Hatsugen

Chapter Seven: Hatsugen

Finn sighed softly, slumping down in his chair as Riveria and Gareth gathered with him in his office alongside Loki and their junior first-class members. After Leaving Horus and Alfia, they had a silent standoff with Freya Familia before immediately returning to Twilight Manor. He called a meeting and they waited on Bete and Aiz to return from tailing the two on their way.

Just moments ago, they came back, reporting that both had indeed gone straight to Hearthfire Manor and had gone inside with Sanjouno Haruhime.

Given the situation, I believe it is safe to say they will both join Hestia Familia

Both? It wasn't just Horus; were any of Zeus' other kids with him, Finn? Loki asked. Instantly, the room became stiflingly uncomfortable as Riveria answered.

Actually Loki, it was Alfia who was with him their Goddess spewed a mouthful of wine at the revelation, nearly choking as her mind raced.

'Alfia, that monster of talent!? She's still alive; what the hell? Now her and Zeus' little secret are gonna join that shrimp's familia! Wonder if she's still holdin' a grudge...'

Well, this isn't the best case scenario, but far from the worst; I mean, they could'a been pulled into Freya's flock she grunted, getting herself under control quickly.

Them lads were there, too, Goddess

Of course they were she sighed in response to Gareth, dropping her head into her hands.

Well, nothing bad happened, though Tiona hummed, I mean, Vanafreya tried to stick him, but he didn't land the hit, so it's fine

… Tiona? Loki waited until she had the hyper Amazon's attention before continuing, You mean that Allen Fromel attacked him, and missed?

Well yeah, but I guess it'd be more accurate to say he dodged she replied thoughtfully.

That's even worse! Loki whined, That means Horus is faster than the Chariot of Orario… silence ensued as the younger member processed the truth of the situation.

This is a huge shift in the power of the Gods among Orario; Finn, way I see it, we have two main options moving forward the pallum gained a wicked spark in his eyes as he looked back at his Goddess.

Yes, Loki. First is the possibility of making true allies of Hestia Familia; this is not out of the realm of possibility, given our informal relations before now. The main problems would be any possible animosity between us and their new members for the recent past, on both sides

That and the shrimp's a brat of a goddess at the best of times Loki grumbled, remembering how hysterical Hestia was when her first child was brought back form their last expedition. It took her and Hephaistos to pull her away from the kid; although she had only reluctantly helped.

Which leaves us with the alternative: if we were to level up every member in our Familia, we would stand a good chance of negating possible trouble with Hestia Familia in the future, even if Freya were to be on their side

C-captain!? Tione exclaimed, All of us level up? I mean, we're always striving to get stronger, but all at once would be nearly impossible

I said it was the alternative, but it isn't much of an option. Truthfully, it would take considerable time. At the very least, all of us would need to level as quickly as possible. If Riveria, Gareth, and I were to become level 7's and all of you high level 6's, that could potentially be enough; for now, at least

That's still a tall order Bete scowled, Is this really worth all the fuss?

Ya think we're playing up their power for kicks, lad? Gareth raised his eyebrow at him.

How strong could they possibly be!? It's not like we couldn't have taken them down if we attacked when Fromel did and pulled the rest of Freya's bunch into it, right?

…

Why aren't you all saying anything!?

Bete the werewolf calmed down as Finn spoke seriously to him, Alfia alone was enough that she could keep myself, Riveria, Gareth, and Ottar at bay seven years ago; for a short time, anyway. Depending on her growth since then, she could be even more powerful. She was a level 7, but could fight above that until her stamina ran low

Alright, I get it, but maybe she stagnated all this time; besides, Ottar is a level 7 now, too

Aye, but you're forgettin' about the other one Gareth scratched his chin through his beard, Even if we assume Alfia is the same as when Evilus attacked Orario with her and Zald, Horus is another issue the dwarf's statement caused Tiona, Tione, Bete, and Lefiya to tense up.

She was with them!?

A long time ago Aiz spoke softly, We fought her and a… nightmare on the eighteenth floor. Astraea Familia outlasted her, and won. She… jumped down the hole the nightmare bored through the Dungeon, from the deep levels

She- she jumped from floor 18 to the deep levels, and survived!? Lefiya gasped, horrified at the possibility.

