The Argonaut and The Child of Light

by domgk115

Cian Mac Gallagher was a member of the Scathach Familia far west from Orario. He learned to wield a spear from the legendary adventurer Chu Chulainn, and found a new life. However, when a terrifying force wipes out his familia, Cian crawls to Orario half-dead only to be saved by Bell Cranel, soon Cian joins a new family, still pursued by his familias killers ready to finish the job

16. Season 2 Ep 2:A Different Type of Battle

VA's English & Japanese for all OC characters this chapter (Even those who appear in Flashbacks):

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

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

Sluagh: English VA: Kyle McCarley: Shinji Matou (Fate Stay Night UBW & Heavens Feel) Claudio Hodgins (Violet Evergarden) Mob (Mob Psycho)

Japanese VA: Hiroshi Kamiya: Shinji Matou (Fate Stay Night UBW & Heavens Feel) Levi (Attack on Titan)

Cian

"Lady Hestia I… I'm thankful for the clothes but," Cian started, holding out his arms, "how am I supposed to fight in these? They're so tight to my body they may rip-."

"Cian… they're not meant for you to fight in," Lady Hestia sighed. "And they did cost me so don't you rip them!"

Cian sighed in disappointment. He had no idea what was wrong with everyone walking past him into the Apollo familia manor. Every single person was either in an elaborate dress or fancy suit like he was in now. Lady Hestia really spared no expense for he and Bell, his black suit with white gloves, tie, even the shampoo he had used to bathe before coming had been more then he ever had even with Lady Scathach.

Anya, Chloe, Runoa and Ryuu had all fussed over him before he left that night, all trying to comb his black hair before Bell and Lady Hestia had arrived to pick him up. He felt completely out of his element, but despite not thinking much of himself looks wise normally, even he had to admit he looked better then normal.

But that's useless! Lady Hestia has no idea, what if a fight breaks out! He worried as he tried in vein to roll his shoulders and loosen the clothes grip on his body. It wasn't tight, but he didn't have nearly as much breathing room as he wanted, how was he supposed to perform a combo attack like this?! How was anyone who was there now supposed to fight if they were challenged to a duel of honor?

"Have you never worn anything like this before Cian?" Bell asked, practically reading his mind. He appeared next to him, and Cian saw that he looked much more comfortable in the outfit then he did.

Cian tugged at the collar chaffing against his neck and shook his head. "No… and I really don't understand why everyone's wearing stuff like this! Lady Hestia, I thought when you said you were getting clothes for everyone, you meant more combat ready outfits."

Lady Hestia turned to him. "Why would I buy us combat ready outfits for a ball?"

"In case me or Bell need to fight a duel in your honor!" Cian said desperately. "That's what I thought we were here for!"

She looked at him confused. "Cian… why would you need to fight a duel in my honor at a banquet?"

"Because that's where people challenge each other!" Cian said, worry filling him. "Whenever all the gods gather together like this Lady Scathach and Chu always went in battle regalia! Meetings of the gods where were grudges were settled, and you made formal challenges to other familias you felt wronged you, that's what I assumed Lord Apollo was going to do and why he asked for me and Bell!"

Bell and Lady Hestia both looked at each other, confused, before Bell looked back to him. "So…you would fight someone at a party?"

"Yes! That's what you did instead of attacking them in the field, duel challenges were issued, and don't get me started on how many fights would break out!" Cian said, shuddering as he remembered the horror stories Chu had told him. "One time, the Captain of Lord Aengus's familia insulted Lady Scathach, and challenged Chu to a duel at the monthly banquet before the meeting of the Tuatha Danann, so Chu fought the challenge, and he smashed his head into the cake and got blood all over-."

"STOP! We get the point!" Lady Hestia yelled, looking sick as she waved her hands for him to stop. She sighed and met Cian's eyes. "Cian, things are done differently here in Orario. Nobody would dare attack us at a formal gathering like this. Apollo… he's planning something, but you won't have to worry about him attacking us, the other familias would never stand for it."

"So… I really have to leave my spear in the carriage?" Cian asked.

Bell laughed, Lady Hestia did not.

"Yes Cian, you have to leave your spear in the carriage," She said, sighing as she rubbed her hand down her face. "Honestly, you and Scathach really are just alike."

"You people in Orario are weird…." Cian pouted, pursing his lips as he turned and watched the chariot with the Gae Bulg trudge away, not coming back for another few hours.

Cian felt his face get red, embarrassed to feel like such a fish out of water. Every month the Tuatha Danann met, and before that meeting, they'd have a party for all the gods. Only one adventurer was ever able to go with their god or goddess, so Lady Scathach naturally always took Chu with her, every meeting Cian had always stayed back and went out to a bar or ate dinner at camp with everyone else. However, he'd heard dozens of stories about fights, challenges, duels, deaths that happened at banquets like these in Ulster, so seeing everyone in such lavish clothes and such clam expressions was a bit odd to him.

But still… it did feel nice in a way, he had never had clothes like this before. He felt he looked better then he normally did, Ryuu, Chloe, Anya and Runoa had all complimented him before he had left the Hostess of Fertility so that had helped his nerves. Syr however, oddly enough wasn't present, he thought if anyone would give him an honest opinion it would have been her. Either way, after Bell and Lady Hestia had shown up, they set out and took the carriage to the Apollo familia manor. Cian had been to the Loki familia manor before and realized that the Apollo Familia's manor had to be at least as big.

Ulster only had a few buildings that were as large, and Cian had never been to them, so standing before such a structure knowing he was going to enter was a bit intimidating. Thankfully however, he had Bell there, who was wearing a similar suit and tie to him, and Lady Hestia who wore a pretty white dress with her two white flower hair ties like normal. He sucked in a shaky breath and held his hand to his chest to calm his beating heart.

"I'm sorry Lady Hestia," He told her, looking at her and Bell. "You too Bell, I guess you could just say I'm nervous."

"Ha, don't worry, so am I," Bell said, and this made Cian feel oddly at ease.

Bell was his best-friend, he loved him and thought he was what it would have been like to have a real brother growing up. However, he wouldn't deny that the both of them subconsciously were always competing against each other. Cian would always celebrate his success, but he'd be lying if he didn't say he wanted to beat him, reach his goals first. It was healthy, because they both always pushed each other to do their best because they knew the other was right on their heels. He knew Bell thought about him the same way.

So, knowing that he was nervous as well, made Cian feel a bit better about his own nerves.

"Neither of you have to worry, this is a party first and foremost!" Lady Hestia said, smiling as she got between them both and grabbed their arms. "Have fun and enjoy, you've both earned it, but like I said, just keep an eye out for anything suspicious."

Bell smiled and nodded. "I understand Goddess."

Cian shook his head. "But Goddess, you said there wouldn't be any fighting here! I knew I should have taken the Gae Bulg, I should go back for-."

"If I see you with that spear tonight Cian I'll knock you over the head with it," Lady Hestia said, narrowing her eyes, before her smile returned. "This is a different kind of battle. Remember what I said yesterday? Just smile, have fun and win that way."

"I… but… okay, I'm sorry Lady Hestia," Cian said, making her smile more.

Cian chewed the inside of his cheek and looked up at the manor. A different kind of battle huh…?

Cian was starting to realize what this really was. It wasn't a battle he could fight with his spear. Battles of this nature weren't fought in Ulster, instead they were fought with direct insults and spears being thrown. He realized then that he really was ill-equipped to deal with what was to come. However, if he wanted to be ready for what was to happen, and if a member of the Morrigan familia really had infiltrated the Apollo familia, then he needed to be ready.

And luckily he wasn't alone.

"Ah, talking about the old gathering of gods in Ulster, eh Cian?" A voice said, and they all turned around, Lady Hestia still between them.

Lady Hestia smiled. "Miach you made it!"

Cian bowed with Bell. "Lord Miach!"

Miach smiled, dressed in a nice black and white suit of his own as he bowed back with a huge smile on his face. Cian's eyes went to Naaza next to him, and he wouldn't lie he wanted to say hi to her, but words died in his mouth. She wore a blue dress that looked absolutely amazing, and during most of the time he'd known her, she was normally much calmer and aloof, but now, she had the biggest smile on her face, which Cian was happy to see.

"Hestia, Cian does have a point you know. Ha, I remember that fights broke out all over the old meetings at Emain Macha," Lord Miach said, looking at Cian. "Did you ever get to one Cian?"

Cian quickly shook his head. "No, Lady Scathach always brought Chu. But still… ha, this is pretty different, these clothes, all these people, no weapons, it's a lot to take in."

"We grow the most by putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations," Lord Miach spoke in Ulsteric, Naaza, Lady Hestia and Bell all looking at him clueless. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be just fine my boy."

Cian's smile grew as he spoke his native language back. "Thank you, Lord Miach."

Hestia groaned. "Ugh, I hate it when you guys start speaking that language, it hurts my brain!"

Bell chuckled sheepishly. "Ha… Goddess is right, I'm barely picking it up when you've been trying to teach me Cian."

"You've been doing better then you think, it is hard," Cian said, his nerves fading away, he finally collected his thoughts and looked at Naaza next to Lord Miach. "It's good to see you Naaza, ha, you look great!"

Naaza's face got beat red, her tail he realized started moving slowly back and forth. She reached up, suddenly trying to fix the loose strands of her hair, and it looked like she had a hard time saying anything back. Cian wondered why, weren't they friends? He was beginning to realize, that in Orario, they must not give compliments as frequently as they did in Ulster. Back home for Cian, if you found a girl pretty you told her, he had told Uathach that all the time, it was polite. When you were ready for compliments to become romantic in intention, you made it known, but simply complimenting his friend's appearance was something he'd always be happy to do.

And he really did think Naaza looked pretty. He remembered their trip into the dungeon the past week and smiled, he had been glad to help her finally get back down into the dungeon and even happier he helped her finish her potion recipe. Ever since, he'd been using that physical and magical resistance potion every trip he left to go adventuring anywhere. He looked forward to seeing her every morning before he and Bell went down into the dungeon.

She finally smiled. "Thank you Cian… it's good to see you too, and you Bell. You… both look really nice yourself."

Cian chuckled. "Ha… you think so? I feel so confined in these, like I'll burst out at any second."

"Thanks Ms. Naaza," Bell said with his normal smile. "It's really good to see you too!"

Naaza nodded and looked to Cian. "Y…yeah, I think so. The look does suit you well."

Cian wouldn't lie, he blushed on the spot he could feel it. Who wouldn't when a cute girl told them that? Naaza's face was still a bit red too, and eventually she looked away from him but was still smiling.

Lord Miach bowed again. "Hestia, I can't thank you enough for this again. The carriage, these clothes, you really didn't have to go all out."

Lady Hestia smiled. "I'd do anything for Naaza! A girl should treat herself now and then, right?"

Naaza bowed. "Thank you… Lady Hestia, I greatly appreciate it."

Cian felt more reassured now. Lady Hestia had mentioned bringing others along as support. Cian thought back to the words, 'a different type of battle'. The one thing that you needed in any kind of fight no matter what kind it was, was allies, friends you could rely on, and Naaza and Lord Miach certainly fit the bill.

"It's no problem, really!" Lady Hestia said, grabbing both Bell and Cian's arms again from between them, and turning towards the manor. "Alright, we shouldn't keep them waiting, let's go!"

Cian gulped as she started walking. He looked up at the ever-imposing manor. It was dark outside, but the manor lit up almost the entire side of the city they were on. Cian's heart beat harder, faster, and even more intense then it already had been as he got closer to the door.

This is a different type of battle… but I have to win it, he thought as they got to the door. Especially if a member of the Morrigan familia is here… it's my duty as Lady Scathach's last child to finish our last mission.

OP: Hello To Dream, DanMachi S2

The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Season 2, Episode 2: A Different Type of Battle

Cian

"Hestia, Miach!" A voice shouted almost as soon as they all got to the main dining hall.

Cian didn't register who it was, and practically heard nothing as Lady Hestia escorted him and Bell, because all of his attention was on how massive the inside of the manors ball room was. If he felt out of place looking at it from the outside, from the inside he felt as if he was an insect. He couldn't remember ever seeing so many people gathered in one place, and it took Bell tapping his back to get him to move. Thankfully, there was a terrace leading outside, and Cian could feel a cool breeze wafting in.

He followed along behind Lady Hestia, dodging around plenty of other gods and adventurers, until they found the source of the voices.

And suddenly, even the breeze didn't cool him anymore, he was sweating now.

"Oh, there you are Take!" Lady Hestia said, as they all gathered just outside the exit onto the terrace. Lord Takemikazuchi was dressed similar to him and Bell, with a nice black suit, but the honest truth was Cian didn't barely spared him a glance.

M…Mikoto…? He thought, barely believing it was her. He'd been seeing her almost every day for a month now, and he couldn't remember her wearing anything other than that purple kimono and red sash across her stomach, with the high red boots. She must have noticed him, because standing next to Lord Take, she met his eyes and looked away, her face red as Cian was sure his was. His lips separated, as he tried to say something. Next to him, Bell, Naaza, Lord Miach and Lady Hestia began talking with Lord Take, and for a moment, he and Mikoto just looked at each other.

