At the top of Babel, Freya was eagerly awaiting the results of her children's mission. They had to do this under the noses of everyone. Nothing must be revealed. She was looking forward to it. While she wanted to wait a bit longer, the fact is that she wants them. She needs to have them.
Why was she breaking her method?
Simply put, the woman was clearly obsessed, but not to the point of a yandere. Freya knows of the legacy of the Great Mage, and how she could literally level battlefields with only a few spells. Alongside the Incarnation of Talent and Gluttony. While Maxim was a monster in his own right, he was not the one who could do such legendary feats so easily. The woman was in the Zeus Familia, not the Hera Familia like one would have thought.
Freya remembers a time where someone, most likely Alfia, asked why she didn't join Hera. To which the response was, 'I needed to show these boys how it's done.' Alfia showed a rare smile that day, even opening up her eyes. The two did bond well if Freya noticed anything, which is why it confused her that the Mage went to the pervert rather than the crazy one...wait...it's making sense now.
Freya did know Hera to be a little overzealous, to almost the point of obsession, but one good scolding from a level one of her familia set her straight.
Another thing was that she had the chance to speak to the Great Mage directly, albeit with Hera there. Hera never trusted Freya to not use her charm to make them fall under her spell. Freya isn't that deplorable...all the time. The conversation was civil, but when Freya asked about her family, she watched as her soul sparkled. Her daughter was pregnant and she knew it was twins. Nothing else was given. So much has happened since then. Those twins happened to be in her line of sight now.
However, that conversation was almost two decades ago. Not a lot of time for a Goddess, but for some, it was their lifespan. Reflecting back on the Great Mage's words, the twins were the very same twins whose souls looked like two halves of a whole. Granted, now they looked more like their separate entities, but they always felt connected. She could not have one without the other.
She was all quiet and just staring out the window of Babel. Not bored but not entertained either. Ever since she saw the date between Isaac and the girl identified as Mikoto of the formerly Takemikazuchi, now Hestia Familia, she knew it was cruel to try and rip them away—as a Goddess of love, fertility, and war—but that wasn't her plan. She had something else in mind. She's been planning it for a few weeks now. They just needed a perfect opportunity.
If anyone asked, she's actually been planning it for a month and a half. It was currently almost finished. The Goddess of Beauty shot a glance at the Red Light District and saw Ishtar's domain. The woman was completely infatuated with being the prettiest Goddess of Beauty around. Herself, Ishtar, and Aphrodite were the three that came to mind.
Freya could honestly care less about who was prettier—even though she knew it was herself because of one simple reason.
Her thoughts continued to wander, even as her eyes caught her three beloveds heading to the Red Light District. "Curious...what are you doing?" I have been hearing that my Isaac has been getting chased by Amazons...fufu...they'll never catch him.
"Lady Freya," a deep voice said behind her. Ottar stood impassively, looking directly into Freya's eyes. "We have returned. The mission is complete. No one is aware of what we have brought up. It will remain at Folkvangr until needed."
A coy smile appeared on the Goddess' lips, "I shall go now, might as well have the preparations finished before the main event."
"I shall escort you," the imposing man said, not giving her a chance to refuse. It was only for her protection, and he hoped that she could see that.
A small chuckle left Freya's mouth, "Alright, my dearest Captain. If it will make you feel better, then escort me home, will you?" Freya latched onto the man's bulging bicep and began escorting her. "There weren't any complications, were there?"
"None to report. When ordered, they will follow to fulfill your desires. They will see the error of their ways and join us soon enough." Looking upon his soul, she saw a small simmer spark. The fires were burning, and she was pleased with the change.
Fufu, you've made the dearest King upset. I hope you are ready to face the consequences, my lovely Vlahos twins...and dearest Bell...don't think I've forgotten about you, but you're not ready to climb those steps...not yet.
"So, what's happening?" Bell asked once everyone was assembled. That being Welf, Lili, himself, Goddess Hestia, and Goddess Dia. Everyone has gathered around and have taken their seats. Dia sat next to Irene. Hestia and Lili sat on opposite sides of Bell, and Welf just leaned against an accent chair.
