Epilogue: Reflection and Restoration

The hours after the gods had departed were not pleasant ones.

While everyone was relieved that the war was over and the Demons had been returned to their own realm there was still much to do and many, many dead to bury. Nearly three quarters of Prometheus's Invincibles had lost their lives to the invasion and the subsequent attack by the gods. The Terminators had been a godsend in helping identify and organize those that had fallen, especially those who had been dismembered in the attack, as the nanites in their bodies had provided easy identification. Prometheus had walked through the carnage in his human form, a silver and gold cloud of nanites drifting in his wake. The molecular machines had covered the bodies, repairing the external damage to their flesh but leaving the armor as it was. Limbs had flown gently through the air before resting next to their previous owners, the nanites reattaching the pieces together with bands of silver making them appear whole. At the same time Prometheus began testing his new divine abilities with the simple task of clearing the blood and offal that had covered the men as well as the battlefield as a whole until the bodies and the land were clean again. Prometheus knew that while the dead might not need such consideration the families who would be attending their funerals certainly would.

It was, after all, the least he could do.

Once the bodies had been cleansed he turned his attention to the destroyed vehicles near and beyond the main wall. A focus of his will saw the burning husks of the tanks extinguished with a flumpf of displaced air. Considering for a moment what he wished to do with the metallic remains he stretched forth a hand and focused. With loud pops and cracks the tanks began to disassemble themselves. Rivets yanked from their moorings at high speed like the sound of a gatling gun firing before the armor plating exploded outward, floating in midair. Interior components such as wiring, circuit boards, drive trains, even the seats broke apart into their base structures until a massive pile of parts that was once fifty tanks hovered before him. Scanning the remains Prometheus looked closely. In his sight the various pieces were shown to him down to their molecular structure with many of the pieces warped and damaged beyond usefulness. Deciding on a more direct course of action another twist of will saw the solid pieces of matter before him lose cohesion as they became liquid. Steel, titanium, plastic, copper, and many others converged together before him until each was floating as their own blob of liquid material. Summoning them to him the various blobs of liquid, enough to fill several swimming pools, flowed seamlessly into his body. Focusing inward he began the process of purifying and reconstituting what he could so that it might be used later as needed with the dross and unusable bits being discarded. The material of the jets and damaged weapons the men had carried was absorbed in the same fashion with the pilots being cleansed and added to the prone dead nearby.

Finally, after he had tended to the dead and cleared the battlefields of debris the remaining soldiers came through the still broken gateway bearing large carts to escort their fallen comrades back to the city.

"I am proud of you all." Prometheus said solemnly to them, addressing both the living and the dead. "You fought valiantly to save your families, your homes, and your world from horrors no one should ever have to face. Each and every one of you will be remembered and honored for your sacrifice and your bravery." He focused on the soldiers standing before him. "All of you know the paradise that awaited each and every one of the departed and yet it is right that you should feel sorrow, for their presence will be missed by all who knew them until you join them in the fullness of time."

Prometheus looked about at the tired and weary faces before stretching out his arms. Light issued from his body and suddenly each of the men found themselves embraced by a pair of strong arms in the same moment as Prometheus hugged them.

Lean upon me and weep for there is no shame to be found here. He implored them, his voice echoing gently in their minds. Your god knows your pain and He weeps for those who no longer stand with Him in this world. If a god can grieve unashamedly so can you.

Hugging him back, many of the men clung to him, weeping bitterly while others merely gripped him tightly, unable to shed tears but still heartsick from the tragedy as they cried out silently in the depths of their souls to him. Prometheus took their grief, their cries, their anguish and held it close within him, consoling his followers and holding them until finally they stepped back, emotionally exhausted. Prometheus let his power flow through them, bolstering their spirits and flagging strength.

"Come." He said quietly. "There will be more time to grieve when this task is done. For now, let us help bring our brothers home that they might rest and their families find closure."

Nodding the men began placing the bodies carefully onto the carts with Prometheus watching over all of them, lending them strength. The men slowly pushed the carts down the long, wide road with Prometheus escorting them every step of the way, making their way to the broken gate of the city where crowds waited anxiously. The men carefully began the task of unloading the bodies, calling out the names of the dead as supplied to them by Prometheus's silent prompting. Friends and family members came forward in clumps, crying silently as they gathered up the fallen, each one feeling Prometheus's hand upon them in silent respect. Hours passed as Prometheus and the soldiers continued moving back and forth across the battlefield, bringing in more dead until at last all of them had been accounted for. Evening deepened as he stayed with the mourners near the gate, consoling them until the crowds began to drift away, returning to their homes. As he moved about the city, inspecting the damage, he was pleased to find the Terminators already at work alongside many of the citizens, working to repair homes and businesses until the light of electric torches. Passing through the streets he bestowed a blessing on each of them before finally making his way back to the palace around 1 am. Grimacing at the destruction of what used to be his front door he made his way through the rubble-filled entryway, transforming back into his more usual dragon form and entering the receiving room where Davis stood waiting for him.

"Tiamet made quite a mess didn't she?" Davis remarked in a resigned tone.

"Thankfully it can be fixed." Prometheus replied, reigning in his voice so that it no longer projected power as he continued on through the room, Davis falling in step next to him as always.

"I believe you have found your name, Great Father." Davis suggested with a slightly amused smile. "The people seem to have taken a liking to you being a father figure to them so far."

"It is one of the many names I'm sure I will collect over the years." Prometheus replied. "I find it suits me better than 'Technossiah'." He suggested archly.

"Oh come on." Davis complained lightly. "After all the work I did on the Pact, which gave us victory mind you, let me at least have this."

