The Argonaut and The Child of Light

by domgk115

Cian Mac Gallagher was a member of the Scathach Familia far west from Orario. He learned to wield a spear from the legendary adventurer Chu Chulainn, and found a new life. However, when a terrifying force wipes out his familia, Cian crawls to Orario half-dead only to be saved by Bell Cranel, soon Cian joins a new family, still pursued by his familias killers ready to finish the job

9. Season 1 Ep 5: Familia Myth

VA's English & Japanese for all OC characters this chapter (Even those who appear in Flashbacks):

Cian Mac Gallagher: English VA: Zach Aguilar: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), David (Cyberpunk Edgerunners), Byleth (Fire Emblem Three Houses), Arthur Pendragon (Seven Deadly Sins) Sieg (Fate Apocrypha)

Japanese VA: Natsuki Hanae: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), Sieg (Fate Apocrypha)

Mebd Mac Caomhanach: English VA: Felecia Angelle: Miku Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets), Emi Yusa (The Devil is a Part Timer) Suzune Horikita (Classroom of the Elite), Mana Takamiya (Date A Live)

Japanese VA: Miyuki Sawashiro: Sinon/Shino Asada (Sword Art Online), Mordred (Fate Apocrypha & Fate Grand Order)

Diarmuid: English VA: Grant George: Diarmuid (Fate Zero)

Japanese VA: Hikaru Midorikawa: Diarmuid (Fate Zero)

Connla: English VA: Ray Chase: Tengen Uzui (Demon Slayer) M (Sword Art Online: Gun Gale Alternative) Howzer (The Seven Deadly Sins) Roswaal L. Mathers (Re: Zero)

Japanese VA: Katsuyuki Konishi: Tengen Uzui (Demon Slayer) Hubert (Fire Emblem Three Houses) Dreyfus (Seven Deadly Sins) Heracles (Records of Ragnarok)

Dullahan: English VA: Ben Lepley: Dedue (Fire Emblem Three Houses) Illuso (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure) Deathpierce (The Seven Deadly Sins)

Japanese VA: Hiroki Yasumoto: Agil (Sword Art Online) Chad (Bleach)

Morrigan: English VA: Maureen Price: Quinella/Administrator (Sword Art Online: Alicization) Anju Emma/ Snow Witch (86)

Japanese VA: Maaya Sakamoto: Quinella/Administrator (Sword Art Online: Alicization) Merlin (Seven Deadly Sins) Artemis (DanMachi Movie: Arrow of the Orion) Jeanne D'Arc (Fate Apocrypha)

Cathbad: English VA: Max Mittleman: King (The Seven Deadly Sins) Shirou Amakusa/Kotomine (Fate Apocrypha) Saitama (One Punch Man) Matsumoto (Vivy: Fluorite's Eye Song)

Japanese VA: Koki Uchiyama: Shirou Amakusa (Fate Apocrypha) Takt (Takt Op Destiny)

Scathach: English VA: Cherami Leigh: Asuna (Sword Art Online) Lucy (Fairy Tail) Lady Rhea (Fire Emblem Three Houses)

Japanese VA: Ai Kayano: Alice Synthesis 30 (Sword Art Online: Alicization) Ryoko Sakaki (Food Wars)

Chu Chulainn: English VA: Tony Oliver: Chu Chulainn (Fate Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works & Heavens Feel)

Japanese VA: Nobutoshi Canna: Chu Chulainn (Fate Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works & Heaven's Feel)

The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Cian

"I'm sorry I didn't come find you, I tried, but I needed to move fast," Bell's voice said in his mind, as Cian scaled the cliff as quietly as he could. "He has Goddess Hestia! He said if anyone else comes we won't get her back."

"No idiot would do anything to a Goddess…" Cian had told him. "But still need to be careful. Are you going to fight him?"

"I have too… we have to find Goddess Hestia! But… that look on your face, it seems like you have a plan," Bell had said,.

Cian had nodded at him. "I'll scale the cliff and keep a look out, if things look like they're heading south, I'll jump in, especially if they team up on you… but you go and beat him. Show him not to mess with the Hestia familia, especially our goddess."

Bell had a look on his face Cian had never seen from him before. He was angry. "Right, I will, the others should be here soon. Good call getting Ms. Mikoto to get them."

"I thought it would be," Cian had said, giving him a fist bump. "Go kick his ass."

Cian recalled the conversation as he got to the top of the rocky cliff, overlooking the cliff that he could see Bell on now, across from the large, burly adventurer named Mord. Bell had explained the situation, and Cian could remember the man antagonizing them in the village. His jealousy of Bell was clear, and if Cian had known earlier, he may have tried to do something about it earlier. Diarmuid always used to tell him, better to deal with a grudge right away then let it fester.

In Ulster, it was commonplace to have people challenge you to duels if you were powerful enough or famous enough. Cian could remember dozens of times that adventurers from other familias, had come to challenge Chu, Diarmuid, or every member of Scathach's familia. They would come full of confidence and issue a formal challenge to one of them. Cian never saw any of them lose, but the challenges were always respectful and honorable. That was simply how things were done.

So, when he got to the top of the cliff and looked down at Bell across from the burly adventurer, Cian bit his lip and simply watched. He was careful to not be seen but could only watch as Bell yelled out to the man, and Mord officially challenged him.

"Bell won't lose to him… there's no way," Cian said, holding tight to the Gae Bulg as he watched Bell draw out both of his knives. As he did, he shakily sighed and looked annoyed at his arm in a sling. "We won't let anything happen to you Lady Hestia… we won't."

Something felt different in Cian as he watched the man Mord pull on his helmet. He remembered very few things about that day, about the day everyone died. One thing that had come back however, was watching Lady Scathach go with Lady Aife rush further into the cave, past the Fomorians, to what Cian could only assume was to find Morrigan.

And that was the last time he saw her; he hadn't been able to do anything.

"Not this time…" He said, crouching and watching the fight begin. "Come on Bell don't…. what the hell?!"

Mord smashed his sword against a crystal in front of him and Bell… and then he disappeared. Cian knew a magical item when he saw one. After he did, something exploded in Cian, an anger he hadn't felt in a long time.

First the bastard kidnaps our goddess, and now he tries to pull dirty tricks like this?! No… no he's not going to get away with it, he thought, his hand going white as he squeezed around the Gae Bulg.

Cian watched as Bell got cut, punched, and kicked, looking around desperately trying to find footing or some way to fight against an invisible man. Cian looked down, and saw dozens of adventurers watching on, doing nothing but laughing at the unfair duel in front of them. That made Cian even angrier.

He turned and rushed back down the cliff with the Gae Bulg in hand, the hair on the back of his neck standing up. He could remember when Chu grew angry, the hair on his head would stick straight up, and become as hard as tree bark.

Cian's hair didn't do that, but he narrowed his eyes, and knew exactly what he was going to do. With only one arm, he didn't know how well he could fight, but that wasn't going to stop him.

Don't worry Bell… I'm coming. Please… Mikoto, Lillie, Welf, hurry.

OP: Hey World, DanMachi S1

The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Season 1, Episode 5: The Familia Myth

Hestia

"You better let me go right now!" She yelled, swinging her legs, and trying to break free from the ropes tied around the tree. Her anger only grew when the two adventurers ignored her. "You can't just go around kidnapping a goddess you know! If you don't let me go you're going to be sorry!"

Hestia only grew even more angry when the two adventurers that had been sent to guard her ignored her.

"Ehh, why do we have to get stuck babysitting?" One said with a groan. "They get to go have all the fun."

"HEY!" Hestia yelled at them. "Don't you ignore me, if you don't let me go you're going to be sorry!"

She couldn't believe she'd gone and got herself kidnapped, Cian had only just left her tent seconds before they had grabbed her, if she hadn't been so embarrassed and urging him out he could have done something. Or perhaps she would have been taken either way. She knew they were trying to draw Bell out into the open, and the only thing giving her hope now, was thinking that Cian had to know as well. With two of them, she hoped that would at least keep Bell safe, but she couldn't be sure what other tricks the group had.

"COME ON!" She yelled, as the two continued to ignore her. "You don't really think you'll get away with this do you?! Bell and Cian will-."

She stopped when she heard the sounds of distant fighting. They were just under the massive crystal, so anything happening up on the ridge they could hear. She heard swords clashing against one another, adventurers yelling, and her blood pressure spiked, was that Bell and Cian fighting with the others?

"You hear that?! Sounds like the parties getting started!" One said, smiling like a madman at the other.

"Yeah, come on let's go," His partner said, scoffing at Hestia. "Joining the fight is better then babysitting this one-."

"GOATH!"

"Huh?!" The first one said, turning around. "What in that- AGHHHHHH!"

"What?!" Hestia said, looking to the left, a massive gust of wind shot from the treeline. It smashed into the first adventurer, and he slammed into the trunk of a tree.

The second turned around and had time to pull out his sword. "What the hell was that?! Who-."

Hestia heard a whistling sound in the air, she looked to the man and saw a small knife smash into his hand. It stabbed him and made him yell and drop his sword. He yanked the knife from his hand and threw it aside but didn't have time to move before a flash of red darted in front of Hestia.

"How dare you lay your hands on goddess?!" Mebd yelled, stopping, and spinning with her leg coming around her body. An orb of wind was whirling around her, her foot slammed into the man's stomach.

He hacked up blood and as Mebd kicked forward, he was thrown backwards, slamming, and crashing through the woods.

"Mebd?! What are you doing here?" Hestia asked, but the girl was busy, she looked to the first man stepping off the tree, groaning before he gritted his teeth and charged at Mebd with a sword.

Mebd's red hair billowed out behind her, as with one of her swords she knocked the mans into the ground. She stepped on his blade, before stepping up and leaping backwards in a flip. As she flipped she kicked up her foot into the man's chin and sent him stumbling backwards with no weapon. After she landed she yelled and came back around, smashing the hilt of her sword into the man's head and crumbling him to the ground.

"…wow," Hestia said.

Hestia's jaw dropped, she knew Mebd was good, but she'd just taken down two adventurers who were at least level 2 like it was nothing.

"The clock strikes midnight…" A voice behind her said, and Hestia jumped as she turned around.

A flash of white magic blinded her, and when it disappeared her eyes went wide. "You?! How did you find me out here."

Lillie scoffed and pulled out a knife, cutting her ropes. "That smelly perfume you're wearing makes it easy. Master Bell came to get us; he said you were kidnapped so Miss Mebd and I came to rescue you."

"Lady Hestia!" Mebd said, rushing over and helping Lillie get the ropes off her. She got to one knee and bowed. "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you at all did they?!"

Hestia couldn't help but smile… this is what happened when you gave people a second chance.

"I'm fine, thank you Mebd, and you Ms. Supporter," She said, looking at them both, her worry starting to mount again as the fighting sounds intensified. "What about Bell, Cian and the others?!"

"Master Bell is fighting up above, Ms. Mikoto came to gather the rest of us," Lillie explained, looking up at the cliff. "She said Master Cian went after Master Bell, her, Welf, Ouka and the others went to help him."

"Lady Hestia, we should get you to safety back at the camp," Mebd said, her hand on one of her swords. "Allow me to escort you-."

"No!" Hestia said, shaking her head, looking to them both and pointing up to the cliff. "Bell and Cian are in danger up there! Take me to them, I won't leave!"

"You're so stubborn…" Lillie complained, looking to Mebd.

Mebd seemed unsure, but eventually nodded. "Both of you stay close, there's no telling how many other hostile adventurers there are, let's go!"

Mebd took off, her black cloak and red hair contrasting each other in the shadows of the trees.

Lillie sighed. "She moves way too fast…"

But neither of them complained, as they ran off after Mebd, towards the sound of fighting.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Mikoto

"They must have been trying to get Bell alone by taking Hestia!" Welf yelled as all of them rushed up the pathway towards the cliff, he looked back at Mikoto. "Did Cian tell you anything else?!"

"No, he only said he was going to follow Master Bell, he's sure to have caught up to him," She said, grasping tight to her bow.

Welf grunted. "Knowing him, he's come up with some plan."

"It doesn't matter," Ouka said from behind them. "The important part of reaching Bell, heads up there's a group up ahead! Mikoto!"

"I'm on it!" She said, rushing ahead of the group, and holding up her bow.

