Chapter 40:

  Time Together

  (Maya's POV)

  Maya was still trying to figure things out for herself, but she was gd to have had the approval from Elizabeth. She had been worried that she was growing too close to Lucas. Worried that Elizabeth may reassign her, but instead...she continued to entrust his safety to her, despite now having [Living Mirage].

  She was incredibly grateful for that. After all, she wouldn't have been able to watch Lucas py with Azure in the gardens otherwise. "...Is it possible for a person to shine so brightly?" she wondered as his smile dazzled her and the air around him seemed to glow. Even Elizabeth was enchanted by the sight, and so she didn't feel as guilty enjoying such a scene.

  "Have you talked to your sister?" Elizabeth inquired quietly, her eyes never leaving Lucas, "I received a report that the college will be having a break soon. You should see her while you can."

  Maya shifted next to where Elizabeth sat beneath a cherry tree. One of a few that they had pnted in the gardens around the penthouse.

  "...Not yet, no," she responded softly, "She still has studies to complete, and...is he even ready to meet her?"

  "Aren't you adorable, worrying for him," Elizabeth chuckled, flustering Maya slightly, "Though, I admit...I don't know. I'll need your sister's help eventually. Well, I hope I don't, but..."

  "I know..." Maya nodded, speaking just so that Elizabeth could hear, "She's the Saintess, after all. Her healing will prove invaluable, but I don't want to force her, El."

  "No one is forcing her," Elizabeth assured her, but Maya was still a little worried, which she seemed to catch as she firmly repeated, "No one, Maya. I'll make sure of that."

  "...Thank you," Maya felt a little relieved, "Still, Hanna is stubborn. Have you heard anything about those bastards?"

  Maya gnced at Elizabeth, catching her eye for a moment. In the split second when they took their eyes off of Lucas, they had an understanding...only to then be interrupted by the sound of a loud spsh. Casting their gazes towards the sound, they saw Lucas emerging from the pond with a gasp of air. Azure flying around him amusedly, as if ughing.

  "You little shit!" Lucas admonished, "Come here!"

  He spshed water towards Azure as he began to stand up, diving towards the Drake who was now roughly the size of a small dog. He talked Azure into the water as the two of them began to wrestle. Both Elizabeth and Maya let out relieved sighs in unison as they realized he was okay.

  This caused the both of them to ugh together.

  "Took our eyes off of him for literally a second..." Elizabeth mused, shaking her head, "That boy, I swear..."

  "He's a handful, but...I don't mind," Maya felt a little embarrassed admitting that, "I mean, he doesn't make my life that difficult, I just-"

  "Rex, Maya," Elizabeth soothed, gesturing calmingly towards her, "I get it. He is a handful, but...he's worth it."

  Maya found herself agreeing, not that surprised, though sill a little bit surprised. After all, she still didn't quite understand what it meant to have a friend, nor did she really understand the feelings she had for him. When she saw him, she felt her heart quicken and her mind feel at ease. His presence was incredibly soothing.

  Whatever that meant, she didn't know. Was it really a crush? She had crushes. Sigrid was one of them. Strong and beautiful, Maya had always had a thing for such women. In that regard, Lucas and her were the same, as Maya had held a small crush on Elizabeth ever since they met as children. She had been her first friend, and the one who had saved her from her abusive parents.

  She was strong, kind, intelligent, and above all...determined. Maya found herself wanting whatever Elizabeth wanted, and now...did that include Lucas? "No..." Maya shook her head free of the thought, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We don't even know if he..."

  "You're overthinking," Elizabeth's words broke Maya out of her own thoughts.

  "Hmm?" Maya asked, slightly dazed, "What do you mean?"

  "I'm one of the few who can see past that mask of yours," Elizabeth smirked mischievously, "Your forehead scrunches ever so slightly when you're thinking deeply about something. Not to mention...you've yet to take your eyes off Lucas."

  Maya found herself suddenly feeling bashful and ashamed.