He chewed at the inside of his lip, as she hugged her arms. Her dress was purple and strapless, fitting her body perfectly, down her long legs and slim waist. Cian would admit, he looked at her more then the everyone else probably did… and she was breathtaking. Her hair was tied up above her head with decorative pins, her bare neck seeming glowing with the light from the ballroom, and light from the moon streaming in from outside.

As the others talk, Cian looked at her, and steeled all his courage. Come on! You only agreed to come once you heard she was going to be here, it's just Mikoto you talk to her every day!

But… how could he simply talk to her now when she looked like this?

Please… please Diarmuid you have to have told me something to help! He thought, trying to wrack his brain for all the lessons on ladies his old mentor had given him.

Alas, he couldn't think of anything, and that only annoyed him more.

OH COME ON! Your voice always pops into my head when I DON'T need it, and now that I do you have nothing to say?! He screamed in his head, before he realized Mikoto was looking at him again.

"C…Cian, Master Bell," She said, sounding as uncomfortable as Cian felt. "It's good to see the both of you here…"

"I… ye…yeah.. you… too…" Cian stammered, as Bell turned to look at her too. "You um… Mikoto you… you're-."

"You look really nice Ms. Mikoto! I'm sure that's what Cian was going to say too," Bell said, smiling as her as he elbowed Cian in the gut. "Right Cian?"

Mikoto blushed, and then looked at Cian expectantly, her eyes wide as she now seemed on the tips of her toes, waiting to hear what he would say. Cian was flabbergasted, he looked over and saw Bell smiling, at him, and it was at that moment, he realized what his best friend had done for him.

I could kiss you right now Bell! He thought, nearly crying as he sucked in a breath through his nose and looked back over at Mikoto.

It was crazy, despite all of the beautiful goddesses, all the handsome adventurers and gods, all Cian really wanted to look at was her.

And at that moment, since none of Diarmuid's words came to his head, he tried to remember what someone else had told him.

"You'll get to the banquets one day Cian!" Ms. Emer had told him, messing up his hair. "And when you do, you'll walk right up to a pretty girl, straighten your posture, smile wide and tell her how beautiful she looks! Don't let Setanta tell you otherwise, that's how we first met!"

"You… you look beautiful Mikoto!" Cian said, a bit louder and more forceful sounding then he intended, Bell jumped back, and Mikoto stiffened, but Cian let out a breath, smiled and nodded. "Yes, you look really, really great!"

Lady Hestia, Lord Miach, Lord Takemikazuchi, Naaza, and Bell all stopped talking about whatever it was they were talking about and turned to them. Cian tried to ignore them, and Mikoto after seeming shocked at first, did something he would probably never forget.

The way she smiled back at him, was probably even more beautiful then the dress and her hair. It made him feel like he'd been hit in the chest by the Gae Bulg.

"Thank you, Cian… you look really nice yourself too," She said, not looking away from him. She even chuckled and looked above his head. "I must say… I don't think I've ever seen you with your hair combed, I think I like it."

Goosebumps ran up his arms, he normally didn't react this way to compliments, but coming from Mikoto? How could he not?

"OH! This? It wasn't me that's for sure," He said, twisting a loose piece of his black hair. "Anya, Chloe, Runoa and Ryuu argued about what to do with it for an hour, seriously they must have yanked out more then they combed going back and forth."

She laughed, and Cian suddenly, wasn't sweating as much as he had been before.

"I'll have to thank them then," Mikoto said, meeting his eyes, that smile still there. "I'm happy that I got to see it…."

YES SQUIRT YOU'RE DOING IT! A very unwanted voice shouted in his head.

Cian was not happy to hear it, OH NOW YOU WANNA YELL IN MY HEAD ASSHOLE?!

I WAS LETTING YOU LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE, IT'S A BALL SQUIRT ASK HER TO DANCE! Diarmuid's voice urged him.

CRAP! He's right! Cian thought, quickly stammering.

"Oh, um, Mikoto," He quickly said. "Would-."

"Well, on that note, I have to agree with Cian!" Lady Hestia said the minute he started talking stepping between her and Bell, grabbing both of their arms. "You look fantastic Mikoto! You and Naaza both, thanks so much for coming."

OH COME ON SQUIRT WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT HUH?! A very disappointed Diarmuid yelled at him.

However, he was actually thankful to Lady Hestia, because after Cian stopped talking he felt like he was going to throw his guts up. He finally got a good look around him, and realized just how many people were around now. Gods and goddesses he didn't realized, adventurers who looked as tiny as Lillie, and as large as Fergus was. Some looked over, many did not, long tables of food were all over the hall, and he didn't feel nearly enough cool air coming from the terrace.

So, he found himself sweating again, and tugging at his collar, his arms itching to be free and grab hold of a spear. He even instinctively opened his palm, like he was about to summon the Gae Bulg to his hand, but then realized that since it was out of his sight it obviously wouldn't come to him.

That was when Cian realized, other then when he worked and waited tables or slept, he had pretty much had the Gae Bulg in his hands or nearby constantly since he arrived in Orario two months ago. And now, he was in a place he thought could be hostile without it in his hands.

Despite the tight clothes, he also felt naked.

"It's all thanks to you Hestia," Lord Take said, smiling next to Mikoto looking to him and Bell. "Bell, Cian, the two of you are looking sharp as ever!"

"Thank you, Lord Takemikazuchi," Bell answered for them, as Cian hastily bowed too.

Lord Miach looked to Hestia. "We're happy to be able to be here with you Hestia."

Lady Hestia smirked and looked at them all nodding. "And I can't thank you both enough for coming. Apollo was awfully smart giving us all a chance to show off our children like this… then agreeing to let me bring both Cian and Bell, what could he be up too?"

Cian gulped and sighed. "I knew I should've taken my spear…"

Lady Hestia rolled her eyes. "Enough about the spear Cian! But, I will tell you both, you heard about that fight they got into last night right? Well, Cian believes it's possible that someone from the Morrigan familia has infiltrated Apollo's familia and Orario."

A silence fell over their tiny group, as Cian's stomach churned. He didn't see any sign of Lord Hermes, but even if he did, he assumed he'd bring Asfi with him, not Medb. Medb he knew didn't like being in such social situations, it had been a surprise to Cian she even agreed to receive the name Windrunner from the Gods.

"I see… a bold enemy then sending someone into Orario," Lord Takemikazuchi said, turning to Lord Miach. "You know her better then we probably do Miach, would she do this?"

Miach slowly shook his head, he and Naaza both looked distraught. "She certainly would, she would always do anything to get her wish. I wouldn't put it past her to send someone she finds expendable to the city to try and either take Cian's spear or report back his new strength."

Mikoto stepped forward. "What about Ms. Medb? Could we go and ask her to identify the one who attacked Cian and Master Bell?"

"We tried that… but Medb's on an expedition with some of Lord Hermes familia," Cian told her, looking between everyone in their small alliance. "And if I told the guild what I suspected, they'd need proof, and the only proof I could give would be…"

"To give up that Medb was also a part of the Morrigan familia, and we won't do that," Lady Hestia stated firmly. "So, tonight we simply enjoy ourselves, and keep an eye out for anything Apollo may be planning. We wait for Medb to come back, and then go from there!"

"Right!" Every one of them, god and adventurer said.

"Good! Now like I said, let's enjoy ourselves!" Lady Hestia clapped, before grabbing Cian and Bell by the arm between them. "We're here to show off our children and have a good time! So, let's go and-."

"Well if it isn't the brilliant Hestia Familia!" A familiar voice said, followed by footsteps coming closer. "And Take and Miach too, what a surprise!"

"Hermes!" Lady Hestia said, as everyone turned around.

The goofy, brown-haired god, that Cian still needed to get back for the bathing incident on floor 18 as usual strode with purpose and confidence. He came through the group of chatting adventurers and gods, and when he got to them he tipped that hat that he still wore and straightened his suit.

"The one and only! I must say you all look fabulous! Bell! Cian! Rocking those new suits I see," The god said, smirking at them both, before turning. "And of course, Naaza and Mikoto as well, looking as lovely as ever!"

Bell chuckled nervously. "Ha, thank you Lord Hermes."

"Yeah, thanks," Cian said, still scratching under his collar. "Lord Hermes, I actually wanted to ask, do you know when-."

"You're going to ask about Medb, I'm sure…" Hermes, said, his jovial tone gone, as he stepped closer between all of them. "I couldn't help but overhear you all before stepping over here."

"As sly as ever," Lord Takemikazuchi muttered.

Lady Hestia sighed. "Take's right, but I guess it's fair since you are right. If you overheard, I guess you know why we need to see Medb right?"

"I do," Hermes said, straightening his tie, looking between them. "Medb and the party I sent into he dungeon should be back by tomorrow. I'll send her to you the moment she gets back. If Morrigan is here, then she's a threat to her as well, and like you my friends, I don't like threats to my children."

Cian was able to relax. If everything was in place for tomorrow to see Medb, then he told himself that he could at least try to calm down here. Lady Hestia had said to enjoy himself, and he never did get to got to any large gatherings of the gods in Ulster with Lady Scathach.

He would be lying if he didn't say that sometimes he dreamed of that, being the adventurer Lady Scathach chose to go with her. His dream had come true now, it was with a different goddess, but one he was coming to love just as much.

That still didn't mean he didn't hate being around so many people in such tight clothes, yet still… seeing Mikoto, and being there with their friends was worth it.

"Then thank you, Hermes," Lady Hestia said, still holding onto Bell and him. "If that's the case, we can keep our eyes open, but enjoy the night!"

Everyone smiled at that, and Cian managed too as well, his eyes wondered back over to Mikoto who he realized…

Has… she been looking at me too?! I…. I think she has, oh man, Cian thought, a bit worried. What do I do?! I gotta ask her to dance! I just gotta, DO IT! Uathach and Ms. Emer always said confidence is the key!

He felt a bit more determined now, and was going to step forward and ask her, but Lord Hermes laughed and stopped him.

"Haha but of course! I must say your children all do look quite ravishing," He said, fixing his tie as he stepped back and dramatically turned around. "But may I present to you all a true gem in the form of my lovely Asfi!"

Cian looked behind him, and saw Asfi, not even having realized her there. He was a bit taken aback, because she seemed really embarrassed by her gods theatrics. Cian could remember only a few days ago when she threatened to snap him in half if he broke Medb's heart, which may still be the most horrifying thing he ever heard. Still, she looked fantastic, with a strapless red dress, and her blue hair up above her head.

"Lord Hermes… please stop, or else I'm going to have to punch you," She said, looking over to them with a red face. Her eyes fell on Lady Hestia however, and she smiled. "Goddess Hestia, I see Bell and Cian both gave you the pendant from our trip outside Orario the other day."

Lady Hestia's eyes glew. Cian couldn't help but smile as well. Around his goddess's dainty and small neck, was the silver necklace Bell and he had gotten made for her. In the middle of the silver pendant that hung, was a pure black scale, from an Oilipheist that he, Bell, Medb and Asfi had fought together.

Bell and he had gotten the idea to make her something for Cian's two month anniversary of being in the Hestia familia, and luckily, they had run into Medb and Asfi who were already heading outside Orario to retrieve the Anneal Blade, the magic sword of Medb's family the Mac Caomhanach's, in the search Medb had killed the Oilipheist with their help, and as thanks Asfi made the drop item into a necklace for them.

Of course, at first Lady Hestia had smacked them both for going outside Orario with no warning, or letter to her as to where they were going, but she had loved it in the end.

Lady Hestia giggled and posed to show off the necklace. "I am! You're as good as they say Asfi, thank you! It was delightful to receive such a great present from my two wonderful children!"

"I'm glad that you enjoy it," Asfi said, not seeming as nervous now. "I'm thankful to Bell and Cian both for coming, it makes me happy seeing my work so appreciated."

Lord Hermes snickered and leaned closer to his captain. "You know Asfi, it's awfully cute when you're so bashful and hum-. GAHHHHHHH!"

BANG!

Like he had been hit by the Gae Bulg, Asfi turned and punched Lord Hermes so hard he flew like a rag doll and smashed into a table of food, cracking it and getting gravy streaming down his face.

Cian wanted to fell bad for him, but after the 'mishap' at the river on Floor 18, his 'first foray into manhood', as the god had put it, Cian found himself wanting to thank Asfi.

"Can't say I didn't see that coming," Lord Miach said with a sigh.

Lord Takemikazuchi chuckled from next to Mikoto. "That definitely wasn't the first time either."

Lady Hestia cleared her throat. "Anyway! As I was saying, let's go enjoy ourselves! I'm starving-."

"It's her!"

"She's finally made it!"

"She really came, hooray!"

"Lady Freya is here!"

The name made Cian spin around, his throat really almost constricting. So many conflicting things that he'd been told bouncing inside his head.

Lady Freya had been the first to agree to look out for the Morrigan familia. She had been the one to give him the name Lancer of Red. She was the most powerful person in Orario, perhaps even more so then the guild. Ms. Eina had said Lady Freya really had made good on her promise to look out for the Morrigan familia as well, sending expeditions to the border with Ulster to check for the goddess, and for the Fomorians as well.

