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While resting at Blazewood, Belle wanders through the camp, checking in on everyone after the long day. The crackling of nearby campfires and the distant chatter of the others fill the cool night air, but one particular corner of the camp feels strangely tense.
Near a smaller fire, Cissia sits stiffly on a crate, clutching a half-open bag of snacks. Her tail twitches restlessly behind her, the scales along it shifting every few seconds. Her eyes remain firmly fixed on the flames, deliberately avoiding the person standing beside her.
Meanwhile, Promeia says nothing.
She simply watches Cissia in silence, her sharp gaze following every twitch of her tail, every subtle shift in posture, every nervous movement of her hands. The air between them feels heavy.
Belle slows to a stop, glancing between the two of them before forcing out an awkward smile.
“Hey guys… you good?” She asks carefully. “Is everything ok…?”
Cissia nearly jumps out of her skin.
“Oh! W-we’re good!” She blurts out far too quickly. Crumbs scatter from the snack she nearly chokes on, and she hurriedly wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. “What could possibly be wrong?!”
She laughs nervously before immediately pointing at Promeia.“It’s just she—hey…”
Cissia straightens herself and plants both hands on her hips, trying very hard to look intimidating despite the obvious panic in her expression.
“St-stop staring at me!”
Promeia finally blinks, as though snapping out of a trance. Her eyes drift away for a moment, the firelight reflecting faintly across her face.
“Ah, sorry.” She says quietly.
For a brief moment, her expression softens into something distant. Almost melancholic.
“I was just… reminded of something from the past.”
The crackling fire suddenly sounds much louder in the silence that follows.
Belle tilts her head slightly, sensing the strange shift in tone.
Cissia freezes. “The past…?” She repeats, her voice noticeably smaller now. Her tail curls closer to herself. “What do you mean by the past?”
Promeia lifts her gaze again, studying Cissia once more.
“...It’s nothing.” She murmurs at last. “You really are… a little different now.”
Cissia stares blankly for half a second before immediately fumbling over herself. “...Huh? …Yeah! Right! Exactly! !”
She quickly turns away, pretending to cough as she fiddles nervously with her fingers. The confident act from earlier crumbles almost instantly. “G-great that you get it!”
Belle watches her with mild concern. Cissia is trying far too hard to sound casual.
After a few seconds, Cissia finally turns back around, forcing confidence back into her posture. She places one hand firmly on her hip, though the slight twitching of her tail betrays her nervousness.
Then…” she huffs, trying to sound intimidating despite refusing to look Promeia directly in the eye, “at least for now — for the next few days — stop staring at me like that!”
Her tail scales visibly ruffle. “You’re making the scales on my tail stand up…”
Promeia turns her gaze back to the crackling fire and doesn't respond.
Cissia presses her lips together and moves a little closer to the fire. Somehow… it feels like something between them has subtly changed.
Later that night, Belle jolts awake with a sharp gasp.
For a few disorienting seconds, all she can hear is the frantic pounding of her own heartbeat. The remnants of the nightmare still cling to her mind in scattered fragments.
She presses a hand against her face and exhales shakily. “…Again.”
The room around her is dark and quiet, illuminated only by faint moonlight spilling through the windows. Everyone else appears to be asleep.
Unable to settle back down, Belle carefully slips out from beneath her blankets and quietly leaves the place they are staying, making sure not to wake anyone on her way out.
The cool night air immediately brushes against her skin.
Belle lets out a long breath as she steps outside, tilting her head back towards the sky. A bright full moon hangs above Blazewood, bathing the camp in pale silver light.
She stretches both arms above her head with a tired groan, trying to shake the lingering unease from her body.
As she lowers her arms and turns, she freezes.
A tall shadowy figure stands motionless atop the nearby balcony, silhouetted perfectly against the enormous full moon behind them.
Their dark cape fans out in the night breeze, its shape eerily resembling the folded wings of a giant bat.
Belle’s soul nearly leaves her body. “AHH—! V-VAMPIRE!”
The figure immediately jerks in surprise before leaping down from the balcony with startling speed.
Belle stumbles backwards so quickly she nearly trips over herself.
“D-Don’t come any closer!” She yelps, throwing her hands out defensively. “I-I’m warning you!”
The figure pauses. Then, slowly, they step out of the shadows and into the moonlight, their appearance finally becoming clear.
Silver light spills across dark hair, pale skin, and familiar features.
It is Promeia.
Promeia stares at her for a moment before lowering her gaze slightly.
“...That is the second time someone has said that to me when I was not attempting to harm them.” She murmurs quietly to herself.
Belle blinks at her. “…Second time?”
Promeia seems to realise she said that out loud and lightly clears her throat.
“My apologies.” She says properly this time, her tone calm and composed once more. “I didn't intend to frighten you.”
Belle places a hand over her chest, trying to recover from the near heart attack she just experienced.
“P-Promeia?! It was you the whole time?!” She exclaims. “Why were you standing in front of the full moon looking like some giant bat monster?!”
Promeia tilts her head slightly. “I was merely observing the surroundings.”
“In the most suspicious way possible!”
A brief pause follows.
“…Noted.”
Belle lets out a long sigh before rubbing her eyes tiredly.
“Wait, hold on…” She says, squinting at her. “What are you doing awake this late?”
Promeia’s gaze drifts briefly towards the moonlit camp before settling back on Belle, the pale light catching faintly against the edges of her cape.
“I should be asking you the same question.” She replies evenly. “Should you not be asleep?”
Belle’s shoulders droop slightly at that.
“I, uh…” She hesitates, glancing away for a moment. “I had a nightmare and… decided to get some fresh air.”
For a moment, neither of them speaks. The wind quietly rustles through the camp as moonlight spills across the wooden balcony above them.
Promeia watches Belle in silence before finally giving a small nod. “I see…”
Belle studies her for a moment before her expression softens with concern. “What about you, Promeia? You must be exhausted after all that fighting earlier. You should probably get some rest before we head out again tomorrow.”
Promeia remains still beneath the moonlight, her expression unreadable. “I’m fine. I’m accustomed to functioning with minimal amounts of sleep.”
Belle immediately narrows her eyes. “That’s not actually answering the question, you know.”
For the first time that night, something faintly shifts across Promeia’s face. “…You are rather persistent.”
Belle crosses her arms. “I’m serious.”
Silence settles between them for a few seconds before Promeia finally turns her attention towards the distant lights scattered across the Outer Ring.
“Very well.” She says at last, her voice quieter now. “Since you are so determined to know… I suppose I can tell you a little more about myself.”
Belle straightens immediately, paying much closer attention.
“Ever since returning to the Outer Ring, certain memories from my past have resurfaced.” Promeia continues, her tone distant, as though recalling events long buried. “I assume you have already heard of my reputation as a Sweeper by now.”
Belle gives a small nod.
