Bell took his seat at the table. Aisha and Haruhime are next to him, with Laurier next to Haruhime. Drinks and food were gathered all around them as they were celebrating Bell's return.
It had been slightly over a month and a half since Bell's fight with Alfia. He scared nearly everyone when he collapsed in front of them, covered in all that blood. Some of them thought he was already dead before even reaching Airmids hospital.
Yet here he was, eating and drinking to his heart's content, surrounded by people who cared about him. Yet deep down, everyone had this strange feeling.
Why was Bell so calm? Why was he so cheery after what happened? His aunt faked her death and then nearly killed him for reasons they didn't even know. Something like this would break anyone.
But why not Bell? Well, to answer your question, he's doing what he does best. Hiding it. It's what he's always done, and he's really damn good at it.
Or so he'd like to think. Everyone there knew what he was doing but wouldn't touch on it. Not yet, at least. Today was a day of celebration, not an intervention.
Bell set his drink back on the table. "So I heard you all went on an expedition. Anything go wrong."
Bell was a little worried something did, but seeing as they were all fine, it eased his worries just a bit.
Welf shook his head. "Nah, nothing went wrong."
Bell smiled. "That's good" he paused as if he was about to say something else but didn't. Instead, he took another sip of his drink.
This again drew looks, but no one said anything.
So the party continued well into the night, everyone getting buzzed or flat-out wasted. At around 1:00 AM, the party finally ended, with everyone having their fill of food and drink.
As Bell was heading back to his room, however, he felt someone grab his sleeve.
"Master Bell," Haruhime quietly called out.
He turned around and saw her ears dropped and her eyes on the ground. She was either nervous or sad about something that much Bell could tell.
"Are you ok, Haruhime" Bell asked.
Haruhime was quiet for a moment before she wrapped her arms around Bell in a hug. Bell was slightly caught off guard by this, but once he got over his shock, he returned the hug.
"Ok, ok, you're alright. You're alright," Bell comforted.
The two stood in the hallway as Haruhime was holding Bell tightly. She wasn't crying, or at least she wasn't yet.
Bell just simply patted her on the back. "What's wrong, Haruhime" he gently asked.
Haruhime held onto him tighter, her head buried into his shoulder. She mumbled something, but he didn't hear her.
"What'd you say" he calmly asked.
"I was scared you were gonna die," she said more clearly.
Bell let out a sigh, and he gently caressed the back of Haruhime's hair. He didn't really know what to say. He wouldn't push her feelings aside, saying he was alright or that he made her a promise. That would just push aside the emotions she felt when he was in a coma.
"I'm sorry I scared you," he apologized, and he was sorry. If he was stronger, maybe he could've defeated Alfia. Perhaps he could've asked her why he did this. Maybe he could've had his aunt back.
Bell rolled his eyes at the idea. He wasn't gonna get ahead of himself. It was clear as day.
Alfia never loved him.
Did it hurt knowing that? Yes, it did, but deep down, Bell always knew it.
Bell let out a sigh seeing as Haruhime had yet to let go of him. She was holding onto him so tightly. Almost as if she was afraid he would disappear again if she let go.
Bell gently pushed her back a little. Haruhime tried to resist, but Bell was three levels higher than her, so he easily did it. She tried to hug him again, but Bell grabbed her hand before she did so.
He gently took her hand and put it on his chest, right over his heart. Haruhime froze when he did that. She thought he was being very forward.
"Do you feel that?" Bell asked. Haruhime was confused. What was supposed to feel?
"Master Bell, what am I supposed to feel" Haruhime confusedly asked.
Bell sighed. "My heartbeat, do you feel it" he gently asked.
Haruhime looked at her hand over Bell's heart, and she could feel his heartbeat. Feeling it caused her to tear up a little.
"I feel it, Master Bell" Haruhime nodded, her voice breaking a little.
Bell wrapped his hand around her head again and pulled her close. Her head was on his shoulder since she was taller than him.
"Then it means I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I will never leave you or anyone. I promise," Bell consoled. His voice was calm and gentle, almost like a lover comforting their other half.
That was when the waterworks for Haruhime started, and Bell didn't let her go.
