AN: Thanks as always DragonConquer1, SparkleEyeMole, Joldered and GalacticBaseballer for the Power stones!
And to everyone please enjoy reading~
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Trailblazer™ Tent, ruins of the Dragon God Palace, Dragon's Valley, DesuMachi..
The morning light passed through the windows of their tent(though inside is more like a small house) greeting Hachiman and the others as their third day on the DesuMachi planet began. At the small dining table, Hachiman, Mei, and Sora share their modest breakfast. However, Mei's gentle smile became strained as Hachiman told her what he and the others had discussed in the group chat last night.
"...I see..." Mei finally murmured after a long silence, softly sighing. "I suppose... this is what will happen when you mothered a child who is destined to become something big."
Her hands slightly trembled as she lifted her cup, taking a sip to calm the storm inside her. The warmth helped, even if only a bit.
"...You're taking it better than I expected," Hachiman said softly, adjusting his hold on Kagura's egg as it wiggled lightly, feeling his touch. He constantly poured his power into it naturally, while feeling instinctively protective over the unborn child.
Mei set her cup down and met his eyes, a wry smile appeared at her lips. "I guess I have to. Maybe it's instinct... I felt something change when I woke up today. Like I'm starting to understand what it means to be a mother."
Hachiman blinked, caught off guard by her honesty. Sora, who had been quietly munching her toast, raised her brows curiously at the two, sensing something different in Mei's calm presence.
"...I didn't notice it when we woke up today, but yeah. Mei-nee really feels calmer now," Sora said, tilting her head with a curious look. "Like nothing could ever faze her anymore. She's got that aura… like a veteran warrior(Mother) who's been through war(Sale) a thousand times!"
Mei let out a soft, elegant snort and reached out to pat Sora's head. "Even if you praise me like that, I still won't let you skip today's study session, alright?"
Sora's face fell instantly. She dropped her head on the table and groaned dramatically. "Ughhh… I guess there's no escaping it… after all."
Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction before continuing, his tone thoughtful. "To be honest, I think Kagura will either become a Herrscher, a Monarch, or a Ruler."
"Hmm? What makes you say that?" Mei asked calmly—so calmly that even she seemed surprised by her own composure.
"... because these races will give the perfect boost to her authority as a god over the planet." He finally said after snapping out for his small shock from Mei's unexpected calmness. "Since being one of those makes her the incarnation over a specific concept. Which one she will awaken… is something I don't even want to think about right now."
Chuckling wryly, Mei set her sights on the egg of Kagura, feeling warmth wash over her. "... Then I guess, we will have a heavy job to shoulder for many years…"
Nodding at her words, Hachiman sighed and lazily summoned a shadow tendril that slipped from the floor, wrapping gently around his cup of coffee and lifting it toward him. He took a slow sip, the motion so casual that it made both Mei's and Sora's stunned and look at him with disbelief.
"And although I don't think Kagura will become a Memetic Entity," he continued, completely unfazed, "she might still awaken some of my abilities—like the Persona as a memosprite. And if that ever happens…" He paused, setting the cup down as his expression turned weary. "My biggest concern is if she ever gains access to Ashborn's authority."
'Is that something YOU should say?!' Both Mei and Sora exchanged looks, their jaws slack at the effortless display of that same power being used just to drink coffee.
"Ashborn's authority is inheritable, after all," Hachiman explained, as if it were common sense. "Like any Monarch or king, their power can be passed to the next generation."
He turned to the egg resting in his arms, he felt a slightly wiggle from it as if giggling back at his attention. "Just like how I became the Shadow Monarch when Ashborn awakened as my Ultimate Persona from the Fool Arcana… if she shows even the slightest potential, she might automatically become my heir."
Sora's expression twitched. "Somehow… Kagura-chan's future is sounding way more absurd than I imagined."
Mei winced slightly at the thought, rubbing her temple. "...Now that I think about it, Herrscher abilities can also be inherited."
"Eh?!" Sora yelped, nearly dropping her toast, while Hachiman's eyes widened in alarm.
"I don't know if you've heard, but Bronya-chan has been training to inherit Mr. Welt's title as the Herrscher of Reason," Mei explained, stirring her tea.
"Ah, her." Hachiman's eyes lit up in recognition. "The girl Noah found during the Honkai Impact in Nagazora, the one he called, and I quote, 'The Perfect Sister-in-law I've Been Looking For!'"
"Oh! Bronee's going to become like Hajime-nii?" Sora asked cheerfully, before blinking in surprise as Hachiman's words registered. "Wait, wait—what did Noah-nii call her again?!"
