So, if our hero is grounded, how do we get her out of the house? Now that I think about it, she hasn't set a single toe outside the manor, at least physically.
Chapter 9
After waking up the next morning, I had the beginnings of a plan in place. There were so many little things that needed to be done, and so many big things that would need constant slow pushing, or they might never happen. But, they could all wait until I had cuddled everyone awake, and we got ready for the day. I also needed, or at the very least, should, talk to someone on the 'other side'. You know, say 'thank you for dropping me into politics even though I hate it'.
"Ha-chan." I mumbled, running my hand over her side and kissing her forehead, "Time to face the day."
To which she replied with, "don't wanna." Okay, mayyyyyyybe I went a little overboard...
I looked at our children, most still sleeping, with only one or two starting to open their eyes and react to the dim light in the room. "As my lady wishes." I replied, making her smile sleepily.
Maybe if I timed it right, she might get another ten minutes before someone started to fuss and wake her up.
"I feel kind of bad now." I said as Haruhime (still looking a little decaffeinated) and I got to the living room.
Because there, on a couple of our couches, were Momiji and Kaede. The rabbit samurai and mini-miko were sleeping still, and some kind soul (who didn't totally forget them after all that political garbage...) had given them a pillow and blanket. Kaede was apparently just as sloppy in her sleep as she was when awake, and had one leg dangling off the couch, while she lay on her back snoring like a little chainsaw. Momiji however was doing a very good mouse snore while laying on her side, her fox tail and head the only things peeking out from under the blanket.
"I'll... make... tea?" Haruhime mumbled, still not quite able to get her eyes all the way open. She was hardly reacting to Yumi trying to grab her bottom lip, or Yuki trying to escape over her shoulder.
Okay, so maybe I went a little overboard last night... But at least the children didn't wake up at all.
"Here." I said quietly, "Let's get you all over by the chairs, and I'll go make tea. I have to talk to Jiru anyhow." Being taller, and with tails that would never lose their grip meant I had the other five children, and I had to (gently) take hold of Haruhime's tails to distract them and let go of mine without a fuss.
Thankfully, Loaner walked out from under a chair, stretching out lazily and yawning cavernously before trotting over to the collection of children and Haruhime, volunteering himself as distraction while I went to make tea.
"Hey Jiru." I didn't want to bother waiting for the stove to warm up, so I was using foxfire to heat the teapot. It was getting much easier to work with, and while I could still do no harm with it, it was becoming a useful tool now. Unlike when I first learned how, and it was about as hot as a candle.
"Blup." Jiru greeted me.
"I hope this nice emerald colour you've taken on is a good thing." I said quietly, giving the moss a pat, "Is it? I mean, I know I haven't been the most attentive since we got here, but you are okay, right?"
With a little happy shiver, a bright pink flower fast-grew from his back. With a short dozen 'large' petals holding a soft looking 'pom' of bunched up petals, I recognized it as a Peony.
"Oh, well that's good to know." I smiled, glancing at the teapot, then back to Jiru, "There's going to be some work for you a little later. But for now, you just enjoy the sunlight, and I'll be sure that everyone comes around to introduce themselves if they haven't yet."
To reply, another flower grew out of his back. This time it was a long stemmed, bright orange lily, with six large oval petals, and prominent stamen. I think the family name was... alstroemeria? Incan Lily?
"Such a good moss you are." I gave him another pet, then very carefully plucked the two flowers, "I'll see if we can get these to grow outside." They'd probably get eaten by the phoenix(?) but maybe they wouldn't? "Want help getting back to the big window on the east side of the building?" I put my hand down in front of him, and after a moment he wiggled up my arm, the odd caterpillar-like 'feet' sticking to my arm securely.
"Ah, Kodori-sama." Momiji was also an early riser it seemed. At least, compared to Kaede (who was still sleeping, even though Kei was nibbling on her dangling leg with great vigor. Haruhime and her were sitting among the others who hadn't started to crawl around to explore. I set the teapot and cups down on a nearby table (still tall enough to be out of reach from curious children) and started pouring tea. "What... is that on your shoulder?"
"This is Jiru." I replied.
"I see that it is moss, but... why is it on your shoulder?" She accepted the teacup, "Thank you very much."
"Ko-san isn't very good with names." Haruhime said, her smile reaching full brightness as she accepted the cup and took her first sip of tea.
"Jiru isn't just any moss." I said with a smile, giving Jiru's back a pat to make him 'blublelele' happily, "He is the best moss."
