Several days after the Great Date Competition, peace continued throughout the Veyris Empire.
The Imperial Gardens were lively as always.
Kael's daughters discussed their dreams beneath the branches of Ashvattha and the Universe Tree.
Knights trained in the distance.
Citizens enjoyed the beautiful weather.
And Wukong was somehow banned from three separate kitchens at the same time.
That's a new record, Wukong proudly announced.
Nobody was impressed.
Beneath the World Trees, many of Kael's wives had gathered.
Morvayla
Morrigan
Genesisra
Lumivara
Virelya Kael
Eldritch Chaos Sovereign
Along with Seraphina, Aetheria, Cosmyra, Eternya, Yunara, Kitsune Reina, Shiori Amateru, Ayakari, Tsukiyora, Elowen, Abyssia, Oblivira, Infinitra, Nullara, Ignivar, Valthera, Elysia, Ignisia, Lycanthra, Korynthia, Umbryssia, and Sanguinara Dracoryx.
The atmosphere was calm.
Until reality shimmered.
A silver-gray portal slowly opened above the garden.
Everyone immediately looked up.
Out stepped a woman none of them recognized.
Her presence was elegant and commanding.
Long black-charcoal hair flowed around her like a storm of shadows.
Thin-rimmed glasses rested upon her face.
Dark gray dragon horns curved gracefully from her head.
Sharp dark eyes examined the garden with calm confidence.
A black gown flowed around her form, accompanied by a sheer cape that moved like living darkness.
Gold chains and emerald gemstones shimmered against the sunlight.
Even the Imperial Knights froze.
The woman looked around.
Then her gaze landed on Kael.
For the first time.
her serious expression softened.
Ah.
She took a step forward.
I finally found you.
Kael blinked.
The woman continued walking.
I've waited more than nine hundred trillion years.
Silence.
Even Wukong stopped moving.
Kael looked confused.
You have?
The woman nodded.
Yes.
She stopped directly before him.
My name is Aeon.
The garden became completely silent.
Then Aeon smiled.
A very small smile.
But a genuine one.
I missed you, Kael Veyris.
Several wives immediately exchanged glances.
Wukong quietly whispered:
Oh no.
Before anyone could react further.
Aeon stepped forward and embraced Kael.
The entire garden froze.
Ignisia blinked.
Umbryssia blinked.
Morrigan blinked.
The Universe Tree blinked.
Even Ashvattha looked surprised.
Kael himself seemed caught completely off guard.
After several moments, Aeon stepped back.
The silence remained.
Then Wukong slowly raised his hand.
I have many questions.
Get in line.
replied Umbryssia.
The Discussion
Several minutes later everyone gathered beneath the World Trees.
Aeon sat calmly while dozens of eyes remained focused on her.
So...
said Morrigan.
Nine hundred trillion years?
Aeon nodded.
Approximately.
Wukong nearly fell out of his chair.
APPROXIMATELY?!
The daughters immediately became interested.
Kaelignis leaned forward.
Where have you been?
Aeon looked toward the sky.
Traveling.
That's the short version.
said Lyra.
Aeon nodded.
It is.
Even Kael laughed slightly.
The Daughters
Soon enough, Kael's daughters surrounded Aeon with questions.
Lyra wanted stories about unknown realms.
Elyrion wanted historical knowledge.
Seralyth wanted to know if Aeon had ever encountered World Trees.
Veyloria wanted information about ancient governments.
Kaelignis wanted to know whether Aeon had fought dragons.
The questions arrived so quickly that even Aeon looked slightly overwhelmed.
Ashvattha laughed softly.
They remind me of young saplings.
The Universe Tree smiled.
Curious about everything.
The World Trees
Eventually Aeon turned toward Ashvattha and the Universe Tree.
I've heard stories about both of you.
Ashvattha raised an eyebrow.
Good stories, I hope.
Aeon smiled.
Mostly.
Wukong immediately started laughing.
"Mostly?!"
Ashvattha threw a glowing leaf at him.
Later That Evening
As sunset approached, the conversation became more relaxed.
Stories were exchanged.
Laughter echoed through the gardens.
The daughters listened eagerly.
The queens shared memories.
Even Aeon seemed happier than before.
Finally, Kael looked toward her.
You could have visited sooner.
Aeon adjusted her glasses.
I got lost.
Silence.
What?
I took a wrong turn approximately twelve million galaxies ago.
Wukong fell out of his chair.
The entire garden erupted into laughter.
Even Aeon smiled.
A real smile this time.
For the first time in countless ages.
the ancient gray dragon felt at home.
Beneath the branches of Ashvattha and the Universe Tree.
Surrounded by Kael, his daughters, his wives, and the ever-growing family of the Veyris Empire.