You know sometimes I see comments and it makes me wonder if people know that fanfics aren't canon and don't need to follow it. Anyway enough with the small rant enjoy the chapter.
Bell stared at the invitation with Apollo's seal with a dead look in his eyes. Karen was giggling as she knew why he was like that as she had seen the invitation earlier.
Emma and Lili wondered why he looked like he wanted to die. Astraea just softly plucked the invitation out of his hands.
"So you see I have been invited to a ball by Apollo. I don't know why he's throwing it but it would be rude not to attend."
"But it's high society," Bell complained.
"You don't have to go with me if you don't want to. It just says to bring two people. Doesn't say it has to be my captain." Astraea pointed out.
Bell sighed and placed his hands on his head. "No, I'll go. I already have a suit. Besides I need to monitor your drinking."
Astraea pouted. "No, you don't. I can regulate my own drinking."
"Our times at the Hostess prove otherwise." Bell deadpanned.
Astraea pouted while everyone else was curious about a drunk Astraea.
"Lili doesn't want to go. She's heard less than stellar things about Apollo, and Lili has already been with a familia like that before."
"I also shall stay behind. My night at the Casino has tired me out from high society." Karen mused.
Bell slowly turned his head to her. His eyes were wide as he grit his teeth. "So you're ditching me?"
"Correct." Karen giggled.
"I guess that leaves me." Emma shyly said.
Like a lightbulb going off in his head Bell had an idea. "Emma, why not come with us and ask around about your sister? Many gods and their familia will be there. Maybe one of them might've seen her?"
Emma's eyes and body seemed to spring to life with hope. "You're right! There'll be hundreds of people there. Someone had to have seen her!"
She then turned her attention to Astraea. Her body practically shaking with hope and excitement. "Can I come with you?! Please Lady Astraea?!!"
Astraea let out a slight chuckle and held up her hand. "Of course you can Emma. Let us hope someone can give us a clue about your sister's whereabouts."
Emma's thoughts still ran wild as Bell turned his attention to Karen. He gave her a smile that spelled nothing but trouble for her.
"Well Karen, since you're so well-versed in high society why don't you help these two with their dresses?"
Karen smiled back. "That's a wonderful idea. Lili, why don't you come with us? That way we can have a girl's day before the ball."
"Lili's fine with that." The prum replied.
"Excellent, I say we should go now. Get an early start on the day. Who knows how long trying dresses on will take?"
Karen smiled like she had won which caused Bell to laugh. "Oh no a house to myself. Whatever will I do?"
The girls then left leaving Bell alone in the living room. He looked at the clock and saw he had about 12 hours til the ball started.
"Little short notice for an event, and just why is he throwing it? There's nothing to celebrate that I can name off the top of my head." Bell wondered.
As Bell pondered more he couldn't really think about why this was being thrown. Ganesha had his nearly three months ago. But that wasn't celebrating anything either.
"Oh well, probably just gods doing god things. Not much use in thinking about it."
Bell then stood up from his chair and walked down the hallway. There was still one more person here that didn't like socializing much with the rest of the familia.
She was having trouble getting close with them. Just as she was having trouble trying to get closer to him. But progress was being made.
He approached the door marked Ryu and knocked on it. A few seconds later the door opened and her stoic face appeared.
"What is it Bell?" Ryu asked.
"Wanted to ask how your investigation had gone into Emma's sister?"
Ryu's ears dropped slightly. "Not well, I have confirmation that she arrived in the city around a year or so ago. Where she was before that I have no idea. But no one's seen her since she arrived. She's practically a ghost."
Bell sighed as he leaned against her doorframe. "Hmm, I see. So we know she was alive a year ago at least. But I don't like that this information is very outdated. Did your source know if she's left the city?"
Ryu shook her head. If she did they don't know. But what they do know is that she was here."
"Right, so we're still on square one. At least the search zone is still the city and not the continent." Bell muttered.
"Sorry, I couldn't be of more help." Ryu apologized.
Bell raised his hand slightly. "No need to apologize. It's not a lead but it's not nothing. This just means we'll have to look harder."
Bell pushed himself off her doorframe and went to walk away but stopped when Ryu called out to him.
"Bell wait."
He stopped and turned around. "Everything alright?"
Ryu fidgeted slightly. "Um, I was wondering if the guild got back to you...about the thing?"
Bell knew what she was referring to. "No, not yet. But I think they will soon. If not I'll just pay off the bounty myself."
Ryu blushed slightly in embarrassment. "And how would you do that?"
"Gambling," Bell responded.
"Right, I heard you were lucky."