"Jiru is from Kodori's homeland." Haruhime explained while Momiji nearly dropped her teacup in surprise, "Go ahead, he's much softer than he looks. See? Even the children like him." Tatsuko had noticed, and was trying to stand up to reach.
Being the helpful person I was, I got her to her feet, but only held on enough to stop her from falling over. Momiji reached out with a hand as well, and gave the moss a pat, "Oh, he is soft."
"Jiru, that is Momiji." I said, "What do you think?"
"Blu...up." And a small bright yellow daffodil grew out of his back near her hand.
I had to rescue her teacup this time as she 'eep'ed at the sudden flower. "I think he likes you." I said, "Now now." I looked to Tatsuko, taking her hand and gently brushing it over Jiru's back, "Gently, like this."
"oop?"
"No. Pet."
The other two giggled quietly, "Momiji-chan woke up just as you went for tea." Haruhime said, "I'm sorry we forgot about you. Being a mother wonderful thing, but very time consuming."
"Oh! Well... um... after that meeting, Kaede and I were at a loss on what to do. I have a feeling that some of what was talked about was... a little secret?" Momiji looked a little nervous, "We didn't want to leave without making sure."
Aha, she was the cautious type. "Still, please forgive me for forgetting. I hope you didn't just sit in here and look at the walls?" I asked.
"No!" Then a little quieter as she saw Tatsuko twitch a little at the sudden volume, "No. Mikoto-san and Asuka-san, then later Welf-san, gave us a tour of the grounds. You have a very impressive home, Kodori-sama."
"Thank you. It wouldn't be a real home without the people in it though." I caught Tatsuko before she plopped down on her rear and sat her in the crook of my elbow, "What do you think, Tatsuko?"
She looked at me, or rather, her head turned towards my voice, then looked away at Momiji. After a moment she looked back to me, confused, and hid her face against my chest.
"They'll warm up to you." Haruhime said as the mini-miko looked heartbroken at the 'rejection'. "My, Kaede-chan is a heavy sleeper. Kei... you mustn't try and eat our guests."
Kei turned away from the rabbit-hume's drool covered shin, then looked back and continued to nom on her. "Huh, our first act of rebellion." I mused.
"You'll have to forgive my friend. She was up later than she should have been, playing dice with Ouka-san. Are you two always the first to rise?"
"Of a sort." Haruhime smiled, picking up Tatsuo, who had come to see what had made his twin so shy.
"But yes, back to yesterday." I said, watching Loaner lead on a couple of children, keeping just out of reach, "Yes, the topics were rather... heavy. There isn't much to do about that however. Have you gotten the general idea on how the city works? Or has everyone been too busy making beer?"
"Ah, no, Chandra-san has given us a small explanation on how the city works." She shook her head though, "But after yesterday... I feel it is woefully lacking in details."
I heard someone starting to shuffle down the steps, one of my ears turning to listen a little better, "That sounds like Lady Hestia."
"If you would explain a little better, Ko-san? I will go and make more tea, and perhaps begin getting breakfast ready for the house." I nodded, and she stood up. She was about to set Tatsuo down, but instead offered him to Momiji, "Be sure to listen well, Momiji-chan."
At first, just like his sister, Tatsuo was confused, looking at me, then Momiji. And just like her, he hid his face against the nearest soft surface. "Seems you have approval." I nodded, "Let me give you the basics, before I really describe what I'm trying to accomplish."
"Murrrg? Wha? Why is my leg wet?"
By the time breakfast was ready, I'd given them 'the basics' (and a towel) on 'in city politics'. It wasn't perfect, but it was likely one or two good steps past what Chandra had told them. He was a good person, the Soma Captain, but he was (even said so himself) more about brewing than anything else. He wasn't incompetent, not by any stretch, since the two of them already knew enough to have a basic idea of 'who was who' in Orario. But if I was going to rely on them in any capacity, they would need a little bit more than 'basics'.
At breakfast, in true 'we are all helpful people' fashion, the rest of the Alliance (except our newcomers who were ALSO being taught) chimed in with information as well. Adding or filling in blanks from what I knew. Considering I'd been away most of a year, they were helping me as well, catch up to what had changed.
The lesson went on until breakfast was cleaned up after, and put on pause while we went to the training field.
