leonardo18anime: That truly means a lot to hear man. :D I'll admit I've always been more a fan of multiple characters supporting each other rather than putting all the eggs in one basket, so to speak. You are so welcome and no sign of me stopping yet ;)

Guest1: Exactly, though for different reasons, the two are very strict on the marriage first aspect. I'll admit Irina going from super religious protestant to wanting to sleep with Issei despite the consequences felt very rushed which is why I wanted to try and develop more how she might become more interested in that aspect. Being roommates with Kuroka gives her more chances to hear about it from her lol. I am glad you liked it :)

Hollowreaper 93: Can never have too many XD. Vali deserved some love too imo, no one left behind here.

OBSERVER01: Getting to show the different couples is always a good time :D Kunou would never admit it, but she like spending time with Millicas. She must be to draw her away from watching out for Azazel XD.

fanficcyberman: You hit the nail on the head ;) For some over the course of the series they've become like one. Herja with the hose just on standby whenever she sees Bikou XD The question is if that is part of of being a Nekoshou or it's just how Misty is XD. Oh god, Rat in a speedo...the universe can only withstand so much eldritch horror! As for Akeno and Kuroka, I am honestly surprised those two don't talk at all in canon, you'd think they'd be so compatible. Thank you so much man! I really wanted to show the moments of growth between everyone when not fighting for the world. So glad you catch the little serious info I slip in now and then ;). It means a lot you consider my story up there. And thank you for your input on my question, I never want to oversaturate it with side/fun chapters if I did it too much. My personal preference is keeping all together so I can include plot-relevant aspects. You as well! Been doing great and I hope the same is true for you. Wishing you only the best! :D

TheLycan2026: Thank you so much man! And noted :) I just wanted to make sure the pacing didn't feel off keeping the smaller adventures with sprinkles of development lol. Well, the apples are rare and slow to grow so they'll either have to wait...or find a different way to push him the rest of the way to godhood ;)

And with that...onto the show!

"First time here, Boss?" Ratatoskr asked Dorian as the Einherjar approached the enormous mansion before them with his companion perched on his shoulder. "I guess all the devil ladies are loaded."

"So it seems," he breathed in, looking over the letter in his pocket one more time. He and Seekvaira had planned a day out to talk about the recent confession and have as normal a date as possible. Unexpectedly, she disappeared from the Tower leaving behind a note insisting his presence at her family home.

"Another of her family's weird rituals. Maybe it'll involve one of those sexy bikini numbers…" Dorian tilted his head to the side, headbutting the squirrel into nearly losing his balance. "Oy, don't act like Mr. Saint around me, I know that outfit looks close to the one from that star fightery movie you like. You're only human…errr, used to be."

"I don't have the best track record with meeting the parents. I really hope I don't have to fight another one."

"You can take em this time, don't hold back on any old bag of bones…."

As Dorian approached the gates, the iron bars flew open suddenly as if struck by a gale-force wind. The doors followed suit, unveiling a swiftly unraveling green-gold carpet that stopped just before his feet. A small army of men in suits and women in maid uniforms filed out lining up along each side. For a moment, Dorian was afraid he may have to fight as her grandmother, Seevara Agares, appeared at the entryway with Seekvaira at her side.

"See boss, ya get to see what she'd look like as a gilf…gah!" The squirrel was sent flying form a quick burst of Dorian's aura spiking. His muscles nearly expanded from embarrassment, a continued side-effect of Idunn's apple, but under the scrutiny of so many eyes he was able to contain them.

"Dorian Held, Tyr Odinson, Commander of the Crossroads," the Agares Matriarch spoke aloud in a booming voice. "You have attended us this day to escort my beloved granddaughter on a courtship rendezvous. Is that the case?"

"It is!" He shouted back, hiding the nervous swallow as best he could while gesturing forward with the duffel bag he had brought for their first stop. Seekvaira had an identical pink one over her shoulder. "I formally request the honor of spending the day with her."

Her family stands on tradition and propriety, I have to match that level of professionalism.

"Your intentions are known and…accepted," her grandmother motioned approval for Seekvaira, the heiress walking down the carpet towards him. "Your itinerary has been reviewed and approved; you have until the end of day to return her home. Failure to do so shall require search teams to be assembled and a bounty placed for your capture. Are these terms agreed?"

"They are!"

"Then go forth with our blessing. Do have a good time dear," she lowered her tone for Seekvaira, smiling for the first time. "You must tell us all upon your return."

"I will," she whispered back before continuing forward, she and Dorian walking side-by-side as she reached him.

"Am I allowed to hold your hand in your traditions?" He asked, noticing a few of the servants eyeing him suspiciously.

"Normally not until we are out of sight of the house, however…" Seekvaira slipped her arm closer, hooking around his so theirs were linked. "I do not recall any rules pertaining specifically to joining arms."

I love loopholes, the Einherjar smiled, risking to inch a bit closer as they departed, his Roads portal already prepared to take them to their first destination.

"YOU shall remain," Seevara pointed a long finger towards Ratatoskr still recovering in the bushes nearby. "There is no need for a third."

"There's no term for wingman in your traditions?" He scoffed. "I'm surprised her folks didn't see her off."

