Author's Notes: This is my first entry on this site in over 10 years. Somewhere along the line, my passion for writing fizzled out, and was only rekindled just recently when I started playing the Global release of Phantasy Star Online 2. Something about the game lit a spark within me, and brought this short entry into creation. The story centers mostly on my Guardian, Zigurd, and the main heroine, Matoi, after the events of Episode 6, told from Xiao's perspective. I hope you enjoy it!

Phantasy Star Online 2

Guardian's Respite

A new day had just begun for the people of ARKS. Aboard the fleet of Oracle, everyone had their daily routine. Military personnel and civilians alike both had regimens to adhere to, and the universe continued on as it always had. It was no different for Xiao, the administrator of all of ARKS. As he sat on the bridge of the ARKS ship, going over some documents, his mind began to wander off from its task.

"Hmm, I wonder how they're doing?" Xiao thought to himself loudly. "I know this was tough for them, but it was necessary."

"What was necessary, Xiao?" A voice chimed in behind Xiao. It was Sarah, lieutenant of the General Affairs Bureau.

"Oh, Sarah, I didn't hear you come in." Xiao said sheepishly.

"You're supposed to be omniscient, and yet you couldn't hear me coming? Sheesh." Sarah said with a sigh. "Anyway, have you seen Matoi anywhere? I have some documents I wanted her to take a look at concerning future Guardian duties. I can't reach her on comms either, I think she may have turned hers off."

"Hmmm…" Xiao mumbled. "Sorry Sarah, I haven't seen Matoi at all today."

"What? Seriously? She hasn't reported in once?" Sarah questioned.

"Nope, not at all." Xiao replied, shifting his eyes around nonchalantly.

"...what're you hiding, Xiao?" Sarah said, narrowing her gaze at Xiao.

"Who, me? Hiding something? I don't know what you're talking about." Xiao said with a chuckle.

"Yes, hiding something. Don't play dumb with me. You know where Matoi is, don't you?" Sarah pried.

"Nope, not a clue!" Xiao deflected once again. Making his way over to Sarah, Xiao put his hand on her head and patted it gently.

"You believe me, right Sarah?" Xiao asked.

"I told you to stop doing that!" Sarah exclaimed as she batted Xiao's hand off her head. "I even submitted a response to Xiera's survey about it!"

"And I overruled it." Xiao said with a smirk. "Sorry lieutenant, but the head pats are here to stay."

"You are unreal." Sarah replied with a groan.

"Well then, I think I'll take a bit of a stroll, and stretch my legs a bit." Xiao said as he went to the teleporter leading to the rest of the ship.

"Hey! You never answered my question, Xiao!" Sarah exclaimed, but Xiao was already on his way. Sarah ran her fingers through her hair to try and calm herself.

"What is going on with him today? He's being really casual considering Matoi hasn't reported in at all. He's hiding something, I just know it. I'll get to the bottom of this…"

Sarah darted into the teleporter after Xiao.

Xiao made his way to the gate area, taking in the sights of the people of ARKS going about their daily lives. It was almost unthinkable that just a week prior, they were all scrambling to fight what seemed to be an invincible opponent.

ARKS, along with all of life itself, had been on the brink of destruction at the hands of Shiva, the Goddess of Annihilation. Throwing all of their resources and personnel into one final push, ARKS struck back at Shiva in one final gambit, led by their two champions, whom they referred to as Guardians.

The first Guardian was Zigurd. He had once been a rookie operative, but through countless trials and tribulations, he had risen to his current rank, all while protecting ARKS, and most importantly, his fellow Guardian.

The second Guardian was Matoi. She had formerly been the second generation of Klariskrays, but had since relinquished the title. A girl who had once lost her memories, she regained them through the combined efforts of ARKS and her fellow Guardian, whom she had sworn to protect.

The two Guardians' fates had been woven together by Xion, an omniscient being and Xiao's predecessor, and because of the bond that they shared, they were able to withstand the seemingly unending assault from both Shiva, and the Profound Darkness that emerged following her defeat. Due to the efforts of the Guardians, ARKS, and all their allies across dimensions and worlds, victory had been claimed, and peace now reigned throughout the universe.

"Hey, Xiao!" A new voice called out as Xiao had made his way through the gate area. It was Io, a sophomore operative and Zigurd's protégé. The diminutive Deuman made her way over to Xiao.

"Hello, Io." Xiao greeted. "What can I do for you?"