"Are you sure?" We were all warming up a little, with Takemikazuchi already starting his Tai Chi class with Weine, Haruhime and Maki attending along with some of the orphans. Kaede was expressing a little wonder at being invited to join in 'the battle circle' as it were. "I mean... We're from a different Familia... and level one..."
"Morning sparring is as much to learn, as to keep our skills sharp. This is not a place to dominate your opponent, but to challenge yourself." Mikoto said firmly, "You may join, or watch, we won't judge you on anything but your technique."
Saying it better than I ever could, I nodded, "We have wooden weapons in the barrels. Pick what ever suits you best."
"Kodori-san started it, when our Familia had to pass parade a group of monsters." Chigusa said quietly, "Instead of being angry, she insisted we learn. If you are more suited to team combat, you can wait until we pair off for doubles?" Chigusa suggested to Momiji, who didn't seem to have a weapon, just the little wand with the paper tags dangling from it.
The bunny and fox looked at each other and nodded, "That is why I came along with you." Kaede nodded, "We'll watch for now."
"Be sure to warm up then." Ouka said as he passed by with a weapon barrel.
Welf was right behind him, another barrel in his arms, "Hey, where's Shinkage? I carved up a better weapon for her."
"Sorry, she had a little trouble reaching the latch on the workshop door, and didn't want me to just break it." Hagane rumbled, Shinkage riding on the metal cat as they came around the corner.
"Appreciate that." Welf grinned, "Come over and I'll show you. Come on Sister, if you don't spar with Bell, he might melt or something.
When I'd first gone 'back' to Earth, and started training Rias and her peerage, I had to 'tone down' my abilities. Learning to do that properly was probably what allowed me to ease back into our usual morning spar here at home in Orario. It was sort of an 'unspoken' rule, that you matched your power to your opponent, and worked with skill. This stopped people like Bell (almost level 5) Aisha (a very experienced level 4) and now myself (level six, before I factored in my magic), from just flat out 'winning' all the time.
There was only EVER one exception. And that was when Bell and I sparred. We kept our really 'exotic' abilities off the list, unless we were trying them out and waited until the other was ready to defend. So he didn't throw around firebolts like a maniac, and I didn't summon foxes, use my 'spells' (though I did use my 'basic' enhancement), or my tails.
Today though... Today was the first time I'd ever had to 'lower' myself to his level...
"Ready Bell?" I asked, hopping up and down in place, doing a deep knee bend, adjusting my Fenrir fur vest (because the last time I'd put it on was before feeding time, not after), and got my feet planted and arms up.
Bell basically mirrored my 'pre-fight' warm up, settling his feet and pulling out both the Hestia Knife and a new blade I hadn't seen before, the steel white and gleaming in the morning sun. That was another thing. We always fought with live steel, where he would use wood or blunted metal for everyone else. "Yes Miss Kodori." He nodded, his 'serious' face locking into place.
"New dagger?"
"Unicorn horn." He nodded.
"Welf makes the coolest stuff." I nodded, flicking my eyes over to Mikoto, then back to Bell.
"Begin!" She called out.
His opening dash was even faster than I remembered, the compacted clay of our training field flaking away under his boots with each step. As usual, I too started at 'full' speed, and like I would with Kiba, I waited until the last instant, and took a half step forward, trying to get as close to Bell as I could, before he could swing, and try and lock one of his arms while using my elbow to try a strike to his chest.
And it worked. First try.
My palm halted his right wrist, while my elbow crashed into his metal chest plate before his left dagger could finish a swing that was aimed someplace near my lower ribs. Bell was sent backwards like a rubber ball, falling on his back, sliding, but then recovering with a flex of his legs that turned it into a back flip. His boots left a pair of furrows in the ground, but he was ready to keep going almost instantly.
It was then I realized I had to maybe lower the volume a little. I'd only managed to do that once before, and my second attempt at the same move left me flat on my back and seeing spots. This time though... It wasn't that he wasn't expecting it, he just couldn't do anything about it.
Another thing Bell and I did differently from the rest, was fight until there was a clear winner. Undaunted, Bell adjusted his grip on his weapons a little, then came at me again.
Closing the distance a little slower, but attacking just as fast, we fell into a chaotic version of 'sticky palms'. Each slash or stab of his daggers was met by my palms, forearms or elbows, his slightly greater reach, and extra 'angle' from having weapons giving me just a little more trouble than someone else with empty hands. We'd done this a lot too, back before I left. It was one of the reasons my gauntlets and bracers had almost no gaps in them. Not only did they keep out monster teeth, but also Bell's dagger points.