"Tradition demands the matriarch sees the heiress off on her first courtship rendezvous, they are well aware." It was only then the squirrel saw a pair of devils staring from a nearby window. A man and woman both quite resembling Seekvaira's features. The man especially was wide-eyed looking to be taking all the willpower in his body not to rush out in that very moment. "Ere she returns, all may be shared and they may take a more active role."

"Trying to keep papa from going gung-ho protective of his little girl?" The older Agares would not answer. "That is pretty clever, if Dorian has to follow those rules when he's a dad, I dunno if he'd be strong enough not to grill the unlucky boy something fierce," he let out a raucous laughter even as the servants went back inside leaving him all alone once more without acknowledging his jest. "Sheesh, who do I have to kill to find someone with a decent sense of humor around here!?"

Crossroad Tower Kitchen…

"Another Hecuba special?" Bennia poked at the square slice cut in front of her hesitantly with her fork. "What is it?"

"Moussaka."

"Gesundheit," Hecuba glared down the Grim Reaper if only for the smug grin that rested on her face for the joke she found so clever.

"You've never tried eggplant and I know you like potatoes," she explained the dish's ingredients while taking a bite of her own. "And plenty of beef for good protein."

"I don't know…"

"If you eat it, I'll make desert later," she had barely finished her sentence before half of the slice was inhaled into Bennia's mouth. While the first chews were hesitant, expecting the need to down the entire cup of water at her side, her expression softened after a moment. She even finished off the last few bites while savoring it. "What would you like?"

"Those coffee truffle balls weren't bad…" Hecuba nodded, needing no more description. "You are going to knock some lucky dudes socks off as his wife, he'll have to worry about not fitting into his pants later."

"Grandmother said the same," she admitted, remembering the woman who sparked her interest in the craft. "I didn't imagine that outcome was for me though."

"You CAN'T tell me that no guy under your command ever made a move on you?" That was one question she knew the spartan would never answer. "Issei was saying a certain silver-haired broody dragon was looking your way…"

"I know…"

"You do!?"

"It was clear when he saw me undressed during the Yggdrasil Root party." Bennia had forgotten her food, utterly focused on her friend being unaware of the context of her story. "He had no nefarious intent in seeing me, it just happened, but his eyes…"

"Go oooon."

"He has a heavy heart, that is all I will say," the dissatisfied groan from Bennia echoed through the Crossroad kitchen. "I want to help him."

"Maybe he just needs a good meal," the reaper remarked sarcastically while downing the last of her water. She didn't even notice the more contemplative look on Hecuba until she had hopped to her feet. "Ooooooh, Hecuba are you planning a little wife-training?"

"I did have some extra ingredients from home," she though aloud while ignoring Bennia's choice in words. "Nothing fancy, but I could make a nice noodle dish."

"You make noodles in Greece too? Thought that was more a Japan or Italian thing."

"Of course!" Her friend looked more animated than she had been in days seeing her ignorance of culinary arts. "Chylopites, trachanas, kritharaki…"

"Am I going to need to get Irina in here with a bible? You're speaking in tongues."

"They are various pastas my home is FAMOUS for!" Bennia felt a twinge of pride that one of the Spartan's eyes had started to twitch slightly. "It wouldn't take long to make, but getting it to him is another matter…"

"We could ask Kuroka, she keeps in touch with him, right? I can help!" Bennia rolled up her sleeves, winding back her arms to loosen up her joints. "I've seen you cook enough that I might be decent if I had half a mind to try. Between two, it'll be done in half the time!"

"It doesn't work like that," the redhead smiled with a restrained laugh. "But the help is appreciated. Hand me the bowl and those cups over there…"

Hestia's Yoga Studio, Vanaheim…

"Mmmm, you were right, this can be quite relaxing," Seekvaira admitted as she stretched her arms high into the air. "Like this?"

"Exactly so!" Hestia clapped her hands together joyously. "I was so happy to hear he was recommending my studio to his friends; I've had so many new students. These exercises can be more beneficial than most think."

"It does clear the head," the Agares heiress dressed in a skin-tight dark purple leotard and black leggings continued pushing her flexibility to its limits. "I've been more focused, had more energy…"

"And you'll be able to have children easier…" Hestia exclaimed as if it was the most natural thing in the world, causing even Seekvaira's demeanor to falter. Tumbling off her single leg she was balancing on, she fell into a heap on the ground.

"H-h-have children easier!? I'm not pregnant!"

"Oh yes," Hestia continued showing the pose without skipping a beat. "Not just preparing your body to be more flexible, but regulating your internal energy, reducing stress and balancing your hormones will be a boon before you ever know a man's touch. All that positive energy will improve your body as well as the child's. Is there a problem?"

"…. No, no problem," Seekvaira had recovered, already back in the pose nearly perfectly matching the Greek Goddess'. "So, if I do this regularly, it will have compounding effects?"

"Without a doubt, I can spare some time once a week or more often if you like in my classes. I heard how difficult it can be for devils to have children compared to others, I've tried promoting more in the Underworld and have seen a rise in attendees including more than a few angels. Even Dorian has improved quite a lot."

