It started off so simple, Isaac mused to himself. He thought about it a lot as he wandered through the streets of the Pleasure Quarter. After his display of furious power, most avoided him. The cool, calm, and collected face of Isaac Vlahos was one that could wipe the face off of Balor. Well, if he was able to face him that is. "Bell, continue on. Welf, Ouka, Chigusa, go with him and support him."
"What about you?" Welf asked. To which Isaac turned around with a gleam in his eyes.
The level four smiled, "Make them regret ever crossing me. I won't kill anyone, as much as the thought tempts me. I wish to resolve this with as little bloodshed as possible. If they refuse to get out of my way, then there will be injuries."
The five people accompanying him shuddered at the calm delivery.
"Touching an Elf's courted is grounds for me to do anything and everything to make sure he or she is safe. In this case, Miko was taken from me in the Dungeon, and that's only one offense. The second is taking my family. Irene is just as important to me as Mikoto has become. I love them both, one romantically and one platonically," Isaac continued, loud enough for the brave ones to hear. "This isn't under Familia matters. This is personal."
Welf patted Isaac on the shoulder, "Come back safe, and call on us if you need us."
"Will do, Welf. Now, go, Haruhime isn't going to rescue herself." Unless she is a secret badass who doesn't need saving. If that were the case, then she would have escaped already. So what was keeping her confined in the Pleasure Quarter?
It didn't matter as Isaac continued through the district, he walked with a casual gait, hands at his sides. His weapons were impatient. Isaac seriously considered going back to that Witch and asking her what was going on. Are you alright now?
What are you planning? Irene's voice came through.
Isaac snorted, I was going to ask nicely, but given the reception at the front entrance...that is no longer an option. I am coming in there and taking you and Mikoto by force.
The response back was more along the lines of feral anticipation, Going to those lessons?
With a crooked smile, Harpe is joining in. Are you with me, Aspis?
Always.
Freya was watching from Babel, and once she noticed the burning fury in her beloved Isaac and her beloved Irene, she knew that something has set them off. Something that made their souls shine. Her beloved Odr was there as well. It was easy for her to see them all together. She was having a hard time holding back. However...looking up at Belit Babili she was cursing Ishtar. "You have moved into dangerous territory, Ishtar. It's time for you to pay up. Ottar?"
"Yes, my Lady?" The stoic Boaz was present behind Freya.
"Get every executive, except Allen, and go to the Pleasure Quarter. Make sure my beloveds are safe and unharmed," Freya ordered, her silver eyes reflecting the light just right in order to clarify that Freya was not in a joking mood.
Ottar nodded. "What of Allen, Lady Freya?"
"Begin our plan. This is perfect, as the opportunity is upon us. Oh, and Ottar?" She stood up from her throne and turned. "Take me with you. I am going to have a word with Ishtar." Ottar raised an eyebrow slightly, but like the faithful child he was, he acquiesced to her demand. Whatever she wishes, she will have.
Freya cast her Discerning Eye onto Ottar, noticing his rust-colored soul shimmered slightly. Has a fire been ignited in my child? Is it because of my beloveds? Freya grinned...they would fit in nicely with my familia. I will have to take special care of them…
With that, she strolled out of the room and made her way down the Tower of Babel. "There will be a shift tonight...I can feel it," Freya whispered to herself.
As for a certain elven princess, she was stressing out about the twins, again. Loki used to tease her about it, but upon seeing the look on Mama Elf's face, she decided against it. "Riveria?"
Startled, Riveria snapped up, "Loki…" her jade eyes looking worn.
"It's about them, isn't it?"
The High Elf failed to reply with a coherent response, "It's just a feeling."
"Tell me more," Loki requested. Once she saw she was getting no response, she continued to speak, "If this is a feeling about them, then tell me. It could be important, potentially life-saving."
Well, when it was put like that…
"I believe the twins are in danger," Riveria said. "During their previous venture, once we got on the surface, Irene was fidgety; at first, I wrote it off." Riveria wrung her hands together, her normal thought processes disrupted because of the way she feels towards them. They're my son and daughter...and Ais is my other daughter. Gods, I really am a Mother… "But she looked over her shoulder far too often, and I don't think she realized it either."