"Fine!" Prometheus huffed good-naturedly before refocusing his attention on more pressing concerns. "Once matters have calmed down here we should check in with Ash on Earth and let him know we can stop production of so many Terminators." He said. "No doubt this effort has been a drain on the company's resources."

"Just let Heaven's Light know via the portal." Davis said simply.

"I am glad to hear she made it back safely to Earth." Prometheus remarked.

"I also noticed we have a lot more Dragons around than we did before." Davis said. "What do you plan to do with them?"

"Do with them?" Prometheus echoed. "You make it sound as if they were tools to be used. They will do as they wish; Bahamut merely commissioned me to bring them back not decide what would happen to them afterwards. It is my hope that they will spread themselves among the people of this world again as in ancient days before the Dragon Wars. If some choose to remain at my side I will, of course, welcome them with open arms."

Davis nodded. "I'll start collecting data from the Terminators about what's been going on around the continent and aggregate it into a report regarding various priorities we need to engage in, both here and regarding the other kingdoms. I'll provide it to you within the next 24 hours."

Prometheus nodded in return. "Very good."

Davis left for his own office leaving Prometheus to walk through the damaged hallways, making his way to what used to be his audience chamber. Frowning at the destruction of the room he shook his head in disgust before making his way towards the western area of the palace where his private study and suite of rooms were. Thankfully Tiamet had decided to take a direct route out of the palace after fighting Darlana so the private suites where Beowulf, Michael, and the others slept were undamaged. Suddenly he felt Michael approaching from the nearby corridor. As the silver-haired man reached him he stopped in surprise before bowing low to Prometheus and coming to him, resting a hand fondly on the god's forearm.

"When I first met you all those years ago as Asher Walters I never imagined in my wildest dreams that all this would come to pass." He told Prometheus with an proud smile.

Prometheus inclined his head. "Thank you Michael. You are right it has been a rather insane time for everyone. Truth be told I still find it hard to believe this has happened."

"Forgive me for not participating more fully when Tiamet attacked the palace my Lord but I thought it best that the council and staff were kept safe." He explained regretfully. "Beowulf would no doubt have slaughtered me if I let Alisha come to harm and even my powers as a Radiant Servant would have been useless against someone of her power."

Prometheus nodded. "I cannot argue with that my old friend. Even Darlana, with all her power, could not overcome Tiamet. You served me and the others well by doing what you did. Where are they now?"

"Now that the threat has passed they are resting in their rooms." Michael explained.

Prometheus nodded. "Do not forget that you too need rest Michael. Tomorrow will be busy enough as it is."

The man nodded, taking the hint and bowing before taking his leave. Moving down the various corridors he looked in on each of the council members. While most of them had been quite shaken by the damage done to the palace they were all in good health thanks to the efforts of Michael and Alisha's skill with warding. Looking in on Alisha's and Beowulf's rooms he found them on the couch with Beowulf's arms wrapped around her, Alisha looking forlornly at the Gnoll's metallic left arm. Noticing his entrance she looked up at Prometheus.

"I wished to make sure you were both well." He said quietly.

"I can't believe he was stupid enough to take on a god on his own." She muttered, looking over at him with a tired expression, seemingly too wrung out emotionally to glare. "He's done some stupid things in the past but this beats all of them. He's just lucky I'm too relieved and tired to kick the crap out of him right now. Can't you regenerate his arm or something?" She asked plaintively.

"He would have if he could have." Beowulf replied quietly. "I told you that."

Prometheus nodded. "Unfortunately Hextor's power...cauterized the wound for lack of a better word. I could not regenerate that which is imbued with such dark power. My new status allowed me to craft a new arm using nanites and polyalloy. I hope to improve it in time but it is the best I can do for him at the moment."

"I'm just glad he's back safe." Alisha stated before her eyes sharpened a bit. "You and I are going to talk tomorrow about what happened here and how you managed to become a god, of all things."

Prometheus smiled quietly. "I will be more than happy to discuss it with you and the council as well. Get some sleep, I have much to do and tomorrow will be taxing."

"As you command Greatest of Alphas." Beowulf replied respectfully as Prometheus left. Suddenly a realization came to him. Feeling his stomach sinking he tentatively reached out to St. Cuthbert with a conciliatory tone. Great One, forgive me if I have offended you!

Oh stop it you furry fool. Cuthbert replied grumpily. I know very well what's going on in that head of yours and I don't blame you for wanting to switch to him one bit, considering what's happened. You're free to serve him now, I release you from my service. Just don't leave me out of your prayers, hear me? I deserve a little respect and consideration from you given the help I've provided you all this time.

Every morning without fail. Beowulf promised.

We'll see. St. Cuthbert remarked tartly though Beowulf could hear the fondness in the god's voice before the connection between them dissolved and the god's presence departed. Pulling out the silver amulet that was the god's symbol from under his shirt, he gazed at it silently in reflection for several moments, running his padded thumb over the smooth red stones embedded in it. Removing it from around his neck he placed it gently on the end table nearby.

Prometheus continued walking about the palace, making sure the staff were secure. He made his way to the deepest levels of the palace where Davis's main body resided, ensuring it was in working order and that there had been no disruptions. On the way back to his rooms he found Aurixiel waiting for him.

"I don't like to be kept waiting." The old Dragon remarked.

"Then perhaps you should have informed me that you wished to see me instead of waiting about in the hallway in the middle of the night." Prometheus replied simply, giving the gold Dragon a pointed look.

Huffing to himself the Dragon looked about before speaking. "You did well enough today given the forces you were facing."

Prometheus smiled slightly. "Given what I have been told about your temperament I shall take that as the compliment you intended it to be."

The older Dragon muttered quietly to himself as Prometheus examined him carefully.

"I do have a question for you."

