Hey everyone, a new chapter! Also, I appreciate the general response to the story so far. As usual I hope you enjoy. - EG
P.S. Minor spoilers for Ryu's Status in volume 18/Episode Ryu 2. Also, I have something to talk about at the end regarding it. -EG
Word Count: 11,970
Chapter 10
…
Ryu kneeled in a world of desaturated hues, the grass surrounding her was a muted gray green. Her mind snapped to the last things she saw, the organs punctured, half the lung missing, the burning warmth from the pool of blood she kneeled in.
She wanted to scream to act out, but she couldn't move as red chains bound her. Only her head was free, she looked around and could see she was in a vast plain. Everything was desaturated; the trees in the distance had leaves of gray-orange, leaves that were wilting.
She couldn't hear anything, except a repetitive dripping sound. She twisted her head to find the sound, eyes red-rimmed and bloodshot. The chains were the cause, they dripped a consistently vibrant red liquid. Blood, she realized after a second of watching.
After a minute of watching the blood that continued to fall, her eyes followed them far into the distance. The chains were connected to a massive oak tree. One so tall she could only vaguely make out the blood-red leaves in the distance.
She could see scratched-out words that had been carved into the bark. She tried to focus but only a few were legible. At the bottom was Ardee Varma, she remembered how she had died. A bomb that had been attached to a child she was helping.
Many more names had been crossed out; Celty Srowa, Ryana Lietz, Asta Knox, Noin Unic, Maryuu Reage, Iska Bra, Neze Rankett. She forced her eyes away from the names, each recognition brought back the moment of their demise. Each a painful reminder, in an attempt to focus elsewhere she looks down.
Her hands were bloody and bound in the red chains, there was a wide pool of vibrant red liquid. She felt like she could make out the difference between each splotch that stained her delicate hands. Even in the pool that she was forced to kneel in, there was a subtle difference in each square foot.
She blinked and she was suddenly facing the massive oak, her eyes were forced open, so she had to read the names; Lyra, Gojouno Kaguya, Alise Lovell, Bell Cranel. Something in her heart shattered when she saw the last set of names.
Despite the dryness she felt in her sky-blue eyes, tears began to leak again. "Well, well, well, look what we have here. Another soul stained with the blood of her allies, so many innocent people have died to save your pathetic life."
A voice echoed out; another Ryu stood there in front of her leaning against the tree. "N… no." Ryu croaked out. The only difference was the eyes, cold… evil. Blood red instead of the normal sky blue, they blinked watching the chained elf try to deny her statement.
The red-eyed Ryu chuckled, "Really, you are denying it?" She snapped the fingers of her left hand and a rectangle appeared, one that was replaying a memory. One of the blind Lyra running towards the Juggernaut, only to be completely dismantled. Kaguya who had lost an arm pushing Ryu out of the way, as she charged only to follow the same fate. Alise, who had been stabbed through her gut then killed by Ryu's own magic. Bell, who had pushed her out of the way died in the process of eliminating the monster he saved her from.
Ryu cried out, "No… no… no… please…" She wanted to believe that somehow Bell could've survived that, just like how he survived his neck being snapped. But she knew it wouldn't be possible, there was no mermaid's blood, no magical fix-all solution.
She could remember the fading beats of his heart, how his lungs no longer pumped air. "I… I… can't…" she forced out in between violent pitiful sobs.
Again, the memories replayed; two times, five times, twenty times, fifty times. Ryu's very soul was starting to become numb, but there was a glimmer of strength, a memory of her creation that played not in the mirror but in her heart.
The red-eyed Ryu grabbed her chin and forced her head upwards, "Your hero died because of you and your weakness. You killed your best friend with your magic because you were too shocked to act when you had the chance to save them." She gave an almost loving caress of her cheek, "Just admit it. You are weak, and everyone you grow close to will die. Even Syr and the other waitresses at the Hostess will die because of you."
Ryu forced her head to shake, despite the tears that ran as a constant stream. "Nev… never a… again… I… won't." Her voice was shaky as she spoke, she remembered Bell's words about how he would hate her if she blamed herself despite her desperately wanting to agree and fall into despair.
The pain was the immediate response, a slap across the cheek, "Really Ryu, your Hero's words are pointless if he's dead."
Ryu shivered; she wanted nothing more than to give up. All the pain she was feeling in her heart and soul was crippling, sapping her will to keep going. But she couldn't, she had to keep living even if she didn't want to.
She looked at the red-eyed Ryu, she could hear a voice. She blinked and she was unchained, still drenched in blood. "Ry…yu." The limp body of Bell sat in her arms.
Her tears continued to fall, "B… ell…" she forced out.
A soft and gentle smile began to spread across his lips, "Go… od… I'm… glad… man… aged… to save… you…" He muttered choking on the blood that was seeping into his lungs. She could see his body beginning to burn, with white flames. His body turned to ash with his smile being the last fleck of him that remained.
When even his smile was gone, there was nothing but darkness. There she lay, blood-stained hands wrapped around her waist curling into a ball. She didn't know how long she lay there, but eventually, her head swiveled around, and she could see the glimmering stars above her. A white fire was lit, and she was alone, one of the stars seemed to remove itself from the sky and streak across the sky.
…
Ryu's eyes snapped open, as the tears blurred her vision. Without thinking she screamed and started crying. She heard a voice but didn't… couldn't understand what was said. She could only mutter "Bell… Bell…" over and over for more than an hour until her mind snapped and she fell unconscious again under the weight of her grief.
X
Astraea was moving between the rooms frantically, checking on Ryu and dealing with every matter that demanded her attention. If she could, she would lock herself in the room that Ryu had been resting in.
It had been two days since Ryu had helped save her, in her panic and excitement she acted rashly, and she regretted that. She could remember how Ryu had cast her magic over and over. How she clung to the human-like the last piece of driftwood in a torrential storm, how she confessed her love and kissed him.
The pain from that burned more than… the other pains she felt on a daily basis. "Yes… I understand that it's coming up, but I have other things to deal with. I'm sorry."
She spoke to the old man who was the current head of the village she resided in. The old man sighed, "I understand Lady Astraea, getting to see your child again must be a harrowing endeavor especially with… well it doesn't matter. I understand I'll make sure you have some space, but we'll need you to be present during the burning of sins."
Astraea gave a gentle smile, "I know Korith, I know. I'll be there. Thank you."
Astraea watched the older man walking away, his cane leaving small indents in the grass and dirt. "Burning of Sins." Astraea whispered, she had just sat at the table, that would've been her dining table if she had ever used it when she heard a scream. "Ryu!"
She stood so quickly her chair was knocked back a few feet, she rushed as quickly as her body would allow. She threw the door open and could see Ryu sitting up straight, her eyes wide, dilated with tears streaming out freely. She was holding the sides of her head, whispering Bell over and over again.
"Ryu! It's alright." Astraea spoke gently, reaching out as she approached her child.
She noticed how Ryu flinched at the hand that approached her but didn't pull away. She wrapped her in a tight hug, Ryu's tears staining her fresh white dress. Still, Ryu only muttered his name, again and again.
