Vermillion anxiously fidgeted in the common area arm chair, her worried emerald eyes fixated on the front door.

She had been locked in this position for well over two hours, impatiently awaiting Natsu's return from the dungeon. Normally she would be cleaning or cooking him a "welcome home" meal around this time, but today she had grown uneasy.

Not long after Hephaestus departed from Magnolia Manor, Vermillion noticed a rather sizable crack in one of the plates she was cleaning. More specifically Natsu's "favorite" plate. This was the moment her paranoia set in.

Anyone else would have simply thrown the ruined silverware away. It was a simple matter of being more careful; but Vermillion was far from ordinary. Even for a Goddess she was known to be quite superstitious. Even Hestia – who was just as superstitious as her friend when it came to omens like this – frequently commented on her friends' penchant for reading into signs that supposedly carried with them the threat of danger; which only magnified after Natsu joined her Familia.

To Vermillion this previously pristine plate was one such sign. Natsu was in trouble. Her first instinct was to rush out to the dungeon and help him, but not only would she be leaving the Inn unattended for vandals and vagabonds to either squat in or ransack, Gods and Goddesses were forbidden from stepping within the confines of the dungeon; for fear of reprimand from Heaven. Something about "upsetting the balance" or some such nonsense.

Vermillion's increasingly panicked eyes cut from the door to the clock on the wall. Back to the door. Then back to the clock. It was close to midnight.

"Where are you?"

Vermillion knew Natsu's reputation and more than boisterous nature had earned him more than a few enemies over the years, but she never really worried much about him. He could handle whatever danger was put before him. This was usually the case, but the feeling Vermillion had now was different. It was ominous. Dangerous.

As if her fellow gods on high were responding to her pleas, the front door opened and in stepped Natsu.

"Goddess, I'm-"

"You're back!" Vermillion sprang forth from the chair as if an invisible rope had pulled her along and she wrapped her arms around Natsu's waist. The sudden force of her hug toppled Natsu over, his back hitting wood floor with a dull thud.

"Ow!" he rubbed the back of his head, which collided with the wall behind. "I know I'm later than normal, but-"

"Are you ok?!"

Natsu's eyes widened at the volume and shakiness of Vermillion's voice. She sounded scared. "Y-yeah, Goddess. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?! Don't try and act tough! If you're hurt, tell me!" She hurriedly began taking off Natsu's vest, alarming the pink-haired adventurer.

"Goddess, what are you doing?! Stop that! Cut it out!" His cheeks red from embarrassment, Natsu frantically fought off the rabid hands of Vermillion. She was surprisingly strong for someone of her stature.

"Stop squirming, Natsu! I'm trying to check your body for injuries."

"I can do it myself!" Natsu eventually prevailed in their scuffle when he gripped Vermillion's wrists. He then sat up, the diminutive Goddess still straddling his lap. "What's up? You're acting really crazy. It's freaking me out."

"Nothing is 'up'. Now let me check you for injuries."

"Not until you calm down."

Vermillion took a deep breath and Natsu let go of her wrists. "I'm sorry for acting so crazed." She apologized.

"What's going on?"

"I…I got a bad feeling."

Natsu raised an eyebrow at this. "A bad feeling? What does that mean? Like an omen or something?"

Vermillion nodded. "While cleaning your favorite plate earlier, I noticed a crack. Since then I've had this terrible feeling that you might be in trouble."

"You sure you aren't just trying to make an excuse for breaking my plate?" Natsu deadpanned.

"I'm serious! I was really worried about you." She puffed out her cheeks in a pout.

"Ok. Ok. I get it. Sorry I scared you." He patted her on the head. "But I'm fine. Really."

Vermillion was unconvinced. She folded her arms. "Then let me check your body for injuries."

Natsu let out a defeated sigh. "Fine."


"Are we done? I really want to put my pants back on."

"I'm almost finished."

Having moved from the common area and into Natsu's bedroom, the salmon-haired adventurer laid on his stomach in bed – wearing nothing but his underwear - while Vermillion checked over his body. Searching for any new cuts or marks, the puny Goddess carefully traced her small slender fingers over Natsu's barren back. The young man squirmed at her touch. Her hands were really soft.

