Chapter 63:
Otohime watched the new battle unfold. With Gareth, Tiona, and Tione here, the tides were shifting in their favour. But that didn't make her feel better. Even as she swatted away attacks from overzealous members of Freya Familia, her mind was on her kidnapped Urashima. To that end, she fought to where Lili was in the back.
"Lili…do you need me here?" she asked.
Lili frowned. "What do you mean? What are you thinking of?"
"They stole Urashima! Those little pallum bastards took him!" screamed Otohime. "And I'm gonna go find him."
Lili stopped. The hands at her side curled into fists, and her tiny body started to shake from side to side.
"They stole one of our Familia? One of our family?" asked Lili.
The prum stilled, her eyes returning to the yard. Then she looked back to the Dragon Princess.
"Go find him and take the Amazon sisters with you. Do not come back until you have him," replied Lili. Her voice was cold, and it made Otohime shiver. "No mercy, do you hear Lili? Do whatever it takes. But I don't need to tell you this, do I?"
Otohime nodded. "I'll kill whoever gets in my way."
She called out to Tione and Tiona, and the three of them quickly left. Lili hated to lose three top-tier adventurers, but allowing Freya to have a hostage was not a good idea. Especially one that would throw Otohime off her game. And to add to that, finding Urashima meant finding and fighting the Bringar. It would not be an easy fight, but it would also remove some of Freya's executives. It was an easy trade to make.
After ensuring that Oto and the twins were gone, Lili surveyed the rest of the battlefield. The duel between Gareth and Mia was the centrepiece, the two giving off miniature shockwaves with every clash. Around them, Aki and Raul duelled against the three waitresses of the Hostess. The two were holding ground, but just barely. Three level fives against two was a tough order for anyone. The only advantage they had was their teamwork. Aki and Raul were partners in the truest sense of the word and were fresh off a war in the Dungeon. Their battle senses were in top form.
On the other hand, the waitresses hadn't seen proper combat in quite some time. They were formidable opponents for sure, but they were rusty. And then there was the real problem. Freya's chief healer, Heith Velvet, hid in the back. Lili knew that time would be limited as long as she was on the field and healing up Freya's opponents.
"Even with Loki Familia, we just don't have the manpower," Lili said to no one. "There are too many adventurers on her side and under her control."
Even if the charmed forces of Ganesha Familia weren't here yet, Lili didn't want to bet on it never happening. One way or another, they had to find a way to get more allies. And just as the thought left her head, a horn rang out in the distance.
With Welf:
In the streets of the city, Welf was cursing his luck. He and Archie had taken off down the streets, only to find charmed adventurers standing in their way. The worst part of it all? These were adventurers that Welf knew.
"You've got to be shitting me," said the smith. His magic sword was out, but he was afraid to use it. "I really have to fight you guys?"
In front of him stood a large man from the Far East. He held a battle axe in one hand, and in the other, he held a shield. It was Ouka, and he wasn't alone. Nahza and Chigusa stood with their bows at the ready; farther back than that were Daphne and Cassandra.
It was Welf's closest friends. He hated every part of this and cursed Freya under his breath. Discounting the fact that almost everyone here were close friends of his, they were also incredibly skilled and talented fighters. Thankfully, Daphne was still standing at the back, guarding Cassandra, but that wouldn't help his case much.
"I take it that you're not much of a fighter?" asked Welf.
Archi shook his head. "I usually relied on Libby and Elwin for the fighting. I just supported from the back."
"Alright, so that's what you're gonna do," said the smith. Welf passed over a magic sword. "Then use this to cover for me. Just watch my back, swing when necessary, and try not to do any lasting damage. These are all still my friends."
"No promises. I value my life quite highly, you know."
Before Welf could respond, he was jumping and dodging arrows. Nahza and Chigusa's aim was still as sharp as ever, the two firing with quick but concise movements. Even as Welf moved, arrows embedded themselves where he stood.
He swung his magic sword, the magic flames turning most of the arrows to cinders. However, he was already moving his blade to catch Ouka's axe.
"God, you are one tough man, big guy," grunted Welf, buckling under the pressure. "Makes sense, though; you are one of strongest guys I've met."
