The Argonaut and The Child of Light

by domgk115

Cian Mac Gallagher was a member of the Scathach Familia far west from Orario. He learned to wield a spear from the legendary adventurer Chu Chulainn, and found a new life. However, when a terrifying force wipes out his familia, Cian crawls to Orario half-dead only to be saved by Bell Cranel, soon Cian joins a new family, still pursued by his familias killers ready to finish the job

10. Season 1 OVA: Dungeon Hot Spring!

Cian

"Oh man I still can't believe how you both did that!" Lord Hermes praised them, smiling at Bell in the front and then Cian in the back of the line. "Hestia has certainly found herself a talented pair, the way you both took down Goliath was astounding!"

Cian nervously blushed, looking at his still slinged arm. He'd managed to fight with it, but that didn't mean it didn't still hurt like hell. He needed a good long soak for it when he got back to the surface.

Still… I kind of hope the trip back takes a bit longer, he thought, smiling as he turned to his right.

He had asked Mikoto to take the rear guard with him, and she had been happy too. However, he was beginning to get a bit worried with each step they took.

She… she still hasn't even looked at me since we left the floor! What is this?! He thought worried, as he heard more arguing ahead of him.

"Absolutely!" Lady Hestia said, with Bell in between her and Lillie. His diminutive goddess then grabbed onto Bell's arm dragging him down towards her as they walked. "Cian and my precious Bell are going to be the best of the best!"

"Stop hanging off of him!" Lillie snapped at the goddess before proceeding to hang of him herself from the other side, eyeing the Goddess with a distasteful eye. "Master Bell has just gone through a horrible fight; he doesn't need you hanging all over him!"

"Ha! You can't take this moment away from me you stingy little prum!" Lady Hestia yelled back.

And after that another shouting match started, making many in the party sigh or laugh.

"Ha… come on now Lillie, Goddess," Bell said, as his head turned around.

He met Cian's eyes and clearly said, please help me.

Cian scoffed and shook his head. Bell's eyes widened and looked horrified as Lady Hestia and Lillie went back to their game of tug of war with Bell as the rope. Cian couldn't help but smile, a sick bit of satisfaction going through him as he watched his friend struggle.

That's what he gets for running away and leaving me in the river with the girls! Cian thought, before his eyes looked past Bell, and saw someone stealing a look back at him. Cian's chest pounded as Ryuu's blue gaze looked at him for a second, before she turned back to leading the party. That few seconds however, made Cian's head spin… what could that have meant?

He then looked to Mikoto to his right, who was a few steps away, and seemed more interested in the wall then him. Welf had told him that he was 'lucky' and needed to 'strike while the iron was hot', Cian still had no idea what he'd meant by that, and what iron he needed to strike. He assumed he meant that he had to figure out his feelings.

But if Mikoto wasn't looking at him, even after hugging him like she did after the Black Goliath fight, and Ryuu only stole glances at him more now… what was he supposed to do? He thought he'd felt it, when Mikoto had her arms around him back on floor 18. He thought he had felt that intrinsic feeling of simply knowing he wanted to be with someone that Lady Hestia and Diarmuid had told him about.

But now… she can't even look at me! What do I do…. Cian thought, his head pounding, longing for his room at the Hostess of Fertility, a bed sounded wonderful.

"Cian!" A voice said from his left.

Cian turned and managed to smile. "Yeah? What's up Mebd?"

Mebd smiled at him, her dark red hair falling down her leather and fur armor. Her eyes were practically lit up like stars as she got his attention. Cian remembered her fighting against the Black Goliath, her magic. He'd heard of the power of the Mac Caomhanach magic but didn't expect it to be just as powerful as the rumors said.

"I… was just wondering, are you feeling okay?" She said, seeming nervous for some reason. "I mean your arm! Is… it feeling any better?"

Cian happened to wince them but forced a smile as he looked at his makeshift sling. "It's been better…. I really shouldn't have taken it off but, it turned out well in the end."

"It did! That was amazing what you and Bell managed to do!" She said, taking a step closer to him as they walked. "It was just like the old Ulster stories; you looked like the first hero Cian!"

Cian's face got hot, one because of the praise, and two because he realized how close Mebd was too him. He also them remembered, he'd seen her naked just a day ago.

NO! NO STOP THINKING ABOUT HER BOOBS! He screamed at himself, before nervously rubbing his head.

"Ha… it really wasn't that much, it was probably reckless," He said, looking at the inside of his wrist, where he saw the wound from where he'd had to stab himself. "I'm just glad everyone's alright. Still… thanks."

"It was, but my father always said, the best heroes need to be a little reckless!" She told him, before he saw her bite her lower lip and look at his arm carrying the Gae Bulg. And then, he nearly jumped when she reached out and held his arm as they walked. "I… I was wondering something!"

"Ye…yeah?" Cian said, his arm tingling.

She turned and looked up at him. "Will… will you train with me?! When we get back to the surface, will you teach me what you can?!"

"Huh?!" Cian said, confused, but touched by her asking. "Mebd… you're a higher level than I am."

She scoffed. "But despite that and… despite well… what happened between us, it's clear in a short time you… you've gotten better. Besides I… I just want to get to know you better as well. So… what do you say?"

Cian's chest pounded. Ahead he still heard arguing from Lillie and Lady Hestia, and the others chatting.

Except Welf, who sighed and shook his head as he turned his head back towards the front. "I can't believe it… both of them how do they do it…?"

Cian stammered and felt Mebd's arm wrapped around his. He looked at her green eyes, which were very, very pretty. He still couldn't believe she was the daughter of the chief of the clan his village was in. If they were back in Ulster, he could be put in stocks for being so close to her.

But still, the more time he spent with her, the happier he was he'd given her a second chance. He also enjoyed having someone else from home. Orario was his home now, but he assumed Mebd felt the pang of nostalgia for Ulster like he did.

"Sure, if that's what you want," He said, managing to smile. "I'd love that Mebd."

"Awesome! We'll talk about it more later!" She said, letting go of his arm and walking ahead him with a smile. She whispered the next part, but Cian managed to hear it. "Ha… take that you little orange haired bimbo!"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Lefiya.

"A…ACHOO!" Lefiya sneezed, snot coming out his nose and into her bath. "Ugh… where the heck did that come from?"

"You too?" Ms. Ais said, looking over at her. "I sneezed earlier… ACHOO! Did I get you sick?"

"ACHOO!" Lefiya sneezed again, shaking her head. "I… I don't think so Ms. Ais."

"Cian was sick… maybe we got it from him? ACHOO!"

Lefiya groaned, sinking into the water. "He… he was- ACHOO! He was fine when we left… aw man this stinks."

Cian…. I wonder what you're doing right now.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian

Cian winced at the language, he wondered who she could be talking about. They knew hundreds of people in Ulster with orange hair.

"Um… Cian?"

Cian nearly jumped, his heart exploding. The voice was the most pleasant thing he'd heard in hours of walking.

"M…Mikoto!" He said, turning to see she'd gotten only a few steps next to him as they walked. "What um… what is it?"

She let out a shaky sigh and looked at her. Her purplish eyes were stunning enough to make Cian forget how to breath. He'd noticed them when he first saved her before they'd been pass paraded. He hadn't really looked at them then too much, but in the times they'd talked since he had, and loved every second of it. She looked nervous, and ashamed, but before Cian could ask what was wrong she shook her head.

"I… I fear I must apologize again to you," She told him slowly.

"Huh? Apologize for what?" He said, trying not to sound as nervous as he was. "You haven't done anything."

"I have… I… well…" She said, seeming to struggle for words. "I've… not spoken to you since well… the fight. I wanted to tell you just… how extraordinary I found you and Master Bell's actions."

Everyone had said that to him so far… but it felt different coming from her. It felt even more special then it had before.

"I… it was nothing!" He said, shaking his head. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without you! I'm just glad you're talking to me. I had begun to think maybe well… I'd said something to offend you, since we haven't talked since then."

"No! No, not at all, that isn't the case I promise!" She said quickly. "I… I just… I-."

She was cut off by a loud yell from Lady Hestia, followed by the cracking of the wall. Cian snapped the Gae Bulg under his good shoulder and spun, seeing Bell had already sprung to action.

"Goddess! Get behind me!" He said, pulling out both his knives as the monsters appeared. His head spun around, and he nodded. "Cian!"

"On it!" Cian yelled, tossing the Gae Bulg up into his hand. Mikoto drew her sword, but Cian had already moved forward. "Alright get out of the way!"

With those words he threw the Gae Bulg forward. It soared past everyone drawing their weapons with precision. It hit the head of a massive spider that had been about to attack Bell's blind-spot. He thrust out his hand, and the red spear shot back to his hand, and he spun it in his one good hand before coming up next to Bell in front of Lady Hestia.

"Don't worry Goddess!" Bell said, taking his position next to Cian. "I'm going to protect you!"

Cian smirked and lunged forward with Bell next to him.

"You're my hero Bell!" Lady Hestia said with absolutely glee.

He heard Lillie scoff. "You do have two children you know Goddess Hestia!"

"Oh! Cian!" Lady Hestia said nervously. "I… I'm sorry!"

Cian chuckled; he had gotten used to that. He knew she didn't mean it when she slipped up like that. Cian knew very little about romantic love, but he figured if he found someone who made him feel the way Goddess Hestia felt around Bell, that would be a good start.

