Chapter 59:
Loki Familia quickly moved in, and things settled into a rhythm…mostly. Obviously, there were some hiccups from having two Familia live together like this. The clashes never grew into significant disputes, but it was clear that not everyone was happy. First was Bete, who had the unfortunate luck of running into Mikoto and Haruhime multiple times. The couple was never doing anything terribly lewd but were always unabashedly wholesome. This irritated the (self-imposed since he continued to reject Lena) single Bete to no end. So, the werewolf snapped at them every time he saw them being cute, which was usually all the time.
The next problem was Riveria and Elwin. Since they were now living together, the elder sister took it upon herself to give her little brother a proper education.
"Sit up straight," she said one night at dinner.
While many in Loki Familia would eat on their own, using the usually abandoned large dining hall, some would join Hestia Familia for dinner. Usually, it would be rotating members of Loki's Executives. Of course, the most common members would be Ais and Lefiya, but Riveria, the twins, and even Loki were all common. And when Riveria came, it was usually time for etiquette.
"Stop slurping your soup."
Elwin sighed but tried to do as she said. It would be better if Lefiya was here with him, but since they were now engaged, Riveria was clear that all proper elvish traditions were now to be followed. Lefiya and Elwin's interactions were limited and supervised. Physical contact was now being kept to a minimum as well. To enforce that, Riveria was now camped out in Elwin's room.
"You know," said Elwin one day in the bathhouse, one of the few places he was allowed privacy. "Almost all my life, I've wanted to see my sister and spend time with her. Now, though, I think I might go insane."
Welf nodded. "That sounds fair enough. To be fair, though, we're all adjusting to things."
The smith nodded to the other occupants of the bath. Gareth, Finn, Bete, and Raul were trying to relax and unwind. Elwin rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry about that," said the half-elf. "You probably don't want to hear me bitching about someone in your Familia."
Gareth chortled. "Don't worry, laddy, we all know that Riveria can be difficult. Just remember, she's coming from a place of love."
Elwin nodded. It took him a second to realize that many of the people sitting in the tub had no family. Or their family had disowned them. He felt even worse now, pulling into himself. He decided not to complain anymore, instead focusing on the lessons his sister gave him.
And then there was the final issue, the new relationship between Bell and Ais. Both were talented and experienced in many things. However, neither of them quite understood how relationships worked. Bell was still shy and getting away from his sheltered upbringing. While less sheltered than people thought, Ais was still waking up to her feelings and emotions. Neither of them knew what a relationship was. Instead, they had to rely on others. In the short week, they had been together, they attempted to go on three different dates. The first was them sparring, which apparently did not count. On the second attempt, they went to go get dinner. Except Ais wanted to get Potato Snacks. Riveria had put her foot down. She was adamant that a proper dinner date entailed sitting down at a restaurant. Finally, Bell wanted to take Ais to the library to read some hero stories. Except, Hestia insisted that didn't count either. They had to do something romantic and not just read some hero stories.
One day, Ais and Bell were sitting out in the courtyard. The Sword Princess was pouting while holding Bell's hand.
"We can't even go on a date, right," she said. "Every time we try, people keep stopping us."
Bell didn't respond. He was still looking at Ais's hand in his, trying to get over the fact that she was actually dating him. That is, only dating as much as they could when they hadn't gone on any dates. Or when they were constantly monitored by members of their Familia. Even now, Bell saw that Tiona and Tione had been sparring for quite some time. And their sparring was a lot less intense than usual.
"Well…why do we let them?" asked Bell.
Ais blinked. "What do you mean… don't we have to listen to them? … don't they know what it means to go on dates?"
Bell frowned. "How many dates do you think Riveria has gone on?"
Ais opened her mouth before closing it again.
"And I know for sure that Hestia has never gone on any dates," continued Bell. "So, why are we listening to them?"
"…because Riveria is scary," replied Ais. "And Hestia is a Goddess."
Bell shrugged, squeezing her hand. "Riveria is scary, but she's also like your mother, right? As long as she sees you happy, I'm sure she'd be okay with it." Bell paused. "As for Hestia, I've come to think Deities aren't the flawless beings we think they are. Freya attacked, Hermes betrayed me, and even Hestia kept secrets from me. We should love them, but…why would they come down here to the mortal realm if they didn't want to be human?"
