Chapter 44:

Iris walked around the giant encampment, looking for something to do. She thought with three Familias all clustered together, there'd at least be something fun going on. But no, there were just more and more chores. Which made sense in a way. They weren't the size of the Rakian army, but they were definitely packing more firepower. There were all those weird members of Hermes Familia for one, and then there was the contingent of battle mages from Hecate Familia. Finally, there was Iris's Familia, Poseidon. They were easily the strongest of the bunch, especially with the Captain with them. He was just a monster.

Thankfully, all the chaos that came from having such a large force meant that Iris had an easier time breaking the rules. Usually, she didn't like to do it, but there was nothing else to be done when she was this bored. So, the young fifteen-year-old snuck around the camp and was able to pilfer a couple bottles of the good stuff from a box. Next, she was off to find a drinking buddy. As she turned a corner, trying to tiptoe, she heard a voice that always sent a chill down her spine.

"Just what in the world do you think you're doing?" asked the Vice-Captain of Poseidon Familia.

"Oh, nothing, Auntie Callie," replied Iris. "Just having a bit of fun. Do you want to tag along? I mean, drinking by oneself is never a good idea, right?"

Calypso, named the Sea Witch by the Gods, walked over and plucked the bottles from Iris's hands. She shook her head at the young girl.

"I know you're bored and more than just a little bit anxious, but sneaking around ain't going to help no one, child," said Calypso. Iris looked down before Calypso smiled. "Honestly, you're such a fool sometimes. Now, why don't we go find some friends to enjoy ourselves with."

Iris whooped for joy and followed her adoptive aunt, who she often thought of as a mother. The two walked side-by-side, looking for fellow partygoers. The only problem was that no one from their Familia seemed interested. The Captain was busy making plans, the hounds were bickering, as usual, Calick was studying maps, and Rackham wasn't interested. The two women didn't even bother asking the elves, seeing as how their disposition meant that they usually never drank anyway.

"What if we asked Uncle Jack?" said Iris.

Calypso pulled a face. "I want to have a good time, not start a riot, thank you very much. Besides, Uncle Jack might be leaving early tomorrow. I think my fool of a husband wants him to go on ahead."

"Like those two from the Far East?" replied Iris with a tilt of her head.

Calypso nodded. "Exactly. Except, this time the departure will be planned. Unlike how those two just ran off."

Iris chuckled. "Yeah, but they were funny while they were here. At least, the woman was. Man, she was just a fucking hoot and a half."

Calypso cuffed Iris around the head.

"I thought I told you to watch your mouth," she said.

"No, you told me not to swear so fucking much and watch my goddamn sailor mouth," replied Iris with a cheeky grin. "And we both know that I am. I could have said the word fuck at least one hundred more times today, not to mention all the other bad words I know."

Calypso shook her head. "I swear, child, you're going to be the death of me."

Iris gave a dark chuckle. "No, I'm going to be the death of me, remember?"

Calypso glared at her adoptive niece, who was more of a daughter at this point. Iris grimaced, prepared for the reprimand of her life, but was saved by one of their traveling guests.

"Oh, what do we have here?" came a melodic voice. "I believe we've found people of a similar mind Lira."

Iris looked over to find that crazy Captain of Hecate Familia. Her long red hair, which looked scarlet in the moonlight, was tied up in a long ponytail. Behind her was the soft-spoken Lira, who Iris thought must be a dryad given form. Honestly, there was something ethereal about the members of Hecate Familia. To Iris's eye, the way they carried themselves almost seemed to have some kind of spiritual quality. It was like they weren't entirely part of this world.

"Morgan, I swear to the Goddess," replied Lira in her 'Mother Voice.' "You need to stop interrupting things that are none of your business. Besides, shouldn't you be with the Captain from Poseidon Familia trying to figure out what we're going to do to keep my son and his Familia safe from the witch?"

Morgana Le Fay waved away the concerns.

