Bell walked down the road. It was the day that Hestia left to beg Hephaestus to make him the Hestia Knife. He decided to avoid being alone because his memories of the previous timeline would haunt him. After having dinner at the Hostess of Fertility, he decided to walk around. Thinking of things he can do at the current time. Too deep in his thoughts, he did not notice the person turning the corner until they crashed into each other. Well… More like the person bounced off of him.

"Ouch!" The person cried.

'You've got to be kidding me!' Bell thought. Pulled out of his thoughts by the voice that sounded eerily familiar.

Bell looked at who he had bumped into. His eyes widened when his eyes landed on the elf. He sweatdropped. Leafiya Virdis, an elf from Wishe Forest, golden blonde hair, round dark blue eyes, who admires Aiz; no, adores her. The girl that established a rivalry with him because of the dynamics of his relationship with the Sword Princess. It was not until the events on the eighteenth floor that any semblance of getting along appeared.

'It can't be helped,' Bell thought with a wry smile. Turning his smile genuine, he offered a hand to the forest fairy.

Lefiya looked up. Based on the fact that she just bounced off of the person, she expected some hardened adventurer to be mad at her, but what she saw was a good natured boy about her age. She was unable to stop staring at the person she bumped into. Unable to believe that she… a level three was stopped by someone who did not even look like an adventurer. She could also sense something from the white haired boy.

'Magic!' Lefiya thought squinting at the boy. 'But what kind?'

"Are you alright?" Bell asked. Feeling a bit uncomfortable under the elf's scrutiny. Snapping the elf out of her thoughts.

'Oh! He knows that elves typically don't like to be touched. Still… Not all elves are like that,' Lefiya thought. A slight blush on her cheeks. Taking the boy's hand, she graced him with an embarrassed smile. "Thank you. I'm sorry. I was not looking properly when I turned on that corner."

"No, I'm also at fault. I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice my surroundings," Bell said apologetically as he scratched the back of his head. "I'm sure a mage like yourself could understand."

"Huh?" Lefiya cried. Becoming cautious of the rabbit like adventurer. "How did you know I was a mage?"

"Most elves have at least some magical capabilities," Bell answered generically. Avoiding lies as much as he could. "Not to mention that I can feel excess magical energy emanating from you"

"Oh," Lefiya sounded dumbly. Again feeling a bit embarrassed and stupid for not thinking about that.

"You must be a powerful mage if even I can sense that," Bell complimented.

"You seem to know quite a bit about magic," Lefiya said. The boy had piqued her curiosity and decided to probe a bit. "You don't look like a mage. An adventurer perhaps but I've never heard of you."

"I am," Bell said with a smile. "I just started a few days ago."

"Ah, I see," Lefiya said still a bit cautious.

"Yeah," Bell asserted before a lightbulb lit up in his mind. "Actually that's the reason why I was so deep in thought earlier. Again, sorry about that. I was wondering if there was a way to weave magic so removing parts of a chant but still make the spell activate or not reduce its potency."

"Unfortunately, no," Lefiya being the honor student that she is, was unable to stop herself from answering. "Most powerful spells have long chants because they were formulated that way. Which if the caster has a skill that affects it may even make it longer. A good example would be Riveria-sama's Chant Connection which empowers the spell she uses the longer she chants."

"Ah, I guess that's the reason why she's called Nine Hell," Bell said. "Riveria-sama is really amazing afterall."

The elven girl frowned for a moment before schooling her features. Unconsciously, she had taken a seat on a box at the side of the road. Her insecurities getting the better of her. A single tear escaped control. Her thoughts spiralling the dark path. 'Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of being Riveria-sama's successor… but I can't help but feel inadequate when compared to her.'

"Don't," Bell said as he wiped the tear from her face. Bringing the girl back to reality.

"Huh?" Lefiya sounded in confusion.

"Don't compare yourself to her," Bell continued.

"Ha-ha, yeah, I guess I can't compare," Lefiya said self deprecatingly as she stared into the distance. Bete's words came to mind. "I'm just a weakling that needs to be protected after all."

"Whoever said those words to you is completely wrong and a jerk," Bell countered with a low growl. Knowing exactly that it was the elitist lycan who planted that train of thought inside the elven girl's mind.

Lefiya turned to the white haired boy. Her eyes widened when her gaze landed on him. The tenderness and empathy that his expression was exuding and the sincerity in his eyes had sent a warm feeling to her soul. Still, the taint ran deep and could not fully believe him.

"You know what I see?" Bell asked. The girl answered him by shaking her head. "I see a strong, smart and independent woman. She may feel like she's not worth much now but she's diligent. One day, I believe that she would become a powerful mage that surpasses thousands of elves even Riveria Ljos Alf."

Lefiya turned away from the boy. His smile was too bright. Hiding her face behind her legs to deny the fact that her cheeks had turned to the same color as a ripe strawberry from the high compliment and amount of faith that the boy had given her. She could not help but smile as she felt the last of her dark thoughts disappear. Feeling that a weight had been lifted off her shoulder.

"There we go. That's better," Bell said when he saw the smile. Getting the elf to raise her head a little to steal a peek. "You look more beautiful when you smile."

"Eeeeeep!" Lefiya squeaked.

Seeing his smile again and hearing those words caused Lefiya to duck down and hide her face again. An unfamiliar feeling settling in her stomach and her heart rate became erratic.

