Loki Familia was preparing to leave the eighteenth floor after Royalty confirmed what they planned on doing. The only person they were waiting for was Bete to return with the antidote for the poison. So, while everyone was discussing their plans, Ais sought out Bell, despite the bubbling embarrassment she had built up inside her, she wanted to talk to the boy who made it to the first safe zone in such a short time. It seemed like such a long time ago that she had saved him on the fifth floor with her brother.
Speaking of her brother, he was in a tree…again, "It's not often you come and seek me out, you know?"
"I…know…" Ais said, looking up at her brother. Yes, Ais came to her brother because she needed help. Ais had noticed that he was still a bit tense from their previous conversation. She was too but had an easier time hiding it. However, he was at least relaxed enough compared to a few hours ago. "You heard ab-"
"-about the peeping incident, I did," Axton said curtly, one eye open, silently telling her that he was not about to entertain this topic as long as he could help it. His gesture was something he unconsciously picked up from Riveria. That was not something for siblings to discuss. "So, you want to find Bell?"
"Mmhmm?"
Axton opened his eyes and smiled at her, "Well, I sorta told him that I needed to speak with him."
Ais felt her jaw drop, "You set me up?"
The glint in her brother's eyes did nothing to reassure the opposite, it only enforced the truth. He hopped down from the tree, bending his knees slightly upon landing. "A little bit, since you wanted to show him around the eighteenth, it seemed like the perfect opportunity."
"B-B-But-"
"No buts!" Axton said with a grin. He looked over her shoulder to see him approach. "Ah, perfect timing, Bell!"
Indeed, the little white rabbit had arrived. He paused when Ais whipped around, sending her hair into the wind, unknowingly giving him a show of how beautiful she was.
Axton snickered when he saw Bell's face match his eyes. "All right, Ais, take him and show him around and be back by nightfall, or just give the wind a little push," he whispered the last part. "From there, I'll take care of it. Hope you got everything!" He said before passing by Ais with a slight squeeze of her wrist.
She tried to reach out and stop him but he deftly avoided her. He swung around and put both hands on Bell's shoulders, "Be nice to my sister, and don't be a stranger, okay?"
"W-What?"
"Good!" He smirked, "Have fun on your pseudo-date!"
"W-Wah, a date! A-Axton!" Bell shouted but the Sword Prince willfully ignored him. Ais sent a glare to her brother's retreating back, now a blushing mess as she was alone with a boy who had invaded her thoughts more often in the past month than any other person in the past eight years, except her brother. It was such a foreign feeling to her.
This white-haired boy was also the very same boy who had peeked at her while she was bathing. Riveria had said that she wasn't allowed to reveal her body unless it was to her loved one, significant other, the yin to the yang, the 'one', and many other things that mean that particularly special person.
So, when Axton walked away, it left Bell and Ais in awkward silence. "So…do you want…to see the town?"
"U-Uh, I…we uhm…sure?" Bell scratched behind his head looking red in the face. It honestly sounded more like a question than an answer. Ais didn't know what to do and it was at times like this that Axton would guide her. It goes to show that she relies on him for far more than she initially let on.
Mini-Ais was running rampant in her mind, wondering how she could proceed. She eventually spoke up, her golden eyes looking directly at the ruby ones before her, "Follow me," and then she was off.
Poor Bell had to high tail it to catch up to her.
Meanwhile, Axton watched them go before he felt a presence, "Are you having fun, Aika?"
"Awww…why can't you let me feel you up?~" the now revealed Aika said, crossing her arms and pouting. The spectacles on her face made the whole pout that much cuter. Axton said nothing else aside from the singular eyebrow raise.
"What do you want?" Axton asked, wondering why she was bothering him now of all times.
Aika hummed, dropping her pout before adjusting her glasses, "Well, you did just send the little bunny off with your sister, so I'm wondering what you plan on doing?"
The Sword Prince scoffed, "Nothing, I don't need to babysit my sister 24/7 so I'm taking the opportunity to relax…" he trailed off… "when was the last time I truly relaxed…?"
Aika took great pleasure in watching the humble Sword Prince go through so many emotions in a matter of seconds. "Well~, if you ever want to take a load off, just know that I'm your girl~," she said without shame. Even if he loved another, she was always willing to be the side piece or…Aika's fantasies often took wild turns that no mere mortal could describe.
Axton just sat there, wondering when the last time he wasn't so worried. He frowned as the answer came to him and he didn't like how far he had to go back in his memory to get that answer. It was such a long time ago. Bell, you better treat my sister like she's the damn Queen of the Castle. I won't accept anything less.
Axton honestly didn't have to worry too much on that front. What can he say? Brotherly instincts are hard to curb.
Meanwhile, Ais and Bell were about to enter the town of Rivira and that was when Ais suggested a detour. She was curious and this would the chance to ask him some questions that she's had on her mind since the start of the expedition. "How are you so strong?"
…well…she was never known for subtlety.
"E-Eh?" Bell stuttered. "I-I…I'm not strong. I…I'm trying to catch up to someone…they showed me that I have a long way to go…" he said, not looking at Ais but she could feel his determination to catch up to whomever this is. Her thoughts strayed to who it might be. At first, she thought of her brother and she'd understand. Then, it went to Tiona and Tione but they didn't interact with Bell on the level that she and Axton did.
