Chapter 1 - Caught Red-handed in the Act (PG13)
- After Events of DM15 and SO12 -
It all started out as training. Very aggressive training. But then it became something more. Something hot and steamy. But then it all went wrong.
Ais and Bell were both in a good mood. Ais got her final victory over Revis, and Bell finally recovered from his injuries. They ran into each other after the guild announced Bell's stunning level 5 advancement. The historic rise to becoming a 1st class adventurer after less than 6 months. After congratulating each other, they finally had the time to do the training they agreed to a month ago.
As both stealthly met up at the usual place before sunrise the next day, they eagerly started their usual sparring. And what sparring it was.
Ais POV
Ais was shocked by Bell's speed and strength. It was immediately evident that Bell was stronger than she was! How could it be? He is only a level 5. And he was faster! She would need Ariel to get an advantage, but that would be too dangerous.
Bell POV
Bell was pleasantly surprised by the sparring. He had the advantage over Ais. He was pushing her back. He finally qualified to be by her side! In fact, he was starting to daydream about the infinite possibilities. His naughty side wanted to give the sword princess a lap pillow. Or perhaps even something more intimate with some skin contact like what he enjoyed a couple weeks ago on the 37th floor with Ryuu.
Freya POV
From the top of the Babel, Freya was absolutely amazed. OMG, her favorite was beating a level 6 well known to be one of the strongest in Orario. Hmmm, may be time for some Ottar intervention...
As Bell pushed back Ais, she tried to kick him but her leg was captured. As they crushed towards each other, their faces came dangerously close to each other. Due to the excitement of the sparring, Bell's blood rush got the better of him. His body moved by itself, leaning into Ais and his lips claiming her soft lips.
Ais POV
OMG, Bell kissed me. What am I going to do? This feels good... ... ...
What is that slippery thing in my mouth doing? OMG this is a weird feeling...
Bell POV
Wow I am in heaven, she is not resisting. She tastes so good.
Wow this is like the feeling from hugging Ryuu, only much more intense as we are mouth-to-mouth. I can get used to this.
Freya POV
How can this happen to me? I lost the first kiss! This is not happening!
Neither Ais or Bell withdrew from the kiss, which deepened. In fact, things got downright hot and steamy at the remote area of the city wall. Months of pent-up anticipation, confusion and frustration have now been replaced with pure desire and animal lust.
The armor flew off, and animal sounds were heard. Rabbits did what they do best. Birds were embarrassed.
Suddenly, an azure-haired female's voice interrupted the hot steamy heavenly bliss.
Female: You two must immediately cease and desist from your scandalous act. You are hereby under arrest for indecent exposure and lewd behavior in the public.
The red-faced Bell and Ais looked up, and they realized they were busted by Shakti Varma of the Ganesha familia.
Shakti "I am sorry, Bell and Ais, but I cannot make exceptions for such behavior, even for you. You need to come with me"
Blood-red Bell "Sorry..."
Blood-red Ais "Sorry..."
As they quickly put back on their clothes and armor, the three went to the Ganesha familia holding cells.
The news hit Orario like a meteorite traveling at Mach 20. The news was instantly all over town as "Little Rookie and Sword Princess caught in the act!". Many watched the humiliated Loki and Hestia going to bail out the two even-more humiliated 1st class adventurers.
Chapter 2 - Consequences
There was a crowd outside the building when the red-faced Loki and Hestia marched in to bail out Bell and Ais. While their familia members accompanied them, only the goddesses walked inside.
Hestia POV
For the first time ever, Hestia was truly furious with Bell the cheater. But anger was mixed with humiliation, jealousy and bewilderment. But at the same time, Hestia could not help but also wanted to ROTFLOL. One thing she was sure of, she is going to extract something big from Bell. And he is going to have be punished. Still, Bell gave his first to Ais. Oh the anger and frustration.
Loki POV
Ais is Loki's favorite, and Loki can never get mad at her. However, this was pushing it. Just like Hestia, Loki is now scheming what perverted services she can extract from Ais. Still, it was clear that Bell has already taken Ais partially away from her.
Finn POV
Walking to bail out Ais was incredibly embarrassing. He knew Ais had feelings for Bell, but this was unbelievable. But as captain, he had to fulfill his responsibility.
