Author's note:

Hello again.

First of all, because I keep forgetting, I'd like to thank and recommend the YouTube video SAO she is still sleeping with rain and thunder by Eric Johnson for being an excellent song to write to.

Secondly, thanks again for everyone who actually reads my crazed ramblings. All the follows, favorites, and reviews mean a lot :)

Moving on, I'm a little surprised everyone asks where Bell is, but no one has actually put up a theory on where he is.

Anyway, this is kind of two short chapters, each composing half of it. The second, the more important, is a little forced and awkward in my opinion, but hopefully you enjoy it. Also thanks to Ancient for the idea that created the first half of this chapter.

enjoy,

-asdf

Chapter 8 – My Beloved Child

On the Roofs of Orario:

"How long do you think it will take them?"

"Hmm… Want to bet on that too?"

"Not a chance," the first laughs. I've been losing to you too often nowadays."

"I'm sure you'll make your comeback soon," the second answers amicably.

Standing atop the roof of the building as close to the entrance of Babel as possible, the pair of deities chat like old friends. Like really, really old friends. Giving each other a knowing smile, the unscrupulous pair wait for the result of their most recent bet.

Magni and Modi had thousands to millions of years of history of getting in trouble together. After descending to the lower world over a hundred years ago, they'd briefly parted ways. Somehow, both had ended up in Orario with their own adventuring familias. Reunited, the gods now did little else except bet their familias hard earned money and predict the outcomes of their pranks.

The most recent victims were their newly joined recruits. They told their respective members a true story, with just one tiny mistake slipped in. So small it could be considered innocuous. A slip of the tongue. An oversight. All of the best lies and pranks were predicated on this principle. Just enough truth to hook them, hiding the rotten core.

The lie was a simple one. That today, on Friday March 31, 2023, at 6 pm, a rare monster will spawn on the first floor. A monster whose guaranteed drop is worth a whopping one million valis. A paltry sum to top-tier adventurers, it was life-changing for their new recruits. This of course, is mostly true. There is such a monster, but it wouldn't spawn today, it would spawn this time next year. After all, the chicken creature spawns only once every seven years. Next year there will be an entire festival dedicated to it, where they let the new adventurers try to capture the insanely fast chicken.

Already its been more than two hours since the two parties set foot in the dungeon. No doubt doing laps of the first floor, attempting uselessly to locate the absent fowl.

Licking their chops, the gods waited patiently for the loser to emerge, for such was the bet. Each god believed that their newest recruits were the more head strong ones and would stay in the dungeon longer looking for the monster. A foolish game, but each god had put 50,000 valis on this wager.

As the sun dipped below the western wall of Orario, the gods continued their eternal vigil. After all, nothing will deter an entertainment starved deity from receiving their fill of the children's' insanity.

Asuna:

"We're staying here for the night?" Posing the question to Astrid, I stand beside her as she gives orders to the familia.

"Yeah," she nods. "No doubt some of the familia members want to go deeper right away, so they can do that tomorrow. Others are regulars at Rivira and will want to help their buddies set up when they start arriving. As for the rest, well… we will head home tomorrow!"

"Okay…" Nodding my acceptance, I still worry about the monsters. As time passed, so faded the light. The giant crystal on the roof had been growing darker for some time now. Comparing it to the outside world, it was now the equivalent of late evening. Full darkness would be here soon, however, is was probably only 5 pm back on the surface.

"Ah right," Astrid remembers with a smile. "The times don't match up between here and the surface. This floor is on an eighteen-hour cycle."

"Oh…" Mumbling my reply, I look for the faint source of light in the ceiling. It was still remarkable. It must have been created with a knowledge of the outside world, a mimic of the sun. The trees here replicated the forests. In a way, it seems sad. This is all the monsters will ever know before they die and spawn again. This floor represented all the dungeon could do for its children. A haven for them to live and relax on. To get a glimpse of what the surface world is like.

"Hey, cheer up a little," Astrid tells me a nudge. "You have a man waiting for you on the surface after all!"

"Its not like that!" Insisting with a yelp, regret starts to flow. I really should have held a better lid on my mouth…

"Supper!"

The word ends all musings and discussions. Almost as one my entire familia is seated in a giant circle, waiting for the food to be distributed.

One of the dwarves stood over a giant pot, stirring the simmering contents elevated over a fire. Another opened up a bag and began pulling out bowls.

Where did they get this stuff from!?

The system was simple, the cook scooped out one ladle full and dumped it into the outstretched bowl. This was then passed around the circle to the member of the far end. Settling in between Astrid and Mirel, I do my duty and pass the bowls on as they come. Before long, there is no more to pass and the bowl in my hands is mine.

Feeling its warmth through the bottom, my stomach rumbles in expectation. After all the adventures today, this is exactly what I needed to cap it off, food.

Opening my mouth to the warm broth, I blow on it, then taste. Eyes flying open I can hardly believe the texture. There's a delicious sweetness despite the filling meaty substance that dominates the contents. It's unlike anything I've had in my life. Despite being exposed to a variety of cultures' foods, this is different to all of them. It's enough to pique my curiosity in cooking.

And didn't Kirito like food?

Shaking my head to dismiss that final thought, I focus on my food. Without a utensil, its hard to only get certain components. Regardless, I think I get a good idea of the various ingredients. The sweetness seems to be coming from its own source, a fruit if I'm not mistaken. However, the one little chunk of it remaining I managed to isolate was far different from any I know of.

"Ah, Honeyfruit soup, how I've missed thee."

Exhaling slowly, Mirel releases a contented sigh. Leaning back, she rests on her elbows having finished the soup already.

"Honeyfruit?"

"It's a fruit native to the dungeon," she replies in answer to my question. "This floor only to be exact."

"Here," Astrid proffers. "They're quite popular in our familia."

Putting down my now empty bowl, I take the strange fruit form Astrid's hand. Twisting it this way and that, the hue of its skin is… unique. A light pink, it bulges in two different halves, kind of like a large strawberry.

Bringing it to my mouth, I take a tentative nibble. Barely ripping off any, a small stream of juice squirts into my mouth.

!

It's delicious.

The sweetness is so strong it's almost cloying. And yet, it flows in my mouth. The overpowering flavour is amazing. It produces a sort of high as I sit in a trancelike state enjoying it.

"Ah, and another one of our girls falls victim to the dungeons most dangerous trap."

"Oh, Phineas," Astrid answers the Prum man whom has come over. "What brings you over here?"

"I came to greet our newest member and to talk to you Astrid."

"I see…" Whispering quietly, Astrid falls silent to allow him to achieve his first objective.

Lowering the rest of the fruit, I raise my eyes to where his rest not all that much higher. He has piercing blue eyes and golden hair. But at the roots… It's dyed maybe? Even from this distance it's hard to tell.

"So, Asuna, I couldn't help but notice your magic today."

"My magic?" Reciting back his words, I don't understand what he means. The others were far more impressive than mine.

"Yes," Phineas emphasizes with a nod. "It's rare to see one quite that powerful. Even at level one, your magic was as strong as some of the level two spells."

