Is It Wrong to be a Just Adventurer Picking Up Girls in a Dungeon?

by F-14 Tomcat Lover

Her entire family was either slain or lost to her. His only family had died. They were both alone. They were never fated to meet. Yet, somehow, they did. And with the course of both fate and history to be written altered, a new entry is made. The Familia Myth between a Goddess and a Human. Together, they fight crime and venture forth to live the adventurers yet to come!

2. Drifting Thoughts

Is It Wrong to be a Just Adventurer Picking Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Chapter Two

Drifting Thoughts

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Turnberry Fern Bends

Day 8

Night

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Bell Cranel watched silently as the Goddess Astraea performed a beautiful dive into the water below from where she had stood on the deck and closer to where he was standing.

As the Goddess slid beneath the river's surface, Bell couldn't help but admire her grace and beauty. His Crimson Red eyes following her the whole way, admiring her form and curve as much as the dive itself. Bell knew it already. He had admitted it to himself as much just the day before.

He was in love with the Goddess Astraea.

The Goddess of Justice, Astraea the Star Maiden.

Her eyes were the opposite of his own, a pair of Indigo Blue and she had long Walnut Brown hair that reminded him strongly of Summer for some reason.

Probably because he and… and… and his late grandfather used to roast walnuts under the stars during Summer. When the old man decided they should head out to camp and train. Or those times when it was their turn to watch the fields that surrounded their home in the village of Dromore, in the Mreelrea Mountain Range within the realm of Clan Gael.

How that seemed so distant now.

When his grandfather had died during a freak monster encounter, the body falling into a ravine beyond recovery, Bell had been devastated by the loss. Yet, he also had faith and strength to get back up. His grandfather had taught him well and built into him the need to have faith in one's self, but never to be arrogant or foolish.

Therefore Bell felt his dream of one day beating his grandfather during their training felt so destructive.

They would never train together again. Thus, the day that Bell had planned to prove himself will never come. His grandfather had been strong and skilled. A fighter as much as a philanderer.

Something that he appeared to fail to teach Bell and, truth be told by the boy himself and he knew it, he was rather glad that his grandfather had failed to teach him such things.

But it was something else he missed.

Really, though, he barely understood half of what his grandfather had told him. About women, what to do, and so much else. It really never interested him and given his luck with girls and women in the villages and towns, well…

Astraea was the first person of the opposite gender he had felt so comfortable with.

So comfortable… So warm… So gentle… So... Close...

Bell, as hard as it was to be believed, was no stranger to the female form, despite his shy and reserved nature. It was part of what made him so nervous around girls and women. And he knew it fully.

That didn't stop Bell from trying to have a girlfriend… It just never ended… Well… Bell could admit it never ended badly, but it never ended in a good way, either.

And not just because he wanted a harem, either.

If there was one thing that his grandfather had been proud about his failed teaching of Bell, was that Bell wanted a harem!

Exactly how Bell ended up wanting a harem, was an open question. What was funny, though, was that no girl or woman was against such a thing. If anything, they were excited at the prospect of it.

Of course, Clan Gael allowed for and was known for harems. Though typically among the higher Kin only. True, there was nothing against someone like Bell or any other villager or townsman having more than one wife. It was just not very common. Most of that was simply because the higher Kinsmen had better finances to pay for having more than one wife.

The mayor of Dromore had three wives and eight children between them. Two were half-sisters too, from what his grandfather had mentioned. Though not by blood, which, of course, always left Bell feeling confused.

But from what Bell did understand, was that one of the pair came from deeper into Clan Gael territory and was still somehow related to her sister-wife.

Bell was only nine years old at the time his grandfather had spoken on the subject, so he didn't get it then.

Now though… Well… He had learned things about the Gael Clan. How a lot of things actually worked within and how some relationships were actually.

Still, what Bell did learn was that it was perfectly fine to have a harem within the Gael Clan. And though he was of the outlier family, the Cranel Family, he was considered a part of the Clan and thus entitled to a harem, should he be able to support one.

Funny… Now that he thought about it, did Astr- Goddess Astraea know about that part of the Gael Clan?

How-

Bell shook his head hard.

He had to stop thinking like that. No matter how much his heart says otherwise. He cannot and should not be thinking of a Goddess as a woman.

Bitter though it be, it was the truth.

She was a Divine, a Deity, a Goddess!

He is merely Mortal.

'But you don't want that thought anymore, do you,' a traitorous part of his mind told him, not even asking a question despite the framing.

'It is true,' Bell sighed dejectedly as he watched the Goddess swim in the water.

'You see a woman, not a Goddess,' that part continued on as Bell watched Astraea swim, 'Look at her. She is so calm and peaceful around you. Indeed, you are given a view of her that artists of grand renown would do more than kill for right now.'

'How... true," Bell spoke the last aloud as he watched Astraea.

The river is calm. So very calm, it is like a mirror. High above, the stars are reflected upon its surface. Some watery plants that give a gentle glow add to the splendor of the night sky.

His grandfather had told him stories of far off beautiful sights to be found in the Star Ocean high above. Where beauty, both natural and as wondrous as those crafted by the Deities themselves, could be found in its great, dark depths. Illuminating the eternal darkness with rays of lights, of beacons so brilliant, you had to see it yourself.

But if the picture Bell was seeing right now was anything like what his grandfather had told him… Well…

Astraea turned over and went below the water, but Bell could see her and see her seemingly dance among the light, among the stars themselves. Swimming as though she were high up in that night sky, the moon in reach of her hands and the stars spread out before them.

And Bell could only smile and enjoy such forbidden pictures, pictures of a woman who was so full of life...

Yes… It was wrong.

She's a Goddess. Him a Mortal. Yet, as he watched, he could not pull his gaze away.

And the yearning made him stay and watch… No…

He watched because he wanted to memorize this time for all eternity.

For a woman, he could honestly say he had fallen in love with swimming, was so carefree and lively, that… It would be wrong for him to look away.

'She may be a Goddess, but I just want to look at her as a woman,' Bell thought as Astraea swam in the water, occasionally returning to surface for a fresh breath and, 'Goddess or not… I will regret not remembering this time in my life. Especially... of the woman I find myself in love with.'

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Day 10

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Goddess of Justice, Astraea the Star Maiden watched Bell Cranel cook their midday meal from her perch.

The boy had gone fishing earlier in the morning. He had been quite successful. They now had fresh meat to add to the fresh fruits and vegetables they had picked.

It was something of a task. To go ashore and pick fresh berries, apples, onions, carrots, and such. Even more so when they had discovered some wild spices and herbs. Because the barge was not stopping much.

They could slow it down, or the river would do that for them. It wasn't easy for the former, and they relied almost exclusively on the latter.

But for now, they had been able to swim ashore, pick, and return. Despite everything, they would not be too hard up for food.

And she got to see Bell in a natural element too.

Plus, he was au naturale as well.

Which only added to the pain of sorrow she would feel.

Like now.

'I have to leave him,' the Goddess of Justice thought forlornly, 'I cannot restart my Familia. I cannot fall in love with him,' she thought bitterly, not realizing where her thoughts had begun to go as she continued her thoughts, 'He desires to go to Orario and become an Adventurer and from what I can see, he has potential. Despite his pureness, he has a strength of steel in that silky appearance of his.'

In many ways, she was deeply reminded of her old Familia and others she had met that shared their ideals.

Actually, she did not doubt that the boy would fit in, perhaps not easily right away, with the Ganesha Familia. The same was evidently true of the Miach Familia as well. There, Miach would be an excellent guide to the boy. Both Gods had their quirks, Miach could be too helpful to his own detriment, and… well… Ganesha, as he himself put it, was Ganesha.

She had heard that Takemikazuchi had moved into Orario not too long ago. She didn't know the details, but he was a good man. Despite being called a War God, Takemikazuchi was actually a God of Swords and Thunder. He was still favored heavily by warriors of the Far East as a patron for them to be successful in the military arts and in battles they would fight.

Much like hunters still considered Artemis their patron for a bountiful hunt.

Takemikazuchi was also prayed to by some who traveled the seas. She never asked if that was a consequence of being a Thunder God or just something else. But he provided aid and protection in the past to sailors and ships at sea, on lakes, or, ironically enough, traveling rivers.

He could be a gigolo, but that seemed to be just a side effect of his in some way. Now that she thought of it… So, too, did Miach.

Astraea sighed.

She did not relish the idea of perverts around Bell. Even if two were accidental.

And that, unfortunately, and ironically, made her even more protective of Bell and not wanting to let him out of her sight when they were near.

'Also,' she began with a wince, 'Ganesha might scare Bell a bit too often, too much early on.'