“Before I became a Krampus Judge, I was known rather differently. Back then, people feared me.” Her eyes lower briefly. “One night, after completing a sweep operation, I overheard two individuals arguing nearby. When I investigated, I discovered my final two targets… along with a young injured Snake Thiren.”
Belle’s eyes widen.
Wait a minute…
Her thoughts immediately drift back to the story Cissia told her earlier.
That sounds almost exactly like what Cissia described before…
Is this… Promeia’s side of the story?
Realising this, Belle stays completely silent and listens even more carefully.
“As expected of someone following orders, I eliminated the targets without hesitation.” Promeia says calmly. There is no guilt in her voice, only blunt honesty. “However, the Snake Thiren was not part of the mission, so I left her unharmed. I may have been ruthless, but I did not kill indiscriminately.” Her expression grows strangely distant. “She appeared injured. Starving as well.”
A faint crease forms in Belle’s brow as she notices the subtle shift in Promeia’s tone.
“So I approached her. I intended to offer her food. Perhaps… pet her as well.”
Belle stares at her. The mental image feels bizarrely out of place coming from Promeia of all people.
“But the moment I reached out, she looked at me with absolute terror in her eyes and immediately fled.”
For the first time since the conversation began, Promeia sounds genuinely disappointed.
“…A shame, really...” She murmurs. “I never got the chance to pet the little snake.” A brief pause follows. “She was rather adorable.”
Belle falls silent for a moment, quietly piecing everything together in her head.
So that’s what happened…
From Promeia’s perspective, she had simply spared an injured child and tried to help her afterwards. But to a terrified young Cissia, who had just witnessed two people being slaughtered right in front of her, the situation must have been horrifying.
Honestly, Belle cannot even blame her for panicking.
“Well…” Belle says carefully, rubbing the back of her neck, “if I were a child and just watched two people get murdered in front of me, then saw the killer walking towards me afterwards… I probably would’ve run away too.”
Promeia lowers her eyes slightly at that.
“I suspected as much...” She admits quietly. “It would appear I traumatised her rather severely.”
Belle lets out a small awkward laugh. “Yeah… you could kind of tell, huh?”
A faint hum escapes Promeia. “It was rather obvious.” She replies. “Every movement she made earlier was filled with tension. Her attempts at appearing composed were… not especially convincing.”
For a brief moment, silence settles between them again before Promeia speaks once more.
“Still, I must admit I was somewhat surprised by her bravery when it came to you, Proxy.”
A faint glimmer of amusement briefly crosses her expression.
“I did not expect her to possess the courage to stand against me so directly. Especially knowing she was frightened. Yet she still attempted to appear fierce and intimidating regardless.” Her voice softens by the slightest degree. “I found it rather adorable.”
Belle stares at her for a second before letting out another laugh.
“I mean… the way you were staring at her was kind of unnerving.” She points out. “Honestly, I think anyone would’ve been scared.”
Promeia considers that for a brief moment before giving a small nod. “I suppose you are correct.”
Her attention drifts back towards the moonlit horizon.
“Though fear can still be useful.” She continues calmly. “It keeps people disciplined.”
Belle studies her quietly for a second before smiling slightly.
“You know…” she says, tilting her head, “you may seem all intimidating and scary, but something tells me you’re actually kind of a softie underneath all that.”
Promeia visibly pauses at that. “…Hm?”
Belle grins mischievously, clearly pleased with herself for catching Promeia off guard for once.
“Don’t worry.” She says confidently. “I’ll make sure you don’t end up living with any regrets.”
Promeia’s brows knit together ever so slightly, genuine confusion flickering across her face.
“…I do not quite understand what you are implying.” She says slowly. “What exactly are you planning?”
Belle immediately waves her off. “Don’t worry about it.” She says far too casually, which somehow only makes her sound even more suspicious. Then her expression softens again. “But seriously, you should head to bed soon.”
“...”
Belle places her hands on her hips. “And don’t give me the whole ‘I’m used to barely sleeping’ thing again.” She continues. “I don’t care how tough you are. We’ve still got more battles ahead of us tomorrow, so proper rest is important.”
Promeia remains silent for a few seconds, as though genuinely considering Belle’s words.
“...Ordinarily, I would not listen to instructions from anyone outside of my superiors or colleagues.” She says at last. “However… if it will help you sleep better, I suppose I can retire for the night.”
Belle immediately brightens at that.
“Yes.” She says with a firm nod. “It’ll help me sleep much better knowing you’re resting instead of haunting the balcony like some terrifying bat vampire creature.”
For a second, Promeia simply stares at her.
“…What an interesting description... Most people would sooner refer to me as a monster or demon.” A faint pause follows. “Though I suppose ‘bat vampire creature’ is marginally less severe by comparison.”
Belle lets out a quiet snort of laughter.
Something in Promeia’s expression softens beneath the moonlight.
“Goodnight, Belle.” She says quietly. “You should rest as well. Proper recovery will be important for tomorrow.”
Belle smiles warmly this time. “Mhm! Goodnight, Promeia!”
Promeia gives a small nod before turning away, her cape shifting softly in the night breeze as she disappears deeper into the quiet camp.
Belle watches her leave for a moment before finally heading back inside herself.
The instant she steps through the door, however, she realises someone else is awake.
Wise sits upright near the other side of the room, his hair slightly dishevelled from sleep as he squints tiredly at her.
“Ugh… Belle?” He mutters groggily. “Why are you awake? What even happened just now?” He rubs at one eye. “I heard you scream.”
Belle immediately winces. “Uhhh…” She lets out an awkward laugh while quietly shutting the door behind her. “Sorry, Wise. I didn’t mean to wake you up.” She rubs the back of her neck sheepishly. “I just had another nightmare and went outside for some fresh air.”
Wise’s tired expression softens at that. “…Was it that nightmare again?”
Belle’s smile falters briefly before she gives a small nod.
“Yeah…” She admits quietly.
Then, trying to lighten the mood again, she quickly adds. “But anyway, the reason I screamed was because I saw this super creepy bat vampire thing standing on the balcony, and it turned out to just be Promeia.”
A long silence follows.
Wise stares at her with the exhausted expression of someone who has just been woken up in the middle of the night only to hear the most ridiculous sentence imaginable.
“…Belle,” he says flatly, “you screamed because you saw Promeia standing around outside at night?”
“In my defence,” Belle immediately argues, throwing her hands up, “she was silhouetted in front of the full moon like some kind of horror movie villain!”
Wise lets out a tired sigh before dropping back onto his pillow. “Only you would mistake our ally for a vampire…”
“She looked extremely vampiric, Wise.”
Wise mutters something unintelligible into his pillow before turning his head towards her again. “What was she even doing out there so late?”
Belle’s expression softens as she sits down on her bedding.