Irene was sitting on the couch, "Mikoto and Chigusa have entered the Pleasure Quarter, according to Isaac, so we need to investigate as to why."
"T-The Pl-Pleasure Q-Quarter?" Bell question with a red face.
"Sweet child…" Irene started, "Don't worry, we're not going to enjoy the show. We're going because our friends are sneaking out for some unknown reason. Lady Dia, Lady Hestia, no matter what you have to say about this, we are going, no matter what."
Hestia, of course, was against Bell going because of his innocence and the fact she's a Virgin Goddess. There was that, but Dia understood, "Just go get Isaac back, I would like to speak to you both when I get a chance."
This made Hestia raise an eyebrow off to the side, wondering what she was planning. Are you...surely not. Hestia dropped it right there, they had more important matters to worry about. "So, we're all going?"
"No, you two, stay here, or go see Goddess Loki," Bell said, and his voice was firm.
"Lili agrees, it would be safer if you had protection while we search," the Prum said, for once not latching onto Bell. She actually kept her anger and jealousy at an all-time low. "Lili wonders why Miss Mikoto and Miss Chigusa would go there?"
Any ideas, Isaac?
His voice was soft, being a decent distance across Orario. People underestimate how big this place is. Probably that one friend she mentioned to me. I saw the pain, regret, and a bit of despair in her eyes. I never asked for a description as I wasn't going to step on her toes for that. She was important. Her name, I asked amidst our conversation, is Sanjouno Haruhime, a Renard. That was all she revealed; there were no other details.
"To look for a Vixen...clever…" Irene said aloud.
"A Vixen?" asked Dia, "Explain, Irene."
Facing her Goddess, "Renards are fox-like people, sometimes confused, don't ask me how with Kitsunes or maybe not and I'm just not firing on all cylinders. This one is named Sanjouno Haruhime."
"Of the Royal Sanjouno Family in the Far East? What's a Princess doing here?!" Welf asked.
"Could say the same about Mum, but that's beside the point," Irene said, referring to Riveria and her elven heritage. Anything else?
Well, besides watching them being flirted with by a few Amazons...no. Just hurry before I have to reveal myself, otherwise, I'll lose them from having to run. I don't think they would take too kindly of me rejecting their advances, Isaac said with a hint of worry.
Irene refocused on the conversation, seeing Bell, Lili, and Welf staring at her with a dumbfounded look. "Did I not tell them? I swear I did…"
"What's this about 'Mum' huh?" Hestia asked. That wasn't a lie from Irene. She thought she told them but guess not.
"Isaac and I consider Lady Riveria, Nine Hell of Loki Familia, to be our adoptive mother. She...just kinda grew on us and admittedly, it was for a selfish reason. She knew our Grandmother...personally. Master-Apprentice kinda thing...nothing more. Riveria is one of the only links we have to her. Our parents weren't famous or anything, but she was. Ever since...never mind, I'm getting off track. I'll tell the story later. Right now, we have a Renard to find."
"Needle in a haystack?" Welf asked.
"Needle in a haystack," Irene confirmed.
"Could we ask Lord Hermes?" Bell suggested tentatively. He knew that the Messanger God knew a lot of things, and he could possibly find something out.
Welf thought about it, "Well, that could work, but also remember that those in the Red Light District are ahem working...so they have a price, but that also means they have a price to be bought, meaning you could free this Haruhime from her line of work."
"How do you know that, Welf?" Hestia asked him with a critical eye.
The smith sweatdropped, "I used to go to the district, mostly as a tag-along, and I was never interested because people thought I would make them a magic sword if I was all buddy-buddy with them. I know about it because someone had actually bought one from the Ishtar Familia, and I've heard she's pregnant now...so…" he trailed off. Flushing, "I still don't like the area...but if they went there, we gotta go." Hestia allowed that to slip by.
Dia looked on with a pensive expression. She was thinking of something, but she refocused to the here and now, "You will be careful, alright?" If anyone noticed Dia's voice falter, no one commented on it. Hestia looked worriedly at her friend.
Alright, so that didn't go as planned… Isaac's voice came through.
Irene turned to look out the window, What happened?
