Just in time for this update (like by... 3 hours?) MORE ARRRRRRRRRRRT! Go see! (Daeore on Ko-fi)

Chapter 7

As we walked home, the four rookies were getting as close to 'rambunctious' as I'd ever seen them as we walked along. Lilly (back on my shoulder again and playing with my ears) stopped doing so suddenly and wiggled about for a moment to fish a hand into her robe.

"Lilly is speaking."

Being next to my ears, I could hear the bit of crystal she'd pulled out of her pouch reply to her, "Lilly? Good, still with Kodori?" It was Hestia.

"Yes! We have great news too."

"We're not going to be poor are we?"

"Two bits of great news then!"

"Oh, well that's good. Because... well, can you just hurry home? There is a small mob outside the gate, and Shakti is coming over soon too."

I made a 'gimme that' with my free hand, and Lilly leaned over to let me speak into it, "Any danger?"

"I don't think so. The Oni are very good at keeping people off the lawn, and Shinkage is patrolling with Hagane. But please hurry home anyhow?" Hestia sounded worried, but not hysterical, so it hadn't escalated yet.

"We'll start running." I nodded up to Lilly, and as soon as she put the crystal away, my tails moved her to my back, "Looks like we have a problem." I said to the others, who had all paused their mini-celebration for the conversation.

As one, they all went through their own little equipment check. Most of their stuff was still at the Soma compound, since Lilly didn't have her pack, so all they really had was their gear and a few personal items.

"We're ready Boss." Delly said.

I nodded approval, "Set the pace then." And we were running.

Just as I suspected, it was a small heap of Amazons. Some of them looked a little worse for wear, since it was only yesterday since they'd fallen off a building, gotten frozen to a rooftop, beaten up by a pair of level six Amazon, or bounced off the cobblestones. Otherwise, they looked like most other Amazon in the city. Athletic, mostly tanned skin and just enough clothing to cover what the modesty laws required of them. (For the record, they weren't actually laws, just 'strongly worded suggestions' that you should cover your naughty bits lest you cause accidents.)

Clearly visible, waiting just inside the property line were the two Oni. They stood expressionless, like statues, but it was clear by their posture that stepping over that line would cause paperwork (and injury). They did however all spot me and our merry band of adventurers (who, thinking about it, averaged just under level 3 if you included me), at about the same time.

Feeling like this was becoming a habit, I asked, "Is there a problem here?"

"We want to see them!" One of them said.

"And someone in this house has to pay for assaulting us!" Another (who looked a little blue still) added.

"No man will get away with doing that to me!" The one I'd bounced off the street said. She was looking much better though, a far cry from someone who probably had ruptured organs and a broken rib or two before going to sleep last night.

Ah, politics. They tried the sword, now they were trying the pen.

"And why were you assaulted?" I asked, "I mean hypothetically, if someone were to try and break my arm, and hold a knife to my ribs, I'd certainly try and defend myself." That got a few of them growling, and a few others looking puzzled, but I shrugged, "You're in Orario. And when one is attacked, they are allowed to defend themselves."

That shut the one I'd hurt up, but the cold looking one raised her voice, "Getting attacked from behind is unforgivable!"

I was about to say something, but Maki glanced back at me. So, I shrugged and let her speak.

"Not used to a woman doing it from behind?" Maki asked, "Or do you not expect dirty fighting in reply to dirty deeds?"

Amazons were a stubborn bunch, but they could laugh at a joke like anyone else, and most of then did. Unless of course they were the butt (haha) end of one. The chilled Amazon stepped forward, trying to loom over Maki (though she was only a tiny bit taller), "What was that, little girl?"

I wasn't expecting Maki to just call her out, but realized that my little sister had buttons of her own. "Get off my street, or I'll do it again, you baby snatching filth." She then put her left palm over the pommel of her sword.

"So you admit to sneaking up behind me like a coward and-" It was here that the Amazon poked Maki in the shoulder with a finger.

"Frjosa." The instant the Amazon poked her shoulder, Maki touched her palm to the offender's chest and spoke a single word. In a single instant, the Amazon was once again turned into a statue, her body covered in a thick layer of jagged magic ice. This left her face, one leg and the offending hand clear of ice, but otherwise, she'd become an out of season ornament.

