Several days after Shurry's address to the alliance, the School district finally returned to the city. When they arrived, Baldr practically took off so fast some people thought he might have used some of his arcanum… they were right. However, no-one could find it in their heart to blame him for it, he was excited, this was going to be the first time he was going to see his grandbabies. Both the ones from Shurry, as well as Leon's.
The Hathor familia door was open as Baldr appeared, and looked around, his face smiling brightly. And on the upper floor balcony, peeking out from behind the posts were several pairs of eyes. More than four… this was because Shakti's boy and his two siblings were visiting, but the pairs of eyes were far more than 7.
"Freki, Geri, Skol, Hati… what's wrong?"
"Mommy Ardee? Who's that happy guy down there?" Hati asked with an innocent, and curious expression.
Ardee looked over to show she was paying attention to the kids, though she already knew who it was, and it seemed like the kids did too, or at the very least, their tails did.
"He's your papa's papa, so what's he to you?" She giggled, rubbing their heads while she waited for it to click.
And then showing how well in sync the four siblings were, realized it all at once. And they ran off, bounding down the stairs at high speed.
"GRAMPY GRAMPS!!!!"
The suddenness of it all caused Baldr to fall backwards, and suffer from the ultimate follow up attack… puppy kisses, and snuggles.
Baldr laughed, as he was absolutely tickled. "Oh you're all so cute!!!" He cried out with tears of joy, lovingly hugging them.
"Shurry should be returning soon. He was called away by Ouranos." Idunn explained, walking over to pluck two of her granddaughters off of Baldr.
"Grammy grams?" Freki spoke, confused, with a flick of her ears.
"Oh, I see, our boy's a hero now, of course he'd be busy." Baldr sighed, standing up and held Skol and Hati in either arm. "It doesn't matter if he's here to see me right away, He's our boy, and I'm proud of him." There was some time where Baldr got to play with his grandkids, though he was looking around.
Hathor giggled as the scene played out, drinking wine with the other goddesses. "Hey there Baldr, I'd bet you're excited to finally see them, but there's one missing, right?" She smiled.
"Yes, that's right, where's Leon? I know he got someone pregnant. So where's my grandbaby?"
"Oh, well, you see… Leon turned out to be a rather doting father, and has taken his little girl on a journey through the city… Oh look, there he is now."
Leon had returned carrying his daughter on his left side, while carrying a few bags on his right, each filled with special things for his daughter.
"Lord Baldr, I knew I felt a familiar presence. Welcome to Orario." Leon said with an expectant smile.
Baldr could tell from a glance, Leon was brimming with a hopeful expression. "You've grown since I last saw you, Leon." He spoke in a measured tone. "Hathor, would you be agreeable to allowing me the use of the private room used for updating? Leon is in dire need of an update."
"Of course, you may use it. Leon's been a wonderful help in Shurry's life." Hathor said… "But, I want to hold the cutie."
"What? But I want to hold her too!" Idunn said in dramatic fashion.
"But Grammy, you're holding us right now."
"There's nothing wrong with being covered in grandkids." Idunn smiled, returning to her seat with the other goddesses.
Baldr was freed from the grandchildren for now, and entered the secret room. Leon gave his daughter a kiss, and then handed her to Hathor before following into the update room behind Baldr.
"Leon, tell me, how have things gone since you arrived?" Baldr asked, with a kind and perfect smile.
"The situation has greatly improved since Lady Idunn and I arrived in the city. Though, this is predominantly due to the resilience of the people, and the hope they have from having a hero walk among them."
"You've grown a fair bit yourself. Show me your back." A couple minutes later, he had finished. "Congratulations, your level 9. Talk with me while I translate all of this for you to read."
"Thank you…"
"So, what do you want to do? You have a young daughter of your own now." Baldr asked, keeping it vague on purpose.
"I want to see her smile, make her happy, and live in a safe world… In short, I guess, I'd like for her to be safe from harm."
"And how do you want to do that?"
Leon paused, took a breath, and relaxed, yet simultaneously grew more resolute.
"While it may be selfish of me, I'd like to stay in the city, and grow stronger. Helping my friends and family to gain what's required to well and truly put an end to the one eyed black dragon, and his thunder."
"I had a feeling that's what you'd say, don't bother feeling bad about it. I have an idea or two to make everything work out. Because admittedly I'd prefer to stay here and enjoy playing with my grandchildren as well. They're just so cute."
"Jealous that Lady Idunn got to spend so much time with them already?"
"Exactly, I have to make up for lost time before…" Baldr spoke, stopping when there was a knock at the door. "Huh, come in?"
The door opened, revealing Shurry, wagging his tail, and flicking his ears. It had been years since he last saw his father. So this was a welcome moment.
"Papa… I… It's good to see you."
"It is, but you see, we've never truly been apart. A piece of me still lingers with you, and part of you goes with me everywhere I go, right here." Baldr said, showing off the ring Shurry gave him so many years ago, shortly after arriving in Orario.
"I've…" Baldr raised a hand to stop Shurry from speaking, he had an idea of what he was going to say.
"My son. What you did with Evilus… You made me proud. Shining the light to banish the darkness, it's exactly me." He said with an approving gaze. "And what's more, you've done well for yourself, and your friends. Even having babies of your own, you've grown well. And despite the pain it caused at the time, I believe it was the right call to let you stay here in the city all those years ago." Baldr continued, standing up, and handed Leon his status sheet, then walked over to give Shurry a hug. "Though, you've not grown enough for me to stop hugging you."
"I'd never want that, Papa."