Before I begin, a little thought exercise on Kodori's 'power level'... kinda.

Her magic stat is hovering around 6000 or so. Her basic, no 'spell words' magic boosts her other stats. And her other stats are more or less max for a level 6, again.

So... 6000 divided by 4... 1500. That's a level and a half boost! She's in the middle of LEVEL EIGHT at full power, and that is not including her actual spells (one for each stat except magic). Her 'Mage' ability to make things more efficient... Yes, she's kind of OP. I didn't really intend to do it like this, but wow... However, now that I've written it, well, no takebacks.

Anyhow. Let's give Loki some answers. And maybe a headpat or two.

Chapter 10

She considered my question for a moment, then said, "It will give you something to do. Lemme get the table set up."

It shouldn't have surprised me that she had gotten a few things for 'the next time' I came over to give her a massage. So, while she got up again to go to a little cupboard I started my story. "As you've guessed by now, I don't come from this world."

"Well, I wasn't totally sure until just now, but yeah. There's way too many things different about you, and what happened to you. Lessee..." She opened another cabinet and took out a couple other things.

"Well, where I'm from, the 'higher powers', the Gods, have basically stepped back from the world. Lack of faith, mobs of pitchforks and torches, boredom, being killed, have basically reduced the 'gods' there to legends and stories." I watched her flick a nice fluffy towel over the table, then set down a pillow.

"Loli-boobs mentioned that. Though, at first, I thought you came from some middle of nowhere place so remote that monsters and gods hadn't bothered with you. I hear the East is a bit funny like that." She 'hmm'ed at the table, then went to get something else.

"Well, when I got back, I was... powerful enough to be noticed. Some of those things from my books and fairy tails made themselves known, and well..." I brushed a bit of lint from my nice Fenrir coat, "I met Loki. That world's version at least."

I leaned forward quickly and rescued a little glass bottle of something, "What?" Her eyes narrowed at me.

"I met many Gods while I was there. Loki, Odin, Susanoo, Takemikazuchi, Amaterasu, Inari, Hestia, Hades, Thanatos..." I tried to think if I'd missed one or two, "The meeting with Loki didn't go very well, and he-"

"He? Why a he? Not nearly as much fun." She said with a grin, removing her shirt and (basically unnecessary) bra, before laying on the table.

"Well, unlike here, the gods there could use their power. There were still limiting factors, like other gods, or powerful humans, or even gods from other pantheons stepping in. There was a lot of stuff going on, and Loki was being a real dick about things, so maybe that's why it was a 'he'." I took off my gauntlets and coat, putting them both on the couch next to me, "So, Loki called on Fenrir, and a bunch of monsters he'd made from part of our stolen dungeon."

"And you killed him?" She narrowed her eyes at me, then pointed to the glass bottle, "Try some of this, I hear it's a hit in the red light district."

I picked up the bottle and uncapped it, "I did indeed kill Fenrir." I sniffed the contents and put the cap back on, "This isn't massage oil."

"Huh? What is it then?"

"Lube. My favour doesn't go quite that far I think."

"aww..."

"This makes me curious though... You know about Fenrir, and Sleipnir..." I rubbed my hands together to warm them up some more, and I paused as Loki actually blushed.

"They're still in Tenkai." She said, "You met Hadessssssss?" She must have been really looking forward to this.

"I did. And yes, I met Cerberus. Even made him...them? Dog biscuits. Though, it was an apology, since I kinda threw a Marlboro vial up one of their noses."

She kind of started to giggle, but my hands were working their magic. "I'mma gonna roll over this time, when you're done that side." She mumbled.

"If you can." I shrugged, "Oh, speaking of Cerberus..."

"Heeez best buds with Fenfen." She said, "ohhh that's the spot."

(Up in Tenkai)

Fenrir, a much smaller version (like a small car, instead of big enough to swallow a house) of the veritable titan that was on 'Earth', sneezed suddenly, blowing over a similarly sized three headed dog as they played in a huge field of flowers. Mock offended, the three headed doggo grr'ed and pounced the silver wolf, who was still wondering where the sneeze had come from.

Thanatos (a tall, thin, pale skinned fellow who looked like a depressed teenager), in a nearby building marked 'House of the Dead Records', shouted grumpily, "Keep it down! I'm trying to catch up with all this paperwork!"

