Bell and Alfia sat atop the hill with the tree on top. Their backs rested against it as they watched the sunset. The graves of Bell's parents sat next to them, remaining silent.

Regis laid down next to the two. Where Bell went, he followed.

The ten-year-old boy rested his head on his aunt's lap. The woman slowly moving her fingers through his hair.

"Alfia, how come I'm not sick like you and my mom?" Bell asked.

"I'm not sure, Bell. But if I had to guess, it was that your mother performed a miracle." Alfia answered.

"How did she do that? Was that her magic?"

Alfia chuckled. "No, Bell, your mother had nothing like that. But I believe she did something that allowed you to be born without our sickness."

"Or it was your mana core. But that's thinking practically, and Alfia doesn't like to do that." Regis added.

Bell let out a tiny laugh as Alfia glared at the sleeping canine. Regis paid her no mind, however, knowing he succeeded in annoying her.

Alfia just clicked her tongue and returned her gaze back to Bell. The boy still laid his head on her lap as the sun sank deeper behind the mountains.

She could tell by the look in his eyes that something was troubling him.

"What's wrong, Bell?" Alfia asked.

Bell was silent for a minute as he lifted his head up. "You're sick, and someday you won't be here. That makes me sad."

Alfia gave him a warm smile as she pulled him into her arms. Bell laid his head against her shoulder.

"Bell death is a part of everything in life. One day, I will die, and while yes, it will make you sad, just know I will always love you, and nothing will ever change that."

Bell was silent for a moment as Alfia looked at him. Then his eyes lit up like he just had the greatest idea in the world.

"Then I can cure you!"

Alfia felt her heart hurt. He looked so determined, and it broke her heart knowing there was no cure.

"Bell, sweetie, there's no cure." Alfia reminded him.

"It just hasn't been found yet. But I don't need that. I can use Aether; I just need to figure out how."

"Bell-

"No, Grandpa always says heroes save people. I'm gonna save you, Alfia, I promise."

Alfia remained silent, hearing Bell's decree. Her heart didn't fill with hope as she had long since given it up. But she just couldn't bring herself to put him down.

Not when he looked at her like that. Eyes full of love and determination. The desire to heal her and keep her safe.

No, Alfia couldn't crush that spirit of his with the truth. So she did the only thing she could do.

Letting out a small laugh, she spoke. "So foolish."

She then leaned down and kissed his forehead. This caused Bell to simmer down, and he and Alfia watched as the sun went behind the mountain, causing night to arrive.

Bell failed in the end.

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Bell's eyes shot open, and he quickly sat up. The sun had barely risen, and Bell knew he wasn't going back to sleep.

He let out a tired sigh and placed his hands on his forehead. He sniffled and let out another sigh.

"Bad dream?" Regis asked.

"You could say that," Bell replied.

"Alfia again?"

"Yup."

"I assumed so. You didn't fail her, Bell. There was nothing you could do." Regis said.

"But there was. I could've used Aether to heal her. If only, if only I could've figured it out earlier."

"Bell, you were only a child. You barely understood your magic and beast will. What made you think you'd have any understanding of Aether?"

"Because I'm not like other people. I'm a Leywin; magic comes easy to me. Fighting comes easy to me. But when it came to this. Nothing happened, nothing happened, and Alfia died."

"You're beating yourself up over nothing. Alfia loved you all the same. Whether you could heal her or not."

"Am I, though? I seem to have a pattern with my family members. I'm the reason my mom died. Zeus traded his life for mine. Alfia died because I failed to cure her sickness. I feel like I'm cursed."

Regis jumped onto the couch and bit Bell on the hand.

"Ow! Why'd you do that!" Bell hissed.

"Because you're a dumbass," Regis responded.

Bell grumbled as he rubbed his hand. Regis took this opportunity to keep speaking.

"Their deaths aren't your fault. Shit happens, Bell, and the sooner you learn that, the sooner you can stop blaming yourself for events that aren't your fault. Now cultivate your mana core to clear your head. Gods know you need to."

