"Lady Hestia, please calm down! You're not helping anyone by getting worked up!" Lili stepped in front of her goddess, stopping her from leaving the room.
Hestia had gathered the familia to a meeting to discuss their options in the current crisis. Mikoto was still recovering in the ward, which let Lili, Welf and Luna to help deal with the current issue.
Welf placed a hand on Lili's head and nodded "She's right, right now we just need to remain calm, the fact the guild hasn't forced you to hand us over yet must be a good sign no?"
Hestia crossed her arms with a hmph. "More like Royman is getting his ear chewed out for using the authority of the guild in a matter of the gods! Besides, unless we can prove Apollo cheated without a doubt then we're finished."
She slumped into one of the nearby chairs and wept. "I really thought we were going to win this…"
"Hestia…" Lili looked to the floor. "W-Wait what if I…"
Hestia shook her head. "No Lili it won't work… Everyone in the Apollo familia is surrounding him… There would be no way for you to blend in…" Cinderella was a powerful ability but its major flaw was its biggest advantage. Lili could easily disguise herself as one of Apollo's children but if anything about her act was off she'd be found out instantly.
"B-But we have to do something otherwise…"
Hestia sighed… "If the worst comes to worst I'll force Apollo to return you to your original familia's… Welf, Mikoto you were loaned to me they're should be no reason you're made to suffer…"
She turned to Lili. "I know you don't want to Lili but the choice is yours… Soma's change means you'll have an easier life than before… Much better than service to Apollo…"
"Lady Hestia…" They all lowered their heads.
"Luna I can't say for certain what awaits you… But you're still close to Bell and Artemis if the worse comes to pass…" She tried to force a smile as if in vain. "They'll protect you I promise…"
Welf sighed. "No way is Bell going to go quietly… Poor bastard has had it rough the last couple hours.."
"Bell… I hope you're okay…"
Hestia closed her eyes and remembered back to the moment he jumped in to stop the match… If anything she wished he hadn't but was very glad he did.
"You really think he'll sit back and let them do what they want with her Welf!"
Welf sighed, "No, knowing Bell, he'll go to war before he lets that happen... " He turned to Hestia, who looked at everyone. They all had the same thought at that moment.
"N-No way, Bell isn't that stupid!" Lili cried out, but Welf just shook his head.
"It wouldn't be stupidity… Those two have a deep bond, possibly deeper than we could ever understand. I watched him get angry for the first time after they had kidnapped her. The look on his face after we found them…"
He closed his eyes. "It was just the same… Only this time I think he might have gone that far…"
"Enough, both of you!" Hestia shouted at the top of her lungs. "I will not have you discussing this now!"
The two went silent as they both nodded. "S-sorry.." they both said in unison.
Their goddess started walking back and forth only to stop at the door. Her face deep in thought as she looked at Welf.
'Bell… You love her that much, you're willing to start an all-out war for her...I've never seen you that angry but… I understand.'
She shook her head and tried to smile. "Come on everyone, no point in standing here and sulking. Bell needs all the help he can get so let's give it to him!"
The remaining familia members all nodded in agreement. As they all tried to put on a brave face as they headed down the corridor towards the medical section. No one spoke, only minor looks at one another as they turned corner after corner. When they finally got to the last straight they found their path blocked by two high-level adventures. Hestia narrowed her eyes as she recognised them as Freya's children.
"Not another step further, lady Hestia!" The tall gold-haired elf stood in their way as he spoke clear and firmly.
Hestia glared at him with contempt, just a child after all, who had no right to stop a god. "Why should I! I'm going to see my child and nothing is going to stop me!"
"Urgh!" A loud sigh of annoyance could be heard from behind her as another adventurer leaned on the wall. "Be quiet! Our orders are to bring you and your familia to the arena!" He bit back at the goddess before standing upright.
"Why they sent two of us is beyond me.. Even our weakest rookie could have done this job!" He growled under his voice as he took another step further.
"Try my patients and I'll personally drag you all out with a broken bone or two!"
