The Next Day
And suddenly, he is awake.
Well, no shit. That's how everyone wakes up. Suddenly and groggily. His brain finally decided its time to shit and pee. A final warning that his sphincter is at its limit and he needs to get the fuck UP!
But mental exhaustion still drains him slightly as he feels a familiar weight on his chest and he looks down to see Lili sleeping on top of him.
'Heh... what a carefree chucklefuck she is...' He sighs internally and pats her head gently before looking around. The unfamiliar setting doesn't scare him all that much as he gently lets Lili down without breaking her sleep and slowly climbs out of the bed.
Noting the change in his clothes... he is reminded of the terrible misfortune that befell his uniform.
On the first day no less.
The thought makes him want to fuck Soma up for a whole new reason now as he gives his beige nightsuit another look and walks out.
Many things were revealed to him in the last battle. He wanted to try many things. He wanted to do just so much...
But shitting takes priority.
The unfamiliar room is connected to a very familiar hallway. From the light filtering into Miach Familia's structure, he estimates that it's noon right now. Looking around, he finally stumbles into a toilet and lets out a relieved sigh.
'Finally... oh... now that I think about it,' he looks at his left arm, 'I'm completely healed huh... on a different note... what happens if I shit while using the Silent Goblin's phantom? Is it completely silent?'
Jackal looks at the toilet seat with a smug smirk, 'Only one way to find out.'
He finds his mind, one of the sources of his strength, moving without an issue. It digs deep into his being and finally a phantom of a silent goblin dances over his head. Jackal doesn't need to look at it to notice that it's there.
The result?
Perfection.
Every single one of his farts can be now considered silent and deadly!
Adjusting his trousers and washing his hands, Jackal steps out with a relieved sigh and a huge smile. NOW he feels he can face everything.
Whatever happened last night happened. He is just relieved that Lili is free from those jerks... and those jerks are liberated from their limbs, or their lives, in an extreme situation.
Jackal... isn't keen on killing. He doesn't even think of crippling others most of the time. But when he saw that stranger pushing children ahead... he lost his shit for a moment.
All of them were just a bunch of Lili. They simply weren't lucky to meet him when he is in his more sociable state.
The realization makes him sigh but he never has been the kind of guy to want everything or 'save' everyone. Just committing his desires to one Lili had him busting against a Familia and if he did not have his trait...
Well, he'd still go there and get his ass handed to him.
Instead of thinking too much, Jackal returns to the room that houses him and Lili. He climbs into the bed and curls against her sleeping form as a big spoon he is before drifting into sleep once again. He just beat a god till his face gave in.
There are going to be consequences... right?
Better to just sleep.
---
"Jackal... are you awake?" Miach enters the room and finds a large lump in the bed melting together. He sighs softly seeing this.
'They were tired last day... but it certainly caught me off guard... I never expected Jackal to break the tough nut that's Soma...'
As Miach leaves, two pairs of eyes open within the confines of the blanket as they look into each other mischievously.
"See?" Jackal whispers as he cozies up to Lili with a grin, "We can pretend to be asleep all day long."
More than happy to stay with him forever if need be, Lili still whispers while certainly snuggling against him for once in their bed while they are awake.
"But Jackal-sama... what about your routine?"
"As they say... when you work hard, you rest hard. Besides, I plan to give the credit for my victory to Butterfree Era and skyrocket our sales and popularity... too bad we'll have to get my uniform again. Yours should be fine after a good cleanup."
"Hmm!" She nods and hugs him tightly, "And Jackal-sama... I..."
"No need," he grins back, "Actually, I might get hooked on some divine ichor on my fists every now and then."
"No, please let me say it," Lili whispers softly, "I am very thankful... you took my hatred. I have nothing but gratitude for that. But... I don't want to leave you..."
Jackal sits up slowly as Lili, too, follows his motions and they slip out of the blanket.
"The hell are you talking about? I'm letting you go nowhere," He tilts his head in confusion.
Flushing profusely, she mutters while squirming against his body, "I know that..." she drawls with a huff, "I just... like living with you..."
