Chapter Text
Mei did not know what caused the wariness with which her parents treated her after she was rejected by the Herrscher of Thunder’s sword. They said that such a result was in the realm of possibility, even someone with a Gem of Conquest did not automatically qualify for something as incredible and all consuming as the power instilled within a Herrscher’s personal weapon. And yet they had hesitated to touch her, though her mother had eventually cautiously helped her to her feet. However, despite the pain she had felt from the blast of lightning, she otherwise did not seem to be suffering any ill effects. She informed them of the strange visions she had experienced. Their reaction was… not what she expected. Her parents had looked at each other in concern, Ryoma stating that no others had experienced visions before. They seemed… Well, Mei wasn’t quite sure what this new uncomfortable energy between her parents and her was. Choosing to take it on the chin, she had simply thanked them for allowing her this chance and asked that they help her and her companions prepare for the journey outside human territory. She pushed down her doubts and took solace in the fact that she would soon be leaving this place behind alongside Kiana. Her parents had hurriedly agreed, her father carrying himself with an unusual reservedness.
And so they left behind the burdensome air of the Herrscher’s expectations to rejoin Kiana and the others. Her eyes, changed as they had been from her experience, had faded back to their usual violet by the time she saw her friends again. Her parents said nothing. Mei remained none the wiser, distracted as she was attempting to parse the pieces of her visions she could keep in her mind. The more her thoughts lingered on the experience, the more an unusual restlessness crawled under her skin. Yet conscientious as ever she pushed it down, instead focusing on the worriedly creased brow of a certain Kaslana as she entered the communal room her companions had been taken to.
“You okay, Mei?” The Kaslana pushed herself to her feet, “You look a bit frazzled.” Kiana reached out as if to lay a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder, but hesitated and dropped it back to her side halfway through the motion.
Bronya, too, stood from her seat and took her spot next to Kiana. The diminutive woman voiced her own concern, eyes quickly darting between the quiet Ryoma and unusually stiff Mifumi. Camellia remained seated, positioned on the edge as if unsure whether she should join her new teammates. Her brow creased also, Mei's scattered and struggling thoughts obvious even to their newest member.
“I…” Mei's shoulders sagged, “Truthfully I'm a bit shaken. But I'll be okay in time.”
Kiana's gaze darted to the elder Raidens and her words rushed to tumble from her lips, “What happened?” It wasn't quite accusatory, but a tone that still demanded a straight answer.
“Watch your tone when you speak to the head miko, Miss Kaslana.” Ryoma locked his gaze onto the woman in question, but the usual bite to his words was strangely missing. Instead his gaze lingered on the white-haired woman as if studying her. After a moment his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though he said nothing.
Mifumi laid a placating hand on her husband's shoulder. After a moment she turned back to Kiana, pursing her lips and eyeing the girl with a strange, almost knowing expression, “With your mission taking you to such a dangerous area of the world with little hope for outside support, we wanted to see if we could give Mei assistance. In the depths of the temple lay Seven Thunders of Retribution. A weapon that served as the Herrscher of Thunder's personal weapon for millennia. We asked that Mei attempt to wield it. Only… it rejected her.”
Mei curled her arm and clenched her fist, staring at the same hand that had clasped such power, “Her lightning was strangely welcoming at first. Almost… like it recognized me.” She lifted her gaze back to her companion. Kiana's expression was strange. Hopeful but also carrying a measure of fear and hesitation, her fists clenched so tightly that Bronya attempted to surreptitiously grab her hand and unball Kiana's fist herself. Mei noted all this in just a moment before continuing, “I gripped the hilt and was swamped with visions. When I snapped out of it I was thrown back by a burst of lightning.”
“The power of Conquest is as hard to please as ever,” Ryoma sighed.
“Damn,” Kiana forced a small grin and jabbed her thumb over her shoulder, “Guess we’ll just have to rely on Camellia getting us up the mountains with that stick up her ass.”
The Valkyrie was on her feet in a flash, “Try not to float too far ahead, Gods know you have nothing in your head but air, thief . We wouldn’t want you to be snatched away by a Honkai beast.”
Ryoma pinched the bridge of his nose and remained like that for several seconds as the two women continued to bicker, “Cease your chatter,” His voice rang out clear and immediately brought a halt to whatever new insult the two Valkyries were attempting to think up. Camellia quickly snapped to attention, “We have arranged for enough supplies that you should be able to get through the mountains. However, that deep into the wastelands natural food will be scarce, so you will need to move quickly. You with gems may be capable of subsisting mostly off Honkai energy, but the Moonbeams and your new Valkyrie companion cannot. Once you are through the mountains, you should be able to get a signal through to report anything you find. The ambient Honkai energy should not pose a threat for any of you, enhanced as you are, but we have procured anti-Honkai serums just in case. But do try to not take any unnecessary risks,” He raised an eyebrow at Kiana, “We do not know what you may encounter within those mountains.”
