Bell blinked at the mirror, unable to recognize the figure he was looking at. For one, the individual had blonde hair, smooth, combed down and glistening compared to his usual mess hair. His eyes, now green colored, itched a bit but he held back the urge to reach for his eyes. His white shirt's first two buttons were left untouched, revealing more of the chest than he preferred. But in the end, he had to endure it, even if he felt naked in more ways than once. The Blades of Hestia, Homebringer, were always tied to his hips or held in his hands. Not now though. He was completely unarmed. After all, he was supposed to be going on a date, as a foolish boyfriend. He couldn't look like he was ready for a fight. Shaking his head, he gave the mirror one last look, with a blushing face.
That was 'him' for this evening. Having his hair and disguise done by Kaguya, in a separate building owned by the Ganesha Familia, he and Ryuu were split up. The plan was that they would "naturally" meet up in front of Babel, like couples apparently did, and then make their way to the Pleasure District. Suffice to say, as Bell had zero skills in make up or the like, he wasn't alone. Kaguya, the one in charge of dressing him up and disguising him, chuckled and slapped his back. Bell yelped as the Far Eastern woman raised an amused eyebrow at him.
"You will be in good hands." She said, nodding slightly. Then she scoffed and waved her hand dismissively. "If things go south, which they usually do, trust in us."
Bell gulped. He kinda wished she kept that last part to herself. Then again, knowing his track record, something was bound to go wrong one way or the other, so the reminder couldn't hurt. In the end, he nodded with what he hoped was determination. Kaguya smiled in approval. But before he could turn around and leave the building, he felt a hard grip on his shoulders. Before he knew it, he was forced to turn around, staring into the unamused frown of the Far Eastern woman.
"Don't woo Ryuu too hard." She let out a long suffering sigh as she shook her head. "Over twenty or not, Ryuu is still a child sometimes."
"I-I wasn't planning to!" Bell shouted, his face turning red. Kaguya closed her eyes and began to shove him outside, but not without some last words before closing the door.
"And isn't that terrifying to imagine?"
Was that a Far East thing? He recalled Kojiro saying the same thing in the past! What did that even mean anyway?! As he began to wander down the street, his thoughts went towards Ryuu. He didn't think he could woo her even if he wanted to, or rather how much his image of grandfather wanted him to. In a way, she felt like Aiz. Someone far off in the distant, with their cool demeanor, while also having a rather cute side once one got to know them. Maybe it was because of that he felt wary about even thinking of hitting on her or anything like that. Not to mention, aiming for two girls sounded nice and all in the stories, but Bell knew that it would get complicated like that. Besides, he didn't feel this way about Ryuu anyway... He trailed off within his mind, his steps slowing down. Then he slapped his cheeks, which were starting to flush before he accelerated his pace. Compared to the time he thought about Haruhime and Hestia, this time his mental 'rejection' sounded so hollow. A part of him wished he could think about those feelings he wasn't aware he was having, conflicted as they were, but he didn't have time right now. Not having his head in the game could spell doom for the entire operation. With that in mind, he reached the front of Babel, looking around while burying the confusing thoughts he had in his heart. It was then he spotted her. Or rather her in disguise.
The first thing that drew his attention were the lips. A purple lipstick covered them, making them look rather soft and a bit wet. Then her hair followed to catch his eyes, gently brushing against her sharp ears due to a small wind. Tied into a short ponytail with a purple ornament, the color reminding him of a mallow wildflower. What was it called again? Mauve? Either way, combined with the rest of her outfit, it was quite the sight. Bolder than most elves, it was still respectable in a sense. Her shoulders were bare, just a bit covered by transparent blue silk, while her forearms still had dark purple sleeves. The light blue like skirt reached her knees, but it still revealed quite a bit of her thighs before the rest of her legs were hidden by green-ish stockings. Fortunately for him, she didn't show off any skin on her respectable bust, kept safe in an equally purple shirt. In the end, she turned towards him and their eyes met. His heart skipped a beat, at the deep color that mirrored her hair. Her otherwise neutral facial expression, that could even be called cold by some, cracked a smile and she approached him. As she got closer, he could see how her cheeks were tinted pink. Was that makeup or was she just as embarrassed as he was? Clearing his throat, he scratched the back of his head with a laugh.
