Several days passed since Bell's birthday and life for him had returned to normal. At least, as normal is it could get for him. He hadn't seen Ais or the others from the Loki Familia the entire time. He also barely spent time with most of the members in his own Familia, but that was because the four had been visiting Dian Cecht's clinic for therapy sessions after what had happened. He had made a new friends there. She was a new member of Dian Cecht's Familia named Airmid. She was just a bit taller than Bell and had silver hair like his mom. They would just sit and talk while the girls went to their counselors for the day. Alfia was also intrigued when she learned the girl had joined to become a healer for the city. The rest of the Familia was impressed with the girl's goal which greatly embarrassed her when Hera complimented her. It would take time, but Kaguya, Lyra, Neze and Iska would hopefully recover from their depressions.
With the Loki Familia...
Finn was currently in his office after having dealt with his usual paper work. Right now, all the main heads were discussing a major rumor that had been going around.
Gareth: I saw we at least look into it. If it's real then it could be of great benefit to us.
Riveria: I get where you are going, but it's not like we have any concrete information about where these people are.
They were discussing a rumor about how these two strong adventurers came from nowhere and beat up several Familias that targeted them, usually in bars or pubs. From what people were saying, the two were near level 3 and would join the Familia that defeats them.
Door slam*
Raul: I'VE FOUND THEM, SIR!!!
Loki: Eep!! Man, take it easy! I almost had a heart attack!!
Raul: My bad, but I had some help in looking for the two adventurers the Captain wanted and we've managed to find them!
This immediately put an expression of surprise on their faces.
Gareth: Nice, let's get going then!!
Riveria: *Getting up* I'm just going to take care of something.
Finn: *Nodding* Meet us at the front gate.
The elf nodded and left the room to go look for her daughter. There weren't many places for her to be, so it was easy for Riveria to find her. Ais was at the training area practicing with her sword when Riveria got her attention.
Riveria: Ais!!
The girl paused and saw the elf walking towards her.
Ais: Yes?
Riveria: We're going to be out for a little while, so don't go anywhere.
She wanted the girl to stay here, but knowing her, Riveria had gotten a better idea that would also help Ais.
Riveria: Actually, why don't you go stay with Lady Astraea. You can train with Bell and the others while we finish our errand.
The girl's eyes brightened at that. She'd never turn down a chance to spend time and train with them.
Ais: Okay!!
Riveria: Good, we will come for you when we're finished.
The girl nodded and followed the elf to the front gate where the other three were waiting. When Finn asked why Ais was there, Riveria said it would be better if she stayed with Astraea while we were gone. Finn thought about it and agreed with her decision. They visited Stardust Garden for a bit where they were met with Hera at the gates. Riveria explained the situation and the Goddess agreed to keep the girl for them. They said their goodbyes and left Ais with them before making their way to where Raul said those people were. It turned out to be a rundown bar full of ruffians. When they arrived the interior was full of groaning bodies and on top were two amazon girls: one with long hair and one with short hair. The one with long hair looked at Finn and the others and scowled at them.
Amazon: Great, more and there's a weakling prum with them.
Finn: I heard something about you two agreeing to join the Familia that defeats you two in a fight. Is that correct?
Amazon: Yeah, what about it? You really think you're a match for us?
Finn: *Smirking* One way to find out.
Gareth: Alright lass with the short hair, I'll take you on.
The short haired Amazon ran outside with him while Finn handled his. The two stared at each other while gauging their abilities.
Amazon: (This'll be over quick!)
She rushed at Finn with a shout while the prum had a small smile on his face blocking all of her punches.
Finn: (Not bad, I'd say she's around level 3. There's no need to drag this out so I'll end this.)
Punch*
Crash*
Her assault found no openings and she was quickly knocked into a wall by the prum. The girl looked in awe at how the prum she thought was weak had beaten her so easily. All around her she noticed the color she saw changing.
Finn: A deals a deal, so you'll be coming with us.
Gareth: That's means you too, girlie.
