As they approached the gates of Asgard, the children in the wagon were beside themselves with excitement. Their young bodies couldn't contain their joy, and they bounced up and down in the wooden bed, their laughter echoing throughout the countryside. Alice, the most spirited of the bunch, leaned over the edge of the wagon, her white hair flying in the wind as she strained to see the magnificent city ahead. But she was quickly pulled back by the stern hand of Alfia, who delivered a gentle tap to the top of her head.

  "No leaning out, Alice," Alfia scolded. "It's dangerous."

  Alice pouted and rubbed her the top of head, but she obediently sat back down, her eyes still wide and sparkling with excitement. Bell and Aki, sensing Alfia’s disapproving gaze upon them, also settled down, though their energy still hummed in the air.

  As they drew closer to the gates, the grandeur of Asgard became more evident. The city walls rose high and imposing. The wagon eventually came to a halt at the imposing gates of Asgard, guarded by a stern-faced sentry. The group was met with cautious stares as they were quickly ushered through the gates, surrounded by a small escort of armored guards, and lead through the city. A messenger had been dispatched ahead to announce their arrival, and the group proceeded through the bustling city towards the grand palace.

  The city was even more breathtaking than they could have imagined. The streets were lined with towering buildings made of wood and stone, sparkling in the midday sun. Marble statues and fountains adorned every corner, and the air was filled with the sounds of music and laughter. The children gazed wide-eyed at everything around them, taking in every detail with wonder and amazement.

  The children's eyes widened in awe as they saw bustling streets filled with merchants and citizens going about their day. Their ears were filled with the sounds of horses’ hooves clattering against cobblestone and vendors calling out their wares. They passed by vendors selling colorful fruits and vegetables, musicians playing lively tunes, and crowds of people bustling about their daily business. Everywhere they looked, there were signs of prosperity and enchantment.

  The residents of Asgard moved out of the way as the group made their way through the streets. The guards lead them towards the magnificent palace at the center of Asgard. The towering Hall of Valhalla gleamed in the warm sunlight, their golden gates adorned with intricate carvings of brave warriors and fearsome creatures. As the group drew closer, the children couldn't help but gasp in awe at the grandeur of it all.

  Alfia, smiled as she led them up the steps towards the entrance. "Just wait until you see what's inside," she said. "But first, we must present ourselves to Odin and Frigga."

  The group was led into a grand hall lined with columns and adorned with tapestries depicting scenes from Asgard’s founding. Inside, the halls that stretched far and wide each was adorned with tapestries depicting the valorous deeds of warriors’ past. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the marble floors.

  The Allfather, Odin, sat upon Hildskialf, his throne of gleaming silver, as his gaze surveyed the group. Cloaked in regal robes that were adorned with symbols of his authority, he emanated an aura of majestic strength and vast knowledge. Two mortal ravens named Huginn and Muninn perched upon his massive shoulders, their sharp eyes missing nothing that transpires within the hall.

  Beside him stood Frigga, the Queen of Asgard, her presence as commanding as her husband's. Her golden hair cascaded like molten gold, framing a face that combined beauty and grace. Clad in garments woven with the finest threads of Asgard, she exuded an air of calm and peace. Adoring her neck and several of her fingers were different sets of jewelry each one having a understated elegance and refinement.

  As they presided over their court, their union was a symbol of the harmony and balance that reigns over the realm of Asgard. With Odin's fathomless knowledge and Frigga's maternal compassion, they guided their kingdom through the last thousand years. Their presence a testament to the enduring legacy of Asgard.

  As the group approached, Odin's towering figure rose from his throne. His long grey beard cascaded down his chest and almost reached his waist, every strand a testament to his age and wisdom.

  "It's a pleasure to have you all here in Asgard," Odin’s voice boomed before his face broke into a wide grin.

  Frigg greeted them with a warm smile as she followed her husband. "We are honored by your presence," she said in a gentler tone, in contrast to her husband's booming voice.

  Odin laughed heartily as he embraced Zeus and Hera, exclaiming, "Good to see you again my old friends!" He grasped Zeus's arm in a friendly embrace.

