Here is the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it. Slowly but surely, the harem is building.
Bell had been carried back to to the manor by Tiona, while Finn and the rest of his party regrouped with Raul as well as Gareth. Finn had informed the entire team, including the blacksmiths, what had occurred though he left out lots of details. He merely informed them that a Familia member was near death and they had to make sure he was okay. It was accepted by the team and Finn agreed that it was best to move forward. Tiona would catch up when she could.
When Tiona entered the nearly empty manor, Loki had a near freak out when she saw Bell was being carried as well as all the bumps, bruises, cuts and the blood around his lips. She calmed down when Tiona had explained in vivid, excited detail what had taken place. It was that night that Loki had updated Bell's status, letting out a loud yell of surprise, seeing the humongous jump in his stats, as well as the ability to level up, which she granted without needing his permission. She knew him better than that. Tiona ended up returning once Loki assured that he was going to be taken care.
The next morning came and Bell was finding himself once more in the dream like state when he had his first Mind Down. He found himself in that space, floating around the stars. His senses were all muted from the outside, but he could hear clearly in the void.
"So. Looks like we finally made it." Spoke Bell's other self, who was colored in black and blue.
"Yea… I made it. I'm not a weakling anymore."
"Still a ways to go before we catch up."
"True… but now I know that I can do it. I will catch up to them… show them what I am made of."
"Still want to be a hero?"
"More than anything."
"Childish."
"That's me… but it's my goal. I will be the hero that my Goddess needs. That Tiona, Riveria needs. Ryuu… Finn. Gareth. Bete. The hero that everyone needs."
"Still going to go after the girls?"
"Of course. My Grandpa told me that is what adventurers do… and I will get the girl."
"Well, I guess we'll be working together to achieve that goal. Now, let's go show the world what Bell Cranel is made of."
"Right." Bell grinned at his doppelganger as the space began to disappear, forming a milky white void before it disappeared into pure darkness. It only lasted for a few seconds when his eyes began to open slowly. With a low groan, Bell slowly came into consciousness. He would find himself being used as a teddy bear, laying on his left side, while someone was behind him to the right. He looked down and noticed the slender hands around his waist. He recognized the painted fingernails as his Goddesses, but he would slowly look behind him and it was confirmed. Loki was fast asleep, cuddling him to her chest. Bell would normally have freaked out, but he just sighed and relaxed into the bed, enjoying the soft pillow and the softness against his back as well as around his waist. His face went bright red, but he didn't scream or struggle. 'This is nice… I wonder if this is what a Familia is meant to feel like… warmth… safety. Happiness.' Bell thought, smiling softly at his face slowly cleared up as he began to fall back asleep. In his unconsciousness, his hands would drift down and gently hold onto Loki's hands, pressing them further into his stomach.
Loki woke up about an hour after Bell fell back asleep. Her eyes blinked sleepily and she attempted to stretch with a big yawn. She finished her yawn but found she couldn't get her hands free. She blinked a few more times, before feeling Bell's hands placed on top of hers, holding her there. Loki blushed slightly before letting out a hum, snuggling further into his back. 'He's really becoming one of my favorites… who knew.' She thought as she started to relax, enjoying the firm back of her newest Familia member.
After about half an hour, Bell let out a low yawn, his hands moving from Loki's to stretch out in front of him the best he could while laying on one of his arms. When his stretch and yawn was finished, he felt the hands and arms around his waist squeeze, giving Bell a tighter hug. Bell glanced over his shoulder, his face going red as he spotted the narrow and mischievous eyes of his Goddess who was wide awake. She had a playful smile on her lips.
"Well well, good morning Little Argonaut." She teased. "Feel better after having climbed into my bed and taking advantage of a vulnerable deity?" She cooed. She enjoyed teasing Bell and always would. Seeing his bright red face get even brighter, was just too precious to pass up.
"Goddess…" Bell said quietly, though he froze up and didn't say anything anymore.
'Bell. You must always take a risk when it comes to making a move with a woman. Women respect men who take charge and take risks…'
"Goddess… How can…" He gulped, his face flushing further as he began to advert his eyes. "I resist… taking… advantage…" He said quietly. Loki stared in surprise at Bell, surprised that he actually said something so risque. Loki grinned before she started laughing, filled with happiness and surprise.
"Hahaha! Well, I suppose you are right! Look at you, gaining the balls. I guess leveling up would do that to someone." Loki commented, before releasing Bell from her grasp. "So, a minotaur huh… on level nine. And you fought it while barely midway through level one… You are something else Bell. You reached level 2 during that fight. It's nothing short of a miracle that you survived." Loki stated, sitting up with a sigh. "You terrified everyone you know."
