A/N: Yo! Thankfully, this chapter came out earlier than I anticipated. It surprised me how smoothly it went overall
Though not everything is sunshine and rainbows as I was informed that some fraud had stolen my fic and posted it as his/her own in Wattpad. Thankfully, it has been removed already.
I'd like to thank Jirsaacek for informing me of this situation. I'm really glad.
Seriously, never thought something like this would happen… Well, whatever.
Enjoy the chapter!
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*Clank*
*Twink*
*Clunk*
The tip of her rapier clashed against the dark blade of her opponent in a flurry of thrusts, each being blocked without fail in her continuous assault.
*Swoosh*
The onslaught she released upon her foe was cut short as he retaliated with a swift upward swing in between the blows. She managed to sidestep the incoming attack at the last second, making it cut only empty air instead of her head.
Still maintaining her solid footing, she launched the sharp point of her blade towards the opponent's exposed side.
As the lunge drew closer to her target, the hopes of defeating him rose along with the corners of her lips.
*Thunk*
The hopes of a swift victory were squashed just as fast as they came once he intercepted her attack with the flat of his blade.
The foe smirked at her.
With a rapid flick of his wrist, her rapier was thrown upwards. Despite her blade now pointing towards the sky, she still held the weapon firmly in her grasp.
Her jade eyes widened as she was left completely open by his move.
The cobblestone below her feet cracked as she leaped backward and away from the enemy.
Despite the force she put into her legs and the distance she created between them, he effortlessly caught up to her midair. She raised her guard at the perfect moment, managing to hastily defend against a lunge of his sword aimed at her chest with her own weapon.
"—Ngh!"
What she couldn't block was the subsequent fist that met her sternum. The air was blown out of her lungs as she was sent spiraling through the air.
Meeting the hard limestone path below, she stumbled across the surface as she tried to stop her momentum.
Curling up into a ball, she rolled along with the force behind the blow that struck her. Once her boots aligned with the ground, she kicked off.
Landing on her feet, the soles of her boots scraped along the surface as she turned towards her opponent.
Coming to a halt, she raised her defense again, keeping her emerald gaze glued to her adversary.
He was calmly strolling in her direction, not showing an ounce of rush nor haste as he held his black sword at his side.
Despite the darkness of the night whose sparse magic lamps along the wall's path couldn't quell, she had more than a clear view of him.
His features had no hint of tiredness, though the most glaring thing on his face were his eyes.
They were closed.
Bit by bit, her foe closed in on her as his steps echoed in the silence of the night. Bit by bit, apprehension got hold of her as the fight drew on.
"Tsk!…"
Alise clicked her tongue as her grip on her weapon tightened. The multiple skills present on the falna ingrained on her back flared into life ever since she first clashed swords with the one standing in front of her.
The enemy before her met the requirements for all her skills.
Her breathing was heavy and rapid as her muscles tensed; the breath being visible under the humid and cold air around her.
A stream of sweat ran down her forehead.
Alise's bonded, fiery hair was blown to the side by the chilly breeze of the early morning; a cold wave that washed over the entire summit of the gigantic wall she stood upon.
The dampness from the sweat in her garments made the wind's coldness even more bone chilling.
Despite that, none of these conditions affected her in the slightest as her mind and body were completely entranced by the sword ballet against her opponent.
Alise's head was going a thousand miles per hour as she tried to draw a plan to catch him by surprise to land a swift and decisive blow. She was painfully aware that even with her skills closing the wide gap between the foe and her, he still had one Level advantage over her at the least.
She was outclassed in this fight.
She couldn't slip up.
Her eyes flickered from one side of the cobblestone path to the other, scanning her surroundings. She would need to use whatever she could to gain the upper hand.
Both flanks had blocks of squared rocks spaced between one another on top of a low wall that reached just above her shoulder. After that, only the enormous free fall towards the hard surface of the foundation of the great walls that safeguarded Orario.
At her opponent's rear stood a small tower with a passageway underneath that continued further till the eyes could see. It was made of the same material as the sturdy walls below her feet.
Alise's gaze became sharp as a plan was drawn inside her head.
Her free hand grasped the scabbard at her belt, quickly removing it and holding it like a second sword.
She lowered her posture, tightening her muscles like a coil being pressed.
She sprung herself at her enemy, like an arrow piercing the air. Yet, he still only calmly walked in her direction.
Closing the distance between them in a blink, just as she was but a few steps away from his reach, she stomped on the ground and jumped to the right.
She planted both her feet in one of the blocks at his flank and threw her scabbard like a spear towards him.
She leaped away from the stone square, aiming at the small tower on his back.
Setting foot on the ledge of the construction's cover, she rapidly drew and threw in quick succession the dagger she kept on herself in case of need.
Once again, she kicked off. This time, sailing towards the low wall on his left flank.
As soon as her boots met the stone, she shot off right at him, pointing her blade towards his chest as she came for a decisive lunge.
The plan took less than four seconds for her to execute.
The foe kept his eyes closed despite the imminent danger coming from multiple directions.
That's when she saw it, just as she was so close to striking his abdomen.
At one moment his blade rested at his side, pointing towards the ground. At the next, Alise's rapier was sent flying out of her grasp and towards his rear, embedding itself into the passageway wall. Both her dagger and scabbard went soaring through the air.
In the blink of an eye, he diverted all the attacks with a simple spin of his sword around his form.
However, Alise wasn't done just yet.
Using the little momentum she still had left, Alise swung her right fist across her enemy's face.
He moved his head to the side, avoiding her punch entirely as it went harmlessly over his shoulder. Still undeterred by it, she brought the elbow of her left arm towards his head.
*Twak*
He stopped the blow with the palm of his free hand. Using his grip on her, the enemy nonchalantly shoved her away.
Rapidly regaining balance, Alise flung herself at him again. Now completely empty handed, she resorted to hand-to-hand combat as her last ditch effort to pull off a win.
Her opponent stood still as she launched a flurry of hooks, backhand, and jabs towards his head.
Each and every single one of her blows was parried and diverted by his sole arm without showing an ounce of difficulty.
Alise grits her teeth as the gap between them is in full display before her.
Once her last punch had been effortlessly blocked, she spun on her heel, bringing the back of her feet towards his chin with as much strength as she could muster.
*Blam*
He caught the sole of her boot in his grasp. The force behind the attack created a small gust of wind that washed over his face and made his dark hair flutter along with it.
Despite all that, the blow didn't even manage to make his hand tremble.
Ignoring the failed attempt, Alise quickly used his hold on her to bring the other leg towards the back of his head.
The grip around her ankle tightened.
Before she could even begin to react, her body was turned around in an instant. Alise's world spun as he slammed her into the limestone below, taking out her breath and filling her vision with stars.
Scrambling to try and regain her focus with a sharp intake of breath, her eyes widened as a gloved fist descended upon her amidst the shaking in her gaze, coming straight towards her face.
As the inevitable strike filled her field of vision, she closed her eyes on instinct, awaiting for the pain to come.
….
'Huh?...'
The punch never came.
Alise meekly pried one of her eyes open.
The fist that previously came at her with the intent of bringing pain, now laid as an open palm extended towards her.
The face of her opponent held a small smile as his eyes were finally open. A pair of red and blue irises shone under the light of the few magic stones scattered across the path on top of the massive wall they were currently in.
"That was a good move. If you used your magic I would need to use my own to get out of that pinch."
Alise grasped his hand as he pulled her back to her feet.
"Perhaps you're right on that… but wouldn't it be a bit too much for a simple sparring session?" She pointed out while patting herself to get rid of the dust on her clothing.
