The bloodlust in the alley was heavy enough to suffocate even experienced adventurers like the Hermes Familia. Hermes was the only one who remained unfazed, while Asfi covered him, blade drawn. Meanwhile, drool dropped out of the Xenos' mouths, barely restrained murderous instincts being held back by the bare minimum of rationality.
"Give me one good reason not to tear all of you apart right now!" Gros growled, this time not even Lido contradicting him. The betrayal stung deep. They bled alongside the Hermes Familia, for their tasks in the dungeon. They even had some decent talks all things considered. Yet here they were, conspiring against them like this! Especially that god of theirs, remaining cold blooded as he smiled brightly, raising his hands with a casual air around him.
"It would bring all of those people down on you. But you already knew that." He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Don't get me wrong, I don't actually want to see this. So let's keep cool, and listen to what I have to say. We don't have much time."
He not so subtly glanced at the plaza, causing the Xenos to tense up. Right, the more time they wasted here, the more danger Wiene was in…as well as Bell Cranel. Lido took a step forward, eyes narrowed as he pointed at the god.
"How did you betray us?"
"Just a small leak. Just a token effort." Hermes had the gall to shrug casually, as if he didn't just admit that the Hermes Familia didn't do their part of the distraction or apparently told Finn of their plans in the first place. "As for why?"
His jolly tone disappeared in an instance. For the first time perhaps, the Xenos didn't see a smile on the god's face. Revealing his piercing, glowing eyes, his voice was completely devoid of any amusement.
"I will not allow him to be tarnished further just because of you. The world needs a hero."
"What do you-"
Hermes raised his hand, silencing them all with a somber expression.
"After Zeus and Hera, after their losses, the world isn't up to par for the threats that exist in this realm." He glanced back at the plaza, a small smile returning on his face. "Our only, nay, our last hope, is Bell Cranel. He is one of a kind, the one who can do the impossible at last. To do what humanity has been waiting and lacking for." His smile vanished as he gestured at Lido and the others. "So this? All of this? It has to go away…and I need one of you to be the villain for our protagonist."
The Xenos felt a shudder down their spine. Hermes talked so casually…about sending one of them to their deaths. As if they were all just a nuisance to the grand scheme, no, stage play he was imagining. In that moment, the Xenos realized what it meant to be under the palm of a god, who played with their lives as if they were mere pawns. Rei cut through the air with her wing, keeping Fia behind her who shivered in fear.
"You're going to force us either way!"
Shaking his head, the god let out a sigh, his terrifying features softening up just a bit.
"I like to give you a choice who will take the fall. As much as it might look like, I'm not heartless. Trust me, I don't want to do this. We get along. You helped us out many times." His eyes narrowed. "But it is fact that someone has to be the sacrificial piece to restore his reputation." He pointed towards the light, the plaza, at Bell Cranel himself. "A redemption story, to overcome his misguided faith, to truly grow up to be the savior the world must have."
Unbeknownst to the happenings in the shadows, Bell hugged Wiene close to him, gently rubbing the back of her head as she was frozen still. Finn, wiping his mouth from blood, slammed his staff against the ground, letting his authority flow over the area. It kept the powder keg from blowing up, as many less than honorable adventurers were about ready to leap into the fray for a quick buck or something like that. Having gained everyone's attention, Finn took a deep breath as he faced the 'culprits' of this chaos, hiding any conflicting emotions he was feeling in himself.
"Albion. Senbonzakura. Royal Gale. Scarlet Harnel. Surrender. I haven't forgotten your contributions for Orario. Just lay down your arms and we'll talk about this."
Surprisingly enough, it wasn't the Astraea Familia that answered. All three looked at Bell, as if he was their leader. The young man let the words sink in, before gently putting Wiene on the ground. Then, he took a step forward, looking Finn deep in the eyes. The Braver felt his hand tighten around his spear as he was looked at with such raw determination, Bell's eyes utterly unclouded by doubt or the weight of public opinion. Not like him.
"But not with her. Or them." He shook his head. "I refuse."
Jeering and murmurs echoed in the plaza. Finn narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.
"Cranel. Don't do this. You'll be the one who's going to bear the consequences of this."
"Are you talking to me or to yourself?" Bell shot back. He turned to the area, arms spread wide. "Do any of you truly think that they are just monsters?!"
At this point, they all should've seen it. How the Xenos protected each other. How they showed emotions. And yet…
"Of course they are!"
