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Babel,
The magnum opus of architecture.
The pillar that pierces the heavens.
The nail which keeps the dungeon shut.
It was originally no taller than any houses as its sole purpose was to keep monsters from escaping the 'great hole' as it was known in ancient times. Shortly after the descent of the first gods: Ouranos, Zeus, and Hera, the grand tower was erected as a monument signaling the dawn of a new age: The Age of Gods. In its entirety, Babel has a total of 50 floors, the Hephaestus Familia having shops from floors 4-8 and the upper floors having living areas for prominent gods.
On the 50th floor of Babel, a beautiful silver-haired goddess sat from her throne. She wore a black dress that revealed most of her stomach and breasts, and had flower-like ornaments on the sides of her head. Freya held a glass of wine in her left hand as her violet eyes were focused on her divine mirror, watching the vendors sell their wares, civilians walk the streets, adventurers depart for the dungeon, and children holding hands with their parents. This was how Freya passed her time, her gaze wandering aimlessly through the city, watching the vast sea of souls.
As the mirror flickered throughout the city, her eyes widened at a pair of adventurers; an elf and a human. The white-haired boy was carrying a bouquet of flowers while the elf followed behind closely. Within the blonde elf was a dazzling viridescent green orb and a gentle forest gale dancing around it. Freya, in her many years upon Gekai, had not seen a soul so beautiful that she was entranced by it, until she looked at the white-haired boy next to her.
Purity.
Innocence.
Luminescence.
Everyone had colors that represented their souls, what differed between each person was the brilliance in it's shine. It was a sight she had never before seen, a virgin white so pure, an innocence so blinding, yet at the core there laid embers of a black flame. She was so enthralled to notice her right hand sinking in between her legs. The muscular Boaz behind her closed his eyes and waited for his lady to finish. Quite ironic, a Goddess of Beauty, an epitome of attraction, charmed by two mortals.
"Ottar."
"Yes, My Lady?"
"What familia do those two belong to?"
The Boaz thought for a moment. "I believe they are members of the Astraea Familia."
"Hmm.. is that so? I didn't know that Astraea accepted men." Freya giggled. "Do you know either of them?"
"Not personally. The white-haired boy is Bell Cranel, second name: Astrapi. A level-5 and former captain of the Hestia Familia. I believe the elf is Ryuu Lion, second name: Gale. A level-4 of the Astraea Familia.
"I do recall hearing about Hestia, poor her. I always did like her... Thank you, Ottar." She smiled.
"It is my pleasure to assist you in any way, My lady." Ottar bowed. "Shall I have a servant prepare a clean dress and draw a bath?"
She looked down to her soiled dress and glove. "Yes I would like that."
Ottar bowed as he left her chambers. The goddess continued to watch the two souls intently.
"...Fufufu...I'll allow you to keep him for now, Astraea."
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It had been a week since Bell had joined the Astraea familia, and he was...slowly settling in. Even though he was now a part of the familia, Bell was..distant, if that's the right word. Although having spent time with Alise and the others, going on patrols and the occasional short dungeon dive, he would disappear from time to time. Every time Alise or one of the girls asked him where he went, Bell would always dodge the question in some way.
"*Sigh* Why am I doing this again?" The memories of a conversation Ryuu shared with Alise the night prior briefly played through her mind.
.
"Umm... are you alright, Alise?" Ryuu looked towards Alise, concerned.
"...I'm only 18 and I already feel like an old woman.." She groaned. Bell laughed wryly, stroking her head which was on his lap.
Normally she wouldn't be complaining, but her one weakness was paperwork. Alise had taken a break from a long work marathon, having been reluctantly given a break by Kaguya. She sat with Bell and Ryuu. Later asking Ryuu for a lap pillow, saying that she had 'unimaginably soft thighs'. Obviously, Ryuu declined, embarrassed.
Alise then went on to kindly 'asked' Bell for a lap pillow, most certainly not abusing her status as the captain, saying that she 'wouldn't recover from her muscle pain without one'. Bell, being the gullibl- kind hearted, caring young man, saw no reason not to indulge her. Which brings us to this current moment
"You reap what you sow." Ryuu said plainly. "If you decided to do your captain's work regularly, you wouldn't need to do so much all at once, Alise."
"I signed up to fight bad guys! Not do desk work!" Alise exclaimed.
"*Yawn* It's getting late so i'm going to bed." He gently lift Alise's head off of his lap, replacing it with a pillow before getting up, earning a groan from the redhead. "Good night, Alise, Ryuu. Oh, and good luck with your work, Alise." He disappeared into the corridor. The two women waved as the rabbit left. Ryuu turned back to Alise who was staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Hmm..."
"Is something wrong?" Ryuu asked.
