Once more, the earth shook, causing dirt and dust to be shaken off the buildings. Initially, it was cause for worry and panic when the vibrations were strong enough for even the most ignorant civilian in Orario to feel them. However, mortals were creatures of habit. After the first time nothing happened, they warily went back to their work, their day. The second time after nothing happened, they began to believe the adventurers that nothing was wrong. After the third time, some already began to adjust to the sudden shaking in order to not lose their footing. By the fourth, the earthquakes became just a part of their life at this point.
Bell himself tried to not fall into complacency, but it was hard to keep up his wariness if nothing kept happening after each earthquake. Everyone knew they were harbingers and signs of devastation to come, but it simply refused to arrive. Thus, he tried to focus on the task at hand. The task the Loki Familia, Astraea Familia and the Hestia Familia collaborated due to sheer necessity. A task so holy, failure was simply not only an option, but the greatest sin of all:
Making sure Lyra's and Tione's wedding with Finn would go perfect.
Now many would assume that this was a terrible time to go through with a ceremony. Evilus and Knossos were still a factor within Orario, the Night Queen disappeared and who knew how many threats were lurking in the shadows. However…
"If we keep stalling because of our enemies, we'll die of old age before I get that dress!"
"I will murder every single person in this city and then myself if I risk not getting married at all for one more day!"
…the women did have a point, while also being very, very terrifying. If they allowed fear and paranoia to get in the way of love…wouldn't they have allowed evil to win? Not to mention, with yet another batch of 'forces' gone for the Night Queen, some argued now was a better time than ever. All they had to do was to be as vigilant as ever, even if the urge to relax was strong. Well, easier said than done, as the wedding preparations were rather chaotic.
Bell and Haruhime were pressing themselves against the wall, trying to appear as small as possible as Lyra threw out another mannequin wearing a suit right out the window.
"Not the right color!"
Kaguya growled, staring at the broken window in disbelief before snapping back to her friend, throwing her arms up in exasperation.
"You said you wanted the guests to wear white!"
"Not blinding white! Can't be outshone by the audience!" Lyra shouted back, jabbing her finger against Kaguya's stomach. The latter grabbed the wife to be by the collar and raised her up in the air, shaking her like a doll.
"Bitch, you are blind, how do you even know what white it is?!"
"I can smell your bullshit from a mile away, now get me a better white!"
"The fuck is a better white?!"
Haruhime and Bell shared a nervous look. Alise assigned them to this place to make sure Kaguya and Lyra wouldn't go overboard with their "heated discussions". However, as they saw their warrior auras clash against each other, shifting the very air, the two of them nodded at the same time, having the same thought as they acted as one.
Nope.
With that in mind, the two slowly pushed and slid across the wall, reaching the door. Carefully, Bell opened it with one foot, as he and Haruhime observed the Astraea girls start to choke each other out with their hands. Quickly but silently, they disappeared to the outside, ducking under the windows and walking away at a fast pace. Their pace increased when they heard loud crashing noises from behind them. With sweat running down their skin, they let out a breath of relief before looking at each other with awkward smiles.
"...soooo, what else needs to be done?"
"T-t-there are some flower arrangements I have in mind…maybe we should look for some?"
Bell nodded at Haruhime's enthusiasm as she clapped her hands together. He didn't know much about the language of flowers, but if nothing else, it was something he could help at little bit. Even if it was just deciding which flowers looked nice together. With that in mind, he gestured for her to lead the way for them.
"After you!"
The ground shook once more. Bell flinched, unsure if it was an actual earthquake…or if it was-
"THIS WHITE IS TOO DULL, MY WEDDING IS NOT A FUNERAL!"
"IT'S FUCKING WHITE, YOU CU-!"
…okay, it was not an earthquake then. Bell increased the speed of his jog as he ran alongside Haruhime with a constipated expression.
Why did Alise decide that Kaguya out of all people should be Lyra's "best woman" for the wedding?! He shuddered to imagine how it went for Tione's side. Amazons had a reputation for their temper for a reason after all. Better to keep clear of them as best as they could. Following Haruhime, they soon entered a part of the shopping district that was still a bit cracked for lack of a better work. Reconstruction has been going smoothly, but not all areas have been given equal attention. Still, the citizens didn't let that stop them, instead going on with their business with smiles and laughs, especially with the upcoming wedding. Bell's eyes wandered, trying to spot a good flower shop…when he saw a familiar spot of red hair in the crowd. His smile widened as he increased his pace, running up to the man with a raised hand.
