Chapter 62:

  The Gift

  (Lucas's POV)

  "...You want to do what?" I stared in disbelief at the people before me.

  I should have known something was up when Maya asked to return so early. We had been taking the long way, enjoying each others company, when she had suddenly tugged gently on my sleeve. She looked at me with those puppy-dog eyes and ever so softly requested it.

  It was a critical hit to the heart, and I couldn't just say no. I figured she might want to watch a movie, or perhaps py some games together. I was more than happy to oblige, but now...

  "Surprise?" Denny gave an awkward smile as she shrugged nonchantly.

  She held a syringe in her hand that contained some kind of metallic liquid with a pearlescent hue. Elizabeth leaned against a wall nearby, her smile as serene and beautiful as ever, but I saw it in her eyes – the mischief and unshakeable dominance.

  I tried looking to Hannah for some answers, but all I received was her feigning ignorance. Sighing, I gnced towards Maya in accusation.

  "You tricked me," I grumbled, casting a wary look at the needle extending from the syringe in Denny's hand, "What the hell is that, Maya?"

  "The surprise we told you about," Maya answered simply as I heard the door lock behind me, "It'd be easier if you just accepted it, Luke."

  "...Accept what?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at them all, "What the fuck is that? Why is the needle so big? Why is it glowing!?"

  I took an involuntary step back, only to be stopped by Maya who pced a firm hand on my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile anxiously.

  "It's for your safety, my love," Elizabeth spoke up, pushing off from the wall and sauntering towards me.

  I found myself entranced as always, yet wary as she approached. I could feel my heart trying to escape my chest, anxious of the needle and knowing she was going to try and convince me.

  "Mhm," I pressed my lips together, trying to suppress the rising panic, "Before I agree to anything, you're gonna need to expin this clearly."

  Elizabeth's expression softened as she stood before me, caressing my face lovingly.

  "I know you don't like getting shots," her tone was understanding and sympathetic, "However, Denny and Hannah have worked very hard on this, and even I put in some effort."

  "You did?" I looked up at her curiously, "Is that why it feels so...ominous?"

  "You wound me, dear," she teased with a light ugh, "Though, I admit it might...burn a little. With love, of course."

  "Right, with love..." I grumbled begrudgingly, "So, what is it."

  "Nanotech," Denny spoke up, hesitant yet excited, "Uhm..."

  Denny paused for a moment, gncing at Elizabeth like she was asking for permission. Elizabeth looked over her shoulder at her and nodded.

  "Tell him," Elizabeth said, and Denny's eyes brightened.

  As Denny began to expin everything, Elizabeth embraced me from behind warmly and Maya wrapped her arms around one of mine, resting her head against my shoulder. It was their attempt to try and comfort me as I was suddenly quite anxious. I couldn't take my eyes off of the needle, struggling to listen to Denny's expnation.

  I was able to rex a little, endeared by Denny's excitement about her achievement. She was always so passionate about technology, and I couldn't help but be happy for her. Eventually, she finished the expnation and I took a deep breath.

  "So...it's still warm?" I asked.

  "A little," Denny touched the syringe to show me that it was at least retively safe, "My babies will keep you safe, Lucas."

  Denny's expression fell a bit, a bittersweet smile upon her face.

  "After what happened, I just want to help..." Denny looked up, her eyes pleading and filled with sincerity, "You're the only brother I have. Let me do this, please?"

  Another critical hit. They were too good at this. I could only grumble, gring at everyone in resigned reluctance. Hannah peaked from behind the couch, hopeful that I would accept. Her eyes were sparkling unfairly. Maya and Elizabeth both held a small, enticing smile which I couldn't ignore.

  After a moment of thought, I stepped away from them, holding my arms up in defeat.

  "Alright, alright!" I excimed, letting out a low growl of a sigh, "Fine! Stick me with your death needle! However, I want this off."

  I held the rope attached to my wrist that was currently still tied to Maya's. Elizabeth had relinquished it when I went out on my date with her, but now I could finally be free of it. Not that I hated it, but it was a little inconvenient. However, I was foolish to think that I'd win this.

