you to keep moving forward, never looking back, Misteln Schariac. Your purpose begins now."
Author Note:
Hi there, has it been a while since I updated A Mentor's Legacy? I honestly wasn't expecting to write the fourth chapter, and yet here it is, the fourth chapter of A Mentor's Legacy. I had my share of fun writing this chapter, and I feel Kiana's feeling will resonated with everyone since her origin was actually sad, she wasn't love by Sigfried, he even refused to look at her, unbothered to call her name…which at the time doesn't exist. However, on that one particular day, she saved him, and deserved the name of a Kaslana…but if such unforeseen event never happened…would Kiana have a name? Or would she still be known as K-423? Honestly, I don't really have an answer to that question. I love K-423, Sirin…she deserves a chance to live and exist, her past was a tragedy, I want to save her and I want both personalities to mix with each other as one and eventually became Kiana Kaslana. Anyway, you caught a glimpse of Misteln past, and i will probably elaborate more in the future chapter. I won't explain the training arc with Misteln anymore, since most of them will be about her teaching Kiana with the basics, meaning if I wrote it as a chapter, it will be a consecutive action of her doing sit ups etc etc. Her real training will begin with Naruto, Misteln is like an academy teacher, she will just teach the basic…but, I will do write a scene of Misteln teaching Kiana in using her stigmata and probably about the world's knowledge (math and others) …so look forward to that scene, since I want Kiana to have both power, chakra and her utilizing the stigmata in perfect sync…though it won't be that simple. After all, with great powers, comes with great responsibility. Kiana Kaslana in this fic will be a smart girl, she will calculative but still energetic and talkative, she won't be brash. Her relationship with Mei will be that of best friend, since I'm not planning to go with the lesbian route, if people dislike this, go on and leave. You don't have to get mad at how I write just because I don't agree with the western world agenda, if you want to criticizes me because of my writing and want to help me improve, do go on, I will listen to that.
One last thing, after the fifth chapter, A Mentor's Legacy update will come to a halt, you won't be seeing anymore updates for a while since I'm going to take a break a couple of weeks break, so don't expect me to write anything since I'm going to prepare for an exam. The same applied for the God of Shinobi, though this will take an affect after the tenth chapter. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I do have a life outside of fanfiction and must take care of it for a while. I will return either at the end of September, or the beginning of October.
Sheehs, this is such a long author note, forgive me lads. I will now start answering some of your questions.
Rick12: Yup, you got that right, as much as he wants to delve into a relationship with other women on HI3, he still wishes to return home, this feeling is what makes him unable to respond to any of them. Since he still has a wife and children…in the distant world.
Guest: Can you review with your real account? I'm having a hard time in answering "Guests", anyway, I had some idea about a Naruto x Firefly…but there's also a Naruto x Jingliu…hmm.
Saberfang Orcalodon: Yeah, I get you, I'm not really into the second part…it feels rather…weird? Off? I don't know, I'm also disappointed with the powerscale on HI3 recently, since apparently, I heard that Kiana gone into a coma because of some quantum computer data (Senadia). So, you're telling me that the Will of Honkai authority is second in the HI3 world? I find that rather stupid since all this time, the Honkai were known as something dangerous to the Universe, a calamity to advance civilization, and yet there comes the second part of HI3 lol.
DragonKeeper10: Glad you love it, thank you for the kind message. I hope to see you more in the future chapters hehe.
NatsuErzaDragneelSusanoo: Naruto is perhaps the oldest being in the current era. So yes, Kiana is still a child.
Faiz Baidlowi: Terima kasih, mohon dukungannya terus yaa, sampai ketemu dichapter-chapter yang akan datang hehe.
The First Oracle: No, pigs don't fly, but I hope you will stay as the story progresses :D
That's about it, if you have some questions feel free to ask, if possible, please make the reviews in a length, not just as 'update', 'good chapter', 'next chapter', you guys understand what I mean, right? I want some interactions and feedback with my readers. I hope I'm not asking too much. As for the pairing, if you have some suggestions, please go ahead and tell me who you would recommend, just make sure to give a good reason, not just (for example: add Mei or Bianca), that's just too short, and I feel like you're not serious enough to recommended them being paired with Naruto. Until next time!
Chapter 5:
A way home…?