Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

…

“Let go.”

“No!”

“Let go.”

“Please, Mei…”

Sirin is watching how the clingy Kiana keeps insisting to be together with the Herrscher of Thunder. It really crushes the Belarusian’s mood, and desire to eat grilled cheese – she hasn’t eaten the second toasted cheese sandwich. There’s not much she can do than to keep observing the heartbreaking scene.

Eventually, Kiana concedes, and walks off with tears. Similarly with Mei, as she is full of sorrow and regrets. It is clear to Sirin that there’s more to this than ‘just some breakup’.

“Kiana.” Sirin offers the sad Valkyrie with… “Grilled cheese?”

“Wha-?” The Kaslana was still sobbing when she receives a plate with grilled cheese without any chance to refuse. “You’re… Sirin?”

“Yes. You look sad. I hope grilled cheese can make your day less bad.”

“… Thank you, Sirin.” Kiana wipes her tears off her face and proceeds with eating Sirin’s grilled cheese.

“Maybe it’s better if you take a seat.” Sirin points to the nearby table and chair. “What do you want to drink? Milk, water, soda?”

The Valkyrie in the White Comet battlesuit takes a seat at the table. “Water will do.”

Sirin seemingly conjures an empty glass cup out of nowhere, which surprises the Kaslana. Then, the purple-haired Herrscher forms a small portal above the glass cup, and out of the portal falls a stream of water. Kiana glances at the sink near the window to see where the originating portal comes from.

“You’re the Herrscher of the Void!” Kiana deduces.

“Correct.” Sirin closes the portal as the glass is filled with water. “I may not know what is going on with you and Mei. But being a Herrscher myself, I may be able to understand the situation a little better than you. A big maybe I have to emphasise.”

Kiana nods. “So, do you know why Mei is so moody…”

“Hmm…” Sirin sits in the air, floating above the ground. “I did hear her talk about having regrets joining a mercenary company. Good chance it has to do with that. Nat said that Mei was rather hostile to her.”

“Nat? Who is Nat?” The name made her curious.

“Freelance combat medic. I worked together with her for several years. She’s kind, caring, and compassionate. So it’s rather surprising Mei doesn’t look at her that way. Hold on…”

“What is it?” The White Comet leans a bit closer to the Void Queen.

“Oh right… Not everyone here is what you think they are… You’re very different to the Kiana I know, and in turn, the Mei and Sirin you know are very different to the ones you’re talking to now.”

“Huh?! There are multiple Mei’s and Sirin’s!”

“Don’t forget yourself, Kiana.”

“Oh! So the Mei I know still loves me!” The Kaslana seems relieved. “But, what about her…”

“I’m pretty sure she still loves you, even though I never met her. Having lounged around here for some time, I can say that you and Mei love each other regardless of place and time.”

“Wha- what…?”

“Don’t think too hard about it. It didn’t do me any good either the first time I got here. Just take lookalikes here as ‘possible outcomes of people’. There could very well be a ‘you’ here that’s just like the ‘Mei’ you met.”

“Oh…”

“I could try talking to Mei right now, but I believe she needs time for herself. It looks like she is going through a lot right now and doesn’t want anyone to talk to her.”

“I see…” Kiana nods. “Thanks for the grilled cheese, Sirin!”

“You’re welcome, Kiana. Glad to have spoken to you for a moment.”

Chapter Text

Theresa ponders in her office, thinking about what to eat next…

“Hmm… Perhaps I can join Mei and Kiana this afternoon…”

Since the Saint Freya Principal doesn’t have anything to do – all the paperwork has been dealt with – she decides to visit the college dorms.

As she exits the school and nears the dorms, she sees something out of place…

Floating fish? Why do they float and what are they doing here in Saint Freya?! Surely the Honkai didn’t infiltrate Saint Freya! Otherwise Theresa would have seen the security go off. Though, the fish fly in and out of the window where Kiana usually is…

The Mantis can only enter the dorms to see what is unfolding inside.

Several Herrschers are lounging in the FISH area, which was formerly the common area where all the Kiana’s vibed. The Herrscher of the Void is floating alongside the FISH, just like the Herrscher of Wind, circling around the room clockwise. Then there is the Herrscher of Thunder, she seems to be doing fine in the metaphorical FISH tank; she even plays with some of the FISH. Naturally, FISH attracts the attention of the felines – The cats Stan and Can are present, and where there is Can, there is also Pardofelis. And oh, the Flamechaser is also a Herrscher – Rimestar to be specific. Lastly, there is the Herrscher of Finality and Sirin sitting at the coffee table.

Currently present are thus: six Herrschers, one cat turned Honkai beast, and the other is probably a manifestation of the Honkai. So make it two Honkai cats.