"Bah, that's what having a Vice-Captain is for!" She gave the two Poseidon Familia members a ghoulish grin. "Besides, we can count this as bonding between our factions. I've already tied up that Andromeda girl in my tent. We can have a Familia meeting and talk about strategy and boys."

Iris chuckled before responding. "I'd rather talk about girls if that's ok with you?"

In response, Morgan snatched the bottle.

"Well, we'll talk about both, then. Seems like a fun time to be had all around!"

The quartet walked off.

With the Prisoner:

In Orario, Hestia Familia had taken their prisoner to be interrogated. For now, Loki Familia and the Guild were taking care of the freed Xenos, providing them with a building to live in. Miach Familia was there, as well, to offer some healing relief and aid. Hestia Familia had wanted to join them but realized they had the best shot to speak with their captive, the lyger fang, Sherkan. Welf grabbed some of his most robust chains while Lili brought out a unique collar made by Fels. It was meant as a prototype to help at least partially suppress a status. It was the Guild's newest bid to try and stop its rowdier adventurers. It wouldn't hold up to first-class adventurers, but second class might just be in its reach. The strange thing was, though, that when Sherkan awoke, he didn't try to fight; he just sat there numbly. He was unmoving and did not speak.

At the moment, it was just Mikoto and Haruhime watching over him. The two had volunteered for the first shift. Welf still had work to do, and Lili had to report to the Guild. Ura, Oto, and Elwin left to talk to Loki Familia while Ryuu and Hestia checked on Bell.

"Now, Sir Sherkan," began Mikoto, crouching down to speak to him. "We are not going to hurt you or kill you. But we do want to know what is happening. We would like to know the plans of your Xenos King."

Sherkan did not respond, instead looking down at the floor. This was about the fifth time Mikoto had tried asking him questions, and he always looked away. Whenever Haruhime asked, he snarled and growled. But Mikoto just got silence, and he made no eye contact. The Black Crow had no idea what it meant. The Enchantenko seemed to understand, though. Haruhime felt something scratching at the back of her throat. It began rumbling out. The sound drew the attention of Sherkan and Mikoto. The raven-haired girl raised an eyebrow.

"Haruhime…are you…growling?" she asked.

Haruhime ignored her, though, instead choosing to walk forward. When she was next to Mikoto, she glowered at Sherkan. Haruhime then poked Mikoto in the cheek, eyes still on Sherkan.

"Mine," said the renard.

"Wait, what?" asked Mikoto.

"Mine."

Sherkan's eyes seemed to almost pop open. He looked between the two, and then he appeared to…blush? His face followed all the actions that were often associated with blushing maidens. Now, Mikoto was even more confused. She thought this was supposed to be a serious interrogation, not some kind of pantomime production.

Haruhime finally turned to look at her partner.

"Sherkan has developed a crush on you. He has become smitten." Haruhime nodded. "And I can understand why he did; you are quite the wonderful figure after all." She turned back to Sherkan; eyes narrowed. "But she's mine." Haruhime wrapped her arms around Mikoto protectively. "Mine."

Mikoto looked between the renard and the Xenos. For his part, Sherkan seemed to be embarrassed and was really trying not to look in Mikoto's direction. The samurai was completely confused by the situation and was only just putting the pieces together. She pulled a face.

"Wait…Sherkan is into me?" asked Mikoto. She stared at the Lyger Fang. "You're into me? Why, though?"

Before Sherkan could speak, Haruhime spoke up.

"You have a lovely face, and hips, and bosom."

"Haruhime!"

"That's not why… I'm interested," whispered Sherkan.

"Wait, you are interested?"

"What, are you saying that she isn't pretty enough?"

Mikoto frowned at her partner. "Please, Haruhime, can you focus on the task at hand." She turned back to Sherkan. "And can you please explain yourself? My head is hurting, now."

"Well, I don't mind talking to you about that…," began Sherkan. "But you gave me mercy, twice. You have a kind heart that I did not expect from a human. I do not completely understand but…."

