Volume 1, Chapter 5 : The Briefing
Arc : Undercover
Conference Room, 9th Floor of Nazarick
Pandora and Narberal return to Nazarick after both battles they participated in at Carne Village. They have already ordered their peers to assemble in the conference room for a debriefing. As they enter the room, they notice the tense atmosphere among them.
Pandora takes a deep breath, preparing himself to address the concerns and questions that are sure to arise during the meeting. He looks around the room, taking in the faces of his peers. Their expressions range from curiosity to apprehension, and Pandora knows that it is his responsibility to ease their worries and provide them with the information they seek.
He takes his place at the head of the table with Narberal, his trusted advisor, by his side. As the others settle into their seats, Pandora coughs to clear his throat, signaling that he is ready to begin. The room falls silent; all eyes are now focused on him.
Pandora gathers his thoughts, reminding himself of the importance of delivering a concise and confident message. He knows that the success of this meeting depends on his ability to effectively communicate and address any concerns that may arise.
"Everyone, thank you for joining me today. I appreciate your presence and the time you have taken out of your busy schedules. Today, we have a crucial agenda to discuss, and I assure you that your input and opinions are highly valued. Let us dive straight into the matter at hand and work together towards a successful outcome. Charon, please bring up the relevant data and any updates you have regarding the project. Additionally, I encourage everyone to actively participate in the discussion and share any concerns or ideas you may have. Let's create an open and collaborative environment where we can address any challenges and find innovative solutions together."
[Affirmative. activating the holographic projector display now. Inserting all known data. All data is confirmed and up-to-date. Displaying data now.]
Intro song :
Scissor by Market Shop Store
As Charon finished his announcement, the holographic projector in the middle of the circular table lit up, projecting a detailed visual representation of the current situation. The display showed various known individual, group, and environmental factors that were relevant to the challenges at hand. Everyone gathered around the table, their eyes fixed on the holographic display.
"This is the first location we establish contact with, the village of Carne. It is situated near the edge of the forest, which the locals refer to as the forest of Tob. This village housed a population of approximately 100 residents from 20 different families," Pandora explained, pointing to a cluster of dots on the holographic map.
"Their main source of income was agriculture, with crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans being their primary focus." The holographic display also showed the village's proximity to a nearby water stream near the edge of the forest, which served as their primary water source for irrigation and daily needs.
"Yesterday, the Special Intelligence Division reported an attack on the village by a platoon of knights disguising themselves with armor from the Baharuth Empire. We believe they're tasked with inciting chaos to draw the attention of an individual by the name of Gazef Stronoff. Gazef Stronoff, a renowned warrior and the Captain of the Kingdom's Warrior Troop, is highly respected for his skills and loyalty. The attackers' motive remains unclear, but it is suspected that they aim to get him out of the picture to weaken the kingdom's defense. Gazef Stronoff's presence alone is enough to deter potential invaders, making him a key asset in maintaining stability within the kingdom. If the attackers succeed in eliminating him, it could create a power vacuum and leave the kingdom vulnerable to further attacks. However, they are not the main force; their sole purpose was to draw him out, eliminate his escort as best they could, and reduce his number. The main attacking force was following his group to the village as soon as he left a nearby fortress city, E-Rantel. The main attacking force, consisting of highly skilled magic casters and battle-hardened warriors, is led by their captain, Nigun Grid Luin. This group was one of the six scriptures from the Slane Theocracy, a powerful nation known for its religious zeal and militaristic strength. The six scriptures were elite units like our very own Black Ops Division, trained to carry out covert operations and execute high-risk missions. Nigun, as the captain of this formidable force, was known for his strategic brilliance and ruthless determination to fulfill their mission." The holographic projection showed a rotating 3D rendering of Nigun. Everyone in the room paid close attention to the holographic projection.
Pandora then continued, "Fortunately, Narberal and I, along with our agents, managed to eliminate both groups, preventing further losses to the village. Gazef lost half of his men in the process, but he survived and is now on his way back to the capital of Re-Estize. Our satellite tracking of him shows that he has reached the outskirts of the capital safely. By saving him, we managed to put him in debt to us, which will be advantageous for future negotiations and alliances. Additionally, Gazef's men observed our battle with Nigun's group, so we can assume Gazef has been informed of our strength and capabilities. This knowledge could potentially deter any future aggression from him or his allies, but it could also put us at a disadvantage since we have shown our cards too early, potentially drawing too much attention to our organization. I expect someone will start to investigate who Narberal and I are, where we come from, and what our true intentions are. This could lead to unwanted scrutiny and potential threats to our mission. It is crucial that we remain cautious and vigilant in order to protect our identities and the secrecy of our objectives. We may need to consider implementing additional measures to ensure our safety and maintain the element of surprise in future encounters."