Beside them, the blonde Einherjar was trying to focus on maintaining balance on one leg while the other remained hooked behind the first with both hands pressed together as if in prayer. Seekvaira knew with how much effort it took to remain upright; he had surely heard nothing of their pregnancy conversation which put her mind at ease. Slowly, with absolute concentration, he opened his eyes.

"I…think…I…got it."

"Perhaps your company has a calming effect," Hestia teased while glancing between him and Seekvaira. "Or he is trying to learn from your form…I noticed he seems quite focused on your lower back…"

"LADY HESTIA!"

"You need not be ashamed or embarrassed, I would think something is wrong if you weren't looking at those you are with. You do the same for the others you've brought in as well. Do you have an ulterior motive, Dorian?"

"You may stop," Seekvaira looked as if her demeanor was nearly cracking holding back laughter at Dorian's expense. "If you continue, I fear his head may pop." In that moment, Dorian looked at Seekvaira with more relief and appreciation than she had seen in quite a while. "Is something wrong? You are staring again."

"No, just surprised," Dorian admitted as he worked to uncontort himself from the position he was in. "Yoga, racing, cooking…I guess I never thought you'd enjoy this so much."

"Because I am an heiress to a prestigious family?" Dorian could not deny that had crossed his mind. "Ease of access to the extravagant does not always detract from the more mundane, at least not in my eyes. You have lived among the palaces of Asgard, brief as it was, and enjoyed their cuisine yet you still prefer simpler sandwiches, do you not?"

"True on both counts, I was a bit worried based on the welcoming committee at your house…"

"Family tradition," she said it almost as soon as the thought crossed his mind. "House Agares has many. I had not intended to partake of that particular one, however, grandmother came in the night and insisted she be allowed considering it's been centuries since she had a chance."

Her grandmother was in that coma from the sleep disease for so long, even longer than Sairaorg's mom or Ingvild. I didn't realize when they made the cure, but I think a bit of embarrassment at my expense is worth her getting to experience things again.

"Now then," Seekvaira took his hand, the gentle squeeze conveying more than she'd ever say. "Let's wrap up the next set, we can't be late for the cooking lessons."

"Um…about that, I have to confess that I have quite the…"

"…the proclivity to burn down what you attempt to cook? I am well aware and saw the fires Hecuba had to contain. That is why I felt this was the perfect opportunity. With our newfound alliances, I was able to pull some strings for someone that surely not even you are beyond."

As Rat would say…that is both a jinx and a challenge.

"And who would that be?"

"That'll be a secret," Seekvaira smirked behind her glasses, lowering herself to her knees facing away from Dorian to begin the next set. She didn't even get halfway into the pose, raising her posterior high into the air, before she heard a satisfying thud safe in the knowledge of what had caused her date's balance to waver.

"Dorian!" Hestia rushed over with concern in her voice. "You really must concentrate better; you might hurt yourself!"

Crossroad Tower…

"And a little magic to keep it warm," Bennia swirled her hands over the container in Hecuba's hands. As soon as the seal fully formed, all the steam slowing billowing up to the ceiling disappeared being contained within. "Aaaaand done. That'll give us a few hours at least to find Mr. Broody."

"Vali?" Kuroka knew who they meant immediately, the pair finding her lounging on her bed in front of the television, video game controller in hand. From the look of things, she and Irina were in the midst of a co-op match shooting at oncoming zombies surrounding them. The nekoshou's dark hair was braided haphazardly, the result of Irina's practice by night when they had the chance to relax. "Oh, I'm afraid you won't get ahold of him until tomorrow at least."

"Tomorrow? Why is that?"

"Beats me." She leaned onto her back, looking at the television upside down yet without any detriment to her skills as enemies dropped left and right. "Every month he just disappears for a whole day before reappearing, even Arthur and Bikou can't figure out what he's up to. When he comes back, we steer clear for a few days to be safe."

"Kuroka, on your left!"

"I got em," she reassured Irina who had been pinned down behind some cover and ran out of ammo. With a series of expert headshots, each enemy going after her roommate had been sniped. "That's three you owe me, so the next three nights I get to pick our topics!"

"But you only pick lewd ones," Irina was trying to hold back tears at how much she was losing, her score nowhere near her roommate's.

"I'm preparing you for the future-nya. I thought you quite enjoyed the last one about blo…NYA!" The game paused as Irina lunged at Kuroka to silence her. Hecuba stepped back to avoid being caught in the scuffle, only grabbing Bennia's cloak at the last moment to prevent her from jumping in.

"Did he teleport out?"

"Yea," Kuroka spoke through the headlock Irina had trapped her in before turning the tables. "He left a few hours ago after letting me know. Right over there."

"Oh! Leave it to me," Bennia started looking around the room, seemingly sniffing the walls and floor. "If there is one thing I can do, it's follow teleport trails. Come on!" With a wave of her hand, a new fissure of energy opened. "Okay, he covered his tracks, but not good enough from me. This way."

"Thank you," Hecuba bowed while the two continued to tussle before stepping into the entryway. "Please try not to hurt one another."

"You're a hundred years too young to beat me alone-nya," Kuroka had locked Irina's arms with her legs while whispering in her ear. "Now you'll get to sit there and hear all about the ways we can make Dorian's toes curl."