"Yup, but don't worry. I promised you I was going to get rid of your bounty and I will. That way when it's gone you can rejoin the familia and help out."
Ryu frowned slightly. "Hmm I don't know-
"Come on Ryu they've shown that they're capable. Besides a little guidance from a veteran adventurer could go a long way." Bell pointed out.
"I'll think about it," Ryu muttered.
"That's all I ask. Enjoy the rest of your day."
Bell then walked to his room and entered while Ryu closed her door. She let out a sigh as she looked at a picture of the old Astraea familia.
Her friends. Her old friends.
She walked over to it and picked it up. Looking at the fiery redhead that was Alise. Her best friend, she just didn't know it at the time.
She wished she did. She wished she knew how important to her all of them were. Before they were all taken from her.
Ryu regretted not spending more time with them. She always thought there would be more. But alas there wasn't, and she was the last woman standing from the old guard.
"I wonder what you would've done Alise." She whispered out in the still air.
Nothing answered her question and only silence remained. With a sad sigh, Ryu set the picture back down and sat on her bed. She looked at her door and thought of all the new faces in her familia.
Bell was the first to come to her mind. He was smart, kind, and a good fighter. Yet that was all surface level. Deep down he held a great pain that he buried. He didn't like to talk much about himself. He wanted to keep his past private.
The next was Lili. The thief with shapeshifting magic. But she only turned to thievery out of a desperation to escape the Soma familia. Now she was attached to Bell and Astraea at the hip.
Emma crossed her mind next. The bubbly pink-haired girl whose sister was missing. As it stood right now Emma wasn't a good fighter. Nor a strategist. But she had an unbreakable will and a can-do attitude. Those traits were admirable.
Lastly was Karen. Ryu knew next to nothing about the girl other than her being a noble in some far-off land. She was also good with a rapier and fighting one on one. But that doesn't translate well to the dungeon.
Emma and Karen were basically greenhorns and Ryu was scared to grow close with them. Lili as well because despite her experience with the dungeon she was mainly a supporter. Not a fighter.
Ryu let out another sigh and looked back at Alise. "If only you were here. Then I'd be filled with a little more hope."
Ryu didn't have much hope for the new Astraea familia. So she placed her hope in Bell. He gave her that. She didn't know why but he did, and she hoped he would raise the new Astraea familia into paragons of justice.
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"How does this look?" Emma asked stepping out in a loose-fitting black dress.
"Eh doesn't really match your hair. What do you think Lili?"
Lili shook her head. "I don't think it goes well with you. Maybe try a blue?"
Emma frowned and went back into the dressing room. Astraea then stepped out dressed in a white dress that showed a little bit of her cleavage.
"How does this look?" She asked.
She gave a small twirl as Karen placed a finger to her chin. "Hmm the dress looks good on you but white's kind of basic for you. Try purple and let's see how that looks."
Astraea nodded and went back into the dressing room. Lili turned to Karen and spoke.
"Is this what Bell had to do last night?"
Karen let out a small giggle. "Yes but to tell you the truth, Lili. Bell looked good in all the suits he wore. I just made him try on a bunch because it was driving him insane."
Lili let out a small laugh as well. "Don't tell him that. Or else he'll up your training."
"Our little secret then?"
"Our little secret."
The two did a pinkie swear as Emma stepped out of the dressing room. She was wearing a dark blue dress that sparkled slightly in the light.
"Hmm, it works," Karen said.
Emma smiled and did a little fist pump before walking back into her dressing room. Astraea then walked out of hers wearing a light purple dress that accented her curves along with showing her cleavage.
"Wow," Lili said.
"You're going to turn some heads with that Lady Astraea," Emma added.
"And that's what'll make it work. I approve of this choice." Karen said.
Astraea looked down at the dress. "Hmm, are you sure? It looks kind of provocative."
Karen waved her off. "Nonsense you look fine. Besides you want the eyes turning don't you?"
"I guess so, alright I'll buy it," Astraea said.
"Great. You two get changed Lili and I will go pay for them." Karen said.
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Welf poured all his focus into carving the rune Hephaestus had given him. She stood over his shoulder and watched as he carved it into the chestplate.
A drop of sweat ran down his forehead in the heated forge. Hephaestus had already taught him many more runes. But learning a new one was tiring each time. He had to make sure the craft was perfect with no mistakes.
Once finished he bit the tip of his thumb and smeared his blood on it. The blood glowed slightly as it quickly hardened against the rune.
Welf let out a breath as Hephaestus looked at the rune. "Very good. This will help buff the durability of your craft."
Welf shook his head keeping his trying to eyes open. "I see, thanks for teaching me."
