Hey everyone, just wanted to give everyone a heads up that, the last segment as spoilers for Volumes 16-18 or Season 5 of the anime. Regardless of that, I hope you all enjoy the chapter and have a great rest of your day. -EG
Word Count: 9,613
Chapter 11
Bell's eyes shifted open; his vision was unfocused. "Wh... at am I...?" It was slow, but eventually, his vision grew focused. He was lying in the bed Lady Astraea had let him borrow. The wooden beams overhead seemed to be shifting slightly. After a minute of concentration, they stopped moving and remained in a singular position again.
Bell tried to lift his arm but found it weighed down. He looked and saw the head of Ryu just poking out of the covers. She seemed to have a contented smile on her sleeping face, he couldn't help but let a gentle smile grow on his face. "When did I... go to bed." For the life of him, he couldn't remember.
He looked at the window, it was still dark outside, and there was no hint of light coming from the blinds that covered it. "Still night or did I sleep another full day?" He whispered; his throat burned as he spoke. 'Dehydration again?' He thought, trying to spare his throat.
He shifted his other arm and found it moved significantly easier than yesterday, it felt like three days of recovery happened while he slept. 'Strange.' His mind told him.
'I need to get some water...' He thought and glanced down to see how comfortable Ryu was sleeping. Her body was halfway draped over him, with her head placed in the center of his chest where his heart was.
He raced for possible options, but few came to mind, and none seemed possible as she was a level 4. 'So, no sneaking and I don't know if my strength would be enough for that endeavor regardless.'
He shifted his body trying to get a general feel for how much strength he had, to his surprise his body didn't protest with sharp needles of pain. Instead, it was like he was lethargic, he was clumsy, but his body didn't hurt.
He tried to shift himself upward, but the elf tightened her grip refusing to let her pillow leave. So, he sighed and contented himself with waiting. His body was beginning to burn, and the scent of long faded pine needles filled his nostrils. His heart rate slowly started to increase as he felt how tightly Ryu was holding him. It took a second to realize that her legs were wrapped around his leg.
He shook his head to try to clear his mind from the impure thoughts, but it didn't work. So, he focused on taking slow breaths and remembering unpleasant memories. It worked for a moment, but then his mind snapped to when they sat together by the stream, where he had held her so closely.
Ryu shifted to get into a more comfortable position, this was unfortunate for Bell. He felt every shift of her curves, this caused the slight blush he had to burn across his face. He forced his mind to think of other things, as the thought came to mind. 'Remember Ishtar Familia... how close you were to being assaulted. Remember that toad face looking at you as you were chained to the wall.'
He remembered it was something he never wanted to remember again, but he would deal with it if it helped him not act on impulse.
A change, not one with his body, but with the room. A soft almost invisible glow radiated from the door. His eyes snapped open, and he peered around the pointed ear. The glow was multicolored, but also translucent, it felt familiar, but he couldn't place it in his current state.
He craned his neck and whispered to Ryu, "Sorry Ryu, I'll be right back." With that, he made a plan and acted.
Shifting out of Ryu's grip was no easy feat but he managed. He could hear Ryu grumbling at the loss of her warm pillow. He wanted to chuckle but focused as the light faded.
He stood and nearly toppled over from the lack of balance; the lethargy was more severe than he expected lying in bed. But he grits his teeth and took a shaky step, the moment the first step was taken the light vanished.
He pushed his body to act faster, but the moment he tried he felt a wave of dizziness that flooded through him. As quietly as he could he fell to one knee and closed his eyes until the sensation faded. It only took a few seconds as he opened his eyes, and the entire room rotated a bit.
He collapsed, as the room shifted in his vision. But he didn't let that stop him, he crawled towards the door and reached for the door handle. He cursed silently; it was three inches too far out of his reach.
He focused and braced himself to do something he wasn't sure he could manage. He forced his torso to sit on his elbows and pushed, his arms shook as the weakness took hold. As he pushed, he shifted his arm and managed to grab the handle, he tried to use it to pull himself up.
His hand slipped off as his grip was far too weak for that effort, this caused the handle to rattle loudly. He shifted as he heard Ryu grumble and shift at the noise.
He saw her head shift around, 'Oh no...' his mind quickly warned him.
A voice echoed out, "Bell...?" then the head snapped "Bell!" He saw her swivel around and lock eyes with him as he lay on the ground.
Bell opened his mouth, but Ryu was already out of the bed and moving towards him. "Ryu... I needed to get a cup of water." It wasn't technically a lie as his throat was still burned.
Ryu was standing right next to him; she kneeled down and offered a hand to help him stand. Bell looked at the hand but accepted. "You could've asked me. How did you even slip out of the bed? I was lying next to the edge."
Bell sighed lightly, "I know I could've asked you. But I didn't want to wake you. I wanted to let you rest, plus I felt alright when I woke up." He hesitated for a second, "As for how... well... carefully. You did grumble a few times, but I managed."
Ryu blushed lightly, "Gumbled?" She asked softly, opening the door that led into the hall.
Bell nodded and chuckled lightly, "Yes..." he paused for a second and made up his mind. "Indeed, it was pretty adorable. Every time I shifted further from your grip, you would grumble and tighten your hold to not let go."
Ryu's blush grew heavy, even as she helped him down the hall, "I... wou..." Bell watched her cut her words off, and she shook her head. "It doesn't matter." She sighed.
She helped lower Bell into a chair, and he watched her move to the kitchen and return a few moments later with a small glass of water. "Here. Drink." She sat next to him and watched him.
