Is It Wrong to Try to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon: The Prophecy (Short Story) Part 3

The Dungeon: Floor 21

At most this was a Training Mission as they entered the Floor and began to take down Monsters. Bell and Ais stood out in front of the formation, as Toine and Tiona took up flanking side positions. Mikoto and Welf were in the rear guard. With Lili and Haruhime in the center. So far the order was working and it did give Bell, Mikoto and Welf a chance to do some training under the Guidance of the three Loki Familia members. But mostly from Ais. Who directed them all on the best way to fight certain Monsters. Tione did not understand at first why each time Lili or Haruhime talked to the Monsters when they first appeared, until they let her in on the Secret. Which they swore her to secrecy immediately after. That there were some Monsters called Xenos that could speak and had real emotions. Most importantly these Monsters were friends of the Hestia Familia. She at first thought they all had lost their wits, then Ais informed her that it was all true. So she followed suit, vowing to have a discussion with her Sister about not telling her before now.

"We are at the spot, Master Bell." Lili said and the three new companions looked back at the shorter girl and then at Bell. He did not answer them as he and Welf moved a medium sized Rock out from a nearby Wall where behind it was a hole. Lili and Haruhime began to pack smaller bags from Lili's backpack inside it. Then Bell and Welf pushed the Rock back.

"We are dropping off supplies for the Xenos." Bell explained indicating the now concealed supply drop. "It is something we arranged with Fels a few days ago." He told Ais, Tione and Tiona. "When we can and it is safe. We will introduce you to them." Which pleased Ais. She still wanted to thank the one called Weine for not letting her hurt Bell. At the time before she had agreed with Finn about killing the Xenos, but she then saw it later when they had escaped. Finn had taken the entire incident too personal. Believing that when they had originally arrived and evaded him and the others. It bruised his pride. Biologically he was older, but then he acted more like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum just because things did not go his way. In truth she found that his pride had made her reevaluate if she wanted to remain in the Loki Familia. Though she also discovered that she wanted and needed Bell to be her Partner. It had nothing to do really what Carmenta had told her. Or that is what she convinced herself to believe. Nearing another side Tunnel they were once more attacked by Monsters and after Lili confirmed vocally that they were ordinary Monsters. They quickly dispatched them.

"There is going to come a time, where we will not be able to wait for Lili or Haruhime to inquire if they are indeed not the Xenos." Ais commented looking over at Bell who lowered his gaze towards the floor of the Cave.

"I know. I just do not want to accidentally hurt or kill any of them." Bell admitted and Ais could understand. She had almost done it to him and at the time she knew she would not be able to forgive herself. No matter the reasons. "Perhaps we should call it a day and head back to Floor 18. Spend the night and then continue home tomorrow." He suggested and the rest of the Party agreed. In route back they stopped at the drop off and after moving the Stone they found that the Supplies were gone. A rolled up scroll was there instead. Taking it, Bell handed it to Lili who put it in her Backpack. They would wait to get home to read it.

On Floor 18 and after unpacking two tents. One large and one small. All of them busied themselves setting up the Tents and unrolling their sleeping pads within. The Smaller tent was for Bell and Welf , while the larger one was for all the Girls. They were camping at the exact spot that the Loki Familia had before, so the three knew exactly where everything was. Including where to find some edible plants and fruits. Though Bell was in no rush to eat that fruit again. While he set up a Fire Pit consisting of Stones in a circle, Ais while depositing a arm full of Firewood leaned down next to him and near his right ear. "Later after it gets dark and everyone goes to bed. Meet me at the Cliff where we were before." She said whispering it all as she finished depositing the bundle. Then lightly smiled at him and went to collect some more Firewood.

What was considered on the 18th Floor night, Bell sneaked out from his and Welf's tent and made his way to the Cliff. Ais was already there waiting on him. When he reached her and before he could ask, she kissed him. Putting her arms around the small of his back while he kept his at his side. Unsure if he should do the same or not. "Put your arms around me Bell." She said softly to him. Slowly he did and she smiled. "We both need to become accustomed to doing this...if we are going to be...this type of Partners." She told him and he began to relax. This time here there was no possibility that Hestia would suddenly appear. All he had to really worry about was any of the others discovering them. He was sure Lili had been ordered by Hestia to make sure that nothing serious went on between him and Ais.

"I kinda wish we could stay another day." Bell said and Ais nodded. Agreeing that it would be nice to remain. Or rather it would be nice for just the two of them to remain. Once back on the surface they would have to once more sneak around to see each other this way.

