Chapter 18: The End

A/N: It was quite close for leave/stay, with two votes out of the thirteen or so I got in favor of one. I did take longer on this as I had to wait and see what people would like. But this little story of mine will be coming to an end. It followed my original Idea that festered several years ago in my head and 15 months after posting the first chapter it is finally done. For most of you it was probably the first time reading one my works and while I know many did read the first few chapters interest did peter out from the inital excitement. Either way over 370 pages of a random dude's crossover idea in his head can be put to rest. Thank you to all who reviewed and stuck it out with me, I'm still a joe average writer with just crazy ideas but I appreciate the small following.

It was a blinding yellow flash of light and then… nothing. Naofumi's eyes blinked once, then twice, as he now stood in an entirely new world or one that he simply had no idea existed. The place was like a massive forest, but everywhere he looked he saw its denizens were monsters or non-humans. The entire place was alive with magical energy he could feel it but as he looked down to his arm he realized that this was in fact no longer the world he had been summoned to. For his arm was completely barren; the video game style hud and protective constitution that was once a constant buzzing inside of his mind had completely vanished.

He wasn't home, but perhaps it was the closest he'd been in awhile. "Welcome! Welcome to the land of the forever young, Tir'na nog and for the future it shall be your home little ones." It was Oberon's boisterous and proud voice that began speaking with rapture.

"Spriggan, would you please remove him." Queen Titania spoke with her hand covering her nose, the obvious frustration showing with her loving husband.

"Hey- Hey! I didn't-!" A group of similar looking creatures to the queen's guard appeared and unapologetically picked up the faerie king and hauled him away per her highnesses wishes.

"Master? What happened?" Filo spoke, her body moving closer to him almost protectively as they stood on grass in a completely foreign area to the Filolial. Raphtalia took her place on the other side, her worry evident as well as she was almost equally uncomfortable.

"It would seem that we have all passed through the veil as expected." Elias said looking around, finding familiar settings to be more agreeable. "However it seems that you were all brought here as well."

It was time for the Sleigh Beggy to ask the obvious question, "Does that mean we can-"

"CHISE-"A high pitched whine almost like that of a animal came tearing from the ground as a shaggy black haired dog with a long tail and deep penetrating red eyes tore themselves from the ground, the eyes crying tears as the hound leapt upwards from his position and straight for Chise. The Mage however prevented the familiar from knocking them both over and used his free hand to grab the dog by the scruff of the neck as he lept and held him upright so that he could be close to Chise without causing her any injury. "Oh Chise it is you it is! Oh what happened to you, You smell different, where did you go, I don't know what happened, I-I-I."

"I'm happy to see you too Ruth." Chise smiled, reaching forward and taking the dog's head in her hands, the separation had been quite hard upon the magical fae who had gone through one painful loss with Isabel his former master some time ago only to have his new one stripped away from him without any chance of reconnecting with her. He whined happily as he began to feverishly lick Chise's hands and face with how close they were. "Sorry we were gone, it's a very long story."

"Umm, who or what exactly is that?" Naofumi spoke wondering just how a dog was speaking English to Chise.

The redhead smiled as she stroked Ruth's head who seemed to be completely overjoyed at her return. "This is my Familiar, Ruth." The pair were gently let down to the ground by the Magus who was confident that things would be a bit more relaxed.

"Oh, well that's interesting." Considering what he had gone through this was probably the least worrying of introductions. But then again…

England's night, and mother Queen of the Fae took the moment of peace that had been given to her and walked towards Naofumi and his little party. She already had her intentions set for her sweet Robin but she had some new children to take after and a young human man with potential. Raphtalia, the former shield Hero, and Filo all felt her presence as they blinked and she stood in front of them, her movements untraceable, as she smiled at the three of them. Her radiance and beauty on full display. "May I?" She asked reaching towards the Filolial first with one of her hands.

"Umm, I'm confused who are you…" The avian creature was quickly overwhelmed as Titania's fingers touched her beak, it was on the same level of Chise's touch but the woman leaned up and took her beak and drew her head down towards her eyes. The penetrating stare of those pink eyes caused Filo to shift into her humanoid form as she could almost detect that this was a strain for this woman.

The transformation surprised Titania who almost gasped but her shocked expression quickly melted into one of pure delight. "You are adorable my sweet little child of birds." The little girl smiled and laughed as the Queen ran her fingers through her blonde locks and softly patted her head before pulling her into her stomach for a gentle embrace.

