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)
Morrigan: English VA: Maureen Price: Quinella/Administrator (Sword Art Online: Alicization) Anju Emma/ Snow Witch (86)
Japanese VA: Maaya Sakamoto: Quinella/Administrator (Sword Art Online: Alicization) Merlin (Seven Deadly Sins) Artemis (DanMachi Movie: Arrow of the Orion) Jeanne D'Arc (Fate Apocrypha)
Cathbad: English VA: Max Mittleman: King (The Seven Deadly Sins) Shirou Amakusa/Kotomine (Fate Apocrypha) Saitama (One Punch Man) Matsumoto (Vivy: Fluorite's Eye Song)
Japanese VA: Koki Uchiyama: Shirou Amakusa (Fate Apocrypha) Takt (Takt Op Destiny)
Morrigan
"Bring them in Cathbad," Morrigan ordered, leaning forward on her bed.
The air was crisp, and Morrigan sipped from her wine. She would admit, a part of her missed having Sluagh around. The man was many things, and punctual was always one of them. Cathbad wasn't nearly as efficient at fetching her wine. She also knew however, the Druid was much more prideful. He nodded, to her, and walked to the entrance of the tent. The moment it opened, the rancid smell of brunt meat and the sweating giants hit her nose. It wasn't pleasant, but who was she to complain about the beings who'd bring her control of the lower world?
Cathbad opened the tent flaps with his staff and spoke. "Lady Morrigan will see you all now."
Morrigan smirked at the sight of the man. "Ah, Tuireann! How many decades has it been my old friend? You are certainly looking quite strong."
Tuireann was taller then Morrigan remembered. The god grunted but got to one knee. He had a long orange beard, and hair that went down to his shoulders. He was dressed in elaborate leather armor. Morrigan had known that while it looked elaborate, it was the most expensive item a cheap armor shop could make. Yes, she was careful with who she picked to ally with.
People who shared her views were good, but sometimes too willful, people who were rejected by the Tuatha Danann were good options but could easily turn on her should the old fools give them the chance.
Yes, the perfect people to use however, were the ones who were desperate. Tuireann liked to live an elaborate lifestyle. That required money, something he didn't have a lot of, something Morrigan had a lot of. It worked out well for both of them.
"And you look like you've done well for yourself, since you've fled Morrigan," Tuireann grunted, turning around. "On your knees boys, come on! Show the proper respect!"
"Yes, father," One of three young men said. Two more followed suit, and Morrigan couldn't help but chuckle, Tuireann may have been a narcissist, insisted the children of his familia call him father, but she knew he had them well trained.
"Ah, the young children of the Tuireann familia," She said, chuckled as she sloshed her wine. "I trust you have them well prepared for this undertaking Tuireann?"
"Of course," Tuireann said, rising and walking to the child in front of the three. "Iuchar! Rise boy, tell Morrigan how thankful you are for her assistance."
"Of course father," The boy said, rising up. He was tall, with long blonde hair down to his shoulders, and a scruffy beard, he was strong and built well. He bowed to Morrigan. "Lady Morrigan, I swear, that we The Sons of Tuireann, shall carry out your will!"
Morrigan chuckled and clapped. "Yes, I believe you will. They're all level 2, correct Tuireann?"
Tuireann nodded, standing next to his captain. "Yes. Iucharba and Brian recently ranked up, Iuchar has been one for some time. They will be more then efficient."
"Very well," Morrigan said, looking to Cathbad. "Cathbad?"
"Yes, My Lady," Her child said, stepping in front of her with the weapon. "Sons of Tuireann. Your task is to travel to Orario, find Cian Mac Gallagher, and incapacitate him. Kill anyone else who sees you. You will bring him to us, and receive the agreed upon reward, this spear."
The spear was the one of the many things Morrigan had taken from the council. It was one of their prized possessions. It wasn't as powerful as the divine weapons, but still could be very useful.
Iuchar, took the spear, looking at it in awe, then to Morrigan. "Areadbhar… the spear of blood and stone?!"
"Yes, and all you need to do is use it, capture Cian Mac Gallagher, and it will be yours," She said, turning to Tuireann with a smirk. "And you shall be rewarded as well Tuireann!"
Tuireann nodded and turned to his children. "You heard the woman boys. Move, now! The best place would be to ambush him in Orario's dungeon."
Iuchar looked at the spear still. It was beautiful, Morrigan would admit. A black handle, leading up to a bone colored jagged tip, the real power however, was in the magic. She laughed in her mind, thinking of the destruction it could cause in the dungeon.
The blonde-haired child nodded. "Your will shall be done Lady Morrigan, your faith is not misplaced."
With that, the sons of Tuireann, and the god himself left the tent. After the flap of her tent was closed, she saw Cathbad sigh and shake his head.
"Lady Morrigan, was all of that really necessary?" The Druid asked.
Morrigan chuckled. "Whatever do you mean Cathbad?"
"You know they will not defeat the Child of Light," Cathbad said. "Even if they simply outnumber him, he won't be alone. Orario has the strongest adventurers in the world, I don't believe they'd simply let someone be attacked."
"I am aware Cathbad," She said, turning to him and smiling. "But do you not think it's important for us to test young Cian Mac Gallagher? If he really is as talented as Scathach and Chu Chulainn have been claiming, let us test him, and the strength of the new allies he has."
She yawned and downed more of her wine. "Yes… let us see how much our Child of Light has grown, shall we?"
OP: Hey World, DanMachi Season 1
The Argonaut and The Child of Light
Tales From Orario: The Thousand Elf
One Week Later
Lefiya.
"Oh man why did I bother…" Lefiya lamented, squeezing her staff and looking at the ground. "I'm just going to embarrass myself in front of him like I did with Ms. Ais! What-."
"Heeeeyyy! Lefiya!" His voice yelled, making her jump off the wall.
She scrambled to pick up the bag she'd packed. It was early in the morning, and dozens of adventures were already passing by. She knew Ms. Ais, Tiona and Tione were going to come to the dungeon later as well, but when she'd asked Cian to come, she wanted to get there ahead of the crowd. It seemed like if they left now, the rush on the upper floors could be avoided despite more people starting to congregate. It was a bit cold, but the morning sun was bright, and while of course she'd been to the dungeon before, all the way down deeper then anyone had gone before, she'd admit she was nervous.
It… it'll be just me and him! Just me and Cian, she thought, as she saw him running towards her with a wave. He'll probably want to go to the middle floors, if it's just the two of us, what if I get in his way and he gets hurt?!
While she was getting better at it, she still wasn't as strong with concurrent chanting as she wanted to be. Only have two people could be seriously dangerous if they got overwhelmed. And yet… Cian hadn't hesitated to come and help her.
"Cian!" She said, unable to not smile as he breathed heavy from his jog to her. "Good Morning! Sorry I made you get up so early."
He sucked in a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair, and met her eyes with a smile and shook her head. "Don't worry about it! Bell and I normally get up this early anyway, I hope you weren't waiting long."
"No, I wasn't, I just got here myself!" She lied, not wanting to tell him her nervousness for being late got her here early.
I need to learn; I need to be better! And… I can't let that red-head get so far ahead of me! She thought, feeling determination rise up in her. Now… what was it Tiona said? Be direct! Apparently boys like it when girls are direct!
"You… you look…" She started, staring at his face. "Um… nice! Cian! You look very nice today!"
"Huh? It's just what I normally wear," He said, looking at his armor and red spear, but he did smile at her. "But thanks! You look nice too Lefiya."
Lefiya quickly looked down at her outfit, it was what she normally wore… but hearing him say it made her smile. Okay! That worked! Alright… what else did she say…?
She didn't have time to think about what other advise her amazon friend had given her, before Cian reached for the bag she had halfway to her back.
"Here, let me carry that for you," He said, taking it from her and slinging it on his shoulder.
"Huh?! No Cian that's okay!" Lefiya said, taking a step closer. "I don't mind being support! You need to fight you're-."
"Ha, don't worry!" He said, walking past her with his spear, he turned and smiled at her again. "You said you were the one who wanted to train right? You'll need your whole body!"
Lefiya felt her face get red, and she twisted her foot in the ground. "I… I did. Thank you Cian again for this…. I can't feel like I'm a burden anymore, I have to learn how to fight!"
"Ha, don't call yourself a burden," He said, winking at her. "I'm sure Ais and the others appreciate you a whole ton like I do. But if you wanna learn to fight close quarters… well you are right, a staff is pretty close to a spear, I'll show you all I can today!"