"I told you to stop moving around." Vermillion chided for what would be the fifth time. "Don't make me force you to stay still."

Natsu wondered just how Vermillion would accomplish this task. From what she told him when he was still new to the Familia, Gods that come from Heaven to the lower world no longer possess the power they did while in Heaven. This was a condition they had to adhere to if they wished to live among the "children". Natsu always thought this was a stupid rule, but right now he had more important things to worry about.

This was the first time he was fully exposed – somewhat – in front of Vermillion. Natsu normally took off his vest when she updated his status, but that was as far as it went. Despite knowing his Goddess was well over a century old, Natsu couldn't get over that Vermillion appeared no older than thirteen. The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable he became.

It was times like these that he was thankful that his room was located near the back of the Inn. There was no telling what kind of trouble he would be in if someone unaware of Vermillion's Goddess status were to pass by and think the two were doing something salacious. He would most likely hauled away and locked in a cell for the rest of his natural life.

Vermillion saw the blush on Natsu's cheeks and decided to have a little fun with him. She bent over, her parted lips positioned next to his ear. "Something wrong, Natsu?" she asked sultrily, her breath tickling his inner ear.

"W-what?!" Natsu would have jumped out of bed if not for Vermillion's weight on his back. "N-nothing's wrong! What would be wrong?!"

Vermillion giggled. Her revenge was complete. "You're so cute when you're flustered." She tapped his back with her palms - as if she just finished giving him a massage – and got off of him. "All done. Nothing looks out of the ordinary."

"I already told you that."

Vermillion turned from him, her arms crossed as she pouted out her lips. "I just wanted to be sure. You are my only child after all. I'm merely performing my duty as a goddess and head of the Familia by looking out for your health."

Natsu was unfazed by Vermillion's attempt to guilt him. "Can I put my clothes on now?"

"Yes you may." Vermillion stepped back from Natsu's bed and he sat up.

Natsu kicked his legs over the side of the bed and reached down for his pants. Feeling uneasy, he craned his neck up and saw Vermillion standing close to the wall; hands behind her back with a smile on her face. Apparently she was waiting for him to get dressed.

"Um, Goddess…do you mind?"

"Not at all." She smiled with a dismissive wave. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine standing right here."

Natsu sighed. She didn't understand the meaning of his words at all. Either that or she simply didn't care about his comfort level.

Seeing no point in arguing, Natsu put on his pants and grabbed the tan tunic that was draped over the back of the chair next to his bed. He thought about putting his vest back on, but thought better of it since the garment most likely went foul from the mixture of sweat, dungeon dirt, and monster blood. He'd wash it tomorrow.

"I know it's late, but would you like something to eat?" Vermillion offered.

Natsu placed a hand on his grumbling stomach. Because of Vermillion's poking and prodding he had completely forgotten that he hadn't eaten since lunch. "Yeah. I could go for a midnight snack."

"Then follow me." Vermillion bounced out of the room towards the kitchen, Natsu not too far behind.

He sat at the table, awaiting Vermillion to cook whatever she could find in the kitchen. Using the matches to a light a fire in the stove, she brought out a ham from the ice chest next to the sink. Natsu offered his help in speeding up the process with his magic, but Vermillion insisted he stay put while she did the work. Vermillion knew Natsu could have easily cooked the ham in less than a minute with his magic, but she wanted to feel useful. If she let Natsu do all the cooking and cleaning there wouldn't be anything for her to spend her time doing while he was away.

After a few minutes Vermillion arrived at the table with smoked ham. She placed it before Natsu and smiled. "Here you are. Careful, it's still plenty hot."

"Thanks." Natsu grabbed the ham and took a big bite out of it, savoring the juicy sweetness on his tongue. As his Goddess warned it was hot, but that didn't bother him in the slightest. Within three bites the ham was completely gone. Satisfied with the meal Natsu leaned back in his chair with a wide smile.

