"Thank you, sir… for saving me."

Haruhime bowed her head, looking at him with almost tearful eyes.

"Hey, uh, it was no big deal - anyone would've done the same!"

She spoke softly, holding her hands together under the folds of her robe.

"Do you really think so?

"…well…yes?"

Haruhime shook her head with a sad smile, her eyes cloudy and distant.

"You'd be surprised, Mr. Cranel. Most others would not share your kindness, not for someone as… dirty… as me…"

That caught Bell off guard. He hadn't thought of anything outside of the immediate danger - no, in a way it was impossible for him to think of anything else. To him, she was simply a girl in trouble. And that was enough of a reason to act.

"Thank you, again… but I think it would be best for both of us if we were to part ways here."

The girl looked around the corner towards the bridge leading to her Familia mansion, and with a final bow, moved to walk away.

"Wait — er, sorry, just uh…please don't misunderstand when I say this, but…"

She stopped and looked at him expectantly.

"I… I kinda know the guy who attacked you… but… I know that he's not the type to just act without a reason…"

What am I getting myself into… me and my big mouth…

"So can you tell me, why does Freya familia want to kill you?"

She didn't seem fazed at all by the question, not even surprised. In fact, she merely smiled.

"Are you aware of the history between Lady Ishtar and Lady Freya…?"

The two goddesses of beauty…?

"Well.. no, not really?"

"I'm not supposed to talk about it, but most already know about their unspoken relationship… it's just that they prefer it not be dragged out into the light."

It was then that she told him. Told him everything; how Freya and Ishtar had a history of conflict and turmoil dating all the way back to the creation of the world.

It was a bloody, murderous struggle that had cost both sides the lives of hundreds of their children over the many years. Each death only served to sour their relationship and further instigate their rage.

As a result, they were already far past the point of return. Conflict - war - was a given, an absolute. The only reason why the city still remained in one piece was because of the numerous other powerful Familias alongside the Guild that stood in the way of them turning Orario into one massive battlefield.

"…Miss Aisha warned me that I may become a target due to my magic… but I didn't think that they'd go as far as to try and take my life…"

"Your magic? Oh, so are you like, a super awesome mage or something?"

"Huh? What?! N-No! I'm… I'm weak… weaker than any other adventurer in this city… but, with my magic…"

She held out her hands, cupping them together before her.

"…I can make others stronger."

On cue, a fluttering orb of white light appeared in her hands. It danced and spun, glowing and illuminating the dark alley with its pristine light, before flying forward and hovering and spinning around Bell's body.

Woah.

In an instant, he felt a surge of strength rush through his body.

It's… warm…?

He breathed in sharply as the tingling sensation spread through his fingers, up his arms, and through his chest.

Did I just level up?

"So… that light the first time we met… that was you?"

She nodded and smiled shyly. She shut her hands together, and the light vanished alongside the warm rush of strength.

Magic really is incredible…

"Oh… I think I get it now…"

He cocked his head with smile.

"And so, your goddess also bought that stone thingy to help you guys out, huh?"

Haruhime's head shot up, looking at him with shocked green eyes.

"You—! How..?"

"Oh, uh, I just… over heard it from some other amazon on the way here, and just assumed it was probably some magical item weapon thingy…"

She relaxed as he spat out his on the spot explanation, but he couldn't help noticing as her smile seemed to die away.

Maybe she's just not happy with me knowing her familia's secrets…

"Magical weapon…? Yeah… we do have something like that, I guess…"

"I see…"

"Oh! I wasn't supposed to—!"

She brought her hands to her mouth, covering her lips with the sleeves of her robe.

"Ahah… don't worry, I won't tell anybody, not that I have anyone to tell I guess."

She sighed.

"Thank you, Mr. Cranel… Miss Aisha is always yelling at me for being clumsy."

"Aisha?"

"Oh, she's just…"

She smiled brightly, her green eyes sparkling with a newly lit spark of joy.

"She's the best — she always looks out and protects me, even if she yells a lot and scolds me and is really stern sometimes, but she's really nice and kind!"

Stern and scary, but warm at the same time? Reminds me of someone else.

He smiled as he heard the description.

"Sounds like you really look up to her, then…"

Haruhime nodded with a smile.

"Yeah — she also helps me with…"

Her sentence trailed off along with her smile.

"Is something wrong…?"

"N-No… it's just that… you were there earlier tonight… because you were… looking…"

Her face flushed and she looked away, dropping her gaze to the ground.

I was there looking for you, actually.

"Well, funny story… I was looking for you —"

Oh. Right. She doesn't know.

He stopped.

Which means… she thinks that I was there for…!

"U-Uh, wait wait wait—!"

Haruhime straightened up and took his hand in hers.

"S-Sir… please… c-come with me… and…"

"Wait a moment, I can explain! I just heard that —!"

"Please sir, it's the least I can do…!"

"Haruhime!"

They were cut off as another voice shouted out in the distance.

"That's…!"

Haruhime looked up towards the bridge before letting go of Bell and turning around with a deep bow.

"I-I apologize sir! But Miss Aisha is looking for me right now, and —"

"It's alright, go — and stay safe…!"

I wouldn't keep Riveria waiting either…

Haruhime smiled one last time and waved good bye before moving out of the alley.

"…Mr Cranell…"

Before leaving, she looked back at him with one last sentence.

"…I'll be there, tomorrow… if you…"

"Haruhime! I see you!"

"Ah—! Coming!"

As Haruhime's footsteps faded, he sank back against the alley wall, sighing with relief.