He… he's so… so… amazing, she thought, watching the morning sun cast his shadow over her. His shiny black hair, those pretty blue eyes… Lefiya had never felt like this simply looking at anyone before. Her heart raced... but determination filled her as well.
She nodded and let out a deep breath. "You're right! I promise I won't get in your way, please Cian, teach me everything you can!"
"I love the confidence no worries I'll do all I can!" He said, throwing her a thumbs up and winking at her. "It'll be nice to be a teacher for a change! Come on, lets go. We can probably go for about two hours for ourselves, Bell and the rest of my party will be here later."
"Perfect!" Lefiya said, running up with her staff next to him. "Ms. Ais, Tiona, and Tione will be here later as well. We can join our parties once we're done."
"By the time we're done you'll be swinging that staff like a pro!" Cian said, with a huge smile. "Come on, let's get moving!"
Lefiya nodded and followed, her chest fluttering. Miss Filvus had been a big help, Ms. Ais, and everyone else had been a big help, but she knew she needed to get stronger. Both with her concurrent chanting and close combat she knew to stand besides Ms. Ais and everyone else-Cian included- she need to train all she could!
Also… she wouldn't complain about having the time alone with him.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Okay here it comes!" Cian yelled from next to her, as the dungeon worm came rushing towards her. She gulped and got ready like Cian had showed her. "Good! Now remember, step and swing! Keep moving and don't overextend yourself!"
It wasn't a dangerous monster the dungeon worm. She was a level 3, so she could easily roast it alive with a spell if given time, but it could be quite dangerous to her if she insisted on fighting up close like she was now. Still… this is what she had asked for, Cian was right next to her if she needed it, but she was determined to defeat at least this one. She tried to remember the movements Cian had just shown her. It leapt up from the ground, teeth baring at her and like Cian instructed, she stepped and swung.
"HIYA- GAHH!" She yelled, as after she swung and hit the worm, she stumbled forward off balance. She tripped forward from the momentum, and when she rolled around the worm was lunging at her again. "NO! CI-."
She didn't even have to finish yelling out his name. The red spear he carried flashed and stabbed right through the dungeon worm. It exploded into black dust right over her, and a second later, she saw Cian's face above her, looking down at her amusingly as he reached down his hand.
"Ha… did you feel what you did wrong?" He asked, as Lefiya reached up for his hand.
She felt his skin touch hers and she shivered. "Um… I… didn't hit it… hard enough?"
He laughed as he pulled her to her feet. "Ha, no that was plenty hard believe me. You overextended. When you swung your arms were all the way stretched out, so when you tried to move afterwards you lost your balance. Your staff or spear is long enough on its own, you don't need to overextend."
"R…right! I'll try it again when they respawn!" She said determined.
He smiled and reached down for the magic stone, before dropping it into the bag he was still carrying for her. "Awesome! In the meantime, why not try concurrent chanting again? You've been doing really good so far, I'll come at you and you cast."
Lefiya smiled, her face getting red. It felt… really good having him praise her like that. Her mind couldn't help but wander as she watched him set the bag down and walk across from her. The way he spun the spear was mesmerizing. It went under his arm, around his back, over his head, before he caught it, snapped it under his shoulder and smiled across from her.
Tiona's voice came screaming back to her. Make sure to compliment him a ton! Seriously, boys love getting compliments from girls he'll eat it up!
"Um that… that's really impressive Cian!" She shouted over at him. "I mean it, I've never seen anyone move a spear like that!"
"Ha, I doubt that when Finn's your captain," He said, and for a split second Lefiya's confidence waned, like she'd made a fool of herself, but after he said that Cian smiled at her. "But thanks, it means a lot coming from you. Okay! Back in the starting stance I showed you."
Lefiya's chest thumped loud, as she quickly nodded. "Right! Like… this, foot here… hands here, okay is this good?"
The dungeon was quiet on floor 15. It was right towards the steps going up to 14, a massive cavern was to their right which would probably drop down a few floors. However, there were multiple tunnels, and plenty of space for them to practice and wait for the lower leveled monsters of the middle floors to spawn. They'd been there for about an hour, and Lefiya tried to recollect everything Cian had shown her so far.
However, she'd admit it had been a bit hard to stay focused on what Cian called 'spear katas' when he was so close to her.
"Mhm… okay hold it there," He said, jogging over to her, getting inches away from her. "Your hands are a bit too close together… here, move them… there! Okay, now, adjust your arms like that and… good!"
"Um… o…okay!" She squealed, as she felt Cian's hands touch hers to move them apart on the staff, the gently hold her arms. "Am… am I good now?!"
"One second… move your hips a little, you're too wide," He said, his hands touching her waist as he adjusted how she was moving. "If you're more narrow you're less of a target. So, be narrow like this, okay? And don't be so stiff!"
How am I supposed to not be when his hands are right there! She thought, her chest ready to explode as he hold her waist and moved her body himself. A chill ran up her body, so many thoughts ran through her head, she wanted to smack his hands away, and at the same time she wanted them to stay there! What had Tiona said?!
If he's teaching you about spear stances and touching you take advantage! I bet that's one thing you got over that red headed girl, show him what you got Lefiya!
"Um… thanks Cian," She stammered, stuttering as she spoke. "And… and my… my footwork?"
"Oh, your feet and legs?" He said, kneeling and moving his hands lower. "Okay, one slightly in front of the other… there you, oh, and move this just about… here?"
Lefiya's face exploded, smoke going out her ears as she remembered Tiona's next bit of advice, and most importantly you need to strike first! Boys are stupid, they don't realize how we feel! You need to tell him how you feel and this is the perfect chance!
I have to do it! I have to make a move before anyone else does! She thought, squeaking as Cian touched her foot, her calf, moving them to the correct stance position.
The words spewed from her mouth. "UM, Cian! I… I need to tell you some-."
It all happened in seconds. Cian shot up from the ground, his arm wrapped tight around her waist and he spun with her. Lefiya thought for a minute he was trying to do some elaborate dance with her. Her chest erupted, pulsing almost out of her chest. He pulled her so close to his body she could smell the soap he used to take a bath lingering, and almost instinctively, she went to hug him back.
Is… is making a move on me?! What… I don't know what to do, Tiona didn't-.
A loud CLANG brought her out of her dream, and into reality, which she realized right away was becoming a nightmare. She saw Cian's red spear flash in the hand he didn't have her held in, it swiped up and what it knocked away fell next to her feet.
A crossbow bolt.
"Look out!" Cian yelled, pushing her behind him, as he spun his spear in hand again.
CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.
Three more bolts came zipping through the darker dungeon air, and Cian knocked them away with his spear, snapping it under his soldier and falling into a stance, the drop to floors below behind them, the tunnels leading further into the dungeon in front of them. Lefiya's bliss turned to panic as she gripped her staff with both hands and stood behind him.
"Cian… what happened?!" She asked him, looking down the tunnels as well. "How did you hear those and-."
"MOVE!" He yelled, grabbing her again and going down to the ground. Over their head a spear flew past them and impaled itself onto the far wall past the chasm.
She felt Cian land on top of her, as the sound of rapid footsteps got closer. Above her, Cian's eyes were wide, as he rose, helping her to her feet. He stepped in front of her, and with his spear in one hand, pulled out the bone colored sword he had at his waist. His spear in one hand, the sword in the other he looked forward, his voice to Lefiya stern.
"Lefiya, there's three of them," He said, Lefiya never having seen this side of him before. "Start chanting, I'll protect you, remember to keep your focus. They won't touch you I swear."
"How… how did you know?" She asked, taking a few steps back and readying her staff. "Cian where-."
"Very impressive, Cian Mac Gallagher," A deep voice said, as like Cian said, three men approached, from three different tunnels. The one in the middle had long blonde hair as he pointed a black and bone colored spear at Cian. "I can see now, why Lady Morrigan needed us to come for you."
"M…Morrigan?" Lefiya said, looking to Cian. "Cian, that's…. Cian?!"
She'd never seen him like he was then. He was low in a fighting stance, and the best way Lefiya could describe it was he was like an animal ready to attack. Anger flashed in his eyes, anger she'd never thought possible on the soft smiling boy she'd come to have feelings for. She went to step forward, but saw him instinctively step in front of her, his spear and sword at the ready… and Lefiya's heart panged. Was he really getting like this just to protect her?
