Extremely long note ahead and the same note across all stories I just updated.
In the first instance, the reason I am updating so many stories all at once is because I stick to my word and I did say if I passed my specialist exam, I would update every story that had a proofread chapter ready.
Studying for this exam has basically consumed two years of my life so it is a relief that it is over.
The reason I seem to have disappeared for most of the year is not because I've actually disappeared, but because I haven't been able to shift my focus.
After getting COVID on the back of last year, I started writing a Danmachi fic. It was fun, easy, and since the world is easy to encapsulate, I was focusing on that in the lead up to my exam, with the plan to switch to my Naruto story, TTONU, after the exam.
Then I failed the exam which was quite frankly a crushing blow to morale.
At the same time this was all going on, my dad, who has been sick for a while now, got a lot worse this year and passed away mid-year.
Even with all of that going on, I was still trying to study for the resit of the exam in October.
Then, my own health, which also hasn't been great, also worsened and I needed to be admitted to hospital briefly for some heavy immunosuppression.
Again, all this time I was studying for an exam which basically is a hurdle to ever get into a medical speciality and has limited attempts so I was very anxious and stressed.
How this ties into the fanfiction aspect of things, is given all of this happening, I just couldn't muster up the motivation to switch stories. What this has meant though, is I've written 300K+ of Danmachi fanfiction in the past year.
There is a second exam that I need to do next year, but it is a practical exam, not a memorise all of medicine multiple choice trivia exam.
I will keep writing for Danmachi up to a certain point, I'm thinking the Xenos arc, as that one I'm a little bit stuck trying to work out how to play it.
Coming to my other stories now.
I very much intended to finish TTONU this year but as above, lots of stuff happened. Once I switch from Danmachi, I fully intended to focus on it.
That being said, I will also be writing for other stories too.
Again, because of the exam, I haven't really been able to enjoy anything, as anything that was not study related, would bring up a feeling of guilt. For that reason, for most of the past 12 months, I've just been watching shows that I can passively watch in the background without distracting me, in other words, not anime. This means I have yet to watch the end of Naruto (really far behind), end of Fairy Tail (somewhat far behind), or Cour 3 of TYBW (releasing now).
I plan to write for these archives when I get around to watching them, which will probably be from the start of next year.
My pat reon has also been increasing in support so I am now doing two updates a month.
I also made a discord server, plus there is another shared writer discord server where I have been spending most of my free time this year
Remove spaces first:
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan personal discord - discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Shared writers' discord - discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh
Currently, I'm doing a rural term and the internet here is pretty spotty, so I'll be doing a lot more writing as I can't really do much else. As I said, I'm probably going to get out a decent amount of Danmachi in the first instance. I'm up to LN 5 at the moment and will probably work my way through to LN 7 or the just before the end of 8. Then I will start catching up on my anime and write for some other archives.
The thing is though, I do have a lot of chapters banked, even with all of these updates, I still have 8 raw chapters done and 39 proofread chapters ready to go, so I'll be doing double chapters every month with ease for almost 2 years, even if I don't write a single word, but of course I will be writing.
As I have said many times in the past, even if it takes years, I plan to finish each and every story I've started.
Thank you everyone for bearing with me and enjoying my stories, I hope to continue to deliver the best work I can for all of us.
