Chapter 16: Before the storm
In a dark and secret place, they gathered, ghostly figures cloaked in their white capes. Beings who had rejected society from above to become agents of chaos. An organisation similar to a hydra, which kept coming back, no matter how many heads were cut off. The Evilus had changed from what their founder had intended, but they were resilient.
In their underground, lit by the glow of a few magic stone lamps, a group had gathered. All the participants wore the same white toga, the same mask on their faces, which made it impossible to differentiate or identify them. Another person joined this small group, the figure of a woman, wearing a white dress covering her completely, but not concealing her form. Her face was covered by a long veil and her hands were gloved. However, she gave off that characteristic aura of the gods. Even covered from head to toe, there was no doubt that she was a Deusdea.
At the sight of her, one of the figures spoke up and bowed politely.
Ho! Madam, what a pleasure to see you here today, you do us great honour.
Well, someone has to step up to the plate, given the current situation. Let's see... Erebus hasn't been around for a long time, Rudra got blown away by The Gale, Thanatos' plans have gone haywire since Ishtar was sent back to the heavens, Enyo and his minions haven't been working as well as they could, several demi-spirits got slaughtered by the Loki familia and we can't count on Ikelos and his little monster dealers anymore.
The woman spoke in a mocking, but amused voice, it seemed obvious that she found the situation entertaining.
The situation is indeed... complicated.
The goddess laughed amusedly and spoke again.
Well, you obviously like euphemisms. Our situation is not complicated, it's disastrous.
That is why, madam, we are hopeful that you will be able to guide us through this period.
Guide you? That is a most refreshing idea. But after all, why not, it will be a good distraction. Well, that depends, did you do what I asked you to do?
Another figure answered.
Yes, madam, we haven't located it, but we're sure we know where to find it.
All right, let's hear it.
That would be... the god Thor would have it.
Thor you say?
At this name, the goddess burst out laughing.
Thor! But that's perfect! Considering how much I hate him, I'll have the opportunity to mix business with pleasure. Be happy, childs of chaos, for I am more than willing to guide you.
Nothing pleases us more than to hear madam!
However, his familia is quite powerful and our numbers have unfortunately suffered from our various confrontations with Loki's. A second cultist added.
Well, I guess you haven't run out of demi-spirits yet?
Unfortunately, the only one that could serve us is not yet mature, so it will take us some time to finish it.
In that case, we'll have to proceed in a different way, and with a bit more subtlety. Would you agree, my dear?
At her words, another figure emerged from the shadows, that of an emaciated old man whose features betrayed a certain age. His face was sunken, but his eyes still had a glimmer of life in them. He wore a purple mage's robe and his face was not hidden, betraying the fact that he was not a member of this small group. The man laughed sarcastically and stepped forward before speaking.
I say that fate is definitely capricious. Thor has something you want? How fitting, he stole something very important from me. Since our interests converge, I'd be happy to join your little degenerate party.
Fortunately, all the participants wore veils to hide their tense faces from the mage's bitter remarks.
My only demand is that I get back what is mine. In exchange, I will leave you many toys that you will find... very interesting.
It seems we have an agreement.
Madam, we may also be able to play on some of Thor's other weaknesses. Our sources indicate that he is very close to Loki and Hestia.
Hasn't Loki caused you enough pain already?
Yes, madam, but Hestia and her familia are more... approachable. And even if the boy develops quickly, he's still a naive country bumpkin, so it should be possible to put pressure on him, and we have an idea for that.
In the best case, we could split them up on different issues. Another participant added.
Well, in that case, proceed.
The veiled goddess suddenly seemed to sense something, she turned and looked up at the ceiling, but it seemed that she was looking even further, at the heavens themselves.
Hooooo! But here's something very interesting!
