The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Chapter 2: A Dream of Strength

"AHHHHHHHHH!" Cian yelled, spear leveled.

"Sloppy, come on Cian," Chu said, side stepping and not even raising his own spear. He side-stepped and smacked Cian in the back of the head. Chu held the red spear over his shoulders, leaning both his arms over it. "If you're tired take a break."

"You… you don't get a break in a real fight!" Cian said, spitting grass out of his mouth.

Chu rolled his eyes. "Well, we're not in a real fight right now, now come on. Uathach! Bring the kid some water will you?"

"Sure thing Chu!" Uathach said from where the makeshift kitchen was set.

Cian stiffened, getting back up to his feet with the wooden practice weapon. He couldn't let Uathach tend to him like a little kid! It was far too embarrassing.

"I can go again I promise!" Chu said, trying to spin the spear like he'd always say Chu and the others doing.

However, in the one month he'd been with this new familia he still hadn't mastered that kata. It clattered to the ground, and he heard laughing from near the treeline and their tents.

"Ha, gotta walk before you can run kiddo!" Diarmuid yelled at him, sharpening his own yellow spear across his lap. "Try actually staying on your feet for a full session first!"

"Shut your mouth D," Chu yelled, before yawning and walking past Cian. The tall older man rubbed Cian's hair as he walked past, more than likely to talk to Goddess Scathach. "Don't worry kid, you'll get there."

Despite the reassuring words, Cian felt his bones aching like they'd been smashed with a hammer. The practice spear in the dirt was just another embarrassment, he'd sustained many of them since agreeing to come with Lady Scathach and her familia. Still, he'd show them! He would get it down, and soon he'd be able to fight anyone, to save anyone he wanted!

He growled and picked up the spear again. Sucking in a breath, he knew Chu had stopped to watch him try again. Remembering the kata, the moves Chu, Diarmuid and Finn practiced every morning he spun the wooden spear in his hands, and then tried to sling it under his arm, and back around to his front.

"OW!"

The spear had hit him in the back of the head and sent him to his knees. He was sure Chu sighed behind him, as he heard footsteps walking away, followed by more laughing.

"Bahaha, took me a year to get that kata down kid," Diarmuid laughed again, from his seat near the tents. "You gotta get the basics down first. Don't know why Chu and the goddess are coddling you, I was thrown right into a goblins nest my fist day here. Don't know what make you special."

Cian groaned and snapped the spear off the ground. "Well maybe if you all didn't force me away from the fight and stick me in the back I could get better!"

"You'd be dead in seconds kid, we've had cocky trainees before," The yellow lancer-Diarmuid- yelled back, still sounding amused. "Be grateful you aren't like them already!"

Cian tossed the spear to the ground in frustration, yelling as dropped back onto his butt in the grass. A cool breeze came from the lake nearby. He looked over and saw Chu standing next to Goddess Scathach, as she sat looking over the crystal blue waters like she always did when they made camp there. It was always this lake they came back too after making trips to the mountains or forest to fight monsters. He had no idea why, but it was a beautiful lake, surrounded by plenty of forest for foraging, where Finn was now, trying to hunt for dinner that night, while Fergus stood in the makeshift kitchen, his greatsword to the side as he prepared vegetables and fruit.

It'd been a month and other then stray goblins and puny little monsters, a deer had been the biggest thing he'd fought. He didn't know what the Goddess was playing at, as Diarmuid always reminded him, he had been treated different then all the other recruits, all of which had failed besides him.

The only thing that annoyed Cian, was he only survived because he hadn't been allowed to really fight yet. He was picking up things training with Chu, but that was it.

"Oh, stop teasing him Diarmuid!" Uathach scolded, walking past the yellow lancer.

Diarmuid scoffed and held out his hands. "What?! I'm just being honest. Call me when the kid's allowed to even fight an orc."

Cian growled and shot to his feet. "Oh yeah?! Well, why don't you just-."

"Just ignore him," Uathach said, stepping in front of Cian's line of vision. "He chastises yes, but I promise he's only doing that because he cares in his own way."

"He has some way of showing it…" Cian complained, before his face went red, seeing Uathach smile and grab his hand.

"We all do, we're a familia, a party, we look after each other," She said, holding his hand and putting it around the cup of water she'd brought him. "Your familia, and your party will always care for you. People like Diarmuid just have a hard time expressing it. Don't stress to much about it, he'll come around, okay?"

"O…Okay, yes," He said, tongue tied as always around her.

Uathach giggled, and Cian had never been in love, but he was pretty sure he was with Uathach, because he couldn't describe whatever the feeling was whenever he saw her. She was a few years older then him yeah, twenty-five or so when he was only sixteen, but she infuriatingly, and adorably treated him like a kid, which annoyed him, but Cian never did anything about it… it was an excuse to be closer to her.

Her long silky blonde hair, bright brown eyes, and elegant poise was breathtaking. She even kept that elegance and posture while fighting with her knives, she was the most beautiful person Cian had ever saw. If Lady Scathach hadn't introduced herself to him, he would have mistaken Uathach for the goddess.

She finished laughing and pulled out a tiny handkerchief. She dapped his face with it. "You're working hard, we can all see it. Don't let Diarmuid or Finn tell you they weren't just as helpless when they first joined. I know I was. I couldn't do that same kata for months!"

"Really?" Cian said, still red as she got the dirt off his face. "But you move so quick, so precise! I'm honestly nothing compared to you, or any of you really… I know it's been a month but… I feel so weak still."

"Oh don't worry so much, these things take time," She consoled him.

Cian looked at the ground. "But I can't even take on a monster by myself. I always have Chu or you nearby, I feel so worthless, I always need help."

This made Uathach laugh again. This time she reached and rubbed his head-she was the same height as him, so it was a bit embarrassing-before smiling at him.

"Even the greatest heroes need help from their familia and party. You have your place in the back of the formation, to mop up any monsters we miss. If you weren't there, we could be attacked from behind, have you ever thought about that?" She asked him, a smirk on her face.

Cian stuttered, of course he hadn't. "Um… no I haven't."

"See? When fighting in a party everyone has their role, if one piece breaks the whole thing could break down, we rely on each other and protect each other," She said, before playfully poking at his nose and turning her back to him, looking over her shoulder with a wink. "Never forget that a hero always needs his party. Don't ever think you have to do things alone, you have friends for a reason, okay?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Bell now!" Cian yelled, rolling to the left.

"FIREBOLT!" Bell yelled, the massive spell leaving his hand, and smashing into the massive orc that had bared down on them.

It smashed into the floor 10 monster, and it recoiled, the top of its body singed and crumbling.

"GO! Now Master Welf," Lillie yelled from behind us.

"HERE WE GO!" Welf yelled, coming in and cutting off the monster's arm, it had tried to reach for another tree to turn into a weapon.

Its arm fell to the ground, and Bell turned to him. "You're up Cian!"

"Right!" He yelled, spinning the red spear under his arm and rushing forward.

The orc roared and swung its last arm wildly. I knew we needed to find the magic stone, and that it was in the orc's chest. In the two weeks Cian had spent in Orario so far, between Eina at the guild, Lillie, Bell and Welf, he was becoming really good at finding the weak spot of monsters.

Its arm came overhead, and Cian ducked. He swung the spear up and it cut straight down the monster's arm cutting it in half straight through its hand. The beasts blood fell down all over Cian's armor, but the red spear easily dislodged itself, as Cian brought it back around as the orc started stumbling backwards.

And he performed the first kata he'd learned, one that had taken him over a month to learn when Chu had first showed him, digging his feet into the ground as he did. And after it was dug in, Cian leapt, he heard his three-party members yelling out encouragement as he became even with the orc's chest, and he reared back his arm.

"YOU'RE DONE!" He yelled, throwing the red spear with all his power. Wind picked up and blasted right near his ear as it left his hand. It shot forward directly into the orc's chest, and it screamed out, before disappearing into a puff of black smoke, its massive magic stone falling to the ground.

A rush shot through Cian as he landed on his feet. The red spear clattered as it fell out of the ash filled body around the magic stone. He was breathing heavy, but he couldn't help but smile, was this what Finn and Diarmuid had always told him was the 'battle rush'? It may have just been an orc, but over the last two weeks nothing had been more exhilarating then when a monster disappeared. He could feel himself getting stronger with each fight.

But still… I'm nowhere near where any of them were, or even Bell, Cian thought, turning to see his three-party members running and smiling at him.

He had a long way to go. You had to walk before you could run, like Diarmuid always told him. Still, the thrill of having the amazing light armor Welf had given him, the red salamander wool cloak around his neck, swinging, throwing, thrusting with the red spear like he had seen Chu do so many times, it was something he was starting to relish. He'd started fighting monsters a bit more regularly before his old familia's expedition to the mountains, so he was taking this as a natural progression. Having Lillie, Welf and Bell was a massive bonus.

Yet still… he was only level 1, and that gnawed at him. He'd never be able to fight whatever it was that day if he didn't get stronger soon.

And it would help if my memory would come back… he thought but managing to smile as Bell laughed and held out his fist.

"That was great Cian!" He said, as Cian smiled and bumped his fist.

Welf laughed and slapped his shoulder. "Bell's not kidding you got serious moves with that spear!"

"And at this rate we can get even further" Lillie squealed, gathering the magic stones from the monsters we'd killed. The prum smiled as she walked behind Cian. "Having four people is so great, we're making so much progress!"

"Well, I'm just glad I'm finally getting used to it down here," Cian said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly at the praise. "I'm happy to be of some help… I'm just sorry you guys postponed your trip down further into the middle floors the last two weeks because of me."

"Don't worry about it, it was worth it!" Bell said, pumping his fist. He smiled at Cian and nodded. "You needed the time to get used to the dungeon, and it paid off. Now we'll be even more prepared."

"Bell's right don't sweat it too much," Welf told him, in his normal relaxing tone. "It's always good having someone else along who knows what they're doing, especially someone with such fancy spear work like you."

"Welf's right Cian, I can't believe you said you weren't that good," Bell complimented, the cool breeze of the dark white dungeon floor blowing making his hair almost glow. "You're probably the best spearman I've ever seen!"

Cian scoffed, not wanting too much praise. "Oh, I'm nothing at all. You should have seen Chu, Diarmuid and Finn! They could spin a spear and fight for hours. Diarmuid even taught me a bit about fighting with a spear and a sword, he always did. As soon as I save up enough, I think I'll buy one to try it out!"

He found nowadays when he talked about weapons, he begun to sound more like Diarmuid and Finn. Chu always wielded the red spear and occasionally a simple side-sword, Fergus had never gone anywhere without his greatsword, and Uathach had used her knife and magic.

Diarmuid and Finn always were using different swords crafted from monsters they'd killed, longswords, short swords, they were masters of them all.

The more he thought about his old familia, the more he realized he had so much more work to do. And he'd get there! For them, and for Goddess Hestia and Bell for taking him in and giving him this new chance. He owed a lot of his growth the last two weeks to his new party, they'd been so patient as he learned the ropes. It wasn't his skill that was his problem, just his knowledge of the dungeon and Orario itself.

Bell, Welf and Lillie had been planning to head further into the middle floors before Cian had arrived, but they put it off the last two weeks to help Cian learn more before they went about going down that far. It had worked out, and Cian felt he was ready.

Fight, grow stronger, make money and help his friends, it was all he could do until his memory came back.

"Oh man I wish I could have seen them," Bell said, smiling like he normally did, Cian found he was always excitable and smiling Bell was, which he'd come to like. Bell looked back at Lillie. "Lillie, you need any help?"

Lillie smiled, and Bell rushed to help her gather magic stones. Cian smiled, as he saw the red spear lodged into the ground near the larger magic stone from the orc.

"You know, you can compliment yourself now and then," Welf said, smirking next to him.

Cian chuckled nervously and turned to him. The red-haired blacksmith had been kind enough to give him his armor, and said Cian didn't have to pay him back until after his debt to Mama Mia was paid off.