"Have you seen the boss anywhere?" Io asked with a hint of worry. Despite his insistence she call him by his name, Io always referred to Zigurd as "boss" as a sign of respect.

"Did you need something from him, Io?" Xiao asked.

"I was kinda hoping the boss and I could go do some training together. The war may be over, but Admiral Ulku said we have to be ready to fight for the peace we've just won. So I figured what better time for the boss to train me than now?" Io said.

"Wow, Ulku said that?" Xiao questioned. "She's definitely not wrong, but I'm afraid I haven't seen Zigurd anywhere today, sorry Io."

"That's so weird…" Io mumbled. "His comms are turned off, too. You don't think he's in trouble or anything, do you?"

"If there were to be any trouble that popped up now, I think the last person we should be worried about is one of our Guardians. Don't you think so?" Xiao poised to Io. Io thought about it for a moment, then let out a small chuckle.

"I suppose you're right." Io said. "I just hope he's alright. We usually talk at least once a day, but I haven't seen him at all. I guess I just kinda miss him."

Xiao could see Io's cheeks beginning to become somewhat flushed. It was no secret that Io had feelings for Zigurd. Not only was he her senior officer and mentor, he was her inspiration to be a better operative. Zigurd had helped Io grow as a person, and while she found his incessant teasing somewhat annoying at first, she had eventually come to accept it as a term of endearment. Io was well aware of the bond that he shared with Matoi, and thus kept to the wayside concerning her own feelings, quietly supporting the two of them from the shadows. However, she didn't deny her own feelings, even if they were destined to forever remain unreciprocated.

"Anyway, I guess I'll go see if Azanami would like to train today instead. See you around, Xiao." Io said as she waved goodbye to Xiao. As she left the area, Xiao pondered to himself.

"It's amazing how important those two really are to all of us. So many people rely on them, and for good reason. I know I said this was for the best, but maybe I should get in touch with them to make sure…"

Xiao cut himself off.

"No, I won't do that. They've earned this, and nothing should get in the way. ARKS can function just fine without our two Guardians having to be here every waking moment."

"Xiao!" A new voice rang out. It belonged to Pati, the energetic, and rather airheaded, older sister of the informant group, PaTia. Pati bounded over to Xiao, followed closely by her more calm and collected younger sister, Tia.

"Good day to you both." Xiao greeted the sister informants. "What can I help you with?"

"We're looking for the Guardians! I want to do a piece on the heroes that saved the universe! I think it'd really help boost morale!" Pati beamed.

"Boost morale?" Tia questioned. "Pati, the war is over, why would we need to boost morale still?"

"You can't ever have too much morale!" Pati exclaimed. "Just like you can never have too much food!"

"That...doesn't even begin to correlate, at all." Tia said, shaking her head in exasperation.

"Sure it does, when you think about it!" Pati shot back.

"I AM thinking about it, and it still doesn't make sense!" Tia yelled.

"Hmm, maybe this one is just a bit over your head then, little sis." Pati said with a grin on her face.

"Over my head?! I think it went right through yours, you dummy!" Tia said, trying with all her might not to strangle her elder sister.

"Now now, you two." Xiao interjected. "No fighting. We just got done doing plenty of that against Shiva. We don't need to have any strife within our ranks as well."

"Ah! Sorry Xiao, I let Pati get the better of me." Tia said with a polite bow. "Pati! Apologize to Xiao this instant!"

"Whaaaaaa?" Pati said, dumbfounded. "All I did was make a statement! A true statement, I might add!"

"Truly idiotic, maybe…" Tia mumbled under her breath.

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news to our intel team, but I haven't seen either of the Guardians at all today." Xiao said. The two Newman sisters looked at each other quizzically for a few moments, then back at Xiao.

"Our administrator doesn't know where his two top operatives are? That means they're AWOL! Oooh, how very scandalous! Maybe we should do a piece on this instead!" Pati exclaimed.

"Pati, will you PLEASE just stop talking, you're giving me a headache…" Tia said. "If you had actually done some research, you'd know that while Zigurd and Matoi do answer only to Xiao, they don't have to report every single little detail to him about their actions."

"That's correct, Tia." Xiao said in agreement. "Our two Guardians have special privileges reserved only for them. They don't answer to the Admiral like any of you, or the Six, and I don't hold any real power over them either. I trust in their judgment when it comes to sensitive matters, so they more or less have free reign."

