A Way Out

The next day, Zelda was up bright and early getting ready for work, the job she actually liked. Currently she was sitting in front of her vanity mirror in her bra, panties, and already wearing the gloves and high heeled boots to her uniform, applying her make up, Sarah sitting on Zelda's bed holding her stuffed bunny with Faiz floating next to her.

"I'm really sorry about leaving out so early sweetie," Zelda said, "My boss needs me to be with her all day, and I might have to fight another virus before coming home."

"That's okay," Sarah said hugging her stuffed bunny tightly, "I'll probably just read for the entire day. Faizie helped me pick out a good book about stars."

"Oh?" Zelda asked, "Since when did you get such an interest in stars?"

"Since Faizie started telling me about them. Did you know that there are other planets up in the sky?" Sarah asked.

"I've heard something to that effect," Zelda said, putting down her lipstick and applying her eye shadow.

"Uh huh. Faizie said that there are planets with all sorts of life out there. He even told me that he met an alien. Isn't that amazing Mommy?"

"Faiz is certainly an interesting person," Zelda said, unable to stop smiling.

"I wish I could meet an alien," Sarah said, coughing two times, "I wonder what they look like."

"I'd imagine some of them look just like humans and Wizards," Zelda said.

"No, that's boring," Sarah said, "I bet they look like animals!"

Zelda turned around in her chair looking at Sarah with a raised eyebrow, "Animals?"

"Uh huh!" Sarah nodded vigorously, "There's a planet up there where everyone is a mix of human and some sort of animal, like a bird, a frog, or even a fox! Oh! There's also a planet full of magical ponies, griffins, and dragons, just like a fairy tale!" Zelda couldn't help herself. She laughed, causing Sarah to give the most adorable pout, "You don't believe me, do you?"

"Oh, it's not that," Zelda said through her laughter, "I'm just shocked by how much thought you put into this."

"I've been to those places," Sarah said, "I go there all the time in my dreams."

"I see," Zelda said, "What's your favorite place?"

Sarah lit up before she spoke again, "I like the place with ponies the best! They have all sorts of ponies up there! There's even a princess there!"

"A princess?" Zelda asked.

"She rules over all the ponies, and she's able to use her magic to raise the sun," Sarah explained.

"If she rules all the ponies though, wouldn't she be a queen?" Zelda asked.

"Queens are evil, Mommy," Sarah said as if it were obvious, "In fairy tales, all the good rulers are princesses."

Zelda was really taken aback by how vivid these dreams were. Sarah must have had this dream a lot. Either that, or her memory was just spot on.

"That sounds like a wonderful place," Zelda said smiling at her daughter, "I wish we lived there instead of here."

Zelda got up and got the dress she wore as her uniform working for Prometheus and Pandora. She didn't know why she put the dress on last. Zelda always put on her clothes last. Probably because they were usually the first to come off.

That wasn't the case here though. Not unless she was with Prometheus, but he didn't have to force it off.

"Let me, Mommy," Sarah requested. Zelda knew exactly what she meant, so once the dress was on, she sat down next to Sarah so she could zip it up in the back.

"Thank you Sarah," Zelda said turning around to hug her daughter, "I love you."

"I love you too, Mommy," Sarah said. Zelda gave Sarah her medicine, and then picked up Faiz and walked out of the house, going to the side where she always transformed. Once she made sure she was alone, she held her arm in the air.

"Change! Mega Man!" Zelda shouted. Green waves surrounded her, and she was pulled out of the real world in a blue light, reappearing on the Wave Road above her house in her Mega Man form.

"Sarah's imagination always astounds me," Faiz said as Zelda activated the jets on her feet and dashed to the transporter.

"She'd be a great writer," Zelda said, "I hope she lives long enough to become one."

"She will," Faiz said, "We're going to cure her, Zelda. I promise."

Zelda smiled as she continued onward to Prometheus and Pandora's mansion. Once she arrived, Faiz deactivated, sending Zelda back into the Real World near the mansion. When she stepped inside, she saw Prometheus sitting at the dining room table in front of a holographic computer.

She smiled and sauntered over to him, wrapping her arms around him from behind. Prometheus smiled placing his hands on Zelda's arm.

