Chapter 17:

  Sweet Defeat

  "Are you sure about this, love?" Elizabeth asked for the millionth time this morning, "I tried to limit it, but there will still be quite a bit of press on this."

  It was adorable how worried she was for me. Elizabeth's concern was touching, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I wanted to do this. I couldn't just see her off from home. It felt...wrong.

  "I'm sure," I told her again, an amused smile on my face, "It'll happen eventually anyways. I'm not just going to sit at home. I want to do this, Ellie."

  I felt a pleasant chill run up my spine as Elizabeth's eyes gzed over with a fervor. That yandere expression which told me just how much I meant to her. Just much she loved me.

  "Damn it..." she muttered before I felt her embrace me tightly, "How can I say no when you're this adorable?"

  I blushed, sinking into her embrace.

  "Shut up..." I mumbled shyly.

  "Never," she replied smugly, whispering into my ear, "You're too cute, Lucas."

  "Yeah, yeah..." I couldn't think of any other response as I grew more embarrassed.

  Azure, feeling left out, pushed himself under her arms to also be held with me. Now that was cute, as he wormed his way in with such an innocent, adorable expression on their face. A little ~meow~ slipping from them. It captured both of our hearts as we smiled, petting Azure lovingly.

  Though we didn't speak for the rest of the drive to the Wild Zone border, there was a lot that was conveyed in what was unsaid. The light touches, small kisses. How our eyes danced and flitted about the other. We were in pure, utter bliss within each others company. Savoring every moment.

  It was a sad day when the cold water of reality washed over us. The car began to pull up to the rge, concrete pza where all the other Pyers were gathering. Guilds from all over the city, including the Top Five, were present. Even before arriving, I saw the gathered crowds milling about.

  It was in that moment that my anxiety began to kick in. I didn't expect there to be this big of a crowd. I knew there would one, but...damn. Some were family of the Pyers, saying their goodbyes and wishing them the best of luck. Others were reporters and what looked like Association Officials trying to keep them at bay.

  "I know I've asked already, but..." Elizabeth spoke in my ear, surprising me at the sudden noise, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

  She seemed amused with the question, much to my chagrin as I gred pyfully at her.

  "I'm sure, Ellie," I replied, though I couldn't help but be little bit intimidated.

  Was it really alright for me to be here? Looking up at Elizabeth, I saw her looking out at the crowds with a fierce, regal gaze. I was immediately hit by just how enamored I was by her. Those eyes had seen so much, and yet...they only ever looked at me.

  To see them look out at the crowds, full of deep thought and a keen intellect was a new side to her that I haven't quite gotten to see. I knew of her obsessive, loving side, but never this. There was a determination there. Honed through many lifetimes and quenched in the loss and pain that came along with it.

  I acted before thinking, wrapping my arms around her waist, much to her pleasant surprise. Looking down with a smile at me, her hand rested atop my head.

  "What's this for all of a sudden?" She inquired amusingly.

  "Just because," I replied softly, burying my head against her chest.

  Not saying another word, she returned my gesture and silently, we both understood. I had seen into her soul, and she had seen into my heart. Though she knew more about me than I did about her in this lifetime, there was no denying that we were connected inextricably to one another.

  In our silent understanding, Maya pulled the vehicle up through the crowds and into a building that opened its door and allowed us to enter. It was a rge building made of high-end material brought from dungeons and made to withstand an incursion from the Wild Zone. To the outside world, it looked just like concrete. A gray, square building built like a bunker.

  It wasn't far from being the truth of it. Stationed along the high wall along the border of the Wild Zone were several barracks that housed Pyers who guarded City W and watched for any sign of the Wild Zone encroaching upon the city. Ensuring that the magical barriers were kept working and the wall remained intact.

  It was an honorable position created by the Association and Government to ensure the safety of the citizens. Many Pyers hoped to get a job here, but they quickly found that what they thought was an easy job for high pay was actually very demanding. There was a constant vigil kept to ensure that nothing went wrong with the wall. You needed to be incredibly disciplined, and it was structured much like the military.

  Anyone who joined the Wild Guard, as the organization was called, were held to a high standard. After all, it was a huge responsibility. This building was one of their barracks that they were allowing to be used for the Guilds to prepare for the coming expedition.

