"Was it a good idea to expose ourselves, Isaac?" Irene asked once they were far enough away from the group.
"In the grand scheme of things, we need to as if we hide any longer than we have to, it could lead to some problems. Plus…I wanted to look at her for a bit longer," Isaac said sadly. "They've grown some but not enough." The twins were within the walls of the Dungeon on the twentieth floor. They had gained a great distance on the group, hiding in plain sight. Both Shadow spells were re-activated and now they lie in wait. As much as they wanted to go on ahead, they didn't actually know where they were headed on this floor.
Irene was not able to look at the map clearly but did conclude that they will be in uncharted territory. "That will be our job when we return. They have a long way to go but we'll guide them. So, please focus."
They are coming, Isaac sent mentally whilst nodding to his sister's words. He knew he had to focus but that was so hard when Mikoto was so damn beautiful. Her slightly flushed face, strands of hair sticking to her cheeks, sword at the ready but not drawn…Isaac blinked. He's down bad.
Just seconds after snapping out of his fantasy, the group appeared. The twins made sure not to look at Bell directly. As long as they didn't, they could tail them. It sounds easy but when the adventurers in question are paranoid from being on a new floor, they had to move from a further distance than they would have liked. Being paranoid means they're on guard. If they're on guard, then they search the area that much more.
Obviously, they don't want to be spotted, even if they are invisible to most. When they arrived at a branching path, did the group move in. Irene heard the splashing of water, six times, one was first, then five more.
"Come on, we need to move," Irene flicked down her hood, knowing the coast was clear. "If the Xenos are on the other side, we have to help."
Isaac stood and flicked down his hood as well, "I know. You don't need to tell me the obvious. I just hope that Gros, Lyd, and Ray remember me so we don't have to fight them." Seeing Irene's look, he clarified, "I mean that they were obviously stronger than me. If I even tried to fight, I could have died. Remember, level three at that time?"
"Which reminds me…did we ever report those level ups to the Guild?" Irene asked.
"..." the twins shared a look.
"Save it for a rainy day then," Isaac said. He approached the small pool that the group jumped in minutes prior. He couldn't hear much past it but something told him that this was a place where no monsters spawn. "A Xenos hideout?"
"Well, Isaac?" Irene's voice caught his attention. He turned to see her taking her cloak off and shoving it into her small travel bag. Since they avoided monsters and the like, they weren't carrying much in the end. Besides what was on their person, they obviously weren't shackled with much weight.
…their weapons were of significant weight but they've been carrying them for so long, using them for so much, that the weight feels like nothing. They weren't heavy but they weren't exactly light either. "Time to go, let's hope the party hasn't started."
They dove into the water without reservation, taking big breaths before diving into the cold water. It was a shock to their systems but they powered through. They kept their eyes open as they swam through it all. A small light came from the other side and the twins approached it with caution. There was no need to rush things.
Even through the refraction of the water, there was someone there. However, there was more action going on than what they could see. Irene slowly broke the water's surface to see a fight going down. Come on up, Isaac, Irene demanded. A second head joined the first a moment later, conveniently as the sounds of swords clashed, hiding the splashes of water from their emergence.
Irene dashed off to the left once she climbed out of the water. She threw her cloak back on and hid in the shadows. The room was lit up in an aqua-marine glow, similar to that of the first four floors of the Dungeon. Monsters that ranged from the upper floors to the lower floors reside here. As the twins separated, even under their spells, some of the monsters reacted.
The twins heard Welf shout, "What's going on?! They're distracted by something!"
"That doesn't matter, we have to protect Lady Wiene!" Mikoto shouted. Each one of them was covered in Salamander Wool but the monsters were not going easy on them.
Isaac had his cloak reapplied before he was spotted. Even so, he dashed away from his current spot because he realized something else. They can smell us.
Gee, what was your first clue? Irene retorted as she dodged another attack. However, she could with ease. These monsters were either level four or a very weak level five or even lower. After training for a month Spartan style, it felt like six months. So, to be fair, the twins could easily wipe out the monsters without a problem.
Why is Lyd doing this? Is he trying to make a point? Isaac mused. He wasn't like this when I met them. Lyd was using his twin swords to fight Bell but for some reason, it felt off.
