Hey everyone it's been a few days since that ... day ... let's just leave it at that yes. I feel bad that all the comments were deleted along the note chapters but I don't like having note chapters in beween my stories. But nonetheless, allow me to express my gratitude to all the comments who supported me and wished me well for the hard time I was having. I'm happy to see that there are so many great people in the comminuty and once again thank you for all the comments that cheered me up, it helped a lot. Also as I mentioned my mood shifts easily, so I was expecting to recover soon.

During these days I was busy and luckily the grades on the rest of my subjects were far better so the uni had no problem with accepting me. I went to the orientation day and was welcomed by so many different yet equally amazing people some of whom I have befriended. Besides them, I also had my friends and teachers as well who encouraged me and helped get through that and have been helping me to the best of their abilities so that I could move forwards.

It is with that, that I am happy to announce that despite it all, fanfic writing was one of my coping mechanisms so after taking a few days off, I resumed soon after. The chapter was mostly done and had in the last days I easily wrote the last two events as well as proof read it once, so there should be fewer mistakes. I'm sorry for the sudden interruption after hyping it up and again thank you all for the support. I hope you enjoy this one. It has a mixture of different scenes and I do remember someone saying they wanted to see character development since there was a great potential in this story and I hope I delivered it well, mental and emotional scenes aren't really something I excel at.

On that note I do have some notices before I reply to the comments and let you go read the story.

The story is about 53k words long much longer than usual.

It features character development, fights and H-scenes

I was having difficulties with adapting certain characters but in the end I decided to nerf all characters that are brought here from other universes. This is because let's be honest, characters like Gilgamesh, Kratos and even Kirito would probably solo the black dragon and that wouldn't make sense, so bear with me the extreme nerfs they got.

Now these are the things I changed from the previous chapters:

- I changed the family name of the renard girls, they are now all members of the Oda family and clan. All the renard girls are part of the same family making them Oda Shinano, Oda Akari and so on.

- The Oda family now also includes a new sister. Initially they were six, now its seven with Yamato. I was debating whether or not to have her but you can't have Musashi and Shinano without her. Now she won't appear for a long time and I hope that Azur lane adds her before then otherwise I'll just make up her appearance.

- I also realised that I made a mistake when describing Rakia, after all you can't have representatives of that country if you are at war with them so I changed it so only the empire is waging wars around the world.

- I edited the fight between Tanjiro and Eric to make Tanjiro stronger.

Canon vs my story demon slayer story:

- Kyojuro lives

- Kanae Kocho, sister of Shinobu is alive

- Gyutaro and Daki survive the red light district to die in the infinity castle

- Tengen loses his hand but not his eye

- Upper one and three survive and defect

- None of the pillars die

- Muzan survives and runs away

Review Replies:

NinjaFang1331: Glad you liked the fight

RabbitHaremLover24: Yes, I don't really have it planned out but Morgana will get a character development which then leads her to joining the polyamory. None of the renards other than Akari can escape their fate. There are many more to join as of now I will leave you to guess though I hope you like the surprise girl who gets railed. Once again sorry about the enslaved one, I promise I'll get to it eventually.

: happy to hear that, I'll try my best

Greek Nerd: Thank you and yes I agree that is true but as I mentioned some characters are simply too powerful for this universe and have to face the nerf humiliation. I wasn't sure how to go about the fights, particularly if they are crossover, part of the reason I got stuck, I apologize to everyone for skipping Ryuu v Alfredo but one had to get skipped it was getting too long. I tried my best with Artoria and Bell, hopefully they were better. I'll happily take 7/10.

Haziq Saffari: First of all thanks for your support on both notes, it was very appreciated. Happy to see that you like the match ups and events. Who knows?

Hellwyrm: Glad you enjoyed the tamamo, it was needed. Hopefully I sated your curiosity in the morgana v artoria department and I hope it didn't let down. Also yes, its hard to drag fight scenes out without getting repetitive, more so in writing than animating. I will take your advice about the development in mind, but that is why I'm slowing down Ryuu, Astraea, Artoria and Shinano developments. Thanks for the review hope you enjoy.

Guest: Glad to deliver.

Bluerose1937: Ye, had to bullshit my way through that bcz he's too broken of a character in this universe. I willl think about the Ishtar thing because I can develop it into an interesting event. The personalities of all characters are pretty OOC bcz sticking to their characters is difficult. I try my best but don't expect much in that area. Unfortunately, I can't do that for his skill, but I might use it for someone else.

AnimeFan13579: I see, that certainly helps. Man people just had to fuck with the explanations for me so that I had a hard time. Either way, for clarification in this fic, Caliburn is the divine weapon that Arthur has while Excalibur is the one Artoria has. Here Excalibur is stronger than Caliburn since despite being the princess and not the King she is the one more adapted to fighting hence she was given the stronger weapon. As for Avalon, it will be a greaatsword divine weapon that she keeps along with Rhongomyniad and will come into play later in the story.

vanhellsing9000: Really happy to see that you are enjoying it.

Marshall Cross Marian: I intend to do so for the Blade of Olympus while Excalibur is shared between Artoria and Bell since they are lovers.

: Hope you keep enjoying.

I think that is all for now. I hope you enjoy the chapter!


Chapter 10 – The Meaning Of Forgiveness

Bell was dragged away by Alise, leaving the others to chuckle while Akagi, Ryuu, Shinano, Artoria, Tsubaki, Kaguya and surprisingly Musashi and Modred were quick to follow. Though it was under the pretence that it was because they were suspicious of him, not many bought that reasoning. The joyous mood, however, was ruined when Rex returned his face snarling as he looked around, presumably looking for the white haired renard who just kicked his ass.

"Where is he?"

Answering him curtly was Takemikazuchi.

"Abducted by the red haired captain of the Astraea Familia."

Rex grumbled and turned to leave.

"Where do you think you're going?"

The voice that spoke sent a chill down everyone's back. It was deep and smooth, making it quite appealing. It maintained a calm tone yet felt overbearing. Rex had no time to even turn around before the man whose voice had spoken was suddenly standing in front of him. The fallen noble looked up and saw two men.

Both of the warriors towered over him. The two shared long black to red hair, tied in a ponytail, and crimson eyes. They wore traditional Far Eastern hakamas and kimonos, one red the other purple. Like most members of the Amaterasu Familia they carried a katana by their side.

They looked lax, their hands nowhere near their hilts, but anyone could tell. One wrong move and they'd dice you in a million pieces in the blink of an eye. Yoriichi Tsugikune and Michikatsu Tsugikune. The level seven and six twin brothers of the Amaterasu Familia, the number one and three respectively of the Familia in terms of power.

"Seriously, what's with you nobles. Murakami, you ain't leaving either."

Sanemi, the same man who punched Murakami and now held him by the collar, walked forwards and stood behind Rex, pinching him in between himself and the two samurais.

"Oi, my brother asked you a question."

Rex directed his attention back to the two in front of him.

"I need to go find that renard and make sure he understands th-"

A loud cracking sound interrupted him and stopped Michikatsu from voicing his rather … contrasting opinion. Following the source of the sound, everyone found themselves looking at the Baphomet Familia. The black haired level seven looked terrified at the person next to him. A girl with hazel eyes and long orange-brownish chestnut hair. In her hand were the remains of a thick wooden mug which she had crushed in her hand.

"Asuna?"

Said girl got up and stomped up to the fallen noble. She was nothing short of furious and before anyone could say anything, a nasty slap sent the white steel haired man rolling on the ground. Everyone stood, gasping in shock but the wrath in her voice sent everyone recoiling back.

"You are such an irredeemable pile of garbage! Find him? To Challenge him? To get in the way? Because he's not worthy? What kind of bullshit is that?! You were beaten fair and square! And whenever I look at Alise and the other girls they all look happy! You, however, have been nothing short of a pain in the ass! Just a sore lose whose heart was broken from a rejection!"

The livid man held his cheek shot up at the accusation.

"What right do you have to criticize me?!"

"Oh I have every right! I started dating Kirito long before joining the Baphomet Familia. But because he was a commoner and I a noble I was met with opposition at every turn, never being able to freely express my love for him. Family, friends and strangers who called themselves my fellow companions due to them being nobles.

So let me tell you that I know very well how it feels to have someone undermine your relationship! Rather what right do you have to attack Bell-kun?! You think you're special? Superior? Or worthy? Get a reality check! You're nothing but an arrogant and cowardly loser!"

"How da-"

"Enough!"

Ares finally spoke up having witnessed everything. He was hoping that the criticism would do something to make him understand the flaws of his ways, but in the end it proved useless.

"My lord!"

"Silence Rex! I thought that perhaps you'd learn how to respect others but clearly that didn't work."

Loki leaned towards the man who stood beside the God of War and whispered into his ear.

"Is that really Ares?"

But apparently she wasn't quiet enough as Ares turned to her with a disgruntled look.

"I can hear you Loki."

"Geh!"

The man who Loki had questioned chuckled and nodded.

"Yes he is Kami Loki. I am Marius Victrix Rakia. The crown prince of Rakia and the advisor of this meathead."

"Oi Marius, come on man."

The red head watched as her fellow God whined before turning back to the prince.

"How did this happen?"

"The wonders of love. One of the seven mysteries of this world, my lady."

Every God present looked at Ares with a shocked look.

"What?"

"You? The meathead who always waged war? Fell in love?"

"Hey! Everyone changes alright? And yes I fell in love with the most wonderful woman. After she, quite literally, slapped me and set my brain right, that is why I decided to change."

"oh, so that's why you suddenly stopped waging wars and being so hot headed?"

"Yup! Quite right."

But of course Rex couldn't stay quiet any longer. As a matter of fact, that just now, was a record.

"My lord! That was …"

Rex began going on a rant, passionately sharing many of the thoughts he had. Not that it mattered as it all went ignored by Ares who instead turned to Marius.

"Hey Marius, when you had to deal with me back then … was I so persistently annoying?"

"Yes my lord."

He felt an arrow piercing his heart when his advisor acknowledged the fact without a shred of hesitation.

"Kuh! I-I'm so sorry Marius. To have to deal with something like that everyday."

The blonde human smiled at the words.

"I'm glad that you have come around."

"Thank Maria for that."

"Umu, quite right. But just so you know Ares-sama, I believe that Rex has long since passed the annoyance that you were."

"Eh? That bad?"

"Yes, you were far easier to deal with and much less volatile."

Though he would have loved to laugh at that, it couldn't help but bring a frown to the God. The piece of news was … worrying to say the least.

"Rex."

The man stopped immediately and turned to Ares and gulped seeing the glint in his eyes. His face was deadly serious, his voice stoic and his lips hidden behind his hands on which he was leaning, but he could feel the irritated scowl.

"You are the vice-captain and the only level five of my Familia. My strongest fighter. But make no mistake. Unlike Marius you are replaceable. Though it does grant you some privileges that doesn't mean you can do anything you want. First of all, Rakia is not the strongest country out there and you certainly aren't the strongest this world has seen. No you're a far cry from that.

Compared to the Empress and the Olympian you're nothing short of a pebble and the same applies for quite a few people here. Not only is your behaviour an insult to the Zeus and Hera Familia, you lack respect for others. You even lost to the renard yet intend to challenge him so foolishly. Perhaps you didn't notice as you were clearly blinded by rage, but he completely toyed with you. He held back and would have definitely smashed you in a second if he fought with everything he had. It's time you wake up. Any more of this and though it pains me, I will seal your falna permanently."

.

"Where are we going Alise?"

The red haired girl dragged Bell through the city by his hand.

"Well the next rounds of the tournament won't start until tomorrow, so let's go on a date. How about we start by getting lunch? With the rest of the girls that is."

Bell blinked before turning around and noticed that his other girlfriends had followed them with Ryuu, Shinano, Akagi, Musashi and Mordred in tow.

"Eh what are you girls doing here?"

Knowing who the question was aimed at, Kaguya, Artoria and Tsubaki took their place by Bell's side with Alise. All but Akagi blushed at the question. Akagi had no shame to admit that she wanted to be part of the date while Shinano and Ryuu shyly stated that they wanted to spend more time with him.

Musashi and Mordred however, vehemently denied any romantic interest, saying they were there to supervise them and keep them from doing anything suspicious. Though it was hard to believe when they blushed so fiercely. And Akagi intended to fully exploit that and tease Musashi.

"Sure you do. Did you know Bell? Musashi is such a naughty little vixen."

"What?! The hell do you think you're saying?!"

"She had these really wet dreams of you wrapping your tail around hers as your bodies pushed against each other. Sharing in each other's heat as you broke your way into her heart from behind. Such a love- geh!"

The sheath of Musashi's long tachi slammed into the back of Akagi's head, interrupting her lewd depiction that had left many girls blushing like tomatoes.

"Akagi you goddamn insufferable fox!"

"Tehe!"

The purple haired renard was ready to explode, her face red with both embarrassment and rage, as she felt an irresistible desire to skin Akagi, but held it back … for now. The damage was done though and her mind instantly went back to her sister's words, her mind piecing together the dream. His firm and warm toned body meshed against her supple skin, searing her with the intense heat of his own flesh. Slowly with the care and love expected of a partner he inserted himself into her and-

"Wahhhh!"

"Fufufu, someone is having a very lewd dream … or should I call it a desire? Which they very well wish for it to become reality?"

Oh, if glares could kill Musashi would have exterminated the world and burnt a hole through the very sun. If not for being in public she would have pulled the blade out with hesitation.

"Now, now Akagi. Enough of your teasing."

"Sure thing Shinano onee-chan~"

The blue haired renard stared at her suspiciously and narrowed her eyes.

'Why do I feel like she's teasing me now?'

"More importantly, do you mind if we tag along, Bell, Alise?"

Kaguya swiftly changed the subject as she sought the permission from the couple. As expected both nodded with a bright smile.

"Of course not! Come on let's go!"

.

Alise dragged the group into a restaurant nearby, getting them a table large enough for the entire group. Musashi could only feel bad for the staff as they ordered a mountain of food that would without a doubt strain the cooks of the establishment. Setting that aside she returned her gaze to Bell. She still remembered clearly when he landed back down with Akari in his hands, his nine tails beautifully flowing behind him.

That same man was bashfully opening his mouth to allow Kaguya to feed him much to the black haired girl's delight. For the next hour she observed his innocent yet caring nature as his face transitioned between embarrassment and loving depending on the situation.

Like when he was with Akari every action was slow and gentle. Completely different from his attitude in battle. His gaze back in the arena was steel cold and his every action was fast and vicious with the intent to defeat his opponent. She could only imagine his look when he faced something he'd fight to the death. For some reason just imaging it sent a tingle down her back.

Mordred too focused on Bell. She had seen his battles and she knew at sight that he was holding back. She wondered how strong he truly was. She was born and raised to fight. To be a machine of war, before the Themis Familia saved her. But certain aspects stuck to her even after she was rescued and one of them was the fact that she was a complete battle junkie. No matter how much she loved Artoria and was loyal to her, her desire to fight was something she would never be able to set aside.

Before more questions could be raised however, the group found themselves leaving the restaurant. Having finished their meal, they headed for the closest plaza, apparently Alise had already planned ahead of time what she intended to do.

"What now Alise?"

"Now my dear Kaguya, is where the date really starts. There are plenty of couple things to do after all. Like buying a crepe and sharing it with your loved one, or ones in this case."

They all followed her finger as she pointed to a stall.

"Good then let us do just that."

.

The group sat in a park away from prying eyes as they didn't want anyone intruding or interrupting them. Tsubaki leaned her back against the tree behind her as she cushioned Bell's head with her large mounds, much to his embarrassment.

Alise in the meantime took her place on Bell's lap while Kaguya and Artoria, less daring than the vice-captain of the Astraea Familia, flanked him on each side. Not too close to them yet not too far were the other five, three of whom stared jealously at the close proximity they had with Bell.

'Scratch that, they are completely pushed up against him!'

Ryuu was scandalized by their bold actions yet jealous at the same time. Shinano and Akagi weren't faring any better, their pouts gracefully adorning their faces. Musashi and Mordred blushed as they tried their best to eat their crepe and ignore the intimate exchange going on just next to them.

"I can't stand it anymore!"

The four girls looked as Akagi walked up to the group of lovers and was quickly welcomed in much to their shock. Shinano however, soon found her veins popping on her forehead when Akagi turned back and shot her a smug smile before returning her attention to Bell who she was speaking to.

'T-that damn cheeky fox!'

Both Shinano and Ryuu couldn't just stand back and do nothing particularly when Akagi taunted them and got the head start as she sat between Kaguya and Alise, leaning her head on Bell's shoulder. Soon enough Musashi and Mordred were sat alone as the others all glomped onto Bell.

"So? What do you think of Bell, Mordred-san? I mean back at the arena you said he was suspicious and all, that's why you followed him. But is that what you really think?"

There was a moment of silence before the knight looked at amethyst beauty momentarily before turning to Bell. She watched as he smiled lovingly at his girlfriends and sighed.

"No, not really. Setting aside the excuse I gave, from what I've seen Bell is … kind and innocent. A heart of gold with which he loves all of them equally. No wonder a harem would work and they all seem happy with it. Honest to a fault too, it's not a surprise so many women fall for him if he just goes saying such sweet words to them all. So much so that I wouldn't be surprised if he pissed off someone with his honesty. But despite it all he is not naïve. I can't really point out anything of negative really, other than the fact that he goes around seducing women right and left."

Musashi nodded and agreed with her explanation. Bell was without a doubt a noble person. But being a noble person wasn't enough for her to accept him as worthy of Shinano. She loved her sister dearly so she believed she only deserved the best. But Bell was rapidly working to meet her expectations.

She was also aware how much Shinano loved Bell. Ever since she found out he was nine tailed renard she instantly became fond of him. But being exposed to his caring and gentle nature quickly turned the adoration to love. Every story he told her brought her closer to him and his desire to be a hero made her realize that she had found the person she desired. She was head over heels for him before she had even noticed.

'Good luck lil sis.'

.

"So, let us talk a second about the future."

Alise smiled brightly as she straddled Bell and nuzzled his neck with her cheek.

"You mean how you intend to expand the harem?"

"Correct Kaguya. But I also want to talk about how I want to develop this relationship and my goal of turning this into a polyamory."

Everyone stared at her silently.

"I can already see the confusion and questions popping in your heads. As such allow me to explain. There are polyamories, polygamies and polyandry. Polygamies is what Bell currently has, a harem where everyone is his girlfriend. Polyandry is the opposite where a girl would have multiple partners. And our destiny is polyamory where everyone loves everyone!"

Tsubaki raised her hand with a raised brow.

"I don't quite follow."

"Oh!"

Luckily Bell came in for the save.

"I get it. While you all love me and I you, you will also get romantically involved with the other girls. She wants everyone to love each other. Imagine it as a marriage. Not only will you get married to me, but you will also get married to Alise so instead of her being your sister-wife she will be your actual wife."

"I see. An all out, every way group relationship. Wait that means I'll get romantically involved with Alise?"

"You don't want to?"

The red haired girl feigned to be hurt, pouting at Tsubaki.

"Well, I never thought about that. I don't exactly swing that way. But … I guess I'm not against trying it."

Alise smiled brightly and hugged Tsubaki.

"Of course that is just a suggestion, not everyone who intends to get with Bell needs to learn to love the other girls. If they just don't want to then that is fine as well."

The girls all smiled as they looked at Alise.

"Hehe, besides I always had fantasies about some of you girls. And now I get to live them out and I get a princess to boot hehe!"

Just like that all the wholesome vibes were gone.

"Way to ruin the moment captain."

"Oh come on, don't be like that Kaguya."

.

It was just after dinner that Alise once again whisked Bell away. The group of girls from the date had been allowed to have dinner with the rest of the Astraea Familia in the Stardust Garden, where they all savoured Bell's cooking. While all the girls were delightfully distracted, Alise shut the door and began smooching Bell.

"Alise~"

"Hehe, you have no idea how much I missed this."

She returned to devouring his lips hungrily which Bell happily allowed. Her lips parted and softly pushed her tongue forwards against his before they started dancing, swirling around each other. The heated exchange continued as she grabbed his face while Bell grasped her waist with one hand while the other began fondling her left butt cheek.

"Mmh~"

She giddily pushed harder against him grinding herself on him.

"Oh dear Astraea, I love you so, so much Bell."

"Me too, ha, Alise."

Bell soon found himself against the wall as Alise kept on assaulting his lips, never relenting. The only break he got for the next hour were the moments the two had pulled apart to take a much needed breath before she struck his tongue once again.

"I just remembered but what should I do with the other girls?"

"Mh? Who?"

"Shinano and Ryuu for example. I'm not that blind. I know they like me. Ryuu pretty much announced that at the arena and Shinano I can tell by how physical she gets. No one would just cling like she does to someone they didn't like … and that comment at the pub definitely showed her affections for me."

Alise interrupted the make out session and smiled.

"Then man up Bell. So far it has been the ladies that came to you, but sometimes you gotta be more proactive and take the lead."

"So should I go ask Shinano and Ryuu out?"

"Not Ryuu!"

"Eh?"

The renard's eyes shot up in surprise making Alise giggle.

"Sorry, what I meant is that with Ryuu we have to take a different approach."

"You're just doing it for your own entertainment aren't you?"

Her smiled widened at that and shrugged.

"Who knows? Maybe? But remember your competition with Ryuu. Whoever wins gets to request anything from the winner. That is a great opportunity to push her buttons and get her to be bolder. Then I'll convince her to make a big public confession."

"Aren't you taking this too far?"

"Of course not. She needs to learn, grow out of her shell and this is a great opportunity."

Alise grabbed Bell's hand and guided him to the bed where she pushed him down and eventually snuggled up to his chest.

"Bell?"

"Yes?"

"It just came to my mind but when are you going to tell the other girls about your tails?"

That topic suddenly brought a smile to Bell's face as he kissed the redhead on the top of her forehead.

"Actually about that. I was going to talk to Takemikazuchi and Amaterasu, but I intend to disclose it to everyone soon. It's only been short while since I arrived in Orario but with the reputation I quickly gained in the past month I think I don't need to hide it anymore."

"Really? When?"

"Hehe, it's a surprise."

"Mou. That' not fa- mh~ Bell~ That's unfair~ Never mind, I love you~"

Her pout was interrupted when her lips were suddenly breached by Bell's needy kiss. Her complaint soon turned into an unadulterated moan as she professed her love for him. She could only go back to pouting when Bell interrupted the kiss once again.

"There is something I wanted to talk about to you Alise."

Seeing his suddenly serious look she laid down on top of him and waited for him to speak, her chin gently resting on his chest.

"What should I do with Loki? Freya? And the people who turned their back on my Familia?"

Alise understood why he suddenly looked so serious and now distraught. It was without a doubt difficult for him. She tended to forget how young he was. She could almost feel the swirl of different emotions he kept hidden behind the mask that was his face, but his heart spoke clearly.

Gazing at his eyes she noticed how vulnerable he looked right now. Something he only showed her as he lowered his guard. Because he trusted her. Knowing that brought an indescribable joy to the captain of the Astraea Familia and she would do her best to live up to this responsibility. It was her duty as his partner after all.

"What do you want Bell? What do you think is the best choice? Not the right or wrong choice but the best one? To punish them? To take vengeance? To bring justice? Or curse them? Perhaps … forgive them?"

The last suggestion suddenly triggered a flashback. Not a normal one. The memory was fragmented, only some parts played in his mind with a large chunk of it being empty gaps.

'For … give- is a s- … remember … Bell … forgive them.'

Just as quick as it came the memory vanished.

"For … give them?"

"S-Sorry perhaps that is out of the question?"

"N-No it's just … I suddenly remembered something when you said that. Though it's … incomplete. I don't fully remember everything. It was just bits and pieces of Zeus telling me something about forgiveness."

"Well I can't say I know what he said. Nor interpret what he said. But I can tell you that forgiving them is a choice."

"Is it what I'm meant to do?"

"Who knows? Do you want to forgive them? And how? Why?"

"How? Why?"

The girl smiled solemnly and propped herself up.

"Yes. How and why. There are many ways to ask for forgiveness as well as many reasons to do so. Some ask to be forgiven. Others will make up for it by paying some kind of tribute. Some others dedicate their life to make up for their mistakes. And why do they do that? Is it guilt? Or is it because it's the right choice? Perhaps it's neither and instead it's because they made a promise and they intend to upkeep it. There are as many methods as there are reasons. But it all depends on what you want. The value and meaning of forgiveness are for you to interpret."

"For me to interpret?"

"Yes. Every concept we make up is something we give value to. We call the beasts of the dungeon monsters. But is it because of the horns and fangs? Or is it something else? Are they the only monsters out there in this world? The answer is no, at least to me. Here on the surface we have people that are just as monstrous if not more than those creatures from the dungeon. And why is that? Because they are ruthless, brutal and have no ethical values? Kill for the fun of it?

As you can see we associate words with anything we believe to fall under that category. Like good and bad. Depending on different point of views … things may change. Some might see a certain action as bad … others think of it as a good thing. Why do you think Evilus exists? And cults? Why do kingdoms clash? Because it's for the greater good, or so they see it in their eyes. And the same applies to justice."

That caught Bell's attention even more.

"Did you know when Astraea recruited me and the other girls after me, one of the first questions she asked us was: 'What is justice to you?' And so we all responded with our own ideals and perception of justice. When our answers satisfied her requirements she let us join. She accepted all of our opinions and stated that there was no right or wrong answer. It was for us to decide what belief to follow.

As a matter of fact when we asked her what justice is to her, she gave us quite the different answer compared to us. And did you know? One of the biggest differences between Kaguya and Ryuu which causes them to continuously butt heads is their different ideals of justice.

Ryuu is idealistic, where justice is meant to be fair to all. Righteous and noble. Bringing the light to darkness, delivering punishment to those who deserve it and save those in need. Everyone, no exception made. But Kaguya is more realistic. She agrees that it is a noble and righteous path but we cannot save everyone. The need of the many often outweighs the need of the few. According to her we need to learn how to make sacrifices as sometimes we need to abandon ten to save a hundred. So let me ask you Bell. What is justice to you?"

Bell thought about it for a while before his eyes found the green ones of his lover.

"There was a time where I would have agreed with Ryuu. As a hero anyone who asks for help should be given help. But now … I can't help but think that some people don't deserve it. Reality isn't as forgiving. Orario's betrayal showed that. I always believed that what I did for others would come around. But that … clearly is not always the case."

"Hmm. That is true. But let me tell you Bell. No matter what you think of justice and of forgiveness, it doesn't matter what others think. It is your own belief. Whether or not you intend to let it go and forgive them is completely up to you. I'm sure that whatever Zeus said was an important lesson so you should think about it when you do get the chance.

But remember, the only thing that is important no matter what interpretation you take up … is that it's true as long as you truly believe in it with all your heart. And I will respect it. I made a promise after all. No matter who stands in your way … even if the whole world and even the heavens come against you … I will always be by your side."

Bell blinked for a moment, too stunned by Alise who shone brighter than ever before in his eyes. His hands then gently traced her face and cupped her cheeks before bringing her down. Alise let him guide her until their foreheads were leaning against each other and Bell enveloped her in a warm embrace.

"Thank you Alise."

"Bell. Please remember that you can't do everything alone. No one can. Before it was just you and Zeus but now you have me, Tsubaki, Kaguya, Artoria, Ryuu and Shinano. The entirety of the Astraea Familia will also back you up, just like the Amaterasu Familia. Takemikazuchi and his Familia as well as the girls of the Hostess. Themis and Baphomet are also there as well.

You are here for all of us just like we are for you. We rely on you like you should on us. So don't shoulder everything by yourself. I'm here to be your supporting pillar as are the others. So when you need help just ask. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, not even for a hero."

Alise watched as the most radiant smile ever bloomed on Bell's face as his hug tightened.

"Thank you Alise. Truly. You are a shining star. The brightest of them all who guides me and the one I love the most. I could not be happier to have you by my side."

"Guh! Bell … you're making it extremely hard to hold back. I love you … a lot. So much that I don't know how to show it to you. But anymore of those sweet words and at this rate I'll explode. We'll be having cubs by the end of this year if you keep it up, darling~"

"You know how you said that I should think about Zeus' words? I get the feeling you won't let me today."

"Oh you are very right. You have only yourself to blame for this. You have no idea how hard it was to hold myself back. You were so dashing, so handsome, so damn cute and sexy."

Lowering herself she straddled him, capturing his lips while her hands went to fondle his ears and abs. Within seconds their clothes had flown off and the two were stark naked in bed. Alise suddenly yelped when Bell grabbed her and flipped over their position.

"Bell?"

"As if you're one to talk. You're beautiful body and your cute expressions. Your giggles were irresistibly adorable too. Those sultry looks and that smirk when you knew you were clearly riling me up didn't help at all."

"Mh~ Then perhaps we both should stop holding back for today. Make up for all the pent up feelings. So come and ravage me love."

-Lemon Warning-

She moaned appreciatively as she saw his massive rod sliding over her bare flower, legs spread wide open for him. She shivered every time it grinded against her lower lips, wishing nothing more than to feel it inside.

'Has he always been this big?'

As she watched his rod move closer she couldn't help but notice how large it was.

'I mean he's always been huge compared to the diagrams … but he looks even larger today.'

"Then I'll do as you asked."

Gently, like the caring man he always was, he began spreading her insides with his girth only to be stopped by Alise's hand.

"Wait Bell. Today I wanted to try something of different. I meant it when I said I want you to ravage me. I want you to go hard, rough and wild on me. Like animals in heat. I want you to fuck me silly. I want you to try your hardest to plant a baby in me. I need you … to breed me~"

She whispered the last part into his ear. Her voice was breathy and laced with desire as her mind went crazy imagining the sight. But she was left confused when Bell didn't respond only pulling himself back until the head of his full length was barely grazing her hungry pussy.

"Bell? Wha- AH!"

