214 Kiana wants to save Nagazora City
Kiana stretched out on the bed, her smile for Mei as bright as a summer day.
It had been so long since they'd had a chance to simply be together like this, and the moment felt precious.
Mei said, her voice brimming with happiness. She scrambled onto the bed beside Kiana, wrapping her in a hug so tight it could chase away a thousand worries.
For Mei, that hug was a time machine.
It brought her back to those carefree mornings as a Student in St. Freya, waking up to warm sunlight and the gentle smell of breakfast cooking downstairs.
It felt like everything was right in the world again, just like it had been in those golden days of her Life.
---
[It was a simple sentence, but they waited four months to hear it]
[They felt like they were back to where they started. They had gone through many adventures, many challenges, and finally they could hug each other at the place where they first met.]
"See! I knew they'd find their way back to each other," Elysia practically glowed, her eyes twinkling with happiness.
She always favored their reunions; the times apart were nothing but a loud distraction, merely setting the stage for them to come back together.
" Every gathering is full of hope. ♪ "
Just like... she hoped that the protagonists would stay together forever.
" Yes, yes, this kind of reunion that will soon end is very thrilling to watch! " Mobius declared, her usual sharp edge barely hidden.
She'd fought Elysia's meddling every step of the way, and now bickering was her only weapon left.
From her basic analysis of the mood and logic of the main story of this chapter, she was more and more sure of her guess.
" The storm is coming, and when the thunder shakes the sky, it looks like the Raiden Mei will mature." She murmured, the expression on her face becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Does it mean... that the Herrscher of humanity will appear again ? And feathering?
"Wait a minute," Elysia tilted her head, her usual playful confidence replaced with genuine puzzlement. "Didn't Mei already save Kiana? What more is there to do?"
"Sure, she rescued her," Mobius replied, a smirk playing on her lips.
"But will Kiana just settle for things the way they are now? Will Mei ignore the things that Raven teacher told her? And why give Mei that address? It's like she expects something to happen..."
Mobius loved watching Elysia's frustration grow – the annoyed frown on that usually perfect face was delightful!
It would be even better if she broke down and came begging for help tho~.
"But... Luo Mo said..." Elysia started, a hint of doubt in her voice.
It was clear she didn't have much faith in Luo Mo's 'promises'.
"Don't get your hopes up just yet. Maybe they really are on the right track. After all, isn't this whole thing supposed to be about growth and forgiveness of beautiful and young girls?? It's a nice story..." Mobius trailed off, a playful glint in her eyes as she sensed Elysia's worry.
Let's be honest, Mobius wasn't known for kindness, especially towards this pink-haired optimist.
But what's the fun in a story without some twists and turns? Besides, how can you savor the disappointment if there isn't a glimmer of hope to crush first? Mobius couldn't wait to see what happened next!
Elysia tried to wrap her head around it, but it felt like a tangle of confusing possibilities. She desperately wanted to believe this was it – the chance for Mei to finally resolve her inner turmoil and unleash her full power against their enemy.
Could something else go wrong? What would that even mean?
If that happens, do we have to open the door and let Kalpas Do Beating the screenwriter Scene again?
She glanced at Kalpas, who always had a mask on and flames behind him and thought quietly to herself.
---
Mei filled Kiana in on everything that had happened back at St. Freya since she'd been gone.
She talked about how the Far East Branch had broken away from Schicksal, how they'd get themselves join with Anti-Entropy...all those bits and pieces that shaped the world while Kiana was away.
Mei spoke in a quiet voice, and Kiana listened intently, soaking in every word.
There was a peaceful happiness between them, a sense of returning to those early days when their friendship was new and uncomplicated.
Kiana, after hearing everything, giggled and teased that Bronya probably hadn't gotten any taller, and that Theresa must be beside herself with worry.
It was that carefree smile, a smile she always wore when she was safe with Mei.
---
"Just to be clear, tell that idiot Kiana again – I, Bronya, will get taller. She probably won't." The gray-haired cool girl glared at Kiana and grumbled,
Kiana smirked at this, Was this what they called talking behind someone's back and getting caught?
talk about get taller, Bronya was still young, and she would not only grow taller, but also stronger!
In a few years, beating team leader Fu Hua would be easy.
——This is what the boss Luo Mo said himself,
Bronya knew just how powerful Fu Hua could be. But she also believed in her boss's vision, a future where she was strong, capable.
It fueled her determination – she could almost taste that kind of life, one where she was an equal among her friends. And hey, she wasn't just doing this for herself – the two Seeles counted on her!
Sure, 8 years was a long time, but Bronya knew anything worth having took work.
That's what Luo Mo said, the promise that one day she'd be powerful enough to even challenge the squad leader.
Her eyes burned with resolve, she wouldn't just wish for a strong future, she'd earn it.
Bronya could see herself improving every single day, no pain no gain!
She thought, if she put more effort than before, she could beat the monitor in less than 8 years!