"Morrigan…." Cian said, his voice sounded sharp, like dragging a knife against stone. The dungeon went silent as Lefiya watched him look at all three men. "She sent you after me? Did she order you to try and shoot Lefiya too?!"
"Cian…" Lefiya said, narrowing her own eyes at the three men, thinking of the right spell to cast.
If she casted something too destructive and big, it could cause a cave in there. Still, they were outnumbered, and with three men against just Cian fighting at the front, it would need to be something quick and powerful enough to give them a chance to leave. Riveria had told her to always analyze your opponents, so she looked at the three men closing in.
One was shorter but muscular, holding up the crossbow she assumed had almost been used to shoot her, he had a long head of brown hair and had a bolt aimed at Cian, he was on the right. On the left, another man with orange hair and pale skin pulled a massive iron greatsword from his back, the two of them gathered up next to the man in the middle, with the long blonde hair and beard. His spear was black with a bone colored tip, and she could feel the magic radiating from it, it was a magic spear like Cian's, and one that could be trouble.
She looked to Cian. He… he can't take them by himself! No matter how strong he is, they all have to be at least level 2 to be in the middle floors! No… I need to help. I will!
She let out a breath and readied her staff. "I'll wipe them away Cian!"
He nodded, not looking back at her, his grinding teeth, his dark eyes traced back to them.
"Ha, very brave little elf," The blonde one said, holding forward his spear. "Lady Morrigan ordered us to kill all onlookers and capture you Cian Mac Gallagher! Prepare yourself, we are the Sons of Tuireann! I Iuchar, my brothers Br-."
"LIGHTNING SPEAR!"
Cian didn't give them time to finish introducing themselves. Lefiya jumped back from the sudden power in his hands. Ulster runes that she'd decided to start studying since she met Cian floated in the air before lightning sparked from his hands. A rod of lightning formed, and he threw it towards the three attackers. They all jumped out of the way, but one of them yelled, the one with the crossbow and brown hair screamed as the rod scrapped against his leg. He crumbled to the ground; his leg black as he fired his crossbow.
"CIAN! LOOK-."
Cian didn't need her to shout out the location of the shot. He swiped up his sword and knocked the crossbow bolt out of the air against the dungeon wall. Lefiya looked on in awe as he spun his sword out with his spear.
"BRIAN!" The one with the greatsword yelled, rushing to the downed one's side and pulling him to his feet.
Iuchar, the one who spoke with the spear looked at him. He went wide eyed, anger crossing his eyes. "You brat! What kind of Hero of Ulster are you?! Not hearing the names of your-."
"I don't give a damn what your names are assholes," Cian yelled, baring his teeth from in front of Lefiya, his arms sparking with lightning. "Morrigan sent you here, you tried to kill someone I care about, I don't care who you are, what sob story you have I'm going to give you one chance."
His eyes shot up as Lefiya noticed him muttered words and drawing runes in the air. After they glew in the air his blue eyes shot up. "Leave now or I'm going to send you back to Morrigan as corpses! STORIM DELANACH!"
Lightning erupted from the runes and shot up both of his weapons. His sword and red spear shone with magic lightning and Lefiya had to take a step back it was so bright. Her eyes went to the three attackers, as for a moment they all stepped back, but then the man in the middle with the spear scoffed and spun his spear above his head.
"You believe we are afraid of a mere child?!" He said leveling the spear as it started crackling with black magic. "Don't make me laugh!"
Cian's eyes widened. "I know that spear! That Areadbhar, how the hell did you get that?!"
"A gift from the Goddess Morrigan!" The leader shouted, before digging his feet into the ground and spinning the spear around his body. "You are aware of its power I'm sure! It matters not if you hold a divine spear, its atrocity will wipe you away! Go brothers!"
"Are you crazy?! If you let that thing loose in the dungeon it'll collapse it on us all!" Cian yelled, before looking back to Lefiya. "Lefiya, focus everything on him! Hurry, you need to stop-."
"CIAN LOOK OUT!" She screamed, as the sword came for him.
The attacker with the greatsword swung, going to cleave off Cian's head and would have had he not seen it. He leaned back, the sword passing inches over his face before she spun and slashed his sword across the man's arm. The one with the greatsword cried out but spun back on Cian right away. He knocked the sword up with his spear and leapt back. She watched as he reached to his pocket, pulled out a potion vial and popped off the top. After downing it, he scooped back up his sword and charged again.
As he did a crossbow bolt came for him. He ducked to the right as it sailed over his head, as the one who'd been hit by the lightning and was using the crossbow charged with two smaller knives in his hands. Cian, however, was sparking with lightning, and moved faster than Lefiya had seen him move before. She had to assume he was almost as fast as Ms. Ais when she called upon her wind spell. She remembered him explaining that he had a skill that made him move faster when he was touched by lightning, so that was why he used the lightning enchantment so much.
So… so this is him, going all out, she thought as she watched the fight. Her heart thumped loudly as she remembered what he said. You tried to kill someone I cared about.
Cian… you're protecting me so… so I'll do the same! She thought, sucking a breath and summoning her magic as she'd done so many times. I'll need something that can stop them all in their tracks, but that won't hit Cian!
"Cian! I'm going!" She yelled, as the sound of clashing swords and spears hit her ears.
"Lefiya!" Cian yelled, as the greatsword came for his face. He raised up his sword, parrying along the massive blade and rushing forward to slam the side of his spear into the mans stomach. The man gaged, before Cian ducked under his greatsword, spun and kicked his leg into his stomach, sending him flying back into the dungeon wall. He spun back to her and nodded. "I trust you!"
Lefiya jumped as the magic circle formed below her, the white light beginning to form around her. That was all the words she needed, Cian believes in me, he trusts me like the others do, I know I'm not as strong, but I'm going to help!
"Spear of blood and bone, harbinger of calamity and terror, hear my call and bathe yourself in the blood of my enemies…."
Lefiya's eyes widened as she looked across the way to see the spear in the leader's hand erupting with black magic. Panic began to rise in her as she held up her staff.
"Focus… focus! Unleashed steak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree!" She chanted, the magic circle forming beneath her feet as the power rushed to her staff. Her panic rose on further, as she looked up and saw Cian barely clash with the second attacker. She refocused her magic. "You are an expert of the bow! Shoot, sniper of the fairies! Penetrate, arrow of absolute accuracy!"
"Feast on the carnage I give you! Quench your thirst for chaos and power! Join my desire with yours, and unleash your calamity and horror upon my foes!" The man chanted, raising the spear above his head, black magic continuing to gather around the tip.
"NO!" Cian yelled, as Lefiya with blinding white magic saw him duck under one of the second attackers knives.
He came up spinning and cut his spear across the back of the man's leg. Cian had him beat, so he fell to the ground and screamed, but as he was falling Cian kicked out his leg and sent him flying towards the dungeons walls as well. Lefiya was amazed, Cian had beaten both of them, and now she saw he had a clean shot to throw his spear or attack the man before he could unleash that spears spell, but that wasn't where he looked.
Lefiya was just about to finish the spell, let the magic unleash… when Cian threw his spear towards her.
What?! She thought with panic, before Cian started running towards her.
"GAHHHHHH!"
Blood splattered onto her cheek, and without looking she heard a sword drop to the ground. The first attacker that Cian had defeated fell with Cian's spear sticking out of his hand. Cian was on him seconds later, that murderous glare back in her eyes as he ripped the spear from the mans hand and punched the hilt of his sword across the mans head.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!" He screamed, as he ducked the man's counter punch and tackled him. "LEFIYA NOW!"
Lefiya turned around and her chest exploded. "ARC RAYS! ALIO!"
"COME FORTH AND DESTROY! ATTROCITY!" The man yelled, throwing the spear towards them.
"LEFIYA!" Cian yelled, rushing towards her.
Lefiya watched her magic explode from her staff. It smashed into the black magic just as it hit the ground and the very ground beneath Lefiya's feet began to shake. She stumbled backwards, the floor beneath her cracking, and when she tried to regain her footing it only did the opposite.
She fell backwards over the edge. This… this is it… I'm a goner. I… I never-. HUH?!
"LEFIYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
She saw Cian jump off as he screamed. The entire dungeon shook, the walls around her started to collapse, and around Cian's waist she saw a rope. He got down to her in seconds, she felt his arms grab hold of her and he pulled her tight to his chest and she heard a loud CLANG.
"HOLD ON! I GOT YOU!"