"Oh my! Oh my! OH my!" A chorus of voices began to surround the group as from the darkened shadows hundreds of red eyes appeared from all around them, the chittering laughter was everywhere and while one couldn't call the attention malicious it wasn't the most friendly either.

"Many of my children will find you interesting, but do not worry I promise that you will not come to any harm within my realm, for all that rests within Albion's night are under my protection and my word is everything." From there dozens and then hundreds of smaller Fae creatures emerged, the Areoles, to smaller Fae creatures that looked like hairy mites among others. They all gathered around as some swooped down for a better look while some quickly spirited themselves into Chise and Ruth who watched the scene unfold. All sides were a bit unsure of the other but Queen Titania's words were law, "We have guests within our home, this human known as Naofumi is to be welcomed for he is an ally of our kind and has saved the life of our robin and returned Elias to our world."

Drawing her hand up she then touched the cheek of the young man, "You shall be my guests here," She then cast a look at Raphtalia. "Both of you and your child shall be our blessing and the first of my newest children."

As the chorus of fae creatures cheered, their voices crying out in jubilation as their queen was pleased that meant so were they. The idea of having the birth of a new type of being into their existence was just all the more reason to celebrate. The Aeroles danced in the sky, the smaller creatures twirled and swayed as the hounds that protected the sacred woods gathered at the edges to observe the festive atmosphere.

The high was overshadowed in Nafoumi's mind. The shocking notion that not only was Raphtalia pregnant but he knew exactly who the father was. The full weight of such an event was enough to make his legs go weak. Every thought was a jumbled mess in the teenagers mind, everything had gone from zero to sixty only to punch the accelerator to a hundred plus.

He didn't even know what to say or even do, a father and here, but Filo, his home, and what about-! But this was quieted as her Majesty brought her hand to his forehead and soothed his troubled mind with her own magics. His world became sluggish as she gently tapped his forehead, sending him falling onto the backs of her protector hounds that had formed a line. He was asleep before he even felt the impact. "It seems it was a bit much, but my dears please take this young man to a private room so that he might rest as one of our guests would you?"

"Master?" "Naofumi!" Both of the young women panicked as he collapsed for no reason apparent to them.

"Do not worry my children, he merely needs a moment to calm himself, please follow my hounds that they might carry him to a recluse that you might have a moment to acclimate yourselves, I shall send for one my branches of my being to make sure that you are well settled." Titania smiled as she gave but a wave of her hand sent the hounds off with Naofumi still lying atop their backs being dragged along unmoving. Both Filo and Raphtalia followed but with a small gathering of Faerie creatures in tow wishing to observe and perhaps touch their new neighbors if the opportunity presented itself.

"It would seem that Naofumi has been given a reprieve." Elias spoke as he looked over the scene playing out before him.

"Didn't anyone tell him that Raphtalia was pregnant? He seemed a little bit shocked." Chise added as the color had drained from his face and then was magically put to sleep by Titania. Speaking of, she then approached her favorite Robin and special Elias while Ruth remained sitting on his hind legs while she approached.

"Such a wondrous occasion and all the more meaningful that I now have the two of you here as well." Coming forward she pulled the redhead into a firm embrace burying her within her breasts as she wrapped her arms around her, hugging the Surei Beggah tightly and deeply as though she were the girl's mother. Her head dropped lower to the girl's ear so that she might speak softly to solely her. "I had feared you were lost to us, these many months I had worried for your safety and that perhaps a terrible fate had befallen you. The relief I experience now is almost enough to make me weep." The Fae Queen let her sweet Robin pull her face from her chest and blush hard at the smiling visage who almost seemed to let her lips spread even further into a cheshire cat grin.

It made Chise's anxiety shoot through her spine, even though they did care for her it was more of that same lustful gaze that all fae had for a sleigh beggy. That crushing desire to possess and own her, to relish her attentions and affections. But a hand came to touch upon her shoulder as a massive figure loomed over both of them.

"Titania would it not be good for our Chise to have a rest? The casting of the spell and weaving of her magics spanning across worlds has obviously drained her. Would you be kind enough to give us some space for her to recover?" His shadow slipped between the two of them, neither cautious nor rude to the powerful fae.

"I suppose that will be fine," She said slowly sliding herself from their surei beggah. Though she did give one final sweep across her cheek and through that burning red hair. "I shall allow you a moment to rest although I do hope you will join us later for a feast that we will have to celebrate your return to us?"