"I wish that too Bell. But we need to continue your training." Ais said thinking that they had slacked off enough. Carmenta said that she and Bell had to raise their levels together. So that meant training once more. Work with him to sharpen his skills and increase his strength. Which in turn she assumed would increase her own.

"I know. Actually I am looking forward to it." Bell smiled as he looked her in the eyes and Ais smiled as well. Then leaned towards him kissing him once more.

"Whoa." They both heard Tione gasp. "So that is why you two wanted to be Partners?" Ais turned her head and Bell looked over as well to see Tione standing a few feet away just within the Trees. The other girl was blushing a deep shade of red and staring at them with a huge smile on her face. They both blushed and moved away from each other.

"Tione...this is not what it looks like." Ais quickly said, though she had said that in panic and embarrassment of being discovered. The other Girl chuckled and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"Well it looks to me that you and Mister Argonaut there were being a little friendly with each other." Tione commented then chuckled again. Ais inhaled sharply. Her almost sister raised her right hand upwards towards them. "Oh don't worry Ais...I won't tell anyone about this. Though I gotta say...it was really cute seeing you act like a girl for once." She winked over at Bell.

"Thank you Tione...we really want to keep this a secret." Ais said to her and Tione smiled then laughed.

"I would guess so. You do realize that Bete is going to flip out...when you two decide to come out of the shadows." Tione said then turned. "See ya...don't fret any..I will make sure you are left alone...so carry on there Mister Argonaut." With that the Girl left and Ais sighed with relief. Though she was a little concerned. It was well known within the Loki Familia that Bete Loga had designs upon her. So much so that like Loki, believed that he was the only one that should be with her. He even threatened a would be suitor that had once showed interest in her. She worried that he might challenge Bell if he ever found out.

"Do not worry Bell. She will not say a word, not even to Tiona." Ais told him, not telling him about her concerns about Bete. That was later and for now she just wanted to go back to being held by Bell. She had wanted to feel what it was like since the first time they officially kissed and now that she had experienced how it felt. She wanted to do it a lot more. An hour or so later they both sneaked back to their respective tents. To at least get a few hours of sleep.

Confrontation:

"Remember your orders. Goddess Freya does not want Bell Carnell severely injured." Ottar said sternly to the Four others that were with him. "You are also only here to keep the others occupied. They are not to be injured as well. Only the Sword Princess will be harmed and I will be the one to inflict the punishment for not listening to the warning she had received." He added just as sternly. He personally did not like the four Pallum's. They were in his estimates too interested in their own agendas and opinions. Then following Freya's directives. In time he knew he would have to force them to once more become loyal devoted Freya Familia members. But that time was not at the moment. Right now he needed them to keep the Two Twins and the rest of Hestia's Familia occupied while he made the Sword Princess pay for upsetting their Goddess. She had given him specific orders not to kill the Sword Princess only inflict a painful reminder to heed warnings.

"It is up to them. If they wish to not be occupied, then it might be necessary to harm them perhaps even cripple them." Grer Gulliver said and Ottar glared down at him, knowing that the short Pallum fully intended to not even heed his orders.

"Whatever harm you inflict on them..I will inflict the same harm upon you." Ottar said glaring down at the four. Then turned to await the Sword Princess and the rest. As he heard footsteps and voices approach. He stepped out in front of them. While the four quickly stepped out to surround them. "You were warned Sword Princess. Now you must account for not heeding that warning." He announced and before Bell Carnell could intercede. He right hand back handed the youth across the chamber into a wall. Ais unsheathed her sword and readied herself to fight the only Level 7 in Orario.

Rushing to Bell, she ducked past Tione who was squaring off against one of their attackers. Haruhime knelt by Bell as he tried to rise. Upon seeing her kneeling besides him. "Give it to Ais." He whispered and she instantly understood. She began to mumble the Spell and then cast it at Ais. Raising her Level to its fullest.

Feeling the increase of power flow through her, Ais gasped. Then realized what was happening. She had encountered Ryu Lion who for some reason was a lot stronger and more skilled then she expected to encounter. From what she remembered when she had met Ryu. The Elf was only a level 4, but somehow when they fought. The other was able to hold out against her for several minutes. She now knew it was because of something Haruhime had done. Dodging Ottar's downward cut with his huge sword, she slashed with her own and he barely was able to block it in time. "Something has changed in you Sword Princess. Still you are no where strong enough to defeat me. At most you are just delaying the inedible." Ottar said as he pulled his other huge sword and held them before him. Then before the brute could react someone hit him from the side. Someone hit him hard.

