Pre Chapter A/N: From now on, at the beginning of each chapter, I'm going to put what the theoretical English Dub, an Japanese Voice Actor for all OCs that I have in the story would be, all original VAs for DanMachi are going to be the same. For this chapter, the VAs are below
Cian Mac Gallagher (Thanks to Drcaus for the suggestion!): English VA: Zach Aguilar: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), David (Cyberpunk Edgerunners), Byleth (Fire Emblem Three Houses), Arthur Pendragon (Seven Deadly Sins) Sieg (Fate Apocrypha)
Japanese VA: Natsuki Hanae: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), Sieg (Fate Apocrypha)
Mebd Mac Caomhanach: English VA: Felecia Angelle: Miku Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets), Emi Yusa (The Devil is a Part Timer) Raynare (High School DxD) Suzune Horikita (Classroom of the Elite), Mana Takamiya (Date A Live)
Japanese VA: Miyuki Sawashiro: Sinon/Shino Asada (Sword Art Online), Mordred (Fate Apocrypha & Fate Grand Order)
The Argonaut and The Child of Light
Cian
It was a dreamless sleep for Cian, which was something that almost never happened. Especially since Lady Scathach and the others had died, he'd been plagued by dreams, either a nightmare, or a dream of happier times back in Ulster. It had basically been a flip of a coin every night, which had become annoying. However, when he awoke, he wasn't haunted by any images he saw in his dreams.
No, the only thing that plagued him when his eyes blinked open, was his aching bones, and the light that streamed in through the cracks of the tent.
"Argghhh dammit," Cian cursed, trying to push himself up. "What… where-. GAHHH!"
His left arm, he'd forgotten about it. He looked at it then, and found it wrapped tightly in bandages, along with seeing them around his now completely bare chest, stomach and feeling one around his head. Blinking a few times to get used to light, he tried to move his left arm, but winced each time it did. The pain came from his elbow, as he remembered Goliath's hand smashing him out of the sky and into the ground.
"That's right… I got my ass kicked," He admitted begrudgingly, remembering his stupid plan. Wincing, he set his arm down and looked around the room. "Where… where…"
His eyes widened as his chest thumped loudly, remembering why he had fought Goliath. "Bell! Lillie, Welf, where…. I gotta… gotta-."
He with his legs down ready to touch the ground when the flap of the tent flew open.
"Cian!" Lefiya's voice said, and he looked over at her with a tray of food in her hands. Seeing him about to walk, she almost stumbled as she put down the tray and rushed over to him. "Be careful! Riveria said she healed most of your wounds, but you'll need to be careful for a few days."
"Le…Lefiya," Cian said, his panic rising as she rushed over and knelt at the cot's side, going right for the bandages on his left arm. "Bell. Bell, Welf, Lillie, are they-."
"They're fine, thanks to you and I suppose that Bell guy," She said, begrudgingly giving Bell praise, she looked up at him and smiled. "They're all okay, so no need to worry."
Cian let out a breath as Lefiya's hands touched his bandages. "Thank the gods… where are they now?"
"The prum and red-haired guy are still asleep," Lefiya said, before her lips pursed and her cheeks puffed out. "Ms. Ais took that stupid Bell Cranel to talk to the captain."
Cian couldn't stop a laugh. "Ha, that's cute."
Lefiya's hands stopped her eyes going wide. "Wh... what?! What are you talking about?!"
Cian was too tired to not smile. "Well, whenever you talk about Bell, you purse your lips and you get all pouty, it's cute."
Cian realized what he was saying and cursed his lack of tact. He himself went a little stiff, of course he thought Lefiya was pretty, but he hadn't meant to say what he just said out loud! Diarmuid would have had a field day with him then, teasing him for his red face, and how he was acting around a pretty girl.
"I… I don't know what you're talking about!" She said, shooting to her feet and pointing accusingly at him, her cheeks red as tomatoes. "I do not do that, take it back right now!"
"Can't take back something that's true," Cian said, nervously laughing and rubbing his head.
"Urghh you're so… so rude!" She said, stomping her foot, and folding her arms. She pursed her lips again and looked away from him. "But… but I really am happy you're awake, I needed to thank you."
"Thank… me?" Cian said.
She looked to him and softly nodded. "Yeah… you saved me from that boulder. I would have been crushed so… so thank you. I… was just a burden again, I was trying to save you and I only almost got you killed. Just like with Ms. Ais. I really-."
Cian reached out a grabbed her hand, remembering she didn't mind It despite being an elf. One thing he hated was people feeling bad when they didn't need too. So, he swallowed his embarrassment of holding hands with a cute girl and shook his head. It was easy, because he was meaning to tell her anyway, ever since he saw her.
"You weren't a burden at all," He said, shaking his head. "I'd literally be dead if not for that spell you casted to shield me. I should be the one thanking you, if not for you, I would be the one crushed, you were awesome, so thank you Lefiya."
Her face got redder, and she slowly nodded. "Well, I… um… you're welcome, I'm happy I showed up in time," she said, smiling before looking at their hands and embarrassingly yanking them back. "But… but don't think this means I'll go easy on you now!"
Cian was so tired; he couldn't help but laugh. "Ha… I wouldn't dream of it."
She forced away the red cheeks and pointed at him. "You were really amazing against Goliath, but that doesn't mean I'll lose to you, Cian Mac Gallagher! I won't let you get complacent!"
"I'd expect nothing less from my rival," Cian said, bowing his head.
Lefiya sighed and smiled, reaching for his arm again. "Here, let me get this for you. Your elbow… it's broken, it'll take a few days to heal after Riveria's spell, so you'll have to wear a sling. Let me fix one for you, then the captain wanted to talk to you. We gave your armor and weapons to our smiths to fix up, we'll have them for you soon."
Cian remembered the voice of Finn Deimne shouting out before he fired the Gae Bulg. He also knew that he was probably in the Loki familia's camp, so it'd be smart to say thank you.
In the back of his head, he also wanted to tell Finn about the Fomroians, and the Morrigan familia, not knowing how much he'd learned since he'd been on his expedition the last week or so.
He smiled at Lefiya and nodded as she got the sling. "Alright, patch me up Doctor Lefiya."
She shot him an annoyed glare, and he managed to laugh as she went to work.
I can't believe I survived that, I guess I had to be pretty strong for that, Cian thought, looking down at his good hand, before a shot of annoyance ran through him, and he balled it into a fist, but… but it's still not strong enough, I still need to do more. I will do more… so I'll be ready when you all come again, and when you do, I'll beat every single one of you.
OP: Hey World, DanMachi S1
The Argonaut and The Child of Light
Season 1, Episode 3: Dungeon Paradise
Cian
"Wow… this is some place you guys have here," He said, looking in amazement at all the tents, smithies, and banners the Loki familia had. "Lady Scathach never had us in a camp like this."
"Really?" Lefiya said as they walked. "No offense, but someone so strong in the Tuath Danann couldn't afford something like this?"
"I don't think it was that" Cian explained as they passed by a group of adventurers. "I think it was because we only really worked alone, we didn't need much. Chu told me we were sort of a special operations familia, we went where normal familias had trouble. Never really had the need for a big camp."
Lady Scathach had been very adamant about her familia being self-sufficient. Every member including Cian knew how to cook, wash clothes, make snares, do basic first aid, maintain their weapons. He was grateful the smiths from the Hephaistos familia who were there were working on his equipment, but he couldn't help but feel a bit lazy. Still, his still aching bones and dozens of bandages were enough to tell him he'd earned a break.
He only wore a black long-sleeved shirt, which had to have been loaned to him from the Loki familia. Suddenly he was a bit self-conscious… had Lefiya changed his shirt as well? He also had his normal pants and boots, Lefiya had fixed his bandaged left arm into a sling for his elbow, while under his black hair-he'd have to cut some of it soon-he had even more bandages wrapped. He felt constricted, but he was too exhausted as he walked next to Lefiya to care too much.
"I've been meaning to ask you, how did you end up with the Scathach familia?" She asked, as they approached a large tent. "From what the captain's told us, she was the best of the best."
"She was," Cian said fondly, before shrugging. "To this day… I don't know. I grew up an orphan in a village in Caomhanach land, they were the lords of the territory, it's to the west in Ulster. She passed by with everyone one day and… long story short, I wanted to impress them, did something stupid, almost got the village killed… and after that, they took me along with them."
He has expected her to look at him with some contempt. Lefiya seemed to be a person who was rigid with the rules. However, to his surprise, she giggled, only smiling as they got near the top of the hill.
The hill was just one of the amazing things Cian saw on the eighteenth floor. The beautiful crystals above in the ceiling, the massive forest with small town nestled in it. It reminded him painfully of home, of Ulster with its roving forests and ramshackle towns made mostly of wood. He knew they hadn't been traveling down here for anymore then a day, but it had felt like weeks, and the bright light against his skin felt brilliant.
"Haha… that certainly sounds like you," Lefiya told him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked, a little embarrassed.
"It means that you're a troublemaker," She said, but still smiling as they both looked forward. "It isn't just you, that Bell Cranel's one too. Wherever you both go, something interesting is bound to happen."
Cian wouldn't deny that, so far it was the truth.
"And… you don't like troublemakers I take it?" He said, yawning as he raised his hands to stretch above his head.
She slowly shook her head, a sheepish smile on her face. She looked at the ground. "No… since I've met you I think I'm warming up to them. Besides, we're adventurers, we're supposed to have adventurers right? I…. think the more I hang around you, the more I'll have."
Cian at that moment, went a very, very bright shade of red. He had no other way to react, how else was he supposed to react to a cute elf telling him something like that? She looked over, saw he was red, got red herself, before hastily turning her head from him.
"Um… I've been meaning to ask too," She said quickly. "That… that spear you carry. Is it true what we heard in the news down here? You killed a… formor… something?"
Cian suddenly forgot his tingly heart and shuddered. "A Fomorian, yeah. That spear, it's called the Gae Bulg, it's magic power when unleashed always pierces the heart of my target, so long as my will is stronger than that of my target, so since most monsters don't really have minds or thought, it normally works."
"That's so powerful!" Lefiya said, suddenly stopping and stepping in front of him, an excited look in her eyes as she smiled and looked at him. "I've never seen anything like it, and you were even able to kill Goliath with it despite the level difference! I had no idea a magic like that existed."
"Ha… it's because it's one of the Three Divine Weapons of Ulster, it's old magic there's nothing else like it in the world," He said, meeting her eyes, but shuddering again, an embarrassed feeling coming to him. "But it really wasn't much… that Fomorian, Goliath, they almost killed me. I'm far from strong enough to use it to its full power yet. Especially if more of those Fomorians are coming…"
"And these Fomorians, if what we read is right, the gods called a Denatus about them," She said, with surprising knowledge. "They're monsters from Ulster?"
"Old monsters… they were thought to be sealed away," He told her. "But, the Morrigan familia has released them somehow, and want to release their king, and if they do well… safe to say we could be doomed."
Cian had to turn away, he didn't want her to see how scared he was and looked. "And… it seems they want me, the Gae Bulg. The Three Divine Weapons I know can unlock the seal. So, to protect it, I need to get stronger."
Every child in Ulster heard the story of the Divine Weapons. Cian had thought it just a myth to keep the old traditions going. He knew the weapons were real, but never really believed the part about the seal. However, it was the only reason that made sense why Morrigan and Connla were sending people after him and trying to lead him into traps, they wanted the Gae Bulg. He wouldn't let them get it; he wasn't going to let them have his goddess's spear.
However, thankfully he knew that even if they somehow did it wasn't the end of the world. Even if they had Caladbolg instead. So long as they didn't know who the Child of Light was, they couldn't get the most powerful weapon, the Gae Assail.
Still, that didn't mean he wouldn't be ready.
"Okay then, that means I can't go easy on you then!" Lefiya said, and Cian turned to see her smiling, her finger pointed out at him. "If you need to grow stronger so do I. Remember what I said, Cian Mac Gallagher, I won't lose to you! And if I beat you, then I'll be in a position to help you."
He looked at her, she pointed at him, a confident look on her face. She really meant what she was saying, and while the idea of anyone he cared about being possibly hurt by the Fomorians or Morrigan familia coming after him. However, he looked at Lefiya then, and he couldn't help but smile.
He tilted his head and nodded. "Alright, I'll be counting on you for it, thanks Lefiya."
And Lefiya got red again, stuttering she folded her arms and nodded. "W…Well good! Don't think I haven't forgotten this is a contest, I won't lose to you!"
"And I won't lose to you," He said, nodding at her. "I really appreciate your help. If there's anything you ever need help with you can just ask, even if it's a contest."
She sighed, her face still red and smiled, holding out her hand. "Okay… and the same goes for you. You saved me Cian, so I'll be there if you ever need it!"
Cian smiled and grabbed her hand. "Thanks… I look-."
"Ahhhhh he's blushing! How cuuuuute!" A voice said, cutting him off.
