Chapter 60:

  A Day of Py

  (Lucas's POV)

  A sligh breeze. The warm rays of the sun. Just a few of the things that I enjoyed as I walked along the waters edge of a canal that ran through the city. It was peaceful, and the smell of food was in the air. My stomach grumbling.

  "How much farther?" I had to ask, with Elizabeth giving me that cat-like smile of hers as she gnced down at me in amusement.

  "Not far," Elizabeth answered, motioning with her head towards the way we were walking, "Just a few more blocks. According to Denny, there's an amazing restaurant with a view of the bay from there."

  "Hmm..." I sighed, my thoughts focused on the feeling of my empty stomach, "Can't I just get one thing?"

  Elizabeth chuckled as I stared longingly as what was advertised as "Suppli". Apparently, they were a type of croquette specific to Rome. I watched as someone bit into one, the cheese oozing out of it. They covered their mouth so as to not let any of it fall out, and my stomach growled once more.

  Aside from the cheese, it looked to be filled with rice, some kind of sauce, and meat. From the smell of it...perhaps chicken? I could feel my mouth salivating.

  "You'll have to wait, Sir," Maya told me firmly, "If you eat now, you'll ruin your appetite."

  "But..." I gnced over at her, giving the best pout that I could, "I'm starving."

  "Sir..." Maya cautioned, piercing my puppy-eyes with her sharp senses, "You'll be fine. I wouldn't let you starve, and besides...El, what do you think you're doing?"

  Maya's voice took on a scary tone as I realized that Elizabeth had begun to sneak off towards the vendor, only to be stopped by Maya. Elizabeth looked back at her sheepishly with an awkward smile, motioning towards me.

  "What? He said he's starving," Elizabeth defended adamantly, "I'm getting him food."

  "El..." Maya locked eyes with her, silently assessing each other, "If we get him this, it'll spoil his appetite."

  "I promise, it won't!" I decred, chiming in hopefully, "Please?"

  Elizabeth gnced down at Maya who had grabbed hold of her hand to stop her, then looked over at me almost apologetically. My heart sunk as my stomach rumbled once more.

  "She's right, my love," Elizabeth admitted, "It will spoil your appetite, but also..."

  Elizabeth's expression grew sly as her gaze flicked over towards Maya.

  "She's already given me the money," Elizabeth stated triumphantly.

  My eyes widened as she held up the cash that Maya had slipped to her. I couldn't help but stare in awe and gratefulness at Maya, clinging to her arm excitedly. She did her best to appear aloof, though the blush on her face betrayed her.

  "Just two packs," Maya ordered, clearing her throat, "No more than that, and as for you..."

  Maya turned towards me, grasping my face between her hands, squishing my cheeks.

  "Just remember your promise," she said with a wickedly mischievous smile, "If it ruins your appetite, I don't want to hear you compining."

  I did my best to grin through my smooshed cheeks.

  "I won't!" I replied happily, and before I knew it, I was enjoying the sweet, delicious taste of these suppli.

  The cheese. The meat. Everything about it from the moment it hit my tongue to the time it reached my stomach was divine. Each pack came with about twelve of them, and they were by no means small. Each one was rectangur in shape and rounded, fitting in the size of my palm. They were perfect food on the go, coming neatly packaged in a disposable carry case, wrapped in some kind of cloth to keep your hands clean.

  The taste was made even better by the fact that I shared it with everyone. Denny, Elizabeth, Hannah, and of course...Maya. I had been waiting so anxiously for Elizabeth's return in order for us to enjoy ourselves together. As much as I liked spending time alone with Elizabeth, or with Maya, I also liked that I was able to finally spend time with everyone.

  What made it even better was that we all felt like...like family.

  I mean, I knew the notion was ridiculous since for the most part they were family. Hannah was Maya's sister, and Denny was mine in a way. As for Elizabeth...well, she was the love of my life and one day, my wife. Fated to always be together. It was enough to make me blush just thinking about it, and then there was Maya.

  I definitely hadn't expected things to develop as they did, but I couldn't really compin. In fact, it was a little strange. Growing up, I had been more of a loner. It wasn't that I didn't want to be around others, it was just that I never felt like I belonged anywhere. Not really.