Mikoto could hear the dozens of adventurers all blocking the path, she pulled out arrows and fired. She could hear the screams and clash of weapons beyond, and assumed it had to be Bell fighting, or Cian. When she realized that, Mikoto had no idea what came over her, but something in her stomach dropped. What if he was outnumbered? What if he was having a hard time fighting with only one arm?!

I… I need to help him! She realized as her arrows hit the group, and they turned around.

"Huh?! Mikoto slow down!" Ouka yelled. "Chigusa, give me that spear!"

Mikoto heard the rest of her companions rushing up behind her, but the group in front had already turned on her. She heard them sound surprised for a moment, before the first one came at her swinging a sword wildly. She was almost embarrassed for the man with how poorly he held his sword. Her own sword didn't even move as she only side-stepped, grabbing his arm, and shot her hand forward with a quick punch shattered the inside of his elbow, he yelled but she had already flipped him back over her shoulder, in time for her to look up and see two more coming.

The two of them were much more precise, but they were still no match for her. She unslung her sword and knocked away both strikes that came, lashing out with kicks, and cutting across them in non-lethal areas, she didn't wish to kill anyone, she only knew she needed to get further up the hill.

Because… the idea of Cian being up there alone, possibly being in danger… it terrified her. She didn't know what that meant, she felt that way with any of her comrades, but something was different this time.

"Mikoto! You'll get surrounded!" She heard Ouka yell, before she turned and saw him knock away another adventurer with his spear.

She regretted it a minute later, when she felt something slam into her back.

"ARGH!" She yelled, getting knocked to the ground.

She quickly was able to get up, but like Ouka had said, found herself surrounded. The man who'd hit her stood with a massive shield, while multiple other spears, blades and axes had her pushed near the ledge. She looked down with her sword in hand over the edge, a fall that would easily kill her, and gritted her teeth as she turned back around. The fighting ahead intensified, and she heard Bell yell out in pain, and tried to push forward. She lashed out, but the larger man held up his shield to black, locking it with her sword.

Another came forward, trying to stab her side, but she leapt back, nearly going over the edge again and she growled looking at her situation.

Again I'm trapped, she thought, aggravatingly. Maybe I can-.

"LIGHTNING SPEEAARR!"

"Huh?! What was- ARGHHHHHH!" One of the men yelled, and Mikoto's eyes widened when a figure fell down from the cliff above.

"CIAN?!" It was Welf who yelled.

Mikoto turned and when the dusted settled, a dune of lightning shot up, as at least six adventurers fell. Cian stood there with his red spear in hand. It seemed he'd used his magic spell and held both the spear of lightning and actual spear in one hand. He looked up, and around himself, as a few had recovered, and Mikoto saw something in his eyes.

They weren't the same as when they had just talked not long ago, when he'd called her beautiful. When she was younger, Lord Takemikazuchi, Musashi, and Fujimura all described to her that some people could simply change from smiling and chatting one moment, to ready for war if need be the next. Musashi was one of those people, Mikoto had so many fond memories of her smiling, laughing, playing with her, helping train her, she was always upbeat. However, when it came time to fight, or they were in danger, she changed, she looked like Cian did now.

Cian had the eyes of a warrior, eyes more intense then Mikoto had ever seen.

"Cian!" She suddenly yelled when more came down from the path.

"That's the Lancer of Red!" One yelled.

"Mord said he may come; we outnumber him come on!" Another yelled next.

Cian seemed to scoff, the first one that came he ducked under a sword, and spun the red spear around, smashing the middle of it into the man's head, sending him into the mountain. Another came next, and all while only using one hand, spun the massive spear back around his head and smashed the middle of it again into the mans head sending him crumpling to the ground. A third came and Cian leapt back swinging his spear up with one hand, it cut across and through the man's armor like it was nothing. Cian came back around and leveled his spears point toward the man's neck. Cian moved so fast, with lightning bouncing off his arms, that he was almost a blur.

The third man smartly dropped his axe and moved out of Cian's way.

But then Mikoto saw it, a man had broken off from Welf, Ouka and Chigusa and charged towards Cian's back.

NO, she thought, bursting forward. "CIAN!"

He spun, but Mikoto was there, she knocked up the man's sword, before coming back around and kicking with all her power into the mans side. He smashed into the mountain and slumped back to the ground.

"Are you okay?! I was worried that…" She said, turning around, and seeing him look at her, when she did… she was speechless.

He's so… beautiful, she said, unable to think anything else.

His warrior eyes were gone, and now… he smiled at her again.

"Looks like we're even!" He said, before turning around. "I'm going to help Bell!"

"Wait!" Mikoto yelled, seeing a good size crowd of adventurers still in his way. "You won't be able too-."

"ARGHHHH!" A man yelled, and Mikoto turned with her sword, to see another adventurer fall to the ground.

A wooden sword flashed in front of her.

"Cian and Mr. Cranel will be fine," The elf-Ryuu- said, looking towards Cian. "We need to keep them off them until they handle their business, come on."

What Mikoto saw next amazed her. She watched as Cian was spotted by the group of adventurers. They all yelled and went to intercept him, but Cian, who's legs were moving so fast it didn't make sense, leapt up and towards the mountain. He ran along the side of it, over their heads and leapt towards where Bell was fighting, leaving all of the other adventurers confused.

I… I have much I can learn from him, was all Mikoto could think, before she saw Ryuu rush towards the adventures, to make sure they didn't chase after Cian.

Mikoto did the same, she wouldn't be helpless, and if she really did want to train with Cian… if she wanted to follow what her heart was telling her, she needed to grow stronger.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Bell

I… I can sense him! Bell realized, as he could feel Mord come around to try and smash down onto his back. It worked, because he managed to turn around, and kick his foot up. He could sense it, he could sense Mord's frustration and his confusion, next came the sword, he had spun back around to try and cut Bell from behind, but he could sense it. Both of his knives rose up, and he caught Mord's sword on both of them, and with a loud clang he used all of his strength to break the sword in half. It splintered and Bell spun his leg around, raising it up and kicking where he knew Mord's head was.

"ARGHHH!" He yelled, as whatever magic helmet he had on was knocked off his head. He spun around, with his broken sword and growled at him. "You bastard! This isn't over!"

Mord lunged forward, but Bell had been distracted.

"CIAN!" A voice yelled, and just as Bell looked up to see the adventurers who'd been surrounding them start to fall Mord fell on him.

"DIE NOW!" He yelled, going to stab his sword up, and Bell had been so distracted trying to find Cian the blade almost cut him, but he got up his knives just in time.

"Gahhhhhh…" Bell groaned, grinding his teeth as Mord pushed him closer to the edge. His sword reached up and Bell had just felt the half of Mord's sword cut across his cheek when he heard the rapid footsteps.

You're there, I know you are, I trust you!

"CIAN!" Bell yelled, pushing Mord's sword up and ducking to the side.

"Huh?! You running away?!" Mord yelled, turning on Bell again. "I thought you-."

"ARGHHHHH ASSHOLE!"

Bell had never seen such a vicious attack from Cian. He had leapt forward, bits of lightning shooting off his arms. He landed and smashed the Gae Bulg into Mord's arm. He screamed, and Cian stop spun and still only have one hand swung the Gae Bulg towards him again. His face would have been cut in half had Mord not gotten his sword up. Still, he was sent flying back, and Bell was able to breath.

"Oh man… thanks Cian," Bell said, sighing in relief. "Is everyone… Cian?! Cian! What are you-."

"WHERE'S MY GODDESS ASSHOLE?!" Cian yelled, kicking his foot forward and striking it across Mord's head. "You kidnap my goddess, use dirty tricks to try and kill my friend, you talked so much then, but NOW you're quiet?! TALK!"

"ARGHHHHH!" Mord coughed, blood coming up onto the ground as he was sent on sprawling into his stomach.

"You… you little runt I… I'll-. ARGHHHH!" Mord tried to say, before Cian, his blue eyes wide as plates, put his boot into Mord's stomach.

"WHERE IS SHE?!" He yelled, but when Mord didn't say anything, he took the Gae Bulg up into his one good hand.

Bell's stomach dropped. "CIAN NO DON'T-."

Cian thrust the Gae Bulg downward, and Bell's chest erupted as he expected blood and screaming. However, he realized that Cian had trapped Mord by sticking it through a loose bit of the man's clothes. Mord tried to crawl away, but he was trapped by the spear. Bell rushed over, but he stopped when Cian dropped down, putting his knee into Mord's back, grabbing the man's head with his one free hand.

"If the next words out of your mouth aren't where my goddess is," Cian hissed. "I'm going to skewer my spear through you and fling you off the mountain, so talk. NOW!"

"Go… go to hell, you little-. BAHHHHHHHH!"

Cian smashed Mord's head against the ground. Bell tried to yell but couldn't formulate Cian's name. He watched as his friend, the only other member of his familia looked on with hatred and anger emanating from his eyes like the son. He slammed Mord's head against the ground a second time, and it was then, that Bell realized if he did anymore, Cian could really kill the man.

That… that's not him, no… what's happening to him?! Bell thought, rushing towards him. "CIAN STOP! You'll kill-."

"WHERE. IS. MY GODDESS?!" Cian yelled, slamming Mord's head against the ground again before Bell had managed to get over and tackle him around the waist.

"CIAN STOP!" Bell yelled, tackling him to the ground. They came up, and he grabbed Cian's good hand and looked down at him. "Lillie and Mebd went to find Lady Hestia it's okay! You'll kill him if you keep-."

"GET OFF!" Cian yelled, fighting to get out of Bell's grip, shaking his head back and forth, the veins in his head nearly bursting before he finally looked and met Bell's eyes. "I NEED… need… B…Bell?"

Bell shuddered, as he gently moved, and on the ground there, he met Cian's eyes and slowly nodded. "Yeah… it's me. Cian what… why did you do that; you could've killed him!"

"I… I… I just…" He said, looking down at his hand, which was covered in Mord's blood. "Did… did I really…"

He looked over at Mord, who was bleeding from the face and trying to pull the Gae Bulg out of his shirt. Cian shuddered and looked from Bell to the scene.

"I… I thought he… thought he was… was gonna…" Cian said, looking down at his hand again.

Bell noticed it was shaking and looked back to his friend. "Cian…"

Cian shuddered again and started shaking. His head spun around, and he shoved out his hand. The Gae Bulg shot from its spot sticking out of the ground into Cian's hand. He used it to slowly get up, as Mord got to his knees, his face bloody. Cian slumped with the spear and Bell supported him.

"I… I…" he started saying, slowly shaking his head. "I thought Lady Hestia she… she and you were…"

He didn't say anything else, because a loud clang rang out, and both Cian and Bell turned to see their friends. All of them were trying to make their way towards them, and seeing that, Cian's eyes widened, and Bell went to join him.

"STOPPPPP!"

Cian stopped, and Bell stopped next to him, just as a beautiful burst of light. Bell watched as the light shot upwards, and while he had no idea what was happening, Cian clearly did. His eyes went wide, and Cian got to one knee, dropping the Gae Bulg next to him. Bell looked at Mord, who seemed like he was going to try and attack him again. He went to intercept, but then the terrified screams of the adventurers that once surrounded them, all of them ran away and Bell saw Mord look on horrified.

Bell turned, and his jaw dropped. "G…Goddess Hestia?"

"Children, drop your weapons," His Goddess said, as Mord looked terrified and ran off down the path.

The light around Lady Hestia slowly disappeared, and while Bell was relieved to see her, he looked down at Cian, who had fallen onto his but, looking at the Gae Bulg laying across his lap.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Mikoto

"BELL!" Lady Hestia yelled, launching herself at him. "I was so worried I… I thought… I thought…"

In any scenario, Mikoto would have found the scene touching. However, she didn't know at all what came over her, but when she saw Cian shaking on the ground.

"Cian!" She said, rushing towards him, past Bell, and Lady Hestia, and she felt everyone's eyes on her as she rushed towards him.

But she didn't care, even when she saw out of the corner of her eye, the frown on the face of the elf Ryuu. She even didn't hear Goddess Hestia or Bell anymore, they looked at her as well. She didn't look over to see them all staring at her as she moved, because all she could look at was him. She dropped her bow and fell to her knees in front of him. His red spear was laying over his lap, and he could only look at it, wide eyed, looking at his shaking hand.

