Chapter 64

I was right that I'd only get a few hours of sleep. All the girls had had their bath by the time I'd carried Hestia into the bathroom with me, so I limited my scrub time to getting as much dirt off as I could, and not soaking in the tub.

And getting my hug from Hestia. Being the captain of her Familia had its downsides, like being first in line to deal with, as Marius put it, 'the administration'. But that just meant I got more hugs, because Hestia hated dealing with the administration herself.

Haruhime was already asleep by the time I'd gotten to bed. Rightfully so, as she had basically bridged the two level gap with me, as well as using her own magic to make up my diminished reserves while fighting Bete.

She wasn't, however, alone either. Lilly was laying next to her, taking up my usual spot when I felt I needed comforting, cuddling into her middle. I made sure to get a good look at them, so I could draw a picture later. I then gave one last look at the sunrise just peeking over the wall, and took up my usual spot behind Haruhime for a nap.

And woke up to the sound of construction, what felt like seconds later. Untangling myself, and my tails from Lilly and Haruhime, I grumbled myself to my dresser and put my 'bumming around the house' clothes on in a more or less proper fashion.

I had just enough hair now to do 'bed head', making it a perfect 'you have awoken the badger' look.

I knew, that with Ganesha being the kind of God he was, that he would want to help me take care of Gros. Be it saying 'no' and quietly stuffing him down one of the other entrances we found, or 'no' and keeping the grumpy gargoyle at the zoo. But I hadn't expected Him personally, to show up, with a small construction crew, and start work less than... four hours? afterwards.

"Miss KODORI!" He said in his usual showmanship style, seemingly unable to see my 'squinting at the too bright sun, didn't sleep well, haven't had morning tea' face. "I am SO GLAD!"

I stopped in front of Him, looked up, and... Just sighed. I couldn't bring myself to be angry at that much enthusiasm. "G'morning, Mr. Ganesha." I hoped my 'demoting' Him from Lord to Mr would hint at my irritation. "I'd ask what brought you by, but..." I waved a hand at the dozen or so people who were rapidly digging pits in the front corner of our front yard.

He lowered His voice a little, and since He and I were far enough away from the workers, spoke in a more relaxed tone. "Anything for a friend." He said, "When it's done, we'll put poor Gros in for you, and make it all official with the Guild."

I gave him a sideways glance, though even in my sleepy state I didn't miss Him calling me Friend. "Could I bother you for one more thing then?"

"Name it."

"An orphanage, just a little to the side of the Maze. Syr Flova, from the Hostess of Fertility lives, and takes care of the kids there."

"Ah, I know her, yes." He smiled, "Makes an excellent curry, when I've time to visit."

"They have a small hell hound there now. Left over from the... incident, last night." I looked behind me, to see a few sleepy looking Familia members peeking out of the front door. I just gave them an equally sleepy thumbs up, and they vanished back inside.

"Consider it handled." Ganesha said, waving to the people at the door just before they faded back inside. "If you wish to join them, I will keep an eye on my Familia."

"Deal. I'll bring payment, and learn Syr's curry recipe as soon as I can. Chicken, pork, or beef?" I asked, giving the God a pat on the arm in thanks.

"Lamb. If you can manage it." He grinned, "I'll bring Gros over, say, around sundown."

"I'll make sure to learn how to cook lamb then." I yawned, "G'night, Lord Ganesha."

"Good night, friend Kodori."

I didn't make it past the comfy couches in the living room on my way back to bed. This time however, I was woken up by the smell of tea. Cracking open an eye, I spotted a stone cup, steaming innocently just out of reach on the coffee table.

"You are taunting me, oh cup of liquid life." I mumbled, opening my other eye as a small hand entered my field of view and nudged the cup just a little closer. "Is someone asking for a hug?"

"Yes please?" Wiene said, her legs entering my view, then the rest of her when she knelt down. She was dressed in the old battle cloth robe we had given her before the inky black one I'd taken off Fels. "Thank you, for helping my family from the dungeon." She said quietly, leaning forward and putting an arm around my back, her cheek brushing mine, tiny body feeling warm and healthy.

"Part of being a hero." I said, putting my arm around her back in return, then wiggling a little to sit up, my tails collecting the dragon girl and putting her on the seat beside me, but not letting go. "Is to help people who need it." I reached for the cup of tea, the minty smell making my ears twitch happily. The scent also helped clear my mind, and I looked around the room, my ears listening for anyone else who might be up.

