Apologies for my slightly late upload. I got totally distracted by Tales of Arise. May have had gift cards, and may have bought the game with them. 43 hours later...beat it.
Sorry, it was so fun. Law is actually fun to play as. They actually shipped two characters together without Fanfiction doing it for them! Finally.
Anyway, after this chapter, I am taking a break from this, so I can focus on other projects; i.e. Tales of Royalty, Shrouds of White, etcetera...
I wrote most of this today, so I apologize if it's a little shoddy. I must admit, even as I read through, it wasn't much of an argument, just Freya getting her lumps.
...
A lonely Goddess sat atop her home. She hadn't moved from her spot since that night, and since that night passed, she has refused anything. She did not eat, drink, or sleep. She sat there numbly as she recalled what their souls looked like. I caused that. She didn't like it.
They were so perfect one moment, and the next they had too many cracks. She saw it happen, she caused it, and she still didn't believe it. The Goddess known as Freya had caused such a problem that even the Great Mage had come home and told her off. Even more shocking, her lovely Captain said that she has risen to a higher level, meaning Level Ten. A level that no one has ever reached before. The first of her kind.
"She had such the gentlest soul, and I snuffed it out," Freya said to herself apathetically. She could only gaze out the window overlooking Orario. She saw the flecks of the barrier, she saw the aftermath. She saw the light of that spell. It looked quite convincing to be another deity ascending to Tenkai, but that was so much more. The Goddess of Beauty, Fertility, Love, and War crossed her arms under her bust. She had not changed out of her armor. The silver-eyed woman knew what was coming. She had already thought of the consequences.
She knew what hell could be brought to her doorstep. It was in her nature to collect their souls, nurture them with love and affection and watch them soar to greater heights that most people could only dream of. Freya looked out and saw all three of her Odr candidates' souls. At that time, she barely looked at them. If she did, an emotion would well in her chest, making her hold a hand over her heart. The members of her Familia inside Folkvangr often checked in on her, but she never let them enter.
Even Ottar, her faithful attendant, wasn't allowed in. That was how serious this was going to be.
Every single time she looked, she would be reminded of the fire and passion they had inside of them. Now, they looked broken. One specific time, when she looked, she saw a crack mend in his broken soul. It was a small one, but it was one step closer. When she took another look, the crack remained gone, but a new tinge of violet reached out.
It was the first time that Freya smiled in the past five days.
The one soul she's watched out for was not Bell. No. It was Sofia's. Her soul used to be much clearer, and in that long period of time, it has dulled. In comparison, it hasn't diminished as the twins have, but there was a block on her consciousness, a chip on her shoulder, you could say.
Speaking of Sofia, here she comes now. And with company. The Ganesha Familia.
The Great Mage walked by the barrier, watching it morph around her figure before being stretched out like elastic before going back to its original place. She turned to Shakti and whispered something before getting a stiff nod of understanding. Freya stood at her window watching this all happen.
She walked with her head high and steady stride. There was no other objective. She didn't even raise a hand to stop her Familia from attacking her. It didn't matter anyway. She dodged and countered them, putting them to the floor, but made no move to attack. "Lady Freya, you are to come with us to Babel. Shakti Varma of the Ganesha Familia shall read you of your crimes. If you use your charm at any point today, that will be counted as an admission of guilt and Lord Ouranos will be forced to banish you. You can still salvage yourself. So please come quietly."
Freya detected no lies, but she did detect a hint of disdain and scorn. Fair enough, considering… She stood, feeling her joints creak and ache. How long did I sit still? She turned and opened her door. She wasn't at all surprised to see Ottar and Allen. They've recovered from their injuries but there was a bitter undertone in Allen's stance. Both of her executives were surprised to see her.
""Lady Freya.""
"Stay here, do not follow, I mean it, or I will be displeased," she spoke and hated the fact that speaking as loud as she did caused her to clear her throat. The look between Ottar and Allen warmed her heart at their concern. Allen hissed but made no other remarks.
Freya took slow calculated steps towards the destroyed entrance. Since the barrier was up, no one was allowed close to Folkvangr. The Goibniu Familia was the one slated to repair the Manor. My...beloveds surely made a mess of things. Some of my pictures are gone too... She allowed herself a small smile. It was quickly replaced by a disinterested expression. Sofia was waiting just beyond the gate, regal as ever. Her hazel eyes pierced her very divine being. "Hecate."
"Freya," Sofia greeted, making direct eye contact. "Remember what I've said. Charm anyone, you're banished, understood?"
"I've always liked when a woman takes charge," Freya said, twirling a lock of silver hair around her finger. It did not get the intended effect that she was after.
Sofia turned and walked toward the barrier and was about to exit. Freya did not expect a hand to lightly grip her arm and pull her out. The feeling of this barrier passing over her elicited an uncomfortable shiver from her. "Before we head to Babel, I've asked Shakti to allow me some time with you. She will be following, just out of sight. We're going to see what you've done."
