Chapter 57:

A preliminary examination revealed that the bugs were just about everywhere. They were in the walls, the floors, and even in the pipes. If they were left alone, they could seriously damage the house and the people in it. So, Loki Familia cleared out while Loki called pest control. Hygieia Familia was the first to respond, and in their professional opinion, the cleanup would take a couple weeks at the very least. While the rest of the Familia were gathering their things, the executives sat down to figure out where they would be staying in the meantime.

"Any hotel we stay in is going to be expensive, just because of how many people there are," said Riveria. "And I don't think we quite have the funds right now since our War Expedition money is still coming in."

Gareth stroked his beard. "And I don't think the Guild will let us camp outside the city walls. Too dangerous to let our Familia leave, and I don't even want to think of what Freya would do about it."

Finn sighed. "And there's the real problem." He put his head into his hands. "We know that this was Freya's fault. She's trying to disrupt us and remove this Familia from the board. If we're not around, Hestia Familia is easy pickings."

Hestia, who had been in the manor when this all started, nodded along. Flanking her on both sides were Bell and Elwin, who had also just happened to stay the night. While this would have been something surprising and good gossip fodder in any other case, now was certainly not the time for such things. But it would definitely be coming later.

"So, the question becomes, where can you go that doesn't cost money and keeps you in the city in case something bad happens," said the Goddess. She looked at Bell. "You think there would be anywhere for them in Daedalus District?"

Bell considered it but shook his head. "It's too big. The two of us living under the church is one thing, but for all of Loki Familia, someone would get lost too easily. And I don't think it would be much cleaner than the Twilight Manor."

Gareth huffed. "There's truth to that. And while Knossos is nice and open, I don't think we should be too hasty with imposing on our new Xenos allies."

"The easiest solution is to start our next expedition sooner rather than later," said Finn. "I had already talked about it with Royman." His eyes darted around his Familia. "This city needs to see things get back to normal. They need to be reminded that adventurers aren't afraid of going into the Dungeon, and we're just the Familia to do it." He flashed Bell a rueful smile. "We also agreed that Hestia Familia should be left alone this time." He leaned his head onto the palm of his left hand. "But planning an expedition is not something I do lightly, and we'd still need somewhere safe for Loki to live in."

Tione picked at the grass as she spoke. "So, let me get this straight, we need to find somewhere to live that can be long-term, isn't too expensive, is big enough to hold the entire Familia, close enough to protect Hestia Familia, and is a place that we can plan and stage a large-scale Dungeon crawling expedition from." She rolled her eyes. "I don't see many places like that popping up."

The executives were silent, each trying to find a solution to the problem. After five minutes of quiet, Tiona's hand shot into the air. She was practically vibrating with energy and enthusiasm and looked like she was about to fall backward from all the rocking she was doing.

"Yes, Tiona?" asked Finn, smirking.

"What if we stayed with Hestia Familia!" Her head whipped towards Bell. "There's barely anyone living there, right? So, you have a lot of empty rooms that we could use! And it's not like it'd be all that expensive. We would just have to pay for our food and stuff, right?"

She looked around, waiting for anyone to disagree with her. Bell looked shocked and a little terrified at the idea of domestic living with Ais so soon into their relationship. However, Hestia looked thoughtful.

"I can't say it's a bad idea," she finally responded. "And more importantly, we owe Loki Familia a lot." She looked up at Loki. "I'm not saying it's for sure, but if my children don't have any problems with it, then I'd be ok with it." The Hearth Goddess shrugged. "We'd probably have to set up some rules and boundaries, but I don't imagine it would be anything too serious."

"That's awfully kind of you," said Gareth.

Hestia beamed. "Even if we weren't allies, I'd consider it." She brought her hand to her chest. "The Hearth isn't just a fire; it symbolizes home and sanctuary. I'd be a failure of a Goddess if I didn't throw open my doors to those in need."

"Well spoken," replied Riveria, starting to stand. "Well then, shall we head to Hearth Manor and start drafting up the arrangements?"

Elwin popped, visually excited. "I get to live with Lefiya and Big Sis? That sounds like a dream come true!"

