Disclaimer:
I do not own DanMachi, Kingkiller Chronicle, or any of those series characters. Nor do I make any money off my writing.
Note:
This is the jump back to the story of events that have led up to present day Hestia familia at the Hearthstone Inn. It starts right after LN16 events.
There will be some LN17 inspired events so expect some spoilers, but much of the story I had already envisioned before LN17 was even announced so *shrug*.
Ch 4: Bad Offers
Ais (Sentinel Trio)
Tiona dragged Tione, and Ais out to enjoy the last day of the harvest festival.
"Ahh! I love it!" The younger Amazon sister squealed with excitement as she and her sister rushed from stand to stand looking at trinkets and consuming food as they went.
Ais followed behind the duo with a small smile. She really didn't care about the stall's trinkets but seeing how much her two friends were enjoying themselves made her feel happy for them.
"Come oooooon! They have sooo many different foods we have to try! Ahh! New flavors of Jangamaru!? Ais wouldn't you want to try one of those?!"
Tiona pointed to the Jangamaru stand in question using a ginormous turkey leg she'd been eating.
Few things excited the Sword Princess more than her favorite snack. As Ais walked quickly up to the stand, the large owner noticed her and pointed to his sign with a wide grin.
"We have THREE new Jangamaru flavors that are available for a limited time only during this festival! So… which one would you like?"
Ais froze for a second. She wanted all three, but could only hold two in her hands… hum… what to do…
Tiona strode up beside Ais, noticing her friend's dilemma as she checked the stall's sign. "Hey, I was going to get one too, how about I hold the third one for you until you're ready?"
Ais narrowed her eyes at her friend…
"I promise I will not eat it this time!"
"..."
"Or like the other time that I did it either! Look, I promise, I'm buying one for myself so I can eat that one." As Tiona said this, she tossed the now finished turkey leg bone over her shoulder, making it into the bin.
As Ais paid and begrudgingly handed her third Jangamaru to Tiona, Tione shouted from a nearby stall grabbing both of their attentions. "Hey! Do you think the captain would like this? "What about this?! Do you think the captain would notice if... "
Tiona just looked at her sister. "That is the fifth dress you've tried on today. Why don't you just pick one and THEN show it to him?"
"I'm trying to pick out the best one that he would like… ehh… I'm just not sure..."
Ais tilted her head. She wasn't sure what the big deal was. She thought that the Captain would notice Tione anyways regardless of what she wore, but as she wasn't as good with these things… she just left it up to the other two.
Tione sighed "I'm going to have to think about this for a while…"
"You know, I wish Lefiya would have come with us today..."
"Yea, I think we need to take her out again. Yesterday we practically had to drag her out of the mansion when we were trying to find you Ais."
Ais just nodded her head along with the conversation. Lefia had been different for weeks now, ever since the joint familia venture into Kolossus to defeat Evilus. After the second loss of Filvis, Lefiya had closed up, her usual energetic self vanishing under a haze of despair even more complete than the first time the young elf had supposedly witnessed her friend's death.
No one had really spoken much about what happened between Lefiya and Filvis, and even the people who had participated in that part of the Knossos fight only understood bits and fragments. The revelation of Dionysus' betrayal generated a general uncomfortableness within the familia, leading most members with a desire to quickly move past the situation with their once ally. This ended up largely alienating the prodigal mage from the majority of the other members, even if it was mostly inadvertent rather than any sort of malicious intent.
Ais knew that Filvis was important to Lefiya, and felt she understood the feeling of loss that the girl was going through. After the loss of her parents, she had been almost consumed by those feelings in her first few years of crawling the dungeon. If she could help Lefiya from going down that road, she would. However, she wasn't sure what she could say, or do, that would help…
When she spoke about it with Riveria, the motherly figure just asked Ais to be patient with Lefiya, and that she would open up when she was ready and to be there for her when she did. So, Ais had waited...
"Well… I think we are going to have to get her out of her room at some point. I mean, we got her out the other day, but… do you think that she would like it if we took her shopping again?"
Ais tilted her head, and nodded once. "I… suppose that might work."
Ais looked over to Tiona as she finished her first Jangamaru only to find both the Amazon's hands empty.
"Sorry Ais! When I'm thinking I need the extra food!"
Ais glared dangerously at Tiona.
"Hey! Hey! I'll buy you another one... No BIGGIE!"
As Ais was about to bite into her second Jangamaru, she was startled by a shout from a nearby food stall. Curious, and a bit confused, she looked over and found that a little girl being hollered at by the stall's owner.
"You can't eat any food here for free!"
"Please sir! I'm hungry…"
"No, bring money back from your parents or don't come back at all." The stall owner walked away, leaving the girl standing at the side of the street. The young girl looked like she was about to cry.
Ais looked down at her Jangamaru and seemed to consider for a moment. She walked up to the girl and gave her a small smile.
"Excuse me…"
As the girl looked up, Ais noticed that she had long golden hair and red eyes. The combination struck her, reminding her of a certain white haired rabbit.
"Are… you hungry?"
The little girl just looked up with tears pooling in those similar rubilett eyes and nodded her head.
Ais crouched down and held out the last Jangamaru to the little girl. "You… can have mine if you want."
The little girl lit up with happiness, her sadness burned away like fog before the morning sun. "Thank you!"