The FISH have won the so-called war against the Kiana’s by being harmless and providing a sense of comfort. That way the ‘Tuna’s’ didn’t mind the presence of ‘competing’ FISH.

The FISH being docile and soothing is an intentional design decision from the Herrscher of Finality. She noticed being among the Valkyries that they’re all stressed out and even the calm in the dorms weren’t sufficient. While the Valkyries do have entertainment outside of the dorms, not everyone has the time to play around as classes are rather demanding. The need for a companion lead to the creation of FISH.

“Kiana, what are you…” Theresa fell silent upon seeing the school of FISH filling the top half of the common room. “Doing…”

The 14^th Herrscher notices Theresa. “Hey Theresa!” She waves at her. Her Honkai rich purple coloured arms always grabs attention.

“Kiana! The fish! Why!”

“It’s funny! Just look at them go! Everyone here can vouch for me – everyone likes the FISH!”

Sirin does her best to hold her laughter as Kiana desperately tries to convince the Principal. The FISH took Theresa’s attention so much that she didn’t realise of the Purple Herrscher’s presence. Which didn’t help Sirin with holding her laughter.

“You didn’t let me know, Kiana! I would’ve approved it if you just show up in my office.” Theresa sighs. “But alright, fish… I, but particularly Schicksal, does not like you letting pets inside the dorms without asking permission.”

“I know. That’s why they’re ELFs”

“Listen, I know ELFs have more lenient rules, but you cannot just stamp ELF on things that just look cute.”

“They filter the air, provide an internet hotspot, form distributed networks independent of cell towers, send anything by attaching on a FISH.”

“…” Theresa glances at the Herrschers having fun with the school of FISH. Actually, now that Kiana mentions the courier capability, a rather fat cat is holding onto the long silver hair of a flying tuna. “Okay, I admit I didn’t expect that from you. How did you make so many of them?”

“Thanks to Bronya and Rin.”

Those two names were enough for the Principal to understand how the FISH were mass-produced. “Maybe… tone down your powers for a while as I sort this out with the administration… Send me the spec sheet of the fish and they’ll be welcome to roam. Provided they don’t cause any trouble or create too many distractions.”

“Got it!”

Theresa is back in her office, waiting for Kiana to send in the details of the FISH.

…

She has to admit that a FISH does indeed add some colour to life. Maybe she should’ve gotten a FISH too…

And as if bound by fate, the door opens and a FISH gracefully soars to Theresa. A folder attached to the FISH with string catches Theresa’s attention.

As Theresa takes the folder off the FISH, the FISH proceeds to fly away, but not before closing the door. It seems they have manners programmed into them.

“Alright…” The Principal open the map. “Let’s see what they’re made of.”

…

Rather uncomfortable details concerning its abilities and properties catches her eye. “Payload delivery vehicle… Solid fuel armour plating, Honkai absorption batteries, self-cleaning HEPA filters? Anti-grav generators – that makes sense. But everything else… Gosh, don’t tell me…”

The FISH was initially designed as a response to Schicksal’s and Anti Entropy’s MIRV usage during the Second Eruption. While only one nuclear device has detonated thanks to the Herrscher of the Void’s excellent vigilance, the Special Intervention Company believes the worst case scenario of a nuclear winter to be a real possibility. Furthermore, the Fourth Divine Key based on the Herrscher of Wind was seriously underutilised, has been inadequate for centuries and was never able to lower Honkai contamination quickly enough before the next Honkai event occurred. Hence the SIC prioritises Project FISH’s development and regularly performs on-field tests.

“…”

“I’m sorry for what I did to you, Sirin…”

Chapter Text

Theresa: Attention Valkyries:

We have noticed significant Honkai radiation originating from the fridge.

But there's only milk???

Why

Kiana: Whose milk?

Theresa: It's unmarked. No label.

Kiana: Oh

Hua: Can you see what flavour it is? Colour?

Theresa: It looks like milk, it swirls like milk. But why is it radiating so much Honkai energy???

Sirin: Herrschers or Mantises

Theresa: Oh god, why

Why would anyone milk Herrschers

Sirin: Beats me

For the funny perhaps?

This incident is sure as hell going to be recorded into Saint Freya rules and history!

Theresa: I must remind everyone that you are not allowed to store Honkai radiating material outside of Soulium or leaded containers, and outside of the designated storage area.

Sirin: oohhh that's why no one dares to say. If you want to store Honkai material, it gets registered with your identity.

Also, you cant get the fancy cases without registration either.

Can't ask @Bronya_Zaychik either to make containers because Herrscher signature.

Bronya: @Sirin why are you tagging me in all of this?

Sirin: You have to read it! It's just so hilarious!

Theresa: Bronya, do you know who it could be?

Bronya: No idea. Maybe look into security?