The moment she began asking if he was okay Bell pushed himself back inside at full strength. With a single strong thrust he rammed himself into Alise. His cock spread her insides wide open as it shot forwards but it didn't stop at her womb. Alise's eyes widened as she felt Bell do the impossible and breach her cervix like it was nothing. In that single movement she felt the cock widen her barrier as it speared straight into her womb hitting the very top.

'Holy Astraea he is definitely bigger today!'

With wide eyes and tongue hanging out, she felt her focus waver. The pleasure shot through her body and she released the single loudest and sexiest moan she ever had. Her body went limp on the bed before Bell pulled himself back out of her womb and nearly out of her pussy before another strong thrust pushed him back to the very top of her baby room pushing it up against her stomach, rocking her world.

'Oh fuck! I awoke a monster!'

She had done it. She could only blame herself as Bell proceeded to ram into her in a standard missionary style for the following half an hour. She had lost count after three, but she was sure that she had cum at least a dozen times yet Bell didn't show any signs of nearing his climax.

'He's going to break me!'

Her mind was hazy and muddled. The only sounds she produced were lustful moans and groans with the only coherent phrases being made in her mind as she focused on Bell, who was going to absolutely destroy her before leaving her with a child.

"You like it like this Alise?"

"Ah! Yes Bell~"

Suddenly Bell switched and grabbed her thigh hugging her leg and furiously slamming his hips against hers driving his dick even deeper into her. And finally she felt a twitch. He was reaching his limit. And it was only after an hour since they had started fucking that Bell sheathed himself inside her as a torrent of searing white seeds filled her to the brim.

"Bell!"

She came for the umpteenth time before falling limp on the bed. Now she could rest for a few minutes before getting her vengeance on Bell for such an amazing time. That is until she realized something. His cock was still hard and very erect. She then felt a hand grab her hips and spin her around before raising her hips and letting her ass stick out while the upper half of her body was pressed against the bed.

Bell's hands then moved, one grabbing a handful of her hair while another one went to her right tit. His tails weren't idle either. Splitting apart into the original nine, four of the tails wrapped around each limb, the remaining five either enveloped her thighs, waist or chest. She only heard the renard moan, pleased with his work as her flower dripped with his leaking seed before she felt his cock move itself into her again.

.

Ryuu, Shinano and Astraea frowned at Akagi, Kaguya and Tsubaki who leaned against the door to Alise's room. Standing next to the more respectable girls were Musashi and Mordred who could only sigh at the naughtiness of the curious girlfriends. Artoria was the sole member of the harem to stand away from the door, not being ready for such intimate gestures with Bell.

"That is improper. Stop spying on Alise's and Bell's private matters."

"Oh come on Ryuu. We'll soon be part of it anyways."

"Wh-?!"

The three frowning girls sputtered hearing that but couldn't deny it as they could picture themselves being with Bell, much to the shock of Astraea. She was a virgin Goddess of Justice she couldn't fantasize about such things.

Suddenly Akagi and Kaguya exchanged a look a mischievous glint shone in their eyes. Knowing what they were about to do yet not being naughty and teasing in nature like the two of them, Artoria and Tsubaki simply shook their head and backed off.

"Besides, it's not like they're doing anything of particular."

"They're not?"

Ryuu eyed Kaguya suspiciously. She could have sworn she had heard Alise moan before.

"She's right. Come have a listen if you don't trust us."

Astraea, Shinano and Ryuu approached the door and placed their ears against it just in time to hear the most scandalous thing in their life so far.

"Oh fuck! Yes! Bell fuck me again! Bang me harder and faster! Fill me up with your seeds and give me your child! Breed me!"

The reaction was instantaneous. Their head shot out steam as their faces exploded into a blushing mess. They became unresponsive as they stood frozen in place. The two Far Eastern women began giggling at the sight, much to the annoyance of Musashi and Mordred who had to drag them away.

"You three should stop spying on them."

Akagi however, waved them off.

"It's fine just a little more. I can't get enough of Alise's moans."

.

"Oh fuck! Yes! Bell fuck me again! Bang me harder and faster! Fill me up with your seeds and give me your child! Breed me!"

She squealed and moaned and panted. She couldn't keep holding back or rather, there was no reason to keep it bottled up anymore. In her delirious state she stopped suppressing her wishes. Her true feelings were unleashed as she screamed all her desires as once again she was mercilessly fucked to the point where she couldn't make out what was in front of her as her mind was filled with pleasure.

.

She only remembered being used by Bell, as he came inside multiple times, breeding her time and time again. When she became conscious again it was morning. Her body was covered with a white substance from head to toe. Her mouth still had that musky smell from all the cum he dumped into her stomach and her pussy was still leaking semen without an end in sight.

Her belly was bloated just like the first time. Not big enough to make it look like she was pregnant but bigger than their first time together. It seemed like Bell delivered what she wanted. She was fucked for hours from night to morning. That was how she found out that Bell had a rather terrifying side to him in bed. Not that she minded, she totally enjoyed being used by him like that.

'Oh dear Astraea. Bell really is a beast. I just hope that the tea can prevent this amount of cum from impregnating me. Can't have Bell breed me just yet.'

.

Alise was being carried in Bell's arms like a princess. She'd been wobbly ever since she had first stood up in the morning as her legs refused to work, even in the shower she required Bell's help to clean herself. It seemed he had gone too hard on her poor body. Her level six body couldn't resist Bell's dominant pounding, something she'd make note of and tell the other girlfriends. The girls aware of the reason blushed while the two lovers glowed brighter than the sun. They walked back to the colosseum where along the other participants they gathered for the second round of the tournament.

"What happened to you?"

As soon as they arrived Ardee was quick to notice how Alise couldn't stand on her own feet.

"Bell worked me a little too hard."

The meaning was not lost to the young blue haired girl who burst, her face rapidly reddening. She knew the two were lovers but hearing confirmation of their acts made her blush unlike anything before. As soon as her eyes found Bell's they immediately shot down not being able to face the man who just had sex with one her best friends.

"A-Ah I s-s-see."

Ardee was quick to run back to her place, face hidden by her hands. While everyone was sitting down, Alise had Bell slow down just outside the VIP room to have one last moment with Bell before they'd inevitably have to join the others.

"You know, I already told you but you were a beast yesterday."

Bell's ears fell flat out of embarrassment as he tried to hide his face.

"I'm really sorry. I don't know what came to me yesterday. When you said you wanted me to breed you I suddenly couldn't control myself. I had an urge to p-pound you as hard as possible."

"Hehe, oh you did alright. You gave me quite the pounding."

Bell tried to hide his face with his tail but Alise wouldn't have it as she moved the limb away.

"Alise please~"

"Hehe, by the way Bell. I've been meaning to ask but … did your dick get bigger?"

"Um … yes. It did. But I could ask you the same thing, did your breasts get bigger?"

"Yep, by nearly two sizes. I don't know why, I mean it could be growth in your case, but for me to have such a growth spurt seems weird. Who knows maybe it's your semen that has an effect on women. Oh Ryuu will be so happy to hear that. She's always been very sensitive about her breast size. With this you might be able to give her a nice boost."

"Kyun! Alise, please stop."

"Hehe, sorry, sorry. Let's go join the others."

"Ah wait before that. I need to tell you something about the status update I got yesterday. And yes it's about the skill that I developed."

She was in for a pleasant surprise, his smile yet embarrassed blush was plenty evidence of that.

"Alright, let's hear it."

.

"There you are you two."

Laying Alise down on the seat next to Astraea's Bell took his own place by Takemikazuchi. He clearly noticed the knowing smirk he got from Baphomet causing him to blush brightly. There was no doubt she was aware of what he and Alise did.

"Ladies and gents welcome back to this exciting tournament!"

Ibri announced excitedly as the crowd settled down.

"Please give us a moment. Momentarily we will start sorting out the contestants for the next round. While initially the plan was to have all four matches today, unfortunately the second half has been moved to tomorrow due to complications within the city."

While Ibri continued talking Astraea and Loki turned to Ganesha with a raised eyebrow.

"Complications?"

"Possible Evilus movement."

That alerted the various members in the room. It was well known how dangerous that organization was. Hearing that there was a possibility of them taking action made Astraea and Loki wonder how to respond to a possible raid. It honestly wasn't surprising considering how important and populated Orario was at the moment.

"But let us not worry! Now we will have the guild members sort out the matches! So bear with me people!"

As soon as he finished Eina entered the room along with Rose. When the eight remaining competitors walked up to them, Rose's nose immediately began subtly sniffing the air. Her eyes landed on Bell and just a second later she began blushing furiously, turning away to avoid his gaze.

"What's wrong Rose?"

"E-Eina? It's n-nothing."

Eina though tilted her head in confusion as she blushed and began rubbing her thighs together.

'What the heck is with this guy?! This smell … it's without a doubt … and it's so strong … kuh … what a beast of a man!'

She could feel herself warm up and her breath hitch briefly before she began panting. But being the professional she was, she composed herself and held the box with the numbers inside. Eina began explaining the rules once again before guiding them to the box. Each member picked their number before Bell approached the werewolf. She gulped as he got closer and the musk reached her nose, stronger than ever.

Bell fished for the last piece of paper not noticing the lustful look in her eyes as she stared at his neck, the marks of Alise's hickeys slightly showing. Then she made the mistake of taking a sniff in his close proximity. Her body was set on fire and she couldn't tear her eyes away from his rubellite orbs. It was getting harder and harder to ignore the heat in her core, her breath so laboured little puffs of steam escaped her lips with every pant.

'What is wrong with me?'

"Alright now, unlike the first round we will announce the first match straight away. And according to the numbers picked out the first match is between Ais Wallenstein and John Kratos. Don't worry however, the match won't start for quite a while because, though on short notice, the Guild wished to make the battle more exciting by adding more elements to the arena such as obstacles and traps of the sort."

While all that went down Rose stood behind trying to calm herself down, squeaking when someone suddenly hugged her from behind. Snapping her head to the side she let out a sigh as she saw Alise leaning her head on her shoulder.

"Jeez Alise, you scared me."

"Did I now?"

"Yes you did. I thought you couldn't walk."

"Oh that was Bell's fault. But I recovered enough to walk."

That's when she noticed the same scent on Alise that was on Bell's.

"I should go now."

"I know what you were thinking."

The red haired wolf froze as her breath hitched.

"It was hard to miss how you looked at my Bell. The way you rubbed your thighs and panted like an animal in heat."

Rose felt herself blushing redder and redder.

"You're quite the pervert with an interesting fetish. You were getting off just to his scent weren't you? One sniff and it got all you hot and bothered. I could see how you lustfully stared at my boyfriend. All horny for him, looking ready to get on your knees and beg for him."

"A-Alise?! That's no-"

"You know? I am always looking for possible candidates to add to our polyamory and you … fit everything I need. I know you very well. I trust you and you are nothing short of gorgeous. I would love to welcome you to the group. All you have to do is admit it and I would be willing to get you a little date with him. Maybe develop it into something more."

She began gently gripping the wolf's waist, moving her hand over her stomach and thigh.

"Imagine his firm hands groping you all over."

She began whispering into her ear.

"I also happened to hear from other Guild members that you are interested in being a mother. Of course you won't just settle with anyone. He must be dependable, noble, strong and loving. Bell is all of that and more. And it just so happens that Bell has a really naughty thing for impregnating girls.

Matter of fact just yesterday I begged Bell to plant a baby in me. When I told him that, it turned him on so much he fucked me until I fainted. Now I can't afford to get pregnant but you … you're no adventurer. You want children and a strong mate. Bell could just fuck you morning to night for days to come if you want."

"But Bell is … a renard, there is no way … it would work between us."

"Bell is special for many reasons, including his special method to be able to cross breed. Only the Goddess' are safe and that's only from getting pregnant not ravaged."

"N-No way."

"It's up to you to believe it or not. The choice is yours but … I could ask him … to breed you~"

She whispered sweetly in her ear, the last part sending a shiver down the Guild staff back. Alise saw her chest heave and knew her plan worked. Letting go of her she began walking away when suddenly someone grabbed her wrist. A heavily panting Rose blushed as she looked down at the ground.

"Is … is the offer s-still up?"

"Are you admitting that you were horny for Bell?"

"Yes."

"Want me to set a date for you?"

"Y-Yes."

"Want him to pound you until you find yourself carrying a cub?"

There was a pause but with a very quiet voice she answered while the captain of the Astraea Familia smiled.

"Yes."

"Hm~"

Alise's smirk widened as she roped another member into the polyamory.

.

"Are you okay Rose? You were all red even before."

"I'm fine."

Eina however, didn't look convinced. She frowned at her friend as she clearly hid something from her.

"Come on Rose. We've been friends forever. Please, if you have problems just tell me."

"I-I … ugh … haa. Alright. I got a date."

"You did?!"

"Yeah. Alise offered me a date with Bell. If the conversation we had was anything to go by, she will let me get in a committed relationship with him, even allowing me to have a child with Bell."

"Eh? Eh?! Ehhh?!"

To say she was shocked was an understatement.

"But can you have a child with a renard?"

"Apparently he can. Or so Alise said."

'So all the rumours are true.'

There had many rumours of Bell having multiple girlfriends. Initially Eina didn't believe it as despite having known him for a short time, she didn't think Bell was a womanizer who picked up women left and right. But hearing that from Rose confirmed that he did indeed have a little harem of his. But seeing how Rose acted and it was Alise who gave the invite suggested it wasn't being done behind anyone's back.

"And you're okay with sharing?"

"Yes I am. I haven't really spoken to Bell which is why it is a strange arrangement, but I want to give it a try."

"I-I see."

.

"They are ready. By noon Orario will be greeted with a nice present."

"Excellently done. Let us see how effective this little experiment of ours is."

Once more the two entities schemed in the dark of the dungeon. Behind them hundreds of different people were being experimented, cruelly making them suffer as they tested different theories out, all with the goals of making more powerful monsters.

.

"Katsuki-san!"

Bell turned around and saw the young member of the Amaterasu Familia running up to him with four people following by his side.

"Tanjiro-san. Good morning."

Bell took notice of the people by his side. A person with an incredibly muscly build that would put many to shame. His upper body was bare while wearing a hakama, fastened by a thick belt of fluffy brown deer fur, and sandals. He dual wielded a pair of saw bladed katanas and wore a boar mask.

Next to him was a boy just as tall as the boar man and Tanjiro. He was clothed in a golden haori and brown set of jacket and pants. His hair and eyes were just as gold as his haori and a white katana rested on his left hip.

Behind them were two girls. One of them of which he had seen before. Nezuko, Tanjiro's sister according to Amaterasu. She had black hair ending with orange tips and wore a kimono the same pink of her eyes. Next to her wearing a blue uniform similar to that of the other three but with a skirt, was a girl with black hair tied in a side ponytail.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all Tanjiro-san."

"I wanted to present to you my friends, sister and girlfriend. Going in order they are: Inosuke, Zenitsu, Nezuko and Kanao. They are all level four by the way."

Other than the boar head Inosuke they all gave him short bow which Bell returned.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Nezuko's eyes instantly went to his tail slowly trying to reach out for it before Tanjiro stopped her.

"Nezuko? That's rude! I'm so sorry about her."

"S-sorry, they looked so fluffy that I unknowingly tried to touch them."

"It's okay but I would prefer if you didn't try touching my tail, normally I only allow those close to me to touch it."

He could only laugh awkwardly as she pouted.

"I see you've already been introduced."

Amaterasu walked up to them, to which the members all bowed, even Inosuke.

"Already getting along, though I wonder for how long. I don't think Zenitsu will like you very much after he discovers about your little group."

Bell knew exactly to what she was referring to and gulped.

"What do you mean Kami-sama, Katsuki-san seems like a very kind person. Just like Tanjiro."

"Hm, it's not about that. What should I do Bell? Should I tell him?"

Bell shook his head trying to stop her but the Goddess wanted to have her own share of fun. With a smirk she turned to the blonde boy.

"Did you know that Bell here has multiple girlfriends? Like Tengen has three wives. Now how many did you have Bell? Was it five? Six? Ah no, it was seven."

"It's four Amaterasu-sama."

"You might as well include the other three as your girlfriends with how clingy they get with you."

Zenitsu had visibly frozen. His hands got restlessly twitchy, trying his hardest to hold back. His head cranked around to stare at Bell with a look that promised a painful death.

"T-that's fine. Yes, that's fine. No offence but I'm sure they're just your average girls. No beauty would be okay with being in a hare-"

"There you are darling~"

Bell had no time to react as Alise suddenly jumped on his back. Zenitsu froze once again seeing who one of his girlfriends was.

"You're Katsuki-san's girlfriend?"

"Yup, me, Tsubaki, Kaguya and Artoria are. And as Amaterasu-sama said, you might as well count Shinano, Akagi and Ryuu in it. Ah also Bell, I just roped in Rose as well, you know that cute red haired wolf that works at the Guild. She wants a date with you. And remember we need to get Astraea to join as well."

Bell paled as she simply brought more girls in.

"Oh you want to add Astraea?"

"That's right Amaterasu-sama. I'm working on it right now, but please don't tell her."

"I won't. I'm sure it will be a pleasant surprise for her."

Zenitsu felt like his world was crumbling right in front of him.

"This is not fair. This is not fair! Why do you get all the girls?! And how the hell did you get to have not one but multiple women to love you? Do you even realize that Alise is world class beauty that many courted before and failed?! What the hell is this situation?! This is just impossible! Here I am single and alone! Leave some for you fellow men!"

Holding him down Tanjiro and Inosuke excused themselves dragging him away from the group followed by the girls. Leaving only Amaterasu and Alise with Bell.

"Oh, so the group is growing by the day I see. So how many more do you want to add Bell? How many Goddesses are at risk now?"

"Kyun! Please stop~"

.

The arena was no longer a simple fighting space comprising of only sand. It now had pillars, traps and obstacles scattered around. Trees and small dilapidated buildings like those you'd expect to see in the abandoned area of Orario were erected on field as well. On top of the walls surrounding the arena, along the perimeter, weird devices had been set up from the Guild, which emitted a soft glow.

"Thanks for waiting everyone! As you can see the Guild and my Familia worked hard and fast to remodel the arena! Also considering the danger of first class adventurers fighting and the nearly terrible accident the day before we decided to take precautions!

Thankfully we have the ingenious Perseus with us, the greatest inventor on Gekai! Thanks to her fast work she made these devices which will deploy a protective dome over the arena! Like the spell some mages may have, it will block both physical and magical attacks! Now don't worry as the barrier is invisible so it won't impede visibility but beware, this new magic item is still in test trial! Let us hope it holds up against level five attacks!"

The cheers rang out across the colosseum as Ibri made his way onto the elevated stage. Ais and Kratos in the meantime, were making their way down to the arena right as Ibri announced the new edition of the arena. As he finished they got to their positions and unsheathed their weapons. Ais drew desperate while Kratos grabbed his green axe.

"That … is a pseudo divine weapon. The Leviathan axe."

Bell looked at the buff man curiously wondering how Ais would fare against it. The blonde knight however, didn't' seem deterred by her opponent.

"Now then let today's first match begin!"

As soon as it started the two closed the distance, clashing furiously with their blades. With extreme poise and skill Ais danced around the larger man as he swung his axe. For each attack she deflected Ais would deliver three more nipping at his thick skin. Drops of blood began staining his body as the small cuts pierced into his arms.

It had been only five minutes but it looked like the Sword Princess was already tipping th battle in her favour. Or she would have if he was a regular person. But Kratos was a seasoned warrior and he wasn't going to just fall like that. With his battle seasoned senses he blocked the next few attacks, letting some land and scratch on purpose before counterattacking. The slash from the axe sliced across Ais' left shoulder, removing the armoured pad and leaving a deep gash in the joint.

The girl winced but remained nearly unfazed despite the blood dripping down her injury. Jumping back she placed some distance between them to recover. Taking a glance to the bleeding arm she quickly assessed how serious it was before looking back at Kratos with a stoic gaze.

Unleashing her green gale she prepared to fight again. Kratos knew once he saw the winds that the real battle was only about to begin. Putting the axe away he grasped his twin blades and brought them forwards, letting the chain that linked them fall to the ground and rattle menacingly.

.

Bell watched the match with excitement before looking around the colosseum. The building was massive, with rows upon rows of people spectating. But he noticed how there were far more civilians than fighters. Considering the nature of the match he also expected to see more adventurers.

"Take? Why aren't there more adventurers? Wouldn't the matches be beneficial to adventurers?"

"Thing is Bell, you are probably looking at ninety percent of the adventurers in Orario."

"What?"

"Orario has about a population of a million and a half people. Out of them, only about two hundred thousand people belong to Familias with about half of them not being adventurers as they are part of medical, business or blacksmiths Familia. And this colosseum can contain about five hundred thousand spectators. A third of Orario's population. Right now the people you see here are all foreign warriors or civilians with the citizens of Orario watching from public places since Ouranos permitted the use of divine mirrors."

"Really? I thought there would have been a lot more adventurers."

"There used to be. Back when Zeus and Hera were still here, there used to be as many as ten times the adventurers. Since their defeat the numbers dropped and haven't recovered. The adventurers are increasing but very slowly. Not only that but the quality is also worse than before when it comes to skills, with many more dying in the dungeon compared to before. We have no level eights or nines after all. Nor do we have a dozen level sevens or even fifty or so level sixes like we used to fifteen years ago."

"Ara Take, you say that as if you have no confidence in my captain. He is at the peak of level seven. He will soon reach level eight. That I can assure you."

Takemikazuchi however, didn't seem satisfied.

"Let's be honest Freya. No matter how much you hate and loath the Zeus and Hera Familia you have to recognize that your captain, despite being at the peak of level seven, wouldn't have been able to defeat any of the average level sevens of those Familias. They were the true talents and prodigies."

"Haa, that much I have to agree to. Each one of them was a monster. Particularly the captains, vice-captains and that duo, Silence and Gluttony."

.

Thirty minutes passed since things got heated and neither of them looked ready to give up. With a quick flick Ais deflected the blade, sending it flying into the sky. But a tug on the chain and just as fast as it came flying the blade was pulled back into Kratos' hand.

Ais was panting lightly as she stood across from the bulking man. Like her his face was stoic, but his breathing pattern betrayed his calm nature. He was by no means tired but he was quite worked up. His right hand held the chain and slowly spun the blade. The circular motion grazed the ground sending dust flying.

No matter what she did, she couldn't find any kind of opening or weakness. Ais had half expected this to happen, but it was still frustrating for it to happen. And a direct confrontation was out of question. Just by looking at the man's body, that was three times as big as hers, anyone could tell that she'd lose. Since a contest of strength was not an option she could only rely on her stamina and speed to whittle down at his endurance.

Hiding behind the pillar she avoided the flying blades being tossed at her. But before she could think of a solution Kratos suddenly activated his Spartan Rage and red lightning arced over his skin. With his enhanced skin he tackled the pillar with his shoulder and toppled it.

It was just in time that she jumped away, barely dodging the collapsing structure. She had little time to relax though, as the spartan warrior was instantly on her. With the technique of her father, the blonde knight immediately responded to the onslaught of attacks with perfectly timed blocks and parries.

Despite that she knew that there was no chance of winning were she to draw this on for any longer, clearly evident as she began losing her ground. With no choice left she decided to bet everything on one final attack. That is when something began tingling on her back. Her instincts told her to trust that feeling and though doubtful initially her instincts were what made her survive so far. So she took the only path available to her.

.

"It's looking bad for Ais-san. Will she really lose?"

An orange haired elf spoke with clear worry in her voice.

"No way! My Ais-tan would never lose!"

"Face it Loki, her defeat it just a matter of time."

The red haired Goddess simply growled as she glanced back at Eris. Just then Lefiya shot up from her seat with wide eyes.

"There are three miss Ais'?!"

Everyone's attention was brought back to the arena. In the time they looked away, three copies of Ais had appeared on the battlefield and Kratos was now being charged from all directions. The look of confusion was evident on the ancient warrior's face, but he didn't hesitate to slash at the one in front of him. To everyone's surprise however, Ais dissipated into wisps of air as if he had just slashed through the wind.

'Are they just for distraction? Are they not physical?'

As if to answer the Spartan's question the two knights behind him slashed across his back. The searing pain was very much real, but he instantly noticed that it was not the familiar feeling of cold steel burning his flesh. Instead it was a dry wind like a gale tearing through his skin.

"Ugh!"

With a swipe of his chained blades he destroyed the two remaining clones. As they died however, the clones exploded and a green mist blanketed the arena. Emerging from behind, with Lil Rafaga charged, Ais hit Kratos with her most powerful attack. He barely blocked in time but the surprise didn't leave him time to prepare and was ultimately overpowered. The match ended as Ais stopped short of his neck.

"What a comeback! The Sword Princess wins!"

.

"You held back."

Kratos turned to the Sword Princess as they silently made their way back.

"I did not hold back. But I have misjudged your ability. However, don't let this diminish your accomplishment today. You fought valiantly. You may not be aware of it but you have shown me something of new from which I too have learnt. I let my guard down and lost that's all there is to it. In a real fight it would have been me who died not you. That is why this victory is something you earned."

With a slight smile Ais felt encouraged to strive to become even stronger.

"Thank you."

"No need. I just hope my boy has learnt from this match just like you and I both did."

.

While the crowd and the Loki Familia went crazy over the sudden development Bell's ears twitched as he was the first to sense something of wrong. Weird wisps of magic were going haywire around him. The normally calm ley lines were fluctuating crazily setting off the alarm in the renard's head.

"Bell? What's the matter?"

Alise and the rest of the girlfriends turned to Bell as Takemikazuchi voiced his worry over Bell's serious gaze.

"No, it's just th-"

Before he could finish however, an explosion shook the colosseum. The cheers died as everyone went quiet. Just then a member of the Ganesha Familia came running in, desperately looking for his God. The guard was panicking as he arrived to report.

"Philip? What's going on?!"

"It's an emergency! Monsters have sprouted out of the ground and are now invading the streets!"

Everyone was shocked by the news, not expecting Evilus to make a move so soon.

"What of the people?"

"There are dozens of civilians on the streets! The adventurers that were present have engaged the monsters but are being pushed back!"

Finn like the strategist he was, immediately began asking questions to analyse the situation. Though most adventurers were level one and two, to hear that they were being pushed back did confuse the captain of the Loki Familia.

"They are being pushed back? Just how many monsters are there and what kind?"

"A hundred or so, possibly more. The main issue right now is that we don't know what kind of monsters they are. We have never seen them before."

That only served to confuse the adventurers more, but Alise was not one to be deterred by the unknown.

"Well that doesn't matter! People are in danger so all we can do is jump down there and help!"

Everyone looked at Alise and felt themselves being infected by her bright smile.

"The lass is right Finn. Enough chit chat, let's go crush them!"

Joining the dwarf with cheers were the rest of the Loki Familia.

"Very well. Ganesha-sama, please leave the streets to us."

Loki, Astraea, Amaterasu and Takemikazuchi Familia rushed out of the gates while Ganesha with the help of Baphomet set a defensive perimeter around the colosseum. The circular structure was rapidly designated as a safe area to which the civilians were brought to while any adventurer or warrior that could fight joined the battle outside.

.

"What the hell are those?"

Bete was staring at the massive green snake like monsters that invaded the city streets. Dozens of people had drawn their weapons and were fighting back, but with little success.

"Welp let us join them!"

"Tiona wait you idiot!"

The amazon jumped down and punched one of the scaly monsters with a powerful blow, but unlike what anyone expected the monster was completely unscathed. Tiona however, flinched as she felt her arm's bone rattle. It felt like an unblessed person trying to punch a steel plate.

"The dumb amazon couldn't hurt them?!"

The green monster however, was now locked onto the level six adventurer.

"Tiona-san!"

In an attempt to help her Lefiya began chanting her spell. That's when Bell noticed that many of the green monsters nearby, focused their attention on the elf.

'They can detect magic! And they prioritize them over other enemies. In that case …'

To everyone's surprise Bell jumped forwards into the fray, his tail glowing as he charged a spell. All the snakes snapped their attention to the renard as he rushed past them, away from all the civilians.

"Bell?!"

"Use this chance that Bell-san provided us and evacuate all civilians! The rest hunt the snakes down!"

While Loki and Astraea Familia spread out, the Gods soon joined the remaining people just outside the gates, curiously wanting to see what was going. Seeing them however, Uzui couldn't help but worry they'd be vulnerable.

"What of the Gods?"

"Leave them to me."

Quinella walked with the same elegance she spoke with. But the deadliness was not missed as she killed one of the green beasts with a single slap.

"Me and Ganesha Familia will defend the colosseum along with the Gods and the people inside. The rest of my Familia and the other Familias currently present should go aid Loki and Astraea."

Hearing that the level seven would be defending the colosseum reassured the children of the Gods.

"As the captain of the Amaterasu Familia I will forever be grateful that you protected our lady."

"You have my word Tomoe."

The Hostess' staff and the various Familias all began hunting down the monsters, leaving the Gods with the Ganesha Familia and Quinella to protect them. What they didn't expect was to see the Freya Familia join the battle, leaving their Goddess unprotected.

"You actually sent out your Familia for this?"

"Of course. I get to participate and make people see that I am helping them. And I don't need to worry for my safety since you're here. Or perhaps you will let me die? But I wonder how that will look to the others."

Baphomet hissed as Freya spoke, taking the opportunity raise her reputation while taking advantage of other people.

"Mark my words Freya, you will get what you deserve."

.

Looking behind himself Bell saw the twenty snakes pursuing him. He was going to keep leading them around when he spotted two children cowering in a corner as one of the scaly monsters was slowly approaching them, ready to crush them within its maws.

'Oh no!'

In a split second Bell changed his plans and jumped up with all his strength. Many people, adventurers and civilians from the safety of their homes, watched as the renard shot into the sky and with a spin he unleashed a snowflake that froze and shattered all the pursuing monsters into shards of ice.