Flushing I'm not sure how to take the compliment. "Th-that was just Mirel's magic I'm sure. Made it look stronger."

Arching an eyebrow, Phineas seems disappointed by my contradiction. "Mirel applied her magic to everyone, not just yours."

Leaving the conversation there, with that rather embarrassing observation, he turns away from me.

"Astrid, would you be willing to finish the few forms left on my desk? I'd like to press on the twenty-fifth tomorrow."

Scowling, Astrid doesn't look happy with the request, but she nods. "Don't go to far into the New World, after all, no one knows what Amphisbaena is doing right now."

Scowling, Phineas agreed with a nod. "Honestly that should have been the object of this raid. How long until the smaller familias attempt to venture those floors while the dragon still lives?"

"Maybe," Astrid tentatively agreed. "Although I think the guild probably doubted our ability to work together until the twenty-seventh."

"Probably," Phineas smirks. "Just means we need to get an expedition together soon to suppress it. Also, we need another run at the white palace."

Grimacing, Astrid appears to want anything but that. "I don't know what you're imagining Phineas, but Udeaus is far beyond our capacity to kill."

"I know," he sighs.

The agreement seems hesitant though. As if he doesn't truly believe the words. He merely accepts them after the sentiment had been slammed home repeatedly.

"Have a good night ladies."

With that he leaves us alone, me having little idea what just transpired between the two of them.

1st Floor of the Dungeon:

"There it is!"

"Get it!"

The cries from multiple adventurers ring out. All of them have only one objective. Killing the monster that continues to avoid them.

"Hargh!" Releasing his fiercest war, the red-haired samurai elf releases his fastest strike. Drawing from the sheath on his waist, the katana whips forward, a blur of polished steel. Any monster on the first floor of the dungeon would have been shredded without a chance to react.

Any normal monster anyway.

The strange green and yellow bird merely shifted its head, the blade passing next to it. Ruffling its still untouched feathers, it gives the samurai a distasteful glance. Far too close for comfort, the creature takes off along the cramped tunnels of the first floor.

An abnormality, the creature was more like a gift from the dungeon to adventurers rather than a monster meant to rip them apart. In fact, this incredible monster, the Jack Bird, had never attacked anyone and was rumoured to not know any offensive techniques. Instead, its whole method of survival was predicated upon one trait: speed.

The bird was even faster than hellhounds from the middle floors. This is why, despite the twelve sweaty men running around the first floor after it, it remained alive. More than at, as the time crested midnight, 6 hours after its spawn, it looked little more than bored.

As the bird entered the closest intersection, twin spears shot out at it. The two men had cleverly hidden themselves around the corner, waiting until the last moment to strike.

With six hours to improve their tactics, the adventurers were becoming far more deadly and capable in their techniques. Despite being from rival familias, a strange truce was worked up between them. Each group got a turn to try to trap and kill the bird uninhibited. As they did that, the other familia would rest and refine their strategy.

This time, it was Modi familia whom were trying to make this attempt the final one. As the spears shot out, the final three adventurers popped out from their places behind rocks five feet down each passageway, blades at the ready.

With the party leader, Klein, dashing after the bird, it was well and thoroughly trapped. Two spears coming from straight on, and a blade waiting to cut it on each of the four paths it looked like game over. Most people, if they were to bet, would bet on the chicken's death. After all, how does poultry live through a deadly trap?

The Jack Bird didn't care for the limitations of its duplicates on the surface. It was too busy living to succumb to such paltry adventurers.

Leaping off one of its taloned feet, the bird soared over the thrusts. Compared to its velocity, the spears appeared stationary.

This was still within the adventurer's expectations. They didn't spend this long hunting it to learn nothing of its capabilities. The adventurer along the fork straight ahead let out a wicked smile. This time, it was over. For the Jack bird made a mistake. It's only possible to change momentum on the ground. In the air it's no more than an object trapped in the predetermined parabola that the physics of the world determined.

Unfortunately, the Jack Bird still didn't care about what they thought was possible. Rotating in mid air, the birds head was now pointed to the ground. Reaching out one its legs, it made contact. With the roof.

Eyes opening in disbelief they could do little more than watch as the bird used the roof too push off and fly over their heads. Easily passing over top of the waiting adventurer, the bird rotated again to land on its feet. Without even a stagger the nimble fowl fouled yet another plan.

"NOO!" Letting his anguish be known to the world, Klein fell on his knees and grabbed his hair with both hands. The impact of another failure too much for the eccentric swordsman to take.

This wasn't the first time their leader let out such a display, it was however the first time no word of solace came from his party.

It was past midnight, and the prize of one million valis was starting to lose its luster. Excuses for quitting ran more rampant in their mind. They pulled more weight and were given more credence.

So far, it was only the competition with Magni familia that kept them going this long. They knew the logic behind it, the Bird wasn't perfect. It could make mistakes; one is all they needed. One stumble, one errant blade to clip it and bam. Instant riches.

Their combined gross earnings from the dungeon totalled only a fraction of the amount. But even this knowledge was not enough to cheer up the forlorn group. The strategy had been perfect. They'd taken everything they knew about it into account and it still wasn't enough. By tomorrow hundreds of novices would flood this floor and drive the bird to its death.

"Is that it then?" One of the members leans forlornly on his spear, exhaustion heavy in both his voice and bearing.

"You failed then?" The leader of the Magni familia party, Agil, came over to talk to them.

"Yes," Klein spat bitterly in reply. "It's all yours."

"Nah," Agil denied with a wave of his hand. "I have a new proposal. Neither of us alone are enough to catch it. So, we team up, all twelve of us, a couple more attempts. It works, we get rich, it fails, we wasted an extra ten minutes. You in?"

Perking up, Klein's eyes regained their lost gleam. Muttering contemplatively to himself, the gears in his brain churned at full velocity.

"I think we had the right idea this time. We need to force it into the air. The roof jump surprised us, but it doesn't matter. Its trajectory is still locked upon takeoff. If we had more people where it landed, it would have been an easy kill."

"That's what I'm saying!" Agil agreed with a big toothy smile. The gesture turned the fearsome giant man into a teddy bear. "Alone we lack the manpower to remove all of its options."

"But together…"

"Together."

Clasping hands the two share smiles, a budding alliance.

Getting all twelve adventurers together, the scheming starts. One final ultimate plan to bring down the great chicken of the first floor.

Chamber beneath Guild Headquarters:

"Hmm, I hadn't expected this…"

Stirring on his throne below Orario, Ouranos focused his will downwards. The prayers of a supreme god keeping the unruly dungeon in check.

Nonetheless, the god was disconcerted. The Goliath had been slain, the upper floors normal once again, and yet… It was strange. Only one word came to mind.

"Reset."

Something even the ancient deity whom had started this thankless task nigh on a millennium ago had never encountered.

He had felt the shift as the Goliath fell. As the tendrils of power retracted from the upper floors. And yet, as they left, a strange phenomenon occurred. The spawns reset. The rare monster spawned a year early.

