Defiance: Sleepless night

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/Shaa…/

"..."

'Smoke clouded rose from the rubble vision, embers flared in the air…'

'It lasted only a moment, but it left behind a large scar.'

'One side of the room remained the same, the other one… Burned to cinders.'

'With the exception of a bed where 5 people laid, still sleeping, unaware of how close to death they had just been.'

"Huuuu…"

'In front of the bed, Phryne stood like a bolder, her skin was a little charred, no considerably so, smoking...'

'But she was still very much awake.'

'Although... Her expression was as furious as she could muster…'

'This was definitely by far, her angriest moment in all of her life.'

"You're sturdier than I thought."

'Opposite to her, Silver stood, his hand still pointing forward.'

As I thought, Plasmids won't work that well…

/Turn/

'Silver turned around, uninterested in this situation.'

'Everything he came here to do was done, there was no point in lingering here any further.'

"You…"

'Phryne, however, wasn't a very fan of that.'

'Such blatant disrespect... Was she supposed to leave it be?!'

'But she hesitated, her body was still up for a fight, but his actions proved it to her that he...'

'Could kill her.'

"COME BACK HERE!"

'Yet her anger was too much, blood rushed to her head when...'

/Tremble!/

"Huh?!"

'The tower started to shake, and it was obvious, half of this floor had been blasted away, stone, metal, everything...'

'It had lost most of its support.'

'Hanging by a tread, the upper corner of this tower was about to fall, and there was no one to stop it...'

'Wrong, there was indeed one person, but he cared little about it.'

'Due to this, Phryne was given a choice, to go after Silver, or to take Ishtar away to safety…'

'An unconscious and defenseless God like her would die if as much as a small stone were to hit her head a tad too hard...'

'Much less if a few floors worth of stone were to collapse on top of her.'

'If she returned to heaven just like that, then her blessing would seal itself, and then, the man that was just about to leave might think again about doing that...'

'So she also turned around, grabbing her from the bed, but only her.'

'The other hunks were nonimportant to her, which was rather cruel.'

'They literally had nothing to do with this...'

/Cracks… Crack…/

"Next time."

"I'll kill you myself." She said with a twisted glare as stones started to fall from the ceiling

'Some fell on her, others on the bed, she didn't care, it barely tickled her...'

"..."

I wonder who will end up dead…

'As he left, his eyes fell onto the bed.'

"Sigh."

I'll take this as my good action of the day.

'The 4 hunk dudes vanished from the bed.'

'Silver jumped from the window as well, disappearing mid fall…'

/CRACK!/

'The tip of the tower finally gave in, tilting to the side…'

'People all around gasped as the as it fell…'

/BOOOM!/

/SPLASH!/

'With a drop loud enough to wake up a quarter of Orario, the tower crashed onto the artificial lake surrounding Ishtar's Familia home…'

"ZZzzz…"

'And the woman in question still slept in Phryne's arms… Unaware of what had just befallen her.'

…

/Back in the Hearth Manor…/

/Creak…/

/Thud!/

'Silver crossed the magical door, tumbling down onto a small table next to his bed, almost dropping down the things above it.'

"Huff… I went a tad overboard there…"

Arrg… This damn headache.

'Mind Zero, although it's usually triggered when someone utilizes too much Mind over long periods of time, though it can also happen when too much of it is used at once.'

'It isn't strange for fully rested mages to fall unconscious after doing one singular attack due to trying too hard.'

My whole body's stiff…

'He raised his hands in front of his face.'

'They were fully carbonized, with parts of his bone showing.'

'Broken metal tubes rose and disappeared from and into his flesh.'

'The side effects of his Plasmid, the severe physical alteration that followed…'

"It doesn't hurt, but it'll take a while to get back to normal."

It isn't impossible to hurt myself due to my own Plasmids.

This happened before during the War game, and many times before in the Dungeon as well.

It does bother me a little... Can't let anyone see me like this.

'The patches of charred muscle and skin were healing to the naked eye, but it would take a good minute for them to go back to what they were supposed to look like.'

'So Silver took off his clothes with some difficulty, considering he couldn't use his hands nor his Plasmids for the sake of a quick recovery, making his way to the bathroom to soak in water for a few minutes…'

…

/Splash…/

"Haa…."

'Silver let his body sink, resting his head on the side of the bathtub.'

"I used a lot of power there…" He mumbled as he raised his still-transformed hand

And yet, Phryne only received medium burns, perhaps a few severe ones.

