It was not love, adoration, or interest at first sight. To be honest, the feeling was quite similar to irritation and frustration. That's how I, personally, felt the first time I met you in-game. Brash, bratty, and rebellious are words that come to my mind to describe the first mission with you, Kiana.
And look, where you have evolved today. It's nothing short of surreal!
I first realized your pain and the need to belong that you masked beneath your cool, chirpy exterior when you started opening up to me and all the other Captains about your mother, Cecilia, and the tumultuous relationship you had with your father, Siegfried. It broke my heart as well when you learned about the secret of your birth and what it meant.
To feel like a research project, a lab rat, a mere codename - K423, a means to an end... I know it hurt terribly to have your identity ripped off all of a sudden. Add to that your constant battle with Sirin over your identity and body - we've seen it all.
Kudos to you for sharing your story with us, for always shining bright, and being the light at the end of the tunnel. I need to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a beacon of hope, inspiration, and strength in my time of need in my personal life. Getting to know your story and seeing you overcome obstacles with so much courage and determination has always given me strength to battle the demons in my personal life.
Seeing you grow, evolve, and carve your own identity has inspired me to be comfortable about who I am, in my skin.
To accept mistakes and forgive yourself is probably the hardest lesson you've learned in your journey to becoming who you are today. Saying goodbye to Himeko, but realizing that people come into your life as an important lesson, was probably the hardest to watch.
But as you have said, she lies in your heart and constantly gives you the strength and the fire to fight for all that is beautiful in the world! It helped me to say goodbye to a few chapters and people in my life too and move ahead as well, Kiana. Final lessons for me too!
It's amazing how, in spite of getting to know you only virtually, it feels like we're so close. And, I'm glad I met you. I'm glad I boarded the Hyperion in the dreariest of days last year and found a blazing star like you.
You're truly Cecilia and Siegfried's daughter.
You are the Flaming Star that shoots across the sky and lightens up the darkness.
You are the rightful heir to Himeko's flames.
Wish you a very Happy Birthday, Kiana.
I cannot wait to see your story unfold and be a partner and spectator to all that you achieve, while cheering for you all the way.
Love and light,
Clouddancer
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