It may have been embarrassing in another situation but at the moment Bell didn't care as he wrapped his arms around Haruhime. They couldn't help themselves. It may have been bad to cry as the first thing in the morning, once he woke up from his haze from last night but he couldn't control his emotions. It felt so long since they last met each other. A part of Bell didn't believe their paths would ever cross again. Yet here she was. Well and fine, embracing him with just as many tears. Even Hestia was moved by the sight, trying to look jealous which fell flat to the fact she was crying herself. After a while, what felt like too short, they seperated, smiling at each other as they held each other's hands.
"When did you arrive here?" Bell asked, wiping his eyes. Haruhime nodded happily.
"Last night. I... actually met you. But you were-"
"Ahhhh... !" Bell let go off her hands and clutched his head. So embarrassing! He could've had this reunion before but no, he just had to listen to the adults and get drunk! He would never drink again! At least not Soma! Taste or not, having only hazy memories of what happened was too much of a risk! Unaware to him, Hans who was far far away snickered to himself, already predicting that line of thought. Anyway Haruhime stammered, waving her hands nervously as she tried to cheer him up.
"It-It's fine! You w-were cute!"
"Aaaaaaaaaaahhh….!" Bell let out again, shaking his head a few times. That was even worse than he thought! The laughter, polite as it was, didn't help! Especially from the other visitors! While he didn't recognize most of them, he can clearly remember the god leading them.
"Hahahaha, you sure have a lively familia, Hestia," Takemikazuchi crossed his arms, nodding in gratitude. "I'm glad you took the time for a meeting."
"Hey, I was a newcomer myself, gotta stick together! I'm sure Astraea will agree with me there!" Hestia put her hands on her hips, tilting her head. "So you'll be staying here?"
The god nodded in response.
"Indeed. We will occasionally bring back some resources for the Far East, but other than that, we have planned to have a permanent stay here."
"Hm. I am surprised the Sanjouno clan would allow this," Kojiro commented suddenly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Bell blinked before his eyes widened. He was right! Even if he didn't meet the clan head too often, he did not give the impression that he would allow this to happen. A sinking feeling settled in his gut. It was even worse when some of the children that followed Takemikazuchi visibly snarled, the biggest openly baring his teeth.
"They lost all rights to decide her fate when those bastards disowned her!"
"Ouka!" The girl with bangs whispered sharply. The grown man, most likely their captain, turned to her, shaking his head furiously.
"We're no longer in Sekigahara, it's fine!"
"Still... !"
"He's right, Chigusa," the other beauty with her ponytail said quietly, visibly boiling with anger.
"But Mikoto... "
Meanwhile Bell felt the world fall around him. He snapped his head towards Haruhime, who fidgeted and played with her short hair, avoiding his gaze.
"D-Disowned?"
His immediate instinct was that he and Kojiro caused this. That their actions, their interference, their 'influence' with Haruhime made her father do this. He grit his teeth. But even so, even if this was his fault, to reject your own flesh and blood? Such a man couldn't be called a father! With a strained expression, he looked at Haruhime. Suddenly the girl grabbed his hands and shook her head.
"It's fine! Not your fault at all! It was my decision to go against his wishes!" She giggled lightly, making Bell believe her completely. She put a hand on her chest, a fond smile on her face. "Not to mention I am no part of a much more wonderful family."
"Don't tell me... " Kojiro muttered as Bell tilted his head in confusion. Haruhime bowed politely, as if introducing herself.
"I am now Sakamoto Haruhime. Daughter of Sakamoto Ryoma and Sakamoto Oryou, older sister of Sakamoto Ohma, first son of the Sakamoto clan."
He couldn't help himself. He gaped openly, ignoring the confusion on Hestia's face, ignoring the amused expressions of the Far East contingent. They adopted her?! Well, they were very nice people and he assumed that Ryoma would be a great father and Oryou would be... Oryou. But still, he expected anything but tha-
Bell froze. He blinked a few times. He stared at the ground for a moment before raising his head, looking at Haruhime who was hiding a giggle.
... What was that last part?
"...sister?" He asked quietly. They... they had a son? He knew that more than a year passed since he was in the Far East but this development was too fast! His mind couldn't handle it! He began to blush. So it really meant that Ryoma and Oryou were...
"My, my." Kojiro's voice freed him from that line of thought. He crossed his arms, a knowing smirk on his face. "How were the mood swings?"
