—
"Hey… Bell?"
The boy turned as Ais tapped his shoulder.
"Yeah?"
She tilted her head, a slight red hue on her face as she held up her rolled up tent.
"Would you… like to sha—"
"No! NO! NOO!"
She was interrupted by a frantic scream.
"Miss Ais, you're coming with us!"
Lefiya burst in between them, wrapping her hands around Ais' arm and began dragging her away.
"But—"
"No but's, there's no way I'm letting you share a tent with that human!"
"What?"
Share… a tent….
Bell blinked.
With… Ais…?
Poof.
Lefiya screamed as she saw the smoke practically pop out of his ears as his face instantly transformed about ten shades redder.
"S-Stop that!"
Bell stammered as he held up his hands in a panic.
"W-W-What!? I didn't do anything! I swear!"
"I can see you thinking, you cut that out right this instant!"
She can tell what I'm thinking…!?
"Lefiya, Finn said that tents are separated by gender."
Raul passed by, dropping the slight comment as he moved a stack of boxes towards the large main tent in the center of the encampment.
"Huh? O-Oh… uh, very well then. Bell! You should start unpacking!"
She continued to pull a speechless Ais away while waving her fingers in the shoo motion.
"Lefiya?"
"Let's go, Miss Ais!"
"But Bell an—"
"Let's go! We are leaving!"
In just a matter of seconds, Ais' complaints were nothing but a faint voice in the distance as she disappeared in a storm of orange hair.
What… what just happened…
"…ah…"
Without another word, Bell turned to carry his packed things to the main tent. As he shuffled his feet, his mind continued to remain blank - as his previous free roaming imagination appeared to have overloaded his brain.
Bump.
"Eh? Hey! Watch it ya little brat!"
Huh…? Bete… is yelling at me?
His eyes registered the form of the angry werewolf in front of him, the man scowling at him as he opened his mouth to scream. However, to Bell, his words seemed distant and muffled and of no importance.
"Huh… o…okay…"
Bete stopped, taken aback at the boy's odd response.
"…uh…"
He paused, snapping his fingers in front of Bell's face.
"The hell…? Did Ais kick you too hard or something?!"
"Kick me…? Ais…?"
Ais…?
He blinked.
"Ah!"
"Hey!"
"Eep!"
A panicked scream escaped his lips as he snapped back to reality.
"S-Sorry Bete!"
With that, he took off, running to the tent and leaving the confused adventurer behind.
"What the hell was that…"
—
This is bad.
Bell sat alone at a picnic table on the outskirts of the camp.
This is really bad.
He traced his finger on the table, drawing circles absentmindedly.
I… I don't really know anyone here…
He looked around, watching the unfamiliar faces of the other male Familia members.
There's Raul… he seems nice!
He watched as the level 4 chatted with Anakitty and a larger group of lower leveled adventurers.
But… he looks like he's sharing with his other friends…
Bell moved his eyes to the center tent. A flagpole stood right near the entrance with the symbol of the Loki Familia, which also marked it as the Captain's tent.
Yeah… I doubt I'd be allowed to share with Captain Finn.
As he watched, Gareth just so happened to walk out of the tent.
And he's with Gareth already…
As he continued to look past more and more unfamiliar faces, his dread continued to grow.
The only other person I know here… is…
Bell shivered as he saw him.
Oh no…
Bete was lying down in the grass, his head leaning against a nearby tree trunk.
He's… sleeping…
Bell gulped nervously as he got up to approach him.
There's no way… right?
The sleeping werewolf was right in front of him.
I mean… no one else probably asked him either…
"…uh…"
He fumbled with his hands, bringing them up and down, unsure of where to let them rest.
"Ahem… Mr. Bete…?"
He cleared his throat, raising his voice slightly.
No response.
The man just continued to sleep.
"Uh… Mr. Bete…?"
I have a bad feeling about this.
He opened one eye.
"H-Hi…"
"You better have a good reason for why you just woke me up."
I'm dead.
—
"So. Let me get this straight…"
Bell found himself kneeling in the grass as the werewolf remained lying down.
"You woke me up… so you could ask if you could share my tent…?"
Bell nodded.
"Because yours got melted."
He nodded again.
"And you don't know anyone else."
Bell felt his heart drop as he nodded once more.
"…"
"…"
Neither of them said anything.
Is he… going to say no…?
Taking a chance, Bell decided to lift his head and make eye contact with him.
"…uh…"
"You have 5 seconds to get out of here before I beat your ass."
"Got it."
—
"That looked like it went well."
Bell looked up as he sat once more at the picnic table.
"Oh… hey, Tione."
The Amazon sat down across from him. Recently, it seemed as if he'd had more and more time to interact with the executives of the Familia. While talking with Tione was nice enough, conversations with Bete never seemed to go well.
"I gotta say, though, I'm surprised you even asked."
"…why?"
She shrugged.
"Almost everyone else here is too scared of the big bad wolf to even approach him."
She winked as she leaned forward slightly.
"You see… Bete here, he's what you call an asshole."
Bell laughed as the older girl shamelessly insulted her comrade.
"Hah… well, he's not that bad."
"Oh?"
She looked surprised.
"Yeah, I mean, he acts mean and all… but he seems like he cares about the others - in his own way, I guess."
Tione smiled.
Did I say something weird?
"U-Uh, I just meant that…"
"No, no… I agree with you."
She does?
"I'm just surprised that you saw through him so easily."
Oh…
"It took the rest of us years to get to know him… and even then, he still acts like a total douche."
She breathed out restlessly as she spoke.
"But, you know… deep down inside, he really is a big 'ol softy."
A heart of gold, huh.
"Oh - I'm just curious, but, where are you sleeping?"
"Hmm? Me? Oh, well, I was planning on setting up a special love tent just for me an' the Captain…"
Love…!? Tent..!?
"Buuuut when I asked him to join me, he just announced that the sleeping arrangements were going to be by gender, so…"
She hung her head in a gloomy cloud of disappointment.
"Yeah… now I'm stuck with my sister yeck."
"Oh… but she can't be that bad, can she?"
"She sleep fights."
"Oh, oka— wait, what?"
Tione nodded, a very serious expression on her face.
"Sleep. Fights. That idiot never stops picking fights, not even while she's asleep."
"That sounds… troublesome…?"
Or impressive? I… I don't know how to respond to that…
"Yeah… I mean, I'd let you sleep with us, buuut Tiona would probably sleep strangle you, or Riveria would yell at me…"
Bell shivered at the prospect of having to fight off the senior adventurer in his sleep.
"If it was the Captain punishing me, that would be one thing. But recently, he started letting Riveria handle my punishments for some reason…"
I wonder why.
She sighed.
"And that… well that's no fun…"
"…I see…"
"Ahhhh…. Well!"
She stood up, slapping her hands against the table.