Riveria POV
Momma was embarrassed just like Finn, but she had to do her job. The disciplining of Ais is mostly going to fall on her, but she is having trouble figuring out the appropriate punishment. Ais needed some punishment as a child, but now Ais got caught in a true teenager act. Momma also felt some guilt and responsibility, as she suggested the initial lap pillowing. But part of her is finding this incredibly funny though she can never show it. Then again, some serious spanking would be needed...
Lili POV
Lili was not really embarrassed nor jealous any more, and in fact she was a bit amused that Bell-sama got caught in the act. She was actually the most worried about how to not start laughing out-of-control when she sees the humiliated and embarrassed Bell-sama.
Welf POV
Bell is his friend, and Bell is his captain. However, Bell got caught with his pants down. Welf did not know whether to congratulate Bell for scoring on the Sword Princess (finally) or to keep a straight face because of Hestia.
How is he going to react when he sees Bell?
As Loki and Hestia bravely walked into the building where their favorites were held, they saw Ganesha. They were thankful that Ganesha was his usual self, more absorbed in his own name than the predicament their favorites were caught in. Shakti was also there to handle the details. As Ganesha was busy making his Ganesha hand signals, Shakti brought the goddesses to the holding cells. There, Bell and Ais, were sitting quietly with their heads down. Seeing the 2 embarrassed adventurers, the goddesses realized that they may have already been adequately punished and not much more admonishment was needed. They also realized that the 2 adventurers would be constantly reminded by others in Orario about their wild roll in the hay. Thus, both goddess decided not to say much except to pay the fine and lead their favorites out of the building by the hand.
Bell POV
This is the worst. I am an embarrassment to my familia and my friends. I am putting Hestia through massive humiliation. How am I going to make it up to her?
Ais POV
Other than the OEBD with my parents, this is the worst. I have brought shame to my familia.
As the 2 goddesses and 2 1st class adventurers walked out of the building, the crowd gasped. Knowing the power of the adventurers involved, no one really dared to say much. The familia members followed on the way back to the respective homes. Orario residents watched them as they walked their walk of shame. There were only a few faint brief screams about "get a room", "lucky guy", "was it good?"...
As the Hestia group reached their home, the other members were waiting for them and were overall supportive. Haruhime gave Bell a hug, and Mikoto also welcome them back. Bell was relieved but really disappointed with himself.
As the Loki group reached their home, they found the other executives (besides Bete) waiting along with Lefiya. No one said much even though Lefiya was looking down the entire time, red faced, and with tears dripping down. The twins were not noisy for a change but were there to be supportive for their sister. Ais did not know what to say but realized she had a lot of fences to mend.
Chapter 3 - Bell's Punishment
At the Hestia Hearth Manor, Bell was immediately grounded by Hestia for 1 week. Furthermore, a familia meeting was called to discuss the matter that evening.
Hestia "We are going to talk about Bell-kun's big mistake. Bell-kun, what do you have to say for yourself"
Bell "I am really sorry I embarrassed the familia. It was all my fault. We were training but then I could not control myself. Then one thing led to another and Shakti found us in that embarrassing state. It was all my fault. I lost control."
Lili "Bell-sama, the charge was for indecent exposure. Were you really indecent?"
Bell "... ... ..."
Hestia "Let's not get into the dirty details."
Haruhime "What are you and Ais going to do now"
That comment really pained Hestia, but she knows the genie has come out of the bottle. So she allowed Bell to answer.
Bell "We did not discuss it while we were in jail. After we have paid our penalties, we will discuss it."
Welf "Well, Bell, at least I am glad you have a girlfriend. I always knew she cared a lot about you, particularly on the 18th floor"
Bell bowed "Welf, I am really embarrassed. I guess I have a lot of feelings pent up, and then I just lost control. Sorry everyone!"
Hestia "Besides being grounded for one week, Bell-kun, you will need to pay the fine out of your own pocket. Now dungeon activities will continue, but Bell-kun is going to be demoted from the captain position for 1 month. In the meantime, Lili and Welf will be temporary co-captains."
Lili "I am worried about Bell-sama in the public. What would people do?"
Hestia "Well, Bell-kun is grounded for the week so public appearances will be minimized. No meals at the Hostess for Bell-kun. He is only allowed outside the home for official familia business. I will be with him most of the time outside the home. We cannot afford any unnecessary problems."
As the meeting finished up, Welf put his arm around Bell and had a boys' talk in Welf's room. Poor Bell was teased for 2 hours, though he refused to share the details.
Chapter 4 - Ais' Punishment
At the Loki Twilight Manor, Ais' shaming started with an executive meeting that included the goddess, Finn, Riveria, Gareth, Tiona, and Tione.
