To be immobile was not exactly a feeling Bell came to like. Sure, it was nice for one of the girls and guys to help him move around, and who wouldn't want to be pampered by such cool and beautiful people? Nevertheless, there was a reason people sometimes compared him to a rabbit, much to his dismay. Moving, running, jumping, all of these things were a core of his being. To not be able to do that was…annoying to say the least. Still, he wasn't someone who'd throw a tantrum just because of something like that. It helped that he was never left alone to stew in his own thoughts.
"The Falna sometimes works in curious ways, doesn't it?" Kojiro stated, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as they both stared down at the update that Hestia made for him. "Here I expected you would've leveled up."
Bell hummed thoughtfully. Part of him was a bit disappointed that he didn't do exactly that. None of the Hestia Familia broke through during all this chaos. However, for some reason, Bell wasn't that mad. In fact, he knew for a fact that he was close. Just one push was needed, he felt it in his soul. Besides, the skill he earned…it made him smile, as it felt like a promise being branded into his very being. A promise to be kept at all cost.
Ox Slayer.
"Yeaaah, hella specific skill. I don't think there's too many bull enemies in the dungeon, right?" Solaris stated, adjusting her reading glasses as she looked up from the papers she was focusing on. Now wasn't that a strange sight? Apparently she always had those glasses just for paperwork. Usually she did that in her room, but now she made it a point to do it in front of everyone. More specifically before Bell. She even let him try his hand at it, with…mixed results. Something she almost gleefully pointed out with her pen. "Anyway, you forgot our water expenses, which are about…this high."
Bell blinked before he almost did a spittake at what he saw.
"Water is that expensive?!"
"Surprised what we use for water, ey?" Solaris giggled before twirling her pen around the house. "Stardust Garden is pretty cheap all things considered. Small, compact, great estate value." She paused when she saw Bell cringe at that word. She patted him on the shoulder before leaning back, adjusting her glasses. "Don't worry, estate value comes later."
"Do we possess estates?" Kojiro asked, crossing his arms with some minor curiosity. Their captain gave them a flat look before letting out a snort.
"Duh. Nothing major, but I invested here and there." She glanced at Bell. "For example I bought that bar."
"You did?!"
Now that she mentioned it, every time he went there and find her, it was always empty besides of her. Then there was the fact he never heard anyone speak about that place…or whether it had a name in the first place. At least that explained that.
"I mean the owner was gonna retire anyway. Not like I'm using it for anything but my personal hide away spot." Solaris pressed her lips together as she tapped the side of her head with her pen. "Hm, maybe I should clean that place up a bit more. Some more revenue wouldn't hurt…"
Kojiro and Bell couldn't help but share a look. To see that boisterous fire maniac be so…serious about all that paperwork just felt weird. Then again, it was nice to see that their captain certainly had layers. Bell laughed a bit before clearing his throat.
"A-anyway…I'm glad I have Ox Slayer. It might not be that versatile, but when the day comes…"
"Third time's the charm, correct?" Kojiro nodded sagely, a far away look in his eyes. "I look forward to your fated fight."
Bell sometimes wondered about that. About whom he was thinking about. Who 'his Asterius' was. But if Kojiro didn't want to share the story, Bell didn't feel like he should push it. Everyone had their own stories. One day, they might learn about it, but not today. Meanwhile Solaris cringed a bit before putting on an awkward smile.
"You'll beat it-err, I mean his ass for sure."
He nodded back at her, encouragingly. He knew she was still skeptical about Xenos, which lead to such slip ups. But she tried, that's all he could asked for. It was then that someone knocked on their door. Solaris narrowed her eyes a bit before standing up.
"Oh hey, Haruhime back already? That was quick."
The door opened, and Bell felt a shiver down his spine. He could visibly see Solaris just…plummet in mood, her usual fire turning ice cold.
"Hey there! Ooooh, neat glasses!" He heard the familiar voice of Tiona say. Yet the silence that ensured killed off any giggle or laughter rather quickly. Then Solaris whistled and looked back inside.
"...Oi, Alise, gals, y'all got visitors!"
"Hold up, be right there!"
"Where's that damn shirt…?"
"Girl, stop being naked!"
