Eureka! I got it!

Chapter III: Nice Days

Disclaimer: "I don't own Star Ocean, its characters or any of the Inventors… sadly…

Author's Note: "If anybody has any requests on Inventors just tell me in your reviews, ok? I promised that this Fanfic would be shorter than usual so it will probably only have 5 Chapters, tops."

Peterny Workshop: Lias, Evia and Aqua, Mishell, Stanice, Gusto, Meryl and Vanilla

Aquios Workshop: Mackwell, Misty Lear, Eliza, Mayu, Killer Chef, Rigel, Milenya

Airyglyph Workshop: Noppin, Grats, Cornelius, Osman, Puffy, Chilico, Dejison

Act I: Good Morning

The morning was clear, quiet and fresh. Outside on the streets of Aquios the Sun was shining brightly, the streets glittered brightly. The Light rays were reflecting off the water from last night's rain shower and the streets were dotted with many puddles. Mackwell made his way to the workshop. It was 8:30 A.M, Sunday and according to his schedule he must make way to work. Mackwell was draped in heavy robes, it looked uncomfortable to wear in the summer but he endures it. His skin was pale and his face was flushed in a deep scarlet hue. He wasn't feeling his best, but ill or not he trudged onward. Everyone who ever saw Mackwell knew he was a man with class. He always looked his best, he redefines punctuality and his sophisticated and diligent composure attracted many ladies. This of course was troubling, it's not like he wanted to attract the women… They just swarm to him. He could care less about women as long as they don't annoy him or interfere with his daily schedule.

Yet he claims he has no interest in women, but how come in his mind he keeps seeing Misty Lear? She was shy, quiet and also reserved… she was polite and kindhearted. She was also very intelligent and wise for her age; also her beauty was worth mentioning as well. If she was a suitor for Mackwell he would go with her just fine, unlike the other women who rave about him and chase him all day long. It seems the news about Misty Lear being his fiancé was spreading around. This morning he did not spot even one of his crazed admirers… it was quiet… Mackwell silently walked his way towards the Work shop. His heavy breath was awkwardly loud in the quiet morning streets.

"Good Morning Mr. Mackwell!" A voice rang from the other end of the streets. Mackwell quickly turned around, he was about to draw an explosive chemical from his robe if it was another one of his suitors… but it wasn't.

"Oh, good morning Eliza…" Mackwell calmly put the explosive vial back in his robe pocket. "You look bright and early this morning…"

The Small girl skipped her way down the street beside Mackwell. She had her usual cheery smile and on her back was a small satchel. "Are you going to work today, Mackwell sir?"

"Yes, actually I was heading to the Work Shop right now." Mackwell replied.

"Would you like some company?" Eliza asked with a cheery smile, "It's quiet today."

"I suppose that would be nice." Mackwell replied.

He ran his hands through his silver hair. Two braids dangled down his back were tied in neat rings. His hand was suspiciously sweaty.

"Do you wear that robe all the time?" Eliza asked staring at the heavy, grand cloaks that were draped around his shoulder. "Aren't you hot in there?"

"Well…" Mackwell was warm; the heat didn't help his fever much. "It's not so bad…" Mackwell gave a small cough. Eliza looked up at Mackwell's face. His cheeks and forehead was red yet his hands were cold, sweaty and clammy. Her concern for her Alchemy upper classmen grew…

"Are you ok? You don't look so well…" Eliza asked, "Maybe you're feeling ill today?"

"No, no, I'm fine…" Mackwell replied as he hurried to the workshop. Eliza followed beside him occasionally glancing up at the man. She knew he wasn't well… he was pale yet his face was red. Also his breathing was strained and painful. She knew she should keep an eye on him, he reminded her of when her little brother caught the flu. He wanted to play outside but collapsed… The two entered the Workshop. Many people haven't come in for work yet. The only two people that were stationed this early in the morning were Rigel, who was eating breakfast by the table and Misty Lear. Misty Lear was always the first to arrive; she would quietly work in the corner and not long after Mackwell would be there as well.

