"Come on… I know I can reach this shelf normally…" Erica groaned in exertion, standing on her toes as she tried to reach for the top shelf of the display. She was at the Makluan Bookstore, a small place on Little Garden that always had a rare selection of books the Slayer always had an itch for.

Her current objective was a novel she's been searching for a full year: Pedal's Flourish. It was the sequel to her previous favorite book Garden's Seed, a romance story that stole her heart. To some embarrassment, she admits that the story felt a little close to home, being of a young girl named Jessie struggling with the feelings for her senior Fiona. It was a slow burn that was working in the will they/won't they angle, and she was anxious to see how it went.

"Just… a little… more…!" Her efforts were impossible, as an apparent addition to the store resulted in higher shelves, and she cursed herself for the sin of her height. If she used Everlasting she could easily reach, but without permission (and tact) she could only try in vain to reach for it. A desperate misstep had her place a foot closer, feeling it slip from under her as a book had tripped her.

"Whoa there!" Just before she fell, Erica felt an arm wrap around her shoulders, catching her at an angle. Once she adjusted her sight, Erica looked up to see it was Artorian who caught her, the hybrid smirking down at the bespectacled Slayer with an entertained stare. "Come on Four-Eyes, you're supposed to be the stable one of the trio. Don't tell me you have a clumsy spree yourself?"

"Thank you." Erica ignored the comment to thank her fellow Slayer, getting back on her feet as the two stood up. "I see you do have good reflexes even out of a fight."

"I have my moments." He shrugged. "So what's got you out here tripping over? Looking for something?"

"Yes, I was was looking for a book and I… heard there was a copy here." Erica became somewhat conscious of the discussion, doubting Artorian knew the series she was looking for, but on the other hand aware of his strange amount of knowledge he uses to tease and taunt the others.

"Let me guess, this one?" He asked, reaching up easily to grab the book, gesturing with it to which she nodded once.

"Yes, that one."

"Must be good, we almost lost a precious vice-commander of Little Garden for it." He said, humming in acknowledgement of the fancy cover before handing it to Erica. "Standalone or sequel?"

"Sequel, to one of my favorite books in fact." Erica admitted, the two walking to the counter.

"Was everything okay?" The clerk asked, a nice old woman who ran the store occasionally with her son. "I thought I heard a ruckus?"

"It's okay ma'am, I just tripped was all." Erica explained. "My com… my friend here caught me before I fell."

"Oh ho, upgraded to friend." Artorian chuckled. "I'm honored."

"It's good to see you youngins' enjoying your free time, you have too high a burden as Slayers." The clerk said, running the book cost to the two.

"Here let me." Artorian pulled out his wallet, surprising Erica as he handed the woman his card.

"Now hold on Artorian, I didn't-"

"I'm simply buying a gift for my friend, the Gods know I have at least two favors I owe you." Artorian responded, stopping Erica's objection. "This is genuinely just me being nice, I am capable of it you know."

"I wasn't making that accusation." Erica muttered to herself, looking down at the insinuation. Erica wasn't used to receiving gifts, growing up on a farm she worked hard and made agreements with her parents in order to get something she wanted. It never felt right to be given a gift, especially since she and Artorian were merely acquaintances until the Qin operation.

"Such a well-mannered young man, you must be popular with all the ladies."

"Like you wouldn't know." Artorian chuckled, the clerk's assumption not entirely wrong.

"You should act quick, boys like that are rare and get snatched up quick." The clerk whispered to Erica, the girl fighting the urge to roll her eyes as she could feel the snicker coming from the boy.

"I appreciate the concern ma'am; I'll be sure to consider it." Erica simply took the kind gesture as what it was, accepting the book before the Slayers started to walk off.

"So, you going to make a move, or should I?" The hybrid went from his light snicker to a barely contained laugh, the bespectacled Slayer giving a tired sigh at the attempted humor.

"I believe I've used both the tree and park analogy correct?"

"I know, it's just a little fun is all." He admitted, motioning to the book. "Just like getting you that, all in good fun."

"You're unbelievable at times… but thank you."

"No problem Four-Eyes, always worth seeing a beautiful woman smile."

"…I'm sorry, I know you don't mean it that way, but would you refrain from calling me Four-Eyes anymore?" Erica asked, getting Artorian's undivided attention. "It's just that nickname's been around me a lot, I'm an adult and I understand that your intention is more good-natured and meant in good fun… but it's a lot of memories I don't want to remember."