As soon as his feet touched the ground he immediately pushed his body forwards and smashed into the monster with a punch that crushed its face. The two children were none other than Fina and Rye, who were trembling as the maws of the monster fell limp and Bell sighed in relief. On the verge of tears, the two launched themselves at Bell and tightly hugged him.

"BELL-SAN!"

The renard smiled and held them in his arms, drawing circles on their back. With gentle movements he reassured the terrified children.

"It's okay."

The moment, however, was interrupted from the screeching of a monster. Grabbing the two children one under each arm Bell jumped up.

"Hang on tight."

Bell dodged and weaved through the sea of green snakes attacking him, never letting go of the two orphans. Just about as one of one of them was about to catch up, a familiar voice shouted at him.

"Katsuki-san duck!"

Doing as instructed a blade of water slashed through the monster just missing the tip of the renard's perked up ears. Tanjiro skid to a stop and cut down all the approaching monsters in three swift slashes. The others soon joined as well with Zenitsu cutting through one of the snakes that sprouted from the ground. Another one got tore apart by Inosuke followed by Nezuko who with Kanao's assistance stopped one of the snakes dead in its tracks as it aimed for Bell.

"Leave these to us Katuski-san. Get the children to safety, we'll cover you."

"Thanks Zenitsu."

Bell resumed his way to the colosseum while the group of demon slayers took care of the monsters.

"See Zenitsu? He's a good guy."

"I know that Nezuko. Probably the only guy who is as nice as Tanjiro, but I still can't get over the fact that he has multiple beautiful girlfriends. Including the princess! Yeah, no, I can't forgive him for that!"

The looks of disappointment on their faces was obvious as Zenitsu kept whining trying to justify himself.

"Really?"

"This again?"

"Are women all you think about?"

"…"

.

"Get everyone inside!"

Shakti was guarding the entrance to the colosseum alongside her and Baphomet Familia when Bell suddenly arrived with two children under each one of his arms.

"Bell?"

"Shakti-san, please take care of these children."

Handing the children to a member of the Ganesha Familia she was going to ask if he could help with the evacuation when a rumbling was followed by an explosion in the distance.

"That's where Tanjiro and the others were! Sorry Shakti but I'll head there for now. Please send others to help us as soon as possible!"

"Don't worry, go ahead."

Just like that Bell was once again gone, leaving Shakti to deal with the crowds of people looking for refuge.

.

"What the hell is that?!"

Inosuke landed on the roof of a building with a heavy thump, crushing the tiles beneath him. In front of him was a massive monster that had a plant like body but the upper half was that of a woman. Tanjiro and Zenitsu landed right next to him, pushed back by the impressive strength of the new monster. It was then that the snakes opened their heads and bloomed into flowers, discovering that they weren't in fact snakes but plants.

"What do we do? Nothing we did had any effect on it! It keeps regenerating, just like the demons! It's that nightmare all over again! We're going to die! No! I still haven't married!"

"Calm down Zenitsu! It's a monster and all monsters have magic stone. All we have to do it is find it and then cut it."

"But we tried that already! The magic stone isn't in its chest!"

"We just gotta keep trying!"

Inosuke puffed his chest and pointed its swords to the monster.

"Gonpanchiko is right."

"It's Tanjiro. Stop being a meanie to onii-chan."

While they were bickering the woman roared and charged towards them. Kanao being the first to notice, warned the group of the incoming danger.

"Watch out!"

But before the irregular could make it one more inch forwards, a snowflake smashed into its side. The monster went tumbling, shrieking in pain as the spell froze its flesh and tore it apart. Looking up Tanjiro spotted the renard sitting on the rooftop.

"Katuski-san!"

"Are you okay?"

Bell looked at them with a tilt of his head, worried that they had been injured.

"Yeah, but we've been having problems with this monster. It is strong, fast and has a self-regeneration ability! We tried going for the magic stone but we can't seem to find it!"

Looking at the monster, Bell, with his special sight, noticed that the magic stone appeared to be moving inside of its body, its traces vanishing and reappearing, making it impossible to pinpoint its location.

"Don't worry I have a solution but I will need you to cover me for a while."

Zenitsu wanted nothing more to slay the monster but he looked unsure of his plan.

"Sure, but how will you find the magic stone?"

"I don't plan to search for it."

.

"What's the situation right now?"

Finn had just returned with the rest of the adventurers just as Shakti finished evacuating the civilians.

"The civilians have been moved inside the colosseum while everyone who was combat ready went out to hunt the monsters. Bell returned a short while ago but soon took off to investigate a particularly loud explosion. He asked for reinforcements as soon as possible so I was preparing to go support him."

"Alright, me and my Familia will follow you. We don't know what to expect with Evilus behind it all."

Shakti was about to nod when a bright blue beam ripped through the sky. The sky then detonated turning into a massive blue ball of magical fire. It was high above the city, at a relatively safe distance, but the shockwave sent everyone below level three tumbling to the ground and shattered every window in the city. The once cloudy sky was now left with a large gaping hole that allowed the light of the sun to shine down on Orario.

"What in the name of Loki was that?!"

A black object suddenly fell from the sky, landing with a nasty crunch next to Finn.

"What the?"

Upon closer inspection he noticed that it was a bird.

"Holy cow! Look at it, it's been burnt to a crisp!"

Said bird had been carbonized by the extreme heat produced by the magical explosion. The more terrifying part which they weren't aware of, was the fact that under the conditions of the heavily pressurised magical explosion, the area around the explosion became deadly.

Even if you were to survive the explosion and the shockwave, being within a hundred meders would have been catastrophic. The area around the explosion is drained of oxygen and filled with carbon monoxide which would have left no escape to anyone who was presently too close and had to breath that is.

"That was probably Bell's doing."

Finn looked at Alise flabbergasted.

"Are you sure?"

"Yup, though weaker, it is the same magic spell he used when he saved us from the irregular monster on the expedition."

"Wait! The same thing that caused the whole of Orario to shake a couple of days ago?!"

"Yup, the very same one."

Looking back Finn could only think of one thing.

'What tremendous firepower.'

The Takemikazuchi, Loki, Ganesha, Astraea and Amaterasu Familia behind them all looked to the sky with shocked faces, just like everyone else in the in the stands above them. None of the had ever seen such a destructive power. All participating Familias, having witnessed the true strength of the renard, knew now not to take Bell lightly, more so than before. Knowing that the person behind the ever loving and kind smile could accomplish such a tremendous act sent a shiver down everyone's back.

.

'Good thing I held back.'

Bell was observing his handywork before turning back to see if Tanjiro and the others were okay. As he had expected Tanjiro, Nezuko and Kanao were left wordless, still staring at the hole in the sky. Inosuke and Zenitsu however, were a completely different story. Zenitsu was panicking, trembling in fear as he started screaming incoherently about his impending death. Inosuke in the meantime was overflowing with excitement, demanding to know and be taught how to do that.

For the next hour Bell did his best to explain how that wasn't possible for the human, but it seemed to him like everything he said went into one ear and out of the other one. He had long given up on Zenitsu, deciding to grab him and drag him back while the other three silently followed.

.

"You did more damage in broken windows than the monster and adventurers did in any kind of destroyed property. I have to say I'm impressed Bell."

The renard sheepishly looked down as Eina listed the damage report to the now gathered Familias. Alise was giggling like crazy as she straddled Bell, much to his embarrassment. The others however, had to agree that such a feat was indeed impressive and congratulated him adding to his shame.

"But all jokes aside, a city's worth of broken windows is better than even a single life being lost in the attack, so cheer up. If it weren't for you, who knows how many people could have died, including the children you rescued, so don't worry about it, the Guild will deal with that."

"But it's my fault."

"Don't worry about it, as I said it wasn't your fault and you have been forgiven for all the shattered glass."

He couldn't help but wince at that.

"I have to say, that is quite the impressive spell Katsuki-san."

Riveria's comment brought his attention to her bright jade eyes. To hear such a compliment from one of the greatest, if not the greatest, mage of all times was quite the achievement in his mind.

"Thank you."

"She's right you know?! Man, that massive hole you punched in the sky was amazing. You could say you changed the weather with a single spell! Oh! What's your alias going to be?! Wheather changer?! Weather king?! Hmm, but I think that fluffy renard suits you better."

"Absolutely not!"

Bell vehemently denied the last one. He refused to be called that even if it was a cute amazon.

"Tiona enough of your jokes."

A bonk on the head followed by an indignant yelp silenced the overly bubbly girl much to his relief. He liked Tiona but sometimes she could be a bit hard to handle. Luckily Tione was there for that.

"I am Ganesha! Well, leaving young Bell's matter aside, I believe its best if we continue the tournament."

"Just like that?"

Loki looked sceptical but Ganesha nodded resolutely.

"That's right. We'll take a few days to repair the city and calm everyone down then we'll resume. It's best not to disseminate any panic amongst the people."

"I agree with Ganesha."

Finn spoke up before explaining his reasoning.

"We all know what Evilus is capable of. This attack could be a potential indication that they are beginning to move once again. If their plans are anything to go by then I say we can expect as big as an attack as that one seven years ago.

Evilus is dangerous and it has a vast arsenal of unknowns no one here has ever seen before. We can't expect anything since surprises is something that Evilus has always exceeded at. But this appeared to be more of a trial than an actual attack. So there is a good chance they won't make any more moves for weeks if not months.

And instead of spreading chaos by telling everyone of their movement it is better if we keep this under wraps and pretend it wasn't anything of serious, let things die down and quietly investigate. Evilus is assured to strike again but by then we'll have gotten more precise information from which we can plan on how to move forward and counter them."

"Exactly as Finn said, that is why the tournament should resume in approximately five days maximum, sooner if we can. Until then rest."

With that announcement Ganesha bid farewell and left alongside Shakti and Ardee. With nothing to do most of the Familias left as well, leaving only the Hostess, Amaterasu, Astraea and Takemikazuchi Familia. Aside from them Tsubaki and Artoria had also decided to stay behind.

"How about heading to the Hostess?"

"Why not? You don't mind do you Mia?"

The dwarf grinned hearing the potential of a large group of customers.

"Heh, why not Takemikazuchi."

.

While Bell sat with Takemikazuchi, Amaterasu and Astraea Familia, Alise and the girlfriends, plus the potential new members, decided to sit at their own table to have a girl's talk. Bell's attention in the meantime had been snatched by Tanjiro and his group who had begun telling him their story and how they came to join the demon slayers.

"That is how Nezuko became a demon."

Tanjiro's story had begun with him going to the village to sell coal, only to return the day after to a bloody home. His mother, sisters and brothers mercilessly slaughtered in their home. The walls and floors were stained in red and Nezuko the only surviving member was lying motionless in the snow.

"I picked her up and ran down the mountain hoping to get help. But before I could reach the village I ran into Tomioka-san here."

Said man was like the Sword Princess, stoic like a stone, but looking at Tanjiro the renard could spot a hint of shame as his appearance was mentioned.

"I have to admit it was not my greatest introduction."

From there Bell learnt how he fought against Giyu. The fight made the pillar see the potential in Tanjiro from which he was pointed to Urokodaki, an ex-water pillar who trained the red haired boy. Soon after Tanjiro joined the final selection exam where for seven days he fought and avenged Urokodaki's thirteen disciples.

Bell was shocked to learn how gruesome and cruel the demons were, but was even more surprised by Tanjiro's sympathy and the tragic backstories that led to the people becoming demons. Despite all their cruelty Tanjiro always forgave them, hating and never forgiving only the one responsible for this whole mess, Kibutsuji Muzan, who still lived to this day.

Tanjiro then told him of his journey, starting with his first mission in a small town where young women mysteriously vanished. The truth was that they were kidnapped and devoured until Tanjiro with Nezuko slayed the demon. When asked about Muzan however, he found out that the demons were controlled by the man and couldn't reveal anything and just mentioning their name would result in their death.

It was through that experience, seeing others suffer like he did that gave birth to an uncontainable rage that now stirs in Tanjiro. He vowed he would never forgive him for all the deaths and suffering he caused and that he would put an end to it all.

And as fate would have it, his next mission brought him to Tokyo. For the country bumpkin that Tanjiro was, the place left him uncomfortable and overwhelmed. But what really was significant about that event, was that on that day he met the man himself, Kibutsuji Muzan. Pretending to be a human with a family, he swiftly scratched a passerby turning him into a demon and using him as a distraction to leave. Hearing that, just like Tanjiro, horrified Bell with its sheer cruelty.

"That's how I first met Tamayo."

"Tamayo?"

Tanjiro nodded with a sombre look, which Nezuko too shared.

"She was a demon that like Nezuko had escaped Muzan's control. She was an incredible doctor who made many different medicines, including the one that cured Nezuko and turned her back human. Unfortunately in the final battle she sacrificed herself to weaken Muzan.

But it was in vain, while we won the war and the battle, completely eradicating demons in the Far East, we failed our task. Muzan got away and he continues to exist to this day. Now he has started spreading demons again. That day we lost many members and it is a tragic moment that will forever be remembered by the Demon Slayer Corps."

Deciding not to take dwell on the sad moment, Tanjiro resumed his story, explaining how Tamayo helped him out and he eventually fought two demons who were sent after him. One of the demons was eventually tricked into mentioning Muzan's name which resulted in a gruesome death as arms grew out of her body and left her helpless to the sunlight. After parting ways with Tamayo he set out on his next mission where he encountered his first friend, Zenitsu.

Zenitsu was found begging an engaged girl to marry him as he could die at any time. Bell didn't know what to think of that but when he turned to said blonde man, he looked away ashamed. Tanjiro then resumed, stating he dragged away Zenitsu only to end up running into a demon's house in the middle of a forest.

"Just outside of the house, there was a group of children, cowering. They told me that their brother had been captured by a demon. They followed the traces of blood and eventually arrived at the house. Just then a body came flying out of the top floor of the house. As demon slayers it was our duty to fight the demons and rescue the people so we entered the house."

.

While Tanjiro recounted his story to Bell, the girls sat at a different table away from the boys and the Familias. This group consisted of Alise, Kaguya, Tsubaki, Artoria, Ryuu, Akagi, Shinano as well as Musashi saying she was there to protect Shinano from Alise.

"What did you want to talk about Kaguya? Normally it's me who organizes these meetings."

"Well, I heard you say that you invited Rose to join our little polygamy and you want to bring certain other people in, like Astraea and Shinano."

"Wait what?!"

Ryuu being the innocent and pure person she was, didn't expect to hear that Alise was aiming to get Astraea to join.

"That's right and you could join as well Ryuu. If you were just a little more honest. I mean you pretty much confessed at the tournament. Why not just go up to Bell, confess and then kiss him? It's just that simple."

Ryuu went silent hearing that, too embarrassed to say anything. She enjoyed the idea more than anything and she would love to date Bell but something in her stopped her from going through with her desire.

"Anyways, some of the things I wanted to talk about was who else we wanted to include and how many exactly are you planning to bring into our polygamy."

That turned all the attention to Alise who stopped to think for a while.

"Well … I don't really know. Besides Rose and the girls you mentioned I was thinking of including Ardee. I'm also interested in the girls from the Baphomet Familia as well, see if there is anyone who will join. But as to how many I intend to include why put a limit? I say we just invite as many as we can."

"I guess."

Akagi's ears perked up as an idea suddenly entered her mind.

"Oh! I know! Why not get Yamato, Kaga and Amagi to join? Then all that we have to do is get Musashi to join and Bell will have the whole set … well, minus Akari, for obvious reasons."

The looks of shock on Shinano and Musashi's face told tales of the absurdity of the idea.

"Are you crazy Akagi? Inviting our sisters to a polygamy is crazy but inviting Yamato?! Kaga and Amagi might not be against it if they do fall in love with him. As for me I don't see Bell like that, but that is without even talking about Yamato! She'd go crazy if she heard of this. It will probably already take us begging her to get her to accept that you all fell in love with the same guy, but make her join us?! That is absolutely out of the question!"

The other girls, however, were left confused at that.

"Speaking of which who is this Yamato?"

"Oda Yamato. The eldest of us seven sisters."

"There's seven of you?!"

The purple haired girl nodded.

"Yes, from oldest to youngest: there is Amagi, Yamato, me, Shinano, Akagi, Kaga and Akari."

"How old are you all exactly?"

"Going in order it would be: twenty four, twenty two, twenty, sixteen, sixteen, fifteen and finally Akari who is five, six this year."

"So what is the issue with Yamato?"

Shinano sighed, her face showing a tired and desperate expression.

"Put simply our elder sister hates men."

"Oh great. Why?"

"Well to simplify the story, onee-chan is a young but prodigious general and she leads one of the largest armies during periods of wars. During our fight against the Akechi clan, a clan that betrayed Amaterasu-sama, one of her most trusted commanders attempted to capture her, which would have led to an even worse fate than being assassinated."

"Worse fate?"

"Yes, she could have been captured and then instead of being killed they could have tortured her, raped her or forced her to a life of imprisonment, slavery or who knows what other options there were. Forced into being a concubine? Or a prostitute?

There are many grim fates that await people in the Far East. Amaterasu is doing her best to unite all of the Far East but it is a vast land with hundreds of clans and only about half of them have become part of the Oda clan, have allied with us or are vassals. Until all clans are united there will not be a single unified empire."

"Hmm, why did the commander betray her?"

"Because they defected to the enemy clan under the promise of fame, money, women and glory. Luckily, she discovered this and he was stopped before he could try anything. But since then she has come to see all men as plague. All officers and members in her army are now women because of that. The first all-female army. She hates them with a passion and is extremely harsh when she comes across one.

She has even distanced herself from our father and Yoriichi, who used to be her mentor as she is a user of the sun breathing style. If she discovers our relationship with Bell she might set out on a crusade to 'deal' with him."

Alise blinked when Shinano finished the story. It was a tragic story and she felt sorry for her but hearing how acted with me, Alise knew she would troublesome. She wasn't confident as to what to do with her nor did the other renards, well except Akagi.

"Meh it'll be fine. Bell is the best shot we have to cure our sister of her phobia and he knows how to work his charm to seduce even the toughest of women. If anyone can do it, it will be Bell."

With a hum Alise nodded.

"I mean you're not wrong I guess. But what's the chance he meets the pointy end of a sword?"

"Pretty high."

The girls were left pondering until Alise shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. More importantly there is something else I'd like to direct your attention to."

.

"Using the Hinokami Kagura I managed to cut the demon's neck while Inosuke defended me from his attacks. That's how me and Inosuke managed to defeat Enmu and along Nezuko, Zenitsu and Rengoku-san saved the passengers in the train."

Bell was entranced with the amazing story that Tanjiro had been telling him about. It was filled with terrifying events like when Zenitsu nearly got turned into a spider or the blood chilling and enraging moments like when someone tried to take Nezuko away from her brother. He could only imagine how much the red haired boy had went through.

"But what followed was probably the scariest moment to this day."

"What happened?"

Answering him, however, wasn't Tanjiro but Akaza.

"Allow me to tell him Tanjiro. This next part is much to my shame my fault."

Bell nodded and attentively listened.

"After the train derailed as a result of Enmu's defeat another demon appeared. And that demon was me."

The information caused Bell's brain to stop for a moment as it registered and processed it.

"Eh? You were a demon?!"

"Yes, I used to be Akaza, upper moon three. I was there on Muzan's order to kill Tanjiro, the boy with the hanafuda earrings as he was described to me. Just before I could kill him however, Kyojuro stepped in and defended him. I was not in my right mind at that time and I ended up fighting Kyojuro. It was a long and exhilarating fight. I had never before met someone as strong as Kyojuro. When the fight ended he nearly managed to cut my head … but was unfortunately a little too late and I ended up piercing his solar plexus."

The look of shock on Bell must have been something Akaza had seen commonly as he showed no sign of turning away despite the clear shame he felt at the memory.

"He should have died that day. But this world we live in is blessed with magic and magic can be really miraculous. As if to respond to his blazing passion he developed a skill which set him ablaze kind of like Alise. Its exact effects aren't really known yet but it did allow him to survive long enough for a medic team to save him from the injury. Now as you can see he is back in top shape, but for months he was bed ridden due to my foolishness."

"It's alright!"

The sudden voice shouting startled everyone including Akaza but sighed in relief when they saw that it was none other than the man himself, Rengoku Kyojuro.

"I'm in peak condition now! So no need to worry!"

Just as Tanjiro had said, the fiery haired man was quite the weird individual, but he looked just as kind as described. That's when Bell's attention returned to the former demon accompanied by a look of confusion.

"But if you were a demon how come you are here as a member of the demon slayers?"

"Oh that we still haven't gotten to."

Tanjiro once again took control of the narration of his story.

"After the near death of Rengoku-san, me and the other two were brought back to Shinobu-san as we were badly injured after the fight. For the next months we recovered and trained ourselves until we were combat ready. But as soon as we completed the first mission we ran into Uzui-san, who was trying to take Aoi-san for a mission."

Only for the said Hashira to butt in and take part in the narration of the grand tale.

"That's right! The great Uzui Tengen is here!"

Bell watched as a large man who looked to be nearly as big as Ottar made his presence known. His arms were massive and incredibly muscular. He wore a sleeveless version of the demon slayer uniform with red stripes tightly wrapping around his feet that were covered by a pair of zori. Thick golden bands wrapped around his biceps and wrists.

The man's features were similar to Bell's own with white hair and fuchsia pink eyes. But unlike Bell, he looked eccentric, loud and flashy … or perhaps flamboyant was the better word. The tattoo and the headband only reinforced that. But if there is one thing that stood out to Bell besides the three women wrapped around his arms, it was the man's metal hand.

"I required a woman to carry out my mission! That is when Tanjiro and the other two crashed the party! Seeing as they kept accusing me and wouldn't let go of the matter I decided I'd take the three of them with me instead! And honestly speaking … I'm glad I did. All three of them fought admirably and I know I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. My wife wouldn't be here if not for Tanjiro and Aoi would have likely died if she had come instead."

"Was it that bad?"

Bell tilted his head curiously wondering just how hard of a battle was fought.

"Yes. My wives had went ahead to scout and gather information when I lost contact with them. So I decided to take matters in my hand. Dressing the three over there in women's clothing they infiltrated the brothels there to look for any traces of demons. And a demon we found, well Tanjiro did.

An upper rank moon. Though ranked sixth the demon was extremely strong and troublesome. The main reason behind that, was that it was two demons in one, Gyutaro and Daki, and in order to defeat them you had to cut both their heads off at the same time. While Daki was relatively weak, Gyutaro was the complete opposite. He was incredibly powerful and his blood demon art, their special ability, was extremely versatile.

By the time I arrived on the scene, Tanjiro was holding his sister who was a demon at the time. The two had been battling Daki for a while. Nezuko's transformation into her bigger form however, had caused her to go berserk, luckily Tanjiro managed to stop her before she could attack a human."

Nezuko sheepishly smiled in shame hearing that while her brother pat her head.

"As Uzui-san said, I was holding Nezuko back when Daki appeared, walking towards us. Luckily Uzui-san arrived just in time and sliced her head off. It was then that we learnt that Daki wasn't the only demon as she didn't disintegrate despite being beheaded. Sprouting out of her back was Gyutaro who finally revealed his form. Unlike Daki who was a beautiful woman, Gyutaro was a deformed man, so skinny he was practically only bones. Wielding two sickles he unleashed a flurry of attacks that devastated the building."

.

"Are you serious?"

Musashi looked at Alise as like she was crazy.

"Yup, you heard me. Rose wants to get pregnant with Bell's child."

"And you're fine with that?"

Alise smiled just as brightly as she always does and nodded.

"Of course. We can't give Bell the family he needs right now but Rose can. She is neither an adventurer nor member of a Familia. Unlike her we can't get pregnant because we'd end up unable to fight. Rose, however, is now twenty eight and wants to be a mother. So what better choice than to have Bell knock her up?"

"I would've thought you wanted the first child."

"I'm fine with giving birth to the second one."

Kaguya though had a few reservations about this arrangement.

"Are you sure it's a good idea for Bell to be having a child at his age?"

"Well Bell is responsible and mature but it is a lot to be thinking about and I haven't told him yet. That's why it probably won't happen for a while, there are larger issues to be thought about as of right now after all, but I wanted to put it out there that Rose will probably end up getting knocked up soon enough."

Musashi was shocked about this but looking around she could see that only Shinano and Ryuu looked uncomfortable with the idea. Neither Kaguya nor Tsubaki looked displeased and even Artoria just maintained her stoic demeanour despite the news. Akagi on other hand, seemed turned on if anything.

"I can't believe this."

"Oh come on, don't be like that onee-chan. Some day you will be one of the women who ends up carrying his child in her womb."

Musashi's face immediately lit up like a candle, her face now redder than a cherry. The idea was almost blasphemous to her and it ended up making her sputter like crazy. Without the ability to make coherent phrases she simply gave up and shut up, feeding the already wide smug on Akagi's face.

"I'll remember this."

"I know you will. This and many more."

.

Bell had been riding on a rollercoaster of emotions when he heard how the battle between the demon slayers and the two demons went. He could only imagine what he would have felt if he had been in Uzui's place, powerlessly watching as a demon holds your wife by her mouth and gets ready crush her head. What if it had been him? At any moment in the dungeon he could find himself in the same position having to watch as Alise vanishes from his life and he can do nothing about it. Just the thought crushed his soul and heart.

"That's why I'm indebted to Tanjiro. Honestly, I still remember that day as if it was yesterday."

.

-Flashback-

'He vanished?'

Tengen had just finished deflecting all the blood sickles after kicking Tanjiro out of harm's way. Looking around though, he couldn't find any trace of the demon.

"Tengen-sama behind you!"

Hearing the warning he rapidly reacted and dodged the sashes that began attacking him, forming a dome around him. He could barely get her name out before being forced back by one of the sashes that came too close to hitting him.

"I'll draw the belts toward myself! Tengen-sama please don't mind me!"

The woman launched a set of kunai trying to give her husband as much breathing space as possible.

"Go look for the de-"

She never finished the sentence though as a hand roughly caught her mouth. Neither of them had seen Gyutaro moving and it was now too late.

"Well you have a lot of nerves. I'm sure going to mind you, you hear me?"

His annoyed voice was laced with venom and his eyes were wide in anger.

"Hinatsuru!"

Uzui tried pushing forward but with the sashes getting in the way he could not move as getting distracted for just a moment would result in a deadly injury. The belts began moving faster tightening the dome around Uzui until the gaps became smaller and smaller and his eyes could no longer see Hinatsuru.

That's when he had another memory just like the lunch at his family's grave before he had to deflect all the blood sickles. He was watching the plains as it was basked in the red rays of the descending sun. As usual Makio and Suma bickered while Hinatsuru stayed quiet with a smile just like him. Her sudden giggling however, broke up the fight and attracted everyone's attention.

"Tengen-sama, after defeating an upper rank demon … let's withdraw from the frontlines and live as ordinary people. Though we were raised as shinobi, and though it won't bring back the lives we took … we still need to set things right somewhere along the line or else we'll never be able to hold our heads up as long as we live. When that day comes, not all four of us might be alive … but no hard feelings, right?"

It was so out of character of her, but her words rang truer now than ever before. His heart dropped as reality set in and the possibility of that future becoming true drove him to a desperate attempt to save her.

"Leave her alone!"

He could hear the creaking of her bones about to break … that's when in a lightning fast motion a blur weaved forwards leaving behind an arc of water and fire interweaved. It was in the blink of an eye and neither Gyutaro nor Uzui saw or reacted to Tanjiro as he sliced through the hand and swiftly snatched the violet eyed girl from the demon's grasp.

'That was lightning fast. But you're exhausted, you can't do that again.'

Just as the deformed man went after Tanjiro, Uzui now free of the sashes snuck behind aiming for the neck.

"Kamado Tanjiro! You have my gratitude!"

.

The battle that followed was both breath taking as it was terrifying. Bell listened as he felt the excitement of such a fight but also the blood chilling reality of losing those close to you. Moments like those where Inosuke was stabbed through the chest and Tanjiro turned to Uzui to see him on the ground, his hand cut off and his body motionless.

The moment that the entire area was destroyed as glows of pinks foreshadowed the catastrophe to come. Bell was amazed to hear that Tanjiro despite the situation, despite the demon mocking him and breaking his fingers he still tried what he could to give everyone an opportunity to finish off the demon.

At that time Uzui and Inosuke both thought dead, got up and surprised everyone as they swung their blades at Gyutaro and Daki. Together they turned the desperate situation into a hopeful defeat of the demons, but as fate would have it that was not to happen. With the sun rising the two demons turned to running away rather than killing the demon slayers. Shocked, Tanjiro and Uzui gave chase but exhausted they could not catch up to the fleeing demons.

"Unfortunately that meant that Gyutaro and Daki lived."

.

The hours passed until it was late in the evening. The three Familias had all gathered and had just finished dinner when the story reached its climax. Bell, along with the Astraea, Takemikazuchi and Amaterasu Familia who didn't know of the story, carefully listened as the demons attacked the hidden smithing village. How Tanjiro alongside Muichiro, Kanroji, Nezuko and Genya had finally and for the first time killed two upper moons. What came after that, however, was Nezuko's conquering of the sun as a demon and the final battle between them and Muzan.

"When Nezuko conquered the sun all demons suddenly vanished. Knowing that the final battle was looming closer Ubuyashiki-sama decided to sacrifice himself. In order to lure Muzan out and give us a chance to strike him down, he used himself, his wife and the two eldest daughters as bait. Once Muzan stood before him he set off the trap he had prepared and blew up the estate he resided in. All members of the demon slayers saw this and rushed onto the site. Filled with rage and hatred everyone arrived on the battlefield."

"Who is Ubuyashiki?"

Answering him was Tengen who for once showed no flamboyant nature. Holding nothing but respect for the fallen man.

