Walking along the golden beaches of Woodstock, the sunkissed sand was so clear and wonderful that James felt as if he could enjoy the rest of the day just sitting by the ocean as a party was going on the pier with a large ferris wheel on it, the tip going far out in the edge as the empty unbuilt Space Elevator was being deconstructed by large barges and ships.

James had his hands on his back, admiring the players living on their lives as if they were back on Earth, many donning modern clothes, and his eyes unable to believe the skimpy bikinis the women were wearing. Bahamut who was walking beside him was busy on her smartphone watching the group chat go on by as Elizabeth and Jackson took photos of the paperwork stacking up on his desk.

“Goddess.” Turning to her right and looking up a bit, the Grand Prince points his finger at an oncoming player wearing multicam combat pants and combat boots but on top was a civilian shirt with a logo on it. With a baseball cap on his head, he was pointing out some litter that was thrown mercilessly on the asphalt path on the sandy beach. “Who do you think you are?! What is this? Your house? Throw your shit somewhere else! Take it and go!”

The Dragon immediately steers clear of the fuming man infront of them but it was too late for James. Due to his very manly build, he couldn’t properly squeeze through the tight two lane path, having to choose between bumping into the man or Bahamut. “Tsk! What’s your problem buddy? On a pretty walk with your girl huh? When is the end of the world is nigh infront of us?!”

He immediately lifts his hands up his shoulders and smiles with a sweat. “N-No sir. I am just walking by. I apologize.” This didn’t calm the man, looking at Bahamut who wasn’t in her signature gown but instead in her pencil skirt with the Eldwood General Leather greatcoat over it. “Huh? Look at you two, some Danish Viking ass motherfucker with Miss Universe. Look, you know what I saw in my time?”

Bahamut just had an expressionless face as she crossed her arms. “Looking through it, you seem to be suffering from when you were on the frontlines.” This made the player silent. “H-How did you know that?!”

“You were stationed in one of the star shaped fortifications that surrounded the outskirts of the city.” This made him grab her shoulders tightly. “HOW?! So… so you saw it too! The skies! They… they were blotted out by the bombers! Oh God… the sounds!” seeing how tight his grip was, James immediately peeled him away from her as Bahamut just put her hands on the sides of her shoulders. Her head tilted down to the sides. “You have a similar condition to Master. I suggest you get yourself someone to take care of you.”

“Hah? Why do you think I am stuck in this fucking shithole of a planet? My country lost the war and the economy went down to the pits of Hell and now, foreign soldiers are patrolling my city! Imagine! Peacekeepers from those slant eyed fuckers shit stained third world countries are now in my streets!” James kept his hands gripping on the player whose eyes had forgotten to blink. “I waste my life playing Full Dive to escape the actual shitty life I live now, in that dystopian hell hole where everything has been stained by defeat. It reeks like a whore!”

“Sir, sir, how about you try to practice? Some sort of a hobby? One my Uncles had a condition like yours after he returned from a campaign. What my Father did was practice sword fighting with him and he seemed to have mostly recovered.” The player brushes away the Prince’s hands. Fixing the Militia Armband on his left arm and lifts his fist up him. “Grrrr… you remind me so much of those asshole social workers checking up on me. Both of you! Stop acting like everything is normal and PREPARE!” he scoffs and as walks away, he turns around to them. “IN A MAD WORLD, ONLY THE MAD ARE SANE!” As the two of them left looking at each other as the player was puffing and fuming like a steam train as he pushed away players, walking to the concrete stairs up to the street.

James then turns to Bahamut, with a deal of concern in his eyes. “Lord Jackson has the same condition?” The Dragon just turned to the Pier and started walking again, making the Prince catch up to her as she sighed. “Yes, Master suffers from that same thing. Even the eyes had the same reaction.”

“What do they call this?”

“Master calls it PTSD but he doesn’t like saying he has it.” She had a deep air of sadness loom over her as she hugged herself.

“Ah, I see. I believe many of the people who survived the war on Earth have this condition, correct?” The Prince though had put his hands in his pockets, looking straight ahead as they got in sight of a tunnel that goes under the Pier.

“Hm. Master used to have moments like that, even when he sleeps but he had mostly calmed down by now. Though I can still sense a great disturbance in his heart, as if he is still afraid.” She then stops before the tunnel, her arms crossed, she looks up to the ferris wheel with the Prince standing beside her. “Have you and Lord Jackson ever fought then? It seems to make them very hostile.”

“Master and I only fought in the first few weeks of our relationship.” A small smile then appears on her face. “But he’d always lose to me. Master loves cute and small things like that blonde bloodsucker and my small form was more than enough to persuade him." Seeing her made the Prince also smile as he puts his hands out of his pockets and with a suave movement, pushes his bangs up to his head, fixing his stylish hairstyle and making some of the nearby women sigh in disbelief, awestruck by his looks.

“Now, I just learn to accept that not everything should be done my way. A Dragon’s method cannot be applied to a Human life. I am still learning, but in this wingless form I’ve learned how to eat, love, and feel like Master and I wouldn’t want to forget it.” Her golden eyes had a calm but hapless air to this, as she squinted a bit with a smile on her face, the large open hands of the Prince were presented to her. “Why not write it down? Into a book or a story of sorts.”

This made the Dragon’s eyes open wide. “Oh, like those ones the black haired bloodsucker really loves to read?” This made the Prince just smirk and nod. “Whatever Countess Minuit reads, I am sure you can write something far better. English is not a hard language to learn compared to Common, I believe you should make multiple versions if you want to preserve some for us to remember you and your Master.” Looking down on her as she rubbed her sharp chin, Bahamut’s grin was more than an answer.

Brushing past his back was a party of players. They had a complete set up, a Tank, Rogue, Paladin, Fighter, Mage, and Healer. All of them were wearing appropriate outfits for their setups. This made the Prince look up the stairs to the Pier and noticed a banner spelling out “Santa Menyon Pier - Medieval Fantasy Cosplay Event” which made him tap the Dragon’s shoulder. “Goddess, may we?” With a lifted eyebrow, she follows him up the wooden stairs where they reach the floor.