"Allen you're speaking to a goddess…" The elf spoke up but his voice didn't show a hint of care.
He scoffed. "A goddess that can't even control her own child! It doesn't matter if she takes offence she can bring it to our lady's attention personally!"
Hestia looked at the elf firmly. "Tell me why am I being summoned?"
The elf remained stoic "The guild has ordered both familia's to the arena. For what reason I can not say."
Hestia's face dropped as she turned to the others. "Come on guys… There's no avoiding this…Let's get it over with."
Lili took a step forward trying to stop her, "L-Lady Hestia what are you…"
"We lost Lili…There's nothing we can do." She closed her eyes and tried not to cry. "I'll do everything in my power to let you all say goodbye to him…"
Allen let out another loud sigh. "You can cry later. Now hurry up!"
Everyone shot a glare at him but quickly dropped it as they turned around. Lili tried to hold back her tears as she hugged Hestia as the others followed towards the exit. The restless roar of the crowd could be heard for miles as they made their way towards the main arena.
"M-Mr Royman s-sir a-are you sure this is a wise choice!" Enia ran up beside him carrying a large stack of papers as the sweating elf shook his head.
"No, No I don't, but it's not like I have any other options!" he turned back to look at her with a grim look on his face.
"Now go on, we have a lot to prepare for, so don't dawdle on trying to change my mind!"
Enia stopped for a moment and nodded as she looked down at the stack of papers. She had her orders but she choose to follow the others to the arena to see the outcome first-hand. With a firm grip, she held them as she looked up and took a step forward with the rest into the light.
The roar of the crowd was deafening as they chanted in unison.
"GIVE US A FIGHT! GIVE US A FIGHT!"
A couple of the guild officials crowded together as they all took a step back seeing the aggravated crowd. "Um, Sir m-maybe we shouldn't do this right now…"
Royman gripped his hand. "Shut up. It's not like I'm making any of you make the announcement. I'm the one taking all the risk!"
Everyone went quiet as the small fat elf stomped his feet as he slowly walked out into the arena, Apollo and his familia were already waiting in the middle. The god seemed to play up the crowd smugly smiling, with gestures of grandeur, though he also got his fair sure of boos in response.
"Yes, cheer for me! For I, Apollo have won!"
A torrent of cheers and boos rained down from the agitated crowd, driven into a frenzy by the arrogant god.
"Boo, Cheating bastard!"
"Tiona shush! You shouldn't say that…" The elf girl tried to reason with her Amazon friend but she merely stood up dragging the pretty girl with her.
"Come on, Lefiya, you're just as disappointed as me! Let out your frustrations!" She quickly broke free of her friend's arms and continued her verbal assault while the elf girl merely shrunk back into her seat.
She had given Bell and Artemis some alone time. Even though Artemis wasn't likely to wake up anytime soon, she still thought it best. Bell wasn't in any state to talk and his chat with the strange man had left him more quiet than before. She knew from her master's reaction she was only there to watch his actions, but she couldn't fathom why.
'He didn't seem like a bad person… P-perhaps she was just overacting…'
She looked to Aiz, who had been quiet ever since she jumped down into the arena. She hadn't said a word when she finally rejoined them. She put a hand on her shoulder, getting a small shocked response as she jumped and looked at her.
"M-Miss Aiz, are you okay?"
The sword princess dropped her head, she wasn't sad, she wasn't angry… "I don't know…"
Her thoughts wandered back to a few hours ago as she jumped down. She hadn't intended to, knowing Riveria would be furious with her. But once she noticed the anger emanating from Bell she had to do something.
"I-I don't understand why he got so angry… H-he reminded me of when I was young and lost control." She leaned forward, grabbing her arm as she looked at the elf.
"Why would he get like that?"
Lefiya looked at her. She wasn't sure if Aiz would understand but she needed to say it if no other reason but to break the tension.
"Love…" She spoke quietly
Aiz looked at her, confused. "Love?"
"Of course… C-couldn't you see it?"
Aiz blinked at her for a moment.
