Author's notes: Let's start the next chapter! Oh, and everybody thinks the story is dead because he joined the Freya Familia? Dear good lord above. I mean you must have not read what Loki has planned. I slow clap for all of you. RIP Guests Reviewers. That and the hate for Freya is real! Oh dear, I wonder why everyone hates her so much? She is manipulative! She is also the reason for Bell conquering his fears and growing stronger. Hell, she gave him a Gilmore and had him fight high ranking monsters that got him to excel to higher heights. She was also the reason he got an okay alias instead of something stupid. Sure she's doing it for her own gains but then again no one does something for nothing. Oh, and let's not forget she just stopped Hestia from getting destroyed by Apollo. Then there was that whole thing about Ishtar. At the very least she is honest about her feelings towards Bell. I like Freya because she makes warriors not man babies. That and she's Norse! Norse gods are awesome, and no I'm not saying that because 'Marvel Movies'.
What's so great about Greek Gods that treat Humans like trash? I don't know, but apparently, everyone likes them! Even though the Norse gods died fighting to save the world. This Chapter might seem like it stops short from being done but I decided to cut it down because, well... Oh my lord, I have not updated in almost a year and need to get back into it! 14,00 words are enough!
Character quote of the day: "Oh no… You lead her to me, Hermes! It's Hera!" ~ Zeus
Story: Somebody Up There Likes Me
Chapter Fourteen: Time to Say Goodbye
Eina had a gloomy expression on her face and it was only getting worse. It had been a month since she had seen Bell or even heard of him. He hadn't returned from the dungeon. The last time she had seen him was on that trip. No date, as he had implied to get him some armor. No one had seen or heard of the teen since then. That was a major problem for her since she was responsible for him after all. It was worse because no one knew what had happened to him. Most of the time people would find something that belonged to adventurers if they had fallen in battle. The fact that there was nothing gave her a small amount of hope and lots of doubt.
Not she wanted someone to find out if he died for sure, but this not knowing was eating away at her. She just wanted it to stop so she could think clearly once again.
'Just where are you Bell Cranel?' She wondered to herself. They tell you not to get too involved with your clients. It was hard for her not to. They were someone you see every day and it's not like she did many things besides work. She wasn't one for going out. There was that, but Bell just had this way of making you want to worry about him. 'Unreliable,' She smiled slightly at the mental statement.
It wasn't enough to keep her from fearing the worst had happened. She felt awful about the whole thing. It didn't help that Rosa kept looking at her with that knowing look. She didn't like that look at all. She just wanted to see that goofy smile of his as he walked in here looking like he almost died rather than not seeing him at all. That way she could rube it in Rosa's face for acting so knowingly. He couldn't have died, right? She knew it is always a high possibility with how unpredictable the dungeon is. That and his case jumped that to eleven.
A no level going as far as he has is pretty remarkable. Add the fact that he didn't look all that powerful or strong, to begin with. He looked pretty weak. He had no muscle mass, looked like a pretty boy, and acted like a kid too. Well, he was a kid in those regards. A Fourteen-year-old boy that seemed to live past most people's expectations.
Sure, Rosa had a point when it came to this job. That, however, doesn't mean she had to like that outlook. Bell, just had to be the least reliable guy out there too. 'Damn him for making Rosa have the told-you-so attitude, and damn her too! Ugh, what a fickle adventurer that boy is!'
'Don't worry Eina! I swear I won't get hurt as bad as before!'
Almost dies to a silverback not even in the dungeon. 'How does that even happen?' She laughed to herself as the thought of that dumb look he would have when she worried about him. Always trying to pacify her rage and failing at it. 'He can't even keep his promises, how untrustworthy!'
She sighed to herself as she was looking over more adventurer forms that had gathered over her workspace. No matter what she did, she couldn't get that boy out of her head. He had grown on her. She once again found herself getting too involved with clients once again. 'Maris…' Her first Adventurer. They had become good friends and one day she was killed in the dungeon. She didn't want the same to happen with Bell.
She went back to reading over a new form after stamping approval of the last one. Eina heard voices speaking loudly up at the front. She wondered if that was the Soma Familia again. They were becoming quite more active as of late. They were even causing a scene trying to get more vails than the goods they brought actually coast. She stood up to see what the commotion was about.
"Eina!" Someone loud had called out for her in a really cheery way. That was very odd. It sounds like a young boy that's voice hadn't deepened yet. She didn't have many adventurers that would openly callout for her like that… She started moving faster towards the counter. 'It can't be, I'm imagining this.' Yet it didn't stop her from moving her faster.
"You can't bring that thing in here!"
"I am not a thing!"
"I-it can- it can speak?!"
"Helix, just stay calm, please. People just won't accept you just yet. Getting angry will only make it worse." She blinked at the voice and realized that it sounded very familiar. It might just be the person who was on her mind the most this past month. No. It was. Her brain was just seconding guessing what she was hearing.
She turned the corner and saw a teen being confronted by Rosa. Rosa was looking at the black rabbit that was sitting atop the teen's head. No, it wasn't a rabbit it was an Almiraj! There was a monster on the top of the boy's- "Bell?!"
She wanted to break down. Truly in the most unreliable fashion, he came in looking like he was almost killed and there was even a real monster on his head. Only Bell could pull off this kind of situation. She felt like crying but she started laughing instead. The insanity of this was too much.
`Oh, I can't wait to throw this back at Rosa later!'
Hearing her say his name caused the boy to grin and turn to her, "Eina!" He called out loudly. "You wouldn't believe where I've been!" He looked excited to explain that too. He hadn't noticed the totally relieved look that flashed across her face after her laughter died down. Good. You couldn't give Bell an inch or he would take everything.
She sent a heated glare at the teen as she took in his appearance. He looked like he almost died once again. There was nothing new about this, nope. Same results. Broken promise and the armor was all broken too! Every time he came back from the dungeon he always looks like this. "Seeing an almiraj on your head tells me you went far too deep in the dungeon!" He cringed at the loudness of her voice, "Why is there an almiraj on your head, and why isn't it trying to kill you and everyone else?" She paused and looked a little shocked, "Oh my word, you tamed it didn't you?"
"Well yes, but actually no." He said mysteriously.
'Is that all he is going to say on this matter! Oh, he has another thing coming!' She grit her teeth with seething anger, "Do you honestly think I'm going to-"
"I am Helix, Miss Eina!" The rabbit monster interjected into the conversation, "The Jackalope has informed me of you. I thank you for watching over him."
Her eyes slightly widened behind her glasses hearing the almiraj talk, and well thank her as well. She recovered quickly, "Uh, you're welcome," she looked back at Bell expectantly, "What happened?"
He laughed sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, "Well, it's a very long story that covers over a month." Bell was starting to be crowded by other adventurers and guild members. All eager to hear this story of his. They were encroaching on her job, and most of the guild members all said the kid was dead. Now they act as they care? Yeah, they can hear it from her, a bunch of sh-!
She pointed over to a booth on the far side of the room, "We'll discuss this over there to have some privacy. Guild policy, I'm afraid." She spoke to the gathering group. She smirked a little bit at Rosa. Her ears dropped at the look she was sending her. Oh, she knew she had this one coming.
He nodded his head, "Yeah, sure." He said and moved to the booth she had directed him too. There was a look of dread on his face. Good, he had a lot of explaining to do! "I'll have to give you a short version because I am pressed on time."
"Yes, we are on a limited schedule and have to meet up with the rest on our way to Siberia." The almiraj added more detail to Bell's previous statement.
"Siberia!?" She blurted out in sheer surprise. 'Of all the places! What happened down there!?'
Bell released a loud and an over-exaggerated sigh. His eyes glared up at Helix. "Yeah, Siberia. It's a very long story." He finished as they sat down at the booth. "Where to start…" He paused. "I went down into the dungeon like I normally would. I was going off one of those stories I told you about. My grandfather had told me a story about an adventurer that came across a Rock that looked like a goblin. It turns out the story was true and on the fifth floor, there is a portal that will lead you to a goblin that can use fire magic to the point he can become flames. He is a Monster Rex and far more powerful than I am."
"Wait, you mean to tell me you found out about another monster rex? On the fifth floor that can use fire magic?" She repeated.
