VA's English & Japanese for this chapter:

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

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

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

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

A/N: THANK YOU ALL FOR 50+ favs and 60+ follows! You're all amazing for real, I hope you're enjoying what I've wrote, can't wait to keep entertaining you all!

The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Cian

Cian had cuts, scrapes, bruises, he'd broken bones and nearly died many times in the last month or so… but nothing to him was worse then having a cold.

"Geez man… you look even worse," Welf commented as they walked.

"He's right Cian, how did you manage to get sick?!" Lady Hestia scolded him from next to Bell. "I didn't think you could look worse than you did yesterday."

"Thank… thank you for the kind words," Cian said, congested and using the Gae Bulg to help him walk as his arm was still in the sling. "Truly your… your kindness- ACHOO- knows no bounds."

"Are you sure you don't just wanna stay at the tent?" Bell asked him, as they all followed behind the members of the Loki Familia.

Lillie looked up at him. "There's bound to be some potions in the town that can help Master Cian, we'll find one there."

"I hope…ACHOO," Cian said, groaning and rubbing his nose, his head pounding.

His one solace was that he wasn't alone.

"ACHOOACHOO!"

"Mikoto what happened?" Chigusa asked, as the members of the Takemikazuchi familia walked next to them. "You were completely fine yesterday."

"Oh I… it just… ACHOO," Mikoto sneezed, shaking her head. "It just came out of- ACHOO, nowhere I suppose."

Her eyes wondered over to Cian. They'd agreed to keep what had happened last night a secret between the two of them. Purely because they were embarrassed they both didn't think about the consequences of a water fight in the middle of a cold night.

But… I'm glad it happened, he thought, smiling as she looked at him.

Her smile in return warmed his chest, it somehow told him that she didn't have any regrets either. He looked away before he could go red faced again.

"Alright!" Tiona said excitedly, as they stopped at the ridge. "Here it is, welcome to Rivira!"

Mebd, who was a few steps ahead looked on with wide eyes, before she looked back at Cian with a massive smile on her face. "Cian look! It's just like the cities back west!"

Cian quickly moved forward, next to Mebd and the Loki familia, and his eyes widened. The city was gorgeous and like Mebd said, reminded him of Ulster. In Ulster, most of the land was covered by forests, so naturally towns, hillforts, and even cities were constructed using lots of lumber. The city Rivira looked like the cities he'd passed through with Lady Scathach and the others, wooden walls, and lumber buildings, protected with stone outcroppings and defensive structures.

"Wow… this is-ACHOO, beautiful…" He said, looking at the completely wooden city under the tree.

"Yeah… isn't it?" Mebd said, before biting her lip and looking at him. "Do you…want to find something for that cold? If not I could make-."

"Cian!" Lefiya's voice said, and he looked to the right to see the orange haired elf come towards him with a smile on her face. "I can't believe you got yourself sick… come on, let's find-."

"C…Cian, I think it would be efficient for us to, ACHOO," Mikoto said, sneezing into her arm as she came up behind him. "Efficient to find a remedy for our condition together…"

Cian suddenly was surrounded by three people. Mebd looked at him from the left, and when she saw Mikoto and Lefiya both, a mixture of annoyance and worry appeared. Mikoto seemed confused, but obviously much more worried about her cold. Lefiya glared at both of Mikoto and Mebd.

"Well?" Lefiya said, holding out her hand. "Cian, are you coming?"

"Um… I think maybe a potion from home would be best for him… actually," Mebd said, looking at Lefiya and then to Cian. "I doubt they have it, I could find ginger though and mix that with-."

"I think I would be able to make it best," Lefiya said, narrowing her eyes at Mebd. "I'm a mage after all, I can enhance it with magic, it's what's best, come on Cian-."

"Actually," Mebd said, a bit more forcefully, stepping in front of Cian and narrowing her eyes back at Lefiya. "In Ulster, there's special ways to make potions that could be even more effective than magic. Cian, come with me, you know that's true."

"I… I don't-ACHOO," Cian tried to talk, slowly backing up.

"You think your potions are better then magic?" She said, before scoffing. "Don't make me laugh! Cian!"

"Cian!" Mebd said, as they both turned back to him.

Both looked at him expectantly, and in the background he heard Welf laughing at him.

"Um… I… I think we should all-ACHOO," He sneezed again, using it as an opportunity to look and see Lady Hestia had already drug Bell off, and he saw his chance. "Lady Hestia! Bell! Wait up, we should all-ACHOO!"

He heard his name called, before Mebd and Lefiya began arguing again.

"That- ACHOO," Mikoto sneezed, having moved with him, as everyone else had already started moving towards the city. "That seemed like a tense situation…. ACHOO!"

"Yeah…" Cian said, his head pounding, looking back at Mebd and Lefiya who were arguing with each other as they walked. "I don't- ACHOO, know why though…"

Mikoto got quiet, and he looked and saw her pretty dark purple eyes unable to look at him… why did she look embarrassed?

And why was he upset she'd stopped talking?

OP: Hey World, DanMachi S1

The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Season 1, Episode 4: Evil Intentions

Cian

"GAHHHHH that feels so good," Cian said, taking in a deep breath through his nose and feeling his nostrils clear, before dropping the potion vial. He looked to Welf and Lillie. "Thanks guys, that was a huge help."

"Feeling better Mikoto?" Chigusa said, as a few steps away from them the Takemikazuchi familia was with them.

Mikoto did the same as Cian and sighed. "Yes, much better, thank you Lady Chigusa."

Ouka hmphed. "Huh… still wonder how someone diligent like you could get a cold like that, did you fall in the lake while practicing?"

"No! No, no I didn't," Mikoto quickly said, before nervously laughing and turning around. "Come on! We need more supplies!"

They went off forward, but not before Mikoto looked at him again. Cian smiled at her before they walked off. He sighed and relaxed, looking at his own, party, and realizing it was short. The city wasn't very big on the inside, but had the essentials, and tons of adventurers seemed to basically live there. They'd passed a tavern, tons of shops and other areas for housing.

Mebd and Lefiya were with the rest of Loki Familia, the two still seemed to be having a glaring contest. Tiona and Tione were with them as well, seeming to be loving watching whatever it was between them unfold. Still, he couldn't find a few people.

"Hey… where are Bell and Lady Hestia?" He asked Welf and Lillie.

Lillie pouted and pointed further down the street. "There they are… why that no good little! Master Bell!"

She left, taking off down the street, leaving only him and Welf. He followed where she'd pointed, and actually smiled. Bell was with Ais, the two of them seemed to be chatting in front of shop and seemed to be rather invested into the conversation with one another. He was smiling like a goof, and this had to be what annoyed Lillie.

Meanwhile, he saw Lady Hestia haggling with an old lady in front of her shop. Cian couldn't hear what was being said, but he saw his diminutive goddess fervently trying to get her hands on whatever perfume or potion the woman had in her hands. Lillie looked like she was going to walk up to Bell but took a turn when she saw a shop. His eyes went back to Bell and Ais, Bell said something, and Ais smiled, which was followed by Bell going as red as his eyes.

"Amazing… I'll never understand," Welf said behind him.

Cian turned back to his smith friend. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Welf sighed but smirked at him. "You and Bell, it's unbelievable the luck you guys have, he has the Sword Princess eating out the palm of his hand, and neither of them realize it."

Bell looked back to Bell and Ais and tried to discern what Welf was talking about. They both seemed to be enjoying themselves, both were smiling, and seemed to love being in town together today. Tiona and Tione came up to Ais and Bell, Bell blushed when one of them clearly said something to him. Meanwhile, he looked at Lefiya and Mebd. The both of them were in front of a potion shop, combing through ingredients.

He suddenly felt bad, did either of them realize he wasn't sneezing anymore?

Cian turned back to Welf. "What do you mean by that?"

Welf shook his head. "It's clear Bell's got the hots for her, and it looks from here like she's starting to feel the same way."

Cian's eyes went wide, he looked to Bell and Ais, then back to Welf… had the key to understanding love and romantic feelings been here the whole time?

"Really?!" He said, looking at Welf desperately. "How um… how can you tell?!"

"You serious?" Welf said, scoffing. "Come on, they're attached to each other's hip. I swear, only you and Bell have luck like that."

Cian was confused now. "Huh? Me?"

"You kidding? Those two have been trying to drag you everywhere," He said, looking towards Mebd and Lefiya, before shaking his head. "Only you could manage to make a girl who was trying to murder you one week, wanna make you tea and take care of your cold the next."

"You… mean Mebd?" Cian said, looking at her.

Mebd had gotten what she needed, before loading them into her pack, and with one hand on one of her two swords she glared at Lefiya who had done the same. Her red hair was shiny in the daylight now, her freckles more visible, as Lefiya tossed back her orange hair and turned away.

Why… would they be arguing over me? He wondered, as Welf sighed and walked past him, patting his shoulder.

"Not to mention the Lefiya girl, Ryuu, unbelievable, both of you really," Welf said, before smirking at him. "Better strike while the iron's hot my friend, make a choice before they tare each other or you apart."

Cian watched his smith friend go, and shook his head in confusion, geez… that sounds like something Diarmuid would say.

He eyes went from Lefiya, then to Mebd, wondering what it was they could possibly argue about. While he was looking between them, he noticed Mikoto and the rest of the Takemikazuchi familia had joined up with Welf and Mebd. Mikoto smiled as she chatted with Chigusa, she noticed him looking and smiled sheepishly before she quickly turned her head.

Something spiked up in Cian's chest. He had to grab it with his one good hand and shuddered as he looked out over the town.

"I always thought you were crazy…" Cian whispered. "But you would probably made sense to me now… Diarmuid."

Diarmuid had promised to 'teach him the ins and outs of women and love' one day… but that day would never come. Cian would have to learn for himself.

"Move it pipsqueak," An annoyed voice said, before Cian felt his bad side pushed from behind.

He winced and grabbed at his elbow, turning, and seeing the tall, strong, grey-haired werewolf that had come to save him. Now, Cian was helpless when it came to love, romance, and how to spot signs of it from a person, it was something he'd have to learn soon… because he felt something inside him, something inside him yearned to feel that way.

However, what Cian knew plenty well, was how to tell when someone was angry, when someone disliked you, and when a fight could come. He saw that written all over the werewolves' eyes then as he stared down at Cian. Living on the streets as an orphan had taught him a lot about being able to sense danger, and hostility. Finn, Chu, Diarmuid, Fergus, even Uathach, there had been plenty of times they were hanging out in bars, taverns, out in the field, when they came across people who they knew what give them problems, from either petty jealousy, or people who yearned to prove themselves against the famous Scathach familia.

Cian could tell, this was going to be a problem. So, I'd better try to nip it in the butt, I don't want to be at odds with someone in Finn or Lefiya's familia.

"Sorry I was in the way," Cian said, trying to laugh it off.

Fergus's voice rang in his head, always keep your cool when faced with someone who can't, killing them with kindness and calmness is a viable strategy. The best way to not lose a fight is to avoid it, stand up for yourself, but don't be hostile.

