The lady from the mist

A soft mist curled through the clearing, carrying the scent of damp earth and something else—something sweet, almost intoxicating.

Zane lay still on the ground, his breathing even but shallow. Kimiko rested near him, unmoving. A lone figure watched over them.

Lan Xia.

She sat comfortably on a nearby rock, one leg draped over the other, her jacket slightly open to reveal the smooth curve of her collarbone. Moonlight kissed the edges of her form, accentuating the sharp contrast between elegance and danger in the way she carried herself.

She reached into her jacket, retrieving her phone, and pressed it to her ear.

“Yamada.”

A voice answered almost immediately. “Miss Lan Xia.”

She smiled, her voice low and velvety. “Come pick me up. I’ll send the location.”

There was no hesitation. “I’m on my way, madam.”

She hung up, exhaling slowly as she studied the unconscious pair before her.

“How troublesome… men falling asleep on me already?” She smirked, brushing a stray strand of hair from Kimiko’s face.

Then—movement.

A shift in the air.

She looked up, eyes glinting with recognition, just as Kaito stepped into the clearing, carrying Kira in his arms. His expression was the same as ever—calm, unreadable—but the way he held Kira spoke volumes.

Lan Xia tilted her head, an amused hum escaping her lips.

“Well, well. Are you here for a rematch, boy?” Her voice was sultry, teasing, laced with something that could be mistaken for amusement—or something else entirely.

Kaito said nothing. He simply knelt down, setting Kira’s limp body on the ground.

“Take care of her,” he said. His tone was firm and final.

Lan Xia’s lips curled. She leaned forward slightly, propping her chin on her hand as her gaze flicked between Kaito and the unconscious girl in his arms.

“Oh?” She let the sound stretch, playful, knowing. “Now, why would a cold, quiet man like you be so concerned over one little girl?” She traced a finger along her own collarbone, tilting her head. “Unless… it’s love?” Her voice dipped into something honeyed, suggestive. “How adorable.”

Kaito didn’t react. He simply turned, vanishing in an instant.

Lan Xia let out a breathy chuckle, shaking her head.

“Talking to a tree,” she mused, licking her lips and pressing a finger lightly against them, “but it’s alright… you’re still my favourite.”

She turned her attention to Kira, her teasing expression shifting to something more thoughtful as she crouched beside her. Fingers ghosted over Kira’s pulse point. Still beating. Weak, but steady.

“You don’t give up that easily, do you?” She murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

With a slow smirk, she ripped a piece of fabric from her sleeve and pressed it firmly against Kira’s wounds.

A small groan caught her attention.

Kimiko stirred.

Lan Xia’s gaze flickered toward her, watching as her eyelids fluttered open, her mind sluggishly processing her surroundings. Confusion set in first—then recognition.

Lan Xia blinked. A breath. Then, a soft chuckle.

"…Crap."

Kimiko’s gaze locked onto Lan Xia.

Her lips parted.

And then—

“Mom?”