Before they all went into the Dungeon, Isaac arrived home, and he was mercilessly grilled on what happened. They, of course, wanted to know absolutely everything. What he said was nothing short of dropping a bomb in the Hearth Manor. "She was dry humping me and trying to seduce me to stay. Not to mention, she tried to kiss me," Isaac said, pointedly looking away from Mikoto in shame. Most gaped at him, except for Irene and Dia. Clearly, it was non-consensual, but neither one of them called him out on it.
That would only drive a wedge in the conversation.
"Why did you go?" Cassandra asked. Her visions didn't tell her of anything happening to a sharp sword or shield of any kind. At least not yet.
"You try telling three first-class adventurers that you don't want to see their Goddess who's a fanatical nutjob and ask me again," Isaac said plainly with heavy sarcasm but quickly followed up with, "There wasn't anything I was able to do. The moment if I decided to run, I'd be kissing the concrete faster than I could say 'Smokescreen' and I'd very much like to avoid head trauma if at all possible."
"So, what did she say?"
"Well, she's going to try and break Mikoto and I up, I called her out on being lonely, and as much as I hate to admit it, I...kinda empathize with her…" Seeing the looks of shock, surprise, and slightly hostile looks, "Do you think I've been charmed?" No one answered. Help me out here.
"Freya is the worst Goddess in Orario," Hestia said with a grin that was a little too...arrogant. Did she read his mind?
Isaac raised an eyebrow before chuckling, "Well, didn't expect that, but with the way she runs things are definitely...abnormal." He looked to his sister again, wondering what she can say.
"Best memory of Mom and Dad," Irene said, with a noticeable lack of bravado in her tone. The younger twin looked away at this and Dia sucked in a breath. This was a sore spot for both, and this was only to convince them that he wasn't charmed. Most present in the room don't know of Liaris Freese, so they are right to be suspicious.
"Sixth birthday party. The one where you got the cake all over them and they laughed it off. We then proceeded to eat the cake, at least the salvageable parts, in its entirety," Isaac laughed as he really recalled the memory.
"You had a hand in the cake disaster too. You aren't blameless," Irene nodded nonetheless, "He's not charmed. Now continue, you said something about her being lonely."
"We all know that Freya is a Goddess of Beauty, but do you all know that she's also a Goddess of Love and War?" Isaac asked the group in front of him. The four deities were exempt from his asking because they already knew. It was obvious.
"That...make sense, I guess," Welf added in his two valis. "Was she surprised you knew that?"
"No, but I implied what she was. I told her that most, if not all, Gods descended because you all wanted entertainment. There's an ulterior motive...always. The four of you can't weasel your way out but I digress. I wanted to know hers, was it because she chases love because she's known for it, or was it because she genuinely wanted to find someone to love with all her heart?"
"Philosophical much, Isaac?" Dia asked her child. The question was a valid one though. Freya has always been difficult to observe. She seems to hide behind a façade of some kind, and Dia didn't know what it was.
"I didn't get a reason for my 'summons' except for 'I wanted to see you', so I had to keep the conversation rolling, which of course, she turned it around on me. Remember I am a guy. She's undeniably gorgeous but my heart's already spoken for," Isaac said, looking over to Mikoto for a split second to see her blush but she kept a straight face. "The other fact is that she respects mortal customs, so my courting for example. However, if she chose to ignore that…" he shivered. "I don't want to talk about it…"
Mikoto shivered as well. Isaac, much to her surprise, was one of the best things to happen to her. Growing up in the Far East with her fellow orphans, Haruhime, and Takemikazuchi was easily the top few. Isaac wormed his way in as well. Their date was another reason. It felt like this wasn't the first time they've met but it was like a mental block. They knew something but they didn't know what that something was.
The samurai spoke up, "Did she do anything else to you?" she was referring to the...dry humping...as he put it. It embarrassed her to think something so lascivious, let alone speak it.