"Ah… sorry about that." Artorian apologized, rubbing the back of his head. "Guess I forget even a vice-commander was a kid at some point. And kids can be quite ruthless, especially to a farm girl from the sticks."

"It must seem so childish, being bothered by just words. Especially compared to your past."

"It's not a fair comparison, besides I think I got off pretty easy compared to people like Sakura and the Hunters." Artorian admitted. "And think nothing of it, I'll figure out a better nickname for you. Lord's Honor."

"Coming from someone who hates being a Lord." Erica lightly chuckled at the gesture, appreciative of Artorian's understanding. When they reached the door, Artorian moved to open it in an exaggerated gesture of chivalry before both jumped at thunder booming and the rapid rain that was falling.

"Huh, wasn't raining when I came in." Artorian noted, annoyed as there was no rain in the forecast. "You didn't happen to bring an umbrella, did you?"

"No." Erica hung her head in defeat. Rain was a problem today, as the store had no bags to offer and now her book was in danger of getting soaked from the incredible downpour.

"Well, looks like I picked the best day to go book hunting." Artorian said with a grin, before raising his arm over Erica. The girl looked surprised as she realized the hybrid was wearing his blue shawl, and was providing cover from the rain for her.

"Oh no, you don't have to do that Artorian, I can just wait out the storm and-!" Lightning followed by thunder was only drowned out as an alarm started to blare, Little Garden's safety warning informing everyone to return home as the storm was growing in intensity. A look up to Artorian had the Slayer see him motion with his shawl covered arm, the options Erica had limited now thanks to nature's interference.

Accepting her defeat, she moved under Artorian's shawl, moving close to him so he could curl it to provide a better range of cover for her as they stepped into the rain. The wind alone nearly caught Erica off her feet, the shifting boat and slick floor making it easy to lose her balance. Luckily Artorian was there to catch her again, keeping her as dry as possible as he accepted the downpour with a grin.

"Alright, this might be more of a challenge then I thought." He admitted with a half chuckle. "But I think I have a better idea."

"What?"

"This is humiliating." Erica whined, her face burning red at her position.

Artorian's idea was to hop back into the store for a second and remove his shawl, putting it on her and keeping her arms and book tucked in before wrapping it closed. With her balance compromised, Artorian was carrying her in a princess carry, enduring the full onslaught of water as Erica was tucked into the protective cloth.

"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm having a blast." Artorian chuckled with a wide grin. Thanks to his sturdy build, he had near perfect balance on the ever-shifting ship, taking each step confidently as he carried the Slayer. He noted that similarly to the other girls he's carried, Erica weighed next to nothing, not a surprising detail but it made him note that Liddy's build made her the only girl he thinks he'd need to put effort holding up, a detail that'll make for prime teasing.

"I feel ridiculous, being treated like this just because of a single book."

"I'm treating you like this because I'm a gentleman preventing a young maiden from slipping and falling in the middle of a storm." Artorian countered, although looking over to Erica with his grin still present. "Not to mention you chose to wear a light blue shirt and skirt, imagine what I'd see if you fell and got splashed with water… not that I'd complain."

"It's not like you'd see much…" Erica muttered to herself, looking away from him as she did.

"Now that is just being cruel to yourself." Artorian spoke, causing Erica to flinch as she didn't intend to speak that loud enough to be heard. "You shouldn't be ashamed of how you look, especially stuff out of your control."

"Says the walking mountain of muscle." Erica argued. "You're closer to the general physical preference people have, and don't even pretend like you don't have a type." She pointed out, getting a chuckle from him.

"I suppose on face value that's easy to assume." He agreed, noting that most of his attention was pointed to Emilia, Claire, Sakura and Miharu, all having developed figures. He kept his attention to Erica however, each step in line as he adjusted for the shifting floor. "But I do mean it when I say you're beautiful, you don't need wide hips or big breasts to be worth the attention."

"Well then you're a first." Erica wasn't someone to think too much about her figure. It wasn't any secret that of the Student Council she was the least developed, and while she had no interest in men there was always a bit of salt in the wound that every talk was of Claire or Liddy, where she was a mere afterthought some people remembered was in fact a woman.