He and Lefiya both looked at the entrance to the tent Lefiya had been bringing him too.
"Oh, Ms. Ais! Tiona, Tione," Lefiya said, before she fake gagged. "I found your friend."
"Bell!" Cian yelled, Lefiya rushing behind him, as all thoughts had gone from his mind.
He thought it made complete sense he'd find Bell with two girls wrapped around his arm when he saw him again. Lady Hestia wouldn't have been very happy he was sure, but still, Cian speed walked his way, his legs still sore as well.
Both of the amazons he recognized from his delirious fight with Goliath. They'd both come and saved him, the short haired one, Tiona, and the longer haired one, Tione.
Cian was ashamed of himself however, that his first thoughts where he could easily tell them apart from their chest size. He could feel Lady Scathach mentally smacking him and could hear Diarmuid laughing at him from the Otherworld.
Bell was red in the face as both talked to him and leaned their chests on his arms, meanwhile the beautiful blonde sword princess stood behind him. Cian liked to think that Bell had a mini freak out waking up with her over him.
"Cian!" Bell said, rushing past them towards him. He reached Cian and grabbed onto his shoulders, looking at him with his large worried red eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry, please forgive me! I was gonna go back and help you I swear, but I just-."
"Bell, it's okay, really," Cian said, overwhelming relief flooding him. "I'm just glad to see you okay. If not for you getting help, I really would have died."
Bell let out a sigh of relief, looking at him, smiling and squeezing at his shoulders. "Still… I should have gone back for you. Cian… they said you killed Goliath!"
"No, don't say that I stayed behind so you would be okay," He assured Bell, before sighing and letting his hands fall to his side. "As for Goliath well… I wouldn't say-."
"It's true! Mr. Lancer here took his red spear and took that massive thing down!" The short haired amazon said, rushing up next to him. She looked at him with excited eyes. "It glew with red lightning and almost knocked Goliath onto its back. I've never seen anything like it except in stories, you have to tell me how you did it Mr. Lancer!"
Cian's chest nearly exploded, he suddenly felt bad for making fun of Bell for getting so flustered. He couldn't remember ever meeting anyone who seemed so energetic. It wasn't a bad thing of course, but he was still nursing a pounding headache, he wanted to tell Tiona how using the Gae Bulg was a matter of a simple incantation and using his willpower.
But what came out was more stuttering.
"Oh well… I… you see it's not hard," Cian said, rubbing the back of his head, the amazon's face inches from him. He couldn't look at her but didn't want to be rude and back away. "I… I just call its name, and well… throw… it?"
"Awwwww he's blushing too Tione!" She said, looking between Bell and Cian. "Mr. Argonaut and Mr. Lancer, I still can't believe it, you're like two heroes straight out of the stories!"
Cian looked to Bell, who was blushing as much as he was. Before Cian could say anything, another arm grabbed his left one.
"She's a bit much, but she is right," The other amazon said, smiling and pulling Cian's arm between her chest. "I'm Tione, it's nice to meet you Lancer of Red!"
"And I'm Tiona!" The first amazon said, putting her face in front of Cian's. "It's nice to see you up and moving!"
"Oh, you were the ones who came to help me," Cian said, suddenly remembering the fight. He bowed to them both. "Thank you both, I would be dead by now if not for you, allow me to express how grateful I am."
"Awww look how cute!" Tiona said, smiling and looking up at him. "You're just adorable! Say, you can make it up to me by telling me more about-."
"No! No Tiona he can't!"
"GAHH!" Cian yelled, as Lefiya grabbed his good arm and jerked him back.
"Huh? Ms. Lefiya?" Bell said.
Lefiya, who was red face looked at the amazons, and furiously shook her head. "The captain needs to see him for your information! He's also injured, so the last thing he needs is you hanging on him!"
Tione smirked at Lefiya. "Ha, you seem to be the one hanging on him now Lefiya."
"Awww Lefiya are you jealous?" Tiona said, going over and poking Lefiya's cheek as she held onto Cian's arm. "That is soooo cuteeeeeee-."
"No! No, I'm not jealous at all!" Lefiya said suddenly.
"GAHHH!" Cian yelped, as she shoved him away, thankfully Bell was there to catch him.
Lefiya with a pout on her face and hands over her face looked at the amazons. "Shut up! No, I'm not jealous at all! I'm looking after his wellbeing, he's my rival so I obviously need to make sure his health is up to standard for us to…"
Lefiya went on explaining herself to the amazon's who laughed at her and teased her still. Cian let out a sigh, if he wasn't currently exhausted, he may have put two and two together, and realize what the amazons were teasing Lefiya about. However, Cian currently could only smile, and enjoy watching her be all flustered. Letting out a sigh, he looked to Bell who smiled at him.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" He asked Cian, concern in his eyes. "What's wrong with your arm?"
"My elbow shattered, according to Lefiya," Cian said with a sigh, but managed to smile at his friend and shoot a thumbs up. "She said Ms. Riveria says I'll need to stay in this and relax for a few days, but then I'll be good as new!"
"That's a relief," Bell said with a sigh. "At least you're okay…. I really am sorry Cian. I wanted to come back for you but I… I just wasn't strong enough to get up, I left you all-."
"Bell… it's okay," I said, smiling and letting out a sigh as he met his friends' eyes. "I know for a fact that won't be the last big monster we'll get to face together. Next time we'll be ready for it."
Bell seemed to accept this answer and smiled. "Yeah… you're right. We made it, that's what matters."
"Bell, so this is Cian?" The Sword Princess who'd been behind him said, walking next to Bell and meeting Cian's eyes. "You're the Lancer of Red? That's your name correct?"
Cian would admit his heart skipped a beat. The Sword Princess Ais Wallenstein was just as beautiful up close as from afar. He could see why Bell was so taken by her and wanted to reach her level to be by her side. He didn't blame him, Bell wanted to reach and catch up to Ais, and Cian? He wanted to be as strong as Chu was.
So, when the Morrigan Familia, the Fomorians came, he could defeat them.
Cian bowed his head to the Sword Princess, Lefiya and the amazons still arguing in the background. "Yes, that's me. It's nice to formally meet you, Ms. Wallenstein, you can just call me Cian, I'm proud of my name, but being called it? A bit over the top if you ask me."
She shook her head, smiling and holding out her hand. "That's alright. And you can just call me Ais."
He was surprised how forthcoming and… normal she seemed. Cian smiled and shook her hand. "It's a deal then, it's nice to meet you, Ais."
She smiled and then looked to Bell. "Bell, we should return to your party members, they'll have dinner done soon."
Bell nodded and turned to Cian. "You still need to talk to Mr. Finn right?"
Cian nodded and looked to the tent. "Yeah… I need to tell him about the Morrigan Familia and Fomorians. After that… we can finally figure out how we're getting out of here."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"HAHAHA, fighting the floor boss on your own so your party can escape!" The dwarf Gareth laughed, smirking at Cian. "And you killed the damn thing! I don't know whether to call you a fool or call you brave kid."
Cian bowed, already on his knees. "I wouldn't have been able to kill it without the help of everyone, I really don't deserve credit for it," he said, hesitantly looking to the jade haired elf on the right side of Finn. "And if not for you Lady Riveria, I'd still be dead. I'm only here, my party is only here now thanks to your kindness, if there's ever anything I can do, please don't hesitate!"
"You don't owe us anything," Lady Riveria said, her voice as angelic sounding as Cian had expected from a high elf. She looked down at him and shook her head. "You should heal fine, including your arm, just be certain that you don't overexert yourself until it's healed."
"Yes, of course, thank you," Cian said, still not looking up. "And thank you again to all of your party members for-."
"Cian, you can stand up, you don't have to bow to us at all," Finn said, even letting out an embarrassed sounding laugh. "Please, stand up, and think nothing of our help, it's what any good adventurer would do for someone else in need. I'm sure you would have done something similar."
Cian got up slowly, and sure enough when he looked at the blonde haired prum then, he didn't see a captain or general. No, he smiled like a normal person, and that was relaxing for Cian. Chu had done something similar, most of the time he was the calm, collected, smiling, encouraging father that Cian had never had. However, in seconds he could turn into the commanding, intimidating level 7 captain of the strongest familia in the world.
He nodded and bowed again after he stood. "Of course, thank you… Finn."
"You're one of the first people to call me Finn right off the bat," The prum said, a smile on his face. "It's quite refreshing really. I'm glad to see you're back on your feet. Although, I didn't imagine these would be the circumstances we saw each other again."
"Me neither," Cian said, managing to smile despite the throbbing in his arm. "But I'm happy we did…. Finn, Lady Riveria, Mr. Gareth. There's something else I need to tell you… I hate to ask like I'm asking for help again, but I figured out-."
"You figured out what it was that defeated the Scathach familia," Finn finished for him, leaping off his chair and walking behind it. He smirked and Cian's eyes went wide. "And you figured out the name of the spear. I must admit… Chu Chulainn told me of its power, but I scarcely believed him."
"That thing took down a floor boss in one throw?" Gareth said with an impressed whistle. "Damn kid, that's some serious power you got on your hands."
"The Gae Bulg, one of the Three Divine Weapons of Ulster," Riveria said, nodding as she looked at the red spear. "A divine weapon that outclasses weapons from even the best smiths in Orario… and the key to Morrigan's plans it seems."
Finn smiled and nodded. "Yes… it seems we fell for their ploy all those years ago," he turned and smiled as he held out the spear to Cian. "I know you'll take good care of it, just as Chu Chulainn did."
"Th…thank you," He said, taking The Gae Bulg into his hand, and like it was a part of him he'd been missing when he held it, he managed to feel like he was breathing right again. He could feel the weapon humming to life in his hands. His eyes drifted to Finn and the other captains of Loki Familia.
"You all already know about the Morrigan Familia? And the Fomorians?" He asked the three of them.
Riveria answered. "Yes, Finn and I were planning to come find you when we returned from our expedition. I remembered the old legends told by my people of the Fomroians from Ulster, and the divine weapons after digging into my library before we left."
"So, does that mean you heard about the Denatus?" Cian asked. "Lady Hestia says, a bunch of the gods agreed to keep a lookout for them, even Lady Freya-."
"Yes… Freya," Finn said, looking contemplative. "Her agreeing is the only reason the other gods agreed, they follow her religiously."
"Either way, I'm grateful for it," Cian said.
Finn nodded. "Yes, be grateful… but also be careful Cian."
"Careful?"
"Yes," Riveria said, meeting his eyes. "Freya does nothing without first deeming that it will somehow be to her benefit. She very well could be planning something… so be sure to be careful."
Cian gulped. In Ulster, he always thought of the gods as being honorable, and ready to defend the people of the land with their familias. From what he'd gathered in Orario so far however, was that it was much different.
Everything was a competition, even if it could cost lives. However, he liked to think that Finn and the Loki familia wouldn't have gone through the trouble of saving him if they weren't sincere.
He let out a calming breath and nodded. "Right, I'll be sure to keep an eye out, thank you again for the advice, and your help."
"It's no problem again," Finn said with a wave of his hand. "Now, Cian, why don't you tell us all that has happened with the Morrigan Familia and Fomorians…. If what we read is true, you killed one yourself."
Again, Cian gulped. He hated the idea of people thinking he killed the Fomorian. He had of course, but it wasn't the entire truth. If his familia hadn't shown up he'd be dead, just like he'd be now if help hadn't arrived.
Still, he nodded and told the three what had happened. He explained all that had happened since he last talked to Finn outside the Hostess of Fertility, from him stupidly running off on his own, his fight with Mebd, the Fomorian, his familia showing up to save him, Connla's threat to him. And finally, how they were pass paraded and trapped in the dungeon.
At the end, Gareth nodded and whistled. "You're a tough one kid, I'll definitely give you that. Killed one of those Fomorians, now a floor boss and you're only level 2, you've got balls on you that's for damn sure!"
"I wouldn't put it in such terms," Finn said with a chuckle, before smiling at Cian. "But he's right, it is very impressive what-."
"It isn't impressive," Cian said sharply, gripping tighter to the spear and looking at the ground. The tent fell silent, and he sighed, annoyed he'd lost his composure. "The only reason I survived those fights… was because of my familia, and the Gae Bulg's power. I was weak without them… I didn't stand a chance."
"There's nothing wrong with having help from your familia," Riveria told him. "You're a party, a team for a reason."
"I know that, I do," Cian assured them, his chest thumping hard as he wanted to throw himself against the wall he was so frustrated. "But… but Connla, he's coming, the Morrigan familia is coming after me because of this spear. I decided not to give it to him… so it's my fault they are."
"Cian, you can't say-."
"I can!" Cian said, his head shooting up to look at them. "Because it's true, if I had given Connla the spear he would've left Orario and everyone alone, but I decided to reject him! I don't regret it, I'll die before I let them have my goddess's spear, let them unleash more Fomorians… but Chu always used to tell me, that in life you need to always be ready to face consequences of decisions you made. That's what I'm doing. I'm going to become as strong as he was, stronger than that! So that way, when they come, when Connla comes I'll be ready… so I won't lose a familia again."
