Creed found himself walking alongside Princess Seraphina through the bustling streets of the city, his helmet still securely in place, concealing his face. While he couldn't help but be cautious about the unexpected turn of events, his thoughts were also preoccupied with how he would teach his comrades a lesson for pushing him into this situation.
As he and Seraphina strolled through the city, she seemed to be in her element. She was sweet and engaging, keeping the conversation light and easy. "So, Captain Creed, tell me more about your adventures," she inquired, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I've heard so many stories about your brave exploits."
Creed, his voice muffled by his helmet, replied somewhat shyly, "Well, it's mostly about missions, training, and... the occasional unexpected encounter." Despite his awkwardness, he found himself drawn into the conversation. He couldn't help but appreciate how genuine and down-to-earth the princess seemed.
They continued walking through the city, stopping at a quaint little café that Seraphina had in mind. As they sat at a small table, enjoying some delectable pastries and tea, Creed couldn't help but feel a strange sense of comfort. The princess had a way of making him forget his reservations.
Seraphina's laughter was melodic and contagious, and Creed couldn't help but smile, even if his face was hidden. "You know, Captain, this is the first time I've had the opportunity to spend time like this outside the palace. I've been told that adventures can be quite exhilarating."
He found himself nodding in agreement. "Yes, they can be. But they're not without their challenges." He thought about the challenges he would face when he met up with his team again, and a mischievous glint entered his eyes.
Seraphina noticed his expression and raised an eyebrow. "Is something on your mind, Captain?"
Creed leaned in slightly, an idea forming in his head. "Actually, there is. I have a plan for my team when I meet up with them again." He couldn't help but share a chuckle with Seraphina, his momentary worry forgotten.
Their date continued with sweet moments, warm laughter, and an inexplicable connection that seemed to form between the two, despite Creed's shy and mysterious demeanor. As they enjoyed their time together, the city and its bustling life seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them to share this unexpected and sweet moment.
At this moment, Seraphina mustered the courage to ask Creed about his personal life. She leaned in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper, "Are you...seeing someone else?" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she posed the question.
Creed, lost in thought and distracted by the day's unexpected events, didn't quite catch Seraphina's question. He looked at her with a slightly puzzled expression and asked, "I'm sorry, what was that?"
Flustered and avoiding eye contact, Seraphina mumbled, "Oh, it was nothing... I mean, do you have any romantic interests?"
Creed, still gazing out the window, took a moment to process her question. He eventually sighed and replied, "I suppose there was someone once." His voice carried a hint of nostalgia, and it made Seraphina curious about the story behind it.
Seraphina, her interest piqued and cheeks still rosy, probed further, "You had someone in your life?"
Creed's gaze remained focused on the outside world, his thoughts traveling back to another time and place. "Yes," he admitted, "there was someone. We were living happily with our daughter."
Seraphina was momentarily taken aback, the revelation stirring emotions within her. "Oh," she managed to utter, feeling a mix of curiosity, sympathy, and surprise.
Creed continued, his voice carrying a tinge of sadness, "But they're no longer with me. They were taken away a long time ago."
Seraphina, now filled with empathy and understanding, listened attentively. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.
With a deep breath, Creed turned his gaze back to Seraphina, his helmet concealing his face but not his emotions. "It's not something that haunts me anymore. I have my comrades with me, and they're like family to me. That's who I'm responsible for looking after."
A warm smile formed on Seraphina's face as she admired Creed's resilience and strength. "I'm sure you'll find happiness again," she said, raising her teacup to her lips with a blush, "but for now, I'm glad to have met you."
At this moment, Creed noticed Seraphina's blush and her obvious fluster, and it made him feel somewhat embarrassed, though his expression remained hidden behind his helmet. Her gentle smile and warm blush made him feel strangely comfortable, and he found himself responding, "Well, I don't know about that. But thank you, Princess."
