And So, Bell Became a Hero Volume 2
DISCLAIMER: Danmachi belongs to its respective owners. Everything that occurs in this story is of my own creation and the characters abide by the fictional laws in the setting.
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Ch25: And So, Another Tale is Sung
Part 35
Dark skies covered the land, thunders rumbling near and far in the distance. The land, wet and muddy, from the blessing of the sky, became harder to travel by the second as the rain had yet to come to an end. If anything, it poured stronger by the minute and made all the matters worse.
The four women who were returning to their guide's home found themselves having to slow down for a second time due to the bad weather, because even the deity and her attendant that used a dark umbrella to protect themselves from the torrent couldn't stop themselves from getting drenched by it.
As for the two other deities walking ahead, they had given up on trying to cover themselves with earthly materials; instead, a thin strip of Authority over their bodies protected them from the worse of the bad weather.
Out of the two deities walking ahead, the one whose Authority eclipsed the Titaness in history and whose soaked skin was as dark as the muddy road they trekked, looked with a pronounced frown on her sharp features at the Titaness whose long red hair seemingly stuck to her exposed skin.
Then as the underworld deity suspected, the Titaness suddenly stopped in the middle of the road.
"Hekate," The underworld deity caught up to their guide; voice deep, rich, and somewhat somberly asked, "Why have we stopped again?"
The Titaness in question raised a hand in response, with the palm looking upwards. A small flame spawned on top, it crackled under the rain but persevered until the Titaness' crimson irises narrowed as the flame shone brighter with a loud crack before it wobbled and snuffed out.
"My Champion has become stronger."
The dark-skinned Goddess raised a thin eyebrow in surprise; her wrist's accessories clinked as she crossed her arms under her much heavier bust. "How much?"
Hekate's lips thinned, "Enough to alter the future we foresaw at the ruins."
It should be good news – The dark-skinned Goddess thought, but one look at the Titaness's lack of happiness made her scowl and question the Titaness. "Are these not good news, Titaness?"
Hekate remained silent, allowing for another thunder and the rain to respond for her.
A cold breeze swept between the two Goddesses, changing the rainfall's course and pouring into places that hadn't been soaked yet. In that silence, the deity and her attendant that were behind managed to catch up, just as the notice of what should be good news was given by Hekate.
"Trivia," The third deity, skin as pale as sheets of papyrus and voice as soft yet cold like death's embrace, asked, "Which domain did you bestow upon him?"
Hekate tasted the rain on her lips before reluctantly replying, "My liminality."
As Hekate expected, the other two deities froze in place for a full second before the darker toned Goddess all but growled, "Does he know?" She stomped forward, mud splashing in every direction just as her heavier bust went. "Is he aware of the heavy burden you've bestowed upon him!?"
- For all their sakes, their future - He had to be aware!
But Hekate's silence became deafening.
The darker-toned Goddess backed off towards the paler-deity, "I'm starting to understand why your Primordial Mother called us forth." She sighed heavily, eyes meeting those of her fellow deity and her silver-haired attendant. "We're bound to have our work cut out for us."
The pale Goddess nodded lightly, "So it seems." She waved her lantern, casting a blue glow that illuminated the road ahead while drying it at the same time, even under the solid torrent over their heads. "Let's hasten our pace."
And proceeded to trip with her own wet gown, thus her silver-haired attendant had to carry the sniffling Goddess on her back for the remainder of their journey back to Orario.
- 0 - AsBBaH Vol 2 - 0 -
Moments before the War Game started, but already after Hestia had bid farewell to Bell and Eden, the Goddess of Hearth declined joining her remaining Children at the private booth the Guild set up for them to view the War Game in private.
Instead, Hestia went towards another room at the Guild, one where her brethren would be watching the War Game as a collective group.
If it had been solely up to Hestia, she would've stayed with her Children, but in the current situation her Familia found themselves in, such an action would only instigate her fellow Gods' further.
Her Bell's feats had already caused discord among her kin, and his actions today would likely aggravate their interest further and for more questions to be thrown in her way about his Falna.
Hestia snorted – It wasn't as if they could force her to divulge her Children's Falna, since that went against one of the rules her Gramps had laid down when Familias became a thing. However, that wouldn't stop them from trying to question her at every turn.
The Hearth's Goddess dismissed the memories of the times she had been asked about her Bell's Falna with ease, mostly because the tone her inquisitors at the time had been rude. She wouldn't have minded giving simple explanations, but not being treated with the respect she deserved was non-negotiable.
Before Hestia knew it, she was already standing at the end of the long corridor in the Guild that led to the Pantheon's theater room. Already standing all around, and near the entrance, were several of her fellow Gods, some looking more impatient than the others.
Then one of them saw her; a hush of whispers and fingers pointed later, and several heads turned in her direction. The impatience turned into silent scrutiny, but Hestia ignored them.
Maybe they believed that since she was new to the whole Familia thing, their gazes would make her cower and blurt out the secrets they wanted to know, but what they didn't know was that Hestia wouldn't falter for something so simple as silent pressure.
One of her many domains was the Family, and it would be a cold day in her brother's Hell when she would betray her Familias trust simply to avoid feeling some discomfort among her kin. While it was true that her current Familia was one created out of the ever-free Hekate's whims, she still regarded every single one of her Children and the people they interacted with as one of her own.
Thus, Hestia's shoulders remained relaxed, and her hefty chest jutted proudly when she joined the end of the waiting line.
And Mistress Fate had a surprise for her; because just like her Children who would be fighting today, the political battlefield Hestia was about to step in wouldn't be one where she would be fighting alone, either.
"Oh my, if it isn't little Hestia."
Sensuality dripped from the speaker, and Hestia spun around to greet her… friend(?).
