The wall never felt so soft at any moment in her life. It was like riding a fluffy cloud, which somehow does and doesn't make any sense. So, there was that. Another thud next to her made her crack a rueful grin. Not at him, but at herself.
"Is that all?" a voice taunted her.
Irene picked herself up and felt something shift in her arm, leg, and chest. "I dunno. Splintering bones of shrapnel do-" she cut herself off as she spat a wad of blood. "That's not good."
Nike's arena. A large circular dusty area. The ground was made of a mixture of sand and soil. The coarseness of the sand and the softness make it feel like someone is rubbing your skin uncomfortably.
A voice to her left, "I'm still good." Isaac got up with far more grace than herself. It was to be expected. This hellish training with Sofia was nothing like they've ever experienced before. It was certainly an improvement. Injuries like this would have crippled her before but now…
…they still hurt but she would push through the pain.
Over the course of two weeks, Isaac and Irene have been fighting against Sofia in all sorts of combat. During that time, she refined Irene's technique in Concurrent Chanting. She helped Isaac's swordplay by letting him spar with willing members of Nike's Familia and when to use his magic when the enemy least expects it.
So as much as they were getting pounded into the dirt, she was being helpful as much as she was hurting them. Nike was pleased but not fully impressed. There was something missing, according to her. "Oh? Well, can you even stand, let alone fight?"
A taunt and Isaac knew it. He still had to move towards her. In the time they were training, he could confidently say that he can fight a level seven but only just. At first, Sofia was pushing an experienced level six. Since she was level ten, she could literally kill him with a simple well-placed backhand. Now, she was exuding an aura befitting of a mid-level seven, someone a tier below Ottar's current strength. While she didn't have all his skills or abilities, she made do. Sofia knew how to hold back but it was actually kind of fun.
Sparring. Not beating the ever-loving shit out of her family. She took zero pleasure in doing so. It only made her more determined to make sure that they will be fine. She dropped the expression she was holding in order to prepare for her grandson's next strike.
Let it be known that they have actually scored a hit on her, albeit a glancing hit, but a hit nonetheless. That would be considered a small victory. They had used their weapons once, but it turns out that they don't like being used against each other. So, it was all improvisation from there.
Isaac almost made it to Sofia before she put him on the ground. "Nice try but you became predictable. Loosen up on those attack patterns, Issac."
"Got it…" he groaned rolling onto his back, sucking in lungfuls of much-needed air.
"Tiese!" Sofia called for the healer.
The red-haired human mage turned from her position and sighed once more. "I swear you first-class adventurers just love throwing yourselves at tough opponents to see what works."
Irene chuckled, then winced, "At least you get excelia for healing injuries. We get it for fighting too but ours is far more painful. I'm actually holding back a scream, believe it or not."
Tiese tsked, "Well, after seeing three broken bones, yeah, I'd imagine so."
"Please kill the sarcasm," Irene begged.
The redhead snickered, "You all thought it was such a great idea to fight without armor. I wonder who would be dumb enough to suggest that…"
Isaac sat up with a wince, "Best way to raise one's endurance. Taking physical damage from someone without plate protection means that our bodies adapt to it, making us gain excelia and therefore stronger." His smile was still on his face.
Sofia looked to her grandson, "I fear you might be turning into a battle junkie."
"Nah…I just…am glad that you're here picking us up."
"Well, when you say it like that…I probably should be worried. Now, are you going to let her see him?" Isaac asked.
Sofia shushed her grandson but Irene heard him, "Who?"
Isaac leveled a stare from his position on the ground, "Really? Come on, Gram, I know he's been waiting. Lady Ni-"
"Auntie…" The Goddess, Nike, stared at Isaac demanding him to use her official title with her.
"Auntie Nike, could you let them in now? I'm the one who's sick of waiting. I need to get some good-natured teasing in for all the times she teased me," Isaac said, providing an argument.