(Back in Loki's office)

I gave Loki a highly edited version of what happened. She didn't need to know about 'God', the Angels, Devils or Fallen. I stuck with stories about Hades, Loki, Odin, and other such though, since it was mostly relevant, and now that I wasn't being bothered by them anymore, kind of amusing.

"I feel kinda baaaad..." She drawled a little, her body once again relaxed to near sleep, "I mean... you did it, but you didn't do it here... I wonder what I'd say to myself if I ever met me from another world?"

"If it makes you feel any better, I like this Loki much better." I said honestly, "The other one wanted to ruin everything 'just because'."

Even looking like she couldn't do more than blink or breath, she turned one of her eyes towards me, "Like what you're trying to do here?"

"Somewhat. I know the Familia compete, and there are things I'll never be able to influence. But I'd rather more 'war games' than 'open warfare' or 'trying to steal my children because it would be amusing'."

"You know, once she gets over the shock, she'll start moving again." She mumbled, relaxing again as I put my hands on her back again, "I'm really surprised you're here at all, considering. I mean, even without Ottar, she's got a bigger Familia than even I do."

"I must pay my debts, Lady Loki." I said, "My home is guarded, and I hope Freya doesn't test that. I respect the Guild a lot, and well... I hear dead bodies create a lot of paperwork."

"You'd trust someone else with your children? Meep?"

I poked her nose, "That is new business. And I don't want to talk 'new business' until you've had a good sleep and thought about what I've told you. Oh, and maybe talked to Riviera and Finn who are coming up the steps to talk to you." I said as I felt strong presences getting closer. Finn I knew, since he'd entered my home, but the other one I didn't, so I was just guessing.

"Aww... but you're not done yet..."

"Can you roll over?" I asked, "Oh, where should I hide this? Since I'm guessing you didn't want someone else to see it?" I motioned to the little bottle of 'love oil'.

She grumbled, and failed to move, "Damnit... Just put it in that cupboard over there, um... don't mind what else is in it."

I put a towel over Loki, then went to the cupboard. "Yup, not going to comment on any of this..." I said as I looked at the contents, putting the little bottle back in a small spot that was clear of dust. Poor Goddess must be a little frustrated, having all this... stuff... and probably never used any of it...

"Hey Fox." Loki said as I closed the (forbidden) cupboard and sat back down, "Can I pet your coat?"

Surprised, it took a moment before I replied, "Sure. I'm honestly glad you weren't angry or something."

"Eh. It wasn't my boy you killed." She managed to get an arm off the table and started to brush her fingers through the shortened fur of my coat, "But I do miss him sometimes. Even us Gods get sentimental." She paused, "Hey, how do you know their coming up the steps?"

"Same way I know my children are okay." I said cryptically, "Did you want to get dressed or something?"

"Na... too much effort." She sighed, then flopped her arm back down by her side, "Riviera will probably sigh with disappointment, and Finn will smile like always and pretend it wasn't happening."

"Fair enough." I stood and got my coat back on, "Lady Loki, is my former debt to you paid?"

"Yeah, I s'pose." She sighed, "Now I gotta figure out a way to get you to owe me again."

"If nothing goes wrong, and I don't have to leave the city, you will have years to earn another visit. Oh... I may or may not need to beat up Bete on the way out of here." I said making sure all my stuff was in place and settled properly over my shoulders.

"I trust you not to kill him. But if you think it will help, tell him I said to leave you alone." She said with a yawn as I left the room.

I was maybe a third of the way down the steps when I did indeed see Finn and Riviera. They stopped on the landing, giving me space to pass, though Finn asked, "Paying your debt? I do hope you didn't give in to her -other- requests?"

"She didn't meet my conditions for more." I said with a smile, "That said, she is probably a few minutes away from falling asleep, so you may want to hurry with your business. Riviera." I nodded to her, "Thank you for keeping the city safe."

"Thank you for supplying us with those gemstones." She replied curtly, "Though, you need not thank us for doing our duty."

"No, I don't. But I do it anyhow, because I appreciate it all the same." I started down again, "It feels good to say it in person, considering..."