He could hear the rest of the party pulling out weapons, but Cian and Bell were already on the move. Even with only one arm, Cian moved the Gae Bulg with precision. It was a decent sized hoard that had come at them, a massive pack of spiders at first, but Bell had already been prepared.

"FIREBOLT!" Bell's fire ripped through them, and as they burned, Cian moved in with his spear.

The Gae Bulg's spun, and blood splattered from the monsters, he moved along the line of them with Bell behind him and they were cut down like he was harvesting wheat. Cian had no idea what had gotten him to move so quick, so precise, but Bell was doing the same, and for a few moments he felt unstoppable.

And his movements only went faster when he saw them all watching. He noticed Mikoto had been about to move in to help him, but Cian suddenly had the urge to finish them all off himself. She stopped, and just looked on in awe, before Cian turned around and saw a hellhound leaping off a nearby cliff down towards him. Fire shot from its mouth, and he heard people yell, even Bell, but despite only having one hand, he spun the Gae Bulg and cut through the spell, before leaping forward to meet the hellhound midair.

"ARGHHH!" He yelled, stabbing the Gae Bulg into the side of the hellhound, and landing forward with a roll. It puffed away into dust, and Cian spun to shoot out his hand. The Gae Bulg zipped through the air into his hand, and he let out a long breath he'd been holding as he leaned on it, Bell coming up next to him.

"I think that was the last of them," Bell said with relief looking at him. "How's your arm Cian?"

Cian sighed but winced at the pain in his slinged arm. "It's alright… still I could use a bath, and some real rest."

"Yeah you're right about that," Bell said, yawning. "I feel like we haven't stopped fighting since we left."

Cian scoffed. "You can say that-."

"Oh Bell! That was so amazing!" Lady Hestia said, and Cian looked to see his diminutive goddess attempting to come rush over to him.

But other people got there first.

"You both took them all out like it was nothing," Asfi said, smiling at them both. "Well done Bell Cranel, and Cian Mac Gallagher… I can see now why Mebd's so fond of you."

"Asfi!" Mebd said, as she had appeared too. Her face was red as she looked to Cian then her captain. "I told you not to say anything!"

"Huh? Why wouldn't I?" The captain of Hermes familia asked Mebd. "I thought you'd already asked him to go out and-."

"ASFI!" Mebd said, turning her captain around and hurriedly pushing her away, her face as red as her hair. "Quiet!"

Cian looked on in confusion, as the two argued. What had Asfi been talking about, and why would Mebd be suddenly nervous talking to him? The more he learned and discovered about what could possibly be romance, the more confused he was getting. What he would have given to ask Diarmuid what it all meant then.

"Well fought Mr. Cranel," Ryuu's voice cut in, and Cian turned to see her smiling at them both. That smile became directed at him, and she nodded. "And you too Cian. Looks like I don't have to be the one saving you anymore."

Did… Ryuu… just crack a joke? He thought, completely bewildered at the idea. Ryuu smiled yes, he loved it when she did, she was kind, caring, but he couldn't think of a time she'd ever cracked a joke like that before.

He chuckled, his face red. "Yeah… looks like it. So, Ryuu, how much longer until-."

His question again, was interrupted by the sound of falling rocks. Having a momentary panic attack and flashbacks, Cian turned, Bell doing the same. He saw everyone turning to a collapsing wall, and his eyes widened, his chest ready to explode.

"MIKOTO!"

Mikoto was right near the wall and had turned around as the rocks collapsed. Cian had already started running, he moved past Welf, Ouka, Chigusa, everyone else until he reached her. He ignored the pain in his arm and dove forward, his arms around her waist as the two of them rolled as the rocks fell behind them. He heard everyone else get out of the way as well and could only wince more when he landed on his back feeling something on top of him.

"C…Cian!" Mikoto said, stuttering, and when Cian opened his eyes he twitched and almost screamed.

Mikoto was overtop of him, her faces inches from him again.

"M…Mikoto!" He said, not daring to move at inch with their bodies so close, stories he heard from Diarmuid flashing into his mind.

And worst of all, his old loud mentor's voice kept shouting in his head.

"DO IT! COME ON SQUIRT SHE'S RIGHT THERE LAY ONE ON HER!"

NOOOO! STOP GET OUT OF MY HEAD DIARMUID!

"THIS IS YOUR CHANCE KISS HER!" His mentor's voice yelled, as Mikoto stammered more, seemingly as unable to move as he was. The voice went on. "BE A MAN SQUIRT! COME ON THIS IS WHAT I TRAINED YOU FOR!"

THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU TRAINED ME FOR!

"YES IT IS! NOW COME ON!"

NO! Lady Scathach would never forgive me!

"YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT I'D NEVER FORGIVE YOU! DON'T YOU DARE KISS A GIRL WITHOUT HER PERMISSION YOU'RE BETTER THEN THAT!"

LADY SCATHACH?! He yelled at the voice in his head.

"BUTT OUT GODDESS! THIS IS A MAN'S JOB! DON'T LISTEN TO HER SQUIRT, YOU WON'T GET THIS GOLDEN AN OPPORTUNITY AGAIN STRIKE WHILE THE IRON'S HOT! SHE'S BEGGING FOR IT SHE HASN'T MOVED!" Diarmuid urged.

"DON'T PUT SUCH LANGUAGE IN HIS HEAD! CIAN DON'T YOU DARE MOVE YOUR LIPS ANY CLOSER!" Lady Scathach scolded.

My… my head is killing me, I think I'm going crazy, he thought, his face red, his heart pounding like a drum ready to burst as he looks at Mikoto's eyes, her hair, her lips. He could also practically feel a tiny Lady Scathach and Diarmuid on either shoulder screaming at him.

And worst-and at the same time best of all- felt Mikoto's boobs pressed against his chest.

"CIAN!" Lady Scathach's voice said the minute he thought about it.

"YES SQUIRT GO ON! GO ON AND USE WHAT I TAUGHT YOU! GRAB HER FACE AND GO FOR THE KILL!" Diarmuid yelled again.

BOTH OF YOU GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

"Goddess Scathach's right Cian, respect women's boundaries!"

Uathach?!

"Shut up Uathach! Don't listen to her kid, Diarmuid's right! It'd be an insult to not lay one on her now, look at her face it's scientifically factual she's into you!

Oh man not Finn too… he thought, knowing Finn was rarely wrong.

"Use your head Cian. Calmly apologize, ask if she's okay and then-."

"SHUT UP FERGUS HE NEEDS TO STRIKE NOW!" Diarmuid cut off Fergus. "GO SQUIRT! DO IT! I'LL NEVER BE PROUDER!"

"DON'T DO IT CIAN!" Lady Scathach yelled

"GO ON CIAN DO IT!" Finn yelled next.

"NO CIAN DON'T!" Uathach yelled after that.

"USE YOUR HEAD CIAN!" Fergus came next, uncharacteristically loud.

"WILL ALL OF YOU SHUT UP!" Chu's voice came over them. "WELL DON'T JUST SIT THERE KID DO SOMETHING!"

"Um… uh…. Are… um…." Cian managed to trickle out, his eyes glued to Mikoto's lips, all of his senses except his sense of touch blocked out.

Her… her boobs… he thought, as neither of them dared move yet.

"I… I…" She started as well, and Cian gulped.

"Mikoto! Cian!"

"YES?!" "YES?!" They both yelled at the same time, both managing to roll and turn at the same time.

This resulted in their faces smashing into one another, and instead of a romantic kiss like Cian had partially envisioned, their foreheads smacked together, and he now had a headache.

"OWWW!" They both yelled, rolling onto their backs, and grabbing their forehead.

"OH, COME ON SQUIRT WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!"

"Ugh… get… get out of my head you stupid… son of a…" Cian groaned, as he blinked and looked to see Chigusa had been the one to call them.

"Mikoto are you okay?!" The smaller girl asked her friend, helping her to her feet.

Mikoto was still red in the face, but she groaned, rubbing her forehead. "I… I'm okay, thank you Chigusa… what-. Cian!"

"I… I'm okay!" He said quickly, his eyes now stuck on her lips as she reached down and helped her up with Chigusa. "What um… what about you?"

STOP. LOOKING. AT. HER. BOOBS! YOU DAMN PERVERT!

"I… I'm fine," She said with a sigh, a small smile coming to her face. "Thank you for saving me again."

"Yeah, you moved really fast Cian!" Chigusa said, smiling as well. "It sure was lucky you were paying attention."

"Ha… yeah! Yeah… paying attention…" He said, not wanting to admit he'd only turned around because he simply enjoyed looking at Mikoto.

Mikoto seemed to tense up a bit… but smiled at him.

Cian's eyes widened, does… does that mean-.

"A cave in… looks like it could be an undiscovered part of the dungeon," Ryuu's voice carried, and the three of them turned around.

Everyone else had gathered around the collapsed wall, and after nodding they ran up to join them.

"You're right, it's not on any maps," Asfi said next, as they looked down the dark corridor. "We'll have to report it to the guild when we get back."

Cian moved with Mikoto and Chigusa right behind her. He spotted Bell and Lady Hestia with Lillie and Welf, they all turned around and Bell's eyes widened.

"Cian! You okay?" He asked, as Cian came up next to him.

Cian slowly nodded, wincing at the now useless looking sling on his arm. "I'm okay… so, what caused the wall to fall?"