  "No can do, my darling~," Elizabeth practically purred, smiling apologetically, "I'm afraid it needs to stay, at least for now."

  "Then I'm not getting stabbed," I crossed my arms in defiance, adamant in my stance, "That's the condition. You get to infect me, and I get freed from the leash."

  "It's not infecting you," Elizabeth tried to hold back a ugh, "Don't be so dramatic."

  "Besides..." Maya chimed in, tilting her head with an innocent allure, "The leash goes both ways, you know."

  My defenses were breached as I felt myself blush from the insinuation. I did my best to keep my composure, not hating the idea, but still...

  "Darling~," Elizabeth's dangerous voice whispered in my ear.

  I didn't know when she got there, but her hand upon my chest was sensual as she leaned her head in towards mine.

  "Do this for me, and I'll make it worth your while~," she promised, her words like a snake which coiled around me and held me entranced, "Any. Thing. You. Want. I'll do it."

  "...You already do," I replied breathlessly, looking at her cautiously, "What more can you give?"

  She smiled dangerously, enticed by my reply. She moved like liquid, wrapping herself around me suggestively. It was enough to cause Hannah and Denny to both look away, their faces flush. Maya simply rolled her eyes as if amused, watching with intent as if she was trying to learn from Elizabeth.

  "Gods...I'm in danger if she takes after Ellie..." I swallowed hard, knowing that Maya already knew how to seduce me easily. I turned my attention back to Elizabeth who now traced her finger tantalizingly along my exposed neck.

  "True," Elizabeth acknowledged, though a determined glint fshed across her eyes, "I didn't want to pull this card, but..."

  She took ahold of my head gently, turning me to face her. Immediately, my heart froze as we locked eyes. The love within them was suffocating, but what drew my attention was the desperate plea I saw within.

  "I don't want to lose you, Lucas," Elizabeth spoke quietly so only I could hear her, "For me, please. They worked hard on this, and it'll put my heart at ease."

  "That's pying dirty," I grumbled back, "You're really using that against me?"

  "I didn't want to," she said gently, "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

  I took a moment to gaze into her eyes, and I knew she was being honest. She knew how easy it was to manipute me, but she wasn't doing it out of malice. In fact, I was grateful she had said it...even if it was unfair. I could only chuckle to myself.

  "No," I shook my head, rexing in her embrace, "You're right."

  I grabbed the back of her head, pulling her towards me as I pced our foreheads against each other. I smiled affectionately, taking a deep breath. I wasn't angry, just didn't really like needles, and this helped remind me of what was important to me.

  I had made a promise, a vow long ago, that I'd do my best to make her smile. To eradicate the sorrow behind her eyes. I loved Elizabeth with everything I had, and I would do anything to ensure that she was put at ease.

  "Damn it," I mumbled, shaking my head, "You're lucky I love you."

  "I know," she answered almost immediately, her smile positively glowing, "I'm very lucky, and I love you as well, my darling~."

  "I'm the lucky one," I replied, taking another breath as I pulled my head back and looked towards Denny, "Alright, Denny. Where does it have to be? Please don't tell me it's the ass."

  The intent was to joke and cut through the tension, and while the atmosphere rexed, everyone was silent as they exchanged gnces. Hannah wouldn't make eye contact, Elizabeth held an arm around my shoulder comfortingly, and Maya simply pced a reassuring hand on my arm. Denny cleared her throat, attempting to appear nonchant.

  "Oh, come on! You've gotta be shitting me..." my face fell as the dread took hold of me, "I was just joking..."

  "I'm not," Denny said, giving an apologetically awkward smile, "There's a lot to inject, and doing it in the arm or anywhere else would be an issue. So...pants down, bro."

  "This is wrong on so many levels..." I grumbled.

  "Oh, suck it up," Denny sighed, rolling her eyes, "It's only your ass. Don't make it weird."

  Elizabeth helped to turn me around and pull down just enough for part of the right side of my butt cheek to be exposed. I felt something cold be pced upon my skin. An anesthetic, but I knew it wouldn't help. They never did for me.

