VA's English & Japanese for all OC characters this chapter (Even those who appear in Flashbacks):
Cian Mac Gallagher: English VA: Zach Aguilar: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), David (Cyberpunk Edgerunners), Byleth (Fire Emblem Three Houses), Arthur Pendragon (Seven Deadly Sins) Sieg (Fate Apocrypha)
Japanese VA: Natsuki Hanae: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), Sieg (Fate Apocrypha)
Naaza
It was absolutely perfect, for the first time in her life she couldn't find any faults with her recipe and how it finally turned out. What she had in front of her in the tiny vial could have been the key to erasing all of Master Miach's debt, to finally repay him for everything he'd done for her after her own foolishness caused their situation. A potion that not only heals, but can double an adventurer's magic and physical resistance? It had taken weeks, and she had to take an extended break last week, when Cian, Bell and the rest of their party had made it back from Floor 18 to help them recover, but now it was finally done.
If I can prove this works, and sell enough of it, I know a bigger familia will buy the recipe! She thought, her tail wagging from her seat, before she remembered the one problem. But… to prove it works, and… to make more, I need monster materials.
She had used up all the valis she could to get the materials she needed for just the two vials in front of her. The first three had all went over the edges and left the current scorch marks on her desk and workstation. Master Miach had gone out for the day to trade, and meet up with other gods, she had wanted to have it all done and ready by the time he got back, but the amount she could make had been an oversight on her part. One she regretted.
It should have been a simple fix, she was a level 2, she knew the materials wouldn't be that far down, and it probably wouldn't have been hard to temporarily join a party. Issuing a quest was out of the question since they barely had two extra valis to scrape together for a reward and it would take too long for her liking. No, the only way she would make more was to get the materials herself.
But… she still couldn't, the idea was already making her tremble. She had to grab onto the desk as she shuddered and looked at the calm blue potion corked in front of her.
"This was foolish of me…" She whispered, her ears and tail drooping. "I don't even know if it works-."
The bell to the shop dinging caught her attention. She almost tripped over her chair and winced as she hit her foot.
"Coming!" She yelled to the front, moving around the clutter, and fixing her frizzy hair as best she could as she made it to the front. "Welcome! What can I-. Cian, Bell!"
"Hey Naaza!" Cian yelled back, smiling as he normally did with a wave.
"Morning Ms. Naaza!" Bell said, bowing after he did.
She smiled as Cian leaned his red spear against the counter. It was amazing to her that Lord Miach had lived in a completely different part of the world and had an entire life in Ulster with the Tuatha Danann before moving to Orario. After they'd treated Cian's burn wounds, and she learned about his spear, he'd told her plenty of stories from back West. She also loved when Cian came in the mornings, he'd always stay for almost an hour when he really only needed to for a few minutes, telling her stories from the dungeon and from back west.
She'd wanted to go so badly down to help the party save him and Bell in the middle floors. She had tried to work up the courage but failed, Lord Miach had told her not to worry about it, and that there were plenty of other ways to support him and Bell. She had been worried about not doing enough at first, but she could remember the first thing Cian said to her when she saw him for the first time.
"It's thanks to you we made it as far as we did Naaza! Your monster repellent saved us, and your potions are the only thing that kept us going, we'd all have been goners without you!"
Again, the words made her face get red. She looked at his smiling face, the same smiling face he'd had after getting out of the dungeon. He and Bell were dressed in their armor, Cian's black with red lining, Bell's gray with red lining. Other then the hair and eyes, in the month or so they'd been together, Naaza had watched them grow closer and closer, she bet they could almost finish each other's sentences now.
"It's good to see you both," She said, bowing and going to get their usual order. "So, you need what you normally get for the dungeon today?"
Cian nodded with his brilliant smile. "Yeah, but you can actually take two of them off, we're not going to need them today."
"Yeah, Welf's spending the day in the shop so our parties short one," Bell explained.
"And Mikoto and the others are all taking the day off," Cian said, as Naaza packed up their potions for them. "So, it's just gonna be me Bell and Lillie today."
"Yeah, now that we know the way," Bell continued. "We can probably make it to floor eighteen without any trouble! And when Welf comes back, with Miss Mikoto we can probably get to 19!"
"Floor 19?" Naaza said, amazed, chuckling as she took their valis. "Ha, and after only a month that's really amazing progress…."
Cian smiled and nodded. "We really have everyone else to thank too, including you Naaza!"
"He's right Ms. Naaza," Bell went on. "Without your potions and help we wouldn't…"
Her mind wondered, her thoughts racing. Floor 19… that's where Firebird spawns! And everything else is near there as well… maybe… no! No I can't ask them to do that! Besides, I… I couldn't let them risk their lives for me! But… what if I offered to go with them and-.
"Naaza? Naaza!" Cian shouted.
"HUH?!" Naaza said, hear heart jumping out her chest.
They both looked at her like she had six head.
Cian chuckled and asked her first. "Ha… you spaced out. Is everything alright Naaza?"
