I just want to firstly apologise.
I know that I've published the The Chronicles of the Hestia Familia's Rise story, however. I've been writing the third chapter and currently am stuck on how I want the story to unfold. The longer I tried to get each scenario that I wrote out for that story, the more that I don't like how it's unfolded and the more ideas that I got that didn't work, seemed to work in a different scenario.
So, I've decided to write out this story and I have to say I'm more happy with this story's progress than I am with The Chronicles of the Hestia Familia's Rise.
As of right now, The Chronicles of the Hestia Familia's Rise has been stopped with no plan to continue as of right now. I'm leaving the story up. As I'm writing this, you'll no doubt see familiar ideas crossover into this story.
- Unlike The Chronicles of the Hestia Familia's Rise, I will not be using the Blades of Chaos as I did in that fic, Bell will have an assortment of weapons and armor, all which will be linked to Danmachi: Memoria Freese Mobile Game. I'll put little A/N's so that if you want to have a visual image you can search for the designs if you're not already familiar.
- I've Changed the rating from T - M, I don't know how the story will unfold but I would rather have freedom with what I write rather than be restricted by ratings. I was originally going to post this on Archive of Our Own so I could embed Fanart into the story but chose to keep it here.
- The Skill that I gave Bell in The Chronicles of the Hestia Familia's Rise, The Liaris Freese(+) skill will be present in this story.
- Expect Characters from Orario Rhapsodia and Memoria Freese to be present in this fic. While I was never able to play Rhapsodia, I intend to use the characters present to make up the Familia.
- I'll also be changing up some events that happened in the past, so some characters may be present that were to have passed away prior to the canon storyline, some of this will be seen this chapter.
I hope that you enjoy this new story and once more I apologise for not continuing, The Chronicles of the Hestia Familia's Rise.
Rain pelted down upon the city of Orario, the entire city was in chaos in the aftermath of the War between the allied Loki and Freya Familia's against the remains of the Zeus and Hera Familia's. The outcome would affect the entire city once the news got out, and it would take time for the city to fully recover. Undoubtedly the city of Orario would never be the same after the loss of the two former strongest Familia's. Those not included tried to stay out of their way but the fighting dragged many into it, be it innocent bystanders or other Familia's trying to raise their own lot amidst the hierarchy in the city. But now as the fighting was over and the victors clearly being the allied Loki and Freya since both the Hera and Zeus Familia had been weakened due to the failed mission of slaying the One Eyed One Eyed Black Dragon.
Amidst the heavy downpour walked a cloaked man, a God, Zeus, in his arms he held a bundle and from within you could see a small tuft of white hair that could be seen sticking out, the baby's face was shielded from the heavy rain as the cloaked man held him close. But Zeus could see the child's face, the innocent ruby eyes looking back up at him. His mother, a child of Hera, and his Father one of his own Familia Members. His Father wasn't a grand hero, quite the opposite in fact, but the deity liked the man and it was why he had accepted to take the newly born Bell.
The boy's birth had come sooner than anyone had been expecting. The boy was suppose to be born far from Orario but fate had other intentions. Unfortunately his mother passed in childbirth due to her already weakly body, and his Father... wouldn't let a single member of Loki Familia or Freya Familia touch her, or the newborn. In Zeus's eyes, the man had gained the title of a true hero in his last moments and would forever hold the god's respect.
However, what the child's parents had desired was for him to leave Orario with the boy, to raise him in a place far from danger that the Dungeon possessed. But Zeus… he saw something in the boy, something that couldn't be denied. The boy had a fate, what that fate was he didn't know but it was clear to the God that he would change Orario, the world even, and he couldn't do that far away from where he was needed.
No, Bell would have to stay here, live in Orario, dive into the depths of the Dungeon, grow stronger and perhaps, become the Hero that this world so desperately needed. He felt that that's how it should be.
But Zeus himself couldn't stay.
Undoubtedly Loki and Freya already had their children out looking for him, for the last remnants of his own Familia along with Hera's. Hera had already been forcibly sent back to Heaven by Freya's own hand but that wouldn't stop them from going after the children that had lost their deity. Zeus had sent what little survivors away from Orario, but most hadn't survived the attack after their decimation at the hands of the One Eyed Black Dragon.
Zeus was getting closer and closer to his destination, heading for the Northern Part of the city, probably the only part of the city that hadn't been heavily affected by the ensuing chaos.
There were only a few Deities that Zeus could trust with Bell, he would have left it to Ouranos but feared that he would lead Bell onto a path like so many failed would be heroes that had come before him. Zeus, and he believed Bell's parents, didn't want the child to grow up with a one track mind, to be the Hero and nothing more. He didn't want Bell to be like so many others and be a self sacrifice, he needed to bring the children of Orario together like never before. To choose his own way, make his own choices. Not follow the whims of a God, but to stand against them and carve out his own path.
Ouranos had tried and failed already, it hadn't worked so far so why would it work with young Bell. No, instead he would hide the child in Orario, let him grow and let him decide his own fate. No doubt the boy would one day make his choice between rising up to be the hero, or not. It was his choice and nobody would force him to take up the mantle, it was there if he chose it. The world needed a Hero, a true Hero, not one groomed for the role. History had already shown those that had been forced onto that path and the world hadn't gotten any better.
The rain had grown heavier as he trekked through the streets, lucky that no one was out in this downpour. Most would still be home safe but now that the battle was over, there would be those to go out and see what was happening. As he walked, he saw the destruction that had been brought from the fighting. He couldn't remember ever feeling as much regret as he did now after witnessing how his Familia had been torn apart by the One Eyed One Eyed Black Dragon only for them to come back wounded and scarred to find betrayal awaiting them.
Loki and Freya were too power hungry, wanting nothing more but to be in control, to be the strongest. To him it was a pitiful victory for them, they couldn't match up to the true strength of his Familia or Hera's and had to wait until they were weakened. They would come to find that being the strongest in a city full of people reaching for the top, wasn't as easy as they expected. No doubt Evilus was already making its move amidst the shift in control over Orario. Time would only tell how Orario would develop with Zeus and Hera.
Coming to a stop before a large gate he looked up to see a large manor, all the lights were off bar one near the door. As expected it had been spared any damage to it, even Loki and Freya wouldn't risk severing Orario's number one food source and had opted to keep the fighting as far from here as possible. Most of the destruction of the war between Familia's had been centered around Babel Tower and the districts in the inner city, not so far out near the exterior walls.
Bringing the boy closer to his chest he pulled the gate open and walked up to the manor. Stopping before the large door, the Familia emblem chiseled into the double doors. The face of a woman with a basket of wheat and grain. The Demeter Familia home, Wheat Manor. Raising his hand up, he knocked lightly against the wood. Despite the rain, his knock was heard and the door opened almost instantly.
Demeter stood with a frown on her face, obviously ready for bed for the evening considering her night clothes and the late hour. Her long wavy golden honey colored hair which usually she let loose was currently in a loose ponytail hanging over her right shoulder. It was clear to Zeus that she had been waiting up for him, or at the very least himself or Hera. No doubt she was aware of what had happened, but Zeus didn't blame her. Demeter didn't have a Familia of fighters, they were farmers and the like, not those that delved deep into the Dungeon. Her children couldn't stand up to the likes of those from Loki Familia or Freya Familia.
"So it's happened." Demeter spoke softly, none of her Familia members were around, just the deity of the house who had been awaiting an arrival late into the evening. "Hera's gone." Demeter confirmed.