  "I apologize, Ma'am..." Maya looked away, retreating to her habits of professionalism.

  "Maya..." Elizabeth sighed softly, almost...sympathetically, "I wasn't admonishing you. I'm just trying to tell you to rex."

  "Oh..." Maya felt even more embarrassed, having jumped to a conclusion that wasn't true, "I seem to not be myself tely."

  "No, that's not it," Elizabeth told her, eyes piercing into her very soul, "I think you're finally discovering who you are. It's not easy working through years of trauma. I'm sorry I didn't-"

  "El, don't..." Maya's expression softened, though she spoke firmly as she cut her off, "It was my choice to stay. I told you this before. You did everything you could for me. I can't ever repay that."

  Elizabeth was silent for a moment. Maya had meant every word. She owed everything to Elizabeth, and she wasn't sure she could ever pay it back, but perhaps she was right. Perhaps she was just now discovering who she was. What she stood for. Or rather...what she wanted to stand for.

  "Protect Lucas," Elizabeth finally said, leaning back in her chair, "Help make him happy. That's how you pay me back. Not to mention...find what makes you happy, Maya."

  Those were kind words. Words that touched Maya's heart deeply.

  "I can promise you the first two, but the st one..." Maya shrugged with a coy smile, "I'll try, though no promises."

  "That's all I ask," Elizabeth pced a gentle, comforting hand on Maya's arm, "Now then, about those bastards you talked about...they've tried getting to her, but I made it clear to the st messenger. She's under my protection."

  Maya's smiled deepened to one of devilish delight. The bastards they were talking about were once affiliated with her parents. They were called The Ptinum Lotus. A group of wannabe nobles that pretend they ruled the world. At one point, perhaps they did. They were comprised of a select few rich and powerful families.

  They maniputed the world from the shadows. Using their influence to affect the world at rge. They intermarried their children to consolidate their power and create strong ties between their families. Children were just pawns in their games. Sold off to acquire knew assets, much like what would have happened to Maya if Elizabeth hadn't saved her.

  Almost all of their children were renowned for something great, whether it was before or after the gates appeared. They trained their children in all things. The severity of which was different per family. Orchid wasn't just something that Maya had created to escape from her family.

  No, it was something her family had created, and Maya had adapted. Her family had been trained assassins. Using their children for generations to sell and use as weapons. Maya would have been sold as a weaponized bride to a family known as The Lockhart's. The perfect dy on the surface. Cold blooded killer underneath.

  Whatever, or whoever, her husband told her to kill, she would have. That would have been her fate. Nothing but an object. A tool to be used and, eventually, discarded. The only soce was that only one child was trained as such. That's why she stayed. If she hadn't, her sister would have been the next candidate.

  At least, that had been her fear. She didn't know how powerful Elizabeth was, or how far her reach went. Maya had taken a great risk when she finally reached out to her, but it had paid off. Her parents were out of the picture, but the group that her parents were a part of still existed, and they would stop at nothing to grasp what would benefit them.

  "The Ptinum Lotus..." Maya's skin crawled at the mere mention of the name. She had long since vowed to destroy them, and with Elizabeth's help, she was slowly doing just that.

  They had lost Maya and set sights on her sister who had developed skills reted to that of a Saintess. The ultimate healer. The pinnacle of miracles. If they got their cws into her...she would be helpless. A bird trapped in a cage, and so as cruel as it was, Maya and Elizabeth used a cage of their own to protect her. Of course, Maya tried to allow her as much freedom as possible.

  She didn't want to limit Hannah like her parents had limited her. She should be able to enjoy life as peacefully as possible, but that was more difficult than anticipated. Thankfully, Elizabeth constantly had eyes on Hannah. Any attempts at contact from the Ptinum Lotus was met with swiftly and firmly.

  Still, they wouldn't stop until they had her in their clutches. She was too big of an asset, but Maya wouldn't lose her. Not to them. Not to anyone.

