Being a Valkyrie is not easy [HI3rd FF/ selfinsert]

9. Meeting an Elf

~Yuki POV~

Warmth surrounded me. My body felt heavy and numb. Despite the numb feeling, I could faintly feel pain moving over my body. ,,Finally you are awake.... Listen, try not to panic,'' the Herrscher said softly. Probably in order not to startle me. 'What happened?' ,,What do you remember?'' replied the Herrscher. Somehow I could feel her anger. 'I was with Mei on the mission in Coral. We were supposed to go there before we could go to World Serpent.' ,,And what else?'' the Herrscher spurred on. 'In Coral, Mei and I met Durandal and Rita. I was supposed to help evacuate survivors. The Herrscher who was born there was too dangerous and could not help. But somehow I got into something and....' ,,And?" said the Herrscher bitterly. '...And I couldn't find my way back and almost froze to death' ,,Right! You almost froze to death if I hadn't done anything!" the Herrscher shouted in my head and I flinched.

'I'm sorry.' ,,You were really lucky that there was enough honkai energy around that I could use to warm your body until help arrived,'' the Herrscher explained with a sigh. 'You said I shouldn't panic, why?' ,,Well, since you were so reckless, you were unconscious for a whole month. We are both in the hospital wing of World Serpent right now. That Jackal, or whatever her name is, has been taking care of your wounds. You have several ice burns and a bruised shoulder. All in all, you were really lucky. While you were unconscious, she also examined your Herrscher Core. Of course I was ready to do something if she tried something wrong, but Mei was faster. Not for a moment was she away while Jackal was examining you,'' the Herrscher explained. 'Where is Mei?' ,,I don't know, but she should show up soon, since you're awake,'' the Herrscher replied.

After explaining where I was and some more complaining from the Herrscher, I opened my eyes and sat up. At least I tried to do that. A little uncomfortable I eyed my injuries which were bandaged. In addition, I was only in my black top, which I actually had under my sweater. Suddenly the doors opened and Mei came rushing into the room, followed by Raven. ,,Yuki-chan!" Mei said with relief and hugged me. A little overwhelmed, I hugged her back. I haven't seen her this worried since Nagazora. Ever since she became a Herrscher, she looked so... expressionless. ,,Are you all right? Are you in any pain?" asked Mei. ,,I'm fine, just a little overwhelmed,'' I answered. ,,Here,'' said Raven, handing me my sweater. ,,Thank you,'' I replied. ,,You did well in this cold. And without any protective clothing," Raven added. ,,Well... Rather, the Herrscher in me did well. It used the Honkai energy in the environment to keep me warm.'' I explained while putting on my sweater.

,,Fufufu~ So that's how it is. I have examined your Herrscher core, but I have not found out how you survived the cold. Really interesting.'' laughed a strange voice. In the doorway stood a dark brown haired woman wearing a jackal mask. 'That must be the woman the Herrscher meant. Kiana was right... she looked like a Dog face.' I thought as a shiver ran down my spine. Both Raven and Mei seemed to be unhappy about her arrival. To break the tension, I asked that Jackal something. ,,Can I go with Mei now?'' ,,Barely awake and already going, huh?" replied Jackal, amused. ,,Well, your wounds are almost healed. Not to be expected otherwise for a Herrscher. Nevertheless, you should still take it easy. Tell me, Mei, do you have permission from the sire?" she continued, directing her attention to Mei.

,,Yes, she has permission to enter the Elysian Realm," replied Mei, who had become expressionless again. 'Elysian Realm?" I asked confused. ,,Well then, I won't keep you any longer,'' Jackal waved and disappeared again. ,,Mei, what is the Elysian Realm?" I asked curiously. ,,I'll show you now," Mei answered and helped me stand up. My legs were a little wobbly, but I managed. Raven, oddly enough, followed us to a conscience point before turning off. ,,Good luck, kid." said Raven and patted me on the back and pushed me forward a bit. ,,What does she mean by that? Is it going to be dangerous?" I asked suspiciously. ,,No... At least not if you don't challenge it,'' she answered and pulled me along.