"Yes." Zeus nodded softly. "I don't have much time left." He admitted getting a nod from Demeter as she raised her hands and Zeus handed her Bell, the motherly goddess instantly bringing the child close to her chest, looking down at him with a soft smile. "His parents…" Zeus began.
"Another orphan of War." Demeter spoke softly, understanding, as she cooed down at the boy. Demeter looked back at Zeus and frowned. "Where will you go?"
"I honestly don't know." Zeus admitted as he pulled his cloak tighter around him, fixing it to protect himself from the wind and rain, it didn't look like this downpour would stop anytime soon. "I'll send word with Hermes, I'd like to know about the boy, about Bell." Demeter nodded. "Keep a close eye on your children Demeter, Evilus is starting to rise with the change in power of Orario, keep them safe."
"Take care of yourself, Zeus." Demeter reached out and touched a hand to the elderly man's shoulder. "I have someone in mind to look after Bell, I've heard she'll be descending soon." Zeus nodded and with one last glance down at the boy in Demeter's arms, he turned and left, soon disappearing from the Goddess's sight. Demeter sighed gently to herself as she closed the doors, the boy looking up at her with such innocent ruby red eyes. "You're too cute to be a plaything for the Gods."
A few days had passed in the Wheat Manor, the city was still adjusting to Loki and Freya taking over. Chaos was evident but there were a few Familia with a strong sense of justice, such as the Ganesha and the Astraea Familia's, that were stepping up to curb those that would seek to thrive in the chaos and keep it going. They were bringing order once more to Orario.
Demeter had kept her children busy, to not allow the fear of what was happening inside of Orario to weigh on their minds. The conflict was over and hopefully soon everything would return to a semblance of normality. Ganesa Familia was large and had several strong members and they were beginning to heavily police the streets with the Guild's permission, allowing people to safely return to their daily lives.
Ganesha had even sent several of his children to Guard Demeter's fields. Being the largest source of food for the city, Demeter and her Familia were the most protected. Demeter believed if she had stronger members she could have done it herself, but those of her Familia weren't dungeon seeking heroes. They were simple farmers bar a few.
The Astraea Familia, while not large like Ganesha, had several high level Adventure's and Astraea, being a Goddess of justice had instilled justice into her children and they had set out to stop those that would bring down the slow growing order that was returning to the city. So much would change in the future with Loki and Freya being in control of the city, Demeter had to wonder just how it would all unfold.
"Lady Demeter." A familiar voice spoke as Demeter looked up from the crib that had been brought into her room, the baby Bell sleeping quietly within. Demeter looked to the door to see Persephone enter. She had a letter in hand as she entered. "A letter came for you, from Hermes himself." Demeter nodded with a smile as she crossed the room, taking the letter.
Persephone glanced around her deity to the crib with the sleeping boy. Persephone wasn't exactly sure where the boy had come from, only that a few nights ago Demeter had suddenly, without warning had a few day old child with her and had asked for a crib to be brought to her room. Ever since the Goddess had been watching over the child like a mother would, it wasn't often you'd find Demeter far from the child. Persephone didn't doubt that if she could, she would have fed the child naturally if the option was open to her.
Demeter opened the letter and instantly smiled as she read over the contents. Demeter had reached out to Hermes after Zeus had fled Orario, Demeter knew her dear friend from heaven was close to descending and had asked Hermes to reach out to her, and now she finally had a letter confirming she was heading for Orario and it would only be a short time before she arrived. She would be perfect for Bell and no doubt would cherish him as he grew, it would also give her friend a start here in Orario.
"Thank you Persephone." Demeter smiled at her as Persephone bowed her head before leaving the room, closing the door behind her. Demeter walked back over to the crib, looking down at the sleeping child within. Zeus hadn't brought him here to be raised in the Demeter Familia, to grow up to be a farmer among her other children. She honestly didn't know the reason why Zeus had left the child, but it was clear there was something of a fate surrounding the boy. Zeus clearly saw it and instead of taking him from Orario, had left him here. No doubt that fate led deep into the Dungeon below this city. Years from now Demeter planned on watching just how much this child would grow.
"Perhaps you'll become a great hero." Demeter cooed down at the boy as his ruby red eyes opened before he smiled and reached out his arms for her. Demeter couldn't help herself as she reached into the crib and pulled the boy up into her arms, a soft lullaby beginning to form on her lips as she sung to him softly.
The Wheat Manor was cleaned and presentable as Demeter stood before the entry hall, today was the day that her dear friend would arrive. She was anxious as she hadn't seen her fellow deity since she herself had descended to the lower world but she was looking forward to seeing her again. No doubt nothing had changed and she was the same person she remembered her to be.
The majority of her children were already out and working for the daily quota, usually she herself would be out and tending to the fields just as they did, but today she had a guest. Soon enough, Demeter heard a knock from downstairs and smiled as she quickly picked up Bell, holding him carefully in her arms as she exited her room, coming to stand on the balcony that looked over the foyer of the mansion.
Persephone was just opening the door as Demeter looked down, greeting the one at the door before inviting her in, and it seemed that Hermes was also with her, no doubt having guided her through Orario to Wheat Manor. Demeter's smile only widened seeing her newly descended friend. Her green eyes looked around the manor with interest, she had long black hair with the bangs styled to cover her left eye. She wore a green centric outfit that exposed her stomach, with green flower decorations on her skirt.
"Dia." Demeter called down causing the petite Goddess to look up before her features visibly brightened as a large smile came to her face. Hermes himself took off his feathered hat as he dusted it off while Demeter came down the stairs to greet them, all the while he kept an eye on the white haired child that Zeus had left behind in Demeter's care.
"Demeter." Dia greeted with a smile as she happily hugged the buxom goddess, careful of the child in her arms before looking down at him.
"This is Bell Cranel." Demeter told her. "Before Zeus left Orario, he left him in my care." Demeter explained as Dia looked up at her with a smile, Hermes had already explained the situation to the petite Goddess. "Would you?"
"Of course." Dia smiled taking Bell from her. "I may be new to the lower world, but I'm sure that I can make it work and I'd be happy to help him in any way that I can." She told them as she took the child from Demeter.
In truth there was only one reason Dia had descended from heaven, one that neither Hermes or Demeter were aware of, and that was because of the child now in her arms. When Hera returned to heaven, she had been so distraught at what had happened to her Familia, how so many had been lost to the One Eyed Black Dragon and then to return to Orario to be betrayed by Freya and Loki where even more of her children had suffered. Dia was there to comfort her when she returned and it's where Hera had informed her of Materia and her soon to be born child. When Hera faced off against Freya, Materia was going into labor.
Dia had been told how both Zeus and Hera believed that the child would bring about a much needed change in the lower world, one that was so desperately needed. It was Dia who had offered to descend to the lower world and care for Bell in the place of a parent where Hera could not.
"No doubt Demeter will offer aide when you need it." Hermes spoke up as he stepped forward, Demeter nodding in agreement. "And please don't hesitate to ask me for anything either."
"I'll do that." Dia told him, although she didn't like the thought of relying on Hermes, he didn't want the child of Hera's favorite to wind up in Hermes countless schemes.
"I've already organized a small house for you not far from here when you can live Dia, something out of the way with a small vineyard, I'm sure you're still brewing wine?" Dia smiled as she looked up at Demeter.
"I do." Dia nodded. "I'll be sure to make you some, it'll have Soma wishing he could brew as good as me." She declared with a smile as Demeter laughed lightly. Dia turned and looked back down to the child in her arms, the boys ruby eyes showing a cute curiosity as he looked up at her. "Hello Bell." She cooed down at him as he smiled widely and reached out for her getting a smile from all three deity's.
