Author Notes:
This is my first fic for this series! Freya's arc made me a big fan of it now, she's really an amazing character and deserves happiness, more love, and more fics where she ends with Bell! So here we are in one!
These first two chapters will retell the events of Freya's arc with some big differences resume in the best way I could, the story will properly start after the war game next chapter, so for now the prologue!.
This fic is in third person! But will be in first person and cursive if I'm writing a character thoughts, or the entire paragraph if is a flashback.
Hope you enjoy it!
Bell was holding Syr's hand gently, slightly tight to don't lose her. "Just a bit more!" He assured to the waitress, as they ran pass the crowd under the invisible cape. All right, we're safe and out of sight from Freya's Familia... why are they too overprotective to Syr, I wonder?
He thought to himself not noticing he was still holding her hand. What he did notice, she was smiling, actually enjoying this.
It hit him how much she seem to desire freedom, perhaps, not even when working at the tavern she is really free of the vigilance?
I can think about that later, I want her to smile for today!
While Bell was on his thoughts focusing on the road, Syr smiles while looking at his back, holding the invisible cape, "This is so fun, he's kidnaping me! My Odr is saving me ah!" She exclaim on her mind, her grey eyes shine purple for a second, trusting in her love interest to lead the way.
Once they seem to lost Freya's Familia eyes, they visited the church, were he told her about the tale of a knight, his lover, and a spirit. How it ends on a bittersweet note, Syr seem to really like it which made Bell happy. His dreams about becoming a hero to save others were inspired by so many heroic tales, yet stories like this ones were as well important. Wanting to find a better answer to reach a happy ending.
She did tease Bell about what to do if that ever happened to her. He took it well, thinking it was a joke, but he really liked how happy and the way she laughed expresses to him.
"Ah... I do really like you..."
It hit his heart directly, like a dagger. He remembers when she whispered on his ear that she felt in love with him after saving his goddess. He genuinely thought it was a prank, or was pretending.
That explains so much of her actions, how at ease she is with me...
This day would really be burned into his heart.
Their date continued on a ferri, but was interrupted by an attack by Freya's Familia. They successfully escaped thanks to their friends from the pub being there spying at first, which somehow Syr was always aware.
Once they escaped the ferri, they had a talk in the bridge of Heroes. Bell felt more confortable talking about his dream with Syr, he genuinely enjoyed his time with her regardless of her teasing, or how tough taking in mind his master teaching were.
Syr was sure, Bell will one day become the last hero Orario needed. Supporting his dream, ever since they met.
You interested me at first sight, and brought so much fun to my life. She giggled to herself
Then she proposed to go somewhere, which he happily accepted to follow, "It's here Bell!" She pointed to the Inn, which immediately took him by surprise.
"Eh!?" She didn't say to an Inn!? Wait she did suggested we should dry our clothes but... uh?!
Suddenly he realizes they already reserved an one bed room, while she enter to the bathroom asking him to wait for his turn.
He sat on the bed, his foot tapping the floor while dozens of thoughts brainstormed his head, "How we ended like this!? Not even master implied this date would lead to this!?" The rabbit didn't saw it coming, he was not an expert in girls giving him direct hints, neither believed Syr would have been this bold.
Even so he accepted it, yet what he should do now? She's not going to make us... uh, no I hope not! I'm not ready...
At that thought his eyes widened slightly, he wasn't bothered she wasn't Aiz...
But wasn't Aiz his idealized love interest all this time? Since she saved him, all their time together made him feel intense joy and motivated him to become stronger and worthy to be at her side, to protect her, yet...
He did felt that same way to Ryuu while they were trapped on the lower floors. Bell did got more flustered than usual by how much they were together and the way they needed heat that day... still, his heart saw both Aiz and Ryuu equally... now, what about Syr?
Syr was not an adventurer like the women mentioned, she was supporting him since the day they met. Her meals are still the most delicious he ever tasted, the charms she gave to him were a big help to move forward, he always enjoyed spending his time with her. It made his heart beat faster, more now that they were alone in this room.
It's true Master forced me to accept to avoid any danger to my familia but... I was planning to accept Syr's invitation from the start?
"Bell, I..."
"Excuse me!"
Not letting her finish he immediately entered the bathroom, where he tried to organize his thoughts.
"Bell..." Syr touched her chest, her heart was racing, a little smile was painted on her lips, "My Odr... I hope, you accept me..." Syr... Freya's voice tremble, feeling her legs shake slightly. All this hours at Bell's side, regardless of her childs vigilance, and persecution, it has been the happiest she ever was in her life. She felt like a young maiden in love, genuine love.
Her love for him was real, it took her long to realize and was what ultimately pushed her to invite him to this date.
"I never... tried this without my charm, or... hehe," she couldn't help but feel flustered as she sat on the bed just wearing her shirt, unbuttoned and ready to present herself at her love interest mercy. She knew this was going to be a bold move, and aside haven't doing it since saving the Gulliver brothers, there was the fact she never used this form for this.
She was not nervous about that either way, her heart was just scared...
She knows Bell was very interested in the Sword Princess from Loki's familia, he have great chemistry and was in a dire situation a few day's ago with their friend Ryuu. But her, it was still unknown.
