It had been some time since Bell joined the Familia, and Ais had continued their training on the wall. Unlike before, they didnʼt have to sneak out and find a secluded spot to spar, but for some reason, they kept coming back to the same spot on the wall. This spot was theirs and theirs alone - it had become their personal training area.
Scratches from where their blades had struck the stone and from where Bellʼs armor had hit the ground marked the ground and ramparts. Scuff marks alongside shallow grooves lay as evidence to their footsteps.
"Ack!"
Bell woke up with a ringing sound in his head to see Ais leaning over him yet again. With a nervous shout, Bell shot up from his lying position, leaping from where she cradled his head in her lap.
"Sorry, I used too much force again. I still canʼt seem to hold back perfectly…"
"Aha… itʼs ok, I think Iʼve gotten used to it happening at least once per session…"
She watched as he stood up slowly, rolling his shoulder with a slight breath of pain.
Has he..?
Her eyes flickered up and down his body, observing his movements carefully.
He has.
Her eyes hadn't missed a thing - not how he was growing tired much faster than normal, how his knee shook and almost gave out, how his fingers squeezed around his knife until his knuckles turned white.
"Have you been practicing on your own?"
He straightened up, his eyes alert and startled.
"No! Uh-! I mean... no...?"
He averted his eyes, dropping his gaze to the ground. Even someone like her could tell he was lying. With a sigh, she stepped forward, reaching out with her hands.
"Extra training is fine, but don't overdo it okay?"
She picked off several small pieces of debris stuck to his shoulder, brushing off the dust from the ground absentmindedly. Upon stepping closer, it was even clearer that he was hiding something from her.
His body... is bruised...
Her discerning gaze had caught glances of purple and blueish marks on his skin from where his collar fell away, from where his sleeve lifted slightly from his skin; from the way he held himself, leaning to one side slightly, it was clear there was more.
"... please... don't push yourself too far."
He hung his head, refusing to meet her eyes.
"I... can't."
She looked at him in surprise.
"I have to keep going... I have to get stronger...!"
Ais moved away, shaking her head and looking out over the city wall towards the clock tower.
"Itʼs almost noon, any more and you could injure yourself. Why don't we take a break?"
"Wait - Please, not yet... I can keep going..!"
Ais looked back in surprise upon hearing his change in tone. His sheepish, embarrassed smile had fallen from his face.
Wait...
"... Are you sure...?"
She watched as Bell nodded, lifting his head to face her.
His eyes...
A shiver crossed her neck as she met his gaze.
No. It's more than that...
His eyes seemed distant, as if focusing on some far off goal not yet in sight. They were bitter and detached, serious and cold.
"I'm ready whenever you are!"
Wait..!
She nodded hesitantly and brought her sheath up to defend herself. In an instant, Bell rushed forward, his dagger striking forward. With a shower of sparks, Ais felt her heart plummet as their weapons collided.
His attack... it's so much heavier than before...
Without faltering, Bell pressed on, only continuing to speed up faster and faster. Each time their blades connected, that feeling in her chest grew darker and darker. She locked their blades together, attempting to hold him in place long enough to get a few words out.
"Bell we really shou-!"
She was interrupted as Bell dropped his knife mid slash, passing it to his non dominant hand with such fluidity she found herself distracted momentarily. In that single second her surprise got the best of her, and she reacted at her normal speed - cleanly stopping his attack in place and sending him to the ground with a full force kick.
"-Urk!"
"Sorry! Are you okay...?"
I forgot to hold back again..!
"I'm fine. Let's go again!"
He had surprised her with that movement. It wasn't something she had taught him, after all.
Where did he learn how to do that?
She bent down and extended her hand as she continued to apologize profusely.
"Why don't we take a bre-"
"I said I'm fine!"
"...!"
She froze in place as he raised his voice for the first time. Bell looked up, his eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn't expected his words to come out the way they did. In instant, his hardened expression fell away.
"Ah! Uh... s-sorry... I..."
He dropped his gaze as he reached out and grasped her hand, his voice dropping as he apologized.
"Thanks... I... I didn't mean to snap like that, I think I'm just hungry, or tired, or... something..."
He sheathed his dagger and looked up. His expression had softened, his eyes now looking at her apologetically.
"It's okay... why don't we go get lunch?"
It's gone. That... anger...