"Hmmm..." For the past few evenings, Bell had returned late and sometimes skipped dinner. No one in the familia knew what was doing nor did anyone really have the time to investigate or want to pry, having to go on patrols and the dungeon. "Ive decided!" She shot up from her lounging, pointing at Ryuu.
"!?" It was so sudden Ryuu couldn't help but feel startled.
"Are you free tomorrow, Lion?"
Ryuu tilted her head, confused at Alise's question. "Yes...why?"
"Tomorrow, we're going to follow Bell!" The redhead put her hands on her hips, nodding while grinning sillily. "Now i'll be able to skip doing wor-"
"Surely you jest, captain~" Behind her, the form of Kaguya materialised from the darkness of the corridor. A dark aura emanated from her, as her silky-black hair contorted abnormally. A familiar cruel smile worked its way across her face. Perhaps if there's was no light in the room, she would be mistaken as some kind of ghost or monster.
...Wait when did Kaguya get there?...
Kaguya placed her hand firmly on the Alise's shoulder. "...This paperwork wont do itself~"
All former energy left Alise's face as she shuddered in fear, slowly turning to face Kaguya. The Astraea familia wasn't a large familia, but made up for it with each member being specialised. They received lots of letters from civilians and registrations from aspiring adventurers, though Astraea would often deal with the latter. Alise was always reluctant to doing captain-related work which left her office in hills of paper. Kaguya, being the vice-captain, would be forced to deal with the paperwork had she not managed to get Alise to do it herself.
"K-kaguya...you can't do this! I'm your captain!" She grimaced. Her retorts would only widen the grin on the far-eastern woman.
"I'm not going to let you sleep tonight~" Kaguya picked up Alise like a bag of potatoes, the latter flailing as if a fish on land in the far-eastern noble's arms.
"NOOOOOOO-" Ryuu watched on, unfazed by the kidnapping witnessed. Not that she would admit it, she was also rather curious what their newest member was up to.
.
I felt my pride as an elf, and to Alise, compel me not to let her sacrifice be in vain. So reluctantly, I followed Bell at a safe distance as to not draw his attention. The city was still covered in its usual white fog as the sun had yet to rise above the walls. At any other time of the day Orario would have been brimming with life and energy, which was no where to be found within the thick mist and deafening quiet.
Bell wore the exact same outfit as he did through the week, a black dress shirt, black pants, and brown shin boots.
...Does he have any other clothes?...
His fingers fidgeted as his palm rested on Vesta, which was sheathed in its white scabbard n his left hip. His walking was erratic, fast for a second before slowing down, then getting faster again.
He wandered aimlessly through the waking city as the I trailed behind. I didn't think he had any particular location in mind but soon noticed his form disappearing behind a stone pillar. The great walls encompassed the entirety of Orario, some believed it wasn't to keep people out but rather high-leveled adventurers in. It was managed by the Ganesha familia, though since it was quite early, there weren't any guards.
...This is...the city walls?...
Entering the stairway after him, the flight of steps spiraled up infinitely. The hike up the spiral stairwell was no joke, even for a level 4 adventurer. It was a small exercise in of itself just to climb the stairs. I wasn't too far behind from Bell so it was quite a mystery how I wasn't able to see nor hear him. Eventually I started counting the steps it took to get to the top, from the maddening amount of time I spent climbing the footing.
...976...983...999...
As I ascended the final flight, what greeted my eyes as I peeked out from the tower door was Bell leaning on the outer wall. He had a gentle smile on his face as his rubellite eyes were lost in the grass plains that enveloped the Labyrinth City. He looked so comfortable, at peace just standing there. I hadn't noticed how long I stared at the him until he called out to me.
"Do you need something, Ryuu?"
"!" I was sure that I erased my presence, yet somehow he sensed me. I came from behind the wall and met his rubellite pair, "...When did you realise?" walking up to him.
"About when I left the manor I guess."
"..." An awkward silence overtook us on the walls, surrounded by a gentle breeze and amber skies. My eyes darted between the stone footing and him, trying to find the words.
"Pretty, isn't it?" He smiled somberly as he turned back to the lush grasslands, illuminated by the rising sun.
"..." The daybreak sun shone on the dancing meadow. From beneath the great walls, you could never see such a picturesque landscape.
"We-...I always like to come up here on the walls whenever I have the time." He spoke with a shaky voice. "So is there a reason why you were following me?" His rubellite eyes drawing me in.
As much as I want to know what-whom he was referring to, I didn't want to pry. "...Is this where you have been disappearing off to recently?"
"Ahaha... sorry. The past week has just felt surreal to me... I just felt like clearing my head if you know what I mean?" I felt an odd rush of guilt hit me over the head.
