[Ultimately, because there were still outsiders on the helicopter, Black Pardo was unwilling to come out. She only agreed to appear once they returned to the base.]
[Even so, Black Pardo secretly released her avatar, the black cat named 'Freeze-Dried'.]
[However, compared to the building-sized black cat from the Herrscher space, this black cat was only the size of a fist and was exceptionally good at acting cute.]
[You were afraid it would move around and fall off the plane, so you wanted to tuck it into your pocket. But it threw a tantrum, leaving you with no choice but to hold it in your arms, which was the only way it would stop struggling.]
[And so, after a period of travel, you returned to the MOTHs. As previously agreed, you were able to clearly see Black Pardo's true face for the first time.]
---o---
Inside the European-style employee dorm, Fu Li sat in a chair, looking at the three cups of steaming coffee on the table, and at the two other girls who looked almost identical.
All things considered, this was the first time the three of them had sat together at one table so peacefully.
"So, this is the 'other Pardo'? How should I introduce myself to you? Long time no see, or... nice to meet you?"
"Also, what should I call you? Pardo? Or Black Pardo?"
Fu Li looked at Black Pardo, who had her head tilted and didn't dare to look him straight in the eye, then glanced at the original Pardo sitting nervously beside her. He couldn't help but find it amusing.
In his view, the reason these two little ones didn't dare to look at him directly was most likely because they felt awkward about their previous battle. But in truth, he didn't mind at all.
"Ha? Who cares about that stuff. Pardo, Black Pardo, call me whatever you like."
The current Black Pardo gave off an approachable feeling. She didn't seem to care too much about her name, but the accelerating swish of her tail betrayed her inner turmoil.
While hidden within Pardo's body, she had heard many people call out "Pardo." They weren't calling for her, but for the other self. So...
Shouldn't she also have a name that belonged only to her?
"Hmm, is that so?"
Fu Li nodded. His gaze swept over the two of them. After a moment of thought, he decided it was best to give the naming rights to Pardo. After all, this was her other self.
"Pardo."
"Hm?"
Her name being called, Pardo's attention snapped back. She blinked her eyes, looking a bit lost.
She didn't know why she was suddenly singled out. But since it was Fu Li speaking, she would just listen. He would never harm her anyway.
"Sigh. Pardo, are you a blockhead? Let me be direct! What name do you think we should give Black Pardo?"
"A name?" Pardo blinked, only now realizing that she had always referred to the other as "other me."
But, a name?
"Hmm... let me think..."
Pardo frowned, crossing her slender legs. After thinking for a long time, she suddenly snapped her fingers and announced the name she had come up with:
"I've got it! Why don't we call her 'Can'? Isn't that cute?"
"That's... probably not a good idea."
"Exactly! There's no way I'm taking that stupid name! Is that even a person's name?"
Unsurprisingly, Pardo's suggestion was met with immediate rejection from the other two. In response, she could only spread her hands helplessly.
"I can't help it. Li, you know I've only ever named cats."
"Besides, on Twilight Street, to help the kitties survive, didn't we always give them names of food, hoping they'd never have to worry about eating or drinking their whole lives?"
The kitty meant no harm; this was simply her naming style.
"Sigh, I forgot about that." Fu Li slapped a palm to his face. As expected, he shouldn't have trusted Pardo in any field outside of stealth.
He turned to Black Pardo, asking for her opinion. "What about you? Is there a name you'd like for yourself?"
"A name?" Black Pardo shook her head. "I don't really care. But if you insist on giving me a name, then just do whatever you think is best."
Although her tone was still nonchalant, her ears and tail betrayed her once again.
"Alright then, let me think."
What a classic tsundere performance, just like in an anime.
Fu Li mused to himself, then began to seriously consider what kind of name would be suitable.
First, according to his naming habits, "Pardo" was like a surname. It allowed people to quickly connect the two of them, so it shouldn't be changed.
And if the first part couldn't be changed, then he could only focus on "Felis." That way, it would sound more like they were sisters.
"I've got it! I have an idea!"
The concept in his mind gradually took shape. Fu Li took a piece of paper, first writing down the name "Pardofelis," then writing the name he had come up with next to it.
Pardo Naiyisi. "Nai" was taken from the name Nyarlathotep, to match her darker powers. "Yi" was taken from Yiren, referring to a person one is intimate with. And "Si," of course, was taken from Pardofelis herself.
Unfortunately, due to his distant memories, Fu Li had forgotten that the word Yiren also meant "beloved" in ancient times.
But anyway, since Black Pardo wasn't from Shenzhou, it shouldn't be a problem. Unless she came into contact with Hua, but that seemed impossible.
"Pardo... Naiyisi?"
After listening to Fu Li's explanation, Black Pardo looked at the name. Although she tried her best to appear indifferent, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward.
"Ahem. It's not like I care what my name is, but since you thought about it for so long, I'll graciously accept this name."
As she spoke, Black Pardo—or rather, Naiyisi—began to happily swing her feet. A happy, purring sound rumbled in her throat, just like a cat that had been petted perfectly.
Seeing her act like this, even Pardo knew that she actually loved the name.
However, she was tactful enough not to expose her at this moment. While she felt a sense of relief, a subtle feeling also grew in her heart.
She had only just noticed that since Black Pardo appeared, she had never really given her care or attention. She had just taken it for granted that she was another version of herself and asked her to fight.
In reality, their relationship was more like that of 'sisters.'
I guess it's a good thing Fu Li is here. He always manages to pull me back whenever I'm about to go down the wrong path.
Thinking of this, Pardo suddenly suggested, "Hey, to commemorate Naiyisi getting a new name, let's have dinner together to celebrate today!"
"Okay, Pardo!"
"Hmph. Since the main body is inviting, I suppose I'll graciously agree."
Looking at the two of them smiling happily, Fu Li also revealed a helpless, yet genuine smile.
These two blockheads... do they have to be this cute?
(Author's Note: Gu gu gu, I feel like my naming skills are bad. Sigh, I spent half an hour thinking of a name.)