Chapter 5 - Assembling an Army
40 minutes had passed since Finn had issued Tione with his request. During this time executives had wondered in slowly taking up any available space that was on offer. For Tiona it was the coffee table, there she sat crossed legged cheery as ever. Bete on the other hand had been drinking at the Hostess of Fertility again which inclined him to take far too much space on the sofa with his feet up on said coffee table much to the annoyance of Tiona. Riveria and Gareth took the seats closest to Finn ever the loyal comrades. Thanks to the gruelling and constant issues from the guild to go on expeditions Raul Nord and Anakitty Autumn were on the cusp of leveling up to level 5 so they along with Thousand Elf were granted executive status even if they weren't direct executives yet. Much to the annoyance of Bete who according to him didn't belong in these meetings stating "Weakling like them aren't executive calibur". Loki occupied a small space atop Finn's desk taking a similar resting pose to Tiona she however had another cup of wine in her hand, this a new vintage from Soma, the new and 'improved' recipe according to Loki herself was as close to the good stuff as she could get her hands on.
The tension in the air was palpable, everyone was gathered bar 2 executives. Tione and Aiz, however Tione had an excuse she was on the hunt for the aloof girl in question. Aiz being in the dungeon was nothing new but in the past year things were slightly different. She could be found in places other than the dungeon, if she wasn't in the dungeon it was simple, the Jugamarukun stand Hestia worked at or the wall where Bell and her spent hours and days trading blows becoming closer with each clash of blades. It was simple she missed her sparring partner. She missed his pureness, his drive to be stronger for others not for a simple selfish goal. She missed. Him. Another 5 minutes passed before a frustrated Tione threw the doors open with the golden haired airhead in tow. Every set of eyes was now solely focused on the Sword Princess, some anger some relief that she hadn't wondered too far into the dungeon on her own. She may be a level 6 but the dungeon wasn't anybody's friend. Not when their mind is elsewhere that is.
Finn decided to speak up first "Aiz where were you today? You've completely shut yourself off. Even Riveria and Lefiya had no clue where you went. '' The pallum was strict but fair when it came to Aiz's behavior this past year. She was hurting more than most for her own actions and those around her struggled to comfort her.
"The wall" two words was all that came from the girl but everyone knew in an instant why Tione looked furious. Once Aiz was on the wall it was a battle to get her to leave peacefully 9 times out 10 it wasn't peaceful this was one of the 9 times. Finn decided to leave it at that and proceed to start the meeting.
"Thanks for coming on such short notice. I'm not going to waste any time here. We've received notice from the coalition that the assault on Knossos begins in 2 weeks. I want you to use this time to prepare yourselves both physically and mentally. We don't know what awaits us in the man made labyrinth but I believe the meeting me and Loki will be attending may just prepare us somewhat." Finn spoke with authority as the captain of the strongest familia should do.
Silence descended in the room the moment they had waited for was on the horizon a moment to avenge their allies and friends. To reclaim their glory as the giant killing familia to be heroes again. The inner emotions of each executive portrayed these thoughts. Bete wanted revenge; he was cruel and malicious to those weaker than him but he would defend them to the bitter end if need be something he often did as his role in the front lines of the vanguard. He wouldn't let it show but he was still hurting from losing Line and the others. Finn and the rest of the big three wanted to return the familias standing, the rest of the executives were just itching for a fight. And then there was Aiz, she had someone she needed to defeat. Revis had tormented Aiz repeatedly bringing up her past about her mother Aria, her connection to the great spirit was a secret to all but a select few. Most in the room with her right now did not know of her secret. She wasn't ashamed of her origins. No she was proud but she was scared to know what her mother might think if ever she saw her again. Aiz had lost her path since she lost both her parents allowing the black flame to burn furiously inside her heart this had only caused the young girl more pain since then. Losing friends and allies because she wasn't strong enough fueled the flame and in pursuit of that strength to avoid losing anyone she lost her one ray of light. Someone that purified the darkness inside of her, calmed the raging storm that she would lose herself to time and time again, that spark was gone. This upcoming battle would be bloody but Aiz was prepared to take another step down this road of revenge; she would let the darkness take over if she could vanquish her enemy.
