145Okay here's the August chapter. Let's see if I can finish the next one soon.
Chapter 12: Prologue with darkness
Out in the giant open labyrinth city, things were about as peaceful as they could be for the moment. People were just going about their daily lives and no trouble had been stirred up yet. However in the back of the peoples minds they knew that this peace wouldn't last. Anything could happen at any time when they would least expect it.
Their worries would somewhat be relieved knowing that as long as they had the Familia's on their side they could be somewhat safe but the two Familia they could count on to have their back were the Ganesha Famila and the Astraea Familia.
Currently patrolling together from the latter Familia, were Alise Lovell known to the people as the 'Scarlet Harnel' and as the captain of the Astraea Familia. By her side was the elf only known to the people as "Lion" or by her alias "Gale".
Following just behind them was Ardee Varma, a member from the Ganesha Familia. She was a well liked member of that Familia and had a reputation for having a kind and gentle soul not only to the general public but also to criminals as well. It was rumored that she had the mysterious power to turn crooks around with her pure hearted smile.
After the Astraea Familia dispatched, Ryuu and Alise were paired together. Ardee decided to follow them, not that they minded.
Currently the three have two missions. One was to protect the city and its inhabitants from any danger. The second was to find and gather any information about the smuggling of 'Holy tree branches'.
While the three were patrolling the streets Ardee decided to strike a conversation. Something had been bugging her ever since she left the Astraea Familia home. "Neh, Lion. Can I ask you something?"
Stopping, Ryuu turned back to her. "What's the matter, Ardee?"
"Do you not like Archer?"
This question stunned both Ryuu and Alise. Ryuu thought she hid her distrust of Archer pretty well, she wasn't expecting Ardee to figure it out so soon. While Alise already knew from the previous night she was just as shocked.
'W-what makes you say that Ardee?"
"Hmm, I noticed it at your home but whenever Archer seemed to be present it looked like you were watching his every move very closely and glaring at him with disdain. Not to mention out of everyone in your Familia you were the only one who didn't have anything nice to say about him."
Neither of Justice familia members were expecting Ardee to be this observant. In just a short while Ardee had already cracked Ryuu's code and all of the reasons she listed were indeed true. Since the start of the day, Ryuu made it her mission to keep a very close eye on their guest when she could. As much as she trusts her goddess she wanted to be extra sure that he had no ulterior motives.
"W-w-well… you see…" words failed to be spoken. Ryuu wasn't sure how to explain her reasoning to Ardee. Part of it was that she was still shocked from the sudden revelation as well.
"Lion is just looking out for us. It hasn't been that long since Archer arrived in the city and started staying over with us and there's still quite a bit that we don't really know about him as well." Luckily for her, her trusted captain was able to explain it to her.
Ryuu and Alise's reasoning and explanation made sense to Ardee. It was true that Archer had only arrived not so long ago and met them so being on guard around him did make sense. However, in her view, as naive as she may be, just from the small amount of interaction she had with him, she couldn't see him as a "bad guy".
"I see, you're trying to look out for everyone, Lion. I think it's a noble thing to do but I also think you're also looking too much into it as well," she said. "I think Archer is a good person. You might not see it just yet Lion but I think in due time you'll come to understand him one day."
After her grand speech, there were two different reactions. First was Ryuu, who was stunned that Ardee was seeing Archer in such light. The second was Alise who, like Ardee and Astraea, believed that Archer was a good guy. She was so proud that she was nodding in agreement.
Recovering, Ryuu spoke up. "*Ahem* For now I can't say for certain but… perhaps one day I just might." she spoke those last few words a bit more quietly.
Unfortunately for her Ardee managed to hear them. "Awe, Lion!" Happy and excited, Ardee jumped to Ryuu trying to hug her.
"H-hey!? Ardee!" Caught by surprise, no matter how hard Ryuu tried to get Ardee off her she wouldn't budge. It was a bit hard to see with her mask on but if you were to look very close there was a tiny bit of red sticking out. "Ardee let go! Alise, help me!"
On the sidelines, Alise watched the scene in amusement. It was moments like this that really brightened up her day and reminded her why she fights so hard to uphold her 'justice'. She was enjoying it so much that she'd let them be for a little while longer.
"Alise! Please help me!" Ryuu's cries were heard throughout the street. Unfortunately for her Ardee wouldn't let go until several minutes later.
Elsewhere on the other side of the city, the master-servant pair were making their way through the market area. Various stalls were up selling their goods and the people were going about their day.
"So Archer, what were you planning to do here today?"