TL;DR Life has been hard, hopefully turned the corner now.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Bell and the girls at the Hostess of Fertility would clean up for the day, before Bell and Ryuu would head to the Dungeon. Sneaking in, the pair would slowly help sharpen Bell's ability to focus and scare off monsters, before giving Bell some practical training.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 15 – Detective Loki
Ais walked with Riveria at a brisk pace through the middle floors of the Dungeon. The pair were on their way to the Guild to arrange aid for the residents of Rivira. Ais had been unnaturally quiet in Riveria's perception. The girl normally spoke very few words at all, but Ais had been almost entirely silent for hours now. Finn had decided to send Ais with Riveria to the surface while he and Tione gathered the residents and prepared to lead them up to the surface. Finn had thought about sending Tiona, the unnaturally bubbly Amazoness, or Lefiya, the eager to please Elf. Instead, Riveria had volunteered herself, citing that while the Captain should lead the others, the Vice-Captain should bring news. It was a perfectly valid point, but that wasn't why Riveria had done it at all. Riveria could tell something was wrong with Ais and had made a plan to snap her out of it. How she planned to do so was simple; find a way for them to run into that white-haired boy who had been the only one to change Ais' thinking so dramatically in such a short space of time. Riveria wasn't sure how to do so, not knowing what Familia the boy was a part of, nor where he would spend most of his time. All she knew was that at one point he had visited the Hostess of Fertility and been humiliated to the point that he ran away. Riveria doubted he would ever return to such an establishment, but it was entirely because Riveria did not know the character of Bell Cranel, being one who could never leave a debt unpaid. It was as Riveria tried to formulate an approach to gain more information on the nameless boy who had changed Ais for the better, that fate decided to intervene.
'Firebolt!'
A stray shout was heard, and Ais' eyes seemed to focus for the first time in hours. The blonde immediately ran towards the sound of the voice, a tinge of fear creeping through her. Was it her? Did she chase Ais down? Ais thought it was very unlikely, but she knew whose voice she heard and even though Ais knew he was now a level two, he had never expressed having a party of any sort and Ais knew he was the only member of his Familia, causing worry to creep into her thoughts.
"He wouldn't be down here all alone, would he?" Questioned Ais, before rounding a corner and seeing an Infant Dragon looking worse for wear, numerous scorches along its orange-brown hide.
Ais blinked in surprise, before seeing the beast knocked on its back. Ais' sharp eyes caught a hint of green before the white-haired boy took her attention again, as he launched a ball of fire into the exposed underbelly. The beast thrashed around in anger, rolling over and landing on its feet, before charging straight at the boy. Ais clenched her fist, preparing to run in, only to feel a hand on her shoulder. Riveria had caught up to the girl and stopped her from interfering. In the moment that Ais had met Riveria's gaze, the Infant Dragon let out a roar of pain. Turning back, Ais saw the beast seemed to have just had a massive weight slammed into its mid-back, turning it into a monster boomerang, its form twisted into an awkward V-shape, before the white-haired boy rushed the beast and leapt into the air, his hand right in front of the monster's mouth, before he shouted again.
'Firebolt!' Roared the boy again, as the wave of heat and electricity roasted the monster's insides, a plume of smoke coming out of its mouth as the flesh cracked and started falling apart, being turned into ash from something other than the destruction of its magic stone.
The boy seemed to settle down with the conclusion of the fight, his heaving chest and shoulders slowly coming to a rest, as he watched the smouldering form of the dragon break down into cinders. Glancing around, Bell seemed to be searching for something, before he noticed Ais and Riveria.
'Miss Ais? What are you doing here? I thought you said you had to get your weapons fixed?' Questioned Bell.
Ais smiled softly, surprising Riveria.
'Yes. Only the cost of the repairs was far more than we were expecting, so we are raising funds now.' Explained Ais, causing Bell to nod while Riveria watched on curiously.
"That was one of the longest sentences I've heard Ais speak to someone other than me. Who is this boy?" Thought Riveria, before her eye seemed to catch sight of something.
'Are you down here alone?' Interjected Riveria, causing the two to look to her.
'N-No, I'm not alone.' Replied Bell instinctively, before closing his mouth, pursing his lips slightly.
Ais also looked around, but was unable to spot anyone else.
"I know he wouldn't lie… but who else could be here, if someone really is here… is it Freya Familia again?" Wondered Ais.
'Well, would you like to accompany us back to the surface then?' Asked Riveria, desperately hoping the boy would agree, only for him to shake his head.
'No, that will be okay, I'll come back up later.' Refused Bell, causing Ais' smile to drop, before she gave a small nod.
'I see… I will come find you after we have finished gathering funds as well then.' Informed Ais, causing Bell to smile.
'Of course, I still owe you a free meal. Oh, and you too if you would like, Miss Riveria, as thanks for standing up for me that one time.' Replied Bell happily.