The boy, she had determined quickly, could be like a rabbit. Easy to scare and to flee in response.

And yet… He carried a strength she could sense that very appearance belied.

Then there was his screaming. He could really be loud. She recalled the surprise she had on their first day together. And people said that women had impressive lungs.

That would grate on a lot of nerves. No doubt Freyja would have a hard time reeling in her members, should he scream once too often. Loki would just be downright hard, typically as a result of a hangover followed by Bell's loud screams grating on her patience.

And those two were the crux of the matter.

Freyja would likely take him in, just based on his soul. His strength and aptitudes would be secondary, yet extremely pleasing. The Goddess of Love, among other titles, would truly be at a great joy to have Bell in her Familia, especially once he got going.

But that was also the issue. Freyja had her own thing and it sometimes clashed with what was truly right. And that wasn't just Astraea's opinion, destroying two countries merely to 'free' their kings from empty, hollow lives? That was just purely extreme and yet, Astraea had no disagreements about those two countries being gone either.

The two kingdoms were now a cautionary tale among Elves. The stories differed and most certainly abounded. But they existed and with good reasoning for many of the tales.

Oddly enough, the region is very stable. Even the island where their countries had existed is now better off. Then again, the pair had come to power in a land of tyrants, corruption, excess, and well… Astraea is a Goddess Of Justice.

Loki would likely take him in at her request. She could then rely on him more readily than even Braver, Finn Denim. As Bell was clearly loyal to a fault, something she could tell about his character as much as sense in his soul and Braver was loyal to a point to Loki. Thus Bell would be an excellent member, perhaps even succeeding one of Loki's elite executives to one day lead the Loki Familia under her.

But it would take time and Bell might struggle in such a big crowd. He clearly didn't like being around a lot of people. She did wonder about that. It was odd, to say the least, and she suspected it had something to do with him being so easily frightened and so easily flustered around others, especially women and, Astraea suspected, girls as well.

Yet Loki would have no qualms about things that would rankle Astraea in many ways. Indeed, she doubted Bell would be as happy about some of her decisions as Astraea would be. Quite the opposite, he would likely get as livid as Astraea would.

Loki had grown a good heart and had actually always been true. She was just… Well… Astraea shouldn't speak of it. She still didn't know the whole story either. Perhaps a discussion with Thor someday might help?

Still, Bell did have other skills. Farming aside, which would interest Demeter, he had skills in carpentry, woodworking, and he had a limited degree of understanding blacksmithing. His skills as a hunter and forager would impress Artemis, no doubt, and his soul and purity may even make her consider bringing him into her all-female Familia.

Though Astraea would doubt it, for several reasons, she had a funny feeling that in the same amount of time it had taken for her to have fallen in love with Bell, Artemis would too.

Bell was just so honest, earnest, and pure. Hestia would be the best fit for him, quite frankly. They are so much alike, though, in a twist, Bell would be the more mature of the pair when Hestia wasn't in her formal mode.

Honestly the switch between being childish and a reminder that she was technically older than even Zeus could be scary and very disorienting.

If Bell had been born a God, he would have been born the twin brother to Hestia. She felt that as true as the sky is blue. Astraea was quite certain of it.

Really, as Astraea ticks off who might or might not be interested and ones that Bell should or should not ever meet… Well…

"That's such a shorter list than I thought," the Goddess mutters in disbelief.

Really, it was Hestia, Ganesha, Artemis, possibly Athena, and herself at this point. Njord would likely take him in. Bell would do well, but Njord was also not active in Orario and actively discouraged his Familia from trying to be Adventurers unless it was needed, and only a few did so at any time.

Herself… though…

As she watched Bell, that thought gladdened her. Yet… Was it because of her heart or her nature?

She feared Bell was the same. That Zeus had imprinted his aura accidentally on the boy. And because she was a Deity that aligned with his soul, that he was naturally inclined to follow her.

To follow her, not love her.

Not because she was a woman. But because she was a Goddess.

Not because she was a Divine, he a Mortal, but because it was fated in that way that felt like love, but would never be love.

"Watos," Astraea gently spoke to the surrounding air, "You are a source of wisdom, despite your seclusion. Would you be able to tell me the truth? Is it because of what I am as a Goddess or my character alone?"

Astraea didn't know it, but Bell was, in fact, worrying about the same. He had prayed to Watos that what he felt was true and not some lie. And how to… Not embrace it as he is a Mortal and she a Goddess, despite his heart screaming for him to accept that love and be with Astraea, no matter what.

Neither knew it.

But Watos does listen and listen closely from his secluded realm.

And does secretly act when it is needed.

As such, Rihanna departed her shrine to Watos, stepping down the stairs to stand before her husband of so long, Arawan, to inform him of Watos' decision.

"I see," Arawan, once known as the Thirteenth Angel Lucifer, but now a God himself.

Just as the woman before him, his wife, Rihanna, was now a Goddess. Both were created as such by Watos' Divine Will. They stood shoulder to shoulder with the other Deities of their Realm as equals, though apart from them as leaders of the Gael Clan and its realm.

They also maintained a level of servitude to Watos, but it was of equals.

And both knew it well, which is why Rihanna could still call upon Watos' power if need be.

They were a pair of his greatest champions. Protectors of the Lower World from Deities and Divine Powers that threatened it.

Thus, Watos had answered Rihanna's questions.

"Watos does know who altered the course of fate and history, My Lord Arawan," Rihanna explained as soon as she stopped before him and raised her head, as he still stood head and shoulders above her, "But has permitted it to continue after a council with Ouranos."

"It looks like he will be as great as Arthur someday," Rihanna smiled with that warm and honest gentleness that few realized held steel beneath it when called upon, yet provided compassion upon others.

Arawan chuckled, which to many sounded something like a villain might do, but he had a genuinely proud smile on his face, like one proud of their child, "Was there any doubt, my dear Rihanna? Given his kindness is from his mother as much as his looks, but his father, Benton Cranel was a good man too and skilled as well as any man of Gael!"

Giggling at her husband's enthusiasm, "My Lord Arawan, are you not beside yourself with pride and joy," they had their own children, who had done well and continued their line well, "But lest not forget, he has that as well, now does he not?"

"Aye," Arawan admitted, "If they find out too soon, he would be endangered, as there are enough jealous of myself," but there was that grin like a villain who knew more would make, "But let's not forget that he is still a clever boy, though I wish he was not as excitable as Arthur had been."

Rihanna sighed, "My brother, may his soul reincarnate to another honorable life, was many things I admit. Control over his emotions was perhaps not one of his finest by far."

Chuckling good-naturedly, "I do recall a rather interesting memory of him shattering a walking skeleton by sheer shouting," then Arawan stopped for a moment, narrowing his eyes off to the side, "Or was that sheer whining?"

Rihanna could only sigh again.

Really. Her brother could be more excitable than children at times. But she still missed him so and he had grown into a great and truly noble ruler. Vanquishing injustice and bringing stability to his realm. The Kingdom of Avalon still enjoys peace to this day and the Gael Clan, as the center of it, knew nought but prosperity even now.

Far from their village in the woods. Now they stood prouder than ever. And not alone as many had moved upon their lands to seek safety and longevity. For both themselves and their bloodlines and people.

"Still…" Arawan nodded at a thought, "Send for Morgana, I have a mission for the Chief Second Warrior of the Gael Clan."

"It will be done My Lord Arawan," a priestess in Rihanna's service bowed to both Deities before her and left to do so.

"The Order of the Second Warrior?" Rihanna tilted her head to the side, before it dawned on her, "You wish to gauge how this will go, and you believe Morgana will know?"

"Indeed," indicating for his wife to walk with him, they passed other Priestesses in Rihanna's service, both as servants to her as a Goddess and to Watos as well, "For how much she is alike to her mother, she is more akin to Arthur and Octavia in skill, leadership, patience, and understanding."

With a finger upon her lower lip, Rihanna replied from what she remembered, "Something that took Octavia a while to teach Morgan I recall."

A sigh was released by Arawan.

For all he loved his wives, really, only Octavia and Rihanna had a tendency not to have him worry about them. Limwis as well now that he thought about it. Not counting his late brother-in-law, Arthur, and his almost sister-in-law, despite her never acknowledging him too well.

Really. Why did only four of his close ones not worry him so much? It even extended, unfortunately, to many of his and their children and descendants, such as Morgana who had her mother's attitude, but thankfully his ability to reign in his emotions.

Now… If only-

"You sent for me, father?" Morgana was nearly the spitting image of her mother.

Same hairstyle, skin tone, dress, and general appearance. Though her cheeks, eyes, and hair color showed that he was her father. In many ways, like how Bell Cranel had so few signs of his own father in him, and yet was nearly the spitting image of his mother.

