Shadow's Call in Orario [[Damachi]]

I returned to the room I had rented the day before and laid on the bed, my arms crossed behind my head, staring up at the wooden ceiling as my thoughts churned. Nyx had settled herself on my chest, her small shadowy body rising and falling with my steady breaths. Her soft purring were nice and I could feel it in my chest.

I let out a slow breath, my hand resting lightly on Nyx's back. Her ears flicked slightly as she shifted, curling into a tighter ball. "Guess I didn't think that one through, huh?" I murmured, more to myself than to her. Her only response was a soft huff, as she agreed but wasn't going to argue about it.

Selling more potions was out of the question. I couldn't risk becoming more of a walking target. I had to find a way to grow stronger without painting a bigger bullseye on my back. And that meant I needed to get into the Dungeon.

"I wonder what she'd think of me," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. Persephone, the goddess of spring and the underworld had always been my favorite. She wasn't here, though. Even if she were, I doubted I'd have the chance to join her Familia. 

Nyx stirred slightly, her glowing eyes flicking open as she peered up at me. "Yeah, I know," I said, scratching her head lightly. "No use dwelling on what can't happen."

 The list Eina had given me sat on the small table beside the bed, folded neatly. I reached for it, unfolding it and letting my eyes skim over the names again. Loki Familia, Ganesha Familia, Hestia Familia, and a bunch of others that I didn't care about... A small Familia, close-knit, and just starting out. 

"Tomorrow," I said aloud, my voice firm. "I'll join Hestia Familia."

Nyx let out a soft trill, her tail flicking lazily as if to say she approved. I smiled faintly, running my fingers along her smooth fur. The room fell into a comfortable silence again, the kind that let my mind wander freely. It still amazed me how quickly my life had changed. Two days ago, I wasn't even in a world.

I closed my eyes, letting the sound of her purring and the faint noise of the tavern below lull me into a calm state.

The first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, painting the room in soft, golden light. I stretched, feeling the familiar weight of Nyx on my chest as I stirred awake. Her soft purring was the perfect morning alarm, a gentle nudge to get moving. "Alright, Nyx," I murmured, scratching behind her ears. She stretched lazily before slipping into my shadow.

After a quick wash and strapped on my sword and shield, making sure everything was secure. Today was going to be an important day. Hestia Familia. The decision had been made, and now I just had to figure out how to find her.

Stepping out into the cool morning air, I took a deep breath. The city had a different kind of beauty in the early hours. I adjusted my empty backpack and started walking, unsure of exactly where to begin my search.

That's when I saw him. A boy with white hair and red eyes, looked slightly out of place as he hurried down the street. Bell Cranel. 

 Approaching him felt... odd. But there wasn't much choice. If anyone could lead me to Hestia, it was him.

Taking a deep breath, I quickened my pace to catch up with him. "Excuse me!" I called out, my voice carrying enough to make him stop and turn.

His red eyes widened slightly as he noticed me, his expression shifting to one of polite curiosity. "Uh, yes? Can I help you?"

I realized how young he looked. There was an innocence to him, a kindness in his demeanor that immediately put me at ease. "Hi," I said, offering a small smile. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm new to Orario, and... well, I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of Hestia Familia?"

Bell blinked, clearly surprised. "Hestia Familia?" he repeated his tone a mix of curiosity and confusion. "Why are you looking for them?"

"I've been considering joining a Familia, and I heard some good things about Hestia. I thought it might be a good fit for me."

His surprise deepened, and he scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "Well, um... I'm part of Hestia Familia. It's just... me and Lady Hestia, though. We're not exactly a big Familia."

That much I already knew, but I played along, letting my expression shift to one of genuine interest. "Really? That's actually kind of perfect. I'm not looking for something huge. I think a smaller group would suit me better."

Bell looked uncertain, his gaze darting around as if he wasn't sure what to say. "I mean... it's not up to me. You'd have to talk to Lady Hestia about it. She's the one who decides."

I nodded, doing my best to appear earnest. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anything else. Could you introduce me to her? I'd really appreciate it."