"Damn fetishist…"
"Why are we still talking to that maniac?"
"Really must have lost his mind…"
The mood in the plaza grew dangerous. Bell reached for Homebringer, ready for the worst. Kaguya, Ryuu and Alise were the same, their blades already drawn as they got closer to Bell and Wiene in a defensive formation.
Meanwhile, the captain of the Loki Familia grit his teeth while trying to maintain his poker face. Unlike what many others believed, Finn's head has long cooled off ever since that wolf monster appeared. He knew that this was all a distraction by the Night Queen. That the Xenos weren't their enemies and that Bell was in the right. But at this point…Finn was all in. He had no other path to divert to. If he were to change his mind now, here in the public, everything he fought for to become the Pallum's hope would be tarnished. He would simply join Bell's side as one of the rejected. And just by deciding rationally about this in such a way, Finn knew that right now…he wasn't living up to his own alias at all.
"Bell…" Ryuu muttered to him, who flinched. Right, that outburst certainly didn't help their situation at all.
"Sorry, I lost my-"
Alise let out a laugh and patted him on the back.
"You should do that more often, no take backsies now! Love that confident self of yours!"
"Yes, I'm sure the gap soiled Ryuu's loins."
Bell and Ryuu blushed furiously at Kaguya's teasing tone, the elf swinging her weapon at her head, who ducked it with ease.
"Is this really the time now?!"
"He…hehe…"
The group turned to Wiene, who despite shrinking down on herself, couldn't help but laugh at their situation. With a small smile, Bell went down to his right knee and ruffled her hair.
"Wiene. I'll try to make an opening. When I do…run as fast as you can."
"You can't take them all alone!" Wiene shouted immediately, worried tears filling her eyes. Bell in response nodded.
"I can't. But I can buy you time. I won't let them mistreat you. I won't let them hurt you. You deserve to be free. All of you."
"Oi, don't act like you're alone here!"
Bell blinked when Alise popped her head between him and Wiene. He scratched his right cheek awkwardly.
"Ah."
"I'm hurt, Bell. To think you would forget about me."
"Not the time for flirting, Lion!" Kaguya glanced at Wiene before stretching her own neck a bit. "Girl, you better be good at running."
Back in the dark alley, the Xenos could only watch the events unfold, unable to do anything…but consider the plan of Hermes. The god himself frowned deeply at the escalating situation before clapping his hands.
"We're running out of time. Make your choice, now."
"I'll do it."
Their heads snapped towards one of their leaders. The gargoyle had his eyes closed, inhaling deeply through his nose before flexing his claws a bit.
"Gros?!"
He forced out a chuckle at Rei's concern, shaking his head.
"Never liked humans much anyway. Besides, none of you can act worth a damn. I don't even need to act for this."
Nobody believed his words. After all, as he looked at Bell, his smile distorted, his arm shaking just a bit. Ranye stepped forward, a growl forming in her throat.
"I can't let you-"
"The clock is ticking. It's now or never," Hermes interrupted them rudely. Rei sent him a glare, clicking her tongue at his urging.
"Ouranos would never stand for this…!"
"He left the details up to me, remember?" He turned to the volunteer, giving him a pointed look. "And Gros? Don't hesitate. You have to go at him with the intent to kill."
"I'm planning to."
Hermes wiggled his finger, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Don't lie to a god. If you don't do at least that much, Bell will not finish the story properly."
"...Tch."
"Not to worry. I understand that this is heart." He reached into his pockets. "Worst case, we have to make use of this little trin-"
"I don't fucking think so."
The ground was taken off from underneath them, as they soared through the air out of nowhere. Before they could even let out a scream of surprise, their bodies in the rooftops, hearing the sound of steel being brandished. To the confusion of the Xenos, not a single weapon was drawn on them…but held against the Hermes Familia, each and ever singly adventurer being threatened directly or indirectly. Something shattered against the ground, thrown down by none other than Hans. Crossing his arms, his eyes could melt steel with the heat behind it. Behind him, a goddess chuckled in amusement, her beauty captivating even the Xenos for but a moment before reality settled in for them.
"Don't move a single damn muscle," the catman growled, cutting slightly into Asfi's throat as her finger twitched, trying to reach for her pockets. Meanwhile, Hermes had no such restrictions on his body. He dusted himself off with a wince before raising an eyebrow at Hans.
