chapter 2: Scouting
A/N: Yo wys. So a few things. The reply rates were low af, I didn't check for an entire day and there was only 4 feedback comments, but I do appreciate it if ppl take the time to tell me how I am doing. But regardless, a question I spotted asked if Bell stays level 12 afterwards. No, he doesn't.
Guys, I literally said that in the last chapter that when he came back, his levels evidently dropped way below than what he was used to cuz, he ain't level 12 no more, now he is level 3 since it's before the haruhime act.
Hearth Manor
Bell awoke anew, quite literally. He hadn't been in a body this young in well... 11 years. He felt the drop of levels instantly, everything was just so slow. It's like when your brain is on a high but your body is sore from exercise so you can't move fast enough. He crawled out of bed, after having a crying session, he looked in the mirror. 'ugh, I look like a toddler. what did Aisha see in this face years ago?' he thought as he sized up his chin and cheeks which were full with youthful plumpness. He got dressed and looked around the dull room.
"even though I want to focus on my own goals right now, this room is still too dull, reminds me of the time we had to live through caves since any base we made got destroyed." He reminisced.
Flashback start
Boom! A large crash came and took over the surrounding. A white haired werewolf wearing a black mask over his face, with a jester insignia in red drawn on it, jumped out of the cloud of dust and stood next to Bell.
"Well... what number is that Bete?" Bell asked calmly almost to facepalm if not for the fact that his head may be sliced off at any second.
"bout... 24, I'd say, it's ridiculous," Bete said with irritation in his voice.
"calm down Bete it's just a base," Lena tried to reassure Bete. over the years, with Orario's downfall, many adventurers and Gods have joined up and all came together under one banner.
'The United Revival Force' or the URF, a group made of all sorts of adventurers led by some of the greatest minds and powers of Orario. The field captain being 'Finn Diemne' the previously called 'Braver' but now referred to as 'Oni' for his extreme and reckless acts in resistance fights with his skill Hell Finegas.
The vice captain, 'Bell Cranel' previously referred to 'little rookie' but now greatly admired and referred to as 'White Sun' by many companions. These two were almost always in the spotlight. Although Finn was only level 10 and Bell was level 12, Finn's great tactical prowess and situational adaptability gave him the lead into being the captain of the URF. The two's leadership was a crucial turning point as they emerged as pillars of hope, but soon, it went south.
"How can I calm down, when I can't even provide a place to actually live to the future mother of my child." Bete growled as Lena blushed. The years had been tough on Bete, he couldn't carry on acting arrogant as his self-esteem got pummeled over and over again. He had newfound respect for Bell, and cared greatly for Lena who had been incessantly making moves on Bete, so he finally crumbled and they both got engaged swearing that they would live in peace after things settled.
"Well, not to rain on the lovefest guys, right now we got that, on our hands." Bell interrupted. Lena coughed. Bell and Bete jumped in to the cloud to fight the thing.
End of flashback
Bell went out the door and was greeted by the typical hallways that he had long forgotten. As the memory had difficulty resurfacing, he easily got lost in the manor. After half an hour of wandering around, he decided to just jump into the backgarden. Coincidentally Welf was walking with a crate of supplies to his shed. Bell's suddenly drop shocked him.
"WOAH, Bell what are you doing jumping out the window?" Welf asked baffled. Bell however, did not respond. He was too busy holding back the tears that threatened to burst out at the appearance of his brother, Welf. He restrained himself, there would be time to cry later. Bell wiped his tears and turned back around.
"I.. just took a shortcut outside," Bell said with a smile. Welf looked at him puzzled but just shrugged. "Well, I got a few questions I got to ask," Bell continued.
"Fire away," Welf responded.
"which general direction is the hostess of fertility?" Bell asked. Welf looked at him as if he was mentally ill.
"Bell, are you alright? you are seriously worrying me," Welf said with evident concern in his voice.
"I'm fine, I'm just a bit lost from a bad dream," Bell said. The excuse was half-baked but it sent the message it needed to Welf.
'Don't ask any questions right now,' that's what Welf understood and correct he was, he just pointed to the direction and Bell was about to leave.
"Ah, I swear we were supposed to go to the dungeon today?" Welf asked.