A hot bubbling rage had come up in Cian's chest. He didn't add the last thought that had crossed his mind.
And so, he could extract his revenge on the Morrigan familia, every, single one of them. He had meant what he said to Mebd, he could see she hadn't been involved, and had been manipulated. But the rest of them? He'd take from them what they'd taken from him.
After a moment of silence, Finn Deimne smiled, and got off his chair. The prum walked in front of Cian and looked up at him before chuckling.
"I'll admit Cian, I regret even more now I didn't get to you first," He said, looking back to Riveria and Gareth. "I think you would have made a very fine addition to Loki Familia."
Such praise squashed the feelings of anger, suddenly Cian went red with embarrassment.
Gareth scoffed and nodded. "You got that right. You got fire kid, I like it, would've been on the fast track in this familia."
"Yes, I'm of agreement," Riveria said, looking at Cian now. "From what Finn describes, your fighting skill is more then up to our standard, and you seem dedicated. Also, Lefiya is quite taken with you already, she fussed over you for all the hours you were unconscious."
Cian's red face nearly exploded, last he'd seen Lefiya, the amazons were still teasing her about being jealous.
Quickly he bowed. "I… thank you, thank you very much, but I think you all still overestimate me. I… appreciate the words. However… I couldn't ask for anyone better for me then Lady Hestia, then Bell, and my party now."
"I had a feeling you'd say that, and that's good you found such loyal friends. I'm sure Chu Chulainn and Lady Scathach would be very pleased," Finn said, climbing back to his chair and meeting Cian's eyes. "As for your news about Morrigan and the Fomorians. You have my word when we return to the surface, we'll be on high alert. I'll convince Loki of the importance."
"I'll help if need be," Riveria said, nodding. "These Fomorians, Morrigan, they pose a great threat. We'll do all we can to protect the people."
A weight lifted off Cian's chest. Despite what they'd told him about Lady Freya, if she and Loki Familia, the two strongest familia's were on alert, that was the best he'd get. Now, all he could do was keep diving into the dungeon to get stronger. To be ready for the fight he knew was coming.
But first, he was concerned with his party's health, getting back to Lady Hestia, and most importantly, eating something."
"You have my utmost gratitude," Cian said respectfully bowing again. "And… and I promise that I will get as strong as I need to be, so that you won't be fighting alone."
"I know you will," Finn said. "Now, we'll be having dinner soon, why don't you go see your party. They should be waking up soon. Lefiya and Bete were getting medicine for some of our members poisoned by monsters, so we'll stay here until tomorrow afternoon for them to recover before leaving, how long do you plan on staying?"
Cian thought about it. "Well, I'll need to recover fully, Bell and I need to be fully rested if we want to get us back to the surface, or we'll join up with another party. We'll have to send a message to Lady Hestia as well, to let her know we're okay."
"Very good, we'll talk more I'm sure," Finn said. "Have a nice night, Cian Mac Gallagher, or… Lancer of Red."
Cian blushed before bowing again and going for the tent flap. He reached it, but Finn called out again.
"One more thing Cian, I almost forgot," The prum said. "I wanted to give you some advice… something that Chu Chulainn told me about his spear."
Cian stopped, his heart pounding, of course he'd take advice about the spear, especially if someone who knew Chu was giving it. He looked at the prum, who's face suddenly turned serious. Cian gulped again, his skin tingling as using the Gae Bulg to partly hold himself up. He was still exhausted, and simply staying up was becoming hard.
"Yes… what is it?" Cian asked.
Finn looked directly into Cian's eyes, as if imploring him to heed his words. "I asked Chu Chulainn why he never activated the power of his spear. He told me yes, nothing was powerful enough for him to use it against… but he also said, it's because the spear, the Gae Bulg, exacts a very heavy toll whenever it's used."
Cian had to scoff. "Oh, believe me I know. I used it three times on the way down here, and I can still barely stand up now. It drains a lot of mind-."
"No… that isn't the toll he meant. Cian, what is the spear also called? It's in your chant," Finn explained.
Cian went over it in his head. "The spear of the Tuatha Danann? Spear of Ulster? Spear of…" he realized it, and his heart sank. "Spear… of mortal death."
"Yes… mortal death. He told me, and I'm sure you know, in some parts of Ulster, some legends, it's called the devil spear," Finn said with a shake of his head, his eyes baring into Cian. "Chu Chulainn told me… he used the spear as little as possible, because when the Gae Bulg's power is used… death will always follow. And the spear does not discriminate, man, monster, death always follows its casting."
Cian had heard the stories. Legends, poems, stories in Ulster were all passed down by oral tradition, not many books existed with an anthology of stories from his homeland, they relied on bards and storytellers to keep the legends alive. Of course, with keeping them orally, sometimes they were embellished. He'd heard stories about the Gae Bulg, it was older than the gods on the lower world, the first people of Ulster had been given it from heaven.
It wasn't until the gods came down, that they took control of it, for good reason. It was called the devil spear in many places, and again… for good reason. Horror stories of victims of the Gae Bulg existed, and some cursed its existence, and questioned why the first Tuatha Danann named it one of the Three Divine Weapons.
Cian hadn't thought about it, since he always had associated the weapon with Chu and Lady Scathach, the best people he'd ever known. How could their weapon be evil? Bring death and destruction, or lose control?
But it wasn't there weapon anymore, it was his. Of course, he didn't plan on using it for anything devious… but had he even seen its full power yet? Could he control it? The spear hummed quietly, as if acknowledging his thought.
It was as if the weapon said. You will decide that.
Cian suddenly felt even weaker in the head.
"I don't tell you this to scare you, only to warn you. Chu Chulainn told me," Finn went on, "that when the weapon is thrown, you must be ready for death of some kind to follow… monster or man. Remember that Cian and go wield it in your old mentor's memory."
Cian let out a shaky sigh and bowed again. "I will… thank you for everything, Finn."
He left the tent with sweat beating down his face. His worry, turned to fire, the fire igniting something deep in his stomach.
Yes, he would be strong enough to use this spear like Chu and Lady Scathach had.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"So, you just woke up with her next to you?" Cian said teasingly, smirking as Bell as he sipped on his tea, his legs folded beneath him. "You never know, maybe she stayed lovingly by your bedside while you were unconscious the whole time!"
Bell went as red as his eyes, shaking his head. "Don't joke around about things like that! Un…unless… do you really think so?"
Cian hadn't expected his joke to go that far. Bell looked at him red-faced and expectant. After talking to Finn he'd met up with Bell in the tent the Loki Familia had given them. They sat there with their bandages sipping tea, their weapons and armor leaning against the tables in the back, while they watched over Welf and Lillie who were still sleeping off their injuries. The tea had helped Cian's fatigue, but simply sitting and talking to Bell was the best medicine.
Bell had just finished telling him how he woke up with the Sword Princess over him.
Um… what did Diarmuid always say? A girl who loves you will take care of you? But is it really that simple?
"Um… I think, it could mean that… maybe?" Cian said, getting red face himself, before sighing, realizing he had no idea what he was talking about. "It must mean you're at least her friend and mean something if she looked after you? I… think?"
Bell looked ever more confused, before he sucked in a breath. "Cian…."
"Um… yeah?"
He let out a breath and regurgitated his words. "How do you know if a girl likes you or not?! How can you tell them you like them or make them fall for you?!"
"HUHHH?!" Cian said, choking on his tea. "Why would you ask me?! What makes you think that I know anything about that stuff?!"
"You mean you don't?!" Bell said, looking horrified, panicking he waved his hands in front of him. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It… it's just well… well…"
"Well, what?" Cian asked, stuttering as he tried to calm his embarrassment.
Bell finally sighed and looked at him. "It's just… well you and Ms. Lefiya seem to be close…"
"Huh?! We do….?" Cian said, remembering Lefiya shoving him away when the amazons had accused her of being jealous.
"Yeah!" Bell said, hands in his lap as he nodded at him. "And well… you and Ms. Ryuu…"
"What?! What about me and Ryuu?!"
"You just spend a lot of time together that's all!" Bell said, shaking his head. "You're always talking whenever I come pick you up, you seem to be with her a lot."
Cian stammered again, his jaw hanging open trying to think of a response. He had no idea what love really was, or how he was able to tell if he was in love, or even had feelings for someone. He knew what love was, but not love as in wanting to date a person. He had thought he felt that with Uathach, she was the most beautiful person Cian had ever seen, and he always got all tingly and nervous when around her.
But then, Diarmuid had thrown a wrench into his entire understanding.
"Listen squirt, love is like pear. Can you describe the shape of a pear? No, you can't, but you know when you bite into a pear it's a pear, it's the same thing with love."
He didn't know if Diarmuid was speaking from experience or not, but his old boisterous mentor and friend spoke often about women he wooed and dated. Cian knew however, he liked to embellish. When Cian had asked him to explain more that day, he had just sighed and told Cian he'd explain as their days adventuring went on.
Do I… like Ryuu in that way? Or… Lefiya? How would I even know if I did? Cian said, inwardly sighing and cursing his lack of knowledge.
And... at the same time, he felt a sharp pang in his chest, and looked at the ground.
I always used to yell at him for embarrassing me, and talking about love like that.
But now, Cian would have given anything to ask Diarmuid about the topic.
"Huh? Cian?" Bell asked him. "Are… you okay?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah I'm fine," Cian said, forcing a smile, before he sighed and drank the rest of his tea. "Well… Ryuu and I live in the same place; we work together I… really enjoy talking to her. Lefiya's the same, she's my friend, I'm really happy around her we're… rivals, but also friends."
"Yeah, but do you know if you have feelings for them or not?" Bell asked, suddenly now very interested, as if he was dying to know himself. "Or… how do you know if they feel that way for you?!"
Cian genuinely had no answer for him. Did it have something to do with trust? He had left runes etched into the wall along their dungeon path for Ryuu to follow, he trusted Lefiya to see to his wounds… did that mean he had feelings for them? That didn't work, he trusted Lillie with his life as well, and Naaza, surely that didn't mean he had feelings for all of them.
Did it have to do with how beautiful he found them? That didn't work either, he found Ryuu, Lefiya, Naaza, Lillie, even Ais, Riveria and Lady Hestia extremely beautiful, but did that mean he had feelings for all of them?
I guess it's like Diarmuid said… you can't describe it, but when it's there… you know. Just like a pear.
"I… don't know," He said, sighing as he leaned back and yawned. "All I know, is I'm tired, hungry, and sick of fighting for a few days."
Bell seemed like he was ready to move on in topic as well, because he sighed.
"You can say that again… hey Cian?" He asked, not red anymore, but with a curious look in his eye. "Do you… know why Ms. Lefiya doesn't like me?"
Cian choked on his own spit. "Oh no, I do not, and there's no chance I'm gonna ask and let that arrow fly. You-."
"Huh… am I dead, where the hell am I?" A tired voice said.
"M…Master Bell… Master Cian?" Another said.
Cian and Bell both turned, kicking up their blankets. Welf and Lillie both finally stirred, their eyes fluttering open. Both looked helplessly confused, but the most important thing to Cian and Bell, were that they were both alive and moving.
They really had made it.
"Welf, Lillie!" Bell said, falling to the side of Welf.
"Are you guys okay?" Cian asked, helping Lillie sit up with his one good arm.
"Do you remember where you are?" Bell said after him.
Lillie rubbed her eyes and smiled sleepily. "I could never forget you Master Bell…" She said, before looking at Cian. "And… Master Cian… you carried me didn't you?"
Welf groaned. "Man, if I'm hearing little bit's yapping I know I'm okay."
Bell and Cian looked at each other and laughed. Cian smiled down at Lillie and nodded.
"Yeah, you passed out, the both of you," Cian told them. "But the important thing is, that you're both okay now, we all are."
Welf smiled but tiredly chuckled. "Ha… you look even worse than we do Cian, you okay?"
"Don't worry about me, I'm alive," He said with a smile. "I just got a little roughed up, Bell-."
"He's being modest I won't let him," Bell cut Cian off, looking at the two of them. "Cian's the reason that I got you guys down here. He distracted Goliath while I carried you both, and you won't believe it, but he killed it!"
Cian's face got red, as Welf and Lillie suddenly seemed full of energy. They both turned and looked at him, completely baffled.
"What? You gotta be kidding," Welf said in disbelief. "But on the other hand, you certainly look like you got tangled up with a floor boss."
"Master Cian that's incredible!" Lillie said with wide eyes. "Do you know how rare it is to beat a floor boss?!"
"I didn't do it alone! Well… I tried, because the path got blocked," Cian said, rubbing his head with his right hand, his left arm and elbow throbbing in the sling. "So, the only way I'd survive is to fight him. And well… I used the Gae Bulg to kill him, but the Loki Familia did most of the work. It doesn't matter though, we're okay, we made it, that's what does."