The other girl groaned an agreement as she hung from the sign she fell on after losing to Gareth. Riveria had them healed and they began walking back to their mansion.
Finn: So, what are your names?
The one with short hair went first.
Tiona: Oh, my name is Tiona, sir! She's my older twin, Tione!
Gareth: Good to have you. Name's Gareth. The short one is Finn. The black haired lad is Raul and the Grandma elf is Riveria.
Riveria: I dare you to say that again.
Gareth: Yeah, she gets grouchy when it's past her nap time.
Riveria: Grr... why you!!
She grabbed her staff and beat the dwarf with it.
Riveria: I'll show you who's nap time it is!!!
Finn: *Sweatdrop* Yeah, they're like that a lot. Anyway, looks like we're here. This is Twilight Manor and your new home.
Tiona: Wow, it's huge!!
Tione: Yeah, your Familia must be pretty big.
Finn: Raul, could you go get Loki?
Raul: Right away, Captain!
He saluted and ran inside before Tiona looked to him in awe.
Tiona: Wait, Loki?
Finn: So, you've heard of us?
Tiona: Nope!
The blonde prum barely stopped himself from falling over while Tione hit her sister.
Punch*
Tiona: OW!!
Tione: S-Sorry about her, she's not the brightest.
Finn: That's alright.
They quickly heard rapid footsteps coming and saw Loki rushing down to them.
Loki: Back so soon you guys?
Finn: We were able to find the recruits and bring them here.
Loki: Sweet! I'm the Goddess Loki, nice to meet you guys!
Tiona: Nice to meet you, Goddess!
Loki: Come on inside and I'll complete your transfers.
They complied and were transferred to the Loki Familia successfully. They were given their rooms and rearranged their stuff which wasn't much. Tiona was organizing her books while Tione stared outside to see Finn guiding other members. Gareth had left for the dungeon and Riveria left to grab Ais who had been with Astraea for most of the day by now. The two were now remembering everything that happened to them so far.
Tiona: Man, so much happened in just a few hours. I mean, can you believe we're part of the strongest Familia in the city?!
Tione: ...
Tiona: Hello~? You home, Tione?
She tapped her shoulder which made the amazon jump.
Tione: Gah!! W-What is it?!
Tiona: You're kinda out of it right now. Is it something outside?
She looked out the window of their room saw exactly what the girl was looking for. If her sister's blush wasn't anything, it was that he was the only one standing outside now.
Tiona: PFFT!! Are you really saying you fell for him?
Tione: S-Shut up! I haven't fallen completely!
Tiona: So, you at least have a crush. *Smirking*
Tione: I-I guess...
Tiona: He's one of the strongest here so I get it, sort of, but what's holding you back?
Tione: ...Maybe he's to calm? If there was a more beastly side then he'd be perfect. *Blushing*
Tiona: So, we just need to bring that out so you two can get together!
Tione: H-Hey!! Don't say stuff like that so casually!
The girl tilted her head at her sister.
Tiona: But why? I think it's nice how you fell for him. It's like one of the stories I've read.
Tione: This isn't some kid's fairy tale! A man won't just accept a girl he met recently!
Tiona: Hmm... then we should get you on a date so he knows you better!
Tione: W-What?!
Tiona: Yeah, it's perfect! If he spends time with that pretty elf lady, then she might be his type!
Tione: His type?
Tiona: Yeah, you gotta be regal like her then he'll notice you!
Tione: Hey...
The bubbly girl was brought out of her brainstorming when her sister called her.
Tiona: Hm?
Tione: Why are you putting so much thought into this?
Tiona: What do you mean?
Tione: You hardly ever use you head, so what makes this so special?
Tiona: *Thinking pose* Well, I guess it's because of you.
Tione: Me?
Tiona: *Smiling* Yeah! It was kinda shocking to me seeing how different you were acting while we were walking here. Usually you're all grumpy and gloomy since we left home, but right now you're a lot brighter. It makes me happy to see this new you.
She gave Tione a bright smile while the girl looked at her sister with wide eyes. She sighed and smiled.
