I'm back and with a new chapter! I'm sorry to be this late, I decided to take a break for uni and other things. But let's ignore that and I'll let you enjoy the new chapter!


'Hey Marc. How it's going?'

'Good. Give me a few minutes.' - I said as I adjusted some engine parts. As final project for my career, my friends and I decided to repair and restore an old car. Thanks to a few contacts, we got a Ford Capri and I'd say we were lucky to have such a cool car if it wasn't because it was really bad. The engines, the structure… everything needed so much work. While working, David approached to me.

'I hope this engine works well when you finish.'

'Oh, I really hope it does. It's giving me so much work… ' - I said grimacing. The easy way would be to buy a new one but we didn't have the money.

'Hey, I was talking to your brother the other day and told me about that event for the children. He told me you were going to help.'

'Well, I always like to help the children and show them new tricks.' - said with a sigh and stopped working to take a break.

'He also told there would be a match with some friends.' - said then and I felt his hope.

'Sorry but… I'm not interested.' - I looked at David and sighed as I saw his disappointment. I felt terrible because I knew he really had hoped I'd return to play again... but memories still haunted me.

'Well, at least you could stay around. Daniel also told me some of your former colleagues would be coming. Sure they want to see you.'

'That would be nice.' - Said with a smile trying to cheer things up. I returned to my work and David did the same.

'How's doing Elizabeth?'

'She's okay. She recently started working for George.'

'Oh, really?'

'Yeah. He said someone so passionate about books would be really helpful.'

'Well, for sure the old will be happy with such a nice company.' – laughed David. I stopped working and looked at him. Was he really meaning that? He noticed my look and shrugged.

'She's young, she loves books... That new energy will help the shop.'

'Yeah...' - I laughed and went back to work. While adjusting some engines, I couldn't help thinking about how Elizabeth acted to strange in these days. She always looked tired and looked less cheerful than usual. I also caught her staring at me with... distress? Maybe I should talk to her. It was clear that she wasn't okay...

'Clark?'

What if something bad had happened and I didn't know? Perhaps the Lutece had visited her and told her something wrong was going to happen? I hope it's nothing serious... I don't want to see her suffer anymore.

'Clark!' - Then I realized that David was calling me.

'W-what…' - I accidentally pressed one of the engines more than I should and this jumped out from the car. Oil flew into my face and I rushed to step away quickly. - 'Oh shit!'

'Man, what you've done?' – asked David laughing as he approached to me.

'The damn engine jumped as it was a bullet.' - said grimacing. I touched my face and noticed with my hand that was covered with dirty motor oil. - 'Great...'

'You must be careful. You don't want to ruin the damn motor now.' - said David still laughing as he handed me a cloth to clean my face.

'I know...' - I said a little annoyed. Then I looked at my shirt and groaned to see that my clothes were also stained with oil. I need a shower. And a washer.


(Elizabeth's POV)

After cleaning the book's, making sure spotless and leaving it to its place, I gave a sigh and went down the stairs. If there was something I could confirm is that the shop didn't receive an intensive cleaning session long time ago. Although I couldn't blame George. There were hundreds or thousands of old books and the poor man was alone here plus he was very old and his body wouldn't allow him too much effort. Therefore, since I started working for him, I offered myself to try to clean the store.

At first I didn't care and was actually excited for the books. But after a few days cleaning non-stop, I was getting tired. I didn't even reach to clean half of all the books. To make matters worse, since I watched Marc's past I started having nightmares every night and slept very little to say nothing. Marc asked me several times if I was okay and I tried to pretend I was okay but it was so difficult. I was lying to him and hiding the truth. It hurt me to do that but... I wasn't sure how he would react if he knew. Everything has become so difficult...

'Elizabeth.'

'Yes?' - I said looking at George.

'Are you okay?'

'Yes, why you ask?'

'These days you looked more tired than usual. Maybe you should leave the cleaning.' - said worried.

'Oh, no. I had some problems to sleep these days but I'm fine. Really.' - I said with a reassuring smile.

'But you shouldn't do all the work alone.'- He insisted.

'It's okay. It's not as hard as it seems. It's just...' - I approached to him but a wave of exhaustion invaded me and took a breath. - 'It's just that I'm not resting well and I'm not feeling okay.'