"Hardly. This cloak isn't just for show, you know? It saved my skin against those crazy elfesses." he remarked, lifting his black robe for her to see after resting his sword back on his hip.
"Besides, when applied in all directions at once, Shinra Tensei repels anything that comes into contact with my clothes. Be it fire, water, or basically anything you can think of."
He waved her concerns away. "I would have been fine!"
She finished scrubbing her shoulders, looking back at him with an impressed face.
"For real? That spell of yours is something else… maybe we should put that to a test next time?"
"Okie dookey. It will be even more fun that way."
A bead of sweat trickled down into her eye, making her wince. A small but painful reminder that her body was drenched by it.
It shouldn't be a surprise; after all, they've been going at it for almost an hour already.
Alise wiped her face with the palm of her hand, cleansing most of the sweat that stained her skin.
"I guess that's enough for today. The sun will rise in a few." Her friend's words reached her as she cleaned herself.
Giving her face one last swipe, Alise looked towards the horizon; away from Orario and the walls that surrounded it.
As stated by her friend, the first specs of sunshine from the day that was to come were already starting to break the overwhelming darkness of the night sky above.
"Yeah, I guess it is. We still need to do our morning patrol after we get back home for breakfast. Can't fight crime with an empty stomach, can we?"
"No. Won't recommend it."
"Then, let's start packing up before we head back. Did you see where my knife went? Don't want to have to replace it just yet."
Luke pointed further away down the cobblestone path. Following the direction he gave, her items could be seen a good distance from where they stood.
"I can see your scabbard is right next to it. I'll get them for you, so sit tight."
Before she could utter a single word, he lept towards the direction he pinpointed just a second ago. Landing gracefully like a feather, Luke crouched as he began retrieving her things from the ground.
Turning around, Alise walked to where her rapier rested on the wall.
Standing before it, she grasped the hilt. Tugging at it, the sword didn't budget one bit. Tugging with more force, it still didn't budge.
She placed both her hands on the hilt.
With a firm pull, the sword was freed from the square rock, leaving only a gaping hole where it was previously stuck.
Alise checked the blade for any kind of damage. Trading blows with a weapon of such quality as the one Luke possessed could end up-
"She's pretty sharp to be able to pierce that wall."
"Eeek!"
Alise squeaked as a familiar voice spoke suddenly just by her shoulder, dragging her away from her thoughts and shattering her concentration.
Turning around, the one that gave her a scare stood with his hand grasping his chin; his features seemingly contemplating something.
"D-Don't sneak up on people like that!"
She didn't even hear a single hint of his approach!
How could this be!?
He's not a ghost or anything like that… as far as she's aware.
The expression on Luke's face remained unchanged as he stared at the weapon she held. "I like to see how sneaky I can be sometimes. Furthermore, I can test people's awareness of their surroundings."
His eyes looked up at her own, his lips breaking into a sly smile. "You didn't pass, Cap'n."
Alise gave him an unimpressed look.
"What? It's true! You can't deny that reasoning. We're here for training after all."
"Yeah, yeah; you're right on that. I can give you as much."
"It may look silly, but it has its benefits. My teachers made sure I knew how to be stealthy and become as silent as possible. That's more useful than most people think it is, I tell you."
Luke's gaze fell down to her rapier once again. "As I was saying… Your weapon is quite sharp and durable to stab into that wall like that."
He stepped closer to her, placing his index finger on the surface of her blade.
"Without breaking, that is.", he said as he dragged the finger across the length of the sword.
"The material these walls are made of isn't any ordinary stone. To make a dent on them without damaging your weapon is quite proof of its quality."
Alise nodded as a soft hmm escaped her throat.
"You can bet on that! She's worth every hard earned penny I spent on her."
Luke took a step back, lifting his left arm towards her. In his grasp lay both the sheath of the rapier he spoke about and the dagger she kept as a reserve weapon.
"Here."
Alise took her items.
"Thanks." she quickly replied as she sheathed the dagger and began strapping the scabbard back on her belt.
Giving a last look at her sword, she safely rested it inside the scabbard.
Facing her training partner, he was staring into the distance. To be more specific, towards the direction the sun would soon peek over the horizon. His expression was calm and serene; a far cry from the tired and somber one he had just a couple of days ago.
A smile crept its way to her lips at the scene.
'That's what I like to see!'
Ever since that night she had a heart-to-heart with him, where she did her best to extend a hand to get him out of that hole of sorrow and regrets he dug himself into, she began partaking in his training sessions in the walls that protected the Dungeon City.
She saw firsthand how his attitude changed from that depressed and gloomy one, becoming more energetic and easygoing as she was used to seeing him day in and day out.
Not only did her request have his wellbeing in mind, in case he needed the company of a friend's shoulder. But she also had her own selfish, but understandable reasons.
After what transpired in the horror show that was the latest Evilus raid, where he almost didn't make it out alive, Alise had more than one motive to push herself even further.
Luke being two levels above her own made him the perfect training partner for her to break her current limits and keep growing further. What also grew further was their confidence and trust in one another after her initiative.
She would kill two rabbits with one bolt.
Not only would she become stronger and better herself as a justice enforcer, but she would also help him with anything disturbing him from within… just like Lady Astraea did for her behind the scenes.
After all, she had to keep the image of the unshakable and reliable captain; not only for her Familia, but the populace as well.
These turbulent times needed symbols of hope which evil couldn't break. The current dark period yearned for Symbols of Orario's resilience against Evilus' constant harassment.
She would heed their calls.
No matter the toll it took on her, she would endure. Endure others' pains and troubles for their sake.
She had to.
That was the trial she needed to withstand as the captain of Astraea Familia.
Everyone needed her to be strong; both mentally and physically, and she would answer them with an unshakable smile on her face… no matter what lay behind that same smile.
'That's my duty as the leader. I'll shoulder what the others' can't or shouldn't on their own.'
Alise perked up, being brought back to the real world as Luke turned towards her.
"Oi…Wanna stay a bit more and watch the sunrise? I always love to see the view after I'm done with training… That's one perk of waking up so early, at least. The view is amazing from up here." Luke's face held a dorky smile as he stated the last part.
Her gaze switched to where he previously stared at, seeing the tip of the sun which had just begun its ascendance.
"Sure. I don't see why not."
Luke nodded at her response.
"Come with me." He flexed his knees slightly. In an instant, he went flying.
Alise trailed after him with her eyes as he traveled through the air until he landed on the ledge on top of the passage wall where her sword had been embedded previously.
From up there, he gestured towards her before he walked away from sight.
She didn't need to be told twice.
Following his lead, she jumped towards the structure's top. Once her boots made contact with the small stone wall roof, she glanced around the place.
Luke was calmly taking a seat at the edge of the tower, letting his legs dangle freely over the chest wall as he faced the imminent sunrise.
Alise's steps echoed softly against the limestone as she made her way to the spot where her friend rested.
Luke kept looking outwards, sparing only a brief glance at her with his rubellite eye as she made herself comfortable, taking a seat right at his side.
Their eyes met for a couple of seconds until he faced the horizon again. Alise did the same.
Her eyebrows rose at the visage before her.
.
(Cue - Danmachi III OST - Bridge to Coexistence)
.
The bright, but soft orange hue of the sun was slowly basking the soft green hills up east in its warm light, wiping off the remaining darkness before dawn.
The various dirt roads that lead to Orario were being gradually illuminated by the rays of light, washing over the various caravans and wanderers who traveled in and out of the city, no matter the time it was.
The faraway forests and their greenery foliage on the trees canopies colored the horizon with a verdant spectacle, ending right at the utmost corner of the grand plains which lay closer to the Center of the World itself.