Tione: Thanks, Tiona.
Tiona: Sure! Hey, that elf lady came back and she has a new girl with her!
The outburst startled her a little.
Tione: Wait, what are you-
Tiona: I'm gonna say hi to her!!
She jumped out the window and left Tione calling to her.
Tione: Tiona!! *Sigh*
With Ais...
Riveria: So, how was it?
Ais: I had fun. It is annoying that Bell got stronger than me.
The girl pouted a bit while Riveria giggled.
Riveria: Don't let it bother you too much. The boy just had special circumstances that let him stay in the dungeon all the time.
A lightbulb lit in the girl's head as she turned to Riveria with pleading eyes.
Riveria: No, you aren't going to stay down there for a year too.
Ais: *Pouting* Mmm...
Riveria: Don't make that face, you have new members to greet.
They arrived at the gates where the guard was letting them in.
Ais: New people joined?
Riveria: Yes, two girls near your age. I hope you can get along.
Ais: I'll try.
The two got only a few steps in the courtyard before they heard someone approaching them.
Tiona: You're back!!
Riveria: Ah, Tiona right? This is Ais. I hope you two can be friends.
Tiona: Okay, it's nice to meet you, Ais!
She grabbed the girl's hands with her own with a smile.
The girl was taken aback, but the two shook hands.
Tiona: Come on, I'll take you to meet my sister!
Ais: O-Okay...
The girl dragged Ais back to the window she jumped out of and the two jumped inside to the second floor.
Riveria: *Sigh* They could've at least taken the normal way.
Riveria made her way inside and braced herself for the long discussion about the details with the new amazons.
With Bell...
Zald: Stop! That's enough for today.
The boy dropped the wooden sword in his hands and dropped to the ground, breathless.
Bell: Hah... you're still too strong, Uncle.
Zald: HAHA! I can't afford to have a child surpass me. If you want to be the strongest, then you're going to have to work for it.
Bell: *Standing up* Yes, sir.
Zald: Now, let's get you cleaned up before we get dinner started.
Bell: Can we cook together?!
Zald: Sure.
He laughed and the two went inside for a bath. Off to the side was Alise and Kaguya with the latter having a sunken expression and eating a tub of ice cream.
Alise: Well, they're always fun to watch.
Kaguya: *Sniffle* It's not fair... *munch*
Alise: *Patting her back* There there...
Everyone went to the dining area and ate their food.
Hera: Bell, you enjoyed today?
Bell: Yeah, it's cool being able to train with Ais again. She said Mr. Finn was going to recruit new people so she wants me to meet them with her tomorrow.
Zeus: With any luck they'll around your age.
Alfia: I hope so. Bell needs to start making friends closer to his own age. No offense to you girls.
She looked at Astraea's girls and no one took offense.
Alise: It's fine. I also think Bell should find other children he can have fun with.
Astraea: Well, there aren't many children out there who are adventurers at his age. Any normal parent would give their child a sword and order them down to the dungeon.
Hera: Just be sure not to be there too late, sweetie.
Bell: I won't.
Zeus: What about you girls? I don't want to hit any sore spots here but what do you plan to do for yourselves?
Alise: Hm?
Hera: To put it bluntly, how do you plan to adjust your work so you can grow stronger now that Bell's surpassed you?
Alise: I'm honestly not sure.
Bell: Why don't you do what I did?
Neze: Bell, no offense but what you did was crazy.
Bell: Huh?
Alfia: The Coliseum is a dangerous area most veterans try to avoid. It's for good reason since the rate that monsters spawn and their strength is quite high.
Zald: Well that clearly doesn't apply to him since he treats it like a playground now.
Bell: Is that bad?
Hera: Of course not. *Sips tea*
Astraea: She's right, it just shows how strong you are. Still, it is a dangerous place and I don't think my girls will be able to handle it.
Zald: If it's a problem like that, then I could go with them for safety.
Astraea: You don't mind? *munch*
Zald: No, I could also use a little exercise down there.