"My, that was quick," Arawan stated impressed, but then narrowed his eyes, "Or were you off raiding a certain wine cellar again?"

Morgana did her best not to answer that, but both the priestesses behind her, and the angry guards, did little to fool her father to think otherwise.

'Why do I even bother putting locks on the door?' Arawan wondered in his mind before informing his drink-loving daughter about a mission and that she should collect a small party to go with her.

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Bell awoke in what should be a distressing position, even if it had become familiar.

His eyes flutter open to the sight of Astraea's silky skin at collar bone or lower level.

Which meant that once more again, he awoke with his face pressed into her considerable bust.

Not, by this point, he would do anything. Indeed… He closed his eyes and actually nuzzled into the pair, drawing a gentle murmur and a soft gasp from the Goddess. He did enjoy it, especially the smell of the soap she used that tickled his nose in a pleasant way, he really did and it was a guilty pleasure he wanted to have before they parted.

Bell knew as well as Astraea they would part at Orario. Never to see each other again. And so they took such moments, such intimacy, to heart.

Because they are such fleeting moments, even among Mortals.

It didn't take long for Bell to realize that one of Astraea's legs was raised over his own legs, allowing her to pull herself closer.

He suspected that it was an unconscious message sent by the Goddess. She wanted to go that far with him. Sure he was only 14 years old, but while the Consent Age of Marriage was a mere 12 years old, though in practice it was actually closer to 14 or 15 years of age, the Consent Age of Intercourse was 14 years.

Provided one took what was deemed reasonable precautions.

Which was another way of saying that the actual age was still older.

In fact, Bell could not recall very many marriages under 18 years of age, outside of Noble or Wealthy Merchant Families.

Yeah, there was one woman in his village that had been consented to be married when she had been 12 years old but hadn't actually married until she was 14 years old and even then, she and her husband, who had been only 17 years old when they had married, hadn't done much of anything until she was older.

Of course, she did have her first child when she was 15 years old, and that had been harrowing for her. As in, it almost killed her. A passing Goddess had been nearby and had acted in saving her life and that of her child. Thus, she had been able to have a safe end to her teenage pregnancy, but she still didn't relish the memory of it.

Little wonder her daughter was named Miracle.

After that, she didn't have another child until she was almost 20 years old!

Another girl and Bell knew both well.

The woman, among others, had been Bell's nursemaids. His grandfather had arranged the whole thing and, strangely, it had been permitted. Bell had learned from his friends, the brothers Edward and Alphonse, that he was the first child in over forty years, to be cared for by so many different women in the village.

Apparently, as they were to later learn by chance, it was because Bell was of the Cranel Family. Exactly how his grandfather fitted into that, Bell had no clue. He suspected that his grandfather was his mother's father, but strongly got the hint that it was that he was his father's father.

But… Well… Bell closed his eyes and simply rested.

While he had many good memories… There were some he would like to forget.

Actually, quite a few. Not because he was terrified, though he would admit it begrudgingly. He was more scared than he would like. The what was not meant to be harmful or scary, but… Well…

Bell was Bell.

And he felt self-conscious about it. Even now.

Suddenly, Astraea was gently shushing him. Her warm breath on his ear sent a spark of what felt like lightning down his spine. The Goddess moving to hold him close and gently holding him as it became clear that if she really wanted to go the distance with him…

Bell was clearly wanting to go that distance as well.

But… He simply embraced Astraea as she embraced him as well.

The two didn't actually need to go that far. They already knew where their hearts would be. No matter how hard they willed themselves to both not act nor intertwine their paths into one.

She had to continue on, on her journey.

He was still Mortal and thus far beneath her.

Yet… They struggled internally, within their minds and hearts, and into their souls to deny what both desired.

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Day 23

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Bell looked down at Astraea who smiled from beneath him. It seemed like that their true selves were going to have their way. Astraea drew her fingers from Bell's lips to along his jaw and down his neck and across his shoulder and then down, across his chest. Bell had responded by gently lowering himself as he slid his arms beneath Astraea to gently caress her back as he raised her up, her other arm wrapping over his shoulder before joined by its other over his other shoulder.

The two closed in, lips parting enough for them to act. To finally give up everything within their realm of denial.

Over the last two weeks, they had passed by the Ethereal Glwyn Waterfalls well within the Turnberry Fen Bends. A truly majestic sight to behold, as the falls colored the very air in prism. The waters were shockingly quite clear and the trees and grass were alive in the most resplendent of colors themselves.

Truly a sight to behold as both had heard.

And the pair had used some of the smugglers' spare and empty barrels to catch considerable water from the Ethereal Glwyn Falls. Filling the barrels to the brim, left them with plenty of water to drink, bathe, and even wash their clothes with. It almost felt wrong to use such clear water for such things, but they decided to do so.

"Ahhh… This is so nice," Astraea stretched in her reclined position, enjoying the good soak that was now available.

Bell who was opposite her, "Very," he smiled as he rested his head on a makeshift rest, his arms and legs hanging out of the new addition.

The pair had even discovered one of the smugglers' rowboats had ended up flooded to the brim. Though it leaked slowly, it now looked like a big, wooden bathtub. Which both took advantage of as the days had been still the same, them adrift, though the current was increasingly unpredictable.

But at least they wouldn't starve either.

Aside from foodstuffs the smugglers actually ate, let alone the rest they smuggled, the pair had been able to gather plenty of vegetables and fruits as well as fish quite successfully.

The barge was beginning, increasingly, to take on the appearance of a floating home rather than a battered transport used by smugglers.

Plants had been added to give it a bit of life. Transforming a few loose items and empty containers of all types they could find aboard. That included building a small garden on what was now a terrace and others in other open areas. Including what used to be enclosed rooms and a hallway.

They had their clothes hung up in a now designated laundry area. They had a few smashed barrels they simply cut down to transform into washbasins and some freed beams that with a little work and some spare rope, now hung their clothes to dry.

Now they added an open-air bathing area, which was on a previously inaccessible section. Accessible by a ladder, it had a shower and bath allowing a person to enjoy either. The rowboat was fairly small, able to hold only a half dozen at most, though tightly packed. But it was deep enough with removable benches that it was now a bathtub.

Best of all, Astraea and Bell had figured out how to get hot water thanks to some of the old piping that had been cleaned out by them, the falls, and their journey.

So they had hot water to bathe, cook, and wash with.

And plenty of hygiene products, thanks to the smugglers having such things for themselves laying around.

Nothing said 'Smuggler!' like looking and smelling the part.

But…

"Astraea watch out!" Bell shouted as he hurled a spear at something behind the startled Goddess, who managed to instinctively dodge out of the way of something that passed so close to her head, her wet hair was actually ruffled.

"What is it?!" she managed to roll to and draw her sword, blocking a pair of large talons at the last second, "MONSTERS!?"

The creature roared a challenge at Astraea, but it was cut short by an ax, burying itself into the Monster's neck and nearly cleaving it off in an upwards motion.

Of course, there was now the odd danger. Bell had killed a pair of bird-like Monsters that had tried to ambush Astraea as she washed her hair on Day 12. She had responded in kind and killed a pair of weak, but tall mantis-like monsters that had tried to ambush Bell while he had been gathering herbs two days later.

Both had fended off a small group of River Monsters at one point. Bell showing how he had become one of the more skilled hunters and monster fighters in his village, despite his young age.

The Monster roared as it shot out of the water, arcing up and then coming in for a heavy landing on the barge, smashing some empty barrels in the process. It threw its head back to roar again, moving over the smashed barrels as several friends exploded from the water to board and invade the barge. One missing its landing point, to crash into and throw a wall, smashing open a long-disused lower cabin.

Astraea and Bell responded, now armed with weapons from the Smuggling Hold, the pair fought back. Astraea closed quickly on the flank of the outermost one, avoiding an attempted ambush to slash the slightly larger Monster across its exposed flank, before leaping back and to the side, to avoid another ambusher. Then she spun and used that to draw the length of her sword down the side of its opening mouth, nearly severing it clean off.

As that Monster backed off, screaming, the other pair around her screamed as well.

Their eyes had been shot out by arrows. Then one, heading thrashing, was struck by three well-placed bolts that pierced deeply into its throat. The Monster slammed its head down to try and clear the bolts from it but instead rolled over onto its back as it struggled to breathe as it drowned in its own blood from its air passage being pierced and then torn open by the bolts.

The other still tried to attack Astraea, but a large arrow slammed into the base of its skull, right on a vulnerable point.

The Monster stilled abruptly as it just flopped to the ground bonelessly.