Indeed, even I have trouble accepting that is the case. She was in bad shape after fighting a long time against Astraea Familia; the fall alone should have killed her, but... Riveria seemed conflicted.

It doesn't matter now. She is alive, and I suspect Horus has something to do with it Finn said.

Right, so him; what's the deal with that one? Bete seemed to be taking things more seriously now.

Well, Horus has been one o' Zeus' kiddies since before I came down to Gekai Loki continued on, and cracked a smile at the disbelief her words gained even from her leaders, Yeah, that makes him pretty old. At least over a century, but that ain't the good part. As ya'll might've learned, he was responsible for training the best and brightest of Orario for generations a few looks were shot at Finn, Riveria, and Gareth before being turned to Bete, Yup, that includes these three. They received tutelage from him at my request to Zeus, though I didn't request Horus to do it; I didn't even know who he was before then. Anyway, it's worth mentioning that he also trained Zeus and Hera's kids, too, of course. That includes the Golden Generation that managed to slay Behemoth and Leviathan, and also took a crack at the Black Dragon. They were led by Zeus' captain Maxim and Hera's captain Atalanta, a level 8 and level 9, respectively

So he trained some adventurers that killed two of the three strongest monsters, and failed on the third. Did he not fight with 'em?

That's the thing: remember when I said I didn't know him before Zeus sent him our way for trainin'? He wasn't a public member of Zeus Familia. Even among the gods it was somethin' of a secret; I don't know for sure, but I've guessed that both he and Horus had an agreement, or Ouranos had his own stipulations on the deal. He didn't leave with them to go fight any of the beasts, but must have stayed in Orario. Without a doubt though, he's strong. Dunno how strong

I would say when he trained us he was on par with a level 6 at least Finn picked up where Loki left off, Or even a level 7… it was hard to tell honestly. He either didn't care for holding back, or his view of holding back was a joke the pallum muttered bitterly with a smile.

So two people at least on the level of a level 7? Freakin' great Bete groaned.

Or stronger! Tiona cheered.

Shuddap!

Boo she stuck her tongue out at Bete, I say we try and get closer to them; I wanna spar with them, and Argonaut, too!

Riveria smiled at her exuberance, Well, now that his aunt is with him, you'll want to be mindful not to be too rough with him, Tiona

Huh? Aunt, what are ya talkin' about now, mama? Loki asked, a bit lost.

Oh… ah, we forgot to mention, goddess, but part of the reason they went to Hestia Familia is, er… Alfia is Bell Cranel's aunt, on his mother's side

…eh?

Bell is the child of Meteria of Hera Familia and Belisarius of Zeus Familia, I believe; Alfia is his aunt Finn summarized based on his memories of the two familia.

EH!?

Loki's confusion was interrupted by a knock at the door, Goddess Loki, a message has come from the Guild

Alicia, please come in Riveria opened the door in Loki's stead, receiving the letter for her Goddess before sending away the other elf with gratitude. She walked over to Loki and held out the letter, Would you like to open it, Loki, or shall I? the goddess huffed, rubbing her head with both hands and ruffling her hair before snatching the paper and quickly unravelling it.

… Ouranos has called a Denatus; he's gonna be there, and everyone else has to come, too. Well, guess maybe we're about to find out some answers… oh yeah, Finn, you said he told you guys something about being on a quest for these last few years; he ever mention any details?

All he said was that he 'plumbed the depths of the Dungeon'

Tch… well, whatever; maybe Ouranos will have something to say. That geezer ain't been to a meeting in an age

A Denatus? Oh, and Ouranos himself shall grace us with his presence… what a rare treat Freya hummed as she digested the news, Ottar at her side while the rest of her aces gathered around at a respectful distance, Well now, what auspicious timing, too; I can only think this has something to do with a pair of recent arrivals

Yes, my lady, you are surely right Hedin bowed his head in agreement, having thought the same when the news was announced.

It is almost difficult to believe it, only the word of my children convinces me of it; some of Zeus and Hera's remnants still scurrying about in Orario…

Do you wish for us to act against them, Goddess? Allen- ever forward- asked as he knelt before Freya.