Theresa: It gave me nothing. That's why I am asking you all.

Looks like this investigation needs to be put on hold...

Chapter Text

Ever since Rin took over a part of Schicksal’s administrative systems, Theresa’s workload got reduced significantly. So much so that she only has to work about two days a week! Unfortunately, she actually has too much time on her hands now and is struggling to find work to do or leisure to spend on.

Luckily, Entropy has also a lot of time on her hands and fortunately for her, she is going through the Valkyrie Qualification Training. Even though Entropy’s vessel is primarily made out of Soulium, she still needs to exercise as her mind needs to acclimatise her newfound body.

Seeing as both Theresa and Entropy have lots of free time, the Principal decides to join her in one of the exercises Entropy is going through. But right at that moment, it is precisely Entropy that calls her first!

“Good afternoon, madam Theresa.” Entropy initiates the video call.

“Hello, Entropy. Good timing, I just wanted to call you!”

“But… I think I need your help.”

“Oh? What can I help you with?”

“I am trapped in the soup store…”

“…” Theresa sighs. “Don’t tell me that woman is at it again…”

Said woman suddenly pops up in the video feed, pushing Entropy aside. “Not everything that happens is because of me, you know…” Her voice sounds hurt, emphasising the Principal’s prolonged prejudice against Vita.

“What?” Theresa is now confused. “You’re trapped as well?!”

“After we sparred, we decided to go shopping. And now we are somehow trapped in this store with endless arrays of soup.” Vita explains.

“My phone isn’t any good either…” Entropy adds. “The maps show that the store is infinitely large and there is no exit in sight…”

Vita notes: “Thankfully, with our combined special powers we managed to establish a connection with the outside world!”

“An infinitely large store?” Theresa wonders. “Then… it sounds like you are trapped in a tesseract or an intricate illusion? Can you still remember how you got into the store?”

Entropy responds “We went to the nearest shopping street to Saint Freya.”

Rin, the Herrscher of Corruption, joins the video call uninvited. “I have traced you video connection to the Moon.”

Everyone is surprised to hear that. “What? The Moon?!”

“Wait, hold on.” Rin interrupts. “Could it be that you are still inside the combat simulation? The Soup Store is one of the templates that I use for hostage rescue missions… Maybe it is a bug with the environment generator that repeats the same interior. Give me a moment, I’ll look up if any of the Lunar training rooms are in use.”

Without skipping a beat Rin informs them with: “It is in The Stadium.”

“Huh?” Theresa looks bewildered. “You guys have an entire stadium on the Moon?”

“Yes.” Rin nods in video. “We recently used it for hostage rescue training exercises. I’m pretty sure Entropy and Vita could get a hang of it.”

“I’ll think about it. But how did we end up on the Moon?” Entropy asks. “We were at Saint Freya just moments ago!”

“Hmm…” Rin ponders. “My first thought you somehow managed to use my intranet to transport your consciousness to The Stadium, but that wouldn’t be able to explain how Vita got there as well. So, it is most likely a portal that did it.”

“Kiana or Sirin?” Theresa suggests. “They do regularly teleport between the Moon and Earth.”

“Or…” Vita interrupts. Naturally gaining the looks of everyone. “Maybe it has to do with the ‘Wishing Engine’ that I worked on…”

Theresa sighs and dials Kiana to join the conversation. The Herrscher of Finality promptly accepting the video call. “Kiana, are you aware of a ‘Wishing Engine’ that Vita is working on?”

“Vita?” The Kaslana sounds puzzled. “But she’s working on our Interplanetary Defence Systems with Rin.”

“Oh?” The Herrscher of Corruption is surprised with this revelation. “Vita, please do follow the coordinated vulnerability disclosure protocol.”

“Ah yes, of course!” Vita speaks in earnest. “I’ll write the report when I get the chance!”

“Not to be impatient but we are still stuck in the soup store…” Entropy reminds everyone.

“I’m on it.” Kiana answers her call for help and leaves the video call.

Right after that happens, the video feed of Vita and Entropy gets blindingly bright. Then, Kiana appears on video, now standing alongside Vita and Entropy.

“What do you think will happen after we leave this space, Vita?”

“Huh? What?” Vita still has to process how quickly Kiana got here. “I have no idea, sorry.”

“Then I’ll have to seal off this pocket dimension of sorts, or perhaps even destroy it…” Kiana aims her attention at the duo of Vita and Entropy. “So, ready to leave this place?”

“Yeah.”
“Pretty much.”

The Herrscher grabs the hand of Vita and Entropy and within an instant, they are inside Theresa’s office.

“Woah.” Vita is amazed by the show of power. “Just like that!”

Entropy on the other hand is confused. “Oh? Well, that was quick. Thank you for saving us, Kiana.”