So, one of them sniffed me out and tried to corner me, and long story short, I have five pursuers. Bad news, lost sight of Mikoto and Chigusa. Get over here ASAP, last I saw, southeastern quadrant of the district. Have fun, going silent for now…
"Stupid idiot…" Irene mumbled, to which the emerald-eyed Goddess raised an eyebrow.
"Isaac's being chased...again… seems like snu-snu wants him real bad."
"He has a bad habit of attracting more Amazons than anyone we've ever met…" Dia said, allowing herself a small chuckle.
The quarter elf turned to Bell, "And if you go, then they'll swarm you. Hope you like running."
"Why would they swarm my Bell?" Hestia asked with her hands on her hips.
"Because he's a virgin, looks like a rabbit, has an absolutely adorable face...need I go on, Lady Hestia?" Irene stated bluntly.
"Yep, you two are definitely similar," Welf added. "Hope you don't need your gear, I was still working on it from our Dungeon crawl. I'll need most of the night if I'm to get it all done."
"Sure thing...now, let's come up with a plan."
Isaac followed Mikoto and Chigusa while not keeping his eyes on them. Somehow, he knew that if he looked, she'd know. A woman's sixth sense for detecting stuff is second to none when it comes to their man. Now, being an elf—whether that being full, half, or quarter—in the Pleasure District was like a taboo. He shouldn't do it, but it was for a good cause. The Berbera specifically would know and pounce without a second thought.
The Berbera is the group of Amazonian women that are at least level three or higher in the Ishtar Familia. Isaac's stats should be high enough to counter, but they could still overwhelm him, and he was not keen on drawing blood unless he has to. The Ishtar Familia resides in thePleasure Quarter, and the home, Belit Bebili, was the central focal point of the district. The streets themselves smelled like sex and drugs.
Aphrodisiacs were commonplace, and Isaac immediately made a rule to not accept a drink from anyone. Isaac would never come here willingly. He was only here to make sure that his girlfriend and her best friend weren't scooped up and sold into this business. If that happened….he'd raze this place until he found them.
However, some Amazons were keen enough to notice someone on the roofs. They didn't move to intercept because they felt strength coming from him. Hidden strength that drove the Amazonian instincts wild. They had to have him to make daughters with. Since Amazons are all female, they can only have daughters, no matter the breeding partner. They felt he was a level above them, which drove their instincts on high. A few of the Berbera were then tasked with tailing him...then pinning him down and getting a few rounds in of...sparring. Sure, let's go with that.
As Isaac moved, he suddenly felt like the smell of sex was approaching him...and he moved to the road, off the roof, and appeared by Mikoto and Chigusa's side. "So, explain what you're doing here and quickly."
"I-Isaac?!" Mikoto exclaimed, causing him to put a hand over her mouth.
"Explain first, or let me guess, you're after your friend...Haruhime," Isaac said and at the nods from the Far Eastern girls, he let go of her mouth. "Well, if you said something to everyone, we would have helped. Don't sneak out again…" He paused as he felt lustful eyes coming from multiple directions. "Okay, so you two, calmly wait by the entrance while I attempt to keep my chastity intact."
"Wa-" Mikoto said as Isaac booked it. That led to the conversation with Irene.
With his connection shut, he could think clearly. Okay, so at least five, and they know the area. They probably know a few secret ways too. Hmm, disadvantages all around. Are we sure that this isn't the Dungeon's dungeon? On second thought, bury that and burn with Mum's spell.
Leaping across a roof, he landed in a roll before pushing off to his left as a knife landed where he was a split second ago, "So you're the one who's running around. So much strength too," she took a deep sniff, "and still pure…"
"Okay, it was not nice to meet you. That's creepy and I'm already in an engagement."
"Oh, Harpe...don't you know that when a virgin enters the Pleasure Quarter, they don't come out as pure as they came in…" the Amazon in front of him giggled. The double entendre wasn't lost on him, which made him shiver. That was something she liked, "Oh? Enticed by the thought?"
"You want my honest opinion?" Isaac said, even as he moved to the other side of the roof, far away from this chick. They nodded, "Absolutely not and you could pay me the highest bounty on the board and I still wouldn't give up my chastity, not to just anyone. Can I at least get your name?"