  That's how I lived my life until one day someone walked into it rather abruptly. Someone that I had always known, and who had always known me. Yet, only I couldn't remember, save through fragments of memories that had become dreams. "Elizabeth..." her name was like honey in my mind. So sickeningly sweet, and yet I couldn't get enough of it.

  Now, I couldn't imagine living my life any other way. As we walked the streets towards our destination, I ughed as Hannah accidently dropped one her suppli into the canal. She went to chase after it, only for her face to drop as she realized it was lost forever. Denny teased her even as she comforted her loss.

  It was...peaceful. Maya and Elizabeth watched on with smiles of content. Everything had changed so fast, and yet it all felt like it had always been. Before I knew it, my head was spinning once more, but as always...they were there for me.

  I took the pills and a drink of cool water, thankful for their concern.

  "Take it easy, my love," Elizabeth said in worry.

  "Sorry," I mumbled, composing myself, "I'm good."

  "Are you sure?" Denny asked teasingly, giving me a pyful nudge, "You're not going to die on us, are you?"

  There was a brief moment after her joke that I could feel the tension in the air as Maya and Elizabeth grew solemn. Denny was astute, feeling this shift in atmosphere as she grew nervous. Before she could apologize or say anything, I took a deep breath and stood with a smile.

  "I won't die that easily," I joked back, trying to ease the mood, "Despite what Ellie and Maya might think, though I understand their worry."

  I could feel Elizabeth and Maya scrutinizing me closely. They had a reason to worry, but..

  "Right, well...I'm sorry, you know?" Denny restated for probably the millionth time about the Ptinum Lotus incident, "If I had known, then-"

  "Denny," I interrupted with a firm gentleness, waving my hand dismissively, "I told you before, and I'll say it as many times as it takes, but truly...It's fine. Isn't that right, Ellie, Maya?"

  I looked to them as I said this, indicating with my expression to agree. However, what I saw instead caused me to simply sigh with exasperation. Protective mode.

  "Lucas trusts you," Elizabeth said, wrapping her arm around my waist, "So, that's all there is to it, right?"

  The way she spoke was kind, yet even I could hear the warning underneath.

  "I..." Denny could hear it too as she involuntarily took a step back.

  Before Denny could say another word, Maya wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

  "That's all there is to it," Maya stated with serene firmness, "No need to apologize."

  Despite how calm she appeared, like Elizabeth, she was letting Denny know that I was under their protection, and she would be watched. All Denny could do was look between them furtively, unsure how to respond. Usually, I would find such actions to be adorable, but in this instance...I was annoyed.

  Denny was family. Like them, she only had my best intentions at heart. Much like I had all of theirs in mine. It was the first time I truly felt suffocated by the two of them.

  "Enough," I freed myself from their grasp, rounding on them with hands on my hips, "You really think that's convincing? I thought we settled this."

  While surprised at first, the two of them looked at me like I was a kitten throwing a tantrum. Cute and harmless. My eye twitched at this reaction, because I wasn't pying this time.

  "Elizabeth. Maya," I spoke with as much authority as I could muster, "She's family. I understand, and I see what you're doing, but...I don't like it."

  The moment I said those words, that I didn't like what they were doing, their expressions grew disheartened. Elizabeth went to put her hand on my shoulder as if to apologize and calm me, but I simply brushed it off. The pained expression that appeared on her face broke my heart, but I had to stand my ground.

  "I'm serious here," I told them, "If you don't stop it...I'll not snuggle, cuddle, nuzzle, or anything of the sort. I'll even sleep in a different room, and if you try to prevent me with the rope...I'll not speak to either of you."

  Their faces hardened immediately, dread filling their eyes.

  "Y-You don't have to go that far," Elizabeth pleaded dejectedly.

  Maya simply stared vacantly, completely demoralized. I almost broke down seeing such a sight, but once again...I had to stay strong. Though, I knew it wouldn't st, so...I had to cross the finish line already.

  "Don't I?" I asked, looking between the both of them, "I know you care. I know you love me. I'm blessed, truly, but this..."

  I motioned between them and Denny, alluding on the obvious tension.