"Yeah, is there a problem?" Bell asked from next to him. "Anything we can help with?"
"Yeah, seriously if there's anything you need you can ask us," Cian said again, grabbing his red spear and putting away their potions.
Naaza bit her lip, Bell had such kind eyes, and was one of the sincerest people she'd ever met. Cian… his eyes the first thing she always noticed was they were blue, very, very blue. He smiled at her, and her chest thumped loudly, as she closed her eyes balled her fists and shouted at herself.
DO IT NAAZA!
"Um…. Oh gods!" Naaza said, bowing at them and clapping her hands together. "Bell… Cian… will... will you…. UGH! I need certain monster materials urgently from the dungeon to make more of a new potion I want to sell to adventures that can really help Master Miach and me with our debt situation but I don't have any money to issue a quest for a party to go and get them so the only way is to go into the dungeon myself but I haven't been able to face monsters since my accident so what I'm trying to ask is will you please take me to the dungeon with you so I can collect them!"
She was out of breath, she gasped for air. She spat out the words, almost throwing up as she did. For a minute they were quiet the both of them, and she was worried that she overstepped. But when her head slowly went up, sure enough, they were both smiling ear to ear.
Bell looked at Cian and nodded. Cian nodded back and when smiled at her. "Sure thing! Whatever we can help you with, all you gotta do is ask."
Naaza smiled at him, her ears stood up with her tail and it wagged back and forth… she was excited, but also absolutely terrified. She'd be with Bell and Cian… but could she even walk forward?
OP: Hey World DanMachi Season 1
The Argonaut and The Child of Light
Tales From Orario: Naaza's Request
"Ha, you didn't have to look so nervous Naaza," Cian said from in front of them, as they walked through the streets of Rivera. "After everything you've done for us, taking you to gather materials is nothing."
"Cian's right Ms. Naaza," Bell said with a smile from next to him. "We're happy to help out a friend."
Naaza's stomach churned as she held on to the string of the bow across her back. Each step she took was hard… but she was also proud of herself. She was in the dungeon again, and while she hadn't fired an arrow yet, just being in it was a step in the right direction. Liliruca who walked next to her was really as much of an expert in the dungeon as Cian and Bell had promised. She already had half of the materials she needed for more of the potions. Naturally she'd given the two she had already made to Bell and Cian incase they ran into trouble, and because she did need to see if they worked well in the field or not.
Of course, she realized rather quickly that Cian and Bell didn't need much help at all in the dungeon. After almost dying last week, it seemed Bell, Cian and Lillie had memorized the route down to the safe zone. Naaza hadn't really had to move at all, with Lillie yelling out directions, and the two of them fighting in synch.
She smiled and looked at her feet. "I really appreciate it… all three of you, I'm just sorry I haven't been of much help. I… don't really like being down in the dungeon anymore."
"It's alright Lady Naaza," Lillie said looking up at her, the two of them walking behind Cian and Bell. "All the materials you needed were part of what we were going to gather anyway. And that potion you came up with really is genius!"
"She's right about that," Cian said, poking his red spear in the dark as they walked. "Physical and magic resistance? You really are smart Naaza!"
"I can't wait to test it out!" Bell said as they turned into the tavern.
Naaza smiled at the ground, her tail wagging… at least she'd done something.
They arrived at the inn and bar quick enough, a good amount of the people seemed to recognize Bell and Cian. Naaza assumed that happened when you saved the entire city from a massive monster. It wasn't too crowded when they entered, and after sweating so much and having to get over her fears, she needed a drink that was for sure. A few larger adventurers tried to get a flustered nervous looking Cian and Bell to sit with them, all clearly intoxicated. Naaza couldn't help but laugh, they could face down monsters twice their size or level, but when it came time to be praised for their accomplishments, Bell and Cian showed more humility then any adventurer she'd ever known.
She followed behind them with Lillie until they found a table near the back. When she sat she sighed and leaned back, holding her hand over her chest.
"I can't believe I'm actually in the dungeon again," She sighed, looking as the other smiled at her. "I'm sorry I won't have anything to pay you guys with…"
"Like we said before, don't worry about it Naaza," Cian said again, leaning his red spear against their table. "We're just happy to help out, right Bell?"
"Of course, besides, you're always making our potions this helps us too," Bell said, looking back to Cian. "Cian and I will get us something to drink."
"Back in a sec!" Cian said, leaving her and Lillie at the table.
Naaza smiled, her chest thumping a little harder, and as usual her tail started wagging. She hated that it gave away what she was thinking sometimes. It did then, because the minute they walked away, Lillie-now with her hood down-slid next to her and seemed to be smirking.
"Alright they're gone, you can drop the act now Lady Naaza!" She said, and Naaza's stomach dropped.
"Huh?! What… what act?" She said, her ears standing up as her tail gave her away again.
Lillie chuckled, crossing her arms. "I'm sure you do need more materials for your potions, but that's not the only reason you came down into the dungeon is it?"
