I know I asked her to be with me, but how did this happen? Q wondered as he lay hanging halfway off his bed. Snuggled up beside him, Miki was passed out. Okay let's backtrack. Last night we decided to head to Terminus together. Squinting his eyes he thought harder. Ganon was so excited we'd be back up to a three person party. I know he was still bummed about Emma bailing on us. I guess saying she bailed isn't fair, but it still sucks. I don't fully understand her duties as Headguard, but I know she would never leave us hanging without a good reason. Q let out a sigh of frustration. Focusing back on his current problem he tried recalling last night's events again. The last thing he remembered was paying for Miki's dinner and room, followed by listening to a story about a monster that was attacking caravans on the way to Terminus. Yeah, directly after that tall tale of the massive beast, I came straight to bed. I was worried Ganon might try to wake me up if I overslept again. So what the hell is she doing in my bed? Crap, I'm only wearing underwear. I better get dressed before Ganon shows up. Moving slowly to avoid waking up Miki, he began to shift his weight. Slowly, he removed the covers exposing his abs. For someone generally considered skinny, his body was covered in dense muscles. His life of adventuring and his life back on his homeworld were very demanding both physically and mentally. His body had long since adapted to the many hardships he had been through. He carefully started lifting Miki's arm off his chest. She clearly had it rough for awhile and he wanted her to rest before taking her all the way to Terminus. All of the sudden he heard yelling in the halls. Uh-oh.
"Wait you brute don't go in…"
The door burst open as Ganon came through dragging Eulissa at his feet. Eulissa was sweating from the force she exerted while attempting to contain Ganon. Clearly the difference in sheer strength made that effort futile.
"Mornin' bro!" Ganon exclaimed. He clearly couldn't contain his excitement to get their next mission started. Now, fully through the door, he looked at Q. Then he looked at Miki and back at Q. His eyes rapidly moved between them realizing he made a mistake. Eulissa slapped his back to snap him out of it.
"I tried telling this giant oaf to leave you be, but he wouldn't listen!"
Ganon's jaw was still on the floor bewildered. Did he do it last night? While he was trying to make sense of the situation, Miki began to rub her eyes. She sat up making the covers fall off of her. The only thing covering her body was a super baggy shirt. Normally, she appeared beautiful in the majestic way but at this moment she was like an adorable kitten. Her eyes widened as she slipped back under the covers. This is so embarrassing! She peeked her head out from the bottom of the sheets looking at the two intruders pouting.
"I'd like to disappear now!" Everyone laughed at her. Understanding this must be very embarrassing, Ganon and Eulissa nodded to each other. They let Miki and Q know breakfast would be ready soon. Taking their leave they started to head back down to the pub area. Ganon looked at Eulissa, afraid to say what was on his mind. What the heck is going on with them? Eulissa knew exactly what he was thinking and took pity.
"Hey meathead, you wanna know what's going on?" Ganon vigorously nodded, afraid to say the wrong thing. Waiting patiently for her to speak, he slowed his pace. Eulissa let out a long sigh. She was never one to turn down a request from a patron. Especially a request from Ganon.
"Last night, a while after you too dorks went to sleep, Miki knocked on my door. She asked if she could come in and she brought some of her dinner from earlier to share. Apparently she thought I was jealous of her food so…"
"That's a weird thing to think isn't it?" Ganon interrupted.
Eulissa turned red. She didn't want to have to spell out the misunderstanding to Ganon of all people. At her age things like breast size shouldn't be embarrassing but she never got to mature in that way. She had spent her entire childhood fighting alongside Euron to establish The Fool's Errand. Never did she have time to engage in relationships, make dirty jokes or do things with friends. At this point in her life most of her childhood human friends have either passed or grown old with their families. So instead of explaining that to Ganon she cleared her throat and kept talking.
"Remember when we first met Q?"
Ganon smiled at the memory of meeting his best friend. In the time they have known each other they have spent nearly every minute together. Whether they were out on a quest, helping Emma solve a crisis in town or goofing off, Ganon treasured every second.
"Yeah, how could I forget? I was passing through that day when he came in. He was on his deathbed. His gate was nearly closed. It was scary. Ever since then though he's been working really hard establishing connections and getting really wealthy. He even helped me figure out my finances. Helped me pay off my family's farm without asking for anything in return. Plus, he turned this place around, saving it from being shut down."
She nodded as she remembered the kind of shape Q was in when he came to the pub. A lot of her time in between customers was spent rehabilitating Q. Luckily he was a fast healer, only taking him about 2 weeks before he could communicate and move freely again. Even though he was a consistent pain in the ass, his contributions to The Fool's Errand were undeniable. She was happy that it was him of all people that came stumbling into her pub. Even though she told him he owed her nothing, he quickly calculated the cost of her time and supplies she used to heal him. Within a week of being healed Q had her paid in full. I even refused his money multiple times. Finally, when I thought he gave up, he decided to make connections with people to greatly improve the traffic here. Not only that but we got a serious upgrade with the lumenshards he went out looking for.