Then her mind paused, yet she continued walking, as her answer landed on Bete. Bete, of all people. Was he the one that Bell wanted to catch up to? He did insult Bell for the incident on the fifth floor when they met at the Hostess. Could he… Ais didn't want Bell to see Bete because she secretly—more along the lines of subconsciously—wanted to keep Bell to herself. "I see." The socially inept blonde said as a response.
"S-So, where were you guys coming from?" Bell changed the subject, which was a secret boon to Ais as she didn't know how to carry a proper conversation.
Ais looked up, "An expedition, we ran into poison vermis. A few of our members were poisoned. Bete is getting the antidote. We should be heading out by tomorrow…" At that, Ais became sad. She wanted to stay around the person who had intrigued her. She wanted to know the source of his strength. She wanted to be strong too…
…so I can stand by my brother's side proudly, so I can find my hero.
"There's…been something I've wanted to ask…how did you get down here…to the Under Resort so fast?" Ais accompanied this question with an innocent head tilt.
Bell swore his heart was pumping blood directly to his face because he could feel the heat on his face. "W-Well, uhm…we…"
"…relax," Ais said, not knowing why she said it. She just wanted to know a simple answer yet her hidden motive was obvious to herself. How did you get so strong? She asks herself now, doubt plagues her thoughts. When she plateaus in her status, she feels like she's not getting anywhere. Even with constant encouragement from Axton, it's just a long process.
Even still, Ais shouldn't be complaining. She's gotten to level six in…nine years? She started adventuring when she was seven, she's sixteen now, almost seventeen…so there wasn't a valid reason to be upset. She and Axton both have come far from what they once were.
Except for the fact that this boy, this rabbit, had managed to make it to the Under Resort in a short amount of time. He was only on the tenth floor a few weeks ago, maybe two weeks. Ais wanted to know his secret. It was almost a craving…she needed to know.
"We got Pass Paraded, forcing us to make a choice…"
"...!" Ais turned back to Bell with a cautious look, eyes widening a tad, her shoulders coiled.
Pass Parading was an offense that happens often in the Dungeon. Gathering monsters and 'passing' another party, getting them injured or possibly killed. "W-We already worked it out!" Bell exclaimed, waving his hands in front of his face, feeling the hidden pressure that Ais was exuding. First-class adventurers were scary. "I never blamed them for making a decision I would have made. They had an injured party member and they needed to get to the surface."
Ais could let that pass…but they had endangered her rabbit.
—THUMP—
There it was again. This weird feeling within her chest kept popping up. The golden swordswoman wanted to know what this feeling was. "Oh, we're here."
Thankfully, she didn't have time to dwell on it as she and Bell came upon Rivira, the rogue town located on the eighteenth floor. Ais could gather from Bell's expression that it wasn't what he expected.
"This…is…"
"…not what you thought. According to the townspeople…they've rebuilt it over three hundred and thirty times."
Ruby-red eyes widened at this fact, something Ais took pleasure in seeing the astounded look on the rabbit's face. She recalled words he had said on top of the wall back on the surface. He was trying to reach someone, to surpass them. Ais never figured it out. Axton, at that moment in time, knew immediately but never said anything.
The pair entered the town to find the residents were still skittish because of the recent incident. Thankfully, they have kept quiet. Yet that didn't stop them from leering at Ais. She brushed off their attention as she only required one person's attention.
That person was looking at her with stars in his eyes, along with a blazing determination as hot as his Firebolt, and she didn't know it. Quite ironic, if one applies the proper logic.
"There's…not much here," Bell admitted.
Ais shrugged one shoulder, "As expected but to them, this is home." Hmm, is Axton rubbing off on me? She's not one to say such things.
Apparently, Bell thought so too, "Miss Ais?"
She looked away, "Sorry…"
"You have nothing to apologize for, Miss Ais!"
"Ais…"
"Eh?"
She looked back to him, "Call me Ais…everyone does…" at least mostly everyone does.
Bell looked conflicted. "A…Ai…Miss Ais, I have too much respect for you…and we don't know each other all that well." He tried to call her just 'Ais' but found himself unable to.
"Okay," she pouted but her face or tone expressed that. A habit.
With the tour of Rivira basically over, they just walked around. They eventually left the town to head back to their camp.
Upon arrival, Axton was talking to Bete, "Glad to see you made it back, slowpoke."
"Shut up," Bete glared but it lacked all the heat. Then the wolf saw a flash of white, "Tomato brat's here?!"
Axton, momentarily confused, turned his head, "Ahh, you're back. You didn't do anything, did you?"
"We toured Rivira," Ais said while glancing warily at Bete, the wolf didn't notice as he was too busy eyeing up the rabbit.
"The good news is that we can leave tomorrow at the earliest," Axton said, stretching his arms above his head. "I don't know about you but I'm sleeping like the dead when we get home. My bed sounds super comfy right now."
Ais smiled at her brother's attitude. How he can have such an outlook on life when she can't baffles her. It's endearing. "Don't slack off now…"
Axton turned his head, before smiling wide, "You're picking up my mannerisms, Ais. Careful. You need to be the Sword Princess, not me." A teasing tone was attached to his voice. He looked back to Bete, "Imma snag one of these and give it to Dino directly. Maybe then Jericho will actually be lively."
"What about Lefiya?" Ais asked, halting her brother's retreat. Bell was too busy getting many jealous or hostile looks. Welf and Lili were nowhere to be found.