Bell nodded at her, "Yeah, he also has an army of armored Goblins too. The Rat King's Riddle opens the portal to him. I should also mention that the portal - once you leave - it takes you to the eighteenth floor and not the fifth."
She blinked staring at Bell with amazement. "Then how are you- you-"
"Alive?" He finished for her. She gave a quick nod for him to answer. "Well, I got pulled out of Goblin's lair by and an amazon named Bache. She had followed me into the dungeon. She trained me for an entire month down there on the eighteenth floor. I also taught her common since she couldn't read it. It was one of those help me help you kind of deals. When we left we came across the Loki Familia that had just gotten done killing Goliath. We were making our way out of the higher floors when we got surrounded by monsters. Meaningless to say this is where I took a heavy beating."
"I can tell." She rolled her eyes. 'This is quite the tale. To think a no-level could go this far and come back every time.' She should be madder. She was mad don't get her wrong. It was just hearing his tale being explained and how the circumstances kept getting worse and weirder. He was smiling as he was talking moving his hands as he explained everything. What a hopeless adventurer. She made sure to write everything she could down.
'Only Bell could pull something like this off.'
"However, this is where the story gets nuts."
"You mean it continues?!"
Scene Change: Twilight House
Loki watched as Riveria pulled out a dark green crystal from a crate, "Found it finally?" The red-haired goddess inquired impatiently as she taps her foot. They were in the Twilight House's warehouse where they kept all of their loot and unused equipment. It was in the back of the estate at the edge of the courtyard. Trees covered it from immediate sight. Out of sight and out of mind she always said.
"Indeed," The high elf answered standing up to her full height. Her emerald green eyes gleamed as she examined the crystal in her hands carefully, "I would have never conceived to employ one of the memory shards so anon."
Loki grinned madly at her familia member. Her dark side must have been showing once more. Not like it mattered at the moment. Something she had wanted was just in her reach and she was known to go ten miles if an opportunity presents itself. "It matters little how soon we use them. Only that they have a purpose. I will finally have Freya on the ropes and I will make sure we use this opportunity to our fullest ability." She cackled loudly to herself, "The best part of this whole ordeal is she has no idea what is going to hit her. We will blindside her much like how we did to Zeus and what was left of his Familia! The look on her face will be priceless! In fact, grab another one so we can keep replaying the image! That will be a great prank!"
Riveria places the green shards in her brown satchel and made to grab another one, "I do hope you are accurate, I fear she might slither from our grasps like the serpent she is." Doubt was showing on her soft delicate face. It was quick to disappear from her as she looked confident once more.
Loki frowned at her vice-captain, "No, she is far worse than a snake, my dear. She is a powerful, vicious dragon. Unlike Zeus, she is at full power and loves confrontation on all fronts. Freya might like to use her playful and seductive guises, but under that is a Goddess that loves the battlefield far more than her own looks. She will bring us to ruin if we mess this up. If what you have isn't enough then I'm afraid we will have to back down and wait for the right time to launch this plan." She noticed Riveria lost her confidence as she glanced back down at her bag. Loki grinned at her, "However, I have always found a way to get under her skin. If what you have is enough, we can put her in a corner in which she will back down. We will win Bell, deny her, put her in her place amongst us, but it will put us in her sights."
"There must be some way to confront her as we did with Zeus." The elf mused deep in thought. Loki was quick to put this carriage of thought down.
Loki shook her head, "Not at this time. Freya is one of the main reasons Aries keeps away from Orario. It's why she gets so much leeway with Ouranos and is allowed to do as she pleases. If we can prove she is breaking one of the most important rules regarding her being here then we can break her bond with him. That is what I plan for right now. She will no longer get away with her little actions and secret wars. We will make her lose all those privileges that Ouranos gives her, and in turn, they will belong to me."
Riveria's eyes close in on her goddess's face. She was wearing that smirk of hers. Whenever she reached this point, it would mean something very consequential was on the horizon, "So she will be forced to cease her current schemes?"
"Or delay them, that is enough and we can possibly push Finn to level seven and match her own familia. Knowing Ouranos he will put a ban on her familia and they won't be able to go into the dungeon for a year which will be huge for us." Loki scratched her chin, "Go get Ais and have her do the same process as yourself." She clapped her hands together, "By tomorrow morning I want to bring this case to Ouranos for public engagement."
Riveria bowed, "As you desire." As she was leaving she heard her Goddess start laughing. It got louder and louder as she left. Riveria decided to quicken her pace out of there. Her goddess could get very intimidating sporadically.
Loki watched her leave. Once she was gone, her laughter died and a frown was set on her face. 'You have always been so impatient. I just don't know what you were thinking? Making a mistake like this is far too out of character for you. This is not something you would do even on a bad day. Why then?'
Loki slowly strolled out of the storage house and moved to the Twilight House. 'What an odd turn of events. To risk yourself like this for a boy no less. Well, I can understand that he shows a great amount of potential, his looks, uh… niceness! Gahhhhh!' She covered her growing red face with her hands. Who was she kidding! She would have done something similar if she had thought of it. Maybe have her familia escort him to her and refill out his paperwork and she would take him then and there!
She shook her head at the thoughts. "Ugh, I need some sleep." She muttered to herself. She did have a long mouth. She had also thought that the boy had died too. There was absolutely no word from him or even a sighting. It was good that he had survived. She wanted to know more about the story of how a no-level ended up on the eighteenth floor. "I need a bedtime story~!"
Sence Change: Bell Cranel
I finally left the guild with a parting hug from Eina. That was a massive surprise. 'My charms must finally be taking effect!' I handed in all that I earned on that wild adventure. I was rich at this moment in time. I made forty-three million, six hundred and twenty-six thousand, three hundred and four vails in that month. That and if I could prove my claims about the dungeon there was an ever-larger sum of money I could make. That's not counting what the others took. We had split the monster stones based off of what we killed. The whole experience was life-changing, to say the least. Those Juggernaut monster crystals were insanely expensive.
The look on Eina and Rosa's faces as they cashed those crystals in was priceless.
It was kind of sad that I would be leaving for a while. I had all this money that I couldn't do anything with! Shaking those thoughts from my head, I grinned. I knew a place I had to visit before I left. I knew that if I didn't I will have to face the wrath of the Hostess. Not something I really wanted to face at the moment either but I am not a coward! Zeus had told me that I should not make powerful women mad at me. There was something off with those girls. I don't know what it was just yet, but I will most likely find out. Knowing my luck.
"Okay Helix, we have one last stop before we go to Folkvangr," I informed the rabbit monster on my head as I changed directions. 'Ugh, that name. What language is that from? I never heard anything like that before.' I could ponder that later though.
"That would be?" His deep voice resounds off my eardrums.
"The Hostess, of course." I divulged, "Have to let them know I'm okay, you know. The last thing I want is for them to get upset at me for not coming to see them. I would not want to have to face them when I come back if I didn't. That and I'm sure Mia will want to see me." I sighed at the last part. I probably owed her back rent or something. 'That crafty big Dwarf. How could you be a dwarf and be that tall anyway!?' It didn't make sense. It hurt to think about. Well, then again she wasn't the tallest woman I had ever seen. Those amazons were like the Tower of Babel compared to me. Even if I grew taller I doubt I would be as tall as one of those Amazons. I might get my height from my mother, which means I won't get much taller.
I had just turned onto the street that housed the Hostess. I couldn't help but see people keeping their distance from me. It had to have been because of Helix. I did not want to cause a problem with the Hostess's staff so I might have to hide him in my backpack. "Hey Helix, I need for you to hide in my bag. I don't want someone attacking us. These stares are not putting me at ease."
"I understand," The monster hopped from my head and into my opened bag. With that out of the way. I could enter the Hostess without worry.
I saw the Hostess and I saw Chloe Rollo sweeping the stones around the entrance. I cringed seeing her. I could tell she had a creepy liking for me. She tended to go after the young ones from what I have seen. I could tell by watching how she interacts with customers. She seems kind but a little cold to the older folk while being warm and extremely friendly with young boys.
She looks like she was down in the dumps for some reason. Then again she would always scowl when she got this job during the week but it seems to be a lot worse. "Hi, Chloe! How are you today?" I greeted the cat person happily hoping to get her out of her bad mood. In an instant, like a torch being lit in a dark cave her face lit up brightly. There was a lot of hope being shown on that face of hers.