Naaza nearly jumped. It was true, her potion materials were the main reason that she had come down into the dungeon… however, it didn't take a genius to see what Lillie was implying. She looked over to the bar and saw Cian standing next to Bell waiting for drinks. They chatted and laughed with each other, and sometimes Naaza still couldn't believe Cian was the kid who Master Miach, and she had treated who was half-dead with burns after first coming to Orario. Master Miach had felt particularly fond of Cian, seeing as they were both originally from Ulster. They even spoke the same Ulster language at times when Cian visited them.
But, Cian had always made time for her. That was all in conjunction with the fact, Naaza found him to be extremely handsome. Still, naturally she wouldn't admit that out loud.
"No! No of course it is!" She tried to argue back to the prum. "I only needed my materials and well… Cian and Bell happened to be in my shop."
"Of course, I understand I'm not saying it's not," Lillie said, before leaning closer to her with a smile. "But don't think I haven't seen you looking at Master Cian this whole time!"
Naaza's face got red, she was going to deny it, but her tail wagging gave her away again. "No! No, I haven't been staring! I just well… well I-."
"I will admit, I don't envy you with that choice," Lillie said with a sigh, shaking her head. "Master Cian is handsome and kind, but others have seen that too. Lady Mebd is always all over him when she comes to visit, and don't get me started on that orange haired elf from Loki familia."
The names made Naaza's eyes widen, her blood pressure spiking. She'd assumed of course other people would be interested, but this many?! Sighing, she realized that she couldn't really blame any of them.
"And then of course there's Lady Ryuu… but they're a bit weird of a situation," Lillie said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "But most of all there's Lady Mikoto, her and Master Cian have really gotten along well in and out of the dungeon since we've gotten back."
Naaza chewed on the inside of her cheek. "Well, I… I suppose that makes sense, Cian's handsome, kind and well… it just makes sense."
Lillie smiled at her and shook her head. "Don't get discouraged and give up Lady Naaza. Master Cian's not as clueless as Master Bell is at recognizing this stuff."
That didn't help Naaza's worry. "Yes maybe but… well, from what you and Lady Hestia have told me-."
"Yeah you're right…" Lillie realized, nodding. "He may not be as clueless as Master Bell, but that's not exactly a high bar to jump over."
Naaza nodded knowingly. She knew all too well about Lillie and Lady Hestia's feelings for Bell, and now she found herself in the same boat as them. She had no idea what would happen if she told Cian about how she felt, or if he would even recognize them. And if he did… what if he didn't feel the same way back? It was a scary prospect, but Naaza knew from what Lillie said she wasn't the only one thinking that.
Her head fell, but she turned to look at Cian and Bell again. It was a nice inn they had in Rivera, and a few adventurers who she assumed were residents came to offer thanks to Cian and Bell. The air was stale with the smell of alcohol, and while she was excited she could get the materials she needed, a lingering sense of dread, both for her personal feelings, and for the rest of this dungeon crawl came creeping up.
She felt a poke of her arm and turned to see Lillie smiling again. "Don't get discouraged Lady Naaza! I think I have an idea that's going to help the both of us!"
"Huh?" Naaza asked. "Help us? What do you mean-."
"Here we are!" Cian's voice said, and Naaza turned to see her and Bell both putting four mugs on the table.
"Sorry it took so long," Bell said, sliding into the booth next to Lillie.
"Here Naaza," Cian said, sliding the mug in front of her.
"Oh, thank you," She said, taking it and taking a long drink. She put it down and went red in the face when she realized Cian was smiling and looking at her, his red spear leaning against his shoulder.
Stop it please! Not now tail, stop doing that! She thought, as she could feel it start going back and forth.
"Okay now that we're here we can plan out our next move!" Lillie said, and when Naaza looked over at her she saw her wink at her. "Lady Naaza, you said you need a Firebird feather right?"
She jumped after realizing they were all looking at her. "Oh, um, yes I do. I only need 1, I can separate it into making plenty of potions. But the only thing is, it's on the 19th floor. Bell, Cian I know you said you weren't planning on going today."
Lillie nodded. "Floor 19 is the beginning of the Great Tree Labyrinth, but it shouldn't be any problem for people as strong as Master Bell and Master Cian."
Bell sheepishly laughed. "Ha… well, if it's what Miss Naaza needs we should head down there!"
"I don't see any problem with it," Cian said, looking at Naaza. "But you still need some more stuff from other monsters on the floors above right?"
"Not much, but yes I should meet my quota soon enough," She said, looking between the three of them. "I just don't want to cut into your normal dungeon time."
"No worries Lady Naaza this is our mission now!" Lillie said, standing and excitedly pounding her fist into her hand. "We can knock out two birds with one stone! I say we split up into two groups and get Lady Naaza's materials. Master Bell, you, and I can go back up and start gathering the other materials she needs. Master Cian, you, and Lady Naaza head down to floor 19 and find the Firebird!"