"She's getting ready for tomorrow, we are a day overdue for returning, Loki's probably bored out of her mind, and if she gets bored…"
"...that shall never be repeated…ever…"
Royalty shivered at the memory, much to the confusion of the rest of the Familia present. Axton rolled his shoulders before grabbing one of the potions and went to the 'sick' tent and entered. The Dark Elf was resting with one arm over his eyes. The raccoon was resting on the bed, hunched over.
"Oh, you came," Dino said, peeking an eye out from under his arm. "I heard Bete, did he-"
"Got it right here, so you'll be on your feet by tomorrow," Axton said as he tossed the antidote to the bed-ridden elf. "Alicia was quite worried."
A shift in the bed, "Really?" Dino asked incredulously.
Axton let out a lopsided grin, "Sure, considering she's been debating on actually entering for the past day should solidify that fact. Also, she's quite angry that I've been saying this."
Jericho groaned from his spot, "Can you go one day without making someone mad?"
"Absolutely…not," Axton chuckled before leaving the tent and dodging an angry Alicia.
The laughter could be heard across the camp. "It's good to see him loosen up."
"...but you know he's hiding most of his true feelings."
"Oh, one hundred percent, Jericho," Dino chortled as he chugged the potion. His Abnormal Resistance had protected him somewhat but the poison was no joke.
The raccoon's ears shifted, "You think he'll be fine?"
Dino turned to his blood brother, "Are any of us?"
"Okay, finally, we can go!" a few of the members of Loki Familia shouted as they were ascending the seventeenth floor and beyond—having all the members cured of the poison. Hermes and Asfi stayed behind to watch after Bell…but Axton thought more was going on. He went along with his sister because he just wanted his own bed.
After the stress that was this expedition, he deserved it. The conversation with the top trio and Ais was on the forefront of his mind, something that Ais clearly noticed. How could she not when it was on her mind too? They were going to tell them their most guarded secret and well…pressure was getting to them. Why wouldn't it? This secret could change everything.
Royalty shared a look, communicating with body language, the movement of their shoulders, faces, and eyes were how they carried on their conversation. While most chose to ignore it, the ones who were watching were intrigued by the silent blond duo. Riveria cast a glance at them, seeing the hidden tension within them, and sighed softly.
Alicia, Dino, and Lefiya all noticed this but none spoke up. Jericho was willfully tuning everything out so he doesn't hear anything he isn't meant to hear. He knows his boundaries. Dino looked to Riveria, then at Royalty, then back again before shrugging. Not my problem.
Then the Dungeon rumbled.
At this time, the group had advanced to the eighth floor, so they all curiously looked behind them before pressing onward. Axton was the slowest of the bunch to move but Gareth was already waiting for him. When the Sword Prince turned around to continue walking, many sighed in relief.
"Wow, okay, no faith in me, I see you all…" Axton muttered dejectedly. "I'm not that bad."
"Yes, you are," multiple voices overlapped, even Ais's voice was mixed in.
"Et tu, ma sœur?" Axton gasped dramatically. "Even my own blood betrayed me. How will I ever recover?"
"Maybe you could ask Lefiya to help," Tione teased.
That shut Axton right up and made the mentioned elf flush, much to the amusement of the Familia. With all the random banter and such, the first floor—and subsequently, the entrance—was in sight.
"Loki Familia's back!" Multiple adventurers shouted as they breached the surface to a bright and sunny day.
"Ahh, fresh sunlight," Axton stretched his arms, secretly letting his wind fly, as was Ais. The fresh crisp air was pleasant to the demi-spirit children, feeling the freedom of the sky. It was kind of their secret guilty pleasure.
"Mmh," Ais hummed at her brother's statement.
Finn turned to the whole group, "We'll report to the Guild tomorrow, let's all go home, clean up, eat, and get a good night's rest." A resounding cheer broke out from the group.
For a moment, everything was alright. Everything was good. They survived another expedition. However, like all good things, they must come to an end.
"Braver," a voice called.
"Ankusha," Finn called back to the person. "What brings you out here?"
Shakti Varma stood across the main group of Loki Familia, but her eyes were on Royalty, "By orders of Lord Ganesha, sanctioned by Lord Ouranos, I need Sword Royalty to come with me."
Lefiya, still in the back of the group, heard this and felt the blood drain from her face. Why? What's this about? The elf clutched her staff to her body as if it was her only lifeline. Her eyes darted to Axton who turned and gave her a reassuring smile.
She didn't like that smile. She could see through that smile. He's afraid of something…but what? The answer should be obvious but Lefiya drew her conclusion to the monster they fought and that red-haired woman.
"I think it's reasonable to know why they are being requested," Riveria spoke calmly, curious as to where Shakti was going with this. Thankfully, they were speaking at a low enough volume that no one heard them outside of the people who needed to hear this. The return of the expedition would keep everyone occupied for the next few hours. Multiple adventurers were asking what it's like to fight alongside first-class adventurers.
"Lady Loki had received a summons whilst you were away, and I was instructed to come to retrieve you once the expedition ended," Shakti admitted with a frown as she clutched her head. "However, I knew on a personal level that this is not the best time."
Gareth hummed, "Can't you see we need a night to decompress, lassy?" He gestured to his own armor and everyone elses' armor. Axton was missing most of his armor, only a few parts remaining. His pants had multiple tears in them, his shirt had holes in them the size of his fist, and so much more. Ais was missing her shoulder guards, the left leg, her chestpiece was dented in multiple places, and her battle dress was torn in multiple places. Finn's attire was torn and in tatters at this point. The Amazon twins were at least decent—considering their preference for little clothing. "We also had a poisoning incident so we have to get the Saint to do a final check."