Lady Hestia nervously laughed. "Ha… I um… may have kicked a stone."

"You got a powerful kick then Lady Hestia…" Cian whistled, looking down the corridor, then to Asfi, Ryuu, Mebd and the others. "What do you guys think? Should we check it out?"

Ryuu slowly shook her head. "No, it's unmarked territory, there's no telling what… what…are you doing?"

Cian stopped as well, as did everyone else to stare at her. He felt his heart skip a beat, as he watched Mikoto's eyes widen, her nose twitched as she sniffed the air, before she fell to the ground to her knees.

"No… not it can't be!" She said, all the nerves and stuttering completely gone as she sounded like she'd just sniffed out buried treasure.

Cian was slightly weirded out. He reached down and touched her shoulder. "Um… Mikoto? What uh… whatcha you doing down there?"

She ignored him, and then sniffed the ground.

"Um…" He said as she ignored him, looking at everyone else staring at her before he looked to Chigusa. "What uh… what is she doing?"

Chigusa looked confused and looked to Ouka, then back to Cian. "I… don't know. Mikoto! What are you-."

"It is!" Mikoto yelled, shooting to her feet, a smile unlike any Cian had ever seen on a person before coming to her face. "No WAY!"

With that smile on her face, Mikoto started running-it was actually more like frolicking- down the dark corridor.

"Mikoto wait!" Cian yelled, not thinking before running after her.

Everyone started running after him and Mikoto, he heard them move behind them, but all he could do was desperately try and keep up with her. In the short time he'd known her, he had never seen her this excited, or emotive for anything, other then perhaps when they'd fallen into the lake together.

What the heck has got her so excited?

OP: Hey World, DanMachi S1

The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Season 1 OVA: Is It Wrong to Expect a Hot Spring in a Dungeon?

Cian

"Mikoto!" Cian yelled, light coming into view. "What's gotten into you what… ARGH!"

He smacked into her back and fell onto his butt, dropping the Gae Bulg. His head ringing still, he groaned and rubbed his forehead, before a new sound hit his ears.

Is that… running water? And… what's going on in my eyes, is that steam? He thought, before he felt his shoulders grabbed.

"CIAN!" The voice of Mikoto said, as she showed very surprising strength and yanked Cian to his feet by pulling under his arms.

Her face was only inches from his again, and Cian started stuttering. Her lips were only inches from him, her eyes however, weren't nervous now, they practically were giant purple stars and Cian's skin started tingling, and something felt very wrong with his chest. He couldn't speak as she got around to his back and pushed him towards the edge of what turned out to be steaming water, before keeping an arm around his shoulder and practically shaking him.

"A HOT SPRING!" She exclaimed.

What… why is she acting like this? Cian wondered, looking at her red faced.

"Ye…yeah…" He said, ready to faint as she squeezed around his neck. "A hot-."

"A hot spring?" Lady Hestia's voice followed.

"Hot spring?" Everyone else said as well, as they all filed in behind him.

"That's RIGHT!" Mikoto said, letting go of Cian and turning around. "This is most definitely a hot spring!"

"Ye…yeah… hot… spring…" Cian stuttered, falling onto his back, his head spinning.

"Cian!" Bell said, thankfully the only one not hypnotized by the water.

I… I… oh god… she was so close… He thought, as Bell's white hair came into view. He reached down and helped Cian to his feet. By the time he'd gotten up, Cian's head stopped spinning and he saw everyone else had come to check out the water as well. Lillie was dipping her hand in, Lady Hestia had a huge smile on her face, so did Mebd who stood next to Asfi and Ryuu, while Lord Hermes seemed to be scheming, and Welf and Ouka salivated.

They were nothing compared to Mikoto though, who had dunked her whole head in the water.

Is she…drinking the water? Cian asked himself, as he and Bell finally looked out over what they'd stumbled upon. It really was a beautiful sight; multiple rocks were arranged with stalks of bamboo and other plants wedged between. Steam gently rose up from the water, and Cian already felt himself sweating. He looked down at the sling and sighed, realizing the bandages were all but gone, and finally unwrapped them.

"Cian, you okay?" Bell asked him, as everyone else gathered around.

Cian slowly nodded; his eyes drawn to the spring. "Yeah… so this is a hot spring huh? I've never seen one before."

"Really?" Bell asked him.

Cian slowly nodded, walking to the waters edge. He gently ran his hand into the water, and while it was naturally hot to the touch, it soothed his bones. It reminded him of something else back home, there were no hot springs in Ulster, it was far too rainy or cold for that.

"Did you say this is your first time seeing a hot spring?" Welf said, kneeling to feel the water as well.

Cian nodded again, smiling at the memories. "Yeah, I always wanted to see one. In Ulster we didn't have any, instead of hot spring soaks, we used to take mud baths."

Cian hadn't been talking very loud, but at the word 'Mud Bath', everyone turned and looked at him like he had six heads.

What's so weird about that? He wondered, as Welf with his mouth hanging open shook his head.

"Did you say… mud bath?" He asked.

Cian nodded. "Yeah, that's what I said."

"As in… you take a bath," Lillie said, as if it was the most confusing thing she'd ever imagined. "In… mud? Willingly?"

"Of course, why wouldn't it be willingly?" Cian said, fondly sighing as he could remember the last time visiting one with the Scathach familia. "I remember Lady Scathach used to take us all the time! Mud baths are extremely good for the skin and muscle fatigue. It relaxes your body, and helps you get clearer skin at the same time! It's really the whole package, I remember I'd sit in there for hours, Lady Scathach used to say mud baths were the only reason she kept fighting!"

"Scathach always was… a bit odd with stuff like that," Lady Hestia said with an awkward laugh.

"Well, I think that idea sounds fantastic!" Lord Hermes said, looking at Cian. "Say Cian, did you and the beautiful goddess Scathach and the rest of your familia enter these baths together?"

Cian's face got red. "No! Not together, but yeah, the point of a mud bath is to relax the whole body! It's supposed to help you from head to toe, it's great to lay in a pool of it after a fight!"

"That… sounds disturbing," Ouka commented.

Cian scoffed and looked next to Lord Hermes. "It is not! Help me out Mebd!"

"He's right!" Mebd said fondly, her hands clapped together against her cheek. "My mother spared no expense building our indoor bath, it was scented with lavender and pine, we'd burn incense, talk about the boys in the castle, ugh… it was lovely."

"I remember one time Chu fell asleep in one mud bath," Cian said, joining her in fondly closing his eyes to remember the time. "Diarmuid and Finn covered him head to toe and when he snored it fell in his mouth! He chased us through the entire spa, Lady Scathach had to stop them, oh man… my body had never felt so good as it did that day."

It was quiet again, and Cian wondered what in the world was so weird about what he'd said.

"Ulster… is a weird place," Lillie finally said. "You both come from a very odd place."

Mebd was still busy fantasizing about the mud bath in her castle, and Cian was about to argue, but his arguments died in his throat when everyone seemed to agree with her. He scoffed and shook his head, as everyone returned to the water.

"Their loss… I'll go to a mud bath myself!" He said, walking back to the water edge. "But still… this is really nice."

"Cian!" Bell said, coming next to him again. "This could probably help your arm feel better."

Cian smiled. "I bet it could! We could use a break too-."

"BAHHHHHH!"

Cian's head spun around, and he saw Mikoto's head splash out of the water. His eyes widened, was she… drinking that whole time?

"So, how's the water Mikoto?" Chigusa asked her.

"BAHH it's perfect! The salt level, the heat, the consistency, everything is perfect! We must partake in a relaxing soak, and I won't take no for an answer!" She said, turning to him. "CIAN!"

"Um… yes?!" Cian said, as moving faster then even he did when using Lightning Rod, Mikoto rushed over and grabbed his shoulders.

Why... why does she have to keep doing that?! He wondered, feeling his chest nearly explode again. She was so close, and while he wished she would stop, he also wished she wouldn't, that she'd be even closer, despite her boobs being inches from his chest, her face right in front of his.

"Did I hear you correctly when you said you've never taken a nice, relaxing, refreshing soak in a hot spring such as this?!" She asked, talking so fast and so excitedly Cian could barely keep up.

His head spun. "Um… yeah…this… this is my first time."

"EXCELLENT! You can help with the preparations!" She said, turning back to the water, and gushing again. "Oh, my I can already feel the relaxation in my bones!"

Cian was a bit confused, but something about seeing her so… excited, really made him feel happy. He smiled and turned to everyone, to see they were all already into the idea as well.

"Well, I guess we have fought hard," Lillie said, setting down her backpack. "I think we deserve it!"

"You can say that again!" Lady Hestia said, looking at Cian. "It can help you recover too Cian!"

"I'd say we earned a little break," Ouka said, with Chigusa nodding as well.

Asfi sighed and looked to Mebd. "Mebd what do you think?"

Mebd finally stopped dreaming of mud baths and looked to Asfi and then over at Cian. "Well… if it helps Cian recover, I also suppose it would be fun!"

"I won't complain!" Welf said, throwing an arm around Cian and Bell. "How bout you two?"

"Well, that does sound like fun," Bell said, looking to Cian. "Cian?"

Cian looked to Mikoto who was still drooling at the end of the water. It made his heart pound, and he slowly nodded. "Yeah… I think that sounds nice."

Mikoto turned around and rushed to Cian again, grabbing his shoulder. "Cian you will not regret this! Yes! ALL RIGHT!"

