Chapter 28:

  Don't Be Late To Dinner

  (Lucas POV, a couple days ter)

  It was good to finally rex. Sure, after Elizabeth returned all I did was stay in bed being smothered by her, but that was something different. It was something she needed after being away from me for so long and the fact that I was attacked while she was gone. That couldn't have been good for her own anxiety. There had been a certain tension to everything.

  Now, it felt like everything had truly settled down even as things really didn't change much. There was a little less tension and I was happy to see Elizabeth smiling. After getting my ear pierced, she really settled down, and with the clothes and accessories being made, I felt like it was a huge relief off of her shoulders. The extent she goes to ensure I'm safe is truly endearing.

  I was incredibly lucky to have her. All I had to say was, "Good job, past me" because without them first meeting Elizabeth, I would not be here today. I didn't know how true that was. There was a lot about Elizabeth's past...our past that I still didn't know, but I knew that in time she would tell me, and that was good enough for me.

  I was still trying to get used to these headaches that came on suddenly. So, no need to rush into it. I knew it had to do with reliving the past, as it were. Everytime I came into contact with something that triggered a certain...feeling always caused my head to feel like it was splitting open.

  It seemed that this was a side-effect of some sort, but Elizabeth was a bit tight-lipped about it. The only thing she said is that as I relived moments of the past, or came into contact with things that caused nostalgia, I would suffer such episodes. I could tell it pained her, so I didn't press for more information. I would live with them. I just wish they didn't give her such cause for concern.

  "Ellie...I'm alright," I reassured her with a gentle smile, "Truly. It was just a small headache. I'm fine."

  "...Are you sure?" she asked doubtfully, giving me a careful examination.

  "Yes, I'm good," I insisted with a pyful ugh as she insisted on turning my head every which way to be sure.

  "Hmm, well...you're conscious, so that's good," she finally relented with a huff before taking me into her arms, "I'm sorry, I-"

  "What did I say about that?" I chided teasingly, "I don't mind. Honestly...I feel a little embarrassed getting all this attention. I can't say I hate it, though."

  "Well, good," Elizabeth firmly stated, her hold on me tightening securely, "Cause you're going to get a lot more of it."

  "Heh, I can't wait," I teased, grabbing one of her hands in mine.

  Bringing it up to my lips, I kissed it tenderly. In her embrace, I felt safe. It was comfortable. It was like I belonged nowhere else. Yet, I also never felt so out of pce.

  "Tell me...do I ever get used to it?" I asked quietly, gazing out at the city, "It feels so surreal even after...what? A month? Two?"

  We were having a small stay at home date of sorts. Snuggled together on a divan set out on the terrace of the penthouse. Surrounded by a few pnts that livened up the pce with their greenery. A couple of drinks and a few snack sat on a table nearby. It was enjoyable just taking in each other's company while also taking in the view. With her by my side, my fear of heights was a little lessened.

  "It's been about that, yeah," Elizabeth chuckled, nuzzling her head against mine, "As for getting use to it...well, sometimes. You've always been a little awkward, but..."

  Her words trailed off and within the silence, I sensed a deep sorrow. I realized that perhaps I never had the time to get used to it before. Instead of apologizing for making her remember something unpleasant, I simply kissed the back of her hand again. Lovingly, tenderly. In return, she held me tighter, pnting an equally as affectionate kiss on the top of head.

  "I'm okay, love," she whispered softly, "I appreciate your concern. You'll get used to this life, I promise you that."

  There was conviction in her tone and I wasn't about to argue. I simply enjoyed the view as I thought of tomorrow, and all of the tomorrows I hoped to have with her. I was grateful that Maya had taken Azure so that we could have this moment truly to ourselves. There was a beautiful sunset tonight.

  "I hope you're right," I replied gently, entwining my fingers with hers, "I feel so out of pce. I just want to-"

  Elizabeth used her free hand to tenderly caress my face, tilting my head towards her as she did. Her lips found mine and silence fell over us. I grew lost in her lips. Her embrace. My mind went bnk as all I thought about was her.

  As our lips parted, I smiled amusingly.

  "Alright, alright," I nodded, speaking teasingly as I rested my head against hers, "I'll shut up."