Haruhime nodded along. "It is understandable; she is quite the wonderful human being. Her heart is one of the greatest parts about her."

Mikoto sighed. "Not the point, right now. I mean more about what your friends are planning on doing."

Sherkan shook his head. "While I might be infatuated with you now, my dedication to the cause is greater than any bond."

Mikoto crouched down to look Sherkan in the eye.

"You do realize that your plan is likely to fail and that there will be no martyrs. All people will remember is the terror and the fear." She reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "The longer this goes on, the more that you have to lose. Adventurers will keep coming to the Dungeon. It is inevitable." Mikoto smiled. "Help us, and you will have a choice on how things are fixed. You will have a voice."

Sherkan frowned. "How will I know that you will keep your word."

"I did not kill you because I dislike being violent," replied Mikoto. "No one in my Familia does. We are one and all, sick and tired of fighting unnecessary battles. At the very least, I can promise that we will search for peace."

Sherkan looked Mikoto in the eye. He seemed to have found whatever he was looking for because he nodded once.

"I will think on what you said, and I will get back to you later. Is that sufficient?" said the lyger fang.

Mikoto nodded. "Of course, I will return at the end of the day. If you help us, I will see what can be done about getting those chains off of you. Does that suffice?"

Sherkan nodded, and Mikoto turned to walk out. Haruhime followed, taking the time to throw one last glare back at the Xenos.

"Mine."

With the Women:

The many women of the gathered Familias were sitting in the tent of Morgana Le Fay. The Captain of Hecate Familia was already quite tipsy, with the Vice-Captain of Poseidon Familia trailing behind. Iris had already been cut off, with Lira saying that people her age shouldn't be drinking in the first place. The kind healer was still totally sober, deciding to make herself the designated waiter. She looked over at the fifth member, the Captain of Hermes Familia. The woman named Asfi sat there quietly, observing her future allies.

"So, what's it like in Orario?" asked Iris. "Are adventurers really as bad as everyone says? All a bunch of greedy wannabes that are too busy looking out for themselves to look out for the people?"

That certainly got everyone in the tent to shut up. Just as Calypso was about to smack Iris over the head for her lack of sensitivity, Asfi broke out in laughter. She laughed for so long that tears started to form in the corners of her eyes. Eventually, she took off her glasses and brought out a cloth to clean them when she calmed down. As she did, the blue-haired item master started explaining things.

"Yes, I think it's safe to say that a majority of adventurers are only for themselves," said Asfi. "Even in my Familia, many of us have pretty selfish reasons for joining. Whether it was wealth, power, or glory, we all want something for ourselves. Even the greatest adventurers have something that they want for themselves." Asfi put back on her glasses. "That said, I do believe there are still those that adventure for other reasons. For things beyond themselves."

"Like those people in Loki Familia?" asked Iris.

Asfi nodded. "Yes, many of Loki Familia are the ones who would adventure for a reason beyond themselves. Just look at the Braver. One pallum fighting for the sake of his entire race. Or even that braggart, Bete Loga. As far as I can tell, he fights so that others do not have to suffer." Asfi gave Iris a sly grin. "But that's not who you really want to ask about, is it? You want to ask about the boy, Bell Cranel."

Iris blushed and looked away. Calypso laughed at the response and reached over to ruffle the girl's hair.

"Feel free to ask, my child," said the older woman. "We all know why you're really here, why Lord Poseidon agreed to let you tag along in this battle."

Iris glared at her adoptive mother before looking over at Asfi.

"What does Bell fight for, then? And what about the rest of his Familia?" she asked.

Asfi shrugged. "From what I've seen, Bell Cranel fights to be a hero. He just wants to be an adventurer, and he wants to help people. Not for glory, but because he thinks that he can. Although, I don't know if it started that way. In the beginning, it looked like there was something else." Asfi looked Iris up and down. "But really, I think he's just like you. He wants to be stronger, so he fights to do so." Perseus frowned. "By the way, why aren't you wearing the wig and contacts I made you? You need time to adjust to them!"