One winged monster took to the air and sent down feathers onto the three weakest members, that being Haruhime, Lili, and Wiene. The Vouivre used her one wing to block the attack but it staggered them.
Lyd, the Lizardman, turned his attention off of Bell and onto Wiene. He stopped on his foot, turned, and dashed towards them with a roar. It was quite fitting for a beast such as himself. He jumped off the ground and brought his sword back.
Haruhime saw what was about to happen and stood in front of Wiene and Lili. She was prepared to take the hit but she couldn't look her death in the eye.
"I won't allow it!
"Oh, no you don't!"
Both Welf and Mikoto had disengaged from their foes in order to turn back and cross swords in front of Haruhime as Lyd's sword came crashing down. Welf's greatsword was doing most of the work but Mikoto was providing the much-needed relief.
The twins continued to dance across the room, unseen, and not harming any of the monsters before they perched themselves on a ledge overlooking the area but where no monsters were. If these are all Xenos, they could easily overpower them. If they did…
We wouldn't have a choice. This is going to be so annoying reporting this to Grandma.
Gong…
Oh shit… both twins said mentally. The glow of the cavern was getting brighter, all thanks to Bell. He was currently clutching his fist as a white glow overtook it. Using all of his speed, he launched himself at Lyd, giving him a solid right cross to his jaw. Isaac winced in sympathy as that had to have hurt.
The attack sent Lyd flying into the wall, crumbling a portion of it as the rubble fell atop him. The twins watched the Xenos, all of the monsters, start laughing. Irene was beyond confused and looked to her right to see her brother equally as confused. Their body language was like a mirror at this point.
"Hahahaha!" Lyd started laughing, "I like you guys! I've never met adventurers like you guys before…well, except for Isacc and Irene but I haven't seen them since we met a while back."
Mikoto tensed as Isaac was mentioned. Her blade was shaking in her hands, a fact not unnoticed by Isaac himself. It made his heart hurt knowing that he was causing her pain, and probably because he didn't tell her.
In his defense, how was he supposed to tell her? If at all?
"You met Isaac? And Irene? When?" Welf asked, slowly lowering his sword. His muscles were protesting movement as holding against Lyd's strength.
"Yeah, found him being dragged down by other humans and watched him as he tried to get out. Unfortunately, he got caught in the arena down here…and…it was bad…" The only reassurance the Hestia Familia had was knowing that he was alive. "Met Irene when she was brought down by Isaac to prove a point."
And you thought they were bad, Isaac pointed out.
Irene pouted in response, It's not my fault.
"See Lyd? I told you they were different, just like the twins are, and Sofia."
Lili then had an outburst, "Wait, are you saying that the Great Mage herself knows about you?! Lili needs context please!" The Prum was dumbfounded at the knowledge. Haruhime was too busy coddling Wiene with 'motherly' affection. Not that Wiene was complaining.
The Siren that landed next to Lyd, known as Ray, nodded, "Of course, she was the one who found Lyd, Gros, and myself and kept us alive and hidden from her…Familia…I believe the human term was. Without her, we would not have had a future. We owe it to the Vlahos line for our lives. So, when he introduced himself, we had to return him to your people."
"That was before we fought the Black Goliath…" Mikoto surmised. "He went through that and he didn't tell me?" Haruhime looked at her childhood friend with sadness.
Ray easily explained that, "How could he? Our existence is only known to a select few."
"Sorry to interrupt, Ray," A new voice said.
Ray turned her head to look at another monster hanging on the wall, "What is it, Ranye?"
Joining Lyd and Ray in view was a creature known as an Arachne. Her name is Ranye. Ranye had the upper body of a beautiful human woman and the lower half of a spider. She had pale white skin, white hair, and red eyes. Her eyes were filled with mistrust as she gazed upon the humans that were sent by that sage. "There are two others in this room. I have been unable to locate them but they have not left."
I guess it's time… Irene joked. She undid the spell that hid them and they became visible on the perch.
Bell was the first to notice them and call them out, "It's you two!"
With the veil still upon them, their voices were hidden. What they missed was Lyd taking deep inhales of their scent. Ray did the same as her eyes narrowed even further. "We told you that we would be on the sidelines and all you had to do was ask for help."