Everyone listened closely to Pandora, and he continued, "Now, we have managed to bring Nigun and his lieutenant that led the first group, Baravac, to Nazarick. They're both currently being served the best of what Neuro and her room full of sick and twisted experiments have to offer. She managed to obtain valuable information from them, shedding light on their plans and potential threats to our organization. However, we must not underestimate their resilience and resourcefulness. It is crucial that we adapt our strategies accordingly and strengthen our defenses to stay one step ahead of any potential counterattacks."
Everyone instantly glanced towards Neuro, munching on a plate of cookies, her mischievous grin hinting at the dark secrets she held. The room fell silent, knowing very well how she had a knack for extracting information out of someone, whether willingly or not.
"Stupid question, but I've got to ask anyway. Just what the hell did you do to them anyway?" Yuri asked, breaking the tense silence. The curiosity in her voice was evident as she leaned forward, awaiting Neuro's response with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
"Have you ever twisted a human leg like a pretzel? They're surprisingly easier to break than you might think, and that sound of cracking bones is just... satisfying; you should try it someday," Neuro replied with a sinister grin.
Yuri raised her eyebrow, disgusted and disturbed by Neuro's response. She couldn't fathom how someone could find pleasure in causing such harm to others. It made her question the true nature of Neuro's twisted mind.
"No, thanks. I'll just stick with delivering instant kill; that way I won't dirty my hands," Yuri retorted, her voice laced with a mix of sarcasm and disdain. She couldn't help but wonder what other dark secrets Neuro might be hiding beneath his seemingly innocent facade.
"Aww, then where's the fun in that?" Neuro chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "There's an art to getting your hands dirty, my dear Yuri. It's all about the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of seeing your enemies crumble before you."
Demiurge, who was listening to Neuro's, decided to chime in as well, saying, "I somewhat agree with Neuro, Yuri. Delivering pain is an art rarely mastered. It's not just about physical harm but also the psychological torment that comes with it. The power and control you feel when you break someone down is exhilarating." His sinister smile matched the darkness in his eyes, making Yuri question the true nature of her companions.
"See? He gets it," Neuro chimed in, nodding in agreement with Demiurge. "The thrill of manipulating someone's emotions and watching them crumble under your influence is a unique kind of power. Sure, it might be nasty and not everyone's cup of tea, but for those of us who revel in it, there's nothing quite like it. I can't quite explain the rush that comes with it. It's like a surge of adrenaline, knowing that you have the ability to control and manipulate others to your advantage. It's a dark and twisted satisfaction that only a select few can truly understand and appreciate."
"You know what? Forget I ever asked you about this. I don't want to know whatever twisted satisfaction you derive from it. It's unsettling to think about the potential harm that can be caused by such power. Let's just get back to the original topic and move on from this disturbing conversation." Yuri looked at Pandora as if urging him to stop this off-topic conversation and bring the focus back to their original discussion.
Pandora coughs and nods, realizing that her conversation with Neuro had taken a dark turn. He quickly steered the conversation back to their original topic, hoping to leave behind the unsettling thoughts that had been brought up.
"Now, where were we again? Ah yes, through Neuro's interrogation, we managed to obtain some crucial information about what the theocracy has intended to do. Neuro, if you will, please share the details you uncovered during the interrogation. It's important that we stay focused on this information and strategize our next steps accordingly." Pandora directs the attention to Neuro.
"Thank you, Pandora. The theocracy planned to eliminate Gazef to weaken Re-Estize's military power since he is the most powerful human in the kingdom. Gazef comes from a commoner background but has proven himself to be an exceptional warrior and leader, earning the king's respect and admiration and granting him a noble title. The nobles of the kingdom didn't approve of this and saw Gazef as a threat to their own power and influence. However, Gazef's loyalty to the king and his dedication to protecting the kingdom made him a beloved figure among the common people. So some of the noble families plotted to assassinate Gazef on the field away from the kingdom to make it look like a tragic accident or the result of an enemy ambush. What's worse is that the underground organization that helped these nobles carry out their plans was directly feeding Slane Theocracy with information about Gazef's movements and vulnerabilities. Apparently, when he sets off to Carne, he does not bring the kingdom's five treasures, probably plotted by these nobles to further weaken his defenses against Sunlight Scripture's attack." Neuro explained it to everyone.