Ryuu: Having a level 8 is definitely reassuring.
Kaguya: I just want my level up. I don't care how many wild monsters I have to cut down.
Alise: Then it's settled! We go to the Coliseum tomorrow!
Zald: Tomorrow? You're quite eager.
Alise: Hmph! That little boy won't get farther ahead of me if I have anything to say about it!
Bell: Hey, I'm not little! I'm already as tall as Lyra now!!
Lyra: That doesn't count...
Everyone finished and turned over for the night. The next morning, Bell was finished dressing up and saw Ais waiting by the front gate.
Bell: Mom, I'm going now!
Alfia: *Nodding* Bye, Bell.
He said bye to her and ran to the front where Ais was waiting.
Bell: I'm here.
Ais: Come on!!
She grabbed his hand and the two ran to her home. They arrived at a courtyard where two amazons saw them.
Tiona: Is this that friend you mentioned?
Ais: Mhm, this is Bell. These two are Tiona and Tione.
Bell: Hi.
Tiona: Hello!
Tione: Mm. *Wave*
Tiona: So, what do you guys want to do?
Tione: What do you do for fun, Ais?
Ais: Uh, train?
Tiona: Oh, I love sparring!
Tione: Is sparring without weapons alright?
Ais: *nod* My teachers say I rely on my weapon too much.
Tione: I'll fight you then.
Tiona: Then it's you and me, Bell!
The white haired boy nodded and the two spaced themselves before dropping to their stances.
Bell: (Ais said they were only level 3, so I shouldn't go all out.)
Tiona: Let's go!! HYAAA!!
She went for a kick to Bell's head right away which Bell dodged.
Tiona: Wow, you're fast!!
Bell: So are you!
She threw out a flurry of punches which Bell returned. They seemed even, but Bell was holding back enough to study how the girl fought. Once he did, it was easy for him to take control of the fight. With Ais, she was having her own trouble. Even with her training with Iska and Neze, she still wasn't very good in hand to hand compared to Tione. The amazon was two levels under which was Ais' only way to close their gap in experience. Still, her superior power was enough to win against her and Bell was the same as he punched Tiona a little too hard in the gut. He won the fight and the girl held her stomach as she crumpled to the ground.
Bell: Tiona! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you that hard!
Ais ran with a potion and gave it to her.
Tiona: Phew, that was rough. You're a lot stronger than I thought, Bell!
Bell: Hehe. Ais and I are level 5.
Tiona: Awesome!! What else do you do?
Bell: Well, I find time to read hero stories when I'm not training.
The girl's eyes sparkled when he said that.
Tiona: You read hero stories too!
Bell: Yeah, and you?
Tiona: Yeah, they're my favorite!!
Ais: Eh?
Tiona: So- So, have you heard of this one?
The two listed one story after another and it became a trivia game before long.
Tione: Don't mind her, she's into that and looks like he is too. Hm?
Tione looks at Ais who had a lost look, but it also had a hint of annoyance.
Tione: Ais?
Tiona: Wow, you know as many as I do!
Bell: We should read some together!
Tiona: Yeah!!
The two high fives while Ais had a mental crisis.
Ais: *Whispering* I've made a terrible mistake.
They continued talking when Riveria came to them.
Riveria: Good to see you all getting along.
Tiona: Yeah, this place is great!
She grabbed Bell's hand and started running.
Tiona: Come on, I think there was a place where there were a lot of books to read!
Bell: S-Slow down!
Ais saw this and her hair flared up a bit before she ran after them.
Ais: Hey, wait for me!!!
She disappeared after them in a puff of wind while Riveria sighed.
Tione: Say, is she?
Riveria: She is. I'm don't think she is aware of it herself, but I can see that she likes that boy. It's pretty similar to how you see the Captain.
Tione's face exploded red and she became a stuttering mess.
Riveria: Hahaha! I'm sorry. Still, I surprised you chose him of all people.
Tione: Yes, well I've already heard a lot of good things about him in the short time I was here with Tiona.
