12 Learning about Familiar Bond and Reverence

As we all stood in front of the entrance gate of our home, my family and I bowed respectfully at the Thunder Goddess, whom Captain Sara and Lady Miko accompanied. The atmosphere was solemnly revered as we bid farewell to our esteemed guests.

"We extend our deepest appreciation for gracing our humble abode with your presence, Your Excellency," my father expressed with utmost respect. "It has been an honor to host you."

"May your journey be blessed with safety and prosperity, Lady Raiden," My mother echoed his sentiments, her voice carrying a gentle warmth.

Raiden acknowledged our parents' farewell with a dignified nod, her demeanor was stoic and calm. "The pleasure was mine, Kamisato clan. Your hospitality has been most appreciated."

After she spoke to them, the goddess turned her attention towards me. Her single functional eye conveyed a silent message, prompting a sense of unease within me. However, her nod of reassurance offered a glimmer of comfort amid the mounting apprehension.

"I bid you farewell, Ayaka," said Raiden with a significant weight in her voice. "But remember, there's so much I want to learn about you, so I'll visit again once this war concludes."

Her words gave me goosebumps, reigniting the unease that had briefly subsided. What else does she want to know about me? I wondered, my mind racing with endless possibilities.

"Of course, Your Excellency," I responded with a respectful bow, concealing my inner turmoil behind a facade of composure. "I will await your next visit."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Raiden turned to her companions who appeared to be discussing something on the sideline.

"Remember, Shinobu. Your job is to guard and protect the Kamisato Family while we're gone," Captain Sara reminded her companion, her tone laden with responsibility. 

With a solemn nod, Shinobu affirmed her duty, her expression reflecting determination and readiness. "Understood, Captain. I will ensure their safety in your absence."

"And also remember, no slacking off, or else you'll get a special punishment from me," Lady Miko interjected with a sly remark, her eyes twinkling mischievously. 

Shinobu's face turned pale at the warning, and she shivered in apprehension. "U-understood, Lady Miko. I swear to remain vigilant at all times, so please don't do that." 

Seeing their light-hearted conversation, a faint smile tugged at my lips, momentarily easing the tension that had settled over the farewell. Eventually, Raiden called out to Captain Sara and Lady Miko, signaling the end of their preparations to leave.

My family and I watched as the thunder goddess and her two companions began their travel, their figures disappearing into the distance, leaving behind an eerie silence that echoed the uncertainty of the times to come.

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Once the guests had vanished from sight, my parents gestured for Shinobu, Ayato, and me to follow them back inside the estate. We trailed behind them, entering the main building where a once lively atmosphere now seemed replaced by somber solemnity.

"Shinobu, could you please guide Ayaka to her room?" my father asked, his voice maintaining a calm yet authoritative tone. "I have some business to attend to with my wife and son."

"Certainly, Lord Akihiko," Shinobu answered with a respectful bow, her demeanor poised and professional. She then turned to me, gesturing for me to follow her and my brother.

"Please, Lady Ayaka, allow me to accompany you to your quarters," she guided with a gentle yet resolute tone, leading the way through the familiar passageways of our residence.

As we walked, we could feel the heavy weight of recent events lingering in the air, casting a shadow over our steps. Despite the tension, Shinobu held my hand, giving me a moment of reassurance.

"I hope you're feeling alright, Lady Ayaka," she muttered, her voice soft with concern as we made our way down the hallway.

"Don't worry, it's just been rather eventful," I replied, attempting to muster a smile in return. "Thank you for caring, Shinobu."

We continued our walk in silence for a moment, the soft sounds of our footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

"Your parents...They seemed quite concerned about you," Shinobu remarked, breaking the silence with a gentle observation.

"Yes, they are," I admitted, feeling a pang of guilt for causing them to worry. "But I suppose that's only natural given the circumstances."

"I guess you're right, Lady Ayaka," she replied, her voice conveying sympathy as she glanced back at me.

Eventually, we arrived at my room, and Shinobu gently slid open the delicate paper doors, revealing the serene interior bathed in soft candlelight.

As I stepped inside, a sense of solitude enveloped me, strengthening the weight of the day's events. The presence of my escort lingered in the doorway, offering a soothing anchor amid the apprehension I was feeling.

"Thank you, Shinobu," I murmured, offering her a grateful smile. "I think I'll be alright now."

She returned the smile, her eyes reflecting compassion and empathy. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. I'll be nearby."

Hearing those words, I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity about her knowledge, being the companion of the Thunder Goddess. There might be something valuable she could share with me.

"Hold on, Miss Shinobu," I called out to her before she had the chance to leave, my curiosity piqued by the possibilities her insights might offer.

