Chapter 77

Bathing, was pure bliss. Even more so, because our Goddess was sitting between Haruhime and I. It might not sound like much, here in the city of Gods and Goddesses. But, it felt special, to have Her act like just another person. No high and mighty act. No attempts to command us to do silly things.

I think, that was part of her 'aspect'. Hearth and home. She just wanted our home to be... Home. Nothing fancy. Just a happy place.

She was also fascinated by Haruhime and I's bellies, resting Her head on them and listening.

Looking over Hestia's head, I asked, "Did you want to tell Her?"

"Hm?" Hestia lifted her head off my belly, Her hair tickling the stretched skin. "Tell me what?"

"Here." Haruhime took Hestia's hand, then the other, and placed them over her own belly. "See if you can tell."

A pause, as Hestia's little hands roamed over Haruhime's swell. "Wait... one... two?"

"Three." I said. "Each."

Eyes wide, Hestia, for lack of a better word, 'squee'ed' and gave us both a hug. "It's going to be so busy around here, when the time comes."

"Yes it will." I said, "We have some things to get done before hand as well, but, later. This bath... so nice."

Lilly entered then, along with Mikoto and Asuka. "Some one's happy?" Asuka asked, sitting at one of the shower stalls and turning on the water. "Oh... running water, how I missed you."

"Lilly liked the... sauna?"

"Hm. Very relaxing." Mikoto added. "Not as good as this however." She lowered herself into our huge bath with something close to a purr.

"Maybe when we have some time, we can make one next to the pool." I said, "And yes, I told Lady Hestia about how much Ha-chan and I are carrying." I wiggled a little closer to Hestia, "Oh... We also picked up a short dozen new orphans... Be gentle with them. They are former slaves and... well..." I sighed, "They were treated poorly, and can't speak."

Hestia went a little pale, but nodded, and Haruhime added, "We are going to ask Naaza about how to properly restore what was lost."

"I will give them my best smiles." Hestia said.

"All your smiles are the best though." I said with a grin.

"Is that pasta I smell?" Bell said, entering the kitchen, "Miss Kodori!" without hesitation, he came over and hugged me carefully, then stood beside me and helped me cut up more vegetables. "We missed you, while you were gone."

"Well little brother, we had a busy time." I replied, "Lots to talk about after dinner. But for now, its good to be home." I put down my knife, and ruffled his hair, "Oh I missed doing that."

He laughed, shaking his head to clear the hair from his eyes, "I'm going to ask Miss Chigusa to trim it later I think... It's starting to get shaggy." He scooped up a pile of cut veggies and put them into the sauce I had simmering, "Hermes is gone, isn't he?"

"Yes."

"Miss Aisha was by a few days ago. She said Hermes Familia is... how did she say it? Really messed up." Bell sighed, "How about Miss Asfi?"

"Hopefully, helping Marius... King Marius, in Rakia."

"Oh! I'll have to write a letter then..."

"He'd like that. And this time, no one will mess with it."

"So, yeah... Aside from welcoming our newest little pile of orphans," I looked down the table, at the ten new kids who were happily nibbling on fresh baked bread and vegetables. We didn't know how they would handle 'fancy' food right now, so we were sticking with what we knew they could eat for now. "That was how our trip went."

"Wow... You guys really had a time of it." Ouka said, scratching his head, "Well, I guess our time here was... kinda plain."

"We met with the Xenos again." Chigusa said, "they wanted to say 'congratulations' again, for your wedding."

"I'll use the occulus later then." I said, "So... Now that we've made the mess, we are going to have to explain to the right people why." I looked to Takemikazuchi, "Hermes is going to get one more jab in, with all the paper work you're going to have to do."

"I regret... nothing." Takemikazuchi said firmly, making everyone shiver a little.

"Did you want me to go to Mr. Royman?" Bell asked, "With your idea?"

"No. I'm not immobile yet, though, if you wanted to come with me, I wouldn't say no." I replied, getting a chuckle from around the room.

"Back to work tomorrow then?" Welf asked, "I'm going to have to clean out the forge... what a pain."

I felt something brush my foot, and looked down to see Chime, now the size of my two hands together. I used a tail to scoop her up off the floor and put her on my belly. "Think your old man will figure out 'ko-steel' without blowing anything up?"

