The air smelled like perfume.
Alexia frowned as she stepped forward, heels clicking against the ground.
Across from her stood Flirty Joker—a tall, slim figure dressed in an elegant red and black suit, his mask adorned with a charming smirk. A rose twirled between his fingers, and his eyes—beneath that mask—sparkled with mischief.
"Ah, the lovely Empress herself." Flirty Joker bowed dramatically. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this intimate encounter?"
Alexia sighed. "I already hate you."
"Ahh~" Joker clutched his chest like she had just stabbed him in the heart. "So cruel! So cold! Are all beautiful women this heartless?"
"Only to idiots."
Joker grinned. "Then I must be the luckiest idiot alive, because I've got you all to myself."
Alexia rolled her eyes. "Can we just fight?"
"Fight?!" Joker gasped. "Darling, you wound me. I would never raise a hand against a lady—unless, of course, you like it rough."
SLASH!
Alexia's sword flashed.
Joker leaned back just in time, dodging the blade by a hair.
"Oho!" Joker chuckled. "Feisty! I love a woman who takes the lead."
Alexia lunged.
Joker danced away, effortlessly dodging each strike.
"But tell me, Empress," he continued, twirling his rose as he sidestepped another slash, "are you single?"
Alexia's brows twitched. "What?"
"Because if you're not…" Joker wiggled his eyebrows. "I can change that."
"Die."
Alexia swung her blade again, this time aiming for his neck.
Joker ducked, flipping backward with ridiculous ease.
"Whoa, whoa, hold on—" He landed gracefully, then straightened his tie. "Are you mad because I asked, or because I'm right?"
Alexia gritted her teeth. "You're insufferable."
"But handsome," Joker added. "Come on, admit it. I'm at least a little charming."
Alexia exhaled sharply. "Fine. You're charming."
Joker beamed. "Ah! Music to my ears! You see, darling, that wasn't so hard—"
BOOM!
A massive shockwave burst from Alexia, sending Joker flying into the air.
He flipped midair, landed on his feet, and smoothed his suit.
"...You know, if you wanted to throw me onto a bed, you could've just asked."
Alexia snapped her fingers.
Golden energy exploded around her.
Behind her, a massive tarot card materialized—The Empress.
Joker whistled. "Ohh, now we're getting serious?"
"Let's see if you can flirt while choking on your own breath," Alexia said coldly.
BOOM!
Alexia vanished.
A second later, Joker was sent flying.
Her sword smashed through his defense, tearing through his illusions.
CRASH!
Joker slammed into a wall, coughing. "You're breaking my heart, sweetheart—"
Alexia stomped toward him.
Joker raised a hand. "Wait, wait, one last thing before I go."
Alexia paused. "...What?"
Joker smirked.
"If we ever meet again…" He winked.
"Let's make it a date."
Then, he exploded into a flurry of roses, vanishing completely.
Alexia stood there, surrounded by petals.
Silence.
"...I hate that guy."
She turned away.
Time to check on the others.