A few scattered fields of flowers created a charming and vibrant show of nature's beauty as the sun set the petals alight in the distance, breaking the green pattern of the grass filled plains with a rainbow of colors.
Alise was enamored by the view from atop the city's walls, getting completely entranced by the beauty of the world before her very eyes.
"Magnificent… isn't it?"
….
She didn't respond, barely registering his words at all as she remained charmed by such a simple yet majestic show of colors.
For the next minute, her friend didn't utter a word as the sun crept over the horizon bit by bit; all while Alise's viridescent irises shone under such a brilliant sight.
"Do you see it every single day?"
That is until she broke it, still gazing at the scene.
"Most of the days. Sometimes I'm in a hurry and can't stay until it starts rising."
"...That's a shame."
Alise remained caught by the visage as she spoke, hearing Luke chuckle beside her.
"Yeah, it is."
As she was about to tune everything out but the image in front of her, a brief rustle caught her attention to the side.
Stealing a glance towards her companion, whom had turned around from where he sat atop the low wall, now facing towards Orario itself instead of its outskirts.
"However, what I enjoy the most isn't staring at the horizon…"
His words brought confusion to her as she didn't quite understand what he meant. Alise followed his motion and spun on her seat, letting her feet hang towards the inside of the cobblestone roof, instead of the outside.
Her head tilted slightly to the side as she hummed questioningly at him.
He pointed his index finger forward.
Alise followed the direction with her eyes. It was aiming directly at the most memorable and unforgettable landmark in the Dungeon City.
The Tower of Babel.
The lid that separates the outside world from the horrors that lurk below. The symbol of triumph for all races from a time long ago before the gods' descent.
The structure that seems to pierce the very heavens with its magnitude. The crown jewel of Orario and a monument of its high standing in the whole world.
The gesture of her friend towards the gigantic tower which was still shrouded in darkness only confused her even further.
As Alise was about to vocalize her doubt, a bright light washed over her form from behind, quickly covering the whole roof they stood on.
After a brief moment, the entire wall perimeter was illustrated by the sunrise. The rays of light kept advancing beyond the walls and towards the city's streets below.
Like a wave, the sunlight began basking Orario in its soothing warmth.
Alise's previous marvel at such an event returned tenfold as she watched it slowly cover the boundless city and wipe off the remaining shadows of the night that had passed by.
Magic stone powered lamps were steadily turned off as the sun came. People were slowly coming out of their shelters after a good night of rest, getting ready for their own daily activities.
She could even see as the light passed over their own Familia's home.
However, once the first rays struck the base of Babel, her eyes widened.
The enormous length of such a monumental structure became even more jarring as the bright light enveloped the darkness around it.
Little by little, the true length of the tower was being cast in a new light and making its meticulously crafted details and ornaments even more noticeable to the eye.
Alise never saw Babel like this, not even when she was glamoured by its majestic beauty once she first landed her sights on it years ago.
To see each intricate detail of its body being illuminated like this… seeing it in broad daylight every day couldn't hold a candle to this presentation of its magnificent craft.
"That's…"
"Quite a sight…Yeah, I agree."
.
(End soundtrack)
.
Alise dragged her eyes away from such a work of art, and looked at the one that sat next to her.
Luke held a serene smile on his face.
"I've always been fascinated by it, ever since I was a kid. My parents first brought me here after I commented how much I liked to see the tower…"
His smile faltered a bit.
"It was… nice… back then."
….
Silence settled between them, Luke simply continued to admire the view as she looked at him from the side.
The weight behind his words didn't go unnoticed by her.
Alise swerved her head forward, gazing towards the now vivid city down below and the tower that stood tall in the center of it.
Despite her eyes being on Orario, her head was wrapped around the elf beside her.
As the quietness filled their ears, only being broken by the noises of birds chirping and the breeze that blew over their forms in the sky, Alise's thoughts were solely on what her next words would be.
After a brief moment of pondering and gathering courage, she parted her lips.
"What were they like?… Your parents, that is." The bravado and wild energy in her tone were completely gone, giving place to one she almost never used.
Cautious; insecure about what was the correct path ahead.
A far cry from the boisterous front she usually showed.
After all, being straightforward and blunt in such delicate matters of someone's life could easily paint her as an insensitive ignorant fool.
She could gauge his reaction as his eyes remained glued to Babel after she uttered her question. It remained almost unchanged as his gaze seemed distant.
Luke's initial lack of response to it as the seconds passed by was more than a hint for her to take.
'Perhaps I overstepped myself there…'
Her lips moved again.
"Sorry for—"
"They were—"
Alise almost bit the tip of her tongue as she unintentionally cut him off.
"M-My bad! Didn't mean to interrupt you like that!" her arms wailed frantically in front of her as she faced him.
As she tried to hurriedly apologize for speaking over him, Alise's gaze landed on his face.
A carefree, but awkward smile was plastered over his lips as a soft chuckle escaped his throat.
"Nah, it's all good. I cut you off as well, hehe…" he meekly rubbed his cheek with his finger.
A sigh of relief blew out through her mouth.
She was threading into personal and sensitive terrain after all. She really didn't want to come off as rude or uncaring for one's feelings in more… complex matters of their past.
But mostly so, because this was the first occurrence she remembered where Luke spoke about his own story, even if briefly and without many details.
After all these years, she knew almost nothing about the path that led him to joining their Familia. It wasn't like she suspected anything shady about his person or anything similar, but more so out of pure curiosity to know about her friend's upbringing.
He never really spoke about the matter, always being vague or simplistic; that's when he didn't change the subject altogether when it came up.
This was the perfect opportunity to better know one more member of her Familia, just like she had done with most of the girls.
She couldn't blow this up.
"If you really don't mind, then go ahead."
She threw the bait.
His mouth moved.
Alise smiled.
'He took it.'
"My parents were the best ones I could ever ask for. They were the ones that made me who I am… This is not a pun." He quickly remarked as he looked at her face, or more precisely, at the poorly hidden sly smile on her lips at his wording.
Facing away from her and towards the biggest tower in the world, he continued.
"They left their home forest because of my condition and what it entailed to me in the elven society."
Luke kicked a stray limestone rock at his feet.
"They settled themselves here to escape all that…. most of it anyway. I can't thank them enough for everything they did for my sake."
Her companion's semblant was that of remembrance, his gaze shining with a smile on his face.
"I miss them…"
Alise was already aware of the tragic ending of his tale, expecting those exact words to come out of his mouth.
His wording till now gave as much.
Besides, it would explain why he never talked about it. The sentiment of loss would surface yet again, like with anyone that has ever lost a loved one.
Sensitive topics aren't easy to adress for anyone. For those with a beating heart at least.
"I see… I'm sorry for your loss, really."
"It's okay, many years have passed since then."
Alise clung to the opportunity that arose, despite the somber turn it took.
"Say, why do you never talk about your time before I met you in that alley?"
She wouldn't let the fact that it was a deeply personal topic stay in her way. Not if she really sought to understand what shaped him into who he was today.
"I'll understand if you don't want to share your past like that, but… I still don't know anything about you before that. Every single one of the girls shared some bits of themselves, even if it was a gruesome memory."
Alise's gaze showed nothing but a pure and genuine desire to understand her friend deeper than the nonchalant front he showed everyone else.
Luke's neck cranked to the side, eyeing her instead of the Dungeon's lid below. A strange look crossed his face as he stared at her.
"The same could be said of you, can't it?..."
Alise tapped her forehead with her thumb, sticking out her tongue.
"You got me there!"
A light chuckle filled the air at her antics.