"Good luck, Bell! If we find your body outside eaten alive by bugs, we'll be sure to remember you!"
That's a... odd thing to say…?
"Haha… yeah, I'll be sure to stick near the fire then…"
She looked him deadpan in the eye.
"No, seriously. The mosquitos on this floor are massive."
What?
She held her hands apart, the gap between them only continuing to grow.
Oh my god.
—
"Was that Tione?"
The table shifted slightly as someone sat next to him.
"Ais?"
The girl tilted her head as she looked at him.
"A-Ah… yeah, that was her."
"…what did you guys talk about…"
She stared at him blankly.
"Well… it was just some stuff about tents… and Tiona…"
She continued to stare at him.
"…and… uh… mosquitos…"
"Do you still not have a place to sleep?"
"No…"
He laid his head on the table, pressing his cheek to the cool wood.
"I even asked Bete…"
"And how did that go?"
He shrugged lightly.
"It was a… short conversation."
"…I see."
They sat like that for a while, neither of them saying anything as the crystals above them slowly began to lose their light.
"…is it true about the mosquitos…?"
Bell murmured dejectedly as he broke the silence, his eyes forlorn and focusing on nothing in particular.
"What about them?"
"Tione said that they were huge… and that they'd eat me…"
"…that's not too far off, I guess."
Oh…
"Come on, let's go sit near the campfire. It's getting darker out here."
And so, Bell found himself leaning against a crate in front of the bonfire in the center of the camp, his chin resting on his knees tucked up against his chest.
"Aren't you gonna sleep…?"
He turned his head to look at the girl next to him. By now, the lights had almost completely gone out overhead. The fire cast a warm glow over the two of them, spreading a cozy heat through their bodies.
"I'll probably stay for a while longer… what about you?"
Bell sighed as he turned his eyes back to the fire.
"I… I think I'm gonna have to get ready to fight for my life soon…"
"That's nice…"
She shuffled slightly next to him.
"…"
I really am… tired though…
He blinked a couple times as his eyelids began to feel heavier and heavier.
"…Ais… I… think…"
Oh no…
She turned to look at him.
"I'm… gonna…"
So… warm….
—
"Ais…I'm…"
Those were his last words. The girl turned to look at him, but he had already closed his eyes.
Is he… asleep…?
She smiled lightly. The fire spread a warmth over her cheeks and an orange glow over his face and hair.
Soft…
Her hand reached up, gently pushing a finger through his hair.
Ah..!
As she brushed his hair gently, his head tilted slowly until it lay against her shoulder. She felt a certain heat rise to her face as his body rested against hers, but she made no movements to readjust herself.
And so, he continued to sleep. And she continued to watch over him.
Don't worry…
There would be no one getting eaten tonight.
—
"…Ais…?!"
Lefiya crept through the silent camp as she looked for her missing tent-mate.
"Ais…!?"
She called out in a forced whisper.
Oh my god, where are you!?
The young knight had not too long ago stepped out of the tent, claiming a need to use the bathroom. However, as darkness fell, Lefiya began to fear the worst.
She's strong enough to protect herself… yeah…! Nothing on this floor could even touch her!
Lefiya continued to talk to herself, reassuring herself that everything would be fine despite her worries.
But… sometimes…
She recalled moments where Ais hadn't displayed the most put together decision making skills.
What if she got lost?! What if the mosquitos got to her!?
The girl, fraught with worries, only continued to overthink the situation. With every thought she piled on more and more fantastical worries and situations, thinking the worst of every scenario.
However, her reasoning wasn't exactly flawed. In other words, she wasn't entirely wrong. While Ais was pretty much untouchable by the monsters on this floor, there were times when her unique mind got her into trouble.
There was that time when she tried to cook… and that time we went to the beach… and…
With her head full of worries, Lefiya continued to walk through the camp until she reached the still burning bonfire in the middle.
Wait a second… is that…!?
"…you… son of a….!"
She stormed over to the sleeping boy, raising her hand to strike him, when she stopped herself.
"…"
Next to him, Ais, too, had fallen asleep. They leaned against one another, his head on her shoulder, and her cheek pressed into his hair.
I mean… they'll be fine for one night… right?
She lifted her head to look past the camp perimeter. Outside of the reach of the fire's light, dark shapes moved about in the shadows - namely the hulking shadows of certain fluttering bugs.
A shiver ran down her spine just thinking about having to fight one of those things.
The fire will keep them warm… and safe...
The girl crouched down before the sleeping couple and whispered a few words.
"…don't think that this is the end, Bell!"
She wasn't planning on letting him have his way that easily.
But… it seems rude to wake them…
With a sigh, she took one last look at the two before silently stepping back the way she came.
It's just not fair… I wanted to cuddle with Ais too…!
—
"…nngh…"
Bell slowly cracked open his eyes, blinking several times as he adjusted to the morning light.
Where… did I… fall asleep outside…?
"..ah…"
Soft.
"…morning…"
Oh… Ais' lap…
He lifted his head up, rubbing his eyes as he yawned slightly.
"Good morning…"
Wait…
He froze. As he pulled himself back from his lying down position, he found himself staring into a set of golden eyes.
"Did you sleep well…?"
A bead of sweat ran down his temple as he nodded, his mind still reeling and incapable of putting together a coherent sentence.
"Uh…!"
Ais blinked as she stared at him.
"You don't seem as nervous this time…"
I… what?
Inside, his mind and heart were racing, but she was right. In the past, whenever he woke up in her lap it was always accompanied by a panicked scream and shout. But this time, he only panicked on the inside.
Her lips curled into a slight smile.
"Perhaps… you changed your mind…?"
He blushed as she spoke. Previously, during training, somehow they had come the conclusion that her giving him lap pillows would only be okay if he was unconscious.
"I-I…"
She tilted her head slightly, her hopeful golden eyes boring into him as she waited for his answer. Was that the beginnings of a smile he saw on her face?
"…aaah…"
He sighed as he gave up.
"…okay… fine…"
I mean…
As he let Ais pull him back down and trace her fingers through his hair, he realized.
It could be a lot worse.
—
When morning in the dungeon finally came, they were forced to stand and move. A flap of movement came from the main tent, signaling that their captain was awake.
"Morning, Bell."
Finn nodded as Bell waved to him.
"You look… I want to say rested, but…"
He looked him up and down.
"Did you… did you really not find anyone to share a tent with?"
Bell shook his head, lowering his eyes sheepishly. Finn suppressed a laugh at that.
"You should've come to — oh, Ais, I didn't —"
He stopped as Ais stepped into view. He blinked once before continuing.
"— I didn't see you there."
He smiled as Ais stood to stand next to Bell. The girl nodded her greetings to Finn and stood at attention.
"Anyways, we'll be leaving as soon as everyone is awake and done packing up camp."