"We'd be delighted too provided that we will be able to return to our home following it, my caretaker Silky must be informed of our return to this world. No doubt our hearth will be lit once more along with many of the other mages and humans that still happily come to my doors." Elias spoke calmly, watching the eyes of Titania carefully he did not believe that she would ever hurt either of them, but she would certainly take freedom from any of those she considered her children if meant protecting them.

"Hmm, I might let you but then again I might not. I do have many things to take care of and I must see that young human boy and those two unique demi fae creatures… they are more like you my young Elias but the opposite entirely." She brought a hand to her cheek looking at the two of them with gentle serenity before fading into nothing.

The Magus and his bride looked to another before finally sharing a moment of peace. Even if they were in the land of Tir'Na Nog they were still in a place that they could call home.

[***]

"Hn!" The happy hum of the caretaker wearing her pink victorian bonnet and clothes held Chise in her arms firmly. The fae had lost one family painfully many years ago and after the disappearance of Elias and Chise for no reason it had almost consumed the poor Silky to the point that she might lose herself again. But Ruth had remained on the otherside with her, giving her company and a reminder to the housemaid that Chise was alive so long as the black graveyard dog was with her.

It was that comfort that helped her live with the separation and every morning she had come to wake up Chise with a firm hug, thankful to have her back home once again.

Elias paid Silver Lady's affection no mind, she had every right to enjoy and care for his bride in any manner that she wished. Even as he sat upright in the bed reading a book as Ruth laid across the bedroom sheets along the base of the mattress sharing Chise's side as the mage fully took up his side in his refined form.

"Morning Silver." Chise spoke with a yawn as she just sighed into the content hug. It was one way to be woken up and she had little room to complain.

"Silver Lady we will be having guests for this evening, the usual three plus another. See to it that there is an acceptable palate for everyone who will be arriving here later." The mage spoke as she looked at him with her light red eyes and nodded in affirmation.

This took the redhead by surprise. "Wait, that is today?"

Elias's eyes grew slightly as if surprised. "Of course, the Areoles will be bringing them over this afternoon to join us for tea and dinner."

"Oh my god I totally forgot to get their gifts ready!" Chise jumped up from her bed and made a mad dash down to her room still only wearing her nightgown.

Elias looked to Ruth who gave him a dull stare. "I told her not to forget as she requested." The dog's lips were not moving as he spoke in an equally bland tone. "But this is Chise she is prone to overdoing things." Releasing a dog yawn he slowly stood up and stretched, "I'll make sure she comes down to eat." With that her familiar jumped off the bed slightly and walked down the hallway to her private room.

It was past two when the door was rapped on by the gentle knock of a hand but if those visiting knew that their escorts were they wouldn't have bothered. "Oh please don't be silly!" The green skinned fairy said with her light purple hair and red eyes. Flapping her wings she dipped up into the air and swung around to the side straight into the living area.

It was late spring and the curtains were blowing to allow a breeze to come through. "We're here!" The fae announced to which an annoyed growl and 'Die' followed the voice. But the door opened up revealing Silky who took in the new arrivals who she knew but had never seen in person until this day.

"Uh, hi there, you must be Silky?" A young man with longer black hair that was pulled back into a ponytail that hung just below his neck. His clothes were a mixture of a green shirt and brown pants, he appeared human except for the patches of fur that were now covering the tops of his palms, the small gnarled horns that were popping out from his forehead and the slightly longer fingers than a normal person.

Accompanying him was a tall Raccoon girl with fully brushed hair with small braids framing the sides of her face, a thin but covering white dress was showing a pair of slightly fuller breasts that had a small bundle resting in a small carrying bag with holes for hands feet and a small bushy tail was a a near mirror copy of the woman holding her, except for her piercing green eyes an obvious holdover from her father.

But standing proudly between the two of them was a young blonde haired girl with a blue flowing dress and a necklace decorated with all manner of flowers hanging around her neck. She didn't bother with introductions. "I smell food!" Before blowing right past the Victorian housekeeper.

SIlky gave a polite smile and gestured inside.

"Hey it's bone head and.. Yay Chise!" The exuberance of Filo hadn't changed as she had jumped straight into the lap of the sleigh beggy who was on the couch, "You have such a nice house Chise!" her head was looking around to the fireplace, rows of books and well maintained upholstery. "Totally different from the place we have!"

"Filo you should be more reserved we're guests here." Raphtalia sighed as she walked into the living room carrying her daughter against her chest.

"It seems that you gave birth rather quickly in the Faerie kingdom, interesting." Elias said his hands sitting on the armrests of his chair as he took in the young mother of a demi human and full blooded human, 'of course he's begun to see the effects of the realm of the forever young.' "It would seem that the magics of Tir'na Nog are taking root in you young Naofumi, how are handling the changes?"

