Love! Death! War! They all Love a Rabbit!

by B0OZX1

I don’t own any of these Author Weebtactics

30. 30

"Mmmgh~!"

A soft groan escaped from Syr's lips as her eyes twitched. Stiring in her sleep and under the sheets she covered herself with as the sun's rays peaked from the window. Hitting part of her face and eyes as she turned to cover her face away from the light's glare.

'I'm too tired to wake up. I don't wanna have to go into work today. Maybe I can call in sick or have Lady Freya cover for me.' She thougth as she turned and pressed herself deeper into her pillow. To only wince as she raised her eyebrow as she snuggled and rubbed her face into her pillow in confusion.

'Why does my pillow feel warm? And why am I hearing my own heartbeat?'

"Sis...you might want to wake up and double check your pillow before it moves away from you." She heard Helun's voice in her head as she groaned. Slowly rising from the bed as she opened her eyes slowly. Rubbing the crust out of them as she turned to see her pillow and was about to flip it over to sleep on the colder side of it.

Only to widen her eyes and cover herself more by pulling the sheets around her as she scooted a bit away. Because she saw Bell's sleeping face and bare neck. With what looked like to be bites and small hickies on his neck as he was still sound asleep.

'HELUN! WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT!? DID BELL-DID I-DID WE...AND I DON'T REMEMBER ANY OF IT!? WHAT HAPPENED!?' Syr thought in a panic as she was shifting and squirming under the sheets as she clutched her head. Groaning and tugging her hair as she shut her eyes to try and remember anything.

'Damn it! I remember last night when he proposed to me! How carring and heartfelt it was and I remember crying about it and dragging us into the lake together. He carried me like a princess back home...and then nothing!'

"Syr..take a deep breath and-"

'Helun! What did we do last night!? You're always alert and watch over me! W-Were we both flimsy about it? I-I know he has some knowledge on the subject but knowing and actually doing things are completely different! W-Was he gentle? Did he caress us gently in his arms?' Syr asked over and over as her mind was also filling Helun with ideas of what she thought happened.

"Syr! Just look under-"

'Did I get rough with him and take top!? Did he take over and dominated me!? W-Wait...are my hips swollen? I-I can't feel my hips! Oh god he used me so much to the point I can't walk probably for a-'

"Syr! Bedsheets! Look under them! Now!" Helun roared in her head, making her wince as she gently looked down at herself. Slowly raising her arms to lift up the sheets she covered herself in. Opening one eye to brace herself for the damage and possibly evidence of what could have been the most magical and beautiful night of her life...to find only herself wearing one of Bell's Baggy shirts and bare legs.

"Huh?" Syr asked as she blinked a few times. Testing her legs as she moved them and had one hand around her hips to see if it hurt. Rising from the bed she saw the large baggy shirt she wore and pulled the collar out. Looking inside to see she still had the..."battle lingerie" given by Lady Freya still on.

"I still have my bra and thong on. And...my legs feel fine." Syr muttered in confusion as she poked herself and pinched, thinking it was a dream.

"The only thing I should point out is you have a few hickies on your own neck...and maybe there's some scratch marks you left on Bell's back last night." Helun commented as Syr looked around and saw Bell's mirror against the bathroom door and craned her neck. Noticing that she was right about the hickies as she sighed and went back under the sheets.

"What happened and why didn't we...take that step?" Syr asked, pouting as she looked over to Bell's sleeping figure as she scooted herself over to him. Pulling the covers over them as she brought his hand over to her hips and snuggled closer as she used his chest as a pillow. Listening to his heartbeat.

"Truth be told...you both wanted to. Honestly you did. You even asked me in the bath because you got worried that I would refuse or wouldn't consent to it. But, after you were waiting for Bell to finish his turn in the bath, you both looked exhausted. The two of you admitted that you both were emotionally drained, and the shower and bath made you both tired." Helun explained as Syr brought her hand up to his chest. Hearing his heartbeat as she saw the two rings shining on her finger and smiled weakly.

"Which then lead you two to get close...then you started it with the kissing and hugging each other. Honestly if I didn't know, or was part of you, someone would have seen it as you two actually...y'know." Helun said, blushing to herself at the thought of them being "rough" as Syr described.

'Come on! You gave me consent if I wanted to take the next step with Bell last night, why are you so embarrassed about us taking his first!?' Syr questioned as mentally, she saw Helun squirming and clutching her head and wiggling about like a worm.

"I-I'm not! Erm...well, I'm nervous about when that would happen! I have no idea how to! And neither do you, but you and Freya are the absolute worse! Such ideas and things you two imagine Bell to do to us..." She cried as her voice died down a little and began to tap her fingers together as she went into a fetal position.

"I'm not as...lewd as the both of you y'know. I-It would be nice to at least cuddle together. Maybe, trace each other's fingers gently on our bodies. Snuggling and k-kissing him would be nice before...taking that first step together." Helun said, blushing and smiling at her own imaginations with Bell as Syr overheard them.

Smiling to herself, she turned her back against Bell. His arm never leaving over her body and rather, scooted closer to him. Gently and carefully slipping his other hand from beneath his side to be wrapped around her hips as she wrapped them around herself. Ignoring Helun's sudden eeps and cries in her head, she didn't stop until she felt Bell instinctively tightened his hold around her hips and nuzzling against her neck.

"So you would want something like this~!" Syr teased as she felt Bell snuggling into her and laughing a bit in his sleep. Feeling how comforting he is and how cute his sleeping face looked. Even finding him gently nibbling at her skin cute like how a rabbit eats. And Helun seemed to think so as well with how she imagined her in her head and how she was gushing about Bell now-

"Syr...are you erm, pressing your rear at his leg?" Helun asked as she suddenly stopped her gushing and became straight faced and serious. Making Syr blink as she wondered why Helun stopped being happy all of a sudden and looked as though she had a thousand-yard stare in her eyes and turning red.

"No? Why would you even-"

"Hmmm~" Bell groaned as he held Syr tighter in his arms. Pressing her body closer to his as then, Syr's own eyes widened. Her legs bucking forward a bit, unintendedly pressing her rear closer to his hips...and now understood why Helun asked that. Because she definitely thought she was pressed against Bell's leg just now. If it wasn't for the fact, she felt it twitch and stiffening by the second.

"I-Is that...it's huge!" Syr whispered in shock and horror at what was pressing against her lower posterior. Squirming and shifting her body in place to try and pry free from Bell's hold. But it didn't work, well, it did but not in the way she expected it. She could feel his shorts tenting and riling up the back of her large shirt a little.

"Whatdowedo?Whatdowedo?Whatdowedo!?" Helun cried out in Syr's head as she herself looked behind. Seeing Bell still asleep, thanking that he was a deep sleeper. But had to bite her lips as to prevent the small moan when Bell's hands roamed up to her chest and began to grope and massage her breast.

"Is he having a wet dream of us!?"

"I don't know! B-But what are we-Oh~ suppose to do?" Helun asked as Syr moved one of her hands behind her as she touched Bell's shorts. Right where his "third leg" was resting atop her rear as it twitched and noticed Bell's grasp on her loosened up.

"I-I think...we need to handle this ourselves."

"How do-No! Noooo! Right now!? B-But we-you-I'm not even...we haven't even done anything last night and you want to-"

"Well it's ether being sm-smothered by him like this and feel it as he'll ma-maAKE us cause a mess...or we give him a good morning." Syr moaned out as she wondered if Bell was awake. Given how he's tending and groping her so well she almost wanted to turn around and buck her hips to his. Along with how he was groping her ass.

"O-Okay...then lets-"

"Good luck." Syr said as she closed her eyes as a faint white glow cocooned her body. Her eyes turning from their usual light grey to now heteromorphic colors as black and silver and red. Her face completely flushed as she turned to see Bell's sleeping face and felt both his arms lowering down to her ass as he groped her. All the while her hands were positioned on his body. One on his chest and the other practically cupping his "third leg" somehow.

"S-S-S-Syr!? Why did you switch with me!?" Helun whispered. Flinching at how Bell paused for a moment before snuggling into his pillow and loosening his hold on her.

'You wanted to cuddle up with him. And I gave you what you wanted. Now you take responsibility for it.'

"You're just avoiding the mess! You don't want to do it because you're too embarrassed about it and don't want to break your mischievous character!" Helun countered back. Waiting for a response from Syr in her head. But all she got was a pouting look from her as she looked away and flashed a peace sign before fading away.

"You bitch!" Helun roared, stiffening herself as Bell's eyes twitched as she became frantic. Wondering what to do however, caused a part of her to clench down onto something hard. Making Bell wide awake now and Helun blushing right in front of him as Bell's eyes widened and both teens shot up from the bed.

Still clinging onto each other's body parts.

"H-H-Helun!? Wait where's Syr? O-Oh gods did we...and you? And Syr? W-Wait...did I do something to you last night without your permission?!" Bell asked as both teens parted ways. Bringing back their hands to themselves, though Bell noticed the tent he had apparently set up and covered it and blushed.

"N-N-No! Nonononono! I-It wasn't like that I swear Bell! Y-You and Syr didn't do anything...private last night! And I'm here because Syr switched control over to me after she was teasing me a bit and cuddling up, rather close to you is all." Helun said as her voice was dying down to small squeaks as Bell nodded in understanding.

For a minute, neither of them said nothing as they still covered their bodies with their hands. Faces practically that of cherries at this point as they snuck glances at one another.

"W-What did happen?"

"You and Syr...kinda got lost in the moment when you both began to snuggle and kiss each other. I think because, of how emotionally exhausted you two were last night, you both just passed out on the bed."

"H-Ahhh...that would explain the hickies on your neck. B-But, did I do anything inappropriate to you girls just now? W-While I was asleep that is?" Bell asked, afraid and cursing at his own hormones as Helun shook her head.

"N-No. Well, you were a bit handsy. But that was because Syr placed your hands on her body and pressed her...ass...to your-"

"D-You don't have to say it!" Bell exclaimed as Helun nodded her head and looked away from him. As to try and avoid her eyes from gazing at his shorts. Embarrassed and flustered of how lewd she was becoming because of Syr.

"I'm sorry." Helun said, breaking the awkward silence as Bell looked puzzled as she pointed to the bed. Still looking away from him as he caught on what she meant. Crossing his legs and covering himself with his hands as he shook his head at her.

"It's fine...Well...erm. It didn't hurt. Just, kinda startled me. I've been hurt worse before in some fights."

"T-That doesn't sound too well."

"Yeah...it wasn't for the first few times. But some training and getting used to pain I kinda at least learned how to take it and hide it." Bell said as he sucked his lips a bit as he looked at Helun's hand and saw the rings still on.

"So...I wanted to ask you this later on. But, are you okay with us?" Bell pointed to her and himself a few times as Helun looked puzzled. Upon realizing what he was saying as she blushed once more and looked down at her hand. Seeing her reflection in the rings that were still on her finger.

"I-I know that I said I would love you two...and F-Freya just the same as I always have. Maybe even more. I still would like to know if this is a bit too fas-" That was all Bell could muster before Helun leaned in and gave him a quick peck on his lips before pulling herself away. Scooting over towards him as she took one of his hands and intertwined it with hers.

"Bell, I know that you love us. And you understand that we love you, me and Syr and Lady Freya love you back. But there's no need to worry about us or doubt that we love you. Because we will always love you no matter what. I'll admit, at least for me, this is rather moving quickly than I expected." Helun said, before straightening up and scooting closer to him as their eyes met.

"That just means that I'll have to move as quickly to show my love for you." Kissing him once more as she saw a small smile on his face. Satisfying her at how relax Bell became as she felt his other hand holding hers, blushing at how her heart raced and noticed he wasn't covering himself anymore.

Much to her relief...he no longer had a tent and was back to normal.