He jabbed a thumb back to the main tent where Gareth was stumbling out, stretching his hands up with a massive yawn.\
"I suggest you guys get in line for breakfast first, before everyone else wakes up."
With that, he turned to step away from them in order to make his rounds at the other tents.
"We're leaving as soon as we can, alright? We'll debrief everyone back up top with Loki. Eat up, pack your things, and try to be finished in the next two hours."
The pair nodded.
"And… Ais?"
The girl lifted her eyes.
"Make sure he does something about his hair. It's a mess."
She smiled.
"Wha-what?! Really?!"
As usual, little escaped the keen eyes of the prum.
"Agh okay fine, I'm gonna eat first— Wait what are you—?"
Bell's words reached deaf ears as Ais pulled him towards her tent.
"My brush. I left it inside."
"What? Wait, but — food!"
"Captain's orders."
"…okay fine, but I'm still hungry…!"
Lefiya felt sick. Watching from beside Riveria with the rest of the support squad as Ais walked side by side with Bell was pure torture.
He doesn't even know how lucky he is!
She watched through burning blue eyes as he laughed and spoke easily.
Something had to be done. And fast, lest the rabbit steal her idol from her for good.
"Stupid Bell…"
She mumbled as she kicked a small glittering gem on the floor - a dropped crystal left behind from a stray monster that was killed by the advance group."Lefiya…?"
Riveria spoke smoothly, turning her calm gaze to stare at her.
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing!
"Hmm…alright."
Up ahead, Finn and Gareth's group had disappeared far ahead of them She turned her head to look back at the group following her. She tapped her staff on the ground, igniting a small flame at the top in order to draw their attention.
"Alright! Let's move! We're picking up the pace!"
—
The rest of the walk up was fairly easy. An Al-Miraj here, a War Shadow or Hellhound there, it was a piece of cake to cut their way to the surface.
It was just the long and arduous walk that made Bete curse silently.
Stupid monsters… stupid evils… stupid…
His eyes fell on a lone Al-Miraj that raised its head as he raced through the floors, clearing the way for the others.
"GRAAH!"
He howled as he descended upon the poor rabbit, crushing its tiny squeak beneath his boot.
Just seeing that little shit is pissing me off for some reason…
He lifted his greaves from the ashes of the fallen monster.
But… this helps…
He smiled grimly as he crushed the monster's stone beneath his toe, enjoying the satisfying crunch it gave as it sparkled and turned to dust.
Dumb rabbit…
He shoved his hands into his pockets as he went along, mumbling to himself the entire way up.
—
Nearby, Tiona ran a parallel route to Bete, clearing her side of the floor of all monsters as well. Aside from her, Bete and Tiona were tasked with racing forward, blitzing through the dungeon floors and eliminating any enemies they may find. For these upper floors, it usually fell to them to ensure the rest of the groups that followed had a safe and smooth pathway up.
Most others would've seen this extra duty as a piece of work, yet another burden to carry on weary shoulders. But for Tiona, she simply didn't mind.
"Hmm hmm.. hmmm!"
She went along, skipping as she hummed and twirled her massive Urga in her hands with ease. The oversized adamantine weapon gouged into the walls of the cavern as it mowed down monsters. It didn't simply cut and chop. It butchered and cleaved through everything its owner saw fit to destroy.
Seeing it in the hands of the rather joyous young woman skipping along was a sight indeed.
I'm… hungry…
She danced her way through the caverns, nonchalantly chopping a minotaur in half as she went.
I should try monster meat one of these days…
A War Shadow seeped out of the walls nearby, peeling itself from the dark corners of the dungeon as it came to life. However, as it saw Tiona coming, it made the wise decision to meld back into the wall.
I wonder… is minotaur meat a thing? Is it kinda like beef?
She pondered life's great questions as she went along.
It is half cow after all… and I like steak…
Surely, one of Orario's finest young minds.
—
Their return was met with celebration. Civilians lined the streets, clapping and cheering alongside other adventurers. Confetti fell through the air like rainbow rain, covering the weary adventurers with colorful streamers.
It wasn't so long ago that I was one of those in the crowd, cheering for their return…
Bell smiled as he looked around. The noise of whistles, of voices cheering, of all the applause, it was quite something.
"Inspiring, isn't it…?"
Beside him, Ais spoke.
"It never gets old…"
The roar of the crowd, the hopeful looks on their faces…
"Yeah…"
A Hero's Welcome…
In all of his stories, this was always the end of the book. The end of the story, the epic finale.
The end of the adventure.
After slaying the dragon, the hero would return to happy crowds, princess in his arms. He'd be met with cheers and rewards, he'd live a happy ever after.
But… that isn't now…
For him, this was only the first of many returns that the future held for him. And he could sense it. He could feel it, the call of the dungeon, the call to adventure.
I still have a long way to go before…
He glanced at Ais next to him. The girl wasn't making it obvious, but her eyes traced back and forth between the colorful banners and smiling crowds. She took it all in silently, as if memorizing each and every detail over and over again.
…before I can carry her in my arms…
—
As Finn promised, they all were given the day off - with the exception of the debriefing after dinner.
Tiona had vanished into the Food District, her stomach and unyielding appetite trumping her body's need for rest.
Tione and Lefiya dove straight into bed after showering.
Bete disappeared into some bar or pub in the corner of the city, some unfamiliar level two Amazonian girl on his tail.
As for Ais, she begrudgingly made her way to the Goibnu Familia Hall, where she would break the news and fate of her cherished sword to the high smiths.
As she went off, she turned to Bell with a gloomy look on her face.
"G-Good luck…"
Bell knew first hand how much top notch gear could cost. Her repairs would be a fortune.
My gear… also needs repair…
He brushed off the surface of his silver armor, running his finger along the crimson line that adorned the metal.
Red. Just like… a flame…
He smiled sadly as he remembered his dearly departed smith.
That's right… I should pay them a visit.
And so, he found himself walking into the Hostess of Fertility.
"Bell!?"
Crash.
That voice…
Syr stepped out from the kitchen, her hands still wet with soap and water. Behind her, he could hear Chloe's shouting as she was left to clean up a stack of shattered plates.
"Sorry! I'll be right back!"
The girl smiled beneath her bluish gray hair and made her way to Bell.
"Beelllerk—!"
Her charging hug was stopped by Lyu, who had appeared out of thin air to hold her back.
"Syr… your hands are still wet…"
"Oh right, sorry!"
"Welcome back, Mr. Cranel. I trust you were successful in your expedition?"
Bell smiled and nodded.
"Yeah! We saw so many cool things down there, and well Finn told me not to talk about it… but —"
"Oh! Bell! Did you…?"
Syr leaned forward with a smile.
"Hah.. yeah I did…"
He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a glittering red jewel. It shone like a fire as its ovular shape reflected a ray of light from above.
"It's from a Fire Dragon on floor 57!"
