Chapter 7 - Synchronization

Hestia declared the next day to be a familia holiyay. The first one in a long time. Bell was mentally exhausted after Freya's mind-control training. To get the familia together, Hestia scheduled Welf and Haruhime to come back from their super secret projects. Mikoto and Lili also took a break from some joint adventuring with the Miach familia and Takemikazuchi familia. The entire familia enjoyed a big breakfast at the Hostess of Fertility and then went to a nearby hot spring for the afternoon. After Hestia made sure that Hermes was not nearby, the ladies were able to enjoy a nice time in a private bath before putting on bathing suits to join Bell and Welf. Everyone then went to an outdoor cookout that was arranged also by Hestia. That was the perfect ending for their vacation day.

As they were gathered around the fire, Mikoto and Lili updated everyone on their adventure. Lili helped route monsters to the party by using Cinder Ella. Mikoto used Futsunomitama to defeat a large group of monsters. When it got to Bell's turn, he showed everyone his new crystal magic which caused a lot of oohs and aahs. At which point, Hestia asked Bell whether he can make a diamond ring for her? To her surprised, Bell was less embarrassed than usual, and he actually asked all the ladies for their ring sizes. As everyone blushed at the thought, Hestia realized that Freya's training seems to have had an effect.

Hestia then took Bell for a short walk in the moon light. It was a full moon that allowed them to see quite well at night. Hestia again asked Bell if they were separated in the upcoming war, would he really want to meet on the moon. Looking up, Bell said it is so beautiful and it is what they did in the legends. With that, Hestia got serious and told Bell that they needed him to train hard with the Loki familia members. Bell agreed to do whatever what needed to help protect everyone.

The next day, Hestia and Bell went to the Loki familia home. Apparently Loki, Ais, Finn, Riveria, Gareth, Bete, Leifya, Tione and Tiona were in the room along with Fels and Hermes. Then they went straight to business. Hestia still could not believe she is going to allow Bell live with the Loki familia for the duration of the training. Worst of all, the most important aspect of the training will be synchronizing Bell with Ais and then all of the other key members. Loki noticed Hestia's expressions, but she had the similar misgiving with Ais. However both Hestia and Loki knew what was at stake.

Hermes explained the situation with Hestia and Loki by his side. The understanding was that the Black Dragon threat had to be taken seriously and Bell had resistance to its charms. Combine with the corruption of multiple Great Spirits, they had to act now to best prepared for the situation. Thus, Bell had to train with each member separately to achieved mental synchronization with each person. Hermes also said that he will be their trainer. It was not quite clear to the participants what synchronization training meant, but Bete and Leifya were serious in thought with their imaginations running wild. Nevertheless, it was clear that the situation is very serious and personal feelings had to be set aside.

After Hermes talked, Fels updated everyone on the situation with the Xenos incuding the truce. He asked Bell to provide a first-hand account of the Light and Earth Great Spirits as well as the Xenos' role in the battle. Finn and Riveria were not surprised with the truth because they knew there was more to Bell's role than what was on the surface. Ais was really relieved after learning the whole truth and that Bell was totally vindicated. Bete and Gareth were also satisfied with the situation as well as they also suspected a lot of subterfuge. Tione and Tiona commented that they were glad they did not kill Wienne, which would have been a big mistake. At the end, Fels said that the Xenos have agreed to an informal alliance, which did shock the Loki familia members. The Xenos were going to becomes allies despite a fight to the death only about 2 weeks ago.

Loki was the last to talk. She expressed her full support of the training and laid out the training schedule, with 1-week of initial training with Ais. Shortly after the meeting, Hermes provided Ais and Bell with the detail schedule for the week. Mornings 9-11 will be devoted to Joint Aerial maneuvering. Then 11-noon will be Joint Aerial magic attacks. After lunch, 1-3 would be sword fight training. 3-5 would be Joint-Aerial sword fight training. 6-7 will be an one-hour session for Ais and Bell to battle against the other Loki familia members. Hermes also said, with a very slight smirk, 8-9 would be underwater fight training.

Ais briefly blushed at the thought of spending 1 week alone with Bell. Bell was also excited to spend so much quality time with Ais as well.