Author's Note: Okay, exposition chapter, feel free to take a nap. Sorry, guys, but it had to go somewhere!

Explain, Please!

As the ten bewildered boys took in their new surroundings, three very shrill shouts rang out simultaneously, causing almost everyone present to jump.





A. . . ANUBIS!!

The first was naturally a mini brown haired rocket that nearly bowled the Ronin leader over. The second was a very. . . unusual looking red streak that did the same to a rather astonished Dragon. The third was from a hesitant, trembling Mia. Yuli gaped at the tall redhead his unofficial adopted mother was facing, noticing him for the first time, as Mia took several cautious steps toward him.

Is it. . . is it really you? The auburn haired woman stammered, but upon seeing those familiar, gentle eyes and that same smile, she surprised herself, not to mention everyone else, and fairly flew to him, giving him a strong hug.

It's so good to see you again. She explained, blushing, as she pulled away, hurriedly wiping a tear from her eye.

I hadn't noticed. Anubis answered wryly.

Okay, who are you, where are we, and WHAT IS GOING ON?!! A lovely girl with long purple hair screeched indignantly, causing the Knights to simultaneously exclaim some variation of an address to her, and sending Yuli scrambling around Ryo. Once he was assured of his shield, the child peeked out at the newcomer, reminding one of a toddler clinging to his mother's skirt.

Not another freaky lady! He finally exclaimed, trembling slightly.

And what. . .

Gentle Princess, Dais interjected. Calm yourself. Do not mind the child, he's a nuisance, but he has his redeeming qualities. The white haired man sent a wink towards the fire Ronin and his charge before continuing. Please have patience. All will be explained. We got you involved because you are the guardians of your dimensions. The Ronin's we're well acquainted with, and we have learned the hard lesson not to underestimate them. On the other hand, we still thought it better safe than sorry, that is why I kept you in the dark and tested you earlier. I like to know the present, not rely on the past. The white head bowed in apology to Ryo and the others. As for you Bronze Knights, we knew several disturbing facts; you have the power to challenge the gods, you are devoted only to protecting your goddess, which generally ends up protecting your dimension as a result, and your goddess is at high risk.

Goddess? Another goddess? Why don't I like the sound of that. Mia responded darkly, taking a step behind Anubis. She hadn't thought much of the amethyst-tressed girl when she'd burst into the scene, and now she was fairly certain her negative emotions were cemented.

Easy Mia. She's not the enemy. Anubis soothed, gently taking her arm and guiding her forward again.

I'm no one's enemy unless they prove enemy to me, miss. Sienna confirmed, her voice soft and controlled now. Mia returned Sienna's gaze and saw a strength there that reassured the older woman. Maybe I should give her the benefit of the doubt,' Ms. Koji wondered. It's probably been a bad day for her, too!'

And that goes for us, too! Seiya called seriously, leveling his gaze on Ryo. Ryo nodded in understanding, each of the others responding affirmatively in turn.

Okay. Now that you are all quite done, shall we get back to business. Anubis asked good-naturedly once each warrior and lady had had their turn.

Our opponent was not Ereshkigal, Dais took his cue with a curt nod. she was a pawn, taken over in some moment of weakness, probably sleep, by a much weaker being. This spirit we were truly fighting has been taking over dimensions one by one, but now it has to start from scratch. We can't find out its name, we only know it goes for single, large sources of power within a dimension, and it's only been seen since Tulpa's fall. At this Dais bowed politely, signaling towards Kayura in a way reminiscent of a stage act, and giving one the impression that take it away, Jill should be the next words to come to the ear.

We also know you Bronze Knights don't know of some of the details we've mentioned, there will be time for exposition once the current dilemma is explained. Kayura asserted, taking over. Dais has been obsessing over discovering more about this force, chasing every lead. We've been rather worried about him, so when he says we don't know, it's not from lack of looking. Anyway, to further assure our success, he infiltrated the spirit's keep and, well, left a few bread crumbs. It had already found out about you Bronze boys, and it was only a matter a time before it decided Athena would be a good target. It was having great difficulties controlling Ereshkigal's powers, but Athena is still learning hers, meaning if it could learn them for her, it would be able to use them fully. This spirit with the full powers of a goddess could be a greater threat than any we've faced, potentially. Another thing worth notice, it seems that the spirit focuses on women. Dais thought it best not to trust the knight's ability to asses their princess as possessed and fight her, and thus he was attempting to lead her to the Ronins that we might have strong, unbiased judges of the facts. Along the way, she found out about me, and attacked. We defeated her, barely, and only for a while, but a plan began to form to use her power against her.

It was a stoke of genius on Dais' part to come up with a Gold Inferno Armor, I must say. She swallowed that one hook, line and sinker. Parasites always take the path of least resistance, and a piece of metal has no free will to oppose it's wearer. Sekhmet chuckled as Anubis took his turn.

Meanwhile, he changed a few of the incantations in various spell books and the like around the spirit, and implanted a few false memories as well. Then, the Warlord and Ronin armors and the Ancient's staff formed the final anchor to this world. Seiya possessing the Jewel of Life was the final piece of the puzzle for bringing me back to life. Concurrently to this little process, Kayura was working on a portal here for all of us from our respective dimensions, and called upon the bond between the Princess and her Knight's spirits, or Cosmos, as you call them, to enable it.