"I noticed the lack of food left in the kitchen, I thought it might be a good idea to stock up on some things before everyone else returns," he replied. "If you have any request for meals feel free to let me know."
Any request. There were a lot of options to choose from and any one of them would be delicious. She wasn't sure what to pick. She even started to drool a little.
Seeing his master all excited like that, Archer cracked a small smile. It was small moments like this that gave him small bits of joy, not that he would show it or admit it.
"Well I suppose we should start with the produce then."
Hearing his voice, Astraea snapped back to reality and regained her composer. "*Ahem* Yes, let me know what kind you're looking for and I'll show you what stalls we can get them from."
Astraea began leading the way with Archer following close behind. To the sidelines, Archer seemed to notice the chatter the people around them were gossiping to each other.
"Do you see that? Lady Astraea is with a man."
"Is he part of her Familia? I didn't think she'd accept a man in her Familia."
"You know I saw them together yesterday as well."
While all of this was gossip that he really didn't care about, he wondered how Astraea might be affected by all of it. From what he's managed to pick up, his master is a friendly individual showing compassion and kindness to everyone she interacts with. As the Goddess of Justice her familia have been helping to keep the public safe, so the public know that they'll be safe with her around. Not to mention she also has a good reputation as well.
Would his sudden appearance and interaction with her question her image? Who knows but for now he shouldn't worry about such trivial things.
Looking back, Astraea seemed to notice Archer's change in mood. It was a small change that most wouldn't be able to see at first glance but after interacting with him so much she could see it. Maybe it was due to their connection.
"What's the matter Archer?" she called out to him.
He heard his master call out to him. Since there was no point in hiding his thoughts he, reluctantly, shared his thoughts. Damn the gods for having a built in ability to sense lies. "I was merely wondering if my presence would ruin your image," Astraea gave him a confused look. "From what I've gathered your usually not seen walking around with some random guy and your Familia isn't one to let men in."
After hearing his worries Astraea started to chuckle. "*Heheh* I didn't think you'd be bothered by things like this Archer." She then began to smile brightly at him. "Just ignore them and let them talk. My reputation won't be ruined over something as small as this." Her words seemed to have reassured Archer just a bit.
Grabbing his hand, Astraea began to pull Archer along with her. "Come on, there's still a lot we need to do." Together they went deeper into the city.
Shopping with Astarea had been… entertaining to say the least. Every stall they visited they were greeted with a smile from the vendors. Well to put it more specifically, the attention was all on Astraea. Not that he minded or cared at all, he wasn't one for attention anyway.
Everyone was striking up a conversation with the goddess of Justice and thanking her for all of the work her Familia has done to protect the city. Some even gave her good discounts on some of the items. And why did it seem like she was ordering more than necessary.
From his perspective, it truly showed how much she had done to keep the city from going under.
After stocking up on the many bags of ingredients and delivering them to the Familia home, the pair could be found taking a small rest on one of the benches near one of the fountains. Astarea had told Archer to stay put while she would grab a small 'treat'. Moments later she would soon return to him with a 'treat' in both of her hands and a bright smile on her face.
"Here you go Archer. A Jagamarukun," In each of her hands was a small potato snack. A fried potato croquette oddly called 'jagamarukun' in this world. Perhaps the name had a deeper meaning or the 'creator' of this item had a strange naming sense. Nonetheless he accepted the potato snack from his master who then took a seat next to him.
Upon closer look at the snack it was a nice golden brown. It wasn't too wet meaning it hadn't been left in the oil for too long and it was still quite hot. It had a nice shape which meant the chief had perfected the art of creating the perfect shape. He was quite interested to see how it tasted.
Next to him Astraea was already digging into hers and enjoying it. Perhaps this was something she liked to treat herself every once in a while. After wasting enough time admiring the food's appearance he took his first bite.
The croquette itself didn't taste too bad. The potatoes themselves could've been mashed a bit better in his opinion since he could still feel a few lumps but overall it was good. Perhaps one day he should make time to find this 'jagamarukun' stall.
After finishing their jagamarukun, Astarea asked a very important question. "So Archer, what did you think?"
"It's not bad," he answered honestly.
"Moh, that's really all you have to say about it?" Astraea replied with a pout. She expected Archer to have a bit more of a reaction but something this plain cut out all of her fun.
To be honest, Archer really wasn't focusing on his master. HIs attention was drawn to some figures in the distance wearing black hoods. They were sitting around for a while now and in Archer's view, looked like they were up to something.
Astraea seemed to notice that his attention was drawn elsewhere. As she was about to turn to where he was facing, Archer stopped her. "Don't move Lady Astraea, otherwise they might notice we're watching them."
