The Acquaintance

Esper took a step forward. “Hello, Lacertille. It's been a long time.”

Lacertille sprung up, shifting his form. A large, muscular man embraced Esper, cosuming Esper’s small, feminine body in his bulk. A genuine smile was on Lacertille’s lips, reciprocated by Esper.

“I've missed you, child,” Lacertille murmured.

Esper let out a giggle as Lacertille cupped his face. “As have I.”

Seraph was at a loss, still standing protectively over Victor. “What's going on?” he barked, his aggressive tone countered by the fear and confusion in his eyes.

Lacertille’s sharp yellow eyes locked on Seraph. Releasing Esper, he clicked his tongue, the other lizards tightening their circle around the two boys.

Laying a hand on Lacertille’s scar-covered bicep, Esper shook his head. “No, Lacertille. These children are with me. Do not harm them.”

Lacertille seemed surprised, but waved off his companions nonetheless. The lizards retreated, shapeshifting into two brawny human females and coming to his side.

The lizard people wore minimal clothing, mostly leather armor and scraps of cloth. Their skin was weathered and tough, shining with sweat in the humid jungle.  

Lacertille kept his arm around Esper. “It's dangerous for you three to be in the jungle alone. Come back to camp with us.”

Esper nodded shyly. “I was hoping you’d say that. We need shelter.”

“Nagi! Akrase!” Lacertille snapped, the two women beside him saluting in attention, “We're heading back. Stay near the children and make sure nothing happens to them.”

“Please excuse me, Lacertille. I'll be back in a moment.” Esper immediately detached himself from Lacertille and threw his arms around Victor and Seraph.

“Kids!” he cried, pressing his face into Victor’s neck, “I was worried sick! W-when you two ran off, I didn't know what to do! Oh man, that was really close!” Esper grabbed them by the shoulders, looking them in the eyes the best he could. “Please don't run away anymore, okay? I have trouble traversing unfamiliar environments. I can sense the things that have body heat or magic, but otherwise, I can't see anything!” Esper seemed to be trembling.

Victor felt his rapid heartbeat slow down. Esper’s concern reassured his confused feelings. He was so sincere, he had to really care about him. It couldn't just be a lie.

“I-I'm sorry, Esper!” Victor squeaked, burying his face in the soft folds of his robe.

Esper toyed with Victor's hair, kissing him softly on the cheek. “It's okay, Victor.”

Seraph was apprehensive, pulling out of Esper’s embrace. His expression was conflicted. “Where are we? Who are those creatures?”

Esper’s wings folded in close to his back. “We're in Ereith, to answer your first question.”

Victor's eyes went wide. Ereith?! He couldn't be there!

“Don't worry, Victor. Ereith is a big dimension. We're hundreds of miles from the naga’s territory. They can't find us here.”

Seraph turned from Victor to Esper, obviously not in the loop about their past adventures. He started to ask a question, but quickly decided against it.

Esper pointed to Lacertille and his partners. “As for them...The demon lizard tribe are close friends of mine. Lacertille and I go back very far.” He nervously pushed his bangs off his face. “Now, I have to go talk to Lacertille. Please keep near Nagi and Akrase. They will protect you. This forest is dangerous.” Pausing, he rubbed his arms. “I'm so sorry all of this happened...but I promise it’s gonna be okay.”

Victor blinked, watching Esper take his place at Lacertille’s side. Esper leaned on the demon lizard entirely, looking content. The way Esper’s body relaxed against Lacertille strung a chord of familiarity within Victor. That was the way he walked with Umbra and Matthew!

Victor wasn't even sure what to think, numbly walking beside Seraph. Everything was confusing again. Sure, Esper’s love may have been genuine, but what else was he hiding? The existence of Lacertille could be the tip of the iceberg of the secrets he was keeping!

Sighing, he held onto Esper’s words with a feverish persistence.

Everything was going to be okay, right?

Author's Note-im sorry if this chapter was kinda slow :/ i hit a little writers block