Yes she knew him personally the most she able to, she helped him with a few things, even risking being discovered while giving him the protection accessory, and the grimoire that gave him Firebolt.
But she didn't felt their friendship advanced the most, it stayed the same so far... unlike with Ryuu which she presence how close they got.
Freya hoped with all her heart this date made him see her more than just a friend, she was not worried about being with him just as Syr for now. She will eventually reveal to him as Freya, and that her feelings are still the same...
Right? As Syr, or my real form, I always think about you the same way, my little rabbit... I wonder if you are like one in bed too... hehe.
At that moment, Bell stepped out of the bathroom, getting flustered as he noticed Syr was still wearing just a shirt, her exposed legs, and barefeet made him blush as he looks away.
As much he tried to convince her to sleep on the bed while him on the floor she ended being the one making him join her on the bed.
Suddenly she was on top of him, making a flustered expression he never saw on her before, she closed her eyes and tried to kiss him.
"Ms.Syr... sorry no," I don't feel ready, it's too sudden! Even he got surprised this were his thoughts.
He looks at Syr again, getting surprised as her eyes glowed pink, he froze for a second, that pink light was familiar... it looked like... "Ms.Syr?"
She immediately pull away, muttering she was not like this. Bell heard it but wasn't able to say anything, just wondered if she was fine, which she just nodded.
Still in an awkward position, he agreed to share the bed as long she didn't try anything inappropriate. She only hugged him from behind but he let her. He couldn't stop thinking about how forward she was right now.
It never crossed his mind before but... she was in love with him?
She still didn't say it but it hit his mind with this date, how direct she was, how happy and attentive she was, and almost kissed him...
He never thought too much about his relationship with her... Syr, was special. He always assumed she was that nice with everyone, but right now...
Today has been so fun at her side, Syr was so fun, rewarding and playful to spend time with, he felt so relaxed and at ease with her company... even when feeling flustered and telling her to not go too far she was understanding and was always smiling to him.
He adored her company, see her smile... he wanted to protect that smile...
Her lips, those eyes, the way she also smiled when she approached her face to him lately.
I feel I saw that smile and eyes somewhere... her eyes shine purple sometimes, the way she looks at me were similar to a gaze I only met once...
"Wait... it couldn't be?"
"It's something the matter Bell?"
"Ah... no, let's sleep for now Ms.Syr..."
Soon after waking up Bell notices Syr was not longer there, immediately he put his clothes and went outside to look for her.
He found who thought at first could be her, but it was not really the real Syr, it was a person the Freya's Familia was trying to kill.
Horn, the woman who gave him Syr's letter that invite him to this date, she was clearly trying to act like Syr, but something about her exposed it to him even before she mistook the matching pin he gave her back. He wasn't too shocked about her trying to kill him, as much as he was of her talking about someone divine being reduced to a normal girl.
That answers my doubts... Bell thought to himself, as she sprint towards where the fake pointed the real "Syr" was.
A bit far from where Bell was, the waitress for the tavern was lost on her thoughts.
"You cannot get charmed..." Freya muttered, she was sat under the shadow of a little dome. She felt ashamed invtrying to use her charm last night, grateful he was inmune to it to begin, "It's just one of many things that makes you so special to me, my Odr..."
You can genuinely love me...
Her charm was more effective when she wanted to control it, but when she's not willingly using it, it was active towards those who approach her, becoming just another "yes person" to her. Freya disliked not getting what she wants without efforts. Her Charm was able to turn Orario under her rule, but she wasn't that kind of person. She cares so much about mortals, she loves watching them doing their best, specially her children, and above all, her dear Bell.
Bell got her attention since she perceived her transparent, heroic soul... when she finds out he was inmune to her Charm spell, which she always considered a curse; It made her heart explode in happiness, all the times she shared with him as Syr were too special memories inside her heart.
Thanks to him, Freya... was able to fell in love, she felt happy. She didn't cared if she lost her goddess status, or if Bell doesn't join her Familia. All she needed, all she wanted right now was him to accept her feelings as Syr...
Then as Freya eventually.
.
.
.
"I'm in love with you, Bell."
Freya's heartbeats increase its speed. She never said those magical words to anyone, she never felt that way genuinely towards someone before, it made her nervous, it made her scared, it made her worry. She was happy for it, because Bell was himself, not another man inflicted by her charm, or a member of her Familia trying to impress her all the time.
In other hand, Bell was lost of words, he already figured she felt this way towards him. He felt relieved, knowing she was the real "Syr", Hedin kept an eye on her while she waited for him. He still wondered why she ran away, but this being her words as soon they met again made him figure out she was steeling herself to confess him.
I did thought in advance this could happen... we just got a date. I... His heartbeat increased, while his mind was showing him all the times they were together, then Aiz, how much did he actually wanted to be with her compared to Syr? A lot... but then, why he feels conflicted?
"I'm sorry... I cannot accept your feelings..."
...I'm not even sure what I really feel, I need more time... maybe speak with Aiz, then...
Before Bell could finish his sentence Syr's tears made him stop. Her lips tremble, her grey eyes turned slightly pink once again as finally she ran away.
"Ms.Syr!" It was not use, she didn't look back. But Bell wasn't able to follow her, she probably doesn't want to see him now.
