As I begin again...

This chapter marks the beginning of the third story of Kodori. For those just joining us, who may have happened upon this Danmachi fanfic while wandering about the site, please be aware that Kodori, the main character (when it isn't Chime, haha), now has 1.5 million words of history. Sure, there will be some 'summing up' of the last story early on. But that won't really explain a lot. :) You can find the first stories by going to my Author Page. :)

Also be aware, that I -like- to follow cannon as best I can. Now, at this point, there is very little of it left, considering what's happened so far. But there will still be some mentions of 'in the books'.

Also be advised, this fanfic is rated M. I don't write 'smut', but I also don't shy away from the occasional... 'noisy snuggle'. I also don't censor out things like blood/gore. I don't write a lot of it, but when it does happen, it's generally messy.

I put in many movie and game references. I am sad hardly anyone notices or comments on it, but that is my problem. :)

I think I've covered all the warnings and stu-... wait no.

I like comments. I like to reply and talk to my readers. I am sad when people comment without an account, because I can't reply. If you have a problem with something I wrote? Comment. I will either tell you why it happened, or change it because it was a mistake. I also use the occasional fan idea, or name. I'm really bad with names most of the time... Try to be polite at least. :)

Speaking of...

I am proud to present

A Dermegil Works production.

Story three of Kodori's (mis)adventures and multiple crossovers.

Foxxo Orario (see? Probably a terrible name...)

Chapter 1

(Maki)

One week.

It had been a week since I arrived in this strange new place. I don't remember much of my arrival, since I had apparently gone through some kind of 'magic translation' error. I don't remember the entire conversation, but some guy in a black robe told me so when I woke up in the infirmary of my new home. Though, that handsome God, Takemikazuchi, had to translate for me.

Before that though... wow. We were expecting there to be at least a little trouble while we waited for Kodori and her 'peerage' to get the last dungeon piece. And to no ones surprise, we had a little trouble show up. That was fine. We knew it was coming, and had it handled basically the instant it showed up. Monsters, a few devils, more monsters... It felt like a normal day honestly. But we had the two Oni, three gods, Sona and her peerage, a jade dragon, and Sun Wukong. 'Trouble' didn't know what hit it.

That was until the 'oops' happened. The dungeon fragment showed up with this massive two headed snake thing. We killed it, sure. It didn't stand a chance, especially after the two Oni got there hands on either head and ripped it in half down the middle. But it had almost killed Tomoe with what someone called 'magic napalm', but it had also just missed the Fairy Ring, with that gunk. Thankfully, we had healing potions, and all kinds of magic, and at worst, Tomoe would have missed a day of school.

When I arrived though... It felt like someone had pulled out my heart. And when I woke up, well, I was missing a tail, had a weird feeling that I'd lost something important, and was getting the explanation from this guy in a black familiar... wasn't my familiar anymore. She had been 'rejected' from my system at some point. She was still my friend though! And liked to hang out around the house, and seems to have just fit right in like Chime.

But I was here, alive, and feeling pretty good about starting my new life here.

Then... well... I found out what happened to the others.

The two Oni, sometime between when we arrived, with them holding up the dungeon fragment inside the Fairy Circle, so it wouldn't be touching the ground when it arrived... Well, they basically volunteered/told whom it might concern, that they were going to help put the dungeon bit back in place. I haven't seen them since, though I was sleeping when they visited yesterday.

Shinkage and Hagane... Aside from being just as weird as before, you know, being an adorable Loli who talks like an old man, and a metal cat that was as long as a car and wide as a motorcycle... They seemed to be just 'getting along' with everyone. I haven't heard Hagane talk since I arrived, but considering Shinkage was the 'brain' for both of them... Eh, whatever. They're getting along with everyone, and like a true dragon, ignoring all the weird looks.

Delly seems to have changed the most, and not just because she's gotten a lot quieter. First, she's grown to about a metre and a half or so. She still has the wings, ears and tail, and the adorable figure that most models would kill for. But she'd lost a little of her 'sparkle'. She hasn't said much about it. But it was a shocking change. Everyone seems to love her though, and she still has that weird... kinship with animals. The birds (phoenix-ostrich clones of all things) still love her, and all the orphans seem to gravitate towards her when ever she isn't in her room. She smiles for them, but I can tell it's just to be friendly, not because she's happy.

Jiru, the impossible, yet best patch of moss ever, is still the best patch of moss ever. About the only thing that's changed about it, is that it looks even more alive than before. Then again, the air in this place, this world, feels really good. Usually seen with Delly, though occasionally it wanders over to lay on the Gargoyle, Gros. I have no idea why. Maybe it's because moss likes to cling to stone, and Gros is a living statue? Even grew a weird stone flower for him. Gros himself doesn't seem to mind, and even though I don't know the common language here, he seems pretty chill for a grumpy lump of lawn decoration.

Sir Skitters... To anyone with arachnophobia, Sir Skitters would be the cure. Almost everyone in the house loves him, and for those that don't, he's been trying to make friends with them anyhow. He's beaten everyone he's played chess with so far too, so he hasn't changed at all as far as I can tell. Which is good... Someone had to stay 'normal' after all this...