“Hey!” Kiana frowned indignantly, “I know when to take things seriously!”
Mei nodded, “Understood, Father.”
“The Moonbeams will be arriving within the hour. We should have everything loaded and ready to go two hours after that once we get their own supplies loaded with yours. You’ll leave as soon as everything is ready.”
Mifumi shook her head sadly, “I’m afraid you’ll have to sleep on the transport. You’ll be flying through the night in order to get to the mountains by dawn tomorrow. The High Priestess of Finality is taking a great risk sending the Moonbeams away from Arc City, so we have endeavoured to get you on your way as soon as possible. Rest while you can. Mei, you can show them where to get a meal, correct?”
“Of course, Mother,” Mei confirmed with a bow.
The elder Raiden’s bowed to the group in return and left them to their own devices. Though their exit was steady and unhurried, they could not hide the anxiety that riddled their bodies from Mei’s sight. She understood of course, this mission the Goddess had given to her was not easy. Any one of them could die so deep in Honkai irradiated land, an untold number of enemies and perhaps Honkai beasts that have never been seen before. However, besides the simple fact that she needed to find what the Moon Goddess wanted her to see, finding Schicksal’s ancient headquarters could also shine light on many secrets Schicksal had put much effort into hiding over the centuries. She was certain that leaving St. Freya would have been much more difficult had she been dealing with someone truly loyal to Schicksal rather than the Herrscher of Rebirth. Their small team could not be too cautious. Too prepared.
With these thoughts in mind she settled into one of the lounge chairs in this break room they had been brought to and took out a small holographic emitter. She fiddled with a few buttons on the side before setting the disc-shaped device on the table in the middle of their circle of chairs. Kiana and Bronya returned to their seats on either side of Mei, Camellia settling back down across from Mei. It only took a few moments for the priestess to connect her phone to the device and the air above the table flickered to life with the satellite imagery and maps Seele had slipped to her from Schicksal’s archives.
It was time to plan.
Mei had begun using the info on the region provided by Seele to formulate a strategy for how they might cut through the mountains. However, the energy of intense concentration that had filled the room crumbled to dust when Isabella threw open the paper and wood sliding door and loudly announced the arrival of the Moonbeams. While Kiana still didn’t know them very well, she had to admit she was looking forward to being able to fight alongside these people Mei obviously held great respect for. Maybe Camellia and Cecilia would cancel each other out? A girl could hope. But that was not truly what was on her mind at the moment. No, Mei had obviously been shaken by what she had experienced with the Herrscher of Thunder’s weapon. But it was more than that. Despite how she had thrown herself into her work, the creases in her brow held more than just her determination to tackle the danger ahead. There was only a little more time until the transport was loaded and fueled, and then there would be a long road ahead to carve a path through the Honkai infested Alsakan mountains. There was one thing she needed to do before they embarked, or else it would continue to weigh on her mind.
And so she slipped away. Bronya had noticed her pulling away and slipping out the door- she always did- and the girls nodded to each other in understanding. Contrary to what one might expect had they seen the Valkyrie before this moment, Kiana walked with purpose through the temple halls. She took turns and corners with a confidence that rivalled the mikos that had spent their lives in service to this temple. She expertly avoided the eyes of the few mikos that had business this deep in the temple, making her way down to a familiar large set of double doors. A small smile flit across her face as she laid her hand on the expert metalwork and traced the outline of the Herrscher of Thunder’s stigmata with her fingers. A moment of reminiscence she quickly shook herself out of. A purple rimmed void bloomed to life against the door and Kiana slipped through into the room beyond. Just as Mei had seen hours before, the room was empty except for the soft light that lit the darkness around the brilliantly lit central pedestal.
Seven Thunders hovered where it had for as long as the storm above the temple had lain in uncomfortable silence.
The currents of Honkai ebbing and flowing through the weapon writhed and and pulsed with familiarity as her steps echoed off the polished walls. Her footfalls were slow, cautious, as if the woman was afraid of breaking the spell of quiet awe that filled the chamber. She took each step with a slow reverence. Her hand, calloused and worn from countless battles, lifted the katana from its place with frightening ease. She held it up, one hand around the hilt and one supporting the blade, eyes tracing it like studying an old friend she hadn’t seen in years. Perhaps that wasn’t too far from the truth. Yet nothing happened. The Honkai energy still swirled invisibly. Welcoming and familiar. Whatever it was Kiana was trying to see, it seemed she could not find it.