"G-Granted...there are going to be times where I might not be so, forward, like Syr's plans for you last night if you two weren't so tired. So, when our time comes to go with our outings and d-dates. Please, if it's not too much trouble for you, be patient with me. A-And don't try to embarrass me for what I ask from you?" She squeaked out as she felt Bell's cheek nuzzling against hers.

"You're just as cute as Syr when she gets flustered and embarassed~!"

"B-Bell!"

"Hahah! Okay, I can be patient. E-Even though I like to go things at my own speed, I can be patient until you're more ready and sure about...well erm, is it just public displays of affection you're flustered about?" Bell asked as he blushed a little, but to his surprise, it wasn't exactly that as Helun shook his head.

"N-No. Well, not exactly. I-erm. Well, it would be a bit embarrassing, but I wouldn't refuse you hugging or k-k-kissing me. But I meant when we, take that next step together with Syr. I-If at any point we...switch...c-could you please be patient with me on that part." She stated as both of them flushed and looked away, covering their faces and nose at the thought of what she said.

"S-Switch? Erm..d-did, was that going to occur if Syr and I-?"

"I-It was a possibility, maybe? I-I did give her consent to do so if you're worried about that. A-And I was prepared...but since it didn't then, I kinda got nervous. E-Especially since when, you had erm, your "little"-"

"Y-Y-Yeah! I get it. J-Just nerves kicking back in. B-But don't call it "little" please...it sounds so embarrassing."

"That and the fact it's anything but little." Helun blurted out, covering her mouth as she sucked her lips and her eyes widened. Making Bell's neck whiplash and cleaning out his ear to make sure he wasn't hearing things.

"E-Erm...Ah..that was...I mean, I kinda talk big about myself but to hear that is-"

"Please don't speak about what I just blurted out!" Helun cried, slipping on the sheets as she knocked Bell over the bed. And landing on him soon after as she stumbled and slipped from the bedsheets. Both teens groaning and now on the floor as Bell and Helun flushed at how they were now.

"Oi! Bell, Lili's asking at what time are you set to go-" Hogni cried from the door as the sound of it clicking caused them to widen their eyes and grip their hands. Making it look worse as Hogni saw first-hand when he opened Bell's bedroom door open. They saw his eyes widening and had to cover his face with his scarf as muffled screaming was still heard from him.

"What in the world are you looking at to cause you to try and choke yourself-Gah! What the fuck rabbit! If you're gonna fucking shag in your room then lock the damn door! And pull up your shorts! I do not want your dick to be the first thing I see in the morning!" Allen cried as he walked over to Hogni to see what was wrong before he looked disgusted and turned around.

"You already do look at dick each morning. Every time you look in the mirror, or when you're not looking at Alfrigg's. Now why are you all outside Bell's-Gaaahhh! Close the damn door Hogni! Do you know how to knock first?" Hedin said as he tried to close the door so that Bell and Helun could have had some privacy, but Allen and Hogni refused to move or make things easier.

"Heddy~! Come back to bed~! It's cold without you and-Woah! O-Okay erm...H-Hey Bell? H-Had quite the night? Oh what the fuck am I saying...Move it you morons! Give them their privacy!" Fortuna, coming out of Hedin's room wearing one of Hedin's shirts and only that, saw and witnessed the crowd forming in front of Bell's room and tried to drag them away from the door.

"Ah! What's happening to Master Bell!?"

"Hedin, what is all the noise going on so early in the morning?"

"O-Ottar! Shield Lili's eyes before-!" Hedin tried to warn him as Lili came over to the doorframe and peeked inside. Causing the small Pallum girl to gape in awe and embarrassment at the sight she saw Bell and Helun in. What was worse, was when Helun tried to pick herself up, ended up pulling Bell's shorts to reveal his...rather large carrot.

If it could even be called such by Lili's view of it. She had now questioned, what was the biggest vegetable or food item that could be even comparable to Bell's.

"Lili!!!" Bell, Ottar and Helun screamed as the girl's eyes rolled to the back of her head. Nearly falling to the floor if it wasn't for Fortuna to catch her. Hearing her babblings and mutterings of 'monstruous' and 'body not ready', she looked at the three idiots still blocking to close the door and scowled.

"S-Sorry for intruding. Y-You two...well...we'll give you some privacy until you're ready." Fortuna said as she kicked Hogni's ribs. Making him whine in pain as she spun on the balls of her feet. Shirt fluttering as she twirled and proceeded to kick the door shut behind her. Causing both teens to blush not only in embarrassment of being seen, but of what the last view they saw.

"No panties..." Both muttered as they looked back to each other's face. Blinking as both parted away and turning around as Bell pulled up his shorts and boxers.

"Erm...L-Let's um, if you and Syr are w-wanting to, you know? M-Maybe we can do it later on. W-When we have our privacy." Bell questioned as he turned his head back to Helun as she gathered the dress Syr wore last night and looked at him. A flustered smile on her face as she bundled the clothes close to her chest.

"I-I'd like that. M-Maybe later this week though! I-I'd like to, prepare us for it."

"I understand. The bath is yours first if you'd like."

"I appreciate it. I'll try not to take too long. You're going to be busy today in the dungeon." She said, as she entered Bell's bathroom and shut the door behind her. Leaving Bell to slump on his bed and let out a tired sigh from his mouth as he looked up at the ceiling.

"Better if we make it to the fourteenth floor. Hopefully there won't be any issues. I'd need some Valis to book us a place more private and away from Orario maybe if we don't want them to just barge in on us." Bell spoke as he looked over his nightstand and saw Endless Sky resting on the edge.

"Yeah...Floor 14, maybe 15 for extra just in case. I'd need it for Freya's date and...if she wants it to be private and away from Orario. Like a vacation for the both of us. Though, would me taking Syr and Helun away after last night...make it more like a honeymoon?" Bell muttered as he covered his lips with his fingers and blushed.

"Aunty Aphy...Shitty Gramps...I guess those lessons and teachings of yours will have to come back to me now. Much as I'd hate to admit you were actually useful for once, Shitty Gramps." Murmuring to himself bitterly at the idea his grandfather was laughing at him and spouting about romance, he rolled off the bed and gathered his clothes he'd take to the dungeon today and pack his bag for any items he'd need or to store empty sacks for monster stones.

While the two teens were left on their own. Finally in privacy and rid of the embarrassing atmosphere and readying themselves for the day. Outside, back into Hedin's room was Ottar and Fortuna. Scowling down at Hedin, Allen and Hogni on their knees before them. Too scared to even look at ether of them.

"So...want to explain that, when after you walked in on those two lovebirds wanting a nice moment with each other, you didn't close the door immediately?" Fortuna began as she and Ottar scowled even further at the trio as Hedin slowly turned his head to meet her gaze.

"To be fair...I was trying to close it. If these idiots weren't blocking my way and kept it op-"

"You. Shush. While you were trying, you should have used brute force or at the very least covered the doorway with your body instead of trying to wrestle these idiots. You're getting punished, but not as bad as these two. Though...maybe it will be worse." Fortuna said, making Hedin pale at the thought of what she'd do to him. While Hogni was worried, he was nothing compared to how white Allen turned and froze.

"Not as worse as I'll make you three suffer for letting Lili see something so private." Ottar growled as he pointed to Hedin's bed. Where Lili was laying under the covers as a small ice bag was on her head. Face steaming and coherent mutterings and gibberish still escaped her lips.

"She'll be scarred for life and can't marry!" Ottar roared as his body was enveloped in red aura as his eyes glowed. The trio on the floor shivered and looked at him with fear in their eyes. Forced to watch him getting angrier by the second and his muscles bulging and pulsing with strength. Watching as he was about to take one of the large swords from behind his back.

"Hey now, no need to look at this in a bad light. She can still get married. Granted, she did see that but I can fix the shock that came to her." Fortuna said, slapping his pecs lightly as the two elves and Cat-boy gawked at how bold she was. And how instantly Ottar ceased his parental rage and looked at Hedin's nympho girlfriend in awe and feared for her life.

"Y-You can?"

"Big boy, I work in the Pleasure District. Sometimes I gotta teach the new girls sex and snap them out of it. It's part of my job. Besides...given how from what Bell's told me about your little daughter's potential admirer may be, her marrying Bell would be beneficial in multiple ways~!" She chimed as now Ottar released his grip on the sword behind him as he crossed his arms and looked at her quizzable.

"Explain."

"Certainly. But first, all of you morons out until we call you back in!" She yelled as they were trying to get up off the floor before Fortuna kicked them each in the stomach. Save for Hedin, who was smacked upside the head.

"Did I say you three could get up. Waddle on your knees and wait outside the door! And make sure to close it!"

"Feh! Why should we waste out time doing-"

"Listen here little Allen~! If you don't waddle your petite cat ass out that door and wait there like a good kitty, I'll tell Raikou and Sekht to give you the "Midnight Service: Sinners" Special." She said, instantly making Allen blush and stiffen in fear as his tail became frizzled and straight under that devious smile of hers.

"Oh if you thought what you had was both pleasing and torturous...this one takes it beyond what you experienced. Because our boss would join in...and its one of the few times she can take her job very seriously and turns into a sadist with absolute pleasure in it!" Fortuna said as her eyes dilated and shrank as she stared into Allen's eyes as he was shivering underneath her gaze.

"Brother...how have you survived here?"

"Hogni...there's no such thing as surviving with her in bed. I only endure much better than her and take the high ground at times and chances I get." Hedin answered before he was grabbed by the collar along with Hogni as both were forced out the door as Allen waddled and shut the door behind him.

"Heh...Sekht was right, he does turn to a cute bitch if you torture and scare him~!" Fortuna smiled as she placed her hands on her hips. Turning to see Ottar now sitting on Hedin's bed and hands on his knees as he looked back to Lili for a moment. Before his attention was now on her.

"Alright, so...while I know there's some parental feelings here and there for your little girl~! Who I know isn't yours. Before I answer you, mind explaining me why is it you're like a dad to this little thief?" She said, walking in stride to the bed before she sat down near Ottar as she crossed her legs.

"Truthfully...I don't know. Sure, it was meant to be a joke from how Bell described the similarities. But oddly, there came this odd feeling in my chest when I saw her and compared our appearances. At first, I thought it was nothing. Yet Lady Freya had me join her in outings or watching out for her when she left for her own errands. And then came when Bell screamed nonsense of Braver possibly courting her. That idea...disturbed me." Ottar explained as he looked down at his hands, surprised by Fortunas sudden patting on his back.

"Ahh~! So you're a lot like my hubby then. In the sense that you're not fully set or aware you're like a parent to her. Despite sharing no blood or relation whatsoever." Fortuna chimed as she nodded her head and crossed her arms.

"And the feeling that tingles your chest when the idea of something bad happens to her, that's what a parent feels when they have the need to protect their kids. It might be odd at first, since even though you're the strongest in Orario, no one is set fully to be a parent."

"It does feel...rather odd. I don't exactly know how to go about looking after her."

"Baby steps there King. Me and Hedin are doing that too. If anything, we could always ask or rely on each other to help." Fortuna and Ottar looked back as Lili was still muttering nonsense and now turning about in the bed.

"S-So...what do I do in this-"

"Upupupup! Leave that to me. This however, will need you to step out for a moment. As it's a sensitive and private girl talk I'll give her. But, by then I should have her set to normal. Though, try not to kill little Bell afterwards?" She questioned as he instantly snapped and growled.

"What are you planning?"

"One, it's not so much as planning, but rather giving her a bit of a push towards Bell. You know the history between her and him already. How he stuck by her side despite tricking him and saving her life. And going as far as to beg her to join your Familia. There's love and affection for him in her heart." Fortuna said as she saw how Ottar became calmer and let out a tired sigh.

"True...there is...something there. But isn't it too soon for...romance and courting to take place between them?" Ottar said, stiffly and a faint touch of pink on his cheeks as his little ears twitched.