By ourselves?! Just the two of us? Naaza thought, red faced, tucking her tail under the table to stop it from giving her away. Lillie subtly winked at her again, and Naaza's heart skipped a few beats as she looked at Bell and Cian for their reaction.
A plan that can help both of us huh…? She thought, looking at Cian who was just smiling and feeling herself smile as well. Still, the idea of going further down into the dungeon with only one other person was a bit scary. She trusted Cian of course, and how strong he was, but the idea still made her shiver. A part of her hoped that they suggested staying together.
But of course, Bell and Cian were too kind for their own good.
"I don't mind, that sounds like a good plan," Bell said, looking from Lillie to Cian. "What do you think Cian? It can be a good way to help Miss Naaza quicker."
"I don't mind either," Cian said, looking at her. "And after we're done, we head back up for dinner, Welf and Mikoto should be available by then, wanna join us Naaza?"
She let her tail wag; she couldn't help it. She saw his smiling face and found herself nodded.
"Yeah… that sounds nice," She said, bowing to the three of them. "Thank you all again so much for your help."
"No problem!" Lillie said, standing up again and downing her drink. "Alright let's get moving!"
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"The great tree labyrinth… man, Ms. Eina didn't exaggerate," Cian said, mystified as they walked along the massive branches. "She said this place was massive. Now… Firebirds, what did she say about them again…. Oh! Here, Naaza, take this!"
"Huh? You salamander wool?" She said, her eyes going wide. "But Cian, what if you need that?!"
He shook his head as she took it. "I got your potion remember. Plus, my sword's a good conductor for magic, I'd rather you be safe with that cloak incase we run into hellhounds or the Firebird's more trouble than we think."
Naaza froze when he wrapped the red cloak around her neck, letting it drape over her chest and down her back. It was warm, and smelled like Cian's hair, he smiled after he did and nodded, before turning back down the large tree roots they were walking down. Naaza stayed close at his side, each step making her shake on the inside. However, looking at Cian made her feel slightly better, he didn't stop smiling, which was far different then how she remembered him when he first came. She could remember him telling Master Miach he was still experiencing memory loss, the last few days leading up to his old familias' death being a blur. They had tried to think of something but couldn't, that led to him going to fight the Fomorian alone, she'd been worried about him since then.
However, now he was smiling, cheerful, and she felt she was getting to know the real Cian finally. The last few weeks he'd seem to be particularly upbeat whenever she saw him, which was a good amount, given he always stopped by for potions, and always invited her to go out for dinner with the party. She wasn't very social, so she'd only gone a few times, but that hadn't stopped him from treating her like a trusted friend, something she greatly appreciated.
"Hey, you're a level 2, right Naaza?" He asked, as he stepped up over a branch and reached his hand down to her.
She jumped at the sudden question but took his hand and let him pull her up to the next level. They were in a very thick section of forest, she knew Firebirds would spawn here, but also knew plenty of other monsters liked to spawn in the area. It was rather tight, so she'd need to be careful with her bow and the amount of space she had, if she could even draw it at all. It was never really the dungeon that had scared her… just another incident like last time. Cian let go of her artificial hand after she was above the giant root and she answered him.
"I am yes… although my stats won't be very high into level 2," She told him, and he nodded.
"Ah, I see why Lillie sent me and you this way then," He said, using his spear to help him whack weeds out of the way. "Two level 2s on floor 19 would be better then a level 2 and a supporter. She's a smart one that little prum."
Yeah that's totally why she split us up like this…. She thought, blushing and hiding her face from him.
She calmed herself down and nodded. "She is, still… like I said, I probably won't be of much assistance in a combat scenario."
"I don't think so, I hear you're pretty great with that bow," He said, looking at her now. "Lord Miach told me you're a sharpshooter!"
Naaza blushed. "Ha… he did? Well, back when I did go into the dungeon, I was always good with one. That and of course preparing potions."
"I can vouch for the potions that's for sure, you really did save us when we got trapped," He said with an enthused smile. "Lord Miach also told me you hadn't been in the dungeon for a while, so I was a bit surprised when you asked to come. You know we would've gotten the materials for you either way right?"
Naaza's stomach churned for a moment… but not surprisingly she felt comfortable with Cian next to her, telling him about how she was feeling.
"I couldn't let you go without me when I can't even pay you," She said as she shuffled along with him, holding up her sleeved artificial arm. "Even though… I haven't been much help. I couldn't even set foot into the dungeon for years, and each monster we've seen I've just frozen up…I've been useless."
Cian stopped, and she bumped into him. He turned and when she looked up, she saw a bit more of a serious look on his face. She was worried she'd said something stupid, but eventually he smiled and shook his head.
"Never say you're useless Naaza. Just because you don't like going into the dungeon doesn't mean you're not important," He said, tilting his head as she smiled. "You're important to me and Lord Miach, whether you fight or not, you're important just by being you!"