Inside the pier, the outside of the amusement parks fence were a place for photographers, many players cosplaying notable characters with the looks and body types to exactly look like them alongside the magic as construction was going on on the other side of the Pier’s staircase to the beach. It sounds unable to drown out the happy players and the clicks of the cameras as they do their iconic poses and moves.

Walking into the large crowd, the Prince couldn’t believe the amount of Bahamut’s he was finding, though their faces and bodies came close to Bahamut’s actual proportions, there were always miniscule differences that made a huge gap to the real thing. He kept looking back to the Dragon and in the end, he couldn’t find anyone prettier than her there as she was looking around at the copycats. “Pfft. Chosen Ones and their strange tastes.”

Some of the photographers though notices the pair and one of them squints at the woman with long black hair walking next to the impressively tall and handsome prince. “Yo, is that someone cosplaying Bahamut in an OFFICE OUTFIT?!” He immediately slots in a new SD card as he breathes in and whistles. “BOYS! WE GOT A LIVE ONE HERE!” his friends turned around from taking a picture of another cosplay as he points out at the Office Lady Bahamut. “WOAAHHH!” Jogging towards her, the Elven group wielding DSLR cameras got in front of the two. “U-Uhhh… good morning sirs. How may I help you?”

“Good day! May we have the permission to take a photo of both of you and maybe some specials with this Office Lady Bahamut Cosplay?” This made the Prince tilt his head as he crossed his arms. “Good sir, if it's not too much to ask but may I know what Cosplay means?” one of the lanky Elves with reading glasses tips his forehead. “Heh. It’s nothing more than the best way to show your love to the creator of a series and the admiration you have for the character they created!”

The Dragon remembers something and nods. “Yes! Chosen Ones! Take a photo of me and be sure to plant it on an Icon of Me!” This made the five players “Oohhhh” in unison, with their leader, an Elf with a sweat towel over his neck nodding.” She’s even in character as she speaks to us. Her voice is also perfect, it's the closest I’ve heard of the iconic motherly voice of BAHAMUT!”

He immediately snaps a photo as Bahamut makes a pose with her hand outward and her face, with a strong grin. “OHHH! That’s the pose she made when she blasted a thousand players with ancient laser magic!” This made the Dragon giggle as she made another pose, her arms crossed and legs spread apart. Chin up and her eyes flaming with the fires of a Dragons soul. One of their members, an Elf with a huge backpack full of water bottles and ice almost jumps in excitement. “HOLY! THAT’S FROM THE CHINESE NEW YEAR BANNER EVENT!”

Hearing their sincere voices of admiration, she couldn’t help but blush a little. “H-heh. I am impressed by your memory, Chosen Ones. Here! Have some more!” The Prince though had taken his attention to something else, walking past those even cosplaying him and going to a player who settles a large plank down, pressing his back with his hands as he puts down his staff, fixing the safety vest and hard hat he has as he sat down on the ledge. He opened a lunchbox and started silently eating a mayonnaise ham sandwich.

“Good afternoon, sir. May I disturb you for a bit?” The player looks up to see the tall handsome man. “O-Oh wow, of course. What do you need help with?” The Prince gestures to sit down next to him on the ledge which the player nods. "I can't help but notice that you're all alone, sir."

This made the player smile as he tipped his hard hat. "Ah, the boss has been making us leave early with all the big things happening. We're all preparing for the big move." James nodded as he leaned forward, looking over the ledge. "Ah yes, the evacuation to the portal. But what about you sir? Do you need help? May you want me to help you with the construction?"

"Heh. No kid. Thank you though for your concern. I got this and a quadra-ped robot is coming anyway. Gooseneck trailers should be arriving in a few."

"Is the pay good in construction, sir?"

"Hm. It's good, and I get OT pay too which is why I am here right now still working. It's not much, but every coin helps feed a man."

"I see. And your coworkers, are they good?"

"Very good. Couldn't ask for a better crew. We're all hard working men. You know, sad that Cristo isn't here. He would've loved to meet you. Real big guy when it comes to Heroes and all that bang."

"Ah please, sir. I am only doing what I can to make sure every person out there is happy."

"And you're doing a damn good job at it. Almost every part of the city knows you for a good deed you've done for the handful of weeks you've been here."

“Want some?” the Prince smiles as he is offered with the sandwich. “Of course, sir. Thank you.” The construction worker takes his sandwich in half as James takes a bite of it and is immediately impressed. “Woah. Is this beef?”

“Pork, ham, cheese, some good ole’ mayonnaise and a bit of toast.” Donning thick denim pants, steel toed boots, with a polo that has its sleeves rolled up, the Human player looked rough and buff as he took the toil of working till five on the solace of the beachside afternoon sight. “Good sir, may I ask you about this city?”

“Don’t call me sir. Names Menlo.” He reaches his hand out and the two exchange a handshake. “Of course, Menlo. I am James.”

“You might not know this, but you helped the factory my friend works at a few days back. You rescued that place from a catastrophe! Ahahaha!”

“Please, I am merely doing my job.”

“Man, I wish I could be someone like you. Yet here I am, working a construction job like I did before the war in a world where everyone looks hot and pretty and there’s magic and dragons and demons.” He settles his sandwich on his dusty pants, sighing as his back slouches.

“I wish I could be like you, Menlo. Someone normal, doing a man's duty to build and provide for the community. You only need your magic and your guts and everyone is happy with you.”

“Kid, if anything, you are the normal one here.” He leans his back, his hands supporting his upper body as he raises his hard hat up. “Everyone Is shuffling around, afraid and panicking or trying to ignore the impending doom. Rather than helping each other, many are escaping from it. Only you and that famous Streamer are the ones going around helping the community.”

“Thank you. But I believe everyone is just doing what they can in their own ways.” He looks at the Pier with the cosplayers and photographers all enjoying themselves. “I could never repay the debt I owe to all of you, Earthlings. You were all bought here by our Gods in desperation. That we are not enough to fight the Cosmic forces. What I am doing will never be enough to rip you away from your planet and families.”

He then feels a soft hand land on his shoulder. “Kid, this isn’t your burden. Do remember that okay? You seem like the type to die first in war because you wanted to help some poor schmuck who ate a bullet in an open field.” Menlo sighs as his body deflates a bit. “Those soldiers are the ones who often forgets that we are a team, a brotherhood. Not one goes without another. So don’t be too hard on yourself, you have that party of equally great people with you.”

