My notes are now at the bottom.
...
The War Game ended and the result was more than they could hope for. It pleased the two spectators watching through a Divine Mirror. The Mirror still remained, as they watched the young girl scoop up the necklace. Without much else, they continued to spectate. Their conversation was background noise.
"So they won," the woman said.
An old man laughed, "Just like I knew they would. She's going to be a fine mage."
"Zeus, you know I have to go, right?" The woman sighed.
A melancholic look passed on the Lord of Thunder's face. "I know. Are you positive that you will be well-received?"
"It's not them I'm worried about. It's most of Orario. It's not every day you walk in after fifteen years of isolation. Not to mention how much I have to conceal myself. I could easily pass off as a level five if I'm lucky. But you convinced me to ascend higher."
"Hey!" Zeus shouted in mock offense, "am I chopped liver?"
"Considering the number of times you've tried to peek at me…you're lucky that I still have my falna. Let's on to where I've gotten now…"
The God sighed with a small reminiscent chuckle, "Yes that decade quest you went on. I'm glad it was successful, but you're the only one of your kind now."
A smirk, "A badge I wear with pride if only to protect what I still hold dear. Now, I must prepare my final few items. They will need me."
The Lord of Thunder hated this, but she was right. She was needed. Hermes had taken a little trip as soon as the War Game ended, and he arrived in a few days' time. Compared to normal, it takes two weeks. He said Freya was planning something…
"Answer me honestly, Zeus," the woman across from him said, not having moved. Zeus stared seriously into her eyes, meaning she had his full attention. "Are you ever going to reveal yourself to Bell?" He looked away, a finger hooked under his beard, "I've asked for years…I think I deserve an answer. Hermes seems to have faith in him, doing whatever. But he needs to know the truth or I'm telling him."
The man sighed, "I still believe that I shouldn't, but I don't want to derail his goal. Did you know that his soul has never been reincarnated before? This is the first time this soul has been back since before the Age of the Gods."
"You can't be serious…" her finger dropped from his chin. "He's…him? You managed to get that soul in him? Please don't tell me that you used that ritual."
"I did. He truly is the Hero we need, and your family is one such piece needed to support him. According to our messenger, he is surrounded by people who support him. And even fancies a certain hero's daughter, as much as I want him to have a harem, I won't force the boy. His parents wanted the best for him…Meteria…why did she have to be afflicted with that illness? Alfia too…they were great people-"
"-despite your attempts to peek."
"-and why Zald followed her path. They even met Bell, wanting him to grow up. Even though she hated his father, she still had a soft spot for him."
"Those two were terrifying in their own right, and I enjoyed my chats with both girls…and I even tried to save her with magic…"
"Meteria appreciated it, and Hera did too. Alfia was…"
The woman snorted, "A little too prideful for a young woman like her. Coming from me…that's saying something."
Zeus let out a hearty laugh, one which made the woman smile. "Yeah, you and your prudish ways…I bet you have a great-"
"Flattery won't let you peek. My husband is the only one who got to see me at my weakest and most vulnerable. A shame he couldn't be here to see them grow. He's the only man who will get to put his hands on my bare skin," she fixed Zeus with a glare. That looked softened, "What about their gift?"
"It should be storing excelia for when the time is right, and it may just be working now…" Zeus said as he felt something tickle in the back of his mind. "Yes…they've risen. Oh?" The woman's inquisitive stare had her full attention, "already a decent way to the next rank. H for everything."
"How?! There's no way…"
Zeus gently laid a hand on her shoulder, "Go on, get yourself ready. Just…please be safe." The woman knew at that point, he wasn't talking to her.
Keep them safe, Dia.
Mikoto was elated that they won the War Game, and after moving into the Manor, renamed Hearthfire Manor, Mikoto went to the bathhouse. Her own bathhouse. She planned on using this a lot…and if she was lucky…maybe she could ask Isaac to…
"Why am I like this when I think of him? We haven't even gone on a.." the realization came over her. She whispered to herself like a madwoman. "We're going on a date…we're going on a date! Eeeeeeeeee!" She squealed, splashing the water a little.
