Chapter 49:

  Rising Tension

  (Maya's POV)

  "Are you sure this is a good idea, Sir?" Maya inquired as she walked the atrium of a mall in Westfield with Lucas.

  "You said it yourself, Maya," Lucas gnced at her coyly, "We need to act normal, and so...what's more normal than going for a walk?"

  "And all of this?" she asked, lifting the bags she was currently carrying.

  They had spent the better part of an hour going around to the various stores looking and buying whatever Lucas decided to get. Three new controllers for his game console, a rge strawberry cheesecake, several stuffed animals, and something rather special for Elizabeth.

  "Gifts," he answered nonchantly, "Though, I'm still trying to figure out what to get you. The cheesecake we're sharing, so that doesn't count."

  Maya felt conflicted about his words, but couldn't exactly argue with it. While she was happy he thought of her, she didn't feel it necessary to receive a gift. She realized, of course, that this came from her belief that she was unworthy of one. Lucas, however, wouldn't hear such an excuse and she knew that she couldn't talk him out of it.

  "I know you won't tell me, but..." Lucas continued, looking around at the various stores, "Is there anything you want?"

  "I have everything I need," Maya replied on instinct.

  "I'm sure you do," he chuckled, shaking his head, "Alright, fine. You don't need to tell me now, but try to think of it before we return home, or I'm getting you another accessory."

  Maya grimaced slightly, knowing that while his tone was pyful, he was quite serious. She loved the bracelet he had gotten her. It was one of, if not the most, precious possession she had. However, it had been incredibly expensive. She couldn't bear the thought of him spending so much money on her again, and he knew this.

  She gred at him slightly, which only caused him to smile more.

  "...I'll think of something," Maya begrudgingly told him.

  "Good," he beamed, and the two of them began to head towards the exit.

  The mall they were at wasn't rge, but it was spacious. Much of the mall was filled with pnters to fill the space, adding quite a bit of greenery. People milled about everywhere, as it was a local gathering spot for many. With Westfield being a college town, there weren't many pces for the students, and the families who chose to live here with them, could gather.

  Sure, there were a couple of clubs and coffee shops, but if you wanted to socialize, it was the Westfield Mall that you went to. Maya made note of this because while she was enjoying her time with Lucas, she had a duty to protect him first and foremost. She was always keen of her surroundings, and for the past several moments, someone had been watching them.

  "Sir..." Maya stepped closer to him as she spoke quietly, "I believe someone is following us."

  From the corner of his eye, he gnced at her with a curious expression.

  "Do you know who?" he inquired in a whisper.

  "I could find out, but I'm not leaving your side," she told him firmly.

  "Then don't," he replied simply, "I wouldn't ask you to unless it was necessary. Could just be reporters again."

  "No, I mean..." Maya found him amusing, but she hadn't been clear enough, "Could you carry the bags for a moment?"

  "Huh? Oh, uhm, sure," he looked confused but took the two bags regardless, "Everything alright?"

  "I'm about to find out," she said as she pced a hand on his shoulder, "But I need you to guide me."

  Meeting his eye, he seemed to understand as he gave her a smile. She held tightly to his shoulder and took a deep breath. She was an Assassin. Trained in the art of subterfuge. This included hiding in pin sight, fooling the senses, and other such tricks.

  However, one thing that any good assassin would want to have was an awareness of their surroundings. One who ambushes never wanted to be ambushed. Usually, she used this skill in conjunction with a few others, but Lucas was right. They had to act normal, and if she suddenly disappeared...well, that would raise suspicions.

  "I got you," Lucas whispered, and her heart was filled with confidence.

  She knew he had her, and because of that trust, she was able to let go. Freeing her mind, she submitted fully to the skill [Gheistform: Projection]. The moment it activated, her vision grew dark as she left her physical form behind. She was still in control of it, but her senses were dulled. All she could do was continue walking and allow the sensation of her hand upon Lucas's shoulder to guide her.

  In this state she was quite vulnerable, and that's why she had never used it for long, and only when confident that she was hidden. She had other skills that amplified her awareness, but none like this. She could see all around them out to a certain range, but within that range she could even see through walls and other obstacles. The world became ethereal and ghostly to her, and yet was sharper than ever before.