Astraea stood there for more than an hour when she noticed Ryu stiffen and then relaxed again, she had fallen unconscious. "Ryu…" she whispered. She was distraught at how much Bell must have meant to her. Astraea smiled softly and held her tight for another handful of minutes before leaving her child to check on her other charge.
.
.
.
Astraea was sitting in a small chair beside Ryu's bed. She noticed the slightest stirring from the elf, so she closed the journal she was reviewing and waiting.
Ryu's eyes snapped open, and a new wave of tears filled her eyes when she didn't immediately start to panic. Astraea spoke with a soft but sad smile, "Ryu…"
She watched as Ryu's head snapped towards her like a startled animal, the sight tore at her heart. Ryu's expression softened a little, "Godd… ess…" She managed.
She didn't want to ask, but she had to check if she was going to be able to care for her. "Ryu… how are you feeling?"
Ryu gave a dark self-loathing chuckle, "Terrible… my head feels like a… herd of silverbacks ran it over… plus… Bell. Just like before… just like everyone else… I'm the cause… of his death."
Astraea smiled, "You're wrong… well on two points." It took her a second, "It was my fault that he got hit… I distracted you and thus he saved you. So… it's my fault, in my reckless haste I ignored what he told me. I had to see you with my own eyes, and in my relief, I called out." Astraea lowered her head, in apology. She could see the slightest hint of anger in Ryu's eyes, then acceptance.
"Maybe…" was all Ryu muttered.
Astraea raised her head and spoke again, "Also you are wrong about Bell… he isn't dead." She did her best to give a reassuring smile, but it came out as nothing more than a pained one.
Anger flashed through Ryu, "Don't… Please don't lie to me." Ryu gritted her teeth. "It's not possible… I saw the damage, how several of his organs were punctured or destroyed. I saw how the shards of metal from shattered armor pierced the lung that wasn't halfway gone."
Astraea's warm smile never left her face, "Ryu, when have I ever lied to you, and why would I lie about this? I can tell how important he is to you."
A wave of hope entered Ryu's eyes, "Please don't… don't give me false hope. I… won't be able to…"
Astraea nodded, "I understand, I swear to you on my divine blood and as a Goddess of Justice. He is alive."
Ryu tried to sit up but was pushed gently down by Astraea. "No… you need to rest. You overused your mind, and you need to sleep."
Ryu shook her head, "No… I have to see him. I don't care about myself… I have to see him breathing." Ryu felt like even more tears would begin to fall, she had hope, and she forced herself to a sitting position which felt like a monumental achievement.
Next, she tried to remove the blanket, she hadn't even noticed had been there, Astraea sighed softly and assisted her. "You should probably cover up before you leave the room."
Ryu glanced down, noticing she was only wearing her undergarments and the wrapping she kept around her chest, despite her desperation a light blush showed but she shook her head. "N… no it's fine… he's seen… more."
Astraea nearly tripped, helping Ryu up when she heard Ryu speak. 'Is she really the same girl that forced me to leave? The one who could barely stand other females seeing some of her skin.' She thought, recovering quickly. She assisted Ryu, carrying much of her lithe frame's weight. 'No, she isn't the same. So many years have passed…the thought made Astraea feel depressed, 'Just how far have they gone?' She wondered.
Astraea was one of the few virgin goddesses, with Hestia and Artemis. So, the thought that her child might have been in a sexual relationship with someone was almost too much for her to handle. But she remembered the desperation Ryu showed when trying to help him. 'No… I could see it.'
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.
.
It took an uncomfortably long two minutes for Ryu, with Astraea's help, to cross out of the room and move down the hallway and into a different room. Astraea noticed Ryu was nearly panting by the time they arrived. Ryu reached for the door handle but missed, so Astraea opened it.
It was a small room, it had a bed and a desk that sat opposite the door, they could see the white-haired human lying there. He almost seemed to be sleeping peacefully, as his chest slowly rose and fell.
Ryu stumbled trying to get to his side, falling out of Astraea's arms. Ryu hit the ground, but that didn't faze her, as she began to crawl closer. "Ryu…" Astraea hesitated, seeing the renewed desperation wounded her.
Astraea moved quickly, "Here at least let me help you." Ryu had already crossed half of the room by the time she was able to act.
It took a moment, but Astraea helped Ryu and moved closer. They stood at the edge of the bed, Ryu leaned forward and nearly collapsed over him. Astraea had to catch her, "See… I would… never lie to you." Astraea spoke softly, she could see Ryu plucking at the blanket that covered him.
Astraea wanted to be firm, to force her child back to return to her bed, but seeing the look in Ryu's eyes she put her thoughts aside and helped by lifting the blanket so Ryu could look and see that Bell was intact. He was only wearing a pair of boxers, but his torso and left arm were swathed in white bandages. Not a single spec of red stained the fabric.
After a full minute, she noticed Ryu nod once and started the attempt to climb into the bed. "What are you doing?" Astraea voiced. The changes in her child were becoming more and more evident.
Ryu managed to get a single leg onto the bed, "Nigh… nightmares." She whispered and forced her body onto the bed. She struggled to move closer, but after a moment she managed to get far enough to make physical contact. "Bell… it's alright… I'm here… now."
Astraea watched in stunned silence as Ryu curled up around Bell's side. There wasn't even a hint of embarrassment on Ryu's face, no blush, no hesitation.
Astraea let the covers fall and patted Ryu on the head gently, "Rest easy." She whispered and took a few steps back. By the time she made it to the door, she noticed that Ryu was already sleeping with a soft smile on her lips.
Astraea left them to rest together, and without thinking she went to a room she visited rarely, or on special days. The room was relatively small, but it had a small shine set against the back wall. She kneeled in front of the shrine, "Are you seeing the same thing as I am? She has changed so much that I barely recognize her. Have you all been watching over her? Have you seen the changes gradually or are you just as surprised as I am?"
She spoke softly, ceremonially to a carved piece of wood. It had the Astraea Familia crest on the top with a list of names underneath it. It was sorted by when they first joined the Familia. Seeing the long list of names, she couldn't help but shed a few tears, just as she always did when she entered the room. This was her safe spot, one where she could be honest with herself and let her emotions fly unrestrained.
X
Ryu just laid there for hours, with each passing minute, each beat of Bell's heart helped to soothe the wounds that had been opened by how close he had gotten to dying. She could still feel the heat of the blood that she kneeled in, but it was slowly being overtaken by the warmth she now embraced.
She dozed off a few times, the warmth and mental relief were so extreme. She heard the door squeak open; this caused her ear to twitch. She glanced back to see her goddess entering the room. "Lady Astraea…" she whispered.
Astraea gave a warm smile, "Afternoon Ryu. How are you feeling now?"
Ryu noticed a hint of worry in the warmth of her smile, "Better…" she could remember how she had acted right after she had awoken. So, she sat up with some effort, and lowered her head in a sitting bow, "I'm sorry Goddess. Sorry for the way I acted when I woke up. How I had… snapped at you was unreasonable."