"That means someone was watching them…" Loki sighed, bringing her hand to her forehead.
""Freya."" they said in unison.
Loki continued consoling one of her eldest children, "They never told you...did they?"
Riveria was already frantically thinking of the times they've acted off, and if they've ever mentioned it. She found that there were none. "I need to help them!"
At that moment, Raul knocked on the door, "Lady Loki? Vice-Captain?"
"Enter."
Raul opened the door and stood, slightly out of breath, "Pleasure District, there has been a report of an explosion." The High Novice took a quick breath, "It has also been reported that Harpe is on the scene, and according to said reports, they took his courted and his sister."
Riveria paled at that, making Loki and Raul look at Nine Hell with concern in their gazes. "Anyone who gets in his way will not be spared…"
Loki really didn't want to ask, but she had to anyway, "Why?"
"Elves, of any variety—High, full, half, and even quarter—only take one spouse in their lives, usually. Isaac has already chosen Miss Mikoto of the Takemikazuchi Familia as his courted…" Licking her lips again, she furthered her explanation, "and if she's been captured, then the other will do anything to get them back, safe and sound."
"Isn't he level four?" Raul asked.
"And most of the Ishtar Familia is level three, they don't stand a chance in hell," Loki remarked.
"It gets worse…" Riveria said after a few seconds. The chair that she was sitting in was about the only thing keeping her grounded, in an ironic sense. "It also doesn't involve Familias. It's personal. So no one will be blamed if something goes wrong except Isaac and the people who kidnapped Miss Mikoto."
"You should probably go save him," Loki said flippantly, hiding her actual feelings on the matter.
The High Elf shook her head, "He's surprisingly stubborn. He won't accept my interference, even if I begged. It's a matter I couldn't interfere in any way..."
"Uhm...there is something else to this report…" Raul shyly piped up. The looks from the two women said 'Spill,' and so he did. "The Freya Familia is mobilizing."
Riveria let out a curse in old elvish, shocking the two other people in the room. "She's moving in for them."
I wouldn't say that...you better be safe, Loki thought.
Isaac continued to stroll through the streets, not caring in the slightest. His intent was able to be felt by mere citizens, or non-adventurers. He wasn't even looking at them. "Excuse me," he said to a random citizen.
"Y-Yes?"
"Could you point me in the direction of the Ishtar Familia home? They have something of mine," Isaac lowered his intent just so they wouldn't be stricken with fear. Internally, this wasn't what he wanted to do, but it's what he had to do. There wasn't anything he could do about it.
The person replied, "Follow the main path, and then curve left for the entrance." They idly noticed there was no shake in their voice.
"Thank you," Isaac said as a courtesy. He then increased his intent and then took off in a dead sprint. One of his new swords left its sheath and fit snugly in his hand. "Time to use this if anyone decides to interfere."
How are you holding up?
The response was quick, Peachy, just roaming the halls, hearing the sounds of fighting and- oh, here's Bell. Oh, and here's Mikoto, she's safe, relatively unharmed as well.
Well...that's a relief. Still, he needs to have a conversation with the people responsible. Isaac soon found himself in front of the Belit Babili and looked what felt like through the door and kicked said door open.
One of them pointed him out, "Isn't that Harpe?"
"Shit, he's here for Aspis!" a second followed.
The third scolded the previous two, "Are you an idiot? He's here for Eternal Shadow!"
Isaac allowed himself to grin, "You're both correct and incorrect. Right now, tell me where their last known location is and I won't have to fight you all in the name of getting them back."
Wisely, or rather disappointedly, they let him by. He never sheathed his weapons, keeping his guard up at all times, especially in what he considers hostile territory. The elder twin walked up the stairs and followed the main path laid out in front of him. Right now, he was looking for Goddess Ishtar. He sincerely has a few questions. There would be no need to resort to violence if everything went right. However, under the threat of violence, one quickly conforms.
What Isaac did notice was the fact that they were following him. Half-turning around, "Are you planning on following me the entire way, or is there some ritual you're supposed to defend?" It was a taunt and a little bit of bait.
