Chapter 18
August, 2000
Dallimore Estate
"Careful, careful."
"Dad, I'm not an invalid."
Noah chuckled, but didn't release his daughter's elbow from his grip. The doctors said her rehabilitation was a success, and he could see that. Isabel could walk on her own now without support.
He still didn't let go of her, though it was more out of her doctor's advice—to test how she would react to a man's touch after years of therapy and medication. Noah could still remember her screams when he tried embracing her in the hospital after being rescued.
Even now, he only allowed a few men to approach her, Brian included. But it seemed Isabel was recovering well. Rarely would she flinch now whenever Noah or Brian touches her.
Isabel sighed. "Dad, relax. You can let go of me now. I'm fine."
He did as she asked, stepping away as Isabel entered the grassy lawn. She took in everything; the gazebo where the girls often drink tea; the mini golf course where Hood and Elizabeth used every weekend; the flowerbeds that Curacoa and Curlew had cultivated since their arrival.
Much had changed in the last four years—almost a decade for Isabel. Noah observed her inhaling deeply, her eyes darting around. When the front door opened and Elisa strode out, Isabel sprinted into her welcoming arms. Noah followed with a smile.
"Auntie!" Isabel beamed, extricating herself from Elisa's tight embrace.
"Hello, sweetie. You look good today!"
"Of course. I'm finally home!"
Noah didn't miss the way his sister's eyes glistened. Home. His daughter was home. He thought this day would never happened—a momentous event he could dream of before.
Elisa glanced at Noah. "You two are early. No traffic?"
"Thankfully." He noticed Brian driving the car into the garage. Something wafted in the air. He sniffed, then raised an eyebrow. "Is that smell what I think it is?"
Elisa's eyes shone with amusement as Isabel gasped. "Guess what I'm cooking?"
"Braised beef casserole!" Isabel squealed in delight. Noah laughed. Even now, her laughter was infectious.
Taking her hand, Elisa guided her toward the door. "Come. I know you can never wait when it comes to braised beef."
"Especially if you're the one cooking."
"Naturally." Elisa's hand over the doorknob. "Ah, I almost forgot. I'd like you to meet some people."
"Our tenants?" Isabel curiously. "Dad told me we are letting some of the spare rooms."
"Our tenants, yes." Elisa smiled knowingly at Noah. They hadn't told Isabel yet. Drake had warned them against it, not knowing how Isabel would take it in with her recovery. Noah didn't think she would believe at all.
"Well, I'll be happy to meet them. How long have they been staying?"
Elisa opened the door. "Long enough. Many have already moved away, but a few have been staying here for over two years now."
They strode into the living room, where the blonde woman reading a novel on the couch looked up with a radiant smile.
"Hello there," Hood said, closing the book and placing it to the side. She stood.
"Isabel, meet Samantha," Elisa said. "Samantha, my niece, Isabel."
"Yes. I've heard so much about you from Noah." Hood offered her hand, which Isabel shook.
"H-Hello." Isabel stared at her in awe. "Wow. You're quite tall. And pretty!"
The former pride of the Royal Navy giggled. "Well, aren't you a charmer? And I can say the same for you with your lovely eyes."
"I got it from my mother." As soon as she had said it, Isabel paused, her expression blanking for a moment. Hood glanced at Noah. She knew the entire story, as did the rest.
Elisa cleared her throat. "That casserole won't eat itself," she said with forced cheer. "Why don't we continue talking in the kitchen?"
Isabel brightened at once. "Oh yes, Auntie!" She followed Elisa.
As the two headed to the dining room, Hood said quietly, "Some things can't be forgotten, can they?"
"No." It had been a long road to recovery, but Noah knew that the scars in Isabel's mind ran too deep. The things she experienced wouldn't just vanish easily.
There was a sudden shriek, and without thinking, Noah rushed in, Hood trailing after him.
At the dining room, they found Elisa holding one of the chairs, with a very much shocked Isabel clinging to her shoulder and stuttering, "R-Rat! Dad, t-there's a rat!"