If I wasn't sensitive to magic, I'd have missed how she'd done it too. She had pulled the effect from the runes etched into her spell sword, pulled it along her body, powered it with her own mana, and pushed it out of her palm. It had cost her a little though, and I could see her hands starting to go deep red with frostburn.

"I know I got two of you, did the other one want the same thing, from the front this time?" Maki said, just barely able to stop her teeth from chattering.

Magically created ice didn't last long, and her opponent was already starting to slump to the ground, her fellows coming up on either side to keep her on her feet. Other than that, no one else moved to answer the challenge.

"You shhhhould have k-kil-lled me."

"This is Orario." Maki replied, clenching her fists to hide the red skin of frostburn with a white knuckled grip, "We don't kill our opponents, and we don't harass mothers and children who want to be left alone."

The one who spoke first broke the silence, "How do we know you aren't keeping them here against their will!"

Intimidation obviously hadn't worked, so they pivoted a little further towards 'the pen'. That was okay though. "Because if they were, my Goddess would never forgive me." I said quietly, "They are here, under our protection until they wish to leave it. Until then, I think I'm going to put my foot down here. Stop cluttering up my street, stop bothering the Amazon who live here, and stop trying to pass Amazon Law off as something higher than the city you're in. You are -not- in Telskyura right now. Your laws and customs do not excuse you for breaking the peace here in Orario."

I walked forward, spreading my arms a little to herd the rookies in front of me so I could watch them.

"If you're still here by the count of twenty, I'll call the Guild. If you try and trespass, I'll call the mortician." Now standing on the Manor property, I turned around to face the crowd, "One."

"This isn't over."

It was almost painful to hear the conviction in her voice. Like a fanatic who had no idea why her way could be considered wrong. Reminded me a lot of some of the Exorcists back in Kuoh...

"It better be. There is a surprising amount of paperwork involved in calling the mortician." I smiled, "Five. Six. Seven..."

Lilly wiggling about a moment on my back started to mumble, "This is Hestia Familia, we have a small group of potentially hostile Amazon on our street blocking the gate."

They started to disperse, the mob fraying at the edges like a bit of wet paper, "Nine. Ten."

"If they have not incited violence, please don't encourage them. Several patrols are on their way." I heard the reply, "If they cross property lines, the rules apply as normal."

I managed to get to eighteen before the leader turned and started to leave. It was the same one who had the daggers, that my 'swashbuckling' self had faced down. She shot me one last glare before leaving, jumping up onto the rooftop across the street, before hopping down onto the other side.

It was then that Shakti and four of the blue sashed Ganesha Guards rounded the corner at the end of our street.

"So that's how yesterday went." I finished after we'd all gotten inside and sat down for tea. "I hope she didn't cause too much trouble after I sent her to you?"

"None at all, oddly." Shakti replied, sipping her tea and looking down, "Oh, hello."

"Hello Miss Shakti-san." That sounded like Chie, but all I could see were the black tips of her ears, "Are you going to teach us about the animals again soon?" Okay, definitely little Chie.

"Sometime soon I think. Being the Familia captain makes me very busy." She replied, giving Chie a headpat, "But I will let your O-ma know."

"Aww... okay." Pause, "Bye bye."

We waited for her to scamper off, "Precious child." Shakti said with a smile, "But yes, that Amazon even paid for a ticket to the zoo, and your Fox let me know why."

"Would you believe she didn't give its ears a single pat? Not one." I sighed, "I feel slighted somehow."

"O-ma is sad?" This time it was Tatsuo who interrupted. This was followed by a pair of arms wrapping around my leg, "Is this better?"

"Perhaps the dinner table wasn't the best place for this?" Shakti offered.

"Not at all." I gave the dragon twin's male side a headpat, "Thank you. Where's your sister?"

"Playing with Mr. Gros-san. She wanted some water!"

"Well, you better get some. Be careful."

"Yes O-ma!"

"Ahem. Is the Ganesha Familia going to help?" I asked.

Shakti looked conflicted. "In all honesty, I'm not sure we can."