Ais stopped, and then she tried for a teasing smile. "I didn't think I would hear something like that from you."
"Yeah, maybe I wouldn't have a couple of months ago," replied Bell, nodding. "But now I've seen all that the Gods are capable of. They're a lot like us. They make mistakes, have eccentric personalities, and don't always use their best judgment. We should respect and sometimes even fear them, but they aren't perfect."
Ais hummed thoughtfully. She let her head fall onto Bell's shoulder. She could feel his muscles tense for a second and was happy. It made her feel good to think he could still be the nervous boy he always was. The two of them sat quietly, basking in the warm summer air.
"So, are you going to be the one to tell them that they're both wrong and know nothing about love?" asked Ais.
Bell didn't respond to that. Ais smiled.
"That's what I thought."
In the Home of the Queen:
The room of Folkvangr was quiet. The gathered executives sat in silence, soaking in the light of their Goddess. Allen's fury was barely contained on his face but seethed in silence. Hedin was contemplative, his mind already hard at work trying to account for the different possibilities. Hegni was watching Hedin, looking to his great rival for answers. The Gulliver brothers were looking between each other, a silent conversation conveyed through looks and glances. And finally, there was the King of Orario. His very nature was quiet, and so it continued. His face was passive, like a pillar of stone.
The only one who seemed relaxed about it all was Freya. Her face was smiling, and her eyes gleamed. To anyone outside her Familia, she looked as happy as usual. Her visage was one of beauty and perfection. To those that were in her Familia, though, they saw what was off. Her smile was almost manic, and her eyes were glassy like she was on some drug. Her laughter had been ringing through the halls of her home, which she rarely left now.
"So, does everyone understand my wishes?" asked the Goddess.
There was quiet. Everyone looked to their Captain.
"Your will shall be done, Lady Freya," said Ottar.
The rest of the executives gave their assent afterwards as well. The last to do so was Hedin, and that was also noticed by the executives and their Goddess. She leaned her head on her hands, the action almost casual. She let out a tinkling laugh, tilting her head in the elf's direction.
"Oh? Do you have a problem with wishes, Hedin?" she asked. Her tone was joyful, but her eyes were dangerous. "Do you have a problem with the will of your Goddess?"
Hedin shook his head. "No, Milady, your will shall be done. I have one suggestion, though, if you would hear it."
Freya nodded. "Of course, after all, you are my top strategist. I trust your judgement."
"Offer the boy one more chance to join us," said Hedin. "If he has grown as much as he says he has, then he might just be smart enough to take the offer. And even if he doesn't, we need to show that we gave him and his Familia the option, if only for our public image."
"Why should that little shit get the chance?" asked Allen, mouth frothing. "I say we go and take him now. What could he do against our Familia?"
"Loki Familia, our eternal rivals who would blot out our Sun," replied Hegni. "They stand in our ways like great pillars. Until the presence is gone from this city, we must tread softly where the shadows do not walk."
"Idiot."
"Try speaking."
"Properly."
"For once."
The four voices of the Bringar rang out one after the other. The Familia was ready to break down into squabbles until Ottar slammed his fist onto the table. The sudden sound drew back everyone's attention. Ottar's face seemed as impassive as ever, but his Familia understood the message. They all got quiet.
"I agree with Hedin," said Ottar. "The boy should be given a chance."
Freya sighed. "Very well, I suppose we should give him at least one chance." She pouted. "Still, I don't know how much longer I want to wait to get my Odr. The longer he's away from me, the harder it'll be to fix him."
The words that Freya said sent a shiver down the spine of some members of Freya Familia. More specifically, the two elves who had actually spent time with Bell Cranel. And then there was the large boaz. He did not feel it, but his eyes were trained on Freya. He was doing everything he could to study her and try to come to some understanding.
"I shall deliver the ultimatum myself then," said Hedin.
The rest of the meeting was quiet, with Freya giving out the last of her orders. The finer details of her plan still needed some work, but her Familia would see it done. The Goddess stood up and walked away. Her executives stood in her wake, all of them contemplative.