Lefiya had been watching Bell, her secret rival after all. But she hadn't expected to see what had played out.
"The way he looks at her… I mean.. Miss Aiz… You could see how he looked as he took her from the battlefield…" Lefiya grasped her hand at her heart, Artemis had looked half-dead in his arms.
"Whatever she is to him… She means a lot to him, that's for sure."
Tiona couldn't help but lean her head closer and introduce herself into the conversation. "Soo, what do you think it is? Friends, His former goddess or perhaps…Lovers?"
Aiz could only flush at the possibility, not saying anything as thoughts of Bell crossed her mind. She looked down at her feet, a slight tinge in her heart as she closed her eyes.
'Why does my heart hurt?!"
"Ohhh look, Hestia and her familia!" Tiona pointed out them however compared to the Apollo familia, they looked battered, beaten and defeated.
Everyone looked at them with sad looks. "They look so… Defeated…" Lefiya said as she stared at each one.
"How could they not? One of their members is in critical condition, they might lose the wargame to a technicality, of course, they're not gonna look happy!"
"Let's just watch…" Aiz spoke, causing them all to nod in silence. The atmosphere in the arena was so tense you could cut it with a knife. Everyone went quiet as the underdog of the day dragged its broken body into the arena.
"Damn, I genuinely thought they had a chance at one point…" One man spoke as the others around him nodded.
"It's kinda sad really… I don't think it should end like this…" It was a woman that spoke up next and so the silent crowd watched and listened waiting for the verdict.
Apollo laughed to himself when he noticed the defeated Hestia walking towards him.
"Aww look at you. I almost feel sorry for what's about to happen." he began to snicker. "Don't worry I don't intend to rip you from your friend and child! You and Artemis are gonna be my personal handmaidens!"
He licked his lips and ran his hands down his face. "Oh I forgot, I promised my children they could have a go with Artemis first… Watching her beg is gonna be a treat in of itself."
Hestia just looked to the floor fist clenched as she refused to look at him. "You're disgusting, you know that!"
"Hehehehee look at you! Your fate is sealed and you've just accepted it!"
Hestia didn't think her head could get any lower. "Lay a finger on Artemis and I promise you… Bell will burn your familia to the ground!"
He licked his lips as his laughter became a mild chuckle. "Ahhh yes, my little rabbit boy…He seems to hold the gods in the highest regards… I'm sure if I let him have her first he will follow me to the ends of the earth."
Hestia wanted to slap him but knew she would only make things worse. "I hope Bell punches your face so hard you go back to heaven!"
Apollo merely sighed. "We both know he won't. Just accept your defeat gracefully, Hestia."
The poor loli goddess shook her head. "No it's not over yet…"
The blond-haired god merely scoffed at her comment… "It will be shortly"
The small stump of an elf walked up to them both, Visibly sweating as he kept his distance. The crowds became deadly silent as both gods turned their attention towards him. Gods and civilians alike leaned forward in their seats.
Tiona reached forward grabbing Lefiya's hand, surprising her. But not as much as when Aiz followed suit and clamped down. "A-Aiz…" She went silent as she looked forward, closing her eyes like the rest of them.
Aphrodite and Hermes stood on the balcony. Neither one saying a word. The messenger god slowly lowered his hat over his eyes as the tension became unbearable. Aphrodite however kept her eyes on Hestia as the small goddess raised her head and held breath.
Royman cleared his throat. Taking a small napkin out to dab his sweat before taking a long deep breath. The blond-haired god tapped his foot impatiently, becoming visibly annoyed.
"Come on, stop stalling and get it over with already. I've got plans I want to set in motion and…"
Royman gripped the napkin. "I'm sure you do, lord Apollo but I'm afraid they will have to wait…" The fat elf spoke in a clear and calm manner as he turned back to the crowd.
"Considering new information that has come to my attention… The guild has opted to suspend this war game until further notice."
Apollo took a step forward "What the hell! On whose authority do you think you can stop a war between gods!?"
