Chapter 191 - 2.68 Intense Training
Two weeks passed since Levi and Sasha returned from their honeymoon and Pride was slowly adjusting to life as a member of the party. He and Leila were civil and Leila apologized for being so dramatic. Pride told her she had nothing to apologize for, and although they didn't speak much, Scarlet took a unique liking to Pride, probably because his metallic skin retained heat.
Pride was always a great sparring companion and he took an interest in training Xander, which made Sora and Brie wonder what he knew that they didn't.
"He was so certain Hades' retaliation would be against Xander and now he's training him to fight at his full strength Brie, what are we missing?"
"I'm not sure babe but maybe he's in a similar situation with Hades where if he speaks of any of his plans, his soul will shatter or something."
"That's a good point. Athena mentioned that Hades and her were on a different level than everyone else, which is almost impossible to fathom because of how strong this party is. I still think you're the strongest member though, but I'm a little biased." Sora said while giving her a kiss.
Brie kissed him and giggled. "You've never stopped admiring me ever since you found out I wasn't Abbie all those years ago. I don't think Xander realizes what tonight actually is, it's kind of funny."
"Oh, you mean his thing with Diana? Her parents seemed excited he would be coming over to join them for dinner."
"It's obviously a meet the parents date Sora, are you sure you're still not living under a rock?"
Sora laughed. "No, I get it, I was just paying attention to what Pride was doing with Xander there. He was showing Xander where to strike in a very particular pattern while fighting in a completely different style. For what it is, there's no denying he's one of the strongest people on this planet."
"Pride? Hm. Do you really think the four princes all fight in a different style like those four elemental fiends we fought?"
"That's my guess because why else would he be spending so much time coaching him on four unique fighting styles. I can't believe he's mastered them so well. I had the thought when fighting him that if Pride led the demons and not Azazel, Exteria would have been doomed."
"Not with us around!" Brie said while kissing him.
"Can you two not make out like, all the time?" Xander laughed while walking past them.
"Says the son Sasha busted making out with his girlfriend on the couch before he spooned her all night." Brie teased.
"She told you about that?! She said she wouldn't" Xander jokingly complained.
"Xander, she's been her best friend forever. Obviously she told your mom. It's not a big deal but if you're going to joke with us, be prepared to reap what you sow!" Sora laughed.
Pride chuckled. "You walked right into that Xander, although I do find it strange two people who have been together almost every day for so many years are still so in love and openly romantic in a non annoying way."
"Was it really that bad with Azazel and Helen?" Brie asked.
"You have no idea. Man couldn't see straight. Although, I will give Eris credit. Her triple agent act was remarkable. It is not easy to fool Hades."
"Speaking of, I'm guessing there's a reason you've been training Xander in this specific way and you're bound to not speak of why?"
Pride showed no response or emotion and that was the sign both of them needed.
"Good. Thank you for training him and pushing him so hard over these past two weeks. I have a feeling it's going to happen soon and unfortunately I think I know when." Sora said while shaking his head.
"Oh?" Pride said with his metallic skin shifting, like an eyebrow raise.
"Sora! You're saying it's going to happen tonight on Xander's date?" Brie exclaimed.
"I think we should be in Sorbella and prepared to keep Diana and her family safe. I think you and I should go and keep a safe distance but watchful eye over Xander when the fight begins. Pride and Eris can watch over Diana and her parents and teleport them back to our mansion," Sora said calmly.
"So you're saying tonight, the four demon princes are going to show up in Sorbella and we're going to have to watch and not help our son? Are you crazy Sora? How can we just sit back and watch him fight four demon princes himself?!" Brie exclaimed.
"Because that's what he wants. When we were planning for the wedding, I already told you about Diana's vision about Pride and Xander agreed to keep the party away from Pride and I for our fight, so I told him that I would do him the same courtesy when he said he'd only do that if he could fight the princes himself."
"I understand he's powerful and he's intelligent, but he's just a teenager Sora!"
"I'm honestly surprised you aren't aligned with me on this one I thought we would be," Sora chuckled.
"You're Xander's biggest fan, which just shows how great of a mother you are." He said with a kiss.
Brie wrapped her arms around her husband's shoulders and looked him in the eyes. Pride was still there, now in his 7 foot tall form, observing and trying to understand how two people could love each other so much.
'Azazel and Helen would have been screaming and in an argument. They have a disagreement and they're laughing and kissing about it. Why was I so damn bound to him?'
"Well, I have a pretty amazing husband who is an amazing father who took me on a 8 year trip to Paradise to spend time as a family. You could have had any woman in the world but for some reason you chose me."
"You could have any man in the world and you chose me." Sora said while kissing his wife one last time.
"Well, Pride! What are you going to do for the rest of this evening before we head out.?" Brie asked.
"I was thinking of trying to spend time with Leila and Ignis. What do you think?"
"I think that's a great idea and I think it would be good if I went with you, sorry for eavesdropping, but how did none of you realize I wasn't sitting over here the entire time?" Eris said while pointing to a chair about 5 feet behind them, slightly to the left.
They all laughed.
"It's good to see you laugh, Pride. I don't think I have ever seen you actually laugh like that." Eris said.
"Shall we Eris?" Pride asked confidently.
"Yeah, that'd be nice."