This made the Prince smile and nod. “Of course. Thank you, Menlo.” the player laughs and smiles. “And this city? What can I say? It’s pretty cool but it's nothing like the ones we have on Earth but it's close. What do you want to know?”

“Hm. How can I help this city the most? What do people truly need?”

“Heh. That’s no answer I can give. As a proud Warlock, my job is literally to spam construction spells alongside the robot.”

“Then who can I ask? The Mayor perhaps? Or the Governor?”

“Nah, they won’t give you a straight answer. The Mayor was offline when the switch happened, so we’re left with that stinkin’ Governor. He is the last person you want to talk to.”

As they eat in peace, a shopping cart being pushed by a full suited Dragon Knight comes down the centerline and many people were crying with “Awwwww!” as it got close to the entrance of the pier amusement park making Bahamut stop in her tracks as she hears the cute small roars.

Walking through the crowd, she reaches the source of the sound and infront of her were four small True Dragons. They were all far too small to even claw their way out of the cart as the placard in front of it had “Kidd’s Dragon Care Center - Please Donate For Preservation” the Dragon Knight knew who she was at first glance and bows his head. “GODDESS!”

Bahamut totally ignores the player as he hears the four small Dragonlings having long small roars.

Lifting his head, he sees Bahamut hugging all four of them with her head inside the cart. “By Albions armor! You are all healthy and beautiful!” she’d then pick up the red one, hoisting it up high as it yawns. “Oh my… I’ll call Master, put them all inside his car.”

Miles away inside the first floor of 8-Gon, he was standing by Elizabeth’s side as a Vampire player wearing a snazzy suit and a Guest ID handed him a document. Taking it, his hands trembled. “Oh, what was that about?” He looks at the player and his eyes squinted. “I felt a disturbance in the force.” the Vampire just tilted his head as he clapped his hands together. “But General, you’ll allow us to interview her, right?”

Back in the pier, James had to pull Bahamut out of the cart as her arms were reaching out for the Dragons. “Goddess, I believe its best you go back to Lord Jackson. Light is dawning on us.” she then uses her brute force but to her surprise, the Hero was able to keep her from doing anything, deflating and slouching down as the Prince bowed to the Dragon Knight and took her to the road leading out.

As they walked out of the pier, the two were getting stares from all directions as people were naturally drawn to them. Though Bahamut didn’t really care, walking at her own pace while the Grand Prince was constantly greeting people in cosplay like they were his friends. Even complementing those trying to look like him as he flaunted his handsome looks to everyone.

“Goddess, if I may ask you something.”

“Hm? What is it?’

“What does it feel like? To be immortal?”

“Nothing. This is the rightful passage of a Dragon. For me, it just feels like that I’ve reached the end of my species. This is now where I must push the Droh’s soul and see if I may be able to surpass Albion’s light.”

“Droh?”

“It is Dragon, in my language.”

“Ah, I often forget English is not your first language.”

“I was forced to learn it though. It helps the Humans of Earth speak the same tongue as the Humans of Tur. Perdita is not an easy language to learn. Many consider it dead, already… though every Dragon should learn their native language, Wyvern, Wyrm or whatever.”

She then stops before a Bard player singing a tune by the last part of railing. With an amplifier and an electric guitar the man sang “Hey pretty baby with the high heels on.” Bahamut though just kept her arms to herself as she kept close to the Prince and had an eye out for every one of the Chosen Ones but was then buzzed by shaking on her phone.

The players clapped in amazement as the Prince stopped by the Bard. “You give me fever like I've never ever known, You're just a product of loveliness.” He then turned to Bahamut, on her phone and having an annoyed expression as the screen flickered with the Group chat still ongoing. Her triangular face was oozing with a soft melancholy of a sweet you haven’t eaten for a long time. “I like the groove of your walk, your talk, your dress.”

Pale in her complexion, yet she was strapping in her suit. Donning little makeup, she had all the allure a woman would need to snare any man. And the eyes, the golden sharp eyes that could grab a soul from far away and have it look to her, to witness the magnificence of a Dragon’s Human form. She seemed as if a stare from her could send knives straight into your heart. “I feel your fever from miles around, I'll pick you up in my car and we'll paint the town.”

Her lanky fingers, the sharp polished nails and her more boney structure as she stood like a perfect doll, made in the image of a God, the Prince just stared into her Abyss and smiled as she started typing on her smartphone. The strand of blackened hair falling to the screen, making her swing it back behind her ear as her eyebrows narrow to the picture being sent on the group chat. “Just kiss me, baby, and tell me twice, That you're the one for me.”

The Prince then reached for his pocket, flipping a gold coin as he walked to her. “Goddess, would you be interested in some ice cream again?” she nodded but kept on typing on her smartphone. “I want strawberry flavor this time.”

“The way you make me feel, the way you make me feel…”

He walked with a giddy stride as the Bard put more emotion into his singing after noticing the blonde kid's face when looking at Bahamut. Seeing the two, he winked at the Prince who then threw the coin right into the guitar case that had a handful of gems and paper currency piled into it. He gives a thumbs up to the incredibly tall and handsome man as he went to the ice cream man and bought a Vanilla and Strawberry ice cream.

“You really turn me on, you really turn me on.”

As he turned around to walk back to Bahamut. The girls on the streets were all busted by his broad shoulders, with a collarbone that’s pumped with muscles and a chin so flat and sharp that no Human could match his chisel.

The Prince though sees her no longer on her phone. Her arms wrapped around herself as she seemed so vulnerable at the moment. He does not see an all encompassing God, but a woman. An odd woman with a strange personality but the looks of an Angel that he couldn’t look away from.

Bahamut just stood there with the black leather coat of Eldwood draped over her office lady shirt and pencil skirt. Her shiny high heels sparkling at the foreign sun slowly escaping into the horizon. He wanted to step forward, but he couldn’t. The Prince just admired her from afar as she checked her phone for the time.

“You knock me off of my feet, you knock me off of my feet.”