'Is something bothering you?' - asked George and I knew he was trying to help. And those days since had been enough to know that I can trust him.

'During these nights I had nightmares. More than I'd have expected.' -. I said frowning.

'Nightmares don't become so frequent just like that. Did something bad happen?'- asked me more worried.

'No. But I saw something I shouldn't. Something that brought back bad memories from the past.' – I couldn't say more. Although I trust him, I couldn't tell all my past so easily.

'I see. That usually happens if you remember something very unpleasant.' - said George thoughtfully. - 'Tell me, your past has been very hard? And don't need to tell me details if you don't want. '

'Yes. And I have suffered more than people think.' - said with a sad look.

'It's okay.' - said with a warm smile and put an arm on my shoulder. - 'Look, I have an idea. You really like books?'

'You still doubt about it?' - said with chuckling and the man laughed.

'Never. But tell me, you like them to the point you wish to write one?'- that surprised me.

'No. I had never thought about it.' - I admitted thoughtfully.

'Well, here's my advice: write a story. It may be related to your past or be written literally as it was. That will help you take out everything you got inside and clear your mind. At least I think so...'

'I see...' - I said thoughtfully. It wasn't a bad idea and could be interesting. - 'I'll remember that.'

'Anyway hopefully soon everything gets better.'

'Thanks.' - said with a smile. Then I heard the door open and turned. A tall thin man appeared and slowly approached to us.

'Sorry. Hope it's not too late.'- said the man sheepishly. His features were very marked due to his thinness and wore glasses. For his appearance and the bag that was hanging on his shoulder, he seemed to be a student and abut my age.

'Not at all. There's still some time before closing.' – said George with a smile. - 'What can we do for you?'

'I've been looking for a very specific type of book but couldn't find anything in other bookstores. I was hoping I could find something here.'

'What kind of book you need?'

'It should be about ancient Greece story.'

'Ancient Greece... definitely an interesting but very large topic. Perhaps my assistant can help…' – said while looking at me with a smile and I looked at him surprised. We had had very little customers these days and I've never had a chance to receive them due to I was too busy cleaning. George was also impressed by my good memory as I remembered almost every book of the shop. And I say almost because still haven't finished analyzing all them.

'I hope I can help you.' - I said with a smile. The man looked at me and become surprised.

'Oh-oh...' - I saw his cheeks reddening and trembled a little.

'Are you all right?'

'Huh… y-yeah.' - said with a nervous laugh and swallowed.

'You said you're interested about ancient Greece. Are you looking about certain event?'

'Yes! I need information about Greco-Persian wars.'

'I think I know what you want. Something that doesn't focus exclusively on Alexander the Great, right?'- I said with a smile. I really know that problem. When there is such a famous character involved in such an important event, everyone talks about him/her less than others.

'Yes. I'm doing a work about the war but almost all the books I looked were talking about Alexander the Great and obviously the work isn't about him.'

'I understand. Give me a moment.' - I said while looking for the right shelf. In addition to cleaning, I asked myself to rearrange the books not only alphabetically but by genre and theme. I moved the stairs and climbed on them to find the book I was looking for. – 'Let's see... Greek gods, Trojan... hmm...'

After a few minutes looking through the books, finally found two that could serve. Both books were quite old but had useful information and could be used. After taking them, I went down carefully and approached to the man.

'This could help you.' - I said giving him books. - 'One is about ancient Greece history in general and the other is more about the relationship between Greece and Persia.'

'That's great.' - said surprised and opened one of the books. - 'Thank God I found something. I was afraid that I had to invent something to complete the work.'

'Lucky now you have something to work with.' - I said laughing and watched as his cheeks reddened. What was wrong with this boy? After he paid for the books, I out them in a bad and gave them to him. - 'Good luck in your work.'

'T-thanks.' - He said with a shy smile and left. The store went silent and George, who had been silent while I was working, approached to me.

'Congratulations. You have just received your first client successfully.'

'Thank you.' - said with a proud smile.

'I should also add that if you had offered any book from any topic, he'd have accepted without hesitation. And I'd bet all my money that he will be back.' – said chuckling.