  "No, that's not it," Elizabeth said with a coy smile, "I just wanted to let you know that you do belong here. There's no one more deserving."

  "I'll take your word for it," I chuckled, knowing better than to argue with her.

  "You better," she admonished pyfully, "Otherwise I will tell you to shut up."

  I felt it in her words. Her touch. The very words she spoke. Every movement. Every gnce. No matter how out of pce I felt, I belonged with her. I belonged to her.

  I couldn't help but ugh even more, pressing myself firmly against her. How easy it was to forget myself. It didn't matter how strange any of this was. I was here, and so long as I never woke from this dream, I would live it to my fullest.

  -----

  (Elizabeth POV)

  It was adorable how Lucas continued to worry about inconsequential things. It didn't matter if he belonged in luxury or not. He deserved it. She knew this was a lot for him, but she was done hesitating when it came to giving him what he had rightfully earned.

  As she held him on the divan, gazing out at the city before them, she reminisced about the past. There were times that this city fell into chaos. Buildings destroyed as monsters overran everything. There were other times that the city was peaceful and orderly, only for Lucas to meet an untimely demise. Without Lucas, the city...no, the world felt dull. Drained of all color.

  Now, everything was brighter. The colors had never been so vivid. The Sun was setting on another glorious day with him in her arms. Its golden orange hues basking the city in an otherworldly glow..."Shit!" Elizabeth immediately sat up, holding Lucas protectively in her arms.

  There, glinting off several skyscrapers was a glow that did not belong to the Sun. She could never forget the red hue that basked the city in its crackling, demonic light.

  "...Dungeon Break," she muttered, rage filling her heart, "How dare they ruin this moment..."

  "Ellie...?" Lucas called her name, bringing her back to the present.

  He looked up at her with worry filled eyes. He was so alive and vibrant. His heart was beating. His life was better than it had ever been. Yet, in those eyes she saw something that caused her to panic. Death.

  Fshes of blood soaked clothing. His face with lifeless eyes. He always fucking smiled. He always tried to reassure her. He was so fragile now.

  Many past lives fshed before her mind. How many Dungeon Breaks had been the end? Not today. Not this one. Never again.

  "Lucas, they're not ready yet, I have to-" Elizabeth's heart tore at her, for she did not want to leave him, but in a moment that slowed down time, Lucas took her face in his hands.

  "I know," he said with crity, gazing into her eyes, "Maya is here. I'll be safe. Kick their asses and hurry back. Don't be te for dinner."

  Those eyes. So full of life. They would remain that way. Filled with a burning conviction, Elizabeth kissed him deeply, pulling him up as she stood, and as she did, [Instant Equip] activated. Her armor came over her as if flowing like water before solidifying. By the time she pulled away, she was ready. Lucas looked to be drunk as he took her in. Completely smitten with her.

  "Now that's hot," he muttered, coming back to his senses as she made sure his feet were steady.

  She smirked, finding him too adorable as she caressed his cheek tenderly. Sending a quick [Message] to Maya to keep him safe, she took a deep breath to steel herself.

  "I'll be back before you know it," she stated firmly, and he nodded.

  "I know," he stated with finality.

  Though her heart ached to turn from him, she had no choice. If she wanted to keep him safe, she had to fight until the others were ready. Dungeon Breaks were far more dangerous than many thought. The monsters that spilled forth were ranks above what were found in the Dungeons themselves. Stronger, faster, smarter.

  Of course, that was if you gave them time to adjust. Her legs strained with power as she leapt from the penthouse balcony. She took one look behind her to see that Maya was standing beside Lucas with Azure in her arms. His eyes were on her, full of admiration. She smiled, knowing that he found such things fascinating.

  "Might as well give him a show..." she mused to herself, channeling her power to sprout wings of greenish-blue fmes.

  As she performed such theatrics for Lucas's benefit, a [Message] came across her vision.

  "Show off" – Maya Rosengard

  "Shut up" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  Chuckling to herself, she maneuvered into the sky. Her gaze passing over the city below as an evacuation notice sounded over the emergency broadcast system.