Noah blinked, then glanced at Hood who was hiding her mouth with a hand. Her shoulders were shaking. "El, are you sure you want to hit a rat with that chair?"
"Pretty much!" she snapped.
There was no rat on the floor as far as Noah could see, but Elisa wasn't lowering that chair anytime soon. She hated rats more than Isabel did.
The door to the kitchen opened, and Curacoa strode in with a steaming pot. She raised an eyebrow, taking in the ridiculous scene before her.
"A rat?" she asked dryly.
"A rat," Noah confirmed. "I thought we had them under control."
Curacoa brought the pot to the table. "One survived, unfortunately. My fault, I'm afraid. But don't worry. I'll take care of it. There's still some rat poison left. Miss Elisa, please lower that chair. We'll be eating soon."
Isabel was staring at her. "Dad? Auntie? Who is she?"
"We thought we'd hire a helper to manage things in the house," Elisa was saying. "And Barbara has been a great help."
"And Miss Elisa has been a great teacher," Curacoa said, setting the bowl on the table. "You've seen the flowers outside?"
Isabel nodded as she sat down. "Yes. You made them?"
"With some help from your aunt and my sister."
"You have a sister?"
Noah took the seat beside her. "Your Aunt Valerie's personal assistant. You'll meet her soon too."
Soon they were all seated, and the food was served. As they ate, Noah glanced around the table. It was lunch, and yet there were only five of them—six counting Brian who entered later. He turned to Hood, who sat opposite him. "Where are the others?"
"Most are out shopping," she said. "Edith is on a date with Watson, but they both promised to attend the soft opening later."
"Aunt Elizabeth's restaurant, right?" Isabel said after swallowing a bite.
"Yes," Noah said. "All of us will be going later. Brian, is the cab service ready? We have to leave by 4PM or we might stuck in traffic."
"Yes, sir! Don't worry, sir. Everything has been prepared."
"What should I be wearing?" Isabel looked worried. "I haven't done any shopping at all."
Elisa patted her hand. "Relax, sweetie. We bought some clothes for you. And if you don't like them, we can do a brief shopping later."
"Besides," Noah added, "you needn't have to wear anything fancy. The grand opening is still months away. And your Aunt Elizabeth prefers simplicity."
"But elegant," Hood pointed out. Noah smiled.
"Simple but elegant," Isabel murmured thoughtfully. "Hang on. Where is she anyway?"
Elizabeth stared at the blue house with a critical gaze. It was small, just the right size for a family of four.
She glanced around. The house was nearly identical to the ones on either side of it, a row of townhouses in a quiet community on southern Ireland.
"Is this the correct address?" she asked Alina, who dutifully stood by her side.
"Yes, ma'am. I even double checked it."
"I see." Elizabeth looked at the house again. It was a cozy home, at least on the outside. She couldn't fathom how hard life could be in such a place surrounded by trees and chirping birds that one had to set aside their morality.
She strode toward the front door, Alina trailing behind. Elizabeth had consulted her before doing this, and while Alina had her misgivings, she still supported Elizabeth's decision. Perhaps Alina wanted to give her a chance as well.
Elizabeth rang the bell. They waited a moment, then heard footsteps from the other side drawing closer before the door opened, though only by several inches. An eye peered from the gap with a cautious gaze.
"Yes?" The voice, a girl's, was young. Elizabeth tried to see her face, but they were hidden by the door.
Elizabeth smiled. "Good day. Is Beatrice in there?"
"My sister is still at her work and won't be back until later. Who's asking?"
"Oh." Elizabeth glanced at Alina, who shrugged. "Well, I'm her… potential employer. That is, if she's willing."
The door opened just a bit wider at that. "Potential employer?" the girl asked slowly.
"Yes. Do you know when she might be able to see me?"
The girl was silent for a moment, then the door fully opened. She couldn't be older than thirteen, slim and tall for her age. "I'll ring her first," she said before closing the door.
