The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

Since this place was originally designed for single sleeping, it's inevitable that two people will bump into each other when they squeeze into one bed.

Upon feeling a soft, warm touch beside her, Kiana instantly realized... Mei had also lain down.

"Yay! It seems Mei's anger has subsided."

Although she didn't make a sound, Kiana quickly covered her mouth with her hand to prevent herself from making a noise. However, her action of being afraid of being spied on seemed a bit strange to Ying, because she had never seen the usually calm and collected Kiana with such an expression, and naturally couldn't guess what she was thinking at that moment.

"Well..."

After thinking it over for a long time, Ying finally took off her shoes and lay down on Kiana's other side, just like she had done.

The two sides then formed a pincer movement, surrounding Kiana on the bed.

"Huh? This... "

With Mei in front and Kage behind, how can this feeling be described?

Hmm... they're both so soft...

Oh no!

Feeling the soft, warm pressure against her chest and back, Kiana felt a sudden surge of panic, but she quickly calmed down. She closed her eyes and began to rest.

Unfortunately, the warm, fragrant breaths of both of them brushing against their hair and cheeks made it feel so...irritating.

Kiana tried her best to calm herself down, but unfortunately...

These two seem to be using me as a body pillow? Why are they even wrapping their legs around me?!

Hey hey hey, it's too tight, too tight!

Kiana, who was being held by the two, wanted to break free, but seeing how much Mei was sleeping, she couldn't bring herself to wake them up after thinking it over.

Anyway, we're just sleeping in the same bed now, so there's nothing to worry about.

but...

Why is my face so red? Why do I feel my body getting hotter and hotter?

What's going on...?

no...

I need to calm down as soon as possible.

I don't hate them, but being surrounded by them like this... is really uncomfortable...

Thinking this, Kiana took a deep breath, then slowly closed her eyes, forcing herself to fall asleep.

Shortly after she closed her eyes, a dark figure quietly touched her cheek and then gently pulled her into an embrace.

"This...Mei...Kage...you guys..."

Kiana gasped and opened her eyes abruptly, but she didn't notice where she was.

"What's wrong? Do you hate this, Kiana?"

Seeing Kiana's bewildered expression, Mei asked with amusement, "Hmph, you weren't like this when you were forcing me to acknowledge you as my older sister."

After hearing what Mei said, Kiana realized that she might have accidentally offended Mei.

But thinking about it, it makes sense, since Mei never said she wanted to have an older sister.

However, it was clear that these words should not be said aloud.

However, in terms of age, Ying may be completely beyond the category of 'older sister' by a tiny bit.

However, Mei is younger than Kage, so calling her Kage's younger sister isn't too much of a stretch, right?

Kiana thought this, but the guilt in her heart only intensified.

Although Mei doesn't seem to mind, she must feel a little awkward inside. This kind of thing might be a shadow that she can never erase for the rest of her life.

Thinking about it, Kiana sighed softly, stretched out her arms, and hugged Mei's neck.

"I'm sorry, Mei. It's my fault. I shouldn't have forced you to acknowledge me as your sister. But... I think you and Kage both need a family member to look after each other."

"Kiana...you. Hehe, thank you for your concern, Kiana."

As she said this, Mei's heart was pounding wildly, and her pretty face turned a deep tomato red.

"Pfft..."

Upon hearing this, Kiana couldn't help but laugh out loud. She reached out and gently stroked Mei's dark hair, her eyes filled with doting affection.

"Mei, you are my best friend. As long as I can stay by your side, no matter when or where, I would give my life for you without any regrets."

Out with the old, in with the new, an unforgettable Lantern Festival (Liyue New Year): Chapter 50 The Vigilance of Shadows

As she spoke, Kiana moved closer to Mei and gently rubbed Mei's cheek.

Hearing Kiana say that, Mei nestled her head into Kiana's arms.

She felt Kiana's warmth, Kiana's care and love for her, and a feeling of happiness instantly spread throughout her body.

This is her scent...this is her feeling...this is the sense of security she gives herself.

Every minute I spent with her was one of the most beautiful memories of my life.

Kiana.

Mei curled up, burying her face in the chest of the girl who was still in the prime of her youth...

"Hmm? What's wrong, Mei? Are you cold? Ouch... it's a little itchy, stop it."

Do you remember when we first met? Those were... I really miss them.