"YEAH ALL RIGHT!" Everyone of the girls said at the same time.

Along with Lord Hermes as well.

The minute they all noticed the god excited as well, all the excitement drained from the girls as they all backed away and glared at him.

Huh I wonder why they… oh… oh yeah… that makes sense, Cian realized, smacking his forehead.

"Huh? Come on what's the problem!" The god said innocently.

Cian sighed in disappointment, as he saw every woman in the group glaring at the god, except Mikoto who was still looking envious at the water. He felt his arm ache, and suddenly was wishing for either a mud bath, or the relaxed muscles the hot spring offered.

"We don't feel comfortable at all getting in the water with you around!" Lillie yelled at the god.

Lady Hestia rolled her eyes. "For once I agree with her! Don't think we forgot what you did at the river on the eighteenth floor?"

"Huh? What are you all talking about?" The God said, thinking for a minute, before realization dawned on him and he laughed. "Haha oh that! Bell and Cian's first foray into manhood, what a wonderful time!"

Cian choked. "Don't make it sound like me and Bell were complicit in that!"

"Oh dear innocent Cian, you'll thank me for the sight one day," Hermes said, before Cian and Bell tried to shrink out of sight.

"The bottom line is we're not getting in with you around!" Asfi shouted at her god.

Oh man…I was actually looking forward to that, Cian said, looking at the water. But in the end he couldn't blame the girls. Mebd was even over their nodding along with Lady Hestia and the others.

"Oh man…" Mikoto cried, falling to her knees. "I was going to show everyone the best way to enjoy a hot spring soak…"

Cian was about to suggest finding mud for a mud bath, but he didn't think that was a good idea.

"Well, what if you wear swimsuits?" Ryuu suggested, speaking up for the first time. When everyone looked at her she elaborated. "He can't see anything if you're wearing suits."

"Excellent idea Ryuu!" Lord Hermes yelled rushing over to Asfi, before grabbing the back of his captain's cap and tossing it up. "Luckily I came prepared for just such an occasion!"

"AGHHHH WHEN DID YOU PUT THOSE THERE?!" Asfi yelled, as under her cape were at least a dozen bathing suits for men and women both.

After Asfi punched her god across the room, and Cian gave up on trying to figure out how Lord Hermes could have gotten them there as well, they were passed out. He saw Mikoto for some reason ignore the swimsuit she was offered, before Asfi-who was muttering curses he wouldn't repeat-handed him his own. Cian looked at the pair of black swimming trunks and wondered exactly what everyone else seemed to be wondering.

"They're… my exact size," Cian said wonderingly.

"Yeah, me too," Bell said, looking at his.

"How they heck did he guess our sizes?!" Lillie asked.

Poor Mebd's green eyes widened. "Asfi… I've only been in this familia a week… how does he know my size already?"

"It's best not to ask," Asfi muttered, looking at all the girls. "Come on, we'll go behind the rocks to change," she eyed her god grabbing his shirt. "You stay right here, and don't you dare come back there, you hear me you slimy little man?!"

After Lord Hermes reluctantly agreed, and Ryuu agreed to stand guard, Cian relaxed. He went and retrieved the Gae Bulg and leaned it against the rocks, before slowly taking off his shirt and armor. The entire time he managed to wince, while the other guys did the same around him. Looking down at his chest, he realized it was full of welts, along with stab and slash wounds.

But… it was something else that scared him the worst. He felt a pang of embarrassment run through him, as he looked down at his chest.

It's… still there… it really is ugly, he thought, looking at the burn across his chest. From one side of his chest to the other, his skin was twisted and darker then the rest of his pale skin. It was bumpy as he ran his fingers over it, and he bit his lip, wincing as he did. He could remember… something giving him the burn wounds, at first he hadn't known, but now after his memories had started to come back, he put together it had to have been from Fomorian fire.

He'd asked Naaza and Lord Miach, but they had said a burn from Fomorian fire left a scar for life. It even started burning again when one was nearby for a time unless treated. Cian's scar had burned also when he started remembering more of what had happened in the time leading up to the Scathach familia's death. He could remember now that they went on a mission to the End Mountains, to find the Morrigan familia and the Fomorians… but that was it.

The days leading up to the mission, and much of the mission itself was still blank to him. He hoped that as he fought more, the memories of that time would become clearer. He knew more of the threat he faced, thanks to mostly Mebd, he'd heard about the members of the Morrigan familia from her, but if he could remember… there was so much more he could prepare for.

I'll… put a shirt on, he decided, getting a clean black shirt from Lillie's pack and pulling it over his head, the short sleeves let the nice tiny breeze in the hot spring hit his skin. After ducking behind a rock, he pulled off his long pants and put the bathing suit on as well, before sighing and coming back out with the others.

"CIAN!"

"GAHHH!" He yelled, almost falling back, before he slowly sighed. "Oh! Um.. Mikoto, what uh… what is it, don't you wanna get changed?"

Mikoto was like a completely different person, did she really love hot springs this much? He enjoyed seeing this new side of her, but the change from how she'd been talking just a few minutes earlier was jarring.

"I will momentarily! But I need to ask you something!" She said, grabbing his hands, pulling her face close to his. "Something very important!"

SHE'S CLOSE! WHY IS SHE SO CLOSE?! He panicked, not minding how close she was of course, but his heart felt as if it was going to explode. She smelled fantastic, and her eyes were prettier seeing them this close.

"Will you… please… please…" She said slowly, not breaking eye contact with him.

Is… is she asking me out?! What… what does that even mean?!

GO SQUIRT COME ON! Diarmuid's voice came screaming back.

"Will you… be my assistant for the ritual before entering our hot spring soak!"

Cian's brain exploded. "Um… what?"

Idiot, what the hell were you thinking?! He screamed at himself.

She nodded quickly. "Yes! Certain rituals must be performed, and I'd like you to help me!"

"Oh um… of course!" He said, laughing nervously. "Of course, anything you need!"

"Yes!" She said, letting go of his hands and waving at him. "Join me near the pool when you're ready!"

Cian crumbled like a piece of paper.

What… ritual is she talking about?

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Um… Mikoto," Cian asked, shaking as everyone looked at him rightfully so as he if he were out of his mind. "Why uh… why can't I wear my swimsuit?

"It's all part of the ritual! The hot spring is meant to be experienced skin and all!" She said, filling a basket with water before she looked back, narrowing her eyes at him like a madwoman. "Don't question the ritual Cian!"

"I'm not I swear!" He said, terrified, holding up his hands. "But… do I… do I really have to wear my spear on my head like this?!"

"I SAID DON'T QUESTION THE RITUAL CIAN!" She yelled, tightening the towel that she wrapped around her sword, which was balancing on her head, tied in place with towels that wrapped around her head.

Cian shuddered, and didn't dare argue more, so he turned around with Mikoto.

But my spear is so much bigger then her sword! Cian gulped; the red spear tied around his head with towels in a similar fashion. Cian bit his lip and prayed to all the gods, Lady Scathach… I'm sorry to use your spear in such a manner!

After a wardrobe malfunction, which resulted in Welf being able to go do some emergency surgery on a bunch of leaves and the remains of a swimsuit, the girls had been ready. Cian at first like the other guys had envied Welf, however, after he saw Lady Hestia he suddenly really wished they hadn't found this hot spring. Lady Hestia was right up next to Bell now with practically her whole chest out, and despite her trying to ask him why he was only wearing a towel now, he couldn't answer her.

A few weeks after joining Lady Scathach's familia, Cian had been still getting used to things. He hadn't learned the bathing schedule yet, and that had been the first time he saw both Lady Scathach and Uathach naked. Lord Hermes didn't exaggerate when he said Lady Scathach was one of the most beautiful goddesses, the image was still burned in Cian's brain. Along with the shame he felt and how he had begged for forgiveness. Lady Scathach and Uathach forgave him of course, as he knew Lady Hestia would… but that didn't mean he was going to stare.

Besides… Mikoto she… she… oh gods, help me please, he begged, trying his best not to look at what was only a white towel that covered her chest. The normally stern, serious, honorable Mikoto, was now almost naked in front of everyone.

And for some reason, Cian had agreed to help her with some ritual. He had reluctantly taken his shirt off… and now he only had a towel around his waist.

For some reason as well, his spear was tied above his head.

"This spear was forged from the bones of a great sea monster… it's been carried by the greatest gods and heroes of all Ulster…" Cian said quietly enough for Mikoto not to hear. He sighed as she smiled and stood in front of him. "And now it's here… I'm sorry Lady Scathach."

"Okay everybody! IT IS TIME!" Mikoto announced, drinking the entire basket of water now. She finished with a satisfied smack of her lips and pointed to Cian. "Cian had graciously offered to help me with these ceremonial proceedings!"

Cian heard Welf start laughing, and that's how he knew it was bad.

"Um… Mikoto," Lady Hestia asked from next to Bell. "What… exactly are we doing?"

"Certain rituals must be observed before entering the hot spring! Follow Cian and I's lead!" She said, before turning back to the water. "First two claps!"

She clapped, loud and Cian jumped, before like everyone else following her lead, trying to keep his eyes on Mikoto as she moved.

"Alright! Next, two bows!" She instructed, bowing as if the hot spring was a master swordsman.

Cian and everyone else followed suit, but Cian almost fell when he realized the Gae Bulg was slipping off his head.