Astraea moved closer placed a sculpted hand on Ryu's chin and raised it to meet her eyes. "It's alright, I don't blame you. I couldn't believe my own words if I didn't see it."
When Ryu didn't respond Astraea had an idea, "Ryu while your reaction seemed extreme, there must have been a reason. Who is this boy, and who is he to you specifically?"
Ryu blushed slightly, which caused Astraea's smile to spread fractionally. "His name is Bell Cranel; the captain of Hestia Familia and he is also my hero. The one who saved me from my own self-destruction."
Astraea could tell that she wasn't lying or exaggerating, at least as far as Ryu believed. "I understand, and as a result, you fell in love with him. That would explain why you touch him so casually."
Ryu's blush deepened, but she shook her head. "No, not exactly… I can't really explain but he was able to touch my hands almost immediately after we first met… I hadn't even known him for a week at that time."
Astraea noticed how her child completely skipped around the idea of love. But she didn't interrupt her child and waited patiently. "No, the love… was from before he became my hero… I only realized afterward."
Astraea nodded, "Extreme situations can often reveal thoughts or emotions you didn't know you had. As much as I want to hear more and learn more about what has happened over the years. You…" She tapped Ryu on the nose. "Need to rest more, follow your boyfriend's example, and sleep. It's late, we can talk more tomorrow."
Ryu blush intensified at the word boyfriend, "He… isn't." She could feel the waves of exhaustion building. 'I feel significantly better since waking, but the goddess is right. Rest… I hope…' Ryu gave a slightly false smile and nodded, which caused her head to pound. "I… you're right Goddess, I… need to sleep."
Ryu looked over towards Bell and shifted some of his hair to the side so she could get a full look at his face, he seemed to be resting peacefully. 'If he could rest peacefully then so can I.' She shifted her weight and laid back down. She shifted around a bit until she found a comfortable position, "Go… od nig…ht Goddess." She muttered as her eyes closed; her hand still wrapped tightly around Bell's.
Ryu could hear Astraea shifting back towards the door, "Good night, Ryu. Rest well."
X
In Orario the city was peaceful, nobody knew of the turmoil in the Hearth Manor. Hestia was still crying, despite what she felt. Two days prior, she felt the connection to Bell snap and turn to dust. It had happened so suddenly she hadn't had time to fully process what happened.
Shortly after the entire Familia stood and was about to start asking questions, several already had tears in their eyes. She had felt something, it felt similar to a god's arcanum but diluted or tainted. It slowly rebuilt the connection over a full minute, the divine-like power seemed to probe and prod her consciousness as if looking for permission to reestablish a severed connection.
Without thinking, lost in the swirling emotions of the unexpected loss she had allowed the connection. With the connection rebuilt and reinforced, the divine power faded. It didn't leave entirely; she could barely feel the divine power, but she had to focus entirely on the feeling. But that difference scared her more than she would admit.
That thought had kept her up all night the first night… and the second night. It had taken over an hour of conversing and convincing to get all the members to leave her alone. When she finally explained that she couldn't explain anything else as she didn't know anything. They finally let up with pestering her, although in the aftermath one of her children would occasionally ask if there was a change.
Hestia, with tear-filled eyes, was looking over Bell's last update sheet. "Bell what happened to you?" She whispered but the paper couldn't reveal any answers.
X
Bell shifted, and his body roared in protest as pain tore through his mind and body, when he let an involuntary groan out, he heard the shifting of a closing book. He glanced over, Ryu's face was only an inch away from his. The closeness caused him to blush, but Ryu wasn't the sound of the book closing, doing his best to ignore his rapidly beating heart and shifting slightly to look behind Ryu.
There a goddess sat a couple of feet away, "Bell Cranel, correct?" She asked almost wearily, cautious.
He opened his mouth to speak but found his throat so dry it felt like it was made of dust. When he realized he couldn't speak, he only nodded.
Astraea tilted her head slightly, "I see, you're severely dehydrated, give me a minute."
The goddess with walnut brown hair stood and left the room. He patiently waited and noticed Ryu's curves lying across his body. He wanted to lift the covers as he felt a lot of skin-on-skin contact, but he resisted the urge. He contented himself to shift his right arm, which felt numb and was tingling like it had its blood cut off for a bit and placed it with a significant effort on the back of Ryu's head, and combed her hair.
Astraea returned a couple of minutes later and had to resist the urge to chuckle seeing the goofy grin on Ryu's face. "Here take a sip, you've been unconscious for almost three days." She slowly tilted the glass towards his lips, it was a bit embarrassing Bell had to admit but he probably couldn't do it himself.
As the first bit of water ran down his throat, it was an instant relief as the throat tissue greedily absorbed the liquid. It only took twenty seconds, until the cup was empty.
"Feel better?" Astraea asked, still standing just in case.
His throat still burned, but he managed a croaking voice, "Better, you… said three… days?"
Astraea nodded in affirmation, "About, in five hours or so it'll be three days." The goddess paused and hesitated, "What is the last thing you remember?"
Bell closed his eyes and thought, as flashes of memories came back. "Let's see… I remember we were fighting that monster; Ryu was about to get bit and I pushed her out of the way. I… remember a great amount of pain… the feeling of my lung filling with liquid." He paused and thought as the memories grew hazy. "I think I remember wishing for Ryu to stop healing me… as I knew it wouldn't work…" He scrunched his eyes painfully closed, "I can almost remember something else… but I can't."
Astraea placed a cool fingertip on his forehead, "That's enough… I just wanted to make sure you didn't have any short-term memory loss." She paused but nodded as if confirming something to herself. She glanced at Ryu to make sure she was still asleep. "Listen Bell, with the amount of blood you lost, it could have… no should have caused serious internal organ damage. Well, what remains at least."
She shook her head, "By all means you should've died. Do you have some sort of special skill that lets you come back from the dead or something?"
Bell felt a cold chill and the description. "No." He stated with absolute certainty. "I think I have a skill I don't know about, but if I did it would be related to the growth of my falna."
Astraea looked at him for a long minute but couldn't detect any lies. So, Bell spoke instead, "Do you mind if I ask where we are?"
Astraea let out a little sigh and smiled, "You are in my home. In the village of Lute." The smile turned serious, "Ryu trusts you, that much is evident. While I want to just from that, time hasn't been… friendly to those ideals. So, I'm going to ask you a couple of questions and I need to be completely honest." She paused looking at Bell's condition, "Can you do that for me?"
Bell nodded, "Yes Goddess, I will do my best to answer completely and honestly."
Astraea gave a warm smile, "Good, that alone makes me happy, but still. First, do you have any intention of bringing any form of harm to the people of this village?"
"No."
"Please state your full name, title, and allegiance." She asked while she kept a serious look on her face. There was a slight hint of a smile.
"Bell Cranel, Rabbit's Foot, Hestia Familia… and to any that would consider me an ally." He spoke, completely truthfully but he was still gagged from speaking about the Xenos.