The former shield hero shrugged, "I really don't notice it, sure things are a bit different when touching and moving around but it feels more natural everyday. I mean it's a little bizarre looking at my reflection sometimes but I don't feel anything when the changes occur." He had met other human and fae couples in the other realm, some humans were abducted or traded with people and they all were treated well by other fae, of course the outliers and monsters that roamed outside of Tir'na Nog were the obvious exception.

"That is good, but please have a seat. Silver Lady will see to it that our meal is prepared shortly." Elias said, reclining back taking a curious look at the half tanuki hybrid who had the obvious fixation with Elias and was staring at him even as a small hybrid she herself was fixated upon the Magus.

Despite being so young she still possessed some spirit as she just stared dead towards Elias making the mage bring a hand to the side of his cheek holding it up as he studied the small child with interest although expressing nothing outwardly.

Chise sat on the edge on the other side of Naofumi, Filo happily singing away as her legs kicked in the air, perhaps basking in the glow of the Sueri Beggah's aura. Yet she couldn't help but look at the visible changes showing on Naofumi, wondering how much he might become something other than the person she once remembered. Her eyes lingered a little too obviously on the changes as his green eyes caught her staring.

"Hey," He spoke giving her a soft smile.

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean-"

"It's okay I know I look different, but really I'm not upset with it. The Faerie Kingdom is much different from the one one I came from but I don't have any issues with it." He tried to be reassuring but could see the guilty look from Chise. Putting the blame or perhaps believing what she had done was more of a burden on him. But this was his own choice to make, she didn't change where he was and what he had become. His arm opposite her reached over and grasped Raphtalia's side. Making the Tanuki mother blush as he pulled her into his side. "I don't regret what happened and I can't undo the choices that I've made. Thinking on what if's and could've been won't help anyone and I don't know if I would've been able to enjoy myself with Raphtalia and our daughter which he felt would be appropriate to name her Chia."

"A combination of Chise and Raphtalia, the name rather fitting as it holds the Tanuki's figure with the green of Chise, but of course genetics would show it being from your lineage Naofumi." Elias summarized his observation of the name and physical features bluntly.

Naofumi's mouth opened but before he could utter his words a figure shot through the window slamming hard into Elias causing the magus to release an utter gasp but the impact caused him no physical harm as an old familiar appeared to Chise, "Hi! Hi Master Lindel sent me on ahead to inform of you his impending arrival!"

"Meertuli!?" Chise said shocked as the half seal half human figure familiar jumped onto her shoulder.

"Yep! Yep! Sir Lindel wanted to come and visit the human and half human from another world!" SHe giggled spinning herself around across Chise's shoulders, her weight not apparently an issue as she gave a cheeky grin

'You would think things wouldn't surprise me anymore.' Naofumi remaked at a new unexpected guest. But his day was only going to get even more shocking as the beating of large wings came from outdoors followed by the touchdown of heavy claws onto the stone pathway.

Raphtalia, Naofumi, and Filo all turned and saw the silver scales and large rising figure of a Dragon and currently sitting atop that dragon was a robed man. The obvious name of Lindel who had the beast crane its neck down to the ground so that he could gently dismount off the creature's shoulders

"Thank you my little friend." His hand softly stroked the face of a large dragon as if it were a dog. The man's face appeared from the robes to show a handsome blonde man, one that Naofumi recognized as the same one Elias had worn while masquerading as a human.

Of course Filo couldn't contain herself as she looked out the window, her mouth hanging open until she jumped out into the field. "I wanna fight it! I wanna fight it!" She chanted eagerly running towards the man before bursting into her avian form.

"Filo!" Both Naofumi and Raphtalia said in unison but as the Filoliali neared she was stopped as Lindel turned his blue eyes upon her.

"Now, now you can play with Gwee here later." Lindel's calm voice caused her to slow to a trot as the guardian of the dragon aviary approached. "Aren't you the unique specimen, no doubt you are one of the very interesting creatures that passed through the veil not too long ago." Reaching up he brushed his hand alongside her pristine white feathery coat. "No doubt your descriptions match, a white child-like bird with feathers softer than the clouds themselves. The tales of you are indeed true, what are you called Child?"

SHe cocked her head to the side, "I'm Filo and i'm a Filoliali." Finding the man's touch to be oddly comforting as he reached into his pocket and pulled out what appeared to be dried fruit.

