Chapter 71

With the two Gods in the circle/triangle, the crowd almost didn't noticed my party walking away. Sure, I was VERY interested in how they would use that shard of divinely cursed power. But I was also incredibly tired. So tired in fact, I dispelled my cargo free cargo fox just for the tiny bit of mana it was using.

"What are your plans now, Kodori?" Lelei asked.

"Aside from a nap." Kaede said, "Why not have some mana pills?"

"Because I actually want a nap?" I replied, then to Lelei, "All of the prisoners have been given the tour, and been released into the wild again." I smiled then yawned again, "On our way back, or even when you call the building team, tell someone to start making clay bricks. Lots and lots of them."

"There is only so much space in that field..." Arpeggio hmm'ed.

Kaede nodded, and for a moment or two we were all silent.

"Lady Kodori." Cato started, "While I know it's custom for the child to choose the God, I don't feel..."

Arpeggio and Lelei shared a surprised look. "Is he... thinking about someone else's opinion?" Arpeggio asked.

"I believe so." Lelei replied, "Master? Are you well?"

Cato sighed, "I suppose I've earned that."

"The Gods of the Manor wouldn't really suit you I think. But don't worry. I know who'd make a good fit for you." I yawned again, "Where was I?"

"Elves." Lelei said.

"Right. So, once I get a nap, I'll head back through the Gate. Cato will come with me to Orario for a day. But in the mean time, the JSDF should be deciding if they will pack up the little outpost on my side of the Gate, or leaving people there. One way or the other they'd be welcome, but then we close the Gate for a while."

"Thirty days, correct?" Lelei asked.

"At least that long. And to be honest, once the refugees come across, I would like to put effort to untangling Orario from here." I said, "You're nice people and all, but something like that in my backyard makes me nervous."

"Yeah, imagine something worse than the monsters from the deep jungles just... popping through one day." Kaede shivered, then rubbed her shoulder, "Or people with weapons like the JSDF and less honour."

"We have been working with Sage Fels." Lelei nodded, "He will make the first attempt to close the Gate, to see if he can. If he cannot, Arpeggio will try. Then Master Cato."

I nodded, "Good idea. I'd feel much better with an expert on my side of the Gate."

The three mages stopped suddenly, and it took me a moment to realize that we were at the Inn. Kaede laughed, probably at my vacant feeling expression and nudged me to turn towards the door.

Having delegated the task of reporting 'what's up' to our other team to Kaede, I remember flopping onto the first bed I saw. Sadly, after what felt like minutes later, someone was trying to shake me awake.

"Kodori-san, wake up!"

"myeh? Kaede?"

"You have a visitor!" She said urgently.

"We can wait. We have time."

The voice sounded amused, but it also sounded close by. With a bit of effort, I pushed myself up a bit from the bed and looked around.

And there in the window was the face of one of the statues. Just as it had been in the town square, it bore a thoughtful expression, the voice emanating from it and sounding as if it had been spoken between my ears.

"Figured it out then?" I asked, wiggling and shifting around until I was sitting on the bed and facing Him? Her? "I mean, unless you broke the circle before consuming or dispersing all that Eter."

"We have indeed deciphered your 'gift'. We can forgive you for not knowing we both held the title of Archmage."

"I'm a busy person." I nodded, patting my coat and finding my mana pills, "So I only know a little. But after a thousand years, I'd hope you'd achieve that rank."

"Just so. As much time as we had, we did not waste it. Much to the irritation of our God."

The smile was clear in the voice, "Good." I nodded, then ate a couple of pills, the minty cold rush making my scalp tingle, "So how can I help you?"

"It is not so much help you, but help one from your world. Your method of containing a fragment of divine inspired us, and we decided to return something to you. The window, please."

Since I was still sitting, I looked to Kaede. She took a moment to figure out the latch on the window, but slid it upwards as wide open as she could. A moment later a large hand game through the window, and resting on its palm was the head sized shard of orange crystal that used to adorn Cato's staff.

"One of your Gods trespassed into our realm. His essence is now contained in this crystal."