The high elf leveled a glare. "I don't care what your relationship status is; you two will not be sharing a room."

Elwin shrugged. "It's fine; sneaking around in the dark is more exciting anyway."

Lefiya looked ready to explode from embarrassment.

Mikoto woke up slowly, a deep feeling of peace settling on her body. She also felt incredibly sore. Her muscles ached with every little movement she did, and her whole body felt like it had been wrung like an old towel after a swim. The reason for her stiff body was cuddled in behind her. Haruhime's tail drifted idly up Mikoto's legs, which sent a shiver down the samurai's spine. While one was trapped underneath her beloved's body, the Renard's other arm was wrapped around Mikoto's waist. Haruhime's hand traced patterns across the Black Crow's midriff.

Mikoto smiled. "And just what do you think you are doing, Lady Sanjouno?"

She felt more than heard Haruhime's giggle.

"I was just counting your abs. I had already examined and admired the rest of your muscles, waiting for you to wake up, and this was all that was left," replied Haruhime.

Slowly, ignoring the complaints from her back, Mikoto rolled over. As she did, she felt little bits of pain as her back rubbed against the bed. A memory of sharp nails and a high moan echoed in her brain.

"Oh, it sounds like you are quite enamored with my figure," said Mikoto. "Alas, I should've known you only used me for my body."

Haruhime pouted. "Not true at all, my fair Yamato; I've also been using you as my bodyguard."

Mikoto smiled and planted a soft kiss on Haruhime's lips. Before she could speak, though, her girlfriend's little nose scrunched up in the most adorable way.

"You have stinky morning breath," said Haruhime. "Now go brush your teeth. No kisses until you do!"

Mikoto sighed before standing up and heading to the on-suite washroom. The room Hestia had rented for them was top of the line, and even if it was only for a night, Mikoto was sure it had cost a fortune. As Mikoto walked, she heard Haruhime inhale sharply.

"I thought I would take a shower as well," replied Mikoto, still nude. "Would you like to join me?"

Haruhime jumped out of bed as quick as a level three could.

Iris woke up to a gentle hand jostling her shoulder. Her eyes fluttered open to find Calypso looking down at her. The Familia Vice-Captain wore her official attire, sea blue robes, and soft brown boots. A collection of sea-foam bracelets was peeking out from underneath her robes and on her arms. Finally, there were her rings. She bore eight of them, four on each hand. Each one had what looked like a stone embedded. Iris knew better; the rocks were nothing more than sea glass. Except for a single band of gold on one of her ring fingers. Her sandy blond hair hung loosely down her shoulders, a chain of silver around her neck. Hanging at its bottom was a marine-colored jewel. Its dark hue didn't reflect the morning light. Instead, it pulled the sunshine into its abyss. Despite all the trinkets and apparent vanity, Iris knew that a caring woman lay underneath it. Calypso loved her and the rest of the Familia deeply and would kill anyone that got in their way.

"We have a meeting," said Calypso. "Captain wants you there, says you might have a role to play soon."

That got Iris to pop up to her feet. She pulled on her sea boots, the sun-cracked leather providing familiar comfort. She pulled on her pants and buttoned on a white shirt. She slipped on her belt, packing in various tools, weapons, and poisons. She knew to be prepared. Which was why she also slipped her shining silver cutlasses into their sheathes. Finally, threw on her long black jacket and tied her hair back. She bustled out and followed Calypso along the avenues of tents. Some of them were making ready to clear the camp, while others continued on like normal. Iris chewed her lip but chose to be silent. She knew from how Calypso hunched her shoulders that she was irritated and off-balance. Which meant that Hermes was acting like a bastard again.

The two pushed into the command tent to find all the various executives clustered around a table. From Hecate Familia was the Goddess, her Captain Morgan Le Fay, the Vice-Captain Urien, and Lira. From Hermes Familia was the God of Travellers, Asfi and Falgar. Finally, there was Poseidon Familia. The Sea God stood at the head of the table; his dark beard and bushy brows shone like the scales of a shark. He wore no shirt, so his bronze chest and tanned arms were open for all to see. He wore no jewelry but wore ropes around his wrists and waist. Finally, there were his blue and white shorts, with sailing cloth tied around it like a sash. And on his feet were simple leather sandals; the straps wound up his ankles to the top of his calves. His presence was as calm and steady as ever. He radiated the true aura of a God, and it told Iris that everything would be ok.