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Bell didn't know how late it was when he woke up. But he had a feeling that most of his familia was still asleep. He looked to his left and saw Aisha sleeping under the covers, a content smile on her face. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, watching her smile brighten.
He got out of bed, careful not to wake Aisha. He succeeded and put on a new pair of clothes. Quietly opening and closing the door, he walked down the hallway.
Like he thought most people were still asleep. He could sense a few of them up and around the house and could even sense Welf in his forge.
Which surprised him. Had his level up, and his breakthrough into mid-silver core really enhanced his senses this much. It honestly kind of startled him.
Walking into the living room, he saw Lili sitting on the sofa, reading a book with Regis on the ground below her. He was asleep, but Bell knew he was faking. Regis doesn't need sleep. Hearing Bell enter, she perked her head up and smiled at him.
"Nice to see you're finally awake, Aisha. Keep you up even later," she joked.
Bell chuckled a little as he sat next to her. "No, I can't do anything like that because of my arm. I can't make her do all the work."
Lili let out a sound of agreement. "Whatever you say, Master Bell."
The two sat in a comfortable silence for a moment. Neither spoke, but each knew they had to talk about what happened. It wasn't something you just ignored.
It was Bell that broke the silence.
"Were you scared?" he asked.
Lili was quiet for a moment as she continued reading. "I was," was her response. It was calm and collected, not emotional like Haruhime's
"I'm sorry. I never wanted to worry you," Bell apologized.
Lili turned the page of her book before answering. "It's alright. I was scared for a little bit. But once you were at the hospital, I knew you would come back. You did make a promise to me after all."
Bell smiled as he ruffled her hair. "That I did. Well, I'm gonna run a few errands today, so let everyone know when they ask."
Lili nodded her head. "Ok, Master Bell, try not to run into any trouble," she teased.
Bell rolled his eyes, letting out a sarcastic chuckle. "Ha ha, very funny, Lili"
He then took out the Elderwood Guardians beast core and tossed it to Regis. "Make sure that's clean," he told him.
Regis opened his eye and took a look at it. He used a tiny amount of Aether to probe the core before closing his eye again. "It's clean go give it to whoever you want, shithead."
Bell put the beast core back into his dimension ring before waving goodbye to Lili. He walked down another hallway leading to the eastern half of the manor. He had already known who to give this to, and he could sense they were awake.
Stepping into another common room, Bell saw Cassandra and Daphne. Cassandra was reading a fairy tale, and Daphne was trimming a flower of its thorns. The two heard Bell come in and turned to face him.
"Oh, hello, Bell," Cassandra shyly greeted.
"Sup, you doing alright," Daphne greeted.
"Morning, you two," Bell said, sitting across from the two. This caused the two girls to quirk an eyebrow as they didn't think Bell would act so friendly with them. I mean, he barely knew then, yet here he was.
"So I was able to acquire the Elderwoods beast core. Now I know you like plants, Daphne, but I was wondering if you would be alright with me giving it to Cassandra so she can be safer in the dungeon," Bell explained.
Both girls' eyes widened in shock. They were surprised Bell would give something that valuable away. It was an S-rank core, for god's sake, and he was giving it to Cassandra.
After getting over her shock, Daphne answered. "Yeah, that's fine with me; Cassandra's my friend, and I won't always be able to protect her."
Cassandra looked at her friend teary-eyed before hugging her. "Thank you, Daphne," she cried.
"Woah, hey, get off me," Daphne complained. Bell smiled at the sight of the two friends. It reminded him of how Anya cuddled up to him so long ago. Always said he was so adorable and warm. What he wouldn't give to have a peaceful time like that all the time.
He took the core out of his dimension ring and set it on the table, getting their attention again. He slid it over to Cassandra, who wearily looked at it.
"Are you sure, Bell? I mean, this thing can go for at least 200 million valis. Why give it to someone like me?" Cassandra wondered.
Bell gave her a smile as he stood up. "Well, obviously, because I care about you. You're part of my familia now, which means I'll protect you no matter what. That goes for you, to Daphne."
Bell then bid them farewell, noticing the blush on their faces. He had more places to be.
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Bell was walking down the streets of Orario. He had a few destinations in mind on where he needed to go. The order didn't matter as long as he went there to let everyone know he was awake and alright, and also receive earfuls about how reckless he was. He let out a sigh thinking about that. Those earfuls will cause him a headache.