"What about we do it like this—I'll talk about myself, but you do the same in return. It's only fair for both of us to share our past if one is doing it, isn't it?"
"Alright, count me in!"
Luke faced forward again. His features fell into deep contemplation, more than likely thinking about where to start before his gaze fell back on her.
"Can you keep this between us?... Some things I'll tell you can be dangerous to talk with others. It will only bring unnecessary stress."
"Keep what? I don't ever remember having this conversation right now!" She winked at him.
Her gesture was met with a soft smile as he gave her a curt nod, switching his sight towards the enormous structure at the center of Orario.
He muttered something under his breath, something she caught on without much difficulty.
"Here goes nothing…"
His words only spiked her curiosity tenfold, making her lean towards him as she dragged herself closer to where he sat on the chest-high wall.
"I was a member of Zeus Familia…"
Alise blinked at the words that left his mouth.
"Pardon me, I think I might have misheard what you just said, hehe..." She laughed awkwardly.
"You didn't. I was previously a Zeus follower ever since I've known myself as a person."
….
"What!???"
Alise jumped to her feet, almost tumbling on herself as her eyes were wide as plates.
She pointed a finger at him. "Context! Now!"
A speck of annoyance crossed Luke's face. "Calm down, would ya? You wanted to know everything didn't you? Now hold your horses!"
A jumble of bewilderment and craving to know every single detail after he dropped this massive information gripped her.
Alise's finger which pointed at him trembled as he kept an inquisitive demeanor towards her with his eyebrows scrunched up.
"Urgh!—Fine! But don't spare anything! This is unbelievably awesome! You were part of one of the strongest Familias!" her eyes shone like stars, barely holding herself from hopping in excitement.
'That's incredible! Stupidly so!'
Luke was once alongside those legendary adventurers from the two strongest Familias to ever grace pages of history. He personally knew the mightiest folk Orario has probably ever witnessed; that's amazing!
'Maybe he can tell me some of their tales he bore witness to! Perhaps teach me how they used to train back then… or how he felt being taught by such—'
Alise's mind had gone wild with straying thoughts and assumptions. So much so she didn't notice she was saying them out loud until she saw the slight grimace on Luke's face.
"...You a fangirl or something?"
"N-No! It's not that! You know how astonishing that is!? They were the Zeus and Hera Familias for Astraea's sake!"
"I know, but sit down and let me continue then."
Gulping her enthusiasm, she did as told and sat beside him. Her curiosity was still clear as the blue sky above as she looked expectantly at him, barely holding herself back from letting her mind wander again.
"My parents didn't live a simple life as the common folk around the city. Soon after they set foot in Orario, the two met Zeus and Hera by pure chance in the streets. They were offered a place amongst their Familias after one simple meeting."
Luke crossed his arms as he grasped his chin, gaining a pondering edge to his features.
"Zeus and Hera had a keen eye for talented people… I honestly have no idea how, since they never really explained that to me besides that they felt an 'air of potential' around those that gained their interest."
Alise nodded twice, listening intently as she opened her mouth. "Guess that explains why they were so powerful after all. They weren't the strongest because of luck or anything like that."
Luke nodded in reply. "Precisely."
"After that, they took the opportunity without thinking twice. My parents told me once that living under the strongest would guarantee my safety and theirs from the yoke of elven prejudice."
A small laugh left his lips as he shook his head.
"Despite that, there was a time when a few elves from both Familia started to humiliate and insult me when I was little. After the rest of the Familia caught wind of it, they never got close to me ever again."
Luke leaned back a bit on the spot he sat, gazing at the blue sky above.
"We lived a good life with them…" a hint of heartfelt nostalgia passed over his features, disappearing just as fast as it came as he opened his lips again.
"The patron deities' perception of my parents' abilities turned out to be true as their growth rate was spectacular; both reaching the mark of Level 7 after the defeat of the Behemoth and the Leviathan."
Alise's eyes shone in glee like bright emeralds. "So they were just like the many powerful members. That's spectacular!"
"Yeah, they were… until the day they left to take part in the great endeavor of slaying the Black Dragon."
Somberness overtook his face as he looked down at the cobblestone floor.
"The day the expedition left was the last time I saw them…"
Alise's eagerness and enthusiasm died down.
"I'm… sorry to hear that."
….
"Thanks…"
A popping sound echoed in the air as Luke started cracking his fingers, one by one.
"I knew the danger they would be facing. I knew they could never return even if the task was accomplished. Still, every day I prayed for their success and safe return… until the fateful day that the news of their demise reached the ears of Orario."
*Snap*
He popped another finger.
"It lost my ground once Zeus told me about what happened… I did nothing but cry as Hera tried to comfort me."
Luke cracked the last of his fingers on his right hand, switching to his left one. A hint of anger crossed his face as his eyes sharpened.
"Their failure not only meant I would never see them again… but also marked the end of both Familias."
*Clack*
She knew the events that transpired after the infamous unsuccessful extermination party from Zeus and Hera Familias. In fact, most people that live in Orario know about what happened back then.
Their forced exile by the hands of their direct rivals, Loki and Freya.
"Zeus tried to make me leave the city to avoid going through the process of being disgraced alongside them; the same proposition he gave the pregnant sister of one of Hera's strongest adventurers."
*Pop*
Luke popped the index finger of his left hand.
"I refused…"
His body tensed as he didn't speak further for a few seconds.
"...They busted through the front door without facing any resistance. The few children left of Zeus and Hera decided to leave the Familias after everything was lost."
Any hint of fervor to know more about the greatest Familias for millenia was completely wiped from Alise's face the more he spoke.
"They ransacked, humiliated and threw us out despite everything both Familias had done for Orario in the past… The people I'm protecting now, and the ruling Familias were working together with, are the same ones that despised us for our failure… "
*Snap*
The veiled anger in the tone of his retelling of those events was caught by Alise's sharp earring.
"That's why you always acted cold around them… Figures."
"Yeah…" Luke nodded slowly as his focus was on the limestone at his feet.
"After that, we were forced out of the city and into the wilderness with almost nothing on us. Thankfully, Zeus planned for such an outcome ever since he felt his followers being killed by that damned beast. He found a place away from Orario and its troubles."
*Clack*
With a final crack, Luke rested his hand at his side.
"I see… so you lived there before you came back and we ended up meeting?"
"Yes. I spent five years outside Orario before I joined you guys."
Alise's face scrunched up as she tried to wrap her head around everything he just shared with her.
A question surfaced up to the front of her mind as something didn't add up.
"Okay, but how did you manage to reach Level 3 then? You couldn't have simply trained on your own. Not outside Orario."
"You're right, I could not." He turned towards her, lifting a finger.
"Remember when I said the pregnant sister of one of Hera's strongest was exiled along with us? Well, the sister had survived the encounter with the dragon."
Luke stood up, stretching his legs before leaning on the low wall he previously sat on.
"Her name was Alfia, or as she was more known 'The incarnation of talent'. She was a monster when it came to fighting, especially in regards to magic spells."
He lifted his middle finger as well, glancing at her with a poorly hidden smile. "She brought along with her the only survivor from Zeus Familia, Zald. 'Gluttony' as he was known."
He closed his hand into a fist as he crossed his arms. "Both were Level 7. They honed me under guidance into what they saw as a proper adventurer with their every day teachings. Though their methods were a bit… brutal, to put it lightly."
Alise gaped at the revelation of such high level remnants from the banished Familias.
No one currently residing in the Dungeon City could hope to match such might. She doubted even the Orario's strongest adventurer could put up a decent fight against them.
"Where are they right now?"