"What's stopping you?"

"Ganesha Familia is, as you know, renowned for many things. Monster taming and capturing. But have you thought about why we don't actually bring those monsters into the dungeon to fight along side us?" Shakti asked.

"If I had to guess, it's because they aren't really 'tamed', just 'subdued'. One lapse in concentration might have them turn on you." I offered, "The Slaver Cat, Ryuu's old enemy, used a special item and broke the monsters he tamed. But that was..."

"Yes. Barring extraordinary skill, or circumstances, a Monster will always be a Monster. You yourself saw when you tried to dominate one." I nodded, and she continued, "There is no question that we could bring up monsters from the dungeon for them. But did you hear about what they were looking for?"

"She didn't go into detail, just 'the oldest monsters' and the various shortcomings they might have without them."

"Those 'oldest' monsters are likely left over from before the great monster purge. Before the dungeon was sealed by the Gods. They might not be a thousand years old, but first generation monsters do not get 'old', as we know it." Shakti explained, "Yes, they 'age', but instead of death by old age, they simply sleep. Similar to hibernation, it's closer to torpor. A near death but rejuvenating sleep."

"That's..." I hmm'ed, "Kind of worrying."

"As they breed, and the generations distance themselves from the 'dungeon born' original, this ability lessens, and they simply become animals. Dangerous, certainly. But they no longer have the magic stone weakness, and they may have only the smallest particles of one spread throughout their bodies."

"Nazza..." I paused, editing my original thought a little, "She told me about that. Yes." Her 'dual potion' needed the distant land born 'bloodsaurus'. But that was her secret recipe.

"Yes, so, the monsters they want are 'possible' but the power they want them at are... impractical. And that is before the consideration of the Guild Laws." Shakti sighed.

"No monster is allowed out of the city." I nodded, "Thankfully, the Xenos aren't considered monsters anymore."

She smiled, "Yes, that's true, though they have been told that so far no place but Orario will see them as anything else... for now."

We nodded, a little sad, but small steps for the Xenos.

"Any idea what they want? I mean, what size, type, how many teeth, you know..." I asked.

"I think the best area to choose would be the jungle floors, below the Water Temple, and above the Lava Zone.

"Mid thirties..." I hmm'ed, "Just have to convince the guild then?"

"Yes. And then there's the cost. And time. And how to get them to the surface, and across a very long distance..." She grumbled, "Then we have to hope they don't get eaten by something the instant they're in that jungle of theirs... Or eat any of us while on the way... So many problems."

"And if we didn't help?" I held up a hand, "Just a question, not a plan."

"The Amazon rely on their wildlands for exilia and food. They are also very highly desired by Familia for their fighting prowess. If their way of life falters, at least, more than it's already going to, it will erode the overall strength of Orario. Of course, they still have their other ways, but then we'd have the same strength of Amazon, but fewer of them, since they'd be killing each other for that strength."

"Well, if there is any way we can help, ask, and we'll try." I said, "It might even get them to stop harassing our guests." I looked into my empty teacup, "More tea?"

She looked into her cup as well, and finished the last of it with a slightly longer than was polite sip. "No, thank you. I have to discuss with the Guild, and probably spend the next week filling out paperwork, organizing a hunt, and getting new cages made."

"Thanks for keeping us in the loop." I said, standing up and taking her cup, "Go get a hug from the birds on your way out. Your the only person from outside the Manor they actually like."

"I think I will. It will help keep me cheerful." And with a wave, she walked out of the dining room and towards the Manor's front door.

"So." I started as I led our two newest residents down the main 'dorm hall' of the Manor. "This, as you know already, is where almost all of us live."

"Almost?" Momiji asked, "Aside from the Amazons, who doesn't live in this section of the Manor?"

The children, in a rare moment of them all being together to do something as a unit, were following us as I gave Momiji and Kaede the tour. Yuki spoke up quietly, "Um... Miss Ryuu-san doesn't live here... but has a room. Right O-ma?"

"Oh oh!" Yumi waved her hand as if we were in class, "Lady Astraea-sama lives upstairs!"

