Chapter 43:

  Unexpected Gift

  (Present Day, Lucas's POV)

  The sun rose brightly in the sky, peaking through the clouds as I made my way towards the Pyers Association with Maya and Azure in tow. It was the day after their training session had ruined the garden, and now we had to find a pce that would accommodate them as the training became more rigorous. Thankfully, it wasn't hard for Maya to procure a room at the Association.

  "I suppose it's easy when Ellie's grandma leads it," I thought, looking around at the pza before the entrance to the building. Like always, it was busy. Groups of Pyers talking about their missions or previous jobs milled about, congregating around the fountain and various concrete pnters where they sat and discussed their next moves.

  Guild recruiters were keenly observing them all, watching for any potential candidates. There were also regur civilians who were trying to get in good with many of the Pyers, as well as here on jobs from various organizations and businesses. They often came here to post requests, often reting to procurement of some kind from dungeons. They also presented proposals to the Pyers Association itself.

  "Speaking of jobs..." there was a sense of nostalgia as I caught the glimpses of the Association Couriers. A job that I once had. Part of me felt a sense of anxiety, much like the st time I came here, because I still felt like I would get in trouble for not working or wearing the uniform. That's when I felt a firm hand upon my shoulder.

  "Sir, rex," Maya's voice was as professional as always, but there was a gentle warmth to it that immediately brought a sense of relief, "You're not here to work. You don't have to feel guilty."

  "...I know," I sighed, "Just still feels weird. What about you? You're not worried about anyone recognizing you?"

  I spoke quietly enough so that only she could hear me, gncing at her to see that she was as calm as always. She was quite the reassuring presence. As I asked my question, I saw the corners of her mouth curl coyly into a small smile.

  "They know I'm El's guard, and now yours," she responded simply, "As for what you mean...no. I am not worried. No one knows their face. Besides..."

  She looked a little wistful as she looked around for a moment before continuing.

  "All flowers must bloom eventually," she stated softly, the wind suddenly picking up and bringing with it a gentle floral scent, "It doesn't matter if their known or not, so long as I can continue my work."

  "Work, huh? Is that what I am?" I asked, sensing that there was more to her words from the way she said them, but I wasn't sure, and so I simply teased her instead.

  "You know what I mean," she told me with a roll of her eyes, gring at me as she pyfully shoved my shoulder.

  I chuckled, but as I ughed, the light of the sun broke through the clouds, and perhaps it was a trick of the light, but I swore I saw Maya's expression soften.

  "You're not work at all, Luke," her words were so quiet that I almost missed them, "I hope you don't truly think that."

  I found myself suddenly lost for words, my heart skipping several beats before it began to quicken. I felt like she truly meant those words. It was truly touching.

  "I...no, not really," I replied sheepishly, "Sometimes, perhaps. I mean, I hate to admit it, but tely I've been so damn accident prone..."

  "Pfft," it was just a little sound. The sound of Maya stifling a ugh as she tried to hide her mouth behind her hand. It was such a delicate motion that I almost forgot what she was capable of. I could only smile, knowing that she was getting more comfortable around me, for I was also feeling incredibly comfortable around her.

  "I'm sorry, Sir," she cleared her throat, "I didn't mean to ugh, it's just...well, you're not wrong."

  "Yeah, yeah," I waved dismissively, and at the same time, Azure flew into my hand, demanding to be pet.

  I ughed, giving him what he desired.

  "Alright, alright, we'll get going," I told him, much to his delight.

  Lately, he had been getting more into his training. It was almost infectious how excited he was. Like he had all this pent-up energy waiting to be unleashed, and honestly, I could believe it. He was a growing Drake, something I often forgot from how cute he was. He was a monster. A creature of great power. He'd have to unleash it at some point.

  Thus, the three of them turned to enter the Association, but as they did, Lucas's thoughts turned towards the one thing his mind was always on. Elizabeth.

  "I hope she's okay...It's been three days," he thought to himself, hoping she would return soon.

  -----

  (Moments Later, Lucas's POV cont.)

  It was really impressive to see how far Azure evolved in such a short amount of time. The room they had procured to use for training used some kind of virtual simution to create semi-real environments. I wasn't a hundred percent sure how it worked, but I knew it used some kind of technology that was created from dungeon materials.

  I watched as the room shifted and changed, pilrs of steel rose to become rock formations while others dipped into the floor to become rivers and streams. From another room, behind a protective gss wall, I saw Azure flying through trees in a forest as he attempted to find Maya. The goal of todays training was to test his ability to seek out and find hidden individuals. This allowed him to train how to find enemies, as well as how to find me, should I ever need finding.