Bell sighed and placed his hands on his head. Regis sighed and nudged Bell with his head. Bell looked down at the dog, and Regis could see a single tear running down his cheek.

"Kid, you know I love ya, right?" Regis asked.

Bell nodded. "I do."

"And you know I'll always be there for you. Even if you don't want me to."

"I know."

"So, believe me when I tell you that their deaths aren't your fault. Your mother loved you very much. Even though she only knew you for a few months. Zeus also loved you like his own son. You'll understand why he did what he did when you have kids of your own."

"And Alfia, what about her?"

"Alfia was willing to make the entire world her enemy for you. Now, while Zeus and I didn't agree with what she did. If that's not the ultimate sign of love, then I don't know what is."

Bell looked away from Regis. A few tears streamed down his face, but he didn't sob nor whimper. Regis, sensing this, hopped off the couch.

"I'll leave you alone. I'll also make sure no one bothers you."

Regis trotted up the stairs as he heard the muffled sobs of his friend. He felt terrible knowing he couldn't do anymore to help heal Bell's, broken heart.

Bell meanwhile tried to stop his tears. Tears wouldn't bring them back. Being sad wouldn't bring them back. So, what was the point of even being sad?

Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop as the tears flowed. Because in the end, Bell was only a 14-year-old boy who missed his family.

He also wept because he felt alone. Alone and lost in the grand city of Orario. Only doing what he thought was right to try and make his family proud.

The image of a beautiful blonde Renard flashes through his mind. Her kind and gentle smile. Her beautiful emerald eyes. Bell felt a righteous fury fill his body as he wiped away his tears.

Ishtar planned to kill her. For whatever reason, Bell didn't know. But he did know one thing.

"I make this promise to the heavens. That no matter what, I will save Haruhime. This, I promise."

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Bell and Welf were in the dungeon on the 11th floor. A thick mist spread across the entire floor, making it nearly impossible for one to see more than a few feet in front of them.

Luckily for Bell and Welf, the two had a seeing-eye dog.

"There's six Orcs up ahead." Regis calmly said.

Bell drew his drawstring back and loosed the arrow made from pure mana. It whistled through the air, going through an Orc's eye and fizzling out.

Welf stuck his palm out and shot a torrent of flames from his palm, lighting another three Orcs ablaze.

Bell drew back his bowstring once more, this time infusing it with fire and lighting before loosing it once more. The arrow exploded on contact with the fifth orc and killed the sixth as well.

Once the Orcs were dead, Welf looked at Bell.

"So you can use fire and lightning while also shooting pure mana. Remind me how many magics you have again?"

Bell chuckled. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

Bell and Welf walked over to a set of rocks, where the two sat down to rest. Regis walked over to the orcs and began to harvest their monster stones.

"So, how do you like your new dagger?" Welf asked.

Bell reached behind him and unsheathed the orange blade. It was orange because of the Minotaur horn and was curved like a krambit.

"Looks nice visually. I also like the curve you gave it. It's also held up nicely. So good work."

Welf smiled and nodded. "Well, good to know I have a happy customer."

The two then heard Regis yell. "Ah, these taste like shit! Bell, look for a supporter. I'm tired of eating shit!"

Bell smiled and leaned back. "I'll make sure to keep an eye out for ya."

"You're not going to, are you?" Welf asked.

"No, I am, it may take a while, however."

Welf chuckled, and the two boys waited for Regis to be done. The rest of their dive passed without any problems, and once they were done, the two headed to the surface.

"So, same time tomorrow?" Welf asked.

Bell looked around the street for a second before facing Welf.

"Probably not. I may not be available for a few days." Bell answered.

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine. It might be best for you to stay with your goddess for a few days."

"Do you want my help?"

Bell shook his head. "No, I'll be alright. But thanks for offering, though."

Welf felt slightly disappointed but didn't voice his opinion. He and Bell barely knew each other. But he still saw Bell as a friend.

"Alright, just stay safe, Bell."

