When that show finished Rolan peered into something before turning to everyone.
Rolan: On second thought, you all go relax. We shall continue this tomorrow.
With that, he left and everyone left the theater slightly confused. Though, they would hang around the main lobby before heading for their rooms. In there, Hestia would question Bell and Artemis for their concealing clothing.
Hestia: Show's over, now spill. Why are you wearing that, Artemis?
The goddess was still wearing a heavy sweater and Bell kept his coat on even though it wasn't particularly hot.
Artemis: U-Um...
Silver: She has a point, son. Why don't you take that off and cool down.
Both father and goddess grabbed the heavy clothing and swung it off.
Bell: W-Wait!
Artemis: Hestia, no!!
Now that they were off, everyone at the table saw. Their nexts had hickeys all over and there were even some scratch marks visible near the top of Bell's back.
Hestia: Eh?
Silver: What the?
Hera: Bell? Artemis? W-What are those things on your necks?
The goddess was sweating and Artemis was much the same. Though, she and Bell began blushing hard as the questions started pouring out.
Alfia: *Menacing* Bell... what did you two do?
Bell: *Scared* Uh...
Meteria: *Tearing up* My baby...
Meteria(Legends): S-Sister?
Silver: I know those things when I see them. Those are definitely hickeys.
Haruhime: D-Doesn't that mean...
Lili: Master Bell and Lady Artemis...
Aisha: *Smirking* Oh my, you two went at it.
Said couple blushed even harder when she said that prompting both Meterias to pass out.
Hera: *Angry* ARTEMIS!!!
Artemis: HIII!!!
The two clung to each other fearfully as Hera and Alfia towered over them.
Hera: I'm going to ask you once and I'll know if you're lying. Did you two do it together?
Both looked down shamefully and nodded. Hera and Alfia dropped to their knees while Zeus and Hermes cried out with joy. The girls were in disbelief that Bell was no longer pure, but Artemis being the same was even more of a shock. Well, it would have been but after seeing what the two had been through, it was going to happen eventually. Still, they all hoped they would be next in line.
Alfia: *Menacing* Bell, who told you all about that? As I recall, you shouldn't know anything about that.
The boy trembled and all relevant parties followed suit as they were moment away from suffering her wrath.
Silver: Alright, let's all not blow our heads off here.
Alfia: You be quiet, scum!!
Silver: No, I don't think I will. Look, you already knew they loved each other. This was going to happen eventually, so why don't you just be happy they are able to move forward?
Alfia: Because this is too soon!! They're only engaged!!
Hermes: Surely it isn't that bad. I mean, no matter how much they do it, it isn't like she'd get pregnant. Part of being a goddess. That means it should be fine.
Meteria: S-She can't, right?
Rolan: Unfortunately, no. It's still the natural order of gods to be incapable of bearing children with mortals.
As much as that saddened the two, they both agreed being parents was more than a bit too early for them.
Rolan: Though, Bell may want to watch out for his next status update.
Hestia: Why?
Rolan: Nothing important now. Not that it matter either since he doesn't need to fight anyone for the moment. Now, all you kids settle down and try not to break anything.
With that, he left and everyone resumed their conversations.
Alfia: *To Artemis* We aren't done yet. Understood?
The blue-haired goddess nodded before Bell grabbed her arm.
Bell: W-Well, we better get some rest for tomorrow! Good night!
He dragged her away before any more damage was thrown their way. Alfia and Hera sighed before everyone else began filing back to their rooms. Once they were rested up, they met back up in the lobby. Once more, Bell helped to support a wobbly Artemis as they walked in. The two also covered in some marks showing off their battle last night.
Alfia: *Angry* Grrr... you two...
Bell and Artemis: *Lowering their heads* We're so sorry...
Zeus: No need to apologize! Now, I believe we're still missing some people.
Hera: Right, that other scum.
As if on cue, Silver came out as well. However, this sight was more horrifying as on the man's body was body hickey and scratch mark. Any part where skin was visible, one or both were present though the smile on his face was contradictory to how his body was.
Silver: Morning!
He was not alone either. In his arms was a drowsy Meteria who was practically glowing and the same could be said for Alfia who was on his back. Both of them also were covered in signs of a great war going on last night.
Alfia: *Stone* What...
Silver: Something wrong?
Alfia(Legends): *Blushing*
Alfia: Y-You can get off him now... *Paling*
Silver's Alfia only got redder in the face as she hid it behind his neck.
Alfia(Legends): I... I-I c-can't walk...
Thud*
It didn't take a genius to understand what she meant by that nor did it take one to understand why Alfia had dropped to the floor, unconscious. Once everyone had sat down and woken up, the woman returned her to interrogation, forgetting about Bell and Artemis to their pleasure as they cuddled.
Alfia: *Waking up* How far did you have to go to be unable to walk?!
Her counterpart kept blushing as Silver thoroughly enjoyed her embarrassment.
Silver: *Smirking* I think I can answer that.
Alfia(Legends): N-No! Please don't!!