"You're… Bete, right?" Cian said, holding out his hand, which made the werewolf's eyes go wide. Still, Cian smiled and bowed a bit. "I wanted to say thanks for saving me from the floor boss. I would be dead if not for you."

Like Cian had expected, his words hadn't really worked. Bete scoffed and smacked his hands away. "Save it you pathetic loser. I didn't save your ass because I wanted too, I did it because you were in my way."

"But you still did it," Cian said, ignoring the harsh tone. "So, thank you."

"Piss off squirt," Bete said, going to walk by him, and smacking his shoulder against Cian's again as he did, glaring down at him. "And stay the hell away from me, you, and that weak tomato kid. Weaklings like you got no place in the dungeon. All you do is-."

"Don't call me that," Cian snapped, not breaking eye contact with him, something inside of him growing hot and angry. "Also, you can call me weak all you want, but don't insult my friends."

Cian had his fist behind his back, squeezing it tight. He doesn't get to call me that… only Diarmuid gets to call me that.

Bete snarled and finally turned back. He was at least two heads taller than Cian was, and twice as muscular. His eyes were harsh, and he stood inches from Cian, glaring down at him.

"Oh yeah? And what will you do about it if I don't pipsqueak?" He asked, his words sharp as a knife. "Gonna throw your magic spear at me? Course you will, it's the only reason you've managed to not die yet. Anyone could take a spear that always kills when thrown and use it, why the Captain and the others are so obsessed with you, I'll never know, you're just pathetic."

So… that's what this is about, Cian said, realizing something about Bete then. He wasn't mad, he managed to stop his fist from shaking, and walked around the werewolf. Bete wasn't mad with Cian; he was mad that all the members of the Loki Familia had taken such an interest in him. The same could be said about the werewolf's attitude towards Bell.

He was jealous in the simplest terms. Cian however, made the mistake of laughing at this revelation in his head.

"Huh?!" He demanded, grabbing the back of Cian's shirt, and lifting him up, turning him around to face him, his face was inches from his as he yelled. "And what the hell do you find so funny you pathetic asshole?!"

Cian's instincts told him to react, to kick, to struggle… but then he remembered what Fergus said again. Keep your cool… just relax and use your words.

"I'm laughing, because everything you said is true," He said, smirking and holding one of the werewolf's wrists with his one good hand. He didn't look away from his eyes. "I know that I'm weak, I know I've only gotten that far because of the Gae Bulg's power. I still have plenty I need to learn, but I will become stronger, stronger than you, your captain, everyone because I have no choice."

Bete growled and tossed Cian to the ground. Not hard enough to seriously injure him, but the fall didn't exactly feel pleasant. He saw something begrudging in Bete's eyes as he went to walk past him, stopping right next to Cian on the ground and spitting behind him.

"You'd be better off staying on the ground… save yourself the trouble squirt," He spat at Cian, shaking his head. "You won't last a-."

"By the way, you can drop the whole cynical asshole act," Cian said, hearing that name sparking something in him again.

"What the hell did you call me?!" Bete said, turning back around.

Cian coughed and stood with his one good arm. He would not let anyone else call him that name. He looked over at Bete, standing in the middle of the street the both of them, like an old school duel between two warriors. Cian was smaller of course, and Bete would kill him he knew… but that didn't mean he'd stand down.

"You heard me. Your rude words and brashness won't bother me," Cian said, shaking his head. "I already knew one self-centered asshole who liked to put me down every chance he got; he was a mentor of mine. I hated him, but no matter what, he never stop putting me down, insulting me, telling me I wasn't good enough… but I learned after a month of being with him, he was doing it because he thought it was for my benefit. He wanted me to leave because he didn't want me to die."

"He was right brat," Bete snarled, shoving him back. "You should leave, do yourself a favor, because you won't always have your fancy spear to save you. He was smart if he was telling you early-."

"Don't you dare compare yourself to him," Cian cut him off, unmoving. "Because despite him being an ass, unlike you… he was honorable, he taught me everything I needed to know while insulting me the whole time. I wanted to earn his respect and I did. I don't want to earn yours."

It was Cian who walked past the werewolf this time. "Because… you aren't even half of the hero he was, and if you keep that attitude? You never will be."

Cian felt pretty satisfied with himself. Yes, Bete had reminded him a bit of Diarmuid, but that didn't mean the werewolf was anywhere close to his old mentor. He dusted himself, off, going to join Bell and the others, leaving Bete too stunned to speak for a moment. He thought he'd gotten his point across and could leave now.

But then, he felt a hand clamp onto his shoulder and grasp hard.

"And where do you think you're going punk?!" Bete said, spinning Cian back around, murder in his eyes as he cocked back his hand. "If you wanna talk like that, why don't you back it up?!"

Oh man… I went too far, Cian thought, panic setting in. He tried to wriggle free, now fully convinced the werewolf would break his nose, but thankfully a voice saved him.

"Bete?! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Tiona said, flashing in front of Cian so fast, he barely saw the amazon.

She grabbed and tossed Bete's arm off Cian, and he fell stumbling to his feet. Tiona stood in front of Bete who grinding his teeth and pointed at Cian.

"That little runt wants to act like he's tough, let him prove it!" Bete yelled, trying to walk past the amazon. "I'll teach him to-."

"Bete you jerk, leave him alone!" Lefiya said, stepping in front of Cian, coming from behind.

"Cian!" A bunch of voice said, and Cian turned to first see Bell.

He ran up besides Cian, Lady Hestia not far behind, along with Ais, Lillie, Welf, Mebd, and the Takemikazuchi familia. They all stood next to him, and when they turned Bete finally back off from Tiona and glared at Cian one more time.

"We'll settle this later you little runt, hope you're ready to back up your talk next time I see you," The werewolf said, before turning and walking towards the towns gate.

Cian let out a sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was a fight with someone who could kick Goliath across the room.

Despite it however, the werewolf's words were stuck in Cian's head. He hadn't gotten mad at them because he knew they were right. He'd only survived because of the Gae Bulg's power, of course you needed to be strong to use its heart finding, instant death effect, but it did save him from dying in every major fight he'd been in. He balled his hand into a fist and cursed his arm in a sling.

I'll get stronger, with more then just that spear, I'll show him, Cian thought, as Bell held his shoulder.

"You okay?" He asked.

Cian sighed and nodded. "Yeah…. I might've just pissed him off."

"What the hell is his problem?!" Lady Hestia demanded stepping in front of Cian and casting a nasty side-eye at the Loki Familia. "How could you just let him run off threatening people like that?!"

Tione scoffed, tossing back her longer hair. "Bete's always like that, don't worry, we'll keep him in line."

Tiona smiled and turned back to them. "She's right, he's always grumpy like this. We try not to let it ruin our day."

"Cian! Are you sure you're okay?" Lefiya said, making Lady Hestia yelp as she came into Cian's vision, looking up at him with worried big blue eyes. "I'm sorry about him… come on, why don't we go back to camp, and I can look at your sling? Maybe we can take it off early!"

Cian let out a sigh of relief. "Oh man, that sounds great, thanks-."

"Wait! Cian!" Mebd said, coming up and bumping Lefiya out of the way, in her hands was a vile and a pouch with ingredients. "I know you're not sneezing anymore, but we really should be careful with it. I can make tea! Not that silly kind from Orario, the kind from Ulster, we can-."

"Excuse me!" Lefiya said, bumping back into Mebd and soon the two were practically forehead to forehead. "Cian needs to recover, and I know healing much better than you! Cian tell her!"

Mebd growled and pushed back. "You think he needs magic?! No, he needs to feel like he's back home! Come on Cian, you tell her that you'd prefer Ulster tea. I can make something for you that tastes just like you're in Trefor your village!"

"Shut up, stop it right now!" Lefiya yelled, pointing accusingly at Mebd. "You're trying to seduce him by tugging at his heart strings from home, I won't let you take advantage of that!"

Cian's chest exploded and his eyes bulged. SEDUCE ME?!

Mebd face went as red as her hair. "I… I have no idea what you're talking about! But you have no room to talk, you're the one seducing him! You've been attached to him like a lost puppy!"

"How dare you?!" Lefiya said, bright red as well. "I would do no such thing, and you have no room to talk either, you're attached to him too! Cian!"

"Cian!" They both said, turning to look at him, expectant looks on their face.

Cian heard Welf laughing at him again. Bell and Ais looked hopelessly confused. Lillie and Lady Hestia both looked annoyed, but seemed to know what was going on, not that Cian could ask them now. Tiona and Tione were laughing like Welf was, and all Cian could do was sit their floundering like a fish.

Is… this love? Romance? He wondered, as he looked at Lefiya and Mebd.

He cared a great deal about them both, they were his friends, even though he and Mebd had only reconciled last night. Did… he like one of them in a romantic sense?

I don't know… it's weird, and worrying, he thought… but then his eyes drifted.

The Takemikazuchi familia stood not far away, all looking confused… except Mikoto. Cian found the corner of his eyes looking at her. He didn't know how to describe the look on her face other then, disturbed, annoyed, or some variation of that. It bothered Cian, seeing her like that. He much preferred her laughing, smiling like she had been last night. Maybe… he should ask her again, so he could see it again?
"CIAN!" Lefiya and Mebd both said again, making him jump.

"OH!" He said, looking at them both again, stuttering. "Um… well… I… I don't know if-."

"Soooo, to pivot away from that," Tiona said, cutting them off, pulling Lefiya back from Cian, and looking at everyone smiling. "I was thinking for us girls, to go and take a relaxing bath! There's a river with a waterfall not far from here, what do you think?! Lefiya… Mebd? You wouldn't want to be all smelly now would you?"

Lefiya pouted, looking away from them. "I… I suppose."

"I… wouldn't be opposed either," Mebd said begrudgingly.

Cian let out a breath, that was a relief. He sighed and faded into the crowd, as he watched every girl agree that a bath was needed. Cian was beginning to think about his own when a booming voice entered the town.

"Ahhh ladies! Off to the baths are we?" Lord Hermes said, strolling up to the group. He had a large and very mischievous smile. "Asfi, why don't you join them?"

Asfi Al-Andromeda, Hermes's Captain reluctantly sighed and nodded. "I guess it is a good idea, just don't go causing trouble Master Hermes."

"Trouble? I don't know the definition!" Hermes said, walking over to Cian and Bell. "In the meantime… Bell, Cian why don't we go off and have a little chat eh?"

"Oh um… okay," Bell said, as surprised as Cian.

Cian wanted to groan, but he wouldn't turn down a god. "I… suppose."

And with that, hearing Welf complain again about Cian and Bell being 'lucky', Cian relented, as Hermes took both he and Bell along with him.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian

"Um… Lord Hermes," Cian said, struggling to the next handhold. "Climbing trees isn't exactly easy one handed."

"You can do the Gae Bulg's kata and kill Goliath one handed but a tree is too much, oh brave child of Ulster?" Lord Hermes said from the top branch with a smirk.

Cian groaned. "That was different, I-. WOAH!"