I guess she had to confirm it was me by looking at me. She closed the distance so fast that I hadn't even seen her move. That was not normal. "Oh, I'm so happy you are alive and well Bell!" She beamed as she threw her arms around me. "No one has heard anything from you in ages! We were all really worried. Me especially!"
I smiled and hugged her back until I felt her hands creeping lower towards my butt. 'This shameless woman!' I moved my mouth closer to her ears, "What are you doing?" Had she gone mad? We were in public and she was on the job!
"Feeling your progress- Oh wow, you so much harder since the last time!" She said with utter joy as she gave another squeeze.
STOP! STOP! Bad touch! I was quick to fight my way out of her hold which was a lot stronger than what I had expected- 'How strong is this woman!?' I yelled mentally in disbelief. I could not escape her grasp! Wait! Do cat people have the same likes as cats or have cat-like senses? If they do, I found a way out of her hold. I moved my hand to the tip of her ears. I was quick to set my plan into motion because I fear that this older woman would take things further than she should. I rubbed the tips of her ears and gently started twisting her ears. She froze in place at the unexpected action and I was able to pull out of her hold. I was about to push open the door but her hands reattached around my waist.
'Oh, this can't be-'
"Bell?!" The catgirl's hands dropped as fast as they were placed on my hips. I heard a small growl from behind me showing the woman's frustration. The sound was cut off quickly. I was saved by Syr! I got a good look at her face, and I felt true terror. 'That look is absolutely murderous,' I notice that look wasn't set on me though. A small glance behind me and Chloe was nowhere to be seen.
'Oh, thank the gods!' I mentally cheered at Syr's entrance. "Hi, Syr! I came over as soon as I could."
She closed the distance between us and I could see her smiling happily at my appearance. She stopped right in front of me and grabbed my hands in her own, "I knew you would be okay."
I was taken aback at her words and actions. It was nice to have someone have faith in you like that. "Thanks for believing in me then." I couldn't help the goofy smile that appeared on my face, "Mostly everyone else had believed otherwise."
Her smile dropped and her eyes were cold once I said that. "Then they are fools for not seeing you as I do." I could feel a little heat rise to my cheeks with that one. That was pretty sweet of her to say. "Still," She looked a lot me with a heated expression all of a sudden, "You should have told me that you were going to be gone for so long! I thought you would be back the same day you left." She let go of my hands and put her hands on her hips and she leaned forward just a bit to get closer to me.
She seemed angry and annoyed, I had to defuse this quickly, "I didn't plan for it, honest. Just a bunch of unexpected things happened. Trust me on this, if I had a way to contact someone it would have been you."
Her anger was quick to dissipate and a light blush found a new home on her cheeks, "Charmer," she whined playfully. Mission successful! She smiled closing her hands together at her front swaying much like a branch in the wind. "I can tell you had it rough. That new armor you bought has seen better days." She came close to me and her smile seem far more joyful rather than playful, "I hope you tell me the story! I bet it's a good one!"
I couldn't help but grin with excitement. Syr did love to hear about the stories of adventurers. "Oh yeah, it's a good one for sure. I'll tell it to you once you gathered the others-" I paused once I saw movement behind her, "Oh, hello Ryuu!" I said waving to the older woman. She didn't react much to me. Then again I wasn't expecting much out of her. She was very calm and in control of her emotions most of the time.
"Cranel, It seems you are well." She said with no emotion other than recognition. As she stepped into place right by Syr's side.
I grinned at her, "Of course I'm fine. Just a series of unfortunate events."
She did not smile back. She narrowed her eyes at me. "You worried Syr quite a bit with that series of unfortunate events. She was even crying-" She informed me, looking to Syr I noticed a betrayed look on her face.
"Ryuu!" She whined as she jumped behind the girl in embarrassment, interrupting the elf. "What are you saying to Bell!?"
Ryuu looked genuinely confused and raised her eyebrow at her, "Is this not what I was supposed to say?"
"You big idiot!" She cried before running off to the hallway and up the stairs.
Ryuu looked stunned for a moment before turning back to me. I shrugged at her. She sighed into her hand, "I better go find out what I said that upset her." She announced and quickly left after the white-haired girl.
I frowned for a second and nodded to myself, "Well, this hasn't gone how I expected it to." Looking around the dining room of the restaurant I notice that it wasn't completely set up. I went over to one of the tables near the bar that had been set been set up and sat down. I put my head in my left hand as I leaned forward. 'Hm, I can't say I'm happy with this. It feels too off' Not with the Hostess mind you, but this whole mess I find myself in. My life had become quite the adventurer thus far!
Heck, honestly you could write a story about it. There hasn't been much of a dull moment or even a real moment of rest. Maybe I need a moment to myself to think. Clear my mind a bit. A lot of things were going to change for me now that all of this has happened.
For one I joined a Familia, the strongest one in the city too. From what I have seen I'm not that well-liked by the Familia members. I guess they feel that I am taking their goddess away from them. They were jealous of how much Freya was watching me. They must have noticed that.
'Freya.' She had been watching me herself. Silently observing over me. Pushing me closer to her side. I'm starting to think it might have been easier staying solo for a few moments longer. Not saying I don't like her, on the contrary, I have fallen for her. It's just her familia that is the problem.
Her face alone could attract the entire attention of a coliseum that was holding an event. Her purple alluring eyes, however, is something that I couldn't get past though. They seemed to tell me everything and nothing all at once. They inspired awe, demanded attention, and craved want. There was also a purple fire in there too. Flames that burned high, and danced around in a battle of emotions.
You know, I thought I would be going down in the dungeon and saving maidens from danger. Not it to be the other way around. Then again, who would have thought the Goddess of beauty would love fighting more than her own looks? That and she can trash talk. I have a feeling she was just doing that to impress me more than anything.
Well, color me impressed. There looks to be a lot of things I could learn from her. I mean she even gave me a gift! It was quite amazing. 'Is she spoiling me already?' I chuckled at the thought. Well, speaking of said gift. "Hey Helix," I whispered, "Pass me that book Freya gave me."
"You plan to use the Grimoire now?" The Almiraj leader asked quietly following my lead. It pushed the book up from the bag and I grabbed it.
"Might as well, no telling when those two will come back or when Mia might show up. That and I really can't think of a safer place than this before we hit the road." I told my little helper. 'Okay, I believe all I have to do to activate it is to open it.' Pushing past my nervousness, I open the book to discover a blinding white light blasting out of the book, "Holy-"
Sence Change: Inside Grimoire
Even from here I could feel the light on my face, the cooling breeze rustling my hair. I felt content laying here with my hands behind my head as I rested my legs. Heck, not even the hot sun beating down on me was enough to put me at unease. My eyes were gazing up at the baby blue sky above me. I could even notice some of the tall light green grass on the corners of my vision swaying in the wind freely. I had been resting here in this meadow for what felt like a couple of hours now.
I knew for a fact that couldn't be true. I was just in the Hostess not even a second ago. 'My body feels so much heavier than before. What happened? I'm in the grimoire?'
I sat up from my spot to check around the meadow with caution. Never knew when something unexpected might be approaching. Seeing that I was still safe amongst the green sea, I let out a blissful sigh. It was a beautiful sight. Tall conifers trees surrounded the meadow on all sides leaving it enclosed as if they were a natural wall. Yellow and purple wildflowers spread across the large patch of green in a bright display of colors. I couldn't help but smile at the wonderful meadow before me. It would make a beautiful painting should someone find the time to make it. Gazing back up at the sky I could see large puffy, white clouds moving in from what I believed to be northwest.
Then right before my eyes, the wind picked up and I was quick to spin around. It felt like there was something behind me. What I saw next shocked me.
It was myself standing before me. I knew it wasn't me. Realizing that I had been using the grimoire. This doppelganger had to be the Grimoire taking my form. I just didn't expect things to turn out like this. "Are you the grimoire?" I asked perplexed with what I was seeing.
"Aye," It confirmed before moving on. "Who are you?" The Grimoire spoke up in my own voice with a little bit of something else there too. Of course, it did. Anything else and it would be more creepy than it already was. It almost sounded hollow. Like it wasn't alive which makes sense now that I think about it.
