{{ This is a live rp between Dust Belarus and Sarah Belarus among several others. Enjoy the read!}}
Chapter I || The First Step Towards Change
He dressed as usual this night. Dressed from head to toe in proper evening attire, looking as if he was going to a business meeting or a casual night out. He seemed to always know how to dress even though the rest of the city enjoyed being clad in armor as if war could break out at any moment.. He had just finished eating a nice plate of fish with mixed veggies in the tavern. But he preferred the sea food from Mahikanah rather than anywhere else. He took out a cigar and matched it up with a stick from his matchbox. Taking a few puffs then walking through the alley way towards the Belarus estates that were sort of still under its 2nd phase of construction. Seemed upon the leaders death that certain gears would turn in the plans to set off a large chain reaction throughout the empire.
Dust had guessed he was a part of this change. He could already feel his own core begin to twist and turn in his body as changes slowly turned his body. But it was something he had been use to by now, the pain was no longer a feeling that effected him anymore. He was changing from the regular Imperial Core to an advanced model that only very few saw but the entire universe heard and talked about them like they were some mythical creature that was more of a symbol of hope and peace. The bringer of Live and Death, War and Peace, Construction and destruction. He was finally stepping up to par with his brother Ash.. he was slowly changing into the Imperial Core Elite.
Sarah knew Dust would be coming home soon; she was eagerly waiting for his return. By now she had become more comfortable with her surroundings within their room. The bathroom was still the most feared part of their room; after all she still had to understand how the bathroom took a mind of its own when she was going into the room to bathe. Still, she worked through her fears and her nervous habits when Dust was away to prove to herself that she could take care of herself; so that Dust wouldn't have to worry about her while he was away.
She was now bringing the long orange and golden strands of her hair to a braid on her head, there were still a few things she liked doing by hand. Next to her were the goggles she treasured above many other things she first received when she began a new life with her beloved. The pouch, the blades, all of them had become a way of life to her; all of them had taken their proper place at her side.
She paused over the pouch, the keeper of the gift Ash had given her on one of the few times they had met. The small flower within was a constant reminder to her that she was welcomed by Dust's family. Slowly the pouch was sealed and placed in its proper place on her figure. Then the goggles came, wrapped over the top of her head. Next were her boots and then her necklaces, always ever changing. She never removed the token of love between Dust and herself, the silver ring with the three diamonds upon it.
When she had first been gifted with such a token she didn't know what it meant, but now she knew just what it meant. She loved the pace her and Dust were moving at. The slow moves they made together, it was just the symbol to her that time didn't matter between them, that there love was constant. She now had all the time in the world, she knew that, and so did he. The more she thought of these things, the more there was that pulse against her forehead. A migraine beginning to build, but she pushed it aside. Too eager to see her Beloved.
Shiny leather shoes moved one after the other at a regular pace, he wasn't in a hurry, just relaxing for the evening. He was now crossing over the bridge. The trickles of water passing underneath the bridge became a quick outburst when it shifted up onto the supporting beams below. His eyes trailed off down the river that passed through the city and to the sea. Looking to the light house he could see the light was replaced. An odd expression played across his face, remembering that he threw a brick at that light that spun around in circles. Just went to show how efficient the local government was to replace a light for a damned sea tower, although they never really focused on cleaning up these dirty streets.
The recession was really taking its effect on the city no days. Things were more expensive, fuel for his ship was murder, but those were always terms he could work with. He felt it was wrong for him to tap into the family's fuel surplus for his own needs. But it seemed he would have to soon. He snapped from his focus on his thoughts and to the estates which he could see from the bridge as he walked across it. His eyes remained on the back docks of the estates.
The large concrete wall that surrounded the estates prevented him from seeing the live sprawling inside. He could do nothing about that other than walk around the front to the large metallic blast doors. A guard house was built in front of the estates recently, or at least it was bigger and more established then the one that was there before. He looked to the men inside the guard house seeing the majority of them sitting around a table eating dinner and watching the late news wire. Two stood outside on either side of the blast doors clad in black armor with assault rifles in hand. Another sat on a stool in front of the guard window where the drop gate was.
He was starring at a computer screen for a moment before the automated guns picked up Dust's life patterns came into full circulation, aiming their sights on Dust before the guard at the window signaled for the gates to be opened for Dust. Dust smiled to the men and nodded to them. He was proud of them all, all willing to give their lives just to protect those of the estates. Questioning everyone and never taking second guesses. They even stopped Dust to identify him. Yes, Dust was proud of them all. The large blast doors opened only a few feet compared to opening all the way. Just enough for Dust to walk through.
The two guards nodded to him as he passed through and onto the main estates courtyard. The architecture was based on a more civilized and honorable Japan. Most people around these parts hadn't known what Earth was or what universe it was a part of. It was lifetimes away and too far away for many to even pay notice. Dust saw no reason to ever travel so far across empty space to visit the backwater planet, but Ash saw some reason at one time.. It only seemed like a two decades before Ash was able to gain the eyes and ears of the people of that galaxy and become hunted down by another empire known as Rome. The first signs of humans were far too primitive to understand Ash and his powers. Eventually Ash left the planet to rot promising that planet and his followers that he would return one day.
Dust chuckled at the thought of Ash making the trip. But at least he brought back one thing with him, the beautiful architecture of the estates he now called home. He looked about once more to see the floating lanterns over the water garden. Then looked to see the master unit. The large building at the head of the estates where Ash and Aya used to live. Now Dust and Sarah lived there. Since now he would be known as the Emperor and she would be the Empress. an odd changing of events but one he promised he would step up to if the situation called for it.
The warm kiss of fire brushed at her exposed arms while she shimmied into her white tunic. Her hips swished from side to side and she turned to pick up the silver skirt with the slit up the side. Brushing her fingers over the silken fabric and testing it carefully. Once she had gathered it was perfect she stepped into it, yes it was an odd way of dressing, but she had seemed a bit scattered brained as of late. Her head was throbbing while she sighed, eyes gazing towards one of the windows as if she could feel him coming in her gut. Her golden orbs scanned the window slowly before she turned back to the process of meeting him. Once she had established that her attire was perfect she moved onwards towards the door way. Turning the knob in her fingers she bit her lip. Taking once last glance towards the mirror before heading out.