"I don't know. They left with a strange god who arrived in the village someday. They said he had a 'quest of utmost importance to the safety of the world', whatever it really was."
A long sigh left Luke's mouth.
"I haven't seen them since the day they parted."
His features took a slightly sour turn for a brief moment.
"What also had gone along with them was my growth rate; I stagnated. There was no way I could get stronger without them there to guide me; unless I came to Orario, that is."
Alise scrunched up her features as she looked questioningly at him.
"But why were you seeking to become an adventurer despite everything that happened? You should have known things would be even more complicated given your previous affiliation if you came back here."
Luke glanced at her from the side, his sharp eyes shining in the shadow the sunlight cast on his form.
"I'm well aware of that… but the Last Great Quest won't complete itself on her own. The monster that killed my parents won't simply keel over and perish."
He faced away. "I also didn't seek to return here to get back on those that did us wrong that night… even if they deserve it."
Alise faced his hard and unsmiling stare towards the ground with a straight face, though concern was clear as the sky above in her gaze.
She should have predicted ever since he mentioned he was from those two Familias. Knowing what had happened, a simple mention of a past like his entailed nothing more than that.
Revenge. Rightful retribution to some, even if the chance of success was abysmal.
'So, he wants to finish what they have started…'
To soothe her worries, he seemed to not be unreasonable about it… for the time being at least.
It wasn't a healthy purpose for one to chase, but of all the evils, this was the lesser one since the Black Dragon was everyone's problem and would need to be dealt with sooner or later.
"I don't doubt you on the last part; our goddess wouldn't take you in as one of her children otherwise… But you know that conquering the Last Great Quest is only a fever dream in most people's eyes, right?"
Her realistic remark enacted a scoff from him.
"It may be—Yet, I won't back down from it." The resolve in his eyes remained unchanged.
Alise shook her head from side to side. "You really are a stubborn fella."
"I appreciate the compliment."
….
A soothing quiet filled the air as he was seemingly finished with his story, or the part he was open to sharing with her, at the least.
Not wanting to get hung up on that and satisfied with the results of the conversation, she let herself be captivated once again by the beautiful view atop the walls.
" Ahem! …"
The distinct sound of someone clearing their throat drew her gaze away from the scenery before her.
Alise blinked as her friend gave her a pointed stare.
"What?"
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Upon his inquiry, she quickly looked over herself, patting her equipment to guarantee she didn't drop any of it.
"I don't think I did."
Luke rolled his eyes. "Your part of the deal, dummy."
….
"Oh!" Alise perked up, blinking in quick succession as it finally dawned on her.
She closed one of her hands into a fist, playfully hitting the side of her head as she closed her eyes and stuck her tongue out.
"~Sowwy, I fowgot!"
To be completely honest, she really did. She had accepted his conditions on a whim and let herself get fully immersed in his big revelation.
One can't really blame her for letting that part of the deal fall off from her head, can they?
After all, being told your colleague was once with one of the two legendary Familias was not something one would simply nod and move along with their day like it was nothing.
She could hardly believe it even now!
"~Don't wowwy, I'll gladly wemind you." The response to her came in the same coin as Luke copied her gesture and childish tone.
"Okay, okay—fine! It just slipped my mind."
"~No pwooblem, sweetie!" A grin split his face as he appeared to analyze her reaction for a second.
Said reaction came in the form of a raspberry being blown his way as Alise stuck her tongue out.
"~Twat's not nice, meanie!" He responded in kind, showing her his own tongue as he tugged the underside of his eye with a finger.
A stare contest was on as the two looked each other in the eye, all while maintaining the goofy gesturing. The same healthy dose of daily goofiness that Alise adored to partake in.
…..
…..
…..
"Pffft!—Hahahahaha ha!"
That is until they broke into a sputtering mess before quickly falling into a heartfelt laughter.
Cackling for a solid minute, she wiped the small tears at the corner of her eyes while Luke hid his face behind his hand, the laughter now subdued into soft giggles.
"...We're a bunch of morons." her friend uttered in between chuckles.
"Proudly so! It makes life brighter and sweet."
"I concur."
The jesting air around them slowly died down, both taking a more serene demeanor on their expressions.
"So, where do you want me to start?"
"From the beginning, obviously."
"This lovely maiden can't really remember all that far back when she was still inside her mom's womb… perhaps if she thinks a little harder?" Alise deadpanned, scrunching up her face and making a pondering pose as she swerved her body from side to side on her seat.
Luke rolled his eyes. "It won't hurt to take this a bit seriously, you know? I'm also interested in what brought you to start our Familia alongside Lady Astraea."
"Fine, fine… dead serious now!"
Alise smacked her cheeks with her hands a couple of times, wiping off the playfulness and replacing it with a reflective expression.
'So, I'm really doing this then… only our goddess knows about my story.'
Stealing a glance towards the one at her side, she saw him lifting his legs to where he sat on the low-wall. Crossing both of them, he placed his elbow on his thigh and rested his chin in the palm of his hand. All this while maintaining an attentive and expectant look on his features.
'Not for long it seems…'
Slowly filling and emptying her lungs with the pleasant air around them, Alise gathered her thoughts as she rummaged through the memories from so long ago.
"I could never stand injustice ever since I was a little child…. To me, righteousness was a truthful guide and a value that was absolute. I believed that correct answers and facts were what made the world enriched."
The found recollection of those times in her childhood surfaced in the front of her mind.
"I was always in the center of the group of children around our village; always fighting against injustice and wrongdoings that occurred around the place. Men or women, children or adults—it didn't matter. We're always having fun as we dreamed about a just and peaceful world."
Alise looked down at the palm of her right hand.
"I knew all along that I had a tad bit more power than the other children. They didn't follow my lead and ideals solely because of my charisma, but also for the example I gave them."
Her head swerved to her flank, looking sternly at her friend. "Though I never bragged about it or thought I was some big shot or something like that!"
With the swift and curt statement to him, Luke nodded. "I don't doubt it."
She returned the gesture.
Alise also didn't miss how committed he seemed to be to her every word, his eyes gave as much.
It only reassured her that she could safely share all that with him.
It was… nice, to trust someone else like this.
Her gaze fell on her hands again. "I stood and won against anyone that opposed my ideals. I used the concept of justice to fix anything I believed wasn't righteous."
The memory of that fateful day filled her thoughts. Alise clenched her hands into fists.
"I believed I was only following the path of the righteous and just. I believed I had found justice itself in my life… until I was proven wrong for the first time."
A deep sigh left her lips as she vividly recalled all the events that started her spiral of self doubt.
"One day, a mean boy and his goons were bullying my best friend. Naturally, my legs moved on their own as I jumped in and faced the wrongdoers—like I did many times before."
Alise's lips were pressed into a thin line.
"The bully didn't back down and decided to fight instead… I broke his nose before he even threw the first punch."
" Chuckle —Served him right." Luke's soft comment brought her attention to him for a brief moment.
The same, conflicting emotions she felt at that time emerged once again.
"Was it though?..."
Luke blinked, almost begging her to elaborate further with his gaze alone.
"After I saw the blood that spilled on my hand for the first time, and the bully clutching his nose as the bright red liquid poured out of it… something told me that this wasn't justice. Instead of a thank you, what I received was an expression of fear on my best friend's face before he ran away."
"I see… guess you can somewhat expect a reaction like that from a scaredy kid."
"Perhaps… Nonetheless, the adults berated me and my parents scolded me for what I've done. The children became fearful of me and grew distant no matter how much I tried to make up for it, not even my best friend trusted me anymore and cut all ties we had."
"Even after you explained what happened?"
"Yes."
….
….
"Well, they are a bunch of idiots then."