"So what you're saying is, they can do whatever they want?" Pati asked. "No fair! I want to be a Guardian, too! Xiao! Make me a Guardian!"

"That isn't how it works, idiot!" Tia said, slapping her forehead. "A Guardian is hand-picked by Xiao himself. They have to have special traits or abilities about them that makes them a cut above the rest of us."

"You're quite knowledgeable about all of this, Tia." Xiao praised.

"One of us has to be, for both our sakes. Otherwise, we'd be a pretty lousy intel team." Tia grumbled, glaring at Pati.

"In any case, you're absolutely correct. Sorry Pati, but I don't believe you're ready to be a Guardian just yet. Though maybe, if you come up with a groundbreaking scoop that will help us all in the future, I might consider it." Xiao said.

"Really?!" Pati shrieked happily. "I'll get right on it! You wait right there, Xiao! I'll be back in no time with the scoop of the century, and ready to accept my new title of Guardian!"

Pati bolted off at lightning speed, leaving Xiao and an exasperated Tia standing there.

"Oh dear, did I just say something I'll wind up regretting?" Xiao asked aloud.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it." Tia said reassuringly. "She'll try to find this scoop for all of a few hours before she'll give up and go back to being a regular pain in the neck."

"You certainly have a rather...interesting sister, Tia." Xiao said with a grin.

"Interesting isn't really the word I'd use…" Tia responded. With a polite bow, Tia made her exit, trying to chase after her sister.

As Xiao continued walking through the ARKS ship, he continued thinking about just how much of a keystone both Guardians were to the organization. Not only were they both warriors of nearly peerless caliber, they were symbols of hope.

When Shiva had driven the fleet away from the mothership and taken it for herself, things seemed to hit rock bottom for ARKS. They were completely outmatched by the Goddess of Annihilation and death seemed to be their only real choice. And yet, despite all that, the people of ARKS didn't lose hope. It wasn't because of Xiao's calculative abilities predicting an eventual victory for them, nor was it the combined might of the Council of Six, elite warriors in their own right, it was because of the Guardians.

Against the Goddess of Annihilation, Zigurd and Matoi were the last hope of ARKS. If they had failed, then the entire universe would have met its gruesome end at Shiva's hands. Everyone had pinned all their hopes and dreams on these two warriors, doing all that was in their power to help them succeed. Their actions paid off, and now the universe had found true peace. The Guardians had brought hope back to a universe drowning in despair. Shiva was gone. The Profound Darkness and the Dark Falz who served it were also gone. Peace had been won, and it was all thanks to the actions of Zigurd and Matoi.

However, even without the threat of extinction posed by such a colossal foe such as Shiva, ARKS needed the Guardians more than ever, and they knew it just the same. Not more than a day after their victory over Shiva, both Guardians were already volunteering their services in whatever way they could. Whether it was helping rebuild damaged sectors of ARKS ships, assisting in training new operatives, or offering administrative aid to Xiao, the Guardians were always ready to lend a helping hand. While Xiao was eternally grateful for their continued assistance, he knew he had to finally issue an order to them that, despite what he had told Pati and Tia, even they had to adhere to. It wasn't an order he expected them to agree to right away, as he predicted, so Xiao took every precaution he could think of to make sure this order was obeyed.

Xiao made his way to the shopping plaza and looked around the area. People went about their daily lives, purchasing provisions for everyday use, taking in the sights, losing themselves in idle conversation, everything a society at peace would be doing. Xiao couldn't help but smile to himself at how perfect everything seemed to be at this very moment.

"Ah, there you are, Xiao!" A new voice called out. Xiao turned to meet the source of the voice.

"Admiral Ulku, what brings you and your adjutant here today?" Xiao questioned. Ulku rolled her eyes at Xiao's formal greeting.

"Cut it out, Xiao, you talking to me like that makes me feel like we're nothing more than military colleagues or something." Ulku said, to which Xiao nervously chuckled.

"Sorry about that." Xiao apologized. "How are you and Theo doing today?"

"We're doing quite well, Xiao, thank you for asking." Ulku's adjutant, Theodor, responded. "Just taking a leisurely stroll."

Xiao looked down and saw Ulku and Theo holding hands, and couldn't help but smile.

"I'm glad you two are being more honest with your feelings for each other now." Xiao said.

"Yeah...I know to some people it might look strange for their Admiral and her assistant to be holding hands, since we're supposed to be super serious military leaders after all, but I don't mind." Ulku mused.

