Like they'd planned, they all took a bath together. The two goddesses, Astraea, and Hathor, along with Ardee's mother were all present, watching the children play around, splashing in the water.
"Lady Hathor, your son is quite gifted. Able to single handedly slay the Amphisbaena. That thing nearly wiped us out. And yet he killed it all on his own…"
Ardee's mother commented leaning her head back on the tub's rim.
"Thank you, your daughter is adorable as well. So cute how the two get along so well."
"I suspect that has to do with how much impact their first meeting had on each other… Shurry's kindness unlocked Ardee's smile, and in turn that brightened his."
Astraea remained quiet, simply listening to the exchange of words, smiling warmly. Though she couldn't help but feel a little anxious about something.
"Astraea, are you worried about Shurry being here? Or are you worried about something else?"
"No, it's that story about his past. The injustice of what happened to him… I'd never imagined something so bad could happen to a child… One who is supposed to be protected, and taught about the world." Astraea went quiet again. "I feel wrong, his own impurity isn't even his fault, and yet there's still this little part that I'd rather not admit my feeling about it."
Hathor's eyes narrowed with worry. "I'm sure I already know what you mean. You haven't been down on Gekai for too long yet have you? You'll learn over time that Gekai is filled with far more nuance than Tenkai was."
Ardee's mother laughed. "That's the truth. Why else would it be called heaven if it wasn't free from such hindrances."
"See, even the children of Gekai can understand it."
"I know, but still-"
Having sensed something wrong, Shurry swam over to the three mothers… Doggy paddling of course. "Mommy, is everything okay?" He asked, nuzzling right up into her arms. "I felt someone about to cry over here."
"Huh?!"
"Yeah, I dunno why though! It's not you is it? I love you, mommy!"
"Pfft, you're just the cutest." Hathor smiled, lifting him up out of the water, and then pulled him close for a tight hug. With lots of kisses on his forehead.
"Mommy, that tickles." Shurry giggled, and smiled.
Ardee had also swam over and had a similar fate with her own mother. And like clockwork, Alise and Neze both expected the same from Astraea. This left Nernatti standing there stewing, and then she gave Legi the same treatment.
Astraea, having a distraction, started to think more deeply about what she represented. Was it truly just a yes or no issue? Or is it truly more nuanced than that? He acts exactly like I'd expect a young boy to act. Perhaps, in a situation like this, I shouldn't blame the victim of such a thing as if he had been the perpetrator, surely that isn't justice.
Astraea started giggling a little bit. And then hugged both of her familia's children. "My little girls of justice. I love you."
"I love you too mommy!" Alise giggled.
"I… I do too, mommy Astraea." Neze added, still a little bashful.
"Alright, let's get dried off for dinner. Sound good?"
"SOUNDS DELICIOUS!!"
Shurry's tail beat back and forth so fast, it cooled the room down a little. That night was a pleasant meal, packed to the brim with tons of meat. And after the meal, Ardee, and her mother stayed the night again, along with the whole of the Astraea familia.
The next several days were relatively similar to the last. The children played some games, practiced some of the instruments, even tried copying some dances… Some that made Astraea a little uncomfortable, and then others that made her giggle. When they weren't doing those things, they were training. Shurry played the part of the target the three girls went after, but for Shurry, he went up against Bokhoir, Nernatti, and occasionally the visiting Shakti.
Eventually a few weeks passed with no word from the Zeus or Hera familias. And Shurry grew a little worried as a result. During practice on a day Shakti had come. He simply caught Shakti's attack, all sad.
"Why haven't any of my unccys and aunties come by?"
"Huh? Oh, I think they went down to complete a mission for someone." Shakti answered, having been taken completely off guard.
"But? Why wouldn't they tell me anything? Aunty said she'd take me to the Wolves Den after we came back…"
"Hey, Shurry, don't let it get to you too much. If they're busy enough to not say anything to you about it, then they must have a good reason." Bokhoir chuckled, rubbing Shurry's head. "I know, it's been a little while since you've had a status update, perhaps now is a good time for one?" He suggested, looking towards Hathor.
Hathor put down her tea. "Bokhoir, you're right, but he already knows that, whenever he wants I'll check it for him. So if he hasn't asked me for an update, then he must have a reason for it."
"Hmm, I see, I didn't realize that."
"Yep, It's way easier to earn lots more excelia if I remain as weak as possible. So I wait until the very last moment to get one huge boost!"
Bokhoir suddenly went pale. That's insanity for anyone to attempt. And yet, he does it? "Why not get stronger to kill stronger monsters?"
"Technique is enough in most cases." Shurry pointed out. "But I won't be updating my status until I get to kill Udaeus myself. I read that he's like a big skeleton guy or something like that. I bet he's got lots of bone marrow!" His mouth salivated.
"Hahaha, it always comes down to food, doesn't it?"
"Is that bad? Food is really yummy!"
…
And so, more time passed, training continued like normal, with a regularly scheduled dungeon dive, once every month. Why that long? Because it was the only time frame they could get Ganesha to bother updating Ardee's status.
Occasionally, Bokhoir, and Ardee's mother would join the children on their dungeon dives. Always being impressed with how much money they made, even after it became normal… Alfia and Meteria came over once every two months for a little top up on the treatment of their illness. And sadly, Udaeus had been claimed by Hera familia once again so Alfia could level up. Now being a brand new level 6, earning the title, the silence.
Before long, a rather interesting letter arrived from the Hera familia. Inviting Lady Hathor, Shurry, and his friends over for a celebration. Though the type of celebration was kept from the letter.
…