Time slipped by quietly, and the streets of New York began to be dyed with a thick festive atmosphere.
The cottage by the Long Island seaside was also decorated with holly, berries, and colorful lights, warm firelight danced in the fireplace, and the air was filled with the aroma of baked gingerbread and mulled wine.
The peace and warmth of the year's end enveloped this seaside residence.
Standing by the window looking at the snowy sea, the thought of "reunion" in Artoria's heart became clearer.
In her original World, New Year was a day for family gatherings.
But in this new World, she had Minerva, and she had people she could call "friends."
Perhaps, she could try inviting them to share this warmth together?
She was not someone who liked lively parties, but thinking of the loneliness occasionally revealed beneath Tony's flamboyant smile, Pepper's strength within her gentleness, the fatigue and longing hidden deep in Dr. Banner's eyes, Agent Coulson's eternal professionalism and a hint of imperceptible gentleness, and even the glimmer of "human" rather than "Agent" that occasionally flashed in the eyes of that mysterious and dangerous Natasha Romanoff...
She wanted to be with them, on this special night, to temporarily set aside identities and burdens, and just be "friends," chatting by the fireside.
"Minerva," she turned to look at the silver-haired figure adjusting the fireplace flames, "I want to invite Tony, Pepper, Dr. Banner, Agent Coulson, and Ms. Romanoff to come here for the New Year."
"Do you think... it's appropriate?"
Minerva's optical sensor turned to her, analyzing rapidly: "Emotional support and social consolidation behavior."
"Risk assessment: moderate, mainly involving compatibility between individuals of different backgrounds, information confidentiality, and potential extraordinary events."
"But according to existing data, the success rate is higher than the risk."
"Supported."
"Need to develop a detailed security protocol and emergency plan."
With Minerva's support, Artoria made up her mind.
Invitations were sent through different channels.
Tony and Pepper readily agreed, with Tony claiming he would bring "good wine that can ignite a reactor."
After hesitating, Banner accepted the kindness.
Agent Coulson expressed his honor with his usual propriety and conveyed Natasha's vague reply of "I'll come if I'm free"—which, in Agent language, usually meant yes.
On New Year's Eve, light snow fell.
The cottage was warm and bright, with the aroma of food wafting everywhere.
The guests arrived one after another.
Tony and Pepper brought wine and cookies, Banner brought popular science books, Coulson carried a pastry box, and finally, Natasha arrived as promised, her red hair like dark fire under the indoor lighting.
The dinner atmosphere was unexpectedly harmonious.
Tony's witty remarks, Pepper's gentle mediation, Banner's focus on familiar topics, Coulson's perfectly timed anecdotes, and even Natasha's occasional sharp comments all made this small gathering full of life.
As the Host, Artoria's initial nervousness gradually dissipated, replaced by a warm sense of satisfaction.
Watching the faces talking and laughing in the glow of the fireplace, she truly felt that in this World, she was no longer alone.
After dinner, they chatted as the night deepened and the snow thickened.
Just as everyone raised their glasses to softly toast the coming New Year, a voice that only Artoria could perceive, carrying a warm smile, rang out from deep within her consciousness:
[Detected that the Host is in a moment of warm reunion, and emotional resonance has reached its peak.]
[Received New Year's greetings from the pan-consciousness of this plane.]
[At the same time, detected a strong longing for 'home' and 'guide' in the Host's deep consciousness.]
[At this turn of the old and new, this system has specially coordinated permissions to guide a special'surprise' for you—a blessing from a World you were once closely connected to, and which gave you key assistance in your initial foothold in this World.]
[The surprise has arrived outside the door; please welcome it personally.]
[Tip: The visitors are all benevolent projections, and the duration lasts until the end of tonight.]
[May you enjoy this cross-dimensional reunion.]
Artoria's heart jumped violently.
System?
A surprise?
From... a World she was once closely connected to and gave her initial assistance?
Could it be...
That figure instantly appeared in her mind—fiery red long hair, a dashing smile, the "guide" who had carved out the initial path for her in the cold Universe.
Could it be...
"Sorry, it seems there's a guest, I'll go check."
She suppressed her pounding heart, gave everyone an apologetic smile, and stood up to walk toward the entryway.
Tony raised an eyebrow: "Guests at this hour? Could it be Fury? Then I'll have to hide this wine."
Under everyone's curious gazes, Artoria gripped the doorknob.
The moment she touched it, a vast, warm, vibrant, and accepting pulse seemed to surge from deep within the Earth beneath her feet, gently brushing over her entire body, carrying a silent blessing.
It was the greeting of "Earth."
She took a deep breath and pulled the door open.
The wind and snow mixed with chill rushed in.
But in the open space at the doorway stood several figures.
They seemed to have just walked out of the snow, still covered in unmelted snowflakes, looking up at the cottage lit with warm lights.
The person in front, her fiery red long hair like a burning flag under the porch light, with a familiar, dashing, and gentle smile, made Artoria's breath stop instantly.