Royman remained firmly in place not looking into the gods eyes, "The guild's authority lord Apollo! Lord Ouranos has already given his seal of approval If you would kindly remember it was the gods that left the decision up to the guild!"
Hestia's face beamed with joy at the news as she turned round to the others who had up until that moment had been shaking. Yet she didn't celebrate as she turned back to hear the rest of Roymans announcement.
"Everyone! It is with great regret that I must inform you that this war game is being put on hold. I ask that you remain calm and to vacate the arena!"
Within seconds of making the announcement the crowd burst into an uproar.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN POSTPONED! I PAID TO SEE A FIGHT!"
One by one the people got to their feet and shouted down at the elf. Cups and food flew high as it landed all around the arena as chanting began. "WE WANT A FIGHT WE WANT A FIGHT!"
"WE WANT A FIGHT! WE WANT A FIGHT!"
Royman ran his hand down his face before turning to the officials. "Inform Freya, I want the arena cleared!"
"Y-Yes sir! Right away!" The taller elf bowed and ran to the exit. Royman sighed, looking at the two gods.
"You two will come with me… I'd rather have this next discussion in private so I can be clear on what happens next! Your familia's will wait in their designated areas until you return!"
The crowds burst into anger as they threw anything and everything down into the arena as the two gods quietly followed the fat elf. Both familia's found themselves facing the Freya escorts that stood between them. Neither of the teams said anything as they turned and made their way back inside as the crowds started to become violent.
"W-well…I wasn't expecting that…" All of the Loki familia looked to one another
Lefiya rubbed her arm as she watched the crowd burst into violence… "I wonder what's going to happen now?" She looked to Tiona and the others who mostly shrugged
"Who knows this has never happened before…" Tiona leaned back as a sandwich flew over her head, a large sigh escaping her lips. "Nothing else we can do here. Let's head back to the house and wait for Riveria hopefully she'll have a better idea…"
The four girls nodded as they got up and left the arena though Lefiya couldn't help but notice the smile of relief on Aiz's face as she passed by. Then again it took her a moment to realise she was smiling as well…
Back in the guild offices…
"This is all a big farce! I demand what is rightfully mine!"
Royman slammed into his chair. "No lord Apollo you won't!" He grunted under his breath. "As far as I'm concerned you are in the wrong as much as Hestia!"
The tall god moved forward slamming his hands into the desk. "What did you say!"
Royman scoffed. "A new source of information arrived earlier today.. I needn't say who it was for their safety but I can believe every word they said."
Apollo's eyes narrowed. "Which was?"
Royman sat back, his hands joined and his thumbs pressing against his fat chin. "That you had one of your members spy on Hestia and Hermes gather information about their formation and pitted specific members of your Familia against one another…"
Apollo tried not to give away the elf was correct but a small drop of sweat started to fall down his face. "P-preposterous!"
"No it's not… Anyway, the facts line up if you're not going to admit it then I have no choice but to take a different approach." He coughed into his fist. "You may enter now!"
The door opened revealing the tall green-haired elf of the Loki familia Riveria.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice Riveria…"
Riviera nodded and bowed to both gods before looking to Hestia who showed great worry.
"I-Is Artemis okay?" The small goddess took a step forward, her voice trembling with worry as she looked at the stoic elfs face.
The elf gave the god a small smile and nodded. "She's stable Lady Hestia… However, she won't be fully recovered for a while even with constant healing…"
Royman tapped his chin "How long exactly?"
Riviera was a little surprised to hear the head of the guild taking an interest in someone other than himself. "Two weeks… One if she was in my care and…"
He nodded. "Fine Hestia you will hand over all care to Riveria she will look after her until she's fully recovered and…"
Riviera took a step forward. "My apologies but might I be able to speak freely?
Everyone in the room looked at her before she got the nod to continue. "W-Well…I can't say for certain but here injuries are only one of the problems after such a horrific fight she's probably going to be very afraid of anyone she doesn't know…"
She took a deep breath and walked closer toward Royman. "It might be wise for someone to join her… Someone she's close to and can trust."