Spreading around him like a fan were the legendary executives of Poseidon Familia. There was Calick, 'The Kraken,' covered in seaweed green robes. At his side was a whip that looked like it belonged to a member of Ganesha Familia. On his back was a Warhammer, black as the night sky. His posture was slumped, and he looked as broody as ever. Next to him was Rackham, 'The Red,' so called for his great ginger beard. On his head, an oversized floppy hat with the feather of a Lamia sticking out the top. He wore leathers dyed blood red and had a long double-edged sword hanging at his hip. On his other side is a miniature ballista. He studied the table with a great smile, as if he was already planning his next conquest. Then, on the other side of Poseidon were two Chienthropes. They were identical with grey fur, pointed ears, long tails, and an overall scruffy appearance. Knives hung in belts across their chests, and other pointy blades could be seen scattered about their bodies. Both were scowling at the table. They were the infamous Dogs of War, Argos, and Argus.

Finally, at the opposite side of the table was the Captain of Poseidon Familia. He wore mismatching sets of leather and chain, all of which were dyed turquoise. The pieces rippled like waves when he flexed his muscles. He wore a single silver earring and a silver chain around his neck. His chestnut hair was short, coming down to the base of his neck. He had no weapons, but that didn't fool anybody. The aura of a monster rolled off of him, in and out like the tides. And then there were his eyes. They were a piercing shade of blue, like the ice of the northern oceans. They studied the board and the map of Orario that lay on it.

"What exactly is your plan?" asked Poseidon. "Because I can only wait so much longer, Hermes. I love Hestia like she is my sister, and I will not let your caution put her in danger."

Hermes flashed his clever grin. "I would never dream of putting her or her Familia in danger. After all, I swore to Zeus that I would keep Bell Cranel safe."

Iris frowned at that. Hermes kept talking about his promises to Zeus, but what about keeping Bell safe because it was the right thing to do? The God of Traveller's motivations were suspect, and the only reason she hadn't interrogated him about it was that Asfi had vouched for him.

"Then why are you making us wait?" asked Calypso. "We could have gone to the city and crushed Freya Familia. With our strength of arms, Hecate Familia's magic, and Loki and Hestia's children backing us up, we would have taken them down in seconds."

"Ah, a fair question, my beloved Calypso!" responded Hermes.

There was a resounding crack like thunder. Everyone looked to find the Captain holding a broken piece of the table. He closed his hand, and the wood exploded into dust.

"Watch your words God," replied Calypso. "My husband does not take kindly to the way your kind leers." She breathed, and the tent calmed. "Now, why are we not marching on Orario straight away. Why all the delays?"

Hermes, who had recoiled from the menacing glare of the Captain, quickly regained his composure. However, he was careful to always be on his best behavior around the Poseidon Familia executives from then on. He tipped his hat up as he explained.

"Simple, my friend, we don't want to be the first to put all our cards on the table. The truth is, with Freya's charm still a threat, I don't want to take any risks about what she might do," said Hermes. He sighed. "Honestly, she might just take the whole city hostage." He looked around at the gathered adventurers. "And if she got her hands on all of you, then there would be no help for Bell Cranel ever again."

That reason seemed to placate most of the people in the tent, but Iris couldn't help but let out the breath from her nose. Calypso smirked at the action while Hermes raised an eyebrow.

"Do you have an objection to that, Iris Cranel?" asked Hermes.

Since his discovery of her, Hermes had been strange in his actions toward the young girl. Every time he looked at her, it was like she was a puzzle piece that didn't belong. The thought made her stomach coil.

"Yeah," she spat out. "It sounds like another convenient excuse."

Hermes tilted his head. "Oh, and what kind of excuse would that be?"

"Another excuse for one of your stupid fucking tests," replied Iris. "That's what this is all about, right? You and that lightning fucker using my family for your heroic tests?"