She grabbed that Jangamaru and took a ginormous bite out of the potato snack. With her mouth full of food, she smiled at Ais large enough to show teeth before racing off amongst the crowd.
A small smile came to Ais' face as she watched the little girl go…
A jovial huff emanated from behind the Sword Princess. "Suuuuuuure, If I eat it, it's a bad thing. But if you give it to someone you don't even know you're fine with it. I'd call this a double standard."
Before anyone could reply, a distant familiar sound instantly caught their attention.
"Wait… what was that?"
"Are two familias fighting? During the festival?!"
"Come on! Let's go!"
Ais practically flew over the rooftops toward the sound of the fighting, Tiona and Tione close behind. The clash and clang of metal on metal, of breaking stone, seemed to rumble in her ears. The sounds, so usual to the dungeon, but so unusual here in the city. Especially during a crowded festival like today. Innocent people could get hurt, people could die if adventurers unleashed in the crowded city.
As they crested the last building where the sound originated, everything went silent. The trio looked down into the alley to find the ragged and unconscious forms of the Hestia familia members strewn among the cobblestones. Four shorter figures walked menacingly over the group, collecting the fallen adventurers.
BELL!
Ais frantically searched for any sign of her white rabbit, but was unable to find him.
A cat-man wearing darkly colored light armor landed to the trio's side and leveled a spear toward the group.
"Don't interfere with Freya familia business. I won't warn you again."
"What are you doing with them?" Ais drew Desperate, raising the saber between her and Allen Fromel, the Freya Familia sub-captain and executive.
"Tis not really a fair fight. You lot picking on a bunch of lower levels." Tione and Tiona backed Ais up, holding up their fists.
Hogni and Hodin, both elven Freya Familia executives, landed on the other side of the Loki girls.
The previous high elf prince, Hogni, straightened his glasses as he considered Ais. "Sword Princess, do you really wish to start hostilities between our two familias? This has nothing to do with Loki. Stand down."
Ais shook her head. "What did you do with Bell?"
Allen sneered at the Loki girls. "And the Rabbit Foot is none of your concern either. He belongs to Freya."
Fury lit up behind Ais's eyes as she charged Allen.
Hestia (Bad Offer)
"Hermes... we need to talk."
"...hummm?" Hermes garbled his response unintelligently, mouth still full of whatever sweet fruit he had been eating before she showed up.
Hestia had found Hermes peering over a stack of fruit crates that were stacked in such a way to make a temporary wall. Hestia had been searching for the messenger god for the better part of the morning only to find him in this secluded spot off the right side of one of the many entertainment stages that Gnasha Familia had helped construct for the festival. Different acts would periodically take to the stages, performing all different kinds of entertainment for the festival's attendees.
"I mean... ehh... wait... Hermes, what are you doing?" As Hestia took to her tippy toes aside Hermes she could just barely peek over the top of one of the shorter fruit crate stacks.
Apparently... The next performers were right on the other side of the makeshift wall... and in the middle of some costume change... and were all female. Pale skin, long legs, and a few lacy bits... Hermes was giving his rapt attention to the spectacle in front of him.
"HERMES YOU PERVERT!"
Hestia wailed on the orange haired god who started choking as the piece of fruit lodged itself in his throat. Pandemonium ensued. Women on the other side of the makeshift wall screamed after they noticed their peeping tom, passersby startled, stared, or hurried away at the scene caused by the god duo, and some random dog decided to start barking.
Hermes, half on his way back to Heaven due to the nefarious fruit and bludgeoning goddess, attempted to flee but, in his haste, slipped on the cobblestones and fell into the crate wall. A crash and bang echoed through the street as the crate wall collapsed into the temporary changing room. Luckily, the force of the impact dislodged the evil fruit piece from going through with the god's untimely demise. Herme's luck ran out as he pulled himself out of the crate wreckage only to catch sight of the swish and flick of a familiar white cloak.
"Ahh, Asfi! So nice to... YEAAAAWW" Hermes yelped as a quick hand reached out and pinched his ear.
"Do you know how long I had been looking for you?! YOU specifically asked me to come with you today and then I find you doing this?!"
"Ahh! Asfi! Ehh.. Sorry! Just couldn't, you know, help myself... I was just strolling along the street, minding my own, and then low and behold! Poof! There they were!"
Asfi let go of her God and let out a long sigh. The tension seemed to bleed out with her exhaled breath. She wouldn't say it in so many words, but Hermes' sudden disappearance had worried her.
While she may know to expect these kinds of things from her God, she wasn't going to let it slide. By asking Asfi to escort him, and then ditching her, he was abusing her time and she was quite the busy individual.
A Ganesha security squad appeared amongst the dying commotion. After having responded to various incidents caused by adventurers brawling over the last few days, the squad was starting to look a bit ragged. They had an unfortunate tendency to only show up after the action. To some of the squad this may have been a preferable outcome overall. The most recent rumors indicated that at least some of the adventurers in question were Freya executives, and none of the Ganesha security forces wanted to tangle with those first-tier adventurers.
As the commotion on the street died down, the security forces set to work picking up the debris and other detritus. And, after issuing a guild summons to Hermes for 'property damage' decided to ignore the initial instigators. This allowed Hermes, Hestia, and Asfi to be left more or less alone within their own bubble of solitude.