As it was tradition already from the speaker in question, her clothes left so little to the imagination that every step and sway of her hip lured away the scrutinous stares to her person.
She was taller than Hestia herself, with an elegance that was honed with centuries of craftiness, with glimmering silver hair bundled at the top, some stray strands framing her perfect face. Equally silver irises sparkled with radiance, and once they locked with Hestia's own orbs, fluttered with compassion.
"Hello Freya," Hestia cautiously greeted the taller Goddess, "I didn't think you would come here. Don't you have your own private room to watch War Games?"
Silver danced with mirth as Freya replied, "I do." She gave an overly friendly smile to the others watching their interaction, before focusing again on the smaller (yet bigger – Hestia grinned) Goddess next to her. "I feared you would be pressured again, so I rushed here to offer you some company and, as I had promised before, my support."
Hestia crossed her arms, jutting out the one thing she could beat Freya with in the eyes of others, "I still find it hard to believe you're giving me your support without nothing to gain." The Hearth's Goddess frowned. "What are your intentions, Freya?"
"Oh, my little Hestia," Freya swooned in a well-practiced motion, "Your words wound me so." Her tone made several Gods uncomfortable and made them look away. "But you would not be wrong in doubting me, my dear. There may not be any gain for me as of now, but I'm certain somewhere down the line, siding with you will bring me a lot of benefits."
Hestia felt no ill intentions from Freya, even when she had been so ambiguous with her response. Still, Hestia had to make something clear, "I'm not giving you any of my Children."
Freya hid her giggle behind her wrist, heavily decorated with different accessories that were probably worth more than what Hestia's current Familia had in the bank. "And I won't ask you to give me any of your Children either, my dear."
"Really?" Hestia found that hard to believe, because she was not deaf to the word on the street about some of Freya's pastimes.
"Yes," Freya slid one hand to hold her heart, the flesh getting in the way but managing in getting any remaining stare to look away from the Goddess holding herself. "I know better than anyone else what it's like to have what is yours be taken away by others."
'Like that has ever stopped you before'.
"The War Game between the Hestia Familia and the Soma Familia will start in a few minutes, please head in and take your seats."
– Their conversation cut short by the announcement; Hestia started towards the room, but she was held back by Freya's hand on her shoulder. Surprised, she glanced at Freya and became further surprised by the Goddess' expression.
"Hestia." Her tone held no sensuality, hostility, or deceitfulness. "No matter what happens today, I swear you will have my support."
Hestia almost questioned her intentions again out of reflex, but the lack of hidden intentions coming from Freya's intense expression made her stop her from doing so.
"… Thank you." Hestia quietly replied.
Freya's ever-sensual smile returned, "Now, let's go see what surprises your Children will give us today, yes?"
Hestia found herself returning the smile, because walking inside the theater room with Freya by her side was one hell of a confidence booster, and one she sorely needed if she was to overcome the hardships that awaited her.
… If only the ever-free Hekate would've been the one to accompany her during such hardships…
Hestia was surprised to see that the Guild's theater was similar to the ones found in Babel: Square in shape, the magical equipment that would display the game in one corner and the benches flanking it, thereby giving a perfect view from any angle.
Her inspections were cut short when Freya prodded her in the back, and with a light touch guided her to sit at the corner closet to the magical screen at the front row before Freya sat next to her, her presence and seat of choice effectively creating a divine wall between Hestia and the other Gods.
As expected, Freya's presence raised questions, but one look from the Goddess in questions and all enquires were put on hold.
There were still some minutes left before the War Game started, and in that time even more Gods filled the rows, including some that Hestia wouldn't hesitate to call her friends. Like most others, they too wanted to ask the reason for someone like Freya to be sitting by her side, but the War Game started - giving them no chance to voice their questions
The same couldn't be said for the God that entered last, just in time for the screen to display the captain of his Familia.
Black hair that fell over his shoulders and covered his face down to his nose, dressed in a simple white robe – dirty to boot – that wouldn't be out of place on people of the poorer sector in Orario. Soma strode forward, ignoring the Gods near the door greeting him.
He sat on the opposite corner to Hestia, and simply stared.
The divine public, seeing that neither of the two Gods involved in today's affair were up to answering questions, focused on the magical display where Hestia's children took the first action.
An ambush, with some neat tactical thinking of using the environment to their advantage, and a successful one at that too, but no sooner were Soma's scouts taken down that the Gods and Goddesses realized how dire of a situation Hestia's children were in.
For one, the numbers of the Soma Familia didn't really add up to their last reported count at the Guild, meaning they had employed mercenaries and added them to the Familia at the last minute. An action barely legal considering the War Game's terms and while such an underhanded move wouldn't pose a threat to the older Familias, the same couldn't be said for Hestia's whose Children on the battlefield were only two.
Had that alone been Hestia's only problem, then some could still see how she could win the Game; however, many of the Gods in the theater had been present when the white-haired adventurer gained his epithet, and they could see clearly how he hadn't recovered from that time.
As if that wasn't enough, the presence of the Holy Grail – a boon that was never meant to stand on the battlefield unless victory was certain, so as to multiply the spoils of war – meant that the recovering Soteira would be fighting while protecting the current holder of the cursed bloodline.
And he was doing so, spectacularly.
"He's incredible, I want him more now…" An alluring deity muttered.
"That boy is really something to watch, eh?" A male one replied.
"His epithet truly fits his nature." Another male responded.
Every further compliment made Hestia's heart swell with pride, but she still founds her fingers tightly gripping the hem of her dress as her Children continued fighting.