Naaza's face went red, he reached out and squeezed her shoulder as he spoke and she nearly fainted. The goofy smile that came to her face was embarrassing, her tail started wagging as she grabbed Cian's hand on her shoulder and squeezed.
"Thanks for saying that…." She said, smiling and finally looking up at him, and feeling her hands tingle as she squeezed his hand harder. "Cian I… I wanna tell you some-."
Naaza heard it behind her, but Cian heard it first. His eyes narrowed and he grabbed around her waist, dropping his spear.
"GET DOWN!" He yelled, as a blast of fire soared over their head.
Naaza's head rang, but thankfully Cian broke her fall. She opened her eyes to see him above her, huffing and puffing before he looked down at her, his eyes suddenly alert.
"Are you okay?!" He asked, as Naaza heard the growling of monsters.
"Ye…yeah…yeah…" She said, sitting up, as Cian got off her, rolling up to a crouch and thrusting out his hand.
Naaza watched as the red spear shot through the air into his palm. He got to a crouch, swinging it around his body and snapping it under his arm like it was second nature. His left hand was already drawing symbols in the air, she looked around, still on the ground, her bow just out of her reach. Her arms began to shake, her body was trembling, as she looked at the monsters surrounding them. She saw them, and what happened flashed before her eyes, she could see her arm falling from her body, the blood, being near death… it all came flashing back.
"G…gods… no… no…" She said, hugging her arms over her chest. "They… there's-."
"NAAZA!" Cian yelled, as she heard another firebolt coming.
It was a group of at least four hellhounds that surrounded them, their backs up against the trunk of a massive tree. The fireball came from the right, and Naaza would have been roasted had Cian not gotten there. He spun his red spear in a circle, moving so fast Naaza didn't see it. It knocked away the flames and instinctively she held up her cloak. The few embers that reached her died out on the salamander wool cloak that Cian had given her.
"That was close…" Cian said, stepping in front of her, his spear leveled as monsters closed in. "Looks like we got a fight on our hands-."
A loud roar cut him off. They both spun, and Naaza's blood ran cold, a massive, big with jagged tusks stood between the hellhounds, stepping up from down below. It was black as night, its tusks reached out like swords, and it pawed its foot into the ground ready to charge at any moment and attack.
She couldn't move. All she did was watch as Cian swung his spear in an arc.
"I…. I… I can't move…" She whispered to herself, looking at her trembling arms, unable to look up. The boar monster roared again, and she had to clamp her hands over her ears. "No! No more… please no more!"
It's happening again! I can't fight with Cian, no… no I can't. This was a stupid plan, and I may get Cian seriously hurt because of it! He's wrong I am useless; I can't move on from this! I was foolish to think that I could come and be-.
"HUH?!" She yelped, nearly jumping as she felt a hand on her arm. A gentle one, one with fingers that felt so delicate even in his gloves. Eventually it helped her to her feet. She stumbled when she did, looking out and seeing all of the monsters arrayed.
"It's okay," Cian said, as she leaned against the tree. She looked and he was smiling back at her as he always did. She realized that when she had looked down she missed him doing something.
On his head a red scarf was tied, the two loose ends blowing back behind his head as he smiled sweetly at her. He nodded at her reassuringly. "You don't have to fight, it's okay I promise."
His smile turned to a smirk as he drew more symbols in the air, snapping his spear under his shoulder. "You don't really think I'm gonna let them get you right? Ha, have a little faith in me Naaza! STOIRIM DELANACH!"
He swiped his hands across the symbols and held up his spear. The bright blue light from his magic smashed into his spears sending up a flash of lightning. The monsters including the massive boar jumped back as they roared ands napped their jaws. Cian's red spear cackled with electricity, as he smirked and reached his left hand to his waist, pulling out his bone-colored sword which sparked with lighting as well.
As if accepting Max's challenge the massive boar roared and stomped its feet, glaring directly at Cian. The boar was massive, at least 7 feet long, as well as the hellhounds that surrounded them. Cian sucked in a breath, before his eyes shot open wide, crackling with blue light.
"That's a Battle Boar I think, Ms. Eina went over these! Tough hides, but have a huge blind spot," he said to himself, spinning his spear and looking back at her. "Just hand tight Naaza I'll protect you! Just do me a favor and call them out if they get close to my back!"
"Wait Cian!" Naaza yelled, but she was ignored as Cian yelled and charged forward. She screamed and covered her eyes with her arms. They trembled as she hard another roar she couldn't look. She knew Cian was strong but the idea of him charging at the boar almost made her fall back over again she trembled so much.
But when she expected a scream of pain from Cian, all she heard was a loud squelch. As if everything moved in slow motion, she saw blood shoot past her and onto the ground. She blinked, and looked up at what had happened, words coming from her mouth, awed and inspired.
"C…Cian?" She said, mystified.