Though it's nothing for her, she would be able to fight.

She may be a fat one, but she's still an Amazon.

"Regardless…"

I'm reaching it.

The true form of my Plasmids, how they should've been from the beginning.

My Magic stat is so high right now, the power behind even a single zap of electricity packs quite the punch.

Although this buff will eventually dissipate… And I'll return to Level 3.

Once I reach Level 4 myself, things will change.

And from then on...

"I'll surpass my old self… For good now."

Perhaps not in scope, but in overall capabilities…

/Chuckle.../

'He let out a dry laugh, let some water splash on his face.'

Well… Dreaming isn't bad…

'Silver let his head sink in the warm water…'

…

/Sometime later…/

/BAM!/

"Ahhh ahhh! Please! I said it already, I don't know anything about it!" Hermes pleaded to the goddess in front of him

My poor table... It has suffered so many beatings today...

"Don't play around with me Hermes!" She exclaimed

"Please listen…"

…

'Time passed, and Hermes finally managed to drive away the angry God from his home…'

"HAAAA… Can't I have a rest already?..."

Again and again... Why do people come to me?

I was sleeping too okay?!

'He laid back on his chair, tilting it as he looked through his window.'

Couldn't it have happened after my rare full night of sleep?

Perhaps I should retire...

/Knock knock…/

'Hermes' expression twisted.'

"I'm done! Leave me alone…"

'He almost cried...'

"It's me."

'The voice was a bit dark, and it was hard to distinguish if it was a man or a woman…'

'Upon hearing that voice, however, Hermes' threw away his tiredness.'

'Even so, he didn't open the door, and instead, got his chair back in place, pulling his head up.'

"... To find me first… That's rare."

It was only a matter of time before Ouranos made his move.

"Don't joke around Hermes, this isn't the time to play around."

"I know."

"Since you're here, should I just have them back?"

It's strange for Ouranos to contact me first.

This means... He's somewhat aware of what happened.

That was faster than expected, though it raises the question of how.

He isn't the Supreme one for nothing...

"No… Keep them busy, there is much to learn and understand about the intricacies surrounding this situation."

"Besides, others would find it strange were you to pull your forces now of all times."

"Everyone's eyes and ears are open wide, it would be hard to act undercover, so let them be."

"Instead, I need you to do something for me…"

"Hm?"

More work?...

"Can we leave it to tomorrow...?"

"I have an inkling that won't be possible... As we speak, the Guild is preparing to host it..."

"Ahh..."

Work... I'll leave it to Asfi.

'A meeting between two shadows in the middle of the night.'

'Their conversation went on for a few more minutes before both parted ways, one meddled back onto the shadows, the other wanted this to end already...'

'But the night was long…'

…

"This is driving me… NUTS!!!" Loki exclaimed as she pulled her hair

"Is Ana still not back from the Guild?!"

/Slam!/

'Loki hit her tiny fists on her office table.'

Worst of all, they're still in the Dungeon!

What should I do about this shitty situation?

"Sign..."

I've become so pathetic...

Since when did I need the help of others to do such simple work?

'Loki raised her head, light flashing within them.'

"Time to do some private investigations..."

But first, I should wait for Ana to come back with the Guild's response.

"Hm... No."

I'll ask that old fart myself!

And I'll show him if he refuses to meet me!

'Loki stormed out of the office, dragging someone with her.'

…

'While Orario woke up a bit sooner than usual, going into chaos, Silver scrubbed his ass with a towel.'

"Going traditional every once in a while isn't bad."

I feel better already.

'With a nice bath and smelling fresh, Silver left the bathroom after brushing his teeth and putting on some Pajamas.'

'He then left his own room, and without anyone noticing, invaded Hestia's room, taking a spot next to her.'

"Mnm…"

'Noticing his presence, the sleepy Goddess just hugged him, still lost in her own dreams.'

'And he did the same.'

'He would care about those problems, tomorrow.'

…

/Chirp!/

/Chirp!/

"Mnm..."

'With the beautiful sounds of the birds, Silver opened his eyes to a new, beautiful morning.'

/ZZZZzzz/

'Hestia still slept by his side, with her back facing down, she snored slightly.'

"..."

'Silver got up from the bed, staring at the outside from the window of his room.'

'He could see the back garden in all of its glory, and even a few ducks here and there.'

'Instead of enjoying the view, he quickly walked to the office on the other side of the Manor, stopping only to put on some clothes.'

'It was still a bit over 5 and a half Am and the sun was still slightly pink.'