Nike looked to Sofia, then to Isaac, then to Irene and Tiese. "Haah…let them in," she gestured to Matteo, her Captain, before he nodded. "I do kinda feel bad though, they were patient enough. Thankfully, they don't have to report back to Orario anytime soon. They have one more objective to finish."
Sofia gently rolled her shoulders before the arena doors opened up and just outside it were one dark elf and one raccoon. Dino Ensatra and Jericho. Jericho doesn't have a surname as his race does not believe in them. However, when one of Jericho's race gets married, they adopt a surname.
Minor details.
Irene found herself straightening up slightly, much to Tiese's protest. "Quit moving or so help me. I knew I agreed to help but if you keep squirming I will leave you like this and demand she injure you enough to put you on bed rest for three weeks…"
The younger Vlahos twin gulped, seeing the seriousness in her threat. Sofia's widening grin did not help matters. "O-Ok…"
Instantly, Tiese perked up, "Perfect."
"Well, you look like battered hell," Dino said first before Isaac just started laughing hysterically. He cringed in pain with each and every breath.
"Jericho, would you kindly hit him for me? I would but I'm still trying to figure out how to get up without being in more pain!" Isaac exclaimed after he managed to breathe, "You don't say that! If anything, tell my sister she looks pretty even with the blood, dirt, and broken bones!"
Jericho's tail swished back and forth and then whacked Dino upside the head. Twice. "Oi, stop it!"
The raccoon grinned, "The first one was from me, the second by request. You have a lot of nerve to say that to the girl yo-" Jericho was then shut up by Dino by tackling the raccoon to the ground and they began to fight it all out.
To Sofia's amusement, Dino was blushing. The color red didn't show up well on Dark Elves because of their skin tone whereas Light Elves were obvious when blushing or flustered. The Great Mage turned to the opposite side of the arena where Nike was. She took the time to gently lift Isaac off the ground and gently set him onward towards Tiese. Leonie was watching with rapt fascination. The Vice-Captain of Nike Familia was utterly terrified of Sofia, yet she did her best to not show it.
"So, what's your opinion, dearest 'daughter'?" Sofia asked with a completely straight face. The small twinkle in her eyes gave way to her joking demeanor.
Nike, deciding to mess with Leonie, "Well, mother, I do think they've progressed nicely since then. If they haven't gained some good excelia from fighting you, I'd be concerned if you really are the strongest woman in the world. You certainly can push them to their limits. Another problem is that there is no one to push you from being complacent."
Leonie just felt her brain malfunction. How can she be so okay with this? The swordswoman knew Nike was hard on them because of their training but this was a side that she's never seen before. It still is taking time for her to get used to. Matteo had grasped it easily but Leonie believes that it's a mask.
"Good, but that's not what I've asked. Do you think they are ready to return? I know they won't be one hundred percent possible ever again but I do want them to be as prepared as possible."
Nike raised an eyebrow, looking Sofia dead in the eyes, "Truthfully, I can't answer that for them. Have you-"
"I ask them if they want to every day but I never get a clear answer. They don't answer or avoid the question. I want your blessing for them to go. Without your seal of approval, they won't leave. Believe it or not, your lessons from a decade ago stuck with them. Even interacting with your familia has helped," she motioned over to them with a shift of her head, "Isaac there, misses his courted, who he believes thinks has moved on. He's scared to go back, only to be hurt or hurt her again. Irene, on the other hand, seems further along than him. She's scared, yes, but she wants to prove to the world and possibly Mister Ensatra over there, that she's not the same girl she was when they left." Sofia looked straight up into the sky, "And to think I wanted to stay out of their lives before…If Dia was here, she would ask you the same thing. We are in your domain…"
The mini-speech rolled through the deity's head, pursed lips and all. Her sincere thinking face. "The real question is: Are you ready to let them go so soon?" Nike asked after a moment of silence. Leonie took this time to slip away from the conversation, sensing it was about to get personal.