Freya felt her heart race. She wasn't ready. As much as she wanted to approach them, she never would find the courage. Even if she ever got out of the barrier without Sofia's assistance, she wouldn't have even made a single step towards them unless it was with something she doesn't often give.
An apology.
"Is that a wise idea?"
"Truthfully, no. But I want you to see what you've done to my family and see what your actions have brought upon this City," Sofia said sternly. "You aren't getting out of this, even if I have to carry you over my shoulder in the most undignified carry."
Freya wisely said nothing. She'd rather not. And yet, here I am, acting so far outside my normal character that I truly wonder what else I…
"I'm serious, last chance, Freya. Either move or I will make you move," Sofia growled out. Today, Hecate was quite impatient. She wanted to leave Orario already, and thankfully, she won't have to wait much longer. All of Orario would know of Freya's crimes and treachery.
"Ara, is that any way to treat a Lady?" Freya asked teasingly.
Then, she felt so much intent on her, "A proper Lady doesn't kill innocent Goddesses to get what she wants." Sofia didn't even turn and continued to drag the beautiful Goddess along. Freya shivered in her grip, something that she didn't like to experience unless it was in ecstasy. Sofia smirked, in view of Shakti who watched with trepidation.
That was when they arrived on an adjacent roof to the clinic. Freya could see them but she didn't want to look. "I…can't look."
"Oh but you will, because I'll make sure you look. Tell me, what do you see?"
Freya had turned mostly away from Sofia but her glances to the window didn't go unnoticed. She bit her lip, "I see many cracks and ridges within their souls. The fire in him has been quelled. He doesn't seem to be energetic as usual. Her normal torrent of emotion within the black of her soul is at an all-time low."
"Mmhmm, what else?"
Freya finally turned all the way forward and narrowed her eyes, "The middle of their souls…they are festering."
A ghost of a whisper, "Because of their internalized hate for you, Freya. Because of what you did. Do you know what a Goddess means to a Familia of impressionable children?"
Confused by the line of questioning, "What could you possibly mean?"
Sofia scoffed, choosing to look at her own staff, "You have been in the lower world for a long time, even before my time, tell me that you haven't even bothered to learn any mortal psychology."
Freya blushed, looking away. "N-No?" I don't stutter! What's wrong with me?!
"That's what I thought. I'll leave that point there while you think about it…" she trailed off as she noticed them looking out the window, smiling slightly to her, then a scowl that rivaled Alfia's on a good day. "See my point? Little Varma, she's all yours."
Sofia brought herself and Freya down from the building to be handed off to Shakti. "Now, bring her to Babel, and remember Freya, no charm or be banished." The Goddess of Beauty just nodded, not willing to test the already thin patience and leniency Sofia was giving.
Shakti led her away with ease, "She has a way of scaring you, doesn't she, Lady Freya?"
"You never met her when the Zeus Familia was at their highest point. Well…maybe you did, but the point remains. Never upset a Mage capable of leveling cities."
Shakti wisely withheld her comment, you did exactly that. You should be happy that you aren't dead. The Ganesha Captain continued to guide her away, taking a fleeting look at where the twins were housed. You'll get proper justice.
"So, Grandma, do you want to explain why you brought that poor excuse of a Goddess over here?" Irene said with her hands on her hips.
Sofia just smiled, noting how she looked like her daughter when she got upset at her. Wiping said smile off her face, "I brought her to see what damage she did to your souls. Psychologically, from my time looking over research, you two are damaged, and I wanted her to see if she was capable of feeling anything besides desire."
"And?" Isaac drawled, his thoughts mostly lingering on the decision he's made. When no one was around, they thought over what their options were. It wasn't the greatest option that they could've picked. However, it needs to happen.
Sofia approached her grandchildren, "Never thought I would hear her stutter. I believe she blushed as well as I brought up good points that should give her something to think about." She sighed, "Are you two ready for this, no one will fault you for not showing up."
The trial was today, publicly announced a few days ago. The twins were still falnaless, and the offer from Loki and Hestia was still on the table. It would always be on the table. In that timeframe, Bell had not come to talk to her about his family.
Not at all shocking, and it shows his maturity to accept it, but Sofia knows there was a curious part of him, as curiosity is a driving feeling. It might have been slightly manipulative, but she doesn't plan on meddling in his life. A blimp on the radar this would be.
Back to the conversation at hand, "We have to. I'm not letting her show how much power she has over us," Irene said, sitting next to her brother.
"It'll give me a chance to explain what's really going on in my mind," Isaac added. With a prompting look, he continued, "I told you of my conversation about Freya being lonely. I often considered what she could have done differently. Not that I would have joined her…"
"Explain that at the trial," Sofia said, a trace of irrational irritation bubbling up that he would vaguely defend her.