Struggling to his feet, Bell closed his eyes and focused all of his will upon his Argonaut Skill. Everything he could muster. He had done this before when he fought against the Goliath. More and more he poured all of his strength and will into himself. He could not let Ottar hurt Ais. He refused to let that happen. The chiming of a bell being rung echoed around him. With a final surge of power from within he lunged forward and slammed his right fist into the larger Boaz man. Ramming him into a nearby wall. Bell then collapsed onto the stone floor, completely spent.

Whatever Bell Carnell had hit him with, hurt. It hurt a lot. Ottar pulled himself out of the debris of the wall and spit. Three teeth proceeded to go out with the bloody spit. He had not noticed that he had dropped his left hand sword when he had been struck. Reaching up with his left hand, he adjusted his now sore mouth. No one had ever hit him that hard before and now he understood why their Goddess Freya was so interested in this boy. His potential was limitless. The boy was now prone on the floor of the chamber and Ais Wallenstein was standing between the Boy and him. Her sword unwavering before her. Looking past her, two of the others had been subdued. Injured or dead, he could not tell from where he was. He knew why, like most of his Familia. They had become too complaisant. They had reached Level 5 and no longer trained as hard as they should have. The whole situation was deteriorating into a serious problem. "Enough!" He growled forcefully. "Stand down!" The two standing Gulliver's and the others all looked at him. "We concede defeat." He said and lowered his own weapon. He could tell at first that his two fellow Familia members were not going to obey him. "Obey my orders or face Freya's wrath and mine later." He told them and they too lowered their weapons. Ais stepped closer and glared up at Ottar.

"Take your...take them and go." Ais ordered him and Ottar gave a slight nod. "We will be reporting this to the Guild and our Familias." She told him, then leaned closer. "Tell Goddess Freya...Bell Carnell is mine...tell her to stay away from him." She then stepped over next to Bell and knelt checking to make sure that he was alright. Still holding her sword in her right hand. Even though Ottar had essentially ended the fight. She did not trust him or his companions. Walking past her and over to the others who were hefting up their two down brothers. The large man held out Potion to Ais, she took it and then he left followed by his Familia Members.

0

Down the corridor and far enough to be overheard. "Why did you concede? They have harmed two of my Brothers...Ottar. We demand retribution for that!"Alfrigg Guliver stated angrily and Ottar looked down on him. Pulling out another Bottle of Potion and splashing it on his mouth. The three missing teeth grew back instantly and the minor discomfort that he felt disappeared.

"You and your Brothers are fools. If you had succeeded in your retribution...it would be the end of our Familia. We failed...I failed. If we had continued that fight, in the end one or more of them would have been injured or killed. Goddess Freya was specific that could not happen." Ottar told the two, who were splashing Potion on their injured Brothers. "As it is, there will be consequences against our Familia that we are going to regret." Dvalian slowly rose.

"What do you mean by consequences against our Familia?" Dvalian asked now uninjured. The potion already healed him from Tiona Hiryute's blow. Ottar shook his head. Believing that all of the Pallum Brothers were idiots along with being fools.

"The Hestia Familia, or rather Bell Carnell is well liked and admired by several Gods and Goddesses. Since we openly attacked those of the Loki Familia and the Hestia Familia. They could seek War against us." Ottar exhaled softly. "That is not what worries me or Goddess Freya. No what worries us both is that God Miach could ban us from purchasing Potion. Goddess Hephaistos could refuse to repair or sell us Weapons. Gods Hermes and Takemikazuchi may join the Loki and Hestia Familias and then we would easily find ourselves not only fighting against them, but any Familias that hold a grudge against our Familia." He explained and now the four understood.

"You knew this and still you had us confront them. Why?" Berling asked and Ottar smiled.

"Do not worry...our Goddess will be able to soothe over this misunderstanding. At most she will have to make a formal apology and that will be the end of it. This was only another warning for the Sword Princess. Though she will be on her guard now and that could work in our Goddess's favor." Ottar walked away and the Four followed him. He had explained enough to them. Everything else Freya had in mind was not anyone else's concern.

0

The Potion did bring Bell around, but he felt so weak that he could barely stand. So Ais took it upon herself to once again carry him on her back. He complained that he was strong enough to walk, but she informed him that she was going to carry him. Or knock him out again and then carry him. So he relented and allowed her to carry him. Grimacing slightly when all the others giggled and laughed at his predicament. After an hour, she felt him put his head on her shoulder and his breathing steadied. "He fell asleep." Tiona said from the right side of her. She smiled warmly and made sure she did not jostle him too much.

