Chapter 42: Bad Blood/New Blood
Midori:
"Oh my… I never thought this would happen." Talking to her comatose children, Midori watched anxiously as the crowds on TV roared loudly. The location was a local parliament branch where the DOO rescue force was housed.
Midori herself was the direct catalyst for the riots. Her blog had been found by an international news outlet and had blown up. Now it wasn't only Japanese citizens, but the whole world wanting an explanation.
What happened to the comatose players?
Why have some of them been freed from their NerveGear prison?
Rumors were spreading that foreign countries, particularly China and the US, were interested in studying these people.
Just the thought of such hearsay made Midori lay a comforting hand on her son's shoulder. Rubbing it, she could feel the muscle there. The once bony boy had completely reversed course. The decay and steady atrophy of the first few weeks had reversed course and turned into muscle building.
Midori could hear the nurses mutter about how unnatural it was, but they refused to say anything to her face, just assuring her that her son was physically fine. Suguha was in no danger of her body giving out. She still seemed to be going through puberty normally. Like Kazuto, her already athletic body was getting toned even further.
Creak.
Turning as the hospital door made a sound, Midori glared at the unwanted visitor. "I would have thought you'd be cooped up in your besieged workplace."
The person who entered the room was no other than the bespectacled Kikuoka. Midori would never greet anyone else so coldly.
The government man smiled back, lifting a hand in answer. "Very cold Mrs. Kirigaya. Was it not you that caused my office to be besieged?"
"You wanted to lie to the public," Midori shot back, not denying the accusation.
"Should I not have?" Pointing at the television, Kikuoka pushed up his glasses. Midori didn't think herself a violent person, but this man radiated an energy that enticed Midori to slap him. "Look at that crowd, listen to the rumors. Your blog revealing the 'truth' has caused only distress."
"Grr…" Midori clenched her hand but had no reply. His words were honeyed with an irrefutable logic. It was the same as the adoption of the second wave plan. He spoke and then it happened. Even though it made no sense.
"Do not worry. I won't seek any financial compensation, or any other kind."
Midori hated how he smiled like that was a boon. The truth was that Midori was too small to bother punishing.
"In fact," Kikuoka continued, "I should thank you. You've put pressure on our government in a way that I couldn't have. My plan can now move to the next stage."
"Your… plan?"
"Hmm… I can't say much about it; but imagine this." Turning to face Midori, Kikuoka spread his hands. "Another world, one where our young people are trapped with only death waiting. The future seems dark."
Midori rolled her eyes impatiently as the well-dressed government man waxed about the situation.
"However!" Kikuoka posed dramatically. "A series of artificial lifeforms are entered alongside them with the sole purpose of taking on the deathly challenges to save people's lives. It could be the answer to everything."
"…You're crazy." Midori decided. "This isn't chess, it's virtual reality. AI is nowhere near the level necessary to do something like that."
"Hehe, you are right of course. Bottom-up AI could never achieve a task like this in the next couple of decades."
Midori considered the man coldly for a moment. Deciding it was no longer worthwhile to continue the conversation, she pressed the button on the watch she wore.
"Is there an issue, Mrs. Kirigaya?" The nurses voice floated through the speakers.
"Yes, my children have a visitor whose time has run out. Could you escort him out?"
"Security will be up in a moment, ma'am."
"Oof, that was unnecessary." Kikuoka laughed heartily. "Anyway, I do need to be going now, I'm running out of time."
Pausing at the door to the hospital room yet again, Kikuoka sent one final glance back at Midori. "You still have my phone number, yes? I have a feeling you'll want it when the vultures descend."
Left along with only her thoughts and unresponsive children for company, Midori sighed and collapsed in an empty chair. "How did this happen…?"
Lili:
"Ha! Ishtar familia? That bunch of prostitutes? Their battle plan is to lie down and spread their legs!" The male Prum's voice shook slightly as he delivered scathing criticism.
Inside of her disguise, Lili was sweating. Her role in this plan was extremely dangerous.
Sitting in a seedy bar on the edge of the pleasure district, Lili was attempting to execute what Kirito called 'the most important part' of winning the wargame. The extreme pressure was nerve-wracking. At the same time though, Lili was filled with a strange elation.
The stark difference between her treatment now and Soma familia gave Lili the motivation to push through. Any killing between familias would result in a disqualification now that the terms of the wargame were laid down. Getting beaten to a pulp was still an option though…
A dull thud of glasses getting slammed on a table made Lili wince. Her eyes scanned quickly across the participants of the bar. Almost all of the patrons were men building the confidence to hit up the nearby brothels.
The table the sound came from however was one of the few not occupied by men. Sitting there was a group of Ishtar familia members that were now all glaring daggers at the disguised Lili.
"D-Damn, Luan!" One of the Apollo familia members he was sitting with stuttered. "Keep it down, would ya!?"
"Why?" Lili drawled using her stolen voice. "You aren't scared of women, are you?"
Going after the male's inferiority complex when it came to the sexes usually worked. This time however, he leaned down and hissed. "These aren't women, they're amazons!"
"You doubt Lord Apollo's wisdom in involving us in this?" Fake Luan frowned. This wasn't going nearly as well as he had hoped it would. He thought Apollo familia would be more confident in their ability to win.
"W-Wait, it isn't that I don't think we can win… b-but this is their home base!"
"So?" Luan snorted. "They turned it into a brothel because they can't make it as adventurers!"
"Ha…" Light laughter trickled out of the few companions that had accompanied the daring members of Apollo familia. Most likely this endeavor was forbidden by Apollo. Thankfully, most familias had members that skirted the edge of the rules.
"Hey, little boy. You say something?"
"Huh?" Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Luan turned and blinked up at the amazon that grabbed him. In standard amazon fashion, the woman was almost naked showing off her toned copper skin. Her make-up was a little over the top with bright blue eyeshadow and matching lips. Large gold hoops hung from her ears with a strong perfume that clogged Luan's nose.
"Yeah you, boy. You talking shit about Ishtar familia?"
Gulping, Luan felt his courage flagging. The grip on his shoulder demonstrated that this amazon was a powerful adventurer.
"Well Luan," the most drunk member taunted. "Tell her what you said."
"Y-Yeah, you're right!" Staring her down, the Prum boy smirked, "you prostitutes should leave the war game to the real adventurers. Stay in the bedroom where you belong!"