Why I'm so bad with my words!? Or this is what I wanted to say? My heart hurts... what I really feel?
He was still too innocent, too inexperienced. If Syr fully understood her own feelings, he was way far behind.
I talk with her tomorrow.
For now it was better the both of them cool their minds.
But for the Goddess of Fertility, it would've taken more than a day...
Barefoot under the rain, the silver-haired waitress walked the empty streets, the same ones she enjoyed her day with her love interest. She lost her heels while running for too long.
Why... what I did wrong, I'm really not enough? I don't deserve him?
Freya opened herself to him to the fullest as Syr, she was sure they got along really well, he loved her food, he adored their date.
Then why?
"My Odr..." her tears continue falling through her cheeks, her hands over her face.
She was tired, heartbroken, feeling that reality hit her more harder than she thought.
No... I waited enough, if I can't get you by my efforts... I don't need Syr anymore.
I'll take you by force like I've should have done from the start...
While Bell planned to talk with Syr alongside Ryuu later, he was kidnapped by Freya's Familia, and while the goddess failed to force Hestia to let her exchange his Falna she used her charm to alter everyone's memories about Bell.
Bell felt he was getting crazy, they were telling him that all his adventures in Orario and the dungeon as part of Hestia's Familia were fake. Freya was his only support while trapped in the training ground of Folkvarg and his friends forgetting him.
Still, it was not enough for him to give up.
It was hard, while his mind made him to still look for Syr despite everyone talking like she doesn't exist...
He didn't wanted to believe these memories were fake, it define him as a person since he lost his grandfather. Just a few months, but enough for him to call this place home, it was really just a lie?
One night talking with Freya, she was not her usual self. Her face, was beautiful as ever, so were her mannerisms, but her eyes... expresion...
"It's something wrong, Goddess?" He asked surprised, all these few days he always saw her happy to be with him, letting him speak about his memories without judgements.
But not today, she was distressed, despite her efforts to hide it.
"Oh... sorry my dear Bell, don't worry about it." She places a hand over her cheek as she drank of her tea, "Keep telling me about that Bell I don't know..." she have trouble saying it, as memories of Syr helping in the Hottest pub, Ryuu, her time with Bell there were pictured on her mind.
"I have my Odr with me, why I'm feeling like this?"
She noticed her hand a little shaky, Bell insisted to ask if she was feeling bad once again.
"Why, do you think that?" She gripped the tea handled slightly.
"You seem, a little unwell."
It took the goddess by surprise, her cheeks blushed in the process, she exhaled forcing a smile, "Your so oblivious picking up girls subtleties but never miss up things like this..."
Afraid to have annoyed her he gulps nervous until she smirked at him, always adoring how nervous he gets with her.
"If you like, you can tell me..."
She lowered her face, grabbing her wrist.
"Please tell me, since you're always here for me. I want to help you as well..." you're really beautiful smiling, and... you seem so sad. He thought to himself, looking at her eyes, showing how serious he was.
You are always like this... Bell, so unfair...
"So, did something happen?" He ask again to Freya.
"I'm just too emotional, someone I saw as a friend, hurt me.
"Hurt you?"
Freya nodded, feeling the weight on her chest heavier, "Bell... you see, I said some things, and hurt those precious friend in the process... I think, I may not be able to recover what we lost..."
Ryuu... I wanted to tell you I was Freya for so long, It hurt me that rejection. Not just about sharing Bell, but... insist I'm not Syr...
Freya could always just use her charm, put Ryuu at her mercy, at her command. Just like that she would be already at her side helping her to make Bell fall for her...
No, not you... and I'm not like that!
A mindless puppet would never replace a friend, a person who would just accept anything, never argue back, just accept anything you ask. She already had enough of that painful horrible facade.
She charmed all Orario just to modify Bell's memories from others, more complicated, and more demanding than just brainwashing everyone into accepting Bell as hers and be drones in their task for eternity...
She was not like that...
And yet, Ryuu refused, even Anya, didn't accepted she was Syr. She lost both of them...
The goddess eyes trembled, until Bell's voice took her attention away from her thoughts.
"In that case, what about apologizing?"
"That's an option, but is not possible..."
"Why though?"
"...Because I already found what I wanted the most..." Freya said looking at his gaze, her eyes and voice cold. "I've already decided, I will cast aside anything if necessary for that sake..." the cold tone of her voice made Bell shiver.
So different to her usual warm... that's, a very lonely resolve. It hurts me to hear.
"If you consider precious what you cast aside... it's probably possible to pick it up again, and start over?"
"What?"
"Yes, If you really regret what you said or did to them to get very upset, is better to start with an apology. It'll probably take time for all of you to get back to how things were, but is better than thinking there's not a chance." He stated with a smile, one he was barely able to express lately, but regardless it was in his nature to help others as much he can. Freya was sad, and he wanted her to smile.
Bell always wanted to hold things he consider precious, wondering if they could be better left behind. Still, to this day he doesn't regret never letting them go.
These memories are precious to me, happy, sad, angry ones...
He was sure just like mortals, gods as well regret so many things they left behind.
Freya didn't respond, but she tremble, blushing. "I love you, Bell."
His heart beats faster, but he was mostly confused.