"Hm?"

'Midway through his walk, he stoped, looking at his right.'

Below me...

Heh.

These kids sure are energetic.

'Silver could tell that one of the triplets was already awake, making his way across the corridors to go train in the forest.'

He wakes up around 5am, trains until 6:30, eats with his brothers, and then goes to the Dungeon with his team around 10am...

When he comes back, he rests a little in the Library or reads some other interesting books before spending the rest of the time until dinner training.

He'll become a great adventurer, and just like his brothers, it seems he'll Level up within a year.

Only the best of the best can do that.

"I wonder where his and his brother's limits lie..."

'With a small smile, Silver continued.'

...

/Another hour later.../

'The people were finally waking up, and this included Daphne, the one who was acting as the Vice Captain of the Familia.'

'At first, she was against it, but after a few months in charge, she grew fond of her position.'

'Perhaps because in here, she was free, and the people around her were all people she would love to spend time with.'

'As such, from a job she previously hated, she started to feel that it wasn't that bad...'

'Although she still holds some grudges for her Captain to have pushed her to this... Even if in a very sneaky way...'

/ZZZzzz/

'Unlike Silver and Hestia, Daphne didn't live alone, instead, she shared a room with a certain blue-haired prophet who liked to sleep topless...'

"Mnmm..."

'Although... It seemed that yet again, she was having some really bad dreams... Just what kind of nonsense would she bring today?'

/Knock knock.../

"Huh?"

Someone's at the door?

'Daphne was still getting ready, but considering she was in the female dormitory, she opened the door without much fear...'

"Is it you Igva? I'm almost up..."

"..."

'It wasn't Igva...'

'In front of her was a man, one of the only four in the entire Familia, and the only one over 17.'

'His expression was pretty awkward, though his expression did not move away from her eyes.'

"Oh... It's you Captain." She replied without much fluster

'Daphne was indeed a serious woman, such a thing didn't phase her...'

'Although it would be a lie to say she didn't mind, of course, she did, regardless, she understood it was her fault for opening the door so suddenly despite him knocking in it first.'

"Sorry for coming so soon in the morning, it'll be quick, but I don't mind waiting a little bit, especially since..."

"ZZzzz..."

"I wouldn't want to bother her." He said with a small smile

"I... Give me a sec." She said as she closed the door lightly

/Clack.../

"... Phew."

I almost slapped him out of instinct...

'It's not like this was the first time someone had suddenly appeared in front of her like that.'

'Back in the Apollo Familia, boys would often try to peak on her and Cassandra, this included Apollo himself, albeit he was much more... Direct.'

'He would often appear in front of their room to see their Pajamas and then proceed to say some long nonsense just so he could have a few glances...'

'And one time a boy tried to peep through the lock hole, so she just slapped him away.'

"No Daphne... You're not in that place anymore..." She said to herself as she shook her head

...

'In no time at all, she put on a simple shirt and a pair of shorts.'

'Albeit her hair was still disheveled, and her appearance was in no way ideal, she still had a certain unique beauty and charm.'

'But Silver only appreciated this for a moment, he had to relay his orders before leaving... He can't leave his guests waiting.'

"Once again, sorry for coming all the way here so early in the morning."

"There's a first time for everything..."

I'm already happy you knocked...

"In any case... Take these for now." Silver said as he gave her some papers

"Pa... Pers?... Well... This isn't the worst gift I ever received, but certainly not the best." She joked with a half smile

'It was a bit rare of her to joke, but it has become a bit more common recently.'

'Slowly, she broke free of her silent and cold personality she grew in order to survive in the Apollo Familia, becoming someone she could be proud of.'

"Don't say that... It's not work... Kind of." Silver replied as he scratched his head

'His expression then became a bit more somber.'

"First... I'll ask you to keep everyone inside the Manor today."

"Wh-What?"

'His words greatly surprised her.'

"Look... It's a bit too complicated to say it here, 6:30 am in the middle of the corridor of the Girls' wing of the Manor ."

"So let me be frank with you... You all deserve it after all."

'Silver was truly sorry and apologetic, and most importantly, he felt disappointed in himself as this time, he did something that impacted everyone, not only himself.'

'It's normal for this to happen over time since, as his fame and power grow, what he does will eventually affect more people regardless of his intentions.'

'But this time, things are a bit different...'

"Soon enough, you and everyone will understand what's happening, and I'll also properly explain myself... But for now, I need to go with Hestia to Babel..."