"I… did?"
"I heard it from Tiona. You were so close to death from that Minotaur and she stepped in to save you. You got up and refused her help. Everyone was there watching. Sure, fear wasn't their only feeling but everyone, including Bete, was fearing your death. You shouldn't have been able to survive that. You shouldn't have even been able to be close. You are an abnormal adventurer Bell. You are leveling up way too fast and it's a little scary. Impressive, but scary. I need to make sure you understand that what you do effects everyone around you." Loki said calmly, but firmly.
"I… I don't want to make people scared for me…"
"I know, but you really won't have much of a choice. I am not saying anything here to stop you from doing anything. I just want you to know that we all care about your well being." Loki stated, leaning over to ruffle Bell's hair. "Now, enough of this sappy nonsense! I believe it's only fair for a celebration, but perhaps it's best we wait until the others are here hmm?"
"I agree. I want to wait… but where did they go?"
"Oh. They went down into the dungeon on their largest attempted dungeon dive yet. I believe they said they want to reach level 59 before anyone. Mainly the Freya Familia since they are our closest rivals."
"Freya Familia?"
"It's another Goddess. Which, by the way, you will do well to avoid." Loki stated firmly, glaring at Bell for a moment.
"Why?" Bell asked, turning on the bed to face her, sitting cross legged which Loki was doing already.
"She's arrogant beyond all measure. She is known to steal Familia members away from other deitys for her own collection. She will do whatever she wants without caring about the repercussions. She is dangerous Bell."
"I… I understand." Bell said though he couldn't say he wasn't curious about this Freya. Surely there had to be more to it than what Loki said.
"So, what are your plans now?"
"Well, I'd like to go bac- WELF!" Bell yelled, looking at Loki. "Where is Welf! I just left him down there! I hav-"
"Calm down!" Loki exclaimed, holding her left ear from the pain of being screamed in nearly. "Your blacksmith friend is fine. One of the Blacksmiths from the Hephaestus Familia took him back before returning to the dungeon with Tiona. He didn't really suffer from much damage either. He's probably gonna be good to go tomorrow." Loki said, making sure Bell was calm. "You could probably see him today… though I think we need to go to the guild first to make it known that you leveled up. Hmm. We can make it a day. Just you and me hmm?" Loki said, smirking. "Ready for our date~?" Loki teased, looking at Bell with a playful grin. Bell blushed but decided to take some initiative, gently grasping Loki's right hand.
"Y-yea. Sure." He said without looking at her. He was still shy, but he at least didn't run away screaming or stutter too badly. He took more risks with the women in his life. Loki, on the other hand, was blushing a bit. She stared down at their conjoined hands before sighing.
'This kid… can't really say he's not attractive… Hmm. I suppose today could be a way to find out if there is something there between us.' Loki thought, before nodding to herself.
"Let's go get some breakfast at a diner nearby, we'll head to the guild, then head to find your Blacksmith, then we will see from there." Loki said, getting off of her bed with a smirk. "Though, I do suggest you find some clothes first~" Loki teased, grinning as she gestured to the fact that Bell was just in his underwear, sporting a pretty good sized erection. This got Bell to yell and hide his shame, leaving Loki to walk away, laughing.
An hour later, Bell and Loki were seen leaving a stand breakfast taco's. With both nibbling on their massive sized egg and sausage filled wrapped tortilla, they were heading off towards the guild. Loki was gently humming as they walked, enjoying the breakfast and the cool morning air. It was peaceful in the streets, with not many people out and about. It wasn't super early, as the sun was slowly starting to fill the sky with light, but it wasn't late either as it hasn't risen above the walls yet. The sky was clear of clouds except for a few patches here and there. The seasons were changing, getting cooler and cooler as they edged ever closer to Fall.
Loki finished her meal and glanced over at Bell, who was doing his best not to look at Loki, which only got her to smile. 'Looks like he's not completely out of the woods yet, but this is better than what he was before. Hmm. I wonder~' She thought, grinning mischievously before reaching out with her left hand, gripping Bell's right hand. She felt Bell freeze up and he tugged away ever so slightly out of reaction, but he calmed down and relaxed his hand. She noticed his face had lit up again, which made her all the more happy. She did this to torment him, that wasn't up for argument, but she also couldn't deny that it felt nice. Her eyes widened when she felt Bell's hand shift and began interlocking his fingers with his own. Loki looked down at their hands and then back up at him, who still looked away, looking straight ahead. She smiled at this, seeing him getting more and more comfortable. Sure, she probably should torment him if she wasn't going to be serious, but Loki felt a slight pull towards her Rabbit. She couldn't explain it, but she did. She was willing to see this through.