"Interested, are we? Hmm, the name's Reena."
Alright, "Good, that means I can avoid you." He leaped off the roof with that, landing on the ground, sparing a glance up, before he ran headlong out of the area.
He knew that if he stayed, he would be subject to a horny man's dream. For him, it'd be a never-ending nightmare. Being subjugated to that would not be great for his already shaky psyche. The reason he hasn't broken was for three reasons. His sister, his Goddess, and now his courted. His past hindered him more than it helped, which if a tragic past somehow helped, well, not much to say honestly.
As he ran, he found a group of three Amazons in front of him and one of them was the ugliest one he's ever seen. How the hell was that abomination even conceived?!
"Hek hek hek, so you're the runner? How perfect. You've come into my awaiting arms."
Isaac literally had to withhold his urge to vomit. His face surely turned a shade of green. His eyes looked over to the other Amazons. They seemed to share the same sentiment, but they obviously couldn't express it. Oh, for the love of all things holy and divine, please get me out of here…
What happened this time? Irene's voice floated in his mind.
I wanna bleach my eyes from this, Issac said with utter disgust tainting his thoughts.
Irene's casual remark of, You attract the weird ones, was to be expected. He immediately decided to use a piece of the Bronze Key. He should have used it sooner, but it was not really nice to use magic on the surface, at least like this. Oh well.
*Smokescreen!*
A cloud of smoke rose up and Isaac quickly ran in the opposite direction. That direction happened to be where everyone else was entering. He vaguely saw Irene and the others, but continued on, Talk later, look for them. Amazons are weird and you should be happy they aren't lesbians!
He didn't pay attention to the response and vaguely heard the sound of a clicking toad and the words, "After him!"
Inside Belit Bebili, on a throne, sat a Goddess of Beauty. This was not the Goddess of Beauty that comes to mind first. Goddess Ishtar, the patron deity of the Ishtar Familia was sitting on her throne at the top. Her beautiful dark, creamy skin was on display. She was wearing revealing attire similar to that of Amazonesses, consisting of a single red-orange piece of cloth around her neck that barely covers her breasts and a matching pareo around her waist that reaches down to her ankles.
Of course, to complete the look was her jewelry, she wears golden bracelets, anklets, and necklaces, along with a crown at the top of her head, with several jewels in the center. She was known to have a jealous affliction toward Freya.
Her faithful aide, Tammuz Belili, stood at her side, "Tell me what happened." Golden brown skin was exposed and a silver collar resides around his neck. The man was loyal only to Ishtar akin to how Ottar is to Freya.
"There have been reports of Harpe running through the district. As for his goals, unknown. Phryne had spotted him and have given chase. They also report he's also a virgin, and since his recent rank-up, thanks to our informants, he is definitely strong and will give them many daughters when caught."
"Isn't Harpe one of her interests?" Ishtar asked, her interest piqued. This was a great development. The plan was already forming inside the brown-skinned Goddess.
"Yes, Lady Ishtar, along with Aspis and the Little Rookie, both are here. What are your orders?" Tammuz asked. The smile that was forming on his Goddess's face was one of a conniving woman.
"Perfect. I will prepare a plan. That bitch Freya will never know what hit her. The ritual is on schedule, yes? Provided Hermes gets here with the item."
Tammuz nodded and explained further that the full moon was to be in full view, the skies of Orario will be clear and it was perfect to see that haughty Goddess be pushed off that pedestal she calls her throne.
Irene watched as her brother ran off and saw a few Amazons chasing after him. The young twin turned to see Mikoto watching him with a slightly fearful look, "He'll be fine."
"How can you say that?"
"Isaac just leveled up, same as me, and since he's so determined to prove his loyalty and worth to you, he will run as long as it takes," Irene said giving her potential sister-in-law a look. "Seriously, if you haven't kissed yet, I'm going to hit him."
When Mikoto blushed, Welf gave a knowing grin. Irene slowly eyed her with a growing smirk. "Well, seems they made it to first base, as I've been hearing the saying being passed around."
"What about you and Lady Hephaistos?" Irene immediately countered. He just grinned again, but his face matched his hair. "Anyway...we should probably start searching, and Bell?"