"Really? Ratting me out on Freya? Low blo-"
"Shut up, you hack." He ran a hand through his hair with a frustrated sigh. "I knew a fourth rate wannabe writer like you would pull something stupid like this but you truly are divine, surpassing my low expectations like this."
Hermes' eyebrow twitched. It was as if his nerve was struck, as he leaned forward, a vein pulsing at his forehead.
"Please, you insult me. I intend to make Bell a hero, no matter what. You out of all people should understand."
"I understand you have shit taste," Hans replied with a scoff, causing Hermes' smile to fall completely.
"You are a realist, aren't you? The world right-"
Hans snapped his finger. The Boaz shifted his stance just ever so slightly, but it was enough to intensify the threatening air around them.
"I'm talking now." Hans took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes. "Yes, the world sucks ass. Compared to the past or maybe other worlds out there, most people might not live up to it. This time period might be lacking. But so what? You are in no position to decide what we, mankind, everyone, have to do."
Hans pointed at Hermes, tapping at his chest.
"You don't make heroes, idiot. Especially not you. It was a shit idea back with Erebus, it's a shit idea even now. Don't act like your lack of faith equals rationalism."
Hermes took off his hat, shoving Hans' finger away while covering his own chest.
"What then? Is the opposite so much better? Are we supposed to just have blind faith, even when he ruins his own name as a hero?"
"Do you really think a hero is a hero because the people accept him as one? Because they conform to the current world view? Because someone pushes them along their stage, reading off a sorry excuse of a script?"
Hans spat to the side.
"Wrong. A hero is a hero by making people accept him. By doing something a normal person wouldn't do. They are the most egoistical, insane people in an era. That's the whole point." A smirk, filled with sarcasm, was directed at the deity. "Just have faith? The whole point of a hero is to have faith in him."
Hermes remained quiet for a while. Glancing down at the plaza, he saw Bell, maintaining the tense stand off. Nobody has noticed them on the rooftop just yet, weirdly enough. With a sigh, Hermes shook his head.
"The boy will break."
This time, an ugly laugh escaped Hans as he took off his glasses and pocketed them in his coat. Liliruca, standing nearby, gulped at the sight of that.
"Who decided that? You think that some bad name calling, that people opposing him, will be enough to ruin that boy? That not saving those Xenos won't break him instead?" He glanced at Bell before chuckling lightly. "And even then... that won't change anything. Failure doesn't erase your past. He can grow from it... or his story ends. Simple as that. It will be one worthy of stories nevertheless, to inspire next generations to follow up in his footsteps, to become better." He gave a pointed look at Hermes. "Until one day, we're good enough. Step. By. Step."
"You don't know what you're talking about," Hermes muttered, unable to keep his own divine aura calm as his convictions, the world's belief, were being challenged. Even the Freya Familia sweated a bit at that. Other adventurers began to take notice what was going on, glances of surprise aimed at them. Yet Hermes nor Hans particularly cared, the latter slowly shaking his head.
"If you really think that, I pity this entire world. If that's all it takes to stop heroes from existing. It's idiotic. It's ludicrous. For someone believing in a 'Last Hero', you disrespect us and discard us way too much to deserve deciding anything of the likes. Let me tell you something…"
Hans' hands snapped up, grabbing Hermes by the collar and forcibly pulling him down. With the strength of a level three against a mortal body, the god could do nothing but stare that small man in the yes. In that instance, he felt it. The sheer weight radiating from Hans Christian Andersen. It was no martial weight. He was average in terms of potential as an adventurer.
Yet the aura he presented rivaled that of Ottar even, as he growled out his next words, filled with venom and conviction.
"Don't underestimate [ruby=Heroic Spirits]heroes[/ruby], god. We aren't so easily tainted. Whether we pathetically die. Whether we fall into disgusting despair. Our legends will never cease to be. We will never stop to be heroes, even if we lose. Especially if we lose." He pushed Hermes away, dusting his hands off as he exhaled to calm himself down a bit. "Don't you dare dirty his story with some half assed writing like this."
Silence reigned between them, as Hermes stood up slowly. Everyone could do nothing but stare at Hans for saying such heated words.
"Damn, little bastard knows how to talk…" One of the Pallum muttered, begrudging respect entering his voice, with his siblings nodding in agreement.