Silver: You see, we were just having a bit of a competition.
Hera: Competition?
Silver: *Smiling* Yeah. Just a little game where we see who cums first. Naturally, my sweet Alfia always loses the game, then loses herself in the pleasure hence why she's like this. It's always been like that with her.
Alfia looked at her counterpart in disgust while the other Alfia was facedown on the table, wanting to die.
Meteria(Legends): She always tries so hard to win, but can never quite match up to him.
Alfia: You're a sick man making her do that!
Silver: *Smirking* Oh, me? You think I make her do that?
Alfia(Legends): *Dying inside* Please, stop!!
Silver: On the contrary, it's her who adamantly challenges me every night. At this point, I think she just enjoys it.
Thud*
Now both Alfia laid on the table with their heads down. The original looking like her soul was leaving her while the other had a face to red and her head steaming that she could melt right through the table. Hera was in shambles hearing about Alfia like this.
Rolan: *Appearing* I hope you've all been rested because you'll need it for today.
Loki: You gonna show us something bad?
Rolan: Well, for starters, none of the kids are going to be allowed for this one.
Meteria: Naturally, that would include Bell.
Ryuu and Shakti: And Ardee too.
Both Ardees were against that but both mother and sister still refused to acknowledge them as adults even though Bell was younger than them.
Rolan: No, Bell will still be there.
Alfia: What?! If the children aren't, why would Bell need to be-
Rolan: *Menacing* You forget I make the rules here. Nothing is stopping me from putting you in a place that makes you wish for hell.
The woman gulped and backed off this time. After that scary moment passed, everyone went inside while the kids were left with something else to do while they waited.
Once inside, everyone took their seats before Rolan began the show.
Bell: I don't know if I like how things are going.
Elpis: I don't think any of us are.
Lili: Lili has a bad feeling about this.
Welf: I think it's too late to back out now.
Mikoto: We could back out?
Hestia: Good point...
With Loki...
Loki: Anyone else feel like we got forced into this one?
Riveria: You mean we weren't for every other one?
Loki: Got me there.
Albert: We'll just have to deal with it.
Finn: Well, my thumb is throbbing really bad so that's already a bad sign.
Tione: Surely it can't be that bad, right?
Aria: That's how you jinx things.
Rolan: And we're rolling!
The screen lit up and it was black. No one could see anything. They only heard Bell speak.
Bell: That's right. It was a day like any other. We weren't even supposed to go to the Dungeon. Then again, I don't think it would have been any better.
In the audience...
Welf: That's already a red flag.
Eina: Why would the Dungeon not be more dangerous?
Bell: I'm not sure I want to know, but we're going to find out soon.
On screen...
Bell: It was fine this morning. And then it wasn't.
On screen, a man covered in blood snarled and broke open a boarded window. The people hiding inside the house shrieked before the man and several others piled inside and devoured everyone inside. In the audience, naturally most were sick to their stomachs from that alone.
Lili: *Horrified* What the hell was that?! They just ate them alive!!
Welf: Oh, I think I'm gonna be sick already...
Meteria: *Scared* Where are Bell and the others?! Please let them be safe!
Bell and the others naturally grew anxious for their safety. Everyone else in the audience was also growing nervous as they saw the screen zoom out and see the city slowly go up in flames.
Asfi: No... not again...
Finn: It's just like that time. Damn it. What happened?
Riveria: I'm going to feel much better when everyone gets to safety first.
On screen...
It finally shifted to show Bell and the others running away to the exit of the city. It was him, his Familia minus Hestia, Airmid, Miach 's Familia and Hermes.
Bell: What about the others?!
Lili: Forget it!! Orario is finished now!! We need to leave!!
Everyone looked to be it quite rough shape. Mostly being covered in ash from running through burning debris.
Bell: Damn it! How did this happen?!
In the audience...
Lili: The city is falling?! What happened?
Hestia: And where am I?
Rolan: (She won't like seeing this next part.)
On screen...
It showed a flashback to back when the city looked normal. Bell was walking around in the Guild and heard some talk from other adventurers there.
Adventurer A: Hey man, did you see what happened at the Dungeon entrance?
Adventurer B: No, what?
Adventurer A: The rescue party managed to save a party down in the Deep Floors, but it gets weird. Some of them were freaking out and acting like rabid animals, biting and scratching at the others. Even had to send them to Dian Cecht's hospital.
Bell: (That's weird.)
He walked to the front desk to ask about it.
Bell: Morning, Miss Eina.
Eina: Oh, Bell.
Bell: What's this I'm hearing about some party lashing out against the rescue team?
Eina: Oh, that. I'm not too sure myself. The party is being detained by Ganesha and the other team is staying with Miss Airmid and the other doctors. For now, the situation is under control.
Bell: (I wish it could've stayed that way, but that was only the beginning.)