Walking into the Hostess of Fertility as they had just finished their lunch rush, causing the place to be empty. Which was lucky for him.
He saw Anya sweeping with her back turned to him, so he decided to surprise her. Masking his presence, he began to sneak up on her but saw Mia coming out from the kitchen.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but he put his finger to his mouth, signaling her to be quiet. She saw what Bell was about to do, and a smile appeared on her face as she nodded her head in agreement.
He got closer to Anya, so close that his body almost touched Anya's. It was then she felt as if someone was behind her, but before she could turn around, Bell tapped her shoulder, causing her to jump.
She turned her head around and looked at Bell. "Damnit, Bell, you scared me. Can't you see I'm working" she said in annoyance.
She went back to sweeping before the gears in her brain started turning, and everything clicked. She dropped the broom, causing it to clatter on the ground as she wrapped her arms around Bell in a tight hug.
Bell nearly fell down from the force of her hug as he could only use one arm, yet he remained standing as Anya embraced him, fresh tears staining his black shirt.
"You're awake. You're awake. I'm so glad you're awake," she said into Bell's shirt.
Bell let out a slight chuckle as he held Anya closer. "Yeah, I'm awake. I'm sorry I worried you, and so soon after we reunited again."
Mia looked at the scene with a smile on her face for two reasons. One was because her nephew was awake and out of the hospital, and two. Because Anya was finally breaking out of her shell since she left the Freya familia. The girl who was buried under the front of a ditzy cat was coming out. Well, she was still a ditzy cat in Mia's eyes.
After staying in the position for a few minutes, Anya still refused to let go. He looked toward Mia for some help.
"Sorry, kid, you're on your own. Poor girls been worried sick about ya," Mia laughed as she headed back into the kitchen.
Bell let out a sigh as Mia left, leaving just Anya and Bell alone. "Anya, I can't walk if you're holding me like this."
"Then carry me," she mumbled in his shirt.
"I have one arm," Bell pointed out.
"Well, you're strong, so lift me," she demanded again.
Bell let out a sigh as he used one arm to pick Anya up. He awkwardly walked to a chair, sitting down, causing Anya to curl in his lap as she still held onto him.
"I feel like I already know the answer. But how have you been" Bell gently asked?
Anya was quiet for a moment. "Worried and afraid. Work kept my mind off them for a little while. But when I would lay in my bed. I cried. I was so worried about you, Bell. I've told you this before, but you're my hero, and seeing you like that. It made me feel the same type of fear and uneasiness I did when I was in that cage."
Bell felt a wave of guilt wash over him. Because he was so weak, he caused Anya to relive those memories of her time when she was captured by slavers. He needed to get stronger, much stronger. Strong enough to where no one would have to worry about him again. He needed more control over Aether. He needed to get to white core. He needed to level up again and again.
Stronger, he needed to get stronger.
Anya pulled her head back and looked at Bell, tears staining her cheeks. He felt another pang of guilt.
"Bell, I've been doing a lot of thinking since I met you again," Anya began.
Bell looked at her, intrigued. "About what"
Anya sighed as she looked down. "I was miserable in the Freya familia. They're a bunch of crazy people that try to kill each other every day just to prove their love to Freya. For so long, I didn't like it there, but she was the only one to take us in. All other familia's turned us away. We didn't want to join Herme's familia 'cause he seemed like a headache."
Bell had an idea of where Anya was going with this but let her continue. "So when Freya told us she wanted us in her familia, we jumped at the chance. I mean, the goddess of the strongest familia in the world wanted us to join. Who wouldn't take that deal? But now, knowing what I know, and what she did to you, I want to leave her familia."
Bell's eyes widened slightly in shock as he spoke. "Are you sure, Anya? This is a big decision and might paint a target on your back."
Anya nodded her head. "I am. This familia is the reason I lost my brother. The reason your family is gone, and the reason why I've felt so miserable for years."
Bell readjusted Anya so she could be more comfortable. "Then I'll support you. All you need to do is ask"
Anya sniffled as she felt Bell's warmth on her body. It made her feel safe. It made her feel loved? When was the last time she felt that?