  The moment the training began, Maya vanished before my very eyes. I had seen her move before, but nothing like this. It was like she just ceased to exist.

  "Impressive little guy," a voice commented next to me.

  "He really is," I responded fondly, watching him zoom about the makeshift forest, "Though...I gotta ask, as much as I'm enjoying your company, aren't you busy?"

  Gncing from where I sat behind the protective gss, I looked to see Elizabeth's grandmother, CEO of the Pyers Association, casually sitting in a chair next to me. She had a wide smile on her face and her eyes were bright. Apparently, she was the one that Maya had inquired after to secure a room. I had no idea that she would actually be here.

  "Of course!" she chuckled, not a care in the world, "But, how could I not come to see my granddaughter's fiancé! It would be rude of me not to give you the VIP treatment."

  I felt a little embarrassed, but I couldn't really say anything. She had a certain aura to her that made it difficult to tell her off. I mean, she must know what she was doing...right? Then again, remember how she was with her assistant, I had to wonder...

  "And what about Jacob, surely he's..." my words trailed off as Meridith grimaced at the mention of her poor assistant, "I see...my condolences."

  I knew my answer before I had even finished asking it. "She's definitely dodging work..." I thought, slightly amused as it reminded me quite a lot about Elizabeth herself whenever she didn't want to work. I silently prayed for Jacob's sanity, a man who works way too hard. Though, he seems to enjoy it, as Meridith has had to force him to take breaks, but working for someone who constantly dodges work, and having someone who loves to work and needs her to do her work...well, I could only hope he wasn't running himself too ragged.

  "H-He's fine...I think," she scratched her cheek nervously before clearing her throat, "I'll just have to make sure he takes a break...and eaten. Look, I take good care of him!"

  She was adamant about that in a defensively pyful way.

  "You better. The man deserves it," I found myself saying before realizing who I was talking to, "I mean-"

  "Ha, don't worry about it," she dismissed with a beaming smile, "You're right. He's been invaluable. You know, Elizabeth was right about you."

  "What do you mean?" I asked, feeling suddenly attentive as I yearned to hear what she had to say about me, "What has she said?"

  "That you acclimate fast," her eyes were sharp as she said this, watching me closely; she seemed rather amused, "I suppose being around her has helped that, but...not many would think to banter with me."

  I had to admit she was right. Being around Elizabeth has made me used to the abnormal, as well as admonishing those with power. It was strange. I still had a sense of awe from being around Meridith. I mean, she was incredibly famous. Even so, I did feel...calmer around her.

  "I guess you're right," I muttered, looking back at Azure who had finally seemed to find Maya after a few hours of searching, "My life has changed drastically since I met her. I've done things I never thought possible. Honestly, I still feel like I'm dreaming, but..."

  My words trailed off as I thought for a moment, becoming quite pensive. A somber calm washing over me.

  "I don't think I'll wake up this time," I chuckled, amused at my own coyness with how I danced around the fact that memories of my past had simply been dreams, but I felt that this time...they wouldn't dreams, "If I do, I think I'll be very upset, but El...she'll make sure I never wake up."

  I felt a firm hand on my shoulder, and as I gnced towards Meridith, her expression was incredibly soft.

  "She loves you, Lucas," she stated warmly, "I've never seen her so happy. Thank you."

  She squeezed my shoulder gratefully and I just smiled.

  "I know she does," I replied, love in my voice as I thought of Elizabeth, "I should be the one who thanks her for all she's done. I love her as well. Quite a lot, in fact."

  I could feel the approval from her without even looking. It made me feel rather warm and fuzzy inside. A moment ter, there was a buzzing from within the jacket of the suit Meridith wore. Raising a curious eyebrow, I saw that she looked a little...nervous.

  Reaching into the inner pocket, she pulled out a phone and answered it hesitantly.

  "Jacob..." she said, avoiding looking me in the eye when I gave her a coy, knowing smirk, "Yes, yes. I'm just meeting my future grandson. No, I'm not skipping work. I'm just..."

  She looked like a child being admonished by a parent, and for a moment, I forgot just exactly who she was. This changed, however, as soon as her expression hardened. The air around her practically solidified, eyes fring to life as they sharpened.

  "What do you mean, dead?" Meridith inquired, jaw clenching, "Yes, I'm on my way. Prepare the shuttle."