"Well, Good luck on your invention, Mr. Mackwell." Eliza replied.

"Please, call me Mackwell…" Mackwell insisted, "Mr. Mackwell sounds a bit out of place."

"But you're my upperclassmen, it's only polite…" Eliza pleaded, "My mom always told me that I should be polite to my Elders."

"You're a good girl." Mackwell smiled as he pet Eliza on the head, "I may be older but we're friends now."

"Really?" Eliza asked excitedly.

"Yes." Mackwell gave another small smile, "Don't hesitate to ask for my help, alright?"

"Thank you! Mister… I mean Mackwell!" Eliza bowed quickly and excitedly skipped toward a table. She was so thrilled she almost knocked into a rack full of Chemicals that were in the corner. Mackwell smiled nervously, poor child… she's so sweet and innocent. It's sad that her parents were killed in that terrible war… He placed his hand over his forehead… it was hot. Mackwell quickly walked toward the medicine cabinet and popped in two pain relievers in his mouth. He quietly walked over to a table beside the book case and began his tedious work. Eliza watched him, she was still worried… Mackwell noticed Lear in the corner. She smiled at him and they both continued their work.

Not long after, Mayu, Milenya and the Killer Chef also arrived for work. Mackwell began another test to create a Homunculus. He added various substances and took notes on certain reactions and observations. He was working tediously… Since Today is Sunday he could work all morning and at 1:30 in the Afternoon he would head toward Aquios Palace… He was behind in Invention ranking, therefore he must work especially hard. Eliza noticed this and made her way to Misty Lear.

"Miss Lear… I'm worried about Mr. Mackwell…" Eliza whispered.

"What's the matter, Eliza?" Misty Lear asked she was reading a book and peered over at the small girl in front of her.

"He's ill… I'm worried he might overwork himself." Eliza looked back at Mackwell. He was feverishly pacing around deep in thought. "He might have caught the flu or something… He shouldn't have come to work today."

"Dear, he is rather pale today…" Lear also watched the Alchemist pace. "He also has a red complexion… maybe your right, Eliza…"

"What do we do?" Eliza asked, "He might collapse, faint or worse! He's too stubborn to stop working…"

"I'll handle it, dear…" Lear gave her a reassured smile, "Don't worry so much, alright?" She put her hand on Eliza's shoulders, "You're such a sweet girl."

"What will you do?" Eliza asked. Misty Lear smiled as she put her finger to her lips.

"Shh… we don't want him to hear us, you'll see."

Mackwell added some Acidic solution to his chemical. The Combination began to heat up and hiss… A purple fume began to waft upwards. Mackwell who was resting his chin on his hand began to scribble down some more notes. He then noticed Misty Lear standing above him. He looked up, putting his glasses down. The woman was wearing her usual dark clothing and her pale hands held a tray of a steaming liquid. She gave him a pale smile.

"Working hard today, I see." Lear peered down at Mackwell.

"Yes, there's much to be done…" He continued to scribble some more notes looking away. "Sundays I work especially hard…"

"My, but you don't look so well today." Lear smiled, "Maybe you should take a quick break? It might do you some good."

"You should know by now…" Mackwell reached over for another test tube, "I only take a break when it is written in my schedule."

"I see…" Lear giggled lowly, "Well obviously I can't separate you from your almighty Schedule, and therefore why don't you have a drink? It might calm your nerves a bit…" She held out the small metal tray, the cup was filled with a steaming liquid which was a transparent green color.

"What is it?" Mackwell asked eyeing the steaming cup.

"Just some herbal tea, Milenya made it herself." She handed the cup to Mackwell. "My clan also had the same kind of tea, it's healthy for you."

"No thank you, I'm perfectly fine Miss Lear." He walked over to the chemical rack, "I'm grateful for your concern but I assure you I'm fine."

"I see…" Misty Lear placed the Cup on his desk, "If you ever need a drink it's here on the table." Misty Lear walked back to her corner. Mackwell nodded in thanks. Misty Lear and Eliza sighed, that man… he's quite the stubborn worker.

