After his date night with Mikoto at the Hostess, Mama Mia often 'needed' his help. That, however, turned into him baking. All in all, Kano didn't mind a bit. He was happier than before and it was very obvious to Mia and especially May. The way he moved throughout the kitchen was so graceful that she honestly doubted that he was blind or he was secretly a Cat Person.
Hell, May thought it would be impossible for him because of his broken arm. The oddest thing was that his aid leaned against the wall to leave the kitchen area. His arm thankfully has healed enough to not need a cast but a sling. Airmid requested that he come in every three or so days. Kano understood and followed the doctor's orders.
In the meanwhile, Kano had learned the locations of every item in the Hostess' kitchen. Thankfully, Mama Mia only had him bake desserts like those cookies and any other recipes that he was willing to share, so long as he got a portion of the profits. Labor wasn't free after all. Considering Kano still gets monthly deposits of valis to an account in his name was not mentioned to Mia.
He thought about doing a bake shop of some kind but that was far into the future, which reminded him of a conversation he had with Mia a couple of weeks ago. She asked him this very question and the reason was heartbreaking.
.
.
.
"Boy, have you ever thought about opening a bakery?" Mia asked when it was just the two in the tavern. She was swirling a glass of her homemade brew, something that only dwarves could drink and not be knocked out cold for three days. Mind Down, ale style. Even so, the smell wasn't terrible, actually a pleasant aroma.
Kano shifted from foot to foot, "Not really since baking was just something I dove into to avoid…"
"Hmm, say no more," Mia said.
"No…I need to say it…." He replied somewhat forcefully and a little bit harshly. Mia took no offense, seeing that whatever it was clearly stressed him out. "I got into baking when my parents left…something to distract me from the grief…" his hands fidgeted on the counter.
Mia put her drink down gently—and this Kano would never tell another soul—grabbed his hand and pulled him in for a hug. "Then grieve."
Kano's mouth was open but he felt feelings that he long since buried. The feeling of having someone care for him in a parental light. So, Kano silently wept in the arms of the Matriarch of the Hostess. Mia said nothing more.
For them, it was their little secret. None of the girls ever suspected it, except Syr, because somehow that girl just knows things she shouldn't. That doesn't mean that Kano would be disrespectful to her.
At that moment, Freya had noticed his soul shine slightly. Small minute cracks began healing, making the Goddess pleased. She always knew that her former Captain had a soft side but had different ways to show it. Yet, the dwarf would constantly prove her wrong.
A shame she retired from the Familia.
.
.
.
That night made him think critically about whether or not he would be able to set up a shop. There were already plenty of bake shops located in various districts of Orario. He would need an appropriate building plot, the equipment, workers, and a way to advertise. Maybe he could do a trial run with a select few clientele, have them order from him, make the food in Mia's pub, and then pay Mia for the use of ingredients and her kitchen?
Kano let his thoughts wander as he put himself over the counter. Believe it or not, Mia had hired him, part-time. Currently, he was wearing a green dress shirt with a bow tie, an apron—that mirrored the girls' attire—dressy black pants that felt like 'jeans' according to Mia, and brown dress shoes. She provided three outfits for him.
The small challenge he had was dressing himself so, he opted to only have one arm through his sleeve for the time being. The other sleeve was gently tucked into the sling to prevent it from snagging on anything. Kano knows a lot but he doesn't know squat about sewing.
At first, many wondered why a blind kid was working for Mia who had exclusively hired women. Then, many women came to see Kano's work. While he would not be serving tables, sometimes he was behind the bar, making a few drinks. Kano was drilled by Mia where everything was, testing him to make sure he could do the work. Most of the time, he was in the kitchen cooking with May. It made dinner service faster since he learned how to work with May. The cat girl enjoyed his company as they would talk about this and that while also getting dishes out.
Mia also offered him a spot in one of the empty rooms but he declined, not because he didn't appreciate it; but because he wouldn't want to make the atmosphere awkward for the ladies in the morning, especially Ryuu since her elven culture might make it uncomfortable for her if he ever accidentally heard something he wasn't; supposed to. He was aware that Elves touching other people was a big no-no unless they allowed it. Testing those limits was a risk he was not willing to take; considering that all of the women there could snap him like a twig.
Chloe was the only one to be sad about it since she wasn't allowed to touch his butt if she managed to, she would be happy, not that he would let her. As silent as they are when they walk, he could still hear them.
Kano never complained. In fact, he was loving it. He had something to do these days. He was only allowed to work four days a week, getting the other three off. Once his broken arm healed, he would then be allowed to work more. The waitresses treated Kano like a little brother that they would protect from women who had less than pure intentions, of which there have been a few. Kano heard it all and felt disgusted that one of them wanted to bed him so 'she would know what it's like to bed a blind guy' and some similar comments. His respect for the waitresses dealing with catcalling went up.
However, being in the pub for so long allowed him to hear the juiciest pieces of news. Bell Cranel leveled up. Kano honestly did not have a complete understanding of how being an adventurer works. So, he asked Lady Ryuu, "What is so significant about Bell leveling up?"