  My heart sunk in my chest as I heard her say that someone was dead. My first thought was Elizabeth, but surely she was fine, right? Thankfully, she was quick to shift gears, pcing another hand on my shoulder in comfort.

  "Sorry about that, Lucas," her tone was gentle, but the air around her was a little more serious than normal, "Don't worry. It's not about Elizabeth. She's fine. You remember the st time you were here? I had a meeting with the Pan-Asian Alliance."

  I felt relieved that Elizabeth was fine, slowing nodding as I kind of remembered something about the Pan-Asian Alliance.

  "I sent a team to help them with a problem," she sighed as she spoke, her expression grim, "None of them returned."

  "...I'm sorry," I found myself saying, my heart heavy with sympathy, "I can't imagine how you feel. Losing people is-"

  "Oh, they're not lost," Meridith assured me with a gentle smile, "But, I have to go in order to take care of some formalities. Thanks for allowing this old woman to keep you company."

  "Not a problem," I replied with as gentle of a smile as I could muster, "You're welcome any time, truly."

  "Oh?" Meridith smirked, a devilish glint in her eye that reminded me a lot of Elizabeth, "Well, if you give me permission, then-"

  "But..." I held up a finger at her, "Only if you've finished your work. You can't keep leaving things to Jacob, even if he likes to work."

  She looked properly defted, smiling in resignation. We said our goodbyes, and as she left, Maya entered the room with Azure in tow. She looked a little curious, despite her typical impassive expression. Azure flew towards me, ignoring all else as he nuzzled into my face, happy to see me again. His purring was infectiously calming.

  "What's happened?" Maya inquired after Meridith, and so I told her of what she had told me, "I see. I did hear something about happening in Asia."

  She grew a little distant, looking away in thought. I was a little worried, feeling like things might get busy soon. "Hopefully...I'll have time with Elizabeth," I felt a little mencholic, knowing that she may be called to assist with the situation if it got worse. I was definitely worried, something that Maya seemed to pick up on as I felt her hand lightly touch my arm.

  "Sir, it's going to be alright," she said with such assuredness, "I have a feeling of what Lady Meridith will do. Miss Falcrest will have plenty of time to spoil you when she returns."

  "Am I really that easy to read?" I mented, sighing heavily but feeling a little better from her reassurance.

  "You are, yes," she responded, her lips curling ever so slightly in amusement, "I assure you, we don't read minds. Though, not that there aren't Pyers who can't."

  "...Damn," I chuckled, taking a deep breath before tilting my head curious, "You know, I was wondering. Why do you call Meridith by her name, but refer to Ellie by her st name?"

  "Well..." Maya shifted a bit as she spoke, "Despite being only the heir to the Falcrest Family, El is effectively leading it, and...Miss Meridith is very insistent."

  As she said this, I was surprised to see that even Maya looked a little disconcerted when it came to Meridith. It was honestly rather endearing, and I could truly rete.

  "She definitely has a presence to her," I replied in understanding condolences, "By the way, you were both amazing."

  I praised Azure, scratching him under the chin as he cooed happily. Maya seemed to rex, shifting once more.

  "Thank you, Sir," she said quietly, "Azure is learning quickly. Though, I can't say the same about my skills."

  "What do you mean?" I was genuinely confused, "You disappeared like a ghost. I didn't even have to blink. One moment you were there, and then the next, poof! Gone."

  "Yes, that's the problem," Maya sighed, "You shouldn't have seen me at all."

  "Really?" I tilted my head, unsure of what she meant, "Isn't it normal to see someone before they use a stealth skill or something simir?"

  I watched Maya closely, seeing that she was as stoic as ever, and yet, somewhere within her tranquil sea of a face, I thought I felt a little despondency.

  "I had one activated," she muttered.

  "Wait, really?" this was definitely a surprise to me, "When?"

  "...Before I entered the room," she answered, suddenly looking defeated, "No one should have been able to see me unless...ah."

  Something seemed to suddenly click as she looked at me, narrowing her eyes rather intently. It was a little embarrassing to be under her scrutiny. Those amethyst eyes seemed to pierce into my very soul. I didn't hate it, but my heart beat rather quickly until she finally unlocked her gaze from me with what could only be described as a huff, or at least as close to a huff as Maya got.

  "I see, well, perhaps I was wrong," Maya spoke almost to herself, "I'll take the compliment, Sir. Thank you."

  "Wait...what happened?" I was genuinely puzzled, and could still feel my heart beat quickly in my chest from her staring at me so closely, "What was wrong?"

