The next day the sun rose over a peaceful Orario. The streets were empty. The birds that filled the many nooks and cracks of houses chirped happily as the warm morning glow hit their feathers. The merchants of the market straits hummed to themselves as they swept the streets and prepared their stalls for what was hopefully going to be a busy day. Yet unlike the early rises, a certain home nestled in the back streets lay dormant and quiet as its residents sleep soundly in their beds.

Yet they weren't the only ones. As the sun rose and its warm light pushed away the darkness and a young boy stirred from his sleep with a heavy groan…

"Ughhh w-when did I fall asleep?" He had been sitting quietly watching over Artemis. He couldn't remember exactly drifting off, but he clearly had at some point. It didn't dawn on him till it literally hit his face but the warm glow shouldn't be there.

"W-Wait i-is that the sun? How can there be sunlight in the…" His eyes fluttered open to find himself staring up at the ceiling. His brain couldn't understand it and he knew full well he wasn't even in the arena.

"Ughh what happened? Did someone move me? WAIT! What happened with the wargame!" He couldn't understand it but he was getting worried. His body was heavy and he couldn't get up.

"Yawn…Stop moving pillow…"

"Huh?" He heard someone speak in a sleepy voice. His heart and mind raced as his eyes shot open and he turned his head slowly. Long blue hair tickled at his nose as he moved.

"A-Artemis? He shook his head "No I must still be asleep this is obviously a dream…"

"Fu-fu I can assure you Mr Cranel you're not dreaming." Another voice called out, this time more calming and older in its tone. He recognised it instantly as he blushed and turned to find Riveria standing at the edge of the bed.

He looked up at Riveria before looking down at Artemis laying on his chest feeling an instant sense of relief. She was breathing calmly, no sign of further injury. Considering the state she had been in only the day before Bell could only sigh out loud and gently hug her for a moment.

Riveria watched him, a small smile on her face before he suddenly turned back to her and thanked her over and over again for her help.

"You're not out of the woods yet, Mr Cranel…But we can discuss all that later. For now, just relax. I wouldn't want to deprive you of a chance to snuggle." She giggled to herself as Bell blushed looking at Artemis who did just that.

"W-Wait n-no it's not like that…" He tried to divert any idea that he wanted this.

Unfortunately, the blue-haired beauty had other thoughts. "Bell best pillow…" Artemis muttered in her sleep and Bell felt the eyebrow of Riveria lifting…

"Please just go…" He said blushing hard…

The green haired elf just smiled and closed the door behind her. Bell sighed heavily as he instantly relaxed. It was clear something else was happening, but at that moment he didn't care. Artemis lay on his chest cuddling him tightly, and it felt heavenly.

Despite the massive amount of healing and her adventurer status Artemis still had a series of nasty bruises over her skin, some a little yellow from the healing magic, but others still a nasty purple colour. The welts around her face were still deeply marked from the punches she had taken.

'How can life be so cruel to you…' He felt angry, sad and sick. He felt everything in that moment as he remembered the pain and suffering not just from that match, but everything that led up to it. The bitter rage he had inside for Laurous, the man that had tortured her in every single way. Disgraced her mentally and physically and made her cry!

Tears dripped down his face as closed his eyes. "I should have never let you fight him… I should have stopped it sooner!" He was overjoyed that she was there in his arms safe now, but he felt sick to his core knowing it didn't need to happen in the first place.

Thinking back to when he first encountered him was probably Bell's worst memory… The barbaric actions of one man tipped him over the edge. He had one goal back then and it was to get Artemis as far away from him. But after watching him beat her for the fun of it Bell felt something he never thought possible. Rage pure rage for him and those that cheered him on. He had always been too nice for his own good and forgave when he shouldn't but he didn't have an ounce of that for Laruous.

"Even if I have to break every bone in his body…I will never let him touch you again."

'Kill…'

"Huh!" Bell shivered slightly as he thought he heard a voice call out to him… Yet he wasn't sure if it was just his imagination running wild due to his emotions. He shook his head, running his hand down his face.

'It had to be my imagination…'

It was then that the sleeping beauty beside him began to stir her head nuzzling into his chest for warmth as her mind became aware of him. Yet she didn't open her eyes. Bell reasoned from the smile on her face she was having a wonderful dream and simply waited till it was over.

Bell smiled as he gently laid her down onto the pillow kissing her cheek as he slipped out. He didn't want to let go so soon but he had too many questions he had to ask Riveria…Seeing her sleep so peacefully, he hoped she'd be asleep till he got back.

"What but Riveria, why do we have to go? Can't Tione and Lefiya go instead?"

Tiona ran up to the tall elf, her big brown eyes pleading with Riveria only for the stern elf to cross her arms and glared at the girl below.

"Lefiya has to stay and help me with Artemis's healing and Tione gets house duty so that only leaves you two."

Tiona pouted hard. "Come on…We haven't even gotten to say good morning to Bell! Can't I run upstairs quickly and give him a hug?"

Aiz shot the girl a stern look as she pulled her back. Riviera sighed.

"Nope, neither of you are going to that room! Gods, the last thing that boy needs is to be thrown into a tug of war between you two!" She raised her voice as she scolded them both girls giving a little pout.

Riviera ran a hand down her face. 'Why did I agree to this!' She sighed loudly. "He's not going anywhere. If you hurry up, you might get back in time to eat dinner with him"

She watched the eyes of both girl's glow and sparkle at the idea. Aiz pictured herself sitting next to him as they shared a jagamarukun together. Her determination flared as she hurried out the door without a single word.

"H-Hey Aiz…W-Wait for me!" Tiona had no such joy as Aiz beat her to the door forcing her to rush after her at great speeds. Tione chuckled as she found the two's reactions most amusing.