"The 'Perfect Sister-in-law that I've been looking for,'" Hachiman repeated dryly, taking a sip from his cup. "He plans to make her his younger brother's fiancée."
"Eh? Fian...cee? What's that?" Sora tilted her head curiously.
"It means someone you're promised to marry," Mei explained with a small smile. "Like your future wife or husband."
"I see! Just like Mei-nee and Hachi-nii!!" Sora said brightly without hesitation.
""Pffft!!!""
Hachiman nearly spat out his drink while Mei froze mid-breath, both turning bright red in an instant.
"S-Sora-chan, w-why would you say that?" Mei stammered, trying her best to stay composed.
"Hmm? Aren't both of you going to be Kagura-chan's parents? Then doesn't that make you like husband and wife?" Sora replied innocently, her pure smile shining without a hint of awareness.
Hachiman opened his mouth to deny it, but seeing Sora's pure and innocent expression completely disarmed him. The words died on his tongue, and his silence that seemed to be an admission, made Mei fluster and fidget in her seat.
"Hmm? Is something wrong, Hachi-nii? Mei-nee?" Sora tilted her head, genuinely confused by their strange reactions.
"I-It's nothing! Really… it's just—" Hachiman stammered, glancing toward Mei, who quickly turned away. Even so, he could still see the bright blush on her cheeks and to the tips of her ears. "Well… we are going to be Kagura's parents, yes, but my and Raiden's relationship is… uh…"
Both kept their mouths shut, neither knowing how to finish that sentence. Sora blinked, glancing between them with growing confusion.
"??? I don't get it." She puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms. "Why do people always make things way too complicated?"
Mei coughed lightly, desperate to change the topic. "B-By the w-way, Hikigaya-kun…" she said after a long silence, her voice a little higher than usual. "Wh-What are our next steps?"
"Ah? ehh... Once Kagura hatches, we'll head to the village Noah mentioned," Hachiman replied, clearing his throat. "The Express's GPS readings might be off, but if we cross-reference the fort's position on the world map with our system, it should take about a week to reach on foot."
"Eh?!" Sora's eyes widened. "A w-week?! And by foot?!"
Mei frowned slightly, shaking her head. "If this were before we had Kagura-chan, I might have agreed. But now—we need to prioritize safety and comfort in our travels."
Sora, sitting beside them, nodded eagerly. "That's right! Walking would be way too tiring and totally time-consuming!"
Hachiman smiled wryly at the matching protests from Mei and Sora. "Don't worry, I already considered that."
Mei raised a brow while Sora leaned forward, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"I plan to ask Hei Long-san to give us a ride, at least until we're near the fort or close to the human city," he explained.
Sora exhaled in visible relief while Mei slowly nodded in approval. "That's acceptable, I suppose… but we'll need proper clothes for Kagura-chan," Mei said, narrowing her eyes in thought. "The wind currents during flight will be strong and cold."
"Hmm… why don't we also ask Hajime-nii for some sort of transportation vehicle instead?" Sora suggested innocently. "It'd be more comfortable and useful for our future travels!"
Hachiman chuckled, his expression teasing. "That would be convenient, sure… but don't you think it'll ruin the 'authentic fantasy world experience'?"
Mei giggled softly. "That's right, Sora-chan. Since we're here to witness this world's way of life, we should also live it ourselves."
Sora pouted, crossing her arms but giving in. "Fine, fine… if you both say so."
—--
That night, as the trio prepared to sleep, Sora yawned while Mei gently tucked her into bed.
"Mei-nee… will Kagura-chan finally come out tomorrow?" Sora mumbled sleepily, her voice muffled by the pillow.
"If everything goes well, then yes," Mei replied with a soft smile, adjusting Sora's blanket. "Tomorrow, Kagura-chan will finally come out from her egg."
"That's good…" Sora murmured, her drowsy eyes half-open. "Mei-nee… do you think I'll be a good sister for her?"
The question caught Mei off guard. She blinked, noticing the hint of unease in Sora's expression. Smiling warmly, she reached out and patted Sora's head. "Of course you will. After all, it's you, Sora-chan."
"Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Sora tilted her head, curiosity replacing her drowsiness.
Mei chuckled softly, her eyes kind. "You'll be the best big sister Kagura-chan could ever have. Because Sora-chan is our 'Sky', the one who keeps the lonely cloud(Hachiman) and this emotional storm(Mei), lives bright."