"Here." He offered his hand up to her as the occupants of the house exited the home save for Silky who was putting the finishing touches on the table as she realized there would be one more plate to serve.

"I'm sorry sir, Filo's a bit forward and uses fight and play interchangeably sometimes." Naofumi apologized as Raphtalia held Chia against her chest who now lost her focus on Elias and instead let her small mouth and a trickle of drool slip from her slacked mouth as she looked up.

"I'm sorry as well. I've been trying to-" The Tanuki started but was stopped as the old sage laughed as Filo pecked out the bits of dried food.

"Now now, there's no reason to be apologizing, I deal with young hatchlings for years beyond counting she is no different." His smiling face turned towards the pair and nodded in affirmation before looking at Elias and Chise. "But I'm mostly here to give a firm lecture to my student who let my granddaughter be sucked into another realm."

"Die." Elias said in a growl.

"No, sir Lindel it wasn't Elias's fault we were-" Chise tried to interject but Lindel held up a hand to her.

"Elias is aware of summoning magic, he should've prepared counter measures for such a thing." LIndel gave him a harsh glare, "Did you even bother to seal the spheres between worlds once you returned home?"

The ancient Magus folded his arms over his chest, "I did just so, and summoning magic from another world could not be expected as the runes, incantations and situations were all varied. I sealed off that world from other worlds so that such a catastrophe might not be repeated."

All heads turned towards him. "Wait," Chise said, her mind slowly processing what he had just said, "You mean you stopped the world from accepting or performing summons from other worlds?"

"Yes," He simply replied looking to Lindel, "Did you think I would allow anything like that to happen again to Chise?"

"Hnn, sometimes I'm not entirely sure." He then waved his arm putting an end to the discussion, "but I shall double check your spellwork afterwards, now then let me have a good look at these other two… or three?" Lindel cocked his head to the side as he saw the small child still gawking at his Gwee who had his head down to poke and sniff at Filo.

"H-Hold on, do you mean you stopped the waves of catastrophe? That the world won't be invaded further?" Naofumi said looking to Elias who nodded his head. "You could do that!? Why didn't you say anything like that from the start!?"

Elias turned his head, "the question was never about seal worlds, it was whether or not we could return home but I can not say with complete certainty that the magics surrounding the world will work indefinitely for them as I maintain the wards here."

Before the conversation and argument could devolve further Silver appeared in the doorway with her lips pressed flat. "Hnnn." Was the only sound she made.

"I think we should go inside before Silky gets angry with all of us." Ruth said standing alongside Chise looking up at his mage. "Everyone came here for a get together not an argument."

"Yeah, that's right Ruth. We can always discuss this another time." Chise gave her familiar a deserved scratch behind the ear before turning towards the door and saw the smile appear on Silky's face.

"It would be rude to interrupt the host home any further." Lindel said, tossing his blonde hair out from his robes. "But we will return to this conversation Elias."

"Die." Elias turned and went towards the door followed by Raptalia and Naofumi as both Gwee and Filo looked at one another.

"Wanna play?"

"Yeah!"

[***]

A full spread had been prepared by Silky, having been suffering from loneliness and nerves ever since Elias and Chise had vanished without a trace it had left little for her to do other than to carry out her day to day tasks and prepare a tasty feast, at least in hope that they might come back to enjoy it. Silver lady's culinary skills were without par in the household and even the reserved Lindel took time to appreciate the fine talents of this wonderful fae.

Smiling as she set about cutting a cured and seasoned ham in equal portions for everyone, a fine purrea of christmas plum pudding that had been aged for today, freshly baked and crispy lemon bread, and a thick vegetable stew that she served by the ladle full on separate bowls for everyone. With additional touches and foods set about the table everyone partook and gave the housekeeper a warm feeling that would keep her spirits burning for a long time.

Of course they did not simply share in the excesses of the meal, Lindel learned much of the tale that had transpired since their disappearance. Learning all about the world that had summoned them, the elder sage and dragon keeper sipped a cup of tea as he spoke with the young Naofumi and Raphtalia. Giving the occasional stern look of disapproval to Elias who kept his face covered by his red veil and simply at his food while sharing the seat beside Chise.

"This is a remarkable tale and one that is all the more impressive considering what kind of future you yourself fought for. Given the choices that were made I would not be able to imagine picking one myself, as a man who had spent decades tracking and following reindeer only to spend the countless more years watching over dragons I can understand how isolated you must have been but also finding a companion in Elias that is something especially challenging given that he's only really shown interest in humans recently."