  Zeus returned Odin's gesture with a smile. "It's always good to see you again,"

  Hera joined in with a warm smile, "We always loved our visits to Asgard."

  "It was a pleasant surprise to hear that both of you were at the city gates," Frigga remarked. "I'm glad you made it here, but didn't you mention that you wanted to keep to yourselves?"

  “Oh, we were, but things have changed,” Zeus says with a deep sigh, his once booming voice now tinged with sadness. “We had to come out of seclusion. We can discuss it further later tonight, once the kids are settled.” He runs a hand through his thick beard and looks at the group gathered before him.

  “I see Zald and Alfia by your side,” Odin remarks, his one good eye twinkling as he gazed upon his old friends. “It brings me great joy to see both of you once more. Warriors such as yourselves are always welcome in Asgard.”

  Odin’s grin widens, causing his long grey beard to sway with the movement, as he gestures towards the children who are peaking out from behind Alfia’s dress;

  “And I believe I spot a few young ones following behind,”

  Alfia nods and motions for the three children to step into the light. Their faces are filled with wonder and awe as they take in the majestic hall and its inhabitants, their eyes wide like saucers.

  "Would you kindly introduce yourselves?" Alfia prompted the children as both deities turn to face the twins and Aki.

  "We are honored to make your acquaintance, Lord Odin and Lady Frigga. I am Bell Cranel, and this is my sister," says Bell, motioning towards his sibling Alice.

  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Odin and Lady Frigga," adds Alice.

  "I am Aki Autumn," introduces Aki, fidgeting with her tail. "I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Lord Odin and Lady Frigga."

  "How polite for ones so young. Now, Alfia, are these twins your children with Zald?" Odin began to inquire before Alifa interjects.

  “No, they are my late sister's children. I am simply caring for them,” Alfia clarified.

  “Auntie is the best!” Alice chimed in happily, followed by Bell’s eager nodding, causing Alfia to blush and earning a deep laugh from Odin and a small giggle from Frigga.

  “Well, you are all welcome in our halls for as long as you wish. Your families have performed great deeds in the mortal realm. In honor of your arrival, we will hold a grand feast tonight.” Odin proclaimed.

  "In the meantime, I'm sure our younger visitors would enjoy a tour of Asgard," Frigga said as she turned her focus back to the group.

  "That would be wonderful!" Alice exclaimed eagerly while the others nodded enthusiastically earning them chuckle from the adults.

  The halls of Asgard gleamed with gold and silver, every corner adorned with intricate carvings and tapestries depicting epic battles and heroic deeds. The libraries contained shelves upon shelves of ancient scrolls, each one intricately decorated with vibrant colors and symbols. In the training grounds, warriors sparred, their movements precise and graceful. And in the grand halls, long tables were being set with for a lavish feast tonight.

  As the group proceeded outside Frigga was the first to speak; “There is just one more place to show you. Now you children have been wonderful, but I must ask that you be on even better behavior for this last stop. The last place we are going to visit is very precious place. Can you promise me that?’

  The children, their eyes filled with excitement, nod eagerly at Frigga's question. Their smiles mirrored hers as they followed her into the lush, vibrant gardens. Frigga's own smile widens as she turns and leads the children towards the lush gardens.

  Frigga leads the group through a series of mazes and tunnels carved into the mountain all of which belong to the gardens of Asgard. The gardens are a marvel to behold. Flowers of every color bloomed in perfect harmony, their sweet scents filling the air. Trees with leaves of gold and silver rustled in the gentle breeze.

  As they reach the center of the garden, Frigga stops in front of a magnificent ash tree. Its thick and sturdy trunk had branches reaching high into the sky like outstretched arms. The tree towered so tall that its topmost branches seemed to touch the clouds, casting a shadow over Odin's hall. The leaves are a vibrant shade of emerald green, shimmered and rustled gently in the bright sunlight. The sight memorized the children, their eyes widening with wonder at the grandeur of the tree. A gentle, bubbling creek could be heard in the distance, its soothing melody adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the glade.

