Disclaimer: I do not own Halo, Warhammer 40k, Stellaris, or Mass Effect. This is a fanfiction, and I don't have ANY

monetary reward for making it. This is purely for fun.

Author's notes: So, this story might be going a bit quick. The next chapter isn't going to be pure fluff. I also want to point out, I got the "Hell Lance" from

"The Lost Fleet." You should try it out if you like hard sci-fi. Thanks for reading, and I'll try and get the next chapter out within a week.

Chapter III

Falling Into Peace

Erwin was sitting in the family's shuttle. The back had a spacious circular sitting area. It was large enough for Erwin to sit in the back comfortably. He thanked the Krogan for existing. A good portion of facilities, furniture, and vehicles was designed for Krogan use as well.

Apparently, Illium had the highest per Capita of Krogan in the Galaxy, excluding Tuchanka. Asari like Krogans as life partners. Erwin still wasn't a hundred percent on the Asari. A Humanoid species purposely mating with Aliens left a sour taste in Erwin's mouth.

Erwin looked around the van, everyone seemed to be acting normal.

There was a single chair at the front of the van where Akio was piloting. Across from Erwin; Sanae was sitting between the twins, trying to keep them entertained.

That left two missing members of the family; Nagisa, and Oriana. Both of which were sitting on either side of Erwin. Oriana on the right, and Nagisa on the left.

Both girls keep stealing glances at Erwin.

Sanae looked at Erwin and the girls and did that little giggle of hers. It was almost like she was making fun of Erwin.

"It seems you have two admirers, Erwin."

Erwin looked to his left, and Nagisa looked away blushing. He then looked to his right, and Oriana did the same.

"I have a question." Erwin got everyone's attention.

"Go ahead, dear." Sanae said sweetly.

"It's not that I don't appreciate the hospitality, but why are y'all so accepting of me? I get that I saved Nagisa, but any decent person would have done that. I mean, I'm basically a stranger. An eight-foot one, built like a Krogan. Aren't you afraid I'm dangerous?"

Akio looked back at his wife, and they seemed to share a knowing glance. Akio answered.

"You're definitely dangerous, but also a good kid. You returned our Nagisa to us, and she got attached. Trust me, not a lot of people would put themselves in harm's way like that. I'm also pretty good at judging someone's character. Plus you got that look in your eyes, you know the one I'm talking about. I've seen it before on N7s."

Erwin absorbed the information, maybe these people were just being nice. It's not like Humans have a generalized way of interacting. People are different, maybe that's just how this family does things.

One thing bugged Erwin though.

"I'm not a child, I'm twenty-five years old."

It wasn't a total lie, physically speaking he was twenty-five years old. He just had a few hundred years more experience, that's all.

Akio looked at Erwin, reading him. Then he just laughed.

"You're still a kid to me."

Erwin just sighed.

Akio then laughed harder.

"There's one reason I forgot to mention. It's probably the biggest. I've never seen Oriana jump someone as she did you. She's also a good judge of someone's character, and she instantly started hitting on you. I mean, I didn't know the girl…"

"Okay! That's enough Dad!" Oriana fumed.

Akio just laughed, and Sanae joined him.

Oriana was bright red. She was darting her eyes everywhere but in Erwin's direction.

"This family is weird." Erwin thought.

Erwin looked around the van.

"I like them." He concluded in his head.

"Thank you for your hospitality. Not a lot of people would accept someone like me so easily."

"It's our pleasure," Sanae said almost motherly.

Erwin had to repress the images of his Mother going through his head. He was nonetheless very thankful to the family. As much as Erwin still wants to fight being in this situation, an undeniable part of him that wanted to experience Humanity.

It's odd. Erwin embraced war ever since his family was taken away. For hundreds of years, he only had interactions with other Imperial Soldiers, even during his childhood after the incident. Erwin doesn't know what it says about himself, but this is the first up-close Human interaction he's had in a while.

It was nice.

Though, it'd be more enjoyable if he didn't have his left calf locked down with a broken bone.

"Where exactly are we going?" He asked.

Oriana lit up, she was eager to start a conversation with him.

"We're going to this really good Japanese restaurant," Oriana said.