The silence was finally broken by an unlikeliest of people amongst the strongest adventurers and characters; the least confident of the bunch spoke his mind "C..Captain w..what's the plan? In terms of the dungeon I mean"
Finn always believed the High Novice was a capable adventurer so he would give the young man some well needed confidence. "Good question Raul. For the next 2 weeks everyone will be taking turns going on small strike teams in the dungeon and training the others in the familia. I won't accept a single one of us not coming back… Not this time. I need you all to be on the top of your game. That means weapons and armour checked, potions ordered, all the usual preparations".
Silence once again descended in the room and then Finn spoke again "Nobody goes any further than Rivira I'll let you decide who you dive with teams of 4 should suffice".
That left no room for argument. The executives' eyes started to dart to each other asking the question without asking. The Hyrute twins would of course go together as would Raul and Aki. Finn and his two oldest companions would go leaving space for one more, perhaps they would babysit Bete or maybe bring Narvi along as their supporter. The elephant in the room would be Aiz would she go alone or would Lefiya convince her to come along with Tiona and Tione, apart from the Loki familia expeditions Aiz had started to prowl the dungeon alone.
Each executive decided to leave one by one, Raul and Aki said their goodbyes respecting their captain to the fullest making Tione smile proudly the rest followed closely behind except for 3 others. Finn sat in his chair now with the eyes of Riveria, Gareth and Loki penetrating deep enough he could feel it in his soul. The three of them knew he was holding something back and decided to stay and wait with baited breath for him to speak. They wondered what it was but they weren't expecting to hear what he may be thinking.
"Thanks for staying, I guess you realised I wanted to talk to you 3 only". Finn opened up the floor for the others to chime in.
"Whatya hidin' Finn" Loki proclaimed.
He then proceeded to hand the letter over to Loki envelope included too hoping she would catch on without him needing to hold her hand through this process. But the prankster goddess didn't catch on; she read and reread the letter and didn't bother to look at the most important piece of evidence.
"Huh what amma missin' ere'" she said rather ticked off.
"The seal Loki it's different from the others. All correspondents from the coalition have come directly from the guild with their seal. This is the first time it's different. Do you recognize it? I have my theory but I want your opinion" Braver replied.
Looking directly at the seal the goddess could make out a clear sky being pierced by a sickle, this still image was wrapped by a wheel separated into 12 parts. This invoked the image of only one deity although he was the first to descended to the lower world they had spent plenty of time together Tenkai all gods and goddesses knew each other before descending some more than others but everyone knew Ouranos his overwhelming presence and authority was a trait he carried down from Tenkai.
Loki's eyes widened in surprise, her usual playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a concerned frown. "Impossible…. The Ouranos familia has been inactive since before I or even Freya came down. How? What do you think this means Finn?"
"I think Ouranos has had enough sitting on the sidelines waiting for everyone to step up. He's taken matters into his own hands" Finn said with a slight hint of shame in his voice.
For the first time the High Elf decided to pitch in with her own thoughts "If what you are saying is true Finn then who is in his familia and how many adventures do you think he has at his disposal?"
"Apart from his underling Fels I believe there is only one. My thumb seems to agree with me and as for who. I believe he's working hard as we speak to increase our chances of returning home safely. I won't reveal who I believe this adventurer is just yet. It could backfire if not handled carefully". He replied looking outwards towards Babel Tower or more specifically the dungeon underneath where two cloaked figures would eventually emerge.
"Do you think it's for the best Finn?" Gareth spoke for the first time this evening.
"I do. There are many who will be pleased but maybe more who will look at Oranous' child with anger Orario is quick to forget less so to forgive. Even if people act with the greatest intentions their actions can be misinterpreted". Finn replied.
"I trust your judgment Finn, if you believe keeping this a secret from the kiddos is best then I'll keep my lips shut". Gareth said with an endearing smile. He had complete faith in his captain as did Riveria and Loki. A nod from Riveria and Loki concluding the meeting. Loki and Finn would attend the meeting with the other gods and their respective captains in the room of prayers. A monumental event that would shape the future of Orario and perhaps the fate of Genkai itself.