"Hmm, wait, I thought you said that job would take all day?" She turned to Riveria who smiled to herself.

"Ohh, did I? It must have slipped my mind…Still probably for the best, don't you think?"

Tione smiled. "I thought you'd be happy, little Aiz is finally falling in love?"

Riviera sighed as she sat down to join her sipping her tea. "Come now Tione, surely you know Loki would never allow such a thing. Even if she did, it's quite clear that Bell is torn between the two…"

She took another sip. "Imagine what it would be like if she really gets attached? Do you really think she'll just give up on him?"

Tione crossed her arms. "Ughh no…But giving her false hope isn't gonna help either…"

The elf sighed. "No, but if I don't she'll do something reckless, maybe even selfish… She's never been one to follow my orders…"

Tione shrugged. "You want to play matchmaker Riveria be my guest. But if she ever finds out, she'll hate you…" The big-breasted amazon smiled a little as she snatched another cookie from Riveria plate. "Personally, let the girls fight over him. A little competition is always fun to watch."

"It's gonna break her heart…" Riviera looked down sadly.

"For Loki's sakes, Riveria she's a grown girl…Let her make her own choices!"

Riviera wanted to agree but all she could see was that little girl from the dungeon. Broken and lost. She feared what would happen if Aiz lost control of her emotions at her current level. None of them could stop her rampage. But she sighed and nodded. "All I'm doing is giving Bell a push…He can decide who he wants himself…"

Bell swiftly moved towards the door as he looked luckily he was still dressed so slipped out quickly without too much noise as he gently shut the door behind him. He took a deep breath as he composed himself. He took in the surroundings before heading towards the stairs. One door on the opposite side opened and then the last person he wanted to encounter stepped out of her room.

Dressed only in her nightdress, yawning and clutching her pillow to her chest, Lefiya stepped out in front of him.

He couldn't help but take a moment to glance over her as she gave a cute yawn, her orange hair hung loose for a change. Bell admired the way it fell down her back, he hadn't seen her without her ponytail before. She looked incredibly cute, all relaxed and sleepy. A large contrast from how she normally appeared before him. She was wearing a loose pink night dress. Her shoulders bare, it was rather short for an elf, only covering part way up her thighs. Bell wasn't surprised to see her nightwear was as elegant as her usual daily dress. The edge's were trimmed with white lace, little slightly darker pink silk ribbons wrapped around the edges. She was sighing into a blue and white striped pillow. A little pink bow held her hair back from her eyes.

Bell wasn't sure if he should greet her or not. Lefiya was always… challenging.

Lefiya let out a cute yawn as she rubbed her eyes. She thought she had heard crying and brought her out of her sleep. In a moment of tired sleepiness she had gotten upto check still holding her pillow in case it was nothing and she could go back to sleep. Her eyes quickly found the white hair and red eyes of a certain boy standing at the edge of the stairs staring at her in silence.

Bell watched as a number of emotions played out on Lefiya's face as her eye's met his.

A little surprised shock at first, but as she really woke up seeing him there was that initial burst of anger in her eyes, but it quickly calmed. He remained silent as she walked up to him.

Lefiya took a moment to recover as she looked up to see her once hated rival standing before her. Things had changed so much, especially now she had seen he wasn't interested in Aiz anymore. She wasn't quite sure how to feel about him, but as she looked up at him her heart broke a little. Bell didn't just look tired and worn out, he looked like he had been suffering. She'd seen that look before, the pair fighting for their lives together. She walked up to him quietly.

"Bell… Are you okay?"

Bell gave out an almost broken laugh. He had expected her to shout and rage at him like she normally did.

"G-Good morning Miss Lefiya…" He turned his head back to his room. His face falling to the floor as he nodded.

"Yeah...I'm okay…" He clenched his fist but quickly released it as he tried to remain composed.

Lefiya could see the pain in his face. It was torture for him seeing someone he loved suffering and she knew he'd beat himself up over it for a long time.

"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…" She went quiet. What was she supposed to say?

Both went silent but it was Bell that made the attempt to speak to her. "I-I never thanked you… You and Riveria saved her life...I don't want to even think about if you hadn't. I'm forever In your debt…"

The elf girl rubbed her arm. "We couldn't just stand there and do nothing...B-besides you helped us in the past it's only fair we repay you…"

She tried to play it off that they were repaying a debt but in truth she couldn't help seeing him or her in pain…

She turned quickly and headed to her room and threw her pillow onto her bed before she returned to his side. "Come on, let's head downstairs. You haven't eaten anything since yesterday, you must be hungry."

He looked back… "I think I'll wait a little longer to eat…"

She nodded. Heading downstairs without him as she gave him a minute to compose himself.

'...' He sighed heavily wishing he could do more for the sleeping girl but he knew there wasn't anything worrying could do…

'I'll see if I can get her something nice...She's been through way too much this week.'

He headed downstairs and made his way into the kitchen. Tione passed him and gave him a small nod before heading out for the day. He just gave her a small smile and moved Into the kitchen, finding the two elves sitting at the table sipping coffee.

Riveria noticed him and gently placed the cup down before giving him a reassuring smile. "Good Morning again Bell please join us."

She looked to the chair closest to him. He nodded and took a seat as he sat down. Riveria poured him a drink.

"N-no thanks I'm not thirsty…"

She closed her eyes as she finished pouring. "You've not eaten or drunk anything since yesterday. While you're in my care you will stick to the rules of this house."

She pushed the cup forward. "Rule number one is take care of yourself. She'll only worry if she sees you starving yourself."