"yeah, we'll go... after I come back... I also think I need new weapons," Bell said, Welf was confused. Up until recently he always said he was fine but now he says he needs a new one.
"well... whatever man, go and clear your head or something before Hestia starts to worry," Welf just shrugged it off. Bell was a very... affluent person, he could easily be affected by just about anything in the world, so seeing him lost in thought isn't that rare. Although, something felt fishy to him, but he suppressed that thought, 'what's the worst that it can be?' he thought as he carried on his way to his shed.
Bell jumped through the buildings, trying to get used to this slowed speed. Weirdly, enough it felt as if time slowed down, his mind was working faster and his coordination was slightly awkward. 'Well, this certainly isn't fun.' He thought as he painfully slowly jumped to the entrance of the Hostess.
"Nya, we aren't open yet nya," a cat voice said. A black haired cat started out, "oh it's fine ass white hair nya," the woman said. Bell identified her as Chloe Rollo. After the fall of Orario, she had taken up her weapons again. She fought for the sake of humanity, unfortunately he remembered she died of some illness to do with her heart, something to do with her diet. Bell felt bad when he saw Syr cry her hearts out, although by that point he already knew that Syr was Helun or Freya at points, he had accepted it. After all, just because Syr wasn't someone didn't change the interactions they had.
That day Chloe died, he saw the entire Hostess weep, their smiles disappeared for at least a year or two, both Helun and Freya had become slightly more cold blooded or emotionless, except for Freya who still had her pervyness, but if anyone dared to even attempt harming the other girls... she crushed them completely. It seemed to hurt her more that they quickly found the cure to her disease soon after her death, since the problem quickly spread to other people since adventurer's were very alcohol reliant. The one who found the solution... was none other than Bell and Finn. Freya seemed grateful that they even tried to find it in the first place and knew there was nothing they could do for Chloe. She had become an overprotective mother of sorts. Helun became stronger, much stronger, she had been assumed to be a level 2 in the beginning (Cuz it ain't clear on the fandom) but by 2 years of Chloe's death she was level 5 which was practically insane if you disregard Bell's existence.
"Oh hello, Chloe san," Bell bowed. He remembered how polite and mannerful he was in the good ol' days so he tried to imitate that. it seemed to work.
"Come in white ass, Syr's already here," Chloe said as she was going back in. Bell followed in suit, he spotted Syr sweeping the floor and she looked up and her face lit up.
"Oh Bell, Hell-" Syr was saying with a smile but she stopped. Her face became one of confusion.
'She must've realised that I'm not the same anymore' Bell thought as he decided to pretend everything was the same as always. Syr still stood there shocked. Bell decided to drag her back.
"Well, good morning Syr-san," Bell said with a gentle smile. Syr didn't respond, a drop of sweat went down the back of Bell's head and thankfully his elven came in to help out.
"Oh Cranel san..." Ryuu said as stoic as ever.
"Ryuu san, how are you?" Bell asked cheerfully. Ryuu smiled at his energic reactions. Soon Mia entered. She saw Syr standing like a statue.
"OI, brat you better not have done anything to Syr," Mia said as she grew suspicious of him. Bell just brushed it off.
"Oh don't worry the connection is slow," Bell said.
"the what?" Mia asked raising an eyebrow.
"don't worry about it. Anyways as for the reason I came here was to talk to you, Mia san," Bell said.
"Oh?" Now this was new to Mia, he usually seemed scared of Mia but today, the sun seemed to have risen from the west because Bell was actually upfront with her. "What did you need to talk about?" She asked curious.
"Well, specifically I need information," Bell said with a smile as he pushed a bag of valis.
"about?" Mia asked as she started cleaning one of the cups.
"Ishtar familia..." Bell said. The store became silent. It seemed for a second Syr's connection was fine since she was now turned towards Bell who was sitting, but she soon froze again.
'why does he want to know about that familia? Wait, more importantly what happened to his soul.' Syr thought.
Ryuu's eyes narrowed, 'why is someone like him asking of them?' she thought with disgust in her mind.
