Setting: One day before the Echo Base siege
Location: Hidden watchtower near the mountain outskirts
POV: Reis
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The wind whispered through the old comms tower, brushing against the silver-laced strands of Reis's hair. She sat alone on the edge of the platform, legs dangling over the drop, watching the stars as they blinked into the dusk.
She used to count them as a child.
Back when she believed in peace.
Behind her, footsteps.
She didn't turn. She knew it was you.
"You always find the highest places," you said, voice low. A little tired. A little softer with her.
"Only the sky doesn't lie," Reis replied, her voice like mist. "It doesn't make promises it can't keep."
You moved beside her and sat down, close—but not too close.
"Tomorrow's going to be hell," you murmured.
She smiled faintly. "Isn't it always?"
A quiet moment passed. The world below was wrapped in silence.
Then she asked, "Do you remember the first time we met?"
You looked at her. "Of course."
You remembered: her standing in the middle of a collapsed Echo lab, surrounded by fallen enemies. Fragile-looking, yet untouched. Crystal energy humming in her veins. Eyes too sad for someone so young.
"I was going to kill you," she said with a smirk.
"I know," you chuckled. "You hesitated."
"I didn't know why, back then." She glanced at you. "I do now."
Your breath caught a little.
But she kept looking forward, like if she met your eyes, it would all unravel.
"I'm not human anymore," she said, almost wistful. "Not really. Zeyren made sure of that. But you… you always looked at me like I still was."
You finally spoke. "Because you are, Reis."
Her smile trembled.
"I wish I could've been something more."
The silence that followed wasn't awkward.
It was grief. In slow motion.
She leaned her head on your shoulder. For the first time. And maybe the last.
"If I don't make it through tomorrow," she whispered, "don't look for me. Don't grieve. Just remember this moment. The version of me that lived here… with you."
Your hand reached for hers, fingers interlacing with hers like it was instinct.
"No," you said, firmly. "If you don't come back… I'll tear the world apart until I find what's left of you."
Reis closed her eyes.
And cried silently.
Just once.
---
End of Side Story.