That day, Bell and Haruhime were shopping together. To celebrate his victory over Freya, the god Thor had decided to have a little party at his house and had invited several gods he knew. As they had quickly learned, it was very easy for the god of thunder to find a reason to celebrate. Bell just hoped that this time he would manage to avoid getting drunk, the feeling was really weird and invariably led to awkward situations.
Not wanting to come empty-handed, Mikoto and Haruhime had offered to help with the cooking and Bell was doing the necessary shopping with the renarde. The latter was in a very good mood, opportunities to spend time alone with Bell were rather rare, especially with people like Hestia or Lili, who were capable of being very possessive, even a little too much. Besides, it was only due to Bell's good character that the situation didn't explode. That and the fact that he was particularly blind when it came to women.
As they finished and both had their arms full, Bell, in the midst of a passionate conversation with Haruhime, didn't pay too much attention to what was around him and felt something hit him.
Sorry! he said instinctively, before looking at who had hit him.
Bell was already not very tall, but the person who had hit him was even shorter than he was. In fact, it looked like a child, which the boy estimated to be between eight and ten years old. She had tanned skin and wore light, colourful clothes. She was a small amazoness at first sight. In a city like Orario, there were many different species, including a good number of amazoness, but he could not recall ever having come across a child of that race. The boy naturally gave her a friendly smile and spoke in a soft voice.
Are you all right, girl? Did you hurt yourself?
The child gave him a big, bright smile, and then clung to him.
Bell! I finally found you!
Naturally, the young man was surprised by the child's reaction, while Haruhime had a more questioning look on her face.
Do you know this child, Master Bell?
Not at all, I don't even know any little amazoness.
The only children he knew were those in Maria's orphanage, but he couldn't remember seeing any amazoness children there. The two of them tried to ask her questions, but the child gave them no answer. Even worse, she seemed to be afraid of Harihume and hid behind Bell whenever the foxgirl tried to approach her, breaking the girl's heart. However, all this was leading them nowhere, it was impossible to know her name, where she came from, where her parents were, how she knew Bell, nothing at all.
What do we do Haruhime? asked a slightly confused Bell.
Um... we could take her to a Ganesha Familia guard so they can find her parents.
This only made the little girl snuggle even tighter against Bell. He was sure he didn't know her, yet he felt something familiar about her. He had the unpleasant feeling that he was missing something very important.
Or maybe we take her with us, if she knows you, maybe someone we know knows her too. In the worst case, we'll ask the others for their opinion.
So it was that Bell and Haruhime set off again for the Thunder Hall, their arms full of shopping and holding a small amazoness by the hand in the case of the young man.
All of this had wasted their time and they were among the last to arrive. Hestia, Loki, Miach, Takemikazuchi, Astraea and Hephaestus were already there, most of them accompanied.
Sorry for the delay, we had a little problem on the way.
A problem that everyone present identified in the form of the child whose hand he was holding. But if all the mortals there were simply curious, all the gods in the room seemed shocked at the sight of this little girl.
Wait, What...
Did I fucking dream!
I can't believe it!
What is she doing here?
And it was then that all the deusdeas present in the room exclaimed in unison.
"Ishtar?!"
The atmosphere was quickly lost. All the gods present were deep in conversation while their children were asking themselves lots of questions, Bell the first. Would this child be the goddess Ishtar? The more he looked at her, the more he began to consider the possibility. From the beginning she had given him a strange impression that he could not understand. And the more he thought about it, the more he saw the resemblance. The same slightly wavy purple hair, the same eyes, and indeed, in his memories, Ishtar had skin as tanned as that of an amazoness. And he could feel that little something in her, that typical aura of the gods.
As for the miniature goddess, she was eating Mikoto's food heartily, not really concerned by the questions of the other gods. For Bell, the story with Ishtar wasn't a particularly pleasant episode. He had been kidnapped by her berberas, then kidnapped again after that by Phryne, with absolutely disgusting intentions, then it had been an obstacle course to save Haruhime. But finally, it was he who dared to speak first.
Is that really... the goddess Ishtar?