Riveria raised an eyebrow in curiosity, but decided it would be rude to decline, even though she had no idea how the boy could afford to be giving out free meals when it seemed like he was part of a new Familia.
'I did not stand up for you for any reward, but I will not refuse your generosity, I will join Ais when we return.' Agreed Riveria, getting a smile from Bell.
'Thank you and good luck.' Finished Bell, before moving over to the magic stone left behind by the Infant Dragon, finding an extra reward as he searched through the mass of ash, receiving a drop item for his efforts.
Ais hesitated, not wanting to leave Bell alone in the Dungeon. She didn't doubt him, but she also wanted to make sure he was safe, and the Dungeon was unpredictable. That being said, the fact that he had faced and beaten an Infant Dragon, arguably the most dangerous monster down to this point, and possibly even arguably the next few floors down, gave her some cold comfort. Ais gave a stiff nod and let her feet carry her towards Riveria, who had started walking away when Bell turned his back to them. Riveria turned her head to Ais, a single eye closed as she peered with her open left eye at her former student. The stoic blonde already seemed more expressive than she had before they had encountered the boy. Her brows were slightly creased, her lips were thinned, while her cheeks curved inwards slightly. She was not happy with what had just happened, that was clear, but she also forced herself to accept it. Deciding to capitalise on the opportunity, Riveria spoke, breaking Ais' train of thought.
'I can see now why you questioned if you were a bad student.' Commented Riveria offhandedly, causing Ais to look at her curiously.
'Why?' Asked Ais.
'Less than a month and able to take down an Infant Dragon. If you measure even your prodigious growth against that, one would feel as though you were standing still.' Continued Riveria.
'He is working hard.' Commented Ais with a nod.
'Enough to be offering free meals?' Queried Riveria, only to see Ais smile softly.
'He would anyway, he is generous. His cooking is also very good.' Replied Ais, causing Riveria to raise an eyebrow.
'His cooking? You mean to say he would be preparing the meals himself? With what supplies?' Asked Riveria, only for Ais to now look at her in confusion.
'He is working part time at the Hostess of Fertility.' Explained Ais, only for Riveria to come to a stop.
'You mean he isn't going into the Dungeon every single day?' Asked Riveria in disbelief, only for Ais to shake her head.
The regal Elf Princess was rendered slightly slack jawed. Ais had levelled up quickly, but she had thrown herself into the Dungeon constantly, even with Riveria continuously scolding her. This boy had accomplished the same feat Ais had, more than fifteen times faster than she had, and he wasn't even going into the Dungeon all the time. He was working part time. Working part time as a cook. At the same place he had been humiliated at only days ago.
'He is working at the Hostess of Fertility, the same place he ran out on and was made fun of?' Questioned Riveria, needing to clarify this point, not understanding how something like this had come to be.
'He made amends and is friends with them now.' Clarified Ais.
Riveria was now truly confused. Mama Mia, as Loki had rightly pointed out that night, was not a person that you ran out on, or at least if you did, you would expect a few broken bones as a receipt. To hear the boy was now working there, and it seemed voluntarily at that… Riveria's face formed a small frown, recalling the presence she had sensed near the boy. One of her brethren. Most Elves would have loved the chance to see her, or be seen by her, but there was one Elf that she knew to go against the grain of her race. A certain waitress who always showed Riveria respect, but at the same time, kept her distance. Almost as though she felt as though she was not good enough to associate with her other than as a server. Riveria raised a hand to her delicate chin as her mind processed her thoughts in a more cohesive manner. A boy who was weak. A boy who was growing stronger. A boy that was working for Mama Mia and supported by her staff. A boy that in just over three weeks had faced an Infant Dragon and won.
Riveria turned her head to Ais as she made her last point.
"A boy that can hold Ais' interest and elicit emotions from her that it seems no one else can. A special boy indeed." Thought Riveria, before feeling a sense of unease creep into her mind.
"This boy is dangerous. Meeting Finn would be a disaster. A person who can win over people like this…" Thought Riveria, before deciding to shelf her thoughts for now until they had sorted out the issue in Rivira, before speaking to Loki about it.