"Now another clap!" She yelled, as he rapidly tried to tie his spear back to his head.

Everyone clapped, and when Cian had finally tied his spear back to his head, he looked up just in time to see Mikoto near the water for the next command.

"And now another bow!" She said, bowing just as he was looking up.

Cian's throat closed off, and he dropped his spear.

"A…a… Mi…I…"

Diarmuid's voice came screaming back into his head, remember squirt the female body is meant to be appreciated!

He felt something trickle out of his nose, as Mikoto bowed low. She also wasn't wearing underwear or anything underneath the towel, and Cian-who had just seen her boobs the day before-now got the entire view of the other side of her body.

And he couldn't move, he choked and stammered, and assumed everyone behind him was covering their eyes, but he couldn't bring his eyes away. STOP! CIAN STOP STARING AT HER ASS WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! YOU GIANT PER-.

"NO CIAN STOP LOOKING!"

"GAHHHHHHHHH!"

Mebd who was wearing an all-white two-piece bathing suit, kicked his legs out from under him, and as she panicked, clamped her hands over his eyes after his face hit the ground and he tried to look back up.

"Ow…" Cian groaned. "I… I don't think I like hot springs…"

"Now! A monetary offering!" Mikoto said, and Cian assumed she had stood up because Mebd helped him off the ground, but before he could say anything to her she retreated behind Asfi.

"Cian are you okay?!" Chigusa said, coming up next to him.

Cian winced. "Yeah… um… Chigusa, is this some kind of ritual from the Far East?"

Chigusa slowly shook her head. "No… this isn't some ritual, it's just her being weird-."

"SILENCE HEATHENS DON'T QUESTION THE RITUAL" Mikoto yelled, as it seemed Hestia and Welf didn't like the idea of a monetary offering. Her eyes turned to him. "Cian!"

"Coming!" He yelled, not daring to disagree with her right now.

He got to her, and she handed him…. Is… this some kind of broom?

"Um… Mikoto?" He asked her, meeting her eyes, but as he did all he could see was her ass. He suddenly got red and couldn't speak. "Um… what… what is this-."

"Follow my lead!" She said, rushing to the edge of the water. "HASHCABI HASCABI! COME ON CIAN DO IT! HASHCABI HASHCABI!"

She's gone off the deep end…. He thought, as he looked back to see all the others looking at him.

Cian stammered, looking at his… broom? Mop? Was he really going to do something so ridiculous?

"HASHCABI HASHCABI!"

She… may be weird, but she looks really happy.

It was true, despite the… oddness of it, she seemed to be having the time of her life. And Cian found himself wanting it to continue for her. Did that… mean what he was feeling was romantic?

Either way, he sighed and walked next to her.

"YES! GO ON CIAN! HASHCABI HASHCABI!" She said, pushing his arms up.

Cian swallowed and swung his mop/broom. "Um… hashcabi! Hashcabi!"

"LOUDER! MORE ENTHUSIASM SO THE HOT SPRING CAN HEAR IT!"

"Uh… HASCHABI! HASHCABI!" Cian yelled, and he heard everyone start laughing.

"Excellent! The ritual is complete!" Mikoto said, tossing her broom aside, she smiled wide at him. "Fantastic job Cian! Your first time is going to be marvelous! I'm so happy I could share it with you!"

Cian choked on his own spit. WHY DOES SHE HAVE TO SAY IT LIKE THAT?!

"THE RITUAL IS COMPLETE!" She announced, turning back to everyone, before holding up her hands and one leg, willing her foot and hands. "Now just stretch out those joints! COME ON!"

Cian gulped and joined her, the corner of his eye on her the whole time. After a few seconds, she nodded and turned and slowly nodded.

"And now…" She said, before sprinting towards the water. "LET US GO!"

She splashed into the water first in her towel, and Cian nearly crumbled he was so relieved. Unlike Mikoto he untied the Gae Bulg and set it aside on a rock, in clear sight of the entire hot spring just in-case, before turning with his towel, watching everyone else finally smile and laugh as they got in.

"Well, did you have fun with your ritual Cian?" A voice teased.

Cian turned and his eyes widened. "Lady Hestia!"

She giggled and winked at him. "Despite how… odd it was, I'm sure Mikoto really appreciated you helping her with her little ritual."

Cian stammered again. "You… you think so?"

"Aha!" She nodded, smiling at him, before winking again. "And you got a pretty nice view out of it too!"

Cian's brain exploded, I… I've seen her naked… my god, I'm a perve!

Lady Hestia laughed and rubbed a hand on his back. "Oh don't worry Cian, I'm sure that she doesn't mind… maybe you should go spend some more time with her."

Cian slowly looked up and saw Mikoto was already laughing, splashing around with Chigusa and Lillie. Her hair was wet, her sword was now on top of a rock, she looked so… so happy that Cian's face felt hotter. He found himself smiling too… any kind of embarrassment felt worth it.

Lady Hestia gave him a light shove. "Go on! Go enjoy yourself Cian, you are allowed you know."

Cian sighed, and slowly nodded. "Yeah… thanks Lady Hestia!"

And finally, Cian was able to relax.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian

"Ahhhhh… gods, this really does feel amazing," Cian said, the hot water coming up to his chin as he leaned his head against the rock. "It may sound crazy… but this is just as good as a mud bath."

"Yeah… you're right, this is pretty great," Mebd said from next to him, sounding completely at peace. She leaned her red hair under small waterfall before scooting back next to him, she slowly turned and smiled at him. "But still… I haven't had a mud bath in months! Maybe… the two of us can get one set up! There has to be mud we can use, and I know how to get it right for a bath, we can invite everyone else!"

"Ha, now I love that idea," Cian said, breathing out with relief at the soothing feeling along his once broken arm. He turned and returned Mebd's smile, before laughing. "Haha but the others didn't seem to jump at the idea, I don't think they'd want too."

"That's okay!" Mebd said, looking adorable as she held her excited had her hands balled into fists in front of her. "It can be just the two of us! It'll be just like we're back home, what do you say?"

Cian looked at her and stuttered… she really was pretty. Her eyes looked so excited, and her long dark red hair stuck down her shoulders, and Cian slapped himself mentally for letting his eyes fall down to her chest, which let him see just how amazingly form fitting her swimsuit was. He could see why so many people talked about how beautiful Chief Mac Caomhanach's daughter was now.

Still, the idea sounded amazing to him.

"That sounds like fun, let's make sure to do it. Let me know how I can help!" He told her with a smile.

"Yes! I will I promise! I… I need to go talk to Asfi!" She said, turning from him, before whispering again. "Ha… Mebd two, orange elf brat zero!"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Lefiya

"A…. ACHOOO!" Lefiya sneezed, her head buzzing.

"Again?" Ms. Ais said, looking back from the mirror. "I… I'm still- ACHOO- sneezing too, are you sure Cian wasn't still sick?"

Lefiya shook her head, after Cian had gotten something from town she was sure his cold had been gone. She had gotten lucky, that red haired floozy from Ulster had almost gotten an upper hand over her. Tiona and Tione had been teasing her about Cian relentlessly since they'd been back, she didn't mind thinking about him, but she was sure that her sneezing now with Ms. Ais didn't have anything to do with him.

But I do need to talk to him as soon as he gets back! Lefiya thought, rubbing her nose, feeling determined. I won't let you get ahead of me you red-headed creatin!

"No…he-ACHOO-he wasn't," She said, rubbing her nose and standing in the water. "Ms… Ms. Ais! How do you-ACHOO- make a boy-ACHOO- develop romantic feelings for you?!"

Ms. Ais looked at her confused. "Huh? Why-ACHOO-do you think I would know?"

Lefiya sighed and dropped back into the bath. Well… maybe I should ask Tiona instead… Cian, I really hope that floozy hasn't gotten to you on your way back!

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian

"ACHOO!" Cian sneezed, shuddering. "Oh man, I hope I don't get sick again…"

He rubbed his nose, and looked as Mebd rushed back over to Asfi, who was talking with Chigusa and Mikoto. He noticed that Ouka had dropped down into a deeper spring, his entire body completely submerged, which made sense since he had been injured along his entire body. Cian leaned back against the rock and letting his body slump back into the water. His own arm was still tingling but felt much better then it had earlier. While mud baths had his heart, he would be ready to admit, Mikoto did have a good point about the waters of a hot spring.

"Gahhhh…." He sighed, enjoying being by himself for once. He closed his eyes, his head leaning back against the rock. "Oh man… I deserve this."

It was the first time he'd said that in a long time. Bell had told him on their way down to the eighteenth floor it had felt like they did nothing but fight since he got to Orario. Between crawling tot eh city half dead, his first time in the dungeon, the silverback, the Fomorian, the trip down the middle floors, Goliath, the Black Goliath… it really had been non-stop action. He could remember a year ago when he would have killed for a chance to fight like this, but Lady Scathach had always kept his safety in mind, keeping him near the back of fights, and the others in the Scathach familia always made sure he was well protected.

It used to infuriate me… Cian said, looking at his stick black and blue elbow, letting water slowly drip through his hands. But now… I'd give anything for you guys to fuss over me.

But that didn't mean he'd stop. He was happy for the break they were having now, all his friends were safe and nobody had been hurt thanks to all their efforts. However, what had happened with the Gae Bulg still played in his mind, how he hadn't been strong enough to take down that Black Goliath with one throw. As annoying as he was, Bete had made a good point, one he knew was true. He'd been relying far too much on the Gae Bulg's power, and that only meant one thing.