"Ha!" Releasing Luan's shoulder, the amazon crossed her arms and intentionally pushed up her large chest. "I like my men feisty! Take your pick, battlefield or bedroom. I'll flatten you in five minutes either way!"
This woman is crazy! Lili ranted to herself. My disguise is in serious danger!
"Oohhh!" The Apollo members cheered in unison. "Well Luan? What's it going to be? Gonna put them in their place?"
This is falling apart! Protect me! Lili was realizing too late that Luan, while the other members ignored him and therefore didn't notice any potential personality changes since the replacement, they also had no respect for him.
She could get herself knocked out and they would probably just laugh and not help. If she wasn't careful Lili would find herself waking up in a ditch in her own body. The magic wouldn't last through unconsciousness.
"Well?" The amazon drawled. Her drinking companions were still sitting down at the table and chuckling now. In their mind the problem was already taken care of.
Think, Lili, think….
Time ticked on for an awkward silence, as Lili's mind whirred to find a solution. Gulping again, she did the only thing she could think of.
"Ha! As if I would do either!" Pointing a shaking finger at the amazon, Lili hoped it wouldn't get removed in the next few seconds. "The only one for me is Lord Apollo!"
"Wait really?" One of the Apollo members exclaimed in surprise.
"Huh, didn't think you were a huge fan of his…"
Thankfully, their reactions were ignored as the amazon's smirk fell. Glaring at Luan, she appeared genuinely upset again.
"Oh? A fan of that pervert deity of yours? I see… Well that idiot is about to lose everything for sticking his nose into Goddess Ishtar's business."
Yes! Lili crowed to herself. The conversation was now going more in the direction she had been hoping for. The other amazons as well had perked up sensing a shift in the outcome.
"Hey now!" The other Apollo members spoke up. "Our god recruits those that deserve to join our familia! It's your familia that got in his way!"
"You idiots have no idea about Ishtar's grand plans! To think your idiotic god would get in her way because he can't keep it in his pants about two little boys."
Luan shrank away as the encounter shifted to the other Apollo familia members. If she could sneak away in the commotion…
Cracking their knuckles, the Apollo members stood up in unison. Making a show of solidarity, the burliest member of the group strode forward. A rough dwarf, he had fallen out of Apollo's favor as his youthful features rapidly faded with age.
"Oi, oi! It seems Luan was right! I may not get the chance to smack you around during the wargame, but I can indulge ya right now if you prefer?"
"Ha! You, dwarf? You're second-rate garbage!"
At this point the rest of the amazons had risen and filtered over. The two groups were neatly matched at five combatants a team, not counting Luan.
Have I done it? Did I succeed?
"You're right!" He agreed to Lili's surprise. "You aren't worthy of getting thrashed by me! Luan will take you on!"
"Don't bring me back into this!" Lili complained instinctively.
"Don't worry! We have your back!"
"Yeah, go get her Luan!"
"We believe in you!"
"…I need to use the restroom." Declaring that, Lili turned around and walked toward the bar door. The whole place had descended into silence as the occupants stared at the showdown. Nothing happened until she reached the door.
"Hey, where are you going!? The toilet is the other direction."
"Be right back!" Throwing it open, Lili darted into the night. Huffing and puffing, Lili's arms were pumping as her slight frame darted toward the nearby babel.
Based on the commotion behind her it sounded like a fight was breaking out. Both parties probably forgetting about the small prum boy as soon as the door closed behind him.
Kirito:
"Five days left." Sitting around the table, it was dawn of the third day since Hestia had challenged Ishtar to a wargame. Speaking to himself more than the other occupants, Kirito felt bad for his familia members.
Each one of them were already exhausting. Most of all was Lili. The poor girl had returned only a few hours ago covered in mud and sweat.
"Yeah," Lili sighed. "While our numbers are unfavorable, a bit more prodding and Apollo and Ishtar will be at each other's throats."
"You did well," Kirito smiled at the exhausted Prum. They were two of the only people up at this point. Bell had returned late last night from another long day of training. Silica and Leafa were part of the information gathering squad and in a similar position. Strea and Yui still had sleep in their eyes and were listening to the conversation. Hestia had tried but fell asleep with her head on the table. Haruhime was the only other one awake. She was in the kitchen fidgeting, trying to make coffee for everyone.
"Thanks… But I don't think it will be enough. From what I've seen there is a very real chance that Ishtar familia may just destroy Apollo quickly before coming for us."
"Hmm…" Muttering, Kirito felt a heavy exhaustion settle over his body. He had spent most of the last three days training with Rain and Philia. While he spent more time than expected with their heads in his lap, the training had been long and hard.
Lately all Kirito felt like he did was train. Kayaba's proclamation about clearing the dungeon was beginning to feel like a distant dream. Like the main quest in an open world RPG that he had forgotten about. Even now that goal seemed like a distant possibility that required many more levels. An end game nearly impossible raid when Kirito was still learning the controls.
Smirking at how his own mental thoughts still related everything to video game terms, Kirito leaned his head back to the ceiling.
"What's wrong with you?" Lili accused him. "You aren't going senile… are you?"
"Not yet. Just thinking that we will be together for awhile yet."
"I'm not so sure about that!" Lili protested. "This wargame is going to be the death of me!"
"I'll make sure it isn't." Leaning across the table, Kirito rubbed her curly brown hair softly.
"Ahh," Lili sighed contently, allowing her small body to collapse against the table. "If only Bell would follow your example and form a harem…"
The exhausted words must have originated from Lili's sub-conscious. She no longer had the inhibition resulting from a clear mind to temper her words.
In response to the barely audible utterance, Hestia shot up from the table, her eyes scanning back and forth on high alert. "Bell's forming a harem!?"
"Err…" Kirito replied.
"Is something happening?" Strea yawned, I zoned out for a moment.
"Checking memory bank…" Yui spoke robotically. "Reports indicate that Bell is following Papa's footsteps and is likely forming a harem in the near future."
"Oh, that's nice," Strea yawned again. "I'm sure that will make Lili and Haruhime happy."
Why are you two so nonchalant about this!?
Echoing Kirito's slight distress at how easily the two were accepting this unconfirmed twist was a loud crack from the kitchen.