“She said she doesn’t really need much sleep.” Belle explains. “Something about being used to functioning like that.” She pauses briefly. “And… she mentioned that ever since coming back to the Outer Ring, memories from her past have been resurfacing.”
That seems to catch Wise’s attention a little more. “…Did she say anything important?”
Belle hesitates, clearly trying to organise everything she just learned.
“Remember the story Cissia told us about Promeia before?”
Wise gives a small nod.
“Well…” Belle shifts awkwardly. “Turns out Promeia’s version of events was… significantly less traumatic on her end.”
Wise raises an eyebrow.
“She told me that after killing those people, she actually approached Cissia because she wanted to give her food.” Belle pauses, still sounding mildly baffled herself. “Apparently she also wanted to pet her.”
A brief silence follows.
Wise blinks slowly. “…Seriously?”
“Mhm.” Belle nods. “She wasn’t planning on hurting Cissia at all. Young Cissia just saw this terrifying legendary Sweeper walking towards her right after murdering two people and understandably panicked.”
Wise lets out a quiet exhale, somewhere between disbelief and sympathy.
“Huh…” He rubs tiredly at his forehead, clearly trying to process the absurd misunderstanding. “That’s… quite the revelation.”
A small sigh escapes him afterwards. “Now I’m not entirely sure who I’m supposed to feel sorry for.”
“Right?” Belle mumbles.
Her expression softens again as she thinks back to Promeia’s disappointed look from earlier.
“It must feel pretty lonely… being feared by the very people you’re trying to protect.”
Wise studies her silently for a second, immediately recognising the look on her face. “…You’ve thought of something, haven’t you?”
Belle perks up slightly. “Maybe.”
Wise gives her a tired stare. “Belle.”
“Okay, yes, I did.”
She shifts closer, lowering her voice despite them being the only ones in the room.
“I was thinking… maybe after this whole expedition is over, we could invite Promeia over to Random Play or something.” Belle gestures vaguely as the idea becomes more animated in her head. “Maybe we could watch films together, hang out a bit… help things feel less awkward between them.”
Wise stays silent, listening.
“Since Cissia’s already staying with us, it wouldn’t be hard getting them in the same room.” Belle continues. “And maybe if they actually spend time together properly, they can finally clear the air.”
Wise considers the idea for a few seconds.
“You really think that’s going to work?” He asks eventually. “Promeia’s a Krampus Judge. Would she even have time to come over and watch films with us?”
Belle hums thoughtfully before flopping sideways onto her bedding.
“Well, considering how we somehow managed to get a bunch of ridiculously important people casually visiting Random Play already,” she points out, “I doubt Promeia’s schedule is the problem.” A small grin spreads across her face. “It mostly depends on whether she actually wants to come over or not.”
Wise lets out a faint hum. “That is true.” He admits. He stares quietly up at the ceiling for a moment, looking oddly contemplative. “Honestly, it’s kind of insane thinking about how many connections we have now.”
“And something tells me we’re only going to keep getting more.”
“I guess that’s not exactly a bad thing.”
Belle smiles faintly at that.
Gradually, the room grows still again, the exhaustion from the day finally beginning to catch up with both of them.
Belle pulls the blanket closer around herself before glancing back towards Wise one last time.
“Well… goodnight, Wise.” She says softly. “See you tomorrow.”
Wise’s tired expression eases a little.
“Yeah.” He murmurs sleepily. “Goodnight, Belle.”
Within minutes, the room becomes quiet once more, leaving only the faint sounds of the night drifting in from outside.
After the chaotic fiasco in the Hollow, everyone was left exhausted and emotionally drained. With tensions still running high, they decided to take a few days off to cool down and let everything settle.
Meanwhile, Promeia has already returned to one of Krampus’ safe houses.
The moment she steps inside, another figure is already waiting for her nearby.
Zhao looks up from where she had been standing, her sharp eyes immediately scanning over Promeia’s current state. Then, one of her brows lifts with faint amusement.
“Good work. It’s kinda rare seeing you like this…”
Promeia pauses briefly before glancing down at herself.
Faint traces of dust and dried blood still cling to parts of her clothing and skin, alongside visible signs of wear from the recent fighting.
“It’s nothing.” Promeia replies calmly. “I'll clean it up before I report in.”
Zhao immediately waves a hand dismissively. “No… I didn't mean that.”
A knowing smile slowly spreads across her face.
“So…” she continues casually, tilting her head slightly, “how'd it feel travelling with Phaethon?”
Promeia’s expression remains unreadable, though her eyes narrow faintly before she answers. “...You — or rather, Boss — already saw this coming, didn't you?”
Zhao lets out a soft laugh. “Boss saw a connection between Phaethon and our objective.” She explains casually. “Figured they'd be an important variable.” She shrugs lightly. “So, I was told to pass along the order for you to team up.”
Promeia says nothing.
Zhao hums thoughtfully before continuing.
“As for what happens next…” she continues, tilting her head slightly, “well, it’s like a die that’s already been thrown.” Her smile grows more playful. “Until it lands, no one knows what number's gonna face up~”
Promeia stares at her blankly. “…That is all?”
“Okay, okaaaay, don’t look at me like that.” Zhao complains dramatically. “Do you have to be that blunt, Promeia? It's such an uncute habit…”
Promeia remains entirely unbothered.
Zhao clicks her tongue. “No wonder Dialyn keeps trying to avoid you.” She taps a finger thoughtfully against her cheek. “Hmm… let me think how to put this…”
For once, the teasing tone in Zhao’s voice softens slightly. “I just think being around Phaethon might actually be…” She pauses briefly. “…good for you.”
That finally earns a visible reaction from Promeia.
“Good for me…?” She repeats quietly.
Zhao gives a faint hum. “You’ve seen it yourself — they’re… different.” Her eyes narrow thoughtfully. “They risk themselves for people who don't matter to them. They believe in promises that shouldn't be possible.”
A quiet breath escapes her, sounding faintly amused by the absurdity of it all. “They… spread this kind of… uncalculated sincerity.”
Promeia’s gaze lowers for a moment, as though unconsciously recalling something.
The way Phaethon repeatedly throws themselves into danger for others despite the odds stacked against them.
Zhao notices the subtle shift in her expression almost immediately. A knowing look crosses her face.
“I think getting a little of that “foolishness” in you… wouldn't be such a bad thing.” She says lightly. “Sometimes, investing in an unexpected partnership brings return far beyond what you planned.” Her gaze drifts off to the side briefly, as though recalling something from long ago. “Trust me, I've seen it happen…”
The moment passes quickly, and her usual playful glint returns almost immediately. “For me, this is also a long-term investment in your future value as a partner~ So just think of it as… ” She tilts her head playfully, “a bit of “concern” from a very savvy colleague.”
Her smile sharpens slightly. “And besides, the fact that you're standing here, patiently waiting for an answer that has nothing to do with efficiency? Kinda proves my point, doesn't it?”