That was when Welf shifted his grip, sidestepping away. Ouka's axe slammed into the ground, sending chips of rock everywhere. Any advantage Welf thought that gave him was swiftly removed because that was when Ouka started laying into him with the martial arts. It took three moves before Welf was knocked flat on his back.
"Yeah, I saw that one coming," he said.
Ouka launched into the air, ready to slam down on Welf for the finishing move. However, the blow never came. The ox-like man was instead tossed back into the street. Archi ran over to Welf and helped pull him to his feet.
"I get that these guys were your friends, but you need to stop holding back," he said.
"Trust me, I'm not," replied Welf. "This is just how good my friends are."
He looked back where Cassandra, eyes shining silver, was healing Ouka. While she did so, Daphne strolled forward. Her baton-like sword whizzed in the air.
"And this is about to go from hard to impossible," said Welf.
He brought up his sword. Then, he grinned ferally.
"Thankfully, I thrive in the impossible."
In response to his words, his double-sided blade's great fire and wind roared to life. Welf had to control its strength so the burning tornado didn't harm innocents. But it was still strong enough to make Daphne halt her advance. Even a level four had to be afraid of the power of Crozzo.
"I can't do this forever, so we'll have to come up with some kind of plan in the meantime," said Welf through clenched teeth.
Before Archi could respond, a horn sounded from outside the city. The young inventor gave a slight grin.
"You know, I don't think we'll be worrying for much longer," he replied.
With Bell and Ais:
In the alleyways of Daedalus Street, Ais and Bell faced opponent after opponent. Or rather, Ais was facing opponent after opponent. Bell was trying to recover his strength while avoiding the attacks around him. Eleven level fives was a lot to ask of anyone, even for the Sword Princess. Which meant that every once in a while, one of them would get close enough to attack.
Bell did his best to avoid the attacks, but they all tried to drive him away for his partner. Every step back towards Ais ended with him jumping three steps away.
"This isn't working!" he shouted over the commotion.
Ais saw that and pouted. In her head, she had seen visions of a gallant rescue. She would sweep Bell off his feet before taking him to safety. But now, these first-class members of Ganesha Familia were getting in the way. And she didn't want to risk hurting them too much. After all, they couldn't control the fact that they were being forced to do this. The girl pushed off with all her strength before landing between Bell and the attackers.
"There's too many of them hunting you," explained Ais. "I can't be worrying about you and fighting them at the same time. There's also the other problem."
Before Bell could ask, something akin to an explosion rocked the ground. It was a reminder that the titans were battling on the rooftops. The strongest members of both Familia were going at it like a couple of gorillas fighting for dominance. Every strike jolted Bell's bones.
"Eventually, one of them is going to win," said Ais. "We can't be caught off guard if it's Ottar." She looked back at Bell. "You need to keep running. Get home to the others. I'll find you there, and then we can strike back."
Bell frowned. "Ais, I don't want to run away again. I'm tired of it."
"Isn't that how it's always been?" asked Ais, head tilted and face blank. "Every time I save you, you run away."
Bell spluttered, trying to find something witty to retort. His mind blanked for a moment, but then he saw the slight upturn of Ais's lips.
"Are you making a joke right now?"
"…yes. Was it funny?"
Bell nodded, hobbling to his feet.
"It was very funny, Ais. We're going to have to add that to the many amazing things about you." He stepped closer. "I'll run as long as you promise to stay safe."
Ais nodded. Then, she kissed him. It was a brief moment, nothing more than a peck on the lips. But it made Bell's knees buckle, and he almost fell back onto the pavement. He caught himself, and then he was grinning like a doofus in the middle of the city. Ais smiled back before turning towards her opponents. Bell took in the shape of her, then he ran into the city. He could hear the sound of footsteps behind him. He wasn't alone, and attackers were still coming after him.
He could have turned to fight; he was a level six, after all, but he didn't want to risk being dogpiled. He was already fatigued, and the constant pressure was starting to fray his nerves. So, the boy continued to run, not in retreat but to keep the people he loved safe.
Distantly, he heard a horn going off in the distance.