"What was that tea?" Eliza asked.

"Just some herbal tea, it's healthy… and good for colds and fevers." Misty Lear replied. "Maybe I should've added some sleep solution or something in it." Misty Lear smiled, "Then he won't have a choice but to relax."

"Nah, Mackwell is a hard worker I bet he even works in his sleep…" Eliza sighed, "He's like a machine…"

Suddenly, Eliza noticed something strange. Mackwell was standing near the Chemical Rack; his eyes were beginning to fade.

"Mackwell!" Eliza yelled, "Miss Lear, there's something wrong with Mr. Mackwell!"

"What?" Misty Lear got up and noticed Mackwell as well.

He was also losing his balance. Mackwell's head was dizzy, he couldn't concentrate at all and his body was beginning to get numb. He clutched his chest, his heart was beating wildly and his head was burning. His eye sight was beginning to get fuzzy, Mackwell suddenly fell on the floor. His hand gripped the chemical rack and it suddenly fell. There was a loud crash as vials, test tubes and beakers suddenly fell on the floor and shattered. Chemicals were spilt everywhere. Misty Lear ran to where Mackwell was.

"Mackwell!" Misty Lear shook the fellow Alchemist. He was burning up.

"Milenya, Ma'am, We need help!" Eliza called the Elderly priestess. Milenya was a skilled doctor. "Mister Mackwell needs help!"

"Dear, what happened?" Milenya rushed to where the three Alchemists were. Rigel, Mayu and the Killer Chef also rushed to see what the commotion was.

"Mackwell, are you alright?" Misty Lear asked.

"…" Mackwell could hear the sound of yelling. It was distant. He could see Misty Lear's face staring at him with fear and concern. She was so beautiful… he didn't want to see it so troubled. Soon he couldn't see anything at all and lost consciousness. The last thing he could hear was the calling of his name.

Act II: The Curse of the Ancient Text

What happens when you find a book written in blood?

Count Noppin sat by the Book Shelf. He was surrounded by novels, poems, dictionaries and other literary masterpieces. In his right hand was a pen, In the left was a roll of parchment. In the Cold Country of Airyglyph Count Noppin was snuggled near the fireplace with a mount of books. The Workshop was well lit and warm. Many other Inventors were around as well. Noppin couldn't believe an artist of refined taste as he was working with commoners… but being the noblemen he was, he said nothing. Might as well be a good influence to the lower class. Count Noppin was a writer, but in his words he believed he was an artist. As true as it may be, he wasn't a terrible writer… In fact he was well educated and was fascinated by literature. But his overconfidence and smug attitude made others to believe him as every other Stuck-up Rich boy.

Count Noppin's over confidence was beyond usual stuck up-ness. He believed himself as the only "capable" writer. Seeing as that he must compete with writers such as an old Sage who Noppin considered was "senile", a boy who hasn't even hit puberty and a weird man who carries around a beat up and out-of-date umbrella with a 'mad' eye. Of course these three people were fellow writers by the name of Osman the Sage, Mishell and Cornelius. But Noppin wasn't interested in their names; they were, after all commoners. If anything, he considered the Sage his only rival. But enough with Ancient History let's go back to the story.

Count Noppin was sitting by the Fire place delved in his literature. His small table that he worked on had a vase full of Roses. He claims he is a rose, delicate and beautiful with high taste. From the corner of his eye he saw Osman and Cornelius… they were working together to write a tome for that Leingod boy. Why Noppin even decided to sign up with that Blue-haired ruffian was beyond him. Not only that, he had bad taste in style. Noppin quietly began to scribble down some notes from other books he has written. Suddenly he stopped. He began to sweat and this led to him screaming in agony, everyone in the room jumped.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Noppin yelled at the top of his lungs.