"She's sixteen, Bell's fifteen. Thats a fine age for love and dating to start. Besides, given how we live our lives in the dungeons or at all in this life, some can choose to take it slow or fast. It depends on the person."

"But you mentioned how this would give her safety and away from Finn?"

"See, if Little Lili becomes his fiancé or one of his wives, then that would make her unavailable to other men. Meaning she'd be safe under his care not only to any scumbag or jackasses that would try to make a move on her."

"But also it would cause that moron Finn to avoid asking her hand for marriage!" Ottar said as he had a dark grin on his face and chuckled.

"Exactly. Word around the grapevine among the Pleasure District is that Little Braver is only interested in Pallum woman. At first some thought it was just his preference. It could be still, but he has this ambition to make a harem and lineage of Pallum children to follow his footsteps to inspire his kind." Fortuna said as Ottar growled and crossed his arms. Bringing his right ankle over his knee as his foot shook in irritation.

"I knew of Braver's Idealistic dream for his kind. While noteworthy and inspiring for his people, it's practically segregation to his kind. Only be or marry to other Pallums. That would surely die off his race within a few generations. Along the fact, he dares try that dream when he's been blessed by our lady to wed Tione Hiryute."

"Not gonna lie, pretty scumbag move of him to do that. And so, with you protecting little Lili here as her big, strong, overprotective Daddy. Topping that off with being Bell's future wife and fiancé. Along with my hubby's new connection to tor Royal Family's guards and services. She's safe from any unsavory hands." Fortuna listed off as Ottar paused his dark mutterings of potential torture to Finn and thought about it.

"I see...that and with our Familia protecting her as well, he'll have no choice. Though, I still feel unsure of this...sudden push to have her court and pursue Cranel. I'd need to establish if he's good enough for her to protect her with his life and care for her."

"Understandable. But you do realize he's caring for Syr and from what I can piece together, sort of, Helun as well. So his heart is in the right place and is a sweet and understanding boy. I doubt he'll break her heart. And if he did unintentionally, he'd do anything to fix it. Plus, from what I've heard he gave you that cut on your ear, even when you're Levels above him!" She exclaimed as she pointed to Hedin's left ear. Watching him rub the lower end of it and brushing against the small cut that was left on it.

"I still want to fight him. Just to make sure. Though, I want her to pursue this on her own. Without any aid and of her own accord. No planning or assistance from anyone else unless she asks you or others for help." Ottar said as Fortuna stood up from the bed as he followed. Looking down at the shorter woman as she patted his shoulder, while on her tip toes, she smiled and smirked.

"Fair enough. It's a woman's duty to tackle love on their own. And if she needs help, then us gals will try our best to push her on to face love head on. But for now, I gotta snap her out of it and give her a bit of a talking to. Care to step out for a moment Papa Ottar?" She teased as Ottar nodded and headed for the door. Looking once again at Lili as Fortuna walked over to her side and nodded at him in assurance as he shut the door slowly.

Roughly an hour of waiting, Fortuna finally came out of Hedin's room. With a determined look on Lili's face as she was meet with Ottar. Looking just a tiny bit worried for her. And the sight of the three crying executives of Freya Familia after being forced to wait on their knees for so long.

"Erm...were they worried for me too?" Lili asked as Fortuna simply smiled and patted her head.

"Somewhat sweetie. They're just crying because they have to face their punishment for making you see something too early. But remember what we talked about~!"

"Y-Yes! T-thank you for your words Lady Fortuna. Erm...M-Mister Ottar."

"L-Lili...just call me Ottar if you could?"

"R-Right, um, O-Ottar? Did you happen to see M-Master Bell and Miss Helun leaving their-his room yet?"

"Yes. They said they were going to wait for you in the dining hall and get breakfast. You did say you were looking for them earlier to discuss what time you're set to meet with the other members in your party for today."

"Ah, thank you. I-I'll be off!" Lili nodded as she bowed her head to Ottar and Fortuna as she ran off.

"See what I mean big guy? She's coming around to getting used to you being close."

"T-True. But for now, it's like you said. So, what are we going to do with these three?" He asked, crossing his arms and looking back down at Allen, Hogni and Hedin.

"Hmm~ I guess you can put these two on some work out punishment. And maybe give me the catboy to be taught a 'lesson' at my job. But for my hubby...oohhhohohoho~! Don't do a thing. Leave that all~up~to~me~!" Fortuna said as she bent down over to Hedin. Lifting his chin up to make him look into her purple eyes as she smirked and gleamed with a dangerous spark in them. Before he was dragged on the floor by the front of his shirt and brought back into his room.

The sounds of locks clicking and furniture being thrown were muffled. As Ottar dragged off Hogni and Allen. While both men could shiver and cry at the hell they would endure. Though, they prayed for Hedin as they faintly heard the muffled sounds of screaming and the terrifying cackling of Fortuna in the distance.

At the dining hall, Lili had seen Helun and Bell sitting together eating and just about wrapping up their meal. They were talking, but it was evident in Lili's eyes that this morning's mess still had them flustered. And yet, despite the embarrassing glances at one another, they looked content and close to each other.

"*Ahem* Sorry for interrupting you both. Master Bell. Miss Helun." Lili called out to them. As she smirked a bit at how confused and worried, they looked when they finally snapped their attention back to the real world. Red faces staring at Lili as she sat down in front of them at the table.

"Ah! S-Sorry for causing you trouble this morning Lili!" Helun exclaimed as Lili shook her head and bowed before the both of them.

"No. Lili is the one that should be sorry. I should have noticed that there was something rather, private, occurring at the time. And I shouldn't have come and see you two in such an...intimate-"

"W-We didn't do anything of the sort. We just, became startled and fell off the bed when uncle came all of a sudden and opened the door!" Bell said, causing Lili to stop and look at him for a few seconds before her head turned to Helun. Eyes widening as her head shook in 'yes' and now, her own eyes widened, and face became blank, with pink coloring her.

"T-Then my apologies once again for assuming such things without prior knowledge. T-Though...c-can I assume that you two are...?" Lili asked, nudging her head towards Helun as she saw the rings on her hand.

"Y-Yes..I proposed to Syr and Helun last night. And...well..."

"Oh, so the three of you are now official then. I suppose this means marriage will have to be twice as expensive. Considering that Helun and Syr's taste for weddings may be different. Though it would be a hassle to get two different dresses, despite being the same person." Lili commented as both of them were blinking and jaws hung for a moment as Lili ate her light breakfast.

"Pardon...Lili. But, I think my ears might be ringing. Did you say...that-"

"That you and Miss Syr are sharing the same body and are different people? No, that's correct."

"H-How!?" Helun shouted. Baffled at how Lili, despite being new and completely unaware of her and Syr till now. Somehow found out her secret before Bell did and knew the entire time.

"You talk in your sleep sometimes. As if you were actually arguing with someone. That and I saw you transform once when you were asleep. I put two and two together and saw how you both acted around Master Bell and figured it out." Lili explained. Eating some of her bacon as Bell slumped down in his seat and banged his head against the table.

"Even Lili figured you out before I did. Where's Ryu's wooden tray!? I have to commit seppuku. I'm a terrible boyfriend-now-fiancé." Bell murmured as Lili and Helun's eyes widened as they waved their hands around Bell and patted his head and back.

"N-No no no no! Y-You don't have to be like Ryu!"

"Please calm yourself Master Bell! I-I just pay attention to things more because of my experience! It's fine, you're not dumb!"

It took roughly twenty minutes for Lili and Helun to snap Bell out of his shame and got him to come to his sense. Finishing up their meals, returning to their rooms as to gather their items and supplies. With Helun and Lili, silence came between the two as they gathered their bags.

"Erm...Miss Helun? Or would you like to be called Miss Syr?" Lili asked her as she was packing her bag. Looking up to see them moving her dress over to reveal her thighs. Showing off the myriad of throwing knives attached to them as she paused to look at Lili.

"Well, when I appear as this, I'm Helun. And the one you see at the Hostess is my sister Syr."

"Oh! Okay that makes things easier. But really? Sisters? I can kinda see the resemblance now that I get a good look at you." She commented as she strapped her large back on her shoulders and stood up. Tightening up the straps on her bag as she walked over to Helun who was in the middle of fixing her dress and harnessing her small sling bag.

"Erm...are you two really sure about Master Bell? Not that I'm judging you. I can see why you would want to marry him. Any woman would." Lili said as she looked up to the ceiling before returning her gaze into Helun's black colored eye that showed.

"I take it you mean...of sharing him due to him being part of the royal family now?" She said, knowing Lili's worries and fears. Watching her hand clench onto her strap as soon as she said that. Smiling at her, Helun placed a hand onto Lili's. Bringing it away from her bag's strap and crouching to meet her eye level.

"To be honest. Syr and I were worried about sharing him at first. Since, we're already sharing him with each other and Lady Freya."

"Lady Freya!? Gah!" Lili gasped as Helun giggled.

"Yes. Bell is the only man that she herself, fell head over heels for. Even Filvis and Lefiya from Loki's Familia asked our opinion of it. We've come to terms that we will have to share him. Since he's unfortunate to be engaged to Eina." Helun said with a pitiful tone as Lili closed her eyes and said a silent prayer in her head with Bell and Eina's future relationship.

"But, who Bell wishes to fall in love with and take on as his wives, that relies on him alone. You're worried that, you won't have that chance?" She asked as Lili's head droped down and her transformation dog ears drooped, as did her tail.

To her shock, Lili felt Helun's hand gently patting her head and caressing her hair. Looking up with ears perked and tail wagging, she meet Helun's smile and small tears leaking from the corner of her eyes.

"I can tell, Bell will love you. You have his love too Lili. It's up to you to show him your love for him and put in the effort. He might be a bit dense at picking things up, so you'll have to give it your all to show him." She said as Lili let out a few tears from her eyes, hurrying herself to wipe them away and bit her cheek to hold back her sobs.

"Do-Do you really mean it? I-I can...be with Master Bell?"

"Till death do you part if you propose to him. And if you need help, just let me, Syr and Lady Freya and Heith know! We'll help you out!" Helun said as both girls smiled at each other. Wiping away their tears and Helun standing back up. To only try to balance herself as she felt Lili's arms wrap around her waist and squeezing her. Looking down, she returned the sudden hug to her friend as they parted, and Lili looked up to her with determination in her eyes.

"Yeah...I'll do it. I'll show Master Bell how much he is to Lili! But first, I need to prepare myself for it later on. Now, we're off to the dungeon for treasure and Valis money!" She said, fist pumped with vigor and soon walking towards the door as Helun smiled and followed suit.

Meeting with a Bell outside their shared room as he was eager and waiting. Walking down the halls as Helun shut her bedroom door behind her. The trio made their way to leave their Familia home and sought out the dungeon in anticipation and renowned excitement. Though, passing by Hedin's room, silently praying for the man's apparent torture to end soon given the deprave screams they heard passing by.

Walking alongside as they headed to the Guild. Where already by the doors they saw Filvis and Welf waiting for them. Smiling at their fellow crewmates and friends, they all headed inside as they were at first, chatting among themselves the plan for today's dive. Until they were stopped with the amount of people they saw inside the guild and were startled with so many looking injured or being tended to by the Guild's staff.

"Woah! What in the god's name is going on? Was there a fight earlier in the morning before we came here Fil?" Welf asked, as she ignored his terrible nickname of her and saw the dire situation around them.

"No...rather it was bustling before we even set foot here. Though, perhaps us getting distracted by seeing Loki's Familia and their large expedition team distracted us from hearing what was going on."

"Wait, they left for their expedition today!? When!?" Bell cried out.

"It was kinda early. I came here to get my sword touched up and saw the large crowd standing by the entrance to the dungeon before they left. Welf joined me a bit later on as we watched them go into the dungeon until they were all inside. Apologies Bell, I should have told you that Lefiya gave me the date and time they were leaving."