Bell smirked. "Don't worry, I will."

The two then parted ways. Welf headed to his goddess's abode while Bell headed back to the Blue Pharmacy.

The time to save Haruhime was soon approaching.

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Bell arrived back home and saw Nazha waiting behind the counter. Miach was coming out of the back. Both smiled when they saw him.

"I take it your time with Welf was alright?" Miach asked.

Bell gave Miach a small smile. "Yeah, it was fun. Are you and Nazha ready?"

Nazha smiled and flipped the sign to close. "We are. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Bell was quiet for a moment. He remembered how sad Haruhime looked when he first met her. Yet also remembered her smile despite knowing she would die.

"I am; I can't in good conscience sit by and let this happen. It would be disrespectful to what was instilled into me as a child and sully the legacy of Zeus and Hera. This is something I have to do."

"Alright, just making sure. Good luck, Bell." Nazha said. She patted him on the shoulder before walking to the door.

Miach then placed his hand on Bell's shoulder and squeezed. "If you feel like the situation is too hot, run and go to Astraea. Then you can ask her for help."

Bell remained silent as he nodded. Miach then walked to the door, and he and Nazha left the Blue Pharmacy. Leaving Bell and Regis alone in the building.

"Are you scared?" Regis asked.

Bell nodded. "A little. Is that a bad thing?"

"Depends. Are you gonna let the fear hamper or slow you down?"

"No."

"Then it's alright to be afraid. Just as long as it doesn't hold you back."

Bell sighed before standing up and walking to the back room. He sat on the couch, and Regis followed. He looked out the window and saw the sun would set soon.

"Almost time. Almost time." Bell thought.

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A few hours later, night had fallen, and Bell exited the Blue Pharmacy. Regis trotted behind him, and not a word was said between the two of them.

Bell wore his armor and poncho but casted an illusion around himself to make it look like he was wearing just his black shirt and pants.

He couldn't wear anything reflective or something that stood out too much if he was going to smuggle Haruhime out of there.

Bell kept his breathing and heart rate steady. He couldn't give away what he was doing by being nervous. He had already steeled himself for what he was about to do.

A few minutes later, he had reached the entrance to the pleasure district. The gate was lit up by two torches, and two guards stood by the gates.

Both Amazons but not the same ones Bell had seen before. So, without a word, he walked to the gate and through it without being stopped.

"Well, the easy part's done. Now it's time-

KABOOM

Bell went flying back, and his head slammed into the stone below. His ears rang, and his vision was blurry. He heard the muffled screams of people running away and into the district.

The two guards that were at the gate ran past him and into the district while Bell still tried to collect his bearings.

He got onto his knees and shook his head, causing his vision to clear up slightly. The ringing in his ears didn't stop, however, until he felt Regis jump into him.

He felt the Aether spread throughout his body and the ringing go away. Once he had his hearing back, Regis appeared in front of him again.

"Alright, get up! We need to get going!" Regis yelled.

Bell pushed himself to his feet and shook his head. He didn't know what was going on as more explosions rang out across the district.

He heard cries for help and sounds of fighting, but he had to tune them out. Whoever was attacking the pleasure district was giving him the perfect opportunity to whisk Haruhime away.

He arrived at the White Lotus as quickly as his legs allowed him, powered by his lightning. Which was just under a minute.

Bell bursted through the doors and saw Haruhime cowering on the ground with her ears covered. He quickly knelt down and touched her shoulder, causing her to scream and start hitting him.

"NO! NO! GET AWAY!" She screamed.

Bell avoided her slaps and grabbed her wrists. "Haruhime, calm down! It's me!"

Haruhime calmed down and took a breath before her eyes adjusted to the darkness. "Bell? What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to save you. Now get up, we need-

"GET DOWN!" Regis yelled.

Bell quickly threw himself over Haruhime as an explosion outside rocked the building. Rubble fell from another one, causing it to block the front door and cause a fire.

"Get up!" Bell yelled, pulling Haruhime to her feet.