The Bard quickly whistled at him which made him approach her, the Dragon smiles at the food she is about to attain. The Prince, rather than handing it to her fully, backs off at the final moment. “Oy! Give-!” as she tries to snatch it from her, the Hero was surprisingly fast even for Bahamut. Her eyes wide as she stared at the blue eyes of the Prince. “Why you Trov! Do not play with a Dragon’s hunger! Hand over the food!”

“My lonely days are gone, my lonely days are gone.”

He then twirled around as he kept the ice cream at a high place. Being a bit taller than Bahamut who was already far above the average height of a supermodel. The Hero had a biggest smile on his face as she led him around, the Dragon constantly trying to grab her ice cream from him.

“HAND IT OVER! DO YOU WANT TO BE BURNED?!” as he laughs, the Dragon saw an opening and finally snatched it from his hands. “YES! ICE CREAM!” She then started to lick it profusely. The cold is not affecting her at all. “Goddess, you truly have an impressive stomach.”

“Master always complains about it. But he never once rejects my demands for meat. I actually find it cute how he tries to say no, but in the end, he always accepts me.”

“I think Lord Jackson just truly wants you to be happy. You should try to be more respectful with him, as I know it can be demanding. I have been traveling with King Augustus who is with the Sword Saint and I understand his plight a bit more now.”

“Eh. Master tries his best, but he is still Human. Male Dragons also tend to eat less than Females like me. Males usually just stand at guard but Females like me expend more energy as when the day comes and I give birth to offspring, it will be up to the Male to take care of the Female with his preserved strength.”

“Have you ever thought of getting an offspring?”

“Of course! I think Master’s genes are perfect! But he has always said something about his duties on Earth.” This made the Prince tilt his head. “Eh? I believe he is still apprehensive.” He breathes in as he takes a bite off his vanilla ice cream. “People of Earth are usually cautious about birthing children. Miss Death had told me about how much of a burden they are.”

“What?!” She then proceeds to look up and to the Prince. “Just what is wrong with that woman? Does she know how important an offspring is? How do you expect for your lineage to be carried? I swear, if Master allows me one day. I’ll definitely burn her. Ehehehehe…” The Evil grin and laugh made the Prince lift an eyebrow but ultimately, he just shrugged his head.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

As she was busy licking her ice cream, something popped in her mind which made her open her smartphone without care and start typing.

image [https://imgur.com/a/NEktsxo]" Master!

What do you think of kids?

We aren't having this discussion again.

And I'm busy iwth paperwork.

Chat me later.

....grrrrr

Alright, geez. I don't mind having kids.

My grandma and pa wants like 5 nephews

so I have alot of work to do.

Uhhhh why did you leave me on seen?

Haaaaah... just tell the Prince to escort you back to 8-Gon. Love you.

Will do. Love you too Master!"image [https://imgur.com/a/EU9j2HQ]image [

TESTING

The Dragon had the biggest smile on her face as she read it. Before he could get a grasp at what it was, Bahamut shoves it up the Hero’s face. “Heh. Looks like wherever Master came from, they want to have offsprings! This reminds me, I want a litter of twenty Dragonlings.” He then smiles as he properly looks at the chat out of curiosity.

To his surprise, Bahamut has moved her attention to the group chat. Lord Jackson’s profile picture is that of a Death Knight while Lady Minuit had a Wine glass. Though what caught his attention was the Lady named Q. Elizabeth. Her profile picture, that of a Red Rose. “Heh-heh-heh. Master is far too honest for himself at times. What do you think, Goldie?” He then presents to him their group chat which was alive and well.

Taking it, the man held it as if it was the most fragile thing he had ever touched. Cradling it and scrolling extremely slowly.

“I think Lord Jackson has his heart in the right place. You don’t need to push him. We Humans also naturally want children. I believe it's just due to you being a Dragon. He might be afraid of what it would be like.”

“Eh? So what. It's the duty of any creature of any species to procreate. Though the Vampires are the odd ones out as they do this by drinking the blood of others… wait… the Vampires of this world don’t need to do that.”

She then steals her smartphone back and starts typing on the group chat. Which had already exploded with Alana and Elizabeth both ruthlessly teasing Jackson who had completely muted his phone. None of their messages were seen by him at all. “Gah! Master has turned his phone off!”

“Goddess, I believe it's time for me to escort you to the bus stop.”

“Oh! What time is it?! Master did say I have to go back.” The Prince then turned to the Pier. His eyes were able to see so far ahead that even the small exterior clock on the side of a restaurant at the edge, a good kilometer or two away he could read perfectly well. “It’s already about to be four. It’s best if we start the trek to the main road.” she nods, gesturing for him to shoo away.

As he walked, Bahamut kept close to his shoulder. His muscles easily dwarf a good portion of the Dragon’s more thin arms. She kept typing down on the smartphone’s screen, not even looking forward as she demolished the cone of her ice cream. “It’s sad that all good things must meet their end.”

“Is that so?”

“Hm. Underneath the shine of Solus. Your beauty breaks the spell of my- Nevermind.”

“What? Just say it. I may not be looking, but my ears are more than capable of listening.”

“No. It's nothing. I just thought that Lord Jackson is one very lucky man.”

“Hah. Master is the farthest from lucky. That Human is a magnet for trouble.”

“But, he has you, doesn’t he?” This made her stop typing and looked up to meet the eyes of the Hero. “And? Master has had me for a long time. But that doesn’t stop problems from gravitating towards him.”

“It’s just that… I often hope I will meet a woman capable of being with me and the problems I face.” This made Bahamut completely drop what she was doing, returning her phone to skirts pocket. “I was gifted since birth, given everything a man could wish for. Looks, power, strength, wisdom, and greatness. My genes are perfect. Absolutely perfect. Without a doubt.”

“Pfft. And?”

“And yet… Every woman I was given to marry. I often feel if I do accept their families’ offer. I’d be subjecting her to a life not many may be able to live.” This made Bahamut shrug her head. “Hah, you also have the same disease my Master has.” This then made the Prince look down and right at her golden eyes.

“What is that then, Goddess?”

“You both suffer from the disease that is Human Empathy and its sub illness of overthinking.”

“I refuse to believe my problem could stem from something so… mundane.”