“...”
The silence itself is answer enough.
Zhao looks immensely pleased with herself. Eventually, she lets out a small sigh and straightens properly again.
“Alright, take it easy for now before the boss calls you in...”
Promeia’s attention sharpens immediately at that.
“If I’m right,” Zhao continues, her tone becoming more serious once again, “she's about to hand down some important new orders.”
A knowing smile slowly returns to her face.
“Something tells me none of us will be bored for a loooong time.”
Back in her room, Promeia quietly shuts the door behind her.
For a while, she simply stands there without moving.
Then, with slow practiced movements, she walks towards the vanity and begins removing the restraints around her wrists first, setting the metal cuffs down carefully against the surface with a soft clink.
Next comes her cape. She slips it from her shoulders before draping it neatly over the nearby chair, the dark fabric spilling across the backrest like folded wings.
Only after everything is set aside does the exhaustion from the mission finally begin settling into her body.
Promeia exhales quietly before turning and heading into the bathroom.
Warm water pours down around her as she steps beneath the shower, steam gradually filling the room. Dim green light reflects faintly across the wet tiles and water running down the glass.
The dried blood, dust, and grime from the Hollow slowly wash away, disappearing down the drain in dark streaks. Muscles tense from constant combat gradually loosen beneath the heat.
Usually, moments like this allow her mind to empty completely.
Tonight, however, her thoughts refuse to settle.
Zhao’s words continue lingering in the back of her mind.
“I just think being around Phaethon might actually be… good for you.”
Promeia lowers her head slightly beneath the falling water. Her hand drifts unconsciously towards her shoulder as her brows draw together in thought.
“…Phaethon…”
The name leaves her lips quietly, almost absentmindedly.
Fragments of recent memories flash through her mind one after another.
For a brief moment, Promeia finds herself wondering how they are doing now.
Her eyes lower slightly. She still does not fully understand why those memories continue resurfacing… nor why they leave behind such an unfamiliar feeling in her chest.
Before she can dwell on the thought any longer, the sharp buzz of her phone cuts cleanly through the sound of the shower.
Promeia’s attention immediately shifts towards the device resting near the sink.
The screen glows faintly through the steam.
Looks like Boss is finally ready to see her.
The interruption is enough to pull Promeia fully back to reality. She quickly finishes showering before stepping out and drying herself off in silence.
Not long afterwards, she finishes tying her hair back into its usual style. Her clothing follows next. Then her cape. Finally, Promeia reaches for the restraints resting atop the vanity. The familiar weight settles back around her wrists once more.
By the time she finishes dressing, the traces of vulnerability from earlier have already disappeared beneath her usual composed exterior.
With one final glance towards the message on her phone, Promeia quietly leaves the room and heads towards the Boss’ office.
Promeia stops outside the office door before giving it a firm knock.
“Come in.”
The vast office is dimly lit, illuminated mostly by the cold blue glow spilling through the enormous windows behind the desk. Rain lashes violently against the glass outside while distant thunder rumbles somewhere far above.
At the far end of the room, the Boss sits calmly behind her desk. Even from a distance, her presence alone dominates the entire space.
Promeia walks forwards before stopping near the centre of the room. “Promeia, reporting in.”
The Boss hums softly without looking away from the report resting in front of her. “Mm… I’ve already read your report.”
Promeia lowers her gaze slightly. “I failed to keep the situation contained within TOPS... which led to developments beyond our expectations…”
The Boss remains completely unbothered. “It’s fine.” She replies smoothly. “Sometimes a few unexpected variables are not necessarily a bad thing.”
Her fingers tap lightly against the desk before her gaze sharpens faintly. “As for that anomaly, Phaethon…”
The name lingers quietly in the air between them.
“They’ve already brushed against the edge of the truth.” The Boss studies Promeia carefully. “How much do you think they know?”
A brief silence follows.
Promeia’s expression remains composed, though her answer comes slower than usual.
“Perhaps…” she says quietly, “still nothing at all.”
The Boss watches her for a moment before letting out a faint amused hum.
“I thought you’d say you hadn’t given it any thought.” She remarks calmly. “Just like usual.”
Promeia says nothing.
Silence settles over the room afterwards, broken only by the sound of rain striking the windows. Then the Boss speaks again.
“Raise your head, Promeia.”
Without hesitation, Promeia obeys.
The Boss studies her carefully now, her sharp gaze lingering on Promeia’s eyes for several long seconds.
“Your eyes… seem different somehow.”
For the first time since entering the room, the faintest trace of intrigue crosses her expression.
Promeia remains perfectly still.
Whatever the Boss sees in them, she does not elaborate further. Instead, she leans back slightly in her chair.
“Go tell Phoenix.” She says calmly. “It’s time to move.”
Promeia’s attention sharpens immediately. “Destination?”
A loud crack of thunder suddenly echoes outside.
The Boss’s gaze drifts briefly towards the storm beyond the windows.
“Celestial Nexus, Roscaelifer.”
After speaking with Phoenix for a while, the sudden buzz of a phone breaks the quiet atmosphere between them.
Promeia’s attention shifts downwards.
The screen lights up with a new message.
Phaethon: Hey Promeia! Thanks for everything you’ve done for us these past few days. We were thinking of having a movie night tonight. You can come join us if you want.
Promeia stares silently at the message.
A movie night… And they invited… her.
The thought alone feels strangely incomprehensible.
For a moment, she simply stands there looking at the screen, as though unsure how she is even supposed to respond to something like this.
Phoenix immediately notices the unusual pause. One of her brows lifts as she studies Promeia’s expression.
“Well,” she muses lightly, “what’s gotten you so distracted all of a sudden, Promeia?”
Promeia’s gaze immediately shifts away from the screen.
“It is nothing...” She replies automatically. “We should begin preparing to depart.”
Phoenix gives her an unimpressed look. “That doesn’t exactly look like ‘nothing’ to me.”
“...”
Phoenix lets out a small sigh before folding her arms. “You always do this. Constantly dismissing your own feelings before you even try acknowledging them properly.” Her tone softens afterwards. “You don’t have to be so closed off all the time, you know.”
Without waiting for permission, Phoenix leans closer, her eyes drifting towards the message still visible on the screen.
“Oh?” A knowing smile appears on her face. “Looks like your friends are inviting you to hang out.”
Promeia’s brows draw together faintly. “…Friends?”
Phoenix looks confused by the question. “What? Are they not?”
She gestures vaguely towards the phone. “People don’t usually invite complete acquaintances over for casual movie nights.” She points out. “And honestly, they clearly affect you far more than ordinary acquaintances would.”
Promeia’s gaze lowers briefly towards the message again.
“…”
Her silence alone is answer enough.
“You should go.”