"Don't get all angry," Isaac drawled, his vacant eyes locked on Sofia, "I still intend for her to be reprimanded for her sins."
The bed creaked as Sofia stood, "How are you reading emotions so well?" A genuine question.
The twins grinned in a manner that made Sofia, without a doubt confirm, that these two are her family, ""Practice.""
A knock on the door stopped any retort. It was Amid, "Are you ready? The trial is set to begin in fifteen minutes. Everyone in Orario will be watching…"
Irene smiled gently, snatching her hand, "Thank you, Amid."
The Saint's lips twitched into a sad smile, "It's only my job to help, do not thank me for something like this."
"Well, your job saved us again. I'll have to get you something," Irene drawled with hints of sarcasm.
Amid shook her head, "That is unnecessary. Lady Vlahos had already given proper payment, worth more than most items in the clinic."
Isaac could only think of one thing, "A Grimoire."
"Indeed, and it has added a wonderful utility to my medicinal quality and technique. That was why Martha and Bernadette were attending to you a few days ago," Amid explained. Grimoires make people blackout for up to twelve hours, so Amid was unable to work.
The elder twin hummed before nodding. "We would have taken care-"
"Nonsense," Sofia said sternly. "If it's the one thing I can do, then let me." Amid just watched with a plain face. To think that this is the most powerful adventurer in existence. Her mental tone was in awe. Even if she's suppressing her aura, she still feels around a high-level six.
With final permission given, Amid let the twins go out the door. Everyone who waited for them smiled in relief, none more so than Mikoto and Riveria.
Isaac took the initiative and gently encased Mikoto in his arms. He still had a soft spot for her, even if it may not be as prevalent. Emotional Numbness is what Isaac learned it was called…after he asked Amid for a professional diagnosis. As for the severity, it was a more mild case but teetered towards severe. He felt much better with her next to him.
One could say she was his light. The reason that he hasn't become so numb was her, his sister, Sofia, and the support of his friends.
"Isaac," Mikoto began but was cut off by a soft kiss. Her whole body tingled, and Isaac felt something strong well up in him.
"Will you accompany me?"
Sofia and Riveria watched with satisfied eyes. Irene nodded at the two, pleased that he is serious about being with her.
"Always," she replied before hugging him. She was careful because she was stronger than him at the moment.
Bell stood and spoke, "Are we ready?" The twins shared a look and nodded, letting Bell smile his famous smile. "Miss Sofia, lead the way."
She strode forward, pausing at the archway, "Before I do, have you decided?"
"After the trial, you will have my answer."
With that, everyone entered the streets and walked towards Babel with a purpose. It's time for Freya to pay.
Beneath the Guild Hall, Ouranos sat on his throne and waited. The trial was today and everyone was waiting. Rumors flew about, some baseless, some so close to the truth that no one changed it. The Founding Father was waiting for the accused. He knew it had to happen. It needed to be done a long time ago but now was his chance.
Ouranos sent Fels away to make sure there are no eavesdroppers or other people who try to sneak in. The trial was set to be broadcast over Orario using Divine Mirrors. He will grant permission to the Gods and Goddesses for the duration of the trial.
At that moment, the door to his chambers opened and the first person down the stairs was none other than Freya. Behind her was her escort but Hecate was not among them. The old God let that slide since she was most likely with her family. "Lord Ouranos," she greeted.
"Freya," he responded. "Stand in front of me to my left. We will wait." Without another word, he stared straight ahead, sending more prayers to the Dungeon. His will was what kept it in check.
Minutes later, a much larger party arrived. Much to the old God's surprise, it was Harpe and Aspis leading the way, behind them was Hecate. Further behind, he could see Hestia and Loki. Further still, Eternal Shadow was behind him but she chose to stay outside. Mikoto may have a good hold on her temper, but it was going to be a whole new problem if she was in the same room as the woman responsible for her boyfriend's pain.
"Hello, Lord Ouranos," Hestia greeted.
"Sup, grumpy man," Loki greeted. She looked over to Freya, seeing her turn away with what Loki would call shame. "So, are we getting this show on the road?"
"Don't sound too excited Loki, I still have bones to pick with you. That's a matter between you and me," Sofia said, making Loki shiver.
The twins were taking the time to observe the chamber they stepped in. Not many mortals are allowed here. Irene stood close to her brother, her hand clutching his forearm. Yet, she still had a pleasant smile on her face. Isaac chose to be disinterested in the place around him, moreover, of the person that is responsible for this ordeal. It was igniting a burning emotion in his chest. One that he knew well. Hate.
Those who could feel it shot concealed glances at him, seeing him trying to keep it under control and marginally succeeding.
