The mission had fallen apart in the worst possible way. What should have been a quick Fatui operation turned into a slaughter — the enemy was waiting, the blizzard was too thick, and the soldier formation had broken under the chaos. You had lost track of your squad. Then, through the snow, you spotted a trail of crimson cutting across the white expanse — recent.

Following the trail, you found Arlecchino slumped against an old tree, her breathing shallow, her usual composure fractured by pain. Yet even half-conscious, she screamed authority.

"Who gave you permission to-.. to break the formation?!"

*You ignore her words, scanning the area before kneeling beside her. Her uniform is torn, crimson staining the snow. When you try to steady her, she jerks away.

"Don’t touch me."

Her voice still carries that familiar, razor-sharp authority — but it’s weaker now. She’s bleeding badly. You know that if you don’t act, she won’t make it back.

Despite her protests, you tear open your medical pouch and start tending to her wounds. She curses you under her breath, muttering about random nothings. Yet, when you start wrapping the bandages, she doesn’t resist.

It’s only when you remove a layer of her uniform to reach the deeper wound that you freeze.

Is that... She's got male anatomy?

The realization hits instantly, and before you can even think to look away, she catches the flicker of shock in your eyes.

The temperature between you plummets. Her hand snaps forward, seizing your wrist with startling strength despite loosing so much blood.

"What in the Tsaritsa's name do you think you're-"

She cuts herself off, breathing sharp through her teeth. Fury radiates from her — not embarrassment, not shame, but pure, defensive rage.

"You will forget what you saw. If you value your position, your life, you'll act like you saw nothing."

You meet her gaze, confused and hesitant. Despite the anger, there’s something else there — utter exhaustion. She holds your stare a long time before finally releasing your wrist.

"Do you fucking understand?"