But on the other hand… Finn, Riveria, and the rest of Loki familia had warned him, that Lady Freya did nothing that she didn't think benefited herself and her goals. Cian didn't care at first what she wanted, so long as she looked out for the Fomorians, but the more he had thought about it… what did Lady Freya have to gain by helping him?

"She's finally made her appearance…" He heard Lord Hermes say as he slowly came back up behind them.

One thing is for sure though… she really is beautiful, Cian thought as he saw the goddess walking down the steps they had just come down into the banquet hall. Her silvery hair went all the way down the back of her white dress. Her skin was so pure and smooth, so pale it was almost as if she wasn't wearing anything at all. Her eyes though, really struck Cian, they were violet.

And that made his eyes stray from her, the same color as Mikoto… wow, here's the goddess of beauty walking into the room, and I'm… still looking at Mikoto.

One thing struck him the most about Freya however, and as beautiful as she was, it wasn't that.

Something felt… off about her. He could feel something nipping at the back of his head the longer he looked at her when she came down those steps, something was off, but oddly enough it was something also…

Familiar… but this is my first time meeting her, Cian wondered, as when the goddess finally got to the bottom of the steps she was swarmed by people as she walked and waved, saying her greetings. Cian looked behind her, and his stomach dropped, oh god… and he must be the King. He's just as massive as Chu always described him as!

The King, or Ottar, was now the only level 7 adventurer in Orario. According to Ms. Eina, it would be some time before anyone got to be anywhere near his level, and he could even possibly go up to level 8 soon as well. Cian remembered, Chu had said he was on the cusp of going up to level 8, it would have made him Ulster's first level 8 adventurer in decades, some even thought he could one day reach level 9.

Level 9 had only been reached in Ulster by two people, The Great Hero Cian, who was the first adventurer in Ulster's history to receive a blessing from Lord Dagda and defeat the Druids. The second was Lir the Lightning Spear, the first Child of Light, and legendary Captain of the Lugh Familia, who had defeated the Fomorians hundreds of years ago with his god.

Chu was the strongest person that Cian had ever seen, and he could remember at first whenever he had been around is captain, he felt so much pure pressure and power from him, he was almost scared to go around him. However, after the months had gone on, he realized Chu was just a normal man, one that Cian would come to respect and love above all others, the father he never had, his mentor. The idea to that day, that he was somehow defeated… defeated by Connla was still baffling to him. It was Chu, nobody could beat him! He was Chu Chulainn!

However, Chu always told him that wasn't true, that he'd been beat plenty of times when he was younger. One day, Cian had asked him what the strongest monster, or the strongest person he ever faced was.

He then told Cian about the greatest duel he ever fought, when he defeated Orario's strongest adventurer, the King they called him, Ottar. The fight went down to the wire, Chu stressed to him how close he had come to losing the fight to Ottar. Of course, Chu could have used to Gae Bulg and won, but he obviously hadn't wanted to kill Ottar with its power. In the end however, Chu had won, and he told Cian that day that Ottar was someone who had his respect, and he one day wanted to fight again.

Cian would have been lying if he said he didn't want to meet the man. Captain of Freya Familia, and the one person Chu said almost beat him. Oddly enough, Cian found himself looking at Ottar as opposed to Freya, the man was taller then anyone Cian had ever seen, and as crazy as it sounded, he felt his hands twitching for a spear again.

If he was going to defeat Morrigan, to defeat the Fomorians… to defeat Connla so he couldn't take Chu and Lady Scathach's spear, Cian needed to be even stronger then Chu was. Which meant he needed to be strong enough to defeat the man they called King one day.

He looked more at Ottar then Freya, however, Lady Hestia didn't think so.

"GAH NO! BELL CIAN DON'T LOOK AT HER!"

"ARGH!" "GODDESS!"

Cian saw a hand in front of his eyes, and his neck almost snapped back when his goddess's hand tried to yank his eyes away.

"SHE'LL BEWITCH BOYS LIKE THE TWO OF YOU!"

"Ahh, hello, my dear friend Hestia."

"GAH!" Lady Hestia yelled, as he hands finally moved from in front of he and Bell's eyes, and she begrudgingly coughed into her hand. "Yes! Hello! Okay, now are we-."

"Ah, Take, Miach, it's good to see you both as well!" Lady Freya said, and Cian now realized she had crossed over to them in the ballroom.

It had calmed down after her appearance, although he could still see people looking enviously at their little group for having Freya's attention. The goddess was so close now, that somewhat familiar feeling that the goddess kept giving him was growing even stronger. As odd as it sounded, it was something about the way she smelled that was familiar.

Cian had a hard time focusing on it though, because another pair of eyes were on him.

Okay… I may be crazy, but… is that really the strongest adventurer in Orario staring at me?! Cian said, trying not to meet the massive man's intense rust colored gaze. He stood behind Freya yes, and his look possessed neither malice or good intention, but that didn't mean Cian still didn't suddenly feel very cold under his new suit. For a moment he met the man's eyes, and when he did, if not for Bell putting a hand on his shoulder to steady him, Cian would have fallen backwards.

"It's… uh… very nice to see you Freya," Lord Takemikazuchi said, red-faced as he sheepishly looked away from the goddess of love.

Lord Miach bowed. "You look as beautiful as ever Lady Freya."

Both comments did not seem to go over well with Mikoto or Naaza, who both narrowed their eyes at their gods before pinching them, hard. They both yelped, and Cian shuddered himself, craving the terrace and fresh air.

But then, after pinching her god, Mikoto looked at him, and it seemed she was about to say something, but the soft voice of Freya forced him to turn around.

"And the two of you… you must be the two children of my darling Hestia," She said, and when Cian looked into her eyes he couldn't move. Her smile stopped him from moving as she took a step closer to her and Bell. "I have heard many very good things about the both of you. They say you're both on the up and up. It's very nice to meet you both."

Cian stammered, and while Bell did the same, he still managed to answer before Cian.

"Oh, um, thank you, Lady Freya, it's nice to meet you as well," Bell said respectfully as he bowed, the bright light showing off his white hair. "As for what I've accomplished well, I couldn't have done it without Cian."

"That's not true!" Cian interjected, instinct taking over as he looked at Bell. "I'm the one who owes you Bell, if you hadn't agreed to take me to Lady Hestia that day I'd be nowhere!"

He saw Bell about to argue back, but Lady Freya chuckled.

"Aha… it's always endearing to see such a close familia," Lady Freya said turning to him. "You're Cian Mac Gallagher yes? Allow me to offer my condolences for Scathach, Chu Chulainn and the rest of your old familia. They truly were some of the best of us."

Cian stiffened, chewing the inside of his lip. He noticed Ottar more attentive to him now as well. Bell looked at him, Lady Hestia looked annoyed, but Cian simply sucked in a calming breath. He'd been like this when he first met Lord Nuada with Lady Scathach as well.

"Thank you, Lady Freya. I appreciate it," He said, bowing and coming back up to meet her gaze. "I wanted to also express my gratitude… for listening to Lady Hestia at the Denatus about the Morrigan familia. I can't express how grateful I am for that. Also… thank you for coming up with my adventurer's name."

For a second everyone of their group was quiet. Cian was worried for a moment, looking into the goddess's eyes, she seemed surprised for a moment, before that surprised turned into a smile, and eventually she chuckled.

"Ahaha, it truly is no problem dear Cian," The goddess said, taking a step even closer to him and Bell, and then holding out her hand. "The both of you… I'll be watching your progress very, very closely."

And her finger trailed across both his face, and Bell's, although Cian could see that her eyes were much more trained on Bell. Despite the oddness of the situation, Cian felt even hotter then, he could feel his face getting red, but then, despite the fact it was Freya in front of him, his eyes drifted past her to who was standing just off to the left behind her.

Mikoto did not look happy next to Lord Takemikazuchi. And despite a goddess's hand on his cheek… Cian just wanted to finally go ask Mikoto to dance. He'd never danced with anyone before, but Ms. Emer had given him lessons for when he finally did go to a banquet of the gods.

"ENOUGH! NO MORE OF THAT BACK OFF!" Lady Hestia suddenly yelled, making him jump. She smashed her hand between the two of them and Freya and stepped in front of her, grabbing their arms as she stood between them again.

Freya looked shocked for a moment, before her smile returned. "If I caused any offense, I truly am sorry Hestia my friend…. Now, I believe I'll take my leave, I must let everyone take me in! Come along Ottar."

And Cian found himself eye to eye with the King again. He looked at Cian for a moment, again without any malice or good intentions, before following Freya along.

After she left, Cian let out a breath. "Jeez… that's weird, I feel like I was just in a-."

"Both of you need to stay away from her you understand?!" Lady Hestia said, looking up at them both. "I know she helped us out, but stay away! A goddess like her will chew you both up and spit you out do you understand me?!"

"Y…yes goddess!" "Yes Lady Hestia!"

"Good!" She yelled, before sighing and turning towards the tables of food, and managing to smile again. "Okay! Now, I'm hungry, let's all finally start enjoying ourselves!"

Everyone nodded and started chatting again. The ball had only gotten more lively with the arrival of Freya, which didn't help Cian's sweating. He felt like he had just been through a training session, like he'd gone ten rounds with Chu and Diarmuid hand to hand, like he'd just slaved over the pot of stew with Fergus, or was about to go mind down from one of Uathach's magic lessons.

It… it's as if I just fought a bat… a battle… jeez, Lady Hestia was right, Cian realized, as the group of them started filtering towards the tables of food.

Cian gulped, and tried fixing his black hair. Finally, he slightly loosened his tie the slightest bit. They were close to the terrace, and he had full intentions on going there once he'd eaten and said hello to a few more people with Lady Hestia and Bell. Was this really what Chu and Lady Scathach did back in Ulster every month?

He bit the inside of his cheek, but even if they were different in Ulster, if Chu did this… then I will too. Besides, I need to, for Lady Hestia, Bell and everyone else!

"Cian…?"

"GAH!" He jumped, and when he turned, he breathed out in relief. "Oh, Mikoto… I'm sorry, I guess you could say I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this."

Looking at her had a calming effect on him. She seemed just as uncomfortable as he was, but when she met his eyes she smiled, and seeing it again? Well, he was a little cooler then. He looked down at her dress again, and again he found himself actually thankful that he had come there that night. Lady Hestia hadn't been wrong… if he had missed the chance to see her like this, he would have been upset.

"Ha… so it isn't just me then?" She said, as they both started walking in the direction everyone else had, towards the long tables on the left side of the hall. "I must admit I feel a bit nervous; we don't normally have balls like this back home."

"Oh, believe me, it isn't just you," Cian sympathized. "If this was in Ulster, everyone would be in their best armor, with their best weapons. It'd smell a bit worse, and the music would be way louder."

She laughed, and it was a beautiful sound. "Haha, it sounds like quite the good time. I… also wanted to say, while I do like your hair combed that way, I'll admit, it does look a bit well, unnatural."

"You think so too huh? Ryuu argued for it to stay that way, but the others weren't having it," He said, smiling as he poked at the neatly combed hair. "I think I agree with you, I could do without such a tight outfit too."

She smiled. "I think the outfit looked very good on you Cian. I'll admit, I feel like the unnatural one. I never was one for dresses, I haven't owned many."

Cian met her eyes. "Really? What about your big sis, Miya?"

Her eyes started to practically glow now. "Miya was always taking us to festivals! You see, we didn't wear dresses, they're called yukata's, basically decorative robes with sashes that formed a bow at the back. Miya used to let me and Chigusa wear her old ones."

"Not Ouka?" Cian asked.

Mikoto chuckled, before sputtering out laughing. Cian was worried he said something incredible stupid, and he probably did, but then he saw how widely she smiled when she finished.

"Aha…no, not Ouka. Women wear yukata's, you saying that had me picturing Ouka trying to wear one! Haha, I'll have to tell Chigusa, I'm sure she'd find it amusing too!" She laughed, as Cian breathed out in relief.

He chuckled nervously. "Ha… well I'm glad I know now. So, I'm guessing they don't have any festivals in Orario where you could wear one of those things huh?"

Mikoto fell back into her smiled. "Actually, Orario will have a summer cultural festival based on the ones we have in the Far East, I'm actually Very excited for it!"

"Cool, so am I then! I think I'd like to see what one of these yukatas look like," He told her, shaking his head, and feeling the next words simply come to him. He blushed, but he nodded down at the dress she was wearing. "But… I meant it when I said, I think the dress you have on is beautiful too."

She opened and closed her mouth, turning her face away from him. He swore he could hear his heart beating despite all the chattering. Was this… finally it?

Lady Hestia had told him it was simply an intrinsic feeling, he'd just know what his feelings were when the time was right. He thought he had felt it with Mikoto already… but was this it again? After a moment of seeming embarrassed, she turned back to him, tilted her head, and gave him another of those brilliant smiles, her black hair just looped over her eye, her face glowing.

"Thank you Cian… that means a lot coming from you," She said.

Coming… from me?!

YES GO ON! ASK HER! ASK HER NOW SQUIRT COME ON!