"No, I should be the one apologizing, B-bell. It's only natural to feel overwhelmed, especially from what you experienced." The words flew out of my mouth before my mind could process how inappropriate it sounded. "-I apologize, Mr Cranel. That was rude of me." I subconsciously switched back to calling him formally, unable look him in the eye.
He chuckled. "It's alright. But really, I should have told one of you girls where i've been off too, so sorry again." He bowed.
"Please, raise your head, Mr Cranel. It isn't your fault."
"No really, I should apologi-" I shot a glare at him. "A-alright... Could you call me by name as you have before? We are both of the same familia after all." Bell sat down with his back to the wall, facing Babel, patting to the spot next to him.
"..." I nodded sitting down next to him, while burying my head into my knees.
We sat in an uncomfortable silence for some time. Stealing a glance at him, his rubellite eyes were held by the boundless sky. Bell looked lost, yet at the same time relaxed.
"...Can I ask you something, Ryuu?"
"Of course, B-bell." I turned to look into his distant eyes.
He continued to stare at the clouds as he spoke. "...Do you think true justice exists?"
"!?" My eyes widened. The words resonated in my mind, he sounded uncannily similar to the words spoken from a certain god.
-"What is Justice to you?"-
"...It's just that..that question has been on my mind for the past week..."
"..I may not have the answer you're looking for but I will try. Could I tell you a story from the past?"
Bell gave no response, but only a slight nod.
"Two years ago, I...we, were asked a similar question from a certain god. He questioned our definitions of justice, looking to find an answer that satisfied him. In the end, none of us could provide him an answer, until that fateful day."
His turned his full undivided attention on me.
"A certain mage asked us the same question. Her justice was in protecting the world through evil." His nose scrunched. "She looked to the past, to the heroes who fought back without the blessings of the gods. To bring forth a True Hero in a time of artificial heroes. All she did was turn back the clock of time... I apologize, I seem to be going off topic." My sky-blue eyes regarded his rubellite pair.
"I think that everyone has their own answer and beliefs to what justice is,- But in searching for the meaning of True Justice, we inherit the wills, the dreams, and the words of everyone before us. No matter how heavy it is to shoulder, we can only strive for the future. That is our mission as the Astraea Familia, to leave a trail of hope for the ones that follow in our steps; until the day we become one of the many stars illuminating the sky. My mind and body are still immature, and for that reason; I must grow stronger, strong enough to shoulder their words."
He said nothing, but his expression softened, smiling gently. We sat in silence, listening to the ambience of the city. The liveliness was calming, it showed that Orario was safe, that people were happy.. that they could roam the streets freely without any fear of danger.
Standing up, he extended his hand to me. "Let's both try our best, so that their sacrifices wont be in vain."
I stared at him, before taking his hand and standing up to meet him at face level. "I...Yes."
"Let's go back home." He smiled and began to descend the stairs.
...Why didn't I hit him away?... My face began to feel hot as I looked at my hand. I pushed those thoughts aside and followed after him.
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The quiet city had woken up, parent's and their children walked hand in hand, vendors sold their goods, and adventurers made for the dungeon. Bell and Ryuu made small conversation, talking about random topics. Ryuu soon began explaining some of her skills at Bell's curiosity. Ryuu's 'build' as some adventurers liked to call it, was that of a Magic Swordsman: a front-liner with the capabilities of a mage.
Even among magic swordsmen, Ryuu's 'build' was quite versatile, having an area-of-effect attack magic and healing magic. Elves were known not only for their beauty, but for being more suited to using magic and having better hearing in comparison to the other races. Such as the Dwarves whom were sturdier, Demi-humans who have better senses, and Pallums with their better eyesight. Her weaker strength status was accounted for with two of her skills: Mind Load, which allows her to increase her strength stat by using mind, and Aero Mana, which increases her attack power the faster she runs. She often levelled up with agility being the highest stat, which accounted for the lower endurance.
"You fight with a sword right?" Bell asked.
"Yes, Alfs Lumina. It's made from a branch of the holy tree from my home forest of Ryumilua. Though I don't have it with me at the moment." She took a glance at the blade at Bell's hip. "Out of curiosity, what material is your sword crafted from?"
Bell thought for a moment. "Hmm.. I think Auntie Hephaestus said it was Mithril."
"You have lightning magic right? Have you tried using it on your sword before?"
"Yes, I've tried before. The magic just disperses though." Ryuu nodded.
The two continued walking until Bell stopped, his ears perking up at the sound of a faint scream. "Bell?" Ryuu looked to the dashing form of the Astrapi. "Where are you going?-"
She chased after him, soon the deaf cries reached her ears. The Astrapi ran faster than the Gale could catch up, soon fading from her sight. Bell arrived at the source of the screaming, seeing a trio of rough-looking adventurers surrounding a young girl. She was dressed in a white blouse, red vest, and a long black skirt. Upon closer inspection, Bell noticed that she was a Pallum, one with short chestnut-brown hair and teary eyes. The girl was being held up by her hair by one of the men, the other two standing close behind.