"Welf!"
He spun around, blinking in surprise before smirking, raising his own hand and smacking it against Bell's.
"Well, if it aren't my buddies!" He nodded at Haruhime, who bowed her head politely. He crossed his arms, wiggling his eyebrow at them. "Thought you'd be busy herding cats, if you catch my meanin'."
Bell and Haruhime shared a look. Then they turned back to Welf, a wry expression on their faces.
"We ran away."
"It got a bit too much.
"Haha! Smart!"
The trio shared a laugh before Bell leaned to the side, checking what Welf was looking at this entire time. He blinked when he saw the array of diamonds and other gemstones, dressing up various rings. He gulped seeing the price tags before looking back at the blacksmith, who scratched the back of his head when he noticed Bell's look.
"What are you doing here?"
"Looking for references." He let out a sigh before pointing at himself. "Remember how I am in charge of the rings?"
Bell shared a confused look with Haruhime before slowly shaking his head.
"I…don't, actually."
Welf blinked in response before shrugging.
"Huh. Thought it came up. Then again, Alise told me that Lyra gave her the job… Anyway, that's what I'm here, checking out the jewelry and what not."
"...wait, does blacksmithing translate to making rings?" Bell wondered out loud. He was no expert on how one trained to forge weapons and what not. In a sense, it was the same thing, melting metal and shaping it into form…but there was a difference between making a sword and something that literally fit around one's finger. Welf let out a chuckle, shaking his head in mild amusement.
"Well, it sure as hell is a learning experience. I could just make three simple metal rings, but then they wouldn't exactly be worth a wedding. Engravings, the little details…" He trailed off before puffing his chest up with pride. "But hey, if I get a request like that, who am I to decline?"
"Someone who is aware of their own limitations?" Haruhime asked with a raised eyebrow. The blacksmith reared back dramatically, as if hit, putting a hand on his chest.
"Ouch. I think I liked you better when you weren't so spicy, Haru-Haru."
As the girl giggled, Bell wondered how much her relationship changed with Welf. Back then, they barely conversed with each other, their only link having been…Solaris. But now with her gone, it appeared that Haruhime decided to pick up the slack, to know the brother better. Which apparently led to taking up some of the sass their old captain possessed.
He could imagine Solaris wiping a tear of pride from under her eye.
"Hey, where's Kojiro at by the way?" Welf asked, bringing Bell out of his musings. He rubbed his chin, remembering the details before snapping his fingers.
"He volunteered for guard duty. Saying that he isn't a man who could help with weddings."
Not that anyone would've wanted Kojiro to get involved with the wedding planning. Knowing him, he'd try and push for a series of duels for the sake of 'entertainment'. No, patrolling the area was suiting the swordsman just fine, Bell was sure of that.
"Lucky bastard…" Welf shook his head with an amused expression before taking in the streets, arms crossed with a satisfied breath. "Honestly though…I think Orario needed this."
"A wedding?" Bell asked, blinking in confusion. The blacksmith chuckled, twirling his hand at the area.
"It puts peoples' minds at ease. Focusing on the happiness of others and what not. Place's been on edge this whole time, with the Night Queen and her millions of evil forces. Even if it's just for a moment…we can have some happy peace, you know?"
Bell took the moment to look around. Even if everyone was exhausted and wary…their tired smiles spoke of their efforts, of them throwing themselves at work, looking forward to the wedding. Maybe it was a mere illusion that could break at any moment…but the little things mattered. Welf's words filled his chest with warmth as he nodded with a soft smile on his face. Slapping his face, he threw his fist up in the air with enthusiasm.
"Let's get those flowers, Haruhime!"
"Hm!"
"And I'll beat the crap out of these rings and make them the best there is!"
/
Tiona casually snapped her hand up, catching the flying chicken leg and then took a bite out of it. Munching on it, she frowned a bit before shrugging. Maybe a bit dry, huh? She glanced over to Anakitty, jogging outside with an exhausted pace, looking around before letting out a sigh of relief. Tiona giggled, nodding reassuringly.