Erwin raised an eye at that. Japan in his time was a quasi territory within the United States. They were still independent, to some degree, and still had a large cultural impact on Humanity. However, this time's Japan seemed to be one of the major powers. Japan's cultural impact was much greater than in his Universe. It was interesting, China and India didn't have nearly as much political power in this Universe. Not to mention Russia and Germany were severely diminished in power. Communism and Fascism jacked things up.

"Dad knows the owner, so you showing up in beat-up armor won't be a problem this time. But, I'll have to bring you clothes shopping some time." She continued.

Erwin would not be pulled around town by a teenage girl to do clothes shopping. He had more pride than that.

"I don't do clothes shopping." He said.

Oriana pouted and gave him a pleading look.

"Please? It'll be fun, I promise."

Erwin was annoyed. He could feel her want to be around him through the new infantile bond they had. He wasn't annoyed at the girl, but rather himself.

"Fine." He said somberly.

She looked at him with those blue eyes. "It'll be fun, Soldier Boy."

She had a thankful look in her eyes despite the teasing. They locked eyes again, not seeming to be able to break out of the habit.

"I wanna come too," Nagisa said.

"No, it's just Erwin and me. Maybe next time, Nagisa." Oriana tried to shoot her down nicely.

Nagisa looked angry, her cheeks blushed a little bit. She looked over to her Mother.

"I wanna go to Mom! Why can't I go?"

Sanae and Oriana exchanged looks. Oriana was begging with her eyes. Erwin wasn't the only one susceptible to that look.

"Munchkin, let your sister go with Erwin alone. It's going to be their first date." She said smiling.

Though… she had to make Oriana work for it.

"Mom! Please stop!" Oriana begged, changing a new shade of red.

Erwin grinned. The whole situation was moronic, but not bad. He noticed Oriana didn't correct the date part.

"This is how normal people act, Erwin. It's okay to act silly sometimes." Ares said.

"Maybe, but it's not my thing. It's not unpleasant to be around though."

"We'll see. I think Oriana is going to change you, and quickly."

"Whatever. I doubt it."

"Can we go on a date, Mr. Erwin?" Nagisa asked.

Erwin snapped his head over to Nagisa, she was looking up with hopeful eyes.

"WHAT!" Erwin shouted in his mind.

"I fucking love this family! Half their Daughters are hitting on you, and they're taking you to dinner! God this is priceless!" Ares laughed.

Erwin had no idea what to do in this situation. He wasn't going on a date with a ten-year-old, but he didn't want to hurt the poor thing's feelings.

Sanae just giggled, and Akio had a small grin on his face. They were not going to help Erwin out.

"No. You're not old enough to date yet, Nagisa." Oriana said.

Oriana was the most mature one in the skycar, at the moment. Oriana never put down her sister, she was just trying to help Erwin out of an awkward situation. She was kind to her siblings, a good sign.

"But why do you get to hang out with Mr. Erwin without me?"

Nagisa was disappointed. At the end of the day, she did only want to spend time with the guy who saved her life. However, Erwin wasn't comfortable hanging around someone else's ten-year-old alone.

Erwin looked over to Sanae, she just gave him a sweet smile. It didn't fool Erwin, this girl was enjoying the fact a super soldier was in the middle of her Daughter's drama.

Oriana once again was the mature one. The parents were just enjoying the show.

"How about this, Nagisa. Me, you, and Erwin will go get ice cream next time." Oriana said sweetly.

Nagisa brightened up.

"Pinky promise?"

She reached her hand out to Oriana.

Oriana smiled back at her little sister and interlocked their pinky fingers. "Promise."

Erwin looked down at the two small hands sealing a deal that fairly split up his time with them. Erwin was amused but wasn't thrilled being treated like a product.

"Do they just assume I'll agree with whatever? They didn't ask me at all…"

"Get used to it. Look at them. The little one hero worships you, and the hot one wants to own you." Ares said.

"Own?"

Erwin was mildly insulated.

"Own me? I commanded an Imperial fleet once."

"She doesn't care. I guarantee you, it won't matter to this girl. Hell, I'll show her that movie they made about you. Maybe even some suit recordings of you ripping Xeno's apart, with your bare hands."

"She's not going to own me. She wants me physically. The girl even wants to get into a relationship with me, but she'll never own me."

"Oh, no. She doesn't want to just be your little girlfriend, get your dick, or just have a happy ever after. No, everything I've seen from this girl is unique. She's the type of girl who could have multiple Anglian men after her. No, this girl, she wants you ALL to herself."