It was normal to see Sarah moving about the Estates by herself, but since it was a new building she took her time gathering her direction within this place. As she left the room she managed to find her way towards one of the holograms displaying the map. Following it for several moments, remembering the path before her, she gages the best path to meet Dust half way on his usual journey through the Estate. Fingers came to rub at her temples and she closed her eyes. A deep breath being drawn weakly in and then pushed out. She was beginning to dread this coming migraine and the pain that was coming with it.
Gritting her teeth she sat up her eyes opening so that she could focus. Avoiding the fact that the migraine started to slowly push pain through her neck. It was slowly trickling through her, but she found still that nothing was being a bother. Ignoring the pain she pushed off once more. Making her way along the memorized path and down the moving steps before her she tried to remain focused. She paused here and there to glance about and gather her direction once more.
Fingers moved to her pockets, considering the fact that maybe her migraine was caused because of her lack of the weed within her cigarette. Pulling out the cigarette and then a match from within the confines of the pocket she paused in her steps. Bringing the filtered end to her lips she brought the match to life. Letting the smoldering flame kiss at the end while became cherry red. Shaking the fire away she continued to move onwards.
Yet, the migraine continued to grow. She growled in aggravation and shook her head. Still her mind was racing over the recent events and she tried to avoid the pain. Still she felt like she was getting closer to Dust. For some reason her need for him growing as she began to feel the ach spreading over her shoulders and arms. Maybe she should have just waited in the room for him...
Like a ripple through the air he could feel everyone in the estates. He had known that a group of guards had just left the training facilities and were heading back to the barracks where they could turn in for the night. He had known that birds were in the trees feeding their young before they went off to bed. As everyone seemed to be going to bed, he could also feel all the life sparking into motion. He could feel the heart beats of dozens of men and women across the estates as they all were getting up and ready for their night shift within the estates.
Soon the courtyard, the halls, and the individual buildings themselves would be occupied with numerous personnel working their shift. He could already feel a large group of men and women heading to the estates large docking facility where they would load and unload supplies, equipment, and shipments that would later be going back out and shipped to other locations. He knew these knew shipments would be loaded onto the large industrial sized elevator in the P.A.W. (Paraphernalia - Armor - Weapons) Storage facility.
The elevator lowered itself some 400 meters below the surface of the city to a whole other facility with a large network of tram systems tunnels leading to all sort of other facilities within a 500km radius. One of which had included the Dragon Head Dam and Void complex. He could feel all of these things just as Ash did. It was a sure sign that the effect had been taking an acute effect on him. With this happening he could also feel something knew..... The birth of a new Imperial Core. It's life seemed very familiar to him, quickly he processed these things and came to the final conclusion.. Sarah.
He began to quicken his pace as he had drawn himself around a few more corners, passing soldiers and other personnel, Grabbing the attention of a medical team over his com-set and notifying them of his current location and where he would be going. Two soldiers of the Crimson Guard had overheard the radio frequency and rushed to Dust's side just as he took one last corner to the location where Sarah and himself usually met up during this time.
Sarah was running late, she wasn't there to meet him at their usual spot. She was pausing even more so with every throbbing pain rushing through her head. Her eyes were beginning to lose focus, the pain being just that great. The pain was beginning to rush through her arms, through her finger tips, her chest and down her hips. She knew by now this wasn't a normal migraine, for the sheer fact that her chest was beginning to pulse in pain. Her hand, shaking wildly had moved to grip at her chest. A few grunts coming from her as she continued to ignore it and avoid the fact that it was gaining speed and taking her over.
Shaking her head as if to shake it off she pushed forwards, yet what she thought was a quickened pace was just the difference, she was slowing down. Her hand was gripping the rail next to her, guiding her steps as she traveled along the memorized way. The path she moved upon, the very direction she took was all by memory and not by sight. she wasn't even sure she was going in the right direction. Truth be told, she wasn't. She had made a turn somewhere along the line that was either too late or too soon.
Finally she just came to a stop, knowing that by now she was acting the fool to keep going. Dust would find her, she could feel it, just like she could feel the ebb of pain building in her knees. It was working its way down, she was more than aware of that. When it hit her knees at full force she buckled and toppled forwards. That was when the pain won. Her cry of agony suddenly coming. She was finding it difficult to keep her arms up, to hold herself from the ground beneath her. There was a pulse of pain and again she cried out, toppling forwards, her face meeting the smooth surface beneath her.
"Red flag to ground units. I need a proximity search around the Head Manor. Check benches, sidewalks, check....." before he could finish his orders he felt it again, another ripple sent through the air, he could feel her pain like it was his pain, or was his changing causing him pain as well? He couldn't tell, he only knew that finding her was the important thing. "...Cancel last orders. Red Flag to Crimson Unit 24, meet me at Aounah Cli courtyard. Over" The response back was a simple affirmative.
He ran off the walk and pounced off from the ground and caught his footing on the rooftops now. The Aounah Cli courtyard was only 2 houses away. Only the big houses were in the way. He leaped from roof tile to roof tile till he reached the tip top of the Aounah Cli manor and looked down. Even with the well lit walkways and grassy strips the night made it equally challenging to see anything. His eyes quickly switched through the spectrum by adjusting the shape of the cornea and making the iris' stretch its binary muscles to the point where it could collect more light and even exchange it for a thermal view of his surroundings. The pupil of his eye began to see the courtyard.
The crimson guard had already been there. Quite the effective unit. He had spotted Sarah below, near a railing on the pathway. "Red flag to Crimson unit 24. I've spotted her. Get the medics on the com and tell them to stand by." He leaped from level to level as he got closer to the ground. Landing near the crimson commandos but not startling them any. He looked to Sarah and held her in his arms as he stood up. "I hadn't expected this kind of change to take place so soon."
Sarah had screamed, just screamed in severe terror as her head began to feel like it was splitting open, literally. Her body rolled as she pushed herself onto her back violently. She shrieked once more and her hands clapped to her head. Her back arched up and it was as if her whole body began to snap in places she never thought it could have before. She was thrashing about, the pain now taking over her entirely. When the guard found her she was beyond response, unable to be controlled when she scraped about the floor of the court yard beneath her. It wasn't until Dust was felt coming closer that she slightly calmed. Whimpers coming from her lips as her eyes flashed open wide. Seeing him come into view and dip down over her was more than she needed.
Still in the throes of agony she reached out for him, at least she thought she had. Her body remained limp even when he picked her up. As he spoke she jerked once, twice, and then screamed shrilly when the pain made another pulse through her body. Her hand shot up and gripped at his shirt, nearly ripping it at the edges. Gasps for breath were pulling through her lungs; she was trying to breathe through the pain, terror pushing up into her eyes. His words hadn't been registered, but by the look on his face she could tell that there was more to this pain than she had expected.