Ryuu turned towards the blind man, "Mr. Yamabe, leveling up for adventurers takes a long time. The Grand Feat they need could be anything but the adventurers' status must have one basic ability at Rank D." Ryun then explained the scaling to him and why it was difficult to raise those abilities with each level. She even explained that she helped Bell learn this. However, she wasn't expecting him to attempt a Grand Feat so soon.
"Yes, Lady Ryuu…but why was everyone…why is everyone still freaking out?" Kano was ignorant of how adventuring works.
"When an adventurer levels up, all of Orario is notified by the Guild but a level up for a normal adventurer takes years. There are a few expeditions," Ryuu said, moving around the main area of the tavern. Lunoire, Chloe, and Anya were listening while also preparing. "The Sword Princess is one such example, her fastest recorded level up was one year and her pace has been a year and a half for each level up."
"Wow," Kano whispered aloud. "But what does that mean for Bell? How long has he been an adventurer?"
"If he is to be believed, one and a half months," the blonde fairy answered.
Kano paused in his current job, which was wiping the counter, "My apologies, I think I misheard you. Did you say that Bell leveled up in less than fifty days?"
"That is exactly what I am saying Mr. Yamabe," Ryuu said and there was a trace of amusement in her voice. If he was able to see, he would have noticed her eyes twinkled a little; like she was enjoying chatting with him.
"So, our dine and dasher leveled up?" Lunoire mused aloud. "All of Orario will want him…to see if he can replicate that or pass it along to other members."
"What abonya yew?" Chloe asked Kano. "Are nyey still bothernying yew?"
What Chloe meant was that the Gods and Goddesses were still bothering Kano about joining their Familias. At first, they would accept his denial but would swear that they would be back. They hadn't started pestering him at the Hostess, so this was his safe zone. His reluctance to answer gave the girls a few good ideas.
"Like cockroaches," Kano eventually replied with a frustrated edge in his voice, "I wouldn't be surprised if they kidnapped me off the street and slapped a 'blessing' on my back. Another reason I don't like divine beings, they are just prissy children who whine when they don't get what they want." His feelings must have been more prevalent in his words and his face because the bar went silent.
Lunoire could only shrug in sympathy, breaking the silence, "And sadly, that could be a reality."
A 'tsk' left Kano's mouth before he could stop it, "Orario is a place of dreams, heartache, and memories. Sadly, for me, it's mostly the second and third."
"Please do not put yourself down, Mister Yamabe," Ryuu said sternly. While not loud in voice, her tone made him pause. Empathy, he felt from her. So, she was in the same position at one point.
He shrugged his good arm, "Not a problem if it's for you, Lady Ryuu," Kano felt his mouth form a cheeky grin. The giggling from the other waitresses did not go unnoticed. "But yes, I will take your words into account," he said, looking in her direction. He then snapped to the door with a curious look on his face. Chloe's and Anya's ears twitched as they registered the sound, followed by Ryuu. "He's early."
Sure enough, Bell Cranel entered the establishment, "H-Hello!"
Chloe purred as she sauntered up to him, a gleam in her eyes that Kano could feel wasn't good. "Nya, hello white-hair~."
"Lady Chloe, please pull back your perverted tendencies," Kano scoffed, putting down his task.
"Well, uh you see… Bell stammered, twitching uncontrollably. Perhaps it's the instinct of a rabbit trapped with its predator, this case being Chloe. Apparently, his level-up did not do much in the self-confidence department. "Someone is waiting for you, Mister Kano."
"Oh? A visitor? Who is it?" His wariness and posture shift was not missed by the waitresses.
"Hello!" an angelic voice greeted.
"Mikoto…" Kano gained a dopey smile at hearing her. He rounded the bar and easily navigated the tavern without his aid, as he knows this place now by heart. If Mama Mia changed the layout, hopefully, she would tell him. "How are you?"
A hand gently grabbed his free hand, putting it to her cheek, a smile on her face, "Better. You look dashing in that uniform."
"Mmm, thank you," he hummed pleasantly, her touch a soothing balm on his soul. This affection was something new over the last month. In between her Dungeon runs and spending time with her Familia, she would show up and surprise him. However, it also made him feel guilty. The reason being was a certain Renard in the Pleasure District. Mikoto's closest friend, Haruhime.
No, Kano had not forgotten about her but trying to find a way to speak to her again without drawing too much attention was damn near impossible. He had no time to do anything when he was being hounded by deities day in and day out. The Hostess was about the only safe place in Orario for him at the moment since everyone knew not to cross Mia Grande. Those that did did not have the chance to regret it. "Are you okay?"
Kano debated lying. Once he did, he immediately wanted to slam his head into a wall. Lying was something he didn't do but omitting the truth was just as bad; a lie of omission. "I'm troubled."
Mikoto's tone softened, pulling him to a side of the bar. Kano felt the stares of Ryuu and Chloe. Lunoire was half-paying attention as she was flipping chairs to be ready for the evening rush. Anya…was being Anya. Bell, at this point, had already left, wanting to go into the Dungeon with his party to get used to the Upper Floors some more.