"I'll get stronger…" He said, balling his hand into a fist. "I will… and when I do, nothing will stand in my way anymore," he said, pulling his knees to his chest underwater, his heart thumping. "Not even you…"

Connla probably could have killed the Black Goliath without any difficulty. He didn't know why, it could have been Mebd telling him more about the man, but he still could not stop thinking about the Captain of the Morrigan familia. Mebd had told him what she knew. Connla was twenty, only four years older then he was, he'd been adventuring since he was ten, and Mebd had assumed by now he could possibly be level 7, if not right on the cusp. Mebd had said Connla's skill with a spear was impeccable, he never missed and used powerful rune magic in combination with a skill that gave him more strength with each consecutive blow he landed to decimate anyone who challenged him.

Mebd had also said, she believed there was good in him somewhere, but she was fully prepared to help Cian fight him. He was intense, powerful, cocky, and Mebd had said the best word to describe him was angry.

His warning still played in Cian's head every night. Do me a favor and prepare yourself, grow stronger. So that when I kill you, I'll face at least some modicum of a challenge.

He was coming. Why he hadn't come yet Cian didn't know, Mebd had mentioned something about Connla going on a mission for the weapon Caladbolg. Cian thought it was ridiculous, a Druid labyrinth guarded the sword according to legends, nobody could survive it.

But… Connla had apparently been strong enough to kill Chu. That made Cian feel even guiltier, because if Chu had the Gae Bulg, there was no way he would have been defeated. That was what Connla wanted, according to Mebd, the Gae Bulg, nothing else. She didn't know why, but Cian didn't care.

He wasn't going to let anyone have his goddesses spear, especially someone who worked with the Morrigan familia or Fomorians, ones who had been responsible for the only people he'd come to truly love in the world dying. A part of him was yearning, begging for Connla to come… after he got stronger.

"I'll beat you…" Cian said quietly, his mouth just above the water, his blood feeling cold despite the hot water. "And then I'll kill you… I'll kill all of you for what you did. Even if one of you is a goddess."

One thing however, bothered Cian most. That was how familiar Connla looked. He still had a bit of amnesia, so was it possible he'd seen Connla amongst adventurers in Ulster before? Had he been one of Lady Scathach's enemies? And if so, how did someone so young become involved with someone like Morrigan?

"Ugh… I'll give myself a headache again," He said, raising his chest above the water, standing on his feet, and stretching. "I wonder-."

"It's unusual seeing you all alone," A voice said, and Cian almost tripped.

He turned and his eyes widened. "GAH! Ryuu!"

Ryuu didn't have on a swimsuit, instead she floated on her knees in a makeshift tiny boat made form a very large and surprisingly sturdy leaf. The most bizarre part was the fishing pole she had in her hands. Cian's face went red, as she floated right next to him. He looked down and saw both of her thighs were wet with condensation and sweat, and he felt something stir inside his stomach.

She… her legs she… she's… GAHH NO I'M DOING IT AGAIN! He scolded, covering over his chest as she floated.

She let out a tiny chuckled. "Ha… with the amount of times I've healed your wounds, I'm the last person you should worry about seeing you bare chested."

Her seeing above his waist, was the last thing Cian was worried about.

"Um… yeah!" He said, dropping back down under water as her tiny boat came to a stop next to him and she met his eyes. "Ha, silly me! Um did you… uh… catch anything?"

His eyes wondered, and his face got hot again, his mind exploding. GAHHHHH NO STOP IT CIAN!

"No, and I know I won't," She said, shaking her head. "I just have a bad feeling about this place… I need to be on guard."

Cian felt himself calm down a bit. "You… really aren't going to get in?"

She shook her head. "I prefer to bathe alone as you know."

Cian un-calmed down. He did know, as he remembered running into her on floor 18. Her figure was suddenly burnt into his mind, and Ryuu-who he normally talked to without issue-suddenly was hard for him to look at. How was she not embarrassed?! Cian certainly was, he'd never forget seeing Ryuu's eyes that first night and being mesmerized.

"Yeah… yeah I do," He said, trying to form words. "So um… was… Syr, worried about us?"

"She was yes, I promised her I'd bring you and Mr. Cranel back…" She said, trialing off and suddenly her boat floated in front of him. "Cian? Are you alright?"

"YES!" He said, louder then intended, looking at the roof of the hot spring. "Yes I'm totally fine!"

"Mhm… I think you're lying," Ryuu said, reaching out and touching his forehead. "I can't tell if you're burning up from the hot spring, or a fever you were sick just a few-."

"I'm fine now I swear!" He said, his face beat red, now being forced to look at her legs which didn't help the situation above or below.

"If you say so," Ryuu said, pulling back her hand and going back to her pole. Her eyes drifted from Cian, across the hot spring. "That was a… odd ritual Ms. Mikoto had you perform."

Cian's mind suddenly shifted, and he looked over where Ryuu was. He saw Mikoto, still in only her towel chatting with Chigusa, Asfi and Mebd, all with their feet in the water making sure Ouka didn't stay in the pool for too long. She was laughing, her wet black hair dripping down her back, Cian looked at her, feeling his chest warm up. It really was a beautiful sight.

"Ha… yeah, but it meant a lot to her," He said, shrugging. "So, I can live with it."

"I see…" Ryuu said, her boat turning, her back to him now. "You and Ms. Mikoto, you seem to have grown close in the short amount of time you've known one another by name."

Cian stiffened, as he noticed Ryuu made no hint in turning around. However, to her detriment in that moment, she was an elf with short hair. Cian looked and sweat the tips of her ears got red. That only made him more confused, his head swirled as he slowly nodded… had others really taken notice?

"You… really think so?" He asked her.

"Yes, the two of you seem rather compatible from what I've gathered," She said, shaking her head. "I'm no expert in the area, but if you plan on pursuing anything beyond friendship I suppose I wish you luck."

"Huh?!" Cian said, suddenly shooting to his feet in the water. "What's that supposed to mean, beyond friendship? You… you think me and her-."

"OUKA! OUKA WAKE UP!"

Cian spun around, to see poor Ouka beat red barely conscious after being dragged out of the water. Mikoto, Chigusa, Lillie, Mebd and Asfi were doing their best to cool him down, but the big guy was down for the count. In another corner, he saw Welf chiseling away at some stone with very serious eyes. Lord Hermes was helping the girls, and he had no idea where Bell and Lady Hestia had gone.

This… is turning out to be a weird day, he sighed, turning back around. "Ryuu… do you really think that Mikoto and me… Ryuu?"

She had floated off somewhere, and Cian didn't see her anymore. His lips got dry as he tried to formulate words or a thought. Why… had Ryuu wished him luck going 'beyond' friendship? Did she really think that he and Mikoto were going in that direction? Did Cian even think that himself, what about Mikoto? Why had Ryuu's ears gone red, and why had she been talking so fast?

And why was he upset that Ryuu seemed so upset?

"Oh man… this is all so confusing," he said, dragging his hands across his face.

He saw everyone looking after Ouka and decided to check himself… and it had nothing to do with him wanting to talk to Mikoto now.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Is… he really going to be okay?" Cian asked Mikoto, as they watched Chigusa, Asfi and Lord Hermes continue to fan poor Ouka.

Mikoto sighed, seemingly calmed down from earlier. "Yes, he'll be fine. He foolishly decided to stay submerged for too long."

Cian looked at the pool Ouka had been in and realized if he had sunk all the way down… he would have had a good view at the girls sitting near him. So, part of him couldn't blame the guy, but apparently he reaped what he sowed now.

It's also…well, kind of a blessing in disguise, Cian realized, as the water came up to his mid chest. Next to him, Mikoto looked embarrassed leaning back against the rock, the water just above the towel above her boobs. She'd managed to calm down from her excitement before jumping into the Hot Spring, which Cian was a bit thankful for, he'd never seen someone change so dramatically so quick. Yet, he still couldn't complain, it was fun seeing different sides to people.

"Ah, well that's good," He said, smiling as he bent his hurt elbow again. "He did have a good idea though; this water is fantastic. I'd still prefer a mud bath like back at home, but this is great for my arm."

"Huh? Mud baths?" She asked, and Cian realized then her head had been filled with nothing but hot spring thoughts when he talked about it earlier.

He chuckled nervously. "Ha… you were a bit busy testing the water when I told the others. We don't have hot springs in Ulster. We use mud baths instead, it's good for skin and muscle recovery."

"So… it's basically the Ulster equivalent of a hot spring!" She said, suddenly getting excited again, pounding her fist into her hand. "Yes! If it's a version of a hot spring I must experience it! Cian!"

"Gah! Um… yeah?" He said, as she turned towards him, her face only a few inches away from his now.

He made the mistake of looking down, right down her towel, and wanted to bang his head against the rock. It was the fact he didn't want to stop looking that bothered him the most.

Please forgive me for turning into a perve Lady Scathach, Uathach, please, don't haunt me, he thought, as Mikoto's purple eyes didn't leave him.

"I will need you to help me experience these mud baths at once!" She said, sounding more determined then she ever had. "I can't rightly count myself as an expert on hot springs if I don't experience an Ulster one!"

Cian's eyes bulged out. "Ye…yeah, of course! Me and Mebd actually just had the idea of making one soon, I'll be sure to bring you."