"Where were you raised?"
Bell tilted his head slightly, "A small village about half a week outside of Orario. It doesn't have a standing name."
Astraea nodded, "Good. Now, are you aware of who Ryu truly is and do you mean her ill intent?"
Bell shook his head violently at the implication, "I do know who she is, or at least who she was. I would never purposely harm Ryu…" he hesitated for a second but continued, "I owe her far too much to ever consider that as a possibility."
Astraea no longer attempted to hide her smile. "Who… is Ryu to you?" Astraea watched as Bell blushed, she also noticed the slightest twitch of Ryu's ear.
Bell paused a second to gather his thoughts, "Ryu is someone very special to me, someone I can trust without any hesitation." He glanced down at Ryu having seen her ear twitch. "I'll say it again, she is someone very important to me." He put more emphasis on the very, he wanted to make sure his meaning was understood without outright saying it.
Astraea nodded, "Thank you for being honest," she glanced down at Ryu whose ear tip had turned the slightest twinge of pink. "It's… comforting that someone else trusts and cares for her so wholeheartedly." She stood, "For now, let me get you more water, don't be afraid to ask for anything." She quickly returned with the cup filled again and decided to give them some space despite having a million questions.
X
Astraea left the room, and as soon as she was outside of earshot she giggled. 'Perhaps, I can have some fun before… Well, let's not think about that. The way they both blushed…' she thought, moving into the kitchen. "With them both awake, I should go ahead and make some food. Neither has eaten anything in almost three days at the least."
She had a smile on her face as she got to work, she could barely remember the last time she got to make something for others.
Astraea practically danced through the small kitchen, collecting various ingredients. It took only a few minutes for her to begin the basic preparation. "Considering their conditions a stew would be best. Nothing too strong, or their stomach might reject the sudden intake." She hummed a song as she worked.
X
Ryu waited a painfully long five minutes before she started to act like she was stirring from slumber. She glanced up and could see Bell's ruby eyes. "Bell." She whispered, trying to hold back the tears that had begun to swell.
Bell resumed brushing the back of her head, she wouldn't easily admit it, but she loved the gentle calming feeling. "Ryu…" he hesitated, he knew he should've been dead, and he was sure Ryu knew that as well. But with a conscious effort, he managed to push down his nerves. "How are you feeling? I… don't know what I would've done… if."
Ryu sighed and squeezed Bell's torso tighter almost as if afraid he would suddenly vanish. "Bell… you should be worrying about your condition; do you know the damage that bite did to your body? All I suffered was a mind down."
Bell laid there in silence for a minute, meanwhile, his hand continued to move back and forth. "I do know… I just… had to know, to make sure you were ok." His voice was a low whisper.
Ryu nuzzled his chest for a moment but turned her sky-blue eyes towards his face, "Bell I appreciate your worry but just lying next to you is already helping to heal the damage I did take."
Bell's eyes softened, "Alright… I believe you." He shifted his position slightly, even though that motion was painful it was tolerable, he shifted his arms and hugged her as tightly as his fragile strength could muster.
Ryu blushed at the direct display, but she relaxed into his embrace. "Be honest with me, how are you feeling?" She whispered lightly.
Bell grimaced, "Hungry." He tried to joke, but when Ryu eyed him, he continued, "Sore, weak, and a massive headache, but I feel… intact. There… is a strange feeling I can't place, it's like something deep has changed. But not in a physical way, I can't… explain it any more than that."
Ryu nodded, "I can tell as well, there is almost like a calming presence surrounding you, but that might just be my imagination acting up." She could hear the sound of shuffling and humming coming through the wall. She smiled, "Well looks like your hunger will be satiated soon enough." She chuckled, for some reason she couldn't explain she felt amazing. She could still feel that sense of dread and panic that had erupted after she woke up the first time. But it felt like watching a distant storm cloud in a clear sky. Something that was still present but not an immediate concern.
Ryu shifted in his grasp, and she could feel the wrapping around her chest shifting and loosening, the thought caused her to blush, but it wasn't a concern. She didn't mind as much with Bell.
Ryu felt Bell's grasp shift lightly as he moved into a better position, she looked up at his face and saw his eyes were closed. "Rest Bell, I'll let you know when it's time."
Bell nodded, "Thank you… I just feel… so tired."
Ryu shifted, preparing herself for a long vigil, 'Probably due to the blood loss… that would also explain his unusual paleness.' She contented herself and waited, the warmth that radiated from Bell was almost like a drug for her weary soul. She couldn't help a hum escaping her lips as time passed.
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Ryu waited and listened until the sound of humming stopped, she took the time after to softly shake Bell it took a couple of sets of shakes before his eyes slowly fluttered open. "Looks like Goddess is done cooking and should be letting us know soon."
She sat up a bit, "Although I feel like we should get dressed if we are going to be sitting at a table."
Bell did his best to sit up, she could see him struggling but after a moment he managed. "Right… Do you know where our packs are? I don't see them here."
Ryu shifted sitting up straight, she could feel the cloth strips covering her chest barely hanging on. So, she took a few seconds to tighten them, "They might be in the other room. Give me a moment I'll ask." She glanced over her shoulder and could see Bell watching her. "Don't try to get up on your own, I don't think your body could manage yet."
She stood letting the blanket they had been lying under fall off her body, she remembered that she was only in her undergarments. Ryu blushed slightly but didn't let that bother her too much. She glanced back at Bell and noticed he was blushing looking in the other direction, "I'll be right back."
X
Bell sat there alone in the unfamiliar room; his heart was racing each pump of the muscle causing a slight twinge of pain to course through his body. He barely noticed, the image of Ryu in her undergarments was now burned into his mind. He could feel his blood pressure rising, "I'm surprised I have enough blood in my body for a reaction." He chuckled quietly to himself.
He took the moment to fully gather the layout of the room, the bed that he is occupying is in the top left corner of the room with the door leading out into a hall in the top right corner facing him.
There was a window in the southern wall of the room, with a desk right underneath it. There was also a standing wardrobe in the bottom left of the room. Spotted in seemingly random locations were a few pictures of various landscapes, "Did Lady Astraea paint them?" He wandered but couldn't know. There was the Astraea Familia crest hanging on the wall close to the door, it seemed to be made out of a pure white wood. The walls themselves were wooden, with high beams crossing overhead.
He leaned against the wall letting the coolness of the wood seep into his bare back, slowly he felt his heart rate slow. He closed his eyes and focused, there was something different with his body or mind that he couldn't explain easily. It was like a wellspring, but every time he focused on it, the spring would shift away from his mental grasp.
He could hear the sound of steps approaching the room, the moment he opened his eyes the door slowly opened revealing Ryu. She had changed into a loose set of traveling clothes made of sturdy cloth. "Bell…" he could see the relief on her face.
He raised an eyebrow, even that simple motion seemed to be an effort, "Did you think you would find me sprawled out on the floor?"
Ryu nodded, "I did. Knowing you, I wouldn't have been surprised." She walked in and closed the door behind her, "Goddess said the food would be ready in a few minutes." Bell watched as she pulled out a folded set of clothes for him. "Do you think you have the strength to dress?"