"Hoo? Boy, ya finally growing up?" Mia smirked. Bell's face became serious, stern even, he exuded an aura of experience and ruthlessness. The years have indeed not been easy for Bell, you must be able to be at least this intimidating to even get by normally in his original timeline.
For Mia and the others this experience was different, it was as if a blue tiger had suddenly risen from Bell and had their necks right near its mouth, it could snap at any second, no one moved an inch. Even Mia felt somewhat pressured.
"No not yet," Bell said, "But they made an enemy of one they should not have, now they have to pay.." He stated ominously.
"A-and who exactly did they offend?" Mia asked recovering. Bell sat there in silence, he looked up with fury in his eyes. Of course it pissed him off, when he learnt of things Aisha was forced to do, from being a prostitute with men she didn't want to sleep with to being charmed so that she fought him, he hated Ishtar with every inch of his being. Add on the shit with Haruhime and the killing stone, the story takes a turn for the worse.
"Don't worry," he said in a cold tone, "it's not the members I have a bone to pick with.." he clarified. There was an audible gulp.
'just what did they do to make him become like this?' was everyone's thoughts.
" do ya think the members will do nothing while you hurt their Goddess?" Mia asked with concern.
"I got a plan for that, I will trust you with this, but if my plan works out, there won't be even a single casualty..." Bell stated with confidence.
"don't ya think, you're being a bit arrogant. Not that mention, your war is detrimental to Orario. The red light district is crucial as a way to relieve stress for people who can easily turn for the bad if they can't deal with it." Mia pointed with stirnness.
"But there would be more good done if they are gone than if they stay, and my anger isn't the only reason to get rid of them." Bell said. Mia raised an eyebrow encouraging him to continue, "illegal human trafficking.." Bell simply stated.
Ryuu's eyes narrowed further. Everyone looked at Ryuu, Bell ignored it. But he did feel like messing with them a bit, just as a tester to see what would happen if they found out he is from the future. He turned to Ryuu and looked at her. He smiled.
"Don't worry, this operation shall be carried out by the Hestia familia. Honestly, it would be a pain for you to hide your identity, so you don't need to get involved," he said and after a pause, "gale wind san," he simply tacked on. The reaction was just about what he expected.
Ryuu's eyes widened in horror, the others jumped a little at the sudden announcement and Mia was about to grab Bell by the collar. Bell saw it coming, but he couldn't move fast enough to grab her hand, so he only managed to crane his neck at an angle that she barely missed. Obviously, this impressed Mia. She was literally twice his level.
"Seriously? What do you think I will do with that information? Who the actual heck would believe me even if I told them?" Bell asked as if they were ludicrous.
"The problem ain't that boy, it's how you found out that information," Mia said with a frown on her face.
"you aren't even trying to hide it anymore," Bell said but soon put his hands up as Mia's gaze strengthened, "alright you beat me. I recently connected the dots..." he said.
"and you expect that you suddenly became 'oh so knowledgable' over night?" Lunoire asked.
"no, but it makes sense. I mean I didn't question it because I didn't know much about what happened during the dark age. But if you look closely it becomes obvious," Bell stated, "think about it. Astrea familia collapse. A familia of justice collapses. A new hero arises that eliminates evilus. Someone with strong powers of wind as far as I know. So it can't be any of the big familias. Now, where can I find a strong maybe level 4, adventurer who isn't from a big familia and is also, a wind user? Obviously," Bell explained. It seemed wrong, his explanation was to unusual for him.
"anyways let's not get side tracked, even after finding out Ryuu is the gale, I can easily trust her with my soul and body," Bell said as Ryuu blushed a little at the way he spoke. Of course, he could trust her, although she doesn't know, he still went through the 37th floor, he still held that sort of trust towards her. Which only grew after attack of the Phalanx.
"Besides, why are you the ones interrogating me? I came here for information, not a search," Bell said bringing the focus back into the main conversation. Mia looked at him but knew from the way he spoke about Ryuu, he was speaking the absolute truth. She smiled.
"if someone finds out about who she is, I swear I will break all the bones in your body," she smirked.
"at least give me a couple potions if you do," Bell replied.