For the first time in almost two decades, Sofia was shocked and was terrified at the prospect. "I…"
"Sure, you like taking them with you but you must realize that they do have their own lives. I am not saying that you'll never be allowed to be back in their lives but when they first arrived here, they had two things in mind, each other and Dia. For all they knew, you were dead."
"But…"
"Please let me finish, Sofia, I think you need to hear this," Nike pleaded. The High Elf closed her mouth and waited. "Those two are some of the best I've ever seen, and I personally train my Captains. They took to my lessons so fast that it made me wonder if another Alfia was somehow split along the line. While they couldn't perfectly replicate the moves, they made them their own. They grew. Then, they hit a low point. Now, they are trying to grow once more, repairing their foundation."
Nike turned and looked to the stands of the arena floor, "The stories paint you as merciless, a bloodthirsty elf because of her Familia's destruction. How you'll kill anyone who gets in your way." Nike turned back to Sofia to see her grimace, "But you and I know the truth. You're none of those things. You wanted to keep the family you regained in the process. Your attachment to them has helped you and you don't want to let it go. See, Sofia, you're afraid of them moving on without you."
Sofia Vlahos has never been more concerned at just how well Nike just read her. She felt exposed for a variety of reasons. The most important one? Nike was right. Sofia easily wanted to be by her grandchildren for as long as she could. She already regretted leaving the first time.
Add it to the pile.
Her dark forest hair swished in the slight breeze and she looked over to see her family interacting with Tiese, Dino, Jericho, Matteo, and Leonie. They were thoroughly wrapped in conversation. It was such a peaceful sight. "It still doesn't ans-"
"It does, actually. You want them to know if they are ready?" Nike cut off the High Elf, stepping in front of her line of vision. "All you have to do is ask firmly. If they are, then that's it. If they aren't, ask why. You want to be close to them, just enough to be in arm's reach but you cannot smother them. This training has helped them as much as it has helped you. So please, think about it."
Nike began to walk away but Sofia gently grabbed Nike's arm, "Do you…still have that messenger on standby?"
"Of course I do, why?"
"I'd like to write a letter and I want them to as well, I haven't exactly given them enough time to do so," Sofia said before looking at the sky once more. She tuned herself out of all conversations to reflect on her life. Going to Orario, joining Zeus Familia after almost being in Hera's…I really toned down my own pride for that...and having to get updates while Hera was in the room just to make sure that Zeus would behave. Curious. Bonding with Alfia and Meteria despite her 'noise' complaints. Teaching the mages of Hera Familia…spending time with my husband…goodness that takes me back. The poor man thought he was going to offend me. I admit he was quite flattering and such a gentleman. The day he asked if he could court me…all these times…
Her thoughts continued as her hand covered her eyes, The day I found out I was pregnant was a day that made Orario spin. Haah…and then nine months later, when I was level six, I gave birth to Melissa and semi-retired to raise her. After such a long time, I returned and it was like I never left. Then I heard she found someone who made her happy, and what am I doing now? I should have moved on by now. Then, when the twins were born and Dia came into their lives…it was the happiest I've ever been, seeing all my family.
Sofia smiled softly at the sky, unaware of how her grandchildren were looking at her. Tiese had healed their wounds enough to move but not enough to fight. They would take a potion later. "Have you ever seen her smile like that?" Isaac asked.
Irene curled her lip up in thought, "No but that's not a happy smile."
""A sad smile,"" they said as their hearts knew that kind of pain.
"She's…she's crying…" Irene noted.
True to her word, Sofia was crying but not sobbing. The tears fell down her cheeks and dropped to the earth, absorbed in the sandy soil mixture. They mentally debated it before deciding to go for it. The duo wrapped their arms around their grandmother. She was in pain despite the smile on her face.
Sofia gasped as she felt arms encircle her. She blinked her tears away before seeing two familiar heads. "Gran, don't be sad…"
"It's not like you to be so upset…plus…we kind of heard part of the conversation…sorry, our hearing has gotten better thanks to your training," Isaac sheepishly said.