"I love you."
He tried to escape after a loud surprise expression, just stopped by the arm of the couch. Freya continues to tease him, teaching him how to conform a girl in an attempt to trick him into a kiss
That sent him to his limits, "Nonono I cannot do that..!" He says, too soon, and my doubts are still on my mind! He fell over his back on the floor.
Such answer made Freya loudly snort in laughter which took Bell by surprise. I... never thought she would react like that...
"Wh-Wha-ha-What are you doing Bell?" The goddess said between laughter, she moves her legs as she hugged herself on her stomach, she looked adorable.
Looking at her, his dead fish eyes bright slightly once again after awhile. Everything was confusing for his mind and heart regarding if this was reality. But Freya, was trying to help him, she could be pushy and too flirty, but she was really caring... reliable, he felt at ease with her... just like?
"You're really so naive! And so timid!"
Bell's eyes widened in a blush, the familiar situation and her reaction put his mind blank for a second.
"I'm sorry! It just... that didn't seem to be the right moment!"
"Even though, I love you so much you wouldn't answer my feelings?" She pretended to be angry, in a pout. Freya was so caught up with her love interest silliness she forgot herself for a second.
"Eh!? No! No! Is not that, I mustn't behave crudely with a goddess!" Is a rule Bell set to himself since arriving Orario. Hestia was always mad at this making her moves over romantic affection imposible. But ever since his suspicion with Freya he doesn't really applied it to her, and he forgot since when.
She half closed her eyes, "Running away from a goddess of love whispering sweet nothings is far more discourteous..."
She offered her hand to him, making him blush as he was helped to stand up. She wiped her tears of laughter, with a smirk she wasn't able to stop doing. As Bell awkwardly tried to compose himself, Freya's tragic determination was no longer on her face, she was back... to her usual self.
Bell smiled awkwardly, his shattered heart recovering. It confused him at first for awhile, but it was a thought he couldn't longer ignore or brush out.
"Ah, Bell... I really do like you..." From the bottom of her heart, she said it in a very familiar tone.
And that pieces everything together.
Her voice, expression, soothe his heart with a recent memory.
"...Syr?" Are you Syr?
It took them into a trance, as both just looked at each other. Their hearts raced, as many memories together were on their minds.
Bell... how did? Ah... Freya's chest starts to weigh her, Ryuu's and Anya's rejection still tormenting her mind, while she understood why, them not accepting her as Syr just made her fears true.
Syr was just a game.
And Bell, who never saw her turn into the waitress, figured it just talking with her. She let her guard down.
Freya rejected it calling that name to belong to another woman, and told Bell to retire for now...
Because Freya wasn't feeling right, her heart was a maelstrom of conflicted emotions. She didn't understood her heart, she didn't knew what was right anymore. She decided to throw away her life as Syr... since Bell rejected her. She enjoyed how approach him as the waitress made their connection more slow, more genuine, one she loved, one she wishes could evolve into lovers... and maybe, live with him for the rest of his life once he accepted she was Freya.
But it looked like an impossible dream to the goddess of beauty, from the very start of her life... her efforts were rejected, she felt like a fool for not taking him from the start...
Yet, the Bell she loves was always the one who proved his worth, his desires to her all the instances she witnessed his growth. How everything she helped him as Syr motivated her little rabbit to be the best version of himself.
His growth started to slow down, since he didn't found any meaning in all the fights he endured since waking up in Freya's Familia. His stare lost its shine, his soul turned more dull.
It was part of the goddess idea, but it hurt her to watch...
One night, she tried to conform him, letting him sleep with her, soothe his mind with her love. Bell accepted it, wanting to distract his disturbed mind, his heart felt at ease in a familiar embrace... Then why, I feel something is missing?
He couldn't explain it, but the tears Syr dropped that day were still haunting him. He wanted to talk with her, hug her, apologies for being so indecisive and insecure...
Bell didn't wanted to give up. And Freya saw it through his eyes...
She continues to stay in her room, looking at the distance, Orario was so lively outside the cage she used to call her shackles a while ago.
But she didn't wanted this?
Taking away Liaris freese... inflict him with my charm... he would be mine forever.
"But he will not be himself again."
"Shut up!" Freya shouted to her thoughts, it was useless to think about it now. Because the Bell she knew, rejected her.
"Bell... Bell..." she looks at the distance, a burden was form on her chest, not even caring of the signs her charm in alert of an interference. She brush them off as minor inconveniences.
She was tired... she was not able to pretend anymore.
Bell was too stubborn, too attached to his real life. Not matter how much she wants to convince herself, he will never choose this life she offered before everything he knows so far. Perhaps in another reality, he actually joined her Familia, maybe in another he accepted her confession as Syr...
But neither was this, and she was exhausted... just a last resort left... she doesn't care anymore, she will get her Odr no matter what.
Bell training went more complicated, he suffered more wounds, almost die countless of times. He stayed up to his ideals, even at points he almost break
"I can't accept this... I can't just relax, I want to see Syr..."
His mind keeps repeating that, yet not matter how many times she looks for her, nothing...
At dawn of the next few days, she never left this room. She could hear the commotion outside. Ryuu break free from her cell, with sword at hand, attacking anyone on her way to save Bell, pushing anything that wanted to stop her to meet Freya.