"Yeah!" A few of them said at once, gaining a little volume, "Lady Hestia-sama does too!" Chie added.

"Mr. Takemishazuchi-sama lives on the other side though, by the nice sand we don't play in!" Kei perked up, speaking of Takemikazuchi's little zen garden.

"You almost had it." I smiled down at them, "Mi-ka-zu-chi." And applied one headpat for the near success.

Our two newest members giggled, "Say, what's with the weird form of address?" Kaede asked.

As if summoned by some kind of magic that marked her as even more special than she already was, Haruhime stepped out of a doorway just a little ahead of us, "When you have Bell-san, who speaks politely, and us from the East, who speak with the same polite mode, yet a different method, well..."

"I think it's adorable." I shrugged, "And they are all being polite, so I'm not going to stop them." And unable to help myself, I knelt down and collected all the children in a hug, "I am so proud of you all."

"Yay!"

"Ha-chan?" I looked up at her from the middle of the gathered fuzzy ears.

"It's all done. While you may still live at the Soma compound, for ease of travel or convenience, you will always have a place here." Haruhime said to Kaede and Momiji, stepping aside from the recently exited door.

The two of them walked through the door, and I stood and waded over to Haruhime to watch their reaction. It wasn't a massive room or anything, but it had more than enough space for the two of them. Beds (recently made by Welf) blankets (no, not made by Sir Skitter) a couple of simple dressers (my work), and a couple of lockable chests. It had a nice window and enough floor space left over for any number of things.

"Wow! This is like... three times the size of our bunk back at the Soma compound." Kaede said, starting to generate a small aura of 'happy sparkles'.

Momiji was calmer, but still starting to sparkle, "We don't need this much space... Is it really okay?" She looked back at Haruhime and I, but we both smiled back and nodded, "This will be worth the walk every morning..."

"We will get you a cart and bring it over to Soma's Compound when you want to get your things." Haruhime said, "Now now," She stopped the children from entering, "This isn't your room."

There was a collection of 'awww's', but then Tatsuko asked, "umm... may we come in?"

Kaede nodded, and was rushed by a half dozen four year olds. Within moments the two newest residents were dancing in the middle of the room with the children, holding hands and spinning about, giggling happily.

"Not going to join them?" I looked down at Toshi, who was clinging to as many of my tails as he could.

Of course, I had to give him a headpat.

He shook his head after I stopped, "O-ma? I'm a little sleepy."

"Well, if you can stay up just a little longer, you can help us make a snack for you all before bed." I replied, speaking just loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Ko-san said the magic word." Haruhime giggled as the noise died down and everyone looked at me.

The quiet time that evening, saw us all in the living room (minus sleepy children), having a small celebration to greet our two newest residents. But that of course wasn't all. While a little late for Maki and Delly, Momiji and Kaede were also level two now.

"And so, we raise a cup to our two newest, and four recently levelled." Welf grinned, "Well done rookie team!"

"Hear hear!" We all cheered, sipping what ever it was we had in our cups.

"Now, I know you've just arrived, and from what Kodori and Lilly have told us, can join any Familia at any time. But have you decided?" Astraea asked.

"We work together, fight together, and succeed together." Takemikazuchi said, "And you two have shown that any God who receives you would be proud to have you."

"No matter which of us you choose, you live here, and will be welcome no matter what." Hestia said with confidence, "I think the biggest thing we've ever argued about between the three of us is who's turn it was to do dishes?"

"Or haul the rubbish to the compost pit?" Astraea tapped her cheek.

"Or scrubbing the baths?" Takemikazuchi hmm'ed.

We laughed at just how... mild the 'biggest conflict' the three Gods of the house were. But once we were done giggling, we all waited for their reply. Seeing that they were 'on the spot' the two rookies started to fidget a little.

But then Kaede spoke, "Well... We've talked about this kind of thing before." She mumbled, "Not the Familia change! No... That's new. But 'what do we do in the future'."

"Originally, we were here to learn and grow. A right of passage to adulthood, something everyone in our village does." Momiji continued, "But with the dungeon here, and our friends, and all the things we are learning, we may never decide to return..."

"We also have nearly three years of 'work' to pay to Soma-sama." Kaede said, "It won't be difficult, but we did promise."