He screamed, and Lefiya looked up to see he'd slammed his red spear between the cracks in the dungeon wall, and while they still fell he slowed their fall while his spear drug down the wall. Rocks and other stones fell around her, as Lefiya's fatigue overtook her. She looked up and saw his teeth gritted, as he strained to hold onto the spear with one hand, her body with the other hand.
"NOT AGAIN! YOU HERE ME! NOT AGAIIINNNNNNNN!" He shouted, looking at her as the walls continued crumbling and collapsing around him. "I WON'T LET YOU DIE!"
Lefiya's chest beat so loud she could hear it over everything falling. C…Cian…
It was probably crazy to be thinking this in the middle of falling down the dungeon… but Lefiya felt safe. She finally felt the reality of her situation begin to set in. It was happening all over again now, and a part of her hated it.
Just like with Ms. Ais before him… she knew that she'd never catch up to Cian. However, that wasn't going to stop her from doing everything she can to support him. Calamity continued around them, rocks fell, and she could hear Cian grunting and yelling as he tried to cover her from being hit.
I… I've never had feelings like this before for anyone… I don't know what I'll do if he doesn't feel the same way for me as I do for him but… but he trusts me, he's protecting me now…so I'll do it for him! For the one that I care about!
She groaned as she climbed, and wrapped both her arms around Cian's neck as they fell. Even if they slid down like this they'd still be crushed if they hit the bottom of the next floor. Right away he yelled for her to stop, a stone his her back, but she ignored the pain and gripped him with one hand, and held out her other hand.
Focus… focus!
"LEFIYA!" Cian yelled as magic started forming around her hands.
"I wish upon the name of Wishe, Ancestors of the forest, proud brethren. Answer my call and come to the plains!" She chanted, as light began to form around the both of them. She knew they had to be approaching the bottom, so she ignored the falling debris around her and focused.
"L…Lefiya?!" Cian said, as the light got brighter.
"Connecting bounds, the pledge of paradise. Turn the circle and dance around!" She continued as she could see the next floor getting closer. "Come! Ring of the fairies Please-give me strength!"
The strength to continue chasing after him, and everyone else!
"Now become a shield!" She shouted as with a loud CLANG Cian's spear unstuck from the wall as it crumbled, and she saw the ground racing towards them. "Holy grail of crushing evil! DIO GRAIL!"
Light exploded from around her, and in front of here where she'd been aiming right before they smashed into the ground the elf ring around her turned the same color as she always saw Filvus's go. The shield appeared beneath them, a beautiful white holy light, and when they slammed into the ground it wasn't pleasant, but the shield absorbed all the impact. It shattered, and when Cian and her hit the ground it actually stayed in-tact, and so did her elf ring. She remembered the last part of her plan, and as she heard Cian groan and say her name, she spun around to see the rocks coming down to crush them, and she chanting again, thrusting out her hand.
"Now become a shield!" She yelled again, her voice straining. "H…holy grail of crushing evil! DIO GRAIILLL!"
Her head fell back, and Cian raced over to her. Above them, the shield appeared and the remaining debris continued to fall and slam into it. Her mind began to scramble, she knew well that she'd used to many spells to quickly, but the shield gave Cian enough time to pick her up like a bride on her wedding day. She felt his spear thrusted into her hands.
"Hold this! And hold on!" He yelled, as he started to run.
And Lefiya managed to weakly smile. "C…Cian…"
She went mind down.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Bell
"You know, after the other day I didn't think Cian would be late for the dungeon ever again," Welf said, tapping his foot.
Lillie nodded. "You're right, the last few days he's been acting like himself. He said he'd be back by now."
"Master Bell," Mikoto said, turning to him. "Are you certain this was the correct time he said he'd be back?"
Bell felt something drop in his stomach as he nodded. "Yeah… he said he and Miss Lefiya would be back by now. He thought she'd want to go back to meet up with a party from the Loki familia afterwards as well."
Welf scoffed. "Maybe they're busy in some quiet corner of the dungeon-. OW! What the hell?!"
"Don't talk such nonsense!" Mikoto said, after slapping the back of his head. "Cian could be in danger we should take this seriously."
"Lady Mikoto's right, we learned our lesson last time about assuming things," Lillie said, a worried look on her face as she looked to them all. "Master Cian shouldn't have a problem, they weren't going deep into the middle floors."
Bell's stomach continued to turn as he looked towards the dungeon entrance. Dozens upon dozens of people were filing in towards the upper floors, but he still couldn't see any sign of Cian coming back with Miss Lefiya. After what happened last time, he didn't want to let his mind wonder to the possibilities… but he couldn't help it. He bit the inside of his lip and looked to his friends.
"Alright… let's get moving if Cian isn't back yet we should go after them," He told the three of them. "He's probably fine, but we shouldn't-."
"Hey look it's Mr. Argonaut! Maybe he knows," A voice said, and they all turned around.
Welf sucked in a breath. "Loki Familia!"
"The Sword Princess…" Mikoto said breathlessly.
"And Miss Tiona, and Miss Tione!" Bell said, going wide eyed. Normally, he would have had the same breathless reaction, but not having Cian there took priority.
He nodded and rushed to meet them, his friends behind him. "Ais! Ms. Tiona, Ms. Tione!"
"Bell, it is you," Ais said as they all stopped in front of the small Loki familia party.
Ais and the amazons were dressed in their normal adventuring gear, Tiona having her trusty massive double bladed urga with her. They were clearly dressed ready for the dungeon, but Bell could see the hint of worry in their eyes.
Tiona smiled however and waved. "How's it going Mr. Argonaut!"
"We're fine, it's nice to see you all again," Bell said for all of them, before right away moving on. "The three of you… wouldn't have happened to see Cian anywhere, would you?"
"He was supposed to meet back with us here!" Mikoto said, stepping up next to him, which made Bell surprised, she normally wasn't so outspoken.
The amazons and Ais looked at each other, their worry seeming to grow.
Ais turned back to him. "We haven't. We were about to ask you all a similar question."
"She's right! Lefiya hasn't come back yet," Tiona said, sounding particularly worried. "We know her, and Mr. Lancer went down to the middle floors."
"Yeah, we don't doubt your friend's skill," Tione said, her arms crossed, knives at her waist. "But Lefiya isn't exactly the close combat type that's why she was training with him. If they get too outnumbered, it could be really bad."
Bell's eyes widened… if Cian wasn't back with them either, it only made him worry more. He was about to ask the question himself, but Mikoto again beat him too it.
"Do you know which floor they were going too?" She asked, her face lined with worry.
Ais nodded. "Floor 15 Lefiya told us. Why don't we all head down there and-."
"EVERYBODY OUT! There's been a collapse in the middle floors!" A voice yelled, causing all the adventurers to stop.
"The middle floors?!" Miss Tiona said worriedly, as she looked back at all of them. "A floor collapse doesn't happen easy!"
"If Cian had to let loose his spear, it could have cause something like that," Welf said, looking to Bell. "We should head over there!"
Bell nodded. "Right! Come on, everybody let's-."
Mikoto had already begun running. For a moment, Bell stopped and watched her, before he realized everybody else had gone to run as well. He shook off the worry and rushed next to Ais who was with the rest of their seven-person group.
They ran past adventurers complaining and groaning, the hot sun beating down on his next, Bell could feel a small tremor beneath him. Normally small quakes didn't bother him, but this one sent shivers down his spine. He saw members in guild uniforms waving people away, but luckily managed to spot Ms. Eina in the middle of them, near the dungeon entrance.
"Ms. Einaaaa!" Bell yelled, sprinting ahead of his friends, but when they got there they stopped, realizing that his guild advisor was talking to a shaking adventurer.
"Just calm down," Ms. Eina said to the young man shaking on the steps, Misha her co-worked next to him. She looked down and spoke calmly. "Now, tell me again what happened. You said it was three men you'd never seen before?"
"N…no! Never in Orario, they were tall, pale m…maybe Ulster?" He said shakily, shaking his head. "They… they beat the others nearly to death! They… they-."
"Your parties' members will be fine, don't worry," Ms. Eina said, holding his shoulder. "You said you followed them, who were they looking for."
"T…The Lancer of Red!" The man squeaked, crying as he shook his head. "I… I'm sorry! I had seen him with some elf girl earlier on floor 15, so I told them where he was, I'm sorry!"
Ms. Eina went stiff. "Cian…" she looked back to the man. "Don't worry, you did what you had to do, you said you saw them fighting?!"