She was so obsessed because she felt like she couldn't win against the other Seele. How could she face herself as a sister?
Especially Every time that other Seele declared she was the only one who could protect Seele, it lit a fire in Bronya's heart, it makes her ANGRY.
Damn it! Seele was hers, and she'd be the one to keep her safe, no matter what!
---
Then, Kiana said that she was a little bored staying in the ward and wanted to go out for a look. After all, she was always so lively and restless!
She wanted to see what the city where they first met was like now.
Maybe it was fate, or maybe just coincidence, but during their walk, they stumbled upon Benares, The mighty dragon was badly injured, lying weakly on the ground.
Kiana felt a strange pull towards the creature and, without hesitation, approached it… Gently, she reached out and stroked its wounded scales.
To her surprise, Benares didn't resist, and as she touched it, the dragon's wounds began to heal.
The giant dragon struggled to its feet, yet despite Mei's wary gaze, it showed no sign of aggression. Instead, it lowered its head and approached them meekly, nuzzling against them. Kiana felt a strange connection to the Honkai Dragon.
Before anyone could really object, they found themselves back at the Anti-Entropy base...with a dragon in tow.
"Honestly!" Tesla exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "First a cybernetic human, then a lost refugee, now a Judgment-level Honkai Beast! What's next, Mei? Will you be dragging a World Serpent officer back for tea?"
Tesla complained ruthlessly, feeling helpless for Mei's habit of bringing home strays – odd, powerful strays.
Of course, as usual, her prediction wasn't far off the mark...
---
[That's so true! Dr. Tesla is always spot-on. Bringing back a dragon is pretty wild, and that World Serpent comment? Ouch, but probably not far off the mark!]
[World Serpent Cadre? Raven: Did someone call my name?]
"Dr. Tesla," Einstein chimed in, a hint of amusement in her voice, "if you keep this up, you'll be known as the Doctor comedian of Anti-Entropy." She gave a wry smile, trying to play off her snicker as nonchalance.
"...What is this nonsense? What's it got to do with me anyway? The writers have it out for me, don't they?" Tesla fumed, her face turning red. "Every time, it's like I'm just here to be the butt of the joke! It's ridiculous."
"Well, doesn't this prove you're an unforgettable part of the story, Dr. Tesla?" Einstein offered, sounding calm as ever, as though there was logic to her statement. "You certainly manage to capture everyone's attention..."
Of course, Einstein's words were met with Tesla's icy glare, the air between them crackling with annoyed energy.
"Let's drop this whole silly topic, Mophead," Tesla grumbled, shaking her head in frustration. "Come on, let's get back to our experiments. This whole plot is making me uncomfortable..."
Einstein is a little helpless, do you feel uncomfortable? But I am happy,
Still, she wasn't going to refuse – those experiments weren't going to run themselves. Besides, the worst part was...she'd get to sit back and watch how this whole mess played out.
...
"Bella? Are you going to betray me too?" Sirin's voice was deceptively soft, considering the hurt and confusion bubbling beneath the surface.
Everyone had seen the connection between Kiana and Benares, and Sirin took it the hardest.
"Bella? Do you want to explain yourself?" There was a dangerous edge to Sirin's smile as she watched Bella squirm. Bella, normally so bold, was now acting like a scared puppy, hands clasped over her head in a futile gesture of defense.
Why would Bella do this? Sirin clenched her fists, her eyes cold as she stared down at Bella. This felt like a personal betrayal.
"Alright, Sirin, leave poor Bella alone." Cecilia stepped in, her voice gentle but firm.
It was time to diffuse this situation before things got out of hand, Sirin could be so impulsive sometimes.
Sirin pouted, crossing her arms. "But...but..." Her world was so small, and Bella was one of the few people she truly cared about, She'd always believed Bella was loyal only to her.
The idea that Bella might be drawn to Kiana, her stupid sister,of all people...it shocked Sirin and ignited a sense of betrayal she couldn't quite explain.
"Your Majesty, please believe me. I have no feelings for her like that!" Bella sounded desperate, but her words did little to soothe Sirin's hurt.
"Ahem..." Cecilia cleared her throat, the gears in her mind turning. "Actually, Sirin, think about it for a second. According to the game lore, isn't Kiana supposed to share your body? It's possible Bella just got a little confused."
Sirin froze, blinking in surprise. Bella immediately latched onto the idea, nodding frantically. She knew full well she hadn't mistaken Sirin for anyone, but with a sliver of hope like this, she wasn't about to let it go!
"...Alright, alright. I forgive you, Bella." Sirin huffed, turning her head to hide her embarrassment.
She knew she was blurring the lines between the game and reality, but the truth was, she cared deeply about Bella and panicked at the thought of losing her.
"Woohoo! You're the best, my Queen!" Bella was beyond relieved, immediately latching onto Sirin with playful affection.
It didn't matter that Sirin had acted flustered - that just made her cuter!
The Sorry Queen looks good too!