Big sister though... Kodori. She's... well... kind of lost her marbles. Like... all of them. She arrived a few hours before we did, and from what I heard, it was... not a good homecoming. Having been with her for most of her stay in Kuoh, I'd be the first person to tell you how hard she tried to get back here.

First thing that happens though? Some cockbite named Ottar tries to drag her off to see Freya. Now, I'll admit, I did sneak a peek at the memory stone Kodori made of Freya. And she strikes me as the most elegant bitch you'd ever meet. Money, power, intelligence, she had it all. Except she had some VERY big blind spots common to those who had those things. And the first thing she tried to do when Kodori got back? Make her bow to her.

Yeah, not happening.

So, this Ottar guy gets his teeth handed to him, and my big sister drags him to the city square for all to see, and leaves him there. Eight months of trying to save the city... not a single cheer from the people.

That's how I heard it, at least. But, Kodori did warn me this place was very much run on rumour and reputation. And she already had a reputation for being 'violent'. That her nickname, 'The Demon Fox' wasn't because they knew she was a Kitsune, but because she turned into an insane beast when people pissed her off, and had fox ears.

So, Kodori gets home. And, from what I heard from Mikoto (the one who is teaching me the local language when Takemikazuchi isn't) was that Kodori got to the gate, saw her children, all being held by her wife, Goddess, and friends... Gave them all a hug (nine long fluffy tails and wide arms gives big sister a LOT of hug potential) and passed out.

After helping Kodori get back here, and seeing the lengths she went to, I could understand, if not relate to that reaction.

When she woke up however, she had changed. Back in Kuoh, Kodori was one of three things to you. An enemy, a (big) sister, or a mother. She just had this... way of dealing with people. Even after I nearly shot her with a shotgun, and nearly got her killed when she rescued me, she just... adopted me, and filled in all those spots in my life I didn't know I was missing. But now? No... She's just 'mother'.

Since 'waking up', she's hardly left the baby's room. When she does, it's either to shower, eat, or take her turn at doing dishes. And she always has at least two of her children with her. She hasn't said a single thing that hasn't been related to the children, and she hasn't slept in her room since returning either. To be fair, she herself had joked about chaining herself to the nursery wall.

Haruhime, or 'Hime' as everyone calls her... When I held Kodori's wedding ring, and the 'memory' of Haruhime filled my mind, I could tell she was special. Not just because of bias, which I know the memory stones have. But because she had been through so much, and could still be kind. Now though... I could tell this was not what she expected when Kodori got home. And to be honest, as the outsider, I can see it on everyone's face.

Kodori hasn't come home yet.

(Delly)

I had no idea this would happen. I've put up with a lot, living with Kodori. And honestly, it's just part of what I am. Being a creature of 'spirit', having my body change because of the 'material' is just... what happens.

Would you believe I started out my 'life' as a floating ball of light? Yup, I was a less dangerous Will of the wisp. Thanks to living near one of the few magical places left on earth, I grew a personality of my own, and became my own person! After a while, I started to mimic the people I saw, yet, I couldn't give up my wings. So, I became a pixie! A low level elemental fairy.

Then... well, I became a slave. An old man from Japan found me, trapped me, then enslaved me. He used a certain magic to bind me to a physical body, and then... well. It sucked.

Then Kodori punched his head off. I wished I was there to see it, though, red blood burns my skin like acid. So maybe 'see it while behind some glass' or something. Anyhow. Kodori then rescued me from that old man's granddaughter, healed me, and was about to let me go free. Except... well... I really liked her! She makes great food, has never once treated me poorly, and has only asked me to do things, never just 'told me what to do'.

Except well... When I became her Familiar, she held me inside her mana for too long, and I ended up with fox ears and a tail. It wasn't so bad really... my tail is great for hugging when I go to bed, and my ears let me hear all kinds of stuff. Then there was that time I helped her get rid of a demi-god's power from her body. Fenrir (yes, the giant wolf, Son of Loki), if you were wondering. That nearly got us both killed, and now my hair has changed to a silver/black/gold.

But this... When I crossed over to this world, not with her, since we were trying to do two things at once and she needed me to be away from her...

I've changed again. And this time, it's past 'the physical changing the spiritual' like before. No... I'm not a Fairy anymore... The 'rules' of this world, or rather, the 'magic system' if you want to call it something more 'modern', don't have 'Fairy' or the like. Instead, they have 'Spirits'. From what Eina (I instantly knew why Kodori respected her so much when we met) explained it as 'a race of people who are elemental by nature, and commonly have a very high magic potential'. A little clinical, but...

