Chapter 30:

  There's Always A Hitch

  (Lucas POV, Cont.)

  The bistro pn went on without a single problem. The atmosphere was calm, despite Elizabeth flustering me at every chance she got. Though, that held its own sort of enjoyment. As they say, the food is good, but the company is better.

  Unfortunately, I didn't really get to talk much while we were eating. I was simply too distracted by her to really formute any coherent thoughts. My weakness, I suppose. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off her, except to look at the view...of course, she was a part of that view.

  Now, with less ears around us and as slow as we were walking, I felt like this was my time to speak. To get to know her better. The issue was...where did I start? I did know I used to bring her sweets and snacks because she'd get hungry, but...what kind?

  "Well, cat got your tongue?" Elizabeth joked, nudging me pyfully.

  "Heh, yeah, something like that," I replied, nudging her back as I looked up at her in wonder, "Honestly, you need to stop reading my mind."

  "You just need to stop making it so easy," she retorted, and I couldn't argue with that as I blushed slightly.

  "Yeah, well...I'm doing my best," I chuckled, looking down at the ground as we walked.

  We didn't take it too fast. Everything was at an even, unrushed pace. Taking a breath, I looked up and around at the park. It was quiet and peaceful. It helped center my mind. Allowed me to think. Well, as much as I could with this Amazonian model walking with me. She was quite distracting. Still, she was quite patient and waited silently for me to speak again.

  She was giving me time to collect my thoughts. Something I was appreciative of.

  "Well, let's start with the basics," I finally said, "Family. How big?"

  "Well, you met my grandmother," Elizabeth answered thoughtfully, "There's of course my Mother and Father. Siblings? Well...it's just me. Though, I do have a couple Aunts and Uncles who have children. So, there are a couple cousin's in there."

  "I see..." I nodded in understanding, "About the same for my family, I suppose. Though, I guess you know that?"

  "I do," she nodded, squeezing my hand gently.

  I returned the gesture and thought of other things to talk about. There was so much I didn't quite know and some I desperately wanted to know, but a lot of that reted to the past. A past that I didn't want to bother her with since they were full of painful memories.

  "...It's alright, love," Elizabeth's sweet voice called to me tenderly, "Ask your questions."

  "Are you sure?" I asked skeptically, a bit worried, "I just...I don't want to upse-"

  "Nonsense," she interrupted as gently the breeze, "I'm yours, and I promised to tell you things in time. I have some pills...just in case."

  She stuck her tongue out pyfully as she winked. I couldn't help but ugh. She definitely knew how to ease my anxiety. Taking a deep breath, I asked the most pressing question on my mind.

  "Before..." I began, beginning to make my way towards a bench that was situated before a pond, "How long...no. Damn it."

  Taking a deep breath, we reached the bench as I helped her to sit before sitting beside her. We stared out at the pond, the tranquility of the water soothing my mind. The sound of birds chirping helped to focus myself. Ground me in the moment.

  "How many lives...?" I finally asked quietly, "I can't stop thinking about it. Every time I look at you, I see so much. The depths in your eyes are fathomless. I could get lost in them. I do get lost in them, but whenever I think to these...dreams I can't help but wonder...how long?"

  I was afraid to look at Elizabeth for worry that she would be upset, or worse, dejected. However, I got the courage to look at her when I felt her hand brush my face. She reached across, taking delicately in her hands the silver strands of my hair. She always seemed so mesmerized by it. It made me grateful I had such a unique feature.

  As I looked to her, her eyes were full of a deep pain, yet tempered by a boundless amount of love. I had never seen her expression become so soft before. She smiled, a tender sadness on her lips.

  "Too long," she answered, her eyes taking in every inch of my face, "I stopped counting after around a thousand."

  Time seemed to stand still as I took this information in. "A...thousand?" I've read some insane stories about regressors, but mostly they were a one-time deal. Some, maybe a dozen or so, but...a thousand?

