Chapter 11:

Urashima's oldest memory is of her smile. He was a little boy, maybe not even eight years old. His father, the head of the Taro clan, brought him into the main household. There, he was introduced to the Third Princess Otohime Nakamura. She was the same age as him, but while he hid behind his father's legs, she stood in front, smiling.

"Urashima, I want you to meet someone important," Urashima's father maneuvered his son out in front. He gestured to the girl, "This is Princess Otohime Nakamura. From now on, you're going to start training to be her bodyguard. You're going to spend a lot of time together, so I want you to introduce yourself."

His father had told him how to behave in front of the Princess beforehand. However, he almost tripped as he stepped forward, but he recovered and gave a deep bow.

"It is an honour, milady. My name is Urashima Taro; I put myself at your service," said the little boy.

The official vows would come later when they were both just a bit older, but an informal introduction would do for now. Urashima kept his head low, waiting for the Princess to dismiss him. So, he stood there for ten seconds. And then ten more. Then, when a minute had passed, he heard giggling. He looked up to find Otohime giggling into her hand, the long sleeve of her pink Yakuta covering her mouth.

"I'm sorry!" she said, trying to control herself, "I just wanted to see how long you'd do it!"

Urashima should've been offended, but then he saw those golden eyes of hers. There was no malice or ill-intent. Her eyes were filled with joy and laughter. Then the Princess removed her hand and grin, showing all her teeth.

The little girl's smile was so infectious that Urashima felt himself start returning it. However, before he could, his father smacked him over the head.

"Control yourself!" said his father.

"Hey! That's not nice!"

Otohime marched forward, her attendants sighing and rolling their eyes at the little girl. She helped Urashima stand up straight and took a look at his head. While she did so, she spoke to the leader of the Taro Clan.

"You shouldn't hit your son! Not his fault I played a joke!" Otohime turned to her new bodyguard, "If you feel like smiling, then smile! That's an order from your new boss!" Otohime paused then and looked up in thought, "Well, unless I do something embarrassing. I wouldn't want you laughing because of that."

Urashima spoke before thinking, "Does that happen a lot?"

Total silence was his reply. The attendants had looks of horror on their faces. Urashima's father looked like he wanted to throttle him; he probably would throttle the boy when they returned to their home. It was all worth it, though, because he heard the chiming laugh of the Princess. She laughed and laughed, and Urashima fell in love with the sound of it.

He woke up in the present to the exact same sound. Otohime's laugh echoed around Hearth Mansion. For once, the bodyguard had slept in. His nerves had kept him up most of the night, anxious for his battle today and the tournament tomorrow if he qualified. Obviously, his body was exhausted, and the rest of his Familia had noticed and left him to rest. His primary opponent for the next couple of days was to be the Captain of Baldr Familia, Folsetti.

After he woke, Ura prepared his armaments for the day. When those were secure, he went downstairs to discover the source of the laughter. He found Mikoto holding a broken teacup, Haruhime trying to sweep away the mess, and his beloved Princess laughing in the kitchen doorway. It was the three girls from the Far East's turn to cook breakfast, but obviously, something had happened.

Urashima glanced at Mikoto's shocked face, "I'm guessing you didn't realize your own strength?"

Mikoto blushed, confirming Urashima's suspicions. Breaking a cup wasn't the girl's fault, though. Anyone who had suddenly jumped two levels would be having the same trouble. Overall, Mikoto seemed a little uncomfortable with her newfound abilities, trying to get a handle on them. Urashima was sure she would be ok though; she was a skilled individual.

Instead, he walked up to Otohime and placed his gloved hands on his hips, "Princess, instead of laughing, shouldn't you be helping your fellow Familia members?"

Otohime nodded, still laughing, and went to help Haruhime clean.

"My apologies Mikoto, it's just your face was perfect!" Otohime wiped tears away, "Come, let us finish breakfast!"

The three women then entered the kitchen, and the rest of the Familia came into the dining room.