"cheeky little brat," she said but she moved on, "The Ishtar familia seem to have connections will a lot of underworld people. They usually have amazonesses be their main force with the captain being Phryne Jamil a level 5, Ishtar herself is basically a slightly more refined harlot herself. She evidently charms people to do her bidding. She can be very dangerous boy," Mia said.
"don't worry about that continue," Bell said. Mia looked for a second, she had said the most intimidating things to perhaps get him to pull out beforehand. She sighed in defeat.
"rumour has it that she got connections to Telskyura's kali familia and somewhere in Melen although I'm not sure how.." Mia paused, she could tell him a little more, but she decided 'you have no money card' "if ya want more, you need to pay more." Mia said hoping Bell would say its enough before she went into the more serious things.
"That's fine. That was about all I needed from an official source anyways," Bell said as he got up to leave. Mia stopped him however.
"what do ya mean from an official source? ya think you can attack based on that and a few other rumours? That's just straight up reckless. I ain't seen you fight in the dungeon, but if you're always like this, you won't survive much longer." Mia shouted. Bell turned to her with slightly saddened eyes. A miserable yet anger filled look that told her some things.
"she is forcing one of my precious friends to do things against their will. I don't care if it's even Freya I have to go against, I won't tolerate such abuse, especially when the person has ties with me," Bell said. He soon gave a smile, "Oh don't worry much, I'll come back alive. I always do," Bell said with a somewhat bitter tone.
The reason being quite simple. Throughout the many battles Bell had fought with others, slowly and slowly all the people he cared about were robbed from him. Hestia, Lili, Welf, Ryuu, Mikoto and even Eina all died. Yet he survived. He always did. He kept coming back again and again, the numbers of his family dropping one by one, this time he would not let it repeat.
'I'll be damned if they do that again,' he thought as rage filled him. Before, he promptly calmed himself down. Getting hot blooded would do him no benefit at all.
Later he went back to the manor
He entered through the main gate. He consciously mapped out the area, to rejog his memories of the place as he made his way to Welf's shed.
"yo welf!" Bell said as he entered his forge.
"Oh bell, you're here. Have you cleared your mind?" Welf asked. Bell nodded and he smiled, "well then tell me what type of dagger do you want this time?"
"I am not asking for a dagger this time," Bell said. Welf looked puzzled so Bell elaborated, "If I always use a dagger, what if I get in a situation where I need a longer reach. Or if I need to have a lot of strength to push my opponent back?" Bell pointed out.
"Fair enough, what type of sword do you want?" Welf asked.
"for now, a mid length sword will do, later on I want to use a great sword, since the monsters may get stronger but for now I want a mid length sword." Bell said.
"ok then," Welf said.
"oh if you can, can you make the colour electric blue?" Bell asked.
"that's... doable but why such an odd colour?" Welf asked slightly curious.
"just because, don't worry, I'll provide the payment for it," Bell reassured and went out.
They were supposed to go to the dungeon today, but Bell canceled it, saying he wanted to solo dive a bit. No one really questioned it so they all spent their time doing maintenance today. Bell did the right move though. Since he was no longer used to his own body after all, he was half a foot shorter than what he used to be, his level is a fourth of his actual level. The only good thing he found was that his thinking speed and recognition had come along, so it was much to not only predict the enemy but also calculate an action to do, all the while he adjusted to his weaker body. 'Thanks to Finn, I got much better at these types of things, otherwise I would undoubtedly struggle against the phalanx who are intelligent.' he thought as he slayed a minotaur.
He checked the potency of his magic and skills as well. He found it interesting how Argonaut had disappeared here as well. In the future, his skills Liaris Freese and Argonaut had sort of fused, the heroic desire to help others and personal desire of growth had become one to form, a desire to help others grow. Basically, what a teacher feels. Except this was to help his comrades, help it did. It could be argued that it was this specific skill that allowed them to even have an attempt at turning the tables.
After his experiments, he came out of the dungeon and went to the guild. He didn't see Eina anywhere, 'welp guess she's a busy person' he shrugged as he gave the stones in and left. He went back home with a little treat for his familia. 'I didn't get to eat a snack with them for years, I deserve this much at least' He thought as he took some jagamarukun in all flavours and walked back.
At The Hearth Manor
Bell walked in to see a very tired Hestia.