They both hopped down from their perch, and everyone noticed how their cloaks did not flutter with the wind. They landed with a slight bend to their knees. "I did notice a few things in your fight but that will have to wait," Isaac said. However, he turned to see Lyd moving in front of him, sniffing deeply.
Oh, he might recognize me…well, we did plan to reveal ourselves…but not this soon. Isaac had hoped to remain hidden for longer but that went out the window.
"It is you!" Lyd said, scooping up the cloaked Isaac and hugging him. The cloaked Irene watched with a bemused smile. She didn't really know how to react to this but took it in the best stride that she can. "And you've grown…a lot since."
"Please put me down…" Isaac asked politely. Lyd did so without question. "I was hoping to have waited a bit longer but I forgot that you all have a better sense of smell than humans. Come on, sister, you too."
The twins lowered the veil in front of their mouths and slowly pushed off their hoods. Lyd…smiled? It honestly looked like a crooked leer but there was no intent behind it. Ray beamed and just so casually checked him over, her feathers tickling his face. "You're doing well I hope?"
"Uhm…" Irene spoke up, "Not to break up the reunion…but there is…a lot we have to unpack here and it's kinda a human problem."
Isaac, once out of Lyd's massive scaley arms, turned and looked at the members of his Familia. The Falna on his back is Hestia's after all. He nodded to Welf and Bell. He bowed slightly to Haruhime and gave Lili a short wave. While he didn't interact with Wiene, he glanced at her for a moment.
"Isaac." The voice he's heard and wanted to hear for the past few months floated in his ears.
He flinched involuntarily. It was a small knee-jerk reaction that most missed. Mikoto was not one of those people. She had dropped her katana and started walking towards him. The distance wasn't far but it felt like a canyon was between them. So close, yet so far.
Lyd and Ray quickly moved out of the way while Irene just pushed Isaac's shoulder a little, "Well, come on, go. You've been waiting. Time to get your answer."
It's a gamble…
…and is she worth it? Well, when she put it like that, it's almost unfair.
Isaac took that step forward, his expression hopeful but undertones of expectant disappointment lingering. The two were mere meders away from one another. "Miko…" he whispered.
Mikoto couldn't contain it any longer and leaped at Isaac, who on instinct, caught her. Her head was buried into the crook of his neck and her shoulders started trembling. Guilt slammed into his heart like a spear. He made her feel this way…
"Please don't cry," he whispered to her, slowly walking to a slightly more secluded area. Sis, if you would…
Irene was understanding, Sure. Within moments, Irene cast another Concealment on the duo. The younger twin felt her brother's presence disappear and she exhaled. "Today is going to be quite stressful." She turned to the Familia, "I owe you all an explanation…but first," she pointed at the Xenos, "we have to have this conversation."
Mikoto felt like she was a child again. She was crying. She knew it. She knew it and she hated it. She shouldn't be crying. These tears were not of sorrow. They were of joy. Her heart had suffered when Isaac left Orario. She had overcome some of it beforehand but these two months were long and lonely.
He didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to say. He was holding her close. She was clinging to him, legs around his armored waist. Neither knew what to say. The silence was getting to them.
"Miko…I…"
One shuddering breath later, "W-When did you return?"
"Today, we heard from Shakti that you were tasked with going to the twentieth floor to look into the armored monster rumor," he explained in a low voice. He pulled her closer, if that was even possible. She smiled at how gentle he was holding her. "We were rushing to get here, shortcuts and all…Gods…I missed you…"
She leaned back, tears blurring her vision, and gave him a fragile smile, "I missed you too, Ise…"
"That my nickname now?" Isaac asked with a growing smile, much more hopeful. He wiped away her tears, stroking her cheek lovingly.
"W-Well, you gave me o-one and I-"
"Can I kiss you?" Isaac blurted out before he could stop himself.
Both of them froze but Mikoto recovered faster, "I thought you would never ask…" she breathed out and leaned forward and connected their lips.
Bliss.
Pure, utter bliss.
Both of them closed their eyes and enjoyed the feeling of their lips on one another. It was something out of a fantasy, if one could believe it. Isaac had set Mikoto down and they slowly started backing up until Mikoto's back hit the wall. Love. That was what was being poured into the kiss. The words didn't have to be said but their actions spoke louder than they ever will.