Loki "This is unprecedented that someone in our familia has been publicly humiliated for doing something like this. Ais, you will report to me tomorrow morning at 8am for punishment. This is going to be severe. You are not to leave the home for 2 weeks without my permission. That includes dungeon work. I will directly supervise your punishment. I will make comments to the entire familia tomorrow morning. Until then, no one will say anything to any other members"
Riveria "Loki, I will help"
Loki "Momma, you helped pushed her into this, right?"
Riveria looking down "Yes I am also to blame"
Ais "It is not Riveria's fault"
Loki "Ais, it is Riveria's responsibility. Your failure is her failure"
Ais "Sorry, Riveria. I am so sorry"
Gareth "let's loosen up. This is pretty mild compared to someone getting hurt. Ais learned her lesson, I am sure"
Loki looking severe "Gareth, this is really really bad. We have taken a public shaming. Our reputation, Ais' reputation, will never be the same"
Ais "I am so sorry everyone."
Finn "We will survive, Loki. But the guild will likely announce something tomorrow. Let's go talk to them before that happens tomorrow"
Loki "That reminds me, I am going to talk to Ganesha and the guild now. I forgot about that. Let's adjourn for tonight. I need to do some further damage control."
With that, the meeting ended. Loki left the home, and the others went off by themselves. When they went outside the room, they found Lefiya waiting. Ais tried to apologize to and hug Lefiya, but Lefiya could not take it any more. She ran away screaming and crying back to her room and slammed the door.
Chapter 5 - The Mood in Orario
Loki reached the guild and begged for some privacy for Ais in their bulletin the next day. Eina said she would try but she could not keep the offenders' names out the bulletin, despite all the begging.
Fels also was discussing the matter with Ouranos, and they made a decision for the public relations aspect of the matter.
At the Hostess, Bell and Ais was the common topic. Syr was quite depressed, as was Ryuu. In truth, both girls were desperately green with envy and regret. The other girls were being considerate and tried not to remind them of the event. However, that was all the customers were talking about it. Mia thought the whole thing was stupid, but wondered why the two would do something like that so blatantly in public.
Hermes laughed about the silly hero and heroine, and was not really worried it. In fact he thought it would help with Bell's street cred long term. Asfi let Hermes go on and on about the "naughty heroes" and the "horny heroes", but in private she felt really sorry for the pair. She knew from now on the pair will be always remembered for their private life which went public.
The next day, the guild made their announcement:
Bell Cranel, captain of the Hestia familia
Ais Wallenstein, executive of the Loki familia
Both were taken into custody together yesterday morning for violating several public codes for proper behavior and dress code. Both class 1 adventurers expressed regret for their poor choices and were released on bail by their deities.
Chapter 6 - The Reaction at the Loki and Hestia Homes
The guild's limited disclosure was met with much gratitude at the Loki home and the Hestia home. It could have been much worse. They all imagined if the exact nature of the infraction was stated in the bulletin - indecent exposure and lewd behavior in the public - that would have been disasterous for the familias and for the 2 adventurers. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. However, the punishment would still be instituted, as both goddesses realized this could be the opportunity of a life time.
Bell's Punishment
Hestia made Bell-kun her personal servant for the week. That meant daily massages, drying her with the bathe towel after baths, and basically respond to her every reasonable desire. Bell-kun gladly served out his sentence.
For his familia members, Bell had to do their chores. In addition, Welf got Bell's assistance at the forge, Lili had Bell do her laundry, Haruhime had Bell carry her princess style around the home, and Mikoto had Bell maintain her weapons.
In addition, to drive the point home, Hestia made the rest of the familia suffer smaller punishments also. That included no Hostess for everyone for 2 weeks and everyone had to clean the Hearth Manor once a day, inside and outside, for 2 weeks. Poor Bell did not know how to live with himself.
Ais' Punishment
Loki personally dealt out Ais' punishment. In additional to serving Loki in a maid outfit for 2 weeks, Ais was subjected to corporeal punishment, which was 5 loud spanks in the butt every morning. That was something Loki personally delivered with her own bare hands, and Ais did not resist at all. Furthermore, to make up for Loki's humiliation, Ais had to wear something embarrassing while serving as Loki's personal body pillow for afternoon naps, which Ais also did not resist.
Of course, in Loki's mind, the punishment was worth far more than the humiliation, but she was not going to tell Ais that.