When she returned, she had a slip of paper in her hand. "Here. My sister said she'll see you in thirty minutes."
Elizabeth took the paper. An address was written on it. She handed the paper to Alina, then said to the girl, "Thank y—"
The door shut on its frame.
"Rude," Alina said, her face scrunching in annoyance. Elizabeth sighed.
"We must have disturbed her rest. No matter. We know where her sister is now."
The drive was fairly short. By the time they reached the meeting place, the sun had barely moved from the horizon. As Elizabeth and Alina got off the car, Renown drove away to find a parking space.
Elizabeth didn't think her meeting with Beatrice would take long, but she wanted Renown out of sight yet close by to intervene if necessary. Just this morning, Elizabeth noticed a pair of men following them on a sedan. They were subtle, but they weren't exactly smart, either.
Spies from the Admiralty, no doubt. They stopped a few years ago, but they somehow got wind of Rodney's arrival last year and resumed their surveillance.
She didn't tell Alina to spare her from panicking. And yet she could tell that the girl sensed something was amiss. She would sometimes glance over her shoulder, casting worried looks at everywhere.
Elizabeth fixed her eyes ahead, straight toward the diner where Beatrice apparently worked for. They found a table near the entrance. Elizabeth ordered toasts and lemon juice for the both of them, then waited.
She scanned the road outside. No sign of the men, and she saw Renown eating in a café on the other side of the street. But there were eyes watching, she could feel it.
"Potential employer, huh?" a familiar voice said.
Elizabeth turned and looked up while Alina jolted, seemingly startled.
The years hadn't been quite kind to the former head maid of the MacQuaid household. Her once youthful face had lines on them that Elizabeth didn't remember, and her eyes held a dull luster.
She placed their order on the table. "My break will start in ten minutes. I'll talk to you then." She walked away.
Elizabeth patiently waited. When Beatrice returned, she sat down to her left, between Elizabeth and Alina. "Now, why do you want to see me, Miss Elizabeth?"
Alina gave Elizabeth an encouraging nod before standing up and leaving. This was a meeting between Elizabeth and Beatrice, after all. Beatrice raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
"How have you been?" Elizabeth asked.
Beatrice shrugged. "Well enough. My wage isn't as high as it had been before, but my family is alive." Her tone was flat, as if she was merely telling the weather.
Elizabeth studied her. Beatrice was avoiding her gaze. Did she resent her? Or perhaps it was guilt and shame. Or all three. She didn't want to believe Beatrice enjoyed what Jonathan did to her and the other victims.
"My break ends in ten minutes," Beatrice said. "If you want to tell me something, you'd need to do it now."
With a nod, Elizabeth said, "I have work for you. I'm establishing a restaurant. In fact, the soft opening will be tonight. I need help to manage things around it when I'm away."
"Alina seems to be doing well being your aide. I don't see why you would need me."
"She doesn't have your experience nor your talents." Elizabeth met her gaze. "You will be well-compensated, Beatrice. And no one will harm you or your family under my care."
Beatrice shook her head. "My previous employer told me those exact words."
"But I'm not your previous employer. I'm better than him."
The former maid fell silent. Elizabeth knew beforehand that there was a chance Beatrice might refuse, but she tried still despite that. She wanted to give her another chance as gratitude for testifying against Jonathan.
When Beatrice finally spoke, her words were slow. "If I accept your offer, do you promise that you will take care of my family even if something happens to me?"
"Nothing will happen to you or your family."
"Do you promise?" Beatrice insisted.
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes."
Beatrice's expression relaxed. She stood as the clock chimed at 1 PM, signaling the end of her break. She looked at Elizabeth.
"When am I starting?"
The soft opening went well, so for the next three weeks, Elizabeth dedicated herself in the preparations to ensure that the grand opening would be even better.
The building she had purchased wasn't as big as Samson's bistro, but it held a special place in her heart. She hadn't bought it with just her savings; everyone poured in their contributions to acquire it and turn it into an elegant yet homely place.