"Well, yeah, that's what I mean?" He works his jaws a bit, "I think I can train you in cooking a bit, at least, to the point where you can help prepare materials. Oh, and you also keep the house clean, that's a big plus! And how can I forget about your work ethic? You help Naaza and others quite a bit, too."
The more Jackal praises the more excited she gets as she whispers at the end, "A-anything more?"
"Nah, that's about it," Jackal smiles and pats her head before letting out a surprised noise, "Ah, you're a good hug pillow, too. Definitely increases my pace of recovery."
She blanks out before her eyes glimmer an odd reddish shade for the briefest moment and she croons, "Anything else, Jackal-sama?"
"I like your magic?" He looks a bit unsure, "I guess furry ears, yeah. I can get used to petting them. But that's about it."
"O- oh..." She musters and deflates into his chest.
"See?"
A voice grumbles from outside, "I can hear them chattering Miach-sama. They are awake."
Jackal and Lili look at each other before slipping into the blanket once again as the door is open dramatically for an 'Aha' moment only for Naaza to find the two resting peacefully.
But... she knows what she heard.
"Listen up," she calls out pointedly, "Things are really not looking good down here but it's not anything as bad as you'd expect. Soma... well, it's better if you come down yourself."
Exhaling a groan, Jackal slides his head out, "But I don't wanna... I know I said I'll face all the consequences but let me rest..."
"Yeah!" Lili sticks her head out and glares fiercely, "Let the man rest, Naaza-sama!"
Staring at the two impassively, Jackal glances at Miach pleadingly who shrugs.
"Fine... I'll come out on one condition... Naaza... you'll take responsibility, won't you?"
Naaza tilts her head in confusion while Jackal feels an odd pinch at his waist. Not that he cares. Instead, he slides the blanket off his body and speaks seriously, "I am a man of virtue... I promised that I shall be with the one who sees me naked..."
Furrowing her brows harder, Naaza crosses her arms with an odd flicker in her eyes, "So... you're saying anyone who dressed you up... is also responsible for your purity?" she leers down slightly as Jackal nods seriously.
With a short smirk on her usual bored luck, Naaza shrugs, "I guess... what we had was truly just a passion for bento. I and many others will watch you and Miach-sama's union with great interest."
"Huh?" Jackal looks at Miach while Naaza turns around, "We're all waiting downstairs, Jackal. Don't keep us waiting..."
As she leaves, Jackal cannot help but mutter, "She feels... closer than usual. Could be my imagination or... could be because of you..." He turns to look at a wryly smirking Miach.
"In my defense," the man claims, "I couldn't ask any female children to help dress you up. But I hadn't dressed anyone and you were oddly clingy so I had Takemikazuchi's help."
*Shatter*
That is the sound of Jackal's heart breaking into a million pieces as he mutters.
"Great... just great. I beat one god and two of them are eager to take advantage of me..."
This makes Miach chuckle, "Far from it. Your reputation has spread, Humble Jackal. Many gods fear the mortal who is capable of such feats... so..." Adopting a serious expression, Miach whispers, "Be careful. Many of us do not mind such actions. To us, this is the beauty of mortal life but to others, it's blasphemy."
"Hmm, thanks, Miach. And... well, you're free from the responsibility that is me. You get a free pass, I guess."
Miach shrugs, "It's quite alright. And... do see to Lili."
He turns around and leaves as Jackal looks at Lili curiously to only find her with a bleeding nostril as a thin stream of steam expels from her ears.
"What a perv..." Jackal scoffs since he aims to be the pot and climbs out of the bed. Finding the nearest cloth, he pinches Lili's nostrils and wipes away the blood before snapping her out of her daze as they look at each other seriously once more.
"Lili... before we go down, I do need to know your real name. It won't change how I call you... but it will make me feel a bit happier. Knowing you completely, that is."
Lili takes a deep breath. She tugs on his nightshirt to pull him down until his face is closer to hers. Still, standing on the balls of her toes, she plants a chaste kiss on his left cheek and whispers with a blushing smile and watery eyes.