Meanwhile, at the Twilight Manor, a little elf was standing outside one of her teammate's rooms, looking for advice. She knocked on the door and waited for its occupant to emerge. She heard a strange crashing sound, though, but eventually, Anakitty Autumn opened the door. Her black hair was dishevelled, and she looked like she had only just thrown on her clothes.

"Yes, Lefiya?" asked the cat girl. Usually, she was very kind and polite when speaking with the other Familia members, but now she seemed a little annoyed and frazzled.

"Umm, Aki…I was wondering…how did you ask out Raul?" asked the elf.

Following the disaster with Freya Familia, and Aki and Raul's win at the tournament, the two long-time partners made their relationship official. Since then, they had become known as one of Orario's power couples. That said, nothing had really changed in their dynamic. Aki still scolded him, and Raul still bumbled around her. The only difference was that they held hands occasionally and were sometimes caught sneaking kisses.

When Lefiya asked her question, there was a resounding yelp and thud from Aki's room. She had recently been promoted to an executive, which meant she was now allowed a private room. It was the same with Raul.

"Is someone else in there?" asked Lefiya, trying to peer around the door. Aki was quick to stand in her way, though.

"No! Not at all!" said Aki, a smile stretched across her face, "So, I take it there's a guy that's caught your eye?"

Lefiya, sufficiently distracted, blushed in response, "Yes, well…there might be. I'm still figuring things out… I've never done something like this. The closest I've done is when me and Filvis…"

Slowly, Lefiya trailed off. Even over a year later, she still could not get past what happened with her dear friend. Aki let the elf girl collect herself before she continued.

"Well, as for me and Raul, it was a spontaneous affair. After the tournament and watching Freya hold the city hostage, I just didn't want to wait anymore. Life's too short, you know?" Aki got a dopey grin on her face, "Probably the best decision of my life."

Aki glanced back into her room. Her relaxed posture let the door open a bit more, and Lefiya was able to peek inside. Where Raul Nord, esteemed level five, was fighting to untangle himself from the sheets. Aki paled when she realized what had happened and was quick to slam the door. Lefiya stood there in shock until Tiona and Tione found her.

"Hey, Lefiya, what's going on?" asked Tiona.

Lefiya gulped, "I saw something both utterly bewildering, but also not surprising in the least."

When the elf didn't explain further, the three left to find Ais. Today, they would still be using the Box with Hestia Familia, but Bete and Gareth were opting out of spectating. They were going to stay home and take care of some minor business. Riveria was also not joining them, apparently to let Elwin be more comfortable.

That left the four girls with Finn and Loki. They joined their Goddess and Captain in the foyer of the Twilight Manor and found the two whispering. They caught the tail-end of the conversation.

"I'm telling you Finn, that speech that Itty Bitty's boy gave, I know I've heard it before," said Loki.

Finn rubbed his chin in thought, "As do I. He said his grandfather told him that? A former adventurer perhaps?"

The two then noticed the rest of their party joining them. Together, the six of them left for the Colosseum. They met Hestia Familia halfway there, where Elwin was quick to begin walking next to his new friend. Lefiya felt herself smiling involuntarily at Elwin's greeting. Part of her felt sad, though. She used to react the same way with Filvis. As her thoughts spiralled, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?" asked the half-elf.

Lefiya nodded. The two walked in silence with their Familias. At the front were Urashima and Otohime, who was fussing over her bodyguard. Urashima took it all in stride, though, and when they reached the arena, he didn't even bother saying goodbye. The young man strode inside, ready to meet his destiny.

As the rest of them took up positions to watch the duo tournament's preliminary battles, a different conversation took place in the Tower of Babel.

Freya sighed; her thoughts muddied. Her reunion with her beloved had not gone well. Even Ryuu, who had been her best friend, had shunned her. Then there was the boy's soul…

"Forgive me if I am being presumptuous," began Ottar, his voice quiet, "But is something the matter, Lady Freya?"

