The Argonaut and The Child of Light

by domgk115

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

15. Season 2 Ep 1: Banquet of The Gods

VA's English & Japanese for OC characters this chapter who will be recurring (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)

Lord Nuada: English VA: David Lodge: Jiraiya (Naruto) Jeralt Eisner (Fire Emblem Three Houses) Kenpachi Zaraki (Bleach)

Japanese VA: Hochu Otsuka: Jiraiya (Naruto) Sakonji Urokodaki (Demon Slayer)

Emer Mac Ness-Monach: English VA: Tia Ballard: Itsuki Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets) Hapi (Fairy Tail) Chiho Sasaki (The Devil is a Part Timer) Yoshino (Date a Live) Zero Two (Darling in the Franxx)

Japanese VA: Tomoyo Kurosawa: Sothis (Fire Emblem Three Houses) Rebecca (Cyberpunk Edgerunners)

Gwydion Gyffes: English VA: Brynn Appril: Yotsuba Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets) Akeno Himejima (HS DxD Season 3&4) Kei Karuizawa (Classroom of the Elite) Kobeni (Chainsaw Man) Krista Lenz (Attack on Titan) Kotori Itsuka (Date a Live) Zenith Greyrat (Mishoku Tensei)

Japanese VA: Ayane Sakura: Yotsuba Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets) Uraraka (My Hero Academia) Fiona Frost (Spy Family)

Domnall Mac Caomhanach: English VA: Patrick Seitz: Kairi Sisigou (Fate Apocrypha) Professor Jeritza (Fire Emblem Three Houses) True Hassan (Fate Stay Night) Agil (Sword Art Online)

Japanese VA: Kenji Nomura: Kairi Sisigou (Fate Apocrypha)

Sluagh: English VA: Kyle McCarley: Shinji Matou (Fate Stay Night UBW & Heavens Feel) Claudio Hodgins (Violet Evergarden) Mob (Mob Psycho)

Japanese VA: Hiroshi Kamiya: Shinji Matou (Fate Stay Night UBW & Heavens Feel) Levi (Attack on Titan)

Emain Macha, Capital of Ulster

Lord Nuada

"I'm getting too old for this…" Nuada said under his breath, leaning forward on his chair.

"What you propose is ridiculous you daft idiot!" Manannan yelled, on his feet now. "If Orario does not stand with us, then they are against us! We need to be sure Morrigan has not extended her reach that far east!"

The room was heated by the massive brazier in the hall. The palace over the years had gotten smaller to Nuada, especially their meeting hall. The large circular room was moderately furnished, yet he still found it beautiful. Lord Dagda's brazier in the middle of the room always kept it lit, it was beautifully carved with images of past battles around the stone, and through what Nuada assumed was magic, it very rarely went dim. The meeting chamber being in the center of a massive oak may have led one to believe it was a fire hazard, but the sacred oak had far too much magical power and energy protecting it, and keeping the fire in place.

He looked down to his right however, and thrusted out his elbow.

"Ow!" Gwydion yelped, rubbing her side. She looked annoyed for a minute, but after she saw Nuada narrowing her eyes at her she sighed. "Sorry…"

Nuada knew the girl too well, he had noticed her using her magic to make the fire dance higher. Nobody else had noticed, they were all too busy arguing. The girl was young, still had much to learn, but Nuada knew she'd prove a good captain, being level 6 at only age 20 was a great feat. Her magic was powerful, they didn't call her The Lady of Eternal Flame, for show.

"Gwydion…" Emer whispered from his left, eyeing the girl.

"I said I was sorry!" Gwydion whispered, sighing as she looked out over the circular gathering of gods. "I don't know what the point it, they won't get anywhere."

"Who knows, perhaps they'll surprise us…" Nuada said quietly, wishfully thinking.

Emer scoffed. "I wouldn't hold your breath."

She had a point, Nuada had given up hope two months ago. It was amazing to him how rapidly losing two members could break apart the Tuatha Danann council. Despite being the one to teach them, he simply didn't have the presence or command Scathach and Aife did.

I taught you too well Scathach… and failed you when you needed it most, he thought, looking at the firelight reflecting off his silver right arm.

Aengus as usual didn't take well to Manannan speaking. The god rose and scoffed. "You wish to simply march our familias to Orario? Not only do they outnumber us, but they are our allies!"

"They have not been our allies for hundreds of years you daft fool," Manannan spat back at him. "Don't sit and pretend you're opposed for some moral reasons! We all know your familia has plenty of business ventures in Orario you won't risk. Tell me, how much have you made selling goods to that scoundrel Dian Cecht?"

"You bastard!" Aengus shouted, standing up as well, his Captain stepping up to his god. "You dare accuse me of not looking out for Ulster's own good?!"

"You've tried to stop us at every turn you ruffian!" Manannan yelled over the fire. "You were against moving on Morrigan from the beginning!"

"And I turned out to be right!" Aengus shouted, taking a step closer to the brazier. "I told all of you proud fools that operation was a bad idea! But no! You were all busy sucking on Scathach's golden tits, you didn't see the clear trap that idiot woman and that fool Chu Chulainn led us too!"

The fire erupted upwards. The two gods who had been yelling both stepped back, as Nuada gripped the arm rests of his oaken chair. To his left, he saw Emer's fist curl, he knew all too well the woman had a temper, so he grabbed her wrist and stopped her. To his right, he saw Gwydion had extended her hand, causing the flames to rise in the council room. Sweat trickled down Nuada's brow, and he realized his silver arm had cracked the arm rest of his chair.

These proud arrogant fools… I will not stand for it.

After Gwydion lowered her hand, he noticed Aengus's red face turn back to face him. The god fancied himself a wooer of women. Nuada remembered plenty of times he'd tried to convince Scathach to join his familia as co-leader with him before she took Setanta and made her own. Every time he asked, he'd been met with a clot to the head. His long golden hair and chiseled face was a ploy however, Nuada knew. He was snake in the grass, all knew he had secret dealings with Orario he didn't report to the council like was protocol to split profits and distribute them.

"Ah! Look who has decided to join the conversation!" He said, scoffing as he crossed his muscular arms, his white robes drenched with sweat. "You've been awfully quiet Nuada-."

"You dare sully the memory of our fallen gods and heroes of their familias Aengus?" Nuada said, staring at the god over the flame, the darkness in the outer part of the meeting chamber stirring as the present adventurers, members of the council's familias stirred. Nuada took a step forward. "You dare insinuate that Scathach led us into a trap?! I swear, I'll-."

"As much as I hate agreeing with this twat," Manannan spat, narrowing his eyes at Nuada. "He speaks true in this matter! You should know better then any Nuada the secrets Scathach kept! It's the fault of her and that fool Chu Chulainn they walked into that trap, and how convenient is it all the bodies of the Scathach familia dead are now missing?!"

"Not to mention the fact you both hid the Child of Lights identity from the council!" Aengus shouted, inspired by having backup now. "It has been law of Ulster for centuries, that when the Child of Light is discovered, he's to be brought before the Tuatha Danann!"

Nuada's nails dug into his palms. He looked at Manannan, he and Aengus did not have familias as powerful as his, but banded together, they very well could overpower him. He hated the idea that he had to worry about fighting others of the Tuatha Danann, with Morrigan on the prowl and those beasts released. Manannan was a large threat, his familia controlled the main ports of Ulster as both a fishing and adventuring familia. Aengus and Manannan both had one level 6, while Nuada had three Level 6 adventurers now that Emer had joined him

"The Child of Light was kept secret, so you fools could not try to influence the boy," Nuada spat back at them. "He's just a child, Scathach believed that he deserved to have the life of a young adventurer, not that of council members trying to pull him in all directions-."

"And what gave Scathach or you the right to decide that?!" Manannan yelled to him, his bald head reflecting the fire light. "The Child of Light belongs to all of Ulster, not just one familia. Not to mention that boy is missing now along with the rest of them! You knew of the Child of Light Nuada, it is well known Scathach confided in only you and Aife!"

"Yes, so please, enlighten us now great Lord Nuada!" Aengus said mockingly, stepping around the brazier towards him. "Where is Scathach now?! Where are the bodies of her familia?! It was Scathach and that fool Chu Chulainn who let the traitor lead Aife and us into a trap! How are we to be sure she's not concocted another scheme-."

"You ignorant, self-centered, cruel, deranged son-of-bitch!"

"Emer!" Gwydion said, trying to stop the older woman, but she failed.

"Emer…." Nuada growled, trying to stop her, but her cloak went just out his reach.

Nuada sighed, even as you've grown in years… Setanta has truly left his mark on you my dear, I will never forget the children you both used to be.

Emer was older now, but one would underestimate her at their own peril. She was still as beautiful as she was during her younger years, smooth light porcelain like skin, long flowing bright brown hair down her back. Nuada had seen her green eyes practically on fire as she stepped in front of him. She hadn't worn a dress like the other women had, even the other adventurers in the room then. She was in her leather and chain armor, sword at her waist, black cloak down her back. Nuada knew when she had that look in her eyes, there was no getting her to calm down.

She got that from Setanta… and they passed it down to their son, Nuada thought, as Emer walked around the fire, right in front of Aengus who stepped back, shocked. Around the room, the familias and adventures gathered all whispered, some sounded afraid, some looked on in awe, but one thing was certain, Emer was the center of attention now. It was something Nuada knew she hated since the mission two months ago.

Other than young Cian Mac Gallagher, Emer had been the only survivor of Morrigan's ambush. She had been the Captain of Aife's familia, forced to watch her entire familia wiped out, and her husbands familia wiped out as well, including her god and Scathach. She hadn't said much about the battle itself when Nuada discovered her, more dead then alive amongst the carnage that was the battlefield in those caves.

It would have broken most people, and perhaps she was broken… but Nuada had known Emer since she was a child, he wanted her in his own familia from the beginning, but she and Setanta had been set on joining Scathach and Aife, Emer was different. It had only taken her a short time to request to join him… to help find Morrigan and stop another tragedy from happening.

But also, just like Nuada… she wanted to repent, for she had been fooled too. Nuada however never really blamed Emer or Setanta for vouching for the plan to destroy her.

It was hard for a mother to doubt their son.

"You… the amount of times Lady Aife and Lady Scathach saved your sorry ass is too many to count!" Emer said, looking up at Aengus. "They did it without you even asking! Do you remember when your forgot to destroy a nest of wyverns near your mountain villages?! Do you remember who it was that saved those villages and your precious mountain shipping routes?! It was Setanta, Lady Scathach and Lady Aife!"

Aengus stammered; his face red as he argued back. "You dare speak to me that way?! You dare question my honor when Scathach tried to scheme behind our backs? I always knew that damn woman was no good for-."

"HA, everyone knows you spent years desperately yearning for Lady Scathach and Lady Aife to even spit in your direction you pig," Emer yelled, scoffing and shaking her head. "And don't you dare question her honor you slime! You're just still mad that Diarmuid didn't wish to fight under a pathetic god like you anymore, so he joined Lady Scathach!"

"I raised that damn child! He would have taken my familia to new heights had Scathach not corrupted him with her poison words!" Aengus yelled, losing his composure.

Emer laughed mockingly. "HA! My point is proven then you pathetic excuse for a-."

"Enough of this!" Manannan yelled, quieting Emer. "Remember your place! Nuada, control your little-."