The man quickly nodded. "Yeah! Him and that elf girl, I saw the red spear and everything, they threw some magic and… and I saw them fall!"
"Lefiya!" Tiona yelled, rushing forward to the guildswoman.
Bell's stomach fell, his skin went cold as he shook. N…No… Cian!
"If they were from Ulster it must have been the Morrigan familia!" Welf said to them all. "We need to hurry and find him!"
"Master Welf's right! Just because they fell doesn't mean anything," Lillie said, looking up. "Master Bell let's go!"
Bell shook himself back to reality. "Y…yeah! Come on, Ais! Ms. Tiona, Ms. Tione!"
She realized they had already run to Ms. Eina. They were talking quickly, as Bell rushed up with his friends.
"I understand, so it was Ms. Viridis that was with them," Ms. Eina said, before looking up, her eyes widening. "Bell! You must have just heard, Cian he-."
"I know!" Bell said, breathing heavy as he looked to the Loki Familia. "Ais, Ms. Tiona, Ms. Tione, please let us come with you! Cian's a member of my familia, he's our party member!"
Ais quickly nodded. "Of course. Eina, do we have permission?"
Ms. Eina nodded. "Of course, this saves me the trouble of finding people. Go and save them, that's priority one! If you can, bring back those attackers and-."
"Wait! You can't go alone!" Misha yelled from next to her.
"Hey! Mikoto!" Welf yelled, and Bell turned to see Mikoto had already started running to the dungeon entrance.
And she wasn't the only one.
"If any of them lay a hand on Lefiya I'll rip them in half!" Tione said, chasing after her.
Tiona nodded, picking up her urga. "You can say that again!"
Ais looked to them. "Come on, let's go!'
"Right" Bell, Welf and Lillie all said at the same time.
Cian… hold on!
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Lefiya
Lefiya's mind was a haze as she felt the potion touch her lips. As she blinked, the first thing she did was cough, and notice how bright his eyes were. Her body ached from head to toe, and her head pounded like a drum as she coughed more from the dust around them. Were… they okay? Had she actually done it.
"Lefiya! Oh man I was so worried!" He said, before Lefiya felt her body yanked towards him. "I… I thought that I… I let you…"
"C…Ci…an?" She croaked out, utterly exhausted, her eyes could barely stay open, but she made out his eyes, with tears coming down them. "Where… where did we…"
"Floor 16 probably, at least I think," He said, gently helping her lean back against the rock wall. "If not for you, we'd both have went splat. That was amazing Lefiya, you did so good."
"Ha… I… I gotta stay… ahead of you… don't I?" She said, trying to tease, but she was so tired, her eyes were falling closed.
But she saw Cian smile and felt him grab her hand. "Yeah… you do. We're near another drop, I managed to get you to the steps going up. We can rest here; the drop has our backs covered. We'll head back up as soon as you're feeling better. I'll worry about monsters, you just rest."
That was amazing Lefiya, you did so good.
Those words were plenty for her to hear, as he settled down next to her. She realized that he'd managed to find their pack. He unfolded a blanket, and set it over her, which she was thankful for, the dungeon was chilly. She thought that would be it, but as she tried to stop her eyes from closing… she felt something else warm her body. Cian himself sat down with a groan next to her. He set down his red spear on his right and smiled down at her.
"Ha… if you keep casting spells like that? You won't need training from me," He said, his smile not leaving him as he looked at her. "I don't even know why you bothered asking me to train! You're already amazing at it."
"I… I…" She said, feeling her head slump over onto his shoulder, warmth washing over her with the fatigue. "Just… wanted to… spend time with you."
He went stiff, she rolled her eyes up to see he had blushed… why was he doing that? Had she said something? She was only telling the truth; she was too tired to say anything else.
"You… really?" He asked, chuckling nervously. "Why would you go through all this just to spend time with me?"
"I… I like you… that… that's why," She said, feeling herself smile as her head resting on his shoulder. "Yeah... I really like you… Cian."
He went stiff again, and his face got even redder… why was he being like that?
Finally, she heard him chuckled. "Ha… thanks Lefiya, that means a lot. Hey, next time you wanna spend time with me? Just ask, we can skip the whole falling down the dungeon thing okay?"
She finally let her eyes close. "Yeah… okay… promise."
And she thought she'd finally be able to sleep.
But then Cian moved.
She was jerked to the side, her back hit the ground as Cian rolled with her. A CLANG rang against the wall, and when she opened her eyes, Cian was above her. Her mind was still fuzzy, she could still barely see, but what she did see… she'd remember for the rest of her life.
Cian's eyes were no longer the bright cheerful blue she loved. They were terrifyingly dark, as he moved off her, and grabbed his spear. Lefiya groaned as she pushed herself up against the wall. Her limbs were like jelly, she looked and saw her staff was just out of reach, but no matter how she tried she just couldn't find the strength.
"How every touching a moment this is!" She heard the man bellow, and looked up through her blinking eyes to see him walking through one of the tunnels, the spear he used in one hand, a crossbow in the others. He looked at Cian with murderous eyes. "YOU'LL PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID TO MY BROTHERS! THEY WILL BE HERE FOR THEIR VENGENCE SOON! BUT I'LL KILL YOU FIRST!"
Cian gripped so hard on his spear, Lefiya thought his gloves would tare at the seams. He spun the red spear around his back and fell into a stance, leveling the weapon at man. One hand in front of him, his body narrow like he'd shown her, he held the spear like he'd been born with it.
"That's twice now…" He said, spinning the spear again. "Twice you've tried to kill her!"
"C…Cian…" Lefiya said, forcing her eyes to stay open, but they were so heavy she kept blinking. She looked across at the man, his long blonde hair and beard speckled with dirt and grime.
He scoffed and reloaded the crossbow in his hand. "I was ordered to kill all extras, and then defeat you Cian Mac Gallagher. I am Iuchar, of the Sons of Tuireann! Captain to my god Tuireann, I have never failed in fulfilling my duty to him! He took my brothers and I from nothing!"
Cian scoffed and shook his head. "I don't care."
Iuchar, the man spat in Cian's direction. "You… bastard. You think yourself powerful?! You think yourself strong?! Our parents tossed us in the street! We were nothing before Lord Tuireann! I will see his will, and the will of Lady Morrigan done, no matter who's in my way."
"I don't care," Cian said, slowly shaking his head and pointing out his spear. "Morrigan and Connla will never have my goddess's spear. And they won't…. TAKE A PARTY MEMBER FROM ME EVER AGAIN!"
"Ci…an…" Lefiya tried to yell, her eyes blinking as Cian shot from the ground.
She heard a loud CLANG, followed by a CRASH! She saw flashed of red, she watched as when he charged Cian threw the red spear ahead of him. Iuchar knocked it away, but Cian was already drawing runes.
"LIGHTNING SPEAR!" He screamed, tossing the rod of lightning, and thrusting out his hand.
Iuchar stepped away from the lightning and smirked as he went to thrust his spear into Cian's chest, but it never got there. The man screamed as Cian's spear flew back to his hand through the air, cutting across the man's arm as Cian landed. He landed spun and yanked out his sword. He cut across the man's stomach, but Iuchar had swung his spear-Areadbhar Cian had called it- forward. Cian dropped his head back, she heard him scream as it cut across his cheek, and then Iuchar fired a crossbow bolt.
Cian screamed as it hit him in the shoulder. It embedded itself into his arm, and Lefiya tried to yell, tried to move, but as she did she slumped to the ground. Her eyes blinked again as she weakly tried to reach out to even crawl forward. All she could do, was look through her cloudy, foggy vision as she blinked, watching Cian clash forward with the man.
"STOIRIM DELANACH!"
"DIE YOU BASTARD!"
It was a battle of spears, unlike anything Lefiya had ever seen. Like a red and black blur she couldn't even keep track of their weapons as they swung and trusted them towards one another. In one instance when she blinked, she saw Cian drop his head back to avoid the tip of Iuchar's spear, before leaping backwards, dropping the spear to his foot, kicking it up before leaping. He caught hold of it and threw it down so hard Lefiya felt the massive gust of wind blow into her eyes. The spear smashed into the ground making Iuchar jump back. Cian landed, rolled forward and grabbed his spear, darting forward in a run, bleeding from multiple wounds in his body.
