At around the same time that Hera, and Zeus were getting settled in, Orario had already begun to change in substantive ways. Evilus had begun taking action far more frequently, and significantly more boldly.
Finn looked over his notes, and all the reports about what was going on with the city. "This looks random. But perhaps it's not…" His thumb quivered. "What do you think?"
"If you can't figure it out, how do you expect this bucket of rust to figure it out?" Noir chuckled. "Perhaps Loki might have some insight she'd be willing to share with you. A god's intuition is much better than mine."
"Ack! Come on, can't a lady get her drink on."
"Loki, what do you make of this situation? At first glance it feels random, but the one I managed to meet, Valletta, didn't seem this random, even if she was utterly insane."
"Hmm, perhaps they aren't exactly unified under a leader? That or, they were simply too scared before, and now feel far more comfortable acting out in the open."
"So, we're weak then."
"Comparatively, yes. Even I know that." Bara stated with confidence, snatching the soma from the table. "Well, I'm out."
"Where are you going? To see that boy?"
"Yeah, I figure it's been long enough now, I need to know why he hated me so much more than everyone else."
Loki shut up, seemingly knowing a little something. Bara noticed it, but didn't pay it any attention, and headed for the guild.
"Loki, what exactly is that boy? He managed to put all of us to the ground, and I got the sense he was actually holding back." Dain asked, in his gruff tone, slightly serious, reaching for what was now an empty bottle. "Blasted Amazon!"
"I don't know much, but surely, there are more than enough hints so far. Maybe Kali knows a little something… I should send her a letter."
Finn's eyes narrowed. "Dain, Noir, I need you to come with me tonight. I think this place right here will be attacked next."
…
The guild hall, jam packed with a flood of people, each trying to find suitable work for themselves and their parties. Ever since Zald and the others left to fight the 3 great quests, it had been a busy day, every day. The guild had to hire more helpers, and even issue guard duties to the Ganesha familia to help alleviate the issues.
"Wow, it really never settles down. I could hunt for my meal tonight… No, I'm here for important business."
"Hmm? A member of the Loki familia? Everyone clear the way."
The awkward moment was not lost on everyone.
"Hey, isn't she the one of them that drove Hera, and Zeus out of the city?"
"Yeah, not an easy task."
"Hey man, I was there that day. They actually killed one of Zeus familia's members, I think the guy's name was Alraj."
"Oh yeah, I saw that burial as well. I thought it was symbolic though."
"No, no. That's not it, the craziest part was what happened after. A kid came in like a shooting star, and toppled the whole combined force in a howling rage."
Bara glared at the whispering ones. "Keep talking like that and I'll break your pelvis." She then arrived at the counter. "Hey, I need some information. In a private room."
"Uh, yes miss Bara. Private room 2 is open right now. The guild master will be with you shortly, He's currently dealing with an important client in room 1."
That same door opened, and out walked Shurry, when his nose caught a whiff. "You evil woman! Trying to come after like this…"
"Wait, evil woman? Bara? But she's one of the city's heroes right?"
"Maybe that boy is with evilus-"
"HOW DARE YOU MAKE THAT CLAIM!" Shurry's eyes lit with a fury upon hearing such a horribly backwards thought. "Evil woman, you stay the hell away from me!" He shouted back and left.
Bara noticed the earring. "Wait, that earring… Is it Telskyurian?"
"What else does it look like? Stop wasting my time." He left the guild, carrying with him his money.
Bara was left utterly confused… "Guild master Royman, I need answers."
Royman shrugged. "I haven't the foggiest idea of what you could mean. Even if you are in one of the strongest familias, privacy is rather important."
"Really now?"
A little later, and after some… Pelvic style convincing, Royman had spilled the beans of everything he'd managed to find out about Shurry.
"Damn, no wonder why he hates me so much. Guess I can't really blame him now that I know this."
…
"Ottar! Oh Ottar! Yes, like that!" Freya exclaimed, breaking in her new bed at the top of Bable. "You're a level 6 alright. How do you feel?"
"I feel fine."
Freya scowled. "Alright, that's enough bed breaking for now." She said slipping off, and then out of the bed. Looking down on the city below, she swirled some wine. "How has the culling of Evilus' factions gone?"
"Not good, milady."
"I see, their members must be close in level, and in number to our own." She said, then took a seduction sip of her wine, slowly swallowing… "Well then, is there any chance that Hathor's members are in on it?"
"The boy would have culled them by now if there were any."
"That would leave Ganesha, and there's no way he'd allow that to happen. Maybe he knows more about what's going on. He did work with Zeus and Hera on occasion… How did he manage to convince them of that?"
"I don't know." Ottar said, dawning his equipment again.
At the same time, Freya's eyes saw Shurry's soul in full view, for the first time. "What is he? That soul is so interesting. I want him. But… I'd have to beat him to do that-"
"I apologize for my weakness. I'll get stronger."
"I'm not blaming you. I don't know how to beat him. Maybe it would take one of those legendary monsters?
…
Shurry returned home, donated the proper proportions of money to the familia, and then a little bit more specifically to the food fund. His appetite had radically fallen after the events a few days ago, but that didn't mean his nearly endless stomach wasn't still a huge hole to fill. He ate a lot, but it was far more manageable an amount than it was before. It also provided the required food services to his ever growing pack, which he now carried with him wherever he went.
…