The pitter-patter of bare feet on the ground made them realize that there was something that was going on. It honestly amuses Isaac that they would be drawn to someone like him. He's got all he needs in his Goddess, sister, girlfriend, friends, and the bonds he shares with everyone he cares for. If only people would stop messing with his life.
He strode through the hallway until he came upon a chamber, one that housed a divine spirit. Goddess Ishtar.
He wasted no time in kicking the door open, "Alright, what in the absolute fuck were you thinking, Lady Ishtar?"
"Harpe...or should I say, Isaac Vlahos, hmm? Such bravery for strolling like you own the place."
"Being coy is unbecoming for a lovely woman such as yourself," Isaac can play that card too.
A hum, "And you aren't?"
"Touché. Now, where are my sister and my girlfriend?" He knew already, but he just wanted to make sure she was on the defensive. "Oh, and don't charm me, I happen to share the same tenacity as my sister."
This confirmed some things for Ishtar. One, they both are immune. Two, that bitch Freya wants both of them. Three, she's aware of something he is not.
"Oh, and call off your boy toy…" Isaac said as he really let out his intent. The pure joy he was feeling was dangerous. Isaac reeled it in for a moment just to keep his composure, "Because if he attempts to subdue me, you might have one less familia member and I really don't want to resort to fighting. I just want my sister, my girlfriend, and someone else."
Tammuz, having hidden away, was not exactly surprised...but impressed that he noticed him. "What is it that you want?"
"Not a what as much as a Who." Did that even make sense?
Apparently, it did as Ishtar, crossing one leg over the other, flashed him, if he was looking. However, his eyes never left hers. "Who is it, if not the two you mentioned?"
A smile, "Sanjouno Haruhime, a Renard. The one slated for a Ritual called the Killing Stone Ritual? You know, the one where you steal her soul taking her magic, whatever it may be, and kill her? That Sanjouno Haruhime. She happens to be important to my girlfriend."
That was the point that Isaac saw the fury written on Ishtar's face, "She is important to my familia."
"Of course, you only care for her as a sacrifice when she doesn't deserve it. Why do you have such a jealous hard-on for Lady Freya?" A pause, "On second thought, don't answer that, it seems like drama that you both carried from Tenkai. Instead, just tell me where they are."
He just had to bring up Freya...that fucking bitch! "I am more beautiful than Freya will ever be!"
Isaac momentarily backed off because she was leaking Arcanum. She didn't activate it, but it was coming to the surface. "Wow, okay. So, I'll just go while you fume. You, sir, are welcome to try and stop me," he said to Tammuz, who just stared blankly at him.
Isaac left the room and wandered the halls, listening for the sounds of fighting. When a door got kicked open and an Amazon was at his feet, knocked out, he looked up with a raised eyebrow, "Did you have to be so rough?"
"Well, it's not like you were coming to help me, weren't you?" a familiar voice said.
Looking across from him, Isaac laid eyes on his sister, who looked perfectly fine, "They didn't harm you, did they?" She noticed the relief in his voice, knowing how being away from her affected him. Splitting up was never their strong suit.
Irene picked her staff up and whirled it between her fingers, "Besides the status thief, no. Did you just chat with Lady Ishtar?"
In the background, her yelling/maniacal laughter could be heard, "Ssssurrreeee, let's go with that. Where's Bell? Mikoto?" Was predictably Isaac's next question.
Irene just gestured to a window, "Look outside."
The night sky greeted the Vlahos twins...alongside a burning Pleasure District. "I did not cause this much of a mess, did I? I mean, I only blew up the entrance…"
"That's because of us and our Lady's will."
Fuck… both twins thought before turning around. To Isaac's discontent and Irene's annoyance, there was Hedin—Hildrsleif—dressed in his robes but with a black visor over his eyes.
"What are you doing here? This doesn't concern you," Isaac said, gazing back out the window. He was watching the fight with Bell and...was he fighting Phryne? Is he crazy?! He didn't see Mikoto, at least, not in his current line of vision. He only saw the platform, not the walkway leading to it.
"Since you two are my Lady's...beloveds...and considering where we are, she was making sure that nothing became of you...especially you, Harpe," Hedin said before turning and walking down an adjacent hallway without a care in the world.
