Nikushimi

  Chapter 11:A Gift and The Past

  Taking a deep breath in, I savored the sweet taste of freedom. This earned me a pyful gre and nudge from Elizabeth's elbow. Chuckling to myself, I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her close. She returned the hug as we overlooked the road below my apartment from the balcony outside its door.

  "So, will you tell me where you're taking me?" I inquired, earning a shake of Elizabeth's head.

  "Nope!" She stated, squeezing me lovingly, "It's a secret."

  "...No fair," I pouted, sulking as we began to walk down to ground level.

  Maya had gone to get the car which she had parked nearby. It gave Elizabeth and I some time to walk down slowly. We didn't talk about anything, just enjoyed the other's presence.

  Personally, I felt strange as I always did. This was a woman I didn't know and yet I felt like I knew implicitly. I was anxious and excited. Everything about her, I wanted to know. After all, I was the only one really starting over.

  "Hey, Elizabeth..." I spoke softly as I called her name, "Is it difficult for you? I mean, it obviously is, but..."

  "Is what difficult?" She inquired just as softly.

  "Seeing me," I answered her a little dejectedly, "Knowing that I have to learn everything again."

  Elizabeth was silent for a moment before her arm around my side pulled me in close to her. She stopped, turning towards me and tilting my chin up towards her.

  "My love," her voice was gentle and filled with warmth, "I can't say there is no pain. Not because you have to learn, but because of all the times I've failed."

  "Elizabeth, I-" before I could say another word, her finger fell upon my lips.

  "I'm talking now," she stated with a smirk, her eyes glinting mischievously, "So, be a good boy, and listen. Okay?"

  I felt warm at her words, entranced as I answered her.

  "Mhm," I nodded, mumbling through her finger.

  Her finger traced my lips, following my cheek before running along my jawline. Cupping my face, she admired me with her eyes. They were filled with deep, fathomless emotions that I couldn't begin to understand. Yet, I felt them intrinsically. Plunged into their depths, I floated weightless among their embrace.

  "I love watching you learn," she whispered, her voice like a bnket enveloping me, "Struggling in such a cute, endearing way. Not the kind of struggle that's painful, but one that is sincere. That comes from your heart."

  A dangerous, obsessive gloss crossed her eyes. I felt like I would suffocate and yet...I yearned for more. While I was left breathless, I had never felt so free. I had never felt like my lungs had been filled with anything sweeter than the breath of life she gave me.

  Her lips met mine and I was swept away into a sea of clouds. I was completely bare before her. Everything I was, and everything I would be, was id before her. I was hers.

  I couldn't speak, I couldn't move. I was in her grasp and until she let me go, I was at her mercy. My body pressed against her intuitively. I wanted to be closer to her and was sad when she pulled away. Her eyes heavy with desire, her hand caressed my face, sending a shiver throughout my body.

  "Does that answer your question?" Elizabeth asked with a mischievous smile, "Learn. Grow. Want. Yearn. Take. I am yours, Lucas."

  Swallowing hard, I felt like I understood. She'd wait a thousand years for me. She'd wait for eternity and even more for me. So long as she had me. I had never been kissed like that before.

  I was gd to have asked such a question, but was worried that it may have made her recall things she otherwise wouldn't have wanted to. As if she read my mind, she held me close and whispered in my ear.

  "Rex, love," her words were like silk, "I'm alright. No need to be anxious."

  "Ha...that's sort of my thing," I chuckled softly, finally being able to speak, "You're something else, Ellie. More than...are you okay?"

  Concern filled my heart as I saw Elizabeth's face soften and fall. Her serious exterior nowhere to be seen as tears began to build and flow from her eyes. They sparkled with a strange mix of sorrow and happiness as a smile crept across her lips.

  "Yeah...I'm perfect," she stated, pulling me into a tight embrace that threatened to smother me, "I just...haven't heard that in a long, long time. "

  I was confused for a moment before I realized what she meant. Ellie. I had called her that instead of Elizabeth. Honestly, it was just on reflex. It just felt...right.

  "Ellie, huh?" I mumbled against her chest, "F-First, can you let me breath?"

  "Oh! I'm sorry," Elizabeth excimed, rexing her hold on me, "Are you alright?"

