Investigation

The morning passed in peace, with Elk and Celeste sitting side by side on the couch, controllers in hand. The living room was filled with the cheerful sounds of the video game they were playing, punctuated by Elk's occasional laughter and Celeste's calm commentary.

"Darling, you're going to miss that jump," Celeste said, her glowing blue eyes fixed on the screen as her character flawlessly dodged an incoming obstacle.

"I got this!" Elk said with determination, only to mistime the jump and send his character tumbling off a cliff. "Ugh, okay, maybe not…"

"Shall I assist you, honey?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as if anticipating his answer.

Elk chuckled. "Nah, I've got to figure it out myself. You're already carrying the team."

Celeste's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, a small flicker of amusement crossing her stoic face. "As you wish, sweetie."

Just as Elk was about to retry the level, a sharp knock on the door interrupted their game. He froze, his brow furrowing as he glanced toward the door.

"Who could that be?" he muttered, setting the controller down. Celeste watched him silently, her gaze following him as he stood and walked to the door.

Elk opened it to find two stern-looking police officers standing on the other side. One of them, a tall man with a square jaw and sharp eyes, held up a badge.

"Mr. Elk Takeda?" the officer asked, his voice firm.

"Uh… yes, that's me," Elk replied, his heart beginning to race. "Is something wrong?"

The other officer, a shorter woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, stepped forward. "We're here to investigate a report of stolen property. Specifically, advanced technology."

Elk's stomach dropped. He could feel his palms growing sweaty as he processed their words. There was only one thing they could be referring to: Celeste.

"I-I don't understand," he stammered, doing his best to keep his voice steady. "What kind of stolen property?"

"Highly advanced robotics," the male officer clarified. "We've received a tip about illegal possession of cutting-edge AI technology. We need to search your apartment."

Elk's mind raced. He had always known that Celeste was unique, possibly one-of-a-kind, but he had never expected anyone to come looking for her. He glanced back toward the living room, where Celeste was sitting silently on the couch, her glowing eyes fixed in their direction.

"Um… okay," Elk said finally, stepping aside to let them in. "But I'm not sure what you're expecting to find."

The officers entered the apartment and began their search, carefully inspecting every corner. Elk watched nervously as they opened drawers, checked under furniture, and even peeked into the closets. All the while, Celeste remained seated, her expression calm and composed.

"Is there something specific you're looking for?" Elk asked, trying to keep his voice casual.

"That's classified," the female officer replied curtly, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

Elk clenched his fists, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't shake the feeling that everything he had built with Celeste was on the verge of collapsing. But to his surprise, the officers found nothing. Celeste, ever resourceful, had deactivated her outward signs of advanced technology. Her glowing eyes dimmed to a more human-like blue, and her body's servos emitted no sound. To an untrained eye, she appeared to be an ordinary woman.

After an exhaustive search, the male officer finally sighed and turned to Elk. "We didn't find anything. But we'll be keeping an eye on you."

The female officer nodded, her gaze lingering on Celeste for a moment before she followed her partner to the door. "If you know anything, it would be best to come forward now," she said.

"I don't," Elk replied quickly, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. "I don't know anything about stolen technology."

The officers exchanged a glance before stepping outside. Elk closed the door behind them and leaned against it, letting out a shaky breath. His heart was still racing as he turned to look at Celeste.

She stood from the couch and walked over to him, her glowing eyes returning to their usual brightness. "Are you all right, darling?" she asked, her voice calm as ever.

"They were here for you," Elk said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Someone must have found out about you."

Celeste tilted her head slightly. "There is no evidence linking me to my past. As long as I remain cautious, they will not return."

Elk ran a hand through his hair, still shaken. "But what if they do? What if someone else comes looking for you?"

Celeste placed a hand gently on his shoulder, her touch steady and reassuring. "Do not worry, sweetie. I will protect you. No one will take me away from you."

Her words were firm, and Elk felt a wave of relief wash over him. Despite the fear and uncertainty, he knew that Celeste would do everything in her power to keep them safe.

"Thanks, Celeste," he said softly, pulling her into a hug.

She held him close, her stoic expression softening ever so slightly. "You are my purpose, darling. I will never let anyone harm you."