It wasn't long before it became evident of how Bell was still affected from the moment when he created a miracle at the Coliseum; His movements were sluggish at times, making matters only worse whenever he had to pick the Holy Grail into his arms to move about and protect the woman from peril.
The view and effort swayed many romanticistic Gods', but what was truly enamoring them was the determination the young boy displayed in the face of adversity.
"Hm. All his strikes could've killed his foes, yet he still manages to hold back due to the War Game conditions." Another deity voiced out, one that had been saved by him not too long ago.
Then another replied, "It's surprising how much restrain he's showing when the odds are pitied against him."
But it was obvious to them all, as the messenger added: "Yes, but it is not without losses."
Because, as much as Bell Cranel was trying, his body couldn't handle the strain he was putting it through. Slowly, he made mistakes, allowing for the Soma Familia to injure not just him, but the Holy Grail that he was direly trying to protect.
Then the magic equipment zoomed in on Bell right when he was interrogating another member of the Soma Familia, and the entire theater heard the response to Bell's interrogation.
Zanis goal was not to win the War Game per se, but to kill the Holy Grail in order to have his revenge against the white-haired adventurer. Killing Bell along with her was just an added bonus.
"Soma, your Captain is but a fool!" Another God billowed from his seat, "You would allow your Child to kill the current holder of Mundi Divitae!?"
And another Goddess added, equally incensed and one that had owned the current holder - albeit for a brief time, "For centuries, we've shared the benefits of that cursed bloodline. I hope, for your sake Soma, that the Holy Grail's bloodline is not lost due to your lack of control over your own Familia!"
And the receiver of those angered speeches merely replied in the most monotonous tone, "As if any of you had control of your own Familias…"
"-Why you!"
"You little-!"
Profanities and curses were thrown about in the Theater, and soon after, the Gods started yet another measuring contest over their Familias' power and their control over Orario, all but forgetting that the one who sat the top of the pecking order was in the room with them.
To their luck, Freya did not care in the least about how they were puffing themselves up, instead she comforted her anxious friend, Hestia, by holding the Hearth's Goddess hand while her children hid and healed up their wounds from their last encounter.
The squabble in the room continued for a long while, showing the difference between those interested in Bell and those who were merely there for their own gain. Those interested watched as the boy struggled to keep his family safe while holding onto his naïve ideals and morals.
Until his ideals all but betrayed him.
To some in the Theater, Bell Cranel was supposed to emulate heroes of old: One that would sacrifice one for the many – To sacrifice oneself for the greater good.
To Hestia's friends watching, Bell Cranel was supposed to show Hestia's promise: To demonstrate that there still existed mortals whom they could call Heroes in the lower world.
But to Hestia, his patron Goddess, and the mother-like being watching her Child suffer in agony as he failed to hold onto his ideals: He wanted to show her that he could not only protect what and his family held dear, but also protect what was important to those around him, even if he didn't know them.
He had avoided killing, because he did not want to make another soul sad at the loss of a loved or cared one, but once the blood of his own loved one was spilled…
…
Hestia forced herself to watch as Bell demonstrated how a Savior also knew the best methods to decimate the hopes of the living.
"That's…"
The room fell in silence as two limbs flew through the air before splattering down.
"… He's…"
A group was speared.
"… How?"
Others were mowed.
"… Perhaps, his title was ill-placed."
Magic proved to be useless.
"Does he not care about the sanctions anymore!?"
Bodies were broken, limbs were scattered, and the ground soon turned red.
Oh… How Hestia hated to see it – To see her Child abandoning his morals and beliefs in order to fulfill his dream.
He had told her, "I don't want to kill again."
He had said, "I'm scared that it'll change me more."
Her Child was still a young man whose ideals remained untested; His dreams were still far away from being accomplished, but a small part of it had already become true – No, he had made it true.
His true fear was, "To betray my dreams… I want to save others, not give them suffering."
But as her beloved Child mercilessly cut down those who still sought to harm his love; Hestia knew that Bell had been forced to grow up and make a choice.
Bell Cranel couldn't care for everyone.
Bell Cranel couldn't save everyone.
Bell Cranel had to choose between his dream of being a hero to his family or becoming a hero who saved those around him.
And so, her Child put an end to the madman created by his own hand; Hestia heart twisted at the tears of her Child, barely hidden with the rain then in his wounded lover's embrace.
"Hestia…" Freya's honey-like voice came in but a whisper as the Goddess draped herself around the trembling Hestia. "Cry now, my dear. For your Child will need you to be brave and strong when you get back home…"
Because, while everyone else was celebrating the incredible, entertaining, and bloodthirsty victory of the Hestia Familia, Hestia only cared about the pain her Child must no doubt be going through.
"Why…" Hestia squeezed the naked sides of Freya, "Why must our Children always suffer in order to grow up?"
"I don't know Hestia," Freya glanced at him, a thorn wedged just as deep in her heart as the one Hestia suffered from, "But it's our duty to care and be there for them in their time of need…"
- 0 - AsBBaH Vol 2 - 0 -
Dark clouds gathered over the city of Orario, raining over one young white-haired adventurer who sought comfort in the depths of his supporter's bosom after he ended the life of his opponent.
In Eden's embrace that drowned out the rain, Bell found himself listening to her unsteady heartbeat as his own slowed down from all the adrenaline that had coursed through his veins. She brought him in deeper into her voluptuousness, caressing the back of his head, neck, and shoulders.
Weariness dissolved under her gentle, if tired, caresses and allowed him to fully immerse himself in sorting out his own emotions that unknowingly cascaded down his face, hidden in the valley of her bosom and by the rain pouring over them.
Bell did not regret even for one second any of the actions he took to protect his loved ones, but he couldn't blind himself to the consequences of all of his actions – Of the decisions he had taken that had led up to this point.