Sofia sniffled, trying her damnedest not to cry. She's over two hundred, a mature High Elf, she shouldn't be crying like this! "How can I stay mad…if at all?"
"Grandma, you want to be in our lives?"
"Of course I do, it's one of many regrets I have…leaving you as I did. When it came down to my quest, I was one of, if not, the only person who could have completed it. I know I should have returned soon after but I-"
"Did what you needed to," Isaac gently cut her off. "Sure, we had some rough moments but look where we are…" he didn't need to say more.
The weapons adorned on their persons 'smiled' as their hosts made up again. The Spirit housed within Sofia's staff reached out to the Spirits within the twins' weaponry, giving them the feeling of a hug.
That hug was felt by the Vlahos trio and Sofia eased even more, "Come on Gram, we have places to be. That being a bed. Irene, you go talk to Dino."
"W-Wha…but I-"
"Come on, you've wanted to talk to him for the past few weeks. Better yet, you knew he was here and yet never made the move, so I'm making it for you," Isaac teased his sister.
"No fair!" She pouted. "What if Mikoto was here?" She asked purely as speculation. She flinched as she realized that he probably didn't want her brought up.
His smile lessened slightly but he kept it up, "I would be too cowardly right now. I can't face her yet…Go Irene…"
"He's right, dearest granddaughter, on you go…I'll talk to him."
She eventually let go of her hug, and turned. Sorry, Isaac.
You don't need to apologize, I guess I just have to get used to the fact she may not hold me in the same regard as I do her. She's the only one I would ever go to. Just like how if you open up your feelings, he's the one you can be with.
He still could turn it around on her. Mou, you're not playing fair.
Who said I would? He responded to her retort. Go, I'll be alright.
Irene walked away and went right to where Dino and Jericho were, alongside Matteo and Leonie, "…and then he jumped off the roof of the arena and landed flat on his ass!"
The quartet were laughing at the story. "Sounds like a fun time, wish I could've seen it," Irene said, joining the conversation.
Dino's eyes snapped to her immediately and a bashful expression came to his face, just as a gentle smile came to Irene's.
The two remaining Vlahos chuckled at the scene but they quickly veered off to talk and for Sofia to ask an important question.
In Orario, Hearthfire Manor. A new situation has developed.
Currently, in the residence of the Hestia Familia is something unexpected. No, something is rude. Someone. Currently sitting on the couch in the main living room is the entire Familia plus one.
Clad in a Salamander cloak was someone with pale blue skin, glossy blue hair, and a red gem on their forehead. That someone was currently clinging to Bell's side. Hestia looked on in disapproval and glared at her first child for something that isn't his fault per se but it's just because that's who he is. "Care to explain, Bell?"
"W-Well…" Bell Cranel found a rare sight in the Dungeon while they—the Familia—were on the nineteenth floor. There had been a few complaints, more like concerns, about monsters wearing armor in the Dungeon. "I couldn't just leave her. The other monsters were attacking her! She had a broken leg, and she was bleeding everywhere. I couldn't raise my knife to kill her."
The 'she' was looking on in confusion. The other members of the Familia were all wary of this…monster. Of course, when Welf, Lili, Haruhime, and Mikoto saw what their Captain had brought back from the nineteenth floor. A talking monster.
The monster had the appearance of a ten-year-old girl and was very cute and innocent. Truthfully, she didn't look like any other monster in the Dungeon. The only facet of her that looked dangerous was her claws, they extended about ten celches off her fingers. Very deadly if cut but not fatal if pierced in a non-vital spot. She was called a Vouivre, a rare monster from the nineteenth to the twenty-fourth floors. Haruhime was actually one of the first, aside from Bell, to accept her.
Hestia muttered something about 'a strong maternal instinct' and 'how she can't be around Bell…' Mikoto ignored that last part, as even she noticed how…how can she put this? Fanatical(?) Lady Hestia was toward Master Bell. Haruhime is a gentle individual and she cares for people very…intently. Mikoto does not believe this is a bad character trait. The samurai stood close to the fox and offered her a small smile.
