The sensation of floating slowly faded away, leaving Daehyun to feel something pressing against him for the first time in far too long.  Inhaling in one, gentle breath, his brown eyes fluttered open as a gentle breeze teased Daehyun’s bangs against his face, tickling his cheek.  He was… feeling.

                Blinking in confusion, he peered up at the lush canopy of a huge tree looming over him, green foliage spanning the entirety of his vision while the rough, brown bark of the trunk rose beside him.  Yggdrasil?  It took him a moment, resting against the sturdy support of the warm wood, to remember what had happened, and he inhaled sharply, sitting upright in a near panic.  “Channie?!”

                Eyes wide in his face, Daehyun saw no sign of his brother but his vision immediately fell upon three figures adjacent to him, so close he had but to reach out and he could touch them.  He saw Yongguk, Zelo, and Sandara and started to reach for the former but froze when he realized it was his hand he was seeing, not the gauntlet he had been wearing last.  Another alarmed glance down showed his armor was gone, leaving him unprotected in… peasant garb not unlike what he had worn as a boy in his last incarnation.

                “Ugh…” someone groaned from the three, shaking him out of his befuddled stupor.

                “Zelo?” Daehyun asked, leaning forward so that he could place a hand on Yongguk, just to assure him the other male was actually there, the other reaching towards the waking warrior.

                “What happened?” Zelo mumbled pitifully, eyes still squeezed shut with his left hand over the left side of his face as he wrestled himself into a sitting position, favoring his right shoulder somewhat and lacking armor as well.  Surprisingly, the wound he’d sustained during the battle was healed over, his off-white shirt torn where the blade had sliced it, but nothing remained save a large, light pink welt.

                “I’m not sure,” Daehyun murmured in response, gathering an unarmored Yongguk into his arms as he did so, inspecting the Einherjar intently.  He did a double take when Zelo dropped his hand and finally blinked around in teary irritation.  A myriad of healed over scars dominated the left side of his face, one long one extending above and below his eye impressively, though they all looked old instead of like something that had been sustained just the other day.

                “I’m going to kill him,” Sandara groaned as she reluctantly started to come around, stirring on the ground with one hand thrown over her eyes to block out the light.

                “He’s already dead,” Daehyun sighed quietly, turning his attention back to Yongguk with furrowed brows.  “Gukkie?” he whispered plaintively as he traced his fingertips against the slightly scarred visage, relieved by the faint tickle of warm breath against his wrist.  He was still alive and that was all that mattered.

                “Ah, Hel’s Teats,” the mage muttered, her clothes rustling as she sat up with a stifled groan.  “What in Nifleheim…?!” she gasped, drawing both Daehyun and Zelo to look up at what she was surprised about.

                Daehyun followed her gaze and didn’t see anything besides an endless expanse of tall, green grass extending between them and the shining halls of Valhalla.  “I don’t…”  He stopped before he could complete the thought when he understood what it was.

                “What?” Zelo asked, still confused.

                “There’s nothing,” the Valkyr answered, clutching Yongguk closer reflexively, feeling a strange shiver run up his spine at the admittance.

                “I know but why is that-” the younger male was interrupted acerbically by Sandara.

                “That’s what!” she snapped, shoving herself to her feet before she took a hesitant step towards the open field.  “No smoke.  No fires.  No bodies!  Where in Hel’s name are the remains from the battle?!” she growled, hands balled into fists at her side as she stomped her foot before turning to glare at the tree with the same irritation.

                “Ayah!” Zelo yelped, awkwardly hopping up next to stare around in wide-eyed wonder.

                “Hey!  What did you do?!” Dara demanded, pointing at Yggdrasil angrily.  “Stupid tree!” she yelled when there was no response, kicking the trunk hard, only to yelp in pain and hop back, clutching the bruised appendage.

                “Daehyun?” Zelo asked, drifting close so he could reach down and place an uncertain hand against his shoulder, completely confused.

                The Valkyr looked around and tried to make sense of things, though the pieces didn’t fit with his immediate knowledge.  This should not have been possible over the expanse of a day or so…  There was no trace of the battle; Yggdrasil was restored and thriving; even their wounds were healed.  They all bore scars but everything spoke of the passing of time far beyond that which they should have experienced.  “I don’t know,” Daehyun admitted at last, blinking slowly.  It was morning on a clear, sunny day with blue skies and not a cloud in sight, but beyond that, he knew no more than they did.