This would only be the start of the boy's adventure within Orario, and he would have so many eyes on him without him ever knowing.
X- 14 Years Later -X
Dia frowned softly as she filled a bowl with warm water in the kitchen sink. The house was quiet as she stepped away from the sink, the members of her Familia away in the Dungeon or out for the day, a few on errands. The one she was waiting for would be home later today which she was grateful for. Bell had grown into a fine Adventurer over the last few years, as a child he had been a supporter for a few of Hermes Familia members before finally making the steps into the Adventurer role which he quickly excelled at.
The small cottage that Demeter had gifted her when she first arrived in Orario had gone through some remodeling after their little Familia had started to grow, no doubt if they grew anymore then they would need to find a new place all together to fit everyone, to be honest it was already a little bit crowded and she was considering looking for a large home for them all. The Dia Familia was small, but in the eyes of Orario it was a high tier Familia with the high level adventurer's present, not one of the top ranking ones but still up there.
It was Dia's Familia, her own little family here on the lower world. She was proud of the children she had raised, proud of how strong that some of them had become.
A coughing fit echoed down the hall caused her to hurry as she crossed the kitchen area, entering the hall and hurrying to the room with their sickly member. Opening the door she frowned as the woman in the bed was keeled over, coughing badly. Hurrying to her side, she reached for the pitcher of water by the bedside and poured a glass and handed it to her. She was a fair-skinned woman with beautiful silver hair.
"Alfia, drink." Dia insisted as Alfia took the water and drank it down. One of the strongest Mages in all of Orario, racked by an incurable disease. "I know you said you wanted to wait, but it's still going to be a long journey for you and you should rest."
"I wouldn't go at all if he didn't insist upon it." Alfia spoke softly as she laid back, Dia doing her best to prop up her pillows to help support her. "I want to at least say goodbye to him before I go, he'll be back today." Dia frowned as she sat beside her, using the warm cloth to wipe down the woman down from the sweat that had accumulated.
Alfia... a woman that had came into her and Bell's life seven years ago when Orario had been swarmed by Evilus and the chaos that they brought with them.
At the time, Alfia along with Zald who had also joined Alfia in becoming apart of Dia's Familia, had been with Erebus at the time. Their entire plan had come to a screeching halt when Alfia first laid her eyes on a seven year old Bell, lost in the streets of Orario during the chaos. Alfia a former member of the Hera Familia, the sister of Meteria and Aunt to Bell. Dia had only ever met with Erebus once after that incident, and all he said was that he had a plan that didn't come to fruition because of Bell, but he had smiled while he had said it as if seeing the same thing in the boy as Zeus and Hera had.
Since that day, Alfia and Zald had become Dia's Familia members and the two who had trained him up from a simple Supporter to the Adventurer that he was today. Alfia's illness had always been with her, but over the last few months it had gotten worse which led to Bell doing anything he could to find a way to help her, intent on a cure for an incurable disease. Alfia knew it was pointless and while having tried to tell Bell, the boy was insistent. He didn't want to lose her, the only blood relative that he had left.
Alfia let him do what he wanted, not expecting anything. Until he came to her with the story of a small country of Beltane that he found in one of his story books. Apparently, a small country not even the size of Orario, lost somewhere in the mountains. The story that Bell had shared with her said that, its first inhabitants had a chronic hereditary disease, which caused them to have short lives, which is why they decided to settle there when they discovered the spring of life. It was said that the water could heal wounds, restore resistance and heal diseases.
In truth, Alfia didn't know if this country even existed. It didn't appear on any maps, had no records other than in Bell's own story book. The only reason she was going was because Hermes had confirmed that the place was real and considering Hermes had been all over the world, they trusted in him. Alfia had said that she would go, but Bell would have to say here on Orario. She had told him she didn't want him to give up his dream, and to stay in Orario and become stronger.
"You'll be here when I get back." She told him with a rare smile.
It was Zald who had offered to take Alfia to Beltane, who better than the strongest member of the Familia to protect her. He had gotten a smack for that one. In truth there were two reasons Zald had offered to go with Alfia.
The first being that Zald himself had grown weaker ever since eating the flesh of the Behemoth and being poisoned by it. While he was a Level 7, right now he probably only held the strength of a low level 5 and as time passed he would only grow weaker. There was hope within him that this Spring of Life in Beltane might possible cure of him the poison that still plagued him.
The second was that, the two believed that Bell needed to delve into the Dungeon alone, without their safety net for a while. He was the true Captain of the Dia Familia and while not a a higher level like herself and Zald, he needed the experience to lead the Familia without them by his side. They had every intention of returning, whether the spring worked or not, they would come back to Orario and witness the Hero the Erebus believed him to become.
Seven years ago when they had joined with Erebus to challenge those of Orario, they were prepared to die. But... their time spent with Bell and both given them a reason to live. The thought of leaving this world was the furthest thing from their mind, they wanted to live, wanted to watch Bell grow, wanted to see him become the Hero they desperately sought after.
"Look after him for me." Alfia spoke softly, her eyes were closed as she preferred them, only opening them on rare occasions and mostly only around Bell.
"Of course." Dia smiled.
"Keep the sly fox away from him too." Dia giggled lightly. "Along with the rest, I fear for his chastity when I'm gone. You should really consider getting a few more male members in the Familia, Dia."
"I'll work on that while you're away." Dia smiled, deciding not to focus on Alfia's attention to the girls among the Familia who harbored feelings for young Bell, it only brought up the unspoken question of Alfia's feelings for the young boy. All the other girls of the Familia viewed Alfia as their biggest rival after all. "You just focus on getting better." Alfia frowned as she laid back in bed. "Bell will be back soon, Zald's already prepared to go and a carriage will be waiting first thing tomorrow morning." Dia told her before Alfia reached out and grabbed her hand.
"I don't want to leave him." Dia didn't say anything as she cupped Alfia's hands in her own and quietly sat with her, Alfia didn't share her emotions much, and the few times Dia had seen her do so, she knew it best to just let her get it all out and not say anything.
X- Dungeon - 25th Floor -X
The roars of the Great Fall of the Water City were almost deafening but Bell had grown use to it over his time spent here, ever since he had reached Level 3, Zald and Alfia had him train here, when he was Level 2 he trained in the Large Tree Labyrinth. Now being a Level 4 he felt like he might be ready to move onto the Deeper Levels and while he had been to the White Palace on the 37th floor he had spent a lot of time there, but with Alfia and Zald heading off to Beltane, he couldn't very well risk going down there alone and he wouldn't risk the newer members of his Familia to sate his curiosity.
From what they both told him, this was how they trained rookies in the Hera and Zeus Familia's when they had been apart of them, to help them grow quicker. It was intense, and from what they told him not a lot of other Familia's risked such training regimes and in today's day not a lot of Familia's even made it this far down into the Dungeon bar a few. The Adventurer's of today were nothing like those Zald and Alfia were familiar with in the past.
Both Alfia and Zald had always told him that below the 18th Floor was not a place for anyone not committed to being a true Adventurer.
Bell crouched by a pool of water on the edge of the Great Falls that stretched from the 25th Floor to the 27th and reached down pulling out a handful and splashed it on his face, washing some of the blood and grime away from his previous battle. Zald stood a ways away looking around. Despite his weakened state he was still a fearsome opponent to the monsters on this level, he was aware of numerous monsters surrounding them but he was currently letting of a powerful presence which stopped most from coming anywhere near them.