With Iris:
A Goddess stood on the outskirts of the Orario, standing before one of its storied gates. She studied the silver dome of Freya's charm, examining it like a scholar did an old text. One of her Familia had blown a great silver horn, magically enchanted to carry sound farther than logically possible. It was time for their grand entrance.
"See, I'm still not sure what's supposed to happen here," said Iris. "Isn't Freya's charm supposed to be unstoppable? Like… isn't she so beautiful that even chief deities have a hard time ignoring her?"
Morgan Le Fay nodded. "Yes, that is true, and if we were face to face with the Goddess, that would be a problem." The Captain of Hecate Familia swept her arm out wide. "But as you can see, the Goddess of Beauty has stretched herself thin. And more importantly, my Goddess is an adjudicator."
"An adjudicator?" asked Iris.
Morgan nodded. "Long ago, when the Desuda came to the mortal plane, they looked away their power and set rules into place. However, what was to keep these crazed deities from following their rules? Who would make sure that the game was played fairly and that the lives of mortals were not thrown too far into chaos?" She turned from Iris to her Goddess. "From every sphere of the pantheons, Gods and Goddesses alike were chosen to pass judgment. For example, Tyr is one such God living near the Dragon Valley. It is through his guiding hand that the area is contained." The tall woman gestured with a perfectly manicured hand towards the city. "Ouranus watches over the Dungeon, holding the line and ensuring that the city's deities do not let the place fall into anarchy." She held up a finger. "But who would watch over the magic of the world? Who would ensure that the deities didn't abuse their godly given gifts?"
Iris turned back to the Goddess at the gate.
"Lady Hecate was put in charge?"
Morgan nodded. "Along with a few others." She smiled. "Lady Hecate is the Goddess of magic, including protection from witchcraft." Her head tilted backwards, taking the dome in its entirety. "This has progressed beyond mere charm and has slid straight into the territory of spells and curses."
"Ok…but what is Hecate gonna do about it?" asked Iris again. "She's the referee; good for her, isn't Freya's charm still invincible?"
"If this was just her usual charm, then yes," replied Hecate, finally speaking. "But this is a spell cast over the entire city. Now tell me, girl, if you wanted to learn how a sword works, who would you ask?"
"I don't know, some kind of smithing deity," replied Iris.
Hecate nodded. "Very good, and if you wanted to treat some kind of disease or illness?"
Iris frowned. "A deity of healing."
"Now, who would you look for if you needed to break a spell?"
"…"
"Perhaps you'd ask a Goddess of magic?" asked Hecate.
The Goddess turned to her children.
"Captain, are you ready? Are my followers ready?"
Morgan rolled her shoulders, the eight blades on her shifting with her. The warrior looked like a wave of molten metal in the sunlight. Iris was both impressed and turned on.
"We wait for your order, Lady Hecate," replied the Captain.
Hecate turned toward Iris. "You will find your brother, yes?" Iris nodded, so Hecate turned to the members of Hermes Familia. "And what will you do?"
Asfi pushed her glasses up her nose. "One of our own is in the city, and I imagine that she'll soon be in a world of trouble. Come to Hell or high water; we will protect her."
Hecate nodded again. "How splendid. Hermes and Hestia were right; you children from the Dungeon City are just so splendid!"
The Goddess of magic turned back to the gate.
"By the Heavens, I wish I could see that silver-haired bitches face right now."
Hecate flicked a Godly finger at the gate where the spell sat. Any who had touched it would have fallen under Freya's charm. But when Hecate's finger hit, there was a different sound. It was like when two pieces of glass were knocked together. At the start, it was a resonating harmony. The sound reverberated outwards, sending ripples across the dome. Hecate flicked it again, though, and that was when the cracks formed. And the sound wasn't of glass, but ice shattering in Winter. Ice that had locked away a millennium of loneliness.
Bell had tried to be nice about it. But Hecate would drag Freya out, kicking and screaming, if she had to.
"Remember, his followers still control the city," said Morganna. "And even when they aren't charmed, many will still be on her side. Find the Hearthfire Mansion and start setting up a base of operations. If a pallum with brown hair starts giving the orders, you listen, right?"