'What is this!?' The young elf screamed in her mind.

Sensing the familiar presence of the woman he loved the most. Bell's body bristled. Watching her be consumed by the black flames had broken something in him. Not wanting her to see him as he is now, he decided it was time to leave.

"It was very nice talking to you miss," Bell said. Turning away from her to hide the melancholic expression that had settled on his face. That was what he was. A broken man... He did not need to drag this bright elf down with him.

"You're leaving?" The girl asked. Shooting up from her hiding place. 'Already? I wanted to talk more.'

"I'm sorry, but it's getting pretty late and I have to be up early tomorrow," Bell apologized.

"Lefiya!" A voice called from afar. The elf girl's mind was a bit preoccupied to hear.

"Can we talk again some other time?" Lefiya said a little desperately.

"Sure," Bell answered. He began walking away. "You could usually find me near the abandoned church, the guild, or around Babel tower.

"Lefiya!" A voice that sounded like Tione called but was ignored.

"There you are!" Tiona said but was ignored just like her sister.

The two noticed this and the fact that the fourth member of their party had stilled. The Amazons looked between the elf girl and the Sword Princess. Both of whom were staring at the retreating figure of the white haired boy. One in admiration and gratitude, the other was seeing something else.

Aiz had gone pale. It was as if she had seen a ghost. Although the boy was still clear in view, but she could also see a silhouette had shadowed him. A man wearing a salamander wool scarf that she and her mother made. Lightly armored and a silver longsword hanging from his back. Tears began to fall from her eyes. It broke her heart when both figures turned to her. Her knees lost their strength and crumpled under her weight.

"Otou-san," Aiz said under her breath.

Feeling her gaze on him. Bell turned to glance at his love. His heart shattering from each tear that cascaded down her face.

'I can't. I'm not strong enough,' Bell thought. He tried to smile at her but as he was now, all the pain, longing and sadness were mixing with the emotions that he tried to convey. 'I'm sorry.'


Northwest of Orario, Bell stood in front of a shop hidden down a flight of stairs at the end of an abandoned alleyway. The words on the plaque that was hung on the abused door was barely readable. The Witch's Hideout, the shop that was hidden underground that even 'her' eyes cannot penetrate. This shop that held a vault of magic items created by the one dubbed 'The Sage'.

He needed something to hide him from Freya's gaze until he feels it was time for her to learn the truth. There were many events that needed to happen before he could change things for the better but in order to do so, he needed the ability to work away from prying eyes. Especially the ones that watch him like a hawk. Oh, he knew she had no ill will towards him. Quite the opposite actually. It still amazes him that a goddess like her is willing to start a war because another woman was trying to claim him. He could not help but apologize to those that were affected by the events that transpired that night. His mind could clearly remember the corpses that were left in the wake of Freya Familia's attack. The once prosperous pleasure district reduced to ashes in the span of a few hours and its patron deity sent back to higher realm. All because Ishtar tried to lay her hands on him. Armed with the knowledge of the extent of Freya's love for him, he decided that this was the best course of action. He cannot be caught. Any strange behavior from him, and Ottar will be all over him. Being under her constant gaze had made him sensitive to it. This in turn had let him plan for this. In one of his conversations with Aiz in the future, she told him that Loki had brought her to a meeting with Freya as a bodyguard early in the morning during Monsterphilia. He woke up before the sun had risen to confirm that she was not watching him. Dashing from roof to roof when he felt no eyes on him.

With a sigh, he pushed the creaky door open. A woman who looked as if she had been alive since time immemorial stood behind the counter. She fit the image of a witch perfectly. From her crooked nose, the pointed hat, that little flare she does to redirect ambient energy to her aura. A magical technique to clear excess magical energy. There are only two other people he knows who use this technique. One was now bones and the other a mother to the entire Loki Familia.

"Hmmm?" The witch sounded. Eyeing the young adventurer with interest. "What brings you here young one? You are neither a mage nor a sorcerer… What could an adventurer like yourself want in this shop? And so early in the morning if I may add."

"Does Altina's cat dream of eternal life?" Bell said. The passphrase given to his familia by Fels during the incident with the Xenos.

The witch eyes him suspiciously. He could not blame her. Lenoa's family had watched over the storeroom for generations and not had a single visitor with those words.

"Who are you really?" Lenoa asked cautiously.

"Fels-san s-sent me t-to retrieve some items for him," Bell stuttered a reply.

"Don't lie to me boy!" Lenoa shouted pointing her staff at Bell. Fire gathering in front of the staff. He may not be a mage but he could feel the power that was gathering. One wrong move and he as well as the surrounding area behind him would be blasted out of existence. "You're terrible at it… Your soul also smells of time magic! So who are you really?"

Bell was sweating bullets. He had just come back and right away he was found out. His inability to lie was also not helping. Not seeing any other way out of this, he took a deep breath and looked at the witch.

"My name is Bell Cranel," Bell introduced himself. "I've come from the future that was destroyed by the One-eyed Black Dragon."

"Pray tell, how did you manage to send yourself back?" Lenoa asked in amusement.

"I died fighting the dragon," Bell answered. Tears falling down his face as he remembered how powerless he was. The fact that he could not protect those dear to him. How he could not stop the woman he loved be consumed by her hatred. It was a bitter pill to swallow. 'No! That event will not come to pass! Not while I breathe!' He looked at the witch with determined eyes. "My soul sent back by the gods to stop the calamity that will unfold."

