(AN.: Before we get into this next chapter. I have marked it with the R16 tag, meaning that the upcoming scenes will have some racy/piquant scenes. If you feel mildly disturbed by the idea I apologize.

Still, I hope that by now, most of you have an understanding of my writing style, and trust me not to be tasteless, or indecorous even.)

—-

'[Yes. You heard it right. If you really, truly want to save your Master… Then Aiden, start undressing her!]'

—-

For a moment, Aiden hesitated, his hands hesitantly lingered above the modest mounds of Number 3. Though he regained his memories from his days of the 'modern' Urban World, truth be told, he never looked at his Master as a member of the other sex.

In the beginning, even though he accepted her, he still tried keeping some healthy distance. She was after all, with a shady, murky background, and her intentions while on the surface were helpful, she never hid that she too served a mysterious master, she just referred to as the 'Grandmaster', or the 'One with the Vision'.

After some time, however, this distance, this 'wall' slowly, but surely began to crumble, and the distance and rigid, coldness began to melt from both sides. Probably neither of them knew when, but at some point, they turned from acquaintances that played their part, to a real living, breathing family. They cared for each other, loved each other.

This love, this warmth, this emotion that at first was very mysterious, undecipherable for someone that's only knowledge for the world was the grounds of the forest, Aiden had trouble understanding it himself.

Heck, at first, even his feelings, his calm and relaxed, honest childish attitude was a result of him not knowing how to understand his growing bonds with Lily and for that matter, Granny.

Eventually, he managed to overcome his doubts and confusion. He could accept Granny as a sort of parental figure and Lily as his beloved BIG sister.

Yet, when Number 3 joined the picture, he once again had doubts and confusion as to what to think of everything. She became this teacher, the person who spent most of her time guiding him on the path, fleshed his dominant characteristics, and groomed him to be the person, the being he is today...

For a long time, she was his mentor, the Master he accepted, the one that understood him the most.

With the passing of time, as the days turned to weeks, to months, and eventually to years, the nature of their relationship unbeknownst to the both of them gradually shifted, transformed.

There was deep care from both sides, that since it was a gradual shift that happened over years, went unnoticed for both. Even small gestures, like the small, gentle smile that each donned as they said their good mornings, or the last goodbyes before each took them to their beds…

They became a family, a single, organic unit. Though the structure of it might be unconventional, as none of the members were truly related in terms of blood, their bonds were stronger than those 'average' families.

If Number 3 still had some doubts, over the years even those began to dwindle away and fade. However, when Aiden got hurt and was unconscious for days, as she returned and asked for assistance… all that still held her back wafted away. When the Grandmaster, this enigmatic entity that was void of all flesh and mortal desires did not hesitate to provide the much-needed assistance, she no longer held any questions inside her heart.

From that moment on, she truly accepted the role she was put into. Without any of them ever verbally confirming it, Number 3 became much more than a simple Master for Aiden, and Lily even.

Like Granny, she too became a parental figure, but unlike the wrinkled kind old lady, they both looked up to her in a much different fashion. Especially Aiden, whom whilst he himself was never consciously aware of it, desperately needed this care, this love.

She became the Mother they both lost and now found again.

In return, they became something that broke through the timeless lock that chained her heart.

The two youths became her children.

—-

Looking at Number 3's grimacing expression, seeing the pain that she was in the moment her consciousness drifted to the back of her mind, Aiden shook his head clearing it from any ill thoughts.

This wasn't the time, the moment for such doubts, such clouds to fog his mindset and corrupt it from the inside.

No. She needed him, and he would give his all!

Reaffirming his mindset, Aiden grabbed the top of her clothing with his left hand, and with a single pull, she tore it apart, revealing a fair-skinned upper torso. Instead of a traditional bra, Number 3 protected her sensitive womanly traits befit for an elegant, cultured woman: Her chest was firmly and carefully wrapped with a white linen cloth bandeau. The linen bandage, firmly covered and pushed the cheeky mounds so they wouldn't obstruct or block her while maneuvering.

Looking at it, Aiden desperately hoped that what he did was enough, even though he already expected the answer that came to his mind not a moment later.

'[You have to remove the bandage as well, Aiden. I know this might be uncomfortable, but remember what you are trying to do. Push these thoughts out of your mind, and show us the heights of your determination!]'

Although he was mildly surprised by the emotional speech Enya was now giving, and the lack of System's interruption, he still chose to ignore it.

With every moment wasted, meant that failure and despair would sneak closer and closer, Aiden nodded to Enya's words, reaching out with his left hand once again and grabbing the central region of the wrapped bandage. With one last sigh, he pushed back all the discomfort he still felt and ripped the last layer of protection apart.

Immediately, as if the chains that shackled the beast were shattered, the two modest features were like fierce wolves that were finally set free. They wobbled, increasing in size, and restoring a supple, pudding frame. Their heads turning towards the sky, it was like two howling predators that were reaching for the moon and the stars.

Aiden, couldn't help but swallow at this marvel of nature, and be frozen for a brief second, before the voice of a grumbled, the disgruntled guide brought him back to reality.

'[Get your head out of the gutter, Aiden! This is the woman that you respect and look up to like your mother figure! How can you react like this!]'

Shaken by her words, the hazy cloud cleared from Aiden's gaze, his mind cleared.

Grabbing the empty core in his right palm, with a stern look, he asked mentally.

'Sorry for that… What should I do now? Guide me, Enya, please!'

There was a momentary pause, a brief instant of a pause before Enya's instructions came with a slightly calmer, more collected tone of voice.

'[Okay, Aiden. Listen carefully and follow the steps I am going to give you to the letter as any mistake would be catastrophic.]'

She did not wait for an affirmed response but continued immediately.

'[For the first step…]'