"Gah! No you don't have to apologize. I was probably busy with Ma and Pops in training I forgot to ask her when they would leave. Along with Lefiya and Orna too. Man! I wanted to at least see them off and wish them well before they left. But if they all went in, you think these are part of their group just coming back from the dungeon that couldn't go any further?" Bell asked as he looked around to immediately stop as soon as he saw Eina being swarmed with injured adventurers.

"Let's ask what's going on. Quickly grab on and follow me." Bell said as he pointed at his back with both of his thumbs. Waiting until he felt Welf grab him by the back of his armor set by the back of his black long sleeve. Turning his head back as he saw Filvis, Lili and Helun grabbing onto one another tightly.

"Alright, let's go! MOVE IT JACKASSES I'M TRYING TO SEE MY HOT OFFICE SADIST WIFE!" Bell roared as he ran into the crowd of adventurers. Tossing or pushing them aside as he roared and mowed his way through. Not bothering to apologize or watch his step as sometimes he stepped on or over the bodies on the floor as Welf and the others screamed a bit at the sudden speed they were pulled at.

"B-Bell!? What are-" Eina followed the scream and knew that nickname anywhere as she turned to see masses of bodies being pushed or tossed aside like ragdolls. Startled at the sight of Bell mowing his way until he stopped in front of her desk and slammed his hands on it. Halting his pace and causing Welf and the others to crash into his and each other's backs.

"Eina! Is everything alright? What the hell is happening? Why are there so many adventurers here that look like they've been to war?" Bell asked as Eina fixed herself as she rubbed her eyes with her fingers. Looking around as more of her colleagues were passing around medical supplies and helping some adventurers find a comfortable resting position.

"We're not even sure ourselves. Everything was fine this morning until after Loki's Expedition group entered the dungeon. About an hour after that happened. We've been getting adventurers coming in here with injuries and others going back and forth in the dungeon to bring others injured or looking exhausted."

"Ahhh..that does explain why outside the Guild, it looked more busy than usual. I thought some of those adventurers were just coming back from the Rest Zone I've heard about. But really? All these adventurers came back from the dungeon today?" Welf commented as Eina nodded, though she clenched her hand at her arm.

"Worse...some of them stated they weren't even down that far in the dungeon. The deepest floor we've heard was only the tenth floor." Eina said as all of their eyes widened as they each looked around the Guild and saw the masses of adventurers that came up from the upper floors alone.

"Did they say anything about what happened? Are there any other adventurers that went back into the dungeon?" Lili said, wanting to get more info if she could so they can plan their next move about what to do.

"Many of them reported to feeling the dungeon shaking. And hearing large crashing sounds like a landslide happening somewhere in the dungeon. Some even reported seeing a large thing wielding some large weapon before they were knocked out and could see blurs of it when they were dragged out of the dungeon." Eina listed off as the crew began to look worry and angered, Bell leered his eyes as he looked back towards the Guild's door.

"Landslides and earthquakes...same as last time we asked. And a large blur...you think it could be a monster that came from some of the lower floors?" Bell asked as his hand was roaming down towards the handle of Endless Sky. Filvis doing the same with her sword as she clenched it and drew it out of its sheath a tiny bit.

"We believe so. And one of the Expedition groups came back to inform us to try and limit others from going into the dungeon and call for an evacuation while they explore back down and see if they can handle the situation quickly." Eina said, though she slammed her own hands on the desk and let out a growled sigh.

"But there's still the possibility of other adventurers that are there. Our last group of adventurers that volunteered to act as search and rescue came back battered and out of commission. We're forced to put a halt to sending more until we can get some High Rank Adventurers ready to go back in there." Eina said bitterly as she was brought back to Bell's attention as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

Startling her and flushing at the sudden contact. Along with how close he was getting and staring intently into her green eyes. With his red ones looking so determined and angry. It was as if there was no one else around but herself and Bell as he looked deadly serious.

"Eina, let us go down there and see what else is going on!"

"H-Huh!?" Eina, Lili and Helun shouted in shock as Bell released his grip on her shoulders and crossed his arms.

"Master Bell, are you insane!? Look at all these adventurers that came back from the dungeon! Whatever is happening or lurking down there is probably dangerous. We should inform Lady Freya and the others back home for their help."

"Exactly what your Supporter said! Why on earth would you want to go in the dungeon after looking at the damage that could happen to you!" Eina and Lili roared at him as he jumped into the air. Crossing his legs and landing down on the floor with a loud THUD. Echoing across the Guild and bringing attention on him as he sat on the floor. Looking up at Eina and Lili with a glare in his eyes.

"It's better to do something that sitting around here doing nothing! If there's something lurking up on the upper floors, then how long do we wait until whatever is causing all this to crawl up out on the surface with Loki and the other's Familias wasting their time down in the lower floors! I'd rather fight whatever's down there then standing around here like a coward!"

A look of fear, anger, surprise and realization was now etched onto each adventurer and guild staff member's face by his words. Anger at first, coming from the faces of the injured adventurers that thought he was insulting them for barely surviving whatever was down there. Surprise and fear from those that understood what the worse could happen, and how much of a likely possibility it was if they just stayed here.

Eina, now fully aware of what Bell was really saying from his speech. Her eyes dilating and looking at Bell, who's glare was still strong and unwavering as he never looked away from her. Rather, his stare grew even harder and burned with such command she felt as though she was close to passing out.

Bell was going into the dungeon, whether anyone refused him and his crew or not.

He was going to hunt whatever was killing and causing trouble for everyone.

"It's suicidal for you to go now. Just wait for your Familia to help."

"They're indisposed...they need rest to recover. And there won't be enough to help properly."

"Whatever is down there has managed to take down Level 3s and 2s with ease or injure them greatly."

"We have two Level 2s. Two Level 1s and a Level 4. An Assistant with infinite throwing knives. A Supporter with a magical bag of goods and items we need. A lost dumbass Smith that made good weapons and durable armor for us. The future World's Greatest Magic Swordswoman this world has yet to see. And me, a Wild Child with passion and romance for adventure and danger at every turn."

"You are going to die facing off whatever caused over a hundred adventurers and caused them to be in critical condition! Worse cases we've had needed immediate medical attention! Look around you! Do you think you and your party can even survive whatever's roaming there!?" Eina screeched as she walked out of her desk and bent down to grab Bell's collar and pull him up.

"How selfish can you be to just waltz in there right now and force your party to die for nothing!? You can't handle this type of situation on your own! You're just a rookie looking to die right now and no one but your Familia will remember you! The only think that you'll leave this world is the memory of your stupid, idiotic actions that got your party killed for trying to be a hero!"

"LIKE I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS A HERO ANYWAYS! WHO NEEDS THAT?!" Bell roared as all but his crew flinched at his words. Eina's ears twitched as she was forced to shut her eyes from his outburst. Hands pried off of his collar as it was her turn to feel constrained and afraid. Forced to look into Bell's burning eyes as he clenched her shirt and brought her close to him with one hand.

"If I die, then I die! I'm the only one that gets to decide when, where and how I go out in this world! And no one can tell me otherwise! It's my choice how to live this life that I wanted and no one can do anything to change my mind. So call me a dumbass, call me suicidal, say that for all the things I'll end up doing in life there might be some that will remember me as ether a hero or a dumb fool!" Bell said, letting go of her as she fell to her knees with tears in her eyes.

"After all is said and done, in this life, we all end up as skeletons. That's one truth in this world we all face. Especially when we seek adventure in the dungeon. But you keep forgetting that, Eina!" Bell said, turning his back to her as he punched his hand into his palm. Grinning as he cracked his knuckles and saw the smiles and annoyed faces of his crew.

"I'm a man, that won't die until I've seen my dreams to the end!" Bell said, as if it was the simplest thing to say in the world as he walked closer to the others.

"Sorry I'm getting us involved in this you guys. But, if we're forced to wait around much longer. Not only will there be other casualties. But also, this is gonna be putting our adventures and treasure hunting to a halt until Loki's Familia can do something about it. And I don't wanna have to wait and listen to these morons when I can and can't enter the dungeon!" He whined as he crossed his arms and pouted.

"I'm seriously having to consider getting a leash for you now Master Bell! First you scare us with this sudden demand. Then you're scaring me and Miss Helun with your talk about death so causally! Wait till Mister Hedin hears about this! But...you're right. I don't want to wait to get plenty of treasure just ripe for the pickings!" Lili cried out, but what she said before her cheer caused Welf, Bell and Helun to shiver.

"*Sigh* I already know that I'm stuck with you guys since I signed up. But if I die-"

"You're not gonna die on us Cherry Boy! Not until Phae drags you into her bed will you die of exhaustion and maybe dehydration!" Bell said with a sly grin on his face. Welf stuttering and almost dropping his sword as he grabbed it and now used it as a cane.

"Will you stop saying such things!?"

"Perhaps when you finally man up. I'm rather excited to face off such a beast that could take out all of these adventurers. Besides, this could help you out Welf. Women do love a man with such vigor and beaten." Filvis said as she unsheathed her sword and rested it on her shoulder.

Bell smiled as he then looked at Helun. Walking closer to her with a sadden smile on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck. She crossed her arms and looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, he tried to look apologetic but had a strained smile on his face.

"I'm sorry..."

"I know I can't stop you from doing what you love. Which also includes us later..." She whispered the last part softly as a blush came on her cheeks. Before her eye glared at him as he was suddenly pulled down to meet her eye and a pout and angry look was on her face.

"But don't you dare think of doing something stupid like this again without warning me ahead of time."

"Y-Yeah..."

"And if you get injured again and have to be stuck in the hospital again, then no extra meals for you for a month. Only three meals!" Helun said as Bell shot straight back up and saluted to her.

"Yes ma'am!"

"Heh...whipped. But..isn't he with that waitress girl?" Welf said, until he had to grip on his sword once again to prevent himself from falling. As Lili and Filvis both elbowed him in the ribs simultaneously. Making him cough and wheeze and both girls looked down sadly at him. Or in Lili's case, she looked up with disappointment.

"Has Mister Welf not been paying attention to Master Bell's situation he's told before? How sad, I feel troubled for Lady Hephaestus." Lili commented.

"True...no wonder we keep calling you Cherry Boy. But...Miss Lili, are they perhaps-"

"Y-Yes...they recently did so last night. She would have worn the rings along with Syr...but they didn't want to lose them yet." Lili said, whispering to Filvis who now had her eyes widened and glistening as she saw Helun and Bell close together now. Silently clapping her hands and squealing all much to Welf's confusion.

"How romantic~"

"Indeed...Lili's a bit envious, but it just means I have to show Master Bell how I feel."

"Oh!? Y-You as well? W-Well...then may the best lady take next by his side then. Don't think I'll be going easy since we're crewmembers."

"Ho? Approaching me with a direct challenge then?"

"I can't be by his side unless I take charge first, can I?"

"Then I will welcome it, and relish in victory when I claim it."

"What the hell are you two talking about?!" Welf cried, until he was finally knocked down to the floor as Lili socked him in the gut and Filvis bringing the back end of her sword atop his head. Their faces blushing as now Welf twitched on the floor with a bump now smoking on the top of his head.

"Stay out of it!" Both girls cried as the Guild's doors opened. Startling many as Bell pulled away from Helun as he was in the midst of kissing the top of her head to see what was going on. Blinking as he noticed that there were gods and other adventurers coming in. Notably Airmid and Naaza along with their Familia with medical supplies and other gods in search of their children.

"Looks like word reached to the gods and the Healing Familias that are available. At least these people can get treated before things get worse." Filvis said as they heard the many cries coming from the gods and healers. Calling out names and some encountering with their god or goddess and hearing the damages they sustained.

"While I'm relieved that they finally came, I'm still not allowing you to go in there Bell!" Eina said. Pushing herself towards the middle of the five of them as she looked at Bell with a glare in her eyes as he crossed his arms at her.