Bell gulped he didn't want to upset Riveria, not while they were staying with them. So he accepted the cup and sipped the contents. This seemed to appease her.

"So Bell I bet you're wondering why you're staying with us?"

He gave a small nod as he gave her his full attention.

She crossed her arms and leaned onto the table. "Well a few things happened… Firstly the guild has granted both you and Artemis a reprieve while she heals."

She looked to the empty tea pot and then to Lefiya who stood up and went to boil some more water.

"I will not lie to you. Even I don't like the next part one bit. However the guild and their infinite wisdom have decided that the last match will be You and Artemis…"

Bellnearly dropped the cup and shook his head. "No…"

'Ughh I knew this would happen' she ran a hand through her hair. "Bell you don't have a choi…"

He stood up "No I won't allow it."

She gripped the cup as Lefiya stepped back into the room, seeing her mentor's annoyed face was never good.

"Are you not listening? She has no choice, if you don't the guild will declare Apollo the winner!"

She raised her voice but it did little to shake Bell who slammed his hands down on the table.

"I'm never going to let them near her again!"

Lefiya was taken aback seeing the once calm and carefree boy getting angry. She was a little scared seeing his outburst.

Bell felt it as well and instantly regretted it as he sat down placing his hands on his face. "I'm sorry… I shouldn't have gotten angry, it's just…" He wanted to cry… "I don't want her to get hurt c-cant I just do it on my own?"

Riveria shook her head. "No Bell, I'm sorry but Artemis must fight. I wish it was otherwise…"

He felt sick. The thought of having to go back into the Arena again with those people made him furious. He didn't need to ask who they would be fighting; he already knew from the look in Lefiyas eyes.

"..." He was visibly pissed off as he sat silently in the chair.

Lefiya took a step forward and joined the conversation. "You know better than most the dangers adventures face everyday… Artemis knew this when she became one."

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Cuddling her and keeping her safe will only hinder her growth… Be the pillar and help her overcome this demon."

Not only was Bell visibly shaken by her words but even Riveria who never expected her young protege to step forward with advice.

Bell closed his eyes 'She's right...I didn't want to be protected by Aiz back then…'

He nodded.

"Your right Lefiya thanks…"

Riveria sighed with relief as the conversation returned to a normality.

"Soo to continue.. you will be staying with us for the duration of Arts healing. You can't leave without myself accompanying you, understand?"

"I understand…" 'So much for going and getting her something nice.'

She smiled "Good, you're free to use the house as your own. You'll be sharing a room with Artemis but fu-fu I don't think you have a problem with that."

Bell blushed bright red but didn't say anything.

"Regarding Artemis, I've agreed to house and heal her but that's about it. The rest well that falls to you."

Bell looked confused, "I don't follow?"

Riviera smiled. "Ohh you know the little things she can't really move her arms and legs so she'll need help moving, eating, changing clothes and taking baths."

Bell nodded along but stopped as he realised what the last two meant.

"B-baths...y-you mean…" His face probably couldn't get much red as he was on the verge of possibly fainting.

The elf let out a small giggle. "Yes Bell, undressing her, helping her in, washing and drying her body…"

Even Lefiya was visibly blushing at this, she had no idea this was what her mentor had planned.

"I-I…" Bell suddenly fell to the side falling into Lefiyas lap causing her to tense up.

"W-what are you doing!" She cried wanting to push him off only to see he wasn't even conscious. Riveria stood up and looked over.

"I wasn't even teasing him…Let's hope he can keep calm while we're out."

Lefiya in her panicked state looked up at her mentor and down at the unconscious Bell as she blushed bright red. "J-Just get him off of me!"

Riviera covered her giggle with her hand. "Ohh come now Lefiya everyone knows you secretly admire him."

Lefiya's ears shot up. "I-I do not!"

Riveria held back another giggle. "So it's some other elf girl standing in the garden shouting Fire Ball and pretending to swing a non-existent dagger around?"

Her face blushed hard and her ears burned. "That's not what it looks like!" She hissed, wanting to shout, but aware Bell was passed out in her lap.

Rivera smiled "See you do care…Before you'd have shouted at the top of your lungs trying to deny it." She poured the girl some more tea and smiled.

Lefiya pouted for a moment, before looking down at Bell, asleep in her lap. She was a little relieved to see his face looked peaceful now and his breathing was steady. It was so much better than gazing into the tormented eyes she had seen earlier.

Riviera stood up and went to close the window before the sunlight could hit Bell's face. "Just don't let Aiz find out about this…Don't need her getting jealous and demanding the same treatment.'

Lefiya felt a jolt through her spine as she suddenly pictured an enraged sword princess. "I-I'll be careful."

Riveria looked down at her protege with a warm smile, though glanced at Bell for a moment. 'How many hearts will you take, young rabbit?' She wondered for a moment, clearly seeing the look on Lefiyas face. The young woman had a slight smile on her face as she stroked his hair. Riveria was quite sure she hadn't even realised she was doing it yet. With a smirk of her own, the high elf turned and left the pair to themselves.

Riviera closed the door quietly. She wasn't stupid to the young elfs feelings for the boy. It was hard watching everyone hide their feelings from one another though it was also probably for the best. Aiz deep down was a jealous girl and though she loved her friends it was clear she wouldn't hesitate to push them aside for her goals.

"I hope one day that girl will see that the world isn't just an unfair place…Though she first needs to accept the reality she can't have everything her way…"

*Knock* *Knock*

"Huh?" Riviera was taken out of her thoughts by a sudden knock at the door. "One moment…" She called out before shaking her head. "I wonder who that could be?"

She made her way over to the front door grasping the handle as she pulled the door open only to be taken aback.

"Regis!" She scowled as she found herself standing in front of the gray haired man.