                “Well somebody better figure something out!” Dara grumbled, pacing in place before she stopped and shifted to stare in the direction of Valhalla.  Both males felt her tense up and looked to see what had caught her attention.  “Someone’s coming,” she explained in a tight voice, her back to them, brown hair a messy bird’s nest from behind.

                “That’s Frigg,” Daehyun murmured in a soft tone, tilting his head to the side as the goddess approached.

                “What is she doing here?” Dara muttered, no doubt recalling their last encounter with the goddess.

                The Valkyr didn’t respond but simply held his peace as the regal lady continued to walk towards them, her expression serene and pace unhurried.  Golden locks swayed with each step she took, strands dangling past her waist while her blue eyes remained focused on their group.  She was wearing a simple white dress that clung to her in the breeze but hung loose, feet bereft of shoes.  “You’re finally here,” she smiled as she got close enough for them to hear, her gaze never leaving Daehyun’s.

                “How long?” the Valkyr asked before anyone else could say something, feeling that had to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

                Frigg didn’t seem surprised by his question, though both noticed Dara’s irritation at being cut off.  “It has been nine hundred thirty and three days since Ragnarok,” she explained simply, keeping her expression schooled as the trio before her stared.

                “Eh?” Zelo exhaled heavily, body going lax at the news.

                “That’s not possible!” Dara denied immediately, stomping her foot in irritation while she glared at the goddess instead.

                Daehyun simply held Frigg’s gaze and swallowed hard, reaching one hand towards her in an imploring manner.  “Tell me,” he begged, throat tight and tears glistening in his eyes.

                The goddess stepped closer to clasp his hand between both of hers, wrapping slender fingers around it tenderly.  “As Mimir foretold, Ragnarok heralded the final days for many of the gods.  Heimdall and Tyr survived, as did some of our allies, and thanks to you and your brothers, the destruction of the nine realms was averted.”  Frigg extended her hand to cup the Valkyr’s cheek tenderly, an endless depth of gratitude in her eyes.

                “Not without great cost,” Daehyun responded bitterly, bottom lip trembling as tears trickled down his cheeks.  He had lost both brothers and countless friends to that stupid war…  He steadied slightly when he felt Zelo’s hand grip his shoulder in a supporting manner, giving him wordless strength.

                “Asgard remains a leaderless land in the wake of Odin’s death,” Frigg continued with a nod.   “Midgard has returned to rights and Nifleheim lies under Baldr’s rule.”  At Daehyun’s uncertain look, she actually laughed once.  “He volunteered.  Our most beloved god of light and life felt that all who died should be given a chance to redeem themselves, even after death.  I do not think he was wrong,” she admitted, tracing her thumb against the Valkyr’s cheek.

                Daehyun bowed his head as he let the idea run over him.  He had not thought kindly of Baldr when the god remained behind as he and Yongguk returned to Asgard for the final battle, but perhaps he was best suited for the realm of the dead after all.  He had lived there as a denizen for quite some time and surely, he would be more even handed than Hel had ever been as its ruler.

                “So how were we stuck in Yggdrasil for over two years?” Dara asked icily, clearly miffed at the situation.

                “Himchan,” Frigg responded with a tender smile, and though the answer was meant for the mage, her expression was entirely for Daehyun.

                “What did you say?” the Valkyr murmured in disbelief, looking back up to stare into her face, certain it could not be true.

                “Your brother lives on as Yggdrasil,” she explained, glancing at the tree pointedly.  “It was his life, paired with the strength of the Draconus Orb and Asgard’s Retribution, that allowed the tree to survive and sustain all those connected to it.  Though the Bifrost was destroyed, Himchan has maintained the connection between the nine realms and aided in the restoration of all of them.”

                “So why did he keep us imprisoned then?!” Dara complained, drawing the attention back to her.

                “Imprisoned?” Frigg giggled in bemused delight, making the mage frown.  “He merely kept you safe, giving you time to heal, along with the realms, until such a time that you could return and not see the devastation that had been wrought.”

                “We didn’t need that much time to heal!” she retorted in irritation.  Frigg merely gestured at Zelo with one brow raised.  “A healing spell or a healing elixir would have cured that in far less time!” Dara reasoned archly, earning a sneer from Zelo when he mutely mimicked her behavior.

                “Not all wounds can be healed in such a manner,” Frigg shook her head slowly, looking back down at Daehyun and Yongguk.

                “Daehyun?” Zelo asked, tightening his hand on the Valkyr’s shoulder as he looked down at the other male while he cradled Yongguk in his arms.