"Y-You look good, Ry-"
Before he could finish his words, she gently put her finger onto his lips. He couldn't help but become conscious of her nice, flowery smell and slapped himself mentally as he was about to lick his lips when Ryuu removed her finger. She leaned in, hugging him. Bell was about to stutter and try to push her away as he felt the soft mounds before catching himself. They were supposed to be a couple, so he had to endure it. Not to mention, his body froze up when Ryuu whispered into his ears.
"Remember. Code names only."
Ah. He almost ruined this. He felt the stares of everyone directed at them. At least it seemed like there was no suspicion. Only unyielding jealousy, which he could understand. Disguise or not, Ryuu was gorgeous. Mentally thanking her for the reminder, he nodded.
"R-Right!" Bell coughed as they seperated. "S-Sorry for taking so long, Medea... "
"It's fine, Jason. I haven't waited too long." She smiled at him before facing South. "Let us go then."
Medea and Jason. For some reason Kojiro, Arash and Hans did not seem particularly confident in those randomly picked names. Hans especially had a face of utter disgust, throwing his arms up in surrender as he claimed this mission was doomed. In the end, nobody elaborated and Kojiro said something about how 'ignorance was bliss'. Not that it helped whatsoever with their nerves, but given the entire ordeal, suspicious names were the least of their problems. The closer they walked towards their target, the more nervous he became. Glancing at Ryuu, the way she was pressing her lips together also showed her anxiety. It said something about his mental state when he decided to act in that moment. He grasped her hand and gave it a soft squeeze. The elf froze up for a moment before taking a deep breath after calming down from the surprise. Then she sent Bell a small frown when he stopped walking for a moment.
"W-what?"
"D-Did anyone tell you your hand is very soft?" He said with an awkward smile. It was surprising. Adventurers usually had tougher skin than most, due to the damage they would accumulate. Yet Ryuu's hands were smooth. Almost gentle. His words caused her to blush before looking away with a huff.
"...Pervert... " She muttered under her breath. Bell resisted the urge to let go, as it would seem suspicious. Instead he lowered his head in panic.
"I'm sorry!"
Fortunately she didn't let go. He even had the impression she felt more relaxed now, but he couldn't be certain. Unluckily for them however, that relaxed mood quickly vanished when the lights began to change color. It was subtle, but in the middle of night, it was easy to spot. The yellow to white colored lights gave way to the seductive red. Bell blinked at the sight. He didn't expect the Red Light District to literally be filled with red light. It was then they stopped in front of the entrance, revealing an entirely different world.
Alcohol. Jeering. Catcalls. Women with way too little clothing. Flirting everywhere, may it be woman on man, man on woman or anything else in between. Suffice to say, the atmosphere was intimidating. Which probably helped with their mission. After all, it was quite easy to present themselves as the stiff, nervous couple entering the Red Light District for the first time. After all... both Ryu and Bell are actually stiff and nervous, entering the Red Light District for the first time!
"R-" Wait, codenames. He choked and corrected himself quickly. "M-Medea, my hand."
"Ah." Ryuu blushed, easing up on her grip. "My apologies, Jason."
Looking away, he covered his mouth, trying to avoid her narrowed, embarrassed eyes. He was too surprised. He didn't expect her to be so nervous. Or rather look like a cute, inexperienced girl instead of the cool persona she would usually wear. So this wasn't just her worrying about him. She herself didn't have a lot to go by when it came to this district. Therefore, they had to support each other. With an awkward smile, he intertwined his fingers with hers and nodded at her.
"S-Shall we?"