Freya played with the cup of wine in her hand, "He's changed Ottar. His pure white soul has not returned. If anything, it's gotten worse."

Many had questioned Freya's sudden release of Bell Cranel. The truth was that something had changed. After Freya Familia stormed the Dungeon and attacked the monster creatures down below, a dark spot had tarnished Bell's pure soul. Since the target of her affection was no longer the perfect object of her desire he once was, Freya called off the attack. The Goddess had been confused. She did not understand what had changed in the boy. So, she let him leave. Her hope had been that time away would return his soul to its perfect blinding state.

During his year away, she considered the reasons why it had changed. Eventually, she settled on the thought that he must have been feeling guilty. Bell Cranel must have been feeling horribly guilty over what happened with those Xenos creatures. Such a thing made no sense to Freya, but if that was what her beloved cared about, then she would help relieve him of his guilt. Which was why she was proceeding with her current operations. If they succeeded, Bell would no longer feel guilty. Then, he would return to his state of purity, and Freya could snatch him up.

Also, she had noticed the effect of her charm ability. Before, he had resisted, but only a couple days ago, Bell Cranel had faltered. It had worked on the boy, which meant that his love for the Sword Princess had not returned as well. (The Goddess did not make the connection between Bell's soul and his love.) But Freya did realize she had to claim Bell Cranel before such feelings returned to him. Hence, her current operations. It would be even better if those feelings would turn towards her…

For now, though, Hestia and Loki could play their little games. And Bell could train with Ais Wallenstein all he wanted. Freya knew the truth; she knew of the stain on Bell Cranel's heart. Because of that, he would be her's soon enough.

Back in the arena, the double's melee had just finished. Among those advancing was a collection of Freya flunkies, Loki Familia, and strangely enough, a double's team of Dormul and Luvis from Magni and Modi Familia. There were also a lot less adventurers competing.

When Otohime commented on this, Ryuu replied, "There are simply fewer level threes. Even if Orario has most of the world's most powerful adventurers, it is not like there are going to be thousands of second-and first-class adventurers lying around."

Otohime nodded, but then Tione chimed, "Speaking of which, how did you get so strong?"

Her question was aimed at the ex-Princess. Otohime had the space of mind to look for permission from her Goddess before telling hers, and by extension Urashima's, story.

"Well, in my homeland, it is common that those of us who are members of the royal family are put through vigorous training," began Otohime, "the closer one is to the top of the succession, the more intense the training," she gestured to herself. "I was the third Princess, in which I was third overall. My family put me through the harshest of conditions from a young age," the Princess looked to the arena and spotted her beloved Ura walking in, "The same can be said for the clans who guard us. They are not permitted to become stronger than us, but they must be capable at the very least."

"Ok, but how?" continued Tione, "Did you have to fight people?"

Otohime shook her head, "Near my ancestral homeland is a nesting ground for dragons. As we reach certain points in our growth, we are sent out. We either win or die."

"Do they do the same for the bodyguards?" asked Tiona.

Otohime shook her head again, "They are forced to fight each other. They raise their statuses and then have competitions. Thankfully, to get to level two, death is not required."

Tiona asked the obvious question, "What about level three? Did Ura have to?"

Otohime smiled, though it was strained and deeply melancholic, "No, Ura did not kill anybody. Others have too, but Ura was forced upon a different path."

"Welcome, citizens of Orario, to the singles melee for the level threes! I am your master of ceremonies, Ibri Achaa!" rang out the voice of the chief commentator, "With me, as always, is the master of Martial Arts himself, Lord Takemikazuchi, and Orario's greatest mischief-maker, Lord Hermes!"

After the two Gods introduced themselves, Ibri spoke up again, "This promises to be an interesting fight, folks! Today we are about to witness one of the newest members of the Hestia Familia!"