The gods seemed embarrassed to answer him, as if their answer might shake many beliefs. Finally, it was Thor who nodded in confirmation.
But the goddess Ishtar. As I recall, she was... how shall I put it...
The boy's cheeks were flushed and he didn't seem to be ready to mention the beauty goddess's physique so quickly. This made the god of thunder sigh in annoyance. How innocent could this kid be?
Call a spade a spade Bell. Ishtar was a gorgeous woman who exuded sensuality from every inch of her skin, not a child. But, yes, she's Ishtar.
The gods then returned to their conversation.
Does that mean she went to THIS place?
What the hell was so bad about her getting her ass kicked by Freya?
But how did she get back into the Gekai?
If she went there, it doesn't seem unlikely.
I mean, since the game started a thousand years ago, who's been to the Source?
Nobody, I think, now that you mention it.
So that gave her another entry for the game?
Yes, that makes sense to me.
We can think about that later, I think we have a more pressing problem to deal with.
The problem being the thirty or so adventurers who didn't understand the situation.
No choice, I guess. Thor concluded. The god of thunder turned to the mortals in the room and clapped his hands to get their attention. Now listen, all of you, until we discuss this with Ouranos and the Denatus statute on this, you will keep the return of Ishtar to yourselves, as well as everything else we're going to explain.
The other gods waved to their children to indicate that they were going in the same direction as him.
Oh boy! I don't even know where to start. said the colossal god with a jaded look.
From the beginning Thor. Astraea then said to him, who also felt that the evening was going to be long.
Certainly. In that case, I owe Mikoto an apology first.
What? Me? said the samurai of the Hestia familia, still busy with mini Ishtar.
Yes, during the first evening at your house, we quickly evoked a time when Loki and Hestia were little girls. At that time I told you that I couldn't give you the details, as it would involve notions that your mortal minds unfortunately can't grasp. I'm sorry, that was a lie to avoid awkward questions.
Well, it wouldn't have happened if you hadn't thrown things like that. Loki said to him in a reproachful tone.
For once, I completely agree with flatty. Hestia then retorted, even if one could suspect that the two goddesses were rather grumbling because shameful childhood anecdotes had leaked out.
Ha! Don't worry Lord Thor, I understand perfectly. replied the young woman, embarrassed that a god would apologize to her.
I thank you. Well, let's start at the beginning.
Since he would be the storyteller tonight, Thor made an effort to be a clear speaker. At the same time, given the events, he had no difficulty in capturing an audience largely in need of answers.
We, the Deusdeas, are the first children of Creation, the principle behind everything. We were born into this universe with the gift of eternity. Among our many powers, we possess perfect immortality, our souls are eternal and our bodies can regenerate from anything. Only, while our bodies are immutable, our minds are not. Even if it is much slower than you, we eventually feel the passage of time. When we have already explored everything in our lives, then comes the boredom. And I think you've all seen what happens when boredom gets the gods.
Yes, everyone knew that very well. The age of the gods that lasted for a thousand years was born basically because the gods were bored. And some people in this room had seen what some of the gods were capable of, just to ease their boredom.
But sometimes, more than boredom, we can reach a stage where we are tired of our lives, where our own existence itself can become unbearable. Immortality is a fantasy for many mortals, but at a certain point it can become a prison.
For mortals, with their inherently limited lifespan, this notion seemed complicated to grasp, but they did grasp the idea. What can life offer us at a time when we have seen and done everything?
But fortunately for us, Creation has left us one last gift for that. There is somewhere in Tenkai, a place we consider most sacred, an ancient pond, which we call the Source. When a god is tired of his life, he goes there. By bathing and drinking the water of the Source, he gains the possibility of starting all over again.
Bell's gaze shifted from Thor to the little Ishtar, who had finished eating and had returned to him, and seemed to act as if the boy's presence was comforting her.