The tree bark snapped and if not for Bell catching him, Cian would have hit the dirt. Bell labored trying to lift him up.

"Cian you… you're heavy, grab on," He urged him, and Cian listened, grabbing the nearest handhold with his good arm.

"Come on, it'll be well worth it believe me!" Lord Hermes said, turning on the branch and kneeling down.

Cian looked at Bell, and both of them sighed, before helping each other up the tree to the branch Lord Hermes sat crouched on. Right away, Cian felt that something was up, why would the god want to talk with him in a tree? He also could hear the sound of running water, the god had taken them on a very convoluted seeming route to get to the tree they were at. Cian could feel wet heat wafting up to his nose, and it was relaxing. He was actually a bit jealous of all the girls, the idea of a bath, a nice hot spring sounded wonderful, especially for his arm.

He wanted to think Lefiya was right, and that his arm was healing. It still ached a bit but felt it could use at least another day before they headed back up from the eighteenth floor. Cian wanted to get out of the dungeon badly, he wanted to see his status update first, and second, he just wanted to see the sky again.

And… I can't forget those lessons with Mikoto, yes, I really don't want to forget them, he thought, remembering how she had told him she'd give him more lessons. He was looking forward to it, he couldn't say as to why, other then the fact he'd enjoyed her company, a lot. The idea made his head spin, what was happening to him?

Maybe I'll ask Lady Hestia later, perhaps she'll know, he thought, as he grabbed Bell's hand, and while crouching, the both of them came up behind Hermes.

"Lord Hermes… what is this?" Bell asked hesitantly.

Cian nodded, a nervous feeling coming up his chest. "Yeah, what was it that we couldn't talk about on the-."

"Shhhh, quiet boys, I called you up here for a very important reason," The god said, whispering the entire time, before pointing down from the tree. "Feast your eyes my young friends!"

Cian followed the gods finger, do did Bell.

It was the most nerve-wracking, and yet the most glorious sight he'd ever seen in his entire life.

"AHH! WHAT-." Bell started screaming before Cian, who's entire body was shaking, clamped a hand over his mouth. If he screamed they'd see him!

Cian clamped his hand over Bell's mouth and averted his eyes, willing away the massive urge to open them and looked back down at all the girls, but the image was already ingrained into his brain.

I'm so sorry Lady Scathach! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I've turned into as much of a perve as Diarmuid! Cian cursed in his head biting hard onto the bottom of his lip to fight the urges that every young boy had when they saw beautiful naked women.

"If I ever catch you doing anything like Diarmuid just showed you again I'll rip every bit of your hair out do you understand me Cian?! You will respect women and their privacy!"

"That goes double, I'll never let you have a good night sleep again! I expected this from him, but not you Cian!"

He could hear the scolding voices of Lady Scathach and Uathach in his brain. Could they haunt him from beyond the grave for this? He didn't want to find out, all he could remember was how furious they'd been when Diarmuid and Finn would try this exact same thing whenever they got to a town or camped out with another familia, especially Lady Aife's.

Cian also scolded himself, because the same trick Lord Hermes had used, was the same one Diarmuid and Finn had done to him to get Cian to come peep on Lady Scathach, Uathach and the women of Lady Aife's familia one time. He had gotten off lucky that day, Finn and Diarmuid had black eyes for a week.

He was still disappointed, that Uathach and Lady Scathach's naked bodies were still both burned into his mind, how could they not be?!

Bell seemed to calm down, but still was as beat red as Cian was. He moved his hand from his friend's mouth, as he heard laughing, splashing, and chatting from below… and finally giving in, he looked back down at them all. Lord Hermes was smiling like a madman, enjoying the view himself, and now Cian's eyes were glued to the water below.

Gods what… what am I doing?! He told himself, clamping his hands in front of his eyes. However, that didn't stop him from seeing all of them, Lady Hestia, Lillie, Tiona, and Tione, Lefiya, Mebd, Asfi, Chigusa… and Mikoto.

NO STOP IT CIAN! He yelled at himself, before he tried to open his eyes again. Still though, he could see them all, Lillie was relaxing with her back in the water floating, Lady Hestia chatted and splashed her, Mebd was with Asfi, the two relaxing against a rock, Mebd's hair falling wet over her shoulders, right over her boobs which Cian now knew were quite large. Loki Familia, Tiona, Tione, they both teased and grabbed at Lefiya who was beat red, Cian had saw her chest as well. What would they think of him now?! Were they going to think he was some kind of pervert?!

Of course… he'd seen Mikoto as well, and… hers are bigger then even-. GAHH NO STOP IT YOU SICKO STOP!

"The female body is meant to be loved and appreciated squirt, quit being a prude come on! One day you'll know glory of exploring it, there's no finer pleasure!"

GAHHHH, NO GET OUT OF MY HEAD DIARMUID!

"Lord Hermes, what are we doing up here?!" Bell whispered, looking at the god with a red face.

"Relax, relax boys, as men it's our duty when the ladies are bathing to take a peek!" Hermes whispered, holding an arm around Bell and looking at Cian with a joyous smile. "Just like Cian's doing, he's even got a nosebleed!"

"I… I… Lady Scathach, I… I'm sor…." Cian mumbled, as his eyes indeed had opened again.

Mikoto and Chigusa laughed, Mikoto laughed like she did last night when they had been in the cold water together. He had heard her laughing… and soon found his eyes on her, he couldn't stop looking, he couldn't tare his eyes away, how could he? He kept mentally screaming at himself, but like Lord Hermes had said, a small trickle of blood came out his nose.

"And let's see…" Lord Hermes said, following Cian's eyes. "Ohohoho! Got our eye on the fine, beautiful, foreign Ms. Mikoto now do we Cian? Strange, I thought yours would drift to Lefiya, or even brave Mebd! But it seems I was-."

"I… I wasn't staring!" Cian said, rubbing the blood off his nose, and turning around, his senses finally coming back to him. "I'd never do that! Never, no, no I wouldn't, I never would!"

GAHHHH YOU STUPID PERVERT STOP THINKING ABOUT HER BOOBS, he yelled at himself, forcing his eyes shut and biting down on the inside of his cheek, before pinching his arm, anything to get his mind off of the site of Mikoto's chest.

"Cian…?" Bell whispered, shaking his shoulder. "Cian?!"

"Ahhh yes, I forgot, you were with Scathach, another brilliant beauty," Lord Hermes said, a bit of longing in his voice. "Yes, not only the most noble of goddesses, but one of the most beautiful! Tall, slender, brilliant, sturdy figure, with a chest that rivaled-."

"Please… please stop…" Cian whispered, now that image of his goddess naked from last year coming back. He felt lightheaded. "Please… please no more."

"Cian!" Bell said, turning to Lord Hermes, trying to grab the god's arm. "Lord Hermes we need to leave! Come on let's-."

"Whoopsie!" Lord Hermes said, moving out of the way.

"AHHHHHHHHH!" Bell screamed, plummeting towards the water.

"BELL!" Cian yelled, turning around.

Bell had fallen off the branch, and when Cian went to grab him with his one good arm, Bell managed to grab onto him but he had already fallen and his moment pulled Cian downwards.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Both of them screamed at once, both plummeting down towards the water.

Cian heard shocked voices, and people splashing about in the water, as he spun mid-air and saw Bell doing the same. Before he knew it, he hit the water, his sling got wet and right away fell off. He winced at the pain as he fell underwater, his outfit now drenched, but it didn't hurt bad enough to distract him from what happened when he resurfaced.

"Ughh… my head," Cian whispered to himself, rubbing it. "I'm gonna get that god back I swear-."

He stopped… when his elbow bumped into someone. He felt hot, smooth skin, and when he touched them, his entire nervous system shut down. Goosebumps ran up his arms despite how nice and pleasantly hot the water was. He didn't want to move; he didn't dare look up.

Until she talked. "C…Cian?!"

Cian choked, and slowly looked up, his chest exploding. "M…Mikoto?!"

He saw Chigusa hiding behind a rock, but he had only come inches from falling right on top of Mikoto. She looked at him, with her face completely flushed, her wet black hair fell down her shoulders, with one part of it looping over her eye, her pretty purplish-blue eyes were wide as dinner plates, and both of them in that moment only stuttered and choked over their words.

And of course, her boobs were only inches from his face.

"I… I… I'm… um…" Cian stuttered, still not moving.

His chest erupted, and for the first time in his life, he was speechless just from how beautiful he found someone. With Uathach, he'd still been able to talk and move… but now, he forgot how words were formed.

NOOO STOP IT! YOU'RE STARING AT HER BOOBS YOU PERV! He screamed at himself, and that finally got him to move.

Mikoto still didn't say anything, only following him with her eyes. Cian stuttered again. "I… I'm so… sorr-."

"Ooooooo look at that Mr. Lancer is here too!" An excited voice said behind him. "Aw Cian, did you come to join in the fun too with Mr. Argonaut?"

"HUH?!" Cian said, spinning back around.

The minute he did, behind him, he heard Mikoto rush for cover behind the rock with Chigusa. Cian turned and looked to see he wasn't very far away from where Bell landed, Lady Hestia standing in front of him with a smile on her face, she turned and saw Cian, and right away Cian yelled, and tried to cover his eyes.

"Cian?!" His new goddess said. "Now that is certainly a surprise!"

"Master Cian?! You too?!" Lillie said, sounding outraged as she covered her chest.

"Aww don't be mad at them!" Tiona said, and suddenly the amazon's face, and boobs were inches from Cian's face. "They just wanted to join the fun with us! How sweet, awww look and them blush! You could have asked-."

"NO! Cian don't look!" A voice said, and Cian felt hand clamp around his eyes.

"AGHHHHH!" He yelled as the world became black.

"Lefiya! Look at you being territorial, it's so adorable!" Tiona said, as Cian felt a pair of boobs pressing against his back.

"No! I'm not being territorial at all!" Lefiya said, pressing her hands down on Cian's eyes harder. "Cain is clearly here by accident! He shouldn't be looking at everyone naked it's not right!"

"She's right!" Cian heard Mebd said, before someone else pressed against his back.

"ARGHH Mebd!" Cian yelled, as for a second he saw light, before what he assumed was Mebd's hand clamped down on his other eye.

"Cian shouldn't be looking at anyone right now!" Mebd said definitively, echoing Lefiya.

Oh, NOW they agree on something?! Cian thought.

"Get off of him! He's my child, and if him and my dear sweet Bell want to look at boobs they can!" Lady Hestia said, before he felt hands pried off his eyes.

Now, Lady Hestia's boobs were inches from his face as well.

"GAHH!" Cian yelled, falling to his left, right into Bell, now they two of them were shoulder to shoulder.

"Cian! Are you okay?!" He asked, pulling him up.

Cian groaned, his mind a complete jumble. He heard Lady Hestia arguing with Lefiya and Mebd, Tiona, and Tione laughing, but in front of him was still everyone of the friends he'd come to know completely naked.

"I… I'm fine," He said, grabbing Bell by the shoulders. "Come on, let's-."

"B…Bell?" A voice said.