A supposedly innocuous event, it worried the stoic god. He'd lived through every horror imaginable, but this, caused a deep dread to seep into his bones. Although he revealed none of it on his face or deeds, he felt change coming on the wind. For only one thought came to his mind.

When the reset reaches the bottom of the dungeon, will they spawn again?

The three god monsters. Would their presence once again open the lid on the dungeon that had been closed a thousand years?

Hoping that he was merely overestimating the final effect of the change, the god leaned back and continued his role as guardian.

1st Floor of the Dungeon:

"Hyah!"

"Sehya!"

Releasing their shouts, two adventurers futilely swing their weapons at the still active bird. Dodging it with ease, the bird is pushed further down the tunnel. Acting as swing guards the adventurers form a wall of steel that even the remarkable speed of the Jack Bird can't easily surpass.

So, abandoning that pathway, the bird ramps up the speed and disappears further into the depths of the first floor.

Smiling, the adventurers from separate familias fist bump their congratulations. Their job was finished in this plan. It was up to their party members to finish exacting vengeance on the uncatchable bird.

"Phase 2!" Roaring the order, Klein transmits the message up the line. It had taken only five minutes of so for them to finalize the plan. At this point though, it was passing half an hour since trying to start it. But the finale was well on its way.

Within the circular layout of the first floor, every different side had slightly different offshoot tunnels and patterns. This plan relied upon a strange narrow tunnel within the deep western reaches of the first floor. As far off the main path as you could get, very few people bothered to even come out that far. This is where they spent so long forcing the Jack Bird to.

With only six people, neither of the parties had considered it an option for trapping it. Afterall the complex pathways in that area had too many branches to reliably achieve anything with only six people. Now though, with twelve, it rose sharply in priority. All because of one single passage. The hope of the adventurers. If they could get the bird into it, it would die.

"Now Wolfgang!" Calling out the name of his party mate, Agil's booming voice carried far through the empty hallways of the first floor.

"Rawr!" Swinging his large two-handed axe, Wolfgang's swing met nothing but air as the rooster changed direction.

Dashing into the adjoining tunnel, excitement started to rise in the breasts of the onlooking adventurers. For once, they felt true hope that their pursuit would be successful.

"Let's Go!"

Crying their determination, the awaiting adventurers flood the pathways into the cordoned off area. Phase 3 had started.

Stalking forward warily, the five men slowly tightened their line of steel around the Jack Bird. In general, the creature will always choose the path of least resistance. If they overreached though, the creature was perfectly capable of running straight past an overextended adventurer.

One entrance was clearly left open, an obvious trap. If the bird was smart enough to know that though, they'd never be able to catch it.

"Get in there!" Getting frustrated with the bird's lack of movement, Dale swings his heavy two-handed sword in a large horizontal arc.

Lazily ducking its head, the blade passes over it and the Jack Bird leaps at its chance, the hole between Dale's legs.

"NO!" Crying out in dismay, the five encircling adventurers watch with bated breath as their last hope scurries away between the large man's legs.

"Guess it's a good thing I came!"

Huffing out his arrogant line, Klein appeared behind the line. Drawing his long blade, the line of steel forces the bird to change directions. Noiselessly weaving around the web of steel Klein creates, the Jack Bird reluctantly takes the only path that has been left available to it.

"Stay here and stop it!"

Shouting out his final needless instruction, Klein charges after the fleeing bird. It was coming down to the final decisive moments. The last intersection is ahead. If they can make it turn into the right tunnel…

Emerging a good ten yards ahead of Klein, the Jack Bird is met by another three adventurers.

Squawking in distress, it's the first time Klein had heard the bird let out anything like a cry. Until now, it has displayed the same placid expression as it effortlessly dodges all of their attempts.

"Hrg!" Thrusting their weapons forward in a specific pattern, the weapons leave an obvious hole in their trajectories.

Taking the presented option, the Jack Bird effortlessly dodges the predestined swings. Head rotating it focuses on the figure chasing it. Bent almost double, the gleaming katana sends a brief spike of fear through it. Of the twelve weapons chasing it, that's the one that has come to the closest to killing it. Allowing its fear of the weapon influence its decision, the Jack Bird makes a mistake. In an attempt to get as much distance as possible from the approaching katana, it takes the path left open for it. After all, none of the others are nearly as frightening.

"YES!"

Exuberant that the bird has entered the destined tunnel, Klein follows it in. This is it. The final seconds of the chase.

Turning back to front, the bird shoots down the straightaway tunnel. The roof of which is barely six feet.

Like the portent of doom, the light at the far end of the tunnel fades. Instead, a massive shadow looms, its head scraping the ceiling. Entering the tunnel as well, the exit is completely sealed. There is absolutely no way past the imposing figure at the far end.

Screeching to a halt, the Jack Bird barely stops in time to avoid decapitation at the hands of the giant war axe.

Not waiting for Klein to get any further, the jack Bird leaps. Off the ground, off the roof. Putting all of its agility on display, the creature performs insane acrobatics in the cramped tunnel.

"Not this time!" Ready for the maneuver, Klein meets it at its landing place with his katana.

"Kree!?" Squawking in disbelief, the Jack bird leaps straight backwards. A long deep cut decorating its once proud chest feathers.

Unable to even process the series of events, an axe swing brings its worries an abrupt end.

Dissolving instantly into ash, a giant golden egg is left behind. Cheers escaping their throats, Agil and Klein grab it and bring it back to their waiting familia members.

Passing it around like a trophy, not one of the twelve don't have a giant grin on their faces. The exhaustion of the day had finally paid off.

Putting it on the ground briefly, they prepare for their return to the surface. Sell the egg, divide the money, and celebrate. Images of the things they'd buy with it filling their minds as smoke filled the chamber.

"What's going on?"

"Smoke?"

"Where's the egg?"

"Something brushed my leg!"

Confusing chants ringing out, the twelve adventurers search frantically for the source of the smoke and an approaching assailant.

A tense minute passes as the smoke dissipates. Waiting with bated breath, the culprit is revealed, a nondescript glass ball sits on the floor. Split in half down the middle, it seems like the reason for the smoke, but what was its purpose.

Looking around, the twelve adventurers finally come to a depressing realization. Their egg, the one they spent seven hours retrieving, is gone.

Smirking, the thief cradled their prize. The prum girl's lips rose into a smile as they escaped form Babel. No doubt the adventurers were just realizing their prize was gone.

Ignoring the exchange, it would be too easy to track it back to her, she went instead to her favorite store, a Gnome Pawn shop. With another million valis in the bag, she was another step closer to her goal.

Kirito:

"Oof!" Eyes flying open, I clench my stomach which has exploded in pain. As I get my bearings, the pain quickly fades, but the force on my stomach doesn't.

Blinking my eyes clear and the source of my discomfort is revealed, Hestia. Standing on my stomach, she her crossed arms push up her breasts which sway in time with her deep breaths. For once I have no trouble not focusing on them though, as a much bigger problem lies in wait just a little higher in my vision.

