Zack was still in bed with the others when something caught his attention. He was rushing from the estate to investigate. The minute Octavia saw Zack her blade was drawn. He was surprised to see the sentries walk past behind her unbothered.
Aida's new directives took account of the troublemakers, and unless they actually hurt someone they ignored their bloodlust. Octavia's blade swung through the air as Zack reappeared behind her with his arms around her waist.
"My decision was made out of love, and I would make it again without hesitation. If you wish to punish me for that you can later, but right now I need to check on someone." Zack released his grip.
Octavia watched Zack race towards Lydia's establishment and trailed behind him. She wasn't ready to leave the situation alone, and still had some complaints that needed to be heard. When entering the restaurant Zack was swarmed by people checking on his wellbeing. After politely greeting them Zack approached Mero.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Mero asked.
Zack pulled her close kissing her passionately. His hand gradually sliding up her shirt didn't go unnoticed, and the others wasted no time in teasing.
"I guess royalty plays by their own rules," Vicente smirked.
"Breaking some rules sounds fun." Fuuka got up from the table.
"How is this checking on someone." Octavia scolded.
Zack ignored their taunts, and rest his hand on Mero's stomach. She was embarrassed by everyone staring at them and snickering. Mero had no idea why Zack was behaving this way and thought the battle from yesterday caused more damage than they thought.
"There's two of them," Zack stated.
"Two what?" Mero asked.
"Little Mero's." Zack smiled while removing his hand.
It took a minute for the news to truly hit. The second it clicked Mero embraced Zack tightly tearing the fabric on his back. Observing the damage caused by Mero, and the timing of her pregnancy Vanessa's theory had weight.
'I should've done this privately.' Zack began sweating.
With another woman pregnant and this one being a merperson a fire was ignited. Sensing the lewd thoughts arising, and a few women blocking the exit Zack had one option left. His body gradually disappeared, and Mero felt around frantically for him. They assumed Zack escaped into the city again and gave chase. Once the threat faded Zack reappeared at the table.
"When did you learn that?" Vicente asked.
"Lauren taught me a long time ago, but I only recently got the hang of it," Zack replied.
"When did you notice?" Mero asked.
"Not long ago. It seems to fade every once and a while, but the others did the same." Zack replied while holding her hand.
"Just so you know I'm still mad at you." Octavia declared while taking the seat next to Zack.
"Then why join us?" Vicente asked.
"It's still worth celebrating," Octavia replied.
"Two is a little low don't you think?" Shiro teased Zack.
"I bet we could do better," Fuuka smirked.
"There are a lot of rooms to fill." Lydia approached with refreshments.
"Congratulations." Lydia embraced Mero.
"Thank you." Mero blushed from all the attention.
"Why don't you sit down?" Zack asked.
"Can we celebrate later? I have to talk with the others about our trip." Mero replied.
"What trip?" Zack investigated.
"It's an old custom to migrate to the birthing grounds together. You never struck me as the type though." Harvey stated.
"I want them to experience the same waters I did." Mero smiled.
"I thought you laid eggs," Vicente stated.
"We've already talked about this." Vanora touched his thigh.
"Not with her around." Vicente relayed.
"Scared of some teasing?" Vanora leaned against his arm.
'I feel sorry for her.'Octavia glared at Vicente.
"I'll see you tonight." Mero kissed Zack's neck while nibbling gently.
He watched Mero walk away mesmerized by the long legs, and childbearing hips.
'I love that form.'
Zack got up to start today's agenda when a sharp pain radiated from his side. He turned to see Octavia pinching him with a trickle of lightning on her fingers. He put his arm around Octavia as they disappeared. When they manifested it was in the housing district.
"Where are you going now?" Octavia asked with an irritated tone.
"To check on Miu," Zack replied.
Hearing this Octavia went silent. Miu threw herself in front of the attack without hesitation. If Zack took a serious injury at that moment all of them could've perished that night. It was hard to get upset when Miu risked everything for his sake.
After Haruna took up residence in Eden she constructed houses to resemble their home. Tamiko and the dragon forces have added to it since transforming it into a thriving district. While approaching the Koga house Suinin was exiting a nearby home in his patrolling gear.
"Your timing is perfect" Suinin waved Zack down.
"Something wrong?" Zack asked.
"Tamiko sent a messenger in your absence. She's been expecting you and is starting to get impatient. I'm concerned my orders will change if you don't visit soon." Suinin replied.
"If it comes to that you can always move here, but I'll stop by in the morning just to be safe," Zack stated.
"Thank you." Suinin gave a slight bow before heading to the training fields.
"He's been showing interest in the dungeons lately," Octavia told Zack.
"If he wants to join that's his choice. Since we're on the subject how's the guild doing?" Zack investigated.
"We finished fortifying our new dungeons, and have a campaign starting soon to get a foothold in the western territory," Octavia replied.
"Expanding already?" Zack waved at the new residents from Hanami's village.
'It seems Risa made an impression.' Zack smiled.
"The recruits seem ready for it and we aren't paying them to lounge around. Do you mind if we borrow Aida for a few days?" Octavia requested.
"She's not a tool to be borrowed, but if you ask nicely I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Zack smirked.
"At the rate, you're going lately you need to come to." Octavia crossed her arms.
'She has a point.'