She stopped from her track and glanced at me with a puzzled expression. "What is it, Lady Ayaka? Do you need something with me?"

"I would like to invite you to my room to discuss something," I explained, hoping she would oblige my request. "It's not important but it's about Her Excellency."

"Of course, Lady Ayaka. I'm curious to know what you wish to discuss," Shinobu responded with a nod, indicating her willingness to engage in conversation.

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Upon inviting Shinobu to my room, I quickly place a cushion in front of my table and another one on the other side, gesturing for her to take a seat. She complied, settling down with a composed demeanor, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

"Thank you for agreeing to join me, Miss Shinobu," I affirmed, appreciation lacing my voice. "I know you're curious about what I wanted to discuss."

Shinobu tilted her head in acknowledgment, her gaze focused intently on me. "Indeed, Lady Ayaka. You mentioned it pertains to Her Excellency, Raiden, right?"

"Yes, precisely," I confirmed, feeling a surge of restlessness within me. "You see, when I have a private conversation with her, she's quite personal when asking questions."

"Ah, I understand," Shinobu acknowledged, appearing to understand the delicate nature of the situation. "What kind of questions did Her Excellency inquire about?"

This made me pause, realizing the delicate nature of the situation. If I were to tell the truth, it could jeopardize my secret. Thus, I resolved to take a more cautious approach.

 "She... asked about my aspirations for the future, among other things," I answered, choosing my words carefully to avoid divulging too much information.

Shinobu listened attentively, nodding along as I spoke. "Hmm, I see. It seems Her Excellency is marking you as a potential member of her Familia."

"Familia? Is she planning to adopt me or something?" I inquired, a hint of dread creeping into my voice at the thought of being separated from my family.

Hearing my question, Shinobu suddenly became flustered as she clarified, "Wait, you've got the wrong idea, Lady Ayaka. A Familia is quite different from a family."

"Oh, is that so? Then what is it?" I urged her to clarify, inclined to learn the meaning of the unfamiliar term.

In response, Shinobu proceeded to elucidate the concept of a Familia. She explained that the term refers to a group comprised of adventurers, ushered by a god or goddess. Every Familia serves a distinct purpose, determined by the deity's intentions.

Learning this, I couldn't help but feel a mix of fascination and apprehension. What role could Raiden have in store for me within her Familia, I wondered, the sense of foreboding lingering in the back of my mind.

"How does someone become a member of a Familia?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued by the possibility of embarking on such a journey.

Shinobu paused, considering her response carefully before speaking. "To join a Familia, one must be chosen by a deity and receive their blessing, known as a Falna."

"A Falna?" I echoed, intrigued by another unfamiliar term.

"Yes, it's a sacred symbol granted by the gods and goddesses to their chosen champions," Shinobu elaborated, her voice carrying a reverence for the ritual. "It bestows them elevated abilities and serves as a mark of their allegiance to their deity."

The significance of the Falna intrigued me, sparking a desire to learn more about the rituals and ceremonies associated with its bestowment.

"I see, could you show me what a Falna looks like?" I asked, curious to see the symbol that held such power.

Shinobu hesitated, feeling somewhat embarrassed as she considered my request. After a moment, she nodded and began to remove her robe, revealing her bare back to me.

Surprised by her sudden action, I became flustered as I stumbled over my words. "Wait, Miss Shinobu! Why are you... Oh..."

Before I could finish my question, I observed a mysterious symbol embedded on Shinobu's back, a three-comma tomoe forming the outline of a stylized thunderbolt. Its overall design was unique, hinting at her deeper connection to Raiden and the so-called Familia.

"So, this is a Falna, correct?" I wondered aloud, studying the symbol intently.

Shinobu nodded, confirming my curiosity. "Yes, what you see is the manifestation of a deity's blessing," she explained, her voice reverent while speaking about the sacred bond between a member and their patron deity.

Her words filled me with a sense of reverence for the rituals and traditions that governed the world of the divine.

"Thank you for enlightening me," I expressed, grateful for the insight into the bizarre world of a Familia. "I appreciate your willingness to share."

While fixing her robe, Shinobu smiled delicately, her demeanor warm and reassuring. "It is my duty, Lady Ayaka. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask."

"Hold on, Miss Shinobu," I intercepted her before she could exit the room. "Does my brother have a Falna?"

"Well, from what I heard from Her Excellency, I could say he already did," Shinobu confirmed.

Acknowledging her response, I bowed at her, "Thanks again, Miss Shinobu. It's good to know my brother is part of the Familia."

With a final nod of gratitude, Shinobu excused herself from my room, leaving me to consider the revelations she had shared. Pondering the implications of joining a Familia, I couldn't help but wonder what fate had in store for me in the coming days.