"That explained why Vanargand was rushing about the surface two days ago," Shakti sighed. "I can give you until tomorrow at dawn. No more." The blue-haired Captain was exhausted and it showed on her face.
"Thank you, Auntie," Axton said with a grateful smile. We have to tell them tonight… It couldn't be avoided.
Shakti chuckled once, "Only you would be okay with me asking you to come with me."
"It worked out seven years ago…" he trailed off as if he remembered another detail.
Shakti caught the look in his eyes, "Please don't beat yourself up over that…nephew." Most missed the interaction, but a few people caught onto that implication.
Just like that, Axton beamed, "Finally she admits it!" And just like that, the easy part was over. Yet Lefiya felt that more puzzle pieces were added into the mix. For someone so invested in the guy, she often considers asking him up front…but that's not her style. She didn't want to ask only to be wrong.
Call it paranoia but Lefiya wasn't that much of a risktaker.
"Axton Wallenstein!" A new voice said calmly but clearly.
The Sword Prince tensed up, hearing that voice. He hid behind Ais, who gave him a bemused look, as someone very familiar approached.
That someone was Dea Saint or Amid Teasanare. Her whole poise was calm but those eyes simmered with…an emotion that Axton couldn't read properly. Tione chose the perfect time to tease him, "Ouu, looks like the Prince needs to speak with the Saint, I wonder what…"
"Now is not the time," Axton said as Amid stepped around Ais and grabbed him by the cheek. "Heee, ow ow! Leeh meh gouu!"
Amid continued dragging away Axton with determination, "Not until you give me an explanation."
Lefiya just watched stupified as Amid dragged off the boy she liked. Tiona tapped the elf on the shoulder, "Whatcha doing just standing here? Go get your man!"
"Mi-Miss Tiona, A-Axton is n-not m-my…man…" Lefiya stuttered with an atomic blush. That still didn't stop her from catching up with the Silver Saint, much to the Familia's amusement.
Dino stepped up, "Can we just have a break from the action?" To be fair, it's been quite an adventure for this expedition.
"No!" came the collective answer.
Amid admitted that this was not one of her greatest moments and she thought she wasn't going to do something like this but her body overrode her mind on this one. She had let go of Axton's cheek in favor of his wrist. She knew he knew that he could break out at any time but chose to remain.
"Amid, are you going to tell me why you dragged me away from my Familia? In such a public display too?" the blond complained.
The Silver Saint paused in her steps for a moment, "Once we have privacy."
"Okay, you're scaring me," Axton said. "That's what someone says before they are slipped a potion that numbs all movement and…"
"Do you really think I would do that to you?" the Doctor asked as they arrived at Dian Cecht's clinic. Surprisingly, there were not a lot of people on the streets today. Quite rare, actually.
Axton paused as this was a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. Ah well, he faced a corrupted Demi-Spirit, he could chance this, "If you were angry enough at me, absolutely, then call it a test."
The Doctor wisely said nothing, letting the boy stress over if she was angry or not. Truth is, she was just worried about him. He looked like battered hell in the doctor's eyes. There could be injuries left untreated or an open wound.
That's what she was telling herself anyway.
As soon as they were inside and no one was around, Amid turned and hugged Axton. The Sword Prince was most definitely surprised at this, "Uhm…Amid, y-"
"Be quiet and hug me…please…" she said sternly before her tone went to a whisper.
Not seeing the harm in it, Axton reciprocated the hug, gently taking off the hat that Amid wears with her outfit and tossing it on the counter. One of his hands gently ran through Amid's silver hair, as this was how he hugs his sister. It works on her…so why not any girl, right?
What he missed were her blushing cheeks. "You were late coming back."
"Bete had to get potions, so you had a good reason to guess why," Axton said normally, in contrast to the hushed tone and posture of Amid. "No, I wasn't affected but others were so thank you for the potions."
"That's my job," Amid mumbled, feeling the stress of the days collapsing on her.
"Have you been taking care of yourself?" Axton inquired, feeling her grip around him loosen. His second clue was how Amid was basically nuzzling into his chest. While he was composed on the outside, internally it was another story.
She looked cute when she was not serious. "Course I have," she said but it came out as, "Cooouse I've…"
They continued to hug for a few minutes even if Axton felt his cheeks getting red as her nose was tickling his neck. He could have sworn that she was smiling against his neck.
Alas, Axton wasn't going to let her go on like this, "Come on, you should rest." The boy then lead her upstairs where her room was located. The nameplate on the door did give it away. "As long as there's nothing embarrassing on the other side, may I enter your room?"
Amid gained some lucidity before entering her room herself and slamming the door, "Don't come in!"
"Depending on what the Guild needs us for, I'll be back tomorrow," Axton said with an amused chuckle. Amid really only 'lets her hair down' around him or her own associates.
Amid sighed from the other side, "Fair. Now go."
Axton raised his hands defensively, "Says the woman who dragged me here." His tone was teasing as he was not the one to blame. He didn't hear her response as he was already walking away.
Upon exiting, he stretched again, "Come on Lefiya, they'll be wondering where we are. Best not to give them more ammunition for their teasing."
The mentioned elf fell in line with Axton, "Are you nervous?"
Without shame, Axton nodded, "With what we plan to tell you, yeah, why wouldn't I be? Ais and I have kept this under wraps since we joined the Familia."
The blue-eyed elf hummed, "I see…if you don't mind me asking, what's with your relationship with the Saint?"
