Chapter 4 - Game pieces falling into place.
The first safety point in the dungeon is located on floor 18. Often referred to the Under Resort by adventures strong enough to reach and relax on this floor. You can find many pleasures on this floor. Many adventures will venture into the makeshift town known as Rivira for said pleasures. From drinking their way through their hard earned Valis or spending their Valis on blackmarket items only found in the darkest makeshift alleyways of the Under Resort town. Rivira was bustling as if there wasn't a care in the world.
Away from the lively town two old friends were reuniting after a long year apart. At the gravesite of a once proud and noble familia the two stood in silence. One was silenced by disbelief, a disbelief that the mysterious adventurer in front of her was an old and dear friend. A lot had happened to this adventurer in the past year most of which the elf was unaware of but what little she did know she knew he needed her gratitude. But how could she express her gratitude. Unsure the young elf decided to say something, anything to get the conversation going.
"Your hair. It is different Mr Cranel" the elf said without the hint of emotion. Very typical of Ryu Lion however those closest to her knew underneath her exterior was someone fighting tooth and nail to keep her emotions in check and this occasion was on such time.
Before Bell could respond the young elf decided to add another statement laced with the intent on making the young man in front of her blush hoping he was still in there. She desperately hoped that this year hadn't been too cruel on him and so she spoke. "Letting your hair grow and tying it into a bun makes you look more like a rabbit than ever before Mr Cranel. At least I know Syr will like it". If the first statement made Bell's cheeks warm slightly then after Ryu was finished talking steam from Bell's ears could be seen all the way from Rivira. This was what Ryu had hoped to see after all the young elf didn't want Bell Cranel to end up like her; broken beyond repair, a shadow of her former self. Even if she thought that way Bell didn't in his eyes the girl in front of him had been punished severely by herself for the 'crimes' she committed as Gale Wind.
After calming himself down the ever bashful young man finally composed himself in order to address his friend. Ecstatic that this part of their encounter had gone fairly smoothly filled him with relief but this wouldn't last. He knew what he had to say wouldn't sit well with Ryu. His friend and ally was a tortured soul. During his time acting as Ouranos' child he was privy to all of Orario's and the Guild's secrets this included the truth to Astrea familias demise and how Gale Wind had taken her revenge this was something Bell sympathized with. This past year Bell had discovered a lot about his origins and knew just what lengths he would go to just to keep his friends and adoptive family safe.
Scratching the back of his head in typical Bell Cranel fashion he decided to take charge of the exchange. "I'm sure you have a million questions right now Ryu but please let me say what I have to say. Not all of it will be pretty but I need you to hear it". With the nod of approval from the skeptical elf he continued.
"I feel I should start with the obvious and that's who's falna I now carry on my back this may surprise you. It's Lord Ouranos". The first bombshell had gone off but Ryu was composed on the outside so Bell continued. "The second is how long I've been back in Orario. I was gone for roughly 4 days in total. Just enough time for Ouranos and Fels to make sure I was seen outside of the city. I'm sure you remember that carnage that unfolded after Dionysis and his follower Filvis Challia were outed as Enyo and Ein respectively. Before the coalition could launch their attack on Knossos it was agreed to confront the pair. What happened afterwards I regret".
Ryu had decided to keep her promise to remain silent even if she could see that pain in Bell's eyes. The fallout of Arges' battle with Filvis alongside Asfi and Shakti had caused considerable damage to all sides. The two level 4 adventures alongside the level 5 managed to subdue Filvis after she became whole again, becoming a creature once more. Finn Deimne had witnessed the fighting and was incensed by Loki familias exclusion but backed down once he saw the bigger picture. Dionysis being outed as Enyo called into question their integrity in the eyes of the public as they had worked so close to each other. At the time excluding them seemed the right thing to do for the Loki familia for their reputation just as much as it was for keeping Arges identity a secret but the damage to Orario was costly just another twist of the knife that was firmly lodged in his conscience.
Deciding enough silence had passed, Bell spoke again. "Before Hermes could get any more information from Dionysis he returned to Tenkai voluntarily to avoid answering the coalition. Filvis was inconsolable after he left her alone to go back to Tenkai. She… took her own life shortly afterwards. The poor girl was manipulated beyond repair". Bell's voice was getting heavier as his story continued.
"Not long after me and the Xenos were sent into Knossos to scout and disrupt Evilus' plans. We managed to capture 3 disgusting jewel fetuses before they could turn them into demi spirits". This was when Ryu had decided enough was enough, she was completely lost.
"Demi spirits? Jewel fetuses? What are you talking about Bell?" Ryu's mind was lost in a sea of confusion and needed a lifebuoy to keep her afloat.
"I'm afraid there is something lurking at the bottom of the dungeon and its influence beginning to reach the surface. That is why the coalition was founded. The answers to those questions will be found at the bottom. What those answers are we can only guess but first we NEED to rid that influence from Knossos and then drive it back all the way to the bottom".
Silence again from Ryu.