The screen then showed the perspective of the rescue team in their hospital room. They had several scratch marks on their bodies and a few more where they had been bitten. The nurses were watching over them and they were sleeping soundly until one of them began coughing harshly. The nurse went to check on them and soon the man was coughing up large volumes of blood as well as bleeding from his mouth and eyes. He groaned in pain and the audience watched with grimaces. The nurses called for one of the doctors or Airmid, but as quickly as the man spasmed, his body's movements died down. She went closer to inspect and found that he was dead.
Nurse: Impossible.
She rested her head on his chest to look for any kind of vital sign but continued to find anything. However, as she did, she failed to notice the man's arm raising up and around her body, but not touching it.
Zald: What's he doing? I thought he was dead.
Rolan: He is.
On screen...
After finding no vital sign, the nurse was going to get up only to be pinned down by his arm. While that alone was a shock, the bigger one was the seemingly dead man biting down on her neck, spewing blood everywhere. She cried out in pain before other people rushed into the room. The nurse rolled off the bed and held her neck while the man snarled, blood leaking from his mouth. He jumped at the others who we caught by surprise before another person had a chunk of flesh bitten off their arm. The audience watched in horror as the staff tried to get the man under control. Only when that failed did someone finally come in and kill him.
Airmid: T-They killed him?!
Eina: What was wrong with him? I thought he was dead! Why did he attack them?
Rolan said nothing from his spot and they let the scene continue. From there, the situation looked contained, but after the screen skipped ahead only a few hours, they heard an announcement from the Guild ordering a lockdown in the city. No one was allowed to leave their homes and adventurers were to remain on standby. Bell and the others were confused by that announcement but let the day end as they went to sleep. The following morning, it looked to be a rough start. People were frantically moving around as the Loki and Ganesha Familias were trying to guide the traffic.
Bell: What now?
Welf: Everyone looks busy today.
Mikoto: I just hope Lady Hestia is ok. She didn't come back last night because of the lockdown.
Bell and Lili left to observe the surroundings which looked to be in minor chaos. They even ran into Finn who was busy directing his Familia on the streets and wanted to see what they could do.
Bell: Mr. Finn?
Finn: Bell Cranel?
Bell: What's going on?
Finn: Some people apparently broke out of Dian's hospital and escaped into the city. There've been dozens of reported assaults in the last few hours. Ganesha and us are spread quite thin trying to calm the people, but-
*WHOOSH*
On screen, both sides saw a horrific sight. A pillar of light in the city rose up and that only meant one thing.
Bell: Was that...
Welf: Oh crap...
Hestia: A god was just sent back to Heaven.
On screen, things went from bad to worse in an instant. The city went into a panic when the first light went up. After that, two more went up before screams followed. Powerless adventurers were overwhelmed by the massive increase in infected that multiplied overnight. The defenseless population in Daedalus Street fed their numbers and soon the city was in war. Finn had Bell and Lili leave as he and his Familia went to rally the other powerful Familias to contain the outbreak.
Hermes: Three gods are gone.
Loki: Something tells me that ain't the last one them either.
She would be right as another light shot up. In the daylight, a horde of infected broke into a major sector of the city and forced the adventurers in the area to deal with them. Still, they weren't entirely aware of the true danger. Dozens of adventurers and civilians alike were bitten and scratched but the horde was dealt with. However, all the victims suddenly began growing sick and were rushed to nearby hospitals and clinics. The audience was horrified by the violence and grew uneasy by the quiet in the city.
Loki: Alright, I think it's time to spill now. What the hell are those things?
Riveria: The first batch were people who were dead yet still alive. How is that possible?
Rolan: I can't tell you exactly how they became like that but I can tell you what. They were formerly dead but are now undead. We have a term for what to call the dead that walk among the living. They are-
Tiona: Walkers!!
...
Rolan: Well, the word I was going to use was zombie, but that works too.
Alfia: So these undead people are these "zombies"?
Rolan: Yes and you have already seen what makes them dangerous.
Bell: Yeah. They don't look that tough on their own but having to face a large group isn't a situation I'd like to be in.
Rolan: And just think we're only scratching the surface of their plague.
Airmid: How is that?
Rolan: Watch and see.
On screen...
Bell and Lili were on their way back, but after having a sinking feeling, he asked her to head home without him.
Bell: I'm going to head to Babel. I'll bring Goddess back with me.
Lili: *Nods* Okay. Be safe, Master Bell.
She continued her way home. Meanwhile, Bell walked past Dian Cecht's hospital and saw the Ganesha Familia help put tents up outside.
Ganesha Member B: Put this up quickly! They're already out of space inside!
As he walked, Bell also saw a nurse tending to an adventurer's arm that had a chunk bitten off of it.
Adventurer A: I-I don't get it! I stabbed it in the chest and it didn't die! It kept coming for me!
The situation grew more worrisome until Bell ran into Airmid.
Bell: Ah- sorry!
Airmid: I-It's alright! Hah... It's been rather stressful for all of us.
Bell: I know. At least The Loki Familia and the others are helping keep it under control.
Airmid: Yes. Now I can focus all. my attention on my patients here so-
*Rumble*
Airmid: Huh?
The ground beneath them started shaking and everyone was confused. It wasn't until a bloody adventurer coming out of the Dungeon screaming that all hell broke loose.