"Bell's right… you shouldn't be modest, but I guess that's what makes you Cian," Welf said, groaning before leaning back. "You killed a floor boss, and Bell carried us down here... guess i really did slow you all down."
"Master Welf's right," Lillie said, seeming dejected as well. "We really messed up this one… I was just a burden to Master Bell, and you Master Cian… if not for you-."
"Don't say that! Welf, those hellhounds would have roasted us if not for you!" Bell interjected first.
Cian nodded in agreement. "He's right, Bell and I wouldn't have had the energy to fight if you hadn't done that. And Lillie, if not for your quick thinking, we wouldn't have even had the idea to come down here!"
"He's right Lillie, this was your idea and we survived because of it!" Bell said, shaking his head and looking at all three of them with a smile. "What Cian said is true. The only important thing, is we're alive and together here."
Cian nodded and fell back himself with a groan. "Yeah… and the gods know I need a long night's sleep after all of that."
Welf looked for a minute and chuckled. "Ha… you two… when you say things like that I actually believe it."
"He's right…" Lillie said, looking between them. "Thank you Master Bell… and you Master Cian."
Cian yawned. "You're welcome. Now, we're just waiting on dinner, if I don't eat soon-."
"Bell, dinners ready," A calm voice said, before the tent flapped open to reveal the beautiful figure of the Sword Princess Ais Wallenstein.
Welf gasped. "Sword Princess!"
"That's right…" Lillie said with a yawn. "You said we're with the Loki Familia."
"That's right, Ms. Ais and her familia are letting us stay with them," Bell said, getting up and going to help Welf.
Cian nodded and breathed out in relief. "And Lefiya tells me they eat good, good thing I'm hungry."
He held out his hand, and the Gae Bulg floated from the corner of the tent into his hand. Only having use of one arm was hard, but Cian managed to push himself up with the help of his spear. He reached a hand down, and helped up the yawning Lillie as well, and she smiled at him. Welf was up and stretching with Bell, and of course as always Bell smiled.
We did it… we're alive, Cian said, smiling and looking up at the tip of the Gae Bulg. Thank you… for all your help.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Cian slow down you'll choke!" Lefiya chastised from next to him, as Cian scooped clean the second bowl he was on.
This must be why Chu and the others ate so much! Oh man, I feel like I haven't eaten anything in ages, this must be what adventuring is like, Cian thought, putting the spoon into his mouth to lick it.
Lefiya's eyes went wide. "Cian, you're going to get sick stop!"
He scoffed, looking at her as he finally breathed. "I'm sorry, did you say something Lefiya?"
"Yes I did you jerk weren't you listening?!" She said, her blue eyes narrowing at him, before she sighed and shook her head. "Well, I guess you did earn it after what you went through. It's good isn't it?"
"Oh man it is, I've never had anything better," He said, his eyes wide as he met the elf's eyes. "I need to personally thank whoever cooked it, in Ulster it's a sign of disrespect not to eat everything in your bowl but that's not a problem here!"
Lefiya who had just been chastising him, actually smiled then. It was a sheepish smile, but she looked at Cian with admiring eyes. Night had fallen on the safe zone of floor 18, and Cian was still amazing how no monsters could be attacking them. Above, the ceiling was filled with beautiful crystal that casted a light over the fire and everyone around it. He met Lefiya's eyes, and for a second… couldn't say anything. There was a shine to her eyes he hadn't noticed before, it was really pretty, and after he realized he was staring, his face got red, then hers did, and they both looked away from each other.
Cian smiled though. It was hard eating with one arm, but he'd managed you always did when you were hungry. It had helped both his mood and his fatigue, despite the fact he was still bandaged head to toe, he couldn't help but smile at the moment. The entire Loki Familia was round the fire. Finn had toasted to them as guests, and not even the grey haired werewolf's angry eyes could bring down the mood.
Cian was sitting with Lefiya on his left, while on his right was Tiona one of the amazons. Next to her, Bell was sitting, now surrounded by both amazons, and Ais on his right. He looked over at Welf and Lillie next to them, as Welf munched on some fruit, which he clearly stole from Lillie as his prum friend growled and kicked him in the back. So, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
It was nice… and reminded Cian of better times. It reminded him, why he was getting stronger.
So we can have more nights like this, Cian thought, reaching for the cup of water he had at his feet, but realizing with one hand on his bowl he was at a loss currently.
"Here…" Lefiya suddenly said, very sheepishly, as she didn't even look at Cian.
But still, she held his cup up to him.
"Huh?!" Cian said, his heart jumping to his throat as he looked frantically between her and the cup only a few inches from his face. "Lefiya you don't have too! That's fine, I can do it myself and-."
"I'm already offering just do it!" She said, her face getting redder, her hand gripping her pink dress as she urged the cup at his mouth. "It's… the least I can do."
Cian shuddered as he looked at the cup, then her… wasn't this something people in love did? Would Lillie or Ryuu have offered to give him water like this too? Either way, he was more embarrassed at only being able to use one arm. He wanted to drop the bowl and take the cup himself, insisting she didn't have too… but wouldn't that embarrass her if he didn't drink after she'd offered?
He swallowed hard. "Um… thanks."
He leaned his lips forward, and when they touched the cup, Lefiya tipped it. The cold water slid down his throat and Cian relaxed.
"Awwww Lefiya look at you!" Tiona suddenly said, her face going in front of the cup and Cian. "That's absolutely adorable you two look like such a couple!"
"We're not! No, no we're not!" Lefiya suddenly yelled.
And that was when the water spilled over Cian's face and he coughed it up, nearly choking.
"This is so cute I had no idea you were into boys like that already!" Tiona said, before pouting. "I can't believe you didn't tell any of us!"
"That's because there's nothing to tell!" Lefiya said, as now they both leaned over Cian's lap. Lefiya's face was bright red as Tiona didn't stop smiling. "Cian and I are rivals like I said! It's my job to make sure he's healthy enough for our competition! I in no way am doing this out of a romantic sense, no not at all!"
Cian wanted to argue, but he was busy with his throat being attacked by water.
Tiona smirked, a devious smile on her face. "Wellll if that's the case!"
She reached over and grabbed hold of Cian's good arm, pulling it against her chest as she looked at Lefiya with a smile. "You won't mind if I steal Mr. Lancer here away and ask him questions do you?"
Lefiya's mouth fell open and closed, before she shook her head and turned. "No! Why would I mind, I don't I swear, ask away!"
Cian breathed for the first time again, only to see a very pretty amazon inches from his face.
"Soooo Mr. Lancer," Tiona said excitedly. "Or, should I call you Cian?"
Cian stammered, barely aware what was happening. "Um… Cian's fine… yeah, Mr. Lancer's too formal for me. In Ulster we use first names most of the time."
"Okaaay, Cian it is then! So, I've been dying to know," She asked, looking right in his eyes.
Out the corner of his eye, he saw Lefiya doing her best not to turn around.
"What is it with that fancy spear spins you were doing?" She asked eagerly. "It was soooo beautiful, and you did it one handed! I had no idea it could activate so much magic!"
One thing Cian loved, was talking about Ulster and its legends. He felt excited, as he slowly nodded, while his face was still red with his arm against the amazon's chest.
"Oh well… um, in Ulster in the old times, they'd often have large ceremonies and holidays to honor the gods," He started explaining, noticing Lefiya subtly turning around. "We still have them now, the biggest is called Beltane, the spring festival. At them, people would perform dances and kata's they're called with spears to please the gods. The Gae Bulg is one of Ulster's Divine Weapons, so to channel the power inside it from the gods, you have to perform the kata honoring them, and chant the words. After you let it go and call its name, so long as my will is stronger then my targets it'll always strike the heart."
"That's sooo cool," Tiona said, sounding genuinely interested, which Cian was happy about. "So there's really no other way to stop its power?"
Cian thought on it. "Well, the only other way, would be to use the ability of one of the other two Divine Weapons, Caladbolg, a sword, or the Gae Assail, another spear."
"And are they more powerful?" The amazon inquired.
Cian smiled and shook his head. "The Gae Assail is the most powerful, it's said it never misses its target like Gae Bulg, and can bring about massive storms of lightning! As for the other two, the Gae Bulg and Caladbolg's power comes down to the user. If their power was activated at the same time, whichever user had the greater will would probably come out on top."
The Caladbolg, Cian knew was hidden in the mountains of Ulster. It was said the Tuatha Danann guarded it, while the Gae Bulg had been carried by Lord Nuada, then Lady Scathach, then Chu, and now… Cian. It worried him, another divine weapon being in Ulster, Connla and Morrigan could get to it easily enough.
And then they'd come for the Gae Bulg. The one thing giving Cian solace, was that that Gae Assail couldn't be found yet, so long as the Child of Light was unrecognized, since only they could summon the weapon.
"I just love learning history from places I've never been! You're so interesting Cian!" Tiona cooed, pulling his arm closer.
He went even redder, unable to stop himself, willing himself to not look at her chest.
"Tiona!" Lefiya yelled, finally turning around red faced. "You can't just hang-."
She stopped, red and turned back around when Tiona smirked at her.
Cian meanwhile was hopelessly confused, looking between them.
"So, tell me something else!" Tiona said, getting his attention. "Is it true that you're just as strong as Mr. Argonaut?!"
"Huh?" Cian said, looking at Bell next to her. "Who told you that?"
"He did!" Tiona said with a laugh. "So come on, is it true?!"
Cian couldn't help but laugh, and he noticed Bell looking at him sheepishly. "You really said that?"
"I only said it cause it's true!" Bell said, looking away from Ais at him.
Cian laughed, as now Tiona, Lefiya, Ais, and Tione were looking at him expecting an answer.
He only shook his head. "There's no way I'm stronger than Bell. I bet if he'd been-."
Cian stopped, when over the chatting of the various adventurers, over his conversation, he heard very distant screaming. It wasn't screams of pain or fighting, but it sounded like someone screaming after they tripped down steps.
And oddly enough, it sounded familiar.
"What was that?" Bell said, standing up. "Cian did you hear that?"
"I did," Cian said, eager to move around after eating so much food. He groaned, his arm, legs, and entire body still ached, but he grabbed the Gae Bulg from the ground and pushed himself up.
"Cian be careful!" Lefiya said, getting up to her feet. "You shouldn't be moving so much when you're still hurt. Here, let me-."
"Ha… no worried Lefiya, I'm fine," He said, smiling at her. "I need a walk anyway; Bell and I will go check that scream out. I'll be right back."
"Okay…" She said, a bit annoyed but pointed at him. "You just be careful, stop over-."
She stopped suddenly, her face red as can be, and that was when Cian noticed Tiona again smirking at the orange haired elf.
What's she getting so embarrassed about… he wondered, before turning to Bell.
Bell nodded, and the two of them headed off into the night.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"I…. think it came from over near here," Bell said, a few steps ahead of him. "This is where we fell from the boss room on Floor 17."
The walk had been scenic, Cian could barely believe such a beautiful well-preserved forest was here. The area outside Orario was hilly, rocky, and it took a decent bit of traveling before you got to any forests, and being from Ulster, forests, bogs, crannogs, hillforts, that was what he was used too. He liked Orario, it was exciting seeing such modern, distinct buildings and architecture, and some large cities in Ulster had it as well.
But nothing would ever beat the forest for Cian, lakes, the smell of flowers or the dewy morning. It made him nostalgic.
He pushed along, his arm aching in his sling, using the Gae Bulg to support himself. "Yeah… it came from over here, but who could be-."
"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The same voice yelled, much closer and more distinct now. Cian and Bell came to a sudden stop as someone fell from the steep incline up to floor 17 and Goliaths chamber.
They both waved the dust out of the air, as the familiar shape of a diminutive young goddess, with twin back pigtails sat up in the dirt.
And when he finally confirmed it, Cian was ready to cry, but he was also confused.
Bell stuttered, as confused as he was. "G…Goddess?"
"Lady Hestia?" Cian said, shocked at first, but relieved after a minute.
And he realized he shouldn't have been surprised. This was exactly the kind of thing Lady Hestia would do for Bell. He smiled, as his goddess spat dirt out of her mouth.
"I can't believe there was no floor boss and I still tripped…" Hestia coughed, before the voices seemed to register, and she turned to them. Her blue eyes widened… and Cian saw tears start to form. "B…Bell… Bell!"
Cian smiled, and wisely got out of the way. Lady Hestia managed to launch her way through the air and tackle poor Bell to the ground. Cian really didn't know what true love in a romantic sense was, but what Lady Hestia felt for Bell was probably the closest example he'd get, it was sweet, and every time he saw it, it made Cian smile. Back in Ulster, gods falling in love and being the lover of humans was fairly common, of course, the romances normally ended in tragedy. Still, they were great stories that Cian always liked hearing.