The two quickly scurried out the back door as the White Lotus caught on fire. Since the building was poorly constructed, it went up in flames fairly quickly and soon collapsed right as Bell and Haruhime made it outside.

Bell quickly used his water magic to stop the fire from spreading to other buildings. But now he and Haruhime only had one way out back onto the street, and Aisha was blocking the entrance.

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Aisha stood in the alleyway that led to the small forum behind the White Lotus. Surrounding Bell and Haruhime were other brothels, and the ground was made of stone.

She had been ordered by Ishtar to go and secure Haruhime. So, under the force of her charm, she was now forced to fight Bell, who she knew would stand in her way.

It's what she had asked of him, after all. She just didn't think it'd be like this. But this is the cards both were dealt. Now, it was time for them to show their hands.

"Regis, keep Haruhime safe," Bell ordered. He unsheathed his knife and dispelled the illusion around himself.

Aisha was shocked to see his form change. What was once a boy wearing just a simple black shirt and pants. Was now transformed into a boy wearing armor and, for some odd reason, a poncho.

"But Bell, that's Aisha. She can help us." Haruhime said.

"No, she can't," Bell answered.

Aisha slowly approached the two. Dragging her curved greatsword along the ground. Bell took a deep breath as he got ready. Part of him wanted to activate the second part of his beast will.

But that would reveal his identity, and he didn't want that to happen. So he decided to use his magic and go from there.

Alfia's words rang through his mind. "Bell, your illusion magic is like nothing I've seen before. It's almost impossible to tell the reality you impose on others. Use it to trick your opponents. Because if they can be tricked. They can be killed."

Bell didn't want to kill Aisha. He didn't want to kill anyone if he didn't have to.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this Bell," Aisha stated. She stopped right in front of him as Regis led Haruhime to the side.

"So am I," Bell responded.

He used mana to strengthen his body, and that's when Aisha charged. She swung her sword down, and Bell quickly parried it.

Aisha was holding back as Ishtar only ordered her to secure Haruhime. She never gave any orders about killing anyone that was in her way.

Bell could feel the force Aisha exerted from her slash as he pushed her off him. He kicked her in the stomach to get some space before throwing water at her.

She jumped to the left and dodged before running at Bell. She swung down at his shoulder, which he blocked.

The look in Bell's eyes went a pleasant chill down her spine. So laser-focused and cold. It was exactly what was needed to save Haruhime.

Bell pushed forward. The two blades causing sparks to fly as they dragged against each other. Once Bell was close enough, he shoulder-slammed her before punching her in the face.

Aisha stumbled back, but Bell wasn't finished. He grabbed her hair and pulled her back before clotheslining her with his arm.

Aisha gasped as her back slammed into the ground. Yet she still held onto her greatsword as his attacks were little more than scratches.

She spun on her back and attempted to knock Bell off his feet. But the boy quickly reacted to it by using his earth magic. A wall sprouted up, which guarded Bell's legs, causing Aisha to kick the wall.

She yelled in slight pain as Bell jumped away from her. She quickly got to her feet and charged Bell once more.

She took Bell by surprise as she thrusted her blade forward. He quickly raised his knife up, and Aisha's greatsword scraped against it.

But Bell's defense didn't last for long as Aisha's longer blade cut into his cheek. He didn't scream, nor did he yell. He just remained silent, and that scared Aisha slightly.

Once her attack was done, Bell grabbed her wrist and shocked her with lightning. She yelped in pain before breaking free of his grip and jumping back.

"Water, earth, illusions, sound, and lightning. Just how many magics do you have?" Aisha asked.

"Not enough." Bell calmly responded.

Aisha was a little more scared by the vague answer. But Ishtar's charm pushed her fear away and made her attack Bell once more.

Bell readied himself as Aisha jumped into the air and slammed her greatsword down. Bell rolled out of the way as Aisha's weapon slammed into the ground. A plume of smoke briefly filling the forum.

Bell squinted his eyes, trying to see Aisha, but failed. Aisha then body-slammed him, causing Bell to slide back.