"XENOVIA!"

"…nya?" Kuroka's voice caught in her throat as the door burst open, the blue-haired Einherjar clearing the distance at the call of her partner, tackling the dark-haired temptress and evening the odds.

"Your lewd intentions to corrupt Irina must be contained!" Xenovia sat on Kuroka's chest as she struggled beneath her. "Are you trying to make her fall?"

"I…I wasn't that close to falling," Irina tried to argue, though her transparent halo starting to flicker did not help her argument. "Hold her down, then I might stand a chance at getting more points this level!"

"Don't take it so seriously, I can just repent for my sins, right?" Kuroka looked up at the angel with as close to puppy dog eyes as she could. "I'm sorry daddy, I've been baaaaad-nya." Her act only made Irina's eye twitch more.

"We have been over this! It's forgive me father for I have sinned!"

Vanaheim…

"This is…really a lot," Dorian's jaw dropped a bit as he gazed upon the massive room before them. "I feel like I'm going to break something."

"A kitchen is meant to be dirtied," the woman at the head of the class proclaimed loud enough for all in attendance to hear. "Do not worry or fuss over any burned or scorched stove."

Seekvaira and Dorian were standing beside each other at a cooking station within an enormous kitchen. He didn't know where they were as part of the surprise had been him being blindfolded up until the reveal. They were not alone as the room was filled with pairs at multiple stations all around them, already the Agares heiress was analyzing the ingredients placed before them contemplating what would be first.

"You may call me Annapurna," the teacher continued jubilantly. She was dressed in a humble, but still lovely, Hindu dress known as a Sari in vibrant orange and red colors. Her face seemed plain, but held a deep-kindness that reminded Dorian of Freyja in a way. "I've heard some of you may have harder time in the kitchen then others and this class is to help set you on the right path.

"Is she from the Hindu faction?" Dorian whispered to Seekvaira's subtle nods while trying to pay attention. "Your grandmother DOES have contacts, how did…?"

"Do you have a question, Mr. Tyr?" Annapurna called out, whipping something in his direction that struck the cutting board in front of them. While he at first thought it was a knife, it turned out to be a wooden spatula of a style he didn't recognize though was still terrified it had pierced the board and remained upright from her throw.

"No ma'am," he said quickly as a defensive gesture. "But I haven't had the best luck cooking, fire has been a bit of an issue…"

"And you?" She turned to Seekvaira. "Are you as detrimental to kitchen safety?"

"I've never tried anything complicated," she started, Dorian taking note of how hesitant she spoke as if trying not to say something. "Just simple soups or similar recipes."

"Then that is what you shall start with," she clapped her hands. "You will find your ingredients under the counter."

"That…that's peanut butter!" Dorian proclaimed, recognizing the sudden smell and throwing open the lower cupboard to find several jars alongside loaves of bread. "Those weren't there before, were they?"

"They were not, and look. Tomato, miso paste, dashi, even seaweed. These are soup ingredients I have used." Looking around, it was evident the ingredients were different for every table, each one just as surprised to see such familiar foodstuffs tailored to the individual. "I could make us a nice dish."

"I'm not going to just do nothing," the young man pondered their next steps. "Is there such a thing as peanut butter soup?"

"I believe so! It is an African dish." Her eyes lit up, the flare of her glasses a sure sign of Seekvaira recalling something from years back. "Look, we have peanuts as well. Start crushing those and puree the peanut butter itself. I'll work on the base and cutting up the ingredients."

"Ah, how the dishes of those together can mix in indescribable ways," Annapurna inhaled deeply the room of smells around her while walking among the concoctions. "Sometimes, entire new recipes can be glimpsed simply by…"

The teacher jumped as a loud pop and sparking noises interrupted her lesson. Turning in a flash, she saw smoke rising from the blender Dorian had been using to puree the peanut butter for his part of the recipe. He looked like a deer caught in headlights, utterly baffled how such a simple task had gone wrong. Already he had it thrown under the sink with a steady stream of water covering it. Only a few minutes had passed since they started, but Seekvaira was fanning the flames downward to keep them from spreading all the while checking her partner's hands for burns.

"But…but that equipment was brand new," she stuttered, having never had such an event happen. "What did you do?"

"I tried to puree the peanut butter," he tried to explain. "It seemed to work, I even got a new batch in place, but then…"

"Maybe you left something metal in it?" Annapurna tried to rationalize yet found nothing to explain it. "How about you let Ms. Agares work on the new blender and you cut up the ingredients?"

"Like this?"

"Thinner," Seekvaira took his hand in her own, guiding them on the proper positioning with the blade. "They need to be able to float, too thick and they'll sink or absorb too much of the soup itself."

"You know a lot," he praised the devil heiress as Annapurna reluctantly moved on to the next couple. "When did you first start?"

"…when I was a little girl," she spoke softly only for him. "I heard that soups had powerful smells that could do anything from clear the sinuses to jolting one awake from the potency of their aroma. I made them every day for…" Dorian glanced over; her gaze unwavering from the blender in front of her. It was only when he took her hand with a gentle squeeze that she finished her thought. "…for grandmother, but it always went cold."