"I am Bell Cranel," I stated easily not understanding where the magic book was going with this.
"And who is Bell Cranel?" Was the next question I was asked.
I blinked at the question. I could say many things about myself, but the first thing that I did say was…
"An adventurer."
There was a wide grin on the grimoire's face. That must have been the right answer, "What is the main reason for an adventurer? What is your purpose?"
I frowned at the questions I was being presented. What was the Grimoire trying to do? "To explore the world freely. I would say that is my purpose, my job. I have always liked exploring and seeing new things."
"What is freedom?" Out everything I had just said it went with freedom? Okay, I was lost with this. Once again it was making me overthink the question. How do you explain freedom? What is true freedom?
"To not be shackled down, I guess. To have the will to do what you want without consequences. Freedom is to be like the wind. Always moving, somewhere or another," I answered with what I believed to be the answer. Freedom was a loose concept and can be translated into many different forms that depended on the person you were asking.
The grimoire reached its hand out, "By the power invested in me by the Goddess Freya, I grant you, Bell Cranel, with the spell Unshackled Wind. Be free like the wind and allow it to flow with you in any way possible."
"What?" I whispered out, 'Woah, Freya makes her own grimoires?' Then that means this grimoire is far more powerful than the ones made by a human or even a high elf which is known for their high magic ability. What was Freya thinking by giving me something like this? Was she even allowed to make grimoires in the first place? This goddess was making me ask so many questions. I had to wonder why she has favored me so far. I get that I might be special as I am the last of my kind but she could not have possibly known that before.
She saw something in me before I ever had. How very interesting. My thought process was cut short. I could see the powerful magic bursting from the grimoire.
And just like that, I felt a strong gust of wind surround me. The grass around me was pushed down and flattened yet I remained fine. Only my clothes were pulled at. The grimoire disappeared as the wind picked up even more and made my sight blurry.
The wind calmed and I was left in the field by myself standing there. I had no idea what I was supposed to do at the moment. I looked around for a sign but an answer never came.
I guess I have to use the spell once before I leave?
"Yeah," That had to be it. I put my palm forward and said the name of the spell, "Unshackled wind!"
Nothing happened…
"Huh, it didn't work," I mumbled out looking back at my hand. Maybe I had to imagine what I want the wind to do?
"Unshackled wind," I tried again with more conviction in my voice. I also pictured a circular wall around me much as I had seen previously. Wind burst forth from my palm and surrounded me in a defensive barrier.
"Hmm, could this be a defensive spell?" I muttered out aloud after seeing the effects. "Looks like I will need Freya to read over the skill once I'm done at the Hostess." I planned out aloud amongst myself. I still had to see her before I left. This was going to be an interesting conversation. I had a load of questions I want answers for.
"I wonder if I can do more with this spell-" I couldn't finish my sentence or cart of thought as I was blinded by a light. There was a bright glow from my hands and quickly spread over me. My eyes felt heavy all of a sudden. I slowly fell onto the soft, cold grassy ground. My eyes closed once again and my world went dark once more.
Sence Change: Hostess Dining room
My eyes fluttered open to the sound of my name and someone with their hand on my shoulder shaking me lightly. My grogginess was quick to fade from my eyes and I notice I was surrounded by the entire staff of the Hostess of Fertility. Mia was standing at the front of the table with a look of understanding on her face. Hm, that was interesting in itself. Seems she knew what had happened. Syr looked worried, Ryuu and Lunoire looked interested in what happened, Anya looked cheerful like always, and Chloe looked stunned. "Hello there." I greeted the gathering of women around me with a lopsided smile.
"You're, like ahh, heavy sleeper!" Anya Fromel smiled down cheerfully at me. It was her that was shaking me awake. She was a bit energetic it seemed. She was always a cheerful one.
"He wasn't sleeping." Came Mia Grand's voice as she explained the details to the cat person. "He was inside the grimoire. You alright there sonny? Those things can have some heavy drawbacks."
"Yes, can't say I knew what was going to happen and didn't expect it to be... that," I informed the woman shaking my head to wake up some more.
She nodded, "I remember when I used one. It was about the same but I wasn't with some of the best of company."
I shook my head, that sounded like a story that I might want to hear at a later date. She seemed to know more about grimoires than I thought she would. My hunch was right, she was an adventurer at one point. "How long was I out for?"
"About an hour or more," She informed me.
"What? It felt shorter than that!"
"Time flies by when you're in one of those. It makes changes to you based off of what skill or spell you were granted." She broke down the process more and I think I'm starting to get it. "I'm surprised it took so short. I was out of it for about five."
"No kidding," I grunted finally getting over it. I flash the group of women a smile, "Thanks for watching over me then." This, of course, got me amusing reactions from the girls. Mia gave a hearty laugh seeing her girls reactions.
"Please," She smirked at me, "You knew full well that this was the safest place to use it. You silver-tongued little tike." I couldn't help but laugh at that. Mia was pretty fast if she was able to call me out like that. "Now, let us talk about your back rent." She tried to look menacing but I was having such a good time that it was hard to knock me down a peg.
"That's fine, I probably have more than enough to pay it off." I dismissed her tactic to scare me. "I did end up killing a juggernaut after all," I smirked at her as she looked a little stunned before becoming serious. The other girls - minus Anya - around the table seemed to be shocked by what I had said. Even Syr looked taken aback for a minute before recovering. 'It would seem that they all know what that is. Could this place actually be a place for misfit girls?' Now that was a thought.
Mia pulled out the chair in front of her and sat down in front of me, "I was hoping to hear about your story from the girls but now I wish to hear it from you. We have three hours before this place opens and I'm giving you two to explain."
"Oh, I love storytime!" Anya cheered happily hearing a story was about to be told.
I chuckled at the cat person, "Oh, I'm sure you will all find my tale a little out there, but trust me this all happened. So I think I will begin with my run into a bunch of Amazons."
"Amazons?" Syr asked in confusion
"Yeah, like the real deal. Not like the ones that live here but the ones from Telskyura. Those women are a bunch of battle craving brutes, that is for sure. As I was saying it all started when I got to the tower of Babel..."
Sence Change: Two hours later
It was getting late and the Hostess was about to open in thirty minutes. I was standing outside the doors looking up at the setting sun. I sighed. After my tale, things went from happy and peaceful to downtrodden. It would seem that none of them liked the idea of me leaving with a horde of millions of monsters. I get it, but it had to be done. I pushed myself off of the side of the building. Syr was far more upset by what I had said.
I understood her reason for being upset. It would seem right after I got back from my disappearance I would disappear for far longer than my previous time before. I had to wonder if this is what It felt like for a soldier leaving behind his family to go off to battle. Well, maybe a lot worse because I wasn't really in a relationship with anyone just yet.
I sighed to myself as I milled into the crowd, "Bell!" I paused to see Syr looking at me. I was quick to make my way to her. I looked at her, "I- I'm sorry. It's just that… You just got back and you're already leaving again. This time it is even longer than before."
I put a hand on top of her head. "It's fine Syr, I get your feelings. I don't want to be gone that long either but it is something I have to do. I'll be back sooner rather than later." That, of course, I had no way of knowing that. I just wanted her to feel better about this.
She smiled at me in a strange matter, "You can't possibly know that." She told me and it made me feel a little guilt in saying it.
"Your right," I agreed with her, "I will try though. I can't say I will like it up there but…" I paused as she kissed me on my cheek. "Wha-"
"For luck," she smiled sweetly at me.
The shock wore off fast and I grinned like a fool, "Yeah, um, for luck." Goddess above she made me so nervous. I got outplayed by Syr this time. I have to get her back once I get back. "I have to go, I still have to see Freya before I leave the city," I said quickly trying to pull myself together.
"Just be careful around her, I have heard some pretty odd stories about her," Syr said with an odd tone. It sounds more knowing rather than speculation based off of rumors.
"I've already met her, she doesn't seem that bad," I said a little dismissively.
She frowned deeper at me, "Bell," she droned.
I chuckled at her and ruffled up her hair, "Okay. I get it."
She waved my hand away from her head, puffing her cheeks out at me. "Are you trying to make me look bad right before work? You fool!"