His heart did not feel in the least heavy from the weight of the two lives he took directly; Those being the lives of Zanis and his best friend, the elf who kidnapped Rose and almost raped her, but his heart went out for the woman whom he had taken everything from; the elven woman who had given him the earring that signified the relationship between the three people whose lives ended by his actions.
"I will not live in a world without them, without my fiancé and my best friend. So, please, let us reunite in the afterlife, Bell Cranel."
Her request had been simple, yet it had shaken his core not a day earlier.
Bell understood well what he had taken from that woman; for in his arms was something of equal value, and he could understand what Bell had taken from Zanis too, that's why the least he could've done was to offer an apology to the madman created by his own hand.
But he did not regret taking those men lives, not when it meant letting harm to those he cared about. That woman's life… was a weight he was willing to bear if it meant protecting those he loved.
- With little strength gathered after resting in Eden's arms, Bell finally pulled away to meet her amber gaze. There was an unspoken agreement to continue holding onto one another before Bell averted his eyes to their hectic surroundings.
While the two had been lost in their own little world – confirming the emotional and physical wellbeing of the other – The remaining participants of the War Game were moving about, tending to the injured along with people Bell hadn't seen before.
Bell followed the sight of two men carrying a third whose legs were missing below the knee towards a woman dressed in holy-looking robes. She ordered for the man to be laid down before she chanted something; a golden glow surrounded her and the injured man.
In seconds, the man's unhealthy countenance regained some color, and with the help of the uninjured, his leg stumps were bandaged and then he was taken away.
And all around Bell and Eden, similar occurrences could be seen among the plaza that now resembled a pool of blood; one made by his own actions.
"Dian Cecht… Familia," Eden breathed into his ear before her weight increased in his arms, a sign that recovering consciousness so quickly hadn't been without issues of its own for her.
Bell offered a weak nod in response and adjusted his hold around Eden to keep her steady as she regained her strength, just in time for his eyes to spot a familiar silver-haired figure marching towards them.
The frown in her doll-like features felt out of place, and a tad scary with the blood from their surroundings coating her white garments. The sight only became scarier once she stopped in front of the two members of the Hestia Familia.
"Mister Cranel," Her clipped tone contrasted fiercely with the barely hidden anxiety in her purple irises, "I will not express my disappointment in meeting you here, when I gave you strict orders to rest…"
Bell laughed awkwardly at that.
"However," Airmid's apathic mask broke, an imperceptible mirth filled her. "I will express my gratitude since you didn't fall unconscious before I could get to you this time. If you two would follow me so I can tend to your injuries away from this rain…" Airmid pointed at a nearby spot where a hastily set up tent by the Dian Cecht Familia offered cover from the rain.
Bell and Eden traded looks before nodding to Airmid and followed after the Dea Saint who reached the tent first. Airmid moved some boxes inside the tent and motioned for the adventurers to take a seat over them while she prepared to examine them.
"Mister Bell, if you could please take your equipment off." Airmid started, having gathered her medical supplies, and setting them up beside the white-haired adventurer.
"Wait, could you please check Eden first?" Bell waved both arms; pain flooded his mind immediately. "Ugh."
Eden's hand came to rest over his knee as he recovered from the sudden influx, "I'm fine, Bell… The potion you fed me is helping me recover." Then she looked at Airmid, eyes pleading for help in convincing the stubborn man. "Miss Dea Saint…"
Airmid hmph'ed in annoyance; When she had first seen Bell's figure appear in the screen where her Familia had been watching the War Game, she had started keeping track of Bell's possible injuries, the timing between his periods of rest and fighting, and how many potions he had taken; All because he was also a patient, one that her elven friend had asked to care for.
Hence, Airmid flicked Bell's forehead before he could offer another rebuttal, "You have been fighting for over an hour non-stop without taking any potions, Mister Cranel." Then her nails dug into his shoulder, exactly over one of his numerous wounds and caused Bell to flinch in pain yet again. "And you have yet to recover from the strain you put yourself under last time, so I'd advice you to follow my instructions."
"But-"
"No." Airmid glared at him, anger clear and palpable. "Have a look at yourself, Bell Cranel."
And he did.
Red.
Everywhere he looked, it was red.
The rain had done nothing to clean the blood staining his equipment, either; and his skin, peeking from the numerous gashes and rips in his armor, was coated in red too. Whether it was his own, or from his enemies, he didn't know.
"Oh…" Bell oh'ed as his brain registered his wounds; his nerves came alive as a burning sensation spread all across his body. "I…"
Most wounds were superficial, but he could see some that still bled.
"Do you understand your position now, Bell Cranel?"
Bell looked up at Airmid whose features were cold and set in a dispassionate frown. He offered a weak nod in response; Airmid smiled satisfactorily.
"Good, now please lay your chest bare."
Taking his equipment off had not been without its own set of difficulties, what with how it clung to his body and pieces of the bodysuit teared as Eden and Airmid helped him pull it over his head, or yank it off his legs, leaving him shivering in his underwear.
Airmid started her examination then, kneeling before Bell as she cleaned his body off the blood coating his skin so she could get a better look at him. Her blank stare and professionalism made the process a lot less awkward than Bell expected, and in no time Airmid was applying ointment over the wounds that still oozed blood under pressure.
Though that problem stopped once she was done with the ointment; however, they were still far from done, as there were other deeper wounds that would require more than just Airmid's self-made ointment.
Namely, the one to his thigh where he had yanked out an arrow in the rush of the battle, and the one on his shoulder were – surprise – he had broken another arrow in half, leaving the broken wooden shaft protruding from his skin.