She was unaware of someone entering the Manor, intent on seeing her.
That someone was Isaac Vlahos. He had wanted to ask her properly. He realized that he basically demanded her to go on a date, and she has every right to refuse, being his courted or not. Irene had teased him extensively about it. Even Dia joined in on the fun.
That was after she scolded them about meeting Lady Freya for breakfast. When they explained that Ottar had 'escorted' them, she quickly changed her tune. Dia wanted to know what they talked about.
The twins explained everything, and when it was mentioned that Isaac stabbed himself when Freya put her foot on his leg—even the simple actions from a Goddess of Beauty are over the top—she freaked out. Isaac appreciated the sentiment.
So, he traveled around the Manor, learning the layout. It was still so new to everyone that just a basic understanding was complex, much like life. Bell had told Isaac that Mikoto was taking a bath. Isaac thought for a moment—and it was a good choice to think twice—and just told him to take him to the dining room or a common room.
The room was stocked with bookshelves of knowledge and furniture. Couches, chairs, end tables, coffee tables, the whole shebang. The room displayed the new Hestia Familia symbol, a bell mixed with a heart. Bell explained it, "The bell represents...well, me. The Hearth is for the Goddess's other name, Vesta."
"Sounds like someone has a crush on a certain someone," Isaac teased.
Bell flushed, "It's not like that. I have respect for her and it's one of the main reasons why. The other is...I'm chasing after my idol."
Ah, Ais Wallenstein. Yeah, you think you're slick, but most people already know—except ironically enough—the girl herself. Really know how to pick 'em, don't you, Bell? Isaac mused to himself. If Irene heard him, she didn't respond.
"What was in that room?" Isaac asked as the giant double doors appeared and disappeared as they walked by.
"Apollo being an egomaniac, that's what, he had statues of himself," a voice said. Hestia herself has come by. The Goddess of the Hearth was still being herself, but she had taken strides in leading a Familia.
"Can I wreck a few?" Isaac asked with a predatory gleam.
"Outside the City, maybe."
Unfortunately, Isaac's glee was ruined when Lili came out.
"Goddess Hestia, you must understand the importance of finances of a Familia, otherwise, we will never recruit new members!" the little Prum said, holding a piece of paper in hand, waving it about.
The quarter-elf greeted the Prum, "Lili, nice to see you not as Luan, and the outfit clashed with you."
"Mister Isaac...are you here for Miss Mikoto?" Lili said. He nodded, but when Lili asked him what about, he was silent. His ears ratted him out. Hestia chose to not comment, but snicker at his plight. It was amusing to a Virgin Goddess to see two children dancing around one another. Yet, from what they've managed to get out of Mikoto, she is nervous. Isaac displayed no such nervousness.
If only they knew.
They all sat at a common room table, "I've been hearing things, Lady Hestia," Isaac said. "You have something planned. Dia let me in on it and I think it's a great first step."
"Why thank you, Isaac. I figured since our Familias won the War Game we could recruit more adventurers and non-combatants willing to convert, or even fresh new adventurers, and thanks to Miss Supporter, we can do that."
"What were the conditions for this place?" Isaac asked. "You both got something you desired from Apollo as a consultation. However, Dia told me to ask you. She avoided my question and while I can usually wring it out of her, she was adamant that I speak to you. Even with Irene's help, we couldn't get her to tell us."
Hestia cleared her throat, getting serious, making Isaac raise an eyebrow. Must be important if she, of all deities, is putting on such a serious face. "The condition that we both wanted was Apollo to be banished from Orario, his Familia is disbanded, and we gained all of his assets."
"I heard a 'we' in there…" he said cautiously.
Hestia sighed, "Dia did not even let a hint slip? Wow...okay, in short, our homes have 'merged' in a way."
Not far off, the black-haired samurai was dressed and ready as she heard Isaac's voice, "Her condition was for us to move in?"
The girl paused around the corner, hearing Goddess Hestia's voice, "Yes. It was actually pretty simple."