"Hedin," said Ottar. "Tell the boy today."
Hedin nodded. "Yes, that sounds about right."
Allen growled while the Gulliver brothers just shrugged and left. Hegni looked between the three that were left. There was tension in the air, but it wasn't the usual. These days, whenever Bell Cranel was mentioned, it was like everyone's anger came to the surface. They all questioned how he could dare to stand against their Goddess. How he dared to refuse her. They were all competing to see who would have the honour of capturing him, of who would gain their lady's favour. But this tension was different. It was as if Allen was standing against Hedin and Ottar. And Hegni couldn't help but want to side with Hedin and Ottar.
"Better make sure you just give him the ultimatum," said Allen.
Hedin nodded. "But of course, what else is there to say?"
The four split, then. Hedin left to go and find Bell Cranel. Ottar went to stand at Freya's side. Snarling, Allen disappeared in a gust of wind, probably gone to train. And finally, Hegni walked to his room, trying to get his thoughts in order.
With the Goddesses:
Loki and Hestia were sitting in the courtyard, enjoying what could pass for lunch. There was definitely a fair amount of booze, and it was coupled with some good food. The two were eating heartily and lightly trading jabs across the table. It was a wonder that they weren't at each other's throats, but since the night of the party, the two Goddesses definitely seemed on better terms.
"You know," began Hestia. "It's actually kind of nice having a home full of people. My children are wonderful, but such a large house for such a small Familia…."
"Felt like a waste?" finished Loki.
Hestia nodded. "It's something I hope to fix after everything with Freya is done." She looked up to the sky. "I want a large Familia that has space for everyone else."
Loki snorted. "What about your massive debt with Hephaestus?"
Hestia shrugged. "It's actually not as much of a problem as it used to be. Between the loot from our expeditions and all the stuff we brought back from our travels, the debt's already halfway gone." She gave a wicked smile. "And if we triumph over Freya, we'll make sure she pays all sorts of reparations damages."
Loki laughed at the sky. "As long as I get a cut of the spoils, I'll cheer to that!"
The two clinked their mugs together and started chugging their beer. Almost forgotten at the table were a couple prums. Of course, Lili and Finn had spent much time together in the manor, always supervised by Tione. Much of that time was spent discussing tactics and possible plans for Freya, but another topic had the Braver just as interested.
"So, these strategists of Altena really were that smart?" asked Finn.
Lili nodded. "Not to belittle Mister Finn's ability, but the strategists of Altena and Athena Familia are simply just beyond anything we can comprehend. Even if you, Mister Hedin, and I put our head's together, we wouldn't be able to outsmart any of the top ten strategists." She shrugged. "Lili wouldn't worry about it too much, though. Maybe they were lying, but they seemed content to be left alone to grapple with the question their Goddess left."
Finn blinked. The severity of Dauntless's voice left him bewildered. And then he saw the look in her eyes and how hard her hands were clenched. He was sure the stone would crack if she held the table. He couldn't help the curiosity that was bubbling deep inside.
"And what question would that be?" asked Finn.
Lili's eyes were on the ground.
"How would one kill a God?" she asked. "And Lady Athena did not mean by sending them back to Heaven. How could one kill a God forever?"
Even if Lili wasn't speaking loudly, the question caught the attention of everyone at the table. Hestia lowered her cup down slowly while Finn sat in silence. His gaze was piercing. And then there was Loki slamming her goblet onto the table.
"Just what did you say, you little heretic!" shouted Loki. "What kind of disgusting question is that?"
Lili looked Loki in the eye, holding her gaze evenly. "It's the type of question that a Goddess asks when she wants to protect her children from troubling deities that don't know what the word 'no' means. Deities that chase mortals, even after they die. Lili thinks that Athena was thinking about that kind of scenario. And recent events make Lili herself think that such a thing is needed."
Loki was practically snarling but held her tongue firmly in her head. The pallum and the Goddess were locked in a staring contest. Thankfully, the Braver was able to speak up and cut through the tension.
"And have you been able to find an answer to that question?" he asked with a sardonic smile. "And I'd like to remind you that you're in front of a Goddess, so lying is out of the question."