Wow… that was… too much…

He peeked around the corner, smiling as he watched some far off Amazon place her hands on her hips and scold Haruhime. It was an oddly familiar sight. The girl bowed her head, her ears flattened as she endured the harsh lecture. He, too, had so many times been on the receiving end of such a lecture.

It's about time I head home too, huh?

Shff.

A light sound stirred her from her sleep.

Nnh… was that…?

Shff. Shff.

There it was again. An odd, insistent scraping on the other side of her wall.

Is someone…?

Ais rolled over to her side, her hair in a golden sleepy halo around her face, and sat up slowly.

Ugh… what time is it? It's so warm... but…

Her sleepy eyes fluttered open as she blinked away her weariness. The odd sound was coming from right behind her headboard.

Maybe it's just a squirrel, or a bird or something…

After all, it wasn't particularly windy out, nor were there any tree branches outside her room. And so, she focused on her window, peering at the slight silhouette of a shadow cast over her white curtains.

It's morning…?

Ais shivered as she leaned to the side, feeling a slight chill over her body as she peeked through the slight space between the curtain and the wall.

Almost instantly, she smiled.

Shff.

"Morning…"

Outside, Bell was standing on the ledge just below her windowsill, his arms stretched out and hugging the wall as he stepped carefully along the ledge. He turned to her as she opened the curtains a bit and creaked open the window.

He's already dressed?

"Wha—Ais?!"

"What are you doing out there? It's so early…"

He laughed playfully as he did his best to face her without slipping and falling to the gardens below.

"H-Hah, well, it's a long story… but, uh, sorry, did I wake you?"

She tilted her head slightly and smiled.

"Yes, but it's fine. Want to come in?"

She looked to the side, catching a glimpse of herself her dresser mirror.

Oh.

"…I'm…uh, actually just give me a moment."

"Oh, okay—"

She let the curtains fall shut, muffling Bell's voice as she tip toed lightly back to her bed, a chill running up her body as her bare feet touched the frigid floor.

Fwsh.

That's fine… right?

She ran a hand through her hair quickly, hastily straightening it out before moving back to the window.

"…okay… come on…"

"Pfft…"

Bell couldn't help but stifle a laugh as he stepped through the window. Inside, Ais sat on her bed, leaning against her headboard, completely wrapped in her sheets. Only her face and a few strands of her hair poked out from her little cocoon.

"…what is it…?"

"Nothing, nothing… you just…"

She patted the bed, inviting him to sit next to her, allowing him to lean his head into her shoulder as he murmured lightly.

"…you just look really cute… that's all…"

I do?

She'd heard the words before. From Tione and Tiona, from Riveria and Lefiya, even from Gareth and Finn himself. But it was the strangest thing. Whenever he said it, she just felt warm inside. As if the his words had stoked the embers of her heart, spreading about a red hot glow throughout her body.

"…it's cold, that's all… and… my hair is a mess…"

But… I'm glad…

He laughed a bit, closing his eyes as he nestled closer against her. She wouldn't be cold for much longer.

"…and… I'm not really wearing anything underneath…"

She craned her neck, resting her head against his as she whispered sleepily.

Hm?

Bell had frozen in place, his body completely stiff as a board.

"I mean, I have my gown… but it's still a bit cold…"

"Oh… yeah… it is…"

He relaxed at that.

Huh..?

She lifted her head and squinted, breathing in as a foreign smell interrupted the moment.

"Bell…"

He didn't reply.

"Bell…"

She said his name again, more insistently along with a slight nudge.

"…mh… what..?"

"…You stink…"

That got his attention.

"Wha—? But I—!"

He straightened up and pulled the collar of his shirt to his nose.

"And what's wrong with your eyes…? You have bags unde— did you sleep okay?"

Wait a minute…

She could almost hear the slight ding in her mind as she put two and two together.

"Did you sneak out and run around the city again?"

Bell's head shot up as his eyes widened.

"Huh? N-No! I, uh, I was just— "

"You did, didn't you? Where did you go that smelled this bad? You smell like… sweet… but… musky sweet…"

Oh. No… wait… he wouldn't have…

"Oh! Well, you see, there was a f-fruit vendor a-and…"

"Bell… did you go to the entertainment district…?"

He fell quiet.

"…uhhh…"

Fruit vendor?! Really!?

Fuses blew left and right in his mind as his weariness caught up to him. His lack of sleep as well as his past few hours of fighting had taken a serious toll on his train of thought.

Oh no… she's looking at me with that face, isn't she?

He fought to keep his eyes facing down, but the piercing sensation of her eyes drilling into the side of his head was too much to handle.

Gah! She is!

Guilt crushed his heart as he looked into her eyes. Those wide, unblinking puppy eyes that bored into his soul.

Where did she even learn how to do that!?

"…did you go to the entertainment district…?"

She KNOWS!

He hadn't been this scared for a very long time.

Just own up to it. You didn't do anything wrong, right? It's not like you stayed overnight — well, I sorta did… but—!

"I'm…"

I'm dead.

He hung his head with a sigh.

"…yeah… I did…"

"…can I ask why…?"

This was the tricky part, the question he had feared facing the most. He really didn't do anything bad, but it wasn't like he could just tell her the truth either. After all, saying he was out with another girl, no matter how pure his intentions, would never end up well.

"…I…"

He raised a hand to his neck, dropping his gaze in shame.

"…I wasn't there… for… that… I was just…"

The truth it is, then. Sort of.

"I was just trying to help someone… someone who was in a bad place…"

He took a risk and peeked at her face.

"…I see…"

She nodded slowly, her lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze calm and steady.

"You're not… mad?

She shook her head.

"No… I believe you. You must've had your reasons, right? You always do."