Isaac grimaced and looked away from everyone, "I did say she tried to seduce me with her body." His hand reached around his back, feeling where her breasts pressed against him. "I, again, only have room for one woman in my heart that isn't family. We all know who that is."
Bell smiled at his friend's pseudo declaration of love. Yet here he was, still chasing his idol. That wasn't going to deter him. He will be strong enough to be by her side. Taking himself out of his thoughts, with no blush present—a first for him—he spoke, "That everything?"
Nahza sniffed the air, picking up a scent radiating from Isaac, "She did something."
Miach interjected, "Everything Mister Vlahos has said has been the truth." Take confirmed, as did Hestia.
Dia was quick on the uptake, "Why are you covering your neck?"
Issac froze, wanting nothing more to disappear in shame, his stubborn elven pride demanded he does so. "P-Promise you won't be upset?" Anyone with a brain knew he was mostly speaking to Mikoto. The girl in question furrowed her brows as she approached him. He took a small step back but she grabbed him before he could really move.
"Move your hand, please," Mikoto gently, yet firmly, asked.
With a defeated sigh, Isaac moved his hand and discolored skin was revealed. Dia's eyes burned with fury because she touched her child when he clearly was against it. Irene's did as well but it was not at Isaac that their fury was directed to. Bell—the ignorant boy—was confused as to why Irene and Lady Dia were so upset. Welf paled in his chair, and Lili sucked a breath in between her teeth. The pair of male gods shut their mouths once they saw it. Cassandra and Daphne gave a short gasp.
Mikoto gently brushed a finger or two over the skin, "Lady Freya gave you this?"
"W-When I didn't want her to...I-I refused a-all of her advances…" the small desperation in his tone tore at Mikoto's heart.
Wrapping her arms around his chest, she laid her head over his heart, listening to the rapid rhythm. "I'm not upset...I believe you. I know how serious you are taking this, and that's another thing that I like about you. You're worried about how I'd react. I know this is a little difficult to say aloud."
It gave Mikoto great relief when his shoulders dropped and his arms found their way around her petite frame. Petite compared to him, at least. The heart-warming moment—ironically—melted the angry/worried looks some of the group had.
Mikoto, however, wasn't done. She looked up to see him on the verge of tears. She also wanted to rub it into Lady Freya's face. She cupped his cheek and kissed him in front of everyone. Most averted their eyes, while Irene and Dia looked on in fondness.
It was safe to say he returned the kiss with passion. He's gotten better. Something that Mikoto noticed and she reciprocated his actions.
"Ahem, we're still here, and there are plenty of virgins present, myself included," Irene's teasing voice broke the passionate embrace. However, she did take notice of what he looked like. The way his shoulders were looser than in previous days. Her calculating stare was interrupted by Dia.
"I think you should go to the Dungeon as Bell suggested. You all haven't been in there recently, and it could do you some good to flex those new statuses," Dia suggested.
Both twins blinked. They looked at each other and this one didn't need words. Dia was right. Most adventurers don't take more than a day's break from the Dungeon. The life of an adventurer is grueling at some points, especially at the start. If there are some determined few—present company included—then people would rally. Of course, people admire Bell because of his victory.
After the reveal of Hestia's debt, no members wanted to join Hestia Familia, and while it hurt for Dia to see her friend be turned down because people are greedy, she knew her children had a plan. Her intuition was tingling.
A sigh, "Lili believes you are correct, Lady Dia, allow Lili to prepare a quick trip. Then, we all must discuss what we are to do about this Haruhime. Miss Mikoto," Lili said, addressing the Far Eastern girl. "Please understand that what Lili is about to say is not meant to hurt but I believe that trying to purchase her is a bad idea, stealing her even more so. Lili wants nothing to happen to Master Bell or anyone in this Familia. Mister Issac and Miss Irene, you two are included."
Of course, Lili was the pessimist of the group. No one can blame her though, after her history with the Soma Familia. The steeled looks from all the members of the four familias were enough to prove to the four deities that no one would mess with their children. If they did, all of them, as few in number as they are, would pay dearly for it.
