Zack set up camp in a flat area in the plains and began prepping a colossal boar. While waiting Amy and Yu ran off to adventure nearby. Having worked diligently in scouting they deserved their playtime. Once Zack set the boar on to cook he sped off to join the two.
While they were playing Kaya went inside to activate the array, and barrier. With a signal released over Zack's estate, it wasn't long for people to appear from the wagon. The first to walk out of the wagon were the flyers and one of them was escorting Helena. After stepping out, and seeing Zack playing Helena took off at frightening speeds.
"Papa!" Helena jumped towards Zack.
"It hasn't even been a day yet." Zack smiled while lifting her, and spinning.
Watching them spin Amy, and Yu rapidly joined them. Even when Zack stopped they continued till they got dizzy tumbling onto Zack. The two immediately became concerned about Helena, but she was just laughing.
"You were getting mad at our advances, and he has a child from another woman?"
"Helena was already an egg by the time I arrived," Octavia replied while averting her gaze.
"Did they interrupt something?" Ren asked.
"We were gonna mate, but they got upset. He did say they were possessive."
"We should try again."
"Will you girls show some decency! It's just a m-man." Carla scoffed looking away.
'Your lucky Lilith isn't around.' Ren smirked.
While the others were introducing themselves to the newcomers' Zack was spending time with the kids. They have been in Eden so long it was nice to see somewhere new. After enjoying a meal together the kids returned to their games. Zack was taking a break while hanging around with Miu, and Yuki.
"Can I come with you?" Helena asked.
"We are going somewhere dangerous," Miu told Helena.
Helena's head was starting to lower when Zack placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Let me see what we're dealing with first," Zack smiled.
Helena embraced her papa before running off to play.
"I'm not exaggerating the dangers. It's a place we only travel through when needed, but I know there's no convincing you otherwise so I joined the trip." Miu told Zack.
"I never doubted your words, but this wagon was designed for that purpose. The barrier can withstand dragon attacks, and I have trusted allies at my side. Thank you for being concerned about Helena." Zack smiled.
"It's so beautiful out here." Yuki was watching wild horses gallop at a distance.
"It's not too hot?" Zack asked while embracing Yuki from behind.
"The breeze is helping," Yuki replied.
Miu conjured her shurikens hurling them around Zack. Erupting from their location were pillars of ice that surrounded Yuki. With Zack's previous display she was confident he could endure it. As the ground gradually froze beneath them Yuki had a refreshed look.
"Thank you." Yuki smiled.
"No problem," Miu replied.
'Is she joining us?' Yuki looked up at Zack.
"Not sure yet. Still trying to figure out her motive behind it. She seems to be opening up though." Zack relayed.
"You know Helena's been taking up to Elizabeth in your absence," Yuki stated.
"I can see that." Zack smiled watching Helena chase Elizabeth.
"Should go show your gratitude," Yuki told Zack.
"I will, but right now I'm content." Zack kissed the back of her neck.
"I thought you would be cold." Yuki lifted his hand and wrapped it around her belly.
"Your ice is colder than this, and I manage to thaw out just fine," Zack replied.
"I do-don't mean to," Yuki stepped away to hide her flushed face.
"Being trapped with you isn't a bad thing." Zack grabbed her hand.
When Yuki met his gaze they kissed passionately. They thanked Miu once more for helping her stay cold as they approached the kids. While Yuki was checking on the little ones Zack approached Elizabeth.
"I hear you've been hanging out a lot lately," Zack smiled.
"She's very committed to her training." Elizabeth tussled Helena's hair.
"It's not just training. Unless tag is a new drill." Zack teased.
"We play a lot of games, and she takes me flying." Helena smiled.
"Are you coming?" Tanya shouted.
Helena looked up at Elizabeth wanting to see if they were still playing.
"I'll catch up," Elizabeth told Helena.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but I never expected you to be so great with kids," Zack stated.
"Why not?" Elizabeth glared balling her fist.
"Do I have to say it?" Zack chuckled.
Zack's eyes gesture downwards, and Elizabeth saw her hand glowing. It slowly went back to normal as she turned away.
"I'm sorry about the temper, and the cursing around them...You've met my family. It's the only way to get Declan to back off, or get my father to listen. That's not an e-excuse so I'll work on it." Elizabeth rubbed the side of her arm.
"You misunderstand...I k-kinda like it." Zack replied.
She knew it wasn't a lie because it was the first time Elizabeth saw Zack embarrassed. When she first agreed to be their liaison at Eden she did so just to irritate Lixue. Elizabeth may have snuck a glance or two after realizing how strong he was, but it was only from curiosity.
Even her talks with Helena became a way to get closer and breach the gap in competition. As their training continued she began to bond with Helena. Elizabeth even had a few thoughts of having a child of her own.
Even with this development, Elizabeth's opinion of Zack didn't change much. He was just a good-looking candidate that could produce a strong heir. This sudden declaration had Elizabeth rethinking her entire life.
Having lost her mother at an early age Elizabeth grew up in a house of men. As she grew older people got onto Elizabeth about her attitude and would try to change her. The argument she heard the most was no man wanted a crude woman. While lost in thought Zack lifted her chin.
"Are you alright?" Zack asked.
Having Zack so close, and touching her intimately Elizabeth's heart began to race
"I'm o-okay. Helena's wa-waiting for me."
Zack grabbed Elizabeth's tail making her jump.
"You forgot something."
When Elizabeth turned around Zack kissed her passionately.
"Thank you for being so good to Helena. You're gonna make an amazing mom." Zack declared.
Helena was walking back over to see what was taking so long when she overhead her papa. She ran up with an excited look on her face tugging at the two of them.
"I'm gonna have another sibling?" Helena smiled.
"Not sure yet." Zack wrapped his arm around Elizabeth.
Elizabeth went silent while Helena ran off to tell Ren and Yuki. She kept thinking of the act of conception. She recalled their moment in the bath and the girth of it in her hand. Elizabeth heard stories from other women about their first experiences, and when they mentioned pain she would scoff.
'I've won countless battles. I c-can handle something like that...'