“It definitely is.” as the two started to climb the stairs back to the main road above, players had stopped noticing them. Instead just walking past the two with their hands in their pockets or minding their own business. Completely ignoring them. “Don’t you think with your gifts, you will have lots of time to look for the perfect mate? Your problems also seem to be pretty Human. As normal as it could get for your kind.”

“I do not know. Heroes often still live a normal Human lifespan. I am no different. I will wither one day, lose all of this beauty and strength that I possess now and become frail and wrinkled. All that’s left is the genes that I will pass on.”

“Be happy that it will happen. The Bloodsucker Elizabeth often carries with her a regret that she is to live on for an eternity, to carry the burdens she had done long ago without a way to find a proper and honorable death.”

“I see… hmph.” This made the Prince think a bit. Rubbing his chiseled chin as they reach a bus stop. “What a beautiful story.”

“Hm?”

“Nothing. Though Goddess, what do you foresee for my future?”

“If you want me to give you wisdom. The best I can do is a good luck.”

“That is more than enough! A Goddess's luck is better than nothing!”

“And to find a mate... Well, that is up to Humanity. You can convene with the God of Man in this world, maybe he can create a Female that is suited for you.” This made him tilt his head and shrug. Though he kept a wide grin to his face as the bus stop started to fill with people. “I truly do not understand, Dragons… or Women… or maybe both?”

“Probably both. In this form, I also feel the usual emotions of a Human. It's hard to decipher but I can relate more to Master with this.”

“How does it feel? To walk on two legs?”

“Not that bad actually. The Human anatomy is very interesting. Efficient but also deadly, I can’t help but admire the form of Man now. After seeing the things Master has done with a body like this and mimicking it. It can be addictive.”

“Really? Is it something with our adrenaline?”

“I think so. It must be doing something to my brain. It might be an answer as to why we Dragons are so open to changing our forms to this.”

Soon a red bus arrives and its suspension depresses and its two doors open on the left side. Hopping in, the two got a seat near the driver. “Ah, I don’t have currency on me!” The Prince just pats her shoulder as he pays for their fare and as soon as everybody gets on the cold interior of the vehicle, it starts driving away slowly.

Playing on the TV at the front center of the bus was the news. It was the afternoon weather broadcast as the foreign Sun was sinking in the horizon. The airport's Air Traffic Control tower stuck out like a sore thumb in the horizon, covering a huge portion of it as the bus swerved to the left after driving down the length of the upper beachside road and entered the rustic Downtown.

The players inside the bus were all mostly already on the verge of dozing off. Many of them wear suits and casual outfits ranging from crop tops with skirts to full blown office lady attires and the men in their long sleeve shirts and slacks.

With only the sound of the diesel engine and the hopping of the suspension alongside the occasional rattle of the windows behind them as the bus hits some bumps on the road. The silence had an eerie calm to it. Those awake were mostly just gazing off the window in bodies they are not familiar with. In forms that are slowly shifting and changing their personalities.

His eyes then open wide as he looks to his right and sees Bahamut’s head laying on the side of his shoulder. With her arms crossed, the Dragon was completely asleep. With her body so close to his. The Grand Prince of James couldn’t help but notice how small and frail the Dragon’s Human body was.

Suddenly, a large bump on the road made the front suspension dampen. This made him hold the side of her head as the bus jumped a bit. The driver just annoyingly groans as he enters another block.

Though with his left hand on the side of her head, he could feel her hair. It was smooth, amazingly smooth and soft and its fragrance was invading his nose. The lady in front of him could notice on the reflection of the window his beet red face. Removing most of the effects of his manly allure, changing it into a more cute boyish romance.

She turns her head to look at him and he completely panics. Lifting his right hand to cover barely covers his blush as even his hands and the tip of his ears was engulfed by the fiery color. The player just giggled and laughed and returned to gazing at the lively city.

“Phew. Goddess, is it a good idea to be sleeping in such a place?” the Dragon didn’t respond, just completely dozed off at the tranquil ride to another part of the city. The bus exited Downtown, turning left and crossed a steel bridge to Central. “And that’s the weather for tonight. Miss Lady Greene, it's up to you now for the late afternoon news.” The voice then switches to that of a lively lady. “Thanks Ex-Ex-Chucky! Now for the late afternoon news. As General Jackson has arrived in the city which forced the Police and City Works to close off certain routes, traffic has still not stabilized in some areas to expect delays in your commute home.”

“I wish this bus ride would never end.”

“Tonight at six, a special interview will be on EternalTV about an ancient Vampire from this world…” As it turns to the right where in the horizon, the UN buildings’ white color shone through the afternoon light and soon, the bus arrives in the auxiliary gate of the 8-Gon. “Goddess, Goddess. Please wake up.” she begrudgingly stretched her arms and stood up. The Grand Prince led her out of the bus. Looking around, he immediately spots where Jackson was. Standing in front of the massive concrete pillars that hold up the armored roof of the building. Keys dangling in hand as he trollied a big elegant crate.

Two Vampires flanked him, seemingly having a lively chat with one another as he laughed and giggled. “C’mon now, Goddess. Your Master waits for you.” James then lets go of Bahamut. Letting her reach Jackson, tired and sleepy. “Eh? Sir Sigured, why is Bahamut already sleepy?”

“Sir Sigured?”

“I mean James. Sorry, I’m still in professional mode. TV people are uhhh… here.”

“Ahahaha, I worry not. But I believe it's due to your adventures, Lord Jackson, that I much prefer you treat me as a subordinate.”

“Is that so? Awwww…” He smiles, patting the Prince on the shoulder as the sleepy Dragon walks over to him. All droopy still and out of it. “Bahamut, come on. I need you awake. Big news is coming and you’ll need to help me with Elizabeth being gone for the night.”

“Hmmmmm… Master… I want beef.”

“I’ll get you beef tonight. Just come with me for now.”

She nodded and Jackson looked to the Grand Prince, reaching out his hands and the two briefly exchanged a shake. “Thank you for looking out for her. She didn’t steal anything shiny, right?” James smiled and shrugged. “Ate anything? House cats? Chased any weird creatures? Cleansed Demons out of the blue? Attacked lizard players?” He once again shrugged his head and the General breathed a sigh of relief. “Impressive, James. You might be one of the only people I know Bahamut actually respects to a big extent.”