Cian and Bell's, along with everyone else's head spun like a top. Cian liked to say for sure, he knew he wasn't in love with the Sword Princess, but that didn't stop his jaw from dropping.

Ais stood just in front of the waterfall, her golden hair down her back, completely naked as well.

"Bell…?" Cian said, looking over at his friend, who now like Cian, had a small bit of blood trickling from his nose.

"BELL NO!" Lady Hestia said, rushing through the water. "Don't look!"

"I… I… I'M SORRYYYYYYYYY!" Bell said, getting up and seeming to run on the top of the water itself, straight into the forest.

Cian panicked. "Bell wait! Don't leave me here-."

"C…Cian…?" Mebd's voice said, and he spun around to see her and Lefiya both standing there with their arms across their chest. The red-haired girl slowly shook her head. "I… I suppose if… if you had really wanted to-."

"No! No, I'm not like that I swear!" Cian said, waving his hands in front of his face.

He gulped, more panic setting in, now they all surrounded him, and every second he looked, every second he could feel Lady Scathach's wrath.

"Awww, Mr. Argonaut left," Tiona said, before smiling at looking at him. "But you… Cian? Did you come down here to join us? I'd be happy too-."

"No! It… it was an accident I… I…" He started stuttering, before he looked to the right… and saw Mikoto looking at him from behind the rock.

Suddenly, her body was all that came to his mind, and his face went red.

"Cian?" Lady Hestia said, putting the back of her hand on his forehead. "You're burning up, are you sure you're not sick still? What are you even…"

And when Cian saw Lady Hestia's eyes go over to Mikoto, Cian felt his brain explode.

"I… I…" He said, his face going red before shooting to his feet. "I'M SORRY TOOOOOOOOO!"

And he took off in the opposite direction of Bell, straight into the forest.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Oh man they're going to think I'm a perve! I didn't stop staring what's wrong with me?! He cursed himself as he ran through the woods, shaking his head. M…Mikoto's going to hate me! She's going to think I'm... wait... why am I only worried about her?! I should be worried about all of them thinking I'm like that!

Cian had completely forgotten about his arm, which was now without a sling. His elbow ached quite a bit, but he didn't think it would be too much of a problem. It was pumping perfectly fine with his arm as he ran through the trees, trying to be as far away from that pond as possible. Bell had ran in somewhat the same direction, and Cian had a half a mind to smack him for leaving him there alone. Still, he couldn't blame her, although the circumstances made him think hard.

Bell had run away because he saw Ais, Bell was in love with Ais. Cian had ran away after seeing… Mikoto, did that mean anything? If they loved them… wouldn't they have stayed? He had no idea what to make of any of it, all he knew was that he was embarrassed, and the next time he saw Mikoto, Lefiya, Mebd any of them it would be hard to look them in the eye. Lady Hestia didn't seem to care, so Cian thought maybe he could go to her.

I… want to see my status anyway, I'll go see her after I settle down, Cian thought, breathing heavily, hands on his knees when he finally came to a stop. He had no idea how long he'd been running or in which direction but finding his way out of the forest was something he had learned even before joining Lady Scathach. He looked up, and took in his surroundings, realizing that he had run so fast he had quite literally dried himself off.

"Thank the gods…" He said, walking through the trees towards a clearing he saw. "I can't believe Lord Hermes… I should find… huh?"

He had walked through the clearing, towards another lake. The new one he found, was surrounded by trees, the water was still and calm, no waterfalls, or rocks between, just crystal-clear blue water. It would have been calming for Cian, had someone not been there bathing.

"R…Ryuu…." He said, not realizing at first he'd walked past the treeline.

He'd heard plenty of stories about elves, most revolved around how beautiful they were. Even Ms. Eina, who was only a half-elf but was still beautiful, of course there was Lefiya as well, and thinking about her, her naked form suddenly came to his mind. Lefiya was one of the prettiest people he knew, she was a pureblooded elf.

But Ryuu… she was different, mesmerizing. While he'd been embarrassed seeing the others… he couldn't move when he saw Ryuu. She was the same height as Cian, long, slender, she cleaned herself in the water, and Cian felt transfixed for a moment, her blonde hair falling just down past her ears. It was when she went to turn, that was when Cian realized that he was staring, and shame washed over him. He went to move, but stepped on a discarded branch, letting out a distinct snap sound.

The water churned, he looked and saw Ryuu spin around, her eyes narrowing. "Who's there?!"

She threw what Cian thought was a hairbrush rock. He stood as it missed his head by inches, hitting the tree trunk so hard it took out a massive chunk of it. Cian looked horrified behind him, realizing how closed he'd been to having half of his face smashed off.

After that, Ryuu met his eyes, her eyes went wide for a minute, and so did Cian's his chest ready to collapse in on itself. He didn't know what to do, didn't know what to say, so he did the only thing he could do, he dropped to the ground and closed his eyes.

"I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY RYUU!"

Cian didn't see her, but he heard her stammering. "C…Cian? What…?"

He dared to look up for a second. He'd never seen Ryuu as anything but calm, collected, and confident… but now, he saw something foreign.

Her face was red.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"I see, that certainly sounds like Lord Hermes," Ryuu said, picking up more flowers into her arm. She turned back to Cian and even had a small smile on her face. "Have you managed to find Mr. Cranel?"

Cian was still stiff. Ryuu thankfully had listened to him, and even seemed ready to laugh at his expense. After he closed his eyes, and hid behind a tree, she'd gotten dressed back into her adventuring gear, and now looked like the Ryuu he was used to seeing. The delicate, small smile she got when she was happy, the little bit of stride to her step. He followed her explaining, while she for some reason had been gathering flowers in her arms. Still, Cian hadn't had a chance to talk to her yet since she'd gotten down there, and he was happy to finally have a moment with her.

He also wanted to be sure everyone was done their bath before he went back, thankfully he was able to actually look at Ryuu despite having just seen all of her body.

"No, I haven't yet…" He said, biting his lip as she turned from him. "I'm really, really sorry Ryuu! I… I just didn't-."

"Cian, I told you it's okay," She said, turning back to him, a calm smile on her face. "And I don't think you'll have to apologize to the others too. I think some wouldn't even mind a bit that you saw them… particularly that girl from the Morrigan familia."

"Mebd…?" Cian asked, seeing the shift in Ryuu's mood. He remembered something he wanted to thank her for. "Thank you Ryuu… for being understanding with her. It was hard for me too, but… Lady Scathach used to say, everyone deserves a chance to make right."

Hypocrite, he told himself, knowing full well he didn't believe that to its fullest.

No, some people wouldn't get that chance, not if he could help it.

Ryuu sighed and turned to him with the flowers in her arms. "It's good, that you can be so forgiving like that… but still, be careful. You don't know what else they could be planning… if someone is willing to work with Evilus… they'll do horrible things to achieve their goals."

Cian's eyes widened at her tone. "But Mebd wasn't with them then! She didn't even-."

"I know, which is why I can let her join us," She said, turning back around as they walked through the forest. "Perhaps I'll even be able to forgive her one day… but she hurt you, it'll take me a while before I forget about that."

Cian wanted to object again, but he couldn't, because all he could do was get a bit red, feel his chest thump harder. Ryuu cared about him that much?

"Thank you… again Ryuu," He said, coming to her side. "For coming down here for me again. I promise that one day… I'll be the one who saves you."

Cian had wanted to sound cool and heroic, but in reality he probably sounded ridiculous. He felt embarrassed, but thankfully Ryuu only smiled at him.

"I'll hold you to that, but remember I come for you… because you're my friend, I care about you, Cian," She said, a bit slower, as if she was the embarrassed one. "Besides, I was going to come down here myself soon anyway, this just gave me another reason."

He realized they passed through the trees and came up to a clearing. He stopped as Ryuu kept walking, and in front of them was a massive mound of dirt and sand. Old, rusted weapons, swords, staves, axes, spears, and an old flapping banner decorated it. Cian recognized what it was, even in Ulster they made burial mounds like this, of course, it was reserved for chiefs and other high-ranking officials or war heroes. Most people in Ulster were burned, with their weapons and most precious earthly possessions, so that when their souls went to the Otherworld, they had all the things they loved in life as well.

He had gone with Ryuu… to a grave, and just seeing it, it made Cian's chest ache.

Did… Lord Nuada, or any of the other Tuatha Danann gather everyone's bodies? Are they in the Otherworld with each other now? He wondered, realizing he hadn't thought about the bodies of his former mentors, his former family until now. Lady Scathach of course wasn't dead, instead of dying, gods and goddesses were sent back to heaven. It gave him some solace, he liked to think Lady Scathach was watching him from the world of the gods… but what about Chu, Diarmuid, Finn, Fergus and Uathach?

"Ryuu…?" Cian asked, coming up behind her. "This… is a grave memorial."

He was stating the obvious, but he couldn't think of anything else to say.

"It is… you have things like these in Ulster, yes?" Ryuu asked, placing flowers near each other weapons.

And that was when Cian realized where they were.

"We do… when a great adventurer, chief, or hero dies, all of their possessions are gathered," He said, walking and kneeling next to her. He gently grabbed some of the flowers and helped her spread them around evenly around the grave. "After that, if they were part of a familia, they're put in that memorial with them, but before that, their memorial stays in town for a few days, so everyone can come and pay their last respects."

"And… and you burn your dead after that, right?" Ryuu said, her voice low, as she looked at Cian spreading helping her spread flowers. "What… what do they believe happens after you die in Ulster?"

"Well, we burn our dead so their spirit can get sent to the Otherworld, it's the place where we believe we all go after death," Cian explained, on his knees, as he and Ryuu looked at each other. "In the Otherworld, we drink, feast, and spend eternity with those we loved in life. That's why most times, people's possessions are burned with them, so they can have them in the Otherworld…. It's said to be a place of eternal peace and happiness."

"And everyone goes there?" Ryuu asked, looking back at the memorial. "Even those who commit horrible acts?"

Cian shook his head. "No, those who aren't worthy of the Otherworld, are sent to the Ghost Plain, where you wonder around aimlessly in a field of pale ghost grass for eternity."

"That sounds horrible…" She said, turning back to him. "Do you believe all of that?"

Cian scoffed and smiled; he'd been asked that before. "I believe there's no point in speculating. If it's real, it's real, if not, it's not. Chu… Chu used to say, that you shouldn't do good deeds in life just for the prospect of going to some eternal paradise after death."

He looked to Ryuu and smiled. "He said that good heroes don't care about becoming legends… because they just do what's right anyway."

The words struck a chord in him. How did he know what he was doing was right? Had he made the right choice in not giving the spear to Connla? Was his thirst to see the Morrigan Familia dead the right choice? Cian had no idea, all he knew, was he couldn't give up on what goals had gotten him to this point. So, he'd do what he thought was right, no matter the cost. Whether he ended up in the Otherworld, or Ghost Plains for it, he didn't care.

Ryuu was taken aback for a moment, but then smiled at him. "You continue to surprise me… Cian."