"You're here early," Prometheus said.

"No, I didn't run into any viruses on the way, so I'm actually on time today," Zelda corrected.

"Is that right?" Prometheus asked turning around to face Zelda, "Remind me to clear the way of viruses for you from now on. That way we can have more time together."

"Mmm, but if you do that, you'll be so tired," Zelda said caressing Prometheus' face, "I want the pleasure of tiring you out myself."

"Is that right?" Prometheus asked tauntingly, "How do you know you won't tire out first?"

"Like you can handle me at my best," Zelda said.

"Shall we test that?" Prometheus asked. Instead of answering him, Zelda kissed him passionately. This was the norm between them now. It wasn't in her job description of course, but Prometheus just couldn't keep his hands off her. The one thing that was the same as working with Jude, Prometheus watched her all the time while she was cleaning.

Unlike with Jude though, Zelda actually loved the attention.

"Ahem!"

Zelda and Prometheus stopped at the sound of Pandora clearing her throat. Sadly Pandora cock blocking was the norm too, mainly because Prometheus and Zelda tended to get frisky at the most awkward times.

"Goddamn it Pandora," Prometheus groaned, still holding Zelda close, "Can't you see I'm busy?"

"Busy with what? Tongue wrestling our beloved Zelda? Well, sorry to take her away from such an "important" job, but I need her help upstairs," Pandora said.

"You're going to have her all to yourself today," Prometheus pouted, glaring at his sister.

"And you had her to yourself for the last two days," Pandora said folding her arms under her chest, "It's my turn to play with her."

That wording though. It made Zelda feel like Pandora wanted…

"Ugh, fine," Prometheus said, "Can we finish this later, Zelda?"

"I was going to ask you that," Zelda said. She kissed Prometheus one last time, and then got up, walking to Pandora. As she escorted her up to her room, Zelda couldn't help but take in how sweet Pandora smelled. She must have already put on her perfume.

"I'm sorry about that, Zelda," Pandora said when they got to her room, "I keep telling Prometheus to control himself more. Mind you, I don't mind that you two are involved, but…" Pandora turned to Zelda, "I guess I'm a little jealous of Prometheus, having you all to himself so much."

"P-Pandora…" Zelda said, her heart racing. Pandora wasn't attracted to Zelda too, was she? Holy fuck, what did she get herself into?!

Sensing her fear apparently, Pandora started laughing, "The look on your face is priceless. Don't worry Zelda, I'm not attracted to you like that. Actually, I'm asexual."

"Asexual?" Zelda asked.

"She's not sexually attracted to anyone, neither man nor woman," Faiz explained.

"Exactly," Pandora said turning around and going to her closet, "It's an error in my programming."

"Programming? You're a Wizard?" Zelda asked, a little surprised.

"I thought you knew," Pandora said slightly turning to Zelda, "Both Prometheus and I are Wizards. That's not a problem, is it?"

"Oh, not at all," Zelda said waving it off, "Honestly, humans, Wizard, it's all the same to me."

Pandora smiled and put her focus back to the closet. At least Zelda knew why Prometheus and Pandora had red eyes, and were so in sync. If they were Wizards, they might have been twins actually.

"Ugh! I don't know what to wear!" Pandora fussed, "I wish I didn't have to even go to this stupid party."

"Why are we going, anyway?" Faiz asked.

"The one holding it is a sponsor of Olympus," Pandora sighed, "It would be in poor taste for me to not attend, especially since I helped them get to where they are. I hate parties. So many people wearing cheap perfume, bright colors, and so many fake people."

Pandora was the exact opposite of her brother. Prometheus was a very social person, who enjoyed being around people. Pandora on the other hand seemed more introverted, and liked being alone more.

Zelda walked over to Pandora and put her hands on her shoulders.

"I think I have an idea," she said, "Do you put on the dress first usually?"

Pandora nodded, "That's the way your supposed to get dressed, right?"

"There's no set order. Actually, based on what I know about you," Zelda thought, "We should probably put on your make up first."

Pandora looked confused, but complied as Zelda sat her down in front of her dresser and began applying her make up. Pandora had such nice skin, and a real pretty face.