"Excuse me, I have something to add about the Eight Fingers." Nigredo raised her hand and spoke up. "While we have yet to send scouts to infiltrate the kingdom, we have observed a group of potentially dangerous individuals who seem to be affiliated with Eight Fingers. They go in and out of a certain establishment in the city, suggesting a possible base of operations. However, their movements are highly guarded, and it is difficult to gather concrete evidence against them."
Nigredo's words added a layer of urgency to the discussion, emphasizing the need for further investigation and caution.
"Our satellites have detected traces of narcotics, along with many women chained and dragged to the establishment," Aureole continued. "This indicates a potential human trafficking operation, making it even more crucial that we uncover their operations and put an end to their illegal activities."
The information provided by Aureole painted a disturbing picture of the establishment's activities, raising concerns about the well-being and safety of those involved. It became evident that swift action was necessary to protect the victims and dismantle the criminal network responsible for such heinous acts.
Shalltear also joined in the discussion, saying, "Our scouts too have reported suspicious activities in the forest just outside the Re-Estize capital. They have reported a small army of armed individuals gathered in a small camp in the forest. Scouts report that their weapons and armor are not standard issue for any known military or mercenary group in the region. This suggests that they may also be a part of Eight Fingers."
The group acknowledged Shalltear's information and agreed that it was crucial to investigate further. They decided to send a team of skilled operatives to gather more intelligence and ascertain the true intentions of this mysterious armed group in the forest.
"Thank you for your additional reports, Nigredo, Aureole, and Shalltear. This will help us better understand the situation and make informed decisions," Pandora stated, expressing gratitude to the three members who provided valuable information.
"Now, before I start issuing orders, any questions?" The team members nodded, their faces filled with determination and readiness. They knew that clarifying any doubts now would ensure a smoother execution of the mission and minimize any unforeseen risks. Pandora's question hung in the air, prompting them to speak up if they needed any further clarification or guidance.
"Very well. Now that we have enough intelligence, our diplomacy specialists and their teams can begin their operation to infiltrate the kingdom by posing as trade companies. They will conduct their investigation and gather crucial information about the kingdom's inner workings, political landscape, and potential allies or adversaries. This will enable us to devise a strategic plan and make informed decisions during the mission. I would advise everyone to be ready to change and adapt to new situations and challenges that may arise during the operation. Flexibility and quick thinking will be key to ensuring the success of our mission. Additionally, it is important for our specialists to establish trust and build relationships with key individuals within the kingdom to gain further insights and leverage potential alliances to our advantage."
Pandora glanced at Sebas, the team's specialist in diplomacy and negotiation. "Sebas, your expertise in building rapport will be crucial in establishing those connections," he said. "Remember to approach each interaction with respect and open-mindedness, as it will help us navigate any cultural differences and foster mutual understanding."
"I will execute this task with utmost professionalism and sensitivity," Sebas replied confidently. "In addition, I would like to ask other divisions for assistance should we encounter any challenges beyond my expertise. I'm fully aware my teams are fully capable of disposing of any unwanted adversaries, but to maintain our cover and ensure the success of our mission, it would be wise to not engage in any unnecessary conflicts or confrontations. We request that the Black Ops Division handle these adversaries in our stead, as they are specifically trained for covert operations and have the necessary skills to handle such situations effectively. Their expertise in handling high-risk scenarios will greatly enhance the chances of a successful mission outcome while minimizing any potential risks or complications." Sebas said, looking at Shalltear, Solution, and CZ.
Sebas' words were met with nods of agreement from Shalltear, Solution, and CZ. They understood the importance of relying on the specialized skills of the Black Ops Division, especially when it came to delicate and dangerous missions. With their assistance, the chances of achieving a successful outcome while still maintaining their cover and avoiding unnecessary attention would be significantly higher.
"That is an excellent point, Sebas." Pandora added, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Your cover would be the most important aspect to maintain during these missions. If you feel that a problem arises, immediately contact them and retreat." Sebas nodded, acknowledging Pandora's advice.
"Absolutely, Pandora. Shalltear, I shall rely on you to provide backup and ensure our escape routes are secure. We must prioritize our safety above all else, even if it means abandoning the mission temporarily." Pandora smiled, reassured by Sebas' commitment to their safety.
