"Finally," Arthur let out with an exhausted tone after Kezess left, his legs began to give out.

"Art! Are you ok?" Tess asked in panic as she caught him, and Seris started to run over.

The rest of the Vritra blooded became uncertain, but watched the situation unfold as they waited for instructions.

"I just need to rest for a minute," he replied.

"I got this," Elijah replied and conjured up a basic metal chair.

Tess and Sylvie helped him into the seat as Seris arrived.

"Are you alright? I have two healers present that could help you," she informed him.

"Thank you," he said to Tess and Sylvie. "I'll be fine. Using fate just put a lot of strain on my body, then having to use a few more spells because of Kezess after the fact...I just need a minute to rest."

"Are you sure you should be saying that in the open like this?" Seris questioned. "That's a significant weakness there."

Arthur's eyes shot to her in with a cold glare that sent chills down her spine.

"Since my defeat of Agrona my core has felt so bloated that I feared it would explode. My veins and channels feel like over extended rubber bands, and my muscles like jelly. Yet despite this not a soul, not even Kezess knew something was wrong with me. I even cast multiple spells, adding to my strain. I was able to push past all that and would have done more if needed. Even now, I could easily push through this and deal with any threat presented to me, or my loved ones."

Seris raised her hands up defensively. "That wasn't intended as any kind of threat. I was merely pointing out that you need to be careful. Who knows if Kezess left and artifact behind or cast some kind of spell to monitor us here."

"Well considering our last talk..." Arthur started before being cut off by Seris.

"That has no bearing anymore. With Agrona dead there's no reason to worry about that anymore." She then pulled a folder with a collection of loose parchments from her storage ring. "I even got the information you wanted."

"What information?" Tess asked.

Before Arthur could respond Seris did for him.

"Considering he's part dragon now he wanted all information pertaining to the Vritra blooded, incase any of it could be helpful."

"Art are you ok? Is there something wrong with you?" Tess asked urgently.

"I'm fine, I'm just taking precautions."

"That's really all?" Tess asked.

"Yes."

"You really shouldn't lie to your wife," Seris said flatly.

"What? Art! Tell me what's going on!"

"It really is just a precaution."

"But you have concerns about something don't you?" Tess asked.

Arthur nodded. "Can we talk about this after we get home? Maybe after I've had a chance to review the information?"

"If you want I can give you the cliff notes?" Series asked. "I already confirmed your concern was valid."

"No thanks," Arthur replied, sounding a little embarrassed.

"No please do." Tess looked down to Arthur. "If you have some kind of concern you should have told me first. What is this even about?"

"Baby making," Seris answered with amusement.

Elijah and Regis covered their mouths to contain their laughter, while Arthur and Tess blushed bright red. Sylvie on the other hand looked up to Seris curiously.

"Please do go on. If there's something keeping me from being a big sister, then it needs to be dealt with soon."

"Gladly," Seris replied with enthusiasm, then cleared her throat. "Put simply, it's not that Asura and lesser races are incompatible for reproduction, it's just when it comes to other races there are some easy to overcome complications to level the odds back to normal. As you know mana is pretty much completely fused into Asura bodies. So when a male Asura fools around with a female of another race, his seed doesn't really do anything. It needs mana in her body to... complete the mission."

"You're taking great pleasure in making me feel uncomfortable aren't you," Art asked.

"Oh please, this is far from the first time I've embarrassed you," Seris replied dismissively.

"But I have mana in my body," Tess replied, avoiding eye contact.

"Yes, in your core. And when you reinforce your body with mana it's pretty much just your muscles and skin. But Asuras have mana coursing through their entire body. Organs, bones, blood." She looked right at Tess. "So if you want to make a baby with him, you need to either start channeling mana down to your reproductive organs right after and for a while after, or teach your body to send mana throughout your body instinctively like an Asura does."

"You've got to be kidding me," Arthur groaned.