With a little effort he did, his grip tightened around the glass which took a bit more effort, but he managed with a slight wince. He drank quickly and placed the cup down. "Looks like it isn't all gone yet." He whispered with a sigh.
Ryu tilted her head, "The pain? It shouldn't be at least for two or three more days. At least as long as I keep up healing you."
Bell shook his head, "No... when I woke... I felt amazing, if a bit sluggish. But the moment I stood and took a step I got dizzy..." He held his left hand a bit. "Now... some of the aches are returning."
Ryu clasped his hand; it was still dark outside. "Let's go back to bed, I cast more healing, and we can go on from there."
It took a second, but Bell acquiesced. With some effort, he stood with Ryu helping him shuffle back to the bed and sat down. He felt Ryu's smooth fingers tap his forehead, as she chanted her Noah Heal spell. The pain fled for a second, as the magic coursed through his body, but only for a second. As the pain began to flare back it was only dampened and suppressed. For that short time, he did notice that most of the sharp pain was dulled but that was it.
Bell did his best to give a smile, "Thank you, that helped a bit."
Ryu walked in a small circle for a moment, before she shook her head. "Right... sorry. At the moment... that's the best I can do." Bell watched as Ryu glanced at him and sighed. "Sorry, I got an update last night and I got a skill that would let me help more... but I'm... not ready to use it yet..."
Bell watched as the elf standing in front of him seemed to shrink a bit. So, he reached out and grabbed her hand, "It's fine Ryu, I appreciate the help you have already provided..." Bell paused for a second. "Here at least sit down."
Ryu paused, but after a second, she sat beside him. "But I could be doing more. You shouldn't be satisfied waiting in pain when I could be doing more. The skill I got..."
Bell reached out and placed a finger on Ryu's lips, this caused Ryu to blush lightly. "Ryu... look at me." He whispered as Ryu turned her head to face him. He had to resist the urge to lean closer, but with some effort, he managed. "I don't mind... I chose this and I don't mind the consequences."
Bell tapped his chest and whispered, "I don't mind Ryu. You can't do everything, just like I can't... if you are not ready to do something, don't force yourself. You'll only end up burned in the aftermath."
Before Ryu could respond, he pulled her closer and embraced her, "Ryu, you've already done more than enough to help me. Just the fact that I am alive is proof of that." At that moment, he wanted to tell her what he had been debating. What his heart was telling him, but he resisted the urge. He knew Ryu was feeling vulnerable and pushing his feelings wouldn't be a smart idea.
But he made a silent promise to himself, 'Before we leave... I...'
X
Ryu shuttered silently, his words warmed her heart, and the heat pushed from her heart to her cheeks and ears. She wanted to do nothing more than to confess and tell him skills she had... and although she would never admit it, a part of her wanted Bell to reprimand her for her hesitation to use the skill Astraea Record.
She knew that Bell wouldn't, no matter how much she wanted him to, he was too soft and kind of a person. But that kindness, while a double-edged sword, was what drew her in and she guessed so many others. In a world where it was so easy to be cruel and spiteful, Bell was the exception.
She noticed that Bell had loosened the grip around her, "Ryu..." he whispered, the soft exhalation of warm air washed over her elongated ear. The warmth caused her to shiver, and her bodily anticipation rose. She had to take a few breaths in order to calm herself, but that only partially worked.
She looked directly into his Ruby eyes; her heart was yelling at her to push Bell down onto the bed. But both her mind and elven pride backlashed at the thought. "Ryu... I..." he paused, then shook his head. "Sorry... I think you're right. Sleep..."
She watched Bell turn his head towards the blanket and pillows... she couldn't hold herself back from taking at least a small action. She reached forward and kissed his cheek, like she had done before. But to her surprise, Bell flinched and blushed heavily.
Her mind immediately raced to negative thoughts, 'Oh gods, he didn't flinch last time. Was I too forceful? I... shouldn't have... I... I shouldn't have let my urges lead me on.'
Amidst her mental rambling, she locked eyes with Bell, and he chuckled lightly. "Sorry, I just wasn't expecting or prepared for that. Judging by your reaction you were thinking that it was a negative reaction, right?" Bell spoke softly, the tone of his voice eased Ryu's racing mind. "Listen, Ryu... I... don't mind. It just surprised me."
Despite his words, she could feel the heat that was building lessened, it didn't vanish altogether, but it was enough to easily control herself again. She lowered her head slightly, "Sorry Bell. I... couldn't stop myself. I'll... do better." She did her best to apologize without directly revealing her feelings and bodily wants.
She felt a gentle hand rub the top of her head, followed by a sigh. "Do you want to sleep? I know I could use some more."
All she could do was nod in affirmation, after a second a thought came to her mind. "Right, I was planning... on healing you." She paused and shook her head with his hand still on it. "Where does it hurt the most? Maybe I can focus on those locations first."
She could see the hesitation in Bell's expression, she knew he was worried about her pushing herself. In truth besides the emotions from her skill and the embarrassment from what happened, she was feeling almost completely fine.
Ryu felt the hand lift off her head, so she raised her head and with as much determination as she could muster, "Let me do this much at least. If not, I'll just have to wait for you to fall asleep." She meant every word, if she couldn't pinpoint locations, she would simply brute force it.
Bell shook his head, "God's you're stubborn. Fine, but no more than half your mind total." With a sigh, he pointed out three locations. His heart, his right lung, and his right shoulder.