Thus they began to wander around, trying to remain subtle as they kept their senses sharp despite the intoxicating atmosphere. It helped that Ryuu only was soft with him, relatively speaking, while remaining prickly like a cactus towards anyone trying to 'steal' her away from him. Some women even cooed at their 'antics', as elves were apparently a rare sight in this place. Still, Bell started to realize there was one major flaw in their actions.
Damn it, they were too silent! He could tell there were some doubts in some of the onlookers' eyes. Amazons here and there, acting like they were focused on finding 'clients', they sometimes glanced at them with a certain glint in their eyes. The kind Bell recognized from guards all over the world. Realizing that they were at the cusp of being discovered, he coughed, getting Ryuu's attention, who snapped her head towards him with wide eyes. He flinched, but he pressed on as he forced out a laugh.
"S-Sooo... " He beat his mind over ideas when he reached for the closest thing he could. "How was... your forest? You-You never really told me the story of how you... left."
"It's not much of a story," Ryuu said slowly, mulling over where to start. Then she nodded slowly. "As you may know, our forest had the task of protecting the sacred tree. My weapon is made of the same wood. It was a task I was proud to do. However... " She sighed, shaking her head. "I grew to resent my people. For their pride. The fact they disrespected... him as much as they did is just another reason." She scoffed, a wry smile on her face. "Yet I'm not so different myself in the end... "
"W-What do you mean?" Bell asked, worry filling his voice. She squeezed his hand before shaking her head as she closed her eyes.
"I hated my people. That their superiority, that their treatment of others was the greatest sin." She looked up at the clouded night sky. "But in the end, am I so different? I allow almost nobody to touch me. I keep my distance."
"That's not true at all!" Bell shouted immediately, causing Ryuu to turn at him with surprise.
"Huh?"
It was ridiculous! Why were some people so stubborn on looking down on themselves? With a frown, he shook his head at her.
"They looked down on others! You don't do that!" He calmed down a bit, his breath heavy as he lowered his head. "It's normal not wanting to be touched. It's... intimate."
For a moment, she stared at him. Then she let out a small giggle, smiling gently at him.
"He said the same."
For some reason, he felt a twist in his heart. While he should've felt happy at being compared with Arash, it felt wrong. Moving in front of her, he held both of her hands, causing her to blush a bit. Holding them up, he held them in his grasp as he frowned at her.
"You shouldn't talk about other men while you are with me."
"M-my apologies."
Bell only now realized what he was doing. Spluttering, he let go of her right hand before meekly walking next to her. The mood between them was... awkward to say the least. Yet it didn't raise any suspicions, from what he could hear. Though what he heard was worrying on its own.
"Fuck the normies!"
"I want an elf babe too!"
"Tch, such a high quality boyfriend... !"
Suffice to say, the two instinctively cooperated as they picked up the pace. Soon enough, they reached deeper into the territory, with their hearts somewhat calmed down, with the comments having mostly stopped.
"What about you? I may have... read a bit, but it's always better to hear from the source," Ryuu asked quietly. Jumping at the distraction, Bell recalled some things he didn't write in his diary. Or rather just forgot. The time he went fishing with Kojiro, only to turn out to be terrible at it. Something Ryuu found rather amusing, given the way she giggled, before revealing that she was the best fisher in her Familia. At least when it came to the conventional way, with a fishing rod and the like. Then Bell recalled how he got roped into a street act in Rakia, having to play along with a magician alongside Welf. Not a mage like Riveria, but more the kind that used tricks to fool one's eyes, like pickpocketing or switching cards. Weirdly enough Ryuu proceeded to explain how some of the tricks worked, apparently having picked those up from Lyra.
It was... nice. To learn these little things from Ryuu. Comparing their knowledge of magic, his earned from Altena, and hers from some traditions of her home, it was quite interesting. To see her so animated, explaining how her people were focused on Concurrent Chanting, chanting while fighting, as with the few they had in their forests, they needed to do both. She was also intrigued at his method of learning magic, as she herself learned hers by studying other kinds and putting her own spin to it before gaining her Falna. He wasn't aware that was possible, but Ryuu explained that until she gained her Falna, her 'image' was molded by her ancestors. Despite her misgivings for her race, she did seem to put quite the emphasis on lineages and legacies, explaining that without the past, she wouldn't have the skills she would have now.