  "Yeah, I'm good," I stated, looking up at her from the middle of her chest, "This is a pretty nice spot, you know."

  "H-Hey..." Elizabeth blushed through the tears before ughing, "You never change, do you?"

  "I don't know, you tell me," I teased, to which she just ughed some more, "Well, I guess I know why that came so naturally to me. Do you mind if I call you that then?"

  "Not at all, love, not at all," Elizabeth kissed me upon the forehead and I helped dry her tears.

  As we stood there staring into each other's eyes, we both heard the clearing of a throat. Both of us looked with surprise and embarrassment to see that Maya was standing there watching us. She had an amused smile upon her face, but said nothing. She simply opened the door on the vehicle for us as we both got in sheepishly.

  -----

  Elizabeth's heart was near to bursting after her embrace with Lucas. Her emotions almost got the best of her. She wanted to devour him, but this was an important day. The day after she had gotten back and the day of his release from her imposing house arrest on him.

  She wanted to make up for it. All thoughts of dungeons and monsters were far from her mind today. Her eyes only on Lucas who sat next to her. His head rested up on her shoulder as he looked out zily at the city passing them by.

  He had grown quite comfortable with her, which warmed her heart and made it beat rapidly. Her obsession knew no bounds. Imagining herself wrapping him in a cocoon of her own making. Keeping him for herself. With the exception of Maya if she had been interested, but she was a close friend. Everyone else would do well to keep their hands to themselves or lose them.

  "You know, I was wondering..." Lucas gnced up at Elizabeth, his eyes passing from her to Maya, "How long have you two known each other?"

  Maya gnced back in the rearview for moment as she attempted to hide a small smile.

  "Miss Falcrest?" Maya inquired, asking for permission.

  "You can tell him, if you wish," Elizabeth said with a nod, "Nothing is a secret from him, you know that. It's just...when we tell him."

  "...Stingy," Lucas pouted pyfully.

  "Kyah~. So adorable.~" Elizabeth excimed inside of her head, but only chuckled softly outside and hugged him to her from the side.

  "I just don't want to overwhelm you too much," she expined, which he begrudgingly accepted.

  "I know," his expression softened as he spoke, "I've been taking those pills as you instructed. My head still tingles sometimes, but I'm doing better."

  "That's good," Elizabeth praised him, pcing her hand on top of his head and pulling him closer.

  Maya cleared her throat, bringing their attention back to her. Elizabeth could see the glint in her eye from behind the sungsses she wore. Elizabeth smiled, knowing that she was excited to answer Lucas. "How cute." Elizabeth mused to herself.

  "Sorry, Maya," Elizabeth apologized, "We got distracted."

  "It's quite alright. I didn't notice, Ma'am," Maya spoke professionally, but her words were teasing and sarcastic.

  Elizabeth chuckled and Lucas ughed, rexing into her.

  "I'm sorry, Maya," Lucas also apologized, but Maya simply shook her head.

  "You've nothing to apologize for," she told him, her eyes focusing back on the road, "Now, as for your question. I've known Miss Falcrest since I was a young girl, but I only began working for her when I was sixteen. I'm twenty-six now."

  Elizabeth's heart felt heavy as she expined this. It was true. She's known Maya since they were young, but due to circumstances, she wasn't able to save her from the fate that she always had. Of course, she made sure to pay back what was owed.

  Exchanging a knowing gnce with Maya, a notification popped up in Elizabeth's vision. It was a chat box with a tan background and golden frame. Inside was a message from Maya.

  ----

  "Don't tell him" – Maya Rosengard

  "You'll have to eventually" – Elizabeth Falcrest

  "...I know, but not now" – Maya Rosengard

  ----

  Sighing, Elizabeth closed the message, leaving Lucas completely clueless. She didn't like hiding things from him, but it was Maya's wish. However, if Lucas asked, she'd have a hard time not telling him.

  It was a good thing that this chat feature existed. A skill that Elizabeth unlocked by clearing a hidden quest in the Whispering Woods. She found it amusing, after Lucas had pointed it out in one of her past lives, that the skill she received from the Whispering Woods was simir to a whisper in games. He mused and wondered if that was a coincidence or not.

