CHAPTER 28: AMONG MORTALS
The next few days were… eventful.
With the major threats momentarily distant, Kael ordered downtime — a rare chance for the Tyrants to rest, train, and integrate Zeraphon further into Earth life.
Simple in theory. In practice? Not so much.
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Lesson One: Human Technology
It started in the common lounge. Zeraphon stood before a vending machine — arms crossed, frowning at the blinking display.
Cryalis passed by and paused.
"Problem?"
"I attempted to offer currency. The machine rejected me."
He held up… a solid gold ingot.
Cryalis stifled a laugh.
"Try these," she said, handing him some coins.
Zeraphon inserted them — and when the machine whirred, he tensed, drawing back slightly.
"It… speaks."
Before she could reply, the machine dropped a soda can. Zeraphon, reacting on instinct, caught it mid-air — crushing the can in one hand.
Cryalis covered her mouth, shaking with silent laughter.
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Lesson Two: City Navigation
Later, Orion and Lyra took him topside again. Dressed in dark jeans and a fitted jacket, he looked almost normal — save for the faint glow in his eyes.
They walked through a bustling plaza. Zeraphon's gaze darted everywhere — towering billboards, street performers, fast-moving crowds.
"Relax," Lyra whispered.
"These people… they are so fragile," he murmured. "How do they survive?"
Orion smirked. "They manage."
At a crosswalk, the light turned red. Zeraphon, seeing the cars stop, raised a hand — as if commanding them.
Lyra laughed, tugging him forward.
"No divine gestures. Just… walk."
Moments later, they passed a street musician. The man's guitar riff drew a small crowd. Zeraphon stopped, fascinated.
"He channels… emotion through sound."
Orion clapped him on the shoulder.
"Music. You'll like it."
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Lesson Three: Human Dining
That night, back at base, the team prepared a meal. Kael manned the grill — Veyra at his side, teasing him.
"You burn those again and I'm cooking."
Kael smirked. "Watch and learn."
Nearby, Zevak and Cryalis worked together on a dessert — their hands brushing often.
"You're actually good at this," Cryalis whispered.
Zevak smiled. "I study fast."
Her cheeks flushed faintly. "You study… everything."
Orion set the table, with Lyra playfully "correcting" his placement of forks.
"It's informal," he protested.
She grinned. "Doesn't mean it has to be chaos."
When dinner was served, Zeraphon eyed the plate cautiously.
"This sustains life?"
Veyra laughed. "More than that — enjoy."
He took one bite… and promptly froze — eyes wide.
"…There is… flavor."
Kael grinned. "You're starting to get it."
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Bonded Moments
Later that night, the team sprawled across the lounge — full, relaxed.
Kael sat with Veyra leaning against him — her fingers idly tracing his arm.
"You're good at this 'home' thing," she whispered.
"With you here? Yeah."
She smiled, lips brushing his jaw.
Across the room, Zevak and Cryalis sat close — her head on his shoulder, his hand entwined with hers.
"Better than lab work," she murmured.
"By far," he replied softly.
Orion and Lyra leaned against the far couch — arms draped lazily over one another.
"Think he's ready for more?" Lyra asked, glancing at Zeraphon.
Orion chuckled. "He'll manage. Might still scare a few vending machines, though."
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A Quiet Resolve
Near midnight, as the others drifted off, Zeraphon stood alone on the balcony — gazing out at the stars. Kael approached quietly.
"You're fitting in," Kael said.
Zeraphon nodded.
"This place… these people… they matter."
"They do," Kael agreed.
Zeraphon looked at him.
"I will protect them. As you do."
Kael clasped his shoulder.
"We all will. Together."
And beneath the quiet hum of Earth's night, the bonds of the Cosmic Tyrants only deepened.
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End of Chapter 28