That finally earns an immediate reaction from Promeia. “…Huh?”
Phoenix lets out a quiet amused breath at the bewildered look on her face. “We still have time before departure preparations become urgent, and… It’s rare seeing you like this.”
Promeia’s brows draw together. “Like… this?”
Phoenix gestures vaguely towards her. “Distracted. Hesitant. Actually thinking about something unrelated to work for once.” A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. “I think it’s good that you have friends.”
Promeia’s gaze shifts away for a moment. “…Xiao’Zhao said something similar.”
Phoenix immediately looks far too pleased hearing that. “Well, if both of us are saying it, then it’s probably a sign.”
Promeia remains unconvinced.
Phoenix exhales softly before folding her arms once more.
“Go on, Promeia.” She says, her tone noticeably gentler now. “Relax a little. You’ve been through a lot these past few days. A movie night might genuinely help relieve some stress.” A faintly amused look crosses her face afterwards. “Consider it… my mission for you.”
Promeia glances back towards the message again.
The invitation still feels strangely unfamiliar to her.
Silence lingers between them for several seconds before she finally exhales.
“Fine...” She relents at last. “Since you are being so insistent.”
A brief pause follows before she adds. “I will return as soon as possible.”
Phoenix immediately dismisses the statement with a small flick of her hand. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” Then a more knowing look crosses her face. “Though something tells me you probably won’t be back quite as quickly as you’re planning.”
That earns a faint look of confusion from Promeia. “…Hm?”
Phoenix brushes the comment aside. “It’s nothing.” She says lightly. “Just try enjoying yourself for once, alright?”
Promeia hesitates before giving a small nod. “I’ll try...”
“What do you mean you invited her?!”
Cissia nearly shoots upright from the couch, her tail puffing up in alarm as she stares at Belle with absolute disbelief.
Belle winces a little at the reaction but quickly tries to calm her down.
“Well…” she says awkwardly, “Promeia has been a huge help to us lately, and I just wanted to thank her personally.”
Cissia points accusingly at her. “Y-Yeah, but you could’ve at least asked me first!”
Her voice rises near the end of the sentence before she quickly folds her arms, trying and failing to regain some dignity.
Belle lets out a helpless laugh. “Sorry, Cissia.” She says apologetically. “But I thought this could be a good chance for you two to get to know each other better.”
Cissia looks horrified by the suggestion. “I-I already know enough!”
Her tail twitches anxiously behind her. “M-Maybe she’ll be too busy to come anyway.” She mutters hopefully. “Or maybe she just doesn’t want to waste her time hanging around with us…”
Almost immediately after those words leave her mouth, a knock echoes through the store.
Knock knock.
The sudden sound at the front door makes Cissia jolt violently.
“AH—! W-What was that?! D-Don’t tell me it’s actually—”
Before she can spiral any further, Belle has already walked over and opened the front door.
Standing outside beneath the evening lights is Promeia. Her usual dark cape drapes neatly around her shoulders, her expression as calm and unreadable as ever.
Belle brightens the moment she sees her.
“Hey, Promeia!” She greets cheerfully while stepping aside to let her into the store. “Glad you could make it. We were honestly starting to think you weren’t going to come.” Then, she turns towards Cissia. “Isn’t that right, Cissia?”
Cissia’s entire body stiffens. “H-Huh?!” A strained laugh escapes her almost instantly. “Y-Yeah! That’s right! Totally what I was thinking!”
Promeia’s eyes move between the two of them before eventually settling back on Belle. “…I thought I told you not to trust anyone from TOPS... Including me.”
Cissia’s tail twitches awkwardly behind her. “Yeah, Belle…” She mutters under her breath while subtly inching closer towards her for safety. “Why did you invite her…?”
Belle glances between the two of them before giving a small shrug. “Maybe... But you still came anyway.”
That answer earns a brief silence from both of them.
Belle smiles brightly afterwards, completely ignoring the awkward atmosphere. “And since you’re already here,” she continues, “you might as well join us properly.”
Then her attention shifts back towards Promeia. “Oh! And since you’re our guest tonight, you get to pick the movie.”
That visibly catches Promeia off guard. “…Me?”
Belle nods enthusiastically before gesturing towards the rows of videotapes lining the shelves nearby. “Mhm! Just tell Wise what you want to watch and he’ll grab it for you.”
From behind the counter, Wise looks up. “Don’t worry, I’m basically a movie expert.”
Before Promeia can say anything else, Belle suddenly grabs Cissia by the wrist. “Anyway! We’re heading upstairs first!”
“H-Hey?! Wait— Belle—!”
Despite Cissia’s protests, Belle is already dragging her upstairs towards the living area.
Cissia barely manages to twist around long enough to throw one last panicked glance back at Promeia before disappearing around the corner entirely.
The store gradually falls quiet afterwards, leaving Promeia standing alone near the entrance beneath the warm glow of the shop lights.
For a while, she simply watches the staircase the two vanished up moments earlier. Then her attention slowly drifts towards the countless videotapes lining the shelves nearby.
Rows upon rows of brightly coloured cases stare back at her.
Action. Horror. Comedy. Romance.
The sheer amount of choice feels oddly daunting.
Promeia quietly scans across the different titles, though unfortunately very few of them actually mean anything to her.
Watching films has never exactly been a priority in her life.
Several minutes pass with little progress before Wise finally notices her lingering in front of the shelves with unusual concentration and walks over.
“Having trouble choosing?”
Promeia glances at him for a moment before looking back at the shelves again.
“…Yes.” She admits after a short pause. “I do not usually watch films.” A faint crease forms between her brows. “And I do not particularly have any preferences either. As a result, I am rarely the one selecting what to watch.”
Wise blinks once before understanding the problem. “I see…”
He studies the shelves for a second before looking back at her. “Hm… then maybe I can help?” He offers. “I could recommend a few good films.” A small smile appears on his face afterwards. “It's probably easier than trying to navigate Random Play’s entire catalogue by yourself.”
Promeia finally turns towards him properly this time.
After a moment of hesitation, she gives a small nod. “That would be appreciated.” Her voice grows quieter afterwards. “Thank you… Wise.”
“Hm…” Wise’s eyes move across several titles before one particular videotape catches his attention. “What about The Heartbeat?”
He pulls the tape from the shelf and holds it up for her to see.
“It’s a family film.” He explains. “Pretty famous around New Eridu, actually. A lot of people really like it.” His expression softens faintly. “It’s about a mother searching through a Hollow for her child after he goes missing. Emotional, but… in a good way.”
Promeia studies the tape silently for a few seconds before lifting her eyes back towards him. “I trust your recommendation.”
That answer seems to catch Wise mildly off guard.
“That’s a lot of trust to place in someone over a movie choice.” He says with a faint laugh.