'What do you mean?'

'Haven't you noticed? He liked you a lot. In fact every time you smiled, he got so nervous for sure he forgot why he came here.'

'Don't be so exaggerated.' - I said laughing.

'I'm not exaggerating. You'll see when passes from that door any day and asks your advice for a book.' - said returning to his tasks. - 'A shame for him you have a boyfriend. And a really nice one.'

I shook my head and smiled. I took a few books and went to a shelf to put them in their place but then George called me.

'Elizabeth, you worked enough for today. You can go home if you want.' - I left the books on a table and looked surprised.

'But we still have an hour before closing.'

'I know but you have my permission to go now. You worked hard these days even when you weren't feeling well.'

'But...' - I went to insist. George came up to me and put a hand on my shoulder.

'It's okay. Go home and rest. Tomorrow you can come only to the afternoon shift.' - I went to insist again but couldn't find the words. Frankly I don't know what to say.

'I... well... okay.' - I said simply. After taking my coat and my small backpack, I approached to George. - 'So… see you tomorrow.'

'Sure. And Elizabeth, don't worry.' - said with a smile. I smiled and walked toward the door. Before leaving, I looked at him.

'George, thank you.' - He smiled warmly after hearing that.

'Say hi to Marc from me.'

After saying goodbye to him, I walked home slowly. I looked at my watch and saw that it was 7 pm. Marc should be home now... When I thought about him, I sighed. I felt terrible for not telling him the truth and I'll have to at some point... but when? I shook my head and looked straight ahead. I mustn't think about that now. The sooner I forget this, the sooner everything will get better.

Then I thought about George. Since I started working for him, he was really nice with me. We spend a lot of time talking about books and also he shared some interesting stories he heard. Now he allowed me all these just to help me to feel better. I don't know if tonight I'll be able to rest but I'm really thankful for that.

'Let's hope it works.' – said to myself trying to cheer myself.


I opened the door and went inside giving a shaky breath. As I removed my coat, I heard movement in the bedroom.

'Marc?' - I called him as I hung my coat but received no reply. As I approached and went inside, I saw that the bathroom door was closed but heard as someone was inside. - '¿Marc? Are you there?'

'Yup!'- he said from inside and I smiled. Then I felt a shiver and rubbed my arms while looking for something to cover. - 'How went today?'

'Good. I received my first client.'

'Oh! That's cool!'

'George also allowed me to leave early and told me that tomorrow I can come in the evening.'

'Has something happened?' - He asked and noticed his concern.

'No. He said he me wanted to rest after having worked so hard in these days.' – I said but not saying I wasn't feeling well. Then heard the bathroom door open.

'George has always been very generous. Damn it, where are my pants?' - he murmured. I turned and immediately felt my cheeks burn. Marc was completely naked. And only a towel was covering his waist. His hair was wet and slicked back and droplets were running down his chest... Why suddenly was so hot here?

'Hmm... huh... p-pants?' – I asked still shocked.

'Yes. My pajama pants. I thought I took them with my shirt but it's nowhere.' - said looking in the closet.

'They may have fallen somewhere.' - I suggested trying to not look but my sight returned to him. I looked at his back and how strong his muscles looked... Oh for god's sake! Elizabeth STOP!

'I don't know... Right now I can't think where they could be.' - I finally I was able to turn my gaze and then I saw something sticking out from under the bed. When picked it up, I saw that it was the pants he was looking for.

'Found them. They were under the bed.' - He looked at me and came.

'I don't know how they ended there but thanks.' – said as he took them. Then he looked at me curiously and I got nervous. - 'That color in your cheeks... You're blushing?'

'I don't know what you mean.' - I said looking away and felt my cheeks burn more. Damn it...

'I suppose someone likes what she sees.' - said amusing smile.

'Marc, shut up.' - I said crossing my arms. He chuckled and kissed me.

'No need to be like that.' - said fondly and went to the bathroom. When he closed the door, I gave a sigh and smiled. Stupid and cute Marc...

'How's the car going?' - I asked as I stepped out the bedroom and went to the couch.

'It could have been better. That damn car is giving us too much work. To make it worst, while I was fixing the motor, one of the engines jumped and stained me with oil.'