On the one hand, I am still alive, and not a bogglin. On the other, I'm no longer connected to Kodori, and I can't... feel as much as I could. Jiru is no longer my 'home'. Kodori is no longer my 'master', and I am no longer a creature of 'spirit'. I wasn't the only one to go through this kind of 'rule change' either. Maki is no longer a 'Devil'. Sir Skitters is no longer a Familiar (though he's still an awesome spider). And Loaner... Loaner is no longer a 'spirit fox'. He still has most of his abilities as a 'divine messenger', but is now like me, a 'material' being. I can tell he's a bit bummed out about it. But Maki's ex-familiar has been keeping him company when he isn't randomly exploring the place or mooching headpats from one of the others in the house.

Though, now that I've grown to this size... oh, right, when I stopped being a Fairy, I also grew. I'm like... a metre and a half tall! It's not saying much, when the average 'human' is more than a head taller than me. At least now I can eat a full sized meal, and get an actual back rub! Or take a bath and not risk drowning when someone else gets in.

The people here have been really kind and understanding of my situation. And the others Kodori brought home with her. But... I dunno. I still feel 'unwelcome'. Maybe it's an old habit? I know that Kodori said I would be welcome, but... until she says it, I just... don't.

Problem there is, well, when she herself got home, she just kind of... switched off. I've seen her dreams, and nightmares, and almost all of them revolved around her children. Would they remember her? Would the Dungeon win and take them from her? Things like that. But now her 'dream' has come true, and it seems to have just... broken her.

Not in a 'bad' way. I mean, she is still friendly, never rude, and makes the best food. But it's almost like she's turned into a machine. All the 'things' she used to do when she lived here still happen, but unless it involves her children there is no... personality to it. Like saying 'good morning' so someone on the street, then walking past them.

(Hestia, 8 days after Kodori's return.)

I hated politics. Maybe not quite as much as Kodori, who said it like it tasted bad. Or Marius, who said it like it was about to stab him, or even Bell, who sighed like he was going to miss dinner. But enough that I wanted to just... roll over in bed until it was too late to go.

Except, after the last two seasons or so of helping feed the children, sleep is one of those things that other people got. Feeding, burping, cleaning, changing, playing... But. It was so... rewarding. After a little while, I didn't seem to care that I'd just closed my eyes before one of them started crying about something. I just wanted to hold them until the crying stopped. Just because it felt... right.

So... there I was... at an emergency Donatus (God's meeting), feeling well rested and dreading the topic at the same time. (This is opposed to 'wishing I rolled over, because I didn't CARE about the topic'.)

I even felt a little tingle of joy... Though that might have been because I didn't see Freya anywhere. Heh heh... That'll teach you for picking on my children!

"Hestia..." Takemikazuchi whispered quietly from beside me, interrupting my moment of glee, and probably a silly smile. "It is good that you are in a better mood, but please, this will likely be very important." He smiled at me, "For once." Because yes, I knew he hated politics too, though he would never admit it.

"I know, but it's so hard to sit still!" We were still gathering in the big circular 'meeting hall' with its layers of seats, "Oh, even Soma is here."

"Hm, a new record. Twice in that many years." Hephaestus said as she found her seat beside me. "Hey Tiny, Take'." She greeted us both in turn, giving my head one of those heavy handed headpats, "Hmm, still in a braid?"

"Harder for the children to grab..." I mumbled, "Though with seven of them, standing still for more than a minute risks it getting pulled anyhow."

"It's not so bad." She laughed quietly, "Yumi? Or was it Yuki? Stole my eye patch! Right off my face! I thought they were going for my nose..."

"Ah, I remember. Yuki then drooled on it, and cried when you tried to take it back." Takemikazuchi nodded with a smile.

"I just gave up on getting it back... Thankfully Welf lent me a cloak so I didn't have to walk home with my face uncovered."

"You could have just stayed until we washed it for you." I grinned, "Or asked him to make you a new one. He'd have loved to take a break from the usual workshop chores." It felt good to make someone else into a stuttering idiot. Especially Hephaestus.

"-ahem- well, maybe next time. If there is a next time. How is she?" She tried to hide her blush, but that eye patch of hers only covered half her face.

I felt my heart twist a little, but tried to keep smiling, "She's been the perfect mother... I mean... I only wanted to help, not replace her, but... She sleeps only when they all do, only eats when she's called to dinner, and hasn't reacted to anything but the children. Not really anyhow..."

"Not really?" They both asked.

"May I have your attention please!" I was about to reply, but Royman, Ouranos's voice and the only 'child' who ever came in place of one of us gods, tapped one of those little wooden hammers down on the desk in the middle of all the seats, "I must respectfully ask that you all settle down." I never really liked him before, always looking too self important. But the last time I saw him, he'd changed so much I hardly recognized him. No doubt Kodori's work. "Thank you thank you. I don't want to keep you longer than needed. Like all of you, the guild has a lot of cleanup to deal with, now that the dungeon has started to quiet down again."

There was a little cheer from some of us, since yes, the only real reason most of us showed up at all was the food afterwards. This time though, it was probably less about the food, and more about relaxing after nearly three seasons of panic...