The reaction was immediate. Every single guest, from the Far East, avoided their gaze. Their expressions were mirrors of each other, empty. Blank stares. Representation of long and past suffering. It was Haruhime who let out an emotionless laugh, clutching her arm as if she was having flashbacks.
"I do not want to talk about it," she said in a flat tone. Kojiro raised an eyebrow at that.
"That bad?"
"I do not want to talk about it."
"Why Ohma?" Bell asked quickly before they had to suffer from their memories any longer. They gladly jumped at the distraction, the light in their eyes returning. Haruhime laughed, smiling fondly as she thought back.
"Oryou really wanted to combine her name with Ryoma's." She cleared her throat. "The first idea was Oryouma."
"Wow."
"As expected, really."
What more could be said about that? He thanked the heavens that Oryou saw some sense at least and that the child wouldn't have to suffer from a ridiculous name like that.
"Either way, I am happier than I ever was. They care for me. Ohma is just the most adorable being in the world." With a faint blush on her face she bowed at Bell and Kojiro once more. "If it weren't for you, I might have wasted away in that cage."
"You're... welcome?"
Bell wasn't sure what he did that deserved , yes, he helped save her, but the courage to leave what she knew behind, to search for her own happiness... that was all her. He didn't create that spark that was always present, he thought with a small smile. Haruhime raised her head and turned to Hestia. With a serious frown, she took a deep breath before lowering her head once more.
"Lady Hestia, allow me to formally request a membership in your familia."
The goddess in question raised an eyebrow, surprised at being addressed all of a sudden. She tilted her head at the gesture.
"Aren't you Take's kid?"
The god in question shook his head with a polite laugh.
"Oh nononono. We are merely her escort. She belonged to Hachiman this past year. Naturally now her falna is open to be given over to anyone else." He smiled warmly at Hestia. "In this case, yours. If you accept."
Suffice to say, Hestia didn't hesitate for long. With a bright smile, she grabbed Haruhime's arm, who yelped as she was dragged away.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Into my room!"
Minutes later, they reemerged, Hestia bouncing in excitement as Haruhime laughed awkwardly. Patting the girl's back, the goddess shot her arm out dramatically.
"From here on now, Sakamoto Haruhime is the fourth member of our familia!" Giggling, she made a fist and pumped it a few times. "She's even level two! That's amazing!"
"Level two?" Bell asked in shock. He turned to Haruhime. Only now did he notice that her hands, almost frail like porcelain back then, seemed sturdier. Rougher. The hands of someone who wasn't a sheltered princess but of a warrior. The Renard shuddered before shaking her head with a sigh.
"Lord Hachiman is a very stern teacher."."
"That explains the Fist Strike ability," Hestia commented, dancing on the spot a few times. Then Kojiro raised his hand, humming in thought.
"Won't that raise our rank?"
Hestia's excitement died down immediately. Falling down on her knees, she let out a long suffering sigh, shaking her head a few times as her soul seemed to leave through her mouth.
"Ah... taxes... "
"...tch."
The amusement in the room disappeared. Everyone turned to the source of that noise. Bell winced at the sight of Solaris, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall, keeping her distance. Noticing the attention on her, she blinked before closing her eyes with a deep breath. Walking away from the wall, she extended her hand towards Haruhime with the most forced smile one could imagine.
"Solaris Crozzo. Captain," she struggled to get the words out. Biting her lip, she turned away, letting go of the hand Haruhime offered in a daze. "Nice to meet you."
"Uhm, n-nice to meet you too!" The Renard tilted her head in worry. "Are... are you alright?"
Solaris seemed surprised at the worry. Yet it only served to make her expression go darker as she lowered her head.
"Just a bit of a slump," she muttered before moving towards the door. Hand on the handle, she glanced back for a moment. "I'll take a walk."
"Solaris, wait!" The captain froze at Hestia's shout. With a conflicted expression, the goddess put her hands on Solaris' shoulders, squeezing them as she rested her face on her back. "Never doubt that I love you! You're my first child after all! I know I give Bell some preferential treatment, but-"
"I know." A scoff escaped Solaris. Turning around, she hugged Hestia, clenching her eyes shut. "Man, I know. Just... gotta process this on my own." A genuine smile, weak as it was, appeared on her face. "I'll be back soon. I promise."
With those words, she left the building, leaving behind a rather awkward atmosphere.
"Err, did we... interrupt something... ?" Mikoto asked quietly. Kojiro sighed, shaking his head as Hestia's shoulders slumped and she returned to the couch.
"It's a private matter."
