Chapter 6: Growth and Understanding.

Summary:

Should she tell the boy? She didn't tell him his skills previously due to just how wanted he would be over the luck skill. Worried that he would accidentally tell someone or that he would be kidnapped or captured. This added on top? If he knew about it would he try and meet the requirements and get himself killed? UGH! She didn't know what to do. She needed to tell Finn...

Bell once again completely unaware of the Dilemma his goddess was facing, sat humming happily to himself. Excited to see how he was doing, and hopeful about the next coming days.

Chapter Text

Crash!!.

A loud booming smack echoed across the training courtyard of the Twilight manor. Staff, Adventurers and the like passing by paid it no heed. After all in the Loki Familia loud and dangerous noises were often heard coming from this area.

Still, if one had looked they would see a wiry white haired youth, laying in a undignified heap in the middle of a small crater. A flat chested Amazon frantically waving her hands at the poor stunned boy, while a green haired Elf and another Amazonian stood by. Palms covering their faces in disbelief.

"Tiona, I thought I told you to hold back. Bell is only a level one. He simply cannot handle your raw strength." Riveria chided, continuing to shake her head in dismay at the sight of the poor boy. Who undoubtedly was stunned.

"Geeze, Sis, You think you could ease up a little. I thought you liked Bell, this is the third time you've basically smited the poor boy." Tione said, with a slight huff.

"Guys! I tried, Really I tried, I barely gave him a love tap! Honest!!!!" Tiona whined back to them.

Meanwhile Bell, who was slowly coming around struggled to his feet. Watching as the three woman chatted and chastised Tiona. He had barely gotten into a fighting stance before Tiona hit him with a axe kick. He had seen the blow coming, and try as he might, he just couldn't get out of the way. Honestly if it wasn't for facing the Minotaur he wouldn't of believed the pure power of the blow. Stunning him and dropping him to the ground in a heap.

'It's fine, everyone it's my fault for not being fast enough or good enough to dodge it." Bell spoke quietly. Shame filling him as he spoke the words.

"No Bell, you must understand, levels are an almost unsurmountable power. A level one cannot hope to fight a level two, and a level two could never against a level three. There can be a few exceptions of course. But they are few and far inbetween." Riveria stated calmly.

"Ya ya Bell, you see we just gotta keep working with you and you'll get there. It's my fault, I'm trying to hold back and its Soooooooo hard!" Tiona complained again.

"How about we have Bell attack Tiona insead, letting her dodge the blows so we can see Bells form and correct him as we go?" Suggested Tione.

"Exactly what I was going to suggest next, Bell, Combat stance please. I want you to go all out against Tiona. Show us everything you got" Riveria said agreeing with the more rational of the sisters.

Bell, Nodding his head, crouched into his familiar boxers stance. Fists and gauntlets in front, legs lightly spread with one foot in front of the other. Gauntlets gleaming with their black runed covered metal. A grinning Tiona standing bare handed. Deciding that until they were sure Tiona could handle her strength, that her usual weapon was far to dangerous to use in training. Which had proven extremely wise since bell most likely would of been cut in two.

Taking a deep breath, Bell waited for Riveria's call.

"Begin"

Rushing forward with all his speed, Bell charged. Left fist shooting straight out only to be dodged completely. His right, popping out in the same manor only to find Tiona had ducked below him. Not one to give up Bell pumped his knee towards the Amazon. Only again to see her darting out of the way, as if with no effort. Bell floundered at the lack of contact. Catching himself from falling or stumbling, He spun. This time faking a jab with his right, Waiting for Tiona to dodge and brining his left forward like a rocket. To his dismay, not only was Tiona unphased by his deception, she also caught his fist like it was nothing. Pulling Bell forward, she raised her own kneed towards his unprotected stomach.

Bell, who had been knocked to the ground repeatedly desperately tried to avoid it again. Jumping with both legs and letting Tiona's strength pull him in he soared over he attack. Both of his knee's extended as he soared into the Air towards Tiona's head. Only for dread to fill him as she smirked, and with the force of what felt like a hundred Mintoaurs. Redirected his entire body into the ground. Still holding his fist and she slammed him once more with a resounding...

BOOM.

Once again, Bell found himself struggling to breathe. The Wind taken from the impact, as he groaned slightly at the pain. Wondering what just happened to him to be smashed into the ground for the fourth time this day. As he slowly passed out from the blow.

"Tiona!".

Tiona, who jumped straight into the air, slowly turning her head towards the other two woman. Rubbing the back of her head she muttered.

"oops".

Bell, slowly regained consciousness to an unusual feeling. He felt as if his head was floating on the softest of pillows. A strong Lilac and flowery smell filling his nose as she struggled to open his eyes. Only to immediately close them. He died, Yep he was dead, how else could he explain the sight he had briefly seen.