Asfi nodded along. "Her name is Lilliruka Arde. She'll be able to tell you where to go to be the most useful." She looked at the others while the dome continued to crack. "Stay away from Freya's executives. None of you stand a chance against them, and none of you should have to fight them. Find Hestia Familia and keep them safe."
Iris drew her cutlasses and put one foot back. The second the charm was gone, she would find her brother or die in the attempt. Before it all came crashing down, Hecate looked back at her children. Her grin was ghoulish.
"And most of all, I want you to go out there and have some fun!"
The dome shattered. It felt like bits of snow during the midwinter pageant.
With Freya:
In the Tower of Babel, Freya was screaming in frustration. Her usual poise and grace had been tossed aside, and her mask of beauty had fallen and cracked.
"That old hag!" shouted Freya. "What in the world is she doing here?"
At the sound of Loki's laughter, the Goddess of Beauty turned. Her hair whipped behind her. Even with the charm gone, the Goddess of Tricksters was still stunned by Freya's natural attraction. The fact that Freya wanted to choke her right now did nothing to disrupt her radiance.
"You did this! I don't know how, but this is one of your pranks!" said Freya.
Loki shook her head, still grinning.
"As much as I wish I could say this was me, it wasn't," she replied.
Freya's frown got more twisted. "Then who was it? Who would dare defy me like this? Who would be that bitch Hecate here?"
Loki snorted. "Give it two seconds of thought. What trouble-making God would get in your way like this? I'll give you a hint, his name starts with an H."
"HERMES!"
With Finn:
Finn and Ottar stood on the rooftops. Both were starting to feel a creeping exhaustion. While both were dripping with sweat and likely sporting new bruises, neither was bleeding yet. Scattered around them were the bodies of unconscious fighters. None had been attacked. Instead, the concussive noise of every clash had taken them out. That was the calibre of the battle.
Ottar brought both hands to his blade. He squeezed the handle and could feel the blood pumping through his body. When was the last time he had enjoyed such as this? Was it Zard? He could feel the involuntary smile.
The little pallum smiled back. His spear was held low, the pointy end an inch from the ground. Patches of sweat covered his body. His beautiful golden locks hung over his eyes.
"Thank you, Braver," rumbled Ottar. "This has been a good fight, truly."
Finn chuckled. "I should be thanking you. Truth is, I feel the same. It's been a while since I've had a stretch like this." He rolled his neck. "Even if neither of us is truly cutting loose."
Ottar didn't respond, but he knew it to be true. Hell Finegas, Tyr na Nog, Hildis Vini, Vana Arganture, and Stortus Ottar lay within their sheaths. It was an unspoken rule at the moment. Once one power was unleashed, then it would necessitate the release of others. If the abilities of the two mightiest adventurers came out, the city might not survive.
There was no acknowledgement of the next clash, only a shift in the wind. Then, the Braver was upon the King again. It started with a barrage of thrusts, coming so plentifully that it was a flood of steel rain. But they all bounced from the boar's stone wall defence. Everywhere Finn was, Ottar's blade soon followed. The harsh sound of metal scraping against metal echoed through Orario's poorest district.
In a moment of pause, Ottar's sword came cleaving downward. It landed, but Finn was already pushing off its tip. He brought his knee up and slammed into Ottar's face. There was a crunching sound as bone and cartilage snapped. Finn's chain attack ability had added the moment of every thrust, all for this attack straight to the bridge of Ottar's nose. But it did not come without cost. There was a moment when Finn was weightless, and that was when Ottar grabbed him by the ankle.
The boaz roared as he threw the little pallum through a building. There was a rumble, and then the whole structure was coming down. Fighters in the street panicked, running in the opposite direction. Ottar was already jumping, though. Not forward, but away from the crash. Because just as he moved, the roof beneath his feet gave way.
Piercing upwards from within was Finn Deimme, already back on his feet.
The two clashed again as little silver shards snowed around them.
With the City:
The silver snow came down, and around the city, the people woke up. The citizens did nothing but hide. They ran to Guild offices, already preparing to take in refugees. But the adventurers were frozen to the spot. They heard the noise of battle all around them. The greatest Familia was the fighting the strongest in the streets. They weren't noble heroes but thugs locked in a brutal turf war. At least, that's what it looked like.