"Then the entire world is blind and ignorant, because I'm carrying a beautiful woman I'd love to get to know more." Artorian spoke without a shred of shame or concern, surprising Erica as he looked forward with a smile. "I may not be your type, but as you are my type it should be fair to inform you that you carry a level of beauty in your own way. You may not have Claire's royal approach and supermodel appearance, or Liddy's mature tomboyish presence, but you bring a "girl next door" sensation. The diamond in the rough that no one realizes the value until they look long and hard. And then they realize they're staring at a true beauty."

"Your… your flirtation won't get you anywhere this time." Erica said, although keeping her face turned away from him to prevent him from seeing her glowing cheeks.

"Ah, but there's a future possibility for it." Artorian smiled, understanding he wasn't going to get there but was just happy to know the girl was feeling better. "Guess I'll just have to try harder in the future, who knows what could come of it if I start trying~."

"In your dreams Artorian."

"Oh you wouldn't believe what I'd dream of if I could."

It took twenty minutes of trekking through the rain for Artorian to carry Erica's residence, having her own home similar to Charlotte's if not a bit smaller to accommodate Erica's minimalist style of living. He made sure to get her inside and out of the rain before putting her own, unwrapping his shawl and taking the partially damp cloth to sling it over his shoulder. It was impossible to have kept Erica completely dry, but little water touched her thanks to the waterproof quality of the Shawl and Artorian's carry method. At most a bit of her hair and legs were wet, the rest of her and most importantly her book was as dry as it was in the bookstore.

"Thank you again Artorian… you really didn't have to do that." Erica thanked the Abysswalker, moving her hair a bit to the side as she wanted to keep it out of her face.

"Eh, it was no trouble." Artorian shrugged. "I was in the area and a beautiful maiden required assistance, I was obliged to help see you home."

"I thought you don't believe in Noblesse Oblige?"

"I do when it involves a pretty girl." Artorian winked, before raising his robotic hand to help push some of the hair out of Erica's face. "But seriously, I'm willing to help my friends when they need it, and you certainly did."

That notion gave Erica a small smile, looking down as she thought about how the Abysswalker changed since coming to Little Garden. She had to admit, she didn't like him when she first met him. He was crass, rude, not to mention a shameless pervert with how he treated Claire in their first duel. But seeing how far he's come since then, the barrier of arrogance and defensiveness dropping had seemingly turned him into a completely different person… if not a little better than he was originally.

Despite his character flaws, he was a good man.

"Well, I best get out of your hair now. I'm sure you've reached your tolerance for me." Artorian said with a smirk, turning to leave. "We should try hanging out proper some time, it'd be a blast."

"Wait." Before the hybrid could walk out, Erica grabbed the back of his shirt, the action getting him to pause as he turned back to her. "It'd be negligent of me to send out my junior during an emergency shut down, especially after he helped me traverse the very storm. And you're already soaked, you might get a cold."

"I haven't had a cold in my life… but I've long since learned I can't argue with the Student Council." Artorian relented without much resistance, pushing some of his hair up and out of his face, it being down thanks to the downpour he endured.

"I don't have a change of clothes for you, but I'm sure you're comfortable enough to wear a few towels while your clothes dry?" Erica asked.

"I certainly am, but will you?" He chuckled. "I've yet to have a girl not stare when my shirt comes off, you might be another victim to my charm."

"I'll take my chance."

With the acceptance of hospitality, Erica and Artorian were relaxing in the living room, sitting on opposite ends of the four-meter couch. Artorian was dressed in only a towel wrapped around his waist, however it was done quite expertly, Erica swearing she hadn't noticed it give in the slightest. He also had another towel draped around his shoulders, having been used to dry his hair and kept simply because he was feeling lazy.

Both were reading, Erica taking the chance to start on her new book while Artorian was reading one from her cabinet. He was surprised at how many books there were, figuring Erica liked novels but was shocked to see how much of a bookworm she really was. At a glance Erica didn't recognize the book he was reading, the purple cover seemed familiar but it was worn down that she couldn't read the title from this far away. And since he seemed so invested in it, she could pay attention to her own book, trying her best to hide any reaction from the hybrid.

And it was a crazy ride for her, at first feeling the slow burn of Garden's Seed was about to pay off when the unthinkable happened!

"Unbelievable!" Erica exclaimed, her face turning red for a moment as Artorian looked down from his book, the Lord holding it over him with one hand to raise an eyebrow at the outburst.

"Something happen?" He asked, deciding not to tease her on it as she composed herself and coughed into a fist.