"No." Welf grinned, "But that's half the fun."

"No burning your hair." Haruhime said, reaching over and petting Chime, who was gently pawing my tummy with every little kick my kids were giving her.

"The Hime's are going to be busy soon." Mikoto said, "Takemikazuchi Familia is familiar with raising children, if you want some help planning ahead?"

"Yes please." Haruhime and I said together.

"Kodori Haruhime. Bell Cranell." Ouranos looked down at us from his massive chair, "You look well."

Bell was trying to look at everything all at once. Royman had let us in with hardly a word, and from the second we started down the long set of secret stairs, he had been captivated by just how odd this place was. I gave him a nudge to get him to focus. "I feel well enough, considering." My hands wandered about on my belly, once again trying to move an elbow or knee. "I'm sorry, but we could no longer ignore Him."

"I read all of the reports you have submitted to Royman. What did Hermes finally do, to warrant this?" He frowned, but lifted a hand, "Also, you may both approach."

They both listened as I told the story of Hermes basically trying to incite yet another war with Rakia, and how He personally had murdered the King. Ouranos simply listened, eyes closed as if He already knew, yet had to hear it.

"I understand." He said finally, opening his eyes. "This however leaves a problem. Orario relied on Hermes Familia for many things the Guild... didn't have a way to deal with."

"I already thought of that." I said, both Bell and Ouranos raising an eyebrow at me. "What? I can't go to the dungeon like this, and driving a wagon is very dull."

"What is this idea then?"

"Respectfully. Don't you think it's time you stopped being so idle?" I said, "Hear me out, Lord Ouranos. You have now, two tools ready to use. The Xenos, who tell me have been getting fewer and fewer screams of terror from various dungeon goers. And now, Hermes Familia, who aren't much for the dungeon, but love the freedom of movement that Hermes gave them. For some one who is a neutral party, like yourself, don't you think you should have a little more reach?"

"Since I came to sit here, in this place, to keep the dungeon from running wild, my power is one of taking no sides. Like the Guild." He frowned, "If I were to have a Familia, it may upset the balance."

Bell was looking worried, almost panicked, as I argued my point to the single most 'powerful' God in the city, "It's that attitude that lets people get away with things. If you offered the former Hermes Familia a hand, you would have a bunch of people who are good at being subtle, like Fels. Except they could actually be seen topside. And be able to defend themselves, unlike the Guild if some one gets rough. If you don't make that offer to them, they will either leave, denying you the asset, or, join someone else, and maybe one day using it against you."

I could see His face become thoughtful, so I pressed a little more, "I've spoken with some of them. They are the only Familia I can think of who can do what they do. That includes delivering the mail to far off places."

"I see your point, Kodori." Ouranos boomed, "Perhaps it is time for me to do something more than sit here. And maybe, the information I get from Hermes Familia, won't be... missing the important bits." He tilted his head back, and looked up at the darkness above, "Tell Royman I'd like to see him."

"Very well." I bowed, somewhat awkwardly, and Bell followed suit.

"And, I'd like to play chess with you once day." He looked at me, "You might be better than Hermes."

"If I have time, some time this week. Much later, and I might not be able to make the steps."

"I..." Bell started, as we walked towards the market square, "You just have this confidence."

"Oh, is it time for more Kodori being wise?" I ruffled his hair, he laughed and accepted his fate, "I will tell you a saying from where I'm from. 'You are who you know'. Before you think on that, think about who we know. Who we've been involved with, who we've done favours for, or who we have owed favours to."

He scratched his head, then tried to use his fingers to fight his hair back into some kind of order. He didn't reply for a moment or two more, then, "It's... a lot. Isn't it?"

"For the most part, we have been involved with every major player in the city. Loki respects our strength, even if we are still a very small Familia. Freya, while not owing us anything, looks at us favourably." A little too favourably, brr. "Hephaestus is friends with Hestia, and Welf and I deal with Her directly on occasion as well. The Guild knows and respects us. The Hostess of Fertility, aside from being my first family, really likes you too." I give him a light tap in the shoulder, "This doesn't count all the minor Familia and Familia members we've helped out in the dungeon, simply because we were there to do so. Even Ganesha, who is by far the most popular Familia, has said they owe us, and count us as friends."