He looked into her eyes seeing the change was taking place there as well. It was a work of art really. Seeing something change so dramatically was like watching blue skies and white clouds clash into a large storm of destruction. He smiled to her seeing that it would end very soon. He knew he was going through some final stages himself. He looked to a nearby bench, seeing its green cold paint decorate itself with oranges and red swirling about in a sand storm like manner.
The morning dew had already settled and he didn't want her clothes to become wet. His eyes focused on the bench and watched as the dew steamed up in swirls and soon evaporated into a nice dry place to lay her down. He walked over to the bench with the crimson guards at his side. They watched with tense thoughts as they knew they would part take in such changes soon. Only theirs would take place in the secure strong hold of the Void complex. Orange hues looked over her newly changed body.
These changes seemed very sudden and violent to him. He's seen this happen before but never like this. Was it because her body knew Ash was gone.. that Dust would assume the thrown and change into an Imperial Core Elite? That she would have to undergo the changes too in order to become impress? Maybe so. He felt his blood like liquids in his body boil and change as well. He felt like his body knew no limits and his mind was like space.. filled with beauty, destruction, and an infinity. He wanted to change quickly so he could better assist his love.
Like powerful amps of life he held her close to him, like he could quicken the changes and make it all better. The Imperial core's were still a complete mystery. So advanced and yet not fully understood on how they did what they did, why, and how. He just knew he had to help her somehow. He bent over her figure and kissed her lips. "It will be alright my darling."
She kept her gaze with his, locking as she trembled and clung to him. Inside her body was experiencing things she never imagined possible. From first kiss those many months ago to now Sarah was determined to realize that someday she'd become a core. Bone was transforming from marrow and calcium into bio-alloy, the very same that was a part of Dust.
Bones were breaking under the pressure and mending violently in her, more screams echoed through the court yard. The crack of her bones doing so echoed around her, entering the ears of the wary guard around them. No longer able to keep them open her eyes shut tightly. Back feeling the cold metal of the bench beneath her. For a time it was soothing, relaxing, and calming. She gained some process of thought until she felt her skull crack and then mends into alloy.
Once more her hands slapped against her head and she shrieked out desperately. Her figure thrashed and she almost collapsed from the bench that she had been placed on so tenderly. Her ribs were snapping, shattering as the alloy shaped and curled around the soft tissue of her lungs. Breaths were null at the moment, she was unable to breathe through the whole process. Her arms were cracking, chipping, splitting until the alloy was secured and shaped. That same process was tearing through her entire form and she was beginning to feel numb with pain.
Again her eyes shot open as the pain focused around her chest. Her hands gripped at her shirt, trying to tear it off roughly, nails scraping over the fabric. Her heart was starting to cave in. The pressure too great, she couldn't help it. Feeling his lips meet hers at the right moment she had something to focus on. A shrill cry of agony came against his lips as her heart collapsed inwardly. Moving in upon itself until there was a perfect orb the size of a ping pong ball remaining within her chest. The core, her core, took shape within her as he comforted her.
The coming of easing agony began to wave and ripple through her from her chest outwards. Her grip loosened from her own shirt, holes formed at some points where her nails dug in. The rest of her figure went limp and the last of her cries died out. Eyes were shaking madly as she tried to understand what had just happened. Still there was no words from her, her whole body achingly sore, pain still ravaging at parts the dwindling, calming wave had yet to reach.
Dust looked to her with a smile as he saw the worse had passed. He could feel her core ripple through time and space as she was now reborn. Partial Imperial Core.. the next phase would begin in a few weeks, maybe sooner. He felt her skin, rubbing his hand up her arm to her neck, pulling her into a kiss as he looked to her. "You'll be just fine." That smile of his showed concern for her well being and left a mark of light in his persona.
He looked to one of the Crimson Guards and motioned to the water unit they had strapped to their sides. Without question the Crimson Guard unstrapped the unit and handed it to Dust. Loyal men they were. He grabbed the unit snapped the cap off and handed it to Sarah. She would need her fluids. He knew her Cell wouldn't accommodate her any longer now that she had changed. She would need to be outfitted with something different like what he would be wearing soon.
"Sarah drink this. You going to need to drink a lot of water or something to rebalance yourself. as of right now your only half Imperial Core, half human. It's going to be odd but soon you'll find yourself not being as hungry or thirsty. But you'll need to eat and drink anyways." He looked to her once more, seeing and feeling a new her. It only troubled him some knowing that the more Imperial Cores there were, the more threat of attack from the Nano Empire.
He wished he could just as easily destroy them all with ease. But he knew it wasn't possible at this moment. He broke his focus from that thought and looked to the Crimson Guards. "At ease men. Thank you for your assistance. You'll be receiving double rations this month. I would like to extend my gratitude by giving you a pay raise."
The guards looked to Dust with smiles as they were trying to keep a serious face on. They bowed to Dust and stood at ease for the moment, yet keeping aware of their surrounding just in case something unexpected would happen. '-' Thank you, Sir! '-' The two guards replied.
Once more she could feel his touch, suddenly more aware of than she had ever in her time with him. The sensation of his lips against hers was different, but still as heavenly as before. Her core pulsed in response, another calming wave surging through her form slowly. His words rippled through her mind, taking them in easily as she looked to that smile on his lips. She could see the light in that smile, it was soothing more than he could have ever imagined. Her hand sought out the closest thing she could of him, his hand. Squeezing it softly in a response.
As he sought out the water she was feeling the last bits of changes moving over her toes, it just felt like she had smashed them against the hard surface of something before the pain practically died in an instant. As he held out the unit to her, her hand left his. A nod coming from her as she moved to sit up a bit. His words being understandable to her.
Tipping back the container she drank from it slowly, lightly while each bit of hydrating fluids trickled down her throat. Each ounce was taken in as she observed him in his deep thought. Trying to understand what was coming over him as sore muscles calmed and relaxed for her to move a bit easier. Coming to sit up before him she exhaled when the water had finished its course to her gut. For a moment it looked as if she wasn't going to hold it down, but another drawn breath brought that image to a halt.
Her golden orbs turned to gaze to him, taking in lines and features of his face as he addressed the Crimson Guard. Her head lifting almost instantly as she came aware of them. She smiled to their delight and wondered for a moment what had just happened. A questioning gaze turned back to Dust, not fully aware of just how much her body had changed. All she knew that she was in pain and then she wasn't. She felt refreshed for some reason, but at the same time she was weary. Tired eyes locked with his as the guards spoke their appreciation.
