Herrscher of Dominance in Honkai, starting with the abduction of Kiana

There was something… off about this city. The people here were… passionate.

Like devout believers, they placed their faith in something called "hope."

And then there were the peculiar ones: the followers of "Magical Girl Kiana." They didn't demand belief but subtly promoted their… idol.

Every day, groups of adorable children roamed the streets, handing out small gifts with innocent smiles.

They didn't ask for anything in return. Instead, they spread the whimsical tale of a magical girl. It was hard to be cynical.

"Follow Kiana-chan, meow! Thank you for your support, meow!"

Their message was everywhere, embedded into the city's DNA.

It was a remarkably effective form of indoctrination. With the entire city participating, it all seemed perfectly normal.

Cults typically preyed on the desperate, exploiting their vulnerability.

But Ren was different. He had offered genuine hope.

This rebuilt city had no significant wealth disparity. His threads touched everyone, offering a shared prosperity.

People embraced hope, building a brighter future, and willingly became part of the Herrscher's domain.

Kiana was stunned when the girl handed her the gift. She looked into the child's bright eyes.

"Did someone ask you to do this? To promote… Kiana?"

"Nope! Kiana saved us. Everyone loves her. Because of her, we survived. Most people here saw her save the world. Aren't you from here, nee-chan?"

"Uh… I… I just came home."

Kiana instinctively looked towards her old neighborhood, her gaze distant.

When she snapped back, the girl was gone. In her hand was a small loaf of bread with a card attached. On it was a drawing of Magical Girl Kiana.

She'd assumed "Kiana-chan" was just a popular idol with a similar name. But the drawing… it was unmistakably her.

"What is this? Is this… me?"

"No, it can't be… who would idolize a Herrscher?" She dismissed the thought. It was probably just someone using her image.

She was an outcast, a pariah.

The wristband absorbed the Honkai energy she unconsciously emitted, allowing her to safely enter the city. As long as the exposure wasn't prolonged, it wouldn't harm ordinary people.

Kiana watched the girl she'd spoken to, making sure she was alright, before quietly slipping away.

Older Kiana had explained the wristband's function, but she still didn't want to put anyone at risk.

The aroma of street food filled the air, but Kiana couldn't smell it. Walking in the shadows, she looked at the bread in her hand.

Hunger gnawed at her. After a moment's hesitation, she took a bite.

She couldn't taste it, but it was the most delicious meal she'd ever had.

Looking at the city, she felt a pang of loneliness. She didn't belong here.

Following a familiar route, she returned to the eastern suburbs.

The abandoned houses were occupied, lights shining in every window.

She walked under the dim streetlights, through narrow alleyways, to a familiar place.

She longed for a place to rest, a refuge among these welcoming lights.

But…

Among the thousands of lights, one remained dark.

When the world was shrouded in darkness, a single light had guided her.

Now, as the world returned to light, the one who'd shown her the way was gone.

A wave of sadness washed over her. She pushed open the gate, walking towards the familiar door.

Knock, knock.

No answer.

She stood there, alone, like a lost child.

She leaned against the door, sliding down, her arms wrapped around her knees, her face buried in them.

Tears flowed silently, soaking her clothes.

Soft sobs echoed in the hallway.

Click.

The door opened.

"Ren—" She looked up, not at the gray-haired boy, but at a red-haired woman.

The woman, looking as if she'd just woken up, stared at Kiana, confused. "Can I help you?"

Kiana stared at her, speechless, reaching out a trembling hand.

"Himeko… sensei?"

The woman shook her head. "I'm not a teacher. I think you have the wrong person."

Himeko was now in a Puppet body, her appearance different, though some features remained. A closer look revealed the differences.

Kiana, after the initial shock, fell silent, a wave of dizziness washing over her.

She struggled to her feet, her voice apologetic. "Sorry, I… I have the wrong house."

"Wrong house?" Himeko suppressed her pity, following Ren's instructions.

"Oh, you're looking for Ren? He's not here, but his things are still here. Come in." She pulled Kiana inside. She couldn't let a young girl wander the streets at night.

It reminded her of the night she'd been kicked out, a pang of resentment towards Ren surfacing. That tsundere Herrscher, he knew Kiana would come. That's why he'd sent her here from Delta's training.

The apartment was the same. Even the books Kiana had helped organize were still stacked in the corner. It was as if nothing had changed.

But everything had changed.

The frail boy was now the Herrscher of Fire. Those peaceful days were gone.

"Wait here. I'll get you some water."

Kiana tried to decline, but Himeko had already gone to the kitchen.

The table was clean, as if someone had been tidying up regularly.

A picture frame lay face down. Kiana hesitated, then picked it up.

Ren, his mother, and Taxue. The boy's bright smile brought a flicker of warmth to her face.

But as she touched his image, she sighed.

It was all in the past. He'd lost everything, and she… she'd lost him.

There was a dark red stain on the back of the frame. Blood?

Kiana closed her eyes, suppressing the rising wave of grief.