"Bell?" Tione said softy.

Bell daring to open his eyes once more, and again saw the glorious sight he saw before. Realizing that his head was sitting on Tione's lap, and was gazing both into her concerned face and to the two wonderful peaks in her bikini top. Bell couldn't help but turn Beet red at the sight.

Sitting up quickly, to Tione's surprise Bell found himself still on the training ground. With an Angry Riveria scolding Tiona a few feet away. Glancing back towards Tione, Bell immediately stood and bowed to her.

"Th-Thank you, for taking care of m-mee Miss Tione". He stammered, unable to hide his embarrassment. Especially down below where his hands desperately tried to smooth and hide.

Tione who was shocked by his sudden movements couldn't help but let out a light Laugh at Bells predicament. Boy was he cute, acting as flustered as he was. She also noticed his tiny issue, but was more flattered than anything. She had seen how embarrassed he was when he first opened his eyes. Yet wasn't sure what caused the problem, Often she forgets the affect she and her sister can have on Men. Most being far to scared by their power to try anything. It's one of the reasons she had been so attracted to the Captain. He had always treated her as a Woman, and although her affections had be tolerated or ignored. She had greatly appreciated that he never once saw her as some sort of brute or monster. Like many many men in Orario did, After all not many men could handle being with a woman who quiet literally could break him with just her hands.

Bell, Unsure what to do in the silence, and after getting his problem controlled looked up at Tione. The sight took his breath away as he gazed at her laughing form. She truly was breath taking and he couldn't help but be stunned at her beauty. Slightly dazed her continued to take in her form, and just be astounded and the lithe grace and concealled power her form held. Amazing...

Tione noticing the boys unusually intense gaze, smirked towards the boy. Clearing her throat to catch both Tiona and Riveria's attention she spoke.

"Well, Bell, your first time there wasn't exactly pathetic. But you have a lot of work on. I think I have the perfect Idea." She said as she approached Bell.

"You're going to train endurance, dodging and attacking with Tiona. She's doesn't have the best control, but honestly that's great for giving you experience on fighting Monsters. As they will at times, fight exactly like her." She said. Tiona pouting by holding her breath and cheeks puffing out at being compared to a monster. Grumbling to herself about her big breasted jerk of a sister.

"Oh, excellent idea. And what will he learn with you Tione?" Riveria asked, amused by the long haired Amazon's sudden interest.

"Oh with me? He's going to learn purely technique. After all my fighting style is the closest to his". She smirked towards Bell. Fanning out her dangerous looking Kukri knives.

"We both like to get up close and personal, Hey Bell??" She smirked, amused again by the beet red shade now covering the boys face.

Bell at this point still slightly at a lost, Gulped audibly at what she said. Oh boy... He was in trouble.

--

Meanwhile Finn, Gareth and Loki were watching the scene from above.

"Sooooooooooo, what are we going to do Finn? His new skill isn't anything like I've heard of. I hid it from him when I updated his stats. Yet Maybe I was wrong and we should tell him?" Loki, who was at a loss stared at the heroic Pallum.

'It's a might ability, One that allows him to surpass his limits beyond what any adventurer I've heard of can." Grumbled Gareth as he scratched his chin. Watching as Tione corrected some of Bells moves. Showing him how to attack properly and ways to not leave him so open to retaliation. Granted all of the first class adventurers and been slightly impressed with the level one Bell.

Most level ones, were no better then thugs. Wielding swinging weapons around and hoping for the best. Bell, while he was similar in some regards, was far faster, and a lot more strategic then they had been expecting. Still he had a lot to learn, and his inexperience was showing greatly. Wincing at a particularly painful blow he received from Tione. They continued their conversation.

"Heracles Laborous... I wonder..." Finn spoke softly to himself staring at the boy. Putting his thumb into his mouth as it throbbed gently. Could this boy be the key? This required more thought for sure. Still best to be careful and to tread lightly. The Pallum thought to himself.

"Finn?" Loki asked once more staring at her Captain. She knew that Finn had amazing intuition, even greater then the gods some said. Normally given away by him holding his thumb in his mouth. She waited for his response. Knowing that it would be in depth and deliberate.

"We keep it quiet for now, we don't want news of this to spread and until we have a greater understanding of how the skills work. This includes Bell being ignorant. We don't want him to get a sort of self confidence and do something stupid. Not to mention him telling anyone of his skills. They are potent enough that certain Familia's would stop at nothing to force him to join. Sure we the Loki Familia could fight almost all of them off. Yet there is so much more that could be done under handedly in the dungeon. Hostages, Forced compliance, Bribes etc... We can't risk him being sought out and with both of this abilities? He could easily be one of biggest targets in all of Orario. Yes... Best to leave him unaware for now, until we are sure he can handle the situation and not get himself kill or worse..." Finn stated calmly.