Little did they know, their souls were crying out in joy. They were finally together again and this was something that they both needed to heal. While time away had sharpened their blades, it dulled their hearts. Now that they are connected once more, the healing process can finally begin.
Mikoto curled her hands on anything available to her. Isaac wrapped his around her waist and continued to pull her close. He really didn't want to let her go. The kiss paused as they both opened their eyes and finally looked at each other. "Does that mean you still accept me? Will you still allow me to court you?" His voice was teetering on hoping, already feeling the answer but he had to make absolutely sure.
Mikoto smiled wide, her first wide, genuine smile in months, "Absolutely." Then, they kissed again, this one much tamer than the previous. Isaac only tightened his hand on her waist, his heart beating faster than in his training. Mikoto noticed and felt pretty prideful about making him so nervous. It went both ways.
"Thank…you," Isaac got out in between breaths. It meant the world to him. He had someone now. He loves the woman before him. He wants and desires a lot of things. Right now, he was pretty damn content. They rested their foreheads on one another after separating. "We should hear this conversation about the Xenos, as there's more to it."
"I want some time to ourselves when this is all over," Mikoto expressed her desire. "We do need to sit and talk but who knows what comes after?"
Isaac felt something in his stomach stir with anticipation. Was he reading that correctly? Mikoto, regretfully, slowly distanced herself from him and began walking back to the group, but not before shaking her hips slightly more.
Yep, he was reading that correctly. He smiled, full of love and awe at his confirmed-again girlfriend. If Irene heard any of his thoughts, then she would probably slap him upside the head.
"So, you want to explain why the hell you attacked the Hestia Familia and one of your own to boot?" Irene said calmly but she was slowly letting her aura out, showing that she wanted a satisfactory answer, otherwise, she would be upset.
Ray quickly wanted to appease the irate Irene, "We wanted to test them, we had no intention to actually harm them."
Her eyes narrowed further, then turned to the Xenos known as Ranye, "Your mistrust is misplaced with this group. You won't find anyone better than them, but if you wish to test my claim, then by all means," Irene slowly reached behind her, "You are welcome to test your mettle against me."
"She's changed a bit," Welf muttered, and Irene heard him but made no motion toward him. The Irene from two months ago was not this forward with her threats. Ranye shivered at seeing the cold glance Irene was giving her. While she wanted to open her mouth and say something, she thought otherwise.
Lyd continued to explain, holding his hands up in a placating gesture, "We wanted to see the group that took in one of our own. Most would have either killed her or left her for dead. So when Ray explained that there was a group willingly traveling with one, we had to see what kind of people they were. Besides Sofia, Fels, and you twins, none have shown us such kindness. I admit I ended up taking it a bit too far, so apologies about that."
Bell just laughed nervously. There was nothing he could really say to that. Obviously, since there was a lull in the conversation, "So, are you going to introduce us to the rest of you?" Irene asked, all of her intent gone.
While the change was swift, the Hestia Familia was wondering where the hell they've been. Haruhime has not interacted with either twin much and with the way Mikoto is acting around Isaac, safe to say, the Renard was in for a crash course.
"I see you're impatient," Lyd remarked flatly but the glint of humor in his eyes gave it away. "Could someone get the lights?"
The dull teal cave suddenly lit up and the surrounding ledges had monsters peering curiously at the group of humans. "There's a lot more of you than I remember," Isaac's voice came in. The first change that Irene noticed was the chipper tone and his hand was intertwined with Mikoto. "I was hoping to visit Marie since she might be lonely but I assume this is everyone that can be here?"
Ray nodded, "You would be correct. Marie has missed you. She wanted to see her 'big brother' after all."
Isaac widened his eyes, "After her seeing me like that, I don't think I deserve that title from her."
"Who's Marie?"
Ray chimed in, "A mermaid within the Water Capital, she was the reason why your brother didn't perish during his escape."
"I almost forgot about that…" Isaac muttered.
"Really?" Irene pressed her brother.
He looked back at her, "Hey, a lot has happened since then, and I had more important things on my mind."