  Maya gnced at me, suddenly becoming rather coy. It was jarring to see her go from stoic to softened and gentle.

  "Nothing, Luke," she used my name, knowing it would disarm me, "We should head back. Azure won't gain anything by training too much."

  I gred at her as she pretended not to notice. It was almost adorable if it wasn't so infuriating. I was definitely missing something, but I knew that when she was like this, Maya wouldn't say a word. So, I resigned myself for now.

  "Mhm," I mumbled, now suspicious, "Sometimes I wonder if you being more rexed is a good thing..."

  I was joking, of course. I was more than happy for her to be rexed around me. I still felt uncomfortable being addressed formally. Thankfully, Maya knew I was joking, and as she began to lead me from the room, she simply turned her head towards me with a genuine smile.

  "You've only yourself to bme, Luke," she said my name once more, but this time, for some reason, I felt my heart skip several beats, "You've sown the seeds. You can't be upset when they begin to grow."

  "I...I guess," I found myself flustered from the sudden change in atmosphere around her.

  It was like she glowed with an otherworldly light. Something I hadn't seen before, but as soon as it had appeared, it was gone and she was back to her normal self. Yet, somehow, she did feel...softer. It was as if she wasn't as rigid anymore, which of course, I was happy to see.

  -----

  (Maya's POV, moments ter)

  "You should go talk to her," Lucas insisted as they arrived on the main floor of the Association, "You'll never get anywhere if you don't."

  Maya gnced over at him as he spoke, her heart confused by recent developments. Earlier, she couldn't say that the reason why he had seen her when using [Perception Distortion] was because she had wanted him to see her. The skill only worked on those she didn't want to see her. It had been an embarrassing realization, and after that...well, she couldn't exactly tell him that she was beginning to like him.

  At least, not yet. She still had a few things to sort out in her complicated web of emotions. Her parents had done quite the damage to her, and she couldn't deny that she still liked women. In fact, she never lied when she has told people that her and Lucas had the same tastes. Strong, beautiful women who could break you just as easily as they could protect you.

  Of course, the aesthetic was always pleasing to the eye. That's why when she had spotted Sigrid, the new addition to Zero Squad, Maya had found herself staring again...and Lucas had caught her.

  "She's just finished a job," Maya stated, trying to change the subject, "I can't just-"

  "Oh, bullshit," Lucas interrupted defiantly, "You're just making excuses, but I mean...I get it. It's not easy to approach someone you like. I sure as hell couldn't do it. At least, not without a lot of preparation."

  He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, catching himself in the hypocrisy of his words. "Adorable..." Maya found herself thinking before becoming embarrassed about such thoughts. He was so oblivious sometimes, but...it wasn't like she wasn't appreciative of him looking after her.

  "I'm not saying you have to," he assured, trying to diffuse what he believed was a mistake on his part, though he had done nothing wrong, "I'm just saying that you should. You deserve to be happy, Maya. Don't hold yourself back, but also...don't rush either. Take your time. I know it isn't easy."

  He was being incredibly kind and conscious of her. She didn't feel like she was being forced to do anything, or was rushing at all. He was right about one thing, however. She was making excuses.

  She had been raised to be the perfect weapon in disguise. A hidden bde for her eventual husband, and as such...she pushed away any interest in romance. She was just a tool honed to become what her parents desired. It didn't matter what she wanted or who she liked. It was unnecessary.

  She almost felt unworthy of it. After being freed from her parents, she had thought of pursuing several partners, but it never amounted to anything. She couldn't connect with them. It was as if she couldn't feel anything except attraction, and so she had stopped trying. Admiring only from afar, but tely...

  "At the very least, Maya," Lucas continued softly, "You should say hi. Get to know her a bit? You never know."

  "...Perhaps you're right, Sir," she replied quietly, "However, I can't leave your side, so-"

  "Maya," Lucas called her with a deadpan expression, "I'm in the middle of the Association lobby. Azure is right here. I used to work here, and I'll stay in eye shot. If anything happens, which is unlikely, I'll be fine."

  "..." Maya hated to admit it, but he was right.

  This pce was filled with Pyers, and it was constantly monitored for any confrontations that may arise. This was probably the safest pce for him besides being by her or Elizabeth's side. With resignation, she looked towards Sigrid who was talking to what looked to be fans of hers. Maya's gaze fell upon the subtle curves of the muscles in her arms, the subtle strength in her soft facial features, and the gentle reddish brown hue of her hair.