Her glare penetrates me to my core and screams holy retribution for my sins. "W-what did I do?"

"You didn't come home again!"

Answering my question straight out, Hestia stomps her feet, sending another wave of pain through my abdomen.

Grunting, the instinctive motion nearly knocks my petite goddess off her pedestal.

"Sorry, but I had to…" thinking back on it, what I did was go to Syr's so I could talk to her. It was something that needed to be done, and I couldn't put it off any longer.

"Had. To. What?" Each word is spat in its own sentence. Her twintails flew their distinctive pattern, hunting for my throat once again. Yet, behind the mask of anger she wore, I saw the deep-seated worry in her eyes. The fear that her only child would die and leave her alone yet again.

"I'm sorry goddess, I should have informed you of my plans first."

Getting off me slowly, Hestia instead sat on the chair, just adjacent to the couch, waiting for my explanation.

However, I noticed that she had put herself within chocking range, and that suspicion has taken over where worry once resided.

"What plans?"

"I had to talk to Syr yesterday." There was no other way to say it. No way to sugarcoat it or ease the effect that the words would have.

Growling, living flames sprang to live in Hestia's eyes. "I thought I told you are better off without that wench in your life?"

"I know what you said Goddess," I sigh. "But she's in pain, and I want to help her if I can."

"In pain?" Hestia scoffs, "the child is lucky I didn't put her in actual pain when I found you on that bed."

Shivering from Hestia's overprotectiveness, I sit up so that we are only a couple feet away from each other. Reaching out, I hold her hands in mine. "Hestia please, I know you care for me. I care for you too…" Mouth coagulating, it seems to freeze in place as I sit there grasping her hand.

"Kirito… Is this?..." Hestia's words are soft, her anger fading as a blush rises to her cheeks.

"But… But I want to help Syr too!"

"Oh…" Eyes downcast, Hestia pulls her hands from mine. "Why do you like that gray-haired wench so much anyway?" Hestia grumbles.

"N-no, it's not like that!" I stutter again. "What I was trying to say is that, you've been so helpful for me. I can talk to people now… I think Syr is missing that. I want to see her smile, for real."

"Hehe, I see." Hestia chuckles, some warmth returning to her face. "You really are too kind; you know that Kirito?"

Flushing, I look away. Kind. The word is a contradiction to my actions in the real world. Nonetheless, it's not too late to make up for lost time. Sugu… I owed her such an apology. And so much more for her teachings. No doubt I'd have died day one without them.

"Oh, one last thing Goddess…"

"Yes Kirito," Hestia replies patiently, waiting for the explanation.

"Syr invited everyone out shopping next Friday. You, me, Asuna, Argo, Philia, and Rain. Wanted to apologize for the other day."

Hestia's face gets more and more serious as I explain. Eyes narrowed, Hestia appeared to be chewing over the words, as if looking for a deeper meaning.

When she made no motion to answer, I kept talking. "I thought it would be nice. If some of the girls could get to know her then maybe it will help…"

"You're not the brightest, you know that?" Hestia replied with a sigh rubbing her temples. "Is she really forcing a decision that quickly?..."

"Huh?" Stricken by Hestia's words I don't even catch her last sentence. What am I missing for Hestia to say that? Also, I think it's the harshest thing Hestia has ever said to me…

"Hey Kirito?"

"Y-yes Goddess?"

"As divine punishment for worrying me, I'm making you come shopping with me today." Standing up, Hestia sniffed herself and recoiled sharply.

Attempting to discreetly smell her as well, I couldn't detect anything. Let alone an odor that would require that kind of reaction.

"Oh, and one last thing."

Pausing on the edge of the bathroom, Hestia looks back at me with a small smile.

"Bring all the savings, I think we'll need it."

"Yes goddess…"

Giving in easily, I hold my head in my hands. How had it come to this? We'd be poor forever at this rate.

Kirito:

"All the way to Miach's shop?" Hestia grumbles for the third time.

Sighing, I rub my temples. It's getting hard to hold in my exasperation. I understood that Hestia was excited and wanted to go shopping, but we have all day. No doubt Argo was standing in Babel about to give up on me and do something else for the day. The thought was biting. However, I didn't have time to tell her I couldn't enter the dungeon today. Another angry person I'd have to appease tomorrow.

Growing moody, I kick at the loose rock on the street. Sometimes, like right now, it felt impossible to keep my head above water. I was literally the only person in my familia, and I still felt overwhelmed by obligations. I needed to spend time with Hestia, I needed to visit Syr occasionally, I needed to see Eina and study, I had to go to the dungeon and interact with my party there. It was an exhaustive list with no sign of getting any shorter.

"Sorry, Kirito…"

"Huh?" Confused by Hestia's statement I tilt my head and look at the goddess. Walking with her head bend, she barely came up to my chest. It was obvious that something was wrong with her.

"I'm just so excited about today that I couldn't get over the fact you needed to buy things first for the dungeon…"

"Oh, it's not a problem…" Unsure what to say, no doubt the awkward words aren't what Hestia wants to hear. Scratching my head, I have no idea how to handle the sulky Hestia. "W-well, here we are."

Needlessly announcing our arrival, I graciously hold the door open for Hestia to enter first.

With Hestia stopping just inside the door, I'm unable to fully enter the shop. Looking over her head, I see the reason for her pause, customers. There are three of them in similar purple garments talking to Nazha from over the counter.

Looking up as the door chimes announce our presence, Nazha gives us, but mainly me, a teasing smile. "Look what the dog dragged in. These three were just inquiring about how many blue Papillion wings I'd need… Since you never brought any."

Eyes widening, I let out a soft, "Ah," as I recall the memories. Just another obligation missed I suppose. Although I certainly hadn't been obligated to retrieve them, as a friendly poor familia, it would have been the kind thing to do.

"Oh well," Nazha shrugs, "Take-Mikazuchi famila will pick up the slack."

"Eh?" Hestia interrupts with a loud voice. "You're Take's kids?"

"Yes, goddess Hestia," A girl with long raven hair replies. "My name is Yamato Mikoto, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Bowing gracefully from the waist, the girl slams her fist to her heart in a salute while doing it.

"Kashimi Ouka, captain of Take-Mikazuchi familia." The man introduces himself after. Giving him a glance up and down, it's hard not to be intimidated by his presence. In a word, he's large.

"Hitachi Chigusa," the third introduces herself in a soft voice. The words are audible, but barely. Her eyes are completely covered by bangs.

Tilting her head, Hestia seems confused for a moment. "Oh right, you're far east children, aren't you? So, that would be Mikoto, Ouka, and Chigusa."

"Yes goddess."

As they continue to speak respectfully to Hestia, I fight a small smile rising to my lips. The Far East. The obvious reference to Japan is in every little thing about them. From the attire they wear to the accent in their words and the method of introducing themselves. To be honest, it's nostalgic. A piece of the real world right here in Orario.

"What's with that goofy smile on your face, Kirito?"