"This is my house, I can be naked whenever I want, you blind rat!"
"Don't make me pull out my Lion role, ladies!"
Sometimes Bell wondered how Ryuu remained sane in this house. Then he remembered how she left the house with Haruhime, the goddesses and Arash. He assumed that she made a strategic retreat like that more than once.
"Actually, we're here for Albion too," Finn's voice stated, a strange tone to his otherwise calm voice. Bell perked up at hearing his title, wondering what this was about. Yet Solaris didn't move an inch, instead pressing her back against the doorway and stretching out her leg against the frame.
"Uhuh."
"Err…we good, right?" Tiona asked, a bit hesitant about this whole situation. In response, Solaris crossed her arms.
"Super good. So good that I feel like I could stand at this doorway for hours."
Frowning a bit, Bell tried to stand up…only for his legs to wobble pathetically. Oh, right. So instead he clapped the table lightly a few times to get her attention. His overprotective captain glanced at him, and he slowly shook his head.
"Solaris, it's fine."
Sure, they fought against the Loki Familia, but he didn't hold it against them. He was disappointed in some way for sure, but in the end, neither wanted to hurt the other, not truly. Seeing his conviction, Solaris sighed, before rolling her shoulders.
"Hm. If you say so."
Thus, she led in the Loki Familia representatives. To his surprise, it was merely three people. Tiona, waving excitingly at them, only to wince for a moment at his wheelchair. Finn thinned his mouth just a bit at the sight. Aiz however visibly paled at his sight. Biting his lip, Bell tried to stay cool. The pitying eyes he got did not feel any better now, even with some days having passed by. Seeing his discomfort, the three tried their best to put polite masks back on. At the same time, Alise descended with Kaguya and Lyra. The Pallum giggled before leaping down from the stairs. Finn caught her with ease, but had a strained smile, his cheeks slightly blushing when Lyra rubbed herself over him like an affectionate cat.
"Fiiiiinn! Here I thought you forgot all about little ol' me!"
"Good to see you doing alright."
"Oi, horny, back," Kaguya said dryly, prying her Familia member off Finn by pulling at the hem of her shirt. Lyra whined before blowing a kiss at Finn. Alise clapped her hands together before leaning forward after taking a seat on the couch.
"Soooo, do what do we owe the pleasure?"
The Braver took a deep breath before turning to Bell out of all people.
"First of all, I have something to tell to him."
"To me?" He asked, pointing at himself. Finn nodded…before lowering his head. A move that Tiona and Aiz mirrored with all their heart.
"I humbly apologize on behalf of the entire Loki Familia for the events during the Xenos incident."
Eyes widened in shock and surprise at the blatant admission. Astraea and Hestia Familia both didn't hold their actions too strongly against them…but it didn't change the fact that they were opponents. They didn't expect the Loki Familia to flat out admit to be in the wrong. To see such grand figures lower their heads like this…it ached Bell's heart.
"P-p-please raise your head! I understand!" He sighed before smiling weakly. "I…understand. You…were tricked by the Night Queen and provo-"
"I would've killed them even if I was completely calm."
Bell froze. He processed the words…but was unable to make sense of them. He couldn't help but tilt his head as he looked at Finn, who had raised his head.
"...Huh…?"
"Whether I was burning with rage or cold with ice…" Finn's smile didn't reach his clouded eyes. "The Braver cannot be seen showing mercy to monsters. So to protect that image, that story I built up, I would've slaughtered them on the spot without hesitation as long as one civilian was witnessing the events."
Finn glanced at Lyra, who didn't show off any emotions, merely keeping her arms crossed. Meanwhile, Bell was not remotely as composed, feeling his blood run cold at such words. Alise and Kaguya shared his sentiment, openly frowning. Kojiro and Solaris on the other hand remained cool, though the latter showed some discomfort with how close Finn's sentiments were with her own.
"But…that's…" Bell couldn't form words. How could he? Finn…just to protect his reputation, would've done all that? His mind flashed back to Romulus. His slaves. His grand dreams that warranted such actions in his eyes. He couldn't help but see the Legiones' image layered over Finn, as he let out a dry scoff.