"I don't like him…" Irene said.
Isaac furrowed his brow, "He wasn't with the Dark Elf."
"What?"
Isaac knocked on his head, "When I went to go chat with Lady Freya yesterday, both him and a Dark Elf was there. The White and Black Knights the pair are often called. So, why the hell was he alone? Did Lady Freya not order him here? Is he out in the streets?"
Irene grimaced, "I can see your point, but considering this fire and how this place is beginning to fall apart, we should probably vacate outside."
"Good point, but one moment," Isaac opened the window, and he gazed down at the fight going on. It looked pretty intense, "Hey Bell! Kick her ass and get the girl!"
The younger twin facepalmed, "Of course."
"He needs motivation if he wants to be a hero," Isaac said simply before moving along. "Since this place is burning, you think Lady Ri-... Mum is on her way?"
At first, there were the sounds of footsteps on the floor, then a pause, "When it comes to us... yeah…" Irene said.
The elder twin chuckled dryly, "Then we better not keep her waiting." The pair did not encounter any more Freya Familia members, which internally was setting Isaac off, but he didn't know why. Belit Babili was straightforward in design, but there were a lot of stairs. In truth, there wasn't anything like a lift that could bring them up to a higher floor or lower floor because Ishtar must have been old-fashioned. Still, the two level fours pushed on towards the altar.
It was mostly a guess, but they arrived when the fighting was over and Bell slashed the chains holding a beautiful girl down. This was the first time Isaac laid eyes on this Haruhime, and well, he could see why Bell rescued her. He had to be the hero to the damsel in distress. Her ears laid flat on her head but perked up to what Bell was whispering to her. If her tail was any indicator, she was happy. Something on her neck fell apart and while he didn't know what it withheld, his weapon certainly flared in his hand. Pushing the thought aside, he sheathed his sword.
Irene noticed Aisha laying on the ground, then looked back to Bell, "Did you have to beat her that much? You do know she's under the effect of a charm, right?"
This was apparently news to both Bell and Haruhime, "Miss Aisha was under a charm?!" The Renard started worrying about the sister figure she saw in her, berating herself for how she didn't see it.
Irene nodded, "She has a murky look in her eyes, so she was forced to do this, even if she didn't want to." This struck a chord with Bell as his ruby eyes widened a fraction before he closed them. One hand was off Haruhime and he clenched his fist.
"Not to interrupt, but where is Mikoto?" Isaac cut through the moment. Only half of his purpose for coming here was fulfilled.
Bell stood tall, "She Ignis Fatuused an Amazon, Samira I believe, to give me enough time…" Isaac did not like the direction this was going.
"Where did she-" he paused as a flash of light lit up the starry sky. The five people present all watched as they witnessed something they never should have to witness. A deity returning to Heaven.
Only two reacted with a pained grunt, Aisha and Haruhime. This was something that made the three Falna-injected people standing immediately check on the two. The twins went to Aisha. "We need to get her to Dian Cecht's or Miach's. She's got injuries that would normally be fin if she had a falna," Isaac said, trying to keep his mental state off of Mikoto.
A piercing stare halted all rebuttals.
Bell, Isaac, and Irene all turned up to a pillar, one that resided on part of Belit Babili, and at the top was a figure. One whose eyes shimmered in the low light. "I love you," is what was said but not heard. "You will be mine soon enough."
"Was that…?"
""Lady Freya…"" the twins said in sync. What the hell was she doing here? Shouldn't she be in Babel?
She must have caught wind that we were here, I mean, that elf did say they came for our 'safety', Paraphrased but the point remains.
"Are you alright?!" a new voice said. At the entrance to the altar were Takemikazuchi and Hestia. On the War God's back was someone that was a sight for Isaac's sore eyes. Mikoto…
The man in question felt a weight that once constricted his chest fade away into the night, much like Ishtar just did. He stood and walked over to Takemikazuchi, Ouka, and Chigusa trailing behind. Once they saw Haruhime, the two went to greet their childhood friend. Isaac, meanwhile, gently lifted his girlfriend off the God's back."What happened?"
