Y/N, THE 14TH MEMBER OF THE FLAMECHASERS: An [Honkai Impact 3rd] Mini-Story

13. THE INCOMING FLAMES

In that moment, by the entrance to the Elysian Realm...
There were sparks of fire, huge flames engulfed its entire region, slowly but steadily was swarming closer...
It seemed to have chased her every step, as if it's trying to pull Mei back to the realm of memory.

Mei:  "?"
Mei:  "What's going on?" She whispers.

Elysia:  "Ah, he must've noticed you."

Mei:  "He?"
Mei:  'Who's he?'

Elysia:  'You'll see."

Elysia strokes the hot metal and the glow dimmed down.
After a while, the traces of dry heat was left in the air.

Mei:  'She doesn't mean...'
Mei:  "Another MANTIS? I've only seen four, including you."

Elysia:  "Hmm, how should I put this?"
Elysia:  "They're not trying to avoid you, but for some reason, visitors are more likely to meet Flame-Chasers with minds similar to their own."

Mei: "Huh?" Mei says, confused.
Mei:  'But why...?'

Elysia;  "But if you wish to build a solid relationship with someone, you would have to get along first and try to build in your trust in one another as time goes, right?"
Elysia:  "Same goes to me, you, and everyone who has made it this far because of our bonds with each other."

Mei:  "But I saw you first."
Mei:  'It doesn't make any sense...'
Mei:  'How would that fact make any sense if I saw you first, instead of the person that apparently has a similar mind as my own? '

Elysia:  "Want to know why?"
Elysia:  "It's because we're the best match."

Mei:  "Is... that so?"

Elysia:  "It's true, you may not know it just yet, but your subconscious has chosen for you."
Elysia:  "But on rare occasions, things could be the exact opposite."
Elysia:  "Or possibly, someone saw your excellent performance and couldn't wait to see you."
Elysia:  "Before starting your next challenge, you can do some more preparations."

Mei: "No, I'm fine."
Mei: "I'm ready."

Elysia; "You sure?"

Mei: "Yes, I'm sure."

Elysia: "Then, off you go."
Elysia: "I'll be here monitoring you, okay?"

Mei looks at her in disbelief.
Elysia said that earlier, yet she wasn't there when Mei came back from the Elysian Realm.
And now that she saying she'll keep her promise this time kind of puts Mei on the spot a little bit.

Mei questionably looks at Elysia once more.
Elysia getting where Mei's coming at, she reassures her to make sure she won't leave from her sight this time.

Elysia: "Don't give me that look, you might make me really shy, you know?"

Mei: "..."

Elysia: "But jokes aside, I'll be here the entire time, okay?"
Elysia:  "I won't go anywhere, I promise. I'll even keep my comms on, if you want."
Elysia: "Now off you go, if you're ready."

Mei: "..."
Mei: "Sure..."
Mei: "I'm ready."

Elysia: "Are you sure?"

Mei: "Yes, I'm sure."

Elysia: "Then go whenever you're ready."
Elysia: "And make sure you're fully prepared."
Elysia: "After all, the person you're going to meet is known for passion."