Freya stopped inviting Bell, it was useless to allure him into her reality after all. She was aware he was now convinced she was Syr, it was a matter of time he realizes what's going on...
He could tell something wasn't right in Folkvarg right now. And his suspicions about Syr's identity just echoed on his mind.
His heart wanted to meet her right away, he looked around all Orario her whereabouts, she wasn't even on the "Hottest of Fertility."
Mia told him to keep going forward. Bell believed right away there was more on her words, it was up to him to find the truth, leading him to the person he was scared the most to meet...
He stopped being still and ran toward Loki's familia mansion to meet Aiz, the one person he wasn't able to meet before.
When he asked if she remember him, she didn't answered until, she hold his wrist. Somehow, her body was telling her to train with him.
His heart felt relieved, crying at the hope he so much needed. So much he cried taking her hand, his heart remembered why it fell at first sight with her, she was wonderful.
She struggles to understand what she says, but I can tell... my life was not a lie.
Aiz was his idealized love, and it's still his motivation to how strong he wants to be.
Thanks to her, Bell recovered the shine on his soul before being destroyed. She didn't completely remember him, but her habit made it clear his life in Hestia Familia was not a fake reality.
So later at the training he was able to use all he learned so far, and finally give a cut into his master Hedin cheek. He really needed to feel that willpower.
He was sent again at his room afterwards, his mind in deep thoughts about this later events.
It may sound crazy... but...
Syr was nowhere to be found...
But...
She was actually more closer that he imagined, feeling like a fool for believing his hunch was too unrealistic. In fact, explained everything perfectly well.
No one knew where she lives.
Mama Mia being associated with Freya Familia.
Master training him.
Her overprotection on their date.
How all of this happened after failing to express how he feels.
Freya interest on him, how it feels so familiar...
Yes, he broke her heart. But why charm all of Orario if she could just charm him instead?
"No. I'm not like that."
He thought about those words to this day. Freya doesn't really like her ability? Then why...
It was easier to ask directly, he was done with this. He was done with seeing Freya too depressed.
Yes, he noticed it since he met her on her bedroom days ago. Syr, your habits are so noticeable.
Suddenly, a commotion started in Folkvarg. He didn't got time to ask, or even help. They sent him to his room.
Heith, Freya's Familia best healer and who took care of his near death wounds countless times told him to stay there, that the current attack may be related to his curse. He accepted, despite knowing the truth. Guards were told to protect him, and he was told to not meet with Freya.
It was the perfect opportunity... now the question is how.
Like if knowing his intentions, he suddenly found himself alone in a room with Horn, Freya's attendant who he never met these days regardless of her position. The one he knew was the fake Syr, and tried to kill him.
"How much do you know?" Was her question.
He told her about how her goddess really feel, exactly how he figured or more than that... he was Hestia's Familia Bell. That Freya was Syr, and Horn, was Syr as well. All his explanation mafe her feel relieve, saying that otherwise she would hate his existence more for being oblivious. And it made a nod in her throat that he figured Freya's state.
"Do you perhaps... like her?"
"I..." Bell fisted his hands, he didn't got so much time as he hoped to sort his feelings. Everything he knew as a lie, made his own heart conflicted until today. Or when he was with her... feeling safe and familiar, despite how contradicting would be to be alongside the one who put him in this situation.
"Then why did you reject her? I felt my heart shatter after I told you where she waited for you..! tell me, you little..." Horn's voice was cold as ice, it made Bell flinch.
"I didn't exactly rejected her..."
So he told her, how he wasn't sure about his feelings back then, even now he didn't had a proper answer. The only thing his heart was saying, he wants to meet and have a proper talk with Freya...
To seek my answer and because...
"So it's not just her wish getting through her... you caused this by mistake, for being a coward!" She took out a knife, holding it like wanting to stab a piece of trash.
"Ms.Horn wait!" Bell stopped her hand in time but there wasn't strength on her movements, she was looking down, crying, "Ms.Horn... what's happening?"
"She is... suffering...she is hurting! That girl voice... my goddess voice, she is at the point of breaking..." her hands trembled while she sobs. "I thought killing you would have solve this... or that your rejection would make her realize her delusion. I wanted her to remain as a sublime Goddess... not that mere girl!"
Her left eye, now fully revealed, was grayish-navy, Syr is... crying.
"I never hear her voice like this before... She fully intended to bury the girl away, but her feelings stayed the same and she doesn't realize!" She continues venting, Bell stayed silent, her expression hurting him. But nothing compared to what Freya must feel.
"I'm... sorry for being a coward..."
Bell didn't wanted to put any excuses, he could said he was still in love with Aiz, or that he wasn't prepared for this relationship.
Neither was true anymore.
Far from that, he was just scared. Scared of being weak, unable to protect her, not being worthy of her affection.
"She's hurting... you know," he nodded to her sobbing voice, "She doesn't recognize herself anymore. The goddess who saved me... the one who gave me a new name... she deserves happiness..."
I can't imagine what she went through, but I know the Syr I always meet everyday, I agree she deserves better than this...
Bell opened his lips, then exhaled, "I'll try..."