Iris pouted. "I don't like the wig and contacts! They make my head itch and my eyes water! Can't you make them more comfortable?"

Asfi sneered. "So much for the big bad adventurer looking to get stronger."

Before Iris could retort, Morgana threw a dagger into the dirt floor. Everyone stopped to look at her. She was lounging back in her chair, much like a queen holding a court. In one hand was a goblet filled with wine. Morgana sloshed it around, eyeing the people in the tent.

"I won't have any fights happening in here, thank you very much." She looked over at Asfi. "Doesn't speak well of you or adventurers if you're about to pick a fight with a child."

Asfi looked embarrassed for all of a second before Lira coughed into her hand.

"Um, Morgan? You used to pick fights with my little Elwin all the time. I don't know if you're really one to talk?" she said. Lira looked over at Asfi. "What about the rest of Hestia Familia, though, and how's my little boy fitting in?"

Asfi smiled. "He's doing well. And the rest of Hestia Familia all seem to be fighting for each other. That is, they're fighting to protect the little family they have made. Quite the touching scene." Asfi looked over at Calypso. "If you don't mind me asking a question myself, though, I must know about your Familia. Why come back now?"

Calypso shrugged. "Apparently, Poseidon has always had a soft spot for Hestia. That, and with Iris involved and my husband being an idiot, we're on our way back."

Asfi shook her head, and Morgana grinned like an animal.

"I must admit, I am quite excited to see how the famous Poseidon Familia fights. While you were never as strong as Zeus or Hera, your exploits are the things of legend." Morgana looked Calypso up and down. "I mean, I imagine the title of 'The Sea Witch' has some merit. And even I've heard of the famous 'Dogs of War.'"

Asfi pushed her glasses up. "Not to mention Calick, 'The Kraken,' Rackham, 'The Red,' and Jack, 'The Drunken Sailor.' And that's only naming a few of your Familia's more well-known members." Asfi looked out the tent. "I don't even want to talk about your husband." Asfi shivered. "The only person who scares me like him is the Warlord of Orario, Ottar."

Calypso snorted. "My husband is quite the adventurer, but no need to be scared. He's also quite useless most of the time. After all, he's always chasing the next horizon."

Asfi's eyebrows scrunched up. "If he's chasing the next horizon, then why is he coming back to Orario?"

Calypso poured herself another drink. She tasted it and pulled a face. So, she lifted a hand over her cup and whispered some quiet words. The glass rippled and then started to give off chills. The Sea Witch took another sip and gave a much more satisfied smile. She looked up at Asfi, the smile still on her face.

"Because the next horizon is fighting the strongest. And right now, the strongest is Ottar." Calypso shrugged. "But that fight is for another day. Besides, we all have our own tasks." She looked over at Morgana. "And our own heroes. I mean, your Familia has its own share of impressive titles, do they not? Or is the 'Barbarian Queen,' someone else?"

Morgana smiled. "Aye, that's me."

Asfi looked over at Lira.

"Do you have a title? I'm unfamiliar with how it works outside of Orario." She looked over at Morgana. "From what I understand, this one's is more unofficial."

Lira nodded. "The whole business of titles and such is still relatively new to the rest of the world, but we're slowly picking up on it. I was recently named Dryad."

"Are there any others?" asked Iris. She had been forbidden from taking a title, but she loved the idea of them.

Lira nodded. "There's the Vice-Captain, Shadow Walker, and then there's Inferno, Black Steel, and Gust, and then a smattering of others."

Iris had a look of child-like innocence on her face now.

"If I got one, I'd want it to be something cool, like Man of War, or maybe Hammerhead!" she said, bouncing in her seat. "Maybe I'd get something mysterious, Abyss Gazer."

Unseen to Iris, Calypso's smile relaxed the most it had the whole evening. It was soft and gentle, and she reached to lay a hand on Iris's shoulder.