“I’m sorry, Mei…” The Valkyrie whispered. She placed the sword back where it belonged with a careful reverence. The swirling energy around her seemed to whisper in a melancholic dance, as if the sword itself was just as despondent as the girl standing before it. Kiana stepped back down the steps, keeping her eyes on the sword even as the soft footsteps of other visitors echoed off the polished walls behind her.
These new steps came to a stop a respectable distance away, hesitation thick as silence retook the room for several seconds. And then Ryoma’s voice rumbled, “It’s been a while since we last stood here.”
A bittersweet smile slowly spread across Kiana’s lips.
Valerie slowly made her way through the halls of the temple, oblivious to the godly machinations occurring across the sea. It was dark in Arc City, the lights of human engineering glowing bright against the encroaching darkness of night. Yet she could not rest. It took only a few minutes for her to find herself within her office. There had been another burst of Honkai energy detected near the edge of the city limits, and so she deigned to observe the progress of the priestesses sent to investigate herself. Whatever she might discover, she was safe from prying eyes within her office. Or so she thought. Before the door had even finished sliding closed she had withdrawn the pistol and knife hidden beneath her robes. She could see nothing in the darkness of the room, and yet her instincts flared to life with such an intense sense of danger she almost couldn’t breathe.
“Who’s there?!” The icy cold grip of fear shot down her spine as her demand was only met with a dark chuckle.
“You’re rather on guard for a priestess within her own temple, aren’t you?”
The high priestess snapped to the voice sat in one of the chairs set in the corner of the room as a place for her to speak more comfortably with guests. In the darkness she could make out the vague shape of legs propped up on the table between the chairs, a humanoid shape that naturally led her eyes along their form and up to the glowing golden eyes glaring coldly in the dark. Her finger instantly squeezed off several shots, the flash of the muzzle lighting up the lounging figure, as well as the rifts that harmlessly absorbed her bullets with nary a twitch from the woman in the shadows.
“It’s been a long time since someone tried to shoot me like that,” The figure intoned with a vague sense of boredom, “Are you brave, or simply foolish, I wonder?”
Valerie’s finger squeezed down again but before she could finish even that small movement there was a flash of purple and a sturdy blow slammed into her abdomen. The woman was thrown to the floor with the breath beaten from her lungs. Her gun clattered across the floor, but she managed to keep a firm grip on her knife and she hurriedly pulled it close to her body and thrust it at a spot under the glowing gold now darting towards her. To her dismay instead of the feeling of sharpened metal tearing into flesh, a terrifyingly strong grip latched around her wrist and twisted her arm until the pain loosened her grip and the knife clattered to the floor.
“I could do more than twist your arm, you know. So why don’t you stop your useless resistance?” The being grinned down at her, the flash of teeth just barely visible in the dim light of the open window. The high priestess reluctantly forced herself to stop struggling against the painful grip. Seemingly satisfied, her arm was released. A moment later the lights blared to life and Valerie could finally behold the full terrifying sight before her.
The Herrscher of the Void stared gleefully down at her, sadistic enjoyment clear on her face as the high priestess realised just who had been waiting for her.
Kiana hummed in agreement with Ryoma’s observation, “Forty-odd years passes by quicker than I would like nowadays,” She exhaled in soft amusement, “When did you realize?”
“You haven’t exactly been the most subtle, My Lady,” Mifumi’s voice carried with it the undertones of a small smile, “Besides the fact that you look almost exactly the same as when you came to us all those years ago. Besides the strangeness of seeing you in such clothing,” She said, in reference to the cargo pants and hoodie Kiana had taken to wearing with this more mortal form.
“Yeah, I guess it’d take a bit more than just going back to my old hairstyle, huh?” Kiana huffed and absentmindedly toyed with one of her braids. She turned to face the elder Raidens, pink starred eyes glowing gently in the soft light.
“You have been personally watching over Mei all this time, I take it?” Mifumi continued softly.
“Of course,” Kiana smiled, “While I may not have put as much effort into seamlessly integrating into mortal life as I should have, my goal has always been to watch over her. Though I must admit it is partly a selfish desire on my end,” Kiana shrugged, “There’s always a part of me that’s longed to experience a mortal life once more. So I took that part and used it to grant Mei something more than some distant Goddess offering platitudes of protection.” She opened her arms as if to present herself, “So here I am. Just a tiny part of the greater whole.”
“You should tell her the truth sooner rather than later. Knowing our Mei, she’s probably already figured it out and is just afraid to face what it might mean for your friendship.”
The Herrscher of Finality winced as the woman’s words struck true, “Yeah, I…” She sighed and scratched the back of her head in shame, “I’ve already kinda fucked that part up,” She finished quietly. She quickly pushed down the memories of that morning before they could threaten to overtake her.