Whoops and hollers came from the crowd. Rumours abounded of the newest Hestia Familia members, but no one had been able to pin anything down about them. The only one that people knew anything about was Otohime, and that was that she was a former Princess and wielded a Bisento. Urashima was especially secretive, a deep pool of rumours surrounding him.

"Lord Takemikazuchi, your Familia is close with Hestia's. Is there anything you can tell us about this fighter named Urashima Taro?"

Takemikazuchi chuckled, "I know little more than anyone else. The only thing I do know is that he was raised as a bodyguard, so I expect a more defensive fighting style with acute sensory mastery. Definitely not a magic type."

Otohime snorted, "That's almost accurate."

The last of the fighters took up position and the voice of the elephant mask was heard.

"I am Ganesha!"

With that proclamation, the combatants sprung into action. Urashima was off like a shot, his blades carving a path through the throng of adventurers. As he moved, he began chanting.

"Spirits of the wind bless me and make me fleet of foot, Kani Nashi," finished Urashima. His body glowed a jade green.

"It seems as if Urashima Taro has activated some sort of enchantment magic. Maybe it does something to his agility stat?" said Ibri.

Otohime's face scrunched, "Not just his agility, it gives a minor boost to his dexterity," the Princess crossed her arms and pouted, "These people need to start realizing how amazing my Ura is."

"Hey, I've meant to ask, what's up with you two?" asked Tiona.

Otohime tilted her head, "What do you mean?"

"Are you two involved?" finished Tione.

Otohime turned a very dark shade of red, "Um, sort of? It is a very complicated situation…" she turned away, "I ask that you do not press."

At that awkward exchange, they settled in to watch the rest of the fight. Urashima was some kind of demon. His knives whistled with each slash, and his body was constantly moving; it looked like there were after images being left in his wake. At one point, he leapt into the air and began running across the heads of his enemies.

Urashima was also armed with his personal shuriken that he threw with pinpoint precision. He was a storm of steel, taking out opponents with every movement. As he picked up the pace, his attacks grew wilder.

"Why does he look so angry?" asked Ais, who had never seen Urashima fight properly.

Tione frowned, "He never told us…"

Otohime's grip on the metal railing tightened. Mikoto laid a hand on her shoulder, trying to give a gentle squeeze. The only problem was that she forgot her new strength, again. Otohime eeped in pain, and Mikoto set to apologizing.

Back in the arena, the fight was just wrapping up. Unfortunately, a gang of adventurers working for Freya Familia had decided to gang up on the fighter from Hestia Familia. Urashima was ready for them, though. The bodyguard had more than one spell.

"Shroud me in darkness, and remove the sight of my enemies, Emdan!"

A burst of smoke erupted, and the adventurers about to attack Urashima halted their advance. As the smoke washed over them, they disappeared from the sight of everyone in the arena.

"Ura's second spell, a magical smoke bomb. He can see just fine, but not his enemies," explained Otohime. She grimaced as she heard the adventurers in the smoke start screaming. Then it all went quiet. As the magical smoke dissipated, the arena gasped. All of Urashima's enemies were passed out on the floor. The scene reminded Otohime of when she used to watch Ura train.

She had taken to following her new bodyguard around everywhere. As Third Princess, she did not have many friends, and all her siblings were too jealous or paranoid about playing with her. All that left was her new bodyguard.

Strictly speaking, Urashima Taro was not allowed to play with Otohime Nakamura. Although the Taro Clan name carried weight, they were not nobility. The only reason that the young Princess was allowed to hang around her bodyguard during training was that no one could say no. The only person who could was her father, the emperor, and he didn't give two shits.

So, she watched Urashima fight. Even at a young age, everyone called him a prodigy. The best martial artist they had seen in generations. And even the untrained Otohime could see that. He moved with a certain fluidity and was already able to challenge opponents twice his size. The Taro Clan weren't the only bodyguard family in the Nakamura Empire, so Urashima always had a wealth of opponents looking to get a leg up on their rivals. He didn't have many friends, though. It was the only thing he and Otohime had in common. Apparently, the only person lonelier than the two of them was the little Renard Heiress to the Sanjouno Family. Otohime had never met her, though, and probably never would.