"A God fits in that stone?" Kaede blinked, "But..."

"We examined the object you left us, extrapolated a method to replicate the procedure, and confined the energy into this crystal."

Poor Kaede probably didn't really know most of those words, but I understood them just fine. "He ran afoul of the rules of your domain." I said, "How do I get him out of here, once I'm back?"

"Ah, you know more than we thought."

"I've been to three worlds now. And only the rules that have a pure physical nature are immutable." Hence the name, 'physics'.

"As was your method, we contained a divine power in a physical object. To release it, simply break the object. However, we do not know the rules of your world, so you may only need to cross through the Gate."

The voice gave me the impression of a shrug. "Fair. I know at least one person who would thank you for this."

"It was an interesting experiment. Farewell, Kodori of Hestia Familia."

I didn't even get a chance to wave, or say goodbye, before the statue's head moved away from the window. A moment later, the slow methodical 'thump' of heavy footsteps moved away from the Inn.

"Huh." Kaede said, "Isn't this... umm... Dolos-sama?"

"His entire Familia was murdered by Freya's agents. All save one. They were probably thinking of settling down here in this world. But Gods in this world can only exist in spiritual form." I explained.

"But what about the statues?"

"They are possessed, just like I was. Except, there is no mind inside the statue to harm. I'm guessing that unless the statues are broken, they can stay in them forever." I yawned and looked at the pillow I didn't even use when I flopped over the bed the first time. "You report in?"

"Yeah. We aren't expected until tomorrow."

"Good." And I flopped sideways in the direction of that pillow.

"Ah! At least take your armour and boots off!"

We, that is, the three mages, Kaede and myself, left Rondel the next morning. The city was practically vibrating with excitement now that their founding Gods had descended. I suppose I only managed to get a good sleep because it took a little while for it all to sink in.

But, with the rest of the city quite thoroughly distracted, there might only have been a handful of people who even looked our way as we left.

"I kinda want to talk to them." Arpeggio pouted, "But I suppose, now that they're statues, they're not really going anywhere."

The other two mages nodded, "I am surprised." Lelei said, looking to Cato, "You did not tell us any of that."

Cato tipped his silly hat down a little over his head, "You didn't need to know."

We walked along the road away from town for a moment, the silence feeling loud.

"So... Are we walking all the way there?" Kaede asked as she walked a tiny bit faster, fingers laced behind her head, "I mean, it is a nice day, but we have things to do, right?"

"Can you fly, without the stone on your staff?" I asked, looking at Lelei's staff that was topped by a carved blue crystal that looked a little like a wing, then Arpeggio's staff, topped by a similar blue crystal that looked a bit like a lick of flame.

"Of course!" Cato grumbled, "The crystal is simply a focus, not a necessity. However..." He gave me a sideways look.

"No, you may not use the God filled crystal as a focus." I squinted at him, "I'll find you a replacement."

"We could carry you."Lelei said, though she looked up at me, "Though you are a little heavy."

Kaede giggled, but Arpeggio and Cato went a little wide eyed at the blunt statement. I just shrugged, "In Orario, it's not uncommon for people to use oversized weapons like Rory does. My equipment almost doubles my weight. But that's because I'm not crazy." I looked at Kaede in her 'combat kimono' that was maybe a half step past Amazon armour when it came to coverage.

"You still haven't made me a match to this thing." Kaede grinned, flexing the fingers of her armoured left hand.

"Question stands though." Arpeggio said, "Fly? Walk?"

"Race you there?" I offered, walking over to Kaede and picking her up with my tails to stick her to my back, "You can even fly over the mountain as a handicap." I felt like going on a run, a real one, and for the first time in a while, I had lots of open ground and a good excuse.

The three mages shrugged at me, then hopped on their staffs and started to lift off into the air. "See you at Alnus then." Cato said.

I looked up at them, then said over my shoulder, "I'll hold you. Just use your hands to hold your ears down. And if you have your mask, put it on." I put my mask on, the familiar weight of it covering my face and ears with enchanted metal. With a little mana, the total darkness lit up as the Ha-steel lenses became transparent to me.