  Thankfully, Hannah wasn't naive. She was a smart girl. She knew how to handle herself, but sometimes...she was a little too overconfident. There had been at least three kidnapping attempts in the first year after she showed her powers. Another two the following year. Maya's bdes had drank deep of the blood of those who tried. Hannah had been blissfully unaware...save for once.

  "If they touch her again..." Maya muttered threateningly, her body tensing, "It shouldn't have happened, El."

  "...I know," she responded quietly, eyes sharp, "We handled it, didn't we?"

  Maya smiled, rexing slightly as she nodded. Indeed, Elizabeth had personally helped her deal with that particur situation. It was a family within the Ptinum Lotus known as The Newmont's. They bypassed the guards pced on Hannah, kidnapping her in their sleep. Bound and gagged, Hannah was thrown into the back of a vehicle before it began speeding off.

  They had hired several Pyers to do this. High ranked ones with little to no morals. The Newmont's had pnned on using Hannah's abilities for themselves. This would have given them a huge asset, for all the other families would have had to go through them in order to avail themselves of her skills. Unfortunately for them, Hannah wasn't a child, and they stupidly didn't take her phone.

  A mistake they paid for with their lives. She was able to get out of her bindings just enough to activate the tracker in her phone. This alerted Maya immediately, and with Elizabeth's help, Aegis made their move. In less than an hour the vehicle was cut off and isoted. Maya slew every single Pyer who had a hand in Hannah's kidnapping...save for one.

  They kept them for information, learning that they were hired by Newmont Family. She hid herself as Elizabeth freed Hannah, though...she had known it was her, pretending to feign ignorance as she thanked "The Orchid". In fact, thinking back on it now...

  "She had also hugged me..." Maya sighed, shaking her head, "Though, it was a bit different. I think those two might be the death of me, El."

  "Heh, well, let's hope not," Elizabeth stated with a light chuckle, "Lucas would be sad, and I'm sure Hannah wouldn't be happy either."

  "No, they wouldn't," Maya half-smiled, "They're more alike than I thought at first. Though, Sir Lucas is far more clumsy."

  "Agreed," Elizabeth smiled amusingly.

  "What are we agreeing with?" Lucas's voice came out of nowhere, as if summoned by their talk of him, "You're ughing, but you both seem tense. Everything alright?"

  Maya looked towards the half-dried Lucas, water dripping ever so slightly from his hair. She felt her pulse quicken as she watched a bead of water roll along his colrbone, and something inside of her...awakened. A thought that embarrassed her to no end. She wanted to bite him.

  "Maya?" Lucas's hand on her shoulder shocked her, causing her to jump slightly, "Sorry, you just looked out of it. What's going on?"

  "Was just thinking, Sir," she responded, shooting a sharp gnce at Elizabeth when she stifled a ugh, "My sister is going to have a break from college soon. I was thinking of visiting her."

  "Oh!" his eyes widened, bright and dazzling, "That'll be fun! Or, at least I hope so. When are you leaving?"

  Maya raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly.

  "I'm not, Sir," Maya stated simply.

  "What do you mean?" he asked, looking confused.

  She found his response...cute. Elizabeth leaned forward with a mischievous smile.

  "She's still your bodyguard, love," Elizabeth told him, "We're all going."

  "Oooh!" the look of realization on his face was somehow even more adorable, "That makes sense, but...my question still stands. When?"

  Azure bounded over suddenly, nuzzling into Lucas's neck pyfully. He ughed, trying to half-heartedly push him off.

  "Azure, yes, yes...you're coming too, I'm sure," Lucas said through his ughter, "Though, you're gonna need to behave!"

  He admonished the Drake, who hung their head politely, as if to say "I'll be on my best behavior". Maya smiled warmly, a sentiment that Elizabeth shared as well.

  "Speaking of behavior..." Elizabeth stood and walked towards Lucas, wrapping her arms around him as she stared at Azure, "You need training, Azure. Starting tomorrow...you'll learn to listen."