Bell blushed slightly, "I don't know, but let me at least try to dress myself." Felt the weight of the black cloth entering his arms, they seemed to weigh significantly more than they looked.
He focused his minimal strength, placing the clothes on the bed, he picked up the shirt and struggled but managed to slip it over his head. He felt his shoulders stoop slightly as the weight against his skin increased. But with a concentrated effort, he managed to slip his arms into the long black sleeves.
He looked at the brown pants and tried to shift his legs, which… was significantly harder than moving his arms. They seemed to be weighed down by Adamantine. After a minute of trying, he sighed and looked at Ryu. "Sorry… I don't… think I… can." He hated to admit it but seeing Ryu's calm and warm expression helped to ease his embarrassment and self-loathing at the fact.
She nodded and after another minute she slipped his legs into the pants. "I'm… going to need you to stand for the rest. Here take my arm." With an effort he managed to support his weight long enough for her to slip behind him and fasten them closed.
With a groan of effort, he forced his body to slowly sit back down, though he mostly collapsed into a sitting position. "This… is…" he whispered, clenching his fist open and closed.
Ryu smiled, "I understand… when Syr found me, and I woke up in the Hostess I was in a similar state as you are now."
Bell felt her cool fingers touch his forehead, he shifted his eyes upward and could see her with her eyes closed. "The song of now distant forest. The nostalgic song of life. Please bring the mercy of healing to those that seek you. Noah Heal."
She softly chanted, by the time Bell's blood-starved body realized what was happening Ryu had already finished her chant.
Bell felt the warm pulses of healing energy enter his body and spread through every nerve and vein throughout his body. He gasped from the warmth and heat, he noticed Ryu wince slightly at the usage of magic, "R… Ryu… You really… aren't in any… condition to be casting anything."
Ryu took a deep breath. "It's… alright Bell, the pain from my over usage of mind is… almost completely gone."
Bell could tell she was lying, by the slightest shift on her eyes and tilt of her ears. He could only say, "If... you say so. I do feel slightly better, but I… think I'm going to need your help to walk."
He lifted a shaking arm and Ryu helped to lift him to his feet, "I don't mind… I'm just glad to have the opportunity to help you." That thought caused him to remember how he should have died. Without conscious thought, the arm Ryu was holding moved down his torso. He could feel the old scars, but he couldn't feel any new damage. It was like the damage the bite did was reversed on his body right before it happened.
They took a single step forward, then three. 'Did Lady Astraea use her Arcanum to heal me? No… if she did, she would've been sent back to Tenkai for breaking the rules…. How did I survive that?' He thought and did his best not to let his thoughts reveal themselves, fortunately, either he did a good job at that, or Ryu just remained silent.
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.
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It took ten minutes for Bell to get dressed and move into the kitchen, to be fair if Ryu hadn't been essentially carrying him, he knew he wouldn't have even managed to put his pants on.
The table was made of a darker oak, with elegant carvings wrapping up the legs and the crest of Astraea carved into the center of the table.
Astraea came out from behind the counter holding a tray that contained two large bowls and a healthy chunk of bread. "Here you both go; I didn't make anything too heavy. I didn't want your stomach to reject the food."
Bell watched the bowl slip in front of him, the rich aroma caused his empty stomach to complain. After a moment he heard a very similar sound coming from his left. He noticed Ryu blush slightly in the corner of his vision. "Thank you, Lady Astraea." Bell spoke up in an attempt to ease Ryu's blush.
"Thank you, Goddess." Ryu softly spoke and picked up the spoon the goddess had placed in front of her.
Bell was about to attempt to do the same when he noticed Astraea was trying to hide her exhaustion. He also picked up that she seemed to be breathing heavily as she gracefully sat across the table from them.
He wanted to speak up and ask if she was alright, but he held his tongue. 'I'm sure she is just tired from taking care of us… I hope it's just my imagination.' He shook his head and forced his hand to wrap around the spoon's handle.
With some effort, he managed to put a shaking spoon into his mouth. As the little bit of liquid ran down his throat, he noticed the flavor was subtle in comparison to the aroma. "This is great." He spoke softly, as he lowered the shaking hand again.
After a few moments, "Bell… Do you want me to help you? You… aren't in the best condition." Astraea offered, causing Bell to blush then immediately Ryu.
Bell shook his head, "N… no. Thank… you…" He softly spoke, stumbling over his words, the thought of a beautiful goddess feeding him was almost too much for him to handle. If he wasn't for how Hestia acted, it would've been.
Astraea shook her head, the walnut-brown hair swishing through the air, she sighed placed herself next to him, and slipped the spoon from his hand. "Please… consider it my thanks for helping my child and burning yourself to help me." With a shift and elegant motion, she dipped the spoon into the soup, tapped a few times on the side to lose any drops, and held it up.
Bell could see her indigo eyes burning with determination, and he noticed Ryu's ears were a sharp shade of pink. He had cracked his mouth to speak as the spoon shot into his mouth silencing him. The sudden and forward action caused his blush to grow.
Seeing the flash of surprise, "See that wasn't so hard Bell. Now the next one." Astraea followed the same motion as before, clearing the spoon of any drops and holding it up.
X
Astraea watched Bell, though her main focus was on her child. 'What are you going to do Ryu?' She thought, watching the pink turn to a crimson.
Astraea was embarrassed to be doing such a thing, but her reasoning was true, but there was a hidden motive. 'Ryu, you've got to act soon.' She thought, watching Bell's will to resist her treatments crumbling.
Astraea watched Ryu's mouth open slightly, 'Good… now Ryu.' Astraea noticed Bell's mouth part slightly, and her hand shot forward again as the curve of the spoon slipped into Bell's mouth.
Astraea could see the final walls of resistance crumble as he accepted the liquid. 'Now or never. If she doesn't act…' Astraea thought, as she moved the spoon again. "Very good Bell, see this isn't so hard." She spoke softly. After following the same pattern as before, she was about to raise the spoon again when a voice spoke out.
"B… Be… Bell, if you… want I could…" Ryu vocalized, Astraea noticed how the elf was rocking back and forth in her chair.
Astraea watched, as Bell turned to face Ryu as a separate spoon rose into the air. Astraea smiled, 'Very good Ryu… that's a good step. Although, considering that she probably helped him get dressed… is this really that embarrassing in comparison?' She thought, but after a moment, 'No for an elf it would be. Helping him dress would've been a more clinical procedure but feeding him would be acting more lovey-dovey.'
Astraea's smile only spread further, "That's a great idea. I'm sure he would prefer someone he's familiar with."
With Bell's resistance broken, he just held his mouth slightly open as Ryu shifted her spoon into his mouth. The blush only grew further on both of their faces. Astraea couldn't help but chuckle, having seen her gambit working. If she was honest with herself, she probably could've only handled a couple more spoonful's before… well that wasn't worth considering.