The loli Goddess was hiding something though, and it required Loki's presence to be there. That meeting would be taking place very soon.
"Simple?!" Isaac exclaimed, taking Bell and Lili by surprise—Welf was in his forge, hence the lack of his presence. However, the reason for his outburst was a little more embarrassing. "Elven tradition, at least to what I remember from what Mom and Dad tried to teach me was that the courted and courtee couldn't live under the same roof...until...marriage…"
""Marriage?!"" That was Lili and Hestia. Bell seemed to have second-hand embarrassment if his 'eh?!' was any indicator.
Mikoto felt her heart thud uncontrollably in her chest. I'd have to be married to him? Lady Irene would never let me live it down. Still, the girl did not particularly mind the idea. It just seemed...too soon.
"N-Not like marriage marriage, but in traditional elven marriage," Issac exclaimed, but realized how much worse it was about to get. If there was one thing that made it awkward, it was explaining elven marriage to non-elves. Some would say 'smooth-eared' people if they were being racist assholes…
...oh wait, that's like...the majority of elven culture. Isaac still remembers the letter, 'All elves are stuck-up snob noses unless they prove it otherwise.' Riveria and Ryuu are two such examples, throw Lefiya and Alicia as well. He hasn't interacted with the latter of the last two much, but he's digressing.
"Well, what is considered 'traditional' elven marriage, Isaac?" Bell asked. He soon would regret asking that.
"Elven marriage is actually considered romantic in a sense. It requires the courted pair to spend the day together, and head out to a forest with a full moon," he started, and it only went downhill from there. "The next part is the most important, and...it requires consent from both parties. Elves have their pride and chastity. Pride is one thing I could give less of a—pardon my language—fuck about, but the latter…I cherish that…just about as much as I cherish making sure she's fine."
"The point, Mister Isaac?" Lili asked, rushing him.
Decided it would be better to ask, "You want me to sugar coat it or just say it?" Lili gave him a look. "Alright. Simply put, you go on a date, enter a forest under the moonlight, and then you fuck, with the moon as your witness."
Bell's flushed face was one thing, and Hestia nodded, expecting that, which Isaac found odd, and Lili was off-put. She didn't expect that. "O-Okay…"
"You asked me to not sugarcoat…"
The spectator was now a blushing mess. Meaning if...oh...I'm not ready for that!
"Now, affection isn't out of the question, kissing, hugging, or even a wandering hand is fine. I don't know who said that elves can't or don't flirt, but apparently, I've had to deny some courting proposals in my travels." Once again, reminding them that he was originally from the Far West. "I can apparently say the right things and it comes off as a lady-killer move. However…" he got a dopey grin, "only one person has my heart. I heard she was in the bath, and have no intention to barge in, but I do have to see her. I kinda made a claim, which sounded more like a demand. I wanted to ask her about it properly." He rubbed the back of his neck.
Footsteps sounded off in his ear, Isaac's level four stats allowed him to hear...heels? Isaac began to pale. There's no way she just heard all that...I can never show my face again.
"I-Isaac?"
He slowly turned around to see the very red face of his courted, Yamoto Mikoto. Her arm curled around the other and Isaac turned red as well...knowing now that she heard everything. How did I not hear her? To be fair, he hasn't gotten adjusted with his stats yet. "M-Mikoto...hey...I…"
"We're not doing the forest thing!" she shouted.
While that hurt to hear, he shrugged it off, "I w-wasn't going to ask you to...but I did want to do this…" he stood from his spot and walked over to her.
She flushed even further, feeling her blood rise to the surface. She was wondering what he was about to do? Is he going to k-k-ki-kiss me h-here? In f-front of e-everyone?! The Far Eastern girl was seconds from running, she felt like her skin was melting.
That all changed when her hand was gently grabbed, and when she flinched, he paused, almost dropping her hand entirely. Through a shred of will, did she grip his hand, telling him silently that it was okay. "Since I finally have a chance to ask. Will you go on a date with me, as my courted, as the girl who has laid claim to my heart?" His hazel eyes looked sincerely in her own blue-violet eyes.
