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

30. Reunion

~Yuki POV~

After we left World Serpent, it was really hard for me not to break down emotionally. A few months ago I wouldn't have thought it would be hard to leave a place that was really just a simulation. But I stayed strong, now was not the time to cry again. It was more important now that we stopped Project Stigma. Fortunately for me, Mei was by my side and held my hand for encouragement. ,,Don't worry, Yuki-chan. I'm sure Elysia and the others will make it.'' ,,I know. However, I am still worried. It's almost like when you were worried about Kiana,'' I admitted. ,,I feel the same way, but there is something else, isn't there?'' When Mei asked that, I blushed. ,,Well... Um... It's possible that I might have fallen in love or at least have a crush,'' I answered quietly. ,,What?! Who?" Mei asked me, shocked. ,,Th-that's not s-so important right now. Look, there's already Raven up ahead!" I quickly changed the subject.

Mei suddenly seemed to become serious. ,,Raven, do you have something to tell me?''  ,,Who knows?'' Raven shrugged. ,,Schicksal's territory is up ahead. If I figured out what to say, I'd have said it.'' ,,How's Sora and the others doing?'' asked Mei. ,,Of course. Actually, I think they have too much energy to burn. Know what? The last Time I went back, the wallpaper was covered on scribbles. Among them was a stick figure rolling on the floor, and they said it was me. Remember to visit them when you have the chance. Sora really likes you.'' When Raven said that, I had to stifle a giggle. ,,You have my word.'' promised Mei. ,,The same goes for you, Kid," Raven said to me.

,,Anyway, have you contacted anyone at Schicksal or Anti-Entropy?'' asked Raven. ,,Not yet. If not face-to-face, I don't even know what to say.'' Mei admitted. But the same was for me as well. ,,Oh my. You're acting like a heiress again.'' teased Raven. Crossing her arms, Mei looked at Raven in silence. ,,Okay, no more joking around. I've accompanied you long enough... You two will be finishing the path alone. I'll get going? I still have many missions assigned by the Sire himself on hand...'' ,,Wait... Kevin personally assigned missions to you?'' asked Mei suspicious. ,,I know that sounds crazy. However, I wouldn't dare belittle myself in front of the Sire. In short, my hands are full with dirty jobs, and I can't force them on Gray Serpent.'' explained Raven. 

,,Dirty Jobs...'' Mei and I murmured. ,,They're not what you think they're. They're... legit labour.'' justified Raven. But Mei seemed to see it differently. ,,That sounds more suspicious.'' ,,What? You're not part of the organization anymore, yet you still care about our business?'' asked Raven with a smile. ,,I'm not kidding, Raven. Kevin has been acting hastily and strangely. You know, going back won't help us in the least.'' Mei explained. Somehow I had the fear that this conversation just went in a completely wrong direction.

My apprehension did not fail me. Raven had opened a place portal with a normal cell phone and Mei and I found ourselves in a kind of dream. Together with Raven we went through different dreams and now we were standing in front of a dream version of Heliopolis. ,,By the way, this place counts as where we first met.'' said Raven to Mei. ,,I suppose so. But we weren't focusing an each other.'' replied Mei calm. ,,... I knew you'd say that heiress. You don't go easy on people. How was it? Did you have fun dancing with the Serpent for the past six months or so?'' Raven asked, amused. ,,That's hard to say.'' Mei and I said at the same time. Raven then said she had one more parting gift for us. Or rather for Mei. Apparently there was still a fight open between the two. If it had been an enemy, I would have helped Mei immediately. But I knew that this fight between the two was something personal. So I had to stay out of it. That was something Kalpas had taught me...