"P-please...Let Lili go!" Cried the girl.
The man smirked. "You shitty supporter! I'll make you pay back every coin you lost me!" As he raised his open fist to punch the girl, an onyx-black blade painted his vision red, a warm, moist sensation ran down his severed forearm. The pallum plopped onto the cold ground, pooled crimson in the adventurer's blood, a burning heat remained where his hand once was.
He collapsed to the ground clutching his injury. "AAAAAGH!! MY HAND- IT FUCKING HURTS!" Looking up, he saw the indignant face of the Astrapi. It all happened so fast, it was as if the rabbit teleported in front of him.
"..." The Astrapi stood in between the girl and the men, glaring daggers at the criminal at his foot. He reached into his pouch and pulled out a red vial, splashing it onto the man beneath himself, noticing a the symbol of a wine glass and moon embroidered onto his jacket.
...Soma familia...
"Y'know this bitch!?" The other two men unsheathed their blades, ignoring their writhing friend on the ground.
"I've never met her before."
"Then why're you protectin' her huh?"
"Because she's crying."
The men growled, "That's a dumb reason to die brat!" rushing at the white-haired human, weapons in hand. The rabbit parried a downward slash with his blade, punching his attacker in the face with his free hand, knocking them out. Seeing an opening the other adventurer lunged for the Astrapi's heart, before being met with a roundhouse kick to the gut, clutching his stomach in pain. The rabbit kicked him unconcious.
The injured Soma familia member bounced at the Astrapi. He ran Vesta through the Soma member's blade, slicing the blade in half, then smashing him into the ground, sending rubble all over the place.
"W-wait please! I-i'll give you money!" He begged.
The Astrapi glared down at him, raising his black blade high above his head, he swung his blade down. Stopping less than a celch away. He considered plunging his blade through, the voice of a certain girl resonated through Bell's mind, stopping him.
-"What if forgiving was another form of justice?"-
"Bell," He looked to his side, seeing Ryuu's hand on his shoulder. "That's enough." He swang Vesta clean of blood, before sheathing it once more. Hearing the commotion, some nearby patrolling Ganesha familia members came around and arrested the unconscious Soma familia members after getting an explanation from Ryuu. Although she had not been there to see fully what happened, she dealt with enough criminals to know who was at fault.
Feeling a tug at his sleeve, Bell turned to the young girl. Despite being a pallum, she was considerably young, likely no older than 10 years old.
"...Thank you for helping me, Mr Adventurer." She said.
"Are you alright?" Bell knelt down.
"Y-yes, Lili is ok.."
"What's your name?" The rabbit smiled.
"..Lili's name is Liliruca Arde."
"Nice to meet you, Lili. My name is Bell Cranel." The girl backed away slightly.
"Those were Soma familia, do you know them in any way?" Ryuu asked, crouching down next to Bell.
The pallum tensed up. "L-lili is hiding from the Soma familia... lili couldn't pay the fee so she ran away."
"Fee?" Ryuu tilted her head, looking to Bell, noticing a grimace on his face. The girl turned to the elf.
"Anyone who wants to leave the Soma familia has to pay 10,000,000 valis...regardless of age. The shop owner has been kind enough to let me stay with him and even give me a job."
Every familia worked differently, Ryuu knew that, but she couldn't help but feel revulsion that there existed a familia so unjust, unfair, and cruel, more so that a child was no exception to the treatment. She felt a strike at her pride, as a member of a familia that upholds justice.
"The owner, is out with his wife right now. Lili was starting to set up shop.. before they came." Lili said.
Bell walked into the shop, drawing the gaze of the elf and pallum. He picked up a small bouquet of white flowers.
He reached into his pouch, leaving the valis at the cashier, "This is for the flowers-" then pulling out a large bag of valis, "and this is for you." handing it to the girl. She stared bug-eyed at the kindhearted adventurer before her, never had she ever been treated so kindly in her near-decade of being discriminated and shunned.
"Wh- I can't accept this!"
"It's alright, the money would help you more than me" He smiled, "If you ever need any help, come by the Stardust Garden and ask for me." giving the pallum girl a small headpat. "I'll be sure to do business here some time."
Of course, Lili had heard the name before. In front of her was not a murderer. In front of her was a good-natured, friendly, young man who fought hard to protect the peace of Orario in the dark ages.
Bell and Ryuu had walked off before she could say anything back. "Thank you so much!" Clutching the bag of valis tightly.
.
"She's a sweet girl. To think that Soma familia forces even children that young to go dungeon diving.. despicable." Withholding her anger.