Cian's chest thumped with one large beat, and he chuckled nervously. "Ha it… it's really nothing, I'm just a bi-product of Chu and everyone else."

"That's a good thing…" Ryuu said, meeting Cian's eyes and gesturing towards the flowers. "You didn't have to help me. You don't even know who these people are."

"I know, but they were important to you," He said, standing up and holding his hand to her. "I can see it, and that's enough for me."

Again, Ryuu didn't seem to know what to say. She looked at Cian's hand, and smiled, before gently taking it. Just like whenever he touched her, a jolt went up his body as she took it and stood. Cian felt something shaking inside him, as she smiled, before sighing and looking back at the memorial mound again, gently touching the hilt of one of the swords.

"I don't deserve your kindness… truly I don't," She said softly, before meeting his eyes again, a sad look to them. "But… thank you."

"Ha… you're welcome," He said, rubbing his head, looking to the grave. "So, who's here?"

"I don't know if they're here now but… this is a memorial like you have in Ulster," She said, her voice straining as she talked. "This… is the grave of my comrades, my old familia. I take time off to come and leave flowers here at least once a month."

Cian wracked his brain, and he could never remember Ryuu talking about what familia she once belonged too. All he knew was that she was an adventurer, and after seeing her fight, he knew she was a powerful one, one he respected, one he wanted to be like.

But seeing her now, the sad smile on her face, the vulnerability… it reminded him of himself.

"I… I'm so, sorry Ryuu," He said, only a few inches from her as they looked at the discarded weapons. "I… know how you feel, it seems we're much more alike than I once thought."

"In some ways… but very different in others," She said, slowly turning to look at him. "Cian… I want to tell you what happened. Nobody knows, except for Syr, and Mama Mia, I've never told anyone else before."

Cian's heart pounded. "Okay… is it what happened?"

She nodded and turned back to the mound. "I… was a member of the Astraea Familia. We were a mid-sized familia, made up entirely of young girls, as per Lady Astraea's wishes. That… that was the first time I'd ever let someone willingly touch my skin… Alise…."

Ryuu…. Cian thought, the mere sight of Ryuu speaking in such a way stirring something deep inside his chest. He was quiet, he knew that especially during something like this, it'd be rude to interrupt. Ryuu slowly shook her head and turned to him with a small smile.

"You're…. one of only four people I've ever let touch my skin," She said, turning back to the mound, luckily she didn't see him blush. Her face fell when she did. "We were up and coming, we had eight adventurers at least level 4."

"That's amazing," Cian said, trying to cheer her up. "You all sound seriously great. Lady Scathach like to keep things small, Uathach and Fergus were level 5, but as close to six as you can be."

She smiled at him, a small smile, Ryuu's lips only ever tilted upwards, not stretched, but Cian didn't mind that, he found it breathtaking.

"You always seem to smile when you talk about them," She commented, before turning to the weapons and flowers again. "And… they were my first real taste of having a family. But… but one day, we wondered down into the dungeon in the fight against Evilus."

"Evilus, they're the group of familias who tried to take control of Orario… the group that Morrigan and her familia joined," Cian said.

"Yes… I remember seeing Scathach come, we thought ourselves invincible with her helping us," She said, before shaking her head. "But… we were wrong. We… wondered into a trap that was set by another familia, and… and I was the only survivor."

Do I ever know how that feels… Ryuu, Cian thought, that day coming back to him as he heard the story now from her. He still didn't remember everything, the days leading up to the quest, everything that happened in the cave and fight against the Fomorians exactly. It had been coming back to him in small bits.

The only reminder he had were the burn scars across his chest.

"Then I was right… we are alike," He said, sighing as he shook his head. "Do… you still see it too?"

"Every night… that's why I don't sleep much," Ryuu said, meeting his eyes and walking away from the grave. She stopped after Cian followed her a few steps, looking down at the ground, her fists balled and shaking. "So… after surviving, I hunted them down."

The words hunted them down sounding like dragging a knife along stone.

"I hunted and killed every single member of the familia who set that trap, all of them," She said, shaking her head. "Poison, traps, regular assassinations, I used every method at my disposal, and hunted them down one by one like animals."

Cian didn't say what he wanted to say, he didn't know if it was appropriate then.

Those bastards… the ones who did this to Ryuu's familia… they deserved it, just like every member of the Morrigan familia does.

"As a result… I was blacklisted by the Guild, The Gale Wind, Ryuu Lyon became a wanted criminal," She went on, slowly turning back to him. "Only after I had killed the last of them, did I collapse one day. Sapped of every last bit of my strength, I collapsed in the road… and I meet someone else who finally extended a hand to me. A girl with grey hair and eyes, extended a hand to a murderer like me."

That was what Cian had always assumed had happened. He had learned from Mama Mia Ryuu was the most recent of her employees, and Syr had been the one to get her the job. Cian kept Ryuu's eyes, and slowly shook his head.

One question burned his mind… and his head fell to the ground beneath him, anger slowly rising up his body, apprehension, tension, he let out a shaky sigh.

"Ryuu… was it worth it?" Cian asked, shaking his head. "Was… killing them worth it? Is that what you were talking about… when I asked if you ever had something you had to do? Would you do it again?"

Ryuu was silent, but her face slowly went back to a line. Cian looked up and met her eyes, she didn't break contact with him.

And she nodded. "Yes… I would do it again. I'd do it a hundred times over. As for if it was worth it? I can't tell you. But to me… it was justice."

Justice. Was that why he wanted the Morrigan Familia dead? Was it to make sure they didn't harm anyone else? To stop their evil deeds? Or was it just to try and make himself feel better about what had happened with Lady Scathach and the others? He didn't know the answer.

Before he could say anything, Ryuu made him nearly jump. She walked over to him, her face not far from his, and reached down, grabbing his hands.

"The fact that I don't know… is why I know this is true," She said, looking directly into his eyes while his entire body tingled. "I'm nothing but a murderous, blood thirsty elf… who brings nothing but misfortune to those she associates with."

"What…?!" Cian said, his stomach and chest lurching. "Ryuu, how could you say-."

"You say we're alike… Cian, but we're not," She said, smiling, her lips tugging up as she met his eyes, she shook her head again. "You… you're so much better than I was. You're kind, tenacious, dedicated... you have everything that a true hero should have. Me…? I chose a path of blood, violence, and murder, but you? You're so.. so good, which is why for your benefit… it'd be best for you to end your association with me. I'll bring you nothing but despair. I enjoy our time together, but for your-."

"No!" Cian said, his chest exploding. "Stop it, stop talking like that!"

"Huh…?" Ryuu said, a shot of red rushing to her face as he gripped her hands tighter and got closer to her, she slowly shook her head. "C…Cian?"

He didn't know what had come over him… all he knew was that she was wrong.

"Stop saying those things about yourself, because none of them are true!" He told her, not leaving her eyes as he shook his head. "So many horrible things have happened to me in the last few months, so… so many."

He felt his eyes sting as he shook his head. "But… but coming to Orario? Joining Lady Hestia's Familia, meeting Bell, Lillie, Welf, the Loki Familia, Mikoto everyone else, all of those things have been amazing but… but one of the best things that happened to me, was meeting you Ryuu!"

Her mouth opened and closed, trying to form words. "C…Ci-."

"You're a good person, one of the best I know, one of my best friends, I care about you!" He said, shaking his head with tears filling his cheeks now. "So, I won't let anyone put you down, even yourself! I don't care what you think! I won't let you tell me after everything we've been through, that… that I should just throw it all away because you don't realize what a great person you are!"

He breathed heavy, his chest rising and falling.. before he realized, he was only a few inches from Ryuu's face now, and still gripping onto her hands. His eyes went wide, and all the things he said started flooding his mind.

And… he didn't care, even if it may have been embarrassing, everything he said had been the truth.

Ryuu took a moment to digest what she heard. Cian watched as her blue eyes explored his face, they were the same color as his, he always enjoyed that. Finally, after a few moments, she smiled and squeezed his hands, meeting his eyes, and smiling.

"You… really are kind," She said, before reaching forward, and hugging around his neck. "Thank you… Cian."

Cian's body went stiff… but this time it didn't take him long to hug her back.

"You…your welcome," He said slowly, squeezing around her waist. "So… you aren't going to ignore me now… right?"

"I don't think you'd let me," She said, smiling as she pulled back, turning her back to him, and still smiling over her shoulder. "Come on… let's get back, you should re-sling your arm."

All the adrenaline Cian had felt over the last hour disappeared when he looked down at his left elbow. It still had a distinct black and blue coloring, and when he went to bend it, he winced and grabbed it towards his body.

"You… you're probably right," Cian sighed, looking at Ryuu as she smiled and gestured for him to follow.

She was smiling… that made him smile.

But in the back of his mind, he was apologizing to her.

I'm sorry Ryuu… but you're wrong. We really are exactly alike.

Mebd he could forgive and had forgiven, he understood how she had been manipulated, and taken advantage of, but the rest of them? No, they all knew what they were doing.

I… I'm really not like they all think… because when the time comes… I'm going to kill them, every single member of your familia… and then you, I don't care if you're a goddess, or how mortal of a sin it is… Morrigan.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Okay Cian, let's see!" Lady Hestia said, pulling the paper off his back and smiling as she looked it over. Her eyes got wide, and she smiled at him. "This is amazing Cian! I've never seen anything like this, I don't think anyone's stats have ever gone up this high in one dungeon expedition! Well, I suppose you did go through a lot, killing the Floor Boss was sure to have gotten you extra points, here take a look!"

Cian pulled his shirt down as Lady Hestia crawled off his back and handed him the paper.

Cian Mac Gallagher

Level 2

Strength I 97 F 475

Endurance I 98 F 489

Dexterity H 101 E 513

Agility I 99 E 527

Magic I 76 F 421

Magic: Lightning Spear, Rune Tracking, Elemental Rune Weapons

Skills: Lightning Rod, agility is doubled when in contact with lightning.

Lady Hestia's right this… this is completely unheard of, I won't complain but… Cian thought, biting at his lip as he looked at the paper. Why wasn't he satisfied?

"Huh? Cian, what's wrong?" Lady Hestia said, crossing her legs next to him. She tilted her head. "Is this about you seeing us all bathing? I told you it's okay, Hermes tricked-."

Cian choked on his own spit, dropping the paper, and waving his hands. "No! No, it's not that really! Well… well I am embarrassed, but that's not it!"

Lady Hestia giggled, but then looked up at him concerned again. "Okay… then what is it? I thought you'd be excited."

"I am, really I… I just…" He said, looking down at his stats again, and sighing before dropping the paper in front of him. "It's not good enough…."

After getting back to the camp with Ryuu, she'd dropped Cian off with Lefiya who fretted over him with Mebd. Mebd still seemed to be scared of Ryuu, and after making sure Cian was okay, retreated to be with Asfi and Lord Hermes, who sported a new hand mark on his cheek. Lefiya had re-slung his left elbow, tighter this time so it didn't come off. After that he'd made his way to see Lady Hestia, asking her to update his status. He wanted to talk about… other things too, but right now, as he looked at his stats, all he could feel was disappointment.