Hearing this made the Prince’s eyes open wide. He then bowed like a nobleman and turned around and started to walk back to the bus stop. “Good day! I hope you the best, James! Go get ‘em!” Jackson proceeded to turn around himself and started to walk towards the sliding doors of the massive structure. Unbeknownst to him, as Elizabeth was looking at the Prince. The reflection of the bus stop's glass walls shows him with a big wide satisfied smile as they left his vision.

Inside the 8-Gon, upon entry. They were met with a gigantic atrium with a huge reception desk that’s crewed by eight ladies. Above them was the seal of the Men of the Woods Department of Defense and the smaller seals around it showing the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Below it, a large bold text “West Wing Lobby”.

With signs on it showing the North has the Army and Marines, the Wing their currently on, housing Logistics, Manufacturing, and Engineering and the South having Navy and Coast Guard and Naval Shipbuilding departments respectively.

Alana then takes Bahamut by the hand as Elizabeth takes the big luggage off of Jackson and they rush to the comfort room.

Left all alone with a nearly empty lobby, he taps his shoes on the marble titles, showing the logo of the Men of the Woods as he puts his hands up to the sides of his stomach, occasionally looking at his watch as the light begins to dim and the chandelier on the Western lobby lights up. There weren’t many players at all, most of those he encountered were bringing carts full of paperwork to offices.

Pocketing the car keys, he soon hears the clacks of heeled shoes and turning to the comfort room, Elizabeth was once again in her royal crimson gown. All ten fingers, neck, arms, and waist full of jewelry as she held a circlet that had the same charm as her Queenly crown on her head. Jackson though just had his jaws open as Elizabeth closed it for him. “My Lord, your heart might jump out.”

“O-Oh, sorry. C’mon then. Wow wow wow.” The three girls looked at each other and just laughed as he brought them to one of the hallways meant for guests and meetings and with one of the doors there, soldiers in dress uniform were standing in attention as crates and boxes meant for cameras and studio apparatus were left on the floor and cables running out of the slightly opened two large doors.

Jackson was the first to walk in, the two soldiers performing a rifle salute as he was met with a room full of Vampire players on their phones and some, checking the cameras and the lines. “Ahem, Duchess Carmilla of Rose has arrived.” He steps aside and the Queen reveals herself all dolled up and sparkling with royalty. With a curtsy bow, everyone became silent.

Upon seeing her, they all instinctively walked to the sides and corners of the room, giving her all the space she needed as the interviewee, that of a silver haired vampire woman in a tacky gray suit and a gold necklace with sapphires on it standing in the spotlight and the chair. “Duchess, I am pleased to meet you again. The first five minutes of our program will be aired live on TV while the rest will be recorded for a special episode of Wallachia Broadcasting Channel on Ten, a show where we interview Vampires and other related species as per agreement a few hours ago.”

Queen Elizabeth though stops before the light, looking at her surroundings first, hands together in front of her waist. She smiles, greeting the staff who all bowed to her as she looks at the player who will be interviewing her. “Where is your gentleman? A court with a Royal requires a Lady and Gentleman, present.” This made the player start sweating as Jackson steps in. “Duchess, if you may excuse me, But we are running on time.” looking from the General and to the player, she walked into the light and elegantly sat down on the large chair as Alana did some last checks on her make up and gown and the interviewee sat ready with a notepad on hand.

With the camera ready and the main station’s program playing on a flatscreen TV on the corner with multiple other players exchanging talks with the studio, the director who has mostly stayed on the corner listening in on the studio flicks his finger and everyone gets into position.

With a finger count from five to one, the Live sign turns on and the interview starts on the roll. “Good Afternoon, Woodstock. It is I, Lady Jeanne of Non Human Channel Night Of Wallachia News. Today, in our special exclusive interview with a Native Vampire from this planet, whose looks made her immediately famous in social media, pushing us to make this interview happen as quickly as we could, I present to you, Duchess Carmilla of Rose.” The camera then pans towards her as she stood up and performed a curtsy and bow.

She looked as dashing as ever in her gown on the TV where Jackson and Bahamut were looking whilst Alana was standing next to the silent Director who was leaning forward from his chair. “Hello, I am Duchess Carmilla of House Bartley. I hail from the Kingdom of Rose Cramoisie within the continent of Schon. I’ve come today to parley with the people of the other world, on behalf of my place in the House of Crowns, and to the House of the Lords and Families, I hope my time with you will be productive and my answers sufficiently to quell your queries. Thank you.”

It then zooms out, showing both of them standing opposed at one another, the colorful carpet below revealing the olden days of the Men of the Woods, when they were still riding horses and donning Knight armors with guns and lances.

“Lady Carmilla, first of all, I’d like to compliment the way you have dressed. I apologize for my clothing and presentation.”

“It is not of worry, you are donning the cultural outfit of your people, I find no shame if you wish to represent the Outworlders in this attire and I thank you for the compliment. We, of Rose put fashion, presentation, and beauty above all sense.”

“And it truly shows. So far, in your time here with us from Earth, what have you liked about us?” She leans forward a bit, pencil in hand, ready to write down on her notepad. “Its of your ability to be so open. I am aghast at the either lack of self preservation or absolute curiosity that the people of Earth put forward, even if it's against, what are their ecological predators.”

“I see, and what have you disliked so far then?” as she wrote some stuff down on her notepad, the Queen just as previously before, answered instantly. “It’s your lack of foresight. I find this the greatest detriment of your kind. Your reliance on technology has seemingly dulled your ability to look further into the future, looking for short term victories than long term ones.”

With a nod, Lady Jeanne then repositions herself, back straight and legs together. “Going… from what we know of Vampire history in this world and the ages of its people. May I ask if you were alive at the time of the so-called Bloody Queen?” The slight silence in the room seemed to have lasted for a minute even though not a second had passed as she replied. “I was.”

“Amazing. Knowing then that you were alive by such a time, living with what was the most powerful female to exist in this world, were the many rumors of her unfounded? Or does it hold ground?” Elizabeth didn’t flinch, nor did her body stance change. With her face always showing an air of absolute unshaking confidence in her beauty and presence. “In my humble and shortening memory of an era long gone, there is always some truth in every rumor, but in every rumor, there is also lies. I cannot make a full statement on her, but those who read, and are aware will know what is true and not.”