"So... If we knew nobody... We are nobodies... But wow... We do know a lot of people." Bell chuckled, "You think about things a lot, don't you?"

"It's not like I did it all alone you know. You and that immense talent of yours. As well as your true hero personality... Bell, do you remember what I said to you? Almost two years ago?"

"Which one?" He grinned, "Wait... Let me guess..." He held his chin, thinking, "Grow, but do not change."

"Gold star for you." I said, "That's exactly it." I wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "Hermes was an idiot, for thinking you needed help to be a hero."

"So what are we here to get?" He asked after I let him go.

"Almost all the things." I replied, handing him the list. "I hope you've been busy in the dungeon."

"Well Naaza?" I asked, as she turned off the little magic stone light, and gave the young elf a pat on the head to get her to close her mouth.

"Well... It won't be difficult, but it won't be very comfortable either." She said, "Some are even worse, but I think it's possible."

"So what's the bad news?" I asked, letting the girl pat my tails while I talked to Naaza.

"It will be a little painful, and it might take a little work to restore function for some." She also pet one of my tails, "The one with the limp for example, or the one with the bent back."

"I expected that. Can you mix something strong enough, if I called the surgeon? Like you did with me?"

"Yes, aside from cost." Her tail swished once, "I'll have a list for Bell, for things I'll need in the dungeon. "Since the wounds are long since healed, it will need something a little different. Thanks to your little inventions, I've tried something new... I might even be able to restore my arm, but it wouldn't be healing... More like... regrowing."

My eyes widened, and the little girl made a noise as my tails wrapped around her. I gave her a pat on the head as I took my tails back, "That's impressive. But I suppose you'd have to learn to use your arm again, if you did."

"Yes. Something like a tongue or fingers wouldn't be so bad. Slower, but they have time, before they might want to be adventurers, right?" She ruffled the girls hair. "You can go now, if you want." She told her.

Instead of leaving, she gave Naaza a hug, her little arms hardly making it around the chemist, then she left the infirmary with a smile and a wave.

"Well then. Seems you have an admirer." I said, "oh... Um... Something I might need a hand with, Ha-chan too..."

"Oh?" She seemed a little embarrassed by the hug, "Wuzzat?"

"Well... We're expecting triplets."

"Suppose I can't lay down for this right now." I said, unable to even sit in The Chair (3.0) in Hestia's room. I contented myself to sit at the foot of the bed instead, as Hestia knelt behind me.

Wiene was here too, my tap at the door for a status update interrupting reading time. Now, she was standing in front of me, her cool hands on my belly, giggling every time she felt a little kick. "I feel them." She mumbled, "It's strange... But..." the dragon girl sat in The Chair (3.0) What's it like?"

"Would you like the simple answer? Or the complicated one?" I replied, still not having undone my house robe.

"Hm... Simple one."

"It's like waiting for something to be done, that you really want. Like baking, or mixing potions, or even waiting for dinner, even though it's still the morning." She giggled, but I held up a hand, "It's not all good. All of my insides have been moved around to make room. So I can't eat as much at once, but I have to eat more, to help them grow. I can't drink as much, even though I have to drink more. And my body has been getting ready for after they are born too. So I have to wear something extra in my bra while I'm out, or I'll make a mess of my top." I reached out to boop her nose, but stopped and put my palm over her cheek. "Mostly, I feel excited, if a little uncomfortable at times."

Wiene leaned into my palm, closing her eyes and holding my hand. It reminded me of a cat. Hestia made a little 'ahem' behind me, so I undid the tie on my robe and reached back to lift my sport bra up, wincing as it didn't slide, so much as 'snap' over my much more sensitive breasts. "ow... Going to need a bigger one for a while too." I mumbled, "Oh, before you update, can you scratch my back a little?"

"Such a spoiled child." Hestia said, scratching the exact middle of my back, "Oh, I wonder if your children will purr too."

"hope so..." I tried not to slump forward off the bed and onto to floor, but the relief was just so nice.

"Okay..." She gave my back a little pat, then I heard the night stand drawer open, and a moment later, felt the warm sensation of my accumulated 'exillia' mixing with Her divine blood, a little bit of heat sort of sifting out from just under my skin. "It's been about two years now..." She said, the ruffle of paper then a second flash of heat as my status was copied, "But, congratulations, again." She knelt behind me and perched on my shoulder as She passed the paper to me.