Murata Himeko.
It really was her!
Wearing that familiar dark coat with the St. Freya Academy emblem, wrapped in a red scarf, and holding a sturdy-looking cake box printed with strange symbols.
Her eyes were bright, filled with the perseverance of having been through the ringer, yet at this moment, they were brimming with pure joy at seeing an "old friend."
And behind her followed several figures that also made Artoria's heart race:
One was a girl with smooth gray long hair tied back with a butterfly hair ornament, possessing a gentle and quiet temperament—Raiden Mei.
She held an exquisite Japanese-style food box and gave Artoria a gentle, soft smile.
Another was a girl with spiral twin tails, wearing a cute dress, but with a somewhat tsundere expression—Bronya Zaychik.
She was holding a gorgeously wrapped gift box almost half her size, her gray eyes looking over calmly.
Then there was a girl with short silver hair, petite in stature, but with lively and cunning eyes—Theresa Apocalypse.
The Principal wasn't wearing her complicated nun habit today, but a cute furry coat, standing on her tiptoes and looking inside curiously, holding something in her hand... it looked like a Homu doll pendant?
Finally, there was the girl with brilliant golden hair, as dazzling as the sun—Kiana Kaslana.
Her face was full of an undisguised, bright smile that seemed to dispel all gloom, and she was waving a... super-sized paper bag printed with Q-version Homu patterns, which seemed to be filled with various snacks.
The Valkyries of St. Freya!
And they were living, smiling, as if they had just finished a daily mission and dropped by for a visit!
Artoria stood frozen at the door, her mind blank, only her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
Joy, disbelief, emotion, and a trace of caught-off-guard panic intertwined, leaving her unable to speak for a moment.
She just stared blankly at Himeko's familiar face, her eyes instantly heating up.
It was Himeko... It was really her...
The one who, when she first arrived and was most lost, gave her the strength and courage to establish herself through the "Projection," the benefactor who could be said to be her "starting point" in this World in a certain sense...
"What's wrong? Aren't you going to invite us in? It's a bit cold out here."
Himeko smiled, her voice hearty and kind, carrying the warmth in Artoria's memory.
She shook the cake box in her hand, "I heard there's a little party here, and you're missing a few people who can eat? We brought some'specialties' to crash the meal, not welcome?"
"W-Welcome! Of course, welcome!"
Artoria stepped aside, almost incoherent, her voice trembling imperceptibly, "Himeko... and everyone... Please, please come in! The snow is heavy outside!"
She was so excited that she didn't know where to put her hands and feet, her eyes tightly following Himeko.
Watching her step into the house and brush the snow off her shoulders, the real figure and breath made Artoria feel like she was in a dream.
The chatter in the room quieted slightly when the door opened.
When Tony, Pepper, and the others saw this group of "new guests" with different styles but extraordinary temperaments walk in, especially the leading Himeko with her dazzling red hair and dashing demeanor, they couldn't help but show expressions of surprise.
Tony's eyes instantly lit up, scanning from Himeko's futuristic clothing to the huge gift box Bronya was holding, then to the strange doll in Theresa's hand, and finally landing on Kiana's bright smile: "Wow... Miss Consultant, your 'friends'... are really impressive."
"Not going to introduce them?"
Coulson maintained a professional smile, but his gaze swept over each visitor quickly and cautiously, assessing them.
Natasha's red lips curled slightly, her gaze lingering on Himeko and Mei for a moment, seemingly sensing some kind of "warrior" aura about them.
Banner pushed up his glasses, a bit nervous.
Pepper immediately showed the demeanor of a hostess, although her eyes were also full of curiosity.
Minerva quietly stood by Artoria's side, her optical sensor calmly scanning the new guests, pausing slightly on Himeko, as if performing some deep-level scan or information comparison.
"Uh, e-everyone," Artoria tried hard to calm her excitement, but her voice was still a bit tight.
She subconsciously leaned toward Himeko, as if she could draw strength from it, "These are... Himeko, Mei, Bronya, Theresa, and Kiana."
"They are... they are seniors and friends who helped me a lot when I was traveling in... other 'places.'"
"They just happened to be... well, passing by, so I invited them to come along."
This explanation was pale and weak, but she couldn't care about that right now.
Himeko laughed heartily and naturally raised her hand to ruffle Artoria's hair.
This action made Artoria stiffen, then a sour, warm current surged into her heart.
She nodded to the people in the room: "Sorry to disturb."
"I am Murata Himeko, and these are my unruly students."
"I heard it was lively at Artoria's place, so we shamelessly came to join the fun."
"I hope we haven't caused any trouble."
Her attitude was poised, carrying a composure born of having weathered storms and the reliable aura of an "elder," instantly easing the subtle strangeness in the room.
"No trouble, no trouble! The more the merrier!" Tony responded first.
He was clearly very interested in Himeko and leaned forward, "Miss Himeko? Your coat style is very unique, and the material doesn't seem to be common stuff either? And these... little ones?"