Lili sighed, turning to Finn. "Then, the honest answer is that possibilities have opened themselves up to us. There is no weapon yet, but things have begun that are not to be taken lightly." She turned back to Loki. "But rest assured that neither Lili nor Lady Athena will have control over such powerful items if they do come into this world."
Loki's frown deepened. "Oh, and who are you going to give them to? The boy? Right, like he'll be the perfect judge."
Lili shook her head. "No, they will be given to the one person that could wield them with the fear they deserve." She pointed at her Goddess. "Lady Hestia will have sole control over the tools if they ever come into this world."
Hestia didn't say anything. Neither did Loki. The wind rustled through the trees, and the sounds of a bust city rang out around them. There was a peace that belied the coming storm. And again, it was the Braver that broke the silence.
"It lies with the remains of Typhon, doesn't it?" he asked.
Lili nodded.
"There was a bone, a claw, and his blood. The bone became the new sword of Bell Cranel, a first-tier weapon, but not one deadly enough to wipe a God's existence from this plane," continued Finn. He spoke as if he was thinking out loud. His voice was low to ensure no one in either Familia overheard them. "So that leaves the claw and the blood. The claw would be simple enough to fashion into a dagger, but what of the blood? And, for that matter, could simple smithing be enough to make a dagger that dangerous?"
"It's not about the smith; it's about the material," said Hestia quietly. "It's like how unicorn horns can cure poison, even when they've turned into weapons." Her voice was shaking. "That monster carried so much malice…it was like I could feel it rolling off in waves, even from its bodily remains." She looked up, eyes wet. "You have to understand; I don't want to use it! It's just… I'm just so scared!" She looked at Lili with a smile that could melt a glacier. "I'm a good-for-nothing Goddess that was lucky enough to be blessed with the most wonderful children I could ever ask for. Every single one of them feels like a gift I don't deserve." Her whole body was trembling. "And I am terrified of what Freya will do to them. I lie awake at night thinking of how she'll chase them down, even into the Heavens." She fell to the ground, arms wrapped around her shoulders. "Just the thought of that horrible dagger makes me sick, and I hate myself for asking Welf to make it, but I want to protect my children." She was looking at Loki now. "That's our job, right? To keep our children safe, no matter the cost?"
The laughing Goddess of Tricksters had no answer. Neither did the vaunted commander of one of Orario's greatest Familias. Instead, the little orphan girl who had grown up in poverty and addiction knelt down to hold her Goddess.
Lunch was broken then, and they went their separate ways.
With the Boy and Girl:
On one of Orario's walls, unaware of the dark conversations back home, two adventurers were locked in training. While training was not a date, it was necessary for Bell Cranel. With the change from dual wielding to daggers to a sword and a dagger, he needed all the practice he could get. Thankfully, Ais was there to take care of him. While Bell's status was almost equivalent to hers, his experience still paled in comparison to the Sword Princes. And even if Ais wasn't a single combat specialist, there was still a lot for her to teach her boyfriend.
The two duelled back and forth, the distinct clanging of metal ringing out in the sunlight. While Ais was still not allowed in the Dungeon, Amid and Nahza had both cleared her for training. And Bell was itching for some practice. Learning to fight with a sword wasn't too different from what he was used to. His dagger's nimble movements, which allowed for speed and precision, were replaced with swinging power and a longer reach. It also helped that Bell's new weapon was as first-class as he was. The balance was perfect, and the edge felt like it could go through stone. It was easily one of Welf's best works. Its name was the King's Blade.
Bell missed a swing, and then Ais was there. Her leg swept up and into his head, sending him into the stone. Coupled with the heat of the day and a lack of food and drink, he was unconscious. When he woke up, his head was resting in Ais's lap. For a second, he stiffened, but from the look on Ais's face, he knew it would be a bad idea. So he relaxed into it, allowing Ais to stroke his hair. The boy focused on her face and the tiny smile she wore. He saw how calm she seemed like all the tension she carried through the day had vanished. It was a sight to see for sure, and it made him feel all warm inside.
