Caught off guard by the sudden hug, Kiana froze—but soon returned the embrace.
"I'm back. Sorry for making you and everyone worry."
For the first time in months, Kiana felt truly at peace.
"Why? Why did you keep running away? Do you have any idea how much everyone cares about you? How much I worried? How terrified I was of losing you forever?"
Letting go, Mei began pouring out her grievances.
Listening, Kiana opened her mouth slightly but couldn't find the words.
Then, Mei tossed an orange garment onto her face.
"Mei, don't throw things at my face! Huh? This is my jacket?"
Unfolding the orange fabric, Kiana realized it was the jacket she'd lost.
"You're always losing things."
"Hehe, sorry for worrying you. But you look really pretty in that outfit too."
Leaving the room, Mei's heart remained unsettled.
Tesla's words echoed in her mind.
She didn't know how to break the news to Kiana—or if she even could.
Soon, Kiana put on the jacket and followed Mei outside, hugging her from behind.
"Mei, Mei, let's go for a walk together. It's so stuffy in there."
"...Sure."
Exiting the Hyperion, Mei took Kiana to a high-rise overlooking Nagazora.
This place held countless memories for them. It was here that she'd first met Kiana.
"Hey, hey! That place looks like Senba Academy! Mei, let's go check it out!"
Recognizing a familiar rooftop, Kiana's memories came flooding back.
Excited, she grabbed Mei's hand and dragged her along.
On the way, however, a silver dragon burst from the water below.
"Bella!"
Drawing her sword, Mei prepared to fight once more.
But this time, Bella showed no hostility, instead lowering her head toward Kiana.
As if sharing a mental link, Kiana reached out and stroked Bella's armor.
"Mei, she seems to listen to me! How about we ride Bella to Senba Academy's rooftop?"
"...If that's what you want."
Mei couldn't refuse Kiana.
So Kiana had Bella kneel, then scooped Mei into a princess carry and leaped onto the dragon's back.
"Kiana! You're still injured! What if you get hurt again?"
Blushing furiously in Kiana's arms, Mei couldn't hide her concern.
"It's fine, Mei. As long as you're with me, I have endless energy. Hehe, and didn't I promise to be your knight in shining armor?"
"Mm..."
Burying her face in Kiana's chest, Mei was too flustered to respond.
Bella, however, was having a crisis.
If I let someone else ride me, will Her Majesty the Queen despise me?
I only wanted to serve the Queen! Why is she letting others ride me? Waaah!
Though confused, Bella remained obedient.
Upon reaching the rooftop, Kiana leaped down with Mei in her arms.
"Bella, go have fun. I'll call if I need you."
ROAR—!
Nodding, Bella spread her wings and flew off.
Now alone on the rooftop, Kiana and Mei reminisced.
"Mei, this is where I saved you when you wanted to end your life."
"I know. It was the only light in my darkest hour."
Remembering the past, Mei shuddered at the thought of a world without Kiana.
Thankfully, she didn't have to face such a reality.
The two talked for hours—about the past, about what everyone had been up to in Kiana's absence.
"Huh? That little pipsqueak became a Herrscher? That's surprising. But she saved the person she wanted to save. That's good."
"Yes. Bronya worked so hard for Seele. Her wish came true. Now you need to work hard too—no, we need to work hard together."
"Of course! We're all Himeko-sensei's students. Her dream is something we'll fulfill together."
That night, Raven summoned Mei to meet with World Serpent's leader, Kevin.
"Raiden Mei, the Third Herrscher. You know the girl named Kiana's condition. You have two choices: join World Serpent, and we'll tell you how to save her... or find your own way."
"...What exactly is World Serpent?"
"An organization founded by the failures of the Previous Era. We exist to eradicate the Honkai."
The next day...
"Kiana, try the curry I made."
Though her eyes were dull, Mei forced a smile to hide her distress.
From Dr. Einstein, she'd learned there was no cure for Kiana's condition—only Kiana herself could overcome it.
"Curry! My favorite!"
Taking the plate, Kiana dug in with gusto.
Within moments, the entire serving was gone.
"Just like always! Only Mei's cooking tastes this good. It's been so long since I've had something so delicious—so hot and spicy! Amazing."
"...I'm glad you like it."
Hearing this, Mei trembled imperceptibly.
She took the empty plate from Kiana's hands.
"I'll go wash the dishes. You can walk around for a bit."
In the kitchen, Mei's hands shook as she scrubbed.
"Silly... sweet pepper curry isn't supposed to be spicy."
Now she understood just how far Kiana's condition had progressed.