Syr took the fiery gem into her hand, holding it in her palm.
"It's… pretty…! And warm…?"
She turned to look at Bell with a gleam in her eyes.
"T-Thank you, Bell! I'll keep it forever!"
Her eyes shone as she beamed at him.
"Hey! Is that Little Rookie I see out there!?"
Inside, Mama Mia shouted out and raised a mug to greet him.
"Come on in! What can I get 'fer ya?"
"Just a… uh… lunch set A… and…"
"Oh wait, I forgot — here!"
Mia lifted a basket covered in a red and white checkered cloth from behind the counter and handed it to him.
"Wha— what's this?"
Syr leaned over with a smile.
"That is the results of my efforts while you were gone!"
"So…. This is…"
He peeked under the fabric to see layer upon layer of sandwiches stacked and cut in neat triangles.
"Wow! This is —"
Wait.
He turned to look at Syr, who stood happily smiling, her hands wrapped around the gem at her waist.
Beside her, Lyu nodded as if to confirm his suspicions.
"That is Lady Syr's finest experiments, or, lunches that you missed out while you were gone."
"Oh!"
Oh no…
Lyu looked away, unable to meet his eye as she spoke.
"Please… please… enjoy her efforts, it would be rude to refuse…"
Lyu! Please, don't do this to me!
"Ahahaha! Alright, git on outta here Bell, you got somewhere to be after all, don't you?"
How did she..?
Mia slapped his back and laughed heartily, forcing the basket into his hands.
"A-Ah, well, yeah, but—!"
"Bye Bell! Come back soon!"
"And spend a lot of money next time!"
Ah… I guess there isn't any helping it…
"Okay, thanks for the food! See you all later!"
He waved as he stepped back into the street. Behind him Lyu and Syr poked their heads out of the door to watch him leave.
Ah man… well, next stop… Lord Miach's shop.
"Hey! Welcome back, Bell!"
Nazha smiled as she leaned across the counter to wave at him.
"Nazha! Hey!"
The two of them chatted for a while. The Dog-person patted him down, checking him for wounds as they did so. He laughed as she questioned him, concern in her eyes and in her voice.
Just like how She did whenever I returned from the dungeon.
But then, he broke away. They had finished catching up, and it was time to go back to what he had to do.
"It was nice seeing you again, Bell…"
She hugged him, squeezing him close.
"Come back and visit! I'll make sure Lord Miach is here next time as well!"
Then she pointed to the front of the shop.
"…Flowers… are in the front."
He nodded with a polite smile.
"…Leave one from us as well, alright?"
He nodded again, before waving and saying his goodbyes.
"Haa…"
He held the bouquet of flowers in his hand, basket in his other, and sighed as he approached the entrance to the graveyard.
Hmm? A deity…?
He paused as an unfamiliar God up ahead lifted his head from a bow at his Familia's grave and made his way towards Bell.
He had messy black hair that hung to his shoulders, and a pale white face. He wore white robes with red accents that swept the ground as he moved.
Bell bowed his head respectfully as the God passed him without a second look.
That was… strange…
"Huh."
He stopped in front of their headstones, resting a hand on the first on in the row.
"Hey there, Lilli…"
A lone white lily was already placed before it.
That God…
He bowed his head and pressed his hands together before gently placing a flower from among is bouquet to join the lily.
"This one's for you aniki."
Next was Welf's. Once more, he bowed his head and rested a flower on the ground.
He had already visited Mikoto's grave, and placed a flower among the fresh ones that lay there from her own Familia.
But at the last one, he couldn't help it. He traced his finger along the white and grey marble, brushing off a slight layer of pollen that had settled from the nearby trees. Silently, he wept. Shedding tears of grief in silence as he kept his hand on that stone.
Eventually, he stopped.
He didn't know how long he had been standing there, but judging from how the sun was lowering in the sky, it was for a while.
"Sorry I haven't visited in a while, Kami-sama…"
He sat down, falling to the ground with a sigh as he placed the rest of his flowers at her headrest.
"This is gonna take a while, you guys, so settle down…"
He smiled as he turned his head to look at the stones before him.
"…'cause boy do I have a lot of stories for you all…"
—
"…and then, she leapt into the air and sliced the bug in half!'."
He laughed as he retold his story, recalling the way Tiona had looked at him with a straight face.
"…I really wish you guys could've seen it…"
He raised another sandwich to his mouth.
"They were huge— gak!"
He gagged mid sentence.
How did… Syr even make this taste so bad!?
But even as he held the horrid sandwich in his hand, he laughed and set it aside in favor for the next one down the pile.
It is nice, though, to have—
"—ick!"
Another sandwich found itself on the growing pile of rejects.
He smiled through his cough.
"Man, Syr!"
He complained to no one in particular, not that there was even a single soul in sight. But by now, he had gotten used to talking alone.
"Anyways…"
He glanced to the setting sun, taking a moment to watch the glowing orange hues spread over the sky.
"…It's getting late, and I gotta get back for dinner — but I'll be back again soon! Captain Finn will be explaining everything that happened in a bit. So wait for me, alright?"
He stood up, brushing his pants and the gravestones clean of any breadcrumbs that may have fallen from his fingers.
"…"
He turned his head to look at them each one last time.
"I'm gonna go say bye to Mikoto one last time… but for now…"
His voice shrunk to a barely audible level. He still had a long way to go.
"…keep watching me… I'll make you all proud…"
—
"So as for what we learned about Knossos and the Evils from our expedition..."
Bell stood back towards the edge of the crowd as Finn explained their most recent findings.
Knossos...? Evils? Keys?!
His mind swam with questions as Finn continued to speak.
I have... no clue what is going on...
Up front, he saw Ais and the other executives watching and listening carefully to his words. Apparently, it was something of utmost importance to them. But to Bell, they were just words.
I'll go where Finn leads me, simple as that.
He nodded as he gave up on understanding the complicated agenda Finn explained. Instead, he just silently decided to continue as is - after all, from the very little he heard and actually understood it wasn't as if the fate of Orario was at stake, was it? (It was, but Sword Oratoria plot is TOO DAMN much to follow and write about)
Sometime along the night, he found himself nodding off as Finn went on and on.
Snap.
A slight shiver ran over his neck, an electric shock to be more precise. He lifted his head to look around.
What was that...?
Through the crowd he saw her. Across the room, he met a Loki's scarlet gaze. She smiled and winked at him, obviously amused by his lack of attention.
"...and that's what we know so far."
Up front, Finn had finished speaking.
"You're all dismissed!"
Bell lingered for a second, watching as the crowd in front of him dispersed in a mix of voices and shuffling footsteps. Up front, Ais and the rest of the upper class adventurers stayed put.
Without a word, huh?