"Let the trial commence, the use of Divine Mirrors are allowed. Here before me stands the accused, Freya of the Freya Familia. The offended party before me is Isaac Vlahos and Irene Vlahos of the former Dia Familia. With them is their immediate family, Sofia Vlahos of the once-great Zeus Familia. Accompanying them are Goddesses Hestia and Loki," Ouranos began, taking a deep breath. "Freya has been accused of crimes that have violated many mortal and immortal rules. This has gone on for long enough. The first crime is manslaughter in the first and second degree. The second crime is the kidnapping of Goddess Dia from her home. The third crime is smuggling a monster from the Deep Floors to then charm said monster to kill Dia in front of her Familia. Endangering Orario, causing property damage, inviting what could be called a civil war on our doorstep. What do you plead, Freya?"
As of right now, everyone in Orario was watching. For a vast majority, this is the first time they have seen the twins since that night. Most adventurers noticed the light in their eyes darkened like a veil had been placed over them. Some people empathize with them, knowing what it was like to lose their patron deity. Those who are converted can only sympathize.
That being said, the few people who tagged along did understand on levels that some may never attain. One such person was a certain wolf. He knows what it's like to lose. To lose everything, to stoop so low that you wonder if you can ever bounce back.
Some even shouted in glee that 'the bitch is finally getting what she deserves,' and while everyone glared at them to shut the fuck up, they weren't wrong. Freya has done some shady shit in the past and some of it was going to be dragged into the light kicking and screaming.
The twins remained silent but they were teetering on the edge of exploding at being reminded of what happened to them. To Dia. The two shifted their shoulders as a sign of emotion. They were antsy.
"Answer me, Freya, what do you plead for the accused crimes?"
The Goddess of Beauty did not want to answer. She normally has some quippy comeback ready, normally planned three steps ahead. This time…she was the one who was one step behind. "…Guilty to all."
It was as if the breath was sucked out of the citizens. Most expected her to lie, to make a convenient excuse, or shift the blame. No, she was owning up to it.
"Thanks to a close associate of mine, there is a testimony to which the events transpired in their eyes, written by Mr. And Ms. Vlahos. Furthermore, there was evidence that you were…taunting them," Ouranos continued. "A letter that was found on Mr. Vlahos's person had your handwriting all over. You had even signed it and I quote, 'Your soon-to-be Goddess' which means if they did convert, you never planned on letting Dia live."
When Freya again said nothing, Sofia asked with traces of irritation, "What do you have to say for yourself?"
The Goddess inhaled and exhaled, "For the uninformed, I have the ability to see the colors of souls and I find those who interest me and I want them in my Familia. The twins were two such examples. The reason was not because of the color, but of the shapes. What I mean is that you, Isaac, have a white circle with a black dot, and Irene, you have a black circle with a white dot. You two are connected in some way. I found that interesting. I didn't make any moves-"
"That's a lie, I got kidnapped in the Dungeon and sent down to the thirty-seventh floor because of your Familia!" Isaac cut in sharply. "I was not prepared for those floors and only barely made it out."
"Hold your peace, Mr. Vlahos. We will get to that," Ouranos cut in before it devolved into something worse. He glanced at Freya, "Continue."
"Thank you. I had not made any moves like I normally would because I wanted to see them shine, and it was a rare opportunity," she said.
Irene was fuming right now, and everyone saw it. It was so bad that some even felt it. They shared a look and both of their jaws were clenched. Maybe it was a mistake to be here but maybe not.
"Yet…they were already in a Familia," Loki said. She already knew how this song and dance goes and it was only going to get worse. For once, people saw Loki as a serious goddess.
"May I demonstrate what I see?" She asked Ouranos. He nodded. Soon, a new Divine Mirror appeared and people saw that she could see the colors. The three other deities showed up blank, no color, nothing. Sofia showed as murky forest green, not as vibrant as she once was. Then came the twins. They were indeed as Freya described. However, within their souls, they saw they were cracked, fractured, broken. The twins grit their teeth, and it showed as their frustration flared, making it seem like their souls were smoking.
"Because of this, I had taken something from them."
Ouranos hid all emotion as he replied, "Now, did you kill Dia with intent to harm her Familia?"
"No, I did it so I could see their souls shine, so they could save her, so that I may take them into my Familia and nurture them."
"Is that a confession of intent to murder?" Ouranos hounded. The God was boring into Freya.
"Yes."
Never so badly did Isaac want to throttle the Goddess before him. Miko… he wanted her in his arms and he wanted this day over. "So, you killed my best friend because you wanted them to 'shine' brighter?" Hestia asked with a shaking voice.
Freya winced, "It sounds horrible when you-"
"Because it is horrible, Freya! Just because you reside at the top doesn't mean you can just do whatever or whomever you want!" Hestia shouted, crossing her arms. "I want you nowhere near my Familia ever…especially Bell."