  "All residents of District 8," a calm, artificial feminine voice called across the district, "A Dungeon Break has occurred. Please find your nearest shelter or remain indoors. Pyers have been dispatched. I repeat. A Dungeon Break has occurred. Please..."

  The announcement kept repeating as civilians were evacuated and several buildings went into lockdown. Metallic shutters closing on windows and barricades going up on the ground. Elizabeth surveyed the area, locating the culprit of the Dungeon Break. She spotted it in the air. Cracks in the sky formed by the red lightning made it easy to spot.

  The reason such a thing happened remained a mystery to most, but Elizabeth knew the truth of it. Dungeon Breaks, or Gate Breaks, occurred for a few reasons. One, a Dungeon was left undiscovered and after gathering an incredible amount of Aether or Mana, it ruptured. Spilling all of its creatures out into this world.

  Two, this world and another collided violently as reality continued to break. This csh led to such catastrophic occurrences. The third, and the one most common, was that something on the other side was trying to burst out. As a cwed hand dug through the cracks forming in the air, gripping it firmly, Elizabeth recognized it for what it was.

  "...Fucking Dragons," she growled, alighting herself upon the roof of a nearby building, "Always so prideful. Always so greedy."

  Another cw dug through the cracks, and in an instant, like gss shattering, the sky broke open. From its confines spilled countless scaled horrors and various pods that looked like eggs. Among them were creatures that held dark green scales, wings like steel, and tails like scorpions. Wyverns.

  They unfurled their wings as they dove into the city, but before they could fan out, a bst of light tore through them. From another building not far off, with a tip of his hat, Richard nodded. Zero Squad had arrived on the scene before anyone else. Elizabeth, in this life, had taught them to always be ready and always be first.

  Just as Richard's [Incinerating Shot] tore through them, a frigid wind blew through the area. Many Wyverns fell to the ground, shattering into pieces of ice. Ailyah smiled widely, floating in the sky upon a broom, holding a magical staff in her hand. Its wooden shaft was smooth and etched with runes. The tip was shaped like a crescent moon with a diamond crystal suspended in the center of it.

  On the ground, the Twins were fighting with Sigrid against creatures that had burst forth from the pods. Lizardfolk. They had burst forth from the pods as if from eggs. The Twins moved together in unison, swords fshing followed by the blood of their enemies while Sigrid guarded their fnk. Her spear tore holes through the creatures, leaving them dead husks.

  In their fight on the ground, they were also guiding people to safety, just as she had taught them. With things being taken care of elsewhere, Elizabeth's eyes turned back towards the sky to the one who had torn open the hole. Its rge, golden eyes blinking through the gap. Its scaled maw roared as it pushed forth into this world.

  Tearing through the break, it revealed its massive size. Bck and red scales shimmered in the fading light of the Sun. Opening its mouth, it spoke with a deep rumbling.

  "Hu...mans!" its words were crude, growling in anger, "I...will...conquer!"

  "How arrogant..." Elizabeth muttered to herself, unamused.

  She was completely impassive to the rge creature pushing through into this world. In fact, if anyone saw her face now, they'd be absolutely terrified. Her eyes were sharp, holding no emotion save murderous intent. To her, this Dragon was a threat.

  She was reminded that Lucas liked Dragons, but that held no sway over what she had to do. The only effect it had on her was a feeling of pity. They had chosen the wrong day to try and break into this world. Of course, so long as Lucas was alive, every day was the wrong day.

  "This world is not yours to conquer," Elizabeth drew her sword, igniting it in her ghostly fmes, "It already has a Queen."

  Holding her sword out to the side, motes of fme began to drift from it towards the area around the gate. As soon as the Dragon finally freed itself, [Infernal Crescendo] activated. Immediately, it was engulfed in a raging explosion. She wondered if Lucas liked her fireworks dispy. It was his after all, and it was her tribute to him.

  "Who dares strike me! Azgol, King of-" the Dragon roared in anger as it fpped its wings to free itself from the area of the explosion, flying high above it.

  Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Elizabeth followed its movement before leaping from her perch. It grew surprised as she suddenly appeared before it. She had hoped to take it out immediately, but...it was a Dragon. It was time to switch priority. She couldn't waste time.