X
Ryu tried her best to not slam the spoon into his teeth, to which she was mostly successful. The knowledge that she was still using her spoon only caused the fire of embarrassment to grow, but it was worth sitting through if it would help Bell.
Ryu watched as Astraea's smile grew more and more each time the spoon entered Bell's mouth. Eventually, Bell sifted and spoke, "Sorry… I don't think I… can handle anymore."
Astraea shifted her head slightly, "Are you sure?"
Bell nodded, "Yes… sorry to let your efforts go to waste." His bowl was only about halfway empty.
Astraea picked up Bell's bowl and took it into the kitchen and placed it on the counter. "That's alright, I honestly wasn't sure if you were even going to eat as much as you did. Do you want to wait there, or do you want me to help you back to your room?"
Ryu watched Bell's head shake slightly, "No… I think I'll wait here. Plus, Ryu needs to actually eat something instead of helping me."
Ryu looked down at her still almost full bowl and dipped her spoon into the liquid, and right as the edge of the metal spoon touched her lips, the front door was thrown open.
The sudden sound caused the spoon to fall back into the bowl causing a tiny bit of warm liquid to cascade over the edge of the bowl. "Goddess! How are they doing?" A loud cheerful voice erupted from the now open door.
Astraea jumped at the sudden sharpness of the cheerful voice, "Larsa! How many times have I told you to at least knock?"
Ryu looked towards the main door, there stood a female with a very energetic smile, with jet-black hair, and blue eyes. She was wearing what looked like leather adventure gear, providing little protection but not blocking any movement.
Ryu watched the human girl enter the home properly, she couldn't help but feel like something was off about the girl. "Larsa?" Ryu whispered quietly.
Astraea nodded, "Yes, she is the only other member of Astraea Familia."
Larsa marched energetically into the kitchen, "So you must be Lion?" She nodded towards Ryu, "That would make you what her boyfriend?"
Ryu noted the crass nature of speaking, the entire ensemble reminded her of a strange mixture of Alise and Kaguya.
The usage of the word boyfriend caused her to blush, she was about to speak but Astraea beat her to it. "Not exactly, but why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be on watch?"
Larsa nodded, "True enough! I suppose that would be the case. I had a feeling the Lion woke and wanted to at least say hello." Larsa glanced at Astraea, "I would want to talk more, but I have a feeling Goddess wouldn't like that." Larsa twirled into a bow, "Until next time."
With that she made her way back through the door, making much less noise than when she entered. "She's… a unique character." Ryu commented the rapid changes were off-putting but then again, she has met many people with strange personalities.
Astraea could only chuckle for a moment, sigh, and rub her temple. "That she is, but she does have a good heart and that's what matters. Sorry about that, please continue to eat Ryu, whatever's left I will give it to whoever wants it. So, you don't need to worry about waste."
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.
.
It only took a couple of minutes for Ryu to finish her bowl, she was ravenous, and her body craved the nourishment. She was slightly embarrassed when she finished and while she wasn't completely full, she waved off an offer for another bowl.
Astraea was sitting across from the pair who were sitting next to each other. "So, I don't know if now is a good time, but would you mind telling me your story? How did you two grow so close? As long as you don't mind me prying, I admit I'm extremely curious." She glanced over towards Ryu, "I'll admit I never thought you would grow so close to someone again, especially a male."
The pair blushed, which caused Astraea to giggle lightly, but the pair eventually got over the embarrassment of being teased by the goddess.
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X
It took a bit over an hour to discuss the majority of the events that happened, and Astraea listened politely, making a few comments about how they had met, and the fact that Bell had been able to grab Ryu's hand. The events of the 18th floor were thrilling to listen to their recount of the events as they worked in two different portions of the battle for the most part.
The war games surprised Astraea, she was surprised that even with Ryu distracting the majority of the Apollo Familia they had managed to win. She disapproved of the distraction that Ryu served towards Aiz.
But when Bell started to describe the expedition, they had been on, there was a shift towards a darker tone and Bell's speech was growing more halting.
With a grim look Ryu had been speaking, "Bell here had trusted that I wouldn't murder someone in cold blood anymore, so from what I understand he joined the hunting party to try and find me but with the goal to figure it out instead of eliminating me."
Bell shook his head after a moment, "Right… I had a feeling something was off and had to know before I made a hasty judgment call." Bell almost whispered, Astraea could see that he was shaking a tiny bit. She only noticed due to sitting directly across from him.
It took a moment and the light touch from Ryu to bring Bell back, he sighed, "Right… Sorry. Anyways, it turned out that Rudra Familia hadn't been completely wiped out. Jura set a trap… to cause everyone to hate Ryu… blaming the murder on floor 18 on her. He was a tamer and summoned a Lambton when I refused to help him against Ryu. After some action… we ended up knocking out the Lambton, we thought at the time that it was dead. Then the actual trap went off, as explosions filled the floor and the two higher floors…"
Bell shook his head, "It turned out to be a similar trap as before, but he was purposely trying to summon it again…. I fought… against it and ended… up getting injured helping. Jura managed to… put a taming… collar on… it. Ordered it to… kill us, it ended up… killing him but… the collar forced it… to attack us."
Astraea didn't like the look in Bell's eyes, they were almost empty. To her surprise, he kept speaking. "The Lambton… dragged us down… to the 37th floor… before I managed… to kill it from within."
He stopped speaking and just sat there for a moment until he started to rock side to side. Ryu had to place a trembling hand on his shoulder to prevent him from falling off the chair. "Bell?" She whispered, they both noticed how he was holding his right arm.
Ryu stood quickly, "Sorry Goddess I'll be right back."
Astraea couldn't act, the sudden change in the human was startling. She watched as Ryu carefully picked Bell up and took them to the room, he was originally in. 'What could've caused the reaction so… Bell.' Where her thoughts, but she waited patiently. Five minutes later Ryu exited the room, Astraea caught a glimpse of Bell lying on the Bed before the door was closed.
X
Ryu felt that something was wrong when Bell's speech became halting, but due to her self-loathing, she softly encouraged him and now he was unresponsive. She looked at her goddess, "Sorry Goddess I'll be right back." She spoke quickly, she lifted his mostly limp body without much trouble. While she wasn't completely recovered, she didn't receive almost any bodily harm. Bell had done more damage pushing her away from the danger than the monster had done.
She carried him gently, trying not to shake him too much until they stopped in the room, he had been sleeping in. With little effort, she slowly placed her hero into the bed. "It's alright now Bell, you can rest easy. I'm sorry for pushing you." She held his hand for a couple of minutes until his eyes began to flutter closed.
As Bell's eyes closed, she noticed another scar, one she hadn't noticed before. Similar to the acid burn on his chest there was a similar marking, although very small, on his eyelid that was from when his eyelid had been melted shut.
She cursed herself again, "The amount…" She held his hand until his breathing became easier and in a slow regular routine.
She didn't want to leave his side, but she knew it had to be done. With a final sigh, she slowly pried her hand out of his grasp and with as much silence as possible left the room. She could see Astraea sitting at the table still, it looked like she hadn't moved even an inch. The worry on her face was obvious, and it hurt Ryu to see that expression.