They'd already achieved their Quota for the guild, all that remained was heading back up to the surface, picking up their Familia Members that were training on the upper floors.
"Bell, you ready?" Zald questioned as he looked over to the young teen, usually the man would be decked out in a full set of pitch black armor but the man had forgone any kind of gear simply along to be a pack mule for Bell, the other supporters were busy with there own errands in the dungeon so Zald had offered. He had to smile at the gear Bell had decided to wear for his trip to the Water City.
Wearing a white coat with only one black sleeve with white stripes, the coat itself had a black hood attached that rested down his back. Underneath was a light blue shirt. There was a large belt coming around from the left side of the coat, the other end came from beneath the right side and buckled together around his waist. He wore tan pants with the outfit also. His right arm that was mostly bare had a black wrap with two belts over his elbow and wore fingerless black gloves on his hands.
Then there was the armor, a silver pauldron on his left shoulder along with an arm guard strapped over his wrist. On both of his legs were metal greaves, fitting snugly around his legs, created perfectly for him. His boots were also plated with metal. Sitting crossed over his lower back was a set of sheathed short blades.
[A/N: Outlaw Rabbit Gear.]
Bell had a large assortment of gear that he had to choose from stashed away back in his room of the Familia, Alfia had already started to lecture him on hoarding tons of gear, but he was prepared for nearly all situations in the upper and middle floors.
Zald could still barely believe that he was just 14 years old and already a Level 4, and from his last Status Update he wouldn't be far off reaching Level 5 soon. The kid was the fastest to reach such high levels since the Sword Princess of Loki Familia, Ais Wallenstein. The kid had pushed himself since Zald knew him, and with Alfia's draconic training methods that put his own to shame, he'd experienced more than some higher level adventurers.
Zald wanted the kid to have fun, hell the one time he tried to sneak him over to the entertainment district for his 14th birthday, it had ended up with them both buried neck deep in Dia's vineyard with a stern glare from a pissed Alfia, they had to dig themselves out and it had taken them all night. With himself and Alfia departing for a while, he might finally get the chance to have a bit of fun without such an overbearing figure in his life. What's the point of being an adventurer if you didn't have the adventurers life. He'd have to tell Hermes to get the kid into some trouble while they were away.
"Hey Uncle Zald, did you hear the rumor about singing in the Water city?" Bell asked as he walked over to him. "I was hoping to hear it."
"I heard something like that." Zald nodded as he picked up the bag full of drop items that was requested by the guild. "Someone says it's monsters mimicking human speech, others say it's just the wind blowing through the caves."
"Can Monsters do that?" Bell questioned, the two already heading for the entrance to the 24th Floor which led from the Water City into the Large Tree Labyrinth.
"None that I've ever seen." Zald shrugged. "It's more likely just some scared out of their wits adventurer hearing things, the Dungeon can drive some people mad if you let it." He explained. "Who knows, maybe it's a cute mermaid." He laughed getting a chuckle from Bell who stopped and looked out over the vast waterfalls of the Water City, the Dungeon truly was amazing. Maybe there were mermaids that sang in such a place. "Come on, we should get back to the surface before night falls."
"Right." Bell nodded as they headed up to the 24th Floor. Entering from the dark caverns of the lower floor before coming out into the vast forest, both of them immediately felt the currents of electricity in the air and immediately knew where it had originated from.
"The girl's magics gotten stronger since she became a Level 4." Zald stated as he looked around, patches of scorched earth, numerous magic stones that hadn't been picked up littered the grounds which wasn't uncommon for a training expedition like they were on. As long as they picked up the drops he was happy. Dia Familia was in the black and had no large debts to settle so picking up every magic stone wasn't a priority. "Come on, they'll be waiting for us. We'll grab them and go get a drink in Rivira so they can rest up."
"Haruhime's new spell is awesome." Bell grinned as he hurried after Zald. It didn't take them long of searching, already knowing where they would be having set up a meeting point beforehand. Gathered in a small clearing were four of their Familia members. As they entered the clearing Leo was on her feet, greatsword drawn before spotting the two and lowering it with a smile.
"Yo, already done down there?" Leo asked with a smile as she placed her sword back where she had it leaned up against the log she had been sitting on. Leo has light blue hair and yellow eyes. She wore a dark colored shirt with a short long sleeved brown jacket over it, black pants, brown pouches around her waist, and leg guards.
"What did you expect? Bell is Level 4 and Zald Level 7 they wouldn't have any issues with the Guild's Request. I wouldn't doubt if the Guild starts issuing requests for the Deeper Floors soon." Oriana smiled as she stood in the clearing, spear in hand keeping an eye out for any monsters. Oriana has blue eyes and long golden yellow hair that she ties in a ponytail. She wore a white top with blue edge, a blue skirt with light yellow lines, a brown belt, white socks, a blue cape, and several pieces of armor. She was standing with her spear in hand.
"I'm glad that you're both okay." Daisy spoke up as she offered several mind potions to Haruhime who took them gratefully. Daisy has blue eyes and long, light brown hair that's braided into a tail, and has sheep like horns. She wore a green top, a white skirt with blue edges, a gray cloak with gold edges, glasses, and gloves.
"Master Bell, Master Zald." Haruhime smiled as she rose to her feet having drank the potions that Daisy had given to her allowing to recover her magic. "Are we returning to the surface now?" Haruhime has long blonde hair, green eyes, and fox ears and a tail, she wore a red kimono under a heavy black Goliath Robe.
"Yeah, we'll make a little pit stop in Rivira so you girls can recover a bit before we grab the others and head back." Zald told them as he shifted the large pack on his shoulder, they still had other members of their Familia on floors 10 and above training some of their new lower level members.
"How'd everything go here?" Bell asked as the four girls began to grab their things, with Daisy she had an extra large bag being the Familia's main supporter. She was also their pharmacist and magic item creator, they placed a lot of trust and relied heavily on Daisy for items and potions.
"Awesome! I'm totally catching up to you Bell!" Leo laughed wrapping an arm around Bell's shoulders. "Soon I'll be Level 4 too."
"Not before me." Oriana called back from where she was taking the lead at the front of the party. "Last I checked my stats are still higher than yours."
"We got caught in a Monster Party." Daisy admitted to Bell causing Leo to look away with a frown as Oriana's posture drooped slightly. "Miss Haruhime saved us though." The sheep girl smiled as she turned to Haruhime who blushed.
"It was my fault." Leo sighed. "I got a little over excited and ran ahead like an idiot."
"You weren't the only one." Oriana stated. "We just have to be more careful next time."
"I'm glad that you're all okay." Bell smiled brightly missing the reactions of the girls.
Zald chuckled to himself as he watched from the rear of the group, not having missed the sway of Haruhime's tail, or the gentle fidgeting of Daisy. Leo couldn't hide her blush as she looked away and no doubt Oriana was smiling like some kind of smitten lovesick girl up front. The kid, despite being younger then all three, had an effect on girls. If it wasn't for Alfia, he'd worry Bell wouldn't have the stamina. The kid was in for it once the girls realized that Alfia wasn't there to police them, although there would be hell to pay when she got back.
The way that their party was organized, Oriana was up front, Bell and Leo were on either side, Leo having returned to her station after her little interaction with Bell, the two on either side of Haruhime and Daisy those two being generally in the middle of the group with Zald bringing up the rear. It changed depending on who was in the group at the time.
There was little trouble as they headed through the Large Tree Labyrinth from the 24th Floor heading up towards the 18th, a few monsters made their presence known but with Bell, Oriana, and Leo on point they didn't hold much of a threat to them and soon enough they were on the 18th floor under the beautiful crystal ceiling.