"Bell is my hero." Wiene said quietly, "I'm sad he got hurt so much to protect me..." She leaned on my shoulder, taking hold of one of my tails to wrap it over her shoulder a little tighter. Now that I had six of the things, she almost vanished under the poofy fur.

"Remember when I told you about 'can' and 'should'?" She nodded, "For Bell, helping people in need is always 'should'. Even if he doesn't know how. He will find out how, then help. It's just how he is." I sipped the tea, "You've gotten better." I said, bringing a smile to her face that almost dispelled the sadness in her eyes. "I have a question for you, but, you have to keep it secret from Lady Hestia."

She blinked at me, "Secret?"

"You can't tell her about it. Everyone else in our Familia knows, but it's a surprise for Her." I brushed a hand through her hair, the teardrop shaped gem on her forehead glittered faintly. "I have your old gem." I put a finger to her lips, "And we want to use it to pay back what Lady Hestia owes, to Lady Hephaestus."

"Lady Hestia owes... who?" She asked, "Miss Haruhime explained a little about money... but I'm not very good with numbers."

"I'll take you to see Her later." I said with a smile, "But you know Bell's dagger? The one that glows?" She nodded, "Another Goddess made it. And it was very expensive."

"Ohhhhh. So you want... But why ask me?"

"It is a gift, from Her Familia, to Her. You're one of us." I poked her nose lightly.

"I don't mind." She replied, capturing my hand with hers and putting it on her head. Obediently, I smoothed her hair for her. "Heehee."

"Oh, and, Gros will be living with us. He wasn't able to escape, but he should be safe here." I explained.

She was very excited by the news, her eyes lighting up, "I hope he likes it up here!"

"Me too. Hm, what time is it..." I unravelled my tails from around her, "Want to help me cook?"

"Yes please!"

As with any pack of high activity people, the smell of food being cooked made them slowly gravitate towards the kitchen. It wasn't long before everyone was at the table, wondering what exactly it was I was cooking. Wiene, at my command, threatened anyone who entered the kitchen with Chime, who sat up on hind legs and cleaned her face at people in the most menacing manner she could.

Not very threatening, but I was busy, and Wiene had already done an amazing job with the bread, so her duty in the kitchen was pretty much done.

Eventually, I did need extra hands, and called for Mikoto to help. And together, we put out what was basically a half dozen different stir fry dishes. Ranging from vegetarian, to meat and noodles. We were going to have to do some serious shopping for food again, but after our victory, I figured we deserved it.

Of course, it nearly fell to bits the instant I noticed Bell was missing. When I asked Hestia, She replied, "He hasn't left his room since coming home."

"Well, that won't do." I said with a sigh, "Oh, set a couple of places for Aisha and Ryuu."

"Are we expecting them?" Ouka asked, "None of us have left... And if I didn't smell the food, I'd still be sleeping."

Everyone laughed at that, "I cooked their favourite dishes. They'll be here." I said confidently. "Go ahead and start, I'll be down in a moment."

"Bell." I tapped on his door, "I don't want to have to replace this door." Some times, being a big sister required a heavier hand. "But it's only made of wood." Heavy and very nice oak, but still wood.

"It's not locked." Came the reply.

I opened the door, and entered Bell's room. He didn't have the light on, but it hardly mattered to me. It was kind of an odd place, Bell's room. A weapon rack, with a few of his lesser used weapons, as well as a couple of practise ones. A couple of dressers. Desk, chair, bed, small table, and books. Lots of books. Even in the near dark, I could make out the titles, and while I wasn't familiar with the names, I could tell they were books about heroes.

Hard not to be, when almost all of them were 'The adventures of' or 'the Heroic Tales of'.

Bell himself was sitting at the table, head down, and looking at me as I looked about his room.

"I'm going to take a guess." I started, "And think you're a little upset about last night."

He looked, for an instant, that he was going to try and dodge the question. But I gave him my version of Eina's best stare, and he simply answered with, "Yes."

"You're young. So, I'll let you in on a little bit of actual wisdom." I stood across from him, kneeling on the floor so I could meet his eyes a bit better, "Occasionally, you will lose. It happens. Sometimes, you do it to yourself. Like gambling. Others, people do it to you. Like with Ais." I held up a hand as he opened his mouth, "Being unlucky, or not skilled enough, means you have to learn and improve. Provided you are given the chance."