"I've never found it easy to compliment myself," He said, meeting Welf's eyes. "I really have all of you to thank for how far I've come the last two weeks."

"Oh come on don't sweat it," Welf said with a wave. "You can admit it, you're good Cian. I haven't seen anyone move like you and Bell since well… forever really."

"You really think that? I've been thinking I'm leagues behind Bell," Cian said, looking at his fellow familia member.

Welf nodded. "Oh I'm not kidding, you got some wicked skills, and that spear… it really helps. It's like it has a mind of its own, never seen anything like it."

Cian bit his lip. "And… you're sure you've asked everyone in your familia about it? Even Lady Hephaistos?"

"I'm sure, none of them have seen anything like it either," Welf said, as they both looked at the spear lodged into the ground. "Lady Hephaistos says it's a make she's rarely seen. She said it's like you described, a magic spear that's activated with the correct incantation, and naming it. She said the Tuatha Danann had magic to link weapons to users, powerful weapons. I say your spear qualifies. You still can't remember the incantation, or its name?"

"No… still nothing," Cian said. "It's frustrating. I know I've watched Chu use its power before, call its incantation a hundred times," he turned and looked towards the spear, he hated leaving it in the ground for too long. "I just can't think of-."

"CIAN!"

"CIAN LOOK OUT!"

"MASTER CIAN!"

His entire party yelled at once, and when Cian looked up, he saw a flash of red. He yelled and tried to fall back, holding up his hands. Something came slamming into his open palm, and when Cian caught it, he fell backwards onto the ground.

The red spear was in his hand.

"Cian! You okay?" Bell yelled, rushing up next to him with Lillie and Welf.

Lillie looked at the spear wide eyed. "Did you both see that?! The spear flew on its own!"

Cian stammered, looking down at his hands. "What?!"

Bell nodded and knelt down next to him. "It's true! When you turned around, as soon as you put your hand out, the spear shot out of the ground towards you!"

"How did you do that Master Cian?" Lillie asked, still completely miffed.

"I… I don't know," Cian said, looking down at the red spear, still stained with the blood from the orc it had just impaled.

He swore he could feel the spear humming, like it was responding to his curiosity, trying to answer him. A while ago, he remembered Chu telling him, that the spear was alive in a way… along with something else, but why couldn't he remember it?

"That's what I was talking about!" Welf said, jogging over. He breathed heavy from the run but laughed as he looked at Cian and the spear. "Lady Hephaistos told me that Tuatha Danann were masters of a type of magic letting them link weapons to certain people. That must be what your spear was doing. It came back to you when you were thinking about it, it's linked to you!"

Cian's eyes felt like they'd both just been stung by a bee. They shot open wide, his head pounded like a drum as words came back to him.

"Complete transfer of magical item, previous owner, Setanta Mac Ness. Complete transfer to Cian Mac Gallagher!"

And then, he was burning.

"GAH… GAHHHHHH!" His chest felt like it had exploded, like his skin was trying to tear itself off his body and crawl away. He tried to rip off his chest plate, and fell onto his back, trying desperately to claw it off, as all he could see was that fight again.

Fire. Fire everywhere, his familia dead, Chu thrusting the spear into his hands. One evil all seeing eye.

"GAHH DAMMIT! ARGHHHH!"

"CIAN! HOLD ON!" Bell yelled, falling to his knees.

"GET HIS ARMOR OFF!" Welf yelled, falling as well, going to his back and Bell sat him up.

"Hold him still, I'll get the potions Master Miach gave us!" Lillie said dropping her backpack.

It was as if the burn was being applied once again for the first time. Pain shot through his chest, but he couldn't feel any wound opening up. This had happened a few times over the last two weeks when he'd been sleeping, or at small times throughout the day. It would sting, and he had been getting used to Ryuu managing to use some potion method of making the pain simmer down. But never had he felt it burn again, as much as it did that night he crawled into Orario.

But that wasn't what he was worried about now. Through the pain he realized he had remembered something, something about the spear! Chu had transferred ownership of the weapon to him before he send Cian away. The spear was his, responded to him, Cian could activate its power now if he could just remember the incantation. The incantation was still a blur, but what had just happened then, the spear flying back into his hand when called upon. Chu had done that all the time, he could remember seeing him do it a hundred times now!

When Chu called for the weapon it responded. So long as it was within his sight, Chu could thrust out his hand, and summon it back to his hand. That had been what Cian did, he held his hand out and had thought about how he disliked having the spear stay on the ground. It had flown into his hand at his command.

The only bad thing about that… was it meant Chu's spell had really worked, he had really transferred Cian the spear of their goddess, his ultimate weapon.

He was really gone.

And yet, he still couldn't remember its name, let alone the spell to activate it, and that frustrated him. It only made the fiery feeling spreading across his chest worse.

"Hold him still!" Lillie yelled, as Welf strapped off his armor, and Bell held his arms down.

Lillie yanked up his shirt as Cian tried to struggle, tried to reach for his chest, but thankfully Welf and Bell had him in an iron grip. He watched his prum friend uncork the stopper, before she dosed the blue potion all over his chest. Master Miach had given them to them before coming down here that morning, and like always they worked wonders. Lady Scathach had been good friends with Master Miach, she'd always told Cian and her familia he was the best potion maker in the world and heaven.

It proved true then. As soon as the liquid hit Cian's chest, a cooling feeling spread across his chest, like he was in a bath of ice. The pounding of his burn scar stopped, and he was finally able to open back up his blue eyes to see the burn still spread across his chest. He, Ryuu, Goddess Hestia, Miach, Ms. Eina, nobody had any idea what it was that kept the pain coming back. It always dissipated, but just then it had been extreme.

"Th…thanks you guys," Cian said, as Bell and Welf both rose and offered him hands. After standing, Cian wobbled a bit, but managed to stand with help from his friends. "I'm sorry you had to worry about me like that."

"It's no problem Cian really," Bell said, with a shake of his head. "But it really is strange it keeps happening. Everyone we've asked said it should be healed."

"Yeah, and you got a wicked scar from it too," Welf said, helping Cian strap his chest plate back on. "Whatever did you in had to have some serious firepower, literally."

"It may be some kind of curse magic," Lillie suggested, closing up their pack again. "Maybe whatever monster you fought has that kind of ability? It wouldn't be the only one."

Cian sighed again. He took in the ghost like grass of floor ten, the rolling fields of it that seemed to go on forever. When he'd first heard of the dungeon, he really had thought it was impossible for something like it to exist. However, the longer he was here, the more the thought that every member of the Scathach familia would have loved a place such as this. Chu would have the time of his life planning out raids, while Diarmuid and Finn would have relished the chance to take on so many monsters. Uathach and Fergus would have eventually come around as well, and he could only imagine what kind of adventures they would have had.

But now, he they weren't around anymore, so Cian decided he'd have enough adventures for all of them. He'd live with his new friends and use everything they taught him to be the hero they had all believed he could be.

Still however, in the back of his head he knew what his true goal was. He'd find whatever it was that had killed them, and he'd put a stop to them himself if he had too.

For now… fight, make money, help your friends, and try to remember, he thought, as he shook his head at Lillie.

"It could be that… but I still don't remember much about that day," He said regretfully, before looking down at the red spear, and experimentally holding up his hand. "Um… to me?"

Everyone jumped back when the spear shot upwards into his hand. This time however, he was ready, he caught the spear, spun it behind his back once, before bringing it back to his front with the blunt end in the ground beneath him. He couldn't help but smile, for a few seconds, he almost felt like Chu.

"Woah, it really does come back to you!" Bell said, stepping up and looking at the spear wide eyed. "And to think, we haven't even seen its full power yet…"

"If what Master Welf said is true," Lillie said, coming back up to the spear too, "just think of how much further we can get into he dungeon, especially when you level up Master Cian!"

"Ha… yeah, I bet we will," Cian said, looking up at the gleaming tip of the spear. He wanted to say what he really thought, which was lament over still not being able to remember the weapons name… but with Bell and Lillie smiling at him, he found it hard to be so despondent.

Soon… soon I'll level up, and your name will come back to me, I promise, he said, looking at the spear again. It hummed soothingly in its hand, and Cian smiled, taking that as a sign the spear believed his words.

Great I'm talking to my spear now… Diarmuid would have had a field day teasing me about this, he thought right after, smiling at Lilli and Bell. "Okay, so how about tomorrow we finally-."

"Hate to interrupt but heads up!" Welf said, his iron greatsword swinging off his back. "We got company, another groups coming our way."

"There I see them! We need to cut a way out, Master Welf, you get the rear and clear the way, Master Bell, Master Cian you two keep them off him!" Lillie ordered out.

"Right!" Welf, Bell and Cian all managed to say at once.

Cian saw the red knife and the Hestia knife flash from Bell's pockets, and his blood started racing as he looked to see from all side of the ghost like grass, orcs were rising up. He counted more then ten, and at first he felt a bit nervous like always, but then he remembered where he was, who he was with.

And he had complete faith in them, as he red spear flashed in front of him.

"Master Cian, fire is the best option cast your spell!" Lillie yelled, pulling her sleeve up to reveal her crossbow.

"On it, everyone hold your weapons out!" Cian yelled, holding the red spear under his arm.

Welf, Bell and Lillie all knew what to do, they held up their weapons high, and Cian reached for the mana inside himself, remembering the words to the chant Uathach had taught him, and the motions to draw the runes Lady Scathach had drilled into him.

"Oh great gods of the Tuatha Danann," Cian yelled, drawing the first of the runes in the air in front of him, his finger glowing bright blue as he did. "My allies and I humbly call upon your aid! To save the land and people we fight so hard to protect, bless me and my comrades now, grant us the power of fire! GHABHAIL BELTAINE!"

"Haha I love it more and more every time!" Welf shouted, as the runes he'd drawn into the air with his mana floated above his head. The broke apart into four tiny balls and shot down towards their raised weapons.

And with a spark, Welf's sword, Bell's knives, Lillie's crossbow, and even the red spear were alight with fire.

Runes were how Lady Scathach and Uathach casted their magic. Each symbol represented different words and phrases, and by spelling them out with your mana in the air, you could call upon certain powers. Cian knew three magic spells, two of which came from his runes. One he had been using with his party to great effect the last two weeks was elemental weapons. By summoning runes, he could coat his and his allies' weapons in either fire, ice or lightning. It came in handy when certain monsters were weak or strong to certain attacks.

"Alright, I'll clear a path, keep me covered little bit!" Welf yelled to Lillie, before with his now flaming sword charged towards the smaller group of orcs near the steps leading back up towards the ninth floor.

"Right behind you Master Welf!" Lillie yelled, advancing slowly with her crossbow, which now was shooting fire arrows. It set the ghost grass on fire, and warded off the other goblins and orcs which were trying to come towards us as well.

Lillie smiled as she aimed and fired more arrows. Cian managed to smile, one thing he'd learned about the prum was you underestimated her intellect at your own peril. She could have even given Finn a run for his money, and he had been given the name The Master Tactician. It was thanks to her they were always prepared for the dungeon, her and Welf's smithing skill.

"Cian you ready?!" Bell yelled, smiling next to me with both his knives out.

Cian looked and nodded to him. "I am, come on!"

Bell however, was the real reason that the party always got so far. Cian had never seen anything like it before. Welf had complimented him and compared him to Bell, but Cian didn't see it. Bell got visibly faster, stronger, and more precise with each fight. His knives, his firebolt spell, everything just got better and better after each trip to the dungeon. Cian felt himself growing as well, much more then when he'd been with Scathach, but it was nothing compared to Bell.

Still, the two of them were developing into quite the team.

"FIREBOLT!" Bell yelled thrusting out his hand.

The first massive orc had picked a tree out of the ground, it had gone to swing but Bell's firebolt had hit it in the hand. Smoke shot up from it as the monster reared back, and Cian saw Bell nod at him. Cian took the initiative, and stepped forward, rearing his arm back and tossing the flaming red spear. Like always his aim was true, and it impaled the orc in its burned hand. It was enough to cause the orc to drop the tree as its hand disappeared into smoke, and Cian took the chance to try out what he'd just learned about the red spear.