  The skill itself was called [Message]. A simple and effective name, it allowed her to set up a connection between her and another Pyer. In her case, she chose Maya. Either one could send a message with but their thoughts, should they wish. Of course, they usually preferred to talk openly with each other.

  There was a caveat. Short messages only, which wasn't usually a problem. They only used [Message] when secrecy was needed and, in this case, if Lucas was listening. He didn't know about this skill. At least...in this life.

  "...Are you guys talking to each other?" Lucas asked out of nowhere, causing both her and Maya to become startled.

  Jumping slightly, Maya had to regain control of the vehicle while Elizabeth looked down at him in surprise. "How...did he know that?" He shouldn't know about the skill, and yet he asked such a question.

  "W-What makes you think that?" Elizabeth inquired, clearing her throat while Maya composed herself.

  Gncing up at Maya, she simply cast a look in the rearview but remained silent. The look said she was on her own. "You traitor...!" She mented dramatically.

  "Well, I didn't until you two reacted," He looked at them both with a sly smile, "You two were being so silent after we were just talking, but kept looking at each other. Felt suspicious and I just had a...feeling, I guess?"

  "You...!" Elizabeth grumbled, gring at him pyfully, "So, you tricked us."

  "Maybe?" Lucas smiled mischievously, chuckling to himself and snuggled closer into her, "Are you mad at me?"

  "Urk..." Her heart couldn't take it. There was no way she could be upset with him. Especially when he did something like this.

  "No," she shook her head, speaking gently, "I could never be mad at you. You're right, we were talking with each other."

  There was no use hiding it. Denying it now would leave a bad taste in her mouth, and so she expined to him what the skill was and just how it was used.

  "So, it's like a whisper in a game," Lucas stated, saying the same thing he did many times before.

  "Yeah, just like that," Elizabeth nodded, her words barely a whisper as her heart ached.

  He really never changed. The same, easygoing reactions and statements. "Such a nerd..." Her thoughts spoke fondly of him, for she loved this side of him. It was what he liked. Whenever he talked about his passions, his face always lit up. His eyes held this sparkle that entranced her.

  "Are you mad?" Elizabeth inquired out of worry, "For talking without you?"

  Lucas thought for a moment before he shook his head.

  "Nah," he dismissed it so easily, "It must be important and a secret. For some reason, I feel like you wouldn't hide something without a reason."

  Elizabeth's heart immediately skipped several beats. He was just too kind.

  "You're right, we wouldn't," Elizabeth agreed, wrapping her arms around him tightly, "Come here, you sweet thing, you."

  "E-Ellie! W-Wait, Maya is right-" his words were cut off as she began kissing him with fervor.

  As she bestowed her affections upon him, the divider between the front and back seats began to slowly slide upwards. Lucas reached out a pleading hand, looking for help. Maya, however, simply smiled knowingly. Ignorant of his pleas.

  Seeing his fate was sealed, the look of defeat upon his face turned to one of determination. She ughed to herself, knowing that he most likely thought, "Well, if I'm going to go down, this is the way I go." Of course, Elizabeth had no intention of harming him.

  She simply smothered him in her embrace, kissing him repeatedly until she was satisfied. Though he protested at first, he was all smiles, ughing as he pleaded her to stop. Even returning some counter-kisses of his own. It became the first Kiss War of this lifetime.

  -----

  My heart was soaring. I was anxious and exhirated from yesterday and today's events so far. It felt like the week I had been stuck inside had never existed. Seeing Elizabeth and pying games with both her and Maya had been the biggest highlight of my life so far.

  I know it wasn't much, but as I've said before, my life was never that exciting. Maybe in my dreams, those memories of the past, more exciting things had happened, but for me in this particur life, it was a highlight for sure. Especially with all the affection Elizabeth gave to me on the way to our destination. I still had no idea where we were going, but I was sure it would be amazing.

  I simply had a feeling. Just like with the whisper skill that Elizabeth had. I knew that, whatever she chose, she'd choose it because it was something I'd enjoy. For all the lifetimes she's lived, the knowledge she's gained has to be something, but so has the pain.