I knew I hit the mark when he closed his mouth and put his head back down, though his eyes never left mine. "I tried my hardest. But it wasn't enough." Bell said with a sigh, his red eyes threatening to tear over. "And in the end... I couldn't do anything more than hope he didn't kill me."

"I know that feeling." I replied, standing and going to his side, kneeling again and hugging the boy, "But I'll tell you something." He didn't return the hug, but he leaned into me a little. "You did something I couldn't."

He made a questioning noise, finally lifting his head out of his arms on the table, "I met the minotaur a little while before that. When I saw that the entrance was clear. And I couldn't do a thing."

"What do you mean?"

"I couldn't move. Couldn't run. Couldn't. do. a. thing." I sighed, "For the first time since coming here, I was totally helpless. If he wanted me dead, he could have just walked up to me and killed me." I poked his shoulder, "You however, just stepped up to the challenge, and did exactly what you needed to do."

"I... almost don't believe you." Bell admitted, scratching the back of his head.

"So, you lost. But you still came back from the dungeon." I stood and gave in to the urge to ruffle his hair. "That's a win. Train hard, and when you two meet again, give him the fight it wants, and..."

"Come back from the dungeon." He finished for me. "Yeah... A hero doesn't sulk."

"Actually, they do." I replied, "But that's boring, so the books never talk about it."

"Thanks big sister."

"No problem. Now, come eat, or I'll drag you there by your ankle."

"Yes ma'am."

Aisha and Ryuu did in fact show up. They both looked like the rest of us, tired. But, with all the good food, and the air of 'victory', they joined seamlessly with the mildly festive vibe in the room.

"So, I noticed you have a bird cage outside." Aisha said, "And since I know tiny over there is house trained like the rest of you, it can't be for her."

Wiene stuck her tongue out at the Amazon, who did a really good 'googly eyes' back at her. "It's for Gros. Lord Ganesha is probably on His way back to drop him off." I replied, perking up, "Reminds me! Sister? Can I pry you from your food for a few moments?"

"Just this once." Ryuu replied, daintily putting down her fork and standing.

Behind me, I heard Welf start into the story of 'the taming of the gargoyle, while I made my way into the kitchen. "So what did you need sister?" Ryuu asked.

"Help me make some tea." I grinned.

For a first attempt, the chai I had made wasn't bad. No where near what I'd been served at Ganesha's home, and honestly, I almost didn't want to let Ganesha himself try it. But, He might have suggestions for improvement.

While Ryuu and I were working with the various spices, she told me what had happened last night. It made my heart hurt, to put her in such a position, but Ais hadn't been too rough on her, but after managing to hold the Sword Princess up for about ten minutes, Ryuu had lost.

"I am thankful for your help sister. Without you, last night would have been that much more difficult. But I hope to never need you to do that again." I said, filling one of our biggest trays with fresh teacups.

"It was... educational." She replied, "But please, if you do need me for such a thing again, ask."

"As you would of me." I replied, hefting the tray, "But, I hope never to need to."

Ganesha was just walking into the dining room as we returned with the trays of chai. "I AM GANESHA!" He declared confidently, "And I have just put that gargoyle fellow in the cage outside." Shakti was with him, though no one else was.

"Ganesha." Hestia said, "We know all about your... You know, forget it. Some one make some space for him."

Shakti gave her God a sideways glance, and Ganesha looked like he might actually decline, but within seconds, two spaces were cleared, and plates were laid out for them. "We insist." Takemikazuchi said with a smile.

As the tall God sat, I placed a cup of chai at his left hand, then one for Shakti, "It's my first try, please, tell me what you think." I said to them quietly, "Then please, eat."

"Gladly." Ganesha replied, Shakti nodding as well.

"Now, while they tuck in." I said, returning to my seat and letting my tails mingle with Haruhime's, "Let's do a quick after dungeon report." I looked to Lilly, who was sitting next to Wiene, and adjusting the dragon girl's robe a little, so her scales wouldn't cut into the cloth so much. "At the beginning I suppose?"

"Lilly will have her revenge for last night." She replied with a moment of sulking. "Lilly distracted the random adventures, pretending to be a monster and running around. When they gave up, Lido's group came out of hiding and started in the direction where most of the possible exits were."

"A wise idea." Takemikazuchi said, "Making ready to go to any of them, as the opportunity presented itself."