"And by that time, we may just not want to leave." Momiji laughed quietly.

"Even if you do, we'll keep your room warm for you." Haruhime said.

"But not clean. That will be your duty." I added with a finger waggle.

Another ripple of quiet laughter, and then the two continued, "We asked Delly-chan and Maki-san once why they chose different Gods. They are super close friends, and Kodori-sama brought them with her too." Momiji said.

"And their reason made sense. And when we really thought about it, it was kind of why we chose Soma-sama when we first got here." Kaede giggled, "Both our fathers love to drink and we wanted to surprise them by learning how to make sake."

"I am the only one with any talent for it." Momiji said proudly.

"Now at least." Welf said 'quietly' to Aisha, who laughed.

The two of them looked a tiny bit embarrassed, but then looked towards our three Gods. "While we are both from the East, our small village is so remote that we've never actually explored it." Kaede said, "Yes, we've heard of some of the things going on, and the hardships the people have, but our isolation made it seem like... someone else's problem."

"However we are quite attached to Orario now, and while we love the atmosphere in the Manor, and how welcome we are, we are still exploring the outside world." Momiji said, "Orario however, is a world in of itself, compared to the rest of the world, and we hope that we can join your efforts to keep the peace in the city."

"Astraea-sama? May we join your Familia?" They asked together.

"Of course you may." She said, blushing just a little, smiling happily and maybe getting a little misty eyed.

Delly of course saved her Goddess from maybe shedding tears in front of everyone with a happy, "Woo-hoo! I'm no longer the newest member!"

I used my 'quiet time' for that day to head over to the Hostess of Fertility. I figured I was long overdue for a visit, but Ryuu was 'on duty' that night (or should be) and thus would need to be informed her Familia had just doubled in membership.

So, with Astraea, Delly, Momiji and Kaede following me, we made the late evening trip to the most popular tavern/pub/restaurant in Orario.

"I've never actually eaten there..." Kaede thought out loud, "Seeing those prices, even with how well we've been doing in the dungeon..."

"It helps that Kodori is such an amazing cook." Delly grinned, her feet dangling just off the ground as she hovered along. "Hmm, doesn't feel any different..."

"Give yourself a little time." Astraea said, her previously misty eyed face now smiling happily, "I'd forgotten how... novel a level up was for you Children."

"Speaking of, have you two decided on a skill yet?" I asked our two newest members.

"I'm not sure." Kaede grinned up at me, "I mean, with this," She lifted her left hand, the one clad in the heavy armoured gauntlet I'd made for her, "I was considering 'Fist fighter'." She then let her hand down to rest on the pommel of her katana, "But I also have Swordsman as an option. Abnormal resistance was there too."

I nodded, then looked over to Momiji. "As support for our party, I was thinking of Mage, or Spirit Healing. But... Also abnormal Resistance."

"No secret what I chose." Delly giggled, doing a slow hovering orbit around us while attracting the attention of the people on the street, "Oops, don't want to brush anyone with my wings..." And she deftly touched down next to me.

"It's not a choice to be made lightly." I nodded.

"Which did you choose first?" Kaede asked, "I mean... we've all seen it, but that's only half the information."

"Mage." I said, "My magic, before I started gaining extra tails, was very demanding. So instead of hitting mind down the instant I used a heavy attack, I went for efficiency. Abnormal resistance was third." I laughed, "Got tired of getting a rash every time I handled things in the alchemy lab, and protective equipment in the dungeon can get damaged or knocked out of place when you least want it to."

We walked a little in silence, and after a moment I spotted Lunoir at the door of the Hostess, her hands just about to take hold of the 'Today's Special!' sign to lift it and bring it in. Being an experienced adventurer (if in retirement) she probably felt my eyes on her, and turned to look our way. "Hey!" She waved, "Hope you aren't here for food? Mama is very strict about closing time."

Mia 'Mama' Grande was indeed strict. She demanded a lot from her workers, but was never unfair. This included the start and close times of the Hostess, to make sure everyone was getting enough sleep, and that the place was in top condition the next day.

