Zombie Domination

That night, while the city of Meltdown lay eerily silent, its streets empty after the evacuation of its people, Julian walked side by side with Aya. She had just finished a long day working with the production teams, crafting the weapon they had been tasked to create.

"How was it?" Julian asked casually.

Aya glanced at him, a faint reflection of the moon glinting off her glasses, and replied nervously, "How was what…?"

"Your day," Julian clarified. "Any problems?"

"No, not at all," Aya answered with a small smile. "They listened to my input, and we worked together pretty well."

"I see. That's good," Julian said, nodding in approval.

Aya tilted her head back, her gaze drawn to the dark night sky. "But… do you think it will work?"

Julian turned to look at her more closely, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes behind the thin lenses of her glasses. "Don't worry," he said firmly. "Even if your weapon fails, I'll kill that whale myself. We'll survive, no matter what."

"You're right… but sometimes, I just don't have confidence in my abilities," Aya admitted quietly.

"Don't think like that," Julian replied, his voice steady. "Your weapon will pierce the sky. I believe it will."

Aya let out a small laugh, her right hand gently covering her mouth. "You said earlier… if my weapon doesn't work, you'll defeat that sky whale yourself."

Julian met her eyes with quiet confidence. "Because there's no way your weapon will fail. And even if your weapon doesn't work, don't be sad, because I will make it work with my power."

"And..."

"....On every journey we've taken, it's your creations that have always supported us."

A faint blush colored Aya's cheeks. "Hehe… thank you, Julian."

Julian shook his head slowly. "No… I should be the one thanking you, for staying by my side."

He reached out and took her hand, the warmth of his grip contrasting against the cool night air. Together, they walked on in silence, savoring the stillness of the empty city, the moonlight casting their shadows long across the deserted street.

On the other side of the city, Kevin stood outside, his gaze fixed on the approaching Sky Whale looming ever closer to Meltdown City. The colossal creature moved with an eerie grace, its sheer size making it seem like an opponent beyond the reach of mortal strength.

Kevin's grip tightened on the railing before him.

'No… I can't hesitate. I'm the one who will bring that monster down… with my Light.'

Footsteps echoed from behind, breaking the still night air. Without turning his head, Kevin spoke. "Can't sleep?"

Belle came to stand beside him, her breath misting in the cold air. "No… I was waiting for you. Come on, let's go back inside. It's freezing out here."

"Later," Kevin replied, still watching the whale. "I need to think about something."

Belle sighed softly. "And what exactly are you thinking about? Nia… She's left our group."

"Don't say it like that," Kevin countered quickly. "Maybe she just needs time to think, too."

Belle's tone sharpened. "Are you an idiot? No… you've always been an idiot. But even you should realize that Nia's been distancing herself from us."

Kevin shook his head, his voice firm. "Once she's done with whatever's on her mind, she'll come back."

"No," Belle said flatly. "That's not going to happen. Nia isn't the person you think she is."

Belle's voice softened, tinged with uncertainty. "Nia… she's always felt there's something missing in herself. She's become more ambitious… chasing something she wants to achieve—"

Before she could finish, Kevin's voice rose sharply. "No! Nia's not like that!"

The sudden outburst cut through the air, leaving a heavy silence between them. Kevin's chest rose and fell as the realization of his tone sank in. He turned slightly toward her. "I'm… sorry. I didn't mea—"

"It's fine," Belle interrupted, her voice calm but distant. "I'll go first."

She turned away, footsteps fading into the still night. Kevin made a motion to follow her… but something held him back. His thoughts were already tangled enough, the last thing he wanted was to make things worse.

Letting out a long breath, he muttered under his breath, "Julian… how do you even manage to deal with five women at once?... It's exhausting man...."

He leaned against the railing, eyes lifting to the night sky, dark, endless, and ominous. The Sky Whale's shadow loomed ever closer, a silent giant approaching the city.

Later that night, Julian stepped into his quarters with Aya trailing closely behind. The warm light from the room greeted them, and so did the women inside.

"Welcome back," Clarissa said softly, her voice carrying a gentle warmth.