"In a flash, the room disappeared around them leaving the pair in utter blackness. At first, they took positions concerned that a fight was coming. That never happened as the darkness slowly receded to reveal an extravagant bedroom furnished with among the grandest tapestries, rugs and fineries Dorian had seen. He did not recognize their surroundings, but his cooking partner did.

"I don't want to be here," she started, turning to leave. "I don't know what this class is trying to pull, but we shouldn't be…!"

She froze, having turned towards the door, she was interrupted as it opened from the other side. A young girl with blonde-green hair no older than seven stumbled in carrying a tray almost too big for her. Atop the metal sheet, a swaying bowl of soup was perched that she just barely kept from sloshing over the sides. They watched her, the girl seemingly unable to see them as she approached the bed Dorian hadn't seen before.

"I tried a new recipe," she spoke to the bed, the shape of an older woman coming into focus surrounded by machines, beeps and hisses denoting their work to keep the occupant alive. "A few more spices that can give it a kick, dad told me you liked spicy things. No rush, you can have it when you wake up."

"A fool, I was such a fool."

"Is that…?" Seekvaira nodded before he could finish the question, the hair and glasses leaving her identity beyond any doubt. "You were a kid," Dorian tried to alleviate the frustration growing on her face. The woman in the bed he recognized as her grandmother though did not look like the stern yet vibrant woman who'd he'd seen that morning or the kind and regal matriarch who'd attended their Thanksgiving Dinner, but was frail and small even compared to the child next to her.

"They always went cold," she repeated her previous assertion. "The soups were always cold. I didn't want to touch them until she woke…but I got so hungry waiting."

"She is awake now," Dorian jumped in to prevent her from going down clearly painful memories, seeing the hurt behind her eyes and wanting to avoid making it worse. "Maybe you could make it now for her?"

"She has never had a taste for simpler meals; I doubt she's even thought about something prepared so…ineloquently."

"You do realize anything I try to make above putting peanut butter on bread result in fires, right?" To his relief, he could make out her attempt to stifle a laugh. "I mean, it seems anytime I enter a kitchen, I just…"

A loud crash drew the pair behind them, making out their surroundings had changed. Instead of a regal bedroom, they were now in a simple kitchen that Dorian remembered well. Ahead, a small blonde child used a broom taller than him to sweep up a collection of shattered glass on the ground all the while holding back tears.

"Dorian, that's dangerous," Ms. Lily rushed in, gently taking the broom from him. "I'll do that, you can sit at the table while I finish."

"I can't do anything right," he sniffled. "You were so busy…"

"I'm never that busy," the older woman tried to alleviate how guilty he looked sitting on the stool like he'd done something bad. "It's no big deal."

"That's the fourth jar I'd broken that week," Dorian explained to Seekvaira who watched with interest seeing a glimpse of his past, though uncertain how it was occurring. "My luck at preparing food was bad even then."

"She was very kind when we met, I am glad that has been a constant in your life."

"Maybe we can start with something simple. What do you usually like?"

"P-peanut butter."

"That's it?" She looked confused from years of experience with children his age wanting everything from candy to the fattiest junk food imaginable. "You don't want anything else?" He shook his head quickly, the look in his eyes glowing like it was the greatest food in the world. "That is simple enough, and you can make it yourself too. Here." Ms. Lily handed him a blunt plastic knife as she turned to find a fresh jar from the pantry above. "You are a fan?"

"Mom and I made a few sandwiches…before…" Ms. Lily froze, concerned where the conversation was leading. "Before…" She was faster than his tears, kneeling to wrap the child in a strong embrace so strong that his older self could almost still feel it.

"You don't have to say," she reassured him, stroking his hair soothingly. "I bet my sandwiches won't be as good, but maybe it can bring happier memories. Food should always do that, right? Here, it's simple. Just spread it evenly like this…like this...like this..."

"Like this, please Mr. Tyr, like this!" Annapurna's voice echoed around them almost lining up with Ms. Lily's, drawing the two back to where they had been in the couple's cooking class. Only then did Dorian realize he was still cutting the ingredients, but the slices were uneven, shredded and it seemed he had marred the cooking board with his strokes. Conversely, Seekvaira's puree was smooth and creamy, nearly done to perfection. "I've never seen this before," the teacher looked flustered and confused. "Revisiting the roots of your cooking past is meant to clear your bad karma and bring out your inner chef. But even now…"

"That is what we were seeing?" Seekvaira looked simultaneously impressed and irked at her past being shown so openly.

"Only you and Dorian could see it, not even I would be so uncouth as to put personal memories on public display. The spirit sees while the body uses that to reach a point of utter focus. But even with that, he caused such chaos!"

"I told you," he couldn't help but retort even seeing the entire room having unanimous success besides himself. "It's always been like this."

"No, that is no excuse!" She placed her hands on his shoulders, staring into his eyes with an intensity that made him nervous. "In centuries, I have NEVER failed at this, try it again…right here! Now, pick up that knife and let's get cooking! Do…it…AGAIN!"