  Sigrid looked to be a little nervous from the attention of those talking to her, but she was being polite as she talked to them. It was kind of cute. Seeing such a giant of a woman being so nervous. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to say hello...

  "Stay right here," Maya ordered Lucas firmly, "Since she's a part of Zero Squad, and I am the personal guard of Miss Falcrest and her fiancé, I should make myself acquainted."

  "Aye, aye, Ma'am," he pyfully saluted, which made Maya roll her eyes internally, "Whatever you need to tell yourself. I'll stay right here."

  "What a dork..." Maya thought fondly before heading off towards Sigrid. She would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous. The feelings in her heart were complicated. Lucas was so supportive of who she was that she couldn't exactly deny it just because she might like him romantically. However, she'd have to make it clear to anyone who wished to be involved with her...he was a part of that package.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV)

  I watched Maya walk off, feeling happy to see her at least trying to interact with others. I didn't want her to waste her life just guarding me. Not that I didn't mind it, and in fact enjoyed her company a lot. I just didn't want her to not live her life. She deserved to have a life outside of being my guard, and honestly, my best friend.

  Azure rested his head on my shoulder, nudging me for attention, but also as if to say to watch her.

  "You're right, she can't stay cooped up forever," I told him with a gentle smile, petting him affectionately, "She has to spread her wings. I always feel like she's holding herself back..."

  I grew a little somber as I thought about what Maya might have been through in life. I knew it wasn't an easy life, and I knew that she had her own worries. There was a still a lot I didn't know, but I did know one thing. I wanted to see Maya happy.

  Whenever I saw her smile, I found myself filled with serotonin. It was like I was seeing something rare. Something precious. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to covet it for myself, but something so beautiful and genuine I couldn't hide forever, and she shouldn't hide it either.

  Something in my heart seemed to twist as I thought this, but perhaps it was just because I missed Elizabeth. I felt lonely, empty, without her. It was only ever alleviated because I had Azure and Maya, but now...Maya was talking with Sigrid.

  I was genuinely happy to see it, as I had been a little nervous it wouldn't go well, but as I watched the two of them chatting off to the side by a small fountain in the lobby, I found myself enthralled. Sigrid seemed to practically beam with radiance, smiling widely as she talked with Maya. Maya, for her part, appeared more or less the same as she usually did. However, I knew her enough to see that she was visibly rexed and genuinely invested in whatever conversation she was having.

  The intense eye-contact, the curl of her lips in a hidden smile, her posture towards Sigrid told me that Maya wasn't threatened in any way. In fact...it looked like Maya might be the predator between the two of them. It was almost amusing, knowing what I knew about how dangerous Maya was, but this felt like something different.

  For all that she's done for me, I wanted to genuinely see her succeed. I think she deserved it.

  I didn't have long to admire Maya and Sigrid talking before a commotion began in the lobby. It was subtle at first. Like a quiet murmur which soon rose into a deafening roar, unable to be ignored for long. I felt myself smile before I even felt her arms wrap around me. Immediately, I leaned back into the familiar warmth of an embrace I had long since missed.

  "Welcome back, my love," I whispered, looking up to see Elizabeth's gorgeous emerald eyes looking down at me fondly, though with a slight sulk, "Oh, don't pout."

  "...I wanted to surprise you," she whispered, holding me tightly.

  "I'm very surprised," I replied with a light chuckle, "I wasn't expecting you home for at least another day or two."

  "But you knew it was me..." she sighed, acting like a child so openly.

  It was incredibly cute, my heart was gripped with amusement and love for this woman.

  "How could I not?" I asked genuinely, feigning offense, "Not only do you make quite the entrance, but you're mine. If I couldn't recognize your approach, what sort of husband would I be?"

  She couldn't keep up her facade for long as she blushed, narrowing her eyes at me.

  "That's unfair," she muttered, "Sweet talking me so early."

  "No," I shook my head, turning around in her arms as I cupped her face, feeling the warmth beneath my hand, "What's unfair...is that you haven't kissed me yet."

  The world fell away as she looked upon me with the devilish gaze which threatened to devour me.

  "Same to you, my love," she countered, and I couldn't deny the logic, and so...I pulled her in close, my lips locking with hers.

  It was like a signal was sent through my entire body. I felt complete, whole once more. I rexed, all tension I didn't know I had simply vanished.

  "Welcome home," I whispered once more as I reluctantly pulled away, trying to catch my breath.

  "It's good to be home," she replied, gncing over me with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I see something interesting has happened?"