His lips finally moved. "Mikoto-."

"Um, Cian you… sounded like you were going to ask me something earlier, before we got interrupted that is," She said, meeting his eyes as she seemed to be mustering courage. "What… was it that you wanted to ask me?"

SHE'S GIVING YOU A PERFECT SEGWAY! GO ON SQUIRT BRING IT HOME!

"Oh! That, um, well you see I… I wanted to ask you if you… well… if you… um…." He started, getting annoyed he couldn't get the question out. Finally, he bit the inside of his lip and looked her in the eyes and spoke. "Are you still going to the dungeon with us tomorrow?! Yes! I need to know because I mean we're a party and all now so I just wanted to know, are you going?!"

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING YOU PATHETIC IDIOT?!

That voice was both Diarmuid's and his own mixed into one.

Cian deflated like a balloon all of his confidence gone now as he waited for Mikoto to answer the question he asked because he was too afraid of her saying no to ask the question he really wanted to ask.

Her face went through a mixture of emotions. Confusion, shock, annoyed, and finally, it landed on disappointment mixed with anger.

"Oh, well if that's all you wanted to ask… then yes! The answer is yes," She said, sounding angry at first, and then her face fell and she went to walk past him. "I should go! I… need to make sure Lord Takemikazuchi doesn't get himself into trouble!"

"Wait! Mikoto!" He said, turning with her, but she didn't stop as she walked along. "I didn't… aw man… you gotta be kidding me, I think I'm gonna be sick."

YOU DESERVE YOU PATHETIC SAP! I CAN'T BELIEVE I SPENT A YEAR PREPARING YOU ONLY FOR YOU TO BUNGLE IT LIKE THIS!

I have gotta do something about these voices in my head…. Cian thought, turning towards where he saw Bell and Lady Hestia go and sighing.

"Huh? Cian, there you are," Bell said, coming up in front of him. "Goddess Hestia was looking for you, are you hungry…. Cian? What's wrong, what happened?"

Cian slumped forward, his arms dangling as his head hit and laid on his best-friends chest. "Bell… why am I such a complete and utter idiot?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"So… instead of asking her to dance, you asked her if she was still coming to the dungeon with us tomorrow?" Bell said slowly, as they stood behind Lady Hestia at the table with their plates in hand as Cian ate away his sorrow. Bell shook his head. "Cian… she told us this morning she was. Why would you ask her that again?"

"It was a stupid question I know don't rub it in!" Cian said, tears probably cartoonishly coming down his face. He stuffed some chicken into his mouth trying to numb his embarrassment. "I just… got scared that she would say no! And if she did, I'd never be able to look at her again."

Bell shuddered. "I can't say I blame you."

"Right?!" Cian pleaded, putting down his empty plate. "The embarrassment would have been too much."

"Would be any worse then it is now?" Lady Hestia muttered, turning from her food to glare at him. She turned back and sighed. "Seriously the both of you are completely helpless."

Bell seemed confused as to what she was saying, but Cian knew. And he couldn't say he disagreed with her.

He set down the plate of food he'd eaten and looked over to where Mikoto was now. The three of them were at the table closer to the terrace, but she was with Lord Takemikazuchi speaking with other gods, seeming just as uncomfortable as he was. He felt horrible, disgusted with himself. She probably was going to be mad at him for a while and rightfully so. Could he dare think she actually wanted him to ask her to dance? If she had, he had disappointed her, and he didn't blame her if she stayed angry with him.

But besides that feeling, he had an overwhelming urge to go back over to her! Ms. Emer had spent a lot of her precious free time teaching him to dance during that time they spent together in the days leading up to one of Ulster's banquets. Ms. Emer was probably gone now, just like the rest of them, so the least he could do was put her lessons to use, like he was with everyone else.

Not to mention the fact he wanted to dance with her. Cian had promised himself, for the sake of himself, Lefiya and Medb who made their feelings clear, he'd figure out his own, so that's what he'd do!

Only… I have no idea how to do that! He thought horribly, before as they stood behind Lady Hestia, he looked over and saw Bell looking at him with a worried look. Wait… that's it!

"Bell!" Cian yelled, throwing his arm around Bell and dragging him a step away.

"GYAH! Cian, what… what is it?" He whispered, as Cian leaned them both down.

"Bell, when did you know?!" Cian asked him, careful to make sure Lady Hestia couldn't hear the two of them.

"Huh?! What are you talking about?!" Bell said anxiously. "Know what, and why are we whispering?"

"About Ais idiot!" Cian said, looking back to make sure Lady Hestia was still eating. He looked back to Bell and shook his head. "When did you know you were in love with her?!"

"HUHHHHHH?!" He yelped, drawing a few eyes, his face getting as red as his eyes. "Cian! I told you that in confidence, you said you wouldn't bring it up!"

"Times have changed!" Cian said, looking back over at Mikoto, and then back to Bell. "Come on Bell, you need to help me!"

"Help you with what?!"

"You know what!" Cian begged him, holding his shoulders and meeting his eyes, going back to whispering. "You told me how you met her, saved you from a minotaur and all, but how do you know you love her?! Is it how pretty she is? Does she secretly tell funny jokes? Does she smell nice what is it?!"

"I…I don't know!" He said, getting redder. "We shouldn't talk about this now!"

"Why not?!" Cian said, standing up as people filed out around him in the ballroom. He shook his head as Bell looked worried. "It's not like she's right-. OH HI AIS!"

"Cian? Bell…?"

Cian had seen her at the very last second, and thankfully it didn't seem like Ais had heard him. If he let up the one most important secret Bell entrusted him with he'd never forgive himself. Ais had come up from their right through the crowd, and for the split second they stood there he didn't see Lady Loki either. Ais looked a bit surprised to see them both, and while Cian was her friend, he knew very well how Bell got around her, especially with how pretty she looked then.

The light blue strapless dress was really beautiful, and while Cian's eyes still subtly wanted to drift back to Mikoto he really understood why so many people found Ais one of the most beautiful young adventurers in Orario. He knew other then that she could probably beat half the adventurers in this room as well, but either way, thankfully at that moment not many people had their eyes on her.

"Ms… Ms. Ais!" Bell stammered, and Cian wondered if this was how he looked trying to ask Mikoto to dance earlier.

She looked between them. "It's… nice to see the both of you."

Bell he could clearly see was stammering, far too nervous, so remembering what he did for him earlier, Cian smiled and nodded at her.

"It's good to see you too Ais! You look great!" He said, smacking Bell on the back. "Bell here thinks so too, right Bell-."

"AIS!"

"BELL! CIAN!"

Cian winced as he felt his arm grabbed as he and Bell were pulled back. Suddenly, two very angry looking goddesses where between he, Bell and Ais.

I'm sorry Bell, I tried for you! He said, as Lady Hestia and Loki were practically nose to nose now.

"I thought I smelled something horrible!" Loki yelled, glaring down at Lady Hestia. "Can't believe they let people like you into this place shrimpy."

"And I can't believe you'd wear a suit!" Lady Hestia yelled, turning with a smirk. "Are you trying to hide your lack of boobs behind a man's outfit?"

Jeez… now I really know why Lady Hestia and Lady Scathach were such good friends.

Of course, instead of words, Lady Scathach often responded to insults with the point of her spear instead. Cian stood awkwardly with Bell, as the two traded jabs. Insults were slung, and most of them he felt he would've needed to put soup in his mouth for saying. He looked over at Ais who seemed just as uncomfortable at the whole situation.

"You just keep dumb Wallenwhatsherface away from my Bell!" Lady Hestia said, her hands gesturing to the two of them. "Him and Cian are way better then Whatsherface anyway!"

"What?! You think these two losers are anything compared to my Ais?! Please, don't make me laugh!" Loki yelled back.

Cian sighed. It's like we're horses or something… for once I'm glad we're not in Ulster.

If they had been, since Lady Hestia and Loki we're having an argument, he or Bell would have to fight Ais for their gods honor to be sated. If that had been the case, Cian was sure Ais would put either of them in the hospital. Chu had to fight plenty of challenges when someone insulted Lady Scathach at the banquets in Ulster. A part of Cian wanted to try and stop Loki from insulting Lady Hestia, but he didn't know if he could beat anyone in her familia, plus he thought Lady Hestia could handle herself.

Around them, a few people came to stare at the two goddesses, but surprisingly, Lady Loki didn't shoot back an insult. Her eyes went over to the two of them, and she snickered, leaning forward to look at them both.

"So you're the two I keep hearing about huh…? Neither of you really look like much, especially compared to my Ais," She said, as Cian and Bell both tried to laugh it off.

Hard to look like anything compared to the Sword Princess, Cian thought to himself, as Lady Hestia who looked very upset stepped in front of them.

"Are you serious?! Bell and Cian would trounce that little hussy of yours!" She boasted, sounding absolutely confident as well.

Cian stiffened, and she's the one who said I couldn't bring my spear!

Loki however, ignored her again, and to Cian's surprise and horror, she looked at him.

"And you… you're the kid from Ulster that Lefiya never shuts up about," The goddess said, leaning back with her arms crossed. "Finn talks about you a lot too, tried to get me to grab you before shrimpy over here got to you, Scathach's old kid."

Cian stiffened again. "Um… yes! That's me, I'm Cian. How… is Lefiya? Is she okay?"

Cian would admit, it was nice hearing that Lefiya talked about him even with her god, and Finn as well. That was someone else that apparently Chu and the rest of the Scathach familia had gotten to know.

"She's fine, a bit shaken for a few days but back at it now," She said, before scoffing and fake gagging. "Bah, can't believe I have to say this to one of that little bimbo's kid, but I told myself I would. Thank you for saving Lefiya's life."

Cian's eyes widened, before he realized what she had just done. He was surprised, but a part of him was thankful as well. Lefiya had told him that Loki was eccentric, for lack of better words, crazy. However, they all trusted her at Loki familia completely. And from her swallowing pride and thanking him there, it showed she really must care about her children.

So, Cian managed to smile and bowed. "Of course, it was nothing. Although, Lefiya really did save me just as much as I saved her."

"Ugh, you self-righteous ones are so annoying! But, whatever, jeez can't believe I'm doing this, but I did promise Finn and Riveria…" She said, seeming to gag again as she turned, and then shot a look back to him. "Ugh, fine! You wanna join the Loki familia kid?"

"HUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"

"NO WAY, YOU STAY AWAY FROM HIM YOU LITTLE FLAT CHESTED TRAMP!"

Bell and Lady Hestia both nearly toppled over. Lady Hestia grabbed his arm and nearly yanked it out of its socket.

Cian was speechless. Of course, Finn and Riveria had offered to let him join Loki familia before, and while he knew they were genuine, he didn't really think they were serious offers since they weren't from the goddess herself.

But now, to hear the offer from Loki herself? One of the two most powerful families in Orario had asked twice now for him to join. While he knew his answer of course, he'd be lying if he didn't say he was a little flattered.

"Who the hell do you think you are asking him that?!" Lady Hestia demanded from the other goddess.

Loki scoffed. "It's not like I wanted too! Finn and Riveria have been up my ass about trying to get him since we first learned he came from Scathach! They shout some nonsense about monsters in Ulster, and that Morrigan nonsense. So, to get them off my back I offered! Now, what'll it be kid!"

"C…Cian!" Bell stammered as he looked at him.

Lady Hestia scoffed and shook her head. "You got some nerve you know that?! Cian's mine, Scathach entrusted him to me, I'd never let you get your hands on-."

"Lady Hestia's right, forgive me Lady Loki, I'm very honored by the offer," He said, bowing to her again, not wanting to be disrespectful. "I'm honored but I have to decline. Lady Scathach wanted me to come to Orario to join Lady Hestia. And now? I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

"Oh Cian!" Lady Hestia yelled, grabbing onto his arm again, before spinning back to Loki as she grabbed Bell too. "HA! See that Loki? It seems like you're not the end all be all!"

Cian hadn't tried to be rude, but now he could see just how annoyed Loki really was getting. Again, he found himself itching for his spear, he was convinced a fight was going to break out at any second.

Loki seethed and turned around. "It's like I said I didn't care either way! I don't need those two shrimps anyway, it's not like I need them! Come on Ais, we're leaving!"

"I couldn't agree more! Come on Bell, Cian!" Lady Hestia said, turning around as well.

And like children walking away from an argument both Loki and Lady Hestia walked away, leaving for a moment, Cian, Bell and Ais together. Cian was about to break the ice, and offer that three of them all find a drink together and talk, she could see Ais looking at them both. It would have helped calm him down for sure, and it would have given Bell the chance to talk to Ais which he also clearly wanted to do.

However, before he could even say anything, Ais frowned, looking disappointed, before going to follow her goddess that was stalking off. Bell looked like she was going to step forward and say something to her, but stopped, and Bell could see how disappointed he looked.

"Hey, you okay?" Cian asked, going to put a hand on his shoulder.

Bell stiffened, but sighed, his head falling. "It's nothing… I was just thinking that this is the rift that exists between familias…"

Cian could see where this train of thought was leading. He had noticed it as well. Of course, the gods of the Tuatha Danann and Ulster were always arguing and vying for power. That was the same as Orario, but the main difference, was that in Ulster, gods never seemed to get in the way of their children getting to know each other.