We fought to a standstill, our arms blurring around each other, but now I was simply matching him. It was only a faster version of what Takemikazuchi and I did, skill on skill, but at near super sonic speeds.
Then, I added in a little shove with my next block. A simple tap to his shoulder in the middle of intercepting his wrist. The sudden 'attack' threw off his next strike, and my palm to his wrist ruined his grip, and I disarmed that hand.
We froze in place, since me holding a weapon (especially one of Bell's weapons) put it at risk of being destroyed.
Bell was catching his breath, while I wasn't even breathing hard. "You've... gotten so strong, Miss Kodori." He said after a moment, putting his dagger away, then accepting his weapon back from me, "I was giving everything I had, but I couldn't keep up."
I looked at my forearms, the white metal of my bracers telling me that Bell had indeed gotten stronger, but... I'd beaten stronger, faster, and more dangerous people already... I looked at Bell, ruffled his hair and said, "When we get a chance, we'll spar like you and Ais did. And I can show you all the things I learned while I was there."
He smiled, the same old smile, and nodded, "Yes Miss Kodori."
Today though... Today was the first time I'd ever had to 'lower' myself to his level... And I didn't really like it.
While everyone else recovered from the shock of seeing just how... crazy Bell and I were when we sparred, Welf brought over a new weapon for Shinkage. It was basically the same as Aisha's, just scaled down slightly. The length was the same, and it still had a nice 'whoosh' sound to it when she swung it, but its handle was longer, the blade shorter, and her hands could actually hold it properly.
Momiji and Kaede took the field first for doubles however, fighting against Welf and Delly. A bit of a heavy miss match, but that was how one built strategy.
Except... Our level one duo actually beat them!
I had been super curious what Momiji's magic was. All Renard had something, and hers was kind of like Haruhime's, in that she 'gave' someone her power. Except it wasn't 'power', it was 'defence'.
Welf and Kaede met in the middle of the field, the little rabbit girl being smart and not meeting Welf's much bigger weapon with strength, but instead trying to whack him in the shins or shoulders while dodging his wide swings. Being so close, Delly didn't try and zap Kaede, but then with a frustrated look, she realized she couldn't zap Momiji either. The mini-miko was keeping the two fighters between her and Delly, while swishing her Onusa and chanting quietly. I couldn't make out the words over the clack of wood and taunts that both Welf and Kaede were throwing at each other, but then I saw a slight shimmer cover Kaede.
I wondered what it did, until Kaede jumped back from Welf, getting into a 'Iaijutsu' (quick draw) stance. Delly, smart girl that she was, who had also been hanging out around me while training with Rias and them, knew exactly what it was, and took that opportunity to point at the now lone bunny girl.
"ZAP!" She called out.
Only to have it bounce off Kaede, and knock Welf off his feet (again).
This was followed by a 'YA!' from Kaede, who tapped Welf on the head with her sword.
This seemed to come with a cost however. Momiji had stopped her chanting and was holding the side of her head. But, with Welf down, the rookie team had won.
They were beaten by Ouka and Chigusa handily, and Shinkage and Hagane stepped up to replace them. The two of them came to sit by Bell and I, dusting themselves off a little before kneeling down and watching with us.
"That was really impressive, Miss Momiji." Bell said, "Your magic deflects magic?"
"Somewhat. It is more for arrows and the like. I can use it to redirect magic, but it is much more taxing." She explained.
"Delly is a gifted spell caster." I said, giving Momiji's shoulder a pat, "I'll bet, with more practise, you'll be able to shrug off even greater spells than that."
The mini-miko blushed a little, but smiled at the praise, "Aww, getting all shy." Kaede teased.
"Miss Kaede, you did well too. We all saw you keeping Welf between you and Miss Momiji." Bell nodded, "You work really well together."
The Rabbit's praise made the Bunny blush as well, and Momiji said, "You were saying?"
We all winced as Ouka's spear was thrown one way, while he went the other, Shinkage's Padao and Hagane's short shoulder charge responsible.
"What are your plans now, Miss Kodori?" Bell asked as Mikoto and Asuka stepped in to replace Ouka and Chigusa.
"Well, I was thinking of asking Lady Hestia to unground me." I mused, "If not, then I think I will have to start sending messengers places."
"Where were you planning on going?"
"Well, first, I'd like to walk these two home." I gave Momiji and Kaede a hug with a couple of tails, "They've been wonderful guests, and Chandra deserves a visit as well."