"You're welcome, now go clean up and get dressed. You're going to Apollo's banquet with me tonight." Hephaestus said placing the chestplate down.
"Huh? But I don't even have a suit." Welf protested.
"Don't worry about it. I had one ordered and tailored for you. It's in your room."
Welf went to protest but sighed in the end. "Yes, goddess." He said.
Welf got off the stool and walked out of the forge. Leaving Hephaestus to smile.
"Yes, my plan worked. Tonight I'll get to see him dressed up in a nice suit. I wonder how handsome that'll make him look?"
Hephaestus was looking forward to this ball. The main reason was so she could dance with Welf. She was going to enjoy this night.
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In the darkness of Orario's dungeon, Evilus lay. The higher-ups had called a meeting for all of them to discuss a troublesome rookie who had once again foiled their plans.
"He has to know of our existence. He's taken out our vat production. Taken out Ashemea's mercenaries and has now removed our agent from the Casino. Losing us money and test subjects. He has to go!"
"Calm yourself. These are only minor setbacks. We still have plenty of sources of income and Ashemea doesn't care for their losses. Besides we have enough vats for what's needed."
"Still there's no way he doesn't know of our existence."
"Or perhaps these are just coincidences. He just seems to stumble into these situations. I bet he's still oblivious to our existence."
"Then you need to hurry with this gift you're planning!"
"I'm aware, but brewing wine takes time. You need to get it to just the right flavor to leave a lasting taste. Otherwise, the whole batch is bad."
"Well hurry up. You're supposed to use that gift to keep an eye on him."
"Have patience, the next batch will be ready soon. All one has to do is wait."
The room fell silent as the members stewed in their anger. Either Bell was really lucky or unfortunate when he stumbled upon their production.
Or was doing it on purpose? Whatever the case none of them knew and could only wait to see what happened next.
"So are any of you going to Apollo's gala tonight?"
"No. Knowing him he's planning something and wants to make a grand showing of it."
"I'd rather not. Apollo is so boring at times."
"Well one of us needs to go."
"Can't be me. The little bastard would know who I am because of my mercenaries."
"Ugh, I'll go. Seems like I have to do everything around here."
"Just do your job and keep an eye on the brat. Information on him is the most valuable resource we have to plan around his missteps."
"Oh and check out the Emma girl as well. I want her."
"You and your fascination with random children never ceases to amaze me."
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Bell gave a deadpan look when he saw Astraea in her dress. Said Goddess looked at him while blushing.
"What's wrong with it?" She asked.
"Nothing, I'll just have to keep a closer eye on you now. Can't have any perverted gods getting near you." He responded.
"I can take care of myself." Astraea pouted.
"I'm aware. But I'm around for when they don't take no for an answer."
"He has a point there lady Astraea." Emma chimed in.
Bell then turned his gaze to her. "That goes for you as well."
"Aw, are you going to be my knight in shining armor?" Emma cooed.
"No, I'm keeping you close so you don't get lost."
Emma gasped. "Oh low blow."
"Don't get mad at me for your bad sense of direction."
Emma crossed her arms and grumbled while Astraea had a question that just popped into her mind.
"Bell, does Anya know you're going to this gala?"
Bell turned his attention back to his goddess and nodded. "She does. She also told me that I could dance with anyone I want since she'll know it won't mean anything. Besides I don't know how to dance anyway."
Astraea's eyes widened. "You don't know how to dance?!"
Bell shook his head. "Nope."
"Out of all the things he taught you. Dancing wasn't one of them?"
"No, he was too busy teaching me about another form of dancing." Bell inferred.
Astraea face palmed. "Right, he was a pervert."
"I don't know how to dance either," Emma added raising her hand.
Astraea groaned. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier? I could have taught you some of the basics."
"Slipped my mind," Bell said.
"I felt embarrassed for not knowing how to," Emma replied.
Astraea facepalmed and shook her head. "What am I going to do with you two?"
"Love us unconditionally?" Emma asked.
"Give us a few tips before we leave?" Bell asked.
Astraea sighed and looked at her two familia members. Bell and Emma looked at her with expectant eyes waiting for her tips.
"Haaaa the only tip I can really give you with such short notice is to act like it's a fight."
"Emma's screwed."
"Hey!"
Astraea shook her head and laughed. "Emma just stay with me and I'll teach you more. Bell I assume my tip will help you a little bit at least?"
Bell nodded. "It should, just need to predict the other person's footwork right?"
"That's right. Oh, I believe our carriage is here."
The sound of horses came from outside leading the three to exit the Stardust Garden. A small green carriage awaited them outside with two horses in front of it.