With this, Jeanne quickly shifts the conversation, her body now resting more relaxed as she makes a short sigh. “In terms of economy, what have you thought so far of our paper currency? From someone who has lived longer than most of the Empires on Earth, do you think our modern economic methods are effective and will last long? Would you believe your Kingdoms would follow suit after seeing our methods?”

“Paper money do hold weight, but in my humbling opinion, it won't pass anything to the point that we would be endowed with it. Kingdoms have already been using it but in ways that’s lacking compared to ours. Promissory notes and Negotiable Instruments, I see could pave the way to paper money.” The Queen didn’t stop nor even slow down to catch breath, though her voice was slow and calm, it was also deliberate and forward.

“Yet again, Gold, Wheat, and Enchanted Metals hold far too much fealty to each of a Kingdom's economy that it is simply not worth the change. Though, in the event that things may be inflated, I could see paper money taking the supplement for the banking guilds and loaning associations. But yet, I am yet to see such a system would be needed in the foreseeable future.” Jackson though had mostly taken to the sidelines, sitting in the empty leather chair meant for visiting officials. “Though the Elves I believe have tried something of this sort, local economies did not accept the value of paper, compared to the weight of true gold which is a divine material to the Elves.”

“And with the current state of the world, do you think that the convening of Heroes here, in our city of Woodstock might mean that the End of the World might begin?”

“First, if I may speak in a more modern tongue. The world shant end. It will not. It has ever had, and never will. Second, to us, this is a mere passing calamity that occurs every now and then. We Vampires have never been targeted due to our close relationship with the Cosmic Gods, our existence is a defiance to the mortality given to all of the Free Species of Threa.” The Queen started to become more animated as she kept her chin up, the camera now zooming in more to her. “And yet even with this, we participate with the global economy, partaking in trade and union with the Elves and some of the Human Kingdoms even with their close ties to the Holy See so some may ask if we have a duty to defend this planet and I will say this. As someone who is as old as the Kingdom.”

Her head then slowly turns to the camera, locking eyes with the millions of players who were clocking out at work and stopped by the exit door, or those riding the bus home or those inside cafes and restaurants enjoying a good day's work. “The Vampires have always worked on the diplomatic position that Defense is above Offense. Even with our magical comprehension and unimaginable strength, we find ourselves having only one neighbor, the Kingdom of Vitas while the rest is nothing but a vast woodland filled with Rogue Tribes and the failed species of the first Demon King. We will not act unless attacked, and that will always be our position due to the circumstance we find ourselves in.”

Jackson couldn’t help but be awakened by her energy, the way she said it had such a weight to it that the order of magnitude is far more than when he was meeting with the leaders of the Alliance back on Earth as his smartphone rings.

He quickly walked out of the room to the curiosity of Alana and Bahamut as the interview continued for the next hour and a half.

After the long session was over, Jackson had fallen asleep on the desk and was only awakened by Bahamut. “W-Woah! Ah, it’s finished!” He quickly stood up and went to his phone, sending a message to someone. “Alright, well let’s help them finish up and I’ll take you guys to meet someone very special.” Tilting their heads in unison, they did as they were ordered and helped in packing things, though the Queen mostly just stood around looking pretty.

As another hour passed, the Wallachia Channel team departed from 8-Gon and the General led them back to the lobby and went behind the large pillar that displayed it and clicked on the elevator which immediately opened. Pulling out his ID card, he proceeded to select the subterranean section and went for the 5th floor out of 15.

“Alright girls. Listen to me. We’re about to meet one of the Gods of the Guild.”

“Eh? My Lord-”

“Wait, let me finish Elizabeth. This is Senator Antonio Giovanni. He is Majority Leader and is above the head of the Department of Defense. So don’t mention about my little coup and headbutt with Maltese from their Guild. Don’t mention ANYTHING about my adventures and oopsies I have done in the year and a half that I’ve been here and traveling with you…” The three women could clearly see the sweat building up slowly on Jackson’s nape as the elevator entered the fourth floor.

“Don’t mention any names, or my meeting with any heads of state. Better yet, don’t speak at all till spoken to. The Secretary of State might also present and these people are way above all of us with the power they hold in the Guild nation." The door swings open and he leads them to a dank hallway where the armored walls had a gray color to him.

To their left, by a giant thick glass window was an Ancient Summoning Circle. “Bahamut, we have access to that. It should be the same type the Dragons of Tur used so feel free to summon anything you need.”

Turning a sharp right suddenly. Jackson presents his keycard to a reader and it opens. Leading them to another hallway that’s labeled “Chambers A1 - C1” and walking past the empty rooms with one armored door leading to them and a window did they reach the C section where more humongous sized rooms were placed.

In one of the doors were two Elite soldiers. Darbed in Mana Gem powered exoskeleton Knightly power armors, they looked extremely out of place in their advanced outfits even though it's just composite plate armor with integration of modern HuD and composite armor technology.

Jackson swallowed his saliva as the soldier pressed the open button and turned left. Elizabeth’s eyes open wide.

With his back behind them, a lone player with glistening white hair and long sharp Elven ears in a black suit stood before twelve tombs.

“So you’ve arrived, General. Is the Queen there?”

“Yes sir. Elizabeth is here.”

“Good. Queen Elizabeth. As an apology for what our Supreme General has done. We are giving you back what you rightfully own. Wonderfully done with the five minute segment by the way.” As Elizabeth stepped forward, Jackson raised his arm and stopped her from advancing anymore. “In the horizon, the Dark Horse rises, General. The trumpets will soon blow and all the walls man ever made will fall before the Beasts and the Pale Horse shall follow and with it, the Demon armies you fought so hard in Zavalda will be unleashed in full.” The Senator didn’t even budge as he kept himself staring in between the tombs before him.

With a great and heavy sigh, he puts his hands into his pockets. Lightly looking up to the empty ceiling of the chamber. There was nothing in it but the coffins. The walls had no bright paintings or colors. Just a dull gray and a pair of CCTV cameras on the edge of the box he found himself in. Trapped with two Vampires and a Dragon.

“General Jackson. Have you seen the city?”