"Yes!" She said, clapping her hands and bowing. "Allow me to express my utmost gratitude!"

"Huh? What.. um… what are you doing?" Cian said as she stood up, and gestured for him to scoot forward. "M… Mikoto? Is this another ritual?"

"No, not another ritual, just something I learned!" She said, sitting back down in the water directly behind him. "Now, relax your muscles, and hold out your bad arm."

She's close again, really close! Cian panicked, the hair on his arms sticking up as he held out his bad arm, wincing as he did from the pain in his elbow.

"Hey, come on I said relax!" Mikoto said, getting to her knees and reaching out to grab his arm with both of her hands. "You're tensing up again, it won't work if your muscles aren't calm."

"I'm calm! Totally calm, I've never been calmer in my life!" He lied, as she laughed and then he felt her lean forward.

"Ha, for someone so calm in the heat of battle," She said, smiling as she ran her hand down his arm to his right shoulder, holding her other hand on his elbow. "There, now, I'm gonna put some pressure on it, it's a way to loosen your muscles, I learned it from my big sis, she…."

She started explaining what he assumed was how she learned what she was doing, but Cian's hearing stopped working. He managed to un-tense his muscles, but all he could focus on now was Mikoto expertly pressing and massaging around his elbow with one hand, and down his back with her other hand. She moved her fingers in circles, pressed, squeezed, and it felt great, if a tiny bit painful, he could feel his body untightening already, especially his elbow.

But that was not what Cian was focused on.

Her… HER BOOBS! He thought, his eyes bulging out his head as he looked at his reflection in the water. Mikoto's head was over his shoulder, her boobs pressed right against his back as her hands worked expertly and she talked about something she probably was really interested in telling him, but Cian felt like his brain was exploding. It was as if Bell's firebolt had slammed into him, his blood was hot, his face was red, he didn't dare move his waist above the water, and while the massage was amazing he wished it would end, he didn't want to disrespect Mikoto with such thoughts when she was trying to clearly do something nice.

Another part of him however, wanted it to go on forever.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry for thinking such lecherous thoughts Lady Scathach! He yelled in his head, closing his eyes. I'M BECOMING JUST LIKE DIARMUID, THE ONE PART OF HIM I DIDN'T WANT TO BE LIKE!

"Cian!"

"Huh?!" He said, looking up to see Mikoto smiling next to him. "Um… what was that? I'm sorry, I got distracted… wow, that feels amazing! That was awesome Mikoto!"

Now with her boobs not pressed against him, Cian regained a bit of his sense. He realized Mikoto had let go of his arm and his back, and that now, while he could still feel a tingle of pain it felt looser, and the knots once plaguing his back muscles were gone as well. He looked at Mikoto smiling, and suddenly felt ashamed. She was probably having such a good time in the hot spring she had completely forgotten how on the way back from floor 18, she'd been nervous to talk to him.

"Ha… I'm glad that it helped," She said, turning and leaning against the rock again, smiling at her reflection in the water. "You didn't hear me but… I was apologizing for making you do those rituals with me before."

Cian watched as she bowed her head, her mood changed again. She seemed to be back to the Mikoto he had come to know. Her smile was gone, replaced with a frown as she bowed at him. They were both still waist deep sitting in the water, the others had all seemed to still be having a good time, so when Cian saw her like this his stomach churned.

This isn't right, she was the most excited to find this place… she shouldn't be frowning, he thought… realizing how much he hated seeing her like that.

"I let the idea of a hot spring soak consume me," She said, shaking her head. "I shouldn't have drug you into such frivolous things and-."

"It's okay," He said reassuring, smiling as she looked up at him with wide eyes, her mouth in the shape of a tiny o. He nodded and shook his head. "It was a little embarrassing yeah… but it meant something to you, so I didn't mind. Besides, you thought it would make my first time at a hot spring better, so I appreciate it, thank you."

He didn't feel nervous finally… and that felt good. Maybe all I need to do, is just say what's on my mind.

"Oh, and you look great!" He said, following that plan. "You really have nice b…um…. Nice, hands! Nice hands yes! Yes, fantastic hands, that massage was great, worked like a charm!"

He spun away from her, hands on his head. YOU ALMOST SAID SHE HAS NICE BOOBS YOU MORON! NO MORE DON'T SAY WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND ANYMORE NO! ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S A CESEPOOL!

He was about to apologize profusely, but then he heard her laugh. Turning around, she laughed, and Cian found it really cute, as she bowed again and smiled at him, that frown she just had a moment ago finally gone.

"Haha… well, thank you for humoring me, it does mean a lot," She said, cupping some of the hot water into her hands and letting it fall through her fingers. "Hot springs simply mean a lot to me, they remind me of back home, of my big sis. I guess you could say she was the one to introduce me to them… it's been some time since I've seen her."

The words 'big sis', made his ears perk up.

"Yeah… you mentioned she taught you that massage method too," Cian said, looking over at her as they leaned against the rock again. "You have an older sister?"

Mikoto smiled and shook her head. "Well, we aren't related by blood, but that's how I've always seen her. Her name's Miya, her and her partner Ritsuka, they're two top class adventurers, other members of Lord Takemikazuchi's familia."

Cian was surprised. "Really? Lady Hestia said that all the members of Lord Takemikazuchi's familia had only been here for a short time. I didn't know he had top class adventurers."

She nodded, smiling even brighter. "That's true, Lord Takemikazuchi brought Ouka, Chigusa and I here to help up grow stronger, and earn money to send back to our shrine. Originally, Miya and Ritsuka had been doing that! They'd been in and around Orario for years, they're incredibly strong and talented."

"First class… that means they must be at least level four or five," Cian said.

"Yes, Miya has reached level 5, that was a year ago when she last returned," She told him, saying the names with a huge smile. "Ritsuka is at level 4, but close to ranking up."

"But how did they get their status updated?" He asked.

"You see, in the Far East, there aren't nearly as many monsters as there are in Orario with the dungeon, or Ulster," She explained, sounding like a teacher. "So, when Miya reached level 3, she started to have a hard time ranking up and making money. So, her and Ritsuka came to Orario, every few months they'd come back for status updates! They always came back with the best gifts… every time seeing them was a celebration for all of us."

He smiled, her face was a bit red, and she let water slowly fall in and out of her hands. She looked so happy talking about them, Cian couldn't help but ask more, but then he remembered what he said.

"You… said you haven't seen her in a long time?"

She slowly nodded, but didn't stop smiling. "Yes, reaching level 5, it takes a while to rank up to 6. So, she's been working extra hard, not having come back to update her status for some time. She's still been sending letters… but I haven't seen her for almost a year."

"I'm sorry," He said, shaking his head. "I never had any siblings, believe it or not I was the misfit amongst the village orphans."

"Ha… I can see that," She said, smiling at him, before shaking her head. "But don't apologize! She's part of the reason I was so excited to come to Orario, I can't wait to tell her I'm level 2…"

Cian's smile came back. "That's awesome, so you haven't seen her yet?"

"No, not yet, her and Ritsuka had gone on an expedition north for a quest," She said, staring to seem almost as eager as she was earlier again. "But they'll be back in a few weeks! Miya… I can't wait to tell her I found a dungeon hot spring! I'll never forget it, when I was little she'd always sneak me into them with her and we'd sit for hours. She's tell me stories about monsters she fought, and recently whenever she came back, we'd go to the springs just the two of us, and eat all the tasty snacks she brought back."

"Sounds like a true big sis," Cian said, his mind recalling memories as well.

I… guess you could call Diarmuid and the others that for me, except Chu… he was different, Cian thought with a smile. Diarmuid, Finn, Uathach and Fergus had all been relatively young, under thirty all of them. Chu on the other hand, he knew was near forty… Cian had never had a father, but he guessed what Chu was like, had been the closest thing he ever found to one. He couldn't help but wonder if Chu had any prior experience with it.

He knew his old mentor had been married, his wife Emer, was the Captain of Lady Aife's familia, Cian had only met her a few times, but she'd been kind each one. Seeing Mikoto reminisce about family then… it made him all the more thankful for the one he had had, and even more grateful for the new one he had.

"She was… she was the same way with Chigusa, Ouka and the other children but…" She said, trailing off for a minute, her face red as she smiled. "But she always made more time for me. She listened to me complain about my failures, always encouraged me, trained with me, and was there whenever I needed someone, she's the kind of adventurer I want to be. I miss her… I guess you could say hot springs like this helps me remember her."

"And you'll get to see her soon," Cian smiled. "And I really would like to meet her too! Anyone who helped train and grow up with you is someone I'd like to know."

She was red again, but turned her head to face him, her purple eyes glowing in that cave. "Yes, I'd be happy for you too. But she also taught me one thing… that you always stand by your friends, especially when they've done you a kindness. Cian….?"

Her tone change made him stutter. "Y…yeah?"

She let out a sigh and smiled at him. "Thank you… for saving me each time you have, and for forgiving me, the same goes for Master Bell and the others. I'm sorry for not speaking to you since what happened on floor 18."

"That?" He said, nervously rubbing his head. "Ha… you don't have to apologize, it's really not a big deal."

"But I do… you see, the truth is… I was nervous to talk to you," She said, looking down. "I couldn't comprehend that after I almost condemned your party to death, you'd not only forgive me but… but be my friend after it. That I'd start to feel…."