"Maybe one day, little one," she said. "But for now, be happy being Iris."

The night continued.

With the Boy:

In the Dian Cecht Familia clinic, Bell lay in a cot. Amid had taken a look at his head and decided that he had received a concussion. The nurse's orders were to receive some healing magic from her, a magic potion to take the worst of it off, and then to try and rest for the next couple of hours. Bell had been able to sit still for all of half an hour before he was getting antsy and ready to get out of bed. Whenever he moved too much, though, it was like Ais would poke her head in from outside. The Sword Princess had taken up guard duty and would stare Bell down. Bell would relax back into the bed and stop moving whenever that happened. Ais would nod and then continue her vigil.

Eventually, though, Bell's boredom was alleviated when there was a knock at his door. Ryuu and Hestia walked in, smiling in his direction. Ais followed them in.

"Hey there, Wallenwhatsit, anything we can do for you?" asked Hestia.

Ais shook her head. "Just here to keep an eye on things."

"Keep an eye on things?" asked Hestia. "Do you think that we're going to do something to Bell?"

Ais shook her head again. "Not you." She pointed at Ryuu. "But she's already kissed Bell twice. I don't want that to happen again."

Ryuu stopped moving, her face slowly turning a very particular shade of scarlet. Hestia stopped to stare at her Vice-Captain and then switched her gaze over to her Captain. She looked between the two multiple times. Ais just stared at Bell as if she dared him to say anything back. And finally, Bell just lay back and closed his eyes. He prayed that today would soon be over and that he could forget that all of this had ever happened.

"Well," said Hestia finally. "I don't think we have anything to worry about on that front anymore. Especially since Ryuu has found someone else."

Ais kept staring at Bell. "So, I can trust her not to do anything?" She frowned. "And for him to behave?"

Hestia nodded. "Yes, Ais, I think you can trust these two to behave. However, I might just have a bit of a conversation with them both later." She swung her gaze to Bell. "But for now, the only one I want to talk to is Bell. Would you two mind stepping outside, please?"

Ryuu and Ais nodded, leaving the Goddess and her first child alone. As soon as the door shut, Hestia switched over to what she called her Goddess glare. She let her gaze bore into Bell Cranel and took a certain amount of pride in watching him squirm. She crossed her arms and walked over to stand at the foot of his bed.

"So, Ryuu told me about what happened. And she also told me about what you did. Tell me, Bell, when was any of that ever part of the plan?" asked Hestia.

Bell looked away. "It wasn't Goddess."

"Ok, and what part of the plan involved you chasing after your Familia because you thought they couldn't do their jobs?"

"There was no part like that," said Bell, shrinking into the bed.

"Huh, interesting. And what part of the plan involved you and Ais Wallenstein fighting down a Sun Seeker general all on your own?"

"No part," responded Bell.

Hestia nodded. "Well, isn't that quite the story to hear? It kind of makes me curious about what kind of issues this Familia is facing." She reached out to place a hand on his shoulder. "Now, if you don't mind me asking, what in the world possessed you to run off after everyone else?"

Bell visibly swallowed. "Well, it's just that I have to. I have to save and protect everyone, and so I have to be there to make sure that everyone is safe."

"And who told you that?" asked Hestia.

"My grandfather did," responded Bell. "He said that it was a hero's job to protect people and save women and…."

Bell trailed off as Hestia continued to stare him down. He watched the Goddess's jaw clench and how her teeth ground together.

"I swear, sometimes I really want to punch that grandfather of yours in the face," said Hestia. "I know that he raised you and that he taught you a lot of important stuff, but sometimes I really question his methods." She sighed. "Honestly, it reminds me of what Zeus used to say up in Tenkai…."

Bell watched his Goddess trail off. Just as he was about to ask if she was alright, Hestia facepalmed. She proceeded to almost rip her twin tails off as she tried to hold in a scream. Bell only caught the occasional phrase as she appeared to begin some kind of super tirade.