I gave a blinding smile, "Now Syr, that is impossible." She looked away from me. 'Got her.' I cheered in my head, "I'll see you when I get back. I'll make it my first stop if you so wish."
"You would do that for me?" She fluttered her eyelashes at me. I wanted to snort at that. The very talented actress she was.
"Of course I would, well I really should be going now. I'll see you when I get back, Syr." I said as started walking away from the Hostess. I hear her call out to me again as she waved me off. 'Just one last stop before I can finally leave and get this whole thing over with.' As I was walking down the street, I couldn't help but take in the sights once more. I wouldn't be seeing this place for a while. Of course, I would remember it, but I just want to. You could never know what might happen when I'm gone. So much could change or nothing could change. Remembering that mapmaker, he did say things do change often here.
I sighed to myself when I realized just how far Folkvangr was from this location. "All the way down south!' It would take me a while to get down there. It was located right by the southern gate and in the business area. It was apparently a giant mansion that has a solemn structure similar to a temple. It covers a large area and is surrounded by four large walls, and a garden large enough for all Familia members to assemble in. I really wanted to see this place! It sounded really cool!
I just wonder what was in store for me. The rest of Freya's Familia couldn't be as bad as the ones I have met already, right? I honestly hope not. I don't think I could get used to being disliked by most or all of the Familia. I might regret doing this in the long run. I know for a fact Zeus would be mad at me for doing so. He said I should not allow myself to make decisions based off of women and my emotional feelings towards them.
I know, that's a shocker coming from the guy who screams 'harem' at me whenever he could.
Nevermind that, I just can't allow myself to look like an idiot or a fool. Most of her familia looks serious and ready for combat whenever. That means they must fight whenever they get a chance to. From what I have seen, Freya loves combat. This must be a trait that is passed down from her to the rest of the Familia. That made me smirk a little bit. I would get stronger faster meaning I would finally get a shot at good old one eye.
Well, I was ready either way. Expect the worse, be surprised by anything else. Hm, that and I had to get Freya to look at my skills and my status. I really wanted to know what it was now. I wonder just how much magic I have. That and I might get to spend some time with the Goddess too! I just hope I don't do anything stupid.
I could feel my nervousness building up, butterflies in the stomach if you will. Ugh, to think I had fallen for a Goddess. One that is very well sought after too. One that could probably kill me with a flick to the forehead, just as she could make me melt in place with a wink. I couldn't help but believe that this is exactly what she had wanted. I had fallen into her arms the moment she saved me. I don't think I have ever been as amazed as I was back then. I was probably one of the only to see a Goddess in some form of actual combat.
"Is there something wrong, Jakalope?" I could hear Helix asked as he popped his head out of the bag.
"No Helix, there is nothing wrong. I guess I'm just excited and nervous. Today is my last day here before I march out to a completely unknown land. It feels like all of a sudden, I finally get what I have been trying to get only for it to be pushed to the side by something else. I mean, I won't get to experience the Freya Familia until I get back." I informed Helix of my thoughts on this whole matter. "It's like I'm just realizing that I'm in charge of millions of rabbits. It is odd and very out of place. I guess I can say I just don't want all of this responsibility placed on me. I don't feel as if I'm ready for it. No matter what I want to think, these nagging thoughts or there and they cause me to be more reluctant than I was before."
"You are troubled, why are you only voicing these thoughts now?"
"It just me and you. I don't have to look all strong and tough about it. I just didn't want to look weak about it, you know. Now I'm not saying I'm not going to do it and everything, it's just that I mean I really haven't grown or done anything. If there are some large monsters up there I will be in big trouble."
"I see your point. You combat abilities or lacking. You are not confident in your abilities to protect us because we will be protecting you. I understand. I will think more about this."
I can honestly say I wanted way more combat experience before doing something like I was doing. I was still fresh and in training. Sure, I got trained by Bache but that was for a month and I still don't feel confident.
"I'll have to be very careful and I honestly don't know how I will survive the winter. No one has yet." I said aloud. That also got me thinking. Why had no one survived a winter there? Was it just that cold, or was there another reason? Could there be something out there that only came out during the winter months? It was hard to understand what I had to face in place so untraveled to.
I finally hit the business district and what I could see was a big show of wealth. It seemed like a lot of rich people lived in the south district. I paused though when I saw a large structure in the distance. I saw it. Folkvangr. It stood high and at the very top was a statue of a woman in armor with a sword and shield. Right below the statue was what looked to be four serpent heads pointing out in four directions. It looked like an old temple much unlike my previous idea. Most of the building was covered in plants. There also seemed to be a lot of trees that were poking over the top of the tall stone and wood walls that surrounds the building.
I saw the gate doors were already open wide. There was a woman standing in the middle of the path that leads into the compound. I couldn't see her face very well as there was a helmet on her head that covered most of her head and eyes. The helmet had a wing-like design. Around her mouth was a red scarf and a red cloak with fur around the neck. Her armor was a dark silver that almost looks black. A shield was on her back and an ax on her left hip. I can see light brown hair falling from the helmet.
I stopped before her not too far away from her but also not too close either, "Hello," I greeted casually.
She got closer to me, "Bell Cranel, right?" She didn't sound all that happy. I had to wonder if she was out there waiting for me to show up. Oh, I sure hope that is not the case.
"Yes, I'm Bell," I said noting the woman was five-eleven.
She seemed to relax a bit but her voice didn't change too much. "I am Helun, I have been instructed to take you to our Goddess. Follow me." She said and turned away from me and pressed on. I followed after her. I want to ask her how long she was waiting for me but I decided against it. I was taking in the sights around me instead.
Walking under the archway I could see different colored wooden shields and banners that hung down. Finally, inside the compound, I could see the whole building. Once again I was taken away by the looks. It was made from wood and stone and matched the same look of the wall that surrounded it. It had many statues of warriors, valkyries, and the centerpiece was Freya at the top of the building. The building was old but well kept. It held a powerful air around it. It was home to warriors who were not afraid of war and change. The building didn't feel out of place with all the flowers and green trees and bushes around it. Ivy grew on the stone walls but it was contained in an orderly fashion. It had to be expensive.
The building was also not as wide as you would believe it was. However, it was very tall and long. It was like a mansion in the woods. "Keep up!" I was quick to realize I had fallen behind her.
"Right!" I called out and speed up to not fall behind her again.
'Now that's a homey feeling.' It reminded me much of my old home back in my village. I had a smile cross my lips. Looking past the trees I could see other Familia members walking around on the walls. 'Patrols, on the walls and the ground.' I thought to myself. My eyes took in the massive wooden door, and there was an image depicted on the door. On the left door, there was a massive snake-like creature and a giant wolf. Both were breathing some kind of element. Fire and a cloud smoke or something? On the right door, there was a bunch of people rushing at the beast.
So many questions I wanted to ask. There was just so much here that made my curiosity start running wild. Was this a telling of past events? Or was this things to come? When I see Freya I might have to ask her.
"We are entering the dining hall." I blinked at that. Wait the dining hall was at the front of the building? She pushed the large wooden doors open with ease. I was hit by the smell of food and my mind was blown away at the sights before me. The hall was completely wooden, the pillars were handcrafted with designs all over them. There were circle chandeliers with candles hanging from the ceiling. Shields and weapons decorated the walls. There were at least five fires pits - made of stones with iron rails - that ran down the long dining hall. Ladders lead to the second floor expect at the end of the hall where there were steps that lead up to the second floor and the rest of the building. Tables made of wood with fur seats. Fur beds were lining along the walls with drawers under them.
The hall was full of people that were obviously preparing food, sharpening blades, and chatting. It was a lot louder than I thought it would be. There was this sense of comradery that I feel is out of place from what I have heard and seen thus far. Heck, this place doesn't feel like what I thought it would be either. I also noticed that they were all armed and looked ready to fit at the drop of a hat.
"This is the dining hall and or living quarters. I am the overseer of the hall and I am also the trainer of the new recruits. You will report to me before you go into the dungeon. You will also take part in the pit battles. If I were you I would treat them as if your life's on the line." She explained as she started moving once again. I noticed that there were some eyes looking in my direction. That was about it though. It wasn't like one of those books where all attention was thrown at me for just walking into a room. Thankfully.
"Uh, what's a pit battle?" I asked in confusion as I followed after her.