Elsewhere…

"Maaan, he is making us do work," Bennia huffed in exhaustion as she and Hecuba emerged from yet another portal. "First to Kyoto, then Zimbabwe, over to Nova Scotia…dunno what he was doing in New Jersey. Where are we now?"

"Sshhhh," Hecuba put a hand over Bennia's mouth, pushing her back as they both took cover. They had appeared in a forested glade with nothing else around them save for a small cottage in the center. From their position, they could see a woman with black hair tending to a garden but no one else. "Look."

On the opposite side of the glade nestled within the trees they could see Vali watching the woman work. He was completely shrouded by the forest along with several concealment spells which Bennia quickly utilized on themselves as well. He had an intensity to his stare, analyzing every action the woman took. She was completely unaware, pulling out weeds and trimming the bushes all around. It was laborious, yet she looked happy doing it.

"Ouch, sorry Hecuba, looks like he's already interested in someone though she seems a bit old for him. Maybe Vali has a thing for…"

"Can you leave us, please?" The simple request caught Bennia off guard. Not just at the question, but how calmly Hecuba asked while never looking away from the White Dragon Emperor off in the distance, her green eyes locked on him.

"Hey, are you okay?" It was only then she turned to Bennia, nodding but with a serene expression that told more than words. "O-okay, it's almost time for the new High King episode anyway. I think Dorian is fighting a cyclops in this one. Don't forget that dessert you owe me," she gave the Spartan a playful punch in the arm. "Here," she drew a simple sign onto her hand before giving a low-five. "This will let you open a portal back home when you're ready…and be sure to tell me everything when you get back."

"I will, and thank you," Hecuba hugged Bennia with her free arm, the other still cradling the sealed container of food.

"Hey, don't get too girly with me, I have a reputation to keep," she winked before stepping back into her portal and vanished. With a sharp intake of breath, Hecuba started working her way around the trees making for the lone silver-haired man who had remained unmoving the entire time.

On the opposite side of the glade…

She is still safe, thank goodness, Vali considered from his vantage point watching the black-haired woman. After ensuring her garden was tended, she had leaned back on a picnic cloth to enjoy a glass of lemonade. She had made it herself; the man having been present when she did. I should have left by now, the longer I stay, the longer I…

"Vali?" The White Dragon Emperor spun around, his wings extending and a sphere of demonic energy starting to form in his hand at the unexpected voice having thought himself alone. He froze, brow creasing as he saw who it was.

"Hecuba, what are you doing here?" He asked harshly, considering if it may in fact be a trick and not truly her. "How do I know it's really you!?"

"You walked in on me naked at the Root celebration," she answered calmly, drawing a blush to his cheeks at the memory of when she had been cleaning her swimsuit. "I suppose turnabout is fair play in a way."

"You shouldn't be here," he approached her quickly, yet she held her ground. "This…this is not…"

"Is that your mother?" Hecuba asked, glancing between the house and him. "You have the same eyes…and nose." He did not answer, only clenching his fists tightly. "You don't have to say anything, I had bad timing. Perhaps this will make up for it."

She approached him, holding out the container she had protected through all the world-hopping Bennia had taken her through. Hecuba understood now why he had gone to so many places, it was all to throw off any pursuers. Without knowing the point of origin of his departure, not even Bennia could have found him. With a simple tap, the seal entrapping the smell and heat was broken, allowing the aroma to waft up to Vali's nose. Hecuba was surprised as his expression softened, like it was something vaguely familiar to him.

"Noodles?" He asked upon accepting the container and removing the lid, seeing the colorful assortment or orange-gold noodles resting in a milk broth covered in seasoning and other ingredients he didn't recognize. "D-did you know?"

"Know what?" Hecuba asked, barely realizing how close they had become. Her eyes told him that she was not lying on the extent of her knowledge. "I used ingredients I had from home."

"My…she would make me noodles when…when times were tough," he glanced back to the dark-haired woman. A car had driven up while he and Hecuba talked, a man stepping out with two children following close behind. "Be quiet, back up."

Hecuba complied with his request, seeing the children run into the woman's waiting arms followed by the man only once the two were done. The shared kiss made their relationship obvious as the four went inside, closing the door behind them.

"Do you want to go in and see her?"

"No!" He snapped, though not with as much bite as past conversations. "She must never know we were here. If she remembers me, it would put a target on her back."

She doesn't remember her own son? Azazel said he and his mother had suffered as his father and grandfather's hands…to think it was so terrible as to require a memory spell.

"They will not learn from me, I swear. I should…" Hecuba turned to leave, stopping as his strong hand wrapped around her wrist. It surprised her, but was not unwelcome despite the awkward silence that followed for too long.

"You made too much," he finally said at length. "I can't eat this much and will not waste any. When we get back to the tower, we can eat it together."

"I would like that," she slid her wrist out of his grip but instead replaced it with her own hand. Vali did not protest, the two walking back hand-in-hand to the site of Bennia's portal. "Can you never see her?" He thought a moment before answering.

"Never…not until all those who would harm her have been dealt with."

Annapurna Cooking Class…

"This…this is inconceivable," Annapurna mumbled in disbelief after hours had passed. Even as the rest of the class completed their recipes with resounding success and improved karma, Dorian and Seekvaira remained, their station a bevy of burns, scrapes, broken equipment and ingredients scattered everywhere. "Centuries of work, and I've never seen a case like yours Mr. Tyr."