Nodding, smiling with pain at his response, Horn placed the knife over his fingers. Bell immediately recognized it was his Hestia's knife, previously void of its power, which she kept in hope that it help the rabbit once he recover his will.
She never intend to hurt me...
The knife recovered it's potential as it recognized Bell's falna.
"You... kept it with you?"
"Yes..." her trembling hands were holding his, "this... this is my actual intention with it..."
She pulls his hands down holding the now full of strength knife stabbing herself on the chest in the process.
"What... what are you doing!" Bell immediately pulled the Knife away, his eyes widened in shock at her self harm. Horn lost her footing groaning at the pain.
Yelling her name, Bell avoided her fall, "Ms.Horn! Why? Don't worry I can sent you with Heith!" But the goddess servant's hand on his chest silence him, while she shook her head to made his worries go away.
"I can't do much... I cannot save her, but I... can show you how she feels... I'm connected to her that way. It made it difficult to kill you... but as well, understand what my goddess sees in you..."
"Connected..?"
"This way... she can see everything, as well understand how you feel right now..."
Her body started to glow while she chanted an spell over herself.
Right before his eyes she became Syr, the Unexpected change didn't faced him but it made him shiver see her once again... but she wasn't the Syr he knew.
Her voice... her face...
This Syr was a mirror of Freya's true feelings.
"It hurts..." That voice haunted him. "I cast Syr aside... but it still hurts me... it become worse..." he immediately knew those weren't Horn's words, if not from the real Syr.
"Freya..." he said, as the girl continues.
"I thought... I'll be satisfied with you alone... but I hurt so many people... so many precious things...Syr was a lie, a facade yet... I can't explain it!" She shook her head desperate, tears fell from her eyes, while it cost her to place her hand over her chest. "What I wanted the most... was something else, I... I..."
She didn't needed to finish, Bell immediately understood. The way Syr was on their date, her freedom, all what she told him.
"Please... stop me, I don't want to be driven mad by love anymore..! Save me... Bell..."
Freya was doing this to Orario because she didn't wanted to lose me, she was heartbroken after my answer, one i wasn't able to finish and lead to all of this...
Of course she was down that time I pointed it out... she wants me at her side but... she cast aside a part of her...
"I'm not her only important bond... and she..."
His heart raced like crazy, the same feelings he felt when he wanted to reach Aiz... no, more than that.
When he needed to protect his goddess of the minotaur, when he wanted to save Haruhime, when he swear to protect Wienne and the Xenos, save Ryuu... these were his feelings for Syr... for Freya.
He wanted to see her smile, to be at her side, be strong to protect her, make her enjoy her life once again.
He was sure of his answer now, even if he may look like a fool trying to save the person who stole him away. I make them understand...
We face the consequences together!
Tightening gently his hand on the shoulders from the reflection Horn was giving him, he made all his bottle up feelings, all his insecurities and guilt into his burning desire, "I will... save you!" He says aloud, "This is my fault, please, let's talk... wait for me."
He was silent for a bit, biting his lip as he remembers Syr, then Freya. Welf's words echoed on his mind, it was far too late to easily fix his mistake. Still, I will keep trying!
"Even if I break in the process, not matter how much it takes me, I will save you!" Bell claims with hope it reach Freya's hollow heart.
As a fool, he was greedy. As a man in love, he was selfish, but he knew what he wanted, and his never ending determination was forged by his experiences, most of them thanks to the girl who supported him from the start, and on his more depressed state.
Syr saved him.
It was his turn, to save Freya.
Horn's wound seems to be healed, but he didn't wanted to take it for granted, her life was at risk. Taking her in his arms and running in hope to meet someone in his way to the goddess.
Ever since he met Freya in Apollo's party, something about her was both familiar, inviting, and very confusing to him. Everyone always called her an unobtainable, cold empress, and bewitching monarch. Hestia always warned him about her, he figured no one of the gods felt anything good would come when she was involved.
Her gaze, was intense, it made his back burn.
Far from what he expected, she was caring, teasing, and have troubles opening about herself.
Regardless, she always offers a hand to help those in need... the girls at the pub, the orphanage, maybe her familia too...
Because of her identity as Syr, Bell was able to meet her, he didn't expect her to be the goddess Freya, but it wasn't going to change how he felt.
Hopefully, we can talk...
He carried "Syr" on his arms and ran through the empty hallways of the mansion to meet Freya.
As he reaches the big door to her room, Ottar was waiting for him, who asked Bell to give over Horn. Freya ordered him to save her, and so he will. It surprised him he didn't stopped his track to meet the goddess, is like she was inviting him...
Bell wasn't nervous, he already decided his goal.
He slowly opened the door to her chamber, she was looking at the distance on the window. Wearing her white dress she always used on their meetings, her barefeet showing she was trembling. Bell felt a bit flustered, but he needed to ignore it for now, then finally got closer, noticing the couch they used to share was not longer there. It made him sad...
"You come at last, Bell..." she was just standing, he couldn't figure what was on her tormented mind, "I suppose it would be shameless to ask why are you here?"
It doesn't bother me to see you my Odr... but is not a good time... less when my entire plan fell apart...
Her tone wasn't warm or inviting as has been all their meetings, she was like a cold empress.