Lenoa was taken aback. The fire in the boy's eyes spoke volumes. About his character, his experience, his resolve and the lengths that the boy will go to achieve his goal. Her mouth twitched upwards as she withdrew her staff and cancelled the spell.

"Now… was that so hard?" Lenoa asked mischievously. Taking something from under the counter and walked towards the white haired adventurer.

"Huh?" Bell said in confusion. Suffering from mental whiplash due to the woman's sudden change in demeanor.

"I am a lot of things young man, but stupid is not one of them. I would not be here if I was," Lenoa explained as she sprinkled something on the boy. Seeing the question that was on his mind, she mentally chuckled at the boy's transparency. Nevertheless, she gave him an answer. "It's to remove any trace of magical energy leftover from whatever spell was used to send you back. Any mage worth their salt would be able to sense that and know something's up."

"Why?" The word came out unconsciously from Bell's mouth.

"Why am I helping you?" Lenoa completed his question with a knowing smile. She went back to the counter and placed the item back. "You may have tried to lie to me but I can tell that your intentions were pure. God knows what might happen if someone finds out you're from the future. Time magic is forbidden because of its highly volatile nature. Now come, I'm sure you came here seeking magical items that only the Honourable Fels possesses."

She guided him to the back of the shop. Passing jars that contained an assortment of… ingredients? Pass the cauldrons filled with different concoctions to a giant bookcase. She ran a finger along the spine of a white book. A click can be heard before the shelves moved forward then slide horizontally. Revealing Bell's quarry.

Completely confused at the woman's actions, Bell could not help but stare at her. Trying to figure out the reason to which she would help him. When just a few minutes ago, she looked ready to incinerate him where he stood.

"We may be in the past but the fact still remains that the Honorable Fels deemed you trustworthy enough to tell you about this place much less give you those words. Trust is not something he gives lightly," Lenoa answered his unspoken question. Gesturing towards the store room before turning her back on him. "Go on, take what you need."

"Thank you," Bell said. Bowing as deep as he can. Grateful to the witch for letting him access the vault despite the misunderstanding that happened.

Bell went into the room. He took a reverse veil. The item that helped his familia hide in plain sight as they smuggled the Xenos back into the dungeon.

'With this, I will be able to do what I need to do!' Bell thought. Placing the cloak around his shoulders. 'Now, I only need my knife back and I can start.'

The Hestia Knife, the weapon created by Hephaestus herself. The weapon that his goddess had entrusted him at the cost of her financial situation. She had risked her friendship with the goddess of the forge to get him this weapon. He would forever cherish and be grateful to them for it. For they had not only given him a weapon. They gave him a partner as Welf would put it. A partner that he could depend on.

Making his way back to the front of the store. He saw Lenoa holding a book, 'Foundations Of Magic For Fools'. He raised a brow at the witch as she passed him the book.

"I sense magical potential in you. Once you have finished that book and wish to learn more, come back here and I will teach you." Lenoa said. Ushering him out. "The vault will be open to you should you need anything else."

Bell did not know whether to feel grateful or insulted. Grateful for the fact that she was willing to teach him in the magical arts. On the other hand, she had practically called him stupid or an idiot based on the title of the book.


Leaving the Witch's Hideout, Bell walked towards the place that he met Hestia last time. His goddess had been gone for three days now and it was quite lonely being alone in that empty room. Not to mention the images that plagued him from the future.

'Now where was it that Freya said she and Loki met?' Bell wondered. Letting his feet carry him as he delved deep into his memories. 'She said it was a cafe.'

"Oi! Wait up nya, white-head kid!" Anya called. Pulling the rabbit like adventurer from his thoughts.

'Oh right! Syr's wallet,' Bell thought. A small smile came to his face. A tinge of pain shot through him and he felt like crying.

'I'm sorry,' he apologized to the women of the establishment. Schooling his features, he turned towards the cat girl.

Yep, there are the same two animal people talking on the corner. Lunoire on the second floor terrace cleaning. Anya running over, her thin tail swishing, waving her arms like a maniac… Ryuu walking behind her. More than likely coming in case she needed to do damage control.

"Good morning, nya! Sorry to call nyou out like that, nya!" Anya said energetically.

"Ah, um, morning…" Bell said awkwardly. "Can I help you?"

"Got a favor to ask nyou. Here, nya!" Anya said.

"Sure," Bell said. Giving the two waitresses a bright smile. "Anything for you."

"S-Syr is ny-nyour friend, r-right?" Anya stuttered. Feeling a little shy from the statement, she turned her head slightly to the side. A blush on her face. Something that the elf mirrored Um… C-can nyou g-give this to her, p-please nya."

Holding out a cloth coin purse with a metal clasp. Its style is popular. The purse itself is purple, kind of cute and girly. Yeah, it's cute and all, but Bell still doesn't understand…

"Anya. You are not being clear. You're going to confuse Cranel-san," a more composed Ryuu said though a hint of red still on her cheeks.

"It's all right Ryuu-san. I think I get the jist of it," Bell said.

'He remembers me!?' Ryuu thought. A small smile appeared on her normally stoic face.