"And you! The honorable Lord Manannan!" Emer yelled, walking around the fire towards the other god who had wasted their time. "Do you remember when Lady Scathach and Lady Aife eliminated the colony of raider fish and that sea serpent from inside Cork harbor?! Perhaps you don't because you were too drunk to even come and help your familia!"

"HA!" Gwydion laughed, holding her gut.

She quickly stopped when Nuada glared at her. The room had grown quiet, Manannan balking, going red faced at the accusation. Around them, the gathered adventurers of the Tuatha Danann familias all gawked, whispering at the confrontation. Nuada looked to the throne to his left and right before sighing, he had let his emotions get the best of him, like Emer was doing now. This disunity was not good to show in front of the two new members of the council.

He leaned to the right, whispering to Gwydion. "Go and find Domnall, tell the others to ready the chariots, then both of you return here."

Gwydion pouted, her bright red hair reflecting the fire light. "Aww, but I wanna stay and watch Emer put them in their… I'm sorry, of course Lord Nuada."

"Good lass," He said, before gesturing to the door, his captain taking off.

He turned, as Manannan regained his composure.

"You dare insult one of the gods of your countries ruling council woman?!" Manannan said, stepping toward Emer. "After the terror your child wrought upon your own familia, and upon Ulster with Morrigan, you dare sit here and belittle us when we ask questions."

Emer's fists balled at her sides. "My son… is guilty, I have acknowledged it before Lord Dagda and this council… yet I am the only survivor of that tragedy! I will not let you bastards sully the name and sacrifice of my familia, my goddess, or my husbands! I don't care if you're gods or men, anyone who questions the honor of my loved ones will feel the bite of my sword or my words!"

Nuada despite knowing the situation was deteriorating, Nuada couldn't help but feel pride. Emer's father had been a member of his familia, a respectable captain in his day, the same with Setanta's parents. He'd been watching the girl since she could walk… so seeing her now, standing her ground against the gods of her country, against what she knew was unjust and wrong… he couldn't help but smile.

Your father would be proud, as I am… Emer, the same with Setanta, he thought, managing a smile as her words sent the council chamber into silence.

Until Aengus laughed. "Ha… you speak with fiery passion, Lightning Flash. Passion, and arrogance, for a woman whose son has brought Ulster near to ruin. You and your fool of a husband should have raised him better! Do not lay the blame of your poor parenting at the feet of this council and not-."

"Connla, MY SON!" She screamed, erupting as she cut the god off. "MY SON IS NOT THE REASON FOR ULSTERS DOWNFALL! IT BEGAN WELL BEFORE HE RETURNED THANKS TO YOU ARROGANT GODS-."

"EMER!" Nuada shouted, stepping up and cutting her off by grabbing her waist and pulling her back before she could step towards the god again. "ENOUGH!"

Manannan scoffed. "BAH! Control your dog Nuada!"

"And while you're at it," Aengus shouted. "Tell us, WHERE did Scathach stash the Child of Light?! That boy belongs to-."

"CIAN BELONGS TO NOBODY!" Emer yelled from his arms, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "Even if he did survive, I'll die before I let you have that boy you son of-."

"ENOUGH OF THIS FOOL NONSENSE!"

A loud BANG set the hall back to silence. Everyone's eyes turned to the top of the circle of oaken thrones, as the fire in the brazier shot to the ceiling. A long black staff smashed its butt into the ground another time, quieting all murmurs, and when Nuada saw Lord Dadgas' pale withered face, he could see the fury in his golden eyes. White hair fell down their leaders' shoulders, over his black robes. He shook his head with and scoffed as the fire finally settled down.

Nuada's heart raced, Lord Dagda very rarely spoke with such fury these days, and even more rarely did he try to dictate council meetings outside of beginning and adjourning them the last hundred or so years. The Captain of his familia stood to the right of his throne, risen a few meters above the rest of them, the rest of his familia behind the throne like the others in the room. Nuada only had Emer now, since he'd set his own familia about preparing to depart the moment the meeting ended.

Even Aengus and Manannan stood at attention. The final two new members of the council rose as well, and even Emer finally untensed her fists and stood at Nuada's side, the both of them bowing low to Lord Dagda who rose up with his staff and looked down upon them.

He scoffed again. "You are fools all of you. You all dishonor the dead here today. I will stand for it no more; this council meeting is adjourned. Nuada!"

"Yes, Lord Dagda," Nuada said, staying bowed.

"You will explain again to Lady Surya and Indra, their new roles and mission," Dagda announced loudly, looking to Manannan and Aengus. "Manannan, Aengus, the two of you return to your search for Morrigan's hideout. Orario's guild has sent me letters, their familias remain on alert. Nuada, you will go about the business we discussed."

The room fell quiet again. Nuada saw the looks of annoyance on the face of both Manannan and Aengus, but knew they wouldn't question Lord Dagda openly in front of everyone else. All the gods and goddesses of the council bowed, before Lord Dagda nodded.

"Right… go, we reach a pivotal point in Ulster's history, be vigilant," He announced, before turning and walking towards the steps and his familia.

The murmuring started again, as Aengus, Manannan, and their familias all lingered for a few moments, before filing out. After they did, Nuada sighed, wiping the sweat from his bald head, before scratching his itchy brown beard. The white robes he wore were a poor substitute for his usual armor. The room became scant quickly, and when he finally felt comfortable, he sighed and fell back into his oaken throne.

You really did keep them in line… my dear student. I swear on my honor as a god of this council… I will see your final will done, Scathach, Nuada thought, as Emer finally turned to him.

She looked bashful, tossing her brown hair behind her, and bowing. "I'm sorry… Lord Nuada. I lost my composure; I embarrassed you and our familia."

Nuada shook his head and waved it off. "It's alright my dear, you embarrassed nobody. You spoke the truth, although some truths are better left unspoken."

"I agree… still, I apologize," She said, before sighing and leaning against his throne. "You sent Gwydion to gather Domnall? Are you certain he is in the right mind to make this journey?"

Nuada shook his head. "No… I do not, I wish I didn't have to ask this of him now, but I need the three of you if we are to make it, we don't know if it will be dangerous."

"I understand yet still… poor Domnall, his daughter so soon after his son," Emer said, looking at her feet.

Nuada nodded, his heart heavy. "Yes… a tragedy, young Mebd had so much potential, she would have been a fine warrior of Ulster."

"He hasn't found any trace of them still?"

"No.. neither her nor Ferdiad," Nuada said, pushing his guilt aside. "Yet… we must remain focused on our goal. For Setanta… for Scathach and Aife, for all of Ulster."

"I understand my Lord," She said, bowing to him. "With the attacks intensifying, he may be the only hope we have… especially if the rumors are true."

Nuada hoped they weren't.

"Yes… the trip will only take around a month," Nuada said, standing up. "We should move out as soon as we-."

"Lord Nuada!"

Nuada turned and managed a smile, before bowing. "Ah! Lady Surya, Lady Indra."

The two new goddesses of the Tuatha Danann council bowed to him. Lady Surya, and Lady Indra could not replace Scathach and Aife truly, Nuada knew, however, they were both well known for their honor, and power of their familias. After adventuring out from Orario with their children, the two had eventually settled in Ulster, when Nuada had hired them both to assist in the fight against Morrigan. Before the goddess even sent Connla to trick the council, Nuada had noticed the increase activity of monsters towards the End Mountains, and they'd needed the aid. Now… there were openings on the council, and Lord Dagda had offered them both the position.

Lady Surya had darker tanned skin, with a long mane of golden hair down to her waist. Her white robes were finely pressed, and next to her Indra was much the same. Indra's short white hair went down just around her ears, and her piercing blue eyes would strike fear into any adventurer. Nuada hated having to give them such an important task so soon after joining, but he couldn't afford anyone else to make the journey east except himself.

Emer bowed as well. "Lady Surya, Lady Indra."

Indra scoffed and smiled. "You speak with great passion Lightning Flash."

"Indeed," Surya said, smiling as well. "It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to ones enemies, but even more to face ones allies."

"I thank you both," Emer said, bowing again. "However, I don't consider those two twats my allies. They can suck-."

"Emer…" Nuada said.

"Sorry, my lord," Emer said sheepishly, looking to the two goddesses. "And… I apologize to you both as well. I would go on your mission myself if I could… yet now you must risk the lives of your captains."

Surya smiled confidently. "Fear not, brave Emer. The two of them have worked together on many a quest in the past, they will succeed."

"They both stand at level 6 as well," Indra said with her arms crossed. "Fear not, we have the utmost confidence in them."

Nuada nodded. "I thank them for their bravery, now, they are clear on the objectives?"

"Of course, Lord Nuada," Surya said, turning her back. "Karna!"

"Arjuna!" Indra called, the both of them turning.

Nuada and Emer turned, to see two young men in white robes turn from a group of adventurers. Both were tall, and their sheer presence was powerful. She and Emer both followed them with their eyes, and the first was slightly taller then the other, dark skin like his goddess, and long white hair down to his shoulders. The robes showed off his muscled arms, and he bowed low to Lady Surya.

"Lady Surya," He said, turning and bowing to Nuada. "Lord Nuada, thank you for entrusting the both of us with this task."

"Yes, Lord Nuada," The second said from next to Indra, bowing as well. "My bow shall see your will done. Karna and I shall not let down you or Ulster."

The second adventurer was a bit shorter then the first. Arjuna, Nuada knew his name was. Like Karna, he had darker skin, yet his hair was brown and messy atop his head. He was leaner, and more agile looking then Karna, yet Nuada had seen them both fight and knew if anyone could be powerful enough, it was the pair of them.

Nuada smiled and nodded to them and the goddesses. "I have no doubt you will both perform admirably. Now, Surya, Indra, I have provided you directions in writing for them both to open the ancient cave. Once inside, be warned, the journey to its center could take several days."

"We've had them both commit the directions to memory," Surya assured, looking at her captain. "Correct Karna?"

"Yes, Lady Surya," He said, looking to Nuada. "Lord Nuada, we will not fail."

"I'd prefer you be cautious," Nuada told them both, hands behind his back. "Your mission is to retrieve the divine sword Caladbolg which lay at the caves center. I know not if Morrigan has already sent agents there, so be on your guard. Regardless, traps and monsters were set hundreds of years ago to protect the sword, it will be dangerous. Do not risk your lives unnecessarily, understood?"

Both adventurers pressed a fist to their chest and bowed. "Yes! Lord Nuada!"

"Good… retrieve the sword if you can," He said, shaking his head. "Yet if you cannot, prioritize your lives first. Morrigan requires all three divine weapons, only one would be useless to her."

"Of course, Lord Nuada," Karna promised. "On my honor, I shall not fail."

"Neither shall I," Arjuna promised as well.

"Good…" Nuada said, sighing and turning to Emer. "Emer…"

Emer nodded and stood before the two tall adventures. "Thank you for your bravery, Karna, Arjuna. I apologize… I'd go myself if not-."

"Please, Lady Emer, you need not apologize," Arjuna promised, bowing to her. "You and Lord Nuada's mission must take priority."

Emer smiled, but her eyes watered. "Thank you both… I will not lie, there is a good chance that… you will run into him. My son… Connla."