  Mainly, this was in the form of sound and vision. She could hear every breath and every subtle sound of every swallow. The shuffle of clothing whenever someone moved. Living creatures also took on a certain...heat signature. This was more of a life essence than anything. Flickering within their chests where their heart was.

  She took a moment to orient herself. Lucas and her physical body were still making their way towards the doors. This was good, but something caught her eye that set her heart aching painfully. "Lucas..." she almost panicked, but quickly reigned it in, "Is this what El meant?" She took a breath back in her physical body, "You really did give up everything..."

  She was used to seeing the familiar glow of life within a person's chest. It indicated that they were alive. However, Lucas...he had nothing. No, that wasn't quite correct. If he had nothing, it would mean he was dead. No, what Lucas had could only be called an ember.

  It was so small that Maya had to actually look twice to make sure she wasn't seeing things. She was mesmerized for a brief time, marveling at how, despite its size, the little ember of life glowed so brightly that it threatened to burn a hole through her.

  Shaking her head, she quickly returned to the task at hand. This wasn't something for her to dwell on at the moment. She had never used this ability around him, and so had never known. For now, his safety was imperative, and those who were following them had to be found.

  This didn't take long, for they were incredible amateurs. Not that they weren't skilled, but she was just better. They moved throug the crowds with expert ease. They blended in as if they belonged, but the cameras in their hands betrayed them. "You were right, Lucas...paparazzi," Maya sighed, checking for any other threats just to be sure.

  Some who were skilled like her could hide their tracks within the tracks of another. It was honestly a pretty common trick, but not one so easily mastered. There was a sudden shift of the temperature upon her skin. It was subtle, due to the dulled sensation of touch, but enough to let her know that Lucas had led her outside.

  Confident that she didn't miss anything, she released [Gheistform: Projection] and returned to Lucas's side, whole once more. Sure enough, they had made their way out into the pza in front of the mall. Lucas was continuing to guide her, and a part of her was loathe to release him. She allowed her hand to linger a little longer, savoring the sensation before she let go. As she did, Lucas turned to check on her.

  "Everything alright?" he asked softly, "Did you figure it out?"

  "Yes," she nodded, clearing her throat as she held out her hand, "But first..."

  "Uhm...sure," he tilted his head curiously, a little confused before he took her hand with a tender smile, "I didn't think you'd want to, but-"

  Maya struggled to contain her blush, but was able to just barely do so.

  "No, Luke..." Maya tried not to ugh, "The bags. Give them back."

  His eyes widened with embarrassment, quickly releasing her before presenting the bags.

  "H-Here you go..." he flustered, "Sorry."

  She took them with a small smile. He was too cute.

  "Don't be," Maya told him, attempting to soothe his nerves, "I didn't mind, but...paparazzi are following us. You were right."

  His expression quickly hardened as he growled and rolled his eyes.

  "So what?" he huffed, shaking his head, "Fucking parasites..."

  Maya agreed with that sentiment, but couldn't help but try and maintain some distance. It wasn't that she didn't want to hold his hand. She was just concerned about his image. She didn't like the idea that such vicious rumors were going around about him cheating on Elizabeth.

  Lucas would never do something like that, and it was only because of Elizabeth that he even entertained the notion of a retionship with Maya. Something that Maya still felt a little uneasy about. She liked him, she really did, but was it the right path?

  A part of her couldn't help but still feel reluctant. He was so incredibly supportive, and she didn't quite no how to handle any of it. What if she hurt him? What if she hurt herself?

  Would it not be better to maintain a distance and remain friends than to complicate things with a retionship? She didn't want to ruin what they had, and...she felt Lucas take her hand, snapping her out of her thoughts immediately.

  "L-Luke?" she asked, blinking in confusion.

  "Fuck them," Lucas growled as he looked around angrily, "Let them talk shit. I don't give two fucks, but if it makes you uncomfortable, then-"

  Maya found herself plunged into the cold depths of reality as Lucas turned his gaze towards her. Within his eyes was a reminder of just what kind of a person Lucas was. He wasn't concerned about his image, but more so with if she was comfortable or not, and to tell the truth...

  "No," she answered with a soft sigh, closing her hand around his, "I'm not uncomfortable, but they will talk."

  "Let them," he stated bluntly, "I'm not afraid to show them. Are you?"