Axton raised a curious brow, "Jealous?" He asked teasingly. Seeing her flat expression meant it was no time for jokes. Resting a hand on Requiem's hilt, "Amid had saved my life in part once. I was a rambunctious child, getting into harmless mischief and all. Made one mistake and almost ended up dying. Amid, an apprentice at the time, healed me."
That's not what happened at all. It was much worse but that topic was something he'd have to breach another time.
Lefiya nodded at his explanation but his tone was slightly detached, his shoulders were coiled defensively. "Okay, now…do you know anything about this summons?"
"I have a theory."
"Care to share?"
Axton frowned, "Not particularly."
The two walked in comfortable silence all the way back to the Manor. Not without the duo stealing glances at one another, their cheeks were slightly red.
Cue teasing.
Assembled in Finn's office were all the executives and Lefiya. No offense to Aki but this was something she didn't need to know yet. Even if Riveria wanted her here, Royalty didn't feel comfortable having her know just yet.
Axton and Ais sat on one couch, fidgeting slightly, almost apprehensive. Finn at his desk, Riveria beside him, and Gareth in a single couch seat. Tione, Tiona, Lefiya, and Bete took seats around the room. The latter stood against the wall. Loki herself was sitting cross-legged on the desk, her eyes open but narrowed.
She did glomp them as they returned home but Finn informed her of Royalty's decision. She wasn't happy about it but it was their secret they are choosing to tell. "Before this begins, kiddies, you have to swear to secrecy. Not a word leaves this room. No discussions of it at all, am I clear?"
Everyone sans the obvious people was surprised at the visceral tone from their patron deity. "Okay, so life and death, hm?" Tione surmised this as a question.
"Ais, Axton, go on…" Loki prompted.
Ais looked at Axton, and she shifted her head. Axton put down a book on the table, one Tiona recognized instantly, "The Dungeon Oratoria?"
"Correct, as one of these stories holds some truth," Axton said. "What was the story that Bell had told you about?"
"Ou, the one with the two kids!" Tiona jubilantly exclaimed. "They were said to disappear before the battle. The Mercenary Hero had to make sure his family was safe." Axton took the book, thumbed open a page about the pre-battle, and slid it across the table. The younger Hiryute scooped up the book and began reading.
Lefiya peeked at Tiona, reading over her shoulder, "The Hero, Albert Waldstein, had to take time to get his family to safety. The village and the surrounding area were evacuated. The people were safe but time was of the essence. He, alongside his wife and party, had to fight the calamity that was fast approaching to destroy all life. 'Come Aria, we have to go.'
'I'm sorry ****, *****, but we have to go. Remember to look out for each other.'
The names of the two children that Albert sired were not recorded but anyone who had known the man personally said that he took great care of his children and wife. The next time anyone would see Albert Waldstein was of his corpse. The two children of Aria and the Spirit herself were not seen again, presumed to be killed in the oncoming battle." Accompanying this was a picture of Albert and his party, one figure shrouded by her hair.
Royalty sat back with a grimace. Axton couldn't stop fiddling with his fingers while Ais was looking everywhere except at the four people across from her. "The names are blacked out?"
"Never recorded," Axton corrected. Loki, Finn, Riveria, and Gareth were silently spectating. They wanted to see how they would reveal it.
"What does Aria look like?" Tione asked the blond duo.
"Mom looks like an older version of me…" Ais whispered out.
Lefiya's eyes snapped up, mouth agape. "You shouldn't exist…"
The Hiryute twins and even Bete looked at Lefiya in shock, absolutely gobsmacked. "Lefiya!"
She blinked, "Wait! That came out wrong!" she waved her arms in a rapid motion. "W-What I mean is…they both have spirit blood within their bodies but…it never seemed right." She turned to Riveria, who had one eye closed, observing the conversation, "I…had a feeling about this."
"Care to elaborate?" Riveria asked her student.
"Lady Riveria, you've taught me a lot about magic. You've shown me the difference between spell power and magic energy. Yet, when I look at Royalty's magic, it goes all over the place. Their magic is not a simple wind enchantment. Their magic is less restrictive. It can be free unlike any of our magic spells."
Bete scoffed, "I can second that. The shit you pulled while we were on the fifty-ninth. There's no way that was just a 'simple' wind enchantment." He looked to Loki, "This is what you meant, yeah?"
The Goddess nodded, "Indeed. I told you, this is their greatest secret, and they are choosing to trust you. Don't make them regret it." She didn't seem happy about this but it was her children's secret, it would be unfair to make executive decisions about their lives.
"Captain," Tione raised her voice, "you knew?"
Finn raised an eyebrow, his mouth hidden by his clasped hands, "How do you think they were allowed into the Familia if we didn't know?"
"This is the gap I've mentioned, you four," Riveria amended. "Please do not hate them for it."
Lefiya turned her eyes back to the blond pair, shakily exhaling. All the evidence pointed to the only logical conclusion. "T-Then that means…Miss Ais, Axton, answer me honestly…is Aria…your mother?"
Axton smiled at Lefiya, as did Ais, ""She is.""
That confirmation echoed throughout the room, the tension was lifting but there were still questions to be had.
"Bullshit," Bete cursed.
"How do you want me to prove that I'm not lying?" Axton inquired as Ais glared at the puppy. "We have a human lie detector right here," he said pointing to Loki.
The redhead scoffed, "So I get demoted to a lie detector, hmm?"
Axton turned on the couch, "Prove me wrong then. Ais is my sister."