"We found her at the front entrance in a bush, and someone must have dumped a potion on her because her skin still had steam rising from it," Hestia said, looking over at Dia's children and then at her own child. It was as if her twin tails immediately sprouted and she dashed off to separate her child from the blonde Renard.
Isaac immediately sat down and put his head into Mikoto's hair. It smelled like soot, sweat, and traces of blood, possibly burnt flesh, but that didn't matter. She was safe. Safe in his arms. He couldn't be more at peace than at this moment. "You worried me so damn much...please never do that again…you don't want to know the lengths I'd go to keep you safe..."
"Mmhmm," was all he got in response. He chuckled once before leaving a kiss on her forehead. It seemed to have a positive effect as Mikoto gained a warm smile before attempting to snuggle into him. Irene saw this with a fond expression, and maybe with a lurching heart. No one meets her standards yet.
"So, now what?" the young Vlahos asked.
"Let's go, there is nothing left for us here," Isaac said, having put Mikoto on his back, under his cloak. "I just feel bad for the Ganesha Familia. Shakti is going to have her work cut out for her."
Whilst everyone agreed, the feeling Isaac had gotten was getting worse. He didn't think it was super important right now. He was more worried about Freya's declaration. That would have to be placed on the backburner for now.
Unfortunately, he'd never get that chance.
Riveria was livid. As she should be. Not only did some of the executives of the Freya Familia block the path, but she saw the carnage. Surely Isaac didn't cause all of this. My priorities seem to be straight tonight. The High Elf strode through the area with purpose. Other adventurers in the area were also helping out. The Ganesha Familia was already on the scene.
Not to mention...all of Orario saw that bright light. Something happened, and it wasn't that much of a mystery. Ishtar was gone, and with her gone, the Ishtar Familia was dissolved in its entirety in a single night.
It just goes to show, to stop a Familia, just go for the God. Except the rule of not killing a God is in play, lest one wants their soul forever damned.
The High Elf searched high and low and when she heard familiar voices, tension bled from her shoulders like rain. "Should we find a place for Haruhime to be, like Lord Take?" That was Irene's voice.
"No, she'll want to stay with Bell, because he swooped in and saved her, and put on a helluva fight if I heard right. I mean, we saw a portion of it," That was Isaac's voice.
They're safe...what a relief. However, that relief turned into righteous anger. "Isaac! Irene!" The twins heard their names and froze, looking forward. Riveria was greeted to the sight of a cloakless Irene, Isaac with a bulging cloak, and an unconscious Mikoto on his back. Irene held her staff in her offhand. Isaac looked to have his weapons intact.
"H-Hey, Mum...we uh…"
"Don't. Even," Riveria said, clutching her staff in hand. She walked over to them and each step felt like a miniature earthquake with the pressure she was exuding. She was pissed beyond belief, about the same level that she got at Ais when she was seven for calling her 'Old Hag', which if you haven't seen Riveria angry...pray you never do.
The twins were frozen in fear at their mother figure looking down at one child and up at the other. Their legs refused to work and they could only helplessly gaze at each other and wait. What surprised them yet again was Riveria wrapping her arms around them, and Mikoto, but she was still out cold.
"Never. Worry me. Like that. Ever. Again," she said in a whisper. If she heard their heartbeats, which she did, she hid a smirk at the ability to incite fear into her children.
""P-Promise, Mother!"" they said in unison.
The High Elf let go, "Now, get her to the doctor, she looks like she misfired a spell." Isaac's face momentarily darkened before walking away. Riveria noticed the look and turned to Irene who was just nodding to the unasked question. "In any case, come with me back to Twilight Manor, will Lady Dia be alright with that?"
Irene shrugged as she replied, "We can ask Isaac to do it on the way, since he'll be somewhat in the area, in comparison to us." He would be closer to the Manor than the Complex by that point. Judging by trying to mentally contact him, he was pretty far. "What took you so long anyway?"
"Members of the Freya Familia were blocking our path. They moved whether they liked it or not," The jade-haired elf said.