Cian had thrown his sword. It lodged itself, cackling electricity into the Battle Boar's massive shoulder. Its charge came to a stop, as Cian ran forward. He moved as if he were nothing but a blur, lightning crackling off his body as he ran. After getting to the boar, it tried to swing its tusks upwards at him, but Cian leapt, flipping and grabbing his sword, yanking it from the Battle Boar's shoulder.
He spun while up in the air as lightning formed in his hand. "LIGHTNING SPEAR!"
The spear flew from his hand and smashed into the boar. It stopped the boar, causing it to squeal and its skin to burn, but that was when Naaza noticed the hellhounds from the side. Naaza's heart burst out from her chest.
"CIAN MOVE!" She yelled, as one of the hellhounds leapt with a massive ball of fire in its mouth.
She watched Cian momentarily drop his spear, reaching for something else, before it fired. She may as well had been hit with it herself, because when she saw it smash into him she fell back to her knees.
"CIAN!" She screamed again, seeing a cloud of smoke. Her heart fell to her stomach, a sense of overwhelming guilt washing over her. "I… I did this… this was my-."
"LIGHTNING SPEAR!"
"HUH?!" She said, shooting her head up to see a spear of lightning crackle and smash into a hellhound. "C…Cian?"
Cian moved with more grace then she'd ever seen any adventurer move. He had some black marks, and was smoking a bit, but he was alive, and moving just as fast as ever. A hellhound leapt at him from the left, she saw him spin with his spear and cut it into dust out of the air. The Battle Boar finally recovered and charged at him with its tusks again. She watched, as Cian side stepped, and with his left hand on his sword again swept up.
His sword cracked through the Battle Boar's tusk, sending the monster twice Cian's size into a frenzy. It swung wildly, and Cian had to leap back, she saw his eyes widen, as the lightning had gone out from his spell and now he only moved with the strength and speed of his own body. It was still incredibly fast, as he ducked and dived out of the way of the tusks and hooves of the boar, all while dodging the last two hellhounds.
Naaza's hand shook, she looked at her bow that was on the ground. What… what was even the point of me bringing that? All I've done is sit around and be scared!
Had that really been all she was doing these last few years as well? She shakily knelt and touched it. Master Miach had gotten her this bow too, not only her replacement arm, but still a weapon she could use when she needed it. She wanted to life it, fire an arrow, help Cian… but each time she was for her quiver her arm stopped.
And all she could do was look at Cian. He yelled, spun, fought, trying to find an opening on the boar. All Naaza could do… was wonder.
It had only been a month ago that Cian's familia had died. A month since he was nearly dead, and twice in that time had he almost died again. He'd seen his entire familia killed before his eyes, had to live with the guilt that he was the only survivor. He told her he had nightmares most nights, that sometimes his burn scars still tingled as he remembered what happened.
Yet, he still always smiled at her. And was still fighting now.
Naaza shakily sighed as she picked up her bow. If he can do this… if he can fight now then I can too! If Cian can fight after everything horrible that's happened to him, then I can at least pick up my bow! If Cian can face tragedy like he did and still fight for me now then… then the least I can do is keep him safe because…
"Because… you make me feel safe!" She said, holding up her bow and sliding two arrows out of it loading them into her bow and pulling the string back. "So long as I have you and my friends, something I need to protect, I'll fight too! Cian!"
He heard his name as he dodged back from the Boar's other tusk. His eyes looked at her, and he smirked before dropping to the floor. Naaza's arrows loosed from her bow, they zipped through the air, one hitting the boar in the eye, the other hit it in the side on its stomach. The boar squealed and fell over onto its back, the force of the arrow tipping it.
Cian laughed and jumped with his spear. "Ha, awesome hit Naaza! Now TAKE THIS!"
He leapt and brought his spear down into the Boar's stomach. It roared one last time before puffing away to smoke. Cian laughed as he leapt off, it looked like he was about to come congratulate her, but then Naaza saw the last hellhound. Her hand went to her quiver, kneeling to hold the bow sideway as she loaded the bow. It fired and smashed right into the hellhound as Cian turned.
It puffed away to dust, and when all the monsters were finally gone, Naaza's knees shook. She let out a breath she'd been holding the entire time and dug the tip of her bow into the ground to gold herself upright. Her knees were knocking together, but she heard Cian laughed as she rushed over towards her.
"Ha, that was amazing Naaza!" He said, holding onto her shoulders. "You're a genius with potions and with a bow, that's so awesome!"
"I… I don't feel awesome," She said, almost falling. Cian helped her stay upright, but Naaza could only shake her head, unable to meet his eyes. "That was the least I could do for you after all your help…. The truth is, I was petrified that entire time. There wasn't a chance I'd be able to be brave like you or Bell, Lillie, or any other adventurer… it's part of the reason we're still in debt… all because I can't be brave, I'm just afraid."
For a minute, it was quiet. She looked at her shaking arms, felt her skin tingling, her heart rate hadn't gone back down. She had been able to fight, fire her arrows towards monsters yes, but… had she really done anything? She had still been terrified. It all had flashed before her eyes, and it had been a miracle she managed to do it.