"I see you enjoyed it." Vermillion giggled.

"Yeah." Natsu burped. He then patted his stomach. "That hit the spot. I haven't eaten in hours."

Vermillion sat in the chair across from him. "Why is that? It's not like you to miss a meal."

"Guess I was too paranoid to eat."

"Paranoid? What for? Did you break something in Miach's shop again?" her gaze narrowed in suspicion at Natsu. "We don't have enough to pay them back this time."

"What? I didn't break anything."

"Then you must have made Loki mad again."

"I didn't do anything like that!"

Vermillion's continued stare proved that she would not be so easily convinced of his innocence. In response Natsu proceeded to elaborate on the reason behind his paranoia.

"When I went into the dungeon today this guy attacked me out of nowhere!"

Vermillion's playful attitude instantly ceased. "You were attacked?!"

"Yeah."

"Was it another adventurer?"

"I don't think so. He seemed more like a bandit."

"A bandit?!" Vermillion stood in her chair, her hands slamming onto the wooden tabletop. "Did he hurt you?! Maybe I didn't check you over thoroughly enough. Take off your clothes."

"N-no!" Natsu scooted back some in his chair, his arms clenching his shirt for dear life. "I'm fine. He didn't hurt me. I fought him off pretty easily."

"Why was he after you?"

"I have no idea. I took him back to Babel after I knocked him out. When I came back from the dungeon, he was gone."

"Why didn't you tell anyone in the guild?! He could still be after you!"

Natsu flinched at his normally demure Goddess' change in attitude. "I did. I told Levy what happened and she said she would look into it, but I don't think the guy is going to come after me again."

"You can't be sure of that, Natsu. I know you're strong but that is not always the deciding factor in battle. Guile and cunning more often than not win in the end. You have made plenty of friends in Orario, and I am glad for that; but there are just as many people here who would wish harm upon you. Especially with your reputation."

Natsu slumped his shoulders at the scolding. He had heard a similar lecture when he became a level 2. It was after he nearly lost his life battling a Minotaur on the lower 15th.

Vermillion forbade him from going to the dungeon for a week after that.

"I'm sorry, Goddess."

Vermillion exhaled, sat back in her chair, and closed her eyes before speaking again. "It's fine. Just be more careful, ok? I don't wish to see you get hurt…or worse."

"I understand."

She let a smile break through. "As long as you do then that's more than enough for me."

"…There's something else."

Vermillion opened one eye to look at his still sulking form. "What is it?"


At the top floor of Babel Tower: above the dungeon, above the money exchanges, and above the shops, lies the Private Rooms.

These luxurious tenements are reserved for only the most exalted of Gods. Not many children have stepped foot in this area for fear of incurring the wrath of these sacred entities. Only a select few children are allowed on this floor, and Ottar was one of them.

A member of the Boaz – a race possessing the physical features of both man and boar – Ottar stood guard in front of a door near the end of the hall. His gaze ever watchful.

Ottar was hailed as the only level 7 adventurer in all of Orario. Standing at an impressive two meders tall, the warrior's accomplishments had well earned him his reputation as the strongest. One of his most impressive feats was his near killing of a Balor – the monster rex of the 49th floor - single-handedly.

Stifling a yawn, Ottar's ear heard the faint cries of someone from down the hall.

"Please, Goddess Vermillion, be reasonable! This is not the time to be rash!"

"You are more than welcome to plead, Makarov, but I will not stop. She will answer for what she's done."

Ottar watched as the forms of Goddess Vermillion and Makarov Dreyar made themselves visible further down the hall. He knew little of the petite Goddess – he had only met her a total of twice - though she appeared to be in quite the mood.

The man behind her pleading she stop her advance was Makarov Dreyar, a member of the guild and a former adventurer himself. He was usually much more lax in his duties, but Vermillion's stampede seemed to bring him out of this mode for the time being.

Ottar took notice of the elderly man's overly-stressed visage. He was sweating, his eyeballs were wide with fear, and his hands were clasped as he begged Vermillion to stop and return home. To his dismay he was repeatedly denied.