She got to work, she focused mainly on the heart and right lung as they were more concerning. Using only a small percentage on the shoulder. Her other skill proved its effectiveness, the increase in power and mind was noticeable. If she had to put a number to the increase, she would have to guess forty percent. 'Ten percent per level? A great boost.' She thought.
Bell shook his head, "Ryu I said only half... that would have to be what eighty percent?" Ryu's eyes snapped away from his shoulder.
She shook her head in the negative, "Before yes... but like I had mentioned I got a skill... that I'm not ready to use yet, but I got another skill that improves several of my abilities. As well as any of those that are in the same Familia."
Bell shook his head in surprise, then he seemed to realize something. "Wait... didn't you already heal me earlier?"
Ryu paused and stood but she nodded. "I did. Now get some rest. It's not even three in the morning."
She could see Bell sigh, even as a mischievous smirk showed on his face. She immediately had a bad feeling, she tried to prepare her mental resistance to teasing. But she wasn't quick enough as Bell spoke. "Yes Honey, I understand."
Her ears immediately turned a shade of pink and her face was burning with scarlet. She felt like fainting, the sudden thrust of embarrassment was immense, after a second of toddering she managed to reclaim her sense of self. "That was mean." She whispered, but Bell only chuckled and shifted into the bed.
.
.
.
An hour passed, and Ryu was beginning to drift to the world of dreams. Her mind was very aware that the bed was a tad too small for two people, but a large portion of her didn't mind. She enjoyed the warmth and comfort that being in physical contact brought to her. She admitted it was a strange notion for an elf to have. She was a race that avoided physical contact with all but a few, and she was no different.
She couldn't imagine letting someone like Haruhime, despite her kindness, touch her. It was a contradiction in her mind, wanting the warmth of having someone so close, yet the icy instinct to keep people away.
She tried to think of an explanation, but the best she came up with is that the warmth is something they want to seek out due to their icy tendency. 'Maybe... if... I wasn't brought... up with those... ideas, I wouldn't... mind contact.' Those were the thoughts that passed through her mind as the realm of darkness and dreams took control.
X
Astraea started at the sound of pouring water, she had almost been seen. She looked at the small room that contained the shine of her lost children. "Don't look at me like that... you know I'm doing what's for the best."
Astraea could hear snippets of conversation, "Pain... shouldn't be... days." The muffled voices drifted through the oaken door.
For a moment, she debated showing herself to join the conversation. She longed to be in a regular conversation with the children of the gods. But she held herself back, 'No... it wouldn't be right or fair... let them enjoy the peace while they have. It... won't last forever.' She thought it was a simple explanation, an easy and convenient excuse and Astraea knew it.
She sighed silently when she heard the sound of wood shifting and softly clattering against the wood. 'How polite, they think I'm sleeping and don't want to wake me. If only they knew, well several things.' She thought with a soft near silent chuckle.
Her chuckle quieted when she heard the door shut, it was only noticeable due to the quiet sound of moving air. For a moment she cursed herself for having such quiet henges, but she preferred them silent.
She waited a minute, a long and silent minute, as quietly as a mouse she opened the door to the shrine, glanced back at the small structure, and reinforced her determination. She tiptoed across her house like a thief, 'I could only imagine Erebus's reaction, seeing the goddess of Justice sneaking around like a thief.' She shook her head to clear the thought, she had thought often about the god of evil.
She focused her mind on the task at hand, she stood back against the wall next to the door to the room they were sharing. "Best I can do... Got a skill that would..." She could hear the broken words of her child. Astraea silently cursed her inability to hear what they were saying. 'Who knew the goddess of justice would have an eavesdropping streak...' She thought as another voice drifted through the door.
"Ryu... look at me." His voice seemed to leak easier through the cracks in the door. But Astraea remained silent and continued to listen, "I chose this and don't mind the consequences... I don't mind, you can't do everything just as I can't. If you're not ready, don't force yourself. You'll only get burned." Astraea let her imagination run wild, she didn't have the full context and she knew it. 'Surely they wouldn't be in the Pure Goddess's home right? No, of course not calm yourself, Ryu wouldn't...'
She could hear the voice continue, "You've already done more than enough to help me." Astraea breathed a silent breath of relief, 'Ryu was probably talking about her new skill. The stronger healing spell she could use... I hope she remembers all of them. What am I saying, I'm sure they are burned into her mind just as deep as her regret. But just in case I should make a list for her.' Astraea's mind was running so the room seemed to be silent.
Over an hour passed before she was absolutely sure that they were asleep again. She wouldn't make the same mistake again, as she silently opened the door and entered the room. 'Do I really have to be such a creep about this?' She silently berated herself.
She silently crossed the room, she could see her child draped over her human hero. They looked peaceful, serene almost. She saw how Ryu's shirt had been slightly pulled up from involuntary movements, revealing a healthy portion of skin.
Astraea shook her head, her walnut hair shifting around her shoulders. 'Focus.' She forced herself. She released a silent sigh and got to work.
X
Bell's eyelids opened to the sound of a sharp tapping at the door. He noticed Ryu was startled awake at the sound, "Come on you love birds, it's time for breakfast."
Bell looked at Ryu, he noticed the same embarrassment and blushed at the phrase love birds. Bell couldn't help but chuckle, after a second Ryu followed suit. Ryu crawled out of the bed and shifted to help him stand, he smiled lightly, as much as he didn't like having to have constant help to move he did enjoy the time he got to spend with Ryu.
