With a final, lingering glare at Sullivan, Death's form flickered and then dissolved into the cosmic winds, her retreat a silent acknowledgment of defeat.
The purple aura that had crackled with her fury vanished, leaving behind only the vast, star-dusted expanse.
Eternity, his titanic form still shimmering with the light of countless galaxies, turned his gaze upon Sullivan.
The silent reverence in his eyes was profound.
"Live well, Sullivan," his voice rumbled, the sound a gentle caress of creation.
"Your existence is a testament to something greater than even I can fully comprehend."
With that, the colossal figure of Eternity began to fade, his cosmic dust rejoining the boundless void, leaving behind only the echoing whisper of his wisdom.
Jean Grey, still wreathed in the blazing glory of the Phoenix Force, landed softly beside
Sullivan, the cosmic inferno around her dimming to a gentle golden glow.
Her eyes, still reflecting the power of the Phoenix, met his.
"That was... quite an introduction to our universe," she said, a hint of wry amusement in her voice, though her expression was one of immense relief.
Sullivan, still processing the cosmic confrontation he had just witnessed, looked at her, a question forming in his mind.
"How did you even get here? From another universe, I mean?"
Jean smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across her features.
"The Phoenix Force," she explained, gesturing to the shimmering flames that still danced around her.
A shimmering portal of golden flame erupted before them, and they stepped through, the cosmic void giving way to the familiar, chaotic energy of the Remnants.
The scent of ozone and something akin to scorched magic hung in the air.
And there, amidst the swirling arcane energies of the Remnants, was Hermione.
She was pacing frantically, her wand clutched tightly in her hand, her face etched with panic.
"Sol! Oh, thank Merlin! I thought— I thought you were gone! I couldn't follow! That... that thing... it blocked my every attempt!"
Her voice was a rush of relief and lingering fear, her eyes wide as she finally spotted them.
"What was that, Sol? What happened?"
"It was… complicated,"
Sullivan began, the cosmic events still fresh in his mind.
He gestured vaguely, trying to distill the mind-bending encounter into something digestible.
"Essentially, I had a chat with Death and Eternity. They had some… concerns about me being here."
Before Hermione could fully process that bombshell, a wave of familiar voices and footsteps echoed through the Remnants.
Ruby, her red cloak a blur, was the first to reach him, her face a mixture of relief and concern.
She hugged him tightly.
Weiss and Blake were right behind her, followed by Yang, her cybernetic arm glowing faintly.
Nora and Ren joined the group, Nora practically vibrating with nervous energy. .
"Sol! Are you alright?!"
Ruby exclaimed, her eyes scanning him for any sign of injury.
"We felt… a huge power surge! And then you were gone!"
"We were so worried!"
Weiss added, her usual composure slightly ruffled.
Sullivan offered them a reassuring smile.
"I'm fine, everyone. Really. Just… a slightly intense welcome committee from the universe itself."
He caught Jean Grey's amused glance and chuckled.
"Well, thank the stars you're okay, 'cause we were about to start the celebration, and it wouldn't be a party without you!"
Yang declared, a wide grin spreading across her face.
Nora bounced on the balls of her feet.
"Yeah! We've got so much to celebrate! New allies, a new home, and you surviving… whatever that was!"
A mischievous glint appeared in Sullivan's eyes.
"A celebration, you say? Count me in. You know I never turn down a good party."
The weariness from his cosmic encounter seemed to melt away, replaced by an infectious eagerness.
He loved a good party, and after what he'd just been through, he was definitely ready to unwind.
The celebration in the Remnants was everything Sullivan had hoped for.
Laughter, music, and the easy camaraderie of friends filled the air, a welcome balm after his celestial ordeal.
He shared stories, perhaps slightly embellished, of his encounter with Death and Eternity, much to the wide-eyed amazement of his companions.
Jean, still present, offered insightful commentary and a few knowing smiles, adding to the mystique of the tale.
Hermione, though still a bit pale, joined in the revelry, her relief evident in every relaxed moment.
As the night began to wane, a comfortable quiet settled over the group.
Sullivan, a contemplative look on his face, turned to his friends.
"I think it's time for me to go home,"
A ripple of understanding passed through the group.
While they would miss him, they knew he would go to his home eventually.
Then, to Sullivan's surprise, Ruby stepped forward, her eyes bright with determination.
"We're coming with you!" she declared, her voice firm.
Yang grinned, nodding enthusiastically.
"You didn't think you were getting rid of us that easily, did you, Sol?"
Weiss, ever the pragmatist, added,
"Someone needs to make sure you don't accidentally invite another cosmic entity to tea."
Blake, a soft smile gracing her lips, simply stated,
"Where you go, we go."
Sullivan stared at them, a mixture of shock and profound warmth washing over him.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Of course!" Ruby chirped, then blushed slightly.
"And… Well, we've talked about it. We'd like to join your harem, if you'll have us."
Yang clapped him on the shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Consider us your new, permanent co-pilots on the adventure of life."
Sullivan, utterly speechless but beaming, pulled them all into a massive hug.
"I'd be happy to have you all."
With a final, heartfelt goodbye.
A shimmering portal, conjured by Jean appeared. Sullivan could use his power but Jean told him that he should let her do it for now.
The portal pulsed with the familiar golden energy of the Phoenix Force, a gateway to his home.
"The Phoenix Force has imprinted your unique energy signature, Sullivan,"
Jean explained, her voice calm.
"And now, with their connection to you, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, and Blake will also be able to traverse the universal boundaries. Once you've settled in, they'll be able to come and go between your universe and Remnants as they please, whenever they wish to visit or if Remnants need their help."
Sullivan looked at Ruby, Yang, Weiss, and Blake, who stood beside him, their faces were full of happiness.
They could come and go between their universes.
That meant they didn't have to let go of everything.
Ruby signed in relief.
She could still come and ask her mother for advice when it came to seduce someone…
While Sullivan dealing with Remnants. Something happened to Tsunade.
She hadn't spoken with Sullivan for a while now.
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