"Oh Bell kun, you're back!" Hestia said as if she was revived from her slouching position. She dodged at Bell, but he dodged. "oww, Bell kun why'd you dodge?" Hestia asked.
"Hestia, can you not see what I'm carrying?" Bell asked putting his other hand on his waist. Hestia's eyes widened but not at what he was carrying.
"what did you say?" Hestia asked.
"I said, can you not see what I'm carrying?" Bell reiterated.
"no, what did you call me?" Hestia asked.
"Hestia? Is that not your name?" Bell asked shocked. Hestia jumped up with glee as if a five year child that had just been promised some ice cream.
"You finally called me by my name, yay" she shouted. Bell realised his mistake. He had gotten used to not really giving much attention to how he addresses people. Now, that was biting him is back.
"well, hey guys I brought some snacks let's eat some together." Bell shouted. As the rest of his small familia came out he could only smile.
"Bell sama! Why would yo buy such things, we have dinner at home. What's the point of buying so much?" Lili complained.
"Aw don't be like that. It's fine from time to time," he said smiling as he pat Lili's head, who in turn blushed.
"Bell dono, thank you for buying this, but I have to go with my old familia members," Mikoto said in a rush. However, what she heard next surprised her.
"if you're planning on going to the pleasure quarter at least take Welf with you, it'll be bothersome if people try to hit on you," Bell said taking a jagamarukun and biting into it. Mikoto froze in place.
"I'm sorry?" She asked shocked. The others stared wide eyed at Bell. Bell looked at her as if she was being an idiot.
"Mikoto, I am your captain. I at least have the right to know where you keep disappearing off to. The destination does not please me in the slightest, but from what I observed, you hardly go there for pleasure," Bell said as Mikoto looked shook. Bell's mood got heavy he leaned forward, "Bring Chigusa san inside," he commanded. Mikoto stiffened up, no one had ever seen him like that. Little did they know, he had tested the waters before, he knows what to say and what not to say. If him immediately jumping into action means that Aisha and Haruhime will suffer less then so be it.
Mikoto left wordlessly and soon re-entered with Chigusa in tow. Bell became more stern, and the two of them sat in front of the table.
"I don't like it one bit. The act of keeping secrets like that," Bell said while giving a quick glance to Hestia, which she picked up but decided to ignore, since there were more pressing matters at hand. "especially since you are trying to save Haruhime," he said. While, Chigusa and Mikoto's eyes widened and the others looked confused.
"Haruhime? Who is that?" Welf asked. Mikoto was about to speak but was interrupted by Bell.
"Sanjouno Haruhime. A renard of noble descent that had deep connections with the Miach's shrine." Bell summed up.
"how-" Chigusa tried to say.
"did I know?" Bell finished for her. "So, you mean to tell me... that my familia member, my family is going to be going out into the pleasure district every other night, and I won't even be investigating the reason why she goes there?" Bell said. Finally after getting over the initial shock Welf joined in.
"that's right Mikoto. Bell may be naïve and easily influenced but he is by no means ignorant and uncaring you know that. he's still the captain of the familia," Welf said supporting Bell.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Bell simply stated. His expressions softened and he smiled at them, "Now, don't you have something to say?" He asked.
Mikoto and Chigusa both broke out of their trans and looked at each other then they went into a dogeza pose, "we are extremely sorry Bell-dono, Bell-san," they said in unison. Bell smiled even more.
"That's alright, I was just worried for you guys. Either way, you have no reason to go alone, so eat here, you too Chigusa san." Bell said smiling. They looked puzzled.
"what do you mean?" Hestia asked.
"Well obviously... my friend wants to help their friend, am I supposed to just sit here?" Bell asked. At this Mikoto and Chigusa's expression brightened but Hestia's mood took a nose dive.
"NOO WAYY, AM I LETTING MY BELL KUN GO TO THE PLEASURE QUARTERS," Hestia screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Hestia calm down, if it helps keep you convinced, I take an oath in the name of the pure Hearth flame that I will not intentionally do any perverted things," Bell swore.
"BUT THAT STILL MEANS THAT YOU COULD UNINTENTIONALLY DO THINGS," Hestia caught on to the loop hole. There was no way in hell that she would let that chance appear.