He moved his arm to accept, but he found no hesitation in the movement. The lethargic feeling that had been plaguing him was almost nonexistent, then he noticed the pain seemed to be gone as well. He remembered how he felt last night and didn't get ahead of himself.
He allowed Ryu to pull him into a standing position, a slight sense of dizziness punished his rapid movement but that only lasted a single second. He gripped the hand that enveloped him tightly, Ryu didn't seem to notice. "Hmm, interesting. I don't feel any pain or lethargy. It does seem my strength hasn't fully returned yet, but that's a plus at least."
He watched Ryu tilt her head slightly, "That... shouldn't be right. Even with my skill, it shouldn't be gone completely."
Bell was about to respond but another wrapping at the door broke his momentum, "I do mean it. I would rather it not go cold, it would be a waste." The sound of padding feet left the door.
Bell couldn't help but smile and chuckle, he felt amazing if a bit weak, "Let's go."
Ryu nodded, but kept supporting Bell despite his protesting, "I don't want you to suddenly grow faint the moment I remove my help. So for now just accept it."
Bell couldn't help but sigh lightly, "Alright."
.
.
.
Bell was lowered into the chair, and Ryu immediately sat next to him with Astraea placing a set of plates in front of them. It was a simple breakfast, some eggs, and bread with a small touch of some meat. "I figured you could probably handle more food now that you have been moving a bit. Although I didn't make too much, just in case. If you think you can handle more, just let me know." She commented sitting across the table from them.
Bell noticed the lack of a plate in front of the goddess, "Lady Astraea, are you not going to eat?"
Astraea hesitated but spoke smoothly. "No... I already ate earlier. Besides, adventurers need to consume more food so eat."
Bell didn't feel like she was lying, but something felt... off. "Of course Lady Astraea, thank you for the food." He picked up the fork and glanced at Ryu. She was watching her goddess, but after a second she followed suit picking up some utensils.
They started to eat quietly and with respect. The food tasted amazing, it was almost perfectly cooked and lightly seasoned with the fact that the injured would have a harder time eating. Bell ate relatively quickly, he didn't realize just how ravenous he was.
As he finished the plate, he wasn't full but was content with the amount he had eaten. Ryu, he noticed, was trying her best to eat at a graceful pace, but Bell could tell she was just as hungry as he had been.
All the while Astraea watched them much like a mother hen, asking simple questions. If they wanted another plate, if she could refill their water, she refused to let Bell wash his dish when he stood to do so and insisted on doing it.
Eventually, all was done, and both Bell and Ryu finished. They sat there in a silent, pleasant warmth that infused the entire house. "Ryu," Astraea called out suddenly, breaking the silent atmosphere.
Ryu stirred for a second before responding, "Yes Goddess?"
Astraea gave her a warm smile, "Why don't you go and explore the village a bit? I... want to speak with Bell alone for a moment."
Ryu stood on instinct but looked between her goddess and her hero. "I can..." She almost seemed to be pleading with Bell to say something to let her stay.
Bell could see the emotion in Ryu's eyes, but he couldn't. "It's alright Ryu, I'm sure it won't take long. Take a moment to get some fresh air, I'm sure being around me all the time is tiresome."
Ryu crossed her arms but sighed. "Alright, even though you're wrong Bell." She gave a quick bow to her goddess and made her way towards the main entrance. She gave one last longing look at Bell before taking the plunge into the light that infused the outside world.
Astraea waited a full minute until she spoke again. "She has grown quite... attached to you hasn't she."
It wasn't a question, Bell returned his focus to the goddess in front of him. "She has, although more so since I woke up."
Astraea smiled, "She was in quite the state when she woke up. I believe she had a nightmare, then believing you had died. I think that did some significant harm to her mentally." Astraea sighed, "Although from everything I have heard from the two of you I... don't think it's a worrying amount. I think the idea of you dying has forced her shell of self-restraint to crumble."
Bell leaned back in his chair and placed a hand on his chin. "I suppose, I... just don't want her to become reliant on me. Having only a single crutch to support you is never a good idea." Bell lowered his head to the goddess of justice, "That's why I request you allow a transfer to Hestia Familia. I want to believe that the other members could become the other crutch for her."
Bell paused for a full second until he heard a chuckle from Astraea. "Bell raise your head." Astraea stood and moved around the table. Her walnut hair and pristine white dress fluttered with her movements. She sat in the chair next to him, he could see a single tear rolling down her cheek. "Bell... she already had asked, and I already approved her transfer." To his surprise, Astraea wrapped her arms around his body and squeezed him into a huge.
A slight blush formed on his cheeks, "L... Lady Astraea?" He stuttered out.
Astraea spoke softly, "I haven't had a chance to properly thank you Bell. So I'll say it now, thank you. For everything that you've done for my child, it means far more than you realize that she has found a place where she could live comfortably and not have to worry."
Bell felt the goddess squeeze him tighter, "I... I only did what I believed to be right. Has that gotten me into trouble, absolutely, but it has also given many gifts as well. I... won't regret my decisions." Bell whispered back, he could feel a blaze building in his heart. 'No. I won't have regrets in this life. Not anymore, I've been given another chance when I shouldn't have.'
He felt Astraea ease away from him, "I could tell Bell," she sighed slightly as she pulled all the way away. "You know, if Astraea Familia was still standing as it was before everything. I might have let you be the only male member of the familia."
She sighed again, "But there is no use speaking of such things. Now I have a question for you. You love Ryu don't you?"
