Chapter 87

As one lived in Orario, they would eventually learn of the 'good' spots to go to when one desired something. If one had the money, they would acquire weapons from Hephaestus or Goibniu. The food of Demeter were of such quality that everyone had to try them. Then there was the second life line of adventurers: Medicine. Dian Cecht's services ranged from selling potions, providing nursing rooms and even high end prosthetics viable for even the lowest of levels in the dungeon. Of course with such luxury goods and the sheer size of the Familia, one would have to give a pretty penny to acquire more than the most basics of basics.

However, if one worked with a somewhat…small budget, the best alternative to that prestige Familia was that of the god Miach. It used to be a middle ranking Familia, with their captain Naaza Erisuis being a level two, thus being in the top half percentage of Orario. Unfortunately due to a tragic accident, her body and soul was struck. Not only did she lose an arm, but her will to fight monsters vanished, as the trauma was too much. Her god, ever graceful and warmhearted, took on a heavy debt to pay off her prosthetic, leading to the entire Familia leaving except for the captain herself. Dark times were ahead, as they were reduced to a small building. But no good deed shall go unrewarded. Thanks to past events, with an entire Familia disappearing due to their crimes, things were looking up for Lord Miach. Gaining two more adventurers of similar power from the Apollo Familia was a true blessing. Cassandra Illion and Daphne Lauros had rather clashing personalities, but had a deep bond with each other. With three ladies like those, and Lord Miach's own beauty, they managed to gain many customers on that alone, not to mention their healing services, thanks to Daphne's ability to dive into the dungeon and Cassandra's personal magics. These days however, their popularity skyrocketed thanks to a new addition to the shop.

"H-Here you go!"

Men and women alike felt their souls would've thought that despite looking like the fearsome Senbonzakura, Nana Gojouno's shyness and awkwardness could be so soothing? She bowed, stammering and blushing, clearly not used to such interactions. That alone was lethal, but then there was…

"M-Miss Gojouno, w-w-w-watch out!"

Cassandra yelped, stumbling forward with a package in her arms flying forward. Nana's eyes widened and she snapped her hand forward, catching the package and neatly placing it on the counter before catching Cassandra. For a moment, they just stood there, in each other's arms before they both seperated, almost in a panic. Then, they repeatedly began to bow to each other, causing the spectators to coo at the sights.

"S-sorry!"

"N-no, I'm sorry!"

Of course someone had to be on the ball with the customers, so the captain whistled before making a snap motion with her head towards their buyers.

"Get it together, you two!"

"A-a-apologies!"

Kaguya chuckled, leaning against the wall of the back alley she and Lyra were observing the area from. She never imagined her little sister to have such a life. Just selling medicine. Well, Nana always liked to talk about helping people and making those little drugs that could heal any disease. She grimaced at the memory, of the small child hugging her from behind, talking about her dreams. What if Kaguya just came back earlier? Dismantled those horrible traditions of her clan and just freed them? When did she just forget about them? She shook her head and focused on the uneasy, yet genuine smile on Nana's face. The past didn't matter. All that mattered now that she made up for lost time and protected her little sister from this fucked up city.

She was cut out of her musings and observations when she heard Lyra sigh. Immediately, her mood plummeted as she bit her lip, but refused to look at her current partner.

"Kaguya, listen to me-"

"I told you enough yesterday," she ground out through her teeth, interrupting Lyra. She clenched her fists, artificial and natural. She didn't want to get mad. That was why she left the building the second the blind Pallum voiced out her musings. She appreciated Alise's desire for them to make up, but there was nothing to make up.

Not until Lyra admitted she was wrong. Given her own personal growl, Tiresias wasn't remotely thinking that however.

"Look, I know what I felt. Your sister-"

"Wouldn't hurt a fly!"

Kaguya's shout gained the attention of nearby civilians, including her sister, but right now, she didn't care as she glared right into the reflections of Lyra's sunglasses. The Pallum pressed her lips together before taking a deep breath, raising her hands in a placating manner.

"I get it, you don't want to mistrust her. Lost family, nowhere else to go. Pulls at your heart strings." Lyra shook her head. "But aren't any red flags showing up to you? Comes out of nowhere. Is clearly hiding something. And you don't know if she is just acting."

"We literally screened her with Lady Astraea! Not to mention, you don't know her like I do!" Kaguya yelled back, bristling up. Lyra on the other hand remained calm, crossing her arms with an unimpressed expression.

"Hasn't it been like a decade or so? People change."

Kaguya threw her hands up in the air before jabbing a finger repeatedly at her friend's chest.

"You want me to believe that she, the least skilled of my siblings last I knew, could become so strong to beat you?! Could be so cruel to fight for the fucking Night Queen?!" She threw her arm out, gesturing at Nana who was awkwardly observing things from the distance, as the customers quickly went on with their life and out of the way. "Look at her, she can barely handle customer interaction!"