There seemed to be some mirth in her tone that foreshadowed pain. "You will find out."
I wanted to say something derogatory but it seems she doesn't know that I'm not staying here. Might want to keep that a secret. "So do all the familia members sleep here?"
"Yes, and no." She answered. "There are other rooms for the higher up members. Our Goddess has a room in Falcon's peak which is at the very top of Folkvangr. That is where we are heading and she will explain everything personally from what I have heard." Oh, she was not happy at that either.
I just plainly nodded at the answer. 'This place feels so old. Like it is straight out of the raider times. Yet it is still very modern at the same time. I got to get some answers from Freya before I leave.' We walked up to the stairs and through the door. This door had a design of a giant tree that looked to be holding nine different places. There was a dragon that was at the bottom and looked to biting at the roots. An eagle flying around it, and four stags eating from the tree.
For some reason looking at it, I could feel something at the back of my head. It was like I was trying to recall something but couldn't. That had never happened before. I could usually recall everything I wanted. The fact that I couldn't was telling.
Once again she pushed the doors open and we made our way through various areas. We finally made it to the center of the building and there was a platform. I saw that the platform was shaped like a serpent biting its own tail. There was so much imagery that I had no understanding of. It was kind of mind bottling.
She stepped on the head of the serpent. The platform shook and a barrier formed around the platform and it began to move upwards. Looking up I could see how tall this building was. It seemed that this platform only went to one place. Falcon's Peak. I couldn't help but grin knowing full well about the 'falcon' that live up there.
We reached the top and I could see the door down the hall away from the platform. "Get going." The armored woman demanded.
"Going, I'm going," I mumbled out at the pushy woman. As soon as stepped off the platform it started descending down. I shook my head, "This place amazes me."
Walking down the hall I couldn't help but feel nervousness. I was meeting the Goddess, alone, again. This time there was no one to interrupt us and no pending battle coming. I swallowed some air that was stuck in my throat. 'Here we go again.'
I breathed in and out. I calmed myself and knocked on the doors to her chambers. "You may enter."
Hearing that, I pushed the doors open lightly not to cause too much of a fuse. I saw her sitting at a table in the room. Right behind her was a window. The light of the falling sun behind her was giving her a more divine image. She was wearing a dark purple robe that matched her eyes and in fact, it made those purple orbs more noticeable. There was a fur cloak draped around her slender shoulders.
I also couldn't help but see how much the room matched that of the rest of the building except one big difference. There were furs all over the place with monster drops and other random items. There were paintings of her and other images that I had a hard time understanding. On the right side of the room, there was a bed that was covered with furs. There was also an area in which one would dress. On the left side there was a door that leads somewhere I don't know. Bookcases and an odd-looking suit of armor. This one looked far more different than the one she used down in the dungeon. "Hello again, Goddess," I said with a smile as I closed the door behind me. I also place my backpack on the floor by the door carefully not hurt Helix.
"Bell, I have been waiting for you~!" She sang leaving me frozen as the ten butterflies in my stomach had multiple to ten thousand. "Please, sit down. We have much to discuss before the day is over." Doing as I was told, I sat down at the other end of the table.
"Well, don't know how much we are going to be able to discuss, I do have to get going." I did remind her. I had to get on the road as soon as possible.
She seemed less pleased with what I said as frown graced her face, "As you are?" She made note of my appearance. "Bell, a word of advice. A rushed adventure is a short life. Are you even prepared? Food, equipment, weapons, clothes for the winter?"
I blinked at that. She made a lot of good points with that. In fact, what have been doing this whole time to not realize I needed these things?! "I guess I got too held up at the Hostess. You're right. I don't think I will be able to leave today." I pause as I remember something, not a moment after. "Wait you said I could resupply here!" I made to point out to her.
"I did," she hummed sweetly those eyes keeping me locked in my seat.
"Then that means I could still-" Those eyes of hers made me shut up, "I will definitely not be leaving today."
She smiled warmly at me, "Splendid, you understand." She clapped her hands together. "You haven't eaten yet have you?" Once again I frown while she only laughs amused by my situation, "Don't worry, I won't think of you in a bad light for a small oversight. You had quite the burden placed on you at such a young age. It's probably taking up most of your thoughts, no?" She said in a way that told me she knew what I was thinking.
Of course, she was right. I had a feeling she was leading me in this conversation. She seemed crafty enough to do so. "Yes, that is correct. I just don't feel like I'm ready for this yet. I wanted to explore the dungeon, join a familia and actually spend time in it. Get stronger, you know, all those things."
"Yes, I would have preferred it if you spent more time doing what you said. Watching you battle was most entertaining." She commented lightly never taking her gaze off of mine. "I would have loved it far more if you spent more time with me, and my familia." Once again she knew what to say to make me feel welcomed. I didn't miss the way she wanted me to know about her feelings for me. "However, sometimes things don't go the way you want them to. You will overcome it, I'm sure you will." She said encouragingly making me cheer up a bit.
I smiled at her thankfully, "Thanks, so…" I paused and thought of something that was stuck in my mind. I smirked at her, "The Falcon's Peak, huh?"
She chuckled at my phrasing of her room, "Yes, I believe you understand that far more than anyone else, don't you? My little jackalope."
I could feel my cheeks burn a little at the way she called me hers. Not wanting to have conversation stop at a standstill, I was quick to say something, "I have to say I wasn't expecting Folkvangr to look like this." I said with a perplexed tone while gesturing to my surroundings.
She leaned forward as if interested in what I had said. It was more of a musing tone as she wanted to just talk. "Oh, what did you anticipate it to appear like?"
"More of a stone temple, wide rather than long. I mean everything seems like there is a story behind it." I made sure to keep the look she shot me locked in my head.
Her grin was dangerous. It showed this highly intense curiosity and excitement. "You know Bell," she started folding her hands in front of her face. "You have this way of alluding to things that makes me wonder if you were made to test my patience."
I gulped at that. I know full well what this Goddess was capable of, "Patience?"
She tilted her head at me as her eyes narrowed in a lustful way. A small, seductive smirk on her lips, "Would control work better for you?"
No! I would not lose to her! I was raised by a God- nevermind. Two can play at this game, "Well, my Goddess." I followed her lead, "Why does everything you do or have makes me have so many of these questions that make you feel this way?" Okay, let's see how she takes that!
Putting her hands on the table she stood up. The look on her face was that of pure enjoyment. I paused in motion and thought about seeing this. She held that face as she walked around the table. My eyes would not move from the spot that she was last in.
Two slender arms wrapped around myself as I felt the goddess press against me. One of her hands slithered up my neck and found itself on my cheek. "Bell, please don't tease me. You will find that you must be careful not to wake the dragon." Her voice sounded so far away but close enough it chimed in my ears. "Oh, Bell, my sweet little Bell? You do understand, right?" She whispers in my ear, "You do have questions you want to be answered? Or do you wish to be taken to paradise instead?"
My body was covered in a massive heatwave. I was struggling to think of anything but what she was implying. She had me, two could not play at this game! I was a fool. This is a Goddess of love and I thought I could tango with the master? I could hear her sweet laugh in my head. "I am not some you can tease, Bell. Now stand up let me see your… Falna." She continued her order, "Take off your shirt and lie down on the bed."
"Y-yes," I let out timidly. My voice was very shaky from this teasing she had just put me through.
I took off my shirt and went to her bed covered in furs. I was quick to climb in and lie down on my chest. Shock hit me. This bed was far more comfortable than it looked. It was the nicest bed I had ever been on. When thinking of sleeping on a cloud this what the feeling would be. I could hear her getting something from the bookcase. It sounds like paper or parchment. I wait for what felt like hours. Time was slowing as I heard her footsteps getting closer. I really tried to stay calm but that was thrown out the window the moment I felt the bed move as she climbed into bed with me.
She climbed over me and sat on the arch of my back. Her two long legs caging me down between them. I felt her hand touch my back and it burns my soul. I was gonna go nuts by the time this day was over. I felt the paper touch my back. Her fingers pressed all over the paper. It was like she was tracing letters and words on my back, 'I, L, O, V, E, Y-' My mind stopped, 'This Goddess!'
"Please, stop teasing me!" I whined much like an embarrassed child does to their mother.