And seeing her brought him a large modicum of relief. Now she knew they were safe, and that was what was most important. Lady Hestia had said to him before, she wasn't like Lady Scathach… but Cian disagreed.
The length they went through for their children, the love they had for them was just as fierce.
"I was so worried… Bell…" She said, on top of him now.
Bell from the ground smiled. "I'm sorry we worried you…. Cian and I-."
"Cian!" Lady Hestia said, her head shooting up and turning to him. She got beat red and seemed dreadfully ashamed of herself. "I'm sorry! I'm happy to see you to I… I just-."
"That's enough Goddess Hestia!" Said Lillie, who seemingly teleported to their position as she wrestled the goddess off of Bell as she kicked and scream.
"No! How dare you interrupt our touching reunion!" Lady Hestia yelled, as like usual her and Lillie began arguing with each other. Cian laughed as he saw Welf doing the same, before he went over and helped Bell to his feet.
Bell and he both looked at them and laughed. Bell smiled at him. "Well, at least we don't have to-."
"Bell?" A calm voice said, and they turned to see the figure of Ais having come to check on them.
"Gahhh! What's stupid Wallen-what's her butt doing here?!" Lady Hestia demanded as Lillie tried to hold her back.
Cian laughed with Bell and shook his head. "It's thanks to her and the Loki Familia we're alive Lady Hestia. They took us in, they saved my life, the floor boss almost killed me."
"Before Master Cian killed it!" Lillie made sure to add.
Hestia's eyes went wide, as she stopped thrashing and Lillie let her go. "Cian… so the remains of the giant we passed, that was because of you?"
Cian got red. Embarrassed he leaned the Gae Bulg against himself and rubbed his head. "Ha… well they did most of the work, I just-. Huh?"
"Cian… I'm sorry, I made it look like I didn't care about you at all," Lady Hestia said, suddenly reaching forward and hugging around his waist, careful to not crunch his slinged arm. "And look at the state of you… I'm sorry, you probably think I'm-."
"It's okay, I know," Cian said, his heart feeling heavy, as a tingly feeling went up his chest and he was overcome with the urge to hug back his goddess. So, he did. "I'm really happy to see you… Lady Hestia."
For a moment he was able to completely relax. Lady Hestia smiled, the cool air of the night on that floor was able to cool him off. Yes, his bones ached, he was tired and full, but for the first time in what felt like days he was able to relax.
"Cian, Mr. Cranel."
"Ms. Ryuu?" Bell said, and Cian's head spun around to see her.
Ryuu was in her adventuring gear, her green cape, her good, and even her face mask. Lady Hestia let go of him, before going back to argue with Lillie, as Bell nodded his thanks to Ryuu, because he and Cian both saw she was looking at him. She pulled her facemask down, and Cian couldn't describe the look on her face, concern, anger, annoyance? He didn't know what to call it, and suddenly, he felt bad for teasing Bell how he got around Ais.
"Ha… thanks for coming, Ryuu," He said, nervously gripping the Gae Bulg, unable to meet her blue eyes he was so nervous. "So… did you see my runes? It was probably stupid of me to waste time on it, but I… I just thought… well, I hoped you would-."
"I saw them, it was smart," She said, cutting him off, and Cian was unable to speak, because she'd read out, and grabbed his shoulders… before hugging him. "I… I'm glad to see you okay, Cian."
Cian had absolutely no idea how to react. Ryuu didn't go out of her way to touch anyone unless it was absolutely necessary. The only person he had ever seen her initiate contact with was Syr, and that was only when Ryuu had to drag her back to the floor to start working again. He remembered the very first day he met her, he'd grabbed her hand by accident, and she hadn't stabbed him.
But now, she was hugging him, and hard too, her arms wrapped around his neck. She was so close to him, her chest was against his, although she was careful not to crush his broken arm. Suddenly, he started panicking, feeling his face get as hot as it had all day… and it was only then he did what felt natural.
She… was really worried about me, he realized, as slowly, he dropped the Gae Bulg, and hesitantly wrapped his arm back around her waist, under his green cape. He touched her skin, and she didn't flinch, only hugged him harder, her head over his shoulder.
"I… thank you… Ryuu," he said, breathless, as he settled himself down, and managed to smile. "I'm… really happy you came after me again… thanks for doing it over and over."
Suddenly, he felt Ryuu become a bit tense. It only lasted for a few seconds, but she let out a breath, pulling back to hold his shoulders for a minute… and then, her eyes widened for a second. She coughed into a fist after pulling her arms back and sharply nodded.
"Of course, you're my friend, I'll be there when I can, I… I'm happy you're alive," She said, shaking her head and looking at Bell. "Naturally I'm happy to see you as well Mr. Cranel."
Cian's chest finally stopped thudding hard enough for him to actually hear. He looked at Bell, who he swore was going to tease him for his red face, but he didn't, only nodding at Ryuu.
"Thanks, Ms. Ryuu, we're both really happy to see you," He said. "Cian especially."
Shut up Bell… Cian thought, but before Ryuu could answer, a new voice cut in.
"Ah, look at that, Bell Cranel and Cian Mac Gallagher," It said, making them both look past Ryuu and Hestia to a man with a top hat walking towards them. He tipped it and smiled. "The Little Rookie and the Lancer of Red, it's nice to finally meet the both of you, you can call me Hermes."
Lord Hermes? Cian thought, remembering what Lady Hestia had told him, how the god had backed up her claims at the Denatus. And, how he delivered Chu's scarf from Lord Nuada to Lady Hestia to give to Cian. It was currently with the rest of his armor back in their tent. Hermes had a kind enough smile, and a girl with bright blue hair stood behind him, he noticed Ryuu had retreated to talk to her.
The two of them however, kept staring at something, or someone, but before Cian could see what, Bell answered the god.
"Oh, it's nice to meet you, Lord Hermes," He said, reaching out and shaking the god's hand.
"The pleasures mine," The god said, before turning to Cian. "And you, Cian Mac Gallagher, the pleasure's mine as well. I know a lot of good people from Ulster."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Cian said bowing, before leaning the spear against his body and shaking the god's hand. "It's very nice to meet you, and I wanted to thank you. Lady Hestia says you're the one who carried the scarf from my old familia to Orario."
"Yeah, and you came down here to help find us as well," Bell said, bowing. "Thank you for that."
Hermes smiled and waved his hand. "Oh, it's no big deal at all, anything for my friend Hestia. As for the scarf think nothing of it. Although, I'm not really the one you should be thanking, the ones you should be thanking… are them."
Lord Hermes gestured behind him, and finally Cian, Bell, Welf, Lillie and everyone else turned. Next to him, Lillie gasped, Welf looked angry, and Bell looked confused.
Cian was a mixture of all of them. He recognized the three-person party… and especially, the girl with the black ponytail and purple shirt with red shoulder guard. She gripped onto the hilt of her sword like her life depended on it. For a split second, she met his eyes, trying to look at him, her dark purple eyes were sparkling in the night, and Cian was speechless for a minute. They were pretty, really pretty, but all he could think about then, was how he saw those eyes before.
The girl who he'd saved, before her party pass paraded us.
"You guys…" Welf growled at the three of them.
"You're the reason we were in this mess!" Lillie added in, sounding annoyed herself.
The larger guy, the shirt girl, and the girl Cian saved looked down, and he could see how ashamed they all were. But before he could say anything, Lord Hermes called out.
"You too, come on," He said, a bit stern. "Don't hide behind them now."
"What?" Cian said, confused looking past the party in purple.
And when she stepped forward, Cian's stomach collapsed. He dropped the Gae Bulg and looked at her with his eyes bulging just like everyone else was.
"M…Mebd?!" He said in disbelief.
Mebd let out a shaky breath, looking up at Cian, and nodding, before falling to her knees. "Yes… hello… Cian Mac Gallagher."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Mikoto
"We're so, so incredibly sorry," She said, not daring or deigning to look up at them. "I'm ashamed of my actions and greatly regret everything that transpired, and I will be for the rest of my life!"
Words couldn't describe Mikoto's feelings. Her chest was heavy, her skin was tingling, and under the gaze of the people she had effectively condemned to death, she didn't know what else to say.
Especially to the Lancer of Red, who stood on her right with his spear.
"You guys are the reason we're in this mess!" The prum yelled, clearly much more vocal than the others, but Mikoto still couldn't look up. "Because of you Master Bell almost died having to carry us!"
"Yeah, and Cian had to fight a floor boss, it almost killed him," The red-haired one said, and Mikoto could feel his piercing eyes on her. "And you got some nerve apologizing to him after he saved your damn life, and you still pass paraded us!"
"Welf…" The Lancer of Red said with a sigh.
Mikoto ignored him. The tent was silent for a moment as Mikoto couldn't think of anything else to say. Her eyes stung, as now from the corner of her vision she could see The Lancer of Red looking at her. Cian, his name was, a name that rolled of her tongue with ease, and all her visions of apologizing to him, begging for his forgiveness were gone when she got tongue tied then.
They'd all retreated to the tent, the elf Ryuu, along with Master Hermes and Asfi had went off to get some rest, along with Lady Hestia. The girl Mebd meanwhile had gotten the same reaction as the elf had to her from the Lancer of Red and his party. It was Cian himself who told them all to stand down, after Lady Hestia explained why she was there. The girl had gone out for a walk in the forest, and nobody had stopped her, but he could remember the Lancer of Red staring at her as she went, as if he wished to talk to her more.
Mikoto couldn't blame him if he was angry, just like she couldn't blame him if he decided to throw her into a den of monsters himself. All she could remember were his blue eyes, comforting and welcoming when he saved her, despite the battle they had been in.
"I… I'm sorry, truly I am," Mikoto said, slowly lifting her head and seeing them all, the red-haired smith, the prum, the Little Rookie, and finally she turned see the Lancer of Red was looking at her. She stammered for a minute but bowed in his direction. "Please, I won't ask you to forgive my terrible deed, I just wish for you to know that I'm sorry. Lancer of Red, I can only hope-."
"You… don't have to call me that," He said, and Mikoto looked up at him shocked. His pale face got a bit red, and he turned his head away from her. "Just call me Cian, and… you don't need to apologize."
"W…what?" She said, confused now.
How could he just let her call him by his first name, and not the name of respect he'd been given by the gods? He had even insisted on her calling him just by his first name, nothing else, how could she do that? She already liked to show everyone respect by putting a title before their name, back home you only used your given first name with people you were extremely close too. Even Chigusa and Ouka didn't call her by her first name. She sometimes even forgot her first name was Yamato.
So… after she left him behind, almost killed him, how could her use something precious like his first name without anything before it?
He didn't get a chance to answer because the smith scoffed. "Bah, Cian's a big softie. He'll forgive you but doesn't make what you did-."
"If you're going to be mad at anyone, be mad at me," Ouka suddenly said, finally looking at them all, coming to Mikoto's defense he shook his head. "It was my decision, and I still don't think it was the wrong one."
Ouka…. Mikoto thought, still on her knees mid bow. She appreciated him trying to take the blame, but nothing would stop the guilt that wracked at her for what she'd done, for leaving after she'd been saved. She was still on the ground, not daring to get up yet, but she could hear how angry the others were, and she didn't blame them.
"Are you serious right now?! How could you say that to us?!" The prum demanded, as she saw the Lancer of Red hold her shoulder back with his one good arm.
The smith growled and shook his head, eyeing up Ouka. "You got a lot of nerve saying that pal."
"Well, I mean it!" Ouka said, stepping away from Chigusa to meet the smith. "I'm the leader of my party, my familia! I had to decide, one of my own would have died if we didn't, so no, I don't think we did the wrong thing."
"That meant you left us to die!" The smith said, not moving away, nearly nose to nose with Ouka, as he pointed over to the Lancer of Red. "You see that?! He nearly died; I would've haunted you till the end of your days if he had. I don't like your tone big guy, if you think I'm gonna-."
"Wait, Welf stop!" The Little Rookie said, stepping in front of the smith and pulling him back, while Mikoto saw the Lancer of Red holding the prum girl's shoulder. Had they communicated this somehow?
Were they that in synch, that they simply knew what the other was doing?
"Move Bell!" Welf said, cracking his knuckles. "If he wants to talk so big let him!"
"He's right Master Bell, you too Master Cian let me go!" The prum said, starring daggers at the both of them. "How could you just forgive them after they almost got us killed?!"
The Little Rookie-Bell- looked at the Lancer of Red, before crossing his arms after separating Ouka and the smith. He shook his head, and looked at his party, and then to Ouka and the rest of them.
"I… I'm not mad because well… I think I might have done the same thing," He said, leaning against the table, his voice soft as he shook his head. "If you Welf, Lillie, or Cian were in danger like that… well I'd do anything I had to save you. I'm sure Cian thinks the same, right Cian?"