The Freya Familia again? Seriously, I know we're marked for love, but seriously, why us? Irene thought to herself. We're not that special...well when Grandma is a legend in her own right I can see why...but still, destroying the Ishtar Familia for us? In a single night?
While Irene was thinking in her head, Riveria coaxed the girl to follow, and they happened to find Shakti Varma there, looking at them, then the debris and fire behind them, "So, care to explain what happened?"
"Certainly," Irene chirped, "It all started in the Dungeon…"
Shakti was sure to have a headache for the next few days. It only got worse from this point.
The boy carrying the girl made it to the closest clinic, which was Dian Cecht's. Opening the door, Amid stood behind the counter, like she was expecting him. "Put her on the bed…"
"Yes ma'am."
"Do not 'ma'am' me, tell me what led to this, and I want all of the details. According to what I've heard," her tone never changed, but the flash of anger in her eyes was an indicator, "you blew up the District?"
"Whoever gives you info is horribly misinformed. I only set fire to the entrance. The Freya Familia set fire to the District, and you saw the beam of light? That was Lady Ishtar, not to mention...I think it was Lady Freya's doing," the quarter elf said, shocking Amid, even though her hands never stopped checking over Mikoto.
"Mmmhmm, w-where am I?" the girl's voice was weak. Isaac felt even more relief that she was awake now.
"You're in the Dian Cecht clinic. Thank your boyfriend for bringing you," Amid said, beginning to chant under her breath.
This set off Mikoto, "Where's Lady Haruhime?! Is she alive, safe?"
Isaac smiled softly at the concern for her childhood friend, "Relax, Miko, Bell saved her just in time. She will be fine. I, however, have something to say..." his tone switched, making Amid almost cause an Ignus Fatuus, "what were you thinking? Putting yourself at risk with self-sacrifice?"
"And you're any different?" Mikoto said, regretting it almost immediately.
Sensing that this would go nowhere and develop into an argument, he backed down first, "Probably not. Just know that I'd lay it down for you. Amid, when she's healed, send her to the Hearth Manor. Right now, I need to check in with Dia to let her know I'm fine. Tonight has been exhausting. I'll be getting you your payment sometime in the next few days."
Amid nodded, "Alright," she said simply.
Once Isaac left the clinic, he saw someone leaning on the wall adjacent to him. "What do you want?"
A tip of the feather hat and Isaac saw mischievous orange eyes glancing back at him, "Aww, why are you like this, Isaac? After all we've been through?"
"You're the one who was responsible for the Goliath, and most likely this whole thing, but that isn't important right now," Isaac glanced back at the clinic before walking closer to Hermes, "How much meddling are you doing in our lives?"
"Such a bold accusation, my boy," Hermes said, pushing himself off the wall and wrapping an arm over Isaac's shoulder. He didn't mind the contact, but to do it so casually made him want to flip the man over a table.
"Where's Asfi, she's usually with you," he said, shrugging the God's arm off his shoulder.
"Busy," he said simply. He wasn't offended by Isaac brushing off his arm.
"Don't test me, Hermes, you've been playing middleman for this, you knew you'd run into Bell in the Pleasure District and showed him the Killing Stone because..." he trailed off before his hazel eyes burned with a flame that probably caught Freya's attention if she was looking at the moment, "...you were trying to force him to be a hero…" Isaac accosted. "You're exploiting him to push forth the New Age of Heroes, aren't you?" Knowing Bell's aspirations…it wasn't that far of a leap in logic.
Hermes had to admit, he was a sharp one for only knowing a single piece of information. If Dia hadn't gotten to him or his sister, he probably would have found them and brought them into his fold. Nevertheless, he isn't like Freya. He knows when to back down...sometimes. "Who knows? I just have a vested interest in the boy, as I hold the same interest in you and your sister."
You sound like Freya, you prick. "For some reason, I don't believe you, but since I know I won't get anything by asking you...why are you here? You don't just make house calls or impromptu visits without a reason. You're a God, searching for entertainment...so out with it."
"Do you always hold a resentment to that?"
"Me and resentment are best buds, couldn't you tell?" Isaac joked with the God, his tone utterly flat in contrast to the joke though. "Also, quit avoiding the subject."
