A/N: uhh.... Hi? I hope you still remember me and this fic.
Sorry about the long absence. I was stump on what how to write the scenes on my head. It took me a long time how to shape the vision I have.
Please don't worry, I will not drop this fic half way. Maybe the updates will be slow but I will not drop this.
Anyways, here is a short story a continuation of episode 13 along with the rewrite version of chapter 19.
Enjoy!
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After several hours of preparation, Helios departed from Saint Freya en route to the forest near Mount Fuji, where the mysterious signal had originated. Inside the transport ship, Theresa was at the front, discussing the signal status with the pilot and her staff. Meanwhile, in the bay area, Kiana and Noah sat beside each other in a silence that felt heavier than the buzzing activity around them.
Although the staff were clearly curious about the academy's beloved 'couple' suddenly not speaking to each other, none dared to ask, not with Theresa, their boss and Kiana's aunt, just a few steps away.
Because of how volatile Honkai energy tends to have with men, the majority of Saint Freya's students and staff were women. Naturally, many of them were fascinated by Noah and Kiana's 'relationship.'
Usually, Kiana could be seen clinging to Noah asking for snacks, whining to be spoiled, or just napping beside him like it was her birthright. And, like clockwork, Noah always gave in. Whether it was out of patience, affection, or surrender, no one could say. But to the staff and students watching? Their daily antics were far more addictive than any drama on TV.
"They're not speaking," one of the staff whispered, peeking over her tablet.
"Did they argue or something?"
"Nah," another replied with a chuckle. "Kiana probably didn't get her cookie quota today."
Theresa's brow twitched. She sighed, setting her terminal aside with a loud thud that made the room jolt.
"Ladies," she said sweetly but firmly. "Is there an update on the signal, or are we still focused on snack-based relationship theories?"
The staff jumped to attention.
"N-No changes, Ma'am. The signal remains stable."
"No Honkai activity either. Everything's quiet! well, except for the rumors."
Back across the room, Kiana suddenly turned toward Noah and blurted, "I didn't mean to make things weird!"
Noah blinked, caught off guard. "...I never thought you did."
Kiana huffed, cheeks puffed. "Then why are you so quiet, huh?"
He glanced at her. "I'm just thinking. About what it means to stay... or to go."
Her breath hitched.
"… I don't want to be the reason you change your path," she whispered.
Noah shook his head. "And I don't want a path that doesn't have you in it."
Silence.
Staring.
On the far side of the cabin, several staff members who had been eavesdropping whipped their heads toward the two in unison, eyes wide with shock.
"Okay that was hot."
"Kyaa~ someone say that to me toooo~!"
"Where can I find Noah for me?"
"That sounded like a confession! Like, proposal-level!"
Theresa, flustered beyond words, buried her face in her hands
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"Lady Theresa, we've arrived at the target location," the pilot reported through the comms.
"Understood. Open the landing bay. I'll drop from there," Theresa instructed as she strode toward the edge of the platform. "Helios is to remain airborne and await further instructions. Do not descend unless I give the signal."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
Footsteps approached from behind. Noah walked up beside her, a determination in his eyes.
"Something on your mind?" Theresa asked, glancing sideways with a raised brow.
"I want to go down there with you," Noah said calmly.
She paused. "Your ability showed you something, didn't it?"
He didn't answer directly just gave a small, wry smile that said enough.
"And I'm coming too!" Kiana added, striding in with her arms folded and chin raised.
Theresa exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing at both of them. "You two are unbelievable... Fine. But stay close. I don't want to be scraping either of you off a crater. Understood?"
"Thank you, Theresa-san," Noah said, giving a nod of appreciation.
Kiana smirked, tapping her forehead in a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am!"
The bay opened as the three of them got into position.
Just as Theresa was preparing to jump, a thought struck her: have Noah and Kiana equip any landing gear?
She glanced toward them just in time to see Kiana casually raise her arms. With practiced ease, Noah picked her up in a bridal carry.
Then, without hesitation, he jumped.
No equipment. No warning.
They just… went.
Theresa's jaw dropped. "Wait, YOU IDIOTS—?!"
She immediately leapt after them, activating the Oath of Judah to glide down in pursuit.
But what stunned her even more was the landing Noah touched down softly, as if gravity had politely stepped aside.
Kiana who was still in Noah's arms, looking utterly pleased with herself.
Theresa landed a few feet away, visibly trembling with pent-up rage. "YOU TWO ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE!!!"
Noah gently set Kiana down. "Good landing," he said, almost like this was normal.
Theresa stormed up, face red with a mix of fury and disbelief.
"Smooth as always, huh?" Kiana stretched her arms as she stood on her feet and turned to look at Theresa, "What's the manner Auntie?"
"'What's the manner Auntie?'" Theresa's cheeks keep on twitching at the casual words of Kiana. "Both of you jumped on a plane above a thousand meters without equipment?!'
She said indignantly.
"I almost had a heart attack?!" Theresa stomps her feet on the ground in anger.
Noah let out an apologetic expression towards her. Kiana scratch her head and look at Noah before turning to Theresa.
"Sorry, Auntie! It's just how me and Noah operate."
"We kinda forgot that you didn't know my abilities," Noah added, giving her an apologetic look.
Theresa's eye twitched. "Next time, warn me before doing something that looks like a death wish!"
"Yes, ma'am," they both replied in sync.
"Helios, this is Theresa, confirming we have touched down." Theresa sighed and called Helios from her comms. "Both idiots are fine as well."
"Helios received." the staff from Helios replied. "Sending the coordinates of the signal to your terminal Lady Theresa."
"Roger that." Theresa then studied the map where the signal is coming from.
She then looks at the Two who are observing the surroundings.
"Ready you two?" She asked.
"Yes." both replied.
"Alright let's go. Make sure to follow me closely." Theresa warned them again.
After walking for hours, each step took them closer to a place that tugged at Noah in a way he couldn't explain. The Force pulled him forward with certainty. Something was waiting.
When they finally arrived, they found themselves in a clearing that felt like stepping into a dream. Countless flowers made of soft pink crystal filled the space, each petal catching the sunlight and refracting it like living prisms.
At the center stood a massive flower-shaped bed, made from the same crystal. And on top of it, curled in peaceful slumber, was a girl.
She looked untouched by time. Her long pink hair spread around her like silk. A white dress, delicate as light itself. Her elf-like ears gave the faintest twitch, but she remained still, breathing slowly and evenly.
Noah stepped forward, as if being drawn by her.
"…This is it," he murmured.
Kiana hesitated behind him, staring wide-eyed. "Noah?" she called softly, reaching toward him but he had already moved out of her reach.
As he passed through the field, the crystal flowers reacted blooming in slow motion, glowing slightly as he passed
Theresa narrowed her eyes. "These flowers... they're responding to him. Welcoming him."
Noah stopped at the edge of the giant flower bed and extended a hand toward the petals.
Petals unfolded, responding to his touch. Giving way towards the sleeping girl.
And then, slowly
The girl opened her eyes.