I made it to the door, and onto the front path of the 'Twilight Manor' without anyone bothering me. It was almost time for dinner, and it looked like I might make it in time if I didn't delay too much. But, of course, Bete was actually there, waiting for me. Along with Ais, Tiona and Tione, as well as a bunch of other Loki Familia, who were just kind of 'hanging around'. As well, they were all armed.

Great... It was like I was being set up by the school bully, and all his friends were here to watch.

"I don't suppose it would help if I said that Lady Loki wants you to leave me alone, would it?" I tried.

"You really think that will help?" Bete growled.

"We don't think you beat the King fairly." Tione (the bustier of the Amazon sisters) said with a shake of her head, "And now we hear you are thinking of taking her on, with our help?" She put her hands on the two Kukri at her belt.

"Do you really think we'd follow you, or anyone, without them proving their strength?" Tiona added, shifting that giant double sword staff she used, one of its 'points' digging into the brick of the walkway.

Ais said nothing, but put her hand on her sword hilt, all business.

"So... what? You want me to fight all four of you at once?" I took a deep breath, "I mean, sure, life isn't always fair. But if you want to push this..."

"You guys stay out of it!" Bete shouted, "I owe her one already." He grinned.

"You really don't want to do this." I said, "The whole point of me asking for help is so this doesn't happen."

"You're not scared are you?" Bete laughed, "Big words for someone afraid to throw a punch!"

Scared? Actually, yes, I was scared. Terrified even. Without Loki Familia, my entire plan would basically be impossible. I didn't want to alienate them. "If this is what it takes the earn your respect then." I said, taking a second deep breath, no longer needing it to 'warm up' my magic, but doing it anyhow for that little mental 'trigger' to get up to combat readiness.

A wicked, evil, and wonderful thought crossed my mind, as I let my aura of acidic smoking black and purple rise out of me. They wanted a show of strength? They wanted to see who they were following? Would it work though? Well, it probably wouldn't kill Bete at least...

"Yeah! Let's see what you got Fox!" Bete grinned, "You wanna leave? You have to get through me!"

I waited until he got his hands up, then I raised my knee and hands up. With a sharp push forward from my upraised leg, I sprung towards him, trailing a burning/bleeding cloud behind me, "SHUN GOKU SATSU!"

I crossed the distance between us nearly instantly, slapping away his first two punches before grabbing the front of his vest with one hand. I then hit him in the lower ribs with my open palm, grabbed his vest with that hand, and then hit him with my other hand the same way. Ribs, chest, arm, shoulder, hip, gut, chin. My unbreakable grip kept him in place while I alternated with left and right strikes. He fought back for the first dozen attacks, but he obviously had little experience with Trapping, and didn't manage to land a single solid attack. He was a brute force fighter, and I'd just spent the last few months dealing with those.

This went on for about ten seconds, a total of nearly two dozen attacks, before I gripped what was left of his vest and slammed him into the ground, my aura fading out as I stood over him. I'd reduced him to a bruised mess, while I felt only a single point of dull pain under my right breast where I'd taken a desperate elbow. The entire front yard was dead silent for a moment, before Bete groaned and started to move a little.

As per the duellist's code, I took out one of my potion bottles, and put it next to him, then turned towards the street, "I spent most of a year away from the city, getting the bits of the dungeon that were stolen, and returning them, while you, of Loki Familia helped keep the city as monster free as you could, so that I had a home to return to. Please, help me a little longer, so that I can stop looking over my shoulder, wondering when Freya will try and steal my children or friends." No one replied, not even Bete, so, I bowed, fist in palm to Ais, Tiona and Tione, and walked off the Loki grounds.

I wanted to visit the Hostess on the way back, but, that would probably have made me late for dinner. So instead, I took the short way home, avoided the main streets, and was within sight of the Manor just as the sun looked to be lowering over the massive outer wall of the city. On a whim, I decided to close one eye and 'connect' more firmly with 'Fen-chan'.

Unlike with my other foxes, who only really had a very basic... 'programming' I guess it would be called, Fen-chan had a personality. Not a very large one, but enough that I had to nudge it out of the way so I could see through his eyes.