Syr, on the other hand, was very interested in this, making no motion to hide her eavesdropping. "I wish to speak with someone but the moment I'm seen alone, all the Gods think it's a perfect time to bother me. And the destination I want to go to is high profile."
The frown was felt rather than heard. "What's so important about this person?" Kano thought he would find jealousy but was relieved to only find curiosity. The blind boy was happy that he was with such a lovely girl.
"They don't get much interaction and from the way they express themselves…it feels like they are being isolated on purpose. I only wish to offer them company." Now, technically, Kano was not breaking his agreement with Haruhime nor was he lying to Mikoto. It was the truth. Haruhime was put in such a place that she was isolated and rarely visited by other members of Ishtar Familia and there were plenty of other things that he had rhyme or reason to know.
Mikoto played with his hand, clasping it with both of hers. "Well, one day, we can go visit them. I shall protect you, on my honor."
Kano's blind eyes widened. That was a declaration that he had to take seriously. Her God, Takemikazuchi, was a War God who had instilled honor into his Familia. "I accept…but I warn you that you may not like what you discover." Full disclosure.
Mikoto felt there was more to that statement but seeing how uncomfortable he looked, thinking it was the waitresses, she let it go. However, she couldn't be more wrong. What was she going to say when she found out that the person he was referring to was her childhood friend?
Well, that would have to be a problem for future Kano…because just when he thought everything was returning to normal, life once more had to throw the largest curveball.
The Dungeon.
After a successful dinner service at the Hostess, Kano made plenty of tips—beating Syr by a few hundred valis—from the women because of his respectful demeanor and ability to serve with one arm. Mia had him bartending with her. She allowed him some creative freedom and with all the ingredients she had, he came up with a new drink that tasted like a fruity drink but contained the same concentration of alcohol as a normal drink.
Popular was an understatement.
Either way, Kano was waltzing along the darkening streets of West Main, heading to Babel. The reason…?
"…wa…c.m….he.p…"
Whispers floated into his mind, none of the words making a lick of sense. All he knew was that it annoyed him. His thoughts were being mixed in with this phenomenon.
Kano was hearing a voice or voices that had not been present before. In all seventeen years of his life, this has never happened. His only conclusion was when he used his 'voice' for the first time. It was a big leap in logic, even for Kano, but there was no other option available to him.
Truthfully, Kano was scared out of his mind but who could he possibly tell? No one would believe him and the Gods were utterly useless in that fact. Mikoto might believe him but it would put another worry on her shoulders that she didn't need. So, Kano let his curiosity get the best of him. He did tell the Hostess girls that he wanted to take a walk while the rest of the city was getting ready for bed. So, they at least knew that he was going to Babel and back just to stretch his legs.
He was going to stretch his legs but soon enough, everything would change.
His aid easily slid across the slightly uneven path but the feeling that he was being watched crept up his shoulders, eliciting a shiver from the blind boy. The air seemed to be denser like someone or something was putting large quantities of weight on him to do something but his mind won't let him do it.
The whispers got louder, and the only word he managed to grasp—after focusing solely on them—was 'waiting'.
"Hu..y…w..ar…waiting…"
"Waiting for what?" He mumbled aloud.
"Oh, there you are Kano!" A bubbly voice said.
Kano's lips curved into a grin without his knowledge, "Lady Lena, how are you?"
The bright and bubbly Amazon, Lena Tally, was before Kano. She easily fell into step with him on his left side, hands behind her back, leaning forward to be slightly below Kano's chin, "So, whatcha doin'?"
"Walking," He said shortly, amused by her antics. "Need time to have some peace. The Gods sure are persistent."
"True true…" Lena nodded. The Amazon may be a level three but she felt her instincts spike, which was odd considering that they were on the surface. "K-Kano, do you feel that?"
"Hmm?" Kano slowed his pace, nearly stopping but wondered why the girl was so scared. He's not that bad, right? "Is something wrong?"
"W-What?" She asked, her wide orange eyes trained on his face, one full of genuine confusion. "O-Oh, n-nothing…"
Kano frowned at her, the confusion gone, "Now now, lying to me doesn't work and unlike the Gods, I can see through it all. What spooked you? Was it me? I know I'm not that intimidating."
The voice spoke up again, this time a little clearer. Still, he couldn't catch the whole sentence but whatever it said next put Kano's blood on ice. He felt as if he was in terrible danger if he kept walking. "You're kidding, right?" Lena asked, her smile still in place but clearly strained.
"I'm not one to joke about, Lady Lena," Kano replied. "What is it?"
"I feel like someone is watching us, and they don't have good intentions…but it's the direction," Lena said, biting her lip.
"I'm afraid I don't understand," Kano replied, smelling the gardens surrounding Babel. He quickly found a bench and gently eased himself on it. "Not an adventurer so I don't have those heightened senses…" He trailed off as a pulse of pain erupted in his head but made no signs of discomfort.
