Please read the note at the bottom. Hi, I'm alive. Enjoy.
...
One explanation and one culture shock later did Irene finally regain her composure. She took a liking to Ray and Fear mostly. Lyd was all-around a funny monster. Gros seemed to be distant and the one she wanted to meet was Marie, but due to physical limitations, she was confined to the Water Capital.
"So, you're the ones who saved my idiotic brother?" Irene asked, having been pulled into a cove off the beaten path. A Hidden Village, they called it. They needed secrecy.
"That is correct. However, 'idiotic' is not how I would describe the situation," Ray started before turning to Isaac, "Have you explained everything to her?"
"Everything that was important," Isaac said easily. Irene, however, didn't believe him.
Did you leave something out? Isaac, don't block me, I deserve to know, She wasn't looking at him, but her tone suggested that he fess up.
"When you were in the Colosseum on the thirty-seventh floor? You fighting there?" Ray asked innocently.
Irene's eyes burned with a fury that Isaac met smoothly, "You wonder why I didn't but I knew this would be your reaction. I told you this, didn't I?"
"NO! YOU DIDN'T! You fought in that death pit?!"
Pretty sure I did, "I survived in that death pit, I did not fight. It was a miracle that I'm even alive. It was also lucky that the Xenos were even there. Do you not realize how many things could've gone wrong?" His hand was clenched, but his voice was calm. Lyd was the first to notice the blood dripping between Isaac's fingers.
"Don't-"
"You could have been an only child," Isaac said mercilessly, staring directly into her eyes. Irene's anger lasted all of about five seconds before she hugged him, shaking. "Sorry you had to witness that, and Ray, I don't blame you. I just would rather not have her be upset."
Irene punched his side, "You failed, you meanie."
"If it means you can be mad at me, I'll take that over being dead," Isaac joked. No one laughed. "Hey, I'm well aware that even now we can die any moment."
Irene wiped her tears, "So, you Xenos… you've been around for how long?"
"Two decades or somewhere around that time. It's a little different here," Lyd said with a smile, which could be mistaken for a menacing grin. "Fels was kind enough to help us."
""Fels?"" The twins questioned.
The Lizardman rubbed behind his head, "You'll meet them eventually. They've been helpful to us, and they have a vested interest in meeting you. They say the time isn't right." This put the twins on guard.
"Please rephrase that better…" Irene said. Ray and Fear were the first to notice.
"Lyd, they think you mean that Fels is going to kidnap them…"
The Lizardman's eyes widened, "That's not what I meant!" Gros's expression cracked—pun aside—and started laughing.
"Who knew that it would be so fun to be around surface-dwellers?"
"You could at least be a little nicer!" A Harpy said. This was Fear. Her brown feathers shuffled about. "Sorry about that, he's usually more tactful than this." She seemed embarrassed, more so than him.
"If you don't mind, Isaac, Irene," Ray started, her soft voice a relief to hear, "who else is after you? Your reaction to Lyd's words has me concerned."
"You know Lady Freya? Goddess of Beauty and one of the most powerful surface-dwelling Familias? Yeah, she's after us…" Isaac started.
"…and by after us, he means that she wants us in her Familia. She thinks of mortals as a toy she can use and discard at her leisure," Irene finished. "We're avoiding her at all costs."
"Yikes," Fear said, "What did you do to gain her attention?"
Both twins shrugged, much to the disbelief of the Xenos, "If we knew, we'd confront her, but her Familia is fanatical to her. Honestly, we'd rather choose the pacifist route."
"So why did you come down here?" Gros asked, leaning forward, eyeing the twins.
They met his stare with defiance, "We went on an adventure. If it went alright, we're level four, and one step further from her grasp."
"Ah, so that's why your whole aura felt different from before, Isaac," Lyd said, stroking his face in thought. "You most likely leveled up, as you say. That goes for you too, Irene."
Isaac pursed his lips, "You know, I wondered why the Dungeon seems to have it out for you. If I recall, you were attacked by other monsters? I know the Dungeon is your 'mother' but that seems far-fetched." He continued as to not cause confusion, "Not that I doubt it, but it seems like unfair treatment. You wouldn't be accepted on the surface, but the monsters here, excuse me, your brethren want you dead. Is there an explanation for that?"
"Hmm…" Lyd grumbled after a moment, "Same as you, if we knew the answer, we'd tell you, but we were born out of our desires to know more. That's how we came into existence. Where do you think the slain monsters go when they turn to ash, hm?"
Irene picked up the implication, "Back into the Dungeon to be reborn again. Reincarnation… I should have expected that."
After a few more idle conversations and a promise to meet again, with Marie included, they departed to Rivira.
"So what did you think?" Isaac asked his sister, fingers interlocked behind his head.
"I like them because they saved you, and Ray seemed to be genuinely worried when they brought you along. But does Dia know?"