"Bell and I will head over to Rivira, we shouldn't be more than an hour or so." Zald told them as he and Bell waved them off and headed towards the makeshift city in the Dungeon.
"Right, let's go bathe girls." Oriana smiled already taking off her armor. "Our usual spot isn't too far from here and I'd rather not be smelling like monster innards when we get back."
"I'll stay with our gear." Daisy stated.
"It's really not that big of a deal taking a bath in the Dungeon Daisy." Leo commented. "There's not many opportunities like this when we're on an expedition, the Water City's lakes are all filled with all kinds of monsters and I don't know about even further down." She shrugged.
"I'll just take a bath when we get home." Daisy assured her. "Plus someone has too look out for our stuff and make sure no one comes and peeps at you."
"With Alfia not here, we're at risk huh." Oriana sighed. If Alfia hadn't been there in the past, none of them would feel comfortable taking a bath anywhere near Rivira with how many lowlifes were around. "At least Bell doesn't peek."
"Nah, he's just a lucky pervert." Leo laughed.
"We don't have much time, so maybe we should go?" Haruhime suggested, Oriana and Leo nodded as they ditched their gear, Daisy handing them a few towels to dry off with from her pack, always prepared for anything. Daisy knew where the were headed and was in a position to spot anyone sneaking about. Opening her pack she pulled out a small tool set and sat in the grass, tinkering with some magic stones and a few items she had brought with her.
"Yo! Dia Familia!" Bell and Zald stopped and looked back to the small shack that they had just passed, spotting a familiar face. "Didn't expect you lot to be done so soon down there." The man started.
"Mord." Bell greeted with a smile as the Ogma Familia member approached, a few of the people that Mord had been gambling with clearly not happy that Mord had just upped and left in what looked to be the middle of their card game.
"I'm off to find Bors, I'll buy you a round when all that's settled." Zald chuckled lightly, already aware of just how reliant Mord was on Bell saving his ass at times like this. "I'll meet you at the pub when you're done Bell." Bell nodded as Zald left him with Mord. Mord however looked around cautiously, searching for a particular someone.
"She's not here." Bell told him, aware of just how many people were afraid of his aunt. "You don't have to worry, she's back home with Dia." Mord missed the slight hint of sadness in the kids tone.
"She might not ever enter Rivira, but she always knows, ya know." Mord sighed. "I'm just looking out for ya kid, you need to loosen up from time to time." Mord grinned slapping Bell on the back. "But! Since she isn't here, come have a game of cards with us." Bell blinked in surprise and before he knew it he was already seated in Mord's previous set, the man in question standing behind him with a grin.
"You dirty cheat!" One of the men shouted as he glared at Mord. "Fight your own battles coward!"
"Hey, I just wanted to give my friend her a chance to relax since he just got back from Water City, let him play for me. You've already dealt the cards its not like anything's going to change now." Mord argued, the men around the table glanced at one another before nodding.
"Tch, fine." One of the men scowled. "But he's still got to put something in the pot."
"What!? What kind of crap is that!? I've already forked out over 40,000 Valis!" Mord roared.
"Eh! Mord! You're gambling again!?" Bell asked shocked. The man in question looked away guiltily, he recalled his first interaction with Dia Familia and how he tried to lure Bell into a game of cards only to be completely crushed by his skill at the game, despite his naivety to the rules. When Alfia found them, Mord was over a 500,000 Valis in debt to Bell with no way to pay. An ass whopping later from Alfia and Mord had done his best to stay away from anything gambling related and away from the Beautiful over protective aunt.
"I kinda got roped into paying some old debts." Mord stated. "I've been doing my best ya know. Just win the game for me and it's all cleared, promise!" The man clapped his hands together in a pleading gesture causing Bell to sigh.
"What's the matter, no Valis?" One of the men laughed. "So much for Mord's story of you going down to the Water City, what this your first time in Rivira?" Mord grinned to himself, up on the surface, the Dia Familia was pretty famous for having little members but all of them being capable Adventurer's. But down here in Rivira, where the rumor mill of the surface didn't exactly hold much merit, Bell was basically a nobody. And considering most of the time Alfia didn't actually let Bell go into Rivira, he wasn't well known by the locals.
"Um, how about these?" Bell asked as he pulled forth his twin blades and rested them on the surface of the table where several large bags of Valis sat, amidst other drop items and magic stones that had been offered. All eyes went wide around the table at the blades, they were a set of beautifully crafted weapons. Even Mord was surprised that Bell would offer up the weapons. The blades themselves were designed for a reverse grip, a mix of red, black and white alloys had been used to craft them but the blades themselves were a golden, like bolts of thunder.
"Are... are they magic weapons?" However Bell shook his head.
"Enchanted with lightning magic." Bell explained. "Are they not enough?"
"No! They're fine! Let's play! Everyone ready!?" Bell nodded as he picked up his cards and looked at them as the other gathered around the table grinned greedily at the two blades on the table that would undoubtedly sell for a small fortune. However, Mord was the only one aware of the kids down right cheat like skill and only laughed as he watched the game as the men that had been cheating the whole game slowly and surely got defeated by Bell, who still didn't even know the rules of the game.
"Ah! That was great! You're a life saver Bell!" Mord laughed as he walked beside Bell, in his arms a large sack he had used to put all the Valis and items that had been offered up. "Damn cheats will think twice about messing with me!" Bell had his blades once more strapped to his back.
"Eh, they were cheating?" Bell asked surprised, he thought that they were going easy on him.
"Don't worry about it." Mord grinned. "Here, for the help." Mord reached into the bag and tossed him the largest bag of Valis that he could find, Bell easily catching it before sliding it into his coat. "We should hit up Ganesha's Casino when I get back to the surface, we'll run the place dry!" Mord laughed as he headed off leaving Bell outside the bar. Bell simply shook his head with a smile before heading inside of the pub where Zald would be waiting.
The duo weren't hard to miss, Zald's large frame was easy to spot even if he wasn't decked out in his armor and Bors wasn't someone easily passed over. Bell crossed the makeshift tavern walking over to where Zald and Bors were sitting at a table.
"I'm telling you Zald, monsters picking up dead adventurer's armor and weapons and wearing it like their own." Bors sighed heavily. "Never seen anything like it and they're strong too. What level 3's we got down here can't keep up and anyone below Level 3 run from them the moment they see 'em." Bell heard Bors say as he approached.
"I'll let the guild know about it when I get back to the surface." Zald told him getting a thankful nod from Bors. Rivira was a line of defense to the upper floors, with an unspoken agreement with the guild. They keep lower monsters out of the upper floors then the guild would turn a blind eye to most dealings going on there. But when Rivira was in trouble, it took a lot of effort for anyone to actually come in and help them, the city had been rebuilt over 300 times already.
"Hello Bors." Bell greeted causing the man to look up.
"Well look who it is." Bors grinned offering a seat to the teen allowing Bell to sit as Zald looked around the tavern for a waitress and called her over. "Shit, it kinda pisses me off that you're so young and already a higher level than me."
"Get of your ass once in a while and do something and you might level up." Zald commented as the waitress came as Bell smiled awkwardly.
"Three ales." He ordered getting a nod from the waitress.
"So, did you hear the singing down there?" Bors asked, Bell eyes widening as he turned to the man with curiosity in his eyes. "They say that a monsters singing, luring adventures deeper into the Water City... before drowning them in the depths!"
"Eh!?" That had been nothing like what Bell had been imagining when he had heard the rumor.