"Mmh."
"Wallenstein is not our true last name," Ais said.
Loki sighed, "Correct. What they have said have no falsehoods."
Axton leaned back on the couch, "I have three bottles of Soma in my room."
Loki reacted accordingly, "What?! Where! Axton, you better not-wait…you little shit!" Axton did this for a specific purpose. He wanted to prove the difference between a lie and a truth. Technically, they just played two truths and a lie. The faces of the quartet watching slowly morphed from intrigue to disbelief to a deadpan, even Riveria put her head in her hand, but nothing could stop the smile that formed.
Predictable as always, Loki.
The realization finally set in, "Then that means…"
"...that Axton and I are the children that Dungeon Oratoria speaks of. Our true names are Ais and Axton Waldstein, daughter and son of Albert Waldstein and Aria, the Greater Wind Spirit, later Aria Waldstein," Ais whispered the truth, and everyone heard it.
"It's thanks to Mom that we inherited her wind, but not its full power, and thanks to her, we do have spirit blood running in our veins," Axton added. He raised a hand and called upon his wind, letting it form in his hands. "This belongs to our mother…even now…I can still feel she's out there…" he added sadly. Continuing, dispelling the wind, "To put it simply, we are what I'm calling True Demi-Spirits," Axton said. Guardian reassured him that this was the right decision. The tension bled off his shoulders as he finally got to admit the truth. "You don't know how relieved I am telling you this…because I felt horrible about lying to you for the past few years…all of you…especially…" he trailed off as he glanced at Lefiya with red cheeks.
The elf blushed too, "Your words at the hospital…"
"Alluding to my origin, yes," Axton seemed to recall that moment perfectly, his posture much more in line with how he normally acts, "In truth, the breadcrumbs were there."
"...we just didn't know how well you'd receive this…knowing we lied to you…"
"Nonsense!" Tiona shouted, "You're still the Sword Princess and you're still little Princey to me!" Tiona pointed at Ais, then Axton. "It doesn't matter if you're the children of Aria or not! You're still my friends and fellow Familia members! Nothing will change that!" The quartet watching smiled at the exuberant Amazon's declaration.
"What my loudmouth sister said, I can see why you had to hide this but it does bring up the question…how did you get here?"
Bete's tail tensed, "I thought you said Spirits can't have children!" He directed this at Lefiya.
She was about to answer but someone beat her to it. "Bete," Axton's voice called his attention, "We don't know how we came to exist either, but I like to think Mom was the exception. Ais was what they wanted—as the bird and the bees were never explained to us—but I came along later at an exact point in time. Our birthdays are nine months apart to the second. When I was born, I felt her wind envelop me…and I could feel a warmth…D-Dad and M-Mom were so happy…"
Ais took over, "As for how we got here, we don't know exactly. I vaguely recall the day it happened…
"It's kinda hard to recall that day. I was barely even six, six and a half…"
Her anger rose as she spoke, "That monster…" she spat, "killed Dad and his party…and it was going to claim us as its prize…but Mom intervened. I don't know what she did but she sent us away for our protection." Royalty had latched hands and they were squeezing with all their might, their arms shaking from the force applied yet their expressions were soft. "We arrived here nine years ago, here in Twilight Manor, where we met Riveria...in the wine cellar…"
Lefiya stood up and marched over to them. Both level sixes were shocked at the tears in her eyes. Her bottom lip quivered as she opened her mouth to speak but her tears fell before she could.
Ais's eyes widened as she grabbed Royalty and pulled them into a hug. Her level three strength was nothing to them but Lefiya wore her emotions on her sleeve. "Y-You…"
Axton smiled at her, tears of his own forming, "Yeah…us…please don't let this change anything between us…"
"Group hug!" Tiona shouted, dragging both her sister and Bete over. Before they knew it, the six youngsters were all hugging, Bete being the most unwilling but bore through it.
Bete weaseled his way out of the hug, "Don't do that again you hair-brained Amazon!"
"Mister Grumpy Wolf is back! Axton protect me!" Tiona whined playfully.
What they didn't see was Royalty crying tears of happiness. Ais touched her face in disbelief that she was crying. This was the first time her emotions came clear. Was it a mental block? She'll never know.
Riveria gently approached the pair and brought them into a hug, "I'm glad you two have matured. To think you used to be quite the difficult pair…"
"...they did kinda pawn the responsibility to you," Ais said.
Loki clapped her hands, "Okay! Now that the cat's out of the bag, we need to sit down and have another discussion about the expedition. I need a rundown so I know what to include or not. I'd rather not have a surprise at hearing something when we go see Ouranos."
Finn gladly took over the details of the expedition while the two obviously crushing on each other kids were avoiding each other's eyes. It was quite entertaining, to be honest. Axton sat down on the couch, Lefiya sat one-half cushion away, her ears a bright red at the prolonged contact. He chose to ignore the developing teasing looks from the dwarf and twin amazons.
Finn spoke up, "Don't forget, Axton, that we need to discuss your behavior."
The boy who got called out chuckled sheepishly, "To be fair, I don't trust Hermes as far as I can throw him…he's got this gleam in his eye that unsettles me."
"Nevertheless," Finn continued, "you must treat deities with a grain of respect, even if you don't like them. Another thing is your skill."
With that, Axton deflated, "I'd rather not, if at all possible." Clearly, he recalled the conversation they had without him being there. It really felt like a slap to the face knowing they were discussing that. "But fine…what do you want to know?"