  She looked away sheepishly and shrugged slightly.

  "Maybe a little," she admitted, feeling him begin to take his hand away, and quickly added, "But, I want to work on that. I'm afraid for those I'm close with. I have many enemies."

  Maya held tight to his hand, afraid that if she let go in this moment, that she might lose him forever. It was a ridiculous notion, but one that took a cold grip of her heart. His smile melted and warmed the tension she felt, if only for a moment.

  "Who doesn't?" he shrugged, "Have you met Ellie?"

  "Heh...maybe once or twice," Maya replied jokingly with a chuckle before growing a little somber, "Still, they will target you. Hannah and El, too."

  "Yeah," Lucas nodded with a surprising amount of understanding in his eyes, "I know, but...honestly, I feel more sorry for them when they do."

  Maya could only shake her head at him, for she knew that even if she told him he needed to be careful, he'd believe that everything would be fine. It wasn't like he'd not listen to her, but rather that it was just the way he was. He was constantly worrying, and to try and alleviate some of that concern from Maya, he'd smile that stupid smile just like El always warned her about.

  "You're a damn fool," Maya muttered, mostly to herself.

  "What? Why?" Lucas inquired indignantly, "What did I do?"

  "Nothing," Maya told him with a light chuckle, "Come on. We shouldn't stay out for too long."

  With that, she began leading him safely away from the mall.

  "Wait, what do you mean nothing?" he asked incredulously, "Maya? Hey! Don't just ignore me! Maya!"

  Maya allowed herself a moment of amusement; ignoring his pleas for answers to hear the sound of his adorable grumbling. It wasn't like she couldn't expin, but that if she did, then he might stop doing it. She liked his smile, as much as it aggravated her. So, she didn't want to take that away from him. It was just who he was.

  By the time they reached the car, Lucas had returned to his normal, tranquil self. One of the things she appreciated about him is that he was patient. He knew that she would tell him eventually, but that right now wasn't the right time.

  "You are who you are, Luke," Maya finally said quietly, "It's frustrating sometimes, but I don't hate it. Never change."

  His face softened as he sat down on the passenger's side.

  "I'll try not to," he replied teasingly.

  Maya nodded, shifted the car into drive, and began heading back towards the hotel where Hannah and Elizabeth were waiting.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  "Hmm," Elizabeth pondered as she went over several documents sent to her from Aegis.

  She was currently sitting comfortable in a chair within the hotel room. Hannah id upon the bed watching something on TV. Gncing up, it looked to be an anime that Lucas would enjoy. She smiled fondly when thinking of him.

  He had left earlier today with Maya, leaving Elizabeth behind to watch over Hannah. In truth, Elizabeth had wanted to go with, but this was all part of a pn that she had set into motion. Not only did she want Maya and Lucas to figure things out between them, but she also knew that The Ptinum Lotus were watching.

  The reports she had gotten today confirmed her suspicions. The reporters, the Atntic incident, and this Clint fellow...all of them were orchestrated and put into pce by The Ptinum Lotus. According to what Ailyah sent, it was all diversion tactics. They wanted to distract Aegis and Elizabeth from their true goals.

  However, they were getting impatient. They knew that Hannah was under her protection, and that still wasn't enough of a detriment. They wanted her. Badly.

  Her skills as a Saintess were highly sought after. Something Elizabeth honestly understood. There was a reason why she always tried to keep Hannah and her sister, Maya, close. It wasn't just the fact that over Elizabeth's many lifetimes she had come to care for them. No, she wasn't that magnanimous. They served a purpose.

  For Maya, she could help protect Lucas, and the bond they shared would be made stronger for it. Maya was an excellent defense against threats, and also a key to his happiness. Something that Elizabeth wanted more than anything. Out of everyone in the world, he deserved to be happy.

  Of course, Elizabeth was quite happy herself, but the threat of losing him constantly hung over her head. She had to do everything in her power to prevent his death, and that's where Hannah came in. In her past lives, it had always been too te. He either died before Hannah came into her strength or Hannah had been lost before Elizabeth could benefit from her skills.

  This time, she ensured Hannah's safety and growth as a Pyer. Of course, she had tried to keep her abilities secret, but unfortunately her best efforts were wasted. Elizabeth admitted that this was a little annoying, but not outside of expectations. She just had to...adjust a bit. Something she was quite used to.