  "There's only one King, and it's not you," Elizabeth stated coldly, her bde at the ready, "He told me to hurry this up, so I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut this short."

  The fmes upon her bde condensed into it, giving it an otherworldly glow as she activated [Hellish Strike]. Swinging her bde with expert precision, it tore into the Dragon's flesh, digging deep into its neck. A moment after the strike nded, her ghostly fmes erupted from within the wound. They clung to the Dragon's flesh unabated, burning deeply.

  That was the power of [Hellish Strike]. It caused an effect from an attack to persist for a certain period of time. Combined with her fmes, it was an apt name, for it caused many to feel as if they were in hell. Constantly burning. Constantly freezing. The pain was intense.

  Most Dragon's were immune to fire, but Elizabeth's fmes were more than mere fire. They were the Ethereal Fme. Cold and hot at the same time. Burning flesh and magic alike. To a Dragon who was both of these things, it was even more terrible, and it knew that. Elizabeth saw in its eyes a primal fear take root. The fear of Death.

  For probably the first time in its life, this Dragon knew that fear. Before Elizabeth, they were no longer the predator, but the prey. They had come to conquer, only for them to now be fighting for their life. Backed into a corner, they attempted to battle Elizabeth in the air. Believing this to be an advantage. They would realize soon that there was no escape.

  Fshes of ghostly fme erupted across the city followed by molten red as it tried to fight back with its breath. She cut through its fmes as she chased it relentlessly, harrowing it at every opportunity. She guided it into [Infernal Crescendo]'s and followed it up with more [Hellish Strike]'s. Its body was burning from fmes that could not be put out. Sapping its strength at every turn.

  "Hu...man..." it growled weakly, "Let me...go...I will leave. I...will-"

  Its pleas went unheard, for she held no mercy. She was focused only on its destruction. It posed too great a threat if left alone.

  "I cannot allow that," Elizabeth replied coolly, cutting it off, "You should have thought about that before coming here."

  "You..." it continued to try and plead, "If you let me live, I-"

  "Save it," she interrupted sharply, "To allow you to live is to put him at risk. Let your death serve as a lesson. This world is under my authority."

  [Von Angeal] activated for a brief moment. Doing so only because she had guided it far from Lucas's gaze. She wasn't ready for him to see her like this. Her appearance, along with her bde, became elegantly wicked. Her cold eyes took the Dragon in, for she wanted it to know true fear. Fear beyond just that of death. It froze in front of her gaze, paralyzed from the intense pressure she gave off.

  "If you valued your life so much..." Elizabeth tilted her head ever so slightly, "You should have never hatched."

  [Visceral Ssh: Exodus] activated as the air split before her. Though there was no discernable movement, she had already swung her bde. A low, melodic thrum following in its wake was the only evidence that it had ever happened. This was the highest form of [Visceral Ssh]. Something she had perfected over her many lifetimes. Of course, it couldn't be used too often, but now was as good a time as any.

  She had a promise to keep, and she couldn't waste any more time.

  Everything suddenly shifted as the Dragon realized what had happened. Its head had been severed from its body. Slowly, it slid free of its neck and together began to plummet to the ground. The st look in its eyes before the life faded from them was regret.

  Taking a deep breath in, she watched it fall with an unfeeling gaze before deactivating [Von Angeal]. She held no sympathy for it. It was the price they paid for ruining her home date with Lucas.

  Now, all that needed to be done was the cleanup. Aegis and the other Pyers could handle that, and so when they caught up, she delegated the corpses retrieval and disposal to them before turning and immediately leaving the scene.

  Most might feel guilty for leaving the dirty work to others, but she felt no such thing. There was only one thing on her mind. Lucas had told her not to be te for dinner, and she had no intention of making him wait.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, after Elizabeth left)

  "She's so fshy..." I mused to Maya as we watched Elizabeth fly off to fight the Dungeon Break

  "All to impress you, Sir," Maya responded nonchantly.

  I felt a little embarrassed knowing that Elizabeth was showing off for me. I mean, it was impressive to see her sprout wings of beautiful ethereal fire. Fmes of blueish-green that took my breath away. I was mesmerized.