The previously drooping tail and ears perked up and Haruhime brushed her tail against Mikoto's wrist as a gesture of thanks. "So, what do you plan on doing, Master Bell?" Lili asked, the Prum staring intently at the rabbit.
"Well, we obviously can't bring her out in public…" he turned to Hestia, "Can she stay here temporarily until we find a place for her to go?"
Hestia hummed, looking serious for once, "Times like this are why I wish Dia or Artemis were here…she can stay but she must follow the rules of what anyone says. If she gets spotted, that can spell a lot of bad news for not just us but for Orario itself."
At the mention of Dia, Mikoto felt a memory resurface, when the twins were still here. She snapped out of it when the doorbell rang. "Were we expecting anyone?"
Haruhime went to the gate intercom and spoke, "Who is it?"
"Andromeda. I have a message from a Nike Familia courier, requesting to drop off letters for your Familia." The voice of the Hermes Familia Captain came through.
Everyone turned to the nameless dragon girl as her amber eyes widened in fear. Bell silently calmed her down. Haruhime turned to Hestia, "Let her in at the door but she does not come inside. Bell, please hide with…we'll have to give her a name after."
Haruhime turned back to the intercom, "I shall meet you at the door, Miss Andromeda."
"Thank you, Miss Haruhime," the gentle yet weary voice of the Captain replied.
Mikoto followed her childhood friend to the door, her weapon on hand, not knowing what would happen. Is she being paranoid? After today's events? It can be excused. Haruhime opened the door, peeking her head beyond the door, her ears expressing curiosity. Mikoto stepped into the threshold, seeing Asfi Al Andromeda wrapped in her signature cloak and an unfamiliar person next to her. "Lady Andromeda," Mikoto greeted respectfully.
"Please don't bow to me, Miss Mikoto. You're actually who I need to speak to, as our messenger has a letter addressed specifically to you," Asfi said, stating her clear intentions.
"For me?" Mikoto asked, shocked.
The messenger nodded, their voice higher pitched than Mikoto expected but the build was definitely male. A veil covered their face, making identification useless. They reached into their pouch and pulled out one package, "There are two letters concealed within. One addressed to one Yamato Mikoto, and another addressed to the Hestia Familia as a whole. The sender wished for you to open yours alone." The package was then put in Mikoto's awaiting hands.
Once she saw the handwriting, her chest constricted and then her heart jumpstarted. She knew who it was. Haruhime looked over her childhood friend's shoulder and gasped, "A letter from…"
"...Isaac…" Mikoto's voice was full of longing. She looked up to the messenger and Asfi with unshed tears, "Thank you…"
Asfi gave the young girl a small smile, "Not a problem…and between the two of us, he's a good choice for you." Asfi may not be invested in her own romantic life, thanks to a certain deity, but she was at least considerate enough to budding relationships. She turned to the messenger, "I shall escort you to Twilight Manor."
"Wait, you have a message for them too?"
The messenger replied, "Yes, as the orders from Lady Nike were clear. I have to personally deliver them, so I cannot leave it with you…as I have been informed that the Loki and Hestia Familias are close because of the senders…"
"Lady Irene sent a message too," Haruhime deduced. Her tail wagging at the revelation, "Lady Riveria will be pleased."
"When did you see her?" Asfi asked.
The Renard blushed, "She and I have had tea together twice a week. She has been helping me concentrate on my magic casting so I can be useful to you all in the Dungeon."
"Lady Haruhime…"
"Mikoto…I told you that you don't have to call me that…I am just-"
The samurai cut her off, "You're not!" Mikoto blushed at her outburst, especially in front of their guests. "Apologies once more…and thank you."
"Not a problem," Asfi turned to the messenger, "Let's go."
"Right away." The duo turned and exited the Hearthfire Manor's gates and they closed behind them.