Even if this was the fastest recorded growth by any adventurer… it still wasn't good enough for him. Bell he knew was stronger then he was, and if Connla came that next day he'd be dead. If Connla, Morrigan and her familia, the Fomorians, if any of them attacked, he wouldn't be strong enough to protect everyone... again.

And just like last time he'd lose his familia.

Lady Hestia sighed and scooted closer to him. They sat on her bedroll in her tent, Cian had the Gae Bulg leaning against the corner, he'd wanted to at least try the kata again later with one hand… and he also really wanted to go and see Mikoto again and learn more about wielding a sword. He also… wanted to see her, to see if he could face her now.

However, as he looked at his stats, all he could do was be disappointed. If even killing a floor boss didn't get him the results he wanted, what would? The answer was simple after he thought about it.

He simply hadn't been working hard enough.

"Oh Cian… what am I going to do with you mhmm?" Lady Hestia said, and Cian nearly jumped, when she reached up and gently rubbed her hand through his hair.

He froze for a moment, blushing and feeling goosebumps run up his arm. Looking down at Lady Hestia, she smiled so sweetly, so calmly, Cian's heartbeat slowed, and he found himself able to breath again. His headache left him, and all he could do was look at his new goddess mystified.

"What… do you mean?" He asked her.

She giggled and kept gently stroking his hair, sitting like that she didn't have to reach very high. She kept smiling the entire time and shook her head.

"How am I going to protect you from yourself I wonder…?" She asked, shaking her head. "Screw the monsters, or Morrigan familia, you'll drop dead yourself before any of them beat you!"

"What…?" He asked, his face getting redder. "I… I'm not working hard enough! Lady Hestia, what if Connla comes tomorrow?! What if the Fomorian's attack again?! I have to be ready to-."

"Yes I know, you feel you as if it's your responsibility to protect us all," She said, finally putting her hands in her lap. "You think since you turned down Connla's offer to hand over the spear, that if he or the Fomorians attack now… it's your fault."

"That's because it is…" He said in a small voice, pulling his knees to his chest, looking at the status sheet on the ground. "I… won't let him, or Morrigan hurt another familia. I couldn't do anything last time and… and if that were to be the case again I… I-. Huh?!"

He stopped when he felt arms around his neck. Lady Hestia had gotten up, and hugged around his neck, leaning her chest against his back, her head over his shoulder. She smiled, eyes closed as she just hugged him for a moment… and all of Cian's troubles seemed to melt away from the warmth of it. He shakily sighed as a tear came out. Despite saying the words hadn't bothered him… what Bete told him earlier had rung true in his brain.

He only had been strong so far thanks to the Gae Bulg, and everyone else. He'd never protect anyone in his current state.

"You remind me so much of a young Setanta, Cian," She said, still hugging him from behind but moving her head to look at him. "He was a year younger then you when he first joined Scathach. I'm sure you're familiar with Scathach's initiation to join her familia yes? And how Setanta was the first to pass?"

"Of course, I do…" He said, a smile coming to his face. "To join Lady Scathach officially, you need to last five minutes in combat against her. For years people tried to join, tried to face off against her, they always charged right at her, eager to prove themselves. But… but Chu he…"

"Setanta just stood there when the timer started," Lady Hestia finished. "I remember Scathach telling me. She was so stunned he didn't attack right away like the others. She asked why he wasn't, and after he explained things… there was only two minutes left, and after that time passed, he became Scathach's first adventurer."

"He knew he couldn't beat her, so he found a loophole. 'You said I had to last five minutes, you didn't say I had to fight' he said," Cian said smiling now, still hugging his knees. "I used to love hearing him tell that story… I always felt bad since I never had to do that initiation."

"But you're just like Setanta back then Cian," Lady Hestia said, leaning against him.

"You… really mean it?" Cian asked her, his heart thumping slowly.

She nodded. "Yes, I'll never forget Scathach first bringing Setanta to see me. Just like you… he put so much pressure on himself. He was the first adventurer of the Scathach familia, so naturally he felt it. And just like you, he worked himself to the bone. Scathach told me he'd often find him past out in the mud with his spear still in hand, snoring away."

"That… that sounds like him," Cian said, trying to imagine the older, wise, calm Chu Chulainn, as a young boy like him.

"Yes… and it nearly killed him, because one day-."

"One day… he and Lady Scathach were in the end mountains," Cian said, remembering the story now. "Chu was so tired from his training, he was dizzy and lost his footing against an owlbear, it cut him across the cheek, and he had a scar for the rest of his life. Lady Scathach she-."

"She killed the owlbear and had to carry him on her back to camp," Lady Hestia said, smiling as she came back to his side and met his eyes. "I'm a bit small Cian, so please, don't make me have to try and carry you on my back okay?"

Cian stifled a laugh, as she smiled at him still. Seeing her happy eyes, hearing her words… he understood what she was trying to tell her. And… somehow it worked. His breathing had returned to normal; he felt his heartbeat calm down.

Most importantly… he was thankful. Still, he looked at his status paper and couldn't help but frown again. After this, Lady Hestia put her white gloved hand over his.

"Don't work yourself to the point you can't fight Cian, to the point where you become your own biggest obstacle," She said, meeting his eyes and nodding with certainty in her smile. "I know you and Bell are going to do amazing things together. I believe in you, just like Scathach and Setanta believed in you, so believe in yourself, okay?"

He did believe in himself, he truly did… but sometimes, he felt it slip. It had happened a lot, when he was surrounded by so many brilliant heroes in Scathach's familia, it happened now for the same exact reason.

But each time Lady Scathach had been there to pick him back up… and Lady Hestia so far had done the same. He was thankful for it. All he ever seemed to do around her was be calm, and while he had already known, she confirmed again, that he was exactly where he needed to be.

"Thanks Lady Hestia… I'm sorry for bothering you with this," He said, getting to his feet, and summoning the Gae Bulg over to his good hand.

Lady Hestia smiled and shook her head. "No Cian don't apologize. Now, why don't you go find Bell? The Loki Familia should be moving out soon, I bet you don't wanna miss it."

"You're right, I should say goodbye to Finn, and Lefiya," He said, before he felt his face get hot, as he looked down at Lady Hestia, the question coming back to his mind. "Um… there was actually one more thing Lady Hestia…"

"Huh, what is it Cian?" She asked him.

STOP! Stop thinking about them, stop thinking about her boobs you perv! He yelled at himself, as despite seeing everyone naked that day… all he could think about was one person.

"Um.. about um… what happened at the river earlier," He said, his face as red as his spear. He looked down at the ground and kicked a small pebbled. "Um… I was… wondering if… if you could tell me how… how I… I well… how I-."

"Is this about you staring at Mikoto's boobs and not being able to speak? I'll admit Cian, I thought that you and Ryuu were already a thing," Lady Hestia said with a shrug. "But she said you weren't, and I mean it's obvious you have a bit of a crush on Mikoto, you couldn't stop staring at her-."

"I wasn't staring! I wasn't, I swear!" Cian said, shaking his head and covering his red face. "I… I just well… I… I didn't-."

"And do you really think I don't know you and her got sick after doing something in the water together?" She said, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, you boys are so dense, you both getting sick at the same time couldn't have been a coincidence!"

"You knew?!" Cian shouted incredulously.

Lady Hestia smirked and winked. "Well, if I didn't I know now!"

"I… I didn't mean… I… oh man…" Cian said, his head falling again. "I… I just for some reason I… I just can't stop thinking about well… her!"

"Well from how you looked at her boobs, that's a safe bet."

"Lady Hestia!" Cian said, pleading now and shaking his head. "I didn't mean too-."

She laughed and shook her head. "Hahaha, I'm sorry I couldn't resist. I don't know what the problem is Cian. Do you like her?"

Cian's brain started hurting again. Did he? He had only talked to Mikoto a few times, he talked to Lefiya, Ryuu, Mebd, even someone like Lillie or Naaza more, did he like them too?

"I…I don't know!" Cian said, sighing and slumping his shoulders. "I… I don't know how to tell if I do or not. I never really… well learned about most of that stuff. There wasn't much of a chance in my village, and well… Diarmuid-."

"Stop right there! If you turn out to be half the perv Diarmuid was I'll be very disappointed in you!" She said, seeming eerily similar to Lady Scathach in that moment. After that, she smiled, hands on her hips as she patted Cian's shoulder, and he raised his head. She shook hers. "You'll know when you like someone Cian, believe me, it's… just an intrinsic, natural feeling."

"Well… Diarmuid said something similar…." He said, not knowing if he should have.

She sighed and shook her head. "Boys… all of you are clueless I swear. Thankfully for you, Mikoto had made it painfully obvious she thinks your cute already."

"What?!" Cian said, his heartrate quickening. "You mean it?!"

"Course I do, she hasn't stopped looking at you," Lady Hestia said, as if it were obvious. "Plus, she asked me plenty of questions on the way down here."

The hair on Cian's arms stood up. "She… did?"

Lady Hestia nodded. "Mhm, sure did! Now… why don't you go and talk to her after seeing off the Loki familia? Like I said, you'll know if you like her or not, you'll just… feel it!"

"I'll just feel it… okay, okay I'll look out for it!" He said, feeling more determined. He bowed to his goddess. "Thank you Lady Hestia! I'll… wait… Lady Hestia… what… what's that smell? It… smells nice but… a little weird-."

"IT'S NOTHING!" She suddenly said, her eyes going wide as she pushed Cian towards the flap of her tent. "GO AND TALK TO MIKOTO FORGET YOU SMELLED ANYTHING GO!"

Cian was pushed out the tent flap, the last thing he could remember, an empty potion vial on Lady Hestia's table. Had… that been the perfume she'd bought in town earlier?

What was that for I wonder… oh, forget it Cian! Okay, remember… you'll… just know! He told himself, sucking in a deep breath and looking around to see indeed the Loki familia was cleaning up camp.

First, he'd say goodbye to Lefiya, and after that, maybe he would just feel it.

And if he didn't feel anything then… well it was a long walk back up from the dungeon, maybe it would come then.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"So, how long before you come back up?" Lefiya asked, her backpack slung over her shoulders. She smiled brightly at Cian, and it made him smile in return, she really did have an infectious smile.

"Probably tomorrow, I need my other arm back first," He said, waving his sling. "And it should be soon, thanks to you Dr. I'll pay you back however you want when I get back up to Orario."

Lefiya blushed and chuckled. "Oh… it was nothing. You… you saved me, it was the least I can do."

"No, you still helped me heal when I needed it," Cian insisted, enjoying the cool breeze against his hair. "Anything you want back up top, I promise."

"Ha… I'll hold you too that then," She said, letting out a breath and pointing her finger at him. "You better take care of yourself! Cian Mac Gallagher! I won't have my rival slacking on our contest!"

"I wouldn't dream of it," He said, smiling and holding up his good hand in a swear, leaning the Gae Bulg against his shoulder. "I'd expect less from my rival."