Bell nodded with a smile and began to pack his things. As they wrapped up that day's session and began walking down the castle wall, Ais found herself staring at his back.
I won't let you change... not while I'm still standing right here next to you.
"Have you been practicing on your own?"
Her words rang in his head, her suspecting gaze piercing through his feeble attempt at a lie.
Why did I lie - to her, of all people!
Bell looked out his window as he slipped on his jacket. He watched as the guards at the entrance leaned on their spears, yawning sleepily.
No. I know why...
He grasped his side, feeling where his blows had left their marks.
She would never approve... none of them would.
He pressed down slightly, gasping through clenched teeth as a rush of pain spread through his body, reminding him of his purpose.
But this is what I have to do...
He lightened his hold, blinking away the dizzying dots that had begun to cloud his vision. Slipping out his door, he stepped quietly down the hall, careful not to cause any unnecessary noise. He left the mansion behind him and made his way across the courtyard and over the perimeter wall. Under the cover of darkness, he avoided the tired eyes of the Loki Familia sentries and made his way into the city.
This is the only way forward.
"Get up!"
Tears threatened to fall from his eyes as Bell fell to his hands and knees once again, the sharp metallic taste of blood in his mouth.
"Get off your ass! Let's go!"
He looked up at the man standing over him as he forced his body to move. Bell stumbled to his feet, swallowing back his tears and wiping the blood and dirt from his mouth.
"I...I just... I just need a sec- gah!"
He doubled over, falling to the ground and gasping in pain as a heavy fist sank into his stomach.
"What, you think you have the luxury of being able to catch your breath?"
Above him, the man sneered as he irritatedly paced back and forth.
"You think your enemy will give you time to rest?!"
He scoffed as the endless string of verbal abuse continued.
"Why the hell did I even agree to this... you know, if it wasn't for her, I would've kicked your ass to the streets..."
"-urk"
Bell winced in pain as the man bent down, grabbing a fistful of his hair and pulling him up roughly.
"Someone as weak as you doesn't even deserve to live..."
He shook his head as he tightened his grasp.
"Hah... no wonder why your Goddess kicked the bucket..."
That was it. As those words echoed in his mind, he forced himself to catch his breath. His gaze hardened and his eyes lost all sense of the overwhelming self-pity that had clouded his vision before. He was all out of tears. The only thing left in their place was an overwhelming sense of determination and anger. He raised his eyes, meeting the man's scornful gaze with one filled of resistance.
"Oh...? You got something to say...!?"
Bell reached up, pushing away the man's hand as he straightened up.
"...let's go again..."
The man before him paused, looking him up and down with interest before nodding slowly.
"...That's what I thought."
He raised his hand, and on cue, several figures melted out of the shadows, making their way towards him in the darkened room.
Bell raised his dagger out before him as he steeled his resolves and stilled his nerves. Images of their bodies, of their faces, they all flooded his mind. But this time, he didn't falter - instead, he accepted it. The rage, the sorrow, the raw emotion that came with those painful memories.
Use it... all of it...!
He let them come.
I don't have to be calm...
He welcomed it.
I just have to fight...!
He breathed steadily as he felt the surge of memories send a shiver across the back of his neck and down his spine.
I just need to get stronger...!
He focused his thoughts, focused his emotions into his blade, tempering his resolve - strengthening his very will to fight. But even as he squeezed his fingers around the handle of his dagger, one final memory crawled out of the deepest, darkest corner of his mind. It pulled itself from the pit where Bell had locked it away, painstakingly dragging itself into the light. It was a single memory of that sickening smile, of that blood red hair.
I made a promise...
It was early morning when he returned, bruised and battered. A light fog had descended on the streets of Orario, masking his presence as he limped back to his home. The sun had barely begun to show, and a chill still hung in the air from the night before. His clothes were torn and tattered, his body was exhausted and barely moving. As the Twilight Mansion came into view, he felt a pang of pain strike through his heart. One of guilt and shame.
I'm sorry...
He couldn't put a word on what he was feeling, this sense of shame that stemmed from his actions. He wasn't lying or hurting anyone, he knew that, but still -
I'm not being honest...
As he crept closer to the gate and vaulted over the low wall, his head swarmed in a sea of conflicting thoughts.
Stop it...!
He shook head and cleared his mind from his doubt, once more reaffirming his goal. He couldn't have any lingering thoughts or any hesitation - it would only serve to get in his way.