"Can you go with me, to Freya, I mean? I understand if you don't want to. But I'm scared," Anya hesitantly asked. Bell could tell she wasn't nervous, but scared.
"Of course, anything for you. Although you'll have to ask Mia for some time off," Bell responded, his voice gentle and full of care.
"She can go now. We're not busy, so take her today," Mia said as she heard their conversation from the kitchen.
"Are you sure, Mama Mia?" Anya asked.
"I am you clumsy cat. Just remember you're always welcome here, same familia or not," Mia declared.
Anya teared up a little as she nodded her head. "Thank you, Mama Mia."
Anya turned back to Bell. Her brown eyes full of hope. "Would you be alright going with me today"
Bell smiled and nodded his head. "Of course, Anya, only going into the lion's den," he joked.
Anya's ear flattened against her head. Bell let out a sigh as he patted her on the head. "I'm joking, Anya. Now where is Freya today? Top of Babel or at Folkvangr"
Anya's eyes widened in fear. "S-she's at Folkvangr"
Bell let out a laugh as he and Anya stood up. "Goody, that means ol Allen will be there. Alright, let's go."
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Both Anya and Bell stood outside Folkvangr. It was a mansion of incredible size with marble columns at the front door with a brick pathway to the front. Off to the left in the yard was a fountain with lush green grass surrounding it. The mansion itself was made from simple brick with carvings to make it more unique as a building. But the one thing Bell noticed above all was the Freya familia crest above the doorway.
"Wow, fancy," Bell sarcastically commented. He looked at Anya, who was shaking in nervousness.
Using his left hand, he took hers in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry. You got this. I'll be right here," he smiled.
Anya felt herself calm down a little as a warm feeling spread throughout her heart.
Taking another deep breath, she felt herself fully calm down. "Alright, I'm ready."
Bell let go of her hand in case he needed to fight. He looked over at his cast and saw his knife tied to it with mana and sticking out, a makeshift weapon just in case.
He walked up to the gate and banged his knife against it. "Hey, shitheads, open the door. I have business with your goddess."
Was he nervous as hell? Yes. Would he say he was nervous as hell? No.
So with all things, he put up a front. He had to be strong for Anya.
The front door flung open as multiple of Freya's lower-leveled adventurers funneled out into the front yard, weapons drawn along with four prums dressed in armor.
The Gulliver bothers. What could've been idols to prums were lapdogs to Freya.
"Wow, quite a welcome we're receiving," Bell joked as he summoned dawns ballad in his left hand.
Anya grew a little nervous at the growing tensions. "Bell, please don't cause too much trouble."
Bell laughed. "Don't worry. I won't. Well, unless they start it."
The two sides stated each other down. The Freya familia glaring at the boy who held their goddess's affection, and Bell, who looked at them with a smug smile, his blood itching to fight. However, if they went about this peacefully, he wouldn't fight them.
"What business do you have here" Alfrigg, the leader of the Gulliver brothers, demanded.
"That's business between me and your goddess. Now you gonna let me in, or do I have to break in? I don't sense Ottar here, so I believe my chances of getting to her are very high," Bell responded.
Hearing this boy talk so confidently pissed off everyone there. But before Alfrigg could order the others to attack, another voice stopped the potential battle.
"Let them enter. Our lady wishes to see them," A blonde-haired elf with red eyes said. He wore glasses and held a book in his hand, almost as if he was interrupted from reading. To Bell, he looked like some intelligent, pretty boy, but looks are deceiving.
Hearing one of the brothers grumbled, he opened the gate to allow Bell and Anya inside. The two walked up to the blonde-haired elf, who fixed his glasses.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lance. My name is Hedin," the elf greeted.
Bell furrowed his brow and looked at the elf, confused. "What did you just call me."
Hedin quirked an eyebrow. "Lance. Your new alias," Hedin responded.
Bell let out an aggravated sigh. "Don't call me that. I haven't earned that title yet. Bell will do for now."
Hedin fixed his glasses again, looking intrigued at Bell's answer. "Do explain why you don't believe you deserve this title."
"Because the lances were Dicathen's greatest fighters. They were generals and warriors, the likes of which are rarely seen today," Bell responded.