                Swallowing hard, Daehyun took a shaky breath.  “Will he be alright?” he whispered in a barely audible tone, searching Frigg’s face.

                Frigg tilted her head to the side and blinked once, “Time will tell, little Valkyr.”

                He bit back a sob and clenched his jaw; that was not what he wanted to hear.  “You will be, Gukkie,” he promised solemnly, pressing his lips against the pale forehead, blonde locks tickling his nose as he did so.

                “Why must you always answer cryptically?!” Dara sighed with a roll of her eyes.

                The goddess merely looked at Dara for a long moment, blinking every so often until the shorter woman turned away in disgruntlement.  “Daehyun,” she called, kneeling before the Valkyr as she reached out to place her hand upon his free shoulder.

                “Ne?” he sighed in response, keeping his gaze on Yongguk.

                “Your return has been awaited by many for quite some time,” she explained with the hint of a smile in her voice.  “Come.  Let me show you how things have changed while you slept,” she urged, sliding her hand part of the way down his arm to curl her fingers around it slightly.

                Daehyun bowed his head again, slumping where he sat as defeat threatened to seep in.  For almost three years, Himchan had held him close, letting time flow around them without him being aware at all, and even after all of it, Yongguk did not wake.  He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what had happened to the rest of everyone after so much death and destruction, but since he had survived after all… he owed it to them.  They all did.

                Frigg guided the trio back to Valhalla, keeping her pace slow to accommodate Daehyun who insisted upon carrying Yongguk in his arms.  Even when they arrived at the halls, the Valkyr attended to his Einherjar first, laying him in a room where he would be left in peaceful solitude, accepting Heimdall’s offer to stand watch over him.  It felt so very strange to clasp hands with the weakened guardian, knowing how he and Himchan had parted, but he was grateful in the end, that the golden god had survived.

                Sandara left their company soon after they arrived but Zelo remained close at hand as Frigg continued to them through the quiet corridors.  Their numbers had been vastly reduced in the battle and with none of the Valkyrs present and no need for collecting Einherjar anymore, their numbers did not seem likely to rise soon.  However, those who had survived the battle were not difficult to find.

                In short order, the remaining gods and goddesses were pointed out to Daehyun and he had a chance to see the Einherjar who gathered with them on a regular basis.  Of the Einherjar he had originally recruited in his latest incarnation, only Youngjae, Minzy, Zico, and Jaehyo had perished in the final battle.  The rest of those he’d sent had survived, with various degrees of injuries, all of which had been healed by magic or an elixir afterwards.  Among Yunho’s group, Hyosung had perished as well, though the rest of his party remained whole.  Mostly.  Sungmin had lost one of his hands, an injury which had drawn him and Soohyun together, forging an odd but understandable friendship.

                It’s probable they would have gotten along grand with Tyr, had the one-handed god remained in Asgard.  Frigg informed them that he had taken up residence with the dwarves in the realm of Nidavellir and had only fleeting contact with the remaining gods.  He took Thor’s body with him when he left, allowing the dwarves the honor of guarding his remains.

                Though it was good to see all the familiar faces, it hurt too.  What had they done differently to survive?  Had it been mere luck that saved them or fate?  And why had he lost so much…?  But Daehyun plastered a smile on his face and mingled with them, sharing in Zelo’s excitement as he was reunited with comrades once more.  Amber was overjoyed they’d both returned and had much news to give them in regards to her father’s kingdom on Midgard, mostly positive.

                It didn’t take much for Daehyun to realize Zelo was right at home and he shooed the Einherjar off easily while he listened to the rest with half an ear.  He really was glad to be among them, but everything felt… muted.  Frigg told him that CL had taken Freyr’s golden bow and given it to the elves in the realm of Alfheim for safekeeping.  Gungnir was kept in the heart of Valhalla for similar reasons.  Such weapons were difficult to destroy so the best way to keep them out of harms way was to hide or protect them.

                As long as he could manage it, Daehyun remained in the hall, speaking with Changmin or Taeil or even some of the new faces from the elves and dwarves who had opted to remain after the battle.  Even his patience wore thin eventually though and before he had to ask, Frigg slipped her hand into the bend of his elbow and tugged him along, politely dismissing him from their current company.

                “And we would love to hear more about your exploits, but we must be going,” the goddess smiled smoothly, waving at the interrupted speaker who simply shrugged and turned to his nearest companion to continue his tale.

                “Thank you,” Daehyun murmured when they were finally free of the throng and he could relax at last, feeling a different sort of weariness settle in his form.