Finally, perhaps the biggest punishment was the temporary demotion of Riveria for 2 months. This really made Ais very sad.
Meeting of the Goddesses
What Hestia and Loki did not tell their familia is that they secretly met to discuss what to do. It was a tense meeting but both knew it had to happen.
Loki "Itsybitsy, our favorite children are now involved, whether we like it or not."
Hestia "Flatsy, I know. We need to punish them so they never do something so irresponsible again"
Loki "Yes but if we control them too much, something else out-of-control may happen again."
Hestia "Yes, neither of us want that"
Loki "So what are we going to do with them"
Hestia "Well, we cannot forbid them to see each other"
Loki "Agreed, I don't want Ais to hate me"
Hestia "But, they did it once, they are going to want to do it again"
Loki "Oh the thought of that is killing me!"
Hestia "I know, and it is giving me horrible images I cannot get rid of"
Loki "But seriously what are you suggesting, we get them a room?"
Hestia "Heavens, no. I cannot suffer such a circumstance. But if they want it, it is going to happen"
Loki "So we do not forbid it, but do not condone it either"
Hestia "Yes, let things run their own course"
Loki "Oh, this is killing me"
Hestia "Me too, but this has been building up since they met. It is pretty much meant to be. But is it a short fling or something more permanent?"
Loki "I guess we will see. So we are doing similiar types of punishment now."
Hestia "Yes, in 2 weeks they would be free"
Loki "Yes, but I don't think anything bad will happen in the city. They are too strong."
Hestia "Yes, no one would challenge 2 1st class adventurers"
Loki "There is only 1 familia that is powerful enough"
Hestia "Freya"
Loki "Yes, now that we are stuck with each other, do understand Freya has an interest in your boy"
Hestia "There is not much we can do, but his linkage with your familia will give Freya pause."
Loki "Something may happen, as she gets what she wants"
Hestia "Well, perhaps we allow Bell to get closer to your familia in some adventures"
Loki "I will go make a deal with Hermes, and he can make things happen at the guild"
Hestia "Alright, I will support that."
Loki "It will push them closer together, but if it is meant to be, it will happen anyway. This at least gives us some benefits"
Hestia "Yes, Bell the cheater will get his way"
Ultimate Punishment
After their meeting, the goddesses went back to their homes. They both implemented a further punishment for their favorites. Each was forced to tell their goddess every little dirty detail of what happened on the city walls while knowing that they are not able to lie without detection. That included each stimulus, each response and each feeling, as much as it made the goddesses cringe.
Every little dirty secret was exposed after much crying and total embarrassment and humiliation of their favorites. It was clear no one wanted that to happen again, including the goddesses themselves and Bell in the fetal position.
Chapter 7 - The Guild Makes its Move
A couple days later, Hermes walked out of the guild with an evil smile. Seemingly, he was very pleased with something he did. A few hours later, the guild requested the Hestia and Loki familias to send representatives to receive instructions. In place of Bell, Lili and Welf went to receive their instruction. Finn and Gareth went for the Loki familia. The instructions were identical: In 1 month time, a deep level mission to the 61st floor for the Loki executives and Bell with one additional member of the Hestia familia to be selected by Hestia.
Response at the Hestia Familia
Bell was not real happy with the instructions, but the guild's orders are final. So the discussion centered on who the 2nd member would be for the mission. Other than Bell, all the members were level 2. So then the focus was who is the most likely to survive and then who would be the most useful. They considered Haruhime, but they wanted to keep their secret secret as much as possible. They considered Welf, but they felt a girl should be there to monitor Bell given what just happened. They considered Lili but she just turned level 2. So they settled on Mikoto, and her gravity cage spell could be useful.
Response at the Loki Familia
Everyone acted surprise, but Finn and Riveria both had their suspicions. So they focused on the practical aspects of the instructions. They need to learn to fight with Bell and the other member.
Finn "Loki, I think we need to train with Bell"
Loki "That is true, but it should not be Ais by herself anymore. Who knows, but they could be training joint flying in ariel, but then the flying becomes breast stroke, side stroke and free style for the viewing pleasure of all in Orario!"
The vivid description made Ais much more embarrassed, but brought smirks to the faces of the twins and Riveria. Though Bete and Lefiya were not happy with the suggestion.
Riveria "Well, I am still demoted, but perhaps Finn and Gareth should go over to talk to them"
Loki "Yes that is a good idea. I would like to see the boy fight myself"
Ais was still blushing, but part of her was excited to see Bell though she quickly changed her focus when her thoughts drifted to what happened on the wall"
Tiona "Are we training on the city wall"
Loki "Absolutely not. That is the last thing we need. Train outside the city to avoid attention."