"Do you really think it would come to that Finn? Sure his skills are amazing, but there are tons of adventurers who have powerful skills. Ais, Lefiya, Most of our executives have skills that are desirable. Maybe not that extreme, but really do we truly think it would be that big of deal?" Gareth continued to grumble, watching Bell who had switched to fighting Tiona get swatted like a bug for the sixth time that day.

"No he's right...Bell's a game changer, and we also know of a certain white haired Goddess who likes to collect things. We can't risk her finding out too much about him. Too risky..." Loki, who at become uncharacteristically serious and was now frowning. She hated Freya with a passion, the number one Familia in all of Orario. Especially with her habit of trying to capture and take adventurers that don't belong to her.

"Loki's correct Gareth. Sides I don't think either of you have really thought about the ramifications of his skill. What if... What if he's someone we will need to fight the One Eyed Black Dragon. Think about if his skill is as strong as we think, what greater labour is there? How strong could he be during that fight? He might very well be our biggest hope." Finn, who thumb had increased its pain. Finally putting words to his thoughts.

Gareth and Loki glanced towards one another. Could this little rabbit really be the game changer needed for fighting the One eyed Black Dragon? Would he even live long enough to make it to the level needed? Many adventurers tried to become first class. Reaching the levels of five and six. Yet try as they might the dungeon was not a very forgiving place. Many, Many adventurers lost their lives trying to reach that level. It wasn't so much that they doubted Bell, more that realistically few live long enough to reach that high. The three lost in their thoughts continued to ponder the matter.

Though if Gareth or Finn had looked towards Loki they might of noticed her grinning smirk plastered on her face. As she thought of just how many babes Bell could bring in if he was truly the hero they think he could be... Oh the possibilities... She grinned lecherously.

--

It had been a few days of intense training, and while Bell learned a lot. He was still for all intents and purposes a newbie, his technical fighting skills were lacking. Still, Even though the training was intense, he did really appreciate that Riveria, Tione, and Tiona were willing to help him so much. He even had seen Finn, Gareth, and Ais from time to time hanging out throwing a odd tip or advice here or there.

Still, Cracking his back, and shaking off his trembles from remembering the beatings he took. Tione and Tiona were amazing, the sure power they held and over all strength was staggering for Bell to think about. He hoped one day he'd be able to fight with them using weapons one day. Though judging on how much Tiona kept overpowering him... that day was pretty far off. Still he was grateful none the less.

Also it seemed Tione had opened up to him a bit. Often times teasing him in ways that made his heart beat and his face turn red. Nothing over the top of course, still enough that he had more than a few dreams about her...

Tiona of course was still her excitable and amazing self. Often times wanting to play with him and talk stories. Even last night both had stayed up super late with an amused Tione watching. Entrapped by the stories of Gilgamesh and his heroic deeds and escapades. Tonight due to Tiona loving the story, they were going to read a personal favorite of theirs. The Argonaut, honestly Bell couldn't remember the last time he was so happy.

Better yet, Today was the day that he was going to meet Welf, and Gareth at the Hephaestus family. Gareth had been stern in making sure that Bell had the correct equipment and supplies needed. Actually Loki had given him a fairly large amount of Vials to get new supplies for her party.

Lili, Welf... He hadn't had a chance to see them since the disaster in the dungeon. Granted he was told they were both fine and able to recover well on their own. Still it was going to be amazing to see them again with his own eyes. To ensure that they were ok.

Deciding to run his way there unable to hold his excitement Bell left the Twilight Manor in a running haste. It wasn't long till he could see babel through the buildings. Just passing the hostess when he heard his name being called out.

"Bell? Bell! hey!!"

Turning he noticed an excited Syr waving to him. Stoic Ryuu behind watching with a patient smile.

"Miss Syr? Miss Ryuu? How are you both! I'm sorry I haven't been by recently. I had a bad encounter in the dungeon, and needed time to heal. Plus started a new training regime." Bell said, Bowing repeatedly to the two beautiful ladies.

Both Amused by his frantic demeanor. Ryuu letting Syr lead, nodded towards Bell for her to go ahead.

"Bell..." Donk! Syr who gave Bell a small knock to his head.

"That's for causing us to worry about you. We had heard you were hurt and you never did come by and let us know you were ok!" Syr said in a mock angry tone.

'I'm sorry Miss Syr, Miss Ryuu" Bell continued to look down. Though his heart was warmed by the fact that they cared enough about him to worry.

"This is for your being ok, and not having changed one bit." Syr said mischievously. As she pecked Bell on his cheek with a kiss. Ryuu who was a bit stunned at the forward antics of he friend watch as Bell seemed to short circuit.