'What did you wrong?' - I asked laughing.

'Honestly, think about you.' - That surprised me and smiled.

'Really?'

'Yeah. I wouldn't have minded if it wasn't for my cloths that became a mess.'

'Are you blaming me for that?' - said raising an eyebrow.

'A little bit.' - I laughed and then he appeared, dressed this time, with an amused smile. - 'But I forgive you.'

'Oh, that changes everything.' - said still laughing. He sat next to me and pulled me to him with his arm.

'You know I always forgive you everything.'


I couldn't see anything. Something was covering my eyes and couldn't see even a single flash of light. My hands and feet were ties and couldn't move. I was so confused. I didn't know where I was and why I was there. Then I heard footsteps approaching to me and suddenly he or she removed the bandage that was covering my eyes. I noticed a bright light over me and blinked several times to get used to.

When I saw where I was, I paled. I was in Comstock's house. In the surgery room. And I was on the stretcher. Instantly I started to struggle to get rid of my bonds and I felt as panic invaded me. I didn't want to go through this again. Then someone came to my side.

'Sorry, child. I failed you.' - I paled when I recognized that voice and trembling looked at my side. There was Comstock, with the same serious expression and not looking at me. - 'I left the false shepherd to corrupt you. But I'll try to help you get back on the good side. It's my duty as a father and as prophet.'

'What are you talking about? Let me go now!'- said while returning to struggle.

'I hate to see you suffer but you need to walk through this. It's the only way.'

Then I heard someone coming towards us and I saw a man dragging someone. Then I saw it was Atlas and the person who was dragging was Marc... What the hell was going on here?

'No... you shouldn't be here. You're not even from here.' - Atlas smiled and looked at me with his eyes empty of feelings.

'Maybe we should start.' - said then looking at Marc with a evil grin. Then he took the belt... no. No, not again please.

'Don't hurt him. Please... let him go...' - I begged shaking but he ignored me and circled his neck with the belt as he did the last time.

'I'm sorry my child. But you must go through this. You must learn to forget him.' - said Comstock and my panic turned to desperation. Marc's expression was blank but when Atlas began to choke him, he attempted escape from him.

'No! Stop! You're hurting.'- I begged as he struggled harder.

'You have to learn to forget. And it requires you to see him disappear. You can do it.' - Comstock said but I was not listening.

'Please! I'll do whatever you want! I'll return to the tower or whatever but leave him!'

'I'm sorry but I can't allow that.'

I begged over again and again while Atlas drowned him and laughed. I saw Marc looking at me and he looked desperate. I cried inconsolably as I looked t him. Why I always have to suffer like this? What have I done to deserve this?

'STOP!'


I woke up suddenly and looked around nervously. I was in bed, Marc was at my side. It has been only a nightmare... one more... I ran a hand over my face and felt the wetness of my tears. I was so tired of this. I just wanted to rest. Why they couldn't leave me alone? I lied next to Marc and got closer to him but as I tried to sleep, it was impossible. Why everything has to be so hard?


(Marc's POV)

My mind woke up and slowly opened my eyes. From the darkness and time that showed the clock on my nightstand, I noticed it was still night. Why had I've woken up at this hour? Then I touched next to me and felt it empty. Looking around, I saw that Elizabeth wasn't there. Perhaps she would be in the bathroom but then I saw that there was no light.

'Elizabeth?' - I called her softly but got no answer. I got out of the bed and walked to the door that was open. When I left the room, I saw her sitting at the end of the couch, hugging her knees. - 'Elizabeth.'

'Marc.' - She called me when she realized my presence.

'What are you doing there? It's still too early.'

'I couldn't sleep.' - said looking down.

'Another nightmare?' - I asked and she looked surprised.

'How do you know...'

'From the way you looked in these days and how many times you woke up in those nights, it is not difficult to know.' - I said as I approached and sat beside her. - 'I tried to give you time, I tried to not push you too much. But after several nights, it's obvious this is affecting you.'

As I spoke, I saw as she looked down and hugged her legs. It was obvious that something was worrying her and that maybe was causing the nightmares. I gave her time to explain herself but said nothing.

'Won't say anything?' – I had no answer again and gave a long sigh. - 'Elizabeth, I know something is worrying you. And by this you should know that you can trust me.'