Freya stood stunned because Hestia was always the compassionate one. She's the Goddess of the Hearth, of Family. "You tore a Familia apart because of your own selfish desires, putting yourself forward over Orario and even your own Familia!"
"Hestia…" Loki hissed.
"No no, she's right…" Freya said. "No apologies can be made, and I won't ask for forgiveness. It's going to sound hollow coming from me, don't let hatred consume you. Don't let it cloud you."
"It's a little late for that," Irene muttered under her breath. Her grip never faltered, only tightening when Isaac wrapped her in a hug over her shoulders. She reciprocated by wrapping arms around his back, cheek on his chest. Something dropped down her cheek and knew it. She can't show that here.
Sofia stood close by, wondering if she should join in. That was when Isaac met her gaze and opened an arm. He mouthed the words, 'Come on, Grandma.' Sofia strides forward and wraps them gently with her robes.
The heartwarming scene aside, "Then the charge of first-degree manslaughter is being put to first-degree murder. The next charge of smuggling a monster from the Deep Floors to commit the crime."
"Before we go on, I have something to say," Isaac said. Breaking from the hug, he walked forward to stand in the center of the room, at the base of the stairs to Ouranos's throne. "May I?"
"Granted."
With a nod, "Freya, do you remember our conversation?"
"Very well, yes," she replied, fearing where he was going with this.
"I asked if you were lonely. You told me yes. I also told you that I can't be that person for you. Your…Odr…if I recall hearing it somewhere. I actually feel bad for you," he said.
"Wait, what?" Even as everyone—including Ouranos—was shocked silent, Freya was the only one who managed to get out a response.
Orario was as silent as the night, in the middle of the day. Isaac had everyone's attention. The Hostess was bubbling with life, and now they were hanging on his every word.
He walked closer to her, "I feel bad because you haven't gotten to experience love like you wanted. Grandma had just recently figured out that Irene and I are good at reading each other's emotions. A special thing we have, can't spoil it now, can I? However, that extends to others now. Inside your eyes, you feel alone, and that's why you came to Gekai, you wanted—and it's going to sound like it's out of a storybook—a true love romance. I can't be that one, neither is Irene. I can't say about the other one, whether he chooses to pursue you is entirely on him."
Every step he took forward, Freya wanted to take one back. Yet she stood her ground.
"I am a quarter elf, and I have a courted, and since I have elven heritage, I want to honor that. My courted, Yamato Mikoto, is the only woman I will take in my life. I will not dishonor that ever," since he was speaking about his love life aloud, the faint redness in his cheeks can be excused as embarrassment and not being flustered. Small victories. He grabbed her hand and held it. "I think you should work on your communication. I know you can't suppress the aura of beauty you give off, and I won't pretend to understand what that does to you. I can't, I'm not a God."
"My…communication?" Freya asked, confused, watching his soul slowly mend, only in minute amounts. A glance to Irene showed that she hadn't changed, or she did and it was too small of a change to notice. Sofia was glaring daggers at her.
"I did say come to us yourself if you wanted to talk to us, not send the most intimidating man to walk the planet," he joked lightly. Even as he spoke, his tone was deadpan. "Because of what you've done, I'm emotionally numb to most things, my family, friends, and Mikoto are exceptions. I'm not one hundred percent, and I don't know if I can ever be again. Truthfully, I can't even tell if I'm serious. I'm just speaking my mind. Again, all you had to do was talk to us. Wouldn't you have been happy if we could have been friends?"
Like the possibility had never existed for her, her eyes widened. Hestia and Loki were witnessing something that they never thought they would hear. Someone applying logic and reasoning to Freya. Irene just nodded at her brother's words. Ouranos was definitely giving this some thought. It wouldn't escape her punishment, but he doesn't want to banish anyone. No one knows that it hurts to send his brethren away. It only happened because the rules were clearly laid out and they went against it.
"I-I never thought of it that way," Freya said.
Isaac then drove the nail in the coffin, "And because of what you did to Dia in front of me, that possibility will never happen. I can't say anything for my sister. She is her own person." Issac took no satisfaction from the hurt look on Freya's face. "I have said my piece. Now, may I be excused, Lord Ouranos?" A nod.
He quickly walked by his sister, giving a passing glance, to which she nodded. A quick hand to his grandmother's shoulder, and straight-up walked by the other two Goddesses. Right now, he has nothing to say. He walked up the stairs and out of sight from them all.
Once he reached the top, Mikoto was the first to collide with him in a hug. "Do you want a private room?" She could see he was on the verge of losing the battle. All he could do was nod. Rose was close by and directed them to the closest room.
Even as she shut the door, her werewolf hearing picked up the sounds of him crying. Even Sophie could only look with an emotion not easily described.
Back to the trial.
"With that having been said, the next major charge was the smuggling of a Fomoire from the forty-ninety floor. Do you deny it?"