Restaurant Royal, where one would feel just like royalty with the food and services.
The days leading to the big event were hectic and stressful. Elizabeth often had sleepless nights sorting out the documents her business needed to run smoothly, only to wake up early in the morning to resume her work.
But she wasn't alone in her struggles. Her family and friends were there to help, and both Beatrice and Alina were spectacular in managing the rest—especially Beatrice, whose experience in handling a business allowed Elizabeth to focus on more important things.
And thus, the days passed swiftly. October 16th arrived, and Elizabeth woke up to a pleasant morning. For a moment, she stared at the ceiling, thinking. It wasn't just the grand opening of Restaurant Royal today, and her launch date; it was on this same day, six years ago, that she became a human.
The decision to hold the grand opening today was her choice. It would be a new beginning of her life, just like it had been a new beginning for her when she was found ashore at Devonport.
When she left her room, she stood by the door for a moment. It was silent in the hallway. Odd. At this hour, Hood or her sisters would already greeting be her a good morning.
She crept down the stairs. The living room was empty, and no one was outside in the front lawn. Her heart hammering, she hurried to the dining room. It should be noisy by now as everyone ate breakfast.
It was silent. No, that couldn't be. She flung the door open to be certain and—
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIZABETH!"
—yelped in surprise as a sizable crowd greeted her.
It took her a few moments to get her heart under control, and when it finally stopped racing, she took in the sight before her. There was… everyone. Hood stood to the left, surrounded by the battlecruisers and battleships, clapping their hands. Curacoa and Curlew off to the right, next to Enterprise and the Erebos sisters.
Isabel was behind Elisa and Drake, beaming widely. And then there was Noah, flanked by Valiant and Warspite, holding a delicious-looking cake topped with a miniature crown.
Elizabeth gaped in bewilderment. "W-What is going on?"
"Do you really think we won't celebrate your birthday?" Valiant said with a smirk as Noah approached, carrying the cake.
"It was my idea," he admitted. "I thought all of us should surprise you."
"You could have done that at the restaurant."
"We could have, but there's nothing better than celebrating birthdays at home with your family and friends." He held the cake in front of her. "Now then, why don't you make a wish and blow the candle?
Her eyes watered. Elizabeth wiped them, sniffling. Everyone was here. Her family, her friends. The people she loved. And she would start the new chapter of her life as a business owner. What else could she wish for?
Well, there's still a lot. And as she blew on the candle after a moment of silence, her heart was filled with joy.
This was where she belonged.
Amid a resounding applause from a large crowd, Elizabeth cut the blue ribbon and beamed.
Restaurant Royal was officially open!
After a brief speech—in which she did her best not to bawl her eyes out—she changed into her uniform. It was Alina's idea to make it a blend of a maid's outfit and a modern server uniform. Black or blue dress, depending on the day, with a knee-length skirt. And of course, the apron and bonnet. For their chefs, it was decided that the traditional uniform would do.
She didn't think Beatrice would approve of the server's uniforms, but she also gave some input on the design. Elizabeth thought it was perfect.
It was 5 PM, and nearly all 18 tables were full. Most were filled with returning customers from the soft opening, but there were also new ones. The two long tables, however, were reserved for family and friends.
Alina, Curlew, and Enterprise were serving the customers well. Warspite greeted any newcomers, and there was really not much for Elizabeth to do for now. As the owner, she was glad that everything was going well. But a part of her still wanted to help in any way she could.
She went to the kitchen. Perhaps there some dishes that required washing or vegetables that had to be chopped.
When she entered, she sighed. Valiant was already washing the dishes, while Curacoa was preparing the ingredients for Elisa and Anastasia, who manned the stoves.
Hearing her sigh, Curacoa glanced in Elizabeth's direction. "Yes, madam? Is there anything you need?"
"Yes. I need something to do," Elizabeth said dryly. They chuckled.