"Oh! Just... there. Are you gonna do that thing? With the big boom that makes you look all blurry?"

"Yup." I said, my voice hollow because of the mask, "No talking, or you might bite your tongue."

Then, after making sure my tails had wrapped Kaede up properly, I started to run.

I wondered, as I started to slow down, if any of the JSDF were out around Alnus and asking if anyone else saw the super-sonic fox. It felt really good to go at near top speed, just because I could! Kaede was... less enthusiastic about the trip, but her ears were super sensitive, and cracking through the sound barrier probably hurt. There were also a few close calls, like when I almost ran into a boulder in an overgrown field. I was just able to extend my stride a tiny bit so I stepped on it, instead of stubbing my toe on it. Though, at that speed I might have just passed through the rock as if it were made of jello.

Near misses, spooked animals and potentially perplexed JSDF aside, I started to apply the brakes as we got within sight of the massive 'killing field', and its new growth of tents. Superhuman toughness aside, a sudden stop at that speed would probably have killed poor Kaede. And I was pretty sure we were way ahead of the three mages anyhow.

Looking over the field, it seemed like it was basically all set up. The only unfinished bit was the bath house, but even now, just after breakfast, the adventurers working on it looked to only have finishing touches to do. An impressive feat, considering Mikoto's near fetish for a good bath, and her usual perfectionist nature.

So, at the edge of the recently marked off 'edge' of the new campsite, I set Kaede down, made sure she was okay (she had to take a moment to do the 'sitting too long in a car' stretch), and walked over to the nearly complete wood and stone building at the edge of the field.

"Kodori-dono." Mikoto greeted, "Kaede-san." A pause, "Are you unwell, Kaede-san?"

"My poor ears..." She pouted, but shook her head, "Kodori-dono ran all the way here with me on her back. It was... fun? Mostly."

Mikoto nodded, neither sympathetic, nor apathetic. "And your quest?"

"The cursed shard is now in the care of the two Gods of Rondel. The books have been dropped off. And lastly, the three mages are on their way here. Any word from Ryuu and Maki?"

"They checked in moments ago. They are having a late breakfast in Italica then returning here." Mikoto said.

I nodded, "Excellent. Say... have you seen Rory? Something just occurred to me."

The two of them looked at me, "Please, remain diplomatic." Mikoto sighted.

"Of course." I smiled, "Kaede? Take the rest of the day off. Or not. I have to find Rory."

"I'll help out here, and let the mages know you're in town?" Kaede offered.

"Perfect."

With Rory being a known party animal meant I went to the nice tavern first. No surprise, I found Rory there leading a bit of a song while she stood, one foot on the table, singing up a storm and nearly spilling her mug with every wave of her hand.

When she saw me though, she started to wind down the number and plopped back into her seat with a pout.

"You're just going to spoil my good mood now, aren't you?" She said, just barely audible over the rest of the tavern having a good time without her.

"Possibly." I shrugged, sitting across from her and making eye contact with the serving girl (a very pretty harpy with parrot themed plumage) "But, I hope you're sober enough for a bit of business?"

The harpy girl dropped off a menu, but didn't greet me. She did give me a smile though, just to show that she was being polite, not dismissive.

"It takes real effort to get drunk as an apostle. The only reason your Amazon beat me was because of her size." Rory looked at her mug and sipped at it like a civilized person.

"Thought so." I nodded, looking at the menu and wondering what the stew was today. I turned my head to spot the harpy again, "Number four please."

"Right away!"

Then to Rory I said, "In about a day, the Gate will be closed. You know the rest of the 'plan'?"

"Trying to save the downtrodden. Yes." She shrugged, "Seems like a titanic waste of effort to me."

"I'm sure it does." I rolled my eyes, "But now that I've put in the effort, I'd really like it things went smoothly."

Rory gave me an unimpressed look, "You have no idea how many people you're going to upset by doing this you know."