“My Lady,” Ryoma began, “This mission. Is it… truly necessary?”
Kiana pursed her lips, “I know you are concerned for her safety, but unfortunately yes. The Herrscher of Thunder’s plan is not an easy road. I am here to look out for Mei, but I can’t do everything for her. She must regain what she lost on her own, through all the struggle and hardship that might entail. Otherwise she may not be prepared for the burden she must shoulder.”
“What about the other option you gave her? Surely finding the Phoenix would aid her in confronting something as dangerous as the Alsakan mountains?”
Kiana sighed, “Honestly? It’s because I know what lies in those mountains, whereas I lack the knowledge of where the Celestial has hidden Mount Taixuan. We were close once upon a time…” Kiana shrugged casually even as her expression fell, “I believe our friendship remains, but she was not pleased with how I went about obtaining the power of Finality and… what happened after. So I will admit finding Fu Hua is as much my own desire as it is something that will help Mei,” Her eyes scanned the man’s face, Ryoma’s own torn thoughts on the matter clear in the crease of his brow.
Ryoma nodded, his eyes falling closed as he released a slow, accepting exhale, “There is one thing we need to talk about, My Lady. When Mei touched Seven Thunders… there was one thing we did not want to reveal in front of the others.”
“What happened?”
“When she sat up from being rejected by the blade she… her eyes had changed. Like the Herrscher eyes of you or the Herrrscher of Thunder, except we have never seen this pattern before. Like… winged diamonds.”
“Oh, I see,” Kiana laughed softly.
“What does it mean?”
The Moon Goddess smiled, “It means she’s healing faster than I thought. You may rest easy, for that is the original eye pattern of the Herrscher of Thunder and its manifestation is a good portent.”
“So that is the end goal? Mei is to become the Herrscher of Thunder?” Mifumi’s voice shook ever so slightly, though from hope, fear, or something else was not clear.
Kiana laughed softly once more, though it was notably happier this time, “Raiden Mei has- and always will be- the one and only Herrscher of Thunder.”
Valerie grunted as she struggled valiantly against the Herrscher’s grip. The woman had attempted to lunge for the emergency alert button under her desk only for Sirin to easily catch her by the neck and slam her against the wall.
“Pathetic,” Sirin sneered, “Is this all my sister’s temple can muster? Your sensors were so easily tricked, nobody even knows I am here and yet you still want to die? I don’t care about an insect as weak as you. Where is Raiden Mei?” Sirin demanded. She released the priestess and stepped back to watch her collapse to her knees with a series of violent coughs.
Valerie glared up at the Herrscher, defiance clear in her eyes even as she made no move to defy the Herrscher again. Physically at least, “Raiden Mei? I don’t know the name.”
Sirin rolled her eyes and a strange miniscule honkai beast fluttered from somewhere else in the room to land upon her finger, “I have eyes and ears everywhere. Unfortunately she seems to have disappeared in the time it took them to inform me of her presence in Arc City. If you want to lie to me, you’ll have to actually put some effort in. ” She narrowed her eyes, “Before I get angry.” A portal bloomed to life and slid through the air over Sirin’s shoulder, revealing the void lance held within before disappearing and leaving the weapon pointed down at the priestess.
Valerie grit her teeth, her throat still aching as she attempted to steady her breathing, “Whatever you’re looking for you won’t find it here. She’s gone.”
“Awww, see? Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Sirin hummed patronizingly. She waved her hand and another portal bloomed to life. Valerie could only watch as another woman stepped from the inky blackness. A woman with pale hair, striking blue eyes, and the white chitin of a Honkai beast scattered across her body like pieces of armor. Though it did not provide full protection, and the girl showed much skin between the chitin and black that protected her most sensitive areas, as well as the parts of her limbs that the white chitin did not reach. From her back stretched reptilian wings of pure Honkai energy, an electrifying blue and crackling with power. The amethyst glow of the Honkai shone around the edge of the wings. The right side of her head was decorated with a hair ornament that mimicked the appearance of a horn blooming from a shell of Honkai chitin, curving up and around the top of her head. “Bella, check her computer.”
“Yes, My Queen.” The gentle obedience of her voice came at odds with her intimidating appearance.
Sirin studied the priestess as her servant went to work on the office’s computer system, the clacking of keys now a constant background noise, “I wonder, it’s been a while since I cared to personally butcher a human. But there’s nothing I hate more than my sister’s empty posturing. Three millennia of no progress against the Honkai and you think that’s worth preserving? Worshipping? It’s laughable.” Sirin tilted her head as she scanned the woman’s face. After a few moments a sharp laugh burst from her throat, startling even Bella, “Wait! I know you!” Sirin grinned devilishly, “So you’re still alive?”