When we do this, our bodies become those of children and our minds are... erased, so to speak. We still have access to our knowledge and memories, but it's very strange, like having the memory of another person. Because in a way we become a new person, we have the possibility to live everything over again, to discover each experience as if we were living it for the first time, to make new friendships or rivalries, to emphasize other aspects of our divinity.
Like a kind of rebirth or reincarnation? Lili asked, her brain racing as she tried to understand what Thor was explaining.
Not exactly, but it's close. When a god passes through the Source, he becomes a new person, but with all the knowledge of his former lives. Sometimes, in addition to a change in personality, this can also involve a physical change, even though we still remain close to our true nature.
If you want a good example. Hephaestus then stepped forward. I, for one, am always doomed to be marked by a physical imperfection. In my time at the Source, it has not always been the eye.
The redheaded blacksmith spoke of this with a hint of sadness in her voice, her physical deformity was an inherent flaw in her nature and it had often caused her pain.
Yes, but you wear the eye patch very well, I must say. Thor replied, whose little joke helped to relax the goddess of the forge. And we've seen more impressive changes.
Thor then thought in his mind that he should perhaps avoid saying that Loki changed gender every other time, even if she always remained androgynous, or that Hephaestus was a big lame bearded man in a distant life, in which case, the Crozzo kid might not recover.
Anyway, I think you get the idea.
It was then Finn who stepped forward and asked a question in turn.
But the goddess Ishtar was sent back to the heavens, so why is she here?
Good question Braver. For a thousand years and the beginning of the game of gods, none of us have ever been to the Source, so we didn't know how she would affect the game. Well, we have the beginnings of an answer, since the Source makes us new, different people, it would seem that this is also the case with the rules of the game. The old Ishtar lost, but the new one got her own chance to participate.
But what is she doing here then? Astraea asked. Even if she has a right to join the game, she must have just left the Source, she should be quietly in the company of her guardian.
Seeing the questioning looks of some of the children, Thor answered their silent question.
When we come out of the Source, it's a tradition that we are placed under the care of another god, who serves as our guardian. He acts as a parent to us, but there are no specific rules about this. And for those who have made the connection, I was the guardian of Hestia and Loki the last time they went to the Source, because in their former lives they felt the need to go to the Source at about the same time.
Some members of Hestia's familia remarked to each other that this explained a lot about some of the more direct aspects of their goddess' character.
but let's not forget one important detail. Said Miach. There are far fewer gods left up there than there used to be, so maybe no one realized she was going to the Source.
And she would have come down by default? You might as well ask her. Ishtar!
The little goddess turned at the sound of her name and walked towards her fellow gods.
Why have you descended to the lower world?
The young goddess thought for a moment and began to speak in an insecure voice.
I don't know... I have flashes, memories... sad and sweet... Bell! I wanted to find Bell!
But why does everyone want MY Bell!
Hestia, we'll talk about your possessive issues another time. said the god of thunder in a moral tone. But really Ishtar, why him?
I... I don't know... but I feel safe around him.
Most of the gods, especially those who had experienced the incident some time ago in the entertainment district, were a little wary and Take was the first to express his thoughts.
It doesn't make sense, even if it was Freya who devastated the district, it was still Bell who was one of the main actors in her defeat. He's the one who attacked Ishtar to save Haruhime, she shouldn't have any positive memories of him.
Or on the contrary, it makes sense. Miach replied. Ishtar has inherited the memories of her previous life, but not the emotions she felt. Bell acted heroically in this case, perhaps in her present subconscious she associates him with the image of a hero, a kind of reassuring presence. And perhaps it should be added that he is one of the last mortals to have marked her.
The young man's cheeks were reddened by his actions. Loki then tried to refocus the discussion and the management of the problem.
In any case, we can't let her walk around town like that, there are plenty of people who are still angry at Ishtar. And I'm not sure everyone will be understanding.
Indeed. Thor answered. We should just proceed as usual, by adjusting. Since she seems to be attached to Bell Cranel, I propose to entrust her to Hestia to be her guardian.