"I agree." Theo said with a nod. "They may think it's strange, but all that matters is what Ulku and I think about it, and we don't find it strange at all."

"You're absolutely right, Theo. You two have led ARKS flawlessly thus far, so I'd say you're allowed a little personal connection, so continue on as you will." Xiao said, still smiling at the two.

"You know, Xiao…" Ulku said. "We're not the only ones who are being more open with our feelings towards one another."

"Ah yes, you are referring to Zeno and Echo, correct?" Xiao poised. Ulku shook her head.

"Them also, but that wasn't who I was really referring to. Zeno and Echo are married, so it's only natural that they'd be more open with their feelings. I was actually referring more to you and Sarah." Ulku pointed out.

Xiao cleared his throat gruffly at Ulku's statement.

"Well, that's true, I mean…" Xiao trailed off, which caused Ulku to giggle.

"Seems you still have a ways to go still, though." Ulku said teasingly. "I think as long as you stop patting Sarah's head like you do, you'd have an easier time opening up to her. We all know how much she hates it, so you'll stop doing it, right?"

"No comment there." Xiao said with a smirk of his own. "Ah, yes, before I forget. Ulku, do you remember the order I gave you yesterday?"

"Of course I do." Ulku nodded. "As a matter of fact, I put my part of it into action right after you brought it up. I still feel it was a little extreme, though."

"I won't argue that, but it was for their own good." Xiao pointed out. "It was something they needed to do."

"I suppose you're not wrong there." Ulku admitted. "Those two wouldn't have ever gotten a chance otherwise, if just because of their own stubbornness."

"Precisely what I thought." Xiao said. "Thank you for taking care of it in such record time."

"I do my best!" Ulku beamed. "Anyway, we'll see you later, Xiao! Come on Theo, let's go do some shopping!"

"Okay, Ulku. Have a good day, Xiao." Theo said. Bidding farewell to Xiao, Ulku and Theo disappeared into the crowd of shoppers.

Now by himself again, Xiao made his way to the master blacksmith of Oracle, Zig. The elder CAST was enjoying a quiet afternoon in his workshop, hammering away at a new project of his, when Xiao entered his abode.

"Greetings, Xiao, what brings you here today?" Zig greeted.

"I was just stopping by to check up on a special order that was placed. I believe Ulku took care of all the appropriate paperwork regarding it yesterday?" Xiao inquired.

"Ah, yes, and as a matter of fact, I just finished working on them a little while ago. Come with me."

Zig motioned for Xiao to follow him, and the two made their way to the back of Zig's workshop. Hanging on the wall were all sorts of different weapons, no doubt passion projects of the blacksmith. Zig certainly had plenty to keep him busy, even though ARKS was no longer at war. It always lit a spark in the old smith's eye to keep his hands active, always looking for that next burst of inspiration as he worked.

Making their way through the catalogue of armaments through the room, they stopped at two weapons in particular.

"Very good." Xiao said, nodding in approval as he took in the sight of the weapons. "You never disappoint, Zig."

"You are too kind, Xiao." Zig said sheepishly. "But really, I must say I didn't have to do very much to them. Those two always take such good care of their equipment. I honestly wish Maria were half as careful with Labrys."

Sitting on a stand were two very particular weapons. One was Zigurd's Coated Doubliss double saber, and the other was Matoi's rod, Clarissa III, The Bright. The two weapons were in pristine condition, and looked as if they had never even once been used prior.

"I apologize for having Ulku give you such a strange order, but this had to be done. I figured this would have been the last place they would've looked." Xiao said.

"The old, 'If you want to hide a leaf, put it in the forest' philosophy, eh? Quite wise of you, but you need not apologize for anything, my boy." Zig said with a chuckle. "You weren't the only one who saw it. Our two Guardians needed this, that much we can all agree on."

"Aha!" A new voice came into the room. "I knew you were up to something, Xiao!"

"I had a feeling you might have been following me, Sarah." Xiao said as he turned to meet the source of the voice, which was indeed Sarah. Making her way over to the two of them, Sarah grinned mischievously, thinking she had found out the entire plan.

"So you've got Zig making upgrades to the Guardian's weapons! No doubt so that they can be stronger for the next time we need them! And you wanted to surprise them with it, which is why their comms are off! It all makes sense now!" Sarah boasted.

"Sorry, Sarah, but you're completely off the mark there." Xiao replied.