Vermillion finally stopped when she reached Ottar, her fiery emerald eyes staring up at the man as if he were not more than twice her height and three times her weight.

"Open this door, Ottar. I wish to have words with your Goddess."

"Please, Goddess Vermillion." Makarov was on his knees now. "I'm begging you. Just calm down and return home. Please!"

She ignored him and continued to stare down the Boaz in her path. Before Ottar could give an answer he heard a voice through the door.

"Let her pass, Ottar. I've been waiting for her arrival."

Ottar nodded and turned his body, grabbing the golden handle of the door. He slowly opened it, revealing the dimly lit room inside. Makarov's jaw dropped to the floor, but Vermillion retained her fury. She walked past Ottar and into the room, the Boaz closing the door behind her.

It took a second for Vermillion's eyes to adjust to the low light, but once they had she found herself inside a room decorated with the most exquisite of furniture. It was unlike a scene one would use as the subject of a work of art. Each piece of furniture was perfectly spaced from one another to give the large room its own atmosphere of refinement.

"It's been a while since you've visited, Vermillion…or do you go by Mavis now? I never seem to remember. Forgive me."

Vermillion's eyes focused on an arm chair directly in front of her. Sitting gracefully in it was a woman with long silver hair that reflected the stunning light of the moon. Her pure white skin only accentuated her overall beauty, her half-lidded eyes gave off an air of forbidden allure, and her eyelashes looked as if they shined in the candlelight. Though she was covered by a robe – that was no doubt made of the finest materials – Vermillion could see every curve of the woman's body.

This was the Goddess Freya, and she was in a word…perfect.

"Won't you please have a seat?" Freya stretched her arm towards the couch positioned diagonally to her left. "Travelling from Daedalus Street with no shoes has to wear on your feet."

Vermillion said nothing, but accepted Freya's offer and sat down. The way the chair was placed was purposeful. It was so Freya would never have to directly look at who sat in it. She was nothing if not superior.

"Wine?" Freya knew her guest would not accept her offer, but courtesy was one of her more admirable traits. "Suit yourself. Though it is quite exquisite. Despite his less than cordial attitude, Soma does craft a fine brew."

Deftly swirling the drink in her glass, Freya pressed the rim to her soft lips and took a drink. Even in this she was elegant.

When she was done she looked back to Vermillion – whose accusatory gaze never left her – before setting the glass on the circular table next to her chair.

"So why have chosen to visit me this evening? It has been a while since-"

"You know full well why I am here."

Vermillion was never entranced by Freya like the other Gods. She acknowledged her beauty – part of her admired Freya for it – but Vermillion was never lured in by Freya's silver tongue. Whether willing or unwilling, the most beautiful Goddess in all of Heaven could entice any living being with a simple word or look. That kind of power frightened Vermillion.

"Were you watching Natsu?"

Freya offered no words of deflection to the accusation. "Yes. My eyes fell upon on him earlier in the day."

Vermillion angrily shot up from her seat. "We agreed, Freya! You promised you would not interfere with him!"

"I know the terms of our arrangement, Vermillion, but I stand by my action." Freya's normally playful eyes narrowed slightly at her guest. "I needed to confirm that the binding was still intact."

"You chose to do so by putting his life in danger?!"

"Was that not how we found ourselves in this situation in the first place?"

As soon as Freya said this Vermillion backed down, her tightened fist loosening. She stepped back. "Forgive my outburst."

Freya grinned. "Do not trouble yourself. I understand your concern for him as your child. Your anger is more than reasonable."

"Do you…have eyes for him?"

Freya thought of this question for a moment. "I may have at one time, but that was long ago. I am not one to be bound by the chains of another, and I prefer not to waste my time on things I know will never be mine."

"What does that mean?"

"My affections have already drifted to another. My watching of Natsu was for the binding and nothing else."

Vermillion relaxed. "Even so…his protection is solely my duty. Please, do not interfere with him again."

"As you wish. But remember, if something should happen, you are not the only one who will suffer the consequences. Both Hephaestus and I will be along with you."

