The Roots of Hope

by Dunedan

The apocalypse could not be stopped, at the end of creation a fragment of hope is cast back upon the winds of time to prevent this fate. One young man will awaken from his death into a larger world he never imagined. Trained by Gods, Valkyries and men, can his newfound power stop the coming storm? A power tied to the foundations of Yggdrasil itself...

109. A Crossroad's Thanksgiving Feast

CourtMageMerlin: Your favorite? High words of praise, thank you so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter just as much ;)

Divine Blizzard: Indeed, victory for the current battle but Moloch never returned so Ophis' power remains stolen. Still cause to celebrate...but they must be wary as well. And yes, someone has taken a liking to her earlier than in canon but if he tries anything then Dorian will have to show off his more murderous side lol. Thank you as well! There'll be a break after this chapter but no stopping.

Guest 1: Best girl? Awww, thanks! That means a lot you like her so much. And yes! Who better to wield the first Longinus and bring a good name back to the word hero? :D

Optimus470: Exactly, one battle won but the war continues and with the Hero Faction essentially crippled, only this mysterious upper group of the Khaos Brigade remains along with remnants of Nilrem. Once the good guys have time to relax and breathe they'll have a tough battle ahead.

horakthy baraq: Thank you so much for your kind words! And indeed, I couldn't have put it better. Cao Cao went too far with his plans not really understanding the full picture or at least not caring until he felt he could deal with the Khaos Brigade himself. And hahaha exactly, Albion knows Vali's thoughts...no fooling that despite his insistence XD. A nice epilogue chapter ahead to end the arc, I hope you like it.

avenger3576: Only the spear itself, its light-based powers and the True Will if she can learn how to activate it. Cao Cao's 7 treasures were a Subspecies Balance Breaker which means it was unique to him and was created based on his own abilities and outlook. That means she'll have to unlock her own Balance Breaker if she can tap into it.

reality deviant: Precisely, for all his lofty plans and assertions to his skill against the supernatural...it is a human without special powers who brings about his downfall.

Just a reader now a writer: Hmmm, hard to say but right now I'd put us at more than halfway through my intended stories. In terms of DxD novels there are 7 left (Not counting the anthology side story ones), but some can be merged and of course I have a few original arcs as well. So many ideas and I hope you like the ending I have planned. :D

Dragon Bone Z: Totally understood man, and that would be amazing someday. Haven't considered going full original story, but maybe in the future ;)

fanficcyberman: Oooooh, that is a good name! I had planned to have a funny moment of them picking names...that one rolls off the tongue really well. I probably sound like I'm on repeat, but truly thank you so much for your kind words. Juggling tons of characters is one of the toughest parts to writing but so worth it in the end so that all can shine even a little. Iggy is too precious for my work lol, even surrounded by monsters she still tries to find a peaceful solution especially after seeing what the power was doing to him. I have been doing very well in 2023 and pray the same for you my friend.

xhope14x: Yea, after all he did this seemed the fitting end to Cao Cao. Admittedly, I found his sudden shift to good (despite not showing any regret before) and lack of real punishment for so much a bit forced in canon. Hopefully my plans for the results of that fight play out well :)

Hardic: Yea, the Hero Faction made it very hard to like their return in the actual story haha. And thank you! I hope her early inclusion comes off naturally and fitting for the story. No randomly showing up just to become Issei's Queen...instead she'll be a regular visitor while feeling mysteriously drawn to the red dragon emperor. Well, Moloch never actually canceled any Sacred Gears in the story, he was just freakishly strong to block so many attacks. Timey Wimey is a good way of describing the antics with Moloch going forward as to how he got here lol. I see you are familiar with the novels as to who was eyeing Rossweisse...he did come across as suuuuppper creepy didn't he? XD Not sure about a woodchipper...but I always wondered how Sirzechs felt about her brother's odd attraction to his wife XD

DragonX411: Right on all accounts, especially Dorian's outlook when he meets that particular stalker XD Thanks, and I hope you like this nice epilogue :D

7: Seekvaira will have fun trying to answer that very question as to what powers the ship XD. And that was exactly my intent ;) Cao Cao thought he knew Issei and was fully aware that tactics were never his strong point so when he actually changed how he approaches an issue to deal with him it caught him off guard more than once. And you are very close with my intent. While he still had the spear, it started resisting him at the end due to his actions. Here, it could sense Hecuba's desire to bring a good name to the word hero and decided it did not want to kill her, hence why Cao Cao's intended killing blow only left a scratch.

German Science: She tries her best, especially after seeing what happened to her potential siblings. And you got it 100% right, no flair or epic finale to him, just a single strike deciding how his plans turned out. You aren't reading too much into it, I am truly touched you enjoy my story so much to delve into it as far as you do. From the bottom of my heart, thank you :D

And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!

It had been some days since the attack on the Underworld was defeated. Repairs were still underway but with the amazing efficiency of Gremory constructions along with thousands of volunteers, it was estimated that things would be back to normal in the coming weeks. The damage in the Crossroad Tower had been fixed with Dorian's room being good as new, even succeeding in rescuing the items thought lost in the Dimensional Gap. The new sight to those who could see it outside their home was now awe inspiring.

"And you're sure that normal people can't see it?" Dorian motioned up towards the roof in the distance as the group walked home together from classes.

"No more than their curiosity as to why there is a massive manor in the middle of their neighborhood," Rias assured him. "Best make sure it's still there, Seek-chan will no doubt be wanting to dismantle it over and over again."

Just above the roof, the Nagalfr floated bobbing gently up and down with its calm exterior betraying the sheer power behind it. The vessel had become legendary overnight, dispatching a monster that the combined forces of the greater alliance could not. The broadcast of the battle was quite public with hundreds of cameras and just as many news stations catching sight of it and Dorian atop the prow fighting the Jabberwocky. The combined defeats of the Hero Faction, especially Issei's victory over Cao Cao had ratings for their series booming, champions now in reality rather than just on television.

"No doubt," Dorian chuckled being able to easily picture the Agares devil prepared to spend weeks exploring its interior. He wasn't sure, but it almost felt like it was bigger on the inside.

With the Nagalfr now sailing among the clouds of Kuoh, their home became one of the most secured locations in the world without even taking into account the other occupants of both buildings. The impact was obvious, the Crossroads were now far more in the eye of the world than before.

"If there are any issues, it can always sail in the Road Between Realms too," Dorian contemplated. "Plenty of room."

"I'd like to see whatever's left of the Khaos Brigade try and attack here now," Ratatoskr jumped enthusiastically in a nearby tree having finished his stint playing the role of the class pet once more. "One cannon round from that thing would have pulverized the whole Hero Faction if they stood in the same spot!"

The Old Satan Faction is working with the modern government, the Hero Faction has been completely defeated and Nilrem retreated underground. As far as we are certain, the largest groups have been neutralized except for this secretive one that Volody said was whispered about. With any luck, they'll stay inactive until we can…

"Dorian!" Seekvaira called out, running out the door to meet them looking a little flustered. "I told them it'd be a few hours, but they wouldn't listen. They're waiting inside."

"Waiting inside?" Dorian looked to the others equally as perplexed. "Who?"

First floor lobby…

It was a madhouse as the teens entered the Tower doors to find it bustling with people talking together in groups or sitting in seats before the front desk. Giants, youkai, devils, angels, even a fallen or two and Valkyries were stalking amongst each other with paperwork in hand. Dorian recognized the documents as those drawn up by Rossweisse for applying to join the Crossroads with this being the first time he'd seen them actually being used. Dozens of heads snapped in his direction as soon as he entered.

"Dorian Held!"

"Lady Thrud!"

"It's the High Queen!"

"Lord Tyr!"

"Hey you!"

The voices assailed them as the mob rushed forward stopped only by a reflexive wall of roots. Even that did not stop their requests, each wanting their application to be looked at immediately. The group was utterly speechless.

"Lady Yasaka sent her choices of youkai to join with Ouryuu Nakiri to represent the Shinto Clans for the meantime," Seekvaira checked her notes. "Herja, Misty and Brynda were running interference with Zepar until you got back, but more kept coming."

"Ouryuu Nakiri, the next head of Clan Nakiri?" Dorian looked at his paperwork immediately trying to focus in the sea of voices. "I had no idea Lady Suzaku was looking so high up. Maybe we can clear them with…"

"ALRIGHT YOU BLITHERING ANCHOVIES!" Ratatoskr jumped atop Dorian's head to be the tallest one of the group as the voices didn't stop. "YOU'RE LESS ORGANIZED THAN FAFNIR'S PANTY DRAWER, SO YOU WILL SHUT YOUR HOLES, LINE UP SINGLE FILE AND PROCEED IN AN ORDERLY FASHION OR SO HELP ME I'LL SHOVE MY ACORNS SO FAR UP YOUR ASSES THAT YOUR GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE GROWING ENTIRE ORCHARDS!"

The sudden outburst sent the room utterly silent, several already shuffling into lines without a word and parting to allow the students back from classes access to the stairs. Trying not to look terribly embarrassed, Dorian walked through the ranks nodding and smiling to the applicants. He'd never imagined so many wanting to join so soon, thinking that they'd try to get more after he graduated from Kuoh. Once he was finally at the stairs to the upper floors, he turned to address the room.

"Thank you all for coming this way, please understand this is still a very chaotic time but we will look over the applications submitted today. Turn those in at the front desk with your contact information and we will get back to you in due course."

To the utter relief of everyone there, the sea of bodies stayed relatively cordial, the various supernatural beings completing the work and, upon realizing a decision would not be made that day, returning to their respective realms. Dorian smiled wider upon realizing no fewer than three Fire Jotuns were among them talking to a group of Einherjar and fallen angels on how to answer certain questions.