  "Hey, Big Sis El," Hannah called to her absently, eyes focused on her show, "Can I ask you something?"

  "Of course," Elizabeth responded, gncing from the tablet over at Hannah, "What is it?"

  Hannah shifted a bit, adjusting herself to grab some chips from the bag she had by her side. She took a bite and swallowed before talking.

  "You really love Lucas, don't you?" she asked as if this hadn't been answered already.

  "I do," Elizabeth answered regardless, always happy to say how much she loves him, "Is this about Maya and him again?"

  Hannah nodded, finally taking her eyes away from the screen to look at her. Elizabeth was well aware of the keen intellect behind her eyes. Maya knew her sister was smart, but Elizabeth wondered if she knew to what extent. Right now, Hannah's gaze was quite sharp with understanding.

  "You never seemed one to share," Hannah stated, leaning back against the mound of pillows supporting her, "And you're strangely unbothered by it."

  "It's...complicated," Elizabeth answered, reminiscing of the past.

  Hannah wasn't wrong, but not exactly right. When it came to Lucas, she was incredibly selfish. She coveted him more than any precious jewel. He was everything to her, and over her many lifetimes she came to a firm realization. She couldn't simply confine him.

  To do so would be to deprive him of a full life. There was a time where she had taken him hostage. Held him captive so that he would never be hurt. Never be killed. So that she would never lose him. This had been a dark time in Elizabeth's life where her mind had practically been lost.

  Lucas had remained as kind as ever. He loved her even in such a state, but slowly...the light in his eyes began to dim and soon, so did his life. He wasted away sacrificing himself for her again. He gave her everything to snap her mind back to reality. When she lost him that time, it changed a lot of things for her.

  She re-evaluated what she wanted with her new lease on life. Regressing had become a reset button. If something didn't go right, she'd simply reset until it did, but...that still meant she lost him over and over again. It tore at her until she finally asked the question: What is she willing to do for his happiness?

  And the answer was profoundly simple. Anything.

  For the longest time, all she cared about was herself. Selfishly coveting Lucas to the point of suffocation, sometimes literally. It wasn't that she still didn't covet him, for she was still quite zealous. The first time Maya and him met, they weren't always as close as they were now. That first meeting had been...difficult for Elizabeth. She had held a grudge for a long, long time.

  It still soured her whenever she thought about it now. "I'll have to tell them sometime about their first meeting..." Elizabeth mused, wondering what their reactions would be. Things have changed much since then, including Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings towards Maya. They were kindred spirits, her and Elizabeth.

  Who better to share him with than someone exactly like her? Someone willing to get their hands dirty for him so that he would remain clean. It was much like Elizabeth and Von Angeal. Over time, they had become one, but for a while they struggled with each other. They even argued over who loved Lucas the most until finally...they became one. A single entity devoted to their obsession.

  The same thing happened with Elizabeth towards Maya. Over time, Elizabeth warmed up to the idea of Maya being with Lucas, and at first she had been secretly relieved when it didn't happen. However, this changed when she continued noticing the growing affection between them continued to go unnoticed or straight ignored. Elizabeth wanted Lucas to be happy, and Maya had gone from someone she wouldn't hesitate to kill into someone she trusted to guard him.

  So, seeing them dance around it constantly became quickly tiring. Eventually, she did give up hope that it would ever happen, and so long as Lucas was happy, she'd accept that. And in truth, she was happy she didn't have to worry about such a thing. However, this life was meant to be his best. After all, she intended it to be the st.

  When she saw those feelings begin to develop again...she couldn't just remain ignorant. If this was to be his best life, he should be aware of everything. What the two of them decided to do with that information was up to them, but so long as they knew, and accepted it one way or another, Elizabeth would be satisfied.

  This change of view had Elizabeth happy to see them grow. She knew that she had Lucas. She didn't need to worry about losing him. He was hers, and she was his. So what need did Elizabeth have to worry about such a thing? However, there was another reason she secretly hoped that Maya and Lucas would grow closer in this life particurly, and it was something that Hannah had figured out.