Royman nodded. "I see… Well as it just so happens this might work out quite well…"
He stood up and looked to the two gods. "Here's what's going to happen. As of this moment, the adventures of Bell Cranel and Artemis will be under house arrest at the Loki familia's home. Once she has recovered both familia's will meet for one final match."
Hestia burst into a smile. "Y-you mean!"
"Yes, lady Hestia… The match will be Bell Cranel and Artemis vs Laurous and Hyakinthos."
Apollo stamped his foot before the Loli goddess could jump and cheer. "WAIT A MINUTE!" he realised he was shouting before calming himself. "T-This hardly seems fair I mean…"
"Enough lord Apollo my mind is made up. And since you both broke the rules today until this matter is settled both families are suspended from entering the dungeon or taking on any work!"
Apollo wanted to kick up a fuss but sighed and nodded. "F-Fine! If that is what the guild has decided then so be it!"
He spun around and stared angrily, his lip curling with a cruel twist at Hestia. "I promise this If you thought the last match was hard to stomach then just wait!"
Without another word he left the room and slammed the door behind him. "That poor door…" Riviera tried to lighten the mood with a joke but failed miserably.
"Hestia I'm assuming you have no issues with the arrangements made today?" Royman said as he sat back down and grabbed a large stack of papers from his desk.
"N-None at all t-thankyou." She bowed to the elf and then to Riveria. "Please take care of them both."
"I will. If you could prepare a change of clothes for a couple days then I'll have Tiona pick them up."
Hestia just nodded before the small goddess almost skip out the door with a smile on her face.
She waited till the door was closed before turning to Royman.
"Thank you for taking my suggestion to heart, Royman." She gave the fat elf a small smile as he waved his hand at her.
"Yeah yeah, it worked out for the best. I don't know why you care so much, Riveria. But let's get one thing straight they aren't guests they are not allowed to leave that house am I clear!" His voice became stern and harsh as he looked up from his papers.
"You have my word. Now if you excuse me I best explain the new living arrangements to him…"
She bowed and quickly left the room leaving Royman to continue his paperwork.
"Ughh I swear this wargame has been nothing but trouble…This is the last time the guild gets involved in one of these things!"
It didn't take long for Riveria to return to Artemis's room. The door was closed and as she entered quietly, she found Bell resting his head on the edge of the bed, his hands curled up into Artemis's. She felt a small warmth growing in her heart as she gently watched the pair.
'Aww, they look so peaceful. Fu-fu I'm glad Aiz isn't here right now or her jealousy might ruin the moment.'
Quietly whispering her spell, she cast her healing magic over Artemis one last time as the pair slept gently together. Soft green light filled the room from her chant as she whispered over the sleeping goddess.
Satisfied she had done all she could, Riveria turned and deftly slipped out of the room, the door barley making a sound as she closed it. She turned and almost gasped as she ran into Lefiya.
"Didn't I give you strict orders to leave them alone?" She couldn't even speak in a stern voice as the young elf froze to her spot.
"I-I…" Lefiya couldn't find the words as she tried to explain herself only for Riveria to put a finger up to her lips, shushing her.
"Shush not so loud…I'd be angry but I think it was for the best anyway…" She turned around and smiled as she looked at the door. "Those two have had it rough these last few days. Let's give them some time alone while I explain what's happening next."
The two elves sat and talked on a nearby bench as Riveria explained what happened in the meeting and the small elf girl beginning to pout as it went on.
"Y-You can't be serious… L-letting him stay with us!" Lefiya leaned forward, her hands pressing down on the bench for support as she pouted hard at her master.
Riviera just waved her away. "Guilds orders nothing I can do. Besides you go look in that room and tell me you'd rip them apart! Go on, look!" She pointed over to the door with a stern look as Lefiya sighed and nodded.
Her long ponytailed bounced as she agreed with a slight sigh. Quietly she obeyed and gently opened the door making as little noise as she could.
Once again she gazed down on the sight of a very tired ex-goddess who was gently sleeping and a worried young man, also asleep.