All around Orario deities were receiving their invitations to the so called 'war council'. In Folkvangr Freya was giving her familia members their monthly updates since Bell Cranel left Orario her visits to Folkvangr were to do the updates and nothing else. She had become a recluse of sorts only leaving her window atop Babel Tower once a month, of course a certain waitress at the Hostess of Fertility was still smiling away even if it was false. Having just finished updating the last Gulliver brother Berling, Freya let out a deep sigh she wasn't in the mood for updating their statuses but if left alone for too long her precious collection of souls would lose the shine so these once a month visits were to captivate them once more and rejuvenate their souls. Just as she was done with her executives Hedin Selland approached her throne holding the same letter Loki familia received as did many others. Bowing in her presence the ever devoted and prideful elf spoke with the authority a former king would. "Lady Freya this letter arrived not too long ago normally we wouldn't bother you with the mundane however I believe this is worthy of your attention".
This piqued her interest if he was coming straight to her and not Allen or Ottarl then perhaps this was something that could distract her from missing her favourite plaything. Or was it perhaps news she had awaited for the past year. Over the past year she had sent members of her familia outside of Orario looking for any sight of a lost rabbit, if they had managed to hunt him down there wasn't a doubt in her mind she would leave Orario and join Bell and travel around the world with him this would be her chance to have her Odr. But unfortunately for Freya this wasn't the location of her beloved that Hedin held in his hand. Handing the letter over Freya inspected the seal and raised an eyebrow in astonishment just like her rival in Orario; she couldn't believe that Ouranos was taking action. Opening the letter and reading it's contents in silence Freya couldn't help but smirk. At last she has a small bit of entertainment this didn't go unnoticed by her 2 children present Hedin and Ottarl. They were both enthralled by her beauty but to see her smile again brought them great joy. "Ottarl" Freya spoke with her ever present grace.
"Yes my lady" the large boaz replied whilst kneeling by her throne in the grandhall of Folkvangr.
"It seems we're going to war with the remnants of Evilus, we shall be attending a meeting with the other gods. Make the preparations work closely with Allen. I want you all ready to prove the might of my famillia".
"As is your will Lady Freya" Ottarl replied whilst returning to his standing position.
'It's a great shame I won't get to see your bravery once again my beloved' Freya thought longing for her Odr once more.
Hephaestus and Tsubaki were sitting alone inspecting her children's creations this was something Tsubaki and her fellow executives would normally handle but from time to time to alleviate stress Hephaestus would lend an eye and inspect the vast array of weapons and armour that had been made in the past week. Being level 2 in this familia and possessing the Blacksmith development ability didn't guarantee the smith could use the Hephaestus brand logo when selling their wares. Since Hephaestus had descended from Tenkai she had worked tirelessly to develop her familia and her brand ensuring that any adventurer that happened to buy something from one of the many stores she owned in Babel Tower would be receiving quality craftsmanship. That was the Hephaestus brand promise was one that she would upkeep till the end of time or the lower world whichever came first. Knocking loudly on the door was one of her 'warrior smiths' known for their fighting prowess just as much as their prowess in the forge. Bowing and approaching the two women the smith handed the important letter over and left the two alone just as quickly as he arrived. Hephaestus read over the letter taking into account it's content and seal just as quickly she gave her orders like a swift strike of her hammer colliding with her latest piece of art. "Tsubaki we will be attending a meeting with the other gods of the coalition, everyone level 3 and above will be joining the fight, those who aren't fighting will be on repairs and cleaning duty to make sure you are all in fighting order. I want you all to come back home".
"Understood Goddess I'll kick their arses into shape" the loud half dwarf shouted with a smirk.
Inside Travellers Inn Hermes and his vice captain Asfi Al Andromeda where talking about the latest acquisition in the Bell Cranel empire that was quickly taking place in the former Entertainment District and Daedalus street they were the ones signing the nessacessy documents but they weren't the true masterminds.
"I'm not sure what the kids got planned for the area where Belit Babili stood, but there's a lot of land just sitting there. Opportunities like that don't come often in Orario!" Hermes exclaimed much to the annoyance of Asfi.
"Where the only one's here Lord Hermes, besides is it wise to talk so freely about his plans even here there are some who are jealous of his rapid growth and wish him ill intent". Asfi tried to remind her idiotic God.