Alise did a spit take at his blunt and honest opinion. Despite her reaction and the troubled look she gave him, Luke didn't show any signs of playing it as a simple joke. Much to the contrary, he seemed dead serious in his statement.
"If you hadn't intervened and stopped the bully, then your friend would have ended up hurt or given his tormentor free reign to repeat that in the future."
Luke faced her shocked expression with a resound certainty in his mismatched gaze.
"Stand proud. You did the right thing."
These five simple words carved their way into her chest in a way she couldn't explain. A strange warmth spread through her body as she pried into her friend's earnest eyes.
Ignoring that, Alise shook her head as she scrambled to rationalize the reason for her doubts at the time.
"M-Maybe—But I still took it too far by breaking his nose like that. I didn't think it through thoroughly and came out in people's eyes as a brute who resorted to violence as an answer."
Luke shook his head.
"You didn't want to fight, the kid did. You just defended yourself and your friend at that point. If the bully didn't want to get hurt then he shouldn't be looking for a fight to begin with."
A sneer echoed from his mouth.
"If the parents didn't like their son getting his nose broken, then perhaps they should have educated him better, not try to take the weight of the consequences of his actions off from his shoulders."
Alise looked down at the first that brought the pain to bully all those years back.
"Still, I didn't find any pride in seeing his blood spilled on my hands."
"As you shouldn't. Violence isn't the first answer, but the one when everything else is out of the table and innocents' safety are on the line."
She opened her hand before she focused her sights on him again. "I know that, but experiencing it as a kid was an uncomfortable truth to face."
"I understand it perfectly…. As much as I hate and despise Evilus, I don't find any joy in taking their lives, even if I won't hesitate to with everything they've done. However, knowing they won't be hurting a single soul anymore leaves me at peace with that fact."
"I'll have to agree on that. Sometimes hurting others or taking a life to save another is necessary in our duty as a Familia… yet, I don't take that thought lightly at all."
Luke nodded beside her.
"Like it must be… but I believe we sidetracked the original point."
"I guess we did, hehe… Where did I leave off again?"
"Something about the other children ostracizing you."
"Oh, right!—After that, not only did people grow more distant and weary of me, but they also looked with strangeness at my desire for correct answers and facts."
A chuckle escaped her throat. "It's funny, the righteousness I defend with teeth and nails left me isolated from everyone I knew in my home village… However—"
A light shone in her verdant eyes as she pumped her fist in the air slightly.
"—Instead of growing disheartened by self doubt or other people's opinions, a burning desire was lit into my heart as I became dead set on finding the true meaning of justice."
She still remembered how excluded and isolated she had become back at time. How even her own parents silently disapproved of the world changing views and the desire to put herself in danger for others' sake.
Justice was what her life had been built upon, and that event placed lingering doubts on her beliefs.
At first, she began questioning if the search was worth it in the end if she would need to find it all on her own.
But the more she pondered about what drove her to become who she was and what she believed in, her little self from back then grew full of newfound determination despite it all.
"No one in my family, in my village could give me a clear and satisfactory answer as to what justice truly meant. That was the reality that drove me into taking the first step outside the countryside and into the wider world in search of answers."
Alise shifted her weight on her seat, looking up at the faintly cloudy sky above their heads.
"After a teary goodbye and wishes of good luck, I departed from home."
Lukd hummed beside her.
"... Do you still keep in contact with them?"
"I do, though only through letters. They are fine and proud of my journey ever since I told them about Lady Astraea."
Alise spread her arms wide as a toothy grin split her face in two. "Just imagine, the girl that left her home looking for what justice meant, found herself under the wings of the goddess of justice herself!—that's incredible, to say the least."
"Chuckle … Yeah, it truly is. They have more than one reason to be proud of their daughter." Luke commented, stretching his legs as he held his arms crossed over his chest.
"It wasn't easy, I tell you! Most people didn't take my goal seriously at all! The gods, who I thought would easily know the true answer, simply refused to share it. I swear, they found amusement in seeing me struggling as they laughed in my face."
She mimicked his gesture as she crossed arms with a pout, recalling those insufferable moments. The annoyance slowly seeped out from her form as she sagged.
"I spent years searching for anything that pointed out answers to my question yet…
I didn't find any, no matter where I looked or to whoever I talked to. It simply wasn't there."
Her gaze fell to the limestone below her boots.
"There were times I was close to giving up and returning home… I-I … really hit rock bottom at one point."
Frustration and hopelessness had slowly gripped her heart the more time passed without finding anything in her travels. She lost count of how many nights she cried and wept under her bed sheets until sleep caught up to her.
The more days passed, the closer she was to abandoning it all.
That is, until she met a certain goddess in a small town.
"However, that's when Lady Astraea came in for the save!" Alise shoved a fist in the air as she wiped the somber mood away.
"As I walked under the downpour, aimlessly strolling about as I tried to plan on what to do next, I ended up bumping into a deity by accident. After a series of embarrassed and awkward apologies, I saw a beautiful woman under the robes who dismissed every single one of them. A gracious woman who turned out to be the goddess of justice herself!"
"Let me guess…. She saw your fervor for doing what's right and asked you to start her Familia as her first child?"
"That's right! Lady Astraea, the star maiden and the one that presided over justice, chose this stunning girl as her first follower!" Alise stuffed her chest as she rubbed the underside of her nose, proudly smirking over her feat.
"Seems your journey and struggles paid off in the end."
She nodded firmly at his comment. A light chuckle reached her ears.
"You know, it's kind of funny… You, Lion, and I met our goddess in strangely similar conditions."
His out loud thought broke her bolstering pose and made her place a finger on her cheek, delving deeper into his pondering.
"Actually, yes we did. Could say it was fate that brought us together!"
"Or maybe Lady Astraea has a knack for meeting lost children getting soaked on a rainy day."
Alise snorted, sharing a warm smile with her companion. "It might as well be true. I don't doubt anything from her and how capable she always is."
Letting out a soft laugh and shaking his head slightly, he landed his sights on the marvelous creation of humanity's tenacity and ingenuity that stood tall above the Dungeon's entrance.
'It's strange… At times, I'm puzzled by how alike we are. Seems Lyra's point was correct.'
Indeed, it was just like she spoke a while ago. The two looked like siblings who jested, bugged and above all, found each other's presence indispensable.
She had a similar yet different relationship with Lion as well; though she would be the naive, stubborn, and prude younger sister she loved to tease.
The entire Familia had an interesting chemistry between their differing personalities and beliefs.
Differences they all grew to love and cherish.
Naturally, they wholeheartedly enjoyed every fleeting moment they spent together… especially with everything that's been going on recently.
Stretching her arms over her head, Alise drew herself out of her own thoughts.
"Perhaps it's time we head back? The others will be picking on us if we are late for breakfast."
"Might as well…" Luke stood up from the low wall, sporting a rather odd tightness to his facial features as he gazed into Babel; not giving much thought, she followed suit.
Taking the lead, she calmly headed towards the staircase in the interior of the wall where they climbed from in cover of the night.
With her arms behind her head, Alise hummed a melody to herself as she headed towards the squarely structure that gave access to the rows of stairs.
Her companion's footsteps trailed closely behind her.
As she approached the stone fortified construct, a noticeable cackling sound that wasn't the one made by her boots had ceased.
"huh?"
Alise spun on her heel, her eyebrows raised as she landed her eyes on Luke.
He had stopped dead in his tracks, wearing a neutral face as he stared directly at her.
"Tell me… can I ask you something personal?"
His question only brought more doubt as to what he meant.
"This is sudden… but sure, hit me."