"Hmm?" his face was already matching his eyes.
"Stay close and do not wander off," Irene said, knowing how some were already noticing the Little Rookie was in the Pleasure District. It was only a matter of time that someone caught him and he better pray that he can run fast enough. Somehow though, she just knew that it was going to be a difficult night and it has only just begun.
T̷̬̑̃ĭ̵̡̛̝m̵̟̏e̴̛̗͝ ̷͍̪̃̏ï̵͔s̸͉̼̐ ̶̢͎͂̎r̸͙̿͜ư̷̤͊ņ̷̊n̵̠͆̋i̷̦̖̎ñ̸̢͈̾g̸̤͂̂ ̸̺͛͜͝ȏ̴̦̫ủ̴͙t̴͇̣͒͋.̷̛̖͗.̴̟̥̅̃.̴̺̠̊͝
The group proceeded through the district, noticing more Amazons crowding them. Irene whispered, only just loud enough, "We're being coraled, make no sudden moves, and follow me."
As she turned, she felt the gazes on her, and subsequently, Bell. She knew someone was going to make a move. And she hated the fact she was right.
A horde of people, not just Amazons, but other adventurers with satisfied grins on their faces all came out of the woodwork it seemed, and in the dense crowd, something was off. Aspis leaked intent to back away, scaring Mikoto and Chigusa. Welf was startled but quickly got his reaction under control. She looked around, searching for some very specific features. White hair and red eyes. They were nowhere to be found.
"Son of a…" Irene ground her teeth. "Bell's missing, and with so many people, I can't find him."
"Then it's a good thing I'm here now…" a very out of breath Isaac said as he emerged from a side street.
"Enjoy the Runaway Adventures of Snu-Snu?" Irene bit out.
Isaac took in a gulp of air before saying, "Hurtful, and no. I did not. Where's our pal?"
Welf hopped into the conversation, "Better get moving then, and it would be a shame to have to report to Lady Hestia about this…"
"Dia would be upset…"
"...more like downright furious. I think it's about time we step it up," Irene said, her Aspis persona fading, along with her intent. Isaac barely noticed it, but how Mikoto and Chigusa took a deep breath meant she was laying it on thick for them.
"I think you're right, we are due to pay them back for saving us, now, if I wanted to separate someone from a group without them noticing, what lecherous or lewd tactics would I employ?" Isaac pondered this as he immediately looked to see his sister roll her eyes.
She spoke as if she was speaking to a five-year-old, "Bell is little an innocent little bean. Just seeing an Amazon is only the beginning. Heaven forbid that they look at him get him to blush. Finally, when they speak to him, do they make him blush to match his eyes."
"Lecture me later, okay, let's just go find the guy before they come back. I really want to prove that Amazon wrong."
"What did she say?" Welf asked.
"If a virgin enters, they don't leave as pure as they started, and for Bell, myself, and anyone of the male gender is screwed...in both cases," Isaac said. "I was lucky to make it out, my recent level up was a boon, so I managed to make it out…"
"What about that ugly one?" Welf inquired further.
Isaac looked ready to hurl at that, "Please, if you'd rather not see me in a pitiful state, do not mention her."
Irene spoke up, "What are you-"
"Hek Hek Hek, you thought you could escape from this beauty, Harpe? Think again!" The ugliest Amazon said. Phyrne Jamil. Level five and Captain of the Ishtar Familia. This time, Isaac did turn green and covered his mouth. Mikoto hid her reaction well, but she was annoyed that this...hussy...was chasing after her boyfriend.
"Never mind that, we're leaving," Irene said, taking up the mantle of the 'responsible' one. "Come on, we'll just have to hope he'll be fine." She's so ugly! How did you run from that?!
Just imagine it and it made me want to run faster. On the bright side, my agility probably went up.
Multiple Amazons, the Berbera, surrounded the group of six, "Lili thinks that this is not going to go well." Irene's grin said otherwise.