He looked back to the cat girl who is trying to make herself look small for some reason. "If I understand this correctly, Syr has a day off today and decided to go to Monsterphilia. She was a bit too excited and forgot to bring her wallet with her. Now, you want me to go find her and bring this to her because unlike her, you all have to work today. Did I get that right?"

"..."

The waitresses could not help but stare at the boy. Surprise clear on their faces. A surprise that seemed to have made Vana Alfi quite happy.

"See nya!" Anya said to her colleague as if she was defending herself at court. "I knew he would get it nya. My people skills are getting better nya!"

"I'm surprised that you could understand what Anya was saying at all," Ryuu said in astonishment. "Anyway, that's how it is. Are you sure it is okay to accept our request? Anya, the other employees and I are too busy preparing to go after Syr ourselves. I know we are interrupting your plans for today…"

Ryuu ignores her coworker's pouting face and gives Bell a short, repentant bow. Causing the white rabbit to look at them awkwardly.

"It's alright," Bell said as he scratched the back of his head. His mind going off on a tangent. "No need to bow. Raise your head Ryuu-san. Everything you've done. You've done with the best of intentions and those around you are lucky to have you in their lives. Don't let the past hold you down."

"Cranel-san," Ryuu said. Looking up at him.

"Bell would be fine, Ryuu-san," Bell said. A bit flustered from the elven woman's stare. He offered his hand. "So, straighten up. You don't need to bow to me."

'Should I take it?' The elf questioned. She remembered how Syr was when she was giving Bell a lunch. How her cheeks seemed to glow with happiness. 'But this boy is…'

"Remember this well! If a man ever holds your hand, no matter how ugly his face or weak his body is, you have to keep him! Because a guy you'll truly accept is impossible to find! Rare monster will be easier to spot, for sure!" The voice of Alise Lovell echoed within Ryuu's mind. Staring at the hand that was offered to her.

'Alise, I am unable to do this. I shouldn't!' Ryuu thought. Fighting whatever it was she was feeling.

Ryuu felt like she was in the past. The younger elf that left Ryumilua because of her disgust with her race. The elf that joined the Astrea familia before she became tainted by the hatred. The guilt she felt and how it was eased by Bell's words. She does not know what brought the conversation in this direction but she could not help but be grateful to Bell. Taking his hand, she let the boy help her up. Unable to take her eyes away from the crimson orbs that were looking at her.

"So long as you can meet my eyes without fear or shame," Bell said. A serious expression on his face. "There is nothing you could ever do to disappoint me."

"..."

Speechless, Ryuu just stared at the boy… no, man in front of her. Completely unaware of her tightening grip on the young man's hand. They stayed like this until they heard a 'hmph' from the forgotten catgirl.

Anya looked dejected, like she was left out in the cold. Her tail hung limply, and she glared at them. Huffing her cheeks and a small "hm" coming from her nose. This brought the two back to reality.

"Ahem," Ryuu coughed to hide the slight embarrassment she felt at the scene she and Bell had created. "Thank you for doing this for us Cran…" Seeing Bell raise an eyebrow at her. "I mean Bell-kun."

"Yeah nya! We really appreciate it nya!" Anya said cheerfully. Jumping in front of the time traveller. Her face only a few inches from his. Causing him to take a step back and twist his head to the right.

"It's no problem at all," Bell said. Turning to leave. "Well, I'll be going then."

"See you later nya!" Anya shouted her goodbye as she waved her hand.

"Be safe," Ryuu said. Her eyes following Bell as he ran to the distance. Feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulder. Closing her eyes in acquiescence of her former ally's words. With a small smile, she whispered. "You were right Alise-san."

"Did you say something nya?" Anya asked.

"No," Ryuu answered. Her stoic demeanor returning as she turned around and walked back towards the Hostess.


Nine o'clock in the morning, in a cafe near the colosseum, Freya sat near the balcony watching the crowd while sipping her tea. She was wearing a navy blue cloak to prevent her face, and snowy-white skin, from being seen; however, one layer of cloth was not enough to contain this person's beauty. Even though her face was well hidden under a hood, every set of eyes in the café was trained on her. Whenever she would trace the lip of her cup with her delicate fingers or her elegant chin peeked out from under her hood for a moment, everyone around her held their breath. Many people who happened to see her stopped and stared. All of them were fascinated by someone doing almost nothing. Freya, the Goddess of Beauty, ignored them and kept her eyes on the street below.

East Main Street has come alive with the hustle and bustle of the citizens of Orario. The road had transformed into a small market to which a line of stalls (mostly food) ran down the streets on both sides. The sound of songs, laughter and voices, the smells that roamed the air, the vibrant decorations that spread out over an ocean of humanity. It had been transformed into a fair.

Creaks in the wooden floor announced the arrival of a few customers. Freya stopped the examination and turned to great the newcomers.

"Yo!" The newcomer called. "Sorry to keep ya waitin'!"

''Not at all," Freya said. "I just got here myself."

Freya smiled under her hood at the person waving at her from the head of the stairwell. The newcomer's hair was not the bright flame of Hephaistos', but a more subdued shade of red, the hue of an evening sky. It was tied back into a small ponytail. Her shirt and pants were worn out and faded. If Freya had not known her, she might have thought this person was male.

Fighting back a yawn and with tears in her eyes, the goddess of mischief smiled back at her.