  "Complicated, huh?" Hannah chuckled, eating another chip and taking a drink of her soda she had on the nightstand before continuing, "I don't doubt it, but there's something simpler than that, Big Sis."

  She looked at Elizabeth with an uncanny insight.

  "You want my [Miracle]," Hannah stated bluntly, quickly smiling with a smug, knowing expression, "Am I wrong?"

  "...No, you're not wrong," Elizabeth admitted, pcing the tablet down on her p, locking eyes with Hannah, "Is that a problem?"

  Hannah assessed her for a moment, those violet eyes with flickering silver felt like they saw into the deepest part of Elizabeth's heart. She hid nothing, save her past lives from Hannah. It was something that Maya had requested, and Elizabeth had accepted, but everything else...she was an open book before her.

  After the moment passed, Hannah let out a gentle sigh before breaking eye contact. Her demeanor changed back to a more rexed state.

  "Nah," Hannah answered with a smile, "Maya really likes him, I can tell. I've never seen her so happy before..."

  "Neither have I," Elizabeth agreed, speaking the truth, "I want Lucas to be happy and safe. It's as simple as that."

  "I understand," Hannah nodded, digging in the bag of chips only to discover with disappointment that it was now empty, "Damn it. I need more..."

  Crumpling the bag, she stood to toss it in the garbage before turning toward Elizabeth with a serious, yet soft expression.

  "As long as Maya is happy, I'll do everything I can to help," Hannah vowed before shrugging, "Besides, I've taken a liking to him myself. Be a shame if anything happened."

  "It would, but..." Elizabeth looked upon her coolly, "Watch it. There's only one exception. You can be friends all you like."

  Hannah held up her hands in a calming motion.

  "Rex," she said, "I've no interest in him like that. Julian, however. Now that's another story?"

  "Ugh, this again?" Elizabeth scoffed, rolling her eyes, "How can you like that person?"

  "What?" Hannah asked with a ugh, "Who doesn't like them? Have you seen their photoshoots? Julian's dreamy~..."

  Hannah practically swooned as Elizabeth didn't hide their disgust. The Julian in question was Julian Baxter, Guild Leader of Aurora. Hannah has had a crush on them for a long time, constantly asking Elizabeth to get an autograph or let her meet them.

  "Leave it to one socialite to like another..." Elizabeth mumbled in disdain, "Honestly, you don't even know them."

  "Yuhuh!" Hannah procimed adamantly, "I read all about them in-"

  "You read about them," Elizabeth interrupted pointedly, "That's different from knowing them."

  Hannah huffed, crossing her arms in defiance.

  "Well, if someone let me meet them, then maybe-" Hannah began, but as she did, the door to the room opened up.

  Walking in was Maya and Lucas who had just returned from their outing. Elizabeth greeted them with a warm smile as Hannah rushed over to Maya.

  "Big Sis!" Hannah excimed, grabbing her by the arm, "Big Sis El is being mean! Help me!"

  "...What did you do?" Maya asked Hannah, much to her indignation.

  "I didn't do anything!" Hannah feigned offense.

  "She wants me to introduce them to Julian," Elizabeth expined, setting her tablet aside as she stood gracefully to meet Lucas, "Did you have fun, my love?"

  "Mhm," Lucas nodded with a brilliant smile, wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace, "I have cheesecake for us to share, and a few other things, but first...who's Julian?"

  Hannah's eyes lit up excitedly as she prepared to go on a lengthy rant about them, but thankfully Maya was one step ahead of her. Quickly, she covered Hannah's mouth with one hand while restraining her with the other. All that came out was the grumpy muffled objections she protested.

  "Julian is the Guild Leader of Aurora," Maya expined, holding Hannah as she squirmed in an attempt to free herself, "Hannah has an...obsession with them."

  "Ah, I see," Lucas looked between everyone with wry amusement, "You know, I sometimes wonder if being obsessed is a quirk of being a Pyer, or if it's just the ones I know."

  "A fair assessment," Elizabeth chuckled, wrapping him tightly in her arms, "Just the ones you know, my love. Now...how about we eat some of that cheesecake?"

  Hannah was released by Maya, though grumbled and gred at her for depriving them of gushing over Julian. This immediately changed when she tasted the cheesecake, forgetting everything else besides how delicious it was. All in all, the atmosphere became warm, but Elizabeth couldn't fully enjoy it. She had to focus on other tasks, sending a [Message] to Maya.