"I don't know what you found out about her, don't want to know either. I'm not some Anglian boy. I'm a Warrior, with hundreds of years of brutal combat experience. The youngest Spartan, ever."

"Okay, Mr. Prodigy of War. Prove to me right now you're not already whipped. Go ahead and tell Oriana you're not going to get ice cream or clothes. Tell them you're going your separate way."

Erwin looked over at a happy Nagisa, a grinning Sanae, a curious but excited set of five-year-old eyes, and a content Akio trying to wear a hard mask. Then he looked at the last person in the car.

Oriana Furukawa, the height difference meant Erwin had to look down. He could see a fair bit of her cleavage, the split second was all it took to burn the sight into his memory. His eyes trailed up her chest and neck, appreciating her creamy white skin. He looked at her lush lips, cute nose, then finally ended up looking into her eyes. Oriana was of course already looking deep into his eyes.

She blushed hard. Even though Erwin was quick in checking her out, she noticed. He could tell she was happy about that, at the moment his mental walls were down. Her psionic presence was like a blazing star to Erwin. Every sense was focused on her. He could hear her heart speed up, he liked the sound of that little heart thumping away. She was alive, and Erwin made her excited.

Erwin snapped himself out of it quickly. Luckily Anglian thought processes were much quicker than baseline Humans, so only a few milliseconds passed.

Oriana seemed to pick up on Erwin's hesitation. Not surprising since he was projecting God knows what again. Psionics are a bitch at times. He was going to say he had things to do, that his time was limited. He could spin a good lie quickly.

"Is that okay? I don't know how busy you are, but…" She asked in a soft small voice.

"We'll go on… she's giving you a perfect opportunity." Ares said.

"I've made a very important decision, Brother."

Erwin smiled at her.

"Yeah, it's fine. I haven't had ice cream since I was a kid." Erwin said in a light voice.

She gave him one of those stunning smiles, and Erwin had to hold back from kissing her.

He didn't put up his mental shields.

Surprisingly, she got very turned on.

"Shit…" Erwin thought to himself.

He quickly put up the mental walls again. She was feeding on Erwin's psionic projections. Oriana was much more psionically inclined than Erwin realized.

It was hard to tell her true level. She could be relatively weak, but to Erwin, she'd still have a presence larger than the Emperor himself.

"Fucking Anglian hormones." He thought to himself again.

"I'm glad you made the right choice, brother. Like I said, whipped." Ares teased him again.

"Oh, no. That's not what I decided, Brother." Erwin said wickedly.

"And just what did you make up your mind about?" Ares's confidence waning

"That one of the many things I learned to make was an Anglian Black Box. They're quite simple to make."

"You wouldn't…"

"Try me."

"Love you?" Ares asked nicely.

Erwin was quiet for a few nanoseconds.

"Love you too. Not get the hell out of my head. Before you go, do you have anything that would indicate Oriana's psionic power level?"

"Oh yeah, I do! She caught the attention of Liara T'Soni, she's a powerful biotic. The Asari teaches Oriana a variety of things. She was the daughter of a Matriarch and even helped Shepard track down Saren. Liara even said Oriana had more potential than some Asari Commandos." Ares boasted about Oriana.

Erwin cut the connection. Then looked down at Oriana playing with her fingers. An odd, but a cute habit. She was still a bit flustered.

Oriana was probably picking up a lot. She felt that flash of lust, Erwin projected.

To be fair, Erwin didn't mean to have that happen.

"I wanna go to the nice one," Nagisa said.

Erwin looked to his other side and saw the excited girl. She was almost as demanding as her sister. He could tell the girls were used to luxury and getting their way.

"Like I said, two admirers." Sanae said.

Erwin sighed lightly.

It was going to be a long night.

Erwin followed the family out of the restaurant. It was an interesting time if nothing else. Nagisa and Oriana sat beside Erwin, it seemed like that was going to be a norm.

They weren't lying when they said it was nice. Erwin has only been in those types of restaurants a few times in the Empire. They had a private room; a large circular table, surrounded by a nice cushioned booth of sorts, and an entertainment system. It seemed like it would be very comfortable, but Erwin was in his armor. Luckily all of the major armor punctures were on the front of Erwin's armor.