He leapt and thrusted forward, his red spear cutting across Iuchar's cheek, making the man scream and stumble back. Cian pressed forward and leapt again coming down with his spear towards toward his opponent's neck. Iuchar raised his spear up to parry Cian's away, but at the last second, Lefiya saw the feint.
As he came down, Cian dropped his spear the minute Iuchar raised his spear to parry. Cian fell to the ground and caught his spear as he did, and swiped it towards Iuchar's legs.
"ARGHHHH!" The man yelled, as his legs were cut out from under him. Cian spun back up and went to thrust down again, but the minute he did Iuchar rolled and swung up his spear cutting across Cian's arm.
"GAHHHH DAMMIT!" He yelled, before he spun back around knocked Iuchar's spear aside and struck out with his fist upwards. Iuchar was knocked back when Cian's fist hit the side of his jaw.
Lefiya saw his blood, and the little bit of energy she had left made her panic. She heard Cian yell something… but now her hearing was muffled as well. She watched the bleeding boy she came with scream something to his opponent before charging again.
But Lefiya didn't see what happened, only laying there for what felt like hours.
"Ci…an…" She said, her head slumping to the ground.
I… I'm so tired… but… but I have too… Cian-.
"Lefiya!" He yelled, as Lefiya felt herself rolled around.
Her heart rate went up as her eyes blinked, and she saw Cian over her. Her hearing was jolted back to life as well, as she felt her head gently tugged into his lap. She looked up, his face was dirty, blood trickled down his cheek, his arms, from multiple wounds, he looked in bad shape.
But… his eyes were back.
"Here, drink this," He said, holding a potion up to her. "My friend Naaza made it, it should help you not go mind down."
Like she was a child he poured it down her throat. "Wh…what.. happened… Cian? Did… did you…?"
Cian shook his head. "He fell down the shaft I… don't know if he could survive that, but either way that doesn't matter. You're safe now…. Gods I… I almost…"
A tear of his hit her face, and with her still weak arms she lifted a hand up. He went wide eyed as he teared up, he grabbed her hand with his while supporting her head. His lap was comfortable, and that was all Lefiya needed in her delusional fatigue right now. The warmth of his hand… it had made this entire trip down into the dungeon worth it.
"Ha you… you big crybaby," She whispered, as she weakly smiled at him. "Smile…"
And he did.
He smiled and fixed her hair. "Ha… if that's what you want. Come on, let me carry-."
"BROTHER!" "IUCHAR!"
Cian kept hold of her and grabbed his spear with the other hand. "Shit…"
Lefiya turned her head, and saw the two other attackers rushing into the room, heading toward the ledge. Cian gritted his teeth, and looked back at her, gently leaning her up against the dungeon wall again. Her strength was coming back, so she had enough to grab his arm as he tried to move.
"You… you can't you're hurt," She begged, still weak. "Cian you-."
He turned to her, his eyes narrowed and squeezed her hand. "So long as I'm alive, I'll never lose another party member! Never again!"
His hand slipped from hers as the two remaining attackers turned, murder in their eyes.
"You bastard! What have you done to Iuchar?!" The one with the greatsword yelled.
The one with the knives yelled and shook his head. "I'LL KILL YOU!"
Cian sucked in a breath and spun his spear, wincing as he did. "I… I won't let Morrigan have another person I care about!"
Cian… she said, blinking and wincing as he slumped in front of her. It was clear he was exhausted. She didn't know how high a level Iuchar had been, but it had to be at least equal to Cian. Even if Cian was stronger then the two facing him down now, he was still drained from that previous fight.
Yet, he stood there for her… like he always did, and like all her friends did. It hadn't happened that day… but one day she'd stand with them all.
Cian… even if you don't return my feelings, I promise… I promise that I'll keep chasing after you, to get strong like you and support you. Just like you… Ms. Ais, Tiona, Tione, Riveria… everyone else.
"ARGHH YOU'RE DEAD!" The one with the greatsword yelled, before darting forward.
"You… animal!" The second yelled, and Lefiya realized he was crying as he charged. "For my brother! I'll kill-."
"FIREEEEEBOOOLTTTTT!"
Cian lost his footing just as the burst of flames erupted at hit the two attackers feet. He held onto his spear but fell to his knee, holding his shoulder, his blood trickling to the ground. They yelled and got sent stumbling back, but Lefiya saw crossbow bolts rain down towards them both, turning them around towards the steps leading into floor sixteen. Lefiya's eyes darted towards the steps too, just as two figures leapt through the air.
"ARGHHH WHICH ONE OF YOU DID THIS TO LEFIYA?!"
"I'LL CUT YOU IN HALF!"
"T…Tione… Tiona?!" Lefiya croaked, trying to get to her feet but failing. She slumped right back against the wall as she saw Tione smash her fist into the ground.
The ground beneath the last two attackers' feet shattered and sent them flying back. They hit the dungeon walls just as Tiona landed and sliced her urga above their heads. It cut into the stone, and made them scramble down, trying to get away from the amazon, but they didn't get far.
The one with the greatsword saw her, but as he tried to swing his greatsword, she was too nimble.
"Ms… Ais…" Lefiya said, as she watched her.
Ais swung back around, cutting across his hand. He screamed and dropped his blade, his brother tried to swing towards Ais, but with her sword moving quickly, with a fast dodge and thrust she knocked away one of his swords. When he tried to swing again, Ais knocked the blade up, before spinning back around and kicking her boot into the side of his head.
He slumped to the ground, and before his brother could help him, Ais did the same to him as well.
And within seconds, they were both down.
"CIAN!" "MASTER CIAN!"
Lefiya looked at Cian struggling to breath, bleeding in front of her on one knee, using his spear to keep himself upright. Bell Cranel was the first one he realized, his white hair flashing before her as he grabbed Cian under the shoulder.
"H…Hey Bell… sorry I was late," Cian heaved, as the red-headed smith Lefiya recognized came up on Cian's other side.
"Haha, you gotta stop getting into trouble without us man!" The smith said.
"He's right about that," Bell Cranel said. "You're hurt, we need to get you out of here, Goddess Hestia is sure to be worried."
"Here Master Cian I'll hold this," His tiny prum supporter said, coming and grabbing the spear from him.
"Cian!" Another voice yelled, and through her haze Lefiya recognized the black-haired girl from the Far East. She rushed forward, holding Cian's shoulder, reaching up her hand and wiping it across his face. "You're hurt, you fell down the dungeon & fought off attackers! Cian we should-."
"Ha… I'm fine Mikoto," He said, falling on Bell Cranel and the smith again, smiling at his party before nodding. "Thanks for coming you guys. Just… make sure Lefiya-."
"LEFIYAAAAAAAA!"
"AGH!" Lefiya yelped as a body slammed into her. "T…Tiona?!"
"I'm so sorry I didn't get here soon, I'm so sorry Lefiyaaaaaaa!" She said, tears coming down her cheeks as she hugged around Lefiya's neck sobbing.
Lefiya chuckled, looking up at everyone smiling and weakly hugged her friend back. "Thanks… Tiona, but… I'd be dead if not for Cian."
"Not at all…" Cian said, smiling as he was supported by both of his friends. "Lefiya casted three spells in a row that saved us. We'd be splattered on the floor here.. she saved my life."
Her eyes went wide, as everyone smiled and looked at her with adoration. She knew that wasn't entirely true, Cian had done most of the fighting.
But… it still felt good.
Tiona looked up from her, wiping her nose, turning to Cian. She kept hold of Lefiya and wiped her tears with one hand and nodded.
"Thank you…. Mr. Lancer," She said, shaking her head. "I… I thought Lefiya-."
"Stop crying like a baby," Tione said from over near the two unconscious attackers, before smiling over at Cian. "Still… great job Lefiya. And thank you, Cian. I'll make sure everyone at Loki familia knows what you did for one of our own."
"Lefiya?" Ms. Ais said, and Lefiya went stiff when she saw her next to her. "Thank the gods…"
"M…Ms. Ais?!" Lefiya said, going red face, as Ais pulled her closer to her chest.
"I thought you we could have lost you… good job, getting this far," She said, rubbing Lefiya's head, before looking behind them. "Cian… we owe you a debt."
Lefiya in Ais and Tiona's embrace looked to Cian, who only smiled as his arms were around Bell Cranel and the both.
And he flashed that cheeky smile and nodded. "You don't have to thank me for anything! I'm just glad we're both out of this alive."
Everyone turned to Lefiya, and when the eyes were all on her she froze. She took in everybody's look, and everyone was smile… everyone seemed proud of her.