"She can read into our experiences, remember?" Isaac countered. "She already knew, but she hasn't pressed the issue." Irene hummed in response. Dia probably didn't know who to talk to as this seemed like a first. If she spoke to the wrong person, there could be a monster hunt for them, which would be an issue.
Once they came up to the entrance to the eighteenth floor, did they go and meet up with Bors. He gave them the stone and they kept the cloth, as agreed upon. Isaac shouldered the weight the entire time, as this was a nice memento of their triumph. In other news, the floor's fauna was always going to be beautiful to look at, no matter how many times they were going to see it.
"Do you have that necklace on you? The one from the War Game?" Isaac asked, knowing now was the best time to ask. He had a feeling, but he needed to see to believe.
Irene wordlessly pulled out the broken necklace and stared at the symbol. They said nothing as this had to be taken up with Dia. She needed to be in the know, and quite possibly Hestia, Miach, and Takemikazuchi. The two inspected the necklace over and over but could do nothing else. They fell into a comfortable silence.
When they reached the fifth floor, the silence was broken.
"Philosophical question for you, Isaac: Would you ever be opposed to going home?"
His thoughts were elsewhere, but he heard the word 'home' and looked curiously to his sister. He wasn't in the Mindscape to speak, but he expressed confusion. "I don't get your meaning. Like home to the Complex?"
"No…" Irene wrung her fingers together nervously, "I mean to Saumouth Grove. Home… so we can visit Mom and Dad."
Isaac paused, "You know I'm not keen on goi-"
"I know you aren't, but don't you think that we can? We've gotten stronger since we left home, and I kinda miss it…" She looked away.
A hand rested on her shoulder, "I won't like it, but I'll go. However, I don't think permission is going to be easy. We'd have to go through the Guild and I heard it's a pain for even a level four to go to Melen."
A grateful smile came to Irene's face as she nodded, "I know, but I honestly figured that you would be more outraged."
He shrugged, "To be honest, it was on my mind while you were coming home from the Game. Maybe it's because while I accepted Riveria as Mom, I just wanted to tell her… heh, it sounds really dumb, but I feel like I was replacing Mom."
"You too, huh?" She said, pursing her lips.
"Looks like we need to have that talk soon then," Isaac said as they continued the walk to the surface in undisturbed silence.
Once they made it to the surface, it seemed like the sun was coming up, making this the perfect time to head to the Guild. Of course, the early risers saw Isaac walking along with a giant magic stone. However, they noticed the pensive looks on their faces.
One specific Goddess was watching them. She was simply curious. She expected them to confront her. Well, her specifically, not the other her. Her alter ego, one could say. Their souls still shined how she liked, making the temptation rise to claim them. Her ever-faithful Captain stood idly by, waiting to carry out her orders. "Ottar, I feel like going out. Do you mind?"
"Any specific plans, my lady?" He simply wanted her itinerary, so that way he can properly protect her.
"I want to see what all the chatter is about and to spend a little time with my beloveds. I will not require Horn. Tell her to relax for the day," Freya said, standing up. She walked towards her Captain and put a hand on his chest, "You've been so good to me." She leaned up and placed a kiss on the Boaz's cheek. Ottar would never admit it, but he blushed—noticeably—that day. "Thank you."
Praise was common, but this kind of praise was so uncommon, Ottar momentarily wondered if this was someone else. The thought was purged as soon as it bloomed. He need not think like that. "You're most welcome, my lady. Shall I assist with the preparations?"
"No, I have taken care of it. Keep yourself close by," she ordered. "How are the… other preparations going?"
"They are nearing completion, my lady. Within the next week, your plan will be ready."
"Excellent, now go, I need to get changed."
"Yes, Lady Freya."
The twins entered the Guild and went to the counter to see Eina and Rose talking, "Why haven't you asked him yet?"
"Our relationship is strictly professional, Rose," Eina said, raising her glasses before noticing the twins. "Oh!"
"You survived, good. Multiple adventurers were concerned that you both went for Goliath. Once they explained that you had a party from Rivira, it eased most concerns. You almost had me worried," Rose said, looking disinterested.
"Aww, you almost kinda care! Your relationships aside, we do have business here," Irene chirped. "Isaac, the stone?"
Said magic stone plopped on the counter, gently, "Yeah, we'd also like to report that the Goliath is dead as a doorknob, without their help."
Both Guild receptionists looked at the two Vlahos twins in disbelief, "You WHAT?!" "You killed Goliath?!"
Why are they so surprised? Issac thought.
Irene shrugged, Think about it, Goliath is a tough beast that takes a solid party to defeat. We did it ourselves, that tells a lot about our strength.
"So would it be bad to mention that it was just her and I?" Isaac asked, smirking as their jaws dropped to the floor. "I'm not lying. We both fought that thing. I wanted revenge, and we were both ready to advance."
""Why?!"" "Why would you do something so irresponsible?" Rose questioned. As their advisor, she certainly has had enough adrenaline rushes because of these two. Her hair will go grey at this rate!