"As unfair it is, there's nothing we can do about it." Bell grimaced.
His functions were put to stop, all the hair on his arms stood on edge, sensing danger. The rabbit felt a piercing gaze, one alike to the stalking of a predator. His eyes darted to the alleyways and rooftops, scanning them for any hostile intent. His efforts would prove to be pointless as whatever was watching him stopped.
"Bell," Instinctively, his hand glided to the rectangular grip of Vesta as he got into a stance, ready to draw it any second.
"Is someone watching us?.." He mumbled. No longer feeling the carnivorous leering, he looked to Ryuu. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
"I was asking what you were going to do with the flowers." Ryuu asked.
Cradling the bouquet tightly, his lips trembled. "...I have somewhere in mind. Could you spare some time?"
In contrary to his voice, his face showed a pang of sorrow. Having an inkling of an idea of where he wanted to go, She nodded, following behind him. He spared no glance, no words for her. The bustling life of the city gradually zoned out, leaving the elf and human in silence.
They walked for about 30 minutes, until arriving at their destination. What greeted her eyes was an open graveyard, one managed by the guild for fallen adventurers. Adventurers would have to buy land to bury their comrades, if they did not His chest tightened, as if all the air in his lungs were gone. He walked through the countless stone memorials and up a small hill. Bell stopped at a grave atop the small hill, it was engraved with words in koine, the common language.
-
[ -Here lies the Hestia Familia- ]
-
The grave itself had several weapons inlaid upon it, the weapons of his late familia. Bell knelt down, laying the bouquet of flowers onto it, save for one. He drew out a small box from his pouch, opening it. There laid a flower-like hair-tie with a bell attached inside, it was one of a set of two, one belonging to his mother. He took it out carefully, tying it to the hilt of the blade at the center.
The hearth had joined his family.
"Ryuu.. do you mind if I?"
She nodded.
"..Sorry I couldn't visit any sooner guys. I've been very... busy recently..."
He drew Vesta, placing the scabbard to his left. Bell watched the runes dance a blue hue before dying out again.
"I hope you're doing well up there with everyone, mom."
Ryuu could only see his back from where she stood, but it was enough to see the warm droplets forming in the corner of his eyes.
"..I couldn't protect you. I promised I wouldn't leave you like everyone else but I broke that promise for my revenge and you paid for my mistake... I'm so sorry mom..." His voice quivered, speaking shakily as he laid his heart bare. Silent tears ran down his face.
"Bell.. They wouldn't want you to blame yourself.. you know that."
He turned to the elf. "I was their captain.. they trusted me... and I betrayed that trust. I was too weak to save them.. to save mom..." His eyebrows furrowed "What kind of hero can't even save his own family..."
Ryuu knelt down beside him, stroking his back. She felt as though she understood his guilt, despite never experiencing anything remotely similar. The loss of family is never something anyone should experience, it was obviously no exception for one called a murderer.
"It should have been me who died..." He said in a small voice. It was less of a whisper and more of a mouthing of words, yet Ryuu still caught his voice.
"Don't make yourself small, Bell, it's a bad habit of yours."
"Don't invalidate their sacrifice."
"You may not have been able to save them, but don't let that push you down." Ryuu stared into his guilt-ridden rubellite eyes.
"I will not speak as if I can understand from the bottom of my heart how you feel, or that I know you nearly as much as any of your past familia has. But I know, Bell Cranel is someone who thinks the most, cares the most, and puts the needs of others before himself. He keeps moving forward no matter what. So rise, for them."
At that moment, Ryuu swore. She swore that there was a petite woman- a goddess, in front of them.
Two jet-black pigtails, held up by white and blue flower-like hair ties with bells. A heavenly chest held in a white mini dress. A blue ribbon around her neck and another going around her chest, arms and back. An appearance and aura fitting of a goddess, a familial warmth radiated from her bright smile and blue eyes. She knelt down, hugging the boy in her transparent arms, speaking deaf words, smiling gleefully at him.
The words went silent to the elf, but not for Bell.
"It wasn't your fault, Bell. I might not be there with you, but your mother is always watching you! So please.. don't cry, for me Bell."
Ryuu blinked, and the goddess was gone. It all happened so quickly she could have believed it was her own imagination.
The hearth's comforting, gentle embrace lingered for only an instant.
"Thank you for that, Ryuu." Bell rubbed his eyes with his sleeve, they were still red, but they were also clear. Not that either could see it, the black flame embedded in the center of his soul no longer burned. Instead, embers of a pure, white flame were ignited.
"I'm glad I could help." Smiled the elf.
"..Ryuu, would you mind accompanying me to one more place before we head back?"
"Of course, does it have something to do with why you left one flower?"