Hedin nodded his head, soaking up the information. "Yes, I've heard of these Lances. But didn't one of the Lances betray his fellow countrymen? Doesn't sound brave to me."
Bell had to agree with him. "You are correct, yet his motivation on why he betrayed Dicathen is not cowardly. There's nothing braver than protecting your family no matter the cost."
Hedin started at Bell inquisitively before sticking out his hand for Bell to shake. "You are correct. Although many will not see it that way."
Bell looked at Hedin's hand, confused. Wasn't he an elf? Why would he let a human touch him?
"Ah, you must be confused. You see, while I'm an elf, I do allow people I respect to touch me. Just from our single conversation, I have already grown to respect you," Hedin explained.
Bell didn't know Hedin's plan here. Was he telling the truth, or was he lying?
"He's telling the truth, Bell" Anya's quiet voice broke his thoughts. Hearing her confirmation, Bell desummoned Dawn's Ballad and shook Hedin's hand.
Both of their grips were firm, not tight. It seemed after this one conversation. The two had a mutual respect for each other.
Letting go of each other, Hedin began to lead Anya and Bell inside. Bell held Anya's hand so she'd feel comfortable. He could tell she was scared they'd run into Allen. Bell was kind of hoping they would so he could punch him in the face for how he treated Anya.
Yet the two never did and arrived at Freya's room after a short walk. Hedin turned around and faced the two. His face was serious as he looked at Bell.
"My lady is inside her room. She has told me she cares not that you have weapons. However, I do ask that you do not attack her," Hedin asked.
Bell looked at his knife attached to his cast, then back at Hedin. "I promise not to attack your goddess with a weapon."
Hedin nodded his head as he knocked on Freya's door. Waiting a moment, he heard her say come in. Hedin opened the door and gestured for both Anya and Bell to go inside.
The two went inside as Hedin shut the door behind them. The two didn't see Freya at first, but Bell noticed a shadow behind a changing curtain.
"Just a moment, you two. I just finished a shower when you arrived. You're welcome to take a seat if you'd like," Freya said, her voice calm and collected yet seductive at the same time.
Bell looked at Anya, who didn't know what to do. He gestured to the chairs, but Anya shook her head. She didn't want to sit down. She wanted to stand in case she needed to run.
Bell let go of Anya's hand, and before she could feel sad at the loss of comfort, Bell wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer so she could feel safe.
"Just a little bit longer, and we'll leave. Ok," He gently told her. Anya didn't trust her voice, so she nodded her head.
After waiting another minute, Freya came out from behind her changing curtain wearing a white see-through robe. It was obvious what she was trying to do, but Bell wasn't falling for it.
"Now, what can I do for you two," she asked, her voice sounding like honey. Bell had to admit she was beautiful, but he didn't care much for her beauty. Not after what she and Loki did.
Anya looked at the ground to avoid Freya's eyes in fear of being charmed. Bell, however, kept his gaze on her to see if she'd try anything.
"L-lady Freya. I-I have something I want to ask," Anya nervously said. She would've been trembling, but with Bell holding her, she felt more at ease.
"Oh, and what is that, my little kitty cat" Freya cooed as she moved closer to Anya. Bell took a step back and moved himself in between Anya and Freya.
Freya was shocked by this, but a delighted smile spread on her perfect face. Yes, her Odr was getting more and more exciting by the second.
"I would like to leave the familia," Anya told Freya. Her voice was firm yet still soft.
Freya's eyes widened in surprise at Anya's words. She wasn't expecting something like this. "Why do you want to leave Anya? Did I not provide you with a home and love when you needed it"
Anya kept her eyes on the ground as she continued. "You did once upon a time. But ever since then, I've been treated as an outcast and lost my own brother. But before all of that, you kicked out Bell's family. His mother died in childbirth without the medicine from Orario. His aunt became a terrorist, and he lost his Grandpa because Agrona was able to reach him. All because you and Loki staged a power grab. You weren't the goddess I thought you were."
Freya looked at Anya sadly, yet Anya didn't look into her eyes. She kept looking at the ground.
Freya let out a sigh. "Anya, look at me."
"You don't need to look in her eyes to talk to her," Bell responded, his voice cold.
Freya was a little taken aback by this. Why was her Odr so cold? Did he really have hate in his heart, for her, of all people?