Again her hand shakingly sought out his own. She cupped it softly and squeezed it. Finally finding something to say," Dust?" It was all she needed to say in order to gain understanding from him. To get the answers he knew she needed to have answered. Strands of golden wheat hair were draping over her face, having come undone from her braid. Fogged eyes finally unclouded and she blinked once then twice. Her sigh coming lightly as another comforting pulse rippled through her figure from the new core sustaining her life in place of her now replaced heart.
"I won't be needing your assistance for now men. Enjoy the rest of your shift and I'll see you in the morning for combat training." He smiled then took hold of Sarah's hand and walked to her side. The Guards saluted and then walked off back to their posts.
Dust looked to Sarah for a moment, giving her a gentle kiss then helping her to her feet. He needed to walk her back to their manor and get some rest for the time being. He thought for a moment when she called out his name. It actually sounded like she needed to ask him something important. He looked back over to her as he wrapped his arm around her, walking one foot after the other, trying to get her use to this new figure she adopted to. "Yes darling?" He had known that questions were coming one way or another.
She was still new to this universe of his and she still had a lot to learn and acknowledge. He was glad she hadn't fallen victim of culture shock. He would try his best with her no matter what. He needed to instruct her as if he were Ash. He needed to inform her of everything there was to know even if it seemed small and pointless - He had known she still had troubles with the bathrooms AI. He snickered a moment thinking about that and then tried to imagine her trying to coop with the bathroom. He couldn't help but laugh aloud for a moment. He could see their manor up ahead just a few dozen yards away. It was another great night despite the changing. His body still shifted inside and transformed into his own little creation.
Each step was odd, different... Not as heavy as they used to be. She felt stronger than before, but still quite a bit strange. One hand was locked with his and the other moved to wrap over his shoulder. Bracing herself with his frame just in case the pain started all over again. One leg moved after the other and she turned to look up at his face once again. She was more tired than she had imagined, the sleep gripping to her eyes while they moved towards the manor. Her head came to rest on his shoulder for a moment as she thought. Feeling him wrap her up in one of his arms she felt even safer than she had before. She was always safe in his arms, always safe by his side.
She remembered so long ago when he spoke,' As long as I am by your side you are safe.' Now she felt more and more of his words being true. He had always come to her rescue, always kept her safe. She ever wondered if he'd grow tired of saving her, grow weary of coming to her aid. Her eyes scanned the area and then searched for his face once more. Looking up at the copper hues intent on seeing that she got home, that they got home and rested. It wasn't a matter of her being caught off guard by the wonder of his world, it was the reason she stayed besides her ever growing love for the man besides her.
Hugging him closely and sighing she shook her head, just wanting to stay in his warmth for the moment," I'll ask you tomorrow when we have more time love." She was going to be sure to do so. It would help her in the next steps they would have to make, that she'd have to take. It was time for her to take a step back and understand more of what had happened, was happening, and what was to come.
Seeing the Manor in view she sighed with relief. Smiling as she whispered up to him," It's so beautiful... Don't you think?" Her hand lacing fingers with his, the silver band of her ring rubbing against his flesh as she did so.
He looked to the manor and saw nothing but rest awaiting the two of them. "Alright darling. Tomorrow you can ask me as much as you'd like and I can assure you that I'll have the answers." He smiled to her as they walked closer and closer to the steps of the Manor.
Hearing her speak once more about something. Obviously the Manor, where they were at in their lives together. Yes it was beautiful, he enjoyed their time together. He was glad he was assuming the role as Emperor, less wars he's have to fight. He smiled at the thought. "Yes.... it is beautiful." He walked up the steps and opened the front sliding doors.
Their room was up stairs and in the center of the house. He helped her up the steps knowing that even thought it was easy for her, it was just as easy to make one false step and tumble down to the floor. Once they had reached the top of the stairs he made a quick left and saw a hall with no doors on either side. Just statues and holograms that slowly shifted and rotated on display. The large red oak wooden door leading to their room slid open to reveal their bed to the far left and a fire place to the far right.
There were a few other rooms attached to this one. The bathroom, Library, Office/study, and the large expanse of closet space that he used for actual clothing instead of the cube Sarah had seen him use in the past. He only used the cube if he was away on trips and needed to make a quick change of attire. He walked her over to the bed and let her go watching her fall back onto the silk/fur bed. He chuckled, he was just teasing her. He jumped onto the large bed and sunk into its comfy bed spread with a sigh of comfort escaping his chest. "So comfortable. I could fall asleep just like this." Instead he forced himself up off the bed, disrobed and slipped beneath the covers. He looked to Sarah and wondered if she was able to manage slipping into bed... O_o
Sarah would take those steps up the stairs slowly. Feeling her legs growing sore again from their recent stress. She kept him close and walked with him. She was trying to keep up with him and his pace. Squeezing him tightly in a hug she murmured to him as she saw the door to their room in sight," That has to be the most wonderful sight I've seen all day other than your glorious face Love." Relief on her lips while she moved closer and closer towards those doors and the rooms connecting beyond them. She gazed up at him and then to the bed as they gathered closer.
Taking in the fine silks layering the bed along with the furs. She always loved how warm the beds were, having forgotten the cold and lack of warmth she had before the night she finally found the embrace of the one next to her. As he settled her on the bed she gave another sigh, finally feeling relief in her legs. Her fingers came to fidget with the laces of her boots, quickly removing them along with the other articles of her clothing and the various accessories. She sorted them on piles, the more important items moved to the dresser as he came to a pounce upon the bed. Looking over to him with a loving smile she listened to his words.
Giggling lightly before meandering to the bed and settling underneath those glorious covers. She did it rather easily, but once she had felt the fabric wrap around her warmly she let out one little wince of ach and turned her head to look to him as he lay there besides her. She managed to squirm so that she was cuddled close to his figure," Sleep my love. Tomorrow is a new day... filled with my curiosity... It's been a while since I've asked you questions. I hope you can handle them." She laughed, bringing her head to rest on the pillow next to his head.
"No worries my darling. You?re not the only one who has changed. I have all the answers to all the questions you could manage to amuse me with." He smiled to her, wrapping an arm around her figure and pulling her in close to his body. He loved her, it was true. He had thought love would not find its way to his door step. But sure enough he had found it. "Sleep well darling. I have a full day tomorrow and you need to rest up." He gave her a kiss than closed his eyes to catch the rest he would need for the new day that quickly approached.