  "Hmm?" I asked, turning towards where she was looking to see that Maya and Sigrid were still talking, "Ah, yeah. We ran into her after finishing training Azure for the day. I think it's going well?"

  "I'm sure it is," Elizabeth answered, and just as she said that, the two of them noticed us, "Well, I guess I interrupted."

  She chuckled as I simply shook my head amusingly with a smile.

  "Be nice," I chided pyfully.

  "I am being nice!" she decred, feigning offense, "I want Maya to be happy, you know."

  "Yeah...same," I agreed, gd that we were on the same page.

  When Maya and Sigrid noticed us, seeing that Elizabeth had returned, Maya looked surprised as if she hadn't been told. It was curious to see her actually surprised, as it looked almost like shock when it came to her stoic expressions. She blinked, tilting her head ever so slightly before composing herself, but not before she seemed almost...embarrassed.

  Sigrid, for her part, immediately straightened herself as her eyes slightly widened. She looked almost nervous in a sheepish way. With Maya by her side, it was a stark contrast that I honestly didn't hate. Elizabeth waved them over and the two of them obeyed. I leaned against Elizabeth, Azure pushing himself into my arms jealously, content to be held as well.

  "Miss Falcrest," Maya greeted, bowing her head, "I wasn't informed of your return. I apologize for-"

  "Rex, Maya," Elizabeth held a hand up to calm her, "I was keeping it a secret to surprise Lucas. If I had told you, he may have caught on that you knew."

  Maya nodded sagely as if that made sense.

  "Greetings, Ma'am," Sigrid held a hand over her chest in a fist, "I apologize for distracting Miss Maya. I was-"

  Sigrid's voice was deeply smooth, surprising me slightly. Not that it was unpleasant. In fact, it was incredibly pleasant to hear and held a slight accent, though it was barely noticeable. Again, however, Elizabeth waved a hand dismissively, silencing them.

  "Enough with the apologizing, both of you," she lightly admonished them, "You're free to interact as you desire, so long as you understand one thing."

  "What's that, Ma'am?" Sigrid asked, though Maya seemed to already know.

  Elizabeth's hold on me tightened, a chillingly protective aura encasing me. "I think I know what it is now..." I mused with a sigh, patting her arm to calm her. It wasn't that she was angry, but I didn't want her to be too harsh on Sigrid.

  "Ellie..." I warned, gncing at her, "Be nice."

  I repeated what I had said earlier, and she sulked once more.

  "I am being nice..." she mumbled, looking defted, "I haven't even been back for five minutes..."

  "You're incorrigible," I teased, leaning up to kiss her on the cheek, "I'm only teasing, my love."

  She smirked, getting exactly what she had wanted. I knew she was only pretending to sulk in order to get my sympathy, and who was I to deny her that? She was so needy. Not that I minded.

  "Sir, she's just looking out for you," Maya spoke up, sounding almost amused.

  "I know," I replied with a shake of my head, pinching Elizabeth's cheek gently, "She just wants my attention."

  "Oh no, I've been caught," Elizabeth feigned surprised, "Whatever will I do!?"

  I rolled my eyes and the two of us ughed before I heard the clearing of a throat.

  "Uhm...excuse me?" Sigrid inquired, completely lost, "Am I...missing something?"

  "Ah, yes," Elizabeth stood straighter, holding me protectively, "Sorry about that. The one thing you have to understand, Sigrid, is that Lucas's safety takes priority. Though, you weren't distracting Maya."

  "I...wasn't?" Sigrid seemed a little disappointed in that, but also slightly relieved, "Well, that's good, and I understand. He's your fiancé, and from what I heard, not a Pyer."

  "No, he's not," Elizabeth expined, but something in her tone sounded...sad, almost pensive, but perhaps my ears were pying tricks, as it was gone almost as quickly as I thought I heard it, "Let me be clear, by the way. Distractions are fine. What I mean is that, should anything happen while you're around, I expect you to defend him. That's part of Zero's directives."

  Sigrid seemed to brighten slightly as Elizabeth eborated on what she meant, and Maya seemed almost...flustered as she looked away with a light pink to her cheeks. In such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, I found myself adrift in a sea of bliss. "This...this is nice," I thought to myself, enjoying the casual air between everyone.

  There wasn't the threat of danger or any kind of pressing matter at hand, though Meridith's conversation early was in the back of my mind. Even so, these moments I had missed. Moments where nothing was happening and I was just enjoying the company of good people. People I cared about. People I...loved.