"Every adventurer we asked claimed he was the next coming of Chu Chulainn," Karna said, his arms crossed. "If he is there, I look forward to testing myself against him. Yet… My Lady if you wish we will both-."

"Please… do not underestimate him. And do not falter because he is my son, show no mercy, Connla will show you none," Emer said, bowing to them both again. "If he speaks to you before crossing spears… tell him, that no matter what he decides… he is his father and mother's son."

For a moment, they all fell silent. Nuada shivered… this was his fault as well. He would never forget the day Connla returned after leaving Scathach the year prior. All of the warning signs had been there… yet Setanta, Emer, and Scathach as well… all wished so badly for him to simply be returning for good. Nuada knew of course what had made the young man go, and so did Emer, and he knew Setanta had as well.

Nobody had blamed themselves more then Chu Chulainn had, Nuada knew all too well.

Karna bowed deep. "Of course, Lady Emer."

"We must be off," Lady Surya said after her captain. "Lord Nuada, the rest of my familia will make for the villages near Mac Caomhanach territory as instructed."

"And mine shall make for the mountain passes as we discussed," Indra said, elbowing Arjuna.

Arjuna jumped and bowed. "Karna and I will head out at once, Lord Nuada, Lady Emer… may all the blessings of the gods go with you."

"May they go with us all…" Nuada said, as everyone bowed, and the two goddesses left with their captains.

He watched Surya and Indra both return to their children in the hall, and all stood at attention. He couldn't help but smile, he knew they'd make fine members of the Tuatha Danann.

"Perhaps they'll rub off on Aengus and Manannan…" Emer said, as she turned towards the exit with Nuada. "I… I'm sorry, for telling them to speak to Connla My Lord, I… I just-."

"You need not explain Emer… I understand," He asked, turning to his captain as they entered the hall near the exit to the outside. "I have faith in both Karna and Arjuna, you must as well my dear."

Emer leaned against the wooden wall, crossing her arms. Her sword, and chain with long metal spike at the end glinted in the distant sunlight coming from the door. Nuada could remember her standing in that exact same spot when she was barely up to his waist in height. Setanta and her had been attached to the hip, it was obvious to everyone they'd marry one day.

And it had led to this… yet Nuada knew she didn't regret anything, especially her child.

"I don't doubt their skill either… but My Lord," She said, meeting his eyes, "if he is there… you know as well as I do Connla will defeat them."

The truth hit Nuada like a bolt of lightning. "Yes… that's why I told them to prioritize the sword, and their lives, not fighting Connla. We couldn't simply sit by Emer."

"I understand…" She said, wiping under her eye as she shakily sighed. "Where… where did we go wrong… Lord Nuada? Where… where did I go wrong?"

"You did nothing wrong Emer… nothing at all."

Emer scoffed a laugh, wiping her wet cheeks again. "My son has plunged Ulster into war… he… he supposedly killed his father, my husband, he's the reason my familia is dead, my goddess gone. And.. and yet I… I can't… I still-."

"Emer…" Nuada said, reaching and grabbing the girls' shoulders with a reassuring squeeze. He met her bright green watery eyes and shook her head. "A mother will never be at fault for loving her son. You can acknowledge his wrongdoings and still love him like a mother should. I hate asking you to even be here now with what's happened… but I need you Emer, Ulster needs you, needs your strength, Lightning Flash. And… so does another."

Emer shakily sobbed once, before quickly wiping both her cheeks. Her fists balled at her sides, and she slowly looked up into his eyes. He saw it then, the woman who had helped rise the Aife familia to greatness, who some would call the most powerful woman in Ulster, the level 6 Lightning Flash, the Captain of Aife familia, wife of Chu Chulainn. The young girl he'd known since she was born. Of course, she was a grown woman now, yet Nuada still couldn't help but think of her as a girl.

She met his eyes and slowly nodded. "Yes… of course My Lord… thank you. I… I apologize I-."

"Don't apologize for showing emotion my dear," He said, smiling as he crossed his arms. "You are strong, Emer and you set an example for the others. It will be needed for this trip… we must find out if he survived-."

"Cian survived… I know he did. He made it to Orario, found Hestia like Scathach and Setanta ordered. He did," She said, her confident smile returning. "He has the best of every member of the Scathach familia. Setanta believed in him, and so do I."

The warmed Nuada's heart. He'd met the boy Cian Mac Gallagher only once when Scathach had brought him to Emain Macha for the meeting before the mission to the End Mountains. Of course, she had written to Nuada and explained the situation about the Child of Light beforehand. A part of him was upset that Scathach hadn't set her initial plan to be him coming to Nuada. However, he saw the wisdom in sending him away from Orario, to Hestia, away from the fools on the council and more importantly away from Morrigan.

And now, Nuada would finish what Scathach had started, especially if the reports from the countryside were true. He had to believe all the things Scathach said about the boy were true.

"Heeeeeeyyyyyy! Emer! Lord Nuada!"

Nuada turned with Emer, so see Gwydion jogging down the hall with a wave, Domnall behind her.

Gwydion ran with her long oak branch staff in her hand. She didn't wear regular council robes, instead the traditional armor of the Druid order, Nuada guessed she changed already, eager to get on the road, she'd always wanted to see Orario. It was tight crossed leather armor over her top, with wreaths of leaves weaved into them, over a green gambeson and chainmail. She had tight leather pants, her fiery, bright fiery red hair tied up in a ponytail above her head, with black boots up to knees. Her eyes were what marked her as a member of the Ancient First Druid family. They were the colors of a rainbow, blue, green, purple, gold, her magic was as beautiful as those colors.

She was from the line of the first Druid clan that assisted the gods against the corrupted members of their order hundreds of years ago. Her mother, Flaynn, had been Nuada's captain for many years before she retired, and now, Gwydion had taken her spot.

"Reporting for duty Lord Nuada!" She said, saluting and practically bouncing on her toes. "Ohhhh this is so excited! I can't wait to see Babel Tower, go through the market place, see the mansions of the gods! OH! Emer, will you go to one of the bathhouses with me, I HAVE to go and-."

"Gwydion, we're not going for a vacation," Domnall said behind her, shaking his head. "We have a mission, and that takes priority."

"Of course, of course! I know thaaaaaat! Ha… ha… but maybe, just one trip to the bathhouse?" She said, cheekily poking her staff to the ground, before looking at Nuada with those large eyes. "Right? Lord Nuada?"

Emer chuckled, and Nuada couldn't help but smile. Sometimes he forgot Gwydion was only nineteen, she was a child not long ago, yet still acted like one at times.

"If we have time… but we must focus," He said, looking to the tall man. "Domnall, are the chariots prepared, is everyone ready to go?"

Domnall Mac Caomhanach should have looked like a broken man, and Nuada knew deep down he was. Losing both his children so soon after one another… Nuada hated having to have him on this mission. He wanted the man to be home with his wife, continuing the search for both Mebd and Ferdiad's' bodies. However, Gwydion was powerful, and smarter then she looked, but still new to being a captain, and Emer had many other things on her mind as well.

And Domnall had volunteered, despite it all. He was a tall man, with muscles as large as a man's head. Yet, he was one of the gentlest and kind souls in Ulster. Everyone in his land spoke of his kindness, honor, and bravery. Now, he wore his armor as well. Chainmail and leather, with a bear pelt over his shoulder, and greatsword strapped to his back. His bald head shone in the distant sunlight, and his dark red beard was neatly trimmed. He had been with Nuada for over thirty years now, he needed the experience for this expedition.

He bowed to Nuada and nodded. "Yes My Lord. We may need to stop for resupply, but the journey should take around a month. I also checked as you asked, the surrounding country will be protected."

"Excellent," He nodded, firmly grasping the man's hand. "My friend… I must apologize again. I would not have you here if I didn't need you-."

"Please My Lord, think nothing of it," Domnall said shaking his head. "I will do my duty, as I always taught both of my children."

"Good…now, to work, my Captains," He said, walking past them all before turning with his hands behind his back, looking at the three of them. "As you know, with the new rumors of ghosts terrorizing the countryside… we must act, for Ulster, and for the world. We will travel to Orario, there, will find the Child of Light Cian Mac Gallagher, and any aid we can from the city!"

He turned and let out a breath. "And we will strike at Morrigan for good…"

Nuada sucked in a breath and walked for the outside. Young Cian Mac Gallagher… I do hope that you've grown and gained allies. We will need all we can… it may even be too late.

OP: Hello To Dream, DanMachi S2

The Argonaut and The Child of Light

Season 2, Episode 1: Banquet of The Gods

Cian

"TAAKE THIS!" Welf screamed, slicing down with his greatsword. "Bell!"

"On it!" Bell yelled, moving in front of him. "FIREEEEBOLT!"

The hellhound exploded to dust, and Cian stayed in formation, spinning his spear. More roars sounded around them, as more hellhounds started circling all of them, and then, they struck, but luckily Lillie saw it.

"From the left!" The prum yelled, spinning around. "Behind the rock, Master Cian, Lady Mikoto!"

"Right!" Cian yelled, moving forward.

"On it!" Mikoto said, rushing forward next to him.

This tactic had been working out really well for the last few weeks that they'd been adventuring together with Mikoto. Due to her being there, they were able to take on more monsters in deeper parts of the lower floors. Since Bell and he were the strongest of the five of them, they often worked just like they were now, they'd find an open area, with Bell and Welf covering one side, him and Mikoto on the other, with Lillie yelling out positions of monsters from her spot between them.

"Cian, high left!" Mikoto yelled, as the large group of hellhounds leapt towards them.

"I got him!" Cian yelled, cutting in front of her and throwing the Gae Bulg.

It cut through the air and impaled itself into a hellhound. It puffed to dust but more still circled and charged, so Cian held out his hand and the red spear shot through the air back to him. It hit his hand and he spun to fight more, but already saw a hellhound leaping towards him. He didn't panic however, because he knew that Mikoto had his back.

And he proved to be right. She darted from his left swinging her katana upwards and cutting through the hellhound with one strike. Cian watched her black hair blow back behind her as she kicked up wind with how fast she moved. After it disappeared she spun back to him, and held up their weapons again. Back-to-back now, they leapt out as the hellhounds came.

Cian could remember back to his days with the Scathach familia. He could remember when he first joined the familia, and how mesmerized he was by how they all fought. Of course, all of their individual skill was brilliant, but that hadn't been what amazed Cian the most. What he had been most impressed by, wanted to emulate one day, was how well they fought as a unit. Nobody was ever left alone, they moved so effortlessly off one another, moving under each other's strikes, covering each other's flanks, being in the right spot at the right time.

He asked Chu one time how they did it, and his answer was simple.

You just know kiddo. It comes with fighting together, but most of all completely trusting the person at your back, the people fighting with you.

That was why it came so easy to Cian then.

Cian spun around to his right after he saw a hellhound jump towards Mikoto. He swung his spear and cut it out of the air, and in response, Mikoto spun as well, covering his back and swinging up her sword, cutting through another hellhound. He got to one knee and thrusted his spear out into a hellhound that had come from below, so Mikoto rolled over his back and swung her katana again. She effortlessly beat another hellhound, before the both of them came up with weapons raised, and the remaining hellhounds in the pack all leapt, at least five of them towards Mikoto.

"Mikoto!" Cian yelled, spinning to help her.