Riveria trusted Finn implicitly with the members of their Familia, but from the first day they had met, Finn had made it clear what his goal was; the revival and restoration of his race. A boy as seemingly charismatic as this would be a huge asset to Finn, one way or another, but the schemes he may incorporate him into would not necessarily be in his best interest. Riveria finally turned her gaze away from Ais, resolving to do her best to keep the two men from ever meeting, as no matter the outcome, it would be sure to cause Ais problems, in one way or another.
'Riveria.' Intoned Ais softly, breaking the jade-eyed Elf out of her introspection.
'What is it, Ais?' Asked Riveria.
'We are almost to the surface now, should we let Loki, or the Guild know first?' Asked Ais.
The Elf blinked, not having realised they had progressed so quickly. Thinking over Ais' question, it was clear they should speak to the Guild first, but then afterwards they would definitely need to speak with Loki. Riveria now also needed to speak to her privately about this boy. Riveria doubted Loki would know much about the boy, but she could perhaps at least figure out which Familia he belonged to and do some fact finding that way. The boy was important to Ais, that was clear, but he was dangerous. Not in the way of a criminal, but a person who could sway the unshakable. This couldn't be left alone.
'The Guild first.' Replied Riveria, getting a nod from Ais as they reached the staircase to the surface.
-line break-
Loki grumbled audibly once Riveria had finished her retelling of recent events.
"I don't think Riveria even knows anything about that boy and if she can see something is up with that kid... I'm honestly starting to wonder if the Hawk's Plumage is worth it with how much grief that slut and her boy-toy are giving me." Thought Loki bitterly, only for Riveria to then make her double down on this line of thinking.
'Ais, could you wait downstairs, I will be down shortly, I just need to pass on a message from Finn.' Requested Riveria, getting a nod from the blonde before she left.
'So, you really got a message from Finn?' Asked Loki with her right eye slightly open.
'Yes, he wanted to say that he will be up soon once he secures the area. Although based on that look, I'm guessing you are aware I have something else to say.' Said Riveria knowingly.
'You wanted to ask about that boy, right?' Asked Loki, causing Riveria to raise an eyebrow.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Riveria.
'Mama Riveria has a soft spot for Ais, then you tell me that boy got Ais out of her funk, doesn't take a Goddess to connect that dot.' Mumbled Loki, causing Riveria to frown.
'I want to know more about that boy.' Declared Riveria, causing Loki to click her tongue.
'Don't.' Warned Loki, causing Riveria to flinch back in surprise.
'What do you mean?' Asked Riveria.
'Just steer clear of that boy, it'll just cause you trouble.' Cautioned Loki, causing Riveria to frown.
'Is Ais in danger?' Asked Riveria.
'*pfft* From him? No, just trust me though, you shouldn't get involved with him, you don't want his admirer to notice you.' Elaborated Loki.
'So do you know his Goddess then?' Asked Riveria, causing Loki to blink in surprise.
'Oh.' Exhaled Loki before giving a small laugh, causing Riveria to raise an eyebrow.
'His Goddess is itty-bitty, she's harmless, that's not the Goddess you need to watch out for though.' Explained Loki.
'Who then?' Asked Riveria.
'Freya has her eye on him, but apparently she likes itty-bitty and isn't going to destroy her, if you can believe a word that walking thirst trap says.' Spat Loki in annoyance.
'Doesn't that mean we should keep Ais away from him? What if the Freya Familia attacks her?' Asked Riveria, now causing Loki to raise an eyebrow in surprise.
'Why would Ais be with him anyway?' Asked Loki, causing Riveria to bite her tongue softly.
'She enjoys his cooking. He is working at the Hostess of Fertility on occasion.' Covered Riveria quickly, luckily having a truthful statement to hide the fact that Ais had been training him, without needing to lie.
'Mama Mia's place… *sigh* well I guess that tracks. Poor boy doesn't even realise the net he is in. Whatever, not my problem, just don't try to run interference, unless you can do it discreetly.' Ordered Loki, confusing Riveria.