Of course, Freya didn't need to charm everyone to her side. There were many Familia that had been swayed with more Earthly means. Greed, wrath, and lust were all wonderful motivators. Promises of gold, glory, and the flesh awaited anyone that took up arms in Freya's favour. Her cause was divine, and many followers would answer.
A torrential flood of adventurers began to make their way toward Hearthfire Mansion. These were the seeds Freya had planted. And her success banked on the apathy and fear of adventurers. After all, there was no reason to go fight for Bell Cranel and Hestia Familia. It was someone else's problem and was more entertainment for everyone. Just like when Apollo Familia had attacked when Ishtar had tried to sacrifice their own, the Xenos cried through the streets, and even when Freya had held the city hostage, all they had to do was watch. No one would blame them, and they could go on with their tiny lives.
Except one adventurer started walking. Then, he began to run. He was not from a prestigious Familia. He was not a great and storied fighter and would probably be taken out after only one battle. But at that moment, only one thought was going through his head.
"Just this once…I want to be a hero, too, dammit!"
Mord Latro charged into battle, and the common people of Orario started to push back.
With the Guild:
The noise of the city reverberated in every alleyway. It bounced off every surface as this giant of the world woke up. Even deep in the catacombs of the Guild Headquarters, they could hear the sounds of fighting in the streets. The skeleton Fells turned his hooded gaze in its direction.
"I wonder if this is truly the best outcome," said Fels. "Would a wargame have not been better?"
Ouranos, who sat on his throne, gazed at his secret helper.
"It might have been, once upon a time. In a different life, where events had not turned as bloody as they did, a wargame would have been better. It would have been the cleaner option, and the people of this city would be spared their terror," said the old God. He sighed. "But this is not that life. This is a life where things have only ever boiled. This is the end result, my old friend. Now, go tell Hestia that the charm is broken."
Fels bowed. "As you wish."
After he left, Ouranos welcomed Royman Mardeel and Eina Tulle into his chamber.
"Royman, my chief worker, how do things progress in the city?"
Royman practically tore his hair out at the question.
"It's absolute fucking chaos! It's only because of our foresight that more people aren't in danger!" he replied.
His loud reply to Orario's chief deity was a sign of his frustration. It was not a tone one typically took with Ouranos. But these were turbulent times, and Royman kept the ordinary people safe. He was allowed this outburst. Beside him, Eina nodded.
"It really is something else," she explained. "By our reckoning, every Familia in the city is getting involved. The executives of Loki and Freya Familia are clashing in the street, and some unknown Familia is standing outside our walls!"
Ouranos nodded. "Yes, that would be Hecate Familia. Hermes went to get them for me. Pay them no mind; they already have a key for the gate."
Royman blanched. He said his next statement slowly. "My lord, if others found out that you were taking Hestia's side…there would be a total lack of trust in the Guild. We are to be a neutral entity."
Ouranos gave a rare smile. "That might be true, but I do not care." His face turned grim. "The great doom is out there, and the people of this city cannot be held in Freya's shadow. They must continue to get stronger." He looked to Royman and Eina. "And as far as I am concerned, this is still all for the city's safety. If we protect the citizens, we will not be at fault."
Eina pursed her lips. "Here's hoping that Hestia Familia wins, though." She turned dark red. "Did I say that out loud? My apologies, my lord! I was just…the boy is quite important to me. He is like a younger brother; I want him to be safe!"
After some more apologies, the two excused themselves from the chamber. There was still much to be done this day.
With Welf:
Welf felt his arms start to give out. Ouka's ox-like strength was about to crush him. The might of the magic swords had only worked for so long, and now the smith was starting to fail.
"Guess this is it…sorry, Bell," said Welf.
He cursed himself for his weakness and prepared for one final push. Except, when he did push back, he was met with nothing. The smith stumbled forward, caught by his friend's arm.
"Um…you wanna explain why we're fighting in the streets, Welf?"
The smith looked up to find his friends staring down at him. And mercifully, they were all clear-eyed. They were in control of themselves once more.
"The short version? Freya finally did it, and you guys were trying to hunt me down on her behalf," he explained.
As he spoke, Nahza took a potion out. Cassandra chanted a healing spell for him.