                Frigg pulled them up short and placed her fingertips to his chin, turning his face to her so she could peer into his eyes sadly.  “You will never have need to thank me, Daehyun,” she promised him with a bittersweet smile.

                “I just…” he trailed off in a breathy whisper.

                “It’s alright,” she assured him with an understanding nod.  “Come then.  Shall I take you to see Jongup?” she asked, smile warming considerably when his expression lit up at the prospect.

                “Uppie?!” he gasped quickly.

                “Yes,” she agreed with a sweet look.

                Despite his fatigue and weariness, Daehyun smiled so hard his cheeks hurt and nodded, overjoyed at the idea of seeing his younger brother.  They stopped by Yongguk’s room to let Heimdall know what they were going to do and he merely saluted them while Daehyun stopped at the sleeping male’s side, leaning over to place a loving kiss upon his brow once more.  “Let’s go,” he urged, playing to Frigg once more.

                At a sedate pace, she led them back towards Yggdrasil.  Her cave was restored, if somewhat altered, and she guided them into the heart of the tree via the same tunnel at the rear of the structure.  As soon as he entered the open space where his last battle had taken place, he felt his brother all around him.  Floating down on white wings that emerged seamlessly from his back, his vision became blurry when tears immediately sprang to his eyes.

                “Channie,” he smiled around the tears, approaching the heart of Yggdrasil slowly.

                “It’s alright,” Frigg smiled, handing him off with a gentle push towards the crystalline structure, staying where she was to give him a moment.

                Everything looked pristine, including the crystalline structure that had taken his brother from him.  Daehyun reached a trembling hand to place it against the warm, glowing surface and he laughed mutely, his body shaking as no sound emerged, when he felt a presence stir within.  “You’re here,” he whispered, stepping close to press his body against the surface, both hands and cheek pressed flat as he closed his eyes.

                I never left, Daehyunnie, the familiar voice murmured into his mind, making him laugh out loud on a choked sob.

                “I thought you died,” Daehyun admitted in a voice barely above a whisper.

                He felt Himchan’s derisive snort more than heard it.  You should know it takes more than that to get rid of me.

                “I should, shouldn’t I?” he laughed with his eyes still closed, reaching his wings around to encircle as much of the crystal as he could, feeling the warmth soak into them wonderfully.

                I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you, Hyunnie, Himchan murmured, the barest hint of a hand caressing Daehyun’s cheek with the words.

                “And I’m sorry it couldn’t have ended differently,” the Valkyr replied, whimpering softly.

                I’m so proud of both of you, he admitted and this time, Daehyun felt strong arms encircle him, hugging him tight.

                He reveled in the sensation and burrowed close, though he knew it was only in his mind.  “Gods, I miss you already, Channie,” Daehyun mumbled in a thick voice, laughing at himself.

                I know, dear one.  Daehyunnie?

                “Ne?” he whispered, unwilling to end this peaceful moment.

                Will you let Uppie know I miss him too?  The request was uncertain… hesitant, and it tore at Daehyun’s heart.

                “Of course, Channie,” Daehyun nodded in instant agreement.  Regardless of whether Baldr was the new overlord of Nifleheim or not, the regular rules probably still applied and no denizen of that realm was allowed to roam free.  Jongup would be stuck there… but Himchan could see him through Yggdrasil just fine.  “I will let him know,” he promised, hugging tighter until he felt Himchan’s presence easing back just a hair.

                Thank you, Daehyunnie, Himchan smiled, leaving his younger brother with the sensation of lips pressing against his forehead.

                While his brother’s presence receded, it did not fade entirely and Daehyun basked in the familiar warmth for a moment longer as he composed himself.  Unobtrusively, he wiped at his eyes and finally pulled back to turn and look at the very understanding visage of Frigg.  “Thank you.”

                “Silly Valkyr,” she shook her head with a bemused smile, well aware he was going to continue to thank her for moments like this.  “Come,” she offered, extending her hand again so she could lead them towards the portal that led to Nifleheim.

                Taking a deep, steadying breath, Daehyun accepted her gesture and followed along.  When they arrived in the realm of the dead, he had to look at her to confirm they were actually in the right domain since it looked nothing like he remembered.  Gone was the endless snow and cold that had occupied it before.  The landscape they emerged into this time was quite neutral in its presentation, representing neither the land of the forsaken or those who simply died non-heroic deaths.

                A central structure rose on a single pillar, overlooking the land and there were two massive gates on either side of it, each indistinguishable from the other.  There were still people in the present landscape but they lacked the qualities of any true distinction one way or the other.