"N-No, I mean… yes but nothing that deserved an outburst like that." She said, wanting to avoid saying anything about what actually happened.

The story was going as she wanted, but a new name was popping up throughout the first couple chapters that came to be the harshest Chekhov's Gun she ever experienced. For a while the name Shiki was being spread around, even Fiona mentioning it that had Jessie confused. And just now she had learned the character was a foreign exchange student from Yamato! Not only that, but Fiona and him had crashed into each other in the hall, resulting in the boy falling on top of Fiona and resulting in an accidental kiss! It was a fluttering moment that had both Jessie and Erica cringing at the revelation.

'Darn it, it's feeling even more close to home in the worse way!' Erica thought in shame, having to need a few moments to steady herself, lest she have another embarrassing outburst in front of the Lord.

"Alright then, hope it's not something that ruins the book for you." Artorian said, before looking up to his book to continue reading it.

It was strange to see him read so intently, not expecting him to find interest in any of her books. Perhaps that was a bit overexaggerating, her cabinet had dozens of books of different genres, it wasn't impossible for him to find one he might like. But she was cautious at his entertained smirk, his diligent reading off putting. Erica was a fast reader, capable of reading over 300 words in a minute and still get every detail in, qualifying her as a skilled speed reader. Artorian meanwhile was barely staying on a page for thirty seconds, already halfway done with the book.

Artorian never showed it, but his reading comprehension was outstanding; he was capable of reading nearly 1,000 words in a minute and barely miss any details should he exert himself. Whatever he was reading had his full attention, hoping it was just that he had a passing interest and wasn't actually reading every page that fast. He rarely showed such interest in books, so if he was this attenuative the vice-president feared he may actually be gathering ammunition for teasing, rather than enjoying a thought-provoking story.

Regardless, she returned to focus on her own book. She made sure to keep her feelings involved with the new addition to the cast. Going further, after the bump that had her outburst, Shiki had more time around the narrative. Apparently the new student was quick to get involved in school, and was heading a fundraiser for the campus to have a prom dance. Erica could relax then, as now it felt far from being like Artorian, and how resistant he'd ever be to such a roll.

'Hopefully this doesn't hit any closer to home.' Erica hoped, flipping through to the next page.

Another hour passes by, and Erica was fully invested in her book again. While Shiki hadn't gone away, he didn't seem as much as an obstacle as she originally expected. Jessie and Fiona were still the focus, even if they were working with the boy on the dance. It was going near perfect, up until she heard the loud thump of a book closing, flinching as she saw Artorian was now finished with the book.

"You're already done?" Erica was surprised. Even watching him read was a lot to think about. It was fast, but to think he finished a book as thick as was in his hand it would at least take a few more hours.

"I actually finished earlier, I was re-reading some of the stuff I might have missed." The Lord stated, casually flipping past some pages. "I gotta hand it to you Erica, you know good books. I'm not one for slice of life, but I definitely have a new outlook to it."

That information surprised the Slayer. She figured he was reading one of her adventure novels, or perhaps a horror thriller she had lying around. She didn't have many slice of life stories that could be that big. The only one she could recall… was Garden's Seed.

"Wait… you read Garden's Seed?"

"Is that what it's called?" Artorian asked, looking at the faded front before registering the faintest trace of the lettering. "Huh, kind of ironic. But yeah, saw how faded it was so I figured you read it a lot. Might as well try a book the bookworm enjoys."

"And you said you like it?"

"Well… yeah?" Artorian was a bit put on the spot. Not because he felt ridiculed for enjoying a more laid back story, but he could see the hesitation in Erica. It seemed he was treading on something unintentionally, so he realized he needed to put more thought to it. "Jessie's a fun character, and how she's slowly gaining confidence thanks to Fiona is pretty touching. I'm not great at reviews, but I guess recent events… gives me a second look at stuff like this."

"…It hasn't gotten easier, has it?"

"Eh, because of Claire I don't ever feel tired. Nightmares are still a bitch though." The Lord admitted, placing the book down at the table delicately. "I'd be lying if I said Kai doesn't still bother me, but I'm putting that behind. I got too much to be dragged down by that part of my past."

"Did you… want to talk about it?"

"Nah, everyone else already has felt bad enough for me." Artorian answered. "Honestly, I was at the book store because I wanted to get some breathing room. Aside from how competitive they are, I'm tired of being looked after and treated like I could collapse at any minute."