First things first.
He had a score to settle, a vendetta that took priority over everything else, and he wasn't going to let something as trivial as his new comrades' feelings get in the way of that. Inside, the Familia should've still been fast asleep, unaware of his presence. But still, he kept his senses alert, his eyes tracing back and forth for any signs of movement. With a slight creak, he pushed open the door to the main entrance and let it shut quietly behind him.
Alright... it's clear... I should be fine to-
"Late night, huh?"
Bell almost yelped in surprise as a voice spoke up from right next to him.
"C-captain Finn?!"
Leaning against the door frame, seemingly waiting for him, was the prum captain himself.
"It's-! It's not what you think!"
Finn looked up in mock surprise.
"Oh, so you weren't sneaking back from some all night training?"
"Ah... well, uhm, it's..."
He sighed in defeat. He had been caught.
"Y-yeah... it's exactly what you think."
Finn merely laughed lightly.
"I thought so."
He looked Bell up and down, stepping in closely to poke him in the side gently, raising an eyebrow as Bell winced painfully.
"Wow... and what, or should I say who did all this to you?"
Bell wrapped a hand around his injured arm as he dropped his gaze to the floor.
Why can't I look him in the eyes...
"... Sorry... but... if it's okay, I'd like to keep that to myself..."
Finn nodded slowly, his blue eyes watching Bell with interest.
"Hmm, well alright then. I can't force you to tell me. But, you did break curfew... so..."
He shrugged with a light smile.
"Dish duty seems like a just punishment."
Bell looked up in shock, horror written across his face.
"But-! Today is...!"
"Yep, lasagna night..."
The captain sucked air in through his teeth as he grimaced slightly.
"Yeah... good luck with that."
"Uhhh..."
Bell slumped over, the prospect of cleaning all those plates triggering painful memories of helping Syr with piles of dishes in the Hostess of Fertility.
"Hey, cheer up, at least you won't be alone, huh?"
"Oh, okay... wait what?"
The captain laughed again as he walked back towards his quarters, waving behind him as he went.
"Hah... see you tonight then, eh?"
However, to Bell's surprise, he stopped halfway down the hall to turn back and look at him.
"And Bell..."
He smiled warmly.
"It worries the rest of us when our members come back beaten half to death, you know?"
Bell nodded his head slowly and apologetically - it was the only thing he could think of to do at the moment.
"Yeah... sorry about that..."
"...go get some rest alright? It won't do you any good to be walking around like that."
Bell nodded once more, this time watching as the Captain turned and left. He remained in place even after Finn disappeared from sight. With that, he began to walk towards his room. Without changing, he fell face forward into his bed.
Damnit... damn it all...
It was going to be a long day ahead of him. He could already tell.
It had barely been four hours since he fell asleep, but here he was - already collapsed on the ground, a solid print of Ais' boot on his face.
"Ah... again... sorry."
She knelt down close to him, tentatively reaching out to instinctively move his head into her lap.
"Wha- wait wait wait!"
He shot up to a sitting position, his face flustered and red.
"I'm fine, you... you don't have to keep doing that..."
Behind him, Ais tilted her head with concern.
"... you seem... more tired than usual."
Is it that obvious...?
Bell fell silent, refusing to turn and look at her.
"Lets go."
"What?"
"We're going out."
"Huh? But, what about training?"
Ais stood up, offering her hand to Bell.
"Today is cut short."
"Wait..! But I can -"
She grasped his hand, forcefully pulling him to his feet and leaning in close.
"No means no."
"...O-okay... then... what do you want to do?"
She only offered him a small smile.
"Are you hungry?"
As they walked through the city, Bell couldnʼt help but still feel a little guilty. Here he was, side by side with the one he looked up to more than anyone else in the world, and he was still hiding so much from her.
I have to tell her the truth eventually.
"Whatʼs wrong…?"
Bell looked up from their collection of potato snacks in his hands that they had amassed through Ais' little "food tour".
"You seem… lost in thought…"
Oh no...
"Oh… I think... Iʼm just nervous, with the selection coming up soon. Finn said he would start finalizing things after the dance right?"
At least it's not a complete lie... I really am nervous...
"Have you… decided if youʼre going to go?"
Bell nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh for sure! Iʼd never miss out on something as big as this."