But she didn't need help. His eyes widened, as she closed her eyes, sucked in a breath, and grabbed the hilt of her katana.

Oh my god she… she's amazing, he thought wistfully, as she stepped forward towards them all, and in the blink of an eye her sword was unsheathed. She moved it so fast that he couldn't even keep track of it. She finished her move spinning back around with her sword held out, and all the hellhounds exploded into dust.

Cian was so amazed; he didn't see the group of them coming for him.

"Cian!" Bell yelled, and when Cian spun around, he cursed and raised up his spear.

Well… I can't end up the weak link after all! He thought, darted forward as he began to spin his spear.

All the hellhounds had leapt, and he remembered what Mikoto had told him.

Control over your breath, and proper footwork can allow you to strike multiple places seconds after one another. You're quick enough with your spear, I believe you could use that and do it.

Breath… breath… now! Cian thought, letting the breath go and leaping up swinging his spear around his body. He amazed himself with how fast it moved, as if a giant whirlwind of red surrounded him, he felt the Gae Bulg effortlessly cut through the monsters, and when he landed with the spear snapped under his shoulder, they all exploded to dust around him, magic stones falling to the ground.

"Amazing job Master Cian! Lady Mikoto!" Lillie said, excitedly rushing to gather the stones. "At this rate we'll be moving through the floors within weeks!"

Cian smiled, and let out a breath, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Cian!" Mikoto said, rushing up to him. "That last move was spectacular! Your footwork was effortless, and your spear work was fantastic."

Cian saw her smile, and stammered, which ended in him laughing and rubbing the back of his head. Lillie gathered the magic stones, while Bell and Welf laughed with each other. It was odd, this happened all the time the last few weeks, he and Mikoto just having a few moments in the dungeon alone to talk. Each time, he never really knew what to say, what could he say to praise like that coming from someone he valued the opinion of so highly?

Back with the Scathach familia, each member worked as a cohesive unit, but they all had partners. Lady Scathach had unironically called it the buddy system, someone they were always next to in the formation. Lady Scathach was with Chu, Diarmuid with Finn, and Fergus with Uathach. Chu had started taking the lead on his own, or falling into line with Diarmuid and Finn at the top of their vanguard when he joined, with Lady Scathach or Uathach often falling back with him near the back. He had dreamed of a day to be on the front, of finding someone to be his partner, or partners.

And he'd found that now, in two months, he'd found people he'd do anything for, people he wanted to protect and fight with. He had always dreamed it would be the other members of the Scathach familia… and he'd give anything for that to be the case now, however, as the days and weeks had gone by, the nightmares while they still came were fewer. He didn't know if he'd ever recover from what happened.

But Lady Scathach always said… sometimes happiness spawns from tragedy, he said, smiling back at Mikoto and leaning the Gae Bulg back on his shoulder.

"Ha, thanks, it's because I had a good teacher," He told her. "Thanks again for teaching me that technique, and um… sorry I haven't used it with a sword yet."

She laughed, her hand over her mouth. "It's okay truly, you… had a little trouble last time."

Cian shivered. "Ugh, don't remind me."

Mikoto had also been showing Cian how to get better with his sword. Every other day the two of them would get together and train either outback of the Hostess of Fertility, or at the home of the Takemikazuchi familia. Yesterday, she had tried to get Cian to do that same technique he had just used with his sword. The problem was, a spear was longer then a sword, and Cian was so used to the balance with a spear he had fallen each time he tried. The last time he had fallen into some bushes and gotten a face full of mud.

Mikoto and Chigusa who had been watching both found it hilarious.

She did now as well because she laughed again. "Haha, so long as you can perform it, it's no big deal. We'll keep practicing it together, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it."

And this time when she smiled, Cian tensed up, able to hear his heart beating out of his chest. A loud distinct THUMP he heard when she smiled at him like that. Her purple eyes were so bright despite them being in a dungeon, Cian almost wanted to look away. Almost of course, since he really enjoyed looking at them.

"Thanks ha… um, what about tomorrow?" He said, suddenly having to look at the ceiling. "After we train, you could finally have dinner with us at Mama Mia's."

"Oh that… that… well…" She said, sounding nervous herself, as she looked at the ground, before she sucked in a breath and looked at Cian with determination. "Yes! That works, we can! Yes, I'll come!"

"And what about tonight, you finally gonna not skip out on us?" Welf said, and they turned to see the smith and Bell walking over.

Bell smiled as Bell always seemed to do. "Yeah he's right Ms. Mikoto. We'd love for you to join us tonight too if you can."

Cian watched Mikoto for some reason look extremely embarrassed. He didn't know why, but her eyes darted towards him for a moment, before looking back at the ground. Cian's heart skipped a beat, and he bit the inside of his cheek, silently praying for any sign with advice Diarmuid could send him from the other world. After the last few weeks, his journeys with Mebd, Lefiya, and of course all the time he also spent with Mikoto and Ryuu… what was he to make of all of it?

"Oh well… I… have an engagement tonight!" She said suddenly, bowing at them. "Chigusa is… making cake! We said we'd spend the night together at home, but tomorrow I swear I'll come!"

"Riiiiight," Welf said, suddenly leaning on Cian's shoulder. "Just be sure to show up tomorrow, or else Cian here might get lonely."

"HUHHHH?!" Mikoto and he said at the same time, staring at the smith, who laughed, finding the whole thing hilarious.

Cian looked to Mikoto for an explanation, his face burning, but hers was doing the same. Lillie sighed in annoyance, rolling her eyes, while Bell looked as confused as Cian did. Cian felt his stomach churn, nervousness rising up in him.

And I can't forget, this is another battle I need to win, and I can't use my spear for this one, he thought with a sigh.

"Ha, well, anyway," Bell said, turning to Mikoto. "Thank you again so much for all your help these last few weeks Ms. Mikoto."

Mikoto recovered, her face no longer red and bowed. "Of course, it's my pleasure. Besides… I'll do anything to make up for what me and my familia put you through-."

Cian cut her off. "Mikoto, I've told you a hundred times you don't need to apologize for that anymore."

"He's right!" Bell said, waving his hands. "You don't have to say you're sorry."

"Yeah they're right, water under the bridge," Welf smiled at her, leaning on a rock.

"Not to mention, with five of us now, our dungeon progress is moving at an insane pace!" Lillie said, walking up between all of them, smiling at Bell. "So, Master Bell, are we ready to go?"

Cian looked at Bell, who sucked in a breath. He'd been off to the side, looking up at some light that was streaming down from the upper floors. He saw him reach out his hand and ball it into a fist, that huge Bell smile still on his face. That was something Cian loved about him. He was always chasing his goal, and he chased it with everything he had. Bell wanted to catch up to The Sword Princess, to be able to call himself worthy to fight alongside her and repay Lady Hestia for everything she'd done.

And me…? Why do I fight? Cian thought, looking at his hand, imagining blood dripping down it. Every day the images of that day, the choppy images of what happened flashed into his mind. The attack on the End Mountains, the trap the Fomorians and Morrigan familia had set for them all, Chu thrusting the Gae Bulg into his hands and telling him to make it to Orario.

All of it had led to where he was now. He'd completed Lady Scathach and Chu's last order when they were alive… but he wouldn't forget what the real last orders from his goddess were, the ones he saw in his dream when he thought he'd died.

You are to live a long, prosperous, happy life… am I clear? He didn't know what it was that had spoken to him that day, he could have been delusional, imagining the whole thing. Yet, he still wanted to follow his goddesses' orders.

And most importantly… I'll keep getting stronger, he thought, looking up at the light as well, gripping tight to the Gae Bulg. So that way when you come… I'll beat you! Morrigan… and you Connla.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Cian

"AHHHHHH that feels good!" Welf said, slamming the mug back down seconds before Cian.

Cian coughed. "Damn…dammit Welf!"

The smith laughed. "Bahahaha, should learn to hold your beer Cian!"

Cian coughed again, wiping his arm with his sleeve, as Bell and Lillie both laughed at him. Sighing, he looked at his now empty mug and shook his head, disappointed. He had drank for the first time after he'd just joined Lady Scathach. Diarmuid and Finn had thought it would be hilarious to get Cian as drunk as possible his first time and sure enough they did. After he drunkenly fell onto another groups table, which led to a massive tavern brawl, Lady Scathach hadn't been happy, and all three of them had carried everyone's supplies and bags for a week. It was a fun memory, but one Cian shuddered at.

They weren't at Mama Mia's, but another bar that Welf had promised had great food and even better beer, and he'd been right. Cian's stomach was full, and empty platters and plates sat in front of their parties table, before Cian had felt confident and told Welf he could chug his entire beer before him. That of course hadn't worked well, but Cian was still determined, he hadn't really tested his alcohol tolerance since that night, and he figured now was as good a time as any, since they were celebrating after all.

The tavern was full, people chatted, someone sang. It wasn't a very large bar, but Cian liked it well enough, despite so many people in such a small space.

Sighing in disappointment Cian shook his head. "One day… one day I swear."

"Good luck with that buddy," Welf smirked, pouring himself more.

Bell laughed and smiled. "This has been a lot of fun! I just wish Ms. Mikoto could have come with us."

Cian nodded, agreeing way more than he was going to admit. "Yeah, it would have been nice, but at least we'll see her tomorrow night!"

"I don't understand why she seems so nervous to hangout with us," Lillie said, holding her mug with both hands.

Cian's head started to spin, partially from the drink, and partially from him trying to figure out himself.

Bell shook his head. "I don't know, maybe it makes her uncomfortable because we're in different familias?"

"I doubt it, you and Master Cian are both from the same familia, but me and Master Welf are from different ones," Lillie said, holding her chin wonderingly. "Maybe it's because-."

"Seriously? It's obvious," Welf said, wiping his mouth. "She tries to avoid coming around all of us because she gets nervous around Cian!"

"Huhhhhh?! That doesn't make sense!" Bell said, looking flabbergasted.

Lillie rolled her eyes annoyed. "You can't say that Master Welf!"

"What why can't I? I mean come on, I can't be the only one that sees them making eyes at each other and…."

Welf trialed off, and Cian lost track of the conversation. Normally, he would have gone red faced, and tried to figure out what Welf meant… but this time he couldn't.

Cian had gotten cold, extremely cold. He shivered despite the warmth he knew was in the bar, and felt his skin crawl as if bugs had invaded his personal space. Slowly, he turned his head, and looked to try and find the source of the discomfort. He knew nobody could be using magic, they'd see that or detect it… so why was every fiber of his being screaming at him to move, to get away?

And… and my head, why does it hurt like… oh gods… that guys huge, he thought shakily, his entire body from his toes to his ears freezing as he found the gaze that was on him.

At the table to their right, sat a group of five adventurers, all five of the guys had on black outfits, with the emblem of the sun stitched into the shoulder. Cian had studied the book on different familias Eina had given him, so he right away recognized the emblem of the Apollo familia. All of them seemed relatively large themselves, except for the small prum that for some reason kept eyeing his party's table. They, however, weren't who was staring at Cian, causing his skin to crawl then.

It was the man sitting just behind them. He had the same black outfit on, the emblem of the sun on his shoulder, yet his arms were practically bulging out of the uniform. He had a head of short, messy dark brown hair, paler skin and blue eyes that pierced right through Cian's chest as he glared at him. They were narrowed, his eyes ready to burst as when he noticed Cian, the mug he was holding cracked from the pressure of his meaty fist. His eyes never left Cian, and when he realized Cian was finally staring back, the man-he had to be a few years older then Cian-shifted in his seat, as if he was ready to spring from it.