"What's the matter?" Fayt jumped from all the yelling. All the other Inventors were staring oddly at the Count. They knew he was strange… but not this strange…

"IMPOSSIBLE! THIS IS TERRIBLE!" Noppin began yell about how blasphemous this all was. Everyone just stared blankly… what was so blasphemous? And why was he yelling to begin with?

"Mind filling us in?" Fayt asked the screaming Count.

"Yes, I do mind! There is no plot hook! No story! No Art!" Noppin yelled, he tossed his parchment into the fireplace, "It is Blasphemous to us all!"

Everyone blankly stared… The Howling winds shook the windows from the outside. It was another blizzard…

"Blasphemous to you maybe… you screeching and howling like some weirdo is what's blasphemous." Puffy yelled, "Some of us are trying to work!"

"Silence, Child!" Count Noppin barked, "When there is no story, there is no art! Have you no idea what importance this is?"

"Well… I'm sure you'll think of something." Fayt attempted to calm the flustered count, "Something will hit you sooner or later."

"Something will hit him alright!" Puffy yelled from across the room, "My Explosive medicine will!"

When everyone calmed down Noppin began to cry in the corner. He was out of ideas, nothing was left… How could this be? The Distressed Count was so deeply shocked he could only wonder… There is nothing left to write, no ideas in his head. He was about to take a short walk around the Workshop but the lights suddenly turned off. There was slight gasping and a bit of chaos in the room. Chilico accidentally bumped into Puffy, the Weapon smith Grats accidentally hammered his own finger. The room was dark except for the fire in the fire place and the glowing coals from the Smithy.

"Agh! Fate has now heard my screams of agony!" Noppin jumped, "It is a bad omen!" He accidentally dropped his vase of roses. With a loud 'CRASH' the vase shattered on the floor.

"Calm down, old man!" Puffy yelled, "It's just a minor black out, no big deal. The blizzard outside must have cut the power."

"Everyone please remain calm," Fayt being the leader he was, attempted to bring order back to the Workshop, "There's no need to worry, Dejison went to go investigate."

"It is a bad omen!" Noppin shouted, "We are all doomed to death of failure!"

"Get, real gramps!" Puffy yelled, "You've been reading too many mystery novels."

"Then… what in the world is this?" Noppin held before everybody a book that mysteriously appeared on his desk. "I'll assure you, I never wrote this in my life!"

"What is it?" Fayt asked peering at the small book. It was old and tattered it was also heavily stained.

"Well whatever it is, it's filthy!" Noppin was about to toss it in the flames but Fayt grabbed it in the nick of time. He stared at the small red book.

"You're not tricking us, are you?" Puffy asked the Count. "Cuz if you are then I won't be so nice."

"Why would I write something so hideous?" Noppin asked. Everyone had to agree… it wasn't like Noppin to write something so… filthy.

"Well a Book just can't appear out of nowhere!"

"But…" Fayt held up the book, "A book shouldn't be written in blood either…" Everyone crowded around; surely enough… the book's old red text was written in blood. There were a few screams as Fayt skimmed the pages. Everyone huddled close to the Fire place.

"Whoever reads this book of curses will be visited upon by bad luck forever more…" Fayt read.

"OK that's our cue to stop reading!" Puffy yelled she held her ears. "I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING! LA LA I WON'T BE CURSED NO WAY!"

"Be wary… for the souls of the dead will extract their vengeance upon this hour…" Fayt continued. "It's just a book on old superstitions… It's not real."

"Yeah, well it's not my fault if you like… magically turn into a frog or something!" Puffy yelled. "The book is written in blood that's bad enough as it is!"

"The girl has a point, Leingod boy!" Noppin replied, "It's best tossed out! Burned! Incinerated!"

"Come on, where's your knack for adventure?" Fayt laughed, "Don't tell me you're afraid of this? It's just a joke from you guys, right?"

"I told you before," Noppin replied, "I didn't write it."

"It was not I." Osman replied, "Cornelius and I are on this end of the room. Working as you can see…"

"We're obviously not writers!" Puffy pouted, "Is it yours, Leingod?"

"No… actually, I haven't written it." Fayt replied.