Lena mock frowned at him, "And with you being blind, didn't you say that your other senses were heightened?"
"In theory, anyway," Kano replied after hearing more whispers, making him massage his temple in an attempt to relieve himself of his headache. His fingers came back wet and he paused. He didn't know when he started to sweat but it was enough to worry the girl beside him. Normally, he's all composed but now, he was showing signs of undue stress.
Lena, however, was close to grabbing the blind boy and running away from whatever was coming. The Amazon could feel that whatever was coming was stronger than her, so she shot off the bench and started looking around, "W-We need to l-leave." She didn't want to be here anymore. Something was invoking her fight or flight response and by the Gods, she wanted to choose flight but Kano was here, and she was not going to leave him. A civilian he may be but Lena had grown fond of him in the short time they've known each other.
Still, he was no Bete Loga! She'll earn his love one day and then she'll have plenty of children with him!
Kano pursed his lips, looking at the ground when he heard it. The stomps, the pitter-pattering of footsteps, and the roars…all coming from…below…
His mind flashed back to Monster Feria, where he was in the clutches of that Dragon…and how helpless he felt. The whispers became a gong in his head, and he didn't realize he was softly crying out as Lena touched his forehead. "Make it stop, make it stop, make it stop…make it stop!" He cried, slipping from the bench but Lena caught him by his good arm, stabilizing him.
Other adventurers in the plaza were stunned as this was something that not many were equipped to handle. The ground wasn't shaking but it might as well have since the thundering footsteps were getting louder and louder…
…wait, that was his brain. The whispers were damn near shouts going off right into his sensitive ears. If he wasn't bleeding from the ears or going deaf, he would invest in earmuffs. The whispers became coherent and the multiple voices that overlapped each other, "You are needed. Come. We've been waiting!"
"Just make it stop! STOP!" Kano shouted, his throat becoming raw from the extreme use, his good hand in his hair, damn near close to pulling out a patch of hair just to give him something else to focus on. His eyes were wide open, screaming to Tenkai, tears flowing down his cheeks. "PLEASE! MAKE! IT! STOPPPP!"
…and so the world obeyed. The voices ceased to speak, and the Dungeon fell silent. Soon after that, he passed out unceremoniously.
Lena just stared dumbfounded at the blind boy in her arms, "What the hell did he just do?" That wasn't anything I'd ever seen before. Was this why he didn't want to join any Familia because he had this in his back pocket? But he didn't seem to be in control of it…but…but… Too many things were speeding through the young girl's mind and she didn't have the time to ask him since he was passed out in her arms.
She would have to bring him back to his home quickly without being stopped. The Ganesha Familia would have to investigate…hell, Orario itself will have to be investigated since this had affected a lot of people across the city. Just having the Guild involved will mean a lot of trouble for the future.
"Alright, come on Kano, time to ge-!"
"Unhand Mister Yamabe immediately, Amazon!" Lena's smile halted before a look of fear was etched onto her face. Her chances to leave were now at zero. She was faced with four different women wearing various adventuring garb. She realized how bad this situation looked.
"I didn't think the Ishtar Familia would stoop so low to get a new member."
Lena was somewhat offended by that statement, gently laying Kano on the bench before turning to the irate woman. "Woah woah woah! I didn't do anything to him! He was just walking, I joined him, but then the Dungeon started acting weird, then he was sweating and then he clutched his head whimpering to 'make it stop' then he shouted and then it stopped!" Lena explained in a short, sweet, and simple tone that also said, 'Please don't kill me, I'm actually innocent here!' and she hoped it would work!
Lunoire, wearing her bounty hunting equipment, sighed, "She's telling the truth…uhm…your name?"
"Lena Tally! Thank you for not jumping to conclusions!" The Amazon had to calm her racing heart and adrenaline. She didn't want gray hair yet, unless it was Bete Loga's!
"Right, Lena…did his voice sound…shit, how do I put this?"
"Nya, silly girl, Did Kanya sound more forceful, nya?" Chloe asked, her tail flickering to and fro. Lena nodded, which made all of the Hostess girls flinch, "And the Dungeon stopped whatever it was doing?" To their level four statuses, they could feel it all the way from the tavern. Mama Mia was the one who sent them.
This also meant…if they heard it, then who else heard it?
The one who did hear it was watching with a slack jaw, "H-How?" She dropped her wine glass in surprise. She was watching over her Odr and her new friend when she noticed his soul in distress. What fascinated her was how she heard his voice…all the way from the plaza…and she was sitting at the top floor of Babel.
"My Lady?"
Instead, she stood up, "Ouranos?" She inquired. Freya was concerned. Ottar could not hear the other side of the conversation but with a single look from his Goddess, his mission was clear: Secure Kano Yamabe for his protection. With the swiftness that betrayed his size, Ottar was down the stairs. He had no time to wait for the elevator. He would have jumped out the window but replacing the glass this high up was a job that no one wanted to do if they could help it.