  Panic set in as the gate opened, seeing off in the distance that monsters were spilling out. A fight soon broke out. Arrows of light and casting of magic could be seen almost immediately. Even from this distance, I could hear the screams of the monsters dying and people panicking. I felt my blood run cold, dreams that were memories returning to me.

  I felt Maya's steady hands upon me as I grew dizzy. I gave her an awkward, thankful smile. She simply nodded, impassive save for a little bit of worry glinting in her eye.

  "I'm alright," I assured her, steadying myself as I stood up straight, Azure flying up to me as they licked my face in worry, "Thank you, Azure. I'm good. I'm good. Just...bad dreams."

  As I stood, I held my hands over my stomach. I could still feel the teeth that had tore into me. Like a phantom pain. I had forgotten the dream long ago, but hearing the screams, seeing the red lightning...it was like a shock to the system. I immediately remembered the fear I felt...and the child I attempted to save.

  "...Will the people be alright?" I asked Maya softly.

  She looked to me with a tilt of her head, curiously stoic as if she wondered why I was concerned before she let a small smile grace her lips.

  "Yes, Sir," she nodded, doing her best to reassure me, "Aegis has trained for such events. Our priority, besides the destruction of any hostiles, is the safety of the citizens. I assure you, there will be no casualties."

  I wanted to believe her words, but the feeling in my gut was screaming at me. Perhaps it was just apprehension from remember something I shouldn't have. There was anxiety and fear mixed with my belief that Maya was right. That Elizabeth would have pnned for such an inevitability.

  "Good..." I took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly, "Do you think..."

  My words trailed off as my eyes lit up with the sky as it exploded into gorgeous blue and green fme. A small smile crept across my face. A feeling of nostalgia and warmth entered my heart. It was as if every single worry I felt suddenly disappeared.

  "Never mind..." I stated quietly, eyes locked onto the distant fight.

  I saw those wings of fire leap upwards, following the massive Dragon that had just been caught in the explosion. I was entranced. I loved Dragons, they were impressive, majestic creatures. However, I knew they were also dangerous. Of course, there were exceptions. Azure, who huddled on my shoulder hissed adorably up at the sky. As if to protect me even from here.

  Chuckling to myself, I scratched him under the chin, yet my eyes never left the sky. Azure calmed down, nuzzling into my hand before curling up. Yes, there were exceptions, but right now...that Dragon up there was a threat. It was fucking massive. Elizabeth looked tiny compared to it, and I knew just how big she was.

  I felt a blush enter my face as I thought about that. She certainly was tall and strong. Very much so. Swallowing hard, I took a deep breath to calm myself. Now wasn't the time to get distracted, but Elizabeth made it very easy. The Dragon fled, and with it so did those wings of fme until I couldn't see them anymore, yet I could see the fshes of those beautiful fmes burst forth across the city.

  "Hurry back...Ellie..." I muttered, taking a deep breath as I finally tore my eyes away, "Well, shall we get dinner ready? I'm sure she'll be starving by the time she returns."

  Maya looked at me silently, as if she was calcuting something. After an awkward moment of silence between us, Maya pced a firm, yet comforting hand on my shoulder.

  "Luke, she'll be alright," Maya said as if to sooth me, "As long as you're safe, she'll win."

  "What...? Of course she will be..." I spoke as if to convince myself.

  I realized that I was trembling. Despite my efforts to hide it, I was worried even if I knew that Elizabeth would be safe. I felt my heart ache at how attentive Maya had been, noticing it before I did. I was grateful that she was there for me as I pced my hand over hers on my shoulder, a pained smile on my lips.

  "Thanks, Maya," I said quietly, "I mean...yeah, I...Hey! You called me Luke again!"

  My eyes suddenly widened as I realized she had slipped that in so casually. Excitement repced whatever worry had been in my heart. Maya's eye twitched ever so slightly as she seemed to flinch at being called out. She looked away casually, and I swear I saw a light blush enter her face, but the moment I blinked it was gone.

  "Don't change the subject, Sir," she stated coolly.

  "Mhm," I gave her a teasing look, "I'll get you to be informal yet, just you wait."

  "I highly doubt it, but we'll see, Sir," she replied, gncing back at me with a surprisingly gentle gaze.