At Nazha's words, my hand instinctively reaches to my face. Touching it softly, it confirms what Nazha says, I am smiling. "Forgive me, Kirigaya Kirito, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Making a split-second decision I add on my family name from the real world but keep the name Kirito. It wouldn't make sense to call myself Kazuto anymore anyway.

At my words both Nazha and Hestia open their eyes in shock, the adventurers seem unaffected though, merely bowing their heads in acknowledgement.

"I didn't know you were a far east kid," Nazha chuckles lightly, "you hide it well."

"Ah, well, I'm not quite…" I explain poorly.

"Apparently all of the world-walkers originate from a land in their old world that is very similar to the Far East here. At least that's what our familia's recruits say."

"It's true," I confirm.

"I never knew…" Hestia's weak words seem to be filled with minor embarrassment. No doubt she thought she should have been able to deduce that on her own.

Reaching out my hand, I pat her head a couple of times in assurance. I tended to follow gaming etiquette rather than proper Japanese here which is why she had never noticed.

"If things go well, we will return with the wings today. Farewell."

Finishing his conversation with Nazha, Ouka leads his familia members out after him. Sizing them up as they go past me, I can feel their auras. Both Ouka and Mikoto are stronger than me. Chigusa is around my level to a little higher. I try to contain it, but I can't help the quick surge of jealousy over the fact that all the native adventurers I've met are stronger than me.

"So, what you need, Kirito?" Breaking me out of my reverie, Nazha's fluffy dog tail swishes happily back and forth. Likely already imagining the piles of money she'll pull in when she makes more dual potions to sell.

"Potions." I reply bluntly. My stock is completely out, which is why I insisted on coming here first. If Hestia wanted to spend our entire savings then she can do that, but first things first, I need to replenish my potions. Having just gotten my sword repaired not long ago, I'd be fine for a week in the dungeon after this. More than enough time to replenish the paltry coins that lurked hidden in our closet.

"Two high and half a dozen low." Walking up to the counter I specify my order. It's going to come out to a large number of valis, but it'll be worth it.

As Nazha goes to fill my order, my eyes dance around the small apothecary. Composed of four wooden aisles, sample potions dotted the racks. Little more than display items to show what the shop has, Nazha kept most of the inventory securely in the back.

"Here you are, that will be 15,000 valis."

Whistling, my eyes open from the price. Not that it's high, but low. The low potions run for 500 a piece, totalling 3000 for six. Each of the hi potions run for 7,800, bringing my precalculated number to 18,600.

"Special customer discount," Nazha tells me with a smile. No doubt an artifact of her good mood.

Thanking her, I hand over the coins and accept the potions. In doing so I understand the agreement behind it. That I was now a regular and would be coming to her exclusively for potions. It didn't bother me, I rarely had to pick them up at babel as a last resort anymore.

Exiting the store, I stretch under the morning sun. Glancing over my shoulder, a quiet Hestia follows like a lost dog. "Are you alright?" I question. I expected her to be excited at this point, after all, the shopping can now begin.

"I'm such a fool," Hestia replies despondently.

"Huh?" Turning around I look at the goddess in confusion. I can't understand what happened to tank her mood so much.

"Forget it," Hestia mumbles.

"No, tell me," I insist. "We're a team goddess. I can't be happy if you aren't."

Biting her lip, Hestia wavers before giving in to my demands. "I just… First, I was sulky about having to come here, then I hadn't even figured out your Far East traditions, and then finally, I realize exactly how expensive adventuring is!"

Staying silent, I process her words. I can see how they would make her feel bad, but individually they are nothing of consequence. More than likely, it's the fact that they occurred in quick succession. Revelation after revelation that she isn't supporting her only child, me, well enough.

Sighing, I reach out my hand rub her head. Leaving it there I can feel Hestia's mood start to recover as her purrs of satisfaction get louder in response.

"I really don't mind Goddess," I assure her. "This is your first time having a familia and its my first time being in one. There's bound to be some hiccups along the way." The lie tastes sour in my mouth, but by now the beta feels like a different game entirely.

"Thanks Kirito," Hestia answers, the joy returned to her eyes, an odd flush touching her cheeks. "Shall we just return home then?"

Titling my head I look at her questioningly. "Why?"

"T-to save money of course!" Hestia replies slowly, like the they caused her physical pain to say.

Shaking my head, I let her off the hook. "Come on, if you want to go shopping, then let's go shopping."

"Really?"

Just for the look of happiness she gives me, the money is worth it.

Gnome's Shop:

"800,000."

"800K?" A high voice replies disbelievingly. The Prum girl glares at the gnome from across the countertop. "Have you gone mad?"

"Nay," the gnome denies. "No doubt this object has been reported stolen. Makes it harder to turn a profit on, riskier."

"Hah!" The Prum exclaims. "Your lies are getting weaker with age. You have access to collectors who will pay far more than the guilds set 1 mil buying price. No doubt you'll sell it off at 1.2 or more."

Accenting her claim, the gnome roughly nods his head. "A million it is then?"

"A million," the Prum confirms.

"The usual?"

"You know it."

A conversation between old friends, the pair smile at each other. The argument no more than playful banter to keep their wits sharp. They both knew the final price well before it had been confirmed.

Storing the Gnome jewels in a safe in the very same store, the Prum left with a hop in their step. She was so close now.

Only a half a million more and she'd be free. That lofty asking price of four million was finally within reach. After over a year of dedicated stealing, she'd made it. Getting an entire quarter of the asking amount in one night had been a blessing.

She couldn't believe her eyes when she'd been returning form the lower levels of the dungeon only to see the rare monster cross her path, the Jack Bird. Following the hunting adventurers, it had been too easy to scope their hard-won prize from them.

After all, she thought bitterly, adventurers are adventurers no matter what world they come from.

Kirito:

"Oh, what is that! Let's buy some Kirito!"

"Yes goddess."

Allowing myself to get pulled around the hand, this shopping trip was wildly different from my previous one. As a poor goddess, Hestia's idea of splurging on a meal was bringing home an extra potato snack from work. So, with wide eyes, she led me from vendor to vendor buying whatever snack they sold.

Crepes, Takoyaki, cotton candy, the list stretched on and on, and contained far too much sugar. I could feel it like a knot settling at the bottom of my stomach. Despite being a foot shorter and half the weight, Hestia apparently had no issues with the unholy amount of food she consumed.

I can see where all the calories go though…

Shaking my head to dispel the train of thought, I forcefully rip my eyes away from the mounds they naturally migrate towards. Doing so has been an arduous trial I've had to endure all day and it wasn't even lunch.

Even after having been in her familia for over a month, I realize this is the longest the two of us have spent together alone. Otherwise, it's always been one thing or another, our poverty keeping us at work.

As Hestia marvelled a bottle of perfume at a kiosk, I allowed my thoughts to drift.

It's almost like a fairy tale I tell myself. The goddess and her knight, growing together. The images of us fighting off countless enemies as we continue to defy the odds flash through my mind. A goofy smile consuming my face.

"Eh? You didn't go loopy on me, did you Kirito!?"

Turning around no doubt to ask my opinion, Hestia berates me.