"You have really nice eyes," Zelda said, "You should wear make up that draws attention to them."

Pandora nodded, looking at Zelda intently as she worked. Zelda didn't put too much on her, just enough to call attention to her eyes, and a light shade of lipstick.

"Now, do you know what sort of underwear you're going to put on?" Zelda asked.

"I don't wear any," Pandora said simply, "I usually wear very tight clothing, so it would show."

"Ah, that's true," Zelda said, "Well then, let's find something that matches your make up."

Zelda took Pandora's hand and guided her back to the closet. Zelda looked at Pandora intently, and then at the large wardrobe, stopping when she saw a light blue pencil dress that was sleeveless and had a slit on the left side. She handed it and a large fluffy white scarf to Pandora.

"This will look perfect," Zelda said. Wordlessly, Pandora took the dress, immediately shedding her robe. Zelda was really taken aback, both by the sudden nudity and by how beautiful Pandora was. She wasn't extremely busty like Zelda, but she did have a nice delicate frame.

"Why are all the women in my life so okay getting naked in front of me?" Faiz asked, moving in a manner as if shaking his head. Zelda laughed and sat down on the bed as Pandora pulled the dress up her body.

"I noticed that your closet is full of extravagant clothes, but nothing simple," Zelda said, "Do you only wear these kind of clothes?"

Pandora nodded, "Normally I just stay in my bathrobe when around the house, so when I go out I figure I might as well look my best."

"That's interesting," Zelda said, "You're interesting. I'm beginning to think I like Wizards more than humans."

"I'm not surprised," Pandora said, "Wizards are generally more accepting of people. Do you know any other Wizards besides me and my brother?"

"I met her yesterday," Zelda said, "Her name was Seraphina."

"Fiery Winged," Pandora said softly, "Was that the person you met yesterday?"

"She was," Zelda said, "She was so friendly, almost like an angel."

Pandora giggled, "Don't think every Wizard is like us. Wizards are just people like you and me, so they come in all kinds. I've seen some really messed up Wizards in my lifetime."

Zelda laughed, "I'll keep that in mind."

Pandora picked out a pair of white high heels and put them on. She then picked up the scarf and elegantly held it over her arms, and then looked in the mirror.

"Zelda, I look beautiful…" Pandora said mesmerized.

"Of course you do," Zelda said putting her hands on Pandora's shoulders again, also looking in the mirror, "In my line of work, I have to be an expert in these sort of things."

Pandora turned to Zelda and hugged her, "Thank you so much Zelda. I'm happy to have a friend like you."

"The feeling is mutual," Zelda said returning the embrace. Even if there were some screwed up Wizards out there in the world, Zelda was happy to have met nothing but good ones so far.

Getting to travel by limo was a nice plus working with Prometheus and Pandora. Back when she was working with Jude, he only hosted parties, and Zelda wasn't exactly allowed to mingle with anyone. Pandora on the other hand insisted on Zelda having a good time, or at least trying to.

Zelda found it real easy to fall into the role of a noblewoman. Still, she could see what Pandora meant by phony. Everyone she spoke to seemed fake almost. Pandora actually stayed close to Zelda most of the time, not so close that she was right on top of her, but definitely trying to be a presence.

Zelda had just finished talking to a nice older man who clearly wanted her and sat down next to Pandora on a big red couch.

"This is really fun!" Zelda said.

"I'm glad someone is enjoying themselves," Pandora said taking a sip of her martini, "Personally, I can't stand it here."

"So are you going to just sit here and sulk for the entire party?" Zelda asked jokingly.

"Pretty much," Pandora sighed. Zelda shook her head smiling. It was no wonder Pandora didn't have more friends. The scary thing was she was clearly content with that. She didn't seem to long for them or anything.

Zelda looked in the crowd and saw a sight that made her heart jump into her throat. She saw Jude.

"Zelda, your heart rate just spiked," Faiz said on her wrist, "Is something wrong?"

"What do you see?" Pandora asked, now looking in Jude's direction, "Hmph, that waste of good air is here? I knew there was a reason why I hated this party."