Oh no, that won't be necessary. This works for me, in some ways; if they do join Hestia's fold, then I would predict my Bell's growth shall show no signs of stopping. Ah… the suspense is already killing me; I wonder what fruits shall be borne by this turn of events?

If I may, Goddess? Hogni stepped forward a single pace, and waited for Freya to motion him to continue, what if we were to instead foster a more benevolent rapport with Hestia Familia? You have aided them and their captain from afar, after all; even if they don't recognize it, you have been their secret ally from the beginning. It would draw attention if we were to act to establish an official alliance, so instead I suggest something more informal: the fostering of simple friendships between a few familia members

Oh, my dear Hogni… I do think that is a good idea, but for now, I will not give an order for any of you to do so; however, you are all free to act on your own thinking. Should the opportunity and desire arise to pursue such friendships, feel free to do so; I think you will find their new members especially interesting

Freya gave a coy smile, and Ottar spoke up, Goddess, would you permit me to seek out training opportunities with Horus once again?

Her eyes widened in surprise, but her's was the most restrained reaction of the bunch, My captain, you wish to train with him? While I will approve of this readily- you almost never ask anything of me, after all- I am still curious. Is this an exercise in sentimentality, Ottar?

Partly, Goddess, but I think I will grow further if I do so

… You believe you have things to learn from him?

Yes, and he may have advice for pushing myself to the heights of those he has looked after before

If you feel so strongly, you have my approval to proceed, Ottar; should anyone else wish to do the same, then you have the same approval. After all, the previous students of Horus have quite the portfolio of accomplishments to their history the goddess of beauty dismissed the meeting shortly after, leaving her Familia to their day as she contemplated the past and the future.

Shortly after they got over the massive shock, Hestia Familia- new and improved- was able to relax somewhat and have dinner together as a slightly larger familia. It was certainly intimidating for the members knowing their new recruits were… extreme anomalies, to be it bluntly. Still, in a process spearheaded by their captain, comfort quickly fell upon the evening.

It was after all the food had been eaten and cleared away, with lulls and quiet conversations that another visitor arrived, and was quickly seen to by Haruhime. This time she arrived back with a slightly worried but serious look, Lady Hestia, Sir Fels is here Sure enough, the cloaked figure followed behind her, bowing slightly as he entered the common area.

Good evening Goddess Hestia and Hestia Familia, my congratulations on your new growth, and to you for your acceptance, Alfia, Horus he received a nod from the man as Hestia and Bell smiled, Welf accepting the words with a toast.

Welcome Fels, I don't mean to be rude, but has something happened? Hestia asked, not mentioning anything specific due to new company.

I do have a message from Lord Ouranos, but there is no trouble afoot. Things are calm for the moment, but a Denatus has been called. Lord Ouranos will be attending himself, due to the necessity of the meeting

Why is a meeting being called now? I mean she glanced at Aedan and Alfia before focusing on their guest, you said nothing happened, right?

Nothing bad, Goddess Hestia; however, since your newest children are who they are, Lord Ouranos has decided to even the playing field of knowledge among the gods in Orario. In other words, Horus will no longer be a secret as I am

You mean he wants to force me to parade who my newest children are and put a target on our Familia?

Not quite so… Fels seemed hesitant to continue, but Aedan picked up after them.

Goddess, if I might? I believe this has more to do with my recent past than my present and future. In particular, my previous expedition, right Fels?

That is correct. Among other things; I believe Lord Ouranos wishes to use you as a catalyst to reenergize the gods here in Orario; he has thought for some time that they have become complacent, even after the Evilus uprising. If they remain unbroken in their routines of power politics and entertainment, their children will not grow enough to accomplish what you have recently uncovered

Well, he's right. Am I right in guessing that Ottar and Loki's kids are the strongest in Orario now?

Yes, and there is only one other level 7 in the world other than the King

It's not enough, not nearly. Even if Ottar could compare to Hippolyta- and I don't think he does yet- much more strength is needed, and the knowledge gained from Zeus and Hera must be learned from; if everything is not obligated to the last grand quest, things will become much harder to persevere through

That is the matter he wishes to address. I suggest you refrain from sharing with your Familia until after the Denatus, though. It is likely the gods will wish to restrict some information, after all

I will do as you suggest

That is all I wished to say, Goddess Hestia. The Denatus will be in one week, held at midday; you, Alfia, and Horus are asked to be in attendance

We understand, Fels, and we will be there. Thank you

You are welcome, now~

Actually, Fels, before you go… have you got any of it with you?