Lefiya clutched at her heart for a second as she saw his head lying on the edge of the bed as both his hands gripped at hers.
She gently closed the door and gave a defeated shake of her head. "No…I couldn't"
Riviera smiled "Good because your going to help me get them back to the house"
The young elf tilted her head with a confused expression. "What do you mean help get them back?"
Later that evening… "When you said help get them back I didn't think you meant carrying them!"
Riveria rolled her eyes at Lefiya, who was carrying Bell.
"For a smart young elf, you can be awfully dumb sometimes Lefiya."
She would have given her a chop to the head but she happened to be carrying a person at that moment.
"It's not my fault they wouldn't wake up!" She spoke harshly to her young apprentice who had done nothing but winge at her the entire journey.
"And why did I have to carry this pervert!" She cried as Bell slowly slipped down her back.
"Nggghh!" She moaned as she reached her hands around and grabbed his behind pulling him back up.
You have to carry him because I can't trust you to hold Artemis!" She looked back at the poor girl on her shoulders. "Besides I thought you two got along?" She was grinning on the inside as she knew full well her protege hated to talk about him but deep down cared.
Lefiya tried her hardest not to pout, but the poor girl wasn't the best at controlling her emotions. Riveria at least held in her laugh at the reaction.
"Come now it's not much further hopefully Aiz and Tiona won't notice us bringing them in… The last thing I need right now is those two fawning over Bell!" If she didn't have Artemis in her arm's she would have pinched at the bridge of her nose.
"Well If you go in the front with Artemis and explain what's happening I can sneak Bell in the back…"
Riviera thought about it and nodded. "Hmm yes, that sounds like a good idea… They'll both be sharing the spare bedroom so just throw him in there…"
They both took different routes inside as Riveria entered first calling out the others while Lefiya quietly snuck around the back. She could hear both Tiona and Tione rushing to greet her followed by Aiz who didn't speak but Riveria had greeted her all the same.
"W-Wait isn't that Artemis and why is she on your back?" Tiona asked confused as to why she was seeing the blue-haired goddess at that moment.
Riviera wanted to chop her head but just glared instead. "Quiet all of you… Wake her and I'll have you running laps around the wall!"
Tiona cringed back from her glare, fearing the hand that never fell, expecting it even so. Her lips sealed shut as she nodded knowing even Riveria was cruel to have her running that wall till she was tired and worn out.
"Let me get her to bed and I'll explain everything…" She looked past Tione seeing Lefiya making her way up the stairs. She let out a sigh. "Would you make a pot of tea Tione.. I need a cup after today."
The large breasted amazon nodded before turning and heading toward the kitchen, meanwhile, Tiona and Aiz retreated into the living room to wait. Knowing it wasn't the best idea to question their vice-captains orders…
With a small smile that their plan had gone off without a hitch, Riveria carefully carried Artemis up the stairs and into the spare room. She found Lefiya standing over Bell who had been placed under the covers. The young elf had been so concerned for the young man lying in the bed she hadn't even heard the door open. Simply standing next to him, one hand clasped by hers. She almost jumped after Riveria had placed Artemis down on her bed and touched her on the shoulder.
"See I knew you cared." She let out a rare giggle as the two stood looking down at the pair.
"H-How can you be so light hearted about all this?" Lefiya asked, tears in her eyes. But Riveria just pulled her arm around her and brought her close.
"Experience." She said.
"What happened to them was terrible. But I know they will both be fine. Don't worry about them, Lefiya."
She turned and smiled "Love can heal all wounds…"
Lefiya looked down at the sleeping pair. "I-I hope that's true." She muttered as she clutched at her hands.
Riviera grabbed the door handle and looked at her. "Let them rest Lefiya. Tomorrow I guarantee your worries will be put to rest."
Lefiya gave one last sad gaze at the sleeping pair before glancing back at Riveria.
"Whatever you say sensei…" She walked out the room and headed downstairs followed by Riveria. Once they arrived in the living room they found the others waiting patiently all with a cup of tea in their hands.