Jude looked in their direction, look at Zelda wide eyed, and then stormed off.

"Why is he here?" Zelda asked.

"He started coming to all the big parties after we took you from him," Pandora explained, "Rumor has it he's been horrible to his staff, and they're all quitting left and right."

"Serves him right," Zelda said, "For God's sake, he's the most disgusting human being on the planet."

"I agree," Pandora said taking another sip of her martini, "Why did you put up with him so long?"

"Because I needed the money," Zelda said, "He threatened to not pay me if I didn't do everything he said, and it was his money that I used to pay for Sarah's medicine."

"Is it the same now?" Pandora asked, "Is that what you use our paycheck for?"

"It is," Zelda said, "It's a good thing you and Prometheus pay me more than Jude did, because they raised the price of the medicine."

Pandora pursed her lips, "Yes, I heard they inflated prices for the Lower Quarter. Zelda, why don't you and Sarah move in with us? Prometheus and I have more than enough, and we'd be willing to pay for Sarah's medicine."

"I… I don't know…" Zelda said shuffling a bit, "Prometheus asked me the same thing, and I appreciate it, but…"

"Zelda, I understand," Pandora took Zelda's hand, "It's hard to trust people in the Lower Quarter, and from what you've seen in the Upper Quarter not a lot of people here can be trusted either. I promise you though, Prometheus and I just want you and Sarah to be alright."

"But why?" Zelda asked, "I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but it just seems so… it seems too good to be true. You barely even know Sarah and I, yet you're willing to do so much for us. Is it because I'm the Blue Mega Man?"

Pandora shook her head, "You became the Blue Mega Man because of your purity of heart, and your love for your daughter. Prometheus and I just pointed you in the right direction," Pandora looked down seriously, "The reason why I want to help you is because… I lost someone important to me to the Xeno-Virus."

"Who?" Faiz asked.

"It… was our mother," Pandora said softly, "She died when Prometheus and I were only about Sarah's age. Our father went mad as a result, and he…" Pandora choked back a sob, shocking Zelda. She had never seen this much emotion from Pandora.

"Pandora, I'm sorry," Zelda said placing a hand on Pandora's shoulder.

"I know… how it feels to have your life torn apart by this world…" Pandora sobbed, "I don't want anyone else to suffer like I have. When I look at Sarah, I see myself. I loved my mother so much, just like she loves you," Pandora looked Zelda in the eyes, "That's why we're so devoted to helping you. We want you and Sarah to lead a long and happy life together, so you don't have to suffer like we have."

"Oh Pandora…" Zelda looked down, unable to tell how she felt knowing about Prometheus and Pandora's past. It sounded like for as much as they were okay now, they didn't grow up easily.

"Please come live with us Zelda," Pandora urged, "Let us take care of you. You'll still be able to be independent, able to come and go as you please, but we'll be able to help you take care of Sarah."

It was tempting. It was so tempting.

"How would we move?" Zelda asked, "We can't just pack up everything and go."

"We'd help with all of that," Pandora said, "But think about it. How long are you going to keep working the streets? We're giving you a way out of that life, Zelda. A way for you to get the life you and Sarah deserve. You don't belong down in the Lower Quarter, you belong up here with us. Also, Sarah has a much better chance of survival up here than she does down there."

That was true actually. The air was much cleaner in the Upper Quarter, so up here Sarah would be able to get healthier. Also, she wouldn't have to be apart from Sarah anymore. If she was just a live in servant, she'd be able to work and still keep Sarah close.

It was just so much to think about.

"I… I'm sorry, but I need some time," Zelda said, "I'll put some serious thought into it, but this is a lot to take in."

Pandora sighed, "I don't like it, but I understand. Listen, whenever you decide, just give me a call. I'll come down immediately and help you get moved in, alright?"

Zelda nodded, "I… need to get some air." Zelda slowly got up and walked out to the balcony, which was thankfully deserted.

Here she took in her environment, thinking about what it would be like to live here. This was a way out, for herself and for Sarah. No more selling her body. No more wearing skimpy and degrading clothing. No more worrying about whether or not she could pay for Sarah's medicine.