As soon as that happened, everyone piled to the door to see the letters. Of course, on one of them was a special cover.
"To the one, I hold in my heart." It was written in elvish, and thanks to the expansive library within the Manor, and Lili's big brain, they were able to translate it. Mikoto just knew it was from him. She's seen him write before, the previous letter still within her room. The style wasn't any different. So, he reached out after almost two months…
"Before we get into this any further," Hestia said, "We still need to name our newest companion."
"Bell…" the companion said.
The rabbit turned towards the Vouivre, "No, that's my name."
"My name?" she said confused and Haruhime clutched her heart. She was too cute and innocent.
Bell tried to suggest a name out of a fairy tale and it was quickly shot down. Then, he tried again, calling her Welsuine. Haruhime called him out, gently of course, about how that was from another story. Then, he suggested calling her Wiene for short.
"Wiene?" 'Wiene' said. "My name…is…Wiene!" She cheered, going to hug Bell. He stiffened as he felt her claws slightly digging into his back. Welf, thankfully, came prepared and had a file on hand to trim Wiene's claws. When the smithy was done, she cheered and hugged Bell for real.
Everyone had to admit, it was truly adorable. Except for one person who wasn't paying any attention. Instead, her eyes were locked on the letter. "We'll read them in the morning. Today has been an exhausting day. Come on, Bell, time to go to bed!"
Lili, of course, argued against that, "No, Master Bell can stay with me!"
Mikoto just grabbed the letter addressed for herself, Welf noticing, and he followed. "Hey Mikoto!"
The girl jumped out of her trance, "Oh, Master Welf…"
"You're worried," Welf said, being the big brother. He often noticed these things. "You shouldn't be. You're the only one he wants…"
"I know! I miss him…and I don't know how to feel! I feel like I'm clinging to him too much…" Mikoto said, the dam breaking on her emotions.
The red-headed smith smirked, "That's love."
"Huh?!" The noise escaped Mikoto before she could withhold it.
Welf chuckled, "I admit, your admittance took a lot less time than mine with Hephaistos. But that means you've grown up quick in the time he's been gone. Trust that what he has to say isn't going to break your heart. Now, don't take everything I say as gospel, okay? A valis for your thoughts." The dark-haired swordswoman nodded. "Tell him what you felt like when he left, even if it hurts him, and if you still feel the same, then tell him."
"I…but what if…"
Welf covered her mouth with his hand, "Don't speak in what-ifs. He had said during the trial that you are the only woman he will ever crawl back to, so the ball is in your court, Mikoto." he unclasped his hand. "It's only a matter of time before he comes back."
Welf strode past her before he felt arms wrap around his torso, "Thank you…Welf…" and then she was gone.
He later realized that it was the first time she called him just 'Welf'.
In a similar situation at Twilight Manor, Riveria was sitting in Finn's office along with all the other executives. Asfi and the messenger were standing across from Finn. "This came from her?"
"Yes, and it is only to be read by and I quote 'Mum', after that, she can explain what is within but are not allowed to read the letter," the messenger flinched, fearing for their life as they were forewarned that no one, and she meant no one calls her that and doesn't get off without a scratch. "Please don't kill me…" they whimpered.
Bete scoffed, "And what's a weakling like you going to do about it? You can't stop us from reading it."
"Bete…" Gareth said, looking intently at the wolf.
Riveria, all things considered, just sagged in relief at knowing what had happened to her daughter. Yes, she has come to accept that. Ais is her first 'daughter' yet knows she hasn't accepted Riveria as her mother out of fear of forgetting her own mother. That was still a work in progress.
This had to come up when there were rumors of armored monsters were on the rise so they had to make a decision on whether or not to inform her when she got back. "And I assume you've informed Hestia Familia?"
"They were my first stop as the entrance I came in was closer to them than you," the messenger said. "Personally, I believe they are ready to return. Lady Nike and the Great Mage have made sure of that."