Eventually, Urashima beat the last combatant. His opponent's friends came to help them off the ground. Once upon a time, Urashima would've had to pick himself off the floor. Not anymore, though.

"Here, Ura! I brought you some water!" declared the tiny Princess.

At first, Urashima had politely refused Otohime's help, but then she ordered that he allow her to help. Such was their relationship in the beginning. Eventually, Urashima gave in to her constant demands and just let her help. Soon after, he started to respond to inane questioning. Then, a tentative friendship began. This development left Otohime unbelievably pleased. Urashima's father was not. The young boy was berated continuously and ostracised from his family. He was told incessantly that his behaviour was improper. Knowing this made Otohime feel guilty, but she couldn't help it. She was a little girl, and she had finally made a friend. She was too needy to let him go.

After the smoke dissipated, Ganesha rang his great gong. Urashima had qualified for the finals, as had Elfy of Loki Familia and Folsetti of Baldr Familia. As the crowds began to disperse and Otohime left to congratulate Ura, Ais walked up to Bell.

"Bell, are you going to be here tomorrow to watch the battle?" she asked.

Before Bell could respond, Ryuu shook her head, "My apologies Sword Princess, but Bell and I were going to go shopping for potions and gear for the expedition," Ryuu looked over her Familia, "I do not believe that any of us planned on watching tomorrow, as we have no one competing…"

Elwin coughed, "I think Otohime and Urashima plan on coming. At least, Ura said something about studying his enemy," the half-elf shrugged, "Honestly, who knows what goes through his head. Otohime agreed to come along, saying it was a date."

"What about you, Elwin?" asked Lefiya.

"I need to find a good magic shop in the city," he replied.

"Then I'll help you! I know some wonderful elven shops!" cried out Lefiya.

Elwin blushed, "Then, I guess it's a date."

The coward left before Lefiya could respond. Not that she would be able to, she almost passed out from his response. She was quick to stumble out, though, as everyone stared at her, amused.

Meanwhile, Tiona was badgering Welf, "Hey, Mister Smith! Can I swing by tomorrow and talk about magic, Urga?"

Welf nodded, trying to make an escape and get away from the high-energy amazon. He couldn't, though, as Tiona followed him, asking rapid-fire questions. Tione went after her sister.

"Itty Bitty! Me and Finn are stopping by tomorrow too! We have things to talk about!"

Hestia sighed, "Yeah, alright. Me and Little Miss Supporter will meet you after breakfast, ok?"

The Goddesses left bickering, the prums following. Mikoto and Haruhime went to, hoping to get home and take a long bath. That just left Bell, Ais, and Ryuu.

"So, you'll be with Ryuu all day?" asked Ais. She tilted her head, "Is that a date?"

Neither Ryuu nor Bell was able to answer that question. They had both agreed to spend the day together, as they were both close friends and their Familia's leaders. However, they were both terribly innocent and had never thought of it as a date. As Bell prepared to deny it, he felt an intense murderous aura coming from two directions. Ais wanted him to say no, but for some reason, Ryuu wanted him to say yes? As Ais and Ryuu stared, Bell remembered the wise words of his grandfather.

'Bell, if you ever get into trouble with multiple women, leave. Don't talk; just go. It won't fix anything, but it is better than anything you can say. Retreat, Bell! Live to fight another day!'

So, the Rabbit Foot took off, using his Escape ability. As a level five with his enhanced base stats, he could outpace even Ryuu. And Ais was too confused by her own emotions to give chase. Instead, she started staring at Ryuu, who felt a cold shiver down her spine. The elven warrior made a quick withdrawal, and the Sword Princess sulked her way back home, alone.