"First on the list." Royman continued, "Lord Ouranos, keeper of the Dungeon, and Lord of the city of Orario, has finally been able to suppress the dungeon's rage." He held up a hand before anyone could cheer, "However, there are still some irregularities left over from the recent trouble. His decree is this..." He unrolled a bit of paper, "The city as a whole, can now step down from full alert. Familia business may return to normal." He couldn't stop the cheering this time, but he was smiling too. Didn't blame him one bit... I was looking forward to seeing my entire Familia at the dinner table again...

"However!" He rolled up the paper and pulled out another one. Uh oh... "Due to the use of a vast amount of our stored goods, such as food, material, magic stone and other such things. The guild will continue to restrict the market for the rest of the winter season, and possibly to the end of spring." He tapped the hammer on his desk to stop a few of the more mercantile gods from boo'ing, "Don't worry. This is simply to make sure we can keep feeding people. Those of your Familias who wish to earn a little extra from working in Melen on the boats, or the mines up north, will still be given the small bonus in pay until the market becomes free again."

"Does this include the hold on land tax for those of us who recently moved into Orario?" Someone asked.

"Yes, those of you still living in the temporary homesteads in the warehouse district will not need to pay rent. However, it is expected that you find, or build, a home of your own before the end of Spring." Royman said, "Yes, Lord Apollo?"

I looked over to where Apollo was sitting, giving him my very best evil eye! "When will we be given notice on being allowed to stay? I've missed Orario so, and would rather not have to leave again."

"I could give you your answer now, if you wanted, Lord Apollo." Royman said, reaching into his vest for something.

Apollo, in his usual over theatrical way, rubbed his chin and then said, "Let all under the sun witness my defeat, or victory." He then looked at me, but my evil eye made him flinch!

"Very well." Royman -ahem-ed, "Lord Apollo, due to your Familia's efforts in helping suppress the dungeon, man the fishing boats, patrol the streets, and keep the City's Peace, you and yours will be allowed to stay." He then gave Apollo an evil eye even better than mine! "However! You are to restrain yourself, and your Familia, from interacting with Hestia Familia, until such time as She, or they, instigate interaction with you or yours."

I never remembered Royman having so much... spine before. He always looked like he wanted to be anywhere but in the middle of our meetings like this... But wow, that look gave me shivers.

"I understand, good Royman." Apollo said with that infuriating smile of his.

There was a very heavy moment of silence, and I could feel all the eyes in the room sort of... gravitate to me. But! Unlike before, I knew this was coming, and was ready.

"Hestia." Takemikazuchi whispered to me, "Take a deep breath."

Okay, mostly ready.

"Now to a more... Delicate matter." Royman said, with a frown. I could tell he didn't want to talk about this, but was duty bound to bring it up. "Due to a bit of... odd luck. When parts of the dungeon were stolen, a high class adventurer was taken with them. No doubt you all know her name by now..."

There was a pause, and I could hear the gods whisper 'The Demon Fox' or 'Kodori', to those gods who were newer to the city. I felt a little pride... but anxious too...

"Yes. Kodori Haruhime, of Hestia Familia. She was taken away along with the dungeon, and over the last two and a half seasons, managed to recover and return them. I have in my hand a letter from her, sent about a season ago."

I felt a cold lump in my stomach. I hope she was at least polite in that letter! Though, I couldn't really ground her more than she was already... I think Royman was thinking the same thing, since he read the letter over quickly, and gave it a little nod of approval.

"To the Gods and Goddesses of Orario, to those visiting the city who plan to stay, and those who came to help and intend on leaving after the crisis ends."

Hephaestus mumbled to me, "She's gotten better at the whole 'polite' thing. Must be important."

"While the city, my home, is in trouble, and I work towards fixing the problem, I have sent back knowledge from my homeland. If Guildmaster Royman has done his job properly, and I'm sure he has, he has delivered to many of you Gods and Goddesses, parts of that information I sent back."

The reaction was mixed, and I could see a few of the Gods I knew, like Miach and Demeter nod, while others simply looked puzzled.

"I intended this knowledge for everyone. And the only reason some of you do not know about it, is because you and your Familia were not specialized for that information." Royman simply spoke the next part louder, to drown out the grumblings in the crowd, "Now that the task is over, copies of these techniques that do not rely on magic stone, for things ranging from Agriculture to Waterwheels, will be freely available to anyone interested."

There was another murmur in the stands, but I was pleased there were no grumbles.

"Ahh," Royman paused his reading, "I am going to correct her here, just so there is no confusion. Making copies of these books does take a little time and money, so there will be a small fee. Her knowledge is free, paper, not so much."

Royman smiled while others laughed. Hephaestus mumbled something about making more 'print press' and Takemikazuchi crossed his arms and nodded approval, "I intend on sending one of those back East. Possibly more than one."

"The book will start to become available in a week or so." Royman finished up, "Now to matters more... concerning."

I felt my left eye twitch. Here it comes...

"Kodori, upon her return, brought several people with her."

"I AM GANESHA!"

Nearly all of us facepalmed at the same time.

"Yes Lord Ganesha?" Except Royman, he was professionally unphased.