He shot out his hand as the spear fell to the ground, come to me!

As he ran forward with Bell, he saw his white-haired friend smile as the spear shot back towards his hand. Just as he got under the orcs arm it slammed back into his palm, and as he ran past it, Cian yelled and spun, cutting the red spears point across its stomach. Blood spilled out and Bell to the chance to leap up with his now two flaming knives. He yelled and sunk them into the collarbone of the orc.

"FIREBOLT!" He yelled again, as the flames from his knives erupted and like a skin of water the orc inflated and eventually exploded into a pile of dust.

Cian only had the chance to smile at Bell, before he heard a whistling behind his ear. He spun around just in time to lean backwards and see an axe fly over his head. Another orc had swung a makeshift stone weapon at him and nearly took his head off. He heard Bell yell for him, but Cian focused on his opponent. As he leaned back the axe chopped a piece of his black hair, but Cian flipped back and kicked up his leg. The orc recoiled and went to swing at him again, but after backflipping Cian had landed on his feet and sidestepped the overhead swing. The stone axe slammed into the ground, and Cian shot forward, stabbing the red spear deep into the crook of the orcs arm.

"When facing a larger opponent look to cripple them," Chu's voice rang in his head. "Go for the back of the leg, the elbows, wrists, anything that makes it harder for them to fight."

The orc screamed and recoiled, flailing its now useless arm and trying to swing it at him again. Cian shot out his hand and caught the red spear as it came flying to him again, before gracefully leaping over the arm, and taking off in a run towards the monsters back. The orc was so slow, and Cian moved like a blur, he kept running until he saw the orcs head practically spinning like a top before darting forward and cutting across its knee.

"You're not the biggest guy in the world, nothing you can do about that," Chu's voice said again. "So, you use your agility, it's your highest stat for a reason. Be selective, tire larger enemies out. Remember, all it takes is one well aimed blow to win any fight."

After cutting across its knee it fell to its one good one, and Cian-feeling himself move faster then he had so far-dashed back to its front and leapt with a spin. He reared back his arm and threw the red spear. It found home in the orcs eye, and it screamed before falling to black smoke. As the spear fell Cian did too, he reached out his hand and summoned his weapon back to his hand.

He caught it and spun it behind his back, turning with it placed under his arm. Ha… that was almost easy!

"Nice one Cian!" Bell yelled, as Cian turned to see Bell having no problem slashing like a madman across the chest of another orc with his flaming knives. Fire shot up the orcs arm, before Bell leapt up and stabbed it in the chest.

Cian managed to smile, well I can't let him pull too far ahead now!

He turned to see at least three more orcs closing down on him, and Cian took off in a run. The three surrounded him, and Cian realized they were so close together, and a bit taller then the other ones he'd fought so an idea came to him. He moved down and rolled under the legs of one, cutting the red spear across its thigh. It recoiled and fell to one leg, and another who was going to smash Cian with a large, uprooted tree tripped and crashed to the ground.

Cian spun back around as it did and leapt on top of it. He impaled the red spear into its back right where he knew the magic stone was. The downed orc roared and puffed away to smoke, and as it did, Cian stepped up to the back of the first orc he'd brought to the ground, and leapt up as high as he could, looking down to see two orcs looking up at him. He grabbed the red spear and reared it back in one hand, before thrusting out his other hand.

"Now, you need to be selective using your quick spells," Uathach's heavenly voice rang in his ears. "You can use it more, but it'll be easy to get carried away and go mind down. Make sure to gage how much of your mana and power to use with each use of it!"

I'll blow them both away, Cian thought as he started to fall, focusing a good amount of power to his free hand.

"LIGHTNING SPEAR!"

The light in his hand erupted with light. The crackled of lightning and the smell of sulfur hit his sense and a bright blue light appeared in his hand, before elongating into the shape of a spear. It was so bright it lit up the ghost grass even more then the flames, and now with the red spear on fire, and the spear of lightning in his hands Cian hurled both towards the monsters.

With a loud BOOM the red spear impaled an orc in the chest first, before his lightning spear erupted into the chest of the second one. Lightning sparks traveled up Cian's arm from the aftershock as he fell, but the bolt erupted in the orcs chest, and as he landed both of them exploded into black smoke.

Cian shot out his hand as he landed, and the familiar whirring of the red spear hit his ears, as it slammed back into his palm. He wouldn't lie and say his knees didn't buckle a bit, but still, pulling off a move like that, he had to think Chu and Uathach would have been proud.

"Bell!" Cian yelled, turning to his friend. "You okay?!"

"There's still more!" Bell yelled, as he cut across a smaller goblin that had come with the orcs, but Cian could still see a good handful more coming. His familia member turned and shook his head. "Let's start falling back with-."

"Master Bell, Master Cian!" Lillie yelled from behind us.

"That things huge!" Welf yelled, the flame on his sword going out.

"Welf! Lillie!" Bell yelled behind him. "What is-. GAH!"

"BELL!" Cian yelled, seeing an orc swing its massive arm and knock Bell aside as he'd been distracted.

Bell stumbled but got back to his feet, and a part of Cian wanted to go help, but he knew Bell could handle himself. It was the massive shaking beneath them that worried him. He looked up towards Welf and Lillie, and saw Welf cut down a smaller orc, but that wasn't what they had yelled for. It was the much larger two legged figure coming at them from the easter part of the cavern. It had white fur and nearly blended into the ghost grass. It stopped and Cian saw its shadow leap, and when it landed the ground shook, before its roar shook Cian's legs.

Lillie fell backwards from the impact, making Welf rush over to step in front of her, breathing heavy with wide eyes as the massive creature slowly stalked towards them. Cian recognized it from the hours he'd spent with Eina studying monsters, but Bell who was had ducked under and orcs arm, took the words out of his mouth.

"What's a silverback doing up here?! Welf, Lillie!" Bell yelled, trying to get away from his fight, but the orcs had him cornered. He had to duck down from another blow, with at least four more of them surrounding him.

"We saw another higher ranked party on their way back up!" Lillie yelled, struggling to her feet, her and Welf backing off the massive silverback. "They must have forgot about it and it wondered up another floor!"

"And it looks pissed…" Welf said, as the silverback roared again.

The ground shook again, and Cian stumbled, before looking to see the silverback slammed its massive fists into the ground, and take off in a run towards Welf and Lillie. Seeing Bell was surrounded, and his two other party members barred down on by a massive monsters, for a moment Cian had flashbacks, horrible flashbacks. For a second he thought his chest would start burning again, but something inside him, a visceral, feral like desire moved him forward.

I already lost one familia, I won't lose another one! Bell he knew could handle a few orcs on his own, so he took off towards the silverback. Up his arms, he saw small sparks of lightning still lingering from using Lightning Spear, so Cian knew his one and only skill had to have activated.

"Lighting Rod eh? A good one," Finn's voice reminded him. "The thing with your skills Cian, is with one like yours which requires taking damage of some kind, you gotta be careful when activating them. Your agility is your highest stat, and lightning will double it, so you'll be moving quick enough to where you'll have to be really careful. Think of your skills as a sort of trump card you activate when you or your friends' backs are against the wall."

Come on… activate, Lightning Rod, come on, move faster! Cian felt the tiny sparks of lightning still him erupt. It was tiny and extinguished in a second, but for a few seconds, he moved like a blur. He looked and saw the silver back running forward on hands and legs, before leaping right towards Welf, who tried to pick up Lillie and move her away.

"GET AWAY!" Cian yelled, throwing forward the red spear as the silverback came back down. It impaled itself into the monster's hand, causing it to yell and flail as it fell.

It smashed into the ground and scrambled back to its legs. Welf took the chance to get Lillie away, towards the stairs of the dungeon, and this brought the silverbacks attention fully onto Cian. It roared and bared its massive fangs in a roar. Cian shook from the soundwaves but kept moving his feet. He looked and saw the red spear sticking out of the silverback's massive hand, and for a second it looked like the monster was going to rip it out, but before he could Cian while still in a run thrusted out his hand.

The silverback roared again, and Cian rushed through the flaming ghost grass as the red spear landed back in his hand, and that was when he raised his other hand, and careful to keep his eye on the silverback, and on what he wrote, he channeled his mana towards his hand.

"Oh great gods of the Tuatha Danann. My allies and I a humbly call upon your aid!" Cian chanted, as the silver back threw itself at him, slamming down both its massive fists.

With his enhanced speed he ducked and rolled under the attack, moving to its back, Uathach's instructions ringing in his head again.

"Concurrent chanting is dangerous, never forget that Cian!" Her voice said. "It's the equivalent of holding an active explosive in your hand. If you mess up your chant you're in serious trouble. When you're tying it, always remember to take your time and remember each word, but don't take too long! Only do it if you know you can keep one eye on your enemy!"

"To save the land and people we fight so hard to protect," Cian yelled, ducking and leaping back just as it swung another massive fist towards him. A second one came, but Cian managed to spin and with one hand swung the red spear down to cut deep across the silverback's arm cutting right across the crook of its elbow!

It roared and reeled back with blood dripping from an arm that now hung at its side. He faintly heard Bell yelling out for Firebolt, and Welf and Lillie calling for him to retreat, but all Cian could do was focus on his spell, and the monster in front of him.

Whatever had attacked his last party, his last family, he hadn't been strong enough to fight. This silverback, however? He wouldn't let it hurt them or any other adventurers! The silverback reached and tried to grab him, and Cian rolled forward, but then saw the beasts' massive jaws come to snap at him. He felt its tongue touch his body, but he managed to step to the side and jab the red spear into its side and leap back again. Flailing wildly, it swung its good arm and caught Cian in the side, sending him flying backwards into the ghost grass.

"MASTER CIAN!"

"CIAN!"

"I'M COMING CIAN!"

Finally, the silverback screeched, the red spear stuck in its ribs. With his bones aching Cian felt as if he'd been run over by a boulder, but despite hearing cracks and the scream of his bones to stop he slowly got back up to his feet, the runes he'd been drawing still floating in the air. Gritting his teeth he felt blood dripping from his mouth. Welf who was injured was trying to rush down the steps. Lillie fired crossbow bolts, which the silverback hardly felt due to its rage. Bell was still busy with orcs, so Cian knew it had to be him.

Letting out a shaky sigh, he held out both hands again, and continued drawing his runes.

"And remember Cian, the most important thing about heroes," Chu's voice said in his head again, and Cian could remember the exact conversation, "is that they always, always get back up."

Cian, stood firm on his feet, as the silverback looked at him again, and bared its fangs.

"Bless me and my comrades now, grant us the power of lightning! STOIRM DEALANACH!" He yelled, as he the red spear flew from the silverback's ribs and back into his hand, just as the weapon landed in Cian's hands, his runes erupted in a blue light.

And lightning crackled up the red spear. It traveled up its length and hit Cian's hand. At first he yelled and almost dropped the spear, but after that he could feel his skill coming to life. It was just in time for the silverback to charge for him again. As soon as he saw this, Cian gripped tighter to the red spear, and raised up his other hand.

"LIGHTNING SPEAR!" He yelled, as the lightning now traveled up both his arms, and eventually elongated into his free hand.

He dashed forward, dust kicking up behind him, the wind putting out the fire in the ghost grass as he ran. His legs moved quicker then he thought possible, and as the lightning spear hit the silverback's chest it recoiled with a new black spot covering its chest.

"HAHA KICK ITS ASS CIAN!" Welf yelled.

"BE CAREFUL MASTER CIAN!" Lillie joined.

Smoke cleared as Cian reached the silverback. It roared and tried to swing at him, but Cian stepped the side and cut across its arm. It kept roared, and trying to flail its arm, but whether it was a flip, a sidestep or simply leaping back, Cian was like a red and blue whirlwind. He cut the red spear across the silverbacks' legs, its arms, its thighs, its stomach, until it finally whirled around to try and smack him aside.