Chu and the others had told him dozens of stories about the adventurers they met from the familias of gods who really didn't like Lady Scathach having so much power. After the incident at one banquet, Chu became good friends with the captain of the Aengus familia, and Fergus had been friends with the captain of the Manannan familia.

Ms. Emer was captain of Lady Aife's familia, and despite the fact Lady Aife and Lady Scathach argued often, Ms. Emer and Chu had been married.

That was the difference in Orario… and he could see how it would upset Bell. Thankfully for Cian at least, Lord Takemikazuchi and Lady Hestia were friends.

"It's alright man, I'm sure things will work out," Cian told him, as they turned to follow Lady Hestia back towards the terrace. "Maybe I can ask Lefiya if we-."

And before he could finish the lights went out. Cian thought it was finally happening, the fight that he saw coming, and he cursed himself for not bringing his spear. Bell stiffened next to him, as they both finally had found Lady Hestia. Cian realized after a moment he could still see in front of him, the lights in the ballroom had just gone out. Nobody else seemed to be panicking, but he wondered what was going on.

Lady Hestia answered that question.

"So, here he is… finally, what are you up to…" She muttered, as Cian turned with Bell to look where she was looking.

"Lord…Apollo?" Bell said next to him, and Cian sucked in a breath.

A single spotlight shone towards the top of the steps, and all eyes went too it. Cian gulped, as a god with red hair and fancy robes stood at the top with his arms out. Again Cian got cold despite the sweat his fancy clothes made him secrete. He scanned the rest of the room, and it seemed it was time for the host to greet his guests, and suddenly the food he'd just eaten wanted to come up again.

Lord Apollo walked with a very confident air, one that reminded Cian of Lord Aengus back in Ulster. A few people cheered as the large single light illuminated him for a moment as he waved, before slowly going out, which was followed by all of the lights coming on. The moment they did Cian had to close his eyes at the sudden brightness, but after he opened them again and blinked a few times, he saw the adventurers filing out next to Lord Apollo.

It's him again, and that Hyacinth guy… jeez, is he already staring at me? Cian wondered as he saw the four adventurers next to their host.

The first ones he saw were Daphne and Cassandra, the two girls who had given Bell and him their invitation. They stood on the far end, on Lord Apollo's left, was Hyacinth, who he could see staring daggers towards Bell, who looked just as nervous as him. And as if it was some sort of two on two challenge, the other level 3, the one who'd almost snapped Cian in half, Arryn, was on Lord Apollo's right.

He was tall, at least as tall as Fergus had been, standing even as tall as Lord Apollo, taller than Hyacinth. His darker brown hair was combed, his hands were behind his back, and those icy blue eyes were trained right on Cian and Bell's corner of the room. Cian's head ached from where he'd gotten beat the night before, and after letting out a shaky sigh, he managed to keep the mans gaze.

It's like Chu used to always say, sometimes getting the shit beat out of you is the best thing that could happen, he thought. He would be ready if the man came after him again.

Lord Apollo didn't say anything, just waving as he descended the steps, chatting with the four of his children next to him, while other gods all came up to greet him. Cian was glued to the floor, and he knew Bell was as well.

As crazy as it sounds… this may be one of the toughest battles I've ever fought, he realized.

He needed to make sure that he got himself, Lady Hestia, and Bell out of that night without any danger. And if he had to fight by the Orario rules as opposed to the Ulster ones… he would.

But that didn't stop the fact, that he really wanted to dance with Mikoto before the night was out.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"GAHHHHH fresh air!" Cian said, leaning back against the stone railing. "Honestly, they should have just had the banquet outside."

"Ha… I think I have to agree with you there," Bell said from the bench next to him. "This is nice and all but well… don't you think something should happen?"

Cian leaned forward. He saw the few gods and adventurers mingling outside, and inside the party had gotten even more lively. Lady Hestia was at the table eating and somehow still arguing with Loki. Lord Miach, Takemikazuchi, Mikoto, and Lord Hermes were all chatting with various gods and adventurers as well. It had been a pretty good time, he'd admit, but he had to agree with Bell, the more he sat, the more he talked, introduced himself to people, and ate, the more antsy he felt.

"You're right, Lord Apollo hasn't done anything yet," Cian said, spotting the host of the party in the center of the hall from the terrace.

"Don't you think us, and Lady Hestia ought to at least say hello?" Bell suggested to him. "Maybe we can smooth things over with him. Maybe he doesn't suspect the one guy of being with Morrigan."

Cian bit his lip. "That… may actually be smart. But if we're going to do that, I need to go to the bathroom first."

Bell chuckled. "Ha, I'll wait for you here then."

"Thanks," Cian muttered, yawning as he stood up, sucking in the night air, before going back into the stuffy ballroom.

He decided not to get involved in Lady Hestia's arguments with Lady Loki again. It had been very nice to meet more people that night, but Cian would be lying if he said he was ready to head back to the Hostess of Fertility for the night. The dinner rush was surely over by now, and that night was normally the night he, Ryuu, Syr, Chloe, Anya and Runoa would all play cards after cleaning up the tavern. He was pretty good at cards, but Chloe surprisingly enough was the best, while Anya was unsurprisingly the worst. It would have made for a good end to the night.

However, that didn't mean he was upset he came. He and Bell got to meet some very nice people, and getting to spend time with him and Lady Hestia was always great. Not to mention, he was still determined to talk to Mikoto again before the end of the night and first off apologize for being an idiot, and then finally ask her to dance properly.

Despite being stuffed into a suit, he moved swiftly around the people in the ballroom. The lights were still too bright, but he had gotten used to them. It was being so close to people that he still didn't like. Being shoulder to shoulder with Bell, Welf, Mikoto or Lillie in the dungeon was one thing, but a bunch of strangers was a different story. Especially ones who had been drinking and eating all night. Not that Cian blamed them, because the food was very tasty.

But, he knew Bell had a point, and first he needed to wipe the sweat off his neck and use the bathroom. It finally came into view, on a much clearer right side of the room. A few people were lingering on that emptier side of the hall, so Cian entered the restroom trying to think of what he was going to say to Lord Apollo to hopefully smooth things over. He didn't know if simply saying 'sorry for almost strangling your child' would suffice, or 'hey I believe one of your children is working with an evil familia', would either.

Sighing, he took a piss, before going and pulling off both his gloves to wash his hands. He replayed the previous night in his head over and over. Of course, he could have just blamed Diarmuid for putting the idea of barfights into his head, but he knew he needed to take responsibility. He really had almost choked that prum to death there in the bar, which in all honestly gave Hyacinth and Arryn the right to almost do the same to him and his party. He assumed Lady Scathach was probably chastising him in the Otherworld for losing his temper to easily.

And deservedly… I don't know why but… it's just been happening so easily lately, he thought, as he grabbed a towel and wiped both of his hands before slipping his gloves back on.

What happened to him last night, the anger that had overtaken him, he had no idea where it had come from. Of course, he had been angry before, plenty of times. But last night… he'd been ready to kill the prum then, and for what? Making some insults that he knew weren't true and didn't affect him?

And it wouldn't have been the first time he killed someone. There was one less son of Tuireann now because of him. He had that man beaten, he easily could have knocked him out, incapacitated him… but no, Cian had killed him, stabbed him clean through the gut with the Gae Bulg. It had been in self-defense, in defense of Lefiya who would have died from that man. But still… he knew he should feel something.

He still didn't, even all those days later. He still found himself even glad that he killed the man and saved Lefiya. A part of him was even glad he almost killed the prum… was this really who he was?

There's a beast in every man… it'll always stir when you put a weapon in his hand, is something that Chu had always said.

Cian shuddered as he exited the bathroom, a tingle running down his spine. No… I know who I am, I'm the last child of Scathach, member of the Hestia familia, the pupil of Chu Chulainn… that's who I am.

After finally coming back into the hall, Cian sighed. "Well, better go find Lady Hestia… where did she-."

"Ahhhhhh finally! It seems, I've found the source of the manors rat infestation."

Cian stopped mid-step, the chill that ran down his body now bone-rattlingly cold. His voice was like a hammer against his skull, and it pounded from where he had beaten Cian the night before. He felt his toes wriggling inside his boots, as his shadow from the light was over Cian, and when he turned he was forced to look upwards.

He looked so well groomed, like a proper rich man you saw in the wealthier districts of Emain Macha, but he was undoubtedly from Ulster, Cian could tell by the light freckles across his nose and pale skin. He hated to think what would happen if he had a spear the previous night and not just his fists.

Cian's fists curled, as he sucked in a breath and looked at him. "You…."

"Me! The real, deal genuine article!" He said, holding out his hands taking a step closer, as Cian took steps back. "I must say, I almost believe you've been avoiding me all night Cian Mac Gallagher! I must be mistaken, because why would you be so rude to your host! The new Vice-Captain of the Apollo familia, Arryn Kanazuki!"

Cian gulped, he may have only been an adventurer for just over a year now, but he had developed what Chu and the others always called his 'battle instinct'. Along with being able to tell how powerful his opponents were, Lady Scathach had always stressed the importance of being able to calmly read a situation, an opponent's body language, and react accordingly.

That had been called 'battle instinct', the ability to know when a fight was about to come. It was screaming at Cian right now to summon his spear, which of course he couldn't do. He had taken a few steps back to try and get away from the sheer size of the man, but Arryn matched him stride for stride, until Cian's back was against the wall in the most secluded corner of the ball room.

Where he would have a very hard time escaping.

Talk… talk! Come on! Fergus always said control your emotions, control your mind, and you can control the situation! Cian told himself, clearing his throat, and looking up at the man.

"Vice-captain already? Didn't you just join," Cian said, trying to get any words out.

Arryn laughed. "Ahahaha, that's your first question? Well, if you must know, Daphne wasn't happy about it, but of course her feelings are irrelevant. So are all of their feelings in the end, the only feelings that matters, are hers."

Yeah… we were right, he has to be, he's practically spelling it out for me! Cian thought, narrowing his eyes, feeling his chest loudly thump in his chest. He has to be with Morrigan…but what will he do now?!

Just keep him talking, give yourself time to think, or Bell to come looking for you, he told himself. He'd feel much more confident with Bell here.

He wanted to shout back, to scream and demand a fight against the man in front him then and now. The last time Morrigan had sent someone, the sons of Tuireann, Cian had beat them, he'd been angry, fought with everything he had.

But now? All he could do was remember how badly bloodied he had been the night before. So, which one was he going to be? The tough fighter, who flew into a rage each time he fought? Or was he going to be beaten senseless, unable to do anything?

It was leaning towards the latter, because Cian could barely move in front of the man. How was he supposed to be the hero to take down Morrigan, to avenge Lady Scathach and the others, when each time he faced a strong opponent like this, he wished for Bell to come help him?

"Who's, her?" Cian asked, managing to stand up straight.

Arryn snickered, crossing his massive arms, which almost ripped out of his black Apollo familia uniform. He leaned closer to Cian, his voice coming out in a harsh, sharp whisper.

"Ahaha… let us not be coy Cian Mac Gallagher," He said, narrowing his eyes. "My name… is Sluagh, servant to the great goddess, Morrigan. Her most devoted and humble servant."

Cian's skin crawled, could this man really have been there with the Fomorians the night Lady Scathach and the others were killed?

Stay calm… just stay calm Cian! He urged himself, his heartrate going up, as he didn't break the mans gaze.

"I thought as much… and what is it Morrigan sent you here for?" Cian said, trying to keep his voice level. He crossed over his arms, trying not to show them shaking.

"You will not deign to call the goddess by her name you ridiculous insect. It is because of you I haven't been able to gaze upon her, or be in her presence this last month," He spat out, his fist curling at his side, and Cian heard the ripping of the mans glove as he did. "But I will see her will be fulfilled, I can promise you that. I'm sure you are not idiotic enough to know. I have come for you, Cian Mac Gallagher, and the Gae Bulg."

"I see, so what, is Connla not available, so she sent you?" Cian said, the words coming out before he could think about them.

That wasn't a good idea.

BANG!

Sluagh-as Cian now knew his real name-shot his fist out, and it slammed into the wall behind him, cracking it as he spat down at Cian as he shook with rage.

"Connla is nothing but a brute who somehow wormed his way into the goddess's favor," He spat, lowering his voice as a few people had looked over towards them. "He will be dealt with in time, but for now… it is finally time to deal with you, the thorn in the goddess's side."

Dealt with… is Morrigan going to betray Connla? Does he know? It doesn't make any sense, why wouldn't she just send him?!

So many questions ran through Cian's mind, but he didn't have time to even think of them, not with a massive fist so close to his head. He took a moment to realize how brilliantly Sluagh had planned this out. They were in a near abandoned corner of the ballroom near the restrooms, that only drunk or tired people would go to. He waited for everyone to be in a more rowdy mood, so it would be louder to cover his voice.

Cian's stomach crawled again, how was he really supposed to deal with a monster like this? If he hadn't forged his level and stats at the guild, then he was a high level three, probably Lord Apollo's strongest adventurer. Now, he learned he really was with Morrigan, he knew he had to do something.