For a moment, Cian wanted to get out of his seat and pull his friends out of there, away from whoever this was. That didn't have to happen however, as the mans gaze went away from Cian when a member of the Apollo familia, another taller guy with a brown ponytail got his attention.

Cian shuddered, looking at his beer, the hair on his neck standing up. That… that was horrifying, who the hell is that and why does my head hurt?

He had to grab the side of his temple, as if something was urgently trying to either get out of his skull or penetrate his brain.

Why did that guy look familiar?

"Cian…. CIAN!"

"GAHH WHAT?!" Cian yelled, nearly falling out of his seat, turning back to his party.

Welf scoffed a laugh. "Ha, we just had a whole conversation about you and you didn't even hear a word did you?"

Cian looked back to his right, and saw the guy eyeing him again, and gulped as he decided to ignore it for now.

"No… what were we talking about?" He asked, downing some of his beer.

Lillie looked at him, head tilted. "Are you okay Master Cian?"

Cian sucked in a breath. "Yeah, I'm fine, so what was it?"

Bell, Welf and Lillie all narrowed their eyes at him, clearly not convinced.

Bell met his eyes, his red gaze knowing. "Cian… are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure, it's nothing," He said, downing more beer, as he shuddered and turned to his left. "By the way, congrats again Welf on finally getting to Level 2."

Yeah… I gotta steer the conversation while I figure out what to do, he said, looking at the Apollo familia to the right out of the corner of his eye. Diarmuid and Finn got us into enough barfights for me to know challenging eyes when I see them… what are they doing?

Being in the Scathach familia was a blessing and a curse in Ulster. The curse part came from familias and adventurers trying to constantly challenge them, since they were rightfully considered the strongest familia in all Ulster. So, whenever they went out to a bar to drink, went to a large festival, competed in competitions, Chu, Diarmuid, Finn, even Uathach and Fergus were always challenged.

Due to the alcoholic influence most of these challenges came in the form of fights in or outside of bars. Most of the time it wasn't their fault, but sometimes Diarmuid would drink a bit too much and boast too much, or Fergus-who despite being the tallest got drunk the quickest- would accidentally hit someone. Either way, insults would be thrown around, before a fight started, Cian had been in a few, and felt he knew what to look for.

But in none of those times, did someone glare like that man was glaring at Cian then.

"Guys…" Cian said, turning back to them, whispering. "I think we should-."

"Yeahhh it feels good to finally break through!" Welf said, smirking as he looked at them. "I'd been stuck for ages!"

Lillie smiled for a moment, before frowning down. "Yeah… but I guess this may be the end for our happy little party huh?"

That made Cian stop. His heart sank, as they all looked at Lillie.

No… that… that can't happen, right? He looked to Welf, who looked confused, and Bell who looked as worried as he did.

Lillie shook her head. "You… said you were just adventuring and joining us to level up and increase your smithing ability right? I guessed since you have it now well…"

Cian's gut wrenched. Welf was the only one who he'd shown how to sharpen and repair the Gae Bulg after it had taken damage. The smith had given him the armor he wore for free when they'd first met, he couldn't imagine the dungeon without him. Bell across from him, looked the same, his eyes falling to his drink. Cian blinked quickly, his blue eyes stuck to the frothy liquid in the mug.

Welf scoffed, punching him and then Bell in the shoulder. "Come on! Stop looking at me with those sad puppy eyes the both of you! You think I'm gonna leave you all just because I got what I want? As if, I couldn't leave you guys after all we've been through. Besides, who'd fix Cian's spear! I'm stayin."

Cian breathed out in relief, that's… a relief, but now…

After Lillie smiled and nodded she turned to Bell. "Good… so speaking of leveling up, Master Bell, Master Cian, have you guys come any closer to ranking up? You both went on that quest with Lady Mebd and Asfi outside Orario a few days ago right?"

"Yeah, and not mention Cian here," Welf said, tapping Cian with his elbow. "Beating those guys who came after you with Lefiya had to have gotten you a good amount of points."

Cian jumped again, coming back to the conversation. It had been over a week since the Sons of Tuireann came and attacked him and Lefiya, and just a few days since he and Bell came back from the swamps with Mebd and Asfi. He had Lady Hestia update his stats daily with Bell, and while they were growing at a good rate, Cian still felt anxious each time he saw his stats.

Bell smiled and answered for them. "We've actually been growing a lot! Lady Hestia read out status yesterday, and my stats were around D."

Cian was still anxious, he knew they were being eyed up from the table to the right, but he thought if he suddenly moved for them all to leave, they'd get jumped. So, he kept his cool and tried to refocus on the conversation, while keeping his eye to the right.

"Ha… he's being modest, he even has some C stats already," Cian said, downing the rest of the beer in his mug. "Me? Well, I'm still behind him, mine are all at least D."

Bell shook his head. "You couldn't tell, you're just as strong as me Cian."

"As if," Cian scoffed, genuinely not believing it.

Lillie shook her head amazed. "Either way that's amazing! You're both already close to ranking up again!"

Welf sighed. "Aw come on are you kidding me?! I just catch up to you both in level, and you're both almost level 3?!"

Bell chuckled nervously, and Cian did too. He ran his hand through his messy, now sweaty black hair, as he could feel his heart thumping loud. The people in the bar seemed to get louder, or his ears got more sensitive. He felt his foot rapidly tapping, as he answered for him and Bell both.

"Yeah, we may be close to 3," He started. "But that doesn't mean we-."

"HA! What's this I'm hearing about level 3?" A voice said, from the right. "A scared little bunny boy, and hick from the west think they're good enough for level 3?"

They're making their move… but why? Why start something like this? Cian wondered, as the entire bar went silent. It was the prum who had moved, but Cian made sure to keep his eye on the larger guy in the back who'd been eyeing him. A tiny prum like that, and any of the other guys he didn't really see them having any trouble with if a fight did happen, but that man? He made Cian's blood run cold.

He still sat there, his eyes trained on Cian as he held a now broken mug, the rest of the Apollo familia looking at them as well. Cian looked down, keeping his eyes firmly on his mug, trying to think of a way out of the situation. Chu had always told him, sometimes a preemptive strike was necessary, while Fergus taught him that patience was a dangerous weapon in the hands of someone who had it.

"Just ignore them, Master Bell, Master Cian," Lillie whispered to them, the entire bar still silent.

Bell nodded, and Welf looked extremely annoyed. Cian knew it would take more then petty insults to get Bell out of his seat, and him? Well, it certainly wasn't the first insults he'd had slung his party's way by drunk adventures looking to start trouble, he just needed to figure out how to respond this one.

"Ha, aw, gonna hide behind your supporter?" The prum said, walking behind Bell. "See what I said is true! You're nothing but a scared little bunny who runs away at the first sign of trouble!"

Cian could hear his heart thumping, a loud thump, thump, thump, that kept picking up pace with each second that passed. He let his eyes go up, to see that the prum seemed to be focusing in on Bell. Bell to his credit, didn't react, only gripping onto his drink, his eyes not even going up once. Cian himself however, gripped harder onto his mug.

Am I really just going to let this guy insult my party? It could be some kind of trick but… he thought, thinking back to all the nights he spent with the Scathach familia. One thing that Chu had always emphasized, was that an attack, an insult to one of them, was an attack against all of them.

Even softspoken Fergus, and Uathach-who would always roll her eyes- would step up to fight if someone decided to insult their familia, whether it had been our fault or not.

But… that guy… he thought, looking at the large man out the corner of his eye again.

"And his partner? Some hack from Ulster!" The prum said, circling the table towards Cian, everyone deciding to listen. "Tell me, is it true they sacrifice goats to trees out west?! Seriously, they build their houses out of mud and straw! You're talking about level 3?! Don't you got some backwater village you need to get back to…"

Cian had finally looked up, and when he locked eyes with the prum, for a second he balked. He realized his hand had gone white around the mug he held, he grinded his teeth and like a keg of dynamite, he felt his stomach hot and ready to explode. He narrowed his eyes at the prum, and the moment the prum saw his eyes, dark, dangerous he went wide eyed, before clearing his throat and moving on. Clearly he saw it was a bad idea.

He did this on purpose, sometimes familias had thought twice about a fight simply because they had Chu Chulainn in their party. Cian knew he wasn't as intimidating as Chu was, but it seemed to work. He hoped the prum would get the hint and leave them alone… but unfortunately he didn't.

"Seriously you're both pathetic!" He said, stepping between their tables, hands on his hips as he laughed and pointed this time at Bell. "You cheat your way to level 2 and now you think you're all that?! You're nothing! I'd be embarrassed to be in a party with either of you!"

The entire bar started chuckling, especially his familia.

Everyone, except the biggest member of it, who still glared at Cian.

But Cian had stopped paying attention. He looked over to Bell, who he could see had shaking, angry hands. Cian knew that one thing Bell hated, was being told he was weak. And one thing Cian hated, was seeing people he cared about be put down.

"I really don't know how either of you show your face! Can you imagine being in such a tiny familia with such a pathetic goddess?" The prum laughed, leaning back on his table. "And the hick wants us all to believe he was in the Scathach familia?"

Cian ground his teeth, his fingers tingling, itching around his mug.

"Not as if that would even be impressive! The best familia in Ulster is like being the biggest rat in the sewers, they're nothing compared to Orario familias!" He yelled, as people started laughing again. "And now here you both are! In the familia of a pathetic goddess, who's only redeeming quality if her giant floppy boobs-."

Cian shot to his feet, ready to shout. He wasn't going to let some puny word speak about either of his goddesses.

However, Bell had beat him too it.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Bell yelled, his red eyes wide and for the first time since he'd known him, Cian saw pure fiery anger in his eyes. "You take it back, NOW!"

The prum yelped and jumped back, the entire bar quiet again. Cian stood across the table from Bell, turning to glare at the prum as well. He let the anger in his chest simmer, partially because he was so shocked Bell had finally lost it, and partially, because he wanted to formulate what he was going to do. If he just started swinging wildly, it would do nobody any good.

The prum finally stopped looking terrified and scoffed. "Oh?! And why should I? You're only angry because you know it's true-."

"Alright, that's enough of this," Cian said stepping away from his chair, walking towards the prum. "Who let this goblin out of the dungeon and gave it clothes? Seriously, any of you level 1s around here wanna get some free stats?"

Cian turned; the words had come out before he even really had a chance to think. A few of the people in the bar laughed, and the prum was taken aback, even the rest of the Apollo familia behind him all looked at Cian wide eyed. Cian stood and looked down at the tiny prum, something bubbling in the back of his throat. For a second, the prum didn't know how to respond, he obviously didn't expect this kind of reaction from them.

He stammered and stepped back. "W…what did you say?! I can barely understand you with your hack accent-."

"Seriously, who let a goblin crawl out of the dungeon?" Cian cut him off, taking another step closer as he looked down at the prum who was only up to his waist. "I fight stuff on floor one that's bigger then you! You're talking to me and Bell here, when you're puny even for a prum? Tell me, did you need another stool to climb up onto the barstools?"