"You could help me wash these," Valiant said hopefully. Six years, and she still hated washing dishes.
Elizabeth strode past her, patting her sister's shoulder. "Don't worry, sister. You'll manage."
Ignoring Valiant's cry of protests, Elizabeth stood next to Elisa. Even without looking inside the pot, she knew it was braised beef casserole. She smiled. "Maybe we should hire Isabel to create the next menu." It wasn't just braised beef Noah's daughter had suggested they put in the menu, but also the lasagna soup and caramel cake.
Elisa chuckled. "Maybe. But I think she wants to become a journalist. She's been reading her mother's notes."
"She will need to convince Noah with everything she has, then."
"She's 25, Beth," Elisa reminded her. "She's old enough to decide on her own."
"I know, but…" Elizabeth paused. She wanted to say it was dangerous, especially after what happened to Monica. But that was something Isabel already knew. And if she still wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps despite that, they had no right to stop her.
"I guess you're right."
She left Elisa to check on Anastasia's pies, but they were all ready from the oven. After complimenting the woman's work, she turned to leave the kitchen. If there was nothing else for her to do, she might as well interact with the customers and gather feedback.
The door opened, and Alina entered with an odd expression. "Ma'am, a customer is requesting for you at table 7," Alina said.
"Me?" Elizabeth frowned. "Why isn't anyone serving them?"
"He was asking for you specifically."
Odd. Surely, the people knew she was the owner. And while she was glad to server her customers, it was strange that someone would ask for her.
"Fine. Has he ordered anything?"
"Yes. Fish and chips."
"All right. Tell him the food will be there shortly."
As Alina left, Elizabeth prepared the tray and cutlery. Within minutes, she had a steaming fish and chips on the tray, ready to be served. She left the kitchen and made her way to table seven. Somehow, Noah and Elisa were watching her with intense gazes.
The customer was facing the entrance, so all she could see was the back of his head. Smiling pleasantly, she said, "Good evening, sir. Here's your ord—"
The man looked up, his forest green eyes meeting hers.
"—er," she finished in a quiet tone, the tray shaking from her grasp. It would have probably ended clattering to the floor if not for Evans gingerly taking it from her hands.
"Much appreciated," he said with a warm smile. "I heard the food here is better than London's Finest, courtesy of the wonderful owner."
She couldn't find her voice. Was this a dream? Did she somehow fall asleep? No, Noah's wary look was proof of the bizarre situation transpiring around her.
Besides, she didn't think she could imagine Evans in short-cropped hair, making him look more mature and handsome than when she last saw him.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, swallowing thickly.
He shrugged. "To eat, of course. I was passing by when I remembered someone recommending this new restaurant. They said the food here is excellent."
"To eat," she repeated. What an idiotic reply. Her ex-boyfriend was sitting in the flesh in front of her, after four long, lonely years, and all she could do was repeat what he said. Wonderful.
"And to fulfill a promise," he added softly.
The words nearly sent Elizabeth's knees to the floor, but it also snapped her mind into clarity. Fixing a stiff smile on her face, she said with forced enthusiasm, "Well, I hope you enjoy your meal, sir. Have a wonderful time eating."
She spun around as soon as the final word escaped her lips. But she had only taken one step when Evans's warm and gentle fingers wrapped around her wrist.
"Liz, wait."
Elizabeth froze. Please, not now. Everything had been going so well. Her heart had already healed; she had moved on, her attention focused on her business. She was happy. She didn't want to feel that pain again.
"Can we talk? Please."
Her eyes darted around, trying to find an excuse to escape her situation. In her desperate search, her gaze landed on Noah. His chin dipped—an encouragement. He wanted her to go with Evans.
She took a deep breath and nodded. "All right. Let me just get changed."
He finally let go of her. She hurried to the locker room, passing Beatrice who also gave her an encouraging nod.
It only took her less than two minutes to switched into a midnight blue blouse and red skirt. Her heart hammered as she stared at herself in the small mirror on the wall, smoothing out any wrinkles. They were just going to talk; why was she nervous?