She waited for a moment, before walking side by side with him back towards the Familia Hall. They walked in silence. People passed them, talking as normal as the two took their usual route home. But something was off.
Why does the air seem so tense…? And is she glancing at me…? Why does she keep — !
Bell opened his mouth as if to say something, but he decided against it, instead turning his face away to look at something - anything other than the girl beside him. But he didnʼt miss the rapid glance up from the ground that Ais made.
This is ridiculous. Thereʼs no way she doesnʼt have a partner, right? I.. I canʼt do this - I feel like Iʼm about to explode!
The hall was in sight now.
Even if sheʼs not taken, as soon as we step inside, thereʼs bound to be a line of people already waiting for her! Loki included!
Bell peeked sideways without turning his head. Ais was watching the ground, her hands held behind her back as she walked in pace with Bell, no, was she slowing down slightly?
"DO IT, BELL!"
Grandfather!?
A ghostly voice resounded in his head, ringing his ears and sending nervous shivers down his spine - or was that just his own doing?
I can see the doors… as soon as we step inside… theyʼll be all over her! I can already tell! I can practically feel Lokiʼs gaze through the window!
Then, he stopped.
His feet hit the ground at the main gates, and he turned to look at Ais, who in turn stopped a few steps from him to turn back.
This is it! Iʼm really doing it! AH what do I say?!
"Is something wrong?"
"Ah… no! I mean, sort of… I just wanted to ask you something…"
She took a half step forward, tilting her head slightly.
I can barely look at her without choking!
"Y-you…. Are you… going to be at the dance tomorrow?… "
Of course she is! You already know that!
Her lips turned into a slight smile at his question.
"…yes…"
"And…A-are you… going with anyone… to the dance tomorrow?"
Is she smiling? I canʼt tell! Why does everything seem so hard to focus on all of a sudden!
"Lefiya and the others suggested that we take carriage ride there since Ganeshaʼs Hall is on the other side of the city…"
"Uh…No, I mean, what Iʼm trying to say, is that, I mean… uh…"
He could feel his face continue to grow even more red as he continued to stammer and ramble on. In front of him, Ais held a light pink blush across her face as she held her hands behind her back, her shoulders twitching up and down as she waited patiently.
"If you donʼt have one already then…Iʼd— uh, I mean, if youʼd like, may I…. may I be your escort…?"
He felt the heat on his face explode across his body and he turned his face to the side in an effort to hide his emotions.
What was that? Where are my words? I canʼt even tell if she knew that was a question!
"…gladly…"
He looked up in surprise and found himself staring into a smiling set of golden eyes. A similar smile crossed his face as he felt his heart leap out of his chest.
"Really?!"
"….yeah… It sounds like fun…"
"Then… would you like to meet at the hall tomorrow once we all arrive?"
"Sure…"
The moment had passed before Bell even knew it, and soon, they were walking in through the main hall doors. He had been so petrified with fear that he barely looked up from the ground on the way in, his face completely red and steaming.
"AAAIIISSSSS!"
A shrill scream rang out from the upper floor. Looking up, they saw Loki leaning over the upper floorʼs railing looking down at them. Around her, her crowd of executives and several other Familia members were gathered together. Within seconds, the thundering footsteps of the mob of people came crashing down the stairs, racing towards the hall to where Ais and Bell stood in shock.
"A-Ais… should we run…?"
She merely shook her head, a gloomy, shadowed expression falling over her face.
"Itʼs… best if I get it all out of the way now rather than inevitably having to deal with it tomorrow…"
With that, she turned to look at him, sending one last smile his way before getting swallowed up by the horde of anxious suitors.
"See you la-"
"AHH!"
"Stop pushing!"
"Hands off, I was here first!"
Bell ducked out of the way quickly, barely escaping being trampled by the rowdy crowd. Breathing heavily, he clung to the wall, terrified for his life as the huge room now seemed a whole lot smaller.
"I…ugh… told them… stop pushing… to wait upstairs because… watch your hands! … every expedition this happens…!"
Beside him, he spotted Riveria standing near the stairs, looking just as annoyed as Ais was by the sudden collection of jostling elbows and flurry of pushing hands.
"Every expedition!?"
Poor Ais… she had to deal with all of this every time?
"Alright… thatʼs it, Iʼve had enough…!"
Rivera grumbled quietly, her staff beginning to glow in her hands as she started chanting.