"Faiz, what should I do?" Zelda asked, "Should I take Pandora up on her offer?"

"It is tempting," Faiz said floating off of Zelda's wrist, "But I can understand your trepidation. This is a big jump."

"I feel silly not just taking the offer," Zelda said, "Especially knowing their reasoning."

"Even still, I think you're being smart," Faiz said, "Moving would be a shock to Sarah. We should discuss this with her before we make any big moves."

"Yeah, you're right," Zelda said, "She's probably going to want to go for it, but at least letting her know that it's an option will get her ready for it."

Faiz turned back to the main building, and then quickly floated behind the railing to hide.

"Zelda, behind you!" Faiz whispered. Zelda looked at Faiz in confusion, but then turned around to see the last person she wanted to see walking up to her clapping his hands.

"Look at you," Jude said venomously, "You've turned into a real high class slut, Zelda."

"Go away Jude," Zelda said folding her arms, "I don't work for you anymore, so I don't have to put up with you."

"I just came here to talk," Jude said, "It's been a while since we last spoke. So, how many times did you have to fuck your new boss before he gave you permission to come to these parties?"

"I didn't have to fuck Prometheus to get where I am," Zelda shot back, "He's actually a decent man, unlike-"

SLAP

"Don't you EVER talk like that to me!" Jude shouted, "You may not work for me anymore, but you're still B-Class trash! You shouldn't even be here!"

Before, Zelda would have started crying being slapped by Jude. This time though, she felt empowered, so did something she had wanted to do for a while.

SLAP

"I don't know who you think you are, but you CANNOT talk to me like that anymore! I'm not some slut you can beat on whenever you feel like it!" Zelda said in retaliation.

"Oh is that right?" Jude asked, "Looks like I'm going to have to remind you of who's at the top of the food chain!"

Jude grabbed Zelda's wrists wrestling and struggling with her. After a second, he managed to get her turned around over the balcony where he held her wrists behind her back and began lifting up the back of her skirt. She screamed and kicked trying to get him off of her, but he slapped her rear making her stop.

"Scream, and I'll throw you off the side!" Jude said, pushing her over a bit to make his point. Zelda looked out in horror, and then met eyes with Faiz, who nodded and immediately flew off, probably to get Pandora.

Till then, unfortunately she could do nothing except take what Jude was giving her. As she felt him enter her from behind, she couldn't hold back her tears. Even now she was still being used.

After a few minutes though, Jude was pulled off her and she heard him get punched hard. She immediately turned around and saw a man standing in between him and Jude now. This man wore a green, white, and golden general's uniform complete with a cape, white gloves, green boots, and he had medium length dark green hair.

"How dare you!" the man in the green uniform said, "Have you no respect?!"

"W-what are you-" Jude said wiping his mouth, which was bleeding, "Mind your own business!"

"You have no idea who this woman is, do you?!" the man shouted, "The lady behind me deserves the utmost respect, and I will not stand to see her defiled in such a manner!"

Jude spat blood on the floor, "You're a real piece of work," Jude said to Zelda, "Don't think this is done!"

As Jude left, Zelda pulled her panties back up and fell to the floor. The man who defended her knelt down in front of her and took her hand elegantly.

"You are not hurt, are you m'lady?" the man asked.

"W-who are…" Zelda asked, trying to gather her thoughts. The man raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Mistress, are you feeling alright? It's me, Lei, Leader of the Four Sentinels," the man, Lei, said.

"Four Sentinels…?" Zelda asked, her eyes tearing up a bit, "I don't know… who…"

"ZELDA!" Pandora called out, running up to Zelda and embracing her, "Oh my God, you're okay! Faiz told me what happened! I am so sorry for that!"

"Zelda, you're not hurt, are you?!" Faiz asked floating to Zelda's side, "I tried to get to her as fast as I could!"

"A… blue Cyber Heart…?" Lei asked, "Pandora, what's going…?"

"Oh Lei," Pandora said helping Zelda up and turning to him, "Thank you for looking out for her. This is Zelda, the woman I told the Administrator about."

"But isn't that-" Lei asked.