The man sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Riveria I…"

*Slap* Riviera wasted no time giving him a firm slap on the cheek.

"Oww okay I deserved that…" He held his cheek rubbing it gently before looking up at the angry elf women. "Guess you still haven't gotten over our break-up?"

Riviera scowl only grew as she raised her hand for another slap but stopped herself taking a deep breath. "I swore to myself that everytime I see that wretched face of yours I'd slap you!" She clenched her hand into a fist and lowered it slowly.

"I let you off the first time because it would have been unprofessional of me…" With a deep breath holding her hand into her lap. "Now…Please…Tell me why you are here before I burn your body to ash!"

Regis sighed and held out a letter. "Guild business."

Riviera raised an eyebrow and snatched the letter from his hand. "You're working for the guild now? That's very unlike you!" She wasted no time ripping the top of the envelope off and reading the letter inside.

"Freya, not the guild…" He clarified crossing his arms. However before he could continue Riveria lifted a finger.

"Quiet I'm reading…" She let out a sigh before folding the letter up. "Why would the freya familia care about a simple outburst?"

The rugged man merely shrugged. "From what I understand it was unchartistic of the boy. Given we're in charge of security we want to make sure that foul play wasn't used."

Riviera let out a small smile. "Let me guess you think someone manipulated the young Cranels emotions?"

He smiled. "Ohh we both know that entire fight was to get him angry. What we don't know is why it affected him so drastically?" He ran a finger over his chin. "From what I've learned and seen about the boy. He was always cheerful and carefree. But most of all forgiving."

Riviera let out a sigh. "Yes that's true but people can change…" She gave him a deep look and a knowing glare.

"Ohh I know full well but one's personality and mindset doesn't just change overnight." He took a long breath before sighing. "Look, I'm just here to check on him. Examine him for any unusual anomalies and be on my way."

The elf crossed her arms. "He's resting!" She said in a low firm tone.

Regis merely sighed. "Good for him he needs it but I'm here on a job and I intend to get it done. So please move aside or do we have to start fighting in the street?!"

"I think there's more to this that you're not telling me! And I'm not letting you take a step inside until you tell me?!" She remained firm.

The grey-haired man ran a hand through his hair and groaned loudly. "Ughhh always so stubborn I thought you'd at least mellow out after a few decades."

Riviera shook her head. "It's what kept me alive so long. Besides, why shouldn't I be suspicious of all this?"

She took a step forward.

"First you arrive out of nowhere for the first time in over twenty years, apparently here to fulfill a promise you made with Meteria. Which is fine, I can believe that. I won't deny I never thought about it till you mentioned it but the two are strikingly similar. Not just in looks but personality too."

Her face grew more annoyed as she spoke, her hands gripping her sides as she looked him in the eyes.

"But you expect me to believe that after all this time you just casually walk into Orario, join the Freya familia after all the history you have with them and do as she asks without a second thought? Now you're standing at my front door expecting me to believe that you're simply here to check up on a boy's mental state? You really think I wouldn't have noticed something while I was healing him?"

The man smiled a little. "Are you hoping I'm gonna ask you for a second chance?" he said smugly as his smile followed suit.

"Asshole!" *Slap* She slapped him again this time even harder.

He rubbed his cheek and dropped the smile. "Fine nothing gets past you so I'll tell you. I saw a smudge on his soul."

Riviera took a moment to compose herself; she didn't want to start ruining her image because of one man. However as she spoke she couldn't deny he was being serious.

"I tried to forget you could do that…" She closed her eyes as if to remember a long forgotten memory but failed to do so. "And that's why you suspect foul play?"

He looked down. "No…There was always foul play just not directly involving this. No, a smudge on his soul should be nothing new. We all get them and they quickly disappear after a short while…"

"It's just…This is no ordinary smudge. It's strange…When I first noticed it I thought nothing of it, anger, hate and pain make a person develop them quickly… No, it should have faded completely after he calmed down but it didn't." His face slowly became more and more serious as did his tone.

"My reasons for seeing him were genuine. His mother asked me to keep an eye on him. I failed to keep that promise. However I wanted to at least speak with him once and put it to bed." He clenched his hand and took a deep breath. "I just want to make sure the mark is gone. If not, with your permission I want to know what is causing it"

Riviera stared at him, the glared. "That's all?"

He nodded.

She sighed. "Fine…Come with me, hopefully my young apprentice hasn't thrown him onto the floor for turning over."

Moving aside she welcomed him inside though much to her displeasure. He entered, taking off his shoes and smiling. "Thankyou Riveria…" He rubbed the back of his head. "I know what happened between us… Ughh I just want a fresh start… Not as friends just a fresh start…"

Riviera just turned her head. "Only once you've earned it. Till then you're just a smudge on my past. Now this way…"

She slowly walked him to the dining room where Lefiya still remained, her hand gently stroking Bell's hair unaware that her master and another had entered.

"Enjoying yourself Lefiya?" Rivera said, trying not to giggle as she watched the elf blush and look up sharply.

"N-No!" She almost shouted but stopped herself last second not wanting to disturb Bell.

Riviera couldn't help but giggle as she moved aside. "We have a visitor" She allowed Regis to enter and smile at the young elf.

"Hello again. Lefiya is it?" He asked with a small smile as he took a step forward into the kitchen.

"Y-Yes…" She said shyly as she quickly remembered the man from the day before. "I-It's nice to meet you again…"

He nodded. "Likewise. I'm sorry to be interrupting your little moment but I'm afraid I must steal the young Bell for a moment."