Acknowledging Hestia, Asfi turned toward the goddess and lowered her head in greeting.
"Goddess Hestia, I hope that Hermes hasn't been too unmanageable."
Hestia crossed her arms as she considered the orange haired god. "Actually, I was just about to talk with him before... ehh... this happened."
Brushing off a bit of crate debris from his shoulder, Hermes looked at Hestia with a warry grin. "Ahh yes, now what did you want to discuss?"
Asfi's hand quickly clipped her god's ear for a second time, "Don't think that we're done with this…"
Hermes grinned back at his captain whilst bringing one hand to rub his now tender ear.
"Hermes… is there somewhere we can talk that is more… private?"
As Hermes turned back toward Hestia he raised one eyebrow in a questioning look toward the short goddess. "Well… isn't that mighty forward of a virgin goddess… or are you still a virgin goddess?" A teasing grin spread across the god's face.
Hestia flushed red as she stomped her feet in discontent at the other god's teasing "GRAAH, not like that!"
Hermes' grin showed pearly white teeth as he waived one hand to dissuade Hestia's anger "Let's take a walk. Asfi would you be so kind as to fall back and look for anyone with… eavesdropping tendencies?"
Asfi readjusted her glasses as her gaze moved to scan nearby rooftops and alleyways. With a single head bob in agreement and a flick of her white cloak, the Hermes Familia captain melded into the surrounding crowd.
Hermes led Hestia through a maze of back streets, the twists and turns making Hestia's head spin as Hermes seemed to lead her deeper into the above ground labyrinth. As they continued to move in silence, the crowd around them thinned and changed from tourists enjoying the Orario festival to locals minding their own whilst in the middle of everyday chores.
Hestia, growing tired of being pulled along by the ginger haired god, was just about to voice her question again as he finally spoke up.
"Now, what seems to be on your mind?"
The loli goddess contemplated for a moment, shifting between how she should go about phrasing her thoughts, before deciding on the direct approach. "What… or who is Syr?"
Hermes raised a hand to rub his chin, as if considering his response.
"The most direct answer to your question is that we do not really know..."
His answer sent a small shiver through Hestia. The small line of thought that caused her to initially seek out Hermes was starting to reinforce itself.
Hermes continued. "Perhaps she is a witch, monster, god in hiding, or mortal that stumbled across power. I initially became aware of her years ago… and while we may not be aware of exactly what or who she is, there is one thing I do know for certain... In all this time, she hasn't seemed to age at all."
The pair of gods stopped short as the small ally they had been walking opened up into a wider intersection. The midday activities were more subdued this far from the main festival events. Locals stood or sat outside of their homes, drinking ale and celebrating with neighbors. A smile came to Hestia's face as she was momentarily distracted watching the group of local children play an impromptu game of tag. Hermes pondered a moment longer before adding a final afterthought.
"... that may not be a definitive answer, but it does narrow the possibilities."
An aquamarine and white blur resolved into Asfi clutching onto her god's forearm. Every one of the captain's finely tuned dungeon senses were ringing like someone had just used a tuning fork on her as she scanned her surroundings.
"Hermes, we need to move... something is wrong."
Hestia's eyes went wide whilst Hermes took one look at his captain before nodding curtly. Asfi's senses were rarely incorrect.
"Lead on…"
However, before the group could move a single voice sang from the shadows of an adjacent side street. A melody so sweet that the tone caused nearby locals to pause, captivated by the beauty behind the voice that produced it.
"Hestia… we need to talk..."
Hestia paused, turning to the cloaked figure that strode into the intersection.
It couldn't be, but why now?
But yes, as the figure reached up and pulled back her hood, luxurious locks of silver hair spilled out to frame a face set in with piercing purple hued eyes. Hestia's mind short circuited for a moment. Freya rarely if ever left her tower, Hestia knew this. And of all places Freya was here… and wanted to talk to her?! Hermes held back as Hestia took an apprehensive step toward the Goddess of Beauty and tried to mentally prepare herself to deal with the head of one of Orario's most powerful familias.
"Freya... fancy meeting you here… ehh... what do you want?" Hestia internally winced. While it did get her point across, that probably wasn't the best way to phrase it. However, nothing could have prepared Hestia for what Freya said next.
A slight breeze twisted through Freya's hair as her purple hued eyes bore into the loli goddess and a single name escaped her lips. "Bell."
"Ehh? Excuse me?"
"Hestia, I want Bell… give him to me."
Hestia's face screwed up in consternation at the request. What was Freya playing at?!
"No, I'm not giving you my Bell!"
"Hestia... I'm only giving you this opportunity because I do like you. One way or another I will get him…"
"Freya, what are you playing at?! For the last time I'm not going to give you Bell. What's gotten into you?!"
Hestia felt Hermes slide up to her, and gave her a warning squeeze on the elbow. As he leaned over, he spoke words of warning quietly into her ear.
"Freya has been known to go to… extraordinary lengths to acquire adventurers that have caught her eye. Please be careful Hestia."
Freya raised her chin as if considering something, "Hestia, are you sure?"
Hestia shook her head, keeping the goddess of Beauty in her line of sight. "My answer is still no..."
Freya let out a sigh as she raised one arm into the open air. "Just remember, it didn't need to end like this… bring them."