Irene easily supplied the answer, "We believe we have leveled up, but we have yet to return to Lady Dia to confirm. We will be back later today, but before we go, can we exchange the stone?"
"What of the drop item?" Rose asked, slowly gaining her professional demeanor.
Isaac clicked his tongue, "That was payment to Rivira for letting us take on Goliath. If we didn't get the item, we would have split the stone's worth."
"I see," the werewolf said. She quickly exchanged the stone and handed them the amount. It was pretty hefty, almost as heavy too as Isaac found out. They left the Guild feeling accomplished. Their walk to the Complex was lackluster, but Dia made up for it by literally jumping on them at the Complex, fretting over them like the older sister she is.
Once inside, she demanded they clean themselves up before she updates their statues. When they were finally smelling nice, Dia scolded them, "You come home, then you disappear on me! Do you know how worried I was?" The twins were soon found in Dia's room, lying face down on the bed. Dia has just finished updating their statuses. She was thorough in the short time she was with them. She smacked them over the head, and they wondered what they did, "Will you stop breaking limits?! Stop breaking the rules too! Your basic stats went into SS! Like over one thousand. Irene, your Magic stat is SSS. Your endurance is at S. The rest have made it in the upper A range. Isaac, your Dexterity, Endurance, and Power stats went into SS as well. Your Magic and Agility stats are in the upper A range though."
That was… a lot of information to take in. For both of the twins, that wasn't the best part.
"Irene, Isaac, you both leveled up, congrats. Two, your level four stats are already at H, all of them." Much to my own damn confusion. "Irene, you gained four new spells thanks to Keys to the Kingdom, and then a skill called Serenity. Isaac, most notably, gained the 'Bronze Key' as a Spell, making you have three spells. Oddly enough, Meteor Fissure appears under it." She looked at the sheet again. "Let me see your status again, I want to check to make sure that I didn't miss anything."
The petite Goddess was concentrating on this, and it stunned Isaac. He allowed her to, and she messed with it for a few moments before exclaiming, "Haha! I figured that would happen."
"So what is it?" Irene asked, looking at her brother's back, not that she can read it, but it was what was floating closest to Dia.
The Goddess beamed, "The Bronze Key allows him to access all low to some mid-level spells! Meaning, anything in Swift Strike Magic, or a short five-second chant, he can use. Obviously, without Mage, it won't be as effective and he runs the greater risk of Mind Down, but Isaac, you're able to be more efficient on the battlefield."
"Really?" he asked, oddly pleased by this fact. "What if I can combine magic… like using both at once and they fuse?"
The Goddess of Divinity smiled, "Don't be too ambitious now…" Tears welled in her eyes as she put the sheets down and hugged them both tight, "My little rulebreakers! I'm so happy!" She was crying happy tears while the twins were stunned stupid. "I still have to give you development abilities to make it official, but I just want to hold you guys, can I be selfish?"
"Y-Yeah, but can we put our shirts on again? It's pretty awkward," Isaac said, knowing Irene was feeling the same, for a completely different reason.
"Oh sure, but seriously," she thumped them over the head again, "A two-person party against Goliath?! Are you nuts?!" Her mood switched from elated to scolding.
"We wanted an adventure," Irene said, covering herself, noticing Isaac looking away, finding the curtains far more entertaining.
Dia sat back on her knees, "I know. Okay, abilities. Irene, you have access to Magic Resistance. It was the only one, so I applied it to you already. Your new skill will be useful, I think. This is completely new, so the description I put in was vague at best. Sorry."
Irene smiled, shocked at her growth. Four new spells, I mean, the Keys did say that if I became acquainted with them, it would be imprinted on my status. This skill though… why do I feel like it means something else? "Thank you, Lady Dia. I am eternally grateful." Her voice was softer, quieter, but her happiness extended throughout the room.
"Isaac," Dia addressed the elder twin, who was still looking away. "This Bronze Key I think is because of Irene. It even said that because you 'are close to the keyholder' and that was in the Gods' Language. I would have to take some time to research this. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Dia. What about the development abilities?" He was more interested in that.
"You either get Swordsman or something called 'Weapons Expert' and while they are similar, they both benefit your weapon handling. So, take your pick."
Isaac thought for a moment. If I take the first one, sure it'll make me better with swords, probably, based on the name. If I take Weapons Expert, then I can use all weapons with what I assume is more efficiency and expertise than before… "I'll go with Weapons Expert. I think that one will be better in the long run."
Dia smiled, beaming really, pleased with his choice. "And done," she said as she applied it to his status before closing and locking his falna. "Just like that, you're level four. Are you going to tell the Guild?"
"Most likely, they'll want to know."
They were about to go inform the Guild of their now confirmed level-ups when Dia stopped them. "We also need to talk about that necklace you picked up, Irene."
Just like that, Irene's mood soured. "Ahh, the necklace that Syr gave to Bell. The worst part, while we were on the way back, I felt magic in it, protection magic…"
"Are you saying that's what saved him?" Isaac pressed.