Thus, Finn and Gareth went over to the Hearth Manor to meet with Hestia and her familia.
Finn "Goddess Loki sent me to discuss joint training in anticipation of the mission. We would like to suggest training everyday starting tomorrow outside the city."
Hestia "That sounds reasonable. We have decided that Mikoto will be the 2nd member to take part in the mission."
Gareth "To go on such a deep mission, it would be preferable if we brought smiths with us to support the mission. We are going to coordinate with Hephaetaus"
Lili "That sounds like a good idea"
Hestia "Welf, do you also want to go?"
Welf "Absolutely!"
Hestia "But no funny business with Bell, you understand? No peeking, no nothing"
Bell and Welf "Understood"
Due to the training, the punishment for Bell and Ais was suspended until after the mission.
Chapter 8 - Joint Training
Starting before sunrise, the Loki executives and Hestia members went outside the city to train. They had 1 month to prepare. And all the Loki executives wanted to spar with Bell to see how strong he is. Thus mornings were individual sparring while afternoons were team sparring. With the known relationship between Bell and Ais, they were put on the same team.
After one week of training, the Loki executives were very impressed with Bell. He has shown to be stronger than Tione, Tiona and Ais without ariel. He was also about as strong as Bete. What was really shocking was his rate of improvement over the week, as by the end of the week, Bell seemed to have surpassed Bete, which pleased the wolfie to no end.
In the team training, Bell and Ais were on the same team with Lefiya and Gareth. They fought against Finn, Riveria, Bete, Tiona and Tione. Since it was 4 against 5, Finn's team had the advantage, especially with Ais not using Ariel and Bell not using argonaut charged firebolt. Also the awkwardness of Lefiya working with Bell was obvious, but she knew Bell has won so she had to live with it despite being left behind by her rival.
Loki and Hestia often went along to watch the training. Hestia was really proud of how strong Bell had become, while Loki was amazed with Bell's constant growth. Loki questioned Hestia about Bell's skills, but Hestia said his information was proprietary.
Hostess Time
After 1 week, Bell was allowed to eat at restaurants again. So the group went to the Hostess to eat together.
While the food was good, it was very awkward for everyone. Syr and Ryuu did not know what to say. Bell and Ais were both crimson red. All the other customers were watching Bell and Ais. Even Mia did not know how to handle this situation. And the other gals were just thinking one word - playboy.
During the meal, Riveria looked at Bell and Ais, who sat next to each other. They did look good together. Unfortunately, the memory of what happened in the last 6 months, including Bell running away from the pouting Ais and then the culmination in them getting caught in public doing the wild thing, were just too much for Riveria. She lost control and the smile became a few chuckles and then finally laughing out loud uncontrollably. Finn and Gareth realized what she was laughing about, and they started laughing, which triggered Tione and Tiona to start laughing. At that point, Loki and Hestia started laughing also, and then Welf and Mikoto started laughing uncontrollably.
Being caught in public was bad for Bell and Ais, but now all their friends were essentially laughing at them for their predicament. They knew they earned it, and at the end, they started laughing at themselves. That only left Lefiya and Bete there sitting and looking silly. The rest of the restaurant only looked at the happy group wondering what they were laughing about.
Nevertheless, the meal concluded without Bete getting drunk, though everyone did cheer to the success of the mission.
Big Surprise
During the 2nd week of training, Eina showed up surprisingly with Asfi, Hermes and Ottar. Apparently the guild has ordered Ottar and Asfi to join in on the mission. Thus they were brought to the training grounds to train with the others.
Hestia and Loki grabbed Hermes to get an explanation, who assured them that Ottar's inclusion was not Freya's idea. In fact, he said that Freya was not too happy about it as it gave guild support for the Hestia-Loki familia collaboration.
When Ottar joined, the training became even more intense. For team training, Bell's new team members were Ais, Gareth, Lefiya, Bete and Asfi and they went against Ottar, Finn, Riveria, Tione, Tiona and Mikoto.
For individual sparring, Bell received the most individual sparring sessions with Ottar. Ais also trained with Ottar as she did before the Knossos mission. Even though Bell received a lot of lap pillows from Ais from Ottar's training, he was clearly improving at a shocking and noticeable way.
As the gods and goddesses watched, they realized they have found their new hero...