Chapter 244 - 3.1 The Night Before

On the night before Sora’s seal wore off with Hades, Diana and Xander teleported to Julius and Rissa in the demon realm and could trace where the hidden enemies were. They had several hundred spread out Obsidian Hollow, some near innocent demon homes, which made planning for the attack quite tricky. They planned to use Emery and Emma’s protective magic, as well as barriers from Brie.

Koda and Kory were also able to sniff some out lingering outside Sora’s mansion. They figured this was just a diversion to try and catch them off guard. After speaking with the other leaders, Xander teleported and noticed that every main city had some of Hades’ creations. The soul hues, even in a host body, were always visible to Xander and Diana, so the potential sneak attack wasn’t the main threat.

The party knew there would be more coming and quickly, they just didn’t know when and where. They spent one last night resting up, trying to relax and ensuring everyone was prepared for the next day.

"Ok Sora, what do you think we should do? How many do you think are actually going to attack?" Brie asked while everyone was in their strategy meeting.

"I think we need to spread out in teams like we always do. Pride and Eris said they’d be here for the initial attack and would leave their triplets with my mom and Athena. Leila will be here as well. So much for them sitting it out," Sora laughed.

"Well at least Levi, Sasha and Lucious and Sera are staying back, that’s good, right?" Ignis smirked.

"Yes, and we know Rissa’s third form is nothing to scoff at." Diana smiled. "What I’m worried about is why we haven’t seen them near the elves at all. That seems really strange to me."

"Yes, it does seem strange," Dorian said over video feed.

"I don’t think they know where we are still," Xavier said bluntly. "It will give us quite the advantage once we unleash the Chimera and elven armies. They won’t know what hit them."

"That’s very good. Nothing from Athena on the masked god either. I guess the secret realm is just gone, flat out destroyed by Hades’ and whomever was there," Sora shrugged.

"Probably as a diversion to not reveal whomever the Lord X fellow was." He continued.

"Well, whatever happens, we should get a good night’s sleep and know that we will all be in good hands. Remember to pray to Athena and remember the golden rule: if you are in imminent danger, just think it, and the party will come to you." Brie said with a smile.

Sora and Brie tucked in Emma and Emery, who seemed nervous.

"Mama, dada, is everything going to be ok?" Emma asked calmly. Ever since they turned 3, they were around the 9-10 mark, but still were children at heart.

"Yes my love. There is nothing you should worry about. We’re just going to protect all of our friends from the evil that’s coming and you two might have to go visit your grandmother’s for a little bit!" Sora said while hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead.

"You two really aren’t nervous, are you?" Emery smiled proudly. He liked that his parents always showed confidence, even when timers were tough.

"Nervous isn’t the right word sweetheart. Your father and I are prepared to do what’s right and protect the people we love. I think the right word would be anxious," Brie smiled while hugging Emery and tucking him in.

"Ok well I think we’re going to kick Hades’ butt!" Emma laughed.

"I think so too sweetie, get some rest. I love you!"

"Love you mama and dada!" The twins cheered.

******

"Thank you for having us, your majesty," Sera said with a polite bow. "I never thought I’d be in Paradise, let alone alive while up here."

"What makes you say that? You’ve lived a great life!" Athena smiled.

"I agree with Athena. You have lived a great life my love. You stood up to Azazel, did what was right and did well mentoring Julius and Rissa. Now we have our little sweetheart we have to worry about and it’s simply not worth either of us dying over. Our party is strong, they can handle it." Lucious said proudly.

"Mama!" Iris said.

"Oh my goodness her first words!" Jubelle gushed. "How sweet. The little demon vampire hybrid loves her mama. I think she’s hungry too."

Ox laughed. "My husband is definitely an expert on breastfeeding."

Mindy laughed but frowned shortly afterward. "Why are we not fighting again? I’m basically a teenager now I can handle it!"

"You’re not a teenager, your body just likes to make you believe you’re a teenager sweetheart. You’re too young and it’s not worth losing you over." Jubelle said while giving her a big hug.

"Yeah but Emma and Emery–"

"Are god and goddess. If they die they reappear right up here."

"So would I..."

"But they would be able to take your power and I don’t think that’d be a nice way of repaying Selene and Nyx back for saving you from your cancer, would it?" Jubelle asked with a smile.

"That’s true. If there is an opening and they need help, we’re going though, right?"

"Of course!" Athena said with a large smile. "That’s the beauty of Sora’s party seal. Even from Paradise you would be able to teleport to him without any problems or difficulty."

"That’s amazing!" Mindy exclaimed. "Well, it’s up to them now. All we can do is watch in slow motion.

"That will certainly make it easier for me to devise a strategy once this thing gets going. Should be around 3 am. That’s when Sora made the seal. It’s so funny to watch him pace so slowly, he’s always so fast!" Jubelle laughed.

******

"Well Brie, we might as well make the most of our alone time," Sora picked up his wife and kissed her.

A night of relaxation and adult time was exactly what they needed.