There were some nods, then Lilly continued, "When Miss Kodori sent the message, Lilly went to the Loki camp by the Maze. Lilly used a cloak, and waited, replacing a messenger and giving a false order."

"It worked then?" I asked.

"Like a charm. Lilly hopes the person she replaced isn't too sore about being shot in the butt." Lilly grinned, the rest of the table laughing. I'd given her the sleeping potion I'd made, but never used, after my physical recovery from the Amazon's torture.

"Impressive." Ganesha said, "Something you did at the war game, correct?"

"Yes Sir. Lilly did it there too." She replied, looking a little shy under the God's smile.

"This gave Loki a much bigger blind spot than they would have had." Marius said, "And while we did meet up with that dwarf and elf..."

"Gareth and Riveria." Welf supplied, then continued, "Gareth was... Unstoppable. Mikoto and I hit him with those ice magic sword... Together! And he just... Called it cold."

"He is truly as tough as people say." Mikoto added, "But, even as the magic sword shattered, we had blocked off pursuit with so much ice, that Lido's group had no trouble slipping past."

"The blade Ma'am Ryuu helped make, and the third ice blade. Both broke as well, but they managed to hold back her magic for a time." Marius said, "But, that was all we could do there."

"When the second signal went up." Aisha went on, "I took Hime there with me to block Ais. I'll tell you... I have never been so humbled in my entire life." She admitted, "But it felt good to be able to go all out with Hime's magic again." She smiled at Haruhime, "And feel she's gotten much stronger too."

"Bell?" I looked over to him.

"Ais was following me almost as soon as I left. Like we planned, I simply led her around until the Xenos were on the move." We all nodded, knowing that as one of the two aces, he'd get Loki's attention. "After you made contact with Lido's group, and Wiene split off from them..."

"I'm sorry..." Wiene said, "But... sort of not sorry?"

"I had to protect her from Ais. She was really... upset with Wiene. Like..." He paused, then frowned, then perked up, "When Lady Hestia and I fell into the river, during the invasion. Ais came with us. There was a village along the river, that was protected by giant black dragon scales. They made a village in the middle of them. Ais was upset that the people almost... worshipped the scales."

I considered that, then smiled, "She didn't beat you then." I said, "She lost, to your way of thinking." I looked to Lilly, "Ruffle Wiene's hair for me."

"Lilly will do that!" And she did.

"When we got home, I pushed Wiene through the gate. Ais was about to attack me again, seriously... But..."

"I wanted her to stop... But... I didn't want to fight." Wiene said, reaching over and hugging Lilly, who was about to protest, but stopped herself. "I got angry at myself, for not knowing what I should do... Not fight, but still save Bell somehow."

"She broke part of the gate, and wall, and put herself in the way." Bell said, "But she had changed a little."

"I couldn't help it... My claws grew, to how they were before. And I had a wing too." Lilly was patting her head, the dragon girl tearing up a little, "Ais called me a monster, and she said she would never accept a monster up here, in the city." She looked across the table, at Ganesha, "So I took my own wing off, and broke my claws, and... Told her I wanted to stay with Bell."

"Ais... Couldn't bring herself to kill her. I saw it in her eyes. She just... Couldn't." Bell said.

"Good." I replied, smiling though I felt my eyes getting a little misty over the story. "Hopefully, we won't see any trouble from that area..." I sighed, "My turn I suppose..."

After I told them about my part in things, we were basically just looking at empty plates and cups. "So, now that the dungeon is going to be off limits, what should we do?" Bell asked, "I mean... They kind of need to rebuild the first floor."

I knew what I was going to do, but for the sake of secrecy, I held my piece. "What about Mr. Gros?" Wiene asked.

"I suppose we should go talk to him... Maybe? He didn't seem to have a high opinion of humans really." Ouka said, scratching his cheek idly, "And well, you did kind of beat the crap out of him." He looked at me then Marius.

"Well, if he's going to be staying here, then as the saying goes, you have to work to eat." I said, "And I know just the thing. But first, Lord Ganesha, Ma'am Shakti. Thank you for your help."

"Thank you, Hestia and Takemikazuchi Familia, for your efforts on behalf of the Xenos." Ganesha replied, peering into his empty tea cup, "I'd toast to you, but I seem to have run out of tea."

"My Lord. We do have things we should be present for." Shakti said quietly, also looking at her teacup, and giving me a small nod of approval. "I hope, that your two Familia will at least consider a little rest, before returning to your usual activities."