This gave me a VERY sudden closeup of a very tiny cloth covered butt with a gold tail. Ah, he was being a giant pillow. Good Fen-chan. Carefully, I moved the big head around, feeling a little 'positive feedback' from my thoughts of praise for him, and a weird ghost sensation of having my tongue hanging out of my mouth in a silly foxxo smile. Let's see... four five...six?

"Ah, looking for her?" I heard Haruhime's voice from the left. Turning Fen-chan's head that way, I spotted her, with Tatsuko at her breast, "If that's you, looking through Fen-chan, you should hurry. As soon as I put her down to sleep, you will be late for dinner, Ko-san."

The thought of missing taco night, both I and Fen-chan pouted a little. So I gave the giant foxxo a mental pat on the head, then opened my eyes and hurried up.

"You got lucky." Hestia, ever ready with her Karate Chop of Justice, was waiting at the front door, "Though, some of the others aren't back yet either." She looked a little worried.

"Have you been keeping in contact with the occulus?" I asked, stopping in front of her and crouching down so she wouldn't have to look up, and I could give random headpats to the phoenix(?) chicks who had followed me from Gros's cage. "Wow... food must be agreeing with you guys..." They were getting taller by the day it seemed, and were starting to take on real plumage now, though it was still really spotty.

Hestia smiled, even through the worried look in her eyes, "Well, yes, Take' has been watching over them. But I still worry." She went back to giving me a glare, "So how did it go?"

"Well, I payed back my debt." I nodded, suffering(?) through curious 'are you food' pokes from a blue bird, "And nothing extra." I added, making Hestia nod-nod fiercely, "I told her about meeting... well, 'Loki' in the other world, since she knew, or guessed, where this coat came from. I didn't think she was sentimental at all."

"Just like the Children, 'moving' means we leave something behind." She nodded, "Is... she's going to help, right?"

"Honestly, it's not 'her' but her Familia I'm worried about. You should know how it is by now, we all have our own opinions. We follow your orders, and do our best to keep you happy, but my version of 'make Hestia smile' is going to be different from Bell's." I explained, kneeling since I was now getting mobbed by the birds, and wanted to give them all headpats, and maybe sneak a feather or two off them.

"You think they won't follow her orders?" She knelt down with me, and I noticed she wasn't getting any curious 'are you food' pecks, just attentive looks while she gave out headpats.

"More of... how much effort they will put into it. You do know that if it does come to open combat, and 'we' win, Loki will take Freya's spot, right?"

"I thought the whole point was so that 'open combat' wouldn't happen?" She paused in mid pat of a black bird's back, but resumed when she finally got a 'food?' poke from a beak, "Sorry." She said to it.

"It is, but if we were sure Freya wouldn't just try and flatten us, we wouldn't need Loki Familia."

We both sighed the 'I hate politics' sigh.

"Hey guys!" I heard Welf from the direction of the gate, before hearing it swing open.

"Hope we aren't late? We aren't late, right?" Ouka asked.

"We brought back a guest!" Asuka called out, making me turn, "Oh, the birds are out and being friendly!"

It was Eina, our favourite guild employee. "It just so happens to be my early night off." She said as she followed along with the other three. "Though, I do have some news to give you all, before I'm officially off for the night."

"Not more bad news, I hope?" Hestia groaned, shooing away the birds and standing up.

"Well..." Eina handed Hestia a familiar looking pure white envelope, one of three she had in her hand.

Hestia sighed with a 'I hate Donatis' sigh (which was different from the politics one, since it had a mumbled swear word on the end). The God's Meeting was been called again. "But we just had one!"

"Ah, but this one..." Eina also sighed, the smallest crack in her professional manners showing, "Was encouraged by Lady Freya."

Aha.

"That's even worse." Hestia sighed, turning towards the door, her good mood well and truly gone now, "Well, come in." She pointed to one of the birds who hadn't wandered away with the rest of them, "Not you, you tried to eat the curtains last time."

"Woo." It replied with that weird bullfrog motion of its throat, before turning and scampering back towards the Gros's cage, fall/rolling down the steps and sprinting towards its nestmates.

"Even the birds are back talking..." Hestia sighed as we all laughed and followed her in.

While everyone else got their equipment put away and the like, I gave those I saw a cursory 'hello', and made my way to the nursery. Along the way Maki started following me, and almost at the door Sir Skitters appeared from around a corner, a feather duster in his mandibles and a tiny maid bonnet tied behind his eyes.