Four shadows dropped to the street carrying four bundles which were unceremoniously dropped to the cobblestones. Hestia's voice caught as a visceral shock overtook her at the sight of her bloody and beaten familia members. Memories flashed at how just a few hours ago they had been so lively before heading their separate ways.
The only consultation Hestia had from the sight was the slow rise and fall of breathing from their unconscious bodies. However, they needed medical attention as soon as possible.
Hestia scrambled toward her fallen familia members, trying to gather them up like a mother attempting to protect her children from the elements. And make no mistake, a divine could be an elemental force themselves.
Pulling the small, beaten form of Lilly onto her lap, Hestia noticed her broken arm and simply held the supporter close in an embrace Hestia hoped would be more comfortable. Rivulets of tears streamed down Hestia's cheeks as she looked up toward Freya. This was Hestia's worst fear made real, losing those she cared about… right in front of her eyes.
One could call Freya's expression stoic as she considered the situation. Freya knew what she wanted… but she would take no pleasure in the methods it would take to get it. It was simply a means to an end.
"Hestia… I didn't want it to come to this… but I'll kill every member of your familia… right here... , including yourself, if you don't give me Bell…"
Hestia's eyes went wide. This situation was turning out to be an order above her worst nightmare. Like hell if she was going to give up her favorite child to the whims of a mad goddess. Before she could respond however, the ginger haired God who had been standing off to the side behind his captain, stepped around the protective Asfi and finally spoke up.
"Freya… Have you forgotten that Bell has only been an adventurer for six months? According to Guild guidelines, the boy can't switch familias for at least half a year..."
Herme's revelation made Freya stop. How… how had she forgotten something that significant? She felt like she had been watching Bell, urging him forward, yearning for her Odr for so long… much longer than the stark reality presented in front of her. In her hesitance, Hermes continued.
"If you truly wish to avoid unnecessary deaths… then perhaps we can work out some sort of accord..."
The shock of Herme's betrayal sent Hestia tethering right over the edge, overwhelmed first by Freya's threats, the dire state of her unconscious familia members, and now… this. She turned to Hermes in outrage, grabbing his arm as her eyes bored into him.
How DARE Hermes offer up Bell on my behalf. Bell is MINE…
Hermes quickly tried to raise both palms in a gesture of supplication though one arm was still firmly anchored by the furious goddesses's grip. Shifting his back in an effort to gain some privacy, Hermes spoke in terse, hushed whispers.
"Hestia… what use would it be if you got sent back to Heaven? Furthermore… you have four other lives being held in the balance. Are you willing to have them become martyrs? Survive this hurdle so we can regroup, plan, and fight another day…"
The reminder of her grievously wounded familia members stumbled Hestia out of her momentary fury with the ginger-haired god. Head hanging she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, resettling herself, and after a moment gave Hermes a single short nod.
Hermes is right... we're backed into a corner. It may be best to go along with whatever plan he's cooking up this time…
Seeing Hestia's acceptance, Hermes turned back toward the silver-haired Goddess of Beauty.
"A more acceptable alternative could be Bell becoming an auxiliary member of Freya familia until he is eligible for conversion. He would stay at your famila's residence, work with your children, and effectively be your own child in every way. I'd personally work with the guild to work out any kinks."
Hermes soberly considered the fallen Hestia familia members for a second, "...anyway, Bell seems quite attached to his current familia members, and I'm certain that if lasting harm did come to them Bell would take it badly."
Freya "I… accept. But, this matter isn't settled until we find Bell. And until then, I'm taking Hestia and her familia members with me."
Hestia clenched her jaw tight enough to ache. She felt like a wind blown leaf, powerless to halt, stop, or mitigate the tide before her. A proper goddess should be able to help her familia members...
"Freya! My familia members are grievously wounded through your own actions and require medical attention. I DEMAND that you allow us to take them to a clinic. If one of them dies..."
Hestia's emotions were almost at the breaking point from their wild swings through the conversation. Tears pooled at the corners of her eyes, threatening to break into a torrent at any moment. Hermes rested one comforting hand on her shoulder in solidarity.
Freya simply smirked as she waved a hand toward the Bringar members. The four Pallums picked up the broken Hestia familia members, treating them more like sacks of grain then people.
"I know a healer..."
Hermes stood back as Hestia and her familia members were escorted toward Freya's familia home, Folkvangr. A slight smirk settled upon his face as he glimpsed the swish and flick of a green skirt and white hair from one of the surrounding shadows.
Bell (Wall Watchers)
From the well shadowed eave of a nearby building, Bell had stood and stared at his fallen familia members who had been strewn on the ground like so many puppets with their strings cut. It was like a scene from one of his nightmares. Being too weak to protect those he cared for, those that relied on him, those that for one reason or another couldn't protect themselves.
He could feel Ryu's hand where it still clutched his bicep. Anchoring him with her presence if not also with her level four strength.
Earlier, whilst searching for Syr in the midday festival crowds, they had heard the clash and brawl of Adventurers fighting in the streets. A danger to other Adventurers and regular Orario citizens alike, they had both rushed toward the commotion to see if they could help. However, as they had come across the initial scene, they never would have expected who the fighting would have included. Apart from the still, fallen forms of Aisha and her two new familia members in the middle of the alley below, Golden hair and dark tan skin flashed above as Ais and the Hyrute sisters clashed against Freya familia members over Orario's rooftops.