"I actually have a very good idea how many people I'm going to upset." I frowned, then quickly smiled my best Akeno smile for the harpy as she dropped off a big bowl of thick stew and a crunchy looking bun. Turning back to Rory again I continued, "If everything goes well, we'll be able to open the Gate from our side as well."

"Oh? That... Fels person?"

"You wouldn't like him. But he's my local magic expert." I tried a spoonful of the stew, and it wasn't bad at all.

"I spied him a few times while he talked to little Lelei, but why do you say I wouldn't like him?"

"He's over eight hundred years old and what would be considered 'undead'. Failed attempt at immortality that got him half way." Bread was nice too, similar to sourdough.

Rory went a little pale and did a little 'brr', "What was it you said? The rules are different?"

I nodded and smiled, since Rory had bothered to remember that, "But that said, if I have to step through the Gate to save those people, I will. But I would really really rather not. Can I count on you for a little support?"

She gave me that 'unimpressed raised eyebrow' look of hers, "And why would I bother helping a bunch of people who are abandoning this world? One way or another, they'll end up with Emroy."

"If they make the crossing, they'll fall into my world's system of life and death." I replied, "But even if you don't help, could I ask that you don't hinder?"

"So long as none of them fall into banditry." She shrugged, "Maybe that's what I'll do tonight..." She sighed, "And how can you be so sure about that?"

"When Hardy, may her ears itch without relief, cursed me, I forgot almost everything about working metal and stone. But, something I could still remember was the word Adamant. A metal unique to my world. She herself didn't know it, thus she could not make me forget it."

"Hmm, curious indeed. But..."

"While I've never asked directly, my world has its own system for magic, life death and rebirth, and various things like that. You also experienced a bit of a rule change, correct?"

"I see. Quite interesting. Your point?"

"I'm sure once the last of the alcohol wears off, you'll understand."

She frowned, "But why would nothing change in Itami's world? There was a little incident while we visited..."

"Right, the hot spring shootout." I nodded, putting my Akeno smile back in place at her look of shock, "I have two theories about that. The first is that Itami's world is keyed to a more 'universal acceptance' and that something similar has already happened in the legends of his world. The second," I took a nibble of my stew just for a little dramatic effect, "Is that his world is so magic starved that it couldn't change anything about you."

I could tell she was catching on, "And your world already has a 'system' in place for Gods giving power to 'Children'."

"Gold star." I nodded.

"Then..."

"It might work." I shrugged, looking towards the harpy girl again and holding up the tiny bit that was left of my bread and making a sad face. I looked back to Rory, "I make no guarantees, but if your 'apostle' status is muted in my world, who's to say it couldn't be overwritten?"

Aside from a cheerful little noise from the harpy when she came back with another bun, I finished my meal in silence as Rory stared into her mug deep in thought.

We, that is all the Adventurers, met with the Commander and a small tired looking squad of JSDF at the Gate around just before the base's lights were set to come on that evening. As promised, the Camp was as set up as it could be without actual people in it. The new bath house was finished aside from supplying it with towels soap and people to bathe in it. And finally, the adventurers got to spend a bunch of time doing a bit of sight seeing and 'mingling' with the locals.

"Everything is ready for tomorrow." The Commander said, "Your Guild has allowed a small presence over on your side, and a fellow from Goibniu-sama's Familia delivered a couple of spare Occulus in case we need to communicate and you yourself aren't available."

"The Alliance is pretty easy to get in touch with." Maki laughed, "But we have some serious money to make after all this."

We all nodded, since in both worlds Money was a well understood power.

"That said, Yao-san's people have already started to trickle in, and are working with the local militia." The commander continued, "A stroke of luck to be sure. But when I read the report about the destruction the Flame Dragon left behind, those people are due for a little good fortune."

"I agree." I nodded, "That said, we'll have Sage Cato back here before the Gate closes, and I'll do what I can to keep your people safe over on our side. Maybe replace their knives for being volun-told to camp out over there."

One of the JSDF suppressed a laugh just before the commander could glare at him.

"Carry on then. If there are any last minute problems, we'll be ready to jump on it." He then gave me a very formal salute with the rest of the JSDF behind him following suit. Only after we (the adventurers) returned our own versions of 'formal gestures of parting' (so, a bow, salute, tap of knuckles over their heart etc.) did they drop their salute.