Thank you. Thank you so much.

"Haah… wow… I thought… I thought you were going to kill me…"

He pulled his knees up to his chest with a sigh of relief.

"…but I can't tell you now… if that makes sense… I'm sorry, I'm being really confusing, but—"

"Don't worry."

She stopped him, poking his chest gently.

"I trust you…"

He turned to look at her, his beaming eyes filled with awe and gratitude.

She… she's an angel…!

"You seem to get mixed up in a lot of misunderstandings anyways… but you always sort it out in the end…"

"Right!?"

She smiled slightly, suppressing a laugh as he pressed his palms against his forehead.

"I mean, it's just like every day there's something new! Why can't I ever just get a break!?"

If there was some supreme being out there that was twisting all of his actions and stacking all of these complicated, horrible situations in his path, they had to be quite the sadistic one indeed. It wasn't his fault that he couldn't just turn a blind eye to other people's troubles. Well, now that he thought about it, it kind of is.

"It's not fair, you know? Why is it always me who has to run around trying to clear my name for dumb things… you don't see Bete having to redeem himself every other day…"

"…I see… but…"

Oh $*&%.

"…will you explain everything to me once it's settled…?"

Oh thank Loki.

His heart had plummeted in his chest at that one chilling word.

"Yes! I mean, yes — I promise, I'll tell you everything when I can…"

But in order to do that, I have to understand what's going on too…

With that thorn out of his side, it felt like a massive weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Now… I can finally sleep…!

"…Ais..?"

"Yeah…?"

He moved to her side again.

"…Can I… can I stay here…?"

"…"

"…?"
"…go shower first…"

"Killing stone… killing stone… killing stone…"

Bell murmured aloud as is eyes scanned over the book in his hands. His finger traced the rows of text as he did his best to try and decipher the numerous words and diagrams that covered the page.

But it was no use.

All he did was give himself a headache as the swirling letters and figures jumbled together and escaped his understanding.

"Why… why is this so hard…?"

He looked at the remaining stack of books on his table with dismay. After breakfast, he had slipped away from the watchful eyes of his familia members and tucked himself in a quiet corner of the library.

It wasn't that he was illiterate or too dumb to read, but the books before him were the furthest thing from modern literature. They were copies of ancient manuscripts and documents, with a much older language to match.

As a result, Bell remained seated, his head in his hands, as he did his best to find an answer in Riveria's treasured library.

Oh! Riveria!

He shut the book and moved from the table, peeking his head around a row of shelves toward the front desk. Leaning back in her chair, the royal elf sat quietly with a book of her own, silently reading through its pages.

"Killing stone…?"

She blinked in surprise at the name.

"Yeah, do you know about it?"

Riveria shook her head and tapped the stack of books Bell plopped down in front of her.

"Well, no. I can't say I've heard about it… but I don't think you'll find anything about it in any of these…"

"Hm? Why not?"

She lifted up the first book on the stack and turned its cover toward him.

"…because this one is about magic reagents… and this one is about spells… and this one…"

"…oh."

Riveria smiled a bit and lifted the books into her arms.

"Did you perhaps just choose these books based off of what was on their covers?"

"A-Ahah… well…"

He smiled and raised a tentative hand behind his head.

"…yeah."

"I'll go get you the right book…"

She moved away from the desk, her eyes flicking up to the second floor.

"Oh, and put those back where you found them… they were expensive."

"Y-Yes! Thank you!"

"You seem more cross than usual."

Allen lifted his head to face his Goddess. As usual, he stood by the door to her room in the Tower of Babel, but on this particular day there was something off about him.

Freya smiled as her child met her gaze.

"…It's nothing, Lady Freya…"

"There's no need to worry about the girl, Allen. There's no helping it if a third party intervened."
He nodded silently, looking at the ground as his dark eyes remained lost in thought. Never before had the Vanar Freya failed an order. Much like the Warlord, he had a reputation among the familia for being one of Freya's favorites. His unwavering loyalty, obedience, and complete reliability were just some of the aspects that made her hold him in such high regard.

But tonight, he had failed. For the first time, his prey had slipped right out from his grasp, with the aid of some unknown adventurer no less.

"After all, this is something I should've done from the beginning…"

She turned her eyes out over the city, looking towards the pleasure district.

"…this childish feud ends tonight. Ottarl… report…?"

Flanking the other side of the doorway, Ottarl stepped forward and raised his voice.

"The others are mobilized and ready to move, Lady Freya. They are currently on standby at the Folkvangr awaiting your orders."

"Wonderful…"

She smiled as her eyes focused on the three spires in the far distance. It was rare to see her in such a good mood.

By tomorrow… that ugly stain on Orario will be burnt to the ground…

Her mind swirled with plans for the future, each one more brilliant and brighter than the last.

After her… there is only one more thing left to do…

Bell couldn't believe his eyes. The streets, which had been completely packed just the night before, were completely empty. Even as the sun continued to set and sink lower in the sky, the pleasure district remained dead silent.

The lustrous red lights that had given the streets its dangerously seductive appeal were long gone. The rows of amazons and prostitutes that once roamed the streets, their predatory eyes sweeping back and forth, were replaced by shut doors, curtain drawn windows, and closed signs over bars and brothels alike.

"The Killing Stone…"

Bell felt his heart twist as he remembered Riveria's findings.

"It's an illegally created magical stone that can supposedly store a person's soul along with their magic. This effect carries on even if the stone is in pieces - with each piece carrying and providing the same magical ability."

It had taken him a minute to fully understand what he had heard, but once he did everything had become so clear.

"Where did you hear about this?"