"Thing's are going to be hectic and, honestly, we're going to need all the hands we can muster. There's not enough Guild Personnel or Healers to tend to everyone here. We'll offer you five monetary compensations if you do this if you're upset with not being able to make any earnings until we can ask Freya Familia's assistance if able to." Eina explained as she heard a clicking sound coming from Bell as he leered his eyes at her.

"And the longer we wait, the odds are that there are others still down there about to die because you have us here playing nurse. I've already made up my mind and you can't change that, stupid sadist."

"I'm trying to keep you alive and help others have a chance to live! I'm sorry this infuriates you but there's no real reason for you to go down there and die. We aren't even sure if there are any other parties down-"

"Ouka! Ouka! Asuka! Chisuga! Mikoto! Are you here!? Has anyone seen my children!" The six of them turned their heads as they saw a large muscular man with long black hair. Tied in two loops on the sides of his face with a purple hair tie. Wearing a white jinbe shirt and pants with wooden sandals on his feet.

"Looks like that god's children isn't here. Which gives further reason to help and at least search for them right Miss Guild Sadist?" Welf groaned as he dusted himself off. Placing his sword at his back and saw the worried god walking about and darting his head around the guild.

"More so than you realize Welf. Hey! You there! You're Take-boy right!? The War God from The Far East country Japan?" Bell called out to the man, who turned to him with widened eyes and ran past the other injured adventurers and nearly stumbled until he caught himself by Bell's shoulders.

"Y-ou...How do you know that nickname!? I-I am Takemikazuchi and yes, I was from Japan until I came here with my children to form a Familia."

"Yeah, I figured it was you by your appearance. Hestia often mentioned you, plus Aunty Aphy warned me when I was there to avoid you due to some circumstances at the time. But she often said you were a good guy, just dense and all muscle head like." Bell said as Take took his arms off Bell's shoulders and blinked a few times as he leaned his head forward a bit, dumbfounded at what he just heard.

"M-M-Muscle brained?! And...this, Aunt Aphy was it? She wouldn't happen to be...Aphrodite right?"

"Yeah. I was in your country for a time until I had to continue my own travels and journey. She had said that you left for about a few months before I came and wanted to set up your place here in Orario now that your country was under the right leadership and gave you more freedom."

"T-Then you're the one she mentioned to me in some letters I've gotten back home! You're the ambitious and free-spirited soul she wouldn't stop gushing about and kept pestering me to answer her if you were here and if you joined me!"

"Ah...I should write back to her soon to get her off your case. But you were just calling out your children, right? Did they tell you of their plans for today about going into the dungeon?" Bell asked, as to get back on topic and shaking out of Take's distracted thoughts.

"Y-Yes! They said that they were going to go down to the ninth floor for a quest they wanted to complete. But when I heard about the incident here and now, I had to rush here and see if they were okay..." Take said as he looked around once more, not seeing any sight of his children he had traveled with long and far since from their homeland.

"Wait here then, we'll do our best to look for them there and send them up or escort them out of there. If they're smart enough not to engage whatever is down there as much as possible, then they should be fine." Bell said as he patted the god's shoulder as to calm his nerves and frustration, watching him snap out of his stuipor and looking in awe at Bell with hints of tears in his eyes.

"If they were unfortunate to face that thing, at least being generous, they're injured but still alive. That being the case, then we'll have to split up our group if whatever is hunting adventurers is in our way and buy time until the rescue part of our crew gets them back up here for medical attention." Helun said as Lili readied her crossbow from her sleeves and Welf gripped his sword handle.

"In that case, I'll be part of the escort team along with you Miss Helun. Likely we're not the most combat oriented ones in the crew. Handling the upper ten floors should be doable with our skills at least."

"I'll provide back up for you two. Odds are if they're carrying anything bulky or heavy you'll need my help. Plus in case we're ambushed by some monsters it's better to have me clear a way for us." Welf smirked as Bell laughed as he looked at Filvis. Nodding her head at him as the five of them began to walk towards the Guild's doors and pass Eina and Take.

"Guess I'll get a look at some of your swordplay huh Filvis? Hopefully we can make this an interesting fight against whatever's hunting these guys down."

"Indeed, I'll be sure to show you what I'm capable of. And I for one, would like to see how you fight. Given I heard rumor of you carving up Silverbacks as if they were nothing."

As the five of them walked pass, Eina's rants and worries spreaded through the other staff members and the conscious adventurers around. Murmurings and voices of worries reached to them. Soon arrogant adventurers laughed and or scoffed at them as they walked closer and closer to the doors. Even the gods voiced their worries and pleaded them to stay.

"Bell Cranel! If you so much as walk out that door, then I am going to-"

S L A A A A M M M M M ! ! ! ! !*

C R A A S H H H ! ! !*

T H U D D D ! ! !*

Masses of eyes blinked at the sheer blow they felt crossing over them. The darkened halls of the Guild now lit by large amounts of sunlight shining through the now open doorway of the Guild. Jaws hanging, and eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.

Eina's glasses cracked on her face as her hair was blown into a mess by the wind entering the Guild and could barely keep herself conscious. Yet she couldn't look away. She saw the five of them standing side by side, with Bell in the center as he brought his fist back to his side and turned back towards her and Take with a grin on his face.

"Didn't I tell you Eina? I'm a man that will never die until I've seen my dreams to the ends of the world! It doesn't matter if you or anyone thinks otherwise or mock our dreams and desires." Bell's voice rang in all's ears. Soft yet loud to echo in the Guild as they looked at him in awe as light cascaded onto his body.

"Our dreams and desires in this world, are a true adventurers' romance! And if you think you're gonna stop us, then you'll need an army to try! But a man's romance will never end! And nether will our adventure into the dungeon!" Bell said, turning back again and walking with the others side by side. Setting foot onto the now fallen, and broken wooden doors that fell from him opening the Guild.

With that single step, it sounded like a thunderous cry from the heavens. Some adventurers and gods swore they saw lightning crackle in the air. Surrounding them and washing over their very souls with each step they took.

Boom. Boom. Boom. BOOM!

Footsteps growing heavy and heavy and yet he was still walking away from them all. Many fainting after hearing such footsteps and fallong on the spot. Some lucky to remain concious and on their knees and breathing slowly. Feeling as though something putting preassure on their very hearts.

"W-What was...was that B-Bell?" Eina muttered as she fell to her knees. Not even bothering to pick up her glasses that fell onto the floor as she felt her heart beating throughout her body. Calm and in an odd rythem. Yet, filled with relief and worry free as she saw Bell smiling in the distance with the others joining him in laughter.

"C-Can it be...Is he the one you spoke of before you left this world? Kozuki Oden." Take said, never taking his eyes off Bell as he stood tall even after Bell's thunderous and intense leave of the Guild. Nor did he bother to wipe his eyes clean of the fresh tears that kept falling from his face.

"Was he the one that beast spoke to you about in your clash Oden? The one person in this world that filled even his heart with such joy and happiness, that he would be the one to defeat and he would smile upon his death?" Memories of his past flooded his eyes. Blurring his vision as in Bell's place off in the distance, he thought he saw a large muscular samurai he and many others in his homeland knew.

Donning a orange kimono with a white and purple rope belt tied around his chest that was tied behind his back. White shorts showing off his muscular legs as he ran. Holding two swords, one in each hand as his wild black hair with a large amount of it flat on the top of his head swayed in the wind. Looking up and ready to fight such a large creature that plagued their land for a year until it left them all at the rule of their false Shogun for two years.

"Haaa~ You know something? I was ready to face death at that time without any regrets in my life. I was set to kill that beast to have a chance to free us. But in our battle, we spoke as warriors and men! And now I came to realize this, that beast was truly the happiest and the saddest that day we fought!"

His voice filled with painful laughs as he bellowed from his belly. Echoes of his laughter rang around his prison cell as he looked at them all from behind the bars. Crossing his arms and legs as he smiled at those watching him in the moonlit prison.

"I asked why he was so happy and sad in our fight, when it could have been our last. He admitted that he was looking for someone to truly give him a fight since olden times. He was a necessary evil created by you gods to balance a mistake that came to this world. And knows that someday he seeks death."

His arms raised as his teeth grinned wide. Showing them all a happy smile as he exclaimed his tale against the beast with his prison cuffs rattling and changeling with each move of his arms.

"He had made his first friend in this millennia of his time here and promised that young man that even in their friendship, they wished to fight again! Knowing that ether of them could die, a promise to show each other their years and romance in this world they have was all spent for their reunion. He was waiting for him to grow up strong and happy, to face his friend once more and laugh together as they would have fought!"

"But then why was he saddened when you were about to end him!"

"THAT'S THE THING!" He cried out as he slammed his fist onto the stone floors. Tears falling from his eyes and snot dribbling down his nose. But his smile and grin never fell from his face.

"He was saddened at the idea, the very thought that when facing against me, he could never see his friend again. Never fulfil their promise as friends to find each other one day and fight! I saw with my own eyes, that beast was a lot like us humans and gods. More so than one can realize." He said, slumping his arms as he looked up at his cell.

"We have our own dream. Desires. Strength and goals we want in this world. Even a family...heh! He asked me to take care of his daughter...or is it son? He did mention that I was an inspiration for them lately as the little tyke wanted to become me! If I had killed him then, then I wouldn't have felt pride. Only sadness, because I could never meet the young lad he talked so much about if he was gone."

"And like you could meet him anyways as you are now!? You're set to die soon if you don't allow us to free you Lord Oden!"

"No...because I have seen him. Never could I have painted a better picture of the lad that could defeat that beast with laughter and tears in his eyes! I saw it in our duel, a boy so free spirited far beyond anyone in this world! Man and gods alike, their greediness and want for pleasure and romance are nothing compared to him!"

Looking back at those watching him, he stretched his arms apart. Exasperating each detail he saw in his fight with the beast as his smile and joy seemed to radiate off him with every word he was speaking.

"Hair white as snow, shining brighter than even the sun. Eyes glowing red like the finest and purest rubies with so much fire and joy behind those eyes. And a want for adventure that reaches far beyond this world, laughing with all he meets without a care in the world."

"Lord Oden...who is this boy?"

"Heh...I know his name due to the beast. But I won't say. In time, they will meet again. And it's thanks to that boy that Japan will be free from him soon. You all will know the lad when your divine eyes even catch a glimpse of his spirit as he walks by. But the people will want to know, and that beast's child will want to meet him one day. So tell this to the people if they asked who helped save Japan! That young lad's name...will be known as-"

"Joyboy?"

Take whispered as he stood there standing. The only one left in the Guild still on his feet as others fell to their knees and medical staffs slowly began to stand and hurry with treating the people. Worried if their conditions had gotten worse due to suddenly collapsing and questioning what had happened just now.

Achoo!*

"C-Careful Master Bell! You almost dragged Lili in with you!"

"Even with us anchoring you down he somehow jolted you? Maybe someone's talking about him all of a sudden." Welf commented as he grabbed Lili by the shoulders tightly as she pulled onto a long rope attached to her bag. Watching as the rope was swaying and bouncing as it led into a cave within the dungeon as the echo reverberated back to them.

"I'm surprised that he wanted to check if the Open World shortcut was still in tact instead of going into it. He's used it so much and taken care of it, you'd think it would be fine to use." Helun commented as Filvis and Lili shooked their heads.

"True, but there have been earthquakes and rumblings in the dungeon. It was wise to check in on the shortcuts. If we had taken it and if the exits were blocked, it would have been troubling to get out." Lili commented as she saw the rope being pulled twice as she and Welf began to pull from their end one by one.

"Worse case...was if an earthquake or if the dungeon was shaking when we rode it. We could've been caved in. It was smart of Bell to check in on it at least before...hrgh! Before we would search for Lord Takemikazuchi's Familia." Welf grunted as they saw Bell's figure coming from the entrance as he walked towards them. Undoing the rope tied around his waist and sighed.