"I must say that the colourful ones are very interesting!" He did a flex even while sitting, "I ammmmm Ganesha! And I think Mr. Takemikazuchi knows more than I!"

All eyes went to Takemikazuchi, even mine, "I can speak for them only so far. They are not 'monsters' in the sense people will think by looking at them. But if Spirits are the 'beloved race of the Gods', then they are from a race 'cast down by the Gods'."

This didn't seem to satisfy everyone, but Royman at least nodded understanding. "Can you vouch for them in any capacity?" He asked.

"Kodori has assured me, that while they are creatures of battle, they have honourable souls, and will act accordingly." Takemikazuchi said.

I felt I had to say something, since those two huge... people... were technically living at my home too. "They have good manners, and the children like them... mostly."

More than a few people asked, "Mostly?" at the same time.

"Well, the red one smiled once. It didn't go well." Poor Chie soiled herself when she saw how many teeth he had! "They've only visited once since they arrived, but there were no problems."

"My captain Finn thinks they're a riot!" Loki chimed in, "Maybe a little too serious, but very capable. They even understand basic dungeon etiquette."

Royman nodded to himself, "If they cause any problems, be sure to report it. While it is not unheard of for people without Familia," He paused to look at me, and I shook my head, "to go into the dungeon, I think this is the first time we've had such capable fighters go in."

"If they give anyone trouble, who has not earned it, speak to me directly." Takemikazuchi said firmly, and I couldn't help but cling to Hephaestus as ice went down my spine.

"Ah, very well then." Royman adjusted his collar, paused, then, "Lastly... This is the final matter. Lady Hestia? Is there anything you'd like to report? A possible level gain within your Familia?"

Everyone turned their eyes to me again, and I couldn't help but fidget... "Well, you see... Every time I try to update her status, something happens."

"Something?"

Flashback montage

"Kodori? Want a status upda-"

"Shh, lady hestia... They're sleeping."

Hestia finds Kodori sleeping in the middle of the big 'crib/playpen' all her children sleeping around her. Carefully, she tries to sneak up on her, to lower the loose fitting 'house kimono' that lets her breast feed easily.

Hestia then has to sleep with them, because Kodori has nine tails, but only seven children.

Hestia tries to update Kodori's status in the bath, except the instant she sits down behind her, her tails hand her a cloth while Kodori offers her a child to hold while she rinses her other child off carefully.

End flashback.

"So you see... I just can't seem to get close to her..." I sighed, my face getting hot.

"I see. Well, be sure you report it, if you need to." Royman said seriously, and was about to lift the little hammer to signal the end of the meeting...

Then someone said, "Isn't she only level five?"

"She beat Ottar though, didn't she?"

"That should be impossible! He's the King! Level seven! Freya not being here (for once) is proof SOMETHING happened!"

Royman got everyone's attention with the little hammer of his, "Yes. It is true. And for the assault of Freya Familia against the Hestia Familia, the guild will be levelling a fine." Royman gave me an apologetic look, "However... This does beg the question of 'how'. BUT!"

That got everyone's attention. Royman never yelled at one of these meetings...

"Lady Hestia. Tell us her condition?" He asked gently.

"Kodori is... not fit for the dungeon. She's been locked inside with her children since she got back, and hasn't shown any signs of caring about anything else. She hasn't even left the building since she returned." I sighed.

"Understood." He nodded. Now, to be fair, he already knew all this. He visited yesterday! But even I could tell he was trying to help me out. "Thank you for your time, Lords and Ladies of Orario, and those visiting from your own towns and cities. If you have any further questions a guild representative will be happy to answer them, or direct you to someone who can." He tapped the little hammer down.

We all started to file out, though I didn't bother standing up until almost everyone had gone. Being short made me look cute, but well... I couldn't push through a crowd if my life depended on it.

"Huh... Soma is coming over." Hephaestus said.

"Hestia..." Soma, the scruffiest God to ever descend, looked down at me, "Tell her thank you."

"You can tell her yourself." I replied with a smile. I never really got along with Soma... No one really did, but he almost never left his garden to talk to anyone, let alone get along with them. But I also knew he wasn't a bad person, if you could get past his obsession with wine. "I don't know what the children will think of you though."

He shook his head, "I don't know if I like children. But... also..."

Hephaestus Takemikazuchi and I tilted our heads at the exact same angle, "Also?"

"One of my Familia wants to talk to her... Do not be alarmed." And he shuffled off without waiting for a reply.

"Huh." I mumbled, "I think that's the first time I've heard him speak more than four words in a row."

Freya.

I was frustrated. Angry even. But, I would not let it show on my face. I would never let something so petty as 'base emotion' ruin my image.

Ottar's failure to bring that irritating Fox to me had done enough damage to my image as it was... And true to her 'threats', my Familia was already getting the 'cold shoulder' from the merchants, and the guild was still deciding the 'fine' to 'punish' me for my Familia's 'assault' on Hestia!

My poor treasure Ottar... He hadn't left his chambers since then either... I could tell he was upset at the loss, even more so than when he had been defeated before, at the hands of Hera and Zeus Familia... But, he overcame them, and he will overcome her.