  "Alright, you'll probably feel a pinch, but try to endure," Denny warned.

  "Endure?" I questioned, now more anxious than ever, "Well, that's reassuring..."

  I gritted my teeth as I felt a sharp stab into my flesh. Immediately after, I felt a slow warmth begin to build up as the nanites were released into my body. Like Elizabeth had said, it burned. The heat gradually increased, but not enough to cause me to be too uncomfortable. It felt like a mild fever, to be honest.

  Elizabeth and Maya helped to keep me steady as sweat began to coat my body. I was a little dizzy, the room spinning before me. After what felt like an eternity, though it was probably less than a minute, I felt Denny remove the needle and sanitize the area.

  "There," Denny said, sounding proud of herself, "Not so bad, yeah?"

  Breathing heavily and covered in sweat, I gnced back at her incredulously.

  "Yeah, just burned like hell," I ughed, the only thing I could really do to cover the discomfort.

  "Sorry," Elizabeth apologized, "I may have gone a bit overboard, but...look."

  She motioned towards the entry point of where the needle at punctured my skin. In my state of delirium, I would have thought I was seeing things if she hadn't pointed it out. I watched as the slight bleeding began to subside and the hole practically knit itself back together with a gentle, barely noticeable green glow. When it was done, you couldn't even tell I had been poked.

  "Damn..." I muttered, "I guess it works, huh?"

  "Of course it works!" Denny stated defiantly, offended that I ever doubted her, "I made it, so of course it works."

  "Right, sorry," I gave her a hapless grin, pulling my pants back into pce, "Thank you, truly, but uhm...I think I need to y down."

  "No," Elizabeth scooped me up in her arms, "What you need is a shower to cool you down. Don't worry. I'll help~."

  I didn't really have the energy to argue, and so I simply gave a small smile. Though, I did look at Maya as I felt bad just leaving her here.

  "Go on," Maya told me, seeing the look I was giving her, "I don't mind. I had a lovely time tonight, and when you're back...perhaps we can watch something together."

  I smiled warmly at her, grateful that she was so accommodating.

  "Yeah, I'd love that," I nodded, and together with Elizabeth, headed towards the shower.

  Elizabeth was right. The shower helped a lot, and she was tender in her care for me. Afterwards, keeping my word, I enjoyed a movie or two with Maya before the exhaustion took me over.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV, A Few Days Later)

  Our trip to Italy was over, but before we left, we were greeted by Legion and its leader, Charlotte de Santis. They met us at the airport, a contingent of around a hundred individuals with her at the head. With her was Lorenzo and their son, Nico.

  "It's a shame you can't stay longer," Charlotte said as she extended a hand towards Elizabeth, "I'm grateful for all you've done. The next time you're in Italy, dinner is on me."

  "I appreciate it," Elizabeth responded, taking her hand and giving it a firm shake, "Hopefully the next time I'm here isn't for business."

  "The world is changing," Charlotte sighed as she released Elizabeth's hand, "I hope for that as well, but in the meantime..."

  She trailed off, looking towards the sky. Charlotte had a mencholic expression upon her face, but this soon changed to determination as she closed her eyes and centered herself. Once she opened them again, there was an unwavering strength within.

  "I promise you, Elizabeth," Charlotte addressed her seriously, "Legion will be ready for what's to come, and what happened will remain with us."

  "See that it does," Elizabeth replied, an unspoken warning within her words, "Did you get the document I sent?"

  "About the Northern Wild Zone?" Charlotte asked before continuing, answering her own question, "Yeah, I got it, but...is it accurate?"

  "Do you doubt me?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.

  "No, of course not!" Charlotte excimed, holding her hands up disarmingly, "I just...I'm always surprised how informed you are."

  I gnced up at Elizabeth, knowing the reason she was so informed. I always wondered how she pyed off her knowledge towards people who didn't know, and now I was seeing it first hand.

  "Well..." Elizabeth smiled, a confidently devilish smile that made my heart flutter, "I've worked hard to keep safe what is mine."