That caught everyone's interest, even Asfi, who adjusted her glasses but otherwise remained silent. "Oh?" Loki said, wanting to know the progress of her newest child. She still had to be bound by her word to Dia. She owed her that much, at least.
The messenger seemed to have smiled ruefully, "Unfortunately, I've been ordered not to discuss it. Why have I brought it up, you may ask? That is just my observation of their recent month stint at my Lady's arena. You will have to ask them yourselves whenever they decide to come back."
"Are you aware of the letter's contents?" This was asked by Lefiya, of all people. The young elf was curious as she hadn't had the chance to properly meet them. At first, she was jealous of them, hogging the attention of her mentor but she slowly came to realize that the relationship between them was different than her own.
They shook their heads, "No. All I know is they were not written lightly…it took them a few days to even have the courage to pick up the quill. Now, as much as myself and Miss Asfi would like to stay, I have a bed with my name on it…" an awkward pause, "And it's not hers…just in case that gets confused."
Asfi hit them upside the head, "Excuse them, they sometimes fumble over their words."
That got a chuckle out of everyone, and Bete managed to restrict himself to a huff, and the messenger, "You'll have to hit harder than that, Miss Asfi, even with a level difference, I barely felt that."
"Oh?" A challenge in her words.
"I made it here in six days…" Eyes were opened at that. "And it takes about…a week and a half. So…I shall take my leave and please adhere to the conditions of the letter."
"One last question," Loki said. "Did you give such instructions to the Shrimp's kiddos?"
"No, as he made a letter for everyone and the longest one was to one Yamato Mikoto," They said. "I do not think I need to say why. If that is all, I bid you all a good night." They turned on their heel and left, Asfi followed after bowing slightly.
"When are you headed back?"
"Two days from now."
"Hmm…" Asfi would have to inform Lord Hermes of this development, maybe try to send a message back. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew that it wouldn't make it.
Meanwhile, the Loki Familia just stared at the letter, written in handwriting that had graced the desk mere months before. "I am not currently in a state where I can read this. Therefore, I shall take it to my room and read it tomorrow morning," Riveria said, grabbing the letter, and left the office.
"She misses them…" Ais spoke her first words of the day.
Loki leaned off of Finn's desk, "Yeah…considering those two are one of the only connections to her teacher aside from the woman herself. Finn, your thumb alright?"
The Prum Captain nodded, "Nothing so far but I will update you if anything happens. Right now, we have to tackle this rumor. I feel that it has only just begun."
""We're ready.""
The twins stood in front of their Grandmother, who sighed with a smile. "Finally."
They did not react to that statement. During their training, they learned quite a lot about where their fighting style was weak, where it was strong, and what their limit was…currently. As they grow, the bar will be higher and higher until they reach the pinnacle.
What that is…remains uncertain.
Nike was pleased to see her favorites shape up. Something in them sparked over the last few days, just after they wrote their letters. Their fighting spirit may not yet be at one hundred percent but they easily were better than they were before they arrived.
Isaac had a further grasp on his swordsmanship, which he could probably give Ais Wallenstein a run for her money. Thanks to Sofia, Irene could concurrently chant whilst fighting, even through a punch to her jaw. It hurt, yes but the payoff was worth it. They could now battle an experienced level seven, or a fresh eight, with slight difficulty. It would be hard but just barely doable if the conditions were in their favor.
The plethora of wounds they received was nothing short of abuse if they weren't adventurers. Isaac was sure a tooth was there. Plenty of his blood had stained the soil and he was proud of it. He thought of it as a rite of passage or a cleansing. The Spatha and Ninjaken—the spirits within—shimmered faintly at the newfound confidence. Even with Last Rites activating more often than not while training, he knew the limits.
Irene's own staff followed suit, knowing the potential of its carrier was just below Hecate. Still strong but not there. There was room for improvement. The gentle caress from Irene made the Spirit pleased, knowing that she appreciated the staff. Sofia thoroughly made sure that Irene knew the amount of Mind needed for any spell she liked using. The poor girl suffered more Mind Downs in a month than most mages do in a decade. Spirit Healing got quite the workout. Irene would be surprised if it didn't go up a rank.