Cian felt as if he moved in slow motion. He leaned his head back and saw the massive fist pass over his head, spinning around he saw the opening he had been waiting for.

"ARGHHHHHH!" He screamed as he dashed under the silverbacks arm and leapt up towards its massive chest.

He impaled the red spear through the monster's chest and its arms finally stopped moving. It roared as Cian landed behind it and spun, his arms still with small wisps of cackling lightning. The lightning still covered the red spear, so Cian knew that was what kept the beast immobile, so he took the chance he had and held out his hand again.

"LIGHTNING SPEAR!" Cian yelled, as the spear of lightning appeared in his hand again and digging his foot into the ground he threw with all his might.

A loud BOOM erupted again, as it hit the silverback directly in the spine. Lightning shot up from its corpse as it puffed away to black smoke, a massive magic stone falling from where it'd been killed, and before it could hit the ground, and because he needed support Cian shot out his hand.

The red spear shot to his hand… and Cian looked around to see, that all the other monsters were gone as well. All he could looking at as he dug the red spear into the ground and stood tall, was the massive magic stone of the beast he'd just killed. Ms. Eina had said silverbacks were mainly reserved for level 2's. Bell had killed one a few weeks back, so the idea that he had just killed one….

Cian couldn't help but smiled. "Ha… hahaha… of man… if you could see me now guys… and… Lady Scathach."

He had time to think of their faces, before he cough and fell to his knee, using the red spear to stop himself from falling over.

"Cian! Are you alright? I'm sorry, I tried to get over here!" Bell said, rushing up next to him, and helping him back to his feet.

"That was amazing Master Cian!" Lillie yelled, moving down the steps towards Cian as well.

Cian breathed heavily, feeling as if his bones were smashed to bits. He wiped the bits of blood from his lip, and looked at his concerned and amazed friends.

And he shrugged. "Oh, you don't need to worry about me. What about you guys? It didn't get you, right Lillie? And Bell! I'm sorry I didn't help, I saw Lillie and Welf in danger and-."

"No, don't be Cian! I would've done the same thing," Bell said holding Cian upright while looking amazed at him. "When I took on a silverback I nearly died. You're amazing Cian, like a real hero!"

"Ha… well, I don't feel particularly heroic," He said, looking between them. "I'm more worried about you guys."

"I'm fine thanks to you Master Cian," Lillie said, looking a bit sheepish before meeting his eyes. "I… I want to apologize. I was a bit skeptical of you at first, but you really have been nothing but a huge help to us."

Cian had been able to tell for the first two weeks, Lillie had been hesitant to trust him fully. Bell had told him she had bad experiences with other adventurers before, so Cian couldn't really blame her. He'd be suspicious if he was in her position too.

That didn't stop him from wanting to protect her, and the rest of his new party.

Cian smiled down at her, as Bell helped keep him up by holding his arm. "You don't have to apologize Lillie, I did appear rather suddenly… I'd have gotten nowhere without the three of you."

"Ha, there you go again, deflecting back your praise," The smirking Welf said, limping over to them. He slapped his arm around Cian's other side and smiled at him with Bell. "You just beat a massive silverback. That's got to have leveled you up!"

Cian's eyes widened. "You… really think so?"

"Of course!" Bell said, pumping his fist. "Let's get to back to Goddess Hestia and have her update your status. I'm sure you leveled up after that!"

"And it looks like you had a bit of an audience as well Master Cian…" Lillie said with a bit of annoyance. "Jerks… could have helped us at least."

Cian looked up at the entrance to the floor. A cluster of adventurers must have just made their way down to the tenth floor, because they all stood apparently having watched the fight Cian just had.

He could hear them chattering and laughing, it annoyed him like it annoyed Lillie, but he just was thankful everyone was safe. Over the last two weeks, Cian had learned a lot about the familias of Orario, and it all sounded so much more complicated then his time in Ulster, the country of the Tuatha Danann, and how they operated. No familia was hungry for glory, all of them simply had wished to do what was best for their country and the world by defeating the monsters of the infected woods and mountains.

It was different in Orario. Money and status were important, and apparently it wasn't just items or weapons familias traded, adventurers made their way to Orario all the time, and the fight between the gods and goddesses for the best ones was harsh and most of the time brutal. He experienced it, when Goddess Hestia had received multiple letters from other gods, apparently offering to 'buy' Cian from her. Eina had posted his stats after his first visit with her, and it took some time for everyone to learn he had joined the Hestia familia.

In that time Eina had apparently gotten many offers of familias who wanted to take Cian on. But that didn't matter to him, and Lady Hestia either, since all of them were rejected, no matter how many valis were offered. Lady Hestia had taken him in and given him a new chance, not to mention, his last orders from Lady Scathach had been to go to her.

"Oh let them watch, they were treated to a show!" Welf said, as they turned towards the steps. "What do you all say we go celebrate later? Cian just scored his first big monster kill!"

"That sounds like fun!" Bell said, looking at Cian. "Do you think you can ask Mama Mia for a table when you get back?"

"That place is always packed," Lillie said, shrugging with her pack. "But it sounds like fun!"

Cian smiled, the idea of a warm fire at the Hostess of Fertility along with his friends sounded like the best thing right now, especially as his bones still ached.

"Sure I can!" Cian said, as he eventually was able to walk on his own with the help of the spear. "After we see Lady Hestia, I'll… oh no, oh man how could I forget!"

He had remembered something horrible.

"What? What's wrong Cian?" Bell asked.

Cian wanted to rip his hair out. "I have a shift tonight!"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Hey refill over here!" Someone shouted.

"Coming!" Cian yelled, moving towards that table.

"Hey what the hell?! Can I get these dishes cleared already?"

"OH! Sorry!" He yelled, spinning back around towards that table.

"Heyyyyy! Can we order please!"

"I… I'm coming!" Cian said, spinning back around, and after that the spins finally got to him. "I… I'll be right there just… just give me a second."

He was sweating, his bones were aching, and all Cian could do was lean against the counter in the back. His uniform was drenched with sweat, and Ryuu hadn't been able to set all the bones he'd had dislocated or bruised. It was a miracle he was walking in his mind. His green uniform and white apron were stained with food, and to top it off Welf and Lillie teased him every time he passed their and Bell's table.

"Hey! Cian?" Syr's voice sad, and he looked up to see the cute grey-haired girl was standing across from him with her empty tray. "Do you think you can take my table in the corner? I… I'm just so, so tired, I'm going to take a little break!"

She fake fainted on the counter next to him. Her big silver eyes looking at him as her lip quivered.

Cian sighed. "Didn't you already take two breaks tonight?"

"Well… yes, but I need another! Pleaseeee Cian," She said, grabbing onto his arm. "You… you can help me right?"

Cian looked at her pretty eyes, and saw she was doing a terrific job of fake crying. Uathach used to do this same thing to Diarmuid every night at dinner.

And just like Diarmuid Cian couldn't deny her.

"Okay… I'll do it," He said, sucking in a breath and wiping his head of sweat. "I… I just need a minute…"

Syr smiled brightly but looked concerned as he leaned back. Cian had his eyes closed, when he felt a cloth pressed against his face.

"You had some gravy splattered on your face, there you go!" Syr said, smiling at him again. "Oh, and I wanted to say congratulations!"

"Huh? Congratulations for what?" Cian asked, his heart rate slowly going back down.

She smiled, and it seemed genuine. "Bell and your party told me all about the silverback you fought in the dungeon today. More people are talking about it too, and Bell told me all of your skills are S and above now too, that's really great!"

Cian had to bite his lip. He knew she was just trying to encourage him, but he couldn't tell her it didn't really help him any. Yes, his skills may have all gone up past S, they were even all SS except for his endurance, which had shot up nearly fifty points after he was almost mauled that morning. Goddess Hestia had been frantic about that.

Yes, it may seem great… but even after defeating the silverback, Cian was still a level 1.

"Ha… thanks Syr, I appreciate it!" He said to her, looking down at the ground, even the sound of a chattering tavern unable to lift his spirits.

Syr Cian had learned was much smarter then he let on, so she was easily able to see through his lie.

To her credit, she smiled at him still. "Don't worry Cian, I'm sure you're going to level up soon! You were a member of the Scathach familia after all, I did more research, she was highly respected even in Ulster by the Tuatha Danann and that isn't easy."

"Yeah she was… I just wonder every day if I even belonged there," He admitted to her, stepping off the kitchen counter. He looked and saw her worried look and smiled. "Don't worry too much about me, I'll be fine! Here, let me go get your table for you-."

"No, you won't," Ryuu's voice interrupted, and Syr and Cian turned to see the blonde elf having stepped into the back kitchen. She looked over at Syr and then Cian. "Mama Mia told me to let you know she's letting you off early tonight."

Cian's eyes widened, he couldn't stop now! His debt wouldn't pay itself off!

Ryuu then looked to Syr. "The large reservation party just walked in Syr, you and Anya should get to them. It's the Loki familia again."

Cian cringed inwardly. He had been learning about Bell's journey in Orario from him so far. He learned all about the Loki Familia from him, which had consisted mostly of him gushing about how amazing he found Ais Wallenstein. Even in the west in Ulster, Cian had heard about the Sword Princess and the Loki familia of course. Them and the Freya familia were the strongest in Orario, even Cian had known that before he came, but still, he'd heard about Bell's run-ins with them so far.

But mostly Bell had told him, so that Cian could run interference with Lady Hestia while Bell had been training with the sword princess the last few weeks.

He knew Bell, Welf and Lillie were out eating, and if the Loki familia was there, Cian wanted to be there for when Bell inevitable got nervous around the sword princess. It was a deal they'd made, he didn't tease him about the sword princess, and Bell didn't mention to anyone how he could barely speak when Ryuu was around him.

"Oh man… guess I'll have to do it," Syr said, sounding genuinely upset, but she still smiled at Cian as she went to leave. "Get some rest Cian, you need it!"

Cian watched her leave, and then right away turned to Ryuu. "I… I can keep working I promise! I feel guilty just staying here without working, tell Mama Mia I-."

"She knew you would argue," Ryuu cut him off, walking across from him. "She told me to tell you, you can't work if you're injured, and you're to take today and tomorrow off as well. I agree with her."

"But… but I… I…" Cian tried to start saying, but Ryuu simply narrowed her eyes knowingly at him.

"You fought a monster you shouldn't have today and survived," She said, taking a step closer, her voice much sterner now. "I treated your injuries, you need rest. Don't be stubborn, a stubborn adventurer is a dead adventurer."

Cian wanted to protest more, but her icy blue eyes made him rethink that. Ryuu had been the person he spent the most time with at Mama Mia's the last two weeks. She'd shown him the ropes of the job, all while treating his injuries when he made it back from the dungeon, not to mention being the first one to help him after Bell when he had crawled to Orario that first night. He owed her, he enjoyed being around her, she had a kind side you may not have believed at first glance he really enjoyed.

Diarmuid had always said when talking to a girl you found beautiful, to always keep calm and most of all be confident, which Cian found incredibly hard to do.

Finally, his shoulders slumped. "Okay… thank you, Ryuu. For well… helping me so much like you have."

"It's not a problem, you're my friend," She said, in her calm soothing voice. "I look out for them."

Cian smiled, a tingly feeling rushing up his stomach. Sighing, he took off his apron and looked out to the front of the tavern. He could see Bell, Welf and Lillie all sitting in a corner table, but a part of him didn't want to go over there. He'd been feeling it since Lady Hestia had read his status that morning. It was the same thing that had clawed and ate at him night after night during all his time with Lady Scathach.

I can't be useless again, I need to be even stronger, I can't let them carry me, Cian thought. Bell got stronger with every single day, at an astonishing almost unbelievable rate. Yes, his stats may have all be S or SS, but he still needed to get over the hump. He'd never find what killed Lady Scathach, Chu and everyone else, he'd never be able to protect his new familia and friends if he didn't grow stronger.

"Cian?" Ryuu asked behind him. "Are you alright?"