"You said it yourself that the Gojouno were a fucked up clan!" Lyra shouted back, slapping the finger away with a snarl.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean they can completely change people! Unlike everyone else, Nana wasn't and isn't a lost cause! So what if whoever kicked your ass used my techniques?! It's not that hard to copy!"

"For heaven's sake, my senses aren't lying!" Lyra slapped the back of her hand into the palm of her other for emphasis. "She's the one from Melen, Kaguya! Voice may be a bit different but she reeks of blood, no matter how much she tries to cover it up!"

It was complete and utter nonsense. The mere idea that such a sweet girl could kick a level five like Lyra around like a ragdoll with ease. Kaguya spat to the side and walked away. Lyra stammered in utter outrage when the Senbonzakura flipped her the bird. In the end, the blind girl let out a strangled scream of frustration before walking away as well. Kaguya breathed heavily for a bit, forcing herself to calm down just as she stopped in front of the counter. Nana fidgeted with her hair, biting her lip. The older sister shook her head, taking a deep breath before lowering her head.

"I'm sorry you had to see that."

"It-it's fine. I…understand where she is coming from." Nana smiled awkwardly. "It's reassuring, in a sense."

Brushing her hair to the side, Kaguya raised an eyebrow at that. It hurt a bit that her little sister was avoiding her gaze, but she supposed that was just social anxiety kicking in.

"Being accused shouldn't be reassuring at all."

The younger sibling shrugged, her lips quivering. Yet the smile remained, genuine, even if strained.

"It just means she cares. We didn't really have that back home, remember?"

Kaguya's features softened. Well, if she put it like that, Lyra was way better. Even understandable. She sighed, ruffling Nana's hair.

"I wish she'd show it without being wrong."

For some reason, the younger sibling stiffened up. Then she covered her mouth as she violently coughed. Immediately Kaguya's eyes widened as fear grasped her heart and she caught Nana from falling.

"Nana!"

Nana reached into her kimono before pulling out a few pills. She swallowed it forcefully before gasping for air, her chest moving rapidly. Slowly, she calmed down before trying to wave Kaguya off with a weak smile.

"I-I'm fine. Just forgot to take my medicine."

The fact that she even needed medicine made Kaguya grit her teeth. Glancing at Naaza, her rather weak reaction to Nana's episode, meant it was a regular occurence. Another thing she didn't know. Due to her own negligence. Inhaling through her nose to calm down, she rubbed the back of Nana gently before glancing behind her.

"Do you have a back room we can use?"

"Upstairs," Naaza replied without looking up from her own potion making. Without further ado, Kaguya swept Nana off her feet, causing the girl to let out a cute squeak before carrying her up. Soon enough, they both sat on the guest bed, Nana's head leaning against Kaguya's shoulder.

"You're still so frail."

The younger sister grimaced as Kaguya brushed her hair before forcing out a weak laugh.

"I'm much better than before, all things considered."

Kaguya smiled back, pride swelling in her heart.

"I saw earlier. Good reflexes."

A rather smooth save all things considered. It did bring up some questions of how skilled Nana was. Or what her level was. She wasn't aware of any tradition of the clan receiving Falna, but she heard rumors as a child that 'those worthy of the weight' would receive one from a hidden benefactor. Kaguya counted herself lucky she escaped early enough before being picked as a new sacrifice. She'd be stuck under the hands of some shady goddess. She blinked at the thought. What were the odds that Evilus was involved…? She shook her head with a scoff. What a foolish question, knowing her luck, it was basically guaranteed.

"Err... I... " Nana removed her head from her sister's shoulders. She looked away, clutching her arm, as if ashamed of something. Kaguya pressed her lips together before putting a hand on her lap. With that reassurance, Nana took a deep breath, still avoiding her gaze, but straightening up a bit. "After you left... I became... the heir."

"You?" Kaguya couldn't hold back the disbelief in her voice. The heir? Of a clan that prided itself in murder? There were so many questions in her head. What did they do to Nana, why her, what about literally anyone else? All her younger sister did was nod weakly, her lips quivering as she closed her eyes shut. It pained Kaguya, to see her sister try to suppress memories but clearly failing.

"Hm. Best choice available…And... well... I have quite the... level." She lowered her head, shaking it. "I…didn't want to hide it. And... well…to explain… some things."

"Come here," Kaguya whispered, opening up her arms. It certainly explained a lot, how this poor girl became so frail, in body and spirit, despite its strengths. Once more, she felt anger at Lyra, as she hugged her little sister. There was no way Nana was guilty of anything other than being a victim. For a while, they rested in each other's arms before they finally separated, with Kaguya's hands on Nana's shoulders.