Irene looked away guilty, "Most likely. I was a split second too late when I cast Living Shield, the damage was already done. So, I hate to say it, but Lady Freya is the reason we are not currently in the Apollo Familia."
The elder twin grimaced at that, knowing she was right. Dia frowned, What is your plan, Freya? You would have made a major play already. Why are you waiting? Her hands went to the necklace that her children got her. It remained around her neck from the moment they gave it to her.
"...and that's why I think she's Lady Freya," Irene finished her statement. The twins were discussing something and it went completely over the petite Goddess's head.
"Dia?" Isaac asked, waving a hand in front of her face. "You still with us?"
"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine, probably overthinking it," Dia waved off their concern. Both of them frowned.
Irene nudged Dia, "You zoned out, didn't you?" Dia's cheeks puffed and flushed, crossing her arms, making her look oddly adorable. "Let the record show, no denial."
Just as they were about to speak, their stomachs grumbled. "Well, I was about to suggest that we go get breakfast. Dia, do you want anything?" Isaac asked, shuffling off the bed and heading for the door.
"No, enjoy yourselves and make sure that you head to the Guild and inform them," She reminded them.
Irene giggled, "No worries. We'll be fine." She grabbed the broken necklace off the bed, as she had a plan for later.
The Guild was in an uproar as the Vlahos twins entered the room and confirmed their claim they made not even an hour ago. Their cloaks have since been repaired, so the Dia Familia symbol rested comfortably on the fabric. They were thankful for that because they had a lot of their weapons on them. Isaac had his sword, his short swords, his daggers slightly visible on his greaves, and his throwing knives. Irene had her short swords, her shurikens, her quarterstaff, daggers in the exact same spot as Isaac, and her new hatchet. The staff was the only thing poking out of the cloak.
They looked like fresh first-tier adventurers, even if they were now second-tier adventurers. Rose, while still in a state of shock, calmly filled out the required paperwork that signified their level up. "What are your plans now?"
Isaac gained a dopey smile, "Well, I have a date to prepare for so there's that. I am so nervous…" he realized a moment later.
Irene giggled while Rose rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I mean it was a bold claim."
"It was also long overdue. Normally, after courting, you're supposed to go on a date, but with how crazy our lives have been up to this point, we never found the time," he reasoned.
Rose did detect a hint of irritation in his voice, and the crimson werewolf couldn't blame him. She was also irritated, but not at them, at the amount of paperwork she was going to have to do. "Does she know about the date?" she tried to ask this as nonchalantly as possible.
"Yes, as I basically demanded that we go on one… which I'll have to clarify later…" Of course, Isaac caught the real meaning behind the statement, "Do my eyes deceive me? Do you happen to worry about our well-being? Say it ain't so, Rose." He whispered this statement to not embarrass the poor receptionist.
"N-No, just wondering…" a poor defense, she knew, but Isaac backed off.
He sighed, "Since you're so inclined, she does know about it, and is probably a nervous mess."
Irene chirped, "And you're not? You just admitted you were."
"Irene, you know me better than anyone here. I appear calm on the outside, but inside, it's threatening to shake me. I can face monsters no problem, but a member of the fairer sex… pfft, might as well put a dagger in my heart." Neither female found that funny. It wasn't supposed to be either. "Anyway, we stopped by to do this business, then we have business with the culinary arts."
"Meaning…" Rose asked flatly.
"We're hungry, and it's been almost a day since our last meal. I think Riveria had to force me to eat," Isaac said.
"The last thing I had was rations on the way back," Irene shrugged.
Rose was about to respond but the whole Guild stopped moving, and a presence that the twins hoped to not see again was standing at the door. The crimson werewolf's ears were flat against her hair, a sign of submission of the raw power they were exuding. Eina was doing her best to remain professional. Both twins had their hands on their throwable objects but took Riveria's prior warning about fighting in the Guild to heart. They have nothing to gain by fighting in neutral territory.
"How can I help you, King?" Eina's crisp, professional demeanor came through.
"I have no need of your assistance, my business is not with the Guild. Harpe, Aspis, come with me. My lady demands to see you," the voice said.
"A demand is simple, or is it a request? Or something that can be put off to a later date?" Isaac asked, doing his damndest to not growl at the man; the King, the Warlord of Orario, Ottar. The implication was easily read by the whole room, which got a lot quieter.
The Boaz stood impassively behind them, making Rose almost faint in fear. Thankfully, Eina gently pulled her co-worker away after knowing that they were not needed. Misha herself knew better than to tease her. Even now, the pinkette had goosebumps along her arms. "She would like this to be done as soon as possible. The faster you do this, the faster she will be pleased."
"Yeah, but your whole Familia would have a fit that we're wasting her precious time," Irene bit out, having no reservations about telling the facts.