"Haven't had breaky yet," Loki said. Watching the silver haired goddess intently. "Mind if I grab a bite?"

"Do as you please," Freya answered.

Loki pulled up a chair across from Freya and sat down. Freya continued to smile her usual smile, not reacting to Loki at all. The two of them had an air about them, like friends who had known each other for a very long time.

"I heard you had quite the night after the party," Freya initiated. "Crawled into a bottle and passed out, did you? Hee-hee-hee, Hestia's something else, isn't she?"

"Where'd ya hear that, boobs for brains?" Loki asked in mild alarm.

"I overheard some of your cute children," Freya answered with a small giggle. "They had themselves quite the laugh."

"Those bastards, always havin' a good time without me!" Loki cursed while clenching her fist. A tick mark appeared on her head.

Freya had invited Loki to this café to talk a few days since the party. The two goddesses were here at Freya's behest. Loki wondered what Freya's intentions were. The so called Queen of Orario was not one to go out for idle chatter.

"So when are you going to introduce that girl standing behind you?" Freya asked while looking towards Aiz.

"Eh, ya need introducin'?" Loki asked in surprise.

"This is the first time for us to meet face-to-face," Freya explained.

Loki had not been alone when she entered the café. Standing like a guard behind Loki with her sword's sheath clutched in her hand was a young girl with blond hair and golden eyes that even Freya, the Goddess of Beauty, had to notice.

"'K then, this is Loki Familia's Aiz Wallenstein. That 'nough for ya?" Loki introduced. "Aiz, this is a goddess, ya should at least say 'ello."

"… Nice to meet you," Aiz greeted stoically.

"Kenki," Freya muttered under her breath as her eyes skimmed over the girl. Aiz Wallenstein. She was the female swordsman who was responsible for Loki Familia's sudden rise to notoriety, even among the gods. Her name and reputation were known not just in Orario but were spreading around the world. Indeed, she needed no introduction. A girl with her looks did not usually go into a dangerous profession like adventuring. Someone who didn't know her face would never guess that she had slain countless monsters and trodden on just as many of their corpses. From the information gathered by her familia, this girl was the one that saved Bell from the Minotaur attack. Which she was grateful for; however, she is also an obstacle in her quest to have the white haired boy.

"Ya can take a seat," said Loki as the girl with a thin, delicate face nodded and

pulled out a chair to sit down. "She is very cute. And also… Yes. I can see why you have taken a liking to this one."

Aiz's golden eyes met Freya's silver ones. Aiz kept her face emotionless as she

lowered her head in a polite bow. Her nickname was perfect in some ways, completely wrong in others. Freya's smile flexed for a moment thinking about it. "Can I ask why you brought the kenki here with you?"

"Fu-he-he-heee… It's the fair, yah? What better time for a date with my Aizuu?" Loki answered. Her eyes twinkled lecherously, a vulgar smile on her lips. "Well, that and she's finally back from an expedition. She'll be back in the Dungeon in no time. That's just her."

"..."

"Someone's gotta tell 'er to relax, don' they?" Loki patted the girl's head as she spoke. Aiz looked down, deciding not to speak up.

Freya looked at the warmth in Loki's thin eyes and couldn't help but remember how she was before coming here. The other gods would not believe this was the same Loki if they did not see it for themselves. The red haired goddess had been quite the troublemaker in the upper world.

"Well, then," Loki said impatiently. Fed up with the charade. "I think it's about time ya tell me why I'm here."

"I just wanted to chat," Freya answered calmly. "It's been a while."

"Lyin' through yer teeth," Loki asserted. She sent a smirk at Freya, still smiling under her hood. She matched Freya's tone to the letter. The "old friends" aura was gone. The air around them became heavy and the temperature seemed to have dropped a few degrees. The unfortunate waiter who went to take their order frozen between the two. Stuck between two monsters, he stood silent and motionless at the head of the table as if he had been chained down. A bead of sweat travelling down his face as chills ran down his spine. As for Aiz, she kept her face devoid of emotion and chose to watch quietly from the side. "I'll ask ya again, why?"

"I don't understand," Freya said with practiced innocence. "What's the matter, Loki?"

"Come on, moron," Loki said harshly.

Freya turned to the waiter, still motionless at the head of the table, and flashed him a smile. The man's eyes opened like floodgates, his face turning beet red. He broke out in a cold sweat before quickly turning around and wasting no time leaving the area. Loki watched him leave for a moment before returning her raptor-like gaze back to Freya.

"Ya been strange recently," Loki began. "Ya claim not to be interested in the party, but poke yer head in at the last minute. Say yer there for information? Ya don' care about that, ya never have… What are ya scheming?"

"Scheming…?" Freya asked. "Why do you make it sound so evil?"

"Shut ya mouth!" Loki followed. Strange things always happened when Freya acted like this. Loki didn't blink, her red eyes adding weight to her words.

Freya didn't back down, meeting Loki's eyes with her own. The look on Loki's

face could have killed a serpent, but Freya took it head-on, smiling. Invisible sparks flew; the pressure of their conversation filled the room. The patrons of the cafe stumbled over one another. Not wanting to be in the crossfire that seemed inevitable.

Aiz had a front-row seat to the clash of goddesses that seemed to go on forever. Until… Loki got tired and backed down. The tension instantly evaporated. Loki before she continued in a more relaxed voice.