"Haha... Mei, so you're thinking about the past! Hmm... speaking of which, I miss it too. Back then, I didn't know anything and thought I could do anything. Later, I gradually realized that to achieve certain goals, you need persistent effort, and even unimaginable sacrifices..."

"...Yes, but all these sacrifices were worthwhile. Because no matter what the process was like, we ultimately defeated the Honkai—"

However, before she could say anything, Kiana reached out and gently pinched Mei's nose.

"Um... Kiana, what's wrong with me?" Mei's pretty face flushed slightly.

"Hehe. It's nothing..."

Seeing Mei's adorable appearance, Kiana also revealed a sweet smile.

“Um, Mei...you...you've grown up now. You're not as childish as you used to be.”

"What... Was I childish before?" Mei lowered her head.

"Hehe, but Mei."

Kiana rested her head on one hand, a deep glint of light shimmering in her azure eyes...

"If I could, I would wish those people didn't have to sacrifice themselves. Although I know it's impossible, I will still strive for a world where no one cries."

"Kiana. Yes... the result is important, but the process is just as important. I'm really sorry, I actually..."

Upon seeing Mei's shy expression, Kiana couldn't help but stroke Mei's hair.

Mei's skin is very good, smooth and delicate, and feels wonderful to the touch.

"It's nothing. Speaking of which... you know what? Mei? I always thought my skin was very smooth, but today I realized that your skin is actually much better than mine. Mei is so pretty. And it's soft and smells so good... like pudding."

"Ah...why all of a sudden..." Hearing Kiana's words, Mei looked up at Kiana.

Seeing Mei's big, watery eyes, Kiana also felt an urge to kiss her.

Seeing Kiana's longing gaze, Mei lowered her head as well.

Although she didn't know why Kiana had suddenly changed like this, she felt that Kiana seemed to want to kiss her...

Thinking of this, Mei closed her eyes, waiting for Kiana to approach.

Although this kind of thing is embarrassing, if it's her... I wouldn't mind accepting it, and I'm even vaguely looking forward to it.

"What's wrong with me? The longer I stay here, the more afraid I am of losing her..."

Just before they were about to touch, a passage flashed through Mei's mind, and then she forgot everything and prepared to quietly enjoy the moment of tenderness.

However...

It's a great pity...

"Kiana." The sudden, calm female voice made Kiana and Mei both stop in their tracks.

The one who spoke was none other than the highly respected one of the Seven Rulers of the Mortal World, the Thunder General...Kage, who ruled the Inazuma Imperial Palace.

At this moment, she was lying on her side, showing no intention of resting.

After all, for demons and gods, rest is of little significance. Shadow often employs a more effective method of healing: meditation. But now, she has no need to continue meditating, so from what she just began...

Was she awake the whole time?

"Oh, could Ying be spying on us? Hmm, probably not. If it were her, perhaps she noticed something unusual?"

As if to confirm this view, the shadow's next hint completely confirmed that something unusual was about to happen.

"Before coming here, I noticed unusual signs in the sea."

"What?" Kiana tilted her head, puzzled. "What kind of ominous aura is it? Shadow, do you mean something from the sea is coming soon?"

"Hmm. I'm very familiar with that aura; it's most likely related to the Demon God. But..."

Ying hesitated, seemingly filled with doubt and confusion about the enemy lurking in the sea.

"This aura is very strange. It is similar to the demon god who controls the 'vortex', but there are some differences."

"Hmm? Whirlpool? I've heard Ying mention this before, I think it's something like the Whirlpool Demon God? But that thing was clearly repelled, so why would it dare to come back?"

"I don't quite understand either, but what I'm certain of is that the sea demon is definitely not him. In fact, its power is far inferior to his..."

"Not him? That's strange. Then... what could it be?"

“I don’t know either. She seems to be very afraid of me. That’s why she hasn’t revealed her true form yet. The only thing I’m sure of is… it’s definitely not a good thing for this land! So, Kiana, if a battle breaks out in the next few days, we both need to be fully prepared.”

Hearing this, Kiana nodded.

Although she didn't understand why Ying did this, since it was Ying who said those words, it meant that Ying had confirmed the existence of that thing, so she was relieved.

"Oh...I see..."

"Well then. What are your plans for the future? Will you continue this aimless journey? If you feel tired, my castle tower is always open to you."