"Well, it's called unintentional for a reason, besides I'm sure it would be fine," Bell said carelessly. As Hestia was about to speak up Welf spoke up.
"I agree with Bell on this one. It's not as if we are going to declare war on them, and someone is in need of help, we must do what we can," Welf said.
"who are we, Astrea familia?" Hestia scoffed.
" Don't make fun of the dead," Bell coldly stated as Hestia froze and coughed and squeaked out an apology. "Well, we can see what happens, but from the information I gathered, it would be unfair to declare war," Bell said.
"why is that?" Mikoto said while eating a jagamarukun.
"because, the barbellas are being forced to work as prostitutes, according to my informant, Ishtar is utilising a charm ability to essentially turn them into her slaves," Bell said. As Mikoto and Chigusa both gasped, what if it were too late for Haruhime? "regardless, let's eat and get ready to head out," Bell concluded, Hestia wanted to say no but it seemed that they were dead set on this, she sighed in defeat.
'really you are too nice for your own good Bell' Hestia thought with a smile.
After dinner
"Ok, normally it's Lily giving orders but I will do it this time. Lili, you are in charge of gathering info from informants, however, if it seems fishy I want you to be bail. Me, Mikoto, Chigusa and Welf will go into the pleasure district and search around for Sanjouno Haruhime," Bell finished.
"yes sir," they all said, heck even Chigusa joined in.
They head out and did each of their roles properly. Chigusa and Mikoto went with Welf so no man would try to hound them, they came across someone they thought was Haruhime but couldn't identify her properly. As they searched, they got separated from Bell. Bell went around and met the one he hoped he would.
"Ara? Bell kun, it's a rare place for you to be," a playful male voice called out.
"same to you Hermes sama," Bell said without looking back, "Fancy seeing you around, I'm sure you know I'm not here for that type of thing so let's not start a charade," Bell said.
"Oh, there is no decieving a God, you are looking for a prostitute here right? I know, here I'll give you a gift," Hermes said with a smirk. Technically, he was right, Bell was looking for Aisha who was a prostitute here.
"God damn it, I don't need your aphrodisiac," Bell shouted as he moved his hands away from Hermes, who only put his hand on his mouth.
"ara, how did you know this was an aphrodisiac?" Hermes said playfully. "I may have a caught a real rabbit this time," he said teasing him.
"I'll deal with you later Hermes sama, oh but as a word of caution, from a child to a God, it's best to not go to Ishtar this time around. You won't like it," Bell warned as he walked away. In the split second, Hermes' expression became more serious.
'how did he know where I was going? Something seems wrong,' Hermes thought but carried on.
Soon after Bell was walking around and getting kissed by countless girls, even if he was 25 internally, he started blushing. Then it happened. The fateful encounter with Aisha.
"Oh what do we have? you're a cute one," Aisha said as Bell bumped into her chest. Bell felt that he had tears in his eyes, from happiness to see her again but held them baclk.
'well here goes' he thought, "A-o-oh I d-didn't mean to c-come here. I a-accidentally got here," he did his best to imitate his old self. He did good, since he always got embarrassed whenever he looked at Aisha, even in the future.
"Hey, isn't that the Little Rookie? The one who won the war game?" a girl called out and suddenly Bell was being chased by a heck of a lot of women. He ran as fast as he could but kept track Aisha. Soon after running around, he chanced upon being found by Aisha.
"Ha found you, now, let's go to bed. I'll treat you just right don't worry," Aisha said in a playful voice. Bell felt his heartbeat rise, and something else. "Oh? It looks like your grand sword isn't concerned," Aisha said. Bell snapped himself out.
"alright fine, can we at least go to a room?" Bell said becoming quieter by the second. She grinned at his cuteness and led him by the hand to a private room. He was truly excited but kept convincing himself that he would have an important conversation, that could very well get him killed.
As they entered the room Bell went in as Aisha closed the door. She pounced and pinned Bell onto the bed by grabbing his hands.
"I won't put up resistance but we have to talk," Bell said.
"less talking, more fucking," Aisha said. Half way through removing his clothes.