Chapter I || The First Step Towards Change
He dressed as usual this night. Dressed from head to toe in proper evening attire, looking as if he was going to a business meeting or a casual night out. He seemed to always know how to dress even though the rest of the city enjoyed being clad in armor as if war could break out at any moment.. He had just finished eating a nice plate of fish with mixed veggies in the tavern. But he preferred the sea food from Mahikanah rather than anywhere else. He took out a cigar and matched it up with a stick from his matchbox. Taking a few puffs then walking through the alley way towards the Belarus estates that were sort of still under its 2nd phase of construction. Seemed upon the leaders death that certain gears would turn in the plans to set off a large chain reaction throughout the empire.
Dust had guessed he was a part of this change. He could already feel his own core begin to twist and turn in his body as changes slowly turned his body. But it was something he had been use to by now, the pain was no longer a feeling that effected him anymore. He was changing from the regular Imperial Core to an advanced model that only very few saw but the entire universe heard and talked about them like they were some mythical creature that was more of a symbol of hope and peace. The bringer of Live and Death, War and Peace, Construction and destruction. He was finally stepping up to par with his brother Ash.. he was slowly changing into the Imperial Core Elite.
Sarah knew Dust would be coming home soon; she was eagerly waiting for his return. By now she had become more comfortable with her surroundings within their room. The bathroom was still the most feared part of their room; after all she still had to understand how the bathroom took a mind of its own when she was going into the room to bathe. Still, she worked through her fears and her nervous habits when Dust was away to prove to herself that she could take care of herself; so that Dust wouldn't have to worry about her while he was away.
She was now bringing the long orange and golden strands of her hair to a braid on her head, there were still a few things she liked doing by hand. Next to her were the goggles she treasured above many other things she first received when she began a new life with her beloved. The pouch, the blades, all of them had become a way of life to her; all of them had taken their proper place at her side.
She paused over the pouch, the keeper of the gift Ash had given her on one of the few times they had met. The small flower within was a constant reminder to her that she was welcomed by Dust's family. Slowly the pouch was sealed and placed in its proper place on her figure. Then the goggles came, wrapped over the top of her head. Next were her boots and then her necklaces, always ever changing. She never removed the token of love between Dust and herself, the silver ring with the three diamonds upon it.
When she had first been gifted with such a token she didn't know what it meant, but now she knew just what it meant. She loved the pace her and Dust were moving at. The slow moves they made together, it was just the symbol to her that time didn't matter between them, that there love was constant. She now had all the time in the world, she knew that, and so did he. The more she thought of these things, the more there was that pulse against her forehead. A migraine beginning to build, but she pushed it aside. Too eager to see her Beloved.
Shiny leather shoes moved one after the other at a regular pace, he wasn't in a hurry, just relaxing for the evening. He was now crossing over the bridge. The trickles of water passing underneath the bridge became a quick outburst when it shifted up onto the supporting beams below. His eyes trailed off down the river that passed through the city and to the sea. Looking to the light house he could see the light was replaced. An odd expression played across his face, remembering that he threw a brick at that light that spun around in circles. Just went to show how efficient the local government was to replace a light for a damned sea tower, although they never really focused on cleaning up these dirty streets.
The recession was really taking its effect on the city no days. Things were more expensive, fuel for his ship was murder, but those were always terms he could work with. He felt it was wrong for him to tap into the family's fuel surplus for his own needs. But it seemed he would have to soon. He snapped from his focus on his thoughts and to the estates which he could see from the bridge as he walked across it. His eyes remained on the back docks of the estates.
The large concrete wall that surrounded the estates prevented him from seeing the live sprawling inside. He could do nothing about that other than walk around the front to the large metallic blast doors. A guard house was built in front of the estates recently, or at least it was bigger and more established then the one that was there before. He looked to the men inside the guard house seeing the majority of them sitting around a table eating dinner and watching the late news wire. Two stood outside on either side of the blast doors clad in black armor with assault rifles in hand. Another sat on a stool in front of the guard window where the drop gate was.
He was starring at a computer screen for a moment before the automated guns picked up Dust's life patterns came into full circulation, aiming their sights on Dust before the guard at the window signaled for the gates to be opened for Dust. Dust smiled to the men and nodded to them. He was proud of them all, all willing to give their lives just to protect those of the estates. Questioning everyone and never taking second guesses. They even stopped Dust to identify him. Yes, Dust was proud of them all. The large blast doors opened only a few feet compared to opening all the way. Just enough for Dust to walk through.
The two guards nodded to him as he passed through and onto the main estates courtyard. The architecture was based on a more civilized and honorable Japan. Most people around these parts hadn't known what Earth was or what universe it was a part of. It was lifetimes away and too far away for many to even pay notice. Dust saw no reason to ever travel so far across empty space to visit the backwater planet, but Ash saw some reason at one time.. It only seemed like a two decades before Ash was able to gain the eyes and ears of the people of that galaxy and become hunted down by another empire known as Rome. The first signs of humans were far too primitive to understand Ash and his powers. Eventually Ash left the planet to rot promising that planet and his followers that he would return one day.
Dust chuckled at the thought of Ash making the trip. But at least he brought back one thing with him, the beautiful architecture of the estates he now called home. He looked about once more to see the floating lanterns over the water garden. Then looked to see the master unit. The large building at the head of the estates where Ash and Aya used to live. Now Dust and Sarah lived there. Since now he would be known as the Emperor and she would be the Empress. an odd changing of events but one he promised he would step up to if the situation called for it.
The warm kiss of fire brushed at her exposed arms while she shimmied into her white tunic. Her hips swished from side to side and she turned to pick up the silver skirt with the slit up the side. Brushing her fingers over the silken fabric and testing it carefully. Once she had gathered it was perfect she stepped into it, yes it was an odd way of dressing, but she had seemed a bit scattered brained as of late. Her head was throbbing while she sighed, eyes gazing towards one of the windows as if she could feel him coming in her gut. Her golden orbs scanned the window slowly before she turned back to the process of meeting him. Once she had established that her attire was perfect she moved onwards towards the door way. Turning the knob in her fingers she bit her lip. Taking once last glance towards the mirror before heading out.
It was normal to see Sarah moving about the Estates by herself, but since it was a new building she took her time gathering her direction within this place. As she left the room she managed to find her way towards one of the holograms displaying the map. Following it for several moments, remembering the path before her, she gages the best path to meet Dust half way on his usual journey through the Estate. Fingers came to rub at her temples and she closed her eyes. A deep breath being drawn weakly in and then pushed out. She was beginning to dread this coming migraine and the pain that was coming with it.
