Chapter 12: Fair point

Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Fair point Sophia giggled as she watched Calista flail her wings and flap away dramatically. Betty took her daughter’s small hand and rose to her feet, brushing dirt from her pants. "Let’s go now, dear." They walked together through the soft grass, the rustle of leaves the only sound around them. As they stepped through a break in the trees, Betty’s gaze landed on a small, one-room wooden house tucked against the hill. Its roof was slightly slanted, and ivy crawled along the edges—but something about it felt warm, almost inviting. Calista stopped proudly in front of the tiny building and puffed out her chest. "See? This is your house! And guess what—it can even withstand an attack from a core-level warrior!" Betty blinked, taken aback. "Core-level warrior? That sounds like some kind of ranking. What do you—?" Calista’s eyes widened in alarm. She flapped her wings fast and waved them left and right frantically. "N-Nothing! It’s nothing! Ahem—just a figure of speech! This house is totally normal! Yep, normal! Okaybye!" And with that, the phoenix spun around and zipped off into the trees, a trail of feathers left behind in her escape. Betty’s lips twitched. ’I just asked a simple question... Why the dramatic reaction? That little bird is definitely hiding something.’ Sophia tugged her hand gently, blinking up with wide eyes. "Mommy... is this our new home?" Betty looked down at her daughter’s hopeful expression. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she gave her a reassuring nod. "Yeah, sweetheart. Until I find somewhere safer, this will be our home." Together, they stepped inside—and Betty froze. The interior was completely different from what the outside suggested. The space was much larger than it had any right to be, almost like it was enchanted. Wooden beams stretched across the high ceiling, and lanterns with glowing crystals cast soft amber light around the room. The walls were lined with paper-like windows, and delicate wooden chairs and tables bore intricate phoenix carvings. A warm breeze filtered in from a skylight above, and the air smelled faintly of sandalwood and something floral—jasmine, maybe. Betty blinked in awe. ’Wow... it’s like I stepped into an ancient Chinese drama.’ Sophia twirled around with wide eyes, her laughter bouncing through the air. "It’s so pretty! Mommy, can I sleep there?" she pointed to a cozy floor mattress near the wall. Betty chuckled. "Yes, dear. That can be your spot." Sophia squealed in delight as she bounced onto the soft mattress, giggling as she rolled across it like it was the coziest thing in the world. Meanwhile, Betty’s eyes wandered around the room, taking in every detail with a mix of curiosity and caution. Her gaze landed on a picture frame hanging near the corner. A woman sat on an ornate chair, dressed in flowing red robes that looked like they belonged to another era. Her figure was graceful—slender, elegant—and her eyes... glowing crimson, intense and sharp. She looked as if she had walked through blood and fire, a warrior who knew no fear. Betty POV: I stepped closer, the floor creaking under my boots. My eyes narrowed as I stared at the portrait. Her expression... it’s fierce. She looks like she’s fought in more battles than I could ever imagine. A strange chill ran down my spine, but I shook it off. No use overthinking things now. Turning back to Sophia, I smiled gently as I watched her kick her legs happily on the mattress. "I’m going out for a bit, dear! Be good, okay?" I called out. Sophia paused, glancing up at me with hesitant eyes. Her smile faded slightly, and she lowered her head. Huh? What’s wrong with her? Concern pricked at my chest. I walked over, crouched down, and gently scooped her into my arms—startled by how light she felt. Wow... She feels like paper. Am I really this strong already from just one zombie core? I brushed a hand against her cheek, voice soft. "What’s the matter, sweetheart? You look sad." Sophia met my gaze, her expression trembling. "Mommy... can’t I go with you? I don’t want to stay here alone..." Before I could respond, a shrill voice chimed in from behind us. "You’re not alone, little demon! I’m still here!" Sophia nearly jumped out of my arms in shock. She whipped around to see Calista standing on the backrest of a wooden chair, her wings flared dramatically. Sophia’s eyes narrowed into an angry glare. "You little bird! Why are you calling me a demon?!" Calista puffed up, eyes gleaming with indignation. "Then why do you keep calling me ’bird’?! I am a phoenix—a majestic, divine queen of the skies!" The two glared at each other, nose to beak. I shook my head, barely holding back a laugh at their little argument. "Sophia, listen to me," I said gently. "I need to go out alone—it’s dangerous out there. But you can play here, alright? I won’t stop you. Just remember... if I don’t go outside, how will I ever find a safer place for us to live, hmm?" Sophia pouted, clearly reluctant, but nodded anyway. A warm smile tugged at my lips as I set her down on the mattress and turned to the door. "Calista, please keep her company while I’m gone." "I’m not your babysitter—!" Calista’s irritated voice chased after me, but I ignored it with a smirk and tapped the phoenix mark on my arm. In a flash of light, I vanished from the pocket dimension. Third Person POV: The old truck engine rumbled as Betty started it up. Her fingers drummed against the steering wheel as she pressed random buttons on the radio, hoping for a miracle. Some kind of government announcement, maybe. Directions to a safe zone. Anything. But all she got was static. She groaned, resting her head briefly against the wheel. "Of course... nothing," she muttered. "Guess I’ll have to ask someone." As she drove down the cracked road, her eyes narrowed at the sight of a military-style jeep parked near the shoulder. A tall, burly man sat on its bonnet, casually holding a worn-out baseball bat. His clothes were dusty, muscles tensed, eyes wary. She hesitated. "Should I even...?" Her fingers hovered over the wheel. "Tch, whatever." She parked the truck beside the jeep and stepped out slowly, leaving the door open. The man immediately jumped down, eyes narrowing as he raised his bat defensively. "Who are you? Stay right there!" he barked, stepping back instinctively. Betty blinked. He looks like he could lift a car, but he’s acting like I’m the threat. She raised her hands slowly, keeping her tone calm. "I’m not here to fight," she said. "I just want to know if there’s a base nearby. Do you know the way?" The man paused, still gripping his bat tightly. He squinted at her from head to toe—her hooded figure, covered face, tall black boots, the faint outline of knives on her thighs. "Why should I believe you?" he said warily. "We don’t know who’s out here to rob or kill anymore." Betty sighed, shoulders relaxing. "Honestly? You shouldn’t," she said flatly. "But if I wanted to rob you, would I be asking questions?" The man hesitated. He lowered the bat slightly. "...Fair point." A/n={ Which POV suited this novel}