He couldn't help but feel a slight distance between them as he watched them confer with Finn, Riveria and Gareth privately. He felt a slight unheroic sense of envy as he saw the way they already knew their positions at the Captain's side, but he quickly squashed that ugly emotion and threw it away as quickly as it had come.
"Whatcha lookin at, Bell?"
Loki...
His goddess jumped out of the crowd, slinging an arm over his shoulders.
"Lady Loki? Shouldn't you be with the others?"
He gestured to the inner circle far from him.
"Oh that gloomy war meeting? Nah, I'll get the details later..."
She poked the center of his chest and looked him in the eyes.
"What I'm interested in right now... is you."
Me?
"What do you mean?"
"Ah nothing important, just wondering how you're doin is all - what, a mama bear can't be concerned for her kiddos?"
"I thought that was Miss Riveria's job."
Loki smiles as Bell spoke.
"Hey now, don't you let her hear you talking like that. She'll yell at ya you know, and I'm not too keen on getting in her way."
I remember...
He fought back a smile as he remembered the first time Riveria had scolded him. It was almost like a rite of passage.
"Anyways... when was the last time you got a status update?"
"Update...? Oh - that would be before we left."
"Hmmm..."
She narrowed her eyes and poked him again.
"So... how do you feel...?"
"I...I'm not sure I understand..."
He understood perfectly.
"Hmm?"
Her eyes flicked to the side quickly as she noticed figure approaching them.
"Alright, you get off this time kid, I'll talk to ya later, 'kay?"
—
"C-Can… can we do it again tonight…?"
Wha… what…. did she just say….?!
"Again? But we did it this morning!"
Did WHAT!?
"Yeah… but I wanna do it again…"
Steam rose from her ears as her face turned as red as a tomato. Their muffled voices left little to the imagination - as if her imagination didn't need the help in running wild.
T-That bastard… I knew he couldn't be trusted..!
"O-Okay… fine… but… be gentle this time! Last time it hurt!"
Wait, what…?
"That's because you had knots and tangles…"
W-w-what the hell is going on in there!?
She had heard enough. The elf stood up and backed away from the door, gathering herself as she steeled her nerves.
"What are you doing…?"
"Shut the F% $ up Bete! I'm saving Miss Ais!"
"O-Okay…"
Here we go…!
"AAAH!"
She charged forward, slamming her body into the door and forcing it open.
Wham.
"A-Alright, that's enough!"
She flung the door open, her face flustered and red.
"H-Huh…?"
"Lefiya?"
Two sets of eyes turned to look at her.
What?
"W-What… what's going on… in here…?"
Bell was sitting on a stool in front of Ais' desk and mirror - fully clothed - while Ais stood behind him - also fully clothed. In her hands was a plain brown wooden brush.
"Uhm… hey… what… what's up?"
She leaned against the doorway, stammering as she crossed her arms and assumed the most natural pose she could think of.
"…I was about to brush Bell's hair…"
Brush… his hair…?
"…would you like to help…?"
The boy blushed as Lefiya looked at his disheveled hair, then at him.
"N-No… that's okay… uh… I'll be going now…"
Slowly, Lefiya backed away the way she came.
"Y-you guys want the door open or closed? Closed? Okay, I'mma just close th— crack."
The door creaked as it fell back into Lefiya's arms.
"…I'll be back tomorrow to put it back on the hinges… okay… night…."
She ended up fitting the door into the frame like a puzzle piece, balancing it and letting it sit still.
I… I'm…
Steam rose from her ears as she felt the stare of every person passing by.
"AHAHAHAHAHA!"
Behind her, Bete doubled over with laughter, wiping tears from his eyes.
"Y-You…! You're an idiot!"
Her eyes threatened to burst out into tears, and the werewolf's wheezing laughter and mockery wasn't helping.
"Would you like to help? AHAHHAHHA!"
The usually angry Vanagandr fell to the wall, leaning an arm against it for support as he continued to die laughing.
"I'm… going to bed…"
With her pride ruined and her face burning, Lefiya began her walk of shame back to her room. She dragged her feet along and hung her head as Bete's howling laughter followed her down the hall.
As her head fell to her pillow, once more, the flame in her chest blazed as she felt her blood boil with anger.
That human… I knew he was an enemy!
She grit her teeth, silently reaffirming her vow to vanquish her rival.
This isn't over, Bell!
—
"That was… strange…"
Ais turned from her door as it clicked in place.
"A-Ah… yeah…"
"Now. Sit still and it won't hurt like last time."
"Okay…"
Shff.
He felt heat rise to his face as he felt her hand gently press against his head. Just like this morning, she ran her fingers through his hair. Her delicate touch alone was enough to make his heartbeat quicken.
Shff.
She ran the brush through his hair again and again, straightening and smoothing the tangled ends.
He looked up slightly into the mirror, watching as Ais focused on her work. Her eyes had softened, her shoulders lowered and relaxed, and a slight red glow adorned her cheeks.
She… really looks…
"Stop moving."
"S-Sorry…"
He looked back down at his hands in his lap. But he once more, he found himself lifting his eyes to watch her.
"…"
It was short and sweet, but the moment was over.
"…There we go."
She set the brush down on the dresser as she breathed out, satisfied with her work.
She sighed as she draped her arms over his shoulders, resting her hands over his beating heart.
"Much better."
She leaned down and pressed her lips to his cheek, smiling as she felt his heartbeat quicken.
"…!"
Cute.
Closing her eyes, she remained like that for a while - her head resting in the crook of his neck, her arms wrapped around his chest.
"Ais…"
She opened her eyes as he whispered out her name. Feeling him move, she loosened her grip to let him swivel on the stool to face her.
"…yeah…?"
"…I…"
She moved her arms to wrap around his head as he buried his blushing face into her shoulder.
"…"
He paused before speaking.
"…thank you…"
Ais smiled as he murmured softly.
I should be the one saying that.
She glanced at the clock on her desk.
It's after 11…
It was getting late, and they had to be up early tomorrow.
"Stand up."
Bell looked up in surprise but did as he was told. As he did, Ais glanced in the mirror to check their position.
Perfect.
"…!"
His eyes widened as he found himself standing, his face barely an inch from hers.
"Bell?"
"Y-yeah…?"
"I'm tired."
Keeping her hands wrapped around his neck, she fell back - pulling him with her.
"A-Ais!"
Fwoomp.
Her blanket rippled as they landed softly on her bed. Who was he to resist the strength of the level six pulling him down.
"…Ais… I should…"
"Stay…"
He opened his eyes to look sideways at her. From where they lay, she wouldn't meet his gaze. Instead, she lowered her flustered eyes and pressed her face into his shoulder as she spoke softly.
"…please…"
Bell could feel his heart melt away as the girl in his arms spoke insistently.
"…okay…"
Never before had he seen her so - well, weak wasn't the right word. Vulnerable was closer, yet, still not quite right.