Bell stopped his steps, without flinching.
"If you had accepted my reality, I would had welcome you with love... everytime, but Horn ruined everything..."
It hurts being compared to a broken toy, goddess... no, I cannot just see you that way.
But Bell just exhaled, a least his heart was not wavering in an strange discomfort anymore.
"You were Syr..."
"Yes, it was me who played with all of you at the tavern..." She answers as it was pointless, "But you misunderstand, the girl named Syr never existed." She calmly explain, she stayed on her authority, like an empress. Her eyes twitched slightly at the mention of Syr.
But even so, Bell didn't took it like that. I already knew, but you're not being honest Freya...
"What do you mean?" Bell's voice was firm.
"I was roleplaying, just passing the time pretending to be a mere girl... everyone at the pub, Ryuu, you... you all were just another extension of said game." She narrow her eyes, not putting effort in explaining. "Syr was just a piece of my game, not a real person..."
"Syr..."
"Stop calling me by that name!" She was annoyed now. Stop Bell, please...
"No, I won't..." Freya narrowed her eyebrows, giving a step back as Bell stops closer. "Syr, then why were you crying back then?" Bell was asking if her sadness was an act, that his mistake didn't had consequences. He was not going to accept that.
She was heartbroken that day after their date, crying like it would've taken days to recover.
At his questions her eyes widened.
"Why were you helping me then? Even today?"
She was for him when they laughed at him, when he was hungry, when everyone saw him as a traitor for helping the Xenos. He practically cried on her lap, he could swear that was the moment he fell in love with her...
"All of that was an act on my part, I wanted to help you growth stronger. That Grimoire, the amulet for the war game, the lunches... I wanted to see how strong you could become..." she clarify, "I fell in love with your soul at first sight. I wanted you to become the best version of yourself, then claim the fruit of my labor for myself."
True, thanks to her it was ever possible for him to stand before her now... but she wasn't telling the whole truth
"Those tears were a lie... I simply acted, Syr would had cried in that situation."
"You're lying..." a very obvious lie.
Freya's expression hardened.
"You were completely hurt, of course it was real!" Bell shouted, everything she said was not entirely the truth but what she wanted to believe, "I was so paralyzed by your tears I wasn't able to finish my sentence!!" I'll never let you say our pain wasn't real. I did a mistake, and she did all of this as the consequences. Not even Syr herself will deny what happened, that date, all our time together was genuine. "Syr was there, and I'm talking about you!"
She was taken aback, clearly annoyed by his words, she shook her face as from her pocket she took out an object Bell remembered so well.
The hair ornament match, the spirit. Which he gave to Syr.
"That's!"
"The first present you gave to her... she was happy..." her eyes shines as she looked at it, almost like she didn't notice. "But I don't need it anymore..."
"Freya!!!"
Before she could do something she would clearly regret, he immediately stopped her fingers holding the ornament with his hand. They were so close that they could kiss at any time, but were so focused on their conversation.
"The game is over, stop getting angry to this lie!"
"There's no lie!"
"Syr is dead! She is gone!"
A burning fire was on his heart, still don't realizing how his unique skill was strongly glinting at his love interest presence.
She was brushing aside her real feelings.
"She is not! Syr is here, you are Syr!" His heart was beating fast, being this close to Freya, Syr; was making him flustered but he wasn't going to gave up. "You're the one who told me to save you!"
"That was just Horn's feelings crossing in the way! Impure thoughts of a child mixing with my divine will."
"Like hell that's true! She hates herself because your feelings got into her and that's why she wanted to kill me!" Bell practically cornered her on the wall, this time it was the goddess who was flustered, "Syr... you are hurting yourself acting like this! Freya, you are more than the tyrant you believe you are... the way you are now, that is the actual lie!"
"Shut up!" She pushed Bell, but wasn't so far away, "Save me? Aren't you the one who rejected her feelings? Why you care about that?!"
Bell shook his head, not controlling his voice, "Do I need a reason to save you? It's because I want to, You are suffering, you are not honest with yourself and bottling so much pain!"
"I refuse that! I don't want that, and I don't recall asking to be saved!" Freya tightened her grip on her fist. Bell immediately realized her ornament was on his hand now, making him relieved.
"You got it wrong, and that day, I actually...!"
"Silence!" Freya was biting her lips, before turning them into a sneer, "Like If I should really ask you to save me... there's nothing to save, just a void heart who still loves you, but you keep refusing to be part of..."
Bell eyes widened at her expression, he didn't liked at all that face, it was hurting him how much she was suffering. She refused to listen to him, doubting if his real feelings would really save her now.
So be it then...
"Yes, it was me who hurt you! I'm the one who made you suffer!" They were close again as he vented his anger and frustration, "I am who did this to you, that's why I'm going to stop you!"
Once I save you, I'll be the one who confess this time. Bell didn't wanted to turn such precious moment to have in their memories from a painful one. Freya would hate him if he did, refuse to accept her real self.
Annoyed, Freya groans, containing herself. If it was someone else she could just use her charm to freeze his movements, if it was a child without Falna she could throw him like she did with Ishtar. But Bell wasn't neither of these options. She didn't wanted to ask her guards directly, and Ottar was busy with Horn.