"Is that so?" Sarah challenged, cocking her head at Xiao. "Then why the secrecy? Why the lack of contact with either of our Guardians? You can't fool me!"

"Xiao speaks the truth, young Sarah." Zig chimed in. "I only did basic maintenance and upkeep on their weapons. They were still in near-perfect condition when they were turned over to me. They did not receive upgrades or enhancements of any kind."

"Then why did you even bother doing it in the first place?" Sarah asked, her demeanor becoming rather agitated. "Quit hiding things, Xiao! I hate it when you do stuff like this!"

"Xiao, you never told Sarah?" Zig questioned, to which Xiao laughed nervously.

"I had my reasons, but now is the perfect time." Xiao admitted. "Come on, Sarah, let's go to the café, my treat. I'll explain everything there, how's that sound?"

"Trying to butter me up, huh?" Sarah said, putting her hands on her hips. "Fine, but if you don't tell me everything, I'm going to be SO angry with you. I mean it!"

Bidding Zig a farewell, Xiao and Sarah made their way to Franca's Café in the shopping district. Finding an open table, Xiao ordered Sarah her favorite meal, and after she had had her fill, the two began to talk.

"Alright, Xiao, spill it." Sarah said as she set down her utensil after finishing her dessert. "Where are Zigurd and Matoi? No one has seen them at all today, and we can't get a hold of them through the comms. I thought you were working on some super-secret enhancement to their weapons, but you said I'm wrong. There has to be a reason for all of this, and you know why, so let's hear it."

"Sarah, let me ask you a question." Xiao said. "Do you think you and I were meant to be?"

"Wh...what…?!" Sarah yelped. "Where did that come from all of a sudden?!"

"Sorry if I startled you, but I was curious. I mean, Xion did create my personality based on yours, and we've saved each other's lives, so we were meant to be together, right?"

"Xiao...stop changing the subject…" Sarah said, trying to hide her quickly-blushing cheeks. "You already know how I feel about you, so stop trying to distract me."

"That's the thing, Sarah, you're absolutely right. I know exactly how you feel about me, and it's why I asked that question, since it also pertains to our two Guardians as well."

"Huh? What're you getting at?" Sarah asked. "Are you saying that Zigurd and Matoi were meant to be, just like you and I were?"

"And not just them." Xiao continued on for Sarah. "Think about it. Zeno and Echo, and Ulku and Theodor, all of them our close allies and friends, they were also meant to be."

"Was this something Xion made happen, you think?" Sarah inquired, to which Xiao shook his head.

"Only Xion knew what she had set in motion, so I can't say with absolute certainty. But the fact remains, all of us have come together, in our own unique ways, be it through her actions, or our own."

"I still don't get the point you're trying to make, though. How does this all relate to Zigurd and Matoi?" Sarah said, utterly confused.

"My point is that we've all come to be who we are together because we were given time to develop our relationships. Zeno and Echo's relationship has been building since they were young, while Ulku and Theo's developed over time when they became the leaders of ARKS. As for you and I...well, let's just say the bond we share goes pretty deep in its own right."

Xiao gently moved his hand over to Sarah's and placed it over hers. Sarah continued to blush as she continued to listen to Xiao's words.

"But our two Guardians, they haven't had that chance yet, and at the rate they're going, they may never. It's painfully clear that they don't know where they really stand. They're always going out of their way to help with anything and everything that may need doing, no matter how trivial it is." Xiao pointed out.

"That's just the kind of people they are, Xiao, you can't fault them for it." Sarah said.

"I don't fault them for their helpful nature in the slightest, I just worry that it may be getting in the way of their own happiness." Xiao said with a hint of worry on his face.

"What do you mean?" Sarah questioned.

"It's been over a week since Shiva was defeated, and yet, since then we've always seen them helping ARKS in some way or another. Have they even had a chance to really reflect on what the two of them mean to each other?" Xiao asked.

"Well…" Sarah trailed off. She knew Xiao was right, if just for the fact that she had experienced Xiao's concern about their relationship herself firsthand.

It was mere hours after the victory over Shiva, and Sarah had been looking for Matoi to discuss business matters. She eventually found her on the bridge, with Zigurd a few feet away from her. The two of them were both blushing heavily, and Sarah knew then and there that she had interrupted what may have once been a poignant moment between the two Guardians. They both adamantly denied anything was going on, and despite Sarah offering to come back later, Matoi immediately offered her services, while Zigurd left to find the next needed task to put his energy into.