"…"
Either way, he didn't argue as she tucked herself closer to his body. He only closed his eyes and tightened his arms around her.
He didn't think about what would happen come morning, if someone were to find them like this.
He didn't think about how Lefiya would kill him without a second glance had she been there.
But she wasn't there.
It was just them - her arms around him, and his around her.
And that was the only thing that mattered.
—
"…hey…"
Her gentle touch poked him awake.
"Bell…?"
"…mmh..?"
The boy stirred as Ais poked him again.
"Wha… I.. I'm up…"
He cracked an eye open.
Oh… my Loki…
Before he went to sleep, the last thing he remembered was the sound of her soft breathing and touch. Even then, it was a miracle that he had actually managed to fall asleep. As he looked at her now, he was met with a dream come true.
"…are you okay…?"
Bell nodded feverishly.
She laughed slightly and moved a hand up to run through his hair.
"There you go. Nervous once again."
She chided him gently, teasing his reddening face.
You say that, but…
Seeing her now, lying on her side with her golden hair splayed out over the crumpled white sheets, there was no helping it. The way the sunlight just barely peaked through the window, the way the gentle morning rays landed and illuminated her body - it was as if she were an angel descending from above in a heavenly glow.
Beautiful.
His breath caught in his throat once more alongside his words. He couldn't think it enough, he couldn't say it enough, and every time he looked at her he was reminded of this fact.
He sat up quickly, much to Ais' surprise. He looked away, bringing a hand up to rest over his blushing face.
"Hey, Ais…?"
She sat up next to him, raising a hand to straighten out her own hair.
I should've done this a long time ago…
"Yeah?"
"Do you…"
No. Not like that… remember that night…
He turned to face her, dropping his hand to reveal his flushed face.
"Would you like to go on a date?"
She stopped and stared at him.
She blinked once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then, she smiled.
"…of course…"
"R-really? When!?"
She tilted her head.
"How about… as soon as you're ready…?"
His jaw hit the ground.
"Okay! I-I mean, okay!"
He stood up, flustered, and looked around.
The door… the door…!
"I-I'm gonna go… go uh, I'm gonna go!"
Go do what!?
"Bell…?"
His heart could barely take it. He could barely even breathe. What she did next didn't help.
She stood as he turned to look at her, and she leaned close.
Poof.
Steam flew from his ears as she kissed his cheek again.
"Relax…"
"Y…yeah… sorry…"
She smiled as she watched him struggle to breathe.
"I'll see meet you at the main gates at… 10…?"
He nodded quickly, before taking off and running down the hall.
"Bell! The —!"
Crack.
"Door...!"
The door fell once again, but the boy was already too far away to hear it.
Ais lay back down with a sigh.
That was…
She moved her hands to cover her face.
I almost couldn't keep a straight face…
Beneath her hand, her lips curled into an ever growing smile. She didn't even know her face could make the expression she sheltered beneath her hands.
She breathed out.
Okay… now… what do I do?
—
Knock.
Ais hesitated as she knocked once on the door in front of her.
Click.
"You better have a good reason for —"
The door opened.
"…Ais…?"
Riveria blinked in confusion as she met Ais' flustered gaze.
"Come in…"
—
"…and Tione and Tiona are busy training, and Lefiya is… I don't know…"
Riveria fought back an urge to smile.
"Don't worry, I can help."
"So… does that mean you've gone on dates before…?"
The girl had never actually thought about it - romance and courtship was nothing she'd ever thought about, for her or for anyone else. Well, maybe with the exception for Tione. But as she looked at Riveria with wide, curious eyes, for the first time the thought crossed her mind.
Has she…?
"…let's focus on you…"
Riveria's urge to smile died instantly.
"Now… where's my brush…"
—
Clang.
Outside the Twilight Manor, two girls moved in a flash, their blades a blur as they clashed into one another again and again.
"…I'm not late…am I…?"
A familiar voice caught Tione's ear, but she shrugged it off as her sister refused to give her time to think.
But out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bell step back through the main gates.
Huh. I must've missed him leave - and he's quite dressed up for morning practice. Wait… what is he…?
Clang.
Tiona stepped between them, her blade swinging into view.
"Hah! Almost got you there!"
"Goddamnit, move!"
"That's the spirit!"
That's not what I meant!
Tione sidestepped, rotating their fight so that she could glance back at him once more.
Is he… he is!
The boy had a small bundle of white flowers in his hands, which he hastily stuffed behind his back.
What is he…!?
"C'mon, you can do better than that!"
"Damnit Tiona!"
"Sorry, am I late?"
Tione nearly dropped her practice blade as she overheard her voice.
"W-W-Wait what!?"
Thunk.
"Ow! Tiona!"
"Sorry - but hey, you looked away."
Tione rubbed her head where Tiona lightly thumped her with the flat of her Urga.
"Okay, yeah, but didn't you see that?"
"See what?"
Tione grasped her sister by the shoulders and spun her around. Her voice fell to a hushed, yet excited whisper.
"Bell is taking Ais on a date!"
Tiona rolled her lips in and pushed her hands above her head.
"…"
"Tiona..?"
"Okay…? So what?"
"You're unbelievable — wait, where's Lefiya? If she knew—"
"What's up?"
Tione nearly jumped as Lefiya popped up next to her. In her hands was a stack of books.
"L-Lefiya!"
She hastily moved to the side, turning her body so that the leaving couple were at Lefiya's back.
"A-Ah, nothing! We were just training, and uhm—"
She glanced at Tiona at her side.
Help me out here!
Tiona nodded with a smile.
Yes! Thank you!
"Yeah, we were training and then Tione saw the Argonaut take Ais out for a date or something."
No! You idiot!
Tione swallowed nervously as she looked to Lefiya for what came next.
"Oh, okay, that's nice!"
What?
The mage smiled and turned back to Tione.
"I just forgot something inside, I'll be right back."
"O-Oh.. okay…"
They watched as the girl briskly strode into the manor.
"Is she…?"
A beat passed before the door opened and out walked Lefiya.
"L-Lefiya!? Where are you going with that!?"
Her books were gone, but her smile was still there - frozen on her face. However, in her hands was her magic staff.
She walked past them with that same frigid expression.
"Where do you think? I'm off to hunt for dinner."
Tione shivered as she looked into her eyes. What she saw terrified her. Only darkness, rage, and destruction lay in her blue irises.
"We're having rabbit tonight."
"Oooh! Lefiyas got dinner!"
No you stupid glutton!
"Wait, wait, wait!"
Tione rushed in front of her, grasping her shoulders as she nervously tried to calm the girl on a warpath.
"She's her own person, you know? You can't —!"
"What am I supposed to do!? Just stand by and wait? What if he tries something!?"
Then that's out of our control.
"Then we'll stop him!
Lies. The older of the twins flawlessly lied to calm the storm.