*Smokescreen!*
"What? The same spell?!" Multiple Amazons were confused. What did that mean? Possessing a spell does not make it unique, as Swift Strike Magic is one that most could have, but it is required to have the bare minimum of magical understanding. Once the smoke cleared, the group was nowhere to be found. Safe to say, they made it out, but they were still missing Bell.
"So, you returned without Bell?"
"Listen, Lady Hestia, would you rather us fight off the entire Berbera and any other allies of the Ishtar Familia? We had no choice and I certainly wanted to stay pure. If Bell is in trouble, then I have no doubt that someone will have an overreaction," Isaac said, explaining the situation, once he fully recovered from his nausea. His own irritation was at an all-time high, and he was doing his best to not let that one insult that could ruin someone's career fly.
Seriously, did he just have a magnet that said, 'Amazon Attraction' or was it some super hidden development ability that Dia was hiding from him? Speaking of his patron goddess, she looked off. He'd have to discuss it with her later.
You and me both, Isaac. She's been a little distant, Irene's voice said, yet she was looking at Hestia.
Not responding to her, he continued, "We also both know that he has an admirer that would go to great lengths to make sure he was safe." Isaac felt guilty bringing up the hidden Silverback in the room, but he needed to. He didn't place emphasis on the word 'admirer' but it was the hidden meaning that got the loli goddess to pacify. "Also, Bell is level three and capable of holding his own, but the Captain is level five, and they have overwhelming numbers. He would not risk being reckless."
"Says the guy who got chased."
"Ira, I did not want to be pinned down and used as a breeding machine, so please quit with the comments," Isaac snapped at his sister. Welf and Lili watched with bated breath. As for Chigusa and Mikoto, they went to stay at Takemikazuchi's home for the night with a promise to meet up tomorrow. Irene wisely shut her trap and mentally apologized. Taking a deep breath, "I will go search for him tomorrow. Dia?"
"Hmm?" the petite Goddess looked up, and the bags under her eyes were noticeable.
"Go get some sleep," Isaac said. I'll be up in a minute. You look like you need someone to cuddle."
"Count me in," Irene said, she left it at that.
"N-No! You don't have to, I'm fine! Just stressing over some paperwork," Dia defended. If the twins didn't know her as well as they do, they'd assume she was telling the truth, but they did and she wasn't.
The twins gently guided her away, leaving Welf and Lili under Hestia's anger. Right now, they needed to comfort their goddess, their older sister figure.
"You know, just because we can't detect lies as you can doesn't mean we can't detect them in general?" Irene asked.
"Dia, you're stressed, but not about paperwork. Do you have a feeling?" Isaac asked, and the way Dia tightened her hand on the necklace—which she didn't notice how hard she was gripping it—meant she was worried for them.
Something that this necklace started to do was let them know that she was touching it. It started out small, but since she was doing it so much, it was like having a sixth sense for their Goddess. "I...uh...I did-I have had a feeling, and it...it's terrifying."
Naturally, the twins flanked both sides of Dia, each wrapping an arm around her, Irene up top, Isaac across her back. The slight skinship between them was something that they all enjoy. Dia started crying for whatever reason. As much as Irene wanted to speak up, Isaac mentally told her to not worry about it.
"Then, let's retire for the night and we'll talk more in the morning, and don't think you're getting out of it. After I return from attempting to retrieve Bell, we need to sit and talk. I don't like secrets and you withholding that is just a bit hurtful…"
"Don't lie either, it hurts a lot more than a little," Dia refuted, giving a single chuckle to which he returned.
"Yeah, guess so, but know that we'll be there for you…" and I will give my life to make sure that you can continue to spread joy. He withheld this from being said aloud and from his sister. After all, she still wanted to be a fairy princess, right?
Irene just snuggled up to her Goddess and laid the two of them down, Irene was spooning Dia and Isaac laid in front of Dia on his back. The trio of Dia Familia slept peacefully. Unfortunately, it would be the last peaceful one.
T̷͈͑̚͝ḧ̵̟̲̐ȩ̵͚̩̐̈́͘ ̷̛̰̯͎̃̎t̷̬́͒͠i̶͕̰͐̏m̶̞͍̌è̸̩ ̷̫̒̆h̴̛̳̬͆ȁ̸̝̰̆ş̸̖̥̃̀ ̷̺͌́ć̸̤̰̀̕ȯ̷̠m̴̛͙̟͜͠e̴͎͗̈́.̶̲̆
Outside of the Hearth Mansion, stood two figures on a rooftop, getting a good look through the window to see the three figures sleeping. They were in such a deep state of sleep that they didn't notice the stares.