"Indeed, Sebas. Remember, it's better to retreat and regroup than to risk exposing ourselves unnecessarily. Together, we can overcome any obstacles that come our way."
Pandora adjusted his tie before taking a deep breath and continuing, "Lastly, me and Narberal are going to pose as a new adventurer team and build a reputation to secure our cover. We'll take on low-risk quests and gradually work our way up, ensuring that we blend in seamlessly with the other adventurers. This way, we can gather information discreetly and strategize our next moves without drawing unwanted attention. We will take two agents with us to make our cover even more convincing. They will act as our loyal companions, providing backup and assistance when needed. With this plan in place, we will be able to navigate the adventurer's guild and gather valuable intelligence without raising suspicion."
Narberal looked at CZ and said, "CZ, I would like to borrow two from your division. They should be skilled in covert operations and have a strong background in gathering information. Do you have any recommendations?"
CZ nodded and replied, "Well. Take your pick. I got McCear, Rufo, Iura, Lamarr, Yetzy, and Zara. They are all highly trained and equally capable of conducting covert operations and gathering information. Though if I were you, you might want to take McCear and Zara; they're generally the best at everything."
CZ paused for a moment before continuing, "McCear is known for his exceptional problem-solving skills and quick thinking under pressure. He has successfully completed numerous high-risk missions in the past. On the other hand, Zara possesses exceptional adaptability and resourcefulness, making her an excellent asset in unpredictable situations. Just as an extra warning, try to separate their sleeping quarters if possible. They have a... how do I put this ...a complicated history with each other. They're former lovers. I'm actually surprised that both graduated from the Special Forces training program without each other knowing that the other was also enrolled. I once saw them bickering at each other after our division's daily training session, and it was clear that their unresolved feelings still lingered. Others could swear they heard moaning from her quarter at night, but I can't confirm if it was true or just a rumor. Despite their complicated pasts, they manage to maintain a professional demeanor during missions, but there's always an underlying tension whenever they're in the same room. It's like a silent dance of emotions that adds an extra layer of complexity to our already intense training environment." CZ said to Narberal, leaning in closer to emphasize her point.
"It's fascinating to observe how they navigate their personal histories while working together. It's as if their unspoken emotions create an invisible barrier between them, heightening the stakes of every interaction."
"Thanks for the information, CZ. I'll take them both and observe their dynamics more closely," Narberal replied, her curiosity piqued.
"Thank you, CZ. Have them report to me at my office later today, and I'll brief them on the mission details," Pandora added, his voice filled with anticipation. He knew that the unique dynamic between these two individuals would bring an interesting element to their mission, and he couldn't wait to see how it would unfold.
"Of course, I'll have them there promptly," CZ responded, her robotic voice devoid of any emotion.
"Then that'll be all for now. I hereby declare this meeting adjourned," Pandora concluded, feeling a surge of excitement for the upcoming mission. As he turned to leave the room, he couldn't help but wonder how this new team would navigate the challenges ahead and what discoveries they would make along the way.
9th Floor Hall, Nazarick
Pandora and Narberal exited the conference room and walked towards his office, discussing the next steps and strategizing their approach. As they walked, Pandora couldn't shake off the feeling of anticipation, knowing that this mission held the potential to change everything they knew about their world. With each step, he felt a renewed sense of determination and a growing curiosity about what awaited them in the unknown.
He looked at Narberal and said, "Narberal? Why are you so quiet all of a sudden? Is something bothering you?" Narberal didn't answer immediately. Pandora could sense a subtle tension in the air, as if Narberal was grappling with a decision or wrestling with her own thoughts.
It was clear that something weighed heavily on her mind, and Pandora knew he had to give her the space and time she needed to process it.
"If you have something you want to share, Narberal, I'm here to listen," Pandora reassured her gently. Narberal then stopped walking and turned to face Pandora, her expression a mix of hesitation and vulnerability.
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, before finally speaking up. "Let's go to our office first. I want to talk about it in a more private and comfortable setting," Narberal suggested. Pandora nodded understandingly and led the way to their office, allowing Narberal the opportunity to open up in a safe and confidential space.
As they stepped inside the office, Narberal closed the door behind them, creating a sense of privacy. The room was filled with a calming ambiance, making it easier for Narberal to gather her thoughts and express herself openly.