She shook her head, then finally went out of the locker room. Evans was still waiting for her, his food half-eaten. At her approach, he lowered the knife.
"No, please continue eating."
She was about to sit opposite him when he said, "It's all right. I was hoping if we can talk outside."
Elizabeth hesitated. "I'm needed here."
"I know. It's just for a few minutes. And then… then I'll leave if you want."
If she wanted. But she didn't want him to leave. She needed him to stay by her side forever, even if it meant more pain.
She sighed. "All right."
His smile sent her heart beating faster. It never changed, his smile. It still made her entire being feel warm and comfortable. And before she could control herself, she was smiling back as she followed him.
The wind outside was cool and pleasant. It was a cloudless night, and the moon shone its silvery radiance on the land. Elizabeth inhaled deeply, savoring the air before turning to Evans. "So, what do you want to tell me?"
He looked at her, his gaze unwavering. He was silent for a heartbeat, but when he finally spoke, a passing truck drowned out his voice. Evans tried again, only to pause and step aside to let a group of customers pass.
He sighed with forced patience, and his expression was too much that Elizabeth let a soft giggle escape her lips. "Perhaps this isn't the best place to talk."
"Yeah. I think so too. How about Greenwich Park?"
Elizabeth nodded. It was only a ten-minute walk from Restaurant Royal—one of the many factors of its location. She could return easily in case she was needed.
They were silent along the way. More than once she wanted to brush her fingers against his, but she was afraid it would send the signal to him. What if he was simply visiting her? It had been four years. Surely, he had moved on, found another girl, and he was just here to fulfill a promise.
A few visitors were still in the park when they arrived. It was mostly quiet, and they wandered for a few moments, basking in the silence and the cool night.
After a time, Evans spoke. "You're not wearing the necklace I gave you."
"No." Elizabeth's reply was swift.
Evans waited, but Elizabeth was quiet. She didn't to explain things to him; he was intelligent. He would understand.
"You're angry with me," he softly. They stopped at a small pond, a flat silver disk in the moonlight.
"I would be lying if I say no," she admitted, not looking at him. "Though the fact that you actually returned is a consolation, I suppose."
"I always keep my promise, Liz."
"You do. It's why I…" She trailed off, unable to continue. "Forget it," she mumbled.
Evans looked at her. "It's why you're what?" he asked.
"It's nothing. I said forget it." She turned away from him, hoping he wouldn't see the rosiness of her cheeks.
He tried to caress her cheek, but she drew away, clenching her hands.
"Stop." She spun around to face him. Tears clouded her eyes, and she allowed them to fall. "It's been four years. I have moved on, Evans! I was ready for you not to return. And yet you are here in front of me, reminding me that…"
"That?" He took a step toward her, and this time, despite the pain in her heart, Elizabeth didn't draw away.
"That I… I…" Her voice finally cracked, and a sob escaped her lips as she flung herself into his arms. "That I still love you!"
The warmth that she always loved, it was here at last. And she wouldn't deny it any longer; she missed the way he wrapped his arms around her, how his scent calmed her.
"And that's why I returned." He smiled as he tilted her face toward him. "Sorry it took me so long, but I can't forget about you, Elizabeth. I still love you. And your family may hate me, but I'm—"
She silenced him with a kiss. And they stayed like that, indulging in each other's warmth, until they had to break apart, gasping for air.
"You can apologize all you want when we return." She tugged at his hand.
With a smile, Evans kissed her once more, before they strode away, the pond gleaming behind them like polished silver. Elizabeth leaned on him and sighed. She had a business, her family was whole, and her love was here. What more could she ask for?
The park was silent. Ahead, a group of men was heading in their direction. They were about to pass them by when the tallest one said, "Hello there, love. You look like you need our company. Why don't you join us?"
Elizabeth stopped and frowned, as did Evans. "Pardon?" she asked. There were four of them, all in their thirties. But their expressions weren't pleasant. They were looking at her rather intently.
