Bythe time Milo’s interview had ended, a manifestation of my making had flown through the psychic plane to reach him. Of course I couldn’t simply wait for his return. Well, it certainly didn’t help that I anxiously worried he’d injure himself again. But in truth, I was clingy, so my subconscious magic had to assuage my concerns by stretching across state lines until it reached Milo in New York.
Milo and Gladiatrix exited the studio and leisurely walked through the busy streets. While the pair should’ve simply basked in their accomplishments, taken a minute to really enjoy themselves, they spent the time brainstorming potential changes to the Global Guild, ways to improve it for everyone, to expand the initiatives meant to help people.
Somewhere along the way, they found themselves in Times Square. The bustle alone was enough to put my mind on the fritz, but the added attention their presence brought only made it worse.
Suddenly, Milo’s late flight made even more sense. He’d scheduled a casual PR meet and greet out in the wild. It seemed mostly tourists stopped and gawked at Milo and Gladiatrix, but a few locals also stood in the makeshift line that formed. Everyonewanted autographs, selfies, and a chance to ask their absolute most pressing questions.
As the crowd thinned, Milo and Gladiatrix said their farewells and continued exploring. The rumbles of a hungry belly guided Milo’s steps, leading the way.
“You two are quite the sensation,” a familiar voice called out.
The British accent sent a wave of enticement coursing through Gladiatrix. As she turned to greet King Liberty, she tried her best to hide her joy and shock at his surprise visit. Milo, on the other hand, did a poor job pretending to be stunned by the arrival.
“What are you doing here?” Milo asked, flabbergasted.
“Did you tell him we’d be here?” Gladiatrix squinted at Milo.
“What? Me? Why would I do that?”
“Because your heartbeat says you knew he’d show up.”
“My heart is a notorious liar,” Milo said, making a crossing gesture. “I swear, I didn’t have a part in this.”
“He didn’t,” King Liberty confirmed. “Though, I would be curious how you may have become aware.”
“Damn clairvoyants.” Milo shrugged playfully. “I know, I know. You’re telling yourself you have the best cloaking wards in the world. That’s what they all say. I still usually glimpse a possibility here or there or anywhere.”
“Fascinating.” King Liberty nodded politely, making his way toward Gladiatrix. “I was hoping to have a word.”
“About?”
“About us.”
“We already had this discussion.”
“And you made it quite clear that a secret relationship wasn’t what you wanted.” King Liberty reached for a clip on his mask, one of the fasteners that held it in place during combat. “I couldn’t agree more with such sentiment.”
“What?” Gladiatrix reached out, stopping King Liberty’s hand mid-motion. “What are you doing?”
“Revealing myself.” He eyed the busy crowds of people making their way up and down the streets, the large screens broadcasting commercials and news.
“Not here,” Gladiatrix protested. “Not now. Not for…”
The word got stuck in her throat.Me. She didn’t see herself as worthy enough for King Liberty to reveal his identity, to subsequently end his career.
“You would never be able to cast again, not professionally, not the way you work to help others,” she continued. “It’d be over for you. Hell, you might even face sanctions.”
“I was a law-abiding vigilante—no worries for penalty there.”
“Yeah, they say that, but that’s because none of y’all reveal yourselves,” Gladiatrix retorted.
“Some reveal their identities,” Milo added, revealing his obvious eavesdropping and his eagerness to know who was under the mask. “Granted, most of them had already retired and were one foot in the grave, but still. I really don’t think the Crown will retaliate.”
“Oh, they most definitely will,” King Liberty said with a chuckle. “But I was thinking of becoming a professional caster over here. What are they called again? Enchanters.”
“That is a big move,” Gladiatrix replied. “Too big.”
“No such thing.” King Liberty smirked. “Besides, it’s already a done deal. I already found the next King Liberty.”