Freya shook the thoughts from her head as she looked at Bell. "Did you convince her to do this" Freya asked, a hint of anger in her voice.
Bell stared her down, not even scared at her anger. "No, I didn't. She decided this on her own as she's been miserable since she joined. The fact you didn't pick up on that shows you're a shitty goddess."
Anya's head shot up, and she looked at Bell. Was he crazy? Did he really just say that to Freya? Freya the goddess of the strongest familia in the world. She had to have been hearing things.
Freya looked at Bell like a fire had been lit under her. She knew she had to have him now, but she had to wait. He could still shine so much brighter.
"Very well, Anya, you may leave the familia. I do apologize for how you feel and what happened. I do hope one day, you and your brother can fix your bridge. Just as I hope Bell can fix the bridge with the Astraea familia. How is that going, by the way," Freya asked in a smug voice.
"None of your damn business," Bell responded.
Freya felt a tingle go up her spine as Anya walked forward. Bell turned around as Anya took her shirt off but made sure his ears were listening for just the tiniest hints of disturbances. Yet he heard none. After Freya was done with Anya, she let her go back to Bell without a fuss. Bell wrapped his arm around Anya again, and the two exited Freya's room.
Once they were gone, the goddess let out a sad sigh. "So long, my little kitty. May your new familia treat you well."
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Bell and Anya were walking down the street away from Folkvangr. The afternoon sun was in the air as the two continued their walk in silence. Bell looked over to Anya, who walked as if she had a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"So what are your plans now," Bell asked.
Anya's head perked up as she looked at Bell with a smile. "Well, I was wondering if I could join your familia."
Bell looked at Anya with a smile on his face. "Well, I'd love to have you. But you do know there's a chance we'll have to fight the Freya familia."
Anya nodded her head. "I know, and I want to help you. It's time I start to pay you back for all you've done for me."
Bell laughed as he patted her head. "You don't have to pay me back. But I know Regis would love to have you around. I would to"
Bell then escorted Anya back to his home and let her in. "Go and find Miach. I still have some errands to run, so I'll be back later," Bell told her.
Anya nodded her head and headed inside as Bell headed back out into the city. He had a few more stops to make.
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Bell walked down the reconstructed streets of Daedalus getting closer to his destination. He wondered how the orphans would react now that he was awake. He'd find out soon as he saw the orphanage come into view.
Walking up to the door, Bell knocked on it and waited. He didn't wait long as Maria opened the door a second later. She must've been next to it when he knocked.
It took her all of three seconds to recognize who was at the door before she wrapped Bell in a hug.
"Oh, you poor boy. I'm so glad you're ok," she cried. Bell just wrapped his arms around her and patted her on the back.
The kids hearing the crying from the front door, went to investigate, and seeing their big brother, they ran forward and hugged him as well.
Bell accepted them and made sure to return the love back in full. He had worried everyone by nearly dying, after all.
Breaking the hug, Bell went inside the orphanage as Maria shut the door. He could see a small round table with papers strewn about. He guessed the children were doing their homework when he arrived.
"Alright, kids, go and finish your homework. I need to speak to Bell real quick," Maria ushered. So Bell was right in his assumption.
The kids didn't really put up any protest when they saw Bell gesture his head toward the table. They grumbled but listened to the two as Maria led Bell to the corner of the room.
Once they were out of range from the children's hearing, Maria hugged Bell again. Bell was a little caught off guard but returned it anyway.
"I'm glad you're alive. I don't know how the kids would feel if they lost you," Maira told him.
Bell patted her on the back. "I'm ok, Maria. Just some nerve damage in my arm that Regis needs to fix, and I'll be good."
Maira let go of Bell as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "While you're here, can you talk to Rye? He's been having trouble in school and blowing up at people. I've tried to help him, but I think he needs a male figure to talk with him."
Bell looked over to Rye, who finished his homework. Yet Bell noticed he had a hint of anger on his young face.
"Yeah, I'll talk to him. See if we can't sort this out," Bell responded.
Bell called out to Rye, whose head perked up. Bell gestured with his head to follow him, and the kid did so.
After taking him into a secluded room, Bell turned and faced the boy.
"Alright, what's bothering you," Bell asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Rye muttered.