But then Bell stopped. His muscles went stiff, and Ais reacted to that. They both felt the sudden presence of another. It was a force that was at the same level they were, power-wise. Bell jumped to his feet, weapons held lightly in his hands, while the wind whistled as Ais drew her sword. Standing across from them, calm and calculating, was Hedin. He carried no weapons and had his hands in the air.
"I come bearing a message from the Goddess," said Hedin. "This is your final warning, Bell Cranel. You can join Freya Familia peacefully and quietly or watch as your friends and family are torn to shreds."
Bell's feelings for the elf, who he once called his master, were conflicted. Hedin had shown himself to be capable, incredibly intelligent, and with a type of compassion hidden under his stoic exterior. But he also did nothing to try and help Bell when Freya declared war on him. And that was what really rubbed Bell the wrong way. The absolute blind obedience that the members showed their Goddess shook him to his core. There was just something so wrong and perverse about it.
"If you say no, beware what comes next," said Hedin.
Despite his words being dark omens, his stance was actually quite relaxed. More importantly, how he was looking at Bell told the boy that something else was going on. The words meant more than he was saying.
"I'm afraid that I am still going to be saying no," said Bell. "I don't think it's right, but I know it's also not just my decision." He looked over at Ais and couldn't help the smile on his face. "There are other people that could be affected by this, and I need to talk to them first."
Hedin nodded. "An understandable and respectable answer. Just know that by the time Loki Familia leaves on their expedition, you must have the answer. If you are not at the gates of Folkvangar that day, we will know your answer." He looked down his glasses, his gaze piercing into Bell. "Do you understand?"
Bell nodded. "Yes, teacher, I do."
With a flicker of the light, he was gone. But it was only until Bell could feel his presence disappear that he relaxed. He put his weapons away, and Ais did the same. When that was done, the girl took his hand. That little moment of reassurance did wonders for Bell's health. The two left soon after, knowing they owed their Goddesses an explanation.
With the Elf:
At that exact moment, Ryuu was hard at work at the Hostess. She came back every now and then to help out Mama Mia and the other girls. Add her relationship with Syr on top of that, and coming back to work was quite enjoyable. She made sure it never interfered with her Familia business, but other than that, she went as often as she could. The other waitresses enjoyed it too, but none of them seemed to understand what to do with a Ryuu that smiled so much. Anya constantly tried to poke her cheeks while Chloe and Lunoire looked at her strangely. The only one who seemed genuinely happy about the change was Mia. She just said something about her girl growing up and how proud she was.
That particular day, though, things were not as happy as they could have been. While Ryuu was out back, taking out the trash, a chill went down her spine. Immediately she turned, weapon already half drawn, only to find a blade at her neck. At the other end of it was the dark elf, Hegni. He couldn't look her in the eyes, though.
"Listen to the words of our Goddess," said Hegni.
That was when Ryuu felt the other presence in the yard. She turned her head to find Freya standing in front of her. The Goddess was wearing a hood, but it did little to distract from her beauty. Even as part of Ryuu hated Freya and everything she did, another part wanted to worship her. She hated it and the voice in her head that compelled her.
"Don't speak, Ryuu," said the Goddess.
And then, it was like a magical vice had clamped around her mouth. No, it was as if her vocal chords had been ripped it. There was nothing she could do but listen to the Goddess.
"I didn't come here to attack you or the rest of the girls," began Freya. "I just wanted to talk and offer you the same thing that is being offered to your captain." She smiled, and Ryuu could almost feel her knees buckle. "One more chance to join me and my children. We can share Bell, or you can have both him and my discarded attendant. I don't mind sharing if it's with you." Ryuu could feel how much Freya wanted this. And if Ryuu granted it, the Goddess would be so happy! Ryuu would be able to see that joy firsthand! But still….
"I must say no," replied Ryuu. "And I will instead extend my own invitation." She gestured back towards the Hostess. "Come back to us. Be our friend again, and be a part of our family again. The others will come around, but I know everyone in that building will forgive you immediately." The elf put as much desperation into her voice as she could manage. "Please, come back to us!"
Freya's face went through a hundred emotions in the span of a couple seconds. Hegni's eyes darted back and forth between the two, his blade wobbling. But Ryuu's piercing blue eyes were solely for Freya. The elf held a wish in her heart, but she knew it couldn't come true…yet.