"That bad?"

"It's worse Helun. All the entrances are blocked off. Caved in after so many recent shakings happening. And event the slide was damaged. The mosses were dried and even ripped off from the fallen rocks and the empty centering was filled with boulders and the centerpiece of it all was breaking down."

"Oh no...Miss Tiona will be saddened to hear this."

"Yeah...it was the first thing I showed you and her when we set off together as a party for the first time. Sad to see it's no longer usable." Bell said, crossing his arms as he walked over to the cave entrance and began to drag a large bolder he placed aside to hide it. Pushing and rolling it till it covered the hole as he stepped back and crossed his arms.

"It's sad that we can't use this anymore. It lasted for a good while, but this doesn't mean our adventures can be boring without it. It's the journey we take. Now, lets head down till the tenth floor!" Bell said as the others nodded. Running down the depths of the dungeon in a single file line as they looked around the areas they ran.

Lili and Filvis had to tie the ropes onto Welf's body to ensure he doesn't get lost or accidentally goes back up to the surface. Much to the redhead's embarrassment and anger. They did not want to have to go through the hassle to try and find him as well when they were trying to find others that were still in here.

"Is anyone noticing the lack of monsters around us? We've been runing down the dungeon for a while now. And here we are, five floors down with not a monster in sight. Not even a goblin or a Monster Ant." Filvis said as all paused from their running to look around the fifth floor and grew tense. Creeped a bit at the silence.

"Is it possible that whatever's down here even scares the monsters?" Lili asked as she gripped on her bag's handles.

"It's a possibility. The dungeon has its own defense mechanism that if it's ever too damaged, it summons a beast from the walls and kills anything that tries to damage it further. It even kills the monsters around until everything is dead." Helun said, moving her dress aside to reach for one of her throwing knives.

"Though, it should make things easier to look for them or listen if whatever's in here is nearby. Hmm...I could try something that can help us find Take's Familia. But the issue is I don't have a cool walking stick." Bell commented, looking around the area for a stick or something similar as that brought the others to tilt their heads in confusion.

"A stick? What does a stick have to do with finding them?"

"Ahh~ Guess I'll have to do it without it them. Wait...Welf, let me borrow your broadsword for a sec." Bell asked as he held out his hand. Welf quirked his eyebrow at him, but handed him his weapon none the less as he saw Bell resting it on his shoulder and turning back. Continuing to walk further as he was clearing his throat and humming a tune.

Minami no shimawaaa atakai
Paina-puru-puru,
Atama boka boka, Aho baakaaaaaaa!Ni ban!
Kita no shima wa samuiii
Hyakkoi-koi-koi, Atama
buru buru, Aho baakaaaaaaa!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What on earth was that?" Welf and Lili asked in unison. Perplexed by such weird sounding lyrics and yet, couldn't deny that it was somewhat catchy. Causing Bell to stop as they were in the middle of descending down to the sixth floor.

"It's called The Idiot's Song. It's pretty popular in The Far East Region and countries with kids and working men. Literally no one can resist singing along to it. I figured that if I sung it we could listen to the other lyrics and find them a lot easier."

"But wouldn't that make it easier for whatever is down hear to find us?" Welf said dumbfounded and scowling at Bell for thinking something like that could work. Both stared at each other in silence until Bell continued to walk down the dungeon and sang again.

Minami no shimawaaa atakai
Paina-puru-puru,
Atama boka boka, Aho baakaaaaaaa!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oi! Don't ignore my question!"

"Come on! Don't interrupt me! Otherwise you'll affect the song's curse by interrupting!"

"Wait...that song is cursed!?" Filvis and Helun screeched out. Shivering as they gripped onto one another as they walked down the stairs to the sixth floor as Bell waited for them at the bottom. Pouting and crossing his arms with Welf's sword resting against his shoulder.

"It's not so much as a curse like it'll kill you or anything. More like if you keep interrupting the singer, you won't get to hear the rest of the song and eventual distractions will come to stop you from singing it." Bell explained as he then turned his head towards one of the tunnels of the sixth floor. Ears twitching as his eyes dialated for a moment until they returned to normal.

"I don't hear anything sofar. Even with my transformation. But...I am smelling a bit more blood in the air than before." Lili said. Bringing down her hood as her disguise's animal ears twitched. Sniffing the air as her tail lowered down and looked at the tunnles.

"Lili, do you smell if the scent is fresh? It should smell like copper and almost like fresh water." Bell asked as Lili sniffed the air a few ties as she pointed towards the tunnels.

"It's nearby. But we can't be certain which one it could-"

Minami no shimawaaa atakai
Paina-puru-puru,
Atama boka boka-

"Master/Bell!" The others yelled as they watched him cupping his hands over his mouth. Screaming the lyrics into the dungeon's walls as they echoed back. Not even bothering to go slow with the song and rapidly sing the lyrics. They readied themselves if in case the worse would come to them.

Aho baakaaaaaaa! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Aha! I was right to think it would be in the middle tunnel! They're close by! Come on let's hurry!" Bell exclaimed as he tossed Welf his sword back and gripped onto his knife. Pointing it at the middle tunnel as he ran into it laughing with the others dumbfounded for a few seconds before running. Trying to catch up ahead of him and prepping themselves for a fight.

Filvis especially ran close to Bell, unfortunately dragging Lili and Welf onto the floor with her run. With Helun using Welf as a sled as she wasn't the most athletic or quickest of the crew. Even Lili was faster than her and she carried most of their supplies. Chastising herself she should try to join them in the dungeon or exercise a bit more.

Soon the sounds of metal clanging and loud bangs filled their ears as they got closer and closer. The dungeon's natural lighting glowing brighter as they were close to the exit of the tunnle and into an open section of the dungeon.

There, Bell saw what was causing these recent tremors in the dungeon lately. As well as causing many of them to run back to the guild and heavily injured adventurers at risk of dying. He saw a large burly teen around his age being grabbed by the neck of the monstrously tall Minotaur. His short, yet spiky hair poking out of the monster's fingers as his hand tried to pry it off. With the other holding a large battle axe and swung it violently, not even reaching the Minotaur.

A girl wearing a short kimono on the floor. Twitching as there were arrows imbedded on her shoulders and a large knife embedded into her leg. Her short hair a mess and covered in blood as it blocked her eyes, save but one that was parted away as she looked at them.

The other girl, wearing the same clothing as the other. Only she had an odd choice in footwear, that seemed to be a blend of thigh high stockings and boots that were red in color. Wearing a samurai shoulder piece armor set on her left shoulder and an arm guard on her right. He watched as the small hairband of hers that looked like a tsuba of a katana was loosening, causing part of her side ponytail to be undone and look a mess as she tried to hobble her way to the monster.

Lastly, they then saw that arrows were fired into the monster's skin. But it didn't affect it in the slightest. Turning their heads to see the arrows were fired from the other side of the area by a girl with a halberd on her back as she weakly fired another round of arrows with a large red bow. She by far looked the worse, and the girls were especially worried what would have happened to her.

She had a cloth bandanna that was ripped, showing her short brown hair and blood seeping through it. Her left eye slashed and blinding her view, arms heavily brused and blood seeping from her body onto her tan clothing. Or what was left of it as it was slashed and cut to where it revealed one of her breasts and parts of her inner thigh as she crawled back towards the dungeon wall with cuts on her legs.

The girl with the side ponytail turned to meet Bell's eyes as they widened and looked relieved. But tears fell from her eyes as she looked at her comrades and at the Minotaur. The boy in its arms howling in pain as the monster grabbed his arm that wielded his axe, crushing it to make him let go of his weapon and the audible crunching sound echoed the area.

"OUKA!" Both her and the girl that had the bow and arrow cried as they watched in horror of the axe being dropped. The boys arm turning to a sickly green and purple color as the creature let go of it, and reached to its hips to take one of the weapons it had on its body. Bringing up a large hammer that crackled and glowed with a blue tint.

"Filvis Back me up on this! Welf, get ready for some heavy lifting and shielding Lili and Helun while they help the others!" Bell said as he heard a renowned cry from the four of them as they ran into the area. With speed almost invisible to the human eye, Bell used Endless Sky to cut the monster's wrist.

Causing the Minotaur to howl in pain as it could no longer hold the boy in its arms anymore as Bell caught him when they landed. The Minotaur did not stop however, as it was now intent to swing its hammer down onto Bell as he slung the boy's good arm over his shoulder and ready to back away.

C L A N G ! ! !*

CRACKLECRACKLECRACKLE*

"I-If you're trying to harm our captain...you're going to have to put up a better fight than this!" Filvis growled as she winced under the effect of the crackling hammer sending jolts of electricity to her body. But never did she back away or succumb to its sting. Rather, she was fighting it and growled, putting more force in her sword as to swing the hammer back. Causing the Minotaur to stumble as it huffed and steam escaped from its nostrils.

"W-Why...you should have grabbed Mikoto and Asuka and run...Me and Chisuga...we're as good as dead..." The boy muttered with tired breath in Bell's hold. Wincing at how Bell gripped onto his arm and turned to him with a scowl on his face.

"Like I'm gonna go back and tell Take-boy that his children decided to be dumbasses and sacrifice himself for a stupid cause when I promised him I'd return you all back to him! Can you stand and walk still?"

"I'm hurt and have one good arm left! B-But yeah...kinda. I can't carry the other's well though..." He admitted as Bell nodded his head. Dodging as he and Filvis jumped out of the way as the Minotaur embedded its hammer into the ground and caused a mini crater to form with a dome of lightning crackling in it.

"Filvis! Think you can make it get rid of that hammer?! It'll make things easier to get them out of here, based on the armory this thing has, that hammer's the only dangerous one!" Bell asked as he circled around the monster and took note of what it had. And was impressed by this monster and how it was fighting.

'Short swords...two of them at least. With a large dagger in that messy girl's leg. A large buster sword on its back. And it's wearing shoulder armor and a belt, based on it, it looks like that belt is enchanted with some defense or equip enhancement to carry all those weapons without feeling the weight of them.'

His eyes then moved towards its head. Seeing how it turned back to eye him. Staring at its eyes for a moment, looking that behind those glowing red irises that they were clearly focused on him alone. Looking further up to see something that made his eyes widened.

'Since when do Minotaur horns glow? And why does one of them look like molten lava bubbling inside and the other looking like cracked Amythyst with purple lights in them?'

"Master Bell! Watch out!" Lili cried as she rolled up her sleeve and fired her crossbow at the Minotaur. His eyes widened as he ran with the injured adventurer to the left. Looking that Lili's crossbow bolts knocked away the short sword it had ready to strike him with. Wincing at how it roared and the sound of it was strong enough to cause wind to burst around them. He felt as though he was flying with how he was forced back a bit.

The soles of his boots skidding on the floor as he stopped by Helun, who was looking over the girls in the kimonos as the one with the side ponytail was being held back by her. Looking back as Helun covered her eyes and the girl used her sword to anchor herself against the wind as she held onto the other girl.

"Bell! Are you alright!?"

"Ouka! Are you okay!? Is your arm broken!?" The girl said as she tried to get up, only to stumble and fall and land on her front. Making Ouka, the boy in Bell's hold, turn down to her and glare as his teeth were suddenly sharp like a sharks'.

"I should be asking that! And you just saw my arm get busted by that Minotaur. What the hell were you thinking to try and get the others to fight it with me! I said I would buy you time so you all could run away! And you're way worse than me!" He ranted before his eyes widened and looked over to the other girl she had in her arm.

"W-Wait...is Chisuga...And is Asuka..."

"These two are alright...though this girl, Chisuga was it? She needs better medical attention than we can give her. I might not be an expert but I know some from Heith." Helun said as she moved the girl closer to her and began to apply more bandages around her arms and shoulders as they were still bleeding since she removed the arrows from her body.