"Whew," Dorian sighed with relief as they reached the cafeteria upstairs. "I can't believe it; we'll need to set up criteria. How many could we even accommodate?"

"Actually," Rossweisse broke out a calculator from seemingly nowhere. "We have enough rooms that everyone down there could fit if they had roommates. The real issues become food and other essentials for their stay. That being said, with our growing requests, the more would be better to ensure all missions are looked at in a reasonable amount of time."

"You can get to that quickly," Azazel emerged from the corner stirring a cup of coffee. "I can have some temps help out with the initial rush."

"Wait, you were here?" Seekvaira stormed up to him. "Why didn't you help out with the chaos downstairs?" His shrugged shoulders only made her eye twitch more. "Honestly, as the Governor-General…"

"Well," he interrupted her suddenly. "About that…"

Later…

"You were removed from the position of Governor-General?"

"Fraid so, we knew that would likely happen considering I went behind everyone's back to talk to the head of the Khaos Brigade, even if she did end up coming to our side. It couldn't be helped."

"Then…" Issei asked, worried for his mentor. "What is your current position?"

"Hmmm, I suppose the closest thing to call it would be a supervisor of sorts for the greater alliance. My position in the Grigori is advisor to special projects."

"From a governor to a supervisor," Rossweisse muttered. "I am sorry this happened."

"Don't be," he let out a chuckle that seemed genuine and not just covering for the teens' sake. "Man, I do feel better, those positions are more suited to hard-headed people. Shemhazai will do better in that role and with Baraqiel as his Vice-Governor, they'll do well while I focus on my hobbies."

He actually likes this better, Issei laughed in his head. That sounds like him, preferring to work on his studies…oh no, with all that free time it'll be the end of the world!

"That," he added with a slight twinkle in his eye. "And that'll give more time for a bit of travel, maybe to Kyoto once in a while. Plus needing to make sure you all stay out of trouble."

"The tower has gotten a bit…fuller," Dorian glanced over to see, sure enough, Kassaegtha sitting perched almost like a gargoyle on a nearby dresser. "Staying full time now?"

"I picked out my own room," the Old Goddess remarked almost with a cheerful smirk. "I look forward to seeing how things turn out from here."

"You WILL uphold people's privacy," Dorian sternly asserted. "No appearing anywhere you want at any time."

"Or else, what'll you do?" She leaned forward leaving a trail of darkness as she moved. "I am legitimately curious."

"Or I'll tell others how fallible your kind can be," her face scrunched but otherwise tried to not give away her thoughts. Without another word, she leaned back dangling her feet over the side of her perch. Every time they blinked; her details seemed to shift ranging from a little girl to an old woman. It reminded Dorian of Hela's condition being both alive and dead at once, but on a different level.

Ophis at Issei's house, Kassaegtha in our tower…it may be tricky keeping their presence secret if more start moving in. We never did find Moloch; he took essentially all of Ophis' power. Until we can find him, she's under our protection. With her here, we have no clue on the hierarchy of the Brigade, for all we know Moloch took over or there are others in play we don't know about.

As Dorian pondered, his face contorted with concern over each issue, both new and old. He didn't even realize that most of the room had noticed his dour expression, everyone glancing to one another in concern. Ever since his return from the future, the Crossroad leader had seemed less vibrant than before, a fact they were going to try and turn around. They all agreed without saying a single word.

"The Brigade won't recover quickly from this," Rossweisse approached his left, laying a supportive hand on his shoulder.

"And when they do, we'll quash them again," Thrud did the same from the opposite side. "If you let them drag you down, they win."

"Besides," Seekvaira stood up with a proud demeanor. "We have more important things to think about, or did you forget?"

"Forget about what?" Dorian was perplexed; however, it was Bennia who bounced to her feet with an uncontainable exclamation.

"Why, that Thanksgiving Dinner you were so excited about, you do know what tomorrow is, right?"

Land of the Dead…

"And those are all the locations of the known Khaos Brigade members you worked with?" Freyja stared down the Lord of the Dead, Hades in his very temple. "We have apprehended more than a few on all sides, but you can never be too certain, especially with proven traitors."

"That is everything as agreed upon," the skeletal god retorted. "Once a deal is struck, it is like the foundations of the world. You provided Mr. Held's report on this future he witnessed. So long as that was all there was, then you have all I know in return."

"And you gifted Samael's blood to Forcas' invasion of Olympus?" Freyja held her composure yet it was difficult with Hades, as part of his deal for knowledge, revealing his past crimes. "Nearly slew your own brothers and sisters along with many of my men."

"I had my reasons, and believe that was included in the stay of hostilities for outing so many traitors and future cooperations. How many have you apprehended, dozens, hundreds, across the world?"

"It is true that your intelligence has effectively crippled their activities within our ranks, but that does not wash away what you did. Cao Cao is dead; the True Longinus is in better hands. Jeanne is apprehended in Heaven, Siegfried and Heracles are dead, and Leonardo has had his gear utterly sealed while we decide on what to do with him. Their division of the Khaos Brigade is gone, but most of the traitors we rounded up were not associated with them, Nilrem, or the Old Satan Faction…there is another."

"Not even I am aware of their name," Hades admitted. "Only that they are the pinnacle, those who desired leadership and now likely have it with Ophis outed. Moloch referred to them as 'The representation of the Impure,' his flair for the dramatic was annoying. Why do you not simply rip Annihilation Maker out of the boy and be done with it? I know the Grigori have such technology, likely so does Indra though he keeps much hidden. And you wonder why this alliance you so hopelessly cling to is a fool's errand with so much deceit."

"After all you've done, you dare say such things?"

"You all have your own secrets, no number of treaties will change that fact," the god's hollow eyes stared into hers. "Indra wants his war with Shiva, the Three Factions want to heal, you want this peace, the Brigade wants conflict…none can be trusted but oneself and those you utterly control."

"So, damn all save yourself? You won't survive long with that outlook."

"I've survived long enough to know that is an empty sentiment. It is your incessant desire for peace that will inevitably lead to this worlds end. With no conflict, everyone growing stronger and stronger abnormally, a trait especially prevalent in this generation…"

"Attracting unwanted attention? That is what you wanted Dorian to think about. What do you know?" Hades only stared at her, his overwhelming presence suffocating to behold yet Freyja did so without the slightest hesitation. "Very well, keep your secrets. We have foes before us, not some imagined ones far-off…"

"That is precisely what they said so long ago," the skeletal god narrowed his eye sockets towards the goddess of life. "That the Great War was the true threat, that the conflict of the Heavenly Dragons was no concern. They all said that, even the angels' vaunted father until the day their very gates came under attack."

"When Ddraig and Albion shook Heaven and Hell?" Freyja knew the conflict well, the pair nearly stumbling close to the Nine Realms more than once before they were sealed into Sacred Gears. "But they did not attack the Land of the Dead." She was surprised as a crunching sound revealed that Hades was clenching his fists together. He was furious.

"I was not there, but you need not be at a battle for it to destroy your world."

"Lord Hades..." Freyja suddenly realized something that shook her to her core that she had not realized until his words.

His world. Odin for all his faults always said how I was his world, could Hades' be…? As they were making deals, having meetings and ensuring that Hades could do no more harm while under house arrest in his own domain, she'd never considered this possibility.

"Where is your wife, the Lady Perseph…?"The bookshelf behind Freyja ceased to exist before she could finish, a burst of dark energy surging from Hades who now stood, all subtlety to his movements gone.

"Get…out…of my home."

Hera told me of his wife, the Lady Persephone, the only woman who could make death smile. Supposedly she had the same hair color as me, but became quite the recluse only seen by her husband many years ago. What happened during the Great War?

"Very well, we are concluded here anyway," she politely stood as if his threat hadn't even been noticed. "I must prepare for a previous rendezvous. A particular event is coming up that I would not miss for the world. Were you not to remain here, I may wish to invite you but that cannot be. Good day, Lord Hades."

With that final word, Freyja departed the inner chamber of the death god's fortress. It was only after she left that he lowered himself back into his chair, mind awash with thoughts that had not plagued his careful machinations in many years.

Those lights, Hades remembered the brief flashes visible within the far-reaches of space he had witnessed in ages past on the same day the Heavenly Dragons stormed the gates of Heaven and depths of Hell. They just don't see, none of them do…just how powerful one would need to be to create such a sight visible from so far. That event was far from natural, I know it even if the others don't, and if the new generation keeps growing, it's only a matter of time before those lights see our own insignificant specs in the dark. Persephone, they proved that day that none can be trusted but us, and I've seen nothing to change that outlook.

Lilith holding cells…

"Marsilio!" Jeanne shuffled closer to her former ally in the cells holding the surviving members of the Hero Faction. "Are you alright?"

"They have not harmed me," he admitted as the door closed behind them. "What are they planning? They just called for me all of a sudden."

Jeanne shook her head uncertain as she looked around them, the room filling up quite fast as others were brought in. It did not take long for her to realize that they were gathering the entire Hero Faction together and while it was great to see her comrades alive and well, she grew uneasy at what their intentions were. She, along with the others, had fully expected torture and death or imprisonment in the harshest conditions to be their fate. While they were incarcerated for their crimes, even the descendent of Joan of Arc had to admit, they'd been treated far more fairly than they'd anticipated.

"They killed Cao Cao, they could do the same to any one of us," she whispered low. "And I don't see Leonardo, probably killed him too for his power…"

"Leonardo is alive, and those who were brainwashed by your leader's mask are being returned to normal." The pair turned their attention above along with the rest of the room. On a balcony overlooking the room, the leader of the accursed Crossroads, Dorian Held, and the red Spartan Hecuba were addressing them arrayed in their Crossroad uniforms. "But was sent elsewhere to help bring his Sacred Gear under control and him back to proper health. He has been treated as well as the rest of you."