"Does the book have a publisher? An author?" Osman asked peering at them from his table.

"No, it has nothing." Fayt replied skimming the book once more. He then stopped on the last page. Everyone watched as Leingod stared at the pages. The Howling winds were loud outside the windows. Fayt even consulted with Welch, she replied that nothing like that was ever invented before, let alone who invented it. The book… just mysteriously appeared. The lights began to flicker and turn on, everyone sighed in relief… A blackout in this weather was as bad as Roger walking into the Ladies' bathroom.

"Ah, see? Nothing to worry about… Dejison fixed the lights." Fayt sighed in relief.

Suddenly, the books in Count Noppin's hands fell on the floor. The Writer's face was as pale as a ghost. Everyone turned to the Count. He held his hands to his mouth and began to gasp.

"What's wrong?" Puffy asked, "Don't tell me you're trying to trick us with another 'ghost' scam."

"Over there!" Count Noppin shrieked, "Writing! Writing on the Mirror!"

The inventors turned around. Sure enough… the stuck up Count was right… on the Mirror… scratched in its reflective surface were three words.

"Seeking My Revenge…"

Act III: The Loss of Loneliness

"How is he?"

"He's doing much better. His fever went down…"

"Will he be alright?"

"I'm sure he'll be fine, it was only fatigue after all…"

Mackwell could hear voices in his head. They echoed in his mind.

"He works too hard… He doesn't know the definition of relax, does he?"

"I'm afraid not."

He couldn't see… he could hear voices but he couldn't see at all. Everything was dark. The owner of the voices were blurry, he couldn't make out the details. The voices seemed so familiar though. Where was he? And what happened? Obviously, no one would answer. He was only surrounded by voices. Were they talking about him? Mackwell's mind was in utter chaos and disorder. Too many thoughts clouded his mind. Why am I here? What do I do next? What about my schedule? And…what about time…? Where am I?

"Please take good care of him…" The voice seemed to be fading away. Everything was so cold and dark in Mackwell's mind. His body was shivering uncontrollably… Why was it so cold? It feels painful even…Kind of like Ice cold needles were prickling him everywhere. His skin was covered in cold sweat, it hurt so much. Suddenly there was a warm hand that touched his cheeks. His body began to slowly stop shivering… The Hand was so warm, so comforting... Kind of like the warm touch of his cats' fur against his cheek.

"It's ok…" The voice was soft, "Relax, and be calm…"

"No…" Mackwell mumbled, his voice was strained, "there's never any time…"

"Shhh…" The voice replied, "Don't worry… don't worry about time, it will wait for you… Just be patient…"

"It never waits…" Mackwell began to slowly calm down, "It always… leaves me behind…"

"Really?" The soft voice paused, "…That's ok."

"…" Mackwell was feeling sleepy all over again. The warm hand began to gently rub his face. Then it took hold of his hand. The warm hands were so nice to the touch, they were small… the fingers delicate as they stroked his hand. Something warm was placed to his mouth; a hot liquid entering his throat. Mackwell's mind felt foggy and unclear. For a long time he could feel a comfortable sleep stretching over him.

"Everything will be ok…" The voice replied soothingly, "I'll wait for you…I won't leave you behind."

Misty Lear gazed down at the Alchemist, his head on her lap. His skin was now warm, no longer hot and sweaty. His fever went down immensely. His silver hair was covering his handsome face, he looked far better than the average man. Probably a gift he received from Aquaria's 'Goddess' Apris? Misty Lear was unsure whether to believe in gods and goddesses anymore... There really didn't seem to be a god... or atleast none that heard her prayers. Her husband left her, her only dear child died... The baby was only 2 years old. A baby girl... She was such a beautiful baby. Misty Lear could feel tears falling from her eyes just by thinking about it. The baby was 2 years old... with smooth ivory colored skin... and rosy cheeks... Even after her husband left, Lear believed she could still live on with her child beside her. But those dreams were broken... shattered like glass into a million pieces.