Ottar did not deny that, but they would be smart to listen. Lady Freya gives her time as she sees fit, it was not within Ottar's rights to question it. If she wants something, it will be done, no matter what. That is how deep his devotion is to her. "Do not make this more difficult than it has to be. She has a reservation at a fine establishment and what my lady wants, my lady gets."
There's no getting out of this, is there? Isaac asked.
Irene withheld a sigh, Even with Shadow Concealment, they would still find us.
"I see you are speaking to yourselves," Ottar remarked.
""What?""
Ottar allowed himself the faintest of smirks but said nothing more. Even so, they continued to speak, How did he know?
I don't know! Their internal panic aside, they resigned themselves to their fate. They had a Goddess of Beauty to meet, much to their displeasure. They had the smarts to not voice that aloud.
So, Orario got a glorious sight of the King, Harpe, and Aspis walking down the street. They were certainly making a show. Their cloaks still hid everything, but even the untrained eye could see how tense the Titans were. The whispers were something too, but they chose to ignore them. Ottar led them to a fine restaurant called Old Lisbon. It was a fancy place, one where they were severely underdressed, but upon entering the door, it was empty. Not a soul was in sight. A few exceptions were made.
The decorum of red and yellow meshed well. Adding in hints of gold, and you have yourself a beautiful restaurant. The staff on standby were tense, fidgeting awkwardly. "Ahh, the g-guests have arrived. W-We have a VIP table set up." The maitre d's face was sweating nervously.
"Can I just say that this is setting off all my red flags?" Isaac questioned aloud. His hands beneath his cloak were gripped tightly on a throwing knife in between his hands. "I don't like the seclusion. How do I know you aren't going to kill us and cover it up?"
"My Lady would not resort to such tactics," he responded simply.
A tick appeared on Irene's head. She was tempted to start chanting and holding onto the spell's energy until the time was right, but she didn't possess Double Cannon, so it was nigh impossible for that to happen. "Yeah, she resorts to-" Isaac quickly put a hand over her mouth.
"Ira, now is not the place to insult a Goddess, especially when the highest-leveled adventurer stands before us and will likely kill us if not for his order to bring us to her…let's not make this day harder than it has to be," Isaac gently, yet forcefully scolded his younger—sometimes simpleton—sister.
Ottar only raised an eyebrow at the interaction, but he was right. He would not have taken a slight to his Goddess lightly. The bulging man led them to the upper floor, where they had a great view of North-Western Orario. Truthfully, they didn't go far from the Guild, but that didn't mean they were safe.
Once outside, a figure was seen in a chair, one leg crossed over the other. This time, Isaac did not become as flustered as he was at Apollo's Ball. He did become a little red-faced, but that was the only thing.
Irene, on the other hand, did not fare so well. This was her first encounter with a Goddess of Beauty up close. She was blushing, and if steam could come out of her ears, then it would be. "You've arrived. Good."
Her voice sent shudders up Irene's spine, but she knew that voice was filled with false promises. There was no other way to put it. She was to be avoided at all costs, but this was not one of those times. "Lady Freya, could you explain why you requested our presence?"
The table she sat at was square, enough for four people, Freya sat on one side in the middle, the twins would sit on the other side. Irene leaned her quarterstaff against the table while Isaac took his sword and leaned the hilt next to the staff. The chairs were disproportionately wide but matched the color scheme. Their green cloaks clashed horribly against it. Still, they sat across the very deity that desires them. This can only go one of a few ways, none of the options except one were good.
"Oh, my dearest Isaac, am I not allowed to check up on you or your sister, especially since she had just come back from a War Game no less?" In her hand was a glass, and beside her was the wine on ice. Ottar stood behind her, staring resolutely at them.
"I would say yes if not for the fact that no one else is around," his guard was still up, and the moment she felt like she was trying to charm him, he was stabbing something. His desire to protect his sister and her life were of the utmost priority.
"Hmm," even the way she hmmed was hypnotic.
"Well, while we're here. Are we allowed to order something? We were going to get something on our way back to Lady Dia," Irene said.
"Of course, order what you'd like. I will be covering the tab," Freya said, her eyes scanning over her beloveds, watching their souls flicker back and forth.
Are you freaking out? He asked mentally while looking over the menu.
The response was as expected, HOW THE HELL ARE YOU SO CALM?!
I am quite literally prepared to stab myself in order to focus on pain over her sense of pleasure… was his deadpanned response.
Irene didn't respond as she grabbed a shuriken and placed it on her outer thigh. Ottar narrowed his eyes, increasing his intent, solely on them.
They met his stare in defiance, despite the difference between them. They had no plans to harm Lady Freya, but they had plans to harm themselves to protect themselves. Freya watched as their souls meshed together in a wild flurry. She was immensely pleased. Such defiance… oh the passion we will share. Freya licked her lips, her silver eyes glinting. No, she didn't activate her charm. That'd be too easy.
With the silver-haired Goddess's gaze on them, they made eye contact, which could be a fatal mistake. Their desire to defend each other was enough to be felt. If their backs didn't burn, it'd be a surprise.