Mikoto could see blood stained on it.

"Cian…" She said, holding her hands for now in her lap. Her gaze drifted to his eyes which were glued to his hand. "Are you… alright?"

He jumped, looking up at her. "M…Mikoto?"

"Yes, I fetched everyone like you said, are you okay?" She asked, noticing that she'd inched closer to him.

He blinked rapidly and looked at his hand. "I… I almost killed him. I… don't know what happened I… I just… felt something snap…"

Mikoto could hear everyone coming closer, could feel their gaze over her, but she only looked at him. Her hands trembled, but not because she was afraid, but because she simply couldn't stand his face looking like that, so distraught. She'd seen the man who ran away, a bloody face, and managed to put together what he meant. It made Mikoto shiver, of course, she'd learned there were casualties when adventurers fought, but even fighting just before, she'd made careful care not to do anything that could kill any of them.

But for Cian, it was different. Lady Hestia didn't know much herself, but she'd told Mikoto after she asked, how Cian's last familia was killed. His new goddess being kidnapped, his only other familia member in peril… it wasn't hard to see why he'd done it.

"You were trying to protect everyone," She said, looking at her hands, and hesitating at first, but soon after feeling a burst of confidence she reached her hands forward. With her hands suddenly calm, Mikoto took his one good shaking one and looked up at him. "It's alright now though, we're all okay."

He went stiff, looking at his hand, and Mikoto was stunned at how warm it was. He then looked at her, and she saw something shift, he let out a relaxing breath and eventually smiled.

And then, he squeezed her hand back, and it made Mikoto's heart nearly stop.

"Thank you…" He said, slowly letting his hand go free, and grabbing his red spear.

"Here let me help!" She said, helping him get to his feet, and when he stood, he smiled at her again.

"Cian!" Goddess Hestia said, rushing up to Cian and hugging around his waist. "I'm sorry… I probably look so ungrateful, are you-."

"I'm okay…" Cian said, looking up at Bell. "Bell I… I'm sorry I-."

"Don't apologize," Bell said, smiling at his friend and shaking his head. "Everything's okay now, that's what's important."

"He's right," The elf Ryuu said, stepping in front of the group. "We should find Lord Hermes and leave, even if we're a bit unprepared. There's no telling when those idiots will try something again."

"I'll go and find him," Mebd said with a bow, a serious tone to her voice.

Welf scoffed. "Won't get complaints from me, I'm ready to be out of here."

Mikoto smiled and looked up to Cian, she was about to say something, when her hand started tingling. After this… realization set in.

I… I held his hand, comforted him isn't… isn't that something lovers normally do?! She thought, as for a moment everyone chatted. Is… that what this feeling is? Am I-."

"Mikoto?" Cian said, cutting her thoughts off.

She nearly jumped and realized all the eyes were on her again. "Huh? Oh, yes, what is it?"

He smiled at her again, setting her heart ablaze.

"We were talking about the guard for the trip back," He said, his face getting a bit red. "I'm… still not 100 percent, do you wanna take the rear guard with-."

The ground shook beneath them, cutting Cian off. With a loud BANG the whole cliff shook, and Mikoto lost her balance.

"Mikoto!" Cian said, and she felt his arm grab around her back, helping her back to her feet. "Are you okay?"

"I… I'm fine," She said, using him for balance. "What… what was that?!"

Another BANG came, and everyone yelled.

"OH COME ON!" Welf yelled, as Mikoto and Cian got to their feet again. "YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!"

Mikoto looked up and she saw it. All the color drained from her face, and next to her, she saw Cian rushed next to Bell, gripping tighter to his red spear. The face looked down and let out a roar that would haunt her dreams for years to come. She saw the crystals, that were providing a brilliant surface like light, grow dim as its massive form fell closer and closer. The floor grew red, like the sun had set in seconds, and she couldn't even put her hand on her sword, her arms shook too much.

"G… Goliath?!" Lillie said looking to everyone.

"That's impossible!" Welf said, his eyes wide. "Cian killed him, he shouldn't respawn yet!"

"That's not Goliath…" Ryuu said, stepping up in front of everyone, her eyes up on the ceiling as the beast curled up into a ball, and shattered the crystals. "The dungeon… it's angry, it's punishing us and Lady Hestia."

"M…me?" Lady Hestia said, holding onto Bell's arm.

The CRASH that shook the floor next came with crystals falling from the sky. Everyone rushed to the edge of the cliff as the dark blood red sky color covered the air like a blanket. A pure black giant, even larger she was sure then the Floor Boss Cian had killed rose with a roar. Trees blew back, she saw monsters start roaring and flying away, or even rushing towards the new beast. Mikoto had never seen anything like it, this was something Musashi and Fujimura were needed to fight, there was no chance they could kill something so large. It roared and uprooted a tree, throwing it across the floor, before roaring and rippling back the trees again.

Her skin crawled, her mouth floundered as her hand stayed tight to her sword. She had no idea what they could possibly do, and apparently neither did the others.

"That thing will make the Fomorian look like a goblin," Ryuu said sharply, turning to the rest of them. "I'll go and distract it, Mebd, find Andromeda!"

Mebd shook her head, stepping forward. "I won't let you go and do that alone!"

"Mebd's right you'll get killed!" Welf said, shaking his head. "Plus, what about the others, they're sitting ducks!"

"We won't be able to do much to it," Ouka said determined. "But we can't just leave them!"

"If you all fight that thing you'll die," The elf said, finality to her voice as she shook her head. "The only hope we'll have is for everyone besides me to run, make for the upper floors!"

"Ms. Ryuu you're insane, you can't say that!" Lillie argued.

"Little bit's right come on!" Welf argued back.

"I know you don't trust me but please, let me help!" Mebd said desperately.

Mikoto watched, as in the blood red light, they all started to argue. They shouted out different strategies, plans, ideas, anything as the Black Goliath roared, and stampeded over the forest. She wanted to contribute something herself, but like she was an ant hill her skin crawled, and a sense of hopelessness set in. Surely they could run, but they couldn't do that, she wouldn't do that. She wouldn't leave people behind again… but what would she do.

Her eyes drifted from the Black Goliath causing mayhem… over to the boy who's hand she just held. Cian hadn't said anything, only letting out a long breath. He looked to Bell and just like she had noticed earlier, they didn't say anything, only nodding to one another. Cian then looked over to Goddess Hestia and knelt.

"Lady Hestia, permission to… well… for me and Bell to go and defeat that monster?" He asked.

Lady Hestia hesitated; everyone went silent at Cian's words. All eyes fell to the small goddess, as she let out a shaky breath and looked to both Cian and Bell before nodding.

"Bell… Cian," She said with finality, pointing at them both. "I order you to defeat that monster! Use any means necessary!"

"Huh?! You want them to kill that thing?!" Welf said, shaking his head. "We can't just let them go alone! What about-."

"We won't be alone," Bell said, turning to them with Cian. "We're going to need everyone's help!"

"Bell's right," Cian said as the monster roared. Now, everyone watched as Cian passed his spear to Bell, and went to his arm. Quickly, and with precision unwrapped the bandages along his left arm. He winced as he did, but eventually got off them and the sling, groaning as he turned and bent it. He then, did something Mikoto hadn't expected.

He pulled the red scarf with a raven on the front off his arm, and with both hands now tied it back around his head. The black raven was in the front, and the backs of them blew back in a breeze, as he took his spear back from Bell, and like his arm had never been broke snapped it under his shoulder.

"We'll kill it with this! I can use the Gae Bulg to defeat it!" He said, before shaking his head. "But it's power will have blowback, so we need to isolate the monster!"

He looked to Ryuu. "Ryuu, you and Mebd," he looked to red haired girl, "you're both the fastest. The two of you, head out ahead, do, lead it away from the town!"

"Goddess Hestia, Lillie, Ms. Chigusa!" Bell said, looking to them all. "You focus on getting the people who are hurt out of the way and helping them when you can! Organize help from them and be sure to watch out for stray monsters!"

"Welf, Mikoto, Ouka" Cian said, looking to her and the smith. Cian's eyes fell on her, and he nodded. "You all come with me and Bell, after Ryuu and Mebd have led it far enough away, I'll just need time to activate my spears power!"

Everyone was silent again, and Cian nodded, turning back to the monster, and pointing out his spear.

"In the name of my Goddess, Hestia," Cian said loud, spinning his spear around and snapping it under his shoulder, "I promise we'll save everyone on this floor, and destroy that monster!"

Everyone smiled, they all shouted their agreement, and Mikoto was left bewildered.

Because she believed him.

And… and if these really are romantic feelings… I will protect them, him, and everyone else!

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian

"GOATH!"

"Keep up!" Ryuu yelled after Mebd cast her spell, as Cian rushed through the woods, with Bell, Mikoto, Welf and Ouka not far behind.

Cian's arm being free invigorated him. In that moment, he felt like it was free for the first time in his life, he winced each time it bent, but it was healed enough for him at least perform the Gae Bulg's kata, and get its power activated. He zipped past the trees next to Bell, watching Ryuu and Mebd leap tree to tree in an attempt to get to the monster, soon they were out of sight, Ryuu moving like a blur, and Mebd with a massive orb of wind around her.

"Are you sure you're okay?!" Bell yelled to him.

Cian nodded, holding his spear behind his back as he ran. "I'm fine! Don't worry about me, Bell, when we get there, go for the legs!"

Bell didn't ask questions, and only nodded. "Right, I'll go left you go right!"

Cian felt his skin tingling from the wind and looked back. "We'll probably get support from the village, you three, all of you follow me and Bell's lead!"

"RIGHT!" Mikoto, Welf and Ouka all shouted at once.

Cian sucked in a breath and cleared his mind. Finn had always used to say a clear mind was a golden mind, and that any leader, any adventurer period needed to always have a clear mind before a fight, so he or she could analyze the situation properly.

Okay, you've fought Goliath before Cian, this ones just faster and more powerful, he thought, as the roars of the beast got closer. But you have backup this time! And it looks like-.

"Cian look out!" Bell yelled, darted in front of him.

A monster's roar came from his left. Cian spun and saw Bell cut his red knife through the body of a massive centipede that would have tackled him. Cian's eyes widened, as he realized now what was happening.

"Thanks Bell…" He said, growling as he looked to everyone, and they started running again. "Be careful, the monsters turned hostile! Everyone, raise your weapons now!"

He could hear Mebd and Ryuu yelling up ahead, and just before they reached the clearing where Goliath was already rampaging, Cian focused his mind to his fingers and drew runes in the air.

"Oh great gods of the Tuatha Danann, I humbly call upon your aid! To save the land and people I fight so hard to protect!" He started chanting, as they all came to as top in the clearing.

Goliath roared, and Cian looked up, seeing Mebd bouncing from point to point on the monster's body. She struck with her swords around its stomach, while Ryuu zipped around above its chest distracting its arms. Cian grinding his teeth, Ryuu was right, the sheer size of this beast, made Mog the Fomorian look like a goblin.

But this is what you asked Lady Scathach to train you for! What you joined Lady Hestia for! Come on, everyone's relying on you, be a hero!

"Bless me and my allies now and grant us the power of lightning!" Cian yelled, finishing the last of his runes. "STORIM DEALANACH!"

Goliath roared and the runes shot to everyone's weapons. Lightning erupted down the Gae Bulg and as soon as it hit his skin he felt it shoot through his body. His nerves, his muscles, all of them erupted to life and he spun the Gae Bulg in one hand, before pulling cruaidin from his waist, and aimed his sword towards Goliath, who now saw them and charged.

"Let's kill this thing!" Cian yelled.

Everyone behind him raised their electrified weapons and yelled, before with Cian they all rushed forward. More monsters spilled in from the forests as well, and Cian could already see more adventurers from town charging in with weapons as well. With a yell, he made for Goliath, with Bell right next to him, and knowing his friends were behind him he looked up and saw Mebd come down from above.

"COME! ASTAR NA GAOITHE!" She yelled, as the wind around her erupted just as she got into Goliath's range.

The blow back of Mebd's wind was so strong it stopped Goliath's fist from pounding into Cian and the others. He watched then as Ryuu leapt and landed on its arm, rushing up the shoulder before leaping and smashed her wooden sword across its jaw. Goliath reared from the power of the strike, but tried to knock Ryuu off him, Ryuu jumped and then Mebd, coming down like a meteor screamed and stabbed one of her swords deep into Goliath's hands.