Her fingers touched the man's forehead. Despite this man's solitude and serious demeanor... she could tell that he was also kindhearted. Hardworking, yes but he was also pained. Lear could feel a wrenching pain in her chest... no... she could never go near people again. She brings misfortune... sorrow... to herself and to everyone else. To fall in love was treacherous... it was dangerous... It led to more pain, more guilt, more suffering... Her delicate arms began to shake and tears continued to fall down her pale cheeks. It was cold out, the night breeze blew past them. She attempted to wipe the tears from her eyes but they continued to fall.
"Your crying..." Mackwell's eyes gazed up at hers. His head was still lying on her lap. A tear awoke him... it landed on his cheek.

"I'm sorry..." Misty Lear wiped the tears, "I'm terribly sorry..."

"Why are you apologizing?" Mackwell asked, he attempted to get up but his body wouldn't listen to him. They wanted to remain there... where it was safe.

"I don't know..." Lear whispered, "I really don't know..." She smiled, her tears still streaming down her face. "I must look foolish..."

"No..." Mackwell replied. He could feel the night air. "I look foolish, It seems I messed up my schedule again..." He gave a light sigh, "I really do need to push myself harder..."

"Why?" Lear asked, "Why do you do all this?"

"..." Mackwell paused, "I'm trying to find the answer myself... Maybe because I don't feel satisfied? Maybe because all my attempts are never good enough? Or is it that... I just like to work..." He attempted to get up again, his arms slowly lifting him up, "No matter, To accomplish anything work is needed.I don't mind pushing myself to death..."

"No!" Lear's eyes were filled with tears again, she pushed Mackwell back down. "Stop! Just Stop!" Her shaky chest was breathing heavily as her heart beat. Mackwell could hear the low beating... He could feel her warmth against him. "Don't... please... Don't push yourself so hard..."

"Miss Lear...?" Mackwell looked up at her, Never... did he ever see this woman cry. Never. It was so sad... yet so beautiful... "What is the meaning of this... behavior?" He asked.

"Please... don't push yourself so hard... It hurts me..." Her beautiful face was buried in her hands. "I almost... thought I lost you..."

"Thank you..." Mackwell whispered, "You have my grattitude for helping me... Honestly, this is the first time someone ever cried for me..." He placed his hands on her cheek, whiping the tear away with his finger. "Don't cry... it hurts me as well..."

Misty Lear wiped her tears away with the sleeve of her robe. She put up a shy smile. It was small and it looked nice, her cheeks were red from the crying... but she was still as gorgeous. Mackwell smiled, he never thought he'd receive any help from anyone... let alone a woman. They were outside, but not by the workshop. He was in the gardens of Castle Aquios. Above him was the Stars in the night sky. Their lights shining brightly in the sea of darkness. Also gleaming down on him was Misty Lear... The first woman... in a long time to care for him.

"You were crying about... your losses." Mackwell asked.

Lear silently nodded. Mackwell found it hard... he didn't have anyone to mourn for. He locked everyone away. But this woman... she was hurt. Hurt so much because those that she loved were now gone. Mackwell didn't know the feeling very well. He grew up alone. He was a foreigner... there was no family here. The only loss he felt was that of Dion's... A fellow Runologist under Dr. Elena... He died recently. That war tore him, Mackwell heard the news of his death. Tragic... but he died in the arms of his lover... Ameena was it? He must be happy now... Mackwell's thoughts began to drift.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Lear asked, "Your fever went down... You feel better, don't you?"

"Yes..." Mackwell replied. He put his hand on his forehead. Sure enough it was warm, no sign of any illness. "I must've gotten weary from fatigue and overwork..."

"You really should rest more, you know..." Lear whispered.

"Really...?" Mackwell replied.

"Well, I'm sure you'll be fine..." Lear gave a small smile, "Tomarrow you can continue with your daily schedule...as good as new."

"No..." Mackwell sat up he faced Misty Lear. A small smile appeared on his face. "Let's forget time for a while." Mackwell's gaze made Lear blush. He pulled her close, they could feel each other's heartbeats. Misty Lear's heartbeat began to rapidly increase... "You helped me so much..." he whispered.