Freya smiled, "Have you decided what you would like to eat this fine morning?"
Both twins ordered the same thing, an omelet with cheese, Isaac with ham, and Irene with bacon. "I'll admit, I'm curious why you haven't done anything yet."
The Goddess folded her hands and raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
"You already know who I'm courting, yet you haven't retaliated that someone else was laying hands on your 'beloved' but I'm sure you thought of the ramifications already. It would drive me away from you, and you don't want that, right?" Isaac asked the question he's had since the Ball. If her comeon wasn't obvious enough…
"Indeed I do, and I wanted to congratulate you, but I was unaware of how far you traversed," Freya admitted, yet at that mention, her hands tightened, something Isaac noticed. He fought to keep the smug look off his face and largely succeeded. The food arrived a minute later and the twins both ate at the same time, cautiously. "I don't see the point in poisoning you when you both presumably have some sort of immunity."
Does she know?
About Liaris Freese, no, most likely not. If she did, then we'd be in trouble. So would Bell, in fact. The twins continued eating their breakfast with many worries. No, the source of their worry was across from them.
"Besides that, is there something else you wanted to talk to us about? Not about the War Game. I can hardly believe that," Irene said, noticing the way Ottar's lips curled into a snarl. "I'm not calling her a liar, but there's a secondary objective here, and I'd like to know what that is."
Isaac wiped his mouth, "I'd hazard a guess and saying she wants us to convert of our free will." Freya felt a tingle when he said 'convert' and she hid her reaction well, by brushing a lock of hair over her shoulder. The purple cloak she was wearing may have hidden her body, but obviously not her beauty.
"While that would be nice, I cannot force you to do so," Freya said and when she did, a major red flag went off in the twin's head.
"If you plan on doing anything to Lady Dia, I'm sure the lower level members would love to see a very angry Titan…" Isaac started but trailed off when Freya was openly laughing.
Giggling was the better term, if it wasn't obvious, her legs were kicking under the table. "Oh, I'd never harm Dia like that. You both are important to her. I couldn't do something so decrepit."
"So, why don't I believe you?" Irene asked.
Isaac felt something on his leg, moving up and down, and this made him put down his fork before slowly stabbing his thigh. "Hmm…" he growled. "I'd appreciate it if you'd stop, Lady Freya. I'd like to leave with my wits about me."
He was getting frustrated with this conversation. Nothing of value was being made, but Freya was enjoying it immensely. She gets to spend time with her future lovers! What isn't to love?
"Are you in pain? I could soothe you if you are," Freya offered, and it sounded genuine, if not for the smile she had plastered on her face.
"Nope," Isaac replied, "I'm good." He even accompanied it with a smile.
Freya then frowned, "You are?" She knew he was lying.
Did you already stab yourself? Irene questioned blankly, shooting a questioning glance to her brother.
Yep, and it feels better than her rubbing her foot on my leg, Isaac snapped back, his face a tad flushed.
"In any case, I wanted to let you know that you have a place with me if you ever want it. All you have to do is reach out to my Captain," her hand went back and stroked Ottar's arm, "and he will bring you to me."
"Appreciate the offer, but I have plans to make, and you'll only be irritated if I told you," Isaac said, bringing his other hand up to the table, leaving the knife in his thigh.
Freya's eyes narrowed, and he met her stare easily. "I have something I want to ask about."
"What is it, my dear Irene?" Freya's eyes softened as she looked at the younger Vlahos twin.
Irene reached inside her cloak and pulled out the broken necklace, but froze. Animosity washed over her in waves, just like before.
Isaac was quick to reach into his cloak and throw five different knives in five different directions, not that they hit, he knew. The knife in his thigh was visible to Freya for a split second and she chuckled. "What's the big idea here, Lady Freya?" It wasn't accusatory, but genuine. "Was this your plan all along?"
"Nonsense, they were told to stay back and observe, that was all. Why don't you take the knife out of your leg? It certainly didn't help moving as fast as you did," Freya said, attempting to discern his worries.
Ottar remained stoic, knowing that Isaac wasn't aiming at Freya. He would have to discipline his subordinates later.
The necklace landed with a clink on the table and Irene almost missed her silver eyes darting down to the necklace, seeing a spark of fear. Irene capitalized on this, "You seem to recognize this necklace, Lady Freya, care to tell me why that is? I mean, besides the fact it contains your Familia symbol? Also, that you were not the one to give it to Bell, it was the waitress, Syr Flova. I have my own theory, but I will not share it. What I wanna know is if it had a protection charm attached to it?" She noticed the Boaz shift ever so lightly.
Freya quickly composed herself as Isaac sat down, pulled the bloody knife out of his thigh with a grimace, and downed half of a potion to close the wound. The blood-soaked knife then resided on the table. "It did."
Irene slumped into her chair, "I guess that means thanks are in order." This surprised the Goddess. "Without this, he probably would have been knocked unconscious and us in the Apollo Familia, so that's where the thanks come in. I was a little slow on my spell…distracted by others."