  "It needs to stop," I spoke softer now, being genuine in my words, "I want you all to get along. Please. If not for yourselves..."

  I took a deep breath, reaching towards Maya's face. She flinched slightly as I touched her, but soon had her face pressed against the palm of my hand firmly. She was looking at me with the softest, most apologetic eyes ever.

  "For me," I finalized with a small smile.

  Maya reached up to my hand, holding it closer to her face.

  "That's unfair..." she muttered, closing her eyes, "You py dirty."

  "I have to," I replied, thumbing her cheek fondly, "It's the only way you'll listen."

  "Not the only way," Maya whispered, opening her eyes which held a mischievous glint.

  "Perhaps," I said softly with a shrug, "But it worked, didn't it?"

  Maya was silently for a moment, looking away sheepishly before nodding.

  "To be honest..." Maya slowly looked into my eyes, suddenly heavy with desire, "I didn't hate it. You should be firm more often...Sir."

  I felt the heat in her voice as she called me that, and it took every ounce of my strength not to grow flustered.

  "And you say I py dirty," I grumbled, shaking my head as she simply smiled.

  From the corner of my eye, I saw Elizabeth shift slightly, and when I looked...I had to stop myself from ughing. She was doing her best not to look jealous, for she wanted attention too. Pretending to be casual, nonchant, but I knew better.

  "Ellie..." I called her over as I raised my hand with a simple motion.

  Her eyes lit up for a brief moment before she cleared her throat and practically sauntered over like a cat who was trying to make it look like their choice to approach. Yet, the moment she was near enough, she more than happily pressed her face against it.

  "Honestly, and you always ask what you'll do with me," I teased, "What am I going to do with you two?"

  They blushed slightly, but were otherwise now content.

  "Alright, now that that's settled..." I took a deep breath, gncing back at Denny, "Are you okay?"

  Hannah was there with her, hands on her shoulders as if to steady her. Denny blinked as if she had been in a daze. after seeing something unusual, a certain awe in her expression.

  "Y-yeah..." Denny cleared her throat, composing herself as she thanked Hannah with a grateful touch on her hand, "I'm good. I just...I get it, you know? I don't bme them, Lucas."

  "I know," I nodded with a knowing smile, "Even so...it's not okay, and they won't do it again, right?"

  I looked at Maya and Elizabeth hard, the two of them exchanging a gnce with each other before looking past me at Denny. I could feel a silent conversation go on between them, but not like when Elizabeth and Maya used [Message]. No, this was something else.

  It was what I could only describe as a mutual understanding because they quickly composed themselves and took my hand in theirs. They held my hands before them, a gentle, loving smile upon their faces as they looked at me.

  "None of us can promise not to get upset," Elizabeth answered, and as I went to open my mouth to retort, she pced a finger over it to silence me, "Listen first, my love."

  I grumbled, but complied.

  "None of us can promise that because..." Maya continued where Elizabeth left off, "She wouldn't be happy with us if we put you in danger."

  "They're right," Denny added, completely in sync with them, "However, what we can promise you is..."

  "...That we'll get along," Elizabeth carried on from her words, "Even if we might be upset, we'll work it out, and we won't intimidate her."

  "That's...literally what I'm asking," I narrowed my eyes at them suspiciously, "Was I speaking another nguage, or...?"

  "Not at all, Sir," Maya shook her head, though that familiar mischievous glint shone in her eyes, "We understood."

  I looked between the three of them, as the atmosphere had completely shifted. I didn't sense any insincerity, but I did feel as if something happened...and it made me nervous. I looked to Hannah for any kind of expnation, but all she did was shrug, holding her hands up as if to say "Leave me out of it". I gave her a look back that said, "Well thanks. You're not help." to which she simply gave a coy smile.

  "Right, well..." I wasn't getting anywhere, and pushing it wouldn't change that, "If things are settled...let's recover what's left of today. I'm famished. We should go eat."

  "Really?" Maya raised a doubtful eyebrow, "You ate eight suppli by yourself."

  "Yeah...and?" I asked bashfully, "I can eat more!"

  "Mhm, sure you can," Elizabeth teased, and I was once more on the receiving end.