That had allowed Astraea to finish off her target. Dodging its clawed front feet, she dove it, sliced its throat, causing it to gag on its own blood and try not to bleed out. But in doing so, it exposed itself to a spear that Bell threw to Astraea and the Goddess promptly buried through its heart and one lung, disconnecting the minute Magic Stone within it by chance.

The Monster abruptly vanished in a burst of black ash that staggered another companion that had tried to go over it and attack Astraea.

It did not live to figure out what just happened.

Astraea, quite frankly, found it honestly terrifying how skilled and precise Bell was with a bow and arrow. She swore she had no less than four times mistaken Bell's archery skills for that of Artemis!

It had been a battle and the barge had suffered some damage. One of the empty rooms on the lower deck was torn open and cross support for a long-gone section now lay in pieces, blocking a hall segment on the middle deck. The hidden cargo hold's main hatch cover had been destroyed, leaving the section exposed.

Bell and Astraea had relocated everything to the up decks, as the door they had also originally used had also been torn off its hinges and tossed at Bell, who had barely managed to flip over it and use his staff to smash the offending Monster right in its left eye.

The Monster had roared in pain before Astraea had stabbed it in the vulnerable throat with her sword.

The two had spent two days scrubbing the barge clean and repairing what damage they could and affixing temporary repairs elsewhere.

And in the process, rebuilding or modifying sections made the barge more their home than what it had been originally.

Bell's skills in fighting the Monsters, had greatly reminded Astraea of Ryuu and Alice. Moreso of the elf, due to his raw skill, strength, and determination. Though he had an opposite temperament to Ryuu, perhaps closer to Alice in that way.

No… Ardi.

He had Ryuu's skill and power, or at least the potential, but Ardi's restraint and attentive mind.

As Astraea had watched Bell handle replanting various plants to provide them with long-term food and herbs and spices, she had watched his caring and precise hands at work.

Years of being a village farmer boy showed on Bell when his shirts and pants were off. While very thin now, with time and proper effort as well as experience, she expected his shoulders to grow out and his boy to muscle. While he wouldn't have The King's broad shoulders by far, he would probably be closer to Vana Freya's physique.

And possibly as fast, which caused a shudder to pass through Astraea when she had thought about it.

Bell was already quick, both on the uptake and with his reaction. He also showed a natural inclination towards speed and strength. His endurance was definitely above average, even for an Unblessed One. But his strength was uncanny and stood out along with his skill, grace, and agility.

Though… She found she could still, somehow, embarrassed Bell and he would run off screaming, causing her to have to look for him.

But now...

They were going to cross the line. She was excited. Once they had become one, perhaps she would stay in Orario. Restart her Familia with Bell as both her husband and Captain. All she needed to do was apply her Falna, Blessing him once they became one.

Bell wondered if Orario was really meant for him now.

With Astraea about to become his wife and him her husband, they could be together. They could go anywhere. Find a path and likely adventure together. They would be one and a Familia.

And strangely, he remembered a song his grandfather had written for a play in the village. It was rather good and… Surprisingly clean, given his grandfather's reputation.

It was named Kiss the Girl and it ended abruptly when an Ocean Princess and a Land Prince were toppled over by the Sea Witch's minions.

So Bell could not be held accountable for what happened next, despite that one stray thought.

There was a great crash. Greater than anything that either had heard before. It shook the barge like a great hurricane had just arrived or an earthquake had just hit.

Both Astraea and Bell were picked up and then hurled into a wall.

Bell had instinctively wrapped Astraea close to him and spun her around. So when they had hit the wall, her back had been against his chest, with him crashing into the wall itself. The resulting impact had hurt him a lot, but he had cushioned Astraea in exchange.

Grinding wood and rock could be heard as the barge shuddered and shook heavily. Things fell down or were tossed up to fall back down or even thrown into opposite walls or down the hallways. The sound was deafening to both as it rent the air and was complemented by the sounds of chaos.

Then came to a jarring stop and Astraea was thrown back into Bell, who was still against the wall.

Once the impact was over, Astraea had no idea how long she laid there before she regained her wits.

"BELL!" she rolled over and bit back a scream as her shoulder protested heavily.

And did scream when she saw Bell gasping and choking.

"Hang on, Bell, hang on!" Astraea ignored her useless arm as she used her good one to tear open one of her sealed containers.

She had taken this little package just in case. Given to her by a friend before she had departed Orario. She had never needed to use it. Until now.

"Drink this, please," Astraea desperately held the vial she had pulled out of the container she had grabbed, "It will help, please Bell."

Despite only having one usable arm, Astraea got the vial to Bell's lips. It came as no surprise that despite his pain and choking, he was able to open his mouth just enough. As the red liquid of his life spilled out, the bluish-white lime colored liquid slid in and the effects were immediate.

The blood from Bell's mouth stopped abruptly. Astraea suspected he may have bitten his tongue at some point, but that wasn't all. The choking stopped as well as he began to slowly drink the liquid.

She honestly didn't know the taste herself, but doubted it mattered. Not with so much blood having been in Bell's mouth. He likely wouldn't be tasting anything for a while. Unpleasant as blood could taste and stain.

But once the liquid went deeper, the effects were also far more immediate. Bell's choking aside, his breathing began to be just ragged. Though that was good. It meant he would be able to breathe in general.

Unfortunately, it meant he had internal injuries.

Once the vial was drained and Bell was only laying in pain, Astraea grabbed a small knife from his things. She also grabbed another vial, this one was bluish-white lemon instead of bluish-white lime.

The Goddess then gulped as her hand shook, but she steadied it. With a deep breath, she prepared to do what needed to be done. Her face was paling, though, at the thought and expectation.

But… She had to-

"Hold it there, Lady Goddess," an elderly voice surprised Astraea and she looked up to see an old woman in a faded teal-blue grey dress with a matching headband keeping her long white hair out of her eyes and ears holding a basket full of different kinds of plants and bandages, "No need to do that. I got herbs for that kind of work and with that arm of your's dislocated, you could do more harm than good at this point."

The old woman crossed with a pace that belied her age, "Let's see here," the woman knelt down and began looking over the injured boy's body, "Definitely cracked, possibly broken ribs. Internal organs are injured fairly badly. His back is a giant bruise, as his chest and stomach. Dislocated left leg at the hip with a broken right ankle. Boy took the brunt, didn't he," it wasn't a question at the end as the old woman went to work to stabilize the white haired boy.

Astraea could only watch as the old woman showed what she knew in medicinal arts and medical practice.

It was extensive. Far more extensive than someone who just lived a normal life should know. Her bandaging of the injuries reminded her of the times she had seen soldiers caring for their injured. Of bands of Unblessed fighters, such as mercenaries, being quick and precise.

This one had once been in an army.

That was clear as the nose on Astraea's face. Bell was in good and experienced hands.

Far better than Astraea's panicked attempt at rending medical aid.

Astraea did not know how long she sat there. But time didn't seem to flow. She felt panic in so many ways for Bell.

Then the old woman suddenly turned to Astraea.

"Let's get that armed reset," she said and before Astraea could tell her to concentrate solely on Bell, the old woman showed some strength in her aged hands and immediately relocated Astraea's arm in an abrupt reset, much to the Goddess' screaming and pain.

Once Astraea had calmed down and the pain had reduced, she looked to the old woman with tears in her eyes being the only indication she was in pain, "Bell, worry about him."

"I've done all I can for now," the woman replied, carefully applying her herbs and a rub to Astraea's shoulder and other places along her body, "For now, I just need to get your arm into a sling and your body into a dress, unless you wish to walk to my home naked."

Astraea blushed, remembering what she and Bell had been about to do. Despite everything, there was still a lingering smell in the air too. They hadn't gone the whole way, but had been close enough. Having done enough to show what they had been doing, what they had intended, when whatever happened, happened.

"Relax," the old woman swatted Astraea's good shoulder, "I knew Zeus back in the day. You'll be surprised just how many women or even girls he had on hand. Though he has a reputation of being a philanderer, no woman ever denied his company a second time after agreeing by their own choice to the first."

Honestly… Astraea did not know how to take that.

"If I put it bluntly," the old woman's grey blue eyes were mischievous, "Zeus may have been an old man, but he was far from a dirty old man all things considered and the women loved it," then the woman stopped to think for a moment, "Plus the girls. Teenage girls nearing adulthood. Back when that was considered younger than it is now. Though he desired them to be filled out or more than mostly filled out. I recall watching him once allow a serial child attacker slowly sink into shark infested waters before Zeus pulled him out. Though, after that, he promptly beat the man black and blue before turning him over to a naval warship to carry him to his trial where he was found guilty and promptly executed," the woman then smiled, "Good times."