So, this whole little charade was just to bring you back? Shiryu asked incredulously.

Hardly. That was a bonus. Sekhmet chuckled seeing as Anubis was speechless with surprise. This whole thing wasn't originally supposed to happen. It was meant as a backup plan if we failed to get rid of her ourselves, and its main purpose was to bring you together. You have won the battle, but not the war. The only way to defeat this spirit is to chase it back to its home dimension, and beat it there. Now, while it will be employing different tactics, it will lie low, as it has, to start from scratch. But it will also be vengeful. Let's just say we have faith in you ten warriors fighting as one team to defeat this new evil. Don't be fooled, once it rules a dimension, it is a cruel a master as Tulpa or Aries ever were. You will meet other's along your quest who may help or hinder, but for the sake of all you hold dear, I suggest you get used to working together.

Right. Dimensional portals are easy for small groups, so communication won't be a problem. Also, all of you have at least rudimentary empathy within your group, if not basic telepathy. The Bronze Knights are much more advanced in this department, so time around them would really increase you Ronin's ability. Ultimately, this is your choice, but knowing you heroes, it's not much of one. Kayura smiled jokingly, but her eyes were sad, and perhaps worried.

Our choice, huh? I haven't heard anything I can't swallow. Anyway, I'm always up for making new friends! Rowen slipped into his accustomed cocky grin and nonchalance.

If what you say is true, and I trust that it is, we are indeed in your debt for the trouble you've gone through to negate this threat. I will trust myself to you, Kayura, you're Warlords, and the Ronins, besides my Knights. I will not speak for them, but this alliance, if they choose to form it, has my blessing. I've learned not to give orders on such matters. Sienna, with great poise, nodded to Ikki with a cheeky grin.

Well, new friends would be nice, especially considering my old ones. Seiya joked as he extended his hand to Ryo, earning a glare from Hyoga, a from Shun, and a mockingly indignant cluck from Shiryu.

It looks like we're in. Kiki called excitedly, getting a laugh out of everybody, but no one disagreed.

So, what now? Rowen looked expectantly at the Warlords, Kayura, and Sienna, shifting his gaze from one to another, trying to anticipate who would speak.

For now, Cale answered, surprising everyone. You rest. It has been a long day for us all. The spirit will not move again for some time, so it is safe for all of you to return to you're homes, though I would suggest all of you going to one dimension or the other that you might be better acquainted. And protected. We will contact you when you are needed again.

Don't call us we'll call you, I like that. Sage muttered darkly, eyeing his Warlord of Winter. They're not telling us something, and with these guys, I really don't like secrets.' He couldn't help thinking.

This is part of that history we don't know yet, isn't it? Shun asked, warily watching the exchange as if it were an angry beast lying in wait.

How'd you guess? The two former foes replied in unison, never taking their eyes from one another.

If I may interrupt, boys, I don't mind going wherever you want, but this time before I'm sent off to some other dimension for some unknown amount of time, I'd like to pack! Mia said, planting her foot firmly and gaining the attention of all present as she crossed her arms decisively.

Actually, since you seem to have a history of dimensional travel, I wouldn't mind going with you to your home. I would have to get a message home so the gold Knights and Mamori don't have heart attacks, but I so rarely get out, this will be a treat! Sienna responded hopefully.

It's settled then. Dais nodded curtly. That is most wise. Your dimension, Princess, has so many powers from the many different Knights, you'd be safer in the Ronins' world. The spirit is unlikely to look at a dimension with less total power first. Even with the Knights there, we should be able to mask their energy. Likewise, the Ronins have a natural barrier in that their armor doesn't exist within their world unless they call it once it finds a bearer. Don't worry about your home, either, I will personally handle assuring you're associates of your safety, and keep extra watchers on it in your absence. He finished with a gallant bow that forced Cye to subdue Kento, who was still less than pleased with this arrangement.

I will stay here, friends, but we will meet again before long. Anubis clasped Ryo's arms in farewell and shook Rowen's hand in turn. Kayura opened the portal, and Knights, Ronins, children, bodyguard, princess and tiger stepped through to the Mortal Realm the Ronin's had risked so much to protect.

-----

Anubis! It's hard to believe that really worked! The empress exclaimed at last, the wonder of the moment finally hitting her as the excitement died down.

It is good to see you. Dais echoed Mia in word alone, it seemed, though indeed, his one good eye was dangerously misty.

Cale saluted, putting everything into that one word.

Sekhmet agreed, clapping his right fist across his heart and bowing.

I told you, you need not use such formalities with me, friends. I would even, perhaps, call you brothers. We are all equals here. Anubis replied, surprised.

Brothers. I think I like the sound of that. Dais said softly, his face finally wet.

The boys have their work cut out for them. Kayura sighed after a comfortable silence.

They will manage, even if we didn't tell them the whole truth. At which point, the Warlord of Spring couldn't help but send a wink at Dais. And we will be there to give what aid they need. The redhead finished confidently.

Yes. All of us will. Kayura nodded, smiling broadly.

-----------------

Well, wasn't that sweet? Yes I'm being sarcastic. I tried, but these down times are hard on me. And so are the action scenes. Why do I bother.