Cian's eyes bulged. "F…feel…?"

"Feel… well… well…" She said, red now as she shifted in the water. "Feel…. So incredibly grateful all over again! Haha yes… yes that's it."

Cian deflated, his heart calming down.

Mikoto shook her head. "So… let me apologize again, for doubting your sincerity. Cian if… if you and Master Bell would have me…"

She bowed and spoke loudly and firm. "I'd like to go into the dungeon with you all again! I'd like to continue showing you how to use a sword and fighting alongside you if you'd have me!"

Cian let out a breath he felt like he'd been holding for hours, ha… so she isn't upset with me somehow. That's a relief…

That lingering question in his mind had been keeping his blood pressure up all day, but now he felt at ease. He looked down at her bowing, and smiled… could what he had thought back down on floor 18 really be true? Because, in that moment he felt it, what Lady Hestia had told him about.

An intrinsic feeling of just knowing.

"I'd love that Mikoto," He said, smiling as she looked up. "And I've wanted that since the start!"

Her eyes widened, and she seemed nervous, but slowly nodded. "Then I'll do it, I'll join you in the dungeon!"

"Awesome!" He said smiling again. "Ha, maybe we can be like your big sis and her partner! We may be from different familias but… Mikoto? Are you okay?"

She had frozen, her mouth dropped open, her face red, as she stuttered. "Um… well you… um… you see Ritsuka and Miya they… they're… um… well actually they're a bit more then partners they're uh… they… they-."

"EVERYONE OUT OF THE WATER NOW!"

Ryuu's voice came so suddenly, Cian reacted on instinct. He jumped, spun around and thrusted out his hand.

"GAHHH WATCH YOUR STUPID SPEAR CIAN!" Welf yelled, as the Gae Bulg shot from the shore to his hand almost hitting the smith in the head.

"Sorry Welf!" Cian yelled, as he looked around. "What's going… that water!"

"BELL!"

The water had turned as red as Cian's spear. He turned from Mikoto who yelped, and followed the sound of Bell's name being called. He recognized the voice, and ignored everyone else yelling, he didn't hear any fighting or sense any monsters, so he narrowed his eyes and yelled to Mikoto.

"Mikoto! I'm going to find Bell and Lady Hestia!"

"C…Cian wait! The water it's dissolving-." She yelled, but Cian already took off in a run down the corridor with his spear in hand.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Bell! Lady Hestia!" Cian yelled, rushing down the dark corridor, his blood pumping. Thankfully his arm did feel much better thanks to the soak and Mikoto.

"CIAN!" He heard Bell's voice yell, as he trudged through the water. "Goddess get to Cian!"

"No Bell!" Lady Hestia yelled, just as Cian got to the chamber and saw it.

In the back was a massive and not as deep pool, but further towards the back he could see the angler fish swirling around. Bell was in front of Lady Hestia, his arm out, firebolts roaring from his hand at the smaller ones as they all jumped towards him. Cian looked and saw Lady Hestia looking worried, and right when she turned around she yelled for him.

"Cian!"

"Lady Hestia-. DUCK!" He yelled, as he saw the water move.

His new goddess did as he told her, ducking down as he let his spear fly from his hand. It shot forward and impaled an angler fish about to jump and bite into Bell's side. He rushed passed Lady Hestia, summoning the spear back to his hand. Bell noticed him and looked relieved.

"Cian thank the gods!" He yelled, turning back and holding out his hand. "Let's finish the big one!"

"On it!" Cian yelled, seeing the massive angler, probably the leader of the pack leap from the water.

The monster was huge, but Cian leapt up as it leapt out of the water. He reared the Gae Bulg behind his head and threw it forward just as he saw the white magic sparking around Bell's hand. His red spear shot forward and hit the angler right between the eyes, and that was when he landed next to Bell, who's spell almost knocked him backwards.

"FIREEBOLT!"

Fire erupted from Bell's hand like a tornado. It smashed into the angler, sending it flying back into dust. Cian helped make sure he didn't fall, and right when Bell stood back up, all the water that had gotten shot back up rained down on them both. Cian sighed as the water hit his head, his swimsuit, his arms, but when he got the Gae Bulg back in his hands, he felt finally at ease.

Bell let out a breath and smiled at him. "Thanks for the save, that thing was huge!"

Cian chuckled. "Ha, you could've taken it yourself. Still… that was scary."

"Bell, Cian!" Lady Hestia smiled rushing up to them both, her blue eyes excited. "That was amazing the both of you! Ha, it seems you're both my heroes again."

"Of course, goddess!" Bell said with a smile.

"We always will be Lady Hestia," Cian said bowing.

She giggled, and he felt at ease again. The reason Ryuu was paying such close attention finally made sense. Cian was slightly ashamed of himself for not realizing the threat earlier, but it was finally over. The water was going back to normal, but he felt a strange tingling from the water that had fallen.

"Master Bell, Master Cian!" Lillie's voice yelled, and when he turned around, Cian saw all the girls had rushed back, now dressed back in their armor.

He spotted Mikoto and smiled, waving to her and the others. "Hey! Sorry for running off like that. What were you saying? Something about the water… what?"

"C…Ci…Ci…Cian…" Her voice stuttered, her eyes glue to him like he was a priceless artifact.

"M…Master Bell…" Lillie said, blood trickling down her nose.

"Huh?" Cian said, looking to Bell. "What's wrong with-."

"Cian are you okay?!" Mebd's voice yelled, and he turned to see her rush into the room. She rushed up next to Asfi who for some reason had her hands over her eyes, and next to the nose bleeding Lillie. "What happened… ah… ah…AHHHHHH!"

"Mebd!" Cian yelled, as her face exploded, going red, blood gushing from both her nostrils. Asfi yelled her name as she fell back and fainted, Lillie doing to the same not soon after.

What is wrong… with… them… he thought slowly, seeing Ryuu with her hands over her eyes, Chigusa trying to turn Mikoto around. Mikoto however, hadn't stopped looking at him.

And then Cian realized she wasn't looking at his chest. It suddenly felt very cold in the hot spring.

"Huh…? Wh… wha…. HUHHHHHH?!"

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He and Bell both yelled at the same time.

Cian dropped the spear and took cover.

"HUH?! DON'T HIDE BEHIND ME!" Bell yelled.

"AT LEAST YOU HAVE A SHIRT ON!" Cian yelled back, grabbing Bell's shoulders with one hand.

"Oh come on Bell, Cian! Don't be embarrassed!" Lady Hestia giggled, grabbing Bell's arm and poking Cian's face. "Aren't you just adorable Cian!"

"GODDESS!" "LADY HESTIA!"

"C…Ci…. Ci…" Mikoto stuttered, before Cian looked and saw her fall back into the water as well, blood trickling down her nose.

Cian nearly collapsed himself, as he held onto Bell, terror running through him.

But I guess it's also fair… I saw her naked, now she's seen me naked.

He needed a nap seriously bad.

Next Time, Tales From Orario: Naaza's Request: After finally getting back to the surface, Cian finally takes a well-deserved nap. A few days later however, he and Bell arrive at the home of the Miach familia for a resupply and see Naaza's got a problem. She has a recipe for a new potion that could make her and Miach tons of valis! The only problem is, she needs to go back down into the dungeon to get the materials… and it terrifies her. Not content to let their friend go unhelp-ed they offer to be her guides. With Lillie tagging along for her dungeon expertise, they're in for a bit more then they bargained for!

A/N: Cian's back everyone! This time for the S1 OVA, and I can already see the comments 'This is so unfunny' or 'Cians being pathetic'. Well suck it because I think this was pretty hilarious xD Jokes aside, that's the one complaint I get about my characters sometimes that irks me. A lot of people tell me they're 'pushovers'. Or 'too weak'.

This bothers me cause 1, we're not even halfway through the story, Cian is going to be ten times stronger by the end of it. And 2… I just don't like characters like that. Sorry, I don't. If you want to read about a character who's strong asf, wins every fight with little to no ease, and doesn't really have any deeper moments with others… you're reading the wrong author lol

Cian is a 16 year old orphan boy who's had quite literally no romantic experience whatsoever, so of course he's going to be questioning what's going on with Mikoto even if its obvious to us lol He's going to get flustered seeing Ryuu's wet thighs, or Mikoto pressing her boobs against his back lol. It's all part of him growing, and you guys are gonna see when S2 starts, Cian isn't even a quarter of the way as strong as he's going to get!

BUT, no onto this chapter, it was mainly for jokes, but I did get some backstory in there. Again, Miya and Ritsuka (Recognize the name Fate fans xD) of the Takemikazuchi Familia Mikoto mentions are OCs, so please don't comment 'Take doesn't have any other adventurers'. I know xD I just think in DanMachi Mikoto and the whole Takemikazuchi familia doesn't get nearly enough screentime/backstory so I'm making some here. And they WILL be showing up!

As for Mikoto and Cian, I'm 1000% going to have them become a thing in S2, you can count on it. I don't wanna wait until the end like some stories do lol. But, before S2 we have four Tales From Orario. Tiny side stories that ARE cannon, but don't really fit into the structure of the Seasons big arcs. Next one is going to feature Naaza! Another character with not nearly enough screen time in the show but a lot in the LNs haha

I hope you're all excited for it! I'm kind of jumping between stories right now, but bear with me! They'll all get updated eventually haha, thank you all again! Review if you can and have an awesome day!