That was Zeus. Totally. He had a soft spot for children, which was surprising for someone like him. Given his once infamous intolerance of Humans and other beings. But he had changed his mind over time, realizing a truth that she could scarcely recall, though Zeus, who had yet to be felled at all, recalled with crystal clarity.

But… She shook her head and groaned as the world slowly swam in front of her.

"Better not do that again," the old woman was already pulling some of Astraea's clothes out and raising an eyebrow at the fact they had definite fold creases on each and every article, "Did you two even bother wearing clothes on this little trip of yours?"

Astraea was aflame with red from her toes to her head for the first time in nearly a month!

XXXX

Using a simple hand cart, both the Goddess and the old woman got Bell down to her wagon. Her horses were calmly munching on some grass as the Divine and Mortal got the boy into the back. But much to the Goddess' surprise, the old woman turned back to the barge.

"I saw your other friend in a lower hold," the old woman stated, "Looks like she's just unconscious."

"What?" the Goddess blinked, "We were alone."

The old woman raised both eyebrows, "Really? Because I saw a teenage girl as naked as you two were."

"Huh?!" Astraea felt around with her senses and sure enough, there was another presence and one that had…

"This feeling is all wrong and yet, there is a familiar feel and trace to the soul, but…" the Divine tried harder before her eyes widen in complete disbelief, "There is no soul!"

"She looked alive to me," the old woman set off, "And if she were dead, you wouldn't notice her at all."

"That's… difficult to swallow," the Goddess admitted and despite having one arm, she aided the old woman in getting to the young woman, who was, indeed, a teenage girl not much older than Bell and one…

The Goddess' breath hitched as the girl was turned over. She looked at the unconscious, and thoroughly undeniably alive, girl. She was bald, in all places where hair should have been, but despite that… She could recognize the face easily enough, her Divine Abilities as a Goddess of Justice allowing her to place what her appearance truly was as easily as her memory placed the face...

"Ardi... Varma…" the Goddess gently touched the girl's face, as though afraid she would shatter and disappear as a figment of her imagination, but she did not.

"Her body is both cool and slightly warm," the old woman frowned, "Never have I felt such a temperature from a living body," the woman then brings up her hand, covered in some kind of liquid, "What is this? Smells strange and this coloration… How strange it is."

The scent, to Astraea's surprise, was familiar, but it shouldn't be on the Lower World.

"It's from the…" she shook her head, "For now we need to get her out of her and find out…" Astraea swallowed thickly, "Where her soul is."

"You know what happened to her?" the old woman showed she was sharp despite her old age.

Astraea nodded, "My Child saw her die. The explosion… There was reportedly no body left to recover. That… Even if there were, they could not…" Astraea swallowed thickly, "But how did she end up here, let alone being… whole…"

The liquid caused Astraea to narrow her eyes dangerously as her Divine Aura peaked in her anger.

There were only a few who had access to it. Though she never thought they could transport to the Lower World. This was far more dangerous than the Primordial Fire that Prometheus had dropped to the Lower World 3,000 years ago. Far more dangerous indeed and far more troubling as well.

Nevertheless, she would investigate. For Ardi and her sister as well as for Ganesha. To finally put things to rest and ease their pain.

But no sooner had her Divine Aura stabilize in her anger, than those Cerulean Blue eyes shot open as an intake of breath was taken.

Though absolutely dull, as lifeless as any in death, they turned to Astraea and, more importantly, some clarity and color returned to them before the Divine's eyes.

As Astraea watched, her aura unleashed for all to feel, she watched as a white-golden shine awash the young woman in its brilliance before it shot to center itself at her center. It formed a brilliant spinning ball of energy that glowed a dashing riot of colors. It began to spin so fast, that it morphed into what appeared to be a vortex before abruptly reforming into a ball. After that, it sank to the young woman's chest and then entered the former Adventurer slowly, but surely sinking into her flesh where it glowed brightly for a moment. Then the teenaged girl glowed along her entire form before a hitch of breath announcing the truth of life from the body.

"What just happened?" The old woman had spots in her eyes, but she had seen the outlines of the spectacle.

Astraea gently placed her good hand on the spot where the ball of energy had vanished into Ardi.

She felt it. That was a piece of Ardi's soul. A sense of Divine Energy leaked as well. So intimately familiar to the Goddess. But how could she not know it? It was Astraea's own Divine Energy.

'How?' Astraea thought in surprise and wonder, before dawning came upon her, 'My Familia…'

Still, Astraea could sense it was only a fragment of a soul. The once lively and just hearted girl was little more than a husk right now. The body lived, the mind functioned, but there was no soul to animate it. To give it the True Spark of Life.

Right now… It was either best described as a single ember or perhaps a piece of warm ash.

But Astraea took hold of one of Ardi's hands, she felt the life still there. That there was a chance for Ardi to come back.

"Ganesha would never let you out of his sight again," Astraea admitted a crucial fact, "To see you like this… He would break the Covenant we Divine have agreed to. No matter the cost. For you, it would be a small price to him."

And perhaps… He would be right.

The Gods and Goddesses were not that far above. No, quite the opposite. Some enjoyed finally interacting and learning.

This wasn't a distraction, a game, or amusement.

Ganesha was one of those who wholeheartedly desired to be in the Lower World. He genuinely cared for the Lower World and all the life there within. That teeming existence didn't excite him because he was bored.

It excited him, because all life in the Lower World lived.

That was the source of who Ganesha was. A God who thrived not on prayers or power or Divine Existence, but on Life itself.

And nothing was more alive than the Lower World, where the Children lived the loudest out of all creatures.

That was also… Was it true? Was that her own power as well? The just hearts of those who seek to protect? The calls for justice when crimes are committed? To be the force that rights the wrongs?

To be… Hope?

Dare she, herself, Hope?

A gentle squeeze from the hand she held. Though there was no facial expression, as blank as a painting canvas, Astraea could tell.

Ardi was telling her to have Hope.

Hope is, after all, the central foundation of Justice.

With a smile and a nod, Astraea recognizes that. Despite her own insecurities on what she should be standing for. She knew... She could still stand for Hope, where there is none.

"Let's get you somewhere else Ardi," and with a nod to the old woman, the two got the girl up and began carrying her to the safety of the wagon and soon, they would be on their way to the woman's nearby home.

How fortunate for them.

XXXX

"Too fortunate," Morgana frowned as the white haired woman scanned with her Ruby Red eyes.

"There is something amiss here, but I cannot say what at this time," one of her team members states as her own Forest Green eyes scanned.

Despite the different eye color, the young woman also had a head of white hair. A sure sign of their relation by blood and kin. Though she was further along the family line. And given their unique history, it shouldn't be a surprise.

"Aye," another member of the Second Warriors mutters, playing with a braid of Aqua Blue hair that matches her eyes, her trident near at hand, "Even I can tell from here the set up that was made."

"Very obvious that," a fourth member giggles as she rolls her Crimson Red eyes and flicks some blond hair over her shoulder, "If that is not the case, then call us Amazons!"

The entire female team enjoys a moment of merriment. There is something going on. But what?

And that lack of knowledge, just as easily, and unhappily, tempers their merriment.

XXXX

The ride to the home of the old woman had not been long. Though much to Astraea's surprise, it turned out to be an estate rather than a simple home.

And despite the fact the old woman was living alone, the estate was clearly being cared for.

"It isn't as glorious as it once was," the old woman admits, "but it keeps the chill and rain out nicely."

"Are we on an old plantation?" Astraea inquires, looking intrigued at the residence.

"Once, yes," the old woman admitted, "It was also a Familia's home a few times over the years. Even the Zeus Familia called it home briefly and used it as a base."

Astraea's head snapped around to look at the old woman in shock.

Given that they were in Orario for well over two hundred years, that said much of the estate's age. It wasn't just very old, which would be mild to Children and barely worthy of note to the Gods and Goddesses. But it was possibly ancient.

That would explain some of the design features.

It must be an old ruin that was still sturdy. Therefore, a home was built around the older structure. Incorporating the older constructs would have been a good move to save time.

"Did the Khonsu Familia use it as a base?" that would make sense to Astraea, but they explored the Turnberry Fen Bends much later than she could estimate its age at this time.

"Possibly, though likely, yes," the old woman nodded with a shrug, thinking it likely given how it was within the perimeter of the Turnberry Fen Bends' outer reaches, "Hard to say. Needless to say, there have been changes over the centuries, so the reasons behind the estate's construction and why are lost."

"Pleasant thought," Astraea hated such minor quirks about things. It could be really annoying at the wrong times. To put it mildly.

As the horses pulled the wagon along, Astraea could see the old flower beds, fields for farming, and gardens.