“Yes sir.”

“How was it?”

“It looks… pretty good for what it is?”

“Pfft. If only. General, war is a cancer that eats up a nation. The decay and weakening of infrastructure is becoming more evident as days pass as everything is sent to a war far far away. As of right now, we are hanging by the threads. Even with the help of over fifty Guilds. Breznick and Libertus included. We can only muster a force of seven hundred thousand skeletons yet we're pushing a million by this very moment.”

He then slowly lowers his head. Staring at the shadow casted by the lone spotlight that’s on him and the tombs. “The Armies of Vitas uses an army of Dark Orcs and Goblins. They are disgusting, malformed, crippled looking troglodytes but they're worth their while seeing how organized their equipment is.” He then pauses, removing his hands from his pockets and proceeds to put it behind his back.

“What miniscule amount of border clashes with these... types have been unsavory for frontline troops. They don't face us head to head but instead use guerilla tactics while worthlessly throwing themselves into guaranted successful suicide attacks. They know how to defeat us Jackson. They know meeting us in a massive battlefield will surely spell their defeat. So they adapted and it's working even with our airpower." his fingers would then interlace as he sighs.

“I can only thank the King of the Dead for inventing High Level Necromancy Magic. The skeleton army we’ve formed has been nothing but a Godsend clutch to our plight. But players on the other hand, they need food, have morale, have to sleep, and rest. I can understand the King of Vitas a bit for fielding such vile soldiers.”

"Is that why the frontlines haven't moved into Vitas proper, sir?"

"That and those Black Towers. Firing off impressive lasers at anything that tries to reach the inner burnt soil of that Hellhole. They won, they stopped us from reaching the heart of Vitas and spawn camping there attempts to start the Calamity." He then turns his head to the side and with a squinted eye, looks at the odd party of people. “Doesn’t help that the Cosmic Demonic forces that’s backing them are also backing third parties against us. This is just between all of us but we know they have spies inside almost all of the major Guilds.”

This made the General sigh. “The Internal Bureau is sounding off on that fact, but we don’t know who or how, is this active or passive? So in light of your request and upon the legislative body, we have… in a form of an apology for the actions of General Maltese to return to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth her assassins.”

The Senator then proceeds to the fourth tomb. His hand touched its porcelain cover. His hand wiping the dust and revealing the image of thirty robed people riding black horses. “Vitas has gathered an army of over a million Goblins and Orcs.” Jackson’s eyes open wide while Elizabeth has a happy smirk on her face. “With them, the last remaining Giants, Dark Elves, and the Druisvikings. General, even with our current speed, we cannot catch up with Vitas. These lowlives; what they have for an army aren’t the ones you are so used to. With dark and gray and in full plate.”

“Sir, we have guns, tanks, fighter jets and bombers.”

“We do… we do and they have the means to go against it, Jackson. We made a mistake by jumping the gun. Do you know why they corrupted the robots in those blasted childish Kingdoms whose favorite pastime other than slaughtering one another is watching robots fight?”

“I… I do not know sir.”

“It is to read and learn about our technology. That was why he was there. To witness our strength and what we are capable of. Don’t you think it's odd a month into our campaign into Schon, they properly used guerilla tactics against us? Slowing us down to a mere kilometer a day in advance, dropping these explosive gems into our tanks? Melting through Trialloy armor and sneaking behind our lines?”

“Sir, even then. We have the force multiplier. Rostock alone has enough artillery to level the entire surface of Threa four times over.”

“And to do that, we need hundreds to thousands of trucks running by the hour, every night and every day. One thorn and expect delays for hours. Guns slowing down for the next ten hours if new trucks don’t replace the ones destroyed. They’ve been doing the same in Schon, Jackson. To even surround entire units after cutting off access to supplies.”

“Sir… what are you trying to say?”

“What I am saying is to not look down on them. Maltese did what he had to do as he knows we cannot delay them. The Gods want us to take the brunt of this stupid cosmic war of theirs that has this planet as its proxy, and well… we can muster everything we can and only so far can we go.”

Jackson though has his hands clenched as his eyes steeled, looking at the back of the Majority Leader. “Don’t worry sir. I’ve succeeded against them before, I will surely succeed again.”

“Heh. I actually sponsored your promotion, General. I do hope you make use of what is available to you now.” The Senator then walks behind the tomb inside the dreary chamber, where only spotlights from above lit up their dusty golden exteriors. His face, shrouded by the shadows as he goes behind them, his back still facing the party.

“It's amazing, really. Here we are, feeling hopeless, powerless, and depraved. But the Natives are sure of their victory yet we have weapons that they could only imagine right at the tip of our fingers. Bahamut alone here can wipe out half the planet if she desires.”

“Oy Human. You are proving Master and why he kept me away from your ha-” Jackson then raised his hand, silencing the Dragon. “You are correct. But we are also aware of your current limitations, Bahamut. Though if I may ask. Does the necklace of the True God exist?”

This made Jackson tilt his head. “Senator, that’s a rumor. There’s no magical device that can control the Twelve Pillars.”

“It did exist.” Bahamut’s voice made Jacksons jaw drop. “Albion dropped it into the furnaces of our Kingdom and turned it into his sword pommel.” He sighs as the Senator had a small giggle. “Of course. Well, I’ll take my leave. General Jackson, do your thing. Queen Elizabeth, I hope you accept our apology.”

“I take it with graciousness, Senator Giovanni. The return of at least one of my Knives is already a miracle. But twelve? I presume you found them in my tomb?”

“Yes, by the same expeditionary force that dug you up in Meridia. Pretty impressive, the tombs they built for you. It rivals anything the living has.” He then bowed to the royalty and to Alan as the Queen and Countess returned the gesture. Looking up, with a pale and empty expressionless face, the Majority Leader showed no emotion as he walked past them and that it gave Jackson a cold air.

He then leaves the chamber. Leaving the party there as Elizabeth walked to the first tomb. He then proceeds to dig her nails into her hand, making it bleed as she starts to smear the covers with it.

One by one, the panels dropped and floating out were amazingly beautiful women. Bare naked, their pale skin was exposed to the empty halls as they plop down on the cold hard floor. Licking the blood of Elizabeth as if it was the waters of life itself.