"Horrible? Cold hearted? You would be correct." He put a hand on his chest. "But that's just the kind of 'hero' I am. All of me is carefully crafted for the sake of the Pallum race. Every action, every move, every thought, is calculated for the maximum gain, to instill the most hope in my people. A fake I tried my hardest to turn real." An empty look stared Bell in the eyes. "If that means I have to become a mass murderer for their sake, I'd do it."
A hiss sounded in the room, but that was all the noise Lyra made. Finn bit his lip at that reaction before he leaned back, hands folded. Then some light returned to his eyes, as he shook his head with a weak smile.
"Which is why I feel jealous of you, Bell Cranel."
"What is there to-"
"You are genuine, unlike me. Pure."
That word again. It slowly began to become his trigger word. What did it even mean, to be 'pure'? Was it that special? Was the world…so cruel to declare his thoughts, his ideals, to be so rare? Bell inhaled through his nose before nodding at Finn to continue.
"You follow your heart, what is right, no matter what. You were ruining your reputation, your legacy, with each step you opposed us…" He raised an eyebrow at Bell. "And even now, I don't see a hint of regret in your eyes."
"I have done nothing that warrants regret," Bell responded immediately, remembering Hans' words to him. Remembering the relief he felt when the Xenos were mostly fine. His sorrow, his tears, when Shirou died. Trying to protect them…was not a mistake. The room's atmosphere lightened up, a few giggles and smiles appearing as Kojiro patted Bell's shoulder with pride. Finn let out a sigh, closing his eyes in acceptance.
"Haha…tis be true. Anyway…I don't ask for forgiveness. I simply wanted to make things clear to you. You don't have to say anything."
It wasn't like Bell knew what to say. Judge Finn? Declare him a villain? No, while he couldn't possibly understand…he could try, and eventually figure out what to say to him. Maybe as equals one day.
His thoughts were interrupted when Alise clapped her hands together before rubbing them against each other.
"Oookay, enough with the heavy talk. Let's discuss business." She snapped her fingers at their visitors. "How's Knossos progressing?"
The three winced. The Stardust Garden grimaced at that reaction. It was only Bell, Kojiro and the not present Haruhime who had experience with the place, but they never felt that it was too rough to deal with. Then again, they were lucky. Whoever was in charge of Knossos clearly didn't focus on Bell and the others until it was too late. Even then, Bell realized that when they got shot out of Knossos...heavens only knew how often such things happened with an actual invading force that was being paid attention to.
"It's been…sluggish."
"Even with the key?" Kaguya asked skeptically, causing Tiona to shrug helplessly.
"Key or no key, that place is still a certified death fortress. We are being as careful as we can be. One wrong step and several of our guys could die." She shuddered before shaking her head. "Deranged or not, Evilus knows their security."
"They've been gathering many monsters and assigned them specific roles," Aiz spoke up for the first time. When Bell turned to look at her, she looked away, clutching her right arm as she let out a shivering breath. "Even the wyverns from the deep floors."
"The one's that can snipe you from several floors below you? Damn…"
Solaris, Kojiro and Bell snapped their heads at Lyra with varying degrees of shock, or rather excitement in one specific case.
"Wait, what the fuck, those are things?!" Solaris shouted, taking off her glasses, as if removing them would improve her hearing. Lyra paused before scratching the back of her head.
"Whoops, spoilers."
Bell…had no reference for such an event. Snipe? How? Through solid dungeon rock, several of them? How would they even know where the adventurers were? The mere idea send his mind spiraling…then he saw Kojiro smirking, rubbing his chin with anticipation.
"Interesting…"
"Kojiro, no."
"But young master-"
Bell made an X with his arms, shaking his head furiously.
"No, we're not doing this routine!"
"Yeah, no, we ain't ready for Deep Floors on our own, Kojiro. Sheathe thy boner," Solaris stated with a flat look. "I love the heat as much as the next gal, but there's excitement and then there's suicide."
Kojiro's shoulders slumped. Bell palmed his face as Solaris rolled her eyes in exasperation. Meanwhile everyone else couldn't help but chuckle at the sigh. Still, Kaguya grit her teeth as they focus returned to Knossos itself.