Erica didn't even try to think what being an Abysswalker was like. Artorian's debrief was to the point, while Liddy had given her and Claire a far more in-depth explanation. The books Artorian gave her provided far more context, both of the Abyss itself and Lordran's treatment of the Abyssal family. It painted all the pictures needed to understand an incredibly paranoid culture that keeps around an entire bloodline to be treated as little more than an attack dog.

No wonder Krovanh's insults never bothered him. What was being a dog to Warslran when Gwyn treated every ancestor he had like one?

"Don't you go giving me that look too, I might get the wrong impression." Artorian's face shifted to be more humorous, attempting to change the subject from the recent drama of his condition.

"I believe I already said in your dreams correct?" Erica responded, understanding Artorian's personal trouble without knowing it fully.

"Kiki, got to keep you on your toes." The Lord chuckled. "But anyway, you clearly like Garden's Seed. Is there a sequel in the works?"

"…"

"It's the one in your hands isn't it?" The silence was all the answer he needed, giving her a hum of approval. "Good to see the author kept going. What's Fiona and Jessies relationship at?"

"If I said that, I'd be spoiling." Erica tutted, wagging a finger at the Lord before returning a smile. "You want to know? I'll lend you the book when I'm done with it."

"Ah man, that's going to take forever." Artorian groaned dramatically, hanging his head back over the couch. "I just know you're the kind of book nut that reads the book three times before saying you're done with it."

"Four times, actually. Last one's just for enjoyment of it." Erica teased.

"Hoohhlhoolhohlhohohhhh."

"I didn't think someone could make that kind of gurgle."

"It's my pouting gurgle, you've made me pout Erica. For shame."

"How much longer is it going to rain for?" Erica questioned out loud, sitting at her countertop while looking out the window. It was as stormy as when the two first got to Erica's home, showing the seas were at a serious torrent.

"I know, good thing I'm doing better at swimming." Artorian said, carrying two steaming cups and placing one down on the counter for Erica before sitting himself. His clothes were dried, now wearing his shirt and pants while his shawl was hanging on a coat rack.

In his usual fashion, Artorian couldn't stand to sit around and do nothing. So he offered to brew Erica some tea, Lord style. She was initially against it, seeing him as the guest, but relented as it was that or he cooked her dinner, and this was the less overbearing of the two.

"Your lessons have been going well?"

"I can float now, and with energy I can keep myself stable. I could probably properly swim now, but haven't really needed to try lately." He gestured with his mechanical hand, the inner mechanisms whirling in display.

"It's good to at least have distractions in our line of work." Erica noted, taking a sip of the tea.

"Yeah, but I'm also getting tired of sitting around. Training others is a bit of a chore, and until Krovanh and Nakri become team players I'm stuck as babysitter. Not to mention Touka and Liddy always wanting to spar."

"…I'm not sure if I ever said it, but thank you for helping Liddy." Erica spoke, getting the Lord's attention as she looked into the red tea. "You helped her when Claire and I couldn't, in the only way that could work. And you continued to do so even when your role was done."

"I nearly turned her into one of my Vessels, my role is done when I die." He responded.

"Still, Liddy's one of my closest friends. I remember when she first was beginning to change, seeing how disheveled she could be because of her nightmares." It was a bitter memory, Erica remembered on one of the first nights after the Zwei Islands, she caught Liddy passed out in their office before Claire got there. And before she could wake her, Liddy screamed in horror before waking up, eyes wide in terror as if she saw a monster. After learning of the Abyss, she could guess those nightmares targeted her deepest fears.

"Speaking of friends, how's Claire been?" Artorian asked. "I haven't talked to her much the past two weeks, couldn't find her outside of her in her office busy in meetings. Almost feels like she's trying to avoid me."

"She's been burying herself in work for the past month, repairs on the scale to recover from a terrorist attack doesn't just breeze over." Erica explained. "But… you are right that she's been occupied unnecessarily long. Some of her meetings are done months in advance, some are even preparing for the Combat Nexus in a couple months."

"That world tournament thing? I completely forgot about that." The Combat Nexus was a martial arts tournament where Slayers from all around the world competed. Whether from PMCs or official governments, there was a pretty serious requirement needed to be involved. He hadn't bothered to look much deeper into it because he had zero interest in Slayer sports before joining Little Garden.