Oh…no….
A collective gasp rose from the crowd of people as a massive magic circle appeared above them all.
"R-Riveria…hey... we… we were just playing around…!"
Lokiʼs hesitant voice spoke up from somewhere in the middle of the room.
"Every…. single… time… with you all…!"
Riveriaʼs aura poured out from her body, her ice cold glare freezing the crowd where they stood. Bell took her momentary pause in casting to slip past her to a side stairwell, hurriedly climbing the stairs and ducking into his room.
"That… was too much… I can hardly breathe…!"
Downstairs, he could already hear Lokiʼs high pitched scream and a following explosion that rocked the mansion, sending vibrations through the upper floor.
"But… I made it…! I did it…!"
He breathed out happily, letting his head hit the door as he let his shoulders relax and fall.
She said yes…!
—
The rest of the day went by quickly. Bell slept until resuming training with Ais and Tiona later in the afternoon, although their sparring was constantly interrupted by Bell almost fainting every time he looked into the Sword Princess' eyes - much to Tionaʼs delight.
At dinner, Bell could barely sit still with dozens of eyes glaring daggers at him from every corner of the room - including Lokiʼs.
I guess word spreads quickly when it comes to someone as popular as Ais…
But still, for some strange reason, whenever he looked at Miss Riveria, she always seemed to be lightly smiling at him.
And I guess she finds it funny that I basically dug my own grave here….
And so, he found himself standing in the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up and a sponge already in one hand.
Captain Finn said there was someone else...?
"Ah!"
A half smile came to his face as a familiar figure walked into the kitchen.
"Lefi...ya?"
He paused mid-sentence, his smile falling away as he looked at her expression.
Her eyes seemed dull, her lips pulled into a stern line, and the way she looked at him, it almost seemed as if she was on the verge of scowling.
Oh... she's probably mad as well...
"So... you broke curfew too...?"
"Dishes."
"What...?"
"Let's finish this quickly."
"O-okay..."
Without further conversation, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Occasionally, Bell would peek over and try and catch a glimpse of her face, but the girl only continued to work.
"Soap."
"H-Huh?"
"I'm out of soap."
She held out her hand.
"Oh, ah, here!"
They continued this way for a while, keeping up the uneasy silence as the sound of hot water running and dishes clattering filled the kitchen. By the time they were done, Bell's hands had turned a light red from the water.
"Wow... that was... gross..."
"... I saw you..."
"...?"
Lefiya spoke, meeting his eyes for the first time that night.
"That's why I'm here. I followed you into the city last night."
She...!
Her eyes were cold and accusing, staring into him like a set of daggers pointed at his throat.
"Oh..."
"At first, I thought you were meeting with Ais again... but then... you... gah!"
Crack.
She stepped forward, and with a flick of her wrist, slapped him across the face.
"..."
His cheek stung from her palm, but still he didn't move his head out of the way, nor from where she had slapped him.
"I'm..."
"Sorry!? Are you really?!"
She shook her head in disbelief.
"I can't... I don't understand... Freya Familia!?"
Bell moved a hand up to touch his cheek lightly.
"... I have to..."
"No! You don't!"
"They're helpin-!"
"That's what you call helping?!"
The orange haired mage balled her hands into fists at her side.
"I saw... Bell..."
She shook her head slightly, as if still not believing her own eyes.
"You're just killing yourself at this point..."
"I just... I need to get stronger..."
"Stronger or not, there are other ways - better ways than having the Vanar Freya beat it into you."
"If it lets me reach my goal...
"Your goal? For what, revenge?!"
He didn't answer her.
"What if she were to return, huh? What would you do then?"
"I'd fight..!"
"There wouldn't even be a fight! I saw her firsthand, Bell. Ais didn't even stand a chance."
"Then... I'll die."
Lefiya stopped, her mouth hanging open in shock. Then, she stepped forward, throwing her arms out and roughly shoving him back. A sharp pain shot through his back as he crashed into the drying rack behind him. The clatter of dishes filled the room as several plates came crashing to the ground, sending porcelain shards across the floor.
"- !"
"...Don't... don't say that..."
Her voice had fallen to barely a whisper.
"You're one of us... Bell..."
He looked at her, shame still flooding his aching heart. Even as she shook her head, her cheeks growing red as she vented her frustrations, her eyes on the verge of tearing up, she still looked at him warmly.