  "Love, huh..." I smiled, gncing up at Elizabeth as her words were lost to me, though she was speaking with Sigrid about something. I knew that Maya was listening in, and I found my gaze wandering to her. My heart soothed by their presence. She was watching Sigrid with interest, and I was happy.

  However, she soon caught me looking and met my gaze with a subtle nod of her head and a small smile as if to say, "Thank you", as well as to just make sure I knew that she was there. It was a greeting of sorts and a reassurance. Perhaps I was looking too far into it. All I knew is that I cared for Maya. She had become a part of my life before I had even known it.

  "Oh, by the way, my love," Elizabeth addressing me drew me out of my own thoughts, "I have something for you."

  "For me?" I inquired, curiously tilting my head as I grew excited, "What is it?"

  Elizabeth shifted my attention to two individuals who stood slightly behind her that I hadn't noticed before. They were standing close together wearing exquisitely designed uniforms. The uniform they wore were made of some kind of dark fabric trimmed in gold with gleaming buttons holding everything together. It all contrasted slightly against their skin which held a slight grey-blue hue. It all looked incredibly official and high-end, coming complete with the letter "F" embzoned upon the pel in fanciful calligraphy.

  One was a young boy, maybe around sixteen or so, with strangely colored hair. It was dark, almost inky in appearance. Bck with subtle pearlescent hues whenever the light hit it. Their eyes were a dark midnight green with flecks of aqua.

  Next to the boy was a woman who looked to be in her mid to te thirties and was almost identical to him, except for the obvious. She had the same color hair and wore the same uniform, except with a long, pleated skirt instead of pants. To be honest, they looked like mother and son. Both of them seemed nervous to be there, but otherwise remained perfectly at attention.

  "They're your new pets, my love," she expined, catching me fully by surprise, "Their names are Nima and Luria."

  Azure perked up, sniffing the air with his nose before focusing his attention upon them.

  "Uhm, my love..." I was definitely out of it as I pointed towards them in confusion, "I know my eyesight isn't the best, but...I'm pretty sure those are people. Not pets."

  I had no idea at the moment what kind of crazy feat Elizabeth had just pulled off again, but she looked quite pleased with herself.

  "Oh, trust me," Elizabeth stated, looking towards the pair with coldly amused eyes, "They're definitely pets, but don't worry. They're well-behaved. I made sure of it."

  The two of them tensed under her scrutiny. A part of me almost felt sorry for them, but I figured it would be better if I didn't ask about what she meant. At least not now. I simply took a deep breath and composed myself. There was no way I could understand the full depths of her mind, and so I simply went with the flow. Why waste energy trying to fight against the rapids?

  "Alright..." I sighed, resigning myself, "Luria, Nima, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Lucas, and I don't know what my dear Ellie has told you, but...well, I hope we can get along."

  They looked at me with uncertainty as I held out my hand towards them in greeting. They gnced towards Elizabeth as if looking for permission, but with a cool gnce of my own up at her in warning, she relented and nodded her consent. Though, she did pout slightly, which I found cute.

  Hesitantly, the woman took my hand and shook it. Her skin felt cold to the touch and slightly...damp? Perhaps a little slimy? Though, nothing was left on my hand as I examined it after she had let go.

  "It's...our pleasure, Sir," Luria responded so softly that I almost didn't hear her, "My son and I are here to serve and act as guards. Our lives are yours."

  "Your lives?" I felt something strange in the way she spoke, but quickly understood as I saw Elizabeth looked away as if she had been found guilty of something, but was acting all innocent, "Right...well, let's hope it doesn't come to that. Ellie, we'll need to have a talk ter."

  She winced, looking at me sheepishly with a haphazardly coy smile. The kind of smile she gives me when she hopes I can forget her antics.

  "Don't give me that look," I told her, pinching her cheek again, this time a little harder but still lovingly, "You did something again. We need to discuss these things."

  "Bwut, I dewdn't dew anythwing," she cimed innocence, her words mushed together because of my hold on her face.

  "Mhm, sure," I teased, turning my attention now towards Azure, "And you, calm down."

  Azure's ears were lowered as if ready to pounce. The moment I admonished him, he flinched, looking at me with the most precious puppy-dog eyes that a Drake could give me. As if to ask me "What did I do?", and honestly, I was just at a loss for what was happening.

  "Seriously...what the fuck?" I muttered, completely out of my depths, and yet somehow...I had control of the situation.

  Maya simply seemed amused, and Sigrid too, though she soon excused herself because she had another mission to start. At the same time, I noticed the Luria and Nima were looking at me rather curiously. Their eyes seemed to almost sparkle in awe.