"And why should we trust a word you say?" Marsilio spat. "You lead the very group we fought against and she…" He narrowed his eyes at her along with the dozens of other members. "…she's the one who killed Cao Cao!"

"Because I am asking you to," a third voice remarked as a newcomer set foot on the balcony causing them all to gasp.

"Perseus?! You betrayed us too?"

"Never, sis," he answered Jeanne immediately almost looking hurt she'd think that. "But after I saw what happened on the news, had to come in and speak on your behalf. I have my own crimes to answer for, but they're being lenient."

"Lenient so long as you talk to us you mean," Marsilio accused. "What, get us to just roll over and shuffle off to a cell for the rest of our lives? And here I thought you were one of the most loyal to Lord Cao Cao!"

"Don't question my loyalty to his ideals," Perseus' eyes flashed in restrained frustration. "I was one of the first who joined him, like my ancestor of old becoming a hero to mankind. Shit, I was so wide-eyed then, but he…he changed over the years." Jeanne could see his hands turning white as he squeezed the railing above them, he'd always looked up to her like a big sister and even now it was hard for her to see him so conflicted. "I wanted to follow him forever, but he just wasn't the same. Between his obsession with bringing in more of us against their will and after working with that Moloch guy, he wasn't the one I had known. It's why I wanted out, giving him that damned Medusa Eye so he'd let me leave without an argument. The slightest possibility of him using that mask on me was terrifying."

"If you don't want us to just give up, then why did you bring us all out here?"

"A proposition," Dorian stepped forward, breathing calm and sure as he knew any sign of weakness would crush what he and Hecuba had planned. "The Hero Faction in concept was a good one, we do not deny that, humanity does need guardians…heroes to look out for their interest. We want that to continue."

"What, follow you?" Jeanne started laughing as did many of the lesser members. "You aren't human anymore, I'd choose the cells," even as she spoke, it was clear from the glances of those behind her that not all shared her devotion to life imprisonment.

"Not me, though being human has no bearing on your ability to be a hero. No, I meant her," Dorian stepped back motioning to Hecuba who stepped forward.

"Her!? She killed Cao Cao!" Marsilio started a ruckus among the more vocal members. "The True Longinus chose him, he was the best of us, she wouldn't…!"

All went silent as Hecuba held out her hand, a blinding flash of golden light forcing all to look away or shield their eyes from its radiance. When they could look again, it was clear that she was now holding the True Longinus aloft over the room. Several of the more faithful collapsed to their knees, Marsilio feeling a warmth in his chest that he'd experienced the day Cao Cao entered his faux world to reveal the truth. Even Jeanne went slack-jawed, hands trembling in uncertainty.

"I did kill Cao Cao," her tone was almost one of disappointment at how it had to turn out. "I will not speak ill of him beyond that he lost his way, seeing enemies behind every corner. But the world needs heroes, not just humans but of all kinds, just look at me. I am a human yet have defended Olympus, the Underworld, and of course Kuoh where so many humans live."

"Easy words to say when you're up there lording it over us," Jeanne found her words after a moment. "H-how do we know you didn't have the Grigori use their secrets to rip the True Longinus out of Cao Cao and put it in you? We know they are capable of such. How…?"

She stopped talking as Hecuba suddenly took a step over the balcony and dropped into their midst, an act that even Dorian clearly was not expecting and reached out to try to stop yet was too slow. In an almost casual way, she walked up to Jeanne acting unconcerned that if the several dozen people attacked her, it was unlikely she'd escape unscathed in such close quarters. Being so close, Jeanne was able to see a faded slash across the Spartan's cheek, the last wound delivered by Cao Cao. Despite Asia's insistence, Hecuba had decided to keep the wound as a reminder though it was not as prominent as before. She was not certain, but felt it may have been the spear's natural holy properties at work.

"Sacred Gears work WITH their wielders, to force it upon someone would restrict what it can do. Irina told us how your gear tried to speak to you for years, what happened by not listening to it?"

Jeanne did not say a word.

"Do you truly believe I could have summoned that light if it was resisting me with its power?" Again, no reply. "I do not know why, but the True Longinus jumped straight from him to me upon his death. I want to know why, perhaps one day it will tell me. The spear spoke to me when it did, I hope it will do so again before the end. Until then, I'll do what I feel is right."

"And for that, you want us to…what?"

"Work to redeem what you did against the innocent," Hecuba pointed the True Longinus to the floor and slowly turned, creating a circle around herself with the Hero Faction fighters just beyond it. "The Hero Faction was defeated, but will not be disbanded. Like Kuroka and others before you, you can work with us and work towards something better. The Hero Faction will protect not just humanity, but the entire world…as a branch of the Crossroads."

"Not everyone will agree to it I am sure," Dorian spoke up. "Know that no harsher punishment than what fits your individual crimes will result of a refusal. But, if you do agree, then you will work with us on an extended probationary period. You will be given direction and focus on those that threaten the world. If this goes well, your numbers will grow…"

"…but will NOT be limited to humans," Hecuba stressed. "That prejudice must be left behind, this will not be a fast process, all I ask is that you consider it unless you wish to agree or refuse now."

"I agree," Perseus raised his hand from the balcony. "It'll feel nice to be an old-fashioned hero again. I know a lot of those who were controlled by the mask think the same, at least the ones who didn't want to just go home. Regardless of who else does so, I'll stand with ya."

"We…wouldn't be against it," one of the Three Musketeers sheepishly raised a hand. "If we're doing good that is." Connla was glaring at them with his arms crossed clearly against even showing the slightest interest.

"Thank you," Hecuba smiled with a nod. "It is a start; I hope the rest of you can think on it in the days ahead."

"Doubt we'll be doing much good thinking from our cells," Marsilio grumbled assuming that with the business concluded that they'd be sent back.

"That won't be for a few hours more," Dorian assured them as suddenly huge tables and chairs appeared before them, a tablecloth rolling out across it magically as plates of humble meals started popping into existence upon each one."

"What is this?"

"Well, considering the day coming up…we thought a small dinner would be appropriate. Enjoy it now, and whatever choice you make, at least you can have one good meal among comrades."

Thanksgiving Day…

"Three more hours on the Turkey!" Mrs. Hyoudou called out while vigorously stirring a whisk. The middle-aged housewife looked to be decked out for war with her apron and bandanna dramatically tied around her head. "How are those potatoes?"

"Well on the way!" Hecuba called out without letting up, slicing a series of potatoes into small pieces expertly with the large kitchen knife in her hand. "Estimated time to completion only five minutes before the turkey."

"The pies too!" Asia was a flurry of movement making the various deserts that would be more delicious than ever after the large meal being prepped. The three women were perfectly in sync knowing that they would have a lot of mouths to feed. To ensure the least amount of issues, all others had been banned from the kitchen, Dorian in particular with his bad luck around food preparation being legendary.

"And we don't need to do anything?" Mr. Hyoudou asked while glancing around to the other men banished to the spacious living room. "We just sit here?"

"Sounds right according to what Dorian said of this holiday," Azazel remarked while fiddling with the back of the television. "Those who can cook, do, while the others relax and converse…and watch sports, particularly American football."

"There aren't any games going on right now."

"Not around here, however with a little bit of fiddling, I can get this baby to pick up every signal on the planet. With the right move…"

The screen burst to life just as a player in heavy pads and a helmet slammed into another nearly making the Hyoudou Patriarch fall out of his seat. He'd never much followed sports since getting out of middle school, but seeing the clashing of teams in front of him caused the older man to sit up and take notice. With his job successful, Azazel joined him on the enormous couch while putting his feet up on a comfy rest.

"I almost got into sports," Mr. Hyoudou admitted as he accepted a kernel of popcorn offered by the fallen angel from a giant bowl. "But as things got more serious with Miki, well…"

"You had your priorities, we all do," Azazel slapped him on the back. "I had my fair share of ladies that caught my age when I was…well your age," he backpedaled realizing he hadn't been Mr. Hyoudou's age in a long time. "There was this one named Gabriel…"

"And these are the types of sports Mr. Dorian likes?" Gasper asked while shirking back a bit at every huge hit, Zepar sitting beside him watching intently analyzing the tactics and strategy of the teams.

"I don't believe so, he's never brought it up," the bespectacled fallen jotted down a few ideas on a notepad. "But this is apparently a tradition at this time of year in America."

"I can think of a few better traditions," Issei glanced over as the girls returned from tennis practice with Kiyome Abe. He sighed whimsically at the beads of sweat on Rias' face and Catherine looking as indomitable as ever. He could not resist glancing down at those short skirts as they headed off towards the bath. "I'll catch you guys later."

"You aren't planning anything nefarious, are you?" Zepar glanced over without turning his head fully aware Akeno was among them, thanking his peripheral vision for being able to catch her beauty.

"Tempting, but no," Issei raised a hand swearing. "I haven't seen Goldie yet, where the heck is he?"

Crossroads Grand Bath…

"Revelations is pretty in-depth from chapters thirteen and seventeen," Dorian muttered soaking in the bath alone save for Ratatoskr sitting upon the waves floating on a makeshift paper boat. "Seven heads, ten horns that resemble a bear, lion and leopard…the Trihexa in the future definitely had feline traits mixed in." He turned the page not noticing his friend's look of concern. "It is given authority by a dragon…a Heavenly one or maybe a King we don't know about. I think there was mention in the older books from Olympus that there was something predating…"

"Boss man!" Rat smacked his face hard, causing him to jump and nearly drop the book into the water. He'd been resting every few hours in the bath which was good for his injuries even days after the battle. "You have been given time off to rest, are about to have the largest feast of your life AND was already given permission by your lovely ladies to soak with them and instead you huddle alone with the dreariest reads I've seen since the Old Testament! You need to pace yourself, relax and live a little!"