"Do you?" Aurixiel asked grumpily. "What is it?"

"When I first came to you, you refused to heed my command as Bahamut's Herald." Prometheus stated. "Why did you refuse and why did you come to our aid when you did?"

"I don't bow to anyone." Aurixiel said bluntly. "When you get as old as I am you start to get annoyed at all the young upstarts running amok thinking they know everything. Impressive as you were I still wasn't going to bend my neck to you, Ascendant or not. As for your command as Herald, I was able to ignore it because something else superceded it."

Prometheus raised an eyebrow at this. "And what, precisely, would have more authority than a direct command from Bahamut's Herald?"

"Simple. Orders from Bahamut himself." Aurixiel replied with a toothy smile.

Prometheus looked at him in surprise. "Bahamut specifically told you to resist me?"

"Did you think you were the only one who had a smattering of brains, wyrmling?" Aurixiel asked him derisively. "Bahamut and the others were making plans even back then. One of the big rules of strategy is that you don't commit all your forces right away. You hold back a reserve just in case the enemy pulls a surprise on you and Demons are known to be full of 'em. Bahamut specifically told me to refuse your order otherwise the gateway would have been opened too soon."

"Even still, I am quite sure the gateway could have been opened much sooner than it was." Prometheus suggested with a frown.

"Well...admittedly Kynathia had to come to terms with her true self and accept her draconic nature before the gateway would work properly." Aurixiel sighed. "We hadn't counted on that complication. But even if she had done it earlier we didn't want to play our hand too soon. Even He wasn't sure how many troops Fierna would be able to call on but since things were coming to a head we needed to commit. That's why he had you cross over to the sanctuary once you were freed from that circle in Critwall, to get our forces and yours organized and ready so that when I opened the portal, everyone would come out with breaths blazing."

"A General also shares his plans with his Commanders so that they know what's going on." Prometheus remarked tartly. "I would have preferred to know all of this much sooner rather than at the last minute."

"We couldn't take the chance wyrmling." Aurixiel protested quietly. "Not with everything hanging in the balance. Even with your mind protected as it was you would have had to tell someone else eventually and that could have been dangerous. Just look at the damage that was caused because your Gnoll got himself captured."

"I suppose it doesn't matter now." Prometheus sighed quietly. "Regardless of my feelings on the matter the war is over and so I am thankful for your assistance. What will you do now? Return to your resting place?"

Aurixiel shook his head. "No, I was placed in enchanted sleep just like the rest of them and now that geas has been lifted. It's time for me to return and start teaching the young ones again. After all," he smirked, "someone has to whip them into shape and you'll be too busy doing your technology thing to bother."

Prometheus chuckled quietly at this. "I suppose that is true. Then I welcome you to my home Aurixiel."

The Dragon inclined his head slightly in appreciation.

"If there is nothing else I wish to retire." He prompted.

"Go on then." Aurixiel replied. "I'll just be having a look around the place in the meantime."

Prometheus nodded before continuing down the hallway and returning to his rooms. Entering his private suite he was pleased to find it undamaged. Crossing the large sitting room he entered his sleeping quarters to find Arianasa lying on the long golden pillow he used for sleeping in his dragon form. The silver Dragoness glanced up at him as he entered.

"Forgive me for intruding but I simply could not sleep in my rooms. It is foolish of me, I know, but…" She trailed off, lowering her head in shame, her eyes half-lidded and pensive.

"You are not intruding Ari." He said gently, stepping into the room and shutting the door before sitting down on the pillow next to her. "Nor is it foolish to want company at a time like this."

She shook her head slightly. "I have not felt this way since I was a wyrmling. I know Tiamet has been banished and that we are safe but...I still feel...exposed...vulnerable. I do not like feeling this way."

Prometheus nodded. "Even with such defenses as we had the palace was still breached. Naturally it is unsettling when one's home is violated in such a way. What can I do to help?" He asked comfortingly, resting a paw on her shoulder.

She looked up at him, the anxiousness plain in her eyes. "Would you...may I sleep here tonight? With you?" She looked down again, shutting her eyes in embarrassment. "I'm sorry...I should not…"

Suddenly she felt him slide around her. Laying down against her back he spread his wing over her protectively like a blanket, his arms wrapped around her chest.

"Sleep without fear Ari." He whispered gently in her ear. "For tonight, you sleep in the arms of a god."

Arianasa shivered at the simple but powerful statement. Her mind raced for a moment as she considered what she was about to ask of him. Picking up on her tension he spoke again.

"Something still troubles you Ari. Please, speak your mind freely." He said gently.

"You don't know?" She asked faintly in puzzlement. "Didn't you just say you were a god?"

"I am still new to being a god." He admitted with a touch of humor. "I have not yet looked into the minds and hearts of all who serve me, though I have the power to do so."

"Why not?" She asked in confusion.

"Such a thing would be a very...intimate experience." He explained carefully. "As I understand it I would know everything there was to know about them, even things they might wish to keep to themselves. Naturally if someone wishes to serve me as I am now they will need to be prepared for such scrutiny but I wish to...ease into that process. It will take some time for me to adjust to these changes and act as a god is expected to act."

Smiling slightly in relief at his uncertainty she gathered her courage and spoke. "So you need practice. Why not use me?"

He cocked his head slightly in surprise at the offer. "You wish for me to do so?"

Arianasa carefully rolled over until she was facing him, their faces inches apart. "I have nothing to hide." She whispered, gazing into his eyes. "Nothing I am truly ashamed of or hate myself for. Nothing I...would not be prepared to show you if you asked. Please…?"