"Something up little sister?" I asked, looking down at Sir Skitters as he stopped and saluted me in front of the nursery door, "And... that looks adorable, but did you want it off now?"

He saluted with a front leg, put the duster down and zipped up my leg so I could hold him. "Nothing big, but I did want to run a few ideas by you, you know, when there weren't so many... hrm, can't really say 'primitives', can I?"

"After story time, when I can finally get some time in my new alchemy room." I nodded, carefully undoing the bonnet and gently petting Sir Skitters behind the eyes, "Thinking of a modern idea?"

"Ya. Was thinking of getting a weapon designed, and well... I really do miss my sidearm." I offered her Sir Skitters, "Did Lilly put that silly thing on you? Wanna go make sure she doesn't over do it with the peppers?"

"We'll talk about it." I nodded, "But yes, please make sure Lilly doesn't over do it? I'll be down soon."

I waited until she was most of the way down the hall before quietly opening the door. Haruhime was sitting in the 'feeding chair' but her arms were empty. Instead she was quietly watching the children as they napped over the giant fox monster Fen-chan. Fen-chan, on seeing me, opened his mouth to give me a silly smile, but otherwise remained motionless.

"Even away, you are still here." Haruhime mumbled, accepting my hand and standing up, "Oh!" And then getting a huge hug. After a moment, she managed to get her arms around me as well, "Should we wake them?" She asked after a moment.

"I dunno." I mumbled into her ear, "Lemme ask." I looked over at Fen-chan, "Think you can suffer through a little more time with them?"

His reply was to wag the tip of his tail (since the base of his tail had Kei sleeping over it) a couple times.

"Thank you Fen-chan." Haruhime said, "Remember to let us know if there are any problems at all, okay?"

"rrr." A tiny affirmative grumble.

We left the room and quietly closed the door. We walked side by side, our tails tangled together, "Ko-san? I'm kind of curious, how much of... you is in Fen-chan?"

"Hm, how to explain..." I tapped my chin, trying to think of a way to describe 'programming' to someone who didn't even have a concept of 'computer'. "My normal foxes have about enough memory to remember a small shopping list. They keep watch, they let me know if someone pokes them, or they see someone they don't know. They also know how to 'play' with people they do know, but only Loaner and the birds seem to have figured that out."

"Loaner-san plays with them?"

"He gets bored. It was actually his idea, since he occasionally needs to exercise or gets bored like anyone else would." It was actually really helpful for me too, learning more 'foxy' behaviour for my own training.

"And Fen-chan?" She sniffed the air, "Oh my..."

The savoury spicy smell of what ever Lilly had invented in the kitchen was filtering through the manor, and I could feel my ears heating up in anticipation of what it might taste like. "Fen-chan has... part of a book already in place. He already knows all that stuff, but since he is also part of me, I can add a little more detail. Not quite as smart as a Xenos, but certainly no common pet you might train."

"I wonder if I could do that as well?" She mused, "I mean... if what the legends say are true, I'm part Kitsune too, right?"

"I think you'd make the most adorable fox ever." I nodded, tugging her close for one last hug before we got too close to the dining room to risk a 'public display' (that still made Haruhime a little embarrassed). "But, if you want my help, I would love to see if you could. Our children are going to need teaching too, and while I'm sure I could teach them... I think you're a better teacher than I am."

She gently swatted at my arm when I leaned down to kiss the top of her head, but didn't reply.

After dinner, (which was just as spicy as I imagined it would be), we all convened in the living room to recover with tea (for those who could handle the burn) or milk (for those who couldn't). I could see Lilly already thinking of ways to improve her recipe, while some of us looked at her with a mix of awe (those who could) or dread (those who could not).

"Lilly wonders if Jiru can change how things taste?" In my effort to make sure Jiru didn't feel left out, he was clinging to my arm again, getting a little attention from Lilly and making happy noises all the while.

"I've never asked him to. He already works hard enough for us." I replied, though I was sure if I asked nice enough, he could grow some 'Dead Peppers' again. But I liked my Familia and friends, and our plumbing wasn't nearly as good as it was back on Earth. Jiru also added an affirmative 'Blup!'.