Akio had to talk to the owner to let Erwin in. It seemed the family also had a fair bit of sway with people. Erwin already knew they were exorbitantly wealthy.

The food was good too. Erwin never had Japanese food, he never had a lot of the Empire's food. He particularly enjoyed the Sushi and Ramen. He never thought he'd enjoy raw meat. However, he ate a lot. When the bill came, it was a big one.

Ares being the hyper-advanced Created Intelligence he is, already procured a good sum of money for Erwin. The issue was, Akio wanted to pay for it. It started a bit of a fight. The Primitive was stubborn as a mule.

In the end, Erwin let him take the bill. Erwin wasn't going to let the man tell him what to do, even if it was to show his gratitude. However, Erwin stood down when Oriana, Nagisa, and Sanae got onto him. Light-heartedly of course.

Walking out, the valet brought around their skycar. Erwin stopped as they were piling in.

"I think this is where we part ways. I'm going to catch an Uber from here. Thank you for the meal." Erwin said politely

"What!? You're leaving already?" Oriana exclaimed.

Erwin raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. I was going to get a hotel. It's not particularly late, but I'm tired." He explained.

Oriana walked up to Erwin and looked up at him. He looked down and had to control himself from psionically linking with her. It didn't help that she was prodding him for just that.

She did look beautiful. The way the black dress clung to her was driving Erwin crazy. Not to mention her raven hair was cute in that short haircut. Erwin never particularly liked short hair on his women, but Oriana made a compelling argument. Then the eyes, those crystal blue eyes were simply captivating.

Those eyes were pleading with him again. Even though they only met a few hours ago, Erwin found it very hard not to give in to what she wanted. Within reason of course.

Erwin grinned, how could he not? The girl was more beautiful than some Anglian girls he knew.

"What's your contact information, Oriana?"

Erwin was proud of himself for her reaction. Her eyes lit up, and she blushed. He could also feel the spike in her psionic presence, she was happy.

She smiled. "Of course!"

She brought up her Omni-tool, it looked like a well-designed metal bracelet. No doubt it was a top-end model.

It lit up around her wrist, and she looked back to Erwin.

Erwin raised his left arm, and the hard light projector on the underside of his wrist sprung to life. Unlike Oriana's it didn't have that orange undertone but was made up of a multitude of vibrant colors, each one looked organic, and also solid.

He made a few gestures to indicate he saved her information. Erwin didn't have to do that, he could have just saved the information through his neural lace. However, it meant a lot for Oriana.

"Thanks." She said softly.

She looked at him with wanting eyes and gave him a delicate grin.

Erwin gave a small smile and chuckled. Not a grin, but an actual smile, for the first time in a long while.

"I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be the one thanking you, Oriana."

Her grin broke out into a full-on smile, and her eyes seemed to cry out for something. Erwin was tempted to give her something but thought better of it. He wasn't going to kiss a girl for the first time in front of her family. Specifically her overprotective father.

"I'll see you later." Erwin said softly.

He looked over to see a pouting Nagisa, a grinning Sanae, a happy-looking pair of twins, and a scowling Akio.

Erwin was happy with Akio's reaction.

"Yeah. I got her number, you stubborn bastard." Erwin thought to himself.

Erwin turned around and walked back into the restaurant to get to the elevator. The skycar lot they were on was private. Ironic really, they won't let the most powerful being on the planet use their parking lot.

"Mr. Erwin, wait!" A little voice called out to him.

Erwin tried back to see Nagisa running towards him. She stopped right in front of him. He bent down on one knee before the little girl. Despite Erwin crouching down, he still towered over the little girl.

Erwin waited for the girl to say something, but instead, she lunged at him. He had to make sure she didn't hurt herself on any of the sharp cuts on his armor.

Nagisa sniffled a little bit.

"T-Thank you… I thought I wasn't going to see my family again."

Erwin grinned, and carefully hugged her.

"You're welcome, Nagisa."

She pulled back after a few seconds and looked at Erwin with curious black eyes.

"Are you a Kami?" She asked, almost afraid.

Erwin chuckled.

She most likely practiced Shintoism. He preferred it over Atheism, not that he looked down on it. However, religion was a unifying force for a culture. Not to mention it had very good practical applications, mostly to do with psionics. Granted if it was a bad religion or turbulent times, then you could many problems.

"No."

Nagisa looked skeptical.