One of them, a man wearing a jacket, sneered. "Don't worry, miss. We'll make sure you will feel loved by us."
"I'm her boyfriend," Evans said calmly. "She doesn't need your love, I'm afraid."
The man who spoke first laughed. "Certainly. Girls often say that until they've got a taste of another man's cock and realize what they are missing."
"Or four cocks." The men laughed.
Evans lunged with a snarl, and it was only Elizabeth's strength that deterred him from complete violence. She yanked away, saying, "No! They aren't worth it!"
"Oh, trust us, miss. We are worth it." The man grabbed her hand, and Elizabeth couldn't stop Evans anymore. He swung a fist at the man's jaw.
Three pairs of hands grabbed him. Someone whipped out a thin object, glinting in the moonlight. A knife, long and razor-sharp, meant to kill. He pressed it onto Evans's neck.
Elizabeth froze, her heart almost stopping.
"Don't move," the man holding the knife said. "We just want your little girlfriend."
"Don't hurt him," she pleaded. Evans was looking at her, but there was no fear in his eyes.
"Relax," the man wearing the jacket said. "We're ordered not to hurt him."
"Ordered?" Evans demanded. He struggled, but their grip was strong. "Who sent you? My brother? Tell him he can fuck himself for all I care!"
The smallest of the group smacked the man with the jacket on the head. "Idiot! You weren't supposed to say that!"
"Oh, whatever," the man said. "Let's just grab the girl and be done with this."
The tall man approached Elizabeth. "If you come with us, we won't hurt him."
She swallowed, her mind racing. If not for the knife, she would have already knocked out these men with her bare hands, consequences be damned. But she had to keep Evans safe.
She looked at Evans. His arms were restrained by two of the men, while the third with the knife stood behind him. Even if he could get free, his throat would be slit open.
No, wait. Jonathan wouldn't let something happen to Evans, the men said so. Which meant the only danger was if they attack Evans.
"All right. I'll come with you."
"No!" Evans growled, but the knife pressed harder. He hissed as a drop of blood oozed from his neck.
"Good." The tall man grabbed Elizabeth's arm. "Now foll—"
Elizabeth swung her leg into his groin. He screamed, falling to his knees.
"Hey!" It was the only word the man with the jacket could utter before Evans's elbow found his jaw. He stumbled, cursing, the knife slipping off his hand.
Elizabeth tackled the man on Evans's right. One punch was all it took, and he was unconscious. Behind her, grunts filled the air as Evans grappled with the other. Elizabeth stood, readying to help him, when several arms wrapped around hers and her head, pushing her to the ground.
New voices filled her ears. "Hey! What the bloody hell happened here?"
"What took you so long?" the tall man shouted, still kneeling on the ground. "This cunt broke my damn balls!"
"We had to search for the lake!"
"It's a pond, you stupid fuck! Now help Mason deal with her boyfriend so we can go back!"
Two more men, heavily built like trucks, entered Elizabeth's vision, surrounding Evans. Her crawled to her throat. Evans wasn't weak, but he wouldn't stand a chance against three opponents.
"Don't hurt him!" she shouted as they struck. And keep striking. Fists flew, and soon, blood. The man with the knife, having recovered at last, spat a curse and joined in.
Elizabeth couldn't see Evans anymore past her tears, but he was still fighting, shouting her name, swinging his fists. Fighting for her. Her boyfriend—a human—was fighting for her.
"Stop," she begged. She strained against the hands pressing on her. How many were there? Three pairs? Four?
"What the fuck?" she heard one say behind her. "This woman is strong!"
"Hold her down!"
"Stop, please!"
She finally saw Evans as one of the men he was fighting with stumbled away from a blow to the stomach. Evans's face and knuckles were bruised, but he was looking at her with reassurance, a fiery light in his eyes. And then he charged at the rest, grappling with them.
Three men converged on him, and he was once again obscured from Elizabeth's vision by the mass of bodies. Only his yells filled her ears.