"And that should be enough for now. As to why I invited you here. Lord Ouranos and I have decided that with the defeat of Evilus on the horizon and the uniting of familias to pursue this demi spirit threat deeper into the dungeon. The citizens needs a symbol to show the strength and unity of Orario's adventures and we decided that should be Astrea familias return. I understand your apprehension but I believe it's about time you forgive yourself Ryu this can be a fresh start for you and your familia". Bell decided to stop talking. Anything said now wouldn't get through to the elf, this was something she needed to process quickly.
Ryu's mind was a raging sea of confusion before now it would be more appropriate to call her state of mind as a raging typhoon and she was caught in its path. Bell knew he wasn't being fair to his friend but for the plan to work and for Ryu to find peace her wound needed to be ripped open to heal properly.
Ryu dropped to her knees small tears started to form in the corners of her eyes. "Why?" The one worded question was all the elf could muster.
In the past year Bell had learned exactly who his Grandfather was; this came as a shock one that he still truly hadn't processed yet because he had nobody to talk to about this and many other things he'd learned whilst pouring through the guild archives during his time away from the dungeon. But this was one of the times he was thankful for the old perverts teachings. Before him knelt a young beautiful woman, exactly his grandfathers type! She was in pain and Bell knew he in this moment would do everything in his power to burden her pain because that's what heroes do, they burden the responsibility they save the young maiden and they carry all the pain so others don't have too. So he did the only thing he could think of at this moment and started to walk over to his friend.
Kneeling down he wrapped his arms completely around the elf. He would face the consequences later for touching a proud elf's body he thought to himself before deciding to speak. "I've read the reports surrounding what happened all those years ago, remember a few months ago when Gale Wind was accused of murder on this very floor? I knew you were innocent. The Ryu I met back when I first came to Orario isn't the Gale Wind from those reports. That's why I stormed the dungeon to find you. That's when I found those thugs planting explosives all around the Water City. I didn't know what they were doing but I sensed it wasn't good so I quickly incapacitate them and sent word to Shakti via an oculus. I quickly followed a trail of adventures led by Bors as you may start to remember the rest. I found you and that tamer alone, I'm glad I was there to stop you even if you didn't realise it was me. Shortly after his arrest Shakti learned their intentions that day. They were planning to get that monster to spawn again; I don't think I need to tell you which one. That's when Ouranos decided to abolish the bounty against you and clear your name. We both think you've suffered more than enough that's why we want to give you and Astrea another chance in the city. The city needs Astrea familia and I need you by my side to bring Evilus down for good and to keep the city safe. Please Ryu". Hoping that would be enough Bell tighten his embrace to let the elf release all the pain she'd been holding in for years.
Only minutes passed but for Ryu it felt like a lifetime, she'd now realised that her friend, only the 3rd person ever to hold her hand had been helping her from the shadows trying to clear her name and ease her suffering. She didn't deserve the young man's kindness but she wanted it, in that moment all she wanted was forgiveness from him, from her former familia members and most importantly her Goddess. Bell was offering his forgiveness right now by holding her tightly saying what she needed to hear more than anything.
A small breeze had brushed past the two whilst Ryu clung to Bell, this set Ryu's mind racing how was this possible in the dungeon there shouldn't be wind this far down. But just as this thought raced through her mind another small flame ignited in the back of her mind something she wouldn't normally give any fuel too but she decided to give this small flame it's moment to shine. What if this wind was a sign? A sign from Alise, from Kaguya, from Lyra, from Neze and everyone else. Had they forgiven her too? She allowed these thoughts to fill her mind and saw each one of their smiling faces. Then she heard a voice as clear as day. A voice she didn't expect to hear, it sounded like her dearly departed friend Alise. Opening her eyes she saw the trees rustling as the breeze flew through them. And then the voice got louder, unable to find the source she closed her eyes again. "You really are a dummy Lion!" alright now she definitely heard Alise only she would act this way to Ryu. "I agree with this bunny you're clinging too! Go find our goddess and become the new captain of Astrea familia! I wouldn't want anyone else except you, you big dummy!".
Ryu's mind had started to calm slowly, raising her head she decided to speak again. "You can let go now Bell". Deciding to drop the formalities he deserved to hear his name at least.
Cheeks burning red he relented. "Oh yeah sorry about that Ryu. I know you don't like to be touched". Scrambling to his feet he spoke again. "I just couldn't bare to see you so upset, even if it was my fault I had to do something".
Ryu got to her feet just as quick but didn't look at Bell, she decided to look towards the floor to hide her embarrassment and more to hide her blushing face too, the young man's embrace had been so comforting, something she hadn't expected. "I'll forgive you this time Bell. But I don't understand, how do you know where Astrea is?"
"Ah I forgot to explain that part. Hermes agreed to send 2 of his familia members to search for her and they returned with her location. It's in this envelope. I wanted you to be the first to know where she was. As we are going to find her" finishing up he gave a big cheesy grin.