Lili looked wide-eyed at the turn of events. Hestia just smiled and shook her head. Though Isaac did lie a little about the forest thing, his intentions were pure. She was going to ask, but she knew how to read a room, contrary to popular belief.
When she didn't respond, Isaac continued, "You can say no, and I will find another day to ask...considering what you heard."
"No!" she said. "I m-mean yes, I will g-go on a d-date with you…" Mikoto said. Hestia gave her a dramatic thumbs up and nodded her head. Bell was being Bell, all embarrassed. Lili was happy for Mister Isaac and Miss Mikoto. The two would go well together.
Isaac beamed before looking at her, "C-Can I hug you?" Mikoto nodded. She soon found herself being twirled around, held in a comforting grip as they spun. When she was set down, her hand was being kissed. "Thank you...you've made me so happy. Does tomorrow sound good? There is a full moon, but please don't jump to conclusions. I do want to take you to a forest BUT! But, I want to relax with you, that is all. I have no ill-intention to force you into something you do not want. Consent is a must. I won't be in a relationship without it. So, what do you say?"
The smile he was giving her was heart-stopping. She was almost tempted to lean in and kiss him...despite freaking out about it, so she just settled for hugging him, burying her head into his chest. "I'll go since I know you won't deceive me."
"He's not lying, " Hestia said, further proving Isaac innocent. "He's really going all out to prove it too."
The way his shoulders dropped really showed how tense he was. Something Mikoto noticed. Was he really that worried? I'm worried as well. "It's also a sort of congratulation for my rank up. You're aware of what Irene and I did?"
"You're level four?" Mikoto asked, still in his arms, looking up at him.
"Yeah, just recently, why do you think my sister and I went and fought Goliath alone?" This seemed to floor the group. "Oh…you thought the Rivira party was supporting us! Yeah, no, she and I took care of it. He's super dead."
"How does Dia deal with you?" Hestia asked.
Isaac took a moment to think, "I think she goes with the flow but is secretly laughing at our antics. Though she does get concerned when it comes to…our problem." He didn't need to mention it, but with how Dia reacted to the 'surprise' breakfast with Freya, he wasn't willing to talk about it.
Whatever this problem was, no one commented on it.
"Anyway, I'd like to go on a date, so are you ready for tomorrow?" Isaac looked bashful.
Mikoto smiled gently, her embarrassment fading, but not gone. She remembered his face before the War Game, so she repeated that. Her hand rested on his chest and leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Of course…but let's progress slow. I still need time to adjust…"
"Perfectly acceptable."
"Lili believes that if Lili saw you two, Lili would assume that you two are going on a honeymoon."
""H-Honeymoon?!"" Both exclaimed, resulting in the remaining company laughing.
"Wow, going that far already?" Hestia snickered. "Dia will have to prepare for grandkids."
Blushing, Isaac kissed Mikoto's forehead and left the Manor, but he was smiling. He headed home and opened the door.
"Looks like you were successful," Irene commented.
"Yeah…" his ears were still red.
"Teased you about kids?" A head nod. "What happened?"
"I mentioned the Elven Tradition of the forest…"
Irene grinned, "Mikoto heard it all didn't she?"
A pathetic whine escaped her brother's mouth, "Yeahhhh, I wanted to die of embarrassment. Then, Lili teased me about it and then we agreed to go out tomorrow with the forest thing, but not the entire thing. I don't think she's ready for that…and I don't think I am either."
Irene hugged her brother, "Well, now we gotta get you ready for your date, your official first courting date!"
"Trust me," Isaac said, "I already have ideas, and I think she'll like them."
Mikoto woke up the next day with a smile on her face. Of course, she was nervous about her…date. She's been so much happier, that even when Takemikazuchi is brought up in conversation, she doesn't blush, but wonders how her father-figure is doing.
She got up and there was a knock at her door. "Miss Mikoto? It's Bell. Isaac dropped off a message for you, and he wanted me to deliver it to you." A piece of paper was slid under the door. "Have fun."