  As a breeze blew through the park, I saw Elizabeth in a whole new light. Her hair rustling softly, her eyes so tender and warm. Yet, deep within was the broken pieces of a woman who has fought for over a millennium...for me. For this world.

  It wasn't like I didn't expect a high number. From the look in her eye, I knew she lived many lives. I had many dreams, after all. Yet, I was far off in my estimate. Maybe a couple hundred, but a thousand? How much did she go through?

  "Ellie..." I spoke barely above a whisper, reaching a hand up to cup her face.

  She received it gratefully, pressing against my palm as she closed her eyes. She was savoring my touch, but this time...I finally had context. The depths of her love for me paled in comparison to what I had originally thought. Just...what the hell did I do to deserve such devotion?

  "Don't say anything," Elizabeth whispered, opening her eyes to reveal that Yandere gaze of hers, "You gave me everything, Lucas. It's only right I do the same. No matter what lifetime, you always shone most brilliantly."

  "I...can't argue with that," I responded with an awkward, loving ugh, knowing that to her...I was, "However, I feel like I can speak for me and all of the other me's when I say this...you are the one who always shines brilliantly in our lives. My life."

  Elizabeth's smile grew deeply tender as she pulled my face towards hers, our foreheads touching affectionately.

  "You have no idea how grateful I am to hear that," she whispered before pulling me into the deepest, most passionate kiss I've had yet.

  I could feel the depths of her love for me. The way her hand clung to my head desperately, holding me firmly. She didn't want to let go, and I wouldn't be sad if I suffocated to her kiss. I lost my breath, and she gave it back at the same time. I had never felt more alive than I did in that moment.

  It was a moment that I wanted to st forever, but the sound of approaching footsteps sullied the moment. Elizabeth pulled away reluctantly, gncing towards the footfalls with a dangerous glint in her eye. "...Hot." I thought to myself, entranced by her.

  Slowly, Elizabeth sat straight, our foreheads separating. It felt lonely. Cold. With a heavy sigh, I gnced towards what she was gring at. There, standing about ten or so feet away, was a small group of individuals led by a woman with a distinct style. A bit of pop, but mostly punk.

  Dark cargo pants with a few thin chains hanging from it. A graphic t-shirt with fishnets underneath. She stood with about four others, three men and a woman, making a total of five if you included her. She looked nervous but stood her ground. Blonde hair with the left side shaved and, honestly, quite stunning opal eyes.

  "Uh, hey," the woman gave an awkward wave, shifting her weight a bit, "Don't mean to interrupt, or anything, but uhm-"

  "Heh, Captain can't speak unless she's swearing..." one of the men with her commented with a snicker but didn't say it quietly enough.

  The woman slowly turned her head with a wide, dangerous look in her eye.

  "Shut the fuck up," she warned as the person was elbowed by one of the other men.

  "Yuki Hanamura..." Elizabeth's tone chilled me to the bone, which was an odd turn on at the same time.

  I wasn't the only one affected by her words, though it was in a much different way than me. The entire group froze, including this Yuki person. The name sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite pce it. All I knew is that the fear on the woman's face was quite evident as her head turned back towards Elizabeth, who slowly stood from the bench, a protective hand held out in front of me.

  "Care to expin..." Elizabeth stated coolly, "Why you're interrupting my date."

  Yuki flinched, as did the others. I definitely wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that icy gre of Elizabeth's...well, maybe. Depending on the context. When her gaze grows cold but is filled with love and a hidden warmth...it gives me shivers just thinking about it.

  "I-" Yuki started, but barely got a single word out before a hand wrapped around her throat.

  Lifted up by their neck by none other than Elizabeth. I could only blink, looking to where she had been and now where she was now. "How the hell...?" I was both impressed and confused.

  "Actually, let me rephrase the question..." Elizabeth said, tilting her head as a ghostly fme appeared in her eyes, "After I so graciously spared you for your part in the conspiracy to kill Lucas...Why are you here now?"