Aisha kept up her advantage and swung fast and hard at Bell. He parried where he could, but there was two whole levels separating the two.

Small cuts began to litter Bell's armor, but the boy kept fighting. Eventually, however, Aisha was able to disarm Bell, and the boy's knife clattered to the ground.

Aisha then thrusted her blade at Bell's stomach, and the boy held her blade back with his hands. Aisha pushed him back until his back pressed against a wall.

Bell reinforced his elbow with mana and brought it down in the middle of her blade. Her blade snapped in half, shocking Aisha.

Bell took this opportunity and kicked the falling blade into her leg. Aisha screamed as Bell grabbed her hair and pulled her head down.

His knee met her face, and Aisha stumbled back. Wanting to buy herself a little time, she tossed her broken blade at Bell.

He moved his head out of the way but not quick enough as a second cut appeared on his cheek. This was one under the first one.

Both were now unarmed yet still ready to fight each other. Neither wanted to, but they had to.

"S-stop. Please stop fighting." Haruhime whimpered.

The two stopped what they were doing and looked over to Haruhime. She was crying, and Regis was sitting in her lap.

"I-I'll go with you. Just please don't hurt Bell anymore."

"Haruhime," Bell said.

"Just stop fighting, please. I'll go with you if you stop fighting."

Aisha momentarily broke through Ishtar's charm as she looked at the reanrd. She wanted nothing more than to comfort her. To let her know that everything would be alright.

But Ishtar's charm took hold of her once more, and she couldn't.

"Not gonna happen, Haruhime. We're going to walk out of here together, and you'll be free." Bell stated.

Haruhime shook her head. "No. I'm a prostitute. Dirty and impure. I don't deserve to be saved. Just leave me and save yourself."

Regis chuckled. "Oh, you don't know Bell then."

"I don't care," Bell stated. "Whether you're a prostitute or not doesn't matter to me. I'm saving you whether you like it or not."

"But-

"No buts, Regis, make sure she doesn't stand up. Can't have her running to turn herself in." Bell ordered.

Bell turned his attention back to Aisha only to find her fist in his face. He went flying back and flew through a wall, causing the bricks to fall on top of him.

"No." Haruhime gasped. She placed her hands to her mouth as more tears went down her cheeks.

Aisha let out a disappointed sigh. "Sorry, it had to end this way, Bell."

She turned around only to see Bell standing in front of her. His arm was raised, and a mixture of fire and lighting was in his palm. She looked back over to the wall, seeing it completely fine.

"Sorry, but this will hurt," Bell said.

Bell fired the spell, and it hit Aisha directly in the stomach. She gasped as the air exited her lungs, and the force sent her flying back.

Her back slammed into the ground, and she skidded back, coming to a stop soon after. She couldn't move as Bell had locked up her muscles with that blast, thanks to the lightning.

Bell took this time to walk over to Haruhime and crouch down in front of her.

"That won't keep her down for long. Now you have a decision to make. I can take you away from here, and you can live a life being free. Or I keep fighting to save you, and I'll probably die. Your choice."

Haruhime was silent as Regis looked up at her. "Well, he won't die because I won't let him. But it'd be a real hassle to fight the entire pleasure district."

"Please choose to live a free life. I don't want you to die." Bell said.

Haruhime looked up and saw his eyes had a deep sadness. She wondered why that was. But also why he would save her. She barely knew him, yet he had run through a burning pleasure district to save her.

"Why-why are you here? I barely know you." Haruhime asked.

Bell was quick to answer. "Because it would go against everything I was taught as a child. I can't in good conscience leave you behind knowing what I know."

Haruhime began to cry again. "B-but I'm tainted. Not worthy of a hero."

"I don't care. A hero doesn't care who they save. As long as they're safe, that's all that matters."

Haruhime began to cry harder now. She was so tired of this life. So tired of selling her body. So tired of knowing she was going to die, and there wasn't a thing she could do about it. She was tired of it all.