"That no-good…son of a…playboy God…not a decent thought in his…." Hestia continued like this. Finally, she looked at Bell again, and he did not enjoy the look in her eye. "Bell, what did your grandfather look like? And more importantly, what else did he tell you?"

So, Bell described his grandfather as he remembered him. Hestia nodded along the whole time; the frown on her face became more pronounced. Then, Bell told all the sage lessons that his grandfather had taught him. Some of them made Hestia smile, and others made her curl her lips in disgust.

"Ok, and can you remind me of what your mom and dad said in those messages they left?" she asked afterwards, her face soft.

Bell nodded, recounting everything that had been told to him. Hestia had some questions about that, mainly about the mentions of Zeus that his parents had said. Finally, Hestia asked about what Bell had found in the papers given to him by Eina at the Winter celebration party.

"Well, I haven't really had a chance to look at them," said Bell. "But I did read that Alfia, and by extension, my mama and papa," (the way he said that made Hestia smile), "were all part of the most powerful Familias of the time, Zeus and Hera."

Hestia nodded along. Then, the Goddess stood and walked to the nearest wall. Slowly, she started to bang her head against it. Thump after thump, Hestia stood there. Ryuu and Ais rushed back in at the sound but stopped when they saw Hestia still going. The Goddess paused, raised a single finger to them, and then started thumping again. After five minutes of this, she pulled away and looked at Ais.

"Can you get me your Goddess, please?" asked Hestia. "There's something I have to discuss with her."

Ais ran out, leaving the three top-ranking members of Hestia Familia alone. The two mortals looked to their deity for an explanation. Hestia sighed, rubbing at her temples. Finally, she turned to her favourite child.

"Bell, I think I know who your grandfather was," she began. "Now, I can either explain it to you now and then again when Loki arrives, or we can wait for her. Which do you want?"

"Now, please," said Bell, meekly. "Can Ryuu stay?"

Hestia nodded. "Yes, I think it's best if Ryuu stayed." She sat down on Bell's hospital bed, careful to sit around him. "Now, what you've been saying has finally started to make some sense to me. And it took me hearing the rest of it to put the pieces together." She took Bell's hands. "Your grandfather wasn't really your grandfather, technically."

"How do you know?" asked Bell.

"Because I think your grandfather was actually my baby brother," replied Hestia. "A God by the name of Zeus."

Ryuu and Bell stared at the little Goddess in total shock. Neither of them had anything to say at the moment. At their apparent confusion, Hestia nodded along.

"Remember how I told you about how I was on a council of twelve deities in my part of Tenkai? Well, Zeus was also on that council. And he was also my brother. All that to say, I actually knew him pretty well up in Heaven," explained Hestia. "Which meant that I also knew what he liked to say a lot of the time. And he liked to say a lot of the things that your grandfather said to you."

Ryuu opened her mouth. "But that doesn't mean that he was Bell's grandfather. It could just be that Bell was raised by a member of Zeus Familia, one of the ones still alive after the battle against the Black Dragon."

Hestia nodded along while Bell remained quiet.

"Yes, that is very true, but that one sentence Bell said, back at the tournament." She turned to Bell. "When you talked about heroes. Zeus used to say that exact thing, word for word." Hestia glowered. "And you also learned some of his cruder lessons as well. A perfect combination of disgustingly horny mixed with heroic wisdom. A blend so special it could only be Zeus." Hestia put her hands on her hips. "I swear, you'd think that having a Familia would teach that stupid perv to get his act together." She looked at Ryuu. "I tried to get him to clean up his act one point, you know. After all, I am his big sister, which makes it my job to teach him those things."

Ryuu just blinked in astonishment.

"I guess that means that Hermes knows too," continued Hestia. She stood up and started pacing. "The fact that those two were in on it the whole time. It all makes me want to bash my head in some more." Finally, Hestia looked over at Bell. "I know that this is a lot for you to take in, but we don't have to talk about it too much more. In fact, I'm going to wait outside to tell Loki and Ais in peace." Hestia sighed. "After all, it was Loki who helped me put all this together." When Bell didn't respond, Hestia turned to Ryuu. "I want you to keep an eye on him. Can you do that for me?"