Riveria: Yes, the people of Orario hold Finn in high regard.
Tione: I do admire his strength, but I see that he's also more than just strong.
Riveria: Well, this might just be a crush, but if you do want to pursue him I could lend you a hand with that.
The girl turned to the elf with wide eyes.
Tione: Really?! But, aren't you-
Riveria: *Giggle* No, I don't see him that way if you're worried about that. We three are comrades, nothing beyond that.
Tione breathed a sigh of relief.
Tione: You would really help me with the Captain?
Riveria just smiled at her.
Flashback...
Riveria: Enough of your grumbling.
Gareth: Gah, that damn prum pulled a fast one on us! I gotta get him back at least a little!
Riveria: *Evil smile* If that's all, then I might have an idea.
Gareth: Go on.
Riveria: You remember how the new recruit, Tione, was smitten for him, right?
A smirk grew on their faces along with a dangerous glint appearing in their eyes.
End of Flashback...
Riveria: I'm simply helping a fellow Familia member. As an executive of the Familia, it's part of my job to help the lower members as best I can.
Tione: Thank you, Miss Riveria!
Riveria: No need. You can thank me by giving your all in what I have to teach you. Being a proper woman requires a certain amount of manners. As such, I'll be working to round out some of your edges.
Tione: Yes Ma'am!
The amazon was now fully committed to learning about being a graceful woman and impressing the man she fell for. Riveria had Hope's for this prank, but also to see if her feelings for her friends were genuine. Back with the others, Ais was going through a war to try and stop her bunny from being taken.
Tiona: What about this one?
Bell: That looks new.
Ais: Let's read it then.
She grabbed the boy's hand and the three got to a table quickly to read the story they had. As luck would have it, Bell was indeed able to make a friend or two closer to his age. Time will tell if Ais is willing share her rabbit. There was an icky feeling in the girl's chest and she definitely didn't like it. The following evening she called Riveria to her room.
Riveria: *Opening the door* You wanted to see me?
Ais nodded and had a look conflicted look on her face. The elf sat on the bed next to her and took her head on her lap.
Riveria: What's wrong, Ais?
Ais: There was this weird feeling in my chest.
Riveria: Weird feeling?
She began to stroke her head to calm the girl's nerves as she spoke.
Ais: It felt gross. I didn't like it at all.
Riveria: When were you feeling it?
Ais: It was when I saw Bell and Tiona with each other.
The elf had to suppress a laugh as it clicked in her head right away.
Riveria: (She's jealous.) I see.
Ais: Why am I feeling this way?
Riveria: I do know why, but I don't think it would be good to tell you now.
Ais: Why?
Riveria: Once you're older. When you turn 12, I'll tell you everything you want to know. You're birthday isn't far away, so you just have to be patient. I will say though that this feeling is natural, so you don't have to be afraid.
Ais: But, I don't like it.
Riveria: You just have to be strong.
She took the girl's head and made their eyes meet.
Riveria: I know it's hard and I'm sorry to ask, but I promise it will help you.
Ais: Do you mean that?
Riveria: *Smiling* Of course. Just bear with it for now and I promise you'll feel much better about it in the future. You don't want to make your friends sad after all, right?
The girl shook her head and Riveria smiled before tucking the girl in.
Riveria: You are strong, Ais. Bell knows that and so do I. You can overcome that feeling in your chest.
The girl smiled and drifted off to sleep.
Ais: Thank you, Riveria.
Riveria: Anytime.
AN: Right, now the twins have entered the fray. Ais now has competition for the rabbit and has no idea what is going on with her. Hopefully she can hold out long enough for Riveria to explain what love is.
Thanks for reading and Ihope you enjoyed. If you haven't seen already, I've decided to write a special chapter for this story based on 1000 instead. As I said, Idon't want to write two specials back to back because nothing too major is happening right now and making two specials could burn me out and Idon't want that. I'm going to pace my writing so I'll be dropping the first chapter of Legends instead as that came second in the poll. Thank you again to everyone for your support and I'll see you in the next one.