  A cold chill hung in the air that even Maya felt was ominous. Azure shrunk away from Elizabeth seemingly gentle smile. Even Lucas looked to be nervous, petting Azure as comfortingly as he could.

  "Sorry, bud...she's right," he apologized with a sympathetic expression, "Don't worry, I'll be with you, okay?"

  Azure gave a non-committal grunt, which was more of a whimper than anything. He was resigned to his fate, but even Maya felt sorry for the creature. They had talked a few times about training Azure so that he would be more than just a companion to Lucas. He had to also be able to protect him, and now was as good of a time as any to begin training him.

  "I don't have much vacation left," Elizabeth's words were unnaturally sweet, "I'll beat...ahem, I mean, teach you all you need to know. Leave it to me."

  "Ellie..." Lucas chided.

  She looked at him innocently, as if she did nothing wrong. Maya knelt down to comfort Azure, but even she agreed with Elizabeth. Something that Azure picked up on, pleading up at her to go easy on him.

  "I'm sorry, Azure..." Maya whispered stroking his coat gently, "Lucas is too important to me. You want to keep him safe too, don't you?"

  Azure gnced over in Lucas's direction, who was now currently half-heartedly trying to fend off an affectionate assault by Elizabeth. Looking back at Maya, Azure made a sound of agreement, determination igniting in his eyes.

  "Good," Maya nodded, Orchid taking over for a moment, "Because if you don't...I'll skin you myself. Okay?"

  Maya's expression was calm with a kind smile, but the deadly intent was hard to miss. Azure gulped, nodding furiously. If they could sweat, she was sure there would be beads of it rolling down their face. Adorable in their own way, but...

  Maya looked up towards Lucas and Elizabeth, who had now gotten the upper hand and was pnting kiss after kiss upon his face, and her smile shifted. It became softer, eyes twinkling with amusement. She would do anything to protect this life that she had found.

  Nothing would get in her way.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV)

  "Oof..." my face twisted in a grimace, cringing as Azure was knocked to the ground once again, "Y-You got it, bud!"

  I tried cheering him on, but even I knew that he was outmatched. Still, he stood up and shook himself off for probably the hundredth time. Elizabeth stood about ten or so feet way, watching him carefully. Maya was nearby as well, though she was only watching.

  Meanwhile, I simply sat, worried for Azure. Of course, he was tougher than I gave him credit for. I often forgot that he was a Drake. Something that came from a whole other world. A creature from a dungeon. They were much stronger than your typical house pet.

  "Watch your opponents movement," Elizabeth instructed, beginning to circle Azure in the clearing they had made in the home gym, "Predict, but also allow your instincts to move you."

  I watched as Elizabeth moved quickly towards Azure, throwing a low kick at him. I tensed, knowing what was about to happen. Just as Azure leapt into the air to dodge, Elizabeth's fist smmed into his side. There was a pathetic whimper of pain as Azure was once again sent flying. I resisted the urge to run to him, knowing that he would be fine.

  I knew that Elizabeth was holding back. After all, even I was seeing her attacks. Something caught my eye, however, as Azure stood shakily to his legs. He looked...smug. That's when Elizabeth smiled.

  "Very good," she nodded, "If you can't dodge...attack. You're learning."

  Confused, I tilted my head and watched as Elizabeth lifted her arm to reveal a scratch upon it. It was deep, having torn the flesh open about an inch or more. Blood dripped from it, and a panic set in.

  "Ellie, are you okay!?" I couldn't help but ask, "Azure!"

  Azure flinched, his demeanor changing to that of an admonished dog. However, Maya's hand on my shoulder, and Elizabeth's amused nonchant expression made me realize that I was overreacting. I grew embarrassed as I watched before my eyes that Elizabeth's wound practically healed itself.

  "Love..." Elizabeth spoke with exasperated fondness, "Azure is doing exactly as he should. Don't yell at him. Praise him."