Ryuu nodded, and Hestia smiled. She gave Bell one more hug before walking out of the room. Ryuu took her spot, sitting on Bell's bed.

"So, this sounds like it could be a lot," began Ryuu. "Which means that we can put your decisions from today on the back burner. I'll make sure the rest of the Familia leaves you alone for a while, ok?"

Bell nodded dumbly.

"That said, I'm glad you're ok Bell," replied Ryuu. She took his hands in her own. "After all, these battles are certainly strange." Ryuu frowned. "And I wanted to ask you about the gargoyle that met you all topside while we were invading. Finn said that it has marble-like skin?"

That was enough to shake Bell from his thoughts.

"Yes, the gargoyle said that its name was Garess. The way it talked, and the way it looked, reminded me a lot of Gros," explained Bell. "Do you think that he could have come back?"

Ryuu nodded. "I think so. Especially since I ran into a Xenos that reminded me a lot of Ray."

Bell felt another bout of surprise. "You did? What did she look like? Or how did she act? Was it a siren?"

Ryuu nodded along. "At first, I wasn't sure, but then I talked to Mikoto. She says that the comparison makes sense. I think we might be dealing with reincarnated monsters, like with Filvis." Ryuu's mouth became a thin line. "That said, just like with Filvis, we cannot rely on these monsters remembering who they were. We must assume that they are not the same ones we once knew. If we cannot talk them down, we may have to fight."

Bell nodded. "I understand, Ryuu. But I don't want to kill anyone recklessly. Like I said, I want to save everyone that I can."

Ryuu smiled. "Of course, you do; I wouldn't expect anything less from my hero." The elf leaned over to kiss him on the forehead in a fit of courage. "Now, I want you to try and get some sleep. We still have a lot to do. When Hestia gets back, I will find Elwin and talk to Filvis. She might know more about our reincarnated friends."

Unfortunately, Ryuu's actions meant that Bell would not be able to sleep for a very long time now.

With the Strangers:

At the city's Eastern Gate, two figures in robes walked through. They had waited in line all day, stopping to speak to the guards from Ganesha Familia. Thankfully, it was easy to get past them and explain their situation. Or rather, lie about everything. They also had the letter from Hermes that they could use if all else failed.

"Now that we are here," said the first. "Any idea of where you want to spin your web?"

The second nodded. "Yes, I believe that I want to find this place called Daedalus Street that I have heard so much about."

"And what about your daughter?"

The second shook her head. "No, I will go to her when the time is ready. After all, the best attack is the one that no one can see coming." The figure looked up to the tower of Babel. "And here, the enemy has a chance to see everything."

The first nodded, and the two began following street signs to Daedalus Street. As they walked, the second figure seemed to drop something. The way it shimmered in the light; it was almost like it wasn't there. Soft threads fell onto the streets of Orario.

With the Girl:

The night was finished for the allied forces outside Orario. Lira had made an executive decision to cut off her Captain and put Morgana le Fay to bed. She waved goodbye to Calypso and Iris, the two of them walking back to their own part of the camp.

"I like them," said Iris. "They're funny, and nice, and full of a lot of good stuff."

Calypso smiled as she nodded. "I'd have to agree with you on that one. We aren't just making trustworthy allies, but good friends as well." Her smile disappeared. "And we're going to need all the help we can get for what comes next."

Iris looked over at her mom. "Is Freya Familia really that bad? I'm sure you and the Captain and everyone else will be able to take care of it."

Calypso let out a long breath.

"Maybe, maybe not. But my instincts are telling me that this is going to be a long and hard fight ahead." She walked forward, pausing to look back at Iris. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

Iris nodded.

After all, her name was Iris Cranel, and she had a twin brother to go and save.