And with that, we (the adventurers) plus one elderly mage (Cato) marched back through the Gate to Orario.

Back in the city, after a casual jog back that was filled with shared stories and satisfied sounds of a job well done, my party (plus Cato) stopped just inside Orario's east gate and took stock.

"I'm heading to the Guild." I said, giving Cato's shoulder a pat, "I have a couple of things to take care of, but if you could ask whomever is cooking tonight to set an extra spot at the table."

"Sure thing." Kaede grinned, "Though, it's Takemikazuchi-sama's turn to cook tonight."

"I'm sure Hestia-sama will help." Ouka said, "Hopefully..."

We all sighed, since this is what happened when myself and Mikoto weren't there to cook, and it wasn't Taco night.

"Don't be too late." Ryuu said to me, "It's still your turn for story time."

And with that, they all turned and left, leaving me with Cato to head to the Guild.

Royman, ever the diplomat, was at least polite in his objection. "I understand your reasoning, Sage Cato, but this may have... side effects."

All the same, he was leading us down the long staircase into the Chamber of Prayer, and I was quite pleased that yes, I could see.

"Respectfully," Cato started, "I don't care. If I do not ask, I will never know. And something like this, I must know."

Royman glanced at me, his look telling me that he knew I had offered this without asking. But while I wasn't a devil, I was certainly unrepentant. I felt rather proud that I didn't shrug at him though. "I asked one of the JSDF, Miss Mari."

"The Doctor, yes." Royman nodded, showing just how upset he was at this by actually interrupting me.

"The average age over there for a human is around fifty." I continued, "Our good Sage here is someplace close to eighty-"

"Seventy four, thank you very much."

"-someplace just past seventy." I corrected, "Making him not just lucky, but ancient by their standards. Education about taking care of yourself is important, but he also had access to medicine and the like as well."

"If Lord Ouranos agrees, I will have more time to ensure others learn that." Cato said, "I'll do it anyway, but more time will have better results."

"If it is found out-" Royman started, but froze when Cato stopped and turned on him.

He didn't yell, but it was the same tone of voice he used with the twin Gods of Rondel, "I will not go quietly to my inevitable death, Sir Royman. It may be the end result of life but survival is part of it as well."

Royman had nothing to say about that, so instead he replied with, "Be on your best behaviour. He is the First God to have come to our world."

Realizing how worked up he was getting, Cato huffed, took a deep breath, then nodded, "Of course."

As we neared the bottom of the steps, the deep wise and commanding voice of Ouranous spoke, "It is rare I have guests this late."

Royman gave both Cato and I 'the look', then walked ahead of us to 'introduce' us to the room, just like a formal meeting with royalty. "My Lord, Kodori of Hestia Familia and Sage Cato of the Special Region are here to see you."

Instead of a snarky reply (since Ouranos only looked humourless, but was quite the showman when he got going), he picked up on Royman's methods and said, "They may enter. I hope you will excuse me, as you've interrupted my evening game of Chess."

We entered the high vaulted chamber of Prayer, the ceiling lost in the darkness above and its raised dais that had Ouranos's throne atop it. As usual, as always, Ouranos sat atop the big stone chair, weathered face, formal robes and all. Also as usual, was the chessboard in front of him.

As for his partner, Sir Skitters zipped up my leg after I'd taken maybe three steps in. Cato looked surprised, but smiled with amusement when I started giving the giant spider's fuzzy rear a pat instead of panicking about the giant spider on my shoulder. He did however say, "You first."

So, I stepped forward, my hands going to one of my pouches and taking out the amber coloured crystal that once topped Cato's staff, "Lord Ouranos! A recent dealing of mine on the other side of the Gate earned me this."

The God of the sky leaned forward just a little, then back, "I see. I was correct in warning the Gods of the city to stay on this side of the Gate."