That would be put to the test quite soon.
The Dungeon's fifteenth floor was a common place for Bell and the others to be. The excelia wasn't much for the twins but knowing that there was a limit as to how far they could go. Isaac and Irene, with confirmation from Rose, were allowed to venture past the Water Capital and into the lower floors.
By lower floors, she meant the thirty-seventh and below, up to floor fifty, the safety point. Ironically speaking, it was safe to say that Isaac froze, and Irene understood before he did. As soon as Rose mentioned past the thirty-seventh, he locked up. Everyone noticed but he regained his composure after a couple of seconds.
Isaac and Irene let everyone else take the lead. They were the rearguard, with Lili. Ouka and Chigusa were in the middle with Mikoto. While they were idly chatting, mostly the girls, Ouka kept an eye out for anything that would bring tragedy.
Still, Isaac withheld a groan and looked to Irene, We're being followed again...Gods, this is annoying.
Should we say anything? Irene glanced behind them, something Lili idly noticed.
Soon.
"Are you two hiding something?" Lili asked instead.
Irene clicked her tongue, "Guess we're doing this now...we're being followed."
"Wh-?!" Lili tried to scream but Isaac covered her mouth.
"Make it obvious, why don't you?" he whispered. Once she stopped and no one noticed ahead of them. "If I'm right, it's Freya Familia. If I'm wrong...well, it's probably Ishtar Familia. Knowing…" you don't think?
She wants us to take out from under Freya because Ishtar is jealous...my Gods, they really gotta tone down their drama. They should have left it in Tenkai! Irene finished.
"Lili is right here, you know," Lili said, watching the two mentally speak. "What is so important? On your left Master Bell!"
"Got it!" Bell shouted, slashing at a Hellhound that tried to rip his throat out.
The twins were impressed at the casual display of command. Lili has innate talent, and with her mind being so sharp, she could rival Finn one day. "Oh, nothing too important but...where are all the monsters?"
Both Vlahos children looked down a tunnel to see yet another Pass Parade. Isaac groaned as he unsheathed his new sword. It felt like it pulsed in his hand like it was hopped up on adrenaline. Irene's staff thrummed with magic energy since she's been using it to cast Smokescreen occasionally in order for Mikoto to sneak up on the monster and sneak in like the samurai assassin that she was. Isaac noted the look of firm concentration she had.
"Keep the dopey smile for outside the Dungeon, brother," Irene chided gently. She knew he was lovesick but this was taking it to a whole new level.
What about your love life, have you made any connections with anyone? Isaac asked, refocused on the task but genuinely curious.
Irene clicked her tongue again, No. Anyone who has approached me is after me for my name, not me as a person. Plus…
You could have told me that you are demi-sexual, you know? Ignoring her small flinch, I want you happy above all else. Isaac knew as she hinted at it a while ago. "You know I will, but I can't not ogle my girlfriend when she's looking at me with a heart-throbbing smile."
"Yuck, Mister Isaac, we are in the Dungeon. Save that talk for the surface."
Once the monsters were slain in the area, the twins took to sitting on opposite sides from one another. No one asked why, despite their massive curiosity in doing so. Mikoto gladly accepted sitting next to him. He just so casually wrapped an arm over her shoulder, making his Dia Familia cloak cover everything except her head. He was in a small conversation with Welf about the experience of fighting these monsters on a somewhat more balanced scale.
Chigusa looked over to see her friend blushing up a storm, so while it's not in her nature, she took the opportunity, "Comfy?"
Embarrassed, "Very much so." She leaned her head on his shoulder, absorbing his warmth, even though the air quality in the middle floors is downright suffocating. It was the small moments that she was going for. It didn't matter either way. She was getting to spend some time with her boyfriend.
"Isaac?" Mikoto asked.