Mikoto, wearing nothing but undergarments, strode over to the door, and picked up the note:
...
Mikoto,
I hope you rested well…despite my rather embarrassing conversation yesterday. I realize that when you said you wanted to take it slow that I should as well. After all, you're the first girl who has gotten my heart moving as it should.
I will be by Hearth Manor—technically my home, but you know what I said about it—by midday. You are welcome to take a weapon with you, not that you'll need it. It's just one of my rules to always be armed.
I have a full day's worth of activities around Orario and sights that you probably haven't seen before.
I will leave with that. Wear something casual, and if you can't, your normal attire will do just fine. I cannot speak for those with prying eyes. Amid doesn't need patients lining up with bruised faces.
Until then, my courted.
Yours Truly,
Isaac Vlahos
...
Mikoto held the letter fondly, giggling and blushing like a normal sixteen-year-old. True, she hasn't seen some of the sights, so she wonders what he has planned. The idea of Isaac hitting people who looked at her wrong was intriguing, and she did giggle a little harder at that, but she knew he wasn't lying.
It was so weird to think that she was an orphan, along with Ouka and Chisuga. They all grew up without parents. Even remembering another friend she had, those were good times. Since then, she has learned multiple weapon techniques, multiple hand-to-hand forms, and even ninjitsu, which she claims to be dishonorable. That has uses, but Mikoto is far too honorable to resort to it.
She placed the letter down with the utmost care, knowing he took the time to write it out. It made her feel so much better, knowing he genuinely wants this to work. He may not look nervous at face value, but Mikoto would guess that he's as nervous as ever.
The fact that she didn't feel nervous right now meant a few things. Some can't be described, but she could say she was excited. It would be her first-ever date. There's a first date, then there's a first date. Mikoto took a few moments to ponder her relationship thus far with Isaac.
First, they pass paraded them within First Line, forcing them down to the eighteenth floor. It was a rocky—IRONY—start. Second, meeting him on the eighteenth after having him recovering from the horrors of the deep floors. Third, she rested with him on that hill, holding his hand. Internally, at that time, she thought she was committing a faux pas.
Mikoto found herself smiling, almost beaming, at the memory.
Fourth, Apollo's Ball. She almost kissed him! Her smile turned into an embarrassed blush. It got even worse when she was caught by her father figure and Lady Dia! They shared a moment, and it was ruined by that point. Fifth…"There isn't a fifth," she whispered horrified. "We've been so busy with the War Game that we haven't really spent time with each other!" The samurai felt resolve wash through her. "I'll make this the best day ever!"
She got ready with a determined smile, dressed in her standard attire, slipped on her thigh-high boots, but she even added some thigh highs. The socks ended before the tops of the boots, and the girl debated putting on makeup but decided the hassle was too much.
She entered the kitchen of the Manor and grinned, "Time to make a feast!" She prepared a full buffet for breakfast, adding in what Far Eastern spices she had in hand. The kitchen was well stocked. "Breakfast!"
Bell, Lili, Hestia, and a soot-covered Welf joined in. "Looks good," the smith said, "let me clean up, then I'll join you."
The meal passed without incident, but when Welf returned, he was all smiles. "So Mikoto, I've heard that your date stopped by, left you a letter."
"He did," the girl said with a soft smile.
"Oh? He told you about Elven tradition?"
A flush, "I overheard it, and I expressed my…hesitance." This caused the smith to wince.
"Why the long face, Mister Welf?" The Prum asked, her head tilted curiously.
"She basically denied him." Mikoto's eyes went wide and panicked. "Hey hey hey! Isaac isn't taking that personally. While he knows, and he probably expressed something in your letter, he's not offended."
"How do you know this?"
"Well, as a member of the opposite sex, he needed a confidante, we talk," Welf said with an air of brotherly pride. "Remember, he's not a full elf, with his bloodline, he's equivalent to a Half-Elf. Not every tradition is going to stick, so with that in mind, of course, you denying the ahem 'marriage proposal' he'll have to wait," Welf explained.