  "Did you get the documents?" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Yes" – Maya Rosengard

  "They'll make a move soon" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "I'll be ready" – Maya Rosengard

  "So will they" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "I know" – Maya Rosengard

  "Do you?" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "Just keep Hannah safe" – Maya Rosengard

  Elizabeth met Maya's eye from across the room where they sat. A quiet understanding was had, and everything was prepared. The Ptinum Lotus would make a move, but what that move was...even Elizabeth didn't know. However, she had a theory.

  There was a reason for the rise of reporters following them tely. They had plenty of time to do so before, but now were a lot more rampant. If Elizabeth was correct, they would try to lure Maya into doing or revealing something damning and have it recorded. They'd use this as leverage against her and in the chaos of trying to handle it, they'd attempt to grab Hannah.

  Of course, if Elizabeth hadn't prepared for such a scenario, she might be worried. The Ptinum Lotus wouldn't get Hannah, nor would Lucas come to harm. She was more worried about Maya whose mental state was a little worrying. Elizabeth saw herself in Maya, and thus she knew how fragile the state of her mind could be.

  That's why she turned towards Lucas with a knowing, affectionate gaze. If anything happened, it would be up to him to stop it. It was something only he could do if such a scenario came to be. Catching her gaze, Lucas tilted his head curiously.

  "Do I have something on my face?" he asked, checking himself for cheesecake.

  "Heh, no," Elizabeth chuckled, shaking her head, "Just looking. Have I told you how much I love you tely? So cute."

  He blushed, gring at her pyfully. Leaning in, she pulled him close and gave him a kiss. He had no idea the power he truly held, but it would be detrimental when The Ptinum Lotus made their move. If Maya lost herself, he would be invaluable in pulling her back from the brink.

  As loathe as Elizabeth was put him in danger, she had to admit from firsthand experience that he was quite effective. She just hoped it didn't come to that.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, a couple days ter)

  I woke as I do every day next to Elizabeth, and with each day I started the morning off with a smile on my face. It was made even better when we met up with Hannah and Maya for breakfast. Everything seemed like it was going well...until I saw the news.

  "God damn it," I cursed, muttering to myself, "They work fast as fuck."

  I took a sip of my orange juice as I looked at my phone. Just like Maya had said, reporters had been following us the other day. They had already produced an article inciting another scandal between me and Maya, but this time...they accused her of being more than just a homewrecker.

  "According to a statement by...that mother fucker," I growled as I read the article out loud, "Seriously?"

  "Don't leave us in suspense, my love," Elizabeth coaxed.

  Looking up at everyone, I saw them waiting for me to continue. Hannah was sitting with Maya who appeared as impassive as always. Taking a breath, I went back to reading.

  "According to a statement by Clint Colfield..." I spat the name with disgust, quoting what it said on the article, "...'I heard from someone who knows her sister. She's just using him so they can continue going to college.'..."

  I had to take a breath to calm myself before continuing.

  "We all know that the Aegis Academy is a prestigious institute. I'm not surprised that someone would sell themselves, or their sister, to attend," I could hardly stomach to read more, but at Maya's insistence, giving me a nod to continue, I did so, "The reporter then counters by saying that Hannah attended the college before I started dating Elizabeth, to which that bastard says, 'Of course, she worked for Miss Falcrest, gaining many benefits, but eventually that wouldn't be enough.' this fucker..."

  I grumbled to myself, getting angrier with each word I read.

  "So, the gist is they're smearing Maya and accusing me of being an accomplice," I summed it up as I turned off my phone in annoyance, "They avoid directly insulting Ellie, but still allude to her being incompetent and letting herself get taken for a ride by us..."

  "Yes, it seems they want to accuse me of embezzling," Maya stated nonchantly, appearing wholly unbothered.

  "What's the point?" I had to ask, getting a little frustrated, "We can just deny the cims and provide proof. It won't do anything."

  "That's where you're wrong, love," Elizabeth chimed in, taking a sip of her own juice, her eyes scanning the common room where they were eating, "The publics opinion is a dangerous thing."