"What happened when you passed out? More importantly, how did it happen?" Tione asked first. The elder Hiryute heard this in passing but was genuinely curious about the circumstances.
The blond turned his head, "Guardian works in such a way where I am in tune with my status. It only works when someone I care for, in any way, is in danger. The problem was…when that Spirit was using Fire Storm, everyone was in danger. So, with that mental stress, I just fell over."
Lefiya spoke up with a question of her own. Her blush finally went away, "Speaking of 'Guardian' or whatever, why does your eye change?"
"Don't know, maybe a visual indicator of some kind? The Falna is weird especially so with my disposition. Speaking of, Loki, don't you want to give us a status update?"
The Goddess hummed, "I do but let's finish this up. My intuition is going to keep me up all night. That goes for you too, my sweet Aizu, as your connections are…different than normal."
"...most likely our Spirit blood," the blonde said with a shrug.
Tiona excitedly raised her hand, "Pick me! Me next!"
Axton tsked, "Hmm, should I really though?" He looked around the room with a joking grin. "Oh, Tiona, perfect timing!"
"Meanie," Tiona pouted. "What was that giant wind storm you conjured?"
"Yes, I myself have been wondering that," Riveria added to the bubbly Amazon's words. The High Elf saw it form and in the condition, Axton was in that should not have worked.
"Ahem," Loki cleared her throat, "I believe I can answer that." She stood off the desk and went to Royalty, "As you know, I have connections to all my children within this Familia, thanks to my blessing on your backs." She pointed two fingers at them, "During your expedition, I felt the change in them."
"You didn't actually answer my question," Tiona pointed out.
Axton snorted at that, "T-To put it simply," he cleared his throat, "That was me reaching out to Mom, begging her for help. She's still out there somewhere but wherever she is…"
"...that monster is with her…" Ais said darkly as a flicker of black wind flared.
The dark tone by Ais took the younger members by surprise. Lefiya noted that Axton's hands tightened at his sister's attitude but kept his composure. He hated this side of Ais if he was being honest. His sister shouldn't have to hate so violently. One day, they will free her. One day, they will reunite. "Continuing on, the resulting wind was her granting my request. Remember, we have access to her power being her direct descendants on a larger scale than say three generations down the line. To be fair, while we were fighting that Spirit, I felt more in tune with my Demi-Spirit side than my human side…"
"...you too, hmm?" Ais whispered. The siblings turned and shared a small smile. They would have on another's backs when the time came.
The information was taken in silently. Not a single person wanted to speak after that. Right now, everyone was compiling the information. Finn, Riveria, and Gareth took this last bit with a lot more caution. Using powers of a Greater Spirit? That's unheard of unless it was the Spirit itself. Finn opened his mouth to say something but his thumb throbbed, making him close his mouth. It seems his intuition was telling him to keep his mouth shut. He was about to suggest that they stay back on the next expedition—even further still, tell them to not enter the Dungeon at all.
The Pallum knew that would not go over well. Windy Lane was named that for a reason. "What about that woman?"
Finn's question shattered the mood, "Oh…that bitch…"
"Language!" Riveria scolded, "Is this how you will conduct yourself when you and L-"
"Let him go, you old hag, after what happened to him, we'll let him off this once," Gareth smoothly interrupted. The dwarf did gain some satisfaction watching Axton and Lefiya blush.
Ais spoke up, "She called me Aria…she wanted me for some reason, and she was using Axton to do it."
"...don't know why she insists on calling me 'spawn' or whatever but she seemed…obsessed. I don't wish to talk about this subject anymore."
"But you-"
"I'm not running away from it, Riveria," Axton huffed. "Time and place." Everyone settled back into a chair, Lefiya noticeably closer to Axton, who didn't notice as he was looking past them and out the window.
"Is there anything else?" Bete asked with slight intrigue. He had respect for them now, as he always did, but it only increased. He traced the blue tattoo on his cheek as he fell into memories.
"No, us revealing our origins was the main point."
Loki clapped her hands, "Meeting adjourned! Ais, Axton, stay. Everyone else, out!"
Finn smiled, "Kicking me out of my own office, Loki? How cruel." The Pallum felt the joke was necessary but complied. Lefiya, before she left, grabbed Axton's hand, surprising the blond. She then, very boldly, hugged him for a brief moment, then scampered out of the room before he could properly respond.
But I still need to tell her/him something… they both thought. Both their hearts were beating faster just at the brief contact.
Once the door was shut, Loki turned serious, "Ouranos is most likely onto you two, so do not speak unless spoken to tomorrow, you got it?" They both nodded. "Good, now with that done, let me update your status!"
They had quite the revelation.
The next day, at the crack of dawn, just like Shakti said, she came to ask for Loki and Royalty. The trio complied easily and with a lack of conflicting emotions. The brother-sister pair made no deviations from their paths. They had received one answer last night, and with their updates on their status, they easily knew why they were being summoned.
It seems that they told their secret in the nick of time. It was only going to get harder from here, they felt it. The walk to the Guild was made discreetly. Most just thought that Loki needed some bodyguards and what better protection than Sword Royalty? So, most disregarded the fact that Shakti was there. She was 'off-duty' today so she had nothing to worry about.
"Axton!" a little voice shouted. The boy turned to see two different children running up to him. Of course, Axton smiled wide as Calan and Nella both ran up to him. They jumped at him and it was thanks to his status that he was able to catch them with no problem. "Onii-san!"
"Hello, Calan, Nella, how are you?"