"I suppose so my dear Asfi. But I'm just so intrigued I never expected things would turn out this way after Ouranos took him in. The boy is truly something. I can't wait to see the looks on the faces of the others when he reveals himself. I just want to make it a big event with plenty of booze of course!" Hermes was truly getting carried away now. A quick clip around the ear from his captain put him back in his place.
"We have more important business to attend to Lord Hermes" Asfi decided to steer the conversation back on track.
"Ah yes I suppose we do. Do you think Ouranos has sent the letters to the others by now?"
"I believe so Lord Hermes, I will make the necessary preparations. Although I wish you would have involved Falgar, I've only just got back from Rivira and haven't slept yet. Don't do anything stupid whilst I'm busy or you'll regret it" Asfi gave a look that could kill before turning towards the door and leaving.
"When have I ever done anything stupid" Hermes laughed at his own 'joke' and then proceeded to go pay his favourite hero a visit.
Deities around the city have received letters including Dian Cecht, Miach and Takemikazuchi. But at Hearth Mansion the scene was much more chaotic compared to the calm responses from Braver, Freya and Hephaestus. Hestia was in uproar after a long day serving hungry customers at her Jegamarukun stand; she now had to deal with the butting heads of Lilli and Welf. Both smith and pallum had a difference of opinion when it came to the letter they received, Lilli seeing this as an opportunity for a quick bag of valis or in this case a boat load had demanded Welf to make some of his magic swords to sell to members of the coalition and of course Welf denied. If he was making magic swords only his familia would wield them. Even after Bell's final words had inspired the smith he was still struggling to come to terms with his cursed blood. Eventually acting captain Mikoto told them to settle down, she was slowly growing into this role even after her year was up she remained in the Hestia familia vowing to keep them safe until Bell's return she was the natural choice for captain in everyone's eyes they respected her abilities in the dungeon but more importantly she was Bell's choice for captain should anything happen.
"Goddess Hestia although I'm unsure why we have been asked to attend this meeting I believe that we should. I don't think we should turn our backs on Orario even if they turned their backs on us" Mikoto spoke to everyone but was addressing their Goddess.
"Why should we help them! They cast my Bell out of the city they don't deserve our help". Hestia shot back whilst pouting.
The room was silent until the timid and shy renard spoke . "Master Bell" Everyone looked at Haruhime to continue.
"He never turned his back on anyone. Not a lowly prostitute like myself. Not Mikoto after the pass parade, he didn't turn his back on you either Lilli. Bell always gives his all to save anyone that needs saving, the Xenos needed him and he saved them. He may not be here now but we owe it to him to continue saving people he brought us together and he believed in us. We are the Hestia familia and he's counting on us to continue his hard work".
Everyone was silent at this declaration, she was right of course they all knew it Bell wouldn't hesitate to answer the call that Ouranos was sending out. That was just his kind nature; the boy that wanted to be a hero would stop at nothing to achieve his dream and save the world. That's why they followed him; they were all saved in some way by Bell. Hestia was saved from her loneliness; her first child brought so much joy into her life, when she thought nobody would join her familia he was brought to tears to be offered the chance. Lilli was saved from herself and from her familia, she was in a vicious cycle until he came along and offered her a way out. Welf hated his cursed blood, he wanted nothing more than to escape his name. He wanted to be free to make weapons and armour that would help people survive and claim victory, he wanted to create art. But nobody could look past his name at times, not even his beloved Goddess. That was until a rookie adventurer came asking for his armour, he didn't care for his magic swords he could see the talent Welf possessed and made him his personal smith together they carved a for their small familia. Mikoto had been saved from her own guilt from the pass parade that ate away at her for so long, even after they reached Rivira and Bell forgave her. After the war game she still didn't believe she had repaid the debt or when they ventured into the entertainment district to save her long lost friend. But trusting her to take over the familia in case anything ever happened was what finally made her understand that he never wanted her to feel guilty; she wanted her to be happy with her new family no matter how long it lasted. And Haruhime believed she wasn't worthy of saving; prostitutes are harbingers of ruin she said countless times to him and countless times he told her she was worth saving. Bell saw through all her 'faults' and saw the scared young girl that was taken from her home and forced into slavery and prostitution. He saved her from an eternity of pain, an eternity of her soul being trapped and broken apart.