  Just like that, the tension had completely disappeared. Surrounded by their warmth once more, they all began to tease me about how I wasn't going to get through half the food I would order. I was determined to prove them wrong.

  Things were back to normal, and I would eat everything.

  -----

  (Moments Later, Lucas's POV cont.)

  The view of the bay was just as Denny had said. Gorgeous. From the fourth floor of the restaurant, we had an amazing view of it. After all, we were only a few blocks away.

  In the past, you wouldn't have been able to enjoy such a sight. In a way, this was saddening. After all, Rome was innd from the Tyrrhenian Sea, or it had been once. Due to the cataclysm several years ago, Rome now was much closer to the water than ever before.

  This meant that a lot of the cities and nd around it had been devastated, if not outright lost. The fact that Rome was even able to have been rebuilt, and the colosseum had stood against such destruction was what gave many in Italy the strength to bounce back. It was encouraging to them that their home had withstood such a drastic change.

  Seeing it like this, from the restaurants window, put a lot into perspective. The waters were sparkling blue, reflecting the gentle light of the sun to meet the rooftops of the rebuilt Rome. Lush greenery could be seen sprinkled throughout the city towards the bay, where a beautiful promenade waited for those who wished to walk the shores.

  However, my thoughts turned from enjoying the view to a begrudging acceptance of my defeat. Maya held a cat-like smirk of triumph, poking my stomach pyfully. A groan escaped my lips as I pushed her hand away. The half-eaten pte of my food sitting before me as if to mock me.

  "Shut up," I growled, protecting my now over full stomach.

  "You'll eat all of it, huh?" Maya raised an eyebrow, "I told you that you'd ruin your appetite."

  "I ate...some of it," I tried to defend, but only further proved my failure, "Look, they gave me a lot, okay?"

  This was partially true. What I had ordered was some kind of extra cheesy pasta, and when they had delivered it, most of the pte was filled. I had happily dug in, only to realize my mistake a few moments ter. The suppli from earlier had filled my stomach more than I had anticipated, and by the time I got a little over half-way...I couldn't eat another bite.

  "Besides...!" I excimed, pointing to everyone else's ptes, "You guys didn't finish either!"

  They all looked at each other with wry amusement and slight pity for me trying so desperately to defend myself. I found myself embarrassed as Elizabeth motioned towards the stack of empty ptes nearby.

  "Darling..." Elizabeth was trying not to ugh, "I don't want to make this a competition, but...we've each finished at least five ptes each, perhaps a bit more. You've..."

  She left unsaid what was obvious. I had only had one pte of food. She gave a sympathetic smile, which only worsened things for me.

  "That's not fair!" I continued to defy my defeat, "You're Pyers, so you eat more than normal people, and you had me taste your food too!"

  "That is true..." Elizabeth mused, taking a sip of wine as she smiled.

  "I will admit, that did happen," Maya casually looked away as if she didn't want to acknowledge this.

  "To be fair, however..." Denny cleared her throat, "You did ask to try their food."

  I could only stare in disbelief at her. She refused to look at me as the betrayal was written all over my face.

  "It looked good, and I was hungry!" I stated adamantly, "That can't be held against me! And besides..."

  I gred at Maya and Elizabeth accusingly.

  "You two kept feeding me even when I didn't ask!" I crossed my arms in defiance, "If anything, I ate more than a pte!"

  Elizabeth and Maya ignored this accusation, pretending not to hear. Elizabeth took another sip of her wine and Maya refused to look at me, knowing this was true.

  "Regardless of the circumstances, Luke..." Maya finally said, gncing back at me coyly, "You said you'd finish your food, and you didn't..."

  "This was rigged!" I bemoaned, "I was sabotaged!"

  I fell upon the table dramatically, feeling the comforting hand of Elizabeth upon my back.

  "Did you at least enjoy yourself, my love?" she asked softly.

  Peaking up at her, I remained glowering, though nodded.

  "Yeah..." I mumbled, "It was all delicious."

  "Then that's what truly matters," she stated with a warm smile that took my breath away, "However...next time, perhaps be a little more careful with your promises."