"Well, what are you going to do then? Stab me here? In front of all these people?" Cian asked him, trying to keep his cool.

"You think I will not?"

"I think you're not as dumb as you try to act," Cian said quickly, sharply meeting the mans eyes and shaking his head. "You wouldn't have gone through the trouble of joining Lord Apollo's familia if you weren't worried about making a scene."

"AHAHA, I must say, you are quite amusing Cian," He laughed, before narrowing his eyes again. "I only joined this pitiful group because my Goddess made Apollo an offer he couldn't refuse. Me! Now, he will get what he wants, she will get what she wants."

"What he wants…?" Cian said, the idea making his skin crawl.

"That is not important," Sluagh said with a wave of his hand, a twisted smile coming to his face. "Now, I know the idiot has a plan, but I do not wish to be away from the goddess a moment longer. I will make you an offer."

"That's awfully generous of you…" Cian said, trying to angle his way away from the man, but Sluagh followed his every move.

"Yes, I know! All you must do, is surrender yourself to me," He said, leaning forward, his head right next to Cian's now, as he'd been back up against the wall again. "You will be my prisoner back to the Goddess, with your spear. You will be in chains of course, but I will be… gentle, no broken limbs or mutilations of course, but you will come with me to her majesty."

Cian's sweat slowly dripped down his head. He looked past the man for a moment, hoping someone noticed them… but saw nobody.

He shakily sighed and shook his head. "And if I don't…?"

"Don't…? You'd turn down my generous offer? Aha… ahahahahahaha," He said, laughing as he stayed close to Cian and eventually leaned down again to his ear. "Oh, that is very funny… but I suppose if you were to resist, I'd have to use force. And if that's the case well, mutilation is back on the table! We only need your spear and your body at least somewhat alive. The goddess said nothing about perhaps missing a leg, and ear, your nose, or some of your fingers!"

Cian's hands started tingling at his side.

"Of course, I could also persuade you with other ways! Oh, I know, you'd get lonely on the trip, so perhaps I could bring some of your new friends along," He said happily, leaning his hand against the wall and looking down at Cian. "Maybe that little bunny boy from your familia! The loud-mouthed red headed smith perhaps, or that little prum! Oh no, I know the perfect one! Maybe your new goddess! Or that lovely Far East girl you were speaking too-. GAH!"

"Shut your mouth," Cian hissed, throwing his fist forward and feeling it land in Sluagh's gut. The man was taken aback, and still stood unmoving, but Cian looked at him, his fist in his gut. "Go anywhere near them and you will regret it, I'll kill you!"

It was probably the worst thing Cian could have said, but something inside him lit like an explosive. He looked up at Sluagh, who reached down and grabbed the fist that Cian had thrown into his guy. Cian hadn't even moved the man an inch backwards, he'd simply caught him off guard, that was why it looked like he'd harmed him.

Cian saw him look back up, and when he grabbed hold of his fist, panic set in, panic and shame.

I… I'm nowhere near strong enough to make good on that threat! Cian realized, kicking himself for losing his temper again.

"Oh… kill me? You're going to kill me Cian Mac Gallagher?" He said, taking hold of Cian's fist, and sliding his hand down around his wrist. "Now that may be the funniest joke you told yet!"

"Gahh… arghh… dammit!" Cian growled, feeling his wrist constrict, his knees start to grow weak, he slowly stumbled down, as Sluagh towered over him.

"I was going to be generous… but no, I think I will take up all this pent-up frustration on you," Sluagh said, his voice dark, his eyes darker as he looked down at Cian slipping to his knees, bones starting to slowly crack in his wrist. "I will cut you slowly, so very slowly that you'll be begging me to send you to the Otherworld, and only then will I stop, when death is the one thing you crave, and then once your spirit comes back? I will crush it again, again, and again, until you are nothing but dust beneath my boots. Tell me you child… do you really believe you are anything except a little orphan boy that Chu Chulainn took pity on?"

"GAH!" Cian said, trying to twist his wrist looking back and forth, about to scream for someone to help him.

But those words kept playing in his mind, a little orphan boy Chu Chulainn took pity on.

"Ah! Not so tough now are we?" Sluagh said, as Cian finally got to one knee, his wrist still being crushed. "Perhaps I'll bring you with me tonight after all. I hope you said goodbye too-.'

"Let go."

"Huh?" Sluagh said, holding Cian's wrist and turning around with a laugh, looking up at the man who was even larger then him. "And who do you think you are, ordering me about you brute? I'll have you know, Cian and I are discussing very important things!"

"GAH!" Cian yelled, trying to pull his wrist free, and finally looking up to see who was trying to help him.

And when he did, his eyes bulged in his head, and he momentarily forgot about the pain.

He… definitely isn't Bell, Cian thought.

Ottar's eyes narrowed towards Sluagh. "I will tell you one more time… let go. Now."

Cian could practically feel the power resonating even just in his voice. And apparently, Sluagh did as well, because he looked up at the much taller, muscular man one more time, before sneering and dropping Cian's wrist.

He groaned, grabbing it to make sure it wasn't broke. He did, and when he realized it wasn't he sighed, but then, he felt Sluagh's head near his ear again.

"You made your choice, Cian Mac Gallagher," He hissed, staying near Cian's ear. "And do not think for a moment of mentioning this to the guild. If you do well… did dear Medb really think she could trick us? If any word of me gets out, I promise I will bring her down with me."

Everything hit Cian at once when he let go, and suddenly, looking down at his wrist, he realized that the pain wasn't really that severe. He watched Sluagh drop his hand, and stalk back off towards the center of the ballroom.

But all he could think about, was how easily he had been taken down again.

He squeezed his hand into a fist. "I… I really am… still nowhere good enough."

"Are you okay?"

Cian jumped, turned around and looked up to see Ottar looking down at him. Suddenly, Cian was embarrassed that his mentor's old rival saw him in such a sorry state. He cleared his throat, standing back up, and bowed towards the large adventurer they called King.

"I am, thanks to you… I'm sorry you had to do that," He said, looking back up at the man. "But I do appreciate the help!"

"It was nothing," Ottar said simply, his voice monotoned. His rust eyes stayed trained down on Cian, and was silent for a minute, before holding out his hand. "Hello, student of Chu Chulainn… I am Ottar."

Cian looked and had to guess Ottar's bicep was at least as big as his head. For a second, Cian could only look at the man. Lady Freya wasn't with him in that moment which surprised him, had he really come to this corner of the room just to save him, or had he just been going to the bathroom? Either way, Cian gulped, the man casted a shadow over him, and his face was so monotone, so unexpressive one way or another, Cian was a bit afraid,.

But… this is someone that Chu vouched for, and he helped me out, Cian said, feeling a bit bad that he hesitated. He met the very large adventurer's gaze and reached his hand back out to grab it as well.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Cian," He said, trying to smile and put that last incident away from his mind for the moment. "Chu talked about youuuuuuu!"

Cian nearly fell over from how hard Ottar shook his hand. He could see the man hadn't meant it, but Cian still was shook himself when Ottar grabbed hold of his hand. Was that how powerful this man was, that he nearly knocked Cian over just shaking his hand?

Or… am I just that weak? Cian wondered, as Ottar let go of his hand and met his eyes.

"He… talked about me?" Ottar said, and Cian was beginning to see that he really was a man of simple words, not saying anymore then he had too.

Cian wanted to rush over to Lady Hestia. He looked up and could see Sluagh back at the top of the steps, watching over the hall. It was confirmed now that he was a member of the Morrigan familia. If he went right to the guild that night, or the next day, Sluagh had made it clear, that he'd expose Medb as a former member of the Morrigan familia as well. So basically, they were right back where they started.

Only now, he knew that Sluagh was even stronger then he initially thought, and he wasn't nearly ready enough to fight the Morrigan familia.

An orphan boy Chu Chulainn and Scathach took pity on… is that really me?

He shook the thoughts away, the only thing he could do now, was get back to everyone, and get out. Apparently Lord Apollo had some kind of plan as well according to Sluagh. The next day was certainly going to be an eventful one.

For now however, he resigned himself to try and at least enjoy the rest of the night, despite the fact a psychotic follower of Morrigan had just almost broke his wrist. He would have, if not for Ottar.

Cian saw emotion on the man's face above him for the first time, he seemed genuinely interested in hearing what Chu had to say.

So, Cian managed to smile and nod. "He did! He told me, that you were the strongest person that he'd ever fought before. He used to say that one day he wanted to come back and have a rematch with you."

And at those words, Cian saw the slightest hints of a smile on the much larger adventurer's face. Ottar crossed his massive arms and nodded.

"I hoped for the same…." He said, slowly looking down at Cian again. "I must know… who defeated him?"

Cian froze for a moment, his arms tingling again. "Apparently it… was a man named Connla."

Ottar looked angry for a moment, angry like Cian did whenever he thought of it. The idea would forever be asinine. The idea that anyone could defeat Chu Chulainn… it was something that he'd never be able to accept.

But… it happened, and I need to be stronger then him if I want to avenge him.

"I had always hoped to cross weapons with him again…" Ottar said, meeting Cian's eyes once more. "You carry his spear?"

Cian felt the sweat trickle down his neck. "I do… the Gae Bulg, he gave it to me."

"I see… then you will hope to grow as powerful as him?" Ottar asked, his intense eyes staying locked with Cian's again.

Cian felt the question smash into his chest like a crossbow bolt. He looked down at his hands, still slightly tingling. A few days ago, he would have had no doubt about his answer. Of course, he'd grow as strong as Chu was, he'd defeat everyone in Morrigan's familia, and all the Fomorians.

But the last two days? He'd been taken down by her weakest member, according to Medb. Medb had been the lowest leveled member before, and she had beaten him easily as well.

Cian had been trained by Chu Chulainn and the Scathach familia. He carried Chu Chulainn's spear, used the same magic runes as he did. Everything Cian had, was thanks to either Lady Scathach, or Lady Hestia, thanks to the people around him. He was proud to call himself the student of Chu Chulainn, but what did that mean if he couldn't one day surpass him? And how would he surpass him, if he couldn't even stand up for himself and his familia at a banquet?

"I… I hope so," He told Ottar, shaking his head and looking at the ground. "I mean, who could be as strong as him? I got his weapon, his training everything but… but…I just-."

"You're wrong."

"Huh?" Cian said, looking up at Ottar, who kept staring down at him with his massive arms crossed. "What do you mean? It's true, everything I have, I have because of him and Lady Scathach, my old familia, and my one now. My spear, my armor, my skill, the Gae Bulg is-."

"It is no longer the weapon of Chu Chulainn, you are the one wielding it," The man they called King said to him. "Every adventurer must write their own story, forge their own legacy. You are not Chu Chulainn, and you never will be. Strive to be like him, but comparing yourself to him is useless."

"Yeah… because nobody could ever be him," Cian said, arms stuck to his side, his eyes on the ground. "I mean, he was Chu Chulainn, he was the greatest hero Ulster ever saw."

"Yes, he was, you are correct, nobody will ever be him, not you, not anyone," Ottar said. "But… nobody will ever be you, either. Tell me, what kind of story will you write? One of a boy, who did nothing but chase after the dead, or one who forged his own tale, inspired by them?"

Cian's mouth fell open, the pain he had just felt in his wrist was gone, and he felt as if something was opening up in his chest. Around them, people danced, laughed, chatted, sang along to music, ate and enjoyed their time at the ball. Cian had been glad he came, but after what had just happened? He was starting to think that it would be better if they had left.

But now? No, he really was glad they had come now.

My own story inspired by them…? Ha, who knew something I needed to hear would come from Ottar of all people… but he's right, maybe this is why Chu respected him so much, Cian thought, squeezing his hands into fists, and seeing Chu's face in his mind.

"Good heroes will face down challenges, but great heroes? They go out looking for them, with heir head held high and spear leveled."

Spear leveled, and head held high. It would be his spear now, not Chu's. The Gae Bulg belonged to him now, it responded to his commands, let him use its power whenever he thought necessary.

Power he would use to forge his own tale with Bell and Lady Hestia.

"My own tale…" Cian said, sucking in a breath, and looking up to finally meet Ottar's gaze again as he shook his head. "I want to be even better then he was. I will be better then he was if it's the last thing I do. I will, because I have to, so the people who killed him, and the rest of my old familia, never do it to anyone else again. If they defeated him, I have to be stronger then he was to beat them, so that's what I'll do."

He looked past Ottar, over at Sluagh who leaned against the railing of the steps, near Lord Apollo, and Cian felt his chest nearly explode.

And you… you're first, he thought, his hands going into fists again.

"Good," Ottar said simply, the slightest smile coming to his face again for a second, before it returned to a straight-laced look again. "My wish… is to battle someone as strong as Chu Chulainn again, to be pushed to my limits, and to grow even stronger then I am now."

Cian was baffled for a moment, but then realized what Ottar was saying. It was a scary proposition at the moment of course… but he found himself smiling. He knew that it would one day have to come to it if he wanted to one day reach the goals he set for himself.

