Maxine kept glancing up at the sky as she waited just outside of the spaceport. She was making a show of being impatient to meet the hero, Vellus Callaran. She still couldn't believe that someone like him had actually appeared. He had literately survived fighting against hundreds of by himself for quite some time before reinforcements were gathered to aide him.

After a thorough investigation, grandma Victoria only gave him more praise. At least, this gives me something besides politics to concentrate my energy on. Thankfully, those pricks in the UN are too occupied with going over the contents of the next Alliance meeting to be much of a bother. I wonder if I should've told them there was only one relevant item for Earth to be worried about and that's the low supply of chocolate. I can easily use that as an excuse to acquire more advanced farming techniques and technologies for Earth at a significantly reduced price and I'm fairly certain that the UN members will agree with me on that course of action.

"There's no need to be nervous, Maxine," grandma Victoria said as she patted Maxine on the shoulder and when Maxine gave her a confused look, she added while gesturing towards Maxine's hair, "You only braid your hair when you're nervous or about to go into a fight." Oh, I didn't realize I did that, but she's right. I am nervous, but not for a the reason she thinks. I'm worried that grandma won't believe my act when that guy shows up. Why did those two decide to join me to greet him?

"I believe you're right, mother," Hellen said, "But you shouldn't get too excited, Maxine. He may fulfill your preferences, but your personalities may not be compatible." At those words, a few of the young men nearby relaxed somewhat. Really? Do these young masters have anything better to do other than stalk me? Well, now that I think about it, they probably don't.

"I know, mom," Maxine replied and finally spotted a large transport ship descending towards the spaceport, "At least, I won't have to wait to see him for much longer. His ship seems to be descending now." As the massive craft descended, she realized that she was unconsciously gripping her braid with both hands. Well, I seem to be more nervous than I realize. It would be best if I kept our conversation as short as possible.

After the ship landed, Maxine patiently waited fifteen minutes before she finally spotted him. It wasn't that hard considering he was six foot four inches tall. His brown hair only covered the right half of his head and the other side was a mess of scar tissue. The scarring was so bad that his ear was simply gone. As for his face, he wore an eyepatch over his left eye as well. Finally, she noticed how uneven his gait was. It was, no doubt, due to the fact that he had a cheap prosthetic leg.

Unfortunately, in the next moment, she heard several of the young masters make insulting comments.

"Hah! And here I was worried. He's just a cripple," one of them said mockingly.

"Yeah, and ugly as hell. There is no way she'll favor him over us," another said.

The rest of the comments got much worse after that and it infuriated Maxine. Those motherless assholes. Heroes should be adored and rewarded. They should not be subjected to this kind of bullshit.

Maxine gave them all an angry glare laced with dragon fear before walking towards Vellus Callaran and flashed him a smile as she greeted him, "Welcome to Earth, hero of Ankara."

"I'm no hero. I just did what others should've done," Vellus Callaran replied in a humble tone.

"And that's what makes you a hero," Maxine replied with a small smile, "You saved a great many lives at great risk to your own."

"I just wish being a hero paid better," Vellus Callaran said jokingly, "My clan could've use the income." Yes, grandma mentioned that his clan was rather poor and that his mercenary work is their primary source of income.

"Well, you don't have to worry about paying for anything here," Maxine said, "I'll be taking care of your expenses and that of your clan. Here, take this. It's a gift." She held out a dimensional pouch with enough currency in it to fully supply his family with enough food and resources to last for a year, but that wasn't the only thing she left in it. There was also a limb and eye regeneration potions within it as well as nutritional potions to provide the necessary nutrients to nourish him while he regenerates.

"I can't accept this," Vellus Callaran said firmly as he tried to hand it back to her, but she wouldn't let him, "This is more money than can I make in two years."

"Just take it," Maxine said, "You're family needs it and you need the potions for yourself."

"Thank you," Vellus Callaran said with a bow of his head, "I won't forget this."

"Just return the favor by being yourself," Maxine replied, "It would mean more to me than you might realize."

"I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I'll try anyways," Vellus Callaran replied uncertainly.

"Good," Maxine said and glanced at her shadow to gauge the time, "Sadly, I've got a few other things to do today today and I can't stand here to chat anymore. Go to the Ice and Fire guild headquarters if you need help finding a place to stay. The leaders of that guild are old friends of mine."