  Inside, Maya parked the car and the three of us, plus Azure, all got out and walked into its well-kept, yet barren linoleum tiled floors and bnk white walls. Everything was kept in order and there was hardly any decoration in the halls themselves.

  We were met by a middle-aged man in a grey uniform who greeted us with a respectful nod. A capelet of the same color settled upon his shoulders, and upon its pel was a green badge embroidered into it with golden threading that read "W.G.".

  He was lithe looking, with honey-colored eyes and light brown skin. Curly, dark hair could be seen poking through the gray military cap that he wore.

  "Ms. Falcrest, thank you for coming," he spoke politely, "We've had a room prepared for you. If you'll follow me."

  I stood awkwardly, unsure what I should do. This all felt so strange. However, with Elizabeth's hand in mine, and a gentle smile from her, I found myself walking with her behind the man. Maya followed up the rear with Azure as we made our way through the facility.

  It was surprisingly quiet, with very few people in simir uniforms as the man walking through. They gave curious gnces, mainly at me. I was definitely the odd one out, and for those who knew of Elizabeth, they were seeing her hold my hand. It was bound to get some attention.

  However, this also showcased just how professional the Wild Guard were. Not a single one of them said anything, nor did any of them whisper to themselves. They simply looked curiously and moved on. Some in awe of seeing Elizabeth, and honestly...I didn't bme them.

  She was the Pyer to be. Many people looked up to her, and this was one of many reminders that I was with someone incredibly famous. I often forget such a thing when it was just us, but out here, among the people, she was a celebrity.

  -----

  Elizabeth's heart was torn. She wanted to stay with Lucas, but this expedition had to happen. It was too te to go back now, and in order for the future she wanted with Lucas to come, she had to ensure that the other Pyers were strong enough. Even so, she mented having to leave him.

  If only she had a few more precious moments. Just another second. The only consotion to any of this was the fact that Lucas's eyes never wavered from her. He was entranced from the moment she changed into her armor. He had always been a sucker for such things.

  "...Damn," Lucas muttered in awe as she stepped out from the bathroom she had changed in.

  Maya gnced over at her with a knowing, wry smile. Elizabeth fought the warmth flowing into her face. She tried her best not to blush, but under his gaze, it was utterly hopeless.

  "Seeing it in person is definitely better..." Lucas mumbled, completely enamored before realizing he had stated such a thing out loud and blushed heavily, "I-I mean...Well, that's...listen..."

  Elizabeth ughed as she embraced him. He was too adorable.

  "You like it that much, huh?" Elizabeth inquired teasingly.

  "I mean...was it that obvious?" Lucas joked, knowing very well that it was, "I can't help it, Ellie. You're fucking gorgeous, and that armor fits you well."

  He pouted slightly, hugging her arms to him as she held him from behind. Both of them blushed at his straightforward compliment. Elizabeth wouldn't normally be happy hearing such things, but that was if it was coming from anyone else. Hearing Lucas say it made her incredibly happy.

  "You're not so bad yourself," Elizabeth told him coyly, "Quite handsome, in fact."

  "Oh, come on," Lucas rolled his eyes, though smiled at the compliment.

  "It's true," Elizabeth defended with a slight pout, "You're the most handsome man in the world!"

  "Pfft!" Lucas ughed, not believing her for a second, but he did believe that she thought so, "As long as you think so, that's all that matters."

  He nuzzled into her, closing his eyes for a moment as he enjoyed her hold on him. She never wanted to let go, but she knew she would have to.

  "Do you remember what I asked you?" Elizabeth spoke softly, becoming serious in her tone, "Don't wander to far from Maya. She'll keep you safe. If you need anything, just ask her."

  He opened his eyes to look over at Maya who sat on an armchair with Azure in her p. She was petting him gently as his tail swished back and forth happily. The two of them had gotten along quite well, and Lucas always enjoyed seeing it. Though, as he watched them now, he had a certain look in his eye. One full of thought.

  "Are you upset that she was the first?" Elizabeth inquired, her heart aching at possibly having upset him.

  "Hmm?" Lucas looked at her quizzically before he understood and ughed with a shake of his head, "Oh, no. She's your best friend, isn't she? I know you didn't tell me everything, but...it's nice to know there's someone else you can share your secret with."