"My name is Liliruca Arde, my Brute in Bloodied Armor."
"Liliruca Arde," Jackal grins, "Henceforth, you're mine and mine alone. On a payroll, of course."
---
Not in the slightest bit willing to change out from Miach's comfy nightsuit while Lili is dressed in a baggier nightsuit, too— Naaza's old nightwear, to be exact, the duo steps down the stairs and finds almost everyone waiting for him.
And when Jackal says everyone, he means that this is the level of inclusion where a very weary Shakti with eyebags sit quietly as she nurses a cup of coffee spiked with adrenaline and a mind potion.
"This seems a little... exaggerated... don't you think?" Jackal snickers softly as he looks around and feels the weird energy in the room. Before others can begin, Shakti sighs, "Right, let me say what I'm here for. It certainly helped you took so long to wake up so it got me a chance to rest..."
'Clearly not enough.' Everyone takes pity on the kind soul.
"Last night, Jackal, you were accused of drugging three men of Soma Familia with various potions that made them... commit heinous acts of sexual abuse amongst themselves. After the effects wore off, these men identified you for this act."
"Really? Last night I was sleeping at Naaza's... we even changed clothes—" As Naaza's gaze sharpens a bit at Jackal's casual tone, Shakti raises her hand.
"Please... last night has been very tiring. Let me do this and I'll be on my way."
Jackal so wanted to say— that's what she said... but he accedes to the woman's request with a quiet nod while Lili's hand around his tightens ever so slightly.
"Aside from that, the Soma Familia was attacked by you. Aside from the crippled and the captain of the familia experiencing an episode of a mental breakdown... there has only been one reported murder. Loki Familia went into action and stabilized quite a bit. Truly, none of this deserves a response from the guild or the Ganesha Familia."
"The damages were reserved to one Familia's property and there is no war game of any kind issued as a right for Soma Familia to get their justice. Soma Familia... now consists of 7 members only, with Liliruce Arde being one of them. That is all. I came here personally to inform you all this because..."
Shakti takes a look around before sighing softly and looking up to match Jackal's golden-red eyes. Her steely blue pupils soften slightly as she nods, "You did... admirably. But next time... have a team. This is Orario, the city that breeds a new familia weekly. And personally, I am glad... that you stood up for Lili."
Looking around, she clears her throat and gulps down the cup of coffee at once.
"Anyway, that's about it. But had Soma not removed those three men from his familia, their charges would have gotten you in some trouble... but as you said, you were here, right? Exchanging clothes with Naaza Erisuis?"
"And Miach," Jackal chuckles, "Now that I remember, Miach was quite touchy, too."
Shakti blanks out for a moment before heaving a deep sigh and she leaves promptly.
With that... Jackal and Lili quietly sit on a spot on the couch as everyone falls into silence.
"Before anything... can I ask something?" Jackal questions calmly and they nod in agreement.
Seeing this, he looks at the unfamiliar group. Only one girl in the short kimono looks familiar as he questions, "Who... the hell are you guys?"
"Ah, apologies," the god from the group laughs, "I'm Takemikazuchi and they are my children. Last night... they unintentionally got involved in your beef with Soma."
"So... you're Takemikazuchi..." Jackal narrows his eyes and then he glances back at Miach before chuckling with a playful blush, "Man, I actually feel kind of lucky now."
Naaza clears her throat with a frown as Jackal shrugs, "Oh, shut it, kettle. If those two hunks took your clothes off and dressed you, you'll feel the same!"
"Eh?" Naaza stutters with a flush, "W-What are you talking about?!"
"Well, let's not get too feisty," Takemikazuchi chuckles, "We have female children just for such a situation. So, if Naaza needed the same treatment as you, it would have been Mikoto, Asuka, or Chigusa who would have helped her."
"Sounds weird but alright," Jackal shrugs before questioning, "So... there really is nothing to be worried about?"