"Even if it's about Haruhime?" Bell asked. And there it was, the one thing that could be the deciding factor, Aisha stopped. She looked at him in a serious glare. "I mean no harm so can you at least listen. You're level 4 and I'm 3, you can keep me pinned if it makes you feel more secure," Bell said. Aisha felt no lie from what he said but just in case kept him held down.
"talk," she commanded in a serious tone.
"As you obviously know, I am the captain of the Hestia familia. I have a member that knows Haruhime from the Far Eastern times," Bell said.
"what do you mean? Who is it? Why are you here?" Aisha asked in succession.
"Her name is Mikoto, she is from the Takemikazuchi familia, you know the one who used to gravity magic against Apollo?" Bell said. He carried on, "she is Haruhime's friend and heard a rumour that Haruhime is being kept in the pleasure quarter, and she came here with her friend to search for Haruhime every other day, As her captain you can understand why I'm concerned right? So I convinced her to tell me what she is looking for." Bell concluded.
Aisha paused for a second, "There is no girl called Haruhime in here, take your friend and get out of here," Aisha said almost leaving.
"who said the story is finished?" Bell replied. Aisha stopped and turned. Bell smirked, "what Mikoto however, doesn't know is that I already know more than I need to." Instantly Aisha held Bell down once more and Bell put up no resistance.
"Although I can't say I mind this, I really feel uncomfortable, you already know I won't try anything, so can I sit up at least?" Bell asked. Aisha clicked her tongue but complied. "right so any question?" He asked.
"what did you mean when you said you know more than you need to?" Aisha asked.
"oh the usual things, Haruhime is being mistreated by Ishtar familia, you are the only one who even bothers to look after her. And... how she is going to be used in the killing stone," Bell finished. Aisha stared wide eyed.
"How-" She tried to say.
"did I know?" Bell finished, 'God I'm hearing that line a lot' he thought, "well let's say I got informants if it helps," He finished.
"what are you planning to do?" Aisha asked.
"Now I don't know how your mindset is, well I actually do, you couldn't normally care less about your fellow familia members, but as far I can see, if my family is in need of help and wants to do something, I will support them." Bell said confidentially.
"You think someone like you can do it?" Aisha scoffed.
"you can doubt it all you want, you just have to do a few favours to me, nothing major either. Besides, brain always beats the brawn, I learnt that the hard way," Bell said.
"Ha! Try your best then, let's hear your plan." Aisha said sitting down.
"I won't tell you," Bell said. Once again causing Aisha's eyes to narrow.
"Haah?" Aisha said.
"It's quite simple. Ishtar clearly can charm you, otherwise you wouldn't be here, so there is a chance that if I tell you the plan, you'll spill the beans," Bell simply pointed out.
"what makes you feel that I wouldn't be here? I love sleeping with men," she rose, "It's always you who-" She started.
"make our blood run hot?" Bell finished for her, she was astonished. "Oh by the way, I don't swing that way," Bell reassured.
"never doubted you did, not after your sword rose," Aisha smirked. Bell coughed.
"well the favours I need is quite simple. I'm sure, Ishtar is aware of my presence, I will probably get attacked. I want you to come and fight, take me, but let me escape 'accidentally' once inside, the rest I can handle." Bell said.
"seems simple enough. But how can I trust you? How can you help her?" Aisha asked.
Bell got up and went to the door, "two things. one, I am not here to only help Haruhime. My goal is you too. Second, I know you have no choice to trust me, after all, the full moon is coming soon. Besides, Who said I'm alone?" Bell smirked as he left.
He soon made his way to Haruhime, once again being chased by women but finally finding the place.
Haruhime bowed a bit, "g-good evening sir, I'll take you through everything. Don't worry, I will take care of you," Haruhime said.
"what? Did Aisha teach you that?" Bell smirked.
"h-huh? Y-yes, I was trained by Aisha, I guess you already slept with her," Haruhime said.
"as a matter of fact, no I haven't," Bell said, Haruhime looked up. "I just know her," Bell stated. "either way, let's not get this started because I know for a fact you will just faint," Bell said as Haruhime blushed.
"how-" she tried to ask.