"Of course," Takemikazuchi stated. It was then the door opened once more. Surprised, everyone turned around to see the Astraea Familia enter, carrying various bags with them.
"We're back!" Alise paused, whistling before turning to Lyra. "Wow, you weren't kidding."
"Told ya I heard guests," the Pallum said, her voice muffled a bit by the groceries she was carrying. Kaguya let out a snort before putting the bags down, dusting off her hands.
"Well, we should be good... " She idly turned her head before she froze, her eyes going wide. Ryuu and the others blinked at her, confused at the reaction.
"What's wrong, Kaguya?"
It was then that Bell noticed the reaction from the Far East contingent. Suspicion. Disbelief. In Haruhime's case it was a wide eyed shock. Kaguya licked her lips before regaining her composure, a polite smile on her face as she held her own cheek. Stepping forward, she stopped in front of the renard, giggling lightly.
"Why, if it isn't little Haru."
"Y-you remember me?" She muttered quietly. Kaguya chuckled, ruffling the renard's head.
"Of course. How could I ever forget a little girl that only started to walk? You were quite attached to me, being afraid of all the other adults." She raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you remember me."
And Bell was surprised they knew each other at all! What was this weird turn of events?! He moved his head repeatedly, switching between looking the two women. He was not the only one who moved like that, literally everyone else reacting the same way. Wait, Bell thought with a frown. Gojouno. Sanjouno. Go-Jouno. San-Jouno... was there some hidden clan system he missed in the Far East?! Or was this just part of a big coincidence?! Ignoring the stares from the others, Haruhime pouted a bit trying to pry off the hand ruffling her hair.
"I-I wasn't that young!" Then her eyes widened before shaking her head furiously. "Nonono, do not distract me! I thought you were-"
"Dead?" Kaguya bluntly finished her sentence. Haruhime flinched but the level six merely laughed scornfully. "Oh they wished, those fools." With a sigh, she shook her head. "Enough about me. How is an illustrious member of the so glorious Sanjo-"
"They disowned me," Haruhime muttered quickly. Then with a proud look she pointed at herself. "I am now Sakamoto Haruhime."
Kaguya covered her mouth, eyes blinking in surprise.
"The Peacemaker and the Mizuchi adopted you?" A small laugh escaped her. "Lucky you."
It was then that others began to chime in. Lyra playfully elbowed Kaguya from the side while Alise threw her arms around the Senbonzakura's neck.
"Is it a thing with you Far Eastern gals that ya families suck?"
"Hoh hoh! I see a part of Kaguya's mysterious past has arrived!" Her eyes sparkled at Haruhime, who leaned back, intimidating by the captain's aura. "So, what was cute little young Kaguya li-" Two fingers began to squeeze her ear, causing the young woman to cry out in pain as she was subdued to the ground. "Owowowowow!"
"Captain~! Are you implying I'm not cute and young anymore, hmmm~?"
"Unhand Alise this instance, Kaguya!"
"I didn't expect this," Bell muttered as the Astraea Familia 'playfully' fought amongst each other, with Arash and Astraea trying their best to play peacekeeper.
"Me neither... " Haruhime whispered back, yet a soft smile on her face as she saw Kaguya being manhandled by her own familia. "She disappeared when I was only four years old."
"Twelve years ago. Matches up," Ouka commented, arms crossed and eyebrow raised. After a while the struggle ended. Kaguya, breathing heavily, pretended nothing was wrong as she brushed her hair back.
"Well, I suppose we have a lot of catching up to do. I hope my family isn't doing you too much trouble?"
The Far East contingent stiffened up. The atmosphere changed immediately. Haruhime stepped back, eyes wide with horror. Kaguya raised an eyebrow looking around with a frown.
"You... you don't know," the Renard whispered, covering her mouth.
"Know what?" Kaguya asked sharply. With a sigh, Takemikazuchi stepped forward. Clearing his throat, he gestured for her to sit down. When she refused, he sighed. Then with a somber expression, he folded his hands behind his back.
"Kaguya." He hesitated, biting his lip. Then after taking a deep breath, he shook his head. "The Gojouno clan was wiped out three years ago."
Those not in the know gasped in shock. They all turned to Kaguya, who could only widen her eyes. Stumbling backwards, she supported herself against the wall. Putting her hand against her forehead, even Bell could tell her eyes seemed to spin.
"...What... ?"
"There... there was only one... " Chigusa began to whisper before clenching her eyes shut. Takemikazuchi patted her on the head before stepping forward once more with a sympathetic expression.