Pandora walked toward a sofa in the corner of the room, gesturing for Narberal to take a seat. Narberal then sat down right beside him, close enough for their thighs to brush against each other. He was taken aback by the unexpected physical proximity but quickly realized that it added a layer of comfort and trust to their conversation. "So. What do you want to talk about?" Pandora asked, breaking the silence. Narberal took a deep breath and leaned her face close to Pandora's, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. She hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I wanted to talk about us," she confessed, her eyes searching Pandora's for any sign of reciprocation. Pandora's expression softened, a hint of curiosity and anticipation flickering in his eyes. "Go on," he encouraged gently, his hand unconsciously reaching out to rest on Narberal's knee, a subtle reassurance in the midst of vulnerability.
"I've been wanting to open up about my feelings for a while now," Narberal continued, her voice gaining a bit more confidence. "I've realized that I care about you deeply, and I can't ignore these emotions anymore." She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing, "I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I needed to be honest with you."
Pandora, surprised by Narberal's sudden confession, felt his own heart skip a beat. "Where does all of this come from? Pandora's mind raced as he tried to process Narberal's unexpected vulnerability. He had always seen her as strong and independent, never imagining that she harbored such deep emotions for him. Curiosity and a hint of hope filled his voice as he asked, "What made you realize your feelings?"
"I never had the courage to admit it before," Narberal replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I've always had feelings for you, but I never thought you would feel the same way. It was only when I saw how you cared for me, how you were always there for me, that I realized my feelings were more than just admiration or friendship." Her words hung in the air, creating a sense of anticipation as Pandora waited for her to continue. "It took me a while to realize that I was in love with you. I couldn't ignore the way my heart raced whenever you were near or how my thoughts constantly revolved around you. It was a daunting realization, but now that I've mustered the courage to admit it, I can't deny my feelings any longer." Narberal's confession left Pandora speechless, unsure of how to respond to the depth of emotions that had been revealed.
Pandora stands up from the sofa and paces back and forth, trying to process Narberal's words. He takes a deep breath, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. Unsure of what to say, he finally stops pacing and looks directly into Narberal's eyes, his own filled with a mix of surprise and vulnerability.
"That is a lot to take in," Pandora finally manages to say, his voice trembling slightly. "I never expected...this. I need some time to think about everything." Narberal nods understandingly, her own eyes reflecting a hint of sadness.
"Can't you just tell me what you're feeling right now?" she asks softly, her voice filled with genuine concern. Pandora hesitates for a moment, searching for the right words to convey his inner turmoil.
"It's not that simple," he replies, his voice laced with a tinge of frustration. "I need to process everything and sort out my own feelings before I can articulate them to you." Narberal was about to object, but a knock on the door interrupted her, causing both of them to turn their attention towards it. They exchanged a quick glance before Narberal got up to answer it.
"Come in!" she called out, her voice filled with curiosity.
"It's McCear and Zara, Lady Narberal. You called for us?" McCear said, stepping into the room.
"Good, you both finally arrived," Narberal replied with relief. "Yes, I did call for you. Please have a seat; there's something important I need to discuss with both of you."
McCear and Zara sat on the nearest chairs, their expressions turning serious. Narberal took a moment to gather her thoughts before beginning, her voice steady and determined.
"You will be assigned to go undercover with me and Pandora to the Kingdom of Re-Estize; we're going to pose as a new adventuring team in order to gather information on a potential threat to Nazarick. This mission is of utmost importance, and failure is not an option. We will need to blend in seamlessly and earn the trust of the locals while keeping our true identities hidden. I have requested that CZ provide me with two of her best personnel to assist us in this mission, and she recommends you both. She also said that you two have a complicated history together but assured me that you are both highly skilled and capable of working together effectively. So before we begin our journey tomorrow, I want you to tell me about everything that has transpired between the two of you. What happened that led to this complicated history? Why're you both constantly arguing with each other after training, and what's with the moaning sound your fellow division member heard coming from your quarters for the past week?"
Narberal asked McCear and Zara Narberal's stern gaze bore into McCear and Zara, demanding answers to the questions that had been plaguing her mind. She wanted to understand the root cause of their constant arguments and the mysterious noises emanating from their quarters. The tension in the room grew palpable as they hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal about their complicated history.
"We were in a relationship before we enlisted in the military," McCear finally admitted, his voice filled with regret. "But things didn't work out between us, and we decided to end it. However, it seems that our unresolved issues have been resurfacing lately, leading to heated arguments and emotional outbursts." Zara nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and frustration.