Behind me, there was a tap at my viewing room door, and I turned away from the balcony, and the view of Hestia's little playpen, to answer. "Enter."

A short tan skinned cat folk walked in. Black hair, beautiful blue eyes, black clothes that clung wonderfully to his lean wiry build, he was my precious Allen Fromel. If my Ottar was the strongest in the city, Allen would be the fastest. "Lady Freya." He said quietly, and I could tell something was wrong, "I bring my report..."

I motioned for him to sit and I closed the door of my balcony and sat across from him, "You don't sound confident? Not bad news I hope? You weren't discovered?"

"I'm not sure to be honest, Lady Freya." He said leaning forward, his hands together, elbows on knees, those lovely ears of his drooped forwards, "As you commanded, I got closer to their Manor, to see what I could of the new people she brought, or her children, or even her. But... I couldn't get closer than the top of the wall."

"Even you? Did they have some kind of magic in place? People on watch? Not that gargoyle I'm sure..."

"No... I don't think any adventurers saw me, or even that pet monster. But, no matter where I tried to come in..." He shivered, "I was being watched."

"By what? What has you spooked so?" I went to the other couch, to give those lovely ears a pet to calm him.

"Foxes... As soon as I would so much as look over the wall, I would see their glowing eyes looking directly at me." His tail lashed back and forth once, twice, "I made no noise, I avoided all light, I moved as fast as the wind, but if I so much as glanced over the wall, even from a distance, no less than three pairs of eyes would be looking at me. Two of them in particular... A white one, and a black one. They both seemed to be the closest to me no matter what angle I tried to look in from." He looked at me suddenly, "Please forgive me, Lady Freya?"

I didn't frown. I very much wanted to, but it seemed this avenue of pressure was blocked to me, for now. "It's all right, dear Allen. Go, have something to eat, rest. If you can think of another way, please, suggest it to me." I let his ears go.

He stood up slowly, "I've never been afraid in the dungeon. But seeing those eyes looking at me... I felt like prey." And he left the room head down in shame.

I waited until the door had latched before pouring myself some wine. That brute of a half animal thinks herself clever? Well defended? "We will see, Demon Fox. I will win in the end. I always do."

Shinonome Momoji, and her friend Tsukinokami Kaede, stood just to the side of the Hestia Familia's manor. Both of them were dressed in a style common to 'the East', though, they were quite different from each other. Momoji, a black haired Renard, who's tail had a hint of a grey 'paintbrush' on the end, was dressed in a style common to a Miko. White sleeveless Gi, with the sleeves tied to her upper arm, red obi and skirt, along with tough red leggings and good adventuring boots. Kaede on the other hand, was dressed as a warrior. She wore a Gi and a pair of shorts in a nice blue grey, along with a yellow bandana, lavender obi, and wrapped her modest breasts in the traditional binding wrap instead of a bra or the like. She was not a Renard however, but a Hume Bunny, an animal race with rabbit ears.

Nearly identical in height at a meter and a half (including their ears), they looked back at each other with similar yellow eyes, and sighed as one.

"I'm very nervous." Momoji said quietly.

"Maybe this is a bad idea? I mean, she beat Ottar! And just... left him in the middle of town." Kaede said, "I know you think she's a Kitsune from legend, but..."

Momoji gripped her oonusa (a short rod with the traditional paper charms on the end) and shook her head, "I must know for sure. I know you followed me so I wouldn't be alone, but you don't have to stay."

"What sort of friend would I be if I did that? Besides, we're both on our training trip. But maybe we should come back another day? She did just come back, and well... she has children too, right?"

Momoji opened her mouth to reply, but someone else said "Yip!"

They both blinked, looked around for a moment, then looked down. It was a white fox. They hadn't noticed it at all, and it was now looking up at them from between them. "It's a fox." Kaede said, one of her bunny ears twitching.

"Yip." The fox said, somehow adding in an implied 'well yes, what else would I be?' to the simple sound.

Momoji gave the fox a careful look. Pure, no, radiant white fur, with thin crimson swirls over its face and body. "Not just any fox I think... no, I am certain." Momoji knelt, "This is a messenger fox. A Kitsune's servant." She offered her hand to Loaner, who gave it a couple of sniffs, "Or at least... they used to be, as legends tell it."

Loaner gave her one of his patented 'raised eyebrows' at the word servant, but decided to test this girls head pat ability, putting his ears under her hand.

"Oh, seems friendly enough." Kaede laughed, "Isn't nearly as skittish as the ones we saw on the way here."

Momoji took the obvious hint, and very carefully gave Loaner the headpats he desired, earning herself some happy tail flailing and pleased grumbles from the small fox. "Legends say they were as smart as any person, and were unfailing messengers. Sadly, it also says they were hunted to extinction."