"Ubuyashiki Kagaya was the ninety seventh head of his clan, a clan cursed with an illness because their family had given birth to a demon. Muzan Kibutsuji. Every man in his family never lived past the age of thirty. In order to break this curse they had to slay the demon. He was also the leader of the demon slayer corps and we all respected him greatly. We can never forgive ourselves that despite his sacrifice we could not bring down Muzan."

'Never forgive ourselves?'

Bell's dilemma still plagued his mind but for now he decided to focus on the story that Tanjiro was now continuing.

"Standing by Muzan's side now were only six demons, including Michikatsu-san and Akaza. Seven if you were to count Gyutaro and Daki as two different demons. While Muzan was healing from the explosion that engulfed him, several hashiras as well as Tamayo rushed onto the site and attacked him. Tamayo launched herself at him and like Ubuyashiki-sama she sacrificed herself to hold him in place and weaken him, using the blood demon art of another demon as well as letting Muzan absorb her fist, filled with different poisons.

But just as expected Muzan recovered quickly. No matter how many times you cut off his head he wouldn't die. The only thing that he had not conquered was the sun, which meant that the only way to kill him was to expose him to the sun. Driven by their emotions the demon slayers let Muzan trick everyone to rush him before making us fall into the infinity castle, his base of operations. All demon slayers were trapped inside and separated from each other. Me and Giyu met Akaza. Muichiro, Shinazugawa, Genya and Himejima met Michikatsu."

The two former demons were met with many curious looks from the members of the other Familia, wondering what happened for them to be here.

"To keep things short me and Michikatsu fought them with everything we had, but these battles served to wake us from our delusional states and face reality. After I was defeated by Tanjiro I tried to force myself to rise and defy my own death. That's when I remembered my past and why I became a demon, understanding that continuing down this path was not something I wished.

I sought to reach the peak of martial arts, of strength. But he had defeated me fair and square so I decided to put an end to it and accept my fate. It is then that I remembered that in the first place, the reason I sought strength was to protect my wife. After losing her however, I lost myself in my rage and strayed from the path I promised my father in law and my wife to follow. I should have died that day but Tanjiro's kindness saved me. Eventually with Amaterasu-sama's help I was turned back human.

Michikatsu too similarly to me, got his waking call from his opponents. In the heat of the battle and the wills of his descendant Muichiro, he for the first time saw what he became. A monster. In his jealous pursuit to reach perfection and best Yoriichi in his swordsmanship, he had lost his way."

The silent sibling for the first time since he joined the group spoke up.

"I regret leaving behind my wife and children more than anything else. Without a word I abandoned them to fend for themselves. It is disappointing how it took me three hundred years and a defeat at the hands of my descendant in order for me to realise this. I also regret being responsible for young Sanemi's brother death. While I did eventually see reason, it was too late by then. I had sliced him in half and his demon power was running out. To my great shame, he bled out in front of Sanemi."

There was a sombre silence but he continued as the grey haired man said nothing about his lost sibling.

"The only other thing that I regret is causing my brother to suffer knowing that I turned into what I was because of him. And I could never be more grateful to both him and Amaterasu-sama for forgiving me and allowing me a second chance at life, to be better to be a greater person, worthy of the Familia."

Those listening couldn't help but feel the tears and the smiles at the heart breaking moment.

"However, while me and Akaza betrayed Muzan, we were combat ineffective and Muichiro was severely injured. That still left five strong demons as well as thousands of demons with the strength of a lower moon to deal with. And as fate would have it, one of the new demons that just joined was a disciple of the previous thunder breathing. Regretfully once again, it was I who turned him into a demon. His master, who is also the master of Zenitsu, committed seppuku when he discovered that."

"It is why I made it my own personal goal to avenge my grampa. My heart was filled with a desire to tear him apart. Kaigaku, to me he was an unforgivable person. He betrayed grampa and let him die a painful and agonizing death.

That is why I trained myself until threw up blood. When I met him he had no shred of guilt and he kept selfishly saying he stuck with those that value him right while insulting grampa. It was unlike anything I felt before. A rage unlike any other that drove me to fight him until I took his head."

When Zenitsu finished saying his part, Michikatsu resumed explaining everyone's roles.

"While Zenitsu would deal with Kaigaku, Kanroji and Iguro with the help Yushiro faced off against Biwa, the new upper fourth since Hantengu's death. Shinjuro, Uzui and Sakonji defended the headquarters where Ubuyashiki's eldest son led the operation and Nezuko, who was being turned back into a human, was kept. Shinobu on other hand, engaged Doma, upper two and just before she was about to die she was luckily rescued by the timely arrival of Kanao and Inosuke. Meanwhile, Gyutaro and Daki were finished off by Kyojuro and Kanae.

In the battle that ensued we had miracles and just as many tragedies. None of the pillars died, Shinobu being the closest as she was nearly killed by Doma. It was a miracle, but the tragedy of it was that hundreds of the lower ranked members died. Torn apart and mercilessly slaughtered. With all demons beside Muzan dead the time for the final battle had come. With the death of the Biwa woman the infinity castle fell apart and Muzan forced on the surface.

Our job at that moment was to prevent him from escaping and let the sun destroy him. But we failed. Just before the sun rose the enemy anti-Oda coalition unknowingly aided him. When the castle collapsed, it did not teleport us back at the estate, instead it brought us to Nagoya, a fortress city on the frontlines. Using the distraction of an invading army, he managed to escape much to all of our shock."

However, there was one thing that kept bugging Tanjiro.

"Wait, then what about Yoriichi and Tomoe? Two level sevens could have drastically changed the outcome. Also the Amaterasu Familia had Shinano and the other girls to help no?"

This time it was Amaterasu who answered for Bell.

"Unfortunately for us, war broke out across the Far East just as Nezuko conquered the sun. The enemy coalition also have two level sevens and several level fives in their ranks and with the number of troops they had at their disposal we couldn't spare any more warriors for the fight."

"Did the enemy coalition not know of the existence of demons? Did the not have demon slayers? And couldn't they set aside the war to defeat Muzan, someone who is a threat to both you and them?"

Amaterasu shook her head with a disappointed sigh.

"They know now. After Muzan escaped, he fled into the northern territory which is controlled by the enemy coalition. With everything that he had built destroyed, Muzan began spreading demons through the land again. That is how they came to know of it and have now made a demon slayer division just like us, but so far Muzan remains hidden."

While Bell was just finishing his list of questions for Amaterasu, Michikatsu and Akaza walked up to Takemikazuchi and dove into a dogeza. Everyone around went quiet as Takemikazuchi looked down at them, his face as stoic as the Sword Princess'.

"Me and Akaza … wish to apologize."

"What for?"

There was a moment of silence before Akaza spoke.

"Demons need blood and flesh to feed themselves and grow stronger. The younger a person was the more benefit a demon would get. During the demon outbreak places with many children were commonly attacked and there are no better places than orphanages for such requirements. Many of which you had made and took care of."

Luckily the Hostess had been reserved for the group alone but the people present were horrified when they heard of the extent of the demons' cruelty.

"Many children were killed and mercilessly devoured. And in some cases it was even us ourselves who did so. We are responsible for the demons and for our own actions. What we did is revolting. But we can't undo that, we can neither beg nor expect forgiveness for what we did. Only to make our honest thoughts known to you."

The two didn't dare to look into his eyes, only focusing down on the wooden floor.

"That's it? An apology is all you have to offer?"

The two could feel a tinge of panic but had no idea how to answer the question.

"No that's unacceptable. You have to make up for it."

Without hesitation Michikatsu offered a solution.

"With my life if you deem it the solution."

Needless to say no one uttered a word, both surprised and impressed by the man's determination to make things correct.

"No, that shows and does nothing. It would be no different from you running away from all of this. Is that who you are?"

"N-no."

"I'm neither going to complain nor go into any in depth accusation. So I'll lay it all bare for you, straight to the point so there are no misunderstandings. To me actions speak louder than words. You can't change what you did in the past, that's true, but it doesn't mean you can't make up for it. And you wish to correct your mistakes. To show me this I just want one thing."

"What is it?"

The silence was suffocating for the two men who were bowing down, still not daring to look up. The only sound produced in the room was the wooden creaking as Takemikazuchi straightened himself and leaned back on his chair.

"A promise."

Akaza and Michikatsu raised their heads and with clear confusion they looked up at the God.

"A … promise?"

"That's right. All you can do now is promise me that you will prevent this from happening again. You are now demon slayers and a member of the Amaterasu Familia. It is your duty to protect the people. You can't bring back the dead but you can prevent any more from dying like they did.

You once slaughtered them … now you will be the one who protects them. If you can promise me to give your very life to make they can live peacefully with a smile … that's enough for me. I forgive you. But do not grovel at my feet, carry your swords and show me you mean it."

The two silently took deep breaths, Akaza's eyes stained with tears, before Michikatsu immediately followed by the red haired martial artist bowed down to Takemikazuchi.

"You have our eternal gratitude Takemikazuchi-sama. Thank you. We swear to protect them."

Bell was deep in thought, wondering on the reason and meaning. He could see the troubled faces of the Takemikazuchi Familia members but none of them said anything. Contrarily, Amaterasu smiled warmly, glad to see that her children's hearts no longer weighed heavily on them and that their doubts had been cleared. He'd have to speak to Takemikazuchi, it might help with his current predicament after all.

"Tak-"

"Bell."

Before he could reach Takemikazuchi someone called out to him. Looking to his right he saw that it was Musashi. Seeing her he flinched which was noted by the girl, but the purple haired renard was not here to cause trouble.

"Oda-san."

"Musashi. Call me that. Anyways I wanted to talk to you a little."

"Oh, of course Od-Musashi-san."

"In private."

"Oh well then we can go to the back."

"I was actually thinking about taking a walk around. I hoped you'd be able to join and we could talk in the meanwhile."

"Okay."

The two then left together which was not missed by many. Murakami was also in the pub though contained to a table in the corner. He wanted to stop them or at least follow them to make sure nothing happens but a glare from Sanemi was enough to keep him in place.

"Say, you think Musacchi will get laid, Kaguya?"

"Please Akagi. We know Musashi is not interested in Bell romantically."

"Yet."

"Haa, fine, yet. But she would never make a move for different reasons. Just to mention two: she doesn't love Bell yet and she would never steal him from Shinano."

"Hmm … true."

Shinano despite knowing that what they said was true couldn't help but suspiciously stare. Particularly after the talk the girls just had. What if hearing all that awakened something in Musashi and now she was getting the jump on her, stealing him under her nose?

Shinano however, shook her head. That was not who her sister was but more importantly she was confuse by her own behaviour. She was so different from what she used to be. She used to be a dream weaver, poetic and almost stoic like Artoria.

But over the past few years she gradually changed, as the possibility of another nine tailed renard like her existing became more and more concrete. It also didn't help that Akagi was a bad influence on her romantic life. Soon she became desperate to find her desired lover. And now that she met Bell, she was hopeful that confessing to him would help her settle back into the personality she knew and was used to.

.

Musashi and Bell were walking in the dark street of Orario in complete silence. The lights from the lamp posts flickered as Bell glanced to his right. Her beautiful face emotionless as she looked forward and walked next to him.

The boy didn't know what to expect or say and wasn't confident enough to be the one breaking the ice. Luckily he didn't need to worry about that as Musashi decided to speak up after they had gotten far enough from the pub.

"I apologize for the sudden request."

"O-Oh, no. There's no problem. But what exactly … did you want to talk about?"

Bell was suddenly pushed against a wall as Musashi pinned him between her arms, her chest dangerously close to his own. Bell squeaked and was about to ask what she was doing but when she called his name, he noticed her tone was serious and her eyes had no playfulness to them.

"I just need to know. Do you really love my sister?"

The seriousness did help Bell drop his blush and when it came to other people's emotions Bell always took it upon himself to be honest and determined so that they didn't think it wasn't genuine.

"I don't."

To say the answer baffled her was an understatement.

"But don't mistake this as me leading her on. I like her yes. She is beautiful both in and out. She is kind and earnest but also considerate. However, I don't throw the word love around carelessly nor the word beautiful as a matter of fact. You earn them and Shinano showed that her personality is just as beautiful as her appearance. But I can't say I love her.

That is something I can only say to Alise, Tsubaki and Kaguya. So far I haven't even told Artoria yet. The reason I haven't asked her to by my girlfriend is because I feel like I'd be taking advantage of her. I suppose it is her first time feeling these emotions and I wouldn't want her to be too impulsive with them, but I wouldn't deny her if she were to ask me. Because I know she would have at least thought about them enough for her to be sure of her feelings and that we can work towards a relationship where I can confidently say I love her.

My relationships so far have progressed very rapidly particularly with Alise. Artoria is the only one who is progressing slowly, having only gone as far as hugging her so far, and I feel like a rapid development wouldn't be good for neither me nor Shinano. Rather with her I think the same approach I have with Artoria would be better suited and I intend to slowly work to that point. Does this answer your question?"

It was not what she expected. No it couldn't be further from her imagination from what she thought he'd say, but it wasn't bad. Quite the contrary, this was a far better response than she had ever predicted and it made her happy that he was taking not only hers but his own feelings in consideration so as to give her sister the best possible experience. With that she had no doubt left.

"Yes, it does Bell."

For the first time since he had met her, the girl genuinely smiled, replacing what was usually a frown, scowl or a stoic look.

"Sorry about this Bell. I love my little sister and I care a lot for her. She is an amazing person who is kind and considerate just like you said. Just like an older sister for everyone. So when she crushes on someone I only expect the best for her, someone who matches her. Extraordinary in both nature and action. And allow me to say right now that there is no better person in my mind than you."

He let a serene smile escape as he thanked her for her support.

"Thank you Musashi."

But as usual fate had to intervene in order for the next event to happen.

"Oh what is this? Is the princess getting naughty with a stranger on the street? Damn, see guys? I always knew she was a huge slut!"

Musashi snapped her head to the newcomer's voice and growled but her eyes showed surprise at his presence.

"Hidemitsu? What are you doing here? You should be rotting in prison. And perish the thought, this one is my sister's future boyfriend."

"As a member of the Akechi clan I will restore our honour by taking you. As for your little renard there, it's hard to believe that when you're pinning him against the wall, but that's good cause I'd have felt a little peeved if someone took my girl."

Musashi, who had brought her tachi with her, now gripped its hilt.

"Your girl? Keep dreaming!"

"Oh you will be very soon. You'll be begging for me and the boys here to fill you up until you faint, if you catch my drift."

Musashi growled ferally and unsheathed her tachi. Bell didn't know what was going on but he'd help her first ask questions later. Surrounding them was at least two dozen men all of whom must have been between level one and two.

The first to act was Musashi, swinging her blade at one of the attackers, slashing them across the chest, though not deep enough to kill them. While the purple haired renard fought them Bell began chanting his shortest spell and just as he was going to cast it, the leader launched what looked like a scent bag at Musashi.

The princess felt the effects immediately, as a warmth spread through her and she felt her heartbeat ringing in her ears. She began huffing and her focus began to waver. The men smirked as their opportunity was nearing but faded soon enough as the glow from Bell's magic circle was now bright enough for everyone to notice. Tendrils of ice shot out and clasped on everyone freezing them into human icicles. As soon as everyone was trapped Bell and Musashi ran off, leaving them behind.

"Are you okay Musashi?"

"…"

"Musashi?"

He could see her panting and the moment he touched her shoulder her whole body jerked.

"B-Bell?"

"What's the matter?"

"It's … I'm not feeling good."

"We should head back to the Hostess."

"No!"

The sudden shout surprised Bell but he patiently waited for her to calm down. It seemed like she was thinking about something for a moment before setting for a decision.

"Sorry Bell, I don't want to go back right now. I can't go there like this and I honestly don't think I'll make it there. Is there an inn somewhere here?"

Lending her a shoulder he began guiding her.

"Uh yeah. Follow me."

.

The two found themselves in a room they had rented for the night. It had a bathroom, a desk and a single bed large enough for two people. But Bell didn't notice that as he worriedly set Musashi down on the bed. He was looking around the room to see if there was anything he could use to help her and missed the hazy and lustful look in her eyes. Before he could react the girl wrapped her arms around his neck and dragged him down on the bed.

"Wah?! Musashi?!"

The violet haired woman now sat on top of him, straddling his hips. Her hands slowly explored his chest, her body heaving as she panted heavily. Musashi leaned down until she pressed her massive breasts on Bell, her face inches from his.

"Musashi what are you doing?!"

"I'm sorry Bell. I really am. But I can't help it right now. I can't contain myself any longer."

"What happened? Is this about the bag they threw at you?"

"Yes. In the Far East there is a flower called the Higanbana which is known across the world with many names like the red spider lily, lycoris radiata, equinox flower and so on. What not many know is that it has an incredibly powerful aphrodisiac effect on renards. Imagine the strongest aphrodisiac you could buy in the Pleasure Quarter but a hundred times stronger. The issue is that if the sexual desire is not sated it won't stop. It doesn't go away after a certain amount of time, instead it only grows."

"T-then wait a minute, I'll ask Amaterasu-sama to fetch your-"

"Boyfriend? I have no one like that. Right now you're the only one I can ask Bell~ That's why I asked for a room. For the two of us. I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't trust you Bell~"

The white haired renard could see the hearts in her eyes as she spoke sultrily.

"This isn't only about trust-"

"I also like you to a certain degree. Though I don't love you or have romantic feelings that is only for now, we can change that. The only reason I wasn't interested in you romantically was because of my sister. You're handsome and brave. A hero. Everything I could want, but don't worry about your girlfriends, I'll take responsibility for this mess."

"But I can't do that. Not unless they consent to this."

"Sorry Bell but that can't do. As I said, don't worry, I'll tell them in great detail how I seduced you and made you breed me~"

The word sent a shiver down his back but something about all of this felt weird. He felt oddly warm as well, his resistance to her slowly crumbling.

"If you don't want this just push me away. Stop me. Shove me away. Anything."

She slowly inched closer as she spoke, her lips just hovering over his but seeing, or rather hearing, that he didn't react she felt herself smirk before pressing down. Her lips found Bell's soft pair, rapidly getting more heated as she inserted her tongue. With heavy pants she grasped his hand massaging his ear with her other free one drawing cute mewls out of the white haired boy.

"I'm sorry Bell, I forgot to mention that when female renards are in heat and extremely horny we emit pheromones that heavily affect male renards. They turn you on, like an aphrodisiac. And the same goes for my saliva. By staying in the same room as me and letting me kiss you have pretty much doomed yourself."

"But … we shouldn't."

-Lemon Warning-

Musashi suddenly pushed herself up and with one swift motion her clothes slipped off, leaving her gorgeous naked body to be took in by Bell. She got off Bell and turned away from him. Mesmerized he couldn't look away as she showed her back to him, her large plump ass jiggling with each motion, her wide hips swaying with each movement. Every aspect and ratio of her body was just perfect. She was like a Goddess and possibly one of, if not the most beautiful, girl he had ever seen, though Alise was the only other girl he had seen naked.

"You say we shouldn't~ But do you not want to?"

"It's not that."

"Do you not like me? You don't think I'm beautiful? Am I not to your tastes?"

"Y-You are … but-"

"Then I see no reason to deny me Bell~ But I'll leave that choice to you, if you don't want just walk away."

As she says that, she bent forwards and got on all fours putting on display her wonderful ass for Bell to see. His breath hitched and knew he was rapidly losing this war of attrition. It only cemented his defeat when Musashi then laid her chest down while pushing her ass up in the air.

Bell had a magnificent view of her spread legs leading to her moist pussy and her fat ass but what turned him even more was the way he could admire as her body leaned down and led to a valley between her enormous boobs, which were squished against the mattress. Seeing as his attention was fully on her she played her last card, knowing she was in for a world of pleasure. The princess spread her legs further apart and with her slender fingers she opened up her flower for him to see, gently wiggling her ass to invite him in.

"Bell~ Please punish this naughty vixen and stuff me with your cock~ Please fill me with your cum and breed me~"

She couldn't see him but she heard the ruffling of clothes and felt the shift in weight. The violet tailed fox felt herself smile as she anticipated the feeling of his dick spreading her virgin flower. That's when it occurred to her that despite her horny state, she should ask him to be gentle as it's her first time.

"Bell please be genTLE~"

Halfway through the last word she felt his meaty warm dick spreading her insides. It wasn't slow, gentle or considerate. No, in one rough and fast motion he pierced into her, tearing her hymen and splitting her virginal insides until it he shoved himself all the way to her cervix, kissing the entrance to her womb.

In her delirious state she didn't feel any of the pain but instead felt a million times the pleasure, turning her request into a lustful moan filled with euphoria. Her face went from a smile to a face broken with glee. Her eyes rolled back and her tongue lolled out as she almost lost consciousness with a single thrust from his rough treatment. Her cum dripped around his shaft as the single push had brought her to orgasm.

Soon he began pulling back before pushing all the way forward and hitting her entrance harder. Then again and again, each time harder and faster and each time her sense of reason lost more and more. One of his hand grabbed her ears while the other captured the base of her tail sending her straight to heaven.

Bell knew she was aware of his nine tails so he didn't bother hiding them instead using them to its full potential. One of them pulled on her own tail, the others tightened their hold around her ass, thighs and boobs, caressing her with a softness she had never experienced while violently spearing her insides.

"What are you Musashi?"

His voice was low and aggressive, growling as he spoke pushing all the buttons in her mind. Unknown even to herself the woman had a massive kink for breeding, domination and degradation. She felt her heart skip a beat and without even thinking she instinctively answered.

"I'm your slutty princess! Your little renard bitch! Your royal cum dumpster!"

"Always?"

"Forever! Anywhere! Anytime! I'll drop my panties and get on all four when you command me to master!"

"Are you ready to be broken?"

She enthusiastically nodded before her face was tilted up as Bell pulled back on her ears. Aggressively kissing her, he stopped his thrusts and pulled back all the way until it was only the very tip of his head inside her.

Tightening his grip on her ears and her tail, he gathered all of his strength and plunged into her like he had done with Alise, breaking open her cervix without resistance and smacking the top of her womb. And yet again she came from the feeling of his cock invading a place that he shouldn't be able to, only now realising how demonically massive he was.

And so he continued thrusting into her as her back arched so that her face could meet his in a passionate exchange of spit. He sped up even further until each thrust made her ass ripple and the bed creaked under their weight.

The room was drowned with the sound of his hips slamming into Musashi and her throaty erotic moans. He gave no warning as he forced himself forwards into her and dropped a torrent of warm cum into her womb, filling her to the brim. Moaning into his mouth she reached cloud nine before falling sprawled out onto the bed sheets panting heavily.

'Master broke ME! I awoke a monster! No a God!'

She was in the midst of a delirious recovery when suddenly her slit was spread and his massive rod once again spread her and entered her. She had no time to rest as his body was on top of hers and smacking lewdly against her, his hands groping her tits. Feeling them in his hands he immediately noticed how they were massively bigger and infinitely softer than Alise's, no offense to her he loved her just the way she was.

Right now however, he could only see and think of Musashi, filling her as much as possible until she was ten times pregnant with his child. Both their minds were hazy and clouded with lust. Nothing but lust and all the desires they wished to fulfil. To fuck her silly, to be bred, to love each other until morning.

Musashi's moans and squeals of pure joy only making him rut faster until he was once again dumping a load that could get five girls pregnant into her womb, his abs smothering her soft ass cheeks and her lips lasciviously sucking his tongue.

Spinning her around, his hard cock never leaving the confines of her pussy, he began making love to her again. Then he again, but holding her in a full nelson with his tails, then again in a mating press and then in reverse cowgirl. The two experimented all kinds of positions. Against the wall, bent over the desk and in the shower. But their favourite had to be rough doggy style, as six or seven times Musashi found herself on all fours, her hair, arms and tail being pulled as his meaty cock spread her from behind.

Filling her up he then had his tails pull on hers again turning on Musashi even more, her pants growing more and more laboured. His fluffy limbs spread her legs and lifted her leaving her ass suspended midair. Seeing the vulnerable flower he got to his feet pushed himself into her once again. Her womb filled with both his and her cum, the juicy mixture got pushed further inside as he impaled her with his massive dick once again.

In the next hours Musashi had long forgotten how many times she came and how many times Bell creampied her, not that it mattered as she was sure that he filled her womb at least a dozen times and came enough times to cover her body from head to toe another five.

Her hair now a mix of purple and white, her pussy permanently leaking cum and her insides dyed white. She could only smell his cum, see his perfectly toned body and her bloated belly and hear his and her moans. Considering the effects of the flower and her own pheromones she worried that she'd come out of this passionate encounter already pregnant, or perhaps dream about it?

She was so intoxicated she couldn't tell the difference between day and night, not that it mattered to her. She enjoyed feeling Bell's cock conquering her womb just like now as he pushed her against the wall slamming into her from behind. So they continued without a care in the world. She'd worry about the consequences the next day.

.

It was only about midday that the two finally regained consciousness. After they had been crazily fucking each other until the hour before. Musashi, having checked the time when she and Bell had left the Hostess the day before, realised the two had been fucking constantly for more than twelve hours.

'Holy Amaterasu.'

When realisation set in she was left speechless and naked next to a sleeping Bell. Looking down her body was clearly painted with his cum and her belly was still bloated, she could feel the cum oozing out of her abused flower. When she moved to get up however, she also noticed that her ass hurt, her legs shivered uncontrollably and she couldn't feel either her arms or jaw. Even her tail was limp and she couldn't move it around with only her ears twitching but feeling very wet, slick with semen and saliva.

It was then that all the memories from the day before and today came rushing in. All the different positions and kinks they experimented. The way he gently run his hands and tails over her body or how he nibbled onto her ears and how it rapidly turned into him savagely breaking her mind. Her face flushed as she remembered the way she moaned and squealed his name. The way she submissively begged to be bred or admitted to be his slutty princess and a bitch for his cock, shaking her ass before he took her.

'He even put it inside my ass and my mouth!'

"Kyun!"

The sudden squeal told her that Bell was awake and he too embarrassed from what had occurred up until an hour ago. The look of shock as he turned to Musashi was honestly adorable but she probably shouldn't say that now.

"Um so yeah, that happened. How are you feeling Bell?"

"I'm feeling a lot of things some which are not positive."

"Right."

"Musashi? What is the chance you are pregnant?"

"Umm … I don't know. Normally renards have like a point one percent chance to get pregnant, kind of the reason why there aren't many of us. But in a state of heat and the effect of the flower, it goes up to seventy percent. The issue is that yesterday was completely abnormal. First of all we did it … too many times and secondly you are … some kind of breeding machine because the amount you unleash when you cum is just … unholy!"

Bell blushed hearing that, then again he had never before went crazy like this. He did go overboard with Alise but even then he probably only orgasmed half the times he did with Musashi. The biggest problem right now was how they'd explain this to the others.

"Bell, the best chance we have is to just tell them honestly. I'll take responsibility for it. It was my fault."

"But-"

"No buts. Now please help me. I need you to carry me and wash me because you broke my body … and try not to get horny again, after yesterday I don't think I can handle any more."

Blushing he did as asked and carried her to the bathroom where he carefully and gently washed her off. Though that backfired due to the lingering feelings remained. It led to a quick romp in the shower, luckily they didn't spiral out of control instead going for a slow and gentle love making round. After that, nothing happened other than the occasional blushes from the memories of their time together.

.

"What is all this about?"

Amaterasu looked at Musashi and Bell who sat seiza style before the Goddess. She had greeted them with a 'welcome back, about time you showed up, where did you two go?' only for them to request everyone to be present, though she did notice the unusual blushes and closeness of the two.

Murakami was also present much to everyone's dismay, apparently Amaterasu wanted him to be there, cause they all understood that whatever they were going to hear was going to be a shocker for everyone and the noble might just flat out die from emotional overload, which many hoped for.

"Bell needs to apologize to his girlfriends while I need to apologize to Bell, his girlfriends and Shinano."

"Why?"

"I-I … I forced myself on Bell!"

Astraea and Amaterasu were sipping on tea when she blurted that out and were now spraying it on the table. The room exploded with reactions, the only remaining calm being Michikatsu. Even Giyu, Yoriihi, Inosuke and Akaza who normally wouldn't think it was such a big deal couldn't help but be surprised at the turn of events considering the members involved.

"Damn Musacchi I didn't expect you to actually do that. And here I thought I was the lewdest of the family."

"Akagi shut your mouth!"

Bell panicked and immediately stopped Musashi, grabbing her hand in an awfully affectionate way as many noted.

"Wait! Explain! Explain Musashi! Explain the circumstances before saying you forced yourself on me, which you didn't exactly."

The sun Goddess wiped herself with a napkin before nodding.

"Y-Yeah, Bell's right. That first Musashi. I'm sure there is a reason."

So she explained everything that happened yesterday from the moment they left to the moment where things got a little too steamy and out of control. Most blamed it on the assailants, which Amaterasu and Ganesha swore to send out their members to catch them, saying there was nothing to be done but some others were still fuming. Murakami and Zenitsu wanted to skin the white haired renard while Shinano looked at her sister with a furious pout. She wasn't amused from the story, particularly as she could pretty much deduce the fact that the two of them had sex for well over ten hours.

"So that's why you need to apologize? For having sex with Bell, to the girls while Bell you're apologizing for umm … betraying them?"

"Yes, I didn't tell them and I feel like I cheated on them!"

The four girlfriends smiled and surrounded him before hugging him tightly.

"It's fine. Besides you know I would have given you the green light anyway. Heck, you made me proud Bell, you bedded another princess!"

"Alise!"

Bell knew that of course but it didn't make it right to him.

"Assuming and knowing are different Alise and while you were probably okay with it I don't know about Tsubaki, Kaguya and Artoria."

But the other three just reassured him with head pats, telling him that it was fine and they weren't mad. If anything they were glad it was with Musashi and not a random girl. If it had been with a stranger they'd be furious, with the woman not with Bell mind you.

