Blaine didn't even speak to the others but ran to Lana's side. He picked her up and sat down with her in his lap. The others were quite confused and went to follow him when Dobin stopped them. "Wait for them to tell us what happened."
On Lana's bed, Blaine cradled her close then Kyle took over while listening for the others.
"Are you okay?" He whispered.
She nodded, "that woman is terrifying but it looks like we played it right so far. I fear she will set a trap."
"Oh, she will. We just need to be careful," Kyle held her tight, "I think we can pull this off as long as we are together."
Lana sighed, "I guess we are public now."
Kyle smiled. "Good."
They all went to her tree for dinner like normal. Once under the tree, Lana explained what happened with Blaine filling in here and there. The meal was served and, while there was some concern, they felt like they could return to normal for now.
Meanwhile in room 2303, a tall, lanky boy was looking through a certain file after receiving a notice it had been accessed and the reason. He frowned at his screen. He decided it was time to send a text off to his parents about the situation. His personal chef might be in trouble.
[New Quest Received: Protect Lana Plantwell]
[Reward: ???]
When she brought his dinner, he decided he needed to pry into her business. "Lana, do you have a relationship with a Barica Abel?"
Lana jumped a bit, "excuse me? Is that Blaine's grandmother's name? I met her today. I don't like her."
"Your file was accessed today at her request."
Lana nodded, "she came today to find out what happened on the outing and why she found out something happened to Blaine in the media rather than through official channels. She wasn't happy."
"Lana, do you feel safe?"
She took a deep breath and thought about things. "Blaine and I care a lot about each other. She isn't going to like that fact if she finds out and she will kill me and may kill Blaine and those around me if she does."
"That would be a no. You are not safe. Tell me everything that happened today and on that outing. Congratulations, by the way, for ranking just below me. That is no easy feat!."
She smiled then filled him in on everything. Blaine was waiting for her outside and knocked because she had been in there for so long. Paul let him in while she continued explaining.
Once she was done explaining, Blaine staring at her wondering why she was telling him all this, Paul spoke up.
"I'm going to tell the two of you one of my secrets. I have a system in me. Think like a video game operating system that gives me quests, rewards, and stats. When the system informed me someone opened your file, Lana, I got a quest to protect you which means, without a doubt, you are in danger. I have already informed my parents to see if there is anything they can do to help you. In light of everything you have told me, I will put the same flag on the files of your brother and other friends. In the meantime, I want the two of you to each carry one of my oomlauts with you. It does give me audio and visual access to everything you experience but only when certain key words or vital signs trigger it. I'll try to be as least invasive as possible."
Lana smiled, "I do believe that is the most words you have said to me at once, ever." She chuckled, "thank you. We appreciate your help."
Blaine just nodded feeling like he couldn't protect her. While she didn't know anything about games, he did. If Paul had a system and it told him to protect her, it meant he alone was unable to protect her. He needed Paul's help, at the very least.
[Quest Update: Progress toward friendship: Blaine Abel 50%]
An oomlaut nestled under both their watches. "For now, just carry on as normal. Don't let on too much that you know there's an issue."
"Paul, there's one more threat." Lana then proceeded to tell him about Pucket. Paul was getting ready to take a bite of his dinner but put the fork back down. He quickly became nauseated. Once she was done explaining he just nodded and lay on his bed. They took that as their cue to leave and went to Blaine's room rather than her tree. While they still felt her tree was safe, Blaine and Kyle both felt the need to hold her now.
"Lana, there's something you should know. My grandmother hates virgins. There really is an unseen danger here. I'll do everything I can to protect you."
She nodded and snuggled into him even more realizing he needed this more than she did. She was told her whole life she was nothing and her life would never mean anything. That wasn't the part that bothered her. She wanted Dobin to have a life, to discover happy. She wanted to be an aunt some day and see him find love. If she couldn't see it, at least the idea that he still lived was enough. She would do everything she could to take down the monster so he could have that chance.
When curfew went off, Lana went to her own room. They both knew there was nothing they could do for now but live their lives.
Once Paul got control of his emotions, he put those flags in the files of all those he knew were around her by way of the list of birthdays she'd requested. He then searched the system for Ability: teleport level 7. Only one entry came back. Just as he had altered Lana's file, this was not what Lana described. He decided to flag this file as well. This person, who Lana knew as Pucket, was definitely protected by someone powerful. He needed to know who before making any moves. He finally was settled enough to eat his dinner after an oomlaut heated it up for him. It was going to be a late night. He needed to talk to his parents and tell them everything.
Three days later another headline rocked the planet.
[Tragedy Rocks Wood Family: Only One Heiress Remains]
When Paul read the article, he learned it was reported there was an unknown gas deposit beneath the Wood Estate. Somehow it ignited and the entire estate exploded during a family gathering to determine what to do about the disgrace of their beloved Star. All family members and their servants were present for the meeting.
The next day, the general received another visit, this time from the Mistress of the Techno family who demanded to be taken to her son's room. She had already contacted him with specific instructions and was told they were done prior to her arrival.
"Good evening General Hansen, it's good to see you again," Cere said with outstretched hand.
General Hansen took it with a smile, "always a pleasure. You don't grace us with your presence enough. I trust Mr. Techno is well?"
They talked as they walked, "he is. His current project is frustrating him so he may visit Paul soon or have him visit home over the weekend to figure it out."
"Is Paul that smart?"
"He scored higher than we both did on the IQ test."
"That would explain his perfect grades despite not attending classes."
Cere nodded, "He's our pride and joy. Does he attend any social events?"
"None. He went on the portal outing and scored the highest score so he must know some people to have such good teamwork."
Cere nodded. "perhaps I need to ask him about his friends. He will need social skills to run the businesses. He prefers to work."
"Here we are." General Nathan stood outside the door.
Before Cere could knock, the door beeped and she let herself in telling the general to wait for her there. In the room, Cere put on a big smile. Before her were her son, two boys she had never met as well as a young lady that she had heard so much about.
Cere outstretched her arms, "Lana my dear, how wonderful it is to finally meet you!" She embraced the shocked girl in a big hug. Lana tentatively returned the embrace not really knowing if it was proper. Cere didn't release her until the hug was returned.
"You are more beautiful than Paul described you. Please. Introduce me to these two young gentlemen," Cere said with her arm around Lana.
A bit uncomfortable, "the one on the left is my brother Dobin and the one on the right is my boyfriend, Blaine."
Cere nodded. "I know Paul didn't tell you but I'm here to address the issue of the looming threats."
Three days later, the headline read:
[Wood Heiress Ends Life: Assets to be Donated to Her Victims, Trust Established]
Earlier that day, another change was made to the files of Lana and Dobin Plantwell. Paul got notified when the files were accessed and updated.
[Adopted by Cere and Cecil Techno.]
**********************************
Join me on discord at https://discord.gg/wuNsfeGP Or Patreon at patreon.com/MindyLeeCrouch
If you'd like to donate to me via PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8PCLHZTXAPFPC
Constructive criticism is welcome as it helps me become a better writer.