The sun went down and rose on another beautiful day. Those who had agreed to pair off together did so. Welf locked himself in the forge, working on weapon maintenance for the big expedition. At least, that was the plan. Tiona had arrived bright and early to start discussing ideas for her Urga. She was followed by her sister, Finn, and Loki.

When they asked why Tione was there, the amazon replied, "I refuse to let the Captain go and talk with the wonderful prum girl! She is much too threatening as a rival!"

So, the five of them sat down to iron out the details of the coming expedition. There was much talk about how long it would take and what equipment and supplies Hestia Familia would need to provide to Ais and Lefiya. Otohime and Urashima passed them on their way out. They left at the same time as Ryuu and Bell.

Eventually, the elf and the boy found their way to Orario's clothing shops. They were looking for Undine cloth, as well as light fabric fit for intense heat. Since floors twenty-eight to thirty-three were burning deserts, even the Dungeon's artificial light would destroy their skin. Usually, the Blue Pharmacy would provide all the items they needed, but they had to look elsewhere for these specialty items. As they searched for specialty cloth, they stopped at a clothing store.

Ryuu said she needed to replace much of her old clothes. She explained that she had worn through much of it on the road. This was a half-truth. In reality, Ryuu was looking to capture Bell's attention. She had taken Hestia's advice to heart. The elven warrior was ready to fight for Bell's love.

She was trying a technique Alise had told her about once upon a time. Her former Captain had explained that boys loved to watch girls change outfits. They found it erotic, apparently.

So, Ryuu tried on several outfits. She wore sundresses, skirts with button-down shirts, and tight pants with tank tops.

Ryuu took a certain amount of satisfaction in watching Bell's reactions. He seemed quite enthralled and showered her in compliments. Ryuu knew she was happy because she felt her ears burning. In fact, they were both turning a dark shade of red by the end of it. Eventually, the two of them had to leave, though. The next thing they did was stop for lunch. Ryuu was too unversed in the ways of love to know if today counted as a date, but she thought it did.

They settled at an elven specialty café.

"So, Bell, how are things going with the Sword Princess?" asked Ryuu, scoping out the competition.

Bell looked at his plate, "Good, I think? We are making progress, but it is still hard to forget…"

Ryuu nodded, "I understand," she reached to grab his hand, "Never be afraid not to forgive. Forgiveness is something that must be earned. Not just for her, but for yourself too."

"What do you mean?" Bell couldn't look her in the eye.

"I know you, Bell, I can guess what you're feeling," Ryuu smiled, "and even if you don't think you deserve it, I still believe that you're a human worth respecting."

There was a moment when the streets quietened, and the two adventurers could lean on each other. Ryuu felt her heartbeat speed up, and her lips tingled. Again, a memory was trying to scratch its way to the surface. A heartbeat later, though, and it passed.

They finished lunch and started walking, basking in the quiet comfort that a companion provided. Ryuu felt herself at ease, any tension in her body disappearing.

At the same time, Elwin was waiting for Lefiya at a special magic shop. When she got there, she wasn't alone. Riveria had joined her. Apparently, the high elf wanted to help out and offer advice. So, the three of them wandered through Orario. When Riveria made a suggestion about getting a new staff with larger crystals on the end, Elwin shook his head.

"No can do. My staff is a weapon, just like any sword. I can't afford no magic baubles," said Elwin, who refused to make eye contact, "I need to be ready to jump to the front lines."

"What do you mean your staff is a weapon?" asked Riveria. Lefiya had gone to a different part of the shop and left the two of them alone.

"My magic isn't a cannon-like yours or Lefiya's. If you guys are cannons, then I'm a multi-tool. Sometimes, I'm a healer, sometimes a mage, and sometimes I'm on the front lines."

Riveria nodded, not want to push the subject. In all honesty, she was happy with the conversation she was getting. It seemed like the half-elf was finally warming up to her.

Then, a salesman walked up to them.

"Greetings, fine elves! May I interest you two in a magical helmet?" he asked.