She blushed again and nodded, before turning to Cian's left. "And… well…I still don't like you very much!"

"But what did I do?!" Bell asked, seeming desperate now.

Lefiya pouted and ignored him, turning her back to him. "But… but you watch Cian's back okay? Make sure he doesn't overwork himself."

Cian chuckled, feeling a bit embarrassed as he looked to Bell. Bell sighed, before nodding and bumping Cian's arm with his elbow.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him," He promised.

Cian sighed… but it warmed his heart as he looked back to Lefiya. It's nice… having people who care about you.

It was something that he'd never take for granted. Growing up in the village basically alone… he knew what loneliness was like. When the elder was your only friend, it was easy for a young kid to be ostracized, and that was what happened to Cian. That was what happened especially after he almost unleashed a hellhound on the village.

The Scathach familia… that had been the first time he ever truly experienced what it was like to have love in his life… and now… it was everywhere. It was overwhelming at times, but he loved it.

"Good…. Ms. Ais I'll wait for you with others!" Lefiya said to the Sword Princess, before turning and smiling at Cian, waving to him as she ran towards the exit. "See you later Cian! Be careful!"

"I will, promise!" Cian said, waving back to her, watching her turn, and run away… and feeling sad.

His life was always more exciting when Lefiya was around. He didn't want to see her go… was this the feeling Lady Hestia talked about? He didn't know, and he didn't know why he wanted to feel it so bad. Before coming down here, he had thought about romance of course… but what had it been that got him thinking about it so much more now?

Maybe… it's seeing these two, he thought, looking at the Sword Princess smile at Bell, and seeing Bell smile just as brightly. He'd known Bell had strong feelings for Ais, Cian had covered for him while they trained together for over a week. He saw how he smiled around her, how she pushed him to work harder and become stronger.

And… he was jealous, he wanted to feel that way too, and he thought he did… for someone, he just wasn't sure who. But all he did know; was it was something he wanted to experience. Maybe it was because he thought he'd die in the fight against Morrigan's familia, and he wanted to experience it soon. He simply didn't know… but he'd find out soon, hopefully.

"So, you're feeling better now, you're certain?" Ais asked, meeting Bell's eyes.

Bell smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Yup, feeling a lot better now. Thank you again… Ms. Ais. We wouldn't have made it without you."

"He's right, I'd be dead without you, so thank you," Cian said, bowing to the Sword Princess.

Ais smiled and nodded. "You're welcome, it was nice meeting you too Cian. Finn says he'll be keeping an eye on you, I look forward to meeting you again."

"The same goes for me!" Cian said, grabbing the hand Ais extended and shaking it. "Thank you for everything Ais."

She nodded and turned back to Bell. "Well… it was very nice seeing you here Bell."

Bell's face got beat red. "You… you too, Ms. Ais!"

"Well… I'll be seeing the both of you," She said, her smile growing. "Take care of yourselves, until we meet again."

Cian waved to her, and Bell did the same, as the Sword Princess turned and walked to join the rest of her familia. In the distance, Cian saw her join up with Lefiya, before the two started walking out and up towards Floor 17. Finn had thanked him; they didn't have to fight Goliath on the way out now. Cian didn't feel like he should be thanked… because despite what most saw as a great accomplishment, it was all thanks to Loki Familia.

But one day Bell… we'll be the familia who saves everyone, he said, looking at Bell smiling next to him. Cian knew what it was like to be with a familia who saved people, a familia of true heroes who did what they thought was right. He hadn't fought much, never on the front line… but he'd never forget the thankful faces of families, villages, all the innocent people he'd seen Chu and the others save. The first thing he'd ask Lady Scathach, was for her to teach him to be a hero.

That's what he'd be.

But also… you'll get what you deserve, Morrigan.

Cian sighed and looked to Bell. "Sad to see her go?"

"Huh?!" Bell said, getting redder. "Well I… of course I am but it… it-."

"Haha, don't worry, I know," He said, groaning as he stretched out his arm. "So, what are you going to do now?"

Bell shook his head. "I'm not sure, I think I'll go and eat some lunch, then go see Goddess Hestia."

"I just left her tent, I bet she'd like to see you," He teased. Cian didn't know how to know when he was in love, but he could tell that Lady Hestia loved Bell. Biting his lip, he met his friends' eyes. "Um… Bell, have you seen Mikoto?"

"Huh. Ms. Mikoto," Bell said wonderingly. "I saw her not long ago near the lake training over that way."

He followed Bell's finger and bit his lip, his chest thumping hard again. It was the same lake they'd been at last night he was sure. So, determined now, he let out a sigh and nodded.

"Okay… I'm going to see her!" He said, gripping tighter to the Gae Bulg.

Bell looked at him confused. "Um… okay, but why? Do you need to talk to her?"

Cian choked on his words. "I… I don't know, I just need to join her!"

"Okay… well, I'll go see Lady Hestia," Bell said, smiling at him. "Later we can have dinner together."

Bell nodded and walked towards the tents, and Cian sighed, determination filling his mind.

"Okay… just… feel it!" He told himself, heading towards his tent to gather his armor and sword.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Mikoto

Mikoto had never trained worse in her life. She felt so sluggish, slow, despite not being sick suddenly too heavy for her. Her red shoulder pad was over her kimono, her belt was tied tight, and her bow lay a few feet away, she was determined to train in full armor, to try and do what she normally did on the surface.

But… for some reason she simply couldn't.

"What is wrong…" She said, sweat dripping down her forehead, as she slowly sat down, leaning her back against a large rock. She looked over the shore. "And… why did I come back here?"

It was the same place her and the Lancer of Red had met the night before. Right on this riverbank was where he'd lost his balance and fell, before splashing her, and before she had known they were both in the water. Of course, the idea of a relaxing soak was one of her favorite things in the world, but something about the night before had just felt more special to her…

"Well, he was a member of the Scathach familia! He worked his way up from orphan to hero in the strongest familia in Orario or Ulster!" Lady Hestia had told him, after she had asked for more information on the way down about the Lancer of Red. "He defeated a Fomorian, a monster that hasn't been seen for hundreds of years, a level 4 beast and level 1! He wields the Gae Bulg, which Scathach and Setanta always said, takes extreme will power and fortitude. He's tenacious, kind, and one of the hardest workers you'll ever meet!"

Mikoto could have guessed most of those things, particularly his strength and kindness. However, his sincerity, and heart had been two things she believed Lady Hestia had undersold. The idea he could forgive his enemy, in the girl Mebd, and forgive her and her familia for such a disgraceful action… it was something she greatly admired and didn't feel deserving off. He allowed her to call him his given name with no title in front of it, and every time he saw her, he always had a smile on his face.

And… has it been directed towards me? Do I dare to believe that? She asked, pulling her knees to her chest as she looked at the ground. The idea swirled in her head… before her face suddenly felt like it was on fire.

"Oh my gosh he… he saw me…" She said to herself, covering her hands across her chest. She'd been so engrossed by the pleasant soak in the river, she could barely move when he fell from the tree!

Asfi had insisted Cian and Bell had both been tricked by Lord Hermes… but that didn't mean the fact Cian had seen her bare chest wasn't true! It didn't make it any less embarrassing, especially since she hadn't said anything at all! All she had been able to do was flounder there, unable to move until his eyes had left her, why did she wait so long to move or even cover her chest?! He had seen every part of her, and….

"He… he didn't stop looking, and I didn't move!" She whispered, shooting to her feet as she began pacing. Her face was as red as her armor, and she patted both her cheeks, as a realization came to her. She stopped, hands on her cheeks. "Did… did I want him to see-."

"Mikoto!" A voice said, and it was followed by a rustling of the bushes before someone appeared. Mikoto turned and her eyes went wide, as she rapidly tried to pat her face now.

He… he came! He came here again like I did, did… did he think I would be here, did he come looking for me?! She thought, standing still as Cian breathed heavy, leaning with his one good arm on his red spear.

"Oh man, I've been sick and in bed for one day and I suddenly can't run," He said, sucking in a breath, before looking up at her. She saw a nervous smile… but an attractive one. He rubbed his hand against his head and met her eyes. "I've been looking for you."

He has?! She thought, quickly trying to think of a response. Calm yourself Mikoto! He's just a person, speak like you normally do.

But for a few seconds, all she could do was take in the state of him. The sun was slowly beginning to set, so his shadow casted tall to the side. He wore his black, padded long-sleeved undershirt, with light armor attached to it, it was black with red accents. She assumed the smith Welf must have made the armor for him, considering it looked similar to Bell's just with different colors. He wore sturdy looking black boots and had a red stone in the armguards of the armor. He still had his one arm in a sling, while at his side was his sheathed sword to go along with the spear he carried. His spear was a bit taller then he was, the long-ridged point gleaming in the sun, it had to be the most beautiful weapon Mikoto had ever seen. One odd thing she noticed as well, was that tied around his left arm in the sling, was a red scarf, with the black emblem of a raven stitched into it.

It was his face though that she looked at most. His blue eyes were sparkling in the light they had, and his black hair fell messily around his head, over the bandages still wrapped around his forehead.

"Um… Mikoto?" He asked again, and that finally made her move.

"Oh! Um, yes, sorry Mast… Cian," She said, remembering he liked to be called just by his given name. She shook her head as she met his eyes. "You… say you were looking for me? Why?"

He chuckled nervously and held out his spear. "Well, I wanted to train with you again. Chu used to say, training together helps you push each other to do better! You… did say you'd teach me more about using a sword right?"

Mikoto nearly jumped, she had remembered promising him that the night before. However, she knew he was such an advanced warrior, stronger then her, that he was only saying it to be courteous to her. She didn't think he'd really want her help.

But… he does? He really did wish to train with me, she thought, realizing that the thought made her very, very… happy. And she realized, she had hoped he was being serious, hoped that he'd come to ask her again. The previous night came to her mind, they hadn't really done any training but simply spending time with him, it made her chest skip beats.

"Of course," She said, smiling and bowing to him. "I'd be happy to teach you, although… I do think you're already stronger then me, I don't know why you'd come to me to train. I'm sure there's plenty who are more capable."

She truly wanted to know. He could have gotten more out of training, even simply sparring with Bell… but why her?

He stiffened, and she could see he was chewing the inside of his lip. His gaze fell down, and she saw him poking the ground with his spear.

"Oh well… I… I think you're overestimating me, really, without my spear I'm… really nothing," He said, sucking in a breath, seeming to try and gather courage. His head looked up and she was surprised when he met her eyes… and didn't seem nervous. "And also well… I only wanted to train with you. I asked you didn't I? I suppose well I… just wanted to see you."

See… me? She said in her head, as her lips gently opened. She waited for him to say anything else, but he didn't. He only smiled, seeming more and more nervous by the second when she didn't respond. She wanted to respond, to say thank you, to tell him she had hoped he would come to see her.

But she simply was speechless.

"I… well, I had fun, training last night even if it got us sick," He said, hastily. "So, what do you say? Will you still teach me?"