"One culprit." he began, causing Kaguya to look up, still shell shocked. "They murdered the entire clan. Not only them. Every single woman, man and child in the territory. Ever since then they disappeared. Suffice to say, tensions rose. I heard Lady Tsukuyomi was especially angered, as she made regular use of the clan as mercenaries in exchange of updating their Falna."
"I was there at the... aftermath." Ouka shuddered as his hands formed into fists. "It wasn't pretty. They were like pigs after a butcher dealt with them."
"Kaguya?" Alise asked quietly. The woman in question turned around, leaning forward as she put her palms on the wall. She took deep breaths. In and out. After a while, she turned round, causing the people to flinch. Her face was utterly emotionless. No tears. No anger. Nothing.
"Any information on who it was?"
"N-none at all." Even Takemikazuchi was taken aback. Yet the Astraea Familia only looked at their member with what could only be described as sadness.
"Lady Astraea, may I take my leave?"
"Of course," the goddess allowed, giving her a short hug. Nodding like a machine, she left the house as well. The moment she did so, Lyra let out a hiss, running her hand through her hair. Ryuu as well shook her head, expression almost mournful.
"That's not how I wanted to learn more about her... "
"You tell me, Lion." Alise bit her thumb, staring at the entrance of the Stardust Garden. "I haven't seen that face in a long time."
"Let's hope she doesn't blow up," Lyra muttered. Arash put his hands on her and Ryuu's shoulder, giving them an reassuring squeeze.
"We should have faith in her."
Takemikazuchi meanwhile with the rest of his familia bowed to Astraea, regretful expressions on their faces.
"We must apologize. This was a private matter and we-"
"It's fine. You meant no harm," the goddess of justice said calmly, raising her hand. The group straightened up, with the god shaking his head.
"We are overstaying our welcome nevertheless." A small smile appeared on his face. "We still have to search for a home of our own. Register with the guild. A lot of work to do."
It was then that the children of Takemikazuchi gathered around Haruhime, hugging each other in an intimate manner.
"I suppose this is goodbye now," Mikoto said quietly. Haruhime shook her head, shaking their hands with a sniff.
"We-we can still meet each other!"
"It's not really the same... " Chigusa whispered, causing Ouka to nod.
"Truth be told, we kinda want you to be part of our familia."
"I'm-"
Gently, Mikoto put her finger on her lips, silencing the Renard with a warm smile.
"Don't apologize. This is what you worked towards. Your goal." She laughed quietly before hugging her once more. "We're proud of your growth. Don't doubt that."
"No matter what, we will be your allies in need," Ouka added, before everyone joined the group hug. Once they seperated, Haruhime bowed deeply, tears flowing down her eyes once more.
"Thank you for everything!"
"It was good to see you two." Takemikazuchi said to Kojiro and Bell as that happened. Patting their shoulders, he led his children away but not looking back once more and waving at them. "I'm looking forward to your stories ever since you left the Far East! I'm certain Amaterasu would be interested too!"
"See you around, Lord Takemikazuchi."
The house became emptier once more. Immediately Hestia clapped her hands together with a wide grin.
"Alright, now that the guests are out, time to give Bell his official level up!"
Bell blinked. Oh right. That was the original plan before... everything else happened. Obediently he got on the couch, at the same time as everyone politely turned around. With Hestia on his back, the goddess rubbed her hands together with a giggle.
"Just to be clear, you still want Luck?"
Bell recalled the options he had available. Swordsman. Hunter. Abnormal Resistance. Even Mage was an option, despite his short chant magic. Yet what caught his eye the most was the ability no one ever heard of. Even Eina wasn't sure about that ability. The goddesses both agreed it had to be a form of divine protection, while Arash and Kojiro theorized it would increase his chances to 'defy fate', whatever that meant. All four however agreed that having a big amount of luck was mandatory for someone desiring to be a hero. More than the increased mind and power mage would give. More than the martial increase against monsters or with a sword that Hunter or Swordsman would give. Even the safety against poison wouldn't compare. And instinctively, Bell knew what he wanted from the start. So in the end, he nodded and relaxed. After a while with Hestia scribbling away on his back, she got off, clapping in excitement.
"Congratulations! You're level two now!" She covered her mouth with a giggle. "Aaaaaand you have a skill!"
Presenting the paper, he looked over it. The others leaned over his shoulder. While a Falna was private information, they all trusted each other. However in this case Bell wished he was alone right now. He paled as he read the words out loud
"Heroic Desire... Argonaut."