Bell held it up, his attention focused on the dancing of it's individual petals. "Yes.. there's one more person I want to visit." Ryuu nodded. It wasn't too far away from the grave of the Hestia familia, but still far enough to cater a lengthy walk. The elf looked to the rabbit. He no longer had hesitation in his eyes, gaping at the endless, free sky. From walking for about 5 minutes, the duo arrived to yet another grave, except there was another person there.
An azure haired woman stood in prayer, she was dressed in an orange cheongsam that split over her thighs, revealing dark thigh-highs, short frilly sleeves with gold borders were above her long black gloves and metal gauntlets, and steel boots. Captain of the Ganesha familia, Shakti Varma: Ankusha, a level-5 adventurer like Bell.
"Ms Shakti?"
"Ankusha?"
The woman they addressed turned to them. "..Lion and Cranel? What are you two doing here?"
"We're... here to visit Ardi." Bell replied solemnly, placing the flower on her grave. Whenever it came to Ardi, there was an indescribable void in his chest. She had a special place in his heart, a hole that could not be filled by anyone his new family.
A blade rest embedded in the stone, Ardi's former sword: Sacred Oath. It was incorporated into the memorial following the conclusion of the Evilus war. Shakti commissioned the Goibniu familia for a grave that could have her sister's sword imbedded. Rather than keeping it as a decoration, she felt as though this would be how her death would be honored.
"I see. Thank you for coming all this way." She said. "Have you two been well?"
"Yes, though I can't say the same for Alise." Ryuu said monotonously. "She's drowning in paperwork as we speak."
.
"Kaguya, p-please.. *gag* let me take a break! We've been at it all night!" Alise plead. She looked like a corpse, her hair was disheveled, her usually vibrant and energetic emerald green eyes were dull and heavy from the relentless work.
"Oh? But we're just getting started~" The far-eastern woman had a devilish smile on her face. She reached into her kimono and pulled out a bottle of extremely bitter coffee, and a few purple vials. The redhead was too exhausted to escape, and was forcibly fed an unhealthy dosage of caffeine and stamina potions into her system that would make a healer cry.
A pink-haired pallum peeked through the slit in the doorway, having been asked by Kaguya to prepare an extra large dosage of black coffee. Lyra looked on, mildly disappointed. In spite of that, she was rather amused, not that she would say it outwardly. "...So that's what she needed the coffee for..."
.
"You've been the talk of the city as of late, Cranel. I heard about Goddess Hestia and your old familia, I'm sorry for your loss."
"I appreciate your words." He smiled somberly.
Shakti cleared her voice, lowering her head. "On behalf of the Ganesha familia, and Orario, Thank you for your services to the city. Even if the populace will never know of your contributions, we will be grateful."
"Please, raise your head, Ms Shakti. I am undeserving of such words."
Ryuu shot a quick glare at the rabbit again. "..Bell, you're doing it again."
"Ahahaha.. sorry." The elf sighed, accepting that Bell was just like that.
"Both Lord Ganesha and I would have liked to recruit you to our familia," Shakti chuckled. "I'm honestly surprised that you joined Lady Astraea's familia over the Freya or Loki familia."
"That was a bit beyond me." Scratching the back of his head. "..As for the Freya familia... from what I hear, it's a little too violent for me. The Loki familia wouldn't be bad either, though i'm not too fond of them." Both women caught onto his tone change when referring to the Loki familia but ultimately decided not to bring it up. "I didn't think I would be lucky enough to get a second chance, so the Astraea Familia is my place... and I feel guilty that with my joining, the familia went nearly in the red."
"We've been over this. It was Alise's decision, we all trust her judgement." Said the elf.
"But-"
"No buts. If you want to be responsible, then talk to Lyra. She's the one managing our finances." Bell looked to his feet, sheepishly.
The azure haired woman coughed into her hand. "I should be getting back to work. Goodbye for now, Lion, Cranel." Shakti waved as she returned to her duties.
Bell looked to Ryuu. "We should get going too."
"Yes."
.
.
It was around midday so the rest of the familia were out on duty. Astraea sat in the living room, reading a book and having a cup of tea, drowning out Alise's screams.
"We're home, Lady Astraea."
Astraea took her eyes off of the book, greeting the returning elf and rabbit. "Welcome home, Ryuu, Bell."
"Thank you, Goddess. By the way is Alise still being forced to work by Kaguya?" A scream from down the hall answered his questions. "Ah."
...What did Kaguya do...
"Well as you can hear, yes she is. Do you need her for something?"
"I was thinking of testing out my new skill, specifically the buffs to my magic and how far it can nullify magics. Maybe also a spar after."