"Fucking Night Queen…No way that bitch isn't involved…"
The dark aura that radiated from Kaguya was worrying. Yet Bell didn't say a word. The Senbonzakura didn't even believe for a second that the Night Queen might be anyone but Nyx, so her room was filled with data to hunt the goddess down, besides trying to narrow down where Nana could be. He felt that this was the wrong path to go down…but he didn't know how to convince her. All he could do was trust Astraea Familia to do the right thing.
"Anyway, that is our progress with Knossos. Because of that, we can do nothing but ignore the Xenos from now on. Evilus takes priority."
"Eh, no worries, they might not be Orario's problem for long."
Bell blinked. Same as the others. They turned to Alise, who made that rather questionable statement to such good news. Yet there was not a hint of malice in her expression, as she whistled innocently, her arms crossed behind her back. Finn hummed before leaning forward.
"Any secret plans?"
"In the making. Kinda crazy from what I heard, but if it works, everyone's gonna be happy."
"Good to know."
What sort of plan? Did they find out a way to let the Xenos live in the surface without anyone intercepting them? The idea was strange, but also comforting. He didn't know how it'd be possible, with smuggling always having the problem of being caught. But what did Bell know? Logistics and large scale planning was never his strong point. Anyway, Finn kept his eyes on Alise before making his request.
"It would be helpful if you could cooperate with us. Arash especially would serve quite effectively in piercing a path through."
The three girls shared a glance as their smiles fell. Alise clicked her tongue before pressing her lips together, a hint of guilt in her expression as she scratched her right cheek.
"He'd be flattered…buuuuuut there's a tiny tiny problem with that."
"What problem?"
"See, us Justice gals and boy have our own plans." She glanced at Kaguya. "Nana is in the Far East."
"Your sister?" Finn asked, remembering some details. The Senbonzakura exhaled slowly, trying to keep her cool.
"It's not the most strategically wise choice…but I-we are still going." Her prosthetic shook as she looked down on it before she forced it into a fist. Said fist was touched by Alise's calming touch. She smiled at Kaguya, before the latter nodded back. "I have to end things. Also less resources for the Night Queen is always good, isn't it?"
"You sure you'll be okay? She's your sister after all," Tiona asked with concern in her voice. Kaguya showed her teeth like a hungry predator, her eyes glowing with a burning flame.
"I'll try my damndest to free her."
"I hope you'll pull it off." The amazon said, smirking back at her. Finn meanwhile had his hands folded as he rested his elbows on his thighs.
"I see…I'm not your leader, so I can't demand you to do anything. It's a pity, but we'll just have to make do."
"Feel free to say it, Deimne."
At Kaguya's dry words, Finn let out a heavy sigh.
"The paperwork alone for this will be a nightmare."
"Hear, hear!" Alise shouted, earning a dry look from her sisters in arms.
"Alise, we do the paperwork," Lyra said. The captain puffed up her cheeks, crossing her arms at the obvious slander.
"No, you don't!"
"Right, we only have to correct everything." Kaguya grinded her knuckle down her captain's head. "You have to stop putting smileys on everything."
"But they lighten up the mood!" Alise whined, earning a good laugh from everyone.
Good to see some things didn't change. Even after all the mess Bell and the others went through…they still managed to have moments like these. He hoped that these days would never go away, no matter what.
Either way, with having said their pieces, the Loki Familia decided to leave. Surprisingly enough, Lyra followed Finn outside, not a hint of a flirty demeanor in sight. Not only that, Aiz decided to remain near the door. She seemed to struggle with something until she looked Bell in the eyes, looking a bit like a frightened animal. It would be cute if it didn't put her in such a state to begin with.
"Can…can we talk?"
Bell glanced at Kojiro, who silently pushed him outside the door before closing it. With them alone now, Bell put on a small smile.
"Always. What's up?"
Aiz didn't make any sound. Her mouth moved, but no sound escaped from them. Then, in the end, she clenched her eyes shut, her head lowering just a bit.
"Your…your duel. If it wasn't for me…"
His eyes widened, realizing where this was going. He immediately tried to reach out with her with his hand, trying to cut this off.
"No. Don't. It's not-"
Yet before he could reach her, she slapped his hand away. Her eyes were wide with shock and shame, before anger overwhelmed those feelings.