He remembered Riveria's curious gaze shifting to him even as he felt his mind go numb. It was in that split second that he ran without a word, sprinting out from the library despite the High Elf's complaints behind him.

He didn't stop running until he was back in the pleasure district.

Haruhime… where is she…!?

Once more, Bell stood before the building where he'd found Haruhime the night before.

It really does look completely different in the day… just like any other part of the city…

He glanced at the side alley, guiltily peeking at the shards of glass that still remained from where he broke into the building. The window was still open and missing, but this time, he used the front door.

"…Hello…?"

He pulled the door open and stepped inside, finding himself in what appeared to be a rather large, open room leading to several hallways lined with rows of closed doors. The inside of the building was dark. Every light had been shut off, every curtain was drawn shut.

"Go away, we're not open yet…"

He turned his head as a sleepy woman lifted her head from where she lay on a couch nearby.

"Gah… did you hear me? Get lost…"

Bell snapped his eyes to the ceiling, doing his best to keep his heart from bursting out from his chest. The amazon rose from the couch with a yawn and stretched her arms above her head. Her long black hair fell down her back in a single stream, flowing across her chocolate colored skin and practically see-through clothes.

"…Oh…?"

In an instant, all signs of weariness seemed to dissipate from the amazon as she stood and looked at him for the first time.

"Um…H-Hi…"

"You look a bit young to be here, hmm?"

She leaned closer with a smile, looking him up and down with sharp violet eyes and a devious smile to match.

"We're closed until tonight, and I don't really have a thing for little boys, but for you…"

"W-Wait wait wait! I'm not here for — uh — I'm just looking for someone…!"

She straightened up and placed a hand on her hip, an almost disappointed look on her face.

"Hmm? Is that so? What a shame, you already have a regular girl, huh?"

"Huh? No — I just…"
He sighed in defeat.

"I'm looking for a girl named Haruhime, and I thi—"

Huh?

He moved without thinking. His hand shot out reflexively as he took a half step forward, catching the woman's wrist as she drew a knife from behind her back.

Where did she…!

"Heh, I didn't expect her to send a kid, but at least it seems you're not completely helpless…"
"Wait, just hear me out…!"

She didn't listen. Instead, she whipped her other hand in a fist towards his head.

Schff.

"—!"

"…please… just listen…"

She froze, a brief flash of shock running across her face as Bell stopped her once again, catching her arm and holding it in place.

"You…"

Bell felt her tense up and attempt to break free of his grasp, but he didn't let her.

"Hah… I think I'm starting to like you even more…"

"I'm from the Loki Familia, not Freya!"

That had an impact. He saw the effect his Goddess' name had on the Amazon before him. In a moment, the woman slowly relaxed and released her hold on her dagger.

"…Loki… Familia…?"

Bell nodded wearily. At the mention of the famed Loki Familia, the woman dropped all signs of hostility.

"Yes! I'm not the one who attacked her last night, I mean, I did break the window, but…"

He released her and took a step back.

"…but I swear, I'm just here to talk."

"Aisha…?"

A door opened down the hallway and another amazon poked her head out.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah… just a customer, I'll take care of this…"

Bell glanced at the other woman. Although most of her body was hidden by the open door, he didn't miss the black handle of a weapon just barely poking out from her waistband.

It was only then, that he started to hear things.

Above… and in the other hallways…?

Soft footsteps, the slight sharp breath, the almost inaudible creak of floorboards under shifting weight. They were the littlest of things he'd never had been able to hear without his enhanced status. Had the fight continued, he was sure it wouldn't have ended up well.

"…So… you're the one who saved our idiot…?"

Bell turned his eyes back to the woman in front of him.

"I'm Aisha, by the way… level 4…"

So she's the one Haruhime talked about…

"…Bell… level 5."

She raised an eyebrow and nodded understandingly. The difference in their strength was clear, and yet she didn't back down.

"Really…? A kid like you?"

Aisha smirked as Bell shuffled under her stare.

"Y-Yeah…"

He looked once more into the hallways leading out from the room.

"…Are you guys… waiting for someone…?"

Aisha blinked in surprise once more.

"Yeah… for that asshole to come back and try to finish the job…"

She tilted her head and looked around a bit.

"Come with me, lets talk somewhere more private…"

"…so you know everything basically…"

Bell nodded from where he sat across Aisha. The amazon sucked in a sharp breath and cursed under her breath.

"…Gods that stupid girl…"

She shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I don't know what she was thinking, involving another Familia in our fight…"

It's probably for the best if I don't tell her that Hermes also knows…

"…"

"What is it. Spit it out."

"Well… uh, I don't really know how to ask you…"

"If you don't want to talk, the bed is right there… or the couch I don't mind…"

No!

Aisha smirked as he blushed madly and squirmed under her gaze.

"…Are you… really going to make her sacrifice herself… to beat them?"

Aisha's eyes flashed with something reminiscent to anger as she tightened her jaw and clenched her hand into a fist. Her smile was gone, alongside any trace of her calm, relaxed self.

"You—!"

Uh oh…

He had struck a nerve. Aisha had dropped her flirty demeanor and was now glaring at him as if she was looking at an enemy.

I've already come this far…

"She knows what she's doing."

"That's not what I'm asking, I asked if she—"

"Why do you care?"

Aisha raised her voice, cutting him off with a hissed shout.

"She's not just some damsel in distress that needs a white knight like you to show up and save her!"

"I-I never said that I was—"

She stepped closer, leaning over him as she cut him off once again.

"She knew the risks when she joined this Familia — that one day she may be asked to lay down her life for the sake of her Goddess and her Familia, and on that day she do it without hesitating."