Ancient pillars still stood strong. Some reinforced or added to later constructed walls. Quite a number had been added into sculptures and statues as well as other uses. Such as one that looked like it had been used as a guardpost.

Indeed, a closer inspection showed numerous… Strongpoints, Astraea classified them for now. Places to guard, patrol, to defend. While an estate probably more than a few times, it was clear it was also a base alright. Even a fort and a strong one at that.

Armies as well as Familias had called this place home before.

If she were Hestia or Athena or others like them, she could easily read the lands' history and know the truth. It was a power, among others, that the Deities still had, despite the Covenant that restricted their powers and their Arcanum.

Still... It was impressive to say the least.

Despite its age and lack of full care, it was still a study structure. To Astraea's eye at least. Her ability to discern its strengths still allowed her to tell that it was standing tall and firm.

It could weather some serious damage and/or danger.

Hopefully… It would not be needed.

After all, as she now had time to think, she had time to realize… The smugglers might not be so gone and given what they found in Ardi and literally what she had been found in…

She suspected these defenses would need to be put to the test.

XXXX

The old woman was seemingly unaware of Astraea's thoughts. But she was old enough to be sharper than the rapier of Orario's famous Sword Princess.

As such, she was already thinking about the old defenses. Some of them could operate without a person to man them. They just needed to be loaded and set.

Hopefully, she will have time.

Guiding the two horses, though, was her primary concern.

The boy needed rest and fresh bandages and herbs. She'll also need to do a more thorough examination. He had hit that wooden wall hard and then had the Goddess Astraea crash into him.

He wasn't Blessed and the crash and grounding had been fierce.

But Cranels, like all Gael, were tough by nature.

Both in mind and body. Their lives had demanded it and it had been bred into them ever since. That didn't make them superior, far from it in fact. They were vulnerable in their own way.

Such was the truth of those who lived with the blood of the Primordial Elves of the long gone Great Elven Civilization.

Far more powerful and robust than today's elves, they also lacked the obvious physical traits, the most notable being the ears. That had allowed them to pass for humans or be mistaken for them. They were also physically stronger than most elves today, rivaling dwarves in terms of sheer power and yet their physical appearance belied that.

Their magic was also far more powerful and readily available. How long ago was that?

The old woman had lived for many years, learned many things. Knew history forgotten and changed. As such, she was surprised when she had seen the book that told the true tale of the Foolish Hero.

It warmed her heart.

She would need to add a copy to her own collection. It would help pass the time to copy it and then create a new book out of it. Wasn't like she got many visitors to entertain these days.

Yes… It would be helpful.

But they would need to survive the coming storm first.

Both literal and figurative as she gazed up at the clouds in the far distance.

Pulling on the reins, she brought the horses to a stop. Then engaging the brake, she helped the Goddess down and both went to retrieved the pair of youngsters.

XXXX

Astraea looked up at the estate. It was at least four or five stories tall on top of the ground floor, depending on where one was. It had a typical arrangement, such as the basement and underground levels from what she could see of doorways and hatches. She figured at least two subbasements and perhaps a couple of cellars.

Very heavily constructed.

Astraea doubted she could get the entire history of the estate, but from what little she had been told and seen, it was undoubtedly sturdy for battle.

Despite the large windows that were present, heavy covers existed as well. They appear more adequate for storms, but their design meant they could be used for battle as well. And they were tastefully designed to look nice, with circular designs or chevron cuts.

The walls were a still tasteful blue-white on the outside. Despite their weathering, they stood out on the green lands around them. Not too easily, as there were walls. Both decorative and solid.

The pathway they alighted at had finely cut stone in the ground to act as a walkway. It was clear they once stood higher than the dirt and were probably joined by more to make a stone courtyard, but now have sunken while others were removed. They were weather beaten, but not yet broken and were still high enough that Astraea would have dry feet in all but the most heavy of moderate weather.

Circles and chevrons appeared to be the main theme as did birds. Specifically birds that appear to show the phoenix. Though there were a few other birds, mostly birds of prey, though a few softer bird motifs could be seen, such as doves and robins.

Statues were visible in many places and ran quite the gamut of types and styles as well as poses and inspiration.

There was one of a couple, nearly naked, kissing surmounting a fountain with horns and shrubs.

Which, of course, caused Astraea to remember what she and Bell had been up to just before the barge had grounded.

"Lady Goddess," the old woman called out to her, "You can admire and be embarrassed later, for now, the young people."

"R-R-Right!" her tone was a bit high for her, but Astraea made no attempt to correct herself as she assisted the old woman in removing Ardi from the wagon and placing her on a cart.

Once the two wheeled push or pulled hand cart was surprisingly strong and durable. It was a simple thing of wood with metal fasteners. It could be used for a wide variety of needs. Such as right now being capable of holding two ambulatory cases.

Albeit with great care.

Fortunately, neither Ardi nor Bell were very large. Meaning, that while cramped, both could be safely loaded onto the cart. In fact, Ardi had shown some understanding of her surroundings and had reached out and pulled herself, despite her weaken condition, to comfortably rest next to Bell.

Both the old woman and Astraea were taken back. Once Ardi was resting her head on Bell's shoulder, her eyes closed for the first time since they had found her and her breathing evened out to show she was sleeping.

If anything, the fact her breathing was so even was a good sign. She had been breathing shallowly before. Now it was far more deeper, natural breathing as expected of a person.

Astraea felt a strange feeling. Something she hadn't felt before. It welled up in her chest and felt like it was crushing her very soul.

"This makes things easier," the old woman said suddenly, "I wonder if the boy is a natural with the ladies? Or, if he's as innocent as the bunny he looks like."

Bell's face had been a mask of pain and stress. Now, with Ardi's head on his shoulder, he was more relaxed, but he was still in a lot of pain. And yet…

'His innocence and purity,' Astraea realized as she thought it over, logic managing to come forward in her mind, despite the pain in her chest, 'Bell, by his very nature, is pure and honest and Ardi had always been empathic. Perhaps her natural sense of empathy is letting her know that Bell is hurt and yet safe, so she is moving both close to him to give him a sense of relief and to seek protection knowing he is safe.'

Gazing down at her hand steadying the cart, 'Like she did earlier with me.'

Indeed, Ardi's memories would have seen Astraea as the force she was. But she also knew that Astraea genuinely cared for others. How true her being was. Thus, allowing both her empathy and memories to guide her.

The two caring for the pair of injured teens soon arrived in a small alcove inside the estate. Astraea taken aback by how fast they had moved and that she had failed to pay any attention.

It didn't take long for the pair to move Bell and Ardi into a pair of nearby beds.

Ardi didn't actually want to leave Bell, but did so anyways.

Once they were in bed, the old woman tended to them. With Ardi, naturally, being the one with the least amount of physical injuries. Astraea herself had a few, but would be fine herself. It was only her arm that was dislocated and then reset and once the old woman was done with Bell, that would be fully tended to soon enough.

Indeed, Ardi had seen so little need that Bell had the old woman's full attention.

As Astraea watched, the woman worked over Bell's wounds. She applied more advanced potions than what Astraea had. Some clearly having been sitting for some time, yet… Astraea couldn't help but notice some things.

Though she kept her peace. For now.

After all, Bell was receiving first rate medical care right now.

XXXX

Perhaps it was how time was perceived by her.

But Astraea had seen that the old woman was soon completed. It felt soon for her liking. Far too soon. Yet the woman yawned in exhaustion and popped her aged bones back into place. She then turned away from Bell's bed and padded around the room. She replaced things and restocked others. She had so much out and she was putting some away while grabbing a few more.

Then she turned to Astraea and turned to the lights she had turned on at some point.

Only then did Astraea realize how dark it was outside. That the woman had worked for hours.

And now it was the Goddess' turn to be cared for.

Stripped back down to her nudity, the Goddess did not blush or act as a young maiden might have. She was not embarrassed or ashamed. She was actually very confident in her appearance and she knew there was no danger to be known.

That thought ended as the old woman went about on Astraea's dislocated arm.

The Goddess felt herself scream anew. Blazing pain ran throughout her mind. She could see nothing nor describe anything. She literally knew nothing as such was the power of the pain she felt.

Then it was abruptly over.

Shaking from the pain, Astraea looked over to the old woman… Who now had a lit pipe in her mouth and was gently smoking it.

"So," the old woman removed the tip from her mouth, "Have your wits returned to you?"

Unable to speak and coughing extremely horsley, the Goddess could not answer.

"I'll take that as a yes," the old woman sighed as she put her pipe away and picked up a simple tin cup, "Here's some water Lady Goddess."