The boy turned, "Yes, Miko?" She leaned up and stole a kiss and then promptly buried her head into his chest. Smiling wide, he brought her into a hug. Bell watched two of his friends be happy together.
Is that what I want with Miss Ais? Bell thought to himself. He wanted to be a hero, yes, but he came to Orario with goals that were considered...out of reach. Since being saved by his idol, he needed to find a way to stand next to her, with her. Knowing some of Isaac's past, he knew that he was protecting who he cared for. Everyone here and then some not present.
Bell continued to smile at them while he checked over his equipment. His Hestia Knife was secure in its sheath. Ushiwakamaru in his thigh holster. The young rabbit's eyes drew to Isaac's new sword and Irene's new staff. They felt odd to him, but they also carried a sense of familiarity. Have I seen them before? That's impossible...I haven't been alive long enough.
Irene sat across from her brother, as established, and looked him in the eye, "Isaac, you think it's time?"
The confusion brought his eyes to hers before understanding dawned. He stood, making him swear he heard Mikoto whimper at the loss of warmth, reached into his cloak, and brought out throwing knives. "I despise stalkers."
With a flourish, five knives went in four different directions as Irene's voice came out, "Your humble vessel calls to you, Vishnu, give my allies the spirit to withstand!"
*Living Shield!*
A light glow overcame everyone in the party, making them grab their weapons. Isaac's voice was changed as he spoke. Harpe and Aspis, the Sword and Shield, were in play now. "You need a reality check. If you choose to observe your targets...don't look directly at them. The lust you're giving off is making me sick." Isaac thought if he did get sick, he could ask Mikoto to nurse him back to health.
A girlfriend taking care of her boyfriend sounds wholesome, doesn't it? Oh, was there supposed to be something else here? Nope, wrong. The two agreed they aren't ready for those steps.
"Not to mention," Irene's voice was sharp, making the males eye her warily, except Isaac. "If I get my hands on you, I'll be painting you black and blue, or might charbroil you...So, if you could kindly piss off and leave us alone, I'd like for a Dungeon trip to not go sideways…"
"That's asking too much from Amazons, dear sister," Isaac grinned, already knowing who it was as he felt the lust, which only compounded as he spoke…"That means they are level three or below...if they are piling it on…"
Mikoto got furious, it was so far out of character, but in her defense, they were lusting after her boyfriend, and that was a no-go. She had her katana, Zansetsu, at the ready. She was at his side in an instant. "I will...hurt...them if they touch you."
"Thank you," he responded. "Now, come on out...if we're going to fight, at least do it fairly."
Apparently, they didn't want to do that. Explosions rattled the cave, effectively discombobulating the whole area. Irene, however, noticed the rocks were falling in specific places. "Isaac!" she shouted, using a smaller version of Shockwave to push him out of the way. Unfortunately, with only that much time to react, he was the only one pushed away. Mikoto was not that lucky. She and Irene were the only ones on the other side. Everyone had scrambled to Isaac's side in defense, as they were speaking to Irene's side of the small 'breakroom' they were in.
As soon as the rocks came down, Bell immediately tried to find a way to get over to the other side. Isaac, dusting himself off, calmly got up. Mind telling me what the FUCK you were thinking?
Like I said back Babel, I listen as well as when we were kids, not at all. I'm giving you time to leave and think of a plan. See you before midnight! Then, she slammed the connection shut.
But not before Isaac slipped his final words in. Keep my courted safe, sister or not, I will be upset if anything happens to her. Everyone present soon felt the unbridled killing intent radiating from Isaac, "Let's go…" Note to self: Do not separate an elf's courted abruptly. They tend to be violent and volatile, a deadly combination, and him being a level four amplifies the danger.
The group rushed to the surface, having to take a long way around the cave's collapse. When they arrived on the other side, there was no one there except a broken katana. "Isaac?" Bell asked, approaching.
"You know something?" Something in his voice gave way to maniacal glee, "I've always wanted to take on a bunch of Amazons…"
Chigusa and Ouka shared a look, "This can only go bad."