"Anyway," Lyd interjected, the Lizardman shifting in his seat, "We are known as Xenos, monsters—by human standards—with intelligence rivaling you all. We came into existence around…was it fifteen years ago?"
"That's too much of a coincidence," Isaac thought aloud. "Continue."
"However, not everything is easy for us. The armor and weapons we've acquired are from fallen adventurers. Obviously, we are not too keen on exposing ourselves to you all…"
Haruhime raised her ears at this, "S-So…how have you survived?"
"Well, little fox, the Dungeon created us yet the other non-Xenos still attack us on sight. These Hidden Villages are the reason we can keep a low profile."
"But why? Aren't you all born from within the walls?" The fox girl asked, sorrow painted in her eyes. Her blooming maternal instincts were still roused as she cradled Wiene into her side. The little dragon girl had met and introduced herself before coming back to Haruhime's side. Mikoto found it adorable, knowing that Wiene meant no harm.
"We are but we also have a goal…to see the sun. We dream of it…almost crave it."
"You wish to see the surface?" Irene asked.
"We wish to live on the surface, away from humanity but we'd be willing to converse," Lyd explained, rubbing his head.
A scoff before a grave voice came out, "We all know that's not going to happen. Humanity is too absorbed that we are the plague."
The Harpy was quick to reprimand the owner of the voice, "Gros, I told you to be more hospitable.
"There you are Gros," Isaac quipped, shooting a look to the upper 'floor' of the area. Alongside five other Xenos, he was sitting, drinking out of a cup. The gargoyle's stony expression was off put by his eyes, "I was curious as to where you were."
"Seems like you survived," Gros smiled, showing off his teeth. "And you've grown."
"Enough to challenge you and most likely win. Back then, which really isn't that long ago, you would have won…"
"Isaac, don't start anything," Irene said. "We still have other issues to discuss." We need to explain to your Familia about our whereabouts.
And you somehow need to prepare to tell yours about your return. If you forgot, Mum will want a word with all of us. "Fine, but before that, is there anything else we need to discuss…" he turned to Wiene. "Oh…"
"But first, a celebration!" Lyd exclaimed.
"Wha…" was the collaborative response from the non-Xenos plus Wiene.
The Lizardman stood and stretched, "Our first human guests and you thought we wouldn't celebrate that? What do you take us for?" Lyd turned to the rest of the Xenos, "Let's get started!"
Sure enough, not even five minutes later, there was a fire brewing in the middle of the area and everyone had drinks made from the fruits of the Dungeon. The Dungeon has its own ecosystem that produces some unique items that do sell well on the surface. Such items are fruits that look like one but taste like another.
Even so, there was a little tension in the air and it wasn't from the Xenos.
"So what did you guys do while you…" Bell asked as he trailed off, not exactly sure how to bring it up.
"We trained, went home, learned that elves are indeed assholes," Isaac rattled off with a bored expression, not at Bell but at the chain of events. "They did indeed try to kill us when we were eight."
Many of the Xenos took interest in this, as they obviously don't get close to humans. Hearing what they call 'gossip' was a rarity for them. If they noticed the spectators, they politely chose to ignore them.
"Why?" Mikoto exclaimed, her eyes staring directly into Isaac's. She even moved in front of him, kneeling. Her hands ended up on his thighs, as he was sitting against a small rock wall. The position ended up looking far more intimate than usual, and he flushed slightly. She was pretty when she fussed over him like this. It made him feel whole.
Not wanting to get too lost in her eyes, he closed his, "Cleansing the bloodline, since they barely tolerated our mother and father. They wanted no more 'abominations' to be a part of a High Elf line. So, they killed our parents, burned down our house, which was still left alone afterward, and they almost killed Irene. All while Grandma was off somewhere else. Had she been there…Saumouth would have been a pile of ash when she was done…"
The Xenos flinched, knowing that the one known as Sofia Vlahos was not a weak person by any means. Upset her, you might as well pray that your life ends quickly.
"So, what happened?" Bell asked.
Isaac opened his eye and glanced at the pure boy, "I took a man's life that night," he spoke in an expressionless voice, devoid of all emotion. "I'd do it again if it meant keeping her alive. Understand that we thought Grandma resented us."