They all thought back to their time spent with Bell and smiled, they missed him and they were determined to keep the flame he lit in their hearts alive. They would answer Ouranos' call.
"You're right Haruhime, thank you for reminding us" Hestia spoke, approaching the renard and giving her a warm embrace. After releasing the embrace she looked back at the rest of her children. "Bell may not be with us right now but that just means we need to make Orario safe for his return".
"RIGHT!" everyone replied.
Two hooded figures approached the top of stairs leading out to Babel. By now the moon was completing it's journey and was making its way over the walls of the labyrinth city. Now the sky was at war with itself dashes of crimson and amber mixed with darkness that remained behind creating a breathtaking display for the two individuals.
The taller individual took his hood off. Underneath was a black visor covering everything from his snow white hair down to his nose, craning his neck up to the sky he took the sights in before letting out a deep sigh. "Truly beautiful, I've learned to truly appreciate times like these".
"That's why I enjoy training in the morning before work. It's the small things that make life easier". The other hooded figure replied.
"Before I forget here, take this" the taller figure reached into his cloak and pulled out a scroll. He then handed the scroll over to his companion.
"What's this?" she replied before looking back at her companion.
"It's an official quest from the guild to leave the city for a week and retrieve Goddess Astrea. This should be enough to convince Mia to give you the time off. And if not give her this as a gesture of good will"
After receiving a hefty sack of Valis Ryu looked perplexed.
"Fair compensation for taking her best employee away for a week don't you think?" such charming words caused the elf to blush slightly however this was hidden by the hood.
"I'll meet you in an hour on top of the walls by the southwest tower. We will be meeting Lord Ganesha and getting our transport out of here. I'm going to get my supplies. Do you need anything from me before I leave?"
"No I should be ok. Thank you Bell"
"As much as I like to hear you use my name. Inside of Orario you'll have to use my alias Arges you never know who is around".
"Oh I'm sorry"
"It's ok Ryu, I'll see you in an hour" walking away in the direction of Daedalus street Bell took his veil and reversed it. And in doing so vanished from sight
Ryu looked as he vanished from sight and then looked down at the scroll and Valis in her hand. Smiling nervously because she feared the conversation that was about to come at the hostess.
Arriving at the hostess in good time, Ryu climbed up and into the window at the back of the building. Anya had a tendency to leave this window open due to her carefree nature so Ryu always had an opportunity to enter and not disturb the inhabitants whilst they slept. Walking directly to her room she began to pack her supplies for the journey her and Bell would partake. First was her necessities like spare clothes and toiletries, elves are a proud race so hygiene is always on their minds. But then came the choice: should she use her old dungeon gear from her time defending the city alongside her sisters or her garb the Bell and the rest of the city had gotten used too. Taking the outfit out of its box she examined it closely. The outfit was predominantly white with black accents running across the outline. Pure white boots that lead up to her upper thighs ornamented with gold on her toe cap and around her ankle line. At the top of said boots appeared another golden trim. Next she examined her shorts, nothing too special in terms of ornaments; these were practical something a hardened veteran would opt for. The next item was her top, the inner layer was a light blue with a white layer residing over it. The white layer acted as a cloak too that dropped elegantly to complement her grace on the battlefield. Accompanying this white layer was a piece of intricate golden metalwork this would reside just below her chest not something typical elves would wear. Finally were her immaculate shoulder and wrist guards, they were both made to match her outfit. White metal with a golden trim running on the outer edge of both. Looking over her outfit Ryu was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. She abandoned this outfit the day she left justice behind when she left her goddess behind to pursue her vengeance and now Bell Cranel was giving her an opportunity to reunite with her Goddess and her ideals. Did she deserve to wear this again? Did she even deserve his kindness? Did her Goddess even want to see her again? These were the thoughts running through her head when a loud throat clearing cough came from the door to grab the attention of the girl that was lost in her thoughts. Ryu turned to see her employer, the ever formidable proprietress of the Hostess of Fertility Mama Mia.
"See ya finally got back. Over whatever made you distant yesterday?" Mia asked with a stern look and arms crossed.
"I.. I have to leave Orario for a week" Ryu responded but couldn't look Mia in the eye.
"And why should I let you go? You have a debt to the pub and too Syr" Mia wouldn't back down to the elf without good reason.
"A quest"
"What quest?"