"No, I'm being quite serious. There is even a recent case reference from when Cadell and his wife were trying to conceive."

"Wait, Cadell was married?" Arthur asked in disbelief.

"Yes, and had a daughter."

"Well now I almost feel guilty for killing him, for his child's sake that is."

"She's a strong child, and is doing fine. She was raised by a soldier, so she's handling it like one."

"And with that said I'm done resting," Arthur announced as he forced himself back up to his feet.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to push yourself too much," Tess asked in concern. "Im sure we could stay at Caera's home for another day if needed."

Arthur took the folder from Seris and stored it. "Nope. I want out of here before Seris decides to find some other way to embarrass me." He took two steps away and one of his runes glowed gold, while he started moving his right hand in a circular motion as a portal was forming.

"That's how you got here," Seris breathed out in amazement. "You created a portal and had it connect to an existing gate."

"Let's go home," Arthur stated, ignoring her comment.

Elijah and Sylvie walked through first, followed by Regis. Tess hooked her arm around Arthur's. Despite what he said, she wasn't convinced he was physically ready to leave yet, and was ready incase his legs gave out.

"One last thing Seris," Arthur said looking over his shoulder. "Considering I'm getting ready to go toe to toe with Kezess, did Agrona have any anti-Asura countermeasures you could share with me?"

"His main focus was the Vritra blooded army. That said, I was working on building something with one of the Vritra scientists that you may find useful. But we can discuss that the next time we meet."

Arthur nodded and then led Tess through the portal.

——————————————————————-

Back in the sanctuary, a portal formed by the town hall. Several guards saw it and Instantly scrambled to a defensive position as the council was notified. They weren't sure why, but commander Virion ordered that if a portal were to ever open outside of the gate that the guards were to treat it as a threat until they confirmed otherwise.

This was Virion's effort to ensuring the sanctuary's security. Even though Arthur was the only one outside of the Asura that they knew of that could create portals, that didn't mean they were the only ones. And based on what Arthur told him of the future, there was also no telling when the Asura may become an enemy.

The guards assembled quickly. There were five already present and in position, with more running to them in sight. Bairon landed alongside the guards with his spear drawn. More guards arrived and took position in the formation, as Virion was arriving with Aya. Finally two figures could be seen emerging.

"Ahh, no place like home," Elijah announced as he exited.

"Home? I guess so for you since you were raised in Darv, but I can't wait to see the sky again," Sylvie commented.

"Stand down everyone," Bairon ordered as he saw them.

"Hey don't hold up the line," Regis grumbled as he pushed them from behind. "Talk about home later, mine hasn't arrived yet."

"Where's Arthur and Tessia?" Virion asked as he rushed past the guards.

"He's just wrapping up with Seris, then they'll be coming through," Regis replied.

"As in wrapping up do you mean..."

"Don't worry, she's keeping her end of the bargain. She's even being overly nice since Arthur stood up to Kezess for them," Regis clarified.

Just then Arthur and Tess exited the portal with their arms hooked.

"Welcome back. Your mission was a success I take it?" Virion asked excitedly.

"It was," Arthur replied as he looked behind him, making sure the portal was closed. "Good." His legs then began to buckle.

"Art?"

"I just didn't want to stay."

His eyes then rolled to the back of his head as his legs gave way.

"Art!"

——————————————————————-

Slowly Arthur ones his eyes, but he didn't make a sound or move otherwise. Above him was the same gray ceiling he had been accustomed to for the last few months in the sanctuary. He could feel a warm fur blanket pulled up to his neck, and the soft mattress underneath him.

"Yeah you're in your bed in the sanctuary, now stay quiet and don't move," Regis said, sounding distracted.

"Why? What's going on?"

"I'm playing a game of strip poker, and I have a straight flush."

"Who the hell are you playing with? And where are you?"

"Your room. Now stop distracting me, I'm about to win your wife and sisters panties."

Arthur immediately shot up in bed with his eyes wide.