"Hey… Ryuu," He said, sucking in a breath and mustering all the confidence he had. Turning back to the beautiful elf, Cian bit his lip. "You… were an adventurer before right? I mean, I'm sorry to assume but you're just so… so… mature?"

Ryuu, chuckled, and the small smile she always got came to her. "I was yes… a long time ago. I assume this is about what happened to you in the dungeon earlier? You're stats all being S or SS is something very few do, you should be proud."

"I am, don't get me wrong. I'm finally putting everything Chu and my old familia taught me to use," Cian said, leaning against the counter again, his stomach churning. "But… I still haven't leveled up. I… guess you could say I'm worried, worried I'll end up dragging Bell and the others down, like I did with my last familia."

Ryuu met his eyes and shook her head. "Cian, you didn't drag down the Scathach familia."

"How do you know?" Cian told her, frustrated now at himself. "If they didn't have to worry about me, maybe they all would have survived that fight…"

"If you hadn't been there, their sacrifice would have been for nothing," Ryuu countered, shutting him up. "You clearly meant a lot to your old familia, or else they wouldn't have protected you like they did."

"That's the problem!" Cian exclaimed, something exploding in his chest. "I don't want to be protected! I want to be the one who protects! I want to stop anymore of my friends, or familia from dying again, and how am I supposed to do that when I can't even level up?!"

Ryuu was silent for a moment, only coming to lean against the counter with him. The sound of the busy tavern came from the front, but to Cian it felt like deafening silence.

"I was an orphan in some backwater village in Ulster," He said, and when Ryuu didn't interrupt, he was thankful for it, he had no idea why he started telling the story, but he went on anyway. "I'd always heard stories of Orario and the Tuath Danann, but we were so remote, we barely got any monster sightings or attacks. One day though… Lady Scathach and everyone passed by to resupply. I'll never forget when I first saw Chu, he was massive, and he always had that red spear."

"It's said Chu Chulainn was older," Ryuu said. "But being one of three level 7s in the world, he was respected by all. Yes, he was a real hero in every sense, from what I heard."

Cian nodded. "Yeah he was… looked every bit the part I'd heard of. I pestered them the entire time they were there for stories, for lessons, anything. I was so, so desperate for their attention that well… I did something stupid."

Cian looked down at his hands, remembering the day vividly. "I stole one of their monster lures and walked into the forest. I had a tiny little sword, but I wanted to kill a monster to prove myself to them. It worked… well the lure at least. A hellhound it was, bigger then anything I'd ever seen showed up. I saw it.. and I ran, right back to the village. I tried to protect a group of my friends, but I nearly died… until Chu killed the thing with a single thrust."

"You tried to protect people. For never having adventured, to face down a hellhound?" Ryuu said again. "It takes courage."

"Or stupidity…" He said, shaking his head. "I have no idea why they offered me a position in the familia that day… but I promised myself after they did, I'd never feel that helpless again. I promised, that when people needed me I'd be able to help them… but in the end, they trained me yeah, but Lady Scathach and her familia… I loved them but… but I always drug them down, I know I did."

The silence returned for a few moments, until Cian stood and looked out at Bell and his new friends in the front.

"I won't be helpless again. I… I want to be able to protect them Ryuu," He said, shaking his head as he looked back to her. "And I just don't know what else to do. I know Bell is strong but… I want to protect him still, and everyone! And then… then one day…"

"You want to find what destroyed your familia…" Ryuu said, stepping up next to him and shaking her head. "I know how that feels like."

"I think we're more alike then we both think," Cian said, half-joking.

Ryuu looked at him and shook her head. "No, Cian. You are nothing like me. You're kind-hearted, brave, you have all that it takes to be a true hero."

Cian scoffed. "You're all of those things too Ryuu!"

Ryuu shook her head again and looked away from him. "No… I'm not Cian," she then turned back to him with a shake of her head. "To level up… you truly have to look inwardly to yourself. It's not just about defeating a large monster. You have to defeat and conquer something within yourself as well, you have to be tested in mind body and soul… and come out victorious."

She reached out, when she touched his arm, Cian nearly recoiled. His face was beat red naturally, and he tried to speak, only to flounder on his words. They ended up a gargled mess.

Ryuu gave him that small smile again. "You're near that point, I know you are. Go, rest and meet with your friends, they're waving for you."

Cian looked over to see indeed, Bell, Welf and Lillie were waving for him to join them.

He let out a deep breath and looked at Ryuu. "Thanks… Ryuu, you're really great you know that?"

She only smiled more at him, before turning back into the kitchen.

After she did, Cian felt his arm tingle, oh man… what I'd do to talk to Diarmuid now. If he knew anything, it was how to speak to women.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"So, we're decided on two days from now?" Lillie said, smiling and looking at the three of them. "We'll head down to the middle floors finally!"

"Sounds like a good plan," Welf said, knocking back another drink before looking at Cian and Bell next to him. "And with Bell and Cian over here nothing will touch us."

"Well, we'll still have to be careful, but you're both right. After a day of resting tomorrow, I think I'll feel good enough to go," Cian said, looking at Bell next to him. "Bell, what do you think?"

"Huh?!" Bell said, nearly jumping out of his seat but not really looking at us. "Yeah… yeah that sounds good."

Cian followed his gaze and sighed. "Bell, I'm no expert on it, but maybe you should stop staring."

"What?! I wasn't starting!" Bell said, his face as red as Cian's had been a few moments ago with Ryuu.

Welf scoffed a laugh. "Oh yeah, sureeee you weren't Bell."

Lillie looked like she had steam coming out of her ears. "Pay attention Master Bell we're planning out our trip here!"

"Right, right sorry," Bell said sheepishly.

Cian sighed and looked where Bell had indeed been staring. The sword princess sat with the rest of the Loki Familia in the large table in the center of the room. Syr and Anya were bringing them drinks, and for a second Cian found himself staring at the sword princess to. There was no doubt she was beautiful, seriously beautiful, she sort of reminded Cian of Uathach. The sword princess had golden eyes where Uathach's had been brown, Cian could tell why Bell was so taken by her, why his feelings seemed to be so strong.

Cian had known deep down he never had any real chances with Uathach when she was alive, but Bell's feelings got him wondering if he truly had been in love with her. He loved her yes, got nervous and red whenever she was around, but had it been love? Or was it just because Cian never had a sister before? Either was he missed her terribly, and she would have been the best person for him to talk to at that moment.

He didn't think he had feelings like Bell had for Ais for anyone. Ryuu's face came to mind, but Cian really didn't know what to look for. He really liked her, but how did you tell the difference between friendship and love? When did friendship become love? He knew for a fact he loved multiple people, Lady Scathach and everyone in the familia, but when did those feelings become love?

He liked to think one day he'd figure it out. But for now…

"Bell, how long until she leaves for her expedition again?" Cian said, groaning from his aching bones. The shivering that came next was from the verbal lashing he'd gotten from Lady Hestia a few days ago. "I don't know how many more times I can distract Lady Hestia. That night she came to find you, she drug it out of me after hours."

Lady Hestia knew of course Bell was training with Ais. She just didn't know how long the two spent together, so Cian had to come up with dozens of excuses to keep her from going to drag Bell back herself the last two weeks.

Bell chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "She leaves tomorrow, today was our last day. Sorry you had to do that for so long."

Lillie mumbled something about no good harlots into her drink, while Welf just laughed.

"Haha, she's a feisty one your goddess," Welf said, smiling, looking over at Cian. "Speaking of other familias, has Lady Hestia gotten anymore letters for you lately?"

Cian and Bell both sighed, exhausted from how many they'd gotten. Cian nodded. "Three more today before we left. One from Lord Ganesha, one from Lord Dian Cecht, and another from Lady Demeter. All offering valis to Lady Hestia… except Lord Ganesha, who just sent a tiny statue of himself, and a note that said 'more to come'."

"Sounds like Ganesha…" Lillie complained, looking at Bell and Cian too. "What are you guys going to do about it?"

Cian shrugged. "I don't know. Ms. Eina took down my status as a free adventurer a while ago, but that didn't stop them."

"Gonna be worse when word spreads more about your beating that silverback at level 1." Welf noted. "You guys will have to be careful, watch yourselves."

Cian shook his head, and he found himself smiling at Bell. "We don't have too. No matter what, I'm a member of the Hestia familia. It's what Lady Scathach wanted, and besides, Bell and Lady Hestia took me in when I had nobody, it's a debt I'll never be able to repay."

"You've already paid it back and then some Cian," Bell said, holding out his fist. "And after we get to the middle floors, we'll grow even stronger together!"

Cian's chest beat harder again, and he kept smiling, pounding Bell's fist. "Yeah… we will. So, what floor are we aiming for in two days?"

Lillie set her mug down and nodded. "Ah, finally back on topic! So, we should aim to get-."

"Um, excuse me? Are you Cian Mac Gallagher," A higher pitched voice cut her off.

Lillie again looked like she'd explode at being cut off again. Welf, Bell and Cian turned, and Cian's eyes widened. Another really pretty elf had come up to their table, her hair was long and in an orange ponytail, while she had on a pink outer jacket over a white long skirt with a purple bowtie. She seemed a bit timid at first, and Cian remembered her sitting with the Loki familia.

"Ms. Lefiya!" Bell said, a nervous look on his face as he turned to the elf.

"Huh? You friends with this girl Bell?" Welf asked.

"Of course, it's another girl," Lillie grumbled.

The girl in question the elf-Lefiya Bell had called her- glared at Lillie's accusation of their being anything else gong on before casting an angry look at Bell.

"We are not friends! We are rivals!" She cleared up, thrusting a finger at Bell. "And I will not lose to you!"

"You've said that before… I still don't know what you mean," Bell said, seemingly disappointed someone didn't like him.

Cian was confused, so he interjected. "Um, yeah, I'm Cian Mac Gallagher, it's nice to meet you Lefiya. Can… I help you?"

Lefiya straightened herself and looked at Cian only now. "Yes, I've come with a message from our captain, Finn. He wanted to know if you'd like to speak with him outside. He said it wouldn't be for long."

The entire table went quiet. In his research of the powerful familias of Orario, Cian had heard the name Finn Deimne. He shared the same name as Finn, who'd been Lady Scathach's vice captain behind Chu. Finn had been the smartest person Cian ever met, he earned the name The Master Tactician from the council of the Tuatha Danann. He planned every expedition, mission or quest they had gone on with Chu and Lady Scathach, and was in command when Chu and Lady Scathach traveled to Orario.

Finn Deimne had earned a similar reputation in Orario, if what Cian heard was right. And being captain of the most powerful familia in Orario, Cian had no idea why he'd want to talk to him.

"Huh?! The leader of the Loki familia wants to talk to you?!" Lillie said, both hands on the table. "How in the world does he know you Master Cian?"

"He doesn't! At least, I've never met him," Cian defended himself, looking to Lefiya. "Um, did he say what he wanted?"

Lefiya shook her head. "No, he said he only wanted to talk to you. I'd suggest doing it, I've never seen the captain so interested in simply speaking with someone."

"I… I don't know," Cian said, looking to Bell. "What do you think?"

Bell shook his head. "I've never met Mr. Finn, but Ms. Ais says he's a great captain."

Welf shrugged. "You never know though, maybe he'll try to convince you to join the Loki Familia, everyone else has been after you so far."

"Master Welf is right," Lillie said, looking to Lefiya. "Cian's only a level 1, why would a level 6 top class adventurer want to talk to him?"

Cian started feeling antsy, Lillie and Welf both had points. He'd done his best to stay under the radar since he joined the Hestia familia. A part of him wanted to purposely make it seem like he wasn't that special, so the attention would dissipate.

Lefiya seemed a bit annoyed, but shook her head, looking back at Cian now. "I don't pretend to know what the captain is thinking. But he told me to tell Mr. Cian-."

"Please, just Cian, I'm nobody special," Cian told her.