  She was teasing, of course, as I rolled my eyes and groaned once again. She ughed, a delicate sound, joined in by Maya's only stiffled ughter that soon turned into giggling behind her hand. I couldn't really be mad, and soon found myself staring fondly at the both of them.

  Today had been a good day, and as we left the restaurant together and arrived back at the hotel, I soon fell into a food coma, only waking up ter that night.

  -----

  (That same Night; Lucas's POV)

  It was a little before midnight when I woke with the feeling of something missing, along with the fragrance of a fresh breeze. Turning over on the bed, I realized the reason immediately. Elizabeth wasn't there, nor was Maya anywhere in the room. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I sat with a feeling of empty curiosity.

  "Where is everyone?" I wondered, reaching for my gsses to put them on.

  The room was entirely dark, save for what little light filtered in from between the blinds of the window, and the slightly open balcony door. Its curtain billowed lightly as another slight breeze passed by it into the room. Slowly, I stood from the bed and made my way over to it.

  Pulling the curtain back, I smiled at what I saw past the crack of the door. Elizabeth was leaning upon the balcony, staring out over the city of Rome. Her expression appeared rexed, yet pensive. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth gnced over her shoulder with a coy smile, our eyes meeting immediately.

  "Are you just going to stand there, my love?" she inquired, her emerald eyes sparkling in the light of the moon.

  Within those emeralds, a golden aura shone. The circur divide between green and gold. My heart fluttered, breath caught in my throat. I was well aware of just how beautiful she was, but sometimes...I was reminded quite abruptly.

  Pushing past the curtain, I opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony, closing it behind me. She reached an arm out towards me, to which I happily allowed myself to be enveloped by. She pulled me close, the faint aroma of vender and rose caressing my senses.

  "Nice night," I commented softly, wrapping my arms around her waist, "Couldn't sleep?"

  "Just thinking," Elizabeth replied with a small smile, "I didn't want to disturb you."

  "Nonsense," I said pyfully, "You wouldn't disturb me."

  "That's why I'm out here," she replied sarcastically.

  "You know what I mean," I nudged her, earning a smile, "By the way, where's Maya?"

  "With Hannah," Elizabeth answered, pulling me closer, "Am I not enough for you right now?"

  I rolled my eyes, tightening my arms around her.

  "Don't say stupid things," I chided pyfully, "Of course you are, I was only curious since the two of you rarely leave me alone."

  Elizabeth chuckled, tracing her fingers along my forearm fondly.

  "Is that a problem?" she inquired teasingly.

  "Not at all," I rested my head against her shoulder, "You know I don't mind...much."

  It was her turn to roll her eyes at me as I teased her.

  "So..." I let out a soft sigh, looking up at her illuminated by the moonlight, "Are you going to tell me what's up, or do I have to guess?"

  She smiled wryly, shaking her head.

  "No," she answered, "Though, it would be amusing to see you try and guess."

  "I'm sure it would," I chuckled, rexing against her, "So, what's up?"

  I could tell it was something serious from how a silence fell over us for a moment. Elizabeth pulled me close to keep me warm as another light breeze blew past us. Finally, she spoke.

  "The world isn't ready," she told me honestly, "I've tried...I truly have, but they're just not ready."

  Elizabeth shook her head as she looked out over the city. I remained silent, letting her speak, for what could I add in this moment? I couldn't fully understand how she felt, only sympathize with her efforts and support her as best as I could. I understood enough to know that it wasn't easy, at the very least.

  "Gorgon's Maze appeared far earlier than expected," Elizabeth expined, "Following that, I am sure that more Critical Dungeons will follow..."

  She sighed heavily, looking down at me with a strong gaze. Within her eyes I saw the world. I saw the weight of everything on her shoulders. I felt the depth of her desires and the desperation within.

  Elizabeth reached for my face, cupping it gently as she smiled. It was a smile filled with an eternal warmth, but also a profound sadness. As she thumbed my cheek affectionately, she continued to speak.

  "To protect what I cherish, I have to prepare for the worst," she said softly, "This time was an outlier. Gorgon had a fragment of my power. If it wasn't for that, Zero Squad, and perhaps even Legion, might have been able to win, but..."