Bell rushed over to Aisha's fallen form. She had collapsed into a heap on the cobblestones, her body pale from blood loss and laced with lacerations from a recent fight. Skidding to his knees beside her, Bell rolled the Amazon over, sighing in relief to see she was still breathing, albeit shallowly. Taking three high potions from his leg holster he uncorked one and threw the other two to Ryu who had been assisting the other two unconscious Hermes family members.
Bell had poured half the potion into Aisha's mouth before taking the remainder and hastily applying drops to her most grievous wounds. As the skin started to return to its normal shade of color, Aisha's eyes slowly opened, fatigue and weakness evident in their violet depths.
"..B..Bell?"
She was still hurt, and the sooner they got her to a clinic the better, but she would live.
Bell shined a smile over her, however her next words sent an icy chill down his spine.
"t... they took them..."
"Aisha, who did they take?"
"Haruhime... your familia. They are injured. Taken by Freya Familia..."
For a split second Bell froze as his mind tried to corroborate what Aisha was telling him. He had just seen his familia not even a handful of hours ago, he was supposed to meet up with them after talking to Ryu, and why would Freya familia want to attack his familia in the first place?
Aisha slowly raised one finder, pointing down a darkened alley
"Go... we'll be fine now. Try and help them. "
Bell looked up towards Ryu who had finished her administration to the other Hermes members and was now eyeing him soberly before nodding. With a final glance up toward Ais who was still locked in a combat of her own, he prayed that she would stay safe and then lead Ryu off to find the rest of his familia.
It didn't take long.
Huddled amongst the shadows of a nearby building's eave to conceal themselves, they found Freya and her Bringar members squaring off against Hestia, Hermes, and Asfi. Bell's companions had lay beaten and bloody on the cobblestones between the two opposing sides. Bell had nearly raced into the open before Ryu's hand suddenly clutched his bicep.
Ryu knew exactly what Bell was experiencing. The fear, the anger, the willingness to do anything, ANYTHING, to protect those you care for. But she also knew that if they were not careful they could end up in an even worse situation.
But it's what I would have done for my familia too…
They heard Freya's demand, Hestia's refuttle, and Herme's rebuttal. Freya was now accompanied by the three additional familia executives that had been fighting Ais and the Hyrute sisters. Bell hoped they were alright. Finally, Freya lead her executives who escorted Hestia and the fallen familia members toward the Freya familia home of Folkvangr. As Bell finally tore his sight away from his fallen familia members he looked toward Ryu.
"Bell, remember what happened to the Ishtar Familia. If you go down there, there really is no promise that she is actually going to let your familia go. She might just kill them anyway."
Bell nodded as he looked over toward the Goddess of Beauty, and realized how little he actually knew about Freya. She could be just like what Ryu said, she could be cold, calculating. She could take what she wanted and never look back. Bell didn't believe that he would ever be able to forgive or forget if lasting harm did come to his familia... But was he powerful enough to stop them? To go toe to toe against one of the most powerful familias in Orario? Could he, alone, hold back the tide? Definitely not right now, and definitely not like this. Freya had agreed to Hestia to give their familia members medical attention, so they should be alright in the short term…
Bell clenched his hand in frustration at the whole situation. How effortlessly they were maneuvered by the more powerful familia.
Now that he knew that his familia would survive, Bell racked his mind. The best thing he could do is wait, but what was he waiting for? Would an opportunity arise where he could get his familia back? Could he make an opportunity? And would any of their usual allies be even willing to help especially when they knew who they would be facing? Even if everyone turned against him, Bell would find a way to make them safe.
"Ryu... I'm going to get them out of there..."
A lith hand settled over his, as Ryu's slender form moved to face him.
"Bell, I'll help however I can..."
"Thank you Ryu..."
Bell closed his eyes and slowly breathed out the breath he'd been unconsciously holding. Using one of the meditation techniques that he had picked up from Mikoto and Takemikazuchi, Bell took a moment to calm himself.
"They'll be searching for you..."
Bell nodded, "Then I shouldn't return home, they'll be watching the place..."
Bell considered his options. His first pick would have been staying at the Hostess of Fertility, even with the exceedingly high room cost, the Hostess had good beds and even better food, however a LOT of people stopped there each day... Actually, most places such as inns would be too high-profile or have too many customers that could allow the freya familia to easily track him down. Ryu interjected before Bell's thought process could get too far ahead.
"I... know a place that might work. And we should be completely safe there."
The Stardust Garden had definitely seen better days. Lost and forgotten for a time, nature had moved to reclaim the once modest, but grand Astrea familia estate. The front gates sported a fine layer of rust which covered both bar and hinge, making the whole apparatus more a part of the properties' perimeter fence than a welcoming gate. Flower beds and training ground, now long since left fallow, grew waist high grass and wildflowers that one would have to wade, rather than walk, through. And while the manor itself had not fallen into total disarray, chipped stone and peeled paint spoke a story of gentle loneliness in the absence of occupants.
But despite the apparent conditions, a warm, welcoming feeling could be felt smoldering within it's lonely heart. Like blessed land, imbued with a God's divine will, the land itself held the power of memories, of the resolve of its prior occupants. Few deities could involuntarily invoke such a sanctum, and it spoke to Astrea's and her family's previous devotion to their principles. Although Astrea and her familia had not resided at the estate for years, their legacy remained.