She continued explaining the situation to Ganon. "So apparently right before that happened, the two of them were in some kind of battle. I don't know all the details, but from what I understand Miki suffered a seemingly fatal wound."
"Well I'm glad she is okay now, but what does that have to do with Q's death?" Eulissa shook her head slowly. Thinking about the trauma that Q and Miki went through was painful for Eulissa.
"Sadly, Miki wouldn't go into details with me on that. However, she did promise to explain it to us once she talked to Q. What is really intriguing is what she told me about their previous relationship."
Ganon's eyes started to tear up and he started to flex. "I knew it! They were making sweet, sweet lo…"
Eulissa embarrassedly kicked him in the butt knocking him over. Rubbing her shin, she thought to herself. Is his ass all muscle? Can muscle even get that hard? She cleared her throat again before she spoke.
"Ahem. Yes, meathead, they had been planning to marry before they got separated."
Ganon's eyes began to glow from excitement. My bro was in love and he fell in love with the same person all over again. Tearing up a little bit, he cut Eulissa off.
"That's amazin'!"
"Well,it would be if that idiot didn't forget all about his fiance. Anyway, she eventually wanted to know what room he was in because she missed cuddling with him. I don't blame her. Imagine sleeping together every night then out of nowhere you're separated, forced to sleep alone for nine months. So as any good friend would do, I showed Miki where he was and let her in!"
A silhouette grew in size behind Eulissa. Its eyes gleamed with vengeance, lifting its leg it pushed her down the rest of the stairs with its foot. "I knew you were behind this you damn grape sized tyrant."
Standing atop the stairs Q held his foot in the air grinning down at Eulissa. Finally I caught her when she messed up. Time to milk this for what it's worth. Pretending to be angry, Q's voice got a condescending tone as he took shots at Eulissa. "You can't just let someone who claims to be engaged to me in my room! I know your chest looks like a child, but that doesn't mean you have to act like one."
Stomping her foot Eulissa shot back. "You're one to talk, powdered donut! Us girls gotta stick together! You're lucky someone as cute as Miki would give you the time of day after forgetting about her. I mean seriously, you can't be both ugly and stupid! Pick a struggle!"
Ouch. That actually hurt, but damn I can't even be mad. He rolled his eyes trying to act tough. "Oh, so now you are allowed to call her Miki? One late night conspiracy is all it took for you two to be tight, huh?"
"Are ya hard of hearing too? I told you, us girls have to stick together!"
"Next time you two perverts can stick together as the guards haul you off for breaking into my room!"
"Tch. In case you forgot, you big jerk, this just so happens to be my tavern! Don't forget my best friend is the Headguard! So if anyone is getting locked up, it's you!"
Q knew he was already pushing his luck but just couldn't resist the temptation. He leaned against the railing of the stairs and smugly stated quietly, "Technically... Euron owns this tavern."
"Technically, blah blah blah! Go be useful and get ready for your mission. You're already a day behind."
Eulissa stormed off to go assist Euron in setting up the kitchen for the day. Ganon looked at Q then looked back at Eulissa. He seemed like he wasn't sure what to do. Q took note of this and gave him a little push.
"Why don't you go offer your services to her? You know she has a hard time reaching for the product in the back."
"Yeah, good idea bro! I appreciate you!"
"Well, I have to get us ready anyway. There isn't much you can do except pull Gambit around. Plus, I know you want to spend more time with her."
"I do," said Ganon dreamily.
If it was anyone else Q might have been surprised at how forward Ganon's comment was. Ganon always lives his life according to his feelings. I've never met someone as true to their beliefs as him. I really could have used someone like him back home. I really should learn from him. Sighing, Q asked Ganon for a favour before he got out of earshot. "Actually, could you tell Eulissa I didn't mean to hurt her feelings? If I did, I'll make it up to her."
"You got it. Also don't forget the snacks this time Q." Q laughed lightly and gave him a thumbs up. Yeah, he wasn't too happy about that last time I forgot.
With that Ganon took off to help out Eulissa with morning chores and Q went back to look for Miki. I know I told him I would get everything ready. I don't plan on making her do any work but I'd rather have company while getting everything ready. He looked all around the pub and on the third floor but couldn't find her anywhere. Maybe she went back to her room to get some stuff around? Following that line of thought he made his way to her door and knocked. No answer. Oh well, I guess I'll head back to my room to get myself around.