Promeia’s expression remains calm. “You referred to yourself as a ‘movie expert’ earlier.” She replies matter-of-factly. “Therefore, I assumed your judgement would be reliable.”
Wise stares at her for a second before letting out an amused breath through his nose. “Fair enough.”
He tucks the videotape beneath his arm before gesturing towards the staircase. “Alright then. Let’s head upstairs and join them.”
By the time Wise and Promeia head upstairs, Belle and Cissia are already settled on the couch in Belle’s room. The warm lighting, scattered pillows, and stacks of game cases around the room give the entire space a comfortably lived-in feeling. Cissia sits curled up near one end of the couch, absentmindedly munching on snacks while keeping a suspicious eye on the staircase.
The moment the two enter, Belle perks up.
“So,” she asks eagerly, “what movie are we watching tonight?”
Wise lifts the videotape slightly. “The Heartbeat.”
Belle’s eyes brighten. “Ooo, good choice.”
Promeia speaks before Wise can say anything else. “Wise selected it.”
Belle slowly turns towards her brother. “…Wise.”
Wise raises his hands defensively. “What? Don’t look at me like that. She was having trouble choosing, so I stepped in to help.”
Cissia tosses another handful of snacks into her mouth before speaking. “Doesn’t matter who picked it. Can we start the movie already before we run out of snacks?”
“Alright, alright.” Wise mutters as he walks over to the television setup. “Promeia, you should sit down first.”
He slots the videotape into the player before turning back towards the couch, only to notice Promeia still standing beside the empty seat without making any move to sit.
Wise pauses. “…Something wrong?”
Promeia’s eyes drift briefly towards the limited seating available.
“There are not enough seats.” She states simply. “It is fine. I will stand instead. You should sit.”
Wise shakes his head almost instantly. “Oh no, I can’t do that. It wouldn’t exactly be gentlemanly of me to let a woman stand while I sit.”
Promeia remains entirely unconvinced. “It is unnecessary to concern yourself over this. I am accustomed to standing for extended periods of time.”
“That’s not really the point.”
Before the discussion can continue any further, Belle suddenly pipes up.
“Or,” she says brightly, “you could just join us on the couch. We should still be able to fit one more person if we squeeze a little.”
Promeia hesitates. “…Are you certain?” Her gaze instinctively shifts towards Cissia.
Cissia nearly chokes on her snacks while Belle nods enthusiastically. “Yup!”
She shifts over before patting the empty space in the centre of the couch.
After a short pause, Promeia reluctantly walks over and sits down.
The instant she does, Cissia visibly stiffens before subtly inching further away while pretending not to do exactly that, her tail remaining noticeably tense beside her.
Promeia notices but says nothing.
Belle claps her hands together happily, completely ignoring the painfully obvious tension beside her.
“Alright!” She declares proudly. “Now that we’ve got that sorted out… let movie night officially commence!”
The room gradually dims once Wise switches off the main lights, leaving only the soft glow of the television illuminating the space. Rain continues tapping faintly against the windows outside while the opening scenes of The Heartbeat begin to play across the screen.
At first, the atmosphere remains fairly relaxed.
Belle quietly snacks on popcorn while leaning comfortably against the couch cushions, already familiar with most of the scenes playing out onscreen. Wise looks similarly calm from where he sits nearby, occasionally glancing over at everyone else’s reactions instead of the film itself.
Meanwhile, Cissia becomes surprisingly absorbed in the movie almost immediately. The earlier tension surrounding Promeia seems temporarily forgotten as the story steadily pulls her in.
Beside her, Promeia sits with her usual straight posture, her attention fixed on the television.
At first, she does not entirely understand why this particular film became so popular.
The pacing is slow. The dialogue subdued. There are no elaborate action sequences or large-scale battles. Instead, the story focuses almost entirely on a mother desperately searching through increasingly dangerous Hollow zones for her missing child despite repeated warnings telling her to give up.
And yet, Promeia finds herself continuing to watch without looking away once.
As the film progresses, the room steadily grows quieter.
By the halfway point, Cissia is already clutching the snack bag tightly against her chest, eyes noticeably watery.
“N-No way…” She mumbles as the mother nearly loses the signal entirely and breaks down while searching through the Hollow alone. “Please don’t tell me this is gonna end badly…”
Belle glances sideways at Wise knowingly.
The emotional tension only continues building from there.
Despite herself, Cissia becomes completely invested in the story, reacting openly to nearly every major scene. Her tail flicks anxiously whenever the characters end up in danger, and more than once she audibly gasps at sudden developments.
Eventually, the film reaches its emotional climax.
By this point, Cissia is openly crying.
“T-This is so unfair…” She chokes out tearfully while clutching one of the couch pillows. “Why would they make it this sad?!”
Wise silently offers her the tissue box.
“Thanks…”
Still devastated, Cissia continues rambling tearfully under her breath while trying and failing to stop crying.
Promeia says nothing. However, the faint tension that settles across her expression does not go unnoticed by Wise.
Nor does the fact that she has not once looked away from the screen since the film began.
Something about the story clearly affected her far more than she expected.
Perhaps it is the irrational determination. The refusal to abandon someone despite impossible odds. Or perhaps it is simply the sincerity behind it all.
Whatever the reason, the film leaves an unfamiliar heaviness lingering quietly in her chest.
Beside her, Cissia sniffles miserably before unconsciously curling closer towards the nearest source of comfort.
Her tail slowly coils itself around Promeia’s waist. The movement is entirely subconscious. Cissia herself does not even seem to realise she has done it.
Belle notices first, her eyes widening slightly.
Wise notices a second later and suddenly looks extremely interested in pretending to focus on the movie instead.
Neither of them say a word.
Promeia stiffens faintly at the contact, her eyes lowering towards the tail loosely wrapped around her waist.
“...”
However, she makes no attempt to move it away.
Cissia remains completely unaware, too invested in the film to notice her current situation.
Promeia slowly lifts her gaze back towards the screen. Her expression stays calm. Yet something in her eyes now appears noticeably softer than before.
At some point during the film, Promeia suddenly feels a subtle shift around her wrists.
A soft metallic click breaks through the quiet audio of the movie.
Her eyes lower instinctively.
The restraints around her wrists have come undone.
For a brief second, Promeia simply stares at them in silence beneath the cover of her cape. Then her attention drifts towards the tail still loosely wrapped around her waist.
It appears Cissia’s tail had unconsciously lockpicked the cuffs while fidgeting around her.
Now both of her hands are free.
Promeia remains completely still.
Normally, she would have fastened them back on without a second thought.
This time, however, her fingers pause near the restraints before stopping entirely.
A quiet conflict stirs in the back of her mind. She probably should put them back on. Leaving them undone feels… strange. Unfamiliar.
Before she can decide what to do, Belle suddenly leans closer from the other side of the couch and whispers softly enough that only Promeia can hear.
“You should comfort her.”