But something else also filled her heart, and warmth bloomed inside her, a smoldering flame that grew hotter with each blow Evans received.
"Stop," she sobbed.
In front of her, the man with the jacket retreated and picked up the knife on the ground. "Dilan, what the hell are you doing?" their leader said. "We're not suppose to kill him!"
"I'm just going to scratch him!"
"The last time you scratched someone, he choked on his own blood!"
"No, please!" Clenching her teeth, Elizabeth rose as strength surged within her. Evans. She had to save Evans.
"Hey, she's getting up!"
She cried as she was shoved to the ground again. More. She needed more strength. Please, God, anyone. Help! I need to save him!
There was a glint in the dark, and the men surrounding Evans slowly stepped back. Evans was still standing, clutching his stomach, his shirt darkening with crimson. And yet he swung his fist at the man with the knife.
The man embraced him like a friend, and stabbed him. Once. Twice. He kept thrusting for a few seconds, then stepped back to inspect his handiwork. Evans knelt on the ground, staring at Elizabeth with longing and pure love, before falling to the grass.
Elizabeth stopped struggling. A familiar rumble filled her ears—the rumble of boilers fueled by hot oil. Hot as the rage in her heart, whose flames washed through her entire being, a pool of energy ready to burst from her body.
She screamed, and the energy exploded like a dazzling star.
The ground shook. The weight pressing on her vanished, replaced by a heavier load. And yet, somehow, she was standing, leaning on the scepter that found itself in her hands. Her clothes felt different.
She looked at Evans lying motionless on the ground. Her mind was clear yet muddled, blanketed with an overriding sense of purpose to protect her beloved from those trying to still harm him.
Target: nine. Distance: 30 feet. Load turrets One and Two.
Like a pair of additional arms, her turrets rotated with but a single thought. Many of the assailants lay on the ground, scattered by the shockwave. But they were staring at her, and she saw their expressions of shock, terrified eyes wide. One's trousers were already wet with fear.
"M-Monster!" one of the men shrieked before breaking into a frantic dash to safety. And like a pair of frightened rabbits, they fled before her, even their leader who found the strength to walk despite his crushed groin.
Elizabeth ignored them and hobbled toward Evans, the weight of her weapons slowing her. When she reached his side, she collapsed on her knees.
His face was swollen, both eyes closed. Blood was still oozing from his stomach. With trembling fingers, Elizabeth pressed them on a gash, hoping to stem the flow of blood. But there were too many wounds, and Evans's breathing was getting shallower.
"No, no. Please," she whimpered. "Noah! Warspite! Valiant! Someone! Anyone! Help!" she screamed into the night.
There were hurried footsteps behind her. Elizabeth spun, her cannons humming, her radar registering three signs of life.
Isabel and Brian stared at her in utter shock. "A-Auntie?" Isabel croaked.
And then Drake was sprinting past them, toward Elizabeth's side. Drake knelt beside Evans while yelling, "Call an ambulance! NOW!" She looked sternly at Elizabeth. "You have to hide your rigging before more people arrives."
"Rigging?" she croaked. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion swept over her, and the weight on her body vanished. Her vision spun and flickered. She swayed, then slumped over Evans's prone form. Drake called to her, but it seemed she was speaking from a great distance.
Her voice, and everything else, was soon swallowed by darkness.
First, no, that's not USS Enterprise. That's HMS Enterprise. XD
Now, for the story. Yes, more characters. And yes, more pain. And even more to come. But now we have QE manifesting her rigging for the first time! Since Wisdom Cubes don't exist in this story, I tied the activation with emotion. This is, after all, has elements of supernatural and magic, which will be relevant once we get to the Sakura Empire story.
This chapter is only half of the last one. I initially wanted it to be longer, but I feel like this is the best spot to end it. This means that I can release a chapter on December 19, which marks this fic's anniversary AND the end of Act 2.
We are drawing close to the end!
Once again, thank you all for the support!