"Wow, this is a really fluffy tail." Kaede commented.
"Kodori-sama, what do you use to wash your tails?" Momiji asked.
I was about to answer, when Mikoto did basically the same thing to Shinkage, using her sword to disarm the rider, while Asuka danced around Hagane's headbutt, and tackled Shinkage off his back.
"I'll see if we have any left." I replied, "If not, I'll make extra when I get to my alchemy bench." I looked across the yard at the three Gods as they kept watch, and entertained the children, "But after lunch. My armour is starting to feel tight again."
"You are still grounded you know." Hestia glared at me with 'THE GLARE OF DOOM'. (You know, the one that said 'you are sleeping on the floor for what you did'.) Then with less heat and more worry, she added, "Are you sure? Without you here..."
"Let me introduce you to someone." I said, kneeling down in front of her, "You know how I have all my foxes out, just kind of watching, right?"
She nodded, "Yes, they actually make me feel safer."
"Well, I'm actually holding back just a little. I never leave the children alone. Even when they are all sleeping." I looked behind me, "Hey, you awake back there?" I asked.
My multi-coloured tail perked up, separating itself from the lazily swaying jumble of my tails and flopping over my shoulder, "I wonder. Do all Kitsune talk to their tails?" Momiji asked, "There are no records of it..."
I winked at her, then started to explain, "This." I gave my tail a pat, right around the little silver 'ring' before the gold 'paintbrush' tip, "Is the mark left on me by Fenrir. We had our differences, but now, he's a good boy. Don't be surprised when you see him though."
"Him?" Hestia renewed her glare.
It wasn't quite like summoning my foxes. There was more... power... here. This mark was what was left inside me, after devouring part of the Demi-God Wolf, Fenrir. He still appeared as usual, jumping out of my tail. But, the Demon Fox (summoned version) almost didn't look like a fox at all. Gold teeth, ink black fur, and a single silver Demon horn. This beast was wide of shoulder, muscular, and only the poofy tail and thinner muzzle marked it as a fox at all.
Once out of my tail, it sat down like a good foxxo (his shoulder level with mine) leaned his head down and gave Hestia a friendly slurp on the cheek, then let his tongue hang out of the side of his mouth in a silly smile. Hestia, Momiji and Kaede blinked in surprise at the huge apparition.
"You have THIS guarding your children?" Kaede boggled at it, pointing in alarm. This made the huge fox look at her, then pout, lowering his head almost to the floor with a little whine, "Oh... sorry."
"This one seems more quirky than the others." Hestia said, helping him recover with a timid ear scritch, "Feels very real too."
"If anyone trespasses while I'm out... Well, stay out of his way, and be sure to tell Loaner to talk to Eina about it." I said with a very serious voice. "I will be visiting Lady Loki as well, since it's sort of on the way back. I don't plan on being more than a couple hours.
"Oh, hello Fen-chan." Haruhime said, as she walked in from the other room, "Oh dear, you are such a silly fox."
Because just like me, 'Fen-chan' wanted all the attention from Haruhime. He'd walked 'through' Hestia (since as usual, only the 'dangerous' bits of him were solid unless otherwise needed), and flopped onto his back in front of her.
"Sigh... Fine." Hestia rolled her eyes, "Be back before dinner!" She pointed up at me, "Or we are eating without you!"
"Remember Ko-san, it's taco night." Haruhime reminded me, "But also, be safe. We hope to see you again soon, Kaede-chan, Momiji-chan." She said, waving while kneeling and scrubbing her other hand through the fur on Fen-chan's throat.
Even with that 'itch' between my shoulder blades from being watched, it felt really good to walk the streets of Orario again. As the three of us got further from the Manor I could almost feel the rumours about me start to travel. Was I 'better?' 'What about the children?' 'Is she going to the dungeon again?' 'Is she going to take on Freya right now?' 'Who are those two?'
You know, rumours. Those things people make up when all they can do is guess. That was fine, good even. It wasn't so much 'ignorance is bliss', but the more the people guessed, the less likely 'real' information would make it to Freya's ears.
Aside from people trying to stare holes in my nice Fenrir coat, nothing really happened until we actually got to Soma's compound.
"So I said to him, 'I'm already disappointed', and we started fighting." I stopped my story and spotted two people in front of the main brewing building next to the dorms of Soma Familia.
Both Kaede and Momiji were giggling at the story, but then Kaede realized I stopped, "What's wrong? Oh!" She called out, waving a hand, "Chandra-san!"