Lefiya seemed surprised but nodded. "He told me to tell you Cian, if you were hesitant… that he was a friend of Chu Chulainn, and the rest of your familia."

That changed everything. Cian fumbled with his drink, and all of Welf, Lillie and Bell looked at him. The three all understood what this meant. Ever since getting to Orario, Cian had tracked down everyone he knew could possibly have known Lady Scathach and Chu, to see if they would know the spears name, or anything possibly about what happened.

Lord Miach and Lady Hestia knew nothing, but they'd only been friends with Lady Scathach, but didn't know anything about what killed her. Lord Dian Cecht had been from Ulster himself, a member of the Tuatha Danann, before he moved to Orario to make more money as a healer, but he didn't know the spears name or what happened. He'd been away from the Tuatha Danann for so long, and never really had been interested in council business there. Lady Brigid, who Lady Hestia said was another friend of Lady Scathach, had been sent back to heaven years prior.

So, when he couldn't find gods or goddess's, Cian started to wonder if perhaps some adventurers had known Chu. If they had, then perhaps they'd seen him use the spear, and remembered its name or incantation.

Cian stood up, all three of his friends nodded to him, and he turned to Lefiya. "Okay, take me to your captain."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"So… when you say you and Bell are rivals, what do you mean?" Cian couldn't help but ask, as he and Lefiya exited the Hostess of Fertility.

Lefiya scoffed and shook her head. "For Ms. Ais's affection of course! I will be the one worthy to walk alongside her, not him!"

Cian recoiled, yeah… no, not gonna let that arrow fly.

"But that aside… I do find you interesting," Lefiya said, turning and stopping in front of him, narrowing her eyes at him. "Who is this Chu Chulainn? I never thought I'd see the day the captain took such an interest in an adventurer not in our familia."

Cian shrunk under her intense blue eyes and held up his hands. "Chu was the captain of my previous familia. I was a member of the Scathach familia before I got to Orario."

Lefiya's eyes widened. "Scathach?! The captain didn't mention her. I've heard stories from Riveria about her! Her familia was even stronger than ours, you were a member and you're only level 1?"

"I only joined a little over a year ago and traveled with them for that long," Cian told her, sighing as she looked at the sparsely lit streets of Orario. "But yeah, I'm only level 1… but I'm going to do everything I can to prove I belonged with them!"

Lefiya looked at him for a minute, before she looked at the ground. "I'm sorry for being rude, I was just shocked. Truth be told, I feel the same as you in my familia… I want to prove I'm strong enough to be a member."

Cian met her blue eyes. "And… to fight with Ms. Ais?"

Lefiya's eyes narrowed again and nodded. "Yes! That's all I want! I won't be a burden on her or my familia ever again!"

That hit close to home for Cian, and he smiled at her. "Well, lets keep track of each other's progress then. Chu used to say having someone hold you accountable is always good! I'll make sure you don't stop working hard if you make sure I don't."

Cian even held out his hand. Lefiya eyed it for a moment, before Cian realized how stupid he was.

"Oh! Sorry, I forgot some elves don't like being-."

Lefiya cut him off by grabbing and shaking his hand. She smiled at him and nodded, "it's a deal, Cian Mac Gallagher! But don't think I'll lose to you either, I'll grow stronger way faster than you!"

Cian couldn't help but smile as he shook her hand. "I won't be beat easy, I'll have you know that."

"I would expect nothing less than a former member of the Scathach familia!" Lefiya said, turning and walking again, a smile on her face. "Come on! The captains-."

"Right here Lefiya," A voice cut her off. "Sorry, I can't stay in one place for long, I get antsy."

Cian turned with Lefiya, and the blonde prum and leader of the Loki familia Finn Deimne stood there, having just come out of an alleyway near the Hostess of Fertility. Cian didn't know what to do, whether to bow, or anything else. When he saw Lefiya didn't however, he still didn't stop himself. With the orange haired elf walking over to her captain, Cian bowed at the prum.

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Finn," Cian said, raising his head. "I'm Cian Mac Gallagher."

"Oh, please, it's just Finn," Finn said with a wave of his hand, looking to Lefiya. "Thank you Lefiya, do you mind giving us time alone?"

"Of course, not Captain," Lefiya said, turning to Cian and smiling while she pointed at him. "Be ready Cian Mac Gallagher, I won't let you slack off!"

Cian managed to laugh. "And I won't let you either, it was nice meeting you Lefiya."

Lefiya smiled at that again, before nodding and returning inside the tavern.

After the door closed, Finn nodded at him. "I saw you waiting tables earlier, am I interrupting your shift?"

Cian realized he hadn't changed, and still had the green uniform and white apron on from his shift. Quickly, he untied the apron and shook his head.

"No, you're not don't worry," Cian said, groaning as sharp pain ran up his back. "Mama Mia let me off early today… I had a rough day in the dungeon."

"Yes, defeating a silverback at level 1 must take a lot out of you," Finn said, sounding almost… proud, as he gestured to an empty table just outside the brightly lit window. "Would you care to sit?"

Cian saw him take a seat, and he knew it would be rude not too, so he sat down next to the prum captain. So casually sitting next to a legendary adventurer of Orario made Cian antsy, but Finn only leaned back, a gentle look to his face. Cian had expected him to have a harder look to this eyes. Chu used to tell him you could tell a lot about a person by the look they had in their eyes, you could tell if they were a fighter, a talker, a thinker, the eyes were the gateway to the soul he used to say.

So, he expected the leader of the Loki familia to have harder eyes. But no, Finn seemed to enjoy looking at the few people passing by in the street and enjoyed the warm light coming from the window they sat near. He couldn't have been much taller than Lillie naturally, seeing they were both prums. Still, Cian knew better then to underestimate him. He'd learned the hard way in his year with Scathach, the nicest smiles could hold the most conniving people.

Still… if Finn knew Chu, maybe he knew the spears name.

"You know, you look a bit like Goddess Scathach yourself," Finn suddenly said, crossing his arms in his seat with a smile. "Yes, you have that look to you."

Cian stammered. "Lady Hestia… she said the same thing. You… knew Lady Scathach? Did she talk to you or Lady Loki when she was in Orario before?"

"You could say that yes, she was a very kind yet stern goddess," Finn said, chuckling. "And her familia, quite the band of characters they were. We worked side-by-side in Orario against a common foe."

Cian was hesitated. "Sorry, but you're not the first to tell me you knew them. I've had people-."

"Fergus Mac Roich, The Great Sword of Ulster," Finn cut him off, smiling as he met Cian's shocked and wide eyes. "Uathach Crannach, the Battle Maiden of Ulster. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, the Yellow Lance. Finn Mac Comhail, The Master Tactician. Finally, Setanta Mac Ness, given the name Chu Chulainn after reaching level 4, when he accidently killed the guard dog of the great smith Culann, after fighting a mutated hellhound. I assume I'm correct?"

Cian's jaw dropped. In Ulster, the Tuatha Danann council only bestowed titles upon an adventurer when they achieved a great feat, not every two levels or so like they did in Orario. Being given a name by the council of the Tuatha Danann was considered one of the highest honors an adventurer in Ulster could be given, some went by their name like Chu had, others preferred their first names, like the others did.

The only way Finn could possibly know those names, is if he was telling the truth.

Cian shook his head. "I'm sorry for doubting you, it's just a few people have claimed to know Lady Scathach and my old familia in an attempt to get me to join them."

Finn chuckled. "Oh, I'm aware. I was one of those people who wished for you to join their familia. I happened to be at the guild the day you arrived, and your stats were posted. After seeing you were a member of Scathach's familia and your high stats, I petitioned Goddess Loki to have you join us."

The most powerful familia in Orario… wanted me? The idea was almost crazy to Cian, and he was glad it didn't come to fruition. Despite loving Lady Scathach and the rest, he had a hard enough time being in that powerful a familia, he didn't know how he felt about joining one that was almost as powerful now as well. Besides, he couldn't have asked for a better Goddess, and friend in Bell and Lady Hestia.

He also knew Lady Hestia was not fond of Lady Loki.

"Alas, when I went to make preparations, it was announced you were a member of the Hestia familia now," Finn said, smiling at Cian. "And as you more then likely know our goddesses aren't exactly fond of each other. Lady Loki forbid me from trying to contact you."

"And… you're doing it now anyway?" Cian asked.

Finn smirked and leaned back, his hands behind his head. "I like to think of this as happening to run into you at the bar. After hearing you defeated a silverback today, I had to come and find you, it sounded like Chu Chulainn and the others trained you well."

Cian right away got embarrassed again, waving his hands in front of him. "Oh, I'm not that strong trust me. I still haven't even reached level 2 yet… even after today."

Finn shook his head. "Levels are just numbers. It's one's choices and actions who define who we are, far more then our abilities. They say you saved two members of your party from the silverback without hesitation. It sounds like Chu, no matter what the mission was, his party's safety came first."

Cian slowly stammered. "That… that quote, it-."

"Chu taught it to me when we met," Finn said, a sad look coming to his face as he looked down at the table. "I must admit, hearing that he was defeated… I can scarcely believe it. That is what I wanted to ask you today Cian, what was it that could possibly defeat Lady Scathach, Chu and your familia?"

A familia shame washed over Cian.

"I'm sorry… I can't remember," Cian said, unable to look at Finn. "My memory from that day… it's almost completely gone. Even some things before it. All I remember… is giant… shadows, fire, Chu he… he gave me his red spear, transferred it to me, and after that… told me to get to Orario, that's all I really remember."

Finn looked shocked, he leaned forward. "He gave you his spear? I've never seen a spearman such as Chu, and that weapon… it was the most magnificent one I've ever seen."

Cian leaned forward, his heart racing now. "Do you remember its name?! I learned I can summon it to me if I can see it in the dungeon today. But I'm trying to remember its true name and the incantation!"

Finn leaned back, sighing sadly. "Unfortunately, I don't. Nothing ever troubled him enough to have to use its true power, in the operation our familias worked together. I'm sorry, I'd tell you if I could, I can see how much it means to you."

Cian's hope turned to ash in his mouth. It looked like he wouldn't find an easy way out of remembering the spears name. He'd have to revert to his original plan… fighting until it hopefully came back to him. But still, that didn't mean he couldn't try to get information out of Finn. Despite being with them for a year, Cian knew there was much about Lady Scathach's familia he still didn't know.

"It's alright… Finn, do you have any idea what it is we could have fought?" Cian asked the prum captain. "I've asked everyone I could find who knew Lady Scathach, she never mentioned any monsters so powerful they could wipe out us and Goddess Aife's familia."

Finn held his chin between his thumb for a few moments. Cian waited with anticipation, only to be disappointed, when the prum shook his head, a sympathetic look on his face.

"I'm sorry, but I'm as stumped as you are… defeating the Scathach familia," Finn said, a worried look coming to his face. "Since I heard of their demise I've looked into what it could be as well. The Black Dragon hasn't been faced in years, and the Tuatha Danann wouldn't send someone after it. Other than that… I can't think of anything that could defeat them. But you have my word, should I uncover anything, I will inform you right away. I owe Lady Scathach and Chu Chulainn a great debt I cannot repay them now, so I'll repay it to their last child and protégé if I can."

Cian breathed a sigh of relief. For a minute, he thought perhaps Finn would hold it over his head, that information he would search for too, when he became stronger. He smiled and nodded his thanks to the captain of the Loki familia. Still, despite the conversation being productive, one thing kept gnawing at Cian.

"I appreciate that, so much Finn… but I need to know," He said, meeting the prum's eyes in the lit-up night sky. "What was it that Lady Scathach and everyone were here for? She said she only came to Orario for her monthly supply runs."

Finn shook his head. "That's true… but, years ago, Lady Scathach and her whole familia appeared in Orario. All of your former familia joined mine and others in the fight against Evilus."

"Huh? Evilus?" Cian said, never having heard the name before.

Finn for the first time, narrowed his eyes and spoke harshly. "A despicable group of familias, who attempted to conquer Orario through evil, wicked means. They eventually grew so powerful, a coalition had to be formed to destroy them."