"We thought she had died, all things considered…Dia…" Irene sniffed, holding back tears, "Dia was the one who took care of us that night and for the next ten years. Obviously, that can no longer be the case."
Isaac gently moved Mikoto before hugging Irene, "And now we mutually split up into two different Familias. You might have noticed Hestia being a little busy, right Lili?"
Truthfully, the Prum was trying to comprehend the fact that Master Isaac killed someone. She understood the reasons, yes, but at such a young age. "Yes, Lady Hestia has been busy recently…why?"
"Because Isaac has joined your Familia," Irene said after recovering, wiping her eyes. Haruhime easily approached the younger twin and opened her arms. "You're too kind, Haru…" Irene mumbled as she allowed the Renard to hug her. She missed the growing smile on Haruhime's face.
Mikoto was sure that her heart jumped seven times in her chest. He's in Lady Hestia's Familia? Our Familia? But I thought…
"Since you agreed to be mine, Miko, I would like to be closer to you," Isaac explained, seeing the thoughts run through her head. The samurai blushed but nodded.
"What about you?" Welf asked Irene.
The younger Vlahos twin raised her head, "Loki."
"Wait, they actually agreed?!" Lili raised her voice.
""We set conditions for them, as Dia had this prepared,"" the twins said in unison, making the Xenos glance at each other before going back to the twins.
Isaac finished off his drink, "We had to hide it as it would ruin the surprise. Not only that, we had to somewhat keep an eye on everyone. Since Dia's untimely departure, we've had time to reflect, and while two months isn't a long time for that…the decision to split up wasn't taken lightly."
"With that being said, Loki and Hestia Familias are in an alliance. However," Irene shut the excitement down, "Depending on the stance of Loki Familia, I may not be able to assist as much as I want. Since I am bound by their rules, if they decide to not help, then so be it."
Isaac, much to everyone else's confusion was smirking. Irene was struggling to keep a smirk off her face, "That doesn't mean you have to return just yet."
The implication brought some light back into their eyes. "Now that's settled, you all need to decide what's happening with Wiene here."
All eyes turned to the dragon girl.
Watching her grandchildren run off, well, more like disappearing made an ache spawn in Sofia's chest. There was a memory being replayed in her mind that made her feel as if she would regret it. No, they've improved and it's only the twentieth floor. It'll be fine. They can handle themselves…it's not like the dragon. It's what she told herself to calm down,
"So, little Varma, what has transpired in our absence?" Sofia asked the Captain she walked beside.
It was not uncommon for Ankusha to roam the streets but it was rare for her to walk beside an unidentified person. They, the populace of Orario assumed that she knew them or was going to take them to interrogation. However, the adventurers who were keen enough—not many of those—were able to sense the power falling off her in waves. The cloak did some to protect but Sofia's aura as the literal strongest woman on Gekai was enough for it to 'leak' out per se.
"Freya Familia has been training non-stop, trying to regain their lost ground over Loki. And while neither Familia took a hit nor rise to their rank, it has been a little tense. Obviously, there were rumors of which Familia they joined," Shakti replied, glancing to the side. "Which leads me to ask, what do you plan on doing. If you step into what's happening, it will skew the result."
Sofia nodded, the hood shifting with the movement, "Yes, I'm more than aware. I've just been thinking about starting something." Shakti didn't like the vague undertone from that, making her break out in a cold sweat. "Ah, let me clarify, I've been thinking about starting up a Magic school."
"In the Education District?" Shakti asked, exhaling with relief. Even the tension in her shoulders lowered some, a fact not missed by Sofia.
"Yes, as you know I already possess a spell that allows me to replicate anything, I can at least be of use this way," Sofia said.
Shakti had gotten wiser in her years as Captain, "You're a wandering soul, aren't you? Besides finding something to ground you, you really…" Shakti trailed off as Sofia didn't bother to even look. "Sofia…that's a dangerous path to go down. Please…don't do that to them. Let them in. They can't help you if you refuse to open up with them."
The implication was most definitely not lost on Sofia, "I know…and I've thought about it for far too long. Yet I can't seem to make a proper decision. It is my burden, Shakti, do not make it your own."
They continued down the main drag of Orario in silence. Sofia's eyes were forward but aware of her surroundings. Then she felt it, "So I see she's finally noticed…"
"Hmm?" Shakti raised a brow at the seemingly random sentence.