"I guess you're right…" Sarah admitted. "Those two really do like to give their best for ARKS, and we rely on them so much."

"The Guardians were the linchpin that held ARKS together during our time of crisis." Xiao began to speak again. "When it looked like we would meet our end, they saved us all. And since then, they've been pushing themselves tirelessly to make sure everything is going smoothly in the wake of Shiva's defeat. But, they're not ARKS' personal workhorses, they're both people with their own wants, and needs. First and foremost though, they're our friends, and I want the best for them. That's why I had them meet me on the bridge yesterday."

Xiao thought back to the events that occurred a day prior. He began to explain to Sarah the events that had occurred leading up to the Guardian's absence. He had called both Zigurd and Matoi to the bridge on urgent business, and within moments, both Guardians had reported to him.

"We're here, Xiao, what did you need from us? Is it another pocket of Falspawn that needs to be dealt with?" Matoi asked.

"No no, nothing at all like that." Xiao said. "Tell me, Guardians, what is on your agenda for today?"

"Oh, our agenda?" Matoi said. "Well, Zigurd is going to help Zeno and Regius train some new recruits, while I was going to head to General Affairs and assist Sarah with any office work she might need done. Maria still keeps dumping all of her duties on her, so I figured I should help out where I could. After that, we're going to go out on patrol."

"I see…" Xiao mused. "Would you two be so kind as to hand your weapons over to me for a moment?"

Zigurd and Matoi looked at each other curiously, then back to Xiao.

"Our...weapons? But why, Xiao? Are we in trouble or something?" Matoi innocently asked.

"Nothing of the sort, I was just wanting to see the condition they are in after the battle with Shiva."

Shrugging at each other, Zigurd handed over his Coated Doubliss, while Matoi handed over Clarissa III. Taking both weapons in his hands, Xiao gave them a once-over, then held them off to the side. Thinking that he was offering them back, Matoi was surprised to see their weapons float in the air after Xiao had let go of them, while Zigurd could only raise his brow as to why a certain someone was here as well.

"I trust you know what to do, Quna." Xiao said.

"Understood." Replied Quna, the lieutenant of the Intelligence Bureau, Zero of the Six, and resident pop idol of ARKS. Decloaking her Cosmogenic Arm, Mai the Unseen, Quna now held both of the Guardian's weapons in her hands. She gave the two Guardians a quick glance.

"Sorry, just following orders." Quna said lowly.

With a nimble jump over their heads, Quna recloaked herself and vanished from sight. Zigurd and Matoi were baffled at what had just happened before their very eyes, and immediately vented their frustrations at Xiao.

"Xiao!" Matoi exclaimed. "What is this all about?! Why did Quna just steal our weapons?! And where is she taking them?!"

"Listen to me, you two." Xiao said rather sternly, catching both Zigurd and Matoi by surprise. "I'm ordering you both to take some shore leave, effective immediately."

"Shore leave? What for?" Matoi said, while Zigurd nodded in agreement at Matoi's question.

"I'd say it's quite obvious. You saved all of existence from being destroyed by Shiva and the Profound Darkness, on more than one occasion, I might add. You've earned a little rest." Xiao said.

"You could have just asked us nicely…" Matoi mumbled. "All of this cloak and dagger stuff seems a bit out of character for you, Xiao. It's more like something Casra would have come up with."

"I may have taken a page out of Casra's book in that regard, I admit, but asking nicely wasn't an option." Xiao said rather harshly.

"And why not?" Matoi huffed.

"You haven't realized it? You two have yet to stop working since the war with Shiva concluded, even if doing so means you don't ever get to understand your own relationship. I'll be the first to say that we all appreciate what you do for us, but if that dedication winds up hurting you both in the long run, can you say that it was worth it in the end? I certainly don't think so."

Zigurd and Matoi were both floored by Xiao's statement. Zigurd looked around the room nervously, while Matoi fidgeted bashfully. Xiao had hit the mark with his statement, and the awestruck looks on the Guardian's faces were proof enough.

"W...we know our relationship is just fine!" Matoi stuttered while still fidgeting, with Zigurd half-nodding in agreement.

"Do you both really, truly believe that? I don't." Xiao poised rather bluntly.

Matoi scoffed indignantly and her face soured, while Zigurd crossed his arms and shook his head, both of them clearly frustrated by Xiao's words. Knowing he had just crossed the line, even if his intentions were just, Xiao changed the tone of his voice to sound more calm and collected.