"Along with being security for the event, we've also been greenlit to provide three combatants to the brackets." Erica detailed, recalling the portion of paperwork that had crossed her desk. "Claire was invited due to her popularity as the top Slayer in Warslran, and Matthew was given a ticket as well. We're just now looking for a third participant, which speaking of…"

"Not interested." Artorian answered without a second thought, surprising the girl at the response.

"I'm surprised, I thought you would jump at the opportunity to fight in a tournament. You never shied away from fights before."

"There's a difference between sparring with fellow Slayers and being entertainment. I only ever fought in tournaments back at Yamato for quick money or to test how my training was going." He said, taking a good swig of his tea before continuing. "I'm also no where strong enough to challenge Claire yet. Variant or not, she's still got plenty of power and experience to outmatch me completely."

"You don't want to compete because you want to challenge Claire?"

"Remember our first fight? We vowed to only fight again when I was worthy of making her go all out. As we are now, I might force her to go Full-Body Armament, but she'd dust me maybe a minute into using it."

"Fighting her all out matters a lot to you… doesn't it?"

"Claire was a reminder that I'm a long way from the top of the food chain, and I can't deny I respect how strong she is. Even Matthew considers her his superior in combat, to outmatch Lords in incredible, and I admire how far she's come. She's incredible, you know?"

"Yeah… I do." Erica admitted, the silent explanation all the two needed to understand the other.

"Have you ever… said anything to her?"

"W-What!? No, of course not! I couldn't!"

"Why not?" Artorian asked simply. "You like her, and pretending you don't won't work because I'm not that dense. Asking her out isn't a ground shaking anomaly."

"How we are now is precious to me, I don't want to risk ruining it because… because I pushed her in any way." Erica said, her cheeks red as she looked out the window. "Besides… I think it's clear she isn't interested in me. I've known her for years, but you two feel so much closer in the past couple months. That ship's sailed."

"Claire and I used to be at each other's throats, all that blushing and embarrassment was because I caught her off guard." Artorian countered. "Some of her stunts was to try and get back at me, because at her core she's incredibly competitive too. Comes with wanting to be strong. I don't think it was until Qin things… changed like that."

"But still, we both know she has more interest in you then she does me. I'm okay with that, as long as she's happy."

"Don't go talking like it's that simple." The Lord said, clapping his hand on her shoulder to get her attention. "After all, I've never approached Claire like that yet. And neither of us have a clue on her feelings on my current love life. Doesn't exactly come up in conversations. Who knows, maybe because I'm already with Miharu, Emilia and Sakura, Claire might seek out someone closer."

"I guess that's true, but I'm not so blind to think she'll think of me as a partner. Not like that." Erica admitted, before looking to him accusingly. "Why is this coming up, you're clear that you love her too."

"Of course I do, but I respect her too much to push that far. And your my friend too, I can be supportive while also being competitive." He said with a smile, patting her shoulder again with encouragement. "A friendly competition, and hell, maybe both of us lose. But I wouldn't want you to not even try achieving your own happiness. You're amazing too Erica, despite what you may think."

"You're too much Artorian." Erica said as the Lord withdrew his hand, but gave a small smile. "I can see why the others love you that much. You're a lot more of a softie than you used to be."

"I'm just lucky I became surrounded by people who didn't give up on me." He then sighed before hanging his head back again, groaning in mock disappointment. "You're all so much baggage, I feel like a completely different person than I did when I first enlisted."

"For the better, I'd say. Considering your perverted approach."

"Oh no I'm still like that, you just don't squirm nearly as much as Claire would." Artorian admitted, straightening out. "Liddy even gives a little wriggle here and there, but she's figured its just who I am. You meanwhile take a lot of work, not that I'm against putting it in."

"Well… it is nice to hear someone finds me appealing."

"Any time Bookworm."

"Thanks again for having me Erica." Hours later, the storm finally subsided and the water mellowed out. It was late now, only the night owls would be up at this point. Once everything finally relaxed, the Lord was quick to get ready to head home.

"No, it was nice. It was the least I could do after you helped me." Erica responded, standing at the doorway as the Lord kept his hood up. There was still a light drizzle, but it barely registered compared to the downpour a couple minutes ago.

"Still, it meant a lot. I would have been fine but you showed me the hospitality."

"You were good company, despite how much you tried to ruin it." Erica joked, getting a chuckle in return.