"'Tis nothing, little Varma. Now, I shall be in the Complex, if you need anything, send a letter," Sofia said as she broke off from Shakti's side and ventured down a side street of this massive city. To Sofia, it really hadn't changed much from the last time she was here so to see it again with a fresh pair of eyes, was definitely heart-throbbing. All those times when she was running down the street with her Familia.
Those times when she had taken in both Alfia and Meteria, to watch them grow, to watch them suffer under a disease that would kill them, to be with Nicolo, to live with them, to fight beside them. To pick them up when they fall. There were times that Sofia was often seen as a mother figure to many of the Familia members, much like another High Elf now, but that was because she was ultimately worried about them.
She had a long time to think about this, a long time to really believe in something other than what she wanted. This idea Sofia has would be something that can help Orario's adventurers prosper. At least in the magic department. For now, though, Sofia arrived at her destination.
She saw how gloomy the home looked. Sofia entered the gates with ease, as the key was hidden close by, a failsafe. Sure, she could jump over it but that would ruin the point of her cover.
The key unlocked the door and she entered. Upon shutting the door, Sofia removed her hood. The High Elf's features were on display, tears surrounded her eyes. "So, this is where they would come home to…" her fingers found that it was dusty. In a few months, it is not outside the realm of possibility. The photos of seemingly random items were placed around, as was Dia's preference. She did love random things, trinkets or photos. The Great Mage ascended the stairs to the second floor, ignoring the kitchen area entirely. The doors that she checked were all empty, except for two.
One such door was the twin's room, "Even now, they still share a room…I wonder how that will change now that they are in two different Familias. Please treat them well, Loki, Hestia…"
The last door that was opened was Dia's office. While the boot mark on the door was still there, the office was cleaned up nicely. Someone must have done it…at least she didn't have to look at the mess that it was. Otherwise, someone would be getting a stern talking to. Often enough, Sofia did have to give lectures to both the men and women of her Familias. She lumps them together because they were around each other often enough.
Yet, now here she was…all alone. None of her other Familia members survived or they faded into obscurity. There was no one left from here time. The only ones she has left are her grandchildren and even Bell of all people.
She was present at his birth, she couldn't forget him. Meteria had specifically requested her and Alfia had reluctantly asked her to come along. Sofia recalls a time when Alfia wanted to fight Sofia to see who was more powerful despite the three-level gap, and Sofia won. However, not easily, which prompted her to brush up on combat skills. The next time, Alfia didn't stand a chance, her ability to copy movements be damned.
Sofia was simply too fast and was able to adapt and change her style so fast that Alfia didn't know. After that, she started calling Sofia an elder sister, rather than a mother.
Anytime anyone pointed that out though, they got a nice Gospel into the wall.
Even as Sofia sat on Dia's bed, looking out the window, she failed to notice the bittersweet tears falling down her face. It was made even worse as the thought crept through her subconscious…
Not wanting to sit there for longer, Sofia stood and wiped her eyes, "Gods, how long has it been since I've shed genuine tears? I should be better than this…" the woman muttered aloud.
Sofia easily sat at the desk and just gazed at the way Dia had organized her desk drawers. While some items were missing from them, the small little notes from the twins were not. Seeing all this made Sofia break down into a fit of tears.
The thought kept plaguing her mind, and how she wanted to follow along but she couldn't. After all…
…she wanted to die with them on that fateful day…
And perhaps, she still does…but something was holding her back. What she failed to notice, even for all of her senses, was how many of her friends were silently watching over her.
In the large expansive areas of Tenkai, there rested a lot of souls, particularly in the Well of Souls, where the many souls of Gekai are sent back down for reincarnation. Yet, there was a group of around twelve souls, all different in color, some variations of the same color, and more all watching. While they were not the only twelve around, they were certainly looking at one section.
"She's hurt…"
"And in more ways than one…"
"...my love…you need not despair…our time will come…"
Three different voices and three different people all spoke, "Aww come on Fia! You shouldn't be so down in the dumps! We'll see you again someday!"
Of course, the fourth voice was Sofia's once great friend and someone like a sister to her, Guinevere. The woman was important to her. Then again, if the tears down Guinevere's face were any indication, she was only trying to cheer up her best friend.