  "O-Okay..." I looked bashfully, holding out my hand towards him, "Come here, Azure."

  Azure perked his ears up hesitantly before bounding over towards me. I smiled apologetically, petting him lovingly.

  "Sorry, bud..." I told him, scratching behind his ears, "You did a good job. I forget that this is training sometimes. I don't like seeing any of you get hurt."

  "It's part of the job, Sir," Maya said, and though I understood that, I still didn't like it.

  "Even so..." I sighed, continuing to pet Azure, "I'm just worried. You're Pyers, and he's a Drake. Fighting is what you do. Maybe I just feel...useless? Just sitting here and watching has me feeling a little antsy."

  "Do you want to join?" Elizabeth suddenly in quired, draping her arms over my shoulders as she pnted a kiss upon my cheek, "I wouldn't mind training you."

  She spoke coyly, flirting with me as I blushed.

  "Ellie, be serious..." I mumbled, trying to hide my face, "I'm not like you guys."

  "I am being serious, my love," she responded matter-of-factly, "Doesn't mean we can't py."

  "Wait, seriously?" I looked to her surprised, "I would have thought you'd not want me doing anything dangerous."

  Elizabeth held me tightly, embracing me warmly.

  "I don't, but training you isn't dangerous," she expined, "Do you think I'd hurt you?"

  "Of course not..." I replied quietly.

  Her words were gentle, and I found myself feeling silly. Of course she wouldn't hurt me. I guess I had just never thought of the prospect of being trained. Maybe if I knew how to fight, or perhaps...I felt a boop on my nose, distracting me from my thoughts.

  "Don't get me wrong, love," Elizabeth continued, a warning in her voice, "I'm not offering so you can fight. Leave that to us."

  She motioned towards Maya and Azure. Azure bounced around in agreement, while Maya nodded. I felt touched that they cared so much about my safety.

  "But, if it's not to protect myself, then...what?" I asked, leaning back into Elizabeth.

  "Well, it's not so you can't," she said as she started to py with my hair tenderly, "It's a st resort, but I'd feel better if you're capable at least. Though...we'll have to work on your clumsiness first."

  "Hey, now!" I retorted, causing her to ugh, soon followed by myself, "I guess that's fair. Still...I think I'd like to try."

  "Alright," Elizabeth spoke sweetly, "We'll begin your training eventually. For now, just let us train Azure so that he can help keep you safe. Deal?"

  "...Deal," I agreed reluctantly, a little disappointed.

  That's when I felt a finger under my chin and soft lips upon mine. Elizabeth smiled into the kiss, as she often did, before resting her forehead against mine.

  "Cheer up, love," she said, cradling me to her, "I've been meaning to teach you a few things regardless. I was just waiting for the right time."

  "Really?" I was surprised, but as she nodded, I felt a little relieved, "What else do you have pnned for me, exactly?"

  I gave her a curious, yet cautious look. "I keep forgetting the regressor thing..." I chided myself, wondering how many things she had pnned. Living all those lives...I found myself gazing into her eyes, curious what thoughts were behind them.

  "In time, my love, in time..." she smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "How long do you pn on looking into my eyes? Trying to read my mind?"

  She teased, making me realize just how much I was staring. Flustered, I looked away quite bashful and embarrassed.

  "Sorry...I couldn't help myself," I rubbed the back of my neck nervously, "There's so much I don't know, and every time I think about it, I can't help but grow curious."

  Elizabeth grew somber, but not so much sad as she was...gentle. Her hand caressed my cheek, and I found myself rexing against her. There was something about this moment that made me listen intently, knowing that she spoke from a pce of love and concern.

  "There's much to tell you," she said softly, "In time, of course. I may sound like a broken record, but I don't want to overwhelm you."

  I nodded in understanding. The migraines I suffered whenever I thought too much, or was fed more information than I was ready for, were killer. She didn't want to aggravate them. I was always so touched by her careful consideration of me.