Up on top of Babel stood Freya, standing before her massive one way mirror. She leaned against the glass, smiling softly as she watched Bell. She sighed and placed a hand over her heart.
"Oh, you're just something else… I can't wait to see you grow more and more. Perhaps it's time we meet soon hmmm…?" She thought, before glaring over at Loki who she saw take his hand. "Oh you bitch…" Freya stated calmly, before smirking. "Don't get too attached now… I'll be taking him and you will not stop me~" She cooed.
"Lady Freya?" Ottar asked from outside of her door.
"Ah yes. Come on in." Freya stated, turning to face the door as Ottar strolled in after ducking under the door. Massive man. She hummed. "I think it's time we throw a party. What do you think?"
"We haven't thrown a party in a very long time. What did you have in mind?"
"Hmmm. You know, Apollo throws the parties almost all the time. I believe we should throw one ourselves. I believe our Familias mansion will do just fine."
"As you wish. I shall send word to the guild to start sending out the invitations."
"Hmmm. Before you go. I want this party to be different. Not just for the Gods… but for adventurers too. I want this party to be the Deity and a chosen adventurer to come with."
"As you wish, My Lady." Ottar sound, bowing his head before leaving to head to the guild.
"Mmmmm. I can't wait to meet you… I may not be able to hold myself back… Nnnnn!" She moaned.
Loki and Bell arrived inside of the lobby of Babel. Both had released their held hands once they reached the doors of the guild. They looked around before they both spotted Eina working behind her counter. She was actually reading a book, since their was no adventure needing her assistance.
"OH MISS EINA!" Loki yelled out with her playful tone, getting the Elf to groan to herself before looking up.
"Ah, Miss Loki. Oh and Mister Cranel. I heard about the Minotaur down in the dungeon. I heard you went to fight it… I thought I told you to stop taking stupid risks?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at the adventurer who began to retreat behind his Goddess. Loki snickered before humming.
"Oh Einnnnnaaaa."
"What is it this time Loki?" She asked, sighing. Loki was tiring to deal with.
"It's about Belllllll~" She sang, grinning.
"Yes, I am aware that he almost died to a minotaur. I think that's why you brought him here, so I can inform him about it?"
"Oh no… He killed the Minotaur~"
"Wait what?!" Eina exclaimed, looking shocked before staring at Bell. Bell merely waved from behind his Goddess. Loki smirked and presented Eina with a paper, showing his new stats.
Child: Bell Cranel.
Familia: Loki
Level: 2
Strength: 0-I
Endurance: 0-I
Dexterity: 0-I
Agility: 0-I
Magic: 150-H → 300 F
Skills:
Magic: Lightning Bolt Instant Cast.
Loki had removed all of Bell's skills from the paper, knowing that if anyone had found out about his stats, it would cause more problems than they needed. Not even Bell needed to know about his stats, which is why he was left unaware. Eina looked between Loki and Bell.
"This can't be right… this is insane. Are you telling me that he… got level two right after defeating that Minotaur?! It's only been a month!" Eina exclaimed. Loki nodded with a big shit eating grin.
"Oh yeah, he did… and he's in MY Familia. Ha ha ha ha!" Eina sighed and shook her head.
"Alright, well, I guess it's a good thing. I'll have his status updated and announced. I believe the Denatus will be coming soon right?"
"Mhm. I do plan on attending for sure now. Heh heh heh. Oooh actually, I have two people I need to get nicknames for! Ahahah!" She exclaimed happily. Eina nodded.
"Oh! Before I forget, this just came on my desk about two minutes before you arrived." Eina said, handing over an envelope to Loki who opened it immediately. As Loki read what was inside, her eyes narrowed and her lips turned from a smile into a thin line.
'No… It can't be… Why would she… She must be… Well if she wants to play like that…' Loki thought before looking at Eina. "It says I need to chose who is coming with me huh?"
"I believe so. It looks like Lady Freya wants to do a party like Apollo, but do something special. It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun." She commented.
"Yea…" Loki muttered before shaking her head. "Well, I guess I am going to have to go. Bell shall be my plus one. We shall be ready for the party tomorrow."
"Sure thing. I will be sure to fill both of your names into the sheet of attendees. Have a good day Lady Loki."
"You too Miss Eina." Loki said, seriously this time. She was very much not in the mood to be silly. She turned to look at Bell who was waving bye to Eina, before huffing. 'You will not take my Familia member away you hussy. Never!' Loki watched as Bell ran to catch up to her, before he fell into pace with her. "Bell."