"No time for that," he flipped the page almost frantically. He had told the others everything, absolutely everything he'd seen while in the future. They were horrified, who wouldn't be and he swore just like when explaining his nightmares to stop anything from doing what he witnessed. It raised his spirits to find that Rossweisse had already started planning based on Ratatoskr and Le Fay's information as he slept, but he just didn't see it as enough yet. "You saw the same thing as me, we have time and a chance to do…something! It's just about finding what we can before it happens."

"And we will," Dorian turned to see Rossweisse lowering herself into the bath naked near the entrance. Behind her, Thrud, Kuroka and Iggy followed all in an identical state of undress. Slowly, they made their way towards him all with similar concerned expressions. Dorian barely realized the situation, summoning Gleipnir to entomb the rodent in a cage to prevent seeing them.

"Motherfu…!" His words were lost as the Einherjar slightly nudged his trapped friend, causing him to float towards the opposite end of the bath.

"Rat is right, you've been…distant the last few days."

"Between the Lilith relief aid, seeing the Hero Faction prisoners with Hecuba, and now researching the Trihexa you told us about, you've barely eaten," Thrud moved up close being less shy than the others almost looming over him with her hands on her hips without a shred of clothing or towel.

"I've been telling him as much," Despoina materialized in the water sitting beside the rest equally naked. "I saw the same as you did, and you told everyone what you saw. We understand how terrifying it was…"

"Then you know why I can't slow down," Dorian snapped, regretting it but he couldn't stop. "If that thing is unleashed in our world like it was there, then…then…I need to find something to stop it," he looked back to his collection of books with Rossweisse's essay in the center. "Now, I think you were onto something with this passage about it predating the myths that discuss it, it would explain the commonalities. Future Rose said this starting in Romania with something called Qlipphoth which according to Jewish mythology is the representation of evil forces that…"

"Just look at yourself," Iggy held up a hand mirror that Kuroka had given to help with keeping up her appearance and not wholly rely on her ability to shapeshift. Dorian did admit that there were certainly more bags under his eyes than usual, his hair more unkempt owing to him soaking more times than actually washing himself using that time to consider more options. "We're joined Dorian, I can feel the fear you have. My fallen siblings can attest to how terrible it is."

"You still need fun in your life," Kuroka spouted a few words of her unique brand of wisdom. "Do you think there haven't been end-times before? The Great War, the Devil Civil War, the War between the Titans and Olympians just off the top of my head."

"I…saw…" Dorian didn't have a chance to finish as Iggy dropped in front of him, her silver-green eyes staring deep into his own.

"You saw her die," Iggy realized what he was thinking as their memories synchronized despite his best efforts to hide them. "On the way out, you saw Rossweisse and her daughter consumed by dark fire." The room went silent. Dorian had been true to his word and told all he saw after the attack in Lilith had been resolved. He never lied, but the one detail omitted was the last thing he saw before losing consciousness.

"Oh Dorian…" Rossweisse didn't know what else to say. She knew about the other her seen, but had been hesitant to probe for details hearing of a life she could have had with the smallest of changes.

"I won't lose her, lose any of you if there is anything I can do to stop it," he shook his head to clear out the cobwebs forming. "I know it wasn't my timeline, everyone was so different, but even so they were all so strong and it accounted for nothing against it. If we can't beat the Trihexa through strength, then there MUST be another option…and I am going to find it!"

"We're not telling you not to," Despoina splashed a bit to wash over his body that had become more impressive between his constant workouts and newfound powers. "What we are saying is to live your life at the same time. Spend time with everyone, go outside, run the Crossroad, go to school, have a few fun nights!" Kuroka was vigorously nodding in agreement with her last statement. "My people go to excess in the opposite direction to what you are doing now. Just try to find a nice middle between living carefree without letting fear consume your every action and working to find where this thing is before it wakes."

There is so much that can be lost, I don't know if I can. Dorian did not say another word, but the look of worry on his face made it clear that the uncertainty still gripped his mind. It was Rossweisse, ever the voice of reason, who broke the silence among the collection of women who had found a way into his heart.

"Think on it, please," she cupped his chin in her hand and looked deep into his eyes. "If nothing else, enjoy today. Mrs. Hyoudou and the others have worked hard for this dinner that you told us so much of. You said it was to be thankful for all we had, so let us do that together."

"And for this dinner, we have to be clean," Kuroka's eyes glistened with a flash as she advanced on him making sure to bounce a little bit more as he looked at her. "Right ladies?"

"I-I'll wash his back!" Iggy shouted first trying to get into character. Dorian glanced left and right realizing Rossweisse and Thrud were acting the same closing in around him.

"Rookie mistake," Kuroka grinned as they advanced. "You could have claimed a better part…get him!" Dorian didn't get even a squeak out before all four women lunged holding him in place with playful splashes almost making him forget what had plagued his mind since first beholding the creature of the apocalypse. As he thrashed with lessening resistance, it was clear that all the while he couldn't stop smiling.

Hyoudou residence…

"Ninety-nine…one-hundred," Issei sat up from the machine setting the enormous weights down. "Damn, these new parts really work!" He was still amazed at the sheer boost in strength since Ophis had grafted Great Red's flesh to his body having completed a full rep with double the usual weight and yet he was barely sweating.

No longer are you the weakest of my hosts, Ddraig assured him. You are not a dragon, but have become as close to one as a devil-turned human can be.

"Is that a compliment? I might fall over. I got the Boosted Gear, my Balance Breaker, Crimson Cardinal Form…there has to be more, right?"

The Juggernaut Drive, your Crimson Cardinal Form controlled, is meant to be the pinnacle of the Boosted Gear's forms within its own limits. Although, Great Red's skin may have done more to breach this threshold, and then there is that green orb Dorian gave us. Perhaps with training we can tap into more than I even had before being sealed!

"A green orb? Like mine?" He glanced over the Boosted Gear's gem that had always been there since he first unlocked it. "How did Goldie get one?"

From you, just not yet, did I always look this skinny?

Issei almost fell out of his seat at the new voice that almost sounded like his own but deeper. Looking around, he failed to find the source of it, smacking himself in the head as if that would help.

"Ddraig, did you hear that!?"

Hear what? His companion seemed perplexed at his wielder's reaction. I heard nothing but your voice.

"If you're going to be collapsing during workout, you'll need to eat more," Ravel Phenex commanded in her usual manner while making her way down the stairs to the gym built into Issei's home.

"Just because you have Ddraig in your head doesn't excuse training alone," Catherine added. "You should always have a partner." Issei's eyes almost bulged out of his head as she let her skirt drop to the ground quickly followed by her top leaving the Knight in a formfitting muscle suit that clung to her body reminding him a bit of Irina and Xenovia's Church armor. "Prepare yourself!"

Catherine lunged forward unarmed kicking high prompting Issei to duck low instinctively. He was still unrefined, stumbling backwards from the sudden movement, but it was clear his body was beyond what he'd been before. Even without his gear activated, he managed to keep ahead of her punches and kicks while effortlessly blocking the ones he couldn't avoid. After a short exchange, he managed to get ahold of the pink-haired woman's leg, flipping her onto her back and pinning her, his face so close to hers.

"Impressive," she gasped at the compromising position she was now in. "Shall we continue?"

"What?" Issei swallowed hard only then realizing how things must look from the outside yet not wanting to get up just yet. "How did I do that?"

"You are far stronger now even without your gear to make better use of the instinct and reflexes we've been training," Rias appeared from the shadows with Asia. "I would put your normal body at high-class in power if not name. Congratulations. You'll have to get used to that new strength in everyday life. Don't get up on my account."

"Pres…Rias! Asia, it's not what it looks like," he finally stepped back allowing Catherine to get to her feet.

"Do you not want it to be?" Cat asked while flipping her hair out of her eyes.

"I-I didn't say that," he tried to find the words. "You're amazing, what you've done since joining us and getting past that bastard Diodora. But, after what he did to you…saying anything would be pretty bad."

"Only if it's not welcomed," her answer shook something loose in Issei's head as of course he thought she was sexy beyond words. She wasn't as well-endowed as Rias, but had a stern beauty to her almost like a cliff polished over years of waves crashing upon it. He could never articulate his thoughts so well, but was trying to improve. "I make a request now to be by your side along with Rias and Asia."

"You want…to be in my harem?" His eyes lit up like stars, making any question as to if he felt the same way beyond question. "I had no idea you felt that way about me."

"You are insufferable at times," Catherine stepped forward. "Your reputation preceded you when I joined the team so I thought I knew what to expect. And yet…"

"What she's TRYING to say," Ravel stepped in having grown fidgety ever since they'd become the center of attention. "You like trying to help everyone around you even if the problems are way out of your league. You never give up and…and we want to keep seeing this side of you every day."

"You too, Ravel?" Issei looked as if he would fall over as she nodded. "So, the reason you wanted to be my manager was…"

"I wanted to be your manager because you're hopeless in a business setting!" She blurted out, recomposing herself as she calmed down. "But, yes, I don't just want to be your manager. Wives look out for their husband's well-being all the time."

"W-w-wives?!"

"It's true, mother handles a good bit of the Gremory contracts," Rias backed her up. "Manages father's harem, and more. Would your parents approve such a match?"

"I haven't told them yet," She admitted. "I don't see why not considering he's the Red Dragon Emperor and is becoming world famous. But, if they didn't, that wouldn't deter me. Even without all that other stuff, he's still Issei."