  I was more than gd to be smothered by her as emotions overwhelmed and took control. Besides, who wouldn't want to be kissed by such a beautiful woman? I sure wasn't compining, even if I was acting defiant. It was all part of the py, and I was doing my part. Not that I needed to act. It all came very naturally, as if my body simply reacted.

  It felt strange to always feel like I've done this before. Deja vu and all that, but I knew that I've never done anything like this before. The first Kiss War, she called it as she was procimed the victor of my breathless, exhausted self. My head in her p as she cradled it in her arms.

  I smiled up at her, basking in that gorgeous smile of hers. "I definitely like that smile the most." I mused, for it was better than the sadness I've seen so often in my dreams. To see her face light up like that gave my life meaning. How strange it felt to be so comfortable around her after such a short amount of time, but I suppose that's what happens when everything about myself felt like it knew her intimately.

  "God...you really are beautiful," I mumbled, not really thinking about what I was saying before it passed my lips, "I-I mean...good game..."

  Turning my head in embarrassment, I heard her ugh. I really couldn't help myself around her. My defenses were down.

  "You're quite handsome yourself, Lucas," she replied, causing the heat in my face to deepen.

  Gncing back up at her, I felt my heart skip several beats. Despite how calm and collected her voice sounded, her face was a blushing mess. "Adorable..." Despite her Amazonian appearance, this side of her made her seem so vulnerable. It was quite endearing.

  "I don't know if I am, but..." reaching up a hand to her face, I hesitated a moment, but as I saw her lean her head towards my hand expectantly, all hesitation left me as I cupped her cheek.

  Her smooth, fwless skin felt soft under my touch. A strong jawline, yet elegant as my fingers caressed her face. I still couldn't believe this was real, and I probably never would.

  "Hearing you say it, I almost believe it," I chuckled, smiling up at her, "Tell me this isn't a dream..."

  "It's not a dream," She whispered, cupping my hand to her own face as she kissed my palm, surprising me.

  Seeing my blush served to only encourage her. A mischievous smile crept across her lips and my body was filled with dread.

  "W-Wait, you've already won!"

  But it was too te. Elizabeth began a series of sensual kisses upon the palm of my hand. Her lips making their way down my arm until her face was close to mine. The sweetness of her lips as they met mine was intoxicating. I swooned damn near immediately, and how could I not?

  Running my fingers through the back of her hair, I gripped the strands firmly and pulled her head closer. Losing myself to the kiss. We both did. Not wanting to be separated from the other.

  That was, until the car came to a stop and the door to the back opened and I almost spilled out of it. This broke the kiss as I stared up at Maya's neutral face staring down at me. Raising an eyebrow, she smirked before returning to her professional demeanor.

  "We've arrived, Sir. Ma'am," Maya stood at attention, bowing as she motioned out of the vehicle.

  Quickly collecting myself, I gnced at Elizabeth who was had a light blush to her face. She was gring pyfully at Maya, but otherwise her attention was on me as she helped me out of the vehicle. Adjusting my clothes, Elizabeth made sure everything was in proper order.

  "Alright, now...let's go find you your gift," Elizabeth beamed and I realized where we were.

  Looking around, I saw the rge building before me. It was modern in design with a gss dome over top of it. Wider than it was tall, I could hear the sound of animals...no, monsters coming from inside. Their cries weren't scary but adorable. I didn't have to look at the sign to know where we were, but I looked, nonetheless.

  In fanciful letters upon a rge sign on the building: Tamer's Emporium.

  "Ellie...are you for real?" I stood in awe, looking at the sign, "Seriously?"

  She stepped up beside me, one arm around my waist. I had always wanted a pet, but for it to be a monster? They were high end. Even if you weren't a Pyer, if you made a bond with certain types of monsters, just like animals, they would be loyal to you forever. They were the pets of high society. A cat or dog would have done, but this was...

  "Do you not want to?" she inquired, though as I looked at her from the corner of my eye and saw that sly smile, I knew that she already knew my answer.

  "...You know I do," I grumbled, nudging her pyfully.

  "I do," she replied, ughing lightly, her hand on my waist squeezing me affectionately, but also as if to keep me from running away, "Shall we?"

  I nodded furiously, feeling myself wanting to run into the pce. It was no wonder she held me close. All fatigue I had from our kissing war vanished. Maya followed behind us as Elizabeth escorted me inside. I couldn't wait to see what there was. I never once dreamed that I'd be here.