"Art!" "Brother!" "Papa!"

At the foot of his bed sat Tess, Ellie, and Sylvie playing cards, and Regis laying on the floor. As soon as he got up they quickly abandoned their game and rushed to him.

"Ha! Nice joke huh?" Regis laughed.

"Sick joke you mangy mutt," Sylvie replied.

"Hey, mutts are lovable," Regis replied with pride.

"So there wasn't strip poker?"

"No, I was just screwing with you. What better way for you to make a sudden entrance than that."

"Art are you ok?" Tess asked as she hugged him.

"Mom! Art's awake!" Ellie yelled as she waited for her turn.

"Umm, I'm fine. How long have I been out for?" Arthur asked as Tess released him and Ellie hugged him.

"Three days," Tess replied.

"Three days?!" Arthur tried to get out of bed. "I need to talk with the council. I need to be brought up to speed and work on our plan going forward."

"Like hell you are!" Tess replied sternly as she put her hand on his chest and pushed him back. "You've been asleep for three days, you need to take it easy."

"Asura physique," he pointed out. "My body has no doubt fully healed by now, and I haven't felt this refreshed in years."

"I don't care," Tess said with her hands on her hips. "You are taking it easy today."

"I'd listen to her," Virion said from the doorway, Alice beside him. "It's been my experience to just listen to one's wife in this situation. You'll be happier later down the line."

"Grandpa? What are you doing here?" Tess asked.

"I told the guard outside to notify me after he woke up."

"Commander, gramps. Come on and help me here. I've got a lot to do," Arthur said, almost pleading.

Virion smiled as he was clearly keeping in his laughter. "Do you honestly think I would dare go against your wife? On top of that she's my granddaughter. You know I pretty much spoil her."

Arthur shifted his eyes to his mother beside him. "Mom?"

"Don't look at me. I'm in total agreement with my daughter-in-law."

Arthur sighed in resignation.

"But I'll give you this," Virion said stepping closer. "A quick update. Two days ago Alacryan messengers arrived at multiple cities and at the Wall, to announce their withdrawal and surrender, also requesting to cease all offensive movements as agreed upon with the council as they withdraw. So it looks like Seris is still keeping up her end."

"I'd still have a lance monitor them from a distance to make sure they aren't preparing for an offensive."

"We did. Aya, Pasta, Bairon and Varay have been tracking them. They followed them to a series of some kind of teleportation gates they brought with them and are watching their withdrawal."

"What about the situation in Darv?"

"Buhnd is having fun with that along with Mica and Elijah. Without their Alacryan support the rebels are in a panic. Word has it that the Alacryans are also refusing to take any of them with them. So now Elijah and Mica are leading a massive offensive to root them out once and for all."

"Ok, we'll need to start discussing the reparations and terms of the treaty..."

"Do you think the council can't operate without you? We've already been discussing all that. We're far from ready, but we'll be ready by the time the delegates arrive."

"How do you know when they'll be arriving?"

"The scroll you gave Seris. She sent you a message yesterday saying the delegates will be arriving via teleportation gate in three months. She also stated that a representative will be delivering a long rang communication artifact so we can make more efficient arrangements for their arrival."

"Ok, that's good. Next, I need to speak with Gideon. With all of the other projects I gave him finished I need to start working with him on the next couple."

"No," Virion said flatly.

"No? But..."

"Arthur," Virion said with a sigh. "Ever since you returned from the future, you have been working nearly without a moments rest. Yes you took a few days off when your father died, and more for the wedding and after. But everyone else here has had more days off than you and have done a fraction of the work."

"That's because of my Asura physique. Since I don't need to sleep but an hour a day, and don't need to eat, I can just keep going unlike everyone else."

Virion sighed again. "Arthur, days off aren't just for physical rest, but also mental. It doesn't matter your mental age, we all have limits. One day you're going to reach yours and you're going to crash, and let's hope no one dies in the process."

"He does have a point there," Sylvie commented.