Valerie’s eyes clenched shut in response, the creases of her expression carrying with it unspoken pain, “So you do recognize me,” She opened her eyes and leveled her gaze at the Herrscher, “It’s true, we’ve met before. Thirty years ago.”
Sirin groaned and waved a dismissive hand, “Yes yes, and then Schicksal covered up that little incident as they usually do, all so your pathetic civilians can continue to pretend I’ve been sitting on my hands for the last couple centuries.”
“It’s true Schicksal covered it up,” Valerie smiled, “But pushing you back to the Babylon crater remains one of the proudest moments of my life.”
The remaining pieces seemed to click into place and the room grew heavy as Sirin’s brow pulled down in anger, “Yes… that was you, wasn’t it?” She growled, “Those sanctimonious fools that fancy themselves my sisters are always getting in my way.” The terrifying blanket of Honkai energy seemed to subside as Sirin smiled once more, “You once drew the gaze of the Palatinus Equinox herself. But now look at you, helpless to even stand in my presence.”
Valerie allowed herself a small grin, “I’m sure if I didn’t mind leveling the temple I could get Durandal herself to grant me her power once more. If only to push you back for a second time.”
“Don’t pat yourself on the back you pathetic old hag,” Sirin sneered, “You were only successful back then because my goal was not your complete and utter destruction.”
“My Queen, if I may interrupt.”
Sirin frowned, “What, Bella?”
“Mei is in Nagazora preparing for a mission to the Alsakan mountains. Along with her companions…” The woman trailed off.
“Speak up Bella!” Sirin huffed, “What is it?”
“...Her companions Kiana Kaslana and Bronya Zaychik.”
“Tch. That just confirms what I already knew. The addition of Bronya won’t matter much in the end. I’ve killed one Herrscher of Reason before. I can kill another.”
“But…” Bella bit her lip as she debated her words, “A fully realised Herrscher of Truth will not be as simple as a Herrscher of Reason dying from low Honkai resistance. And Welt never truly died that day. Neither has Bronya ever crumbled under our assaults.”
Sirin growled in frustration, “I’m aware, you don’t have to remind me, Bella. Truth or no Truth her fate will be the same. I doubt she has had much time to truly learn her powers with how few people realise their Herrscher is no longer simply Reason.” Sirin paused. As Bella’s words ran through her mind her frown began deepening further and further, “Those mountains… What could she hope to gain from sending Mei there? Nothing remains but a shadow of my Honkai energy and the echoes of Himeko’s miserable demise. Or… no…” Sirin began pacing, one arm supporting the other as she tapped her finger against her chin in thought, “What is your plan, Kiana? What was so important you would abandon this world and I for so long? It was not simply an attack on the Will…” Her voice dipped back into a growl, “You fucking liar. Whatever it is, I’ll make you suffer for abandoning me.” She spun to Bella, “We’re leaving.”
Bella nodded and walked to Sirin’s side with familiar steps, “What about her, My Queen?” She gestured to Valerie with her chin.
Her golden eyes burned with such deep seated, terrible, and all consuming maelstrom of emotion that Valerie could not stand to hold her gaze when Sirin looked down at her. After a moment of glaring at the old warrior Sirin exhaled sharply, “Leave her. We got what I wanted. This old woman and her pathetically misplaced faith isn’t even worth my vengeance anymore. I’ll be watching this entire city of pests burn soon enough.”
Another portal bloomed to life, this time immediately setting off the wail of the building’s Honkai energy alarms. With one last disgusted look, Sirin turned and entered the portal with heavy steps. Bella followed close behind.
Only a few minutes after the tear in space had closed did several priestesses break through the locked office door. Though they would find no foe. Only their shaken high priestess sucking in desperate, relieved breaths. The terror of those golden eyes and the shock of the words she had muttered becoming yet another secret tucked away into the heavy heart of the Moon Goddess’s loyal servant.
“The hour is late.” Kiana looked up towards the bright light shining onto Seven Thunders as if she could still see the sun, “They’re probably wondering where I wandered off to.”
“Mei has grown to care about you a lot,” Mifumi said quietly, “She’s probably long noticed your absence.”
“Yeah,” Kiana chuckled, “Mei’s always been attentive to those around her for as long as I can remember. And that’s a pretty long time now,” She smiled. She let the implications of her words hang between them like bait teasing the waters of a still lake. Instead of continuing with words, she threw the Raidens before her a casual two fingered salute and disappeared in a flash and a swirl of purple energy.
Ryoma tilted his head back and allowed his eyes to fall closed as he took several slow, deep breaths. When he finally righted his head and opened his eyes, they fell on the worried face of Mifumi, “I hate when she does that.”