Airmid knew that between her magic, and the ointment, all of Bell's wounds would heal and leave next to no scarring but before she could use her magic, she would need to take care of the projectile still embedded in his shoulder, which she told the duo as much.
"Your shoulder requires minor surgery, Mister Cranel." Airmid spoke as she started pulling out medical tools from somewhere within her robes and meticulously stacked them beside Bell, "Miss Holy Grail, please hold Mister Cranel still while I perform the surgery."
Now Bell wasn't one to shy away from receiving treatment, but as the silver-haired saint continued preparing several tools without stop, he became a little hesitant about the whole thing.
At least until, "That I can do." Eden shoved his face into the depths of her voluptuousness again, caressing the back of his head as her heartbeat lulled him with comfort. From that point forward, Bell paid little attention to the tinkering coming from Airmid's side and more about not losing himself too much in Eden's warmth.
Until Airmid started, that is.
Bell couldn't see, but he could damn well feel as the silver-haired saint cut into his shoulder and pain flooded his every nerve, again. His only saving grace was Eden pulling him in deeper into her cleavage, where her scent and warmth distracted him from the extreme discomfort.
'Nothing quite like a beauty's touch to distract you for days, eh Bell!?' His gramps cheered from somewhere in his mind, but before Bell could argue with the voice, Airmid twisted something.
"Ummmgh!"
"Blame yourself for this, Mister Cranel." Airmid scolded him as she twisted one of the tools again, widening the cut to assure there would be no piece of the projectile left behind.
Another groan of discomfort, and Eden fingers started dancing across his scalp and neck in order to soothe him.
He still screamed once Airmid started pulling the projectile.
"Just a little longer, Mister Cranel." Airmid focused entirely on her work, disregarding the grunts from her patient. Another twist and she managed to grab the projectile properly with her tools for one final pull and pull she did.
"There we go!" Airmid refrained herself from waving the bloodied arrow in victory, instead she let it clatter to the ground and started applying the same ointment around Bell's bleeding injury to numb it. She cracked a small smile once Bell sagged into his supporter's chest, bandaging his shoulder not long after.
"Miss Holy Grail," Airmid called out to the red-haired lady holding Bell, handing her a glittery blue potion. "Help me feed Mister Cranel this potion, there's something I need to check on his back in the meanwhile."
Eden twisted the cork from the glass as Airmid moved around Bell, then she whispered into Bell's hair. "Bell. Raise your face, please."
He glanced up, just in time to see Eden smile devilishly and place the glass to her lips. It took him a second to understand her intentions, and once he did, he mimicked her expression.
The Dian Cecht Familia's treatment wasn't free; so, if they could save valis by sharing one potion, then…
Airmid's attention was elsewhere, namely the symbols adorning the young captain's back. One eyebrow raised, she traced some of the changes in his Falna from the last time she had seen it but made no mention of them. Instead, her nails prodded the muscles across Bell's back and knew he would feel pain for another week from how badly he had overworked his already strained body.
"Mister Cranel," Airmid glanced up; her diagnose at the tip of her tongue, "You wi-"
'I did not mean to feed him the potion that way!'
Eden caught the Saint's owlish stare and giggled before forcing herself to move away from Bell's lips. "Yes, Miss Dea Saint?"
"… Please refrain from… that… while I'm working." Airmid took a deep breath to dispel the glow from her face. "If you would… please show me your wounds."
Safe to say, Bell was far too tired and comfortable in Eden's bosom after her kiss to pay any further attention to his surroundings.
- 0 - AsBBaH Vol 2 - 0 -
"Tomorrow, I will visit you again to examine you both along with Miss Alicia," Airmid explained as she gathered her tools after having healed both Eden and Bell with her magic, leaving them looking no worse for wear except for their lack of stamina. "I will also hand you the bill for today's treatment tomorrow, if its not too much trouble."
"Thank you, Miss Dea Saint." Eden was the one to reply to her, as Bell was trying (and half-succeeding) in getting dressed in his torn equipment again. "Please don't let use keep you occupied any longer."
"Very well, I bid you two a speedy recovery," Airmid paused just outside the tent to glance at Bell who struggled with one of his leg sleeves. "Mister Cranel, your shoulder requires another healing session with me. I recommend staying out of trouble until tomorrow."
"I'll-" Bell wobbled on one foot "-try!"
Airmid left the tent, her figure soon getting lost under the proverbial downpour washing over Orario. When Bell looked outside, he noticed more tents spread around the plaza, some having Guild carriages at the ready beside them, and others where unconscious – or possibly dead – adventurers were loaded into said carriages
But for all the methodical care of the living, Bell could still clearly make out the remains of the now-deceased captain of the Soma Familia exactly where Bell had last slain him.
Arms wrapped around his torso and wordlessly spun him around, switching his focus into the small understanding smile resting on Eden's lips so close to him. His mind became preoccupied by other thoughts soon after, as Eden pecked him several times.
The cold breeze from the tent's entrance at Bell's back became nothing compared to the heat spreading through it, which once Bell started responding back to Eden's affection – gaining a giggle from her – the heat warmed not just his body, but his heavy heart and allowed him to feel at ease again.
"Feeling better?" Eden asked after she pulled away; hands seeking and fingers dancing around his.
"A lot better." Bell half-smiled and rubbed his thumbs across the back of her hands.
His mind still had thoughts over what he had done, but they no longer occupied the forefront of his thoughts.
"Thank you, Eden."
"I'm glad." Eden tittered again before her gaze caught something coming from behind them. "I believe it's time we head home."
It was a carriage, one driven by the same Guild Attendant that had acted as their guide for the start of the War Game. The bespectacled man forewent greetings, instead he waved for them to enter the wooden cabin.