"They're distracting it, come on!" Bell yelled across from me, before heading towards the left leg.

Cian nodded and ran to the right. Goliath kicked its leg forward, but Cian dodged to the right and stabbed his sword deep into its ankle and drug it out the back. Goliath roared and Cian leapt back to avoid the kick again, before looking up to see it about to swat Mebd and Ryuu out of the air. Cian went to scream, before she saw a bright light fly into view. Huge wings sprouted from Asfi Al-Andromeda's sandals, and after that she tossed jars of something towards Goliath's eyes. They hit and a loud explosion made the giant stumble.

"ASFI!" Mebd yelled with a smile, as with the help of her wind she and Ryuu moved away from Goliath's head.

Asfi nodded and looked down towards Cian and Bell. "Bell Cranel, Lancer of Red! The mages form the town are getting ready to cast a spell, keep it distracted!"

Bell's eyes widened and he turned to Cian. "That'll give you the chance to use your spear!"

"That's right!" Cian yelled, turning to everybody else. "You all hear that?! Buy them some-. MIKOTO!"

Mikoto had been swinging her curved sword now humming with electricity towards Goliath's ankle, but behind her, a massive hoard of bats dived down towards her, Ouka and Welf. Cian was about to rush to her aid, but Mikoto turned, narrowed her eyes and with her hand already on her blade, slung it forward and dashed.

Her sword moved faster then Cian ever thought a blade could move, and all of them fell to dust. Ouka moved in after her, more monsters in his path and barreled through them all with Welf. Cian's jaw dropped, all of their weapon's power by his magic slashed through the air, killing monsters left and right. However, all he could do was look at Mikoto moving between targets with more grace and precision then even he could manage. He'd been so worried for a moment… he had forgotten just how talented his party is.

He smiled, and that was when a loud roar turned him around. He yelled as he leapt back. Goliath tried to smash him beneath his massive foot. Cian ignored the mass of adventurers coming into help and took aim with his spear. He dodged another attack and leapt, throwing the Gae Bulg as hard as he could. It found home, burying itself deep in the side of Goliath's knee, and while he was still in mid-air he stabbed his sword deep into the monster's thigh, and dragging it down the beast's leg, Cian eventually landed and thrust out his hand.

The Gae Bulg shot out of Goliath's knee and back to his hand, it screamed out a roar and he looked to see Bell had just landed, cutting down its legs as well. It roared and fell down, Cian leapt back and landed next to Bell as Goliath's knee hit the ground. Above, he saw what could only be described as three blurs in the air. Mebd, Ryuu, and Asfi all circled from above, delivering as much punishment as they could. Cian winced at pain in his elbow as he held his sword and the Gae Bulg but watched on as Welf moved and saved a man who had been about to be squashed.

Only, Mikoto had covered him.

"NO!" Cian yelled, rushing forward, Bell behind him as Mikoto had come in swinging with her sword to protect Welf.

It had snatched her up in his hand, and Cian watched her scream as he reared back to throw her across the forest. Cian felt his skill come to life, Lightning Rod invigorated him and when he saw the twisted look of pain contorted in Mikoto's eyes, the fear as she dropped her lightning sword, he snapped again.

"LET GO!" He yelled, pushing his legs off the ground, and shooting as high into the air as he could.

As he jumped, he reared the Gae Bulg back, and in mid-air he threw it with everything he could. The red spear covered in lightning shot through the air and found its target. It smashed deep into Goliath's wrist, and like he'd hoped, that made him drop Mikoto. Cian had already been falling and managed to catch her in his arms. He wrapped both of his arms around her and hacked up what he could feel was blood as he hit the ground, the two of them rolling away from the fight.

After they stopped, he felt her on top of him, and looked to the side and coughed. "Are… are you okay?!"

What had gotten him so terrified? Of course, he'd have been that way if any of his friends had been trapped, but… he'd felt something inside him snap then. He was ashamed to admit it, but the entire floor could have been wiped out in that moment, all he wanted was to get her away from the monster.

"I… I'm fine," She said, her palms against the ground, her black hair spilling over her face, parts of it falling onto his cheeks. Her face went red, and she shook her head. "You… you saved me again… you really did."

Cian scoffed. "Of course I did, I couldn't-."

"LOOK OUT!" Bell's voice yelled.

Mikoto and him both turned around. Mikoto rolled off him and retrieved her curved sword. Cian looked and saw the Gae Bulg had fallen to the ground and summoned it back to his hand. As he did, he looked up and saw Bell tossing an adventurer with Welf before leaping forward to stab his knives deep into Goliath's leg again. He finally got to the ground only to be almost swiped away. Goliath's fist swiped along the ground and Bell leapt back, his feet skidding on the ground as he looked to Cian and Mikoto.

"Cian the spells ready!" Bell yelled to him. "Start chanting, you got this!"

Cian's heart leapt out of his chest as he nodded. "Right!"

"Your spear!" Mikoto said, grabbing onto his arm. "It won't hurt you too will it?!"

Cian felt his skin grow warm, from her touch it shot up his arm and he couldn't help but smile. Her dark purple eyes were locked with his, and Cian was struck by them even then. Yes, he'd want to see more of them, without a doubt.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine! We're going to win!" He said, turning and sucking in a breath. Goliath roared and swung at adventurers, they screamed, but Cian cleared his mind again. He turned back to Mikoto. "Get everybody clear!"

She nervously nodded and ran off, and Cian looked at the spear held out in his hand. He let out the breath he'd sucked in and imagined the eyes of the Scathach familia on him now.

Fergus, Uathach, Finn, Diarmuid, Chu… Lady Scathach, watch me from the Otherworld! Watch me carry on your legacy!

Because that's what he was. He held the Scathach familia, his family, the first people to love and care about him in his hands now. They were apart of him, they'd all taught him lessons he'd remember for the rest of his life, and he'd use them to be the hero they believed he could be.

Cian, dropped the spear to his foot, kicked it back up spinning into his hands, and began to chant. "Oh great spear of the Tuatha Danann, Spear of Ulster, Spear of Mortal Death, lend your power to this mortal body of mine so that I may protect the land and its inhabitants."

Chanting the incantation for Gae Bulg while performing the kata at the same time was tricky, but Cian needed to do it now. He rushed forward as he begun to spin the spear around his body, under his arm, around his neck, tossed it into the air, all of his movements precise and orderly. He looked and saw Ryuu and Mebd rush down towards him. Mebd's pocket of air around her exploded outwards, before she rushed in front of him, he saw Ryuu smashed away Goliath's hand which could have killed him.

"GO CIAN!" Mebd yelled, stopping in front of Goliath, and crossed both her swords above her head. "NOW, COME GOATH!"

Mebd shot from the ground like she was in a cannon and slashed up Goliath's chest. It roared back, and in the distance Cian could hear the mages chanting. He stopped in front of Goliath and snapped the Gae Bulg under his shoulder as it reared back and roared down in front of it. The sound made his ears bleed, and knocked back dozens of people, but Cian forced his legs to remain in position.

The spear, the Gae Bulg erupted with red energy as he held it out to his side. Chu had always told him the spear was alive and had a mind of its own. It could judge if you were powerful enough, worthy enough to wield it. He could feel the spear erupting with energy, it went down Cian's arm, the red magic was like lightning, it didn't shatter his armor, and to his surprise it didn't drain him nearly as much as it did the first time he used it.

"Fill me with the strength of the gods, let my strength join with your power to fight for a new and free tomorrow!" Cian yelled, leaping back as Goliath tried to smash him to bits.

"NOT TODAAAAYYY!" Welf yelled, coming through and smashed his massive sword across Goliath's wrist. "GOOO CIAN!"

Cian's eyes widened as he saw Goliath rear back and smash a foot into the ground. It shook the ground and shot it up, sending Welf sprawling backwards. He almost yelled out for him, but groaned, wincing in pain as he stumbled when the magic made it to his bad arm.

Focus… FOCUS! He thought through gritted teeth, as the red headband, Chu's headband blew back behind him and Cian shot up from the ground. Goliath saw this and tried to swat at him, but that was when a massive blast of magic shot past Cian from the right. It smashed into Goliath's head and sent up a cloud of smoke, and after it hit, Cian reared back the Gae Bulg, and his throat erupted as he yelled.

"I call on your power oh great spear of the gods as your master Cian Mac Gallagher!" He yelled, and with the magic finally erupting from the spear brought it forward. "BEHOLD THE RED FANGS OF ULSTER, BEHOLD THE POWER OF MY WILL AND THE GODS! GAEEEEEEEE BUUUULLLGGGG!"

Like it was shot from a cannon it left Cian's hand. He even managed to smile despite the pain and immediate drain he felt come on through his body. It smashed deep into Goliath's chest just as the smoke from the blast near its head began to clear. Cian landed right in front of the monster and stumbled, but caught himself and smirked as he looked up, waiting for Goliath to fall apart, for its heart and magic stone to be pierced by the barbs of the Gae Bulg.

Only… that didn't happen.

"Wh…what?" Cian said, his eyes shooting open as the smoke clear.

When it did, he did stumble, falling to one knee as all of his strength had been zapped. He could barely lift up his head to see Goliath melted from the spell. It slumped to one knee, its very skin oozing like puss from a wound, falling off its skeleton.

And the Gae Bulg stuck out of its chest. Cian, panicking, shot out his hand and tried to summon the weapon back to him.

No…no, no, no, no… NO! He thought, as the weapon wiggled, but seemed to be stuck inside the monster.

And it was then, Cian realized what had happened.

It… it didn't work, it… it's too powerful, my… my will it… it wasn't-

"CIAAAAANNNN!"

Cian's head snapped to the right as he saw Bell rushing towards him. He had no knives out, but his hand was covered in bright white light. He heard the chiming of bells, and turned back, remembering his fight with Goliath on Floor 17.

"It… it's… regenerating…" Cian said, still too stunned to move as all he could do was watch Goliath's skin reform.

And it even smirked.

"CIAN!" Bell yelled, and just as Goliath smashed his fist towards him, Bell got there.

He tackled Cian back and the two rolled. Cian was stuck on the ground, his body too exhausted to even move, and all he could do was turn his head to see Bell spin back around and fire up his hand.

"FIREEEEEEBOLTTTTT!"

Bell's ability argonaut shot to life. A blast bigger then anything Cian had seen erupted out of Bell's hand. It zipped upwards, a shot of brilliant white and orange light smashing into Goliath's head. The blast lasted almost a minute, and Cian looked at the monster stumble, and when it finally ended, Cian saw that half of Goliath's skull had been blown clean off.

And the Gae Bulg was still lodged in its chest.

I… I was too weak, too weak to take it down, he thought, as he looked and saw Bell's eyes widen.

He turned and hauled Cian off the ground as Goliath's face regenerated. The monster roared as Bell got him to his feet and attempted to run.

But all Cian could see was the Gae Bulg stuck in Goliath's chest.

If… if that wasn't enough, if I'm not strong enough with the Gae Bulg… what good am I?

"CIAN, BELL MOVE!" He heard Ryuu's voice screech.

He felt the ground shake as Goliath roared. The very ground beneath Cian and Bell gave out, and they were shot up into the air. Bell tried to grab onto Cian, but Cian felt the wind blowing around him.

And he was so, so drained, all he could do was close his eyes, before he felt something slam into him.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"I… I couldn't do it," Cian thought, his vision full of nothing but blackness. "The Gae Bulg is as strong as the will and power of its user. If my power is that much lower than who I'm throwing it at, then it won't kill it. Bete… Bete was right, and I was right, because I had always known… without that spear… I really am nothing."

The blackness was overtaken by bright light. His vision wasn't dark anymore, but filled with something he recognized, a place he recognized. The lake, the lake where just a week ago he'd killed the Fomorian, the lake which Lady Scathach often made her campsite.

The site of so many memories.

"Ridiculous, come on!" A familiar voice chastised. "You think you'll survive like that?"

Cian saw it then. He was as tall and handsome as ever, neatly trimmed black hair, no beard, dark brown eyes, and a mole under his right eye just near his cheek bone. He wore no shirt, his glistening, sweating muscles were more defined then anything Cian could hope to achieve. He tapped his long wooden pole, which was supposed to represent a spear on the ground near a young Cian.