  For a brief moment, I swore I saw an after image of what looked like a horned woman briefly eclipse Elizabeth before disappearing. Was I just hallucinating or..."Wait...what?"

  "What do you mean...she was a part of it?" I asked as I stood from the bench myself.

  It was the first time I heard anything about this. Yuki's eyes flicked to me, yet Elizabeth firmly turned her face back towards her.

  "Eyes on me if you want to keep them," Elizabeth threatened and immediately Yuki intently made an effort to not look in my direction.

  "Ellie, I asked what you meant," I repeated, slowly making my way towards her.

  "...She knew about the attack," Elizabeth expined, not taking her eyes from Yuki, "She was there at the meeting. Sent an...anonymous tip about it. Unfortunately, it came too te."

  Elizabeth's grip tightened on Yuki's neck, the fme in her eye flickering dangerous. I could understand why I wasn't told about this. Elizabeth didn't want me to worry. I was grateful for the consideration, but now I was curious...

  "Is that why you pardoned them?" I asked, making my way closer, "They at least tried to warn us?"

  Elizabeth sighed with obvious annoyance, yet not at me. It was at them.

  "Yes," she answered, barely containing the growl in her voice, "Yet, here they are again. Tell me...Why shouldn't I kill you?"

  She addressed Yuki, who continued to struggle to free herself. There was obvious tension in the air, but looking around, I could tell that they did not come to fight. They came for another reason, and as much as I loved this side of Elizabeth, it wasn't going to get us answers when Yuki could barely breath.

  "Ellie..." I called her name affectionately, pcing a gentle hand on her arm that held the woman, "Let her go. I want to hear what she has to say. I can't do that if she can't speak."

  Elizabeth grumbled yet did not relent.

  "Elizabeth," I called her name more firmly, my hand closing around her arm, "Please."

  For the first time, Elizabeth gnced at me and held my gaze for a moment before she finally let out a conceding sigh. The fme in her eye diminished as she almost sulked.

  "Alright..." she looked apologetic towards me, like a puppy who had just been admonished, loosening her grip on Yuki as she dropped her to the ground, "You didn't have to say my name like that..."

  "Well, you weren't listening," I said gently, realizing why she looked so downtrodden, "It's alright. I'm not mad."

  I reached a comforting hand up to Elizabeth's face, caressing a thumb along her cheek. She was incredibly receptive to it as her mood immediately brightened with a warm smile on her face. If she was a cat, I swear she would be purring.

  "Th-Thank you..." Yuki coughed, holding her throat as she attempted to breath, "I-"

  "Save it," I told her, gncing down coldly, "Don't mistake me. I only stopped her because otherwise you'd not be able to speak, and I want some answers. Why are you here? And just so you're aware...It better be good. You interrupted my date. Do you have any idea how long I pnned this for?"

  I wasn't happy. Not because they were a part of the conspiracy to kill me, but the fact they had interrupted my time with Elizabeth. As much as I loved to see that Yandere side of her, I wanted to spend today rexing and getting to know her. That had now been interrupted.

  "I...Damn it, my Guild Leader sent me," Yuki answered, looking away under the scrutiny of my gaze.

  "Why?" I asked, focused intently on the woman, "What couldn't wait until after?"

  She grimaced, looking away in what seemed like frustration. It didn't seem to be aimed at me, more at the task she was sent to do.

  "To be fair...I wanted to," she answered, clearing her throat, "He was impatient. Damn old geezer...sending your granddaughter into the devil's den..."

  "I'm growing impatient," I sighed, dropping my hand from Elizabeth's face as I knelt before Yuki, "What do you want?"

  Gncing at me, she immediately cowered as her eyes gnced over my shoulder. Her eyes instantly averted themselves. A slight sigh of amusement escaped my lips as I looked back over my shoulder at Elizabeth. She looked nonchant, as if she hadn't done anything. Yet, that look of guilt on her face said everything I needed to know.