"Ah, Mr. Loaner." A friendly voice said, the barred gate opening up just enough to let someone out, "Have you found some friends?" Almost a head taller than the two girls, the young man was obviously an adventurer. Even in 'casual' clothes, he was still wearing metal shin and arm guards, and carried a dagger on each hip. His white hair and red eyes had earned him the name 'Rabbit' from some, but the city as a whole knew him as 'Little Rookie'.

Even these two, who had arrived some time during Kodori's disappearance, knew the name and description. "You must be Bell-san." They said together, standing up and bowing to him. "Please, forgive us for standing outside your home's front gate." Momoji continued.

"It's fine." Always amiable, Bell waved it off.

"Loaner? Is he yours?" Kaede asked.

"Mine? No, not at all. Mr. Loaner is very much his own fox." Bell insisted oddly, "He is one of the friends Miss Kodori brought back with her." They all looked down at Loaner, who, despite having his headpats interrupted, looked up at them and flailed his tail about happily.

"Ah! Is... Is Lady Kodori here?" Momoji asked.

"I thought she was married?" Kaede mumbled.

"Well... She's kind of... She has been inside taking care of her children, and hasn't left home since she got back." It was obvious he was doing his best to dance around the issue, though, his 'best' was somewhat lacking considering how honest he was. "Maybe if you came back another day? Oh!" He offered his hand, "I'm Bell Cranell, acting captain of the Hestia and Takemikazuchi alliance."

They both realized they'd forgotten introductions as well, and bowed to him instead of taking his offered hand, "Shinonome Momoji." "Tsukinokami Kaede." They said. "We're from Soma Familia."

"Ah, Lady Hestia said someone from Soma Familia would visit." He nodded with a smile, "I'll be sure to let Miss Kodori know you visited... when she has a moment."

"Thank you, Bell-san." They said, "We will leave for now. Nice meeting you too, Loaner-san."

Loaner 'yipped' once to say goodbye, and he and Bell watched them vanish around the corner.

"What do you think, Mr. Loaner?" Bell asked, kneeling down and carefully resuming the interrupted headpats.

"I like her." He said to him through the only real 'power' he had kept after coming here, save that of his foxfire. "She gives better ear scratches than you, but she also doesn't wear gloves."

Bell laughed a little nervously, knowing, but still not used to Loaner's ability to 'talk' in his head, "Sorry, it's just habit to wear them when I go out." He took off his glove, wiped his hand on his shirt, and resumed his attentions, "Is... is she going to get better?"

"Let her have her moment of quiet... ooo yes much better..."

(Haruhime)

(Exactly 11 days after Kodori returned home...)

I didn't want to worry. I was done with worry. For the entire time my love had been away, the entire manor had been clouded by it. It had felt like worry had soaked into the very stone of our home. Over time, it had eased a little, our leader, my wife, the mother and father of our children, assuring us that she was doing well. That while it was difficult, she was taking care of herself, as well as doing her best to restore what had been stolen from us.

I had been worried, that when she returned our children would not know her. That her time lost trying to save their future, would make them forget her. Welf had suggested letting them hold memory stones of her, and when Ko-san returned, one of my greatest worries was relieved. They even spoke to her, speaking their first learned words, 'o-ma'. The look of joy on her face, even as she bled at the front gate... She is strong, yet her heart is soft, if you know where to touch. And I was overjoyed that she had not lost that in her time away.

Sadly though, worry was not done with me yet.

She had passed out from exhaustion, holding as many of us as she could. And, as a Familia, we got her to our infirmary, treated her wounds, and brought her to the children's room. Yet, when she woke... She had nothing on her mind but our children. I am ashamed to admit, I held a sliver of doubt she might not want to care for them as I and Hestia had been. She was a warrior, and had spent so much time away from that duty, it wouldn't be that strange... But no, she had gone in the other direction, so much so...

So again, I was worried. Her mind seems gone, back to the early weeks where we both dedicated ourselves to the frantic, sleepless yet oh so rewarding efforts of raising our children.

"Ha-san?" I rubbed one eye, then the other carefully, realizing my attention had wavered from what I was doing, "Is something wrong?"

I had noticed Ko-san's stack of 'Tarot' cards, left in a neat pile among her forgotten equipment in our room. Akeno's Tarot had been on top, the gentle faced young lady, standing, dressed in a traditional shrine maiden's robe, her long hair vanishing behind her back, only to curl around her leg as if she had just done a little spin in place. I don't know why, but on impulse, I had picked up the card and looked into it.

Now, she and I were facing each other, and all the thoughts, the worry had rushed back to me.

"It has been... difficult." I replied, shaking my head, no, I wouldn't be evasive, not with the one who I'd trusted my love's heart to, while I couldn't hold it myself, "Ko-san seems to have lost all interest in everything but our children. Ever since she returned..."

So I told her what I had just thought, before she'd called out to me.

"Her return meant almost everything to her." Akeno said quietly, "We had to work very hard to make sure she took care of herself, so she didn't skip meals or sleep, and even then, we occasionally had to tie her down." Akeno laughed quietly, the same 'fu fu' Kodori had been doing recently. "I am curious, Ha-san. Do you know what day it is?"