"Oh…"
"I'm not saying this to make you feel bad. I'm saying it because he understands your hesitancy and realizes that he was being perhaps a little too selfish. I mean, he said he was coming here two days ago to ask you out properly," the smith said, pushing his plate back.
"He really wants you to be happy," Hestia commented.
"But why is Mister Isaac acting so…selfless?" Lili pondered.
"Maybe he just wants to impress you, Miss Mikoto," Bell suggested, his red eyes pondering as well.
The girl felt her mind being pulled in a few directions. Her heart warmed at knowing that Isaac was worried for her, but he'll neglect himself. Given what he's gone through, no wonder why he'll do anything for the people he cares for. "Maybe I can get him to open up a little."
Ding Dong!
"Wow, is it midday already?" Bell questioned. "We'll head to the Dungeon soon, we'll be alright without you, Miss Mikoto."
"Lili is sure that Miss Irene is joining us as well," the Prum added in.
Hestia had opened the door and peered around it to see Irene, in her Dungeon attire. "Lady Hestia."
"Irene? Where's Isaac?"
The grin on Irene's face answered her as her eyes flashed to her left. Out from behind the door, came a very nervous Isaac Vlahos. He was in more casual clothes, like the ones from when Bell, Welf, and Lili got the necklace. He did roll the sleeves on his shirt, but he looked a tad older. His hair was cut, revealing his full face, it still looked a little disorganized and disheveled, but he was attractive.
"Isaac, bro, you clean up nice!" Welf shouted from within Hearth Manor.
"Thanks," he said, fighting to keep his emotions in check, which Irene noticed—and thought endearing. "Is she ready?" His hand was still behind his back.
Mikoto had taken the time to get ready in her outfit, making sure that there weren't any stains. Once she deemed herself presentable, she stepped in the doorway. Isaac felt the breath leave his lungs.
"Beautiful…" he whispered.
"Annndddd with that, we're gone. Make sure she gets home by midnight, Isaac," Irene said, getting the trio to follow. As they left, Dia strolled on in.
"Now, remembered proper etiquette, Isaac," her emerald eyes twinkled with amusement.
Isaac managed to snap out of his dreamy state before apologizing. He revealed what he was hiding behind his back. A flower, an Orchid, white and violet. "May I put this in your hair, Mikoto?"
The girl stepped forward and allowed him to, reminding her of the Ball. It really was a joyous time. His hands delicately put the flower behind her ear and intertwined it in her hair. "Thank you…"
"May I have your hand?" Isaac stepped back to reach and bow a little.
The two deities looked back and forth, like they were watching a soap opera, all that was missing were the dramatic zoom-ins.
"Of course, I'm excited for the day, lead the way, Isaac."
"With pleasure, Miko," he said cheekily.
""M-Miko?!""
Mikoto blushed at the nickname, her heart fluttered in her chest, "Only you get to call me that…"
"Certainly," he said with a victorious smile and led her away into the streets. "Maybe we won't be interrupted this time…" a look to Dia made his patron goddess flush.
"Just make sure you kiss her before the nights over!"
They didn't respond.
Moments after, Loki strode up, Riveria behind her. "Alright Dee-Dee, you called this meeting. What's it about? Mama here's been worried sick."
"Can it, Loki."
Dia's jovial mood was gone and a determined expression took its place, "We'll talk inside. Riveria, unfortunately, this was a wasted trip. However, Irene has just left for the Dungeon. You can probably catch your daughter if you so choose."
Riveria looked conflicted, and that was when Loki took charge, "Go. I'll be fine, Riveria."
Nine Hell took the chance and spun on her heel and left. "I've already gotten permission from Ouranos. To your office, Hestia…" Dia said as she walked inside the Manor.
The two deities that usually fight looked at each other, knowing that whatever she wanted to talk about was grave. She didn't want to spoil the good mood.
Orario expected a lot from its adventurers, but they didn't expect Eternal Shadow and Harpe to be laughing, chasing one another playfully down the street. "Miko, wait up!" The male said.