"I would be willing to carry him if he gets too heavy." Welf offered and Ais shook her head.

"No I am fine." Ais said back and carefully adjusted Bell on her back. She would not let anyone else carry him, even if he was indeed heavy. He was her Partner in more ways then one.

Leaving Bable, they headed home and Ais carried him all the way. Once back at the Hestia Familia home, she took him to his room and laid him gently on his bed. Tucking him in. "Awe that is so cute how you are caring for Mister Argonaut." Tiona said with a huge smile, looking over Ais noticed that Tione was also smiling. Walking over she passed them giving them both a placid glare. Shutting the door, she headed back down stairs to find Hestia, Loki, Finn and Riveria all listening to Lili, Welf, Mikito and Haruhime report on what had occurred. She and the two Sisters would then also give a report afterwards. Both of the Goddesses were visibly upset.

"How is Bell?" Hestia asked with concern, Ais smiled at her.

"He is fine. He is in his room resting." Ais said and then moved over to stand off to one side. The Twins joined her as Lili finished reporting what had happened. Finn Deimne sat on the Couch listening intently. Biting his thumb lightly.

"We must tread lightly with this. My thumb is twitching and I suspect that Freya did this not to actually punish Ais for not heeding some vague warning. No this was done for an entirely different reason. She would not just send Ottar and those Brothers. No she would have sent also a couple of others to ensure that it would have succeeded." Finn said as he considered the whole situation.

"That Master Finn was what I was thinking from the beginning." Lili said and Finn looked over at his fellow Pallum. "The four were too...I don't know..they seemed too interested in just keeping the rest of us from helping the Sword Princess and Master Bell. It was not until Miss Tione and Miss Tiona took down two of them, that they started to really take it serious." She added remembering the whole encounter and how the four other Pallums acted. Finn nodded approvingly at her.

"So you think this was some type of test or perhaps something else? Not just what Ottar claimed?" Ais asked and again Finn nodded.

"Yes. Otherwise, Ottar would have waited until it was just you and Bell Carnell or he would have at least had Allen Fromel there as well." Finn glanced up the stairs. "Tell me Ais what are you and Bell Carnell going to do in response to what had happened?" He asked her and Ais looked up the stairs as well.

"I planned on training with Bell a lot more. Make him and myself stronger. Why?" Ais asked and Finn smiled.

"That was the real reason behind this. To motivate you and Bell Carnell to train harder. For some reason Freya wants you two to get stronger." Finn replied and all those there decided that it sounded reasonable. Leaving the others to continue the discussion, Ais went back upstairs to check on Bell. Upon entering his room, she found him about to get out of bed.

"You stay right there." Ais ordered him sternly. "Lie back down and get some more rest." Bell considered disobeying her, but after noticing her expression. Thought better of it. So he laid back down and she recovered him with the blankets. She then sat down next to him on the bed. "I wanted to ask...what was that...you were...glowing?" She asked him and he shrugged.

"That is my Skill. Goddess Hestia told me it is called Argonaut. Which she says it means...Heroic Aspiration. From what she said, it sort of gives me a one last bout of energy." Bell tried to explain it and Ais decided she would ask Hestia about it later.

"Interesting. Well you rest. I will go get us something to eat and drink." Ais stood then turned towards him. Leaning down she lightly kissed him. "You don't get out of this bed until I say so or if you do then I will make you regret it." She whispered to him with a small smile, then pecked him on the lips again. He settled down to fully obey her. She smiled and left to go down to the kitchen to get him and her something to eat. She had decided to not only eat with him but spend some alone time with him as well. Passing the Living Room, she heard those inside still discussing what to do about the attack on them in the dungeon. Even though they suspected all it might be was a rouse, it still could result in War between the Hestia Loki Familias against the Freya Familia. At most they believed it should be reported to the Guild and some type of punishment should be requested.

Returning to his Room with a platter, Ais entered and then locked the door. Not wanting anyone to disturb them. As they ate, she made the decision. Dating was over. It was time for something more permanent. What was left was for her to get Bell to agree to that and she knew he would. That was the easy part. Getting the two Goddesses to agree, that bordered on the impossible. But she had made her choice and she intended for Bell to be her Partner in all ways. Even the one where after a certain ceremony they would share the same bedroom and spend the rest of their lives together. So after he finished eating, she discussed it with him and he fainted. She laughed as she gently tapped his face to awaken him. "This is not the best start of an engagement, Bell Carnell." She stated with a smile. "Though I actually expected this would be your reaction."

The End?