Red faced, he frantically backed up into a wall. Nodded in their direction and said " I'm SOOOOORRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYY" as he ran off in embarrassment. Syr's giggling laugh following suit at the young boy. Though if Ryuu could see her face, she might of been concerned.

hidden by Syrs laugh a derlious looking smile filled her face. Nothing like the cheerful and kind Syr that Ryuu knew. In fact one would go as far to say it was a sinister and devious glare...

--

"Welf! Lili!" Bell yelled. Seeing his friends standing in front of Babel. Obviously waiting for him.

"Bell! Bell!?" They both yelled back. Rushing towards him, the group embracing each other together.

"I'm so glad your both ok! I was so worried, when I had to lead that minotaur off. I was so scared he might finish you off before". Bell half cried, holding his friends close. They hadn't known each other long but they truly had become close during the time spent together.

"Mister Bell you Dummie!" Lili scolded. "You're the one who was so badly injured you needed additional healing. They said you would be out for three to four days even with the Dian Cecht family taking care of you" She continued in a wail.

"Bell you really don't do things by half do you?" Welf said to his friend. Happiness evident on his tone that he was ok.

Calming down and reassuring each other that everyone was ok, they turned around to look towards Babel.

"So Bell, what's the plan. I know you asked us to be here today, so what's up" Welf said, with a curious Lili looking besides him.

"Well..."

"Bell, Good your all here. I don't have all day so let's get a move on". A gruff sounding Gareth approached out of seemingly nowhere.

"Common you three it's time to get you all geared up and ready to return to the dungeon. Since the Loki Familia is the ones who let the Minotaur escape and injure you all. We here to restore your gear and replace the items you've lost." He rumbled.

"What!?" Both exclaimed and Bell. Who mostly just rubbed the back of his head smiled and chuckled a bit at his friends.

A short while later, All of them newly geared with a few health and Mind potions. The group found them self in new gear, Honestly not a ton of differences to their own gear. Lilli and Welf both supporting bracers, Chain mail for Welf (under his eastern style clothing). Lili with similar under her shirt as well, Though with her having an upgraded Cross bow. With a few magic bolts added to her arsenal and a hood reinforced with chain mail as well.

They had quickly lost the will to argue with Gareth, he had mostly rumbled over their protests with logic and sound reasoning. Not to mention them being a party with the Loki Familia it was important that they could properly support Bell. Sides, they hadn't spent a fortune or anything, a mere thirty thousand vials had replaced everything and added some much needed supplies for them.

Even Bell's new armor, Which was again made by Welf. He made a few sets though none seemed to sell, Bell being basically his only customer. Except this time, there was added protection on Bell's shins, Forearms, chest and stomach area. He also had gotten bracers much like Welf and lili in order for them to be able to clock strikes and gashes. Nothing enchanted, but certainly good quality for what they were made of.

The trio looked at one another, Determination again showing on their faces. They nodded towards one another. They hadn't said anything out loud, but there was a slight fear to going back into the dungeon. Almost every adventurer feels it once, Where your so close to death, only to escape at the very last second. None of them could bring it up, as they all feared to upset each other.

Yet standing their with replacement gear they all had silently vowed to get better and stronger together. They were not going to let each other down anymore, and would be there for one another.

Gareth, standing and looking at their determination nodded his head slightly. They had spirit, he had been a bit concerned after talking to Finn and Loki about Bell. Sure he had been asked to make sure their gear was up to snuff. Yet he had also wanted to meet this party that his newest Familia member had created. wanted to get the measure of their spirit and ensure that none of them were up to anything suspicious.

Welf was a solid sort, He had recognized the last name of course. Gareth was not one too pry though, and figured he had his reasons for not tell Bell. He seemed a good sort, if not a little down on himself.

Lili he new had hidden depths, He figured that she was hiding something from them. As she was the only one that hadn't mentioned which Familia she was apart of. Granted there could of been personal reasons. Though he expected there was something a bit more sinister. He'd maybe ask Finn for his thoughts about the mysterious Cheinthrope. Still, he wasn't stupid and realized that she genuinely adored Bell. So he figured it best to let them figure things out on his own. Best to keep it quiet from Tione and Tiona though, as he was starting to think that they might of had stronger feelings then friendship for the Rabbit like boy.

Gruffly he smacked the three of them on the back, accidentally knocking them to the ground.

"I leave you three to it. Get stronger, Be there for one another, and know your limits. Bell should have a good grasp after his training with the Familia. Good luck". Gareth said, oblivious to the fact that all three were rubbing painfully the part he had patted. Leaving the three to decide their next steps.

Grinning at one another they nodded towards each other. After being away from the dungeon for over a week, it was time to return. It was time to start a new adventure...