The blunt nature of the sudden question left him vulnerable, his face grew flush and his heart began to beat quickly. "I... I do." He took a moment to take a few breaths to calm his emotions. "Although it's... rather recently, truth be told I wasn't entirely sure until shortly before we left to travel here."
Astraea nodded at his statement, "Then do you plan on confessing to her?"
Bell hesitated, "Eventually... I know how she feels towards me... I had overheard her telling Haruhime, another member of Hestia Familia, but I... I don't want to force her and I know she is in a vulnerable state. I don't want to take advantage of that by telling her."
Bell paused and took another breath then three. Astraea watched him in silence, waiting. "I do plan on it soon."
Astraea moved slightly, brushing a lock of hair that covered her eye. "Ryu told me something somewhat similar, but I know her better than that. She'll wait until the perfect moment." Astraea paused, as a new smile formed on her sculpted face. "Can you confess first? I... would ask it be either today or tomorrow if that is not too much to ask." she paused but continued. "In three days there will be a festival, called the Burning of Sins. But it's customary for someone to dance with someone they care a lot about."
Bell blushed lightly, "I... I've only danced once before." He felt his excitement build, "I want to dance with her though. I'll make it work. As for confessing... I'll admit I'm still a bit hesitant."
Astraea leaned back into her chair, "I understand. But try to keep in mind that I doubt you'll have much free time to find the right situation back in Orario." She sighed, "Well... I'll leave that to you." She stood rapidly, "Wait right here, I should give you what I mentioned in the letter to Ryu."
Bell watched the goddess leave into a side room. 'Confessing... I want to, and I'm not embarrassed about the idea but would it hurt our potential future together if I did it now?' He sighed. 'Truthfully probably not. I'm sure it will work out fine... but still.'
He waited and wondered for a full minute until the goddess came out, holding two objects. They looked like letters, "Something you want me to deliver to someone inside the city?" He joked trying to lighten the mood and ease his own worries.
Astraea raised an eyebrow, then realized what she was holding. "Very funny, but no." She held out one letter, "This is something I want you to only read after Ryu has transferred to Hestia. Can you give me your word that you won't read it until then?" Bell hesitated but nodded. "Good, this is from the old man who left it for the captain of Hestia Familia." She held out another letter, it seemed to have a small bulge in the paper.
Bell picked them both up, the one Astraea first handed over had a wax seal with the Astraea Familia symbol on it, a downward-facing sword with the wings of justice wrapping around them. The second was a bit heavier due to whatever was inside the package, on this seal there was a symbol he didn't recognize. It was relatively simple, it had six lightning bolts embossed there.
Bell hesitated, looking at the symbol he felt he should remember it. "Is it alright if I open it here?"
Astraea nodded, "If you want, I won't stop you." Bell noticed her shift slightly in her seat, she very obviously looked in a different direction to give him some privacy. He appreciated the thought but didn't think it was necessary.
He placed his thumb against the seal and popped it open, inside was a single piece of paper with a small metallic disk with the same emblem emblazoned on the surface. At first glance, Bell didn't know what it was, but after a second he remembered that Hestia had gotten one with her emblem when she put it out officially for the guild. 'A Familia crest?' He thought. Unfolding the paper, it was filled from top to bottom with a scrawl he recognized like a distant memory.
Without thinking he squeezed his fist a bit causing the page to crumple, after a moment he took a breath and smoothed the paper out, and got to reading.
It only took a minute for him to fully read the page twice over. In a moment of frustration, he crumpled the paper and stood sharply. "Sorry Lady Astraea... I think I need to get some air." Without waiting for a response he ran as fast as his weakened state would allow. He could vaguely hear Astraea saying something, but it didn't register.
He was careful to avoid as many people as possible, he especially avoided where he thought Ryu could be. He didn't want her to see him in the emotional state he was currently in. Eventually, he found a lone tree that was far off the edge of the village, he put the tree between him and the village and sat placing his knees into his chest, the sudden exertion was exhausting but that didn't mean much at this point.
Bell was alone with his thoughts for about five minutes until he heard a set of footsteps approaching from the village. He glanced up as the figure rounded the tree base. He chuckled, "I suppose the lone tree isn't a great place to hide." He whispered. He could feel that the emotions had been swelling, they eventually ruptured.
He watched through tear-filled eyes as the all too familiar shape of Ryu leaned down silently and held his head to her chest.
X
Astraea was stunned for a second, she had done her best to avoid glancing at the letter. But she knew the emblem almost everyone in Orario knew at one point in history. Her reaction was too slow as Bell had run out of her house. She had called out his name, but there was no response. "What had gotten to him?" She wondered.
She glanced over towards the letter that was crumpled into a ball. She had to know if she was going to do something, so she took a minute to flatten out the paper. There were so many wrinkles that some of the words were hard to read but she could manage. So she started, it seemed like a normal letter but as she continued to read she had a bad feeling.
...
"Bell, how are you doing? I've heard about so many of your exploits through a specific messenger. I can't believe all that you've done in half a year, reaching level four is a feat so grand I'm sure your name will go down in history.
Unfortunately, as much as I would like to keep up the pleasantries, there are a few things I have to tell you. First, as you might have realized I didn't die. I'm sorry for leaving you alone, but I knew you would never rise to greatness if you stayed in that village. You needed to become a hero like those in the stories I used to read you, I knew this was possible for reasons I will state later.
I have found great difficulty recounting the events I am going to tell you, the wounds despite being old are still fresh in my mind. I suppose I should start from the beginning.