Welf and Lili also shared a look, "Should we-"
"No, best let him get this out of his system now, Lil' Bit," Welf said, shouldering his weapon. Some things were best left unprovoked, lest one wishes to be the target. The calmness he portrayed was betrayed by that swarm of intent. If the perps were close enough, they could feel it.
Meanwhile, up ahead, the wave of intent reached the group. Only one person smirked, "You have made the largest faux pas, save for killing a God…"
Looking up with defiance at her captors—more like scumbags who used Mikoto as a hostage and threatened to kill her after having almost choked her out—with intent to match, "You messed with an elf's courted. That alone gives him the right to slaughter all of you in the name of making sure she's safe. Lay another finger on her and we both will bring our wrath on you." The Amazons shivered with fear and just maybe...a little pleasure. A shame she was a woman, otherwise...
"You're scary, you know that?" Mikoto said hoarsely, holding an injured shoulder, walking with a limp. Purple marks were around her throat, and hopefully, they will fade before Isaac sees them.
A lopsided grin, "You should have seen me when I was younger. I gave him tons of crap, and I plan on doing the same here…"
What they both missed was the girl in the cage, looking at her childhood friend with longing. A longing to be reunited. A longing for friendship that she so desperately missed.
A longing for a hero.
Once the group made it to the surface, the Amazons went back to their home. Home would be best described as a loose definition to them, mostly. Phyrne was disappointed, "I really want the boy...I could have shown him what real beauty looks like."
Irene, having been cuffed and rendered weaponless, groaned. That was the internal reaction of the entire party, she just vocalized it. "Can I punch you yet?" The younger Vlahos was walking as close as she could to Mikoto, keeping her safe in her brother's stead. "Oh, and I better get that staff back, Mum will be upset if she finds out I lost it." To be fair, she could feel the swirling anger from it because of its separation from its owner. It's strange to think about, a weapon missing its owner instead of the other way around. Well, it was mutual, but still...
"Watch it, runt," Phryne said. "Or I might just bring you to a man-" the intent rose to a fever pitch.
Irene gave them a sneer that could be interpreted as 'Do that and see how fast I can pull you apart by your entrails.' "Say anything similar to that again...I will be ripping your eyes out with a spoon." Aisha whistled lowly, murmuring about not fucking with her. "She gets it."
Mikoto just paled, realizing that she was both in the most danger possible and completely safe at the same time. "I suddenly fear the day you give a toast when we're officially...official."
Dropping the intent with a drop of a hat, giving everyone whiplash, "Well of course you should! I'll make sure to embarrass the hell out of you both for dancing around each other!"
Aisha was curious, "How do you control your intent so easily?"
Irene contemplated not answering her, but this Amazon had a glaze in her eyes, one that signified that she's under the influence of a charm. Ishtar is using her charm on her familia?! At least, from what I can speculate, Freya doesn't do that. How fanatical are they?! "Easy, Bizniz...first name Nunya."
A scoff and the rolling of her eyes was the response she was given. However, unknown to Irene, Aisha did give a small smirk, as did other Amazons. Phyrne was less than impressed, however.
"Aww, come on, I thought that was funny…" Irene pouted. Normally, if she was anyone else and not a level four, she'd be freaking out. Speaking of, Isaac?
Speak. I am real short on my temper right now.
Well, we're in the Pleasure District, looking like we're headed inside the Ishtar Familia home. Mikoto is fine since I know that's your next question.
She could feel his shoulders dropping their tension but that feeling went away real quick, Tonight is the full moon. We were in the Dungeon longer than we thought. Our timetable has escalated. Find Haruhime, I'll be arriving soon, and I won't be nice about it.
The younger twin allowed a feral grin to cross her expression. I'll be doing what I can to help then. Do you have a signal in mind? She received no response.