Vermillion faced the door, her back to Freya. "Like I said then. Nothing will happen to either of you. Just leave Natsu alone."

"Very well. I will comply. I will no longer interfere with Natsu Dragneel." She smiled.

"…Thank you."

Those final words spoken, Vermillion walked to the door and waited for Ottar to open it.

"Oh I almost forgot. How careless of me. Will you be attending Ganesha's Banquet?"

"…I haven't decided."

"Well I hope to see you there. I'm sure it will be quite the event."

The door opened and Vermillion began to step, Freya giving her a warm goodbye. When she was gone, Ottar entered the room. He closed the door behind himself and walked to his Goddess, standing next to her chair as she looked out of the large window behind her.

"Do you wish to say something, Ottar?" Freya asked, reaching for her glass of wine.

"Not if you do not wish to hear it."

Freya smiled at his honest answer. She decided to indulge her curiosity. "Ottar…"

"Yes, Goddess?"

"What are your thoughts on Natsu Dragneel?"

He gave his answer clearly. "Simply put, he is strong…"

Freya noticed his hesitation. "Hold nothing back. You are free to speak candidly."

Ottar bowed. "As you wish. Natsu Dragneel is strong, but he is much too foolish to accomplish anything of real merit with his strength. His own ignorance to his abilities holds him back from reaching his full potential."

Freya could not stop herself from laughing at Ottar's blunt answer. The Boaz remained silent, his face not so much as stirring as her amused giggles echoed in the air around.

"You are very right, Ottar. But also very wrong."

Ottar didn't understand her words. "Goddess?"

"You are right to say that he is holding back. Though it is not ignorance, but fear that stops Natsu."

"Fear?"

"Yes." Freya looked out to the moon. To Ottar's surprise he saw a hint of remorse in his Goddess' eye. That had never happened before.

"The tragedy of that fear is that he is not even aware of it."


Vermillion reentered Magnolia Manor. Pressing her back against the heavy door to close it, she stared at her feet for a few seconds before shaking in a rage. Suddenly she clenched her teeth and shouted to the heavens.

"Curse that, Freya! She's thinks she's so smart!"

Vermillion rolled around on the ground, thrashing about her limbs in a tantrum. She screamed. She whined. She complained. All of her anger and jealousy towards the beautiful goddess being filtered through the wooden walls of the Inn. Anyone passing by would have no trouble mistaking her for a child.

When she was satisfied with her lashing out, Vermillion finally stood up. Though her cheeks were still puffed out.

"She's not so pretty." Vermillion looked down at her own body, and smiled proudly. "I'm much more aerodynamic and flexible than she is." She then patted her flat chest. "Bigger isn't always better."

Hearing a weary groan, Vermillion noticed Natsu was still sitting at the kitchen table, his head resting on his arms.

Forgetting her frustrations with Freya for the night, Vermillion walked to him. Thinking it best not to wake him from his slumber, the petite Goddess grabbed the blanket resting on the common area arm chair as she made her way to the table. Draping it across Natsu's back and shoulders, Vermillion brushed away some of his hair so she could better see his face.

"You must have been waiting for me to return." she smiled softly. "I apologize for making you worry."

Vermillion leaned down, her lips close to his ear just as they were hours before. She spoke with a low whisper.

"Goodnight, Natsu."

Vermillion turned out the light and retired to her own room, leaving Natsu to rest.

Unbeknownst to her, Natsu stirred for a brief moment. A small smile tugging on his lips.

"…Goodnight…Goddess…"


I know this chapter is a bit on the short side. I apologize for that. I honestly had no idea how to move to the next part without it being all disjointed, so I decided to just end this one here. If anything I meant to post this as part of the last chapter, but I thought it was too long.

The next chapter will be longer, I promise. The mysteries keep piling on, but next chapter we'll begin to peel back the layers.

For those not in the know about the Danmachi Universe. A "Monster Rex" is basically the boss of a set of floors in the dungeon. So half-killing one by yourself is a pretty big deal.

As always, leave a review/comment and thanks for reading! :)