"So, who's the new guy?" asked Daphne.
"The name is Archimedes. I am a close friend of Elwin's," said the bespectacled man. He looked at Cassandra and blinked. "Oh…now you are certainly a strange one. You are a dreamer, perhaps?"
Before the woman could respond, Daphne was already barking out orders.
"Talk later! I can hear more of Freya's goons coming at us! We're not through this yet, you all understand? We need to get to the Hearthfire Mansion and help the others! Ouka, you take the lead. Chigusa and Nahza, you need to lay down covering fire. Cassandra, you hold the middle and take care of Welf and Archimedes. I'll be the rearguard." She looked to the two from the Far East. "Any idea what the rest of your Familia might be up to?"
Ouka frowned. "I don't know. But I'm sure that they'll all be heading towards Hestia Familia."
Daphne nodded. "Then let's get moving, people!"
Welf couldn't help the shit-eating grin on his face. His friends had woken up. If they had, the rest of the city wasn't far behind.
The party did not move freely, though. Welf's exhaustion slowed them down. As did all the adventurers in their way. The smith was soon recognized as a member of Hestia Familia, and anyone that wanted Freya's favour was out for his blood. Progress was slow.
"Another five coming from the left!" called Nahza.
She fired arrow after arrow, her drooping gaze betraying the strength of her shots.
"I need someone to take the pressure off!" shouted Ouka, pushing on a group of fanatics.
In answer, a few of them staggered backwards. They bore shuriken and kunai in their torso.
"Thank you, Chigusa!"
"Keep moving! We can't let them surround us!"
Daphne's call was valiant, but even she was starting to get bogged down. It was like trying to fight their way out of a pass parade. And this time, they had no Aisha Belka or Bell Cranel to protect them.
"Dance of the Cosmos, lend me your enlightenment. Let me see the paths of the universe so that I may see your grand design. Tandava Natyam."
Where an adventurer was sneaking up on Welf and the others in the middle, an Amazon landed. She had the characteristic tanned skin, along with the same battle-crazed smile. The only difference to the norm was that she was dancing. Her whole body glowed purple, and she moved so erratically that no one seemed to hit her.
"Bring me the burning essence of life, first to come into existence. Let me breathe the air and show those in front of me your destruction. Agneyastra."
Then, the girl's fists spontaneously combusted. Suddenly, her dance was less beautiful and chaotically destructive. She bobbed and weaved around adventurers, treating the path as her personal dance floor. They screamed out in pain as she dodged every attack. But still, no one could turn away.
"Archi, you little shit! Made me track you down over half the fucking world!"
And like that, the image of beauty was broken. The young inventor rolled his eyes in response.
"I was wondering when you would find me, Libby. I take it that you're not alone?"
"Well spotted, young Archimedes!"
Scaring even Daphne was the appearance of a man wearing a dark suit. He had a salt-and-pepper beard and hair to match. In his hands was a black and silver cane.
"My apologies for the jump scare," he said to Daphne, nodding. "Uncouth of me, I know. But it seemed the fastest way to transport myself, young Libby, and some others to young Archimedes' location. Still, I apologize for the abruptness of it all."
"The others?" asked Nahza, tail flicking nervously.
As if in response, the sounds of fire and lightning filled the air.
The older gentleman knocked his cane onto the cobblestones.
"No need to fear! Hecate Familia is here!"
"Always so dramatic with you lot," muttered Archi.
With Lili:
Lili was about to reach her breaking point in the Mansion courtyard. Even with the breaking of the charm, Freya's forces were starting to overwhelm them. While Otohime and the twins needed to save Urashima, it still left them in a precarious position. And with Heith Velvet still healing her adventurers, the scales were tipping in Freya's favour.
"Why are they still charmed?" screamed Anakitty.
She was still battling the waitresses of the Hostess. Even after the dome came down, their eyes remained silver.
"They must have had direct contact with Freya!" retorted Raul. "And I'd say the same happened to Mamma Mia!"
Lili grunted. It made sense; these were Freya's closest friends once upon a time. She would have paid special attention to them, especially if it meant keeping them on her side. If Ryuu had not joined Hestia Familia, Lili imagined the same thing would have been done to her.