The three walked down the steps and to the carriage. Bell being the gentleman he was opened the door for them. He also offered his hand to help them ascend the few stairs before following them into the carriage and sitting across from them.
Emma was nervously fidgeting in her seat, however.
"You nervous Emma?" Bell asked.
"A little, it's my first time going to one of these things. What if I make a fool of myself in front of all those people?"
"Don't worry so much about what people think of you. Just focus on asking people if they've seen your sister. I'll ask to so you won't be alone." Bell comforted.
Emma took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, don't care what others think about me and focus on finding Sophia. Wait do you even know what my sister looks like?"
Bell shook his head. "No, but I'm assuming similar to you?"
Emma nodded. "Close, she's around my height and her hair and eyes are purple. She's also older than me by a few years so she's more developed."
"How much older are we talking?" Bell asked.
"Well I'm 18, so she should be 24 now," Emma responded.
"So we're looking for a 24-year-old woman who's around 5'1 with purple hair and eyes. Hmm, not much to go off of. Any unique traits that can help narrow her down?"
Emma shook her head and looked down. Astraea patted her on the shoulder while Bell simply smiled.
"That's alright, just means the search is going to be more fun."
"You're trying to cheer me up aren't you?" Emma mumbled.
"A little. But good things come to those who wait. Trust me, Emma, we will find your sister and the two of you will be reunited."
Emma allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "Thanks, Bell."
"No problem." He replied.
Astraea watched on happily as Bell cheered Emma up from her depression. He seemed to always know what to say. It made her glad of her decision to stay in the city.
So much good had come from that decision, and much more good was to come.
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The Astraea familia's carriage arrived at Apollo's mansion along with a dozen others. It stopped at the entrance and Bell was the first to exit.
He held his hand out allowing Astraea and Emma to take it and exit the carriage as well. However, before they were about to enter a problem arose.
"Uh, who do I escort to the entrance?" Bell asked.
Emma and Astraea looked at each other. The two conveyed words just by looking into each other's eyes and knew a way to mess with Bell. So without another word, they each took one of Bell's arms and looked forward.
"Be a gentleman and escort us both in," Astraea said.
"Yeah," Emma added.
Bell sighed and shook his head. He knew how bad this looked. "I can already hear the rumors." He muttered.
But that didn't stop him from walking forward and into the Apollo manor. Marble columns held up the doorway and transitioned into a marble floor with a domino pattern.
The walls were white with paintings and statues of Apollo littered around the floor. Lighting up the room was a chandelier that had matching cousins strewn about.
Bell escorted Astraea and Emma to the ballroom and they let go of his arms afterward. The ballroom was littered with tables that had a purple tablecloth filled with food and drink. There was a balcony that led outside and a stairwell that led deeper into the manor.
Multiple deities and adventurers filled the ballroom. Some Bell had met. A lot he hadn't. He didn't really know what to do now.
"So what should we do now Lady Astraea?" Emma asked.
"Interact with people. However, don't go asking after your sister right off the bat. Ease it into the conversation." Astraea said.
Emma nodded while Bell scanned the crowd hoping to find someone he knew. He saw Artemis and Rethusa across the room and Artemis just so happened to see him.
She gave Bell an uninterested look as she and Rethusa walked over.
"Oh look it's Artemis," Astraea said.
The goddess and her captain approached Astraea giving the other goddess a small smile. Artemis was wearing a blue dress while Rethusa wore a red one.
"Astraea, Emma, Man." Artemis greeted.
"Yes lovely to see you again Artemis." Bell sarcastically replied.
"Play nice you two." Rethusa cut in.
Artemis and Bell grumbled but didn't say anything else.
"So Rethusa how has the dungeon been treating you?" Astraea asked.
Rethusa shrugged. "Not too badly. Mostly been staying on floors 25-27. Haven't seen you guys down there yet though."
"Oh, that's because we're taking a break from the dungeon remember," Emma added.
"Oh right, that slipped my mind." Rethusa chuckled.
"I'm surprised you're here Artemis. You hate Apollo." Astraea pointed out.
Artemis crossed her arms. "It was simply a good reason to see some old friends. Besides he knows what'll happen if he tries anything with me,"
A brief silence filled the space between them before Rethusa spoke up again.
"You know Bell I'd thought you would at least try and clean up before coming here," Rethusa said.
Bell quirked an eyebrow. "Why I hate high society events. The only reason I'm here is to keep an eye on Astraea."
"Oh, not even to dance?" She asked.
"I don't know how to," Bell replied.