Sora's face turned crimson as she pulled the blanket up to hide. "Uuuuhh… I'm happy you said that, but it's kinda embarrassing!"
"Hehehe, it seems the mighty Sora-chan can be shy too," Mei teased playfully.
"Mouu… you're being mean again, Mei-nee…" Sora pouted, her voice muffled under the blanket.
"Ahaha, sorry, sorry." Mei winked playfully, sticking her tongue out. "You're just too cute when you're shy, Sora-chan. I couldn't resist teasing you a little."
"...Why does that sound exactly like something Ellie-nee would say?" Sora muttered with a deadpan look. "Is this a side effect of becoming a mom?"
Mei raised a brow. "Just what kind of things are you imagining now?" she said, before reaching forward to pinch Sora's cheeks.
"Owww! Sthap ith! Mercy!!" Sora squirmed, her muffled plea making Mei snort in amusement.
Letting go, Mei chuckled and crossed her arms. "You really are hopeless sometimes. Anyway, you should sleep now as it's getting late. You wouldn't want Kagura-chan's first impression of her big sister to be a zombie, right?"
"Muu! That would be bad indeed!" Sora nodded firmly, puffing her cheeks.
Mei smiled softly and leaned forward to kiss Sora's temple. "Goodnight, Sora-chan. May you have sweet, wonderful dreams."
Sora's expression softened as she closed her eyes, voice drifting into a sleepy murmur. "Goodnight, Mei-nee…"
Mei waited until she heard Sora's gentle breathing, then rose quietly and stepped toward the doorway. Before leaving, she turned for one last look and whispered with a tender smile, "Goodnight… our little sky."
—---
Leaving Sora's room, Mei passed her own and made her way to Hachiman's. Tonight marked the final step in hatching Kagura, where both father and mother would sleep beside the egg, keeping close contact to ensure the bond between them was properly formed.
She stopped at his door, placing a hand over her chest as she took slow, deep breaths to calm her racing heart. Once she finally gathered her courage, she raised her hand and knocked gently.
"Come in," came Hachiman's voice from inside.
Taking one last deep breath, Mei opened the door and froze in place. The sight before her was… surreal.
Hachiman sat cross-legged on the bed, Kagura's egg peacefully placed in his arms. Around him, shadow-like tendrils moved effortlessly. One holding a book, another turning the page.
"H-Hikigaya-kun…?" Mei blinked in disbelief. "What… what are you even doing?"
Hachiman looked up, noticing her stunned expression. "Hmm? Is something the matter? Why do you look so surprised?" he asked, his tone calm, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
"...Do you always do this, Hikigaya-kun?" Mei finally asked, stepping into the room, her tone caught somewhere between disbelief and amusement.
"Do what?" Hachiman raised an eyebrow, genuinely confused.
"This—" Mei gestured at the shadow tendrils calmly flipping his book's pages. "Using your powers so casually. You're even doing it for the simplest things."
Hachiman blinked, then let out a small chuckle. "Ah, that. Yeah, I guess it looks lazy, huh? But it's actually a kind of training for me."
"Training?" Mei repeated, surprised by the unexpected answer as she took a seat beside him on the bed.
"Mm." He nodded and turned another page, his voice was too casual. "I started doing this sort of thing to improve my control. Using my power in everyday actions like lifting a book, turning a page, drinking coffee, cleaning up, it helps me train my precision. Since the simpler the action, the more complex the control required."
He paused, absentmindedly stroking the egg on his lap. "During my time in Metaverse, it made me understand it's not always about power, control and restraint matters too."
Mei tilted her head slightly, watching him with curiosity. "So you're basically training your control through daily life."
"We might not notice it since it feels like an ordinary thing, but even simple tasks like these need care," he explained. "If I lose focus, I might tear the page, crack the cup, drop the plates… or even slice ingredients unevenly. So, by doing these small, everyday things carefully, I learn how much strength to apply. It helps me refine my control and that precision carries over to more complex actions later on."
"I see…" Mei tilted her head thoughtfully. "I think I get it… but at the same time, I kind of don't."
Hachiman chuckled softly. "Yeah, I suck at explaining stuff like this. Just think of it as… my own version of discipline."
"Ahaha, now that I understand," she said with a light laugh, her eyes softening. "That's a very you kind of logic, Hikigaya-kun."
He let out a hum, closing the book in his hands. Silence settled in the room peacefully, but the hint of awkwardness was there as well.
"...Shall we sleep now?" he finally asked, breaking the quiet.
