Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die for Me/ Book 1: Promise

Chapter 47 A Few Steps Closer

<Ming Empire>

Around two weeks had passed since their fateful failure. Otto and Kallen never felt so useless in their lives but they had each other. Together they struggled through a land scarred by a war they insinuated. Gravediggers, corpse robbers still patrolled the battlefield that had now become infested with Honkai beasts. Kallen's strength had greatly dropped due to her injuries to her psyche and her body.

"Kallen please don't overexert yourself."

Kallen didn't heed his call, in an instant, she took care of three chariot class beasts with ease. But she was panting, she was much weaker than before. Her internal injuries couldn't heal fast enough. Otto walked forward to wipe the sweat from her face. A caring act that Kallen found annoying.

"I'm fine."

She forcibly brushed off Otto's hand. Being pandered and cared for made her feel worse. Feelings Pandora's box preyed on and enhanced. A wedge was being driven between the two. Despite Kallen's insistence that Otto's failure wasn't weighing on her mind, it had broken a certain blind faith she had in Otto. Poisonous thoughts spread through Kallen's mind. Maybe he can't stand by my side. Maybe I should leave him, he would only be in danger by my side.

Otto on the other hand tried to stay as strong as he could in front of Kallen. But his mask couldn't erase their failure. He felt its planet shaking weight, the guilt was fracturing his bones forcing him to walk through a humid bog. He could only bear through it. As long as Kallen was alive, by his side, he could push through anything. But he couldn't tell her his own worries. His own troubles. He was afraid she would leave him if he showed weakness. Because he knew that Kallen needed a strong pillar of support, his problems would crush her and he couldn't allow that to happen.

"You're not fine. Your injuries have yet to heal. Bide your time, collect your strength for when you truly need it to save the people."

"But I've failed already. We couldn't chang-"

Pat! Otto clasped Kallen's defiant expression between his two hands. He forced her dim blue eyes to meet his forest green resolute eyes. He had to show her that he was still strong, that he believed in her ideals.

"Kallen, we can try again, the world needs heroes. The world needs you to stay strong."

"And if I'm not strong enough?"

"Then lean on me. I'll always be here for you. On your side but you need to take care of yourself."

"But I did lean on you. I nearly lost you."

Otto couldn't help but dim with guilt at that moment. Her body was so cold for a couple of days after her actions. Her cryokinesis seemed to be tied with her emotions. The more desolate and alone she felt, the stronger they were. It was psychological, Otto was sure Kallen had unlocked some of the ancient powers of the Kaslana bloodline, those that had been lost to legend. If she rested and gathered her strength perhaps he could strengthen her abilities. Give her an easily demonstrated boost in strength.

"You almost did lose me and we lost many allies. The rebellion is in shambles but we can gather another."

"And start a war? More people will succumb to malice."

"Kallen, do you still wish for a just world?"

"I do."
"Then you have to accept that sacrifices have to be made. Anything worth fighting for always requires sacrifice."

"I... the only sacrifice I want to make is my own."

Otto looked away, he had to tell her that wasn't ok. That she couldn't sacrifice herself for the sake of her ideals. That she should never put her life before others. He didn't want her to. But those simple words would shatter the pillar she so desperately needed.