Kodori Level: 45

Power: 862 901 0

Endurance: 999 999 0

Dexterity: 856 885 0

Agility: 839 871 0

Magic: 999 999 0

Congenital Magic: Self Re-enforcement

Through will alone, boost basic stats and magic resistance.

-Home of the Goddess: Uses Congenital magic to grant natural armour.

-Judgement of the Goddess: Uses Congenital magic to grant increased strength.

Boost is greater in the defence of others.

-Guardian of the Gardens: Additive spell, summons multiple manifestations

-Call of the Goddess: Uses Congenital magic to grant increased dexterity and agility.

Congenital Magic: Outer manifestation

Creates manifestations of will. Greater magic use increases power.

Curse: Weapon's Bane

Weapons used to attack will break upon impact.

Titan's grip

Grants an unbreakable grip.

Titan's stance

Becomes immovable when Titan's grip is active.

Kitsune Manifestation

Grants bestial form.

Grants a boost in all stats.

May lose control.

May also be manifested.

Blood Alpha

Founder of an original bloodline, all manifestations increase in ability, mana cost becomes more efficient.

Fire resistance

Is immune to most normal fire, and some magical fire.

Mage: C B

Crafting: D C

Abnormal Resistance E

Development Choices

Strong defence

Fist Fighter

Spirit Healing

Blacksmith

Mixing

Mystery

Metalworking

Magic Resistance

"Oh my... Honestly, I expected the level. But... This list of skills here..." I read the paper easily now, a far cry when I had to mumble read all the time. "It's... Kind of amazing."

"Would you like some time to think on it?" Hestia asked, Her hands playing with my ears lightly, "I'm so glad you haven't had your hair burn off again... your ears are much nicer when they are fluffy."

"I'm on holiday, so, no rush." I replied, looking over my paper, before something dribbled on it. "Oh, guess I should cover up again... Sigh..."

A few weeks went by, both Haruhime and I swelling even further. For me, being so tall compared to most, I simply looked 'very pregnant'. Haruhime, who was a head shorter than me, looked 'adorably massive'. Even with her status, the strength she had gained through effort and encouragement, she was very close to being unable to move about freely. You wouldn't think being unable to see the stairs as you went down them to be a big deal, but it really is.

That's not to say we were miserable. Bell and the others still went to the dungeon, but they took turns keeping us company through the day. We both insisted they didn't need to, but, it was brushed off with a 'it's no trouble'. Astraea and Ryuu visited as well, the two of them surprised at how large we had gotten. They even cooked for us that evening, saving me from standing too long, even if it was pasta night.

My chess game with Ouranos ended as a stalemate. Twice. The third game was put on hold when Royman came down the steps with a familiar red vested Chienthrope. When I gave Ouranos a raised eyebrow, He returned with a small smile.

Then... There was Aisha.

"Wow Fox. You're... big." As usual, the Amazon was just as blunt with me as always, but she was smiling when she gave me a kiss on the forehead and a light pat on the belly. "Hime?"

"Reading in the living room." I replied, "Most everyone else is in the dungeon."

"W...oo dis?" The elf girl, who liked to follow me about after Naaza and the Ganesha Surgeon treated her, sort of appeared from behind all my tails, "S..ee 'all." Her tongue hadn't fully grown back yet, but she was the furthest along in learning to talk again out of the rest of them.

"Oh, you must be one of the ones from Rakia." Aisha knelt down, getting mostly eye level with the girl. "I'm Aisha." She ruffled the girl's hair, who giggled quietly, before squeaking as Aisha scooped her up and perched her on her shoulder. "Haha! Now you're tall too!"

"So, what brings you by?" I asked, turning and walking back towards the living room, my tails swishing closer to Aisha, trying to encourage a pat or two. "Is it time?"

"Yeah." She said, "In a way, you saved everyone half the trouble of leaving Hermes. Without Him down here, the exchange can just happen. No negotiation, or fees, or trades."

"Chosen who then?" We got to the living room, Haruhime looking up, "We have a visitor."

"Don't get up Hime." Aisha said, picking up the elf off her shoulder and putting her down. "And no actually... "

"Oh! You're going to join us here?" Haruhime asked, reaching out for Aisha and taking her hand, "Sorry I can't greet you properly."