"...Sure," Mei answered softly.
Hachiman lay down on the bed, stretching his other arm out to the side in invitation. Mei's cheeks went red as she took a deep breath, then slowly lay down beside him, resting her head on his arm. Their bodies came in contact, and she hesitated for just a second before placing her hand atop Kagura's egg. A small tremble came from Kagura's egg as her fingers touched it, as if acknowledging her presence as her mother.
Neither of them could fall asleep, both far too aware of each other's warmth and presence. Hachiman struggled, his mind betraying him as he caught faint sniff of Mei's sweet scent, the softness of her body touching him. Mei, meanwhile, couldn't help but notice how broad his chest felt under her cheek, and how safe she felt in his arms. Her heart refused to calm, she could hear the beat of her heart clearly.
"...Hikigaya-kun, are you still awake?" she whispered softly, her voice barely audible.
"...Yeah," he murmured back.
Silence again fell, gentle, fragile, and strangely intimate. Then, as if adding to the unspoken tension between them, Kagura's egg wiggled lightly in their arms. Both of them froze instantly, they quickly turned to the egg between them. They held their breath, waiting and hoping, but after a few seconds, the movement stopped. Even after several moments, the egg stayed still.
The two let out matching sighs, unsure if it was from relief or disappointment. Their eyes met, and without a word, they both started to chuckle softly at how absurdly awkward the whole situation was.
"Hehe… just what are we even doing?" Mei said, her laugh soft but genuine.
"Heh, yeah… this situation's ridiculous," Hachiman replied with a crooked smirk. "Guess we're still just a pair of awkward kids after all."
"Hmm, hmm. I agree with that," Mei nodded. "Even if what we've gone through was difficult and challenging… deep down, we're still not mature enough to handle things like this properly."
"Please, no need to be modest," Hachiman said with a smirk. "What happened to us isn't something just anyone could experience. We could even brag that our lives are already in a completely different league."
Mei sighed and gave him a deadpan stare. "Really… your outlook on life is truly worrying. That won't do, you know? You're a father now, you need to set a good example for our child."
"Well, I could be a great example of what she shouldn't become. That still counts, right?"
"That is not the point." Mei pinched his cheeks firmly.
"Ow—ow! Hey, can we not resort to domestic violence just because we disagree?!" Hachiman protested, his voice muffled by her grip.
"J-j-just w-what a-are y-you even s-saying?!" Mei stammered, her face flushing a bright shade of red.
Letting out a sigh, Mei released his cheeks and leaned back her head against his shoulder, her fingers gently touching Kagura's egg.
"...I wonder," she murmured after a moment of silence. "What are we now? What do we even call this… our current relationship?"
Hachiman stayed silent, but his expression softened as he glanced at her, choosing to listen instead of interrupt.
"Are we still just partners from the same team? Friends? Comrades? Caretakers of two adorable yet chaotic children? Or..." Mei hesitated, her voice growing smaller as her cheeks flushed. "...or just like Sora-chan said, are we now… more than that?"
"...Do you see us that way?" Hachiman asked softly after a brief moment, his tone careful and uncertain.
"I... I don't know," Mei admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "But... I can't help thinking about it. And somehow... It feels right. Like it's okay for us to be like that."
Hachiman's gaze softened, a small exhale escaping him. "...I see," he murmured, the corners of his mouth faintly curving into something between a smile and a sigh.
After that, neither of them spoke, both unsure how to continue the conversation. The silence came back, heavy but not uncomfortable, until Hachiman finally sighed.
"Haa… I guess this is what happens when you put two socially awkward teenagers in the same bed," he muttered with a half-grumble.
"...Pfft." Mei couldn't hold it in. A soft laugh escaped her before she quickly tried to compose herself but the amusement in her eyes betrayed her. "Geez, what are you even saying? Aren't we supposed to be having a serious conversation here?"
Seeing her laugh, Hachiman couldn't help the faint smile tugging at his lips. Just like that, the tension between them melted away, replaced by a calm, comfortable warmth.
"Anyway… back to the topic," Hachiman began, his tone returning thoughtful. "Right now, neither of us is completely sure what we are to each other but like you said, it just feels… right. It fits somehow."
Mei looked up from his arm, her eyes searching his face.
"So I think… we should take things one step at a time," Hachiman continued. "And if it works out, then… why not?"
He looked straight at her, unguarded showing his heart bare before her.
"And it's not just about us, either. I also have others back home, the same kind of people as you. Important ones who helped me become who I am."