"And if I want to be stronger then Chu well… that means I'll have to be able to beat you like he did," Cian said, holding out his hand again, ready for the strong grip this time. "I need some time, but I promise, one day I'll give you that fight you want."

Ottar looked at his hand. He didn't smile, he didn't frown, he simply reached out and grabbed Cian's hand. "Then I will wait for that day… Cian Mac Gallagher."

Cian again had his hand crushed, but he didn't get moved this time when Ottar shook his hand, and he considered that a success. He smiled at the much larger adventurer, but before Cian could say anything else to him, he simply turned and made his way back towards the center of the ball room. He looked and noticed that lady Freya had finally turned and spotted him, and as Ottar walked back over to her, she smiled curtly and waved over at him.

He nervously chuckled and bowed in her direction, a cold chill running over him as he looked out on the dance floor, and realized that more and more people were beginning to dance with partners. Dozens of men and women both twirled and danced with each other, and in the distance he could still see Lady Hestia arguing with Loki, and that reminded him that he probably should report back to her what had just happened. His mind started moving now, his own story playing out in his head.

One that he'd write with his own hands, with his spear the Gae Bulg.

"I need air anyway…" He muttered, before a realization came upon him. "Crap, Bell!"

He realized, Bell was probably going to be worried he'd been at the bathroom for so long, so Cian quickly ducked around people and marched his way over towards the terrace again.

My own story… not the story of Chu Chulainn's student, not the story of the last Child of Scathach… the story of Cian Mac Gallagher.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian got back to the terrace, and his jaw completely dropped. He had just been more inspired then he'd been in weeks, ready to move forward, and finally enjoy the ball with his best-friend, his brother, the only member of his familia.

But when he got back to the terrace, he wanted to throw something at Bell's head.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Cian said, standing right at the entrance back into the ballroom, watching Bell on the dancefloor. "Come on Bell, I thought we were alone together!"

Still, after he got over his annoyance, which in reality was just jealously, he couldn't help but smile at it.

Ha… good for you Bell, Cian said, watching him waltz and spin with Ais on the dance floor.

Over to his left, he saw oddly enough Asfi holding onto both Lady Hestia, and Loki as well, with Hermes smirking not far away. Cian scoffed at that, it seemed the god really did have their backs for somethings. Ais looked gorgeous in her dress, and after a few rough steps, Bell seemed to have down the dancing moves as well, and the smile that came to his friends face was enough to calm Cian down, smiling as he watched the two of them.

Next to him, he saw other people he knew. Lord Miach and Naaza danced around them, along with dozens of others, and for a moment, Cian just wanted to sit down right then and there, and stuff his face with food until the moment was over. Sluagh made a threat yes, but he wasn't going to do anything that night, everything else could wait at least until after the party was over. He wasn't going to interrupt that moment that he knew Bell probably had been yearning for the last few months ever since he met the Sword Princess and started his own journey.

"Good for you Bell…" He whispered, suddenly even more upset with himself for his blunders earlier in the night. "You did better than I… did… wow."

He spotted her, and he was suddenly reminded of how stupid he had been when he saw her earlier. Mikoto danced with lord Takemikazuchi, and even passed by Bell and Ais. He watched them exchange a few words, which seemed to get Bell even more comfortable dancing, before they twirled away from them.

Mikoto did look uncomfortable still in that dress, but she managed to smile as she talked with her god. Cian bit the inside of his cheek, and sighed again, remembering just how stupid he had been earlier in the night. A pang of jealousy ran through him, he wanted that to be him dancing with her, and it had been the case since he saw her for the first time that night. Of course, he'd gotten nervous, and probably would be again if he got the chance to ask her again. He really confused himself at times.

He could face down a floor boss on his own, a fomorian, a mutated Black Goliath, but he couldn't just ask Mikoto to dance? The idea of her saying no, seemed even more scary then getting smashed into bits by a massive monster. He groaned and patted both his cheeks and tried to get himself to stop staring over at her.

I lost that chance… he told himself, sighing and turning to go towards the food, wanting to eat his troubles away. I'll apologize to her… wait, Lord Takemikazuchi?

He noticed it at the last second. The god danced with Mikoto, but a second prior, Cian noticed him looking his way. Mikoto was busy saying something, and Lord Takemikazuchi looked back over his shoulder, and seemed to notice him. The moment he did, he locked eyes with Cian and the largest smirk Cian had ever seen appeared on his face. It made Cian stop in his tracks, stiffening as he could feel his face getting very red.

Is he… no, no he's not, definitely not! He thought, slightly horrified, as their dance slowly made their way over towards him, near the edge of the dance floor. Is he… oh my god, I don't whether to thank you or hit you Lord Take!

That was when Mikoto finally seemed to realize how close Cian was. Her face got adorable blushed, as she seemed to squeeze onto Lord Take's hand for a moment, before the god yawned and let go of her, his arms over his head, stretching them out as he turned around.

"Oh boy Mikoto, you sure wore me out!" He said loudly, as he smirked. "I could use a drink now!"

"I… I'll go with you then," Mikoto said, trying to avoid looking over at Cian. "I should really-."

"Nonsense! I can see how much you enjoy dancing, keep enjoying yourself!" The god said, turning around and smiling. "AH! Cian! Perfect timing, now why don't you go and take my place with Mikoto here!"

"I… I… Lord Take, I-." Cian started, before the god got behind him and urged him forward.

"L…Lord Takemikazuchi I think-." Mikoto started, as the god rushed behind her, and urged her forward towards Cian as well.

"You two kids enjoy yourselves alright! I'm gonna go get a drink!" Lord Takemikazuchi said, leaning down towards Cian as he passed him and whispering. "Just relax and ask her, you got this!"

"I… I don't know if-." Cian started, before the god was gone, and now it was just the two of them.

Cian's mouth fell open, as dozens of people walked by them both, but neither of them moved. He looked at her, her hair still beautifully tied above her head, and as crazy as it sounded, her bare shoulders were gorgeous as well. Her eyes didn't meet his at first, but he could see her cheeks as red as his were. Her dress, she had said she never wore one before, but you never would have guessed with how perfectly she looked to him in it.

She… she's really beautiful, Cian said, his hand tingling, as he tried to force himself to kneel and offer his hand to her.

"Bow, get to one knee, and hold out your hand, compliment her, and ask her to dance!" Ms. Emer had said to him, smiling at him as he tried to do it in front of her. "That's how Setanta first asked me! He said, 'you look beautiful! Will you please dance with an idiot like me?"

He gulped, and sucked in a breath, finally meeting her eyes. I can do this! Yes, I can do it!

But Mikoto looked at him first, nervously holding her hands together in front of her.

"Cian I… I'm sorry for, being rude earlier," She said, finally turning and looking at him.

Cian stammered, shaking his head. "You… you weren't rude! I should apologize, I-."

"Cian… your hand," She said suddenly, stepping forward, reaching out to grab his right hand, and looking down at it. "What… what happened?! It's bruised, badly, what… what…?"

Cian looked down to see what she was looking at. He realized his sleeve had been slightly pulled up, and the wrist that Sluagh had grabbed was visible. Mikoto was right, it was already turning black and blue, and it was spreading up under his glove to his hand as well. For a moment, he almost panicked again, but then… he felt Mikoto's other hand come over to gently move across is, as now with both her hands, she held his, looking at it with genuine concern, all the other people around them were now irrelevant to her.

But Cian didn't feel any pain, because all he could do was look at her, his heart ready to beat out of his chest.

Go on….! Go on, redeem yourself kid! Diarmuid's voice said in his head, much calmer this time.

"How did you do this?! Do you feel any more pain up your arm?" She asked, looking up at him as she held onto his hand. "How did this happen? Was it the same person from last night, did you run into them again? We should get you to… C…Cian?"

Cian let out a breath, and moved that bruised hand, and gently held hers.

"Mikoto you… you look, beautiful!" He said, getting to his knee as he held her hand and looked up to her, his face probably as red as Bell's eyes.

"I… thank you, Cian," She said, looking around them for a moment before looking back down at him and shaking her head. "But we, really should get you too someone who can look at-."

Write your own story.

Not the same as Chu Chulainn's, not the same as any of the Scathach familia, but one inspired by them, one that they would be proud to read. So, Cian finally did something he should have already done.

"Will you… please dance with an idiot like me?" He finally asked, not letting his mind get the better of him this time.

Around them, people still moved about, danced, had fun, sang along with the elegant music that played. Bell still danced with Ais, and nobody really seemed to care too much about the two of them there on the edge of the dance floor.

But to Cian? There was nobody else besides her there.

She was still red, but eventually, she smiled and nodded down at him. "Yes… yes I will."

And for a moment, Cian just found himself smiling like an idiot, for so long, Mikoto tilted her head down at him.

"Um… Cian?" She told him. "I said… yes!"

"OH! Yes, great, um… thank you!" He said, quickly wrapping his hand around hers and getting back to his feet, and then for a second awkwardly looking down at her waist. "I… I know how to, but… can I… well-."

She smiled, and reached out for his other hand. She moved it down right to her waist, the same place every other man placed their hands with the woman they were dancing with. It touched her slim waist, and for a second Cian went stiff, but then, her hand reached up over his shoulder, and then, the hands that had already been connected reached out.

And then they both just stood there, red faced and looking at each other.

"I… I know how to dance as well," She said, seeming as flustered as he was. "M…Miya taught me how."

Cian quickly nodded, being careful not to squeeze her hand and waist too hard. "Y…yeah, Ms. Emer taught me how to!"

"Ms… Emer?" She asked.

Cian nodded again. "Chu's wife, she was always really nice to me. I… I guess we should… well… you know, start-."

"Whoopsie!"

"AGH!" "AGH!"

Mikoto and he both yelped, as Cian was bumped in the back. He fell forward for a moment, his chest pressing against Mikoto's, who spryly stepped back, and the both of them were suddenly in the middle of the dance floor.

Cian's head spun around, and with a smirk on his face, he saw Lord Hermes, standing there with his arms cross. The god gave him a subtle wink, before continuing to walk away into the crowd.

That sly little… well I guess I should thank him, he thought, turning back, as now they had to move, as a couple almost bumped into them. That made Mikoto move out of the way, stepping closer to him, her face now a few inches away from his. They both stammered for a few moments, before Cian finally heard the voices in his head screaming again.

GO! DANCE IDIOT!

This voice wasn't just Diarmuid, it was all of them.

"Gah!" Cian yelled, as he finally started to move, his face, chest, everything only inches away from Mikoto's, and it seemed she finally got the hint as well.

And so, they danced.

Cian had only ever practiced before with Ms. Emer and Uathach, but when he moved then… it was just so natural. He moved his feet, didn't look down, and just kept his eyes on Mikoto, which was so, so easy. Her purplish-blue eyes were so bright in that ballrooms light, that Cian didn't want to look at anything else. They were probably one of the most beautiful things that he'd ever seen. She didn't look away from him either and with each step, he saw her nervous pouted lips, turn into a real, genuine smile.

The two of them passed by Bell and Ais, and for a moment Bell looked over at him. His friends eyes went wide, and after that his smile only grew as Cian smiled back at him. The two of them, then danced around each other, him and Mikoto, and Bell and Ais. It was a moment that Cian really wanted to never end, not for a second. He moved and spun her under his arm, and when he did that she chuckled, and so easily melted back closer to him, his hand back on her waist again. Each second her eyes were on him, and he really never wanted them to leave him.

I… I think I know now. I really… really do, he told himself, as she laughed going under his arm again, the two of them dancing together towards the center of the floor. This had to be it, the feeling of knowing, knowing when your feelings for someone went past simply seeing them as a very special friend, a person you admired the strength and character of.

If he continued to feel like this… then it had to finally be the answer he'd been looking for, and he found it with Mikoto. Still, he knew he needed a tiny bit more time to figure it out, to see if she could feel the same way, to simply make sure he could feel that way about someone with everything that was going on… but being there with his hand on her waist, being so close to her, seeing her smile? It was everything that he could have wanted in that moment after all that had happened.

Just her.

"Cian!" She said, and Cian jumped, realizing that he'd been so enraptured and caught up in just well… her, that he hadn't realized she was trying to talk to him as they danced.

"Huh? I'm sorry, I… guess I was distracted, what is it?" He said, as he spun her under his arm again.

She chuckled, and looked up at him as they moved. "It's alright… I was telling you, this Ms. Emer, who taught you how to dance, she did it well."

That made Cian smile. "Yeah… she did. It's strange, the dancing is one of the few things similar to Ulster and Orario. What about the Far East?"

"It's mostly the same yes," She said, her smile unmoving, before she chuckled.

"Ha… does my face look funny?" He asked after she laughed.

She shook her head. "Ha… no, I was just thinking… how similar we really both are."

"Similar?" He asked.

She nodded. "Mhm… the Far East, and I remember you called Ulster the Far West. Both of us are here to get stronger, help our friends… and we're dancing together at a ball."

"I think it's one of the benefits," He said, feeling his lips part as he looked down at her. "I… really am happy I'm here with you right now."

"As am I…" She said slowly, meeting his eyes. "Cian I… I wish to tell you something."