'Should we be concerned for the boy then?' Asked Riveria, feeling a small sense of worry for the boy, who could bring out emotions in her young ward.
'Probably.' Admitted Loki with a shrug, causing Riveria to exhale loudly.
'I see. On that note, we should not tell Finn about him.' Said Riveria, surprising Loki.
'Should a Vice-Captain hide things from her Captain?' Questioned Loki.
'That boy, if you are to be believed, has won over a Goddess, as well as Mama Mia, not to mention the feats he has accomplished, there is no telling what Finn would be able to do with a boy like that.' Countered Riveria.
'Heh, you don't give Finn enough credit, he wants to be a hero, not a villain.' Commented Loki fondly.
'Yes, but a hero needs a villain to conquer, don't they?' Retorted Riveria, causing Loki's eyes to open.
'You don't think he would do something like that, do you?' Asked Loki.
'If it helped him achieve his goal, wouldn't you expect him to?' Responded Riveria calmly, causing Loki to sigh.
'Yeah, you're right, let's keep them apart for as long as we can then. Damn itty-bitty and her kid.' Grumbled Loki.
'We should be going now, Loki, please wait for our return.' Announced Riveria, getting a weak wave from Loki.
'Yeah, I'll hold down the fort.' Sighed Loki, before she was left to ruminate in isolation again.
"I better go find Hephaestus, she's one of the only people who would know where the shrimp is… but I'll deal with that tomorrow, I need a drink tonight." Thought Loki, before hopping off her desk and grabbing a bottle of wine, pulling the cork out with her teeth, and spitting it into the corner, before taking a swig.
"Bete meeting that kid now is the least of my worries, who could have called that?" Thought Loki in amusement, a wry grin on her face before she took another swig.
-line break-
Hephaestus was impressed. The Hestia she knew would never have been able to work for this long, let alone without complaint. The pair had been at it since last night, working the entire day through without any rest and the morning sun was now rising again. Thirty-six hours at the forge and Hestia hadn't raised a single complaint. While Hestia may have held domain over fire in a manner, even Hephaestus was feeling the heat start to get to her. Setting the partially completed blade down, Hephaestus wiped her brow with a towel.
'We can stop here for now, I will need to engrave the hieroglyphics once it cools down a bit before we finish it.' Said Hephaestus, causing Hestia to drop like a sack of potatoes.
'Ah, finally.' Groaned Hestia in relief, causing Hephaestus to smile.
'I'm surprised you held out as long as you did.' Commented Hephaestus, causing Hestia to grin.
'I told you I will do my best! If you are doing me a favour like this, I need to give it my all, my sweat and tears now will become joy when I see Bell use this weapon! Even I can endure this much.' Declared Hestia.
'Come on, let's get something to eat and drink for now. We've got about half an hour until it will be ready to work again.' Said Hephaestus, causing Hestia to pout.
'That's not enough time to find my adorable Bell… *sigh* oh well, I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.' Mumbled Hestia, causing Hephaestus to smile.
'You seem to think quite highly of your only Familia member.' Commented Hephaestus, leading Hestia out of the forge, a waft of steam exiting with them.
'Bell is adorably brave, even if he has funny ideas in his head sometimes. Bell is also a very kind soul.' Responded Hestia, causing Hephaestus to laugh.
'Adorably brave? You make him sound like a pet rabbit.' Joked Hephaestus, causing Hestia to imagine Bell as a fluffy rabbit, causing her face to melt into a blissful smile.
'Ah, my Bell-rabbit, I won't ever let you go.' Sighed Hestia dreamily, before snapping out of it.
'Where are we going anyway?' Asked Hestia.
'Just a nearby restaurant. It's my favourite when I've been forging.' Replied Hephaestus, leading Hestia towards Babel, before veering off slightly to the east.
The pair came to a small curry shop tucked away behind a weapon supply store. Hestia had her doubts about the place, given its location, but Hephaestus knew the area better than her. Hestia blinked at that thought before realising in embarrassment how little she knew about the area they lived and worked in. Sure, she knew the landmarks featured in books, roughly knew the location of most stores, especially those belonging to her friends, but that was about it. She didn't know where any specific store would be. Her thoughts then shifted to a more pleasant one, maybe she and Bell could go on a date and explore the town. Hestia shelved the thought for now but filed it away, being one of her better plans, she would just need to time things right. Now wasn't the time for it unfortunately, now it was time to work. In protest to this, Hestia's stomach growled.