Adventurer B: RUN!!!
Bell and the others looked at where he came from and understood that Orario was not the only victim of this sudden plague. As it turns out, the Dungeon was no safe haven either as the former remnants of Evilus, all zombified, rushed out of the Dungeon and rampaged throughout the city. The horde was several times bigger than the one Bell and Lili saw. As they closed in, Bell's instincts took over as he grabbed Airmid's arm.
Bell: Crap!! Run for it!!
Everything happened so fast, neither the audience nor the people on screen could keep up. Within just a few short minutes, screams and explosions rang out throughout the city once more.
Astraea: No... how could this happen again?
Alise: Damn it!!
Ryuu: Where's Bell?!
On screen...
Bell all but dragged the healer with him back to his home. When they got there, the healer was understandably annoyed with him.
Airmid: What is wrong with you?! Why would you take me away?! There are patients who need me!
Bell: I-I'm sorry!! My body just moved on its own!
Airmid: Gah! Forget it! Just help me get back and-
She was cut off when Eina's voice was audible as another broadcast was being given.
Eina: Attention Orario!! This is an emergency message!! The city is now under Code Red protocol!! I repeat, Orario is in Code Red-
*Crash*
A sound of wood being broken was heard all over the city as Eina's voice grew scared.
Eina: No! N-No! Stay back!
*Snarling*
There was one, then more individual voices piled in as she shrieked.
Eina: NO!!! NO, DON'T!!! AHHH!!!
*RIP* *TEAR*
Eina: AGH!!! DON'T EAT ME!!! AUUGGGHH!!!
Her screams soon died down and now all the people could hear was snarling, flesh being eaten and Eina choking on her blood while being eaten alive. In the audience, even though no one saw, Eina herself had to hold herself from vomiting while Rose and the others tried to comfort her.
Bell: No... Miss Eina...
Hestia: Miss Advisor is dead?
Rolan: By this point, pretty much.
Riveria: NO!! I won't accept this!! How could this happen to her?!
Finn: Riveria!!
Riveria: *Sob* She- She didn't deserve that!!
The elf began breaking down hearing how Eina was torn apart from the speaker.
Back on screen, the city grew more chaotic as the situation got more out of hand. Bell and Airmid were only passed the gate of Bell's home and when they got to the front door, several lights shot up in the city. Both the audience and Bell on screen were horrified as the number of gods in the city dwindled to a small handful.
Hermes: No, no!!! It's getting worse!!
Meteria: Bell, get out of there!!
Hera: I'm sure many realized by now that fleeing the city would be the best option.
Zeus: Maybe but that would have even more dire consequences.
Ouranos: With no adventurers, the world would be plunged into darkness once more.
Argo and his group grimaced at that as all the hard work of the past was being undone in just a few hours.
On screen, the others began rushing outside but were relieved to see Bell back home already.
Welf: Thank the gods you're alright! I got nervous once I heard what happened during the broadcast!
Bell: Yeah... I think Miss Eina is gone...
Mikoto: What's going on outside? Lady Lili had barely started explaining when everything started going downhill.
Bell: I don't know. A massive horde of those things suddenly burst from the Dungeon so I ran back here.
Welf: Yeah and you weren't alone.
They noted the ticked off Airmid.
In the audience...
Hera: Girl, my Grandson saved you from nearly being swarmed by those things and you don't even thank him?!
Airmid: *Nervous* W-Wait, that isn't me up there!!
Rolan: Also note how dedicated she is as a healer. Since Bell basically dragged her away from her job, she would be angry about that.
Alfia: You could still try to thank him for saving your life.
The healer nodded before turning back to the screen.
On screen...
Lili: Master Bell, what about Lady Hestia?
Bell: I'll go now. I just needed to get out of the danger zone first. There were a lot of them there, Lili.
Haruhime: You should be quick. We won't know when-
*BOOM*
Massive explosions suddenly rang out in Babel. The tower had dozens of holes being blown out of it before dozens more lights rose up. Not just in Babel either, but in the city, more lights rose up as well. The worst part was everyone on screen dropping to their knees.
Bell: Wha?!
Welf: The hell? Why do I feel so weak?
Airmid: No... L-Lord Dian. He's gone and if you all feel the same as me then so is Lady Hestia.
Mikoto: What?!
Bell: That can't be!! She couldn't-
Airmid: Stop ignoring reality!! Our gods are dead!!
*Thud*
The boy dropped to the ground in tears and Bell in the audience also grimaced from watching.
Hestia: *Shocked* I'm gone too?
Artemis: Hestia...
The tiny goddess clenched her gown before Artemis hugged her tight.
Lili: What now? There's no way we could fight without our blessings.
Zald: You all had better think quick because it's looking like escape will get even harder as time passes.
The man was right as louder explosions rang out in the city. On screen, it shifted to show how the many exits to the city were blocked off so people would be unable to leave like normal. This was planned so that the infection wouldn't escape right away. However, one gate was missed as the group there was quickly overwhelmed and torn apart by the undead horde. The screen returned to Bell as he was helped back up by the others.