He hesitated again, clearly torn. Bell wasn't the type to refuse someone in need, but I could see the doubt in his eyes. "Well, it's just... we're not exactly the most impressive Familia. Are you sure this is what you want?"

I took a step closer, my tone soft but firm. "Yes, I'm sure. Hestia sounds like exactly the kind of goddess I'd like to follow."

Bell blinked, clearly taken aback by my sincerity. For a moment, he just stared at me, as if trying to gauge whether or not I was serious. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Alright. If you're really serious about this, I'll take you to meet Lady Hestia."

I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Bell. I really appreciate it."

He gave a small, slightly awkward smile in return, adjusting the strap of his backpack as he motioned for me to follow him. "It's this way. Lady Hestia and I are staying at an old church, not too far from here."

As we walked through the quiet streets, Bell glanced at me occasionally, his curiosity evident. "So, you're new to Orario?" he asked, trying to make conversation.

I nodded, keeping my answers vague. "Yeah, just arrived two days ago. It's been... overwhelming, but in a good way. The city is amazing."

He smiled, his enthusiasm shining through. "It really is. There's so much to see and do here. And the Dungeon... Im guessing that's the main reason you're here"

His genuine excitement was infectious, and I found myself relaxing a little as we talked. Bell was exactly as I'd imagined him: kind, earnest, and a little shy. He didn't push for details about my past, which I appreciated, and our conversation flowed easily as we made our way toward the old church.

When the crumbling structure finally came into view, Bell hesitated for a moment, glancing at me. "It's not much," he admitted, his tone apologetic. "But it's home."

As I stepped through the door of the old church, the first thing that hit me was the air. The place was crumbling, stone walls cracks and stains from years of neglect. Sunlight streamed through broken windows. The wooden pews were warped and splintered, and the faint smell of dust lingered in the air.

This place looks like shit, I thought, but it wasn't my place to judge.

Bell led the way, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space. "Lady Hestia?" he called out, his voice bright and respectful. "We have a guest."

From behind a makeshift curtain, a figure emerged. Hestia was petite, her dark hair tied into twin tails that framed her youthful face. She wore a simple white dress with a blue ribbon, and her sapphire eyes sparkled with warmth and curiosity. But as her gaze landed on me, her demeanor shifted slightly. Her smile became a little more guarded, her head tilting ever so slightly in caution.

"Bell, who is this?" she asked, her tone light but with a hint of suspicion.

Bell rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, glancing at me. "This is Amara. She's looking to join our Familia."

Hestia's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and her gaze flicked between us. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "An Amazon wants to join my Familia?"

I stepped forward, keeping my posture relaxed but respectful. "Yes," I said simply, meeting her gaze. "I've heard good things about you, Lady Hestia. I think your Familia is exactly what I'm looking for."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and I could almost see the gears turning in her mind. "And why my Familia, specifically?" she asked. "We're not exactly... well, we're not one of the big ones."

I chose my words carefully. "From everything I've learned, you care deeply for your Familia, and that's the kind of environment I want."

Hestia studied me for a long moment, her eyes sharp despite her cheerful appearance. Then, something seemed to catch her attention. Her gaze shifted, her expression turning more serious as she took a small step closer. "What's that?" she asked, her voice quieter but more commanding.

I froze for a moment, unsure of what she meant. Then I realized her eyes weren't on me, they were on my shadow. 

"There's something in your shadow," Hestia said, her tone now edged with suspicion.

 I'd expected questions about my abilities eventually, but not this soon, and certainly not from a goddess with the ability to see things most mortals couldn't. "It's... complicated," I began, but her expression hardened.

"If you want to join my Familia, I need to know what I'm dealing with," she said firmly. "Whatever that is, bring it out."

I sighed, realizing there was no point in arguing. With a soft wordless command, Nyx emerged from my shadow, her small, feline form landing gracefully at my feet. Her blue eyes glowed faintly as she sat, her wooden katana resting across her lap.

Hestia blinked, clearly not expecting a cat-like creature to step out of the darkness. "What is that?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and wariness.

"Her name is Nyx," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "She's my companion."