Seraphina sipped at her tea with a slightly shy demeanor. "Please, call me Seraphina," she said softly. "I'm glad you've found solace in your friends. They seem to mean a lot to you."
He nodded, even though she couldn't see the gesture behind his helmet. "Yes, they do. They're like my family in this world." He took a moment to take a sip from his coffee, hiding a hint of embarrassment.
The princess chuckled lightly. "Your friends must be quite extraordinary if they have earned such regard from you. You're a commendable leader, Captain Creed."
Creed felt a twinge of appreciation for Seraphina's understanding. "Thank you, Seraphina. I've tried to do my best with my team. It's just... sometimes they have their own unique ways of helping me out, even if it's pushing me into unexpected things like this." He gestured lightly to his helmet.
Seraphina laughed at this, understanding his tone. "They must care for you deeply then. It's not every day one has a captain as loyal and protective as you." She paused for a moment. "Even if I don't know much about your face, I know your heart is kind."
The two exchanged a warm smile, enjoying the soft atmosphere and the moment they shared together. Despite the unexpected and awkward nature of their meeting, Seraphina's presence made Creed feel at ease and appreciated.
Curious about the formality of her addressing him, Creed couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Princess... I mean, Seraphina, why do you also call me Captain? It's not something many people do."
Seraphina replied with a sweet smile, "Well, your friends call you that, and it seemed like a fun thing to do. It's a way to join in their camaraderie." She chuckled softly. "Plus, I think it suits you."
Creed, feeling more comfortable in Seraphina's presence, decided to make a request. "Seraphina, would you mind calling me by my name as well? You don't need to stick to 'Captain' if you don't want to."
Seraphina smiled warmly and nodded. "Of course, Creed. If that's what you prefer." She appreciated his sincerity and was more than willing to use his name, feeling a connection beyond formalities.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Creed and Seraphina continued their leisurely stroll. Creed offered to walk her back to the palace, wanting to ensure her safety and make their time together last a bit longer.
Seraphina accepted the offer graciously. "Thank you, Creed. It's been such a pleasant evening, and I've enjoyed our time together."
Creed nodded, though his helmet concealed his expression, he exuded a sense of contentment. "The pleasure was mine, Seraphina. If you ever need someone to talk to or just want to take another stroll, don't hesitate to find me."
Seraphina's smile remained as she thanked him. "I will, Creed. And I hope to see you again soon." They continued their walk, cherishing the moments shared during this unexpected encounter as they headed back toward the palace.
As they turned down the dimly lit streets, Seraphina continued their conversation, oblivious to the sudden tension in the air. She spoke with warmth in her voice, "Creed, I truly appreciate you accompanying me today. It's not every day that I get to experience the city like this."
However, Creed's instincts were on high alert. He couldn't ignore the emptiness of this particular section of the streets and the eerie silence that surrounded them. Gripping the handle of his shotgun that rested on his side, he scanned the surroundings, his gaze sharp. His years of military training had taught him to trust his gut feeling.
"Seraphina," he said, his voice low and serious, "We should take a shortcut. I have a bad feeling about this place." Without waiting for her response, he gently grabbed her hand and led her towards a nearby alley.
Suddenly, a group of hooded figures emerged from the shadows, leaping nimbly from rooftop to rooftop as if they were skilled shinobi. Seraphina, still bewildered and clutching Creed's hand, looked around in confusion, unable to grasp the situation unfolding before her.
As they reached the end of the alley, Seraphina noticed a looming shadow above them. Her eyes widened in shock as another hooded individual descended, blocking their exit. She knew she was now in a precarious situation.
The shady figures confronted Creed, demanding the princess be handed over to them. But Creed's response was unwavering. He turned to Seraphina, who was trembling with fear, and declared, "I don't know about you assholes, but no one dares to touch this woman! not on my watch!"
With determination in his eyes, Creed gripped his sword and raised his shield, ready to confront this new threat. He knew they had no way to escape, and if a fight was what it came down to, he was prepared to protect Seraphina at all costs.