"A man, isn't it?" Loki asked in an annoyed tone. When Freya didn't answer and just kept smiling. Loki took it as an affirmation. She let out a deep, long sigh. This had happened too many times. "So… Ya got an eye for a child already in another Familia, I take it?"

All of the gods and goddesses knew about Freya's "habits" when it came to men. Once a male on the lower world caught her eye, she made a move. Her beauty was powerful enough to make her target her own. Exactly how many men had fallen under her spell, no one knew. Loki reasoned that Freya's target was most likely not in her Familia. Therefore, the reason she came to the party in the first place was to figure out whose Familia the target was in. Obviously going after someone already in another Familia, to take them away from it, would not go over well. The god of the other Familia would not sit by and do nothing. Freya was picking a fight. If the other side was strong, she'd get rejected and wallow in despair until she found her next target. She was being cautious, gathering information before she made her move. That was what Loki was thinking, anyway. Freya didn't try to deny Loki's words.

"Jeez, woman!" Loki whined. "How thirsty are ya? Ya'll go after anyone, young or old?"

"How rude," Freya retorted with fake indignation. "I do have standards."

"Leaving out all the bumbling idiots on Tenkai you pull fast ones on?" Loki pointed out.

"They have their uses," Freya admitted nonchalantly. "I'm quite skilled at getting money out of them."

Loki cleared her throat. The witch was putting up all of her dirty laundry. Loki raised an eyebrow at her fellow goddess. Freya shrugged, but only just enough for the fabric on her cloak to bend ever so slightly. Thinking that there was nothing left to be said, Loki put her hands behind her head and leaned back in her chair so much that the front feet came off the floor.

Freya also let her guard down and took a sip from her now-cold cup. They both had an answer, and the mood finally cleared. A clear, sunny sky spread out from the window beside them. The noises of the street were pouring into the café. Freya's navy blue cloak swayed in a light breeze rolling in from an open window.

"And?" Loki goaded. When Freya did not answer. "Who's the guy? What child are ya after now? When'd ya find 'im?"

Loki leaned her head to the side as if to say, "Spill it." Now she was interested. Unlike Freya, Loki loved details. If she didn't get the goods now, she'd leave. Again, she was answered with silence.

"I came all this way, changed my plans," Loki stated. Her curiosity getting the better of her. "I have the right to know."

Freya looked away from the goddess and humoring Loki's demand. She cast her gaze back out onto the hood of Freya's cloak opened enough for Loki to see her silver eyes go clear, as if she was thinking about something in the past.

"I'm not sure to be honest," Freya said. It was subtle but Loki caught the uncertainty in her voice. "I found him by accident. He just happened to walk across my line of vision… He's not that strong. Weak if you compare him to the children in our Familias. Easily upset, he starts bawling at the simplest of problems… That kind of child. He was beautiful, pure. I've never seen anything like him."

That was why she'd fallen for him. She heard a melody that most could not, coming from a flame within him. Maybe she needed to spend more time with a healer who specialized in healing one's mind. As she talked, Freya thought about every detail of the second she'd first laid eyes on him. She kept her eyes on the busy street, searching for him. This was how she'd found him last time. Maybe today would be the day.

Loki could sense the word "but" was on the tip of Freya's tongue. She leaned forward a bit more. Urging the goddess of beauty to give more details. To her disappointment, Freya stopped talking when she felt someone looking at them.

The white haired boy stood in the street. A cloak resting on his arm. Looking up at them. Her cheeks blushed at the boy's intense gaze. Something in that look was causing an innate reaction from her. She could feel her heart rate speed up. Her body seemed to heat up causing her to rub her thighs together. She could feel the icor in her veins travelling to her cheeks. She felt a bit disappointed when his gaze left her and travelled to her companions.


Bell looked up to the women up on the second floor of the café for what felt like an eternity. Unable to ignore them when they entered his peripheral vision. It seems they were having an interesting discussion if Freya had Loki leaning close to her like that. He was surprised that the table did not topple over with Loki practically on it at one side. Noticing the deep blush that was appearing on Freya's face and the sudden discomfort the silver haired goddess was feeling. Having an idea as to what was happening to her, he looked at the other two women. It seemed that Loki was too invested in what they were discussing to notice him. Aiz; however, was a different story. His eyes widened when he met her gaze. All the memories he had of and with her played in his mind. Fighting the tears that threatened to fall from his eyes. As the pain, guilt and regret from the previous timeline surfaced. Unable to bear the agony, he looked at the women then looked down.

'Thank you,' he thought His eyes hidden under his hair. 'I'm sorry.'

He looked back up to the women. Gave them a smile and walked away.


Aiz lamented about what she saw. Since they had left the cafe, she had tuned Loki out. Lost in her thoughts. Oblivious to the world around her as she followed her patron deity. Missing the subject of her thoughts being dragged by his goddess towards the direction they came from.

'Why did he apologize?' Aiz wondered. Confused by the action.

She had wanted to jump down the moment she noticed him and apologize but her duty to protect Loki had prevented her. There was also the look that he gave her. It had rooted her to where she stood. It had looked warm and caring. A look that she had received from her mother and father; however, there was something different about the way he looked at her. Guilt, pain and something Aiz could not identify was mixed in. It felt nice but also made her worried at the same time. She could not help but follow the boy with her eyes as he disappeared into the crowd.