Snorting under her breath, Naaza replies, "The captain of Soma Familia was detained because he was into many criminal acts that risked the safety of the City. He even used the Divine Soma Wine to lure more criminals into the familia... most of them are caught and stripped of their falna by Soma by this morning... once he recovered."
They stare at Jackal again as he scoffs and crosses his arms, "Got off easy, that one..."
"What you need to worry about is Soma himself..." Takemikazuchi mutters, "There is a reason why Miach couldn't open his store since this morning.
---
Everyone stares at a lone god pressing his forehead on the floor with his knees tucked in right in front of Naaza's counter as Takemikazuchi chimes from the side.
"This position is called Dogeza!" He adopts a proud expression, "It's the ultimate expression of apology!"
'You know what... I dig Take. He's fucking hype for some reason,' Jackal smirks at the unknown god and glances at Soma who remains prostrated.
"If this is going to stop me from burning your—"
"I burned the familia mansion down including my hidden divine wine that Loki could not find," Soma's voice echoes as his words surprise Lili and Jackal quite a bit.
"My other six children... who were willing to stay with me after forgiving me are staying at Loki's Twilight Mansion for now. I am here, in this position, not to ask forgiveness alone. I... want your permission, Jackal. To have a private audience with... Liliruca Arde."
"So, that's about it," Naaza whispers to Jackal, "As Shakti said, this is Orario. Such news will only shock others for a while before the fame fades away."
"But that's not the point is it?" Jackal narrows his gaze and questions while holding Lili's hand tighter, "Why should I leave Lili alone with you?"
"Repentance." Comes the reply and Soma supplants softly, "I wish to be selfish... as I was before. And I wish to beg... In this room, I have failed Lili alone."
Jackal furrows his brows tighter but eventually looks at Lili, "You up for it? If it's too raw... you don't have to force yourself."
Smiling a little brighter, Lili shakes her head, "I'm all fine now, Jackal-sama! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't trust myself near Soma but... it's fine now."
Although she regains a complicated look in her eyes, the venom that she used to contain in her gaze is barely visible now.
Jackal huffs under his breath as he shoots Soma a glance, "I'll break your neck if she cries again."
This makes Miach and Take wince back a little because... they find Jackal speaking the truth.
"I'll present it to you after washing it clean," Soma agrees without any issues as Jackal huffs and lets go of Lili before retreating to their living hall.
---
"Okay, we aren't properly introduced," Jackal looks at Takemikazuchi's familia, "I am Jackal and I own a store down in Daedalus street. What about you guys? You're new around here, right?"
The group nods as the tallest youth from them dressed in a purple robe-like outfit lined with red and gold smiles and gestures a universal 'yo' sign, "I'm Kashima Ouka, the captain of the familia. A pleasure to meet you."
The girl who helped him last night, the one in a familiar short purple kimono with red armor pieces and her dark hair tied into a side ponytail nods seriously, "Yamato Mikoto. Your battle last night moved me to tears and I cannot wait to enter the dungeon... but... that can wait until we earn more money..."
"Not sure how talking about money problems fits into introductions... but sure. I am grateful to you in the first place."
She nods with a short smile. The other one is a rather slim girl, unlike Yamato, who has her eyes covered by her dark bangs as she stutters, "I- I am Hitachi Chigusa... pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Hmm, sure," Jackal nods non-committally.
"Heh, I'm Asuka," says the girl who is in the greatest need of a change in her wardrobe as a strip of white clothing is tied around her head while she wears a simpler outfit of... a yellow cloth with an overly large hole that lets her arms out and almost her breasts.
"Zuchiko Kon," one of the other boys replies.
"And I am Haruse Ichiya!" Speaks the final one.
Something tells Jackal he won't be remembering them, at least, the last two. But, oh well, he can't say that to their faces now, can he?
So, he nods and sits back with a quiet sigh.
"So... Take," Jackal shortens the name reasonably, "Why are you guys here in Orario? Any specific reason?"
"To earn money, of course," the god sighs, "My shrine in the far east supports many orphans but... finances are a bit tight so we decided to move here and send money back to the shrine."
Jackal instantly grows interested as he leans forward, "Have you been into the dungeon yet? Your familia, I mean."