"Maybe it's time to eat actually." Thought Hestia, before Hephaestus led her over to a booth in the corner and took a seat.
'So what do you think your child is up to now?' Asked Hephaestus.
'Well, he said he would take it easy, so he should be at the Hostess of Fertility.' Replied Hestia matter-of-factly.
'And how sure are you of that?' Asked Hephaestus.
'Well, I mean, he wouldn't have gone into the Dungeon alone, maybe he would have done a bit of training though.' Added Hestia thoughtfully, her head turning up to stare at the wooden roof.
'Training, that's what you call going toe-to-toe with an Infant Dragon? You really got no brains after all.' Commented Loki, walking over to the pair.
'Loki! What are you doing here?' Asked Hestia, standing up from her chair to point at the Trickster Goddess.
'I was coming to look for Hephaestus, as if I'd need anything from you.' Snorted Loki, even though she had been coming to find Hephaestus to find Hestia herself.
'What's this about an Infant Dragon?' Asked Hephaestus
'My adorable Ais and Riveria ran into him while he was fighting an Infant Dragon, apparently he won too.' Commented Loki in amusement, causing Hestia to gape.
'What? He has no armour or weapons right now though!' Squeaked Hestia in fear.
'Relax, he was fine, you don't think I'd leave your kid to die, even I'm not that cruel.' Placated Loki, settling Hestia down.
'I see… I guess I should thank you then.' Mumbled Hestia, only for Loki to smirk.
'Oh? I bet that burns you up on the inside, needing to bow your head and thank me for saving your kid.' Taunted Loki, causing Hestia to gnash her teeth, before the redhead sighed.
'But they actually didn't help him at all, he did it himself and went back up without them.' Continued Loki, surprising Hestia.
Hestia and Hephaestus shared a brief look that Loki caught, causing her narrowed slits to open.
'Aren't you two being chummy though, I thought after you threw this freeloader out on the street, you wouldn't be so quick to go back to treating her to meals.' Teased Loki, causing Hestia to turn red.
'It's fine, Hestia has changed. I shouldn't need to remind you how hard we also had to work when we were starting out. You barely had a chance to drink back then.' Interjected Hephaestus, causing Loki to lean her head back and dramatically clutch her heart in pain.
'You wound me with those words, Phae-Phae. How could you say that? Besides, it's not like I could just charm everyone like Freya.' Retorted Loki, causing Hestia to stiffen and Hephaestus to frown.
'I was meaning to ask, I know you sometimes help my children out in the Dungeon, you ever help Freya?' Asked Loki of Hephaestus, sparing the nervous Hestia a glance.
'Freya Familia doesn't play nice with others, you know that. Aren't the two of you at each other's throats?' Asked Hephaestus, causing Hestia to look at Loki curiously.
'Only on paper, we actually get along, imagine that.' Spoke Loki scornfully, confusing Hestia.
Two large bowls of rice and chilli curry were then placed down on the table, as well as three plates and spoons, along with two large serving spoons.
'Well, since you are here and they brought you a plate, might as well join us, my treat.' Offered Hephaestus, taking the large bowl of rice and scooping out a generous portion.
'Don't mind if I do, I won't have too much though, I wouldn't want to take itty-bitty's last meal, who knows when she will get a chance to eat a free meal like this again.' Teased Loki, taking a small portion herself.
'I am eating just fine, thank you.' Huffed Hestia, before scooping a large portion of rice onto her plate.
'Oh? That boy of yours making the dough huh? Even Riveria can tell something is going on with him.' Commented Loki, causing Hestia to start coughing, slapping her chest repeatedly, until a grain of rice came back up.
'Don't… Don't tell me Riveria Ljos Alf is interested in my Bell now!' Gasped Hestia, causing Loki to open her left eye and look at her curiously.
