Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 86 The Return of the Raven of the Night

<Vienna>

Unlike Kallen, the Koleston's Valkyries weren't held in a church. A beaten-packed stone path surrounded the perimeter of the market-turned prison. Most citizens gave the dome-like market space a wide berth. The four-block venue was littered by the tarps that covered street stalls. Old wooden posts and a newly erect fence formed a brigade around the perimeter of the once bustling space. It wasn't the only part of the city repurposed for the war effort.

"They're using the Kaslana Kitchens to serve soldiers," Kallen hissed. The building she hid in held four warm bodies. One was Sakura's and the other two were the Valkyries on guard. They were across the street from the fortress. Just above the charity were rows of soldiers dined on benches.

"It's peculiar,"

"What are you saying Jordan, enjoy your supper!"

"How can I? How can any of us enjoy this?! We're being sent to die! What's more the commotion in the Queen's place, her Majesty has not yet shown her face after the incident."

"Yet the royal decree is working. The council and court in her service have met with her."

"Say you're but these new set of laws—these drafts. I know Schicksal's forces advance but to draft even children. Children?! I've said we've gone mad. Heretical even-"

"You shut your mouth. You've heard the recounts. France was a kitchen fire compared to the Devil's stove in Spain. The Overseer cares nothing for us. He'll round up anyone! Anyone! I've not heard from my cousin since. I've written letters and letters. No returns! When has the Queen led us astray? When has the Queen not fulfilled her duties? Never and they seek to kill her. I will fight for my country. Children should be proud to fight for theirs because if they don't Schicksal will serve us no mercy. Eat your dinner."

"What if we didn't declare a new church? Those tales told, I've seen the glimmer of a tall healer, caring for the sick. The Holy Maiden saved us too. Emperor Class beasts cut down before another soul could be lost. Anyone can be a doctor but only the Holy Maiden bore such strength."

"I won't argue treason. But the Revelation is most plausible. If the Holy Son put his faith in humanity. If the Holy Son sacrificed himself for our sins, we must fight for the humanity he believed in. There is no other choice."

Kallen took in their little conversations. Whatever tapping entered the ear could never be true. She'd need to hear it from Otto himself. Her heart quivered whenever she recalled his visage. A smile with unknown intent. Strong but mysterious. He walked up the gallow's weathered wooden steps, with a stride too large for the design. He was prepared to die. An indescribable wave of emotion flooded her veins and rearranged her organs. It was powerlessness she felt.

"Despite having a statue of Kallen, Vienna is not ideal. Not ideal at this moment. There are too many lines. Lines of people. Lines, lines." Sakura shook her head. She was being expressive. The reason was toxic, she had to admit. Kallen's attention and jealousy stirred up her heart. She couldn't stop shifting the weight on her toes from side to side. It was as though her body could only maintain its form by cycling the chemical mixture.

"Take my hand," Kallen commanded. The untended wooden floor creaked threatening to give them away. Its reverberations drew suspicious looks from the Valkyries patrolling the area but none decided to investigate. It was probably a mouse or a rodent.

Sakura happily took Kallen's hand, it was small but powerful. She felt as though she grasped a torch of life. The warmth radiated out of Kallen who looked far more dashing today. She almost hummed as her blood coursed through her body. She held Kallen's hand for a minute. A minute too long.