Gritting her teeth she sat up her eyes opening so that she could focus. Avoiding the fact that the migraine started to slowly push pain through her neck. It was slowly trickling through her, but she found still that nothing was being a bother. Ignoring the pain she pushed off once more. Making her way along the memorized path and down the moving steps before her she tried to remain focused. She paused here and there to glance about and gather her direction once more.
Fingers moved to her pockets, considering the fact that maybe her migraine was caused because of her lack of the weed within her cigarette. Pulling out the cigarette and then a match from within the confines of the pocket she paused in her steps. Bringing the filtered end to her lips she brought the match to life. Letting the smoldering flame kiss at the end while became cherry red. Shaking the fire away she continued to move onwards.
Yet, the migraine continued to grow. She growled in aggravation and shook her head. Still her mind was racing over the recent events and she tried to avoid the pain. Still she felt like she was getting closer to Dust. For some reason her need for him growing as she began to feel the ach spreading over her shoulders and arms. Maybe she should have just waited in the room for him...
Like a ripple through the air he could feel everyone in the estates. He had known that a group of guards had just left the training facilities and were heading back to the barracks where they could turn in for the night. He had known that birds were in the trees feeding their young before they went off to bed. As everyone seemed to be going to bed, he could also feel all the life sparking into motion. He could feel the heart beats of dozens of men and women across the estates as they all were getting up and ready for their night shift within the estates.
Soon the courtyard, the halls, and the individual buildings themselves would be occupied with numerous personnel working their shift. He could already feel a large group of men and women heading to the estates large docking facility where they would load and unload supplies, equipment, and shipments that would later be going back out and shipped to other locations. He knew these knew shipments would be loaded onto the large industrial sized elevator in the P.A.W. (Paraphernalia - Armor - Weapons) Storage facility.
The elevator lowered itself some 400 meters below the surface of the city to a whole other facility with a large network of tram systems tunnels leading to all sort of other facilities within a 500km radius. One of which had included the Dragon Head Dam and Void complex. He could feel all of these things just as Ash did. It was a sure sign that the effect had been taking an acute effect on him. With this happening he could also feel something knew..... The birth of a new Imperial Core. It's life seemed very familiar to him, quickly he processed these things and came to the final conclusion.. Sarah.
He began to quicken his pace as he had drawn himself around a few more corners, passing soldiers and other personnel, Grabbing the attention of a medical team over his com-set and notifying them of his current location and where he would be going. Two soldiers of the Crimson Guard had overheard the radio frequency and rushed to Dust's side just as he took one last corner to the location where Sarah and himself usually met up during this time.
Sarah was running late, she wasn't there to meet him at their usual spot. She was pausing even more so with every throbbing pain rushing through her head. Her eyes were beginning to lose focus, the pain being just that great. The pain was beginning to rush through her arms, through her finger tips, her chest and down her hips. She knew by now this wasn't a normal migraine, for the sheer fact that her chest was beginning to pulse in pain. Her hand, shaking wildly had moved to grip at her chest. A few grunts coming from her as she continued to ignore it and avoid the fact that it was gaining speed and taking her over.
Shaking her head as if to shake it off she pushed forwards, yet what she thought was a quickened pace was just the difference, she was slowing down. Her hand was gripping the rail next to her, guiding her steps as she traveled along the memorized way. The path she moved upon, the very direction she took was all by memory and not by sight. she wasn't even sure she was going in the right direction. Truth be told, she wasn't. She had made a turn somewhere along the line that was either too late or too soon.
Finally she just came to a stop, knowing that by now she was acting the fool to keep going. Dust would find her, she could feel it, just like she could feel the ebb of pain building in her knees. It was working its way down, she was more than aware of that. When it hit her knees at full force she buckled and toppled forwards. That was when the pain won. Her cry of agony suddenly coming. She was finding it difficult to keep her arms up, to hold herself from the ground beneath her. There was a pulse of pain and again she cried out, toppling forwards, her face meeting the smooth surface beneath her.
"Red flag to ground units. I need a proximity search around the Head Manor. Check benches, sidewalks, check....." before he could finish his orders he felt it again, another ripple sent through the air, he could feel her pain like it was his pain, or was his changing causing him pain as well? He couldn't tell, he only knew that finding her was the important thing. "...Cancel last orders. Red Flag to Crimson Unit 24, meet me at Aounah Cli courtyard. Over" The response back was a simple affirmative.
He ran off the walk and pounced off from the ground and caught his footing on the rooftops now. The Aounah Cli courtyard was only 2 houses away. Only the big houses were in the way. He leaped from roof tile to roof tile till he reached the tip top of the Aounah Cli manor and looked down. Even with the well lit walkways and grassy strips the night made it equally challenging to see anything. His eyes quickly switched through the spectrum by adjusting the shape of the cornea and making the iris' stretch its binary muscles to the point where it could collect more light and even exchange it for a thermal view of his surroundings. The pupil of his eye began to see the courtyard.
The crimson guard had already been there. Quite the effective unit. He had spotted Sarah below, near a railing on the pathway. "Red flag to Crimson unit 24. I've spotted her. Get the medics on the com and tell them to stand by." He leaped from level to level as he got closer to the ground. Landing near the crimson commandos but not startling them any. He looked to Sarah and held her in his arms as he stood up. "I hadn't expected this kind of change to take place so soon."
Sarah had screamed, just screamed in severe terror as her head began to feel like it was splitting open, literally. Her body rolled as she pushed herself onto her back violently. She shrieked once more and her hands clapped to her head. Her back arched up and it was as if her whole body began to snap in places she never thought it could have before. She was thrashing about, the pain now taking over her entirely. When the guard found her she was beyond response, unable to be controlled when she scraped about the floor of the court yard beneath her. It wasn't until Dust was felt coming closer that she slightly calmed. Whimpers coming from her lips as her eyes flashed open wide. Seeing him come into view and dip down over her was more than she needed.
Still in the throes of agony she reached out for him, at least she thought she had. Her body remained limp even when he picked her up. As he spoke she jerked once, twice, and then screamed shrilly when the pain made another pulse through her body. Her hand shot up and gripped at his shirt, nearly ripping it at the edges. Gasps for breath were pulling through her lungs; she was trying to breathe through the pain, terror pushing up into her eyes. His words hadn't been registered, but by the look on his face she could tell that there was more to this pain than she had expected.