Bell sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Rye. Maria told me what's been going on with you. Why are you so angry."
Bell wasn't mad or even aggravated. He just wanted to know what was going on.
Rye crossed his arms as he looked away. "She shouldn't have told you."
Bell kneeled down and put his hands on Rye's shoulders. "Rye, she told me because she's worried about you. Now can you tell me what's wrong"
Rye looked at the ground and was quiet for a moment. Another moment passed without word, but Bell would wait as long as he needed to.
"Because I thought you were gonna die, and leave us alone like everyone else," Rye mumbled.
Bell quickly wrapped the boy in a hug catching Rye off guard. "I'm sorry I made you feel that way. But even if I die, people from my familia will watch out for you. You'll never have to struggle like you did before. That I promise."
Rye felt tears streaming down his face. "I was so scared you were gonna leave us."
Bell rubbed circles on his back. "I know, and I'm sorry. I won't leave you," Bell promised.
So the two remained that well. Rye was crying and letting everything he built up out now that he knew his big brother was alive. Bell held him the whole time, letting the boy pour out his emotions. The very things he had been bottling up.
After Rye stopped crying, Bell let go of Rye yet still remained on his level.
"Are you mad at me? For what I did," Rye asked.
Bell shook his head. "No, this happens to everyone. Just as long as you realize what you're doing is wrong in the end and get back on the right path, I won't be mad at you."
Rye sniffled as he wiped his nose. "I promise I'll stop being mean to everyone."
Bell stood up as he patted Rye on the head. "I know, kid. Now go out there and apologize to everyone."
Rye nodded his head and headed back into the main room, where everyone was gathered. Bell knew the little shits were listening in on their conversation, yet he kept his mouth shut and just watched as Rye apologized.
He watched the three kids hug each other as they made up. Bell smiled at the interaction before the memory of when he first said goodbye to Anya and Allen popped into his head. Right then and there, he further solidified his promise to bring Allen back. No matter the cost.
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Bell had left the orphanage not too long ago. He was there for an hour at most as he needed to make two more stops before he headed home.
He was approaching the familiar sight of the Stardust Garden. He knew only Astraea was home as her familia was still on an expedition but that some of Ganesha's people were watching over her.
He knocked on the gate, this time not having a knife in his cast, and waited. He didn't wait long as he saw the familiar blue hair of Shakti appear on the other side.
"Oh, it's you. How can I help you" Shakti asked?
"I'm here to see Astraea, and why does Ganesha have his captain over here" Bell answered.
Shakti opened the gate and ushered Bell inside. "Who would mess with a goddess while a level five with a white core is here" she answered as a fact.
Bell had to give it to her. That was some sound logic. The two began their walk down the hallways of the Stardust Garden. Hallways which Bell hadn't been in since he was arrested.
"I'm glad to see you've recovered from your coma," Shakti commented.
"Oh, uh, thanks?" Bell nervously rubbed the back of his head.
Shakti didn't seem to pick up on this as she continued. "Yes, it would be a shame for a light as bright as you to be snuffed out so early."
Bell blinked as he was taken off guard. "Oh, I uh didn't know you had such a high opinion of me."
Shakti turned to face him. Her face had a slight smile on it. "I do, such as with the Astraea familia. I remember when they first started out. You also remind me of someone."
That last part piqued Bell's curiosity. "You speak of them as if they're on longer here."
Shakti shook her head. "They aren't. I think of them every day."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Bell said.
"Thank you," Shakti replied.
The two then arrived at Astraea's office, and Shakti bid farewell to Bell. He knocked on Astraea's door and heard her say come in. He felt a smile spread on his face as he was gonna put on a little show.
Casting an illusion, he made the door open, but it appeared as if no one was there. Astraea looked at the door in confusion.
"Hello, is anyone there" she called out.
Hearing no answer, she got up from her chair and approached the door. Right before she reached it, Bell dispelled the illusion.
"Boo," he said, causing Astraea to jump in fright.
"Damnit, Bell. That's not funny," Astraea said, slapping Bell's shoulder.
Bell stood there with a smug smile on his face as Astraea stopped slapping him, and her eyes widened in shock.
"YOU'RE AWAKE" she shouted, wrapping her arms around Bell's neck. She held him as if a mother held their child after not seeing them for a while.