"I don't need to hear that question for the third time this evening please, alright I have a few questions," Bell said as he sat by the window, he asked her to come closer, "why did you ignore Mikoto and Chigusa?" Bell bluntly asked. Haruhime's eyes widened. "Mikoto is part of my familia, I am her captain. Don't worry," he said.
"I do not know who Mikoto or Chigusa is" Haruhime tried to play dumb.
"alright pretend if it helps, by the way, do you know the story of Argonaut?" Bell asked excitement coming out. Even after all the years, these stories still get him.
"of course, do you know," Haruhime started chatting with Bell and just like last time, they spoke the night away talking about heroes.
The next Morning
Haruhime led Bell through a safe passage outside Bell made his way to the Hearth Manor. Needless to say, Hestia was pissed. But Bell managed to calm her down.
"By the way guys," Bell brought everyone's attention to him, "I found Haruhime," Bell stated.
"WHAT? so that was Haruhime," Mikoto said.
"yes it was, it's also the reason why I came so late, we got sidetracked talking about hero stories," Bell said while yawning.
'that's so like them to do' was what Mikoto thought.
"bad news is though. They are planning on killing her soon," Bell continued.
"WHAT!" Mikoto screamed.
"screaming does not help Mikoto san." Bell replied, "they plan on sacrificing her in order to gain a killing stone or something... long story short, we need to bust her out before the next full moon," Bell said.
"but that's in two weeks," Mikoto said almost crumpling to the ground.
Bell held her up, "don't worry, we can make it. after all, we got an inside ally with us," Bell smirked.
"Inside ally?" Hestia asked. At the same time, Hermes showed up at the front door.
"yoohoo, Bell kun? Come outside let's talk about yesterday," Hermes shouted.
"what is the clown saying Bell?" Hestia asked.
"oh right, I came across him yesterday," Bell said as he went to open the door.
"you what?" Hestia screamed.
"don't worry, I'll deal with him. You just each your breakfast," Bell shook her off. Once he opened the door, Bell saw Hermes, his serious expression did not match his tone of voice.
"hello. Bell," Hermes said.
"I am guessing you actually went to her huh?" Bell sighed.
"how did you know what would happen? Why were you there for that matter?" Hermes asked seriously. Bell took his time to explain the story to him.
"so you were there because your friend Mikoto says a girl named Haruhime is being kept there, and you found her there?" Hermes summed it up, Bell nodded, " if you want to take my advice, you might want to give up. Ishtar is not an enemy you want," he advised. Bell's tone turned cold.
"she is my enemy already. My goal is to send her back to tenkai and nothing short of that," Bell said as Hermes' eyes widened. "all I ask from you is that you do not get involved any further. You've already done enough damage by telling her of me?" Bell walked off before Hermes got to say anything.
Back at The Manor, Hestia's doorstep
Soon, it's going to be time to attack. I should get ready for things. First, let's get a status update, I need the newest stats possible. Let's see which skills came along with me. He knocked on the door. "Hestia. Can you update my status since you couldn't last night?" Bell asked.
"sure, Bell kun, get on the bed," Hestia said cheerfully, still happy at the way he calls her.
She pokes her finger with a pin. "Ohhh, you have improved a lot," Hestia said impressed.
Bell Cranel
Level: 3
Str: 300
Vit: 321
Dex: 311
Agi: 401
Mag: 333
Magic:
Firebolt
Solar eclipse ( A burning flash bang, basically a thermite and flash bang from Call of duty fused together) Chant: Almighty sun, burn my natural enemy. Steal their sight and encoat their vision is darkness)
Skills:
Liaris Freese - Liaris Incrementum ( allows user's allies to grow faster as well albeit in a slower rate)
Inheritor of Kronos's will
Blessing of time
development skills:
the cannon ones.
'What the hell? 3 new skills and 1 magic overnight?' Hestia looked surprised. She stayed silent but finally said something, "isn't that nice Bell. You got one new magic and two skills," Hestia said as she gave him the sheet after removing Liaris Incrementum.
Bell looked at the sheet and felt disappointment. Both at the low stats...
and Hestia.
A/N: Well, that's done. I'm tired so there won't be much written here, have fun reading, forgive me for any mistakes. For those who are muslim, Eid Mubarak.
Bless.