"Aren't you supposed to be faster than me, Isaac?" The female quipped.
People observing them saw a young couple who found love, or at the very least, are dating. Knowing it was Harpe though, they deduced it was courting. "If I was, then you'd never catch me, and I would wait a long time for you to catch up." Mikoto put a hand over her heart, feeling it thump beneath her dainty hand. Her hand was gently grabbed and brought up for a kiss.
"A-Affectionate, are you? And flirtatious too?" Her ears were red, as was her face.
"I need to make up for the time we were separated," he said unashamed. "I know it seems like I'm going overboard with PDA, but honestly, when elves find their person who is 'worthy' they are touched-starved," Isaac admitted, clearly embarrassed but powered through.
The young girl smirked lightly, "I assume that will be made up soon?"
"You sound like my sister. I think you've spent a little too much time in the Dungeon with her," he said with a grin.
She stepped closer, feeling confident, knowing she had the upper hand, "Maybe I have, but right now, I'm exploring my newfound feelings. Since I thought I had loved Lord Take…I was always lacking the confidence to tell him."
Isaac threw an arm over her shoulder, bringing her closer, his voice was soft, and the Far Eastern girl noticed a hint of vulnerability in his tone, "How do you think I felt when I saw you? A beautiful warrior, who carried the grace of an honorable samurai. There was absolutely no chance in my mind you were going to accept. I'll be blunt, I wanted to kiss you when you said yes. However, I held off knowing that you'd be extremely uncomfortable with that. Mikoto, I think you were just who I wanted—nay. Needed—in my life."
"How can I possibly compete with your silver tongue?" She whispered back.
"I have a few ideas, but that's for later," Isaac replied unabashedly. "Come on, I wanted you to come to see this, since you already are aware of my heritage."
The two were walking along, but she noticed his mood was calmer, no, somber. Mikoto didn't ask, but when she saw their destination, she paused. "I know this will sound…rude, but why are we here, Isaac?"
"I think…I wanted something that I could have…maybe only in this form, since I'm unable to see her for myself," even in his eyes, he wanted to break.
"Then let's go…you need this."
"Sorry, I didn't want to put a damper on-"
"There is nothing you need to apologize for, Isaac," Mikoto assured him. Lips made contact with her temple and a dazzling smile made its way on her…boyfriend's face. Are we boyfriend and girlfriend? Are we officially together? Is there something I missed? Have I committed a faux pas?
"Thank you, Yamato Mikoto, for being here for me," Isaac said, addressing her by her full name. She murmured a 'you're welcome' before her hand was intertwined with his.
They both entered the Graveyard and traveled along the path. There was no one around, and Isaac led the way, if only by a half-step.
They walked by many graves, each one marked and some that even caught her eye. The statue of the Last Hero was displayed proudly and recently cleaned if anything was to be shown. Mikoto wondered which one he was going for. She had an idea but she didn't want to spoil it.
It was only because he had a thinking face on. She looked at his side profile, the way his jaw seemed tense but dissipated a moment later, the way his grip was soft in one hand, but no doubt his other was clenched. He seemed to have two sides and it looked like he was a mixture of Harpe and Isaac.
She was about to ask why he was so tense when she felt the shift in the air. While not a mage, she can use magic, and with that magic she can somewhat to a lesser degree, sense it. The amount was enough to make her hesitate in her next step. Something he easily noticed.
"I'd like you to meet my Grandma…" he started. "This is Yamato Mikoto, my courted…and she has made me so happy that I couldn't begin to describe what she does to me."
Understanding dawned on the girl, and that made her heart clench even more.
"I just wanted you to meet her, and to say I hope you're resting well. Irene sends her regards and will most likely stop by, but I wanted to say—ask—how you managed to deal with the spotlight, the attention, all of it. It seems like that everywhere I go, that someone has their eyes on me…even now…" he whispered the last two words.
A subtle glance towards Babel from Isaac hinted at just who was watching. "Isaac…"
He turned at the sound of her voice, "Sorry…I got lost in my own thoughts."