Gratefully, Astraea took a sip. Her mind functioning now. She knew the danger of being too greedy too fast with water. So she sipped carefully and gently.

"Good to see your wits are indeed back," the old woman sighed sadly, "You surprised me with the full extent of your own injuries," the old woman then went on to inform Astrea of her injuries, "Aside from the obviously dislocated shoulder, you sprained both of your ankles somehow, likely helping me, you had cracks in your entire dislocated arm. In fact, you had torn muscles in it severely and had a, thankfully, clean break in your forearm. Concussion, as expected, and a crack in your back and neck. Nothing serious given how quickly I got to it. Very heavy bruising of the ribs on your bad side, plus a crack in your pelvis. Likely most of your damage was from landing wrong after your floating home crashed ashore."

Coughing again, this time far better than before, "I see," and then the woman's words click in her mind, "'Floating Home?'"

The old woman gave a knowing look.

'Oh,' Astraea blushed and found her drink quite fascinating all of a sudden, 'Right.'

"I'll bother you a little more," the woman stated abruptly causing Astraea to look to her, "And then let you get some rest. You'll need it. A lot of it for the next few days."

"My thanks and thank you for helping us," the Goddess of Justice looked to the sleeping forms of Bell and Ardi, "You saved all three of us. Bell especially and gave me something… To report to Ouranos when I return to Orario."

Ardi was a serious issue. Astraea worried how Ganesha would take it. Or Ardi's older sister. She remembered that much about the girl. Her old sister was an up and coming member of the Ganesha Familia and powerful. Perhaps a near equal for Ryuu.

'Ryuu,' the Goddess thought suddenly before turning to look up at the moon as heavy clouds began to close in and hide it from view, 'Please be safe. The world… The Dark Era is still upon us.'

The old woman did a little more fretting over the Goddess, asking questions, and checking her every so often.

Eventually, though, as she said, she eventually stopped after a short while. Then with a heavy sigh and popping aged bones and vertebrae, the old woman headed off to sleep in her own bed. She did let the Goddess know where to find her and provided a, well, bell for her to ring in case of emergency.

XXXX

Well removed from the estate…

XXXX

"FORWARD!"

Battlecries rang out as the Kingdom of Rakia tested its might against the Gael Clan.

It was an unexpected and unanticipated maneuver by Rakia. The Gael Clan was well in a different direction from Orario. Or any of its conquests or targets of desire as of late. So the small battle, really a skirmish in the grand scheme of things, was still a big surprise.

But not as big as Ares had hoped.

"Reinforce the left flank, bolster the right and prepare to encircle the enemy!"

Over a front extending only a league and some extra distance, the two sides fought. The location was a somewhat hilly grassland. It had no real note, except for a few rivers that fed some farm towns and villages and a tributary to River Cal. There were some ancient ruins and a long abandoned limestone quarry that was partially flooded currently.

The Rakia forces had hoped for surprise. But spies for Gael as well as some smugglers partial to Gael had warned the seat of the Clan ahead of time. As such, the Gael border guards had been able to lay traps and redeploy to skirmish the Rakia troops.

Fast cavalry had arrived and negated Rakia's own fast cavalry, protecting the border soldiers from being overrun in a day. Both groups succeeded in a fighting withdrawal to the main border base in that area after four days of fighting. The Rakia forces promptly surrounding it and finding it a difficult nut to crack.

Two days into the siege and after a failed assault breached the west gate of the base, Gael reinforcements had arrived and forced Rakia back to the border.

Both sides now fought along the border between Gael and the abruptly annexed nation that had previously occupied that strip of land opposite.

Rakia attempted to use heavy cavalry to break the forward line of Gael. Gael crossbow and ballista put paid to that idea from ideal ground.

The Gael attempted a flanking maneuver that extended the battle to just over a league in length. But the attempt was thwarted by opposing spearmen and heavy infantry. The flanking maneuver attempted to settle in, but was itself flanked and forced back.

Catapults and ballista exchanged attacks, inflicting losses over the next couple of days as both sides decided on their course of action.

Taking advantage of the setting sun the next day, the Gael commander convinced the Rakia commander that a large force of heavy cavalry had just arrived to reinforce the Gael. This made the Rakia commander commit to defend against a non-existent attack. The 'heavy cavalry' was really a few riders and the Gael forces' spare horses, but the act was convincing enough.

Rakia attempted to break a weak point and had succeeded in reaching it and pressuring it. But the Rakia soldiers had to cross a river that was not as shallow as the commander thought. Instead, it was nearly up to their knees and the soldiers were struggling to keep their feet over the smooth rocks on its bottom.

As such, the Gael Clan soldiers were able to focus their defense at the river's edge. Nonetheless, the weight of the attack allowed it to push them back into some rocky hills overlooking the river. The soldiers fighting every step of the way as the Gael troops were shoved back.

It was at that moment, the Gael commander saw a chance to win the battle.

With his orders followed, his troops reinforced the beleaguered flank and promptly readjusted their positions in response to the threat of Rakia breakthroughs. In doing so, the Rakia committed more forces while Gael shifted their entire line, shortening one side and lengthening the other.

As such, the Rakia were now facing the center of the Gael forces.

And with the river hampering their movement as they pressed forward, the Gael encircled the Rakia forces before they realized it.

Now trapped with a river bisecting their forces, the Rakia soldiers were at an end. They knew it and desperately sought a breakout to escape. But they were totally trapped with too few troops able to turn and engage the Gael behind them, before they were all crashing into one another to try and stay alive. At the same time, the forward attack had stalled for lack of support and reinforcements.

Just as the battle looked to be entering its final phases, war horns and trumpets from both sides sounded.

Gael Bugles quickly beat a hasty order to cease combat as trumpet orders were delivered by Rakia commanders.

"Dammit all," Ares growled as the red haired man looked at his trapped vanguard, "Arawan!"

He knew that out of every Deity, Arawan had the most combat experience and command leadership. Even other War Gods pale in comparison. Arawan had challenged the Eleven of Twelve when he had been the Thirteenth of Twelve.

And had won multiple wars against them, whittling their numbers down to only half of their original number.

Across from him, the white hair man in his typical black long coat and trousers only smiled sardonically. Really, Ares looked like a real hero in his red plate armor and black gambeson. Compared to that, Arawn looked like a villain of some kind.

"Well, now, Ares," Arawn watched from atop his horse, "What shall you do now?"

Ares growled. Arawn was difficult to surprise at times. The man was laid back and tended to be lazy on occasion, but that was just a show of confidence or an act of misdirection. Depends on who you spoke to about Arawn.

But right now…

"All forces retreat," Ares grumbled in annoyance, knowing that Arawn had forces able to destroy him and if he was personally on the field, it meant that he was already positioned to launch a counter invasion in multiple areas.

His commanders, realizing the same, issued the order and the encircled troops were allowed out of the encirclement on Arawn's orders.

"The most victorious battle is the one not fought," Arawn quoted the maxim, knowing his opponent was outwitted.

Sure, his forces had fought. But they had held firmly the border area. Because beyond this grassland of hills and its few worths, was a few of Gael's most vital trade routes to nearby regions. In addition, the Water Elves had a major city in the Loch Mol along the River Cal and it was ill prepared for such an invasion right now.

Victory here, met that they weren't fighting for much finer lands.

More importantly, while both armies combined numbered over a hundred thousand, the battle along the border had involved less than 6,000 in all.

All in all, more a skirmish than a real battle, despite its intensity and overall strategic value.

Still, the real battle would have been much further away from here.

Once Ares and his forces were gone, Arawn sat down with the commanders and heroes of the struggle. The men and women were finely fed and toasted. The Gael celebrated their win, despite some hoping for a fight, even spoiling for it. Arawn had assured them that for now Ares was driven away, but then he told them they may have yet another, more dangerous enemy soon.

After all, once the festivities were complete, he was reading his daughter's report once more and frowning before deciding on a course of action.

"You summoned me my lord?" the young woman knelt before him.

"Yes, Angelise," the God turned to her and handed her a message, "This must reach Ares quickly. He will have problems with this threat as much as we will be having. And I much rather his forces not get surprised unnecessarily if things are to become as bad as I fear."

Angelise nodded. She was one of his best messengers. He trusted the blue haired woman to deliver the message to Ares quickly.

"You can even check in on that idiot brother of your's and your boyfriend while you're at it, if they're present this time around," Arawn gave leave for Angelise to see about the pair.

"Thank you kindly," the girl swallowed thickly, "Lord Father."

"Enough of the Lord part already," Arawn smiled at his adopted daughter and the young woman nodded with a smile herself before heading off to organize her pegasus squad to fly over to find Ares.