"I blame the Fox." Aisha grinned, giving my wife the customary belly pats, "Soon now huh?"

"Less than a month." I said, "I mean... If we're like humans. Not like we could really ask another Renard."

"Fair. But no... I mean, yes, I'm here to ask one of your Gods to allow me into the Familia, but, I'll still live where I am now... I think..."

"Oh? Still think you're intruding?" I asked, both Haruhime and Aisha blushing. Kodori 4, Aisha 10004. "I think we made it very clear you weren't..." Poor Haruhime went nearly as red as her kimono as I said that.

Aisha however was back under control, and shook her head, "Not exactly? I mean, I've toured this place, you have lots of space, but, I'm used to having time off from people."

"And here we were hoping you'd join the morning spar." I replied, finding my spot next to Haruhime and sitting down carefully, "If Mia would have allowed it, I'd have gotten Ryuu and Lady Astraea here too."

"I'm curious why you'd do that." Aisha asked.

"The more experience we can get within our walls, the better our chances in the dungeon are. Even if we don't all go, exchanging information, practise, trying new ideas... I might not be able to go into the dungeon, but I can still tell someone they're slacking off. Not that anyone but Welf might slack off at all..." I tried to stretch my arms over my head, to relieve a little pressure on my back, but I couldn't quite do it. "I'm going to so enjoy laying on my belly when I can..." We all shared a chuckle, "So why can't you choose? Both of them would accept you."

Aisha sat down across from us, "Well... Hestia is everything my mother wasn't. All tiny and adorable and stuff. And Takemikazuchi could probably teach me so much, even with all the fighting I've done."

"You know, since they both live here, under one roof, and also share my viewpoint on surviving the dungeon and being happy, the choice is almost cosmetic." I laughed as they both looked at me, "What? The two of them are great people to be around, as well as Gods worthy of all the respect we give them. But, both of them would be willing to update your status. Remember? All my good friends, have good friends. We work together, always have, always will."

"The Fox is wise." Takemikazuchi said as He entered the living room. "Thank you, child, for coming to get me." He said to the little elf girl. "It is the same reason, I think, why Mikoto-san hasn't chosen to switch back to my Familia, despite her year being long over."

"Our two Familia are essentially one." Hestia said, accepting a hug from the elf girl, "I think the Guild is the only one who cares about the difference."

"Aisha-san... You could always just... flip a coin?" Haruhime suggested.

"How about you join us for dinner, and our two Familia can... I dunno... Have a game in the pool. Winner decides who you join?" I suggested.

"And are you sure you don't want a room?" Hestia asked, "I mean... We could just give you a room key, in case you wanted to sleep over?"

"That, I would like." Aisha said, "I would actually have a reason to wake up at that ungodly hour to spar with you guys."

In the end, Aisha joined Takemikazuchi, Ouka managing to score a match point in pool volleyball, by bouncing it off Welf's face with a little backspin.

"You know, I might change my mind about not living here. My place is nice and quiet, but you really do have everything."

A couple more weeks had passed, with Aisha dropping by every day, if for nothing more than to join us for dinner. I suspected, that there was another reason though, and 'the due date' was almost here. The dungeon teams were only taking day long trips, though, they would report going to the eighteenth as fast as they could, to try and kill as many Minotaur and hell hounds as they could. Both the horns, teeth, leather and fur were good drop items, and there was a big stockpile in the shop now, waiting for me to have a look.

As it was, hell hound fur, when properly cleaned and treated, was really warm and soft. Welf was going nuts with the Minotaur horns, and trying to enchant them by making an alloy of ko-steel. He only had to replace a few bricks of the workshop after his first attempt.

"Well," I started, accepting Aisha's hand for balance and sinking into the bath with a sigh, "You've got a room of your own, and good company. With a little work, we could make you all new furniture, hunt some of those dinosaur things around the twenty fifth, and skin them to make it look suitably tribal. I even learned how to make those special torches in Rakia.

"You think I'm some kind of savage?" She lowered herself in, then gave me a punch to the shoulder, "Nope, Ishtar ruined me for rough sleeping. Love my silks and cottons."

"Good. Ha-chan likes your skin being soft. Wishes you'd soften your hands a little more though." I replied with a grin.