Taking a moment to consider this he nodded before stretching out his mind and senses to her. Suddenly an immense amount of knowledge flooded his brain and at the same moment Arianasa felt power flood over her in a great wave, making her gasp as she felt his senses examining every inch of her in exquisite detail like feather-light touches across every inch of her body. In an instant he knew her in such intimate detail that he could describe every single scratch on her scales or the length of her claws. A second later her insides were laid bare to him such that he could see and hear all that went on inside of her, from the swift beats of her multiple hearts to the tension in her muscles, to the neurons firing in her brain. As his power filled her she felt as if every muscle and nerve in her body was being stimulated at once, making her quiver in his arms. Breathing heavily, her hearts began to pound and deep inside she felt herself becoming wet as his power consumed her. Her mind became open to him and her entire life history unfolded before him in an instant like a movie being played at incredible speed. Her thoughts and emotions became clear to him even to the deepest depths of her mind. Even her very soul, the all-encompassing totality of her existence and identity, was laid bare to him in all its glory and near infinite complexity as it expanded outward like a blooming flower, the beauty of it enough to give him pause as he gazed upon it in wonder. Adjusting his focus and reigning in his power slightly he could sense her emotions whirling about inside her from the fear and exhaustion from the day's battle with Tiamet, to the nervousness of being in his private rooms, to the rapture she was experiencing under his power. He could tell she was privately displeased at herself for feeling so afraid when the threat had passed but he could also sense the relief and security she felt when being close to him.

After an instant's further inspection the reason for her request became obvious to him and the words she had spoken took on deeper meaning.

He knew that he had not been able to spend much time with her as the war had progressed and she had immersed herself in dealing first with Beowulf and then with Kynathia's mental trauma but even their brief encounters had begun to stir something within her. All of his actions up to this point had merely confirmed what her heart had begun to tell her. She saw in him a potential mate and yet she could not bring herself to speak of it openly for fear of rejection or even possibly outright dismissal for her presumption, especially now given his status as divine. Thus she had come to him tonight to help drive away her fears but also that he might learn how she felt towards him without having to confess it.

Processing all of this in seconds he carefully withdrew his power. Coming back to herself with a gasp Arianasa found her body shaking slightly as if she had been hit with a lightning bolt. She could feel her hearts beating swiftly in her chest and her body tingling from the sensory overload, her nether regions wet with arousal. Dismayed at her lack of decorum she looked up to find Prometheus gazing down at her

"I know you now Ari." He murmured. "Forgive me if my power was… overbearing. I did not mean for it to affect you so profoundly."

"It...it's alright." She exhaled softly before smiling up at him coyly. "It was merely the suddenness of it that shocked me. It was not...unpleasant, just overwhelming. It was your first time after all." She teased gently.

Prometheus nodded with a chuckle at the innuendo before smiling gently at her. "I know now what you wanted me to see and I know what you meant when you said you would be willing to show me everything about you. I am honored that you would see me as you do. I cannot say that the idea of us being mates did not occur to me, especially over these last few months as we have been in each other's company, but I simply could not attempt such a thing with the war in full swing and our future so uncertain."

"And now?" She asked hopefully. "I know I am being quite sudden in asking…"

Prometheus smiled and gently pressed a talon to her snout to silence her. "Do not fear Ari." He said. "I would be more than happy to court you properly. Time is something we both have a great deal of and I would take great pleasure in the journey, regardless of what the outcome might be. Know that no matter what happens, I will always be here for you."

Smiling in excitement and elation she hugged him tightly. "Thank you!" She whispered.

Smiling at sensing the relief and anticipation flowing from her he nuzzled her head gently. "No thanks are needed Ari, the joy and excitement I feel within you is its own reward."

The silver Dragoness gazed up at him happily. "I look forward to seeing how a god courts a mortal." She told him before getting a teasing look in her eye. "If you can make me aroused just by looking into me like that, I wonder what else you are capable of."

Prometheus chuckled softly at this. "All in good time. Sleep now Ari." He insisted gently.

Snuggling into him she closed her eyes, sighing softly in the assurance that she was finally safe. Prometheus laid there, his wings and arms wrapped around her as she slept peacefully, his aura flowing softly around her. He laid there for several minutes enjoying the closeness of her as he allowed his new insight about her to settle into his mind. Even when he had been an Ascendant such intimate awareness of another individual had not been possible for him and he found himself silently marveling at the trust she had shown him. All of the moments of rage, self-centeredness, petty desires, and all the other negative emotions that were traditionally viewed by gods as sinful or by mortals as marks against their character, every single one of those moments she had ever had in her life were known to him. As he recalled his prior existence as a mere man with all of the weaknesses that came with it, he knew quite well that most would not dare to allow such things to be known about them for fear of ostracization or disgust by those closest to them. Yet she had allowed him to know of them.

Further still she had allowed him, by dint of his expanded senses and power, to know her body as intimately as any lover without raising a finger and her words had confirmed her desire for him to know her in that way.

You have given me a gift beyond compare. He considered silently. I shall ensure I am worthy of it.

Allowing his emotions to flow into her mind she sighed softly in her sleep as she felt a compassion and tenderness she had never known fill her completely as he stroked her face lightly. After a few moments he focused the majority of his mental processes on other matters such as the reconstruction of his palace, his new powers and abilities, and the divine realm he now had access to, leave a small portion to observe her as she slept.

Summoning forth his will he began to send power down into the floor before having it spread throughout the room and up the walls to cover the ceiling. Once the entire room had been inundated with divine will he began expanding it outward, coating and filling the rooms adjacent to his. Slowly he worked, sending out more power like a slow river as it moved into the lower areas of the palace, coating everything and everyone within it. The upper levels and main area of the palace were given the same treatment until at last the entire structure was filled and surrounded. With a precise twist of his mind he began altering the very matter of the building itself as well as folding space-time around the exterior. On the outside it appeared as if the entire palace had begun to glow with brilliant white light before rainbow patterned energy began to flow over the top and sides of the building, outlining every minute detail. Pulling the fabric of reality tight around the structure he moulded it against every inch of the palace's surface into a perfect covering. Outside, the few who were watching could see the swirling rainbow patterns pressing tight against every nook and cranny as if the building were built of this new material instead of stone and crystal.