Silence held the room together for a while until Ryu spoke again.
"I've been tasked with retrieving Astrea and reviving our familia but I'm not sure if I should go"
"Hmmmm, sounds to me that it will be longer than a week"
"What do you mean?"
"You said you are tasked with reviving the Astrea familia. So you won't have time to be a waitress full time will ya"
"I.. I suppose that's true"
"I guess Syr will miss ya"
"WHAT! You're ok with that?"
"Syr asked me to take a troublesome elf in all those years ago. You're still as troublesome as ever but you've changed Ryu. Stubborn and a pain in my arse but also kind just look at what you did for the Little Rookie always running off to help him, he's very lucky he had you looking after him"
Silence once again descended on the room. Mia decided to be done with the conversation she had a business to run. But not before making one last statement.
"Best hurry up and finish packing, and don't you dare forget to leave Syr a note"
"Wait! This is for you. As payment for me missing work" Ryu said handing over the large amount of Valis.
"Hahaha" the large dwarf bellowed. "I don't pay you enough to save this much, where did you get this?"
"The guild, as an apology"
"Guess they know me rather well" "See you in a week Ryu"
"Goodbye Mia".
After getting the approval of Mia she decided to pack her old outfit as a backup only. All that was left was to leave Syr a note. Syr didn't live in the hostess like the rest of the girls so Ryu wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye given the short time frame leaving a letter would be the only option so she began to write.
On the wall stood a figure, a very muscular figure wearing a signature elephant mask. He was looking out towards the horizon where he was accompanied by 2 tamed dragons. The dragons had a brown complexion to their scales with a white underbelly reminiscent of a birds feathers. They stood there in silence till they were approached by another.
"Hey Ganesha. Looking good" the figure approached, he had loose fitting trousers a similarly loose fitting coat, his orange mopped hair dropped down underneath his feathered hat.
"I am Ganesha!"
"Indeed, mind if I join you? After all we are waiting for the same people"
"I am Ganesha!"
"You received the letter from Ouranos right?"
"Yes I did. I've got Shakti whipping the rest of my children into shape"
"Quite the job, being in charge of the largest familia must give her some headaches not as much as I give Asfi though"
"Hahaha I am Ganesha!"
Both Gods conversed for a while until they were approached by one of the two adventurers they were waiting for.
"Lord Hermes, Lord Ganesha I apologise for making you wait." Aegis approached the two deities.
"Nonsense Bell. We were just catching up with one another" Hermes replied.
"Lord Hermes, It's Aegis" Bell replied
"Nobody is around, most of the citizens are asleep still, you're safe Bell. Relax and whilst you're at it take the mask off" Hermes retorted.
"I suppose you're right, but the mask stays on. There's nothing wrong with keeping the mask on, wouldn't you agree Lord Ganesha?"
"I am Ganesha"
"See. The mask stays on"
After that all three erupted into laughter, times like these were important to Bell they were small respites in what has been a very tough and tiring year. They chatted back and forth making small talk with each other before they were joined by Ryu.
"Good morning Lord Hermes, Lord Ganesha, Aegis" Ryu bowed with respect, greeting the two deties and fellow adventurer.
"I am Ganesha"
"Seriously Bell, you've only just reunited and you've got her calling you Aegis already" Hermes asked perplexed.
"I told you Lord Hermes nobody can know I'm here" Bell shot back just as quickly.
All four stood in silence, it was uncomfortable to say the least not even Ganesha dared speak. Each second felt like an eternity stretching on with no end in sight. Not until Bell spoke up.
"Have you looked at the letter yet Ryu? I wanted you to be the first to know after all"
"No not yet" After saying so Ryu retrieved the letter from her bag and opened it. Scanning it's contents she then relayed the information to Bell.
"It says Astrea has settled down in a small village beyond the Alv mountains it's name is Iustitia".
"That's east of Orario, about 3 days journey thanks to the dragons Ganesha provided" Hermes interjected as the messenger God who often left Orario this information could be trusted.
"I am Ganesha!"