Huh!? said the little goddess with a shocked look on her face.
Yeah, why not. Loki said, amused at the idea.
It seems wiser to me for the moment. Miach added.
Same opinion. Takemikazuchi added.
No, but why should I be in charge of the tiny Ishtar?
Because you'll finally have a goddess smaller than you to feel tall. Loki then mocked her.
And of course, Hestia jumped at her throat for a divine wrestling session. While the two rival sisters were beating each other up, Astraea approached Thor.
To entrust the education of a goddess of beauty to a virgin goddess. Thor, do you realise that is...
Delightfully ironic, yes, I know. But, well, it can lead to interesting results.
I have a feeling that some people are going to have headaches as well. Concluded the goddess of justice, although she could not hide the fact that she also found this situation amusing.
But those present at Thor's house that night were not the only ones to become aware of the presence of the new Ishtar. When a god descended from the sky, the other deusdeas could sense his arrival. But it was by chance that Freya had followed the events. As is her wont as an obsessive stalker, she was looking at Bell in her divine mirror, when she realised with horror WHO had just approached him and stuck to him.
At first, Freya felt anger. Hadn't one lesson been enough for her? Ishtar still dared to approach Bell?
But then reason quickly took over. Ishtar was not supposed to be there, she had been sent back to the heavens in a clear and definitive way. Besides, Ishtar was not a child. Freya realised what had happened. Ishtar had gone to the Source and apparently that gave her the right to play again.
Finally came the amusement and the goddess gave a great amused laugh. So bad had Ishtar's defeat by her hand been that her own existence had become unbearable for her? Enough to send her to the Source? Freya felt a thrill of pleasure as this satisfied her self-esteem.
But why was the new Ishtar still interested in Bell? Should she take action, send her back to the heavens? No, that would be too bad a plan. There was an unspoken agreement among the gods that what a god had done in his old life could not be held against him in a new one. Besides, having just come out of the Source, Ishtar was now a child, so if Freya attacked her, it would be terribly frowned upon and she would alienate every god. That she could not afford, not now. She was close to her goal, but she had to stay quiet until the time came, until she finally got what she wanted.
But seeing another goddess come out of the Source made her feel nostalgic. With her glass of wine in hand, she rose from her throne and walked to the window that gave her a clear view of the city. Slowly, she let her mind wander and brought to the surface memories from her two previous lives. She also amused herself by imagining what her familia would have looked like if one of her previous selves had come to the Gekai.
She thought back to her previous existence. The last Freya was a pure warrior, a true Asgardian goddess. She fully embraced her role as Queen of the Valkyries. For this Freya, it was only martial valor that counted. If she had been the one to go down, her familia would have been a much more martial organisation, where a man like Ottar would have flourished even more. But it would also have been much more ruthless, and her familia's training, already known to be tough, would have been hell. But she would have made it a point to make them the conquerors of the Dungeon.
She went back into her memories and let her thoughts drift to her life before. The penultimate Freya was a wise and learned woman, a woman who loved peace and study, but also the pleasure of research and the joy of discovery. She had even invented her own magic, Seidr magic, which she kept secret even after all this time. If such a Freya had come to the lower world, she would have created a familia of scholars and magicians, even if it meant fighting to get the best of them. For this Freya, people like Riviera Ljos Alf would have had a better chance of attracting her attention.
But those lives were behind her, now she was the goddess of beauty and love, even if she had her own vision of the concept. This Freya only wanted to see her children shine in her name and fulfill her every wish. This Freya wanted to find her soul mate, her Odr, the soul that would complete her forever and give this existence a greater meaning than her previous incarnations ever had.
She had finally found him, she was sure. It was what she had been waiting for for so long. Now she would have no hesitation, no sacrifice would be too great, nothing would matter to her anymore. Despite what she had told Ryuu, she would have to bury Syr's existence, and she would do it without any remorse. And that was precisely what would perhaps lead to her downfall.