Focusing, he sealed the palace away within the dimensional pocket he controlled before opening a portal to the Prime Material plane and tying it to the archway of the main doors, altering the doors themselves to become a literal gateway between the dimensions. Pouring forth more power a sheath of normal matter began to flow around the structure. Those outside could see white stone and glass once again reappearing as if being poured on top of the lustrous palace like paint until finally the phenomena ceased and the building appeared as it always had. Inside, Prometheus continued to alter the space that was now his to do with as he saw fit. All of the damaged parts of the structure, including the destroyed audience chamber, were fused and reconstructed back together perfectly, the entire edifice as perfect as the day the last stone was laid in place. Finishing the transmutation of the architecture the building was now many many times stronger than any mortal material in existence, being composed of far more exotic and divinely-wrought substances. Housed inside its own pocket dimension with only the gateway in the lower levels and the main entrance permitting entry, it was virtually invulnerable to any exterior attack.

As he finished tying the last few strands of power to himself to complete the process he breathed a sigh of relief, the effort to convert such a large object tiring even him. The interior of the palace appeared the same as it always had and even if one looked through the windows they would be able to see the night sky and surrounding area as it truly existed on Oerth at that moment.

In time I shall expand upon my realm but for now, this will do…

Closing his eyes he allowed himself to doze lightly, his arms and wings wrapped around Arianasa.

Hours passed and dawn slowly rose over Oerth. Opening his eyes Prometheus stretched forth his senses, divining all that was going on in his new realm. Most of the staff were up and about, performing their usual duties while most of the ministers were still asleep, as were Alisha and Beowulf. Finding his kin to mostly be awake and preparing for the day, except for Ari of course, he carefully arose so as not to disturb her and made his way to the nearby section of the palace where the other Dragons stayed. Coming to Aurelius's door first he knocked politely, receiving a response a moment later.

Entering the room he found Aurelius lying on his bedding. The Dragon immediately stood and inclined his head deeply.

"Good morning...erm..." Aurelius began before pausing in confusion with a frown. "Forgive me, my Emperor, but I do not know what title I should use now that you have ascended even further."

Prometheus's mouth quirked in a smile. "Fear not Aurelius for I need no grandiose titles from you. Look upon me freely."

Nodding, the Dragon raised his head. "How may I serve?"

Prometheus looked at him for a moment. "How are you Aurelius?" He asked quietly.

Realizing the implications of the question through his concerned tone Aurelius pondered it for a moment before answering. "Physically I am well. Arianasa was able to heal the injuries inflicted on me by Tiamet and a good night's rest has helped. As for the rest…"

Aurelius paused again, his face becoming sober. "I have learned a great deal over the last several months. I am different than I was and I am glad of it. I have had to learn many painful lessons in order to become who I am now," he said ruefully, fingering the long scar on his face where Beowulf had marked him with his blade, "and others have paid the price for my foolishness for which I am eternally regretful."

He looked up at Prometheus sadly. "It is my hope that one day I will be worthy of being considered family by you and the others. Until then I shall serve you unquestioningly to the best of my ability."

"Will you allow me to look into your your heart and soul Aurelius?" Prometheus asked quietly. "Will you allow me to see these changes and the truths that lie within you?"

Aurelius blinked at him in surprise. "You are my Lord and yet you ask permission to…" Aurelius began in quiet confusion before pondering the request and nodding. "If that will help to prove what I have said, then I will gladly allow it."

Prometheus nodded as he allowed himself to scan Aurelius's mind and soul, though he restrained himself from examining the Dragon's physical form as he had Arianasa's as he did not believe Aurelius would benefit from it or appreciate it. The Dragon's mind expanded before him showing the god his memories of how he had been, to his thoughts and views on who he was now, and the truths that lay behind them.

"You have indeed learned much Aurelius." Prometheus stated with solemn agreement. "When Beowulf returned you bared your neck to his naked blade and were truly willing to accept death as punishment for your sins. You served me well from that time on and you were willing to fight against Tiamet herself in order to fulfill your oaths. You were prepared to die in order to defend not only my city and my people but King Thrommel as well. I hear true humility in your voice and see true sorrow in your eyes. More than that, I see the desperate cravings of your soul, to find acceptance in my eyes, true kinship with Beowulf and the others. Most of all you wish to repent of your actions and leave them in the past so that they no longer haunt you."

"Yes." Aurelius replied softly.

"Know that in this moment your every thought and instinct is known to me as it happens." Prometheus informed him. "Knowing this, will you willingly commit yourself to me once again? You need not become a disciple or a worshiper of me as I would not wish for you to become conflicted between your loyalty to me and Bahamut. Yet I ask that you commit yourself to me, my family, and my cause, wholeheartedly unless Bahamut commands you to do otherwise for His own reasons. Will you do this?"

Prometheus watched as Aurelius carefully considered this, weighing it in his mind before looking Prometheus in the eyes.

"Yes." He whispered softly in devotion as he knelt in submission before him. "I will commit my life to the service of yourself, your family, and your cause so that your family will be mine, your cause my own. I will gladly serve you in all ways unless the Platinum Lord deems fit to tell me otherwise. This I swear on my life and by my oath." He affirmed.

Prometheus smiled softly at this. "Then, rise Aurelius. Come to me as a son comes to his father."