Luke's mismatched gaze wandered over her face, finally settling on her eyes. He parted his lips.
"Why are you a hypocrite?"
She froze once his words reached her ears. Slowly, she lowered her arms before tilting her head. Confusion built up just as slow inside her mind at the sudden question.
"...eh?"
That was the only adequate response she could mumble.
Luke's demeanor didn't change despite her confusion. "You talked a lot about opening up to others with your troubles and relying on them… that doesn't seem to extend to you."
"I'm not quite following what you're getting at here… hehe." Alise uttered meekly in response as she scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"The name Paul… does it ring any bells?"
She stopped scratching her face, letting her finger hover right next to her skin as her expression locked into an awkward one.
'How does he know about Paul!? I never mentioned his name in our conversation!'
Alise panicked internally, even if she seemed only a bit troubled on the outside, her mind was flying all over the place trying to wrap her around it.
"M-Maybe. Why does it matter though?"
"You talked a lot in your sleep. That name was one of the things I managed to catch in your nocturnal mumbling."
A wave of relief passed over her as she sighed in relief.
'It seems she didn't say anything too weird or strange in her sleep.'
"Aaah! He's the best friend I mentioned earlier. That was just a bad dream, don't fret over something like that." She played it off, waving her hand dismissively.
"Is that so?... Then why did you begin trembling and tossing around at times, huh? The distraught look on your face told me it wasn't because of anything you've shared with me."
"Oh! T-That… Y-You see… aaah…"
Alise fumbled over her words, trying to come up with anything to explain herself as she avoided Luke's gaze.
'Gosh darn it! He saw it! Why did it have to happen again just in the night when I'm not alone?'
Meanwhile, her mind cursed herself for the inconvenient time her nightmares popped up again. What also appeared to her again was the original reason she decided to do this in the first place.
Despite her seemingly unfazed demeanor, she still suffered the consequences of dealing with stress and grim experiences like any other. Despite her suffering, her position needed her to shoulder everything with stride and be the most unshakeable individual for the sake of others.
She had to be as the captain.
A burden she would deal with without a single complaint to inspire hope in the bleakest of times. A burden only she would need to carry as they fought in these dark times.
Lady Astraea's friendly shoulder had been more than enough the last time she began getting worn out by everything.
Why did they have to come back that night?
The nightmarish memories had become less and less frequent ever since her goddess consoled and advised her on how to better deal with them.
Then… why?
Why now?
' Sigh… Well, there is no saving it at this point. Maybe I can pull some damage control at least.'
Straightening herself, she cleansed the slight shock from being confronted and the creeping hesitation that followed.
Luke still remained patiently waiting for an answer as he crossed his arms under his robe.
With a last intake of air and courage, she opened her mouth.
"You're right… it wasn't much different from you at that time."
"Then why did you never say anything? You know everyone would be there for our captain.
"It's… not that simple, trust me."
"I fail to see that; even more so with everything you've said till now."
Luke stepped closer to her. The past calmness he wore on his face slowly gave place to scrunched up eyebrows and lips that stretched thin.
"Do as I say, not as I do… is that your motto?"
….
She didn't reply; choosing silence as her answer. Any hint of Alise's upbeat self left her ever since that question came between the two.
As the silence stretched with no end in sight, Luke sighed.
"So you won't answer… That's okay. Just shows how little you trust me and the others."
"That's not it! It's just…"
"Then tell me. Follow your own advice and rely on those you trust."
Her outburst died down instantly; her own words being thrown back at her and slapped into her face.
"There's no need to. I'm fine, really… Lady Astraea is more than enough already. I shouldn't worry everyone with something like that."
Luke's gaze slitted as a flash of annoyance crossed his features.
"Your nighttime experiences tell me otherwise. Why do you refuse so much to abide by the one thing that you said that helped me immensely? Why be a hypocrite?"
Alise clenched her fists.
"You have so little faith in your friends that you only turn to our goddess?"
Her gums burned as her teeth were tightly pressed against one another.
"I believed someone that—"
"—I don't want to fail anyone!"
The scream cut him off mid sentence, letting his mouth hang open as he looked at her.
Alise's breath was heavy and rapid as she finally let it all out.
Ever since she took the mantle of being Astraea Familia's captain, she never revealed the biggest fear that haunted her with any of her comrades.
Failing. Letting those she cherish down.
Once mistakes, failures and doubts plagued everyone near her, she would be the exception.
Just like back then in her home village before the incident.
Before she was left alone by everyone…
"I… can't."
"You wouldn't fail us by sharing your burdens."
"You don't get it, do you?"
He shook his head. "I really don't."
"Do you honestly think my words would have the same weight if I was even more troubled than you?"
"No… because I would be more worried for you."
"Exactly! I couldn't help you if I was dragged down by my own problems. As your captain, I should be the one that worries and comforts, not the way around."
The stern expression on Luke's face slowly diminished bit by bit after her explanation.
"I understand where you're coming from… but you're still looking at this from the wrong perspective."
Her troubled features were overtaken by surprise after his rebuttal.
"...What do you mean by that? Being a figure of resolve, a sturdy mind, and charisma is indispensable for a leader… I've known that ever since I was a little kid."
"You're right. But you're forgetting one crucial thing; a thing you taught me, by the way."
A warm smile was carved into his face. "We are a Familia."
Her mind stopped as the entire narrative began burning down to the ground as his words bounced inside her head.
Familia.
More often than not most strayed far away from the original meaning of the word. Being nothing more than a bunch associated by convenience, who sought power and riches in the Dungeon City.
Yet, their own couldn't be farther than that. Companionship, trust and genuine cherish between each and every member of their Familia; even if some might not seem so at first glance.
They were a true family.
"Like everyone has repeated to me time and time again. We can count on each other to get back to our feet when we stumble."
He was correct; absolutely right to the T.
Yet…
"But I still need to set an example, to be there no matter what. It worked wonders till now, no matter what you may say."
….
Luke didn't respond at first, simply gazing at her in silence as the usual nonchalant face he wore was back on.
After a few moments of no words being spoken, he walked up to her. Luke halted his steps just as he was at arms length before her.
Alise blinked in confusion.
"Wha—"
Something struck her brow, hard. Acting on instinct, she jumped back while clutching the spot she was hit.
"W-What was that for!?"
Her frantic questioning was accompanied by a pair of emerald orbs glaring daggers at the one responsible for it.
Luke stood nonplussed at her angry stare, still holding the index finger that flickered her forehead extended.
"Bullheaded and more stubborn than a mule yet, regularly calls others the same… kind of contradicting, not gonna lie."
Alise grumbled in response as she began gently caressing her throbbing temple.
'I didn't even see him lift his finger!'
With a grave pout, she stood straighter as the spot he flicked her slowly stopped hurting.
A smirk made its way to his face. "Though I doubt that would have gotten across your thickhead."
Alise's intensified glare only ripped out more chuckles from him, marking her fume even more.
'I won't let this slide… just you wait!
As she has already begun tracing plans to get back to him; a regular occurrence in their dynamics, Luke let out a last dry laugh before dropping his clown face.
"You really won't let go of this bone, won't you?" No hint of tomfoolery accompanied his pondering.
"No, I won't." She spoke seriously and without hesitation as she stopped rubbing her brow, only leaving a noticeable reddish mark where she had been flicked.
"Why I'm not surprised…"
He walked over to her again. This time, she was prepared as she raised her fists and tensed her muscles.
Luke waved off her worries with his hand before half turning towards the center of the city. The sun illuminated one side of his face as his azure eye shone under the light.
His sights swerved from the tower and her for a couple of times as he seemed to be considering something whenever it landed on her.