Asfi frowned. "That is no way to speak of the Gods."

"If a God separates me from my long-lost brother and never tells him I exist, then he's a fucker," she replied. She shrugged her small shoulders. "Those are the rules."

Now it was Hermes' turn to frown.

"Young lady, this world needs a hero. Now, you haven't met him yet, but your brother has grown into a wonderful man. He is the hero this world needs," replied Hermes.

"And who decided that?" asked Iris. "All I hear is a lot of condescending moralizing from you and Zeus." She pointed an accusatory finger at the Travelling God. "You talk about this impending doom and this great dragon, but then you never answer my questions! When is the great dragon attacking? Where will it strike?"

Hermes' frown deepened. "That is not my place to tell."

"Of course, it never is. All you do is tell us that it's coming so that you can keep stringing us along to your merry tune," retorted Iris, snorting.

"That is enough, Iris Cranel," said Poseidon, his voice like a wave. It washed over everyone and drew back the tension like the tide. "I believe that we are getting dangerously off-topic." His eyes, looking from under his bushy brows, trained onto Hermes. "But if I learn that you are using us, you will be sent back to the Heavens, Hermes; I promise you this."

Hermes nodded once. "That sounds fair enough, but you should know I'm working under orders from Ouranus. We are not to attack until we are given a signal."

"So, what can we do?" asked Rackham.

His gaze was focused on the map of Orario while he stroked his long red beard. His free hand tapped the four cardinal gates of the city.

"If we're expecting to pop into a city under siege, this will get a lot harder. Orario's a big place, and we don't have the manpower to be everywhere at once," replied Rackham.

"We don't have to," said Asfi. "The plan is to have our group attack in waves. Hecate Familia will go first to light things up and distract Freya." She looked at the members of Poseidon Familia. "You will follow afterward; that way, we can maintain the element of surprise."

"And I'm guessing our targets will be Freya's executives," said Calick. "After all, it's not like any of you bottom feeders can do what we do."

Argos and Argus grunted their agreement.

"Bunch of whelps," said Argos.

"The only ones worth anything are those brats from Loki Familia," added Argus.

"The dwarf, the elf, and the pallum."

Hermes smiled. "Oh, I don't know about that. I think some of these folks from the younger generation might surprise you."

The chienthropes grunted in response.

"So, what do we do now?" asked Iris, bouncing on her feet.

"We keep moving forward and prepare all that we can," replied Hermes. "When we strike, we need to know who will hit where and what our priorities will be." He glanced over at Hecate. "That means we must teach your children everything they need to know about Orario. They need to know who our allies will be and who will be our enemies." He looked at the Captain of Poseidon Familia. "You can fight Ottar, but I don't think anyone else can say the same."

Calypso nodded. "So, we plan, we strategize, and all the while, we slowly make our way towards the Dungeon City. Sounds like fun."

Iris disagreed but figured that no one would want to hear her opinion. Instead, she listened to the adults and tried not to think of her brother in mortal danger.

Back at the Hearthstone Manor, the rest of Hestia Familia had gathered in the study room. Seeing as how having another Familia living with them was such a big decision, Hestia thought it would be best for everyone to voice their opinion.

"So, obviously, we're letting them stay, right?" asked Otohime. "I mean, they've already done so much for us; it would be rude not to."

"My girlfriend and my sister are not going to be homeless," added Elwin.

Hestia nodded. "We're all in agreement on that. Loki Familia is staying, but I wanted to know if there was anything that the rest of you wanted. After all, having a big Familia move in with us like this is a lot. So, if there are any ground rules, let me know now."

Welf spoke first. "No one goes in my forge without me being around. I don't care who they think they are. Not even their Goddess goes inside without permission."

Hestia nodded.

Mikoto raised a hand. "As a matter of practicality, Haruhime shouldn't be the maid for the entire household. She is only one person, and even if she is incredible at her job, she shouldn't be forced to do it alone."

"You're right, and I'm sure Loki Familia has their own members who can handle things," replied Hestia.