Astarea noticed just how serious he was being. "W-well, what are we going to do Archer?" she asked.
"For now pretend that you haven't taken notice of them and just converse with me. Let me worry what they're up to," he responded. Astraea nodded and complied.
For the next few minutes, Archer and Astraea would continue to "chat" all the while Archer was keeping a very close eye on them. From his observation the figures weren't really doing anything. They were just sitting around and observing, no it was more like they were waiting. Waiting for the right time or perhaps waiting for someone? He would find out soon enough.
And it soon came, the hooded figures got up from where they were sitting and walked away. The only thing remaining from where they sat was a small basket.
Signaling his master to stay, Archer walked towards the suspicious basket. From a glance it looked like an ordinary basket but what was inside of it was another matter. Once close enough and making sure that those figures weren't around to spot him he took peak at what was inside. Inside were a couple of small orange stones that were glowing ever so slightly.
His instincts told him that this was dangerous. With swift movement, in a blink of an eye he grabbed the basket handle and threw it high above into the air. Quickly he projected his trusted bow and projected an arrow and infused it with magical energy before firing it at the basket.
Upon contact with the basket an explosion was created. Hearing this, civillains went into panic and started scattering to get away from the area. Astraea quickly ran towards Archer who remained unfazed by all that just happened however his attention was soon directed towards the culprits.
"You! Do you know what you've just done?" One of them had shouted. From seemingly nowhere more hooded figures started to appear with weapons drawn surrounding the area. All out for blood.
Calmly Archer dismissed his bow and faced the enemy. Even if he was outnumbered he was confident he could win, after all his master was here and he could use the practice. "No, I don't. Nor do I really care," He projected Kanshou and Bakuya and prepared his stance.
With a signal, the enemy charged at him.
(Moments prior)
On the other side of the city the trio of the Scarlet Harnel, Gale and Vyasa were sitting down and enjoying the small packed onigiri that Archer prepared for them. So far they weren't able to find any leads on the 'Holy Tree Branches'. Not even some of the more notable underlings living in the slums even knew about it. Whatever the Evilus were doing to keep them hidden, they were doing a damn good job at covering their tracks. After hours of searching they finally decided to take a break.
"Mmmmhhhh, it's so good!"
"Ardee, you should pace yourself better. You're going to choke." Ryuu exclaimed to her friend.
"Now, now Lion let Ardee be," Alise jumped in. Her face then began to turn into a cheshire grin. "Besides, you seem to be enjoying Archer's food as well."
"T-t-that's because…" Caught red handed, her stuttering and blush only deepened Alsie's grin. Ardee too began to take in just how adorable Ryuu was.
Their banter was soon cut short by the sound of an explosion coming from the other side of the city. Hearing the sound, the trio immediately took off towards the sound. But not before Alise quickly finished her food.
Can't deliver justice to anyone with an empty stomach now can she.
With great haste Alise, Ryuu and Ardee were making their way as fast as they could. What was strange was that there weren't any civilians running away from the sight, the streets were quite empty which did worry them. Arriving at the sound of the explosion, there was a crowd of people. Making their way through the crowd they were greeted to quite the sight.
What should've been a sight of a battle was instead a sight of a massacre. All around the area where unconscious bodies scattered around and in the center was none other than a certain archer in red without so much as a scratch on him.
So much for staying out of trouble…
To the side they could even spot a few Ganesha members with their jaws dropped.
Wanting what exactly went on Ardee walked over to one of the civilians to ask. "Excuse me. What happened here?"
"Ah, well you see an explosion went off in the sky and some strange men showed up out of nowhere. That man in red defeated all of them with such grace and ease. Oh and he was seen walking with goddess Astraea, so he must be acquainted with her in some way."
"I-I see… Thank you for the explanation." Stunned with the answer, Ardee moved back to the others.
Once she regrouped with Alise and Ryuu, Ardee replayed what happened to them. Like her, both were stunned.
"I see. Well we should start by rounding all of them up. Ardee, you might want to get your crew to help us as well and check if anyone was injured," Alise said. Ardee nodded in agreement and went to awaken her fellow familia members out of their stump.
Back to Archer, he was thinking about everything that just happened. Firstly he went out with his master which then somehow turned into him foiling a planned bomb attack by these guys, which then turned into a one sided street brawl. In all seriousness this day couldn't get any stranger.
But that wasn't what he was concerned about, no, what crossed his mind was the meaning behind the attack. Thinking back to the events that lead up to this moment the ones that planted the bomb were waiting around for quite a while before making their move. If causing chaos in the city wasn't their true goal, then they were planning something bigger or they were targeting something or somewhere. If that was the case then where and what?