"And I have no parents, so there are none who could deny me except you and the others," Catherine took the initiative, stepping forward and cupping Issei's cheeks with her hands. Before he could say another word, she planted a deep kiss on his lips and held it there. To her surprise, he reciprocated rather than just sitting back.

"Hey! I wanted to go first!" Ravel jumped in as they parted, however quickly left just a peck on the confused Red Dragon's cheek. "Th-that was for not kissing me first, you'll have to work for the rest."

"And I will!" Issei jumped for joy surrounded by these women who had admitted their love for him. In another time, he may have been dreaming of how his harem would grow from this, but that was not the case here. Instead, as his mind fluttered with happiness, all he could think of was all the ways he'd ensure to make them the happiest women in thew world each and every day. He may not have the largest harem in the world, but in that moment seeing the smiles on their faces…he was starting to slowly realize he didn't care.

Oh man, if those two start sleeping in my bed…thank you god! I don't know what I did to deserve so many bouncing babes, but I must be using up all the karma from a past life super quick!

Crossroad Tower…

"I didn't think they'd tickle so much," Misty poked at her new cat ears before quickly hiding them as Issei's parents came by. "And the tail…"

"It's hard to not want it out fulltime," Brynda agreed smiling dreamily at the idea of swishing it back and forth. Herja clearly agreed but would not admit it, sitting with her arms crossed looking very serious.

"This makes me your senpai as a nekoshou doesn't it?" Aika beamed as she took her seat. "Teach me as much magic as you can, and I'll be sure not to mention it TOO often."

"How have your lessons with Kuroka gone?" Herja asked if only to take her mind off the fluffy appendages she and her friends now sported as a result of their decision to stay by Misty's side. "Valkyrie magic is quite different from Sage Arts after all."

"That's the point," she pushed up her glasses confidently. "I want to learn everything. Sage arts, Valkyrie, Devil, Angel…if there is a magic classification then I want in."

"Well, we are on the same team no, I don't see the harm in a few of the basics."

"Such comradery," Kuroka pretended to dab tears from her eyes. "My team is growing so fast and they actually get along. With enough of us, when you go out and have little ones of your own, our numbers will skyrocket!"

'Wait," the trio turned to her. "You mean…?"

"I hope everyone is hungry," Mrs. Hyoudou called out suddenly as the collected attendants sat down at the dinner table. So many were there that they had to magically make the table longer, only taking a slight perception adjustment to ensure Issei's parents didn't think anything of it. "Issei, can you get the turkey for me, it's quite heavy and we can't have our guests working."

"Sure thing, mom," he stood up and entered the kitchen, reemerging with the largest turkey Dorian had ever seen. Trying to keep up appearances, the young Red Dragon Emperor pretended to have difficulty lifting it, however with his newfound strength found it pretty easy.

"You've been getting so strong," she complimented her son with a sing-song tone. "Where they found one this big, I'll never know."

"I know you said it didn't need to be fresh, but I couldn't resist," Thrud whispered to the others. "Turns out Jotunheim had a species of bird very close to your turkeys, so I went on a little hunting expedition and found a smaller one. It was only about two-hundred pounds…" Dorian's jaw nearly hit the table.

"Two-hundred pounds!? There is no way we'll even come close to eating this much," Dorian looked over the table. Even with all of the Crossroads, Issei's family, Azazel and Team Gremory, they barely had thirty people between them. "That'll be so many leftovers…"

"Well, fewer than you may think," the smile had already extended across Dorian's lips before he even turned to face the newcomer. "This is a day to be thankful for everything is it not? Then it seems fitting all should be present who can attend."

"Lady Freyja!"

From the main lobby, the Queen of Asgard stood with her husband, Sif and all their children. Everyone at the table was equally surprised as it was clear there were many more behind them. Venelana Gremory with her husband Zeoticus, Sirzechs and his wife Grayfia with Millicas waving to the room. Sona Sitri and her combined peerage, Seekvaira's peerage following her grandmother beside Serafall wheeling in a resting Katerea and her newborn son sleeping comfortably. Dorian's heart beat a little faster out of worry as Rossweisse's mother Helmwige and father Hengst walked in not far. In the far back, a blue-haired woman and dark Reaper stood side-by side, Bennia's widening eyes giving away their identity immediately as her family.

"Mother!?" Akeno stood up from the table to embrace Shuri Himejima walking hand-in hand with her husband Baraqiel. "How are you here?!"

"The gods granted a brief window to return to your world; just a few hours, but well worth it," she explained joyfully.

"Did father and mother get to make it?" Irina glanced over but looked disappointed they were not among the group. She slumped back with a slight frown caught by Dorian immediately though was too far to speak to her.

I suppose he still can't return, the young angel mused. He seemed so worried about ever coming back to Kuoh even after I was assigned to come here with Xenovia…father, what happened those years ago?

"Oh my!" Mrs. Hyoudou took her husband's hand. "We may need a bigger table with so many more coming. Did we make enough food?"

"The turkey will more than suffice for all of us thanks to its size," Freyja proclaimed. "As for the rest, we would be poor guests if we did not accommodate our arrival." Turning, she revealed trays of potatoes, cakes, pies, yams, vegetables and other assorted foods associated with Thanksgiving as she'd researched. The collective mouths of the room started to drool even as the families started to mingle and begin thinking on the new seating arrangements. "I am afraid that we may need more tables…but that will be a simple enough task."

After a bit of organized chaos, the room had been rearranged to allow for everyone to sit, a dimensional bridge needing to extend the room even more to the point Issei's parents almost noticed the difference. Dorian started unloading slices of the turkey-like fowl onto his plate taking note that he was seated to the right of Lady Freyja as Vali was now seated to the left of Odin.

"Tradition," Freyja whispered, smiling coyly at the White Dragon Emperor who currently had Hecuba sliding several yams onto his plate. While he had almost fully healed from Samael's poison, it seemed the young Spartan was still used to being by his side. Every so often, the White Dragon would glance at the wound on her face that almost looked as if he found it endearing. "The youngest children are in places of honor near their parents…and you both fit that criteria."

Dorian nodded, understanding why Thrud, Modi and Magni were so close as well. He'd assumed it had something to do with them needing more space as the sibling status between the three was more unmistakable than ever. Modi was picking the largest pieces he saw Magni eyeing, his brother in turn smacking him in the head with retaliation on both sides. It was not until Thrud clunked both their heads together with a glare enforcing them to behave before they calmed down. Even then, occasional pokes and jabs could be seen under the table.

"I believe before we can eat, we have to say grace?" Freyja spoke loud enough to grab everyone's attention, a few including Saji slowly putting food down they had nearly bitten into. He linked hands with Sona under the table as did many others. "Dorian, I believe you know the proper words?"

"Oh, um yes…ahem," Dorian cleared his throat as he was suddenly the center of attention thinking of what to say. Normally, when they had Thanksgiving dinner with Ms. Lily, they'd thank God for all they had and for those loved ones who could join them that day. Considering there were no fewer than a half dozen god-like beings at the table, it felt odd to pray to just one.

Ms. Lily always knew what to say, if only she could be here. Is she still teaching? Maybe I can visit her sometime. I doubt I'd have time to with… The realization hit him instantly that if he just focused until finding out how to stop what was to come that he may not see her for years. That thought made him think on all the women he had come to care for said in the bath. To see her again, and get to be with everyone at this table more often and learn everything I can that Iggy has helped me only scratch the surface of. If I can't do that, then what's the point in all else?

"I cannot say how happy I am, and thankful, to see everyone who could make it here today," the words seemed to flow easier as his soul lightened, eyes drifting across the long tables arranged throughout the room. "I know this isn't a holiday really celebrated here or from where most of you are from, but the meaning behind it is something I've always felt is important no matter where you were born."

I have everyone, he looked to his friends, loves, those from the Crossroads, Team Gremory, and all those others he had come to know in the short months since he awoke in Asgard. They're there for me and I for them, we'll live…together. We all have so much to be grateful for.

"Life can be hard, things will happen we don't expect…and that's the thing, so many things we don't expect happen, both good and bad. If everything went to plan, then so much joy just wouldn't be there," his eyes fell on Rossweisse who blushed red realizing where his focus was. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, thank you to the unexpected, and to everyone here. It may not be what we planned, but we can turn it into something better than what we could have dreamed of…like…"

"Like this turkey!" Thor called out with his wife trying in vain to calm him. "Which will get cold if you go on ere too long!" A gentle laughter spread among those who knew him and those who didn't.

"I believe what father is trying to say," Thrud zapped the strongest Norse warrior in the back with her finger. "Is that the sentiment is shared. None of us would rather be anywhere but here."

Across the room, eyes drifted between friends and loved ones. Akeno to her mother and father, Rias to Issei and her peerage she'd grown so close to. Saji and Sona shared a glance yet kept it short, the children of Odin smacked each other on the back. Mr. and Mrs. Hyoudou clasped hands under the table, such gestures spreading around the room like wildfire. There was nothing else to say.

"In that case," Dorian found his voice at last through grinning teeth. "Let's eat!" The raucous cheer was deafening, none wasting another moment before digging into the assembled food.

Iggy was absolutely beside herself, barely taking a breath in the face of the feast before her. Her plates, plural, were covered with at least one of every delicacy that had been prepared for the day. The look on her face was pure bliss with each bite, unable to contain herself complimenting each one to whoever took credit for its creation. Mrs. Hyoudou was beaming with pride within the first hour. Over her shoulder, Yggdrasil watched with joy. They were too far from any Roots for her to join physically, however she could still be present in a spiritual capacity for her little girl.

Man, I wish I could tell mom, Issei thought as he saw how much his parents got along with everyone. They love Rias, see Asia like their own daughter and adore everyone in the house or next door. But what would they think of me being a devil?