This got both of their attentions, and they turned to face us. Chandra was a 'short' dwarf. A little over a metre tall, but almost that wide at the shoulder, he looked almost like a farmer in his stained overalls and tough linen work clothes. His only point of 'appearance' based pride however, was a nice mullet beard that framed his face and jawline perfectly. He spotted us and raised a hand briefly to greet us.
The second persona however, looked like someone had just judged him guilty of the death penalty. Tall, athletically built, with neat brown hair, handsome face and clear blue eyes, this was Hyakinthos. He wasn't wearing any battle gear, save his beloved sword, but he wore Apollo's emblem (a bow with a burning sun behind it) proudly on his shoulder and over his heart. He stood frozen in place, clearly wondering if he should run away, or stay very still and maybe escape notice.
I tried not to smile, or even look at him, just to see if he'd try and slip away while I talked to Chandra.
"Mr. Chandra." I greeted, "I seem to have found a pair of your Familia, and brought them back." I put a hand on each of the two girl's shoulders, "They've been wonderful guests though, and were there for the meeting I invited Lord Soma to."
"Hey there, Ma'am Fox." He nodded to me, then gave the two a VERY critical look, "Did they now..."
Kaede shied away a little at the stare, but Momiji stepped out from behind my tails and held up a bit of paper, "I took notes, Chandra-san, if you would like to go over them?"
He dropped the look instantly, laughed with a 'RAHAHA', then ruffled Momiji's hair, "I'll do that. But yer gunna have to help with the vats later, since it was your turn this morning and you weren't here!"
"Yes Chandra-san." They both said, "We must work to eat."
"Get ready then." He accepted the paper, then shoo-ed them off.
They turned and bowed to me, but I crouched a little and hugged them close for a moment, "You can visit when you don't have work." I said seriously, "Any time."
"Thank you, Kodori-sama." They said, returning the hug then vanishing into the main building.
"Good kids. Still green as grass, but good." Chandra said, "I hope to save them from what poor Lilly endured."
"Good." I nodded, turning to Hyakinthos, "You're not going to leave without saying hello, are you?"
He 'urk'ed in the most undignified way, then turned, faced me properly, 'ahem'ed, then bowed, "Hello, Lady Kodori."
I nodded, smiled just enough to show I wasn't mad, then asked, "Your sword got back to you okay?"
"Eh?" He lost his moment of cool, then pulled it back together again and said, "Yes, and your gift. Lord Apollo liked it, and would have sent his thanks, had we the money for a return message."
Sadly, it seemed Apollo had missed the point of what I'd sent, but that was fine. "Good. I want to say now, Hyakinthos, that our business is done, and that there is balance between us. I won't welcome you back to the city. But I will thank you for helping while I was away."
Translation? Thank you, but don't screw up again, or I'll kick you back over the wall.
"After such a gracious chance, we could ill afford to waste it. We put our best efforts in to start bringing Lord Apollo's name back towards prominence." He replied. Then, since I only nodded to him, he looked to Chandra, "We will bring what we can, and deliver it as soon as possible."
"Good. Don't hurt yerself." Chandra nodded, "Any time is good in the next two weeks. Any longer, and you'll have to wait for another spot."
"Understood." Hyakinthos and Chandra shook, and he left.
Chandra looked up at me and my questioning look, "He's selling us cloud fruit, then commissioning a bit of beer. Only so many vats in the brewery, and we keep a schedule." He explained, "He wasn't kidding when he said 'best efforts'. Every single one of them has been trying to make money in as many ways as possible."
"Right, they're planning on staying." I nodded, "And want a nice home again. Shame they lost their last one to some little Familia they tried to bully... Who were they again?"
We both shared a laugh, sighed, then paused as he looked at the bit of paper Momiji had handed him, "Oh... Ya serious?"
"Very." I said, "I know your Familia isn't really... ideal for this kind of thing. But staying out of whats coming is a choice as well. However, I did mention to Lady Demeter, that if you did want to side with the alliance, that she would help you grow a few new things for making beer. Good stuff from where I'm from. I even have some recipes ready, in case you wanted help, and didn't want to waste time experimenting first."
"I'll consider it." He said seriously, "A little Familia like us can't really deal with this," He waved the bit of paper for emphasis, "Survival is what we care about."
"Do what you need to. Also, burn that. Anyhow, did Lord Soma get my notes?"