Ducking my head, I try and wipe the smile off my face. I've become bad about letting my emotions show. It's hard when the girls manage to continually invigorate me.

"Do you want to tell me what you were thinking about?" Hestia asks as we continue down the street.

"Nothing major," I reply nonplussed. "Just us, I guess."

"U-us?" Hestia squeaks with a stutter. "W-w-what did you have in mind?"

Giving her a confused glance, I explain. "I just thought it's kind of cool how the two of us are trying to rise to the top you know? We both started with nothing, but slowly we're starting to rise."

"Oh." Like a sail with the wind taken out of it, Hestia deflates. After a moment though, her good mood returns. "It is pretty cool isn't it?" She agrees with a nod. "Orario's dynamic duo! The perfect couple everyone is jealous of!"

"Haha yeah, something like that!" I agree immediately. "Wait… what?" I probe a moment a minute later. There are very other ways to interpret the word couple except as… a couple.

"Hehe, fret not my knight in shining armour!" Hestia declares, puffing up her already too large chest. "Leave the planning to me, and the fighting to you."

"Sure…" Unable to say more, I'm roped into… something. What exactly Hestia is talking about I have no idea. All her claims could be metaphorical for all I know.

Pulled along by Hestia, the sun crosses its zenith and starts to descend. Crisscrossing every which way, Hestia and I cover a large distance. By now, I've become fairly comfortable with the organization of the shopping district. Running along North Main, I feel confident I could navigate someone to a store of any type they choose.

"Haha, did you guys hear!?"

Stopping briefly, we eat ice cream underneath a patio restaurant with large umbrellas to keep the sun off. From the next table, the raucous conversation is impossible to tune out as they talk widely. Drawing irritated glares from the other patrons and staff, the group ignores them. The reason is obvious, they're adventurers. They feel entitled to behave this way.

I would like to do something, but besides having horrible table manners, they aren't doing anything wrong.

"Apparently, the Jack Bird spawned yesterday. A whole year early!"

"No way!" shouts of disbelief ring out from the other three men. Leaning in, they pay close attention to the one telling the story.

"Oh, yeah," He confirms. Apparently two familias kept the hunt secret, claiming that million vali reward for themselves."

Million valis.

Looking at Hestia I can tell by the drool dripping down her chin that she heard the words too. Or maybe she just really likes ice cream. Turning every bit of my attention to their conversation, I focus on the words.

"Their greed backfired though. The rumours aren't clear, but what I think happened is that after they got the drop, they turned on each other."

"Makes sense," the others agree with a nod, "It's a lot of money to split."

"Evenly balanced, they wiped each other out and someone else wandered by and took the egg. Either way, that's what all the rumours agree on. Neither of them got the prize. Someone else stole it."

"You don't think…"

"The prum with sticky fingers?"

Almost whispering the name in awe, a wave of confusion hits me. First, the title is horrible. Sticky fingers? Doesn't that just mean a Prum thief is running around Orario?

"Probably," the storyteller agrees. "This is where it gets good. I was talking to a guy the other day who swears he knows who this Prum is. Apparently, they got swindled by him. So, I was thinking, we track the Prum down and take the cash for ourselves."

My stomach curdled as the group let out affirmative chuckles. The lust for money in their eyes was a strong as any I've ever seen. Tossing some coins down on the table they leave the restaurant.

I want to say something, but I can't. Because honestly, even if it is all about the money for them, they aren't evil. All they're doing is a public service, hunting down a thief.

Conflicted, I focus my eyes on the table. I've never exactly been a goody-two-shoes. My parents raised me to have a proper moral compass, but beyond that, I didn't go out of my way to aid people. I certainly acted just as selfishly as they are in my life. I ignored and shunned my family to focus on my hobbies. If anything, they were practically saints compared to me.

"Hey Kirito," reaching out a hand, Hestia grabbed mine.

Looking up, I stare at Hestia's knowing eyes.

"You're a great guy you know that? Every day you come back stronger, wiser."

"It doesn't feel that way," I mutter in rebuttal. "I feel like a fish that's finally discovered there's a whole ocean beyond my reef."

Chuckling Hestia doesn't release my hand. "Isn't that part of getting wiser though?" Hestia fires back. "You now can appreciate that there are things you know nothing of. That not everything is black and white."

Staring into her warm eyes, I feel like I can see the entire universe in them. I no longer considered her an NPC. It is impossible for a game system to create something like her. The infinity in her eyes spoke of knowledge beyond that of the human race.

"So, that's why Kirito, every day I fall a little more in lo… I mean I like you a little more every day!"

"I like you too goddess." Confirming her feelings, my hands tighten on her a little more. Thoughts of the thief gone from my mind, the goddess now consumes it. It feels like only the two of us are left in the cafeteria.

"Hehe, this is going even better than I hoped it would!" Chuckling with a hungry gleam in her eyes, Hestia's words prompt me to retract my hands.

"Uhh, you mean shopping?" I ask. I have a feeling that isn't what she means, but no options come to mind other than that.

"Hehe," continuing to chuckle, it seems like Hestia didn't hear my words.

Standing up, I announce with a cough, "Well, do you want to hit up a couple more stores before heading home?"

Blinking a couple of times, Hestia finally focuses on me. "Oh shopping, right of course. But we aren't going home after."

"We aren't…?" Trailing off questioningly, I decide its better not knowing. Hestia obviously has some surprise in store for later.

"Come on Kirito!" Leading the way, Hestia skips ahead, pulling on my hand as she searches for exotic new locales to explore.

Streets of Orario:

"You have a lead of them, right?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure the thief is said to roam the outskirts of Daedalus street."

"If you say so…" Rubbing his hands together, the adventurer looked nervously around the cramped backstreet.

"Oh, toughen up," the leader of the four sighs. "I've studied their crimes quite a bit. It's quite apparent that they aren't a fighter."

Swallowing, the other adventurers dampen their fear as they walk through the less reputable areas of Orario. None of them were level two. As average level one adventurers they didn't have the power to confidently stroll the underbelly of Orario. Nonetheless, the draw of a massive payout led them through streets potentially more dangerous than the dungeon. After all, they could prepare for the dungeon, but people can plan.

As time ticks on, the groups breaths come faster and faster. The eerie quiet unnerving the cowardly adventurers. Turning another corner, the group was on their last shreds of courage. Without a word, there was a silent consensus that they'd leave if they found nothing here.

"Huh?"

Grunting in shock, they turned the corner just in time to see a short, cloaked figure disappear down an adjacent street.

"Was that…?"

"It must have been," the leader agreed with a smile. "Let's go boys. Riches for all."

Taking off, the group sprint after the cloaked figure.

Pausing a way down the street, the figure looks back its pursuers and let's out a curse. Turning around they dash down the street, the adventurers hotly pursuing them.

Kirito:

"Supper?" I ask, not fully grasping the meaning of Hestia's words.

Flushing bright red, an irritated look appeared in my goddess' eyes. "I can't believe you're making me spell it out for you," she curses.