"Mackwell..." Lear attempted to push him away, "No... I can't... I'll just hurt you too..."

"It's ok..." He pushed forward, "I don't mind sharing your pain..."

He gently pulled her hair away from her eyes. They were dark blue, like the night sky yet they glowed like the stars. Mackwell could feel her light breath on his cheeks.

"Allow me... to show you my grattitude..." He leaned forward as their lips touched. Mackwell could feel it... his strict, unforgiving schedule... The cruel time that bounded him for so long was slowly stopping. The world around them felt like it paused, just for them. Lear could feel her pain slowly releasing in her mind, Mackwell could feel his loneliness vanishing.

Everything was so still... Everything was so perfect.

Bonuse Misty Lear and Mackwell Act:

Act IV: Good Night

Mackwell and Misty Lear walked down the streets of Aquios. It was dark, the Night swallowed the City whole. Only the dim glows from the Houses and the Lamp posts released their light. Even though it was dark, Even though it was cold they walked together. The Cold night air was light and crisp. It felt refreshing... Lear and Mackwell walked quietly, holding hands as they moved on. From the distance they could hear a howling of a wolf and the barkings of coyotes from the forest afar.

"You really don't have to walk me home..." Mackwell replied. "I'm perfectly fine..."

"I want to walk with you." Lear smiled, "It's a little less lonely."

"Hmm..." Mackwell put his hand against his head, "This is the first time a woman ever walked me home...I must really be losing it..."

"You don't like it?" Lear asked curiously.

"No... I like it..." He mumbled. In his hand he clutched a small pile of books. His long cloak and robe was drifting along the night breeze. He was right... Lear wasn't like other women. She wasn't like his crazed suitors... she was kind, generous, shy... and most of all... she was respectful. Mackwell finds her to be the perfect woman... or atleast a very nice one. But then again, our world was filled with different people. He remembered the time when a very meek librarian girl fancied him... she would always drop a pile of books when he passed by her every morning... She was very kind, but also very shy...

"The child, Eliza was very worried about you." Lear broke the silence. Her voice soft. "She wouldn't leave your side..."

"Is that so?" Mackwell replied. He almost forgot. "I should thank her in the morning..."

Lear nodded, "She's so sweet, she said something along the lines of... 'He's my friend, I don't want to lose friends'... Such an innocent child."

"She is." Mackwell nodded a small smile across his face, "Looks like I'm in her debt... as I am in yours..."

Lear shook her head, "It was nothing... I do feel pity for her loss... I believe her parents fell in that war..."

"Yes..." Mackwell's face now bore a serious expression, "It was a ruthless war... Here we are..." Mackwell and Lear stood outside his house. It was large and very grand... he was paid a large sum of money for his assistance in the Aquios palace. He opened the gates to his front door. He smiled back at Misty Lear.

"Thank you so much for everything, Miss Lear."

"It was no problem..." Lear smiled.

"But... I'm concerned on how you would get home... would you like me to assist you?" Mackwell asked. "It's dangerous at night..."

"It's no problem." Lear smiled shyly, "I'm fine, I stay at the inn. I'm terribly far from home you see, so I stay at the inn instead... It's not very far."

Mackwell frowned, "Stay at the inn...? How troublesome to pay every night..."

Lear bowed, "It's no problem, I get paid a decent amount by the Inventor's Guild."

"Please..." Mackwell opened the gate, "You can stay here if you wish, I have plenty of room."

Lear blushed, stay at the house of a man? This never happened before. "It's fine, really... I wouldn't want to be a burden to you." She shook her head, and smiled, "It's rude..."

Mackwell chuckled, "Just see it as a token of my grattitude... I have plenty of rooms that aren't used, I'd be happy to let you stay as long as you like." He smiled, "Please, I insist... It would be troubling if you ran out of money and had no place to go."