No food wasted this time. She glanced at the other assistants, with Bete still wiping the sludge from his skin with a snarl. She winced a bit at the nasty burn scars on his skin, but tried to ignore it. With that discarded from her mind, she crossed her arms with a sigh, as she heard a loud growl from the restaurant nearby.
"Is sis still contained?"
"We are making all the cooks in the city cry, but yes, she is contained." Anakitty rubbed her forehead. "Good thing we didn't pull Mama Mia into this, or else Tione would be dead by now…" Shaking her head, she raised an eyebrow as she looked around. "How's everything else going?"
"The stage is nice and clean!" Tiona responded with cheer, raising her thumb. Anakitty blinked with a blank expression, staring at the podium, where the brides and the groom would be wedded. Not too high, so that the brides didn't have to walk all the way up, but still elevated to make them the clear main actors of the event. The covers over everyone's head, serving as a makeshift ceiling as rain was predicted to come, were made of undine cloth entirely, with a beautiful blue color. The wood itself that made up the stage also complimented their surroundings, a shining gleam to them.
However…
"...That's it?" Anakitty muttered, causing Tiona to pout.
"Hey, I'm trying real hard here!" She made a shoomotion with her hand. "Now go back and make sure Tione isn't eating anyone alive in there!"
"If you need help, give us a holler!"
"Will do!" With Anakitty gone, she turned around, putting her hands on her hips as she looked upon Raul, who had bags under his eyes. She tilted her head as he straightened up his back a bit more. "...Sooo, we got how many chair types?"
He pressed his lips together before letting out a long suffering sigh, his voice utterly dead.
"Thirty six."
"Thir-!" Tiona closed her eyes by force, lowering her finger as she formed a fist. Then she inhaled slowly before exhaling, forcing a smile on her face. "...alright, I can do this…show them to me!"
Soon however, her smile became empty as she stared across the selection of seating in front of her. She slowly turned her head, with Raul shrinking into himself, holding the list before his face as if it was a shield.
"...you said we had thirty six chair types."
"Yes, but each type has like ten more sub types," he muttered under his breath. Tiona felt something snap inside her head as she cracked the ground with her prosthetic.
"Raul, I will take off my leg and beat you to death with it!"
"I'm just the messenger!"
"Well, go be a messenger somewhere else!"
As the level four ran away, Tiona stared at the chairs, walking up to some of them. Honestly, she loved her sister, and she liked Lyra, but weren't they supposed to be the smart ones? She couldn't even tell the difference between the sub types! Maybe it were the pillows? Or the slightly different shapes? Tiona covered her face, as she sat down on one of the chairs. It was comfy, but…
"What am I even doing…" She whispered to herself. She wasn't even sure if she was talking about the current circumstances or the past.
Life being simple seemed so far back now. Where all she had to worry was being the muscle in the expeditions, beating up monsters, gathering cash to repair her trusty weapon again. And now? She stared at her prosthetics. Evil all around, morality of killing Xenos or not, and…now being in charge of planning a wedding. Her! She barely knew how to use numbers, why was she even here? Her mind was spiraling, wondering how…simple she was, as a person, and how it was biting her in the butt right now. Maybe she should hand this over to someone else. Sure, she was Tione's twin, and there was a sense of obligation there, but if she were to rui-
"You look like someone flailing around in ignorance."
Tiona jumped just a bit, looking up. She couldn't help but brighten up, a giddy laugh escaping her as she spread her arms open.
"Oh, Hans! And Lil' Lili!"
The supporter's eyebrow twitched as the author raised his hand lazily.
"I hate that nickname so much," she whispered to the side. Tiona smirked before jumping off her chair, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Didn't take you as wedding people."
"I'm not, but it's an excuse to delay writing," Hans stated without any shame, earning a dirty look from his…daughter figure? Assistent? Tiona never quite knew what their relationship was to be honest. Still, she shook her head in admonishment, knowing that was just Hans talking crazy.
If there was anyone who loved writing more than herself, it was this guy right in front of her.
"Maybe I should kick you off the guest list then, hehe!"