"Great/Awesome!" they replied.
Ais turned and smiled at her brother, seeing him with children was a nice sight. Even Shakti and Loki took a moment to appreciate the sight. Loki now had more ammo for teasing little Lefiya. "Have you been staying out of trouble!"
"Of course! I've started going to school, and making new friends!" Calan exclaimed, his wolf features wiggling.
Axton smirked at him, "Your mother isn't upset?"
"No! She encourages it!" Calan said, hugging Axton around the neck.
"What about you, imouto?" Axton turned to Nella, addressing her. The little elf giggled and blushed.
She perked up, "I've…also gone to school as well…Calan-kun is in my class."
"Oh?" Axton raised an eyebrow. "Calan's being nice to you?" She nodded. "Okay, I would stick around, but I have somewhere to be, I'm sorry I haven't seen you two around."
"Okay, Axton/Onii-san!" they cheered as he let them down, pushing them towards their respective parents. He turned to see Ais looking at him curiously, then blushed.
"Stop looking at me like that."
"You and Lefiya would be cute parents," Ais said wistfully.
Axton gawked at his sister, Where the hell did that come from? He forced himself not to think about it for much longer. He had bigger fish to fry. Entering Pantheon was nothing new except for the fact that Royman Mardeel was waiting for them, in his perfected suit. "Lord Ouranos is waiting, Loki Familia."
"Remember you two," Loki said, eyeing them from over her shoulder.
The siblings nodded at her, weapons at their sides—not that they needed them—but were prepared nonetheless. The trio descended down the stairs, each step echoing louder and louder as they proceeded down the dark hallway.
Once they arrived at the bottom, they looked up to see him.
Ouranos sat on his throne like he always has. Loki was the first to greet him, "How ya doing, old-timer?"
"Loki," he greeted in return. "Sword Royalty."
""Lord Ouranos," the pair said with a small bow.
Loki grinned, "Let's get to the main portion of this. What do you want with my children?"
Ouranos leaned forward and spoke only two words. These two words sent shivers down the spines of the goddess and two demi-spirit children.
"The Truth."
Axton Wallenstein
Loki Familia
Alias: Sword Prince
Level 6
Strength = I0 → I47
Endurance = I0 → I58
Dexterity = I0 → I30
Agility = I0 → I34
Magic = I0 → I64
Hunter = G
Abnormal Resistance = G
Swordsman = H
Strong Body = I → H
{Skills}
Guardian (Aware): When the user desires to defend someone important to them, whether it be subconsciously or consciously, this activates. The user will defend those they care for until the threat has passed. The closer the user is to their desired target, the stronger this 'Aura' will feel. The detriment to using this skill is that injuries received could turn lethal. Use with caution. Passive Trigger. Changes left eye into that of a shield, causes no hindrance to eyesight.
Punisher: Increases the user's strength with every consecutive hit on an opponent.
Nimble Body: Increases user's agility by a significant margin in a pinch.
{Magic}
Ariel: (Awakened) Enchant-type magic that can imbue things with wind. It has been mentioned as being far beyond normal enchant-type magic. Chant- "Awaken, Tempest." or just "Tempest." Now grants 'Spirit Healing' during use.
Precision Enchantment: Derivative; This allows the user to make small, precise modifications to Ariel's wind to suit the user's needs.
Ais Wallenstein
Loki Familia
Alias: Sword Princess
Level 6
Strength = I0 → I43
Endurance = I0 → I32
Dexterity = I0 → I40
Agility = I0 → I54
Magic = I0 → I59
Hunter = G
Abnormal Resistance = G
Swordsman = H
Spirit Healing = I → H
{Skills}
Avenger: Heavily increases the user's attack power against monsters, and massively increases the user's attack power against dragon-type monsters. Effect rises based on the user's hate
Nimble Body: Increases user's agility by a significant margin in a pinch.
{Magic}
Ariel: (Awakened) Enchant-type magic that can imbue things with wind. It has been mentioned as being far beyond normal enchant-type magic. Chant- "Awaken, Tempest." or just "Tempest." Now grants 'Spirit Healing'. (Already acquired, increases effectiveness)
...
So, it's been a month and I was stuck in a writer's slump. While it hasn't lifted completely, it did clear up enough for me to write this. A bit shorter than last chapter but its moving along. The first section isn't perfect but I wanted Bell and Ais to have a moment.
The reveal was about how I wanted it but I'm not perfect. It seems anti-climatic really but it's not meant to be a fanfare-like event. They revealed it to the people closest to them, that's it.
The Dungeon Oratoria book bit was me just coming up with something to embed Axton into this universe.
Yes, Axton and Lefiya will be getting closer as time goes on. I will be covering Royalty's backstory—like Volume 9's events and Astraea Accord—as these two events are linked. Amid's relationship to Axton, Ryuu's relationship to Axton, Shakti's "Auntie" status, and how he himself had changed.
Not everyone came out the same.
Another thing. Thank you to that_guy_who_existed and Zantarak for shouting out Tales of Royalty on r/danmachi's Fanfic Friday (Two separate threads). I was surprised at the mention so I was kinda happy. Also, we hit 200 followers...
...excuse me...what?
Seriously, thank you for sticking around.
Now, I know Ais doesn't have Nimble Body in canon but I don't want Axton to overshadow Ais. They are meant to be as equal as possible. It does seem I prefer my OC over Canon...but that's an innate bias.
Next time, Ouranos's questioning, what comes next for our pair, and more.
Peace.