  As she said this, she wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close. The sudden attention made me embarrassed, and all I could do was smile haphazardly. Charlotte and her family looked towards me with knowing smiles, furthering my embarrassment.

  "Everything I've built has been to ensure things go my way," Elizabeth stated boldly, "Aegis's reach was worldwide before the appearance of the gates, and afterwards, I used that to learn everything I could."

  "That's true," Charlotte nodded sagely, "Aegis was a huge help when they first appeared. Still, don't you need permission to-"

  "Who do you think I am?" Elizabeth spoke over her gently, "I have contracts all over. The Italian government and surrounding nations are no different."

  "...You're right," Charlotte let out a resigned sigh, "If it's information you gathered, I'll accept it humbly with thanks."

  "Just make sure you survive," Elizabeth stated firmly.

  "Of course," Charlotte nodded, "I've no intention of throwing away the life you saved. We'll get it done."

  "Good," Elizabeth acknowledged and the tension in the air disappeared, "Take care of yourself, Charlotte."

  "You as well, Elizabeth," once again, Charlotte offered her hand and Elizabeth shook it once more, "Also...you'll have to introduce me properly next time."

  Charlotte gnced at me coyly, giving me a wink.

  "It was a pleasure meeting you, Lucas," she said, "A shame we couldn't get to know each other better."

  "Yeah," I gave an awkward smile, "Hopefully we have time in the future. Stay safe."

  Charlotte nodded and Elizabeth began to escort me towards the pne. I couldn't help but notice that Denny gnced back at them as we walked away. Following her gaze, I saw her eyes linger upon Nico.

  "Take a picture, Denny," I teased, startling her, "It'll st a little longer."

  "Sh-Shut up!" she replied, flustered, "I wasn't doing anything!"

  "Mhm, sure," I chuckled.

  It was mid-afternoon when we boarded the pne. The sun was high in the sky, and I was still exhausted from receiving that nanotech shot. My body felt...weird. Even though I knew I couldn't feel them, my mind tricked me into feeling movement crawling beneath my skin.

  "Ugh, how long will it take?" I asked as I sat down in the pne, "My skin is killing me."

  "Just don't think about it," Denny replied, sitting across from me, "You'll only make it worse if you do."

  "By the way, is that why you needed my blood that one time?" I inquired, remembering a brief moment when Elizabeth had my blood taken, "Otherwise, wouldn't my body be rejecting these things?"

  "Yeah," Denny nodded, "Though, it wouldn't have rejected them, necessarily. I did infuse them with a bit of your blood when I made them from the materials provided."

  "Y'all are scary..." I grumbled, looking at all of the warily, "As long as this is it for surprises. I don't think I can handle another one."

  Elizabeth took a seat next to me, with Maya taking the other side. Hannah sat next to Denny as we all convened together.

  "For now, at least," Elizabeth teased, pcing her hand on my thigh, "Thank you for doing this."

  "Well, I couldn't exactly say no, now could I?" I chuckled, causing her to blush as she remembered what she had said to me.

  "Sorry..." she muttered, looking away bashfully.

  "It's okay," I pced my hand over hers, taking it lovingly in mine, "I know you worry. So...what's the pn from here?"

  It was a question that had been on my mind for a while now. With Critical Dungeons now appearing, I couldn't imagine there'd be a lot of time she could spend with me. Sensing this anxiety, she squeezed my hand in comfort.

  "For now, we return," Elizabeth expined, running her thumb along the back of my hand, "I need to take stock of everything at Aegis which can't fully be done from a distance."

  "Then what?" I asked, leaning my head against her shoulder, "I can't imagine that's everything."

  "No, it's not," she acknowledged, "I need to prepare Aegis and talk with my Grandmother. Maya will stay close to you, and Hannah will be nearby just in case."

  "I'm not worried about that," I chided as she avoided answering the question.

  "Right..." she rested her head against mine tenderly, "I figured you wouldn't. What's the term you use in your games again, my love? When you want to level up fast?"

  "Ah! Power leveling?" I asked, to which she nodded.