"Stop trying to spook the kid." Zald huffed. "It's probably nothing." The waitress came back and placed three ales down on the table, the large man taking his and downing half of it before scowling slightly. Rivira always had bad tasting beverages.
"I heard it myself, clear as day!" Bors argued as he grabbed his ale, it was clear the man was already a few alcoholic beverages deep and Zald had just bought him another. "It was the most beautiful thing I ever heard." He sighed, recalling the melody he had heard as he turned back to Bell. "My party had to stop me from diving off the cliffs." Bell laughed as Bors went onto explain how he had been envisioning a beautiful maiden waiting for him. "Someone down there is singing, and some folk around here are betting that if they can find it, it'll be worth a fortune."
"Fortune or death maybe." Zald commented.
"That's the Adventurer's life." Bors shrugged before turning back to Bell once more. "Anyway, you find anything down there singing like an angel, you let me know. It's gotta be my destined one." He said heavily before collapsing down onto the table top, snoring coming from the man as he passed out. Zald finished off his own drink as Bell did the same, while not a fan of the taste he was glad to be invited for a drink.
"Let's get outta here." Zald told Bell who nodded, the two standing and walking out of the bar, leaving the payment on the table with Bors. The two walked through the town, the town was in good spirits as usual.
"Haruhime and the others should be done resting now." Bell commented as they exited the gate of Rivira. They were not in any large rush and slowly left the town of rogues as they headed for where they usually camped on the 18th floor.
Daisy hummed lightly to herself as she looked over the small trinket in her hand, something she had been working on for a little while now. She was not on the Level of Andromeda from the Hermes Familia, or even the Silver Saint from the Dian Cecht Familia, but she liked to believe that she was getting better at creating magic tools. Ever since she had leveled up to Level 2 and gained the 'Mystery' Skill capable of letting her create magic tools, she was under the Tutelage of Alfia who had the same skill, but rarely used it. The only time that Daisy had seen her actually use it, outside of her training, was when she altered Bell's current blades that he used especially in the Water City, almost like she had enchanted them with magic.
Most of the time, Daisy used her skill to enhance her magic bombs and used her 'Mixing' skill to also add effects to her bombs, sometimes she went a little overboard but she had passion for what she created. She wanted to make more for her comrades but was still learning how to craft magic tools and could only do so much. She was under strict instruction by Alfia not to give her magic tools to anyone until they were inspected by her first, lest they have an adverse effect that Daisy wasn't aware of.
Creating magic tools was no simple feat and it required a lot of concentration and drive, but still even then they rarely came out how she liked, she still had a long way to go before the Dia Familia could start making a profit over what she could craft. But still she was capable of making high level potions, so she could still provide for her Familia when not delving into the Dungeon, although she would much prefer that her fellow Familia members be more inclined to test out her newer potions.
Despite concentrating on her work, she wasn't ignorant to her surroundings and when Daisy's ear twitched, hearing the snap of a twig in the forest her head shot up. P{lacing her crafting equipment down, pulling out a short blade that was strapped to her lower back hidden beneath her coat she rose to her feet with a cautious gaze. Under Resort might be a floor where Monsters don't spawn, but there were rare instances of monsters coming up from the lower floors. There was also the fact that Rivira was full of scoundrels and not many could be trusted.
"It was really cold!" Oriana's voice came from the trees allowing Daisy to breath a soft sigh of relief releasing her grip on the hilt of her hidden blade, glad that her friends were done and nothing bad had come there way.
"It's always cold!" Leo snapped back, her irritation more present.
"We'll have a nice warm bath when we get back home." Haruhime's soft voice followed before the three came from the trees, re-dressed in the clothes that they had been waring prior, towels in hand. Oriana and Haruhime were leading while Leo trudged behind them, glaring at the two. Daisy smiled softly, Leo was as much a girl as the other two yet hadn't quite hit her growth period as she continuously liked to claim. It didn't help that, from what Dia had told her, Bell thought Leo was a boy when they first met.
"How was your bath?" Daisy inquired, packing up her tools back into her bag.
"It was nice enough to rinse off." Oriana admitted. "But Haruhime's right, we can have a nice warm bath with everyone when we get back home."
"The eastern style bath from your homeland is something else Haruhime, I never expected to have such luxury when I joined Lady Dia's Familia." Leo smiled as she sat on the ground beside her greatsword. Haruhime smiled and nodded, glad that what little memories she still had from her home back in the Far East could come in handy, it helped that Takemikazuchi was there to help explain it to the builders. After she had been sold by her Father, and wound up in Orario she never expected to meet again with the members of the Takemikazuchi Familia.
Haruhime honestly never expected her life to end up like it had after she had been sold, everything had changed once she had arrived in Orario and met Bell.
"You can tell she's a girl in love." Oriana laughed causing Haruhime's face to heat up as she waved her hands in front of herself, trying to dissuade the notion that everybody in the Familia, besides Bell himself with his naivety and Alfia's watchful gaze.
"P-Please! St-Stop teasing!" Haruhime's face was bright red, she didn't want to get into this again.
"We won't lose to you Haruhime!" Leo declared. "You might have been with Bell the longest, but with Alfia standing in the way we got just as much chance as you do!" All four of the girls hung their heads at the biggest rival in all of their lives, diving in the dungeon was nothing compared to trying to confess to Bell with Alfia around.
"H-How... how about a pact." Daisy stated causing the three girls to blink in surprise as they turned to face her. "Miss Alfia will be gone, for quite a while I imagine. A few months probably, maybe longer." She fidgeted slightly. "A pact between the fours of us, not to hinder one another but not to get ahead of each other." The girls all shared a glance with one another.
"What about the others?" Oriana asked, they weren't the only ones that had unrequited feelings for the boy.
"They snooze they lose." Leo grinned as she thrust a hand out face down. "We'll support each other, no matter what happens." Oriana smiled and nodded placing her hand atop of Leo's, followed by Haruhime and Daisy before giggling erupted from the four.
"What's all this then?" Zald's voice snapped them from their laughter as they pulled their hands away quickly, Bell wasn't far behind and looked on curiously, wondering what was going on.
"Nothing, we're just ready to head back." Leo shrugged as she fixed her greatsword onto her back. Zald smirked to himself as the they all grabbed their gear, heading over to the entrance of the 18th floor.
While not apart of the expedition to the lower floors, they had traveled with the the smaller group of Level 1's that were being led by a Level 2 for training and it had been decided that they wouldn't head past Floor 13 today. It might have been possible that they had already left the Dungeon for the day and made their way back up to the surface, there was no need for them to wait around for the expedition to return if they wanted to call it a day.
Passing through the 17th floor with ease, the Boss having been already defeated before they had even headed down earlier that morning. Once more they weren't interrupted on their travels through the lower floors, a few monster tried their luck by other than Daisy they were all Level 3 or above and easily ended any threat that came towards them. They passed more adventure's as the headed closer to the surface. Arriving on the 13th floor they found it scarce of anyone and figured that the other members of their Familia had headed home for the day.
"Looks like they headed home." Oriana noted as the small party looked around once more, but there were only a few adventurers around.
"Let's get going then, Lady Dia won't be happy if we're late." Zald commented, however as he looked over at Bell a frown came to his face. This would be the last night that Alfia and Zald would be around for a while, it was starting to sink in for the kid. "You four go on ahead, don't worry about heading to the Guild you guys can settle that in the coming days." The girls glanced at one another before seeing the situation and nodded. Bell and Zald followed slowly after them, taking their time. "We'll be back before you know it." Zald said softly with a small smile.