"Well, that was eventful," Irene said as she was pushed forward. She noticed Mikoto being pulled elsewhere. "Hey hey hey! You hurt her, my brother will be the last person you have to worry about!" Irene couldn't exactly fight them, if only because one of them put a knife to Mikoto's throat.
A low growl escaped Irene, making all of the Amazons flinch, except Phryne.
"You are all so lucky that she's here, otherwise, I'd have broken bones, loud enough to make Lady Nike proud…" there was an uncharacteristic dark venomous tone attached to her words. "Let's get this farce over with. Take me to Lady Ishtar."
Well, they were doing that already, but okay.
Aisha, of course, had to comment, "Fiesty, are you?"
"Not usually, circumstances are different. However, your eyes are dimmed. Despicable how she would do that to you…" she trailed off, muttering something in elvish, something that none of the Amazons knew how to speak nor understand. The woman in question internally pleaded with her to try and save her sister. Alas, she cannot.
The Ishtar Familia home was lavish in its decor. Pillars dotted the halls every few meders, most likely for support purposes but the details were immaculate. There weren't any posters or pictures or even statues in the hall. This was something that Irene found strange. Even further still, the members of the Ishtar Familia seemed to be scared of something.
The cause of this scare was someone she was about to meet. The set of double doors were tall, depicting the familia symbol, which was of course, Ishtar herself. She was seated on a throne—of lies—and was overlooking the entering party with a haughty smirk like she just won the lottery.
However, once Irene was revealed the smirk was gone and a look of irritation replaced it, "Why is she here?"
The corners of Irene's mouth twitched up but refrained from saying anything. She'd rather watch the Amazons struggle to respond. Even so, she did want to get to the bottom of this, "May I speak on behalf of your familia?"
Ishtar was clearly surprised at this, eyeing the quarter elf with a keen eye, subtly activating her charm. If she could make this one hers, then the other should soon follow. "Speak, why are you here and not Harpe?"
Withholding a wince at the divine feeling that is a charm in her head, she spoke evenly, "Because I wasn't going to let my brother be in a room with horny Amazons and especially not with the one who could turn a straight man gay. I've heard what you do in my spare time, which is frighteningly short as of late…"
The Goddess of Beauty did not react to the fact she was not charmed, and subsequently increased it, "Aisha, please explain what happened."
"That will be unnecessary, Lady Ishtar," Irene continued unperturbed. "Your familia was laying in wait for us, and if I could guess, you were after Little Rookie and Harpe, aka, my brother. I was the last option and since an explosion cut me and my brother's courted off from the rest of us...I also hope that this doesn't have to do with Lady Freya…" the sneer that formed on the Goddess's lips was too much. It was gratifying but also horrifying for two reasons.
"You-!"
"I highly recommend steering clear of us. If Lady Freya found out you were trying to claim us by force, out from under her, then she will destroy you. I myself am in Dia Familia and I'm not lying about it, you know I'm not," Irene said, her hazel eyes making direct, firm, eye contact. "I don't want to be the catalyst for Familia drama/war."
Ishtar growled and increased her charm to its fullest, almost guaranteeing the target to be charmed. It would work, since no mere mortal or deity—excluding other Goddess of Beauty and Virgin Goddess—can resist charm.
Almost being the keyword. Thanks to a certain skill, Irene is immune to this.
The oncoming headache was enough to make her wince, clutching her head, "How did Isaac deal with this at the Ball? Ow...ow...okay okay, stop using your charm, it's fruitless when I have immunity!"
The Goddess dropped the charm in disbelief, "Bring her to me, now!" So, Irene was gently escorted to the Goddess and she looked her in the eyes.
"Listen, if you kiss me without my permission, I will harm you," Irene threatened. She would not kill but she still had to get her first kiss from her own courted, if someone was brave enough and saw her as a person. With her own recently revealed demi-sexuality, to her brother, she had to form an emotional attachment. Right now, no one came close. Irene did want children in the future, and as much as Bell is a candidate, she sees him as a younger brother.