"Again, get your ass up, rise as soon as you've fallen," Diarmuid ordered Cian, it was only the two of them in camp that day. Lady Scathach had taken the others for supplies. She ordered Diarmuid to stay behind since he'd been injured in the last fight, and Cian saw a massive patch over his old mentor's stomach.

"I… I can't…" Cian groaned, getting to his hands and knees. "I… I can't… I can't move."

Young Cian was full of bruises and drained completely of energy from that training session. He remembered this time well.

"You can't huh? Oh well," Diarmuid said, walking over and picking up Cian's wooden practice pole and shaking his head. "Guess Scathach is gonna have to drop you back off at that backwater village we found you in."

Young Cian grinding his teeth and got to his feet. "I… I won't go back… give me that."

Cian tried to move to grab his weapon back, but Diarmuid moved and kept it from his reach. "Oh yeah? You want it back? Take it back from me then."

"I… I don't have time for games," Cian said, lunging again, and now even grabbing around Diarmuid's sweaty stomach. "Give… give it back!"

"Take it back," His old mentor said, holding Cian's weapon above his head, knowing Cian was too short to get it.

Cian tried to reach up, to jump and get his weapon back… but that day, just like in the present, Cian was exhausted, too tired, too weak, and he watched as young Cian slumped down, and ended up with his back on the ground, only able to look up at Diarmuid.

"I… I can't…" Cian said, shaking his head weakly. "I'm not strong enough."

"Come on squirt," Diarmuid said over him, looking down and meeting Cian's eyes. "I know you got more fight in you then this, I've seen it."

"I… I don't," Cian said, looking up at the sky. "No matter… no matter how much I try, I've just been stuck, I won't ever be as strong as you, or Chu… or any of you."

Diarmuid simply shrugged. "Probably won't be, I won't lie.

Cian sighed, but Diarmuid shook his head.

"But… are you really gonna let something like that stop you?" He asked, looking down and meeting Cian's eyes. "Are you gonna let the idea you might fail stop you from trying?"

"If my goal is stupid and unattainable, then yes… I suppose," Cian responded.

Diarmuid scoffed. "Squirt, that's the point of having a goal. It's supposed to be stupid and unattainable, so that way, when you finally do obtain it, you feel damn good about it."

Cian rolled his eyes. "Since when did you get so philosophical?"

Diarmuid chuckled. "Haha… well maybe I just got a soft spot for young, ambitious idiots with crazy goals like you squirt… because well, I used to be that way as well."

Cian lifted his head off the ground and sat up. "You… mean that?"

"Course I do, my goal was to become the strongest adventurer in Ulster," His old mentor said with his trademark smirk. "I'd marry some beautiful princess and save the lives of thousands."

It was Cian's turn to scoff. "And you've been so successful haven't you?"

"Bet your ass I have squirt! I just don't kiss and tell," He said, before shaking his head. "Point is, that I learned through the years, that it's the journey that matters, a lot more then then destination."

"Huh? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Cian said.

Diarmuid laughed again. "Ha, well you don't get to your destination, your goal without a journey do you? I learned, that when you do reach your goals, like I have, you'll look back and be happy, not that you reached your goal, but that you overcame the journey to get there."

Young Cian floundered, unable to believe what he was hearing. "I… I suppose that makes sense."

"Course it does, it came from yours truly," Diarmuid smirked, crouching down to Cian's level, and holding out his hand to the boy. "You'll never reach your goal if you waste time complaining about the journey. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. Don't focus on your goal every day, focus on each step of the journey to get there. You're going to face challenges one day that seem impossible, but if there's anything you can learn from me squirt, let it be this…. The most important step in your life, is always going to be the next one forward, not the one a year from now, not a month... the next one in that moment."

Cian slowly nodded and grabbed Diarmuid's hand.

His old mentor smirked. "Good, now come on, let's see if you can-. GAHH!"

Cian after he'd grabbed Diarmuid's hand, yanked his mentor forward. Diarmuid fell face first into the sand, and Cian snatched up his wooden pole, spun it around his arm and snapped it under his shoulder.

"Well… seems that step was pretty easy."

Diarmuid coughed up sand and turned. A large smile came to his face, and he chuckled, kicking up his own pole. "Alright then squirt… let's see what you've learned."

His vision was black again… and his cold chest started to grow warm. Despite the darkness, he saw the Gae Bulg trapped in Goliath's chest. Could he really do anything against such a powerful enemy without it?

He felt his body heat up, and soon, found air returning to his lungs.

"Even if I don't have anything that can kill it… I'll find a way," He said to himself, letting air flow through his lungs. "I'll find a way… I'll take the next step forward! I'll show everyone the power of my will!"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Mikoto

"Ouka! Ouka! Please, wake up!" Chigusa said, shaking Ouka, but her eyes kept darting to all three unconscious bodies in front of her.

"Ouka… Master Bell," She said, turning to the one in the middle, her chest feeling like it was collapsing in on itself. "Cian…."

She'd rushed back to where they had landed. If not for Ouka leaping up with his shield at the last minute, Cian and Bell would have been dead. She could hear the distant sounds of the battle, the clashing of weapons and roar of Goliath as it caused more destruction. A feeling of dread, hopelessness, and shock fell over her like a cold blanket. Ouka and Master Bell were unconscious… but why was she just looking at Cian?

"Cian… Cian come on!" The elf said, holding her hands over his chest. They glew green, and while for the entire trip she'd had a calm look on her face, her eyes were wide then. "Wake up… come on, come on wake up!"

"I don't understand!" Lady Hestia said, shaking her head, Master Bell's unconscious hand in hers as she looked at them all. "Even if the magic didn't do anything, Cian's spear should have killed it! It always kills its target!"

"That's not always true…" The girl-Mebd- said, looking down at Cian with tears in her eyes. Her red hair was marred with blood and grime, as her arms holding her swords shook. "The Gae Bulg will always kill its target on most occasions… it takes the users will power in addition to their stats, but if the target is significantly higher in terms of stats or power then the thrower…"

"It won't work…. Cian probably did damage, but the spear didn't kill," Ryuu finished, as Mikoto watched her grab onto his hand. "That thing has grown to at least level five, possible six. It makes sense that the spear would have this handicap."

"It does…" Mebd said, shakily sighing and turning to Goddess Hestia. "Lady Hestia, I'm going back! Ryuu, you stay and look after Cian and the others. I'll try with Asfi to buy more time."

Ryuu shook her head. "I can't just stay. I'll finish up with Cian and then join-."

"No…" Lady Hestia said, all eyes turning to her.

Not in the short time that Mikoto had known the small goddess, had she ever had such a tone of voice. She stood and moved in-between Bell and Cian both. She got to her knees, her one hand holding Bell's and the other Cian's as she let out a slow breath and looked to Ryuu, Mebd and Mikoto. Finally, her eyes fell on Ryuu.

"Ryuu, Mebd, you both need to go now," She said, a confident look on her face as she looked up. Her smile grew as she nodded. "Hold out for a little longer… because… Bell and Cian are going to wake up and they'll kill that monster!"

The words hit deep into Mikoto's soul. She looked between the two of them. Cian's red headband with the black raven was still tied to his head. His black hair fell over it covered in grime, his chest slowly rose and fall, his chest armor shattered. His sword wasn't far away, and Mikoto knew his spear was still stuck in Goliath's chest. He was covered in black and blue welts; his arm had been twitching.

And yet he still had gone to fight, saved her. Bell had saved him. Ouka saved the both of them. How could Lady Hestia be so confident?

No… no that's foolish, they will… he will, she thought, looking to Ryuu and to Mebd.

"Lady Hestia is correct," Mikoto stated, looking down at him. "They're going to awaken and-."

"Cian!" Lady Hestia cut her off, and all eyes falling down to the ground.

"Cian!" Mikoto yelled, crawling closer near his side. She looked down as his eyes fluttered open, they were back to the same usual blue color they were, bright, vibrant. His eyes finally creaked open fully, he coughed, hard, and Mebd reached down to help sit him up.

"You… you're all *cough* *cough* okay?" He said, blinking and looking between them.

Ryuu smirked and nodded. "We're okay… are you?"

"Spear… is… is my spear…" He said, slowly trying to get up.

"It is, but Cian be careful!" Mebd said, holding his arm to steady him. "You should probably leave it-."

"Bell…" Cian said, turning to the right and looking between Bell and Ouka. "Ouka…? What… what happened?"

Goliath roared, but they filled him in on what happened. By the time they had all finished, Cian was breathing steadily again. Mikoto watched as he looked between them all again.

"My sword…?" He asked.

Mikoto's eyes widened, and she turned back, grabbing it from the ground. "It fell with you, here I picked it up."

He smiled, a weak smile, but a smile nonetheless as he took it. "Thanks…." He looked at the sheath and quietly said under his breath. "The most important step is the next one forward…"

"Cian, you should really recover!" Mebd said, shaking her head. "It'll be almost impossible for you to-."

"I can't kill this thing… I know," Cian said, smiling as he looked to Ryuu. "You can't either, can you?"

Ryuu slowly shook her head, her eyes never leaving him. "No… I can't. But you know who can?"

Cian nodded and smirked down at Bell. "Bell… he's the only one who can," he looked to Goddess Hestia and weakly kneeled again. "Lady Hestia, I'm sorry for making you worry… permission to buy time for Bell?"

Lady Hestia smiled, and slowly nodded. "Granted… Cian, go, take everyone, and buy time for Bell. I believe in you."

"Thank you… my goddess," he said, standing and strapping his sword to his belt. He smiled and his eyes fell to Ryuu and Mebd. "Ryuu, you told me your skill raises your spell and attack power the faster you're running right?"

Mikoto looked at him confused, and so did Ryuu for a moment. However, it seemed the elf realized what Cian was planning before Mikoto did.

A smile came to the elf's face. "It does… I'll aim for one of the legs."

"Good, Mebd," Cian said, looking to the red headed girl. "If the rumor about the Mac Caomhanach's hereditary magic true?"

"What…?" Mebd said confused. "Yes it is but… oh, I see! Yes, I'll go from above, if Ryuu goes from below then it could work!"

"Exactly!" Cian said, turning to look at Goliath over the trees. "And after we bring it down… we're going to trap it!"

"Trap it?" Ryuu said skeptically, stepping next to him. "How do you plan on doing that?"

And then, Cian looked at Mikoto. He smiled, and her heart skipped another beat. "Mikoto… you weren't lying about your gravity magic right?"

Suddenly, Cian's plan took shape in her mind. She remembered that night they'd both splashed about in the water, talking to each other for some time she'd mentioned her spell. It had been an old technique, Fujimura had taught to her, and between him and Lord Takemikazuchi, she liked to think that she was very proficient at it, it was something she was very proud of.

However, she looked from him, and then back to Goliath again. That monster had survived what should have been an unlivable attack… what could her magic possibly do.

"I… I was not but…" She said, feeling her arms start to shake, "but I'd only be able to hold him for a few seconds at most! I… I couldn't possibly hope to hold him! I'm not strong enough-."

She stopped, her heart stopped, when he smiled and held both his hands to her shoulders. He met her eyes, and despite the cries of pain, the sound of weapons and roaring of a monster that could kill them, Mikoto heard nothing, as all she could do was look at him. He was close to her, his face only inches from hers as he slowly nodded.

And she felt her worry melt away.

"We only need a few seconds," He said firmly, but softly at the same time somehow. "You can do this; I believe in you."

"I… I…" She said, unable to form words. Finally, she sucked in a breath and met his eyes. "Okay… I'll hold him, I promise."

"I know you will," He said, letting go of her, looking to her, Ryuu and Mebd. "Okay, Mikoto, wait for my signal! If you see Asfi and Welf let them know what's going on! Lady Hestia, when Bell wakes up send him our way!"

He unslung his bone-colored sword from his waist, and Mikoto just at this sight, him standing there tall, powerful, confident despite his failures… it made her more confident as well. After letting out a breath, he dashed forward towards Goliath through the forest. Ryuu and Mebd quickly followed… and Mikoto after that.

I… I want to follow him, he's someone beyond worthy of it. He believes in me, so I believe in me.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Mebd

This is it… this is where my journey of redemption begins! I won't let anyone else die, Mebd thought, her wind spread to life around her.