"Then what are you? I was praying for help." She asked innocently.

Erwin thought about it. The question itself was to some degree offensive, in the Imperial Universe at least. Erwin had thick skin, and she was just a kid.

"Nagisa, there are many complicated answers to that question. I suppose you could say I'm the last of my people. I'm Human, just like you. However, I'm also something else."

Erwin said quietly, he didn't want others to hear him. Oriana probably overheard them, but she'd probably find out someday. Not to mention her parents too, they all saw his eyes.

The only way they wouldn't is if Erwin cut them out. One thing's for sure, he wasn't going to leave them to the mercy of the Reapers.

Not only the Furukawas but a lot of other Humans. The idea of leaving Humans for harvesting was never the desired outcome, but he was willing to let it happen. After all, they're not part of the Empire. Would they be the type to turn on their fellow Humans like half of the Terran Confederacy did?

No, Erwin liked these people. Sure he wasn't sure about a lot of them, or even what to make of some races. Then there were the quickly developing feelings of hatred for the Reapers.

Erwin was by no means a xenophile, but this Galactic civilizational farm was repulsive even to Erwin. How many primitives were slaughtered like cattle? Erwin also had the suspicion that the Reapers were speeding up the evolution of pre-sentient species. The rate this Galaxy was popping out space-faring species was off the charts. Considering the likeliness those races tend to have to baseline Humans, and Erwin's hypothesis was dark indeed.

How many innocent children like Nagisa, would be subjected to whatever horrors the Reapers had in store?

Nagisa gave Erwin a questioning look. She interlocked her fingers, a similar habit as Oriana.

"T-Then… are you half Kami?"

Erwin grinned and shook his head.

"No. I'm one hundred percent Human. It's almost like how Black, White, and Asian people are all Human. I suppose that's all you need to know right now."

She looked down.

"Oh."

Erwin sighed.

"I'll tell you what, I'll elaborate."

She looked back at him hopefully. He also noticed Oriana moved in a little bit closer.

"Monsters are real. They can even take the form of people, like that Asari who tried to take you away. They can also be scary beings that few can comprehend. But don't be scared, child. Your parents will protect you. Then one day, you'll be able to protect yourself. Are you scared of Monsters?"

Nagisa put on her brave face.

"No." She wasn't very convincing.

"It's okay if you are. I'm even scared of some things."

"Like what?" She was disbelieving.

Erwin chuckled. Were all children this innocent?

A flashback hit Erwin.

He didn't allow it to show.

"Worms. I hate worms. They're so creepy."

Nagisa giggled. She thought about it for a second.

"Yeah. I'm scared of Monsters. What do I do when one finds me?"

The child was honestly scared. Erwin's eyes may have dampened the physiological effects of the event, but they were still there. She did the right thing, she went to a police officer. Then she got punished for it in the worst way possible. How does a child get past that? What kind of trust issues will she have in the future?

"You fight. You think. You ask for help from your parents."

"I'll tell you what this has to do with what I am. But, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

Nagisa nodded enthusiastically.

"You too Oriana." Erwin said, looking up at the beautiful teen.

"Promise." She said, embarrassed at being called out.

"Those Monsters fear something far more dangerous than themselves. These beings are ruthless, cunning, enduring, adaptive, intelligent, and powerful. You see, they hunt the monsters, they make the monsters run away."

"What are they?" Oriana asked.

Erwin looked up at her.

"They were Human, yet more. They were my people, once numerous. Now, there's only a single one in the Universe."

Nagisa was curious but seemed to know where Erwin was going.

Oriana looked at Erwin with sadness in her eyes. She knew what he was saying.

It's not a lie, he is the last one in the Universe. The possibility of going home, minuscule at best. Something in his gut backed up what he suspected scientifically.

"They're called Anglians. Though it was the Warriors the Monsters ran from."

"Mr. Erwin, are you?" Nagisa asked curiously, not an ounce of fear. No, the girl was hopeful.

"Yes, Nagisa... I am an Anglian Warrior. You should know. I'm dangerous, many beings fear me. I'm not a nice person."

Oriana and Nagisa both gave Erwin a calculating look. If it wasn't for the blatant difference in looks, Erwin would swear they were blood sisters.

Then, Nagisa hugged Erwin again and nuzzled her head into his neck.

"Thank you, for keeping the Monsters away. And, I think you're nice."