"So start acting like it... and let us help you...!"
He didn't say anything - he couldn't say anything, for he knew she was right.
"I know you want revenge... but you don't have to do it alone...! You can't shut us out like this!"
She crossed her arms, her voice slowly settling back down.
"Please...! Just... let us help you..."
"I..."
I don't deserve your help...
He wanted to say it. But he couldn't.
"Say something..."
He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.
"..."
"..."
They stared at each other in silence. His heart beat against his chest so loudly he could've sworn she could hear it. But finally, she broke the silence.
"...damnit..."
She shook her head, turning away from him.
"...go ahead then. You can go and have that pointless death all alone for all I care... I won't stop you."
With that, she stormed off, leaving him standing there alone, the broken shards of white spilled at his feet.
"...ha..."
That's the way it should've been, after all, right?
He slowly lowered himself to the ground, leaning and sliding his back down the wall.
Had he not been saved on that night...
He let his head fall back until it rested against the wall with a dull thud.
Pointless... and alone...
By the time it was time to sleep, Bell found himself dragging his feet to bed under the pressure of having received dozens of hateful stares and what could most likely be perceived as death threats. His hands were still tired from all the scrubbing he had to do that night, and his ears were still ringing with Lefiya's words echoing in his mind.
But as soon as his head hit the pillow, he drifted off into a deep sleep. Or so he wished.
Rest did not come easily to him. The wind outside howled and whistled as tree branches rattled against his window. Every one of Bellʼs nerves were on edge, and sleep seemed like a far away dream that would never grant Bell with its heavenly presence.
She really was right...
His thoughts were still swirling around in his mind like a misty haze of confusion. His emotions were still a mess, and his body was still sore from his days of over training. He closed his eyes, trying to push his worries away in a futile attempt to lure sleep to his side. But, of course, it didn't work. Instead, he just found himself lying there in the dark, not one step closer to falling asleep.
As he lay there, he moved a hand to rest over his chest, lightly grasping the cloth that covered his skin.
Why...
He closed his eyes as he felt his heart beat against his fingers like a steady drum.
I thought I told myself... this is what I wanted to do - what I need to do...!
He curled his fingers tighter around his shirt, balling his hand into a tight fist.
And yet...!
He remembered the way they all looked at him. Finn, Riveria, Gareth, and Loki. They had all smiled and welcomed him in with open arms. Even Lefiya, albeit begrudgingly, seemed to be warming up to him.
Well, she was...
He shifted slightly, feeling a shot of pain in his side as a particularly sore spot screamed at him to stop moving.
Why am I still so uncertain...
Once more, he thought back. This time, he felt for that faint warmth - that feeling of her arms wrapped around him, of his around her.
I... I don't know what to do...
He squeezed his eyes shut as his conflicting emotions scrambled together into one big mess inside his head.
I canʼt lie here like this…
And so, he found himself rising from his bed and stepping outside. The hallway was lit by soft glowing candles that painted the walls and floors with a gentle orange hue. Besides the occasional drifting snores from behind closed doors, the entire familia hall was silent. He turned to the left, walking further down the hall, lingering slightly at Aisʼ closed door, before moving on.
Lokiʼs office door was left slightly ajar, and a beam of bright light shone through the slight crack. Taking silent steps, Bell slowly peeked inside the room, careful not to make any noise.
Inside, Loki sat at her chair, her head and arms splayed out across her desk fast asleep. Across from her, Finn sat upright in his chair, a stack of papers in hand.
Wow… Iʼd never would've thought that Finn used reading glasses…
Taking one last glance towards the busy captain, Bell decided to move on. He crossed a walkway that led over one of the living areas, and as he peeked over the railings he could see the empty chairs, couches and tables. But there was also the fireplace which remained dimly lit by a fire imbued jewel.
The phantom flames flickered and danced in the shadows of the dormant hall, barely shedding any light on its surroundings. Through the windows past the fireplace, Bell could see into the inner garden housed at the center of the Hall. Concentrating carefully, Bell could just barely make out the darkened silhouettes beyond the glass. He could see the empty benches, the dark pond and bubbling fountain. The swaying trees and the blooming flowers.
He stayed there for a while, leaning against the railing, just watching the flame flicker from his high up view before turning to go on. But movement caught his eye.
Is that… Gareth?