Cian wanted her to use her best magic, the magic of her clan, the magic of her father… and of her brother.

Ferdiad… this is for you brother, and you Cian! She thought, narrowing her eyes as with Ryuu on her opposite side she leapt from the trees. She knew Cian and Mikoto were coming forward on the ground. Mebd saw spears of lightning flying towards Goliath, and with it so focused on the ground it didn't see Ryuu or Mebd above.

"Mebd!" Ryuu yelled over the wind. "We need to go at the same time! Go while its eyes are off us!"

"Right!" She yelled over the wind. "It needs to stay distracted so we can chant!"

"I'll help! I'll pull out all the stops!"

"Asfi!" Mebd yelled, smiling as her new captain flew by her, the beautiful wings on her magic shoes sprouting to life.

Her captain, her and Lord Hermes had given her this new chance. If not for them, she didn't know where she'd be. They were secretive yes, but Mebd didn't care, she'd follow them anywhere, and she saw now why Asfi was their leader. She dodged around Goliath's fists, and with her winged shoes set its eyes ablaze. Goliath screamed again and stumbled, Lightning Spears from Cian fired below, and that was when Mebd started hearing Ryuu chant.

"In the sky of the now distant forest. Infinite stars scattered in the endless night sky…" The elf chanted, moving faster then Mebd had ever seen anyone move as she struck and chanted.

She was so mesmerized, that she almost forgot she needed to start chanting herself.

Mebd's stomach started churning, her skin tingled. She had sworn she'd never use her family's magic again, she'd used it, practiced it with her brother dozens of times… but she'd yet to use it in a real fight. She had felt she didn't deserve too, after what she had done.

But… but I need to now! I will! One day… one day I'll learn to forgive myself!

"Remember Mebd, concurrent chanting isn't easy, but the key is focus," Ferdiad's voice said. "Let your swords be a part of you, and they'll move naturally. But for our magic always remember, we're the Mac Caomhanach's our magic has protected and controlled the westerly winds for over a hundred years, you can control them, always remember it's you who's in control of them… and your own destiny."

"Control of my own destiny… thank you Ferdiad…" Mebd said, focusing her magical energy to her arms and remembering the words, as her eyes opened, and she glowed. "And thank you… Connla."

She knew now what he had done for her. She didn't know how long before she'd forgive him… but it would be easier when the time came.

"Come! GOATH!" Mebd shouted, as Goliath roared and she shot leapt up.

Goliath had been near the mountain, and Mebd used her wind to hold her on its side, and focusing the winds to her legs, she held up both swords, her eyes shining with a bright blue light, her red hair blowing back behind her. She unclasped her black cloak and tossed it aside, it disappeared in the wind, and Goliath turned to her and roared, going to swat at her as Ryuu kept up her attacked.

"Now…. MAC COAMHANACH!" She knew screaming the name of her technique didn't increase its power but it helped her resolve.

She exploded off the side of the mountain, leaving a crater behind her. She blasted forward as if she'd been shot out of a cannon and towards Goliath. He'd been coming to grab her but she directed her winds to the right, and drug her swords along the beasts arm, its eyes were still ablaze and it roared, howling in pain as it reared back.

Mebd screamed as she kept up a vicious assault on its upper half, before beginning the chant that ever child of Clan Mac Caomhanach learned from birth.

"Rise! Winds of the west, great winds of Ulster, winds of my homeland!" She yelled, cutting across the back of its neck as Ryuu chanted as well. She kept her focus and let her magic energy flow through her body, as around her the wind began to glow, bursts of lightning shooting off her body.

"Come to my beck and call! Twist and blow at my command, obey!" She yelled, slicing across its cheek and leaping higher into the air. She drifted back and held her swords above her head.

"Mebd…" Asfi said amazed as she looked up at her.

Lightning crackled up her arms, her storm whirled around her, the wind blew up her hair, uprooted some trees, debris of branches, logs, rocks and boulders and of course lightning coursed around her body and up her swords, her eyes glew with magic as she grinded her teeth and stared face first at the looming Goliath, she had to guess Ryuu was close to finishing as well, and Cian's plan depended on the both of them.

AND I WON'T LET HIM DOWN!

"OBEY THE GREAT NAME MAC CAOMHANACH!" She screamed, swinging her swords around her body and churning her storm. "Use my body great storm of Borrum! I unleashed your great power upon my enemy, fill me with your strength, your light and unleash! UNLEASH! I herby unleash you great storm from your cage! Now come forth and strike!"

Ryuu finished her chant and leapt up near Goliath's waist, while Mebd looked down at him from above his chest.

"GAILFEN TIOFUUUUUUUNNNNNNN!"

"NOW LUMINIOUS WIND!"

A massive CRACK of electricity unleashed from Mebd's swords. She looked at Goliath's chest and saw the Gae Bulg sticking out of it, it finally started wriggling free, but Mebd knew it would require a lot more strength free, but as her winds and lightning soared so did Ryuu's magic. The beautiful green light of elf magic smashed into Goliath, and the moment they hit Mebd felt her strength start to fail. Her wind died down and she started to fall.

"MEBD!" Asfi yelled, as her arm was jerked, and Mebd felt herself flying.

"As…Asfi… thanks," She said, smiling exhausted up at her captain.

"RYUU!" Asfi yelled, picking up speed.

Mebd turned, and then she heard the scream. As Goliath fell to one knee he smashed his hand forward down towards Ryuu. It slammed into her, and she screamed, getting sent flying towards the mountain.

Mebd didn't even think, she just acted.

"GOATH!" She yelled, and fighting through the fatigue, shot from Asif's hand.

Asfi yelled for her, but Mebd dropped both her swords and tucked her arms back. With speed she shot through the air and caught the yelling Ryuu. She slammed into Mebd, and they both fell to the forest below. If not for Mebd's wind they would have splattered. They still rolled and were hurt… but they were alive.

Mebd coughed, blinking as she looked over at Ryuu struggling to stand.

"Are… are you okay?" She asked the elf, wiping her eyes.

Ryuu breathed heavy, but slowly nodded, looking at her. Her eyes were wide for a minute… but softened, as she stumbled over and reached down her hand.

"I am… thanks to you," She said, sounding genuine. Then… she smiled at her. "Thank you, for saving me."

Mebd stuttered. The elf was more beautiful then anyone she'd ever seen… and she could understand now why Cian held her in such high regard, for more then just her appearance.

She nervously smiled and took her hand, getting to her feet. "You're welcome… so, did we do it-."

Goliath roared, and they both turned. They were both near the treeline and rushed out to see what their spell had done.

Mebd mouth fell open. "It… it's only on its knees!"

Ryuu shook her head, her eyes wide. "We… we'll need to try again, we should-."

"RYUU! MEBD! OUT OF THE WAY!"

They both turned and jumped to the side. Mebd yelled for Welf, but with a massive red sword on his back, the blacksmith ran through the woods and leapt into the air.

"KAZUKIIIIIIIIIII!"

"A magic sword!" Mebd said, as a wave of heat blasted from the blade.

"Kazuki… A Crozzo magic sword…" Ryuu said mystified.

The torrent of flames smashed into Goliath. It roared and finally fell onto it's back, and Mebd looked around for Cian, hoping it had been enough.

Cian… this is up to you! You and Mikoto!

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian

"KAZUKIIIIIIIIII!"

"WELF!" Cian yelled, almost dropping his sword, Mikoto running up behind him.

His mouth dropped, his vision was blurry, but the heat made him sweat as the power of Welf's creation unleashed and smashed Goliath down onto his back. Cian wanted to wait and be surprised, but after he saw Asfi go and pick up the falling Welf, he turned to Mikoto.

"Mikoto now!" He said, focusing his mind as well, getting ready to chant. "You can do this!"

"Yes… yes I can… I will!" She yelled, bending her knees, and forming a sign with her hands.

Cian smiled at her, she's… beautiful, really.

He sucked in his breath and raised up his sword in his right hand and focused his magic to his fingertips and began to draw runes in the air.

"Oh great gods of the Tuath Danann I do humbly call upon your aid! To save the land and people I fight so hard to protect!" Cian started, drawing the runes in the air as Goliath tried to stand. As he chanted, he heard Mikoto beginning to behind him.

"I respectfully speak to you, my War God that can break through any thing, lead me from the precious heaven. Give my petty body divine power of your grand body!" She yelled, as he saw her hands moving with speed and precision before she clamped them shut.

Cian smirked and finished drawing his runes. "Bless me now and grant me the power of lightning!"

Lightning sparks started erupting from Cian's arms, and he looked backwards as Mikoto shouted and slammed both her hands shut again.

"Rescue them light of purification, sword of crushing evil. Sweep sword of suppression, sacred sword of conquest! It arrives by my order! Descend from heaven, rule of earth- SHINBU TENSEI!"

A loud BANG erupted from the sky and Cian turned. Above Goliath on the ground, a massive purple circle formed, it's beautiful light was the color of Mikoto's eyes. He scoffed in amazement as it shot down and spread out around Goliath, and finally he swiped his hand across the runes and held up his bone sword.

"STORIM DELANACH!"

"FUTSUNOMITUMA!"

This worked before, it has to work again!

Cian watched as lightning conducted deep inside his sword and erupted. It shot up off the blade, it was the sword itself and then pure lightning stretching another two feet, he spun it in his hands, as he watched Mikoto's magic take effect. It sprang out around Goliath who had been attempting to stand, but the gravity magic slammed him onto his back. Cian looked at Mikoto amazed for a moment, before a hot anger started rising in his chest.

He looked and saw the Gae Bulg sticking out of Goliath's chest, before spinning his blade and holding out his wrist.

"CIAN! I… I… I CAN'T HOLD FOR LONG!" Mikoto yelled, the ground beneath her feet started to crack as she held the ball of purple magic in her hand.

Cian gripped tight to his sword and looked towards Goliath who struggled to get up. He saw the beast bend its leg and he sprang forward.

"No… NO!" He yelled, rushing and while he did, stabbing the tip of his blade into his wrist. "GAHHHH, ARGHHHHHHHH!"

"CIAN!" His name was yelled from around the forest, but Cian's goal was singular.

Get back his spear.

His skill, Lightning Rod erupted. He could feel the lightning, the power, the speed rushing throughout his veins and when it finally set in, he radiated lightning like a sun, and darted forward so fast he could barely feel his feet touching the ground. He rushed past the other adventurers and monsters still fighting and leapt as he saw Mikoto's gravity magic start to falter.

"I… I can't hold on!" He heard her yelled. "C…CIAN!"

With a loud BANG again, he saw her magic break, the spell around Goliath disappeared and he started to rise again. Cian leapt up into the air just as he did, his sword a massive blade of lightning ready to unleash now, and as he got to the top of his jump, above Goliath's head, he was just getting onto his knees, but his arms hadn't risen to smack him away yet.

Thanks, Mikoto! He thought, rearing the sword behind his back. He saw them all, Lady Scathach, Chu, Diarmuid, the Scathach familia as he normally did. He always fought for them yes, they were always on his mind, whenever he picked up his spear or sword it was for them.

But this time… it was for even more. Everyone that he'd met, Bell, Lady Hestia, Mikoto, Lillie, Welf, Ryuu, Mebd, Lefiya, every single person on that floor, he unleashed that next attack for all of them. Because that was what a hero did, they met every challenge with their spear leveled, they knew when to accept failure, and when to move on.

They knew when to take the next step forward! THIS IS THAT STEP FORWARD!

"I believe in you, just like Scathach and Setanta believed in you, so believe in yourself okay?" Lady Hestia had told him.

He believed.

"ARGHHHHHHHH!" He screamed, bringing the sword forward, his eyes went to the Gae Bulg sticking out of Goliath's chest and he felt himself explode. "GIVE ME BACK MY SPEAR! CRUAIDIN CATUTCHEN!"

He called the name for his sword in that moment, he knew that unless a skill, weapon or magic required it, yelling out the name of a move was useless. However, Cian had felt this new technique deserved all his power, and it erupted his heart with anger, and when the lightning unleashed it smashed into Goliath chest! But that wasn't the only thing that flew forward.