“You’re welcome.” The 14^th Herrscher nods. “Unfortunately, I need to deal with that soup store dimension, so I got to go. Stay safe!”

Kiana Kaslana spontaneously disappears as if she was never here.

“If you excuse me, I need to watch over Kiana. So that she doesn’t have to deal with too much paperwork. Till next time everyone!” Rin takes her leave as well, disconnecting from the video call.

This leaves only Entropy, Vita and Theresa in the Principal’s office.

“What a day, huh.” Theresa breaks the silence. “You know what. How about we get pizza right now and have a proper break this time.”

“Certainly, Theresa.”

“Hey, uh…”

Rin gets Kiana’s attention.

“So, I am having a back-and-forth with Prometheus and cross referencing observational data of Valuka. Based on what I found, it appears that Vita created a Stellaron…”

All that Kiana could reply with was:

“Oh.”

Chapter Text

Prime: “Thank you for being present in the conference. As in the agenda, the topic of today regards the deployment Valkyries Coralie and Helia, and how we should respond to events that are likely to happen.”

Topic 1: Augmentation of Valkyries

Vanguard: “Is Schicksal or Anti Entropy aware of our intervention and or involvement with the Mars expedition mission?”

Prime: “Other than the presence of the twelfth Herrscher, I don’t believe Schicksal nor Anti Entropy is aware of out operations. I hate to admit this, but I’d rather keep it internal for now as operator Fox believes playing this through is most likely to be catastrophic.”

Fox: “Correction. I assumed that Schicksal has similar capabilities as ours, but I forgot to take a different vector into account. That being direct interaction with Helia and Coralie.”

Prime: “Your plans are very concerning. Particularly with how invasive they are.”

Fox: “The first plan is for reference to compare other plans to; it doesn’t have to be good. I considered using nanites to keep Valkyries ‘immortal’, but it ended up being too similar to Project Stigma. And with Project Stigma I mean the one that Kevin wanted to use as opposed to ours.”

Prime: “Converting Helia into Vill-V is also a concerning idea of yours. I’d rather not enable a variant of Anti Entropy’s MK Ultra onto Schicksal’s operators. That would severely damage our relation with them. And I doubt our current implementation would be beneficial to Helia’s psychological wellbeing. Giving Helia access to Vill-V’s hardware is a better idea compared to brainwashing.”

Vanguard: “I’d like to ask why we are discussing about the covert augmentating of Valkyries for those who are not up to speed with the latest conversations.”

Prime: “It is because we are concerned for the deaths of the Valkyries involved with the Mars Expedition. I have received concerns from Vita about the wellbeing of the Valkyries. I will play the voice message she has sent to me.

Vita, voice message: “What are they thinking?! If Mars is even remotely similar to my home planet; they are fucked. I was only able to overthrow my mother with the help of several Herrschers, Mantises, Finality HERSELF, and other clones of me along with the entire population of Salt Snow Holy City. There’s no way only two inexperienced Valkyries can do the same thing we did.”

Prime: “I have forwarded my and her concerns to the Schicksal Overseer. Unfortunately, she was insistent with proceeding the Mars Expedition. Expressing how the mission is solely ‘exploratory’ and how she has selected the top of the class Valkyries for the mission.”

Fox: “Is the Overseer aware of the capabilities of the Warsat network?”

Prime: “No.”

Fox: “You should have explained Warsats to her.”

Topic 2: SIC’s intervention policy to the Mars Expedition.

Vanguard: “Seeing as the Overseer is practically a God in the same sense that Operator Prime is, it is unlikely that we will be able to persuade her. Then, how should we ensure that the Valkyries remain safe? And what if we are unable to guarantee it? What should our response be to the adversaries?”

Vita: “Turn Helia and Coralie into Mantises and or Herschers which solves point one and two. Perhaps add me and a million E-4’s. And if we still fail after all that: Declare war on whatever civilisation lives on Mars and just nuke them. I am not going to settle for less.”

Prime: “Unfortunately, due to the time constraints and lack of political power, we are likely to have to settle.”

Vita: “Come on Kiana. You literally fought against Schicksal, Anti Entropy, and World Serpent all at once back when you were Herrscher of the Void. And you Bella! You also did fought against the world alongside with Kiana and Sirin. I also think we should quit with the codenames, because ‘Fox’, really? You’re not creative at all, Rin. But more importantly, how come Theresa not give us the mission?!”

Vanguard: “Based on past conversations with the Overseer, she doesn’t want to be over-reliant to our services because that would undermine Schicksal’s status.”

Vita: “So, I guess we have to fuck around and find out. Then we have to do these missions ourselves and make sure it doesn’t go to hell too fast. That is the only thing we must do, and we must do it right now.”