  Frigga's voice was full of pride as she pointed to the grand tree in front of them. "This is Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and next to it is Mimir's Well. These are sacred places to those of us from Asgard, so we must be respectful and quiet." The children's eyes widened in awe at the sight before them. Alice took a step forward and reached out to touch the rough bark of the tree, she felt a sense of peace wash over her, her breathing eased, and her body felt lighter. Bell and Aki followed suit, both experiencing the same calming sensation as they touched the tree.

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Frigga's face lights up with delight as she sees Alice's reaction, but then turns to address the rest of the group. "In Tenkai, Yggdrasil is truly a magnificent sight. This one is just a very special fragment of the original, but it holds great significance. Among all the fragments of Yggdrasil scattered across Genkai, this one stands out as the most special. It was also the first fragment to take root 1,000 years ago, right before the arrival of the deities. Mimir’s Well is the source of a great deal of water between here and the rest of the Dragon Valley. Meanwhile Mimir runs deep into the valley beyond what even we have been able to reclaim from the monsters." She gazes fondly at the children gathered around the tree."Although this tree may not be as powerful as the one in our home, it still serves many purposes."

  Aki interrupted with curiosity, "Besides being beautiful, what else does it do?"

  “Ah. A curious one, I see, nothing you need to worry about little one. I will tell you when you are older.” Frigga said gently “This was the last stop on the tour. So, what do you all think?”

  Alice practically bounced up and down with excitement, her eyes filled with eager anticipation as she gazed at their new surroundings. The other children nodded along, mirroring Alice's excitement.

  "I can't wait to go exploring more!" Alice exclaimed, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

  Frigga smiled warmly at the children. "I'm glad you all like it. But for now, we should probably head back to the others. I'm sure they have prepared rooms for you by now." Her voice was gentle yet firm as she led the group back through the grand halls of the castle. Each step echoed off the marble floors and ornate walls, magnifying their sense of wonder and adventure.

  The adults are quickly escorted to a luxurious set of rooms befitting their status, their footsteps barely making a sound on the plush red carpet. Odin and Frigga highly value martial prowess and thus granted the group accommodations second only to their personal residence. The walls of the rooms were adorned with intricately woven tapestries depicting scenes from Asgard’s history, adding a sense of grandeur to the already opulent space.

  As soon as they arrived, the children eagerly scurried off to claim their own rooms, each one as lavishly furnished as the next. They spent the rest of the afternoon excitedly discussing their plans for exploring the city, their voices echoing off the high ceilings and ornate chandeliers.

  Just before dinner, a maid with a gentle smile informed them that a grand feast had been prepared and that they would be hosted in the private quarters of Odin and Frigga. The group changed out of their traveling clothes, carefully selecting their most appropriate attire provided for them. They made their way down the long hallways lined with marble pillars and intricate artwork.

  As they entered the dining hall, they were met with an incredible sight - a banquet fit for a king. The table groaned under the weight of succulent meats, freshly caught fish, and fruits that glistened with syrup. The air was thick with the scent of cinnamon and spices, making the children’s stomachs growl in anticipation.

  A whole roasted boar was the center piece, its mouth stuffed golden apples, and even the fabled mead of Asgard was present in pitchers across the table, all laid out on a table adorned with enchanted candles that flickered with a warm light.

  As they settled down at a table, Odin raised his glass in a toast. "Welcome once again to Asgard. We are grateful to have such esteemed guests with us tonight."

  "Good evening, Lord Odin and Lady Frigga," Alfia showed her respect by bowing her head, followed by Zald and their children who mimicked the adults' actions.

  "Fufufu! No need for formalities here. We are comrades, after all," Odin said with a wave of his hand. "Let's enjoy the food together! It's not every day we have new faces at our table. Now let's eat, drink, and celebrate the return of our dear friends."

  As the night wore on, stories were shared, and mead flowed freely (for the adults). Bell and Alice took to Odin like a duck to water, laughing at his tales of valor while Aki listened intently to Frigga's stories about Asgard's history and magic. The day's excitement catching up to them, they drifted off to sleep easily, dreaming of the marvels they had seen and those yet to come. The others watched the children finally start fall asleep at the table, Alfia and Zald decided it was time to take the children back to their rooms. They leave the deities to talk amongst themselves.