All eyes turned to the Lancer of Red. Mikoto got another good look at him from her knees, not feeling she should get up yet in front of the people she'd wrong. His hair was fluffy and black like a raven, but his eyes… they were as blue as bolt of lightning, the color of a bright azure sea. He was taller than her but not by much, not much taller than the Little Rookie. He had on a black shirt with the sleeves up, Mikoto could see a multitude of bandages wrapped up his arms, which were as muscular as you'd expect from an adventurer. He was handsome, very much so, even Mikoto could tell that, although she had no experience with anything romantic at all. She also didn't know if she should have been thinking such things, since from what she saw of the elf's reactions to him… was it possible they were secretly lovers?
Mikoto was ashamed of herself for such thoughts, she didn't deserve them, especially with him… but then, as he turned and looked at her familia, all she could think about were how pretty his blue eyes were.
"One-time last year, Lady Scathach had us go deeper into the End Mountains then any familia had ever gone before, it was the scariest place I'd ever seen," He said, walking from the corner of the tent and in front of Ouka, looking at him, Chigusa, then down at Mikoto. "A bunch of familias tried to go in there, but they never made it as far as us. One time… Uathach broke her leg, she was bleeding out and needed Lady Scathach's abilities. On our way out… we passed a familia being attacked by wyverns."
He didn't sound as if he enjoyed telling the story, but what he did next made Mikoto's heart skip a beat. The Lancer of Red knelt down, until his face was just above Mikoto's.
"I wanted to stop and help them, we were being chased ourselves… but Chu, he dragged me along by the neck of my shirt, just picked me up and took me like it was nothing," He said, before a smile appeared on his face.
A very… very appealing smile, and for a second, Mikoto forgot how to breathe.
"We got back, and I was furious, I screamed, kicked at them, threw stuff, yelled how it we left people to die, but the entire time I was yelling… they were getting ready," He said, meeting Mikoto's eyes now, fixing her with that smile. "Chu and Diarmuid went back and saved that familia. They made sure their familia was okay, and then they went to save them… sort of like you guys all did."
Mikoto could only sputter. "B…but what we did was abhorrent! Dishonorable and-."
"Yeah… it was pretty crappy not gonna lie," He said, but almost seemed to laugh at it. No… he didn't seem angry at all, he kept smiling… and then held out his hand. "But I believe it's what people do after they do something bad that tells us the most about them, and what you guys did was pretty great, and pretty honorable if I do say so myself. So please… come on, stand up, and please like I said, call me Cian. I never caught your name, last time we met."
And he looked at her again with soft eyes… just like he had when he saved her in the dungeon before. She finally locked eyes with him… and still didn't know what to say.
What's wrong with my chest?! Why is it doing that, what's going on? She thought frantically, as her chest felt like it was about to explode.
His smile, turned to a look of worry. "Um… are you okay?"
"Mikoto!" Chigusa said, poking her in the back.
"Yes!" She said, remembering how to speak. She took his hand, and when he clasped it, it was like an electric shock through her body. Still, when she finally got to her feet, her face wasn't very far from his, she felt hot as she took a step back and bowed. "My… my name is Yamato Mikoto… it's very nice to meet you, Cian, and the rest of you."
"Chigusa… Hitachi Chigusa," Chigusa said, thankfully taking the eyes off her.
Ouka rolled his eyes but stood next to them. "Kashima Ouka…"
"Well, it's nice to meet you guys! Maybe next time, we can tackle the dungeon together, I bet we won't get overwhelmed that way," He said, smiling as he turned to his party, the smiling Little Rookie, the prum, and the smith. "So? What do you guys think?"
A long silence fell over the tent, and while Chigusa and Ouka looked to the prum and smith for an answer… all she could do was look at the Lancer of Red… at this, Cian. She couldn't think of someone she knew who'd been so forgiving so easily and readily. A part of her felt she didn't deserve it.
But a larger part of her… was ecstatic. She looked at his side profile, his jaw line was sharply shaped, and his smile… it was so genuine. He seemed to notice her, he turned and saw her staring, and while she got scared, he gave a closed eyes smile and Mikoto had trouble with her chest again.
What… what is that feeling? She kept asking herself.
"Well… I guess Master Cian and Master Bell have a point," The prum said, rubbing her brown hair before crossing her arms. "If I had to save one of them.. any of us well…."
"Yeah… she's right, they're right too like usual," He said, smirking at Cian and Bell before looking back to them with a nasty look. "Doesn't mean I forgive you guys, but I understand."
"Good, that's fine with me," Ouka humped, but before Mikoto or Chigusa could tell him to calm down, a loud clap silence the room.
"Okay! Now that's all settled, let's all get some sleep," Cian said, looking between them all, before his eyes settled on Bell. "The Loki familia is leaving tomorrow afternoon. We should probably rest up another day, so we should stock up tomorrow."
"That sounds great! Ms. Ais told me there's a whole town here with shops," Bell said, sounding extremely excited as he looked at everyone as well. "Why don't we all go? We can get supplies together!"
The smith grunted. "Yeah, yeah sure, whatever, guess I do need some whetstones."
"And I do need a new backpack," The prum said.
Cian nodded, before smiling at them, his eyes fell on her. "How about you guys?"
"Yes! Yes, that does sound lovely, we'd be happy to join you," Mikoto said before she could stop herself, sounding way more excited them she intended on sounding.
"Mikoto…?" Chigusa said, looking at her confused, before shaking her head and looking to the rest of them. "But yes, that sounds great!"
"If they're going… guess I'll join," Ouka finished.
Cian smiled at her again, before nodding. "Alright, now that's out of the way… hey Welf," he turned to the smith. "I need to go take care of some stuff; mind give the Gae Bulg a look over? I trust the smiths from your familia, but you're the only one I showed how to properly treat it."
Welf smirked and nodded. "You can count on me; I'll look at it before bed."
"Awesome, thanks. It was nice meeting you guys," He said, reaching to the corner of the room, and picking up a sheathed sword before walking to the entrance of the tent. He turned to Bell. "I'll be back in a bit before bed."
Bell nodded. "You're going to… talk to Mebd?"
The tent fell silent for a moment, as the Lancer of Red sighed and nodded. "I am… I know you guys are hesitant, but I want to believe she's doing the right thing. I'll find out."
"You sure you don't want your spear to… defend yourself incase," Welf said.
Cian scoffed but smirked. "I pulled off the kata one handed from pure luck and adrenaline, using a spear like that one handed is tough, I'll be fine."
He waved his good arm, and even nudged his left one in a sling, before waving. "See you all later!"
He walked out of the tent, and a cold breeze shifted inside. Mikoto heard some talking but it was like an echo.
Because all she had done, was look at him as he had left.
"Mikoto…? Are you okay?" Chigusa said, tugging the sleeve of her kimono.
Mikoto jumped and looked at her. "Huh?! Oh yes… I'm fine."
A smile came to Chigusa's face. "That Lancer of Red… he was pretty cool wasn't he?"
Mikoto felt the thumping in her chest again. "Yes… yes he was…. Chigusa, I'm going to train for a bit."
"But Mikoto it's so late!" She said, trying to stop her.
But Mikoto ignored her, and walked out of the tent, going to find a suitable spot to swing her sword… she needed to think on what she was feeling.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Cian
Relax Cian, if she wanted to kill you, she could have done it by now, Cian reminded himself, as he moved through the woods. Despite the thought, he made sure to keep his right hand firmly on the hilt of cruaidin.
He bit his lip at the tracks in the ground, lit by the crystal light that came through the trees. The trees were massive pines, and the smell, oh gods the smell was so nostalgic. If he closed his eyes he could picture himself relaxingly walking through the woods at the back of the line, listening to Diarmuid's jokes, Fergus's singing voice, or Lady Scathach tell them stories of old heroes. Yes… it was like he was back in his homeland again.
But in reality, he really was in his homeland, it was Orario now, the dungeon.. and that he didn't mind either, especially if he kept meeting people like this.
He knelt down at one of the prints and slowly shook his head. "Well… she also definitely would have covered her tracks too, she's good enough to know that."
The first thing you learned adventuring in Ulster, the first thing he remembered learning from every member of the Scathach familia, was how to track. He had remembered the way Mebd went, and found boots tracks similar in size to that of a girl around his age. After she'd told him everything about joining the Hermes Familia, about wanting to redeem herself… Cian felt a little stirring in his chest. She really did remind him of himself. Of course, they both had done very different things.
But… the both of them wanted to make up for what they considered failures. She could also tell just how manipulated she had been by the Morrigan Familia, by Connla. Also, if Ryuu and Lady Hestia had let her come down with them, clearly she could be trusted to some degree. The sword was just a precaution.
The tracks kept winding through the trees, and with each one Cian could see the clearing through them. He stopped however… when he heard a voice, a singing voice.
And it wasn't just that it was a singing voice that stopped him… he stopped, because the voice was singing in Ulsteric, a song that he hadn't heard in over a year.
"Around the mast I see ribbons. Beltane braids has arrived," The voice sang, and the more words he heard, the faster Cian moved through the trees… until he stopped and saw her on the edge of a small cliff, her legs swinging over it, fiddling something in her hands. "Celebrate with dances with song and beauty. The sacred union of Gods and Goddesses."
Cian recognized the song so well, that it almost brought a tear to his eyes. He didn't remember much from when he was a young, young child, an infant… but one thing he always remembered, was the woman who he assumed was his mother, singing in a similarly beautiful voice. Words of Ulsteric had a lot more consonants and more words, some described it as jumbled, and Cian could see why people thought that if they'd only grown up speaking in Orario.
But he found the language of his country beautiful.
Mebd's red hair fell down her back, down her black cloak. Her swords sat off to the side, and he suddenly felt guilty having one himself. She hadn't seen him yet, but he didn't want to interrupt her, her voice was actually quite good, better then good, it was fantastic. The small cliff was overlooking the lake, and the light from the crystals high above that dungeon floor bounced off her pale, lightly freckled face.
Cian could barely believe such a peaceful face had almost murdered him a week ago.
He didn't want to interrupt her singing yes… but he couldn't help himself, especially since he remembered the words.
"Bell fires burning, burning bonfire," she sang, not noticing him approach. "Every-."
"Every form of love and pleasure. Worship at the altar of divine lovers," Cian sang gently, remembering the verse himself.
She nearly fell off the cliff. She spun her waist around, and when she saw Cian, her green eyes nearly bulged out of her head. He saw her about to stand up and say something, but Cian did not want the song to end, so he held out a hand to stop her, and slowly walked towards the edge of the cliff next to her. Her eyes followed him the whole time… and she looked terrified.
He hated it when people were scared near him.
"Aflame in the fertility of the Sabbath," Cian kept on singing, groaning as he sat down right next to her, letting his feet dangle out next to hers, the wind blowing both their hair. She looked at him, but Cian only looked at the gorgeous view of the lake as he sang. "Hand in hand in the circle we are…."
He looked to her to sing again. He met her eyes, and while she looked panicked, he just smiled and nodded. After a few conflicting seconds, the edges of her mouth titled up the slightest bit, as she looked back out over the lake herself.
"Without beginning and without end in a spiral…." She sang, a fond smile appearing on her face as well.
And while the wind blew, for a few minutes, he and Mebd were just two kids from Ulster, reminiscing about their homeland. They were both on paths that may be bloody… but both of them were doing their best.
And they sang together.
"Celebrating the blessings of unity. Breaking down walls and building bridges. Meeting, leaving, and meeting again…." They both sang together at the same time, and in between lines, he noticed… that she giggled, looking, and shaking her head at him. He had time to look confused… and then smile as they sang on.
"Our differences become smaller than the similarities that in love we unite. That unite us in love… that unite us in love…" As the last line rolled of Cian's tongue, he let out a long breath he felt he'd been holding for hours, and he looked to see Mebd doing the same.
I'm really sitting here singing a song about peace, love and unity with a girl who just tried to murder me a week and a half ago, he thought as Mebd turned her head… but when she did, she really did look no different then him, and he could only shrug. I guess the world works in strange ways.
"So… was my singing that bad it made you laugh?" Cian asked her, as he looked back over the lake.
She seemed oddly calm, as if the song had put her at ease. He was happy about that, because after the day he had, he was exhausted, and just wanted to ask what he had to ask.
She shook her head, but her smile was gone. "No, you were actually decent… I just… never took you for the singing type."
Cian scoffed. "Singing is one of those things in life I enjoy doing but am also horrible at. You don't have to flatter me; I know I'm off key."
She dryly laughed again, and it made Cian do the same. After she finished, she nodded. "Yeah… you were a bit off, just a tad."
"Hard when I'm singing with you," Cian said, scoffing as he looked at her. "That was really good you know, and I mean it. Do you sing often?"
"My mother taught me, my father would send the two of us out to all the villages in our domain to make sure they had enough supplies for Beltane," She said, looking up from the wood carving she'd been fiddling with in her hands to look at him. "I used to help the local village kids learn the lyrics and keep pitch with others."
Cian was suddenly hit with a shocking realization after she said that, and when his jaw dropped open, she back away a little, panic setting back in.
"Wh…what?" She asked hesitantly.