"I apologize for forcing Bell into this."

Alise turned to Musashi and as expected she smirked.

"It's fine, it's fine. But man, I bet you enjoyed getting absolutely railed huh?"

Musashi blushed like a tomato but she did not deny that she did indeed enjoy being loved by Bell, much to the dismay of a few people there.

"ALISE!"

Everyone reprimanded the captain who simply laughed it off.

"But what now?"

Musashi looked to Alise for answers.

"What now? I don't know. To me and the girls the decision lies with you, Bell and Amaterasu since she is your Goddess. Whether you want to shove this under the rug and pretend it never happened, kinda hard considering how much you two did it and clearly enjoyed, or you two can choose to take responsibility for each other and much to our pleasure join our little yet growing polyamory."

Musashi looked to the Goddess who raised her hands to stop her from even starting a rant.

"Musashi while I am your Goddess, what you do with your love life is yours to choose. As long as you are happy I will fully support you, the question now is what you and Bell will do from here."

Bell too nodded before turning to Musashi with as gentle of a smile as he could produce.

"I'm happy with whatever you want Musashi, whether you want to be girlfriend or not I-I will do my best for you. Though the circumstances were extreme I'll take responsibility for yesterday. And h-honestly I would prefer i-if you chose to be m-my g-g-girlfriend."

Musashi felt her heart swelling but there was one last person she wanted to face, no needed to face. Taking a deep breath she turned to Shinano, slowly looking up into her eyes, but the cold glare made her lose all the courage she had built her ears and tail falling flat. Shinano knowing it was her turn walked forwards until she was just a step away.

"I-I'm sorry Shinano. It's not Bell's fault, I asked him. If you need to then blame me just don't hate me. I-"

Shinano felt her anger disappear seeing how much it affected her sister. It broke her heart at the sight and kneeled down to grab her hands, gently enveloping them in her own. She couldn't help but feel ashamed and mad at herself for her selfishness. No matter how upset she was she didn't blame neither of the two renards.

"Musashi … it is true that I am upset. You know very well that I liked Bell and yet you let this happen. But I know even better that you didn't really have a choice, well you did and you picked the person you liked the most there is nothing wrong with that. The reason why I'm upset is mostly because I'm being petty and the rest is because I'm angry at myself. Angry because I felt betrayed by you … but I know you aren't that kind of person.

You know more than anyone that I would never hold it against Bell, but what you should know even better is that I could never hate you. You are my beloved onee-chan, the one who always cared for me. No matter what you do I could never find it in my heart to hate you. I love you and you are an irreplaceable person. Did all that time we spent together mean nothing to you?"

Her eyes widened in horror as she clasped her hands tightly in her own, desperately denying it.

"Of course not! Shi-"

With a hug she silenced her plea and rubbed circles on her back.

"I know … sorry I shouldn't have said it like that. I'm just saying that you shouldn't mind me. Just tell Bell what you really want. I'll support you regardless. Besides, as Alise said there is space for more, though I will admit I'm a little miffed that you stole the lead that doesn't mean I can't love him alongside you."

She spoke softly, whispering the last sentence in her ear so that the others couldn't hear before pulling back. Musashi felt glad that Shinano didn't hate her and with no one else to apologize to she turned to Bell. She calmed herself and with the most confident and resolute answer she could muster she gave her final answer.

"Bell … I-I want to continue this r-r-relationship … and start p-properly … will you let me be … your g-girlfriend?"

The confidence had rapidly crumbled as she was left a blushing mess, luckily though she managed to get everything out coherently. With a blush of his own Bell smiled and took her hand before accepting her feelings.

Some people like Zenitsu and Murakami felt the veins in their head popping though one in more of a harmless rage at the injustice of the situation, while the other felt a venomous hatred for the boy who had made love to one of the princesses but also stole the heart of two more as confirmed by Shinano and Akagi themselves. Then there was Ryuu who bristled with jealousy as her crush was stolen right under her nose from the most unsuspecting person. Akagi too was baffled by the situation.

'Damn Musacchi, though I have to compliment her for going that far.'

'That vixen stole the lead!'

That's when Alise remembered something and whispered in the violet haired girl's ear.

"Um, Musashi did you take the tea to prevent a pregnancy?"

The girl in question stayed quiet telling the captain all she needed.

"Did you get all his … um, well … seeds … out of you?"

"N-No, I can as a matter of fact … still feel the warmth … in my w-w-womb. Like a l-lot."

Picking the embarrassed girl up by the arm, she quickly excused herself.

"Sorry Amaterasu-sama I'll just borrow Musashi for a quick moment."

Just like that the two were gone much to the confusion of everyone else other than Riveria who could pretty much guess what it was about. While everyone was calming down after Musashi suddenly dropped that bomb on the group, Bell signalled Takemikazuchi and left the establishment.

He waited outside before a couple of seconds later the God of War came out. Bell turned and was met with a warm smile from the man. With jerk of the head the God invited Bell to take a walk knowing that Bell needed to talk about something important.

"Thank you Take."

"No problem Bell. As your God all I can provide is support and some cases that support is mental, not physical. Just try not to go around bedding every girl you see. Don't go jumping on Mikoto."

"Take!"

"Haha, sorry, with what happened I couldn't help it. So … what's been troubling you?"

The eastern man had noticed how Bell was often out of it, looking to be deep in thought, something that was out of character for the renard.

"Well recently I told Alise about my connection to the Zeus and Hera Familia."

Takemikazuchi immediately understood the seriousness of the situation but at the same time he was glad there was someone he could trust with such a secret.

"Ever since then I've been wondering what to do about the Loki and Hera Familia. And something that's been swimming around my head was whether or not I could forgive them. What is forgiveness? Who deserves it? How do I know who I should forgive? Recently Alise explained her own interpretation saying there were many different meanings. I am also remembering something Zeus told me though I can't quite remember clearly. All these … feelings and … decisions have been … confusing me?"

Takemikazuchi smiled and patted his head.

"Hmm … I see. You've been having a hard time, haven't you? Like Alise said, sometimes I forget you are fourteen. I guess you want to know why I forgave Akaza and Michikatsu? And what are my thoughts on Loki and Freya?"

"Yes."

"Allow me to start by saying that my wisdom when it comes to feelings and emotions isn't the best. I am after all a God of war not justice or sentiments. But if you were to ask me why I forgave them … I'd say that it's mostly because I can't blame them for their actions. I know they didn't become demons because they wanted to.

Most demons become such creatures due to a tragic backstory. Akaza was consumed from rage when his opponents, who couldn't defeat him, petty and cowardly went after his fiancée, killing her by poisoning the water in the well. Meanwhile Michikatsu was filled with envy for Yoriichi's superb talent with his blade. In the end, these emotions led them down dark paths and before they knew it … they had lost their humanity to them.

Perhaps it's because I'm a God and my perception is different. But just like any other human I have experienced such emotions. I know how it feels … the only difference is that we are eternal. Us Gods have a long time to sort out our thoughts and have gained countless experience to the point we sometime become desensitized to your own suffering.

Make no mistake I felt an unbridled rage at the death of the children … but at any turn any of the orphans could have been in their place. Homeless and abused, they could have become corrupt with rage and hatred for the human race and become the very same demons that once wreaked havoc through the Far East.

But you must remember one thing Bell. People are emotional beings who act on said feelings. It is simply in their nature and sometimes these emotions get out of control. You too hold an unreserved hatred for Loki and Freya. All I can say is that before you make a decision you should learn more about the two Goddesses, learn how they feel about those events. What do they truly think?

Though I can't speak for Freya I want you to speak a little with Loki, there is more to her than meets the eye … and you might be surprised from what you discover. It could change how you perceive her. But in the end the decision is up to you and you alone. Only you can make that decision. Forgiveness is a virtue of temperance … it requires strength. One you can only find in your heart Bell. But you will only find it if you believe in it."

The two had stopped walking long ago and stared at the clouds as they calmly sailed the bright blue sky. Once Takemikazuchi finished his monologue only the bustling sounds of the city remained. The God, however, did not mind as he knew the young boy was wrapping his head around what he had told him. He knew it was a lot to take in, he only hoped it cast a little light on his current dilemma.

"Takemikazuchi-sama … thank you."

The divine being saw the smile and couldn't help but remember some of the children who were no longer here.

"Take?"

A few tears ran down his face, surprising Bell. The God had always been charismatic and supportive but he too forgot, that just as he mentioned, a divine being still felt emotions.

"Sorry … you just reminded some of those children."

"It really shows you took care of the orphanages."

"It does?"

Bell gingerly nodded like an excited child his smile soon turning distant yet happy.

"I never met my parents but … with you I can somewhat understand how it feels … to have a father that is. You are always there for us … caring for us … teaching and training us. So for all that … thank you, I will forever be grateful."

Takemikazuchi couldn't be happier to hear that. Bell was confirming that he had succeeded in his goal. To provide a welcoming home and a caring family for those who didn't have one. He couldn't stop the tears that escaped his eyes.

"Thank you Bell, it means a lot for me to hear that."

.

Alise had just got back after getting Musashi a check-up from Airmid, though there was no way to tell as of right now, with the dose of the tea given to her the chances of a pregnancy should be zeroed. The problem the red haired captain faced now were two miffed women. Then again, seeing as their new member had just stolen the lead it wasn't surprising really.

"So much for not liking Bell romantically eh? Musacchi onee-chan?"

Musashi felt a vein pop at the smug smile that her little sister looked at her with, but she couldn't deny it.

"Ugh … I guess … that went out of the window after what happened … earlier."

"Tell me, tell me. How is he in bed?"

"He … is a monster."

She focused on nothing other than the table in front of her while her cheeks blushed furiously.

"Man how long did you two go at it? A couple hours?"

Feeling her heart explode at the memory of his loving passion she hesitantly admitted how long they went for.

"M-m-m-m-more than t-t-t-twelve h-hours."

It was barely a whisper but all the girls there heard it loud and clear. Their eyes were as wide as the plates with which they ate lunch as they heard the ludicrous amount of time the two had went at it.

"Damn, even I haven't done it with Bell for that long."

Alise bit her thumb as she thought back to all their nights together.

"I'm not going to lie. Despite what I said, I have to admit that I am a little jealous of Musashi."

Tsubaki nodded, agreeing with Kaguya.

"Should we ask Bell?"

"Now wait a second girls. I get you want to have sex with Bell but you should check if you're ready for that kind of thing."

Kaguya turned to her but her expression showed she was not amused with her suggestion.

"Easy for you to say, you got laid several times captain."

Alise could feel the frustration in her voice at this point.

"Ugh. That is true but that's not the point. What I'm getting at is that it's quite the leap in a relationship. You should make sure to see if you're ready so that you don't end up going too fast and possibly regretting it. Besides, look at it like this. Now that the tournament is suspended you have four days to figure it out. Well, three cause I feel like Musashi also needs a day with Bell … and during these four days I'll back off so you girls can have your time with him."

Considering how attached the two had been in the past weeks it came as a surprise to everyone. At the same time it wasn't too much of a shock to Kaguya. Despite Alise's … quirkiness she had always acted like a big sister to her Familia. She could only guess that it was being brought over to the polyamory.

"Are you sure about that?"

"I'll be fine Tsubaki. I can live without him for four days, besides he's still going to come back to me for the night anyways. So I'll get to cuddle him then."

Though Artoria was not ready to advance to that stage of the relationship she did want a date or two. She hadn't really gotten the chance to develop their relationship and she didn't know much about him. She saw plenty of what kind of person he was, but she wanted to know more about his history and what kind of things he liked and didn't like.

Besides, though she was not ready to make love to him, that didn't mean she didn't want to kiss him like the others did and get closer not only physically but mentally. With that in mind they planned their dates with each one of the three getting an entire day in the upcoming break while unanimously agreeing to let Musashi have him for the remaining half of today.

.

Bell and Takemikazuchi had just returned to the Hostess but just as the renard took one step in Zenitsu was instantly on him, homing in on his position. His face showed an untold promise of pain and curses. The rising hero could only smile sheepishly knowing what this was all about. He opened his mouth to start complaining only for Inosuke to come in and smack him harshly on the back of the head with the hilt of his sword.

"Don't worry! The great Inosuke is here to save you Matsuri!"

"Matsuri?"

Luckily Tanjiro who was used to his antiques could easily decipher his mistake.

"Inosuke … it's Katsuki not Matsuri."

"Meh, same thing. From now on I shall call you white fluff."

Bell was too confused and simply nodded. He didn't think he'd have the energy to argue with him. He could feel the guy was very persistent and stubborn. Much to his relief, Musashi came to his rescue, though he couldn't help but notice how furious Murakami looked.

"Bell … it might be weird … after all we did skip a few steps … scratch that, all the steps … but w-will you go on a … d-date with me?"

It took a moment but he immediately nodded when he understood her request.

"Of course, you want to go now?"

"Yes thank you."

.

The pair of renards walked side by side down the main street. Musashi glanced at Bell who was enjoying the city's lively atmosphere. Her eyes then moved down to his hand and then back to his tail. Shyly she slowly inched closer until her hand grazed hers. She was hesitating, not knowing whether or not to go for it when Bell's fingers gently interlaced with her own, his tail in the meanwhile was gingerly wrapping around her own.

She felt herself smile at that before returning the gesture and tightening her grip on Bell. Hands in hands the two resumed walking down the main street, drawing much attention to themselves. To the princess however, it didn't matter. She loved feeling Bell's warmth and though the bliss she felt right now was very different than the one from last night, she was really enjoying this feeling called love.

"Thank you Bell."

"Hm? For what?"

"For going along with my selfish wishes."

"It's not selfish to want to be loved, at least I don't think so."

Leaning onto the renard she smiled. She had never loved someone romantically and had always denied any attractions to Bell … but she had to admit that it was a very pleasant feeling. In a way she was glad that she had been attacked that night otherwise she wouldn't have discovered the beauty that was love.

Feeling all of a sudden giddy she let go of his hand but tightly gripped his tail with her own and ran forward. To a human couple the way they held hands, or tails really, might have been a weird and foreign scene, while other beast people would understand it better albeit feel jealous. After all, not all races had long fluffy tails to hold their lover with. Poor hume bunnies had it worse than anyone else.

"Bell wh-"

A loud rumbling that originated from Musashi shook the earth. Silence followed right after the sound died down, but the look from Bell caused her to blush like a tomato. The adventurer couldn't help but give into his giggles much to her shame, who could only give him a slap on the shoulder, not that it silenced his endless mirth.

"Bell you meanie."

"Hehe, sorry you just looked really cute."

Though already red, his comment managed to darken her blush by a few shades. It took her a moment to calm down and when she finally looked up it was only because she felt a weak tug at her tail.

"Come on there is a crepe stand there, why not buy one?"

With a shy nod she followed as her lover led her to the place that would absolve her of the embarrassment that her hunger was. The vendor who by now had seen Bell with his girlfriends multiple times but didn't quite recognize Musashi smiled knowingly.

"Another poor girl who fell to your charms?"

Both blushed but nodded confirming his suspicion, which brought a brighter and wider smile. It was always endearing seeing Bell with his girlfriends. The romantic atmosphere the couple gave was quite the pleasant feeling, but it also did mean more customers. Sue him, but he did like the sound of the profit and he'd do his best to support Bell. He too initially was sceptical by the idea of polyamory, but having gotten to know Bell and seeing how happy they were, who was he to stop them?

"Here you go Bell, a special set for your girlfriend!"

"Thanks as always David."

"No problem. Just keep bringing me more customers and I'll do my best."

With a chuckle he nodded before returning his attention fully to the fluffy girlfriend who was busy nibbling on the dessert like a cute bunny. Without thinking about it he began patting her head slowly rubbing hair and ears. Musashi blushed but silently enjoyed, shown by her twitchy ears, his touch while eating.

The problem, however, arose only a couple of minutes later. While Bell was enjoying the moment, Musashi was suddenly having a hard time enjoying anything. Perhaps it was the red spider lily's lingering effect or maybe an instinct or a need that was awakened after their union but she currently struggled with a heat building up inside her, rather than inside, it was around her lower back.

"Are you okay?"

Bell had noticed the way she was distracted, her breaths laboured and her ears twitchy.

"I-I'm fine."

Safe to say the closer Bell got, the harder it was for her to focus and hold back. The moment his tail touched hers though, was the moment she gave up. Her eyes darted to the right spotting a very dark alley. She grabbed Bell's wrist and made a beeline for the alley much to the surprise of Bell. The alley they took went into an intersection which the girl followed deeper into until they reached a dead end. It was safe from the eye of any passerby but close enough to be in earshot of the two adjacent streets.

Musashi faced the wall, not knowing how to explain this situation to Bell nor feeling it in herself to look into his eyes. How could she explain to him that she was feeling horny without making it weird? Unknowingly, while in her mental conflict, her tail had been wrapping around and rubbing her partner's leg which gave enough of a hint to Bell. But as a very horny renard she had forgotten that she would begin emitting a strong pheromone that attracted Bell.

-Lemon Warning-

"Hyah?!"

Musashi yelped when she felt something spreading her tight insides. Something long, warm, hard … and very familiar. Once again her eyes rolled back and her breath became heavily laboured at the simple yet powerful pleasure that the meaty rod was giving her.

Bell had moved behind her without a word or sound, staring at her alluring hips. He undid his pants but it was Musashi's tail that pulled them down, letting his erection spring free. While she herself was lost in her mind, Bell had put his hands on her thighs and moved up her outfit to reveal that it was like a skirt. Her flower was easily accessible and the girl, perhaps because it was a date, only wore a thin lacy pair of black panties. Moving them aside he immediately speared into her.

Now the two fell into a slow but powerful pace. Bell pushed her against the wall and pinned her hand with his own while his other went to grab a handful of her boobs. She moaned lustfully as her lover filled her up to the womb with his length.

"Bell~"

"I'm sorry Musashi, I don't know why I couldn't stop. When I saw you I felt like I had to take you."

"It's okay~ I wanted this as well~"

Suddenly he drove up stronger than before with a faster rhythm causing Musashi to let out a loud moan. The girl immediately slapped a hand on her mouth as she stopped the second half of the moan from escaping in case someone from the street heard them.

It was so wrong. They were in a dark alley, just next to a street filled with people. In a public place in the middle of the day. It was so incredibly wrong but the feeling of breaking their morality brought an untold pleasure that turned them on so much.

Musashi began gyrating her hips to better feel Bell's strong thrusts as he pushed her strongly against the wall, her tits squishing against the cold stone wall of the building, and after having him rut into her for nearly fifteen minutes she felt herself cum for the third time. She clamped down on his cock just as he pushed himself into her deepest part causing him to erupt, dumping a load just as dense and large in volume as the night before into her.

"Bell~"

"Musashi~"

She panted, trying to recover from the bliss of having him spread her apart when his dick, that was leaving her, thrust back into her.

"Oh fuck~ Bell!"

"What are you?"

"Nyour obedient kitty, nya. Myaster please fuck meow kitty hard nya!"

The girl bent down and placed her hands on the wall as his abs smacked against her ass cheeks. She felt the sperm inside her full womb sloshing as it was pushed further and further inside of her. The boy grabbed onto her hair and tail and began pulling onto them as he plunged into her harder. He sped up until his rhythm became erratic and he dumped another load into her making her already full vagina spill any excess content.

But just as fast as she was inflated with cum the two were back at it. He lifted her up with a thrust of his cock before grabbing her thighs from below. With his blessed strength he easily picked her up and held her as he dropped her onto his dick pushing himself deeper into her. He tightly clamped her legs against her body showing the amazing flexibility of his lover, who lewdly smirked as his meaty rod grinded her insides.

With each one of her moans renewing his stamina. He picked up the pace wanting to fill her up more and more until she could no longer stand, until the warmth in her womb seared the memory of his manly member into her brain. And he was successful when he gave her another creampie, as she could not think of anything other than him, his cock, his semen and his children which she would carry gladly inside of her.

The two lost themselves in the pleasure, awakening their bedroom personalities. As the violet renard fell to her knees, a pair of hands roughly grabbed her hips and pulled her back onto all fours. He pulled back to signal he was ready for another round but did not gave her the pleasure he wanted.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes!"

"No, that's not how my slutty princess does it. You beg for it. And how does a filthy bitch like you beg for it?"

"Please fuck this naughty vixen silly master! Punish this lewd ass and ravage my royal pussy to your liking master!"

"You are more of a dog now, aren't you?"

"You are very right master. Please fill your little doggy woof!"

So he did. With all his strength he sealed her leaking hole drawing a long pleasure induced mewl out of her lips, which he immediately began devouring. He sucked on her tongue and spanked her ass while pulling on her tail. Her mind was hazy, her eyes unfocused and her ass bright red by the time he ejaculated again.

"Ahh! Master!"

Laying himself down, Bell watched as the exhausted princess fell down on his rod impaling herself and beginning another session of passionate sex. Even with her legs not working she hopped up and down fucking herself on the object she worshipped with the folds of her flower. Her ass rippled beautifully in front of Bell who grabbed the renard in reverse cowgirl by her massive tits, bucking up to spread her insides even harder.

"Master you feel so big and hard!"

"I'm about to cum my little breeding sow! Where do you want it?!"

"All inside! So deep inside that it won't escape! Please breed this bitch to your pleasure!"

Lost in her euphoria she kept riding him until another load filled her belly. She wasn't sure herself if she was conscious or not but she definitely could feel the cold floor as she crumpled onto the ground. However, the horny couple wasn't done for the day. As the gold eyed girl was sprawled out in front of him, Bell inserted himself back into her.

Laying on top of her he used his entire weight to slam himself into her. She didn't move as his hands and tails abused her body, only being able to roll her eyes back, let her tongue loll out and moan ecstatically at the bliss his cock provided her with.

Off into cloud nine, she was brought back into the real world as she tightened her walls around his member and sent back to heaven when his warmth overflowed out of her. She couldn't moan, too far gone. She simply spasmed as their orgasm broke her mind.

'Master is the best!'

.

Safe to say a few minutes after and the two looked down in shame and embarrassment. They couldn't explain how their personalities transformed like that, but the memory made them want to dig up a hole and die in it. They didn't even know or remember how it started in the first place, but Musashi knew she was the reason.

"You really cum too much."

Perhaps not the best starter to a conversation but she couldn't help it. She got on her knees and without intending to appear sexy, she pushed her ass out as if she was begging him to fuck her again. With her fingers she spread open her lower lips and what looked to be a steady stream of white viscous sperm flowed down. Like a waterfall, her pussy dropped gallons of his cum down onto the rocky ground. Seeing that turned on Bell, but luckily he pushed down his horniness. He didn't think he'd live the shame if he jumped on her like that.

"W-What do we … do?"

"Do you … have tissues?"

"Yes."

After wiping herself clean … or as clean as she could get, the flow was continuous almost as if her womb was an infinite container of sperm. A never ending tank filled to the brim with his baby seeds. The two rapidly returned to the Hostess to let the poor woman whose legs trembled use the shower. By the time the two had arrived it was already late evening, just in time for dinner. Bell too took a shower lest he wanted another beast race with a good nose to pick on his strong manly scent and jump his bones.

The two had calmed down but a single meeting glance and the two would explode into blushing messes. Luckily the other members weren't there yet, only Mia and Syr, who could easily tell what had transpired, were there to witness their little moment.

"Bell … I already told you but don't go taking the name of pub too seriously."

"M-Mia?!"

"Haha, come on! If you're not too busy attend to your duties and set up the tables. Today is the first day I make a public opening. Though I appreciate your Familia and its allies, this is a public establishment."

"Right away Mama Mia!"

As soon as he was gone the dwarf looked at the princess and gave her a serious look.

"Oi, don't you ever hurt the boy or I will personally come hunt you down, you got me?"

"Of course! I would never hurt Bell! I l-love him too much."

Looking down at the ground, she whispered the last part with a bright red blush, which Mia appreciated. It showed her honest thoughts and made her sure he was safe with her. Each member of her staff was like a child to her. Though Bell hadn't been around for long she had quickly grown fond of him for his earnest and hard working nature.

"Good."

.

Though it was a little embarrassing to face the knowing shit eating grins from Alise and Akagi and the unamused looks from the other three girlfriends Bell and Musashi managed to get by dinner. Nothing of note happened for once and he was able to relax with a cuddly Alise for the night.

The following morning, he found himself waiting in Amor Square. He wore a simple white shirt and black pants while waiting for his date. He was imagining what she would look like when a pair of arms gently wrapped around him.

"Who is it?"

"My beloved Kaguya."

"Hehe, correct."

Turning around he was met with an unusual but welcome sight. Kaguya had foregone her usual kimono and wore a simple white sundress.

"What's the matter?"

"No … it's just I'm always used to seeing you in a kimono so this is a new and fresh look you have."

"Well I wanted to surprise you. So what do you think?"

"You look just as beautiful as the sun that shines on us now."

She giggled and leaned in to hug him.

"As good of a sweet talker as always."

"I live to please you girls."

"Yes and you are pleasing me very well."

Taking his hand in her own she brought him down for a long and passionate yet chaste kiss. Enough to leave both him and her wanting for more. But that could wait for later, right now she wanted to enjoy her time with him in another way.

According to Alise, seeing Bell nibble away at new foods he never tried before was the most adorable and satisfying sight there was, so she needed to see for herself if that was true. But not before relaxing within the comfort of Bell's warmth after being denied for the past few days.

"Let's go Bell."

The Far Eastern girl led her boyfriend off to a nearby bench before sitting him down and placing herself right next to him. As much as she wanted to just sit on his lap, that wasn't a good idea in public, or at least that's what she told herself.

"First things first, hug."

Opening her arms she waited for her renard to lean in and close his arms around her back. When he did she finally released a satisfied sigh. She had missed the feeling of being surrounded by his warmth, which provided her with a sense of security and relaxation. Snuggling into his chest she held him in place preventing any escape.

"Are we just going to stay here like this?"

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"However long it takes for me to recover from the absence of my boyfriend's love."

So he waited with his arms wrapped tightly around her, getting as close as their physical bodies possibly allowed them. For nearly half an hour the two sat there, no words were spoken but none were needed for the two to communicate between each other.

"Wanna start moving Bell?"

"I wouldn't mind staying like this for a bit longer."

"As much as I agree with you, I have something I want to do, or rather see, and we need to be in the new food district that has recently become popular for that to happen."

So he let go of her only for her to take his hand pull him forwards. Like that, Kaguya began leading Bell to the eastern southern side of the city. Based on the research she had conducted there were lots of new restaurants and stands opening, that offered a wide range of different foods from all across the world.

On their way there they had to stop when Bell spotted an angel. No, not a person looking like an angel, an actual angel. Even Kaguya was surprised by the appearance. A man that wore silver armour, a cloak that completely hid his face and tentacle like white wings sprouting from his back.

According to the stories she had heard Angels came from a floating island situated above the empire. They used to live in harmony with the empire but after the rise of the new emperor and its fall to his tyrannical and horrible rule all angels cut ties with the empire. All except one, one too corrupt from a dark power. In the end, the angel fell from grace and was banished by the angels to roam the world on his own, or he would have if not for the empire taking him in.

Now one of those angels was here preaching how the empire had been degraded and corrupted which everyone knew well. Stories of their aggressive invasions and the way they pillaged, killed and raped their way through villages and towns was infamously notorious.

Apparently the dark power that tainted their fellow angel was also the source that began causing chaos in the empire. A demonic enemy was festering in the country, guiding it and controlling it behind everyone's back. Knowing of the demons in the Far East she believe two things. First of all, there was truth in his words of the existence of demonic beings and second of all she knew that the demons were a different kind than those that could be find in the Far East.

As concerning as it sounded, neither of them thought it would be an issue in the near future. For now however, they would worry about their date. It seemed like the angel was just going around spreading awareness and was already done here. On the other hand what the two had heard was somewhat concerning and agreed to inform the other Familias later when they met them.

'Now time to witness Bell's adorable nibbles.'

.

When the two arrived they were amazed by how colourful and crowded the place was. The district was separated into many different regions, each representing its culture and cuisine filled with restaurants and stands offering a wider variety of foods Bell had ever seen. Orario wasn't called the centre of the world for nothing. Besides the presence of the dungeon and its adventurers, it was a commercially and culturally rich place.

In the end the two had decided to stop by an Eastern type of cuisine called Zhou cuisine apparently derived from its respective country. The Zhou empire was a large empire off in the Eastern continent yet west of the Far East. Though not incredibly powerful it was one of the largest countries in the world of Gekai.

Kaguya had ordered a plate of spring rolls and sweet and sour pork. Bell on the other hand, had ordered a massive amount of: Kung Pao chicken, different types of dim sum and dumplings as well as a two servings of roast duck. Kaguya was shocked by the amount he ate then again she guessed he was famished from the amount of 'exercise' he had done with Musashi.

'That damn vixen.'

Her gloomy thoughts were interrupted when their food did arrive. As expected Bell's order was just humongous and even the waiters looked on with shock at the amount they had to carry to the table. Just as Alise said though, Kaguya's reaction, as well as the staff and customers around, was to coo when they saw Bell go at the food. He rapidly nibbled at the food, his ears wiggling animatedly and tail wagging excitedly. Through it all he smiled and swayed his head right and left.

'Kya! He's so cute! And he's my boyfriend!'

She leaned her head on her hands, silently admiring the cute fluffy bundle of joy that was her lover. His bright eyes suddenly turned to her and his smile became larger as he held a small dumpling with his chopsticks out to her.

"Here you go Kaguya, say ah."

The girl wasn't expecting that but as her mind realised what he was doing she immediately complied. Opening her mouth and moving a stray bang out of the way, she waited as the dumpling was placed on her tongue. She savoured the taste, which admittedly it was very good, but having the love of your life do that only added to the taste.

"How was it?"

"Hehe, really good."