He looked into her eyes seeing the change was taking place there as well. It was a work of art really. Seeing something change so dramatically was like watching blue skies and white clouds clash into a large storm of destruction. He smiled to her seeing that it would end very soon. He knew he was going through some final stages himself. He looked to a nearby bench, seeing its green cold paint decorate itself with oranges and red swirling about in a sand storm like manner.
The morning dew had already settled and he didn't want her clothes to become wet. His eyes focused on the bench and watched as the dew steamed up in swirls and soon evaporated into a nice dry place to lay her down. He walked over to the bench with the crimson guards at his side. They watched with tense thoughts as they knew they would part take in such changes soon. Only theirs would take place in the secure strong hold of the Void complex. Orange hues looked over her newly changed body.
These changes seemed very sudden and violent to him. He's seen this happen before but never like this. Was it because her body knew Ash was gone.. that Dust would assume the thrown and change into an Imperial Core Elite? That she would have to undergo the changes too in order to become impress? Maybe so. He felt his blood like liquids in his body boil and change as well. He felt like his body knew no limits and his mind was like space.. filled with beauty, destruction, and an infinity. He wanted to change quickly so he could better assist his love.
Like powerful amps of life he held her close to him, like he could quicken the changes and make it all better. The Imperial core's were still a complete mystery. So advanced and yet not fully understood on how they did what they did, why, and how. He just knew he had to help her somehow. He bent over her figure and kissed her lips. "It will be alright my darling."
She kept her gaze with his, locking as she trembled and clung to him. Inside her body was experiencing things she never imagined possible. From first kiss those many months ago to now Sarah was determined to realize that someday she'd become a core. Bone was transforming from marrow and calcium into bio-alloy, the very same that was a part of Dust.
Bones were breaking under the pressure and mending violently in her, more screams echoed through the court yard. The crack of her bones doing so echoed around her, entering the ears of the wary guard around them. No longer able to keep them open her eyes shut tightly. Back feeling the cold metal of the bench beneath her. For a time it was soothing, relaxing, and calming. She gained some process of thought until she felt her skull crack and then mends into alloy.
Once more her hands slapped against her head and she shrieked out desperately. Her figure thrashed and she almost collapsed from the bench that she had been placed on so tenderly. Her ribs were snapping, shattering as the alloy shaped and curled around the soft tissue of her lungs. Breaths were null at the moment, she was unable to breathe through the whole process. Her arms were cracking, chipping, splitting until the alloy was secured and shaped. That same process was tearing through her entire form and she was beginning to feel numb with pain.
Again her eyes shot open as the pain focused around her chest. Her hands gripped at her shirt, trying to tear it off roughly, nails scraping over the fabric. Her heart was starting to cave in. The pressure too great, she couldn't help it. Feeling his lips meet hers at the right moment she had something to focus on. A shrill cry of agony came against his lips as her heart collapsed inwardly. Moving in upon itself until there was a perfect orb the size of a ping pong ball remaining within her chest. The core, her core, took shape within her as he comforted her.
The coming of easing agony began to wave and ripple through her from her chest outwards. Her grip loosened from her own shirt, holes formed at some points where her nails dug in. The rest of her figure went limp and the last of her cries died out. Eyes were shaking madly as she tried to understand what had just happened. Still there was no words from her, her whole body achingly sore, pain still ravaging at parts the dwindling, calming wave had yet to reach.
Dust looked to her with a smile as he saw the worse had passed. He could feel her core ripple through time and space as she was now reborn. Partial Imperial Core.. the next phase would begin in a few weeks, maybe sooner. He felt her skin, rubbing his hand up her arm to her neck, pulling her into a kiss as he looked to her. "You'll be just fine." That smile of his showed concern for her well being and left a mark of light in his persona.
He looked to one of the Crimson Guards and motioned to the water unit they had strapped to their sides. Without question the Crimson Guard unstrapped the unit and handed it to Dust. Loyal men they were. He grabbed the unit snapped the cap off and handed it to Sarah. She would need her fluids. He knew her Cell wouldn't accommodate her any longer now that she had changed. She would need to be outfitted with something different like what he would be wearing soon.
"Sarah drink this. You going to need to drink a lot of water or something to rebalance yourself. as of right now your only half Imperial Core, half human. It's going to be odd but soon you'll find yourself not being as hungry or thirsty. But you'll need to eat and drink anyways." He looked to her once more, seeing and feeling a new her. It only troubled him some knowing that the more Imperial Cores there were, the more threat of attack from the Nano Empire.
He wished he could just as easily destroy them all with ease. But he knew it wasn't possible at this moment. He broke his focus from that thought and looked to the Crimson Guards. "At ease men. Thank you for your assistance. You'll be receiving double rations this month. I would like to extend my gratitude by giving you a pay raise."
The guards looked to Dust with smiles as they were trying to keep a serious face on. They bowed to Dust and stood at ease for the moment, yet keeping aware of their surrounding just in case something unexpected would happen. '-' Thank you, Sir! '-' The two guards replied.
Once more she could feel his touch, suddenly more aware of than she had ever in her time with him. The sensation of his lips against hers was different, but still as heavenly as before. Her core pulsed in response, another calming wave surging through her form slowly. His words rippled through her mind, taking them in easily as she looked to that smile on his lips. She could see the light in that smile, it was soothing more than he could have ever imagined. Her hand sought out the closest thing she could of him, his hand. Squeezing it softly in a response.
As he sought out the water she was feeling the last bits of changes moving over her toes, it just felt like she had smashed them against the hard surface of something before the pain practically died in an instant. As he held out the unit to her, her hand left his. A nod coming from her as she moved to sit up a bit. His words being understandable to her.
Tipping back the container she drank from it slowly, lightly while each bit of hydrating fluids trickled down her throat. Each ounce was taken in as she observed him in his deep thought. Trying to understand what was coming over him as sore muscles calmed and relaxed for her to move a bit easier. Coming to sit up before him she exhaled when the water had finished its course to her gut. For a moment it looked as if she wasn't going to hold it down, but another drawn breath brought that image to a halt.
Her golden orbs turned to gaze to him, taking in lines and features of his face as he addressed the Crimson Guard. Her head lifting almost instantly as she came aware of them. She smiled to their delight and wondered for a moment what had just happened. A questioning gaze turned back to Dust, not fully aware of just how much her body had changed. All she knew that she was in pain and then she wasn't. She felt refreshed for some reason, but at the same time she was weary. Tired eyes locked with his as the guards spoke their appreciation.