"Umm, sorry?" Having finished shopping for the day, Hestia revealed why we weren't returning home, we were going to go eat supper. Personally, I felt no hunger from the continual snacks we've eaten, and I doubt Hestia was either. If that was all it wouldn't have been a problem.

However, Hestia wanted something from me besides just agreement. What, I don't know though.

"Grr, men," Hestia curses with a grumpy expression. "Why can't any of you pick up on obvious clues?"

Snapping my mouth shut, it's hard to swallow a sassy reply. Not wanting to make things worse between us I wait for a further explanation which is sure to come. Tilting my head, I contemplate how quickly things can change between us. Just an hour ago while eating ice cream it had seemed like we were an inseparable force. Now though, we feel like two strangers whom had no idea about each other.

"Are you not going to ask me?" Hestia continues still upset.

"Ask you what?" I reply, trying hard to keep the anger out of my voice.

"Out to supper obviously!" Hestia explodes.

Eyes bulging, only my disbelief silences an exasperated retort. Eating supper was her idea! Why on earth did she expect me to ask her out to supper!? Gritting my teeth, I silence all of my answers.

Taking one deep breath through my nose, then a second, I open my mouth. "Would you like to eat supper?"

"Maybe if you ask properly," Hestia sniffs as an answer.

"Grr," a low growl escaping my mouth, I can't believe some of her traits. One moment I'm contemplating whether she truly is a divine being, the next I feel like I'm dealing with a sulky eight-year-old.

"Do you want to eat supper at a restaurant!?" Attempting to fix my question, I have no idea what she wants from me at this point.

"Seriously?" Is her only reply.

Standing there the two of us just glare at each other, all communication broken down.

This may be the biggest fight we've had, and as far as I can tell, it's over absolutely nothing as well. The thought is beyond aggravating.

"Oof!'

"Huh?" Feeling an object collide with me, I look down at it. Sprawled on the ground is a small figure wearing a long brown cloak. As they look up, my breath is taken away.

It's a half-elf child with big blue eyes and flaxen hair. As she stares at me, I see the beginnings of tears forming in her eyes.

"They must be around here!"

"Found them!"

Eyes following the source of the noise, I see an adventurer pointing his finger at the girl.

Unconsciously my hand reaches over my shoulder to the sword that rests there. Keeping my hand on the hilt I don't draw it as the four of them approach.

"Out of the way, boy! That girl is ours!"

"I don't think so," I rebuke softly. "Why are you hunting her?"

"She's worth a lot of money!" the leader insists.

"She's like eight!" I fire back.

"Please don't let them take me!" The girl pleads from behind me. "They think I'm someone I'm not."

"Huh?" this time it's the thieves turn to pause in confusion. Hearing both my words and the girl's words have disrupted their assumptions.

"Are you going to leave her alone now?" I ask sliding my sword out an inch.

"Come, back away now." Swooping in, Hestia pulls the child off me, giving me room to fight if it comes to that. Based on the wavering stance of my assailants though, I think they'll flee.

"What's going on here?"

Into the commotion breaks through a melodic voice. Hand instantly lowering from my blade, it's impossible for me not to recognize it, Shakmi. Mouth drying, I feel excitement at the prospect of meeting her again.

Parting the crowds through sheer presence of will, Shakmi walks between me and the adventurers. Glancing back and forth, neither of us even think of opening our mouths or moving until she says something.

Eyes stopping at me, Shakmi looks me up and down. "You're the boy from earlier this week, Kirito, right?"

She remembers me!

Hear soaring, I nod enthusiastically to her words. "Yes Shak… Uff!"

Words getting cut off by a grunt, Hestia's extended elbow is the obvious culprit for the pain in my side.

"I see you haven't taken my advice," Shakmi replies with a sad smile. Turning towards the adventurers, it's as if I don't exist anymore. "So, what's going on?"

"We- we are simply hunting down a thief!" the leader protests. "Doing a public service for Orario!" He pleads. "You of all people must appreciate that!"

Nodding she accepts the words. "So, where is this proposed thief now?"

"Well she's right…" Glancing backwards I find no trace of her. Hestia too looks around frantically, but the half-elf girl is nowhere to be found.

Turning in circles frowning, something seems off about my body. Checking it over, I confirm my sword is there, and my potion holster, and it's not my side throbbing from Hestia's elbow… It's…

"My money…" Weak words leaking from my mouth, I stand in a stupor, not seeing anything in front of me.

"This girl stole your money?" Shakmi asks again, quick instincts picking up on the rapidly changing situation.

This time I don't even get to appreciate talking to the women I want to catch. The shock over losing the rest of my savings is still too fresh. Even after shopping fairly carelessly, there was over 20,000 valis left in that pouch.

"Our date!" Picking up on the situation, Hestia falls to her knees, large tears flowing from her eyes. "How could the gods be so cruel as to deny me my first date with Kirito!?"

The loud shrieking words draw the uncomfortable attention of everyone on the street. Using the distraction, I notice the four adventurers slip away. No doubt to keep hunting this half elf.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Shakmi whispers conciliatory. "Can I get a description in order to aid our search?" She asks.

"Umm, young." I answer in a daze. "Blue eyes, yellow-gold hair. A half elf."

"Thank you." Placing a gauntleted hand on my shoulder in support. Shakmi gives me one more sad smile and walks off. She has better things to do with her time than help a random boy with no money.

The bitter thought does nothing to improve my mood. Glancing down at my forlorn goddess whom had started pounding the cobblestones with her small fists, I sigh. Kneeling, I grab her tiny hands. "How are you blaming the gods for this?" I ask her.

"Eh?" She asks in surprise. "Because they are fickle beyond belief! We should be starting our official date by now!"

There it is, that word again. Date.

"Umm, you don't mean like… as a couple?" I ask fearfully. "That isn't what you wanted me to say earlier?"

"Of course, it is!" Hestia shouts grabbing my shoulders. All restraint and embarrassment temporarily forgotten behind crippling disappointment. "Why are you so dense!"

Mouth flapping, I have no answer for my goddess.

Orario's Backstreets:

Panting the thief relaxed temporarily along the backstreets wall. As they recover their breath, an evil smile touches their lips. They just stole under the nose of Ganesha familia's leader and got away with it. It had been stupid, but the rattling purse was just sitting there.

She was so close to freedom she could taste it. This was the time to be careful, to not mess anything up, and yet she found herself taking even more risks. Grabbing anything from any adventurer she could find.

But… The expression of that adventurer stuck in her mind. The second time she'd stolen from the adventurers from a different world. It almost made her feel bad about it.

An adventurer is an adventurer, regardless of world.

Confirming her beliefs, the thief nods sharply confirming her beliefs. After all, adventurers are the scum of the earth, and deserve every bad thing that happens to them.

Quickly counting through her new coins, the thief heads to her favorite shop, ready to trade it into jewels.

Kirito:

The walk is awkward. There is no other way to put it.

After Hestia revealed her feelings to me, there was nothing else I could say except, 'let's go home'. They weren't what Hestia wanted to hear. They weren't even what I wanted to say. Regardless, they were all I could provide her with.

