My first DanMachi fic. I'm very hopeful for this, and I hope y'all like it. OC/AU This will follow the anime timeline until the battle on the 18th

Hikari age: 8

"Do we really have to leave, goddess?" The child said, looking up at the taller figure beside him.

The ship they were on rocking softly as they sailed further from their home.

"I'm afraid so. Your parents entrusted you to me, and with your dream, it was best we did not stay. You will be safer in Orario, and there you can grow strong." The tall goddess spoke softly and fondly.

She was Amaterasu, goddess of the sun. Her young charge was left to her by the last two members of her familia before they were killed on the conflict. He is now the only member, as well as an oddity.

A hybridization of the beast races is rare but not unheard of. He is a mix of Renard and Werewolf. His blood is unstable as a result, especially under the moon.

"Okay goddess." He said, yawning and looking as though he might nod off. "I'll get strong so I can stay with you and make you proud." Her heart nearly melting at his words, she picked up the young boy, smoothing his tail.

"I believe you Hikari. Thank you." With that, she carried him into the cabin they shared on the ship offering them passage.

Hikari age: 10

"Wow! this is Orario?" Hikari shouted, looking to his goddess excitedly. His eyes scanned the walls and gate before rising to the tower looming over the city. "Goddess, what's that?"

"That is the Tower of Babel, the only dungeon in the world, and the place where adventurers are made and broken." She responded calmly, though in truth she was worried for him. He was determined, that much was certain, but whether or not he could survive in the dungeon was a mystery. Now, she had faith in him, but she wasn't delusional. Even the most equipped and experienced adventurers died in the dungeon, whether it be from biting off more than they can chew or a simple mistake. "Before you can become an adventurer and I bestow you with my blessing, you'll have to train. Understand?" She looked pointedly at him.

"Of course! Then I can get strong!" He stared fiercely at the tower. 'I will be the best, then goddess can depend on me.'

After searching for lodgings for most of the day, the duo come upon an inn and tavern.

"Hm, The Hostess of Fertility. Let's check inside, my Koinu*." The goddess said, leading hikari inside.

It seemed that the tavern was in the middle of a slow period, as there were no patrons. The only person was a large woman behind the counter, most likely the owner. As they stepped inside, the women seemed to notice them.

"Hello! Welcome to the Hostess, I'm Mia Grand, but everyone calls me Mama Mia. What can I help you with?" She asked, looking at the two of them. As her eyes landed on Amaterasu, her eyes widened. "A new Goddess in town? Well, welcome." As the goddess walked to the counter, Mia had to look up at the tall woman. "Wow, haven't had to look up at anyone in a long while."

With a small laugh, the goddess smiled at her. "Yes I am rather tall, but so are you. What race are you, if you don't mind me prying?"

"Dwarf, believe it or not. Guess we can't all be short." She laughed out, never stopping her cleaning. "So what do you need? Most of our food isn't ready yet." She gestured vaguely to the kitchen, where the sounds of pots and pans could be heard.

"Actually, we were hoping for a room. Like you said, we're new and have no place to stay. How much do you charge?" The goddess said, looking around the tavern.

It was rather cozy. Tables close enough the one might be able to lean over to speak with someone, but not close enough to make it cramped. The smells coming from the kitchen were rather inticing as well. Sharp spices and smooth savory scents wafted lazily through the air, as if asking you to purchase the food from which it came.

"For you, it'll be free. For a while. Just until you get on your feet." She exited from behind the counter. "So, care to introduce yourself and the young one clinging to your side?" She smiled at the two.

"Oh, how could I have forgotten! Pardon my manners. I am Amaterasu, and this is Hikari." The goddess bowed as she said this, prompting Hikari to do the same. "Thank you for your kindness."

"No need for thanks, Omikami-sama." Mia replied, walking up to the two. "It seems I've made a habit of taking in those who need it."

"Miss Mia, are you an adventurer?" Hikari asked, standing straight and breaking the silence he hahad held through the conversation. "You look really strong."

"I used to be, as did some of my girls, but we've mostly given that up to work here. Why do you ask, pup?" She kneeled down to his level, still looking above his small frame slightly.

"Because I want to be an adventurer! I want to be strong so my goddess can depend on me!" With a fire in his eyes and emotion in his voice, he declared his goal.

"Is that right?" She asked, looking up at the sun goddess before standing up again. "Well I suppose I could teach you a few things, and I'm sure the girls would be happy to as well." She ruffled his hair before heading behind the counter. "Go upstairs and you can have the room at the end of the hall on the right side."

"Perhaps I can find a way to pay for this. I could work here for free until we pay off our debt." Amaterasu offered, looking at Mia with appreciation.

"I think that would work just fine. I'll let the girls know and get you a uniform. Oh, and by the way, if any adventurers get too drunk and handsy, don't hesitate to beat the crap out of them. It's how we deal with it here." Mia said with a smirk, walking through a door way and out of sight.

With that, the foreign duo head upstairs.