"We've been trying to work through our past and find closure, but it hasn't been easy. We've both realized that we need to address our unresolved issues in order to move forward and find peace. It's been a challenging journey, but we're committed to doing the necessary work to heal and find closure. And as for the moaning sound, we, uh, have been having sexual encounters. It's a way for us to reconnect and express our love for each other. However, we understand that it can be disruptive to others, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. We're actively working on finding ways to be more considerate of our neighbors while still maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship."
Narberal listened to their explanation and nodded understandingly.
"Very well. But let me remind you that our next mission will require your utmost professionalism. We cannot afford any distractions or disruptions during this crucial assignment. So whatever your personal issues may be, I expect you to set them aside and focus solely on the task at hand. There is no such thing as off duty when undercover, so I expect you both to hold your sexual urges and desires in check. Remember, our main priority is the success of the mission, and any personal entanglements could compromise our objectives. I trust that you both understand the gravity of this situation and will act accordingly."
Narberal's stern tone emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism in their line of work.
"Yes, ma'am. We will do everything in our power to ensure that our personal lives do not interfere with the mission; if by any chance we find ourselves in such situations, we will handle them discreetly and swiftly," replied Zara with a determined nod.
She glanced at McCear, who mirrored her resolute expression.
Narberal continued, "Good. We will depart tomorrow at first light. Report to Kater in the armory and have him and his team prepare your equipment and supplies for the mission, and get some rest and maybe get intimate with your loved ones before we leave," Narberal suggested with a slight smile.
Zara and McCear exchanged a knowing look, understanding the importance of finding solace in their personal relationships before embarking on a challenging mission. They nodded in agreement, grateful for the reminder to prioritize their well-being amidst their duties.
"Thank you, Lady Narberal. Excuse us while we make the necessary preparations," Zara said respectfully.
McCear added, "We will ensure that everything is in order and that we are mentally and emotionally prepared for the mission ahead."
With a final nod of gratitude, they turned to leave, determined to make the most of their time before setting off.
McCear and Zara exited Pandora and Narberal's office and walked down the 9th floor hall towards the armory, where they would gather their equipment for the upcoming mission.
As they walked, McCear couldn't help but look at Zara and stopped in his tracks to ask, "Zara. Do you want to do it again tonight? This is probably our last chance to have some alone time before we embark on this dangerous mission." Zara smiled and nodded, understanding the importance of cherishing their moments together amidst the uncertainty that lay ahead.
"Sure. Let's do it, but I have a request."
"Of course, what is it?" McCear replied, curious about Zara's request.
Zara took a deep breath and said, "I want us to promise each other that no matter what happens during this mission, we'll always find our way back to each other."
McCear's heart swelled with love and determination as he looked into Zara's eyes and replied, "I promise, Zara. No matter what obstacles we face, we will always be together."
They continued to walk the hall before Zara wrapped her arms around McCear's waist, seeking comfort and reassurance in his embrace. McCear held her tightly, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination to protect their love amidst the challenges that lay ahead.
"McC- No. Dear." Zara's voice trembled as she spoke, and her eyes filled with worry. "I can't bear the thought of losing you again. When I heard your team depart for your first mission and get wiped out, you were left in critical condition. I don't know if I can handle that kind of pain again."
McCear's heart ached at Zara's words, understanding the weight of her fears. He reached out and gently cupped her face, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Zara, I promise you that I will do everything in my power to come back to you. I won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of our future together."
Zara's eyes softened, and she leaned into his touch, finding solace in his unwavering commitment. They hugged for a while before she pulled away, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Thank you, McCear," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "Knowing that you're by my side gives me the strength to face whatever comes our way."
McCear held her hand tightly, their fingers intertwining as they stood together, ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead.
"Hey, McCear. I've got one more request," she said, her eyes filled with determination. "Don't pull out tonight; do it inside me."
McCear's eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded, understanding the depth of her request.
"Are you sure? This is a big step for both of us," he replied softly, his voice filled with concern. She looked into his eyes, her determination unwavering.
"Yes, I'm sure. It's a symbol of our trust and commitment to each other, and I believe we're ready for it." McCear took a deep breath, his own determination growing.
"Alright then, let's do this together. I trust you completely," he said, his voice filled with love and reassurance. They embraced, knowing that they were about to embark on a new chapter of their lives, united in their shared decision and unwavering commitment to each other.
Outro song :
Dance Macabre by Ghost
Thank you for your understanding and thanks for reading.
Stay hydrated, you beautiful people.
In the immortal words of AO3 tags..
"NO BETA, WE DIE LIKE EVERYONE..."