"Remind me, Hedin, why we came here?" a dark elf asked a light elf.
"Hogni, we came here under our Lady's order. We are needed to observe their movements, or have you forgotten?"
"Hence why I just asked you to remind me," the dark elf snarked. "We could just as easily do this five different ways."
Hedin turned towards the window, "If all goes well, we will have two new familia members and I plan on training Aspis to the brink of death. Heith can heal her body. The quartet will take Harpe and train him, beating him black, blue, and red."
Hogni smirked into his collar. It was a pleasant idea. "Come, fellow former king, we must continue our preparations."
The two disappeared without a trace a minute later, their job was done for tonight.
"You let them get away?" a very angry Ishtar asked her Berbera. The glare she was leveling at Phryne was one that Aisha did not want to be on the receiving end of again. While Phryne looked like a toad that had roadkill plastered on her face, Aisha Belka was the opposite.
Aisha has tan skin, purple eyes, and long black hair that covers the right side of her face. She wears clothing reminiscent of a dancer along with earrings and various gold decorations around her chest and belly. Her clothes are revealing enough that she could be mistaken as wearing underwear. As all Amazons are, she was barefoot. The woman looked away, not wanting to be in Phryne's place.
The toad threw out a horrid excuse, but that did not spare Aisha, "What happened with the Little Rookie, Antianeira?" Ishtar turned to her now.
"He could still be in the district, but we have lost him…" she said. Anything else would have been a lie and the last time she was blamed for something...it was horrible. "If he was to escape, there is one way and one place that we could get them. Maybe even if we're lucky...Harpe too…"
Ishtar's furious expression morphed into a pleased one. "Yes... that can work. Phryne, prepare the 'expedition' and do not ruin them. I know what happens when you get your hands on a man."
"Aww come on, why are you singling me out?" the toad asked. The other Amazons had knowing, withering, looks. Anytime the Androctonus gets a man, they die from overexertion from sex.
"I will be the first to have them both...and when I'm done, you may have them, is that clear?"
"Yes, Goddess!"
A glimpse into the future. This is what one can expect.
A lone figure was walking along the path to Orario, in the dead of night with an important message and with trepidation. They are so going to be upset and angry…
That trepidation turned to wariness as Orario came into her sight. What she saw made her take in the situation. Smoke was rising into the night sky. Normally, this wasn't any cause for concern, but since it was a lot of smoke, it was cause for concern.
It only got worse as a pillar of light pierced the heavens. A god was just sent back to Heaven. Knowing it wasn't her deity, she started speed walking. That walking was really a sprint to anyone level four or below. Her speed and agility were naturally high, as she concurrent chants more often than not. The Dungeon's lower floors taught her that, along with the quests she's been on.
"Freya...you did not…" A look of fury passed over the woman's delicate face, seeing that it was the Pleasure District. Her eyesight was better than most people's. "It looks like Hermes was right. She really was making a move." The woman, this figure, took off at speeds that rival a dragon mount's top speed. She needed to be quick.
To hell with everyone else, she needed to protect her last remaining family members.
Orario did not know what hit it and in the following days because there would be a power shift; and they would have to learn to deal with it.
...
If you figured it out, good. Keep it to yourself. If you haven't...well...
I've mentioned this last week, but that document I have...it will be used within the next couple of weeks...maybe three at most? I've actually fallen behind on my writing, meaning I have to write more.
Should I stop? I dunno. I do want to get this plot point out before I decide to take a break. At least until I am able to have multiple chapters prepared in the meantime.
Here are my current planned arcs (plus my estimation of how many chapters):
Ishar Arc (4 or 5; Chapters 28-32 or 33.)
Xenos Arc (6 chapters; 33/34-39)
Expedition Arc (5; Chapters 40-44)
SUBJECT TO CHANGE, as if I really need to say it.
Until then.