Lefiya was a little confused as she looked to her master and she simply nodded. She didn't ask any questions, instead gently lifting his head off her lap as she stood up. Riviera and Regis quickly arrived to move him into the living room and rested him down on the sofa.

"R-Riveria what's going on?" Lefiya couldn't help but whisper into her teacher's ear only for Regis to look back.

"Its nothing much. I'm just making sure he isn't under any internal stress." He lied to the girl but Riveria allowed it given she would only worry if she knew the truth.

Regis turned around and closed his eyes before opening them again a faint glow in his iris as he looked him over. His eyes narrowed on the black smudge which seemed to linger on him. He looked back to Riviera with a serious look.

"I see.." She spoke and nodded.

"Thank You this won't take but a second…" He slowly placed his hand on Bell's chest before quietly chanting his hand slipped into his body much to the shock of Riveria and Lefiya.

"W-What is he doing?!" Lefiya shot a look at Riveria who simply shook her head, unable to speak as she watched the man reach into Bell.

"There it is…" He dragged his hand from the boy's body with a smile on his face as he removed a small black orb, which he grasped in his hands. "Fascinating?"

"W-What is that?"

He looked back at the two but most especially at the young elf staring at him and the black orb. "I'm not sure? Strange…" He sighed as he clenched it hard as it slowly disappeared.

Riviera sighed. "What in all that is good was that?!"

He smiled. "A little trick I learned in the far east. The Shrine Priestess would use it to expel evil spirits from the bodies of adventures and civilians. Never thought I'd ever have to use it."

Riviera didn't seem convinced. "And you just happen to be able to do it?"

Regis smiled. "Indeed. You'd be surprised what mysterious blessings are given to certain individuals." He looked at lefiya. "Such as a girl that can use all of the Elven magic."

Riviera sighed, "Why am I not surprised you know that?"

He laughed as he walked over to the small elf and knelt down. "Why shouldn't I be curious? I mean, with the right mentor and guidance, she could be unstoppable."

Lefiya looked to her mentor a little confused, but Riveria maintained her glare at the man before them. "She already has a mentor and my guidance is keeping her from getting herself killed!"

Riviera knew of the power Lefiya was capable of but she also knew the dangers that came with it. She wanted to keep Lefiya from getting too cocky and ambitious, one wrong miscalculation and she'd be dead.

He stood up and faced her. "True, you have done well in training her, but perhaps she can learn even more from another source?" He smiled at the girl and turned to face her. "I've been told of some of your feats. You truly are a prodigy when it comes to magic."

Lefiya couldn't help but blush at the man's kind words and praise. "I-I still have much to learn."

He nodded. "Indeed you do… You know if you'd like I'd be happy to teach you a few things I know. Someone of your capabilities would be a treat to train."

Rivera pulled him aside with an unamused glare. "What do you think you're doing?!" Her hand clenched his shoulder hard.

"Offering to train her. Why is that a problem?" He looked to his shoulder and swiftly removed her hand as he got to his feet.

Riviera's cold personality came out. "You honestly think I'd even consider letting you train her? Be glad I'm even letting you speak to her!"

Lefiya stood between them. She was leaning on the side of her master since she didn't know the man. But she also knew they shared a past and one she was also curious to know more about.

"Enough! You're gonna wake Bell!" Lefiya raised her arms clenching her fists as spoke loud and firmly, gaining both of their attentions. A surprised look on Riviera's face as she lowered her head.

"Your right Lefiya I'm sorry…" She looked to Regis who seemed sorry as well though kept his mouth shut.

Lefiya took a deep breath relaxing her arms and stance firstly looking to Riveria. "Master Riveria i'm not a little girl anymore. I'm a level four! I can make my own decisions!" She took a deep breath she didn't normally speak her mind to Riviera but it need to be said.

Riviera sighed. "Lefiya, I understand what you're saying. Truly I do. But you don't know this man, the things he's done or the people he has hurt over the years!" For once she looked into her Masters eyes and saw nothing but sorrow in them.

Regis sighed heavily. "What part of a fresh start didn't you understand Riveria?" His gruff hands ran over his face, rubbing his eyes a little as he looked at the elf girl. "At least allow me to give you and understanding of my past before you make any decisions."

He turned to Riviera. "Assuming you don't have a problem with that?"

The green haired elf gripped her dress and shook her head. 'Why are you trying so hard to change my mind Regis? After you murdered memebers of your own familia?!' She closed her eyes and let out a sigh. "Let's go into the kitchen for now…I'll make some tea."

The two nodded and followed behind her, setting themselves down into the kitchen. Lefiya and Regis sat across from each other while Riviera placed the teapot in the middle sitting in between them both at the end of the table.

Once Regis had poured himself a small cup he cleared his throat.

"W-Well you know my name so that's a start I guess. I…" He looked to Riveria. "Do you really have to stare at me with that death glare all the time?!"

She smiled. "Yes I do, I also expect you to tell her the truth…The whole truth!"

He sighed. "Of course…As I was saying. If you haven't already guessed I was once a member of the Zeus familia."

"My family and I lived in a small settlement on the eastern side of the continent. Nothing special really, a farmer and his loving wife. All you need to know is that a horde of monsters destroyed that village and killed my family…"

Lefiya leaned closer. "A-A monster horde?" She had never heard of such a thing though Riveria nodded.

"They were quite common back in the day…Not many strong Familia's were around to cull the monsters on the surface. Monsters you thought were limited only to the dungeon used to roam free…"

She let out a sigh. "The guild used to hand contracts out for wandering familias but after Zeus and Hera culled the major threats down it stopped.

"It was Zeus and his Familia that saved me. They were still a relatively new Familia at the time but had made waves in and around Orario. An Orphan, homeless, he took me in and raised me as one of his own. I ate and drank with everyone, trained under the likes of Zard and other high level adventures."