"One day Erica, one day." Before the Lord turned to leave, he realized he stayed with a blink of realization. "Oh, almost forgot. Mind if I stop by sometime next week to check out another book?"

"Why not stop by the Makluan Bookstore?"

"Because there isn't a pretty girl waiting, just a nice lady." Artorian's joke got a playfully jab from Erica. "In seriousness, I don't have a clue on what book I'd like to read."

"I'm sure if you pick a random one you'd find one you enjoy."

"Yeah, but I trust your judgement over my intuition." He admitted. "You have a good eye for stories, so I'd love to read more. Since you'll likely be hording Pedal's Flourish for a month."

"You're really eager to read that, aren't you?" Erica then sighed dramatically, rubbing her forehead. "Then I guess it is my responsibility to deal with your new habit. Very well, I'll see what novels might fit your fancy."

"Pft, nerd."

"Bully."

"Guilty." He shrugged, grinning with satisfaction and brimming with relief. "Get some sleep Erica, staying up this long isn't good for your health."

"You're one to talk."

"Yeah, I am. And say the same to Claire, if she's drowning herself in work I know she's been pulling all-nighters." A final wave had the two bare farewell, the light raindrops making for a scenic display as the Lord headed home.

After closing the door, Erica placed her back to the wall and looked down to her PDA, seeing Artorian's information as the two finally gave each other's numbers. Not their identification signals, which every Slayer had in their logs, but their personal information. It was an odd decision, but just before the rain stopped Erica brought it up and offered it. Seeing as the two had enough reason with their friend group overlapping. And if he was going to stop by to pick up a couple books, it would help them set a good time.

She didn't expect that kind of outcome tonight. She's spent a year with Matthew in Selections, but she wouldn't call him a friend. Outside of their missions she doesn't recall ever hanging out with him. Much less share each other's hobbies, she can't even tell if they had a conversation without it being Slayer related. Artorian was similar for awhile, aside from the day at the beach she didn't see him much.

This single night showed a different side of him. There wasn't the hostile brute he was when she first saw him, the cold indifference when regarding a person of his ire, or the flirt he played whenever around women. He was genuine, just talking with her and getting to know her. Aside from Claire and Liddy…

"That's embarrassing…" She said, a tired smile across her lips. "I've spent so long trying to be by Claire's side, did I forget to do things on my own?" She then thought of the day she first met Claire, and how that changed her life forever.

Savage landed close to her family's farm, less than a kilometer away. They lived far from the city, and had a bunker to hide in. But hearing the alien slowly make its way closer to the entrance, as if tracking them still brought bitter memories of weakness. She could only tremble and wait as its thunderous steps approached them. The thought that anyone would reach them in time was a ignorant hope that deep down she and her parents never believed in.

But as the Savage pierced its claw into the door, tearing the bunker open and prepared to eviscerate or consume them, heat tore into the creature and sent it crashing to the side. Emerald green burned into the black carapace and turned the armor into molten slag. Before it fully turned to face the adversary, its core was blasted, the superheated beam boring through its entire body and shattering the crystal center into fragments.

Erica remembered when she ran out, when she saw that a lone figure clad in crimson red stood on top of the beast. Adorned in smooth armor, armed with her Buster Cannon steaming after her point-blank blast into the Savage's core, Claire turned to face the family. The sunlight gleamed off her gauntlet, as if brimming with hope as she smiled with relief down to the family.

"Thank goodness, I was afraid I wouldn't make it in time? Are you okay?"

She was like a hero from old stories, arriving at the last moment to save the day. Maybe that was what had her originally fall for her. But it was when she disarmed her weapon and jumped down to check on the family that Erica saw past the glimmer and glamor of her Full-Body Armament. It was with just a glance, but she saw that Claire couldn't be much older than her, the youth present and obvious to the family.

"Thank you, I knew the Slayers wouldn't just abandon us." Erica's father gratefully thanked the girl, a relieved glance up to the man reflected by Claire's composure. "But I'll admit, your swiftness shocked me. It couldn't have been thirty minutes."

"Of course sir, Warslran's efforts to predict incoming Savage has improved drastically." She answered. "As soon as we picked up the energy signature, I was armed and rushing to engage. Seeing your farm was the drive I needed to get here faster."

"You're so young…" Erica's mother commented, sounding almost sad as she looked over Claire's Armament and variable suit. "I didn't think… are Slayers truly recruited so young?"