So Lefiya smiled and nodded. "Yes! So am I… thank you all for coming for us."
"Alright!" The tiny supporter said with a pumped fist. "Lets get everyone back up to the surface!"
Lefiya let out a breath, the sun sounded good. She watched as Cian's friends started to lead him on.
Tiona and Ais helped her to her feet. Tiona leaned closer to her. "Did you see the way he was looking at you?! Mr. Lancer totally has the hots for you Lefiya! Tell me you made some kind of move on him while you were alone?!"
Lefiya's feet dragged for a minute, as the potion finally seemed to let her recollect everything that had happened after she almost went mind down.
And she squealed as she did, her face filling up red. I… I… I CONFESSED TO HIM!
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Ow! Lillie, not so hard," Cian complained from across the table, as the prum was on a chair tightening his bandages.
The prum scoffed and shook her head. "Well maybe you shouldn't be so reckless Master Cian!"
"Owowowow, I get! I get it I promise!" He yelled, as she yanked harder on the bandages she was tying across his shoulder.
The Hostess of Fertility was packed as usual. Lefiya sat with Tiona on one side, Ais, and Tione on the other. Across from them at the other end of their table, sat Bell Cranel, Cian, the smith, and their supporter-Lillie- as the girl from the Far East had gone home. Music was loud, the food was good, and Lefiya's bones and muscles were finally regaining their strength. She had eaten plenty and was having a good time overall. After they'd gotten back, given the last two Sons of Tuireann to the guild for custody, she and Cian had given the guild their statements.
After that, Lefiya hadn't particularly wanted to separate, so for the day they'd both gone home to recovered, before Tiona, Tione and Ais insisted on buying drinks and food with the Hestia familia and their party as thanks. Lefiya was glad to be there. Cian was smiling again, his eyes their normally pretty blue, and his laugh… it was so genuine, it made her feel good seeing it.
Yet still, all she could do was let her head hit the table.
"I can't believe I was so careless!" She squealed, but not loud enough for the others at the end of the table to hear them. "I… I actually confessed to him!"
It was so completely and utterly embarrassing that Lefiya wanted to crawl up into a ball and hide. The first boy she ever had feelings for, and this was how she handled it?! She wasn't experienced, but she was hoping to have done better then she had. Of course, eventually she wanted to tell him, but in the dungeon half-dead was the worst place!
The worst part was that Cian hadn't said anything to her about it yet. He was acting like the whole thing didn't happen!
"Hey, come on it's not that bad!" Tiona said, patting her back. "You got the hard part out of the way! Now all you gotta do is work on him! Come on, working up the courage to confess is the hardest part and you already checked it off."
Tione and Ais spoke more with Bell Cranel, while the supporter Lillie tied more of Master Cian's bandages with the smith laughing. Lefiya couldn't look away from him. He'd gotten a bath, and wore a fresh long-sleeved black shirt, and his black pants and boots. His hair fell so handsomely in a messy way on his head, and even just looking at him made her heart thump.
Sighing she downed what was left in her mug. "I… suppose you're right."
"Yeah see! This is a good thing!" Tiona promised, throwing her arm around Lefiya's shoulders and smiling at her. "And I'm gonna help you! Before you know it, Mr. Lancer will be eating out of the palm of your hands!"
Lefiya got even redder. "I… I don't know if I want that…"
"Of course you do!" Tiona said with a chuckle. "Okay, so since now you confessed you just gotta impress him! You'll need to be careful though."
"Careful…?" She asked the amazon.
Tiona nodded. "Aha, because there's other girls that like him too you know that. The red headed girl you were fighting to be territorial with for one."
Lefiya pouted, that little red haired brat was the last person she wanted to think about.
Tiona went on. "Oh, and that Far East girl for sure! She was running off for him before we even got permission! Not to mentions he lives with five pretty bar maids and-."
"Tiona… you're not helping."
"Sorry!" She apologized quickly, bowing. "Look, you just need to do something big, something bold! Something that will make you stand out to her, he already cares… and here's your chance, look!"
Lefiya turned as Cian yawned and stood up.
"Aw man I'm exhausted…" Cian yawned, smiling at everyone, and nodded. "Yeah, I think I'm gonna get to bed early."
"Ha you… you lightweight!" The smith slurred, downing more beer.
"Shut up Master Welf!" Lillie scolded, looking at Cian. "Goodnight Master Cian!"
"Yeah, goodnight Cian," Bell Cranel said with a smile. "We'll talk to Goddess Hestia more tomorrow."
"Got it," Cian yawned, looking at her and smiling. "Thanks for being there for me today Lefiya."
"Oh!" She yelped, suddenly sitting up straight. "O…of course Cian!"
He smiled and then looked at the rest of them. "Ais, Tiona, Tione, thanks too."
"No problem Cian, thanks again!" Tione said with a wave.
Ais nodded. "Of course, Cian, thank you."
Tiona giggled and waved. "Maybe next time we can all go together! Sleep tight Mr. Lancer!"
Cian bowed one last time, before turning and walking towards the steps. Lefiya's heart stopped when he turned away from her.
No… not yet something… something bold!
Tiona whistled. "I'll admit Lefiya, if I didn't know you liked him I'd try myself he's seriously cute! You should- Lefiya!"
"I'll be right back!" Lefiya said, pushing out her chair and moving towards the steps.
Everyone looked at her, but she didn't care. She had one goal in mind as she said 'excuse me' and 'sorry', as she almost bumped into a dozen people. She spun around one of the bar girls, as she caught site of Cian already walking up the steps. She saw it all flash before her eyes, her head on his shoulder, him in tears over her as he took care of her. It made her chest beat harder, made face get red, it made her feel so, so good.
I… I'll be able to walk by your side one day!
"C…Cian!" She yelled for him after she ran up the steps two at a time.
She caught him just as he was about to go into his room. Her hands were on her knees breathing heavy, as he turned around and she saw it again, that smile. The one she loved when it was directed at her.
"Lefiya," He said, walking over and holding her shoulders. "You okay?"
"I… I'm fine just… just tired still," She said, looking up at him as he let go of her. "You… you're tired too I bet!"
He scoffed. "You can say that again… I'm sorry our lesson went south. If you want to do that again, maybe we'll practice in the backyard next time."
She laughed, he laughed. It was a perfect moment… but she needed to do it.
Be bold…
"Um… Cian!" She said, as he stopped laughing. "I… I wanted to tell you something."
"Huh? What is it?"
She poked her fingers together, looking down. "Um… it… it's about what I said in the dungeon. Cian I… I meant it yes but I… I'm sorry if I-."
"Lefiya…" He said softly.
And he grabbed his hands. Her heart skipped a beat, as she looked up to see his soft eyes looking at her. Her heart stopped when he smiled and nodded.
"I appreciate it… thank you for telling me," He said, before he sighed and gently let go of her hands, rubbing the back of his head. "The fact someone like you has feelings for a goof like me? It means a lot but… well…"
A part of Lefiya broke... but was repaired as he smiled at her.
"But I don't really know my own feelings. I don't know how to tell if I'm in love with someone or not, so I can't give you an answer yet," He said softly, meeting her eyes. "But… I promise, eventually I will know, and I'll tell you, but remember… no matter what that answer is…. Lefiya you're someone I want by my side. You're someone I care a lot about, and no matter what happens well, I swear on Goddess Scathach's name, that won't change! So, you can continue to count on me Lefiya!"
It… wasn't a rejection, it wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear but why… why am I still so happy? Why am I smiling like such a goof?
Lefiya, you're someone I want by my side.
That sentence, that was all she needed.
She smiled, and grabbed his hands, looking up to meet his eyes. "Cian… thank you, for that. For the longest time, I've felt like such a burden… but being with you makes me feel strong. I… know I won't be as strong as you are, even if I'm a higher level but… that isn't going to stop me from chasing after you! To keep you on your toes because Cian Mac Gallagher, I'm your rival and that's my job!"
"Haha… you bet you are, and I wouldn't want it any other way," He said, squeezing her hands before gently letting them go and waving at her. "Well… we'll talk again soon, goodnight Lefiy-."
Lefiya, took Tiona's advice, and was bold.
He froze when her lips touched his cheek, like she did for a minute when they made contact. She didn't know for how long she should stay, so she lingered for a few seconds as she pulled her lips back and let her feet slowly go back to flat on the ground. Her entire body shook… it wasn't on the lips, so… could that still be counted as her first kiss?