Tiona was surprised there was a guest list to begin with…then again, not everyone could fit under the "tent" they were setting up, no matter how big the plaza was where they were setting up the stage. Nevertheless, Lyra and Tione wanted to make as big of a spectacle out of it as they could, so 'VIP' invitations were mandatory. And who else but the Mimir as one of them?
"You need any help?"
Her first instinct was to decline. But then, common sense overtook her pride, and her shoulders slumped as she let out a weak laugh.
"...Probably? I mean, I'm happy for Tione and what not, and I wanna help, but…" She shrugged helplessly. "What the heck does a bridemaid even do? Y'know? I just yell at people to do stuff, and I don't even know if that stuff is correct."
Hans shrugged in response, waving her concerns off.
"Perfect is the enemy of good, so the brides to be are your enemy. Just go with whatever works."
A part of Tiona wanted to agree with that. It was how she usually moved and acted. However, instead, she shook her head with a sigh, unsure about his words. If it were the dungeon, she'd go with her gut feeling as usual…but this wasn't about her, was it now?
"It'd be easier if I knew the dress code, but that's up to Lyra," she muttered, causing Hans to freeze up before raising an incredulous eyebrow at her.
"...Those dumb bimbos did not split the tasks up like that."
"Hey, don't call them bimbos!" Tiona paused before scratching the back of her head. "...But yeah, they wanted to have it fifty fifty."
Turned out a Pallum had different ideals about their romantic dreams than an Amazon, who would've thought? Knowing they'd eat each other alive, they decided to split it up, while also delegating most of the work to others with only their final say.
Liliruca let out a shudder while Hans openly palmed his face with a grimace.
"This will end in a disaster."
It was, but there was no need to admit that. Tiona pumped her fist up, putting on a brave face.
"We'll make do with guts! I hope!" She paused before lowering her fist, pressing her lips together. "...Honestly, it's weird."
"Your sister marrying?"
She blinked before letting out a giggle. As always, the author had an eye that could see through anyone. She looked at the restaurant, seeing her sister move quickly between tables, sampling and chewing on food, trying to figure out the best combinations. The sight of seeing her so serious about something so mundane…it made Tiona's heart ache.
"Yeah, I mean…she always talked about it, ever since meeting the captain. Gushing over love, and dresses, becoming a mother and what not." She shrugged helplessly. "It was always something I couldn't relate too. I like romance novels as much as the next gal, but sis was…more obsessed with it. And now that it's finally happening…"
"It feels like you are being left behind?" Hans let out a scoff. "Stupid."
Tiona flinched, a wry smile on her face. Yeah, it was stupid, wasn't it? Here her sister was going to have the best day of her life ahead of her…and all Tiona could hink of was that her twin's back seemed so far away now. Back in the day, when they were together, they were inseparable. Warriors who butted heads, who fought to survive, but always had each other. Their family grew bigger, their horizons widened, but all the time, Tiona knew, if she looked to her side, her twin was there.
But with marriage? Her priorities would change. Her husband, her fellow wife, future children even…would she even be still there in the dungeon with her? Would Tiona even have a place in that sort of…peaceful life? Shaking her head, she let out a sigh.
"Ugh, I know, I know-"
"No, it's stupid to think that it's wrong to feel that way. Envy is a human emotion. Especially envy that comes with ignorance." Hans adjusted his glasses, mercilessly glaring at the dumbfounded Tiona. "Despite all that, you are supporting your twin. And in your heart, you know that she isn't actually leaving you behind. She just changed from her person you've always known. And that's normal. Same with you changing as well, from a meathead to a meathead that sometimes thinks."
Tiona stared at him. Despite his rough tone…the amazon felt lighter than ever. Smiling softly, she nodded at him once.
"...Thanks, Hans."
"For what?"
Maybe if she shared her burdens with her Familia, they could've comforted her like this too…but revealing one's heart was tougher than it looked. So it helped that someone like Hans existed, one who could see through lies and cut through with barbed wire. People disliked him for it, but Tiona? He was the greatest guy she knew.
"Tiona, help! Tione wants your opinion on the food, now!"
"Oh, cool. Food, I can do food, let's go food!" Tiona cracked her knuckles before throwing Hans a cheeky wink. "Take over for me, bye!"