"Zelda here is from the Lower Quarter," Pandora pressed, "She's the wielder of Faiz, the Cyber Heart of Light. Zelda, this man is one of Olympus' Mega Men. His name is Lei, and he's the Green Mega Man."

"It's a pleasure to meet you…" Zelda said softly with a slight bow, "Thank you for saving me, sir."

"It's my pleasure…" Lei said looking at Zelda in confusion, "If he bothers you again, let me know."

"We're probably going to be leaving in a bit anyway, so Jude won't be an issue," Pandora said, "Come along Zelda."

Pandora pulled Zelda away, back into the building. Once alone, Lei folded his arms and looked down in confusion.

"Zelda?" he asked himself, "Strange… she looked just like… her."

"Now you see why I hate coming to these parties," Pandora fussed as the two of them sat in the limo driving back to the mansion, "Zelda, I am so sorry that your night got ruined like that. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"Lei…" Zelda said softly, "He… he knew me."

"What?" Pandora asked, "Zelda, what do you mean?"

"He acted like he recognized me," Zelda said, "Pandora, I think he might be someone from my past."

"Before you lost your memory?" Pandora asked. Zelda nodded wordlessly, "Well, I suppose that isn't too odd. The Four Sentinels all came from different walks of life, so who knows. You might be connected to him in some way. For now though, why don't you take the rest of the night off? I'll escort you back to your house if you want."

"But… what about the virus?" Zelda asked.

"If Prometheus found it, we can talk about it in the morning," Pandora said, "Right now, you need to get some rest. Spend some time with Sarah."

"Thank you," Zelda said, "I apologize for being such a burden."

"You're not a burden," Pandora said, "You're my friend, and your well being means more to me than your service. Come, let's get you home, okay?"

Zelda nodded, and leaned into Pandora. She didn't know why she was crying. She had been though that sort of thing before, so it shouldn't have bothered her so much. Maybe it was because she was so used to it. Maybe she was sick of it.

Sarah was lying on her bed reading the book Faiz picked out for her when she heard the door open.

"Mommy?" Sarah asked, getting out of bed and running to the door. She saw Zelda walk into the house, being escorted by the pretty lady she worked for. Pandora, Sarah thought her name was. It looked like her mother was on the verge of tears though.

"Mommy!" Sarah cried running up to her and hugging her, "Are you okay?! What's wrong Mommy?!"

"You're mother had a bad day at work," Pandora explained, "She'll be fine, hopefully, but she needs some rest. Zelda, you should probably take the rest of the night off instead of-"

"I… have to go to Eddie's…" Zelda said softly.

"Zelda, after what just happened, you can't be serious-"

"I'm stronger than that…" Zelda said, clearly forcing herself, "I'm going to rest, and then I'll be fine to go to work. I appreciate your concern Pandora, but I'll be alright."

Pandora sighed, "You're something else, Zelda. I can see why Faiz chose you. I'll call you tonight to check on you, okay?"

Zelda nodded and started making her way back to her room, Faiz floating next to her. Pandora patted Sarah on the head and then walked out of the house herself, driving off in a pretty limo. Realizing that her mother was hurt, Sarah ran over to Zelda and took her hand.

"Mommy, are you really okay?" Sarah asked, "Maybe you should listen to the pretty lady and stay home. I'm not feeling too sick, so I can make dinner, and-"

"That's really sweet, honey," Zelda said, "But I'll be alright. I'm just going to lie down for a bit, and then I'll be able to head out, okay? Faiz, look out for Sarah please."

"I will," Faiz said. Zelda closed the door to her room, and Sarah sat down on the floor looking worried.

"Mommy…" Sarah said.

"She's a strong woman, Sarah," Faiz said floating down to Sarah's level, "I'm sure she'll be alright."

"No she won't," Sarah said sadly, "Mommy's just pretending to be strong so I won't be sad. I hear her crying in her room sometimes."

"S-Sarah…" Faiz said.

"I want to be better," Sarah said, "That way I could help Mommy, so she won't have to be sad anymore."

With that, Sarah stood up and ran into her room, shutting the door and leaving Faiz alone.

"You two are more alike than you realize," Faiz said, thinking about the irony of Sarah and Zelda.