Rethusa grew a teasing smirk. "Then come on I'll teach you how to."
"Wha-
Bell didn't have much time to respond as she grabbed Bell's arm and took him to the dance floor.
"You better not try anything!" Artemis yelled after the two.
Whether her words were heard or not she didn't know. Rethusa and Bell disappeared into the crowd of people. Artemis grumbled while Astraea lightly laughed.
"Oh don't worry too much. Bell has a girlfriend remember?"
"Still," Artemis grumbled.
Emma then cleared her throat getting Artemis's attention. "Um excuse me. Lady Artemis."
"Yes, Emma?" Artemis smiled.
"Um during your travels. Did you happen to come into contact with a girl who had purple hair and eyes? She was also around the same height as me."
Artemis thought for a moment and shook her head. "No sorry I haven't. Why do you ask?"
Emma's eyes dropped a little bit. "Well she's my sister, and she's missing."
Artemis reached out and rubbed Emma's shoulder. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. But I can have my familia keep an eye out."
Emma smiled slightly. "Thanks, Lady Artemis."
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Bell and Rethusa entered the dance floor among the others. They were lost in the crowd as Rethusa grabbed his hand and brought it to her waist.
She took his other hand in hers. "Just follow what I do." She said.
"Like fighting right?" Bell asked.
Rethusa smiled. "In a way yes."
Bell nodded and began following Rethusa's lead. Step one, two. Step one, two. That same rhythm over and over again.
Bell messed up a few times. Accidentally stepping on her toes or moving too fast. Rethusa just let out a laugh as she readjusted.
"Slow down Bell. It isn't a race."
"Heh sorry." He chuckled.
Once again he fell in line with Rethusa. Her red dress spun slightly as they once again picked up some speed. However, Bell was able to keep in step with Rethusa this time.
They lost themselves to the rhythm of the song as it played. No eyes were drawn to them and it was just the two of them dancing together.
Once the song ended the two let go of each other. They walked off the dance floor while Rethusa smiled.
"So how did you enjoy your first dance?" Rethusa asked.
"Gonna be honest. It was hyped up too much." Bell replied.
"Really? You seemed so focused though."
"Don't people normally focus on what they're doing?"
Rethusa shrugged. "Fair point. Anyway, you know who that is?"
Rethusa pointed to the entrance and Bell turned his gaze over there. Standing in the doorway was Welf with his goddess along with Tsubaki.
Hephaestus was wearing a black dress with an opening down the middle with a sash covering each of her breasts. Tsubaki was wearing a very low-cut red dress. Welf wore a black suit with a white dress shirt underneath.
"Which one do you want to know?" Bell asked.
"The guy. He's exactly my type." Rethusa responded.
"Oh, that's Welf. Wait what do you mean by he's your type?"
Rethusa didn't answer and instead walked over to Welf.
"Oh, oh this is gonna be good." Bell chuckled. A waiter passed by him holding a tray full of champagne. Bell never had it before so he grabbed a glass to try it out.
He took a sip and immediately cringed not liking the taste. He set the glass down on the table and watched as Rethusa flirted with Welf.
Hephaestus's eye twitched while Rethusa talked to Welf. Said boy saw Bell from across the room and gave him a wave. Bell returned it before feeling a tap on his shoulder.
He turned around to see a blonde-haired girl with golden eyes looking at him. She was wearing a light green dress. He knew who this was and quirked an eyebrow.
"Can I help you?" Bell asked.
Ais nodded. "How do you get strong so fast?"
Bell chuckled as he turned around to face her. "Simple, just killed things that needed killing."
Ais frowned upon hearing that answer. "I've done the same but I don't grow as fast."
Bell shrugged. "I don't know what to tell you. The Falna grows differently with people I guess."
Bell was lying right through his teeth. He didn't like that he had to. He hated lying, hated it a lot. But he couldn't let this information get out. Least of all to someone from the Loki familia of all people.
"Oh I see, can I at least train you then?" Ais asked.
Bell immediately found the request suspicious. Why did she want to train with him? Didn't she have people in her own familia to do so? Sure she reached level six before he arrived in Orario.
She should at least have someone to train with her. Not a level two from a different familia.
"Um, I'm good. I already had someone training me beforehand." Bell responded.
"Oh I see, may I ask why you don't want to train with me?" Ais asked her face drooping.
"Are you a speed-based fighter?" Bell asked.
Ais nodded. "I am."
"Then it wouldn't really do much for me. However, it could help my familia members if you want to extend the offer to them?"
Ais stared blankly at him for a few seconds. "Ok."
Before Bell could respond his greatest annoyance appeared.