As Bell picked up the remaining pieces of their equipment from the tent, he glanced one last time at the center of the Plaza.
The remains were no longer there.
And so, nothing to see – Bell focused back on the task at hand; climbing into the cabin before more rain pelted him. The pitter patter of rain on wood crated a rather comfortable noise inside the cabin, one that was broken by the Guild attendant peeking his head inside, "Where would you like to be taken: The Guild or your Familia's residence?"
"Is our Familia at the Guild?"
"They requested to be taken home once the War Game ended."
"Then take us to our home, please."
"Understood." The man withdrew from the rider's window and closed it behind him.
A whine of horses set the carriage moving, leaving Eden and Bell to stare at one another from across their seats. The comfortable white noise of rain on wood returned in full and gave way for Bell's anxious thoughts to return to the forefront of his mind.
He sprawled on his side of the carriage as his exhaustions finally caught up to him, even though the young captain had already made peace with his past actions. Instead, his worries laid elsewhere: The consequences of his actions near the end of the War Game.
His Familia would receive an economical penalization, he knew for certain, several ones if his memory served him well. Three lives, Bell had taken – Directly and indirectly. His heart heavy only by one, though he had come to accept it as the price for keeping his loved ones safe.
But the number would only increase after the Dian Cecht Familia reported how many losses the Soma Familia sustained during the last stretch of the War Game. The death count in his hands depended entirely on how well they performed, and Bell was certain that even the miraculous magic Airmid healed him with didn't work on the dead.
'Lay down your weapons, and I promise you will live'.
Those were his own words, and he fulfilled his promise – both spoken and unspoken – But it took almost losing the woman sitting across him before he was true to his words.
Eden had trusted him with her life, and he almost failed her.
For all his boasting about doing whatever it took to keep them safe, his so called 'resolve' was so stupidly weak in the face of making hard decisions that Bell couldn't help but scoff at himself.
What was the use of clinging to the ideal of keeping everyone around him alive, solely because he feared creating another Zanis, if it meant shattering his dream of continuing to be the hero that protected his family from everything?
Every death incurred today would have its own set of consequences down the future, he knew that better than anyone else, but if he had been stronger, just a little bit stronger, then perhaps there was a chance the future could've been different.
As it was, Bell Cranel's determination was too weak.
…
Bell – so consumed by his thoughts – did not hide his emotions, not when they trampled on everything he stood for.
For the woman sitting across him, for one that had been moved by his devotion to his loved ones, it was all too clear that the young man was bottling up his emotions and seeking a solution of his own, but it would be one that he would not find.
At least not on his own.
The tips of her fingers tapped his shoulders, startling him out of his deep thoughts and his inquisitive gaze immediately sought hers. It was a long journey, Eden noted - for Bell's crimson irises took her in slowly, from her waist and wide hips, then drifted upwards with some gentle assistance below his jaw.
He was not too far gone into his thoughts that he would ignore her presence, so she moved in a way that would anchor his thoughts with what had gained his attention. Her voluptuousness descended until he was pushed back into the wooden seat by her added weight.
She could see his thought process come to a screeching halt as she made herself comfortable on his lap, with her legs parted so her knees spread evenly to either side, and her hands firmly holding his shoulders for balance.
"E-Eden?" Bell mumbled her name; hands grasping her waist as the carriage lurched and drove them closer.
But she knew, words would never get to him, at least not hers.
A verbal response denied, her fingers danced over the back of his head and brought his face closer to her bosom where she set his cheek to rest against her softness. Her heart was steady, as it was not a moment of passion or hunger that fueled her movements, but a desire to offer him comfort.
"My apologies, Bell." Eden whispered into his hair, "I've caused doubts to fill your heart again, yet…"
She sighed; wounded.
"This warmth of mine is all I can offer you…"
Because she knew of nothing else to give.
"Forgive me."
…
'How stupid.' Bell scolded himself as Eden trembled on his lap.
So, what if the future was one filled with perils? Hadn't he already vowed to live in the present and fearlessly confront the future?
If Bell Cranel was weak, then all he needed to do was grow stronger.
And not just in the physical sense.
He would use the warmth of those he vowed to protect to reforge his Determination into something stronger, something that wouldn't falter in the face of decisions like the one he had taken today.
Thus, his arms looped around Eden's lower and upper back to embrace her wholly, to accept her warmth with all he had. And brought her closer, until her warmth shoveled is doubts into the depths of his heart, as they were a reminder of how his every decision could affect those around him, but far away where they would no longer guide him.
"We also want to protect you, Bell."
Not when his family would be there for him at every step of the way.
"Your warmth is all I need." Bell worded his emotions as best as he could, "I'm sorry for putting you in danger, Eden… and… thank you."
In the silent minutes that followed, both adventurers decided against sharing further words. Instead, they let their hearts and bodies communicate through the warmth they shared, one that lessened the burden of the doubts in each other's heart.
Their moment was interrupted a while later by the whines of horses and the carriage coming to a halt; a knock from the rider's window made the two adventurers pull apart second before the Guild Attendant's voiced from outside, "We've arrived."
Bell found it hard to release Eden after all they had been through, but some honeyed words and promises of sharing their doubts again in the future gave him the strength to let go. Her velvety giggles reverberated in his mind even after they got off the carriage; his farewell to the attendant was done on reflex, and had it not been for the freezing rain battering his face, Bell would've remained absent-minded for a longer period.
Instead, his eyes followed his supporter as she ran to the estate's gate and activated them. Crimson zeroed on the cut to her equipment, spanning from her right shoulder down to the left of her lower back. It was faint, extremely faint, but there was no mistaking the difference between the healthy skin color and the healed one in the gap of her equipment.
A chill spread from his stomach, one that had nothing to do with the rain.
