Seeing that everyone was all right after Terri awoke, Zeo left the canister on the chair and slipped out to the gardens. There, in the cool night air, she finally took a deep breath and let some of the day's tensions slip away.The trip through the portal had wreaked havoc on her system. The attack in the city seemed to be the shock she needed to finally get her mind in working order. Walking down the lush grassy path, she came to a small alcove.
Zeo looped the straps of her bag around her leg, knelt, and bowed her head. "Goddess Setsuna," she began, "I know your charge is a lonely one. The Gates of Time are a desolate location, and you dare not love for fear of loss. You have guarded the Gates for eons, never aging, never knowing love, afraid even to form friendships. But do you require that of your followers, as well?" She thought of those who had rushed to her aid, remembered the feel of Cole's heavy cloak on her shoulders. "I have the chance to form lasting friendships here. Please, do not force me to choose until I have the chance to know them."
A breeze picked up, ruffling Zeo's silver skirt, tossing her hair artfully around her body. Her eyes closed, and she turned her face to the light of the triple moon. "Goddess Setsuna, if you hear my prayer, please, allow me at least the ball. Allow me this one night of pure happiness before continuing in your service."
Zeo's red earrings flashed once in answer. A sound came from behind the alcove. She looked up, and saw a familiar figure in red robes. "Dungeon Master!" she gasped. "Did you hear...?"
"I heard, young Otaku." The little man smiled benevelently, reaching out a long finger to tap the clear, heart-shaped crystal in the center of Zeo's fuku bow. "You are right when you say your charge is a heavy one, but do not regret it. For it is when you seem the most alone that you are the most among friends."
Zeo looked down and clutched the heart crystal. When she looked up again, Dungeon Master was gone.
"I wish he wouldn't do that." Zeo sighed and stood, the breeze making her into a typical anime figure. "At least I know where to get a costume for the ball." She started to head back to the castle proper, to offer her bag's contents to any who needed a costume.