"So, Miss Eina? What did you have to talk about?" Bell asked, taking a sip of milk.

"Well," She also had milk on hand, but had surprisingly kept up with Lilly, Maki and I when it came to the food, "Now that things are calming down again, and dungeon activities are returning to normal, a Familia, or rather, Alliance, of your size has certain obligations. This pertains specifically to Hestia Familia, since you now have Bell, at level four, and Kodori who has returned, at level six. Though, with Aisha having joined the Takemikazuchi Familia, you are also included in this order."

"Oh right. I'd almost forgotten." Aisha spoke up, looking down at Sir Skitters, who had chosen her lap as 'the most comfortable' for the evening, "Dungeon Familia have to continuously prove themselves to keep their ranking."

"Yes, that's correct. While Astraea Familia used to be a ranking one... having only two members has basically exempted them from this." Eina said the last part quietly, knowing why it was only two members already, "Now, this isn't as dire as you might think, and honestly, before this recent crisis, you were all doing this on your own, even during the Hime's time off."

We all waited as she assumed her usual professional poise and 'ahem'ed.

"At least four times a year, a Familia of D rank or higher must accomplish something in the dungeon aside from the usual monster subjugation. This could be anything from finding, fighting and slaying floor bosses. Bringing back rare or unique monster drops. Finding frontier zones-"

"Frontier zones?" Mikoto asked, "Pardon, but I am unfamiliar with the term."

"Ah. As you know, the Guild keeps an extensive archive of maps, ranging as deep as the mid thirties. However, not all places in the dungeon are actually part of the dungeon. Places where monsters do not spawn, or cave systems that the dungeon broke into when it was first formed." Eina explained.

"Oh!" Weine perked up, "My friends used to live in one of those... right?"

"Yes, though, that one has already been discovered." Eina winked at her, showing she understood the simple 'double talk' of the dragon girl. "Even something as basic as reaching and bringing back proof you've been one floor deeper than the last time you had an expedition, qualifies for the requirements." Eina said, "It shouldn't be difficult for your Alliance, but, as the crisis is over, we are reminding people."

"I'm still technically 'on hiatus'." I said, "Ha-chan too."

"Yes, which is why your Familia is still rank D, and not C, as it should be for someone with a level six." She said.

I hmm'ed and nodded, seeing that as a fair point.

"You are also going to have to start paying your usual taxes again, at rank D rates, since Kodori is still on hiatus." Eina added before Hestia could complain about being a lower rank than we should be.

"We are quite thankful for your information, and understanding, Eina-san." Takemikazuchi said in Hestia's place.

"Oh, I should also add, while the Guild, and city at large, recognizes your alliance, there is nothing against the rules for both or all three Familia 'qualifying' for their rank expeditions. Work together, or not, as you see fit. Simply submit two, or three," She nodded to Astraea and Delly, "reports, and we will mark your duties as done."

I dunno about the others, but I was smiling because it felt really good to have Eina as a friend. She was saving us all time, effort, and most importantly, paperwork, by letting us go as a single expedition, and not three different ones.

"Finnnnnnnne." Hestia grumbled, "We will let you know... well, someone will let you know, when we start."

"When is the Donatis?" I asked.

Hestia waved my question away, but only because I knew she had just crumpled the envelope without opening it, and tossed it into the nearest fire. "Three days." Takemikazuchi said, "However, this brings up another issue."

"Yes." Astraea nodded, her usually kind face frowning, "I am going to guess that Freya is going to try and undermine what we are trying to build, through this meeting."

"Sadly, I cannot officially help you here." Eina said, "However, I can remind you that everything Kodori has done, and the people she has brought back, are all properly registered with the guild, adventurer or otherwise." She nodded to me, "Yes, even them. So if Lady Freya just so happens to mention anything regarding 'unregistered people' or 'not paying your taxes properly', I can say now, that you don't have any, and you are paid in full until the next season."

I was going to treat this woman to ice cream some day... Maybe invent a flavour after her, like 'Ahem-melon' or something.

"We can talk about potential topics, and write down some answers." I said, thinking about how Rias, or Sona, or even Greyfia would go about coaching someone without being able to be there for the actual event. "But tomorrow." I smiled as poor Hestia went pale at the thought of 'being political on purpose'.

