The Watcher of Tiros was searching through geotechnical reports while having an argument with her Chosen One. Or, one of them.

  “I can't save everyone around you, I’m only allowed to directly protect you.” Her words appeared on a piece of paper in the mortal realm.

  Luke read the paper, glaring. “Why not? Just because they haven't made a deal with you doesn't mean their lives are less valuable than mine.”

  Bonnie shrugged, even though he couldn't see her. “You know, your dad failed at this job because he had too much empathy. He couldn't handle not being able to save and protect everyone. I can handle it. I’m sorry, but I don't make the rules. You’re the only person I can directly protect.”

  “You don't make the rules?” Luke asked, after reading her words. “How do you not make the rules? You’re literally-” He stopped, an ear swiveling to the door before looking at it. His thrashing tail stilled as he stepped towards the door.

  Bonnie smiled; nekos were so cute.

  On the other side of the door, standing nervously in the inn hallway, was Maeve. Bonnie waved her screens about dirt away, focusing on her chosen one and his drama as he opened the door.

  “Hey,” he said simply.

  “Hey, were you… talking to someone?” Maeve asked, scanning the room.

  Luke’s tail twitched. “Just shouting at the sky.”

  “Oh.” Maeve hesitated, her hands curling into fists.

  “Yep,” Luke said as the awkward silence drew out.

  “Luke, I'm in love with you,” she blurted out, ears flattening against her skull.

  After a few seconds, in a tone that implied she was completely insane, Luke spoke one word. “Why?”

  Bonnie facepalmed. Deciding this qualified as mortal danger, she pulled both teenagers into the Void and dropped in next to them.

  “You’re not doing too good in the smarts department today, are you, kid?” the Watcher of Tiros demanded of her Chosen One. “That there was spectacularly stupid.”

  Maeve had unconsciously grabbed hold of Luke’s arm, and was staring wide-eyed at Bonnie. “Goddess…”

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  “No,” Luke said, moving in front of Maeve. “Send us back. She’s not-”

  “She is one of the smartest people on the planet,” Bonnie interrupted. “Her whole family places in the top ten, and there are six of them. It’s annoying. And dangerous, which is why they were put far from the others. I was going to call her little sister, but nothing says I can't have both.”

  “Call?” Maeve asked, stepping around Luke. “Have?”

  Bonnie smiled at the girl. “How would you like to work for me for eternity after you die? I can't say what the job is, but it involves an insane amount of math. In return for agreeing now, I will allow you to remember this conversation, and I will watch over you. I will do everything in my power to ensure you die a natural death at a ripe old age.”

  Maeve frowned, thinking it over. Finally, she glanced at Luke. “Will he be there?”

  “After he dies, yes.”

  “Don't agree,” Luke said under his breath.

  “Why not?” Maeve asked. “It sounds like a good deal.”

  “She just wants entertainment,” he said.

  “Not from this one,” Bonnie said. “I need someone who enjoys math. Entertainment is a secondary perk.”

  “Forgive me,” Maeve said, “but why did you… call Luke? I mean, he doesn't seem happy here. Like he didn't have a choice.”

  “I didn't,” Luke grumbled.

  Bonnie smiled at Maeve. “Simple. You know the holy writings well enough; you know the story about the youngest god?”

  Maeve nodded slowly, confused. “He fell in love with a mortal and was banished… Why?”

  Bonnie pointed to Luke, who cringed. “That's his father.”

  “Oh. Oh.” Maeve took a step away from Luke, staring. “Ok. So your dad’s not a changeling. Yeah. I- Do you have a chair?”

  Bonnie waved, and a chair appeared behind the neko. She collapsed into it, running her fingers through her hair.

  Luke looked worried. “There’s a lot of things I’m not supposed to talk about. I wasn't specifically trying to…”

  Maeve looked at Bonnie. “If I accept, will I get to learn everything? Would any question remain unanswered? I mean about the universe; how the world works, why things are the way they are.”

  “In time,” the Watcher of Tiros promised. “Not right away, but you will learn everything eventually.”

  “I accept,” Maeve said.

  Bonnie smiled. “Great! Now, before I send you back: Luke, Maeve has had a massive crush on you for a while now. Maeve, Luke is completely smitten with you, but thinks you’re far too good for him. Which you are, but don't let that stop you, he’s got a good heart. Now, go figure things out, I have work to do.” With a wave of her hand, they were back in the inn.

  Another wave, and Bonnie was back in her office. She pulled up her geotech screens, and immediately saw the problem. It was amazing how taking a break could clear the mind and make hidden things obvious.

  The ocean’s tectonic plate was pushing up against the continent’s tectonic plate, and it was cracking. The continent was close to snapping.

  The Watcher cursed, wishing she didn't have to figure this out on her own.