  "Ellie..." I chided pyfully and she simply shrugged as if to say 'What? I'm innocent'.

  Shaking my head, I turned my attention back to Yuki.

  "Answer me," I said gently, trying to ease the tension in hopes to get this over with quickly, "What does your Guild Leader want?"

  "He...wants me to fucking apologize," she stated vulgarly, wincing as she realized how aggressive that came across, "I mean, not that I don't want to. He's just so old fashioned. Thinks if you make a mistake, you should apologize in person. I told him that Hades let us off, so we should-"

  "Hold on...Hades?" I asked, looking up at Elizabeth, "That's what they call you?"

  "Well, some do," she answered with a coy smile, "It is one of the nicknames I've been given."

  "I see..." I had never heard of it before, "I knew about War Goddess, but...Hades, huh? Goddess of the Underworld. Heh, I suppose that might suit you a bit more. Am I your Persephone then? Unable to escape, but also not wanting to?"

  "Something like that," Elizabeth mused with a light chuckle, "Of course, we're not going by original myth. I didn't kidnap you."

  I gave her a skeptical look, causing a light blush to enter her cheeks.

  "House arrest does not count!" she defended, crossing her arms with a pout, "Didn't you have questions to ask her? Why am I the one being interrogated?"

  "...Cute," I chuckled, receiving a roll of Elizabeth's eyes and a coy smirk, "But, you're right...Yuki, was it?"

  I looked back at the woman who nodded silently, keeping her eyes down.

  "Tell me...why did you warn us?" I watched her closely as I spoke, "To save your own neck? It'd be best to be honest."

  "Honestly?" she sighed, looking completely defted, "Obviously. I'm not dumb enough to go against the Goddess. I tried warning those fuckers, but they didn't listen. I wanted to wash our hands clean of everything, but...hoped to save our asses with a bit of good will."

  "Smart," I nodded in understanding, knowing Elizabeth's personality, "She definitely wouldn't have let you go."

  "Hey!" Elizabeth protested, though she knew it to be true, "I mean, you're not wrong, but...give me some credit. I let them go for at least tipping us off, even if it was a bit te. I warned them against showing themselves before me again."

  "Which makes me wonder...why did you?" I asked Yuki, tilting my head curiously, "I'm not naive enough to believe it's just for an apology. Interrupting our date...this is a piss poor time for an apology."

  "You're not wrong..." Yuki agreed, "Old bastard damn near had a heart attack when Aegis cut what contracts they had with us and told us to get lost. He demanded me, personally, to fix the situation...no matter what."

  She smiled awkwardly, risking a chance to look at me. I gnced at Elizabeth in warning. She practically sulked but relented, allowing Yuki to look at me. I watched her face, and in them I saw the desperation. She definitely wasn't a threat. I may be naive, but I liked to believe that people weren't all bad.

  "I'm fucking desperate," Yuki confessed, her tone evident of that fact, "I wouldn't have done this if I wasn't. Grandad will kill me if I come back empty handed."

  "I'll kill you for wasting our time..." Elizabeth mumbled to herself, "Interrupting my date with Lucas..."

  I could only smirk in amusement at her, for it was honestly so precious at how much she had been looking forward to this date that she'd get this upset over being interrupted.

  "Right, well..." I stood up, looking down at Yuki with almost pity, "First, stand up. Second, I take it your Granddad is the Guild Leader?"

  Yuki hesitantly stood back up, nodding in response to my question.

  "Alright..." looking to Elizabeth, she was watching me with keen, adoring eyes, "I don't know much about the political world of Guilds, so the most I can do is ask that Ellie...reviews whatever terms she finds acceptable."

  "R-Really!?" Yuki grew excited, eyes wide and practically sparkling, "You will?"

  "Yes," I replied with a nod, looking at Yuki a little warily, "You didn't attack me and you don't seem like a threat, but if that ever changes..."