"Issei, you are dripping."

"Huh? OH!" The young Pawn barely noticed that he'd been too generous on the sauce now dripping onto his lap. Thankfully, at his mother's insistence, he had placed a napkin that caught every drop. "Sorry Rias."

"I don't know what we'll do with you," she smiled while dabbing a bit on his face. "But there will be many years to find out."

"I can tell you a few tactics," his mother winked to who she hoped would be her future daughter-in law. "They helped me with him the last seventeen years, I even shared some with Asia." The blonde former nun was blushing crazy from her seat.

Oh no, they're coordinating!

Seekvaira was seated by her grandmother, the pair talking back and forth without regard of who was nearby. Catching up on her entire life of not knowing her, Seekvaira was asking her everything she could. Her grandmother, Seevara Agares, listened to all she said and more. Dorian could not hear them from across the table, but noticed on more than one occasion their pink eyes lingered on him a moment longer than expected, sending a shiver through him at her analytical gaze surpassing her granddaughter's.

Katerea looked more at peace then when he'd ever seen her before, even allowing Serafall to hold little Fänden when she needed two hands for her meal. The Leviathan Satan was more than happy to accommodate her each chance she had. The only times Serafall's joy receded was each instance that she looked to Sona who had chosen to sit by Saji rather than her sister. At least one fork found itself bent in half as the machinations of her mind went into overdrive considering his intentions towards her. The others noticed it too and wished the young Pawn good luck in his endeavors.

Kiba was flanked by Tsubaki and Xenovia as Koneko ate beside her sister. Surprisingly, they were all being cordial engaged in idle conversation while piling on seconds. With the food brought in combined with the sizeable turkey, there was no hope of running out even with so many.

"Do you have family, in the Church I mean," Kiba asked Xenovia as the thought entered his mind.

"No parents, but I did have a guardian," she explained as Tsubaki listened in as well to learn all she could of her rival in love. "She id…very intimidating."

"Is she here?" Kiba looked about almost a little nervous that he had missed someone so important to her.

"I do not see her. That is unsurprising as she was not very happy with my becoming an Einherjar being so far from God's grace. I am sure she will accept it in time, but that may be why she is not here. Either that, or her work has kept her away."

"Well, I look forward to meeting her," the young Knight smiled serenely. "Intimidating or not, she must be an amazing person to have watched over you these many years."

Volody was seated among Team Vali, trying to be more sociable with Catherine and Irina asking them information about Issei and the Red Dragon in preparation for his mage pact. The look on Catherine's face trying to translate through his thick accent had Irina trying not to laugh with a mouthful of grape juice.

Sirzechs and Grayfia had seated themselves as close to Rias' team as the table layouts would allow. Surprising most, he was talking with Gasper, having heard of his exploits against Georg. The young vampire was shuffling uncomfortably talking to the strongest devil in the world. While what they said couldn't be heard, Rias had mentioned wanting to reopen discussions with the vampires of Romania and it was guessed the Crimson Satan was thinking the same.

Millicas was enjoying himself at the impromptu "kid's table" with their own assortment of food. While Kunou looked aggravated that her status as a child had been brought to the forefront again, it was mediated by the presence of Bennia who was there by her own choice. The two were carving silly shapes into the mashed potatoes, pulling on wishbones over and over to stockpile wishes and even started causing the plates to levitate when Mr. and Mrs. Hyoudou weren't looking. Somehow, it seemed even Yasaka's daughter couldn't resist as she started joining in their fun if only to critique the sculptures made in potato. Bennia's own parents watched on with nearly unreadable expressions other than the impression they were glad to see their little girl enjoying herself.

"What a dear, now say 'aaahhh,' wider," Yasaka motioned her food-covered fork to Azazel who, to the shock of all nearby, actually acquiesced and accepted the offer.

Closest to Dorian were those he'd grown close to over the last year. Freyja and Odin, the Norse God's eyes scanning the room all the while feeding grapes to his wife one at a time. Thor sat with his wife Sif wolfing down plate after plate set before him, he and Thrud looking almost identical in that regard. His brothers; Vidar and Baldur, were more refined yet still enjoyed the meal with the gusto Dorian had come to expect and even appreciate among those from Asgard. More than once he had to catch himself almost putting as much enthusiasm into his own dinner.

Rossweisse was next, close yet still further than he would have liked. She was clearly going over some in-depth explanation to her parents who looked sat content sharing a linked hand with one another whenever they could spare it. It was wonderful seeing her getting past the uncertainty that had plagued her since first failing the family trials. He was disappointed her cousin could not make it.

Everyone is so…happy, the simple thought hit Dorian like a ton of bricks. Even Le Fay and Iggy who had seen the same future he did were enjoying the moment not letting it weigh on them. Since getting back and having a moment to breathe, I couldn't stop thinking of what we can do to stop it…

You have a good life, don't waste it, Despoina gently whispered. Dorian could not help but notice she was having her own Thanksgiving dinner in his mind as if she were there with them. We can prepare AND live our lives; the two actions are not mutually exclusive.

But what if…?

I think you need to take pointers from your own holiday, she interrupted while glaring at him from across their own dinner table just for two in his mind. What did you tell everyone was the point of Thanksgiving?

…to spend time with those you care about and celebrate what you're most thankful for.

Exactly, now you need to do just that. I doubt we'll see a room this full again anytime soon. Talk to friends, spend time with family, and for all the gods' sake, smile! You used to do that a lot better if I recall.

Thank you Despoina, you know, you deserve to be here too. They know you're in my mind now, there's no more need to hide or fear Hades' threats. At least for now. I won't let them do anything to you.

That would make things awkward, plus Iggy has the reigns of the form so I'd be little more than a ghost. Thank you though, I'll come out more after…I promise.

I'll hold you to that. Not everyone could make it, but should have something like this. Despoina caught the tone in his voice that he was referring to something specific.

Dorian…what did you do?

Let's just say that after the girls' pep talk, it inspired me to help another family have some time together today as well. That and I owed someone a bit after helping take down the Jabberwocky.

Road Between Realms…

"Don't eat so fast, it's bad for your stomach," Hela warned Fenrir who was currently in the process of inhaling his own personal 200-pound cooked bird. At her stern yet loving sisterly tone, he started eating a little slower hooking a paw over his meal as if worried she'd take it away.

The brother and sister sat across from each other with a table in front of the Norse goddess with Fenrir having a sizable one of his own beside his surviving son Skoll. To the great wolf's frustration, his brother was there as well in a sense. A spectral apparition of Midgardsormr's floated beside them with his true body still fast asleep somewhere in the Roads. It was the first time the three could remember having been together in one place in a very long time. Normally, such an event would have been impossible due to Hela's required presence in Helheim. Fortunately, thanks to Yggdrasil and Dorian, a portal to that realm was opened just to the side allowing her to be nearly in two places at once.

"Remember when we were little?" She asked at length. "Back when mother was around and father was…"

"Himself?" Midgardsormr finished her sentence. "How could we forget? Though you spend more time with him nowadays."

"I have his soul, there is a big difference," she corrected while daintily finishing the food on her plate. "Father has tried many times to get me to release him, he is not the same as he was."

"Not since mother died," Fenrir growled while gnawing on a large bone sharing a second with Skoll who nibbled his eagerly. "I wish you could have known your grandmother," Skoll looked up at his father's words, tail wagging in agreement.

"That may have been the catalyst, but he was always…he wasn't the man we wanted him to be."

I miss her. Her memory will always be with us, but this is a time for joy, not sorrow.

"I see you have more room to move," Hela motioned towards Gleipnir now having considerably more length added to it. "Good behavior, I hope?"

"Give and take during my games with Dorian," Fenrir grumbled making sure not to admit how often he'd lost at Tafl. "That, and if I'd known that biting one monster's throat was enough for such freedom, I would have done it sooner. Our conversations are…not as uneventful as I feared they would be."

"He molds my power well," Midgardsormr mumbled in their heads. "Someday, he may not need to rely upon me for his Breakdown. I would have guessed it would be centuries before then, however…"

"He is a fast grower," Hela swirled her wine a bit with a smile thinking of the eagle egg so close to hatching back home. "How about we drink to what is to come," she held her glass up for a toast. "To family, both present and absent, newfound friends…and family to come." The image of the egg entered her thoughts, knowing it could be hatching any day now.

Fenrir nodded, taking a gulp from the enormous chalice propped up beside him. Midgardsormr did the same even just as a projection into their thoughts. The siblings stayed there for a long time before departing back to their respective homes. Despite all that had befallen, it gave them a moment of peace, even more so knowing that they were not so wholly separated…not even Fenrir could deny to appeal of that idea.

"That, and I haven't seen my nephew in years," Hela scratched Skoll behind the ear causing him to thump his leg happily. He was still young by their standards, his intellect not quite up to full sentience. All the same, she wanted to treat him as she would any other member of their family, the idea of what happened to his brother making her blood boil within.

I don't blame the devil Knight or the others for Hati's death, father used his simple mind to make him do as he wished. The fact either of them survived the battle is a blessing and I'll make sure he has a chance to grow up to have a true intellect of his own. Dorian and my little eagle child will have siblings to play with. It's only natural.

Crossroad Tower, After Dinner…

"Aha, this is delightful!" Odin cheered at the screen as a player was tackled trying for a touchdown. "We have similar in Asgard, but the buzzer doesn't stop when a player goes down."

"Is Asgard far from here?" Mr. Hyoudou asked while sharing a glass of beer between the Odin, Azazel and the other adult men present. "It sounds…interesting."

"You can visit sometime! We have the mightiest warriors, brightest seas and the most beautiful women…a-as you can see from my beloved wife," he quickly added before Freyja's burning gaze could fall upon him.

