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

Throughout the long nights, Kiana had been tormented by the desire to rescue Ren. But the Honkai, like a parasite, gnawed at her mind and body.

Whenever her resolve wavered, the Herrscher of the Void's mocking laughter echoed in her ears.

Even the treatment she'd received with Mei from that mysterious group couldn't suppress the growing Honkai corruption.

It was now out of control. Even Anti-Entropy, with its advanced technology, was helpless.

Every second, she felt herself weakening, her control over the Honkai energy slipping. She was a ticking time bomb.

"I… I don't have much time left." Kiana's voice was filled with weariness, a bitter smile on her face.

Himeko frowned. According to her information, Kiana's Honkai corruption should have been manageable.

She put down her glass, taking Kiana's wrist. Seeing the network of wounds beneath her sleeve, Himeko winced.

"You… you absorbed all the Honkai energy from that bomb?"

Kiana pulled her hand back, nodding slightly.

"That was reckless!" Himeko had been there when Kiana launched the bomb, but she'd quickly returned to the Theater of Domination.

She'd thought sending the bomb skyward was enough. She hadn't expected Kiana to absorb its energy to contain the blast.

"Wait here. I'll get you some medicine." Thankfully, Ren had given her some supplies before she'd left. She'd assumed it was a Honkai suppressant for herself, but it seemed it was meant for Kiana.

As Himeko left, Kiana stared after her, the image blurring, merging with her memories of Himeko Murata. Was this real, or another dream?

The familiar care, the familiar concern…

It was like being back at St. Freya, Himeko tending to her injuries after a reckless fight against a Honkai beast.

"Is this… an illusion?"

The dizziness intensified. The long journey had exhausted her. She'd found the answer she sought. Darkness closed in, and she collapsed.

…

No pain, no breath, only whispers pulling her back to consciousness.

Bright light streamed through the window, warming her chilled body.

She opened her eyes, blinking against the unfamiliar brightness. During her time on the run with Mei, hiding in that dark room, she'd almost forgotten what sunlight felt like.

"Where… am I?" Her memories were hazy. She remembered returning to ARC City, to Ren's apartment, meeting Himeko-sensei…

"Himeko-sensei?" Fully awake, she tried to sit up, but her body was weak.

She looked down. Bandages covered her body. The small wounds from the Honkai corruption were treated, already healing.

This was surprising. Those wounds were caused by overflowing Honkai energy. Normal medicine wouldn't work.

And the Honkai corruption itself… it seemed suppressed.

She remembered last night, surprised by her own trust in a stranger, discussing her feelings for Ren.

She hadn't even told Mei.

"Did Himeko-sensei really come back?" The thought filled her with a surge of hope. She pushed herself up, trying to stand.

But as she reached the door, she heard voices from the living room.

"We can't delay any longer! You didn't tell me Kiana was this bad!"

It was the woman from last night. The voice was similar to Himeko's, but different. And… a plan? What plan involved her?

Kiana hesitated, then pressed her ear against the door.

But Himeko was communicating through a Puppet link, a private channel Kiana couldn't access.

"How is this not my problem? You're trapped in Schicksal! Everyone's lost! And Kiana's looking for you!"

"I know. She's still unconscious. I won't let her find out." The woman's voice lowered, but Kiana's heart pounded.

A name echoed in her mind, the name she'd been searching for.

"I know she can't go. Schicksal is still after her. If we all die there, at least she'll have Mei and the others. You're both running out of time, Ren."

Click.

The door opened. Himeko looked up, meeting Kiana's azure eyes.

Her heart sank. Before she could explain, Kiana pulled out her guns, aiming them at her.

"Where is he?! That was him, wasn't it? Let me—"

Kiana's voice was filled with anger, but just as Himeko braced herself, her tone softened.

"Let me… talk to him."

Kiana finally understood. Ren wasn't avoiding contact; he was avoiding her. The girl who looked like her, this whole situation… he'd been watching her all along.

"Kiana, he can't—" Himeko sighed. She couldn't reveal the Puppet link.

She'd made multiple rescue plans, all rejected by Ren. And now Kiana was back, her condition critical. Only Ren could save her.

But they couldn't fight Schicksal. This rescue mission was a suicide run. She couldn't let Kiana come.

But Kiana had overheard. And with her stubbornness… this would be difficult.