"My interest in humans has been spanning for over a century, recently is putting it as if I just started Lindel." Elias spoke in a sharp voice. "Considering your the one who found me and put me into this position by your own actions."

"Ahh Ainsworth there's the temperamental beast I've long missed." Lindel chidded sliding his seat a little closer to Chise. "Tell me child as Elias begun-"

"Lindel!" Elias snapped, "You are a guest in my home, do not press the issue in front of company."

The sage laughed, "I already know the answer but it's good to see your humanity showing again. But I would like to address my next line of questions to the young man here.

Naofumi raised an eyebrow in response, quietly speaking to which Lindel offered him a curt answer.

"You see it's hard to find trusting humans in this world, especially those that share an affinity for the ancient ways and are willing to take upon great personal sacrifices. It's not much different than how I was when I was traveling the world centuries ago, so I was wondering if you would like to become my apprentice at the Aviary…" He then looked to Raphtalia and their daughter Chia, "Your family would be welcome to stay with you and live amongst the realm of dragons." Lindel gave him a smile before closing his eyes, "Of course I don't expect an answer now, that would be something you would have to think about and don't worry about any sort of arrangements with Her Highness. I'm certain she would be agreeable to this arrangement. But of course it is just something you might wish to think about."

Both Raphtalia and Naofumi looked towards one another, then to Lindel, "That is quite the offer but-"

The sage just raised his hand. "Now now, no questions, I could not begin to answer them all today. I could set aside another day for me to have a proper sit down conversation about everything."

Chise was unsure of the whole situation herself but it wouldn't' be a bad thing, she definitely appreciated Lindel's company more than most and he acted like a proper doting Father/Grandfather and would be a support to anyone, her green eyes casting a small glance in the Magus's direction. 'Even he turned out good from it from his monstrous ways.'

Elias noticed the small side glance he got from Chise although his face did not change he moved one of his large hands to cover hers that rested atop her thigh.

"Not that this isn't all good and cheery but can just enjoy the meal?" Ruth spoke taking hsi human form of a young teenage boy with black hair and jeans and striped shirt.

"Ah, yeah all this serious talk isn't good and I'm sure Chia needs a good meal before we get started so if you'll excuse me." Raphtalia said standing up to have a moment to herself and to feed her child.

As she gathered herself, Silky appeared and offered her a polite smile and put a hand on her shoulder. "Silver lady will give you some peace and quiet, please follow her." Elias stated as the Tanuki was given some space.

"Hey what about us!" "Yeah Lindel I want to play with Chise also!" Filo stuck her head through one of the windows and the Gewee dragon barely fit his head into one of the other windows.

"Children you will have your time later, please be patient with your food. There is a youngling here that doesn't have fixed limbs that move like yours at the moment." The dragon keeper said softly. "

"Filo you'll get your helping in a second just give Raphtalia and my daughter a few minutes okay?" Naofumi said, looking over his shoulder from the chair towards the always over eager Filo. Looking at his Filolial it made him think, "Hey Filo, how would you feel about…"

[***]

Sitting in the study, Elias's personal quiet area or one that he shared with his bride on occasion to enjoy the vast library of books in his collection sat the mother in one of his large armchairs. Her hands cradling the back of her babe's head with one as the other held her back supporting her as she quietly nursed from her mother.

Sitting there in quiet as she was only joined by Silky who remained steadfastly quiet-as always- simply happy to have a home and guests to care and tend to. The bustle of many welcome people and the arrival of a newborn brought the fae back to her days of being a former surrogate for younger children in other homes she had tended to.

The Tanuki kept quiet and let her daughter nurse even as Silver excused herself from the room to gather a few things, giving the parent some much needed tranquility from all of the chaos that had gone on. "Ever since we came over to this world I wondered whether or not I should've but I don't think I'd have ever been able to enjoy your father's company and had a mostly peaceful existence like this."

She had her own little family with Naofumi, a man whom she loved dearly and Filo who was more like a rambunctious little sister. Filo got to enjoy her life more freely playing with many of the other fae and having the attention of King Oberon who had a thing for blonde children giving her more time share with her own master who helped her through the pregnancy and more than anything her own loneliness and depression, a phrase that Naofumi chalked up to Hormones and pregnant as she would go from angry, to sweet, happy, to sobbing, and everything in between some days.

Of course the big day was anything but a private affair, the birth of a demi-human/human hybrid was a first and since Raphtalia was unlike traditional fae this was rounds for the entire lands of Tir'Na Nog to celebrate the day despite her own pain and misgivings. Still Naofumi was by her side the holw time as she gave birth, holding her hand as she was midwifed by a fae doctor who looked more human than she did and her husband who was just as human as Naofumi but looked more like a centaur than anything else.