"I have deduced that they have no system like yours. That a God may only possess a person, or physical object, not walk about on their own. So as soon as Dolos, who crossed over with his Child during the merchant caravan expedition, stepped upon the ground of their world, he was 'banished' to their version of Tenkai."

He nodded, "And how was it that you were given his spiritual being then?"

"I showed two of their Gods it was possible, and they did it themselves to see if they could... I think..."

"And your plans for Dolos?" He asked, then continued when I looked shocked, "You have recovered him, thus he is yours to do as you wish. Like any prize a Child earns from their adventures."

"I have no plans. I was told that if I broke the crystal, his 'spirit' would be free. But, I have no idea past that. Will he recover his physical shell? Be sent back to Tenkai, his contract fulfilled?"

"Even I do not know, as it has never happened." Ouranos replied, "And by the letter of the First Contract, he has at least not lost his right to walk among the Children."

So, without further prompting, I tossed the crystal towards the far edge of the room. As usual, my curse activated and turned the crystal to dust, but instead of just that, the dust didn't settle to the floor as any gravity obeying collection of particles would. Instead, it swirled, shifted, took on a bit of colour, and with a groan a body flopped to the floor. No flashes, no sparks, no explosion (thankfully). Just a 'fwish' then an 'oof!'

Royman started to jog over to the shape on the floor, but grabbed a sheet of my mana cloth on the way past me.

"Well well. Dolos! It seems you have been lucky, for once." Ouranos said.

There were a few grumbles, an 'old man' grunt of stiffness, then "I... huh..." Royman moved aside to reveal the speaker, "Maybe so." He said finally, raising a hand to touch his face, "Wait... my face?" His hands moved about under the black mana cloth, "Oh no..."

"A little younger than last I met you, but still." Royman said.

Because the once adult looking Dolos, with his Snidely Whiplash mustachio and nice highwayman physique, was now a young man, with a squeaky voice on the cusp of puberty, and a 'mustachio' that was more fuzzy scruff than anything.

"Do not waste your second chance." Ouranos said, "Royman, please see to his needs."

"Of course Lord Ouranos." Royman nodded, "best behaviour." he said as he passed Cato and I.

"stupid short legs... slow down!" Dolos said as their footsteps faded on the way back up to the Guild.

"Thank you for returning him, one way or the other." Ouranos said, "Was that all, Kodori of Hestia Familia?"

"Not quite. The one beside me is Sage Cato, a wizard of high regard and ability, who is one of the foremost minds of the world he comes from." Since I was here, and honestly wanted Cato to succeed, I was going to take the time to advertise for him. "His two students, Lelei La Lalena and Arpeggio El Lalena are both brilliant mages, and have been instrumental in the efforts on the other side of the Gate."

"I see. Even here, I have heard much of them through Fels, and the reports from Royman."

"Not to be outdone by his fully fledged apprentices, he has offered aid to my efforts on the other side to educate and elevate the people in spite of their mostly backwards Gods." I put a hand on Cato's shoulder, then stepped behind him and backed up a step further to give Cato the 'microphone' so to speak.

So with a deep breath, Cato took one more step forward, then started his speech.

Beginning with a simple reiteration of what was known, "My name is Cato El Altestan, and I have earned the title of Sage among my peers."

He then went on with some of the things he'd done. Sought knowledge that was forbidden, got sidetracked to find out things that weren't even considered, let alone forbidden. How his life's purpose was to dig into the secrets of the world, discover new things, recover lost things, and simply expand on what was known to the people of his world and his peers in Rondel.

He spoke of his encounter with the Apostle who found out what he was looking into at the time. How fanatics who followed that Apostles God had caught wind of it, and infiltrated Rondel since the Apostle didn't want to risk spending however much time they had left in a jar by getting caught by mages (and their explosive magics). The burning of the once great library, and the heartache of all that lost knowledge, some of which he and his fellows (of which he was the last surviving member) had gathered personally.

Then him taking in and teaching Lelei and Arpeggio. Passing on what he could to a younger generation.

But now, with the connection of the Gate to this world, where the inhabitants didn't give a single shred of a damn about 'keeping out of the native's affairs, and saw the Gods of his world as titanic jerks', he had found new purpose.