Hermes clicked his tongue, normally, that'd work, but this is her grandson after all. "I'm checking in on you, as I said, I have an interest in your development as an adventurer."
Sighing, "Keep telling yourself that. Just because we're the Great Mage's grandkids means nothing in our minds, or at least me." I never did get Irene's opinion on it.
Hermes nodded to himself, before checking an imaginary watch, "Well, I gotta go. I'll be in touch, Mister Vlahos. You'll be fine with whatever comes your way, I'm sure."
Isaac watched the God slip away and he groaned to himself, "A pain, he is…" Irene, are you all settled at Twilight Manor?
Yep yep, are you on your way? Mum's getting impatient, even if she won't admit it. I think she's worried about you, Irene's voice came back through.
Humming a tune aloud, he responded, Yeah, after I check in with Dia like I said I would. She's worried about me as well. I'll bring her along if she wants to come.
Awesome, how's Mikoto?
We almost got into a fight...I'll tell you the details later, then you can ask her. I'd rather you not have a bias towards me. When he got no response, he assumed she heard, but was pulled away from the conversation.
The boy walked along the streets as calm as can be, despite the bouts of panic that followed. He momentarily forgot that the Pleasure Quarter was burnt down...it's been one of those nights. Then, as he continued walking, he thought about the argument that he almost got into with Mikoto. Was he being hypocritical? He'd lay down his life for anyone he's grown close to. It really was baffling, in a cosmic sort of way.
To start off, they came to Orario...what... only two months and some change ago? They've dealt with Irregulars in the Dungeon, a Pass Parade, a War Game, they leveled up, and now the Red Light District. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it was the events in between that made it all connect. The fact that he and his sister are targets of affection for Freya sends a chill down his spine. It's not that he wants to go to her but he's already in a prior engagement. Irene doesn't feel an emotional attachment to Freya, except maybe disdain.
As he approached the Complex, Isaac felt another chill bolt down his spine. This set him on edge. To himself, Oh no...please let that feeling be a farce...please let me be wrong. Isaac approached his home like he was about to break into it. The first thing that set him off was Dia's office light was off. She left it on when he left. The second thing was the open window. That window doesn't open unless Dia wanted it open. He felt his heartbeat picking up, he had to focus.
With careful precision, he opened the door and found nothing immediately out of place, which relieved and worried him. "Dia?" Isaac called into the room. No one responded. He held a throwing knife in his off-hand and slowly ascended the steps, not even bothering to check the kitchen or common rooms.
When Dia is home alone, she confines herself in her room. She only leaves to get something to eat. Knowing she was fine when he left wasn't the problem. It was the fact that she didn't greet him. From her office, she can see him coming when he enters. So, the fact she hasn't come to greet him means something definitely happened. His footsteps creaked down the hall.
A sweatdrop trickled down his neck, slowly approaching Dia's office door. It was slightly open, but that's not what worried him.
The door was busted open, more accurately, kicked open, courtesy of one boot mark just above the lock. Neurons in overdrive, Isaac opened the door and saw papers on the floor, the desk kicked over, the chair destroyed. Nothing important was destroyed, like the pictures and Dia doesn't keep their status sheets around, in fact, she burns them except for the ones submitted to the Guild and even then, they just have basic abilities in letters—with some exceptions. The one both Irene and Isaac found was before they mandated that.
What really set him off was the letter on the desk. What was this letter? Isaac asked himself, and once he saw it, his rage boiled over and he had a calm mask. If anyone saw his eyes, they would have gone from hazel to almost a monster-like deep dark green.
The letter on the table? The one that was addressed to him and his sister?
It was from the Freya Familia.
Minutes before Isaac arrived home.
Dia was finishing up some paperwork but a part of her was worried about Isaac. The reason being is because of the elven customs. So much of their lives have been shackled by those beliefs. Dia spoke to herself to keep herself from thinking otherwise, "Sure, they both aren't exactly tied down about it, but…" she trailed off, spinning in her chair like a child would. "...I would have accepted them either way." Dia's eyes turned to the pictures that decorated the room.
At first, when they got them, she was upset that they got her a gift when she asked that they don't need to. Them being in her familia means the world to her. She was glad she followed up on the information.