Rushing over, Kirito found a stunned Haruhime standing before a pair of broken cups that had been filled with coffee. The liquidity goodness now staining the new floor of the renovated church. "H-Haruhime, what happened?"
"B-Bell is adding me to a harem? This is so fast. Do I deserve such an honor?"
Kirito's expression froze. Slowly, all expression faded from it. "That is what caused you to drop the coffee?" He asked flatly.
"Yes!" Haruhime nodded fervently. "I just wasn't prepared for such a big change!"
"You…" Grabbing Haruhime by the shoulders, Kirito shook her. "You dropped my coffee because people were muttering half-awake lines!?"
Releasing her, Kirito collapsed to his knees, the coffee on the ground staining the dark material.
"Ah… It isn't… It isn't fair."
"K-Kirito!?" Haruhime squealed. "H-Hang in there! I made more! Let me get you another cup!"
"…There's more?"
"Yes!" Haruhime yelled swiftly in answer. "P-Please just wait a moment."
"…Oh." Blushing slightly, Kirito felt a wave of embarrassment remove the fog of exhaustion that had caused his desperation. "P-Please ignore my actions then."
A few minutes later, Kirito had half a cup of coffee inside of him and was feeling energized. The despair from earlier had transformed into unfading embarrassment. Taking another glance at the poor Renart girl, they shared an awkward blush.
Hestia had stayed awake as Lili passed out. Thankfully, Hestia didn't seem to remember what she had said. Even without knowledge of the ruckus she had helped cause, her eyes flickered around the table in distrust.
"H-Here you are!"
"…Thank you." Mumbling his appreciation, Kirito held out his cup to Haruhime. After it had been filled to the brim once again, Kirito blew on it. Downing a small mouthful, the bitter, scalding liquid burned Kirito's tongue while concurrently providing him with additional energy.
"Hu hum!" Clearing her throat, Hestia tried to grab everyone's attention. Yui's response was to blink once and lean her head against Strea. The larger girl looked like she wanted to do the same thing.
"Yes?" Kirito asked politely, sitting back down as Haruhime continued cleaning the floor. Kirito had learned early on not to offer to help clean up her messes. It just made her more upset and prone to make more.
"What's on the agenda today?" Hestia declared in best boss tone.
"Uhh… I have no idea?" Kirito shrugged, drinking some more coffee. "Lili's plan seems to be going well. She just needs to exacerbate it with another round tonight."
"I see…" Hestia appeared deflated by Kirito's answer. Why, he had no idea. "S-So what is everyone else doing?"
"Hmm…" Muttering, Kirito fingered the hilt that hung comfortably on his back. The sword hung there so often he regularly forgot it was there. At this point the blade had been with him for a long time and had gotten him through dozens of tight spots.
Forged using the horn of a raging minotaur, it was the first blade Lizbeth had produced after hitting level two. It was partly due to the blade's own power that Kirito had been able to stand-up to the likes of Ulfric, Aisha, and Imizael.
"I need to see Liz. Hopefully she'll be willing to sell us some magic swords for the wargame. Her skill may be the difference between victory and defeat."
Hestia sighed before nodding her agreement. "Even if Ishtar and Apollo fight a battle until one side is utterly eliminated, it may still be a challenging fight."
"I agree," Kirito nodded stiffly. His mind fled back to the ambush on the nineteenth floor. Between the four combats, Hyacinthus, captain of Apollo familia, was closer to Kirito in skill and status than either Aisha or Ulfric. In the wargame, if the three of them entered into a fight to the death, Kirito knew who he would bet on, and it wasn't himself.
Liz's magic sword had been the difference maker last time. Even with it, Kirito had gotten lucky that Aisha had blocked with her leg instead of an arm.
Their best chance was to outnumber her. The problem being, of course, that their familia was already extremely short on numbers. The only salvation was that Hestia had argued them down to teams of 25. A number like 50 would have been essentially impossible.
"Umm, can I ask a question?" Haruhime asked nervously. The room was inundated with the smell of coffee that she had just finished mopping up.
"Please do," Hestia replied, her more god-like personality emerging in the serious atmosphere.
"Uhh, well is there no way for me to help? Aisha is strong, but if I could use my magic on Kirito…"
"Impossible," Hestia denied immediately. "We would be disqualified. Against a familia that knows your magic innately it would be too easy for them to confirm that we were cheating."
"I see…" The renart's ears fell against her head and her tail drooped. "I'm useless after all. I ask time and time again for you all to fight for me and do nothing."
Hestia chuckled at that. "Don't worry about it. My familia members seem obsessed with helping everyone they can."
"Yes," Haruhime blushed lightly. "Master Bell really is too kind…"
"And now you pissed me off again!" Hestia raged. "Just mope for all I care!"
"Eep! I'm so sorry!" Taking Hestia's advice far too literally, Haruhime ducked her head and dashed away to find something else to do.
Kirito hoped it wasn't making breakfast, they needed to be able to work today. Her meal at the lake was good though… Reigning in his unfair thoughts, Kirito stood up, stomach still growling. Downing the rest of his coffee, Kirito set the empty cup in the kitchen and made to leave the house.
"Hey, Kirito?" Hestia sighed heavily.
Turning to look at her, Kirito was shocked by the resignation in her eyes. "Yes Goddess?"
"My answer is yes."
"…Okay?" Confused by the answer to a question that had been yet to be asked, Kirito set off for the familiar blacksmith shop.
Even in the early morning, the streets were buzzing. People of all races and backgrounds were gathering to talk.
As Kirito passed, sound cut off almost instantly. People's faces assumed a wide range of expressions. It wasn't long before the braver ones were bombarding him with questions.
"Black knight! How are you going to win?"
"Is your goddess suicidal? Ishtar familia is going to rip you apart!"
Overwhelmed by the barrage of random words, Kirito stopped moving. "Err…"
"The bookies have Hestia familia at 10 to 1 odds. Is that a good bet?"
"T-Ten to one?" Kirito stuttered back. He got attention occasionally in the city. Especially after levelling up, setting the new record. This was on a whole different level. It wasn't just deities sizing him up, it was everyone. Literally every single person that seemed to have nowhere important to be was trying to get a word in.
"S-Sorry!" Pushing his way through the throng Kirito ran away. The onlookers were left speechless at the speed of a mid-class adventurer.