Welf: Bell, we need to go!
Bell: But-
Lili: No! Forget it! There's no time! We have to leave the city and regroup somewhere or we'll all die!
Mikoto: Please, Sir Bell! We need all of us to keep our heads together!
The boy realized they were right and that they had to get somewhere safe first. That meant leaving Orario as nowhere was safe here now. They grabbed some things in their rooms and left in a hurry.
Bell: What about the others?
Airmid: I don't think there will be enough time. It's too dangerous to run around aimlessly.
She would be right as one undead had rushed out and attacked them. Bell intercepted it and barely got out of range from its bite before knocking it away and Lili hitting it with arrows.
*RAAAGH*
Haruhime: Did you get it?
The body squirmed on the ground before it began getting back up.
Mikoto: It isn't dead?!
Bell: Damn! Firebolt!!
...
The boy looked at his hand and saw nothing come out of it and remembered he had no Falna anymore.
Welf: We don't have magic anymore! Just cut it down!
*Slash*
He brought down his sword on it and cut the monster in two. They quickly gathered themselves and resumed.
Mikoto: Things will get much harder if we can't use magic.
Welf: What's the plan?
Lili: We at least have to get up to the walls. We can revise our plan from there.
They all nodded and kept moving, even having to deal with a few undead along the way.
Meteria: *Praying* Please! Please!
Bell: Everyone else is still in trouble! What about them?
Rolan: You don't have the luxury of worrying about others in that situation.
On screen...
Lili: Wait! Look!
She pointed to the wall and they all saw other people on top as well. They were surrounded on both sides and were quickly torn apart while some others gave their lives up and jumped. Gasps were heard in the audience at the horror being witnessed.
Lili: It looks like other people had the same idea, but leaving now looks way too dangerous. Let's hide out for just a day, then head out of here once things quiet down.
Welf: You sure that's a good idea? We were pretty keen on getting out of here as quickly as possible.
Mikoto: We may not have a choice. The environment is far too volatile to risk anymore. We should take Lady Lili's suggestion and hide until the outside calms down.
Bell: But where would we go?
Before anyone asked, they heard someone scream their name. Running towards them was Hermes, Asfi and Aisha.
Bell: Lord Hermes! Thank goodness you're alright!
Hermes: I could say the same for you. And Hestia?
The boy shook his head in sadness.
Hermes: Well, I'm sorry, but grieving will have to wait. We've come across a safe place to hide for now. Come with us.
Lili: Come on, everyone.
And so, the god led them to a building that had been abandoned. It was big enough to house them and there were only a handful of entrances and exits so the security was tight. They boarded up the rest of the openings there and finally caught their breaths before Lili lit a small candle.
Welf: Finally... a chance to breathe.
Hermes: So, how are you all?
Bell: Fine for now. We managed to get by from the surprise attacks. What the hell is happening here?
Asfi: We're not sure. It's quite a surprise seeing Airmid here.
Airmid: That would be from Mr. Cranel dragging me with him. *sigh* Still, considering what happened, I guess I shouldn't be so hard on him.
Haruhime: Lady Aisha, your stomach!
The renard was concerned for her as the amazon had a chunk of flesh bitten off above her waist.
Aisha: It's nothing. I just got bitten by one in a scramble.
Airmid: Ngh, that's bad.
Bell: Miss Airmid?
Airmid: This is just my speculation. I don't have any concrete evidence, but based on the observations I was able to make, I think I know how people keep turning into those monsters.
Asfi: What is it?
Airmid: When the first batch arrived at the hospital, they all showed signs of bite and scratch injuries. Soon, their health took dives as their organs began failing. Once they died, they'd rise up again with an unquenchable taste for living people.
In the audience...
Hera: Is that how it works?
Rolan: Yes. This is another great danger of them. There's no cure so once you're bitten, you're already dead.
Finn: So we would have to fight them with the intention of not taking a scratch from them?
Rolan: Exactly. It only gets more difficult considering that Falnas will get taken out of play when gods die.
Loki: Well, that's just great.
On screen...
Aisha: Bite and scratch wounds? *Looking to her stomach*
Haruhime: No!
Airmid: *Looking at her wound* Do you know when you were bitten?
Aisha: Maybe an hour ago?
Airmid: That doesn't leave you much time. I don't believe you will last before dark.
Haruhime: NO!!! You're lying!! Miss Aisha won't die!! She can't turn into one of them!!
Aisha: Oi.
*Bonk*
Haruhime: Wha-
Aisha: Quit being such a crybaby. What's done is done.
She closed her eyes and clicked her tongue.
Aisha: Yeah, it sucks I'm probably dead, but I'm not going to turn into one of them.
Hermes: Aisha?
Aisha: Once I start dying, I'm just gonna shove this sword into my chest. No way in hell am I gonna walk around like a rotting corpse.
Bell: You can't be serious!
Aisha: Please, like I could rely on any of you to get the job done.