Freya looked like a kicked puppy, "No, I do not. I don't deny it. I have made my choices."
"You're not done," Irene seethed. Her emotional hold was now gone. "You need to hear this. You don't seem to realize how much this affected me, my brother, and all of Orario. You charmed that monster to kill Dia. You used it to do the deed that you yourself couldn't do. You don't know how much Dia really meant to us! And because of you, we'll never know that!"
The chamber was quiet. Sofia didn't intrude because Freya needed to hear this. "Now do you see what I meant, Freya? What the consequences of your actions would bring? What happens with younger members of a Familia without their first deity?"
Irene was far from done, and she didn't care about what Orario's opinion of her would be, "You had kidnapped my brother and got him to the thirty-seventh floor, he almost died, I had a panic attack, then when I was trying to shop for our Familia's anniversary, Allen attacked me and Isaac, sending us to the clinic. I still have the scar from the stab wound. Your Familia has done such things and I don't even think you've punished them enough! To put it into perspective, we've been here in Orario for two and a half months! And all you've done is cause us nothing but grief. Dia was an aunt to us, and she was the one who cared. You know nothing about us and we know nothing about you! I will never be your friend; in this life or the next."
Saying that she turned and left the room without so much as a passing glance. It wasn't a surprise to see Riveria speeding in the Guild and wrapping the girl in a firm hug. She also took them to a private room.
Meanwhile, Sofia just stood there, knowing she would console them more later, "So, don't mince your words any longer. Explain everything you did, and I mean everything pertaining to my family."
Ouranos did not interfere as it hadn't escalated. He cannot blame the mortals. He cannot empathize with them as others can. "Do you have anything to add, Hestia? Loki?" both shook their heads. "The second charge and third charges are true and will be factored into your punishment. As for all the other charges, they are minor in comparison but nonetheless are not helpful."
"I concur, what is my sentence?" Freya spoke, much more downtrodden than before.
"As much as Hecate wanted you and your familia abolished, I have something else in mind," Ouranos began. Sofia remained idle, seeing the shift and use of his words. "How many members do you have?"
"One hundred and thirty-two, Lord Ouranos."
He nodded, "Then you shall have no more than that. The only way you can gain members is if they die or convert from your Familia. If one expresses such a desire, you must adhere to it. You are not to charm anyone from this point forth. If such an offense happens, you will be banished to Tenkai."
Sofia looked ready to say that wasn't enough, but Loki covered the elf's mouth, "He's got more, just wait."
"Additionally, you are to regress members of your Familia's statuses. Anyone under level four is safe. Your level fives must be regressed to fresh level fours. Your level sixes must be regressed to fresh level fives, and the King must be regressed to a fresh level six. Any acquired skills or spells can be left alone. The only items being changed are the level and sublevels of the basic abilities," Ouranos laid out the punishment. Loki knew what this meant. They were the Top Familia now. Freya was losing her advantage.
"You can regress the falna?" Hestia asked ignorantly. Orario itself did not know this was possible.
"With my authority as the Founding Father, I condemn you, Freya, with this punishment. Hecate," he looked to Sofia. She just crossed her arms glaring daggers at him, "The reason I did not follow through with your choice of punishment is due to a matter I will explain to you all once this trial is over. We would be losing our few first-class adventurers that we have If I chose to go through with your punishment."
It would be a mercy for them. "I understand," Sofia said, turning to Freya. "Never approach my family ever again, or I will follow through. Hestia, Loki, if you want to stay, you can. I shall fetch Shakti." She looked to Ouranos who nodded.
Freya's trial was over but the impact was far greater than one could have anticipated. She didn't even complain and her Familia better not. Orario sat in silence, and they would once they found out another piece of information.
Then, the next day, no one knew where they went. No one understood. No one even had a hint on where they went. It was bad. Isaac asked her to leave him now that he got his tears out. They were informed of the outcome yesterday.
So, imagine her shock when she woke to a letter with her name written in her boyfriend's handwriting.
Dearest Mikoto,
You don't know how much this hurts to write. Before I go any further, I am not cutting off my courting to you. I cannot say the words here, as it would feel cheap. So, if you still feel the same way, I will say them when I return. I made my decision and it was not taken lightly. I...I was serious during the trial. You will be the only woman I go to. The only one I will ever be within this life, and the next if we ever found each other.
I feel a sense of nostalgia as I write this. I won't break my promise. If you ever fall out of love with me. Tell me when I return. You can be angry, you have every right to be. I wanted you to know that I was not going to leave without saying farewell.
Another piece of news should arrive, if we timed it right, in three, two, one…
"Lady Hestia! Are you here?! This is urgent!" A voice that sounded familiar shouted throughout the Hearth Manor.