I felt her hands stop as she made a gasping sound, I turn my head to look back at the beautiful Goddess. She had a look of mock hurt as she held a hand over mouth. "I'm hurt you believe I'm just razzing you." Dropping her hand she threw her most charming smile at me, I had to look away from her. I could hear her chuckle at my reaction. "I did mean it," my eyes widen but before I could say something she continued, "now let's view your status."
I could feel something chilling on my back as it glazed over. It was a weird feeling that I hadn't experienced before. I waited for the process to be done. I felt the magic stop and I waited for her to speak up. A Couple of minutes passed without a word. I was starting to wonder what was going until she erupted saying something in a foreign tongue once again. "Viðuligr! Viðuligr!" She cheered loudly.
"What? I don't-" She fell on top of me. Here I was, lying in the bed of a goddess of love and lust, and she was lying down on top of me. I could feel her hands weaving through my hair as she played with it like my emotions. My face was doing it's best impression of a tomato. I could feel her excited laughter as body shook on my mine.
"I just don't understand, in all of my years of being on this world, there has never been anyone like you. You just don't get it yet, do you?" She asked in a whisper but knew I could not answer her. "You are so very special, one and only. There will never be another like you." She made sure I knew this as she emphasized it. "You are a sapling that I will nurture, and give you all my love. One day you will become a mighty tree. Once that happens, I will then eat the fruits of my labor. Do you understand now, Bell Cranel? Do you finally get what I'm selling? Do you get these feelings you make me feel?"
I don't know what to say to her. I hadn't found an answer to any of her questions! How could I when I don't understand her? It was like I was on chapter two and she was on chapter twenty-seven. There was too much of a difference in understanding. More like I did understand but just want to pretend differently. Whatever she saw on my falna had set this off. She was losing it. I realized.
"You feel it too, don't you?" She asked, "Do you feel how excited I am that your mine?"
'I can feel more than your emotions right now.' I answered her this time, "Yes,"
"Very good," she praised me by petting my head, "Just remember that. No one else may take you away from me." I could feel her grip tight around me as if she was a child who someone was trying to rip a toy away from her. I knew it would be bad news if I tried to leave now. She was telling me she had me now, and it would end very badly for someone should they try to take me away from her. She eased up her hold on me, "Now take a look at this." She finished by rolling off of me and putting the paper down next to me.
I looked at the paper and saw the status. It looked about the same as it was in the dungeon. My Basic Abilities were as follows; Strength: F, four hundred and sixty-five. Endurance: C, seven hundred and forty-seven. Dexterity: X, one thousand one hundred. Agility: X, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine. Magic: I, forty-two. "Cool, my magic went up a good chunk from zero."
There was a new spell called, 'Unshackled Wind'. Reading over the spell it said I could control the wind. Oh, so I was right. I just had to think of how I wanted to use it!
"How did you know your magic abilities?
However, I didn't see anything about my Jackalope skill. It disappeared or maybe she didn't see it? "Hmm, that's odd."
Freya had a confused look on her face. I scratched the back of my head "Oh, I used the grimoire you gave me back at the Hostess."
"Well, that explains the spell, but it doesn't explain how you knew about what level it was." She narrowed her eyes at me as if I was I hiding something from her.
"Oh, yeah when I first met Helix. He placed a falna on me."
"No, I did not!" The almiraj declared jumping out of my bag.
I sighed, "Well, how did it get there then?"
"The dungeon placed it on you much as it does to adventurers and their own skills. You are dungeon born or at least your ancestors are. It is why you were marked by the dungeon." He clarified for me. I finally got what he was saying. I wasn't marked by the dungeon. I was marked by Zona.
"Okay, but my Jackalope skill isn't shown anymore either."
"Hmm, that is odd. I don't have a clue why it is not there-"
Freya finally had enough of us two talking without her. "Bell, you still haven't answered my question and little Helix," Her voice changed from slightly irritated to extremely annoyed as she addressed the Helix, "please return to the bag before I turn you into my new seat fur." Helix did not pause but jumped right back in the bag fearful of the goddess of war that was showing herself. I wish I could join him in my bag. I had no idea why she was getting so upset all of a sudden. "Now Bell," she turned my head to face her, "Explanation. Now." Fear comes in many forms. It just so happens Freya knew all of them.
"When I ran into the almiraj I had a falna like thing on my back. I had asked one of the Loki Familia to look at it. She read me the abilities in front of others." I was quick to add something else when I saw her face darkening, "This was before you had even come down to the dungeon."
"I see," she calmed herself. "So Loki and Kali knew about you and this strangeness that surrounds you." She said sitting up and I followed suit. "You also said that there was something missing too."
"Yes, that was my jackalope skill. Riveria said this: the Jackalope is the sole service provider for his people. He shall serve all races of rabbits and lead them. He is the protector, enforcer, and the last of his kind. The more he fights or protects the stronger he shall get. This ability has two skills I can see linked to it. The luck of the Jackalope G: If a rabbit's foot is lucky what does that mean for the most exotic rabbit around? Jackalope's fury H: Once the rage is brought forth, the Jackalope's stats are doubled yet the pain he feels in this rage are also doubled. That what she said anyway."
Freya rubbed her chin thought, "I see. I wonder why I can't see it?"
"Maybe it only shows itself in the dungeon?" I said trying to help Freya. I was also curious too about this disappearing skill.
"That could be a possibility." She waved it off, "We will find out eventually," she said before turning back to me and getting closer until she was nearly in my lap, which was not a good idea because of little Bell rising. "I thought just seeing your abilities was enough to set me off." One of her fingers dancing on my chest, "Now you are telling me you have such a skill that-"
Freya found herself cut off by a knocking on her door, "Goddess, dinner is ready."
She sighed aloud clearly disappointed by the disturbance of dinner call. Catching a glance in her eyes I could see a fire raging. It would seem the Goddess hated to be interrupted when she was in the middle of something. "Bell put your tattered shirt back on. The washroom is over there." She pointed to the door I took noted earlier.
I nodded and got up to do just that. Peering around the washroom I couldn't help but see all the various magic items. Woah, a sink, and a bathtub! After getting over my wonder, I splashed my face with water to clean my face. Washing my hands I smiled to myself as I looked at myself. I didn't change much from my time in the dungeon. Well, besides my hair is longer. Not really all that noticeable to everyone but myself.
Pointing to myself in the mirror I smiled once again. 'Looking good!' I told myself. Got to build some self-confidence. Didn't want to be a stuttering mess again. I made my way out of the washroom and saw food place all along the table. It was a very expensive looking dinner. Freya was waiting there for me, "Oh good, sit down and eat as you wish."
I smiled at her, "Thanks!" I couldn't think of anything else to say to the Goddess. She, however, didn't have the same lack in thought as I did. My stomach was taking up my thought.
"Now as you eat, I will explain how my familia works as we are far more distinct than the other Familias." She began as I started eating, "As you have stated earlier, Folkvangr is not as one would expect it to be. It is made to be a very large Viking Longhouse. While it does resemble a large temple or castle, it is built much like a longhouse. The Living quarters are where the Familia eats and sleeps. The Captain and Executives have their own rooms at the back of the building. The armory, smithy, and basement access are in the middle of the building. The second floor is the war room, mission room, and magic studies. The third and fourth floor is storage and the treasury. You are on the fifth floor now. Which can only be accessed by the Jörmungandr platform."
"The what?" I blinked making sure to swallow my food first before asking.
"You won't have to worry about that. It was a giant serpent." I accepted the answer easily. If she wasn't bothered by it why should I?
"Does that also have to do with all those designs on the doors."
She placed her face in the palm of her hand. A dreamy expression on her wonderful face, "Yes, it does. Many of the things you will see here are something I have dreamt of. You will also find that me, Loki, and a few others share these dreams of old."
I hummed in thought thinking over what Freya was saying. "I wonder what it could mean?"
"It is the same with some gods and goddesses." She shrugged, "Now, moving on. You are going to be an executive-" I started to choke on the meat in my mouth.
"What?!" Not good at all! It would make it seem she is favoring me highly over everyone else! How was I supposed to fit in then? Well, now there was going to be less of a change of that now.
"Have you forgotten that you have millions of monsters following after you? You have increased the power of my Familia by the sheer numbers alone. How could I not make you someone important within the familia?" She asked showing her logic behind her decision. I also believed she wants me closer to her and being an executive meant that.