"Yes Goddess?"
"I need you to understand this. Freya wants you."
"W-What?!" Bell exclaimed, blushing madly as the thoughts of what she just said ran through his mind. Loki narrowed her eyes.
"I'm serious. She wants you as her Familia Member. She is going to try and steal you away."
"Why would she do that?"
"Because Bell. You are special and I think she knows this. She wants to have you and will do whatever it takes to take you away." She said firmly. "This party tomorrow is her doing. She is going to try and take you there, I just know it. So please, avoid her if you can."
"I… o-okay." He stated. He didn't confirm or deny that he would obey her, so he didn't necessarily lie, but he knew that he was lying. He wasn't going to just let himself be taken away and avoiding her didn't seem like the play to make it happen. Bell knew he would have to meet her and make it known to her that he wasn't for sale or for grabs. Bell clenched his fists, knowing that his path was true.
"Alright, well, let's worry about that tomorrow. Let's go find your friend hmm?" Loki asked, grabbing Bell by his hand again, holding it as they interlocked their fingers. Bell squeezed her hand and she did the same as they made their way through the city, heading towards the Hephaestus Mansion.
The gates opened up when the two guards spotted Bell, knowing that he was Welf's captain of the party. Loki gave them a slight nod, though Bell gave them smiles as they arrived at the door. The door opened a bit quicker than expected, revealing Hephaestus herself who raised a slender eyebrow at Loki and Bell holding hands. Bell attempted to pull his hand away, but Loki squeezed and kept firm not wanting to release him.
'I really am attracted to him…' Loki thought before giving a slight smile to Hephaestus. "Hey they Hephy!" Loki said, waving her free hand.
"Loki and you must be Bell. Welf talks about you a lot." She said, taking a look at the small young man who was blushing up a storm. Bell looked back at the Goddess Hephaestus and nodded.
"Yes. I was hoping he was okay…?"
"Yes, he's doing well. He's actually already up and working in the forge. From what I hear, you are the reason he is alive. I thank you."
"It's nothing really! It's what anyone should do!"
"Even so, I thank you. I will find a way to repay you some day, but for now, let Welf be. He's really in the zone today. I think you had a great effect when you took on the minotaur. I think he's preparing you a new armor." Hephaestus said with a grin. Bell looked positively eager after hearing that before he nodded.
"Could you tell him I stopped by? I'm really glad he is okay… and I was hoping to see if he wants to go into the dungeon tomorrow for a few floors?"
"Sure, but only for a little while. I told Welf he is barred from the dungeon until after tomorrow but I will allow the first five floors." Hephaestus said, narrowing her eyes. "Understand?"
"Y-yes ma'am!"
"Good." The Blacksmith Goddess looked back at Loki. "You may learn this at the party tomorrow… but Hermes is back in town."
"Oh great… that guy." Loki muttered. "Well, he's a good guy overall." She nodded. "Have a good day Lady Hephy!" Loki said as Bell and Loki left the mansion.
After about a five minute walk, Loki looked over at Bell. "Hungry?"
Bell shook his head. "No, I'm good." Bell replied, before looking over at Loki. "Are you?"
"A little peckish, though I suppose, I admit, I am more interested in getting something to drink."
"Oh. Well alright. You are the Goddess, whatever you want." Bell smiled, his smile brighter than she's used to. He was a pure soul, though probably not for long considering all the women…
"Heh. I knew I liked you kid." Loki teased, before they went off towards the Mistress. Ryuu was out front sweeping, the Inn not really busy at the time so she kept busy by keeping the area in front of the Inn clean. Bell removed his hand from Loki, before smiling at her.
"Can you go get us a seat… I need to… talk to someone." Bell stated. Loki glanced at Ryuu who was now staring at the pair, before nodding.
"Sure. Don't take too long." Loki stated, walking into the Inn though she gave Ryuu a couple seconds of a glance. 'Jeez. This kid is going to get so many women…' Loki thought, shaking her head in mirth. 'Oh great. I'm part of a harem!' Loki groaned, before laughing to herself. 'This is what entertainment really is. Life. Reality.'
Ryuu stared Bell down as he approached her, fiddling with his thumbs as he looked at his feet. Ryuu stared him down intensely, a little hurt that he had been avoiding her for almost a week now. Ryuu cleared her throat, seeing how he was just staying silent and looking at his feet. Bell flinched, before he looked up into the intense eyes of the elf that he had flirted with quite heavily before nearly ditching her.