If you just heard a voice screaming, that would be my sister's letter that arrived in the hands of a certain High Elf. Lady Hestia has the answers. By the time you have read this, we'll already be outside of the city gates, even further past Melen. However, we headed to the West. Do not follow. Please… I'm begging you.
The parchment on which this letter was written was slightly crinkled, some of the ink was smeared. Mikoto's breath hitched, he was crying while writing this…
You may have just realized that I haven't mentioned my sister in this letter. Again, Lady Hestia has the answers, and Mum will be partly filled in on the other half. You'll see me again. I know it. Even if you don't accept me. You've made me so happy. The small brief moments we shared. The glances, the hand-holding, and the kisses. Even with my numbness, I cannot describe how you truly make me feel.
I wished I could have done better with you. Inside this envelope are letters for Bell, Lili, Welf, and even Haruhime. Yours is the longest, of course.
With deep regrets and best wishes,
Issac Vlahos.
Mikoto chose not to leave her room. Haruhime did not enter when she heard Mikoto turn her away. It hurt that she couldn't comfort her friend.
Riveria was called into Finn's office in the early morning, and when she did, she noticed the single sealed letter on his desk. "This arrived for you with no sender, but the writing on the front of it was easily recognizable." Why wouldn't it be? Riveria looked at it for a week while she prepared for the War Game.
The High Elf opened it with swiftness, her eyes already began to read it. Her worst fears were confirmed as she read.
Dear Mum,
Hey, bet you didn't expect this? You're probably wondering what this is doing in your hands. That is to say, we aren't there right now. With everything going on, we decided to te-
Isaac just yelled at me to take this seriously. So, I will.
We have left Orario. We needed to. No, Grandma did not force us. We left willingly. After all, we lived outside of that place for our whole lives. So, two months was a blip on the radar for us. We had something planned. We'll be back one day.
Even so, that didn't make this any easier. I got real used to calling you Mum and it felt liberating. Dia was always like the older sister or Aunt to us. As we got older, Aunt Dee-Dee 'faded' away and she became our eldest sibling to us. She loved having us around, and no doubt you did too.
I'm not competitively comparing you. Not at all. You were there at first because of our connection to Grandma. After a while, we warmed up to you and you to us. Then, it became about all three of us. We noticed that the other members of your Familia saw you smile more around us, Ais, Tiona, Tione, Finn, Gareth, and even Bete.
More to the point, we made a decision that we won't regret, provided that certain conditions were met. You may have noticed that Loki isn't there with you and no doubt you are receiving a look from your Captain.
Looking up, Riveria was indeed receiving the 'look' from Finn. That was when he noticed that she was starting to cry. Thankfully, he did not ask why, as it seemed to be personal to her.
Well, you can be the first to tell him, because Loki already knows. In the time that we were recovering, Issac and I made our decision. I have joined the Loki Familia. Isaac joined the Hestia Familia. We separated, on mutual agreement.
Loki and Hestia are aware of our conditions. We expect an alliance between the two of them before we return. I have to say-
The writing smudged as something brushed away, then it came back.
Sorry, had to comfort Isaac, he's writing about Mikoto…You should probably leave this here and go rush to Hearth Manor to get the full information. Leave this on my new Captain's desk to have him stew over this new, unheard of until now, information.
Inside this letter is another letter addressed specifically to him. Another letter is from Grandma to you. Now hurry.
Oh, and before I forget, since I never said this to you…I love you, Mum. Thank you for everything you've done for us.
With deep regrets and best wishes,
Irene Vlahos
Finn was quickly informed of his letter and she rushed out of Twilight Manor. She was on a mission.
"Did you think it was a good idea to leave them letters?" One asked as three figures walked along the path, Orario far outside of their view. They were all decked out in armor, weapons, and cloaks. If anyone troubled them, the hunted would become the hunter.
The second shrugged, "If we had stayed, it would have made it that much harder to leave. Plus, we need to go back and see them, just once more."
The one walking behind them was silent. She knew that they had decided once they tracked her down after the trial and informed her. They had their letters hidden in the clinic, and only Amid knew about it. She had walked in when they were writing them. "Come on, you two, we have a carriage to catch. We have a visit to make to an old friend." The two paused as the third walked between them. "You also have to read that letter she left for you."
Said parchment was in the bottom of the taller one's bag. "It'll hu-"
"You just did the same thing to them," the third said.
"Grandma, it's not that easy. We knew them for two months, not ten years."
"Isaac, Irene, do you regret coming with me?" Grandma—otherwise known as Sofia—asked.
""No!""
She nodded, "Then understand the extent of your actions. I can only offer an objective and rational standpoint. I did not attempt to reason with you because you inherited my stubbornness when making a decision."
Isaac nodded, feeling the emotion of hurt in his chest. The Falna on his back gave him his status back but even he knew it just didn't feel the same.
