The Evanescent

Chapter Twelve

Deitonin could feel himself relax as he looked down at her, a smile forming. She returned this smile as he reached out and ran a hand through her hair, enjoying the soft texture that brought him peace.

Mae began to blush as he stroked her hair and he let his hand caress her reddened cheek, feeling warmth being in his own cheeks.

Her blush deepened and they met gazes, smiling.

Deitonin grew sheepish and looked away, sighing softly as he brushed a hand through his hair. Her blush deepened and she looked up at him, keeping a persistent gaze even as the elevator shuddered to a stop.

The Dæmon frowned, not liking the feeling it gave him as the doors opened to the outside world. Mae's hand reached for his and he gently grasped it, giving a light squeeze as he stepped out into the vaguely familiar city. The air held an odd scent that made his nose wrinkle and his eyes smart.

He looked up at the sky, recognizing the scent as pollution.

A light squeeze to his hand brought his attention to Mae, she met his gaze with that kind smile that melted his heart, "Do you remember anything?"

"This is...Haven City...?" He asked slowly.

Her smile widened and she nodded, "Yeah, it is."

Deitonin found himself smiling, "Really...?"

"Yeah."

He looked up as a finned vehicle flew overhead, causing confusion to form, "And that..." He stepped away, watching another, larger one pass by, "I don't know what that is..."

"A Zoomer."

"Huh." The Dæmon crossed his arms, "I see..."

Deitonin started to walk away from her, looking up at the sunlit sky, "Hmm..."

He heard her begin to follow him and looked away from the sun, blinking away blindness as he looked to her, "Yes...?"

"Please don't wander too far, okay?"

"No promises..." He replied with a chuckle.

This made her sigh lightly, "At least try not to..."

He gave her a playful nudge, "Don't worry...I'll be good."

Mae flashed a light smile, "Okay."

Deitonin leaned over and kissed her head, making her blush, "Alright."

He smirked as he pulled away, liking her blush.

She turned, walking away, "Let's go to the forest, okay?"

"Right." He replied following along behind her, trying to not get distracted by his surroundings. Deitonin allowed Mae to lead him through the Port, or South Town, to a large gate lock. Its design confused him greatly, and he knew Mae must have noticed by the way he watched every gear slid into place, causing the doors to open with a sound that gated on his ears.

The Dæmon hesitantly entered, looking around the dimly lit room as he appriached the gate opposite the one they came through. His ears perked as he heard Mae sigh and looked back at her, "What's wrong?"

"I'm just stressed, is all." She replied.

He rubbed his arm, nervous, "I...I could help you relax..."

"How do you mean?"

Deitonin shrugged, "Don't know...whatever you want..."

He watched the door open as she sighed, closing her eyes, "Maybe just some quiet time...resting by the stream in Haven Forest..."