"To think it's been nearly two decades since I found you two and a few other survivors of your village while out for a stroll."

For a God like Arawn, that stroll was a little more than a stroll and took several years to complete.

Of course, he had to make it up to those he cared for.

But then he thought back to what Morgana had reported.

'If they are involved, things are going to get complicated real fast,' honestly, Ares' actions now had a benefit for them both.

Their armies were mobilized and would be at heightened alert for some time.

Fortuitous.

Arawn groaned hoping he didn't have to fight endless waves of skeletons. Again.

XXXX

The messenger bird flew off as the old woman read the paper from the parcel it had delivered.

The news was recent. The woman got regular papers at regular intervals. Apparently some old acquaintances had set it up and people remembered she was out here. Despite the distance.

Astraea wondered when it was the last time she had read the Starlit Gazette. Founded in a district under her direct protection in Orario, the small newspaper team was as good as their word on honesty. The quality was always good and it didn't hold back on the truth, no matter how hard it had been hurting for people.

But by that same token, when the truth was uplifting, the strength was as great as light was blinding.

Indeed, how powerful the truth could be when it swung the other way. Such was the strength that Evilius had struggled to combat it. Which they couldn't. The Guild, Familias, and the City of Orario had benefited from that truth as it strengthened the back of the people.

How long ago was that?

Anyways, the old woman had given Astraea a copy she had arranged for her. The paper was the Cent Lond Central Crier. Apparently, that was a nearby small duchy or other. Astraea had never been out this way before now, so she wasn't sure.

Still, it was a reliable source of information. That the old woman assured her.

They were lucky to get any papers. There were storms blowing in. Creating a mess. They were a normal thing, but as of the last few years, they had been getting frequently worse and lasting longer than ever.

Their destructive capabilities have gotten worse as well.

Anyways, the biggest news story was the movement of the Rakia Army.

It had turned in a different direction from Orario and the nearby nations around the great city. The Rakia Army, instead, had struck Northward and at Gael. The Gael Clan were defending their border lands in the Cambria Plains with a force of less than 2,300 soldiers against a force a third again their own size.

And both sides were marshaling major forces for a large series of battles, given their sizes.

"Nearly 110,000 soldiers," Astraea sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose as she leaned her head back and placed the paper down on the stand next to her chair.

Ares was a God of War. Arrogant and vein, but not a complete idiot, despite popular belief. He was just outdated and quick tempered with an impatient streak a few leagues wide.

And, more importantly, Ares did not lack for courage. Quite the opposite, he was very courageous and was also well respected as a leader, when in one of his better phases.

Much like Arawan, Ares was a devoted father as well. Adopted, of course, but Ares was a loyal man to any woman he came across. For all that he was a combatant, he was also one who understood conflict the most.

Well… Second to Arawn, of course. Athena was the better military leader and was superior in a fight, but Ares could motivate soldiers to fight. Largely because he could relate to them.

He and Thor may have been opposites in many ways and the same in others, but if the pair got into a tavern together or even just a bar or pub, the clientele never paid for their meals or drinks.

There is also the fact that Amazons fought for Ares. Many seeing him as their leader rather than Kali. As such, a great number of Amazons not only follow Ares, but worship him as their true Deity.

Rumors still abound that the most famed of their race were, in fact, children of Ares, born to him from Human women.

A silly rumor, but there are still others of that caliber. Zeus has the reputation for example. As did Odin and others, like Amaterasu.

Still, the march to war with Arawn was rather unusual. Then again, the Gael Clan was noted to have fighters who used rare beasts and animals and had members as strong as a Third Class Adventurer with some able to fight all the way up to First Class Adventurers.

Rumored, anyway.

But their fighting prowess was equal.

"At their current pace," Astraea calculates that both Ares' vanguard and Arawn's border troops would be engaged for at least two or three days now.

Depending on the age of the information the paper provided.

'Damn,' Astraea thought with a look of disgust, 'Never would I have thought Hermes important enough unless matters such as these.'

Astraea and Hermes were not on good terms. She was actually on better terms with Ares than Hermes. Largely because Ares was a gentleman in comparison to other Gods who would steal their way into a woman's bed. Ares knocked on the door and politely asked.

He was also one of the few, and she couldn't believe it, given his nature on the battlefield when he cut loose, that didn't try and spy on Goddesses as they bathed.

Quite the opposite, Ares may have complained about not being a dog, but he would stand watch as the Goddesses bathed and never peek.

Little wonder why he wasn't exactly Mister Popular with a lot of Gods. The incident with Aphrodite aside, as the blonde Goddess actually favored Ares and in return was favored back. Hephaestus laying her trap and capturing both in the act and leaving them to be humiliated by the other Gods was just that, humiliated by the other Gods who took advantage of what the red haired Goddess had been offering.

Of course, Arawn was also a loyal man. Loyal to his formerly mortal wives. The closest one being his current wife and fellow co-ruler of the Gael.

Honestly, Astraea cannot remember what happened to the others. Watos had ascended Arawan to Godhood. Making him a powerful God and Watos, like Zeus and Odin, was incredibly powerful. Perhaps more powerful than all of the Supreme Deities put together and those were the leaders of the various groups.

Arawn's strength and skill had not waned since he was one of the Twelve.

Quite the opposite. He had only gotten better. Fearfully better. Yet he had the skills of both Athena and Ares and none of their negative quirks.

He even defended the…

"The current Emperor is named Cranel…" it hadn't dawned on her before, but there was a Cranel who had left the Gael and had risen up with the Rhome Empire to become its new Emperor.

Cheery thought.

Rhome and Rakia were at each other's throats on their best day. If a Cranel led that Empire, he might march to support his kin. Especially as said kin had saved Rhome from collapse and had helped to rebuild it over time.

It was also one of Gael's longest and oldest trade partners. And both were mutually quite peaceful with one another. Whereas, Rakia and Rhome weren't as both were expansionist, though Rhome had fully committed to not being as expansionist had it had in the past.

"This is giving me a headache," Astraea muttered as she suddenly shivered from the chill in the air and looked outside to see the weather turn again, "More rain. So does that mean more 'guests' tonight as well?"

The old woman was not as clever as she thought she was. It had taken a bit of effort, but Astraea had managed to weasel her name out of the old woman. It was Fen. Interesting name. The old woman said she couldn't remember her own full name. It had been so long since she last spoke it or heard it.

Or so she said and Astraea had felt something. Something she couldn't quite place. But had little choice but to ignore it for now.

Except those 'guests' as Astraea had taken to calling them.

'You misunderstand just what I am and what my experiences are,' Astraea thought as she began to follow the trek she had started to find that would lead her to where the 'guests' were staying.

Justice was blind. The truth had to be sought out. It was often an elusive thing. Needing to be found. As it was just as likely to hide as be hidden and quite well too.

As the Goddess walked the hallways, heading to where she sensed the new additions, she could feel the tickle of the place.

The estate was truly old. Ancient powers were carved into its stone and wood. It went very far in telling how one old woman kept it so well maintained and how she had the life of someone younger than herself. The magicks were likely a mix of secret and forgotten. Oh how Riveria would have loved this place if she were still the arrogant one, but…

With a shake of her head, she shouldn't be thinking like that about one of Loki's Children.

They all lost someone dear.

'Far too many lost someone dear,' Astraea slowed her pace before putting her hand on a wall, 'I lost everyone. All of my Children… Dead… Fallen… My Children…"

Astraea didn't know how she ended up on the floor, her back against the wall as she cried.

All she knew was that Fen had found her some time later. Completely bawling and crying out the names of her Children. All of her Daughters. As much as her Daughters as if they were of her blood.

Old woman Fen got her up and back to bed. Tucking the distraught Goddess in after giving her something to sleep. The Goddess drifted off asking, begging their forgiveness for not being there for them.

"Astraea…" Fen looked on as the Goddess finally drifted off to sleep, "You really suffered."

Fen knew the truth. The Deities were detached in Heaven. But here, down in the Lower World, they were not detached.

As such, they all grew attached at some point.

She turned the lights down and then off before closing the door and letting the distressed Goddess sleep.

It was all she could do for her.

XXXX

A/N:

Okay, this is badly delayed. For a number of reasons. But it has essentially been sitting complete for the better part of three months now, possibly four months.

The issue I was having was finally completing it. I wanted more, but I didn't know how to go from where I was.

That was until I looked at how long I had written it thus far. Whoops. Anymore and I could have made it a screenplay and that would be a violation of the Disclaimer Agreement.

So, without further ado or snarky words this time around, I present this here chapter to you all.

Please, as always, read and review.

Also, just to give a head's up, the extra bits have already been taken from this one to start the next chapter.