"Just because you're afraid doesn't mean you can't be brave," Cian said.
Naaza's eyes slowly looked up to him. "Wh…what? You really think that?"
"I know that, because I'm afraid in every fight," He said, chuckling as he shrugged. "I was afraid I'd die fighting just now. I was afraid when I fought the Fomorian, and the entire time Bell and my party were trapped in the dungeon."
Naaza shook her head. "But I don't get it, you and Bell got everyone out of those situations, you fought and won impossible battles and you were afraid?"
"Totally," Cian nodded, smiling fondly at her. "Chu used to tell me tell me anyone who says they're never afraid is full of crap. He used to say… the only time we can be brave is when we're afraid. I was afraid that I'd lose my party again… so that gave me the strength to fight against Goliath and the Fomorian, and for you just now."
I can be brave… even if I'm afraid?
"I… never thought of it like that," Naaza said quietly.
Cian smiled again. "And there's plenty of ways for you to help and be brave other then fighting. Ha, I mean you saved me in that fight before you even fired an arrow!"
"What?! What do you mean?" She said, her heart jumping from her chest.
Cian chuckled and showed her an empty vial. "I'm happy to report your potion is a success, not that I doubted you. You saved me from getting barbequed!"
Naaza looked at the empty vial… and she felt a tear slip down her cheek. She held her hands to try and still her rapidly beating heart, but all she could do was chuckle, and look at Cian with her wet eyes.
"Ha… it really did," She said, wiping her cheeks. "I… was really useful to someone I care about."
"You were, and you're important to me too Naaza, you're my friend," He said, with a laugh as he pumped his fist. "And I'll keep supporting you no matter what requests you make of me! So, I hope you'll be kept support me too, it feels good knowing that no matter how bad I get hurt, I'll always have you and Lord Miach to help patch me up!"
He is different… different from all of them, and I love it, she thought with a smile, wiping the tears finally as she firmly nodded, and smiled back at him.
"Thank you Cian…" She said, giving a thumbs up. "And you will… you'll always be able to count on me to patch you up whenever you need it!"
"Good! I can be a little more reckless that way," He said, winking at her as he went to walk by her. "Now lets get moving. I know I'll need to buy another of those potions-."
A loud bird cry cut them off. It roared, and they both turned around, to look up into the sky. Naaza's mouth fell open in amazement, as the most beautiful monster she'd ever seen flew above them. It was orange like fire itself, beautiful wings stretching out as it circled above, clearly having sense the other monster's blood from their last battle.
"A Firebird!" Cian said, spinning his spear. "Ha, this is perfect! Hang tight Naaza, I'll try to climb and-."
"No… that's okay," Naaza said, smiling he entire time as she reached for her arrows. She knocked one and pulled it back to her cheek. "I think I've got this one."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"I really can't thank the three of you enough!" Naaza gushed, her tail wagging as she places the bag with all the materials on their store counter. "I'll have enough to make dozens!"
Lillie nodded with a smug smile. "Aha, and I bet if you tell people the Little Rookie and Lancer of Red use them, you'll have dozens of people lining up for them!"
"I bet they will!" Naaza said excitedly, her heart racing, tail wagging as she looked to Bell and Cian. "You guys will say they worked right?!"
Bell chuckled, embarrassingly rubbing the back of his head. "Ha, of course we will Ms. Naaza."
"Yeah, so long as we can keep coming for discount!" Cian said with a smirk. "I think they'd be great to-. OW!"
Naaza laughed as Lillie jumped up and smacked the back of Cian's head.
"Don't talk like that Master Cian!" The prum scolded. "We'll pay full price to support our friend's business!"
"I know, I know I was just kidding!" Cian defended, before scoffing and rubbing his head. "Who knew the prum and my short goddess would hit the hardest…"
They all laughed, and Naaza felt very, very warm. She looked at Cian, his messy and dirty black hair, his happy blue eyes, even the scar up his cheek, she was mesmerized by all of it.
No matter what our relationship ends up being… I'm going to continue to support this boy that I love and admire so much… and all the rest of the important people to me.
As they laughed, Naaza bowed low again. "I have to apologize again for not having anything to pay you all with. Know that I'm eternally grateful. If there's anything any of you, or your party needs, you'll don't even have to ask… you all did so much more for me today then you know."
Bell and Lillie looked confused, but Cian smiled at her… and that was all she needed.
The Lancer of Red nodded, shooting her another thumbs up. "And I'll feel good knowing I'll always have you to patch us up."
"Cian's right don't think anything of it Ms. Naaza," Bell said smiling. "Whenever you need help again, just let Cian and I know."
"And I'll be there to help too!" Lillie assured her.
Naaza chuckled and looked at the prum. "That's good to know… and… thank you Lillie, for that other thing you did for me."
"Huh? Thing?" Bell asked, sounding confused.
Cian scrunched his eyebrows. "Yeah, what else did you need Naaza?"