Darting down the various streets, Kirito had more than one person recognize and call out to him. Feeling slightly bad, Kirito continued on his dash; only slowing down to ensure he wouldn't run into anyone.
Long before his projected arrival time, Kirito slid into the general blacksmith building. Despite the incredibly early hour, the sound of forging came strongly from the building.
Taking one last furtive glance outside, Kirito confirmed that he wasn't followed. Either because they didn't care that much, or he had lost them. Sighing in relief, Kirito turned around and yelped.
Standing right there was a sturdy dwarf man. He was grinding his teeth together and glaring at Kirito. Despite the race usually being short, he stood almost equal to Kirito in height.
"So, you did come…"
"What is it with today and people saying vague, prophetic things?" Kirito whined internally, miffed at getting spooked.
The dwarf poked Kirito hard in the chest. "If I hear one word about you mistreating her…"
"Err…" As the lines continued, Kirito was still left in the dark. What do all of these people know? "I-I have to see Liz, later!"
"Grr…"
Ignoring the upset man, Kirito tiptoed past the ceaseless workers until he arrived at Liz's familiar bench. The sight of the girl was almost nostalgic. It had been forever since he had been here last. With so many things spiraling out of control, small moments like this were hard to find.
Liz had yet to notice him. Her forge was still dark, but a hammer lay in her hand. Every other second or so she'd bounce it around, change her grip. The readjustment was interspersed with sighs and grimaces.
"Yo Liz, something wrong?" Not wanting to spy any longer, Kirito tried to greet her casually.
"Aah!" Shooting to her feet, Liz raised the hammer defensively. "K-Kirito!?"
"W-Whoa!" Raising his hands in surrender, Kirito leaned his face away from hammer range.
"S-Sorry." Putting it down, Liz began fidgeting again. "S-So you've come to ask, huh?"
Not her too!
"Ahh, well, you know…" I don't though… Still somehow the only person who had yet to figure out whatever it was everyone thought he was doing; Kirito took the spare stool.
Liz shifted even more nervously as they locked eyes. "Kirito, there is something I have to do first."
"Y-Yeah… Go ahead."
"Fuu…" Taking a deep breath, Liz's body twisted slightly.
Kirito's battle instincts kicked in, his reactions going beyond what was humanely possible. He saw it all in excruciating detail; Liz's muscles tighten in concert as her right arm swung up towards his face.
Wondering why he deserved it, Kirito didn't dodge. Smack! With a loud crack, her palm struck his cheek. The blow was delivered with the strength of a level two blacksmith. It was probably enough to kill a falnaless person.
Thankfully, Kirito's level three endurance let him withstand it. Even with his status, Kirito was knocked clean backwards off the stool.
Gazing up at Liz with slightly disorientated vision, Kirito spoke the only word that came to mind. "Ow."
"You're such… an idiot."
"Liz… Why are you crying?" Kirito asked.
"I'm not!" The girl shouted back, wiping off the evidence with a sleeve.
"…Okay." Having become wise enough to realize it was best not to pursue the issue, Kirito stood up and resumed his seat. Lizbeth followed his lead and sat back down as well. "You're upset about the wargame?"
"Aren't you?" Liz sniffed. "Can you even win?"
"Of course," Kirito answered confidently. It wasn't a lie either. He knew there was hope. In fact, he'd give them pretty good odds as long as both familias didn't rush them in the hopes of crushing Hestia familia quickly.
"Ha, that's just like you…" Liz sniffed again, but no more tears were coming. "So… are you going to ask?"
"…Right!" Kirito snapped his finger, smiling widely. "It would be a huge help if you could repair my sword again. Also, if you have any magic swords I can buy…"
"Are you serious?" Liz cut him off.
"Y-Yes?" Kirito wondered where he had stepped wrong this time. "Your weapons could be our key… to victory?" Finishing uncertainly, Liz's face was a growing storm cloud.
Glaring daggers at Kirito, her voice conveyed exactly what she thought of Kirito's intellect. "How many people do you have in your familia?"
"Umm… half a dozen or so?"
"How many will the other familias be bringing?"
"Twenty-five…"
"So?" Liz growled.
"So…" Flushing from embarrassment, Kirito was positive he was missing something at this point. "So, we really need your weapons more than ever?"
"…You're going to make me say it? Aren't you?"
"I'm sorry?" Kirito apologized reflexively, leaning away.
Just as Kirito was expecting the worst, Liz's face softened, her eyes turning downcast. "You're so kind you never even considered the possibility. I am not sure if that makes it better or worse…"
"L-Liz please, you're killing me over here!" Kirito pled for clarification.
"The participants in the war game need to belong one of the participating familias of course." Liz continued, still not giving an answer.
"Of course…"
"So…" Liz said, growing exasperated.
"Err…"
"Ugh!" Slamming the nearby table, Liz yelled in Kirito's face. "So, invite me to join your familia you blockhead!"
Eyes growing wide, the day's events clicked for Kirito. My answer is yes. So, you did come.
"Oh."
"Oh!?" Liz raged. "Should recruiting more fighters have not been your first priority!?"
"Haha…" Probably. Kirito admitted internally. "Honestly Liz… I don't you want you there. You should be here, doing something you love, not struggling on the battlefield with us."
"And now you just assume I'll accept!" Liz raged, throwing her hands in the air. "Urgh, how can such a blockhead be so important to me!?"
"Haha…" Laughing weakly once again, Kirito got the impression that the worst was over.
"Anyway…" Sighing deeply, Liz locked eyes with Kirito. He tended forgot how warm the dark pink eyes were with how often she was glaring. "You need all the help you can get; I am not sitting this one out."
"…You got it." Reaching up, Kirito fluffed her short brown hair.
"Grr, why you."
Kirito retracted his hand with lightning reflexes to avoid Liz's swipe. Standing up, Kirito bowed deeply. "Please join Hestia familia, Lizbeth. We need your strength to emerge victorious."
"See? That wasn't so hard! Come here." Patting the stool Kirito had vacated, Liz stood up and began to stoke the furnace. "Now, what did you need again…?"
Sitting back down, Kirito was pretty sure this was the happiest he had ever seen the blacksmith. Sharing a secret smile with her, Kirito felt his heart flutter in response as she worked her way through the list of tasks before her.