"The soup is basically done," Seekvaira tried to calm her down. "It just needs the finishing touches and…"

"No! You've done everything complicated up until now. He has to do at least one in-depth step or the class will be a failure. One more time…add the peanut butter…"

I can't fail at something like this AGAIN, Dorian's frustration was reaching new heights after so long being stuck on the final steps. Were it not for being on his first date with Seekvaira and considering what her grandmother may say if he lashed out at the teacher, he may very well have snapped and left. I have fought against the Khaos Brigade, been in a television show, found the love of six different women…I can't let THIS of all things stop me even if karma is after me or whatever.

Reaching for the largest measuring cup, Dorian went to scoop out the last bit of peanut butter needed. It seemed the moment the metal touched the surface; it snapped in half flying across the room and nearly hitting Annapurna in the head. Seekvaira had preemptively ducked, otherwise she would have been the target.

Not again! Okay, I still have one left! With the same determination as if he were marching into battle or the front of the class, the Einherjar took out the last spoon of the formerly-many replacements. Thrusting it forward, he pulled a huge glob of peanut butter from the jar. Freezing where he stood, he waited for something else to happen, yet nothing came. Huh. The spoon didn't snap, the peanut butter didn't run and nothing burst into flames. This is promising.

"There, nice and easy…" Annapurna moved with him as if trying to control Dorian with her mind. "Remember what made you want to cook for the first time…DON'T slip," he very nearly did at her rising pitching. "And…!"

Dorian lowered the spoon, the generous portion settling in the bowl before starting to melt into it. The released aroma made the Einherjar smile with a deep inhalation savoring every moment. Almost without realizing it, he'd already started stirring, Seekvaira's hand overlapping his yet letting him lead.

"Slow…steady, let it melt in…" Annapurna narrated as she nodded to Seekvaira who had started adding the last of the other ingredients sprinkling them gently over the bowl. "Now put it back in to cook just a little bit longer. Lovely, just lovely…!" The relief in her voice was palpable.

"This is nice," Dorian whispered to Seekvaira, the two's faces nearly touching as they set the short timer. "I can't believe how well things are going, what is different now from before?"

"Don't think about it," her breath was soft on his skin. "Maybe it really is karma, maybe it's just bad luck, but like everything else, we can do it. "Just focus on something else. The room, what you have planned for later tonight, or…!"

The Agares heiress gasped as Dorian moved his face the minute fraction needed to bridge the gap between them, his lips meeting hers. Uncaring of Annapurna's presence, though the woman had turned with a giddy laugh to give some privacy. It was only when the timer previously set to mark when they should take it off the burner that they were snapped back to reality.

"Love can wait, get it off before it burns!" Their teacher blurted out; the myriads of issues having taken a toll on her psyche. "Whew, I…I can't believe it. You actually…"

"Way to go!"

"It was very well done!"

"Truly a miracle!"

"Well done, Dorian."

"Can we get a bite?"

"What!? How long have you been there?" Annapurna blurted out as five women emerged from the doorway having been hiding from them. "These classes are private."

"Since just before Dorian added the finishing touches, considering he and Seekvaira were supposed to be home hours ago, we figured something happened," Thrud started.

"And when I realized that they weren't at any nearby love hotels, it made sense they were still here-nya," Kuroka winked to Seekviara who looked away quickly at the insinuation. "Could smell this concoction a mile away, I wanted to jump in and cheer you on, but…"

"But I insisted you two finish your date first," Rossweisse asserted, glaring a bit at Kuroka from the pushback she'd received. "May we try some?" Iggy was faster, before he could even answer, she had a stack of bowls in hand complete with spoons.

"I don't usually allow an audience of strangers in my class, who are you?"

"I'm Iggy," she turned to Annapurna, shaking her hand energetically once the bowls were down. "This is Thrud, Rossweisse, Kuroka and Irina. We came to see how Seekvaira and Dorian were doing."

"Are you close to all of these women?" She gave a side-eye to Dorian who only smiled with a heartfelt nod. "Hmmm, is that so?"

No matter what I tried, Dorian couldn't do anything related to cooking without causing disaster, yet had a solid finish at the end. They said they just arrived, the timing fits.

"Not bad, I could see enjoying this every day if you improve-nya," Kuroka let her tail playfully swish in Dorian's direction.

"You never could get enough peanut butter," Irina laughed.

"Hmmm, I know a few things that would go GREAT with this," Thrud considered while inhaling hers. "Does this mean you can cook now? We could have this more often."

"This might have been a fluke," Dorian admitted honestly. "The last few hours have not been very promising.

"MIGHT I suggest…" Annapurna raised a hand, turning up the sweetness in her voice. "…that you only cook in the presence of all six of these women?"

"Why is that?"

"You have the WORST karma I have ever seen in lifetimes of study, yet it appears to be totally focused upon your cooking talent…or lack thereof." Dorian winced at the remark; however truthful it was. "But it seems the right conditions can stabilize it to the point you can…" she tried a spoonful of the completed soup, "…passably complete a meal."