The Queen herself paid a visit along with Oberon as she came to the peak of her labor pains, the guardians of the land of the forever young passing along their magics and blessing for Chia who was born right in front of them as if they had a say in the matter.

But after being spent and cleaned up and having her newborn babe wrapped up and placed in her arms with Naofumi just beside her, Raphtalia herself was exhausted, her first pregnancy taking more out of the Demi-human than she could've ever imagined. Dipping in and out of consciousness throughout the later part of the excitement her mind filled with bits of old memories that reminded her of the man she had fallen for. Naofumi remained at her side the entire time, still holding onto her hand and kissing her once she had regained her composure after finding her baby had been taken so that she might be able to sleep beside her mother.

Of course Filo became a surrogate nanny letting the little child sleep within her warm soft feathers that the Filolial had opened up just for the little child personally.

"You did amazing Raphtalia," Naofumi said, stroking her forehead as she still looked completely drained.

"H-How is our- c-child?" Her throat was dry and raspy. No doubt the screaming had taken a small portion of it.

"She is just fine," He told her, smiling down at her but her face gave off the surprise of the announcement. "Yeah, a little girl, a small version of you with darker hair."

"Oh… Master-"

"Hey, hey you don't need to call me that anymore. He stopped her as he cupped her cheek, grabbing a spare washcloth he wiped away the forming tears. "You can call me Naofumi, or honey, or sweety you know." He said with a chuckle. "Master doesn't sound right anymore now that we have a child."

"I'm S-Sorry, but-But-" she was quieted with a kiss as the former shield hero wanted her concerns to die down. Sharing a little bit of tongue as she just accepted his affections. Truly she was so happy, that she was still with him, the emotions of now giving birth to a little girl that would keep the two of them together and she wouldn't have to imagine a world that he might've disappeared leaving her alone with nothing but their baby.

Deep inside the Tanuki was a happiness she had not experienced in so long, having been accustomed to being separated or removed by some terrible tragedy only to be given such a joy that was from the man whom she cared and loved more dearly than any other person she had come to know. A man who once didn't see her as a woman but as his family member doing everything he could to provide for her and then she tried to return the favor only to be snatched away and have the process repeat except this time there was no tragic ending to their reunion.

They were gifted a child, a world that was perhaps a bit over eager to enjoy their company than they would've liked but regardless she had a world with Naofumi, she had his love, and now they had a family.

When her eyes blinked she realized that Silky had come back, holding a small but warm puffy blanket. The red eyed caretaker gave her a smile. Asking for permission which Raphtalia did after her daughter had curled up against her chest having nursed enough she was swaddled expertly into a little blanket and hefted up by the Victorian style maid. Bringing her nose in to gently tickle the baby's nose with a sound of pure delight escaping from the woman's nose.

"You really love children?" Raphtalia asked though the answer was quite clear to see. But Silver lady didn't answer, instead slowly she seemingly danced around the room. Happily humming, no tune or song in particular. She was just happy, pure and simple.

It carried on for several moments until the handle to the study was twisted open and Chise's head appeared in the frame. "Just making sure everything is okay." The redhead knew that things were but as she was passing by the door she had paused and heard the joyful noises from the otherside.

Curiosity had her and she popped in. Of course Silver was still holding Chia and rocking her in her arms, the child apparently more than happy with the arrangement as her small green eyes looked up in wonder at the maid who was holding her.

"Sorry, we were gone. But I was just letting.. Silky?" She said not entirely sure to which the woman nodded, "Yes, sorry, Silky was just enjoying herself and I couldn't bear to interrupt a person being that happy." Watching as Silver Lady kept her smile but walked forwards towards Chise and then gave the teen a surprise and offered the swaddled child to the Apprentice mage.

Raphtalia didn't interject, one her list of people who she trusted wholeheartedly in her life was Chise. It was a small list but she certainly was one of them. For all the personal help and sacrifices she had given to protect her well being and those around her.

"Oh no I've never-" The teen stammered, not confident in herself to be holding a baby and the old memories of when she had been treating them back while working for the three Heroes church were still fresh. Of course the caretaker wasn't denied and with one strong grip pulled out Chise's arm folded it down and under her and with ease shifted the babe from one arm to the other.