  I felt a little flustered under her scrutiny. Maya was even more of an enigma to me than Elizabeth. There was so much I didn't know. I hoped to learn more when either one of them were comfortable enough to tell me.

  "Well, I'll take that as a win for now..." I gnced out over the city once more, seeing the fighting grow more distant, "Come on, I need a distraction, and we all need food. She'll be hungry when she returns."

  "As you say, Sir," Maya nodded, and before she could start moving, I was pushing her from behind, hurrying along inside.

  "Come on! Let's go!" I ushered her, catching a glimpse of her amused smile.

  Truth be told, I was embarrassed and wanted to hide it. I was worried about Elizabeth, just as I had been for Maya. They were much stronger than me and I did feel ridiculous worrying, but I couldn't help it. I cared about them both quite a bit, and something that Maya said had stuck with me. "If I'm safe...she'll win." I felt myself grow even more flustered, knowing that both of them had risked their lives for me.

  The least I could do was try and help where I could. Starting with preparing dinner with Maya, even if she protested. I couldn't just let them do everything for me."

  -----

  (Moments Later, Lucas POV)

  "...God damn it," I sighed, having been pnted on a stool in the kitchen, "Maya, I said I would-"

  The sharp gre from her silenced me immediately.

  "It's just a slight burn..." I sighed, mumbling to myself.

  I had been helping cook when a bit of the oil spshed onto my arm. I was immediately kicked from cooking duty. I knew they were both overprotective, but this was a little ridiculous. Still, there was something a little endearing about how Maya had instantly sprung into action to care for the burn. It was gone now, no permanent damage was done.

  I could only watch her back as she stirred the noodles we were having for dinner. Alfredo. It smelled divine, but here I was, once again doing nothing. It wasn't like I could argue or fight them on this. They were incredibly stubborn. "Yanderes..." I mused, shaking my head with a heavy sigh.

  Gncing over her shoulder, Maya eyed me closely. I gave her an awkward, nervous smile. Silently, she walked from the stove to the nearby knife block. Taking from it a cutting knife and grabbing some bell peppers. I stood straight as she approached me, sitting a cutting board, the knife, and the peppers before me.

  "Can I trust you with this, Sir?" she asked, raising an eyebrow cautiously.

  For some reason, I grew incredibly excited, though a little disgruntled.

  "I'm not a child, Maya," I sulked, "I know how to cut peppers."

  "...We'll see," she stated, and I swear I heard slight amusement in her voice, as if she wanted to ugh but didn't, "Just don't cut yourself."

  As she turned to return to the pasta, I reached for the knife and took it carefully. Testing its sharpness, I immediately regretted it as I nicked the tip of my finger.

  "Tch, ow!" I excimed, immediately sucking on my finger to stop the blood.

  Maya whipped her head towards me, glowering. A look of exasperation on her face.

  "Really?" she intoned, hands on her hip.

  I instinctively reached for the peppers and took them into a protective embrace.

  "Shut up..." I replied with grumble, gring defensively.

  Maya could only shake her head, and for a moment her facade dropped. Smiling in exasperation, she shook her head and made her way over. From her inventory, she pulled a band-aid kit out.

  "Don't tell me that's in there for me..." I muttered, and all I got in response was a silent, yet amused gnce, "Oh, come on. I'm not that accident prone."

  "Two accidents in the span of maybe five minutes, Sir," Maya stated, barely holding back her amusement, "Do we need to baby proof the pce?"

  "Oh, come on!" I protested, sulking as she took my hand and pced a band-aid over the cut.

  "Now, are you sure you can handle it?" Maya teased, causing me to push her away pyfully.

  "Yes, yes! Go! Stir the noodles, they're boiling over," I directed, trying to shift the attention from me back to the food.

  Maya watched me closely even as she made her way back over. Taking the knife, I exaggeratingly shook it as if to say "See, it's fine" before turning to cut the peppers. Almost immediately, after only a couple of chops, did I pause. Gncing over at her with a deadpan expression.

  "Not...a fucking word," I told her as I had just cut my finger again.

  I was once more delegated to simply watching her prepare the food. I was no longer allowed around sharp objects the rest of the night.

  -----

  Nikushimi