He tilted his head, spinning her again. "What… is it?"

Her face got red again, as she shook her head. "I… I just wanted to say you… you're someone that I… that I…."

Cian's face got beat red again.

She sucked in a breath and looked up at him again. "You're someone that I admire greatly. It's even more then just for the fact you saved me. I… I just wanted to tell you that I… I… want to be by your side, you're someone I care about and wish to be by the side of… for a long time. I know it's odd considering how recently we met but-."

"It's not weird!" He said, squeezing the hand of hers she held. "Mikoto I… feel the same way about you too…. I promise, you're someone I want by my side as well."

And her smile then, despite how much she blushed, would be burned into Cian's mind forever as a precious memory.

"G…Good… good…" She said, opening and closing her mouth again. "I… no… I'll save that for another day, for now… let's just dance."

"Huh? Save what?" He asked her, as he spun her out, and then back towards him.

She chuckled and shook her head. "I promise… I'll tell you eventually."

Cian sighed but smiled. "I guess I'll trust you on that. Oh, and… I'm sorry for earlier. I really well… I actually wanted to ask you to dance earlier."

"What?" She said, suddenly surprised as the music slowly started to end their dance. "If that was the case well… why didn't you?"

"I… was nervous," He admitted, spinning her one last time. "Nervous that you'd say no."

The music slowly started stopping, and for a moment they both stood there, still holding onto one another as claps started going out around the ballroom.

And then, Mikoto laughed, and Cian felt embarrassed all over again.

Sighing, he looked down at the ground. "Yes, go ahead, laugh, it's hilarious."

"Ahahahaha, I… I'm sorry Cian but it is!" She said, wiping her eyes, as still chuckling she looked up at him, and gently grabbed his one hand with both of hers again. "It's amusing because… I never would have said no, not to you."

Not to you. That sentence may have sounded insignificant, but Cian hung on all three words. Not to him… did that mean she would say no to people who weren't him?

He didn't have time to say anything else, because after that, the lights went out again.

"Cian!" Bell's voice said, as Cian spun around in the dark and saw Bell just as a spotlight came back on, right ontop of his friend.

"Bell!" Cian said, going to move towards him, before light hit his eyes. He tried to block it out but looked up to see the spotlight on him and Bell both.

He turned around, and saw Mikoto about to rush to his side again, but instead, he held out his hand, and gently moved her back, as she moved towards the center of the room to stand with Bell. The moment of bliss. The moment he had forgotten about everything was over now, and when he looked up at the top of the steps, he saw them both, Hyacinth, and Sluagh standing, as a third spotlight hit Lord Apollo.

He said… Apollo was planning something, Cian remembered, as he got next to Bell. The two spotlights came back down onto the two of them, as Apollo came back down the steps, his eyes firmly trained on the two of them in the center of the dance floor. Everyone else had cleared, off, and just because Cian could say anything, Bell could say anything, they both turned when Lady Hestia came rushing forward towards them both.

"Bell, Cian!" She said, rushing in front of them both. "Are you both-."

"AHHHHH! Young Bell Cranel, and Cian Mac Gallagher, the Little Rookie, and the Lancer of Red!" The god yelled, holding up his hands, his eyes on the three of them. "You're our two new celebrities! So much has been said about the two of you recently! Quite the pair you've suddenly got eh Hestia? Living off Scathach's charity again aren't you?"

The mention of Lady Scathach made Cian's fists curl. He was about to step forward on instinct, but Lady Hestia held out her arm. She narrowed her eyes over towards the god, everyone else in the ballroom now looking at the group of them. It made Cian uncomfortable for a moment, but then, he looked and saw Sluagh looking down at him with a grin that Cian wanted to knock off his face.

He stood with the guy Hyacinth, and the longer Cian looked, the angrier he got.

"Cian came to me at Scathach's request!" Lady Hestia announced, looking out towards Apollo and shaking his head. "He's a member of my familia now, I don't care if you see it as charity! He and Bell, are the two most important things to me, so don't refer to them like that!"

Lady Hestia… Cian thought, looking down at his new goddess.

Apollo smirked and shook his head. "I see! So, if they're so important to you, you must certainly know that we must talk. An incident occurred last night between your children and mine."

Lady Hestia stammered. "Oh! Right that… yes, Cian and Bell were provoked, and a fight broke out, they were almost killed during it, surely it can be over with now!"

"Oh? They were the ones provoked?! I heard quite a different story! Your two brutes attacked my children without warning, nearly killing them!" Apollo yelled back, as the whispers and chattering around them all started to get louder.

Cian's gut lurched, of course he hadn't been very gentle with the prum, but he and Bell certainly had ended up far worse then him.

Bell said what he was thinking. "What?! That's not true at all, it's not what happened!"

"Oh really?! If it's as you say, then how do you explain THIS!" Apollo yelled, spinning and holding out his hand.

"OWWW! OW! OH, OH THE PAIN!"

The spotlight came back on, and Cian's eyes bulged. He was aware that he almost choked the little prum the night before, but after that he had been knocked out for most of the fight. The whispers, and even a few yelps of horror were heard, as the prum was covered head to toe in bandages, a sling and crutch to go with them as well. His eyes shot back up to Sluagh, who next to Hyacinth was laughing as if what was happening was the most hilarious thing he had ever seen.

Cian realized now what was happening, and his stomach only dropped when Lady Hestia slowly turned back to them both, her eyes bulging.

"Gods… Bell, Cian… did you… really?" She asked, as Bell quickly shook his head for them.

"What of course not! That's not what happened at all!" Bell argued, looking as worried as he was now.

"He's right, he's faking it!" Cian yelled, turning and looking out at Apollo and the prum. "If you have a problem with anyone it should be me! I attacked him after he insulted my goddess, I beat him but not nearly like that, if you idiots have a problem, how about instead of making up lies, you just tell us what you want?!"

He was getting really tired of these games. It was clear Lord Apollo wanted some kind of retribution. If this was Ulster, he's just issue a challenge, and then he and Bell would fight whoever he sent forward in a duel, and that would be how the issue was solved.

But no, Cian kept on realizing what a very different place he was in compared to Ulster.

"Ha, so you admit to attacking them?! Over what, some petty drunk insults?" Lord Apollo said, sneering and smirking as he waved his hand. "We have other witnesses as well! I must say, Scathach's brutish nature is rubbing off on you and your children Hestia!"

"Don't insult my goddess you pig!" Cian yelled, stepping in front of Lady Hestia. "You're lying, you know you are! Why don't you send them down here?!" He pointed up to Sluagh and Hyacinth. "Bell and I will beat them into next week-."

"CIAN!" Lady Hestia yelled, grabbing him around the waist and pulling him back behind her. "Cian's right Apollo, enough games! What is it you want?!"

Bell reached over and pulled him back too, and that was when Cian looked up and saw Sluagh bent over laughing, as Hyacinth simply looked amused. One thing he couldn't stand, was people laughing at him.

Cian bit hard at the inside of his lip as he looked at Lady Hestia, I… probably just made things worse.

"Ha, that was as good as another confession from that violent little brute you inherited from Scathach Hestia!" Apollo yelled out, shaking his head. "And I'm shocked after the relationship we had up in heaven!"

"That's a filthy lie and you know it!" Lady Hestia exploded. "I turned you down every single time you tried anything you filthy creep!"

"Don't talk to my goddess like-." Cian started, before Bell pulled him back again.

Apollo scoffed, but smirked as he shook his head. "You continue to prove my point Hestia! It is clear who is in the wrong here, I demand compensation now, and I can only think of one way! I hereby challenge you to a WAR GAME!"

The words 'War Game' brought out the loudest cheer from everyone that Cian had heard all night. He had no idea what it was, but it didn't take too much thinking for him to put it together. A similar concept existed in Ulster, but back there they were simply called duels. They would simply be large fights between two familias in an open field with an agreed upon weapon. It could have been anything from a one-on-one fight to ten-on-ten battles.

Of course, as he was learning more and more, things were probably different in Orario. At first, he wasn't very worried. He just assumed Lord Apollo would send Sluagh and Hyacinth to fight he and Bell, and while they were stronger now, with training he knew Bell and he could easily surpass them both and win any duel that was issued.

However, with the look on lady Hestia's face, Cian could tell that wouldn't be the case. And as strong as Bell and Cian were, he knew the Apollo familia consisted of at least a hundred members, too much for even the two of them to handle.

After the cheering died down, Apollo smirked and pointed towards them, his eyes deliriously going towards Bell.

"And, if you lose the War Game, Bell Cranel will belong to me!" He yelled, before his eyes then turned to Cian. "Along with that, Cian Mac Gallagher will be banished from Orario and sent back to Ulster!"

Lady Hestia exploded. "ARE YOU CRAZY?! Absolutely not, there's not a chance I'd agree to that!"

Cian was going to yell again, feeling his anger starting to boil over, but realizing it would do more harm then good, he kept his mouth shut.

"WAR GAME!"

"WE HAVEN'T HAD A WAR GAME IN MONTHS!"

"SOMEONE GO TO THE GUILD!"

Everyone in attendance started cheering for a War Game, and Cian couldn't help but be a little disgusted. He looked around, and realized, that not a single person wasn't cheering, except of course Lords Miach and Take, and Lord Hermes.

His eyes fell over to Mikoto, who looked at them in the middle of the ball room, her eyes full of concern, and Cian almost melted.

"Ohhhh? Well, you can of course just agree to the terms now then!" Lord Apollo snapped, smirking at the three of them. "Send Cian Mac Gallagher back to that backwater country he came from, and give Bell Cranel over to me, and I'll be satisfied! If not, well… I would advise against rejecting my challenge my dear Hestia!"

Lady Hestia scoffed and turned her back to the god. "You're insane! I don't have to agree to a War Game, nothing in the law says I do! Bell! Cian! Come on, we're leaving!"

"Y…yes Goddess!" Bell said, looking to Cian. "Cian let's…"

He stopped because he saw what Cian saw. The two of them both looked up above the steps, Hyacinth and Sluagh had both stopped laughing. No longer did they look amused, no, now they both stared down and met the eyes of him and Bell.

Cian's stomach churned, as he remembered the man's threats.

Lady Hestia was right… this was a very different kind of battle… and I may have lost it.

"Let's go Bell…" Cian said, as he and his best friend turned away from them both.

The battle that started that night was far from over, Cian knew this.

Tomorrow was going to be an eventful day.

Next Time, Season 2, Episode 3: Run: Cian knows who his enemy is now. Sluagh, a devoted member of the Morrigan familia has infiltrated Orario and joined up with the Apollo familia. This is just in time for Lord Apollo to spring his plan into motion. He wants Bell and Cian both, but now with his new familia and friends in trouble, Cian and Bell will have to find a way to defeat their new strong opponents, who seem willing to blow up just about anything to get to them both.

A/N: And Cian is back everyone! With the debut of DanMachi Season 4's climactic final episode, I knew I had to dive back into Cian after watching it! I'll tell you all now, I have some pretty wild plans for that fourth season with how epic it was. Seriously, easily the best DanMachi season, and one of the best seasons of anime in general I have ever watched. It gave me so many great ideas for what's going to go down, and of course that's far in the future, but I can't wait for it.

But for now, we're finally in full swing for the War Game Arc! I won't lie I think this is my favorite chapter of this story that I've written, I got to write out a bunch of interactions I've been dying to have done, and we will see more of later.

From Cian finally meeting Loki, the foreshadowing to an epic duel with Ottar, to finally seeing Sluagh, and of course, he and Mikoto. I think they mesh really well together due to what she said, they're both foreigners to Orario, learning as they go along, and I hope that it's cute and believable from two sixteen year olds who have no romantic experience what so ever.

As for Cian's conversation with Loki, I think I've said before, if I was caught up on reading Sword Oratoria, I probably would have written this story with Cian joining the Loki familia, and going through that story while being with Lefiya, because I really love the Loki familia and their story. However, I'm more then happy with how I have the story now, what do you all think, what would the story have been like?

Now, as for Cian and Ottar, I thought it would be cool to connect Cian's backstory that I created with other characters from Orario and the main cannon. I like Ottar, he's a badass, and I haven't read DanMachi 18 yet, but I know we get a lot of him in that book. I wanted to add him here, and connect the two most powerful adventurers in this universe. His advice really is gonna spur Cian on this arc.

As you can all see too, Cian's arc this chapter is really going to revolve around building his own story, becoming his own person, more than just Chu Chulainn's student, which I believe he would really be struggling with at this point.

It all comes to a head next episode, where the action finally starts. We're going to have I think three more chapters for the War Game, before we have two Tales From Orario, and then onto the Pleasure Quarter Arc with Haruhime and Aisha! The plot in Orario, and Ulster is going to thicken, so I really hope you're all enjoying!

Also, 100+ Follows and Favorites is insane, so thank you so so much for reading and enjoying! If you can, please, review and let me know what your favorite parts of this series has been so far, and I can say I think this one may be my main focus for another chapter or two. Remember the crossover is coming down the line!

So please, review if you have time, and if you wanna stay up to date, please be sure to follow! Thank you all as usual, and I'll see you all next time!