The brunette thought for a moment. "Hm.. I see no problem, but you have to get permission from Kaguya." Bell's face went pale after hearing his goddess, who has the highest authority within the familia, refer to needing permission from the vice-captain.
"A-alright.." He said, leaving Ryuu and Astraea.
.
Knock knock* "Excuse me." Entering the office.
"Oh good afternoon, Bell. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Kaguya turned to the puddle known as Alise. "As you can see, I'm a little... busy at the moment."
The rabbit's instincts screamed at him to run, yet he didn't. "R-right, could I borrow Alise?" Bell explained to the far-eastern woman what he had to Astraea a few minutes ago.
"Well our dumb captain isn't going to get any more work done... *Sigh* Take her before I change my mind."
Bell nodded, picking Alise by the hollow of her knees and . "Thanks, ...Big sister Kaguya." Closing the door behind him. Originally, Kaguya meant it as a joke, but wouldn't deny that she liked the sound of it. A small smile displacing her maniacal grin.
...Big sister.. huh?...
.
"Alise, wake up." Lightly shaking her.
"Nnn.."
"Alise."
"Nnn-no more! ...Kaguya..spare me.."
...Just what did she do to her...
Bell laughed quietly. "Maybe it would be better to do this another day..."
Her eyelids fluttered open. "Mmm.. Eh! Bell!"
"Oh you're awake."
"Wh-where's Kaguya?" Alise trembled, remembering the past hours of torture.
"Umm.. not here? I asked her if you could help me test my new skill out."
"Thank you for saving me, my hero." She said playfully, Feeling energized again. "Now now! Let's get going!"
"..Okay.." Bell wondered where her sudden rush of energy came from. On the way to the courtyard, he took out his status sheet, memorizing the long chant. Alise stopped by her room to grab her sword, Crimson Order, a change of clothing, and her armor. Astraea and Ryuu decided to come along and watch, later being joined by Lyra and Kaguya. The two humans stepped to the center of the courtyard, facing each other.
"Im ready anytime, Bell!"
He nodded, taking a deep breath. Bell held Vesta with both hands and begun to recite his elegy.
"Entruster of wills, Entruster of dreams. Rest, for your legend has been told. Gluttonous king, Gluttonous warrior. Rest. Silent maiden, Silent sage. Rest. Bearer of wills, Bearer of dreams. Rise, for your time hath come. Hypocritical Hero, Foolish hero. Rise. For the grand bell tolls a new dawn. Rise. For the vessel of heroes has sailed. Rise, prophesied hero, for your legend hath begun."
An ethereal man and woman stood with their backs towards him. The man to his right wore heavy full body obsidian-black, plated armor, a crimson red cape fluttering in the wind. He had short red hair and a great sword slumped over his shoulder. The woman to his left had long silver hair reaching to her hip. She wore a black 'gothic' style dress reaching from her chest to her feet, a green necklace, and semi-transparent gloves.
...Uncle Zard, Auntie Alfia...
As if the two could hear him, the woman pinched his left cheek, and the man rustled his hair. They lasted for no longer than a moment as the chant finished. A white grand bell materialized above him. Its toll signaled the spell's completion, shattering as the particles assimilated into his body before dissipating. Of course, this did not go unnoticed by the women. Even from a distance they could recognize the two former level-7 adventurers.
"What the hell!? Are you guys seeing that?"
"No.. that isn't possible. Alfia and Zard died two years ago.. why are they standing behind Bell?" Said Kaguya with denial in her voice.
"..." Ryuu watched, shivering in fear. Despite having mustered the courage to challenge the demon of talent, she was still terrified of the woman. Internally she was convinced that she was going crazy, having seen three 'ghosts' in the span of a single day. Except, the goddess, human and pallum to her side also saw the same sight.
"Lady Astraea, how is this possible?" Lyra asked. The goddess provided no answer, silently watching.
Alise rubbed her eyes in disbelief. A second, Gluttony and Silence stood there, the moment his chant finished they were gone. Leaving Bell standing detached. She was even more dumbfounded the moment he opened his eyes. "Bell your eyes!"
"?" He tilted his head. The rabbit held Vesta horizontally, the reflection of his eyes on the blade. His right eye became a stunning jade green, his left an ash-gray. "Woah.."
"That's was so cool!" Alise spoke eagerly. "Let's test out your magic now!" Casting her fire enchant magic. "Arga, Arvana, Arvelia!" Flames ignited, covering her legs and hands. Her sole magic, Agaris Alvensynth, provided her resistance against fire-type magic, could also be used to enchant weapons and make small explosions.
"Right." Bell sheathed Vesta, outstretching his right palm.
"Opera!" A white magic circle appeared at his feet, proof of the Mage development ability at work. It improved the power, range, spell potency, and made mind cost more efficient. Searing waves of bright red flames erupted from his feet, scorching the ground as it flowed forward. The blaze did no damage to Alise, washing over her.