"H-Hi." Bell said quietly, but the impassive stare of Ryuu told him to stop with that. "I'm… I'm sorry. I am… was… no… I'm a coward. I shouldn't have ignored and avoided you. I just… I am… was… no… I am still weak… and I didn't… I don't think. I'm sorry. I meant everything I said…"
"Mister Cranel. You don't know much about elves do you?"
"I know a little… I know that you guys are one of the oldest races on this planet… and that your race is adept at magic… and comes from a forest?" Ryuu sighed.
"I suppose it's alright if you don't know. Mister Cranel, I am not angry with you. I'm just a little hurt… but I suppose I can understand where you are coming from. You felt too weak and cowardly to continue to talk to me after?" Bell nodded rapidly and Ryuu sighed… again. "I see. I can't say I am happy to hear that is the reason you've been avoiding me, but I assume you've gained some confidence enough to talk to me?"
"Y-yes. I've… I have become stronger. Much stronger. I also know that I can't continue being a child anymore. I have almost died so many times because of my weaknesses…"
"And you think you've overcome it?"
"No. I am… I have overcome anything. I'm still weak and I still feel… nervous. Uncomfortable… but I am trying now. I am trying to be a man." Bell explained, which Ryuu smiled.
"I see. Well, I will say this is a first good start to being a man. Knowing your weaknesses and flaws… then addressing them. Not making real excuses. So I can forgive you." Ryuu stated, only for Bell's smile to nearly blind her. He then rapidly approached her, grasping her hands. Ryuu didn't look away, but her face flushed from the contact. 'Even after, he still affects me so."
"You mean it?! You aren't mad anymore?!" Bell asked, eager to have Ryuu back in his life.
"No, I am not mad anymore. I forgive you… now could you let me go? I need to get back to work…" Bell immediately released Ryuu, blushing softly himself.
"Ah… right. I should probably go make sure my Goddess is okay…" Bell stated, before bowing to Ryuu. "I hope we can have drinks again soon." Ryuu nodded.
"Sure. We'll have time soon." Ryuu stated, before returning to her duties in front of the Mistress while Bell went inside to join his Goddess. Loki smirked when she spotted Bell coming in and making his way to her.
"Took you long enough. You patch things up with your girlfriend?" She teased, getting Bell to blush.
"She's not… I'm not…" Loki started to laugh, her smile getting bigger and bigger.
"Relaaaax! I'm teasing." Loki commented, before gesturing to the open seat next to her. "You ready for the party tomorrow night?" Loki asked, glancing at Bell who got a mug of ale from Mia, that Loki had ordered for him. Bell looked at the large mug, before taking a sip. He put it down with a flinch of a face before nodding.
"Yes… Are you sure that you want me to accompany you?"
"Not like I have any other choice ya know. Everyone else is out." Loki said. She saw Bell's face fall a bit so she smiled. "Not that it mattered. You're going to be the talk of the town after leveling up so fast and what you did with the Minotaur. I have to bring you out, show off the goods ya know?" Loki snickered. "Plus, you could use some fun. It's been a stressful month for you hmm?"
"I… I guess so." Bell admitted, looking at the table. "I do appreciate everything you and your Familia have done and are doing for me. I know I didn't deserve and shouldn't have been put into this Familia… but I am so happy that you took me in." Bell said, looking at Loki with a bright smile. "I would do anything for you Goddess to show you how much you mean to me. You took me in when I couldn't find a family… and now I have one. A family that I cherish." Bell said, with a few tears in his eyes. Loki gave him a small smile.
"Perhaps you are right, but none of us would have it any different. You may not have been our typical select pick for a member… but we are very happy to have you. I am very happy that you were there when I was bored." Loki said with a bigger smile. "Now then, enough sappy! More drinky!" Loki cheered, lifting her mug into the air before announcing to the decently empty bar. "TO BELL FOR REACHING LEVEL 2!" She said, before taking a big swig. No one else said a peep, but if one paid attention, Ryuu gave a small smile and a lift of her fist, and Mia gave a big smile and a lift of the mug she was cleaning.
Bell, had a family.
Read. Review. Moo.
I hope you all continue to enjoy this story! Next chapter will be Freya's introduction into Bell's life. This story does not strictly follow the canon events. The Apollo Familia episode does not factor in at this time, and probably wont be until later. I haven't decided yet. So season 2 party is happening now, before Goliath and the Pass Parade. At this moment, Mikoto is not going to be in the party or harem, but I am more than willing to listen to reason from you guys, should you guys wish for it. PM me or add my discord: angrybarney