Promeia’s attention shifts towards Belle.
“…Hm?”
Belle glances at the openly emotional wreck beside her before looking back at Promeia with a knowing smile.
“Pet her.”
Promeia freezes.
Pet… her…?
The words echo strangely in her mind.
Years ago, she had wanted to pet the frightened little Snake Thiren she encountered in the Outer Ring.
Back then, the child fled from her in absolute terror before she ever had the chance.
Never once had Promeia imagined she would someday be sitting beside that same Snake Thiren like this now.
Close enough to reach out and touch.
Her eyes lower once more towards the tail wrapped around her waist.
She probably should not do this. Not without permission. Still… something warm and unfamiliar stirs faintly in her chest as she slowly lifts one hand beneath the cover of her cape.
Her movements remain careful. Hesitant. As though afraid the slightest wrong movement might ruin the fragile moment entirely.
Then, very gently, her fingers brush against Cissia’s tail. The scales feel surprisingly soft beneath her touch.
Promeia stills for a second afterwards, almost seeming startled by the sensation herself. Then, cautiously, she begins lightly petting along the tail wrapped around her waist.
Even now, part of her still cannot fully believe she is allowed to do this at all.
At first, Cissia seems to relax beneath the gentle touch.
The stiffness running through her tail gradually eases, the scales no longer bristling so sharply beneath Promeia’s fingers. A shaky breath escapes her as she unconsciously leans into the soothing sensation.
Then her eyes suddenly widen as realisation finally catches up to her.
Cissia slowly turns her head to see who is petting her tail, only to find that it's Promeia that's doing it.
The instant their eyes meet, she freezes. Her tail recoils on instinct, quickly unwrapping itself from Promeia’s waist.
Promeia notices at once. She immediately withdraws her hand beneath the cover of her cape.
“…Sorry.” She says, her eyes shifting away soon after. “I should not have done that without permission.”
For a second, Cissia simply stares at her. Then her tail twitches awkwardly beside her.
“N-No, it’s…” She fumbles over her words before glancing aside, visibly flustered now that she fully understands what just happened. “It’s fine…”
She curls slightly into herself before mumbling much more quietly. “Y-You can continue if you want…”
Her fingers tighten around the pillow in her lap as she avoids direct eye contact entirely.
That answer catches Promeia off guard. “…You do not mind?”
Cissia’s face immediately grows warmer from the sudden attention focused entirely on her.
“It’s…” She hesitates, clearly struggling to admit it out loud. “…comforting.”
For a while, Promeia simply looks at her in silence. Then something in her expression softens. “…I see.”
Carefully this time, giving Cissia every opportunity to pull away, Promeia reaches out once more and resumes lightly petting along her tail.
Her touch remains gentle. Far gentler than Cissia ever expected from someone like her.
Gradually, the rigidness leaves Cissia’s body once again. Her earlier embarrassment slowly fades beneath the steady rhythm of Promeia’s careful strokes, until she eventually relaxes back against the couch cushions.
By the time the film reaches its ending scenes, the atmosphere between them has changed entirely.
Cissia no longer looks nearly as guarded sitting beside Promeia. And throughout the remainder of the movie, Promeia continues petting her tail in silence.
Neither Belle nor Wise say anything. Though judging by Belle’s expression, she looks dangerously close to exploding from how adorable she finds the situation.
As credits finally begin rolling across the television screen, Wise reaches over for the remote and switches the lights back on.
The sudden brightness snaps Promeia back to reality. Almost at once, she pulls her hand away from Cissia’s tail before discreetly fastening the restraints back around her wrists beneath the cover of her cape.
Click.
The familiar weight settles around them once more. A small part of her realises she may have allowed herself to indulge in the situation far more than she should have.
When she finishes adjusting the cuffs, her usual composed expression has already mostly returned.
Belle stretches her arms above her head before grinning at the others.
“So,” she asks brightly, “how was the movie?”
Cissia is the first to react.
“It was so touching…” She says, still visibly emotional while clutching the pillow tightly against herself. “The mother searching through the Hollow the entire time even when everyone kept telling her to give up…” Her voice wobbles again near the end. “And then the reunion scene at the end—”
She suddenly buries her face into the pillow dramatically. “It was way too sad…”
Wise lets out an amused breath through his nose. “It is.” He agrees. “That’s why it’s such a fan favourite.”
Then his attention shifts towards Promeia. “What about you, Promeia?”
Promeia looks up. “…Hm? Me?”
Belle leans forwards with interest. “Yeah. Don’t you have any thoughts about the movie?” A teasing smile slowly spreads across her face. “Or were you too distracted to pay attention?”
Promeia stills faintly at that. For an instant, Belle swears she catches the slightest trace of awkwardness crossing her expression. Then Promeia straightens again.
“…No.” She replies calmly. “I was paying attention.”
Belle looks entirely unconvinced but gestures for her to continue anyway.
“So?” She asks expectantly. “What did you think?”
Promeia pauses for a second, seemingly organising her thoughts carefully before speaking.
“The film’s central premise revolves around irrational emotional persistence overriding logical self-preservation.” She begins matter-of-factly. “The mother repeatedly ignores increasingly dangerous conditions within the Hollow despite overwhelming evidence suggesting the probability of survival was extremely low.”
Her brows draw together faintly. “Objectively speaking, her actions were highly inefficient.”
Belle blinks slowly.
Cissia stares at her over the pillow still clutched tightly against her chest.
Promeia, meanwhile, remains entirely unaware that her explanation sounds nothing like a normal movie review.
“I do not fully understand it.” She admits after a pause. “Logically, abandoning the search would have significantly increased her own chances of survival.” Her eyes lower in contemplation. “And yet she continued moving forwards despite fully understanding the risks involved.”
The room grows quieter.
“There was no guarantee she would succeed.” Promeia continues. “No assurance the child was even still alive. Most individuals would eventually prioritise their own survival under those circumstances.” Her attention drifts briefly towards the now-dark television screen. “However… she never once considered giving up.”
Something more thoughtful settles into her expression afterwards. “It seems humans are capable of drawing strength from emotional attachment in ways that do not align with logic.” She pauses again. “…I find that concept somewhat difficult to fully understand.”
For a few seconds, nobody says anything. Then Wise finally breaks the silence.
“Okay... analysis aside…” A small smile pulls at the corner of his mouth. “Did you actually enjoy the movie?”
That question makes Promeia fall quiet. For the first time since beginning her explanation, she seems to consider the answer from somewhere other than pure logic.
Eventually, she gives a small nod. “…The movie was alright.” She admits. Then, after a short pause, she adds. “…I liked it.”
The simple honesty of the answer catches the others mildly off guard.
Belle’s expression softens almost instantly.
Across from her, Cissia blinks over the pillow still clutched in her lap, looking genuinely surprised by how sincere the admission sounds coming from Promeia of all people.
