Honkai Impact 3rd: Will Of The Universe

(S2) Vanishing Point

A week has passed after everything that transpired at Mt. Taixuan, with everyone almost out of commission, the captain along with Theresa decided they should take a break and consider their next plans.

The morning light filtering through the infirmary windows of the Hyperion was far too bright for someone who had recently felt the weight of a mountain. Shiro's eyelids felt like they were held down by lead weights, but the persistent, rhythmic sound of the beeping heart monitor eventually dragged him back to the waking world.

As his vision cleared. His head throbbed with the ghost of a demonic resonance that had long since been silenced.

​"You're finally awake. I was starting to wonder if I'd have to use a Fenghuang Down feather just to give you a nudge."

​Shiro turned his head slowly, his deep red hair messy against the white pillow. Sitting in a chair beside his bed was Fu Hua. She looked different than she had in the ink-drenched void of the mindscape. She looked... real. Her posture was back to its usual, disciplined grace, though there was a softness in her eyes that hadn't been there before the battle.

​"Fu Hua..." Shiro rasped, his voice sounding like it had been dragged through gravel. He tried to push himself up, but a sharp sting in his ribs reminded him exactly why he was in a hospital gown. "Ugh. Did anyone get the plates of the truck that hit me?"

​Fu Hua reached out, her hand steady as she gently pressed his shoulder back down. "Don't. The Captain and Theresa were very clear about your recovery. Using too much of that power for a long time against me almost pushed you to the brink of no return."

Shiro let out a long, shaky breath, sinking back into the mattress after noticing the calendar for today.. "A week, huh? Feels like I just closed my eyes for a second. How are the others? Kiana? Bronya?"

​"Bronya is awake and already back to her studies, though her mobility is restricted for a few more days," Fu Hua replied, her voice calm and grounding. "Kiana is... resting. She spent a lot of time by your side during the first few days. She felt responsible for how much you had to take on."

Fu Hua paused, looking down at her own hands. "We all do. I remember what happened, Shiro. Even when the Herrscher had control, I could see you. You stood your ground when the world was falling apart. Thank you."

​Shiro looked away, a faint, tired smirk playing on his lips. "Don't mention it, Old hag. I told you, right? We weren't going to let you stay in that hole. Besides, seeing you back in one piece makes the broken ribs almost worth it."

The phoenix frowned, but then she softly giggles, as Shiro noticed how much she changed.

The atmosphere in the room was quiet, a rare moment of peace for a group of people who usually lived from one catastrophe to the next. But even in the stillness, Shiro felt a strange, lingering chill at the back of his mind. The battle at Mt. Taixuan was won, but the air felt heavy, like a storm was gathering just over the horizon.

​"Theresa and the Captain are planning the next move," Fu Hua said, sensing his shift in mood. "The world isn't getting any quieter. But for today, just focus on breathing. You've earned the rest."

​Shiro closed his eyes again, the pale blond and deep purple fading behind his lids. He knew she was right, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his blade and his luck would be tested again very soon.

​"Go get some rest yourself, Hua," Shiro muttered, his voice trailing off as sleep began to claim him again. "You've been gone five thousand years. You have a lot of tea to catch up on."

​Fu Hua offered a small, genuine smile the first of many to come. "I believe I do." Following his advice as she left for the male to also get some sleep.