The man took a second to process her words but she was already running off, escaping from his reach to grab.
"Who said I'd be helping?!"
"Shouldn't have appeared before me then!" She shouted back with a cackle, before entering the restaurant.
Helping out her twin as best as she could.
/
"You little-! ...Screw it, time to yell at people. Oi, you, leave some leg space between the chairs!"
"Lili is offended by the logistics here, gimme those documents!"
/
If someone were to see Alise, they would think she was being lazy. With an array of wine bottles across the counter, she was the sole occupant with a glass in her hand. Her face was flushed with red as she swayed ever so slightly. Yet one would notice something off, as a massive water bottle was reserved just next to her. Downing it in one go, she wiped her mouth with a tired breath.
"You adventurers and your stamina never cease to surprise me."
Alise let out a weak chuckle, resisting the urge to slam her head on the wooden counter as she lazily waved at Syr.
"Falna or not, this is going to kill me tomorrow for sure," she muttered, rubbing her temples. Maybe she shouldn't have volunteered to be in charge of the wine. Who would've thought there were so many variations out there…and that Mama Mia had so much in stock, prepared for weddings specifically? She had thought she'd have to kick Lord Soma's door in, but his wine was a bit too good.
Can't have the entire audience be on a 'trip' during the happiest day of one of her besties after all. Thus, here she was, having consumed various wines, enough to fill her body thrice over probably. And she has been pacing herself, only taking sips and resting inbetween. She had no idea how long she even was at it at this point…
"I think you need another break," Syr said politely, taking a seat next to her. The captain chuckled, clapping her cheeks a few times to beat away the drowsiness trying to take her over.
"Yeah, maybe." Carefully, she leaned back and put her arms on the counter, stretching her neck backwards with a groan. "Phew, never thought wedding prep would be so rough."
Fairy tales really didn't include the nitty gritty details that went into planning, buying and organizing everything. Numbers everywhere, clashes of schedules, not to mention the chaos that happens by splitting it all up…then again, if a singular person were to do this, they'd most definitely go insane at that point.
What she did for the sake of family…
"Well, no one can say that love is easy," Syr giggled, covering her mouth. Alise smirked. Truer words have not been spoken. Closing her eyes, she imagined the end result. The altar, with Lyra smiling as her dream was reached. Even with her eyes gone…she would be facing a new future.
Opening her eyes again, Alise let out a sigh.
"It'll be worth it though. I was wondering when I'd get to see Lyra in a nice dress like that. It doesn't really feel real, now that I think about it." She puffed up her cheeks, crossing her arms. "Gah, I feel like a big sister having to hand over her baby girl to a stranger!"
"I can imagine it." Syr shook her head. "I am quite jealous, that you can be there for her right at her side."
"Hey, you get front seats too."
"..."
Alise blinked at the odd silence. Then realization dawned on her, as she stood up from her seat, gaping at Syr.
"You didn't get an invitation?"
The maid jumped a bit, staring at Alise, before frantically waving her hands in denial.
"Ohnononono, I definitely did!" She lowered her hands, looking away with a nervous twitch. "I just can't make it. Sorry."
"Isn't everyone making it?"
Biting her lip, Syr looked down at the ground.
"Yes, but…"
Alise raised her hands in a placating manner, sitting back down.
"No need to tell me, I'm just surprised."
The maid let out a sigh relief. Yet as she was looking away, Alise frowned a bit. She felt it. The wall that she build up around her heart, her very soul. Contrary to popular belief, Alise Lowell wasn't a dumb airhead. She could read people, not as much as the famous Braver, but she was good at it.
And sometimes, there were moments like these. Where the cute civilian maid…just felt off. Hiding something someone of her status shouldn't have to hide. Usually she felt that was fine. People deserved to have their privacy, their secrets.
And yet…there was one event that stood out to her. Something that occurred while the Astraea Familia was at the Far East, something that Bell slipped without realizing it. Folding her hands, she leaned on the counter, before glancing at the maid.
"...Syr, you know we're your friends, right? Lion, Me, everyone."
"Of course. Where is this coming from?"
Welp, here went nothing. Taking a deep breath, she looked Syr directly into her confused eyes.