"HAHA!" Welf laughed with his beer, as more people started to laugh.

Cian narrowed his eyes, you made a mistake, all of you, Diarmuid practically insulted people for a living.

The prum went red, and behind him, Cian say the Apollo familia start to stir behind him. Cian didn't know why they had decided to start an argument in a bar, but he wasn't going to let them get away with it now.

After the laughing calmed down, the prum glared at him. "You think you're so tough? You and the little bunny boy were no good for any god or goddess except one that works a dead end job with nothing to her name but giant-."

"Awww look at you guys! You're all wearing the same tacky uniforms," Cian said, reaching over and poking the sun emblem on his shoulder. "Seriously that's so cute, all black and all matching! Tell me, does lord Apollo always have such a horrible sense of fashion? Or did you pick it out? Either way, I can't believe you'd willingly walk around in something like that!"

The prum quickly looked down at his uniform, the others even did as well. That got another laugh out of some of the people drinking, as it remained quiet. Cian couldn't help but remember all the times he'd sat and watched Diarmuid or Finn do something similar to people who'd tried to pick fights with them in pubs before.

And he knew what came next as well.

He leaned his head down towards the prum. "You're brave I'll give you that, picking a fight when you're no bigger then a dungeon worm! Seriously though, if you wanted a fight… we should really step outside, I'd hate to splatter you all over the floor and have to pay for cleanup."

He said the second part a lot quieter then the first. He looked up at the Apollo familia all standing up behind the prum and was about to say something else, but the prum beat him too it.

"Ha… you sit here insulting Lord Apollo, when you serve some deadbeat goddess who uses her flabby boobs to get anywhere?" He said, looking nervous, but meeting Cian's eye. "And before that, some backwater hack goddess who couldn't have been that great if she went and got herself killed-. GAHHH!"

"I did warn you," Cian said, his hand shooting out around the prums neck. "Don't speak about my goddess like that you filthy little worm."

Something snapped inside him. His entire body was hot, sweating, and his hand moved before he could even really think about what he was doing. They had probably been trying to goad them into exactly this, but Cian didn't care. He heard some shouting but looked at the prum as he lifted him up off the ground. He tried to grab at Cian's hand, but his grip was like iron as he squeezed around his neck. He was content to let the life slowly squeeze out of the prums bulging eyes then and there, how dare someone like him insult Lady Hestia, or Lady Scathach and what they'd done for him?

"Cian look out!" Bell's voice yelled, bringing him back to reality.

He saw the chair coming out of his right eye. One of the Apollo familia members were coming around to smash it over his head, but Cian spun holding the prum above him. The chair hit the prum and he yelled, slumping unconscious as Cian dropped him and the chair broke over his back. Cian jumped back as the guy tried to swing at him again, but then a mug full of beer hit the guy in the face.

"Oops, I spilled my beer," Welf said smugly, before kicking his chair out from under him and standing up.

Lillie groaned. "Seriously?! This is why I hate adventurers…."

It all happened at once, the five other members of Apollo familia kicked their chairs away and stood up. Cian let out a breath, looking at his hand that had been around the prums neck, and him now lying unconscious on the floor.

I… I didn't mean to do that! No I… I was just angry and-

"CIAN!" Welf yelled, stepping in front of him before he got kicked.

Welf caught the kick that was above his head, and yanked the guy forward, before punching him in the gut. Cian was finally snapped back to reality when another guy came at him from the left. It was a full on brawl now, and instincts took over, he'd been in plenty of these situations before. Cian barely touched a spear for his first month of so with Lady Scathach, his days had consisted of Chu or Diarmuid beating the pulp out of him hand to hand for most of it.

And if he could survive that, this was nothing.

He saw Bell clock a punch and knee a guy in the gut, before throwing him aside. Welf picked a guy up and threw him into a table. The one that came at Cian jabbed with his right fist, his entire body behind the punch, but Cian caught it, pushed the fist up, and yanked him forward. The threw the guy over his back and into another table that had been smartly vacated, as the people around either cheered or screamed.

Another came from behind him, and he got a fist to his gut for the trouble. The breath left him for a moment, but he grabbed onto the mans arm, and kneed up into his gut. Cian saw him heave over, and jumped back before bringing his foot up and kicking him in the side of the head. He, Welf and Bell like he had guessed were simply too strong for what he assumed were a bunch of level 1s.

"AHHH! Come on, who else wants some?!" Welf yelled after tossing another member of the Apollo familia aside, as Bell punched another away.

"I suppose I'll play along," The one with the ponytail said, standing from his seat and looking to his right. "And you Arryn? Will you play as well?"

Cian's chest lurched, his eyes bulging out his head. "Shit…"

The large man who'd been eyeing Cian down all night, downed the red of his beer, before shattering the wooden mug between his fingers. He ran a hand through his silky brown hair, and Cian swore he could see one part of the fabric from his black uniform rip around his arms.

And his dark blue eyes glared right at Cian.

"Oh… I will play, I most certainly will. I want that one." He said, and when he took one step, Cian knew he was in trouble.

"Not happening pal!" Welf said, stepping in front of Cian. "You don't look that tough you giant- GAHHH!"

"Welf!" Bell yelled, as Welf was kicked in the stomach.

The man-Arryn- was massive, but moved with the swiftness of someone half his size. In what seemed like one step he lunged forward after Cian. Welf had stepped in front of him, but the man spun so fast Welf couldn't keep up, and when he kicked him, Cian's friend was sent flying into one of the tables, smashing nearly against the wall.

"Welf!" Cian yelled, and then seeing Bell. "Bell look out!"

Bell tried to help Welf, but the one with the ponytail was on him. Bell tried to deflect a kick, but it was a faint, he got punched in the stomach, and Cian could hear cracking.

"That's Hyacinth! The captain of Apollo familia," One bar-goer yelled.

"And what about that huge guy?!" Another said, horrified.

"Don't know, but he's scary, must be a new recruit!"

"A new recruit that big?!"

Cian couldn't even see Bell getting beat for long, because he turned and realized just how big the man was. His fist moved so fast Cian couldn't even keep up with it. It smashed into the side of his cheek, and Cian's who world became blurry. He'd shrugged off punches before, but this felt like a rock had been smashed into the side of his head. Right away he tasted blood, and while he didn't fall, he saw three of the man coming at him neck.

He spun and brought his leg around to kick into Cian's stomach, and he grabbed it, managing to figure out which of the three was the real one. He caught the mans massive leg, but it was coming towards him with so much force Cian was undercut. He fell and hit the bars floor, his head ringing, his stomach on fire as he still couldn't see straight. He'd been beaten plenty of times, but he couldn't remember being so thoroughly beat. And while it was only a bar fight, he couldn't sense any intent to hold back from the mans attacks.

He… he's trying to kill me, actually kill me! Cian realized, as he rolled around onto his stomach and heard Lillie scream, as Bell was smashed against the wall with blood coming from his face as well.

"B…Bell!" Cian yelled, trying to get up. "Get… get- GAHHHH!"

A foot smashed into his back and his head smacked against the floor. Bell was grabbed by the throat, as while the massive foot clamped down on him, he heard hissing words, hot breath in his ear as the man spoke.

"You will pay Cian Mac Gallagher, I swear on her name you will!" The man hissed in his ear, seeming to revel in Cian screaming, as he pressed his foot down harder. "I will be your end, I-."

"Arryn!" A voice said, and Cian realized it was Hyacinth, holding Bell's throat up against the wall of the pub. "You're new, but surely you know the price for hurting our friends correct?"

Cian's entire body was on fire, he could feel at least one broken rib, as his head was ringing. His blood dripped onto the floor, and he could feel it pool on the top of his head. His jaw hurt, he could barely speak right, and with each second that passed, the man pressed his foot down harder on his back.

"Oh, I know Hyacinth," He said, leaning his head down to Cian's ear again. "It is a very heavy one… but you, Cian Mac Gallagher? You'll pay it two fold-."

A loud CRASH pulled the mans head away from him. Cian felt his foot let up the slightest bit off his back, and then, he heard the last voice he had expected.

"I hate to do this… but you're all ruining my good mood."

B…Bete?!

According to Lefiya, most of the Loki familia was very thankful to him and Bell for helping her. Bete, however, seemed to be the one person who didn't like Cian in that manor. He didn't particularly care about the werewolf's opinion, and that only made him more surprised to hear his voice then.

"I normally don't stick up for weaklings like them," The werewolf's voice said, as Cian could hear his footsteps getting closer, until he saw his boots as his head was on the ground. "And, as annoying as she is, a member of my familia has a vested interest in this one. He saved her life, so that's why you're going to get off him, and the bunny boy, and get the hell out."

Ha… I… I guess he's a bit softer then he lets on… or… I owe Lefiya my life again, Cian thought from the floor.

"And if I refuse?" Arryn said, pounding his foot further down into Cian's back. "I also have a vested interest in this one."

Bete scoffed. "Big talk for such a meat head. I'll tell you one more time… get the hell out."

Arryn sounded angry now. "I don't take orders from-."

"No… Arryn, we're leaving," Hyacinth said, as Cian looked over from his spot on the ground and saw him drop Bell.

He felt one last large press down on his back, before it left him, and right away Cian groaned and rolled onto his back, seeing the mans eyes through his foggy vision.

"This… is not over, Cian Mac Gallagher," He said, spitting down onto his stomach, before he saw him leave his vision.

Cian's head was spinning too much for him to move, but he did see Bete above him. He tried to form words, but couldn't, all he saw was the werewolf scoff before leaving.

As… much of an ass as he is… I owe him again, Cian thought, groaning as he rolled over onto his stomach to see Bell doing the same not too far from him.

"B…Bell…" He got out. "You… okay?"

"Ye…yeah," Cian groaned as he looked and saw Welf finally getting to his feet, and Lillie helping him out. "Jeez… we got our asses kicked…"

In the two months since he got to Orario, Cian had always found some way to win his most difficult fights. He knew that most of his strength had come just from the Gae Bulg's power, and that he probably should be dead a hundred times over. However, the last few weeks after getting back from floor 18, he had really thought that was changing, he was beginning to feel powerful for the first time in his life.

But this? This had brought him back to reality.

I really… really am nothing yet.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Oww! Take it easy little bit!" Welf complained, as Lillie dabbed the disinfectant on his face.

This only made Lillie do it harder and made Welf yell again.

"Oh man, you both banged up really bad," Lady Hestia said, cleaning the cuts on Bell's face as she turned over to look at Cian. "How's your head feel Cian?"

"Better…" He lied, holding the pack of ice on his head. "Ms. Eina is not going to be happy with us…"

He felt the welt on his cheek pulsating. With some help and a lot of effort, they'd managed to drag themselves back to Bell and Lady Hestia's church. Welf, he and Bell had definitely seen better days, but he was just glad he hadn't gotten his neck snapped. A few potions, and his aching bones were starting to feel better but still hurt like hell, unfortunately both him and Bell had Lady Hestia dabbing medicine and putting bandages on their face. Cian winced as he felt Lady Hestia put one on his cheek, the massive man-Arryn-had really done a number on him.

But despite the injuries, all Cian could think about was how familiar he had looked. That, and the words he'd spoke, what was Cian going to pay for? Could it be someone with a grudge against the Scathach familia made their way to Orario and joined the Apollo familia? It should have been impossible, nobody had really known him when he was with Lady Scathach let alone his name or that he was in Orario.