"Indeed. Well, I must be getting home, or I will not get enough sleep." Eina stood up, "There's no need-" She started as Ouka and Chigusa stood as well.

"It is our honour to see you home, Eina-sensei." Chigusa smiled shyly.

"We'll even pack and carry some leftovers for you." Ouka added.

A potential lunch made of Lilly's spicy food seemed to do it, and Eina relented, "Very well. Thank you for dinner."

"Who's a happy baby?" I asked as I held Yumi in the warm bath, smiling as she flailed about in the water, giggling at the noise she was making.

It was a little after the usual 'after dinner bath' that signified the end of our day, dungeon delving or otherwise, and we were giving the children a little time to get clean, and have a bit of fun in the water. Even Fen-chan was in the water, sitting like a good foxxo, making sure that no one was in danger of drowning, or even getting water in their ears.

But mostly because I didn't want to unsummon him, just to summon him again afterwards when we put the children to bed and I went to do other things.

Weine was here as well, also helping with 'swimming practise'. She was pretending to have Yuki race with Yumi, though really just holding her so she could flail about in the water safely. "I like your children." Weine said, blinking away a little water that got in her face, "They have so many giggles in them! Even when they cry sometimes, if you're really gentle, you can find the giggles again."

Haruhime and Aisha were outside the bath, trying to wrangle the children as they crawled about, trying to splash, or get out of the little washing tubs they were getting properly cleaned in. "Well kiddo, I'll tell you, for some people, they lose most of those giggles as they get older." Aisha explained, holding up Toshi, "I think you are clean, do you think you are clean?"

"Aaaabluphthhhh."

"Good enough." Ashia nodded, "Fox?"

"Got him."

"It's our job as parents and friends, to help them keep as many of those giggles as possible." Haruhime said, wiping down Kei, "Our reasons to be happy change as we get older, and some of the things that bring out our joy no longer work. But, that just means we need to find new things."

Weine looked thoughtful, carefully hugging Yumi before she got too distracted to help her keep above water (a very responsible thing to do, I noted), and said, "Or have help from a friend to find more?"

"That's right." The three of us said together. "Fen-chan?"

Without needing further instruction, Fen-chan gave Weine a ghostly slurp on the cheek, making both Yuki and Weine laugh.

With Fen-chan and Haruhime watching over the children, I managed to get to my 'new' lab. Technically, since I was no longer 'playing senile' I could have left the lab in the workshop next to the Smithy, but since we'd already moved it inside, and put holes in the outer wall for ventilation and the like, it seemed a waste of time.

Also, I was going to expand, and the nice corner of the workshop was just too small for what I had planned. AND! Very importantly, my new lab was inside the Manor, not in a building attached to it, which, in the eyes of the 'law', if anyone got caught in here, the penalties would be much steeper, and Fen-chan wouldn't be seen chewing on them if they were too slow to get away.

Oh, and it got me away from Welf's hammering. Loved the guy and his work, but when you're trying to enchant something, or research why something worked in this world, and not the other, it was hard to think with all the noise. Oh, and less noise meant I could have one or two of my children in here too, hmm...

No no, baby brain later!

I was just getting my first couple of bottles of healing pills done when Bell tapped on the door and opened it. Behind him, I could see Maki, who had the look of someone waiting in line.

"Miss Kodori, you're not too busy are you?"

"So long as you don't bump into anything, you can both come in." I said, "What's on your mind?"

"Well," He stepped inside and got out of the way for Maki, who shut the door behind her, "We were just thinking about the expedition, and I wanted your opinion. How long should we take to get ready? What should we bring? Who should we bring?"

"Well..." I got another batch of potions going, making a mental note on how long they would take, "'When' should be during the Donatis. If Freya is occupied there, she can't give direct orders to her Familia to bother us." I said it all in Eastern, so Maki could understand.

"And if the situation changes, they will be slower to react, or hesitate on changing the plan?" He guessed.

"Exactly." I smiled.

"Wow, you really do have a rule book here." Maki said in a slow Eastern so Bell could listen in.

"He helped me write it. He's my senior, as an adventurer." I said, "And no matter how strong I get, I still look up to him."