Even Wise looks faintly amused.
“Well... that’s probably the closest thing we’re getting to high praise from you.”
Promeia tilts her head. “…Was my response insufficient?”
Belle immediately laughs. “No, no, it was cute.”
Promeia looks visibly confused by that description.
Before anyone can elaborate further, she slowly rises from the couch.
“Anyway, thank you for inviting me.” She says while adjusting her cape neatly once more. “However, I should return now.”
Belle glances towards the windows where rain still taps steadily against the glass outside.
“But it’s really late.” She points out. “And it’s still raining too.” Then her expression brightens suddenly. “Why don’t you just stay over for the night?”
Wise nods in agreement. “Yeah. I can take the couch.” He offers casually. “You can use my room.”
Promeia’s eyes widen almost imperceptibly at the suggestion before she shakes her head.
“That is unnecessary.” She replies after recovering quickly. “I do not wish to impose further upon your hospitality.” Her eyes drift briefly towards the rain outside. “Besides, there are still matters I need to handle back at Krampus.”
Wise stands up anyway. “Then at least let me drive you back.”
“It is fine.” Promeia assures him. “I have my own methods of returning.”
Belle still looks reluctant to let her leave, though she eventually sighs in defeat.
“Alright then…” A warm smile spreads across her face afterwards. “Take care of yourself, okay? Maybe we can hang out again sometime.”
That makes Promeia pause near the doorway. For a second, she almost seems uncertain how to respond to something so casual. Then she gives a small nod.
“…Alright.” She says quietly. “Goodbye.”
With that, she leaves the room.
The door closes softly behind her not long afterwards.
Cissia unconsciously watches after her until Belle suddenly turns towards her with unmistakable curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
“So?” Belle asks immediately. “What do you think about Promeia now?”
Cissia stiffens at being put on the spot. “I-I mean…” Her tail flicks awkwardly behind her as she avoids eye contact. “I suppose she isn’t as scary as I thought she’d be…” Then she quickly folds her arms defensively. “But that doesn’t mean I’ve completely let my guard down around her!”
Belle hums knowingly, clearly noticing the difference regardless. “Mhm.”
Cissia narrows her eyes instantly. “Don’t ‘mhm’ me like that.”
Wise lets out a tired sigh before stretching. “Alright.” He says, glancing at the clock nearby. “It’s getting late. Off to bed, you two.”
“Okay, goodnight, Wise!”
“Goodnight.”
Not long afterwards, the lights in Belle’s room finally switch off, leaving only the quiet sound of rain drifting through the night outside.
Back at the Krampus safe house, the atmosphere is noticeably calmer than before. The distant hum of machinery echoes softly through the halls while rain continues tapping faintly somewhere outside.
The moment Promeia steps inside, she spots a familiar figure nearby.
Zhao glances up from where she had been leaning against the wall and smiles knowingly the second she sees her.
“Welcome back.”
Promeia slows for a moment before letting out the faintest sigh. “…Why does it feel like you are always here waiting for me specifically?”
Zhao’s smile only widens. “What can I say?” She replies lightly. “I’m just a concerned colleague.”
Promeia looks entirely unconvinced.
Zhao pushes herself away from the wall before casually falling into step beside her.
“Phoenix told me Phaethon invited you out tonight.” She says, the amusement in her voice impossible to miss. “I have to admit, I’m genuinely surprised you actually went.”
“Phoenix was the one who instructed me to attend.” Promeia replies without missing a beat.
“How considerate of her.” Zhao muses knowingly before tilting her head. “So? How was it?”
Promeia falls silent, seemingly considering the question more carefully than expected.
“…It was alright.”
Zhao taps her chin thoughtfully. “Mhm. That response tells me you enjoyed yourself far more than you’re willing to admit.”
“...”
The silence alone is enough confirmation.
A smug look crosses Zhao’s face. “Looks like Phaethon’s growing on you after all.”
Promeia offers no response, though her attention drifts elsewhere for the briefest instant before she resumes walking further down the corridor.
Naturally, Zhao follows alongside her anyway.
That tiny reaction does not escape her notice. Very little ever does.
Thankfully for Promeia, Zhao decides not to tease her further this time.
“Alright, alright. I’ll stop bothering you.” She folds her arms loosely. “But honestly, you should hang out with them again sometime. Maybe during your days off.”
Promeia glances back at her.
“You barely do anything besides ask whether there are missions available.” Zhao continues dryly. “Even when it’s supposed to be your day off.”
“...”
“I know this probably sounds strange coming from me,” Zhao adds, “but having actual friends wouldn’t kill you.”
Promeia grows silent again. Then, after considering the suggestion for a while, she finally speaks. “…I will think about it.”
Zhao smiles, satisfied with her answer. “Good. That’s all I ask.”
Back in her room, Promeia sits quietly at the edge of the bed while rain continues tapping steadily against the windows outside. The dim lighting casts soft shadows across the space as the familiar metallic click of her cuffs breaks the silence.
As part of her usual nightly routine, she removes the restraints around her wrists and sets them carefully beside her before retrieving a polishing cloth from the nearby vanity.
The process is familiar. Methodical. Something she has repeated countless times over the years without needing to think about it.
Tonight, however, her attention drifts elsewhere.
The cloth gradually slows in her hands before eventually coming to a stop altogether.
Promeia’s gaze lowers towards her palms resting in her lap.
Rough. Scarred. Marked by years of combat, violence, and survival.
Her fingers move slowly across the uneven skin, tracing old callouses and faded scars with unusual focus, almost as though she is properly noticing them for the first time in years.
Then her movements still completely.
For a while, she simply stares at her hands in silence.
…What is wrong with me…?
The thought lingers heavily in her mind.
Ever since returning from the Outer Ring, something about her has felt… different.
Fragments of earlier memories surface uninvited afterwards.
Soft scales beneath her fingertips. The warmth of Cissia’s tail loosely wrapped around her waist. The way Cissia gradually relaxed beneath her touch instead of recoiling in fear.
Promeia’s brows draw together faintly.
These hands were meant for fighting. For killing. And yet tonight, they had comforted someone instead.
Something unfamiliar twists softly in her chest at the thought.
Phaethon... Cissia...
Her hand unconsciously lifts slightly, almost as though reaching for the lingering sensation again, only for her to stop midway before lowering it back into her lap.
“I…” Her voice catches briefly. “…actually got to pet the little snake…”
The words sound almost disbelieving.
Like part of her still cannot fully process that the frightened child who once fled from her in terror had willingly allowed her close tonight.
Her eyes lower once more.
“...”
A faint warmth gradually touches her otherwise unreadable expression.
“It was... nice...”
Something small and fragile lingers across her face afterwards. A look so unlike the Promeia known within Krampus that almost nobody there would have recognised it as hers at all.