The two continued eating until both wiped their plates clean. No matter how cute Bell was, everyone was more impressed by the fact that the renard had finished the entirety of his massive order. Having finished their food however, Kaguya immediately dragged Bell away to reach their next destination. That place was the tree that him and the girlfriends had visited on their group date.

"What's the plan here?"

"Just going to rest and cuddle under the tree."

It was a simple enough request which he gladly accepted. Settling down under the tree Kaguya dropped on his lap, straddling his hips. She had a hungry look on her face as she gazed at his soft lips, something she yearned to devour for a while.

Giving in to her demands he let her wrap him up with her arms as she leaned close with her face to finally sate her craving for his love. No one there would bother them as it was a place meant for couples and knowing that Kaguya unleashed all her pent up desire.

For many long hours the two switched between cuddling, hugging and kissing. If not for the public place Kaguya would have stripped him down there. The date just made her sure she wanted to just feel him push her down and deflower her right there and then.

Unlike other people, Kaguya didn't mind Bell's past. If he wanted to talk about it she would listen, if not she would wait. No matter what happened in the past or what kind of person he was all that mattered to her was who he was now. And she had seen plenty of who he was now and she desperately wanted him to advance their relationship to the same level as that of Alise and Musashi

"I love you Kaguya."

"I love you too, my little fox."

.

When the two got back to the Hostess they were met with quite the unexpected scene. Bell and Kaguya had just ate dinner, helped a lost child and finally returned from their date when Shinano ran up to Bell, who she had been looking for, and dragged him away saying it was an emergency. Amaterasu said something was happening to Musashi and his presence was desperately needed, leaving Kaguya more confused than annoyed.

.

A loud clattering of broken plates and cutlery falling to the ground resounded in the little residence that Amaterasu had recently bought for her Familia to reside in. Seeing as they would be here whenever they'd come over to Orario and it was going to be far more regularly now, with Musashi and soon Shinano and Akagi getting in a relationship with Bell, she thought it would be a good occasion.

"Onee-chan?!"

The sound had attracted the attention of everyone in the building. As the purple renard was on dish washing duty when the accident happened everyone rushed to the kitchen. When Zenitsu and Tanjiro moved to help her the two were smacked away by her tail, sending them flying back. Seeing that everyone stopped, waiting for Shinano and Amaterasu to assist her instead.

"What's the matter?!"

"Haa … haa … I need …"

"You need?"

"I need … Bell."

Her face was visibly flushed and her breath was laboured and erratic. Her tails swayed frantically and sweat dripped down her body. It almost looked like she was unbelievably horny to Amaterasu but the way she shivered and her eyes were unfocused was worrying. It made it seem like she was desperately longing for Bell, which was weird considering how Musashi normally acts and the fact that she saw him just yesterday.

Amaterasu got Akagi, Amagi and Kaga to move her back to her room while she and Shinano went to the Hostess to look for the person who could fix this mess. As soon as she gave the word, Shinano didn't think twice and dashed out of the residence.

Bell now found himself in front the door to her room. All members of the Familia stood around him looking with worry and curiosity. Little Akari was also there on the verge of tears, she really loved her sisters and seeing one in pain broke her heart. Amaterasu and Shinano in the meantime placed everyone's hopes on Bell explaining how this all happened.

"Go ahead Bell."

The white renard however, barely approached the door when it slammed open and a violet blur assaulted him, tackling him to the ground. Everyone moved back with a yelp as the gold eyed renard held Bell down with her hands. To the shock of all the members there though, she suddenly leaned down and began licking and kissing his collarbone and neck, her hands gripping his own and her body squished against his. The parents had to cover their innocent daughter's eyes while Musashi began grinding her hips on Bell.

"Onee-chan?!"

For the second time in a day Shinano had the life shocked out of her but when she moved to try and separate them she was met with the fiercest growls she had ever heard or faced. With lightning speed, Musashi stood up, grabbed Bell and made sure everyone stayed away with a glare before dashing into her room and locking the door.

Everyone knew better than to try and steal an overprotective, irate and horny renard's mate lest they wanted to be torn to shreds. What transpired behind those doors were long hours of unspeakably lewd, frantic and loud exercises that made everyone blush at the thought. Though her bedroom voice was reserved for Bell, a single loud moan escaped the room.

"What was that? Ne, why did onee-chan lick and kiss nii-nii like that?"

And the questions asked by Akari kept going, realising that despite it being soon two poor parents would have to have the talk with her. Shinano though worried couldn't help the jealousy festering in her at the sounds of pleasure of her sister. Akagi on the other hand, dealt with it by trying to rope Amagi and Kaga to go in and join the 'party.' As far as Amaterasu had seen, both sisters had been convinced enough by Akagi that they began showing interest in Bell but as much as they entertained the idea of sharing a kiss with him, it seemed that they weren't a fan of Musashi's nor Shinano's tachi being aimed at their necks enough to get laid.

'Oh dear heavens, who else is next on Bell's list of girls to bed?'

.

Bell left silently the day after, under Amaterasu's suggestion, leaving a naked and spent violet renard resting in her bed. The boy in the meantime had reached the Hostess and showered before going out again to meet his second date as told by Kaguya the day before, when their outing ended.

"Should be around here."

The girl he was meeting today had asked to meet him in quite the peculiar place. That place where Bell currently found himself in was the commercial district where most of Orario's trade occurred. High end or low end, you could find anything from a couple to several billions of valis. Rich nobles, merchants and business men could be seen all around the plaza he was waiting in.

"Bell!"

Turning around he saw Tsubaki run to him before wrapping her arm around his neck.

"Hey Tsu."

"Hehe, how are you doing? What happened yesterday by the way? Heard from Kaguya that you got kidnapped by Shinano, apparently it was an emergency?"

"Oh that … well."

Bell briefly explained what happened leaving Tsubaki confused.

"Damn … you fucked her so hard you sent her into a permanent heat?"

"Tsubaki!"

"Hehe, sorry, sorry, but that's how it sounds to me."

Bell grumbled as she teased him but let her have her fun … for now.

"Anyways, why are we here Tsu? What have you planned?"

Tsubaki began looking a little hesitant as she scratched the back of her head.

"Well as you know I'm not good with the romantic stuff really, so I just thought to ask you to be there with whatever I normally do. All I really want is to hug, kiss and cuddle wit you, you know … the physical aspect of a relationship."

"I get it, and if it's not smithing then it's got to be business related since you are normally conducting trades for the Familia and yourself, no?"

"Very well Bell!"

She nuzzled his face affectionately when he answered her correctly. With a smile she then grabbed his hand and began leading him before suddenly slowing down and turning back to him.

"I'm sorry Bell if this is not romantic in any way or if this is not what you expected, it's just that a date is time outside where you spend time with your significant other right?"

"It's fine Tsu, a date's goal isn't for a couple to necessarily be romantic as long as it is fun."

She always appreciated how supportive he was now more than ever. With renewed confidence she continued leading Bell until they reached a trader. He was selling what looked like ores and if he had learnt anything from Tsubaki is that those would become metals after being processed.

"Hey Tsubaki, who's that you have with ya? New smith? You don't ever teach others, what's with that?"

"No Clyde, ya senile old fart, this is my boyfriend."

Tsubaki hugged Bell close to her, squishing his face in her bountiful chest, almost as if to protect him.

"Damn he's lucky, he gets to see heaven early."

"Yeah he does, anywhere and anytime, perhaps you would get the chance if you stopped caring only about mining ores and instead tried to look presentable."

"Nah, honestly I'm fine with the way I am now. Go ahead and pick whatever ores you need."

While Tsubaki was busy selecting the needed ores for her work, the old man with a thick white beard began inspecting Bell.

"A renard? The hell did she pick you up from?"

"Babel tower."

"What's she doing to keep you as her boyfriend? She paying you?"

The smith's voice joined in while inspecting the ore she was holding in her hand.

"Clyde I will bash your head in, I can hear it all from here."

"Uh … right. W-Wait! How old are you? You look real handsome boy but I don't think you are a day over twenty."

"I'm fourteen."

"F-F-Fourteen?! Tsubaki is thirty eight you know that right?"

Bell chuckled but nodded.

"Yes I'm aware. I assure you that I'm with Tsubaki because I love her with all my heart. I don't care about the age because it doesn't change how kind and beautiful she is. Besides, I believe you have a bigger problem to worry about right now."

Pointing behind him Tsubaki stood there with a fist ready to crush him.

"W-Wait I'm sorry, I'll give you a discou- ahh!"

.

Tsubaki and Bell had finished collecting all the materials she needed and were walking back, but the mention of her age and how the old man thought she paid to keep him, boosted her insecurity which Bell clearly noticed.

He had stayed quiet for a good two hours or so, but seeing as he was not getting anywhere like that he decided to take matters into his hand. It was only about half past twelve but he decided that it was better to act now than risk ruining the entire date.

"Bell?"

He grabbed her hand and stopped her in place. He had contemplated pulling her into an alley but he feared it might increase her insecurities if he tried to hide them while he tried to comfort her. In the end the best choice was to just bear with the embarrassment and do it in front of the many people that were walking down the street.

"What's the matter?"

"I should be the one asking you that. Doubting yourself?"

She was surprised to hear that and was going to try to feign ignorance but seeing Bell's look, she knew there was no lying about that. She was not allowed to even explain herself as Bell pulled her towards him and kissed her without regard for their public setting.

Almost everyone's attention fell on them, not because a couple was kissing but because it was the captain of the Hephaestus Familia and the rising star that kissed. Tsubaki went red in embarrassment as Bell grasped her face and her waist with his hands and tail. Her futile attempt to stop him ceased as she fell into the kiss and began yearning for more, deepening the kiss as she wrapped her hands around his neck. When he finally did let go of her face was flushed and her breath laboured.

"B-Bell."

"S-Sorry, I didn't mean to come off too strong i-it's just that you s-seemed troubled. So I thought you needed a k-kiss to boost your confidence."

Her smile soon returned and with a peck on the cheek she thanked him.

"That definitely helped Bell. Thanks."

.

Finally getting back on track with their date and arriving at the smith's workshop, Tsubaki thought it was time to unveil her plan for the date to Bell. She started the forge before turning to Bell, who was depositing the materials they had bought when she began speaking.

"You see Bell, my idea for the rest of the day was to work together to make an item, similar to what we did with the sword. If you don't mind that is?"

"Of course I don't."

For several hours the two worked together, with Tsubaki using the excuse to teach and guide Bell to slide in behind him and gently rest against his strong body. They often got distracted by the touch or the kisses they gave each other but managed to complete the work, nonetheless.

"Phew, there we go. Finally done."

The two of them stared at their handywork, a simple heart shaped pendant that broke in two pieces, one for each necklace. Standing side by side, they joined the two pieces making a full heart.

"Hehe."

Bell could see that the smith was happy with their effort and treasured her half of the heart.

"Sorry about earlier. I worry about such small and insignificant things."

"It's not insignificant Tsu. It's important because you should know that I love you for who you are and that it doesn't matter what others think. I just wished I could help you understand that better."

"Then …"

Pushing Bell against the wall and pinning between it and her own body, Tsubaki began aggressively kissing him until a tail grabbed her by the waist and gently pulled her off. The smith was left disappointed and confused as the renard denied her.

"I understand how you feel Tsu. But not now. Not like this."

"Why? Is it wrong to want to make love to the person who is dearest to me?"

Tsubaki looked on the verge of tears as she begged Bell to let her go all the way.

"Tsu, I want you just as much, but you're not in your right mind. Even if I know you want to, you are doing it out of desperation, to prove a point. But that's not how it should be nor why we should do it. It would feel like I'm taking advantage of you … so please wait and once you calm down and really think about it, I won't stop you."

Tsubaki hugged Bell, tightly holding onto him as if he might disappear the moment she let go. She realised in that moment how much Bell cared for her and the way he supported her and did his best for her truly showed how important she was to him. Though she wouldn't get her wishes fulfilled today, she was sure nonetheless that she was not going to regret it and decided that once things calmed down she would move to the next stage of their relationship.

.

But once again things went south by the time they had gotten back. For whatever reason Musashi's weird horniness had struck once again and he was forced to go to the Rising Sun mansion, as Amaterasu had decided to call it, to tend to his girlfriend once again. While the two renards mated, lustfully craving for each other, Amaterasu, Takemikazuchi, Astraea and their respective Familias began looking into Musashi's situation having grown concerned as it kept recurring.

"What's the matter with Musashi? Initially I was pissed she kept stealing our boyfriend to have a quick romp, but now … it's getting concerning."

"Kaguya worrying about someone … that's rare."

"Shut it Alise. Besides this is because back when I was still in the Far East, she used to looked after me quite a lot, so no matter the fact that she rubs her bond to Bell in my face, albeit not intentionally, I will always love her as my own big sister. And … I am worried about her, seeing how things have been going."

Astraea smiled seeing her child be so considerate but frowned as she couldn't offer much.

"Unfortunately me and my Familia can't really help. Besides Kaguya, no one knows anything about the Far East, much less renards specifically. We can try to look for information, Orario is a big place and the centre of the world for a reason."

Astraea did her best to offer her help, providing what options she could.

"Thank you Astraea, but even I don't really know what's going on with her. This never happened before so it's an unprecedented case. As such any help we can get is welcome. What about you Take? You've been awfully quiet … and lost in thought."

"I say we let things just happen as they are now."

That sudden declaration caught everyone by surprise.

"Are you sure? Even Bell is bound to get tired with Musashi jumping him every night, as far as I understood from Bell, today is the fourth day in a row the have went at it."

"I don't know, but … I feel something telling me to just let it happen, call it my godly intuition but I believe if we just let things occur we'll get our answers to this situation in less than three days."

No one there knew what to make of the situation, but the God was awfully specific and confident of his decision. Besides with no knowledge over the current predicament of the princess they had no choice but just let it happen anyways.

"Very well, we don't have much of a choice right now. Haa, good thing we left out the nobles otherwise this would turn into a dispute. Though the Imperial Family has made Bell and Musashi's engagement official and most of the nobles are okay with i, there are some who aren't as happy about it."

"Let me guess Murakami."

Zenitsu spoke with disgust and venom laced in each word he pronounced. Though he hated how Bell had multiple girlfriends, it was all in friendly manner and joke, and he could never hate the renard himself. He knew it was his own jealousy and Bell had shown to be a kind and heroic person who deserved the love he got … that and his girlfriends were all clearly happy to be with Bell.

But the young noble was someone he despised with every fibre of his body. He was a pervert and held no respect for anyone, be it the women he worshipped, his fellow demon slayers nor the many honourable warriors he had met in Orario, including Bell. He was all but rotten to the core in his eyes and he wasn't the only one to share that thought.

"That's right, but he is of no consequence since his father fully supports Bell's engagement to the princess. Though not as against it as Murakami, some other low rank nobles aren't satisfied with the arrangement. Either because of Bell's status, not being a noble, being a stranger and foreigner to the Far East and not having done any deed for the nation, others because of jealousy much like Murakami as they were interested in Musashi and the Royal Family's power."

Tomoe raised her bottle of sake with a smile, triumphantly announcing how it was a sealed matter.

"Either way it doesn't matter. First of all Bell is effectively Far Eastern since he was born there. Secondly, no one other than her own family and Amaterasu-sama have the right to say anything. With both having accepted the current situation then no one can do anything anyways, unless they intend to be accused of treason that is and be met with a swift slash of my blade."

With several nods of agreement, the meeting was disbanded. The final decision was to wait and see what happened. The tournament would resume in a day according to Ganesha leaving Bell the chance to go on one last date with Artoria before the tournament resumed the day after. Hopefully they'd have answers soon, but little did they know that they were in a for a groundbreaking discovery.

.

Artoria wore a simple outfit consisting of a long sleeved white blouse and a blue panel skirt. The blue ribbon tie was a small detail that made the outfit look elegant. Her long luscious hair was tied in a bun with another blue ribbon complementing her current clothes. When Bell arrived clothed in black jacket and pants and a white shirt, both stopped to stare at each other.

"Y-you look v-very pretty A-Artoria."

"T-thank you … you too look h-handsome Bell."

Feeling oddly bold, at least by her standards, the princess took Bell's hand in her own. Unlike her more active sister girlfriends, she had mostly stuck to just simple hugs and gentle nudges. The whole topic was new to her and with her upbringing she was more desensitized to it than most if not all other girls.

Yet she too understood how deep her feelings for the renard ran. His presence sent a jolt of joy through her, his praise warmed her very soul and his smile made her heart beat go faster. She felt safe and comfortable with him unlike any other person she had been with, even her mentor and teacher Merlin.

She was empowered by these feelings to be more direct with Bell. She came to understand very rapidly that she would happily do anything just to see his smile one more time, which luckily he was happy to just shower her with. Though a simple gesture it meant the world to the royal princess.

"What do you have in mind Arty?"

"Well … I was thinking about just going around for now, nothing of special."

"Then want to do some shopping for the Hostess?"

"The Hostess?"

"Yup I almost always pass by them to get breakfast unless Astraea offers her cooking when I sleep over at the Stardust Garden. This morning Mia said she was missing some groceries for the night and was going to send someone to get them later. So, how about you accompany me as I complete that task instead of walking aimlessly?"

Artoria smiled slightly and nodded.

"That sounds like a good plan."

"Then follow me."

Taking to the main street he began guiding her to the market area. Differently from the commercial district the market area was mostly aimed for the local residents, selling daily necessities and ingredients. That did not mean that it wasn't filled to the brim with people. When the two of them arrived they were met with a sea of citizens going on about their day.

"Wow. So many people."

"That's right, so make sure to hold onto my hand tightly so that we don't get separated."

Gladly taking in the advice, she tightened the grip on his slender fingers. Like that the two began looking for the necessary ingredients, with Bell taking the moment to teach Artoria how to distinguish which product is better so that you get higher quality ingredients. She was surprised how much there was to learn and how meticulous Bell was when it came to this. He looked out for the smallest details, showing how he did his best no matter the situation.

"I didn't think it would be this complicated."

"Hehe, well I go above and beyond for the Hostess. They have a reputation as the best to maintain after all."

Bell turned around and as he placed the apples he just bought into a bag for the groceries, a child bumped into him. The white haired girl was knocked down, landing on her butt as she collided into his thighs with her forehead.

"Eek!"

Leaning down he extended a hand to the child wearing a … maid outfit?

"I'm really sorry, are you okay?"

"Y-yes thank you!"

Taking his hand the little girl got back up, dusting off her skirt before looking up at Bell with her brilliant light violet eyes. She seemed to want to say something but was hesitating so Artoria being the mature and responsible person she was spoke up.

"Is something the matter?"

The little maid nodded and turned to Bell.

"Could you teach me as well?"

"Teach you?"

"Yes, I was listening to you explaining how to identify which product is of higher quality and you seemed to know a lot. You see my onee-chan, who is the head maid, has been training me and helping me improve. And today she gave me the task to buy groceries, it is my duty to complete this assignment but … it's my first time doing something like this and I'm not sure how to do it, but I wasn't sure if I should disturb you."

"Hehe, it's fine. It's not wrong to ask others for help and you don't want to disappoint your onee-chan right?"

"Then you'll help me?"

"Of course. I am very impressed that you would do so much to help your onee-chan."

The girl smiled brightly and happily celebrated his aid.

"Ah my name is Belia but you can call me Bel-chan like onee-chan does."

"Oh what a coincidence, my name is Bell so people often call me Bell as well."

"Eh? Really?"

Artoria watched the exchange with a smile. Little Bel was really cute and she couldn't help but coo at the sight of her bright and excited smiles.

"Do you have a specific list of things you need to buy?"

Little Bel nodded and pulled out a list of things to buy. Seeing as they were mostly simple ingredients Bell immediately began showing her where to buy the various items.

"Say Bel-chan, how old are you?"

"I'm ten."

"Aren't you a little young?"

"I wanted to be like my onee-chan, that's why I decided to be a maid."

"You really look up to her don't you?"

"Yes, she's an amazing person after all!"

As soon as they arrived at their destination Bell began explaining to her how to understand if it was a good quality product or not. The violet eyed girl was very rapidly learning but just as it looked like everything was going smoothly, a problem occurred.

"That will be 150 valis."

Bell watched as the little girl pat her pockets but couldn't find her wallet. All three: renard, princess and vendor began panicking when tears started filling her eyes.

"I-it's okay Bel-chan."

He immediately crouched down and head pat the little girl, slowly stroking her hair.

"B-but I can't pay."

"Then I'll pay for you, that's okay right mister?"

"O-oh, of course!"

She immediately tried to object but Bell left her no room to argue.

"Eh? I couldn't!"

"It's okay Bel-chan. You wanted to make onee-chan proud so there is no way you can go back empty handed, right?"

Bell handed the vendor the valis before receiving the bag and handing it to Belia.

"Thank you Bell-sama."

"It's no problem."

Bell then extended his hand to her, not wanting to get lost the little maid grabbed onto his hand and followed him as they got the rest of the needed items. Luckily the list wasn't too long but by the time they did finish it was now time for lunch. Having been offered lunch by the couple Belia happily joined them as they ate at a restaurant. Just like Bel-chan Artoria was surprised by the sheer amount of food Bell ate.

"Wow. You eat a lot don't you Bell-sama."

"I do. More importantly do you need help carrying everything back?"

"Hmm, yes. I don't think I can do it on my own."

As they finished their meal, they gathered their things and began following the maid. This was not what Artoria imagined her date to be like but it proved to be much more fun than what she could have planned and thanked fate for bringing the young maid in training to them. If the stories she heard from the other girlfriends, Artoria had to guess that helping children in need was Bell's fate. This was the fourth child he had to help so far.

Besides, she was just too adorable, the princess had forgotten how many times she had cooed at her cute expressions. It had also made her form ideas of what having a child with Bell would be like. Though she was still a long way from pursuing a sexual relationship with her lover that didn't mean she couldn't give it some early thought and the idea of mothering his child had become very appealing. For now though she would refrain from having those thoughts with the little girl around.

"Bel-chan!"

Someone called out to the little maid making all three turn around. They were met with a taller and older version of the girl. Same hair and eye colour but much more mature and more beautiful. Artoria also took notice of the woman's large chest, bound by the maid uniform. She never had issues with her own chest being as big as it is but the perfect shape of the opposing party made her feel slightly inferior.

"There you are! I've been looking for you!"

"Belfast onee-chan!"

The little girl waved her hand as the older maid ran up to Bel-chan.

"I saw you left your wallet behind and got worried. Wait are those the groceries? How did you get them without money?"

Bel-chan then grabbed Bell's hand and introduced him.

"This is Bell-sama, he was kind enough to help me out. He also paid for the groceries when I discovered that I couldn't pay."

Belfast looked surprised before bowing deeply to Bell.

"Thank you for looking after my little sister. I am terribly sorry for all the trouble. Allow me to present myself I'm Belfast Campbell. Head maid and member of the Iris Familia."

"Please don't worry, it's okay. Me and Artoria here were on a date when she bumped into us, besides I'm glad I could help her. I was amazed by her determination to impress you, I couldn't just leave her there."

"That's right. Besides Bel-chan is so cute and it was very fun to help her out so we don't mind. And please don't scold her, she just wanted to live up to your expectations."

Hearing the two of them praise Bel-chan brought Belfast to tears, who then tightly hugged the little girl after hearing how she did it for her sake.

"You did a good job Bel-chan, I'm very proud."

The look of absolute joy on the maid in training blinded all three adults who had to shield their eyes. Once she was done patting her sister she got up and once again thanked them.

"Not only you took time out of your date but also helped her understand and paid for her as well. I truly could not be more grateful for all the help. Please allow me to refund you for all the expenses."

"Oh no, it's fine really, it was just a couple thousand valis so there is no need for that. There is no need to repay us for anything really."

Looking at Bel-chan the maid could see the saddened look on her face as she realised they would part and got a great idea.

"Please allow me to repay you in some way. It is my pride as a maid that will not allow for this kind gesture to go unnoticed. At the very least please give us a way to contact you again, like this we can discuss this further."

He knew that there was no escaping this so with a sigh he relented.

"Very well, you can find me at the Hostess of Fertility. Recently I haven't been around due to the tournament, my job as an adventurer as well as certain personal reasons but that is where you will normally find me."

"Very well. Thank you again and rest assured that I shall find a way to repay you for this deed."

With that the two maids left leaving a defeated Bell and a giggling Artoria.

"There really is no need."

"Hmm, she was very beautiful, I feel like Alise will be very interested in this."

"Please don't give her any weird ideas."

Artoria caressed his cheek before grabbing his hand and leading him away, back to their date.

"I make no promises."

.

Once again Bell found himself under the tree that he had visited with Akagi two days prior. Artoria sat next to him, hugging him tightly as she nuzzled his neck. The two had decided to just relax for the last couple of hours and there was no better way than to cuddle to do so.

Having expressed her wish to know more about him, Bell began telling her of his history, leaving out the identity of Zeus. For two long hours the two talked about their hobbies and traded stories. One of the most important things the princess had taken from there interaction was the absence of a family and parents. Though he did have his grandfather raise him, that was not quite the family a child should have had.

"I'm sorry Bell."

"What for?"

"For not being like the others. Alise, Kaguya and Tsubaki are all very active and lively. Not only that but while they are thinking about advancing their relationship I'm still stuck here being only able to hold your hand and hug you."

Bell smiled gently and cupped her cheeks making sure to turn her so that she was looking at him.

"It's okay Arty. Sure our relationship may be different compared to the ones I have with Kaguya and Tsubaki but that doesn't matter. Everyone is unique. You're not meant to keep up with them. Everyone has different paces. Alise went really fast, Musashi well … things just happened and Tsubaki and Kaguya yes we are going pretty fast but nowhere near what I did with the first two. And then there is you."

"Slow."

"And going slow is just fine. Honestly it suits you better and as I said everyone has their own rhythm they follow. Besides it's a nice change of pace for me as well. I enjoy spending time with you even if it's just hugging and holding hands, so don't worry about it Arty. Besides, even if you're slow you are further ahead than Akagi, Shinano and Ryuu."

Lifting her gaze from his neck, she looked into his rubellite eyes with a curious glance.

"You intend to add them to our group? Also didn't you kiss Ryuu and Akagi?"

"Yes, after all as you said I kissed Ryuu and Akagi kissed me on the cheek. That and Alise seems very interested in adding them in. But nonetheless, in terms of a relationship you are definitely ahead. After all I can't say I love them, but I can definitely tell you this: I love you Arty."

Gathering her courage she quickly leaned forwards and landed a chaste and innocent peck on his lips. Bell was surprised but welcomed it gratefully. He watched as she stuttered and went red like a tomato for the first time. She was too embarrassed to look at him and instead took great interest in their intertwined hands.

"S-Sorry this is all I can manage."

"It's okay Arty, take your time because I want you to be comfortable so please don't push yourself, but thank you. I really appreciate it. And-"

Leaning down he give her a short yet long kiss on the cheek making her burst into a stuttering mess.

"B-Bell~"

"Sorry, but you were just too adorable I couldn't stop."

"How do you just switch? Sometimes you're super bashful, embarrassed about the smallest things then sometimes you just become really confident and … shameless."

"Only when I'm alone with the girls I love."

"Hmm~"

.

After accompanying Artoria back to her Familia's hotel, he proceeded to go directly to the Rising Sun manor. Just as he expected he was needed the moment he entered and was once again kidnapped by a lustful Musashi, who kissed him as soon as he was in sight. Like the past nights what ensued next was a passionate exchange that exhausted them both.

What Bell woke up to the next morning however, made him yelp so loudly that it had everyone in the manor rushing to the door of Musashi's room. No one dared to actually open the door only guarding the outside and instead letting Amaterasu enter to see for herself.

"Bell? What seems … to be … the … mat- what?"

Musashi sat naked like the day she was born right on top of Bell. Both renards looked just as surprised as the Goddess herself and for a good reason too. The violet renard watched in awe as she wiggled around her tails. No longer one single tail, not two or three but nine. Just like Bell, like Akari, like Shinano.

"How is this … possible?"

Amaterasu who had long cherished the nine tailed renards now watched as a new one just appeared out of nowhere. The night before said girl had one tail and now as the sun rose over Orario she sprawled out nine, wrapping each one around Bell's own tails as if to confirm whether it was real or not.

After allowing the two to get dressed, Amaterasu had all the renard princesses except Akari come in. They all looked completely blown away by their reborn sister. Her nine electric violet tails looked majestic, if not for the fact that they kept playing with Bell, poking, pulling and tickling him, as Amaterasu went over the situation to try and understand what exactly had just happened.

"So if everything you said is true … Amaterasu-sama … are you saying that the key is … to get Bell to have sex with a regular renard? And that will make them awaken and turn them into a nine tailed renard?"

Shinano asked unsure of the implications of Amaterasu's investigation.

"That's right. I apologise for the rather explicit wording but yes I believe that if a renard were to take in Bell's … seeds into their womb it begins the process where the nine tailed mutation awakens, but it also seems like once it starts they need to regularly mate and get more of his semen in order for it to work. It is very unusual but since it's never happened before and there are no records I have no way to verify it."

"But how sure can we be then?"

Amagi calmly asked, she wasn't one that trusted speculations as much as she believed in evidence, theories that had been tested and proved.

"Easy!"

Akagi apparently had a solution as she stood up and walked to Bell. Everyone was confused however, as she began stripping until she was left in her underwear. Everyone's confusion then turned to bewilderment. With the most natural and alluring voice she could manage, she finally explained her reasoning with two words.

"Bell. Fuck me."

"Eh? Wh-huh?!"

Musashi and Shinano reacted instantly shielding Bell from their own sister.

"No way!"

"Nee, Musacchi why are you against it? You fucked him for four days straight. You have no right to complain. Even if you are his girlfriend now, you were not the first time you did it with him."

Caught red handed Musashi blushed bright red and nuzzled Bell's chest to avoid eye contact. Even then she never let her tails defence of her lover's body falter.