Kiana’s absence had indeed been felt. Mei was on her with a worried frown the instant she walked back into the room, the woman nearly dragging her back to the group. Kiana had quickly apologized, insisting to the worried priestess that she’d just needed to get some air. Mei didn’t quite seem to believe her, but accepted the explanation regardless. Sophia and Isabella seemed to have made it their mission to make Camellia socialize, the flustered Valkyrie trapped between the smiling priestess duo as they traded tales of battle. Bronya merely nodded when she noted Kiana’s return, no doubt busy playing a game or messaging Seele while half listening to whatever Caihong was trying to tell her. Cecilia remained studying the images and maps Mei had been using to plan their approach. It was only a few minutes of Mei’s worried fussing (and ignoring the teasing comments of Caihong and Isabella) before her phone dinged with the notification that the transport was fuelled, packed, and ready.
The air was thick with anticipation as they stepped out onto the landing pad. Even the laid back teasing of the Moonbeams had ceased as the wind whipped against the cliff and the crackling lightning of the temple buzzed in their ears. Ryoma and Mifumi Raiden were once again waiting for them as they approached, bowing and offering their well wishes. Though as she passed, her mother called her over with an urgent look on her face. As soon as she got within arms reach Mifumi pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, Ryoma joining them a moment later.
“Be careful, dear,” She murmured.
Mei’s arms squeezed tighter around her mother, “I will do my utmost to return to you safe and sound. I promise.”
Mifumi simply nodded, lips quivering as she placed a gentle kiss against the top of Mei’s head. Eventually they released her from their embrace, albeit reluctantly.
Mifumi picked up a bag she had left on the ground behind her, “I’ve packed your bag with the essentials, combined with the other supplies and you should have everything you need for a couple weeks in the mountains.”
Mei laughed softly, “Mother, I already packed it hours ago. I thought it would already be on board.”
“Well I repacked it and fit in a few things you forgot,” Mifumi raised an eyebrow as if daring Mei to challenge her, “And don’t forget to take care of this before you land.” She held up what looked like a small injection device and a small vial and jiggled her hand back and forth to make sure they drew Mei’s attention.
“Right,” Mei sighed, “I forgot about that with everything else going on.” She accepted the bag and device with a nod and smile of thanks.
Ryoma clapped his hand onto her shoulder, an unsure smile struggling to remain on his face, “You’ll do us proud Mei. I know you’ll overcome any dangers the Honkai can throw at you.”
Mei nodded. She could only hope she could display even a small bit of the confidence her Goddess seemed to have in her, “Well I can’t die before I can attempt Seven Thunders’s test again, can I?”
“Heh, that’s my girl.” Ryoma’s smile gained that bit of brightness she was looking for, “Now go.”
Mei nodded, sending her parents one last smile before turning and jogging the rest of the distance to the lowered boarding ramp where Kiana waited for her. With each step she found that the confidence she had tried to put up for her parents solidified into something more and more real. As she stepped inside and walked into the passenger section, she laid eyes on this group that had come together to aid her and she could feel it in her heart. They could do this.
The airship provided to them by Ryoma was many times fancier than anything Schicksal or most temples used. It would seem he had wasted no expense in making sure their last moments within the boundaries of human civilization would be comfortable ones. The ship itself was just as large as one of the supply transports Schicksal favored, however it featured a sleeker design compared to the blocky shape of the more utilitarian ships. It was still very much a modified cargo transport as most of the back of the ship was taken up by the cargo bay, with this extending even under the passenger areas. With enough space to fit several tons of supplies and equipment, the eight of them were barely taking up the vast space for their excursion. At least Project Bunny could enjoy having so much space, seeing as she was too large to fit into the passenger area. The inside was decorated with the black and white with red accenting one would expect from a vehicle used by one dedicated to the Herrscher of Thunder.
A small staircase led up to the passenger section of the vessel. The seats were soft and made from a pleasantly textured material that stoked a small bit of fear in Mei. She did not want to see the price tag on even the smallest chair in this vessel. In order to get to this rather comfortable seating area one had to walk past a small closed off area containing three sets of bunk beds set into the walls for a total of six beds. The wall space that might have held another pair of beds instead contained a small toilet room with just enough space to fit said item along with a small sink and mirror.
If she went right from the staircase instead of left towards the cockpit there was a small kitchen area. In the opposite direction once more, further up past the beds, was the more casual seating room. Couches were set into the wall and control panels near the doorways on either end of the room could trigger a table to rise out of the flooring near the couches and the chairs set around them. Past that was the secure seating area with the buckles and harnesses one might expect for a flight, the very ones they had sat in during take-off. The cockpit lay just past that with cramped facilities just for the pilots in the hallway before the cockpit proper. The entire place had the same clean, well taken care of smell one might expect from an expensive five-star hotel.