The Sage chuckled a bone-dry rasp, I thought you weren't going to ask after a bit. I do, here; I thought it might have been some time since you were able to indulge he handed over a package to Horus who thanked him profusely.

You have no idea, my friend; it has been literal years since I was last able to smoke and enjoy my blue lotus. You've my gratitude, truly

Think nothing of it; now, please excuse me everyone quickly as he had come, Fels vanished away from the Familia home.

Ah well Horus hummed, that was a bit of news, to be sure… Goddess, would it be alright if I stepped out to smoke? I would like to relax after everything

What good manners! That's fine with me; everyone, let's all relax, too! It's been an eventful day In unanimous agreement, Hestia Familia turned in for the night in congruence with their various unique routines. For Bell, though he was burning with curiosity and questions, decided rest was foremost and kept his goodnights short. He did pay special attention to their newest members, though.

Mr. Aedan, Ms. Alfia, I haven't said it yet, but let me welcome you to our Familia; it may have been very surprising… but I'm very happy to have you with us he bowed his head slightly, missing the woman's reaction to his bright, warm smile.

Thank you Bell, it is my pleasure to once again join an interesting familia, and meet a promising captain. We'll be in your care Horus clasped his shoulder, already sensing the boy was more filial than most, and would probably appreciate the warmer gesture. Alfia simply returned his bow, speaking softly.

Thank you as well, Bell; I feel the same

Well then, goodnight to the both of you; I'll see you tomorrow with another smile, Bell returned to his room with a spring in his step, and knowing he had too much energy to fall asleep easily. The two new members were left behind in the dusk of late evening in silence. In that quiet, Horus carefully pulled out and packed his pipe with the dull purple and golden mix of herb from the pack Fels had given him, before lighting the plug and taking a long steady pull, blowing out the smoke in rings through his nose as he relaxed.

… He looks so much like her, Horus; even if no one had told me, I can tell he is Meteria's son he stole a glance at the woman beside him, noting her partially opened eyes glistening ever so slightly in the starlight. Taking another pull from his pipe, he gently took the back of her head in his hand, rubbing below and behind her ear with his thumb as she shuddered.

I almost- I could've never seen him… I abandoned such a child to~

Shhhh… easy now, it's alright, Alfia he murmured around the stem of the pipe, what might have been is naught; you are here now, yes? He is here with us, as well. We know that you will not be together with the boy overly long, but I will try to ensure you have many years at least to make up for what regret you feel she turned to him with her head bowed, leaning into the pull of his hand as he guided her to his shoulder and into his side.

I missed so much… he's a young man already; I can tell, he's just as kind as his mother, too. I missed his childhood, Horus He felt her tears starting to fall as her shoulders shook almost imperceptibly.

Yes, but you will not miss his life from now until you depart; this I can tell. You are able to watch over him not as he grows from a child, but as he tackles life to accomplish his dream; and if we can aid him to success, our own dreams may also be realized finally, her eyes turned up to him, and he was struck that he had never seen her so vulnerable since before a pair of young girls were recruited into Hera Familia by himself and the executives of Zeus and Hera.

He's just a boy, Horus… he shouldn't have to…

Perhaps, but that is not for us to decide; if he is to be the hero needed to defeat the dragon, then it will be so. What we can decide is to support him in any way we can going forward she fell silent after that once more, and said nothing for the rest of the night. He continued to console her as he finished smoking, rubbing her back and shoulders as she leaned her weight against him. When he finished, he had relaxed his whole body as colors and music swirled around his head and legs, multi-colored shards of crystalline rain fell up from the ground around him, swarming gently into a cloud of innumerable shapes and forms above them. From the cloud, an owl of exotic appearance swooped down onto one shoulder, while another came out of the owl's head- this one an imperious falcon- and rested itself upon his head.

Smiling, he took Alfia to her room, leaving with a soft goodnight before going to his own room, intent to commune with his spirits before retiring to sleep himself.