Rising, Aurelius moved to him and embraced him as Prometheus did the same before gently pulling back and resting his paws on Aurelius's shoulders.

"Welcome back, my prodigal son. You were once dead to me but now you live in my heart again."

Aurelius smiled widely. "I feared I would never hear those words come from your mouth." He said in relief.

Prometheus smiled kindly. "I suggest that you speak with Beowulf soon. He has not yet risen and I would not approach him immediately but I see the potential for true friendship if you come to him with humility and attempt to start fresh with no past history between the two of you. He may not accept right away but there is hope."

Aurelius nodded. "I shall do as you suggest my Lord."

"Good." Prometheus stated firmly. "In the meantime help out as you are able either here or in the city. There is much to be done."

Aurelius inclined his head as Prometheus departed, moving on to the next room where Kyprioth lodged. Scanning for any unwelcome surprises the prankster might have set up in his room Prometheus knocked before being allowed entry. Kyprioth was lounging about on his couch, shining his scales with a cloth.

"Ah, the 'Technossiah' comes to visit my humble abode. How might I serve oh Great Lord of All?" He asked teasingly.

Prometheus pursed his mouth in annoyance. "Take care lest I smite thee." He deadpanned.

Chuckling Kyprioth rose and inclined his head quickly in respect. "Good morning to you, my liege."

"I trust you are well?" Prometheus asked.

"No aches and pains have I to speak, nor tormented mind or spirit weak." The Dragon replied with an amused smile.

Rolling his eyes at the rhyme he nodded. "Good to hear. I expect you to assist in the rebuilding of Utopia in the days to come as well as any other task I may give to you. My people and others will need your aid."

"They say laughter is the best medicine and my bedside manner is without compare!" Kyprioth said with a smile.

Prometheus huffed a laugh. "I cannot argue with that. Go forth then, jester, and bring merriment to the people. Just not so much that they become annoyed at it."

Kyprioth bowed comically. "I go as my liege commands!"

Shaking his head in amusement Prometheus left the foolish Dragon and came to Kynathia's room. Finding the door slightly ajar he opened it to find her gazing out of the window.

"Good morning Kynathia." He said gently, causing her to look his way.

"Hey." She smiled, her eyes seemingly heavy with thought.

Prometheus came and sat beside her. "Tell me your thoughts child?" He asked.

Her mouth quirked at the irony of his words. "I'm not really a child anymore, am I? Or at least I can't hide behind that excuse anymore." She sighed, looking out the window pensively.

Prometheus rested a paw on her shoulder. "It was never an excuse Kynathia." He assured her softly. "You suffered greatly at a young age and such violations can do terrible damage. But Ari has helped you grow and rise above it to become who you are."

Kynathia looked over at him, her eyes worn. "Who am I then?" She asked softly.

Prometheus smiled slightly. "That is something only you can decide Kynathia and it is something you will discover day by day. But I can tell you that I see before me a brave Dragoness who put her life in harm's way to save my city and its people. And that is something worthy of celebration as well as my deepest respect."

Kynathia smiled wanly. "Thank you." She murmured. "I...I'll need more time to think on all this but...that helps...to know you see me that way."

"I'm sure Ari will be happy to talk to you about all this as well." He assured her.

"Speaking of Ari, where is she?" Kynathia asked curiously. "I went to her rooms a few minutes ago but she wasn't there."

"She decided to spend the night with me." Prometheus replied simply. "I'm sure she will awaken soon."

A grin spread across the female Dragon's face. "Did you two have sex?" She asked teasingly.

Twitching at the rather bold question he narrowed his eyes sternly at her. "Not that it would be any of your business if we did, but for your information, no we did not. She simply needed some company and I was happy to oblige."

Kynathia giggled quietly at Prometheus's response. "Yeah, I'm sure you were. Having a sexy Dragon lady rubbing up against you all night? I bet you were more than just 'happy'." She smirked.

Snorting, Prometheus shook his head. "You are incorrigible."

"And you haven't gotten any for how long?" She prompted. "You should have taken me up on my offer when we met in the desert; I would have made you-"

"Enough!" Prometheus insisted in exasperation, giving her a reproving look.

Kynathia just sat there, giggling madly at his reaction. "You're still too easy to wind up, even as a god you're stuffy." She pointed out with a grin. "But you made me smile, so thanks for that."

Prometheus just smiled at this. "If I ever become so stodgy where I cannot be wound up you and Kyprioth should consider it your sacred duty to remove my stodginess by any means necessary."

Kynathia saluted at this. "Yes sir!"

Chuckling Prometheus rose. "I will leave you to your day, my dear. I do hope you enjoy it. Help out where you can for many hands will be needed to fix what was broken."

"I will." She told him seriously as Prometheus exited the room.

Checking in on Elidar the Dragon confirmed that he was ready to serve at a moment's notice and that all was well with him.

"It is good to see you are well." Prometheus replied as he sat down near Elidar. "I have a few matters I wish to discuss with you. Now that our kin have returned to the world the people will need to adjust to their presence and they will need to find homes for themselves." Prometheus said.

"The Council of Wyrms ruled over all metallics in the days of old before the wars." Elidar remarked. "No doubt they governed just as they had after their consignment to the sanctuary. They will do so here as well and I am sure the others will be able to find homes. What city would not want a few Dragons guarding it after all that has happened?"

Prometheus nodded. "True. And yet some of them will wish to remain here or serve me directly. I have given thought to this and have decided to create an order of Draconic Knights, a force of Dragons that answers to me personally. They will have many duties, including enforcing the gods' mandate to watch over Tiamet's remaining brood, but they will need a leader, a Grandmaster they report to and take orders from."

"Will they not receive their orders from you?" Elidar asked.