  That's right, Elizabeth had finally told Lucas that Maya knew she was a Regressor. It had been weighing on her conscience and she couldn't bear it anymore. They still left out a little bit of the truth, namely Maya's situation. That wasn't for Elizabeth to tell, and Maya had asked her to let her tell him. It was her story, after all.

  "Then...what is it?" Elizabeth asked, a bit concerned.

  "Just thinking," Lucas answered quietly, "You know how curious I am."

  He didn't have to say the rest for her to know he was talking about Maya. Her life was shrouded in mystery for him, and he wanted to get closer to her. To know her better. It was touching, and Maya had overheard him.

  She looked up with a gentle smile, her violet eyes expressing an unsaid apology. She wasn't quite ready to tell him.

  "Thank you for your concern, Sir," Maya stated in her typical cadence, "I assure you, I'm alright."

  "Hmm, I know. I'm sorry," Lucas apologized sheepishly, feeling bad for having brought it up, but there was nothing for him to feel bad about.

  "It's alright, Sir," Maya assured him, "You don't have to apologize."

  Lucas relented, knowing he wouldn't win this. Elizabeth was filled with warmth watching this interaction. Both of them were important to her, and to see them get along was heartwarming.

  She knew that she could trust Maya with his life. Both of them sharing one of the many looks they always gave each other when they understood what the other was thinking. As with most of the other times, it was about Lucas. Maya knew that Elizabeth trusted her to keep him safe, and she would do everything in order to accomplish it.

  -----

  The whispers and looks were obvious. It wasn't like any of them were trying to hide it. Elizabeth Falcrest walked with someone none of them knew. A man of, arguably, average looks with the only unique thing about him being that streak of silver in his hair. Though, for some, his eyes were a mesmerizing nebu of amber and blue.

  That man, of course, was me. Lucas Avington. I strode next to Elizabeth with my head held high, and my eyes only on her. Of course, that didn't mean my ears weren't aware of what was going on.

  "Who's that?"

  "Are they holding hands?"

  "Damn, I'm jealous!"

  "Lucky bastard..."

  "I hate him already."

  "She's really with him?"

  "Are they dating?"

  "I thought I heard something about this..."

  "Yeah, wasn't there something about a dinner?"

  "Shhh, he'll hear you. Bryan's right there..."

  My gaze, for but a mere moment, flowed from Elizabeth to see that Bryan Callister was a ways off, watching with a barely contained look of disdain. It was aimed directly at me, only for a moment ter to look away quickly. A slight flicker of fear crossed his face.

  I scoffed slightly, turning my attention to Elizabeth. Just as I suspected, she had the sharpest of gres aimed towards Bryan. Catching me looking, Elizabeth smiled softly, her eyes turning possessive and protective. Her hand in mine squeezed firmly. I promptly returned the gesture.

  "Is he going to be a problem?" I asked her quietly.

  "He'd do well not to be," Elizabeth replied, a sharpness to her words, "Of course, he never was that smart."

  "Problems before?" I wondered.

  Elizabeth's expression hardened slightly.

  "...Too many," she answered tersely, "He's an eyesore. While he has his uses, I'll...Well, you don't have to worry about that, love."

  "Ellie..." I called her name coaxingly.

  She sulked slightly, gring at me for trying to persuade her.

  "I'll let no one hurt you," Elizabeth stated pinly, "You know that."

  I smiled knowingly with a nod.

  "Yes, I do," I stated, looking around at the gathered crowd, "So, you don't have to hide that from me, you know."

  "I'd rather keep you free of it, but...you're right," Elizabeth admitted, relenting, "It's bound to happen, though I'll do everything in my power to keep you from seeing such things."

  "We'll see," I said a little solemnly, mixed with some teasing, "You weren't shy about stabbing him at dinner."

  "That's...!" Elizabeth began, though composed herself as she remembered all the eyes watching them, and so she cleared her throat, a light blush to her face as she continued, "He was pulling his weapon on you. I wasn't going to do nothing."

  "Exactly," I told her smugly, "Things happen, Ellie."