"So, this is how it will be then," said Freya.
Ryuu nodded. "Unless you force me, I will not join you."
Freya's smile turned sad. "Oh, my dear Ryuu, I could never force such a thing onto you. I will just have to show you the error of your ways instead." She turned to the dark elf. "We are leaving now."
Freya turned around and walked back out from where she came. Hegni flickered and disappeared with her. Soon, it was just the elf again. She let her defences fall, and immediately it felt like her brain was about to shut down. To resist the will of Freya, even in a minor way, was as exhausting as any battle. But Ryuu couldn't sit around. She had to run home and warn her Familia. She passed Syr as she left, pausing to give the woman a kiss on the cheek.
"Tell Mama Mia I'm sorry but must leave early today. Something terrible is coming, and I must warn them," said Ryuu.
Syr nodded vaguely, rubbing her cheek. However, Ryuu was already at the door by that point.
With the Familia:
With Bell and Ryuu's frightening news, the executives of Loki Familia sat with the entirety of Hestia Familia. The meeting room was cramped, with Aki, Raul, Bete, and the twins standing off the side. No one noticed, though, as they were all sitting and listening in rapt attention. Finn and Lili both asked Bell to repeat Hedin's message multiple times. After every telling, the two would share a glance, some kind of silent conversation taking place. After the third time, Hestia's face scrunched up.
"Do you two feel like explaining to the two of us what you're thinking," said the tiny Goddess.
Finn smiled. "Hedin was giving us a hint."
Lili nodded. "He made special mention of the fact that what was coming would only come when Loki Familia left for their expedition." The others opened their mouths, ready to shout at once, but Lili's upheld hand kept them quiet. "We will discuss the implications of this later. For now, Lili wants everyone to continue as normal. The most important thing is that everyone continues to visit Mister Fels."
Hestia nodded. "She's right. The details of the plan can be left to our generals. And we can't give away what we know."
"But does this mean Hedin is an ally?" asked Tiona.
Loki shook her head. "Not likely, especially since this is Freya we're talking about."
Bell hummed in agreement. "Hedin only told us because he thinks we deserve a chance. But we would have to prove that we're worth the time for him to fully ally with us."
Aki raised her hand. "Not to be rude, but if we know the attack is coming, why don't you just run away again?" The girl's ears twitched. "We have a week before we have to leave, right? That should be a big enough head start. And even if Freya chases you down, at least the city won't be at risk."
Lili shook her head. "Freya would still destroy the city, looking for Bell. And then her chaos would spill over into the countryside."
Bell had been quiet the whole meeting.
"What if I gave myself up?" he asked. "What if I just went over to Freya. The city is saved, all of you aren't in danger anymore, and we can focus on what really matters."
"And what would that be?" asked Finn.
"The One-Eyed Black Dragon is still out there," said Bell. "And maybe Freya is crazy, but her Familia is strong. And after seeing everything she's done already, with the Xenos and the tournament, maybe it would be best just to avoid the fight."
The boy could feel everyone's eyes on him. He could feel the tension rise. Ais was the first to react, holding his hand so hard that he thought his bones would break. She sat there quietly in quiet rage.
"I'm not losing you."
The next to speak was Otohime, her voice and body much gentler than everyone else's.
"That wouldn't be a solution," said Otohime. "It's putting off the problem, just like running away. Say you go to Freya, do you really think she would stop there? That she wouldn't keep the rest of us under watch?" She paused. "Take it from me; this is the kind of problem that you have to face up to. And you gotta do it with your friends by your side."
Elwin nodded. "Some problems should be avoided, but this ain't one of them. Besides, how long will this city let one obsessive Goddess dictate its future?"
"We're with you, Bell," finished Welf. "So don't insult us by trying to push us away."
The rest of Hestia Familia nodded. The executives of Loki Familia looked to their Goddess. The implication was silent. If Loki Familia wanted to, they could avoid this fight. Instead, the Trickster Goddess gave a devious grin.
"Riveria, I like your brother," she said. "He's right; no more letting Freya tell us how to live our lives. I, for one, know that I'm damn tired of it."
The rest of Loki Familia nodded along.
"Let's crush the bitch," finished Loki.
