Honkai Impact 00 (Gundam Book 2: Simulated Universe story)

Chapter 27.5: Re-Ignite the Fire

The sounds of dripping liquid echoed in her ears. It sounded like rain splattering on an umbrella, or the fluttering of a dove's wings. But when she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the metal-plated ceiling.

Himeko: ...Where is this place?

Himeko woke up at last and swooned as she struggled to get up, finding herself in a cell of Helheim Labs.

Himeko: ...Is this a prison?

She then remembers what happened. They are suddenly confined by a mysterious cube as smoke comes through the pipes, sealing them in and knocking them down on the ground and unconscious while the Gundams fight the Immortal Blade commandants.

Himeko: Of course, I was defeated and arrested. What happened next?

She nearly fell flat on the ground when trying to get out of bed. The sound continued to echo within her mind annoying her further.

Himeko: Gosh, this noise in my head... My body feels so clumsy and heavy... how long have I slept? I must get out of here... Theresa and the girls... They need my help...

She staggered to the door, but the noise in her head kept getting louder and louder. Exhaustion soon overwhelmed her. She collapsed and fell on the floor, only a few feet from the door. Himeko struggled to sit up, panting laboriously as she leaned against the metal doors.

Himeko: Huff... huff...

But then when she looked at the floor, she noticed a test tube in her hands. It was the same serum that was picked up from Dr. Magi in Singapore months back.

Himeko: A serum? Where did it come from? Was it you, Fu Hua?

Fu Hua: ...

She looked at the empty halls and saw the mirage soul of Fu Hua who was looking at her with no words after her death from the man who became mad and became a new person. She regrets everything, her blind loyalty to him, and even her trust in him that her home would be safe.

Himeko: ...You've changed a lot.

Fu Hua: ...

Himeko: So what can this prisoner do for you?

Fu Hua then musters her courage to speak as she finally begins to talk to Himeko.

Fu Hua: That tube contains an Honkai-neutralizing serum that will delay the Honkai corruption in your body... Find a safe place to use it. But, you will lose your Valkyrie powers after the serum neutralizes the Honkai within you.

Himeko: ...A gift? Thanks anyway...

Himeko surveys the serum as she pockets it away and is about to continue when Fu Hua drops the bombshell of bad news to her. This news made her stand up in shock.

Fu Hua: The Herrscher has awoken.

Himeko: *gasps*

Fu Hua: Leave this place, then head north. You will see a guard tower. That place is safe. You can hide there. There will be guards along the way, but nothing strong enough to stop you.

Himeko: I don't need to know that. Where are Theresa and the girls?

Fu Hua's heart stung by this as she has betrayed everyone, including Y/n who has placed his trust in keeping them safe in her hands.

Fu Hua: If you want to save your friends, then go around the tower. I will be waiting at the labs on the other side.

Himeko then looks down at her hand and checks her body knowing her condition is good. She then looked back to where Fu Hua was but she was already gone.