They shook their heads, but he was not to be deterred, "Come now! If you do not mind me saying, that hat of yours looks as if it could use an upgrade!"

Elwin refused, but the shopman wasn't going to be stopped. He reached forward, trying to rip the hat off. Elwin continued to step away, but the shopkeep persisted. He chased Elwin around the store. Eventually, the half-elf snapped.

"No, thank you!" screamed Elwin. The rest of the shop people were staring now, and Riveria was giving him the stink eye.

She led him away from the crowd, back outside. She faced him, her arms crossed.

"While I understand that that man might have been pushy, you need to learn to restrain yourself," said the high elf, "You might think me presumptuous, but our Familias are allies. What you do reflects back onto me and mine. I cannot let you act in such a way."

Elwin narrowed his eyes and shook off her arm, "Stop talking like you're my big sister or something."

"I am just trying to help," replied Riveria.

"Well, stop."

His words might as well have been spat. The emotion behind them was so intense that Riveria had no clue how to respond. She stood in silence and watched Elwin walk away. He didn't care what she thought, and if he stayed any longer, he was liable to do something stupid. Poor Lefiya was left unbelievably hurt and confused. In her mind, she had done something wrong, so Elwin abandoned her. She finished shopping with Riveria, her heart close to shattering.

All the while, the Princess and her bodyguard were in the stands watching the fighting. The tournament was at the semi-finals by this point. No Baldr Familia though, their only level three was their Captain. However, that hadn't stopped Freya Familia from finding some adventurers to rope into their scheme. In the semi-finals, it was them versus Loki Familia, and Loki was losing. Otohime was only half-watching, though. Her main activity was glaring at other adventurers. Apparently, Urashima was already gaining a fan club.

"Princess, please stop intimidating the other adventurers."

"If those hussies think they can make eyes at my Ura, then they need to learn a lesson."

Ura smiled, "While I appreciate the sentiment, I do not believe you have much to worry about."

"Maybe not, but I still like to make sure that the rest understand," replied Otohime, placing a hand on Ura's thigh.

The two kept watching the fights, even past dinner.

Back at the Hearth Mansion, the discussion was mostly finished. The details had been finalized, and Finn was content. As Lily invited Tione and Finn for tea, the two Goddesses were left to talk.

"What do you want, Loki?" asked Hestia. She had caught the mischief Goddess staring at her all day.

"The boy, where'd he come from?"

Hestia shrugged, "Some mountain village, apparently. Never knew his parents and grew up with his grandfather."

"Did he ever say the name of his grandfather?"

Hestia shook her head, "Just that his Grandfather was the one who told him all the stories he knows."

Loki scowled, "I've got a sneaking suspicion about your kid Hestia. It might be worth it to start asking about who he really is."

Hestia sat there and thought. She knew who she had to ask, but she hated the idea of owing him anything. However, she had her own question to ask.

"Why are you helping us so much?"

Loki scowled, "Freya should know better."

Hestia tilted her head.

"That witch was there when Evilus held the city hostage. She saw what those villains did," Loki's hands trembled, "What they cost us. To then turn around and do the same? For a boy? That ain't right," the Goddess's famous evil grin appeared, "She should know better, and I'm going to remind her."

After that, Loki left and hurried after Finn.

Back with Ryuu and Bell, the two were finishing up shopping when Bell looked over his shoulder.

"We're being followed," he said.

Ryuu didn't ask; she just placed her hand on her blade. The two of them kept walking, moving through the crowd. Apparently, though, their follower wasn't easily deterred. Eventually, Ryuu signalled Bell to keep walking. She peeled away from him and went into an alleyway. She assumed someone was out for revenge, a remnant of Evils. Whoever had been following them was only interested in Bell, though. After walking into a dead-end alley, Bell turned around. Ryuu took up a position at the opening, having double-backed around their assailant. This way, they were able to catch Bell's stalker.

Stand in the mouth of the alley, looking much like a child caught with their arm in the cookie jar, was Ais Wallenstein.

