The elevator ride always seemed to take the longest getting back to the mansion. It seemed short on the way down but going back up to reality, felt sluggish. Selena always felt like she was coming out of a haze. It seemed liked that whenever that part of herself would take over. In the back of her mind, she knew what was going on but it was like a dream, her body was in control and she was just watching it as an audience member at a movie theater.

The doors opened to the foyer area. It was quiet. Dimmed lighting helped her eyes adjust to the night time. She glanced over to the grandfather clock that was positioned in a way for her to always see it coming in and out of the elevator. The arms indicated that it was late into the night. She glanced over to see the High Chancellor resting in a chair. He opened his eyes when he heard the elevator doors chimed, giving her a sleepy smile. Luka would always be in that chair, waiting for Selena to come out of the elevator when she was in that state.

It warmed her heart to see him there, every time. He came to the Kingdom when he found out her parents had passed away. He continued to be a father figure in her life. It was comforting, especially when he was one of the few who knew about her circumstances. Luka got out of the chair, while stretching. He would always escort her whether that was back to her room or to continue working through the night.

Selena entered her room. Luka followed. Usually, she would pause at the door and tell him goodnight but this time, she continued on. Luka frowned a bit. He knew she was going to work again, even though she was pushing herself to the limits with this mission. He stared at her shoulders. He sighed internally. She always had to bear the weight of the world on her little shoulders. The bubbly young girl with a wide set of dreams and aspirations had to grow up the day her parents passed away. The brightness she had had dimmed during the funeral. He rarely saw it in her now. At the funeral, she was in a daze there too, and could see she was already struggling to bear the weight of the world. He, like many others, hoped this mission would end soon so that she could go back to who she once wanted to be.

Selena headed towards an armoire that was painted white with ornate baroques. She opened both doors to reveal a silver safe. It was unusual though. There was no dial or turn device. She pushed on a piece for part of the metal area that moved away to reveal a large, black touchpad that had squares the size of keyboard letters all across it. There were not letters or symbols. Her fingertips tapped away like she was playing the piano. She was going too fast for Luka. Each time she pushed a button, it would light up for a few seconds. When she pushed the last button, the side facing her unlocked, allowing it to be open. She grabbed the side, pulling it towards her.

Inside was all that she treasured. Certain ballet garments, worn ballet slippers, scrapbooks, sketchbooks, jewelry. Priceless items to her. Luka could see a little nutcracker protected in a glass case. Selena was looking around on the book side. She pulled out a large manilla envelope that was closed.

"It was nice the two of you got to meet up again," Luka stared at the nutcracker.

Selena flinched. She didn't turn around to see his face but she could tell where he was looking.

"A nice rendezvous where the world stopped for a brief moment," Luka was one of the few who knew about her relationship with Yzak. She stiffened. "I do have snippets of your time at the wedding and your rendezvous." He pulled out a small envelope containing pictures of them. She turned around to see that he was holding them out for her.

A butler had just walked in. She handed her envelope to him. "Please send a copy of the contents in here to Gatlin. He will know what to do with it." The butler took it with both hands, while giving her a slight bow before leaving. Selena looked through the pictures. "Ezalia know?"

"No," Luka shook his head. "As High Chancellor it is one of my duties to make sure certain information doesn't get leaked. Remember, all the informants must go through me."

"Information that even I am unable to access," Selena kept moving through the pictures. She let out a sigh.

"Do you regret it?" Luka watched her go through a small range of emotions looking at the photos.

"No," Selena shook her head a bit. "It does make this next step harder though."

"You're saying goodbye?" Luka's voice went lower as he raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Mm," Selena nodded. "My goodbye at least." She paused on a picture. "Better this way before the announcement of my engagement. Maybe it will ease what is to happen next."

"And if he does move on?" Luka wondered.

Selena let herself breathe a bit. "If our paths happen to cross again, he will only see that I am happy for his happiness." She didn't look up at him. She still focused on the picture in her hands.

Luka put a hand on her shoulder. "It is hard but that's all what we can do. To make sure our loved ones are content and happy even if it doesn't come from us being in their lives anymore." He spoke from his own experiences. Selena steadied herself to go to the next picture. Luka pulled his hand back. "However, it is odd that you like someone like him. A typical Coordinator who grew up learning to hate the Naturals. Given how the Earth Alliance kept attacking us. He and the others are right to believe that. He's grown from then, mature, achievements, high rank but he used to be a little boy full of vigor, stubbornness, and easily lost his temper. I hear he hardly ever does. Much more in control now. Very cool."