Haruhime: B-But Miss Airmid could find a cure! Something to help you!
Airmid: *Grimace* I-I can't. I don't know anything about this nor do I have a way to study it. I'm sorry.
The renard was already crying but she would have started wailing if it wasn't for Aisha knocking her out.
Aisha: Sorry.
Hermes: That might be for the best. We don't need to draw attention to ourselves by screaming. Now, Bell, show me your backs. With Hestia gone, we don't want to limit ourselves when the time to fight comes.
The boy nodded and Hermes gave Falnas to every former Hestia member.
Hermes: Get some rest. I can take first watch.
In the audience...
Haruhime: What will happen to Lady Aisha?
Rolan: Just like she says. She'll sooner take her own life than end up like the others.
Bell: But-
Aisha: Bell, enough. It's my life and I'll do whatever I please with it.
Meteria: But that's...
Aisha: I'll take going out my way than turning into one of those freaks.
Some others in the audience nodded. They agreed dying human was better than ending up undead like several others.
On screen...
Hours passed an nothing of note happened until Aisha started coughing. She brought her hand to her mouth and saw blood. Bell and the others woke up from the sound and saw her coughing blood from her mouth.
Bell: Miss Aisha!
Haruhime: Aisha, no... *sobbing*
She looked up and saw the amazon stroking her head with a smile.
Aisha: Don't make that face, Haruhime. Just stay strong for me.
The renard sniffled as Aisha struggled to her feet.
Aisha: Dea Saint, how do I know I won't turn even if I kill myself? I remember stabbing one in the chest and it didn't die.
Airmid: I don't know. We might have to destroy your brain too.
Welf: What?!
Asfi: Something else we found out. After one got stabbed in the head, it fell to the ground.
Aisha: So we just have to do the same. Damn, I need someone else after all.
Mikoto: I will do it.
Bell: Mikoto?
Mikoto: You have been a valued ally for us, Lady Aisha. It would be my honor to grant you a deserving end.
Aisha: *Smiling* Thanks, I appreciate it.
They walked out of the room to do the deed. The amazon readied her weapon as did Mikoto. When she gave the signal, she stabbed herself and Mikoto pierced her head and skull as the woman dropped to the ground, dead. When she was done, Mikoto returned inside with some blood on her. Her face had sadness all over it while the others grieved for the death of another friend.
In the audience...
Haruhime sobbed in Aisha's arms while Mikoto grimaced in guilt.
Take: Do not be sad Mikoto.
Mikoto: Huh?
Take: It was what she wanted from you. You gave her a warrior's death and kept her honor intact.
Aisha: I was still me, so I should thank you for that.
Mikoto: M-mm...
Meteria: That poor girl...
Zeus: There's still the problem of being in the city.
Hermes: No doubt the night isn't of help either.
They still heard moaning and groaning in the streets from the undead. Every now and again, they also heard screams likely from the few survivors in the city. As Hermes watched down below, flashes of people dying while trying to escape made more than a few people in the audience misplace their previous meal.
Alise: *Wiping her mouth* Okay, I'm not eating again anytime soon.
Lyra: *Disgusted* Same here. That was just vile.
With Argo...
Argo was busy rubbing Feena's back as she vomited again.
Yuri: Hindsight, I'm glad we have these paper bags now.
Crozzo: Yeah...
On screen...
Hours passed and it was day again. As Bell and the others got ready, he wondered how his other friends were doing. As he did, the screen switched to see the perspectives of Loki's Familia. They had spent much of the previous day trying to help contain the infected, but after a disastrous operation, Finn had it called off and had everyone regroup at home. Thankfully, their home was fortified enough that they only had to worry about the gate and everyone was wise enough to remain quiet during this dangerous time.
Finn: Raul, what's the casualty count?
Raul: I-It's... 60...
Finn: 60 people?
Raul: N-No... that's the percentage according to Loki. Over half our Familia is gone.
Finn's eyes widened at the losses. He cursed under his breath at leading them all to their deaths. He hadn't known about the true dangers they were facing and still wouldn't until it was too late.
In the audience...
Loki: Sixty percent?!
Gareth: We lost that many?!
Rolan: You were all spread out to help contain the chaos which was a costly mistake.
Alfia: They either got killed or turned into more, I presume?
Rolan: More or less.
The executives grimaced from the idea of sending so many to their deaths, however, on screen, things would only get worse for them as chaos broke out in Twilight Manor. Scenes of injured members brought in played as it was revealed they were also infected and caused another scuffle inside their home. Finn would order the rest to eliminate them quickly before the screen switched back to Bell.
It now showed their group fighting their way through the streets to the exit. The undead now ruled the once great city and the group was facing entire hordes while on their way out. While escaping, they managed to run into Shakti and Ganesha who were also busy fighting. A Level 5 the woman was, but fighting a surrounding horde by herself and protecting her god was a challenge. Bell and the others arrived to help until the horde surrounding her closed in tightly.
Bell: Miss Shakti, look out!!