"There you are Ais. I've been looking all over for you." Loki then saw Bell. "Erk it's you!"
"Hi Loki, thanks for all the money you gave me." Bell goaded.
"Shut up! Thanks to you I'm banned from all the casinos!"
Bell shrugged as Lefiya approached. "Shouldn't have cheated then."
Loki growled and dragged Ais away. Lefiya stayed and looked around the ballroom for a second.
"Sorry, Karen's not here," Bell said.
Lefiya's ears dropped a little bit. "Oh, I see."
"Did you want to dance with her?" Bell joked.
Lefiya shook her head. "No, I just like talking with her. I don't like events like these, and I hate wearing a dress."
"Don't you wear a dress in the dungeon?"
"That's a skirt! It's different."
Bell raised his hands in mock surrender. "Well, at least I know we have something in common now."
"We do?"
"Yeah we hate high society events and dressing up in nice clothes."
"Did your goddess also drag you to this event?" Lefiya asked.
Bell shook his head. "No, I came here of my own volition. But then again I'm very protective of Astraea."
"Why is that?" Lefiya questioned. This was her chance to learn a little more about the enigma that was Bell Cranel.
Bell was quiet for a moment as he turned his gaze to Astraea. She was talking and laughing with Artemis by the balcony. The stars seemed to shine directly on her making her smooth skin shine.
"She offered me a hand when no one else would. That's something I have to repay tenfold." Bell responded.
Lefiya was left with more questions than answers. She expected something like this. From what Karen had told her at the casino Bell kept the circumstances of his past before coming here a secret. The only one who truly knew anything about Bell was Astraea.
But something that had caught her off guard was Bell's tone. He almost sounded vulnerable. But at the same time wasn't. Maybe it was Lefiya's mind playing a trick on her. But his tone wasn't filled with the cocky confidence she had known him for.
"So Loki forced you to come here?" Bell asked.
Lefiya sighed as her train of thought was broken. "Yeah, I don't know why she does that. But she does."
"Then say no."
"Huh?"
"Say no. You're a person don't let others push you around."
"But Loki's a god." Lefiya pointed out.
"So? That doesn't mean you can't say no. If you don't want to do something nobody can force you to. Even if they're a higher-level of deity. Have some self-respect and grow a spine. Don't let others push you around."
Lefiy was quiet for a second as Bell's words rang through her mind. Don't let others push her around. Why had she never thought of that, and why did it have to be Bell of all people to tell her that?
"Maybe he isn't so bad after all." Lefiya thought.
"See how nice I can be when you don't assume the worst." Bell smugly teased.
"Never mind."
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Time passed and Emma was on the balcony looking over the edge. Her eyes were full of sadness and defeat as the wind blew her hair softly.
She could hear the muffled music from inside as well as muffled conversations. But she just wanted to be away from it all right now.
Even if Apollo was finally making his appearance at the ball. Emma just wanted to be away from all of that.
"Thought I'd find you out here," Bell said closing the door behind him.
Emma glanced behind her before looking out at the shrub bushes again. "I just wanted to be alone."
Bell took a spot next to her. "I get that feeling. Guessing your search didn't go well?"
Emma shook her head. "Nope. Nobody's seen her. Nor even heard of her. Feels like I'm on a wild goose chase."
Bell gave her a comforting pat on the back. "This must be really hard for you. But don't give up hope just yet. We're only beginning our search."
"Feels like we're getting nowhere," Emma grumbled.
"It's a big city, Emma. A million people live here. It just means our search will take a while. That's all."
"How can you be so optimistic all the time? We always seem so confident too."
"Because I'm your captain. I have to set a good example for my subordinates. But it's also not my sister that's missing. So this situation is a lot easier for me than you."
Emma was silent for a moment as she leaned further on the stone railing. "Do you have any siblings Bell?"
"No, I was an only child. So I don't know what you're going through. But I can offer my help. Hope that's enough?"
Emma smiled. "It is. Hey Bell can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"How come you don't talk about your family?" Emma asked.
Bell shrugged. "Not much to talk about really. All I had was my Grandpa, and he's gone now. So I don't have all these fun stories with Mom and Dad. Or aunts and uncles because I never had any of those. I only had one man raise me, and now he's gone."
"That sounds lonely and sad."
"It is, but I try not to think about it too much. No use in getting worked up. That serves as a distraction to all the fun things in life."
"Like what?"
"Well, going on dungeon dives with my familia. Training with them. Meeting new people. Getting a girlfriend. There are so many things to do. Why waste time being sad?"
"I guess that's one way of looking at it. Thanks for the talk Bell."