The two arrived at a Jyaga Maru Kun stall. The lack of reaction from Aiz caused Loki to turn to her. There stood the Sword Princess still unresponsive. Even with the stimuli of her favorite food in front of her.

"Hmm," Loki sounded. Finally realizing that her companion was only physically present. "What's up, Aiz? Somethin' wrong?"

"… No, it's nothing," Aiz answered unconvincingly. Snapping back to reality.

"Did you want anything?" Loki tested. Observing the young adventurer of her familia.

"No," Aiz answered. Still oblivious to where Loki had brought her.

'Ok, this is weird,' Loki thought. Alarm bells going off in her mind.

"Loki… At the cafe," Aiz began.

"Ya mean Freya?" Loki asked.

"Yes… Just wondering," Aiz affirmed. "What was that about?"

"Well, ya know… The biggest pain in all of Orario got her eyes on someone," Loki answered. "And she's been out 'n about a lot recently."

Remembering the event. Freya and Loki were talking but the silver haired goddess suddenly went silent when her eyes landed on the white haired child. Trying to think of ways to interpret that reaction but they all ended with one conclusion.

'She's not after him, is she?' Aiz thought as a sour expression appeared on her face.

Loki did not miss that expression. Figuring that Aiz may know something. She would get it out of her later. Right now, she had bigger fish to fry.

"Anyways, I just can't stop having this feeling," Loki stated.

"A feeling?" Aiz asked. 'Is that why she told me to bring a spare sword?'

"'At's right," Loki turned to Aiz. "Just the intuition of the best trickster among all the gods."

To Aiz, Loki looked exactly like their familia's insignia. The pose she had when she turned to her. The narrowed eyes and predatory smile that seemed like she had found her next target. It was unnerving and ominous. Then… It was gone. A rumble from the colosseum had distracted Loki.

"Crap! It's started!" Loki said. "Aiz we're taking a shortcut!"

They began sprinting through the back alleys. Avoiding the crowd of people that were clogging up the streets. A group of guild and Ganesha Familia members talking in hushed voices caught their attention. Deciding to see what was going on, the two slowed down to a walk and approached them.

"Excuse me," Aiz called. Gaining the attention of the group. A few guild members turned to them. Recognizing Eina Tulle and Misha Flott.

"Aiz Wallenstein!" Eina said in surprise.

"Loki-tan's here too!" Loki said with the expression one could only find in perverted old men.

"Did something happen?" Aiz asked. Holding back her goddess from sexually assaulting the women.

"Ah… Excuse me. Your timing is perfect and we'd appreciate your help," Eina said with a blush. A little embarrassed but a plan forming in her mind. "Several monsters for the festival have escaped. They're currently running wild on the East Side. Ganesha Familia is cooperating with us to evacuate the citizens but… we are extremely short handed. Please lend us your assistance!"

"Loki?" Aiz asked. Looking at her goddess from her peripheral vision. 'It seems your intuition is right.'

"Just like i said earlier…" Loki said with a sigh. A moment later, a mischievous smile appeared on her face. "All right Ganesha's gonna owe me for this!"

"I'm going on ahead," Aiz said before using Ariel to jump to a vantage point.

"Ok," Loki said. Turning to the men and women running around like headless chickens. "How many casualties? Injuries?"

"Ma'am!" a male member of the guild said. Standing a bit too stiffly. "Luckily there were neither any casualties nor have there been any injuries reported."

"The hell!?" Loki said. That was very suspicious. "Monsters on the loose and no casualties? Not even injuries? 'At can't be right. Check again!"

"Loki!" Tione and Tiona called from the direction of the stadium. "What's happening?"

Loki explained the situation. From her and Aiz leaving to meet a fellow goddess to the current one they were in. Finishing her explanation, she said. "So there ya have it. Could ya clean up any monsters that got away from Aiz?"

"You sound calm and collected but this is really bad…" Tione stated. Her arms crossed under her breast. An anxious expression on her face.

"Where is Aiz anyway?" Tiona asked. "Wasn't she with you?"

"Up there," Loki said as she pointed to the top of the Colosseum.


Aiz crouched onto the pillar. Scanning the city for her targets. Hearing a roar, she traced it back to its source.

'There!' She thought. Her eyes locking on to their target.

"Awaken, Tempest!" Aiz chanted. The wind responded to her chant and began to blow more violently as it circled around her. Surrounding herself fully with the wind, she launched herself at the unsuspecting troll. "Lil Rafaga!"

She rocketed through the troll and continued her charge upon landing. Bounding off the wall to take out the second monster before leaping into the air and slicing the bugbear in half. Using the wind, she performed an aerial somersault, positioning her underneath the swordstag. She twisted around. Her sword entering one side of its neck and exited the other.

The ground rumbled and several parts of East Main exploded. From the smoke, the silhouette of giant snakes came. Unlike the previous monsters that looked as though they were looking for something, these ones attacked. Almost killing an unfortunate civilian if not for the amazon twins intervention. Their combined blow knocking it down.

"Aghh!" Tione sounded through gritted teeth.

"It's so hard!?" Tiona whined as she nursed her hand.

"Punches aren't going to get us anywhere!" Tione stated her analysis.