Julian gave her a small nod, stepping further in. Aya followed quietly, adjusting her glasses.

Veronica's lips curled into a sly smile. "Were you two out on a date?"

Aya flushed, quickly waving her hands in front of her. "N-No… The streets were empty, so we just… walked for a bit."

Emma leaned forward with a hint of envy in her tone. "Hee… I want to take a walk with you too."

Julian gave a small chuckle. "Another time. It's already cold outside."

On the couch, Celestia sat with Zoe resting on her lap, her fingers gently stroking the girl's hair. "I've never felt cold like this before… it's the kind that seeps into your bones."

"That's probably because the Sky Whale's getting closer," Veronica remarked, twirling a strand of hair around her finger with practiced elegance.

Emma puffed her cheeks. "Don't blame everything on the whale… You might make it mad."

Veronica tossed her hair with mock arrogance. "Hmph. As if that could happen."

"Enough," Clarissa interjected as she set the table, her calm tone cutting through the playful banter. "Let's just warm ourselves up with some dinner."

Emma's eyes lit up. "Yes! Let's eat!"

From Celestia's lap, Zoe stirred, her eyes half-open. The word eat seemed to pull her from her slumber. Drool clung to the corner of her lips as she mumbled, "Food…"

Celestia laughed softly, patting her head. "Looks like someone's hungry."

Aya moved toward Clarissa, noticing her struggling with a heavy serving dish. "Let me help you with that."

Julian stepped in as well, lifting one of the heavier trays.

Then, three firm knocks echoed against the door. The sound made everyone pause and glance at one another.

"I'll get it," Celestia said calmly as she rose from her seat.

She walked to the door and opened it, revealing Sefi standing outside in the dim corridor.

"Do you need something, Sefi?" Celestia asked.

Sefi hesitated, her hands fidgeting slightly. "Is… Julian here?"

Celestia gave her a curious look but still answered, "He's inside, about to have dinner with us."

Sefi nodded, her voice still uncertain. "Would it be alright if I spoke to him for a moment?"

"Of course. Come in," Celestia replied with her usual poise. "I'll go get him. Have you eaten yet?"

"I have, thank you for asking," Sefi said softly.

Celestia turned back toward the table, Sefi quietly following her into the room.

"Excuse me…" Sefi murmured as she stepped inside.

Veronica, spotting her, raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Sefi? What brings you here so late at night?"

Before Sefi could answer, Celestia spoke for her. "She seems to have business with Julian."

"Me?" Julian asked in mild surprise, setting down the dish he had been holding.

Clarissa let out a slow sigh. "Another girl? Just how big are you planning to make your harem…?"

Celestia said faintly. "She's right. You really do seem intent on making every woman fall for you."

Sefi waved her hands quickly, flustered. "No, no, it's not like that!"

"I didn't do anything," Julian protested.

Emma leaned forward and said. "A girl visiting a guy at night? There's always something going on…"

Veronica crossed her arms. "Exactly. Even Dori seems to have fallen for you."

Julian blinked in surprise. "Eh..Dori? Seriously?"

Everyone else just sighed in unison at his clueless reaction.

Celestia shook her head. "It seems we've all underestimated Julian's complete lack of awareness."

Meanwhile, Sefi shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting between them. She had come here with a purpose, but now the room's playful bickering was making her even more tense.

Emma noticed her expression and leaned toward her with a reassuring smile. "Relax, Sefi. No need to be so stiff."

Clarissa's tone softened as she addressed her. "Sorry about that, Sefi. Could you tell us the reason you came here tonight?"

Sefi's voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "I… want to speak with him for a moment…"

"What?" Veronica tilted her head, feigning confusion. "Too quiet, we couldn't hear you."

Aya adjusted her glasses and leaned forward slightly. "Try saying it more clearly."

This time, Sefi took a small breath and repeated, "I want to speak with Julian for a moment."

At once, Julian could feel the weight of several stares pressing against him, his girls were all eyeing him with suspicion or curiosity. He raised both hands defensively.

"I swear," he said firmly, "I didn't do anything."