Bell smiled as he thought to himself about hugs being a running theme today. "Yes, I'm awake. Glad to know I was missed."
Astraea pulled back from Bell and looked him in the eyes. "Of course I missed you. You're one of the good ones, and there's not enough of you in the world."
"Wow, didn't know you thought so highly of a miscreant like me," Bell joked.
Astraea playfully scoffed. "Oh please, if you were a miscreant, you'd be in my cells more often."
Bell laughed. "Please, like I wouldn't break out of them easily."
Astraea offered Bell to come inside. "Of course, you would. Sit, tell me what's going on with you."
Bell took a seat, and Astraea took hers across from him. "Well, as you already know, I've leveled up and broken into the mid-silver core stage. But right now, I'm just making sure things are running smoothly in my familia as I hear they're planning a training expedition soon. I, of course, can't go because of the arm, but I know they'll be fine."
Astraea smiled at Bell. "Well, they have been in the dungeon a lot since you were comatose. It seems as if you lit a fire under them."
Bell smiled, nodding his head. "That's good. I don't want to leave them behind too quickly."
Astraea rolled her eyes. "Yes, you and your fast growth."
Bell gave her a teasing smile. "What afraid I'll outshine your golden child. I've already outshone Loki's."
Astraea tilted her head as a teasing smile also appeared on her face. "Oh, really. You think you'll outshine my perfect Alise."
Bell nodded his head. "Yup, I'll even outshine Zeus and Hera."
This surprised Astraea. "That's a mighty big goal you're setting for yourself," she nervously said.
If he outshone Zeus and Hera, he would have to defeat the OEBD, and that in of itself is a big task. However, one tidbit of information she didn't know and wouldn't for a long time. Was that Bell would fight the OEBD alone with Regis.
Astraea composed herself after hearing Bell's declaration. "Well, you'll have to become much stronger. You could train with Alise and Ryu sometime," Astraea offered.
Bell let out a soft smile. "Yeah. I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."
Astraea felt happy hearing this. She knew she was one step closer to mending the bridge between Belk and her familia.
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Bell left Astraea's not too long after as he still had one more stop he had to make before he headed home. Taking the northern gate to head outside of Orario. Bell could see the Wheat Manor in the distance after walking for a few minutes.
He picked up his pace a little excited to see Demeter, and that's when he smelt it.
Smoke
Taking off into a sprint saw some of the fields were on fire, and it was spreading. He arrived at the field seconds later and saw the Demeter familia running around with buckets of water to extinguish the fire.
But it barely did anything. The fire was getting out of control. Bell had to act fast. Using his water magic, he doused the flames, instantly stopping the fire from spreading.
However, before he could ask what started the fire, an arrow landed right in front of him on the ground. It had a letter attached to it which Bell unfurled and read.
You may believe you're safe. You can believe that your protectors will keep you safe. But in the end, darkness will always be there, watching from the shadows.
Don't not grow comfortable heroes, for we are still around. Do not grow content with what you have accomplished, for it will not be enough.
Come Orario
Show us your heroes.
Bell knew who wrote this letter. He looked up from the letter and saw Demeter covered in ash and soot from trying to fight the fire along with her familia.
"Was it evilus?" she asked.
Bell nodded his head as he handed her the letter. Demeter read it and let out a nervous sigh.
"It never seems to end around here," she muttered.
Bell walked up and wrapped his aunt in a hug to provide her with some comfort. "I promise you, that one day I'll make sure Orario…no, the world knows peace."
Demeter didn't sense a lie from Bell as she hugged him back. "I'm glad you're awake, Bell."
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to arrive sooner," Bell apologized.
"You still arrived when we needed you most," Demeter replied.
This would be the last time for a while that evilus did an attack. For two years, they went quiet, setting most familia's that knew of their existence on edge.
Or at least this would be the last know attack they did as two members went rogue to hatch one last plan.
The eradication of the Astraea familia.
Well, this was a doozy to write, as it was over 7k words. I might not write one like this again.
Anyway, sorry for the long wait for this, as it's the longest chapter I've ever written. But a lot of stuff happened, and there's probably a lot of spelling mistakes, but if you enjoyed leave a comment.