"Are you sure you should take so many…?" She asked with concern, recalling how many pills she took when she had her coughing episode. Yet in a surprising burst of self confidence, Nana's eyes almost seemed to sparkle in amusement.

"I know my body better than anyone." Just as quick as it came, she became timid once more as she played with her hair. "But enough about me. You… look stressed, Kaguya-nee."

"Well, lots of dead ends. It's tiring, to be honest," Kaguya responded with a groan, rolling her shoulders. Nana nodded, gulping nervously for some reason.

"I…" She closed her eyes before turning her head away. "It's nothing."

Now Kaguya couldn't help but frown. What was she holding back so much? Well, besides the awkwardness of being years apart. Instead of voicing those things out, she smiled reassuringly.

"You can tell me."

Nana took deep breaths. It only made Kaguya's anticipation run higher. Then, after steeling herself, Nana's body shook as she suddenly presented something.

"I made a candle!"

Kaguya stared blankly at the presented candle before letting out a laugh. So much build up for this? Nana was so cute, despite growing up. It was an adorable pink color as well. Covering her mouth, she was amused by how much Nana was shaking now, furiously avoiding her gaze, probably to hide her blush.

"Oh? Fragrant, I assume?"

"H-h-helps with relaxing and…n-nevermind."

Well, now she felt bad. No idea why Nana was still so anxious. Taking the candle away from her, she took a whiff from it. Huh, it really was fragrant. Already her head felt light. With a chuckle, she lighted it up without hesitation.

"It's fine. And I could do with something so lovely."

Just a few moments after the smoke rose from the small flame, Kaguya had to yawn. Wow, that really was good stuff. She smiled in a daze at Nana before giggling to herself. Even as her vision became darker and darker, she couldn't help but be a bit surprised that Nana was actually crying. All that just from accepting a gift? Such a cry baby.

That was the last thought before her consciousness would vanish for the next few hours.

/

It took hours until the Senbonzakura left the building with Nana, practically radiating with the rest she received. Lord Miach and his Familia waved them goodbye, letting them leave to bond even further. Yet, once they were out of sight, the polite smiles vanished before they gathered within their own home. For a while, they just sat around the table, not saying anything. It was Daphne who spoke up first, after running her hand through her hair.

"Alright, I'm going to say it." She raised two fingers with a flat expression. "Suspicious."

They all knew who she was talking about. Nana. The latest addition, not to their Familia, but to their shop itself. Her skills weren't anything to sneeze at, on par with other high tier potionists. Her products were without fault. And yet, that was the issue. Her skills. And the fact that Lady Astraea specifically asked they kept an eye on her, lacking the familial warmth accompanied with such a request. At first, they were confused. But then, things just added up.

"More and more ingredients have gone missing. It isn't so bad alone, as we don't often use them ourselves." Naaza trailed off, causing Daphne to nod in agreement.

"But the fact they vanish is a problem in of itself." She turned to their god, arms crossed. "Lord Miach, do you know what could be made with them?"

"I do. And it is concerning to say the least."

The god didn't elaborate further. But the words were enough to be worrying. Neither Cassandra nor Naaza could figure out what the ingredients could be even used for, if they were taken in the first place or just lost due to clumsiness. There was a big enough room for error to make predictions for mortal minds difficult. Not for a god of medicine however. He didn't share anything more, but it confirmed that there was something off.

"Not to mention her body movements are too fluid. Too skilled, for someone supposedly avoiding combat."

Cassandra nodded nervously, touching the tips of her fingers against each other.

"B-Being a heir isn't enough. S-Such movements would require…regular need."

The muscles, the breathing, the foot steps. Against popular belief, any prolonged break would even turn a high class adventurer into only half of what they used to be. Which meant the move earlier, when she caught Cassandra, was not possible unless she had practice.

"Besides that, she has no presence despite everything."

"Isn't that indicative that she isn't as strong as you make it out to be?" Naaza asked, tilting her head in confusion. Daphne shook her head in response.

"You haven't been in a combat scenario for a while, so it makes sense you wouldn't know." She pointed outside in demonstration. "But that level of nothing? It's either a dead person or someone way too used to hiding something."

So overall, more than enough reasons to report Nana and reinforce watching her. Miach sighed. Here he wished there were no strings attached for such a talent. Alas, this was the life of Orario. He glanced at Cassandra, who seemed to fidget in her chair, her long hair covering her face a bit, but unable to completely hide her worried expression. Warmly, he leaned forward, nodding at her in encouragement.

"Cassandra, your thoughts? You seemed to have something on your mind."

After a small moment of hesitation, the girl took a deep breath.

"I…err, had a dream."