                “Baldr has created a realm for the truly wicked as well as for those who may not be heroes but who are good people all the same.  That is where we will find your brother,” Frigg explained with a smile.  “The rest of Nifleheim is a place of transition where the souls herein can earn their place: to further damnation or eternal happiness.”

                “Oh…” he murmured in dawning understanding, relieved and very happy his younger sibling had not been resigned to the dreary existence that Nifleheim had represented before.

                Frigg guided them to Baldr, who oversaw the realm with his blind brother Hodr, and both escorted them to the fields of Taliefernel.  It was there, in a place that filled him with warmth and happiness, that Daehyun first laid eyes upon some of the Einherjar who had perished in Ragnarok.  Youngjae was among them, as was Minzy, and Zico in turn.  He paused long enough to touch base with the mage who admitted he was well, if still slightly miffed that he had died at all, but he’d acclimated to the afterlife in good time.

                Further in, Daehyun actually stopped where he was and simply stared in quiet joy.  There he was…  Jongup.  Once more, Daehyun felt his eyes tearing up as he watched his always smiling sibling running around with Ricky, the former prince of Paranthir.  And off to the side, he nodded at Seunghyun who was watching over both of them peaceably, joining in when the duo roped him into it.  “Look at him,” Daehyun whispered, pointing proudly.  “Happy little idiot,” he grumbled fondly, no trace of any ill sentiment present in his tone.

                Memories worked slightly different in Baldr’s realm with the ones that caused unhappiness considerably harder to remember than others, so all Jongup conveyed was joy upon seeing his sibling again.  He was even happier to hear about Himchan’s message and he didn’t understand Daehyun’s tears as the older Valkyr continued to cry, unable to stop himself.  Jongup just held him close and listened, smiling softly all the while.

                “I must go, Uppie, but I will come see you again,” Daehyun promised at last, when the tears had finally run dry and his first, initial spell of words had ceased.

                “I would like that, Daehyunnie,” Jongup admitted with a bright smile, eyes squinting in his happiness.

                “Me too,” Daehyun admitted, taking a deep breath.  “Now.  Go play with Prince Ricky and Seunghyun.  I think I’ve stolen you long enough,” he chuckled, giving his younger brother a gentle shove towards the other souls waiting patiently to the side.

                “Thank you,” Jongup smiled, running back to embrace Daehyun energetically, hugging his older brother tight before he stepped back and hurried to the others.

                “He really is happy here,” Daehyun murmured as if to himself, willing the tears to not come again, though they did anyway, b on his lashes and making it hard to see.  He blinked them away in irritation and Frigg pretended not to notice.

                “So what will you do now, little Valkyr?” she asked, giving him a sidelong glance once before she followed Jongup with her gaze instead.

                “I don’t know,” he admitted with a shrug.  What was he supposed to do now since his services as a Valkyr were no longer needed?  “What needs to be done?” he asked, looking at her directly.

                “Well.  You may not be a god, but you are immortal, you are the most powerful being in Asgard, and next to Himchan who is already spoken for, you have the greatest store of memories and knowledge to pull from, second only to myself,” she reminded him with a shrug, tone completely neutral.

                His eyes narrowed as he looked at her and he frowned.  “Are you implying what I think you are?”

                “Am I?” she asked back, one brow raised.

                Daehyun’s expression deadpanned and he sighed with a roll of his eyes.  “Fine,” he groaned in weary resignation.  “I’ll… help get Asgard back on its feet since you lazy lot can’t seem to do it yourselves,” he snorted, giving her an identical expression in return.  Frigg was more than capable of leading herself, but it was a position she would not take due to her ability to see all the future and Heimdall had already declined.

                Frigg laughed in absolute delight and clapped lightly.  “Well played, Valkyr.  Well played.”

                So Daehyun accepted the tentative title of ‘ruler’ of Asgard, though what it meant more than anything was that he was a figurehead for the remaining Asgardians to focus on.  The loose ends they had not been able to address were finally taken care of; the Jottuns and remaining Frost and Fire Giants were bound to truce agreements upon threat of war; and alliances between the dwarves and light elves was strengthened.  Dara opted to live with the latter in fact, who she had originally had contact with, which was how she’d gained such powerful magic and technology while she was alive.

                Daehyun paid her no mind though he was assured through Himchan that she was behaving herself.  She still looked in on Daehyun in particular, having never really gotten over her obsession with him, but the Valkyrs were beyond her reach now.  All of them.  That wasn’t to say she didn’t bother Jongup when she visited Youngjae on occasion but Baldr only tolerated her presence but so much.