"Babel? Wasn't the Danatus like..."

"Indeed. But I believe today there'll be an exception."

"Because I caused quite the commotion you see..."

"Commotion?... Everything was fine till yesterday..."

You even waved me goodnight as if nothing had happened...

Did anything happen from that time to now?

'Memories started to play inside Daphne's mind, hadn't she seen something similar before?...'

'That's right, when Apollo...'

"Is it...?"

"I'm unsure of what you're thinking, but at the same time, I believe you have hit the bullseye." He replied with a depreciating smile

"Though I'll leave, this won't mean I'll leave you hanging."

'He lifted the papers to her again, saying:'

"I've written a mostly detailed debrief of what has happened, it isn't very long, and most of it is mostly... Pre-made answers."

"Answers?"

"In case people started asking questions... Don't look at me like that, I didn't make any crimes... Depending on the angle you look at it."

"..."

That doesn't sound very convincing...

"Cough!... In any case... I hope you take a look at it first... Alone."

"Whats in there... Isn't something you should show to others that easily, you see when you read it."

"You're making me regret even grabbing it..."

"Heh... If that's the case, then just wait for me, I'll explain everything."

"Normally, I wouldn't like you all to see this ugly side of me... But at the same time..."

"We are a Familia." Cassandra said from the side, moving to the bed with wide eyes

"Cassandra?"

"..."

'The woman with blue hair gazed at Silver, her expression a bit dark.'

/Step.../

'She took a step, moving past Daphne, and next to Silver.'

'Her eyes carried faint tears, as if she knew something Daphne didn't...'

"Why do you pull yourself so hard?..."

"I..."

Is she a mind reader or a Prophet?

Haha...

"Because I... Failed the most basic duty of a Captain... And that is to take others into consideration."

'Cassandra nodded, not refuting his words.'

"That is true... A Familia is... The Familia you want to make that is true to its name... A home for all."

"But a Captain also carries the responsibility of making the right decisions... Even in the darkest and heaviest of times."

"We'll follow you, do not underestimate us, do not brush off our resolve." She said with a rare frown

'Today, perhaps because it was one of the few times she had actually managed to see him before the time of her prophecy, Cassandra let out the emotions she so desperately wanted to say.'

'But it was when she realized she was holding his face that she realize how close she was... And she immediately became flustered.'

"I-It may have been short... But the time we spent together made me Uhh... Un-Understand how serious you are..."

"So uh... Don't think we would see you unfavorably just because of this!"

"Do not pull yourself down, I know everyone else will understand it."

"..."

Sigh.

'With a small breath, Silver smiled as he looked at her, before giving her a small pat.'

"You win."

"?!..."

'Cassandra's face turned red, but she was also smiling.'

'The mood was good, but suddenly...'

"EEEK!"

'Cassandra crouched on the ground with a loud pitched scream, covering herself...'

'With a fully crimson face, she turned into a stone, unable to move.'

'Daphne let out a sigh.'

'She grabbed her friend's shoulder and pulled her back inside, saying:'

"Apologies Captain, but Daphne didn't sleep well tonight... So..."

"Don't worry about me... I'll be back soon to discuss this later."

"Good! Bye!"

/CLACK!/

'Daphne hastily closed the door, and with it, whispers came from within.'

"..."

'Though Silver wasn't the kind of guy to peep on their conversation, so he turned around, and left, this time, he went back up again to fetch up a Goddess.'

'Meanwhile, back in Daphne's room.'

"For a moment there I thought you were going to confess."

"AHHHHH! Sh-Stoooop! It wasn't like that! I was being serious you know!" Cassandra replied as she buried her face in her pillows

How could I forget that?!

"Really now? Why didn't you just continue? You were so close I thought you were going to steal a kiss, might've as well done it..."

/THUD!/

"Shut up!"

'Like a little girl, Cassandra ran to the side bathroom and closed the door, locking herself inside.'

"..."

Did I push her too far?

Well... It was very fun.

I never saw those reactions, and it was the first time she ever told me to shut up...

But... It's not like I don't understand where's she coming from.

'Daphne paused, thinking for herself about the moments she spent with him...'

'His serious expressions when teaching them to his...'

/SHAKE!/

"Uh... What am I thinking off now?..."

'Her attention was drawn to the papers.'

"I have a bad feeling about this..."

For now... I'll wait for Cassandra to cool off before eating some breakfast and warning everyone not to leave...

I would like to do it now, but my appearance is...

"Sigh... Cassandra!..."

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