With Alraj's return Hathor familia threw yet another party. Largely due to Zeus' pleas for a proper welcome home party. Which… in the end didn't cause any issues… Why? Because this familia knew how to party, and party hard, all they needed was a reason to throw one. Drums, flutes, harps, violins, and various other musical instruments began playing, which… in turn, signaled to the city of their celebration.
Alraj drank, and ate with his familia. Though he'd be interrupted a few times as Zald still would ruffle his hair whenever he felt like it, such is the instinct of an uncle.
"So, father?" Bell started, and gave Alraj a curious look. "What are the others like now?"
"I want to know too. And how did you become like this? Becoming a spirit? Coming back to life?"
Alraj blinked a few times at the sudden questions, and then softly smiled. "I became like this through a type of intense training. The others really put me through the ringer." He said, as the smile started trembling.
"What kind of training could turn you into a spirit?" Bell asked.
"Ask your uncle Shurry. He's been giving all of you even more intense training ever since I died."
"But I want to hear it from you…"
"No need, Bell." Zald cut in. "I think I understand what Alraj means. Afterall, even after all that he did in Tenkai, I'm still stronger." He laughed.
"Of course you are, Uncle Zald! You're freaky strong!"
"You're right about that, but even so, when I think about the Dragon…"
Alraj, along with Zald, and Alfia who'd been listening in, felt a shiver run the length of their spines.
"That is not an enemy I can face, even as I am now."
"It's too much for a level 11 like yourself?"
"Yep, I'm not as crazy as Shurry is. He might have managed it at this level, and on his own at that."
"This level?"
"Yeah, he's level 12 now."
"What!!!??? L-l-l-level 12!!!"
"You think that's crazy, just you wait, he's said he could become level 13 before the fight."
"Then it should be assured… Or, at least I'd like to say that. However, I did check in on that freaky monster from time to time. They also want to make their return. But Empress says Maxim can't leave until they're both lower gods, something about a permanent union?"
Zald bellowed with laughter. "That's just like her too, I wouldn't expect anything less." He smiled. "Meda, you heard that, right? You're the daughter of gods." He laughed.
"Well I'm not going to lose out. See here, I have my own bunny hubby. And we're the cutest aren't we?"
"Yeah, you are." Meteria agreed.
It was then four young werewolves appeared, poking their heads just above the table, each taking a place, with giant smiles, tongues hanging out, waiting for their giant portions of meat to arrive. A rather eager chef brought over their servings, giggling as they saw the four eager tails excitedly whisking the air. And the four werewolves eyes filled with sparkles as various cuts of seasoned raw meats were placed before them. And just like their father, began devouring the plate as if they'd been starved for weeks.
"Sorry, the two of you are cute, but those four…" Alfia muttered. "My husband's children are just too cute."
Meda got a wild glint in her eyes, and eagerly stared into Bell's eyes. "You'd better not forget about our promise, my little bunny."
Bell blushed, and nodded, nervously going back to his food, or at least trying to when Meda claimed the use of his mouth for a while.
"I won't forget, promise."
Off in the corner a golden haired human stared at the scene with a pout on her face. Shurry was seen sitting upon the heist end of the stairs ascending to the higher floors of the mansion. He was clearly deep in thought.
"What's wrong, husband?" Ardee said, taking a seat behind him, making sure to avoid trampling the tail she loved so much. "You're thinking about something. Something dangerous?"
"Yes, I am."
"What do you want to do?"
"I want to get revenge on the black dragon. I'm strong enough to handle that now."
"So what's making you hesitant?" She asked, already knowing the answer, but that's not why she asked.
"I want to ensure everyone survives this battle. However, unlike the expeditions into the dungeon, as far as we've gone, I won't be able to spare much, if any, focus for anyone else." He explained, and sighed, tensing up. "The last time that happened, so many people were hurt, even died."
"You mean the feud. The time when the world anointed you a hero."
"Yeah…"
The two shared a moment of silence for the lost pregnancy at that time. Despite the comfort knowing that the child they did have now, was the one they would have had… that was still a stingingly painful memory.
"I'm going down into the dungeon again. I need to train on my own. I need to push myself far beyond the limits I have already."
"You're going down to prepare for the battle?"
"Yes, and there's a few other things I want to check out."
"Then bring us with you?"
"Not this time. I won't be able to protect you that far down. And our pups need their mother, stay here with them, enjoy their company."
"Only if you promise to come back, and quickly. No more than a month down there this time. Understand?"
"I promise. Once I return, the last moments of preparation will be finished. And then we can calm the sky of thunder."
Shurry turned, and gave a passion filled kiss, with such ferocity and love it caused 3 other heads to turn as if they sensed they were missing something.
"Go, I'll let the others know where you are. But you should let Hathor know on your own."
"Thank you."
"No need for thanks. Only love." Ardee smiled, making a heart with her fingers, blushing a little. "This is somehow still embarrassing." She murmured.
"I think it's cute." Shurry chuckled, gave her another kiss, and then smiled. "I love you. When I return, I'll show you just how much." He added, causing Ardee to smile with confident sexuality.
"I'll be waiting."
Shurry left, opting not to disturb the party. His destination was the dungeon. He descended with great speed. Down there he searched for answers to the many questions he still had about the dungeon.