He sighed, looking like I'd just told him his best friend died, "Yes. I swear, every time you and him interact, he wants something added on to his gardens. We're going to need to build a second dorm at this rate."
"But?"
"Well, I've grown a new fondness for Sake. So that's something."
I walked at a casual pace towards my next destination. Due to Loki's... castle(?) being in a more uptown area of the city, I had to expose myself to more people. And again, I could almost feel the motion of the rumours starting to radiate off of the curious bystanders. Not just that though, now I was walking past adventurers. Most looked to be just shopping. Food, supplies, clothes, errands, they didn't have that 'time to go to work' look about them that a dungeon trip would bring about.
Not a single one of them dared to meet my eyes. Not a one looked at me long enough to be caught doing so. I could hear them talking to their friends, confirming, or asking, if I was 'the one who beat The King'.
It was what I imagined Ottar's life to be, when he walked out into the town. 'Don't look or he might get angry'. Or 'is he going on some quest for Freya? Best stay clear!'
That was actually fine, but I knew it would wear on me before long. So, I started walking a bit faster towards my destination.
As luck(?) would have it, Gareth, Orario's 'toughest' adventurer was chatting with a couple of Loki Familia I didn't know just outside the big double door that led into the crazy castle. Of all of them I hoped to meet at the door, he was maybe number two or three. Easygoing, smart, and not a 'battle maniac', he was one of the few I figured wouldn't give me any problems when I told him...
"Right, you two get to work, be back by dinner." He said as I got close enough to make out what they were saying. With a quick bow, they vanished, only glancing at me for a moment before hurrying away. "The Demon Fox." Gareth greeted.
Unlike the last time I'd passed him 'guarding' the door, he wasn't wearing his armour. Instead of the heavy plate and horned helmet, he was dressed more casually in a simple green tunic and brown pants. "Master Landrock." I returned, giving him a short bow, "Laundry day?"
He shrugged his massive shoulders, "Eh, can't wear armour all the time. People would complain about the noise, and the smell. 'side's I'm off duty, just keeping the rookies in line. You know how it goes."
"I do indeed. I'm sure you've heard?"
"Even met a couple of them, though, they certainly aren't rookies! Neck hurts just thinking about them." He rubbed the back of his neck, probably thinking of the two Oni, who were well over twice his height of a metre and a half. "Only heard that Miss Loki thinks your new Spirit friend is 'cute', the little fox is 'shy'. And the third was... 'inscrutable'. I didn't even know she knew that word, let alone how it was used."
"Well, Delly is adorable. And I warned Maki about Miss Loki's 'thing' with fluffy tails and nice behinds. Shinkage however has a bit of a history with 'gods' and tolerates the ones at home because they leave her alone."
We both sighed the same 'what can we do?' sigh.
"So." He got his 'business' face on, "What are you here for?"
"Paying a debt to Miss Loki." I shrugged, "I said I would, and thus I am."
"Remember the way? She's -probably- in her office."
"I think so. Unless the inside changed or something."
"It's not the dungeon, thankfully, so yeah, it's the same as always." He stepped aside, but stopped me with a hand as I started to pass him, "Don't cause any trouble if you can help it."
"I am still grounded. I'm not allowed to cause trouble."
He let me pass, and I could hear him chuckling as I entered the building.
The top three people on that list I just mentioned, were (in no real order), Gareth, because he was an understanding sort. Finn, because he knew I had business already and would (probably) assume I was here to conduct it. And Riveria, because she would listen to what I had to say, and judge me accordingly.
However, as we went down the list, the risk of 'confrontation' went up. Ais would -probably- listen to me, but might challenge me anyhow, since she seemed the competitive type, and I'd done something she hadn't (beaten Ottar). Lefiya wouldn't so much try and 'fight' me, as just question me being there, and not actually believe me when I told her why (which would force me to ask for her manager.)
Then it would be the Amazon Sisters Tiona and Tione. They were both still a bit grumpy with me, even a year later, for outsmarting them during the major Xenos battle. I think the only reason they even talked to me anymore was because I referred them both to Nazza and her special shampoo making skills. They would either have turned me away outright, or challenged me. Since there was -technically- no time set on repaying my debt to Loki being turned away was okay, and I would decline or delay a challenge, since yes, I was grounded and didn't want to cause trouble.