He took a sip of his tea.

"After several years of training I was granted a falna and given the ability to go into the dungeon with my fellow family members. Floor by floor I learned the dungeon and its secrets, slowly getting stronger and stronger until I reached the top. The apex of the Zeus familia. One of Zeus' inner circle."

Riviera let out a long and loud sigh. "In other words he was one of Zeus' pervert buddies!"

Lefiya couldn't help but cover her chest causing the man to laugh. "That was a long time ago. I was young and impressionable."

He took another sip as the two elves looked at each other and back at him.

"Though you could say that was when the good times ended…" He placed his cup down and sighed. "More than a few gods held grudges with Zeus. Freya, Odin, Loki, Osiris the list is long…"

"Osiris and Odin were the most annoying. They had all but driven us out the Dendine regions to the south and the Beol mountains to the north. They had their reasons of course; Osiris and his familia had already made a stronghold in Dendine and Kaios. They were much more experienced with desert monsters and had more than enough reason to maintain that monopoly. Zeus didn't really care that much. He hated the desert and cursed any time we had to go in one."

Lefiya took note of the Dendine regions. "W-Wait that's the black Dessert!?"

Regis smiled and nodded. "Yes, however, that was before Zeus and Osiris put their differences aside to kill it. Though I won't lie it probably wasn't the best time to do so. We knew very little about the behemoth other than its habitat. Osiris and his familia were key in locating and louring it into a perfect ambush. However the beast proved to be more cunning than we had expected. Destructive black winds turned the desert into a death trap. The sand itself became a weapon and shield."

Rubbed part of his face and with a grim expression. "Ughhh I still remember how it pelted the skin shredding it with every grain of sand…"

Lefiya began to shiver. "T-that sounds horrible."

"It was… We lost a lot of good people that day, Osiris and his familia were all but destroyed retreating back to Kaios where he licked his wounds. If not for the actions of Zard well…We might not have made it out of that dessert alive…"

Riviera let out a low sigh. "One of Zeus best and the strongest before Ottarl, he ate the poisonous flesh of that monstrosity to kill it…"

The man nodded. "A true hero, and a sight to see. Strength unlike anything he annihilated the behemoth with a single swing of his blade. Fire burnt away at its body stopping it from regenerating. Still nobody knew the destructive force we had just unleashed. The very ash from its body covered the land killing it. The beast's winds carried it far and wide and like blight on the land it spread. Once a paradise now a wasteland where nothing grows.

Lefiya looked down at the floor as she took this all in. "T-that's so sad…"

Riviera was the same but she couldn't help but shake her head. "It had to be beast was a terror that destroyed countless towns and settlements. Though Zeus didn't help the matter by weakening Osiris and the other desert pantheon."

Lefiya looked to her mentor and then Regis who nodded. "I suppose I did go a little off track… Yes I won't lie Osiris and Zeus butted heads more than a little. Zeus was annoyed that Osiris had all but stopped him from exploring the regions to the south worried he would ruin the perfect paradise he had built. Given the nature of the situation, war was out of the question. Instead me and a couple others were sent in to deal with certain…Problems…"

Rivera glared at him. "Just tell her!"

He rubbed his neck and nodded. "As a level six I was leagues above other adventures at the time, Osiris had a dozen level fives. Zeus had seen in me a nact for killing not monsters but advernutres.."

Lefiya let out a loud gasp as she looked horrified. However Riviera just sipped her tea and turned to the girl.

"These were different times Lefiya, I won't lie and say they weren't horrible. Gods and goddesses scrambled to gather up land and glory to use against one another for personal gain. Zeus and Hera weren't layabouts. There was a reason they sat at the top for so long."

"Part of that was killing off the captains and vice captains of the rival Familia's. Those outside of Orario had few if not no ways to train their members, Osiris used the desert as a training ground for his children but it wasn't as efficient as dungeon training. It took years and years to gain a single level. Thus by eliminating their top members Osiris was crippled…"

Riviera sighed "Only one survivor of that small party came back. Regis, the reaper of the Zeus familia."

Lefiya now looked at the man in a different light, he had seemed like a caring and wise individual when she first met him. Now however it was if she was looking at a hollowed husk of a man.

"Not just Osiris, Odin and many other rising gods meet the same fate. He's one of the reasons that so few people are higher than level six outside of Orario…" the green haired elf spoke quietly, almost out of respect for the man and the people he killed.

Lefiya felt a heavy presence in the room as her eyes darted from one to the other. She couldn't help but fear the man sitting at the table even if his story seemed almost unbelievable, but the look from her mentor said it all…

"H-How many did you kill?!" She stood up and slammed her hands on the table. Causing even Riveria to look away.

Regis took a deep breath. "Almost seventy…"

Lefiya looked away in disgust as she gripped the table beneath her. "Why?!"

Both Riveria and Regis lowered their heads. "Let's make one thing clear, the world isn't perfect and back then it was less so. The war games were nothing but an idea back then. If a god or goddess had enough reason they'd throw everything they had at one another and crush them in an instant!" He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Those seventy or so people I killed, saved the lives of countless adventures that would have otherwise been thrown to the slaughter. I saved so many the horror of killing another poor soul."

Lefiya didn't know how to respond, she never lived in that era and she had no idea what it was like. All she could understand was that killing others was wrong.

"I didn't enjoy it or take pleasure in it. I was kept awake a thousand nights just seeing the faces of those I had killed. I only managed to sleep when the faces of the ones I loved still smiled. Still laughed and spoke…"

He took a deep breath and sat back down gulping his lukewarm tea before pouring himself another.