All the while, I was watching Ouranos from as far back as I could while still in the pool of light the four pine scented torches afforded. I was sure by now that the Eldest God of Orario knew where this was going, but he didn't interrupt. Simply waited, as being patient was his field of expertise.

Finally Cato started to get to the point, "With help from your city and its people, I have everything I need to return to my original calling, to teach and help others discover the workings of the world." He took a breath, "Everything except time." He leaned on his staff, then looked up at Ouranos, "It was suggested by Kodori, that I might ask you for your Gift, Lord Ouranos. That while it might not give me much more, every day I can work towards spreading the simple knowledge our world has been denied, is a day well spent."

Since I knew what to look for, I could tell Ouranos was letting his closet showman out a little when he bowed his head to look thoughtful. You know, a heavy dramatic pause. But then he lifted his head and said, "You understand that this is not a gift given lightly? That while a God may petition any number of Children to join their Familia, it is still a commitment."

Cato's shoulders slumped a little, just enough to notice.

"But." Ouranos started again, "It just so happens that the same person who suggested this to you, has also been wronged by one of the Gods of your world." He looked up just a little to lock me in his gaze for just a moment before returning to Cato, "Such an insult to one of the greatest supporters of the city I've built cannot go unanswered. And if she thinks you a capable agent, to spread some of the wisdom our world takes for granted, to a world starved of it, then I have no issue agreeing with her."

Then with a motion that was too smooth to be accidental, Ouranos was holding a dagger in his left hand. "Step forward, Sage Cato. While I know I will never be able to guide you properly, as is normal from God to Child here in this world, I will still be proud to have you in my Familia."

I took that as my cue to 'leave', though I only went so far as the base of the stairs leading back up to the guild.

"Turn, and expose your back to me." Ouranos commanded.

"How are you feeling?" I asked Cato as we walked out of the Guild towards the Manor.

Silent until now, I'd let him be until we were under the sky again. "It kind of itches." He replied, "But I feel it. Something deep within, under my internal Eter flow, yet over my spiritus. My 'soul'."

It shouldn't have surprised me that he would have a sharp 'internal sense'. "Everything as usual then. The real difference will be tomorrow when you wake up. But for now, lets see if they left anything for us to eat back home."

"Yes." He nodded, then looked at me, or rather, my shoulder, "Say, what sort of spider is that?"

"Oh him? Only the best spider ever, anywhere, in any world." I said, "Sir Skitters, this is Cato."

To my surprise, we hadn't missed dinner. No, tonight, due to a series of unfortunate accidents involving Takemikazuchi's less than stellar cooking skills, an over eager attempt to salvage his efforts by Hestia, and a usually forbidden entrance of Astraea into the kitchen...

Well, at least the mess would be easy to clean up. But the Manor as a whole simply gave up on using the kitchen that night, and ordered take-out from the Hostess of Fertility. Of course, the crystal network could be used for that kind of thing, and was! Not often, since 'packaging' was still a bit tricky to deal with, since Orario didn't have things like Styrofoam, plastic, or a reliable cheap way to make Bristol board paper for take out boxes. And if I had any say on the matter, it wouldn't, even for the sake of good fast food.

What it did have however, were secretly super strong cat girls who had no trouble carrying over crates of neatly stacked dishes of food that were still in the pots they were cooked in.

Chloe and Arnya were also 'off the clock' as of the instant they delivered the food, and thus joined us for dinner when the rest of the Alliance gave them various versions of 'big puppy eyes' to get them to join us.

It was very very rare for Arnya and Chloe to visit the Manor. They were quite busy and while they weren't actively wanted for past crimes (Ryuu had let it slip they had been sent to kill her at one point, but Mia waved her ladle QUITE FIRMLY to stop that nonsense), they might be recognized and maybe end up targeted again. So they led the quiet life of 'high powered retired adventurers'.

They served great food, everyone loved them, and they weren't painting targets on themselves. But it also meant they didn't get out much. Thinking on it, this was maybe the forth or fifth time they'd visited for more than 'work'. You know, my wedding, a few birthdays, and delivering food during the rebuilding of the Manor.