"Companion?" Hestia repeated, her eyes narrowing slightly. "How?"

I crossed my arms, meeting her gaze evenly. "With all due respect, Lady Hestia, I'll only share the details of my abilities with the goddess I choose to serve. It's common knowledge that adventurers don't disclose their skills to just anyone."

Her eyes stayed on mine, and for a moment, the room felt unbearably still. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Fair enough," she said, though there was still a flicker of doubt in her expression. "But if you're hiding something dangerous..."

"I'm not," I interrupted, my voice steady. "Nyx is my friend. She's not a threat."

Hestia studied Nyx for a moment longer, her sharp gaze softening slightly as the shadowy Palico tilted her head and chirped softly. "She's... cute," Hestia admitted, her tone almost reluctant.

Bell, who had been silent during the exchange, finally spoke up. "Lady Hestia, I don't think Amara means any harm. If she wanted to hurt us, she wouldn't have asked to join."

Hestia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alright," she said, her tone lighter now. Me and her shared a look at how innocent Bell was. "But if you're going to be part of this Familia, I need to trust you. No secrets that could put us in danger."

I nodded. "Understood."

She crossed her arms, still watching me closely. "And your abilities? If I accept you, will you share them with me?"

"Yes," I said firmly. "Once I'm part of your Familia, you'll know everything you need to."

Hestia seemed to consider this for a moment before letting out a small huff. "Fine. But don't think I'm not watching you." She smiled then, a genuine warmth returning to her expression. "If Bell's willing to vouch for you, I suppose I can give you a chance."

Relief washed over me, though I kept my expression neutral. "Thank you, Lady Hestia."

Bell scratched the back of his head awkwardly as Hestia motioned for him to head out. "You should go to the Dungeon, Bell. This won't take long, and it's better you don't linger."

"Yes, Lady Hestia," Bell replied, nodding politely. As he turned to leave, I couldn't help myself.

"You don't want to stay and watch?" I teased, smirking playfully. The words were out before I could think better of it.

Bell froze mid-step, his face going as red as his eyes. "W-w-what? N-no! I-I—" he stammered, waving his hands frantically as if to dispel the thought. "I'd never—!"

Hestia groaned, pressing her fingers to her temples. "Amara!" she scolded, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Don't tease him like that!"

I couldn't stop the heat that rushed to my face, realizing how the joke had come across. "It was a joke!" I blurted, my voice higher than I intended. "I didn't mean—!"

Bell's panicked retreat saved me from further embarrassment as he bolted out of the room, mumbling something incoherent about needing to prepare for the Dungeon. The door shut behind him with a sharp click, leaving Hestia and me alone.

Hestia sighed, shaking her head. "You're going to give that poor boy a heart attack," she said, though there was a faint smile tugging at her lips.

I rubbed the back of my neck, still blushing. "Sorry. It slipped out."

She waved it off, turning toward a small altar in the back of the room. "Come on, I need to place my crest on your back so you can officially join the Familia."

I followed her to the altar, where a simple cushion rested on the floor. Hestia gestured for me to sit, and I complied, removing my shield and sword before shrugging out of my top. The air felt cool against my skin, and I couldn't help but glance down at my chest. My figure was decent enough, but Hestia… Hestia was something else entirely. Despite her small frame, her assets were so fucking big...

Hestia caught my glance and smirked knowingly. "Jealous?"

I rolled my eyes, though my blush deepened. "No comment."

"Good answer," she teased. "Alright, lie down on your stomach. I need to reach your back, and, well..." She motioned to her height with a wry smile.

I chuckled softly, doing as she instructed. The cushion was surprisingly comfortable as I stretched out, resting my head on my folded arms. Nyx stayed near by watching.

Hestia knelt beside me, her voice softening. "This might feel a little strange, but it won't hurt."

I nodded, feeling the cool touch of her finger with her blood as she began to draw intricate symbols across my back. The sensation was odd, almost like a faint tickling, but I stayed still, letting her work. The room was quiet save for the occasional soft hum from Hestia as she concentrated.

"Your stats..." she murmured, her voice trailing off.