"Wow, he blushes really easily." Maki grinned, "I can see why you went into withdrawal."

Poor Bell did that nervous head scratch thing, "Okay, I think we can be ready in time. What should we bring then? Are you thinking of joining us, Miss Maki?"

"I might, if I can get a proper weapon made. Unfortunately, my skill with any kind of blade is limited, and I am not nearly strong enough to count as a supporter, yet." She said seriously, "Even with my magic, I am not quiet enough yet to fool anyone."

"I hope you can come, but, I don't want to push you if you think you aren't ready." Bell said seriously, "If we had a little more time, we would do some drills on the upper floors, just to get you used to what to expect." Bell tapped his chin thoughtfully, "I wonder if Miss Delly will come or not as well. Do you think Miss Ryuu will join in?"

"I think you should go ask her tomorrow morning." I nodded, "She's learned a lot as well, and could teach you far more than I could about the dungeon."

"Miss Aisha has been teaching all of us, when she could." He nodded, "Will you help us get ready then?"

"Of course. Already working on the potions." I hooked a thumb at my bubbling glassworks, "I might not be joining you, but I am still part of the Familia. Depending on time, I should have plenty of the basics done before you do an equipment check the morning of." I perked up, "Hey, maybe see if Momiji and Kaede want to join? I'm sure they'd do well, so long as you let them keep pace."

Bell frowned, then nodded, "Maybe as a reserve team? I will ask the others. My vote only counts double since I'm the cap-"

"I'm still on leave." I shook my head, reaching out and ruffling his hair.

"I'll be off then and gather opinions. Oh... Maybe Shinkage might want to join?"

"Maybe. But don't be surprised if she doesn't."

He gave us one last wave and left, closing the door behind him. "Wow... He really is like Issei. Or rather, Issei is really like him." Maki said, "Right down to the hair ruffling that never works."

I nodded, then motioned to a chair, "I should call them, just to see if they are still alive. Maybe ask for some advice." No maybe about it... "So what did you have in mind?"

She hmm'ed a moment to gather her thoughts, then, "Well, since I'm not how I used to be, my magic feels... different. Like it runs on a different kind of gas or something, if that makes sense."

"Yeah, I'm the same way with my usual magic and 'chi'." I summoned one of my little Foxfire, then a golden ball with fox ears, feeling both 'pull' from different energy inside me.

"As an adventurer, I have far less magic power. But, I still have my 'Chi'. Not as much since I lost my second tail, but if I recall, I'm better at it than you are."

"You make me proud." I nodded, making her blush a little.

"Well, I was wondering... If we are going to stick with weapons from 'this world'... How about a crossbow that fires off magic?"

"A gun shaped like a crossbow?" I gave her a dirty look.

"Too much?" She sighed as I nodded at her, "Then... why not a wand? I've seen a few already, when I went shopping with Lilly. She can carry all the things! I was really impressed."

"Well, I could make you any kind of wand you wanted, but powering it, not to mention what it would 'cast'. Most, if not all, mages here use actual spells. Bell is a rare case, and Delly even more so."

"Ah, I actually thought of that. Those capacitors still work, right? And you mentioned Welf and his magic sword right?"

"I suppose... But he doesn't really like making them, and I'm positive he wouldn't let you hold one." Oh sure, he'd be polite, or try and brush it off, but nope, not a chance he'd let Maki near one.

"Oh that's fine. We know that. But they don't." She made an 'over there' motion with her hand, "We can use those mathmagic things instead or something. I can charge up the capacitors when we aren't in combat, and use it when we really need it." She grinned, "We're Kitsune right? Act like it! Be all mysterious and stuff!"

I hmm'ed a moment, then nodded slowly, a few ideas forming. "Okay, lemme get some paper, and we can come up with a few ideas. Making it won't be too hard, but we have to be careful, since this is going to be a one of a kind thing... Wouldn't want anyone trying to figure out how mathmagic works, and either succeed, or worse, blow up the city by getting it wrong."

NOTES

And so we start into what I could salvage from the last couple of books. :) See? I'm still trying to keep the base material... well... as much as I can, since 'canon' is off crying in a corner now.

And yes, Maki is about to turn into a magic girl. :)