With the war of the timelines over Gloria, Katie, and their friends now tried to adjust to their new reality.
It was now November, Thanksgiving to be exact. The war had ended monthes ago, Katie and her sister returning to their timeline as a spell was cast to coverup the memories of magical realms existing in their world. While their world was now safe, their were some downsides.
Coronavirus now swept the globe, a rather morbid way of concealing the existence of magic. Merlin though assured them that mortals would be more willing to believe a deadly virus as opposed to magical beasts of legend.
Gloria now found herself in her home, her friends by her side as they planned a Thanksgiving feast. While they had defeated Fukushu and his forces, they had sustained casualties.
Mary Elise was now confined to a wheelchair. Casseus spear had severed the Auburn haired coeds spine leaving her paralyzed below the waist. Moka and Claudia had also sustained injuries though nowhere near as severe and had completely recovered.
As for Gloria's friends Naomi and Jackie had seen the worst. Jackie appeared to be suffering from PTSD after being detained and tortured by Agent Dyson. Her physical injuries had healed but the psychological trauma remained.
Naomi also suffered wounds, a blast by Casseus had nearly killed her. Instead she now sported a large amount of scar tissue on her abdomen and arms. Naomi was going through rigorous rehab now to regain complete function of her injured limbs.
As the teens now lounged in Gloria's living room, they shared stories, like veterans of wars before.
"So hows Ann doing," Sasha asked as she now brought Jackie a cup of coffee.
"She's okay," Jackie said quietly. "Still trying to get her age fluctuation under control."
Gloria tried to hide the smirk spreading across her face. Ann and her friends had helped in the final battle destroying the military suits that would have turned the tide against them. Unfortunately for Ann when she used Jackie's Ring of Age it had inadvertently affected her. Now the business woman found her age fluctuating wildly between 43 and 3, usually at the most inopportune times. As a result she had taken a leave of absence from the company, sighting health issues.
"Dont worry Jackie we'll fix it soon," Gloria smiled. "Katie and I are real close to stabilizing her age."
"Hope so," Jackie sighed. "Its really annoying when were together. One minute we're out at dinner and the next thing you know 'poof' I have to ask for a booster seat."
The teens now tried to stifle their laughs as they talked about the day. Due to the large amount of people the dinner guests would be split between Katie's, Gloria's, and Kellies parents homes. The Harris, Davis, Tozawa families and pretty much everyone the girls knew would be attending. While the majority of the people knew about the war, social distancing still needed to be enforced.
"Wanted to thank you again for inviting us all over," Felicia said. "Adam and his family were so excited to not have to cook."
"No problem Felicia," Gloria stated. "I know Junior year hasnt been great so far. After everything we went through this summer, I think us just being together would be good for everyone."
The sound of the door opening now drew the teens attention. Glancing at the door the group waved as Cole and Kumiko Harris now entered with their children in tow.
"Hi Mr. And Mrs. Harris."
"Hi girls," Kumiko responded. "Gloria is your mom around?"
"Shes over at Katie's," Gloria said. Looking at baby Yuriko and Tommy, Gloria figured the exhausted looking parents needed a hand. "Do you need us to watch the kids? We dont mind."
"Thanks Gloria," Kumiko smiled. "But we have someone to watch the kids." Gloria and the others now watched curiously as Mia and Zack followed behind, the two 11 year olds giving the teens a friendly wave.
"Hey guys good to see you," Mia said happily.
"Hey you two," Diane smiled. "Wasnt expecting to see you guys anytime soon."
"We couldnt miss Yuki's first Thanksgiving," Zack said. "And besides it would of been rude to turn down Mr. and Mrs. Harris invitation. Just glad they let us bring our friends."
Gloria and the others raised an eyebrow as the young werewolf now pointed outside. Gloria's eyes went wide as Akira and Ayami entered the house, Rexie floating behind them. Akira now gazed at the teens, bowing respectfully as he looked them over.
"You have honored us with your invitation," Akira stated.
"You did save my daughter," Cole smirked. "Still, dont think I dont want a rematch after what went down at the hotel. This time no magic though."
"I look forward to it," Akira grinned. Ayami simply sighed, shaking her head. "Look honey we came here to eat not fight," she groaned. "Can you just relax and enjoy yourself?"
"I relax through combat," Akira shrugged. "Training is what I enjoy."
Gloria and the others simply gaped at the group before looking at one another. They may have won the war but it didnt mean things were going to quiet down any time soon.