  What I often recalled were fragments of dreams. Dreams based in reality. I did wonder why this life was so different. Why was it that me, this version at least, recalled anything. Even if they were just dreams.

  "That being said..." Elizabeth continued, her expression turning pensive and amused, "You once yelled at a Wyvern while shooting it. Saying it was interrupting you talking to me...your wife."

  The way she said this tore at my heart, for I felt a sadness underneath the amusement. I rested my head against hers in an attempt to comfort her. In that instance, I briefly recalled a moment like that in a dream I once had, but it quickly faded. It was like trying to grasp at smoke.

  "I'm alright, love, but thank you," she smiled, pnting a kiss upon my cheek, "That's how you've always been, but this time...it will be different."

  "We'll make sure of it," Maya chimed in, making me realize that this entire time, she had been there.

  "Maya!" I excimed, feeling ashamed, "I'm sorry, for a moment I forgot you were there...that was rude of us."

  She shook her head, eyes gentle and expression soft.

  "No, that's alright," she assured me, but I still felt guilty, "Please, never apologize for enjoying your time with her, Luke."

  "Alright...if you say so," I sighed, reaching towards Azure who nuzzled my hand happily, "Did I really do something like that, El?"

  "You did," she nodded, "Do you doubt that you could?"

  "No," I shook my head, smiling like a fool, "It does sound like something I'd do. How dare they interrupt me talking to you."

  I crossed my arms affirmatively, as if the matter was settled. Elizabeth ughed, with Maya finding the thought amusing as well, the corners of her mouth curling wryly.

  After this brief interruption, Elizabeth went back to training Azure, and Maya prepared food for us. I watched them all day, admiring how determined Azure was...as well as being worried for their safety. Elizabeth picked up the pace a little after he showed improvement.

  The next few days were much the same. With the exception that Maya joined in. She was a little nervous at first, for some reason, but when Elizabeth whispered something in her ear, she perked up and became incredibly focused. It was mesmerizing.

  The way Elizabeth and Maya moved was something to behold. I truly felt sorry for Azure, but he seemed undaunted. In fact, by the end of the few days, he was capable of keeping up with them, if only for a little while. Of course, they were still holding back.

  Either way, it was impressive, and Azure was quite proud of himself. It made me forget for a time that the world was beset by the dangers of gates, and those from beyond them. That was until Elizabeth was once again called into action. I knew she had to go, but I hated it every time. The more time I spent with her, the harder it got.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  It was never easy leaving Lucas when she had to work, but he would be safe. She trusted Maya, and her duplicate would be nearby. Regardless, she held him for a long while, imprinting upon her senses the smell, touch, and even taste of him. Thankfully, she wouldn't be gone long. Not this time. Even so, it was bothersome.

  "Listen to Maya," she reminded him, waggling a finger in front of his face, "No more secret pns, understood?"

  "Heh, yes, Ma'am," he responded sheepishly.

  Lucas wrapped his hand around her finger gently, pulling her hand towards her lips. He kissed the back of it tenderly with a smile.

  "Be safe, please," he told her, his eyes pleading.

  "That's unfair, Lucas..." Elizabeth swooned inwardly, her heart melting at how concerned he was for her. He didn't have to be, but that was just how he was.

  "Of course, my love," she told him, taking him by the back of the head and pnting a kiss upon his forehead, "I'll be back before you know it."

  "Will you?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eye, "I don't know...a week is a long time."

  "H-Hey!" Elizabeth retorted, sulking slightly, "That was for a reason!"

  Lucas ughed, a delightful sound as she gred pyfully at him. His hand grabbed her by the waist, her pulse quickening at his touch. "Oh my~..." Elizabeth was pulled towards him as he leaned in with a coy whisper.

  "I know," he told her quietly, "It was a very good reason. Even so...I'll miss you."

  Elizabeth tried to hide her blushing face, but it was impossible whenever he was like this.