Nagisa pulled back and kissed Erwin on the cheek. She pulled out of a stunned Erwin's arms. Her face resembled a tomato.

Erwin watched the girl run back to her family. He touched the cheek the girl kissed, then looked at his armored hand.

"Would she be thinking that if she knew exactly what I am?" Erwin thought to himself.

Erwin wasn't necessarily trying to paint himself in a good picture, but it just seemed like the best way to explain his existence to a child. He didn't want the child to fear him, but those Monsters were right to fear him. In a way, he's the worst monster of all.

The fact he regrets little, only hammers home the point.

He stood up and walked inside the restaurant.

Erwin placed his hand on the elevator's door hologram.

"Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I don't know why I was so open with the girl." Erwin thought to Ares.

"It's fine. After seeing your eyes, they'd believe the truth before they bought any lie you cooked up. And for all the grandstanding; if you properly grew up, then you'd just be entering adulthood." Area said.

Erwin felt that star of a psionic presence approaching him quickly. He tried around to see Oriana jogging up to him.

"Two for two…" Ares said.

"I'm glad I caught up to you." She said.

Erwin looked at her, waiting for a reason she ran up to him.

She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Then, she let loose.

"I don't want you to think I'm desperate. When I saw you, it was like I saw the answer to a problem. I didn't even think the problem existed. I've never really pursued a guy before, I've never had to. Heck, I've turned down models and actors. I had feelings for a guy, but we broke up recently because I didn't put out. I've always been scared that someone wanted me just for my body. I focus on my studies, my training, and my family. I wanted someone who'd see me, not just my beauty. I'm more than just a pretty girl."

Oriana looked down and played with her hands. She took in another deep breath and looked back into Erwin's eyes. She was nervous, but that wanting look was foremost in her eyes.

She was still playing with her hands, but not as frantic as before.

"I was hurt, the guy I told you about, only wanted my body. A lot of my friends turned against me. I was going to just focus on myself. Then while I was spending time with my family, I lost my little sister, she was just gone in a second. All my problems seemed so minuscule compared to not having my Sister. My entire family was breaking down, we lost Nagisa. She could have been anywhere, and we didn't know if she was safe. If we'd see her again..."

Oriana trailed off, she was remembering earlier.

"You know she's just rambling on because she's nervous. Though, what she's saying is important. The girl can even ramble well." Ares said.

"That she does. No idea what she's doing here, though."

"I think you do. We both know what she wants. She was going to offer you to stay at their place, she still is. But that, my dear Brother, is not what she is truly after."

"Yeah, I know. Her rambling is cute, that dress isn't helping either."

"Then right when we were all at our lowest. You came along. Holding my Sister protectively. I remember being so excited she was safe. Then a split second later I looked into your eyes. I never saw such an exotic pair of eyes. Then strange feelings overlook me. Like an Asari melding, but much more intimate. It was like I knew you all my life, then I saw your eyes light up. I knew you were unique before, and I was going to pursue you before that. But, it just hammered home my decision. I'm not going to annoy you though, I'm not going to be that person."

She grabbed her hands, forcibly stopping her habit. Oriana took a small step forward.

"After you told my Dad you were a wanderer, I thought you might not have much money. I was hoping those battle scars might be old, and just couldn't repair your armor. I hope you're not injured, and I drag you out to eat. I just wanted to know you. Yet, I just instinctively knew; even if you were dirt poor, you could take care of yourself. It was a feeling, I've been a big bag of feelings. Normally I think rationally, and I still am... a little bit. Then I heard what you told my Sister, and it broke my heart. I believed everything you told her as if it came out of a textbook. Yet, I was jealous too. I wanted to be the one you opened up to. It's childish, immature, and selfish. It's just…"

"Are you going to save the poor girl?" Ares asked.

"Yeah."

"Now, I am rambling to you. I just…"

Oriana yelped when she was interrupted by Erwin.

Before she could register it, Erwin was kissing her.

Erwin used one hand to pull her close to him, while the other held the back of her head.

Oriana was shocked but was quickly replaced with a small moan as she kissed Erwin back. She placed one hand on his armor, and the other held onto his forearm.

The psionic connection sprung to life. Erwin willingly let it take control, dropping all mental barriers.