Once Ottar left, Freya fully focused on the conversation, "I don't know how to properly describe it, Ouranos…what of the Dungeon?" She normally wouldn't care much about the Dungeon but since her friend was now in danger, she was concerned. "You've handled it? Good…but what abo-"
Freya's face froze, "Do you have to? He's…I understand…" The Goddess of Beauty sighed again in defeat. This was something even she couldn't predict. Mortals are fascinating and she has learned from them over time, the picture frame in the corner only reminding her of what could have been.
The silver-haired Goddess' Arcanum faded and what she had in her eyes would shake the world…
…tears.
Freya. The Top Familia in Orario, the beacon of its current strength, crying. A certain waitress was currently feeling like someone just punched her in the gut. The feelings of reassurance that came back snapped Freya out of her daze.
"Of course, nothing could be so simple…"
Ottar had arrived at Babel's courtyard and immediately took large strides over to the commotion, his sixth sense trained on the Dungeon. Even for him, he had never seen nor felt the Dungeon be so…quiet. It normally was but this time…this time was different and the unknown excites the Boaz.
"My Lady requests his presence," he announced to see the boy lying on the bench with a pained grimace coating his features. The waitresses paused in surprise at the sight of the King. Anya, the adorable kitten she was, trembled because wherever he was, the Vice-Captain was not far behind.
That Vice-Captain was her elder brother, Allen Fromel. The recent history between them was not one of happiness. Chloe noticed her sister's kin's plight and immediately sought to comfort her, never taking an eye off the bulging man before them.
Lena, however, was trembling. This strength surpassed Bete Loga but she was a loyal woman! She would have the wolf's pups! But her friendship with Kano was important too! She stepped forward to Kano's position and kneeled to touch his forehead gently, her eyes glancing at Ottar.
Ryuu clenched her sword, knowing that she would not be able to fight Ottar. The level difference was simply too great a hurdle to overcome. "Would someone like to explain?"
And it just got more complicated…but that's to be expected if we felt it, they would too. The upper echelon of Loki Familia arrived at Babel, despite the late hour, they were fully dressed and armed. "Don't tell me the blind kid caused that annoyance," Bete spat.
The waitresses all glanced at one another, knowing that they wouldn't be able to swipe Kano under all the confusion, "Miss Lena, it would be wise to leave the area."
"But my future hubby is here!"
"Beat it, bimbo!" Bete snarled defensively. The waitresses swooped in and grabbed the lovesick Amazon, "But what about Kano?! I'm not going to just leave him there!"
Bless the blind boy for he was still down under, not being able to hear this, as he would be touched by this concern. Ottar approached the bench and while the two top Familias were rivals, they had not shown hostility, despite knowing the other was there. Seeing the blind boy sleeping so peacefully, the King closed his eyes and sighed. He was the one who brought genuine happiness to his Lady, he was someone who understood what it means to be misunderstood.
The large man gently picked up the blind boy, being careful of the still-healing arm, and gently grabbed the aid that slipped out of his hand. At first, Ottar struggled to pick it up, which greatly confused him. He's seen Kano hold it like it was a paperweight but suddenly, it allowed him to pick it up. His thoughts were on hold as Finn addressed him, "And what do you plan on doing with an unblessed civilian?"
"His name is Kano Yamabe, Braver. Use it," Ottar said in his gruff voice. "And that…is none of your concern."
"Hey! Don't talk to the Captain that way!" Tione shouted in his defense.
"Are you planning on recruiting him?" Finn then asked, clearly surprised that Ottar was answering him at all. Normally, it would be a gruff answer or none at all.
"No," Ottar answered, already turning back to Babel. He could feel more of the executives around, observing, perhaps coming to investigate. His Lady would want to see him. His senses extended to the Dungeon, wondering if anything was going to change as he approached. When nothing happened, he continued walking at an even pace. "Lady Freya considers him a friend. That is all."
Riveria raised an eyebrow at that, clearly in disbelief but withheld from saying as such. "Will he be unharmed?"
"Yes. It is for his protection," Ottar answered. What Ottar said was true. While he was vaguely ordered to protect Kano, he has come to see the blind boy as someone…not exactly as a son nor an apprentice…but perhaps an acquaintance. What he didn't know was that he considered himself normal in comparison to everyone else. Everyone else around him was eccentric, in a manner of speaking, all for their Lady. "The Gods were already interested in him after your first contact…and he has been…pursued by a plethora of deities since then. If that does not convince you, Braver, then I do not know what will."
Everyone paused as they heard the King, the Warlord, and the Captain of the Freya Familia talk so much. Ryuu's stance had slightly changed, recalling that Kano did say that Freya was a friend. Chloe and Anya's tails were twitching. Lunoire and Lena were tense as this standoff continued. However, there seemed to be a crowd of people forming, and it only made matters worse when the Ganesha Familia arrived. What made it worse was when Ganesha himself arrived and was not wearing his ever-constant smile.
The masked God looked directly at Ottar, more accurately, at the passed-out boy in his arms, "King, would you kindly relinquish the boy in your arms?"