"Well..." Lear's face was still red, "I suppose it would be alright..."

Lear walked through the metal gates. She slowly walked across his yard... it was very nice. The Plants were well-watered and there were many different kinds of Lilacs and Rosebushes on his yard. His house seemed more like a small manor. Mackwell pulled out a key and opened the door, he walked over to a small cabinet in the hall and tossed a spare key to Lear. She stared at it, the cool metal cupped in her hands. He was giving her access to his home?

"You might need this," He smiled.

Mackwell walked to his study. It had many shelves filled with books and novels. Also in the corner was a small desk. Surrounding it were many racks of different chemicals and equipment. He pulled off his cloak and hung it on the coat rack. Lear did the same with her hood. She had no need to go back to the inn... Misty Lear didn't posses many belongings. She had only a small bag that had some spare clothes as well as a decent amount of money.

Mackwell's house was well furnished. It had a total of 4 Bedrooms, only one was occupied. A Nice Kitchen, a basement, 2 Bathrooms, a Study and a Living room. He had such a large home for only himself and a number of cats. Mackwell introduced each of his cats, they all stared intriguingly at the new visitor. Mackwell allowed her to choose whichever room she liked and gave her access to anywhere around the house. He only comes home twice a day to feed his cats and at night to sleep, other than that he barely stays at home.

Lear chose a nice room with a balcony. She can see the Gardens and the Palace from there. Mackwell said his goodnights and left for his own room. Misty Lear was alone, she looked around the large room... It was so different from the inn. She unpacked and spread herself across the bed. There was a very large mirror and a wardrobe... the four poster bed was neatly cleaned and well furnished. Though, the room showed no sign of occupancy she could tell he cleaned it regularly. She gave a sigh, it's been so long since she sunk into a nice bed...

Many thoughst began to run through her head... Like what happened between her and Mackwell earlier that night? Was that a confession of love? How did she feel about Mackwell? It is true he is kindhearted, Handsome and intelligent... but... was this right? And now she even lives under the same roof! How long does she plan to stay? A day? 2 days? A week? Maybe even longer? She sat up on her bed, her reflection staring back at her in the mirror. Her face was still pale, her eyes dark...

"Is this truly ok?" She whispered to herself. There was no reply.

She sighed... Mackwell is a kind man. He wouldn't do anything innapropriate... he even gave her a place to stay... She slipped into the sheets the warm covers and the soft pillow felt very nice. What can she do? I guess there's nothing left to do but wait...

Mackwell lay on his own bed. Once again he finds himself in the security of his own room. One of his cats began to purr softly as it rubbed its furry body against Mackwell's leg. He smiles as he pets the small cat in the head.

"Looks like we'll be having company for a while..." He whispered. He spots the small piled of books on the small table beside his bed. He picks it up... this was the book he took from Dr. Elena... inside it was his schedule. He stared at the paper. On it was his daily list of activities and their exact times. Today was Sunday... what did he have to do? After the workshop he was suppose to go to Castle Aquaria... something about Prayers... After he was to do more reasearch in the library. Research on what? He almost forgot... Alchemy, Runology, Technology...

He was sick for the entire day... It was kind of awkward. He gazed at the small pile of schedules. These papers kept him tied to time... He put the papers and placed them beneath his book. He didn't want to look at them for a while. Mackwell made a small sigh as he pet his furry little friend.

"I guess I'll take a break..." He smiled, "I'll be staying home tomarrow, little friend."

"I'll relax... and wait... wait until my life gets back on track..." The small cat purred by its master's soft touch. he chuckled, "Yeah... I like that too..."

Oyy... head hurts now... Sleepy... Well anyway, if you guys have any inventor requests just ask, ok? So far someone wants more Lias. Well then I'll make some more Lias scenes... As for the Count Noppin thing yeah... that I just scribbled while I was half dead. HAHAHA it's meant to take up space I guess. I'll try better next time! XD MISTY LEAR YOU LUCKY GIRL! I WANT TO STAY IN MACKWELL'S HOUSE TOO!