  "Yes, I need to power level everyone," she chuckled, "The Critical Dungeons..."

  She trailed off, becoming quiet. I looked up at her to realize that she was looking at Denny and Hannah. I realized that they didn't know about her being a regressor, so if she began talking as if she knew the future, they might question things. However, I saw her contempting telling them.

  "Don't feel forced," I whispered to her, "You don't have to say anything."

  "I know..." she replied back softly, giving me a warm smile, "It'll make things a little easier though."

  "Your choice, my love," I said quietly, giving her my full support either way.

  Elizabeth took a deep breath and began to expin the entire situation to Denny and Hannah. At first, they were a little skeptical. No one could bme them, least of all me. After all, it did sound crazy, but as I constantly reminded myself, the world was already crazy.

  By the time the conversation was done, the pne had already taken off and we were coasting through the skies back home. Denny and Hannah reactions were quite simir, both being genuinely accepting of it all. Hannah was the first to believe Elizabeth's story about being a regressor, as a lot of things made sense to her. Denny took a bit to be convinced, but in the end, she couldn't deny that things were a little...uncanny.

  "Needless to say..." Elizabeth finalized, "I'm telling you this because I trust you, and...I'll need your help."

  Denny immediately looked towards me, her expression softening. Whatever tension had been between the two of them, I no longer sensed, which was a huge relief.

  "I guess I understand..." Hannah said thoughtfully, "I mean, I was going to help anyways, considering my Big Sis is now involved, but...I don't hate him, so...ow!"

  Maya nonchantly, and pyfully, kicked Hannah in the shin.

  "I was only joking!" Hannah excimed, crossing her arms in a huff.

  I nudged Maya and gave her a chiding gnce. She simply smiled coyly, feigning innocence. All the while, Denny had yet to look away from me. Her gentle gaze was beginning to become rather embarrassing.

  "So...what's up?" I finally asked Denny, trying to break the awkward tension.

  "Just thinking," Denny answered with a tender smile, "I wonder if I lived the same life before. Makes me wonder how many times I've failed. You know the main reason I took that job was in order to support our parents."

  "Our parents?" I raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk upon my lips, "I knew you loved us."

  "Oh, shut up!" Denny blushed lightly, "You know the only reason I didn't sign those papers was because I didn't want to burden them."

  "Family is a burden," I quipped teasingly, "Well, within reason. You shouldn't put up with bullshit, but...you're family, Denny. Anyways, you didn't fail."

  Denny gave a small, mencholic smile.

  "Whether I failed or not..." she shrugged, "Either way, I have this chance now. I almost fucked up again, so I'm not on a good streak."

  She was trying to make light of the situation, which was just like her. "Perhaps she picked that up from me..." I thought sheepishly, though outwardly I rolled my eyes, shooting her a gnce that told her to shut up in a pyful way. Before I could open my mouth to repeat what I've told her probably a thousand times before, she took the words right from my mouth.

  "We've been over this, you did your best," she said sarcastically, waving her hand dismissively with a chuckle, "Yeah, yeah. You've said that already."

  "Yeah, well...you did," I pouted, crossing my arms in defiance and sticking my tongue out at her, "Anyways, if that's out of the way..."

  I looked towards Elizabeth who smiled warmly at me.

  "You're too adorable," she muttered out of nowhere, causing me to blush.

  Gring at her, I sunk back into the couch to try and hide my embarrassment as Elizabeth simply ughed.

  "I take it we're the only ones who know?" Hannah inquired, speaking up.

  "Yes," Elizabeth answered as she embraced me, knowing I couldn't hide from her, "This stays between us."

  Though she was speaking casually, there was a warning there. Hannah and Denny gnced at each other before looking at Elizabeth in amused disbelief.

  "Like you need to remind us," Denny scoffed, trying not to ugh.

  "She's right," Hannah added with a dazzling smile, "You're Big Sis El. There's no way I'd betray you. You're the only family I have, after Big Sis Maya, of course."

  She said the st part rather bashfully, gncing at Maya who was looking on rather serenely.