"Thank you again," Vellus Callaran said.

"Think nothing of it," Maxine said, "I'll try to talk to you some more later on today." She created an arch and turned to leave. However as she turned around, she saw both Hellen and grandma Victoria had big smiles on their faces. Well, it seems my act held up to scrutiny. Although, their smiles seem to be a bit too big.

"Until later," Vellus Callaran said with a warm look in his remaining eye just before Maxine walked through the arch.

As soon as the three of them finished walking through the portal, Hellen asked directly, "You like him, don't you?"

"I haven't known him long enough to figure out how I feel about him," Maxine answered honestly.

"You feel something for him," grandma Victoria boldly stated with a huge smile plastered on her face, "You wouldn't have waited so long or treated him so courteously otherwise. And that's not even including the gift that you gave him. Although, I'm curious why you said you had other things to do. As far as I know, you have to go to that clinic for a few hours to spend time with Emily. You could've spared another hour to entertain him." I left because I was getting stressed due to the fact that I was afraid that my act would be seen through. But I can't actually say that now, can I?

"Mother, that's enough," Hellen said firmly, "Just look at Maxine. Can't you see that whole experience was very stressful for her?" Or that I'm still a little androphobic?

Grandma Victoria quickly gave Maxine a closer look and immediately apologized, "I'm sorry, Maxine. I didn't realize." Without any warning, Maxine was hugged by grandma Victoria.

"It's alright, grandma," Maxine said, "I know that you're just super excited to see me interested in a man."

"Yes, I believe that's an apt description," Hellen agreed.

"Perhaps, both of you are right," grandma Victoria said, "But can you blame me? I was fully prepared to die of old age before Maxine found someone that fit her criteria and out of nowhere, this young man shows up that fulfills it perfectly."

"That just gives him a chance, grandma," Maxine reminded her.

"Indeed, and you know how unforgiving Maxine can be when it comes to others making mistakes," Hellen said and she made a point of glaring at Maxine as she continued, "Even when they were under the influence of an outside source."

"Mom, he could've controlled himself if he wanted to," Maxine retorted, "Hell, he should've realized that he was under the influence of those damn parasites."

"Could one of you tell me what this is about?" Grandma Victoria asked.

"Oh, a young man that Maxine seemed to like stole a kiss from her while being under the influence of some nasty brain parasites," Hellen replied, "He completely lost her trust after that stunt." As soon as Hellen finished speaking, Maxine could see the fury in grandma Victoria's eyes. Damn it, mom. You shouldn't have mentioned that in front of grandma.

"And what is that young man's name?" grandma Victoria asked with a tone that was calm, yet fury danced in her eyes.

"I'm not telling you," Hellen answered, "Maxine has already punished him for his poor choice of actions and that will be the end of it. I don't want another poor soul to suffer your cruel verbal assaults."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Very well," grandma Victoria said calmly, but Maxine knew her grandmother better than that. If she ever found out it was Jason Markham, she wouldn't spare him. I know grandma is just being ultra-protective of me, but she doesn't have to be. I can defend myself against most threats.

Thankfully, Lucas chose that moment to hug tackle grandma Victoria's leg and asked, "Play?"

"Of course, I'll play with you," grandma Victoria said happily, "What game shall we play today?"

"Spar," Lucas said happily. I wish he would use full sentences more often. He's been using single words to convey what he wants whenever possible.

"Then let's get to the training room," grandma Victoria said, "I don't think you're sister will mind."

"Thanks, grandma," Lucas said with a smile as he slowly swished his tail back and forth merrily. The two of them promptly headed towards the training room.

Maxine took a few calming breaths before opening up an arch and went to the hospital that Emily worked at to help out at the free clinic. She rather enjoyed spending time around Emily and healing women and children. Everyone else took care of the men since they knew that they made her very uncomfortable.

Before reaching the examination room assigned to her, she attached her spiritual sense to the walls, floor and ceiling inside of it to make sure no one spied on her patients. With that out of the way, she opened the door and walked in to wait for her first patient.

After a couple hours, Maxine had already seen a dozen patients and finally got a surprise visitor. Vellus Callaran had walked into her examination room. How the hell did he even know I was working here?! Nevermind that. The better question would be how he managed to convince the receptionist to let him in here. She knows that I refuse to see male patients.