The god smiled. "Since I have awoken you, you have served me flawlessly and with good cheer. Such service is worthy of reward and so, if you are willing, I would name you Grandmaster of the Order of the Radiant Dragons."

Elidar stared at him in shock for a moment before kneeling before him. "If my Lord finds me worthy of such an honor I will gladly accept." He said.

"Then rise, Grandmaster." Prometheus intoned before smiling. "We will have an induction soon as I have not yet called my knights to me."

Elidar nodded. "As you say my Lord."

Prometheus gripped Elidar's shoulder supportively with his paw before departing, allowing Elidar to sit and consider his new position. Finally, he made his way to Darlana's room.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up." Darlana said lazily as she sat at her table, eating breakfast. "Everyone was a little busy yesterday so I haven't had an after action debrief yet."

"Show me what happened." He requested.

Sending out a psionic connection to him their minds synced before she sent all that had occurred since he had left from her perspective up to the moment he exited the dragon sanctuary's portal. He spent a few seconds considering all of the information before nodding.

"You did well in defending the city." He told her warmly. "I doubt any of us could have done better given what happened and your willingness to go nose to nose with Tiamet is beyond commendable."

"I appreciate that." She stated. "So you really are a god now huh?"

"I am the Lord of Technology and Innovation, yes." Prometheus allowed with a nod.

"Then I think it's time you fulfilled what the gods promised to do." Darlana stated. "Not that I didn't enjoy my time here but I would very much like to get home. If anyone can fix my ship at this point it would be you."

Prometheus nodded. "I shall do my utmost."

"Good." Darlana stated, standing up. "Let's get going. I'd rather get home a little hungry due to skipping breakfast than wait any longer."

Nodding Prometheus stood and the pair made their way through the palace to the lower levels where Darlana's silvery, wedge-shaped ship was housed.

"In order to determine what needs to be repaired as well as how to repair it I will need to examine your ship in great detail as well as access the computer system. You should know that anything deemed secret by your people regarding this ship will be known to me. Do you still wish for me to proceed?" He prompted.

Darlana snorted. "I haven't waited this long to be stopped by protocol. I think my father the Emperor can make an exception in this case."

Prometheus nodded. "Very well then."

Resting his hands on the ship his mind plunged into it. Data flooded his mind as reams of information from the makeup of the ship's armor to its computer database, weapons, shielding, inertial dampeners, life support, flight controls, engines, even the Infinity Drive that helped breach the dimensions, was laid bare to him down to the smallest piece and how they fit together to form the cohesive whole of the ship. At the same time came understanding of how each of them worked as the fundamental principles that governed each piece of technology were revealed to him, many of them concepts never before conceived of on Oerth or Earth and any one of them potentially world-changing in scope.

"Some of these systems would not even function in a universe governed by the physical laws I am familiar with." Prometheus mused, his eyes half-lidded as he continued his analysis. "How very...curious."

Darlana smirked. "Considering magic can basically give universal laws the finger...yeah."

"It is fortunate then, that you did not transmit yourself to my old homeworld." Prometheus suggested. "You would never have been able to escape."

"Our scientists were clever enough to consider that." She replied. "The Infinity Drive has a separate backup system partially based on the magic that allows for pocket dimensions. In essence it creates a bubble of space-time around the ship that corresponds to the quantum structures and constant fundamental forces of my home universe. Just in case I wound up in a dimension that was hostile to normal forms of matter or some such thing."

Nodding thoughtfully Prometheus scanned the computer's system logs to confirm the damages he was seeing before withdrawing his mind and gazing at the ship in consideration.

"Several custom parts will need to be constructed in order to make your ship function properly again. However, the raw materials I will need to create them are on hand and the rest can be repaired without significant expenditure."

"Glad to hear it. Any guesses on when?" Darlana asked.

"Assuming I do little else today I could fix it by the end of the day." Prometheus said. "However, I fear I will not have that luxury so it may take a week or two."

"I suppose I can wait that long." Darlana sighed dramatically.

Prometheus chuckled as the two made their way back through the palace. Darlana returned to her quarters while Prometheus exited the palace to supervise the reconstruction of his city. Moving about the streets in his Dragon form the citizens bowed as he passed with Prometheus bestowing blessings of strength and endurance upon them and using temporarily constructed nanites to heal any who had been injured in the course of their work. At other times of the day he moved about the people inconspicuously as a normal workman, working alongside them and discreetly listening to the gossip and conversations while those who worked around him felt their strength gently sustained and buoyed. As evening came he returned to the palace, returning to his Dragon form once again. As he entered his rooms he found Beowulf waiting for him, oddly dressed in only a pair of loose-fitting pants, with Arianasa and Alisha standing near him and Davis off to the side.

Arianasa turned to look at him with a quiet smile. "Beowulf came to see if you were here a short while ago." She explained. "As we spoke I told him a little bit of what I experienced last night when you...looked upon me." She paused. "He has a request of you and given the nature of it I felt that Alisha should be here too."

Seeing the questioning look in Prometheus's eyes Beowulf stepped towards him before loosening his pants and letting them fall to the floor. Stepping out of them, now completely naked, he knelt before Prometheus, his right hand planted against the floor and his silvery fist pressed against his chest with his head bowed in supplication.

"Though this lowly Gnoll does not deserve the honor he asks that he be allowed to serve as the first of your clerics. My former Patron the great St. Cuthbert has released me from His service and so I humbly submit myself to judgment, naked and vulnerable before a god as is proper. I pray that I be found worthy."

"Beowulf you have always been my most faithful friend and brother." Prometheus said affectionately, touched by the Gnoll's dedication. "There is no need for you to kneel or even ask."