She shook her head with a scoff as Bell remained speechless. A cold glint filled her eyes, a distant look filled with a pain familiar to Bell.

"You're just a kid… how could you understand any of this…?"

How could I… understand… sacrifice…?

"That's wrong. You're wrong. A Familia exists to protect its members, not to be sacrificed in a war! Your members aren't just some expendable pawns to be disposed of when needed!"

That's what She taught me.

"It's wrong to ask one person to shoulder all that responsibility, to die, just to win a few fights!"

"A few fights? Bell, our familias have been fighting for years! For decades. If we can gain an edge and beat them tonight, then we'll do whatever it takes to win."

Tonight…?

His heart skipped at that word.

"But still…!"

"You're even more foolish than I thought if you think that all Familias are as pretty and nice as yours."

Foolish.

It wasn't something new for him to hear. He knew that he was foolish, that he was idealistic, that he was naive and a complete idiot. He'd heard it so many times before.

But what's wrong with that? What was wrong with wishing for the best in people, and in familias?

She laughed coldly and stepped back, seating herself on a bed across from him.

"Half of us are here just because it's the only place that would take us… there's no parental connection to our Goddess, no blind, unwavering allegiance, no fairy tale familial love or loyalty — hell, I'd even go as far as to say that we're barely loyal to each other!"

Her words shocked him to say the least. It was completely opposite of everything he'd learned and lived through. But even as he watched and listened to her speak, he couldn't help but feel as if he was about to smile.

Unbelievable…

He felt the corners of his lips lift upwards despite the tense situation.

"…That's not true…"

"…Huh?"

"No love lost between Familia members? Then what about her? What about Haruhime?"

"…What about her?"

"…you love her, don't you?"

Aisha turned her head and rolled her eyes.

"Hah, that clumsy idiot? She's always messing up - always scaring off customers, always falling over herself. Love her? That stupid girl can barely even make a proper pot of tea!"

"…but… you're smiling."

"…"

Silence. Aisha stopped her rant as Bell pointed out the tiny smile that had unconsciously crept over her face. It was a smile he was familiar with. After all, he'd seen it almost every day whenever he looked in a mirror. It was one of sadness, of mourning. Despite whatever flowery words the woman might've said, no matter whatever warm emotions she felt for the Renart girl, in her mind she was already long gone. And that feeling of grief, of loss, it was as clear as day to see.

But she's not dead yet.

"When I met her, she talked about you, a lot actually."

Aisha kept her head turned, but he saw her tense up slightly at the mention of the girl.

"She said that you were the one who always looked out for her… that you were the one who protected her when no one else would. She looks up to you. She cherishes and adores you - so are you just going to stand by and let her die?"

Aisha remained silent, wordlessly just staring at the door.

When she spoke next, it seemed as if an eternity of silence had passed.

"…do you really think I want to ask her to die…?"

"…"

"Do you think I want to sacrifice one of my own sisters just so the rest of us can live?"

"Then let me help."

"Help with what? What could you possibly do?"

She shook her head and looked at him hopelessly.

"Their will is absolute - even without their arcanum - anything they want, anything they demand, they get. And they're willing to throw away as many of our mortal lives as necessary to that end. Even if one of us loses a battle and dies it means nothing. They'll just start another war whether it be in a hundred or a thousand years! It's just a game to them, and we're just insignificant pieces on their board."

She laughed again at her dark revelation.

"Ishtar and Freya are hellbent on continuing this war, but I don't plan on dying in their stupid game. I'm going to fight and survive, no matter what it takes. Now tell me, Bell. Amaze me with your brilliant plan to end the war, to save the girl, and to become the hero - all without dying in the process."

It was truly a vexing task for any mortal. To rebel against the gods, to deny their will and come out alive. It was a gamble that only a fool could ever hope to triumph in.

But she said it herself…

"What can you do against our overwhelming numbers, against those monsters under Freya?"

"It's simple."

He smiled.

I am just a fool after all.

"I just have to beat them all."

"You… what…?"

Aisha blinked, completely dumbfounded by Bell's simple response.

"Like you said. I'm only in this to help her. So that's all I have to do."

"I don't understand… you…"

Bell laughed and smiled again.

"I'll save Haruhime. Thanks to you, I know that it's happening tonight, and from what I've heard I doubt Lady Ishtar would want to waste any time in making the first attack."

Aisha's mouth hung open as Bell continued on.

"Even if it means storming an entire Familia alone, I'll find a way to destroy that stone before Lady Ishtar has a chance to finish the ritual."

"First of all, that's just about the stupidest thing I've ever heard. You think that we'll just sit back and watch you do as you please?"

"Of course not, but I'm ready to fight my way through if I need to."

"Then if by some miracle you manage to destroy the stone, then what? You'd be serving us all up on a silver platter to Freya and her pack of wolves."

She jabbed a finger against Bell's chest, poking him stiffly.

"All that blood? All those bodies? All those deaths that will happen tomorrow, next week, and for the rest of time — that's going to be on your hands. Are you ready to bear that responsibility?"

Bell didn't waver. In his mind, a plan was already being pieced together. Little bits and pieces at a time - it wasn't much, but it was something. And it was enough for him.

He wasn't smart like Riveria, nor was he as strong as Gareth, and by no means was he even close to as cunning or clever as the Captain was, but he was a fool.

A lucky, goddamn, fool.

And if there was one thing about fools like him, it was certain that he'd never give up fighting. Even if in others' eyes, he'd already lost.

"Nope - not at all. But from what I've heard, you only need the stone to win once and for all… right? I'm willing to bet that even without the stone, you'd find a way to survive. After all, you've lived until now, right? What would stop you from doing so from now on?"