Ryu gently rested her hand upon the old iron gate, flakes of rust falling from the bars as she unconsciously shifted her grip on the familiar metal. A tear pooled at the corner of her eye as memories surfaced of being with her old familia members... training with Neze, advice she had received from Lyra, being teased by Alise...
After she had convinced Lady Astrea to leave Orario all those years ago, she had avoided the Stardust Garden like a plague as every time she visited brought back those happy, but painful memories. Adding on top of that the guilt Ryu carried for betraying Lady Astrea's teachings of justice… There was no wonder why she hadn't visited in years, she didn't feel like she belonged here anymore. It was a piece of her that didn't fit. Though she may have come to peace with her previous actions through Bell and her adventures surviving the 37th floor, reconciliation between what her head knew and her heart felt would still take time.
A warm, comforting hand gripped her shoulder in a gentle squeeze that brought her back to reality.
As she turned to Bell, she found him looking at her with a concerned expression. Obviously the stress of being back at the estate had allowed the strong emotions to seep through her usual demeanor.
"Ryu… are you alright?" A tone of concern shaded the boy's words. He glanced from the slight elf to the scene around him, taking in the unkempt gate, grounds and finally settling on the manor house itself, "...what is this place?"
Ryu's eyes focused as she reined herself in.
"This is the Stardust Garden… it's the Astrea Familia estate."
And with that simple reply, Bell understood. Perhaps he didn't know exactly how Ryu felt, but he knew the shape of it. If ever he decided to visit the old home he shared with his Grandfather... he felt that he would have a similar reaction.
Ryu nodded, and with a slight effort of strength opened the rusted gate just enough for the two of them to slip inside. Thankfully, no one seemed to acknowledge the screech which emitted from the old hinges as they swung open, then shut.
Bell surveyed the grand entry room of the Stardust Garden's manor as Ryu bustled into the shadows ahead of him. The room was obviously intended as the main living area for the estate's residents. Furniture was organized around the room which would have allowed for members to break into smaller groups for discussions or entertainment. Off to the far side, a grand fireplace stood against the right wall with a steel wrought version of the Astrea Familia's emblem, the wings of justice, fixed above its solid stone mantle. More furniture, a couch, two chairs and a coffee table, were arranged in front of the long dead hearth. Overall, for how long the manor had been left the room was in a surprisingly good state. A layer of dust covered everything, but with a bit of cleaning...
The only unsettling aspects... were the personal items. A thick book marked toward the end left on the side of a couch, whetstone and cloth still setup on a corner table, half a knit sweater laid across one of the chairs... Things left, still awaiting the return of their lost owners. Bell picked up the book, turning it as he noticed an inscription on the front cover, 'Property of: Alise Lovell'.
Ryu soon returned with a pair of old cots and some surprisingly clean linens. By the time they had cleaned and cleared a small area near the fireplace, the sun had grown low in the sky outside, filtering a soft golden yellow light through the room's westward windows.
Bell sat on a cot across from Ryu as he ate a piece of dried dungeon rations they had stocked from a nearby store. A fire burned merrily in the hearth, warming the large room against the evening chill.
And... Bell felt guilty. He had inadvertently drug Ryu once again into a dispute that she didn't need to be a part of. And what was worse, is that they would be facing against Freya Familia. Ryu didn't have the support of a familia name behind her. If the Freya Familia suspected Ryu's involvement… Also, on possibly an even more frightening note, Ryu had effectively skipped out on a whole day of work at the Hostess of Fertility, and Bell was certain that Mia would NOT be very happy about that. Truth be told, Bell was unsure which was more frightening, Freya Familia or disappointing Mama Mia…
Shaking his head to clear the wayward thoughts, Bell looked over at Ryu. She had opened the book he had found earlier and was slowly reading through it with a slight smile on her face.
Before Bell knew what he was doing, he was speaking out loud his inner thoughts, "Ryu… Are you sure that you want to get involved in this? I don't know how this is all going to end. And you've done so much for me already… but… I don't want to drag you into another situation."
Ryu closed the book slowly as she considered Bell's words.
"Bell, while I thank you for your concern, please remember that it is my decision whether to get involved or not."
"But what about Mama Mia? I'm extremely grateful for your help but you ended up missing out on a whole day of work..."
Ryu's calm demeanor seemed to turn a little green.
"I'm supposed to work tomorrow… I'll try and explain some of the situation then…"
Bell floundered for a second as a thought struck him, "If it would help… you can tell Mia that I'd be willing to help out a bit… ehh... after all this is over that is."
Ryu simply nodded. "Now, we're probably going to need some additional assistance if we are going to free your familia… did you have anyone in mind?"
"I was thinking about asking Takemazuchi and Miach for help but they don't have the strength or numbers to oppose Freya Familia directly…"
Bell thought back to earlier that day to when Ryu and him had first come across the fight between his and Herme's Familia vs the Freya Bringar Executives, and thought he remembered seeing Ais fighting on the rooftops.
"It may be a stretch… but perhaps we may be able to ask for assistance from Hermes and Loki Familias…"
"Your familia's close relationship with Takemazuchi and Miach is well known. If they are watching your house for any signs of you they may also be watching theirs too..."