Far from suspecting Freya's shenanigans concerning him, Bell was pensive. The mood at Thor's had mellowed, but it was no longer the party he had been promised. The boy had isolated himself, lost in thought. On the one hand, there were the memories of Ishtar from the incident in the entertainment districts. A cruel woman, consumed by her unhealthy jealousy, having no remorse in sacrificing Haruhime, letting someone as horrible as Phryne do whatever horrors she wanted. And on the other side, there was this child who came to him, smiling, sweet, with not an ounce of malice in her eyes.
Well, that's a worried face, boy. Thor's voice said behind him. Can I offer you a drink to forget?
Oh no, please, Lord Thor, I'm really not done with being a mess tonight.
The god of thunder let out an amused laugh before moving closer to him.
I understand, my boy. But you still look worried. What's the problem? You don't know how to deal with Ishtar, do you?
Bell let out a long sigh and answered simply, with a downcast look on his face.
Yes...
I don't know the whole story or the details, but apparently she took it out on you.
I never fully understood why. I thought it had something to do with Haruhime, but I'm not even sure actually.
Did she try to seduce you?
Yes, and... I don't know why, but it didn't work, she was mad.
The charm of a beauty goddess is supposed to be absolute, so how did this kid... I'm going to have a serious talk with Hestia.
However, Thor snapped out of his thoughts to resume the conversation.
And... you are afraid of her, aren't you? You're afraid that this is all an act and that she's looking for some twisted way to get some revenge?
The young man did not answer him, but his face spoke for him. Since his arrival, his naivety had often been put to the test and he had discovered how horrible some people could be.
Bell, I understand that this is all a bit hard to take in, but you have to understand that the Source really does make us new people. The Ishtar you knew no longer exists. She is now someone else, a blank canvas on which you can draw anything. And it's you who will decide on the first lines of that drawing.
Me?
Yes, unless you're afraid of suddenly being big brother. said the god with an amused look.
Me, a big brother? replied a panicked Bell under the amused laughter of the colossal god.
Look at her Bell, look at her carefully, her gaze towards you is full of affection, it's you she came to find in the Gekai. Even if Hestia becomes her divine guardian, you will still be her parental figure.
But why me? I have done nothing to make Ishtar love me.
Beat me, boy, even the gods don't know everything about themselves. But don't run away from her. In fact, I think that with you, Ishtar can become a very good person, a true goddess of love.
I... I don't know.
Take things at their own pace, spend time with her, let her forge that bond with you that she longs for. And above all, protect her, at the moment she's very vulnerable. Besides, if she took the risk of descending into the lower world just to find you, that says a lot about the attachment she has for you.
I... I'll try.
Well said my boy.
The god then concluded the conversation with a solid pat on the young man's back, which almost sent him to the ground. Finally, Bell went back to the others and called out to little Ishtar, who jumped at his neck with a big, loving smile. Indeed, the more he looked at her, the more he realised that she had none of the malice he had once seen in her. He had never had a real family. Before his familia there had only been his grandfather, perhaps it would be interesting to have a little sister.
The following days were calm. Ekkrit was finally able to leave Dian Cecht hospital, but not without Armid reminding him not to push himself, as he was still recovering. The nezu, aware that he was not at full health, promised to be careful, but finally returned to the Hall of Thunder to be welcomed by his familia.
At Hestia's mansion, life was lively too, especially since the familia was welcoming a goddess who was a child again and no doubt very different from what they had known. The young Ishtar was smiling, playful, curious, but also very affectionate with Bell. She spent a lot of time glued to him, even at night, Hestia had come several times to unhook her from Bell after she had snuck away to sleep snuggled up against him. But it was not as if she listened to the admonitions of her guardian goddess.