"Gahh!" Tiona grumbled. "Why didn't I bring a weapon!?"

The snake-like monster charged at the twins. Crashing onto a building when the two dodged. Pulling itself out of the wall. Shuddering, the tip opened. Its form changed. A jaw could be seen inside a Venus Fly Trap and surrounded by petals. Leaves sprouted at the from the vines that burst forth from its stem.

"It bloomed!?" Tione said in surprise.

"That's not a snake…" Tiona said in shock. "It's a flower!?"

A cutting sound was heard and one of the vines was severed. Aiz landing nearby right after. Planning to back up Tiona and Tione. She took a breath.

'Pushed a little too hard,' Aiz thought.

As if it knew that she arrived, more of the flower monstrosities burst out from the ground. Sensing magic from Aiz's Ariel, they focused on the Sword Princess. Shattering her sword when she tried to counter one of the stems.

'I'm going to get yelled at again…' Aiz thought with a foreboding expression. Seeing one coming her way. She used the hilt of the broken blade to hit it and using its body as a footing to leap away. 'Ariel alone isn't strong enough to hurt them!'

"They're after Aiz!" Tiona shouted as the other monsters ignored them to chase their blonde companion.

"That's it!" Tiona said in realization. "Aiz! It's magic! These things respond to magic energy!"

Aiz's eyes widened as comprehension of the monsters' behavior flooded her mind. Tione was correct. They had been attacking Tiona and Tione as well before she arrived and had only focused on her since then.

'In that case, I can lead them away!' Aiz thought. 'At least Tione and Tiona will be safe.'

She slowed down a bit to let the monsters catch up before jumping away. Unfortunately, when she jumped over a box at the side of the street. A crying chienthrope child was on the other side. She forcefully landed before and jumped forward. Right into the middle of the three monsters. They converged on her. Attacking the barrier of wind protecting her. The wind stilled as the princess fell. Her mind down from overuse of Ariel. Forcing herself to open her eyes. She was met with a scene from her childhood. Back to when she was lost in a labyrinth. A horned monster walking towards her. It roared and was about to charge at her when it was slashed from behind. Regaining a little of her consciousness back, the horned monster slowly faded back into the plant monsters that she had been fighting. Their carcass fell revealing her savior. Her legs lost their strength but was caught before she crumpled to the ground.

"Are you alright?" He asked with a small smile.

Looking up to her savior. The light seems to have hidden the top part of his face. Unable to find her voice, she answered him a nod.

"You've done your best," he said. "I'll save you now."

'He had come!' Both Aiz thought. 'He finally came!'

With those words, Aiz stopped fighting fatigue and let the darkness take her.


Author's Notes:

Hello everyone!

I didn't expect the first chapter to garner as much attention as it did. The praises both from the comments and pm's were quite heartwarming and humbling. Since there were many that wanted the story to continue, here is the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy it as much if not more than the previous chapter. I will do my best to keep this story alive and will update it as soon as I can.

Bell is suffering from PTSD. Just not sure on how severe I portrayed it as. No person can go through a scenario where everyone he/ she's known dies and come out mentally unscathed. He will be dealing with his survivor's guilt on his own time.

The reason why Hestia was not able to access his full stats is because it had been segmented now. Not only for security of his status but because he has more than one falna now. It would take hers, Loki's, Freya's and Ouranos' blood to show all of it. Though, Hestia's was used as the base. With Chronos' meddling, she would only see the stats and skills come out in the continuity in the last timeline. Not to mention the miscellaneous 'things' that Zeus, Ouranos and Gaia gave him.

Thanks for all the kind praises and support.

Cheers,

afreask

Now to answer or comment on the reviews.

Guest:

The wait is over! Enjoy =)

Aesir19:

That is true. Food for thought for later chapters. Thanks!

dereturd:

Sorry, I tried writing in first person before but it ended up stale. Thank you, I hope I can live up to those expectations.

Im The Person:

Not really. Literally his stats as a level six when he left the future are his new level one stats at I0. No not as OP as you would think because it would take more for him to level this time around. With the exception, of the first Asterius battle. I need the beefcake for something if this story manages to get that far. In regards to Zeus, I find it a bit too convenient that Bell has no recollection of his parents. Along with Freya's description of his soul and I have something to work with. As to keeping secrets, yeah Bell isn't the best at that. That afterall is one of the reasons why Hestia never told him about Liaris Freese.

Itsc:

Thank you, I hope you enjoy the story so far.

Cosme Csar:

Noted. Thank you. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

1995hzq:

Thank you. I'll update as soon as I can.

MysticSSJTwin:

I'll continue it as much as I can. Yes, they are still on him. Quite literally, his level six status when he left is now his new level one I0's. The downside is he'll need to do more to level up. Except for the first Asterius fight. That would send him to level two after this event. See above for why Hestia can't see his full stats.

derpslurp:

Noted. Thank you for your praise.

Silver566:

Thank you

Guest:

Thank you for the advice. Though, I never said they lost their falna. I said without it.

OverLordRevan:

Quite literally, his level six stats from when he left are his new level one stats at I0.

udayo936:

Thank you. Noted. We'll see how the story plays out. Can't make any promises on that longer chapter though.

Guest:

Thank you I'll try my best to go as far with the story as I can.

Guest:

More than likely wait until my brain figures out what to put in the story. Thank you for the compliment though.