"Do you have a map Lord Hermes? I will lead the way today so you can get some sleep Ryu we've been up all night you must be tired"
"Only if we take it in turns you must also be tired Aegis"
"That's fine by me Ryu. I think it's time we should get going. I don't want any citizens seeing 2 dragons fly off the city walls. Lord Hermes, Lord Ganesha thank you for your help" Bell said finishing with a bow. Both adventurers walked to their dragons and secured their supplies to the saddles already strapped around the dragons bodies. Ryu got on ready to leave and Bell was about to follow suit until Hermes called him for a quiet word with himself and Ganesha.
"Yes Lord Hermes?" Bell said as he walked away from Ryu out of her ear shot.
"Are you going to tell her the truth, Bell?" Hermes asked with concern riddled in his voice.
Bell looked down towards the ground contemplating his next words. He wanted to tell Ryu everything. If there was one person in the city who would accept him it would be her but perhaps this truth would be too much even for Ryu to look past. That was what sacred Bell the most.
"I..I've never liked secrets. I used to think keeping secrets from friends and family was wrong. But telling her the truth about me would only hurt her and I don't want to do that. I'm torn between telling the truth and causing her pain or lying to protect her. What should I do? I'm terrified Lord Hermes, Lord Ganesha".
Silence descended once again. Both deities looked at Bell then back at each other they shared a look and knew what to say it was Ganesha that spoke first.
"Bell, it's been 8 long years since Ardi died. I miss her dearly as do many in this city from my own familia to many who fought alongside her to bring an end to the dark days. Ryu and Ardi were very close there's no denying that but it wasn't your fault you were only a child when your Aunt attacked the city. Nobody has the right to hold you responsible just because your related"
Bell looked up at Ganesha with a small tear flowing down his face escaping out from his visor so the two deities could see. Bell spoke up with a shaken voice.
"But..But I could have done something to stop her attacking the city. If...If she'd chosen to live with me Ardi and everyone else would be alive. My family has taken so much from this city. It's taken so much from Ryu. How could I ever tell her the truth". Towards the end his voice had become so timid it was hard to hear.
It was Hermes' turn to say what needed to be said.
"Bell you are not your family. Their mistakes are not your own. You have proven your kind heartedness countless times since coming to Orario. One day the truth about your heritage will come to light but don't be scared when that day comes. You've changed Orario for the better in the short time you've been here. Keep your head up and keep marching forward. Be the hero Orario and the world needs it's your dream after all!" Hermes ended with a laugh and a gentle hand on Bell's shoulder trying to reassure the young man.
It seemed to do the trick as Bell regained his smile and left with some parting words. "I suppose you're right. Thank you both so much"
Walking over to the large dragon that was left unoccupied Bell stroked the chin of his new companion gently gaining the great beast's trust. Slowly climbing onto the saddle he looked back to Ryu to see if she was ready. Getting a simple nod he looked back to the two deities and waved goodbye. Now there was nothing left to do than leave to find Lady Astrea. And so they took off to start their journey.
Watching the two adventures leave Ganesha decided to ask Hermes a question that had been troubling him for a while ever since Ouranos and Hermes had trusted him with Bell's identity and mission. "Do you think it's right what we're doing?"
"Huh. What do you mean Ganesha?"
"Putting all the hopes and dreams of both Tenkai and Genkai on his shoulders. It's a terrible weight to bear alone, you could see it couldn't you. He's struggling to hold himself together"
"The path he's chosen to take will get harder but I believe he's the only one capable of walking it"
"I hope you're right Hermes. We have to give him all our support to see his journey through to the end. No matter what will happen"
"I'm happy to hear it Ganesha. Till next time" Hermes started to walk away. He had a report to Zues to write and it was overdue.
A/N: Hey everyone it's been a while hasn't it. I'm terribly sorry to have not updated this story in so long I don't know how I managed to leave it so long. During this time I had some good ideas for future romances and making this into a potential Harem. At first I wanted to make this story a BellxAiz but the more I thought about it the more I struggled to make it seem natural given Aiz being the biggest airhead in existence. And ideas for natural progression in the romance department became easier for the other girls so here is my Harem list so far. Ryu, Tiona, Syr/? (Wink Wink), Shakti, Eina and Amid. Lilli and Haruhime have potential as do many other girls but I would need a good/natural reason to include them. Aiz still is endgame for this story she will be the Queen of the harem for lack of a better term. As always please leave a review for improvement and stay safe out there.