Chapter 1/2] Lucy's Date With Linsley
Lucy's wings flared slightly, but her tone remained calm. "Swooning? Hardly. I simply want what was promised—nothing more, nothing less."
Aurielle's grin widened. "Sure, sure. But don't get too comfortable. You know I'll be next."
Linsley held up a hand, cutting through their playful bickering. "Alright, enough. Lucy, you've got my attention for now. Aurielle, try not to cause too much trouble at the convention. And Ted, keep an eye on her."
Ted gave him a lazy salute. "Got it, boss. No promises, though."
With that, Lucy stepped forward, her tone softening. "Shall we go, then?"
Linsley nodded, his expression easing as he gestured for her to lead the way.
As they left, Aurielle leaned back, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched them disappear into the distance.
"He's going to have his hands full with her," Ted said, breaking the silence. "Think he'll survive?"
Aurielle shrugged, twirling a strand of golden hair around her finger. "Of course he will. It's Linsley we're talking about. But I'll make sure he knows how much more fun I am when my turn comes around."
…
Linsley and Lucy stepped off the sleek private jet Linsley had conjured with his Real Fantasy gift.
The jet gleamed like polished silver under the bright sunlight as it landed gracefully on a private runway near the bustling Gale Continent.
Lucy's white-feathered angelic wings shimmered faintly as she glanced around, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
The hum of distant laughter and cheerful music filled the air, drawing their attention to a sprawling amusement park that stretched before them.
Its towering ferris wheel glinted under the midday sun, and bright banners fluttered in the breeze, inviting visitors to indulge in the park's many attractions.
Lucy's eyes widened slightly, her usual composed demeanor giving way to a flicker of childlike wonder. "An amusement park?" she asked, glancing at Linsley.
He nodded with a small smile. "I figured you'd like it. You've been through so much… I thought it'd be nice to have a day where you could just enjoy yourself. No responsibilities, no battles. Just fun."
She hesitated, her angel wings twitching faintly. "I… I've never been to one before."
"Then it's about time," Linsley said, offering her his hand. "Come on. Let's make some memories."
A soft blush colored Lucy's cheeks as she took his hand, allowing him to guide her into the park.
The air buzzed with excitement as they passed stalls lined with colorful prizes and rides that twisted and turned in every direction.
Vendors called out to them, offering everything from glowing balloons to sweet cotton candy, the sugary scent wafting through the air.
Their first stop was a roller coaster, its towering tracks promising a thrill unlike any other.
Lucy's eyes lingered on it uncertainly. "That… looks a little intimidating."
Linsley chuckled. "It'll be fun, I promise. Besides, you've faced Outer Gods. A roller coaster should be nothing in comparison."
Lucy's lips curved into a reluctant smile. "Alright. But if I scream, you're not allowed to make fun of me."
"Deal," Linsley said, leading her to the ride.
Moments later, they were strapped in, the coaster's slow ascent building anticipation.
As the ride plunged into its first drop, Lucy let out a startled cry, her wings flaring instinctively. Linsley's laughter rang out beside her, his carefree joy infectious.
When the ride ended, Lucy stepped off with wobbly legs, her laughter joining his. "That was… exhilarating," she admitted, her eyes shining.
"Told you," he said with a grin. "Ready for the next one?"
They wandered through the park, stopping at various attractions.
At the bumper cars, Lucy's competitive side emerged as she gleefully rammed into Linsley's car, her laughter echoing across the arena.
"You're going down, Linsley!" she called, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief.
"We'll see about that," he retorted, steering sharply to avoid her next attack.
The two engaged in a playful battle, leaving the attendants grinning at their enthusiasm.
Next, they visited a whimsical carousel adorned with glowing, ethereal animals that seemed to shimmer under the park's dazzling lights.
The ride spun slowly, casting a dreamlike glow over the area
Lucy's eyes lit up as she admired the enchanting designs, her gaze settling on a golden-winged pegasus with a mane that sparkled like sunlight.
"Pick one," Linsley said, a mischievous glint in his eye as he climbed onto a sleek, silver dragon with eyes that seemed almost alive.
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Lucy chose the pegasus, settling into the saddle with an elegance that made it look like she belonged there.
The carousel began to move, but before the rotation fully started, Linsley waved his hand subtly. A flicker of his white flux rippled through the ride as he activated his Real Fantasy gift.
The animals shimmered and began to move independently, breaking free from their mounts.
Lucy gasped in awe as the pegasus beneath her spread its wings, lifting her slightly into the air.
Around them, the other carousel animals transformed into fully realized, fantastical creatures. Lions with blazing manes, shimmering phoenixes, and crystalline unicorns roamed the carousel area, their movements fluid and lifelike.
Linsley's dragon let out a playful roar as it circled Lucy's pegasus mid-air.
"Linsley!" Lucy exclaimed, her laughter ringing out as the pegasus twisted gracefully in the air. "This is incredible!"
"I thought it needed a little upgrade," he said with a grin, steering his dragon closer to her. "Do you like it?"
"Like it?" she said, her golden eyes sparkling with delight. "This is the most magical thing I've ever experienced."
They spent the next few minutes enjoying the flight, the creatures soaring around them before gently returning to their places as the ride ended.
The crowd that had gathered to watch murmured in awe, and a few park staff members looked on with wide eyes.
One of them whispered to another, "Isn't that the Emperor of the Astral Dominion? His flux… it's overwhelming."
Another nodded quickly. "Don't intervene. He's on a different level. Just let him enjoy the park."
Linsley paid no mind to the attention, his focus entirely on Lucy, whose smile hadn't dimmed since the ride began.