I shook my head, "We are a little shy of the middle of winter, but otherwise... no?"

Akeno smiled a little, "Today, here in this world, is..." She paused, took a breath, and said, "Christmas." She squinted one eye, as if her head suddenly hurt, but continued, "Ignoring its origins, it is a time for giving gifts to friends and family. Ko-san already left a message with someone, to tell us where she hid our gifts. Even with everything going on, she has been very thoughtful."

"We have no such tradition." I shook my head, "Ko-san has always been thoughtful, especially to her friends."

"Well, here is my gift to you, for all your help, even from so far away." Akeno smiled, "Advice. The same advice you gave us when we were doubtful. Trust her. Even now, I am sure she is thinking of you all, even if she has finally let herself take a vacation."

I sighed, then smiled. I was right to trust her. It wasn't time to worry. "It's not what now..."

"It's what next." Akeno returned my smile, "Though... while I don't wish to presume... have you tried talking to her tails? They are far less... resistant to bribery than Ko-san."

"Perhaps I will skip brushing them for her for a day..." We laughed quietly.

"Mr Marius." Bell started, he and all the others of both Familia standing at the door as Chigusa helped him get into his armour for the last time, "Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" He asked, voicing everyone's thoughts on the matter. "It's only been a week since the emergency has been called off."

"Duty." Marius said simply, waiting for Chigusa to check his shoulder strap under his pauldron before standing, his heavy adamant armour hardly making a noise. "It hasn't been as fun as I'd like, but it was good to repay some of the debt I owe you all, and this city." He gave Chigusa a light pat on the shoulder, then had to catch Chime as she jumped from someone's shoulder, "You've treated me better than family, but I have a kingdom to run, and I will see it prosper."

Everyone nodded or smiled, "We look forward to your letters. Your visit does not excuse you from them." Mikoto said, accepting Chime back after Marius had given her a little attention.

"I might 'forget' just so you will make good on your threat to visit." He grinned, "And while I'm sure you've all had your differences, Ma'am Asfi would like to see some of you at least." That last was said while he gave a look to Kodori, standing in the back and very quietly hugging Tatsuo and Tatsuko, her mind elsewhere even now. "And yes, it has been a week since the city has stepped down from alert. Which means the 'Rakia presence' while helpful, is no longer wanted in the city." He shrugged, putting his helmet on.

"Don't say that!" Welf laughed, "Sure sure, the 'people' don't like you guys much, but the adventurers love you guys! Well... after you sent those -other- soldiers back..." Referring to the one and only incident of Marius's soldiers getting out of line.

"Well, maybe in a year, some of you can visit, and I'll treat you to something from our new wine fields." Marius chuckled, "Thank you again, and make sure to come home at the end of the day."

(Marius)

He and his Ninety four soldiers (six had been lost in the 'final push' to restore the dungeon), marched in neat rows and columns, wagons filled with cargo, both supply and trade goods, protected in the middle of the formation. It had been a long fight, filled with many tough battles, tragic losses, and tough decisions. But in the end, he and his soldiers, his people, had left a good impression on Orario. As a King, that was just as important as helping his friends, the little Alliance Kodori had forged together from two almost unknown Familia.

They certainly had a reputation now though... Even people back home knew of 'the demon fox', though, after surviving the harsh winter, she had another name to some, 'the harvest fox'. Her and her familia's 'care package' had helped an incredible amount, and this winter, provided the sky didn't fall on their heads, would be their easiest one in remembered history.

"Sir." One of his soldiers approached him. Unlike most of his troops, who wore the new styled 'heavy armour' this one was wearing a tough but much lighter breastplate and leather, a scout and hunter. "I've spotted a fox. It's following us just out of bow range."

He looked up at the sky, noting that it was still an hour until sun down, "Leave it be. Foxes are a sign of luck, even if it might steal a little food when you aren't looking." Or beat you up for a complicated plan to reform an entire nation... "Is my prize still secure?"

"The iron box sir? Yes sir. If I might be so bold sir... I've never seen such design, or such a lock before."

"Not surprising." He waved it off, "Thank you. Remember, ignore the fox, or any others you might see. We camp at the mountain pass."

"Yes Sir. I will inform the other scouts."

Nothing disturbed his sleep, but when he woke the next morning there was an odd key under his hand. He'd never seen such a complicated key, with its ridges and grooves along the metal, but he had no doubt where it came from.

NOTES!

And so we slowly ease into the new story. The newest members are dealing with a little culture shock, the older members are dealing with a fox with baby brain, and the city itself is starting to deal with the 'fallout' of a long dungeon siege.

Now, I know, this isn't the most... robust of beginnings, but I myself have to get back into 'Orario', and the original cast was big enough... Now that I've added more to the cast... well, it's a little overwhelming. :)

But, I'll do it. See you all in five days.

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?

... Also... I couldn't think of a better name for this one... But well, I've added Maki, Loaner, Maki's still unnamed fox, and seven children to the story. So yeah, Orario is now full of foxxo's. :)