The Sword Princess studied the floor, her eyes hidden behind her hair.

"Umm, Ais, why were you following me?" asked Bell.

He saw her mouth move but didn't pick up the answer.

"Please, Sword Princess, you'll have to speak up," said Ryuu.

"Tione said I should do it," replied Ais.

"Why is that?" asked the elf.

"She said it was a bad idea to leave Bell alone with another woman."

Ryuu narrowed her eyes, "Are you suggesting that I would do something to hurt Bell?"

Ais turned to face the elf and shook her head, "No, but Tione told me something indecent might happen."

Ryuu's cheeks warmed, "Indecent! I would never! Right, Bell?"

It was only then that they had noticed Bell was no longer with them. The boy was naïve in many ways, but even he knew there was only one thing to do when he heard Ais's reasoning.

Bell heard Ais and Ryuu start running after him, so he ducked into Daedalus Street. The maze of streets, where he had spent much time, made it easy to lose the two pursuing females. Eventually, his running took him to a familiar building. In the weeks of his return, Bell had failed to visit Maria's Orphanage. He was afraid of who he might run into, but he also felt guilty for not going to see the children.

Unfortunately, just as he feared, she was there playing with children. She looked like Syr, so Bell thought it might have been Helun. When he saw her face, though, he knew it was Freya. Only she could smile like that. As they clambered for her attention, one of them spotted him. Then the rest started to scream and point.

"Big Bro!" cried out the children. Bell was swarmed then as they all ran to tackle him.

"See, I told you he was back!" said one child. The rest bombarded him with questions until Maria, the orphanage woman, corralled the children inside. That left Bell alone with her.

"I'm not going to force you to stay," said Syr/Freya, reading his mind.

Choosing to ignore that, Bell asked, "Do they not know?"

Syr shook her head, "Most of the common people still don't know what really happened to this version of me," Syr sighed, a sad smile on her face, "but you can tell them if you wish."

"No, I don't want to hurt them like that," he said.

It was strange. Here was the Goddess who had been responsible for killing his friends, trying to have a pleasant conversation with. Bell was barely able to suppress his rage. His hands wanted to wrap themselves around her throat. The only problem was, she looked like Syr. The same Syr who had made him lunches and was always waiting for him at the end of the day. Syr, who had always stuck by his side.

"Why?"

Syr sighed, and the tired aura of the Goddess poked through, "I don't have a reason that you'll like Bell," she shrugged, "I will say though, there is a lot that I regret."

With those quiet words, the disguised Goddess went inside to play with the children. Bell almost left, but he felt a large presence sneak upon him. He turned to find the great Boaz Ottar looming over him. The King of Orario made a point of removing his sword from his back and laid it on the ground. The gesture was utterly symbolic, of course. Even bare-handed, Ottar could rip Bell's head from his shoulders.

"Yes, Mister Ottar?" asked Bell, sweating.

"What does your Goddess mean to you, Bell Cranel?"

Ottar's voice was a deep rumble.

Bell was so unprepared that his answer was a mess, even to himself, "Well… she's everything! She saved me and gave me a chance when no one else would!" Bell looked to the ground, "I would do anything for her…"

Ottar grunted.

"Then we are much the same. My queen rescued me and gave me the chance to become strong."

Bell spoke before thinking, "Except in my Familia, we don't let our Goddess do whatever she wants."

Apparently, even Orario's King could be caught off guard. There was a minute of quiet before the Boaz nodded.

"There might be some truth to that."

With that, the King walked off, and the Rabbit Foot ran home.

And that's another one. Small break for a couple days to get some of my last assignments now. Hopefully, I'll be able to return to the once a day schedule. Also, to head this off at the pass, yes I have seen the Vol 17 synopsis. However, I've always known that my story would Canon-Divergent and AU, so it doesn't really matter to me regarding this story. That said, I might incorporate some of the ideas the novel presents later on.