But Lefiya looked at her dubiously.
"Do… do you mean it?"
"Yes!"
No!
"But, you won't be needing this to do so."
She gently wrapped her fingers around Lefiya's staff and began to pull, only to meet unexpected resistance.
Holy… how the hell is she so strong?
"But I'm not sure if I can overpower him without my weapon!"
I don't think that will be a problem…
"Don't worry, that's why we're coming to help you!"
"We are?"
"Yes! We are!"
She turned to glare at her sister.
"…okay… fine."
Her hold weakened.
"You promise…?"
Of course not!
"Of course! We got your back!"
"…fine."
Gods, you owe me for this Bell!
—
Somewhere further down the road, Bell shivered as a dark shadow crossed the back of his mind.
"You alright…?"
"Y-yeah… I just… thought I felt…"
Bell turned his eyes back to the manor. He swept the empty street, scanning for an unseen presence.
Huh…
"Never mind, let's keep going."
—
"Sit down you idiot! We almost got caught because of you!"
Tione hissed and pulled her sister back into cover.
"I still don't get why we don't just go with them? The more the merrier!"
She sighed.
"Not on a date. If some random girl tried to tag along on my date with the Captain, I'd rip her to shreds."
"Yeah, but you aren't dating the Captain, sooo…."
As Tiona pointed out that minor detail, Lefiya could've sworn she heard a snapping sound come from Tione's head.
"That's beside the point, my dear sister."
"Hey! Stow it, they're moving! Let's go!"
Bell and Ais had disappeared around a bend up ahead, prompting the three girls to follow.
As they crept along, Tione couldn't help but smile. It was turning out to just be a regular boring day, but she just so happened to see Bell holding those flowers in his hands, and it all went downhill from there.
Ever since Ais and the rest joined us, it's been nothing but fun!
Once more, she expressed her silent gratitude for joining the Loki Familia.
"Hey, who's that?"
Tiona reached out a hand to point out someone further up the road. A female half elf with glasses wearing Guild's clothes was hiding outside the entrance to the Tower of Babel, peeking her head inside.
Is she…?
"Psst, yo!"
Tiona crouched down next to the girl, eliciting a scared yelp from the latter alongside a flurry of dropped papers.
"Watchu up to Miss Guild lady?"
"Loki Familia!? U-Uh, nothing! I was just…"
Tiona watched her adjust the glasses on her flustered face.
"You watching them as well?"
She blinked in surprise, then hung her head with shame.
"Y-Yeah…"
It was then that she introduced herself as Eina Tulle, Bell's handler. She'd been running errands in town when she saw Bell and Ais coming down the road.
"I thought to wave, but then I saw the flowers in her hand, and…"
She pressed her hands together nervously as she looked inside once more.
"I'm just surprised they came here… I didn't see them with any weapons to take into the dungeon, after all."
The group leaned past the doorway and glanced inside. Bell and Ais were currently at the entrance to the dungeon, staring down the large spiral staircase leading to the dungeon.
"Well, maybe they're not going to the dungeon?"
As if on cue, Bell pointed up the stairs, and the two began to climb further up the tower.
"Oh. I feel like that should've been obvious."
"Let's go! We're gonna lose them!"
Lefiya led the charge forward, tearing up the stairs as if her life depended on it.
"As if, there's only one way up and down anyways."
Tione paused to turn at look at the girl behind her.
"Hey, Miss Tulle, you coming? I'm sure when this all blows up in our faces, it'll be easier to explain with another familiar face alongside us."
The half elf only smiled politely and waved away the suggestion.
"Haah... that sounds like fun and all, but I got... paperwork to finish..."
She sighed wearily, a dark gloom filling her eyes.
Just like Finn...
"Alright then, have a nice day! It was nice to meet you!"
With that, she waved her goodbyes before running to join her waiting friends.
—
"How about this one?"
"Eh, too flashy."
"Hmm…"
Finn inspected the golden spearhead in his hands. It was a beautiful ornament with a razor sharp point, but just as Gareth said, it was too flashy.
These spikes here are unnecessary… and gold is far too expensive and heavy compared to adamantite…
In the end, he placed the shining tip back on the shelf.
"Perhaps we should go higher up? Lady Hephaistos' personal shop would definitely have what you're looking for."
Finn laughed slightly.
"Haha… yeah, no. I'm trying to avoid any excess charges right now."
"Ahh, ye 'ol wallet lookin' a bit thin there?"
He sighed as he patted his pockets.
"Yeah… replacing the lost gear from the last mission and buying all those potions was a nightmare…"
"Aye, I hear ya…"
Huh…?
He lifted his head as he caught a glimpse of two familiar figures walking past the shop's windows. His lips curled into an amused smile.
"Hey… Gareth?"
"Yeah?"
If they're here… then I'm willing to bet that…
He shook his head as three more people came running down the hall.
"Eh, never mind. I think I saw a new Warhammer on display a floor down, wanna check it out?"
Gareth poked his head around the corner.
"Lead the way."
—
The girls followed the pair, unknowingly passing by Finn and Gareth. They watched from around the corner as the two stopped to look at equipment shops, trying out weapons, armor, and other items. Adventurers milled about, occasionally turning curious eyes to watch the suspicious trio try and act normal.
"Is this all they're gonna do? Shop for supplies?"
"I dunno, looks like they're having fun though."
Further down the hall, Bell smiled as he held up the chest plate for a massive suit of knight's armor. Next to him, Ais lightly tapped the steel with a small dagger.
"Oh, look! Tione! The new Hephaistos weapon sets are in!"
Tiona gasped as she pressed her face to a nearby glass display case. Inside, a glittering broadsword sat atop a purple velvet cushion.
"I-I'm gonna go check if they have an Urga in stock!"
The girl skipped through the door to the weapons shop, a wide smile on her face.
Behind her, Tione jumped to keep up with her, an equally excited grin forming on her lips.
"Wait! You guys…!"
Lefiya turned her head between the two groups, torn on which way to go.
"Gah… fine! Make it quick!"
It wasn't quick.
Tione had combed through every single weapons shelf, swinging every weapon she could find. She even got into a fight with the smith in charge about the price of the broadsword in the display case.
Tione wasn't much better - she insisted on testing every weapon that suited her tastes, taking them four or five at a time to the practice dummies in the back.
"Hah… that was fun!"
"Okay, you guys finished? I don't even know where they—Ah!"
Lefiya reached for the door knob, about to turn it to leave, when Ais and Bell stepped into view through the glass window.
Quickly thinking, the girl reached out and flipped the sign hanging on the door from Open to Closed before ducking behind one of the shelves.
"H-hey! I'm gonna lose customers!"
"Shut it gramps! Can't you see we're snooping here?"
"Oh… I guess they're closed…"
Outside, they could hear Bell's muffled voice.
"So… lunch, then?"