As he was walking back down to his room on the second floor he found himself lost in thought. She seemed so peaceful lying there and it felt kinda right. Were we really engaged? If so, why didn't I get her a lumenshard as an engagement gift? He shook his head. Still, that was a long time to be alone. Why didn't she just move on? If our roles were reversed, would I have done the same? From how everything went last night, we must have really been in love. Does that mean I moved on from her?
He shuddered at the thought of being alone again. He thought back to when he stumbled into The Fool's Errand. Thankfully Ganon, Eulissa and Euron took care of him. He knew that he was truly a lucky guy. I need to make sure I apologize to Eulissa myself and while I'm at it, I should thank those three for everything they've done for me again. Q, still very much lost in thought, opened the door to his room.
"Oh my! How bold. Entering an innocent maiden's room with no warning!" Miki was just pulling her baggy nightshirt over her head as Q came in. He panicked as he looked away. He tried speaking but instead he stuttered trying to explain himself.
"I-I'm sorry! It was an a-accident!" Shit... my reputation is ruined. was all he could think.
She let her shirt fall back over her body covering herself up and looked right at Q. Blushing, she walked towards him. Before he could say anything else Miki spoke softly. "Why do you look away? Am I not attractive to you anymore?"
Q quickly tried to walk away and covered his nose as it started to bleed. Seriously, what the actual fuck? She has to stop catching me off guard like that. Not knowing what to do he let out a nervous laugh. "Oh no. That's not it, but I think I forgot something down…"
Her arms wrapped around him from behind. He felt her breasts rub against his back. So soft. She squeezed him tightly as though she thought if she let go he would vanish in front of her. Her voice became a whisper. "Quincy… Did you mean what you said last night?"
"About you going to Terminus with us?"
Miki shook her head against his back. He dared not to move from that spot. Miki's voice shook as she spoke and her grip became slightly stronger. "Not that. What you said about feeling like you need me around."
Confused, Q took a moment before he spoke. "Of course. There is a lot I still don't know or remember but I still know when I want something."
The back of Q's shirt where Miki's face was slowly became wet. Her tears began flowing freely as her bottom lip quivered from the overload of emotions. She still felt like she was stuck in a dream-like state. It's been so many months. I begged and prayed for his safety but this is more than I could have ever asked for. Q lightly grabbed Miki's hands that were clasped together around his midsection. He slowly moved them away from his body while turning around to pull her in for a hug. As he embraced her he spoke softly. "I'm right here Miki."
She reached up to grab the back of his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. Again she stopped short to make sure he was on the same page. This time, however, she wanted a different reaction. Normally this would have shocked him, but the intensity in his eyes said all that needed to be said. His body moved on its own as he joined his lips with hers. Time froze, seemingly never to continue. I really did, no I still do, love her, Q Thought to himself. He was sure she could hear his heart beating out of his chest at this point. Finally, they let go and Miki turned around while her ears glowed like hot iron.
"W-we should probably get a move on. I don't want to make Ganon wait so long he needs to eat again." Unable to think clearly Q simply nodded. Still very much dizzy from the surprise kiss, Q held his lips while Miki finished getting ready. Butterflies filled his stomach. While in a daze, he too finished getting ready to depart. He grabbed the letter meant for The Baron of Terminus off his desk along with his bag and snacks for Ganon. He kept on his "The Fool's Tavern" work tee and jeans. It's nice I found a way to make these clothes in this world so I could be comfortable. The big surprise was how much of a big hit they are here. Q walked over to a corner in his room and kneeled down. He slowly waved his hand over a panel while chanting a quick spell.
"I beseech thee, Gallaram of Truth, reveal that which I cannot see!" The panel in the ground slowly changed into a giant safe with a fist sized clear lumenshard in the center. He hovered his hand over the lumenshard pouring some of his mana into it. After a few seconds the safe rumbled and spoke to Q, "Mana signature verified. Welcome back Master Q."
Miki peeked her head over Q's shoulder. She seemed to be surprised by the talking safe. "I'm impressed Quincy. These are not inexpensive."
"To be honest, it kinda became a necessity."
"Oh?"
Q opened the safe door all the way revealing a massive storage unit that went on and on. Q stepped inside and motioned Miki to follow him. Miki happily obliged, grabbing Q's hand as she hopped over the threshold. Slowly the realization set in of his responsibility as he remembered his previous failure. I will never leave her lonely again. Their hands were joined together as they headed into the magical vault Q had conjured.
***
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Thank you for reading this chapter of my Light Novel "Alldust: Chronos!" you can find the full version for purchase on Amazon by searching its name or Eon Tempest. I will upload chapters of my work from time to time but I'd appreciate you supporting my work with a review! Thank you!