"You mean like Feng Shui?"

"My people call it Vastu Shastra, but the concept is close enough. However, in this situation, it seems that rather than your surroundings harmonizing your karma…it's the people nearest you."

"Like soul mates," Irina muttered, her eyes filled with stars while clasping her hands together thanking the lord for the miracle that she had witnessed. The memory of attempts to help cook at her father's house in England still had her concerned anytime seeing him near a kitchen.

"So, if he gets more girlfriends, he'll become even better!?" Kuroka sidestepped Rossweisse's attempt to seize her and prevent any more embarrassing outbursts.

"It doesn't work like that," Annapurna explained further. "Not just anyone can harmonize another's karma, it has to be a specific person whose soul synergizes with their own. Rather than just having anyone nearby, I believe you have found just the right people, Mr. Tyr. To be to entwined with multiple in one lifetime is beyond rare."

Dorian smiled at that, the very thought of it warming his heart in a way he couldn't describe.

"Who are you?" Rossweisse squinted as she looked closer, a magic seal materializing on her hand scanning her. "You are no ordinary cooking teacher; I could sense that the moment I saw you." The complex formula in her hand started flashing bright, denoting its detection of something out of the ordinary.

"You got me," she admitted once all eyes were focused on her. Bowing low with her hands together, she released a big smile. "I like getting away from the stress of work sometimes, this disguise helped my dear husband learn a lesson a few millennia back so I kept it when trying to have some fun. You may call me Parvati."

"The Goddess Parvati?!" The girls all exclaimed at once. They had enough information between Indra and Odin's ravens on the Hindu Pantheon, being well aware of the name of Shiva's wife even though they had never met.

"Geez boss, who knew your cooking was so bad it'd stump a genuine goddess of food," Ratatoskr's laughs echoed from above having snuck in through a formerly-locked skylight. "Maybe you can weaponize that against the Khaos Assholes. Not even an immunity to poison would save em!"

"Why do this?" Seekvaira asked. "Grandmother said you were the best, but this feels quite far from the duties of a goddess."

"Well, I do run this class when ducking from my duties," she put a finger to her lips requesting that be kept between them. "But also, I had heard of Mr. Tyr's infamous cooking and…well…"

"You saw it as a challenge to overcome," Thrud crossed her arms, nodding in complete understanding. "You couldn't resist. I would have done the same."

"Your husband is Shiva? Does this mean he wishes to become involved in the Crossroads as well?"

"Don't get too far ahead of yourself Mr. Tyr. This is just from me, but I promise to put in a good word," she winked to the silver Valkyrie. "I will certainly enjoy some of this," she took another sip of the warm soup in front of her with the others doing the same. "It may only be passable in taste, but the effort needed to reach the end makes this infinitely more…satisfying."

Agares Manor…

"I really enjoyed today," Dorian assured Seekvaira as he dropped her off at the front door to her ancestral home. "I won't say anything about what I saw in your past, I promise."

"You need not hide it from the others. If we share you, then our own pasts should be shared as well," Seekvaira countered. "I know fully from experience that you keep to your word. I'll be back at the tower later tonight; I just have to speak with grandmother and my parents first."

"Family tradition?"

"Family tradition," she confirmed, pleasantly surprised as Dorian leaned down to kiss her on the lips. He kept it brief, no doubt fully aware that her servants and security had put them in their sights the moment they came within view of the manor.

"We'll have to do this again sometime," Dorian delayed releasing her hand. "Zepar told me there is a Gunpla Model Expo in a few weeks." There was no helping his chuckle at the obviously restrained jubilation in her expression, only managing to nod lest she let it all out.

"It's a date…I'll see you later."

Entering the impressive doors, Seekvaira let herself smile wider when out of sight. In her hands was a bowl of the soup she had reserved to take home. Accepting the greeting from the numerous staff welcoming her back as always, she made her way up the winding stairs to the upper dining room.

"Grandmother?" She was surprised to find the table already in use as the elder Agares sat enjoying a meal.

"You are late, another hour and I would have sent teams out for Mr. Held," her voice sounded only partially in jest. "I had to hold off even having dinner, will you join me?"

"Th…that meal…" Seekvaira blinked upon seeing the bowl of a red, simple soup in front of the ancient devil. "I…ahem, I thought you were more a fan of the extravagant."

"Consider it a newly acquired taste," she replied while dabbing her lips. "I've found since waking that the aroma soothes my nerves. Why I even…!"

She was caught off guard as her granddaughter rushed forward, quickly laying her own bowl on the table to wrap her in a strong embrace that might be considered very unproper. Seevara Agares did not shirk back, smiling as she returned the hug, the two holding that longer than needed.

"I would love to join you; Dorian and I made this one together."

"Then sit down and tell me everything, I presume he remained a gentleman? Don't hold back on any details…it is family tradition after all."

Dorian gains a greater understanding to a fault that which has plagued him since childhood as his conviction and love to those women around him deepens further. As Seekvaira savors the days with her awakened grandmother, Vali opens up more with another than he has in many years...trusting her with his most guarded secret and reason for battling his twisted family and their allies. As always, I hope everyone remains safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D