The two moved away from the door, their footsteps quickly fading in the distance.
"That… was too close…"
"Is that Bete…?"
Tiona pointed down the road where the young werewolf had stumbled out of a random bar.
"Quick! Before they see each other!"
Three sets of arms reached out, grabbing him and yanking him into the alley.
"Who the — What do you think you guys are doing!?"
"Shhh!"
Tiona hissed and pushed a hand to his mouth, mushing his face and lips as she did so.
"Mmmphbleych! Agh! Gross! Why the hell does your hand taste like dog shit!?"
Tione sniffed the air.
"Have you been… drinking?" ~ "How does he know what dog shit tastes like?"
Bete turned to look at her, shrugging without a word. Behind them, Tiona whispered to Lefiya silently.
"Hey, what else am I supposed to do."
"Dude, it's not even dinner yet."
She looked at him and shook her head disappointedly.
"Whatever. What are you three idiots up to now?"
"Stalking Ais and Bell.
"Guarding, Miss Ais, from Bell.
"Violating her privacy.
"For her protection!"
"Still creepy though.
"Tiona!"
"Huh, without her knowing, you say?"
He peeked around the corner at the two standing at the food stand.
"There's no way they haven't caught on to you idiots by now."
"What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Yeah! We can be stealthy!"
"Pfft. Yeah right."
Bete snorted and rolled his eyes at the girl.
"Whatever, they still haven't caught on, that's all."
A dark grin spread across Bete's face.
"Is that so?"
"Wha… wait what are you doing…"
"This is payback for always punching me."
Bete turned his back on the girls with a smirk.
"You better not—!"
Bete shoved his hands in his pocket and moved to step out of the alleyway.
"Hey, Ais—ack!"
Thwack.
"What are you doing?!"
"He was gonna give away our position!"
Tione pressed her palm to her face and sighed as Tiona decked Bete without warning. Her sister sat on his motionless body, her hands raised alongside her innocent expression.
"This is just what he was talking about…"
"What?"
Do you ever listen!?
"Nevermind, leave him, let's go."
"You… goddamn amazons… you're asking for it now!"
"Uh oh, he's getting up!"
"Tiona! Hit him again!"
—
The girls stumbled out of the alley, their knuckles freshly bruised and covered in dirt.
"…gah…kill…you…!"
Behind them, a flattened Bete raised a shaking hand and groaned in pain as he started to peel himself off the ground.
"Wait."
They stopped at an intersection. Their heads swiveled left, right, then straight ahead.
"Where did they go?"
"Straight ahead. Up the hill and past the gardens, to the amphitheater overlooking the city."
"Oh!"
As they paused in the middle of the street, a familiar voice spoke up next to them. Coming down the street were Loki and Riveria.
"Riveria!"
The elf tilted her head to look around the stack of brown bags in her hands.
"Heyo!"
Loki flashed them a signature grin, raising a large gourd of what was almost certainly Soma into the air.
"Grocery shopping? Ooh! Is that dinner for tonight!? "
Riveria leaned forward a bit, tilting the bag down and letting them look inside.
"No, just some herbs and potions from Amid's place. We were ill prepared to treat poison on this expedition, so I'm just taking some precautions for next time."
"Ooh… you lost me at no."
"Is that Bete…?"
Loki skipped past them, bending down to grab a random stick along the way. Behind them, a dazed Bete had barely managed to crawl out of the alley before collapsing on the ground.
"Hehe, yeah…"
The Trickster goddess crouched down next to the level six, poking his cheek with the twig.
"Looks like they really did a number on ya this time, huh Wolfy? And — whew, if you were going drinking ya should've invited me!"
"Loki…! I'm really gonna… kill them this time…"
Loki laughed and slapped his back a couple times, giggling as he cursed and half-heartedly attempted to swat her hand away.
"Sorry guys, but we gotta run! Those two ain't gonna spy on themselves, ya know."
"For the last time, we are simply protecting Miss Ais!"
Tiona stuck out her tongue and smiled.
"Sure ya ain't just getting jelly?"
"Argh, just — let's go!"
The girls took off, running up the street and leaving the confused High Elf and deity behind them.
"See you later!"
"Thanks mama!"
Tiona shouted out as they ran along, waving back to the woman behind them.
Huh?
This time, Riveria didn't snap or yell. She only sighed and shook her head with a weary smile.
Weird.
"Hey! Move it Tiona or else we're leaving you behind!"
"Coming!"
—
"There they are…!"
Tiona cocked her head as the three of them poked their head around the corner. In the distance, the setting sun painted the marble amphitheater with a slight orange glow, casting long shadows over the empty rows of seats.
Two figures sat in the front row, their faces turned forward as they looked out over the city.
"Don't you think it's weird that we're watching our friends on a date…?"
"Don't you mean sad?"
Tione sighed as she shook her head disappointedly.
"No! We're just here to make sure that that human doesn't pull anything funny on Miss Ais!"
Tiona elbowed her.
"You mean like that?"
"AH! S-Stop them!"
Tione clamped a hand over the frantic elf's mouth as the sisters held her back. In front of them, the couple remained seated, their lips gently pressed together.
Their kiss lasted only for a moment, but during that time the twins could practically see the single gear spinning in Lefiya's mind breaking down.
The trio waited behind the pillars, silently watching as Ais and Bell remained motionless. A light blush covered two of the girl's cheeks as they watched Ais rest her head on his shoulder, her hands wrapped around his shoulder.
I wish Ais would hold me like that…
I wish the Captain would kiss me like that…
I could go for some steak right about now. Or maybe pork…?
"Hey. What's for dinner?"
"…s-shut up Tiona…!"
"Y-Yeah! You're gonna get us caught…!"
Tiona tilted her head quizzically as the other two girls sniffled softly. It was evident, that neither of them was having any luck with their love lives - or whatever you want to call Lefiya's thing for Ais.
—
When Ais and Bell returned to the manor, they were greeted by a rather offsetting scene.
"Are you guys… okay…?"
In front of them, Tione and Lefiya sat with their heads in their hands.
"I don't… wanna talk about it…"
"Ah… okay…"
Bell turned to look at Lefiya, about to ask the same question only to stop himself.
I… better not…
The mage was staring at him with darkened eyes, boring into him with her hostile gaze.
"…grrr…"
It might have been his imagination, but he could've sworn that the girl was growling at him.
A little bit away, Tiona sat with a massive plate of food before her.
"Hey… Tiona…?"
"What's up?"
Ais sat across from her, concern reflected in her eyes.
"What happened to the other two…?"
Tiona looked up from the whole ham she held in her hands.
"Oh, them? Oh yeah!"
She smiled, grinning over her plate of food.
"We stalked you guys and they got depressed - but hey, I got what I wanted in the end!"
"Tiona!"
"P-Protected! Miss Ais, we protected you!"
—