"I didn't mean to intrude on your work hours, but you didn't mention which of those two potions should be consumed first," Vellus Callaran asked innocently. That's a dumb question. Unless, of course, he wasn't given a proper education on the matter due to the fact that he was forced to work before his education was complete. Damn it. I should've considered that when I set that gift up. Ugh, I really need to start paying more attention to the small details.

"Um, are your eyelids intact on your left side?" Maxine asked, "I can't really tell with your eyepatch in place."

"Not entirely. They were badly damaged and can't close properly after I lost my eye," Vellus Callaran replied honestly.

"Then, you should drink the limb regrowth potion first. It'll heal your damaged eyelids and restore your skin as it regrows your limbs," Maxine said and had a sudden realization, "Do you have anyone to help you out while the potion does it's thing?" His prosthetic leg will be useless the following day after he drinks that potion and it'll take at least two weeks for his arm and leg to regrow. It was at that moment that Maxine sensed several different spiritual sense probes forcibly enter the room. Rude, inconsiderate assholes. Do those young masters think they can get away with this kind of shit on my turf?

"No, I don't," Vellus Callaran answered, "In truth, I wasn't expecting your generosity. I thought that you wouldn't treat me with hostility like the others,, but never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the kindness that you've shown me."

"I see," Maxine said and contemplated what to do, "I know of a few people that can assist you while your limbs regrow, but I'll only arrange it if you believe that you'll need it."

"I can take care of myself, but I would enjoy it if you cooked me a meal or two while those potions take effect," Vellus Callaran admitted as he scratched the back of his head.

"I'll think about it," Maxine said with a smile. Hmm, I think I can feel the jealously of those young masters from here, but they should know better than to try anything stupid while he's still on Earth. And when he fails to gain my love, they'll probably mock him too. I'll have to figure out a way to prevent that.

"That's all I ask," Vellus Callaran said and he looked directly at the spiritual sense probes just above Maxine's head, "It's rude to eavesdrop."

"Yes, it is very rude to eavesdrop," Maxine agreed and formed a hammer with her spiritual sense before attacking the spiritual sense probes with it. She sense several of them rapidly retreat, but a handful didn't manage to escape in time. As she crushed them, Maxine heard several distant cries of pain.

"I'm curious. Why didn't you form a blade when you did that?" Vellus Callaran asked.

"If I used a blade, I would've caused permanent damage," Maxine answered honestly. If I had done that, I might've accidentally infused my blade energy and it wouldn't be pretty. Memory loss is the lightest injury that they would suffer.

"Ah," Vellus Callaran replied, "Well, I best head out. Oh! Before I do, could you tell me when you plan to finish up here? I would love to have another chat today."

"One more hour," Maxine answered, "After that, I'll be free until it's time to make dinner. Unless, my girlfriend wants to spend time with me."

"Ah, yes, she might," Vellus Callaran said in obvious discomfort, "We'll see what happens then."

"That we will," Maxine said, "Now, go."

"I'll see you in an hour, then," Vellus Callaran said as he swiftly retreated out the door. She rolled her eyes at him with a half-smile on her face and moved to prepare for her next patient.

[So, that's what the visiting hero looks like,] Emily commented via spiritual sense, [I'm a little surprised he came here to see you, though. Did you two hit it off or something?]

[I'm not sure,] Maxine answered honestly, [But he's a lot better than those other assholes that keep bothering me and so far he's been a gentleman. I think I'll give him a chance.]

[Are you being serious?!] Emily asked in surprise.

[Yes,] Maxine replied simply.

Emily somehow sighed via spiritual sense as she added, [Alright, but if I don't like him-]

[His ass will be kicked to the curb,] Maxine finished Emily's thought.

[Good,] Emily said, [Do you want to do anything later?]

[I was thinking about cooking up a meal for you and Howard,] Maxine answered.

[That sounds amazing,] Emily said happily, [The things you make always taste delicious.]

[There's just one small problem,] Maxine commented, [Vellus Callaran wants to spend some time with me after I'm done here. Any ideas on how I should let him know that I'll be busy?]

[Just spend half an hour with him,] Emily answered, [It's not like it takes you that long to cook dinner.]

[Alright,] Maxine said, [But you'll have to spend some time with him too at some point.]