Ryu after a second sat down beside Astraea, "Sorry about that Goddess." She tried her best to plaster a smile or at least a neutral face, but the effort proved to be too much.
Astraea was silent for a minute, just letting what she saw sink in. "He seemed so strong mentally. What could've happened?"
Ryu shook her head, "He normally is, and I'm sure there are plenty of things he's experienced that I don't know about…" Her mind raced to the destruction of Ishtar Familia, she didn't know for sure, but she would place money on him having a part in that.
Ryu noticed Astraea watching her with sad indigo eyes. "What is it?"
Astraea opened her mouth and whispered quietly, "You really do love him don't you." It wasn't a question; she spoke with absolute certainty.
Ryu's ears turned a shade of pink, but she nodded. "I do, it's impossible not to with everything that's happened." Ryu just sighed, "I want to help him, and I have an idea but now I'm not sure if it will work. One of the reasons he came, well that I helped to convince Goddess Hestia was that he needed time away from the dungeon. He hasn't spoken a word to the rest of his Familia about what happened, I think that's the closest he's gotten to saying anything."
Ryu could see that Astraea's Mind was racing, trying to come up with advice. "The best thing besides time that I could recommend is just listen to him. He might be willing to talk about specifics with you. Given that you were there living through it with him, and maybe just maybe having said it once will open a path to more discussion."
Ryu noticed that tears were beginning to form in her eyes, "I can try that, Goddess. Thank you." she felt gentle arms pulling her in and she didn't resist.
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.
They sat there for a few minutes, when Ryu was starting to feel a bit better, when her breathing started to come in easier bursts, she heard Astraea speak, "Do you mind if I ask what happened?"
Ryu flinched, which transferred into Astraea, "I don't mind, it didn't affect me as bad. I was fully expecting to die… but even then, it's not pleasant."
Ryu felt Astraea patting the back of her head, "Only if you want, I won't force it, but I can handle it I assure you."
Ryu nodded, "I understand, there is something Bell was not completely truthful with you about. He didn't just get injured; he should have died. When he was fighting my nightmare, even as I stood there frozen with shame and fear he stood with his blazing soul and faced it alone. Nobody helped, but he wasn't prepared for that monster. It was faster than he expected, after a few clashes his arm was severed. In the laps of concentration due to shock its tail snapped around and connected with his neck."
Ryu took a few shuttering deep breaths, "If it wasn't for the Scarf, he was wearing his head would have been taken off. Instead, his neck was broken."
Ryu wasn't paying attention, she was lost in her memories for a moment, "Ryu, you don't have to…"
Astraea was cut off by a sharp shout. "No!" The suddenness and force of the word would've caused a minotaur to shake in fear, but Astraea just sat there as a calm resolute pillar. "Sorry Goddess… I just need to get this off my chest."
In a whispering voice, "If you wish, then feel free to continue." Astraea's voice was calming, gentle.
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.
So, Ryu explained how they got trapped in the deep floors. How they had to scavenge to survive. How they were hunted constantly. She didn't hold anything back, she explained her thought process of thinking about Bell's survival first, even when she sacrificed herself so he could escape. Only for him to come running and rescue her, how he had to play dead with the berserker. She explained how they found the single safe spot, and how they eventually killed their hunter.
Ryu didn't realize how late it had gotten until a clock ticked over to a new hour. That drew her attention, it was past two in the morning. "I… I'm sorry I didn't realize it was so late." Ryu apologized and tried to stand.
Her shirt was grabbed by her goddess, "Wait Ryu, you've been through so much just in the past six months alone. But I'm glad you found him, someone who won't leave you. Do you want me to update your status before you head to bed?"
Ryu nodded; her pointed ears trembling. "I… never expected to get another update… I have a request though…" Ryu hesitated; it was her responsibility to ask. She couldn't push the responsibility onto Bell.
It took a minute to gather her courage to make her request, "Goddess… would you allow me to transfer to Hestia Familia? I… feel it's where I belong now, plus it will give me the opportunity to keep helping the people of Orario."
Ryu saw Astraea begin to speak, but she wasn't done with her request, in a voice even quieter, "Plus… I don't… want to leave his side. I want to provide the same hope in him that he provides to me. He… didn't leave me even when I tried to leave this world. I have the opportunity to do the same for him."
Astraea smiled gently, "Ryu… I don't want you to be chained with the burdens of your past. While you are my child, and I don't want you to leave me… I… won't be alone. I have Larsa and this village, I want you to be happy, if joining Hestia will do that then I won't argue."
Ryu felt the grip holding her tightening, "I am filled with pride, not emptiness, pride that my little elf who hated everyone has found a new home."
Ryu felt her eyes watering, "No matter what happens, your mark of justice will always be emblazoned on my heart. You… will always be my goddess."
Astraea pulled away after a second, "Shall we do your update?" After Ryu gave her confirmation, Astraea spoke softly, "All right, follow me to my room… or if you would prefer, we could have Bell watching. From what I've heard and what you said earlier, he has already seen you several times."
Ryu could tell that her goddess was simply trying to lighten the mood, but the idea burned her cheeks and ears. The reaction must've been obvious judging by how she could hear Astraea chuckling.
After being ushered into a separate room, Ryu removed her top and sat on a small stool that stood next to the plush bed Astraea had.
After a few moments, Ryu felt the divine blood burn into her skin as a soft glow illuminated the room. 'The first update I have had in so many years. The last update from Lady Astraea…' That though caused her chest to burn.
X
Astraea stared at the bare back of her child; she could see a handful of small blemishes that marked the elf's beautiful pale skin. With the slight pain that always happened as the needle punctured her skin, she let the single drop fall onto the elf's back. She watched the skin on her back ripple and change revealing the falna she had given to her so many years ago.
She traced the changes that she was making, she paused in the skill section. She sat there with her hand touching Ryu's back for longer than she should have. "Is everything alright?" Ryu's voice was barely audible over the whirling thoughts and emotions.
Astraea shifted her hand, "Yes… was just surprised. Looks like a new skill… no… two of them." She hesitated; she didn't know if she wanted to burden Ryu with the second skill. But decided it would only be a good thing in the long run.
Ryu's voice sounded distant, "Two skills? Thats…"
Astraea nodded, not that Ryu could see, "It's unusual, but not unheard of. Especially with how much you've done and how long it has been."
It only took another minute for Astraea to finish the update. After a second, she hid the status again and pulled out a paper with the specifics.
Astraea held out the paper face down so Ryu couldn't see, "Before you see the update. I want to tell you two things, first, you did achieve level 5 but I didn't push it through. I'll leave that to Hestia as a show of goodwill." She hesitated but pushed through when Ryu nodded at the first statement. "Second, is the second new skill. I hesitated to let it onto your falna, as it would been an emotional baggage for you. But the good it provides will outweigh the bad."
Astraea flipped the paper over and showed Ryu her status. "You weren't lying when you said my Justice will forever be emblazoned onto your heart, it just took a different form than expected."