---
During a video call with Einstein at the Anti-Entropy base, Mei's heart sank with every word. Einstein admitted they had no way to fix the root problem with Kiana's body.
Worse yet, there wasn't even a way to stop the relentless spread of Honkai energy.
Even... be prepared for the most pessimistic scenario,
Mei looked at Einstein's helpless expression and asked her anxiously what was her most pessimistic plan?
Einstein was silent. She looked at Mei, her eyes showing sadness. Mei seemed to understand - after all, what could be more pessimistic?
Mei decided to go for a walk, and while she was gone, the Anti-Entropy doctors decided to speak with Kiana directly.
The change in Kiana once Mei was out of the room was striking, It was like a mask had dropped, the usual carefree smile replaced by something somber.
"Let's be honest, something's really wrong with me, isn't it?…" Kiana said flatly, her eyes cutting across the surprised faces of the doctors. This wasn't the picture Mei had painted, nor did it match the information they had.
"At first, I just felt tired," Kiana continued, "but then the pain went away completely. Now...now I keep getting these injuries, out of nowhere. I have no idea where they're coming from."
Einstein interrupted her and said that if they return quickly now, Anti entropy can take them to a safe place.
Kiana then shifted the conversation, her voice filled with resolve. The rising sea levels and the spread of Honkai energy around Nagazora City made one thing clear - a disaster was coming.
Einstein assured Kiana that Anti-Entropy would find a solution, urging her to focus on resting.
"No," Kiana replied firmly. "I can do something about this. Using the power of the Herrscher of the Void, I can absorb the city's Honkai energy before things get out of control."
Understanding the concerns Anti-Entropy would have, Kiana offered a compromise.
She wouldn't act without their knowledge, but she'd be their last line of defense.
Afterward, she asked them to find her a secluded place, isolated from anyone else, This was for their safety – a timebomb like herself could never be too careful, and knowing her friends, she wouldn't risk harming them again.
"Mei...she finally found a way out of the darkness, she has the friendship and the connections she always wanted...and I ruined it all." Kiana's voice was thick with guilt.
She knew that even if she became a 'monster' again, people would still risk everything to save her.
But how many of those she cared for would get hurt this time?
Slowly, she sank back against the wall. "This is my fight, it's between me and Sirin. I don't want anyone else dragged into this," she whispered, the words barely audible. "I don't want to see anyone I care about get hurt again."
The world seemed to split in two on either side of that wall.
Purely by chance, Mei was on the other side, listening silently as Kiana poured out her heart, unaware of her presence.
A little tear fell from the corner of her eyes, crystal clear, as if she was crying from the bottom of her heart, Mei listened on the other side of the wall, her own heart Crying in silence.
Who hides their tears, and who forces a smile for their friends? Fate spun a cruel joke – the person Kiana loved most was also the one she hurt the most.
It was an impossible burden, one Mei understood all too well.
---
[Wow, that cut deep! This whole thing is so heartbreaking - they both love each other so much, but they keep hurting each other! Damn it, screenwriter, stop making me cry!]
[ Kiana... why do you always charge forward? Answer: Because I inherited the will of fire]
[Right and wrong don't even matter here. Kiana doesn't want to hurt anyone, Mei doesn't want to see her get hurt... Of course, let's just blame the WRITER for all of it! (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`) ]
"Waaaaaah, Eden!" Elysia dabbed at her eyes, a single perfect tear rolling down her cheek.
Who knew when she'd started crying, whether it was Kiana's determination to sacrifice herself or Mei's quiet heartbreak.
This kind of bond between girls...it was all just too much for her heart to handle!
It was clear they both loved each other deeply, always putting the other person first. Yet, somehow, the future they saw was filled with pain.
And worse, Mei was forced to play along, to pretend she didn't know what was coming.
Damn it, can you be nice to Mei, that bastard Luo?
"It's like watching a moth fly into the flame," Eden said, voice thick with sadness. "Kiana, destined to repeat the same cycle, to burn over and over again. Schicksal may have written a future, but Mei herself won't let the past repeat itself. "
"Trust in Mei," Aponia added quietly. "She'll be strong enough to stop Kiana from walking that same path again. She'll prevent the future from...repeating itself."
Elysia was clearly the Flame-Chasers' favorite, always surrounded by attention.
" After all, this is also the Mei special chapter. It won't be too ugly, fat pink woman! " Mobius grumbled after a moment of thought.
"Oh?" Elysia looked up from where she'd been leaning on Eden, the tears gone from her face.
"Dr. Mobius, were you...trying to comfort me? Hm?" She teased.
"..."
Mobius sputtered. "No! Absolutely not! You misheard me. I was just commenting on how... ugly your crying was."
"Aww, you see? Mobius DOES care, deep down. You'd be even cuter if you just admitted it!" Elysia chirped, a playful smile on her face.
It was hard to tell if she was teasing or completely sincere - but hey, a moment ago, those tears had been very real!
