Sora was glad the elves gave him a magical sleeping capsule. He knew what would happen tonight and he wasn't afraid. He cuddled Brie, who was nervous.
"I'll keep an eye on you, I promise." Brie said while kissing Sora.
Sora returned the kiss passionately and they made love.
"You should get some sleep. Is there anything you want me to ask Athena?"
Brie's face blushed up. She didn't normally get nervous with Sora.
"Well, I was thinking. I know you don't want kids while there is a war, but her blessing would be nice. I mean, we don't have to have one right away."
"I'd love to obtain her blessing. I'll see what it entails and if that puts us in a position where we could have kids immediately. What do you want to do if that's the case?"
Brie took a second to think.
"I honestly say if the gods and goddesses bless us with a child, then it's meant to be. You've said that on Exteria when you met me and when you met Levi. You thought it was destined to happen."
"That's right! I did. Sometimes I forget you've lived both my lives. But please, get some rest."
"What do you really need to talk to her about anyway?"
"I wish I could tell you, I really do."
Sora took a moment and thought of Chronos.
'I don't want to overstep or cause him concern. He's already sticking his neck out for me and I don't want him to think I don't trust him. It's just easier to ask Athena myself.'
"Hey system, would you please go dormant for dreams?"
[Shutting down now.]
Brie slowly drifted to sleep and Sora took the magical elven capsule. He wasn't sure if he was alone in his head, but the magic was potent.
*****
Sora dreamed of Brie and their children. They had four; two boys and two girls. They were gods and goddesses and each had unique abilities. The party all took turns babysitting for vacations and such. Sora didn't want the dream to end.
Next he dreamed of losing his powers to Azazel. He started tossing and turning, waking Brie.
Brie whispered in his ear, "I love you, she's coming soon!"
Sora watched in horror as he lost his powers and his friends were frozen in time. The only person still with him was Brie, who consistently sat in illusions of horror. He was helpless. This tortured him, but he needed to find a solution. He prayed and prayed–nothing came.
'Why won't the gods answer me?!'
Athena finally appeared and teleported Sora to a white space.
"Sorry, that was a rough dream. It seems your subconscious knows the severity of the prophecy."
She cast a magic spell and Sora felt alone.
"Athena, I'm gaining power too quickly. My system causes me to destroy the world, doesn't it?"
"I was afraid you came to this conclusion. I'm also afraid Chronos might be upset you came to me. But yes, that is my conjecture as well."
"Well, I didn't want him to feel like a failure. Everything he's done for Brie and me has been amazing. He's aided us on this journey and I didn't want him to feel embarrassed or disheartened. I wanted to tell you personally."
"Very kind of you. He's very loyal and has always been helpful. Imagine being able to see every outcome of every path of every universe's life. It would drive most mad, but Chronos remains calm and aided us in a great time of need."
"Yes, he's amazing. I just feel the system has been acting strange since my first council meeting. If I'm going to flip, I want it to be on my shoulders. Not my system or someone else."
"This is why you were chosen. Your selflessness and humility shines brightly within you. I will remove your system. You will not lose any of your abilities, but you will have to cast them on your own without aid. You will lose the ability to see your level and progress and the main interface, that is all."
"Ok. Can I say goodbye?"
"Yes but also know your party remains intact. This is your sealing magic and you can still add to your party and set conditions. Your system just made it simple. It will be more complex moving forward."
Sora gave a reassuring nod.
Athena cast magic and allowed the system to hear their conversation.
"Hey system, I wanted to say thank you. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am. You've helped me and guided me in so many ways. You confirmed I fell in love. Unfortunately, this is where I say goodbye."
[I am happy to have served you, Sora. You are a wonderful person. Stay strong and ensure the world is saved, not destroyed!].
Athena cast magic and Sora could feel a pulling sensation. It lasted longer than he imagined, and felt like some sort of notification happened.
'Strange.'
Eventually, his mind was clear.
"Hey system."
Silence.
"Thank you, Athena. Now, Brie wanted me to ask you what your blessing for children entails. Does that mean we have children right away?"
"My blessing simply allows it to be possible. I have no control over when it happens. It could happen tomorrow or it could happen in twenty years. Your children will be god or goddess."
"That's amazing. We would like to formally ask for your blessing to have children."
Athena took Sora's hand and her power flowed through him. He waited for a system message, only to realize it was gone.
"You have my blessing. I will visit Brie tonight after I visit you. Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?"
"Yes. This will surely change the prophecy. How quickly do you think it will change?"
"I'd imagine it's already happening. Be well, Sora."
"You as well your majesty."
As soon as Athena disappeared, Sora jolted awake.
"Hey system."
Nothing.
'That will take some getting used to.'
Brie started tossing and turning in her dreams. Sora linked with her to absorb the pain.
'Linking magic: Brie Lockheart,' Sora thought while grabbing her hand. He could feel the sensation of Brie's emotions and feelings again.
'I'm glad that still works.'
*****
"Hello Brie. It's nice to see you again." Athena said calmly with a smile.
"Athena! How did everything go with Sora? He was very worried about something."
"Yes, he was but that worry is gone. I am here to formally bless you to bear children."
Athena grabbed her hand and Brie felt the same sensation Sora felt.
"Thank you, your majesty!"
"The pleasure is mine my dear. Like I told Sora, I have no control over when a child will come."
"When the time is right, it will happen! Talk to you soon!"
Athena left the dream.
Brie stayed asleep and Sora drifted back off to sleep.
Athena visited Chronos and informed him of the situation. Chronos simply smiled.
"Well, I'm glad he had kind things to say. I feel like a failure."
"You shouldn't Chronos. You've been nothing but an amazing god. I'm sorry your job is so difficult and leaves you isolated. I promise when this Exteria thing is over, you will have plenty of time to rest in Paradise."
"Thank you! I would enjoy that."
*****
While Sora was asleep, he couldn't remember his dreams. Suddenly, he had another visitor.
"Why hello my dear boy! It's so good to see you!"
"Chronos! I'm so sorry if you feel betrayed."