"I can't believe you guys are putting yourself into trouble again!" Lady Hestia said, sitting between the two of them. "You said it was the Apollo familia?"

Bell nodded gingerly, Hyacinth had really done him in. "Yeah…"

Lillie sighed and rolled her eyes. "We should have just ignored them, but they did start things out of nowhere."

Cian groaned before leaning forward on his knees. "I'm sorry you guys… I lost my cool, I was trying to get them to back off but I…"

Snapped? Tried to murder someone else?

Bell shook his head. "Don't worry about it Cian, we're a familia the two of us, we do things like this together."

"Yeah, besides you got some good ones in," Welf said with a scoffing laughing. "I nearly pissed myself. Seemed like you'd went at someone like that before."

Cian leaned back and nodded. "Well, it certainly wasn't the first bar fight I've been in. I don't know how many Diarmuid got us into. Lady Scathach-."

"Scathach like me was never happy about it!" Lady Hestia scolded, stepping off the couch and looking at them both. "Seriously, Bell, Cian, you need to be more careful. You can't go around picking fights like this, the both of you!"

Cian wanted to say something, but he felt his throat close up. He looked down at his hand that had been around the tiny prums throat. It was shaking while he held the ice on his head, it was the same hand that the previous week had ended someone's life. Today, he easily could have killed that prum if he had wanted too… for a minute, he thought he was going too, all for some petty insult? Was this who he was becoming? A violent brute who killed over insults?

The worst part… I really don't feel bad about it, he thought, balling his fist to stop the shaking.

"I know… I know Cian does too," Bell said despondently. "But… they were saying terrible things about you goddess. Cian moved first but… I would have honestly done the same thing."

"Bell's right, I'm sorry Lady Hestia but they said terrible things about you, and about Lady Scathach," Cian said, shaking his head. "Insults to me I can stomach… but I won't let someone dis-honor you!"

Being with Lady Hestia was different then being with Lady Scathach in many ways, but the same in many others. One, was that Cian wasn't going to let anyone speak bad about the goddess who had taken him in and given him a new home. Lady Scathach of course had people levy insults her way as well, but of course Lady Scathach would either simply glare at them or knock them upside the head in response. Lady Hestia he didn't think would be able to do that, so Cian would do it for her.

Lady Hestia was much gentler then Lady Scathach was, and despite how she acted outwardly sometimes, Cian knew she was much, much more intelligent then she seemed to be. If not for her, Cian would be out on the streets. He had trusted her from the beginning, after all Lady Scathach had ordered him to find her in Orario, and told Lady Hestia about him in her last visit to Orario before she died.

So, if she ordered him to keep his temper and fists in check, he would.

She smiled and got off the couch and stood between them. Her one hand touched Bell's knee and the other touched Cian's. Her smile was so, pretty and calming, that Cian's head stopped pounding, and he forgot all about what had happened for a moment.

"It makes me very happy you both would protect me like that. But I'm much more worried about your health okay?" She said softly, looking between them. "The next time something like this happens, just think 'my goddess wouldn't care at all what they have to say', alright? Cian, I know I can't beat people up like Scathach, but she used to tell me, sometimes the best course of action is-."

"Is no action at all… I know," He said, suddenly feeling bad as he sighed. "I'm sorry Lady Hestia."

"Yeah, I am too goddess," Bell said to her.

Lady Hestia smiled and squeezed their legs. "Good… now, I think you should both make sure to tell your guild advisor about this."

"Goddess Hestia's right," Lillie said, dabbing Welf's eye. "They were a part of the Apollo familia, and after how big that fight got, they may want to retaliate somehow."

"Apollo huh?" Hestia said with a sigh. "It wouldn't surprise me; he always was a sleez up in heaven. Scathach beat the snot out of him more than a few times."

"I'm… starting to think that was a trend with Lady Scathach in heaven," Cian admitted, pulling the ice from his head.

Hestia chuckled. "Haha, oh it was believed me. Still… for his familia to do this, I'm not surprised, but you should both still be careful."

"Yeah, especially you Cian," Welf said, groaning as he turned to them. "That one guy was massive and moved like he was half his size. He was ready to do more then just knock you out."

"Yeah, him and that Hyacinth guy…" Bell said, shaking his head. "Cian, do you know him? He seemed really determined to get you and not anyone else."

Cian shivered again. "I… don't know, maybe? My memory is still kind of spotty, but I know Lady Scathach didn't tell anyone about me, so I don't know how he could be from Ulster."

Hestia held her chin. "You're right. Scathach explained to me how she tried to keep you out of the spotlight as much as possible to keep you safe. But Cian, if someone's targeting you, you need to tell the guild."

"Could… could it be well… you know," Lillie said quietly, meeting Cian's eyes. "Someone from the Morrigan familia?"

Morrigan. The goddesses name itself sent chills down Cian's spine. He tried to wrack his brain, Medb had told him the names of everyone in the Morrigan familia, how they fought, their levels. Medb had been the only member around his level, everyone else she described had been more powerful then he was.

"I… don't know, I hope not," Cian shuddered. "According to Mebd, her lowest adventurer left is level 3. Also, it doesn't make sense, if she wanted me dead, I don't understand why she wouldn't just send Connla."

"Maybe he's off doing something else," Welf said, leaning forward elbows on knees. "Maybe this guy infiltrated Orario to get to you."

"Either way, Cian if you think it could be you need to tell the guild right away," Hestia said, now sounding worried. "If you tell them the Morrigan familia is here then they-."

"I can't do that…" Cian said slowly.

They all gaped at him.

Bell shook his head. "Cian… why not?!"

"Because, if he is, and he's undercover, I don't have any proof," Cian explained, his own anxiety growing. "Ms. Eina would believe me, but the rest of the guild would want proof. And the only way even I know about the rest of the Morrigan familia is-."

"Medb…" Lady Hestia finished for him. "Medb is the only one who could confirm it, she'd have to admit to having been in Morrigan's familia herself."

"Yeah…" Cian said slowly, sucking in a breath. "I won't risk her."

It was silent for a moment, before Lady Hestia nodded. "Okay… but still, tomorrow, Bell, Cian you need to tell your guild advisor about this fight okay?"

Bell and he both nodded. "Right!"

Cian shuddered, however. "Oh man… Ms. Eina is not going to be happy about this."

Bell chuckled nervously. "Oh, come on, how bad could she react?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"YOU BOTH GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH THE APOLLO FAMILIA?!"

Bad… she could react very bad, Cian thought, his head hung in shame next to Bell.

"Do you have any idea what could have happened, how you could've gotten hurt?" Eina said, falling back into her chair. "We have enough problems without familias brawling in taverns!"

"We know, we're sorry Ms. Eina!" Bell said quickly.

"Yeah, really, really sorry!" Cian added, actually terrified. "It won't happen again we promise!"

Eina sighed and leaned forward on her elbows. "Well… the important part is that you're both alright. Still, try to contain your anger in the future, I'm sure Goddess Hestia told you the same thing."

They both nodded, and Cian let out a breath. The two of them were just in regular clothes, but he looked over at the Gae Bulg leaning against the wall. At Ryuu's suggestion after he told her about the fight, he decided it may be smart to bring it with him on the day off they had today just in case. He didn't think the rest of Apollo familia would attack in the open, but Cian didn't know about the one who seemed hell bent on killing him.

He and Bell's first stop even before the guild, had been to go and find Medb. Cian wanted to describe the guy and see if Medb could confirm if he was in the Morrigan familia. As was his luck however, they'd found Asfi and she told them Medb was out leading some members of Hermes familia on a mission in the dungeon.

"She did… it won't happen again," Bell promised their advisor."

Cian nodded. "He's right we promise… but Ms. Eina, do you think you could find anything on that one guy?"

"Oh yeah," Bell said looking as concerned as Cian. "Ms. Eina, that guy really seemed like bad news, he would have killed Cian if he could."

Eina's face softened, as she pulled a book out from under her desk. "Yes… that part was disturbing, I can check Lord Apollo's roster of adventurers, you said, Arryn, correct?"

"Yes," Cian said, as she flipped through the pages. "I… thought he looked familiar for some reason, but my memories of just before leaving Ulster are still fuzzy…"

"That's normal after such an experience like you had, I'm sure they'll come back," Ms. Eina said, smiling before she trailed her finger down a page. "As for him let's see… ah, this may be it. Arryn Kanazuki. It says he's a level 3, but close to ranking up. He was from Ulster, he just recently joined Lord Apollo after coming from the Cerridwen familia. He… may not be captain, but he very well could be Lord Apollo's new strongest adventurer."

Cian's chest exploded. "The Cerridwen familia? There's no way, Lady Cerridwen is an amazing goddess! Her familia isn't even an adventuring one, she works for Lord Dagda and the council to help villages affected by plague of bad harvests! She helped my village more then a few times over the years."

Cian refused to believe somebody that was so violent, looked so hellbent on killing him could be a member of such a peace loving familia.

Eina shook her head. "I'm not sure, that's just what the records say. Cian… do you believe that he could be lying?"

Eina and Bell both looked at him, and his stomach dropped. He wanted to tell Eina, he didn't want his guild advisor to think that he didn't trust her. However, he couldn't risk it, he wouldn't risk Medb's safety.

"I… I'm not sure," Cian said, sighing as he looked down. "I'm probably just being overdramatic."

Eina hesitated. "Alright… but if I hear anything I'll be sure to let you know. But there was something else I wanted to tell you Cian."

"Huh, what is it?" He asked.

She reached under her desk and pulled out some papers. "The remaining two Sons of Tuireann have finally given their statements, we've struck a deal with them."

Cian's eyes widened. "A deal?! What did they say?"

Eina handed him the papers. "They told us, that their god Tuireann was hired by Morrigan to capture you and kill anyone who saw them. And then, they'd deliver you and your spear to Morrigan, in return for money and Areadbhar, which we also recovered from the dungeon, along with the body of their brother."

Cian's arms tingled, the… one I killed.

Yet still… he found he didn't care, why should he have felt bad to kill someone who was trying to take his spear and kill Lefiya?

One thing still didn't make sense.

"I don't get it… all of this for what?" Cian said, leaning back in his chair. "Why wouldn't she just send Connla?"

Bell shook his head. "I don't know… but if she's still sending people after us, it's a good thing Goddess Hestia convinced the gods at the Denatus to take this seriously."

"Bell's right, surprisingly, Lady Freya has been sending missions to check for members of the Morrigan familia, and any other attacks recently," Ms. Eina explained. "As for the deal we made, we sent a message to Ulster, asking them to send a familia to collect them. We'll ask them for leniency in exchange for their information, I hope you don't mind."

Cian right away shook his head. "No, of course not, so long as nobody else gets hurt as a result."

"Good, I'll let them know then," Eina told him. "There's also the matter of Areadbhar. The guild took possession of it, but since you defeated the one wielding it, it technically belongs to you… would you want us to give it to you?"

He shuddered, the idea of having a dead mans weapon, even worse, something that Morrigan had given them to help kill him shook him the wrong way.

"I… think I'll pass," Cian told her. "What will happen to it now then?"

Eina nodded. "I understand. As for the spear well, we'll put it up for auction, and see if any familia wishes to buy it."