He looked at Mei and the others.
"It's a modified version of the St. Freya Academy uniform." Himeko explained simply, unbothered by Tony's address, finding it amusing instead.
"As for the material, it involves some... special processes."
"We are Valkyries, considered... well, instructors and students of a special school."
She used the "Traveler" cover story Artoria had used before, cleverly avoiding details.
"Valkyries? Cool!" Tony raised an eyebrow, wanting to ask more, but was interrupted by Kiana's excited voice.
"Wow! It's so warm here! And there's good food!"
Kiana had already curiously approached the dining table, looking at the remaining snacks, her eyes shining.
"Kiana, mind your manners." Mei reminded her gently, placing the food box in her hand on the table, "This is a small token from us, please try it."
Bronya also put down the huge gift box, saying calmly: "Gift. Hope... like."
Theresa stood on her tiptoes, handing the Homu pendant to Pepper, who was closest to her: "This is for you! It's a Homu! It's super popular!"
The arrival of the Valkyries was like injecting a fresh and vigorous vitality.
Their unique personalities and interactions quickly attracted everyone.
Himeko soon started talking to Tony about "heavy combat equipment" and "individual tactics"—although the two might not have been talking about the same thing, their hearty laughter was infectious.
Mei chatted with Pepper and Banner about cooking and wellness, her gentle temperament making people feel like a spring breeze.
Bronya sat quietly next to Minerva, and the two "kuudere" attributes—although Bronya was more "kuudere" and Minerva was an existence without emotional fluctuations—occasionally had short eye contact or micro-expression exchanges.
Theresa curiously studied the various electrical appliances in the house, asking innocent yet core-hitting questions.
Kiana became the mood-maker, her sunshine and friendliness quickly infecting everyone, and even Natasha gave her a rare, non-calculating, soft smile.
Artoria sat next to Himeko, listening to her bickering with Tony, looking at this incredible yet warm scene, her heart filled with immense happiness and emotion.
She quietly looked at Himeko's perfect profile, watching the hearth fire reflected in her eyes, watching the occasional encouraging and gratified look she cast, and her nose felt sore.
Himeko... was still alive, still smiling, and had brought her students to spend the New Year with her...
This was truly the best New Year's gift the system, and this World, had given her.
"What are you spacing out for?"
Himeko suddenly turned her head, nudged her gently with her arm, and lowered her voice with a tease only the two of them could understand, "Looks like you're doing well here, you've made very good friends."
"Now I can rest easy."
Simple words, but they almost made Artoria burst into tears.
She nodded hard, her voice choked: "Yeah... I'm doing well."
"Thank you, Himeko... Thank you for coming."
Himeko smiled, said nothing more, just ruffled her hair again, then raised her glass and said to everyone: "Come, for this rare gathering, for the New Year, and for... all the moments worth cherishing, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses in response, the wine glasses and beverage cups from different Worlds lightly clinking in the air, making a crisp, pleasant sound.
Near midnight, everyone gathered by the window, looking at the snow outside.
The sound of the Times Square countdown came from the TV.
"...Three, two, one! Happy New Year!"
Cheers erupted in the cottage again.
Outside the window, in the further night sky, sporadic celebration fireworks rose, bursting into hazy halos in the curtain of snow.
Just then, Artoria felt that warm pulse of the Earth's blessing again, and at the same time, the system's prompt sounded softly: [The projection is about to end. May this blessing last.]
Artoria felt something and looked at Himeko and the others.
Himeko winked at her, raised her glass, her smile warm and free.
Mei nodded gently, Bronya nodded at her, Theresa waved happily, and Kiana gave her a big, bright smile.
Their figures, like merging into the warmth of the hearth fire, began to fade, becoming transparent, and finally dissipated into the air like stardust, leaving only the cakes, food boxes, gifts, and dolls they brought, as well as the faint, warm, and firm aura of the Valkyries in the air.
The living room was quiet for a moment.
"Wow..." Tony stroked his chin, "This way of saying goodbye... I have to write it down, to scare Pepper next time."
Pepper slapped him helplessly, but her eyes also carried a smile and a trace of lingering emotion.
Coulson and Natasha exchanged a look; this time, their eyes held more acceptance of the "unknown" and respect for this "miracle."
Banner pushed up his glasses and whispered: "Very... warm guests."
Artoria walked to the window, looking at the direction where the Valkyries had disappeared, and then at the snowy World outside, her heart filled with unspeakable gratitude and strength.
"Happy New Year, Himeko... everyone." She said softly in her heart.
Minerva silently came to her side and gently held her hand.
The New Year's bell seemed to still be echoing.
The snow fell silently, and the warmth remained forever.
This night, with old friends crossing Worlds to visit and new acquaintances talking by the fireside, would become one of the most precious and shining memories in the heart of Artoria, and of everyone present.
---------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the fanfiction has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 or more chapters in advance over on my patreon: patreon.com/FTLGenBen
Also every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone, Thanks.