As for Liaris Freese, the twins were unsure if that skill would stay, and if they were honest. They wanted it gone. They know that if it goes away, they become susceptible to charm. If the punishment for the bitch was active, she could no longer use her charm. However, it would entice them to seek more challenges, to grow at an actual normal pace.
As for travel plans.
Sofia would accompany them to Orario but after that… the Great Mage was unsure of where she had to go now. No one in the world could challenge her. Maybe…no…the idea was still in the works but it wouldn't be so bad if she entertained it. She needed a hobby anyway.
Nike hugged the twins, who returned the affection wholeheartedly. The smiles on their faces made Nike smile, "You two have grown before my eyes once more. If you ever need a place outside Orario, my door is open and it will be for all of your descendants, as long as they carry the Vlahos surname or can prove it to me."
Isaac's smile relaxed, "Thank you, La- Auntie. For everything back then and now."
"Seriously, without you or Grandma…I don't know where we'd be," added Irene.
"And before you go, my Familia would like to say goodbye."
They turned to see the combatant members of the Familia. The Vlahos Familia leave tomorrow and what better way to send them off?
Just a casual brawl in the arena. Sofia and Nike made sure to vacate themselves as the former would obviously win and the latter was the patron deity.
The twins drew their weapons, shifted their mindset into a battle mode, and put their training to use. Sofia couldn't be happier.
Look Melissa, Quinn. Look at how they've risen above the odds. All they needed was one push.
Sofia looked beyond the arena and for a fleeting moment, she thought she saw someone. A familiar someone. Raven hair. Green eyes, one being covered by their hair.
How could I forget you? You've done so much for them in my stead. I owe you a debt that I'll never be able to repay.
Nike either didn't notice or chose not to comment. However, seeing the Great Mage cry for a second time was two times too many. "Just enjoy the moment, would you?"
Sofia blinked and the person was gone. "I will." She turned to the fight, "Isaac, defend your right side! Irene, spell number seven!"
""Hai!""
Everyone in the arena paled, except for six people. Dino and Jericho had left a few days ago, as they needed to head back to Orario to meet up with Lady Anubis. They were slightly overdue heading back but once the dark elf and raccoon pair explain why…she'll understand.
Matteo and Leonie were grinning with anticipation. The fight was thrilling. Blades clashing, strikes missing, feints, small spells being cast…it was all too much. "Free drinks whoever can take down Harpe!"
"Prepare to eat those words, Mattie!" Isaac shouted, dodging a strike while kicking another person. Using his Ninjaken, he blocked another blade, "Leonie, didn't you learn your lesson the last time?"
The Vice-Captain grinned, "Ha, this time, you're mine."
"We'll see," Isaac said as he maneuvered around them, freeing him from the trap they were laying.
"Does that mean I get drinks if I take my own brother down?"
"Sure/You're not a part of the bet!" Matteo and Isaac said, respectfully.
Irene was using her staff to literally bonk people. Her agility while casting was something she worked hard on, as much as she did with her magic studies. Tiese, off to the side as she was only level one, was pleased. The smiles she gave were much less forced now. The red-headed mage sat close by to observe.
To think that a month ago, they just arrived, looking like someone killed them from the inside, which in retrospect, was what happened. Now, they were brand new people. Tiese thought of another analogy for them.
They were like snakes. At one point, defanged, defenseless, and weak.
Now?
They shed their skin and the fangs were coming back stronger than ever before. Orario was in for a treat.
...
Look, I updated. I'm happy. Yes, I've pushed the Xenos incident back. Yeah, the twins will be a part of it but not in a full-on direct way. It'll make sense as we go along.
Now, Tales of Royalty will be receiving an update at the same time as this. Go me!
Anyway, hope you all enjoyed.