"Anyone willing to become a Slayer is free to." Claire answered, pride brimming from her as she slammed a fist to her chest. "I was born with the ability to manipulate energy and use a Hundred. It's my duty to use those gifts to protect others. I did so before and I will continue to do so, as is my duty as the next generation of Slayers."

Claire's pride, along with her brimming confidence stunned Erica at the mere sight. It was more than just witnessing a hero of an old story, it was realizing that someone with such ideals was alive and fighting. After the Second Attack, when humanity's greatest warriors Artorias was killed and Ornstein crippled, hope was crushed into the dirt. The remaining Slayers were without guidance, and to Warslran's admission they were to be discontinued without their leader.

They were the ones that protected humanity in the First Attack, when nearly half the world was killed by the overwhelming invaders. The next generation of Slayers were forced to live up to a legacy, one no one believed could be reached. But here she saw it. What would have taken three First Generation Slayers to take down, she defeated single handedly. And at such a young age, Claire proved humanity still had a chance. That they weren't kept alive by heroes and champions of unrivaled strength. Who came from nowhere and brought about change.

It was those strong enough to stand up. And those willing to fight.

"I'm sorry for the damages to your farm." Claire apologized, looking to the remains of the once proud homestead. "I will see about getting it repaired. Warslran is willing to cover all the costs due to my inaction."

"But… but you saved us." Erica's father said, shocked to hear Claire refer to her speedy rescue as inaction.

"We're more than fighting to keep people alive. We're here to fight so that our home remains ours." Claire answered. "If we fail to save the home of those we protect, then we're at risk of failing when it matters most. I vow to make it up to you, but for now we'll relocate you to a residence. Reinforcements will be here soon." Claire then turned and stepped away, tapping her collar to communicate with one of the teams enroute.

"Can…" Erica tried to speak up, pausing for a moment when Claire turned to her. Everyone was staring at her, and she was shaking for reasons beyond her understanding. But she forced herself, she had to speak. She would never forgive herself if she didn't.

"Can… can I become strong enough to protect others?" Erica's question stunned her parents and surprised Claire. But even then, she forced herself to go on. "I… I want to do what you do. Can someone weak like me, become a Slayer as strong as you?"

"Of course." Claire answered, smiling as she saw the conviction and aspiration in Erica's eyes.

"E-Even if I'm weak now? Even if I'm scared to fight?"

"Being scared doesn't make you weak. Willing to stand up and fight is what makes you strong." Claire responded, brimming with a proud grin as she flashed a thumbs up. "If you really wish to become a Slayer, then you're already showing your strength!"

"Oh… it was that smile." Erica recalled, looking to her ceiling with a wistful smile. "That smile that despite the burden present, she could give without worry. She really believed I was strong, even though I'll never hold a candle to her."

She's spent years by Claire's side, ever since that day she became a Slayer as soon as she tested and confirmed she possessed energy. Fighting by Claire and Liddy's side, saving lives, it gave her hope that she could one day be strong enough to smile like Claire did. She didn't regret a second, proud to be Claire and Liddy's companion and friend. Even if she never reached the strength she wished to have, she knew her part was important. And to see others rise and aid, to become strong enough that they can keep humanity going. She realized the day she met Claire how important smiling in the face of adversity was.

'And now… you can smile like that too.' Erica thought, looking out the window into the rain. The same smile she saw Claire give that day, when surviving adversity and prepared to take on the next challenge. The smile that changed her role from helpless bystander to Slayer. She saw it again, and remembered her drive.

"Hmph… almost got me thinking, bully." Erica said with a smile, tapping her knuckle to the door before stepping forward.

She definitely knew she needed to get some sleep now. Thinking she could ever see the same smile come from two people so different. Maybe she'd read Pedal's Flourish a fifth time, make Artorian squirm for daring to smile like that.

(A/N): And completion. This was a chapter a long time coming, and one I needed to do at one point. For those that have noted my return to writing, this is the chapter to thank. Bookworm in the Rain was originally going to be an Abysstreader chapter that just came to mind. And when I couldn't stop writing, because I was enjoying writing Artorian and Erica so much that I couldn't let it stay as a side content. And so I found the drive to finish the previous arc, and am now pushing forward. I'm just glad to have gotten this far, and look forward to go further and further.

I'm forever grateful to have you all reading, even just seeing people look here keeps me going, and I'm happy for all the support. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and hope to see you in the next one. Peace!