The Angel Express, Chicago, Illinois - 9:09 AM

“I can’t believe he had the gall to say I was the insane one,” I remarked once the Dealer left before looking at Sara still sitting beside me. “Out of everything I’ve done, can you think of anything half as crazy as that?”

“Please,” she said with a good natured eye roll. “If you knew how and thought you could get away with it, you would totally go all in on a heist against the administrators.”

“Well, of course I would,” I admitted with a scoff. “But I’m me and he’s a treasure hunter. Those are two very different demographics right there.”

“And yet, you’re the one who agreed to it,” Kayla said. “With only the slightest shred of hesitation, might I add.”

“Kayla, if someone like the Dealer comes and says they want to rob the administration with you, you don’t pass it up,” I replied.

“Even if you think he’s insane?” she challenged, crossing her arms.

“The only insane part is thinking we can do it,” I countered. “But, with a plan as sound as that one, I’d be a fool not to go along with it.”

Kayla frowned. “And if it’s a trap?”

I immediately shook my head. “The Dealer’s fine. I’ve known him for a long, long time. If he wanted to screw me over, it wouldn’t be like this. I trust him. And, from the sounds of it, Sara does, too.”

“I suppose I do,” she sighed, not sounding happy about it. “Sorry, I’m still getting used to seeing him as a trustworthy ally. At the very least, you can expect him to continue working with Ant until the goose no longer lays its golden eggs. Which is something he says a lot.”

“He does,” I agreed.

Sara turned so that she was facing me, sitting on one of her legs as her holographic wings pierced the side of the loveseat. “There is something more prominent to discuss than whether you can trust the Dealer, and I think it’s prudent to do so with Kayla here.”

“Something that involves me?” the Double Agent asked.

The Angel nodded, but didn’t turn away from me. Her gaze was stern enough that I blinked in surprise. “Yes. Since Anthony is leaving on a long trip to collect the things he needs for the assault on Washington D.C., I have decided to go with him.”

I tilted my head. “You told me and the Dealer that you were fine staying here and helping Kayla with Sol Ligatus,” I said slowly. “That wasn’t even ten minutes ago.”

“I was alright with it for a few minutes,” she softly replied, brushing her hair out of her face. “A little taken off guard, maybe, but the more I thought about it, the less fine with it I became. Sol Ligatus is a nice enough group. They have their issues, one in particular has a problem with blasphemy, and there had been some misunderstandings in the past about who might be degenerates and who aren’t.”

“Which Jeff and I are not,” Kayla stated firmly.

“Yes, and I apologize that my boyfriend allowed me to think that for so long,” Sara said with a nod. I was about to defend myself when she continued. “But I am not here for them. Don’t get me wrong, I pray for their safety, but I am here because I gave you my personal boon. I am here for you, Anthony Franklin.”

I glanced at Kayla, but she shook her head. “She already sent me a message about it, psychic boy. And, I agree. Having Sara around was nice, especially for the quests and the advice, but I didn’t become her avatar until right before we fought Doneralego so I haven’t really had time to get used to her help. Plus, she really misses you. Every night that she’s been my Patron she’d send a mes-“

“Now hold on, Kayla,” Sara said, turning towards the Double Agent and raising her hands. Her hair, like her face, burned. It was adorable. “You don’t need to bring those up. While I may not have been at ease, I was completely fine.”

“Like you said: she’s a fighter, not a lover,” Kayla teased, smug as she leaned back into her chair. “I’m sure you can figure it out from here.”

I smiled, glad that my friend was comfortable enough with Sara that she could tease her. “I think I can.”

The Angel covered her face with both hands, her hair still burned brightly though now her halo did the same. “Kayla, I sent you those messages in confidence.”

“I didn’t tell him what was in them,” she replied, barely defending herself. “But you didn’t say they were sent in confidence and I want Anthony to know how much he means to you. Communication like that is important in a healthy relationship. Especially a long distance one.”

“But, for the record,” I interjected. “Don’t feel like you have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

It took Sara a few moments before she sighed and put her hands down. “Anthony Franklin, I’m coming with you and that’s final,” she said sternly. The Angel’s face had that same nervous quality to it from the picture she sent me, like she wasn’t sure how to deal with the rejection that she was sure was coming.

I smiled, unable to shoot her down.

“Alright,” I agreed. “I’ll be happy to have you back.”

Sara blinked. “Really? Just like that?”

“I’m used to sacrificing some measures of my own happiness for the sake of the world, but it looks like I can’t do that to you,” I answered softly. My girlfriend beamed, and I held up a finger. “However, there is one condition.”

The smile faltered, but didn’t go away. “Name it.”