"Yup, and I can think of over a thousand reasons why you should listen," Regis added, referring to his many past lives he now remembered.

"Ok, I get it. I'll take the rest of today off, and I'll get back to work tomorrow."

"Arthur," Alice said, gaining his attention. "It's nearly dinner time."

"Really? Ok, so I guess you want me to take tomorrow off as well?"

Virion smirked. "No, I want you to come in."

"Grandpa?!"

"Wait, just hear me out. Come in tomorrow morning for the council meeting. There we can bring you up to speed, and you can make your suggestions on things going forward. Then you can meet with Gideon and get him started. That should keep you busy till lunch, and then I want you to take a week off."

"A week?!" Arthur practically shouted. "But..."

"Nope, there's no point arguing, I've decided, and it's an order," Virion stated firmly, pulling rank.

"Yeah, you could use a mental health week," Regis commented.

"And Mama has been working on her mana manipulation," Sylvie added, causing Tess to blush a little.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Ellie asked.

"Don't worry about it," Arthur replied quickly. "Fine, a week off. Can you ask Elder Rinia if she can continue training Feyrith with aether for the week?"

The mood in the room darkened.

"What?" Arthur asked.

"Arthur, Elder Rinia passed away yesterday," Alice stated sorrowfully.

"What?"

"Feyrith found her yesterday morning when he came to her for his training," Virion said. "She appeared to have died peacefully in her sleep."

Arthur looked down in disbelief as the news sank in. In the previous timeline she died soon after his return, a consequence of her constantly looking into the future. She had lived a little longer this time, despite still using her deviant art. He had hoped he had made enough of a difference to give her more time, clearly he was wrong.

"I'm sorry," Arthur said, looking up at Virion. "I... I asked too much of her, I should have let her rest."

Virion shook his head as he wiped away some tears. "She was happy to be of help. If anything I should thank you. She expressed many times how much she enjoyed helping train Eleanor with aether, and was happy to take on Feyrith as well. She never wanted to quietly wither away, she wanted to do everything she could with her life to prepare the world for after she was gone. And after hearing how you came back after killing Agrona and ending the war, it was like a great weight was lifted from her shoulders. So don't blame yourself, she told me many times, helping guide you to save everyone gave meaning to the end of her life."

Arthur nodded quietly.

"Anyway," Viron said, straightening up. "The funeral will be the day after tomorrow in Elenoir. So get some rest, and something appropriate to wear. I know she would want all of you there."

"Alright," Arthur said with a nod.

"Well why don't I get to work on dinner," Alice said. "Commander, would you like to join us?"

Virion smiled. "I'd love to."

"Eleanor, come help," Alice ordered.

Ellie groaned but followed as Alice and Virion walked out.

"I'll help too," Sylvie said, then hopped off the bed, and looked at Regis in the floor. "Come on flea bag, let's give them some time alone."

"Fine," Regis groaned as he got up.

"So," Tess said as everyone was gone. "Why do I feel like those two left for a reason?"

"Because there is one, but first," Arthur reached out and ran his fingers through Tess' hair. "You got a haircut?"

"I guess you didn't notice before, but I was forced to cut a lot off with my sword while fighting Agrona. Thankfully I didn't cut too much off and a stylist was able to clean it up a little."

He hair was now shoulder length, but one of her bangs was spared from her sword, so she still had a small braid on one side.

"I like it, it looks cute," Arthur replied with a smile.

"Thanks, but I do prefer it longer," she said looking a little sad. "Anyway," she said, changing the subject. "What was their reason for leaving?"

"Oh, yeah," he said, sounding a little awkward. It wasn't that he felt it would cause a problem between them. It was more so he wanted to bury that information, specifically his past wives and lovers. "Ok so when Agrona tried messing with my head, he knocked something loose. Memories I had long since forgotten. Memories of other past lives."

"More past lives?"

"Yeah, it looks like my mental age is a lot older than we thought."