                As for Daehyun, he lived each day as best he could.  Frequent contact with his brothers and those Einherjar he called friend helped keep his loneliness and despair at bay.  Staying busy gave him something to keep his mind on.  Sparring with Heimdall demanded his full attention so that he didn’t suffer any temporary injury.  But none of it was enough to get his mind off of Yongguk.  Time went on, inexorable and endless and still, the other man did not wake.  He had seen such instances in several of his lives among the mortals, but never had he thought such a thing could happen to an immortal.

                Head bowed and hand wrapped around Yongguk’s as he sat at his bedside, Daehyun took another deep breath, fighting the ever encroaching tendrils of weariness.  It had been decades since he had seen Yongguk alive and well, in that cursed battle with Loki whose mere memory incensed him still.  Would there ever be an end to the waiting?  All he had left were those memories of them when they were mortals and those very few after he had been resurrected.

                “Why won’t you wake up, Gukkie?” he whispered, fingers tightening just that much more.  “When will I see your smile again?  Hear your stupidly deep voice in anything but a dream?” he mumbled with a hint of bitterness in his tone.  “I just want you back,” he admitted, leaning forward to rest his bare head against Yongguk’s chest.  With his eyes closed, he listened to the heartbeat under his ear, slow and steady, never changing.

                His eyes flickered open when he heard soft footsteps approach him from behind.  He knew who it was without them ever saying a word but he didn’t shift at all, content to stay like he was.  They would speak in their own time after all.  His lips quirked into a smile when her voice filled the silence between them.

                “Have you honestly not figured it out yet, little Valkyr?” Frigg asked, her voice always the same.

                “No.  I haven’t,” he admitted quietly, blinking once while he kept his head still.  Footsteps drew near until she was standing right behind him.  A gentle hand pressed against the middle of his back, between his shoulder blades, and he exhaled slowly.

                “Even with all your strength, knowledge, and memories, you are still beautifully naïve sometimes, Daehyun,” she murmured not unkindly.

                He laughed once, a hint of irritation present.  “I am certainly not you, Lady Frigg.”

                She sighed heavily behind him and removed her hand with slow care.  For a moment, he wasn’t sure if she would simply walk away as she usually did but she surprised him.  “Valkyr.  Your future has always been what you have made of it.”  His shoulders tensed up slightly at her words and he flinched when he felt the backs of her fingers run over his hair.

                When she didn’t continue, he simply held his peace and waited for her to leave.  Having spoken, the goddess declined to linger and he heard her departing footsteps shortly after.  Only then did the Valkyr slowly sit up to look down at Yongguk’s unmoving face.  “What I make of it, aye?  Has it really always been that simple?” he wondered aloud, reaching his free hand up to trace the blonde bangs from Yongguk’s forehead.

                The sleeping man did not answer and Daehyun never expected him to.

                “Alright, Gukkie,” he exhaled, smiling tenderly as white wings sprouted from his back with a quiet rustling sound.  “Let’s try something new,” he murmured with all the breathless hope he could muster.

                Tenderly, he gathered Yongguk into his arms, supporting his upper back and under his knees as he cradled him close, feeling the soft hair resting against his neck and shoulder.  Bowing his head, he enfolded them with his wings and filled his mind with every happy memory and wishful thought he had for them, calling on every scrap of power to his name.

                “I just want you back, Gukkie.  You were always there for me,” he whispered, squeezing his eyes closed tight against the growing brightness of his magic.  “Let me be there for you this time,” he wished, feeling power hum in him, around him, and through him.  It filled his skin until he felt he couldn’t take anymore and then… it broke and he inhaled sharply, eyes opening to a sphere of white all around before he and Yongguk disappeared in a swirl of shimmering feathers.

                As the ethereal, white pinions faded from the floor, soft footsteps padded back into the room.  Frigg bent down and retrieved one of the shimmering feathers, holding it carefully between her fingers as she smiled in sad satisfaction.  “Good luck… Daehyun,” she murmured, opening her fingers and gesturing her hand upward, watching the feather disappear before her eyes.

(a/n:  Ahah!  This one took me much longer to get off the ground than I intended but I know the next update will be the last.  It should be pretty short too but this was a good stopping point.  I believe I've wrapped up most of the loose ends at present though if you have any questions, by all means, send them my way.  Comments are greatly appreciated and thank you all so much for reading.  Hopefully I'll have that final update out asap!  ^_^)