Ottar would listen to no one but his Lady and the executives still hiding knew that, so his answer was predictable, "I cannot, as my Lady has ordered for his protection."
"An order that unfortunately cannot be fulfilled…" a regretful voice said. All eyes turned as Lady Freya made an appearance, making the executives of her Familia appear behind Ottar.
"My Lady?" He asked, even as the others dropped to a knee in reverence.
"By order of Lord Ouranos, Kano is to be seen at the Guild…" she said confidently even though there were unshed tears in her eyes. She approached her Captain and her friend. "You did not fail me, Ottar. Do not think you have. You followed what I had wanted." Her gaze fell upon the unconscious Kano, "And I'm sorry, you are a bright soul that will exceed my expectations."
With that, she laid a loving kiss on his forehead that made him unconsciously smile. "Go, my children. Stay with him until ordered by a Guild employee, then return to me." Freya then looked at Loki's children, "Go on, you must have something to report back to the Trickster."
"No," Ganesha said, "This situation requires their presence. All of us will be heading to the Guild to get to the bottom of this. Shakti," Ganesha turned to his faithful Captain, "Do what you must to quell the panic for I AM GANEHSA!"
Shakti Varma, a woman with blue hair and blue eyes, wearing an orange vestment with tassels and buckles layered across her form. She rolled her eyes at her God's exuberance but complied with the order. The Masses were numbered in the thousands, the most adventurers in any Familia. With the demise of the Justice Familia, Astraea, it was on Ganesha to be the 'police' force of Orario.
Babel's Gardens had seen more activity tonight than in the last seven years. Ottar did not like this and his soul must have reflected that since Freya turned back to him, "He will be alright but Kano has a new purpose."
"I understand, My Lady."
Freya noted with a sad smile as he walked away…it was the first time he had ever lied to her.
The Dungeon itself refused to be silent and shook once more, and it made Kano shift in the behemoth man's arms. Then, it fell silent once more.
It could wait.
Kano's consciousness blurred as he 'opened' his eyes. He felt tired, exhausted even. His body ached like never before. "Kano, what have I told you before?"
A voice he knew, "Lady Airmid…"
"Do you know what happened?" She sounded angry with him and he doesn't know why.
"Was walking…Babel…t-then…v-voices…make it stop…" he mumbled, still adjusting to waking up. "W-Where…"
"At the Guild, in their recovery room. Your aid is on your left, Mister Ottar had it with him but he described that when he tried to pick it up, it resisted him for a brief moment before it allowed him to carry it. While I do wish to ask about it, it is not my place. As for me, I was called in to assess your condition. Whatever you did made the Dungeon react and for the life of me, and all my expertise, cannot figure out why," the normal doll-like voice was alight with anger, confusion, and worry. "All the adventurers in Orario felt it and there has already be-"
She paused, knowing that if she continued that line of thought, Kano would feel guilty. She instead took a breath and released it slowly, "What happened?"
"…I…I have been hearing a voice…whispering. It's all muddled," Kano said slowly, not to annoy his voice since his throat felt raw. Airmid held a cup of water to his lips and he gratefully drank it. "It's been happening for two weeks…this is the first time I've felt like I could make out the words."
"Does Miss Mikoto know?" Airmid asked plainly.
"No. Who would believe me?" He countered harshly. "It sounds outrageous, Lady Airmid. Something out of a children's fairy tale! All I know is that supposedly, the Dungeon itself was whispering to me! Why?"
Airmid's voice softened and spoke her true feelings on the matter, "I believe you, Kano. You are not one to spout lies to cover yourself. So please, tell me what it said."
Kano's retort died in his throat since the sincerity and the truth in her voice filled him with hope. Someone believed him. Someone believed that he wasn't crazy. Tears flowed from his murky eyes, "Y-You…"
Airmid lowered herself on the bed and gently encased him in her arms. She knows that this has been a lot and for the life of her, the whole thing sounds crazy. She knew that he wouldn't lie. Her face shifted into a soft smile as if she was consoling a little brother of sorts. She laid her nose on his scalp and closed her eyes, offering comfort.
Kano's good arm snaked around the healer's waist, holding her, crying his eyes out. Once he let his tears go, he loosened his arms, "Sorry about your clothes."
"It's fine, Kano," Airmid whispered, "Now, tell me what they said, please."
Taking a stuttering breath, he spoke, "All I really got was 'we' and 'waiting' but for what or whom, I'm afraid I'm unsure."
"Thank you, then rest here, I will report that you've awoken but need a little time to yourself," Airmid said. She stood up, straightened out her skirt, and made loud footsteps to the door. Once she opened the door, all Kano could feel were eyes on him. "Step. Away. Now." He heard Airmid's Dea Saint voice. A voice she only uses when people get in the way of healing or caring for her patients.
"Miss Airmid, w-"
"Later, when Mister Yamabe is more alert and ready to answer your questions. I understand you want answers and he does too as he is the one in the dark just as much as we are. He can hear this entire conversation, so I would advise you to choose your words wisely, Braver."
Kano's head turned to the conversation, now knowing the Pallum was there. "We are concerned about what this will bring."