  "He's tamed her..." Luria whispered to Nima in fearful reverence.

  I blushed, looking up at Elizabeth who was, for the most part, looking like a pleased cat despite me grabbing her face, or rather...because I was touching her face. I realized quickly that they meant Elizabeth. Just what did she do to them that they acted like this?

  -----

  (Back Home, Lucas's POV cont.)

  "Ah...that's what you meant," I found myself giving up on any kind of logic, "They were Krakens. I now understand why Azure was acting that way..."

  Swimming before me in a rge aquarium among the coral that had just been aesthetically pced in the penthouse were two octopus-like creatures with bird-like beaks. They had changed before my very eyes, morphing their size as Elizabeth ordered them to make themselves at home. The aquarium acted like a rge wall between two different sides of the penthouse, meaning that they had a pretty decent view of most of it.

  Azure was watching them closely, curiously flying around. He had been jealous, sensing their monstrous tendencies earlier. I was able to assure him that he was first and foremost among creatures here, and according to Elizabeth, Tamers would be out sometime in the next couple of days to create a [Soul Pact] between me and the two Krakens.

  "I told you they were pets," Elizabeth proudly procimed, feeling validated, "They're strong and will be important in keeping you safe. I've trained them in the basic etiquette, but they still need to learn a few things."

  "You can call them pets all you want, Ellie, but..." I leaned against her as she held me in her arms, "They're humanoid, or can be. It just feels weird calling them that."

  "They're creatures," Elizabeth expined off-handedly, "Monsters who-"

  "Ellie..." I gave her a gently doubtful look, "You know what I mean."

  "...I do," Elizabeth admitted, lovingly caressing and pying with my hair as she spoke, "They are yours to treat as you wish, but know that they were the cause of the disturbance in the Atntic. They're on probation and I'll be keeping a close eye on them."

  I honestly found it hard to see that these creatures were what caused the issue in the Atntic. After all, they were so small and tiny compared to what I had imagined Krakens to be, but since they could change their size...I shivered at the thought of how big they could get. Me and deep water, and the creatures within, never went well together.

  However, watching them now, I could see how honestly cute they were. It was a little saddening to hear that they were the only ones left, but I had to admit that it was probably for the best.

  "Were there no other survivors?" I asked softly.

  "No," Elizabeth answered gently, "I'm sorry, but they couldn't live. You know that my job as a Pyer is killing monsters. They ate the flesh of humans and lost their minds. They had to be put down."

  "I know, I just...they were her children," the thought of it was just depressing, even if it was necessary, "You did the right thing, Ellie. Thank you for the gift, as well as saving them."

  Elizabeth practically purred as I praised her. I found myself rexing, happy she was home. It was definitely weird having Krakens as pets, but with how strange the world was...what could get weirder? It wasn't like I'd witness something even more insane than this, right?

  "I just jinxed myself, didn't I?" I chuckled, cursing myself. I guess there were still things to surprise me, but I felt content. This was my new normal. Speaking of my new normal...

  "Hey, love?" I asked Elizabeth quietly.

  "Yes?"

  "I was wondering..." I looked up at her, admiring every subtle curve of her face, "Could I see your room, finally? I'd love to see that wall of yours."

  Elizabeth froze, eyes darting to mine as if she was afraid, but I knew it was more because she was simply nervous.

  "Uhm..." she swallowed hard as I gave her my best pleading expression, "D-Damn it...alright, fine! But don't say I didn't warn you!"

  "Heh, good, I can't wait," I nuzzled against her, feeling her warmth as she resigned herself to the fate I had prepared for her.

  Part of the pn Maya and I had come up with to distract her from all of the work that she had been doing was to get her flustered, and one of the surefire ways to do that was to get her to show me all of her embarrassing little secrets. She had been stalling showing me the depths of her obsession, and I wanted to know everything. So, that's exactly what I did.

  We took a trip the next day to the penthouse she had lived in before we started living together. She showed me those embarrassing moments, and I marveled at the depth of her meticulous nature. She had photos of me from when I was a child all the way to the present time. Tracking my growth and keeping me safe behind the scenes.

  She somehow even had pictures of me from just the other day. I had to suspect Maya of spying for her, but I forgave them. Most would be freaked out by such obsession, but I found it rather touching. Elizabeth wasn't a bad person. She lived many lives searching for answers. Searching for a safe life for me. I was gd to help distract her from that burden, even if only for a little while.

  -----

  Nikushimi