Cian's head throbbed in confusion. "That… sounds like a problem Orario could handle. Why did Lady Scathach come?"

Finn leaned forward, connecting his hands and spoke slowly. "It's because Lady Scathach was hunting a familia associated with Evilus. You see, when we tried to smoke them out, for a few months they gained a great deal of power and backup from the Morrigan familia."

Cian's chest thumped. For a moment, he believed the scar on his chest was going to feel on fire again.

The Morrigan familia. Cian couldn't remember if he'd ever heard of them or not.

"The… Morrigan familia?" Cian said slowly, rubbing the back of his head. "Now that I think about it… Diarmuid mentioned an 'excursion in Orario' one time. But I never thought anything of it."

Finn scoffed. "An 'excursion' is putting it lightly. Goddess Morrigan was a former member of the Tuatha Danann. Evilus was wicked, but that Goddess put them all to shame. She used traces of her godly power to empower her familia and Evilus."

"A member of the Tuatha Danann?!" Cian said, a jolt going through his body. "Lady Scathach never mentioned her! How could she use her godly power without being sent back to Heaven?"

"It's unknown at the moment," Finn said, shaking his head. "As for why Lady Scathach never mentioned her… it's because Goddess Morrigan and her familia were thought to be eradicated, defeated by the Scathach familia. That's why your goddess made the trip to Orario, she joined our fight against Evilus, to find Goddess Morrigan and her familia. It's the first time the Tuatha Danann ever sent anyone to help fight with a familia in Orario, this was five years ago now."

A cold feeling went up Cian's spine. He could never believe a member of the Tuatha Danann would betray or willingly attack anyone. And to hear Lady Scathach had been the one to go and fight her? It only deified his old goddess more to him.

Finn went on. "Yes, I've never seen fighters like Lady Scathach's. Chu Chulainn saved my life at one point in the fighting. We never would have defeated Evilus without the help of him and Lady Scathach."

The cold feeling spread across his back like a virus, and Cian met Finn's eyes, a terrible thought coming to him.

"And… Lady Morrigan was defeated?" He asked.

Finn slowly nodded. "As far as we know, she was yes. Still, that is in the past. Worry about the present before you worry about the past I always say."

"Right…" Cian said, his head throbbing, meeting Finn's eyes again. "Thank you Finn, truly. I… was with them for a year, but I feel I barely scratched the surface of truly knowing my old familia… I always felt like I held them back."

Finn smiled and shook his head. "It's my pleasure Cian…. I fear I must ask, will you not consider joining the Loki familia? I'm sure I could convince Lady Loki, Chu Chulainn taught even me much about the spear, and it had been years since I asked anyone to train me! I'd be happy to pass along some of that knowledge to you."

Cian bit his lip, he wouldn't lie and say for a split second he considered it. It would in a way help him feel closer to Chu if he could learn from someone else he taught

But after that split second, he shook his head. "I'm sorry… I'm flattered by your offer, truly I am, and thank you for telling me everything today. But… the last order I received from Chu and Lady Scathach was to come to Orario and find Lady Hestia. I'm happy having joined her familia, no matter how small it is."

"I assumed you would say so. I won't push the issue, it's very honorable to be so devoted to your goddess, I applaud you," Finn said, getting up from his seat, and walking over to Cian, before holding out his hand for him. "Still, if for some reason you ever change your mind, the offer stands. I'll keep an eye on your progress Cian Mac Gallagher and inform you should I find anything out."

Cian smiled, the cold feeling leaving him, replaced with warmth. He took Finn's hand and shook it. "I appreciate it, thank you for everything Finn-."

"HELP! PLEASE, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY PLEASE!"

Cian spun with Finn, and familiar feeling ran through Cian when he saw who had screamed. The few remaining people in the streets all turned to see a man with a woman in his arms. He couldn't have been that much older then Cian.

And he was covered in blood.

"Riveria, Gareth!" Finn shouted into the window, as all noise had stopped from the man's screaming. Cian saw the prum run towards the man, and rushed to follow himself.

He heard other people start screaming, and the door to buildings swing open. The man fell to his knees, nothing but a bloody shirt and pant on as he dropped the girl in front of him. She was unconscious, a massive gash across her cheek, blood splattered across her white dress.

"My sister! Please, somebody!" The men yelled, crawling up to his knees and getting to her side. "It attacked out of nowhere, it's the end of days I tell you! They destroyed the whole town!"

Finn stopped and knelt down next to him, a massive crowd of people starting to gather around the two-bleeding people.

Cian froze in the night, his blood running cold, and he gripped at his chest, the burn scar that was still there.

"What happened man?!" Finn said, kneeling down next to the man. "Can you speak or stand up?"

"It… it was horrible, it was massive!" The man yelled with wide eyes grabbing onto Finn's shirt. "It was as tall as a house, it had the face of a man, but it was a beast! It breathed fire, it's hammer crushed in my roof, then the girl cut Millie across the face! It… it was, GAHHHHHHHH!"

Cian shook like a leaf in the wind, clawing at his own chest, as he watched the man wreath in pain, Finn trying his best to calm him down. The girl in front of him was hardly breathing. Cian wanted to do something, anything… but as he'd come to expect from himself, he couldn't move.

That… that burn, that mark, Cian thought, his hand shaking over his burn scar. That… was what I looked like when I first arrived.

"Finn!" A voice said behind him, followed by a green-haired elf rushing past him and kneeling down next to the prum. "This is bad, move the girl closer here!"

Cian assumed this was Riveria, one of the vice captains of the Loki familia. He watched as she chanted some words and a grew light appeared in both her hands, she held it over the man and the girl. It caused the screaming, writhing man fall back to the ground, his screaming silenced as he fell unconscious.

Finn shook his head. "This isn't good Riveria, something like this the day before we leave. What could leave a wound like this? I've never seen anything like it."

Rivera seemed to pale, before shaking her head. "I have a few theories, but I need time to research and confirm them… we can't delay our expedition, we'll inform the guild, and they'll send people to investigate."

"But what monster in the wild could cause so much destruction?" Finn asked, and Cian noticed him holding the thumb on his right hand.

River shook her head again. "We'll worry about it later, we need to move them."

Red. Red was all Cian could see again. Red was all he could see, and all he felt was the familiar prickly hot feeling of being burned. His hand hadn't left his chest, and he shook as people rushed by him, he recognized more members of the Loki familia, and eventually, Finn and Riveria were out of his view. The only thing left he could see of the scene, was the small puddle of blood that was underneath his boots.

It… it can't be a coincidence… can it? That man had the same kind of wound he did, and his head pounded like it had been hit with a hammer. Why couldn't he remember?! All he wanted to do was to remember, all he wanted was to avenge his familia! If whatever they had fought that day really did attack this man, and this village, it was his fault that it had escaped, he had run, he hadn't been strong enough to stop it.

So… what did he do now? He knew… but he was absolutely terrified.

"Cian!" Bell's voice came, and Cian turned to see him, along with Lillie and Welf.

"Master Cian what happened?!" Lillie asked, trying to look through the gathered crowd.

"We heard the screaming," Welf said, coming up behind the rest. "You didn't come… hey? Cian?! You okay?"

"Yeah, Cian… you don't look so good," Bell said worriedly, his eyes going down to Cian's hand. His white-haired friends' eyes widened. "Your hand's shaking!"

Cian looked down at his left hand… and it was. He grabbed his wrist to stop it… but nothing could help it. He sucked in a breath and held it, meeting his friends' eyes.

"Oh, it's nothing! Don't worry about it!" He assured them.

He wouldn't drag down, or lead another party, another familia, more friends to their death.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Cian… Cian… Cian… why?"

Cian's eyes shot open, and he screamed. Flames, flames were all that he saw, a giant wall of flames in all directions. The voice… why did he recognize it? Who was it? It was low, hoarse, desperate… and it called out to him.

The flames were what made him turn around. It was as if he was floating, and the black void suddenly transformed. He was hovering in a blue sky yes, but it was filled with smoke and flame. The sounds of more screaming and death filled his ears. It was a sound he heard in his nightmares every night. That day, the flames, the shadows, the one great eye that was trained on him, his burning chest. It coursed through him like a fire through a timber pile, and all he could do was look down at the chaos below him.

And at his blood-stained red hands.

"How could you let this happen?! Cian!"

"Wh..what? What's happening?" Cian said, looking down his eyes about to burst from his head. "This… this village… no… NO!"

The scene below him could only be described as complete and utter destruction, annihilation and anarchy. A village was in flames, each house overtaken by smoke and flames. He saw mangled corpses of the dead piled out in the middle of the town like some kind of sick, twisted art sculpture. The bodies were placed in piled, in elaborate patterns, as the remainder of those who could move ran for their lives.

And in the middle… stood the most horrifying creature Cian had ever seen.

It stood towering over the buildings, with massive clumps of flesh forming a hunchback, as its long rippled arms. Its skin was the color of mold, and its eyes as wide as dinner plates, gold with a single massive black pupil in each. Its rows of jagged teeth were stained red with the blood of villagers, as they were crooked as well, yellow as a piece of old parchment paper.

In its one hand was a massive bronze mace, a perfectly circular and massive, smooth ball of bronze at the end was stained red. Cian watched in horror as the beast laughed and smashed it through a house with ease, before he turned and scooped up another man. He laughed and smashed the man into the ground. The only things the beast wore was a crude belt and cloth skirt like loincloth around his waist, with what looked to be human bones and legs hanging from his belt. The clumps of massive flesh continued up his body, was massive and muscled. It laughed and looked down below him.

"The human world! The world I've missed so much! I crave more girl!"

"A… aye! Aye, you'll have it!" A female voice said below him, as Cian saw a young girl, blood red hair sprawled out behind her with two shorts swords in her hands. "Come on! Someone challenge-."

The girl was interrupted when a hysterical woman who was attempted to flee bumped into her. Cian saw her turn and raise up her swords to cut her down as she fell back… but the girls swords didn't come down to deliver the killing stroke. She stopped and looked at the woman, only for the poor villager to get up and attempt to run again.

"We have returned! Soon, Balor will walk amongst us again!" The beast cackled, grabbing the woman attempting to flee up in his free hand. "AND WHEN HE DOES, ALL SHALL BOW!"

And then… flames. It reared back its disgusting head and fire spewed forth like it was a magic spell. He roasted the woman in his hand alive, before aiming it towards the buildings, and eventually, up towards the sky.

Towards Cian.

"GAHHHHHH! NO, NO NO NO NO!" Cian yelled, grabbing at his chest… the pain, the heat, these flames felt familiar. He had been burned by them before.

"That… that was him, it had to be, the thing that… that…" Cian said, clutching the sides of his head.

It was exactly as the man described in the streets… and he knew he was seeing what was happening. He didn't know how… but he knew it.

"Why… why Cian?!"

Cian's head shot up, and his chest exploded. "La… Lady Scathach?!"

His goddess stood in front of him, right there in the black void. It was certainly her. Lady Scathach's hair had been long down her back, it was a dark violet color, she was beautiful beyond compare, even more so then Uathach had been. She wore the same thing she had always wore, a black combat suit she called it. A bit skin tighter, but with armor over her chest and down her thighs, with gold armlets near her shoulders.

And her eyes, were as dark red as blood, which were normally inviting, now stared at him with scorn.

"How could you allow this to happen?! People are dying Cian!"

"I… what?! Lady Scathach, I… I don't remember what-."

"How could you not remember idiot boy?!" His goddess snapped, her eyes narrowing. "I gave you one task and you cannot even do that! Now, the beasts you let escape roams the land."

No… no this couldn't be his goddess. Lady Scathach was stern and harsh at times yes… but she would never speak to anyone like this.

Yet still… real or not, her words smacked into Cian like a bucket of ice water. Despite the flames, and the burning in his chest, his blood ran cold. Lady Scathach, Chu, everyone in his familia had given their lives to stop… whatever that creature was, or whatever they were, if there were more of them.

