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

9. Into the Flames

~Miyuki POV~

When my wounds finally healed after a few more days, I was ready to confront Mei. I was getting fed up, I had come here to be able to help Kiana like Mei. This meant that I had to become stronger, but Mei once again held me back. ,,Miyuki, calm down. One can see your rage already coming almost a mile away," the Herrscher said. ,,I know, but it frustrates me that I haven't done anything useful since I got here," I replied, punching my pillow. With enthusiasm I stood up and was about to rush out of my room to look for Mei, but I remembered something. ,,Oh... By the way, do you have a name?" I asked the Herrscher. ,,Eh?'' ,,Do you have a name, after all you know mine. And to call you Herrscher-who-lives-in-my-head is not easy to say,'' I explained. ,,Well... I don't have one, but I'm open to suggestions," the Herrscher replied and I could swear she was embarrassed. ,,Good. I'll think of something,'' I said motivated and went out of my room.

Apparently I came just at the right time because Mei was just coming out of the gate that led deeper into the Elysian Realm. ,,Mei, wait a minute,'' I said and caught up with her. ,,What's going on?" asked Mei. ,,I finally want to go further into the Elysian Realm. My wounds have long healed and you can't keep me from going forever. I didn't come here for that," I explained and I could clearly feel that my anger was coming back. ,,Miyuki-chan... It could be really dangerous and you don't have your Herrscher powers fully yet," Mei said. ,,I know that myself. I was aware that it could be dangerous, but I decided to do it. So please, Mei let me go with you. I'm not even going alone, you're still here," I replied. Mei seemed to think for a moment but then gave in. ,,...All right.''

Before Mei would lead me deeper into the Elysian Realm for the first time, Elysia showed up and explained two things I should pay attention to. I nodded and tried to remember the things Elysia had told me. She had talked so fast that I couldn't keep up. ,,Tell me, Mei, is someone in the Elysian Realm so dangerous that you wouldn't let me go?" I asked as we took out a few mechs. ,,There are really strong MANTIS among the flame chasers, and some of them are even dangerous to me," Mei confessed. ,,I really appreciate that you want to protect me, but there are some things I have to go through to gain experience. Just like you, I want to become a Herrscher who can protect others,'' I said proudly. Mei showed me a small smile. ,,But if we meet the person I fear we will let me handle it,'' Mei replied seriously and I nodded.

,,If I calm you down, I managed that Otto was once overwhelmed with me. Even he didn't know how to deal with a child in a tantrum," I said with a grin and reminded me of Otto's desperate face when he tried to stop me from crying. Mei looked at me in disbelief and I just nodded. ,,So... I think I have a good chance against the person who is supposed to be so dangerous," I joked. ,,And if something happens to me, I'll just try again," I added. ,,I'd still rather you let me do it," Mei objected. ,,All right. But I wanted to let you know," I replied, with a shrug.

Mei and I continued to walk through the Elysian Realm. Behind some gates we met Sakura, Su, Eden or Hua and they gave Mei some signets. They apparently helped Mei in the Elysian Realm. ,,It's really interesting that these signets help you," I thought out loud. ,,The signets contain some of the abilities of the flame chasers," Mei explained. ,,So they share their powers with Mei...'' the Herrscher suddenly thought. Since she spoke so suddenly, I flinched. ,,Are you okay?" asked Mei. ,,Yes... I was just scared by the Herrscher, because she suddenly spoke so loudly," I answered. ,,You guys are talking?" Mei asked with interest. We were taking a break at a small store which was standing here abandoned. ,,Yes, every now and then we talk. And sometimes the Herrscher scolds me when I do something rash. Like for example the thing in Coral.'' I explained.

,,And you two get along?" asked Mei still surprised. ,,More or less. She's not always there, but when things get tough, she calms me down and helps me. She looks after me, more or less," I confessed. ,,It's hard to believe, but I'm relieved," Mei said. After our break we went through a gate again and I could swear we arrived in an oven. It was suddenly so hot that I almost had to take off my sweater. ,,Hmm? Another visitor?" asked a threatening voice, which sent a shiver down my spine. I looked around, but could not find the source of the voice. The heat made it hard to see anything. I noticed how Mei tensed up next to me. ,,Apparently, this is the voice of the person Mei was talking about," the Herrscher concluded. Understanding, I nodded. ,,Miyuki-chan, please step back," Mei said. Sighing, I did so and sat down at the edge of the area. This hot air did me no good somehow, I almost missed the coldness of the Herrscher from Coral.

As I watched Mei finish off the Honkai beasts that had appeared, something occurred to me. This was the first time I really saw Mei fight as a Herrscher. She was clearly faster and stronger. However, I could still recognize her fighting style from the old days. A small smile crept onto my face, it was really nice to know that Mei had not become a completely different person. 'I wonder if I can become as strong as her...' I thought. When Mei had defeated the last Honkai Beast I stood up and was about to go to her, but she stopped me. 

Suddenly the heat increased even more and I heard footsteps coming towards us. Breathing was even more difficult than before, although Mei seemed to have no problems. ,,That's it already, Herrscher? Last time you gave more," said the threatening voice again and this time I could see from where the voice came. ,,That's because I'm not here to prove myself to you this time," Mei replied just as threateningly. As with Kevin, I felt an intense gaze on me. But this time it was not cold but dangerously hot. ,,Hmm? The other visitor... I almost thought someone was sneaking up on you, Herrscher.'' the masked man stated. This is my friend Miyuki, she... is the other Herrscher.'' Mei introduced me hesitantly. Although Mei was standing between me and the man, I felt like the prey of him.

What didn't help at all was the Herrscher in my head, which had the same reaction as both getting to know Elysia. ,,Uh~ He's hot... literally.'' she swooned. 'Again. That's not important right now. Besides, I'd rather you stick with Elysia, with her I don't have to fear for my life.' I cursed in my mind. ,,Fine.'' the Herrscher pouted and seemed to have left my thoughts again. ,,Ho~ Do you want me to test her as well?" asked the man, who was quite eager for a fight. ,,No. Definitely not.'' Mei immediately answered in my place. Somehow it annoyed me again that I didn't get a word out, and Mei took over everything for me. ,,Unlike Mei, I have my Herrscher powers not yet completely. And I have no interest in being roasted, let alone being tested," I explained annoyed and hoped that the guy understood.

But all the guy did was laugh like crazy, which made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. ,,For a Herrscher without powers, you have a pretty big mouth. The name is Kalpas," he laughed and introduced himself. 'Was he just trying to provoke me?' I thought, annoyed. I was about to tell him my mind, but Mei's look told me to control myself. ,,Nice to meet you...'' I grumbled sarcastically and crossed my arms. Kalpas started laughing again. Now it was enough for me. ,,Just so you know, even though I don't have my powers yet, I've survived two Honkai outbreaks, which each brought forth a Herrscher. So don't pretend I'm weak! I can still kick your damn ass if I have to!" I said serious. His laughter died down and I could feel him staring at me again, but this time I withstood him.

Mei seemed to have had enough and just pulled me back to the gate with her. ,,Hey, I wasn't finished!'' I protested. But Mei ignored me and went on.