Bell hung his head. "I might be able to contact Takemazuchi… so long as you are alright with it, can I count on you to get in contact with them for me?" Bell glanced over to catch Ryu's curt nod.
"Whelp... then I'll try and contact the Loki Familia… and as I'm not sure how to get in contact with Hermes, hopefully I'll be able to just run into him. There were a few others I had in mind too..."
Soon after, the two Adventurers found themselves attempting to sleep in the soft glow of the smoldering fire. The first one, with a mess of white hair, moved restlessly, thoughts of what had happened and worries of what was to come fighting for his attention. The other, with green hair and blonde roots just starting to peek through, silently watched the white haired one from her own cot, a blush spreading to the tips of her ears as she remembered their one night on the 37th floor. In time, both slipped through the doors of sleep.
And as the two Adventurers slept, a whispering sigh gently echoed through the Stardust Garden's old corridors and rooms. A familiar child had come home, and both she and her guest were welcome.
Eina (Paper Worry)
The guild hall was peaceful at this time in the morning. It was that time between when the last night-owls had long since turned in their last pile of loot, and early risers had yet to even crawl out of bed. It was the perfect time to sort through the pile of paperwork that had built up over the prior day. Eina blew over her small cup of tea. Took a small sip, and placed the cup back on its saucer as she picked up the first form from the pile, losing herself in the work.
People began to slowly filter into the guild hall. Submitting new jobs for the quest board, updating adventurer information, people seeking advice... it was starting out to be just another usual day at Guild HQ. Royman even dropped by with his usual gruffness at one point.
Finally, an hour later, Eina set the last form on the done pile with a content sigh.
"EINA! Did you hear!? Did you HEAR?!" Misha ran up to her friend at high speed, pink hair fanning and whipping behind the human in her rush. Other guild workers looked up in curiosity as she passed. While running wasn't strictly forbidden in the guild's crowded work area it was highly frowned upon. Accidents were easy to happen when one was being careless after all…
Misha weaved between desks and tables before she suddenly stopped herself in front of the half elf by grasping her colleague's desk in her haste to slow down. This however caused an unintended side effect. The meticulously stacked, crisp, well manicured pile of forms shifted at the jolt... and slid off the desk, cascading into a pile of now crumpled paper on the stone floor of the guild. Adding insult to injury, the teacup Eina had been drinking upended onto the pile as well. Its remnants seeped into the parchment papers, which blotched their ink.
Eina raised one hand in an attempt to stave off the new headache that was starting to form.
"Eina! He's….. HEAWWWWW!" Misha yelped as Eina clamped one hand on her ear.
"... Misha... do you know how long those took me to complete?"
"Eina! It's about Rabbit Foot!"
"What?!" All of Eina's fury melted away at the mention of the young man. Misha would only be acting like this if something serious had happened.
"The word going around is that yesterday Freya ordered her familia executives to capture him. His familia and Goddess Hestia are being held hostage!" Misha said as she started to rub her now throbbing red ear.
Eina quickly looked toward the Guild's main doors, Adventurers were flowing in and out like usual, just like any other day. She felt a heavy stone of worry settle onto her chest.
Ais (White Wabbit Worry)
Like most mornings she was awake even before the first bird had started its morning call, and in their absence only the swift, soft whistle of a Durandal blade sang into the midmorning air. Clean, perfect arcs. Repeated motions. Ever since she started practicing in earnest all those years ago, Ais had come to regard her morning practices as almost a form of meditation. Atleast, at any rate it was her own type of mediation. Riviera had once attempted to get a younger Ais to sit long hours in the library, trying to rein in the impulsive youth with talk of 'mindfulness' and 'calmness'. But, Ais only felt truly calm when she held her sword, the instrument with which she could raise against her inherent weakness. The motions not only trained her muscles but sharpened her mind, narrowing her focus and readying her for the fights and struggles she knew lay ahead.
Well… it usually did. This morning was especially frustrating. After yesterday's events, Ais was looking forward to clearing her mind with the usual routine. She had been at it for nearly an hour, and as salty sweat beaded down the sides of the golden-haired youth's face, she was coming to the realization that her worries and concerns would not be so easily swept aside.
The Freya Familia executives hadn't stayed long after their initial clash the day before. By the time they had decided to retreat, the fallen Hestia familia members were spirited away, leaving only the broken Hermes familia members among the rubble and detritus of the impromptu battle ground. Tione had reigned in Ais before she could attempt to pursue the fleeing Freya executives. Her reasoning was sound. With there being only the three of them, without backup, they were likely to be led into a trap. But that didn't mean that Ais still didn't want to follow the Freya familia members to figure out exactly what was going on, and what exactly they wanted with Bell. Ais had helped care for the three unconscious Hermes members until a Ganashia Familia patrol showed up to take the injured to Dian Cecht's clinic.
Ais had spent the remainder of the day frantically wandering the city, hoping beyond hope that Bell was still safe. Even after the incident of first class Adventurers clashing in the streets and upon rooftops, the festival's last day had continued as if nothing was out of the ordinary. People clapped in excitement at performances… people laughed at jokes... people still smiled at one another... How could people still smile when Bell was in danger? And as she continued to meander through the streets, she slowly began to understand the shape of things as she picked up on the half dozen rumors spreading through the crowds.