"Oh really?" She replied, "She certainly didn't have any complaints at the time."

"I was more referring to when she was napping on you a couple days ago, and the foot rubs you gave her. Not..." I paused, feeling something give a little kick, before it felt like my abdominal muscles were getting ready to brace for a punch, "Nine... months..." It happened a second time, certainly without my conscience control, "uh oh."

Aisha, easy going soul that she was, took one look at me, and said, "Let's here it for Amazons." Before moving over to me and putting a hand on my belly. "Fox?"

I was about to say I was okay, the muscle twitch seemingly just that. I'd had a few, as I got larger, my poor abs stretching to accommodate. "Yup, uh oh." I repeated as another shock went through my middle.

"Well then." She said simply, before simply scooping me up princess style, "Time to send the messengers."

What followed, between muscle twitches, shouted orders, and people stepping in and out of the infirmary to pick up or drop off things I might need, was mostly a blur. All my attention was focused inward. Part way through, as I was gritting my teeth through another spasm, Haruhime joined me, Bell laying her down on the bed beside me. She too was looking a lot like I felt, a little dazed, sweaty, and squinting her eyes as he body was doing things on its own. She caught my eye, giving me her best smile, even with all the excitement going on.

"Hestia?" I called out, "He's been called?"

I felt her hand, cool and calming on my shoulder, "Yes, he'll be here soon."

"I'll... I might need your help." I said between sharp little pains, "Please don't leave."

"I'm here! Both at once? You, Amazon, done this before?" Dimly, I thought I could recognize the voice, but his face, lean and bookish, with short black hair and deeply tanned skin, was unfamiliar. "You and you! Water, boiled, and clean towels." He had the Ganesha crest on the black leather bag he was carrying, "You, if you think you won't faint, hold this lamp. You, hold her tails."

With authority, the man organized the half dozen in the room, and with smooth motions he had put blankets and towels down to get us both ready. Then I saw the scalpel.

I had hoped I was over this. Ever since Haruhime got 'stuck' I knew this was the only way I could deliver. But when the Ganesha surgeon held the scalpel in his hand, my mind went back, to hanging helplessly from the rafters, knives and clubs ready to rain on me. Muscles tensed, my legs started to try and back me up, my fingers curled into fists, the ember of my magic went white hot instantly.

Then I saw blue. Even as my body wanted to panic and escape, the feather light weight of my Goddess kept me down, Her eyes looking into mine as Her forehead rested against my own. Distantly, I felt cold numbness, heard more barked orders, grunts of effort and pain, but my mind was kept calm by those bottomless blue eyes. I felt something swish against a tail, and it latched onto it reflexively, the barest hint of comforting magic creeping up my spine.

Then there was a cry. A thin, stuttering squeaky noise that cut through everything. "A girl." Some one said, then, "One here too." Moments later, another squeak of distress, "A boy, and... Another girl." More cold numbness, the feeling of emptiness and muscles too tired to move, "A second girl..." I heard from just out of arms reach, my eyes still lost in the calm blue emptiness. "A boy..." A pause, "Doctor?"

"Problem?" I felt the tail touching mine twitch fitfully.

"Not sure? Never dealt with more than twins. Almost there Hime..."

"You, apply this, just as if you were closing a deep cut." A pause, then a weak grunt of effort, and a little gurgling hiccup. "Oh... Hm." The room went silent for a moment, "It's... both?"

I felt like just before the war game. Training to total muscle failure, only to have cold water thrown on me, a potion pushed past my lips, only to do it again. Hestia had moved away, sitting between the beds, holding our collection of tails like a bundle of endlessly furry ferrets or something. Aisha was sitting on the far side of Haruhime, holding her hand and cleaning her face with a damp cloth. A cloth was pressed to my face, drawing my attention away and onto Lilly, who was smiling a little nervously.

"Hey." I mumbled, "It's so quiet. Why?" I wanted to give Lilly a pat on the head or something, but I couldn't muster the effort.

"Nothing to be worried about." The Surgeon's voice said from somewhere in the room, "Just doing a quick checkup... Takes a little time when you have seven to do at once. You say you managed this with some kind of potion correct?"

"Yes..." Haruhime replied softly, "Ko-san found a way."

"Let's hear it for Amazons." Aisha chuckled.