"What about them?" I asked, craning my neck to look at her, though I couldn't see her expression.

"They're... well, they're good. Really good for someone just starting out." She sounded genuinely impressed, which only made me more curious. 

As Hestia finished placing her crest on my back, she sat back on her knees and took a deep breath, wiping a faint sheen of sweat from her brow. "Alright, all done. You're officially part of the Hestia Familia now, Amara."

"Thanks," I said softly, pulling my top back over my head and sitting up. The slight glow of the crest on my back faded, leaving only the sensation of warmth behind. I rolled my shoulders. "Feels... different," I added, half to myself.

Hestia's gaze lingered on me for a moment before she crossed her arms, her expression shifting into one of curiosity. "So... you've been here in Orario for what now?"

I nodded. "Just three days. It's been... eventful, to say the least."

She arched an eyebrow. "Three days, and you already have skills and abilities like these." Her tone was guarded, and her eyes narrowed slightly. "Amara, what exactly is going on with you? Your abilities, especially this 'Summon Monster' skill, are unlike anything I've ever seen....."

I swallowed, this was a conversation I couldn't avoid. "It's... complicated," I began, choosing my words carefully. "The truth is, I wasn't born in this world. I was... sent here by something, someone, really powerful. I don't even know who or what it was."

Hestia's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't interrupt. Her expression remained cautious, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze. I pressed on.

"Before I came here, I was in this... void. It was dark, cold, and empty, and then this being appeared. I couldn't see it, could barely understand it, but it told me I'd been chosen. It granted me a few abilities and then dropped me here in Orario."

Hestia leaned back slightly, her arms still crossed. "And this being, it just... gave you these powers? No strings attached?"

I hesitated, shaking my head. "I don't think so. It didn't ask for anything in return, but it also didn't explain much. All I know is that I have these abilities now."

Her gaze softened slightly, but the caution didn't leave her voice. "Your Summon Monster ability... What exactly does it do?"

I took a deep breath. "It allows me to summon monsters, but not in the way you'd think. They're not allies or pets. When I summon them, they appear as hostile entities, and their first instinct is to attack me."

Hestia's brow furrowed. "So, you have to fight them?"

"Exactly," I confirmed. "I have to defeat them to claim their shadow and harvest their remains. And sometimes..." I hesitated, glancing away. "Sometimes, they appear as what you'd call Monster Rexes. Or worse, mutated versions of them. If I'm unlucky, they could end up being more powerful than the strongest monsters in the Dungeon."

Her eyes widened in alarm. "Monster Rexes? And they target you?"

I nodded. "Yes. When they're summoned, they focus on me first, but others can fight them too. They're dangerous, but if I can defeat them, the rewards are... worth it."

Hestia stood abruptly, pacing the small room. Her expression was a mix of concern and frustration. "Amara, do you realize what you're saying? You're telling me you can summon creatures. Do you know how much danger that puts you in? How much danger that could put us in?"

I stood as well, meeting her gaze. "I know it's risky," I said firmly. "But it's also my greatest strength. If I can master this ability, I'll be able to protect myself and you, and Bell, and anyone else in the Familia that is to come."

She stopped pacing, her arms dropping to her sides. "You're not lying," she said quietly, her tone almost resigned. "I can see it in your eyes. But this ability... it's going to draw attention."

I nodded slowly. "I know. Aside from you, no one knows about my abilities."

Hestia sighed, rubbing her temples. "Amara, you're... something else." She looked up at me, her blue eyes searching mine. "I'll protect you, as your goddess. But you have to promise me you'll be careful. No reckless summoning, no drawing unnecessary attention. You've already got a target on your back just by existing. Let's not make it bigger."

I smiled faintly, appreciating her concern. "I promise, Lady Hestia."

Her lips quirked into a small smile, though the worry didn't leave her face entirely. "Alright. For now, focus on getting stronger in the Dungeon. But if anything changes, anything at all, you tell me immediately. Understood?"

"Understood," I replied.

She nodded, seeming satisfied for now. "Good. Welcome to the Familia, Amara. You're going to make things interesting, that's for sure."