"I want to live! Please take me with you! I'm tired of living here! Tired of everything! Please take me away from here!" Haruhime cried.

Bell smiled and grabbed her slave collar with the tip of his fingers. "All you had to do was ask."

Applying a little pressure to the collar, it snapped in half and clattered to the ground. Haruhime quickly grabbed her neck and felt the collar gone.

She was free.

However, all good things must come to an end.

"Keh keh keh. Looks like you failed miserably, Aisha. Keh keh keh."

Bell quickly pulled his knife back to him and turned to face down the alleyway. Haruhime and Aisha felt fear course through their bodies, knowing who it was.

"Ugh, that is one ugly notherfucker." Regis gagged.

Bell had to agree with him. The woman, if you could even call her that, looked more like a deformed toad than anything.

Said toad woman grit her teeth at Regis's comment. "How dare you speak to me that way! I'll gut you like a fish dog!"

"I'm a wolf, and it still doesn't change the fact you're ugly as shit."

The woman gritted her teeth once more. However, Bell became even more alerted seeing a seven-foot-tall man land behind the woman. He had flown down from the sky.

Without a word, his sword thrusted forward and impaled the woman through the gut. Then, he effortlessly lifted her up and tossed her away like garbage.

Her body flew through the sky and disappeared into the night as the Boaz turned his attention to Bell.

Bell still stood his ground. Knife in hand, even knowing he was outmatched. Yet he didn't care. He had to keep Haruhime and, in turn, Aisha safe.

"If we fight, you would lose." The man said.

"Yeah, probably," Bell responded.

"Yet you still stand?"

"I do."

"Commendable."

Then, without another word, the man floated into the sky and flew away. Leaving Bell alone with Aisha and Haruhime.

He let out a shaky breath as he sheathed his knife. His hands trembled slightly as he felt like he had just stared death in the face.

He took another deep breath to calm himself before Haruhime spoke.

"You just stared down the king."

"I know. Now, let's get you out-

Bell was cut off as a faint pillar of light shot into the air. Bell briefly mistook this as the sun rising, but that belief was quickly put to bed.

"That's Lady Ishtar." Aisha was able to say. Her muscles finally unlocking.

Like clockwork, Haruhime and Aisha felt weaker as their falna's were taken away. The pillar of light then vanished, and the moon took over the night once more.

Bell let out a sigh of relief as he turned to Aisha, who had crawled over to Haruhime. Regis had gotten off of her and walked over to Bell while the two girls hugged each other.

"Looks like you lucked out. Freya got rid of Ishtar for you."

"Yeah, lucky me. Very coincidental, isn't it?" Bell asked.

"Yes, very," Regis responded.

Both knew what had actually happened. It wasn't a coincidence, as Freya had her eye on Bell. Something that this incident proved to him.

"We'll talk about it later. Right now, I want to get out of here." Bell said.

"Off to Astraea's we go then," Regis replied.

Bell then walked over to Aisha and Haruhime. The two embraced each other, finally glad their nightmare was over.

"Alright, it's time to get out of here. Aisha, can you walk?" Bell asked.

Aisha shook her head. "Nope, your lighting made my legs feel really weak."

Bell sighed and grabbed her arm. "Alright, I'll carry you then."

He threw her arm over his shoulder and helped her up. Aisha took this chance to lean into him while Haruhime stood up on her own.

"Where are we going, Bell?" Haruhime asked.

"Somewhere safe for the night," Bell responded.

Haruhime nodded and followed Bell as he and Aisha began to walk away. The fighting had ended, yet the pleasure district still burned.

Rescue efforts would soon be underway, and Freya would receive a considerable fine. But she protected her Odr, and that was all that mattered to her in the end.

Well, another chapter comes and goes. Like the original, Bell saved Haruhime pretty quickly. Mostly because anything written between that would've been filler, and I hate filler with a passion.

Anyway, Bell has kept his promise to himself to save Haruhime and did so while also not hurting Aisha too badly.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you later.