All in all, their 'fake' date was rather enjoyable. Still, even as they did small talk, like their favorite food, with Ryuu taking a liking to apples compared to most while Bell appreciated a good carrot, causing a laugh from her, they focused on the mission. Soon enough, the busy streets vanished, instead revealing a more private atmosphere. They still heard noises, said noises being soft moaning and wood straining against shifting weight, something that embarrassed the two to no end. Yet they pushed forward, following Ryuu's instincts as she narrowed her eyes, red as her face was.
"We are on the right track I believeā¦" She muttered. Suddenly, she stopped. Bell felt it too then, before he could ask. The familiar feeling of people watching them. Quickly, Ryuu pulled him around the corner, pushing his back against the wall as she gestured for him to stay quiet, her ears twitching. It was then that he heard them too. The foot steps.
"...ure they are here?" A tired, female voice asked. The other clicked her tongue in annoyance before letting out a sigh.
"Positive." A crack of bones, most likely from the neck and a groan. "Might be a false alarm but better safe than sorry. Y'know how Aisha can be."
"You don't need to tell me, girl."
They were getting closer and Bell began to panic in his own mind. What now? Hiding like they did only made them more suspicious. Even if they could explain their way out, that would only cause more eyes on them and most likely attempts to steer them away from their secrets. He looked at Ryuu, worrying over what her plan was. She bit her lip, her eyes frantically moving around the alley they were hiding. Then her eyes rested on him. They went wide for some reason, causing Bell to tilt his head. She grit her teeth but then let out a deep breath as the steps came closer. Then, she smiled softly at him. Yet he couldn't appreciate it as her eyes were filled with what could only be called guilt.
"I'm sincerely sorry, but we cannot be caught just yet."
"What do you-"
His words were silenced as something soft pressed against his lips. His brain began to short circuit, as he felt fingers intertwine with his, before his hands were pushed next to his hips against the wall. He felt something press against his chest as he began to taste cherry. A soft moan entered his ears and Bell finally realized what was happening.
Ryuu was holding his hands. Ryuu was pushing her body against his. Ryuu... was kissing him, her eyes closed. He opened his mouth a bit, trying to gasp for air or gape or anything that felt appropriate in this situation. Yet the moment he did so, he felt something enter his mouth and touch his tongue. Instinctively, he moved his tongue as well, feeling it dance with what could only be Ryuu's tongue. At this point, his brain couldn't keep up anymore and surrendered. He closed his eyes as well and leaned in, the wet sounds echoing in the alley. He faintly heard gasps and a groan but he ignored it as he enjoyed the sensations. Her warmth spread on his skin and inside his mouth. The taste, a certain sweetness to it. The tender way Ryuu treated him, carefully, as if afraid he would run away.
"Told you you were paranoid." A sigh. "Oi, there are plenty of rooms around, just give them some valis!"
"Hey, it's still cool. No need to interrupt them."
"Fricking love birds ain't listening to me anyway... Let's go."
The footsteps retreated. Over a certain period of time, time that Bell didn't keep track of, unable to, Ryuu slowed down with her 'prodding'. Slowly, she stopped moving her tongue and started to retreat with her mouth. They both opened their eyes, gasping for air as a string of saliva connected their tongues before breaking off. In that moment, their senses returned. Bell covered his mouth, still feeling and tasting the aftermath, his face utterly red as he let out weird noises. Ryuu stepped back, as if in shock before shaking her head, covering her mouth with her arm as well as she looked away. The silence was heavy between them. He had no idea how long they stood like this, the air nothing like the gentle warmth from before. In the end, it was Ryuu who closed her eyes, her shoulders slumped before she turned her back to him. Her left hand gestured for him and he simply reacted when he grasped it. The two flinched, almost letting go, but forcing themselves to maintain the touch. They still had a mission.