Ishtar was a child again, in every aspect and in a way, that was for the better. Her charm still worked, even if with less intensity. And fortunately, it no longer provoked sexual stimulation, thus avoiding tons of situations that could have been extremely awkward. Instead, it allowed her to be perceived as the cutest little girl in the world, which turned everyone she dealt with into a marshmallow. And incidentally, it allowed her to eat her way through all the food stalls.
For although the young Ishtar was fortunately not interested in the pleasures of the flesh, she did have a great appetite for the pleasures of gastronomy. She had an incredible appetite and her stomach seemed to be a real black hole. She was always curious to try something new and her face showed genuine joy whenever she discovered a food she liked. It also made Mikoto feel even more gratified every time she introduced her to something new.
On the other hand, the little goddess was still terribly afraid of Haruhime, no matter how hard the foxgirl tried to approach her. Ishtar herself did not know why she was so afraid and preferred to hide behind Bell. But still, slowly but surely, she was beginning to make her home in the manor.
The most sportive part was when Aisha came to visit Haruhime. Ishtar's return was still a secret and given the complicated history between the two, it had been necessary to hide the little goddess, while enduring the questions of the amazoness who understood that something was being hidden from her. However, it was not hard to convince the young goddess to hide. If Haruhime frightened Ishtar, Aisha terrified her completely.
Taking advantage of a moment of peace, Bell had tried to make the little goddess talk. He himself was sensitive to the foxgirl's pain at seeing this child fleeing from her like the plague.
You don't have to be afraid, you know. Haruhime is very kind and so is Aisha, even if she would like to pretend otherwise.
I hurt them Bell. My memories of my old life are still very hazy. But I know I hurt them a lot. I don't want to remember that.
Seeing her discomfort, the boy took her in his arms for a big hug and gently stroked her head.
Then don't remember it. Remember what Thor said the other night, you can't be blamed for what you did in your previous lives. What the old Ishtar did can only be blamed on her. I'm sure they understand.
Just as he understood. The more time he spent with her, the more the differences between this little Ishtar and the one he had known became apparent. There was none of the anger, the jealousy, the wicked sensuality of the old Ishtar in her.
The next day, it was other people, equally curious, but knowing the secret, who came to the house. Aiz, Tiona and Riviera had been at the party at Thor's and had heard everything. So they had come to satisfy their curiosity by offering some help to Hestia's familia if needed.
As soon as she saw the adorable little goddess, Tiona jumped on her, took her in her arms and began to rub her cheek against hers.
By the gods! She's so cute! I want the same at home!
Afterwards, it took a good five minutes to untie the amazoness from the poor goddess who went to take refuge in the arm of her adopted big brother. Then, everyone could enjoy a good tea in the salon. And the three women could see the affection that Bell naturally had for the little goddess and the way he looked after her.
You make a perfect big brother Bell. Riveria, herself a follower of parental instincts, remarked. I'm sure that in a few years you'll be a very good father too.
N-No, you're exaggerating. The boy replied with his usual embarrassment and modesty.
However, this remark had resonated with two young women whose thoughts drifted to the future. Tiona remembered the conversation she had had with Cayope and again she had in mind an older, more mature Bell, holding the hand of an adorable little white-haired amazoness.
Aiz's thoughts went far too. For years she had been consumed by the black flame of revenge. But since she had met Bell, things had changed. He had softened her, reminded her of other things. Now she could go back to her childhood memories without feeling automatically enraged. Riviera's words made her consider something she had never thought about, motherhood. Boy or girl, it didn't matter to her, and her thoughts imagined a blond child with red eyes, or white hair with golden eyes like hers. It would be absolutely... perfect.
But the situation soon took an unexpected turn, when the sweet little Ishtar made a reply worthy of a child.
By the way Bell, which one is your lover?
The young man almost spat out his tea, because the young goddess had just put her foot in it.
Because these two girls love you very much. Haruhime and Lili too, by the way. How lucky, you have many lovers at the same time.
So there were still a few things of the old Ishtar in her after all.