Tiona waved to Lefiya and tapped the seat next to her. "Hey Lefiya, when did you get back?"
The young elf was still emotional after seeing Bell and Artemis and tried her best to seem positive to the others. "Just a moment ago…"
Riviera took her seat in a large armchair as Lefiya went to sit with Tiona. The vice-captain quietly made herself a cup of tea before taking a sip.
'Ughh there's no point hiding the fact that Bell is here… Now he's upstairs I can make sure he's not disturbed.' She placed the cup and saucer down on the table and cleared her throat.
"To start. As of this moment we shall be looking after two of the Hestia familia. You have already seen Artemis who will be receiving medical treatment from Lefiya and I. But there is another here as well."
Everyone bar Lefiya leaned forward in curiosity.
"We shall also looking after the young Bell Cranel who at this moment is under house arrest."
"WAIT ARGO-KUNS HERE!" Tiona couldn't help but scream
Riviera didn't hesitate in giving a large chop to the head to the small chested amazon. "Keep your voice down! Or laps around the wall will be the least of your worries!"
The Amazon clutched at her head with surprise, she knew Riveria was a level six, but she hadn't expected her to be that strong!
Even Aiz seemed overjoyed with the news as she almost dropped her cup.
"Listen well. No one besides me and Lefiya is allowed to see them until they have been briefed on what's happening." She let out a loud groan as she specifically looked at Aiz and Tiona. "Last thing he needs is to wake up and be scared half to death with one of you two looking over him while he sleeps!"
Both girls gave a great pout at the statement.
"Am I clear?!"
Tiona only folded her arms and looked to one side pouting harder.
"Clear." She said with a huff.
Aiz only clutched at her hands as she looked down.
"C-Clear…" She muttered quietly.
Riviera smiled "Good!" Before taking another sip of her tea. "Don't worry you can fight over him later. They'll both be here while Artemis recovers at which point we're to escort them to the arena so they can finish the wargame!"
They both blushed at her comment but didn't say anything in response. Tione meanwhile decided to dig a little deeper.
"Wait, we only have one guest room…Where is Bell sleeping?"
Riveria pinched at the bridge of her nose, she had really hoped no one would ask that…
"Oooo can he sleep with me! My beds got plenty of spa…" Tione hit her sister for Riveria.
"Shut up. She wouldn't let him sleep with you and besides you'd squeeze him so hard while he's asleep his bones would break!"
Tiona rubbed her forehead. "No fair and that's only because I'm showing how much I care…" She pouted a little as she sunk back into her seat.
"Well, Captain?" Tione asked again.
"The two will be sharing a room." Riviera said almost as fast as she could but clearly enough so they could hear…
"W-Wait there's only a single bed in there…" Tiona spoke up.
Aiz gave out a little huff and gave a small stamp of her foot as she got to her feet and left the room.
Riveria tried to grab her shoulder, but the swift sword princess easily eluded her grasp.
Tione looked around confused. "What's up with her?"
Riveria only gripped her staff hard. "Many things…" She said quietly as she watched the young sword princess struggle.
'Just as you finally understand your feelings…' She felt sorry for the poor girl. Knowing she had been confused about the boy for so long. But it was clear as day he had moved on from her and she just couldn't see it.
"I'll go speak with her… The rest of you should think about getting some sleep. It's late and we've still got work in the morning…" She stood up and sighed as she left the living room and followed Aiz upstairs seeing her outside the guest room clutching the handle. Riviera clutched at her heart a little, she knew exactly how Bell was feeling at that moment.
"Aiz…Don't go in there!" She tried to be stern with her. Her voice, clear as day but it only fell on deaths ears.
"Aiz thats an order!" She took a step forward watching the handle slowly turn.
"I know you're upset but looking inside is only going to make it a thousand times worse!" She slowly walked over to the girl and grabbed her hand. As she turned her around she could see the tears flowing down her face as she gently brought her into a hug.
"It's unfair...W-why did she have to come back now!" She gripped her hands together as the image of Bell smiling with the blue-haired a bitter taste filling her mouth as she remembered all the time she spent with him.