"You can't do that!"

Shinano on the other hand voiced her opposition which was met with a grin from Akagi.

"Hm? Why not? We need to confirm the theory don't we? It's very important after all and the best way is to test the theory out no? For that you need Bell and a regular renard. Unless Amagi and Kaga are offering themselves to substitute me then I am pretty much the only one who can do this. Or perhaps you want to do it Shinano nee-chan? But you see you're already a nine tailed renard so you don't qualify do you?"

Seeing her smug smile irked her unlike anything before. For the first time she regretted not being a renard with a single tail. She had never been against having nine tails but now? She wished with every fibre of her body to go back in time and change that. Alas that was not possible leaving her on the losing side of the argument.

"You know, as much as I hate doing this to you Shinano. I have to agree with Akagi on this one. Getting her to mate with Bell would pretty much give us the answers we need."

"You can't be serious Kami-sama!"

"Well in the end the decision is up to Bell, not like any of you can force him."

The princesses then returned their attention to the boy in question. Akagi in particular being interested in his response.

"Bell will you make love to me?"

"Uh … Akagi, I'm n-not against being in a r-relationship with you. So far despite your teasing I have to say I enjoy spending time with you. But I would l-like it if we didn't just start it by having s-sex. I mean Musashi was an exception it all h-happened due to several coincidences. And while I have no reason to say no to you being my girlfriend I think it'd be best to hold off sex for now. Like with the other girls we should develop our relationship instead of skipping the first few steps. That and you need to permission from the others."

"Alright, I can work with that."

"B-Bell what is the c-chance she gets p-permission?"

Oblivious to the desperation in Shinano's voice he thought about it for a minute or two before giving his opinion.

"Well … knowing Alise, she will jump at the occasion."

Hearing that Shinano frowned while Akagi smirked.

"Artoria doesn't really care or mind. So long as I love her she will not complain."

Shinano's and Akagi's respective facial expressions grew larger.

"Tsubaki and Kaguya, however, are not as simple but knowing what they think of Akagi, I don't think they'll mind."

Akagi grinned triumphantly while Shinano felt like grinding her head into dust, squirming on the ground at the defeat.

"Then I just need to get their permissions directly from them and then you'll agree to date me?"

"Yes, but we won't go anywhere near the topic of s-sex until we are both absolutely sure of our f-feelings for each other, okay?"

That was everything Akagi ever wanted or needed to hear so without even a hint of doubt she agreed.

"Deal! I'll be a nine tailed renard by the end of the month!"

No one had the time to react to Akagi bursting out of the room and sprinting out on the road. She looked right and left before getting her bearings and aiming straight for the Stardust Garden. Bell in the meantime had turned his attention down to the ground as a cute yet angry 'mumumu' was being repeated on a loop by Shinano as her sisters crouched around her and tried consoling her.

"I'm sorry about Akagi nee-sama."

Though Kaga loved Akagi the most that didn't mean she didn't carer about her other sisters. Like Kaga was extremely loyal to Akagi, Akagi was very attached to Amagi who in turn doted on Akari. Akari on other hand, was always hanging around Musashi who always looked after Shinano. Shinano looked to Yamato and the second eldest was particularly attached to Kaga. It was a perpetual cycle.

"There, there."

Bell felt bad but as he told Musashi he had to let Shinano be the one to ask him, since he was afraid she'd just act on her emotions without giving it much thought. Meanwhile, Amagi slowly pat her head as the nine tailed girl sniffed sadly.

"That's not fair, hic, I was here first, hic."

.

"Please welcome Ryuu Lion and Astolfo Alvord on the arena! Today's winner will determine who moves onto the semifinal! Now who of these two great warriors will move onto the next round?!"

The elf and the woman looking man made their way onto the arena which had been renovated once again with different obstacles and buildings. As soon as they arrived they began analysing each other as they waited for the match to start.

Though Astolfo was one of the twelve paladins, his strength and weapon skill was deemed weak compared to the other knights. In a contest of strength, dexterity, endurance and agility he'd lose against most other level fives. Even his magic strength wasn't extraordinary, but what was amazing about him to the point that made him a game changer were his spells and magic skills.

In terms of close quarter Ryuu had the advantage being far stronger, faster and much more skilled. However, any of the abilities he had showed off against Eugeo would have been enough to turn the tide of the battle. The other issue is that being a magic swordsman her other strength was magic but she wasn't confident that her magic would do much good against him.

'This will be hard.'

"Let the match start!"

Astolfo charged at Ryuu with his sword to start off the battle but found himself having to summon his spear very soon as she easily overpowered him in a few swings. The new weapon gave the advantage of range and power, enough to make up for his lack of strength, skill and speed. Not only that but the lance was rather large allowing him to easily use it to block Ryuu's attacks.

Ryuu went in for a slash to his side only to be blocked and pushed back, but no matter how many times Astolfo managed to counter attack he always found himself being pushed back. Changing his plan he decided to make use of the terrain, hiding behind pillars and using buildings to throw surprise attacks.

"I won't let you win so easily Ryuu-san!"

.

"So that's the handsome mister you were talking about Bel-chan?"

"Yes!"

"He's handsome alright, definitely prince class I'll tell you. So, is that who you set your sights on Belfast? Didn't expect the head maid to suddenly show romantic interest in someone of the opposite sex."

"You're always looking after us perhaps it's time you got someone to look after you."

"Ara ara, Belfast is interested in someone?"

Despite the sudden implications she remained completely unfazed maintaining her gentle smile as she looked at the three girls who spoke about her apparent romantic interest.

"Please do not be mistaken, though he is indeed a very handsome and kind man he already has a woman to be by his side a princess at that. I do not think he'd be interested in someone like me. Though I appreciate your enthusiasm towards the matter Enterprise-san, Yorktown-sama, that is not the case. As for you Hornet I'd appreciate if you tried to behave yourself."

The three sisters all looked at her apologetically as they heard her thoughts on the matter.

"Tell me Belfast are you interested?"

"Monarch-sama? Please, I'm not crushing on anyone, I simply wish to repay him."

"Yeah, on your hands and knees. Ow!"

Enterprise proceeded to smack her younger sister Hornet for the inappropriate remark.

"Alright enough girls, let Belfast be."

""Yes Iris-sama.""

.

"La black luna!"

The blue sphere that surrounded Astolfo expanded as he blew into the horn. Ryuu knew she could not avoid it so she braced herself, but when it reached her she felt her soul shaking as if she was being attacked spiritually.

"Guh!"

Both of them were exhausted having worn each other down over the past thirty minutes. The spell however, seemed to signal to the end of the match as the elf fell to her knees.

'I can't fall here. For Astraea-sama, for Alise, for Bell.'

As Astolfo approached her to land the final blow she felt her falna grow warmer. Just as the lance was brought down on her she raised her wooden sword to block the attack. Having him right in front of her and caught by surprise she unleashed her new spell.

"Rise wings of justice, take flight and tear through my enemies! Ventus justitia!"

A powerful blast shot out of her hand and slammed into Astolfo, sending him flying back. The knight's armour shattered and punched the air out of him. Before he could recover their roles now reversed, Astolfo was knocked out as the wooden sword came down on his head smacking his face into the dirt.

"What an amazing comeback! Ryuu Lion of Astraea Familia wins!"

Ryuu panted before turning to see her Familia and Bell cheering for her victory. With a tired smile she fist bumped the air as the cheers in the colosseum grew louder before making her way back to her place. She'd take a long rest after that.

.

"Ne, ne Bell, what is this 'beautiful maid wanting to repay you' story that I'm hearing from Artoria?"

With the match now over, she turned her attention to Bell. She had gotten the details of the date from the princess to see her progress, that's when she was happy that like the others Artoria too had become more confident after talking with their boyfriend. Her attention though fell on Belfast the moment she heard she was a gorgeous looking maid. It was like the chance encounter in those books she read.

Seeing as there were three matches left before the semifinals Ganesha had decided to have all three matches today so that they could move onto the penultimate round tomorrow. Giving everyone a break before starting the following match allowed Bell and Alise to slip out to have a quick trip to a food stall.

"Come on Bell, tell me."

"It's nothing Alise. I just helped a little girl whose sister, both of whom are maids, then wanted to thank me for taking my time to look after the child."

"You say child as if she wasn't only four years younger than you."

"Anyways, you get the point."

"Do I? Tell me what you think of this Belfast. Come on, was she pretty?"

Alise smiled smugly as she kept nudging Bell, much to his annoyance. Knowing that she wouldn't give up he relented and gave his honest opinion of the maid.

"Fine. I think Belfast is really gorgeous, I was genuinely surprised, because she was so pretty I thought she looked like a Goddess. And I won't lie, I like the maid outfit, it looks really good on her. I dare say that only Shinano and Musashi have a face more beautiful than hers."

Hearing that made the captain gasp in fake shock. Alise didn't mind if she wasn't the most beautiful to Bell as long as she was loved the same as the other girls. It was her desire after all, for his love to be equal to everyone in the polyamory. Besides, no matter how kind Bell was, his honesty was also a charm of his and it was inevitable that some of the girls were superior in some departments. Like she would win in the personality department, others like Musashi would definitely win for beauty and breast size.

"More beautiful than me?"

"Well, you are still beautiful in my eyes Alise, but you wanted me to be honest so you reap what you sow. So yes, I do have a ranking in terms of beauty and I'm sorry to say that Artoria, Shinano and Musashi surpass you in that regard. And now Belfast too. Not only that but she was very nice and always maintained a very elegant and calm demeanour."

"Ara, even I will end up blushing if you praise me that much. To think that Bell-sama thought so highly of me, I am honoured to hear that."

Turning around Bell turned bright red as the maid he just spoke about stood right behind him. She smiled gently at Bell and just as she said, she had a hint of a blush though she remained calm despite the rather embarrassing confession. Placing one hand to her cheek while the other one held Bel-chan's hand she approached the couple.

"When did you start listening?"

"If I remember correctly it started from 'Come on Bell, tell me'."

"Kyun! You heard everything!"

"Hehe, perhaps I did."

"Ugh!"

Bell felt like crawling in a hole and dying.

"Oh! You really are beautiful."

Alise looked at her impressed.

"Fufu, thank you, though I have to say Bell-sama really knows how to please a woman with his words."

"He does, doesn't he? He is a real sweet talker, so don't let him talk too much else you'll be finding yourself wooed before you know it and if you let him in your bed you won't be able to leave."

"I will take that into consideration."

Taking his attention away was the little sister who like a saint distracted him from the embarrassment he was feeling.

"Hello Bell-sama."

The renard crouched down, trying to hide from the two teasing women.

"Bel-chan, they're being mean."

"There, there."

She left Belfast's side and proceeded to pat the crouched down Bell, much to the amusement of the two girls.

"Oh! Heya there! What's going on?"

"Hm? Hornet? Why are you here?"

An energetic girl with blonde hair tied in pigtails skipped her way over. Her outfit was unusual for a city, borderline lewd. She wore a black bikini top, black shorts, with a black and yellow jacket covering her body and an equally black and yellow hat. In a way Bell was reminded of Tiona but had the feeling that when the situation called for it she would be more serious than the bubbly amazon.

"Oh, I saw you and Bel-chan leaving so I thought I'd tag along and man what a surprise. To think you'd be sneaking out to meet your secret lover."

"This again? I already told you that he's not my boyfriend."

Bell in the meantime noticed how Alise's eyes just shone at the sight of yet another beauty, clearly marking more targets to add to polyamory. He worried if this side of Alise was brought out due to him, if so he'd have to apologize to every girl that was going to get targeted.

"Ahem, apologies, allow me to introduce you. This is Hornet White, the youngest of the three White siblings. She is a very energetic and airheaded girl, so I hope you can forgive her for her attitude."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!"

The blonde girl looked offended, pouting her hardest at the maid who only slightly giggled adorably in response.

"Sorry Belfast, I lose sight of her for half a second and before I knew it she homed in on you."

"Hornet what did I say about disturbing Belfast?"

Bell and Alise turned to the voice that belonged to another pair of stunning looking women. They both had long silver white hair and wore similarly styled clothing.

"Perfect timing actually, these two are Enterprise and Yorktown the other two siblings and the older sisters of Hornet."

"Yup these two amazing girls are my dear sisters, feel free to call them Enty and Yorky!"

Enterprise looked at her sister with a devious smile.

"And what can they call you?"

"Of course they can call me Horny!"

Having shouted it out loud, everyone around them had heard her loud and clear. A moment of silence reigned over them as Hornet turned red, realising what she said. Bell suddenly felt much better about himself while Enterprise, and Alise tried their best to keep their laughter from escaping though it wasn't working really well. Belfast and Yorktown too despite her usual calm demeanour couldn't help but smile widely when she heard that.

"Ugh ... why?"

"You brought this on yourself Horny."

"Okay I get, I get it, so please stop calling me Horny."

"Sure thing. Either way, it's nice to be meeting you at last Bell-san, as my little sister said you can call me Yorky if you want, though I would prefer onee-chan honestly."

"Nee-sama, what are you asking of someone you just met?!"

Both Enterprise and Hornet were surprised with their sister's forwardness, though they had gotten used to it over the years, it still was shocking when she simply asked someone to call her onee-chan.

"Why not? He looks so adorable. I feel like cuddling him, I mean just look at how fluffy he looks."

"Hehe, though he is very fluffy indeed I'd be careful, he is quite the monster in bed. He'll keep you awake all night and exhaust you until the morning."

"Wha-?! Alise?!"

"Ara ara."

Yorktown however, didn't seem to mind the intimate information though she did become a little flustered shown by her slight blush. Belfast too looked away while Hornet and Enterprise blushed bright red. The only one who was confused was Belia who turned to her reliable sister.

"Onee-chan? What does that mean?"

As if only remembering then that there was a child, everyone froze and turned to her wondering what to say when Bell decided to give his best excuse.

"Alise is just saying she sometimes mistakes me for a monster in the night because of my red eyes and my tail."

It was a terrible explanation and he felt himself cringe at that but to all their surprise Bel-chan seemed to believe that.

"What? That is horrible Alise-san, how can you mistake your boyfriend for a monster?"

"Haha, that's umm ... it just sorta happens, you know? After having been in the dungeon for a while."

While the girls praised him for his quick thinking, Bell shot an apologetic glance at his lover as she was used as a scapegoat. Alise in response only pouted at him as she was now being scolded by the young maid.

"Ugh, I get it Bel-chan, I'm sorry."

"You should tell that to Bell-sama."

"It's okay Bel-chan, I'll always forgive Alise, no matter what she does."

Alise felt giddy hearing that and tightly cuddled Bell right in front of all the girls.

"Hehe, that's why Bell-sama is so strong."

"What?"

The response had Bell completely stumped.

"Well I think that being able to forgive someone is a strength. So Bell-sama is strong!"

Bell felt himself zone out as he began piecing together the different conversations triggering his memory to finally remember. What Zeus had said, what he meant and wished for Bell to understand, he finally saw it. What in his mind, seemed like a thick mist through which he couldn't find his way now suddenly had a ray of light shining through.

.

-Flashback-

Bell was only ten at the time that Zeus decided to tell him of his Familia's legacy, their legend and eventually their downfall. To say he was furious upon learning of the betrayal was an understatement. He was absolutely wrathful to hear that the greatest heroes since the Age of Heroes had been cast aside for one failure after loyally defending the city for a thousand years.

"How can you still hold such hope grampa?"

"Because I have forgiven myself and I forgave them, now it's just a matter of them forgiving themselves."

Bell was understandably left puzzled at the wording of the wise old man.

"Why did you forgive them? After all they have done? And why would they need to forgive themselves? They did that willingly!"

Zeus however, only chuckled seeing the irate renard, his tails swishing angrily.

"My dear little Bell, you are still a child so it's no wonder you don't understand. As a matter of fact many adults these days don't understand the meaning of forgiveness itself. It is a virtue that is often hard to comprehend. But do not be angry Bell. It is not worth it. Don't hate them nor harbour a grudge because you know you are better than that, I know you are."

"B-but..."

Zeus put down the book he was making and sat down next to Bell to pat his small head.

"Bell, you will live far longer than any race on Gekai, so I know you will see with your own eyes the truth, but know this. There is more to a person than you realise. Humans are emotional beings that can lash out in unimaginable ways if pushed to their limits.

We, both mortals and Gods, are often fickle beings that often don't think before we act. Despite the continuous lessons we try to teach the younger generation we tend to forget the very lesson we try to impart. Despite the long history which shows us our mistakes, no matter how hard you teach someone to be better, those mistakes are bound to happen again and again.

This is why you often see history repeat itself. There will always be people who see less than others and those that see more than others. And it is often too late that people see that they are committing a mistake, one that's been made countless times before. What I'm trying to say here is that though Loki and Freya may have done unspeakable things, you might later see that they regret their mistakes."

Bell silently listened to Zeus, as for once he was not being silly, rather he was being awfully serious.

"The path of a hero is a treacherous one Bell. Filled with obstacles at every turn. But we of Zeus and Hera Familia take pride in who we are. No matter how hard it is, no matter how much we cry, lose and may be beat down, the one thing we never do is give up. We always rise back up from the ashes of our defeats, stronger than ever.

It is not by raising our swords, shields or by weaving a magic spell that we are deemed heroes. No, it is because we put our lives on the line for the sake of others, out of our own wishes are we heroes. Noble and valiant we march forward overcoming every one of those obstacles, but not alone. No hero was ever alone. Bell, one of the most important things is that when you reach Orario you need to find reliable companions, people who you would entrust your life to. Who you would know they would have your back no matter what."

"But grampa what does have to do w-with forgiving them?"

"Haha, right that. Bell do you think heroes are strong?"

His angry expression was instantly wiped out and excitement brimmed in his eyes as his favourite topic came to light.

"Of course! They are the strongest!"

"You are right. They are ... but there are many types of strengths Bell. One of them is a virtuous hero and forgiveness is a virtue."

The cute tilt of Bell's head told Zeus all he needed.

"This is complicated but listen carefully Bell, I know you will come to understand in the future. Forgiveness like every other word we make up, it's something we give a meaning to. Why do we forgive someone? How do we forgive someone? When do we forgive them? That is all up to you to decide. But it is a hard decision, would you be able to forgive someone who killed?"

"Never!"

"Even if he did it to protect his only child? Can you really blame them?"

"Uh, well ... I-I ... don't know."

"That is why there is more to the cause behind forgiving someone. There are circumstances, emotions, judgement, fairness and so many more things to consider. But how is it a strength? Does it help you beat monsters? No, because it is an internal strength Bell. It's got nothing to do with how fast you can swing a sword or how hard you can hit someone. It is an emotional strength that comes from the heart.

You say you could never forgive Loki, but ... perhaps in the future you will see that there is more to her than you think and perhaps then you will find it in yourself to give her another chance. But it will only work if you do so from the bottom of your heart. Only then will your mind rest easy and the burden you carry be lifted. You can't do it simply because it is the right thing to do or because it is unfair to them.

It must be something you whole heartedly believe in ... otherwise it will hold no meaning, to them, to you or to anyone. And not many could forgive those who wronged them, that is why if you can one day manage, it will make you stronger than anyone else. A power born from one's heart, only someone who is strong in heart can pull this off. And you too will one day understand, be it in a year, in ten or a hundred or even a thousand.

I do not blame Loki, she was as greedy and naive as any God who just descended. Nor do I blame the people who live in constant fear of the monsters. That is why I forgave them. Because that is what we fought for, it would only ruin my children's sacrifice if I couldn't do this much. All that's important is that the people are safe, that is how Zeus Familia always worked.

For the sake of the others. My only request to you Bell is that you try to understand and forgive Loki. Do not hold a grudge for it will only ruin you and make you lose sight of the path ahead of you. Also, you asked me how I hold hope, right? Well, knowing that they will be the ones to one day pick up the banner of the heroes we left behind is how I keep having hope. One day they too will rise to defend Gekai. Always remember this Bell."

.

"Bell? Bell?"

He blinked and realised that Alise was waving her hand in front of his face. Belfast and the other girls also looking at him with worried faces.

"O-oh, I must have zoned out. Sorry, it's just that what Bel-chan said made me remember something of important."

"Eh? I did?"

"Yes, and it was very helpful, thank you Bel-chan. I think it might even help me in my match."

"Hehe."

"Speaking of which, why are you two here? Isn't the next match starting soon?"

"We just wanted to take a break and walk around. Besides, Bell's match is after Artoria's so there is plenty of time."

"I will cheer for you Bell-sama!"

Everyone giggled as Bel-chan declared her support for him with bright eyes.

"Thank you Bel-chan."

.

"Remember Arty win without killing her and I'll let you fluff my tails all you want."

Bell could see the glint in her eyes as he mentioned the reward he had ready for her.

"And of course, if you kill her we won't be able to see each other since you'd be arrested or banished from Orario."

"Hmm, that would be terrible."

"It would, wouldn't it? So do your best!"

Before she could react he gently pecked her on the cheek before running off and leaving the blushing Artoria to stammer as the match began.

"Let me hear your cheers for the princess of Britannia as she once again takes to the battlefield! Facing her today will be her arch nemesis Morgana! Who of these two terrifying beauties will take today's match and win over the heart of the renard of the Takemikazuchi Familia?!"

Bell felt like hitting Ibri as he presented the participants of the match. For one his heart already belonged to Artoria and secondly there was no way he'd fall for Morgana with her current attitude. But he didn't worry since he had faith in his princess' strength.

""Go Artoria! Woooo!""

Bell along with his girlfriends cheered on their collective lover. Down in the arena Artoria smiled much to the annoyance of Morgana, not only because her sister was happy and supported but also because her ideal husband was cheering for her enemy, not paying any attention to her whatsoever ... and that wouldn't do. No, not at all.

"I will make you pay for everything you've done. Even now you steal what I want!"

"Bell is not an object and it was he who chose me, for that I will forever be grateful. But of all the things that I hold dear in this world, I won't let you take the person I love the most away from me no matter what! Excalibur, show this tyrant her place!"

Ibri hadn't even given the signal for the match to start and the two dashed forwards. Swallowed in their emotions they tossed aside the match to have a real battle to determine who was right. Whose emotions would prevail in this long conflict would finally be decided today once and for all.

""Rrrragh!""

Excalibur and the black staff collided causing a shockwave to rattle the colosseum as the full power of two irregularly powerful level fives clashed against each other.

"Holy shit, those two crazies are ready to shed blood for Bell."

There was an eerie silence amongst the crowd as the only audible sound were the two metallic weapons grinding against each other. The two stayed locked in position with nearly stoic faces but their eyes furiously glaring at each other. Everyone could see how much emotion was behind those eyes and both of them showed more than anyone had ever seen before, except for Bell who had seen a completely different Artoria while on the date.

The silence didn't last long however, there was after all a battle to win. A decisive battle that would put an end to the war between the two women. In an instant chaos descended. Their first opening was nothing compared to what the two fought with now. A flurry of attacks, each one stronger and faster than before, rocking the arena harder and harder. Unlike most if not all they held nothing back against each other, each slash and thrust aimed to cut through each other, spilling blood until one side died.

Nonetheless, Morgana was a mage and Artoria a knight, so it was to no one's surprise that Le Fay began losing ground bit by bit. Clearly it frustrated the white haired woman, a vile scowl marring her beautiful visage. Trying to be smart about it rather than stubbornly power through she tried using the surrounding to her advantage, but it didn't matter when your enemy was Artoria. Hiding behind a building to slow her down, she was surprised when the princess just slammed through the house like it was made of paper, sending rubble flying as it all but collapsed.

"You goddamn gorilla of a woman!"

"Says the dog who can't do anything but run."

"Hmph, a dog can still serve her master better than an unruly gorilla."

"Why you?!"

Artoria slashed down trying to hit Morgana as she evaded by hiding behind the pillar. It was all for naught as the royal girl slashed through the construct, a pillar so hard that even Kratos couldn't destroy, but it wasn't a clean cut rather it was just an overbearing power that crushed everything as the whole thing came crumbling down like a crushed cookie.

"Damn you, you and your fucking unnatural wild strength! You're nothing but a freak of nature!"

"Stay still and let me put an end to you."

"In your dreams."

Chanting she weaved together her spell. The massive circle of light shone from beneath her as she summoned thousands of small blue fire blades to cut through the princess. Artoria jumped back to protect herself from the attack as she rapidly slashed all of them with her divine blade. Her incredible reflexes helped her intercept each small blade though some managed to nick the surface of her skin, cutting her arms and legs.

Morgana, with her fairy queen skill, spread her colourful wings and allowed her to use her wings to amplify the effect of her magic blades flying towards Artoria. This put the blonde warrior to a massive disadvantage as the queen now used ranged attacks from a safe distance. Each moment the battle dragged longer, she got more tired and her chances to win decreased. The idea of losing this match was dreadful and the more she thought about it, the more it made Artoria mad. Bell would have been sad, losing his smile. That precious smile and it made her blood boil.

'I won't let anyone take Bell's smile away!'

"DON'T GET IN MY WAY!"

Artoria for the first time lost any semblance of reason and went berserk. With feral battle cry she was surrounded in black and red light, enveloping her like the bud of a flower.

"Oya?! What's going on?! It seems like the princess is evolving just like the queen did!"

Suddenly the dark rose bloomed revealing a much different princess than anyone had seen before. Her silver armour and her blue and red outfit were now jet black with red cracks spreading like luminescent veins across her entire body. A small iron visor covered her eyes and her golden hair no longer shimmered, instead turning to a dull yellow.

"Oh no."

Arthur having seen that form just once before, knew the consequences of that transformation and couldn't help but worry. He had seen how strong of a boost it provided and unbelievably powerful she became when in that form but he had also witnessed how destructive it was both to others and herself. It put a considerable strain on her body but also made her see everyone as enemies.

"Oh! Ladies and gents the dark rose descends on the battlefield! What will happen now?!"

Artoria was stoic, showing no emotion as she took her stance and in the very next instant she was a step away from Morgana. The sudden increase in speed shocked even the fairy enhanced woman just like every other executive of the top tier Familias.

'What the? When did she get here?'

She barely raised her staff to block only it turned out that the power behind the hit sent her flying like a pinball. She hit the ground and bounced off into the wall. That's when a dark energy gathered around Excalibur. As if coating the blade with a laser like energy, it increased the size of the weapon drastically. Not only that but it made it more deadly than ever before.

Then like it was a hobby, the princess began shooting energy rays across the battlefield raining down hellfire on Morgana. The entire arena was nuked and the barrier flickered as it began losing power before the mighty devastation caused by Artoria.

Morgana did her best to defend herself but the versatility of Artoria's new power made her near invincible. Not only did it increase all her stats but it also gave her a new powerful energy to manipulate. From the looks of her current usage it looked like she could use it however she saw fit: coat the blade with energy, extend her reach, shoot blasts of energy, shoot beam attacks, use long range attacks or short range, area of effect or single targets. Whatever she needed the dark energy would do for her. Moreover, it didn't look like she'd run out of steam anytime soon.

"Morgana give up!"

Shouting that was Arthur. Seeing no other option he shouted at the queen to give up the match. Once the match was over Artoria would either stop or he himself would intervene. The fairy however, hesitated. She hated the idea of losing, particularly to her nemesis. But no matter how prideful she was, she was not a fool, she knew when to give up. Gritting her teeth in frustration she decided she'd bear with the humiliation, she too had to admit that Artoria was too strong and her defeat was just proof of that.

"I surrender."

"That's it! The match has finished! Artoria Pendragon is the winner!"

Despite that however, the blonde beauty didn't seem to be done slowly marching towards the downed fairy.

"Hey didn't you hear you barbaric woman?! The match is over!"

Even so she kept on walking closer and closer. The arena fell silent as the situation suddenly took a turn for the worse. Arthur began shouting at her to stop but the pleads fell on deaf ears. Her feet stopped only when her path was blocked by Morgana. Artoria then raised her sword much to the shock to the others and swung down. No head went rolling though as a bright white and red blade deflected her attack.

"?"

Stopped by Bell, the princess prepared to deliver another attacks when he suddenly impaled the ground with his divine blade. Leaving it behind he walked up to her without any kind of worry. Artoria continued her attack and swung at Bell to the horror of everyone watching. The blade however, stopped short of his neck, mysteriously frozen just before she could finish him off.

Bell on other hand, was not surprised. He could feel that Artoria was still there. Her hand trembled and her mouth wavered showing that she was resisting. Placing his hands on the cold steel of the dark Excalibur he pushed it aside effortlessly. The sword dropped out of her hands clattering down to the ground.

He stepped closer until they were face to face. Slowly and gently he cupped her right cheek caressing with his thumb while his other hand pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. His rubellite eyes stared deeply into where her eyes would be. He knew she too was looking, he could feel her gaze staring back at him.

"You did great Arty. But this is enough."

He slowly raised a hand and grabbed the visor covering her eyes before removing it. As soon as he dropped it to the ground it shattered into so many pieces that it vanished.

"Now come home. I won't let you fluff my tail otherwise, hehe."

Flashing her the smile she adored so much broke the binds that kept her tied to her mind. With tears in her eyes she grasped his hand and softly squeezed it before returning his loving smile with one of her own.

"I guess ... I have to wake up ... now. Wouldn't want to miss ... any time I could be ... snuggling with your … tails."

Bell pulled her in an embrace as Ibri congratulated Artoria on her victory, knowing that it was now safe and he wouldn't get nuked if he spoke. Exhausted but safe the blonde knight allowed herself to faint into the strong arms of her lover, who caught her and carried her away like the princess she was. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and thanked her for her work before walking back to the VIP stands.

Behind this all was Morgana. She was protected by Bell, but not out of love, she was ignored and left behind like she didn't matter. It should have upset her, which it did. But more than even that, she felt sad, almost heartbroken. Not because she lost but because the renard didn't even acknowledge her presence.