"Lili wants to ensure that they know certain areas of the house are off-limits. They can't have our office, and we need our main sitting room for us. The house is going to be cramped, and Lili knows that we will all need a place to get away from it all," said the Dauntless.

Ryuu nodded. "Not to mention, but even if they are our allies, I don't feel perfectly comfortable with them having access to rooms that hold important personal information."

Hestia continued to nod, making notes on one of her notepads.

"Just like Welf's forge, I'd rather they didn't go into my garden," said Ura. "There are important plants there that I don't want people ruining or wrecking. They'll want to train in the yard, but if they wreck my garden, they pay for the damages."

Hestia made a note.

Haruhime's ears twitched. "I also think we need to impose some kind of bath schedule. We're used to being able to come and go as we please, but it can't handle that kind of thinking with a full Familia." Everyone saw Mikoto's shoulders droop. "Perhaps only Loki Familia executives should be allowed in? And the rest can use the public baths and showers around the city?"

Hestia tapped her pencil to her chin. "We'll probably have to talk with them about that one, but I see the point." She shrugged. "I'll discuss it with Loki and see what she has to say." She looked around the room. "Anything else to add? What about from our fearless leader?"

Bell shook his head. "I think this covers everything important. And any other problems we can deal with as they come up. I don't expect us to cover every problem at once."

Hestia smiled. "My thinking exactly! But I think this covers all the major problems. Now we just need to sit down with Loki Familia and clear things up! Is everyone good to come?"

The rest of Hestia Familia all nodded or shrugged in response.

When the executives of Loki Familia arrived, they all sat together in the main lobby. Hestia went over the rules they had drawn up, with Loki Familia pushing back very little. The only thing they had a problem with was the issue about the bath.

"So, what, are we supposed to just put ourselves out in the city for all to see?" asked Tione.

Riveria sighed. "I can already hear the elves complaining about the indecency of it all."

Mikoto frowned. "We wouldn't be able to fit everyone from your Familia in our bath anyway. Even with a schedule, the price of constantly changing water would be astronomical."

"Why didn't you have any regular showers included?" asked Finn.

Hestia shrugged. "It wasn't an issue at the time. There were only six of us, and even with the new members, there are only ten of us. If we get new members, then I would add in showers. For now, this is what we have."

Loki smiled. "Well, you heard them, kiddos; there's nothing to be done about it. So, we'll send the newbies to the public places, but our executives and second stringers get access to the bathhouse. We'll help pay for the hot water too. Is that a fair deal?"

Hestia nodded.

The two parties shook hands, and then it was settled. Loki Familia would be living with Hestia Familia. Finn made it clear that it was a very temporary thing and that they would be paying for any expenses, but he still appreciated the kindness. As Loki Familia carried in boxes, Loki and Hestia watched it off to the side.

"I've been meaning to talk to you about some precautions I've been taking," said Loki. "There's a letter that I've written for you. It's already been shown to Finn and Riveria. It's not something I want to do, but I don't think we'll have a choice."

Hestia tilted her head. "And what in the world could be so bad that you don't want to do it?" she asked.

Loki shrugged. "I'd rather not say. You never know who might be listening in on us. But no matter what it is, don't open the damn thing unless it's a true emergency. And make sure that Ais is around when you do it."

Hestia studied the Trickster Goddess. Then she shrugged and laced her fingers with Loki's. The crimson-haired Goddess eyed the action, seemingly debating whether or not she should pull away. Apparently, she landed on letting it be, happily holding hands with the Hearth Goddess. She gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Take care of yourself, Itty-bitty."

Hestia squeezed back.

"Right back at you, No-bits."

In a shop close to Daedalus Street, the Dea Saint stirred into the world of the waking. As she shifted, she realized that this wasn't her bed. Her mattress was soft and uniquely suited for her. It was filled with feathers. This mattress was old and lumpy. The young woman shuffled around, trying to figure out where she was, when she felt something large and soft thumping on her stomach. Looking to the side, she saw her long-time rival, Nahza. Amid stared at the sleeping Chienthrope, mouth slightly open. Just what had she done last night?