He ran, taking Eden by surprise when Bell appeared in front of her and took her hand.
Warmth filled him again.
"Bell?"
Then he took it a step further, by sweeping the startled Eden off her feet.
"B-Bell!?"
Eden's weight settled in his arms as her own wrapped around his neck, his fingers clutched at her side and thigh. "This is the least I can do for you right now after all you've done for me."
Eden blinked several times before she started laughing, "Oh my. I give you warmth and you carry me home?"
Bell's smile was positive and only made her laugh harder as he started running in the direction of the inner section of the estate. The chilly wind made them cling closer, and the run up the several flight of stairs left Bell breathing heavily, but with just a few more steps they finally reached the manor at the top.
And no sooner had Bell opened the door that –
"They're here!"
A blond missile impacted Bell's midsection, almost throwing him off his feet, then the missile spoke – no, wept a disjointed, "Bell! Eden!"
Of course, it could never end there.
Not when they had returned victorious and after protecting everything that they held dear.
Three more missiles literally impacted against Bell, or the back of Alicia if he was to exact, with the last of them finally toppling him over and down the raised steps of the manor's entrance, and fall on his back, back into the rain.
The human mount twisted and turned over him and Eden, until sweetness filled Bell's mouth four times, along with a bitterness of a wetness that did not belong to the rain falling over them. They were all so different, each holding a special place in his heart that throbbed with their presence.
He was home.
No – They were home.
"Be-eh?" Alicia, the closest one to his shoulder paused and her eyes turned wide. "B-b-bell! Your shoulder!"
Right, Airmid did mention his shoulder needed a second look, and judging by the burning sensation leaking of his muscle and the redness coating the bandage, Airmid was not going to be pleased with him the next day.
All too quickly Bell and Eden were pulled on their feet and brought inside the manor where Alicia continued fussing over his shoulder and apologizing to him for reopening the wound. Then, as if a candle had lit over Alicia's head, she turned to Eden.
"Miss Eden, your wound!" Alicia gasped; if they had reopened Bell's wound, what of Eden!?
"It's alright," Eden pulled her long hair aside and showed Alicia her almost unblemished back, "Bell's the only one who's wounds weren't restored entirely."
"O-oh," Alicia sighed in relief and glanced at Bell who was merely watching their interactions with a small smile.
"It's good to see you both came out fine."
Bell felt he should've been surprised to see Shakti was with his Familia, but at the same time, he had kind of expected her to be here, and if he was honest with himself, quite happy that she was there too.
"I wish I could say the same," Eden replied to Shakti; her hands making a show of herself or rather her equipment. Wet, minor scraps in some places, and quite disheveled all around, which was nothing compared to the extent of damage Bell's equipment had suffered. "If it's not too much trouble, could we run a bath before we continue the festivities?"
"Oh! I'll help you prepare the baths!" Alicia supplied, receiving a grateful nod from Eden. The golden-haired elf gave Bell's arm one last squeeze before joining Eden's side. "I'm so glad you're fine, Miss Eden…"
"Just Eden is fine, Alicia…" Eden replied and wobbled on her feet; Alicia caught her, and with one arm under her shoulders, helped the tired supporter walk. "Thank you."
Bell watched them leave until they were out of sight, leaving him standing by the door with two Guild members who had yet to let go of him and a fellow Familia captain who embraced him from the back.
Surrounded by his beloved werewolf who clutched his uninjured arm, his meek half-elf who crumpled the front of his equipment, and the level 5 captain holding him from the back, arms around his waist; Bell felt…
"I'm home."
- 0 - AsBBaH Vol 2 - 0 -
Rose, Eina, and Shakti, each had a different yet similar reason for holding onto Bell who was all too happy to receive their affection. They didn't seem to mind how dirty, ragged, or waterlogged he was at the moment, and he couldn't blame them…
Not after everything they had seen if they had been watching the War Game.
"Bell…" Shakti whispered into his ear, making him shiver. "I'd love to hold you longer but…"
Right.
Unlike Rose and Eina, Shakti had a different shackle weighing her down.
"I know." Bell closed his eyes, "Can you make sure she's completely fine?"
"Of course, I owe her that." Shakti pressed her lips to his cheek before releasing him and coming into his field of view. "I'll see you soon."
The Ankusha went in the same direction as Eden and Alicia had gone, giving room for Eina to completely wrap her arms around his midsection and hold him tighter.
Crimson irises regarded the half-elf pressing her head against his chest with fondness before he looked at the one holding his arm and met Golden irises staring back at him, silent but conveying a million words with her stare alone.
With another squeeze, Rose let go of his shoulder, leaving him to the mercy of the half-elf who refused to let go of him.
And he could understand why.
Rose had seen him fight and get injured several times already, but it was the first time Eina saw him fight… and get injured.
"We prepared some food for you two, but…" Rose started with some exasperation in her tone as one hand tugged at his soaked and barely functional equipment. "Eden had the right idea. How does a warm bath sound to you, my mate?"
Bell offered a weak smile, "Hai, that sounds good."
Rose mimicked his expression before she leaned into Eina's shoulder and whispered into her half-elven ear, "Eina, could you be a dear and fetch us all a change of clothes from the master bedroom?"
"I…" Eina glanced at her senior and noticed the pleading look in the mature werewolf's eyes. "… Yes, should I leave them at the bathroom?"
"Yes, please." Rose whispered gratefully.
Eina slowly unwrapped her arms around Bell, whose smile gave her the strength to step away from them, though before she could leave, Rose held her back and gave her a short kiss that left the half-elf flummoxed.
"R-rose?" Eina half-shouted, hands flailing helplessly.
"Thank you." Rose caught her hands, "We'll be there soon, alright?"