"No no." I said, "Just have a little news to share with Ryuu, and by proxy, the rest of you." I gave the two newest members a pat on the shoulder, "Don't get underfoot, I'll be right behind you."

The four of them shuffled past, the Goddess and her Children, leaving me with Lunoire. "Problem?" Lunoire asked me as soon as we could hear Mia say 'We're clo-oh, Lady Astraea-"

"Guessing you've heard?"

"Big furball in the Entertainment district, Amazons at your gate, and rumour of a sudden massive Ganesha expedition on the horizon?" In a single breath she summarized the 'rumour mill'. It had been less than two full days since the intruder at the Manor, but the only thing faster than Light was a good story in Orario.

"Huh, yeah, that's basically it." I nodded, "Seems some hard line Amazons from Telskyura want the children the Manor as well." It actually puzzled me why -that- bit of news hadn't hit the Hostess.

"That would explain why you were involved, so the rumour goes." She winked at me.

"Yeah. Come on, before Mama comes looking for you." I gave her shoulder a pat, and I followed her inside with the sign, the sounds of happy conversation spilling out onto the street from inside.

Inside, there was a very small party happening. Since this was supposed to be cleanup time, there was no food or drink involved. But Chloe and Arnya were all smiles and cheer, while Ryuu (dish towel over one arm) suffered(?) to be danced with by Delly. Astraea and the two newest members of her Familia were laughing, while even Mia was smiling. She didn't even have her ladle in hand!

On spotting me though, Mia called over, "A little late for a party! Should have waited until tomorrow."

Delly let Ryuu go and answered for me, "Nah. Ryuu couldn't handle that much excitement-eep!" Delly covered her fuzzy ears as Ryuu pinched one.

"We've never been much for loud celebrations." Astraea said, "But we didn't want to wait to give her the news either."

"Well, can't blame you for that." Mia nodded, her face a little thoughtful, like she was looking on an old memory, "Looking to make a name for yourself again?"

"I will leave that to them." Astraea smiled, a little sad, "And simply offer my support as best I can."

"Maybe this will bring Ryuu out of retirement for real nyaa?" Arnya asked.

"But then you'll be the one to wash all the dishes." Chloe giggled, "Since you're the next naughtiest of us."

"Oh no nyaa! Don't leave nyaa!" Arnya clung to Ryuu, who treated the panicking cat girl with the same ear pinch, "eep!"

Kaede and Momiji looked hopeful, first to Ryuu, then to Mia. They weren't as adorable as seven children, but they were able to 'sparkle hopefully' on command at the stern matron.

In my opinion, they should have reached level three just for making Mia nod and say, "Ryuu, if you need to leave, to make sure they grow up properly, I won't complain."

Even I was (trying to) sparkle hopefully at Ryuu. I wanted her to actually step out of retirement completely and join me in the dungeon... you know, more than once per emergency... "I think I have to now." She said finally, "If you could move me to 'part time' here, Mama, I would be thankful."

Everyone but Arnya was cheering as Mia nodded, "Sure. When ever you aren't kicking their rears into shape, come and help out." Arnya's 'noooo don't leave me with the dishes' was drown out by a second round of cheers.

Once that died down however, Mia waved her ladle (that I didn't even see her pick up), "Effective tomorrow at least! You're all still on the clock!" She turned to me, "And if you want her out of here before midnight, lend a hand!"

With a whisper of power, I summoned a black version of the Hostess of Fertility uniform apron and bonnet, "Yes Ma'am."

Ryuu and I walked behind the other four as we made our way back to the Manor. Ryuu had taken very little with her from her room there, just a small potted plant and some clothes, but we already had a room at the Manor for her. Oddly enough (yeah, not fooling anyone, this wasn't odd at all) all her room needed was Ryuu, a personal touch, and some clothes.

"Expecting trouble sister?" Ryuu asked me, no doubt catching on to the motion of my tails as they lazily moved at 'combat readiness' speeds.

"Just a feeling. Guessing you've kept up with the rumours?" I asked, and continued when she nodded, "This was one thing I didn't plan for, and I'm worried that my very blatant hints at violence won't keep them off my lawn."