Sure enough, the familiar shape of the Dwarf wobbled beneath him, heading through the room to the adjoining kitchen. He reached into one of the cabinets and found a large bottle of what Bell presumed to be alcohol. Bell smiled lightly.
He never does lose character.
But as Gareth drank himself to sleep in one of the chairs, Bell decided it would be best to leave him be. As he left the walkway and turned the corner, he passed the game room, which was usually full of people playing billiards or chess, or some other sort of recreational game. But now, it was empty. The seats inside were all vacant, and the room itself was eerily quiet. Bell moved past it quickly, walking down the dim hallway towards something that caught his interest.
The library? Is Lefiya still studying?
He crept up to the cracked open door and peered inside.
She's probably still mad, though, right...?
But it wasn't Lefiya. Inside, at one of the tables, Riveria lounged quietly reading by candle light. She looked so peaceful, almost entrancing to Bell, so much that he couldnʼt help but stop and watch her gently turn the pages to her book.
I wonder… what type of books would she read…?
"You can come in, you know."
Bell pushed open the door sheepishly and stepped inside.
"…you sensed me at the door?"
"Before that - when you stepped outside Lokiʼs office…"
"How did you…"
"Practice. And training - lots of it. It is my duty to protect Lady Loki from all threats after all, whether or not sheʼs aware of them."
That makes sense… that she would monitor potential security threats...
Bell couldnʼt help but feel impressed. Finn and Gareth were too busy to notice his movements, but Riveria had picked up on his presence from all the way on the other side of the building. She looked up from her book, and gestured to the seat across from her. An offer which Bell accepted.
"I… just couldnʼt sleep… so I stepped out..."
He folded his arms on the table and rested his chin, staring up at the flickering candle.
"You seem to have many sleepless nights."
Bell looked up in surprise.
She... knows?
She glanced up momentarily from her book, a knowing half smile across her face.
"I won't pry. We all have things that we like to keep secret, after all."
He met her cool emerald gaze with a sigh of relief.
"But... we are a Familia... and we look out for one another."
The image of a certain mage slapping him drifted to the front of his mind.
Yeah... I know...
She paused before turning her book to the next page. Bell remained silent as another arrow of guilt pierced his heart.
"Are you nervous for tomorrow?"
"Oh… uh yeah… Iʼm… nervous."
"Is that all?"
He hesitated.
"I wonʼt say anything to anyone if youʼre worried about that…"
Bell shuffled his feet nervously.
"Whatʼs going on, Bell."
"Well... I… sometimes... when I close my eyes... I see them."
Riveria closed her book.
"From Hestia Familia."
He nodded, lowering his eyes to the candle before him. Shadows danced across the table as the flame cast a wavering light over his face.
"All the time…?"
"No… just sometimes… when it's quiet, when no one else is around... it's just me... and them."
Riveria remained silent, listening to him carefully.
"They appear… one at a time, or all at once… just staring at me - as if they're waiting...
"Waiting for what?"
"For me to join them, or to avenge them, I-I... I don't know..."
His voice fell away slightly, his sentence trailing off to silence. Riveria let out a loose sigh before speaking.
"I know… someone… who was in quite a similar situation as you are now."
Bell lifted his head at her words.
"As of today, she is a very talented up and coming mage, and a close ally to our Familia."
Riveria leaned in close, propping her elbows on the table to rest her head on her folded hands.
"Have you heard of the nightmare on the 27th floor…?"
"No… I donʼt think so…"
She sighed gently.
"Well, I believe it was before you started out as an adventurer…but anyways, lend me your ear, and I'll tell you a story..."
—
"Before Tione, Tiona, Lefiya and Bete joined our familia, Finn often led strike forces for the guild in the war against a group known Evilus. They were a collection of gods and goddesses who claimed to be servants of evil, acting only to further the amount of chaos in this world. Their followers obeyed their commands, and were often ordered to wreak havoc above and below ground. They were known to kill without hesitation - they robbed adventurers in the dungeon, lured civilians into alleyways never to return, and rebelled against the laws of the guild.
"Needless to say, all of Orario soon turned to something reminiscent of an open battlefield. During the day, business went on as usual. But during the night, that was when the monsters and servants of darkness came out. If you listened closely, you could hear distant sounds of swords clashing, of spells exploding, all alongside the screams of the dead."