Selena had a soft smile, fondness in her voice. "Maybe that's why I like him. He didn't have to control his emotions. He could just be who he wanted, outbursts and all. Got to speak what was on his mind. Live in the moment."

Luka chuckled. "I don't think it's entirely that."

"Do you think he will go on more blind dates?" Selena asked. She had heard that Ezalia had made him go on three blind dates during the First War. Whenever he had time off, she had tried to find someone for him. He only gave in three times.

"Perhaps," Luka left it open. "His mother's picks were interesting. The first was too chatty. The second was a jokester."

"And the third was quiet, almost subdued," Selena added.

"Not at all his type," he saw she glanced up at him. He gave her a smirk. Selena let out a small smile.

The butler came back with the envelope. He handed it back to Selena. She placed it back inside the safe. She closed the door. The metal came back over it, making it look like a solid piece while the mechanisms locked it up.

Luka patted her shoulder again while she was closing up the armoire. "Get some rest." Selena nodded. Luka headed out to a car that waited for him. Sometimes he went back by the rail system, other times there was a car waiting for him. Selena washed up before sleeping in her bed.

The car paused in front of Luka's manor. He entered his home to find a light on in his bedroom. He opened the door to see Ezalia sleeping in one of the chairs. She had fallen asleep waiting for him. Luka took her up into his arms. She woke up as he was moving her to the bed.

"You waited up for her again," Ezalia yawned. She snuggled into him.

"As you waited up for me," Luka placed down on her side. She had already changed into her pajamas. She was reading a book in one of his chairs. On occasion, he would find her here. His manor was always open to her. He, however, had never visited her place. He wanted to have her come to him on her own terms.

"Do you remember when we first met?" Ezalia opened her eyes just a bit to see him by the closet. He was changing out of his clothes, hanging them up one by one. Her eyes lingered just a bit on his figure.

He could hear the fondness in her voice. "Yes. I won't ever forget it." The two started to reminisce that memory.

It was Cosmic Era 52, the Zodiac Alliance had formed two years earlier thanks to Patrick Zala and Siegel Clyne. It was forced to move underground due to sponsor nations suppressing them. Ezalia was working in Martius City, home of Martius Arsenal. She worked in aviation, aerospace, and engineering. She was a supporter of Patrick Zala. Helping him and the rest of the Coordinators to become their own nation in PLANTs.

As news got around that First Generation Coordinators produced pure Second Generation Coordinators that inherited the genes. The sponsored nations wanted the Coordinators to continue to flourish to oppress them. They wanted to use their enhancements to build their new world.

Coordinators also wanted to continue on their lineage. As Coordinators flocked to the sanctity of the PLANTs some joined professional matchmaking organizations that helped paired them together as the Coordinator population was over ten million by CE 45.

Ezalia was notified to come to the matchmaking building. A potential partner was waiting for her. She was a bit excited but also hoped it wasn't going to be another downer. Just because they were Coordinators, doesn't mean the personality was better too. Ezalia had gone through a few blind dates already who didn't seem to fit her sort of lifestyle.

The potential partner and her would have their own room to chat a bit before deciding to take it further by going on a date. It was easier to chat first in the safety of the matchmaking building. Ezalia checked in with the receptionist. The two headed towards one of the rooms. Her heart dropped a bit when her supposed partner was not there. Ezalia sat down in one of the chairs. There was a rolling island that had beverages and some refreshments. She grabbed a bottle of water.

As she heard the door handle move, she stood straight up in anticipation. She waited with baited breath to see the receptionist holding the door open. A man in a navy-blue suit with a stark white shirt walked in. The jacket was unbuttoned. His blonde hair was combed back. Ezalia did like he was aesthetically pleasing. She started to think what he does for a living. Someone with that sense of class must have a similar job to it. They could be compatible but it could go the other way.

The two greeted one another before sitting down. The receptionist left the two alone to get further acquainted.

"Luka," he greeted.

"Ezalia," she smiled. "Here to hopefully find the one."

"Yes," he nodded. "The same for you?"

Ezalia nodded as well. "I would like to start a family of my own."