"If it wasn't for Odin those numbers would probably have been a lot smaller!"

Riviera nodded. "At the time Odin stood as Zeus' biggest rival, the two were always fighting and not just butting heads like Osiris but actually fighting. Freya had been content to turn a blind eye as was Loki for a time. Odin like Zeus had employed unorthodox methods with dealing with other gods. Zeus believed in negotiating with them and trying to find common ground when that failed, he sent the reaper in."

Regis nodded. "Odin meanwhile prefered to crush the opposing gods and forced them under his banner. If they refused to join they were out right destroyed…"

"Loki and Freya had broken away long before his expansion and while they turned a blind eye to his acts when he tried to bring them to heel they retaliated…"

"Myself and Regis met on one such occasion. Though as much as I wish I hadn't I can't deny he saved my life that day…" She closed her eyes, a small smile on her face as she turned her head.

"Loki was what kept Odin's underlings at bay though had one or two scuffles with the god Thor who was Odin's first line of defense. With Thor held down the rest fell quickly as Freya and Zeus pushed him back to the city of Asgard where he ultimately surrendered."

Regis smiled as he remembered the moment. "I remember standing on the mountains overlooking the city. Zeus and Freya had prepared a treaty that bound Odin to his lands. Never shall he step foot in Orario or its surrounding areas. He shall not conquer or subjugate other gods into his service." He smiled. "This could be called the first wargame a binding contract with another god that is still held up today."

"Poseidon and Hera had just beaten the Lathiavan. The three great quests were almost complete, Zeus and Hera had secured Orario's security for years to come. It seemed like the golden age of the gods had come…"

He sighed. "Well you know how this story ends. Zeus and Hera were annihilated at dragons valley. Though I wasn't there at the time. I was dealing with a group of deserters that had fled the night before…"

"I couldn't blame them, I had tried to convince Zeus otherwise. The battle with the Behemoth and Odin had left our familia weakened more than it had ever been. Hera had the same issues with the Leviathan and quelled Freya's anger. When the dust settled only a few of us remained. The once great familia broken and beaten. Freya and Loki had used the newly implemented wargame to secure their places at the top and with that Zeus went into exile and those that survived went our separate ways."

Lefiya didn't know what to say as the man finished his story though she could tell it was something both her mentor and himself had kept for a while. She just couldn't understand it all in such a short time.

"I…I don't know what to say?" She spoke quietly as she looked down at her cup of undrunk tea. She had listened with great interest in hopes to understand him better. But now she didn't know what to think.

"Nobody really does. The past is the past, and though my alias and level are symbols of that time I'm just a relic watching the next generation."

Riviera was going to say something but stopped herself gripping her cup hard as she remembered Alfias words before she died. 'The legacy of Zeus lives on in all his members, it seems…'

Regis stood up and stretched a little as he drank what was left of his tea. "Well now you know my story or at least a portion of it. He turned to Riviera and smiled. "I'm only trying to help those of the next generation."

Riviera looked away. "I'm sure you are…Fine you've done as I asked so I'll let Lefiya decide…"

Lefiya went silent as the man nodded. "Thank you, that's all I ask…"

He turned to the door and stepped forward. "Ohhh and one more thing, Freya has asked the guild that I be allowed to join your efforts to search for Loki. Though I have no idea why she'd even care I'm at your beckon call should you require my aid."

Riviera just sighed heavily. "Of all the people…Ugh I'm not going to say no but I will have to discuss it with the familia."

He nodded. "Goodbye Miss Lefiya I do hope to see you again soon." He placed a note down on the desk. "In case you wish to accept my offer, that is where you can find me."

With that he disappeared into the hallway and let himself out the house. As he closed the door behind him he smiled. "Finally the perfect replacement for Luna…Though she still has a lot to learn she might be able to match even Alifa in strength…"

He looked down at his hand and smiled. The black orb formed in his hand as he examined it closely. His smile faded a little. 'Such pure rage and malice… These are not the emotions born from a human… No such things belong only in monsters!'

Lefiya looked at the note and sighed looking at her mentor with a confused expression. She wanted to ask her if it was really a good idea to accept his offer?

"I know what you're gonna ask…No I don't know if you should or shouldn't. My personal feelings aside, Regis is probably one of if not the most knowledgeable persons on both the dungeon and its secrets. His combat skills are second to none and he probably has the highest chance to beat Ottarl one on one in a fight."

She gasped she had never heard of someone able to match Ottar in strength, not even the captain. "He's that strong?"

"We had an old saying, if the reaper is after you, make sure you are in a group…One on one only means death…" The elf rested her head in her hand. "Finn made it a habit of not pissing him off and being friendly with him. I'm just glad he's level six..I'd hate to have seen what he'd have been capable of if he was a level seven…"

Riviera looked at the girl with a warm smile as she wondered just what to tell her. "If you were born back then I'd have told you to go for it. Now, however I just don't know…"

Lefiya could tell Riveria wasn't telling her something she wanted to know exactly what was putting her mentor off this whole Idea.

"Riveria, please…I know you two share a history together. But if what you told me is true then is might be my chance to get stronger and stand beside Aiz and the others as an equal, not just support. But I need to know everything first!"

'She's right… It would be stupid to ruin such an opportunity for her.' She took a deep breath. "Ughh Regis and I dated, okay. Shortly after he saved my life. He was young, handsome and strong. I guess I was like you when you meet Bell for the first time."

Lefiya blushed and slammed her hands. "I was not head over heels for him!"

She giggled. "We grew closer and in that time he consoled me with everything. I wasn't the woman I am today. Love blinded my mind and judgment. I mean I should have known he was a cheating bastard!"