They quietly shake their heads.
"And you said you wanted to earn money... um, what's your specialty as a God?" Jackal questions with a glint in his eyed.
Although a little weirded out by the surprise interview, Take shrugs, "I am a God of Swords, prominently. I minor in war and many others but if you are interested in my crafts... I am well-versed in most combat arts upto a mortal limit. I taught all my children how to handle—"
"10000 Valis per day!" Jackal holds Takemikazuchi's hand, "For now, 10000 Valis per day, that's more than what your familia can earn in a day even if they prowl the dungeon. I want you to teach me, Lili, and a few orphans I know! If you're good and if your familia wants to join in until they feel ready for the dungeon, I'll pay them 3000 valis a day!"
"Huh?" Takemikazuchi blinks while Miach chuckles and adds, "Jackal is somewhat wealthy. His store is gaining rapid traction and I hear that even the top executives of Loki Familia respect him."
The blue-haired god winks at Jackal as Take exclaims, "Really? Even that girl I keep hearing about? Sword Princess?"
Naaza stares at Jackal with narrowed eyes, "Especially the Sword Princess."
"Amazing..." Mikoto's purple eyes glimmer, "What a stroke of fortune! You shall pay us for taking care of children? That's luxury!"
"Wait until you meet them," Jackal chuckles, "And of course, I'm not just trying to repay the favor. If your teachings benefit us... I will be willing to draw a very meaty contract that has all of you left with enough money that you don't worry about the upper floors of the dungeon when it comes to preparing materials. Believe me, even Miach approves of the items I am creating."
"Except for the lust potion!" Naaza scoffs.
Jackal looks at Ouka and others seriously, "Believe it or not, Lust Potion saved my life many times in the dungeon. It's good stuff when you know how to use it... oh, by the way, you do teach how to wield an ax, right?" He looks at Take again who smiles and nods, "How about I demonstrate my skills until Soma and Lili are finished speaking?"
"Swell by me!" Jackal grins and stands up, "Gods are surprisingly resilient so I'm looking forward to it~!"
"Jackal..." Miach sighs, "Tone down the god-beating aura..."
"Aye, aye!"
---
An awkward silence fills the store of the Blue Pharmacy as Lili finally speaks up, "Are you not going to look up or move?"
"According to Takemikazuchi, conversing in this position is the height of apology and sincerity. I am inept in these matters but that does not lower my desire to convey the depths of my condolence."
However, Lili doesn't take any of this and pulls a stool for herself meant for the customers instead.
"I think Jackal-sama said all that needed to be said..."
"Indeed... he was right. I wanted to gift my children the best work I can produce. They all loved wine and its various expressions but my perfect product... robbed them of that love and ingrained them with an addictive lust for my work. I... it broke my heart. We gods came to Gekai largely for entertainment but most of us... never expected to become so human."
Shifting a bit but not looking up, Soma whispers, "Liliruca Arde... when I lost myself alongside my children... I let Zanis make use of me. I felt pathetic and disgusted by myself and that is why I let him use me... I gave up. I simply... fell out of life. I don't expect your forgiveness..."
"Then... what do you want?" Lili demands with a slightly colder albeit confused tone.
"If Jackal had not found you... he would not have barged into the familia yesterday. I owe it all to you, Lili. You AND Jackal saved me... I... want to be of your service. You are one child I do not wish to disappoint anymore. You are the child whose hatred I wish to bear and atone for. I have failed you..."
His tone grows weary and soft, "I have no place to go from here but up. Please, I beg you... to not leave my side. I don't demand you to be in familia and become an active member. Stay with Jackal. He is a kind soul and he treats you very well. All I ask of you is to..."
Soma slowly looks up. His shaggy bangs are brushed aside as his slightly reddened and desperate eyes gaze into Lili's chestnut orbs that hold no emotion whatsoever.