"No problem. You ready to head back inside?"
Emma shook her head. "No, I want to stay here a little longer. I'm enjoying the quiet."
Bell patted her on the shoulder again. "Alright, just come back in when you're ready."
He walked back to the door and entered the ballroom once again. Emma just looked out at the city wondering one thing.
"Where are you, Sophia?"
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Bell entered back into the ballroom and bumped into Welf. The smith smiled happy to see his friend.
"About time I was able to talk to you. Between Goddess, Tsubaki, and that Rethsua woman I've been dancing non-stop." He groaned.
Bell chuckled. "Seems like you're a proper ladies' man now Welf."
"I don't want to! Dealing with women is tough. You gotta help me Bell."
"And do what?" Bell laughed.
"I don't know you're smart! Think of something, you gotta save me!" Welf pleaded.
Bell laughed some more. "Just say you're too tired to dance. Or that you simply don't want to anymore."
"Oh, yeah that would probably work," Welf muttered.
Bell shook his head as Astraea approached. A slow dancing song started to play and Astraea held her hand out.
"Care for a dance Bell?" She asked.
"Gotta go Welf. Good luck with your problem." Bell said taking Astraea's hand.
The two walked out onto the dance floor and Bell did the same as he did with Rethusa. He placed his hand on Astraea's waist with his other grabbing hers.
Astraea placed her other hand on Bell's shoulder and the two began to dance. Unlike with Rethusa however, the two were automatically in sync.
Instead of dancing as two people, they did it as one. Like they could read each other's mind and predict what the other was about to do.
Step, two, three, four. Step, two, three, four.
The two followed that rhythm as they danced around in the ballroom. The world seemed to disappear and only the two of them remained. Locked in each other's eyes and dancing.
That was until the music stopped and a spotlight was shined upon them. The two squinted slightly getting used to the sudden intrusion before seeing Apollo standing atop the stairwell.
He was dressed in a white suit with a black dress shirt. He had scarlet red hair that reminded Bell of a burning star. Yet Bell had an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
"My that was a very lovely dance you two had. Like two souls combing together. Ah so wonderful."
Bell narrowed his eyes at Apollo as he pulled Astraea closer to him. Apollo still ranted on, however.
"Unfortunately I must separate you two. For you see the record holder here has caught my interest. As such I challenge you to a War Game Astraea. My familia vs yours."
Astraea stood up straighter as the room filled with silence. She knew what Apollo was capable of when someone caught his interest. She knew the destruction he could cause.
She didn't want that to happen. It would damage the city and cause terror in the streets.
Astraea looked over to Bell who was giving Apollo a stern glare. He felt Astraea's eyes on him and turned to face her. His lips didn't move but she heard his words loud and clear.
"Accept."
Astraea turned back to Apollo who still awaited an answer. As did the rest of the ballroom with bated breath.
"Very well I accept your challenge." Astraea cordially responded.
Nothing else was heard as a chorus of cheers rang out in the building.
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Bell, Emma, and Astraea arrived back at the Stardust Garden a little while later. The details of the War Game would be hashed out at a later date. Meaning all they could do now is wait.
Bell and Emma plopped down on the couch while Astraea still stood.
"I apologize for how things ended tonight ." She said.
"It's fine Astraea. We can deal with it in the morning." Bell replied.
"Yeah, and besides it was fun before all of that," Emma added.
Astraea offered the two a warm smile. "Well, I shall head to bed now. Don't stay up too late now. We need to inform the others of what's happening."
Both Bell and Emma gave her a thumbs up and Astraea left the living room. Bell let out a sigh and turned to face Emma.
"Didn't think our night would end like that." Bell groaned.
"Neither did I," Emma replied.
The two closed their eyes and let silence fill the room. It was like that for a few minutes before Emma spoke.
"Hey Bell, why did you come to Orario?"
"Because I wanted to be a hero. I know it's a childish dream but it's mine." He replied.
"Is that why you're so optimistic about helping me find my sister?"
"Not really. Sure it would help me further my goal to become a hero. But at the end of the day, you're my familia member and friend."
"I wish I had your iron will. Nothing seems to break you."
Bell chuckled. "You'll come into your own soon. You just have to keep practicing and living your life. Who knows, maybe you will become more like me as time passes."
Emma sighed. "Hopefully, if I were like you I wouldn't be such a deadweight."
Bell was quick to smack the back of her head. Emma lurched forward slightly and opened her eyes.
"Ow, what was that for?!"
"You're not deadweight you're just learning. Me and the rest of our party have just started adventuring earlier than you. I mean I sucked with a sword when I first started. But look at me now."