Bringing her other hand back around to cup the child Silky just gave a bright smile as she folded her fingers together and enjoyed the view of Chise holding Chia or… 'Is she telling me something?' Her green eyes looked down to the pair looking up at her. 'I mean she's cute but does she… no.' There was a thin blush spreading across her face as she got the slight implication that perhaps Silver lady wanted a child in the home.

[***]

The evening hours had set and Lindel remained on the grounds as Filo chased around the dragon the two youths having untold amount of energy and wished to utilize it with all kinds of play although Filo didn't have access to her magic to fly freely, she could still jump and glide with her avian body well enough.

Chise had wound up holding Chia again later on as she sat in Elias's lap as they had only a few number of outdoor chairs for the guests. Leaving Ruth in his dog form to lay at her master's feet or below them as her feet did dangle several inches off the ground while in the Magus's lap.

It was a little strange as she still softly bounced the child's body with her hand holding the backside ever so gently. Then Elias spoke, "You seem to enjoy children quite a bit Chise. Your interaction with the young dragons, your work on the other world, it seems that you are naturally drawn to the task." His gloved hand rested atop her inner thigh as he looked ahead.

"We-Well I'm just sorta drawn to it. You-You know how the story with my Mom went I- I just would like things to go well for other children. I'm not really Mother material though."

"Oh nonsense Chise!" The Aerloe spoke, flapping her wings up to land on her shoulder. "Any child born of you sweet robin would be blessed and of course all us Fae would chip in to help!" SHe giggled smiling as she now kneeled onto the Sleigh Beggy's shoulder.

"You mean be eager to steal away her child, you Fae still never change." Elias spoke in a low drawl, "Secondly whose child do you think she would have?"

"Hmph!" The Fae snorted, "Do you think our sweet Robin would have a child of yours Thorn? We Fae could find someone much better for her!"

"You do know there's a reason why most fae stay away from Chise?" Elias brought one hand to his cheek as he looked towards Aerloe. "Surely even you must know it."

The beat red face across the teen was almost enough to combust into flames or at the very least start smoking from embarrassment.

"I don't care if she is tainted by your disgusting seed Ainsworth! She is still our Robin, she-"

"Which means it will only be my child," He almost seemed to release a laugh of amusement as he brought the hand from his thigh up to her stomach. "Although she isn't ready for child bearing, once I stabilize her magical energy's I believe that she will be receptive to my seeds and be-"

"Elias…" It was Ruth who spoke up looking over towards the Child of Thorn and said guest with Chise whose face matched her hair. "I believe such conversations would be appropriate without guests. You are making Chise uncomfortable as she has stated personal things should remain as such."

The Surei Beggah gave her familiar a thankful look as she couldn't voice her own words while being stuck in such an awkward position.

But of course Lindel wasn't going to let that slide just yet. "Elias please, we've had Chise for over a year and now you are planning on rearing Children? You still have to learn how to control yourself and your humanity before even thinking about siring offspring."

As the two older 'men' squabble over petty things perhaps in jest or not Raphtalia sat beside her master. Her head laying on his shoulder just looking straight ahead, her brown tail swept to the side and touching his back.

His own arm was around her, his fingers gently massaging her shoulder he let his own head slide over and lay against hers, one of her ears gently tickling the side of his cheek whenever it moved. For all of the ups and downs that his life had gone through since being summoned to another world, Naofumi couldn't have imagined that he would be in the countryside of England where Filo would be playing with a dragon.

It actually made him smirk. "I would never have pictured ever getting out of that place like this, but having you and Filo here back on Earth with me, raising a daughter together in a mystical land of Fairies… It's almost kind of funny to think the life I returned to would be even more magical than a world filled with the stuff people think happens in games and in movies."

Raphtalia didn't speak content with the moment as she just let her eyes fall closed and listen to the father of her child. Still the former shield hero kept talking, "I don't know what to do moving forward as with every twist and turn the world keeps changing…" His voice trailed off before turning his head in to kiss the top of his love's head and then take in a breath of her rich auburn hair. "But if we overcame what we did together in one world then I don't think taking on a few more challenges here will cause us any greater problems and…" He lowered his voice to whisper into Raphtalia's ear. "I think we could use a bit more privacy taking up Lindel's offer." Only to then give the sensitive ear a kiss.

The Tanuki shuddered at the implication as yes, they did crave some privacy… to grow their family. Still she didn't speak as they went back to watching the two youthful creatures play and ignored the bickering men as Chise sat red faced in Elias's lap. Both former Devils and Shield to the ones they loved had a whole world to wait and protect but only fate knew where that story would go.

The End

Small poll up for which character I did better on my profile if you can let me know who I portrayed the best.

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