Those words of his…they were certainly heavy. Yet he still had his own beliefs. With an easy smile, he adjusted his hat on his head before breathing out quietly.
"This still leaves us at this stalemate."
Hans raised his eyebrow, unimpressed. Then, a sudden crash sounded in the area. Hermes' head snapped towards its direction before clicking his tongue in irritation. There he was, Hans' "partner in crime". Arash waved back, almost casually as he had landed on the spot where Hermes' other children were hidden. Lyra covered her mouth, cheeks bulging with a green color. At that sight, even the god couldn't help but laugh in disbelief.
So much for his backup plan.
"You really have seen completely through me…"
"Not exactly hard."
Hermes felt his blood pressure rise. This little…he just couldn't let him have anything.
"That still begs the question of what now. Is this your desired outcome?" Hermes gestured at Bell, who was looking around, tension leaving him and replaced with utter confusion. Hans smirked in response.
"Wait for it."
They felt it before they heard it first. The roar that pierced even the heavens., shaking the very air itself, followed by heavy stomps that were akin to earthquakes. Everyone's eyes were wide as the noise came closer and closer, while Hans remained smirking.
"Now you'll see a proper script."
"You always deliver, my dear Hans," Freya whispered, a shudder entering her voice as she hugged herself, ignoring the angry looks of her own Familia that she caused. Hans meanwhile raised an eyebrow at her.
"You talking about that over there or my little speech?"
With half lidded eyes, she smiled with pure ecstasy, causing Hans to take a large step behind Ottar with an expression of pure disgust.
"Yes.
/
Quite frankly, Bell lost the plot on this entire scenario the moment Hans apparently did something with the Freya Familia, the Xenos and the Hermes Familia. Then Arash exploded into the scene, quite literally, casually crossing the distance between roofs with Lyra and some other adventurers in tow. But that was all nothing compared to the bestial noise that caused Bell to freeze up entirely. Not because of fear, or worry.
He froze up because it sounded familiar, despite the fact he had never heard such a roar before. It was then that many adventurers yelped, leaping out of the way by the large figure blurring into place, before sliding over the ground to brake itself. Then, the shape slowly rose to its feet…and turned to look at Bell.
The moment they matched eyes…Bell forgot everything. The conflict. The Xenos. All of it. The only thing in his mind…was the one right in front of him, as everything turned white, except for him and the Xenos facing him. Even noise ceased for him, not even his own heartbeat audible to his ears. He saw the wide gash across its shoulder. His left eye shut from blunt damage. The slight limb as its left leg seemed raw from combat, still in the middle of healing. Several cuts across its chest, still fresh and not yet scarred, with the deepest wound digging into its right shoulder. Yet despite its injured state, the black beast rivaled or even surpassed the strongest in the city with ease, its spirit enveloping it and the area around it in full.
At the same time, several expressions lit up in recognition. Tione and Bete flinched, their wounds aching up, the same happening with Aiz who kept herself to a lone corner of the streets.
"Is that damn bull…!"
Meanwhile, the Xenos on the rooftops were in the same state of shock, having wondered where he disappeared to after helping them out once.
"Asterius?!"
Fear grasped the heart of adventurers, ready to fight for their lives at the beast before them that seemed to warp space itself with its shape. But then the unthinkable happened. It took a deep breath, slowly tearing its eyes away from Bell Cranel…and spoke up.
"Hear me, residents of the surface."
Asterius spread his arms wide, his rumbling voice echoing in the streets as he regarded each and every single witness.
"We Xenos do not desire any more meaningless bloodshed. We simply wish to leave. Back to the dungeon. While some of my kind wish for freedom on the surface, we recognize we are not welcomed here. Thus I ask of you to leave us be."
"Why the fuck should we do that?!"
"Yeah, screw you!"
Asterius let out a snort, his head snapping to the voices. They screamed, falling down backwards as they became victims of his rageful intent. Closing his eyes, the bull sighed before shaking his head.
"Very well. You leave me no choice. I shall dedicate this to you, old friend," he muttered under his breath before stomping the ground once, neck tilted backwards as he screamed at the sky. "I demand a duel! A War Game! It is a tradition of yours, is it not?! To let the heavens decide who is right and who is wrong! To show on whose side fate truly is!"
He pointed directly at Finn, having recognized him as the leader of the hunters.
"If I defeat your champion, you will let us leave! If I lose, you are free to do what you wish with my brethren! Do you accept these terms?!"