His thoughts were cut short by the sound of footsteps coming closer to him. It was none other than Astraea, unharmed. "Archer! Are you alright?" she asked worryingly. When she first met him, she got a glimpse of how Archer could fight the Evilus and when he spared with Alise he showed even more of his skills. And now fighting all of these Evilus on his own without a scratch truly showed the goddess of Justice that he wasn't to be taken lightly and a force to be reckoned with.
"I'm fine as you can see Lady Astraea. I can't say the same for the rest of them however." he replied. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a certain captain and elf making their way toward them. About time they showed up.
"Lady Astraea! Archer! Are you alright? We rushed here as fast as we could."
"Don't worry Alise, Ryuu. Both of us are fine," Astraea replied. Both of them breathed a sigh of relief that their goddess was unharmed.
Archer merely greeted them with a silent nod.
Soon after Ardee arrived with the Ganesha members and all of them began to round all of the hooded figures up. The crowd that gathered also began to slowly disperse.
Once all of Evilus were rounded and any injuries were treated, the Astarea Familia and Ardee began discussing the events that just transpired. Astraea had filled in everyone of what happened prior.
"So that's what happened on your end huh. It matches with what we were told earlier. Just what are the Evilus planning now?" Alise had asked. Ryuu and Ardee began to ponder on the thought as well.
"I'm not sure, but whatever it is we need to keep an eye out. Something tells me that this is only the beginning."
Seeing everyone in a stump Archer decided to jump in. "If I may, I might have an answer," Everyone had now turned their attention to him. "I don't believe their real goal was just to 'cause chaos and attack randomly'. I believe their real goal lies somewhere else. This attack was solely meant to be a distraction for the real attack to be commenced elsewhere," The others awaited for him to continue his explanation.
"Their attack was done to be timed at a specific point, not randomly. Their numbers were enough to cause a small scene but not not one large enough to do anything major
Taking a moment to think about it, everything that Archer said made sense. The only question remained, what was the target?
After having enough time to think about it, Ardee was the first to leave. "After getting these guys into the cells and integrating them, I'll alert the rest of my Familia to be on the lookout for anything unusual."
"Then Lion and I will get a head start on looking into areas they might attack. We'll be sure to alert the others as well," Alise declared. Ryuu nodded in agreement. "Archer, please continue to look out for Lady Astraea. There could be more Evilus still laying around."
"You needn't ask. Now that things have escalated it's best that someone keeps an eye out for any more dangers that may target her, despite how 'untrustworthy' I might be."
Ryuu's eyes widened. She didn't think that Archer would catch on so soon. He had better observation than she gave credit for. Alise and Ardee also looked a bit uncomfortable with this as well.
Their reactions were about what Archer expected. "I want to make it very clear that I don't care if you do trust me or not. In fact I think you're right not to completely trust me," he declared. "Just so you know, as long as I'm contracted with Lady Astraea I won't be a threat to you."
Was it a bold decision to immediately address the elephant in the room? Yes. Yes it was. But if he was going to continue working with Astraea's girls he needed them to know where he currently stands in their view and ease any tension they may have of him. Ryuu being the one most on edge was also the most important one to address this to.
Wanting to break the tension, Alise thought best to leave. "W-we should get going now. Let's go Lion." Ardee soon took off as well.
Ryuu, being the last of the trio to leave the small group, decided to leave Archer with some parting words. She took a deep breath and spoke to him. "Archer. You're right in saying that I don't trust you but I will acknowledge your strength. I ask you to please keep Lady Astraea safe in our stead."
He merely gave her a look and a nod that told her that he would. Receiving his reply Ryuu took off.
Seeing this interaction put a small smile on the Goddess of Justice's face. While the issue had yet to be fully resolved it was a starting point for them getting along and that was all she could ask for. She had hope that the rest of the girls would also get along with Archer.
And with that all that remained were the two of them.
"I don't suppose you're going to go back to your home and stay there for the rest of the day now are you?' Archer had asked.
With a smile the goddess of Justice began to move. "Nope. I still need to take care of my important errand after all. Besides..." She paused her movement and turned to face him. As if the world wanted to create a work of art, the light had positioned itself perfectly where the light would shine with her smile. "If there is any danger, I have someone I can trust to protect me."
Seeing the beautiful scene in front of him, Archer was captured by it. This was something you'd see straight out of a novel or a manga. Recovering, he muttered to himself with a smile. "*Hmph* What a truly demanding goddess I'm serving." He soon began to follow her to destination.