Luka followed up with questions on how many children she was wanting to have, where she would like to make a home, and questions of what she was looking for in a partner. The two got along and had similar interests. It seemed like they were doing okay. Ezalia thought it was time to ask a few deal breaker questions. She had wanted her potential partners to at least see her side or compromise or even be content, however it wasn't the case. This time, she didn't want to go further to build a relationship with them if they weren't on the same page. She understood a partner wasn't someone to fulfill their life but someone to share the rest of their lives with.

Luka could tell she was holding something back. "Please state what is ever on your mind. I will listen."

Ezalia looked at him. "What if I don't want to change my last name to yours if we get married?"

Luka never changed his demeanor. "That is fine." He kept the same light tone held by a soft smile.

Ezalia blinked in surprise. She had to blink again to continue. "O-kay. What about both of us keeping our jobs when we have children?"

He nodded. "Okay."

Ezalia started to feel embarrassed. "No gender roles. Equal partnerships. Praising for each other's achievements. Being content with one another. Focusing on the solution and not the problem." She stopped talking when Luka placed a hand over hers. She glanced down at it.

"Ezalia," he spoke to her. "I understand why you need to ask these questions. It must have been tough to deal with those who could not see you for you. We haven't even gone over what we do for a living. I would like to date you, but I think you need to see what I do for a living, that way we are on the same page before going any further." Ezalia nodded. Luka grabbed an envelope out of his inside pocket of his jacket. "Here. Let's meet up again then."

This intrigued her. She accepted it. After the meeting, she opened it to see it was in the next few days. She decided to go. It was at the theater which held traveling musicians, plays, ballet troupes, and the like. Luka had given her a ticket to see the event. She wondered if he was an actor or played in the orchestra. He made her curious.

It surprised her a bit to see it was a ballet. She let out a small gasp when she saw that the male lead was Luka. It was an absolute surprise indeed. She now understood why he was so caring and thoughtful of her side; he would feel the same about his side. Ezalia enjoyed watching the play and couldn't keep her eyes off of him.

When the play was over, the crowd gave a standing ovation. There was loud cheering, flowers being thrown while the ballet troupe bowed to them. Ezalia's ticket also allowed her to go backstage. After it started to clear of people, Ezalia headed to the backstage area where the dressing rooms are. She waited for Luka to come out. She saw there were several women around him. It made her feel a bit jealous. He was wearing a bright smile, chatting with them with familiarity. Luka spotted Ezalia. He said goodbye to the women to head over to her.

"Ezalia!" He smiled at her. He picked up the pace to meet her. "Did you watch the show?"

"Y-yes!" Ezalia stammered. "It was magnificent. I have never seen something like that before. You were amazing."

"Thank you," Luka felt bashful.

"I-I'm sorry I didn't get you any flowers," Ezalia felt guilty as she saw him clutching a bouquet of flowers in his hand that also held a gym bag.

"You didn't have to get me anything," Luka shook his head a bit. "Being here means a lot to me. Oh! These are for you though." He took them in his other hand and gave them to her. Ezalia blinked as she took them. More surprises. "I hoped you had come but I understood if you didn't."

"I understand now what you mean," she smiled a bit. "Did your other dates not like that you were a ballet dancer?"

"I didn't have any other dates yet," Luka explained. "You're my first one." Ezalia jerked to see his expression. He was a bit sheepish. "I had some difficulties growing up, typical for us Coordinators. I thought it was the right time to start my own family, hoping they wouldn't have the same outcome as I did."

"I see," Ezalia looked back down to her flowers. She became a little giddy as she was his first date. She had the thought of being his only date. "So, when do you want to go on our first date?"

Luka got in bed with Ezalia with a soft smile. It was a happy memory for him. He clicked off the lights. Ezalia snuggled into him after he got comfortable. He enjoyed these times together. Sometimes she would bring up old memories like that one. Reminiscing on the good times. Times where the war between Naturals and Coordinators didn't seep into their little world. The past still had a hold on their present and future. He didn't want to bring up bad memories or topics they had gone over and over again. He didn't want to lose what he had again. He was slowly gaining it all back.

Luka couldn't get to sleep since he already had a nap while waiting up for Selena. Ezalia was in his arms asleep once again, he didn't want to wake her. Instead, his thoughts continued on the past.

The two of them went on several dates. Ezalia gave him a tour of where she worked. He was in awe of the projects she was working on. The two agreed to be official. Later on, Luka asked her hand in marriage. The two had a small wedding with few friends. Ezalia enjoyed sharing the news to Luka about being pregnant. She asked him what he would want the child to be. Ezalia fell in love all over again when Luka responded saying he wanted the child to look like her.