Aisha's lips curled up into a smile devoid of any warmth.

"I guess in a way you're not wrong. I've had plenty of run ins with those Freya familia douchebags, and I've lived through each and every one of them. It's best not to underestimate us amazons - we'll fight tooth and nail for every inch of our land. But…"

She raised her arm and lightly punched his shoulder.

"You're really an idiot, you know that? Telling me your plans to attack our Familia just a few hours before actually doing so? What if I just stepped outside and raised the alarm right now?"

"Well, I don't think you'd do that."

"And why's that?"
"Because like I said, I'm your last shot at saving Haruhime."

"Hah… well… I think it's safe to say that literally nothing I've said has had any effect on you, huh?"

"Nope."

She laughed darkly.

"If we end up facing each other… you know that we won't go easy on you, right?"

Bell smiled and stood.

"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."

It truly was a dire situation. Here she was, a senior member of the mighty Ishtar familia, standing by helpless, her hands tied, as this boy - this outsider - smiled brightly and shared with her his impossible plan. But no matter how foolish or naive he looked, there was just something, a funny feeling, that made her want to trust his words.

Maybe it was because in the span of their conversation, her eyes had been opened to a small glimmer of hope in the distance. A tiny glimpse that maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't lose the person most important to her.

"Then are we done here?"

She nodded towards a window in the back of the room.

"Leave that way."

Bell peeked out the window at the setting sun.

Still got some time before everything goes down, huh?

"Remember - and don't you dare get it mixed up…"

Bell unlocked the window latch and climbed out before turning to watch Aisha lean out and watch him.

"…I'm not on your side. I'm on mine."

She paused as she rested her arms on the windowsill.

"…and, I'm on hers."

"Gotcha. Good luck."

She nodded and shut the window behind her before disappearing from view.

He stepped out of the alley yet again and turned his eyes to the Ishtar Familia mansion.

Sorry Aisha, you might be preparing to fight later…

He scanned the walls surrounding the mansion, taking in the few foot patrols that came and went. But even as he watched the seemingly lax amazons go about their duties, he couldn't help but shiver at a slight shift in the air.

But I don't think they plan on waiting that long.

He chose a building just down the street from the Ishtar hall. One that was tall enough to give him a good view, as well as one that was close enough to the main street.

After all, I can't imagine them coming in any other way than through the front doors.

During his talk with Aisha, he had learned several things. First of all, from Riveria, he had learned what the stone actually was. From Aisha, he learned that it was going to happen tonight, meaning he still had a few hours left to spare.

But there was something that both Ishtar and Aisha had missed. She might have planned on gathering her forces and attacking Freya after the ritual was finished, but he doubted the latter would sit by and let that happen.

Allen was sent to kill Haruhime earlier, right?

He let a leg dangle off the rooftop as his eyes swept over the streets around him.

So Freya already knows about Haruhime…

It wasn't a far stretch from there to assume that Freya also knew about the timing of the killing stone, and with there only being one window of time for the sacrifice to take place, she'd have to make her move before it was too late.

And that means… they'll be coming tonight.

He unsheathed his dagger, rolling it in his palm and passing it between his hands.

It's just a matter of waiting for them to show.

Below him, the men and women of the pleasure district had begun to file out of their buildings. The seemingly endless stream of Ishtar Familia members were closing up their shops, bars, and brothels and were making their way to their main mansion.

To prepare for tonight…

He tensed up as he thought of Haruhime. The quiet girl was no doubt being guarded by every upper level familia member - both to keep her safe, as well as to keep her from escaping. As much as he wanted to burst in through the doors and drag her out of there, he couldn't.

He had a plan to follow.

And the first step had just arrived.

Wow he took his time…

He glanced up at the sky. The sun had begun to set, but there was still maybe an hour left of daylight.

Does she intend to finish it before nightfall? Maybe she's just being cautious…

He shook those thoughts away. It was time to move, and he couldn't afford to be late.

Further up the street, Allen was making his way towards the Familia hall. It was easy to see him with his jet black armor amongst the empty streets. Behind him, a small crowd of similarly dressed familia members followed suit.

"He's really coming through the front door… hah…"

Bell stood as they neared his location, brushing off his pants and stretching his arms above his head.

"Alright… this is probably gonna to hurt..."

Fwsh.

His robe billowed around him as he stepped off the building, falling through the air towards his target.

Tap.

His foot touched down lightly, barely making any noise as he landed on the cobblestone street.

"…Why am I not surprised…"

Shff.

The black cloth settled around his body as he stood and faced forward. In front of him, Allen's small group had halted their advance. Their boots scraped against the ground as weapons appeared in their hands.

"Wait."

Allen raised a hand. Behind him, the familia members froze in confusion, but slowly relaxed and listened to the level 6 adventurer.

"Hey, Allen."

"Get out of the way."

Bell winced nervously as the man's tense words cut through the air like a blade.

Wow, nice to see you too.

"I didn't come here to fight…"

Allen ignored him, turning around and waving an arm forward.

"Go on ahead. Meet up with Ottarl as planned."

In a stream of black, the numerous masked familia members resumed their march, leaping up to rooftops and disappearing down alleyways. In mere moments, it was just Allen who remained, alongside four familiar prums.

"You have 30 seconds."

Bell smiled with relief and stepped forward, lifting his empty hands as he began to speak.

"Thanks. I just want to ask a fav—gah!?"

In a flash of dark movement, Allen's foot left the ground and sank into his stomach, doubling him over and sending him to the ground.

"Gh—! O-Ow…"

"Let's go."