"...We should... " Ryuu coughed, her words nothing more than a mumble. But Bell nodded meekly as he stood by her side.
"Y-yeah... "
They tried to maintain focus. Yet everything was a blur. The sound was muffled to his ears. He couldn't make out any details. He had no idea how long they were walking, he in a daze with flashes of the... kiss repeatedly appearing in his face. The face of Ryuu, her eyes closed as if she was in a trance. Before he could hyperventilate at the images, it was her that let out a soft sigh.
"You are free to hate me once this mission is over."
Bell stopped immediately, accidentally pulling at her hand. His eyes were wide when Ryuu glanced at him, as if confused at his reaction. Their faces were still red, but Bell shook his head, unable to comprehend why those words were uttered.
"H-Hate you?"
"I sullied you," Ryuu whispered, shame filling her voice. She touched her lips, causing Bell to recall the sensation once more. Then she looked away, clenching her eyes shut. "That... that was your first kiss, wasn't it? And I... "
"It-It's fine!" He shouted immediately, not wanting her to feel like this. He forced out a laugh as he pointed at himself. "I mean... you had to, right?"
"There could've been other ways out. But I panicked and it led to this," Ryuu said bluntly. She put her hand against her forehead before running it through her colored hair. Then she bowed at him. "You having to kiss someone you don't even have feelings for. For that, I apologize."
It was fortunate that nobody was looking. Because of that, they could act as their true selves. To see her so devastated... a part of Bell recognized she was only stating facts. If he wanted to kiss someone, it should've been Aiz. A first was always special. Yet that was it. Should've. The other part of Bell... didn't feel bad about this. Because of that, instead of accepting her apology, to move on and not cause any conflicting emotions... Bell couldn't help but follow his heart, chaotic as it was right now.
"...Was... was it your first kiss too?" He asked quietly, trying to not sound hopeful. Ryuu looked up, eyes wide before she coughed and looked away, hiding her mouth with her right hand.
"W-what if it was?"
She was quite skilled then. Bell naturally didn't say those thoughts out loud. With a small smile, he nodded at her.
"Then I guess it's fine. I lost mine, you lost yours?"
"Phrasing, Bell," Ryuu muttered, causing his face to heat up.
"S-sorry! I'm-I'm just saying!" He scratched the back of his head. "Err, b-better to lose it to a cute girl like you! Hahaha... A-any man would f-feel lucky to be with someone like you!"
He had no idea what he was saying. He had no idea how to express he was okay with... all of this. Whatever it was. Yet instead of being calmed down, Ryuu only stared at him in disbelief.
"Cute?" She put a hand on her chest. "Someone like me?"
"Yes?" Bell asked. Then his eyes widened in shock. "You don't think you're cute?"
"...Not at all," Ryuu whispered. "The others... tease me. I... never take them seriously." She let out a scoff. "Many women... fall for me because I am... too manly."
"Well, they're wrong! You're a very attractive woman!"
The awkward silence returned with a vengeance. But this time, it wasn't as suffocating as before. The air at least was a bit cleared up with each other's honesty. Bell cleared his throat, before lowering his head.
"S-Sorry! Sometimes I don't have a f-filter... "
"...I suppose losing my first time to you... is fine... "
He could barely hear it. But he caught the words. He looked up, eyes wide, as Ryuu mumbled under her breath. She meekly glanced at him, before realizing he was staring at her. She froze like prey in front of a predator. Was she... ? Could it be... ? He wasn't sure if he wanted to hear the answer. It was a responsibility. A burden. If he heard her utter the words he thought she held in her heart... there was no going back.
"Ryuu?" He asked softly, staring deep into her eyes before squeezing her hand. Slowly, his eyes glanced at her lips. The color faded a bit, most likely a bit of it smeared on his own. They were still wet from before. Suddenly Ryuu backed off, shaking each other out of their daze.