Lillie met Naaza's eyes, smirked and winked at her. "It was my pleasure Lady Naaza. Good luck… with everything."
"Thanks, and you too," She said, winking at the prum.
Now the boys were really confused.
Cian looked between them. "Did you two… wink at each other?"
"Yeah, I saw that too," Bell said. "Come on guys tell us what's going on!"
"Yeah that's not fair!" Cian complained. "What about-. AH! Lillie!"
"Hey take it easy Lillie!" Bell said, as the prum started pushing them both towards the exit.
"Alright you two come on!" The prum said, shaking her head. "I'm sure Lady Naaza has plenty of better things to do then explain things to you idiots!"
"Hurtful," Cian complained, looking back to Naaza as they all stopped at the door. "You're still coming to dinner tonight right Naaza?"
Naaza held a hand over her beating heart. "Yes… you bet I am! I'll finish up more of these potions and see you all there."
"Alright!" He yelled, throwing him a thumbs up. "Thanks for the save again today Naaza… see you soon!"
And with that, they left, and Naaza let out a shuddering, wonderful breath. She turned and ran her hands over her bow which she'd set against the counter. A child like smile came to her face… she had really done it. Outside, she heard Lillie arguing with Bell and Cian, and she laughed as it got further and further away… it was nice to do that.
I really did it… I went into the dungeon and fought monsters, She said, reaching into the material bag and grabbing the beautiful orange Firebird feather, clutching it to her chest. And it's thanks to you both… but especially you… Cian.
"Cian… Bell… Little Rookie and Lancer of Red," Naaza whispered, chuckling as she looked fondly at the feather in her hands. "You're both going to be legends… and I'm glad that I can be there to support you for it."
"Naaza!" Master Miach's said, followed by the door opening and closing. "I just ran into Bell, Cian, and Lillie outside. This is late for them. Did they need something?"
Naaza smiled and turned with her feather at her god. "No, it was the opposite actually."
"Well, you seem in high spirits," Master Miach laughed, holding his bag of ingredients before he smiled at her. "Oh, I see what happened!"
Naaza looked at him confused. "You… do?"
"Aha!" He said, seeming very confident before smiling. "You finally made your move on Cian didn't you?!"
Naaza choked on her own spit. "Wh…what?!"
Master Miach chuckled. "Oh, come Naaza, it's clear you fancy him! Oh my, you've both grown so much in such a short time! I can't wait to tell Hestia, she'll be ecstatic-."
"What?! No! No don't do that!" She said, her face beat red. "That's not true at all!"
Master Miach seemed disappointed, but embarrassed and cleared his throat. "Oh well… um, I suppose I was wrong then. But, what was it you needed from then?"
Naaza's smile returned. "I'll tell you but… first do you think you could do me a favor?"
"Of course, anything for you Naaza."
Her tailed wagged, and she bowed to her god. Thank you for today… Cian.
Her head rose and she smiled ear to ear. "Lord Miach could you… maybe update my status?"
Next Time, Tales From Orario: The Samhain Ritual: Bell, Hestia, Lillie, and Mikoto are worried. Cian in the last few days has been acting a bit strange, going to bed earlier, taking extra days off from the dungeon, and disappearing for hours on end outside Orario! To make it even more worrisome, he won't tell them if anything's wrong. It's especially concerning for Mikoto because the only person he seems to be talking to is… Mebd?! Mikoto needs an answer, as do the rest of his friends, so they do what any good friends would do. Follow Cian to see what he's up too! Is he on secret dates with Mebd?! Mikoto has to know!
A/N: Andddd we're finished the first Tales From Orario! So, this is going to be the format for the Tales From Orario. They won't be as long as main arc chapters, they'll be shorter one off chapters that are cannon and have some important stuff, but don't structure into one of the major arcs. All are of my complete and own design! Today, we had one featuring one of the most underrated characters, Naaza!
Naaza has a LOT more stuff to do and action in the books for those who don't know, I'm not done reading them all yet, but I can already tell she has more. In the anime she's kinda shafted a bit, so I knew for certain I was going to give her a chapter in this. I love the idea of her getting over her dungeon PTSD and our fav Little Rookie and Lancer of Red helping her. Not to mention her special new potion is certainly going to be a big help!
Okay, so we have three more Tales of Orario, and all I think are going to be either as long or maybe shorter then this one. We're going to get to the War Game arc SOON, haha I'm soooo excited for it and the Ulster/Morrigan plot to move forward.
Also, S4 Part 2 of DanMachi started tonight and… WOW, just wow, what a phenomenal season this has been, I can't stress how HYPE I am to get all the way to that season in this story, lets just say I have a TON of big action and epicness planned haha
SO, thank you all so much for reading again, check my profile for the Crossover information with all my stories! Leave a review if you all have time, let me know what you think, and who else do you wanna see Cian interact with? Let me know! I love to see your thoughts so thank you in advance, and have an AWESOME day!