"Might explain the numbers." The doctor said, "Come help, I only have two hands."

It was a strange feeling, having a little wrapped up person placed in my arms. Tiny and adorable, with ears that were still folded down close to downy black fuzz. Its eyes closed still, I was just getting used to holding one, when a second was placed in my arms. This one also had black hair, but I could just make out a hint of green under nearly closed eyelids. "And, number three." Aisha said quietly, "This one's your boy, by the way." Blond fuzz, flat ears, and a scrunched up red face, the last one was a tiny bit lighter than the other two.

Prying my eyes away from them felt like a titanic effort, but, I managed to look across, past Hestia, who looking conflicted on which child to look at first, as the Surgeon placed the fourth child into Haruhime's arms. Pure white fuzz atop its head, scrunched up ears like a newborn puppy, and peeking out from under its eyelids, I caught the gleam of gold, and a flash of green.

"This one is... Both. Perfectly healthy, all of them, but using magic of any kind, especially using God's Blood, can sometimes have strange effects." The Surgeon explained, "Seems to have..."

"Heterochromia." I mumbled, getting a few odd looks as I spoke in English, "Sorry... I know my word for it... Two different eye colours."

"Yes. I'd love to hear about this place you come from." The man replied, "When you're not so busy. I will leave some notes for you to look over later, and if there are any problems, send a message and I'll drop by. Lord Ganesha want's to do all He can to help."

"Thank you." I replied, as did a few others, "Uh oh." I said, looking down at one of my... how odd this felt, thinking it, my children. "I suspect it might be feeding time very soon..."

Thanks to the marvel of what was basically magical medicine, recovery for both Haruhime and I was very swift. I remember when one of my sisters was born, and my mom was basically in bed for almost a week recovering. The two of us however, were recovered enough in a handful of hours, to get up (slowly) walk (also slowly) and clean up a little. Both of us, were escorted by the women of the Familia to the bath, to clean off the various fluids left behind by birth. Aside from the two of us looking like we had suddenly lost ten kilograms in a few hours (which we did) we were recovered enough to finally figure out the logistics of feeding time.

"Two boys, four girls, and one other." I said, sitting on the couch next to Haruhime, feeling both of my girls trying to encourage more milk out of me.

"Maybe it's because my hips are wider?" She mumbled, "He has two tails too..."

Yes, each of our tiny little bundles had an equally tiny tail, about as long as my hand, from wrist to fingertip, they were covered in downy fuzz, just like their heads. They even tried to wag every so often.

"Seems the boys will be easy enough to tell apart." I commented, mine with blond hair, hers with black. "And the girls too." Mine were identical, while Haruhime's had one black, the other blond. "Maybe we should try and send another letter?"

"Only if the fox comes back... I doubt anyone could find them otherwise." She replied, "Oh hello." She said down to one of the little bundles, "Welcome home." She said.

Leaning over as best I could, while holding two in place so they could feed and the third kind of between them to sleep, "Heehee." I smiled, "My eyes."

"Yes, pretty and gold." She replied, "Oh, I think she's done... maybe?" There was no complaint when she moved the infant off her nipple, "Okay... Your turn... And to pat you... this is going to be difficult, with only two arms..."

"Well, we just happen to have a home with a kind Familia. As captain on vacation, I think I will exercise my authority to recruit people." I said, using one of my tails, which was perfectly obedient for once, to help us hold all the little bundles.

"We are going to have to think of names too." She said.

"Well, so long as we don't name them like Welf names his weapons and armour..."

Notes.

That's it. Done. Dust it off and shelve it. :) Just over half a million words, and a year, less a day, in production.

Notes, a year and a bit later...

I hope, dear reader, that you've enjoyed the story so far. Worry not, the story goes on, and will continue to do so, until some sort of travesty happens and I can no longer write. Or the internet goes down forever. Or something similarly catastrophic. I will continue to write until the lights go out, updating every five days as I have for over two years now.

Unfortunately, I must still pay bills and eat, and I find my employment out in the real world kind of shaky. So, I have opened a small donation box. I cannot post the link directly, due to site rules, but if you go to Ko-fi and use my pen name Daeore, you'll find it. Also linked is a link to my actual real book, that I've published for free online.

Hope to see you in the next series, and all those after.

Daeore.