  "I'll miss you, too, my love," she kissed him then, deeply and passionately before reluctantly pulling away.

  As the door to the apartment closed, it was like an iron gate locking her away from him, and yet...she touched her lips, still tasting him upon them. She smiled with a gentle sigh. This was for him. This was for her. To finally be given the life she deserved. The life they both deserved.

  "Ailyah, report," Elizabeth ordered as she put on an earpiece she had pulled from her pocket, "What's the situation?"

  "Dungeon break in the Atntic," her voice came in through the earpiece, "A Kraken has been spotted. It's blocking shipments. Three cargo ships have been destroyed already."

  "Fuckers..." Elizabeth muttered, "I told them to keep an eye on the area."

  Elizabeth entered the elevator down, contempting her options.

  "Apparently, they cim that the satellite had interference," Ailyah stated, not sounding convinced herself, "Convenient, no?"

  "...Incredibly," Elizabeth sighed, "Who was in charge of the area?"

  "The NUN in joint cooperation with Wild Guard," Ailyah sounded like she spat the term, "No doubt the NUN will bme them."

  "They can try," Elizabeth scoffed, the elevator opening up to the lobby, "Useless bastards. They make the mess, then call for aid...pathetic."

  "You don't need to convince me, Ma'am," Ailyah ughed, "We'll be waiting for you. I've already secured a base."

  There wasn't anything more to say. The connection was cut as Elizabeth exited the building and into the city. It was about midday when the call came. Squinting at the sun high in the sky, Elizabeth thought about the circumstances to this dungeon break.

  Monitoring the entire world was difficult, even for Elizabeth. The NUN, or the New United Nations, was a pale imitation of their past glory, but they had their uses. For example, international waters were monitored by such an organization, and in accordance with the ws put in pce, they were to work closely with Pyers in order to monitor the depths of Earth's oceans for any suspicious activity.

  In fact, there were several Wild Zones that had appeared in these pces which were being closely watched and guarded already. This was often done via satellite, deep sea probes, and bases near the source. These were often underwater and secure...usually.

  In order to properly monitor everything, each section of the oceans were divided between the NUN and Guilds that were capable enough. Typically, they were part of the Wild Guard in conjunction with NUN. Such as it was in this instance. Satellites monitored energy fluctuations and changes to the oceans temperature, which should alert the nearby Pyers to any changes beneath the waves.

  However, because of the malfunction with the satellites, the Wild Guard weren't alerted and thus couldn't act in time. No doubt NUN will attempt to bme them and demand more resources and funding from the lost cargo. It wasn't the first time they tried this before, and definitely not the first time in all the lives that Elizabeth has lived.

  "Fuckers..." she repeated to herself in annoyance, "They're lucky that area is something I've personally been interested in...but a gate break is annoying."

  That gate that had broken open was known as The Kraken's Nest. Fitting, considering the creature which was spotted in the area. Elizabeth had been waiting for it to open, but as usual, things didn't always go so smoothly, but it didn't matter.

  The Kraken's Nest held something that she needed. Something that she, unfortunately, had not been able to acquire yet. She could feel its pull. The tug deep within her chest that pulsed in unison with her heart. A fragment of her power.

  It had id dormant until this life, much like the other fragments. They only made themselves known when they were ready. It was absolutely vexing, especially because Elizabeth didn't understand why. All she knew is that when her party had sacrificed her to defeat...well, herself, "That's a weird thought..." Elizabeth chuckled.

  Anyways, when that ritual happened, she had been shattered. She had been left with only a fraction of her strength, and throughout all of her regressions, she's slowly regained her strength. Whenever a fragment awoke, she could feel it. It tugged at her...and she was filled with exhiration.

  In a fsh of ghostly fmes, Elizabeth disappeared from the street and soared towards the Atntic. It was a shame that Lucas didn't much care for seafood, for she was about to cook some squid.

  -----

  Nikushimi