  I wondered what pet I would find. What would choose me.

  -----

  Tamer's Emporium. A pce where those with the power to tame and raise certain monsters worked. Taking the babies produced by certain creatures and raising them to be pets. Elizabeth figured that this would be the perfect pce to take him, and sure enough, he was like a kid in a candy store.

  Bot her and Maya looked on with amusement as he rushed from pen to pen as he looked at all the creatures within the Emporium. It was set up sort of like a zoo, but much more open. Nothing was behind any cages. All the creatures were being looked after by a Tamer in their respective areas.

  People walked around looking at the various animals and other creatures, for there weren't just monsters here, but actual animals as well. It wasn't called an Emporium for nothing. It had everything, but Lucas's focus was on the more exotic.

  Twin-Tail Foxes, Flying Cats, Elemental Hounds, Radiant Birds. There were so many different types of creatures that it was hard to keep track of them all, but Lucas made sure to look at everything. It was exhausting just looking at him, but his smile and eyes of wonder were reinvigorating.

  "You chose properly, Ma'am," Maya commented with a smile, "I think he likes it."

  "What gave that away?" Elizabeth joked, shaking her head as Lucas ughed from being licked by a Snow Sheep, "Was it the smile or the look of pure joy on his face?"

  "Heh, both, Ma'am," Maya chuckled, breaking her normal professionalism, "By the way, about earlier..."

  "Ah..." Elizabeth sighed, lowering her voice as they followed along after Lucas, "I thought you wanted to talk about it ter."

  "I do, it's just..." Maya looked after Lucas, her eyes gave the impression that she was mulling something over before she finally spoke again, "I had fun for the first time in my life since I met you, El."

  Elizabeth's whole tone shifted as she heard Maya break rank for the first time in a while. Utilizing the nickname Maya used for her when they were children. It told her that she had to pay attention. Maya was saying something important. Something from her heart.

  When Maya spoke, she was often professional. Never breaking rank, even for a moment. The only time she did is when she was being sincere. Not that she wasn't otherwise, but it was just that much more important.

  "What's on your mind, Maya," Elizabeth gnced out of the corner of her eye at her.

  Lucas was busy pying with a bunch of little Furballs. Literally. It was both their name and what they looked like. They were spherical creatures made up of all sorts of different colored fur. Completely harmless. They made cute chirping noises and purred like cats.

  Little beady eyes looked out from within the confines of their fur and little tongues licked all over him from a small slit that acted as a mouth. She smiled at the scene and for a moment, both her and Maya were distracted.

  "...You told me that you had a job for me," Maya spoke softly so Lucas couldn't hear, "I didn't believe it at first, but seeing him now...I understand. He's important to you."

  "Extremely," Elizabeth confirmed, speaking quietly, "You're the first and only person I've entrusted with my secret."

  "...Regressor," Maya let out a heavy breath, "Yeah, I know."

  "You don't resent me?" Elizabeth inquired, though she already knew the answer.

  "You know I don't," Maya replied, straightening herself up when Lucas looked over at them.

  They both smiled and waved as he gleefully showed them all the Furballs that had surrounded him. He had always been good with animals and creatures in general. They practically gravitated towards him.

  "He knows?" Maya asked, to which Elizabeth nodded.

  "Figured it out immediately," Elizabeth chuckled, pride and love filling her heart as she spoke affectionately, "Damn nerd."

  "So, I guess two of us know then," Maya stated, shifting as she adjusted her clothing, "You must be happy?"

  "I am," Elizabeth nodded, "This time will be different, Maya. I couldn't stop what happened to you, but-"

  "No," Maya shook her head, her gaze passing over to Elizabeth, "You saved me. It was out of your control."

  "Be that as it may, I still regret it," Elizabeth spoke honestly, for besides Lucas, Maya was the only one she ever showed her vulnerable side to, "Damn bastards. When will you decide what to do with them?"

  "I don't know..." Maya answered honestly with a slight shrug, "But please, don't bme yourself. I chose to go back. If it wasn't me, then my little sister would have...well, you know."