"L…Lefiya…" Cian said breathlessly, as she smiled and took a step back.
"Cian… thanks for saving me today," She said, smiling as she back up towards the steps, before tilting her head and waving to him. "Sleep tight…"
He slowly nodded, touching his cheek where her lips had been… and then Lefiya turned and made her way back down the steps.
Today didn't go how I planned but…. I still think it was pretty fun.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Cian
His door closed behind him, and Cian's heart finally stopped nearly thumping out of his chest. He wanted to think about what had just happened. Lefiya had just kissed him, his cheek still tingled. Her lips had been cold, but felt as if a hundred tiny fireworks had exploded on his cheek. It made him feel… some kind of way, but Cian couldn't think of what.
He couldn't think of anything, except the dried blood still underneath his nails as he looked down at his steady, still hands.
It had all happened so fast.
"I'LL KILL YOU! THE ELF, ALL OF THEM FOR LORD TUIEREANN!" Iuchar shouted, thrusting forward, it raked against Cian's stomach as he leapt back.
"I won't let you anywhere near her!" Cian yelled back, twirling the Gae Bulg out in front of him. "I don't understand you people, Morrigan is using you, she'll destroy everything with the Fomorians!"
"Then let it burn! Let it all burn!" Iuchar shouted, spinning Areadbhar in front of him. "What has it done for me?! My brothers?! Everything we have we owe to our God! They didn't want us! Our parents threw us out after Brian was born but who was there?! Lord Tuireann, our new father!"
"Your father wants you to burn everything! You think that's right?!"
"You don't understand… I did everything for them, my brothers. I worked at the docks, the smithy, built walls, from the morning to the night! I gave everything for my brothers when we were alone, we went to the Tuatha Danann, but what did they do?! They said we weren't worthy enough to join their familias!"
Cian grinded his teeth… what did he care? He was with Morrigan, and that was enough.
Iuchar shook his head. "You think I want to be doing this?! Cian Mac Gallagher?! I want to be somewhere living with my brothers, do you have people you'd do anything for?! People you love more than anything?! I'll throw away my own honor if it means my brothers can have peace and prosperity!"
Cian lunged forward. Their spears clashed, and while Iuchar was good, Cian knew he was better, he simply had better technique and foot work. He ignored the wounds around his body and struck. Each struck he felt his anger grow, his desire to end this grow. Lefiya was hurt, and this man was going to kill her if he didn't stop him, he'd take Cian's spear, Lady Scathach's spear back to Morrigan.
Morrigan… the one who had killed them all, and the one who wanted to finish the job with him.
That made him angry. He couldn't do anything then… but he could now.
Iuchar pushed him back towards the chasm and slashed down with Areadbhar. Cian swung the Gae Bulg up, knocking the spear away, spinning and swinging the spear towards the man's arm. It cut across Iuchar's arm. His blood spilled to the ground as he yelled, and with a yell spun back around to thrust his spear forward with a desperate lunge.
Cian remembered a move Diarmuid had taught him.
"ARGHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed, knocking the mans spear down, and stepping on it with his foot.
"NOOOO!" Iuchar yelled, as Cian put his weight on the spear slashed the Gae Bulg across his hands. "AR…ARGHHHHHHHHH!"
Blood spilled, as his wrist bled. His right one hand limp as Cian had severed the tendons. Iuchar desperately tried to swing the his spear back around, but Cian was able to easily parry it away and spin to his back. Tip-toeing on the edge of the chasm, he stabbed the Gae Bulg down into the back of Iuchar's thigh.
"A.. ARHHHH! AHHHHHHHHHHH!" He yelled, falling to one knee as Cian came back around to the front of him. "B…Brian… I…Iucharba… Lord Tuireann… I… I won't…. I WON'T-."
He raised Areadbhar to stab forward at Cian, but Cian grabbed his spear arm with his left hand and thrusted the Gae Bulg forward.
Straight through Iuchar's stomach and out his back.
"I…br…brothers…" He gasped, blood falling from his mouth, pooling from his stomach down onto Cian's hand. His eyes went wide as he dropped Areadbhar down the chasm. The eyes of the man he just stabbed looked up at Cian, he spat blood, it hit Cian's face. "You…murder…murderer…"
Cian didn't wipe his face, only leaned his head towards Iuchar. "This is what will happen… to anyone who threatens one of my party members. Morrigan is going to learn that."
"ARGH!" Iuchar yelled, as a loud squelch sounded as he yanked the Gae Bulg from the mans body.
And then, his eyes rolled into the back of his head, and Cian kicked his body down the chasm.
He'd seen it dozens of times. Chu, Diarmuid, Finn, Uathach, Fergus, even Lady Scathach herself, he'd seen them all have to kill before. Diarmuid killed a level 6 Captain of an invading familia when he was only level 4, that was what made Lady Scathach extend an offer to join. At least once or twice a month, a group of assassins, bandits, someone tried to attack them. He knew killing people and monsters were different, fighting each was different.
One day, he'd asked Chu if killing people was okay, if it was something a hero would do.
A hero knows Cian, that killing is necessary if it's to protect the greater good or the innocent, but remember Cian… you have to always feel when you kill. Feeling is what makes us human, and all heroes are human. To kill without feel, without care for something will make you a monster.
"But… what if I don't know…?" Cian asked himself, slowly sliding down the door, looking at Iuchar's blood still left with tiny traces under his nails, and on his hands.
He'd asked all of them, what it would be like if he ever had to kill someone, and they all had given the same answer as Chu. But none had answered the question that plagued him then.
I didn't kill without care, I cared about Lefiya. If I hadn't killed him, he would have killed her, he had orders too. But… but…
"Why… why don't I feel anything…?" He asked himself quietly, letting his head fall onto his knees.
He knew the answer deep down, and after a few minutes accepted it. He went to the small washbasin of water in his room, and rubbed the dead mans blood off his hands. He slid off his shirt, and went to his bed, got under the blanker and when his head hit the pillow, he believed he knew the answer, why he didn't feel anything, why no matter how hard he tried… he simply couldn't.
Because… he was sent by Morrigan.
What she did… it's unforgiveable, why should she and anyone who follows her orders be alive, while the people he loved were gone? That was why Cian didn't care, and he didn't dream about the dead man at the bottom of a dungeon shaft.
What I told him… I meant it, I won't lose any of them to you again, no matter what I have to do, and what I have to feel.
Next Time: Tales From Orario: Mac Caomhanach The Anneal Blade: Cian and Bell finally seem to have a day off. The two decide to head out to the market and buy something special for Lady Hestia. However, when there, they run into Mebd and Asfi! Mebd tells Cian, that Lord Hermes has found the location of The Anneal Blade, the sword that passed through Clan Mac Caomhanach for centuries. It was lost when her brother Ferdiad died, and passed through multiple black markets until it reached a small town not far from Orario. So, Cian, Bell, Mebd and Asfi head out to retrieve it! But will Mebd even be worthy to hold her families sword?
A/N: Hellloooooo see guys, I told you the Tales From Orario would go by quick! Although, this one is a bit longer then the other two since we had a bit more action. The next one The Anneal Blade (Who gets the reference?) will be a bit shorter, since it's gonna be a bit more lighthearted then this one. I'm ready and geared up for the War Game, and what is S2 of DanMachi, which is going to have a TON of developments.
Speaking of development… Lefiya is making big moves this chapter! Although it'll be fruitless I like developing that relationship with the Hestia and Loki familia children. I partly didn't want to reveal who the pairing was and let people speculate, but I decided against it. During the main arc we're going to see much more Cian & Mikoto, so I'm using Tales From Orario to flesh out relationships with other characters.
Speaking of development though, this is the first chapter where we see Cian really let loose, and let that anger spill out. Cian killed someone this chapter, the first person he's ever killed and has a mixed reaction to it, I can't wait to explore this further, and I can promise this is not the last of what I'm gonna call 'berserk Cian'. It wasn't even really Berserk yet, but this won't be the last we see of Cian's darker side.
Next chapter we get to have a four person team of Mebd, Asfi, Cian and Bell! That is one I'm excited to go for, and after that we're onto the War Game! So much is going to happen then, and then of course it's almost time to think about the Pleasure Quarter Arc and Haruhime! So, so much is coming so be sure to follow if you wanna read it all.
SO, as usual, review please if you can! I love them for real, and be sure to follow if you want to stay update, I can't wait to show you all what's to come!