“It’s less for you, and more for Kayla,” I said, taking my raised finger and pointing it at the Double Agent. She was watching us like we were her favorite soap opera, but perked up immediately. “You need to get in touch with the Dealer and get the attention of a new Patron.”

“That’s pretty easy, then,” she said, swiping the air in front of her. “The Dealer gave me a notebook that lets me write to him in case we need help. It’ll take him a bit to see it, but I’m sure we can work something out. Probably as an advance on Corwin’s next visit.”

I nodded. “That’s probably what he’s going to ask for, but being introduced to a Patron is probably going to be worth half that, especially if they agree to make you their avatar.”

“Good information. Anyone you recommend?”

“Yes. It should be one with the power of Fate, because they’ll have limited information that they can give you from the future,” I said. “Which, even limited, is very useful. Ares isn’t going to stick around for very long, but given who Jamie will replace him with I wouldn’t recommend any of the Parcae.”

Kayla arched an eyebrow. “What’s going on with Ares?”

“He’s a god of war, yes, but he’s really more into brutality and slaughter,” I explained. “Jamie’s got that in her, but we’re too good an influence. He’s riding the waves of a shiny new avatar right now but he’s going to get bored soon. Usually, during the siege of Jamestown, she refuses to follow his more barbaric orders. Then, later on, Athena will see her. She’s much more strategically inclined and has a much more balanced portfolio. Plus, taking Jamie as her avatar will piss off Ares, which is a win for her.”

“Okay, that makes sense,” she said with a nod. “And who are the Parcae?”

“They’re the Roman equivalent of the Greek Moirai. The Fates,” I answered. “The Patrons from both pantheons kind of go at each other’s throats, calling them copycats and all sorts of things. It also doesn’t help that the Greek are more well known and flaunt that fact, which the Romans don’t like.”

The Double Agent nodded. “Understood. So I should go with one of the Moirai?”

“Can’t, they’re already taken by important individuals. The best ones would be…” I trailed off, running my hand through my hair as I leaned back. The first one probably wouldn’t go as well as the second, but she was still a solid option. “At this point, we can probably make it so Laima, from Latvian myth, doesn’t meet their avatar. That wouldn’t mess things up too bad. She deals with fate, luck, marriage, childbirth. That kind of thing.”

Kayla made a face at the mention of childbirth. “I feel for any woman who’s expecting while all this is happening. That has to be tough. Fate, luck, and marriage all sound fine, but children aren’t really in my cards.”

“Do you want to skip over Laima?” I asked, offering a supportive smile. I remembered Sara talking about the Mills' issues on that, but I didn't think telling her that now would be a nice thing to do.

“Skip, thank you.”

I nodded. Laima was a good option, but not enough that I felt compelled to push it. “Okay, that’s fair. The other one would be Skuld.”

“The Norn. And she won’t butt heads with Athena?” Kayla asked, leaning back.

“Two very different pantheons, so there won’t be any meaningful overlap,” I answered. “The future she can show you will be muddled, but I know you’re smart enough to figure it out.”

“That’s what I’ll tell him I want, then,” Kayla said before releasing a huge breath. “But, because nothing can go as planned, I’ll… keep Laima open as a backup option.”

“Sorry,” I told her honestly.

Portfolio aside, Laima really would have been a great addition to the team. It was likely that she’d offer boons that involved Jeff as well thanks to her marriage focus. The Queen’s Knight could get more buffs from the Queen.

Still, Skuld would be great as well. So long as she didn’t have to settle for a Roman Fate, things would go smoothly.

She shook her head. “It’s not your fault. I just didn’t expect it. Or think of it. Or anything.” There was a moment of pause as Sara and I looked at each other, then Kayla shook her head. “I’ll get in contact with the Dealer. If I leave, will the Patron's car still work?”

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“No. You’re the one who activated it, so even if she switches over you have to stay. I don’t think they coded the car correctly, to be honest,” I said. “But, if you want to sit near the door, then we’ll be quiet. I have a few things I want to discuss with Sara now that we’re face to face and still have some time left.”

The Double Agent stood up, finally pulling the notebook out of her inventory. “Okay. Thank you, Sara, for all your help.”

“It was my pleasure,” the Angel replied, smiling.

Kayla hadn’t even made it to the other side of the car when I received the notification.

<<<>>>

[[Notice]]

An unknown Patron has extended a Patron Pact to you. If you so choose to accept, benefits befitting an avatar of [redacted] will appear to you.

<<<>>>

I accepted the invitation.

<<<>>>

[[Notice]]

You have signed a Patron’s Pact with the Hidden World Boss [Esaraphelscion, Angel of the End].

[[Notice]]

The passive [Under Her Watchful Eyes] is now under full effect.