"N-Nothing! Let's move on!" She shouted, pulling him forward. Bell accepted it in stride, trying to calm his beating heart.
"R-Right!"
Thus, this event ended... without a proper conclusion. But perhaps it was for the better. Bell still didn't know what he felt. Or what she felt. Or what they should be feeling. But he couldn't deny it any longer. Blurry as it was... confusing as it was... the storm that resided in his heart... the images he saw within...
There was no longer just Aiz Wallenstein. And Bell was afraid of what it meant. For himself, for her and for the one who caused this in the first place.
/
As if the heavens mocked their mental state, it started to rain. Naturally Ryuu was annoyed as they increased their pace. Their dyed hair began to wash off, the colors disappearing into nearby drains. It was only luck that they were actually close, having spotted some movements in the back of the the district, close to the walls. Bell tried his best not to look at Ryuu, as the wet clothes began to become rather form fitting. Still, despite his confusion, he focused.
With that focus, they saw it. A warehouse, appearing like any other. Yet it was also guarded, instead of just locked. It was no problem for Ryuu however, as she led Bell towards the rooftops. With a swift jump, they reached the windows on the building. Picking the lock on it, they easily entered, with the help of the rain covering the noise quite well. The inside was rather dark, but nothing compared to the dungeon on its deeper levels. Because of that, they could see it. The crates, marked for several locations. Altena among them. Not only that, some crates at the name of Melen crossed out. Carefully, the two reached one of the crates. With a careful look at each other, they nodded.
Ryuu promptly opened the lid, their bodies tense. What they saw inside caused their eyes to widen. Seeds. Massive seeds. She closed the lid before smiling widely at him.
"We got it... !"
Bell let out a gasp before raising his arms, about to let out a silent cheer. But then, he felt it, as time slowed down. The shock ran through his spine. It was as if he was struck by lightning, as if his sixth sense went wild. Then cold. Unyielding cold down his neck. He recognized that feeling. It was not the kind he felt when he thought he was being observed. No, it reminded him of the time in Altena, when he was about to die.
One instance, he felt something cold touch his neck, the skin giving away. The next instance, time resumed as he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. Shooting back, he crashed against the crates, followed by another loud crash. He coughed, gritting his teeth before standing up, trying to process what happened. Ryuu must have kicked him away. The doors opened immediately, shouts filling the room. With the wind casting out the wind, he saw the standoff.
Ryuu, teeth gritted and arms raised, without a weapon. In front of her was... Bell blinked. A hooded figure, covered in black clothing. Yet at first he thought he saw something else. A small blonde captain, who wasn't supposed to be here.
His first instinct was that Finn attacked them. For a moment he was confused why he thought so. Yet as he took a closer look, he realized why he did. A small body. A spear radiating with power. Two factors that brought forth the Braver in most minds. Nobody dared to move, eyeing each other with wariness. It was Ryuu that broke the standoff, snapping her head at him.
"Bell, Plan B!"
That was all she could force out before she had to snap her head to the side, avoiding the golden spear that smashed a large hole into the warehouse wall in an instance. Then they whistled. The crates began to vibrate, causing the amazons to panic. In that moment, he rushed past them and raised his palm into the sky, teeth grinding against each other.
"Firebolt!"
The fire pierced through the rain. The next instance, as the VIolas emerged, as the amazon gained their bearings and spun around, three projectiles smashed into the ground. Before the dust could even settle, as the women coughed, Bell reached into them and grasped two familiar handles. Giving a nod at Ryuu, who nodded back before pulling out her wooden sword, she let out a combat cry before deflecting the spear aimed at her. Then Bell spun around, conflicted as he felt before rushing towards the tower in the district, Homebringer unsheathed with its sheathes hastily attached to his hips.
Bell wasn't sure if they failed or not. But he couldn't think about it. He had to focus on his new mission that Ryuu gave him. The Plan B in case of a premature start of the second phase. With a determined shout, he rushed against the Violas in front of him, his blades glowing with his soul burning.
Reach Ishtar before it was too late.