Alise planted her feet firmly. "I hope that isn't all you got!"
Readying himself once more, the inferno burst forth. "Opera-" Seconds before they were to hit Alise, he ignited the waves. "Chorus!" It was an odd sight, to see fire explode. Yet it carried such force she was sent back a few meders, landing on her rear.
"Ow..."
"I'm sorry Alise, are you alright?" Jogging to the girl, he extended his hand to her, ignoring the flames. The captain nodded, taking his hand and rising to her feet. Astraea was about to call out to him that her enchant was still active, yet the flames did little to nothing as he held her hand. "WAAH Wh- wait i'm not hurt!?"
"So that's the magic resistant armor. Cool!"
"It feels kind of ticklish, and warm." Bell beamed.
Noticing how he still hadn't removed his hand, a mischievous idea formed in Lyra's mind. "HEY, YOU TWO DONE WITH YOUR PUBLIC HANDHOLDING YET?" Ryuu covered her ears from the sudden raise in volume... and her face too.
Bell's face burned as red as Alise's flames in embarrassment. "I-I'M SORRY!" He jumped high into the air, landing into a dogeza bow in front of Alise. Kaguya was surprised by how perfect his dogeza form was.
"Hoho? We can continue this tonight if you want~" She knelt down, poking the curled up rabbit.
"Please don't tease me Alise..." Bell whimpered.
"Ehehe!"
"Hauuuuu..."
"Okay jokes aside, shall we have a little bet, Bell?" The redhead asked.
"What kind of bet?"
"Winner can command the loser to do something! Of course, nothing unreasonable." She had an odd gleam in her eyes as she said that.
"...Alright sure." He drew Vesta, holding it with both hands. Alise too readied herself with Crimson Order, calling out to her vice-captain.
"Kaguya, could you count us down?"
The far-eastern noble nodded. "Very well. Three, Two, One, Begin."
"Regulus." Enchanting his body with thunder. Bell clashed blades with Alise, the song of metal on metal reverberating in the wind. Despite being a level lower than him, her other skills, Lubrude Bequia and Batleate Asyrath greatly increased her strength, agility and magic as she was fighting a 'stronger' opponent at a close range. The pair left a path scorched in thunder and flames.
"Alise is holding her own really well."
"Yes."
The battle continued for a few minutes. She dodged a few strikes, thrusting her sword forward. Bell redirected the thrust, dealing a straight kick to her stomach, sending her flying back. "Jupiter!" A thunderous streak roared from his free hand to the redhead, greatly empowered by the Mage Development ability. Alise quickly recovered, jumping out of the way. The electricity singed the ground, blinding the rabbit from the dust. Bell's mind began to shut down from the increasing mind drainage, knowing that he needed to end the fight soon.
Even if he was fighting with the strength of an high level-5, the Scarlet Harnel had more experience than him which was more than enough to account for the level barrier. Alise took advantage of the opening and swat his sword away, impaling itself into the soot. She swept his feet, her blade finding its way to his chin.
"*Huff* I surrender, Its your win Alise."
"Yay!" She sheathed her sword. Pulling him up, Alise noticed his eyes had gone back to the familiar rubellite red.
"Okay, okay what do you want me to-" He limped standing, collapsing onto her. Astraea, Ryuu, Lyra and Kaguya hastily rushed over to check on him.
"Alise!"
"Is Bell alright?" Asked Astraea.
"Ah, nothing serious. Just a case of mind-down." She replied. "He should get better with some rest, I'll take him to his room." Alise hoisted him onto her back after pulling Vesta from the ground, carrying them to his room. The group of women watched the redhead leave.
"Y'know, sometimes I forget Alise has a responsible side of her." Sighed Lyra.
"Ehe, I think it's sweet... How she is looking after him." Astraea smiled.
Kaguya couldn't help her curiosity to ask. "What do you think our captain is going to have him do?"
"Well.. we'll find out soon enough."
.
Oh soon they would...
It would be a truly frightening day for the women of the Astraea Familia...
They would be lead to question themselves...
And their sexuality...
.
.
Author's notes :
Thanks for all the feedback on chapter 3 and sorry for the relatively late update.
I don't want to end up updating chapters after posting them so I'll try to get a chapter done ahead of time. I wasn't sure what colors to change Bell's eyes to after using Elegia (Yeah im just gonna call it that) and ultimately decided to give him heterochromatic eyes with Zard and Alfia's colors. Honestly, I was struggling to write the Hestia familia grave scene. Originally, Bell was supposed to be bawling his eyes out and all that but that scene kinda already happened... and also because Ardi was also right after that so it would just be dragging that scene out.
As always, Thanks for reading!