X
Ryu glanced over the sheet three times in disbelief… "Goddess…" (1)
…
Name: Ryu Lion
Race: Elf
Age: 21
Level: 4
Strength: E488-S993 Endurance: F352-S1024 Dexterity: A888-SS1167 Agility: A899-SSS1262 Magic: B717-SS1198
Hunter: G-F Abnormal Resistance: G Magic Resistance: I-H
Skills:
Fairy Serenade
-Increases effects of magic. Effects raises at night.
Mind Load
-Increases Attack Power by using Mind. Active Trigger
Aero Mana
-Increases Attack Power the faster the user is moving.
Astrae Varmas
-Always active buff to everyone in the same Familia as the user. Including amplifying skills, increasing magic power and mind. Also grants moderate resistance to mental attacks to those with a falna. Range and Effects dependent on user's level.
Astraea Record
-Allows user to use all magic from anyone that has had a falna from the goddess Astraea.
Magic:
Luminous Wind
-Wide Area attack magic, wind and light element
Noah Heal
-Healing Magic, effectiveness increases in forests
…
Ryu stared at the sheet in disbelief, both skills were powerful. She could feel the emotions building in her, they welled and spread like a wildfire.
She could feel the change in her abilities purely from the skill. She wanted to test her Astraea Record skill, but she couldn't for multiple reasons.
The emotions burst without giving her the time to control her mind, tears broke out all over again the memory of every member that had died was etched into her back.
She felt Astraea trying to comfort her, and while it did help it wasn't enough. Time… that was the greatest cure for the renewed pain in her heart and she knew it. Maybe it was her imagination, but it felt like the wounds of her heart were already stitching back together.
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It took twenty minutes for the tears to slow to a trickle, "I didn't… think my abilities would increase… so much. I've only… seen Bell's stats be… over 999." Ryu muttered between tears, trying to distract herself from remembering her skill.
Astraea tilted her head to get a better look at her child, "He has?"
Ryu nodded, "According to Goddess Hestia he has, I saw his most recent setup updates. Every ability score was over that threshold. I believe his Agility has been triple S with every level." She spoke softly, she had debated telling Astraea about Bell's Skill, but she swore she wouldn't.
Astraea shook her head, "If only time was more merciful…" after a moment, she turned Ryu to face her directly. "Now you young lady need to get some rest, you aren't fully recovered and you're emotionally drained."
Ryu stood, "I… agree…" Sleep, the thought has never felt so seductive to her. For the first time in a long time, she actively wanted to sleep.
Ryu took a single step, "Oh Ryu." Ryu turned to face where her goddess was standing, but what worried her was the mischievous grin on her face.
Ryu took a single step backward, "Y… Yes Goddess."
The smile only spread at seeing how off-put Ryu was, "I only have one small, almost insignificant request to make while you and Bell are here."
Ryu didn't like where this was going, but she had to agree with whatever it was. "Wh… what might… that be…"
Astraea placed a delicate hand on both shoulders of the timid elf. "While you both are staying here, I want you to… confess your feelings. I don't want too much time to pass, and you not be able to spend the time together that you want to. When you get back to Orario, neither of you will have much time with all the chaos that the city holds."
Ryu watched Astraea take a breath, even as she could feel her face blushing heavily. "Take the time you both have here to spend time together. Can you promise me this?"
Ryu felt like her whole body was blushing, she wasn't completely ready to take such a forward step, "If… the opportunity should… arise… and my heart… can take it… then I could."
Astraea's smile spread further, "I know he cares deeply about you. I would be willing to place money on the fact that it has spread to love. Listen to your heart, you already know the answer." Before Ryu had a chance to reply, she was forcibly rotated around and pushed toward the room Bell was sleeping in. "Now go get some rest… I'll see you in the morning."
Ryu couldn't say anything in response, so she slowly entered the room that Bell had been sleeping in. She opened the door silently, feeling Astraea watching her with mirthful eyes. It only took a few seconds until she stood at the edge of the bed. She blushed, the request from her Goddess was making it difficult, more difficult than ever, to climb into the bed.
She wanted to sleep so badly, that her exhaustion forced her embarrassment to a small corner of her heart. She nearly collapsed into the bed. Bell's face was so close, less than four inches separated them.
Ryu started leaning forward but stopped herself. "No… it wouldn't… be appropriate." She murmured, and instead wrapped her arms around the sleeping human.
She wanted to act recklessly, but she didn't. She held herself back, 'How much longer will I be able to?' She asked herself silently. She felt her eyes drift closed, too heavy to keep open any longer. The warmth she held close was too comforting.
That night Ryu dreamed, dreamed thoughts no elf should ever dream about. She dreamed about taking the next step, to become one being for a short period of time. To give into her desires, to let her wounded heart fly free in the sensations that would fill her body.
X
Astraea watched the elf timidly move towards the door, 'Had I been too forceful?' The thought raced through her, but she ignored it. She watched until Ryu was completely hidden behind the door.
She felt her smile fade rapidly, as she was forced to sit on the chair, she was using earlier… in a whisper so quiet that not even an adventurer could hear her speak. "Too… much… excitement today… I need to… take it easier."
She wanted nothing more than to sleep face down on the table that she sat at, like an overworked employee, but her body protested. She held her chest as it burned, "I know… I'm not done for tonight."
So, she waited until her energy returned and she stood, the movement making her feel dizzy. She took a few shuffling steps before she found the strength to move properly. She made her way to her shrine to the fallen. "I'm glad." She whispered to the names.
She felt a few tears drop from her eyes. She nearly collapsed onto a small cushion that was in the room. "I'm glad that she… will be free… eventually." She turned to face the carved wood. "No matter what happens… you will always be with her… won't you."
She held out an exhausted hand towards the list of names, but she didn't have the energy to hold it up. "Rest easy… for your legacy… has been passed on." With those words uttered, she felt the burning fade as she succumbed to sleep.
Notes: (1)
I wanted to talk Ryu's update for a moment. The main thing that is obvious is that I decided to make Astraea Record a skill, instead of a spell. I have reasons, and I know Lefiya's ability to use other spells is one of her spells. I... didn't want to simply copy that. But I also nerfed it to compensate. The original, on top of granting the magic of others gives a barrier to protect them from attacks. That... sems like a bit much. I hope you all don't hate it, but that's how I decided to make it work.
Review Responses:
Blazeburn006(1): Ignored.
Blazeburn006(2): That was what I was hoping for, Ryu growing tense and having small moments to help ease her mind with Bell's help. Eina... yeah, I did enjoy writing that scene even if I did rewrite it a couple times. It was supposed to be a more sinister green, but Christmas works as well. XD. While you were right with the fight being similar, the main difference was in the original Ryu had the dagger for whatever reason. I remember that was... unlikely, and Bell being forced to push through despite being... well impaled.
pix25: He does, but not without a few consequences
Hallowcard: Maybe
meth0d: I'm glad that you have enjoyed it, and hope that continues for the future.