How is a soul crying anyway? One of Tenkai's great mysteries.
They continued to watch as she cried her heart out. The lingering sorrow from the past fifteen years, from the past thirty or forty more. Even throughout her time, she still held on but she was nearing her breaking point.
Another soul, actually two, joined the group. "Why is big sister Sofia crying? She shouldn't be…"
"I have no idea, sister, her noise is melancholic compared to the jovial nature it once held, not even meeting her family had any effect."
Guinevere's soul floated over to the two newcomers, "I didn't expect you here."
The two females turned, their hair similar, almost down to the exact shade. "Alfia was worried about Sofia!"
"...was not," Alfia offered a weak retort.
"I just wanted to see how my son was doing," the other woman said.
"Meteria…"
The trio of women rejoined the group of people. One such soul turned to them, "It's finally nice to meet you, Miss Meteria, Miss Alfia…Mi corazón has told me a lot about you."
"Nicolo," Alfia said. "You had helped her, yes?"
The man's soul glowed slightly, expressing his happiness, "Indeed, Sofia is my world and I will wait however long I need to in order to see her again, to ease her burdens," the glow from Nicolo's soul dimmed as he spoke but quickly regulated his emotions.
The God watching over the Well of Souls observed this conversation and decided to at least remedy one thing. Surely, there would be nothing wrong if they just popped on in.
Amid Sofia's crying, the window was opened gently, and a soft breeze carried its way inside, ruffling Sofia's hair. She had spotted and turned her red-rimmed eyes to the window. "Wha…"
The High Elf was confused. Yet, something told her to go to the window. And she did.
Just outside of the window of—formerly—Dia's Complex, Sofia was looking at four different wisps.
They each differed in color, two looking similar compared to the rest, and approached her. When they did, Sofia felt chills. Not out of fear but out of surprise. She heard voices. Voices she thought she would never hear in her mortal life again.
It's been a long seven years for one, and fifteen for the other three.
With each voice, the tears began again and Sofia fell to her knees, drowning in emotions.
The last one was the most important. "Mi corazón, I'll wait however long I need. Do not give up."
"Nicolo…I miss you…and thank you." With that being said, Sofia stood up, cleared her tears, and exited the room, her strides more determined than before.
One day, my time will come but until then, I should be celebrating not what I lost but what I have gained. Isaac, Irene…whether you know it or not, I won't abandon you. I failed once but you have given me a second chance.
The hood rose once more, "I shall not squander it. Nicolo, just wait for me a little longer, will you?"
Hestia and Loki have actually been on great speaking terms as of recently. While they still get into petty arguments over breast size, they have ironed out more of the details of their alliance. Aside from the four conditions of the twins, they have many more.
All that was left was getting the Guild's approval. Moreover, the fact that the information of the Vlahos twins' affiliation would be publicly announced would cause a stir when they return.
As for their current location, they were actually in a Guild private room for the finalization. All that was truly left was signing the official document. "Did you really think we would ever get this far?" Hestia asked her fellow Goddess.
"Truthfully? No. We had a lot more beef but those twins were laying down the law with this. Plus, I'd hate to go against Dia's wish."
Hestia laid a hand on Loki's shoulder, "And I was hoping to learn a few more things from her."
"Did you think leading a Familia is easy, Hestia?" Loki asked not out of malice but genuine curiosity.
"At first, yes," the loli Goddess answered honestly. "Now? I realize that there is more to it. I wonder how Ganesha does it."
Somewhere in Orario, there was a shout of 'I am Ganesha!' not that the two Goddesses heard it.
"You'd be surprised at how serious he actually takes his role," Loki chuckled, surprisingly enough, without a drop of alcohol in sight. "It's just that I tho-"
A tingling feeling crept over both women.
"You felt that, right?" Hestia inquired.
A small smile grew on the Trickster's face, an expression that Hestia thought she would ever see on her. "I did indeed."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Locking eyes with Hestia, Loki answered, "It means that our little troublemakers have flown back to the nest."
Hestia sucked in a breath in pent-up excitement. "So, it's time, huh?"
...
Another late night upload. I have sleep schedule problems.