"I heard what happened with Aiz." Syr visibly froze over, causing Alise to narrow her eyes. "What's up with that?"
For a moment, she saw it. The thoughts racing through the maid's mind. The excuses, the lies, anything to divert Alise's attention. Too bad for her, tipsy or not…Alise was an adventurer. An explorer type to boot.
Once she had her eyes and focus on someone, she would not be so easily fooled. In the end, Syr's shoulders slumped as she let out a tired scoff, a wry smile on her face.
"...Maybe I am more taken with Bell than I thought," she whispered. Alise raised an eyebrow at that. Sure, she showed like she liked him as a guy, but the captain thought it was just a little fancy, eye candy basically. If Syr felt more strongly than she thought…she had to evaluate Syr's poker face abilities…and the depths of how much she actually likes Bell. A shiver went down her spine, but she dismissed it.
It was just love. Nothing world shattering. With a twirl of her hand, she gestured for Syr to go on, who nodded meekly.
"I accept Ryuu, for she is dear to me, but Wallenstein is…A stranger. An outsider, I suppose. So…with you not being there, I felt that…the Wind Princess was being too arrogant…" Syr closed her eyes."Saying it out loud makes me sound insane, doesn't it?"
Well, it certainly sounded possessive. Alise smiled wryly, patting Syr on the head.
"Kinda, but like you said, love isn't easy. Still…" She gave the maid a pointed look. "Hate to break it to you, but you've done a terrible job seducing Bell."
Syr flinched before huffing, crossing her arms indignantly.
"Not my fault he doesn't visit as often as he can. Hmph." She lowered her shoulders, looking down at the ground. "...Tell me honestly, Alise. Do I have a chance with him?"
"Well, there's always a chance, and Lion adores you, so you are good on that front…" Alise bit her lip. "But quite frankly? Doesn't look like Bell is seeing you that way. Not unless something changes."
He made it rather clear when he was into someone. Aiz was a clear showing. Ryuu took a bit but he admired her a lot. Then there was whatever the heck was going on with Lyra. Even when it only came to being attracted to appearances, Bell had stronger reactions to someone like Kaguya than Syr. All in all, it didn't really look good.
"Change, huh…?"
It was but a whisper. And yet, Alise could hear it. Something that felt heavy in a way that didn't make sense. She didn't even realize a sweat drop was forming on the back of her neck, as Syr nodded to herself, a small smile forming. Alise poked her cheek, narrowing her eyes a bit.
"Don't you start doing something stupid like going into the dungeon. You aren't the type."
"Perish the thought, I would never. But…I should try harder perhaps."
…Alise sure hoped she didn't just kill Bell with what happened. Or rather…his hips. The glint in Syr's eyes was rather terrifying, she thought with a gulp!
/
Maybe Aiz should've accepted Lefiya's offer of support. Was it pride that prevented her from doing so? Or was it a wish to be useful on her own for the sake of Finn and his happiness? Whatever the reason, her eyes were practically spinning as she tried to keep control of the situation she put herself in. She underestimated the fame of the people getting married. She knew her captain had the goal of becoming the Pallum's pillar, to become world famous and be the symbol for everyone to follow. She knew that Tione and Lyra both were infamous themselves, their abilities being given high praise across the land.
She just underestimated how big that land appeared to be. Some of the Ganesha Familia sent her dirty looks, as if she was responsible for this influx of merchants and couriers, trying to deliver their gifts, thank yous and even themselves to get into Finn's good graces. So here she was…making sure everything was safe and proper. At first she thought it would be a simple job, but she forgot how deranged some of his 'fans' could be.
"...We are not accepting that," Aiz said slowly, resisting the urge to draw Desperate, even as her eyebrow was twitching despite her usual neutral expression. The amazon before her gasped, before slapping the big crate she was carrying on a wagon with a snarl.
"Why not?!"
"I can hear the breathing from in there." She put a hand on her hilt, causing the Amazon to pale. As she grumbled and walked off, Aiz sighed and motioned for the line to continue. "Next."
This was how she spent her time. Even with the earthquakes putting her on edge, she focused on her duty on receiving various gifts. Or rather, more often than not…rejecting them.