Hermes clicked his tongue and turned to Hans, irritation visible in his gaze.
"How is this any different from-"
"You wanted a monster to be slain by a hero," Hans responded without hesitation. He pulled out his writing utensils after rolling his shoulders, not even giving the god a single glance. "This is a warrior fighting for the freedom of his brethren. Our ideas aren't even remotely the same."
Meanwhile, Finn could feel his thumb vibrate. Not just in respect of the threat Asterius represented, but also in…anticipation. He was unwilling to risk so many lives trying to stop this monster, not without proper preparation. Thus, he licked his lips before nodding slowly.
"...You'll honor your deal?"
"I speak for all Xenos. Will you honor yours?" Asterius asked in return. Finn couldn't help but cover his eyes as he let out a laugh.
"I would shame all of us if we refused such a heartfelt declaration of a warrior like you. Fine. Since it's your lives at stake here, I shall grant you the right to choose your opponent." Finn gave Asterius a pointed look. "But choose someone too weak, and know that this won't be accepted by the majority."
Without a hint of hesitation, Asterius pointed his finger to his side…directly at Bell.
"I demand to fight him."
"No way!"
"He's on your side, that freak!"
"Choosing someone weaker than you, you bas-"
Their objections were interrupted by a loud stomp that cracked the ground. Their eyes shifted from the monster. Their eyes wide and with shock, they looked at the individual with a wide stance, his swords pointed at the beast. His right side faced forward, with his left hand raised next to his head. Bell released an exhale, as if unleashing steam, as he kept his eyes on the Xenos that demanded a duel. Said Xenos's mouth widened, as if grinning. Nobody said anything anymore. How could they? The aura Bell radiated, the determined look in his face…Every single adventurer in the area just knew. No matter how much they might want to deny it, in their heart they felt the purity of his decision. In that instance, Bell Cranel would give his entire being to fighting this Xenos. No holding back. Not even for the sake of those he swore to protect. No, rather because of his promise, Albion had to and would go all out. The super rookie that could match up to the best of the best in the city, having already surpassed his odds against stronger opponents once already. Satisfied with that, the Xenos turned to Finn, the leader of this hunt. Finn after biting his thumb took a deep breath…and nodded back. Not only to honor this Xenos. Not only to honor Bell Cranel.
But because of a memory from a time that felt so long ago. He wanted to see it again. Such a selfish wish filled his heart as he motioned for everyone to create some space for them. The last ones staying behind were the rest of the Astraea Familia. Ryuu bit her lip, clearly not wanting this to go through. Bell smiled back at her, before looking back at Asterius.
"I'll be fine, Ryuu. This…I think this is the best way."
Alise grabbed Ryuu's shoulder gently and gave it a small squeeze. Ryuu closed her eyes before nodding slightly.
"...Be careful."
Thus, only the two combatants were left. The conditions were accepted. Thus, if the monster won, they would be granted safe passage, guaranteed by the Braver himself. Because of that…the stage was free of any distractions. Xenos and human began to circle around each other, walking across the area, their eyes focused on each other. Silence reigned, a tense air that choked those with weak will. Then, it was broken, by the sapient beast.
"My mind has been plagued and blessed by many memories. Memories not my own. Images and stories from foreign places, lands beyond what I could ever imagined." He put a hand on his chest, a scoff escaping him. "I am nothing more than a fake."
He closed his eyes before snapping them open. He came to a stop, his fingers flexing as he reached behind him.
"However. There is a single memory I have, that I can call my own. It is faint. Like a soft dream. But I remember it. It is what makes me someone real."
He pointed at Bell, steam escaping from his snout. Two large cleavers were in his hands, more fitting in a butcher's shop than on the battlefield. Aiz' eyes widened at that. So that Xenos found a different weapon after that axe broke.
"My name is Asterius. I have learned from those stories in my head to grow and become my own person. All that, for this moment." A deep breath. Then, a roar that shook the very air. Many covered their ears from the noise, yet their eyes couldn't leave the excited beast that was smiling widely. "What is your name?!"
In response to such fighting spirit, Bell sharpened Homebringer against each other, creating sparks before rearing back his right arm, two tips ready to pierce.
"Bell Cranel!"
"A fine name!" Muscles bulged, veins almost popping through skin. With the legs and arms tensed up, Asterius laughed. "Now let us begin the second round, Bell Cranel!"