The half-elf understood then that it was Rose's way of apologizing for sending her away from Bell, even if for a short moment. In her heart, Eina believed she would always come second to Rose, but at the same time, knew that Rose would not let her feel any less loved by the two of them.
Eina couldn't blame her senior for wanting a moment alone with Bell, not when she herself had moments like that whenever the half-elf saw Bell giving affection to someone else, but this time it was different.
They had learned the motives behind the Soma Familia0s War Game, and out of all of them, the most affected besides Bell was none other than the red-haired werewolf herself.
"Yes, I'll make sure everything's ready for you two." Eina gave what she believed to be a reassuring and comforting smile to her senior before she went away.
Rose waited for Eina to have completely gone up the stairs before returning to Bell's side; No sooner was she at his arms' length that Bell brought her into one much needed embrace. There were no words spoken for an entire minute, until at last, the werewolf broke the silence.
"Welcome home, my mate…"
"I'm back." Bell sought Rose's golden irises and found them lovingly staring back at him. "Rose… I…"
"You did what had to be done, my mate." Rose replied before Bell could even formulate the rest of his words, showing him again just how much she knew of what went in his heart. "You're worried that all that has happened will happen again… Am I wrong?"
Bell nodded, his chin lightly digging into Rose's cleavage. "I tried holding back but then Eden… I… I couldn't hold back anymore… and they all…"
"I know," Rose grasped both of his cheeks and started rubbing her thumbs over them, successfully calming her love. "You did exactly what you promised us, Bell. You're both back, wounded but back… And you really did anything and everything to keep all of us safe, even if it meant making the hardest of decisions…"
Bell's eyes glistened as once again his beloved Rose found the way to remind him that he was not just trying to do what he had promised and dreamed of doing, but that he had actually done it.
The first time, he had saved Rose and became her hero.
And now, even if he had stumbled during the way, he still managed to accomplish exactly what he promised.
He kept Eden safe; she was alive and well, and most likely being pampered by the others in the bathroom.
But even if he had accomplished his promised, there still was–
"Everyone saw how hard you tried, my mate." Rose whispered, "They were the ones who chose to fight you, even if it meant their death. Nobody could and should blame you for not just fighting for your life, but also trying to protect us."
Those words… how much he needed to hear them…
"And even if all of this happens again…" Rose continued and looped her arms around his neck. "So long as you don't keep us out again, we'll be there for you, my mate… Allow us to be there for you, allow us to be your strength too… It's…" Rose's golden irises watered, "I… please… don't… try to bear everything on your own anymore, my love…"
'Rose… I…'
"Never again, please…" Rose pleaded as her tears finally spilled, "Whatever happens, please… Talk to us… I'm here for you, I'll always be here… please…"
Because sorry wasn't enough…
"Forgive me," Bell found his voice. "I thought I was protecting you by not telling you anything… But I already know I was wrong. I… didn't… I just didn't want to hurt you too…"
If Rose knew that saving her had meant putting their entire Familia at risk…
He didn't want her to bear with that burden.
He didn't want to hurt her.
But still did so, in the end.
"I know…" Rose sniffed, "I know, my mate."
He was young, foolish… and such a handful… but she had accepted him like that from the start.
"I forgive you," Rose cried into his hair, "Just… talk to me the next time… please."
"I promise."
And so, with the bittersweet forgiveness between the two directly involved in the events behind the War Game, the young hero grew as another tale of his merits was added to the growing list of his achievements.
- 0 - AsBBaH Vol 2 - 0 -
The Guild theater was a mess.
Not because Bell Cranel had won.
Not because Soma left the room a changed God.
And certainly not because Freya shielded Hestia from being questioned again.
But because, "Hestia, bring your Child to me no sooner his injuries have healed."
Great Lord Ouranos message was delivered when every God had yet to leave the room.
- 0 - AsBBaH Chapter 25 Part 35 End - 0 -
Author's Note: Heya~ Sorry that it took so long to get this update out. To be honest, I think I rewrote this one about 14 times before I was satisfied with how it turned out.
I think it does a pretty good job of giving closure to the War Game arc while also keeping this iteration of Bell true to himself.
In this arc, he had to choose between being the kind of Hero that saved Rose at the start of the story or the kind of Hero that saved Alicia at the end of volume 1.
To save Rose, he saved her by killing what would've harmed her.
To save Alicia, he saved her because she was important to someone else.
But in the War Game, both things mixed together. By having killed Zanis' friend, Bell had taken the life of someone important to someone else (which went directly against his creed when saving Alicia), but at the same time, by trying to not kill anyone else but Zanis, he was putting at risk all of his Familia.
It was a vicious loop, and it took the blood of someone he cared for to decide what was more important to him. Others he didn't know about, or those he cared for.
Still, he's introspective enough to know that the decision he took wasn't a light one, but as long as he has his Familia around him, he'll manage… I think.
We'll see, ehehe.
- Jas / Shiiva
P.S: Next chapter is uh… (check notes) A swimsuit chapter! Can't have a shounen/seinen series without one of these, eh? And can't have an M rated story without some… M-rated stuff, either. Eheheh…
Ch26 Preview~
"… That… looks fun…" Alicia murmured.
-0-
Azure slits peered into his soul; unblinking, unwavering, unmoving.
-0-
"I… I think I've finally fallen in love with you, Bell… will… will you accept me?"
- 0 -
"Don't mind the little things, Bell." Hestia patted his shoulder, then rose a fist high in the air to the others watching them. "Let's get this party started!"
- 0 -
"I am merely taking care of," A finger at the tip of her tongue,"my patient."
Look forward to AsBBaH's next chapter: And So, Another One Falls.