"Lili! *Clash* How is the other girl doing!? Welf, cast your magic soon, it's horns are glowing, it might be trying something with magic!" Filvis said as she clashed her sword with the Minotaur as it swung another short sword against her blade and was knocked away a few feet as she saw the horns crackling and glowing.

"She's okay! But she's in no condition to walk on her own! Her ankle is twisted and the injuries on her legs will only get worse if she tries to run!" She called out, wrapping some cloth around her body as she made her drink a potion.

"Crap, guess we're gonna have to split up then! And magic!? A monster using magic!? Are you seeing things or-oh crap it is using magic! Get the others away from it Bell, Filvis!" Welf cried as he saw sparks coming off from the horns and its jaw opening slowly. Seeing crackles of lighting and embers exiting and dancing on its tongue.

Filvis and Bell nodded as they turned back to Lili and the others. Helun assisting with carrying the unconscious Chisuga over to the tunnel the came from. With Bell carrying Mikoto over his shoulder and carrying Ouka under his arms as if they were sacks of potatoes. Struggling with how Mikoto was kicking and flailing around and hitting his back with her sheathed katana.

"No! Please Sir Bell we have to fight this thing! Otherwise, it'll chase us until the surface and the others will be in danger! We have no choice but-AAAAHHHHH!" Mikoto cried out in desperation to fight the monster, until she let out a loud moan that caused Ouka and Welf to pause and blush at how lewd it sounded as Ouka looked in horror and anger at Bell.

Seeing as how he had his hand on her ass and gripped it. Adjusting her onto him as he scowled and smacked her once again. Hearing another moan and whimper coming from Mikoto as Bell gripped harder on her kimono.

"Why do you think we're here!? We've come to save your asses, and fight this thing until it's dead! You're in no condition to fight. So shut it and let me carry you out of the blast radius!" Bell growled as he ran over with Helun as he saw from the corner of his eyes to see Filvis carrying Lili and Asuka the same as he was as they ran.

Welf had his hand out before him as he watched the Minotaur go onto all four of his limbs. Parting its arms as its mouth was glowing with a bright orange ball with sparks coming off it. Taking a deep breath as he leered back at the creature as he began his chanting.

"Burn out, Illegal works-"

FFFWWWOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM~~~!!!!*

"Welf/Sir Welf/Fire now Welf!" Filvis, Helun, Lili and Bell cried as their eyes widened. Half of them having to shield their eyes from the oncoming brightness that the Minotaur's spell caused as it came closer and closer.

"WILL-O-WISP!" Welf roared as wind seemed to form around his hand, blowing it towards the ball of fire and lightning coming fast at him. The force of the wind slowing the magic down till it reached to Welf's fingers. A cry of pain came from him as he felt the burn of the magic eating away at his skin and burning them as he flinched his hand outwards. Forcing the ball of fire to be shot back at the Minotaur at twice the speed.

A bright light glowed until the dungeon rumbled. The brightness fadinng away to nothing as smoke was coming off from the burnt rocks at the other end of the dungeon. Welf's eyes cracked open. Shutting them from when he felt the burning in his fingers as he saw the amount of destruction the magic blast had caused.

But more surprising, was that the creature couldn't dodge it entirely. All eyes widened when the Minotaur was now hunched over. Gripping its left arm as part of it was blasted off. Hanging by a little bit of muscle as bone and charred flesh was visible. No blood even dripping as it was stunned for a few seconds with electricity jolting around it.

"I-It got injured...it's crippled!" Milkoto cried out as her jaw shook and her eyes widening.

"Welf! You alright!?" Bell cried as he saw Welf turning his head back to him and holding up his hand. Seeing the tips of his fingers burnt a bit as blood seeped out and was almost bright pink. Wincing at him as he gave a smile to Bell and moved his fingers to give him a thumbs up.

"Y-Yeah...that took a bit of me, but I should be good. Hey...Lil' Lili. You got any healing potions left?" Welf asked, missing the look on Bell's face and him running right toeards him. Sheathing Endless Sky as he reached out with both his arms to grab Welf by the collar and fling him to Filvis.

"Filvis! Catch him and get ready!" Bell cried, flinging Welf towards the elf swordswoman as he soared across the area until he was caught like a bride in her arms. Struggling to hold him up right as she looked back to Bell with a confused look, before her eyes widened and her mouth slightly agape at what she saw.

"B-Bell?" Helun whispered as Lili's eyes let out a waterfall of tears as her hands covered her mouth. Welf's own eyes widening as his pupils shrank. A look of grim painting his face as he saw the spot where he was just at on one knee when rebounding the Minotaur's magic.

"SIR BELL!" Mikoto screeched as her eyes quivered and shoulders slumped. Unable to hold her sword as tears fell from her like a crying child at the sight before her. Ouka could only wince as he covered his face with one arm and their comrade Asuka could only mimic Lili's actions.

Bell Cranel.

The Level 2 Wild Child of the Freya Familia.

Now had a buster sword's blade coming from the side of his back out towards them. Along with a horn piercing through his right chest to the other side. Looking at the small nub of the Minotaur's horn escaping his back and emitting smoke from it. All while they saw Bell's body slowly slumping, and his fingers loosening their clenched grip of the air.

"I'm going to kill you."

All flinched at Filvis's words escaping from her mouth. Her heels clacking against the floor of the dungeon as she gripped her sword tightly. Her eyes never looking away from Bell, or the monster that had him imbedded into its horn and weapon.

"I'll cut you."

Speaking again as her pace quickened and her sword now held against her face. Running now at the monster that harshly pulled its weapon off of Bell and implanted it into the ground to act as a shield. But, it only further increased her desire to cut this creature.

Striking the sword with her own, as it shattered to bits and fragments as the Minotaur grabbed one of its last weapons. A large dagger, to big to even be called such a weapon. As it was more like a small broadsword two feet wide and thick. Aiming it at Filvis to strike her as she flipped her sword in a reverse grip and brought her arm back, intent to cut anything in her way.

"I'll carve your blood into these walls a thousand times over!"

"H-Heh Heh Heh Heh Heh."

Both Filvis and the Minotaur paused for a moment. As all looked around to where the sound of laughter came from. Checking at each other if they were the ones to laugh at such a time and place. But nothing even escaped from their lips.

"Heheh...Hahaha! Ahahahahaha!"

Filvis turned her head slowly to her right. Looking at Bell's body trembling as blood seeped through his wounded side and shoulder. Dripping down onto the floor and watched as his right hand went up to his face. Covering it, but showing his smile as he laughed.

"B-Bell?"

"S-Sorry to worry you Filvis. To all of you...I was just...so amazed." Bell spoke slowly. As the Minotaur growled at the sight of him smiling and laughing. Bringing the dagger to strike Bell at his chest, imagining it to pierced through his white and red armor and kill him.

Yet, only to howl in pain as now it saw its arm flying across to the side of the dungeon. Landing with a sickening splat sound. Dazed, as it looked at Filvis's blood splattered face and now the bleeding stump of an arm he had. Arm trembling as it tried to use and move its other hand to grip it, only to bend over in pain at the sound of something shattering and slitting its head.

"Bell! You shouldn't be standing right now! Let me fight while you get to Lili and escape with-"

"Hehehe! I really have to tell you guys more. Of the stories and tales, I've had in the past and on my journeys before coming here." Bell grunted, as he gritted his teeth and pulled out the red molten looking horn from his chest. Wincing from the pain as he tossed it behind him as it bounces and rolled towards Helun.

"Because if you think that some toy sword and a good hit at my chest was what would take me down, then I'm a failure as a Captain then. And this thing must not know who he's dealing with!" Bell said as he looked at Filvis with a calm and relaxed look in his eyes.

Her breath hitched as she saw such warmth and a sense of freedom and longing in them. Shining like rubies and burned deeply into her own soul as he smiled. Turning his head to face the monster, hair waving in the fluidity of his neck moving as she felt warmth and saw tiny embers around him.

"I am a man, that won't die until I've reached my dreams."

GGGRRRRRRAAAAAAHHHH!*"

The Minotaur cried out, now forced onto his limbs as his hooved feet dug into the dungeon's floors. Kicking up dirt and stone as it looked ready to charge at them both with its single horn left.

"I'm the Wild Child of Freya Familia, Aperion."

Filvis felt as though butterflies were in her stomach. Shivering in anticipation as she turned her head to see the monster charging at them. Her mouth closed, and a smile graced her lips as she clutched her sword tightly. Readying herself in a stance as Bell drew Endless Sky. Though, it looked much diffrent as he pulled it out of its sheath.

The handle of his weapon was still the same as Endless Sky was. A long, red wrapped handle with a ring at the end of it. But the tsuba and guard were altered. Luscious white threads flowing from it to the point it looked like a small ball of fur acting as the tsuba. The blade, no longer two prong ones, was long and thicker than that of an average katana.

And the emblem engraving of ruins of Endless Sky glowed by the base of the blade and fur. Glowing a beautiful purple color as a flicker of flame licked the edge of the katana blade. Both Bell and Filvis gripping their weapon's handles as they readied themselves as it was now, just centimeters away from them.

"I! AM! BELL CRANEL!"

"AND I AM FILVIS CHALLIA!"

Both cried as they swing their swords. With Bell swinging his newly formed katana downward and Filvis swiping hers horizontally at the Minotaur. Stepping forwards as their bladed finally touched the dungeon's floors and saw the trails of blood making a path to the beast. Watching it as it struggled to escape the walls of the dungeon.

With its left arm now sliced off and a large gash diagonally across its chest from shoulder to hip. And another gash from Filvis nearly carving its upper chest from its pectorals off as it growled and sneered at the both of them. As they pointed towards it with their weapons, side by side and a gleeful smile on their faces filled with excitement and a predatorial like gleam in them.

"JUST WHO THE HELL-"

"DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DEALING WITH!? YOU IDIOT!"

Bell and Filvis asked it. As it roared and burst itself free and now charged at it with all the strength it could muster. The dungeon floor cracking and small hooved craters left in place with each step it took as its maw opened up and a burning fireball began to charge at its tongue.

"Like hell you're going to try that crap again you stupid bull!" Welf cried as he ran past Bell and Filvis. His sword out and lunging it towards the monster's stomach as it pierced its skin, but only able to dig it midway. Gritting his teeth, Welf dug his feet into the ground as the monster couldn't move, and opted to target Welf with its bleeding nub of an arm and magic.

FWIIIINGGG/PEEEEEWWWWW!*

THUNK/SHINK!*

GRRRROOOAAAAAAAHHHH ! ! !*

"You're just as reckless as Master Bell is Welf! Have you caught stupidity!?" Lili yelled as she fired off a volley of crossbow bolts. She and Helun circled around the Minotaur's body from a distance as they each attacked it. Helun having to tie her dress and showing off her legs in the process to make it easier to throw her knives into the creature.

"Me and Lili can't be the only sane one's in this crew! The only one that's allowed to be stupid is my husband!" Helun roared as she glared at the Minotaur and threw a knife at it's other horn, cracking it as the magic died down in its mouth and looked at Helun.

"W-Wait a sec! I know you and I...well...you know. But we haven't even-"

"Bell! Shut up before I get even more mad at you for doing something stupid and almost dying before my eyes after our night together!" Helun yelled at Bell, as both of them became a flustered mess and practically tomatoes at this point.

"Saving me was stupid huh!? What the hell!?"

"You are stupid if you just stand there any longer Cherry Boy! Move it!" Filvis said, slashing once more into the Minotaur as it stumbled back. Welf taking his opportunity to drag his sword out of the monster's side and taking a large chunk of its flesh with it.

As Bell saw Filvis attacking. He noticed Welf smile as he attacked the beast's legs, toppling it a moment. Watching its body being oddly kept in place upright with the amount of bolts and knives embedding into it by Helun and Lili.