Plodding along home, our stomachs begin rumbling with hunger. The snacks from earlier have done little to fill our nutritional needs. Almost unconsciously, our pace along the darkening streets slows. Looking to my left, the orange rays of the setting sun are barely visible behind the two-story facades lining the street.

Stopping abruptly, my eyes catch sight of a silhouette, framed by the light. Focusing on it, my eyesight which has grown with my status brings the sharp outline into focus. It's a bell tower. However, it isn't whole anymore. The top has fallen into disrepair and it's missing the bell.

"Kirito?" Noticing my stop, Hestia turns around to look at me.

Not answering immediately, I continue to look at the tower. Finally, I return my gaze to her and open my mouth. "Do you want to make a quick stop?"

Nodding hesitantly, I see some of the lost hope return to Hestia's eyes.

I flinch slightly at the sight, but there's nothing else I can do. I'm too confused to give Hestia a proper answer.

Leading the way, Hestia follows me a few steps back. As I lead us around some buildings, we gradually make our way deeper into a strange residential area. Buried almost behind the shopping district, the area is poor. I see a couple shutters move as the residents wonder who has entered their territory.

"Kirito…" Whispering nervously, Hestia frantically scans back and forth.

"It will be alright." Doing my best to ensure her, I rub her back quickly. Remembering the current schism between us though, my hand falls quickly to my side.

Silence building, there's a wall between us. All I'd have to do is stick out my hand yet again to cross it, but I don't. Because of my inaction, it seems to harden into a tangible being.

Nonetheless, I doggedly lead us to the tower I'd seen. The door at the bottom isn't even locked. Praying no one is in it, I open the door and stand aside for Hestia to enter first.

Stopping at the entrance she gives me a strange look. "It's too dark inside."

"Oh," flushing slightly for not realizing that she wouldn't be able to see, I lead the way. Stopping on the first step I turn around and hold out a hand to her.

Concealed in the darkness of the tower, there's no way Hestia sees more than an outline and my hand. Regardless, the goddess accepts my offer and puts her trust in me.

Straining to see the stairs in the dim light, I have to support Hestia as she trips and almost falls a couple times. Aided by a couple holes in the wall, the faint light that gets through is enough to see us to the top.

Pushing open the rotten trapdoor and the top of the staircase, my breath is taken away. The view is even better than I thought it would be. While still below the outer wall, we can see everything within Orario clearly. From the Northern wall to Babel, it's laid out like a carpet right below our feet.

"Wow." Speaking my feelings, Hestia too is drinking in the sights of Orario.

"It's my first time getting to see it from above," I murmur. The words breaking the magical air that's been created.

"Mine too," Hestia answers, words barely audible.

As one we slide to the ground, looking out towards western Orario. There, the sun is fading rapidly behind the wall. Soon night will set on the city at the center of the world.

For now, though, the final rays paint the city red. Like a living fire has enveloped the rooftops of Orario, the crimson glow holds us speechless at we gaze on it from above. This happens every evening. The realization is humbling that I haven't taken the time to stop and watch until now.

Paradoxically, time both stands still and speeds up as we silently watch the light fade. No more do I feel the hole in my stomach. No more do I notice the gap between us. Instead all that matters in the beauty in the world that passes regardless of our foolish actions.

"I'm sorry Kirito." Speaking once the set has faded behind the wall, I can't see the expression on Hestia's face as she talks. "I've been too concerned with I want. You must want so much more than some poor second goddess."

After sharing this moment with her, I can still sense that wall, but it no longer daunts me as it did before. Easily penetrating it, I grasp her hand. "You have nothing to apologize for." I rebuke. "I should have taken the news better.

Sighing, Hestia leans over. Not stopping she continues to fall until her head rests solely in my lap. "You're not going to leave me, right Kirito?"

"Of course not goddess." Reaching out with one hand, I softly rub her head.

"Good," exhaustion thick in her voice, the words are barely audible, yet alone understandable. "I don't think I could stand being alone again."

With that Hestia closes her eyes and falls into a peaceful sleep. Smiling down at her, my hand methodically works its way through her hair, playing eternally with the soft substance.

For over an hour I sit there, listening to Hestia's cute snores as she snoozes on my lap. Eyes focused on the southern sky, I trace the emerging stars and create constellations from them. While I had next to no knowledge about the stars from my world, I inherently knew that these are different. As the sky finishes fading into darkness, part of me knows that it's time to go. Loath to end the moment, I realize there's no other choice.

Glancing at Hestia, I debate how to wake her up. But with no light in the sky to guide us down the tower, she'll have a hell of a time getting out of here. Floundering briefly as to an answer to our predicament, I settle upon a solution. I think Hestia will be fine with it.

Twisting to put one arm under her slight shoulders, I lift enough to allow me to free me legs. Moving sluggishly, the sleeping appendages are unwilling to answer my commands. Gritting my teeth, I force them to obey. My slip in concentration shakes Hestia's body. Glancing fearfully at her I wait to see if she stirs. Seeing no response, I let out a quiet prayer and keep moving.

Repositioning my body, I put my other arm under her knees. Praying that it works, I stand up. Even bearing her entire weight, the motion is easy. Having her body resting fully in my arms, I cradle it to my body. Letting her head resting fully against my shoulder, for the first time I get to appreciate how cute Hestia looks while sleeping.

Smiling broadly, I make my way slowly down the stairs. It's hard going with the loose rock and pitch darkness. Despite that, my agility makes me more than match for a set of stairs. Exiting the bottom of the tower, I continue through the empty neighbourhood towards our house.

With some clever manoeuvrings I get the trap door open and Hestia down our narrow stairs. Drawing back the sheets I place her diminutive form into the bed and pull the covers up.

"Goodnight goddess." Whispering my final words of the day, I stroke her head one last time. Giving her one final sad smile I go to bed.

Today was memorable. It was neither the happiest nor the saddest day. It had been filled with ups and downs. No doubt it is one I'll look back on many times.

Shedding my gear, I quickly get ready for bed. Giving the bed one last glance, I get on the couch and pull my one rough blanket over my body. Eyes closing, I feel the imminent pull of sleep.

Hestia's home:

Eyes opening, Hestia allowed herself to exit the trance like state she'd been in for the past half hour of so. Enjoying the sensation of Kirito carrying her and tucking her into bed, Hestia found it easier to lay there mutely and accept the treatment.

Getting stealthily out of bed, Hestia walks over to examine the sleeping portrait of her only child. Today hadn't gone the way she'd hoped, but it hadn't been a disaster. She now knew that Kirito wouldn't leave and that he would continue to care for her. Despite wishing for more, Hestia now understood that that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. After all, he's still a child Hestia reminds herself. Unsure of what he wants.

Rubbing his hair once, Hestia marvelled at his face which looked so much younger when he slept. The cherubic expression stripping years off his usually hard eyes. Sighing quietly, Hestia leans down and kisses his forehead once.

"Sleep well, my beloved child."