"Athena had only kind things to say and I understand why you went to her first. You didn't want me to worry about you or feel like a failure. She explained it all. Next time, can you please come to me first?"
"Of course I will. Your system was amazing. I just wanted to face whatever this world throws at me and put it on my shoulders and not change based on a potential flaw in your brilliant design."
Chronos laughed and smiled. "You are kind. I never envisioned it acting on its own, nor did I envision it would fail in noticing a deception ability. You are gaining strength quickly. This will not stop."
Sora let out a deep breath. "I know and that's why I decided to let it go. I feel like a part of me is missing."
"I understand, my dear boy. The good news is you're still the same reincarnated person I chose to embark on this quest. Thank you for your kind words, we will stay in touch. Just pray if you need me."
"I will. Also, I asked for Athena's blessing to have a child. If I'm able to have children, I hope one day you'll be able to meet them. Maybe you could be their godfather."
"That would be an honor. Thank you Sora. Please be careful with those eyes of yours. Magic will be a bit different now, but I know you've unlocked your Mother's skills. Those are very powerful. Tread with caution."
Sora jolted awake and Brie was dabbing his forehead with a cool towel.
"Thank you, beautiful."
"You're welcome. Did someone else come to see you?"
"Chronos," Sora smiled. "He would make a great godfather to our children. What do you think?"
"Yes! He's aided us so much. Living both of your lives in his space was amazing!"
"Brie, I think we need to ask Levi to join or someone from his family to join our council. We don't have an Uthra representative and Faye and Aegir will take over the elven spots. Bishop represents the Chimera, so I think we need Uthra representation."
"Wouldn't that make Sasha his queen? How would that work?"
"Hm. You're right. I didn't think about that but it would. We'll figure it out as it goes, but we need to have those meetings regularly again. I know they're a pain, but we need to be aligned with our allies."
"I agree babe! Let's talk to him in the morning."
*****
In Paradise, Loxus noticed Athena left for some time. He had been keeping tabs on her and to the best of his knowledge, he remained undetected. When she returned, he wanted to speak with her.
"Hello Athena! How are you doing today! You look as lovely as ever."
"Lox! Hello! I'm happy to see your children have returned. Where were they again?"
"Off doing some things to allow them to grow as dragons. I don't want them to remain child souls forever!"
"I'm glad. They're such good kids. What is going on?"
"I was just wondering if you went to meet with Sora? Everyone around here is acting kind of weird because the Steele's are having a vision right now."
"Yes, I did. I believe Chronos visited him shortly after. He asked for my blessing to bear children and asked Chronos to be his godfather."
"That's excellent news! I wonder when they will actually have a child. It's such an amazing feeling."
"I know. I've given birth to some of the gods and goddesses, you know!" Athena said smiling.
"Well, I don't want to take up much of your time. I just wanted to check in and make sure you were ok."
"Thanks Lox. You're a kind soul."
"You're welcome my lady."
*****
Lox sent word to the hidden ally that they needed to speak, and within minutes, he was teleported to an unknown, blank space.
"Well, what news do you have for me?" the masked god asked.
"Athena visited Sora in his dream. She said he asked for permission to bear children but I believe she left something out. The prophecy is changing so something surely changed in that dream space. Chronos also visited him. Athena said Sora asked him to be his godfather if they had children. This seems suspicious. Why would Athena visit both of them and the prophecy suddenly changes?"
"You are a great ally indeed, Lox. This information is quite useful. Something has definitely changed. Once I know what the prophecy is, I will meet with Azazel right away. Thank you, I'm sending you back to Paradise now."
"Thank you."
*****
The Steele family surrounded a giant magical orb and prayed. Images played in rapid succession, changing frequently until they finally played two clear scenes.
Everyone from Paradise watched, including the masked god, who remained in his blank space. Chronos watched as well, eagerly awaiting which vision would come to pass.
"We have it! We must inform Sora and the gods immediately! Lennox, get to sleep!"
"Absolutely!" Lennox said as he swallowed a sleeping capsule.
Athena met him in his dream.
"Well, what does the new prophecy entail?"
"The path of savior remains the same. His party saves Exteria by defeating Azazel. Eris and Helen escape and plead their case to you, but you punish them. Brie and Sora live happily ever after with four children."
"And the path of destruction?"
Lennox explained.
"This is quite a drastic change. I will let Sora know. Thank you Lennox."
Lennox jolted awake. He immediately passed on the information to the Steeles.
*****
Sora and his party were relaxed in the living room, talking, joking and making plans for some new teams to try some new teams. Suddenly, Sora felt drowsy and collapsed.
"Sora!" Brie shouted as the party rushed to their aid.
"Calm down everyone. He's speaking with Athena. I can sense her presence," Celeste said calmly.
The party waited in anticipation for what was to come.
'Didn't we just speak to Athena? What could possibly be this urgent?' Brie thought in worry.