<<<>>>

“Under Her Watchful Eyes?” Sara asked, her eyes moving as though she were reading something in front of her. “What is this?”

“Just a little something I got from-“

Suddenly, she gasped and reached for my arm. Her hand passed through me, but her excitement didn’t dim. “You got a passive about me in the Golden Dream!” she announced excitedly. I glanced back at Kayla, who looked our way, and smiled when I returned my attention to my girlfriend. “I can’t believe it. Wow, you really do lo-”

I arched my eyebrow as her voice got caught in her throat. “I really do what?”

The excitement on her face didn’t dwindle as no doubt countless thoughts ran through her head. I knew that she was capable of thinking much faster than we could, and the fact that she was buffering like an old computer was a little adorable. She lowered her head slightly, looking at me from under her bangs.

“You really do love me,” Sara said, fidgeting nervously.

“I do,” I agreed. “And I’ve read your message many times on the way here. You know the one.”

“I do,” she said shyly before taking a completely unnecessary breath. “It took me a lot of effort to send that. I’m glad you appreciate it.”

Smiling, I somehow resisted the urge to brush her bangs away from her face. It almost looked like she was hiding behind them. “I’ll always appreciate you.”

Reaching out, I offered her my hand and she placed hers right on top of mine. We couldn’t touch, but it looked like we could and, in the moment, that was good enough for me.

“I have a confession,” Sara hesitantly admitted.

“Isn't confession something I'd normally be doing as the mortal man?” I joked.

She lowered her head. “Probably, but I'm still the one in the wrong.”

“I doubt that, but I'll hear you,” I said, picking up on the tone.

It took her a few seconds to start talking again. “I was complacent. About you know who. I got so caught up in the adventure, the conversations, and everything that I let my guard down.”

I offered her a sympathetic smile. Of course this had something to do with Aaron. “By your own rules, he wasn't allowed to hurt me. You put that clause in there. Plus, you couldn't warn me anyway.”

“But I sent you to do the Trial,” Sara whispered, her wings fidgeting while her halo dimmed. “I asked you to put Greg aside and sent you there. If I had been thinking about it, I could have seen the danger. Warned you indirectly. Something. That whole thing was my fa-”

“Hey,” I interrupted a little more forcefully than I wanted. She stopped talking. “What happened, happened. I was going to go into that Trial whether you pushed me or not. Even if you could tell me flat out that Aaron could manipulate it, I'd have had to go in there.”

“But you got trapped there for a month,” she offered weakly.

“And now I'm back with a whole new game plan and a couple new toys, one of which he probably regrets terribly,” I said with a light chuckle. “I don't think you made a mistake. And even if you insist you did, I don't think that's a bad thing.”

Sara looked back up at me. “Why?”

“Because to err is human,” I said with a smile. “And I meant it when I told you that you're just as human to me as the people I'm trying to save.”

That drew a small smile from her. “Thank you.”

“There's no need for that. I'm glad you're here, and nobody's perfect.” I cleared my throat. “While we have time, is there anything more upbeat you'd like to talk about?”

“I want you to tell me something about the Golden Dream,” she requested, her voice low. “About us, the life we could lead if our circumstances were different.”

“There’s a lot to go through.”

“We’ve got a few minutes.”

I took a moment to think about the request before I began speaking.

“The Trial of the Golden Dream seemed to think that one of the best ways to make me happy was to make you my wife,” I said softly. Sara smiled brightly, and I returned it. “That version of us had gotten married at the Patron’s Ball, and then when I reset the timeline we got married again. Because the first one didn’t happen, what with the regression and all.”

“We had to make sure everything was still in order,” she whispered.

I nodded. “You were there for me from the moment I entered my apartment, still unsure about what was happening,” I continued. “No wings, no halo, and your hair was like that of a normal person’s. Short, curly, though dyed to look like fire. You were very happy to see that I was home, but that only lasted until you saw my confusion. When I tried to flee, my instincts telling me to get to an open space, you caught me.”

Reaching out with my free hand, I ran it along the hologram of Sara’s wing. It shivered as if she could feel it. “Immediately, actually. You pulled me onto the ground, stuffed my head in your chest, and wrapped your wings around me.”

The memory of her scent came back to me. The Patron's car didn’t replicate it, but that didn’t matter. I remembered the slight hint of fragrant smoke, her scent mingling with mine leftover from when she stole my oversized t-shirt. The Golden Dream had chosen that scene well.

“You were patient, comforting, and made me feel like nothing else mattered except for us. The kind of thing I usually deny myself from finding,” I admitted. “ Which… was something I don’t often admit that I sometimes need.”

“Something we both need,” she corrected.