"We've got a lot of recovery to do, that's for sure." Welf said, "And sleep. Maybe a little drinking too."

There were a few chuckles, and everyone at the table stood as Ganesha and Shakti stood and made ready to leave. Even Hestia and Takemikazuchi. I looked over to Wiene, who had that face again, and gave her a little nudge.

"Mr. Ganesha?"

"Hm?"

"Can I have a hug?"

"Yes you may."

After the table was cleaned up, and people started to break away for the evening, I looked to our dragon girl, Bell and Hestia, "Want to come with me to talk to our newest member?"

"We really should go talk to him." Bell said, "Though, he's been awful quiet."

"I hope he's okay." Wiene said.

"I hope... He isn't too angry." Hestia said, a little worried. "Or hungry."

"Mr. Gros doesn't really eat. Sometimes he will eat rocks, or drink water. But not often." Wiene explained. "I asked him when we were hiding."

"Makes sense." I mumbled, "As much as anything magical makes sense around here."

Heading outside, Haruhime caught up to us and joined our little entourage. Walking beside me, our tails did their usual thing, making Wiene giggle as she tried to capture them playfully. Our front yard had changed once again, the front left corner of our courtyard, almost right to the corner of the building, was now a sort of bird cage. Maybe a meter taller than our three meter wall, it was sturdy looking, and if it were like the ones at the Zoo, made of adamant. Gros was curled up in the middle of it, and if I didn't know better, was sulking.

Looking like a mix of a dragon, hunting cat, and bird, the gargoyle would have done any artisan proud. As we got closer, he lifted his eagle beaked head and looked at us. Not being 'organic' his motions were a little unnatural. Like some one playing 'stop-go'.

"I was getting bored." He said, finishing the act of uncurling, and walking towards the bars where we stood. The rest of the area he was in was basically bare lawn, with a couple of trees near the outer wall, so it was understandable that he'd be bored. "Thankfully, I am an expert at being bored. Hello, Wiene."

"Hello Mr. Gros!" She replied cheerfully.

"So, I'm your prisoner then? Spoil of war? Isn't that how humans work?" He asked, looking down at us. "And is this your Goddess?" He put his head through the bars, just wide enough for him to do so, and 'loomed' over Hestia. "Hardly a snack." He grumbled as our Goddess backed up a little.

"Now now." I said, putting my hand on Gros's beak lightly, "This is just for appearances." I said, "I'm sure you've noticed, but 'monsters' aren't exactly welcome up here."

"Then why keep me up here at all. That... loud one... Ganesha. He could have thrown me down one of the other entrances, or even out of the city. Said so himself." The gargoyle backed up a little, trying not to act like he didn't like my touch.

I looked to the others in turn, then back to Gros, "Well, actually, I have a question for you first. About how you ended up in the town square..."

It didn't surprise me as much as it did the others, when Gros flung himself at the bars, his beaked mouth snapping shut just centimetres away from my face, "HERMES! He did that to me."

Calmly, I gave him a Karate Chop of Justice, "I know that part." I then put my hand over his snout and pushed a little, "Calm down, and explain."

Behind me, Bell had gotten in front of Hestia, while Wiene and Haruhime had gotten behind me. "Grr... After we had gotten underground, Hermes and that... woman..."

"Asfi." Bell said, relaxing a little as Gros retracted his head back behind the bars.

"They were there waiting for us. Asfi had used something on the tunnel to close it again, and we couldn't use the occulus to tell you. Something seemed to be stopping it from working." Gros explained, "Hermes, acting all high and mighty said it wasn't 'fair' that we could just 'walk away' without paying you back." He started pacing now, back and forth, long whip like take lashing back and forth, "He said Asfi would clear the rubble again, if one of us went and died. He wanted you." Gros paused his pacing, looking at Bell with cold black eyes, "To look good, for the humans."

"But... How? By killing..." Bell paused, shaking his head, not comprehending.

I caught on though. Haruhime took hold of my hand as I felt a momentary boiling sensation in my gut. "He has no idea, does He..." I calmed down, sighing, "Go on?"

"Being the most mobile, I volunteered. He simply said 'go to the fountain, and just be a monster." Gros growled, low and angry, the noise making my ribs vibrate, "Apparently, I wasn't convincing enough." He looked to a small hole in his shoulder, where the red spike had been. "And Asfi hit me with... it was worse than when Dix cursed us."