Ryuu wasn't my 'closest' friend here in Orario. That was obviously Haruhime. But she knew a few things about me, and my plans, and even my 'greater goals', that no one else did. She'd been with me in Kuoh, and while Delly, Maki and even Shinkage/Hagane knew all about 'Earth' and the things I wanted to bring to Orario, Ryuu was more in tune with the 'hows' and 'whys'. She was my Big Sister here, and I told her anything she asked of me.

Which was my admittance to 'not planning for something' brought a look of shock to her face (for about a quarter of a second). "I am only... a little familiar with their ways, but yes, even overwhelming power isn't enough to slow overzealous conviction." She shook her head, turning to look ahead to the rookies again, "For most, that conviction leads to catastrophe. For others, victory."

She was of course talking about Bell. His intense desire to stay true to a very narrow moral compass had seen him surpass some of the strongest adversity. My mind however pictured Issei, the Red (Breast!) Dragon Emperor. He too had won many battles with nothing but the sheer determination to defend the bodies and goals of his friends.

But we'd both seen the other side of that coin. Both in Kuoh, and here. The memory of it made my wrists tingle.

Ryuu's voice pulled me from that dark corner of my memory, "What are your plans sister?"

"Get a good night's sleep, wake up feeling refreshed, and wait for Ganesha Familia to ask if I want to help them pull a few strong monsters out of the dungeon." I shrugged, "And while I wait, I think I might go into the workshop to make some new stuff for your two newest little sisters." I gave her a once over look, "And maybe add a couple things to your outfit too. Ever thought of a mask?"

The next morning, after getting that good sleep I'd prophesied about, getting another few minutes in bed while cuddling Haruhime awake, then inevitably getting out of bed to see who was hungry out of our collection of children (spoiler, they all were), we all had breakfast and planned to spend the day 'waiting for the call to help'.

We weren't idle, no, that would be unprofessional and wasteful. We still did our morning sparring (made a little more exciting with Ryuu there), we all went over our equipment, did minor chores (that required an adult to do and not the 'sweep floors/dust shelves' that the Gods and orphans did), and did some refreshing for our dungeon rations.

I was just lifting my hammer in the shop, ready to bring it down with the FORCE OF A THOUSAND...(lbs/sq inch) When someone I didn't know stepped onto the property. Gros, our expert grumbler/greeter/alarm system made a noise that told me 'I don't know them' and 'armed but not aggressive'.

My connection to the Manor was part of my Kitsune nature. I could feel every 'soul' on the property, and with a little concentration could feel them moving around. I didn't do this all the time. That would be far too distracting and I didn't need to know when people were doing things they'd rather not advertise. But an unfamiliar guest on the property had my full attention. Except... they weren't moving.

"Duty calls huh?" Welf chuckled as I put the unhammered plate of steel on the anvil and stood up.

"I'll call if we need to burn a body or something." I sighed, getting another laugh as Welf went back to hammering.

I walked around the side of the Manor from the workshop to the front yard, and spotted our 'guest'. Tall and hulking, it was Brisid, the... more sensible of Amazon from that little encounter. She was just standing there, hands at her sides, a wide bladed sword across her back that looked much like something Welf would use, and a passive expression on her face as she just... stood there and looked around.

At the Manor's front door, I spotted Fen-chan and Spot, the two of them shoulder to shoulder and guarding the front porch like the best foxxo/doggo that they were.

Without waiting for my greeting, Brisid looked at me with that almost expressionless face of hers and said, "I had a couple questions for you."

Caught a little off guard by this level of Amazon Bluntness, "Hel-... Suppose since you're here. What?"

"I noticed that one of your Roommates had a funny pair of boots. And she has the same weird accent when she speaks Eastern." She said. When all I could do was look at her in growing disbelief she added, "I mean, I can't understand it at all, but it sounded almost exactly the same as this male we captured- why are your tails attacking you?"

I of course strung the puzzle pieces together, and stood there with one hand over the back of my head as I silently swore.

NOTES

Who saw it coming? Raise a hand?

Well, since I did put it in the last bit of the previous story...

Anyhow... :)

Daeore on Kofi. (whee more art!)

Daeore on Inkitt.