"He is honored but gifts will not affect his political decisions. Please only given them well wishes, not bribery."
"You aren't on the guest list. Please leave if this is all you came here for."
"Captain does not condone drugs. Arrest her."
"How do you all even fit in there?"
Of course there were some gifts that were innocent enough to be received. Bouquets of flowers, food, the simple stuff. But then there were the things gifted by more renowned people. She glanced to the 'VIP' pile.
The queen of the amazons gifted him a free travel pass, to spend his honeymoon on their territory. Most likely to challenge him repeatedly. She figured Tione would never accept this, in fear of another amazon, or even Penthesilea, stealing her husband. On the other hand, Romulus crafted quite the beautiful ceremonial armor. Ceremonial because Rakia did not have the resources to make armor that could surpass the works of Hephaestus for example. Then there was the gift from the Far East, from Oryou of all people.
Aiz always assumed the aloof woman was not exactly social. Someone that left it to her late husband. And yet…it was nothing more than a simple poem. But knowing in what sort of state she had to be, losing her loved one, having to raise a child alone…
"Promise of great love.
Burn memories in your souls.
Cruel time is fleeting."
Words of warning. Words of encouragement. This little writing was filled with so much emotion, even Aiz could feel it. She took great care to not wrinkle the paper when it was delivered, putting it on top of all the other gifts, above all else.
Cruel time…she hissed, as flashes of the past appeared before her mind's eye. How often did she wish that she made more memories with them? To ask for them to stay around her more? Now, it was too late…She shook her head. No, she couldn't focus on her regrets. She was here now, in the now, making new memories. And this time, she wouldn't lose to time this time.
She wouldn't lose anyone again, no matter what. She exhaled, returning to reality. She winced, looking at how far back the line is still going. Shaking her head, she was about to focus back on the task, when she heard someone approach from behind her. Turning around, her eyes widened momentarily as a flare of heat rose in her chest.
"Aiz. Long time no seen."
"...Ryuu…"
She shoved the searing flame in her heart deep within. Ryuu was a friend. Such an ugly feeling that came out of nowhere had no place here. With a small smile, she nodded at the elf. Despite her mask on, Ryuu smiled back before glancing at the line before her.
"There are a lot of people."
"A lot, yes." Aiz sighed before tilting her head at the elf. "How are you doing?"
"Patrolling. I am not much for organization, so I volunteered." She rubbed her right temple, her smile wavering. "Also I would end up killing Lyra and Kaguya if I had to see them bicker."
"Are they that bad?"
Aiz knew that the Astraea Familia had a closer bond than most Familia, due to their small size. It also led to a lot more dysfunctional events. The first time she saw the usual cool Ryuu be so angry at Kaguya was eye opening to say the least. Ryuu giggled before crossing her arms.
"Ironically, Lyra would be the problem in this case. She is…very obsessed with running this smoothly."
"I see." Aiz didn't. She knew what love was between two people, obviously. But to make such a big event out of it…It felt off. To have so many strangers and mere acquaintances see such an intimate moment.
"I heard what you did for Bell. I've never thanked you for that."
The Wind Princess froze. The heat flared up in her heart again. What was it? She pressed her lips together carefully, as she nodded slowly.
"...He is a friend. Helping him is natural. And...I didn't do much. The people of Rivira supported him more than I did."
"Physically, yes. But I am talking emotionally." Ryuu pulled down her mask, smiling softly. "Bell truly cares for you and your presence."
Aiz didn't know why. Or if Ryuu even spoke the truth. Yet the words wrapped around her heart, giving it a gentle warmth, unlike the disgusting magma she felt occasionally around Ryuu.
"Hm…"
"Is he though?"
Blinking, she turned to Ryuu, utterly confused.
"What?"
"Is he a friend?" Ryuu asked pointedly, her smile gone. The gentle warmth was erased by more ugliness, causing Aiz to bite her lip.
"...What are you implying?"
"I'm wondering if you truly see him as just a friend." Ryuu looked away, up at the sky. "The handholding, being at his side the entire time…"
She remembered the sensation. The rough calloused hand, that proved his hard work. Yet with such a small size, they felt kind, comforting, unbelievably warm too. She remembered how he squeezed it all the way to their home and even beyond that, as if holding onto her as his lifeline.