'It's been so long since I fought someone that gave me a bit of a challenge. Those stabs it gave me, barely felt a little to the pain and feeling when I got my first scar.'

He looked down at his chest. Placing his left hand over his armor piece as a soft smile graced his lips. Small tears escaped his eyes before they felt as though they were instantly dried. Breathing out a breath of air, as he closed his eyes and felt his magic flowing through him. Burning his blood in a feeling of adrenaline and calm like a river.

'I almost wanted to go all out. Just like then. And fight this thing until it was nothing but dust and item drops. But I can't do that. Not yet. I don't want to take away our adventure, when this is just the beginning of it all.'

Facing forward, he envisioned himself in a white void. No one else besides him, and the image of someone he knows standing before him. Smiling at it as he let out a sigh. Looking apologetic as he rested the sword on his shoulder and his body relaxed at seeing this person.

"Sorry. Knowing you, you wanted me to go all out like how we used to before. To be honest, I want to go all out too. My training and lessons I do to keep myself strong, just aren't enough to see if I can keep that promise we made together."

Bell smiled as he saw the person looking at him. A grin on their face as their hands rested on their hips as they shook their head. Imagining them staring at Bell, talking to him without any words or signs.

"Feh...You're the one that helped me set off for a journey than to just come straight here after Shitty Gramps died. She even pushed me to make this journey I'm on one where I can look back and have no regrets. You even agreed with her, you big old softie." Bell chuckled as he shook his head and opened his eyes to see the figure before him.

"Do you mind...waiting just a bit longer until I see for myself. How far I am to reaching you one day?"

Silence ensude in the void as Bell saw the figure relax their arms to the side. Standing still for a while before they scoffed and waved their arm at him. Turning their back to Bell as they walked off in the distance. Aside from the figure, appeared another person he knew. A woman, with long golden hair that reached down to her feet, and wore a white dress that almost made her look like a spirit.

"I've waited many years to find the one that can reach me...if you need more time, then what's a few years more? It couldn't hurt, but that just means it'll be exciting like last time. If you have any doubts in yourself, remember-"

Bell's eyes widened as both of them turned to face him. Their hands on their own hips as they smiled. As the woman's clasped her hands together, fingers pressing lightly against her lips as a warm smile filled him with warmth and reassurance. The way that they looked at him, made him cry and smile.

"Stand proud. You're strong."

The large figure said to him, as the woman had tears in her eyes as she spoke.

"Don't hold yourself back or be in a rush to reach where you want to go Bell. It's your life. Your adventure, and if that includes your friends and those you cherish, then go at it on your own pace. We'll see each other someday, that's a promise right?"

Bell closed his eyes once more. Not even bothering to wipe the small tears away as he felt the calmness and silence of the void fading all around him. Now the sounds of metal clashing and the Minotaur's roars filled the air. And the taunts and laughers and yells of his friends echoing in the walls caused his heart to beat.

"A promise of a lifetime..." Bell whispered as he opened his eyes wide. Twirling his sword in hand in a reverse grip as he drew his arm back and aimed with his left hand to see the Minotaur.

"Filvis! Welf! Clear the way! Let's end this!"

"Roger!/You got it!" Both cried out as they retreated and dodged to their own way. With Welf backing to the left and Filvis to the right as they all saw Bell's sword being licked with flames on the blade's edge. A red and orange aura enveloping him as he threw the sword and it pierced at the Minotaur's center.

It cried in agony as it tried to take it out with it's bleeding stump for an arm. To suddenly be set a flame as it tried to pat and wet the flames away with its own blood. Roaring and rolling on the floor as Bell ran up close to it. Fire clearly swirling around his hand as he opened it and pointed at the beast point-range.

"FIREBOLT!"

A sea of bright and scorching flames washed over the Minotaur. Causing Lili and the others to shield their eyes as smoke covered Bell and the monster. Waiting on bated breath to see if that ended it. But to be surprised that the creature groaned and now getting up to its knees. Opening its mouth again and charging its magic.

"FIREBOLT!"

The second spell he used, this time more potent and burned even brighter as the floor beneath him was now covered in burn markings and black dust. Yet the glow from the creature's mouth glowed brighter and larger by the second. Mustering its strength to just push Bell a few feet back with its stump arm and aimed at him and Take's children behind Bell.

"You just won't stay down then huh? Gotta admit...you're one stubborn bastard. Almost like half of some of the people I've fought before coming here! And that was without a blessing!" Bell roared as his body was lit aflame. Grinning as the stab wounds on his body from the Minotaur's sword and horn were on fire before fading away and as if though they never existed.

"I should thank you..because I can let loose and little and really kick your ass! RRRAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

Bell screamed as he charged at the Minotaur. Not even bothered by how large the magic ball was building up in its mouth. Or hearing his friends and Take's children warning him about the attack. He reeled back his right arm to his side, as all watched as a large fire wrapped around his arms and saw a faint of black coating his hand and sparks crackling.

GGGRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHH!*

"TRY AND STAND UP FROM THIS! YOU'RE THE FIRST TEST DUMMY I GET TO TRY THIS ON! FRJIAHLSI GALDR~~~"

Bell cried out as he brought his arm down onto the Minotaur. As it looked up to Bell from its place on the floor as the magical build up in its mouth grew immensely. Crackling and sparks seen escaping from its lips and its cry sounding gurgled and with rage.

He couldn't help but grin at the monster, as he felt his fist hit the side of the Minotaur's head and watched as the flames erupted onto its body. Watching as the magical ball in it's mouth burned from his flames and saw it's head knocked off and away from the body. Burning as the rest if it was being eaten up by his fire.

"FIRE FIST!"

Lili, Helun Filvis and Welf had to back away up against the walls of the area. Closing their eyes and wincing from the intense heat they felt and heard a loud boom echo in their ears. Gasping and breathing once they felt the heat dying. They saw the burnt crater that Bell stood in, fine and smiling back at them. Only looking a bit scuffed up, with dried blood on him as there on the floor he stood upon.

Was only the two horns of the Minotaur, its magic crystal that pulsed with a purple and red color. and the melted knives and bolts that came from Lili and Helun's support to taking it down.

"Bell?" Helun whispered as he looked to her and stepped out of the crater. Walking over to her as he reached out to her and patted her head. Startling her at how warm he felt and looked up to him showing an apologetic look on his face.

"Sorry, I made you guys worry about me. And thank you for helping me out and sticky by me when I decided we go down here. I'd hug you...But I worry my armor might be scolding hot and burn you."

"Then take it off already Master Bell! You're probably burnt from the inside of it!"

"Well...I might. But I don't feel any burning. Just really...really tired." Bell said, slouching and almost falling face first onto the floor if it hadn't been for Welf and Filvis catching him by his arms and slinging them around their shoulders.

"Huh...you actually feel kind of warm Bell. Perhaps a side effect of that magic you used? And just what was that anyway!? I've never seen use of swift-strike magic used like that or an amount of magical energy used to manipulate it as such! Your magic, literally looked like a large fist on fire."

"I-it's just something I've been training with Ma Riveria for a while. Though...with how I feel and how much magic I might've used, guess I still need some work on it."

"What the hell...how is your armor not melted or even hot?! It's warm...but not burning your clothes off or leaving burn marks on you?!" Welf exclaimed as he poked and tapped his hands on Bell's armor chest piece. Surprising Lili and Helun as they grabbed his body and poked him to see if he felt any pain or discomfort.

"You...you all killed it." Mikoto muttered out. Making them all freeze in place before fixing their postures and walking towards them.

"Sorry for getting you all caught in that. This was supposed to be a rescue but ended up turning into a fight. Here." Bell said as he offered his hand to Ouka and Mikoto. Both looking at each other and then to their member Asuka. Who was being helped up by Helun and Lili, as Welf was carefully picking up Chisuga in his arms.

Which caused Ouka to tense and leer in jealousy at the red head with how he carried her like a princess. Though was snapped out of his petty thoughts with Bell dragging him up and slinging his arm around his shoulder.

"Lili, do you mind colleting the stone and dropped items? We could show them as proof to Eina and the Guild. I can carry Miss Asuka." Helun asked as she looked to the woman she helped up, seeing her nodding her head as she squatted down and adjusted her so she was now carrying her piggyback style.

"Oh! Wait a sec Lil' Lili, maybe we can also bring those weapons too. Show further poof to the guild for an extra reward. If they don't take em, I know a few guys in my Familia that could buy them off for us."

"Ohh! Yeah, that could work too. Though sadly the only ones usable are the hammer and the large knife. Miss Filvis broke the buster sword..." Lili pouted as she placed the items into her large bag as Filvis's ears drooped down after hearing that.

"Just...who are you people?" Mikoto asked as Filvis brought her arms over around her shoulders and balanced Mikoto upright. Walking with her as Welf and Lili came over to them as Helun and Bell lead them out of the area. Looking at her, Filvis then smiled as she faced forward.

Causing Bell to notice as he saw Filvis nudging her head to Mikoto. Eyes widening and simply smiling at the woman as Ouka looked confused at him.

"We're a motley crew looking for adventure, romance and treasures here in the dungeon. Nothing much to tell to be honest?"

"A crew?"

"A crew is more than a party or what a crew is normally defined. We're like a Familia in of its own." Lili chimed in as Welf and Helun laughed at the perplexed look on their faces as Mikoto seemed interested and looked back to Filvis.

"D-Do you have a name for your crew?"

"Hmmm...come to think of it...nope! There's no name we have. Why is that Bell?"

"Dunno? It feels fine without a name, doesn't it?"

"Lili doesn't particularly mind...though it does somewhat gain Lili's attention as to why we never have a name for a crew such as ours."

"Maybe we should call ourselves."

"No." All three of the women cried out to Welf. Rejecting his idea to be the one to name their crew and party as that startled the three children of Take's Familia. While Bell looked up as they walked out of the tunnel and began to head up the dungeon stares to the fifth floor.

"If we need a name...there's one that comes to mind I think would sound perfect for our motley crew. Kinda representing how odd and bizarre we really are compared to some of our Familia." Bell stated, drawing his friends to look interested and puzzled.

"Us? Bizarre?"

"Yeah Filvis. You with how people say you're cursed, when you really aren't at least to us. Welf here hates making cooler swords and half assing things when his Familia's full of smiths that give it their all."

"I don't half ass shit!"

"Lili here was the only smart one in her old Familia. And wasn't an idiot to succumb to that crap god's wine and good with money. Helun is one of the few sane ones in our Familia. And I'm the Wild Child that can't be held back and is passionate about adventures!" Bell said as they continued walking down the dungeon and now reached the fifth.

"With how all of us are weird in our own way, we all are like the odd bunch in our own Familias. Alone, forgotten, pushed aside or mocked for our dreams and wants in this world. Until we all meet one another and began traveling down here, and turning a new page in our lives and giving us that sense of wanting to make our dreams come true together."

"That, sounds rather poetic Sir Bell."

"Mikoto was it? You can drop the Sir part. I get that enough from some people and not too keen on formalities." He said, pouting at the young samurai girl who blushed and bowed her head in apology.

"A-Apologies. T-then Bell, could you perhaps share what you would call this crew of yours?"

"Come on now Captain...I'm quite curious as well."

"Tell Lili what it is Bell! We deserve to know!"

"If you don't tell us Bell, then I won't have Syr make you any more meals. No more than seven per visit at the Hostess!"

"Feh...come on I could've come up with a good name."

Bell turned to them as he smiled. Seeing their excited faces and taunting looks aimed at him. Even Take's children were growing mor curious as they looked onto him in anticipation. Turning his head as he faced forward to the dungeon before him. Laughing a little as he adjusted his hold onto Ouka as he walked in a more relaxed pace.

"How about, the name for our crew should be called: Romance Dawn!"