Of course, with the threat of their deity being harmed, the hackles on most of the Amazons present were raised. Aisha's was one that was only partially raised as she had questions of her own. Questions that had answers but was unable to accomplish herself. Confusing as it sounds, Irene was angry not at Aisha, but Ishtar.
"How can you resist charm?" The voice she used was sharp. Sharper than most knives and maybe even Ais Wallenstein's wind when she was fully concentrated on killing something.
"Won't tell you," Irene said smugly.
That grin faltered when Ishtar had Tammuz retrieve an item. "Turn her around and show her back."
Not the turn of events I was expecting, Irene thought. Furthermore, the young Vlahos twin's thoughts were going all over, trying to find the ground. What is she planning? Are we going to be able to save Haruhime? What about Mikoto? Bell? How about-
Her thoughts stopped as she took a deep breath and glared over her shoulder, her voice level, and her tone was ice cold, "So, what is your plan? I cannot be converted without my own consent, and you cannot charm me to say so."
The mostly naked Goddess whispered into Irene's ear, making the girl pale slightly as Tammuz returned with the item in question. A banned and forbidden item. It was something that most people shouldn't have. Its only had one true use but the effects of that use were potentially deadly.
Status Thief.
A single drop can unlock any lock that a God places on their children's backs. A master key for Falna, if you will. Instead of asking the obvious question of what she plans to do, Irene began to struggle.
Phryne, having been watching, ended up in front of Irene. She must have been pissed about the back-handed insult and grabbed onto the girl's shoulders, "Stay still, brat. If you don't, then the other beauty that came with you will be sold into slavery."
After that was said, Irene ceased her struggle and looked down. Phryne just crossed a very delicate line. The line should never be crossed unless the deed was already done. Ishtar, meanwhile, managed to regain some semblance of her composure. She almost lost said composure when the killing intent in the room exploded. Not even Phryne on her best days could get a bloodlust that high.
"You harm a single hair on Mikoto's head, I will hunt you down till the ends of the planet and kill you," Irene spoke softly. Some of the witnesses would hallucinate that she was foaming at the mouth for the opportunity.
Once that moment passed, did Tammuz apply the Status Thief on Irene's exposed back. The lock fizzled out after a second and the Dia Familia symbol was revealed. "Good, okay...recently leveled. Stats about average...magic...you possess more than three magic spells?! How is that possible?" That information was a jaw-dropper as Ishtar was mumbling to herself. Gods can read hieroglyphics. However, one section of her magic was blurred completely, most likely Keys to the Kingdom, and not even Status Thief can get through it. A small blessing.
A low growl escaped the girl and her struggle began again. Phryne just forced the girl to her knees. Her level five strength was more than enough to subdue a defenseless level four.
"Liaris Freese...an undocumented skill...makes the user immune to...oh? Serenity? Another undocumented skill? Full of surprises, are you?"
"Not only have you broken multiple rules, but you have also committed a personal atrocity. Messing with an elf's courted," Irene said. "At that point, my brother can march in here and deal out compensation for the crime. The best part? It doesn't have anything to do with Familias. It's personal."
No one responded to that, and Ishtar sent her away, but not before she said, "Make sure the ritual is in place. Aisha, go get her and prepare."
I am on my way, did she do anything to you? Isaac's voice was firm. He was stewing in emotion.
Status Thief to my back and Mikoto is not in my sight. They threatened her life if I did not comply...I'm sorry, brother. I failed. Irene admitted with shame.
She didn't hear anything back for at least thirty seconds. Within that time frame, she was escorted to a room with a view of the ritual sight. You did not. I will thank you in a moment, but now is the time.
Time? Irene inquired as she was set down in a chair. It wasn't a torture chamber, but it only just came to her that she was with only two other Amazons. One was a white-haired woman, Samira, the other was Phyrne, much to her internal horror.
Irene didn't get a response as she got a view of an explosion. One that lit up the night sky. Time for me to show them what happens when they mess with my life. The two watching her left with haste.