Clearly, Freya wanted to console the girl but refrained. Seeing her soul, and her beautiful features contort to self-deprecation and doubt made Freya take a second look.
"You may be thanking her, but I have something else to add. If we had lost, what were your plans? I wanna see if she was right. Humor me. We humored your request, so it's only fair," Isaac added in, glaring at the rooftops where the five to seven other executives of the Freya Familia are hiding. His arm went over Irene's shoulder, holding her close, having heard her rampant thoughts.
"Of course, I was going to storm Apollo's home and take you by force and portray myself as your savior," Freya said bluntly. Isaac whipped his head to her and recoiled in shock. It brought Irene out of her state of melancholy. He expected to be right, but not to a T. "Don't be so surprised. You already knew, but you didn't expect me to say it aloud."
I'm ready to leave when you are, Isaac said.
Irene replied You think she'll let us? The younger twin reached forward and grabbed the necklace, pocketing it again. "Bell doesn't know about this, and I can't promise anything. If he asks, then I'm telling him everything." Freya nodded, secretly relieved.
Isaac only sat impassively as Irene couldn't have said it any better. He reached into the pouch which contained some of the valis from the Goliath stone and placed a handful on the table. "I don't like the idea of being in debt to you, so I'll be paying for Irene and myself."
"That's fine, and I hold no expectations of what you plan to say to Dia. Do give her my regards, would you please?" The silver-eyed Goddess grinned. Ottar then leaned forward to whisper something in her ear and then turned into a smile, even wider than before. "It seems our time has run out. I must go before everyone runs about in the streets. She walked around the table just as the twins stood up. They were slightly defensive as she approached. She kissed Irene on the forehead, and then quickly gave Isaac a peck on the cheek, slightly longer than what was considered platonic.
Moving away so that she doesn't grab his ears, he looked to Irene, nodding. A magic circle flared under Irene's feet and then they were gone. The sound of valis clattered on the table.
*Shadow Concealment!*
As soon as they left, the seven people came to her side. Allen Fromel, Hogni Ragnar, Hedin Selland, Grer, Alfrigg, Dvalinn, and Berling Gulliver were at her beck and call.
"Ottar, did you learn anything?" Freya asked, eyes closed.
"Yes. The two of them can communicate mentally through some means. There was only one indication," the Boaz said.
"And?"
"Their eyes dilate slightly. Most would miss it, but as we were walking, I observed them. The two have perfect synchronicity considering their…exit," he finished.
The Goddess was intrigued, Sorry, but I never said that I was the one laying a hand on Dia. You should have given them to me when you had the chance.
Multiple voices broke the Goddess out of her thoughts.
"Should we go after them?"
"I'll kill them for their disrespect!"
"I've been wanting to try my spell's full power…"
Freya raised a hand to silence their protests, "They did not disrespect me in any way. Actually, I found the way they spoke… refreshing. Hedin, monitor them but keep your distance. Everyone else, return home." The valis that was left on the table was perfectly thrown, not a single one in the dishes. Freya's silver eyes turned to the knife left behind by Isaac. He didn't have time to grab it seems. She picked up the weapon, which still was slick with his blood.
Grinning, she brought the blade to her mouth and licked the blood clean off. "Mm, a little tang was never a bad thing." Oh, how I wonder what would happen if we made it to the bedroom...
The executives all sweatdropped, but said nothing.
The twins ran right to the Complex, never stopping. "I am so creeped out right now."
"You think?!"
Isaac groaned, "I just wanted to go take Mikoto out for a date!" he leaned against a roof, at least fifteen minutes away in walking distance. He was still invisible, and Irene's breathing could be heard next to him.
Of course, he never thought Freya could be upped on the 'creepy deity' list. Then again, she's had the top spot for a while now. The second was Apollo, but that problem is taken care of. "You could still go ask her."
"Let's go speak with Dia, then and only then, will I talk to her."
The two continued on home until they saw Dia waiting by the door, and she was very upset.
"I know you two are there, come inside. We have a lot to talk about," the Goddess was holding back her wrath.
"For the job is done, let us escape the Great Beyond!" Irene said, and the two were visible.
"Why is there lipstick on your faces?"
The twins looked at each other and paled… ""There is a perfectly logical explanation for this!"" they said as they bowed at the waist in front of Dia. ""You aren't going to like it.""
"There better be…" they didn't see the smirk on her face.
Isaac Vlahos
Level 3 → 3/4 → 4
Power = A802 → SS1046 → H150
Endurance = A895 → SS1191 → H150
Dexterity = B799 → SS1029 → H150
Agility = C614 → A875 → H150
Magic = D584 → A823 → H150
Hunter = F
Immunity = E
Fire Resistance = G
Weapons Expert = I
{Magic}
Futago's Maindosukēpu: This allows the user to speak with their twin, an exceptionally rare spell, only works on blood-related twins. Fraternal or Identical, there is no difference. Uses very little Mind, and can be used for long-distance. No chant required; like flexing a muscle, the user thinks, and it activates, helpful in stressful situations.