The reaction was immediate. Miach chuckled in amusement, while Naaza rolled her eyes. At the same time, Daphne threw her arms up with a groan. They all knew about her dreams and how outlandish they were, so it ruined the mood to say the least.

"Oh for-Alright, what did you cook up this time in this head of yours?"

Cassandra in turn licked her lips, letting out a whimper, knowing full well that they wouldn't believe her. But she had to get the words out.

"A… frail light is reaching out. Reaching out for a bloody pink petal. But before it can reach it, thousands of hands grasp the light, choking it out and then drag her down. Drag her down into Orario, as the sky darkens, as night falls while monsters and humans fight in the streets." Cassandra shivered and clutched her head, remembering the details. "S-So much hatred and pain…m-monsters becoming humans and h-humans becoming monsters…!"

Silence reigned in the room, as they processed the words. After that, the natural reaction followed.

"...What does that even mean?!"

"I'm sorry!"

Thus, the dream was dismissed as always, as they made not a lick of sense and had no bearing on reality, obviously.

/

In a certain bar, a goggle wearing man let out a satisfied breath as he downed a beer. Nothing better to cheer one up after another unsuccessful dungeon dive and search than a cold one. Dix shook his head as he looked around. The tavern was one of the trusty ones left, dealing with the dark and proper ways of the dungeon city. A rare breed, considering how the oh so perfect justice kept putting these poor businesses into the ground. Food was terrible all things considered, but it was one of the few safe spots for hard working men like him and his Ikelos Familia. He stretched his arms, frowning deeply. He took in the air of the room. They tried hard to get drunk, to party, but the lack of any wins ate away at morale. It was deeply annoying. Yet making haste would be a mistake. Calm and calculated, slowly but surely. It would make the big catch so much more satisfying.

Now if only he could finally get a lead. Damn monsters or not, those Xenos sure knew how to hide. And had some strong support, if the damn Mimir was any indication. Him and now the HEstia Familia and by extension the Astraea Familia. Dix doubted that Freya was in on this, else they would be totally screwed, but with those two new additions it would make things…hard.

Before he could spiral down on his thoughts of business, the doors suddenly slammed open. The Drinking and jeers stopped in an instance, as a cloaked figure entered. Some men leered at her, for the curves were unmistakable. Dix licked his lips, wary and not thinking with his dick. The aura was…different. No erratic energy that forced the hunter to think over every word he would say. No heavy bloodlust. All things considered, their 'mediator' with the Night Queen felt weak, if he had to put it bluntly. But he knew better than to risk the status quo. So he whistled, a signal for his boys to stay put, as the cloaked figure sat down on a chair, growling deeply as the tavern owner approached.

"Bloodshot."

Everyone's eyes widened. Dix noted the lack of distortion in the voice, instead hearing a young girl trying too hard to sound gruff. Yet he also focused on the word she used. Was she serious? The bar keeper thought the same thing, as he let out a weak laugh.

"Err, lady, a Bloodshot can kill a Goliath with ea-"

A loud crack. Everyone jumped on their feet, except Dix, who only raised an eyebrow at the now destroyed counter, having saved his own drink at the last second. The cloaked figure leaned forward, sheathing her katana before pointing at herself.

"Triple. Bloodshot."

Dix held back a noise of disgust. A regular one was bad enough, but triple? That was enough to purify a poison swamp with the raw alcohol behind it. The owner was rather fast in filling up the mug glass meant for beer. The ugly red liquid poured in, causing Dix to nod slowly.

"Oof, rough week?"

She didn't respond. Instead, she reached into her pockets, pulling out all sorts of powder and pills. She placed it all, a handful, into her mouth before taking the mug with her other hand. Then she proceeded to down the poison in one, swift go. Many of the witnesses shuddered at the action and even Dix couldn't help but let out a noise of awe. It was a wonder her throat didn't burn off.

"I'm no doctor but even I know that alcohol and drugs don't mix."

Yet again, no words of communication directed at him. Instead, the glass smashed into the broken remains of the counter before standing up and leaving the premises without another word.

"Not even small talk or paying for anything." Dix shook his head with an amused look. "Kids these days."

For a moment, he wondered what the hell she was even here for. But then, as he glanced down at the damage, his eyes widened. Amidst the glass, he found a piece of paper. He couldn't help himself as he grinned widely and picked it up, reading over its contents. Here he was worried there for a second, but apparently the Night Queen's personal attack dog was still part of the ship. With a satisfied smirk, he downed his drink and pocketed the note after reading it over. He whistled, causing about half of the tavern's patrons to rise to their feet, grinning in excitement. Unbeknownst to them or the messenger, there were two shadows looming on the rooftops, observing them. One of the figures pulled something out of the pockets, a small crystal like object before talking into it.

"Bad news, Lido."