  "I do, and that's why I came as quickly as I could," Elizabeth stated, a glint of danger in her eye, "You should have just let me burn them."

  "Ha, yeah," Maya let out a dry ugh, her own eyes filled with regret, "We lied to him, you know. Sir Lucas."

  "...Yeah," Elizabeth's heart wrenched itself for knowing this fact, "You started working for me at sixteen, but..."

  "You saved me when I was ten, my sister was four," Maya finished, to which a silence fell upon them.

  Maya grew up in a strict "Noble" household. The Rosengard Family. Held to an unbelievably high standard, her parents were strict in their upbringing of her. They expected her to be the perfect dy and had been ready to marry her off. They were preparing her for that eventual union before Elizabeth saved her.

  They would hit her with a switch to better her posture. The scars on her back were evident of that. She was taught all sorts of cssical instruments and was spped on the wrist by a ruler should she be off-key, indicated by the scars on her forearms. The same for the back of her legs as they taught her to dance and walk properly.

  They actually knew each other since they were both 7 and 8 years old respectively. Elizabeth was twenty-seven, making her a year older than Maya. As Elizabeth grew her family, she invited the Rosengard Family to an event and attempted to take Maya from them, but...she had refused. Not wanting to force Maya, Elizabeth reluctantly let her leave.

  Her family, and her powers, weren't quite up to snuff yet. It was with a heavy heart that Elizabeth let her go, but she did make a promise.

  "You told me to endure," Maya continued speaking as they continued to follow Lucas through the Emporium, "I couldn't leave my baby sister alone and I was scared. You said you came from the future. I didn't believe you back then, but who would? There were no gates yet."

  "An oversight on my part, but..." Elizabeth let out a slight breath, "I didn't want you to go through that again. You're my only real friend, Maya."

  "And you're mine, El," Maya agreed with a tender smile, "That's why, don't bme yourself for my choice. I endured. For myself and for my sister."

  Maya had already been "disciplined" and "educated" by her parents even at the age of seven. For the next three years, she endured it even more as Elizabeth grew her family's wealth and power. Finally, the day came where Elizabeth got the call.

  "When the time was right, you came for me," Maya continued, reliving the past with her.

  "You asked for help," Elizabeth spoke softly, a tenderness to it, "I would have come regardless, even if you hated me."

  "Never!" Maya excimed in pure horror at the thought, only to cover her mouth when Lucas looked over in confusion and concern.

  "Is everything alright?" Lucas called over, that sweet voice of his full of concern.

  He held a Cerberus puppy in his arms, all three of its heads licking him. With red spotted bck fur, its tail wagging like crazy. "Kyah~! It's illegal to be so cute!" Elizabeth squealed to herself in her head. Lucas, who was already like a puppy to her, was also holding one. That combination was enough to nd a critical hit on not only herself, but Maya as well.

  "Everything's good, Sir," Maya spoke up, a light blush to her cheeks, "We were just discussing a few work things. I apologize for disturbing you."

  "Not at all!" Lucas excimed with a wide smile, walking over to them with the puppy, "This is a Cerberus! Can you believe it!? I'm holding a Cerberus puppy!"

  He was so happy as he held the puppy up to Maya. It promptly began licking her, causing a light giggle to escape her lips. Lucas looked between them with an all too keen eye.

  "I know work is important for Pyers," Lucas stated with a kind tone, "Just, try not to overdo it, okay?"

  He hid the lower half of his face behind the puppy, looking at both of them with concern.

  "Don't you worry, my dear, dear Lucas," Elizabeth told him, cupping his cheek only for her hand to be the next target of the puppy, "I'll be careful. You're not getting rid of me that easily."

  "I wouldn't want to," Lucas replied almost immediately, his eyes widening at what he said with a light blush to his face, "Thank you for bringing me here. I'm gonna go bring the puppy back, okay?"

  "Alright, Lucas," Elizabeth's heart melted from seeing him embarrassed and reluctantly took her hand away.

  Maya and her watched him walk back towards the Tamer awaiting them with a pleasant smile. Sharing a look with each other, Maya and Elizabeth both agreed silently that that had been one of the most adorable things they've ever seen.