Her fingers gently wiped the tears flowing down his cheeks, "You don't need to be alone. I will be right here. I wish I could have met your Grandmother, not as the Great Mage, but as a woman looking out for her family."
The magic energy swirled in the air, coiling around him and her, like a gentle breeze. The two noticed and felt a serene chill wash over them. Was this the graves' way of giving comfort? Isaac looked to his Grandmother's grave and raised an eyebrow. Did the text just fizzle? Surely, he's losing it.
Isaac tensed, but loosened up as more tears fell, "Me too…" that admission made her gently walk him away and rest on the hill, just before the peak. Mikoto sat with her legs out in front of her, while Isaac's head was on her lap.
A lap pillow.
Her hand ran through his hair—with permission—and she hummed a song from her times in the Far East. Isaac smiled as his tears were whisked away. They had sat there for at least an hour.
After that hour, he sat up and turned towards her, "Mikoto?" Her heart jumped at the soft, fond tone of how he addressed her.
"Isaac…" his heart seized at her hopeful, breathless tone.
"I should have done this at the party…" he leaned forward and this time, there would be no interruptions. Mikoto's thoughts scrambled, and she felt lips making contact with the corner of her mouth, "I thought it would be too-MMMPH!"
Mikoto had enough waiting, as she connected her lips to his. Her fist curled on his shirt, while his hand rested on her shoulder for support.
Finally…
They both had the same thought. Their kiss was sloppy in terms of technique, but the pent-up feelings finally broke. Pretty sure they hit their teeth once or twice, but as adventurers, that pain is nothing compared to some things they've faced.
They separated after needing some air. She was breathing a little heavy, from the adrenaline or lack of oxygen was a coin toss at best. Isaac, meanwhile, was a little shocked, but he wasn't going to recover as quickly as his courted did.
He soon found himself on the grass with Mikoto over him, "Was this what you meant by using your lips?" She asked with a straight teasing tone and a coy smile.
Isaac was stunned, but he managed to nod mutely. Mikoto smiled before gently connecting their lips a second time, which jump-started Isaac to turn it from chaste to loving. The best part, it was still mid-afternoon, and their date was far from over.
Sorry if you had to witness this, Grandma, but let me have this.
Unbeknownst to the now semi-official couple, the resident Queen was both elated and seething with jealousy. She watched as her beloved's soul flared with happiness, even the girl's own violet soul gained a white tint. Hope.
What even she failed to miss was their souls reaching out for one another.
Sometime later in the day, somewhere in the Pleasure Quarter, a young girl sat in a red kimono, kneeling. Her ears twitched on her head, and her blonde hair remained stagnant. She opened her beautiful jewel-colored eyes. Comparing her eyes to the jewel was unfair, as her eyes were far prettier than it. A collar was around her neck, but to those outside of her and a select few, it held a different purpose.
Her bust was hidden by her outfit, but her figure could be described as 'child-bearing' for multiple reasons. The kimono hides a lot of her curves. Her tail, a golden color that matched her hair, ending with a white tip, idly went back and forth.
Her eyes opened, staring at the moon, it wasn't full but it was as close as it was going to get. She looked down at the books in front of her.
Hero stories and epics.
How she longed for a hero, but with her line of work, she believed that she was tainted, and she knew that no one would come to save her. After all…
…prostitutes are the bane of Heroes.
"Little Fox…" a voice called outside the door.
"I know, Miss Aisha…" she looked out the window with an uncharacteristic frown, "it's almost time…"
...
I reveal nothing of what I have said. Everything will play a part, and everything has a purpose.
How about Isaac and Mikoto, huh? Finally, amirite? A little awkward for them because neither has experienced romance like this. That'll change over time, as they get more comfortable with one another.
I will not answer any questions. Even if you are right or wrong. I'd prefer to not spoil it. But...this arc will change Orario.
Until then...
Oh, I haven't seen a take on this... Female Bell with reverse harem...I've seen Fem!BellxOCxHarem, but not Fem!Bell x Reverse!Harem
I'd do it, but I'd have no idea what to do, so take that as you will.