Rain:
"…" Staying silent, the tense aura continued. Rain couldn't see anything at the moment, as her head was pressed against the floorboards. She took comfort from Philia being beside her in the same position.
Apart from the two of them, their god Miach was in the room. Rain and Philia had had enough. They were determined to join Hestia familia for this wargame. Kirito and his protectiveness would not stop them.
Being in the presence of their god brought memories back to Rain about how she had joined the familia. It had come down to a coincidence more than anything.
Rain had spent the first few hours after logging in dodging strange gods. Her long red hair and delicate half-elven beauty that she had sculpted with care attracted them like moths to a flame.
On the run from rogue gods, Rain had literally ran into Philia in a woman's clothing store. The place was empty and completely scandalous. With hindsight, Rain now knew it was an amazon store. The two of them had hit it off complaining about the game.
Philia had confessed that she had wanted to play so that she could delve into the dungeon for treasure. Rain's reasons for playing were more nebulous. Either way, the girls decided to team up and give the game one final shot before logging out and giving up on all the misogynistic NPC gods that plagued it.
Shortly after coming to that decision, they were teleported into the meeting where Kayaba declared that the game was real, and no one could leave. Confirming it for themselves, Rain and Philia spent the first few nights in an inn that was kind enough to lend them a room in exchange for washing dishes and mopping the floor.
Talking it over, the two girls came to a conclusion that they would find a nice familia and become adventurers. If they died, they died. It was better than sitting around here doing nothing. That journey led them to Miach who had a great reputation among the women of Orario as a kind deity. While reluctant to let them join, he eventually did.
After attending Diavel's training camp, the girls ran into Kirito and Asuna and everything precipitated from there.
Rain was no longer worried about the debt. With the new potions and their work, Miach familia was well on its way to solvency. Them leaving would not change that outcome. Nautilus and Yuna had become competent adventurers in their own right.
Leaving her thoughts, Rain tensed as Miach breathed out a heavy sigh. "You've heard the story of how my familia got into such debt, yes?"
"Of course…" Rain muttered into the floor.
"Ah, please sit up first," Miach commanded, taking a seat himself on the floor to join them. "I'd rather have our last conversation as god and child on the same level."
"…Yes sir." Rain and Philia said together. The sincerity and happiness in their deity's voice caused Rain's throat to close up.
"As I was saying, the story goes that all of my familia members left me due to the debt."
"That… isn't true?" Rain dared to ask.
"It is." Miach nodded. "But no one has ever questioned me about why they were all able to leave."
"Huh?" Philia asked, but Rain understood. The whole ordeal with Lili and then Haruhime made it clear that an adventurer practically belonged to their god. Only with their permission could one easily leave.
"If I was cruel, I could have taken the requisite money from them as a fee for leaving. Nay, not even cruel, just practical. Almost every other deity would have."
"M-Makes sense," Rain agreed slowly. "But you didn't."
"I didn't," Miach agreed. "I made a rule that if a child ever asked to leave my familia, I wouldn't say no. I made this rule the day I descended. Long before this situation arose."
"Why?" Rain asked.
"I have to say that your rule sounds like a mistake… Especially if it was widely known."
"Ha, I don't think it is quite that bad," Miach smiled gently. His long dark blue hair swaying with his movements. All the while as he spoke, his eyes and smile stayed soft.
It was at this time that Rain realized she would truly regret leaving his familia. He had given them a home. It may not have had any money, but it was kind, and welcoming.
"Miach…" Running out of words, Rain kept it simple. "Thank you."
"No, it was my pleasure," the god answered happily. "I've known for awhile this would happen one day."
Rain blushed and glanced at Philia. Unsurprisingly, the dagger-user had a mirrored expression.
"I will say this…" Miach's expression grew serious for the first time. "Tread with care. I trust Hestia's child but… These situations… well… They tend to become tragedies."
It was the most serious declaration that the girls had ever received from their god. It was also fitting it would be the last.
Taking it in stride, Rain smiled at Miach. "Don't worry, I won't let this story end that way."
"Hmm… No, I suppose you won't. Now, show me your backs. It is time to release you."
Sachi:
"Umm… Mikoto?" Knocking on the slightly open door, Sachi peeked her head into the room. The girl in question was there.
Mikoto was on all fours, her hands wrapped around the back of her head. She was slowly rocking back and forth, mumbling inaudibly to herself.
Freezing at the sight of the distraught girl, Sachi did not advance any further into the room. "M-Mikoto?"
"Huh? S-Sachi!? What are you doing here? …Actually, I guess it's pretty obvious, yeah?"
"Yeah…" Sachi agreed. "Can I… Come in?"
Accepting Mikoto's nod, Sachi entered and closed the door behind her. Mikoto's bedroom was extremely minimalist. She was one of the few familia members that had her own bedroom.
"Err, come sit here." Mikoto crawled over to her bed, an eastern-styled futon, and patted it. Mikoto followed her own advice and sat on it. There were no other options, so Sachi followed her.
A minute passed as they sat in silence. A strange mutual acknowledgement of each other existed. Sachi tapped her fingers together during the wait. Deciding Mikoto wouldn't speak first, Sachi broke the silence.
"Umm, I'm going to talk to Take today… about leaving."
"Urgh." Mikoto made a confused noise. "I… as well."
"Are you sure?" Sachi pressed the middle eastern girl. Mikoto's conflicted expression was not one of a girl that had made up her mind.
"…Yes." Mikoto spoke firmly this time. "I owe Hestia familia too much. Even if I didn't, Haruhime is there. I know she'll be safe with them but…"
"But you still want to be with her," Sachi smiled gently.
"…Yes." Mikoto blushed. "The real question is why are you coming? You'd be leaving your guys."
"I know." Sachi's smile inverted. "They were the one's that got me into this world. Then they stayed with me and brought me to your familia when they convinced Take to take them. But…"
Mikoto giggled as Sachi repeated her speech pattern. "But you want to help out Hestia familia?"
"Absolutely." Sachi nodded rapidly. "Kirito saved my life once. He did so much to help my confidence… I can't let him fight alone."
"Hmm… Is that the only reason?" Mikoto teased.
Struggling not to blush, Sachi hid her face behind a curtain of glossy black-blue hair. "Ugh. I don't want to talk about it."
"Fair enough…" Mikoto sighed. "Matters of the heart are complicated. Well, may as well get this over with."