"It's okay Aiz…It's okay just let go." With enough patience and some soothing words, she managed to get the poor girl to let go of the handle. She stood silently for a moment before the elf walked her to her room.
When they arrived, she got Aiz to sit down as she kneeled down before her and gave a small smile of confidence. "Look at you…Even when I threw you in the lake, you didn't cry like this…"
No reaction as the girl simply looked to her feet in silence as Riviera racked her brain for a way to talk to her. 'Ugh I wasn't expecting to have to do this now…Damn, how the hell do I even explain this to her…'
The sword princess, beautiful, strong, as swift and graceful as the wind. Whenever she wanted something she took it. A girl that has rejected hundreds of men yet never once showed outward affection. Until Bell. Riviera could see the minor interest she had for him and watched it grow like a flower.
"Aiz…Sometimes these things happen. When you love someone with all your heart and then you find out they've found someone else…" She took hold of her hands.
'Love…Is that what I'm feeling… I just wanted to grow stronger, learn his secrets.' She looked away. 'I still haven't learned it but I haven't thought about it till now…'
While it wasn't clear to Aiz at the time, Riveria understood what she was going through. 'Better to love and be rejected…Than to fall in love and find out it's a lie.'
"I could tell you there are more leaves on the tree that he won't be the only one… But I also know what you're like… In a few weeks, you'll return to the monster killing airhead you've always been. Rejecting men and otherwise not caring…"
She tried to joke but Aiz just shrugged at her, turning her head. Her tears hadn't stopped.
'Love…I-I don't understand. Is that the pain in my heart…'
She looked back to Riveria. "When I'm with him I get this… Warm fuzzy feeling. But it hurts whenever I see him with her."
"That's jealousy, ugh gods, you really had to fall in love with him, didn't you?" She pulled at the girls' hands and brought her whole body down into hers. Embracing her and gently rubbing her back.
"Idiot, this is why we tell you not to have relationships with other families…"
Aiz felt the warm embrace of Riveria. A rare honour for anyone and something she hasn't felt since she was a little girl. "Riveria…I won't give up…"
The elf let out a giggle. "Somehow I knew you'd say that…" She continued to hold the hug until she was certain Aiz had calmed down.
"Ughh come on Riveria let go…You haven't hugged me like this since I was a kid." The sword princess tried to wiggle out the hold of the motherly elf who refused to let go.
"You still are one…Having a crush on a boy way out of your league."
Aiz pouted "Says the old woman that hasn't had a date in a hundred years!"
Riviera felt a vein pop as her hug turned into a headlock. "What did you just call me!"
Aiz found herself trapped but a small giggle escaped her lips. "Old hag!"
They continued to fight unaware the rest of the familia was watching through the crack in the door. Giggling to each other as they watched the two bond again.
After the girl's tears had faded and she finally admitted defeat to her superior, only then did Riveria stand up and smile. "Don't resent Bell for his choices…He's been through alot." She turned and looked at the door. "If he ever rejects you…Accept it gracefully and be supportive don't let what could have been eat away at you."
"And while he doesn't?" She asked with a curious eye.
Riviera turned and smiled. "Then he's free game…Just don't get into a catfight with Artemis."
Aiz tilted her head. "Cat fight?"
Riviera just laughed and headed out of the room, opening the door. "Don't worry about it…"
Aiz looked to the laughing elf and shook her head as the door closed and she found herself left alone with her thoughts. She quickly threw her clothes to the floor as she flung herself back into her bed.
'I won't lose to her…I won't lose my rabbit!'
Authors Notes.
Finally I got some time to myself and managed to write a chapter. Not too big not too small but oh so worth it... I'm sorry it took a while I know I haven't been keeping on top of it like I should. I just hit a bit of a slump in my life and focused on other things. But I'm back now hopefully for a while. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are looking forward to more in the coming days. Please comment on what you liked, disliked. It all helps thanks. I hope your all staying well having a good new year. Thanks for reading and have a good day/Night.