  "...Unfortunately," she replied sadly, though the glint in her eye belied the yandere underneath, an obsession that threatened to burn me, and I welcomed it, "Which is why I'll do anything to keep you safe."

  Reaching a hand up to her face, I cupped it fondly and looked into her eyes with a loving smile on my face.

  "And I'd have it no other way," I stated with affection, "My adorable yandere."

  She struggled to control her blushing as I pulled her in for a kiss. She didn't resist, and I didn't care who was looking. I loved her, and I wanted to reward that devotion she showed. My heart was screaming at me to release its emotions, and this was the only way I could think of doing so.

  In the moment that our lips met, her arms pulled me in, and the sounds of the crowd grew distant. I could hear the giddy whispering mixing with the jealous cries of menting souls and the shutter sound of cameras, but I didn't care. Neither of us did. We were lost in each other's very essence. It was only proper to savor every single moment.

  When we finally released the other, both of us stood a little taller. The world would know who I was now, and as terrifying a thought as that was, I was prepared to face it with her by my side.

  "Don't you have a speech to give?" I teased, smiling wryly.

  "Hey, you're the one who pulled me into the kiss," Elizabeth retorted, touching her lips lightly with a smirk, "Not that I'm compining."

  The very same hand that touched her lips then cupped my face, caressing my cheek fondly. I closed my eyes and savored her touch.

  "Remember what I said," Elizabeth reiterated, "Stay close to Maya."

  Opening my eyes, I pressed her hand firmly against my cheek as I gave her a mock exasperated roll of my eyes.

  "Yes, Ma'am," I replied, though after seeing her worried eyes, I became more serious.

  Moving her hand to my lips, I kissed her palm before looking her in the eyes.

  "I will, Ellie," I assured her, which seemed to pcate a little bit of her worry.

  "Thank you, Lucas," Elizabeth smiled, gncing over my shoulder and nodded, "He's in your care now, Maya."

  "Of course, Ms. Falcrest," Maya replied, startling me as I didn't notice her presence, "I'll protect him with my life."

  "Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Elizabeth stated grimly.

  "S-Same," I replied, still a little put off at how silent Maya walked, "I don't want you to be in danger because of me."

  Maya and Elizabeth then shared a look, both raising an eyebrow amusingly.

  "Yes, yes!" I excimed, throwing my hands up in understanding, "I'm the one who would be in the most danger."

  "Just so you know, you're the one who said it, Sir," Maya stated with a slight smirk.

  She carried Azure in her arms who meowed as if in agreement with her statement.

  "Even you!" I asked Azure, feeling completely betrayed.

  Elizabeth's ughter eased the blow a little. Her arms pulled me into one, final embrace. Her lips upon my cheek.

  "Be good, Lucas," Elizabeth told me, and behind her gentle words there was a hidden fear.

  All those lifetimes. All the times she lost me...I couldn't bear to think of the pain she had gone through. Yet, I couldn't just ignore it. No, I wouldn't ignore it.

  Though she fought to keep me safe in this life, I wasn't about to make her life harder. I, too, would do everything in my power to ensure she gets a happy life. For the both of us.

  "You too, love," my words were filled with my desire for her happiness, "Don't be reckless and hurry back, alright? I'll be waiting, and by the time you get back, I'll have something...special for you. Consider it incentive."

  I tried being sly, even winking to appear a little mischievous, but even though she was flustered by such a surprise, it was I who ended up on the losing end once again when she ran a finger under my chin lightly, tilting it to look up at her.

  "Incentive, huh?" she inquired with an unfairly seductive smirk, that obsessive glint in her eyes, "You're all the incentive I need, but...I am looking forward to it. Careful though, or I might just eat you up."

  Swallowing hard, I wanted to say something sassy in reply, but my words just wouldn't come to me. They were caught in my throat as I was mesmerized by her. I often forgot just how powerful she was when it came to making me flustered, considering I had been somewhat successful in doing the same to her, but...it seems I overreached myself.

  Of course, that wasn't a bad thing. I didn't mind being putty in her hands. She left me there, completely captivated. I couldn't help but watch her walk away. Every step enchanting me further. Was she walking like that on purpose? Damn it...I was outmatched.

  Every time I thought I had one up on her, it always ended in my complete and utter defeat, and yet...it tasted ever so sweet.

  -----