It was a new adventure for them. Ezalia worked along with her body to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Luka supported her through it as much as he could do on his part. Yzak's hot headedness was inherited. Ezalia was really good about keeping her emotions intact but pregnancy does change the body in the process. When her belly started to show it started to take a toll on her. She had at times bumped things with her belly. Sometimes object fell over, other times it fell upon the floor. Bending down had become squatting down. Luka would rub her feet and legs when she would get home. He also massaged her belly. Luka suggested of wearing a corset to help ease the burden of bearing all the weight on her back. Ezalia took him up on it when she could no longer stand the annoyance. It was an instant relief. She also teased him that maybe he had some sort of fetish of seeing her like that.

When Yzak was born, it was a glorious moment between them. A healthy baby boy. He took over their lives in such a happy way. Raising baby did come with its own challenges but loving one another had kept them together. Luka remembered how curious Yzak was as a baby. When his silver hair started to grow longer and his blue eyes started to shine brighter.

Luka closed his eyes tighter. Trying to keep away the memories that were not so good. Memories of where the rift started to come between them. As Ezalia was a supporter of Patrick Zala, she would do anything to help out Coordinators. Luka found out that she had made a decision without him regarding their family. Yet Ezalia, too, found out a decision Luka made without her. If the two were holding secrets from one another, it meant that they no longer trusted on another, is what the two presumed. Luka tried to explain that it was something from his past. It was not something to affect their family but Ezalia's decision would. Ezalia agreed she shouldn't have kept it from him, but this decision could help the Coordinators out in the future. It was their future that depended on it. She wanted him to be on her side.

The two tried to explain their sides but it only left them feeling more hurt. The two only thought about taking a break. They didn't want to divorce each other. When they first got together, the two agreed to focus on the problem and the solution, and not blame each other for the problem.

When they separated, the two continued to see each other at times. Ezalia wanted to raise Yzak by herself. She was still hurt about Luka's decision. He agreed but on the condition that Yzak took ballet lessons from him. He may not have to know who his dad was but, he still wanted to be his life. Ezalia agreed. She felt a stab of pain when she would pick up Yzak from lessons, seeing a little boy with purple hair dancing next to him.

As the trouble between Naturals and Coordinators continued, the royals from the Kingdom of Scandinavia died in an accident. Some actually believed it to be an assignation cover up. Luka left the PLANTs, to join Selena. He sent a letter to Ezalia that he still loved her and this was not the end. He only just moved. He hoped there was a time to rekindle.

Ezalia didn't know where he moved to but she did start to see his side of the argument at times. She still felt strongly on the decision she made, even if there was a small setback. The plan was still moving forward. It wasn't until the coup d'etat lead by Eileen Canaver, Ezalia was arrested and waiting for punishment. There were talks of her being on house arrest and all of her positions were revoked but that was just talk. Gilbert Durandal seemed a man of peace but he had similar notions to Patrick Zala. If those weren't willing to commit to his cause, he would eliminate them. Several of the others around her shared the same thoughts. Gilbert believed they deserved a harsher punishment for resisting, even death.

Ezalia and the others only knew that their judgement had come to an end and they will receive punishment soon. They couldn't contact their families or loved ones. They were forced to board a vessel to be taken off of PLANTs. It was to their surprise when they found out they were taken to the Kingdom of Scandinavia. The group though they were going to be executed or something of similar notion. All of them had to go through rehabilitation. Each one gave their own account of what had happened in the First War.

After rehabilitation, they lived in small communities where some of their family was reintroduced to them. They weren't allowed to contact the rest of the family but they could learn to know how they were doing. Ezalia was stunned to find Luka in the Kingdom. He was still the same to her but was now High Chancellor. He was now on the side she had wanted him to be on but now Ezalia was on the opposite side. Ezalia saw he could not speak much of his side from his own decision back then. It was nice that they were back together again, even if it was in private.

The group became citizens of the Kingdom. They worked for the Royal military under Selena. She kept them busy. She did promise them that one day they won't have to hide that they are in the Kingdom. Everything will be told. Only to trust her. They accepted since she was the one who had saved their lives. She also saved their families lives. It was the least they could do. Ezalia still wanted to try to undo her decision but it was hard according to Luka. He listened to her worries but the decision has been made and it cannot not be undone like she wanted. They only had to wait for the outcome.