You, young Bell, are not like most humans and I have no idea how it will affect your future. So, it doesn't matter anymore but let me start just before you were born. Your mother was in Hera Familia, and your father was in the Zues Familia. Both were weaker members but for very different reasons.
Your father was a supporter, still level four, but a supporter all the same. He never had any talent in combat no matter how much he tried. So, he fell into the supporter role, the only talent he had was to avoid battles, and when they were unavoidable, he ran around like a rabbit.
Now your mother, that is a more complicated case. She and her sister were always sick, her sister had grown powerful enough to resist the disease they shared at least for a few years. But your mother... she wasn't so lucky; she didn't have nearly as much talent as her sister. So, she grew weaker and weaker with time.
How your mother and father grew to love each other is a mystery to me, but it did happen, and they tried over and over to have a child before her condition grew to be too serious. But they all failed, seeing how depressed they grew with each failure broke my ancient heart.
So, I came up with a plan and pulled a few strings. I had convinced them to try one more time, telling them I was certain it would work. After they had finished, I began to work without their notice. I trickled my Arcanum into a fertilized egg and helped it grow resilient enough to survive what would happen.
A few weeks passed, and it confirmed that she was pregnant. The entire time I continued to pour the Arcanum after it started to form. I did something that was strictly forbidden, I tinkered with the soul of the growing embryo. I still don't know how I never got exiled and banished back to Tenkai.
I won't go into detail, but I forced the soul of a hero to be reborn. One that had never been reincarnated, Argonaut the Hero of the Beginning. This had an unfortunate side effect, the gradual deterioration of your mother aggressively increased. Each day that passed took several from her already limited lifespan.
Eventually, through a great effort by many people. She lived long enough to give birth to a healthy boy. She however ended up dying shortly after, I can still remember the smile on her face. It still breaks my heart, despite it having been almost 15 years now.
I don't tell you all this for no reason. I suspect that sooner or later the latent Arcanum I had poured into you will awaken and start to affect you directly. If you are ever blasted with direct Arcanum, that might accelerate it. So be cautious.
Sorry, I should return to the story. Your father was a loyal man, he never flinched at the accusation your aunt threw at him. He stayed with your mother the entire time, helping her with everything. But when she died, something in him broke and he ended up dying not long after.
Seeing how I had been in part responsible for you, I swore to raise you. Soon after, both the Hera and Zeus Familias were destroyed by that dragon. Having been chased out of Orario by Loki and Freya not long after, so I moved to a small village and there I did what I could to raise you.
Eventually, as the years passed, I realized that you couldn't be like Argonaut. Instead, you would grow to be something unique, and all you needed was the right push.
I've been wondering for a while what I will do. Should I start a Familia from scratch now that the last member has died? Should I continue traveling the world, or should I return to Tenkai? These questions have plagued my mind lately, so I have written this just in case.
I would've loved to tell you this in person eventually, but events around the world are moving too quickly.
-Your grandfather or Zeus.
P.S. Attached to this is the symbol for the Zues Familia, when you return to Orario you should be able to use it to transfer whatever funds remain to the Hestia Familia. The property would've been auctioned off long ago, as well as most of the savings. But still, what remains is yours.
P.S.S. Astraea, if you end up reading this. Don't judge him based on what his aunt did. She had good intentions, even if the method was messy."
...
Astraea sighed and collapsed deeper into the chair. She could feel the strained mixed emotions filling her. She knew Bell was a good person, but his connection to Silence was hard to put aside.
She glanced at the letter again, "You really can be cruel Zeus. This isn't what I had in mind when you asked me for a favor." She then glanced toward the other letter on the table. The one she had written to be opened at a future time. She debated burning it, but she silently ignored that brief urge.
She stood and took two steps, the tear still clinging to her cheek. "I have to find him at least. I need to do what I can while they are still here." She took a single step towards the door and stopped. 'If it's Ryu that comforts him...' she thought, she hated the idea of manipulation. It was against her very essence as a Goddess of Justice, but if it could help her child then she would at least consider it.
Just as that thought popped into her mind, the door slowly opened revealing the face of Ryu. 'Perfect timing.' She thought, then with as much urgency as she could, which wasn't an act they needed to find Bell before too long, she spoke. "Ryu, I need you to go back out there and find Bell. He... found some troubling news and ran off. He is still weak, and while it should be safe. I cannot guarantee it."
Ryu's head immediately snapped up, as Astraea spoke. She nodded and darted back out of the house. "Didn't even close the door. But that's fine." Astraea moved to the main entrance and raised a hand. It was trembling, 'Not yet...' she thought and forcibly stilled her hand, with a little effort she closed the door.
She made her way back to the table and collapsed into the chair she had previously occupied. She was already exhausted, but she couldn't rest. Not yet at least. So, she folded the letter from Zeus and placed it and the emblem back into the envelope. With a silent sigh, she placed it next to her letter, they looked like a matched pair in her mind.
She folded her arms onto the table and placed her head on them. She was truly exhausted and couldn't elude the inevitable darkness that came with her sleep. Unpleasant memories from the last two years replayed in her unconscious mind.
X
Ryu's first instinct was to just run everywhere without any caution, 'I cannot let anything else happen to him.' Her mind and heart told her. Those emotions forced her to think rationally, "If I wanted to be alone where would I go?" She whispered.