This information?
Gone, scattered to the wind. Of course, there was more to the story. Dia originally never intended to travel out to the Far West. She descended a long time ago, not long like the founding of Orario long time, but maybe one hundred or so years after it was established. Time was a very loose concept with Gods. The reason why was because she wanted to meet up with a few old godly friends…
...maybe it was also because Loki pulled another prank and Dia literally did not want to deal with it. She never did ask what the result of that fiasco was. The Goddess smiled, " Fond memories, but I'm glad I met the twins…I should thank him for that..."
Another reason was that she wanted to explore Gekai as much as she could. While she had to seal her Arcanum, Dia was never fond of using it, and if she did, it was when someone pissed her off. The Goddess has a legendary temper. Few who are stupid enough to poke the bear learned what happens when they suddenly get an Arcanum-infused punch to a sensitive area. That was in Tenkai, not Gekai.
Despite being a pervert, Zeus was actually one of those friends. Hera also was included because she got to see Zeus acting all proper and respectful, even if it was under duress. The reason why is because Dia may or may not have threatened to strip him of his...ahem...maker privileges. When he doubted her, she almost was able to do so, but Hera stopped her.
The image of Hera defending the perverted God, enough to save his manhood from certain destruction, was a memory that got Dia to chuckle to herself. Then, her stomach growled. "Better go eat something...I think Irene made something before she left…" The Goddess of Divinity—and Growth—went to the kitchen and found a dish on the counter with a note from Irene. "'Make sure you eat something before we come back.'"
A small scoff, "Of course, I will. I won't starve myself." Dia looked around her little humble abode. The memories of having planned this out, the building itself. She wanted a place where she could set up shop, basically. When Zeus and Hera were around, they helped her learn all there is about finance and business. It fascinated the Goddess.
Zeus was a big help to her, and if she wasn't misreading it, he treated her like a daughter...as he realized it when he almost succeeded in peeping on her. After the almost beatdown, mentioned earlier, Zeus said he wasn't interested. That didn't mean he was stopping, but she was no longer the target. Still, hence why her Familia symbol was a cross with faded lightning bolts was because of Zeus. Hera helped as well, but she owed a lot to Zeus, far more than she could ever repay.
Dia must have been in her head for far longer than she thought because the meal she had in front of her was gone. "Hmm, it was delicious. Well, better get back to work, the business wasn't going to run itself." The idea of renting houses was perfect. There were rates for non-adventurers and adventurers. This was to prevent price gouging and other various methods. Since no one could lie to her, she knew who was and wasn't an adventurer. She kept the rates fair for both, and it even got further complicated for adventurers level three or higher.
While adventurers often live with their Familias, some just need a place to crash for the night. Others lease the room for a month, three months, or longer. Dia is fair to each person. With that thought, she has a few people to eventually evict. They didn't die, but they are skimping on their payments. Ascending the stairs again, she yawned. "I hope they're alright…" She was always worried about them. Her hand went to her necklace, feeling for them. Isaac was close, and that meant a lot to her. Irene was further off, but it looked like she was headed for Twilight Manor. She would have to thank Davlin for his work, and she has.
Loki and Hestia are aware and each has something for her children.
As she entered her office and shut the door, she felt uneasy only after taking four steps into the room. Just as she was about to turn around, the door was kicked open, the window was pushed open and people in black outfits were upon her. Dia didn't see much as she was subdued with minimal effort. She had kicked over the chair and scattered papers around the room, but that was the extent of her struggle.
Gods and Goddess only have the strength of an average human after all. Before she passed out from whatever they used, she heard them speak, "Take her to our Lady, she wants a word with her."
"Make sure that letter is on the desk, they'll need to see it."
Her last thoughts before darkness overtook her were of her children.
...
Hello, I am back from my trip. This is me apologizing and letting you know that I have chapters 33-35 done. Yep, a month of uploads, provided I'm not pulled away...I say as a trip is secluded on a Saturday 2 weeks from now...
Anyway, shit is about to pick up the climax approaches. I know I've been saying that for a couple chapters, but I am so hoping it's worth it.
Until then.