  After Alfia and Zald left with the children.

  Odin turns to his old friend, Zeus, and asks, "So, what brings you here, really?"

  Zeus takes a deep breath before responding. "Things didn't go as planned in the village. Some of the children started bullying Alice because of her illness. It eventually turned into physical altercations. We decided to leave, but Bel and Alice wanted to visit Aki at the Spring Festival before we left. However, before we could do that, bandits attacked our village."

  "I see," Frigga chimes in. "And that little cat girl is now..."

  "An orphan under my care," Hera finished for Zeus.

  “Thieving scum.” Odin's face twisted in anger and his hand clenched into a tight fist. “War should be a noble pursuit, testing one's strength against another. Seeking glory and honor. Attacking innocent people is the act of a wretch.”

  “While she's here, I'd like to help take care of her. Would that be alright with you, Hera?” Frigga asked.

  “Of course. That poor girl has been through enough already. She deserves some love and affection. I know Bell and Alice will do their best for her, but she needs more than they can provide alone. And most importantly, she needs motherly love. Alfia is great with the twins, but I'm not sure how she'll be with anyone else,” Hera replied to which Frigga nodded

  Odin inquired, "So, Zeus, what is your plan now? You mentioned that Hera has accepted Aki as a member of her familia. Do you intend to rebuild it together?"

  Zeus took a deep breath to calm his emotions before responding, "I cannot. The loss of my beloved sons to the OEBD is still too raw. I believe Hera shares my sentiments." He paused briefly before adding, "At this point in time, I have no plans to reform my familia. I am simply a doting grandfather looking after my grandchildren. When they are ready to journey to Orario, we will find them a suitable deity and send them off. It won't be easy, but it will be for their own good. If they stay outside of Orario, they will eventually stagnate."

  Hera chimed in, "I have no intentions of rebuilding my familia either. I will only take in those whom Bell and Alice recommend. I have no wish to reform a familia now."

  Frigga inquired, "What do you mean by 'when they have to go'? Surely there is enough for them to do in the outside of Orario?"

  “ahh. The twins are special, and I am not even trying to brag. Their latest status exceeded what even me and Hera thought possible. Aki there isn’t that far behind either.” Zeus replied

  Odin and Frigga exchange surprised glances at Zeus's declaration. Having spent centuries on the mortal plane, they are astonished to hear Zeus claim that their status exceeds their imagination.

  "I understand now. Orario will play a crucial role for them in the future," responded Odin.

  "Now moving onto something else. Have you heard of a familia with this symbol?" Zeus asks as he hands Odin a crest featuring a grinning skull.

  "I have not seen this symbol before. Why do you ask?" Odin siad

  "Alfia found it on one of the bandits who attacked our village," Zeus explained

  "Hmph, I don't recognize this symbol. But if they already have enough members to be marauding bandits, they will surely pose a threat. I will have my children investigate and inform you when I have any information," Odin said firmly.

  “I appreciate you helping me, Odin.” Zeus responded

  “It's no trouble. I figured I'd have to deal with them eventually,” Odin said.

  Zeus nods before voicing his concern. “How is the barrier holding up?”

  Odin's expression darkened at the mention of the barrier. Frigga spoke in his place.

  "It's not looking good, Zeus. While the barrier was strengthened, it's not as strong as we had hoped. We fear that it may start weakening again before long. Our estimate is that it will last for 15-20 years at most, but that depends on several other factors."

  "Damn it. All of our children’s lives were only for that long." Zeus cursed as he slammed his fist onto the table. In his anger, lightning had started to play across his fist, causing a bolt of lightning to crackle across his skin and scorch the wood. Meanwhile, Hera struggled to hold back her tears.

  "I apologize for the damage," Zeus said sheepishly.

  "Do not worry about it, my friend. I can empathize with your frustration," Odin responded calmly.

  "What have you revealed to Bell and Alice?" Frigga inquired.

  “All we have told them is that their father died against the OEBD. We won’t be telling them anything more until they are mature enough to handle it and everything else that came after. Most likely it will be when they find a suitable deity.” Zeus responded

  “I see” Frigga responds as the others fall into the silence of their own thoughts.