Cruaidin shot from Cian's hand. Goliath who had just been about to get to his feet stumbled again as the massive storm of lightning smashed into it, and the sword cut deep into his chest. Cian had known that if the Gae Bulg failed, that didn't mean the barbs didn't erupt out of it, they did, they just hadn't killed this time. That was why the Gae Bulg didn't return to his hand, it had been stuck inside Goliath's body, but now when the sword hit the monster's chest, Cian kept falling through the massive cloud of smoke. He looked and saw the massive hole his sword had created from the blast, and he grabbed the Gae Bulg and leapt towards the ground with his spear in hand when Goliath fell to one knee.

He gripped the Gae Bulg in his hands as he fell to the ground. When he landed he tucked into a roll and came up with a skid looking at the Gae Bulg in his hands. Sprouting out from the tip was hundreds of long spiky red barbs, coated with Goliath's blood, he surely looked like he had crawled right out of hell itself then, but when the spear came into contact with his hand, it hummed pleasantly, as if saying it was happy to be back in his possession.

Goliath slowly rose and roared with a massive hole in its chest as Cian finally looked back up. He had just watched the barbs of the Gae Bulg snap magically back into the tip of his spear, when he saw lightning travel up the red divine weapon, he had already prepared his next attack, as Goliath roared and turned around. He heard people shouting for him, trying to come up with a new plan, but Cian knew the fight was over.

He had heard him coming before he had even leapt up.

"CIAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNN!"

"TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH! ENJOY YOUR NAP?!" Cian yelled, as he started running forward, hearing footsteps behind him.

And the chiming of bells.

"It was great! Enjoy yours?!" Bell yelled, rushing up behind him, a long slim magic sword in his hands, his entire body glowing with a sparkling white light.

"It was fantastic!" Cian yelled, as they ran together. "Let's kill this thing!"

"YEAH!" Bell yelled, skidding to a stop with Cian, but Cian had already readied his attack.

"LIGHTNING SPEAR!" He yelled, as the long bolt of lightning appeared in his opposite hand.

His ability didn't give him more quickness to just run faster, all his limbs did as well, so he cocked back the Gae Bulg, and the lightning spear in his hand launched them forward.

"NOW! BELL!"

"ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Cian fell back to the ground, as he watched the Gae Bulg shoot towards Goliath's chest covered in lightning, a massive blast of white magic from Bell following. Both smashed into Goliath at the same time, before a loud BOOOM shook the ground as he rolled and landed next to Bell, shooting to his feet as his friend's magic sword crumbled. Smoke rose from the ground, and Cian saw a speck of red. He shot out his hand and the Gae Bulg shot to his hand. The smoke took a minute to clear, but when it did, his stomach fell.

"No… it's regenerating!" Cian yelled, as the lower half of Goliath, half its magic stone revealed slowly began reforming.

"Come on!" Bell yelled, pulling the Hestia Knife from his back, and rushing down the large crater they had created.

Cian ran to the opposite side, down the side of the walls, the remains of lightning helping him move faster. He watched Bell and timed his jump to coincide with him. Screaming with everything he had, he reared back the Gae Bulg and landed on top of the magic stone, sinking the red spear deep into the heart of it. Bell came a moment later, landing on the other side with the Hestia Knife.

Bell met his eyes, and when they both nodded, they turned their weapons and leapt down.

The magic stone let out a large puff of smoke, before breaking into pieces.

That was when Cian's legs finally gave out, and coincidentally, when he fell to his butt, his back fell and hit Bell's. And the two could only sit back-to-back, breathing heavy, looking up at the crystal ceiling of the cave. Exhausted.

"Ha… you got a flare for the dramatic Bell," Cian said as he panted, smirking as he felt the back of his head touch against Bell's.

"You… you do too," His friend said, and while he couldn't see him, Cian knew he was smiling as he felt him shake his head. "I… can't believe we did it."

Cian smiled now, his bones screaming at him. He held his fist to the side and nodded. "Yeah… but this is just the first of many… for the boys of the Hestia familia."

Cian heard Bell laugh.

And his fist tapping Cian's was the best feeling in the world.

"Yeah… the first of many," He said, leaning the back of his head against Cian's again. "Cian… I… I'm really, really happy that I got to meet you. That you were the first one to join my familia."

Cian's heart melted, and he couldn't remember the last time he felt as happy as he did in that moment with Bell.

"I am too Bell… thanks," He said, letting his hands fall to his side. "Thanks for saving me."

"BELL!" "CIAN!"

He heard worried shouts, and footsteps. Soon somebody hugged him, he didn't know who, he was so delirious and tired, his arm was aching, his head was pounding.

But I'm alive… and so is everyone else.

"Cian! That was the most courageous thing I've ever seen anyone attempt," Mikoto's voice-which he recognized- said, before he felt arms around his neck. "But… but you shouldn't be so reckless."

Cian deliriously realized that Mikoto was hugging him… and he was too tired to even be embarrassed. He just enjoyed the warmth of her hug, and the smell of her hair. It all felt and smelled wonderful. Mikoto's arms stayed around his neck… and he did what was natural… he hugged her back. He felt her stiffen for a minute… but he realized this was what Lady Hestia had meant.

It was just an intrinsic feeling, you would know.

He dryly laughed and smiled, looking up at the ceiling. "Yeah… I've been told that before."

Lady Scathach, Chu, Diarmuid, Finn, Fergus, Uathach… thank you. I'm ready now… I'm ready to take my next step forward.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Connla

"So… this is the place?" Connla asked the druid. "You're sure now?"

"Connla my friend, are you doubting me?" Cathbad responded, in his normal condescending tone.

"Yes, yes I am," Connla responded, leaning his spear on his shoulder. "Now, I'll ask one more time, are you certain this is the place?"

The Druid rolled his eyes, and Connla had half a mind to set his robes on fire. He didn't wear much, the Druid. Only what Connla liked to describe as a dress of leaves. They were a dark forest green color, and he had a wreath of leaves, animal teeth, and other magic trinkets Connla had no idea about around his neck. He wore a white bone circlet over orange hair that fell down his shoulders. Cathbad hadn't inherited his twin brothers' size or strength, but if there was ever going to be a man that could almost frighten Connla, Cathbad was it. The last of the Druids was a bastard, Connla knew that, just like every other member of that damned familia outside of Dullahan.

I shouldn't judge him… after all, I'm the biggest bastard of all, Connla thought, not letting the mage look away from him.

He knew that one day, and it could possibly be soon, that Morrigan was going to try and have him killed. When Cathbad had said he finally found Caladbolg's resting place and led Connla deep into a secluded forest deep in Mac Caomhanach territory that even he had never been too, part of him thought she was making her move. If anyone could possibly kill him, it would be Cathbad. They were both level 6, of course Connla had higher stats, but the Druid he knew had magic that was outlawed in not only Ulster, but the whole world at his disposal. Yes, it was terrifying, even he would admit it.

He and Morrigan were perfect for each other, Connla knew he was only captain in name, Cathbad was really the mad dog for that witch. She had promised him and his twin brother she would help resurrect the Druid order if the Tuatha Danann fell. Connla didn't know if he'd be alive long enough to deal with him, but he wasn't looking forward to the day he had too.

If Connla could get the sword… and then the spear, things would be different.

I wonder what the kids doing right now, Connla thought, as he watched the Druid reach out his black branch like staff towards the stone door. He'll have taken my warning serious; he's probably working to get stronger. Especially if you taught him like you taught me… eh old man?

"Yes, Connla, I am certain," Cathbad said, tapping his staff in such a quick distinct manner Connla didn't bother trying to memorize it. He finished and turned to him. "I don't suppose you could do an old friend a favor in return for finding the sword?"

"We're not friends, and I'm not old, only you are," Connla told him. "And don't act like you did this out the kindness of your heart, that witch told you too."

Cathbad didn't get angry or spew back a retort, Connla knew he wouldn't. The Druid was the kind of man who would didn't yell or fight back, he slithered behind you in the shadows and had you begging for mercy when you thought you were safe. It didn't matter to Connla.

He almost welcomed the Druid trying to kill him. A part of him wished Morrigan would just get on with it.

"Very well," Cathbad said, a fake smile on his face. "I'll ask you outright then. I don't suppose you know Connla my young friend…. Where it is Leanan ran off to now do you?"

"No idea, I haven't seen her since I reported back," Connla lied. "Now get on with it, is it gonna open or not?"

Leanan… you dumb amazon, just leave things be, for Mebd's sake, Connla thought.

He knew exactly where Leanan had gone, and he knew Cathbad and Morrigan did as well. He'd just have to hop that the adventurers in Orario, and that Cian Mac Gallagher were strong enough to protect them. It wasn't his job anymore.

Cathbad seemed amused, as he tapped the door one final time. Connla slapped away a pesky fly, as the ground shook, and the round door slowly sank down into the ground. He had no idea what kind of magic the Druid used, and he didn't care. The smell of the cave hit him first, mold, and the stench of death attacked his nose, but Connla didn't flinch. He'd seen enough death to last him a lifetime and smelt plenty too.

He sighed, patting the dust off his long black coat. Making sure his spear was close by, he moved towards he entrance and looked down. Steps led to the dank, musty crypt, and Connla couldn't see two steps in front of him. He looked up at the spear in his hands, it was nothing special, it was of normal make, but Connla knew a weapon didn't make a warrior.

His father had taught him that.

"How long?" Connla asked, turning back to the Druid.

Cathbad clicked his tongue. "It is a perilous journey through the ruins, I will not lie. However, someone of your… stature," he said with another click, "should have no problems. A day if you take your time, about ten hours if you try and move fast. However, I advise you take your time… my ancestors built this crypt, there's no telling how difficult it will be to navigate."

"A Druid crypt huh? Guess those geezers on the council really pulled out the stops," Connla said, shaking his head. "What should we expect?"

"Traps, monsters, spirits," Cathbad said, stroking his long orange beard. "All the normal things your wet nurse, mother and father warned you about growing up."

"My father had no times for stories, or me," Connla said dryly. "All he had time for was killing those things in the stories. Alright, now get out."

"Having me leave so soon?" Cathbad said with a smirk. "And I thought we were getting along finally Connla."

"So did I. I was even going to name a kid after you. The annoying middle one that talks too much," Connla told him, looking back down the crypt. "I'm sure your brother needs your help taming those animals back at camp."

Cathbad chuckled. "If there's one thing Carmen knows how to do, it's deal with the unruly types…. I shall report to the goddess of your progress."

"Do what you like," Connla told him. "So long as I stop hearing your gums flapping within the next thirty seconds I'll be happy."

"And maybe you'll grace me with a smile. I'm beginning to think you don't know how."

"Oh, I can smile alright," Connla said, turning to the Druid. "I've just decided you're not worthy of me smiling for."

Connla saw the slightest hint of annoyance in the Druid and felt satisfied. Cathbad slowly backed away and purple light started emanating from his staff.

"Retrieve Caladbolg Connla," The Druid said, his form starting to teleport away. "Don't disappoint the goddess again."

"For you and your goddess," Connla said, holding up his middle finger.

He saw a scowl before the Druid disappeared, and Connla did crack a smile.

Sighing he looked to nearby bushes. "You can come out now Dullahan."

The bushes and trees shook. Dullahan's massive, chiseled form emerged, his massive axe somehow only in one of his hands. He'd shaved his head again the night before, now only a long dark red beard stretched down to his chest. Connla sighed, running a hand through his now long and unruly red hair as well, he'd need to cut it soon.

"Sorry, I know he freaks you out," Connla said, as his oldest companion joined him at the entrance to the crypt. "He said about a day if we want to live basically."

"He does not frighten me," Dullahan said sternly, meeting Connla's eyes. "I just know I cannot be in his presence, without wanting to bury my axe into his chest."

Connla slowly nodded. "After what the Druid remnants did to your village, I don't blame you."

"I will never let his goal succeed, I'll kill him and Carmen before I let them," He told Connla, his cold gaze not leaving Connla. "Even if it interrupts our plans."

"That was your only stipulation, I know, and I won't stop you old friend," Connla said, sighing as he looked down the steps again, into the darkness. "I hope though you'll still have my back here."

"Of course, I will," Dullahan said, grabbing a lit lantern from his side. "Shall we?"

"Yes…" Connla said slowly, looking at the darkness. "Let's go Dullahan."

And then, Connla took his first steps towards darkness.