Mikoto let his words sink in, and on instinct… she smiled. Her chest was beating irregularly, but she found it soothing, and she found his smile soothing. The soothing feeling kept sinking in, until she let out a breath she'd been holding for the entire conversation.

She bowed again, and met his eyes, smiling as she did. "Of course, I will. I… I'm very happy you asked me. Truth be told, I was hoping that you would, I thought perhaps you'd still held a grudge and weren't serious when you asked."

He sighed but kept smiling. "I thought I told you, that's in the past I already forgot what it was you did!"

Her mouth fell open. "What?! How could you already-."

He laughed at her, and Mikoto realized he'd been trying to tell a joke. She looked at him as his head fell back and he continued laughing.

Mikoto liked the sound-no… she more then liked it, she really liked it, possibly even more then that.

"Hahaha… don't worry Mikoto," He said, meeting her eyes again. "I… I think I want to fight with you, to know you even better then I do now. Lady Scathach used to say, there's not better way for two people to grow closer, then training and fighting together"

Mikoto's smile only grew. She found it did that so far each time she'd talked to him. Each and every time, even when they only saw each other earlier. She remembered trying to help him find cures for their colds. It the girl Mebd and orange haired elf hadn't been crowding him… she could have liked to tour that town, walking together with him and everyone else.

She also could remember how annoyed she'd gotten when they crowded over him. Mikoto had wanted to drag them off him herself, didn't they realize he didn't belong to either of them?! To her knowledge, he wasn't in a relationship with either, so why had they been so close?

And… why did she care so much? She decided it didn't matter because she was the one alone with him now.

"Lord Takemikazuchi said something similar!" She said, her excitement rising by the minute. "I… I hope to fight with you more too Cian. If you wish to learn more about the ways of the sword, I'll be more then happy to help you. I also know you say you've forgiven me… but that isn't enough. I'm going to help you and your party in the dungeon, anything to make up for it!"

His face got a bit red, and he chuckled. "Ha… you don't have to do that Mikoto, really you-."

"And… and I believe it will give us more opportunities to train together!" Mikoto said, feeling her courage rise as she took a step closer, a nervous smile on her face now. "I… I find myself very excited at the idea, and I… don't know why, but I wish to do this with you… Cian."

Did I say too much? She wondered, as she looked up at his eyes. They looked nervous for a moment, but eventually they settled, and her met her gaze.

And then, started stuttering. "I… I feel the same way. But first Mikoto I… I want to… well…"

"Huh? What is it?" She asked, confused at his change in tone.

"Well, I… I need to apologize to you first," He said, taking a step back and dropping his spear. He met her eyes and then bowed down towards her. "I…. I… I'm sorry for falling into your bath!"

Mikoto's entire body froze, the memory of the event coming back to her, every single second. Her thoughts from right before he'd arrived came to the forefront of her mind.

Was… was he really looking at me?! And… did I want him to see me?! She thought, suddenly crossing her hands over her chest, and that only made Cian panic even more.

Her face as red as it could get she shook her head. "Oh… th…that?! It… it's really-."

"I don't want you to think that's the kind of person I am I'm sorry!" He said rapidly, shaking his head and staying bowed. "I'm not I swear! I… I'm sorry I stared at you! It's just I… I…"

Mikoto gulped, her ears hanging on every word.

"I… I just couldn't stop looking at you!" He said, still not looking at her now. "Because… because I… I… I think you're very, very… beautiful!"

Beautiful… me? Mikoto thought, her chest's thumping now slowing down. She'd never given much thought to her outwards appearance. When she was young, Musashi had always done her hair, with the one strand looping over her eye. She'd told Mikoto her 'eyes were beautiful' and that 'she was as beautiful as could be' when she was little, this was before her and Fujimura had gone to Orario, leaving them at the shrine with Lord Takemikazuchi and the others.

That was years ago now. Mikoto still liked to wear her hair that way, but other then that, and of course loving her long hot baths, she sprayed a bit of perfume, but she never really paid too much attention to her outward appearance. Chigusa had told her before that her chest was particularly large, but why would Mikoto care too much about that? She'd never felt any reason too.

But now… all she could think about was her appearance. Did she brush her teeth for long enough that morning? Could you still smell her perfume? Was her hair a mess? All she could do was think about these things, as Cian slowly looked up, his face red as hers as their eyes met.

And now that she saw his face… all Mikoto wanted was to hear him call her beautiful again.

She stammered over her words. "I… thank… you…. I… I think you are-."

"Shhhh," he said, suddenly stepping forward, his hand gently going over her mouth. His head spun on a swivel a new look to his eyes as he scanned the area. "Do you hear that?"

It had been completely silent, and Mikoto hadn't heard a thing. All she could focus on was the touch of Cian's bare hands against her skin. His one hand held her shoulder, the other was over her mouth. Mikoto managed to look up, and she was shocked.

As if someone had pressed a button, his face was switched. His eyes were narrowed, they scanned the area with precision. His blue iris's darted around the treeline, and his mood had shifted. Mikoto was both amazed and envious.

Had he really gone into such a mood so quickly? One moment, he was calling her beautiful, the two of them blushing like young children, but one moment later, he seemed ready for battle. One thing she noticed as well, was how worried he looked, as if the idea of someone coming to attack them now was the worst thing that could happen, despite them both being trained warriors.

So, this is what someone trained by the best familia in the world is like… she thought enviously, as he slowly pulled back his hand from her mouth. Mikoto focused her hearing as well. She almost activated her magic, to see if Chigusa or Ouka were around and making the noise, but soon, she'd heard the sound herself.

It was quick, rapid footsteps. Her eyes narrowed and she nodded. "I hear it now."

Mikoto liked to think perception and recon was her specialty, she'd trained days on end honing her sense of sight and hearing, but Cian had picked up this sound before even she had. She couldn't help but wonder what the training in the Scathach familia was like.

Cian seemed to read her mind because he smiled as he moved. "When I first joined Lady Scathach, every week she'd have Finn or Fergus take me out into the woods. All of them would then hide from different areas and shoot blunt arrows or sling rocks at me."

"That… sounds extreme," Mikoto said in amazement, following him through some trees, and she realized they had come right near the road.

Cian nodded and knelt down, Mikoto joined him. "It was, but Finn used to tell me that being able to see with your ears could be even more useful then your eyes. He was smart, they called him The Master Tactician for a reason. He used to have a skill that let him sense vibrations in the air and ground."

"So, he could sense enemies coming from miles away?!" Mikoto asked.

Cian nodded, smiling fondly as he eyed the rode. "He planned a lot of our quests for a reason… but anyway, they'd all fling rocks my way, and my job was to dodge them blind folded. I needed to hear where the rustling came from, hear the wind. It took me a month to finally pass that exam, and well… it worked as you can see."

She nodded, her admiration growing by the second. However, she didn't get a chance to talk, because the footsteps got closer, and from their spot in the woods just off the road, Mikoto saw someone running along the road.

"Bell…?" Cian said, looking worried. "Hey! Bell!"

He yelled to the member of his familia, but Mikoto watched as Bell Cranel came sprinting past them. He didn't even hear Cian, and Cian ran out onto the road as he passed by. She joined him, and looked at Bell's back as he sprinted down the road. She looked to Cian, who was again looking worried.

"That was Master Bell…" Mikoto said, looking up at Cian. "Do you know why he was in such a rush? Did something happen?"

"I don't know… but I'm gonna find out. Bell wouldn't be running off somewhere like that without telling me unless it was serious," Cian said, turning and holding out his hand.

Mikoto turned, and realized they hadn't run far, the lake where they were talking still in sight. Her eyes widened however, when the red spear shot through the air into Cian's waiting hand. She jumped as it hit his hand and he spun it, one handed onto his shoulder.

"Mikoto, go and get everyone else! Tell them to bring weapons, I think something's wrong," He said, before his smile from before returned. "I… I promise we can do our training later."

Mikoto quickly nodded, but not without acknowledging how happy it made her to see him still insisting they meet up again together.

"Understood, I'll fetch Ouka, Chigusa, and your party," She said, her hand instinctively on her sword. "What will you do?"

"Maybe Bell told Lillie and Welf, and just couldn't find me," He said, meeting her eyes and gesturing towards the road. "I'll go after Bell, just follow my tracks!"

He said the last part as he started sprinting after where Bell had run.

Mikoto didn't wait to see him get further away, right away she turned and started sprinting towards the camp.

Next Time, Season 1, Episode 5: The Familia Myth: Something's happened on Floor 18, and Cian can feel it. After seeing Bell sprinting off, Cian gives chase, realizing something horrible has happened. Meanwhile, on the surface on the other side of the world Connla and Dullahan both prepare to face a grave trial, all the while Morrigan meets with her remaining familia, ready to put her true plans into motion….

A/N: Yooooo everyone I am super super excited to bring you all this chapter, honestly I think this has been one of my favs to write. No super crazy stakes or fights, like last chapter it's a lot of character moments and after nonstop action I think it was right to slow things down here.

SO, next chapter is going to be the end of S1 of DanMachi, and the fight with Mord and the Black Goliath. That will be the first half of the chapter, before we get some set up for plotlines down the line in the second half, I'm actually super hyped to write it and have some free time this week so expect it soon!

This chapter meanwhile had a bunch of character moments, for Cian obviously, but as well as people like Mebd, Lefiya, Mikoto and Ryuu. My goal with Cian is to have him develop, but not have him develop too fast, as you can see he's a bit different now then he was in the first few chapters, a bit more confident (But not fully yet) with a better grasp of his powers and a very clear goal in mind. Next season will expand on that and go further as his relationships, particularly with Bell and Mikoto develop.

Speaking of Mikoto… I love getting to write her and Cian, Mikoto does not get nearly enough screentime in the anime, and it's why I ultimately picked her for Cian's main ship in this one. But still, I'm curious, if you all didn't know Mikoto was gonna be the one who'd you be shipping Cian with? Ryuu, Mebd, Lefiya, Naaza?

Okay, so as I said next chapter is gonna be the finale of S1.

After that is the S1 OVA (That will be short but I can't NOT do it haha)

Following that we'll have four chapters called "Tales From Orario" these are going to be short chapters (between 8-10k words) with softer character moments which don't progress an arc, but will have some important moments for them going forward, so it's not filler, but they're not connected to another arc. I also just like writing calm, cute, fun lower stakes chapters.

So the next chapters are as follows:

S1 Ep 5: Familia Myth

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

Tales from Orario: Naaza's Request

Tales from Orario: The Samhain Ritual

Tales from Orario: The Thousand Elf

Tales From Orario: Mac Caomhanach, The Anneal Blade

And then after that we'll get into the War Game arc! Don't worry about the OVA or Tales from Orario, I can bang those out in 1-2 days, so I should finish them all within two-three weeks, and then we'll be onto the War Game! I'm really happy you're all here to read and go on the journey with Cian!

Also THANK YOU AGAIN for 50+ favs and 60+ follows! The DanMachi community rocks and you guys are showing out! Please, be sure to review if you enjoyed, and follow if you wanna know when I update, can't thank you all enough, have a great day!