"I feel like you just want to keep me close to you."
She laughed at what I had said. "Indeed. You have caught my true intentions." She laughed harder as my expression show my dumbfoundedness at the way she was so open with her feelings. She didn't mind letting someone know what she thought about them. It just so happened that she really liked me. I didn't want to let her down and as I am now…
I probably would. I was so young and inexperienced with many things. Only now have I truly felt these feelings. That and being as young as I was, I didn't want to rush things faster than they had to be. Not that I'm chicken or anything, but I just had too much on my shoulders.
"Please continue then," I said to change the topic.
She frowned to herself and sighed, "Pitty, I liked where this was going." I blushed at having been caught. "You do have a point, sadly. Your role will be determined at a later date when Ottar goes over it with you when you get back."
"Yeah, Ottar said something about fitting me for armor and going over things with me." I stated telling her I was already informed of the matter.
"Oh no, I will be fitting you for your armor. Tomorrow and when you return," She grinned showing far more interest in the conversation again, "I have had a change of heart on that matter. I have to see how my cute little jackalope has developed in his time away from me. I wouldn't be a very good Goddess if I didn't have a good look over you." She flirted with me. If I even gave her an inch. She was was all over me.
I laughed out loud not knowing what else to do. It was like she was trying to make her want to be known to me. The problem was, I already knew she likes me! She didn't make me have mixed feelings or gave me messages just to mess with me. She wasn't coy. She was direct and to the point. She liked to play around and tease you but at the same time, you knew she was being genuine. It was just her personality. "My Goddess please, we can play around later…"
'I just took the plunge off the cliff with that one. Oh, my big mouth.' Of all the dumb things to say to the Goddess of Love… I had to say that!
Chuckling darkly at me - purple pools sparkling - her smile was blinding, "I am so very enraptured to hear you say that. Bell, you beguile me. It should be the other way around and yet here you are! Tempting me so... just so you can run away and hide in your hole. Are you certain I'm the tease?" She asked with an enchanting look on her face, hitting all my soft spots.
I knew I was in trouble. That grin of hers was demanding me to come to her. To fall into her embrace and care. If I did that, I would be truly trapped. I couldn't allow that yet! I had too much to do. Even for the most beautiful woman or goddess I couldn't at this moment. "Well, I-" I stopped short seeing a glow in those purple orbs.
She said something to me but ever since I saw that spark in her eyes I… felt at odds with myself. I soon found something washing over me. It was like a wave of hot water. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling but it was something out of place. Something in me was screaming at me that something was afoot. I couldn't really think at the moment either. I take calming breaths and the feeling disappeared finally.
"What was that? I didn't catch it." I inquired finally getting over that unexplained feeling. The was a banging in my forehead.
Looking up at Freya I noticed that her smile had gone and she had on a neutral face. "I said I will be right back. There is something I need to do for a moment. Please continue to eat, Excuse me." She informed me and excused herself as she got up and walked out the door.
I blinked as I watched her leave. My mind went back to what had just happened, "What was that about?"
Sence Change: Freya
Freya walks down the hall far enough to not be heard before her back hits the wall. She slid down just a bit. Her hands found her face and covered her mouth as she moaned into them. Her breathing was heavy and an absolutely thrilling beam lit up her face. It was considered impossible to resist her charm unless you were a goddess of beauty much like herself. Bell, however, had proven everyone and herself wrong. Gods were even charmed by her. Yet...
Why was the boy so different? Why was he doing this to her? No one could understand just how much Bell excited her. It was like everything he did surprise her. She could not express the emotions she had been having for this Boy.
She knew she had it bad for growing male. Everyone was taking notice of it. She had thrown subtly out of the tower. She had told him in the dungeon she had done the same for all of the adventures that caught her eye. Now that she thought about, she did not treat him the same at all. No, she was far more aggressive. Bell had gone from casual interest to a must-own. One of her hand curled into a fist with that. There would never be someone like him ever again
She could tell by the color of his soul. It was transparent. There was never anyone else who had ever lived who had that same color. That alone made her want him. The more she found out about him the more she pushed her plans aside and accelerated his growth. Until she could finally not take it any longer.
Even now with her talons in him, she was left utterly paralyzed by him. There was just so much mystery about him. His soul, his abilities, his species, and his upbringing. There was so much she had to uncover and the more time she spends with… The more this lust for him grows. She needed to know all she can.
She had thought that she had him but now it would seem, the jackalope is more elusive than she first thought. Even when he was caught he had a way to evade her. It was taking all of her control not jump on him. She had to step out for a bit to calm herself. It was a very strange feeling when the thing she wanted was right in front of her but couldn't just have yet. She had no doubt that her more advanced charm would fail as well. There was no need to try.
She almost felt like a fool for using the charm on him. She already had his affections much as he has hers. It was just that his boyhood was getting into the mix far more than it should be. She knew how she felt for him and she could tell his feelings were the same. He just didn't understand those emotions just. Of course, she could show him what those emotions meant-
But she would wait. She had to. However, that didn't mean she couldn't just tease and play around with him. "Oh, Bell. You will understand why most goddesses envy me~"
With these thoughts in mind, she rightened herself to meet her graceful standards. Once she had collected herself she was ready to head back to her room. She still had yet to eaten anything. Her little Bell was eating all alone. She couldn't allow that now could she? She wanted him to entertain her some more before she let him go… for now.
She entered the room and sat back down in front of Bell once again. "Oh, that was pretty fast! Did you get that thing done?" He asked her with his eyebrow raised.
"I suppose I did." She answered looking down at her own meal. She started to cut into steak. However, before she would take a bite into the meat, a small joke perhaps? She put her chin in one of her hands looking as perplexed as she could, "Oh, I still haven't found out where you will be sleeping."
She made sure to watch him as she said it, "Oh, that's fine. I was planning on sleeping downstairs with the rest of the familia." He answered easily taking a bite out of his food.
She shook her head at that, "Nonsense, you will be sleeping up here with me tonight." She finished as she finally started eating. Bell started choking again. Just the reaction she was looking for.
'How entertaining!'
Sence Change: Bell Next Morning
I found myself standing at the northern gate. I was wearing a light armor version of the Valkyrie armor. It looked so cool and I even got the winter version of it! It's metal plates were white, white fur covering it along with a cloak, and it still felt loose enough for me to move around in freely. The fitting process was very interesting, to say the least.
I believe Freya had gotten a little too touchy-feely with me as she sized me up. It was amazing seeing myself in the armor and seeing my knives match the armor so well. It was like it was made for me. I had a feeling that it was knowing how much Freya was willing to go to get me to join her. I sighed once again as I looked back at the city's walls. "One last look before I go."
I had so many good memories of this place. I met so many great people here from the map maker I first met to Freya. I had to put some distance between me and the city or else the temptation of staying will grow even more than it already has. Freya gave me a great parting gift too besides the armor. She kissed me on my forehead and told me to come back to her.
After that type of motivation, I don't think anything could keep me away from the city longer than I had to be. Who knows where these feelings of mine would go in the next few years. I don't think what I feel for her is as strong as what she feels for me. That's why I'm not so sure.
"Let's get going Helix," I said as I started walking down the dirt path.
"It will be fine, Jackalope!"
"Yeah, I suppose it will."
Author's Notes: Hey, want to hear something cool that relates to this story? A new band I found very recently, has a bunch of songs that covers Norse mythology. Brothers of Metal! They have a whole album called 'Prophecy of Ragnarök' which is all about the Norse Gods. There is one song on that album that will explain what I have in store with this story. I want you to find out which one. I won't ruin the story but I feel like I want to have a conversation on the topic. Anyway, review, please! Also Folkvangr kind of looks like a major overhaul Whiterun Castle from Skyrim that's about three times the size and longer. I had the idea because Freya is Old Norse and I'm trying to show it through her familia and herself. Her familia is like the Vikings in the way they live. Always ready and looking for a fight. I thought it was a cool idea anyway. One more side note is that Bell does have charm resistance. He has actually fallen for the Goddess naturally. He has fallen for a girl that saved him much like Ais in the real story. However, we see that Freya's charm doesn't work when she used it on him in this chapter.