He shook his head, waving his hands. "No! You didn't do anything I… I just realized. You said your last name was… Mac Caomhanach right? Of the Clan Mac Caomhanach?!"
"Yes… Chief Mac Caomhanach is my father," She said, shaking her head in confusion. "Why?"
Cian actually laughed, and Mebd's eyes widened. She looked like she was going to panic again.
"What?! Why are you laughing?" She asked, pushing away, before her eyes widened and she bowed her head again. "I knew it. I… I can't even begin to express how-."
"No! No, no, no I'm not laughing at you!" He said, promising her as her head slowly rose. And when she met his eyes he shook his head. "I'm laughing because I'm from your fathers land!"
"What, really?" She said, sounding genuinely shocked.
Cian nodded, actually excited. "Yes! I'm from Trefor, it's a bit isolated but-."
"Trefor? I went there with my mother and brother plenty of times," She said, a smile coming to her face as well. "I was literally there only a few months before… before well… you know."
Cian did know… and when he saw Mebd's face fall, his did as well. Wanting to keep the conversation positive, he shook his head.
"Ha, I can't believe that I should be bowing to you, you're my Chief's daughter!" He laughed, shaking his head.
She looked mortified. "No! No, please, don't do that, I'm not royalty anymore, my family thinks I-."
"So, you slip back into Ulsteric when you're nervous too huh?" Cian asked in Ulsteric, smirking as Mebd seemed flabbergasted.
Eventually she sighed and went on in their language. Anyone walking by would have been clueless of their conversation.
"Yes… yes I do, only sometimes…" She said frowning, as she looked back out over the lake. She hugged her knees to her chest and looked at the wood carving in her hand. "When I'm nervous… or I miss home. That's why I was singing too."
Cian sighed and looked out as well. "I get that… I miss it sometimes too…. What is that? It's beautifully carved."
"My brother gave it to me… before he left to try and join Scathach's familia," Mebd said, holding up the carving in the night crystal light. "You've seen it I'm guessing."
Cian had, every Ulster child did. It was a carved tree in a circle. It had multiple branches and leaves spreading all over the wooden ring, woodwork like that was only done by a master. It also happened to be the sigil on the banner of Mebd's clan.
"The Tree of Life, Bile the Sacred Oak," Cian said, Ulsteric as easy to him as breathing. "Your brother… he was talented."
"He was…" Mebd said, before small tears started coming from her eyes. She put the tree into her pocket and hugged her legs, slowly shaking her head, as she slipped back into the language of Orario. "And… he would hate me now, for what I've done."
Cian bit his lip at the words, well… I guess we can't avoid the topic.
He sighed and shook his head. "I didn't know your brother… and I won't lie and say I know for a fact he'd forgive you but… remember what I said before? I… I'd like to think he'd be happy you loved and cared about him so much."
"A lot of good it does him now…" She said slowly, her tears falling faster as she shook her head. "He's gone… and I don't even know how he died."
"Yeah… you told me… Connla really said he killed him?" Cian asked hesitantly, remembering what she explained to everyone when they first saw her. He was shocked to say the least, but even back when they had fought, Cian had simply saw something different in her.
It may have also been his refusal to believed someone his age could be mixed up with the Morrigan Familia.
"That's what he claims but… I think he was lying," She said, looking up at the crystals providing light for us. "Either way if he was or wasn't… I was a fool, such a fool."
"We're all fools sometimes," Cian said, looking at the crystals as well. "I know I've made my fair share of foolish decisions."
"Yes, but I bet none of yours led to the slaughter of entire villages," She said quietly, hugging her legs again, before she looked at him.
In that light from the crystal reflected off her pale face, a small light set of freckles ran across the bridge of her nose, and her hair was reflected in a beautiful light. However, Cian could see the tears coming from her eyes as well as she shook her head and leaned her head down.
"I'm… sorry… I'm so, so sorry for what I did," She said, shaking her head, and when she spoke again it was in Ulsteric. "I've brought shame to myself, my family name… and most importantly the people of those villages. You, and everyone else couldn't possibly hate me more then I hate myself. I… I'm sorry. I knew it was never Scathach's fault Ferdiad died I… I was just so angry and… and I scared myself, stained my name for the rest of my life… I'm sorry."
Cian looked at her, and his heart stopped beating. Was she really just a chief's daughter over a month ago? She was many stations above him, and he could have only hoped and prayed to meet someone of her station, let alone have her bow to him one day. Of course, both of their deeds were very different, but still… just like that day they'd fought, he could see himself in her.
He too, was overcome with anger, hatred, he felt it bubbling inside his stomach whenever he thought of that day. He'd just luckily found Lady Hestia and Bell, while Mebd had found Morrigan and Connla.
So… he couldn't bring himself to hate her.
He smiled and spoke in Ulsteric. "I forgive you, Mebd."
Her head shot up, her hands frantically trying to wipe the tears on her cheeks. "Wh…what?"
"I said I forgive you," Cian said, looking out over the lake, and managing to smile. "Lady Scathach used to say, hatred is born of misunderstanding, and ignorance. I believe… that neither of us really understood each other until now."
"You… you mean that?" She said, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really… really mean that don't you? You understand me?"
"You're just like me… that's how, both of us had something horrible happen," He said, looking at his one good fist and balling it. "Things that lead us to hatred… I was just lucky enough to find Lady Hestia, while you… well, you were taken advantage of."
"That doesn't excuse what I did!" She said, getting to her feet, her cloak falling down past her waist as she looked at Cian and shook her head. "I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself, I-."
"I'm not saying what you did wasn't wrong," Cian said, groaning as he stood up and looked at her, smiling in that crystal light. "But I'm choosing to forget any hatred, Mebd… I want us to be friends, I want to fight together, because there's much worse things coming, you know even better than I do."
She looked down, as if her words dropped another stone on her back. She'd seen them up close… she did know even better then Cian.
Cian smiled. "Not to mention it's nice to have someone to speak Ulsteric with! And when Beltane comes around, I doubt Orario celebrates, so I'll need someone to celebrate it with! I also wouldn't want me to be the singer-."
He stopped… when she hugged him. She was crying still, and made sure to be careful to keep clear of his arm in the sling. Her head fell onto his chest, her red hair falling down her back, and Cian's face went completely red for a minute. This was the daughter of a Chief, she shouldn't be hugging a commoner like him, he could have his hands chopped off for something like this!
But… we're not in Ulster, we're in our new home now, Cian thought, managing to smile as she cried and hugged him.
"Thank you… thank you… Lancer of Red," She said into his chest.
Cian scoffed, and nervously hugged her back. "You're welcome… but the condition of this is you start calling me Cian, you do that and I won't call you Lady Mac Caomhanach, deal?"
She laughed through her tears, and wiped her cheeks as she back away, smiling up at him. "I can do that… Cian."
"Good…." He said, managing to smile… before he sucked in a deep breath, and let his face fall.
His lips went to a line, as he met Mebd's eyes, and for a second, she looked worried, as if he'd retract his forgiveness.
But that wasn't it, Cian had already forgiven her after the fight with Mog really. He had only wanted to ask her one thing that night.
"C…Cian? What is it?" She asked him hesitantly.
He shook his head. "Mebd… I had already forgiven you a long time ago. I only came out to find you tonight… to ask you one thing."
She looked confused now and nodded. "Okay… what is it?"
"I know that some of them were even your friends… but," he said, holding out his hand and meeting her eyes. "I want to ask you… when they come, will you help me fight the Morrigan Familia, and the Fomorians?"
He was expecting her eyes to go wide, to see some hesitation.
Mebd however, took his hand barely after he finished speaking. She met his eyes, her green iris's swirling with determination. And she spoke in Ulster.
"I swear on Bile the Sacred Oak, the Mother River Danu, and the name of Clan Mac Caomhanach." She said, grasping his hand firmly, not leaving his eyes. "I will help you destroy the Morrigan Familia and defeat the Fomorians. Seo Mionnaim, Cian Mac Gallagher."
Cian's eyes widened, Seo Mionnaim, was ancient Ulsteric, it didn't have a translation into the new generation of Ulsteric that had evolved, but every child in Ulster knew what it meant.
An unbreakable bond, a word stronger than steel, a promise that would never be broken and be upheld until either your death, or until the task was done. One didn't make a Seo Mionnaim pact likely.
Cian bowed his head, and squeezed her hand, meeting her eyes, speaking Ulsteric himself. "Thank you Mebd... and I swear on Bile the Sacred Oak, The Mother River Danu, and the memory of my Goddess Scathach's name, we will defeat them. Seo Mionnaim… Mebd Mac Caomhanach."
Mebd knew what such a promise meant as well of course, she nodded, and their hands fell back to their side. For a minute they stood there in the cold night air, simply looking at each other and digesting the pact they made of mutual assistance.
"I never thought I'd be making a Seo Mionnaim," Mebd said, as she met Cian's eye a smile came to her face. "Let alone with someone from Trefor."
Cian scoffed and laughed. "HA, and you think I ever expected to make one with Chief Mac Caomhanach's daughter?! I remember hearing stories about you now. They said you were a prodigy, a beautiful, amazing warrior, who'd have a chance to join Lord Dagda himself!"
Mebd's eyes went wide, and then her face red, as she twisted her foot in the dirt. "Did… they really say all that?"
"Ha, of course they did! Glad to see most of it's true," He said with a smile.
Her eyes looked up at his, and he realized she was blushing.
"I… I didn't mean it like that! I wasn't calling you beautiful no!" He said, before realizing how insulting that was, and quickly shook his head. "Not that you're not of course, you are! Really pretty I… I just um… well…"
Mebd snickered before laughing, her face still red. "Ha… well, thank you then…. I'm glad that I listened to you. It's like you said, it's never too late to make a different choice."
Cian let out a breath, meeting her eyes. "Yeah… and I'm really happy that you did."
Her face got red again, but this time before she could say anything else, Cian thought of something else and gestured for the cliff side again.
"I wanted to ask one more thing," He said, and when she met his eyes he nodded. "Mebd… tell me everything you can about each member of the Morrigan Familia, I want to know our enemy."
Again, she didn't hesitate, she even smiled. "I can do that. I was only with them a little less then a year… but let me tell you what I know."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Mikoto
Why is my chest still feeling like this? What is wrong with me? She asked herself, flowing with the proper exercises, her sword flashing before her. It reflected the moonlight beautifully, as she danced with her blade near the lake.
She'd left the tent to try and clear her head, but nothing had worked. It was strange, going and performing her exercises, swinging her sword, it was her medicine, becoming stronger with each exercise, it was something that had never failed her.
But now… her mind was elsewhere, and she saw how sloppy her footwork was becoming. How had he done that to her? Why had the Lancer of Red made her chest feel like it was now? All she saw, were his eyes, how hopeful, cheerful, forgiving, and welcoming they were. Why was that all she thought about, why was her chest beating in such an irregular way?! It was frustrated, and Mikoto took it out on the air.
"Focus… listen to the wind, the crashing of the water," She whispered in the night, leaning forward, her feet spread apart, her hand on the hilt of her blade. "Now… focus!"
With a quick, sharp clang her sword was sprung from its sheath. She cut through the wind in a quick combo, three slashes in three different directions, before she finished facing the other way, and in one quick motion her sword was slid back into the sheath at her waist. That had been the most perfect movement she performed so far, so she let out a sigh of relief.
Her hair was loosely tied, and she only wore her kimono, sash, and boots, leaving her armor back in the tent. She looked up at the crystals above them and marveled at how such a place could exist in the dungeon. The breeze from the lake was well received as well, and it was a marvel how blue the water was in such a place.
Blue… like his eyes, she thought, and when she saw her reflection, she realized her face was beat red, and her chest was thumping wildly. She panicked and smacked both her cheeks, shivering, and cursing when the red didn't go away.
"What's happening…?" She asked herself. "I can't understand-."
"Ha, that was awesome!" A voice said behind her, and Mikoto spun around. "Do you think you can show me how to do that?"
Mikoto's chest nearly imploded. "Ma… Master Cian! I didn't know you were there my apologies!"
She bowed again as he made his way out of the trees but heard him sigh and looked up to see him shaking his head.
"I thought I told you, you can just call me Cian," he said, sounding a bit disappointed, but he smiled and met her eyes. "I was gonna say you people in Orario are so formal, but you're from the Far East aren't you?"
Mikoto started fumbling for words. She knew of course he was probably in the area; he had left the tent to go into the woods after all. However, she didn't expect for a minute to actually run into him, and now they were alone, only the two of them by that beautiful lake… only the two of them, why was that making her force back a childlike smile?!
She was ashamed to admit for a moment she only stared at him. The light from the crystals above casted a glow over him, his eyes were like small gemstones containing the sparkling blue water behind them, the more she looked, the more they sparkled and the more she found her mouth forming a small O. Her face got hotter and hotter, and it was only when he looked worried Mikoto calmed herself and nodded to him.