His vision blurred as his eyes focused on the man in front of him.

Just one hit…?

"Ack… A-Allen… that was… mean…"

Bell stumbled to his feet, regaining his balance as he held out a hand before him.

"Shut up. We're not friends."

"You're going to kill her, aren't you?"

"…"

He stopped.

He actually stopped?

"You're going to kill them all, right?"

"…take him."

With that, he moved swiftly once more, stepping to the side and briskly striding past Bell.

"—Wait!"

Shrk.

Just as Bell reached out a hand to grab him, a glinting spear tip shot into view, forcing him back.

One of the prums had moved, dashing low to the ground, his spear already flashing forward.

"I said…"

Just like her…!

He stopped abruptly, stepping forward and ducking to the side. He closed the distance in an instant, the spear tip thrusting over his shoulder as he spun down the shaft of the polearm.

I don't need a weapon for this…

Bell pulled his arm back as he moved, whirling around and throwing his fist out in a quick punch.

The prum cursed and lifted his arm, just barely blocking Bell's punch. It wasn't an unfamiliar feeling, adjusting to fighting a shorter opponent that is. After all, he had the undeniably most famous prum in the city as his occasional sparring partner. It was from the captain that he had learned new ways to fight, and new ways to analyze his opponents. For instance, the prum he was facing was far lighter than he was, and he'd use that to his advantage.

Got you.

"You—ah!"

Bell reached out, grasping the prum's arm and wrist before turning and pulling hard, yanking him off balance. In a single fluid motion, he yelled out and spun, throwing him over his hip and sending him rolling along the ground.

"I said wait!"

He breathed out heavily as he watched Allen stop in place, turning in silence to look at first him, then the prum on the ground.

"Hold on."

Huh?

"A-Ah!"

Bell turned to look behind him, only to sharply breath out in surprise.

"…tch…"

He inhaled shakily as his eyes met the silver edge of an axe hovering just behind him.

"Do you think this is a game?"

A shiver ran over the back of his neck as the flat blade of a greatsword rested on his shoulder.

"We'll kill you."

In front of him, the last prum had stepped forward, lifting his hammer above his head.

"I said wait."

"Allen… he surprised me, I just let my guard down is all… let me—"

At Allen's feet, the first prum moved to his feet and once more grasped his spear.

"Forget about it. Move on without me, tell Ottarl to stand by until I get there."

"What? But—"

"Go."

The four prums withdrew at his order, begrudgingly sheathing their weapons and disappearing from view without another word.

"…Thanks…"

"Don't you remember what I said before? Don't thank me. I'm not your friend."

He reached down, setting his spear aside.

"How do you know— that was you… wasn't it…"

The man growled as Bell smiled nervously in front of him.

"A-Ahaha… uh… yeah…"

"Tch…come on then… Show me how much you've improved."

I expected this…

Allen raised his hands in front of his face and stepped forward. Bell did the same.

I just need to make him hear me out… I don't need to win…

His eyes flickered up and down Allen's stance, taking in every tiny movement, every shift in weight, every breath the man made.

He'll probably—

"—Gah!"

The first punch came, flickering through his guard and sending stars spinning over his vision.

"Anyone ever tell you you think too much?"

"Wait, wha—!"

His body recoiled as a high pitched ringing buzzed through his ears. His head rolled back and he took a half step back, attempting to fight for his balance.

"You're not going anywhere."

"—!"

Allen's hand wrapped around his outstretched arm, grasping him in an iron grip and preventing him from falling back.

Damnit..!

He forced his eyes open as Allen yanked him forward.

There!

He lifted his free hand, folding his arm and bringing it up to his head in a half guard as he watched Allen lift his leg for a kick.

"—erk!"

The kick never came - instead, Allen pulled him even closer and shot a knee into his side, knocking the wind out of him yet again.

"Gh! Ah…gah…"

Allen released him, letting him fall to the ground, gasping for air.

"…is that all you wanted to say?"

"…nh…n-no…"

He stepped back and crossed his arms, not even close to out of breath from their short exchange.

"Then get up and talk."

"One…second…"

He crawled to his feet, his hands resting on his knees as he bent forward, still winded from earlier.

No, wait—! I did this before and he—!

His body moved on its own without even needing to see Allen's movements.

He brought his arms together in front of his chest, closing his eyes and bracing for impact.

Crack.

"—gh!"

"Oh…?"

Bell skidded backwards, his arms throbbing in pain as he blocked Allen's kick. Even though he blocked it, and even though his steel forearm plates shielded him, the force of the blow still caused him to nearly tremble.

"So you do remember."

"…y-yeah…"

That kick had been burned into his memory. During their training, whenever Bell found himself short of breath and holding himself up like just now, Allen was there to prey on his weakness and kick him to the ground - and each time, it hurt — a lot.

"Let's see what else you remember…"

Allen smirked gruesomely from behind his black visor and moved without giving Bell a second to rest.

No way out of a beating I guess…

Allen pressed forward once again, his arms a blur as he struck Bell over and over again.

"Come on! Didn't you want to talk!?"

He shouted out as his attacks continued to chip away at Bell's guard.

"Y-Yes! I just wanted — gh! — to — gah!"

A particularly heavy punch slipped past his block and sank into his chest, flooring him and knocking the breath out of him yet again.

"Agh… I… I just want to save someone…!"

Oh. He's really going to…!

His eyes widened as he looked up to see Allen standing above him, his leg already lifted into the air above his head.

Move!

Bell rolled to the side as Allen's heel came crashing down into the ground, the sheer force of his attack crushing the pavement and leaving behind a shallow crater.