"I... I know that." Bell spoke softly. "I just..." He turned his attention to his feet.
"You think it's easy for us to go?" Zald chuckled. "Hell if I could, I'd stay and we wouldn't have to worry about it." He raised his hand up, clenching it into a fist. "But... everyday I get weaker and weaker... Alfia's illness has gotten so bad lately she can't even come into the Dungeon anymore." He sighed softly. "Beltane is our best chance of getting better... and that's all thanks to you Bell." He placed a hand on Bell's shoulder making him look up at the man. "You changed our lives Bell, for the better. We just want to be around and watch you to continue to grow. For that, we need to leave for a while."
"It'll be lonely." Bell admitted before Zald laughed and slapped him on the back sending him tumbling a few steps forward as Zald roared in laughter.
"You'll have an entire Familia full of pretty girls! How the hell are you going to be lonely!?" Bell chuckled awkwardly as Zald grinned down at him. "Send us off with a farewell and a smile, and we'll see you soon enough." Zald continued as they continued up to the surface. "I was hoping that I'd see you become a Level 5, but it looks like I'll miss it."
"Huh, you really think I'll level up when you're gone?" Bell asked surprised.
"You're the fastest I know that's ever reached Level 4, what you did it in nine months?" Bell nodded. "Far as I know, that Sword Princess took over a year. Sure some of the old timers in my day did it in a year, some a little shorter, but no-one so young. You're breaking records Bell."
"It's because of you and Aun-." Bell bit his tongue as Zald chuckled, if she heard him call her auntie he'd be in for it. "It's because of you and Alfia." Bell corrected himself. "I don't think I could of done it without you guys."
"You'll have to go it a lone for a while now." Zald smiled as he placed a hand atop Bell's head. "Look out for everyone, trust your gut and do what you think is right. Don't doubt yourself because of what others say, do that and you'll be fine." Bell nodded with a large smile, the melancholy air around them gone. "When Alfia and I get back, I want to take you down to the 50th floor, something for you to look forward to, to drive towards. Make sure you're a Level 5, get as many of the others to Level Up too, push them and make them want it. If they're ready, we'll take the entire Familia."
"Right! I'll make sure to have everyone get a level up before you get back!" Bell declared getting Zald to laugh, but there was no mistaking the determination in the kids eyes, and with that skill of his it wouldn't be impossible. The caverns around them began to morph into a man made structure showing them that they were at the entrance of the Dungeon. The two began to climb up the stairs, other adventures finishing up for the day doing the same as they headed upwards.
Bell raised a hand to his eyes as the light, even in the low light of the afternoon it was still brighter than down in the Dungeon. The afternoon sun was already sinking below the exterior wall of the city. The courtyard was still full of Adventures, most heading across to the Guild building to sell their spoils from their time in the Dungeon.
"Come on, the Guild gave us a four day deadline and considering we did it in one, you have some time before checking in with them." Zald stated. For a normal Familia it would take several days for the request, but considering they had blitzed through the upper levels to floor 18, they had reached the lower levels quite quickly. The two headed out of the courtyard before the towering spire that was Babel and headed into the Northern Districts of the city, Zald still with the large pack full of the requested items.
It got quieter as they left the courtyard, heading into the norther district it was away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the city, more residential than shops and the like. Bell and Zald enjoyed the stroll as the sun was slowly setting around them, and by the time they came to their Familia Home they could already hear everyone inside.
"It's getting kinda cramped, ain't it?" Zald chuckled.
"I think Goddess is considering looking for a bigger home." Bell stated as he pushed the small gate open, walking through he held it open for Zald.
"Fufufufu." A soft laugh caught the two's attention. "I see that you've returned home, my faithful servant." Bell hung his head as Zald grinned, placing a hand on Bell's shoulder before heading for the front door of the remodeled cottage that had once only housed Dia and Bell. Bell turned his attention upwards only to do his best to hide his smile as one of the more charismatic of their Familia was standing on the roof of the small veranda.
"Hi Clarice." Zald smiled up at her.
"Shut it old man!" The young blonde chuunibyou shouted as she stamped her foot atop the tiles glaring down at the large man getting Zald to laugh as he headed inside.
Clarice has green eyes and long, golden hair that's tied behind her head. She wears a black and purple dress and hat, a purple bow, a purple and white choker, and a black eyepatch over her right eye
The door closed as Clarice regained herself and placed her hands on her hips and grinned at Bell. "Now!" Clarice called out dramatically, her black dress flowing in the breeze as she somehow got her uncovered eye to shine in the darkness. "I welcome you home servant, we have much to do as the darkness encompasses the city! I've awakened from my daily slumber and must spread my wings into the night!" Bell rested a hand on his neck and stretched as Clarice grinned down at him.
"Alfia! Clarice is still on the roof!" Clarice visibly paled as she heard the shout come from inside from Gina. Swallowing nervously, the blonde girl began to hurriedly look for a way down. Bell smiled seeing the distraught girl starting to panic, the last thing she wanted was to get into trouble with Alfia for something she had been warned about numerous times. Clarice looked to Bell with tears beginning to form in her eyes.
"Bell, please help me down." Bell chuckled heading over to her and held out his arms.
"I'll catch you." Clarice smiled and nodded before jumping down, Bell having not needing any effort as he caught the girl who clung to him happily before she cleared her throat and pushed away from him, regaining her composure.
"Welcome home, servant."
"Thanks Clarice." Bell smiled patting her atop the head causing her to blush lightly before smiling and following Bell, he held the door for her and she nodded her thanks and walked inside only to receive an instant chop to the top of her head.
"How many times do I have to tell you?" Alfia stood with an annoyed look on her features as Clarice knelt on the ground holding the top of her head.
"Ow! Ow! Ow!"
"Welcome home Bell." Alfia turned to her nephew. "I trust everything went well."
"Yeah, we completed the request. I'll go and deal with the guild tomorrow." Bell told her getting a nod from her. "How are you feeling." Alfia rose her hand up and chopped Bell atop the head, much more lightly than she had Clarice.
"Don't worry about me." Alfia told him, her chop turning into rustling his hair slightly as she leaned down a little. "Dinner's almost ready, go wash up." Bell smiled and nodded as he hurried inside. Entering into the home he began to unstrap his armor as he walked, being greeted all the while.
"It's Bell!" Gina and Primo rushed up to him happily, the two youngest members of the Familia, both just 10 years old.
Gina has brown eyes and long hair of the same color which she has tied in two tails. Like all Amazonesses, she wore revealing clothing, consisting of a tan top with brown edges and a maroon bikini bottom.
Primo has purple eyes and blonde hair tied into twin tails with purple bows, her elven ears sticking out. She wore a dark and light purple dress along with a collar, gloves, tights, and shoes.
"Will you take us into the lower floors with you next time!" Both pleaded with the teen as Bell chuckled, they had only recently joined Dia Familia, and while capable were still only level 1 and needed more experience before venturing deeper. Most other Familia's wouldn't even take them down to the 13th floor and both had made it down to the 16th, with help of course.
"How about next time, I'll come with you and see how you're going. You need more experience if you want to get into the deeper floors." Bell told them causing both to pout at him.
"Primo? Gina? Didn't I tell ask you two to set the table for dinner?" Lucia questioned as she stood behind the two with her hands on her hips. Lucia has long brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a green headband with a yellow flower decoration, green and white outfit with yellow flowers around her waist, and black leggings. "Come on, hurry up."