  "It won't! I promise!" Yuki suddenly grabbed my hands, shaking them vigorously in thanks.

  Almost immediately, the area grew incredibly cold. Everyone except Yuki felt the danger that had just descended upon her.

  "Uhm...As thankful as you are..." I looked to Elizabeth who was practically winter herself, an ethereal aura flickering over her body, "You might want to let go."

  "Remove your hands, before I do," Elizabeth warned, her eye twitching.

  "Hmm? Oh! Ah...Uhm, s-sorry!" she immediately released me and took a few steps back.

  Taking my hands back, I held them to me and stepped up beside Elizabeth to sooth her. She immediately wrapped a possessive arm around me, gring daggers at Yuki.

  "Of course," I added, looking towards the group who were practically shitting themselves at this point, "I'll only consider it if you leave. Right now. You've taken up enough of our time."

  With just another word of thanks and a goodbye, they all booked it out of there as fast as they could. Once gone, I slumped against Elizabeth with a heavy sigh.

  "Damn it..." I muttered, "Everything was going well, too."

  "I could still catch up to them," she said nonchantly, "Make sure they never bother us again..."

  "Heh, no," I shook my head, looking up at Elizabeth fondly, "Though, I appreciate the sentiment."

  "Do you now?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow, "Well, if she does something like touch you without permission again...I will take her hands."

  "Leave her hands alone," I chuckled, addressing her fondly, yet teasingly, "Fucking Yandere."

  "Hmph!" she huffed, though her expression was pyful, "You love it."

  "I can't deny that," I admitted with a smile, "But, you know...I only have eyes for you."

  "Only for me?" she asked, sounding a little mischievous.

  "Yes..." I hesitantly answered, "Why?"

  "No particur reason," Elizabeth mused, which made me suspicious, but I didn't push it.

  She at least seemed to be happy, which was all I really wanted.

  "Right, well..." I looked to the sky and saw that there was still daylight left, "We still have some time...how about we try to salvage this little hiccup?"

  In response, Elizabeth took my head in her hands and kissed me passionately.

  "That sounds perfect. I'd love to," she whispered ardently as our lips parted.

  I got lost in her eyes as she held my gaze for a moment. Grateful that she agreed, we headed off hand in hand once more. Along the way, we put this momentary, and honestly annoying, interruption from our mind.

  Much to both of our delight, we were not interrupted the rest of the day. We talked a lot about various things, though I kept the topics to this current lifetime and focused on things reting to Elizabeth specifically.

  I learned a lot about her, just as I had wanted to. Favorite color. Favorite food. Where she grew up. What her favorite hobby was. Of course...most of that was reted to me.

  Favorite Color: My Eyes. A nebu of Amber Blue.

  Favorite Food: Alfredo. One of my favorites as well.

  Where she grew up: Everywhere, honestly. She moved around a lot as she grew her power and the influence of Aegis Unlimited. Though, anywhere I lived, she was never far. She kept a close eye on me until the time was right.

  Her Favorite Hobby: Well, as you can imagine...it reted to me. Watching me. Spending time with me. It was all very embarrassing, but she hid nothing. I had to tease her once more about the wall of pictures she had of me somewhere. Asking when I would see it. I had never seen her turn so red. I found myself falling for her even more as she tried to change the subject.

  Once the obvious was out of the way, and after we got our jokes and teasing out of our systems, she answered properly. She enjoyed reading a good book when she had time. She had also tried her hand at painting at one point. She was actually surprisingly artsy.

  Overall, the mission to get to know Elizabeth was a success. With Maya picking us up and returning us home, we ended the night in a candlelit room, just the two of us snuggled together on a comfortable couch as we watched and fell asleep to a movie. Maya was kind enough to continue to give us privacy, though Azure did compin.

  Even so, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect end to the day. Perhaps next time, all of us could enjoy the day together.

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  Nikushimi