Mei let out a small sigh as she stowed her bag underneath one of the lower beds and took a moment to unbuckle her katana from her waist. The others were mingling in the lounge just past the sliding door (she was fairly certain she’d heard Isabella challenging Camellia to an arm wrestle), though Mei had something to take care of before she could join them. A curtain between her and the door sectioned off another small baggage area in the walls where someone could access their bags without disturbing those on the other side of the fabric. Perfect. Her mother would be on her case for the next month if she let this slip her mind. Once again the injection device and small vial her mother had given her were in her hands.
The grating of the sliding door being slid open and shut followed by the small swish of the curtains came as she opened the device and began inserting the vial, checking and double checking that everything was secure before snapping it back closed. Movement in the corner of her eye eventually pulled her attention away. There stood Kiana, the girl looking to have come through the curtain only to freeze where she stood, a look of uncertainty plastered over her face.
“Uh, h-hey Mei,” She began, shooting the priestess an awkward smile, “I saw you leave, so I just… wanted to check on you.” Her eyes fell to the small device in her hands, “You uh, need any help?”
Mei returned a small smile of her own, “Sure, come here.” She scooted a little to the side and patted the empty bed space next to her.
Hesitance was still clear in her movement, but Kiana soon claimed the spot Mei had motioned to her. She handed the vial loaded device to Kiana. The woman took a moment to study it. A curious little thing, it fit rather easily into her palm. The creases along its body outlined where it came apart to allow the insertion of the vial, with a small hole at the end like a little nail gun. Or… a needle?
The rustle of clothing brought her attention back to the woman beside her and Kiana nearly dropped the thing in her hands as her eyes fell on Raiden Mei having shucked off her jacket and begun the process of unbuckling her belt.
“Wh- wha- wha- wha- what are you doing?!”
Mei took a moment to pop a small pill into her mouth and swallow with a practiced ease, “Well, this injection needs to go into my thigh,” Mei raised an eyebrow and tried to keep the smile off her face as she watched the blush spread across Kiana’s cheeks. “You do know what you offered to help me with, right?”
“O-of course! I know what an e-injection looks like!” Kiana frowned defensively, “I’ve just never seen someone use a weird little contraption like this.”
Mei rolled her eyes good naturedly. She shifted on the bed and pulled the waist of her pants down to bare her thigh. The smell of alcohol filled the small space as she utilized a cotton ball and another small bottle to swab a spot on her newly exposed skin, “You can thank my mother for that. She got it for me and it’s worked well enough. I've never felt the need to use something else, though I could if I had to.” She waited patiently as several different emotions flickered across Kiana’s face at the sight of her exposed undergarments and pale skin.
Kiana sucked in a deep breath and exhaled sharply, “Okay! Okay.” She looked at the device in her hand, “So uh… how does this thing work?”
Mei took it from her and adjusted a small dial on the flat top before holding down a button on the side. There was a soft whirr as liquid was drained from the vial, “There.” She handed it back to the Valkyrie, “Now just press the front flat against my skin right here and hold down the trigger.”
Kiana nodded and did as instructed, “This seems needlessly complicated. Like those random gadgets from sci-fi movies.”
“Probably,” Mei agreed, “But besides still doing its job, I also find the routine rather soothing.”
Kiana bobbed her head in acceptance, “Fair enough. Okay, here we go!” She used her other hand to stretch the skin tight and squeezed. There was a small hiss as the device did its job. After a moment a small beep sounded at its finished work, “So… what happens to the needle?”
“It has a little auto storage section to make disposing of the used ones easy.”
“Oh,” Kiana looked at the device in her hand and shrugged, “Cool. As long as you remember, I guess.”
Mei studied her thigh for a moment before nodding, “Good job,” Mei smiled at the bashful way Kiana’s eyes darted away, “Here.” She held up a small bandage. Kiana’s hands shook ever so slightly as she unsealed the sticky ends and pressed it against Mei’s skin. She quickly smoothed it down. Her touch lingered. Perhaps a bit longer than was appropriate. But just long enough for Mei to lay her hand on Kiana’s own, prompting the girl to meet her eyes. “Thank you, Kiana.”
“Mei, I-”
“Kiana,” Mei interrupted her, “I am sorry if I upset you with my actions at St. Freya. You do not need to give me the intimate details, but please…” She gave the woman’s hand a gentle squeeze, “You are a friend and companion I have come to greatly cherish in this time we have shared together. So please don’t push me away. Talk to me when something upsets you.” Her other hand came up to cup Kiana’s cheek, “I promised myself a long time ago that I would never shy away from expressing myself and living my life as well as I can. It is what my duty as a priestess of Finality represents. What these vials represent. And I hope I can always be someone that supports you in doing the same.”