But even if they were infrequent visitors, they fit in just like Aisha. Cheerful, easy to get along with, great conversationalists, and a hit with our mascots (who happily 'stole' unwanted salad from them).

Since it was a bit of a festive occasion, we decided to do a bit of story time while we ate. They didn't even need reminding that there were children at the table listening (very attentively)!

After dinner though, most of the Manor once again gave them the big puppy eyes so they would stay for the 'more adult' story time of what was going on. The Hostess was a BIG source of rumours. The high class (wealthy adventurers) visited frequently, and that meant larger Familia who would hear, or generate the rumours. I'd used that to my advantage many times, at least, once I stopped using it to my disadvantage.

But... With the two of them and most of the manor heading to the living room for after dinner tea and our usual 'dungeon debrief', I thought up something to get them both back for trying to sneak up on my tails all the time.

"Since I was late, I'll lead the cleanup and get tea going." I said, "Children? Could you help me gather plates?"

I felt quite proud that there wasn't a single complaint when all seven said "Haaaiiii O-ma!" And helped me gather up plates and cups.

The eight of us had a little parade to the kitchen, where I accepted little stacks of plates and set them into the sink. Carefully carried cutlery was next, followed by cups. I wondered if I was this organized when I was that young... Probably not?

But, once the dishes were set down, and I'd gotten a pair of tea pots boiling, I knelt down and made the 'gather around' wave with my hands.

"I want your help with a surprise." I said quietly, "Can you all help O-ma?"

Again, they were a testament to the people helping them learn and grow, when they all replied in the same hushed whisper various versions of, "A surprise? We can do that!" followed by little nods and curious ear twitches.

Unable to resist any longer, a huge group hug was given. But I couldn't delay! Tea was important for these meetings. And someone might investigate and ruin the surprise.

So I let them all go and started with, "Here's what I want you all to do..."

I walked into the living room, the two pots of steaming tea and lots of nice clean stone cups (ha! Take that Hardy!) on a tray. "Sorry for the delay. And because it's a special occasion, Jiru has donated a little something special from back home. (Spoiler, it was catnip, and it does make interesting tea.)

Just before I'd entered the living room, I'd sent a little fox ahead to scout it out. As I'd guessed they might, both our guests were sitting side by side on our biggest couch, chatting amiably until I arrived, with their backs to the living room's entrance.

So, I set down the big tray, and started filling teacups.

As soon as I'd emptied out the first pot and set it down, Chloe made a surprised noise.

Because beside her, at her elbow, was a fox. All black with golden ear tips and green eyes, Yumi had nosed the cat girl's elbow to get her attention.

Then with the best effort a fox mouth could make, said, "Myeeeeow." And flopped her head over Chloe's lap.

"Nyaa?" Our two guests said, then Arnya followed with a "Ah?" As Yuki, Yumi's twin, poked her side while she wasn't looking.

"Myaaaehhh." Also followed with a flop of her head onto Arnya's lap.

Before our guests could give either of them a headpat though, Tatuso and Tatsuko hopped up onto the back of the couch and flopped over both of their shoulders, doing their very best 'meow' while using their cold wet noses to poke at the cat girls cheeks. A moment later, Toshi, Chie and Kei had jumped up between them and wedged themselves between their legs, getting as comfortable as possible as only a cat (or fox) could in the limited space.

And yes, they also tried to meow. It was a good effort, but was really just well meaning noise.

"Nyack!" Arnya panicked, "All the fluffy!"

"Eep! Who's nose was that?" Chloe asked, trying to fend off Kei's cold nose, but only succeeding in giving Toshi a headpat as the children worked together for maximum attention.

I of course, simply served tea like nothing was happening, even when Spot joined in with a, "Murrrrrrowf!"

Happy Halloween everyone. :) See you in the next update.

Thank you for reading! And if you want to see any full colour art, join the discord!

aKAQg4bnYu for the discord!

And my actual book, Were Too? is on Inkitt.