The trip to Myth Drannor swirled into Claire's mind. 'I was very concerned with how you were able to slaughter so many of those demons without a second thought. It made me ques- tion so very much.' Claire looked to the table.
'Actually I only killed the ones that attacked us,' Psycho re- plied. 'There were many demons that paid no mind to us and we left them without the hungry aggressive demons.'
'You are right. Of course. I didn't consider it in that light... I feel much better about it.'
'Am I to believe you are a pacifist?' Psycho asked.
Claire lowered her eyes, this would probably be the moment he told her that the Radiant Heart didn't have a place for a pacifist. That she would have to look elsewhere for a home, but before anything could be said, a voice spoke from beside them, What is going on here?
Claire glanced over to see a Vectorian Enforcer staring down at their table. She reached over, slowly picking up her mask and slipped it onto her face. 'We are simply enjoying a cafe.'
'Nothing but friendly chatting,' Claire joined.
"I mean, why are there espers on my watch in Kefkaberg?"
Claire's heart thundered in her chest. Psycho leaned over in a quick whisper, 'If you wish to keep your pacifistic ways I suggest we leave.'
Claire stood up and nodded. 'Forgive us.'
'You are out of your league here officer, we will leave quietly.'
Before the Enforcer could say anything more, Claire followed Psycho out of the cafe. They walked through the western gates of the city and through the forests until the sound of a waterfall reached Claire's ears. She looked up as they stopped and smiled. They were before Sanria's home. 'This will be a more pleasant place to continue,' Psycho said.
'You have come to a familiar place,' Claire said as she took her mask off and lowered her cowl. 'Would you like to see something more wonderful?'
'Every day,' Psycho replied, and Claire took his hand in her own and pulled him around the waterfalls and into the Crystal Cavern. 'Amazing. I have come to that water fall for many many years. Never before have I seen inside of it'
'We can go back to the falls outside if you wish... I simply wanted to share this with you,' Claire said.
Claire watched as Psycho took in the crystals, his aura casting a slight red tint. At last they walked back outside and sat on the boulders. Psycho put a hand on hers. 'Claire ... please tell me the truth ... Why are there so many questions surrounding you... particularly with people following you and the involvement of The Long Death?'
'I... don't know,' Claire replied, and it was the truth. 'I promise you, I have had no contact or involvement with Long Death... I can't understand why Lithanus would have either... he seemed like a very nice young man.'
'I believe you,' Psycho replied.
'He needed help, and I offered what I could,' Claire looked into Psycho's eyes, hoping her explanation was enough, she had no other proof to give. 'I had no idea he was...'
Psycho put a finger to her lips, halting her speech. 'Let's talk about where you would see yourself in the coming future'
'I had hoped to see myself making a difference in the lives of the citizens of this place,' Claire said. They all seem so... Dejected... forlorn... They really need hope.'
'When we first spoke your focus was towards finding a place that fit to build family and support.'
'Indeed. I still seek that,' Claire said with a nod.
'I am one of the final barriers between your acceptance,' Psycho said. 'I want to make sure that my judgment is not clouded by emotion'
Claire did not place the pieces together. She only heard in her mind that she had done something wrong. 'If I've upset you, please... Tell me and I'll do my utmost to rectify it.'
'You have done very well, and it is not emotion from your actions. You have been a fine example of strength and virtue so far.'
'Then... what are your emotions stemming from?' Claire asked.
'Perhaps I said too much even at my mention of feelings for you. Not well thought out feelings of course.'
Claire could have been lifted to the very heavens on the slightest of winds in that very moment. Another esper, one so strong and bold, had feelings for her. 'I have made it a point not to make an advance, because I want to get to know you before the connection I feel to you influences any deci- sions I have to make.'
'I understand completely,' Claire said with a smile. 'In fact, it makes me admire you all the more.'
'Thank you for clearing up my questions with Lithanus and for showing me a new wonder to one of my favorite places.'
They stood and Psycho kissed her hand. He gave her a few lavender orchids. 'They're beautiful...' Claire said.
'They reminded me of you.' Psycho continued, 'I have not discounted your application even as a pacifist. Just know a quest will be more difficult for me to construct.'
'I look forward to it,' Claire replied.
Psycho vanished and Claire stood there by the falls, her cheeks on fire, her mind a blur, and a smile frozen to her face.