  “What news do you have of Orario?” Hera asked as she broke the silence.

  “The situation has remained stagnant for the past few years, with no significant changes. It's essentially at a standstill and unlikely to shift anytime soon. Although the Guild may have numerical superiority, Evilus holds the upper hand in ruthlessness and brutality. We only have fragmented information on their operations, but fortunately, there is no real unity among the various Evils,” Odin stated.

  “It's more of a loose alliance of malcontents, making it difficult for them to coordinate and for us to predict their actions. However, if that were to change, The Guild would be in grave danger and could potentially be overwhelmed,” Frigga added.

  Zeus then asked, “Which familias are of note in Orario at the moment?”

  Frigga replied, “Aside from Loki and Freya, there are only two other notable ones. Ganesha leads a familia that maintains peace within the city. And then there's Astraea familia, led by Goddess of Justice, Astraea herself. I believe she hails from your region in Tenkai, correct? The captain of her familia is Alise Lovell, also known as the Scarlet Harnel. While they may be smaller than other familias, they are highly skilled and have multiple leveled-up members. If I'm not mistaken, Harnel is currently at level 3.” Odin answered.

  "It's a sad state of affairs when Loki and Freya are considered the strongest in Oraio," Zeus lamented.

  "Hmph, it's disgraceful. Loki is nothing but a disgusting pervert," Hera cursed. "And while I despise that bitch Freya, at least she can judge the worth of mortals."

  "Have any of them leveled up since our exile?" Zeus asked.

  "Not that we've heard," Frigga replied.

  "By Tartarus, what could be taking them so long to level up?" Zeus sputtered.

  "Unbelievable. I can’t believe that the future of the Genkai is relying on them" Hera cursed. "Any of our children would have leveled up at least once by now. Hell, I found Alfia and Meteria when they were around 8, and Alfia reached level 7 by the time she was 17."

  The deities continued their discussions late into the night.

  The children’s room

  With gentle hands and soft whispers, Zald and Alfia carefully carried the sleepy children back to their rooms. Alice's head rests wearily against Alfia's chest, her eyelashes fluttering with each step. Zald held Bell and Aki close, their tired bodies snuggled against his chest. Suddenly, Alice stirred and opened one tired eye, gazing up at the caring her aunt.

  "Auntie," she murmured.

  "Yes, Alice? What is it?" Alfia responded in a soft, soothing voice, her gentle hand gliding over Alice's hair that has begun to regrow to its previous length. The strands are still short and wispy, but they hold the promise of returning to their former glory.

  “Please, Alfia, read us a hero’s story before bed” Alice pleaded with her mismatched eyes of vibrant rubellite red and deep sapphire blue, gazing up at Alfia's own unique pairing of emerald green and stormy grey. Her hands clutch desperately at Alfia's dress, as if afraid she would refuse.

  “You should have Zeus do that. That old lecher…,” Alfia started to say, but Alice cut her off with a determined look, her grip on Alfia's cloak tightening.

  “No. This time I want you to read to me. Please..” Alice pleaded, her voice tinged with both longing and determination. Alice raised her chin defiantly and stared up at Alfia. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Alfia lets out a defeated sigh.

  "All right," she conceded, after letting out a defeated sigh before she continued “if you all manage to stay awake that long than I will think about it. If not, I will read to you soon. I promise.”

  “Thank you, Auntie.” Alice murmured as she snuggled closer to Alfia and drifted off to sleep.

  “These children, I swear.” Alfia said in exasperation while Zald tried to stifle his chuckles. His attempts only made Alfia glare at him, which in turn widened Zald’s grin.

  Alfia shook her head, thinking: “I'll have to convince that old lecher to write a new story for the kids. He's got enough of them after watching heroes for so long.”

  Meanwhile, Zald couldn't help chuckling internally; “Haha, Alfia. You've really become softer since the twins were born. Who would have thought you'd be reading hero stories at bedtime? Life is full of surprises.”

  The two adults carefully carried the children back to their rooms, where they all fell fast asleep. Alfia would have to keep her promise of telling them a story another night.