Just before the explosion, Isaac returned to the Hearth Manor. He opened the door and with one look from Dia, she understood the situation. "Isaac, I need you to-"
"Please."
Dia paused. He sounded so broken, so strained. "What do you need from me?"
Isaac licked his lips, feeling so nervous. He didn't want to lie, "Would you still think of me as your child if I commit less than desirable things?"
The petite Goddess smiled at her child, "You two have been my children for over a decade. I know what you're about to do is only in defense of your sister and girlfriend. It became personal. I know I should be dissuading you from this course of action, as I am supposed to be unchanged...just please do not fall to hate. Do not lash out, please." If Isaac noticed Dia tightening her grip on him, he chose not to comment. Right now, he was the one who needed comfort, but it looked like she needed it too.
It hurt far more than he knew. His sister and his girlfriend were not in arm's reach. Maybe it was a dependency that he's subconsciously developed over the years but he never went far without Irene at his side. He wanted permission to go all out, but in doing so would compromise him. "Let me go save them. It should have been me there in her place. I…"
"...you have to protect your sister, I know...go, my child. Come back to me when you're done. Okay? Do not promise me, but tell me you're coming back."
If this was any other scenario, Isaac would be interpreted as a husband saying goodbye to his wife before going off to war. However, it was not that scenario.
Isaac wrapped his Goddess in a hug, confirming her words by actions. Dia cried against him for reasons unknown to him.
Once he separated from Dia, kissing her on the forehead, he rounded up Bell, Welf, Lili, Ouka, and Chigusa and departed for the District. His cloak resided over his shoulders, his weapons were thirsting for combat of any kind. Truthfully, they may have been responding to his own desire.
He walked through the streets with purpose, cutting through the side streets to lower the travel time. He would have taken to the roof, but not everyone was as adept as he was. So, he walked calmly, his intent rising by the second. People gave him a wide berth. "Once we enter, there is no turning back."
"I know," Bell said. "I'm doing this for my own reasons too."
Isaac allowed a smile, despite his current demeanor, to his apprentice? Still working on it. "Good, go be the hero to the girl who thinks she doesn't deserve one." He turned to Ouka, "I will do everything to save Mikoto."
"I don't have a doubt," the calm-headed captain replied.
Sooner than he wanted, the gates of the Pleasure Quarter arrived. The guards recognized him and made to block him. Isaac, however, took exception to that.
*Fusion: Firebolt Fissure.*
He declared with a deadpan tone and an explosion took place at the front gate. This was only the beginning. The explosion was mixed with rocky debris from his own magic. The surrounding entrance caught fire and began to burn. Thanks to the Bronze Key, and his own curiosity at trying this, he is allowed to use Swift Strike Magic. This, however, was new. He wasn't intending to catch fire, but that's what he gets for using it. Hopefully, nothing else will burn as hard as this.
Bell vaguely recalls hearing Isaac mentioning using two different spells like this. A fusion. Isaac mentioned to Bell in passing that he wanted to experiment but never found the time. Then, Bell recalled another rule of Elven culture.
Never get between elves and their chosen courted.
...
Getting close to the climax of the Arc, and I'm giddy for it.
Now, this Fusion Business. I have read in other fics—or maybe it was in the LNs—that Bell could cast two Firebolts at the same time if he concentrated enough. Well...since I wanted to balance the power between Isaac and Irene, this Bronze Key power is going to come into play. It will have more uses in the future, but I'm testing the waters.
This theme of 'Never touch an Elf's courted' is going to be a small recurring thing. I know in DanMachi Elves mate for life, and only pick one person. That's the norm, yeah? Considering how shameful Isaac felt after Freya basically all but engaged in sex, he was worried that she'd reject him.
I'm also acutely aware that their relationship seems too perfect. The climax to the Arc will serve its intended purpose. Not to worry.
The Next chapter will be uploaded late as I have a prior arrangement.