"It doesn't matter! We keep fighting till the last person falls! Lili will not lose another home!" replied the Pallum.
"A fine sentiment, lass," grunted Gareth, still battling Mia. "But if things don't change in our favour soon, we might fall sooner than you think."
Just as he spoke, the Demi-Ymir nailed him across the face. The big man ended up stepping backwards. He was also nursing a cut over his eye and favouring one leg over another. But in return, Mia bore a score of gashes and cuts. But these were wounds he had already inflicted. And they would soon be healed.
"Perhaps we can be of some assistance."
The voice was soft, carrying over the battlefield. It held an angelic quality and was comforting to all who heard it. When it faded, a white light descended onto the battlefield. The wounds of Loki Familia began to fade.
At that exact moment, Lunoire and Chloe were knocked off their feet. Where they once stood were two adventurers. One wore an eyepatch, a great sword over her shoulder. The other was dressed in orange, her blue hair bobbing from the movement.
"I can't let you lot attack my precious junior right now!"
"In the name of Lord Ganesha, you will cease this attack or suffer the consequences."
Shakti and Tsubaki's words made the crowd still. From the doors of the Hearthfire Mansion, a saint walked out.
"We let ourselves in through the back," explained Amid. "Some of Ganesha's fighters and the high smiths will hold the rearguard."
In the distance, a man with an elephant mask stood beside a woman with crimson hair and an old man wearing robes.
"I am Ganesha, protector of the city!"
Hephaistos giggled into her hand. "Oh boy, I can't wait to see Freya's reaction. Of course, I'll be charging her for all damages to my goods and wares."
Dian Cecht grunted.
The message was clear. Orario's most influential Familia stood with Hestia.
And the battle raged on.
With Bell:
In the ruins of Daedalus Street, Bell Cranel continued to run. After throwing himself out a window, fighting the first-class adventurers of Ganesha Familia, and being mobbed in the streets, he could feel exhaustion set in. And in his fatigued daze, he ran right into another crowd.
All around him, adventurers crowded. They were practically frothing at the mouth to get their hands on him. Bell raised his knife and sword, making ready for another fight, when a white blur came running across the tops of people's heads. She had two swords, both darting down to cut and slash at her opponents. She seemed to bounce through her opponents; each step only made her faster. Her momentum kept on building.
Bell parried and blocked as he watched her approach. There was something strange about her, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Something in the way she looked. But, of course, his attention was elsewhere. He was a new level six, and his body wasn't adjusted, so he used the fight to try and focus on that. He wanted to bring his mind and body together. But the process was slow.
Eventually, the newcomer had cleared a path. Then, she was running at Bell. Her appearance was so surprising that he did not respond when she landed on the balls of her feet in front of him. All he saw was her white hair and rubellite eyes. She flashed him a cheeky grin and a wink before grabbing him by the waist. She threw him over her shoulder before taking off again. Bell could have fought back, but something about her made him feel at home. It was like when he was around Hestia. She was comforting.
And she was good. She pivoted and kicked off through the mob, jumping from some barrels to a railing. Then, he heard her throw something at the rooftops. There was a metal clanging sound, and the two of them were in the air.
"Hold onto something!" she called.
Bell finally reacted. He screamed, clutching at her long jacket.
"Hey, not me! This clothing is new!"
As he tried to catch his bearings, she ran to the side of the buildings. Bell finally saw that it was a rope with a hook on the end that had helped them get away. It was pulled taut now as the girl pushed off an awning. Her movements were steady like she had done this kind of thing before. The two of them were airborne before landing on a sheltered building. It was hidden in shadow and would give them a moment. The girl landed nimbly on the roof, still carrying Bell over her shoulder.
Mercifully, she put him down soon after landing. He was on his butt, just trying to get his bearings. But he still couldn't believe what he was looking at.
"That'll buy us a minute," she said. "Now, which way is your home?"
Bell stared at her mutely. Save for the more feminine attributes, it was like looking in a mirror.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" he asked quietly.
The girl's grin grew even cheekier.
"Oh, that's easy. My name is Iris, Iris Cranel! I'm your twin sister!"