"That's fine… thank you for everything Ms. Eina," Cian said, standing and bowing.

Bell smiled and did the same. "He's right, thanks for all the help Ms. Eina."

Eina smiled and nodded. "You're welcome both you… I must admit, it really makes me happy seeing the two of you grow so much. It feels like yesterday you brought Cian here Bell, how time flies huh?"

Cian smiled at that as he held out his hand. The Gae Bulg floated over into his hand and he leaned it on his shoulder, as he could remember sitting in that exact room having Eina read off his level 1 stats. He had been so scared then, frightened, and felt powerless… and a part of him still did.

But thanks to Bell, he'd changed at least a little bit. And if Morrigan really was trying to come after him now, he would be able to do something this time.

Bell smiled and nodded. "It really does! We'll see you soon Ms. Eina!"

"Thanks again Ms. Eina!" Cian said, as Bell and he both walked out of her office.

Cian followed behind Bell down the hallway of the guild, his stomach stirring. He truly didn't know what to do now, and he felt like he should have some goal in mind. Luckily however, Bell seemed to realize the look he had, and smiled at him.

"Alright, so I guess next we just have to wait for Ms. Medb to come back," He said as they neared the front lobby. "If she says that guy isn't in the Morrigan familia, we can stop worrying."

"And… if he is?" Cian said, looking at the tip of his spear in the sunlight coming through the windows. "If another dangerous adventurer is here willing to hurt people because I'm here? What happens then?"

Cian had stopped, the idea filling him with anxiety and dread. It had happened once, Medb was their friend now, but when she had come after him, his friends had gotten hurt. Lefiya was almost killed because of people sent after him. Now and then, Cian thought he may have been better off tossing the Gae Bulg in the ocean, and leaving Orario to draw their attention away from everyone in the city, away from Bell, Lady Hestia, Lillie, Welf, Lefiya, Ryuu… Mikoto.

But… the idea of never seeing her again, never seeing everyone again… that's even more terrifying, does that make me selfish?

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up to see Bell as confident as could be. His red eyes shown and he held up a confident fist as he met Cian's eyes.

"If that's that case, we'll stop him," He said, without a hint of doubt. "Because if he wants to hurt you, you're a member of my familia, and I won't let anyone do that. Besides, your goal is to stop Morrigan right? If that's your goal, it's mine too!"

Cian actually blushed. "B…Bell…"

"You don't have to worry one bit," He promised. "I got your back, and I know we all do too!"

You just got a way with words Bell… and people too, Cian said, before smiling. How could he not be confident when he had someone like Bell on his side, a part of his family?

"Yeah, you're right!" He said, nodding. "Thanks Bell… sorry I got a little down like that, I feel like I do this every other day to you."

"Don't worry about it, you got reason too," He said, as they got to the lobby. "But you don't need to worry, I got your-."

"So, it's the two of you," A voice said, making them stop. "The red spear made it easy. You're the Lancer of Red, and that makes you the Little Rookie."

Cian instinctively almost dropped the spear off his shoulder to get into a stance but managed to stop himself. He kept it on his shoulder, as he and Bell both saw who spoke. It was a girl in a white uniform with short red hair, and a stern look in her eyes which was kind of intimidating. Behind her was a much more timid looking girl with a white staff, long dark blue almost black hair far down her back. They were pretty, the both of them, and didn't show any signs of being dangerous.

But, that wasn't what Cian was most focused on, it was the Apollo familia emblem on their shoulder.

"Yes… that's us," Cian said, his hand squeezing around the Gae Bulg. "You're… with the Apollo familia?"

"Oh, Apollo familia?" Bell said next to him. "Are you here… about last night?"

Cian was ready for the girl to demand they be punished or some kind of compensation. Lady Scathach and Chu had both taught him a way to tell how powerful a potential opponent was. There were small ques you could use to tell, like the way they walked, composed themselves, and there was also a way to just feel their aura and presence. The girl in front of them with the red hair, was strong, he could tell, but she didn't show any signs of attacking.

She shook her head. "No… it's not. I'm Daphne, and this is Cassandra."

"H…hello," Cassandra said from behind her.

Before they could respond, Daphne stepped forward, handing Bell a folded piece of paper.

"Bring this to your goddess, members of the Hestia familia," She said, before she turned from them both. "We'll be seeing the both of you soon."

Cian made sure to keep an eye on them both, as the two walked towards the exit of the guild. A cold chill ran down the back of his neck. He was worried they'd try something else, but they ended up simply walking out of the guild hall and into the street. After they disappeared, he looked over to Bell, who had what he saw was a letter with a seal.

"Huh? What was that about," Cian asked, looking at the seal and realizing it was the Apollo familia emblem. "What could they wanna give us?"

"I don't know…" Bell said with a sigh. "We'll have to give it to Lady Hestia."

Cian gulped as they both walked towards the door, what are they planning… and are you involved too Morrigan? And if you are… why haven't you sent him yet? Connla…

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"A banquet?!" Cian said, his skin crawling, pacing back and forth in Bell and Lady Hestia's room. "I can't go to a banquet! I don't know how to dance, I don't like fancy food, I'm a village orphan I've never been around that many important people before!"

"Cian calm down!" Bell said, trying to pace back and forth with him.

"I can't! Lady Scathach never even brought me to council meetings!" Cian said, falling into the couch and shuddering. "I always stayed behind with Fergus whenever we got invited to banquets! Lady Hestia, I can't do this, I need to-."

"Oh no! It's time we did something about the social anxiety of yours Cian!" Lady Hestia said, looking up from the invitation. "Besides, our invitation specifically asks for me to bring you and Bell. We can't turn this down."

"Huh? What do you mean Goddess," Bell said, but Cian had stopped listening.

He heard them discussing things in the background, but all he could do was look at the ground and see all the times he'd embarrassed himself talking to other gods with lady Scathach. He'd only met a few of them, the only really important one had been Lord Nuada. He remembered meeting the god, Lady Scathach's mentor. He was kind, and made sure Cian was listening to Lady Scathach's orders, and promised she'd make him a great adventurer.

Cian had stammered over his words, and barely been able to say anything, like the first time he'd ever met Lady Scathach. Either way, Cian wanted to blend into the background, the more people he knew meant more people in danger from Morrigan. The idea of going to a massive banquet of the gods, with the most important people in Orario? It was horrifying, even if he had been requested specifically, he wanted nothing to do with any party.

"Cian!"

"GAHH! Yes Lady Hestia?" Cian said, nearly falling out off the couch.

He looked up and went red faced, seeing Lady Hestia smirking at him, Bell behind her confused.

"Did you hear what I just said?" She asked, her smirk growing. "You really don't want to go to this banquet huh?"

Cian's heart leapt. "No… please Lady Hestia, I don't think I could do it."

Lady Hestia sighed and turned. "Oh well, I guess it can't be helped then!"

Cian tilted his head. "Um… really?"

"Aha, I won't try to change your mind! I guess I'll just tell Miach and Take to not bother coming anymore," She said, falling onto the couch dramatically. "It's a shame too, we needed allies at this party and I was going to make sure everyone was supplied with nice clothes!"

"Um… you were gonna buy everyone clothes?" Cian said, his heart thumping a bit harder now.

"Yes, for you, Bell, Miach Take, and not to mention Naaza and Mikoto!" She said, sliding over on the couch and leaning against his shoulder sighing dramatically. "I even this dress I had my eyes on for Mikoto, I bet she would have looked fantastic in it, such a shame, a girl should be able to treat herself now and then, don't you think Cian?"

His face nearly exploded, he stammered. "Um… I… you… really?"

"Yes of course! I think Mikoto would have looked fantastic in this dress I had my eyes on," She said, smirking as she looked to Bell. "Don't you agree Bell?"

Bell looked confused. "Um… Ms. Mikoto? Yeah, she would look really nice I'm assuming, why does that mat-."

"So smart Bell! I think she would too! Every god can bring one of their children after all, and I'm sure Take would bring her, Apollo letting me bring you both is clearly a move," She said, turning back to Cian giving him a sad look. "But unfortunately, you're not coming Cian. Maybe I'll ask them to come anyway, I'll give Mikoto that dress after all! I guess you won't get to see her, not mention dance with her and-."

"Wait, wait, um… I… I think I could make it!" Cian said, his hand tingling, his face red. "I mean if… I was to not show up, it'd look suspicious after all! Yeah… yeah, besides after last night, Bell and I should both be there to smooth things over if we can."

Lady Hestia started laugh. "Ahahahaha, oh Cian, I love you, you can be read like an open book."

"I don't understand… what's happening?" Bell asked.

Cian slowly nodded, unable to look up at them. He knew what it was.

I… really guess she means something more to me… did I really wanna see her that bad? I see her almost every day but… I guess I wanted to see her more. Am I… finally figuring all of this out?

He knew however, that he needed to go for. If what happened with the Apollo familia really did have anything to do with Morrigan… then both he and Bell could be in danger.

Next Time, Season 2 Episode 2: A Different Type of Battle: After being invited to the Apollo familia manor for a banquet of all the gods. It's a completely different landscape for Cian who grew up in a village out of the way even in Ulster. At the banquet however, Cian realizes that it's really not different from a battlefield. Dozens of people want both he and Bell's attention, and he feels eyes on him the entire time. Cian's eyes however, seem to only be falling on Mikoto… and he realizes he's in for a very different type of battle then he's used too.

A/N: And we're finally into season 2 everybody! Now, I wanted to have the banquet in this chapter too, but the beginning section in Ulster ended up a bit longer. I really hope you guys have some interest in what's going on in Ulster, we have Lord Nuada (The War God of Celtic Myths) and Emer, the wife of Chu Chulainn, Gwydion, a plucky mage, and Domnall, Medb's legendary father all coming to find Cian.

I will say, this first chapter before the OP break is setting up the eventual "Movie" I have planned, which is going to take place between Season 2 and 3. So, we won't be seeing Lord Nuada and everyone for a bit longer, BUT we will be seeing more of Karna and Arjuna (My mythology/history buffs and Fate fans will know them haha) Who are going after Connla, we WILL see him before S2s end.

However, the next few chapters are all the war game! We're going to really get a good amount of Cian x Mikoto moments, which I'm sure you're all going to love haha. However, next chapter we're going to have a LOT more then just Cian and Mikoto, there's gonna be a few people at this banquet who wanna talk to him!

Now, here's the schedule for this story and upcoming chapters.

S2 War Game Arc (6 chapters total)

Tales From Orario: Sorceress of The Waves

Tales From Orario: Ishana Daitenshou

Tales From Orario: Love of a Samurai

S2 Ishtar/Pleasure Quarter Arc

S2 Invasion Arc

Movie: The Staff of Cethlenn

Someone commented last chapter "What about Mikoto and Ryuu, don't they get moments alone with Cian?" and the answer is well yes lol Also, Mikoto and Ryuu are much more heavily involved in the major arcs with moments between them, I did Lefiya and Medb's Tales From Orario first because they won't have too much screentime next arc. Especially Lefiya, because I'm not sure what she's doing in Sword Oratoria right now.

BUT expect plenty of good character interactions next chapter, and then action after that! We're getting some really really exciting stuff coming up so I hope you're all excited! Please, please review if you got time, I wanna know what you all think! So, I hope you're all doing well and I'll see you next time!