Sachi watched as Mikoto stood up with one fluid motion. The far eastern girl reached a hand down to Sachi. "W-We're telling Take now?"
"Of course!" Mikoto said dramatically. "We have to strike now while our resolve is high!"
"R-Right!" Glad that she had Mikoto with her, Sachi wasn't sure if she would be able to do this on her own. The thought of Take's disapproving frown would completely kill her ability to move forward.
Reaching the room of their god, Mikoto knocked loudly upon the door.
"Come in." The voice that rang out was indeed their deity's. Yet it wasn't the calm, sonorous tone that she was used to. The sound was more of a croak.
"T-Take?" Mikoto asked as she pushed the door open.
Peering in over her shoulder, Sachi gaped at the sight of the god. He was still in the process of pacing the length of the room. Hair pulled in all directions; the god was in an identical state to Mikoto when Sachi had knocked on her door.
"So… It is the two of you," Take sighed. The conversation almost a repeat of Sachi's one with Mikoto as well.
"I-I'm so sorry!" Mikoto cried suddenly, throwing herself to the floor. "Please indulge my selfish request and allow me to leave the familia!"
Paling at the sight of ultimate repentance, Sachi scurried in and laid down beside Mikoto. "M-Me as well!"
"Girls, girls," Take sighed, "stand up."
Obeying extremely slowly, Sachi shared a nervous glance with Mikoto. This sounded a lot like a denial.
The god stared them down. Somehow both of them at the same time. The infinite depth in his eyes made Sachi want to look and away and stare deeper at the same time. They were like calm pools of water, hiding anything that may be lurking in their depths.
"I'll miss you both," Take said simply.
"T-That's it!?" Mikoto squeaked.
"Of course," Take nodded. "For Haruhime, for my friend Hestia, for the bonds that you two have forged with her familia members."
"Take…" Mikoto breathed wondrously.
"Do not mistake me," Take smiled somewhat mischievously, "I do hope you will both return after the one-year probation is up… but."
There's that but again! Sachi thought to herself.
"But I understand if there are reasons, or people, you wish to stay there for."
The addition of people was directed at Sachi. After being hounded about it by Mikoto, Sachi couldn't hold in the blush this time.
"D-Don't worry Take!" Mikoto stuttered, her face going red. "I will return to stand by your side again!"
"Ah, I hope so." The god had a nostalgic look in his eyes as he gazed at Mikoto. Once again, Sachi was reminded of the long history the original members had with their deity. "Unfortunately, no matter how much a parent may wish otherwise, there comes a day their child must leave the nest. Be that as it may, please don't be a stranger. You are always welcome back for supper or even a lesson."
"Y-You know I'm not a little girl anymore…" Mikoto sulked.
Sachi felt bad for her friend. Mikoto's crush on the god would never go anywhere. She would forever be his little girl in Take's eyes. Not that Sachi's chances were much better…
"No, you aren't," Take agreed, becoming more serious. "That is why I trust you to make it through this endeavor. To fight two familias while outnumbered… I hope Hestia's familia has a fantastic strategy."
Take's words induced a sobering reality. They weren't just going to a different familia. They were going to fight a war with them.
Take caught Sachi's faltering expression. "If that scares you, then you shouldn't convert. Lacking faith in your new familia members will only weaken the whole."
"I-I am scared." Sachi admitted. It was practically her state of living after all. "But that doesn't mean I don't want to go!"
"I'm with Sachi," Mikoto confirmed. "I'm terrified. I'm terrified that I won't be able to save Haruhime. I'm terrified all of the friends I've made may be killed or imprisoned. That is why I must go. Why we must go."
"I see…" Take nodded, another smile forming. "It will be hard but… We shall survive without you. Go. Win. Then we will have two things to celebrate."
"…Thank you," Sachi choked out. Tears blurring her eyes.
"Now, now," Take chastised gently. "This is a happy moment. One of new beginnings."
"I'm sorry," Sachi apologized, the tears coming stronger. "I am just so grateful that I got to be a part of your familia."
"C-Come on Sachi… Y-You are going to make… Make me cry." Mikoto blubbered, the tears forming even as she spoke.
"G-Girls!?" Take stuttered in surprise at the teary farewell.
"I-I just can't help it!" Sachi hiccupped. Rushing forward, Sachi buried her head into Take's large, warm chest and continued to cry.
Less than a second later, Mikoto was there as well, her shoulders shaking. All Take could do was rub their backs and revel in the last embrace he would share with them as their god.
Lili:
"Y-Yeah, that's right!" Lili yelled dramatically in her newest disguise. Tonight's plan was almost the same as previous but in reverse. Sauntering around as a scantily dressed amazon, Lili was glad that neither of the boys were here.
Although Lili had to say that the larger chest of her taken form would help her with some things. Maybe she could use the magic to just change one part of her body…?
Engrossed by the sudden intervening thought, Lili was almost struck by a flying piece of fruit. "Say that again, ya filthy whore!"
"Eep!" Unable to contain the Lili-esque squeak, the distinctly unamazon sound killed the tension.
"Umm, what?" The man accosting her blinked in surprise.
"Y-You heard me!" Lili adlibbed. "You're a creep! That's why you have to pay for your women!"
"Women!? Hah, I, like my god, prefer men! The obviously superior sex!"
Well that didn't work…
Trying not to grow discouraged, Lili wished she was better at insulting people. She had spent her entire life getting bullied. It wasn't a situation that built a foundation of doing the bullying. Although…
Lili didn't like thinking back to those times. There were almost zero happy memories mixed into her fifteen years of life until recently. Desperate to keep the life she had found going, Lili drudged up the garbage. The times she felt the absolute worst.
From those memories, Lili noticed one common thread. It was never the generic insults. Those she could take. The most horrible memories were the betrayals, the personal attacks that made her feel like dirt. That was what she would need to create a true blood feud between Apollo and Ishtar.
"Men? No, I like men." Lili taunted. "Your god likes little boys that can't fight back."
The change was instantaneous. Rather than a normal anger, there were now hints of rage in his mottled expression. The Apollo familia member had his fists clenched by his side. Teeth grinding together. The best insults always had a bit of truth buried in them.
"Grr… Why you little, I am proud to be a member of Apollo familia! Can you say the same?"
"Of course not," Lili smiled nastily. "I am not a member of Apollo familia."
