Chapter 121: Arc 1 Finale: A night to Cherish (1)
Everyone walked through the portal while Lucious walked with Sera, who was carrying Iris to the large living room. Sora held Brie’s hand while Xander hung out with Ignis, trying to explain what happened quietly.
Brie started tearing up as she watched all the happy party members celebrate the victory and get comfortable in the living area as they had done so many times since she met Sora.
"What’s wrong bestie? I know we’re all sad about Luna but she did it out of love for all of us. Just think how much worse a battle with 30,000 Ancient titans and their General could have ended!"
"Cheer up girl! My sister wouldn’t want you crying over her. Both of us had miserable lives in our pack but since coming here it’s been the best part of our lives. I’m sure she’s looking down on us with a big smile." Ox said while standing up to hug Brie.
Brie smiled and thanked him.
"I’m going to miss this. That’s all." Brie said with a small laugh.
"Ok hold on. Let’s get back to the part where Sora was evil. Start there. Xander tried to fill me in but Sora needs to to explain what happened with Tesarion," Ignis said politely.
Sora took a deep breath and explained the entire story.
Xander telepathically told his parents who felt which way, and they thanked him for his honesty.
"If anyone would like to leave this party, I would totally understand." Sora said calmly. He didn’t want anyone to leave, but he wouldn’t blame them either.
"You can be clueless sometimes and hotheaded once in a while, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to leave because you had a human moment. You grew up with Luna. She was your only friend. I’d also imagine it wasn’t easy to see someone on his sword dying and not think ’what if that was Brie’" Levi spoke openly. "I’m disappointed you didn’t trust us to help. That’s all. I will not be leaving."
"Absorbing his power and torturing him was really shitty Sora. I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings. You stooped to a level none of us ever imagined you would." Julius said bluntly. "But Xander was the one most impacted and if he forgives you, we all should be able to. You are my step dad after all."
The words stung but Sora knew he was right. He smiled and responded very kindly.
"I appreciate your sincerity and honesty, Julius, and yes, you are my step-child."
Julius nodded a kind smile in return and Xander couldn’t keep his mouth shut anymore.
"No one’s going to leave Dada. Stop being a baby."
Everyone laughed.
"Well, there’s still something we’d like to let you know and I hope you understand why we have to do it," Brie said charismatically.
"It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with you three being passed out with a god or goddess visiting you. Who was it and why did they visit?" Leila said sarcastically.
"It was Athena. She visited the three of us in one space."
"Wait, what?!" Celeste gasped. "I didn’t even know that was possible!"
"Neither did we. Anyway, she invited us to live in Paradise for 16 days. That means we’ll live 16 years there while only 16 days pass for you. Xander will be an adult when we come back." Brie said with a smile. "She wants to help Xander learn about his abilities and in Paradise we have unlimited power. She needs his help identifying the traitors!"
"Wow! That’s amazing news. What an honor!" Lionel praised.
"Well, just don’t go changing who you are too much up there!" Bishop said with his boisterous laugh. "We kind of like you."
"I think that’s a great idea! What would you like us to do?" Sasha exclaimed.
"Be yourselves. Sasha and Levi will take over the party. I think we should celebrate tonight! What do you think?" Brie asked enthusiastically.
"A party would be great! Let’s invite the Ashwoods and some of our other friends!" Levi boasted.
"My family should meet their baby! What about your mother Sera? I’d love to finally meet her!" Lucious said while giving his wife a hug and kiss.
Xander opened portals and people began pouring through them.
"My oh my! My baby has a baby! With a vampire?!" Mrs. Nerissa shouted.
"Didn’t I tell you time felt strange Camilla? I told you Xander did something amazing, tell them I was just telling you!"
Sora laughed. ’Same old Dorian.’
"Yes you did, my husband is quite the 2500 year old detective." Camilla said with her usual smile.
"Where’s our girls?!" Soren and Lyra sprint through. Soren raced to Sasha and Lyra raced to Rissa.
"Stop embarrassing me dad!" Sasha said with a huge smile. "How are you? You look really good!"
"Doing great. You have a new baby sister! Your mom gave birth last week. We wanted to tell you but figured you were busy."
Lyra hugged Julius and Rissa. "When do I get a grandchild?!"
Julius went red in the face. "I’m 17 until next month. We both agreed to stay celibate until then."
Rissa’s face turned bright red.
"Whose daughter exactly?" Rissa’s dad said with a laugh. "I’m only kidding. My wife and I cannot express how grateful we are..."
"Oh Mark, stop it! You and Lisa are Valencia’s now too!"
"Woah! Dad, when did that happen? Your eyes are barely pink so it couldn’t have been that long ago!"
"Don’t worry about that! How’s our little angel doing? Hello Julius! You look well!" Lisa exclaimed.
*****
The Moonveils and Sera’s mother introduced and hugged each other while passing their granddaughter around gently.
It wasn’t long before people were moving to different areas of the mansion.
"Nice job Xander. Tonight will be a night we’ll cherish for a long time." Sora said while hugging his son.
"I can’t believe we won’t see everyone for 16 years. That’s such a long time!" Brie said with a slight frown. "What’s even crazier is it’ll only be 16 days for them!"
"Don’t spy on us too much please." Sasha begged as her face turned red.
Sora burst out in laughter. "And you give Brie and I such a hard time at every opportunity. I’ll always have one eye glued to you and Levi."
Sora winked and Sasha started laughing.
Lionel approached Leila and Ignis, who were standing together, each drinking a glass of wine.
"Can I please have a word with you two?"
"What’s wrong Lionel?" Leila asked.
" I think I have a guess what this might entail. I’m really sorry if you’re sad because of something I caused," Ignis said, quickly embracing Lionel with a hug.
Lionel smiled. ’That’s what makes this hard.’
The three walked out and Sora noticed.
"Hey Brie, what’s that about?"
"You seriously are clueless when it comes to that stuff aren’t you? Lionel is probably surrendering and letting Leila know he’s ok with her love for Ignis. She’s been dwelling on it ever since Athena visited her.
"Oh. I thought her and Lionel were great together. There’s no denying mythical creatures share a natural bond and attraction though."
"Oh so you weren’t attracted to me when I was a human? I’m sorry, oh great holy one!" Brie joked sarcastically.
"Hey! That’s not fair... you know I did!" Sora said as Brie burst out in laughter. "You got me again didn’t you?"
"You’re too easy!" She said while giving him a kiss.
"Mama! Tell me the story about dada not always being a god!" Xander used his best puppy dog eyes and begging expressions.
"Ok, it all started..."
Sora whispered, "Lockheart’s whisper: Brie and Xander." He gave his son a pat on the head before teleporting to his balcony.
"So much has changed. I wonder how powerful Azazel and company are now. They just suffered a significant loss." He spoke to no one as he looked up into the beautiful night sky.
"Hey stud. You all good?" Levi said as he appeared next to him.
"Yeah. Just gonna miss everyone. What’s up with you?"
Levi tossed Sora a black box. Sora opened it and smiled.
"About time. When?"
Levi looked into the night sky with Sora. "Not sure. Wanted to ask you if you wanted to watch a wedding with Xander as an adult or a kid."
Sora paused for a moment. He was happy. He turned and hugged Levi. "You’re my best friend and I wouldn’t be where I am without you. It’s up to you brother."