'I know but...'

'But what? Something bad happened?'

'No, nothing serious. But I don't want to worry you.' - said without looking at me.

'Well, I have every right in the world to worry about you. And if telling me what's wrong makes you feel better, go ahead.'

'I...' – she was going to say but didn't continue. I put an arm around her shoulders.

'It's okay. Don't worry.'

'I don't want to angry you.' - That surprised me. Why I'd be angry with her?

'Well, I don't think I'll be angry with you... but I need you to tell me what's wrong. Please.' - She looked at me and I could see her doubts but finally nodded.

'Since I came here I've noticed that everyone knew Ethan. I didn't like that feeling that I was the only one who didn't know every time they spoke about him so...'

'What?' - said when she didn't continue. She swallowed and looked aside.

'I opened a tear and went to see your past. Not all of course, only a few moments when you were with Ethan.'

'I see… but there's something I don't understand. Something you saw has caused your nightmares. I don't think it my past was so bad to cause them.'

'Of course not. All went well until... until I got to the part when Ethan...'- she went silent but I knew what she meant and I looked at the mark of my hand. - 'I saw a moment when you were suffering and...'

'Elizabeth?' - I looked closer at her and saw that she was about mourn.

'Your face... it was almost the same as you had when you died in Rapture... that vision got stuck in my mind and couldn't forget it. Since then I've had nightmares. All them were about how I was losing you and I was unable to do anything to save you…' - said trembling as she hugged her knees tightly.

'Well, that makes more sense now.' - said thoughtfully.

'I haven't told you anything because I was afraid you would be mad with me for looking at you past.'

'Well, the truth is I'm angry because you didn't tell me this before.' - She looked at me sheepishly and saw fear in her eyes.

'But what about the other?'

'Actually I was surprised you didn't do it before. And by the way, I don't mind.'

'But... but I looked at you past without permission.'

'And I don't you I don't mind.' – said with smile.

'I… okay.'

'But next time if there's something bothering you, anything, let me know, okay? Clearly keep this for yourself made you suffer.'

'I'm sorry.' - said shyly and looked down. I smiled and pulled her to hug her.

'Now try to forget all that.' - said rubbing her back. After a few minutes silent, I felt her body relaxing and smiled. I rested my chin on her head and she snuggled to me.

'George gave me an idea to try to help to forget that.'

'George always has good ideas. What told you?'

'Write something like a book. Write everything that happened in Columbia and Rapture like a story.'

'Hmm... Interesting. And it also sounds like fun.'

'I never thought about something like that. Should I try?'

'Definitely. In addition, imagine if this book is published and you become famous.' - I said laughing.

'That won't happen.' - said looking at me this time.

'Who knows? That story... well, "our" story... '- she smiled when she heard that that. - '...has everything to make a great book: a floating city, violence, romance, lunatics, supernatural powers, more lunatics, giant robots... and that's only with Columbia.'

'Well, seen in that way it would clearly be an entertaining story.'

'And if you add the main character would be someone so awesome and epic as me with a sweet and beautiful girl as you, things improve a lot.'

'Wait, why do you have to be the awesome and epic character?' - said a little upset.

'I was the one who fought against all enemies and protected the damsel in distress.'

'Okay. But I must remember you that damsel in distress literally saved your life when you were in serious trouble.'

'Okaaaaay. I'll give some credit.' - She nudged me and laughed. - 'Well, at least you're in good mood now.'

'Yes... thank you.' - said with a smile and snuggled next to me.

'My pleasure.' – said kissing her forehead. – 'Now what if we go back to bed? I have to get up early?'

'Can't stay with me?' – said as she pouted and made puppy eyes. Oh, those eyes…

'You know I'd stay with you but this is my last year and if I want to be free, I have to get good results.'- said with a sigh. I wish I couldn't say "no".


And here ends the chapter... I had some problems to find new ideas but during this break I found new ways to write something really interesting and I'll be working on them. As for my followers from the Tomb Raider story, I promise now I'm working on it and I'll try to update as soon as I can. Meanwhile, if you have something to share, remember to post reviews and share your opinions.

See you soon and wish you a great day!