"Say, why don't we do the following?... You stop being an idiot and talk to me if there's something weighing inside that thick head of yours, and in exchange, I won't share your stubbornness with anyone else."
Alise's face scrunched up as her eyes looked at him full of suspicion. "What guarantee do I have that you won't simply do it anyway?"
"Well, you don't. However, you have my word on it." He pointed a thumb to himself. "You also have my word that I'll snitch on you if you refuse my offer; quite a deal, isn't it?"
Alise rolled her eyes. "Not much choice when you're being blackmailed by your own friend under snitching threats."
"Ouch! Don't badmouth me like that, this is for your own good. I thought you trusted me." A clearly exaggerated hurt expression passed through his face as he placed a hand over his heart.
She shook her head with a resigned sigh leaving her mouth.
'Really, this guy…'
Looking up again, Alise was met with a warm smile. Luke's acting vanished as he rested his hands inside his trousers pockets.
'Maybe it won't be so bad after all.'
It truly could so, especially taking into consideration the snowball effect and immense headache Luke opening his mouth would bring her.
The sole reason she burdened it all and remained strong so others could rely on her would be stripped away from her.
But also… it shouldn't be too bad to rely on someone besides her goddess from time to time.
The more she pried into her companion's cheery smile, the more at ease she became at the idea.
Lighter.
That would be the feeling that spread through her as she recalled how well and attentious their interactions had been ever since they've known each other.
'Yeah, it won't be the end of the world. In fact, I'll be returned the favor for once with everything I've done till now! Of course, it was fair in the end.'
Making up her mind, she stepped forward.
"Then I'll accept it. But remember, if catch wind that you broke our agreement you'll pay!" She stated firmly and sternly, spiting in her hand before extending it.
Her friend stared at it in disbelief for a moment, all while she kept offering the gesture to him multiple times.
Luke's eyes widened a bit before they settled in an inviting eye-smile coupled with a slight frown.
"Gross… But that's more like it! Also, worry not, my lips are a tomb." He closed the gap, also spitting on the palm of his hand before grasping her own.
"I'll be holding you accountable on that, trust me, I will."
"That won't be necessary, I never go back on my word."
"Then it's a promise! Whoever breaks it will have to deal with the consequences without complaining."
"More fair impossible."
With a firm handshake, the deal was sealed.
She meant every word she just said. If he dared break the promise, then he'll pay… in ways that would certainly make him regret ever forcing her into this; even if she began to like the intent behind it.
Speaking of repayment.
"Also, there's one more thing."
"Sure, speak your mind~."
A devilish grin split her face in two as a plan of retribution surfaced.
Luke's eyes remained closed as he waited for whatever she had to say.
Alise took advantage of their linked hands and pulled him towards her with all her might.
His eyes shot open before she used the other hand to quickly wrap the tail end of his cloak around his head.
Time was of the essence for her to succeed, lest he overpower her and break free.
Alise stuck her middle finger inside her mouth.
"What are you up to—Ahhhh!" his muffled voice underneath the fabric was cut short as she mercilessly shoved a finger bathed in saliva inside the length of his ear.
As she expected, not even a second passed before he effortlessly managed to pry her hands away from him and lept away.
However, the comeback for what he did to her earlier was a resounding success.
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(Cue - Danmachi I OST - Rubellite eyes)
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Alise couldn't hide the smug grin on her face as Luke used his gloved finger to clean his ear from her saliva.
An eerie darkness took hold of his features as he was still in the process of drying up her prank. An eeriness that didn't shake her in any way, much to the contrary.
"...I advise you to start running… preferably while pleading for mercy." He spoke low and calmly, though it was hard to miss the veiled danger behind his words.
Alise tightened her stance as she raised her fists. "Hah! As if I can hope to outrun you. No, I'm staying right here."
"Then you'll die braver than most… that will teach you to never toy with an elf's ear." A glint that promised nothing but pain shone inside his irises.
" Hmmp!... As if! I'll do it again if you don't stop me!"
Both Lion and him would curse the day they let her know their biggest and pointiest weak spot. Her teasing nature would make sure their pointed weaknesses wouldn't rest in peace.
That much she guaranteed.
"I'll make you regret that dearly…"
Alise took a crouch stance. The muscles on her legs tensed as she aimed herself right towards him.
"All I hear is bark no bite! Let's get this started!"
*Blam*
With a mighty leap forward, she soared in Luke's direction with a big grin on her face and excitement coursing through her veins as she took off against him once again.
She approached him faster than any normal person could perceive, cutting through the air as she closed her hands tightly into fists.
Despite the stern face, Alise saw the faintest of smiles at the corner of her friend's lips.
Her own smile stretched even further as they were about to go for a final round before heading back for the first meal of the day.
'Sorry, Maryuu. You'll have to cover for us in getting breakfast ready.'
A fierce war cry tore through her throat as she sprung herself from the limestone below, coming for a devastating uppercut once she was less than a meter away from him and well within his guard.
The previous angered face in front of her broke into a smile: a smile that extended to a smirk, a smirk into a grin, and the grin was all she could focus on as she came upon Luke.
Taking a crossed guard with forearms, her now opponent, awaited for the blow to connect.
A renowned exhilaration was upon the pair as a new bout - and hopefully the last in the morning - was about to begin
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(End soundtrack)
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A/N: I initially planned to include more scenes into this chapter but ultimately decided against it and made it a solo chapter.
Next one we'll have the feast at the Hostess of Fertility. Expect drinking, the doll princess of the trickery goddess and her Familia, a depressed cat waitress, teasing, and the fastest in Orario causing trouble.
It will certainly compensate for the lack of things happening in this chapter.
Now to your reviews!
Dullerlyric: I always appreciate how you always leave lengthier reviews and seem to get immersed into what I write. Glad you liked the chapter and all the work I put into each scene to convey the atmosphere of the events.
You're in for a treat once the Great Feud starts. The fight against Zald will be one of the highest points of my story, I guarantee you. Also, Astraea Record LN1 is almost out! That will help a lot as it serves as a more detailed basis for me to work with than the danmemo event.
Yuh292: Thanks for the review! I'm happy you enjoyed the chapter.
Regarding the pairings. I'm leaning more towards Alise in Luke's case because of how it has a greater effect on the overall plot.
With Bell I'm going for either Tiona or Haruhime.
UoDuh: Appreciate the review. I'm mostly agreeing with you regarding Alise's impact on the plot, though Anya has an interesting path I will take with her character.
ghouldrago0: You're right on that. The two have a great chemistry and I explored that in this chapter lol.
UnknowingGodz: I'll be honest, even if I adore Alise, Anya is my MVP. I can do some great things with her character, especially in the Great Feud.
Erebus13: I agree. Though I can't confirm nor deny what I'll do with her. ._.
Jirsaacek: Thank you very much for contacting me about the fraud! Never thought someone would pull a stunt like that…
Now answering your review.
Though Ryuu is an interesting choice, I ultimately decided against it for plot reasons.
Regarding Luke's strength: No. He won't gain a surge of excelia nor any power ups for the challenges to come. I never intended for him to be "The Strongest" like Satoru Gojo and save the day just by showing up.
For the time being, he's just a talented individual trying to reach his potential and achieve his dreams. He'll need to rely on his allies to win against overwhelming odds, and with his skill set, he will be an effective fighter working with first class adventurers.
This will be the premise of his confrontation with Zald I've planned. That will be one of the highlights of my story, or so I hope.
Bear in mind there's roughly 8 and a half years before the Main Series starts when Bell comes to Orario. Luke has a lot of room to grow till reaches his potential.