[Music Recommendation: "Bound By Fate" by Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Cross OST) - available in Spotify or Youtube] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this scene ~
Ducis couldn't believe his ears. As if a large torn that had been rooted deep in his heart was removed, he sobbed. His guilt from all those years… washed away in a single moment.
"Protecting… sniff… Yes, protecting," Ducis smiled despite the tears in his eyes. Then, he bowed his head and softly whispered, "Thank you… master."
Elliot chuckled and patted Ducis' head.
"No. Thank YOU for protecting me all those years. If it weren't for that, I doubt I would have survived and be who I am today."
Ducis gentle sobs turned to wailing.
"Uhh… Hey, I didn't say that to make you cry. It's supposed to be uplifting."