A-a-all right Ishtar, stop talking nonsense.
On her side, Riveria was very amused by the situation and by Bell's confusion.
The boy is really adorable. But by the gods, what a blind man he is when it comes to women!
The three members of the Loki familia then excused themselves and left, at the instigation of the high elf who thought it best to get the girls out of there before the situation became too embarrassing for everyone.
Life was calm, everything was going well, wonderfully well, even too well. And this is what made everyone lose their guard. For fate was about to knock on the door, bringing its own set of problems.
And for Thor, working in his office, fate was a cry outside his house.
I AM GANESHA!
What does he want? said the god of thunder to himself with a weary sigh. The advantage, at least, was that he knew who his guest was before he even opened the door.
When he went down to the entrance of his house, he saw half of his familia there, somewhat worried. And indeed, when he went outside, there was cause for concern. Ganesha was indeed there, accompanied by his captain, Shakti Varma, as well as several of his children, in arms and two Guild officials.
Hi, buddy. Now, what are you yelling about under my window?
The elephant god then took a more serious tone and addressed his old divine friend.
I'm sorry, my friend, but I think there's a little problem.
At his words, one of the Guild members stepped forward and presented a document.
Lord Thor, there is an order for the arrest of two members of your familia, Andil and Linda Kejal.
Everyone was taken aback by this announcement, and the two concerned, though calm, seemed just as surprised as everyone else.
Against the twins? What kind of bullshit is that?
Thor, please. began the elephant god, knowing that he would have to be diplomatic to prevent this from turning into a fight.
And what exactly are they accused of?
Murder of an adventurer. said the Guild officer, after a moment's hesitation. The Guild demands that they be placed under the supervision of the Ganesha familia until the investigation is completed.
YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! shouted the god of thunder. Ganesha stepped in between Thor and the Guild employee.
Listen to me Thor! For now, it's just suspicions and that's the procedure in such cases. If they were simply assaulted and defended themselves, the punishment will be minimal.
The twins did not kill anyone! There was always someone with them these days.
Calm down, my lord. said the jet-haired human girl. Her brother joined her.
We didn't kill anyone, it's true. But we should go with them and show them that we are not to blame.
My children...
The twins, normally rather unexpressive, both gave him a tender smile, then discarded their weapons before heading towards the Ganesha familia guards, who put shackles on their wrists.
Hey! Is Status Chains really necessary?
Simple procedure, please bear with it for now.
Of course, with falnas capable of transforming a mortal into a true powerful monster, there had to be an effective way to contain the arrested criminals. A god could seal his blessing, but this was not always possible. So a special magical item had been quickly developed long ago, special shackles, called Status Chain, which, when locked to an adventurer, automatically sealed the person's falna for as long as he or she wore them and returned him or her to the rank of an ordinary person. All the adventurers who had been made to wear them were unanimous, it was terribly unpleasant, the sudden feeling of weakening was horrible to bear.
Where are you taking them?
Third District Garrison. I'll arrange for you to come and see them tomorrow. Look, I know you don't like this whole thing, but let us do our job.
Ganesha tried to reason with him as best he could, and he already felt that things were going well. Thor could be very explosive at times. The elephant god and his children left, escorting their prisoners. Outside his house, the god of thunder was boiling with pent-up anger.
Ekkrit, I'm sorry to ask you this while you're still recovering, but get to the bottom of this.
I'll take care of it. Thor's shadow simply said before disappearing. Even if his god had ordered him to be quiet, he couldn't. Someone had to know something and he could be very stubborn when he wanted answers.
As for Thor, he returned to his home, but not without letting out some of his rage.
I swear to Creation, if this is another one of Freya's twisted tricks, this time her ass is going to be on fire and not for the reasons she likes!
But it wasn't. The goddess of beauty had nothing to do with what had just happened to Thor's familia. Even she kept her word of honour.
The storm was rumbling heavily and the tempest was going to be violent...