'Why, he got a thing for Elves or something?' Asked Loki, only for Hestia to stammer out denials.
'Too bad, Riveria wouldn't touch him, just like most of the beautiful Elves in my Familia.' Taunted Loki.
'Most? You mean there are some that would?' Asked Hestia.
'I don't know, from what I hear, he has a way with Elves too. Little Eina is his adviser, isn't she? Seems like he is making the round with Mama Mia's Elf too.' Probed Loki, watching Hestia's reaction.
"No denial? Does Freya know about all of that as well? Since when did she share with anyone?" Thought Loki in confusion, as the twin-tailed Goddess fumbled over her words.
'You said you were looking for me, Loki, what is it? We are in the middle of something.' Interjected Hephaestus, taking a small spoon of curry into her mouth when she finished, her eyes softening at the pleasant taste.
'I was wondering if any of your smiths want to stretch their legs, maybe take a trip to the Dungeon.' Intoned Loki seriously.
'That's a surprise, why do you need my smiths? Doesn't your Familia mostly supply from Goibniu Familia?' Questioned Hephaestus.
'Yeah, but Goibniu's kids are crafters, not fighters. They do good work, but wouldn't survive the Dungeon. Don't stress, was just a passing thought, you know all the real thinking is done by Finn, I was just curious.' Explained Loki, before fixing a questioning look on Hestia.
'On the note of curiosity, why is that boy of yours fighting Infant Dragons? A few weeks back he was running from a Minotaur.' Probed Loki.
'Wouldn't any adventurer only a few weeks into their journey?' Countered Hestia.
'Yep, they sure would, but none of them would be taking down Infant Dragons a few days later.' Countered Loki.
'Don't tell me you are jealous, Loki, you have quite a few stars of your own, don't you?' Interjected Hephaestus, causing Loki to open her right eye partially.
'I do, but I worked hard for those kiddies, I didn't use any shortcuts.' Retorted Loki, causing Hestia to bristle.
'Ah, whatever, I don't mind itty-bitty cheating, she'll need all the help she can get, wherever she gets it from, no matter the source.' Continued Loki, causing Hestia to still, her petite form becoming a statue, not even daring to breathe.
'I don't believe it, ah well, time for me to leave.' Sighed Loki, standing up and heading off.
'Thanks for the meal, Hephaestus. As for you, itty-bitty, good luck, you're gonna need it.' Said Loki, before leaving.
The Trickster Goddess opened her eyes wide as she stared at Babel Tower, almost sure she was being laughed at by the person at the top, before closing her eyes and plastering a smile on her face. The redhead headed off to the west, making her way to the Hostess of Fertility, deciding it was time to check this boy out while he was conscious for a change. Entering the establishment, Loki saw the lunch time rush was finishing off.
'Hello, Goddess Loki, how can we help you today?' Greeted Syr, walking over to the woman.
'I came to see this great new chef of yours, he's going around offering meals to my adorable Ais and Riveria, so I had to have a taste myself to make sure it is up to their standard.' Explained Loki, only for Syr to smile, her eyes closed.
'I'm sorry, you just missed him, you'll just have to settle for Mama Mia's cooking, as May is on her break as well.' Replied Syr chirpily, inwardly smirking at the small frown on Loki's face.
'Well, I've always said Mama Mia's cooking is the best, that's no loss to me, give me a bottle of Soma to go with a nice pasta and meatballs then.' Decided Loki, causing Syr to nod.
'Of course, I'm guessing you will be sitting at the bar, since I don't see any of your Familia around?' Asked Syr, getting a nod from Loki.
'How have you been, Syr, last time I was here, you painted quite the sad figure?' Asked Loki, causing Syr's smile to shrink.
'Well I don't think it is nice to mock people who are trying their best. Don't tell me the infamous Trickster is also a bully.' Answered Syr, before placing a glass and an open bottle of wine down on the counter.
'Nah, I only want fun and there is no fun in kicking someone when they are down, you at least gotta get them back on their feet before pushing them over again.' Retorted Loki, pouring some wine in the glass.