"And!? Is that it!?"

Get up! Get up!

He rolled to his feet, stumbling back as he brought his hands back up to guard his head.

"N-No! I… I need you to — ack! — hold off… for just a little while…!"

Allen dropped low to the ground, swinging his leg out in an arc and knocking Bell's feet out from under him.

Thud.

"—gk!"

A heavy foot stepped on his chest plate, forcing him down.

"…even for you, that's a stupid request."

"Huff…I know…"

Bell let his hands fall to his side as his eyes faced the orange tinted sky.

It's getting late. Good.

"…but… I have no other choice…!"

After a slight pause, he gathered up his energy into his first counterattack. He shoved Allen's foot aside and rolled back slightly, lifting his legs and feeling his hands touch the ground on either side of his head.

"Hup!"

In a single motion, he pushed off the ground and leapt up feet first, kicking towards Allen's chest.

"…huh..?"

His body didn't make contact. For a split second, he remained motionless, just floating in place as Allen disappeared from view.

"—erk!"

A steel grip clamped down on his throat, grabbing him and throwing him straight back down to the ground in a painful thud.

"…gah…a-ah…"

"Unfortunately, I can't do that."

Allen released his hold and moved back a bit, sitting down and leaning against a nearby building.

It's… over…

He closed his eyes and let out a silent prayer of thanks before sitting up with a grunt of pain.

"I… I just need 15 minutes…"

"…What are you planning?"

He held his aching stomach and did his best to settle his breathing.

"I'm going to destroy the stone… in order to save Haruhime…"

"The fox girl?"

"…yeah…"

Allen turned his head to the side, looking towards the distant spire of the Ishtar Familia mansion.

"So then I assume you know the details of what's going on tonight, huh?"

Bell nodded.

"…Damnit… if anyone finds out I told you this, you're dead, got it?"

He smiled as Allen began to tell him his plans.

Yas!

"The girl is being kept at the top of the main tower… but the stone is on a pedestal in the central courtyard where those idiots are preparing the ritual. It's my job to get up there. Everyone else is either clearing the way, or causing a distraction for me to slip through unnoticed."

Allen pointed to a something in the distance.

"Do you see it…?"

Bell squinted, leaning forward as he focused his vision on the tip of the spire.

"I… I see…"

Like a tiny star, a shimmering spark was present at the top of the building.

"Is that a light…?"

"Yeah."

Allen stood up and grasped his spear.

"After someone interrupted my last job, I had to freeze my ass out here all night and find out where they were keeping her."

Bell smiled sheepishly as Allen glared at him.

"That's the window to her little room - or jail cell, or whatever you want to call it. So you're lucky. My target is further away than yours."

"So then—!"

Bell sat forward eagerly, a hopeful smile on his face.

"So. I'm saying you have until I reach the top of the building to destroy the stone to somehow signal me."

He crossed his arms with a smirk.

"In other words. A race. That good enough for you?"

"Y-Yes! Thank you!"

"Hmph. Better get a move on. I'm not going easy on you - or them."

Bell moved to his feet as Allen turned to leave.

"Oh — before you go…"

Bell raised his hand and stretched a palm out towards Allen.

"—gh!"

Damn.

Before he could get out another word, Allen whirled around, catching Bell's wrist and squeezing down tightly.

"…You've got a pair on you, know that you little brat?"

Bell laughed and winced as Allen slowly began to crush his wrist, twisting it up and away from his face.

"Heh — n-no, nothing like that — I'm just showing you my signal."

His grip loosened.

"…what?"

Bell's smile grew even wider.

"This—"

He opened his hand and looked up.

"Firebolt."

"You—!"

A brilliant pillar of flame rose into the sky with a deafening roar. In an instant, Allen released him and jumped back instinctively, surprised by the sudden blast of heat so close to his face.

"Y-you… you little… do you even know what you've done!?"

Bell laughed and stepped back rapidly, retreating towards the nearby buildings.

"Sorry Allen! Just think of it as payback! Thanks for the help!"

With that, Bell turned and leapt up to the rooftops, disappearing and leaving the stunned Vanar Freya behind him. In the distance, the voices of confused, surprised Ishtar familia members began to reach his ears.

He sprinted across the rooftops, dashing over the district as he circled a bit away from the main street.

This should be far enough.

The bridge was now straight ahead and perpendicular to his current position, with the Freya familia somewhere ahead and to the right, and the Ishtar mansion ahead and to the left.

All that was left for him to do was slip in through the ensuing battle, and make his way to the stone.

As he began to make his way forward, Bell couldn't help but let out a slight laugh as he imagined Allen's frustrated face in his head.

I'm coming, Haruhime…!

Freya turned her eyes out the window back towards the way they'd came. She sat alone in a small room on the second floor of a building they'd taken over previously. It provided her with a perfect view of the Ishtar Familia mansion. While she waited in silence, her children were waiting all around her building, resting and preparing themselves in alleyways or on adjacent roof tops, all out of sight of any Ishtar Familia guards.

"Hm? Ottarl…"

"Yes, Lady Freya?"

She pointed quizzically at a rising column of fire in the slight distance.

"What is that…?"

"I… I'm not sure. Should I go investigate?"

Freya paused, her gaze falling down to the Gulliver brothers who had just arrived outside their temporary base.

As they reported in downstairs, their muffled voices rose up to bring a smile to her face.

"…No… that won't be necessary."

She stood and turned to face her captain.

"Wait until Allen returns. I wonder what he has to say…"

"Shall I get the others ready to move out then?"

The silver haired goddess smiled.

"No, have them wait just a bit longer. There's going to be a change in plans."