Even after defending her he didn't turn to ask if she was okay, instead only focusing on Artoria like nothing else in the world mattered. No matter how heroic or caring Bell was, there times where he too would prioritize other people. She realised that perhaps, her feelings towards Bell were more genuine than she would have liked them or believed them to be.

.

Though it wasn't particularly late the sun was already starting to set. The final match for the day was scheduled to take place in the evening and finish just in time for people to go and enjoy their dinner. While the break between the matches was taking place, guild members and other maintenance people were repairing the arena, taking particular notice of the barrier, fearing it may be reaching its limit after Artoria's last nuke attack. They hoped that it would resist but considering that the final competitors were Bell and Tanjiro some held doubts about that.

Tanjiro was getting prepared with his fellow demon slayers giving him last minute tips and training. Bell in the meantime noticed Loki leaning on the edge of the stand, at the far back of the room, looking at the walled city. Feeling oddly curious by her solemn look despite always being so cheerful and playful he decide to approach her. Perhaps it was time he confronted her like Takemikazuchi and Zeus had told him.

"Loki-sama? Why the long face?"

Turning around she was surprised to see that the renard was leaning on the railing like she was. She had been so deep in thought she hadn't noticed him arrive.

"You know I can't tell if you're trying respectful or you're being spiteful. But whatever the case I'm sure I deserved it."

He would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised by her response but decided to stay quiet to let her continue.

"Do you know what I'm thinking?"

"Not ... really, no."

"I was thinking about Zeus."

Now that definitely got Bell's attention. He'd finally get the answers his grampa told him to look for. It would be today that he'd decide what to do, he could feel it.

"What about him? And why so suddenly?"

"Why? Well, it's just seeing all these amazing children competing just kinda reminded me of the good old times. Zeus loved to hold what he called power tournaments. Like this, he would have people compete to see who is the strongest. Well it's no surprise that he almost always won, with Hera being the only other member to win. There were some rare occasions where other people would win, but it was fun nonetheless."

However, something about her phrases stood out to him.

"Good old times?"

"Yup, the good old times when that old timer was in charge. Hera was annoying but manageable thanks to Zeus, though he tended to perv around quite a lot."

Glancing over she saw how she smiled fondly at the memories. It went against everything he knew. He always saw her as an irresponsible God, who goofed around never doing anything properly. She was silly and frankly pathetic, but what she showed right now was more mature and sentimental than he would've imagined. That's when it clicked to him. Both Zeus and Takemikazuchi had told him there was more to Loki than met the eye. Was this what they meant? The mask she wore to hide her more vulnerable part?

"Say Bell, I feel like you know about what happened fifteen years ago, do you?"

"I do. I have heard how Orario ... turned their backs on them after they failed."

"That's right, me, Freya, the adventurers and the people betrayed the two greatest Familias of heroes that this age had ever produced. We unjustly held them accountable when we were not there to fight like they did, me and my Familia ran away from the Black Dragon as a matter of fact. Do you know I used to feel about that?"

Bell looked at her, her eyes wide open hiding nothing. The two shades of red eyes stared at each other until Bell shook his head.

"Proud, strong and happy ... giddy even."

Yet she had no semblance of a smile when she said that. Her voice was empty almost melancholic when she spoke.

"Do you know how I see it now that I look back?"

Bell once again shook his head, but deep inside he knew where this is going. He knew exactly what she felt because that is how he felt too.

"It makes me sick to the core. I am disgusted and so much more with my behaviour from back then. I had recently descended from heaven and still thought of this world as a game, a joke. We were mighty Gods and we couldn't die. Then Zeus fell and I took my chance to take my place as the strongest. I felt so ... accomplished.

But that didn't last long. It only took less than a year for me to miss their presence. Their children, the smiles they brought to the people and even Hera and Zeus. Never before did I think I'd miss those two ... but I did as a matter of fact miss them. Life was suddenly so boring, so dull and so empty. But that was only the shallowest of reasons. After getting off the high horses and looked back I felt a hole in my heart. I felt true pain for the first time.

People both I and my Familia saw as mentors and friends were gone. It never occurred to me as an immortal but once a mortal dies, that's it. There is no coming back. The concept of death never really made sense to me until now. The loneliness and pain that one experiences when someone goes away and you know they can never come back.

But more than that the vicious betrayal. How could the people of Orario do that? They do not risk their lives every day to fight monsters. It is because of those heroes that they can live comfortably in their homes. Then what about me? I too do not know the price and fear they did, but I do know that I live in constant fear that one of my children might never return, just like any other God.

So how did Zeus feel like when he lost thousands? His entire family? What did it feel like having all your connections ripped away from you like that? To wake up one day and know they wouldn't be coming home. I was his best friend ... and I ... I-I wasn't there for him. Rather I was against him. Because to me it was all a game.

He'd come back one day, right? He was banished but he was always a persistent fool, he'd come back for sure. Then a month passed and then a year. In that time I lost many children. There was no longer Zeus and Hera to protect us and hold our hands. The dangers of the dungeon and the city became more prominent than ever before. I understood how it felt ... to grieve for your children.

Even the most recent and distant recruits brought a pain I never experienced before. Young and ambitious smiles, that dove into the dungeon and were never seen again. And Zeus had lost everyone and everything he cared and built. Even his closest ones. You know Zeus was renowned for being a pervert. What no one mentioned however, was how caring he was. I'd say I'm extremely attached to my children, now more than ever having understood the value of life, but if there is one person who was more caring and loving of his children it was Zeus.

Whenever they went on expeditions, missions or even the simplest dungeon runs, he was always there to greet them back with a smile. To smile was his way of a hero after all. If there was one thing that could get him to stop peeking at a woman bathing, it was his children return. It did not matter what he was doing or where he was. When his children came back, he would drop everything to make sure he was there.

And when he did lose children ... it was heart breaking to witness. He'd smile and put up a tough look in public, honouring his children like the heroes they were, by sending them off with a smile ... but I still remember the sleepless nights Hera and I often spent to look after him. I didn't understand back then ... now I do ... but it's too late for that."

Bell didn't know what to say, instead only remembering how his grampa mourned every year on the same month, of the same day at the same exact hour. In front of the altar he had raised in name of his fallen children he would pray for them to have a better life and rest easy without ever missing it once.

"Soon others too began seeing their mistakes. Evilus became rampant and the dungeon began pushing back. Hundreds of adventurers died by the end of the first year since their fall. Thousands by the second year. That is how everyone understood how Zeus and Hera were the heroes that Orario needed but rejected and now lost. Not that we deserved them in the first place. Sorry it was a long roundabout to answer the question, but how do I feel now?

I feel terrible, guilty, ashamed. I am many things, but heroic and proud are not one of them. And those were the two things I was meant to be for him and Hera. To take up his banner. And look where I am now. Drinking and perving around. My Familia may be the strongest but we are a far cry from the peak of those two behemoths. We only reached down to the fifty ninth floor when they were scavenging the seventieth just for fun. Me, Astraea and Ganesha all wished things could be different."

"If you had the chance to go back in time and change just one single thing, would it be that then?"

Loki slowly turned to Bell with a sad smile and nodded.

"Yes, if there is anything that I could do to just get one chance to change that, I would. Alas, reality is not so easily changeable. We can only live in guilt knowing what we did killed thousands and could've saved millions."

Bell remained quiet for a moment. He had always hated Loki but this changed things … completely. He knew how she felt and though she was a God there was no need for a supernatural ability to know that she was being honest. How could he hate someone who regretted it so much. Of course no matter how much they regret it you can't always forgive them for the crimes they committed.

But something about her somehow reminded him of himself. Perhaps it was the kind nature he inherited from his parents or the righteousness that was taught him by Zeus or perhaps the need to select what was best for everyone that was inspired in him by the heroes he loved, but he couldn't fault Loki no matter how he tried. She would give anything to make up for it.

"Say have you ever met him?"

There was no lying to a God beside just saying he met him wouldn't hurt anyone.

"Yes."

Loki had just randomly asked so when he said yes and detected no lie was obviously surprised.

"You did?"

"Yes, on my way to Orario I part ways with him."

"W-Where is he?!"

His ears however, drooped down as he shook his head.

"I don't know. He could have went South towards Olympia, a place which would fit him quite well. Settle down and finally relax."

"Right. He would deserve the rest after a millennia."

"Or maybe East to find warriors to rebuild the Familia. Or he could have went West to look for his allies."

"Hmm."

"But if you ask me the most probable direction is north."

"North? But there is nothing north."

Loki looked confused as she couldn't remember there being anything but a devastated wasteland.

"But there is. Far North beyond Asgard, beyond the village I am from, beyond the mountains, lies Dragon Valley. And beyond that gate, up in the Lost World that is where you will find the one who brought upon the fall of the Zeus and Hera Familia."

"The ... Black Dragon."

"Exactly."

Her look of confusion turned to shock, what could a God do against that calamity? In that moment it didn't occur to Loki that the location of the Black Dragon was unknown and that Bell had suddenly revealed that he knew here it was.

"But why?"

"Who knows? Perhaps it's because he has yet to give up. He may still hold hope for Orario. And he intends to buy every single second he can against the Black Dragon for Orario. To let us prepare and be ready so we don't end up like the Zeus Familia."

"Why does he feel the need to keep fight-"

"Because isn't that who he is? No matter how desperate a situation is, no matter how many times you fall and cry it's okay as long as you get back up. It is not the one who wields the sword, the one who picks up the shield or the one weaves his magic to cure the wounds of others that makes a hero. Only those who truly put their lives on the line for the sake of others can be truly called heroes. Scream your wishes and let your dreams take flight. That is what will make you the greatest and coolest hero, right?"

Bell turned to Loki and smiled, a genuine and bright smile. Loki felt her breath taken away as she looked. It was a perfect image. Bell and Zeus overlapped in her mind as she remembered when he himself told her the same thing. She felt taken back in time and tears soon started filling her eyes.

"Yes ... you're right. It is who he was and is."

"That is why you can't give up Loki. It may be true that you haven't done much in the past fifteen years, but later is better than never. If you truly meant what you said, what you feel and wish to live up to Zeus, then you already know what to do. The banner of the heroes still stands … it just waits for you to pick it up."

"Me?"

"You said you regretted your actions, but we can't go back in time to amend for our mistakes, but we can make it right. In fact no one else can. There will be no heroes if you don't take the lead and if that were to happen when the monster comes, then there will be no hope and everyone's sacrifice will be in vain. Can you let that happen?"

Memories came rushing in. Zeus and Hera's Familia, his own children both the ones that are here and those that are gone rushed through her. All their efforts gone to waste? All the precious lives they gave up for this future? Loki knew the answer, she could not let that happen. Not on her pride as a person, as a Goddess and mother figure to her children.

"No. I can't let that happen. Everything Zeus, Hera and my children went through. I won't let them forget everything they gave up for this."

Bell smiled hearing that. He was indeed too hasty to judge people. Zeus and Take were right and he had learnt much today thanks to this. It would take a while to get used to Loki but he believed he'd be able to get used to the idea.

"Thanks Bell, that really helped and sorry ... I should be the one helping you yet here you are teaching me how to live with my life and make up for my mistakes."

"Takemikazuchi-sama said you Gods are no perfect beings and that we seldom realise that you too need help. Loki, it might take a while ... but if you take these small steps ... you will not regret it."

"Small?"

"Well you can't rush everything. You got to start small and slowly build up otherwise you will find yourself crumbling before the mountain of responsibilities, stress and duties that await you."

"Gotcha, then small steps it is, but make no mistake I will no longer hold back. Well I bored you enough and you have a match to get to anyways. I'll catch you around. Await the good news."

Loki turned to leave when Bell spoke up again, his tone much softer now than before.

"Thank you Loki, you might not realise but I have also learnt a lot from this. It helped you just as much as it did me."

"Hehe, whatever it was, happy to help kid."

.

'That's right. We shouldn't hold back anything. Let my desires free and scream my wishes. But don't judge everything for what it appears to be, but see for what it could be. I forgave Loki and now it is just a matter of forgiving myself. For always thinking that I was weak. That is why I always trained and fought until my body coughed blood and could no longer move. But such a stubborn method is not my way nor will it work out in the end.'

Unnoticed to him his eyes gained a new glint to them. A blazing ember that was born at the heart of its pupils. A sign of his soul awakening. It began an irreversible change in Bell that would soon be witnessed by everyone in Orario which would alter history forever.

"There you are Bell. The match is going to start soon."

"Sorry Take, I'm ready."

"Not quite."

Bell was confused when Yoriichi said that and held his sword out to him.

"No offense to Tsubaki. But I have a request to make. I wish to see your skill with the breath styles. I heard from Takemikazuchi-sama that you have learnt them. The divine weapon, however, is not fit as a weapon for you to perform those moves, not to your full potential. That's why I want you to use mine. Like this you won't even have to worry about it breaking. It has the durandal effect."

Bell looked excited, to be able to not only hold but use the sword of the legendary swordsman, was like a dream come true. Even so he turned around to look at Tsubaki, who only nodded with a giggle. She couldn't refuse him when he looked so excitedly cute.

"Don't worry Bell, I won't be hurt or offended just because you don't use my weapon all the time."

Bell's face lit up like a Christmas tree and his ears wiggled like crazy much to the enjoyment of his girlfriends before turning back to Yoriichi and nodding. He tightly gripped the hilt and unsheathed it to see the blade. It shimmered under the light of the now rising moon, beautifully showing the incredible craftsmanship that had been used to make the three hundred years old weapon.

"I look forward to seeing yours and Tanjiro's performance."

.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to today's final match! This match will decide who the last semi-finalist is going to be! Not only that but according to our polls this match is the most anticipated match so far! It seems a lot of people couldn't wait to see these two competitors face off!"

Bell's popularity and Tanjiro's use of breath techniques had gathered a large crowd. Though it hadn't started well, Tanjiro had shown great potential and adaptability in his first match and many expected to see great things from him.

"On one side we have Bell Yamato Katsuki of Takemikazuchi Familia while on the other is Tanjiro Kamado of Amaterasu Familia! Who of these two will win the next match?! Let us see right now! Let the match begin!"

The two of them unsheathed their blades and stared at each other. Unlike most battles they didn't immediately start by rushing each other, making the audience watch with baited breaths, only wondering who would make the first move.

"I've been looking forward to this match, Katuski-san. Please don't hold back!"

"Me too Tanjiro-san, now let's see who's stronger."

Both their swords burst with water, the liquid clinging to the steel surface as it magically floated around the blade of the blade. They dashed forwards with mirroring movements. Performing the same actions and forms they countered each other perfectly. But Tanjiro the ever analytical person he was immediately noticed something.

Just as Bell had shown against Rex, he was abnormally powerful. He was not only faster but also clearly stronger. He thought about it and wondered why that was. Was it a skill that was strengthening him or was it his better mastery of the total concentration breathing technique. Bell also noticed how almost immediately the red haired swordsman tried to analyse everything about his opponent and saw his attention waver.

'If it is a skill, then how long does it last? How do I coun- wah!'

He didn't noticed as Bell placed his leg between his feet with his knee behind Tanjiro's own leg. The push made him lose balance, tripping back. With rapid reaction he immediately flipped himself back up and jumped back to avoid the watery arc that slashed through the rough ground where he had been standing.

Bell remained unnervingly quiet, it surprised the demon slayer how different Bell was when fighting. His smile was wiped away, his eyes no longer had that warmth to them and his attitude showed no trace of its usual cheeriness. His attacks were vicious, each one aiming to end you in a heartbeat.

Tanjiro though had been in similar situations, often outmatched in strength and speed. But he had something most others didn't have. Smell, tactics and an incredible ability to adapt. Using his godly sense of smell he loyally followed his nose to predict and just narrowly dodge whatever attacks he couldn't intercept and block.

Arcs and streaks of azure water cut through his haori and his thick jacket. Trying his best to look for each small detail that could help him gain the advantage, he began letting some of the less lethal attacks connect, albeit marginally. In the distraction made from their water techniques clashing however, he once again missed some of the movements made by Bell and before he knew it his legs had been swept again and he now found himself on the ground.

"Guh!"

A knee to the face sent him barrelling across the arena. As soon as he got up Bell was already on him, performing the eighth form which brought down a waterfall along his blade. The impact of the attack cracked the ground beneath Tanjiro as it couldn't stand the force, his knees bent and his bones creaking under the pressure. The floor ruptured like a spider web while the pressurised water sliced through his skin, painfully drawing blood.

Deflecting the attack he distanced himself to regain his breath. The battlefield was drenched with water from the clash of their techniques. For nearly ten minutes the two went against each other with their water breathing styles, matching each other move for move. He thought hard and realised that he'd have to catch the renard off guard to land a decisive hit if he wanted to even get the advantage. He concentrated on the muscles of his legs. He visualized each one in detail, drawing the maximum out of his limbs.

Bell saw how his stance changed slightly and moved behind the closest pillar just as Tanjiro dashed forwards. The lightning slammed into the stone tower completely stopping the attack. The red haired swordsman was visibly shocked as he was easily countered not expecting Bell to react so rapidly.

"Not bad. But you lose sight of your surroundings."

The demon slayer let go of his sword and backed off, though he was surprised when the white haired man didn't move to attack at all, instead grabbing the hilt of the black sword and pulling it free with his level five strength. The eldest Kamado sibling caught the sword as it was tossed to him.

"Though I use punches and kicks we are fighting to see how skilled we are with our breath styles, it wouldn't seem fair if you didn't have your sword."

Tanjiro nodded and raised his sword when to his confusion, Bell took a stance similar to Zenitsu's.

"But two people can play at that game."

Tanjiro felt the hairs on his body stand up. The deadly bloodlust that the renard emitted reminded him of Muzan. Understanding immediately what he meant, he did what Bell had done before and hid behind the pillar. However, a blood chilling feeling told him that he was in danger. Could he always smell danger? Feel it like Inosuke did? Hear it like Zenitsu did? Whatever the case he could see a terrifying aura, like a fox that had just cornered its prey, its red eyes bore into his back as they promised a swift death. Just as the lightning bolt shot forwards the red haired swordsman, following his instincts, ducked just in time, barely evading decapitation.

The entire pillar came sliding down to the side, its base cut clean off from the blade that the fox man wielded. The crowd looked in complete bewilderment as the stone construct was cleaved by a single slash. Ibri went crazy but Tanjiro tuned him out, instead admiring the skill required when he remembered that he was still in a match. Looking around he could see that Bell was already aiming at him, preparing to unleash another thunderclap and flash on him.

Rolling off to the side he barely evaded the slash that tore through the earthen ground. He barely had the time to turn around to see that Bell was a step away and had switched back to the water breathing style, bringing his blade down to perform the eighth form. Tanjiro immediately countered with the first form only for Bell, much to his surprise, to change the form midway and do a wheel that deflected his sword downward while the white haired beast person flew up and landed right behind the demon slayer and delivered a kick to the back of his head.

"Gah!"

The red haired swordsman went flying and landed several meders after, his face roughly meeting the dirt and ground. Like he always did though, Tanjiro got back on his feet, holding his nose as it let a steady stream of blood flow down his face.

'I need to-'

"stop thinking."

'Huh?'

"You adapt really fast and you think very quickly. It's amazing really. But the issue is that you think. And when you do think, you freeze, hesitate, slow down or even completely lose awareness of your surroundings."

Tanjiro listened closely to what his adversary said and began seeing himself in the very situations he described.

"Your quick thinking has often saved you, but it came with luck. You yourself told me in your tale of your fights against the demons. With Hantengu for example. You were too engrossed thinking about the why and how he split that you didn't notice the fourth one flying around until it grabbed you. What if instead of sound it had lightning powers? You might be dead. You can't rely on luck to save you every time unfortunately. It doesn't come attached with a string every time you stop to think."

Tanjiro knew he was right and couldn't refute his reasoning.

"I'm not saying that you have necessarily stop thinking but perhaps ... you should learn how to move while thinking. Let your body move on its own. Train your instincts and let your muscles act of its own. Once again you yourself told me. When you fought Daki, in your enraged state, you didn't think. You just acted. You put everything, energy and mind into one thought. To slash and cut your enemy. And you were unstoppable. "

He knew very well that unless he gave it his all he'd have no chance to defeat Bell. Until now he had shown that he had the clear advantage when it came to skill and power. If only he could replicate the conditions to make his mark manifest and his blade turn red, then perhaps he could show something of worthy to Bell.

'That's right, no more holding back.'

He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and prepared to unleash his ace in the hole. The Hinokami Kagura. Seeing the determined look in his eyes, Bell knew the moment for the climax of their battle was approaching. So far their water and thunder breathing style exchanges had pretty much ruined the arena, shocking everyone in the arena with how strong they both were. Now it was time to completely destroy the battlefield.

'Hinokami Kagura! Sun halo dragon head dance!'

Bell side stepped as a red flame flashed forwards, slicing his cheek and burning his flesh. With a hiss he turned to meet the stronger and faster Tanjiro.

'This can work!'

The red haired man turned to attack, continuing his dance as the red flame that represented the sun blazed through the air.

'?'

However, Bell was far from being out of surprises.

'That's ... the eleventh form?!'

Just as he had slashed at Bell, his body vanished as his afterimage was cut. Tanjiro recognized this technique very well having used it himself against Daki. What this showed though, was the fact that Bell could use the sun breathing technique like him, Yoriichi and Yamato, the only known users of the first breathing style so far. Feeling his hair stand up he immediately retreated. He felt the heat graze his flesh as a flash of fire scorched the earth before him.

.

"He can use the sun breathing style?!"

The shock amongst the Far Eastern people was evident. Yoriichi seemingly having sensed that was not surprised but he was very interested in seeing how well he'd fare against Tanjiro. Amaterasu on other hand grabbed Takemikazuchi by the neck and began shaking him.

"He's a sun breath user and you didn't tell me?! Takemikazuchi!"

"I-I'm sorry Amaterasu-sama! I forgot!"

The God was sweating under the accusatory gaze of his superior.

"What else have you not told me?"

"Well ... Bell can use most styles, including some of the old ones that have mostly died out. Like the moon breathing style, the heavenly breathing style and the sorts, you know? Some of the ones he can't use being the rock breathing style and the love breathing style albeit its only because he doesn't have the appropriate weapon."

The Goddess felt a vein pop before smacking Takemikazuchi across the face. The executives of the Familia knew how important it was to the Goddess, who was currently trying to bolster the Familia and breath users, particularly after the loss the Familia suffered. Knowing that Bell could use so many different styles not only mad him very special, but it could also have helped attract more people to the Familia, whether Amaterasu or Takemikazuchi, hence why she was so angry with him that she didn't at least announce that.

"You ignorant idiot, how many times did I tell you to inform me about things like these?"

"Hm, sorry."

He nursed his aching cheek, knowing he deserved it. In the meantime Bell and Tanjiro had been going all out, clashing with arcs of fire, causing sparks and flashes to light up the setting sky. The pillars and buildings collapsed and the ground burnt black. Whether it be ground, rocks or metal, everything in the arena got carved by the two suns fighting in the arena. The field was once again flattened to its original state.

"Such a passionate fight. Amazing!"

As usual Rengoku was as expressive as ever. Tengen also loved how flashy the fight was while Yoriichi, Michikatsu and Akaza admired the skill and fine techniques the two used, but they also witnessed their amazing battle auras. Mitsuru, Inosuke, Zenitsu, Nezuko and Kanao cheered for Tanjiro while. Even the two Hashiras who always had issues with Tanjiro had to admit he had grown strong, while Giyu and Shinobu silently but nervously prayed for his victory. Kanae on the other hand, was neutral only wishing for both participants to be safe.

.

Performing the dance the two sent ripples across the air with each shockwave from each clash. The two moved at speeds which many struggled to keep up with, only following the flashes and rays of fire that coloured the battlefield. But to the high levelled people it was clear who was losing ground. As their swords swung down and met half way, Tanjiro found himself pushed back.

'I have to push myself even more. Remember the feeling when I was fighting against Hantengu.'

A pale pink flame surrounded his blade, the black steel turning bright red. Bell too followed suit and gripping the katana harder than before, began reddening the blade. But to the red haired warrior it was clear that this wasn't enough. He had to activate the mark, but so far he had done so unknowingly. He had no idea how to do so. Unlike Bell, who only had one scratch on his cheek and slightly singed clothing, the older Kamado sibling was full of injuries including a deep cut that ran down his right arm.

"Tanjiro, don't think just do. The same way you fought against the upper moons. The heat that built up inside you when you swung your sword."

The two stopped fighting, to everyone's confusion. They stood face to face like at the start of the match, though the arena was now a fiery wasteland. The shield protecting the spectators was also visibly strained to its limit, as cracks began appearing on the edges.

'That's right. The heat of the battle, the rage of the demon's injustice and the hatred for harming my imouto.'

His blood boiled and his body warmed. The scar on his forehead transformed as it burnt into a flame like pattern. The demon crest had manifested and immediately he felt stronger, better and faster than ever before. Not only that, but once again his vision cleared and the world seemed to phase out of existence. He could now see Bell's body down to its muscles and bones. Seeing as he was ready, Bell matched Tanjiro's movement. The two took their stance and prepared to clash, a head on exchange with a modified version of the first form. Dancing flash as Tanjiro had called it.

Finn felt that the impending attack was going to be devastating. Riveria only heard her name being called out and understood what she had to do. She began chanting her strongest defence spell hoping it would make it in time. The two lowered their stance, tensed all the muscles in their legs and the flames gathered around their blades and bodies. Their nichirin blades glowed bright red like the sun as they raised them.

"Via Shilheim!"

The barrier was raised just as the two darted forwards. Lightning enveloped them before shooting out like a beam of fire. Air and dust shot outwards from the force with which they pushed themselves. The area that they had each started from burst and the two met at the centre, both swinging horizontally, aiming for the other's neck.

The moment their swords collided there was a brilliant flash that blinded everyone. The moment of silence that occurred when the two clashed was stormed by a loud explosion and the shockwave that hit the very next instant. Like an earthquake, the collision shook the colosseum and rattled the bodies of everyone in the vicinity. The artificial shield shattered leaving Riveria's barrier to fend off the rest. Yet despite the protective spell, they could still feel the burning heat from their sun derived techniques.

"What the hell was that?!"

"Holy Astraea, did you feel that?!"

The reactions ranged from shock to even fear. When the light died down and the dust cleared it showed that Bell had been pushed back, a cut running across his arm. The demon slayers cheered as Tanjiro finally seemed to be taking the advantage in the fight.

'I did it. I have to push the advantage now.'

"Good, this is far better. But since you're giving it your all it would be rude to not do the same."

'Eh? He wasn't going all out?! No, that was obvious since he doesn't seem tired at all. Let's just hope he doesn't do something crazy like that thing a couple of days ago.'

"First of all, I will stop using the sun breathing style. It's strong but there are other styles that I'm better suited for. That and I can't win against someone who trained with that breathing style for more than five years. And second, I will rely on my skills from now."

Tanjiro held his breath as Bell prepared to reveal his ace in the hole, but what happened next wasn't what he expected. It wasn't what anyone in the building or watching in Orario expected. No one other than Takemikazuchi and Amaterasu knew or would have imagined this happening even in their wildest dreams.

"Demons aren't the only beings strongest at night."

Bell's tail raised to the sky, pointing to the rising moon and then unfurled. The nine gleaming fluffy limbs spread for everyone to admire. Then his skill activated, the nine phases of the moon appeared at the end of each tail and a pure white aura suddenly enveloped him. His red eyes glowed and his white fur shone luminously. But what Takemikazuchi took particular notice was the white and blue star shaped pupil transforming in Bell's eyes.

The serious looks on Bell morphed to completely surprised expressions. Alise, the renard sisters and the Hostess' staff were just as surprised as the rest of the audience not having been informed of this sudden development. Many in the Amaterasu Familia could now see how he had caught their Goddess' attention.

Meanwhile, Murakami was completely aghast at the situation. The last thing he needed, wanted or had expected was for him to be a nine tailed renard. Rex too had been left speechless, albeit for a completely different reason. He had been faced with hard and undeniable proof of how strong his adversary was and he had exceeded every imaginable expectation he had of him so far.

"Let's end this with the next move."

.

"Now you will see Amaterasu. When I trained Bell he went above and beyond in everything. But my goal is to make him the ultimate swordsman and Bell can't do that with a breath style that is given to him."

Amaterasu took a moment to think before realising the implication.

"You're telling me you had him make his own breath style?"

"That's right. If you can't make something yours, then you simply need to create it so that it suits the kind of warrior you are. The only way for Bell is to develop his own style. Even I have no idea of what his progress is in this regard. But today you will see a star rise through the night sky."

She could see the smile on Take's face. It was like looking at a teacher yet at the same time a father, one that was proud of the achievements made by the child. To the side Akaza's eyes widened in a delirious joy as he watched the white battle aura spark brighter than ever.

'What an amazing spirit! He has definitely reached the supreme territory. Just like Tanjiro, Muichiro, Yoriichi and Michikatsu. He will soon see through the world like them.'

.

Bell had always been compared to the moon from back when he was raised in his village. Initially he was going to use the moon breathing style, but he soon realised that it wasn't enough for him. His ambition rose to the skies and his desire challenged the heavens. He shone brighter than the moon according to Takemikazuchi and then he realised. Like he had been referred to since arriving in Orario, he was no sun or moon. He was more than that, he was someone who looked to space and that is when he realised, what meets his needs was something beyond the sky. His inspiration for his style was thus drawn from the celestial bodies that most resembled him: the infinite stars.

"Astral breathing style, first form. Musou No Hitotachi."


~To Be Continued


Had to remove references because they wouldn't format sorry about that.


Hello again, long read wasn't it? I hope that as usual you enjoyed it.

First of all yes I powered up both Ais and Ryuu cause they were too weak compared to others.

As usual if you have any questions, suggestions or there are any mistakes feel free to review or PM me. See you next time, thanks for the support and stay safe.