Lefiya quickly felt the mood change as Riveria's hand cracked the cup as she tried to keep a smile. "He always had a thing for strong mages! Why was I not surprised he had a crush on Alfia of the Hera familia!"

Lefiya gulped as she felt the Aura of her master permeate the room. "R-Riveria y-you don't have to…"

"No No I do!" She almost shouted as the cup shattered into tiny little pieces. "That scumbag didn't even hesitate when dumped me!" She slammed her hands on the table. "I had let myself fall for him and he had eyes for another woman. I should have burned his ass to ash for breaking my heart!"

'This explains why she is still single…'

"Ughh! Forget it, I need a drink!" She grabbed the young elf by the arm and dragged her from the chair.

"B-But Riviera it's still early in the morning and you never drink!" She spoke up only to be ignored as they reached the front door. "B-But what about Bell and.."

"He's got someone to keep him company besides it's about time you and I have a talk about not dating human males!"

Artemis felt herself drifting out of her slumber as a cold chill quickly went down her spine. She had lost the fight…She had fainted against the man that had tried to rape her. She was unsure which Familia had won. Suddenly her eyes shot open, her body wracked with pain as looked up at an unfamiliar ceiling.

"N-No! NO!" She cried as she assumed the worst tears welling up in her eyes as she tried to look around. Her fears overcoming her as she assumed the worst. 'We lost! Hestia…Bell….No no no no It can't it it"

She began to cry loudly, tears streaming down her face as she feared what was to come next. Apollo was a cruel man but Laurous was probably going to finish what he started. She could hear footsteps rushing towards her door as she could do nothing but cry and scream.

"NO! NO STAY AWAY!" She slammed her eyes shut as the door flung open and someone entered. "Get away from me!" She struggled to move as she opened her eyes in horror.

"Artemis! Calm down, it's okay, it's okay it's me." Bell had woken up to find her screaming and crying the house was all but empty as he rushed to his feet and up the stairs to her.

It took her a moment to realise this as she shook her head keeping her eyes shut. But the familiar warmth of his body slowly permeated into her as she began to realise she was safe.

"B-Bell?" She opened his eyes to see his bright red eyes and smiling face looking down at her. She felt her heartache with joy as she began to cry a different kind of tears.

"It's really you?" She wanted to hug him but her body wouldn't allow it instead all she could do was move her head as she nuzzled into his shoulder. "I-I was so scared I…I"

Tears soaked his shirt and shoulder as he smiled and pulled her closer making sure not to damage her in her fragile state. "It's okay you're safe now. I'm here with you, nothing is going to happen." He returned the nuzzle. Rubbing his cheek into the side of her head.

The two remained as they were for a minute, Artemis' tears slowly fading as she relaxed into Bell's arms. However she still had a few questions that she needed to ask, the first being,

"W-Where are we?"

Bell chuckled as he pulled back resting her head against the pillow as he turned to speak.

"W-We are at the Loki Familias house… S-Some stuff happened after your fight b-but I won't get into that right now… All you need to know is that the wargame has been put on hold…"

She wanted to ask what happened but she could see in his eyes that it was a touch subject instead she just nodded and smiled. "Okay, Bell…What about Hestia and the others?"

He tried to smile not wanting to worry her. "They are back at the Hostess, don't worry you'll get to see them as soon as you've recovered."

Again she didn't pry for more instead she felt a small blush on her face as she realised the situation.

"S-So it's just the two of us?"

"Yeah that's right, at least for the next week or two that's how long Riviera reckons it will take for your healing." He tried not to blush as he realised that when they ended up alone things tended to happen.

"I see."

She closed her eyes and smiled blushing a bright red. "It's a shame I don't get to sleep with my favorite pillow…"

"W-Well that's not entirely true.." Bell blushed and rubbed his head nervously. "W-We are kinda sharing the same room…"

Artemis blushed hard as she realised what he meant. There wasn't another bed and it was a small room. "S-So…F-For the next week…"

Bell blushed and nodded. "Y-Yeah…" He rubbed his cheek and looked away as he couldn't hide the blush forming on his face. Artemis was beet red as she wanted to bury her face in the pillow.

The two went silent however the blue-haired beauty turned to face him, her blush not fading even a little as she bit her lip. "I-Its a little chilly in here Bell…W-Would you…" She closed her eyes and thought about it for a moment. Whatever doubt in her mind was gone, and she had chosen her path. "Would you snuggle with me for a while…." She wanted to die from embarrassment as she said it, unable to cover her blushing face.

Bell felt his heart be quicken, how could he deny such a beautiful woman that request. He nodded with a heavy blush "Of course." He raised the covers and slipped underneath as he carefully curled his arms around her moving closer as he nestled into her back.

"Mmm." She moaned with a small amount of joy though she bit her lip again. "C-Can you turn me over?"

"S-Sure." He turned her over so she was facing him. Their faces inches apart from one another as they both blushed with embarrassment. Bell tightened his hug pulling her closer. "Better?"

She giggled. "Mmm yes much better." She nestled her head into his chest and sighed happily.

"Mmm, I think after this, I could do with a nice hot bath…" She said into his chest as she closed her eyes.

Bell just gulped as the image of a steamy naked Artemis penetrated his mind and he remembered Riveria's words. 'Shes gonna kill me…'

Authors notes

I'm alive again...This is becoming way to common for me. I do apologise for the late update. I've have been moved onto nights at work and unfortunately, it's cut into my personal time quite a lot. Because of this, I've had to cut back on writing a lot. However, I haven't stopped and don't intend to stop writing. It's just gonna take me some time to get used to the new circumstances. Just a quick update on whats happening and for the lack of recent chapters on both stories. Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope you have a good day.