“Yeah, something we both need,” I agreed. “Over the next few weeks, you were never far from me. You were the perfect Guardian Angel. Whenever I had issues and I wasn’t with one of my friends, you made time for me. I’ll be honest; I thought I’d be okay with leaving you here with Kayla, but I’d probably have ended up being miserable the whole time.

“Now, that’s nothing new. The life I lead isn’t really glamorous, safe, or anything I’d normally call sane. It’s had its ups and downs. The highest highs, balanced by the lowest lows. For all that the odds are against me making it this far, I have met with miracles every single day. But there has not been anything better for me than you.”

Sara watched me with an intensity I hadn’t seen from her before. Her gaze gave me butterflies in my stomach, which was a feeling I hadn’t felt in a very long time. It wasn’t bad.

“I can’t deny it; even though it wasn’t real, having you by my side in the Golden Dream was the sweetest point of my life. I had never felt more assured that everything was okay than I did when we were just sitting on the couch watching old TV shows. Even with the amnesia and the anxiety, I knew deep in my bones that, so long as you were with me, everything was going to be okay.”

“You wouldn’t have made it out if it weren’t for…” Sara trailed off, unable to complete her sentence due to the rules she was bound by.

“I would have never made it out of there if it weren’t for you. The dream version of you died without a fight so I could escape,” I told her.

“That sounds about right.”

“Just don’t go sacrificing yourself for me out here, okay?” I requested with a soft smile, and she returned it. “I’m grateful to you because I would have never entertained the thought of doing it myself. Watching you talk to my parents who obviously loved you, going out on double dates with Kayla and Jeff, going shopping for something as mundane as new curtains. No matter what it was, doing it with you gave me a peace of mind that I didn’t have even before the system dropped.”

I took a breath. “I don’t know if making you an administrator and going back in time again is the solution to our problems or just wishful thinking, but this will be the end of my journey no matter what happens. And afterwards… I’d like to be back in that place with you.”

“Yes,” Sara said. “Anthony, I will marry you.”

“This isn’t a proposal,” I quickly replied, holding up a hand. “I mean, I don’t even have a ring-“

“I don’t care,” she said with a shake of her head. “Anthony, I will marry you.”

“I haven’t even gotten on one knee, I just wanted you to know that I-”

“Want to get married to me again?” Sara asked, arching an eyebrow. “Sweet bountiful Eden, Anthony. You said ‘I do’ back when I put my halo on your finger in Amlex’s hive. Now, I’m telling you that I accept.”

Chuckling, I lowered my head to look at our hands. Esaraphelscion’s Love, the ring she gave me, shined from her light. “Will you at least let me do it properly?” I requested.

The Angel tilted her head upwards as if thinking about it before making a show of sighing. “I don’t see anything wrong with you proposing today,” she said, pouting. “I’d welcome it, even.”

“And I really appreciate that, I just want to do it the way I always thought I’d do it, is all,” I replied. “I even have a ring in mind for you. If you’re willing to wait until the Patron’s Ball, that is.”

Sara smiled. “If that’s what you need to be happy, then I’ll allow it,” she said, relenting. “Our time is running short, though.”

“I lo-”

“Please wait,” she requested, holding up her hand. I stopped. “I… I want to say it first this time.”

I sat up. “It is a little strange to hear you say you wanted to marry me before I heard you say that out loud.”

“Don’t tease me, that was a spontaneous thing,” she pouted.

“Fighter, not a lover,” Kayla interjected from across the room. Sara looked back at her, and the Double Agent shrugged. “Yes, that is my favorite fact about Sara and no, you two are not as quiet as you think you are.”

“Ignore her,” I said, stifling a laugh as the Angel turned back towards me. “The easiest way to get it out is to just do it.”

Sara hesitated for just a few seconds. “I love you, Anthony,” she whispered, smiling shyly. “And I think I have for a long time. Relatively speaking.”

I grinned. “I love you, too, Sara.”

The Patron Car flickered as if there was a power outage. When the lights came back on, Sara was gone. Our time for the day was up.

<<<>>>

[[Patron Message]]

I’m sorry that took me so much effort to say, but I’m glad I did.

Now, I need to recover from this hectic social experience. Go on and fight your friends, they’re ready for you.

Sincerely yours,

Sara

<<<>>>

“You don’t have to apologize for anything,” I said to the ceiling. My eyes flicked back to the message. “But, what do you mean go fight my friends?”

Kayla stood up and closed the notebook. “Jeff and Jamie decided a long time ago that they wanted a rematch,” she explained. “Then Mercury wanted in, and then I got dragged into it.”

“Really?” I watched as she walked over and offered me her hand, and she helped me to my feet.

“We’ve been planning it for a while, Ant,” she said, smiling. “I, as the acting Guildmaster of Sol Ligatus, challenge you to a four on one fight.”