The woman had much to handle and she was more focused on keeping Ganesha safe. Ganesha himself was doing his best to not slow her down, but as a god who wasn't equipped to fight, he wouldn't amount to much as it was only proven when the woman was bitten in her left arm. She tore the zombie off of her and saw the chunk missing in the upper part of her arm. Long before she was bitten, Bell had already started firing Firebolts but he wasn't able to stop the one from getting her. When everyone else arrived, Asfi also came in to carry Ganesha out while everyone else dealt with the horde. Once they had a moment of peace, they went to see the woman.
Ganesha: No, not her too!!
Rolan: She's lucky.
Ryuu: How?!
Shakti: I recall you saying it was over once bitten.
Rolan: There are some exceptions as you'll see.
On screen...
Hermes: Ganesha, are you alright?
Ganesha: I am fine. Thank you for the assistance. What about you, Shakti?
Shakti: Gh! Just a bite on my arm.
Welf: Ah, crap.
Ganesha: What's wrong?
Hermes took a moment to explain to them the danger of being bitten.
Shakti: So, I'm going to turn into one of them?
Asfi: I'm sorry.
Airmid: Wait, I think we can work around this!
Bell: How?
Airmid: She was bitten in the arm. This is just a hypothesis, but I believe we can stop her mutation if we cut it off.
Lili: You mean we'll be fine if we're bitten as long as it's a limb?
Airmid: Perhaps.
Shakti: Well, I think I'll take what I can get. If I'm doomed to die as I am, let's try this. At least you can benefit from this information.
Airmid: *Nodding* Mr. Cranel, can you get a fire started?
Bell: Right.
The gathered some wood nearby and cast his magic. After that, Airmid had Welf wipe his sword clean and hold it over the fire before he gave it to Bell.
Bell: You ready?
Shakti: Yes.
Airmid: *Handing Shakti a clean cloth* Bite down on this.
Shakti: *Putting it in her mouth* Mmph.
Bell: I'm sorry... HAAA!!!
*Slice*
Shakti: HHHHHMMMMMMPH!!!
She screamed into the makeshift gag as her arm was cut off. Shakti fell to her knees before Airmid went to work to stop the bleeding then bandage her up. In the audience, they either winced or looked away from the scene.
Shakti: So, am I safe now?
Rolan: Only for the moment.
Ganesha: Phew! Ganesha is relieved for now!
Hermes: They still need to get out of there.
On screen...
Hermes: Alright, we need to go. Let's head for Melen. We can take a ship up north. Hopefully things will be safe there.
They agreed and the group left the city behind as this new plague took over the Lower World. With that, the screen blacked out a final time.
Rolan: So, how was it?
Hestia: It was... horrible.
Rolan: How sad. That's only in the middle of the horrible things you could see.
Loki: *Shocked* Say what?! How's that only in the middle?!
Rolan: I could show you worse. Observe.
Freya: I-I don't think we need to see anymore-
Rolan: Can't hear you. Don't care.
The screen lit up once more, this time showing Bell being beaten up by Hyacinthos.
Bell: That was before the Wargame.
Loki: Apollo's Captain did all that?
Bell's grunted were heard as people winced, though, the women were clearly cursing both him and Apollo.
Hera: I will destroy him!!
Meteria: That little- wait, what's happening?
The screen faded and shifted now to Bell being beaten down by Asterius. It was the moment right as he was launched into the air before the bull slammed him down to the Dungeon entrance.
Meteria: NO!!! MY BABY!!!
Lyd: Okay, that was a little too far, Asterius.
...
Gros: Asterius?
Rolan: He already left.
He pointed to a hole in the wall with his shape in it. With the bull, he was busy getting food at the salad bar.
Meteria: *Menacing* He'll be sorry when he gets back!
Silver: My son was beat down even worse in that one!
Eina: At least he survived that. Bell was in rough shape when I found him.
Artemis: Orion, why do you have to be a magnet for trouble?
Bell: I'm sorry!!
Rolan: You better think of better apologies soon.
Bell: Why?
The screen shifted once more.
*ROAAAAARRR*
Two groups in particular shivered at that roar. The Xenos, and the Astraea Familia.
Ryuu: T-That's...
On screen, it now showed Bell as he engaged the Juggernaut in combat.
Astraea: That's the thing that killed you all!
Alise: Yeah, but Lion said they won so it's all fine!
Bell: Fire-
Ryuu: STOP!!!
Bell: bolt!!
*KABOOM*
Bell: AGH!!!
The spell was sent back to him, destroying him armor.
Meteria: Bell!!
Alise: *Nervous smile* It's fine! H-He's still got that knife.
The boy drew his blade only for the screen to slow as a black blur sped past him. Bors and his group saw this with shock as his arm flew in the air.
Bell: AAAAAAHHH!!!
The lovers of the rabbit watched with shock and horror at Bell losing his arm. Only screams and cries for him were heard before the monster swung its tail at him, breaking his neck. The audience heard a loud crunch as his body ragdolled near the water.
Welf: Oh man...
Lili: MASTER BELL!!!