[I know that, but I won't for now. He has to at least get you interested in him. Otherwise, what's the point?] Emily replied, [It seems like you have a patient incoming. I'll leave you to them. Talk to you later.]

[I'll talk to you later,] Maxine said in return before their spiritual sense connection ended.

Maxine spent the next hour treating five different patients. None of them had anything particularly nasty, but it felt nice to help others for a change instead of fighting.

After she was done with her last patient, Maxine left the clinic and saw Vellus Callaran wandering around outside. However, she noticed dozens of people were looking at him and whispering amongst themselves.

"I only have half an hour before I need to leave," Maxine said as she walked up to him, "So, would you like to take a walk with me?"

"I would love to," Vellus Callaran said with a genuine smile. Although, she wished he hadn't smiled. The scarred half of his face twisted in such a way to make him look very sinister, but it didn't bother her. Everyone else nearby, on the other hand, gave him a wide berth.

"I know just the place too," Maxine said as she created an arch to a nearby park, "Shall we?"

"After you, my lady," Vellus Callaran said with a slight bow. Maxine smiled at him as she walked through the arch.

Once they were on the other side of the arch, Maxine saw the familiar winding path going from one end of the park to the other and without wasting a moment, she began to slowly stride down it while admiring the scenery. It made her feel relaxed being surrounded by nature. However, that feeling diminished greatly when she felt a very familiar gaze land on both of them. I'm not surprised that grandma decided to spy on us. I just wish she hadn't started doing it this quickly. It's just a simple walk. It's not like we came here to fuck in the bushes.

"I've never seen trees with red leaves before. I can see why you wanted to come here," Vellus Callaran commented.

"Those particular trees only turn that color during the autumn months," Maxine said.

"Still, they are beautiful," Vellus Callaran said as he walked beside Maxine, "Unlike, myself."

"You shouldn't worry about how you look around me," Maxine said, "I don't care that much about your physical appearance. I care about what's inside more than anything else. I thought that much was clear already."

"I know and appreciate it. But you don't have to force yourself to be near me," Vellus Callaran said out of nowhere, "I know you're uncomfortable."

"It's not because of you. It's because my grandma is watching us," Maxine said as she gestured with eyes towards the sky, "She should really learn not to do that, but I can't blame her for being over protective. My childhood wasn't exactly pleasant."

"I've heard," Vellus Callaran said as a small trace of anger was present in his voice. Yeah, it's been nearly a decade since word got out that I was the daughter of Poison Emperor Guan, so I shouldn't be surprised that rough my childhood has become common knowledge among my suitors.

"There's no need for you to feel angry about it," Maxine said surprising herself with how calm she sounded, "I don't. At least, not anymore."

"He should've been the one person that, above all others, protected you from harm, yet he was the one that hurt you the most," Vellus Callaran half-growled, "I don't care if he realized you weren't his. It wasn't your fault that you didn't have his blood."

"You have no idea how many times I wish he realized that and return to being my loving father," Maxine admitted sadly as memories flickered within her mind, "That or some hero would come to save me, but no one came. In the end, I took a chance by reaching out to Emily for help and her grandfather came to my aid."

"I'm glad that he did," Vellus Callaran said with a kind smile, but it shifted to one of curiosity, "I hope your sister didn't suffer a similar trial growing up. It's bad enough that one of you had to go through it. Although, I confess that I'm curious about her childhood as well."

"What my sister went through during her youth is a private matter," Maxine said firmly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry," Vellus Callaran apologized. Yes, you did. Otherwise, you wouldn't have mentioned it.

"It's alright. Just don't ask about it again," Maxine said firmly.

"I won't. I promise," Vellus Callaran replied. Unfortunately, what followed was an awkward silence as they continued their walk. She didn't mind it overly much, but it seemed to bother Vellus Callaran quite a bit.

However, neither of them said another word as they walked and when they reached the other side of the park, a half of an hour had already passed. "I should really head back home now," Maxine said, "Oh! And let me know if there are any weird side-effects after you drink those potions."

"I will and have a good evening," Vellus Callaran said.

"Thanks, I will try," Maxine said as she took flight and flew straight for Emily's house. She would've normally used a portal, but she wanted a few minutes to think before she got there. It took me awhile to realize it, but he doesn't make me nervous like most other men do. I wonder why that is. Thankfully, I have plenty of time to figure it out.