  I had heard about her fragments ever so briefly. Pieces of her that had been scattered and throughout her lives, she's slowly regained. I didn't know how many were left, but what I did know is that they could be considered a powerful artifact.

  "You're able to feel them, yes?" I inquired, and she nodded, "Then, you should be able to recim them if-"

  "I should, yes," Elizabeth cut me off gently, "However, what if two appear at the same time? [Living Mirage] might be able to handle one, and I'd be able to get both, but what if three appear, or if you're in danger and-"

  It was my turn to interrupt her, as I saw her spiraling with multiple scenarios that had yet to exist. If there was one thing I understood, it was anxiety. I pced a finger over her lips, and she immediately went silent. I looked upon her with deep love and adoration.

  "Take a breath, love," I ordered tenderly, "First things first. What do we know?"

  Elizabeth's expression softened as she reached up for my hand, taking it in hers as she sensually kissed my palm.

  "I know that I love you," she replied with a coy smile, "But that's not what you were asking."

  I blushed, gring at her pyfully, earning a sonorous ugh in response. It was filled with amusement, which was a good sign. I was able to rex slightly, soothed by such a beautiful sound.

  "Thank you, darling~," Elizabeth practically purred, "I really needed that. You're right. What do we have? I'm confident Zero Squad can deal with most Critical Dungeons, but the rest of them...it would take a combined effort."

  Her expression shifted to one of thoughtfulness. Biting her tongue ever so slightly as she pursed her lips. It was adorable.

  "Should they encounter one with a fragment..." Elizabeth tilted her head in thought, a terrifyingly excited expression upon it, "I'll just have to make sure to destroy it and recim what's mine."

  Her smile was wickedly devious, causing my heart to flutter. I didn't know I could swoon anymore for her, and yet...I was always surprised. I loved seeing her regain that confidence, though...she never really lost it. She just often let her thoughts get the best of her.

  "If I have to use [Living Mirage], Maya is more than capable of protecting you," she gnced at me with a cat-like smirk, "Speaking of Maya...you two haven't gotten much closer tely, have you? Still only holding hands?"

  I blinked at the sudden shift in conversation, blushing slightly at her implications.

  "We...kiss," I countered, confused at what she was getting at.

  "True," she mused, tapping a finger to her chin.

  I glowered at her, which only got another silvery chuckle. Elizabeth leaned forward on the balcony, the wind gently blowing her hair as the mood once again changed. She positioned me before her so that I was nestled perfecting in her embrace.

  "I am truly happy that things worked out as they have," she whispered, resting her head on my shoulder with a gentle sigh, "You're right, it's a beautiful night."

  "Ellie..." I whispered back, half-chidingly, "You ever feel this way again, I don't care if I had just fallen asleep...wake me up. I'm here for you. Always."

  She gnced at me with a wry, loving expression.

  "I know," she tightened her hold on me, pulling me closer into her embrace, "I'm feeling better already. Thank you, my love."

  "No," I shook my head, turning around in her arms as I grabbed her by the hips and gazed longingly into her eyes, "Thank you. Every single life, you've been there for me, even if I can't remember it. You've changed this life for me, and I-"

  Before I said another word, she kissed me deeply. The night faded away as I was brought into a state of bliss. My fingers dug into her firmly, pulling her closer, desperately trying to meld the two of us together so that I wouldn't ever forget the warmth of her.

  She held my head fondly, fingers through my hair. A gasp arose from my lips as hers moved to my neck, her other hand slowly making its way lower on my body.

  "Oh?" I managed to say pyfully, "Frisky, are we?"

  She simply smiled against my neck, moving her lips to my ear as she nibbled upon it.

  "For you, always," she smirked, my breath caught in my throat, "Let's forget the serious stuff and have some fun, yes?"

  "My pleasure," I replied, hands gliding along her back before gripping her ass to pull her to me, "I'm definitely awake now, and what better way to end a wonderful day..."

  We kissed once more as the pleasure filled our bodies, lost to the night air. It truly had been a wonderful day, and as we became one under the moon, the problems of tomorrow were left for tomorrow.

  -----

  Nikushimi