[Scene: Chaldea's Hallway – Dimly Lit]
Master cautiously approaches a small, dimly lit corner of Chaldea where Scorched Girl sits, absentmindedly flicking embers from her fingers onto the cold steel floor. The air around her is unnaturally warm, the faint scent of soot and something sickly sweet lingering in the air.
Scorched Girl: Oh? Master…
She tilts her head, her charred dress shifting slightly as she turns to look up. Her wide, flickering eyes gleam like dying coals.
Scorched Girl: Why do you smell like sugar and melted things today?
(→ "It's Valentine's Day. I brought you chocolate.")
Scorched Girl: Valentine's…?
Her fingers twitch, her cracked lips parting slightly as if tasting the word itself.
(→ "It's a day where people give sweets to those they care about.")
Scorched Girl: Care…? She echoes the word slowly, thoughtfully, as if testing its weight.
(→ "I wanted to give you something, too.")
A long pause. Then, slowly, a smile spreads across her lips—too wide, too stretched.
Scorched Girl: You… wanted to give me something? Not take? Not demand?
She leans closer, the air around her growing hotter, the embers around her feet crackling softly.
Scorched Girl: Hehe… No one ever 'gives' me things. They only leave behind what's left after they scream.
Master carefully extends the box of chocolates. The warmth of the air makes the chocolate inside melt slightly, but it remains intact.
Scorched Girl: For me…? Really?
Her fingers hover just above the box, hesitant.
(→ "Yes. It's yours.")
Scorched Girl: …That's funny. My fingers usually burn everything I touch, but… this doesn't feel like something I should destroy.
She carefully takes the box, cradling it in her hands as if it were fragile. Her breath is oddly steady, the usual erratic flickering of fire around her momentarily subdued.
Scorched Girl: I've never had chocolate before. I wonder if it will taste like how I imagine…
She opens the box and lifts a piece to her lips. The chocolate melts instantly against the heat of her skin, dripping like dark wax onto her fingers.
Scorched Girl: Oh… Her eyes widen. It's sweet.
A slow, creeping grin spreads across her face—different from before. There is something… softer in it.
Scorched Girl: It doesn't taste like ashes at all.
She looks at Master, tilting her head.
Scorched Girl: If you gave me something, does that mean I should give you something too?
Before Master can answer, she raises her hand. A small, flickering flame dances at her fingertips, crackling softly like a dying candle.
Scorched Girl: Here. This is what I have.
The fire twists and curls into something tangible—a small, ember-glowing stone, warm to the touch but not burning.
Scorched Girl: It's a piece of me. It won't burn you… unless you forget about me. Then it might get lonely and try to find its way back.
She places the ember-stone in Master's hands, watching their reaction closely.
(→ "Thank you. I'll keep it safe.")
Scorched Girl: …Really? Her smile falters for a moment, as if disbelieving. Then, she laughs softly. Alright. I'll believe you… for now.
(→ "Will it actually burn me if I forget about you?")
Scorched Girl: Hehehe… Do you want to find out? Her eyes gleam mischievously, but there is a strange warmth in her tone.
(→ "I could never forget you.")
Scorched Girl blinks, her fire briefly dimming. She looks away, rubbing the back of her hand against her cheek as if trying to suppress a reaction she doesn't understand.
Scorched Girl: Hehe… You say weird things, Master.
Her fingers tighten around the box of chocolates. The embers flicker back to life.
Scorched Girl: But… I think I like it.
She steps back into the shadows, cradling her gift like a treasured relic.
Scorched Girl: Happy Valentine's, Master. Next time… maybe I'll make something for you.
She disappears into the dim light, leaving behind only the ember-stone, still warm in Master's hands.
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[Craft Essence: "Ashes That Remember"]
Stats: ATK +250 / HP +400
Effect: Increases Burn Damage dealt by 15% and grants immunity to Burn status.
Description:
A small, ember-glowing stone, warm to the touch. Given by Scorched Girl as a gift, it flickers softly in the dark, as if watching over its owner.
"If you forget, it might come looking for you."
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A/N:Hey everyone! Hope you like this Valentine's omake!
I'm taking a short break—just 3-4 days or maybe a week, don't worry, I'm not dropping this fic. I just need some rest because, fun fact, I was busy preparing for a geography competition on a national level… that I actually won! (Yes, I'm flexing a little.)
But now my head feels like it got hit by a truck, so I'm gonna rest for a bit. See you all soon!
Feel free to let me know what you think of how the stories are going and where it should go. I'm always eager to hear from you. Leave a powerstone or a comment to support me ;)