As she had entered the village earlier under her goddess's request, she had seen several locations that seemed to work. But Bell would've run straight past her to get to any of them, and to the best of her knowledge, he shouldn't know any of those locations. So, she took another look around and after a few minutes of running here and there she remembered a location she had wanted to take Bell to.
It was a lone tree that stood out from the surrounding forest; there wasn't another tree for several dozen feet in a circle around it. To the best of her knowledge, it wasn't a sacred tree. 'Maybe a spirit had called it home at one point?' She thought but shifted her mind back to focus on her objective.
She needed to find Bell; it doesn't matter if he wants to be left alone. If he had received troubling news, it would eat at him if he didn't rely on someone. She knew that better than most, she remembered how she felt as the years passed.
She could see the tree off in the distance, she thought there was a flicker of white on the green backdrop. She didn't hesitate, she moved at a swift pace giving her enough time to calm her mind.
It only took a minute to get over to the tree, she could see a figure sitting in the grass around the tree with their knees held tightly to their chest. White hair covered his face like a blanket of snow.
Before she could say anything, she heard him speak in a whisper filled with emotion. "I suppose the lone tree isn't a great place to hide." He chuckled as he lifted his head to look at her.
Ryu noticed his eyes were a puffy red, he seemed to be on the verge of tears but desperately holding them in. "Bell." She whispered, without even considering the consequences Ryu fell to the ground next to Bell and sat there for a moment. "Come here."
Bell seemed to resist her urging for a moment, but ultimately gave in and leaned in close so Ryu could hold him. "It's alright... I'm here."
.
.
.
They sat there for a long time in silence, over an hour Ryu guessed. She wouldn't force the matter, he needed to open up when he was ready. Just as she imagined the second hour began to approach, he began to whisper hesitant at first but after he started each word seemed easier than the last. "A... letter was... left from my... grandfather apparently I was correct... about him being a god."
He paused for a moment, seemingly trying to gather his thoughts. Ryu didn't mind, she would wait for as long as he took. "He said he was Zeus, and explained how I came into existence. Apparently, my mother and father tried several times to have a child, but my mother always was weak with a disease."
Ryu's mind snapped to an overwhelmingly powerful figure, one that was sick and had a connection to Zeus. But she kept her thoughts to herself, "Zeus interfered with the last attempt in secret. He used some of his Arcanum to ensure a child would be made between them. He even somehow forced a specific soul to be reborn into it." He sighed, "Argonaut, the Clown. I suppose it was a fitting soul. I suppose everything has just been a joke. My very existence is some kind of joke, even that calming feeling you described is probably an after-effect of his tinkering having infused a bit of his Arcanum into a fetus."
Ryu wanted to say something, to give examples of why his life wasn't a joke. But that wouldn't be a good idea she imagined; it might only drive the point home. 'He needs time to complain and rant about it.'
Bell paused, for a moment and simply punched the ground, Ryu didn't flinch at the sudden movement. "Sorry Ryu, I'm just... tired. Tired of my life being forced to be what others want. Hestia, Hermes, and now Zeus." He sighed and leaned heavily into Ryu.
With a little surprise at the sudden motion, a tiny blush showed. But she was glad that Bell was looking in the other direction. "Even Freya has had some intervention in my life." He raised a single hand and wiped at his face.
Ryu knew about the others, but not Freya. She spoke before she could stop herself, "How did Goddess Freya intervene?"
She noticed Bell flinch and tremble slightly. "I was captured by Ishtar Familia at one point..."
Ryu knew the reputation of the Ishtar Familia; it wasn't a pretty image. "I had been running around all night avoiding them. As to why I was even there in the first place... well Mikoto heard a rumor that one of her childhood friends was working there."
Ryu softly whispered, "Haruhime." To which he nodded slightly.
He took a breath, "Truth be told, I had been captured by the Familia and dragged to their Familia home. Where the captain had abducted me. Chained to a wall she was about to have her way with me, but I wasn't interested and unable. So, she had left to get drugs I imagine. Fortunately, Haruhime saved me from there."
Ryu could feel anger boiling, the thought of her hero being forcibly taken and defiled. But she did her best not to let it show. "The next day, Freya Familia marched and destroyed Ishtar Familia. I watched as Goddess Ishtar was sent back to Tenkai by Goddess Freya."
Ryu felt like he was hiding something, but she was so relieved that nothing inevitably happened that she didn't want to push it.
After a moment, she noticed Bell had calmed considerably in the aftermath of a distraction. "How are you feeling Bell?"
He sighed, "Frustrated, disheartened, and almost at peace."
They sat in relative silence for a few minutes, Ryu noticed that Bell seemed to be struggling to say something. "Bell, what's on your mind?"
Ryu noticed how he almost seemed to hesitate for a moment. "Ryu... can I confess a little secret to you?"
Ryu paused, 'Hmm, he thinks he needs permission to confess something?' Without any more thought she nodded, "Of course Bell."
Bell chuckled lightly, "Right... sorry. Ryu... there is someone special to me. Someone I've come to love. Someone who is strong, kind, and surprisingly funny in certain situations. They are an adventurer who's helped me more than even they realize. Can you guess who?"
Ryu caught how he seemed to be stumbling over his words at the start, then grew more confident with his words. Without thinking she spoke the only name she knew without any doubt. "Aiz?" Saying the name, wounded her more than she would be willing to admit.
Bell stiffened as he sat next to her, having separated a while ago, he looked at Ryu. "No... maybe at one point in time... or if things ended up differently." He took a breath, then gave a small smile, "Try again."