"Save it, Braver, you do not truly care about his well-being, you care if he is a threat or not based on what had transpired hours ago. If all you do is pressure him, you will receive scorn in return," Airmid said before shutting the door, which made Kano realize that she wanted him to hear that.
His hand went to his aid and he gently cradled it on his bed, laying it across his lap. He gently caressed the aid as it was his only lifeline. Even though he just shed tears, more flooded from his eyes. And for the first time…
"Mom…Dad…what's happening to me? Why did you have to leave me? I could use your guidance now more than ever…"
…he cried for his lost parents, wanting nothing more than the parental affection they could offer. Unbeknownst to him, many were listening in and heard the tears and the sorrow he spilled. Freya was the one in front of them all, wanting nothing more than to comfort her friend, the one who understood her and to think, his life was about to get harder.
So much for peace…
Kano let his senses blur as he got up, thanks to Airmid, and she helped him get dressed in a long shirt and pants. He was hardly expressive, rivaling the Sword Princess or even herself on their best days. It worried the healer. She wanted to say something to comfort him but upon seeing his face, those murky eyes somehow more clouded than before…she chose not to.
"Follow me, Kano," Airmid gently instructed. She was guiding him by his arm. His recently fixed broken arm. She had gently applied a potion to the last sections of his arm. He now had his full range of motion back.
He didn't speak, he didn't react. He just followed. As soon as he exited the room, all eyes were on him but once more, he did not flinch. Kano let all of his emotions fly out of him when he sobbed.
Everyone was there. Name them, they were. This was a big event in Orarian history. The Guild was packed, hell even partially closed to accommodate the sheer number of adventurers inside. The Loki Familia, Freya Familia, Ganesha Familia, Hephaestus Familia, The Hostess crew—with Ryuu hidden—Ishtar Familia—surprisingly not hostile with Freya being there—and even Hestia Familia. The one that was the most important was Takemikazuchi Familia, all because of one person. "Kano!"
He paused, hearing that voice. He turned to her and he heard her gasp. Soon enough, footsteps rapidly approached him. A part of him wanted to stop her but in his heart, he needed some comfort. Freya, who was monitoring his soul, noticed the positive effects she had on him. "Mikoto…I-"
"Don't!" She cried muffled into his shoulder, "Don't say you're sorry! I should be the one who should be apologizing begging for your forgiveness!"
"There is…nothing to forgive…" Kano replied confused, his throat sore from all the crying he did. "My heart feels better with you here…that is enough."
Mikoto held him tighter. She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. She stood on her tiptoes—even in heels, she was shorter than him—and kissed his cheek, longer than before. Freya, again, noticed that his soul spiked, along with Mikoto's. Those two are meant for one another.
"Lord Ouranos is waiting, now is not the time for public affection!" Royman Mardeel, a fat elf and the Guild Branch leader said. His immaculate suit showed that he was incredibly wealthy. Everyone glanced at him with disdain for interrupting such a cute moment.
Kano looked in his general direction, "Heartless. Your voice betrays you. Your only love is money."
Airmid bit her lips to withhold the accurate statement. Freya did no such thing and giggled. Ishtar, having only known the boy for a short time, also laughed under her breath. He already knew what the elf was like only having just met.
Royman moved on from the jab like he would anything, "Lord Ouranos requests that Kano Yamabe, Lady Freya, Lady Ishtar, Lady Loki, and Lord Ganesha be in attendance. No others may accompany. When information becomes available to us, the appropriate Familias will be made aware and under a gag order to not spread what is learned here today."
Kano curled Mikoto into his side, letting his head rest on hers. He honestly felt something when he was with her. His soul found comfort in her. Parting from her was out of the question. Mikoto sensed that he didn't want to go, "Just go, I'll be right here when you come out, no matter how long it takes."
Kano turned and kissed her temple, broadcasting his feelings in such a simple action to her. She was his angel, his Seraph. "Okay."
As he stepped away from her, Freya was next to him, "Hello, Kano."
"L-…Freya," he greeted with a small smile. "Would it be too much trouble to ask for help? I'm afraid I don't know the layout of the building."
"My pleasure," she smiled gently at him, encompassing his left arm with her right.
"Young Kano, do you mind if I also assist?" Ishtar's voice came from his right. Even though the two Beauty Goddesses should be glaring at one another, the blind boy made them rethink how they act.
"I don't find an issue with that. However, I must be imagining the many jealous glares I'm feeling. To think that such a lowly mortal such as myself would be able to have both types of beautiful women escort me…"
Ishtar frowned at his double meaning, as did Freya. The two gazed at one another, nodding. This was also a historic moment, the two Familias sharing an incredulous glance. This boy might actually do things that no one has ever thought possible!
"Just let us take care of you," Freya said softly. "We will be by your side for as long as you wish." The silver-eyes of the Goddess promised that and more…
…not that kind of more…
"Plus, little Lena has been worried sick about you. You should take responsibility, Kano," Ishtar said to tease him, her nature coming through.