'Your pasta will be right out.' Informed Syr, before walking away.
Loki took a sip of her wine, trying to find one of the other servers, only to find they were all out of sight. Loki was hoping to at least spot the Elf. As slim as the possibility was, seeing a cut or a scratch would confirm the story and her suspicions, but it seemed no one was around.
-line break-
Elsewhere, the Elf Loki had been hoping to spot, was leading Bell around Babel, trying to find a good place for Bell to exchange his drop item. Unfortunately, the only people who wanted to purchase the item were lowballing Bell on price, causing him to speak up.
'Can we use it for something instead then?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu's ears to twitch.
'An interesting proposition. Dragon hide is tough and could form a few pieces of usable armour. Do you have any preferences?' Asked Ryuu.
'Maybe some gloves, do you think they would be able to resist the heat from my magic?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu to look at him thoughtfully.
'Another idea?' Asked Ryuu, only for Bell to nod.
'I see, there would be a place… but we would need to ask Lunoire where it is. Would you like to head back now then?' Asked Ryuu, getting a small shrug from the boy.
'If you want, I don't mind spending time like this with you as well, do you want to do anything?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu to look away quickly.
'No, it's fine, we can head back now.' Replied Ryuu softly, before the two left Babel and headed back towards the Hostess of Fertility.
While it was normally a straight path from Babel to the Hostess of Fertility, Bell noticed Ryuu had veered off slightly. Bell didn't say anything and let Ryuu take the lead. The boy noticed they seemed to be moving towards a more desolate, but by no means less beautiful, area of Orario. Bell watched as Ryuu seemed to slow unconsciously, her feet almost leading her towards a building overgrown with greenery, before her path straightened out. Bell spared a small glance at the building and noticed a partially faded emblem of a sword. Bell walked closer to Ryuu; his arms barely separated from hers. Bell let his hand brush against Ryuu's, causing the girl to jolt slightly, before her shoulders relaxed, Ryuu's fingers seemed to twitch, preparing to do something, only for the tension to snap as a figure turned a corner and almost ran into Bell. Bell sidestepped and the figure tripped over his foot instead. Bell frowned and moved to help the person up, only to hear someone come running toward them.
'Finally caught you!' Spat an angry looking adventurer.
Bell's brow furrowed, looking between the two, only to see the girl staring at the man in fear.
'Look, I don't know what is going on here, but why don't we all calm down?' Suggested Bell, only for the man to glare at him.
'You snivelling brat, get out of my way, are you working with that little kid?' Growled the man, causing Bell to frown and tilt his head to the side.
'Never met her before.' Admitted Bell, causing the man's jaw to drop.
'Then why are you protecting her?' Asked the man.
'Because a hero always has to protect a girl in distress.' Shrugged Bell, causing Ryuu to sigh in amusement, while the girl and adventurer looked at him in disbelief.
'Damn it, what the hell are you talking about, get out of my way, or I'll kill you first!' Threatened the man, drawing his sword, only for his hand to freeze.
The girl he had been chasing also froze in shock at the intense pressure she felt. Looking at the boy who had come to her rescue, he seemed perfectly calm, making her wonder if it was him creating that pressure, before the Elf beside him spoke.
'I would advise you to sheathe your sword. Any threats against my friend here will be returned ten-fold, and I have a habit of going overboard.' Threatened Ryuu coldly, causing the man's hand to tremble, as a cold sweat dripped down his neck.
'This isn't over!' Seethed the man, only to feel the pressure intensify on him, causing his knees to shake.
'No, it is.' Whispered Ryuu harshly, her eyes opening slightly wider as she glared at the man.
Before the man could soil himself in fear, he fled the scene.
'Sorry Ryuu, I got you involved into something you didn't need to be mixed up in.' Apologised Bell, bowing his head.
'The only thing required for evil to prevail, is for good people to do nothing.' Countered Ryuu, before noticing the girl behind them had fled.
'We should head back, it will be dinner time soon.' Suggested Ryuu, getting a nod from Bell as he straightened up.
The two would then head back, with a small Elf following behind them in the far distance, just keeping them in their sight.