Ryu was looking directly at him; she could see the certainty in his eyes. They left no room for doubt if he was telling the truth or not. She paused, for a moment and tried to think. 'It couldn't be...' She didn't even want to consider the idea that it was herself, she didn't want to give herself hope. So, she ended up rattling a few names. "Haruhime or your advisor?"
Bell chuckled lightly, "While Haruhime is an adventurer, is almost too kind, and has a strong will, but no. Also, Eina isn't an adventurer... well at least to my knowledge as she works at the guild."
Several names popped into her mind, but she eliminated them one by one as they remained there in silence. She closed her eyes and leaned up against the tree even more. She sighed, "I don't know Bell."
She could feel the sun high in the sky, despite that there was a slight hint of a chill in the air. She felt Bell shift slightly to her left. "Do you want me to tell you?"
Ryu opened her eyes looking up towards the blue sky through the leaves of the lone tree. She glanced down at her hero and nodded. She couldn't make a sound at the moment.
Bell was starting to blush lightly, "Well... Ryu... it's you."
Ryu sighed, "I underst..." She cut her words off as to who it was sunk in. Her ears began to turn a shade of scarlet. She could feel a few emotions bubbling and welling. Relief, anxiety, excitement, and most importantly happiness. "Bell... I..."
Bell spoke up, "I know... it isn't a great time for... it, but I... couldn't wait any longer. Ryu... I love you."
X
Bell had put his heart out there in a moment of weakness. Part of him hated that it happened during such a vulnerable time, another was glad to finally have it out in the open. His nerves seemed to be straining as he waited for an answer. Sure, he already knew how she felt, but that didn't change how his anxiety was building.
He was looking directly at Ryu; he could see a single tear escaping and falling down her cheek. Without any warning, he was enveloped by a tight embrace as a pair of soft lips met his. His mind froze for a second, he hadn't been prepared for this reaction.
Ryu had pushed him to the ground and hovered over him. "Bell... are you sure."
He paused to look into her watery hope filled sky-blue eyes. "I am." He could see something change, first, there was sudden determination and the hope faded into certainty.
There was a hint of a gleam he couldn't place. "I love you Bell... I only ask because elves mate for life." Bell noticed her pause and then nodded. "Elves... can be... quite forceful... after they have someone special. So, I ask again... are you sure."
He took a breath, "I am. I lo..." his words were cut off as her lips found his again. This time he reciprocated, pushing back and letting himself relax. It was harder than he expected, the lingering doubts still sat in the back of his mind.
His weakness caused him to confess, but at the moment he didn't care. He felt a warmth growing in his very soul, it was different than when Aiz had saved him and that was something that he was thankful for.
After a few moments, Ryu pulled away, her face was flushed, and her ears were a shade similar to his eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and held her as tightly as he could in his weakened state. "Thank you, Ryu."
Ryu paused, "Wh... what are you thanking me for... I should be thanking you." She returned the embrace.
Bell could feel the comforting warmth from her embrace, "For pushing yourself, and for giving me a strong reason to continue through anything."
He could feel her body relax a bit as he spoke. "So, you realized?"
Bell nodded, "I did. After everything, I would be ashamed if I didn't notice. Besides, the way your ears twitched gave away your lie."
Ryu sighed, "Again with the ears... but it's true. I just wanted an excuse to give in to my desire. I... always tend to go too far. I... wanted to be forceful and energetic."
He leaned back and placed his forehead against hers. "I know Ryu, and I accept that." This time he leaned in and gently kissed her.
X
Freya sat on her throne atop the tower, the view of the city, as night grew, was depressing to her eyes. She hadn't seen the ever-bright soul of her Odr. "Has there been any updates about Bell?"
A female stood next to her, "No Lady Freya. He and Ryu left the city and went north. There have not been any updates to state otherwise, the attempt to follow failed after a couple of miles."
Freya frowned at that; she felt a release of Arcanum in that direction only a few days ago. She sighed; she didn't really care either way about that. She missed seeing his smiling face as he ran through the streets. Even if that smile had been absent lately, his soul had remained a brilliant clear white.
She looked over to her attendant, "Horn, What about Ottarl? Has there been any updates revolving around him?"
Horm stood there silently, "No, two weeks ago he left the city. There have been no updates since."
With a swift motion, Freya clicked her tongue and stood. With a last glimmer of hope she glanced down to the city again, she saw a few glimmers that interested her, but none were what she wanted. "Horn. Stay here, I need to get to work. It's a shame Ryu isn't around anymore."
With that statement, Horn bowed "As you wish, my Lady." and she cast her magic. Freya looked into the mirror that stood in her throne and watched her appearance change. No matter how many times it happened, the process still amused her. She shortened an inch, and her face grew softer and gentler.
With a sweet smile, she spoke "Time for work!"
Review Responses:
meth0d: Nice to here, and glad to say it still on schedule to release weekly. So, hope you continue to read it.
Blazeburn006: Yay no fat fingering this time! (Joking) But I'm glad you enjoyed it. I believe I have already given you a response, but I'll say things again here. I mean, Astraea said in this chapter. The seeing Bell basically die saving her did considerable harm to her mental health. So her forcing Astraea to help her see him feels realistic. I had my gallbladder removed, fortunately I was able to dress and do most things myself, but it was painful. Bell, I think should be trouble for with those experiences for a while. Instead of it only seeming to affect him for a single chapter... anyways a 9/10 is a bit generous, but I appreciate it.
pix25: Glad you enjoyed it!