"Ah, I see that one of you is awake," said Miach, walking through the door. "Wonderful, if you do not mind, though, I have to get to my supplies. Unfortunately, Nahza kept some of them in her room and forgot to tell me."

Amid jolted up, trying to keep the blanket high so she wouldn't be exposed. But it was in her struggle that she realized that she was still clothed. She could have sworn that she and the dog-woman had…been productive last night, but apparently not as much as she thought.

Miach purposefully ignored all this, though, and set to grab the potions and products that Nahza had left in her room. Truthfully, he didn't want to do this at all, but his Familia was still relatively poor. They couldn't afford things like decency. And he also knew that things had not gotten so out of hand from the lack of noise last night.

"Lord Miach, I must apologize for my state of undress!" shouted Amid.

There was a grunt as Nahza sat up, also clothed. She stretched her arms above her head and listened for the telltale pops of her metal joints.

"Why are you apologizing?" she asked. "He's the one who burst into my room. Here's hoping he leaves so we can get dressed." Nahza looked over at her God. "I'm going to take the morning off. I promised Amid I would take her out for breakfast last night."

Miach nodded. "Understood; I'll ensure that Cassandra and Daphne help me around the store then."

"Wait, you said you would take me out for breakfast?" asked Amid.

Nahza nodded. "I did after we both talked for most of the night. But even then, there's still so much more to say." Her lips twitched up into a smile. "Why you chose to stay the night, I do not know. But I am not complaining."

Miach left the room, and the two women started to change. Amid's head was reeling. Just what had she done last night?

Fels studied the work in front of him. With Hestia's help, he was well on his way to finishing his work on suitable defenses for Freya and her charm. Not to mention, but with the monster control collars that had been brought back up to the surface, there was something that could be done about those monsters that were the Freya Familia executives. Every single one of them could level the city if they wanted to; their power was just barely kept in check. The only thing that was keeping them all safe was Freya's whims.

As he worked, Fels let out low hums and rumbles. He did not need to do this, but it made him feel more human. It made him feel like a real person again. So, as he tinkered in his workshop underneath the city, he continued to ramble to himself.

"Now, the tricky part is going to be making sure that these things are not lethal," said the skeleton. "If these magical tools fell into the wrong hands, they should not be able to be misused."

As he worked, he kept one eye socket on the large beaker sitting on the back corner of the table. It was currently a bright silver, but he was hoping it would change at any moment. And as if wishing made it so, the silver turned white and then red.

"Ah! A good thing for once!"

Ais watched people carry in their trunks of clothing and weaponry. Since they were not playing a long-term stay, they were only allowed to bring the essentials with them. For Ais, that meant her armor, weaponry, and stuffed rabbit plushie. Her Familia had volunteered to carry most of her things, but Ais had clutched the rabbit to herself, refusing to part with it. Even now, she held it in front of her stomach as the others marched in. Every once in a while, they would glance her way.

The Sword Princess knew what was on their minds. She remembered last night and the way Bell's lips felt on hers. The two of them kissed some more after that…a lot more. But they had also talked about what they meant to each other. And since they had done so in front of the tavern, everyone who had wandered back outside to go home had seen them.

Ais could feel the heat rising to her face and quickly brought her bunny plushie up to cover it. Part of her felt like she was dying, but another part was ecstatic to be in a relationship. And then there was the other part of her, the little piece that still felt guilty about being happy.

"So, do you need help with anything?"

Ais lifted her head to find Bell walking up to her. She smiled and shook her head.

"No, everyone else seems to have it covered."

He nodded. "That's good. And it's excellent that you'll still get your own room."

"I will?" she asked.

Bell nodded again. "The house is so empty that we can afford to keep most of the old sleeping arrangements." He looked over with a bashful smile. "But Riveria insisted on sleeping in Elwin's room so that he didn't get up to anything he shouldn't with Lefiya."

Ais kept her tiny smile, the thought sending a pleasant warmth through her body. For so long, she had wanted to feel like the others did. She wanted to have all those funny little feelings everyone else seemed to have. Now, with Bell and the others at her side, she felt like she was there. She took Bell's hand in her own.

"Will you give me a tour?" she asked.

Bell nodded. "It would be my honor."