Emma smiled and shook her head. "How is it you always know what to say?"
"Special talent I guess?" Bell shrugged.
Emma sighed and leaned back into the couch. Bell opened one of his eyes and looked at her.
"Did you at least enjoy your night tonight?" Bell asked.
Emma nodded. "A little, but I didn't get to dance with anyone." She pouted.
Bell opened his eyes and sat up. "Really no one. We were there for like four hours."
"I know."
Bell sighed and stood up. "Alright come on get up."
"What?"
"Get up, come on." Bell playfully urged.
Emma stood up but was confused about what was going on. "Bell what are you doing."
Bell offered his hand. "May I have this dance, my lady?" He asked in a posh accent.
Emma giggled. "Bell I don't know how to remember?"
"And I barely know how to either. I stepped on Rethusa's toes like five times."
"But you did well with Lady Astraea." Emma pointed out.
"That was more luck than anything else. Come on don't make me grab your hand."
Emma sighed in resignation and took Bell's hand. He told her where he was about to place his hands and Emma told him that was fine.
Bell grabbed her hand and waist while Emma placed her remaining one on Bell's shoulder. The two had no music or rhythm so they danced at their own pace.
The two stumbled and Emma stepped on Bell's shoes and he stepped on her toes. The two were trying to be careful to not knock over any of the furniture which led to their feet locking together causing the two of them to trip.
Both landed on the ground and let out silent laughs so as to not wake everyone up. They lay next to each other holding back their laughter.
Despite Emma's best efforts, she couldn't dance to save her life. But in turn, Bell had a hard time with it as well.
Once the two stopped holding back their laughter they sighed and took a deep breath. Then stared at the ceiling in silence.
"Hey, Bell."
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for cheering me up. I really needed it."
"No problem Emma."
Silence once again that was soon broken by Emma.
"Hey, Bell."
"Yes?"
"Do you think we'll win against the Apollo familia?"
Bell didn't hesitate. "We will, we just need to wait and see what the War Game will be."
"But there's only four of us and a hundred of them." Emma pointed out.
"Don't worry, I'll think of something. I always do."
Emma sighed and closed her eyes. "There's that optimism again. It's almost contagious you know."
Bell chuckled. "Good, you to stand to use some."
Emma snorted and smacked Bell's chest. Bell lurched forward and grasped his chest letting out a groan of pain.
"Bell are you ok?" Emma worriedly asked.
Bell nodded. "Yeah, but your smack hurt me."
"What, how?"
"I don't know, but I feel a little weaker as well. Emma hit me again."
Emma punched him in the shoulder and Bell felt pain there as well. His brow furrowed in confusion as he stood up. There was something he wanted to test out.
He jogged to the front door and back to the living room. Emma looked at him still confused about the situation.
"I'm a little slower too," Bell said.
He then smiled putting the pieces together. "Emma I think your skill just activated."
"What? How?" She asked standing up.
"Come with me outside real quick." Bell urged.
Emma followed and the two entered the courtyard where they usually trained. Bell put his hands on Emma's shoulders and made her face him.
"Emma, do you trust me?" Bell asked.
Emma nodded. "With my life."
"Alright, I want to try something. You remember the magic I used in our rush to floor 18?"
"I do."
"I want you to say the first part of that chant and aim it at me. I want to try something."
"Um…ok."
Bell then took a few steps away from Emma and gave her the thumbs up.
"Gospel." Emma chanted.
Like clockwork, a block of sound shot forth from Emma and quickly slammed into Bell. The boy went flying back and landed on the ground.
"Oh my gods Bell." Emma gasped. She quickly ran to his side and helped him up. But the strange thing was he was laughing.
"Emma your skill copied my status. That means anything on my falna you can use." Bell laughed.
Emma's eyes widened in shock before her legs gave out from under her. Bell was quick to catch her and help her down. He also felt his missing strength return to him.
"Woah, I feel really tired now," Emma muttered.
"Probably a drawback from the skill. Want me to carry you to your room?"
Emma nodded as she felt her eyes grow heavy. They closed as Bell picked her up and soon she was softly snoring in Bell's arms.
Bell had a smile on his face, however. After months of practice, they had finally figured out how Emma's skill worked.
He opened the door to her room and gently set her down on her bed. After he tucked her in he said goodnight and walked out of her room.
His mind wandered back to Apollo and the approaching War Game. This would be the familia's first real test against fighting other people, and Bell had to make sure they were ready.
Well, another chapter comes and goes. Emma figured out her skill. Welf is a lady's man and Bell is overly optimistic.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll see you later.