His sole lifeline.
Her heart beat rapidly, before Aiz shook her head frantically.
"It means nothing! He…he was frail at the time. I…I just wanted to make sure he wouldn't fall apart…I'm not trying to-!"
Ryuu calmly raised her hand, causing the Wind Princess to stop.
"Aiz, I am not mad. I don't need justifications or denials." The elf pressed her lips together. "I want to know your true feelings."
"My true feelings…?"
She didn't understand. What was Ryuu going for? And yet, when asked the question, memories resurfaced again. When they all slept in the living room of the Stardust Garden.
She recalled how Lady Hestia was the type to snore loudly, using Haruhime's tails as pillows. The Renard grimaced in her sleep, but otherwise was out like a rock. Kojiro was further away, sleeping on the chair for some reason, his back against the wall, a warrior even when he was dreaming. Welf was the opposite, sprawled across the ground, perhaps snoring even just as much as the goddess.
Then there was Bell. Next to her, holding onto her hand. His sleeping face, so soft and gentle, utterly at peace. Sometimes, Aiz could delude herself it was solely because of herself. She remembered when she looked at the reddened skin under his eyes, still stained with tears. How she just…looked at him the entire night, taking in his features. As if afraid that the moment would disappear if she blinked. As if Bell would disappear if she wasn't there for him. And yet, when she reached out with her hand to brush away the hair strands covering his face, she stopped short of touching him. In that moment, she stared at her own hand.
The hand of a killer. Stained in blood and black fire. She pulled her hand back, as if she was scorched by Bell's mere presence. So with a heavy heart, she settled for looking at him. Only looking, even if she wanted mo-
Aiz didn't even realize how hot her face was as she looked away, biting her lip to try and maintain composure as she shook her head.
"You're wrong. Bell and I…aren't like this. You don't have to worry."
"What if I am fine with it?"
Aiz felt herself freeze over. She snapped her head towards Ryuu's face, trying to look for falsehoods. Yet she saw only an unflinching gaze. Utterly confident and open, her eyes showing not a hint of teasing or falsehood.
"Wha…?"
"I want Bell to be happy above all else. And if his heart desires others to fill it because I alone am not enough for it…well, it stings my pride, but I am willing," Ryuu explained herself, as if what she said wasn't utter asinine. And yet…
Aiz imagined it. To stand by his side, with her only 'obstacle' not stopping her. To hold his hand once more. To be…at peace.
The moment the thought of peace entered her mind, the black flame surged in her soul. Showing her the destruction of the past. Showing her the abomination that caused it all. Any white light she had in her mind was eaten away by it, her eyes dulling as she immediately turned away.
"No."
"Aiz-"
"I'm done here."
Without seeing or waiting for her reaction, Aiz walked off, fleeing towards her job. The flames flickered in her heart, causing her eyes to clear up again, instead tearing up a bit as she hid around the corner, to hide away in the nearby alleys for now.
Ryuu was wrong. She didn't see Bell that way…she couldn't. And Bell…couldn't see her that way either. He had Ryuu. He couldn't have been so greedy to not be satisfied with that. And even if he wasn't…there were many other girls. As much as it hurt her to think about it, she wanted him to look at others first, not at her.
Because if she did…
Despite her blushing face, she bit her lip, grabbing the hem of her chest.
…she'd only taint him. She didn't want him to see her true self, how truly ugly she was. Because if she did…she was afraid that he would look at her differently. Or worse…try and reach out to her, only to be dragged into the Abyss alongside her.
And that was the last thing she was willing to do, as much as she yearned for him in the depths of her soul. The Avenger was not allowed to stand beside the hero, to touch the hero. She remembered the beast, the wolf, the end result of her vengeance, what she would end up into. Such a monster must not reach Bell.
That other Avenger, telling her to leave while she could…as if it was so simple. The phantom within her was right. The only one who could save her, stop her, was herself.
And the pitiful and ugly being that she was…could not do so. She lost her chance for a happy ending ever since she touched the dark flame.
The least she could do was make sure she wouldn't ruin other happy endings. This was the vow she made in her mind.
And yet, her heart was frail. It would take some time…until her tears dried up enough for her to resume her duty.