But in reality, he'd done that a long time ago.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Morrigan

The Goddess Morrigan, rightful leader of the Tuatha Danann, lounged and drank wine. It was such a simple thing in the mortal world, but it was one of its finest pleasures. She could course could have a limitless supply with the snap of her hand, but she needed to keep her Fomorians busy somehow, and raiding local villages for barrels of wine was fun for them.

Of course, she could have leveled the towns as well with a flick of her wrist.

Curse this form. How could those fools not remember we are gods? Limiting ourselves is an insult, Morrigan thought, as she heard the whirling of magic.

"No matter…" She said to herself, rising from her bed as Cathbad took shape in the middle of her tent. "Soon… all of it will be mine, and I shall never know hardship again. I will rule as I was supposed to, and I will be a goddess again."

She only could access a small bit of her power… but even that was enough to make the mortals of the lower world hers.

"My Lady…" Cathbad said kneeling.

"Rise Cathbad," She said, stretching out his arms and approaching the Druid. "Tell me, has Connla entered the ruins?"

"He has, My Lady, he says he doesn't know where Leanan went," He informed her.

Morrigan laughed. "Ha… he is lying, but it's of no matter. You know where she's gone as well yes? You just wanted to confirm your theory with Connla."

"I do, and still believe we should send my brother after her," Cathbad said, rising and meeting her eyes. "If she kills the Child of Light, we will not be able to have him summon the Gae Assail."

Morrigan smirked and cupped Cathbad's face. "Do not worry… dear Cathbad. Leanan will not defeat the Child of Light. She is irrelevant. Speaking of the Child of Light… take me to them Cathbad, I'm assuming they're still alive?"

Cathbad hesitated but nodded. "They are, My Lady. Still restrained as well."

"Good… take me there Cathbad," She smirked, grabbing his hand as the purple light appeared around them. "I so do love seeing her."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Scathach

The Goddess Scathach wasn't thirsty, she wasn't hungry, she wasn't tired. She was a goddess, she needed for nothing even now. In her first few hundred years on the Lower World, simply fighting for her mentor Nuada, and not having a familia of her own, she wondered how her fellow gods and goddesses could possibly grow so weak as warriors and grow so complacent. She vowed to never be as weak, which was why despite not having her godly powers anymore, she practiced as the mortal adventures did anyway. She became strong amongst them, defeating anyone who dared challenge her god or hero.

Eventually however, she'd let Nuada wear her resolve down… until she had a familia of her own.

She now saw why her fellow deities had grown weak. It was because they spent so much time worrying about their precious children. Scathach knew the feeling now, loving them as much as she loved life itself. So now… now that she was surrounded by their corpses, every day her eyes opened again she felt as if a part of her gently blew away like the last leaves on a tree in the autumn.

But… I will not lose faith, she thought as her eyes fluttered open for that day. Because… still believe in you… Hestia… Cian.

And her first child.

"Good… morning Setanta," She said through the bars, trying to stretch her arms, which were suspended above her with chains.

Her child groaned, and fluttered his eyes open as well. "Good morning… my Goddess. Lovely… lovely day today… isn't it?"

She grimly nodded. Her ass was on the floor, her arms stretched and suspended above her. Still, she had it better then Setanta. She'd been forced to wake up every morning and see him through the cell bars next to her. He was restrained by all four limbs, outstretched as he was against the wall. Now and then, they'd bring food or water and feed him through the bars. Part of her was waiting for him to break out… but whatever chains it was that Morrigan and the Druid suspended him by, even a level 7 couldn't break them.

"As beautiful… as the last month has been… yes," She told him, blowing her purple hair out of her eye.

He chuckled weakly and turned his head to her. He was older now, near forty. "I… I must repeat my petition to you today Goddess… please…. Please Scathach, go."

Her chest panged. It would have been simple to unleash her godly power, bust out of the chains. Lord Dagda would understand, for some reason Morrigan was still in the Lower World despite using hers, all she had to do was reach deep within her and unleash it.

But… I won't. I won't stoop to the level of that witch, Scathach told herself.

And besides, she had no idea where their prison was. It had a staircase at the very end of the hallway, which was the only exit. The problem was, it was an old Druid portal, one which would drop her anywhere if she was not the Druid who casted it. She hadn't seen where they were, and that meant she couldn't return.

She wouldn't leave her child here.

"And I will repeat my rejection…" She said, meeting his eyes. "I will not leave you here… Setanta."

Setanta sighed, but smiled, leaning his head against the stone, trying in vein to move his arms against the chains.

"I know… so I guess we'll just have to wait," He said, before looking at a cell across from theirs and nodding his head. "Goddess…. You remember that one right?"

Scathach looked across the hall and her chest fell. She'd seen the young mans body slumped over, dead for weeks now. She remembered him when he was alive as well… she'd inadvertently caused his death, something that haunted her to that day.

"Ferdiad Mac Caomhanach… the poor boy," She said, feeling her eyes started to water as she looked down the row of cells. "And… my children… Diarmuid… Finn… Fergus… Uathach… I couldn't protect you."

"You can't blame yourself… Goddess," Setanta said, shaking his head as he looked at their corpses as well. "I failed them… as a leader… I failed."

"We both did then…" She said, her chest pounding as she looked at Uathach's blood splattered hair in one cell.

"I still… don't understand," Setanta said, looking over at her. "They're dead… what could they possibly want with their bodies?"

They were all there, all her children's bodies were in cells next to them. Dead, lifeless corpses of the most important souls in the Lower World to her. She had to wake up every day remembering how she'd failed to protect them.

"Knowing that witch… and the Druid," Scathach said, seething tiredly. "It will be nothing short of depraved…. As for us well… Morrigan always did like to show off her accomplishments."

"I'm an accomplishment now eh?" He said with a coughing laugh. "Ha… I… I'm honored…. Goddess?"

"Yes Setanta," She responded, her eyes fluttering closed again.

"Was it really wise…?" He asked her. "Sending him to Orario. The… the last time we saw Lady Hestia, she didn't have a familia. Nuada may have been a better option."

Scathach actually managed to smile, looking through the bars at her child. "Do not… underestimate Hestia my dear Setanta…. She will set him on the right path. And… and as for Cian…"

Setanta smirked, but still looked pained. "He'll do what needs to be done… he's strong, he'll be even stronger then me… yeah… you will… you'll… you'll be even stronger then me… kiddo…"

"Yes… yes… he will," She said, her eyes finally shutting. "Cian… my sweet child…. You will save us all-."

"Such a touching sentiment, my dear, sweet Scathach," A honeyed voice said. "I too am looking forward to seeing more of young Cian."

Scathach's blood boiled, and she saw Setanta growl and try to free himself again. "You… you hag. You so much as touch him I… I swear I'll-. GAHHH!"

"Those are the chains of Goibnu, Chu Chulainn," The Druid said from behind Morrigan, shaking his head. "Even one as powerful as you cannot break them."

"Ha… is that a challenge? I like challenges," Setanta spat.

"This one is beyond even you," The Druid went on. "They are made by-."

"Sorry… I missed the floor," Setanta said darkly. "Let me down, and I'll wipe your face for you."

A glob of spit went from Setanta's mouth and hit the face of the Druid. Scathach watched the mage slowly wipe his cheek and look scathingly towards Setanta.

Morrigan held a hand up and laughed, walking in front of Scathach's first child. "Dear… sweet Setanta. This all could have been avoided… had you not been so arrogant in your young years. Do you regret it yet? Thinking yourself too good for my familia?"

"I've made more mistakes then any man ever has in my life…" Setanta said with a scoff, tossing back his head, his dark red hair leaving his face. "But that wasn't one of them."

"Get away from him Morrigan," Scathach said, trying to move from her chains. "I'll offer again, let him leave, and I will do anything you ask."

"Oh… anything still?" The witch asked, walking to Scathach's cell now. "Alright… I'll make you the same offer. If you call Cian Mac Gallagher to you, and have him summon the Gae Assail for me. I will let not only him and Setanta, but you live as well."

Scathach's grinded her teeth. "Cian would never do that, not even at my behest. He'd kill me and himself first before he gave you what you want."

"Oh? Are you certain?" Morrigan said, leaning against the bars. "You were his savior, his first family. The boy is sure to love you above all others dear Scathach. Do you believe he'd be able to kill you, even if you instructed him to do so-."

"Yes… because he knows what is right, we taught him," Scathach spat back, trying to break out of her chains again. For the first time in days, she got to her feet, and walked as close to the bars in her sack dress as she could get, meeting Morrigan's eyes. "He is more then just the Child of Light."

"You'll see…" Setanta warned from the next cell, still smirking. "He's so much more. He's going to be the greatest adventurer Ulster has ever seen. You think beating me was hard? He'll be damned near impossible."

"Because he will not stop. He will not give up, he will continue to fight until you are defeated," Scathach said, standing tall and shaking her head as definitely as she could. "Even if Setanta and I perish like the rest… Hestia and Cian will see your evil snuffed from this land. Your plans will never come to fruition Morrigan… he will make it so."

The corner of Morrigan's lip went upwards. "Is that so? You truly believe a diminutive goddess with large breasts, and a young child will destroy all I've worked to build? All of my soldiers and my familia?"

Scathach smirked. "Underestimating them both will be your downfall Morrigan. Soon you will see-."

"My dear, dear friend Scathach you don't understand," She said, the smirk turning to a genuine smile. "It is because I will not underestimate them, that I will succeed. I already know how I will get my hands on your final child… and you're both going to help me."

Setanta spat again. "In your dreams you crazy hag. Piss off."

Morrigan laughed and turned her back to them. "You will… no matter if it's your will or not. Yes… you two will be the key to Cian Mac Gallagher's downfall. Be prepared."

Scathach's arms trembled as Morrigan was followed out by the Druid. She watched the two disappear in a purple light, and she sighed, walking to slump back against the wall.

"Don't worry Goddess…" Setanta said, leaning his head back as well. "They'll be here… they will, and if not? Well, we had a good run, didn't we?"

"Yes Setanta, we did," Scathach said, letting her eyes close. "We very… very much did."

Cian… never forget who you are, you're my child. My dear… sweet child, please, do not forget that I believe in you.

Next Time, Season 1 OVA: Is It Wrong to Expect a Hot Spring in a Dungeon?: After a massive fight on floor 18 against the Black Goliath leaves everyone battered and bruised, Cian, Bell and his friends finally have some luck! Thanks to a cave in and Mikoto's keen sense, they find a large underground hot spring! Now, Cian can finally heal his wounds… and also see an odd side to Mikoto he'd never expected. The most important question asked however, if by young Mebd Mac Caomhanach, and that's, how did Lord Hermes already know her swimsuit size after only being in his familia for a week?!

S/N: Woooowww that took longer than I wanted. Sorry about that ya'll, its almost finals time at school, plus its almost thanksgiving! I can promise though, the next few chapters will ACTUALLY be short, and not me saying they will be them making them long lol.

However, getting into this chapter we obviously have a LOT of major developments! It was mostly a massive fight, but we see some character moments here and there. We see Cian isn't exactly afraid to get his hands dirty, especially when he sees his friends in danger, how will that come up in the future battles with not only the Morrigan familia, but other villains? I feel this really helped show the different sides of him.

Also, we get some pretty concrete confirmation Mikoto and Cian are into each other (Not that the description of the story didn't give it away lmao) but before anyone asks YES, they will be shacking up and getting together before the end of the story, I want to be able to write them having cute moments together.

SO, as I said last chapter, these next few chapters are called 'Tales from Orario' which aren't filler per say, just episodes and scenes I want to write that are going to be a mix of action and cute character moments I think would add to the characters we have here. Next chapter of course is the S1 OVA, which is probably going to be only around 5-8k words

The schedule for chapters is as follows:

S1 OVA: Is It Wrong to Expect a Hot Spring in a Dungeon?

Tales from Orario: Naaza's Request

Tales from Orario: The Samhain Ritual

Tales from Orario: The Thousand Elf

Tales from Orario: Mac Caomhanach, The Anneal Blade (Digital cookie to whoever gets this reference lol)

Don't worry, those chapters will all be short, some will have action, some won't, either way I hope you're excited! We're closing in on 70+ follows and 60+ favs, you guys are awesome!

Please, please leave a review if you have time, and I can't wait to have some fun in the hot spring next episode! Keep an eye out for it, happy thanksgiving to those who celebrate and I'll see you next time!