"Executes automatically with an active action... " Kojiro hummed intrigued. "Mysterious."
"N-nevermind that!" Bell shouted before staring back the paper in horror. "The-the name... !"
Everyone knew the story of Argonaut. The tales of the fool that was tricked by everyone and had to be saved by the princess he wanted to rescue. Called the greatest, the first fool of them all. Not only that, Heroic Desire... it was like the world itself imprinted his dream onto his back! His alias as well! Slowly, he turned his head, fearful of the reactions he would receive.
As he expected, there was no mercy. Besides Haruhime, Arash and Kojiro, every single resident hid their mouths, their shoulders shaking.
"You're so cute, Bell~!" Hestia let out a satisfied huff, patting his head. Astraea cleared her throat, pointedly looking away as she pulled Hestia's hand away.
"N-Now, now. Don't tease him too much."
"Y-y-y-yeah, that's not, pfff, funny!" Lyra struggled to contain herself. Ryuu slapped the Pallum a few times but even she made it a point to turn away from Bell, to make sure he didn't see her face.
"E-Everyone, do not m-mock him!"
"Well, if it wasn't official now, it is now," Arash commented casually. Kojiro nodded, smiling with pride.
"Welcome to the first step of being a hero."
"I think it's very cool, Bell!"
At Haruhime's encouragement and the warm words of the other 'heroes', Bell perked up. Maybe this was so embarrassing after all! Of course then Alise wheezed and collapsed onto her knees, hitting the ground a few times as she laughed uncontrollably.
"Pfffahahahahahahaha! This is amazing!"
It broke the damn. The women trying to control themselves had to laugh as well. Even the ones he trusted cracked bigger smiles. Tears forming in his eyes, he shot up and ran towards the door.
"You guys are all mean!"
With that, the level two, the White Fool, escaped from his home. Wiping a tear from her eye, Lyra calmed down just as the rest of them.
"Aaaand there goes the rabbit." She scratched the back of her head. "Now I kinda feel bad."
"Only kinda," Alise added, nodding to herself like a wise sage. Lyra agreed, nodding the same way.
"Only kinda."
They both got slapped over their heads by a blushing Ryuu, who was more regretful than they were. Kojiro then turned to Haruhime, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Well, considering our captain's state, I might as well use this opportunity to show you around, Haruhime."
"I'm in your care then!" Haruhime announced, bowing her head. At the same time Alise stretched her arms, a small grin on her face.
"Welp, guess we're taking a dive at the dungeon."
"I'll take care of Kaguya," Astraea added. The girls smiled somberly, before they were led away by Alise, Arash close behind. Hestia followed them as well, but then a hand grabbed her by the shoulder. Blinking in surprise, Hestia turned around before flinching at the frown she faced.
"Hestia. Stop."
"Err, I kinda have to get to my job... " Hestia muttered, pointing at the door. Yet Astraea wouldn't have it. She gently, but firmly pulled Hestia to the couch and made her sit down.
"You took longer than it usually takes to update a Falna," Astraea stated in a serious voice. Hestia forced a laugh out, frantically waving her hands around.
"I-I did take some time with Haruhime too! She has a game breaking spell, so I was-"
"Hestia. What is Bell's other skill?"
The goddess flinched at her friend's words. Lowering her head, she bit her lip. Uncertainty. Fear. It were emotions Astraea wasn't used to see. Then the goddess of the hearth sighed in defeat. Pulling out another sheet of paper, she scribbled down what she was hiding. Then she quietly shoved it to her friend.
"...Here... "
Astraea's eyes saw the letters. Then they widened. Quickly she stood up and threw it into the fireplace. As the paper burned, so were the words burned into her mind. It was unbelievable. She heard that maybe the Radiance had such a skill, but not to such an extent.
Trailblazer: Increases growth for oneself. Increases growth of those that follow and accompany his path. Growth depending on the strength of their feelings related to the user's actions.
"Since when... ?" She asked quietly, turning to Hestia. The former maid laughed quietly, shaking her head.
"The biggest jump of growth was that minotaur." She looked up, looking so awfully small when she faced Astraea. "The parameters broke past S."
Astraea didn't hesitate to hug the scared girl. Patting her back, she hushed as Hestia's shoulders shook. Such a burden, such a secret to keep. If someone else would find out, they would want to take Bell away from her immediately. She could think of plenty of people that would try their luck. If they all banded together, not even she could protect her.
"...I will take this secret to Heaven and beyond, Hestia."
Her words caused Hestia to let out a sniff.
"Thank you... "