"Not as beautiful as mine," Issei's father acted fast, pulling his wife onto his lap and surprising her. He hadn't made a move like that since before Issei was old enough to talk, a pleasant surprise to be sure. "Your own lad looks to be having fun." He motioned to Dorian across the room.

"If you insist," Dorian laid his elbow on the table not far with his hand open awaiting his opponent as the adults continued their talks. After dinner, the gathered friends and family had retired to the expansive living rooms and split into various circles talking about whatever came to mind. Dorian found himself confronted by Rossweisse's parents with the other Norse denizens not far away. "I must warn you; I've gotten much stronger since Vanaheim."

"And I've been growing stronger my entire life," Rossweisse's father, Hengst, came on the opposite side and gripped the Einherjar's hand almost covering it completely with his own. "Powers permitted?"

"Deal, but that works for me as well." Dorian summoned Laerad Ragnarök onto his right hand, the gem glowing gold. His eyes widened as Hengst's arm warped and twisted until it was covered in fur and claws, the same like a giant bear. Dorian had heard that Berserker's could change in such a way and been surprised that he didn't utilize such power during their first fight.

You know, I think he might have let me win last time.

What was your first clue? Despoina couldn't resist retorting.

"All of my clan can do such a thing," Hengst boasted while staring down the man whom his daughter loved. "Someone, give us a countdown!"

"Oh, you should see when he turns his entire body into a bear," Helmwige answered with a dreamy sing-song to her voice and a far-too sinister grin on her lips.

"MOTHER!" Rossweisse buried her face a little lower in her glass. It was merely grape juice, however next to it was one of wine as she considered if it would be appropriate to drink perhaps just a little on this special occasion.

"On three!" Helmwige pretended to ignore her daughter's embarrassment. "One…two…"

"Wait," Ratatoskr thought out loud. "If Rossweisse's dad can turn all furry, does that mean that his daughter might learn how to…?"

"THREE!"

The two men immediately started groaning as they pushed against the other. The power of an elder Berserker against the Einherjar with a tie to Yggdrasil's daughter and Midgardsormr. As the contest continued, it became evident that it was not going to end quickly, each one pacing themselves and bracing against the other.

"You getting in there next?" Issei asked Vali who was lounging nearby. "Or do you want to start one too?"

"When we fight next, it will be with all our abilities, not a children's game," the White Dragon Emperor answered with a stoic expression. "That, and I will be at full strength, not hobbled by this poison's after effects."

"Damn, that is pretty bad. If it weren't for Great Red's flesh, I'd still be messed up by it too," Issei flexed his hands feeling the power still coursing through him. "Next time we fight, I'll win on my own, it feels like I just started mastering this thing." He looked down at his hand despite the Boosted Gear not being materialized. "You aren't planning to merge with Ophis or anything, are you?" Vali just glared at him clearly not interested in seeking external power-ups beyond his own talent and body.

"Issei Hyoudou," the young man looked up at mention of his name. It was the purple-haired woman who had helped in Lilith. "May I join you?"

"S-sure! Ingvild, right?" He noticed that in the time he'd looked away that Vali was already gone leaving the two relatively alone. "I'm glad you are alright; I didn't expect you to be here too."

"Katerea is family," she looked over to the Old Satan bouncing Fänden in her arms. Issei had noticed that she hadn't left the wheelchair since arriving. "She will be recovering since the pregnancy; it was not an easy one."

"Dang, at least she and the baby are okay," Issei remarked with empathy in his voice though unable to keep from noticing how shapely the young woman was.

Who knew Katerea's family could pull off sexy AND nice?

"Until that time she is better, I shall be the acting head of the Leviathan family. So that means we shall be seeing each other more, there is much to discuss in the days ahead."

"Oh wow, I had no idea you were so prominent in their family."

"I am not, but Katerea felt that it was…appropriate considering my half-human heritage and how I inherited the serpent of our family." Issei had clearly been unaware she was not a pure-blood devil. "It is why I was originally hidden away until after she surrendered to Serafall. I suppose that those who kept me safe this last century asleep saw it as a sign that it was safe to take me to better facilities."

"You were asleep for a hundred years? Man, things must have changed so much for you…you look good for your age." He kicked himself internally feeling the compliment sounded worse than it did in his head.

"Thank you, maybe one day you will let me sing for you."

"Sing? Like you did at the battle? You had a beautiful voice," Issei could not help but tell the absolute truth. "If you wanted to, I bet they'd love having you on the Oppai Dragon TV Show!"

"TV Show? The world is much more…vibrant than I remember," she glanced at the lamps and various technology scattered around the room. "I much prefer it this way and would love to see this show, reopening relations between the House of Leviathan and Gremory will be a great step ahead."

"And I look forward to it," Rias rounded the corner, Issei instinctively smiling at the tight red casual sweater she was wearing almost matching Asia's tan one. "This is a time for a great many relationships, not the smallest being with Ophis too."

"I think I will like it here," the Ouroboros Dragon hopped over the couch to land on Issei's lap. "I've already given all I know of the traitors within each faction. That will purge most if not all there are for now."

"I-indeed," Rias muttered as she scooched a bit closer to Issei clearly eyeing the young woman now sitting on his lap. She noticed Ingvild had done the same, seeming to be trying to analyze the other women's approach. "It's hard to believe how many were involved, even in Heaven…"

"An oversight they are watching for," Irina explained nearby as she went back and forth with a game of pool against Volody without taking her eyes off the balls. "Who knew that intentions were enough to fool the system? They thought that the Brigade was better than working with other myths for the greater good of Heaven."

They did take many casualties defending the Underworld and attacking the Brigade at each battle. The exorcists especially seeing as how their entire purpose for the last thousand years has been to hunt devils.

"Dibs on the winner." Catherine called out, stepping ahead of Xenovia watching the game.

"Are you a fan of pool?" Issei asked, noting the glimmer in her eyes.

"It was a fun distraction when I was younger," she admitted with a nostalgic smile. "They had a table in the Vatican dormitories…"

"Well then, how about we open a second game?" He rolled up a sleeve and flexed confidently. "See if I can bring back that fun. Rias, can you referee?"

"And I'll play next!" Asia raised a hand wanting in on the fun.

"I do not know the rules, but perhaps I could too," Ophis picked up a cue almost the same height as her, analyzing it curiously as the group claimed another table to begin their own fun.

"She is so comfortable around him," Sirzechs noted to Azazel while sipping on their wine. "Do not worry, we were able to keep her presence from becoming public knowledge."

"No reason to worry about a panic, she's weaker than a low-class devil right now. That one snake Dorian saved is the only bit of power she has left. It's enough to live for centuries or millennia, but a single use of any impressive power would finish the job Moloch started. Granted, she was the leader of a terrorist group for years, still best to ensure no one else knows she's here."

"Some would suggest sealing her to ensure she didn't fall back into her old ways."

"Good luck convincing Issei to do that, you'd lose the love of your sister's future husband," Sizechs laughed knowing Azazel was correct. "She helped save his life at the expense of her own in the gap, he's the sort of guy who would go to the ends of the Earth to help someone who does that for him or his friends."

"But we never did recover the Infinite power," Grayfia noted at her husband's side. "There is too much this Moloch can do with it."

"Dorian and Rias agree, between their contacts and our own, we'll track them down. Cao Cao said that what he thought he'd taken was all stolen, so at the very least we know it's all on one place. That should make it easier to track than if they'd split it up. We'll be prepared in whatever form it rears its ugly head."

"That can be for another day," Grayfia motioned towards the younger generation all interacting, partaking in their games and laughing across the room. Millicas was in the middle of some sort of card game against Kunou and was doing better than she expected much to the young fox youkai's chagrin. "For now, the children can relax. This was a day much needed for them."

"Indeed," Sirzechs kissed his wife gently on the cheek, an act she allowed as she was in that moment indeed his wife and not the Gremory head maid. "They have kept their spirits up through these trials, they will need that optimism in the days ahead. To remain one's self in the face of hopeless adversity, that has been an admirable trait of those who will follow after us."

Across the room…

"Ten on Dorian," Ratatoskr called out as the competition between he and Hengst seemed to be reaching an apex. "Stop holding back for an old fogey boss!" He retreated behind Bennia's cloak as Hengst turned a piercing gaze toward him.

"I could transform and devour you after I win," he groaned refusing to admit that Dorian's arm was unmoving despite his best efforts.

"Twenty on Dorian," Thrud called out from the back leaning back with her feet on a table. "I've been on the receiving end of that arm after all, he learned from the best," she winked at her own self-praise.

"I got a twenty," Bennia started fishing around in her pockets, looking up at Rossweisse whose expression could only be described as conflicted. Her desire to join the bet mixing with her disdain for frivolous purchases.

"Two-hundred on Dorian," Freyja quickly added, dropping a pouch on the table. Hengst's eyes went wide at the Queen of Asgard betting so much against his victory.

"You have got to be jok-!" The Berserker of renown couldn't finish as the glowing gold light of Laerad Ragnarök spiked. Dorian's face was beet-red, putting all his effort into one final push he'd been saving throughout the match. With a blank, confused expression, Rossweisse's father was hoisted in the air before his arm was slammed down onto the table and the rest of him tumbling after smashing through.

"Aaaaand no more bets!" Ratatoskr tried slipping off with the pouch on the table only to be met by glares from the group. "Well, can't blame a guy for trying. The winner goes to the scraggly blonde heartthrob!"

"Scraggly!?"

"An impressive display, I heard you struck the Glasya-Labolas heir at your first meeting," Seekvaira's grandmother approached Dorian having hung back until his victory. With the way she glided, it almost looked as if she had no use of her feet. "Then later you saved his sibling's essence from wasting away in a foreign afterlife. Seldom has one earned the scorn and praise of a family in so short a time."