And if Cian truly was a part of the Scathach Familia… shouldn't he have done the same? Given everything? Now, whatever it was, could be coming towards Orario.

"Cian… why… why did you let it escape?!"

Cian spun around again, his skin feeling like it was melting. "U…Uathach?"

Her golden hair was just as stunning as it always was, her brown eyes were as beautiful as ever and she wore the leather combat armor she always did.

"Cian… how could you?"

"F…Fergus…"

Fergus appeared next to Uathach, as massive as he always was, his rippled pale arms crossed, a disappointed look in his normally soft face.

"Bah, can't believe you'd be such an idiot! Stupid boy."

"You're right there Finn, can't believe I wasted my time on a weakling like you."

Cian turned, and Diarmuid stood glaring at him with Finn, who looked disappointed.

"Cian… giving you that spear was a mistake."

Cian turned, all his old friends, his family becoming a blur… before his captain stood before him.

"Chu… Chu I… I'm sorry, I just can't… I can't remember…" Cian begged, his chest finally exploding, a burning sensation flying across it as he fell to his knees at Chu's feet, looking up at his old captain… his hero.

Chu wore a dark blue combat suit, shoulder guards, and tight leather armor around his torso with a red cloak behind him. He had orange hair, and blue eyes… blue eyes which looked disappointed.

And that was what hurt him most of all. This entire time, Cian had been right… he had never belonged with such a familia.

"I can't believe I thought you had what it takes…" Chu said, turning his back to him. "The spear… it belongs to someone strong… someone who can be bothered to remember its name."

Cian clamped his hands over his ears. Voices started overlapping, his world spun as the vision of his familia flashed before him. All he could see as they passed were their mangled bodies. It started coming back to him. He could remember Uathach being crushed and twisted at horrible angles, Fergus's stomach being ripped open, Finn impaled, and Diarmuid burned.

Chu telling him to run… and the light that sent his goddess back to heaven.

He realized now why he had forgotten most of what happened… it was because he simply wasn't strong enough to handle the truth.

The truth, that they were all dead… and now, more were dying, because of him.

"Fix it… fix your mistake," The same voice from the beginning said… but now, it was low, trying to persuade him, prod and poke at him. "Go… go to them… prove yourself and… avenge them."

Around him, he saw a dark green haze. Mist slowly rose in the blackness as the members of his old familia disappeared, and he saw the mist float towards his head, towards his nose, his mouth his ears, it weaved its way into his body as Cian screamed silently, but no words came out.

"Do it… do it… DO IT!"

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

His screams finally came, and he saw a flash, a flash of something in his vision. Seven figures. Seven shadowy figures of varying heights.

And a woman, a woman with red eyes, long black hair and a black robe, cackling to herself.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"GAHHHHHHHH NO, NO, NO!"

The light of day was what first thing that hit Cian's eyes. Sweat dripped down his bandaged ribs, and he recoiled at the suns harsh rays.

That… that was real… it was real… it had to be, was the first thing that came to his mind.

He looked down at his hands, his clammy, sweaty palms, and clenched them to retain feeling. The details were etched into his mind like a brand. The creatures face, the flames, the girl with the two swords, the villagers… the carnage.

His eyes drifted to the corner of the room. The sun glinted off the tip of the red spear, cleaned of monster blood and sharpened, he had done it just like Chu had shown him.

"Chu… Lady Scathach…" He said, seeing them again in his mind.

He knew they weren't the real people. What he saw, what he heard weren't the real family he had lost. Cian had no idea why he'd seen the beast, how he saw something that was happening at that moment or had happened earlier the previous day. It had to be some kind of magic; someone was messing with his mind. He was sure it had to be that voice, that eerie voice, and those seven shadowy figures that he saw.

Someone is trying to lead me there… probably into a trap, he thought, as he swung his legs around the bed, and looked at the ground, small pieces of his black hair appearing in his eyes.

Cian wasn't an idiot. He knew that dream couldn't have been an accident.

Yet… no matter if it was a trap or not, it didn't make what was said any less true.

That creature, that beast… whatever it was, it had escaped from the cave that same night his familia was destroyed. It very well could have been the one who put the burn mark across his chest. Either way, it had been there, it had been part of the reason his familia was gone, that he'd never see any of them again.

And that… that made Cian angry. The dream had been right… he had to fix this, he had to take responsibility.

"Cian!" Ryuu's voice said, and Cian nearly fell off the bed when the door slammed open.

"GAH!" Cian spun and saw Ryuu had kicked open his locked door. "Ryuu?!"

"I hear screaming, are you okay?" She said, casually walking over to him like she hadn't just kicked down his door.

Cian was both touched she cared so much and scared of what would happen if he ever made her angry.

"I… I'm fine, thanks for being so concerned," Cian said, his anger, his determination and duty forgotten for a moment as he smiled at the beautiful elf. "It's alright, really, I just had a bad dream."

"I see… I'm glad that it's nothing," Ryuu said, crossing her arms. "Do you have any plans for your day off today? Remember you need to rest your body, if you're going to be okay in the middle floors."

Cian froze for a moment but waved it off and managed to smile. "Oh, nothing really. I'll probably go and see Bell, get supplies ready with him and Lillie for tomorrow. Is Mama Mia sure you won't need any extra help for dinner tonight?"

A small smile came to Ryuu's face, which Cian was starting to like more and more.

"No, we'll be alright. Be sure to see me so I can check on your injuries before you go to bed," She said, turning to go back to the door. "Mr. Cranel should be by soon. Come down for breakfast-."

"Wait, Ryuu!" He said, a question burning in his throat, he had to ask her before she left. "Can… can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" Ryuu said, turning and waiting in the doorway.

Cian let out a shaky sigh, clenching his fists, the flames, the death… what he had to do clear in his mind.

"Ryuu…have you ever had to do something well… important," He asked, unable to look up at her, only at his still clammy hands. "Something that… you know you have to do, you know you must, even if it disregards all logic in your mind. You know that it's wrong to do it, stupid even… but all you can do is tell yourself it must be done?"

Ryuu's smile faded, and Cian's did as well. Her eyes almost went black, her blonde hair falling over the blue eyes he'd come to love. It didn't seem like the Ryuu he'd come to know, and that made him panic.

"I'm sorry! That's… that's stupid to ask," he said with a shake of his head. "Way too specific too, forget I even-."

"Yes… yes, I have," Ryuu said, her eyes finally coming back up to meet his.

Cian froze again, managing to speak after a minute. "And… and did you do that thing?"

Ryuu was silent for a moment again, before nodding. "Yes… I did."

"Do… you regret it?"

"That… that isn't a question I know the answer too," She said, turning her back to him for a moment. "All I know… is that nothing would have stopped me from doing it," she spoke quickly, before turning back to face Cian again. "Cian… I'll ask you again, is there anything you wish to tell me? Are you okay?"

That was all Cian needed to hear. He looked from Ryuu… to the red spear in the corner.

Yes… he knew what he needed to do no matter what. And he wouldn't let anymore people he cared about die or be hurt because of him.

He looked at Ryuu and smiled. "Only that I'm thankful for you Ryuu, really thankful," he let out a sigh and clenched his hands again. I'm okay… I promise."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Connla… shouldn't we be heading after the sword now?" Dullahan asked, standing as tall as always, his hands resting on his double bladed, silver axe.

"Not yet," Connla said, as he knelt, looking over the ridge. He couldn't help but sigh. "You idiot… idiot girl, why wouldn't you just listen."

Connla could see the disgusting beast. Mebd's 'escort' as the witch had put it, was on a rampage. It was the third village he and Dullahan had watched the fomorian destroy, all while Mebd stood by with her swords, trying to make it look like she was helping. She had no ide Connla was watching of course, and now that he wasn't watching, her true colors were showing.

It was as Connla had always thought… she wasn't cut out for this, she never was, and she never would be, even at Level 3 now. No, no matter how strong she was, it wouldn't change the one simple fact that Connla knew was true.

She had too gentle of a heart.

He watched her, her red hair not stained with the blood of people she'd cut down. Yes, she would cut down any petty guardsman or level 1s who had come to try and stop her, mustering the last of their bravery, but she wouldn't kill. It was Mog, that damn beast who did all the killing, which it seemed happy to be a part of.

"Why don't you just tell her," Dullahan said, as blunt as always. "Why do you act so cruel towards the girl, when you clearly care."

"I don't," Connla lied.

"Us being here, when we were ordered to find the sword says otherwise."

"Don't be a smartass Dullahan."

"I'm not Connla, I'm simply honest," His only real friend said, stepping closer to the ledge. "That poor girl…she shouldn't be here."

"I know…" Connla said, grabbing his spear and pushing himself to his feet.

Dullahan shook his head. "And you say you don't care, yet here we are."

"We're here because that brat the old man saved will show up," Connla lied again. "I can get the spear that way."

Dullahan scoffed. "That may be partially true… but you cannot lie to me."

"And why are you here Dullahan," Connla asked, already knowing the answer.

The massive Level 5 stroked his beard. "Well you know the answer to that… where you go, I will always follow, until my death. Tell me… why do you be so cruel to her, when you care?"

Connla sighed and leaned against a tree on the ridge. "Because… Leanan and I both know that unlike the rest of us… it isn't too late for her."

Dullahan grew silent, hefting his axe to his shoulder. After another moment he spoke. "That… is very true and sound reasoning… what's our plan?"

"Keep our distance until necessary," Connla said, watching Mebd and the Fomorian move through the town. "We have no idea if that witch is watching. If we interfere, it could cause headaches I don't want. After we're sure she's safe, we'll go after the sword."

"And… if the Child of Light does show up?" Dullahan asked.

Connla gripped tighter to his own spear and shook his head. "We'll figure that out when it happens. Come on, let's move."

Next Time, Episode 3: The Child of Light: Cian heads out to do his duty to his late familia. Meanwhile, Bell waits for Cian, and when nobody has seen him, all of he, Goddess Hestia, and the rest of his party set out to find their new friend. Meanwhile, neither of them have any idea who is following these developments… and what it means when the Argonaut meets the Child of Light.

A/N: Hellooooo and we're back with more DanMachi! I would have had this chapter out a few days ago, but I've got a new computer now so I had to transfer all my documents over from my old laptop to my new one, and now that I have it, we're going to commence with even more writing!

In this chapter, I finally got to expand a bit more on Cian's combat abilities, and some backstory for him and the Tuatha Danann. As you can see, the country of 'Ulster' (The Ulster Cycle, is a collection of major stories of Cletic Myth, where Chu Chulainn features) is west of Orario, and ruled by the Tuatha Danann, a council of familias based off old celtic gods. It was hard because some Celtic gods like Miach, Dian Cecht and Brigid already feature in DanMachi xD (Note, if any LN readers know of any other celtic gods I missed in the series let me know!)

In addition to more worldbuilding for Cian, the Tuatha Danann and Scathach familia, I got a chance to really start building the relationship between Cian and other DanMachi characters, most notably Bell, Lillie and Welf, with of course Ryuu as well.

BUT, the big one I loved doing, was having Finn and Cian talk. Finn in the anime is based of Fion Mac Comhail, leaders of the knights of Fianna in irish mythology, so I found it fitting that he would know Scathach and Chu Chulainn. Finn is going to play a big part in Cian's story down the line, same with Lefiya (I loooove her).

NOW, for the ship. As you all can see, I've decided on Mikoto. The pairing will be Cian x Mikoto, and while they wont get together right away obviously, they will get closer very quick, and we're close to her making her first appearance! Ryuu is still going to be a BIG part of the story as well, as you guys can clearly tell, but the pairing will be Cian and Mikoto!

Next chapter, we get the climax of the introduction chapters of this story. In Chapter 4, we will start with the cannon episodes of DanMachi S1, EP 4 will be the Pass Parade episode and we'll go from there! I can't wait to get that to you guys!

I'm gonna finish up a chapter of my SAO story, and then I believe I'm going to jump right back into this so stay tuned! I hope you all enjoyed!