Irene felt the same way, she just knew it wasn't hers. It hurt to follow along, but they needed to be able to defend themselves if it came down to it. Then again, Sofia was with them, and she was a force of nature in itself.
"So, we're heading home?"
Sofia nodded, "I think it's about time you see what became of Quinn and Melissia. And I will tell you what happened to me and why I left. Fair?"
""Fair.""
The Vlahos trio walked further down the path back home. To the Far West. Where they grew up, where they shed, blood, sweat, and tears. They were heading to Saumouth Grove to pay respects, to train, to heal. It really was a terrible day for rain.
Except for the fact it was a little cloudy today.
...
Fun Fact: Isaac's rant was never intended. It just happened and I went with it. It was meant to show that I don't hate Freya like I want her to die. She wants love but she won't find it in him or his sister. As for Bell though...again, up in the air.
Hopefully, the punishment was good enough. I know it seems like not a lot but for some, it was years of hard work. It's only fair.
Yes, Bell had his conversation after, and maybe when I come back, I'll have a small omake for it. I just wanted to give you an update. Happy Halloween, if it is still that day. Otherwise, I have little to say.
Oh, and I totally used that FMA thing again without a shred of shame, don't care.
Until then.
...
OMAKE:
After the trial was all said and done, Sofia had intentionally sought out the young boy who said he'd give his answer after the trial.
Thankfully, she did not have to go far as the boy himself was looking for her anyway. He really didn't know what to say. He was racked with indecision the entire time. The trial was easily one of the most shocking in all of Orario's long history.
"Well, young Cranel? What is your answer?" Sofia asked with a blank mask. Neither answer he gave would sway her. If he wanted to know, she'd tell him. If he didn't want to know, then this would be the shortest conversation ever.
Bell looked at the High Elf, taking a deep breath in, "I wish to know where their graves are. I also wish to know some of the good stories you have."
Sofia let a small bit of tension leak out of her shoulders. "Alright, if you would follow me, that includes you, Little Gale," Sofia said in elvish. She knew that Ryuu was eavesdropping, unintentionally. The High Elf allowed herself a smug smirk that dropped in a flash. If anyone managed to sneak up on her, then she would be so off her game.
Always the curious one, "Was that elvish?"
"Indeed, I know you recognize it but speaking it is another matter. Has anyone taught you?" Sofia asked as she started walking towards the Graveyard.
"A little thanks to Miss Eina and Miss Ryuu. It's not enough because of the natural language barrier…not that I'm not thankful for their help. I mean, I am but…"
Sofia giggled into her sleeve, "Worry not, I understand. Maybe I can find an old book on elvish or if my grandchildren feel good enough, you could ask them. They grew up around hearing it." Bell remained pensive the rest of the way.
The walk was quick and Sofia led the way. The grave was hiding in the back, and whoever was in charge kept them all clean. Respect the dead for they are the secret bearers of the world. Sofia paused in front of a different grave and gently put her hand on it, "Sweetheart, oh how I miss you…"
She moved on pretty quickly, not giving Bell enough time to ask who that was. Ryuu understood immediately.
She pointed to a single grave, "This one…is your aunt. Her name was Alfia, an executive of the Hera Familia. Due to a decision she made, she ended up dying, and by the hands of someone you know and trust."
The boy looked up to her, floored. He was on his knees in front of the grave, his aunt's grave, fresh tears in his eyes, "Wha…?"
"Come on out, Ryuu…" Sofia said, watching as the Elf was in her Hostess attire but her hands were clenched on her apron. Bell looked back and forth.
"Is it true?"
For a moment, no one answered, only the wind. Ryuu eventually nodded, explaining what the situation was like eight years ago. Sofia idly listened and said nothing.
Once Ryuu finished her explanation, Sofia started to leave. "Do you have any other questions?"
The boy did, "Where is my mother's?"
She pointed up to the hill at the top, "After all…she deserved at least that much. One of the kindest, most selfless people I've ever known. I even tried to use my extensive magic to heal her…it never took. Be glad that it never passed on to you. Know that you still have a family here, with the bonds you've made, Bell Cranel. I never knew what happened to your father but I do know that he loved Meteria very much. Had they survived with you...you may not be standing here in Orario."
"Does anyone know about my father?" Bell asked, still on his knees, tears in his eyes. Ryuu actually reached out and hugged the sobbing boy. It ravaged Sofia's motherly instincts to not hug him herself.
Sofia regretfully shook her head, "Only one person and I doubt he would answer you fully and truthfully. I'm waiting for him to get off his lazy ass and tell the truth…" Sofia was referring to Zeus. He knew what happened. Yet, even after all this time, he refused to tell her. The High Elf glanced over her shoulder one final time, "Do not let the past hold you down, Bell Cranel, Ryuu Lion. Accept it, embrace it."
Now if only she could practice what she preached.
END OMAKE