"It is my fault! Don't you deny it! I know that you care, but face the facts!" She shouted, cutting the air with her arm. Tears began to form as she clutched her head, hissing at the growing pain. "You wasted all that energy fighting me! All that energy you could've used against…against…!" Her voice began to grow quieter as she furiously shook her head. "I injured you! You…you…even then, you almost could've won but I…"
"It's just a what if. I just wasn't goo-"
"I heard you die."
Her admission caused him to flinch. He remembered Ryuu at this moment.
"I had to revive you."
The words were said with the same quiet, the same agony. It instilled the same sort of guilt in his heart, as Aiz represented a mirror to the past. She paid it no head as her haunted eyes stared at the ground.
"Your breathing stopped. I could hear it. The air no longer flowing through your lungs. It all became so…quiet. so still." She sniffed before covering her face. "I'm…so sorry…"
Guilt filled his heart. He…he didn't know that she cared so much. His words must have sounded like empty platitudes to her mind. He…didn't know what to say. So in the end, all he could do, was speak from the heart.
"I'm not accepting your apology." Aiz stiffened up, but he wasn't finished. Once more, he reached out for her hand, slowly. This time, she didn't reject it, even as her muscles coiled up like a spring, ready to escape. "Because there's nothing to apologize for. He was just as injured and exhausted, maybe even more so." He let out a small laugh. "Thanks to you, I have heard. So I'll consider that evening the scales."
"I didn't do it for you," Aiz muttered, still tense, still not looking at him. Bell shook his head at her words.
"And yet you did it." He took a deep breath. "It was a duel we both agreed on. So please. Like I said before. Don't do this to yourself." This time she looked at him, her eyes wavering. Then he lowered his head, causing her to almost gape at him. "...and I'm sorry too."
"What…?"
"For putting you…everyone through all this. I…wasn't thinking at all about what could happen if I lost. It was just Asterius and I…so for my selfishness…I apologize."
He didn't feel any regret for his actions, which ironically made him feel regret for not feeling regret. If he were in their shoes, he'd have his heart torn out too. To imagine Ryuu, or Kojiro, or Haruhime or anyone in his position. Unmoving, broken…He truly was still inexperienced. When he looked up, he saw Aiz stare at him with wide eyes, tears still flowing. And yet, she was unable to look away as a small smile formed on her face. Now that suited her a lot more.
"...How can you exist…?"
"Well, gramps was always tight lipped about my parents…" Bell said, trying to make a little joke. To his surprise, it actually do the job, the beautiful giggle escaping Aiz being music to his ears. "Let's just agree that we all made mistakes…What's important is that we grow from that experience. All of us."
Aiz nodded slowly, squeezing his hand. Then, she let go, before putting her hand on her ches.
"...I still don't know what to think of the Xenos. They…still make me uncomfortable. But…" She took a deep breath and nodded at him. "I trust you, Bell."
"Thank you," Bell said with a weight dropping off his shoulders. Then he raised his fist with determination, pointing it at her. "And…I'll try to become stronger. So strong that you never have to hear that ever again. I swear."
She froze at his words. Struggling to accept them. Until…
"...I hold you to it." Aiz said, hitting his knuckle with her own, smiling ever so gently. Glad about his promise "I'll be waiting."
"Don't wait," Bell responded, shaking his head. "Keep moving forward. I'll catch up eventually."
Aiz nodded once, after some hesitation. Accepting the "permission" she was granted to grow stronger in her own way. With that she turned around, but not before glancing back at him, her hair flowing through the wind. He almost thought he saw that white, pale color recede a bit, giving way to her radiant blonde hair once more.
"Good night, Bell."
"You too, Aiz."
With that, the Wind Princess disappeared in the dark, showing but her back to him.
Her very nice back…
Bell blinked before slapping his cheeks. What was he thinking?! They weren't at that level yet! Not to mention, what would Ryuu think?! It was a good thing she wasn't here…
…
A cold wind blew, causing him to shiver a bit despite his high rank. He then glanced behind him, at the closed door, feeling sweat drop down his skin.
"...Uhm, Kojiro? Solaris? Anyone? You can open the door again!"