Then there was Bete. Way down on the bottom of the list of 'people I wanted to see today/tomorrow/ever. Moody, violent, and a bit of a battle maniac, my last encounter with him went... poorly. With Haruhime's help, I'd thrown him across the city with the same way Chloe from the Hostess of Fertility did, executing the 'Chloe Javelin'. I'd have lost if I didn't force the end of the conflict like that, but...
Of course, he was in my way as I got to the stairway leading up to Loki's office. I knew my day was going too well...
He was sitting on the landing, his feet resting on the steps, elbows on knees, hands under chin. His silver grey hair was messy as always, and his short wolf ears and golden eyes were focused on me as I looked up at him. He had replaced his nice white metal shin guards and bracers, the ones I'd broken with my unbreakable grip and simply tossing them against something.
"Bete." I nodded up to him.
"I don't care what people say. I will always be above you, Fox." He said with a frown.
I decided to try and annoy him enough to either leave me alone, or take a shot at me. "Ara... But you're taller than I am."
"Don't play stupid." He growled, "You can't fool me with that act. I saw the look in your eyes when you spotted me."
My 'Akeno' wasn't up to par it seemed. "Well, you will always be taller than me." I shrugged, "I have nothing to prove with you. But I do have business with Miss Loki."
"And if I don't just let you pass?" He said, standing up and tilting his head side to side with a little pop of loosening muscles and bone.
"Well, I could just go home." I half turned, hearing him 'tch' in irritation.
But instead, I turned back, and did my very best Shunpo step. It was more like a 'jump' since I was going up a flight of stairs, and I did cheat a little, touching the wall with my hand to make sure I didn't do something silly like go through the wall or something, but I appeared behind him and a half step to the left, my clothes and tails fluttering to a stop after the air around me 'FZZT'ed, as it got out of my way in a hurry.
"Or, I could just walk past you." I said quietly, not even turning my head to look at him, instead relying in my other senses to gauge his reaction, "I promised Gareth I would cause no trouble. But if you want to bring trouble to me, I will wait just off property for you once my debt to Miss Loki is paid, provided I still have time to get home for dinner."
He didn't reply, so, I just kept going. I had a gawdawful amount of stairs to climb and didn't want to waste any more time.
Loki's 'castle' was a weird place. It was built on a small plot of land, so instead of building 'out' like the Hearthstone Manor, it was built 'up'. It had many towers and little buildings, but they had halls and stairs that led back on each other, making the place a confusing mess. Thankfully, once I got to the main staircase, it was simply a straight up trip.
I also didn't meet anyone else on the way, and Loki answered my knock with a "Huh?" A pause, some paper ruffling, then, "Come in!"
I entered her 'office', closing the door behind me, "Miss Loki." I greeted, looking around, "You weren't being responsible, and doing paperwork, were you?"
It was a spacious place. With some couches, a nice table, shelves with all kinds of books and battle trophies from the dungeon on them, and yes, a big desk that dwarfed the petite tomboy of a Goddess. Her reply was a joking "You can't prove anything." Then, after quickly moving the ink pot and quill away from in front of her, she grinned and said, "What brings you by? Are you here to deliver what you promised?"
"You didn't give me a time, but, so long as I am back before dinner, I could repay you for your cooperation now, if you liked." I watched her as she stood, rounded the desk, and sat on one of the couches.
She motioned for me to sit, then tapped her chin thoughtfully, "You know, that IS tempting." She grinned, looking at me and making 'grabby hands', "But..." She stopped, her eyes opening up just a little, "I'm going to ask a few questions first."
"Did you want a witness, or maybe someone to write down the answers?" I asked.
"Nah, they'd just get in the way after." Her lecherous grin joined in on more 'grabby hand' action, before her eyes opened up all the way and she asked me straight, "Where did you get that coat?"
"Would you like the simple answer, or the simple answer and the story that goes with it?" I asked, "Both are free, but one is more interesting."
NOTES!
Yes, Loki is a LOT sharper than people give her credit for. I had hinted WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back in the first story that this Loki shared at least some of the Lore of the one from DxD (mentioning a certain giant, wall, and a six legged horse some time later.)
Also, I did the actual math on Kodori... And she might be a little more OP than I wanted... By like... a lot.
And... work is hell. x.x please don't buy furniture online? Please? You're killing the postal workers. We've had record breaking numbers almost every day for a week solid, and its only going to get worse as 'that day the devils can't say' gets closer.
Daeore on Ko-fi, if you want to toss a coin to your writer.
Daeore on Inkitt, if you want to read my book 'Were Too?'