Beowulf smiled at the praise though he kept his head bowed. "Even so I would not dare presume." He replied with quiet reverence. "Look upon me as you did your betrothed, if you wish. In my nakedness I hide nothing and hold nothing back."

Prometheus smiled softly. "Not my betrothed yet Beowulf for we only agreed to court last night. But perhaps in time…" He suggested, glancing over at Ari warmly before refocusing on Beowulf and extending his mind.

Beowulf gasped as felt the enormity of Prometheus's mind bearing down upon him. He felt Prometheus scanning the very depths of his mind even to the dark regions that held his most savage instincts and shameful memories. A moment later he felt Prometheus's mind and power flood through him and examine him from his core to the edges of his fur, his body reacting as though it were connected to a live power conduit; he felt his fur stand on end as his pupils dilated. His heart began to pound and he felt himself becoming erect as he shivered. At the same moment he felt his very soul unfolding deep within him, baring itself to Prometheus for examination who scrutinized it carefully. Finally Prometheus withdrew, making the Gnoll pant quietly for several seconds, his muscles quivering and barely able to support him.

"I know you Beowulf and I find you worthy." Prometheus stated. "Rise and stand before your god."

Beowulf carefully stood, his face warm from embarrassment as he attempted to conceal his erection with his hands, his fur still askew. "Forgive me, I…"

"Do not be ashamed Beowulf." Prometheus replied soothingly. "My senses and power touched and energized every nerve, every muscle, every cell. You could not help but react as you did."

Smiling weakly in relief Beowulf slowly stood straight.

"I name you the first of my priests, though I have not yet formed a priesthood as such nor have I given thought to what powers I might grant you. Rest assured I will do so soon. In the meantime, be garbed with my power."

Magic swirled about Beowulf as he became clothed in a plain silver robe with a chrome-colored belt.

"Thank you Greatest of Alphas!" Beowulf said with quiet passion.

Prometheus nodded graciously before he glanced over at Davis. "Thank you for not spoiling the moment."

Davis smiled. "Even I have a sense of decorum, though I have to say, from watching that I couldn't tell if you were electrocuting him or pleasuring him. if you'd kept that going any longer he probably would have had an-"

"I'll thank you to keep your decorum intact and not finish that statement." Prometheus interrupted bluntly.

"I was going to say 'a possible cardiac event'." Davis smirked.

"Of course you were." Prometheus sighed.

"For your information it was a mix of both." Beowulf remarked at Davis with a smirk.

"I believe the proper term is 'rapture'," Arianasa added, looking pointedly at the Terminator, "and there is nothing shameful about losing one's self control when being engulfed by the power of a god. Truthfully I find it telling that you were not granted such a blessing." She said with haughty humor, crossing her arms.

"I'll pass on the electrostimulation thanks." Davis riposted. "If I need it that badly I'll plug myself into an electrical socket."

The others chuckled at this as Prometheus transformed into his human form and sat down at the nearby table. Davis handed over a sheaf of papers. "The report I promised you."

"Things will be quite busy for a while yet." Davis remarked as Prometheus flipped through the pages. "Even once the city is repaired we will need to look to Nyrond and beyond. If their farming industry was as badly damaged as their cities they're going to be in dire straits. Buying up a lot of foodstuffs or even crop seeding on that scale is going to raise some eyebrows given we have nothing to do with either industry."

"We shall be busy indeed." Prometheus agreed. "Still, if nothing else we should be able to help rebuild their cities and the infrastructure connecting them. That will help supplies get to where they need to be more quickly. I will also need to allocate some time to ensure Darlana's ship is repaired so we can send her off."

"You know what needs fixing?" Davis asked.

Prometheus nodded. "As well as how to fix it. The creation of the parts may take a little time but after that it should be a simple matter to incorporate them into the ship."

"No doubt you'll learn a lot from that." Davis suggested.

"I already have." Prometheus confirmed with a cunning smile. "The possibilities open before us now given what I know of her ship's design has the capability of launching Earth's technology forward by centuries at least."

Prometheus gazed out of the window nearby looking beyond the city to the horizon. "However...for the time being the various kingdoms will need our full attention as well as the industrial revolution to come. Only when those matters are well in hand will we turn our attention to Earth and its future."

Outside Trans-Dimensional Technologies World Headquarters

California, Earth

People quickly walked back and forth along the sidewalk, tending to their own business and generally ignoring the man standing near the parking lot. The middle-aged gentleman was stocky in build and face with slicked back greying hair. His clothes suggested he was quite rich, perhaps an executive of a nearby company as he wore an expensive wine colored suit and slacks with a black button down shirt and gold tie. While his left hand was covered in a black leather glove his uncovered right hand bore a gold ring. Had someone managed to discern the insignia upon it they would have found a curious symbol of an open hand with an eyeball in the center of its palm. Finally, an odd but stylish pair of eyeglasses rested on his face, the left lens darkened.

Thank you for all your help Tiamet. Vecna thought to himself with perverse delight, a smirk creasing his face as he gazed about in silent fascination. Without that little rampage through the palace I could never have made it to the portal and slipped past the guards. I really must find a way to return the favor one day.

Sooo much to learn about...sooo many secrets. He considered as his senses stretched further and further out, touching the minds of the people around him. And all of them mine to know and use as I see fit!

A bus drove by, obscuring the man for a moment from the street and when the vehicle had passed he was gone.

I think I'm going to like it here.

The End

A/N: After four years and two months of writing this story finally comes to a close! I plan on writing the next story in the series sometime in the near future but at the moment I'm not sure when. I've neglected my other story Clutching Shadows to get this finished so I want to add more to it while I flesh out the next part of Utopia. Thanks to everyone who has consistently reviewed and favorited this story!