"We're coming." Both retorted together as they followed after Lucia, she gave a small smile to Bell before leading the two girls to the dining room so they could finish preparing for dinner. Bell reached his room, taking off his armor placing them in a small crate by the wall which was lined with several others full of gear he had collected over the years. On the wall hung an array of weapons which he hung his two blades on.
Changing from his dungeon clothes he grabbed his usual home outfit which was just a plain black long sleeve shirt and pants. A soft whistle came from the door making Bell blush as he turned to find Vivian leaning in the doorframe with Suu out in the hall.
"Putting on a show for the rest of us Bell?" Vivian teased. Vivian has brown eyes and long hair of the same color which she ties behind her head. She wore revealing clothing, consisting of a red bikini top with flower designs, a purple skirt, a yellow piece of cloth with a red strip tied around her waist, a hairband with a red flower on it, and gold jewelry such as earrings and armbands.
Suu has purple eyes and short reddish brown hair. She wore a short white and orange top, exposing her stomach, torn teal pants, a white headband, a brown belt, orange and white gloves.
"Sorry, I must of forgot to close the door." Bell said embarrassed.
"You didn't, she's just being a perv." Suu stated glaring at Vivian as Bell stood slightly dumbstruck, the door had been firmly shut before Vivian stuck her head in to see if Bell was in, only to find him changing clothes. Vivian winked at him with a grin.
"See you at Dinner Bell~!" She teased as Suu pulled her form the doorframe, closing the door behind her so that Bell could finish in peace. Usually Vivian wasn't so bold, however she seemed to be fine around Bell, but with other men she struggled. Bell sighed, how was it that he and Zald were the only male members of the Dia Familia, did Dia not like men? Having finished dressing Bell exited his room, crossing the hall to the small bathroom to wash up as Alfia had suggested he do.
"Oh, hello Bell." Iris greeted with a smile. "I didn't know you were back quite yet." She stated coming out of the washroom. "It's all yours." She said stepping to the side allowing him to go in.
Iris has long brown hair and green eyes along with cow ears, horns, and tail. She wore a light wool sweater type top, a bell around her neck, a brown belt, a green skirt with a gold design, and brown and blue leggings.
"Thanks, how did they go today?" He questioned, turning on the sink and washing his hands. Iris was one of the Level 2 members of the Familia that helped with the newer members. Iris always liked to offer her help to the lower level members of the Familia so that they didn't get left behind.
"They're really getting use to working together." Iris smiled. "Clarice still needs to understand when she's needed however and to stop giving long winded speeches to Monsters." Bell nodded as he dried off his face and hands with a towel, while Clarice did have her moments, she was a capable Monster Tamer.
"She'll come around." Iris smiled as the two headed for the dining room together.
The duo entered the room and found that they were the last ones to arrive, but that didn't make the room seem any less chaotic. Dia sat at the head of the table with an every welcoming smile on her face, Alfia and Zald sitting on either side of the table, an empty seat next to Alfia. Love and Gita were coming back and forth from the kitchen, delivering out large trays of food that had been prepared, placing them in the center of the table most of the rest of the table already helping themselves.
Love has red eyes and long pale pink hair along with cat ears and tail of the same color. She wore a red open stomach dress with gold edges, a choker of the same color, purple gloves, and black leggings with gold edges.
Gita has yellow eyes and dark brown hair with a tail of the same color. She wore a brown and white tube top and short pants along with a yellow and brown jacket that has catlike ears, despite being a Chienthrope.
Bell moved to the empty seat next to Alfia, sitting down he smiled at Karen who sat beside him who offered him a glass of juice which he happily took. Karen has black eyes and long black hair with part of it braided. She wore a dark and light purple outfit consisting of a top, skirt and gloves.
"Welcome home Bell." Dia greeted from the end of the table with a smile.
"Thankyou Goddess." Bell smiled.
"Lets eat!" Zald laughed raising up a glass of his private collection of alcohol, despite most of the table having already started before his toast. Bell smiled softly as he looked around the table, everyone was happy and enjoying their meal. He had to wonder how other Familia went about their nightly routine, was it as boisterous and chaotic as their own home? They only had 17 members, other Familia like the Ganesha Familia had hundreds, if not more.
"Eat." Alfia spoke beside Bell causing him to blink, realizing that she had already served him up a plate of food. He smiled and offered his thanks to her as he began to eat. The meal passed rather quickly, however even when the meal was over everyone remained seated. It was Alfia who had garnered everyone's attention as she dabbed at her lips with a napkin. There were a few moments of silence, and a rare sight greeted them as Alfia opened her eyes, revealing her green and grey eyes.
"As you're aware, Zald and I will be leaving Orario for Beltane tomorrow morning." She began. "I don't know how long that we'll be gone for." She admitted. "If I hear when I return that any of you have stepped out of line..." She cast her gaze over the entire table, numerous members swallowing nervously at the unspoken threat. Bell chuckled awkwardly as he rubbed at the back of his head. Alfia let out a breath and closed her eyes. " Look out for each other, look after the Familia and we'll be back before you know it." She offered a small smile.
"We'll all be waiting for you to come home Alfia, Zald." Dia smiled at the two. The table began to be cleared for those that were on duty wanted to have the chores done as quickly as possible so that they could relax for the rest of the evening. Bell stood up, however he was already being dragged across the room before he could take his first step.
"I could smell you throughout dinner, you need a bath." Alfia stated bluntly as she dragged him to the large baths that had been added onto the small cottage.
"Eh! I can wash myself!" Bell declared but Alfia didn't listen entering into the men's side changing room with him. "I'm not a child anymore!"
"I beg to differ." Alfia huffed as she began to undress. "What's the fox try and get away with? Bathing together creates bonds?" Bell hung his head, Haruhime had tried that a few times saying that it was an eastern custom but Alfia hadn't let her get away with it even once. "Its our last night together for a while, let me spend some time with you before I leave." Alfia said softly causing Bell to pause before smiling and nodding as he too disrobed.
The two entered into the bathhouse, clad in towels. Alfia instructed for Bell to sit on one of the stools and she knelt behind him beginning to wash his back. The two talked about meaningless things most, enjoying their time together before both slipped into the hot water of the bath side by side. Bell couldn't remember the last time Alfia had bathed with him, a few years maybe. He forgot how gentle she could be.
"I'll miss you Bell." Alfia told him, turning her face away. "Seven years ago, I promised myself I'd never leave you, and now I'm doing the exact opposite." She sighed softly. Bell placed his head on her shoulder as she leaned back against him, her cheek resting atop his hair.
"I just want you to get better." Bell whispered softly. "I'll miss you too." Alfia pulled him into a hug, knowing this was going to be a hard fought struggle just to leave him behind in Orario. At least she had the night to spend with him. Slowly pulling back from the hug she rose from the water and stepped out, heading for the changeroom.
"I'm sleeping with you tonight, like when you were younger." Alfia simply stated leaving bell gobsmacked as she left without another word, he didn't have the luxury of turning down the offer because in the Dia Familia, Alfia was the law.
X- Dia Familia Members -X
Alfia: Level 7
Zald: Level 7
Bell Cranel: Level 4
Sanjouno Haruhime: Level 4
Oriana Drake: Level 3
Leo Diaz: Level 3
Lucia Ramirez: Level 3
Vivian Green: Level 3
Daisy Kelly: Level 2
Suu Lotti: Level 2
Gita Meyers: Level 2
Love Silva: Level 2
Karen Morris: Level 2
Iris Bennett: Level 2
Clarice Boyd: Level 1
Primo Libera: Level 1
Gina Gwen: Level 1