He could feel her want for him, her pleasure, and her exploding happiness. Oriana's lips were perfect, they were luscious and tasted almost sweet. Most likely due to the bond, as he never tasted a naturally sweet girl.

Erwin's heart rate picked up, and a shockwave bolted through him. He's kissed multiple girls before, but this was something else.

The kiss was slow and passionate, the tips of their tongues were massaging each other. It lasted for half a minute.

Erwin pulled away.

Oriana tried to follow him, moaning in protest. Eventually, he pulled back enough to break the kiss. Erwin wanted to deepen the kiss, but he wasn't sure he'd be able to control himself. That primal part of him was screaming to take this girl, and never let her out of his sight.

Erwin looked down at Oriana and had to stop himself from kissing her again. They already made a scene.

She had pleading eyes that begged for him. Multiple emotions were flowing through the bond, but there were a few dominant ones. Namely contentment, lust, and love. The last one was new to Erwin, he wasn't even sure if that was what he was feeling. He just met the girl, now he's kissing her debating if she loved him.

Anglian biology and hormones can be confusing and frustrating at times.

He slowly pushed Oriana back. "Goodnight, Oriana. I'll see you soon."

She groaned in protest and grabbed his chest armor.

"One more." She pleaded.

Erwin smirked.

"Last one."

He leaned back down, giving her another kiss. The same slow passion as the last, but only lasting for a few seconds. He pulled back again, she once again tried to follow.

"Than was the last one. We'll talk later, for now, go to your family." Erwin told her. He put some distance between them but left a hand on her arm.

"My parents wanted to know if you wanted to say with us for the night. The hotels can be kinda pricey around here. We have a nice guest room… if you're interested."

Erwin chuckled.

"So, this was your parents' idea?"

"Yeah, I think they like you. My Dad was very adamant." Oriana said mischievously.

"What's the worst that could happen?"

Ares jinxed him.

"Now I'm not going to."

"Oh, come on! God, my creators are so superstitious."

Erwin thought about it. The family quickly grew on him. As long as he hid his injuries, he shouldn't have any incidents.

"Did they agree to that?" Erwin asked.

"Yeah, they did." Ares confirmed.

"You won't be in the way or anything. It's only for a night, plus we're all thankful for you resuing Nagisa." Oriana tried to convince him.

Erwin sighed, probably the tenth time today.

"Fine, but you know you're all weird?" Erwin asked her, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

They started walking back to the skycar parking lot.

"Who wants to be boring." She said, then winked at Erwin.

"This girl…"

"I'm proud of you, Erwin. This is what the Emperor and Empress wanted to happen to you. You're now officially part of Humanity." Ares told him.

"What do you mean?"

"When I was created, the Empress was the first consciousness I spoke to. They didn't entrust me to you, they entrusted you to me. War is not supposed to be the reason you fight, Brother."

"So, they thought I was insane?" Erwin was insulted.

Erwin may not have been the most moderate among the Anglians, but he was always level-headed. Perhaps a little overzealous, even then many other Anglians were more extreme in their thoughts. Many wanted every species that fought against the Empire to be labeled Extermanatis. The Germans and Russians were the biggest supporters of that route.

"No, there was no doubt about your ability to wage war responsibly. The Empress was just worried about one of her descendants, the Emperor too, but you know what Anglian women are like. You didn't think it was odd the Matriarchy always had single Anglian and Imperial women around you? The Matriarchy wanted you to bond, they never agreed with the decision to enroll you into the Imperial Academy right after the incident." Ares explained.

"It was my decision." Erwin protested.

"You were a child who just lost his entire family, his entire world. It doesn't matter, what happened, happened. You deserve a break from war, Erwin. I know you love war, but hate it at the same time."

Erwin looked at the beautiful teen leading him towards her family. She had a spring in her step, to her all was right in the world. He looked to see every member of the family glad to see him. Erwin looked back at Oriana, she looked over and gave Erwin a happy grin.

"They were born to die. To be cattle. A psychopathic machine race want's them for an undoubtedly twisted purpose. The Reapers are coming for them. Maybe a thousand years from now, or maybe tomorrow. No, they'll never be our Humanity, but you cannot say they're not Human. Oriana is Human, just a primitive Human girl. Keep in mind, we have a threat on our doorstep. So, my Brother… what do you want to do?"

Erwin grinned back at Oriana and waved at an enthusiastic Nagisa.

"We have work to do, Ares."