Again her hand shakingly sought out his own. She cupped it softly and squeezed it. Finally finding something to say," Dust?" It was all she needed to say in order to gain understanding from him. To get the answers he knew she needed to have answered. Strands of golden wheat hair were draping over her face, having come undone from her braid. Fogged eyes finally unclouded and she blinked once then twice. Her sigh coming lightly as another comforting pulse rippled through her figure from the new core sustaining her life in place of her now replaced heart.
"I won't be needing your assistance for now men. Enjoy the rest of your shift and I'll see you in the morning for combat training." He smiled then took hold of Sarah's hand and walked to her side. The Guards saluted and then walked off back to their posts.
Dust looked to Sarah for a moment, giving her a gentle kiss then helping her to her feet. He needed to walk her back to their manor and get some rest for the time being. He thought for a moment when she called out his name. It actually sounded like she needed to ask him something important. He looked back over to her as he wrapped his arm around her, walking one foot after the other, trying to get her use to this new figure she adopted to. "Yes darling?" He had known that questions were coming one way or another.
She was still new to this universe of his and she still had a lot to learn and acknowledge. He was glad she hadn't fallen victim of culture shock. He would try his best with her no matter what. He needed to instruct her as if he were Ash. He needed to inform her of everything there was to know even if it seemed small and pointless - He had known she still had troubles with the bathrooms AI. He snickered a moment thinking about that and then tried to imagine her trying to coop with the bathroom. He couldn't help but laugh aloud for a moment. He could see their manor up ahead just a few dozen yards away. It was another great night despite the changing. His body still shifted inside and transformed into his own little creation.
Each step was odd, different... Not as heavy as they used to be. She felt stronger than before, but still quite a bit strange. One hand was locked with his and the other moved to wrap over his shoulder. Bracing herself with his frame just in case the pain started all over again. One leg moved after the other and she turned to look up at his face once again. She was more tired than she had imagined, the sleep gripping to her eyes while they moved towards the manor. Her head came to rest on his shoulder for a moment as she thought. Feeling him wrap her up in one of his arms she felt even safer than she had before. She was always safe in his arms, always safe by his side.
She remembered so long ago when he spoke,' As long as I am by your side you are safe.' Now she felt more and more of his words being true. He had always come to her rescue, always kept her safe. She ever wondered if he'd grow tired of saving her, grow weary of coming to her aid. Her eyes scanned the area and then searched for his face once more. Looking up at the copper hues intent on seeing that she got home, that they got home and rested. It wasn't a matter of her being caught off guard by the wonder of his world, it was the reason she stayed besides her ever growing love for the man besides her.
Hugging him closely and sighing she shook her head, just wanting to stay in his warmth for the moment," I'll ask you tomorrow when we have more time love." She was going to be sure to do so. It would help her in the next steps they would have to make, that she'd have to take. It was time for her to take a step back and understand more of what had happened, was happening, and what was to come.
Seeing the Manor in view she sighed with relief. Smiling as she whispered up to him," It's so beautiful... Don't you think?" Her hand lacing fingers with his, the silver band of her ring rubbing against his flesh as she did so.
He looked to the manor and saw nothing but rest awaiting the two of them. "Alright darling. Tomorrow you can ask me as much as you'd like and I can assure you that I'll have the answers." He smiled to her as they walked closer and closer to the steps of the Manor.
Hearing her speak once more about something. Obviously the Manor, where they were at in their lives together. Yes it was beautiful, he enjoyed their time together. He was glad he was assuming the role as Emperor, less wars he's have to fight. He smiled at the thought. "Yes.... it is beautiful." He walked up the steps and opened the front sliding doors.
Their room was up stairs and in the center of the house. He helped her up the steps knowing that even thought it was easy for her, it was just as easy to make one false step and tumble down to the floor. Once they had reached the top of the stairs he made a quick left and saw a hall with no doors on either side. Just statues and holograms that slowly shifted and rotated on display. The large red oak wooden door leading to their room slid open to reveal their bed to the far left and a fire place to the far right.
There were a few other rooms attached to this one. The bathroom, Library, Office/study, and the large expanse of closet space that he used for actual clothing instead of the cube Sarah had seen him use in the past. He only used the cube if he was away on trips and needed to make a quick change of attire. He walked her over to the bed and let her go watching her fall back onto the silk/fur bed. He chuckled, he was just teasing her. He jumped onto the large bed and sunk into its comfy bed spread with a sigh of comfort escaping his chest. "So comfortable. I could fall asleep just like this." Instead he forced himself up off the bed, disrobed and slipped beneath the covers. He looked to Sarah and wondered if she was able to manage slipping into bed... O_o
Sarah would take those steps up the stairs slowly. Feeling her legs growing sore again from their recent stress. She kept him close and walked with him. She was trying to keep up with him and his pace. Squeezing him tightly in a hug she murmured to him as she saw the door to their room in sight," That has to be the most wonderful sight I've seen all day other than your glorious face Love." Relief on her lips while she moved closer and closer towards those doors and the rooms connecting beyond them. She gazed up at him and then to the bed as they gathered closer.
Taking in the fine silks layering the bed along with the furs. She always loved how warm the beds were, having forgotten the cold and lack of warmth she had before the night she finally found the embrace of the one next to her. As he settled her on the bed she gave another sigh, finally feeling relief in her legs. Her fingers came to fidget with the laces of her boots, quickly removing them along with the other articles of her clothing and the various accessories. She sorted them on piles, the more important items moved to the dresser as he came to a pounce upon the bed. Looking over to him with a loving smile she listened to his words.
Giggling lightly before meandering to the bed and settling underneath those glorious covers. She did it rather easily, but once she had felt the fabric wrap around her warmly she let out one little wince of ach and turned her head to look to him as he lay there besides her. She managed to squirm so that she was cuddled close to his figure," Sleep my love. Tomorrow is a new day... filled with my curiosity... It's been a while since I've asked you questions. I hope you can handle them." She laughed, bringing her head to rest on the pillow next to his head.
"No worries my darling. You?re not the only one who has changed. I have all the answers to all the questions you could manage to amuse me with." He smiled to her, wrapping an arm around her figure and pulling her in close to his body. He loved her, it was true. He had thought love would not find its way to his door step. But sure enough he had found it. "Sleep well darling. I have a full day tomorrow and you need to rest up." He gave her a kiss than closed his eyes to catch the rest he would need for the new day that quickly approached.