"I… see," Mei whispered, her voice trembling slightly as emotion bloomed in her heart. The thought of losing him or being left behind was something she couldn't accept. So she gathered her courage and met his eyes with determination. "Then… I'll take that next step too."
Hachiman raised his brows, caught off guard by the strength and sincerity in her expression.
"H-Hachiman…"
His eyes widened when she said his name, soft, hesitant, and filled with emotion.
"I… I can call you that, right?" Mei asked shyly, her fingers curling around the edge of the blanket. "After all, you are the father of my child and… my 'partner' for life, right?"
'T-The way you said that is so unfair, Raiden-san!!!' Hachiman screamed internally, his brain short-circuiting.
"I… I guess so…" he managed, his cheeks burning red. "Yeah… that's fine. You can call me that… Mei."
Mei's eyes widened slightly as she heard her name from his lips for the first time. A soft smile bloomed on her face as she came closer into his arms. "Then… Please take care of me for many years to come… Hachiman."
Hachiman opened his mouth to reply, but words failed him. Instead, he gave a small, firm nod, his heart beating wildly in his chest.
'Oh my god… Did I just get myself a wife?!'
—--
At the Astral Express, Noah, who was overseeing Elysia, Kiana, Gabriel, and Herta as they cleaned and repaired the destroyed kitchen, suddenly felt a ringing in his ear. He quickly turned toward the DesuMachi planet visible through the window.
At the same time, in the DxD planet, Hajime froze mid-sketch as he was drawing up the renovation plan for Kagura, Hachiman, and Mei's new room. His pencil hovered above the paper as he slowly turned his gaze toward the night sky, instinctively facing the same direction as his brother.
At that exact moment and much to the confusion of Lumine, Sirin, Alice, Anisphia, and the others nearby, unknown to both, they muttered in perfect sync,
""My Rom-Com senses are tingling…""
—-
As the morning light peeked through the window of Hachiman's room, touching softly on his face, his consciousness slowly began to awaken. When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the top of Mei's head as her arms gently wrapped around a small child, holding it close to her chest. His own arms encircled them both in a protective embrace. Without realizing, his lips curved into a small, peaceful smile as a sense of warmth and contentment filled his chest.
He closed his eyes again, letting himself savor the moment, the warmth of Mei's body against his, the soft weight of the child between them. Mei let out a faint, peaceful hum in her sleep, while the child followed with a small, happy coo.
'Hmm…?' Hachiman's brow twitched. Something felt off. Like he was forgetting something important.
'What is this weird feeling?' he thought, frowning slightly. 'Mei's here, sleeping peacefully… and Kagura too. So why does something feel wrong?'
The moment her name crossed his mind, realization struck him like lightning. His eyes snapped open, turning between Mei and the space between them and his breath hitched. The egg they had both been guarding last night was gone. In its place lay a small child looking no older than a year old, her body covered with bits of broken eggshell clinging to her hair. Even their own clothes also have broken bits as well.
Snapping out of his daze, Hachiman gently tapped Mei's shoulder, careful not to wake the sleeping child.
"M-Mei! Mei! Wake up!" he whispered urgently.
Mei stirred with a small groan, blinking groggily as she opened her eyes. "...Hachiman?... What is it…?"
"L-Look! Quick!" he said, voice trembling.
Blinking in confusion, Mei followed his gaze and froze. There, laying between them, was a small child whose features were an uncanny blend of both her and Hachiman's. The dark purple hair, the soft shape of her face, those were hers. But the way her expression moved and the sharp form of her eyes, that was unmistakably his.
Mei's sleepy mind began to process what she was seeing. Then it clicked. Her eyes widened in shock, and she nearly screamed before clamping a hand over her mouth, a muffled squeak escaping instead. Both of them slowly sat up, careful not to wake the child, staring at her tiny, sleeping face in disbelief.
"H-Hachiman… is she—?" Mei whispered, her voice shaking.
"Y-Yeah… I think so," he answered, still dazed.
As if feeling their movements, the child stirred, blinking her eyes open. For a moment she looked confused, then broke into a bright smile when she saw the stunned faces of her parents. She reached out her small hands toward them, legs kicking happily in the air.
Mei and Hachiman each reached forward, their fingers gently wrapping around her tiny hands. The warmth that greeted them was soft, alive, real. Mei felt her chest tighten as tears welled in her eyes, while Hachiman's usual guarded expression softened into a smile full of wonder.
Together, their voices overlapped, filled with awe and joy.
""Welcome to the world, Kagura-chan.""
======