Meteria was pounding Zeus' head while screaming before Hera took her turn. Meanwhile, Alfia made plans to take her anger out on Juggernauts when she had a chance and Silver was seething with anger seeing that happen to Bell.
Artemis: *Crying* Oh my goodness!! How could this get any worse?!
Rolan: Poor choice of words...
Their questions were answered when the screen changed again. This time, it showed many girl's worst nightmares.
There for all of them was Bell in the Red-light District.
Meteria: GYYAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
Alfia: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Hera:
Zeus: *Eyes glint* Nice.
Astraea: He went there?!
Artemis: *Angry* Bell!!
Bell: I'M SORRY!!!
Hestia: It was a surprise for me too, but you shouldn't be too upset with him. He wasn't there for the reasons you think.
Zeus: *Disappointed* He wasn't?
Mikoto: *Guilty* No, he was there because he wanted to help me.
Hera: SO, IT WAS YOUR FAULT!!!
Mikoto: Eep!!
Alfia: Let's get the ice bath ready. *Menacing*
Mikoto: *Terrified* NO!!! ANYTHING BUT THAT!!!
Unfortunately for them, they wouldn't be able to act on their punishment for another roar interrupted them. This time, those of the Zeus and Hera Familias shuddered. On screen, they saw an older Bell kneeling on the ground in pain as The Black Dragon towered over him menacingly.
Thud* Both Meterias passed out and Alfia was busy holding back an enraged Silver.
Silver: PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE!!! I'LL SKIN THAT LIZARD MYSELF!!!
The other Bell and Eiri conveniently dragged themselves farther to the side.
Artemis: Please, stop this already!!
Her pleas as well as those from others would be ignored.
On screen, a black mist escaped the dragon's mouth and enveloped the man before the screen began shifting again.
Ais: NO!!! NOOOOO!!!
Albert: Ais!
Ais: *Crying* Please!! Not Bell too!!
The girl was suffering flashbacks to her childhood as she saw a similar sight happen to someone else she cared deeply for.
Loki: Ais!!
Riveria: *Angry* You wretch!! How dare you make her suffer like that!! The girl has been through enough already!!
Rolan: Perhaps. Well, I'll be nice and show what happens next.
Ais: Huh?
On screen, it rewound a bit to just before the mist enveloped Bell.
Bell: I hope this works...
The mist enveloped him once more and the screen zoomed into the dragon's body. Inside, the audience heard Bell screaming before he landed with a wet thud.
Bell: Ow...
A crackling could be heard and the audience saw Bell cloaked in a barrier of lightning as he got to his feet.
Bell: Perfect! That did the trick! Now, Miss Aria won't find herself. I better get going.
The albino ran off as he let the barrier down. In the audience, Ais cried tears of relief.
Aria: How was he fine?
Rolan: He made sure to shield himself before being absorbed. That allowed him to get inside and rescue you first before dealing with the dragon.
Zeus: HAHAHA!!! That's my boy!!
Finn: A risky plan, Bell Cranel, but a genius one too.
Bell: Oh, thank you.
Rolan: And since I was so nice to show you that, I'll be mean once more with this next one.
Hera: BITCH!!!
On screen, it now shifted to show Bell likely in the Dungeon. Also, he appeared to be even older as a full grown adult. He made his was down a set of stairs before the entrance behind him closed. In this new chamber, there were holes in the walls and ceilings while on the ground, there were pools of a strange purple liquid all over the place. The boy took a few steps forward before a voice was heard.
???: You have done well to make it this face, young child. Now you face your next test. Survive the gauntlet, and you will be permitted to take on the final trial.
Bell: Let's get this warm-up over with.
As if on cue, the pools began bubbling and the room shook. The walls and ceilings also leaked the same purple liquid. It wasn't long before Juggernauts began spawning all around him, making Ryuu in particular scream in horror. Not only her, but the other women as well.
Meteria: Run away, Bell!!
Hera: Get out of there!!!
On screen, the albino just cracked his neck before running ahead as the screen blacked out.
Rolan: Okay, now I'm done with that.
Alfia: Bastard!! Bell better make it out of there!!
Rolan: You should know how it works with him by now.
Astraea: B-But, there were so many of them!
The other Astraea Familia members nodded fearfully.
Rolan: Well, I understand you're all shaken up after recent events.
Lili: You don't say?!
Rolan: Which is why I have a way to fix it. There is one thing I know that should make you feel better.
Tiona: Snacks!!
Zeus: Boobs!!
Silver: Sex!!
Bonk Bonk*
Alfia: Shut it!!
Rolan: Actually, they aren't that far off.
Bell: Wait, what?
Rolan: Next up, we shall see a peak in a man's romance!
AN: Okay, so that took longer than I thought. Sorry about that. At the very least, the one after this should be a pleasing one, I hope. This one was me testing the waters of zombies but the one-shot that this one is based on should hopefully be better. After that, I have to make another special chapter once more, so look forward to that.
Feel free to let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks for ready and I hope you enjoyed. See you in the next one!