I had that dream again...
I came to this place again...
Were Kiana and Mei arguing about something?
"Mei... why are you in such a hurry for a conclusion?"
"Since the outcome can't be changed, what's the use in waiting... Nothing can go back to the way it was. We should bring them release as enemies. Any more mercy will only bring more pain."
"Mei... I just want to spend this time quietly with you. Since this world has given us this chance, why..."
"That's just what you want. I won't be as selfish as you. If you want to keep playing the sinner in this world, then go ahead, but you can't save everyone, not even yourself.
Kiana, this meaningless affair should have ended long ago. If you can't bring yourself to do it, then I'll end this pointless dream for you."
"Mei, you can't beat Ryn... Continuing to fight like this will only accelerate this world's demise."
"Yes, I can't beat him, but I don't need to fight him. He's just like you, a mere passerby lost in this world. I'll end the suffering of those insects first, then I'll deal with him."
Mei glanced at Penglaiji Ryn, who had once again entered the dream and walked up to them, then turned and left.
Penglaiji Ryn softly asked Kiana, who had remained behind.
"Were you two arguing?"
"Yes, and no. It's all too late. Mei has made her choice. To her, this world is nothing but a continuation of that cruel one...
I thought I could change something this time, but I still couldn't escape the curse of fate. Even in a fleeting dream, I can't find a moment of peace. Perhaps this is my punishment..."
The light in Kiana's eyes dimmed further. She opened her hand, and a ball of light appeared.
"I'm sorry. I originally wanted to help you drive out the Honkai... but I never expected it to turn into this...
I should have told you and Ryn the truth sooner. If it were you two, perhaps you could have really found a turning point, found the ending that I can't see..."
"The truth... What truth?"
Kiana shook her head without saying more. She walked over to Penglaiji Ryn, stood before her, supported her back, and pressed the ball of light into her chest.
"There might be some confusion for a while, but now... it's time to wake up."
——————————————
"Wake up, Penglaiji Ryn, wake up! It's time to go."
Seele shook Penglaiji Ryn, waking her from her slumber.
Although Ryn said last night that he wasn't planning on fighting Kiana to the death, everyone still decided to find Kiana first.
"..."
Penglaiji Ryn opened her eyes, lying in bed as if her soul had left her. She looked like she wasn't fully awake, but her eyes flickered with the light of racing thoughts.
"I am... Penglaiji... Ryn..."
"Hmm? Still sleepy? But we don't have much time! Wakey-wakey~"
Seele waved a hand in front of Penglaiji Ryn's face, but Penglaiji Ryn didn't react.
Sensing that something might be wrong, Seele ran out to call everyone over.
By the time Ryn, Theresa, and Bronya had run over and gathered around Penglaiji Ryn's bed, Penglaiji Ryn was already sitting up straight, her forehead covered in a cold sweat.
Penglaiji Ryn turned her head woodenly to look at Ryn and the others, a million thoughts racing through her mind.
"What's going on? Is she just groggy... or has she been corrupted by the Honkai?"
"Could it be that Theresa snuck over in the middle of the night and bopped her on the head..."
"Bronya, how little you think of me! I'm not that childish!"
The valiant Bronya, the lively and cheerful Seele, Theresa who wasn't even as tall as the bedframe when standing, and... her doting older brother, Ryn.
Penglaiji Ryn looked at the familiar yet strange faces by her bed and broke into a carefree smile.
"Sorry, sorry for worrying everyone. I'm fine. It just seems I got my memories back after waking up."
"Huh?"
"Huh??"
"Huh???"
"You got your memories back just like that?"
"The human body is a mysterious thing, isn't it!" Penglaiji Ryn said with a smile.
"The memories are appearing like a slideshow, and the past is becoming clearer. It's just that my head is so full and chaotic right now, I can barely tell who's who..."
"Then do you remember that thing? The 500,000 you owe me."
Penglaiji Ryn looked up at Ryn, then picked up the pillow beside her and threw it at him.
"No such thing!"
Ahem. Although she was attacked with a pillow, it showed that even with her memories back, Penglaiji Ryn hadn't grown distant from everyone...
Bronya: "Penglaiji Ryn, are you feeling unwell in any way? Can you still go on? We must set out on our journey. We don't have much time left."
"I'm fine, just a bit muddled. I can sort out my memories on the way." Penglaiji Ryn took her clothes, preparing to get dressed and out of bed.
The moment she took the clothes and was about to put them on, Penglaiji Ryn thought of something and her cheeks flushed red.
Aaaah, this is so embarrassing! How can Brother Ryn stand there and watch me change so calmly! I'm not wearing anything underneath!
Of course, girls understand girls best. Seeing Penglaiji Ryn freeze in the middle of getting dressed, completely red, Seele and the others quickly understood what was happening.
"Ahem... I just remembered there's something I need to give you. Ryn, come with me for a moment..."
After speaking, Theresa grabbed the corner of a clueless Ryn's shirt, led him out, and closed the door.
"Grand-aunt, what goodies are you giving me? A secret weapon or a map of Academy City?"
"I'll give you a Judah! A girl is changing clothes, how could you just stand there and watch!"
"Er, so that's what it was..."
Ryn turned sadly to look at the dark clouds outside the window.
"We used to be so close, she'd call me 'brother' all the time. I used to be the one to comb her hair, and sometimes I'd even help with her bandages... Sigh, I guess getting her memories back really did make us more distant!"
"What did you say? You actually took advantage of a confused girl with amnesia! You bastard, Ryn! Take this Judah!!"
*CRACK—*
A clap of thunder from outside interrupted Ryn and Theresa's squabble. They both frowned in unison and looked toward the rumbling in the sky.
Dark clouds covered the entire sky, and mighty bolts of lightning flashed continuously within them, emitting a dangerous aura.