"Oh, um yes! Yes, we are from the Far East," She told him, managing a fond smile. "Lord Takemikazuchi and other gods run a shrine to take care of children who have lost their parents. It's his hope we can make money to send back there. Although, he does have two first class adventurers already near Orario, he wanted us to gain experience as well."
He smiled again and walked up next to her, and when his shoulder was only a few inches from hers, Mikoto felt like a turtle trying to retreat into its shell. The hair on her arms stood up, her body tensed… but soon she relaxed, as her heart slowly beat. Why… was she so happy he was this close to her? She decided she didn't care; she was just happy he was.
"Ha, I guess we're both a bit of an outsider then. I'm from Ulster, which I guess you could call the Far West," He said, turning to smile at her. "Do you call everyone Master in the Far East?"
"Yes, the people we respect the most, we put Master in front of their name as a form of respect… is it not the same in Ulster?" She asked, genuinely curious.
He laughed again and shook his head. "The opposite actually. Only the gods or high officials always have Master, Lord of Lady in front of their names. The people you respect and care about the most, you call them by their first names to let them know you care. You only call someone Master, Lord or Lady, if you really don't know them well, and don't wish to offend."
That was odd to Mikoto, but she then remembered he asked them to simply call him Cian, as opposed to his name from the gods. Suddenly, she was worried she offended him.
"Oh, allow me to apologize then Mas… Cian," She said, turning and bowing to him profusely, her face going red again. "I didn't know I was offending-."
"You're not offending me I promise!" He said quickly, sounding embarrassed himself, and when she looked up she noticed he looked bashful as well. Nervously he laughed and smiled, meeting her dark purple eyes, with his pretty blue ones. "Like I said, just call me Cian. And you, you're Yamato right?"
Mikoto froze… when was the last time she'd been called by her first name? She genuinely couldn't remember, nobody alive called her that. Not even Chigusa, Ouka, or Master Takemikazuchi called her by her given name. She had nobody to call her that… so hearing it then from him… it made her chest beat a new rhythm, and she could only imagine what her face looked like.
Cian tilted his head at her. "Um… are you okay? I'm sorry, did I say it wrong, or-."
"No… no you didn't, I apologize again," She said, sputtering and managing to compose herself as she met his eyes, slowly shaking her head. "It's just… in the Far East, we all go by our last names. Our first names are called 'given names', and well… the only people who call you them are normally very close family members, siblings or well… lovers. I just haven't been called by my first name in quite some time… a very long time at that."
His reaction almost made Mikoto laugh. Like his neck and head were a bucket filling with water, red shot up from his neck to his forehead. He quickly started sputtering and shook his head.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't know please forgive me!" He begged, not looking at her. "If I had known I wouldn't have-."
"No! No, please don't apologize it's alright. I didn't know your customs; I can't expect you to know mine!" She said, grabbing his good wrist, and when she did they both froze.
He slowly lifted up his head and the both of them looked at her hand on his one good wrist. Both of them looked from his wrist to each other, before this time it was Mikoto who went red from neck to head. Both of them separated, and turned away from each other for a moment.
Is… this… could it really be? Impossible, I only just met him, and besides, I don't deserve to be having such thoughts! She quickly scolded herself… but she found herself wishing she hadn't pulled her hand back.
She slowly shook her head. "My apologies… most call me Mikoto. I… I believe it was my parents who last called me Yamato… but they've been gone since I was a young child…. Nobody calls me it now."
"I… I'm sorry," Cian said, as Mikoto slowly turned to see him meeting her eye, a sad smile on her face as he shook his head. "I'm… in the same boat. I never really met my parents. They died when I was little and well… I lived as an orphan in my village my whole life until Lady Scathach found me. So… I guess we're kind of similar."
She realized how correct he was. Lady Hestia had told them the story of Cian on their way down, she had been the one to ask, curious about the boy who had saved her. The only difference, was Cian only got to be with his Goddess for one year, while she'd been able to spend her whole life with Lord Takemikazuchi.
"I… suppose we are," She said, as he smiled at her, she returned it, not wanting to look away from that smile he had. "Um… I heard about your accomplishments to this point, Lord Takemikazuchi and Lady Hestia informed all of us. I… I wanted to tell you; I find you very brave for the things you've done; I have great respect for you."
He smiled still but looked sheepish. "Ha… it really wasn't much but thank you. And… thank you again for coming down here to help rescue us."
Mikoto felt shame creep up again. "It's only because of my reprehensible actions that-."
He scoffed and shook his head. "Oh come on, don't apologize again for something you're forgiven for."
Mikoto slowly nodded, and locked eyes with him. "Very well… but please, allow me then to… to thank you, for saving me from that hellhound. I believe I would have died if not for you, I owe you a debt."
"You don't owe me anything," He said, holding out his hand. "I'm glad that I did, Mikoto. And I know Lord Takemikazuchi and Lady Hestia are friends, if this is how we met, I don't mind, if it means we get to see more of each other well… that makes me happy!"
Mikoto looked at his hand, and realized… she wanted to grab it, she wanted to be in contact with him again. With her heart skipping beats, she smiled and grabbed his hand, a small shock going up her arm as she did, and when he squeezed, she found a goofy childlike smile on her face.
"I'm… happy as well, Cian," She said, fixing her face and looking up at him. "I also wanted to say, Lord Takemikazuchi has pledged to help Lady Hestia after her call for aid at the Denatus. I'm proud to say… we will be fighting together, against any threats that come your way."
"And it's the other way as well!" Cian said, walking to the edge of the lake, before turning and smiling at her. "We're friends! So, of course whenever we need help we'll come for each other. You know… you could start by showing me that cool move you were practicing."
The hour was getting late, and Mikoto was tired, yearning for sleep. Normally she would have declined and pushed it to the next day but…
He's smiling… he's excited and… and I want to spend more time with him, she thought, the smile returning as she accepted it, she didn't want their conversation to end.
"Of course, now, it's a wind stance technique Lord Takemikazuchi taught to me," She said, stepping in front of her, and getting in the proper stance for the move, her hand going to her blade as Cian watched on with eager eyes. "It's a three strike combo, the requires you to keep moving and it meant to strike different enemies."
"I see, I learned similar moves when I was first learning the spear," He said, taking not of her stance, as his good right hand was on a sword at his hip.
She nodded, before quickly unsheathing her blade and performing the three strikes against the wind and sliding her blade away. After she did… she heard him clapping.
"Wow, you didn't stop for a second!" He said, getting in a similar stance to the one she was in and putting his hand on his sword. "Okay… so like this?"
Mikoto's curiosity got the best of her. "Yes but… I have to ask, why are you asking for sword techniques? You're already a master of the spear."
A sad look came to his face as he sighed. "Well… everything I've accomplished so far, it's been because of my familia, and the Gae Bulg's power. The Fomorians, the Floor Boss… I only beat them thanks to the Gae Bulg's power. I want to get strong enough so I don't have to just rely on it's power in every fight I'm in."
He turned to Mikoto and he bowed. "So please, Mikoto, if you would, help me learn to better use a sword! If I master it and the spear, I'll be able to grow much stronger."
Mikoto's heart thumped again, he… wants me to teach him, that means he… wants to spend more time with me?
The idea… made her very happy.
She smiled and nodded. "Of course, I will teach you all that I can. Now… first I must say, doing that move with only one arm for balance will be hard."
"Thank you! Thank you, so much!" he said, getting back into the stance, it was perfect as he held his hand on his sword. "As for my arm… don't worry, I've developed great balance over the years, using a spear requires it!"
Mikoto still wasn't sure, but she saw his enthusiasm, and found it… cute, admirable, so she nodded and met his eyes as he stood in the stance.
"Alright... if you wish to try, I won't stop you," She said, smiling as she looked at him near the lake edge. After he met her eye she nodded. "Okay, now remember to keep moving, strike the three zones quickly and have good footwork. And hand-eye coordination is required to re-sheath your sword."
"Okay… got it!" He said determined, letting out a deep breath.
And then, he unslung his sword. Mikoto was enamored by the boy himself, he cut through the air, spun, and stepped, striking the next area, and finally, with excellent footwork he struck the air a third time, before spinning back around and going to slide the sword back to his waist.
But… he lost his balance.
"AHHHH!" He yelled, before falling backwards, and with a loud SPLASH the Lancer of Red was submerged for a few seconds, before he rose up with his butt in the water up to his waist, completely drenched. He spit out lake water, before he looked up at Mikoto, his face beat red, a completely embarrassed look on his face. "Um… maybe… you were right and trying with one arm wasn't a good idea."
Mikoto didn't respond, and she tried not to… but she couldn't help herself.
She burst out laughing so hard she had to grab her gut, and nearly fell back herself! She couldn't remember laughing so hard in her life, as all she saw was the boy looking at her wide eyed and red faced from the water.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" She laughed, leaning forward now and holding her gut, taking a few steps closer with the intent on helping him. "HAHAH I… I'm sorry, it's just you… HAHA you really-. AHHH!"
A wave of water flung up from the lake and hit her face and chest. She yelled, as right away she was shivering in the night, as she looked at saw Cian now laughing at her.
"HAHAHA not so funny now huh?!" He said still red and covered in water head to toe, still sitting in the shallow water. He pointed at her and shook his head. "Now, you can apologize for-."
"How dare you?!" Mikoto yelled, rushing to the water edge and kicking water up at his face.
"GAHHH!" He yelled, getting his and falling back… which only made Mikoto laugh again.
She had been angry for a minute… but seeing him fall back again was very funny. It was funny and she laughed until another wave came for her.
"Two can play at that game!" He yelled, flinging more water at her.
Mikoto wanted to get angry… but she realized he was laughing to.
And that was a sound she really, really enjoyed.
She gritted her teeth and tried not to laugh, leaning down, now in the shallows herself and flinging water back at him.
"I will not stand for this attack!" She said, pointing at him as he fell back in the water again. "If you believe you'll defeat me in a contest involving a relaxing pool of water you're mistaken!"
"Well… it's a good thing I like challenge," He said, flinging the water back at him.
And he laughed while doing it, and despite being hit Mikoto laughed as well.
That water fight continued for several more minutes… and Mikoto didn't want it to end.
Next Time, Season 1, Episode 4: Evil Intentions: After settling in and letting their injuries heal, Bell, Cian and everyone else take some time to relax and let their injuries heal. Cian is a little worse for ware, and all of Lefiya, Mebd, and Mikoto are eager to take care of him! Ryuu, meanwhile, visits a sight from her past, and after Loki Familia leaves, they realize there's more evil in their Dungeon Paradise then they initially thought….
A/N: I did it again guys, I wrote too much and ended up splitting a chapter lol I wanted to have up to when Hestia is kidnapped in this chapter, but I realized I had way too much else I wanted to do beforehand. I knew I wanted to have some moments with Cian and Lefiya, Cian and Finn, and also just some relaxing moments to develop Cian and Bell as true best-friends and partners more.
Of course, after that, Mebd and he needed to talk, as well as in this chapter I wanted to FINALLY get to write some of Cian and Mikoto. Don't worry Ryuu fans, we'll get plenty more of her in the next chapter. So, after this chapter, we're gonna have the fight vs Black Goliath.
Now after THAT, in between arcs, I'm gonna have short stories (Yes SHORT I promise, around 5-7k words, which is what I write in a day) called "Tales from Orario" Which have some contributions to the main arcs.
As of now, in addition to the main Arcs, I have ONE mini-arc I'm adding, and then a movie to replace the Artemis Movie, but that's a bit down the line. I am SO SOOO excited for what I got planned for real.
Okay, so I also wanna say, I KNOW we're getting a LOT of Ulster backstory these chapters, which some of you may not care about, but this is necessary to set up the climaxs, and of course how they'll intersect with the DanMachi plot.
If you don't wanna read the story because of that I understand. If you want a shot for shot, just straight up DanMachi plot story, I recommend other stories, now while of course the DanMachi plot is in this story, I wanted to write out my plot for Ulster to sort of enhance the experience even more, and I really hope you guys are enjoying it so far and it's not TOO much.
OKAY, also as you noticed in the start of the chapter, I'm picking Voice Actors for all my original characters! If you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know!
In this chapter we get a lot of set up for later, Finn's words about how the Gae Bulg will always bring death, Lefiya and Cian being 'rivals', Mebd officially joining the fight against Morrigan, and of course, we get a ton of Mikoto, and Cian set up, and don't worry they will without a doubt shack up before the very end of this story.
Also, some of you probably noticed Mikoto mentioned 'other first-class adventurers' Takemikazuchi has, and YES I am aware this isn't true in the books… this is set up for some more OCs in the future to help out the gang… let's just say my Fate agenda isn't over yet xD
Okay, now I promise next chapter will be quicker than this one. Please, Please review if you have time! Let me know what you think about the Ulster set up, Cian and Mikoto, and anything else you want from this chapter!
Alright, that's all! See you adventurers next time!