The man blinked slowly as Lili's witty comeback was digested. Snarling, he bit out his words. "Stupid whore, of course you aren't! Only people of style can become members of our familia!"
"Style? You rape your boys doggystyle? Got it." Lili winked tauntingly. She never would have thought the lewd ramblings of the Soma familia men would aid her.
"S-Shut up! The only one for me is the god Apollo! Even if he has never graced me with even a pat on the head… Uh hum! One day he will acknowledge my feelings!"
Lili knew the decisive moment had arrived. "No, he won't. Your god is a philanderer that knows nothing about love or appreciation. His attention has been stolen by two young boys and it will never return to you, or any other deluded member of your familia. Face it, you are being sacrificed to fulfill Apollo's fantasies. You are nothing but a convenient tool to him."
Each sentence was delivered with the precision of an assassin's knife. The man's face paled in stages at each successive clause. More ghost than human by the end, shock broke and gave way to reactionary anger.
"You know nothing! DIIEE!" Pulling a low-grade scimitar from the sheath on his back, the level one adventurer charged the transformed Lili.
In terms of status, the man was clearly higher. He was on the cusp of level two whereas Lili's stats were still a bit below average.
If the man had been in the right state of mind, she would have been cut down instantly. Prepared for this, Lili leaned to the left and danced forward, her hand drifting to her waist.
Pulling out a slim needle hidden within the folds of her translucent clothes, Lili stuck it into his side as the two combatants passed each other.
"Ugh," he grunted in pain, falling to one knee. "You stuck me bitch? Seriously?"
"Haha!" Lili crowed, smiling victoriously from the thrill of combat. Her large chest heaving from the exertion.
So this is how it feels!? …It's annoying to fight with.
While contemplating the pros and cons of her acquired form, Lili almost missed the second swing. Thankfully it was short of her throat without her having to move. "Eep!" Squeaking in surprise, Lili thrusted the needle out again.
"Gah!" Taking a blow to his stomach again, the man curled over. "Don't think… You'll get away with this…"
Raising an eyebrow, Lili smirked. "I don't think, I know. There is nothing your familia of perverts can due to stop the mighty Ishtar familia."
Leaving it there, Lili pocketed her slightly bloody needly and sashayed away. Her job wasn't finished yet, she needed to find more members, stir up more bad blood.
Even with the job not finished, Lili let a small smile of satisfaction touch her lips as the man's distorted howls of rage echoed around her. She could help. For the first time in her life, Lili was making a difference.
Hestia:
The goddess of the hearth maintained a peaceful silence as she chowed down upon the exotic food. The air in the room was joyous. The star of the past few days had been without exception the Prum who was given the chair at the head of the table opposite of Hestia.
The celebration was about far more than just Lili's work. It was about family, and the expansion of Hestia's. The grateful smile and happiness in her breast had refused to fade since yesterday when a flood of converts had graced their familia.
Today, the far eastern girls, led by Mikoto, had prepared a celebratory feast. Most of the food was new to Hestia, having only ever been to Orario on the lower world, but every dish has extremely good.
"Ahh…" Letting out a content sigh, Hestia could not believe she had never had this noodle dish before. The throaty sensation as she slurped them back was almost impossible to describe.
Hestia was content to watch and listen as new friendships and acquaintances were formed between the members of her familia. Liz was talking to Sachi and Mikoto about forging weapons while Rain was grilling Haruhime about how she managed her hair.
"It's wonderful, isn't it?" A voice whispered from right behind Hestia.
Jumping slightly, the deity turned a frown at her first child. "Don't scare me like that Kirito!"
"Sorry, sorry!" The boy laughed, not looking apologetic at all. "Could you have imagined this a few months ago?"
Hestia let it slide. The good mood in the room was infectious. Even with the wargame looming only three days away at this point, there was no tension. Tonight, it was time to party, tomorrow the last work would begin.
"No, I couldn't have." She agreed. "So much has changed since the Spring…"
"You got that right," Kirito reminisced with a nostalgic look in his eye. Looking up at him, Hestia was reminded of why she had been so attracted to him. When he unleashed these honest, pure smiles, he shone.
It was a light mirrored by Bell. Hestia understood implicitly how Apollo could have been drawn in by either of them. His arrogance in attempting to claim them by force was a different matter altogether.
"You're thinking negative thoughts again," Kirito chided her.
"Ah haha, I really can't hide anything from you, can I?" Hestia lamented.
"After all that we have been through?" Kirito fired back lightly. "Nothing serious until tomorrow, remember? We promised."
"That we did," Hestia sighed, stirring the dish in front of her. "Hey, Kirito. Can you promise me something?"
"…I hope so." Kirito answered frankly.
"Here goes," Hestia sighed. "With the agreed upon ruleset, none of you should die. Just promise me… Promise me you'll look out for everyone if we lose? Try to keep them laughing."
"I… I don't think that's possible," Kirito replied slowly, his eyes scanning the laughing familia. "The only way to keep them all happy is to win. After all…"
Turning his eyes to Hestia, Kirito let out a teasing smile. "I doubt you'll be happy watching us from heaven."
"Ha!" Hestia exclaimed, a giant smile spreading across her face. "You always manage to come up with these flowery answers. Did you have some sort of womanizer teacher?"
"W-What are you saying!?" Kirito blushed profusely. "Teaching someone how to pick up girls? That would never happen!"
"Hehe, you never know when us gods are involved!" Hestia replied, sounding proud of the absurdity for some reason.
"Kirito!" A happy voice intoned.
"Ack!" Kirito squawked as a pair of voluminous breasts swallowed his arm.
Eyebrow twitching, Hestia still struggled to swallow the jealousy at such sights. The girl in question was of course Strea. None of the others would have the gall – or the required equipment – to perform such a task.
"Speech! Speech!" Strea bubbled.
"M-Me!?" Kirito complained. "T-That's the god's job… isn't—"
"Denied!" Hestia cut Kirito's protest. Clearing her throat, Hestia stood up and tapped her silverware against her glass. The ringing noise gathered the attention of everyone present. "Excuse me everyone, Kirito has some words that he would like to say!"
"Goddess!?" The boy whined.
Thankfully, he didn't flee as Hestia moved to the side, letting everyone focus on the familia captain. Smirking at his back, Hestia struggled to maintain that expression and not put on the huge, loopy grin that the other members currently possessed. After all, before the children it was Hestia's job to play the role of goddess.