  "Hannah's right, El," Maya spoke up for the first time in a while, her voice just as serene as she looked, "You're my best friend, but more than that..."

  Maya looked away for a moment, and for a brief second, I saw a light pink enter her cheeks.

  "You're like a sister to me," Maya muttered, too shy to say it out loud.

  It was honestly quite adorable, and as she saw me looking at her with a wry smirk, her blush deepened, which was even more adorable.

  Needless to say, the conversation about Elizabeth being a regressor had gone rather well. Truth be told, I was a little worried. Elizabeth had gone through a lot in her many lives, and who knows how hard it is for her to trust anyone. I was proud of her, but also...I was well aware of how hard she was holding onto me.

  She hid it well, but she was rather anxious. I didn't say anything so as to not draw attention to it, but I did snuggle closer into her, nuzzling against her shoulder in support and comfort. We locked eyes for a brief moment, a loving understanding between us. I could see in her eyes the unspoken and silent thank you.

  For the rest of the way home, I listened as Elizabeth made pns with Denny, Hannah, and Maya. Just my presence was enough for Elizabeth, which she made clear by fondly pying with my hair or gently caressing anywhere she could touch...that was appropriate of course. It wasn't like she didn't try being a little bit friskier while acting subtle, but each time I gave her a warning gnce or subtly moved her hand elsewhere.

  She pouted, of course, but only with her eyes. I saw the way she smirked whenever she was caught. A mix of amusement and disappointment. It was almost like a game we pyed. She tried to get away with it, and I would catch her. She enjoyed it, and it didn't interfere with what she had to do.

  In fact, it seemed to help calm her, and I was more than happy to give her that gift. Especially since what I heard them discuss was rather serious. News had already spread about the gate in Italy. They limited just how much information was released, but it was enough to cause the world to be alert. It was all a part of Elizabeth's pn to motivate people into action, and when she started executing those pns...well, I'd have less moments like this.

  I looked up at Elizabeth, so serious as she spoke, yet so pyful as she yet again tried to slide her hand down my back towards my ass. Once again, I casually grabbed her hand and entwined it with mine. She gnced at me coyly and my heart skipped a beat.

  I had to savor these moments like the most precious of gifts, because while I believed in her, I couldn't escape the cold, bitter beneath the surface that I felt. I was utterly useless to do anything except wait for her return once she left to save the world.

  As if she sensed this thought in me, Elizabeth's hand began sliding up my thigh, having freed itself from my hold on it. It was enough to pull me back from the depressing thoughts as I tried to hold back a smile. The bitter cold feeling disappearing as I was reminded of who I was dealing with. It didn't matter what I did, so long as I remained.

  That was the best help I could give her. The best...gift, so to speak, and so I pyed our game once again. Adjusting myself, I took ahold of her hand and began affectionately pying with it. Tracing my fingers along her slender yet strong fingers. It was at that moment our eyes met and I saw that she had in fact, once again...read my damn mind.

  She had that knowing look in her eyes and a shit-eating smirk upon her face. The others were discussing something, so Elizabeth took that moment to lean towards me and pce a gentle kiss upon my cheek before whispering into my ear.

  "Just continue to sit there and look pretty," she said flirtatiously, "That's all you ever need to do."

  I narrowed my eyes at her as I tried not to burst into fmes from burning up at how flustered I became.

  "Do I just have a giant text box above my head or something?" I grumbled and Elizabeth ughed lightly.

  "Maybe," she teased, and I simply rolled my eyes.

  Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if there was from how easy she could read me. As she returned to the discussion, I froze for a moment as my eyes locked with Maya's. She was looking on with a rather nonchant, coy expression. I saw in her eyes the same look as Elizabeth. She knew what I had felt, and I knew she agreed with Elizabeth.

  Instead of saying anything, however, she simply gave me a knowing, cat-like smile and returned to the discussion herself. I wanted to disappear in that moment, but found that task difficult as I felt the familiar sensation of a wandering, curious hand. Once again, the game was on.

  -----

  Nikushimi