Stunned into silence for another breath moment she quickly regained her elven composure she was so proud of. "We don't have permission to leave the city, plus there's Mama Mia to deal with. I simply cannot go". Bell quickly caught on to what Ryu was implying. Of course these were valid reasons but they were also excuses, she was still apprehensive to face her Goddess after everything that has happened since they went their separate ways.
"That's all taken care of we won't be leaving via the gate. And as for Mama Mia i'm sure some Valis will smooth things over just fine. I understand your apprehension. I'm just as scared to see Hestia and everyone when all this is over too. But I'll be by your side, you don't need to be afraid to face her anymore. If all the reports are to be believed and the stories I've heard from Hestia; Astrea will be happy to see you no matter what you think". "Now come on we're leaving before the sun rises". Bell stated. He wasn't asking, he was telling her.
Ryu watched as Bell walked over to his visor, he had dropped it when he embraced her and couldn't help but notice something she had not noticed before. The boy that left a year ago was gone before her stood a young man. Troubled, tired, strong with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Whatever he had been through this past year must have shook him to his core but he was still standing. The childish grin and pure of heart attitude remained, but his eyes weren't as shining as they once were. They were tired eyes, the eyes of someone that had been through so much alone, the eyes Ryu once had before Syr had found her. In that moment Ryu decided she would be the one to get Bell to open up,too lean on someone for once as he had been the pillar for so many others in his short time in Orario.
And so the two left the Astrea familia grave together ready to breathe new life into the once proud protectors of Orario's peace.
Meanwhile in Twilight Manor the mood was as bleak as ever. Morale had been down for a long time now. It all started with Line and her groups passing and snowballed from there. From there the Xenos incident took place and left deep scars on certain members of the familia. Aiz and Tiona had reacted the worst from all the fallout for completely different and similar reasons all the same. Aiz had her whole world shaken upside and then thrown out the window so to speak. Her desire to kill any and all monsters no matter what had been called into question by someone she held close to her heart even if she didn't realise how deep that rabbit had borrowed. Tiona on the other hand had witnessed the Xenos' compassion firsthand and sympathised with her friend the Argonaut. She hated the city and some of her own familia members for their actions the day he was unceremoniously kicked out of the city in her mind he didn't deserve that.
From there the reveal of Enyo and Ein's identities had shaken even more of the familias adventures especially Lefiya. She had grown so close to Filvis, so close in fact she refused to believe for a long time that it was true. With the girls at an all time low and unable to cheer one another up the morale lowered slowly infecting each member. No matter how many mandatory expeditions they went on nobody could get truly motivated.
This simple fact kept Braver up at night every time he tried to motivate his familia he failed. He was becoming increasingly irritated by the coalition as they were being kept in the dark because of their ties to Dionysis. To the public they were the face of the operation but behind closed doors they were the fall guys. Not to mention this mysterious adventurer that kept popping up with varying reports. His thumb throbbed everytime he thought of this individual. None more so than when Raul Nord and Anakitty Autumn had burst into his office days prior saying they had seen this mysterious adventurer first hand. The sighting took place on the upper levels of all places. But what fascinated him the most was his rush to aid a Kobold of all things. Upon getting a brief description of weapons and armour this was the most crucial detail they provided.
Sat in his office on the highest floor of one of many tall towers in the manor. Finn took a sip of his whisky, recently he had taken up the occasional stiff drink as a stress reliever. He had finally relented thanks to Gareth's pestering for him to relax more, much to Riveria's anger. He let his thoughts wander to the mysterious adventurer once more and once more his thumb was under attack. There was one piece to this puzzle that was missing. Who was he and what God did he serve. As if Loki had given him some divine intervention herself a knock on his door brought him back to the present. "Captain a letter has arrived from the guild" Tione Hyrute was on the other side, if nothing else her infatuation for her captain hadn't faltered this past year. After getting permission to enter Tione walked in and handed Finn the letter. He took one look at the letter and gave a command to the infatuated amazon. "Gather the executives immediately that includes Loki". Finn knew this was it; the time had finally come to regain his familias honor in the eyes of the coalition and more importantly to himself. But just as importantly the moment he looked at the seal and saw Ouranos' emblem he knew everything the sensation in his thumb made it clear. The identity of the mysterious adventurer and the God he served. Finn finally understood everything, the reason he was kept in the dark, the unusual amount of expeditions they were sent on and more importantly why. It was all to keep his identity hidden and for both him and the Loki familia to get stronger. A smile formed on Braver's lips and he muttered a small sentence one that wouldn't be heard by anyone. "I look forward to seeing you again. Little Rookie".
A/N: Hello again everyone thanks for taking the time to read this chapter, I hope i was able to shed a bit more light on the way i'm taking this story, during these last 2 weeks working away i've had so many ideas that contradict one another and overlap and also ideas for an entirely new story but don't worry that won't get made until i'm satisfied this has reached it's conclusion.
As always, leave a review about the good, the bad and the ugly in this chapter. My DM's are open too if you're so inclined to share your opinions that way too, As always stay safe and healthy. Peace x