  I followed her gaze around the room, noticing that several patrons of the hotel were whispering to themselves as they looked over at us. "Damn it..." I cursed to myself. Elizabeth was right. Even if we denied it right away, it would take time to prove anything, and since it was a story that hit almost all major news sites...it had spread quickly.

  The thing I knew most about people is that the majority of them often tched onto something like this with an almost fanatical fervor. An outrage of disgust fueled by information that shocked them, or brought out some sense of false justice within them. The sheer audacity that people had to insert themselves into something that had nothing to do with them, but...that's why the article, and that bastard Clint, had mentioned the college.

  Many people hoped to get into a good college with the world in the state it was right now. Gates everywhere and the threat of monsters constantly looming over their shoulders. One of the safest pces in the world was the Aegis Academy, but as it so popur, not everyone could attend. You were considered lucky if you were able to get one of the spots in a given year, and learning that someone had bought their way into such an institute...well, you'd be a little angry to, knowing that a possible spot for you or a loved one was stolen.

  "So, this was their pn..." Maya spoke quietly, "I'm sorry, Hannah. Things may get a little difficult for a while."

  "That's okay," she replied with a small smile, "What other people say don't bother me."

  I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room now gring at us. It felt like they were burning a hole through us.

  "Damn it..." I set my utensils down and pushed my pte away, "I've lost my appetite."

  "Lucas..." Elizabeth called with affectionate concern, her hand lightly touching my arm.

  I could only gre at the other patrons, who all averted their gazes the moment they saw me looking.

  "Fucking cowards," I muttered, anger taking me in that moment as I stood suddenly and shouted across the room, "At least say something! No? Cause you don't know jack shit! None of you do. Fucking sheep."

  Some of the patrons looked bashful, while others took my outburst as a threat. Before they could stand to say anything, I found Elizabeth standing by my side, staring them down. In the face of the pressure that she exuded, not many would dare say anything.

  I felt Elizabeth's tender arm around me, pulling me close.

  "We should go," Elizabeth whispered to Maya and Hannah.

  "I agree," Hannah nodded, with Maya following as they both stood up.

  Silently, we all began walking towards the door. I was already frustrated by the smear campaign, but something snapped in me when I heard someone from across the room shout.

  "Sellout whores!" they screamed, and immediately after I saw something smack Maya in the face, flung at her from the corner of my eye.

  Without missing a single beat, I turned, grabbing a nearby chair. Everything in my body ready to fight. However, I was not faster, or stronger, than Elizabeth.

  "No," she whispered in my ear, hand upon mine on the chair, "Not here. Not now."

  In the heat of the moment, I gred angrily at her only to quickly come to my senses. As my eyes met hers, I saw the familiar cold glint in her eye as she cast a deadly gaze over at the one who insulted everyone and threw something at Maya. She wanted to act as well, and seeing that even she was holding herself back, I relented as well, albeit with a frustrated huff.

  As I let go of the chair, I turned to see that it had been an egg that had been thrown at Maya. She was currently wiping it off with a handkerchief, completely unphased. I felt kind of foolish for my outburst when I saw everyone else composed.

  "...Sorry," I whispered, returning to everyone as we began to leave once more.

  "Don't be," Hannah gave me a small smile, "I wanted to do the same."

  I returned the smile in kind, grateful to finally be out of that pce. We didn't return to the hotel room, as we had already packed our things the night before. Today was the day we were going to be leaving, and Hannah was going to come with us. The school break would still st a while, and we weren't going to spend the entire time in Westfield.

  "Are you okay?" I asked Maya, catching up to her.

  "...Yes," she answered, gncing at me with a tender expression, "Are you?"

  "No," I admitted, "They really know how to get under my skin."

  "They are good at that," Maya agreed, nudging me pyfully, "Thanks for getting angry on my behalf. They'll get theirs."

  "I hope so," I muttered, giving her a gentle smile, "Let's just get out of here."

  She nodded her agreement and we all finally reached the car where our driver was waiting. Up until now, Maya had insisted on being our driver. So, the one who had brought us had a mini vacation of their own. Now that we were ready to leave, they returned to their duty.

  The four of us entered the back of the vehicle, and once the driver was situated, we began to leave the parking garage. Yet, something in my stomach wasn't sitting right. I didn't know what it was until we returned to City W...where they were waiting.

  -----

  Nikushimi