Freya seemed to have found something new that she wanted, and rather than the lowly goddess who had it willingly giving it up… the other goddess had decided to be obstinate and reject Freya's claim. A second rumor indicated that the Hestia Familia was currently being held hostage until Bell was found. This seemed plausible, given that the Freya familia had started sending small squads of members prowling the city, searching for the infamous white-haired, red-eyed Rabbit Foot. Each squad carried a list of his known associates and were quick to stop and interrogate anyone they came across. Ais herself left one squad unconscious as they had attempted to accost her.
Rumors about Bell were decidedly more varied. Some said that Bell had gone into hiding, others said that he was dead. And while many were quick to say that they had seen him, she quickly came to doubt that anyone did. Her Bell was quick and clever, like a rabbit, if he didn't want to be seen by anyone, he wouldn't be. But that created an issue… as she also wanted to find him…
And as evening gave way into night, she had yet to come up with anything concrete. She had gone to the Hestia familia home, which was currently being watched over by two members of the Takemikazuchi familia, their training spot on top of Orario's wall, and even the Jangamaru stand that they both frequented. Finally, in the dark of twilight she had made her way home only to be scolded by Riveria for missing dinner and worrying her.
Lowering her sword from the latest movement, Ais took a moment to wipe the sweat from her brow and keep it from running into her eyes. The repetitious movements were obviously not working to calm herself like they usually did.
Perhaps I just need to change the practice routine a little bit…
Ais moved over toward some wooden practice dummies in a corner of the yard. Perhaps if she focused on nimble, light movements it would help. After tying her golden hair back into a light braid, she brought up her sword and began a series of hit and go tactics which focused on quickly hitting the dummy's weak points with just enough strength to strike, but withdrawing the blade before any damage could be done to the wooden contraption. After the first rotation Ais slowly sped up the simple repetition until her sword was a blur of motion.
What was it that Allen had said yesterday on that rooftop? That Bell belonged to Freya?
Ais wasn't sure what Freya wanted with Bell, but if she wanted him to join her familia, couldn't she just ask? Ais doubted Bell would convert, or else she would have asked Bell to join her in the Loki familia. Still, the bond between an Adventurer and their God or Goddess should be something built on trust and mutual respect. The idea of forcefully converting someone to a different familia left a foul taste in Ais' mouth.
And Bell wasn't just any Adventurer, he was…. well... he was Bell. She had trouble putting exactly how she felt about him into words. He was as important to her as Lefiya, Tiona, or Tione. He was driven, he was kind... she saw a lot of herself in him, and none of the darkness that she had lived with for so long. In the depths of Knossos he had once saved her from that darkness, helped her to overcome it.
And now… he needs my help.
*swish*... *thunk*
With each hit, the wooden dummy rang out into the otherwise silent training yard.
But the Freya familia is currently searching for him...
*swish*... *THUNK*
The solid hit caused the dummy to careen to the side.
And I have no idea how to find him...
*SWISH*... *THUN-KSHHH*
Half the wooden training dummy crashed to the hard-packed dirt of the training ground as she cleanly severed it with the power of the last slash.
"You know… Finn did warn us we'd have to replace those if we destroyed too many."
The sudden voice broke Ais out of her contemplation, and as she turned toward the newcomer she was greeted with bronze colored skin, short black hair, and a wide, warm smile. Like usual, Tiona was a bright ball of joy
"Still thinking about Argonaut?"
Ais gave her friend a slight nod in confirmation.
"I'm sure he's fiiiine." Tiona waved one hand as if to dissuade any negativity. "I mean, he's Argonaut. It's likely that he'll turn up when you least expect it, who knows… he might even come here to see you."
Ais took a long moment, staring down at her sword Desperate, "...do you really think he's alright?"
Tiona responded back almost instantly, "Yea, I do. Now, I'm off to see Goibniu Familia for them to work on Urga. Wana come along?"
Ais shook her head, She wanted to go out and find Bell again but doubted that she'd be able to find him. Instead, she'll just have to wait… and in the meantime, she'd keep trying to practice.
Author's Note:
So I will readily admit that I was one of the many that got deeply sucked into the Lands Between, following the path of grace in search for the Elden Ring. I make no excuses for that apart from the simple knowledge that of the 200+ hours I've currently sunk into the game I can honestly say that uncovering the true story behind its characters was as rewarding as it was fun.
That mixed in with an increase in projects from work resulted in a sudden decrease in the amount of free time I had available… but things seem to be straightening out for now, and I have come out the other side with a very nice outline for the next few chapters.
I'm sending out good vibes to wherever you may be in the world. Stay safe, and hopefully I'll see you all again shortly.
Review Responses:
webweasel chapter 3 . Feb 14
Review: Fantastic writing, I can't wait to see more.
Response: Ty ty
mairsarmy321 chapter 3 . Feb 18
Review: Omg i cannot wait for the next chapter. I really hope you update soon. This is amazing and i really want to figure what happened to cause Bell and his family to run away. Did he really struck a deal with OEBD, what happened to Ais. I don't want her to be dead. Bell x Ais.
I'm so excited that i cannot wait for the next chapters
Response: I'm going to try to get a more structured posting schedule. Preferably once every 2-3 weeks at the longest. I'd love to get things out quicker, and I have a LOT of things planned out. I just need to find the writing time lol