Kano sighed, "I guess I do owe her an apology. Would I be able to come see her sometime after this…whatever comes after this?"
"Of course, I'll let the district know you're coming," Ishtar said, her jewelry clinking against her body.
Mikoto watched Kano's interactions with the two Beauty Goddesses and was shocked to see how amicable they were with each other. He must have felt her gaze because he turned to her and smiled. Her heart pulsed in her chest, her cheeks turned red and she hid behind her hair. Ouka and Chisuga smiled at their friend.
Loki snickered, "Of course, it's this kid that can get those two to get along…where was he beforehand?" She whined jokingly at the end of her sentence, getting Finn and Riveria to roll their eyes.
As Royman escorted the group to a long staircase, Kano felt the presence of the God and slowly paused. The two Goddesses hanging on him noticed and clarified, "Ouranos is the first God to descend to Gekai, his presence is a lot for someone without a Falna but he needs that to keep his prayers concentrated on the Dungeon."
A frown took place on Kano's face, "The same Dungeon I interrupted somehow."
"And an answer to that, I have. Come, young Kano," Ouranos' voice, Kano presumed, echoed up the stairs.
Royman stood to the side, "This is as far as I go, good luck."
The four gods and one mortal descended the stairs. Loki decided to strike up a conversation on the way, "So, kiddo, what do you think this is about?"
"Me and dungeon," Kano replied plainly. What else could it be? "I don't understand why it is this way. I've been in Orario for seventeen years and this hasn't happened until last month."
Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, they were greeted by a torchlit room with a large throne. On that throne was an old man with a hood, his eyes expressed his age and wisdom. His eyes fell on Kano and he met that stare. "So, it is true. He is the one."
Ganesha's elephant mask turned toward the blind boy, "You're certain?"
"Why not let him explain," Ouranos inquired. "Young Kano, the Dungeon did indeed react to your presence. Have you experienced anything out of the ordinary in the last month?" A gentle question to start off.
Kano opened his mouth to speak…but then closed it. "Yes…and it started at the Hostess. Lady Loki, you know the night I refer to."
The tomboy Goddess nodded, "Oh yeah, where you made drunk Bete heel by saying one word!"
"Did his voice…change, Loki?" The Primordial God asked.
Loki's eyes widened, showing the crimson irises that many rarely see, "It did! Wait…but what does that mean? Come on, old man, you know the answer don't you?"
"It's happened more than once…" Kano muttered. "Three more times." He looked up, "Once with Lady Ishtar's Berbera, when they wanted me to go see her. I had told them that I wouldn't be going with them. They then tried to say something along those lines but found themselves unable to say it. The next was when I was in the Hostess of Fertility when I was with Lady Yamato Mikoto, my…girlfriend…? The waitresses were concerned about me and I told them that it felt right in my soul that she was here."
"My Berbera told me of this incident and I detected no lies. They found it confusing on how he would have such an effect to that of a divine charm," Ishtar backed up Kano. The RLD Goddess did not hold ill-will toward the blind boy. She had hoped to foster a friendship.
"And the last one was nearly a day ago, correct?" Ouranos finished. Kano merely nodded, not surprised that he was out for an entire day. The old God sighed, "I see…how we have missed this is beyond me. My prayers have kept the Dungeon in check for a long time. I cannot move from this throne as my dedication is always required but you, Kano Yamabe, are what is known as an Oracle. You are one of the rare people over this last thousand years that can commune with the Dungeon on a deeper level than myself, since he will be allowed in the Dungeon. The Dungeon will never intend to harm the Oracle."
Kano didn't realize it before he slumped over but the hands cradling his head belonged to none other than the two beauty Goddesses.
"My Lord, I believe he has passed out…"
Ouranos nodded, "To be expected. We shall wait until he wakes up as I do not wish to explain it twice. However, I'm ordering all four of your Familias to subtly protect him from this day onward until his final breath." Ouranos raised his staff and clacked it against the throne.
All of Orario heard it and to the Gods, that meant business.
…
So, this is where I might lose some of you. I would like to kindly remind you that this story was made with no definite plan in mind. I originally wanted to make Kano a spirit of some kind but I felt that wouldn't work the way I intended it to.
Side note: Longest chapter of the story, you're welcome and sorry for the wait.
This Oracle business will be explained much more next chapter, aside from what I've breifely said in this chapter but I would like to hear your theories and or ideas. I may not come out and respond as easily but still, it's nice to hear from you. I think this is the fastest I've written a chapter in a while. Less than a week actually.
I've had a little bit of fun with this story, so I'm not expecting it to be perfect but as I've said nearly a year ago, I wanted to give a different perspective on the Dungeon. This means that the Oracle stuff will be included. I have not seen someone else do this, nor do I intend to copy from someone who has.
Otherwise, I know the time skip may have come as a suprise but since I have more plans that come further along the timeline, I needed them to be there and yes Kano's reaction was one hundred percent warrented. I imagine being told that you could speak to a Dungeon you wanted nothing to do with would shock anyone.
Next update: Tales of Royalty.