Bronze Key: Gifted by the keyholder, for being close to them. Bronze Key allows the user access to all Swift Strike Spells and various lower to mid-tier spells. Can be upgraded by [redacted].
(pretend this is tabbed in)Meteor Fissure: Swift Strike Magic. Forms sharp earth rocks based on the user's power. Near-instant travel time, unaffected by other elements. Chant: Fissure!
{Skills}
Liaris Freese: Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. As a side effect, it makes the user immune to charms.
Heat Barrage: Increases all of the user's basic abilities. Dependent on the user's level.
Last Rites: When user is critically injured—physically, emotionally, or mentally—Status is effectively copied and doubled for a short time. Any bonuses and effects applied to user are affected as well.
Tsuinzubatorukurai (Twin's Battlecry): When a user is fighting a battle with a blood-related twin, The basic stats are temporarily increased by two ranks for a short time.
…
Irene Vlahos
Level 3 → 3/4 → 4
Power = D571 → A886 → H150
Endurance = B721 → S979 → H150
Dexterity = C663 → A892 → H150
Agility = D504 → A861 → H150
Magic = B798 → SSS1357→ H150
Mage = C
Immunity = G
Spirit Healing = E
Magic Resistance = I
{Magic}
Futago's Maindosukēpu: This allows the user to speak with their twin, an exceptionally rare spell, only works on blood-related twins. Fraternal or Identical, there is no difference. Uses very little Mind, and can be used for long-distance. No chant required; like flexing a muscle, the user thinks, and it activates, helpful in stressful situations.
Orb of Divine Healing: Replenishes Mind and heals injuries, while also giving the affected target a small boost to their status. Cannot cast on one's self. However, the user can only cast it once safely without the risk of Mind Down, twice if their magic skill is above Rank E. Chant- Oh humble Goddess, I beseech you. Bless thy vessel with the strength to carry on. Allow this extension of your will to be thrusted into a new age. Heal, I beseech you. Through the stars and sky, I wish the light of day be graced upon those worthy. Heal. Even if I fall, let those who receive live to fight. I beseech you, oh humble Goddess, Heal!
Keys to the Kingdom: This allows the user access to any spell, no matter what the effects of it are. If the User becomes acquainted with a spell, it is added to their magic list.
Blazing Meteor: Summons a flaming rock to be launched at an opponent. Tracking spell, considered to be the weakest. Can be repeated multiple times, with no limit. Chant- By the wishes of the Gods, grant me the power to test my enemies in the fires of purity!
Smokescreen: Swift Strike Magic. Creates a smoke that blinds those not allied to the caster. Great for stealth or sneaking around/between enemies. Chant - Smokescreen!
Shockwave: Swift Strike Magic. Air element. This creates a wind blade, visible when cast, that slices enemies. Empowered if user has Mage development ability. Chant - Shockwave!
Shadow Concealment: This spell allows the shadows to reflect light around the user and their allies rendering them invisible to most. They do not have to be of the same Falna for this to work. This duration is affected by the user's level, Power, and Magic stats. If the user has the development ability Mage, the duration is doubled. Chant- The monsters of the night, heed my call. I request passing to the Great Beyond. Let my enemies know true fear. Phobos, I call upon thee, cast us into the shadows!
{Skills}
Liaris Freese: Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. As a side effect, it makes the user immune to charms.
Fairy Serenade: Increases the effects of Magic Effect rises at night.
Tsuinzubatorukurai (Twin's Battlecry): When a user is fighting a battle with a blood-related twin, The basic stats are temporarily increased by two ranks for a short time.
Serenity: Dia's description is as follows. I judge that it has to do with healing magic, but there is nothing on it. I can only assume that its meaning has something to do with peace. Research to follow.
So, if you made it down here, yeah, I know it's long, but hey. I'm back from vacation, obviously. To those that follow both of my DanMachi stories, rest assured that I am writing a chapter for Tales of Royalty. I did manage to get a chapter done for DB over my vacation. ToR's chapter currently has 4.5k words and I still have a fight scene—multiple ones—to still write. I predict at least 6k-7k if I do it right.
As for this story, I have been following canon pretty faithfully, of course with some differences, but once I hit the Ishtar arc, that's where a change comes in. A major change. The Xenos Arc and Expedition Arc are bound to come...when I get there.
Also, if y'all complain about how OP my OCs are...cause I've dealt with it on another fic...I just don't understand people...anyway, I've read some stories where Bell is so ridiculously OP that it defies all logic. No, I don't have examples. No, I am not shaming OP Bell/OCs, but I need that person to open their damn eyes.
Rolls eyes with malicious intent.
I will say this, Serenity will have multiple uses, but I won't outright say when they happen. Otherwise, it's good to be back. I missed being able to write for more than five minutes.