"Umm, this is a little impromptu… just a bit," Kirito gave a pointed sulky pout at Strea who giggled innocently. "Anyway, I don't know how to say this other than… Thank you.
"Having you all take this leap with us… It means the world to me. To all of us."
Hestia placed a hand to her mouth. Kirito, the boy who was so closed off with his emotions… A brief scan of the audience informed Hestia that those watching as all were struggling to contain their emotions.
"I… Thank you. Thank you all for your sacrifices." Keeping the speech short and sweet, Kirito bowed deeply, hiding his face. A few seconds later, into the stunned silence, a single drop fell. Like breaking a magic spell as it shattered, a huge wave of noise deafened the room.
"CUUTE!" Over top of everything was Strea's exclamation as she wrapped Kirito into a tight hug.
Rolling her eyes, Hestia smiled as she observed some of the other reactions. Rain and Philia struggling to contain their own emotions. Liz being a tsundere and muttering something along the lines of it not being a big deal. Mikoto insisting that she would be dishonored if she had abandoned them at such a time. Sachi awkwardly trying to copy Mikoto's heartfelt words. Hestia could detect within them a more nefarious purpose that Mikoto's clarity lacked.
The indigenous familia members as well each had their own reply. Even Bell and Lili cheered along to Kirito's sincere words. Silica, Leafa, and Haruhime all fought back tears as wide smiles enveloped their faces. The cutest was Yui's heartfelt cry of "Papa! Don't cry!"
As the night wore down, Hestia kept a benevolent eye on the proceedings. If only every day could be like this one. Promising herself to savor the memories, Hestia leapt into the festivities. The mood and atmosphere only a blip in her divine life. Yet, of all the memories she had collected so far, this was best one.
Hestia familia statuses entering the wargame:
Kirito
Level Three
Strength: A 858 Defense: D 596 Utility: C 630 Agility: S 907 Magic: D 562
Aura: H Immunity: I
Magic:
Gigas Cedar – Summons a branch of the unfellable tree to grow from the equipped sword.
Mirrored Blades – Duplicates the properties of the weapon held in each hand.
Skills:
Gilded Hero – Grants the user abilities surpassing their limit in times of great desperation or need. Particularly when aligned with a righteous goal.
Rain
Level Three
Strength: E 458 → D 571 Defense: E 401 → E 492 Utility: E 430 → D 524 Agility: D 502 → C 610 Magic: H 280 → E 422
Idol: H Immunity: I
Magic:
Thousand Sword Rain – Summons ethereal blades that shoot out at the user's discretion.
Skills:
Dual-wielder – Increases the user's strength when wielding two weapons.
*New* Dancer – When the Idol advanced ability is in use, the user's agility increases substantially.
Philia
Level Two
Strength: B 857 Defense: C 792 Utility: S 990 Agility: S 908 Magic: E 472
Treasure Hunter: H
Magic:
Astral eyes – See the flow of energy through physical obstructions.
Skills:
Sword Breaker – Grants the user's weapon increased ability to break what it encounters.
Leafa
Level Two
Strength: C 602 Defense: D 512 Dexterity: A 800 Agility: B 772 Magic: B 791
Hunter: I
Magic:
Wind Blade: Produces and shoots blades of hardened wind in the desired direction
Lady of the Sky: Inhibits the user with the power of the Slyphs. Gives them mastery of the skies.
Skills:
Harbinger of Wind: Allows the user to infuse their weapon with magical wind energy. The faster the user is moving the greater the effect. Active activation.
Silica
Level Two
Strength: E 492 Defense: F 385 Dexterity: D 573 Agility: A 868 Magic: D 511
Tamer: I
Magic:
Fad Edge: Imbues the user's next attack with magical energy. Especially potent at cutting through armour.
Skills:
Dragon trainer: Increases the user's ability to tame Dragon-type monsters.
Strea
Level Two
Strength: S 933 Defense: S 901 Dexterity: B 812 Agility: B 807 Magic: I 0 → I 0
Immunity: I
Magic:
Skills:
Elegy of Darkness: Activates near death. Imbues the user with greater strength. Weapon strikes devour the energy of foes prolonging skill activation. Restricts mental capacity when active.
YUI-MHCP001
Level One
Strength: D 555 Defense: D 555 Utility: D 555 Agility: D 555 Magic: D 555
Magic:
Area of Peace – Creates a zone around the caster where occupants feel happier, their sorrow and anger repressed.
Skills:
Missionary of Peace – The user is able to block attacks from any creature that they have not attacked. Drains mind.
Bell Cranel
Level Two
Strength: H 108 Defense: I 92 Dexterity: G 201 Agility: G 220 Magic: I 70
Luck: I
Magic:
Firebolt – Swift strike magic.
Skills:
Liaris Freese – A strong desire increases rate of growth. The stronger the desire, the stronger the growth.
*New* Argonaut – Charge skill. Gather energy into the point of the User's choice. Active activation.
Lililuka Arde
Level One
Strength: H 110 Defense: H 193 Dexterity: F 301 Agility: E 470 Magic: D 514
Magic:
Cinder Ella – Transformation magic.
Skills:
Artel Assist – Increases the weight that can be carried.
Lizbeth
Level Two
Strength: H 105 Defense: H 193 Dexterity: I 81 Agility: I 97 Magic: I 0
Forge: I
Magic:
Skills:
Aegis: Increases defense when using a shield.
Yamato Mikoto
Level Two
Strength: H 125 Defense: H 103 Dexterity: G 202 Agility: H 150 Magic: I 50
Immunity: I
Magic:
Futsunomitama – Gravity magic. User calls down the divine blade to create a cylindrical area of highly increased gravity.
Skills:
Yatano Black Crow: Locates monsters encountered before in a small radius. Drains mind.
Yatano White Crow: Locates familia members in a small radius. Drains mind.
Sachi
Level two
Strength: H 100 Defense: I 53 Dexterity: H 122 Agility: H 108 Magic: I 0
Immunity: I
Magic:
*New* Distorted Thrust – Allows the user to connect with its target, ignoring the intervening gap.
Skills:
*New* Cleansing presence – Aids recovery from abnormal ailments affecting nearby creatures. Drains mind.