Loki's Renard

Arc 1 Chapter 5 - First Steps

Hey there guys, Striker777 here with the next chapter of Loki's Renard. I know, right? How the hell is this guy putting out so many chapters so quickly?

It's because I have no life outside this at the moment since I'm off work and uni for the next while.

Anyway, be sure to vote and all that, but for now, onto the story.

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Riveria walked up the final staircase, leading back to the surface from Floor 1. It had taken the Loki Familia slightly longer than they expected to gather all the needed materials, as some of the drops had been incredibly rare. But at least both the Dian Cecht Familia and the Hephaestus Familia were in their debt once more. That would certainly make procuring new weapons and potions much easier for the next time the Familia wanted to go into the dungeon on an expedition. Riveria, on the other hand, had something entirely different on her mind.

"Oi, Riveria, frown any more any you'll finally begin looking your age!" exclaimed Gareth with a hearty laugh. The glare sent his way from the high elf did nothing to deter him. "Oh come on, you've been frowning the entire time we've been in the Dungeon. We all know you're missing Akihide, but lose the frown or get the wrinkles that come with it."

Riveria sighed. "I'm... It's not like that, Gareth." she tried to explain. "I'm just concerned he's made a fool out of the Familia without me there to keep him in check. Loki might've rubbed off on him too much too, and the last thing we need is another Loki wandering around."

"You just miss the young lad, like any good Mama would." shot back Gareth with a grin.

"Who are you calling Mama?" demanded Riveria.

Finn sighed, knowing Gareth was probably correct in his assessment. However, he also knew the dangers of crossing Riveria. "Gareth, let's just get back to the surface first. We can discuss this later." muttered the pallum leader.

Gareth let it go, muttering something about cowardice and being scared of Riveria. He was right, of course, but Finn wasn't going to tell him that. Riveria huffed in annoyance, but let the subject go. Finn smiled to himself, the peace had been kept for just a little while longer. That was an absolute win, at least for the moment.

The group ventured out of the Dungeon, finally reaching Babel. Making their way out of the building, they run right into Loki, smirking as she made her way to her children. "Welcome back everyone, did you have fun?" she asked, excitement in her voice as she looked at a few of their female adventurers, beginning to do that distrubing thing with her hands that made even Riveria feel on edge around her.

"The expedition was a success." offered Finn, greeting his old friend and goddess. "Dian Cecht and Hephaestus Familias have all their materials, and we're reaping the benefits the next time we go into the Dungeon."

"Wonderful!" cried Loki. "This is the second happiest I've been today! Sorry, but you lost to Aki-chan!"

That got some attention. "Akihide? What happened?" asked Riveria, ignoring the smug look from Gareth. "What did you do to him Loki?"

Loki only smirked. "Come and I'll show you." she said, turning around and walking away. Finn decided to humor her, dismissing the others and following her, along with Gareth and Riveria. "He's going to be sparing against the newest member of the Astraea Familia today, Ryuu Lion. They've been practicing together for the past week, so they've been very competative with one another." explained Loki to the Familia members who had been absent for the better part of a month in the Dungeon. "It'll be a good way for you guys to see where he's at now that you're back."