Riveria paused, allowing her words to hang in the air. Bell was completely entranced by her story, his body leaning forward with those widened, bright red eyes. His white hair seemed to glow softly in the candle light, further adding to his innocent appearance.
He really does look like a rabbit.
"You may have heard of the legend of the Gale Wind, I presume. He ties into the story as well. Battle after battle, the Guild struggled to contain the growing forces of evil. With Zeus and Hera weakened from their losses against the One Eyed Dragon, their seat of power was up for grabs. Because of the conflict over the throne, Lady Loki and Freya stepped in and expelled the weakened familias from power, and took over as the largest groups in the city."
"It sounds harsh, of course, but it was a necessary sacrifice that even they understood had to be made. With new, stronger familias in place, Finn coordinated with the Guild and led forces from both our familia as well as Freyaʼs - and lots of other smaller ones - to beat back Evilus and restore order. Victories came swiftly with him in charge. He was ruthless on the battlefield, commanding his forces aggressively and efficiently. You have to understand - back then, there was no room for kindness. Only strength. It was a kill or be killed world."
"But what does any of this have to do with—"
"I was getting to that part."
"Oh, sorry."
"Anyways, during that time, he had discovered that one of the enemy familias led by the infamous Olives Pact was hiding somewhere in the dungeon on the 27th floor. So, he sent a strike force to wipe them out. Sadly, it turns out that the information was a trap for Finnʼs extermination squad, and the enemy caught the group in the bloodiest pass-parade of all time. Despite there being dozens of 1st and 2nd tier adventurers present, accounts of the rescue team say that the floor was turned into an all out free-for all. When reinforcements arrived, they only found the bloodied parts of both the enemy familia, and our own forces. Hundreds of crystals lay across the floor, and even more scraps of fur, scales, and skin were strewn about. Not even the floor boss was spared from the encounter. The monster rex of floor 27 was classified as a level 6, and had the ability to travel between floors. Itʼs a being of immense power, able to use various magical abilities and easily handle even large scale raid parties if theyʼre not careful."
"But anyways, the rescue teams were able to find only one sole survivor. An elven mage, level three. She was completely covered in blood. There was no hint of her skin underneath her matted garments, as the crimson liquid had soaked her body to the point they even mistook her for a monster. When she was found, she lashed out at the party, but was quickly brought under control and taken back to the surface. Over 73 people died that day. Entire Familias were left crippled, some were even completely wiped out - including hers. Until recently, she suffered from the same nightmares as you do. And even worse, any one who was willing to party up with her who went into the dungeon has never returned. Because of this, rumors have spread about her, and she herself has often described herself as cursed, and haunted."
"Wait, so was she actually cursed?"
She stared at him silently.
"Oh, sorry."
"However, she soon met someone who could touch the darkness inside her. A strong enough light was able to shine into the depths of the pit she had fallen into, and it pulled her out safely. Now, sheʼs as normal as any other person you could see on the street, well, almost."
"So what youʼre saying is — "
"You need to find someone to shine a light on your own demons."
"Hey…."
She smiled slightly at him.
I guess even Riveria has a sense of humor.
"This isnʼt the only option, of course, but it was simply one that works. I believe you may have already found youʼre looking for, anyways."
"W-What? What do you mean by that?"
Riveria let out a slight laugh.
"Nothing, nothing. Itʼs gotten very late, Bell. You should head off to bed now, you have a big day tomorrow."
"Oh, yes!"
He hurriedly stood up and moved to the door.
"You know, I think I can see why they call you the mother—"
"Did you say something?"
He turned to see Riveria narrow her eyes at him with a stern voice.
"N-Nothing! Never mind, uh, thanks and goodnight!"
With that, he quickly ran out of the library, running quietly back to his room before he could get caught in the executives wrath. Behind him though, Riveria calmly blew out the candle and watched his back with a gentle smile.
"I can see why she would choose you… or maybe Iʼve just been around you young ones for too long, who knows…"
She stepped out of the library, gently shutting the door behind her before starting down the hall. However, something made her pause slightly. Looking to her left, she studied the empty hallway, staring into the dimmed area. She only shook her head slightly before resuming her walk back to her room, smiling to herself as she went along.
"Do none of you kids know how to sleep?"
Her words drifted from her mouth quietly, whispering to no one in particular. Behind her, a slight shuffle of footsteps quickly disappeared down the hallway.