"Well, I suppose you'll be happy that part of why you are here, is to keep things like Hermes out." I said, knowing I'd have to have yet another chat with the Messenger God. "See, where I'm from, Gargoyles were made to protect, and ward off evil."

"I'm no dog. And I can hardly help inside this..." For all his size, he tapped the bars of his cage just hard enough to make them 'clang'.

"We'll fix that." I said, looking to the others, who nodded. "You're a smart person, so we can chat about your new job a little later. But for now, is there anything you need right now? Food? Water? Healing?"

"I'm... A little different, from a normal mon... Person." He said, "But if you insist I stay, then could you maybe find some sand? The finer, the better."

"No problem." I replied. "Wiene? Want to help our newest family member make a list of things he wants? It's his new home, after all." I turned to Hestia, "If you approve, of course?"

Our Goddess looked up at him, and he down at Her, and finally, She extended a hand, "I welcome you into my home, Mr. Gros." She said formally.

There was a moment of tension as Gros was perfectly still, but after a moment, he put a hand big enough to almost engulf Hestia's entire torso through the bars, and extended a single claw. "Very well, Miss Hestia." He said grudgingly, the Goddess taking hold of the claw tip and shaking.

Wiene did a little cheer, Bell and Haruhime smiled at each other, then the monster and Goddess, and I considered exactly where I would get enough sand for a bus sized gargoyle to roll around in.

After setting up my little alchemy table up for some potion brewing, I went back inside and considered what to do with the rest of my evening. A hot bath was certainly on my list, the shower I'd had getting me clean, but not really satisfying that 'come home from the dungeon' ritual. I still had some little things to do as well. Like talk to Marius, for his excellent performance with Gros. And Lilly, because I'd rather pay her back for putting her in danger, than have her sneak up on me for payback.

Oddly enough, Marius and Lilly were at the dinner table still, a chess board between them. Seeing the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, I pulled up a chair to watch them. They had just started, only a few of the simply carved pieces had been moved. But the two of them weren't taking their time thinking about things. After a quick nod in my direction from each of them, they started to move their pieces around the board quickly.

I was surprised at first, to learn that Chess was actually a thing in this world. It wasn't something adventures played often, usually being too busy to sit idle. But as Lilly dominated the early game, Marius proved himself a capable opponent, pulling back and defending his pieces, before pushing forward with what little Lilly hadn't taken.

In the end, Lilly won, though there were only nine pieces left on the board between the two of them. The game itself only took about ten minutes, but it made me want to play again... Something I hadn't done for...

No, not going to think about how old I really was. Nope.

"Ma'am? Did you want to play?" Marius snapped me out of my trip down memory lane, "Lilly is... Very good at chess."

"I knew she would be, once I found out that it existed here too." I replied, "Best supporter." I said, one of my tails beating me to patting her hair. "But actually, I wanted to compliment you on your teamwork. Nothing broken? You took quite the beating."

"My armour did it's job, and the potion made sure I could keep up for a little longer." Marius said humbly, "But thank you. I'm glad you made sure I was ready for the monsters, after spending so much time fighting people."

"Miss Kodori is serious about training." Lilly said, "Lilly's hands might never be soft and delicate again though." She pouted, though her eyes were smiling.

"You are amazing with that little crossbow of yours. And that mechanism you use..."

"Miss Kodori made it."

"Welf made it. I gave him the idea." I corrected, "But yes, bleed more now, die less later." I said, "It helps that I know just how to motivate all of you. More or less." I chuckled, "Anyhow, chat with Welf. And we'll replace your armour as soon as we can. Shield too."

"I rather liked the scales." Marius admitted.

"I've been told I should grow my hair out. So I think I'll stay away from the fire breathing monsters for now."

Lilly and Marius laughed. "I'll go find Welf then." the soldier excused himself, but not before properly setting up the pieces again.

"Mr. Marius is funny." Lilly said.

"Are we talking about the same person? Tall, wide shoulders, always serious?" I teased, sitting across from Lilly.

Lilly giggled, "You have to watch for it, but sometimes he slips out of that... professional persona." She said without her usual childish manner. "Would Miss Kodori like to play?"

"It's been a while since I played." I replied.

"Lilly will go easy on you." She said with one of her wicked smiles, "Maybe."

"Care to place a bet?"