"It counts more towards the individual than the family," Dorian started before realizing the first-generation Agares had extended her hand palm down. Remembering devil propriety, he accepted it, kissing the back before she finally withdrew it, tradition satisfied. "Thank you for arriving during the battle when you did Lady Agares."

"Lady Agares is my son's wife now; you may refer to me as Lady Seevara. Dorian Held, I have heard much of you from…multiple sources." She glanced over his shoulder to Seekvaira approaching with a drink in hand looking more nervous than usual. "I would never have imagined the Underworld having so many of foreign parts within our very streets. Truly, this is an age unlike the one of strife I remember."

"That is certainly my hope, things would have turned out far worse today if so many didn't come to help."

"Indeed, it would seem so," her piercing eyes locked briefly with Seekvaira before returning to Dorian. "If you will be spending more time with my granddaughter then I insist you visit our family manor for an extended period. You and those who will be your future wives…"

"That will not be necessary!" Seekvaira rushed past Dorian, turning her grandmother around and ushering her from the room. "W-we can talk later Dorian," she muttered under her breath once she was nearly out of the room."

"It's okay," he returned an innocent smile betraying his full understanding of her grandmother's meaning. "I haven't seen your family home yet, I would love to visit it." Those words alone were enough to send Seekvaira rushing out pushing Seevara who had an all-knowing smirk hidden behind her lips.

"You did well, husband," Helmwige was upon Hengst before he could get up back at the remains of the table, stroking his hair as he decided it was more comfortable to stay down in her embrace. "I don't think you needed to let him win twice."

"I…I didn't," he admitted with a cough to try and hide his uncertainty. "I put all my strength into that arm, his growth is…extraordinary since our last bout."

"Then we have nothing to worry about with our little Rose," she smiled contentedly as the others rushed in to congratulate the Einherjar. "Yet mother still looked concerned, I wonder what about." Helmwige pondered her mother having decided not to attend, working on matters back in Valhalla.

After a time, the group had broken up again, Dorian now finding himself surrounded by his new siblings with Thor smacking him on the back so hard he had no idea how nothing broke.

"Our family grows ever bigger," he bellowed with an unbreakable joy. "And here we thought you'd stay the youngest forever little brother."

"But no longer," Baldur joined in with Vidar. "Who would have ever suspected that day we brought you into Asgard that we'd not only have a new Einherjar brother, but a White Dragon as well?" The three sons of Odin turned towards Vali currently leaning against the far wall. He shivered as soon as their eyes fell on him, dreading what was sure to follow. "Come little brother, come here so we can all be as one!"

"I am not your brother!" Vali's calm snapped for a moment though he quickly recovered. "I...don't have a brother," his hesitation was caught by Hecuba who was starting to understand more of the White Dragon Emperor the longer she was near him.

"Then what better way than to start with your first?" Vidar offered more cordially than his more energetic siblings. "Your rival, the Red Dragon Emperor, is growing stronger and stronger every day. Perhaps the secret to defeating him is found within our powers. You never know, your fellow new brother can attest to our might."

"It's true…bro," Dorian couldn't help but say in his moment of joy despite the killing intent bleeding towards him from Vali's aura. "Asgard and the Nine Realms seem to have a knack for defeating or empowering dragons. "With just a bit of time…"

"I will defeat Issei Hyoudou with my own power and will," he interrupted while slamming his empty glass on the table. "And the rest of you as well," he motioned especially towards Dorian and Thor. "The strongest White Dragon Emperor in this world who won't lose to the red ever again."

"That's the spirit of an Odinson!" Thor called out with a cheer. "I can see why father wished to have you in the family. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were an Aesir god reborn!"

That was clearly not the response that Vali was looking for. With a muffled groan, he retreated elsewhere in the party. Issei knew better, but Dorian almost went after him only to be stopped by a familiar sensation as he was pulled into a vibrant hug courtesy of Lady Freyja.

"It would not be wise," she whispered while he could barely breathe smothered within her chest. "I can see it in his eyes, the joy of having a family is an unknown to him. Such a pity."

"Lady Freyja," he smiled feeling so content near her.

"Ah ah," she tutted, finally releasing him. "I'll only respond if you call me the same thing you did back in the Land of the Dead." It took the Einherjar several moments to realize what she was referring to.

"Mom, it feels so natural to say it," he chuckled. "I'm not living in your dormitories or directly working alongside you, but it sounds…nice."

"Baldur is my only trueborn son with Odin, yet I consider all the others as my own…you included and perhaps in time even Vali. Such bonds can form every day and I am glad to see you as my youngest child. Thinking of you as a son does not belittle the feelings for my own, nor should yours for me lessen those of your mother and father; ancestors bless them."

Mom, dad, all these afterlives I've seen and yet there is no sign of you. Makes you wonder just how much more there is out there.

"You're right," Dorian answered at length. "I hope I've done you proud with the Crossroads."

"More than proud, just look around us at all who gather here whether they are a part of your team or consider themselves a friend. It's been such little time since they were created, and yet already so many are brought together in friendship. And after that display in the Underworld…"

"Yes!" Azazel popped between them having escaped Yasaka for the moment and sounding very drunk. "The Naghaflrfr looksh incredible! You MUSHT let me examine it someday…hic."

"Maybe someday," Dorian looked past the inebriated devil to the Agares heiress staring out a window in the next room up at the patrolling airship in the sky. "But I'm afraid you'll have to get in line, I already promised the first tour to someone else."

Nightfall….

"Nya, I haven't eaten that much in years," Kuroka stretched as she picked up her pillows from Dorian's larger bed. Night had fallen at the Tower with the many guests having either returned home or found temporary accommodations to sleep off the drink and food coma. The other women were in the bathroom getting ready while Dorian was laying out the sheets. "After that, you'll want some time with your beloveds." She winked coyly, but the Einherjar had gotten better at spotting the hint of disappointment hidden behind her bravado.

"You don't have to leave," he piped up, halting her retreat from the room. "I wouldn't have healed so fast if it weren't for you being there with Thrud. That and…I know how much you tried to help me when I was unconscious returning from that future."

"You saw that?"

"Every moment, I was very aware of what was happening around me," Dorian admitted while picturing it in his memories. Kuroka had continued trying to heal him even when it seemed to do nothing spending hours by his bed sleeping only in short spurts before passing out from exhaustion to rest. "When we first met, you just wanted to have a kid without any real attachments, right?"

"Guilty as charged," she raised a hand almost as if she were proud of it. "Have you changed your mind on that front?"

"Not solely for a kid, but if that's all you wanted, you could have left me when I was like that at any time to pursue someone else, couldn't you? You had no idea how long I'd be out."

"And where did you get this sudden epiphany?" She turned back, dropping her pillow back onto the bed. "Or are you just getting better at understanding women?"

"Let's just say I recently saw something that gave me a greater appreciation for those around me along with some…perspective."

"And for that you'll be so sneaky? Just what will your other loves think?"

"You act like we don't discuss everything together," Thrud emerged from the bathroom with her arms crossed leaning on the wall.

"You have shown that you really care about Dorian," Rossweisse was next, hands on her hips looking stern as if she were addressing her class. "Under that requirement, we came to an agreement…"

"…that it'd be okay for you to stay with us," Iggy came out last with a wholesome smile on her face. "You love him just like us, if you want to…you can stay as long as you like."

Kuroka was speechless staring down the three women and Dorian looking at her with such eyes that she was not used to. It was true that she'd foregone looking for other suitors to have kids with in the months since Dorian promised the Senet Piece set, but it hadn't dawned on her so clearly until that moment all the other opportunities she could have had to look for others.

There were so many strapping prospects even just at the meal today alone, but I didn't even look at any. Heh, am I really becoming a big softy like Irina? Repopulating our race, letting Nekoshou shine in the world again, that is what I wanted to see without burdening little Shirone. Before, quantity was the name of the game, the more men the better. But now, this little piece in my chest can let me create more who can create more themselves. Maybe for now…I can focus on quality, and if I have a seal of approval from all involved…

She seized the opportunity, throwing herself into Dorian's arms pleasantly surprised as their lips met with the Einherjar making the first move. Of course, Kuroka didn't let him have all the fun, pressing forward so strongly she nearly pushed him into the nearby wall. With an insatiable expression, she hopped off the ground so he was holding her bridal style for a moment before floating out of them and onto the covers.

"I get the right side then," Kuroka flopped onto the bed stretching out with an action that was certainly meant to be sultrier by design. "Plenty of more room to be had for everyone to share, does that mean I get to join in on your nightly escapades?"

"W-we don't do that nightly! And that is my spot!" Rossweisse jumped forward with Thrud close behind enjoying every second of her childhood friend's frustration. Iggy just stood next to Dorian watching the chaos unfold as battle lines were drawn on all sides of the bed. Subtly, she gripped Dorian's hand gently, yet tightly, smiling all the more.

"It's moments like these…" Dorian sighed contentedly. "…that really help us realize all that we are thankful for. I will never stop fighting for you, that I promise you."

Dorian's resolve is strengthened while remembering to cherish those he loves and not let the fear of the future ruin the present. Pushing past the darkness he saw, the Einherjar is set to live his life in happiness all the while preparing for what is sure to come.

Whew, the end to the Underworld Invasion Arc, been bouncing from battle to battle since the future arc but now there is some time to breathe. As usual, I will go on a hiatus to recharge, rest and plan the stories ahead. I will admit this is likely to be a longer wait to the next main plot between the size of the ideas ahead coupled with the downtime chapters I have in the works. If you have any preferences/recommendations for short stories you wish to see, feel free to voice them and I'll see what I can do Until then, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D