"Forgive me if you feel I'm acting out of turn, but I'm worried about you two. You've done so much for all of ARKS already, and still continue to do so, but that dedication is going to cost you something dearly if you don't realize what you're doing before it's too late. That's why I didn't ask nicely, and also why I had your weapons confiscated. If I didn't do all of this, you'd both just keep going on working, and not even bother with yourselves, and we all know I'm right."

Xiao looked at both the Guardians directly, whose faces were both rather flustered. Xiao had once again hit the mark on their situation, as neither Guardian had any sort of rebuttal to offer. All they could do was stand there in silence as Xiao continued on.

"I admire the drive to better ARKS the two of you have, really I do, but as the one you technically answer to, I'm giving you an order right here and now. This is an order that will be followed, and I won't accept no for an answer. I want you two to take some time off, to get away from ARKS, even if it's just for a day. We won't fall apart without either of you being here for a while, I promise."

"All of this, just so we'll take a day off?" Matoi said bewilderedly.

"Trust me, you'll be glad you did." Xiao said with a smile. "Now then, along with your weapons being taken from you, I'll also be shutting off your comm channels for the time being. If we absolutely, truly need to reach you, then I will do it myself, but if not, I insist that you go somewhere and just spend time together, not worrying about ARKS or anything pertaining to it."

"You say we're supposed to get away for a while, but where are we going to go?" Matoi asked.

"Only you two would know the answer to that question." Xiao said cryptically.

Zigurd and Matoi looked at each other for a few moments, before Matoi finally smiled at her dearest companion.

"Well...I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a break for a little while…what do you think, Zigurd?" Matoi inquired to her fellow Guardian. Zigurd nodded in agreement, and the two of them bid Xiao goodbye and made their way to the gate area. They boarded a dropship, and before long, were on their way to their destination, a destination that only they were privy to.

"So, that's how it all went, huh?" Sarah questioned.

"Sorry about not telling you." Xiao apologized. "I wanted as few people to know as possible so it didn't increase the risk of it getting back to the Guardians before everything was ready. But you understand why I went to such lengths, don't you?"

"Yeah, I guess so…" Sarah said. "But, wait a second…if the Guardians have already been gone for a day...why is it you're just now telling me? Were you thinking I would have blabbed to them about all of this had I known?"

"Of course not, Sarah." Xiao said reassuringly. "This whole scheme was also a sort of roundabout way of me asking you out on a date, and that's pretty much the main reason why I couldn't tell you. I had a feeling you'd follow me after I didn't give you a straight answer about Matoi's whereabouts, and I was right. But hey, here we are, so...mission accomplished, right?" Xiao said with a shy grin.

"Ugh...I swear…" Sarah rolled her eyes at Xiao, before scooting her chair closer to him and leaning over and putting her head on his shoulder.

"I suppose I can't be mad at you, though. You're always looking out for everyone, even if you have the weirdest ways of doing it. Still...thanks, Xiao, for everything."

Xiao smiled at Sarah. He was about to try and pat her head, but instead opted to just hold her hand as the two of them sat there in blissful silence, merely enjoying each other's company amidst the bustle of the café.

As life within ARKS continued on without a hitch, the two Guardians had found somewhere that held a great deal of importance to them to spend their shore leave. Within the boundless field of flowers on the planet Naverius, with the towering obelisk that had once held Dark Falz [Elder] captive to the planet in the distance, they were there.

Zigurd had one arm behind his head like a pillow, and his other wrapped firmly, but lovingly, around Matoi's waist, with his hand coming to rest on the small of her back. Holding the person he cherished more than anything in the world so closely put Zigurd's mind at ease, and he could not think of any better way to spend their free time than this.

Matoi had just dozed off moments earlier. She was laying on her side, holding on to her beloved Guardian while resting her head on his chest. She had her arm laying on his chest also, with her hand close to his heart, the heart that belonged only to her. Zigurd looked at Matoi with a loving gaze for a few moments, then slowly closed his eyes to join her in the world of dreams. A faint hint of blush graced Matoi's cheeks as she let out a small, halcyon exhale.

Surrounded by the beautiful flora and fauna dancing in the passing breeze, being warmed by the sun's rays, they remained locked in each other's embrace. Their minds were filled with thoughts of nothing but one another as they dreamed. They idled the day away in uninterrupted serenity, their only company being the breathtaking scenery that surrounded them.

'Fin