Of course I lost. But, it had been on purpose. I was pretty sure she knew it too, being as clever as she was. In the end, I'd 'forgotten' to move a piece, and left my queen open. After that, it was a down hill slide for me. Though, even though I was sure she knew I threw the game, she made me promise to wear the swimming suit she'd gotten for me.

Small sacrifice, to see Lilly smile.

In return though, I asked to borrow her usual white, form concealing robe.

"Aisha, sister." I said to our two guests, who had simply been mingling, and enjoying the 'victorious' air in the manor. "If you want to stay, you're welcome."

"Eh, as tempting as that sounds..." Aisha said, "I mean, that bath of yours is amazing."

"Mia will want my help with the dinner cleanup, and I have the early shift tomorrow." Ryuu said, "Hope to see you soon."

"Be well then." I said to them. "Visit any time. Just, don't bring Hermes." I said to Aisha, "I have a sneaky feeling Lord Takemikazuchi is wearing that sword for a reason..."

"You sure then? I mean..." Aisha grinned.

"Too much paperwork." I said, "And after all this, I really really want to finish up my promise." I made eye contact with them, and they nodded, smiling.

"Good luck Fox." Aisha said, the two of us sharing a fist bump.

"We'll be ready for the party." Ryuu said quietly, the two of us clasping forearms.

The next morning, after what felt like the second best sleep I'd had in ages, I made ready for my day. First, I had to collect Wiene, and Welf. The latter had a mild hangover, but after threatening him with an instant coffee pill, he scrubbed his face, ate a quick breakfast, and got ready.

Marius, Haruhime and Chigusa were going to do some shopping for food. Ouka, Asuka and Mikoto were going for some building supplies for our wrecked gate and section of wall. Lilly and Bell were going to stay home, mostly because we... had lost trust in the people outside our home. But also because 'Lilly' was coming with Welf and I.

"Well tiny? What do you think?" Welf asked, letting go of the girl's hand.

I looked at his work with the dragon girl. Once again, her fingernails were smooth and pink, just as they had been made after she had accidentally clawed Bell.

"They're so pretty again! Yay!" She was about to hug the smith, but paused in mid glomp.

"Yes you may." Welf laughed, ruffling the girl's hair and pulling her into a hug. "So... Why are we dressing her up like Lil'e?" Welf asked me.

"Well." I said, giving the borrowed robe a couple of tugs to settle it on Wiene's shoulders a little better, and drawing up the hood, "We are going to visit Lady Hephaestus, and make sure she never loses her gem again." I said, very gently tapping the sparkling stone on Weine's forehead, "Then the two of you are going to return home."

"Oh? Other plans?" Welf asked.

"Yeah. Being the captain is almost as hard as being the big sister." I replied.

"Fair enough. After the last few weeks... I'm sure there are a few people at the Guild who want you to, I dunno, explain a few things."

Wiene was having a really hard time containing her excitement. The poor girl was practically vibrating with contained energy with all the new sights and smells of the big city. It didn't help that people were happy to see us again, and were calling our names and such. As much as I wanted to let her explore like an actual free person, it would have ruined everything we'd accomplished so far.

Soon, I promised her. Just a little more.

"Wow." Welf commented as we got to the tower. "Looks even worse in the light."

"Yeah..." I trailed off.

It was like a bomb had gone off inside the tower. Most of the debris on the street was clear, but some of the doors were still hanging in pieces on their hinges. The odd bit of glass or stone still littered the area in front of the tower as well. Inside was even worse. With the early morning light pouring in, and the temporary lighting hung up by the work crews, the broken stone floor of the first floor would take a long while to restore properly.

They did however, prioritize the pathway to the stairs leading up, and a walkway to the elevators. Which was good, because as much as I knew I could climb up all those steps to the top, I really didn't want to.

Wiene was still trying her best not to act like herself, though by now, she was hugging my tails to try and contain her curiosity. However, when we had gotten to the Hephaestus Familia's floor of the tower, she finally let my tails go and asked, "Are we there? It smells like the workshop."

"Well yeah." Welf said, "As much as She does paperwork, Lady Hephaestus is still a smith."

"But yes, we're here." I said, patting Wiene's head, "No one to greet us?" I wondered.

"No decent smith is up before noon." Welf said, "Except maybe you."

"Why thank you." I replied, knocking on the door to Hephaestus's office.

Notes

And so, our side stories start. :) There's going to be a fair bit of 'slice of life-ing' going on for the next few updates, but well, after any exciting party, the cleanup is almost as epic.

See you soon. :)