“Mei…” Kiana blinked against the welling of tears, “I-I-” She closed her eyes and nodded into Mei’s touch, “There’s a lot of… complicated things that I’m dealing with. But you’re right. I’m sorry.
“You spoke of yourself like you’d done something terrible. Like you were not deserving of kindness. But,” Mei smiled, “I believe that conflict within you, no matter what it is you must keep close to your chest, speaks to your good intentions. You could be the Goddess herself and that would not change the warmth you have brought to my life as you are right now.”
Kiana’s body shook as she took in a stuttering breath, “I’m doing my best to give the sad story of this world a happy ending. I promise you.” The words were weighty. She could sense how they bent Kiana’s shoulders, how they sapped at her strength. How they brought out that exhausted smile that sometimes stretched across her face.
“Perhaps I will never truly know or understand these burdens you carry,” Mei said quietly, “But I… I want to be there for you. As a shoulder to lean on when their weight gets too much, if nothing else. I want these obstacles ahead of us to be ones we push through together.”
“We will,” Kiana finally laid her own hand over the one cupping her cheek. Her lips twitched upwards, “Me and you, we’re a team now. Well, Bronya’s part of the team too, I suppose.”
Their eyes remained locked as they giggled together. Once again Mei felt as if they had entered their own world. Their own time. The noise from the others in the next room and the steady drone of the engines seemed to come from far away. Yet Kiana remained as bright and clear as ever. Faintly she wondered- yet again- when she had begun leaning closer.
“Mei…” Kiana continued, “There’s… things about me I can’t tell you about yet. Important things. That’s why… I was afraid. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt you.” Her lips quivered and her eyes couldn’t seem to decide whether to look at her eyes or her lips, “How can I do anything but when I have to keep these secrets?”
“Well…” Mei exhaled with soft amusement, “You took a risk deciding to help me. To the point you’re currently coming with me to an extremely dangerous area of the world where we might die any moment,” Centimeter by centimeter the space between them was disappearing. She could feel Kiana’s breaths caressing her skin as she looked at the priestess with desperate, hopeful eyes, “Let me take a risk on you, too.”
Kiana’s eyes slowly fell closed and Mei allowed her own to follow suit. So tantalizingly close, every breath a teasing caress across their lips. All she had to do was just close the last ever so slight distance.
The frighteningly loud sound of someone sliding the door open and closed before brushing past the curtain sent a shock of fear down her spine so strong that for a moment she thought her heart might explode.
“Hey, Kiana idotka, stop harassing Mei and come-” All three women froze as the curtain fell back into place. At some point Bronya had changed from her one-piece motorcycle jumper and hoodie into a more comfortable tshirt-hoodie-shorts combo. It made the deadpan look on her face somehow even more effective at bringing a blush to the faces of both women before her. Then her hand snapped up faster than either of them could pull away and the sound of a digital camera shutter sealed their doom. “Mei pull your pants back up and bring Kiana to help me beat Caihong at Homu Smash Ultimate.”
“B-Bronya!” Kiana jumped to her feet and held her hands up in a desperate plea, “It- We- That was nothing! I was just helping Mei with her injection and-”
Bronya held up a hand and cut her off, “I literally did not ask. Seele owes me a fifty now, though. Hurry up, Kiana.” Without another word Bronya turned around and with another opening and closing of the sliding door she was gone.
“Seele owes you- Hey! What the fuck!” Kiana snapped her attention back to Mei, her brow crinkled and lips twisted into an embarrassed smile.
Mei got to her feet with a sigh, trying to ignore the way her own cheeks burned. She quickly pulled her pants up and tucked in her black dress shirt before re-buckling her belt. The silence in the room was just as deafening as when Bronya had opened the door.
Kiana’s eyes drooped for a moment before she cleared her throat awkwardly. Her shifting weight and the sheepish way she rubbed the back of her neck were too cute, if not clear indicators of what was still on her mind.
Mei smiled reassuringly. This girl really could be an anxious mess sometimes, couldn’t she? She stepped in close to the girl as she walked past, taking great pleasure in the way Kiana’s eyes shot open wide as soft lips pressed against her cheek for an impossibly long, but fleeting, moment, “Come on,” Mei beckoned her as she kept moving and brushed the curtain to the side, “We shouldn’t keep Bronya waiting.”
It took a few seconds for Kiana’s higher brain functions to reboot, but once they did she hurried to follow Mei through the door. With any luck Bronya would remain too distracted by her games to use this against her for the remaining hours of this long, long flight.