  "Ahem, that aside..." Maya cleared her throat, bringing the subject back to what they were talking about before, "I could never hate you, El. You're our savior. I work for you because I want to. Though, the job you had of me, I wasn't sure of it...until now."

  "So, you'll do it?" Elizabeth's heart was filled with hope.

  "Yes," Maya nodded, watching Lucas say goodbye to the Cerberus puppies, "I'll protect him with my life, when you're unable to. You wanted me as his personal bodyguard, right?"

  "Yeah," Elizabeth confirmed, her eyes following Lucas closely, "You're the only one I can trust with him."

  "I'll not disappoint you, Ma'am," Maya returned to her professional tone, stating her intentions with conviction.

  "I know you won't," Elizabeth smiled, "After all, you were friends before."

  "Wait, what?" Maya looked at her in mock betrayal, "And you didn't tell me this, why?"

  "I thought it would be more fun for it to happen naturally," Elizabeth ughed, "I was right, wasn't I?"

  Maya sulked in her own way, but she couldn't deny it. Elizabeth may have told her she was a Regressor, but she didn't tell her everything. The fact that it would happen naturally was more imperative. While it was fun to see it unfold before her, it also allowed Maya to grow closer to him in a more unbiased manner.

  "Hurry up!" Lucas's voice called to the both of them, "Look what I found!"

  Both of them looked to discover that, upon his shoulder was a majestic creature. Short bck fur that shimmered with a deep blue. Its body was like that of a cat, but slightly longer. Its tail was long, almost the same length as its body. Of course, it was just a kitten, so it wasn't too rge just yet. The fur on its back was tuft up along its length and gradated to a more noticeable royal blue.

  Beyond the fur, one could see tiny scales of a midnight blue gradient. They were more noticeable around the eyes, and as the kitten opened them, she saw an icy-blue nebu with green permeating throughout. The slits of its eyes adjusting as it looked up at him.

  "Honestly..." Elizabeth sighed, though she wasn't annoyed, simply amused, "Leave it to him for a Drake to bond with him."

  Drakes. Typically depicted in fiction as wingless Dragons, but in reality, these were the Drakes of this world. Catlike creatures with the powers of Dragons. Including flight, despite its wingless nature and not typically associated with Drakes in mythology. This was proven when it leapt from his shoulder and seemed to just float around him. It left a sparkling, starry trail as it did. As if it flew among the stars.

  "Midnight Drake," Maya commented, slight surprise in her voice, "As if the very night itself gave birth to it."

  She wasn't far from wrong. This specific type of Drake lived in dark pces. Usually associated with the night. Dark forests, spatial dimensions, and especially the Pins of Endless Night. A dungeon accurate to its name. All of these pces could potentially hold Midnight Drakes. They were very magical creatures and very loyal. All Drakes were.

  "Looks like you found one," Elizabeth commented with a full heart, "They like you."

  "Mhm!" Lucas ughed as it tickled him with its tongue when it licked his ear, "I'm thinking of naming him Azure! He's a very pretty shade of blue."

  "A good name," Elizabeth agreed, and the decision was made.

  The Tamer expined the proper care Lucas needed to give Azure. Here in the Emporium, most creatures chose their owner. This is what they call bonding. It didn't always happen, but when it did, it made the whole process easier. Even so, the Tamer's always utilized a specific method during the transfer of a pet into the hands of their owner.

  They implemented the skill known as [Soul Pact], which seemed more serious than it actually was. It made a connection between the two of them, allowing their bond to grow the more attentive and caring Lucas was with Azure. This also helped Tamers to find anyone who abused their creatures. The stronger the bond, the closer the pet would be with the owner, but the weaker the bond the more openly hostile the creature would be.

  This skill was two-fold for that reason. Tamer's loved animals of all kinds. Both normal and monstrous. Advocates for the proper care and handling of such precious creatures. They didn't tolerate any abuse. It was unfortunate that there was a subsect of Tamer's, known as Dominators, who used the opposite methods.

  Upon Lucas and Azure's foreheads appeared a violet, glowing bestial mark. A cwed paw with a star in its center. Once the Tamer applied the skill, the transaction was done. Elizabeth paid, happy to see Lucas's smile as he nuzzled his face against Azure. A sentiment Maya also shared.

  -----

  Nikushimi