"All I ask of you is to look at the familia from the distance. Just watch it rise again. Just watch it flourish. Because... that's all I can do. It does not make up for the past but—"
"I will," Lili looks at Soma stoically, "As I said, I bear no hatred... not anymore. But... I am not as kind as Jackal-sama and I have been trying to find a way to repay him all this time."
Her evil and unkind gaze bores into Soma, "But me not carrying hatred does not mean I do not hold a grudge. Soma-... sama. You and I will form a contract right here and now. The terms will be unfavorable to you in every manner. But you will accept it, or you will leave that ridiculous position and get out of this place."
It's clear... Ariana has had quite the effect on the two ever since she pulled Humble Jackal's into a contract. The duo is like sharks with a taste of blood for attracting them.
Both of them found prey today.
And both of them bit on hard.
---
The news of the assault on Soma's familia spread like a wildfire. The stories got as wild as they could.
A lone man stabs the adventurers and the god alike with his massive spear.
He tore women's tops off for fun.
He shook children by killing their parents!
He chopped off the limbs of the innocent without care!
A devil given flesh and blood...
People loved it!
That is merely the first half of the story, after all. Somehow, rather bold claims began to echo as the lone man stood for his love.
He was graced by the most beautiful goddess to set out in his vengeance and emerge in victory!
His undying love for the goddess is proven.
He will have his share of the city as he sees fit.
Wild rumors of every kind filled the streets.
A few rumors claimed that this was the battle between Soma and Jackal for the affection of a certain red-haired goddess.
"Gosh! I didn't mean Hephaestus!" A cry of a certain ill-mannered goddess echoes in Orario.
So... when he entered Hostess of Fertility, all eyes gather on Jackal and Lili as they flinch. He already heard loads of berating from Ariana before coming here as he gave her the remains of his first uniform— Uniform Alpha— so, seeing their gazes really threatens to pull his soul out of him.
"Hey! There he is!" A dwarf barks in loud laughter, "Don't let the punk spike your drinks! Gahahahahaha!"
"Up yours, too, Elka," Jackal rolls his eyes at the regular of the pub while Syr tiptoes forward with a wide grin and winks at him, "No table for now~! Additional helping hands found!"
"Come on," she leans forward and drags him by the hand as Lili groans and tries to swat Syr's hand away but the pallum realizes that Syr is more agile than she ever let on!
"Nnghhh!" Lili glares at Syr and pouts as Jackal laughs at her, "No need to act so moody, Lili, at least, we get some peace in here."
He nods at Lunoire, and Anya while Chloe and Ryuu are busting their dependable asses outside with the rest loitering in here.
"Of course, you would need to do the dishes if you stay here~!" Syr sticks her tongue out.
"Nah, not worth it," Jackal returns the gesture and waves at the rest of the girls before pulling Lili by her hand who looks back and sticks her tongue out at the rest, too.
"Heh, you can't keep on playing him around your fingers," Lunoire chuckles and pats Syr's shoulder as she completes her break.
"I guess... but how great would it have been if I could~!" Syr giggles and picks up her order before leaving, too.
"What does that mean, nya?" Anya tilts her head in confusion as her tail resembles the '?' shape.
The trip to Hostess of Fertility was a short one. They returned to their home by the evening, and really unwilling to face Eina today, too, Jackal slips a note into her apartment and leaves with a very ready Lili for another of their dungeon dive to test many things as she trains with her spear!
***
Alternate Title: The Hidden World Within the Blanket; The Silent Threat; The Best Hug Pillow; Manhandled by Hunks; Jackal's Questionable Purity; Shakti is... Tired; No Charges; The Ultimate Art— Dogeza!; The Martial Prey; The Brewing Prey; Soma's Prayer; Ariana is Proud; The Rise of Rumors of Goddess; The Drug Lord of Orario; The New Familia; No More Dishes!; Eina's Fear Spreads Wide!
***
A/N: This chapter merely brushed over what others think or feel since I cannot cram every bit of more intimate interactions in one bit. I hope I explore other things alongside the addition of new characters well. After all, Danmachi is filled with a variety of cast... and my dumbass still wants to add more as cow people or bunny people from a certain Queen's verse.
***
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