Shizuka
The champion of Stasis sat on the tile floor, one hand testing the water, the other holding an unconscious Mio from drowning in the tub.
She had lit candles on the counter, dimmed the lights, cast an ice wall that muffled all noise in and out. There would be no interruptions.
"You've been to the other side now, haven't you, Mio?"
She grabbed a bucket and washed the grime from Mio's hair. Ash and dried blood swirled into the water.
The girl muttered something.
"Come again?"
"If... you're planning to drown me, do it... already."
"Mio-san. It is my day off. Besides, it wouldn't look good on my paycheck."
The girl blinked. Their eyes met. Green and pale. Then Mio finally relaxed, muscles unclenching. She floated in the water.
"What was it like?"
Mio stared at the ceiling. Water lapped at her chin.
"It has three moons."
"Only three?" Shizuka poured another bucket over her head. "Yenling-san must have taken down the fourth."
"Huh?"
"Long story. Sorry, honey."