"I will save you, I won't let anyone else take this role! Not even you can stop me!" This vow was surely childish and stubborn, but that was the path he already choose for himself.
A hero, If it means save the person he just find out to love, he will be a fool as much as possible.
That confession was real.
That smile she shared for him that day was real.
Their mutual love was definitely real.
He was sure she genuinely wants to love him as she did in their recent talks, she wasn't lying about never rejecting Hestia's Familia Bell's.
But forcing herself to be like this was not really her.
Not with everything Freya worked hard to get by her own efforts. She made him fall in love with her, she just doesn't know it yet.
Bell himself stated he would never fall in love with a goddess, but Freya broke that barrier a long time ago. Syr was her, that's all he needed to know.
It frustrated Bell to not end just being unable to tell her now.
He needed to make up for the tears she cried back then, still hurting his heart to this day. He wants to protect her from hurting more people, specially herself any further.
The source of all this pain, all this mess, what is hurting us, was me. I can't let it keep going anymore!
Freya's eyes were in shock, "...Do you even understand what are you saying? Insisting on save a girl you just rejected and expect her to just be fine with it?" Her eyes turned cold, releasing a scornful snort, "What a hideous ego, even among the gods there wasn't no male like you. You're an hypocrite beyond comprehension."
"What are you just doing is Ego as well!" She glared at him. "Because you wanted me in your Familia, knowing my goddess and I would refuse, you twisted everyone in Orario! That's a terribly hideous ego, too!"
Her sneer was piercing his heart, both of them were venting at each other almost to the point of no return. He saw through her, she was letting her possessiveness run wild, as a way to endure her pain.
When love was involved, it was inevitable to get hurt.
Their eyes continues to clash with each other, there was not good end in this conversation. They couldn't hate the other, neither show their affection to amend their relationship at the moment.
She felt heartbroken and rejected, Bell's words should make her happy, but her reason was telling her to not listen, her heart suffered enough to listen to it ever again.
Her eyes were trembling, Freya got hurt so many times, but a rejection she worked hard to avoid. To the point of Syr being her, was too much for her broken soul to accept.
Bell was determined to save her, he fell in love once to someone else, a person who still was in a special place on his heart. Now, his feelings were for the Goddess he mistakenly broke her heart.
He felt stupid, hated his own weakness, and his own inexperience... I wish I could conform you now, I can save it until all of this end.
Their Egos and love, were too big that hurting each other was inevitable in this situation. Both were crying, his fist were clenching, and her stare was not longer cold as before, resembling more an annoyed woman who had enough with her life.
Bell promised to himself to listen to her vent as long she needed another time.
"Not matter how much you scream and cry... it doesn't change the fact that Syr was just a game in my part..." the goddess broke the silence again, not avoiding their gaze.
"There's not way such heartfelt confession was a lie..!"
"Wh-!" His rebuttal was shout by instincts, taking her off guard, her eyes trembled.
"Not matter how many times you repeat yourself, I won't let you say Syr did not exist, why I should care about your pride!?" He can't forget that day, how a very happy memory turned into one he will ever regret thanks to his weakness. Yet, nothing will change the fact that it happened, it made him realize his mistakes, it made Freya take this decision, it hurt the both of them.
They can't go back to that day and avoid it.
"That wasn't a lie, it was real! No one, not even you will deny it to me!"
Her cheeks blushed for a moment, but the goddess immediately sneer, pushing him again as Bell avoided fall on the floor, a bit away without break their gazes.
"Disagreeable! Just totally unpleasant! Why I should feel this way, why are you trying to hurt me with baseless hopes! Is not enough to just rejecting that girl once!" Her sneer dissapear, looking down, a quiet rage in her words.
The goddess of beauty and war rage made his skin tingle. He may be doing something crazy defying the goddess who had the awe of others, even other deities.
But nothing will stop the flame in his resolve, his heart, the glint of his skill stayed strong.
Hestia feared that getting rejected by Aiz would break it, if Freya was now his goal this time, why it was getting stronger on this situation instead?
Because he wanted to save her, because Freya was on the verge of losing herself, her love for him was so big, so genuine, so longing. That made all her efforts for nothing the second he looked like he was rejecting her.
She cannot see how much I care just with words, she is not in her best state... but what I can do to make her understand me?
"If you'll stop me...you'll save me... All that gibberish speech, what exactly are you going to do?"
Bell couldn't answer.
"You already guessed, my charm doesn't work on you, Bell. But Orario is still twisted, I can make everyone into your enemy, including your Familia, or your beloved sword princess."
While Bell tries to press onward, reality hits him once again. Despite trying to stay calm his heart was racing. Her glare seems to noticed it through his gaze.
Please, just surrender to me...
While Freya was thinking that, her heart still hurt. Her mind flashing many moments she shared as Syr, her many friends... former friends.
"I will... break your spirit if necessary." She still had the control of all Orario, she will not listen to Bell, she wanted to keep her Odr. She waited too long, and now that he was here, it would broke her to let him go.
She always imagined their meeting romantic, a moment to keep in their hearts forever...
While they shared many happy memories... his rejection continues to pierce her weak heart...
"There's no way... you can save me..."
Just when both believed it was over, Bell's back started burning, the symbol of Freya's Familia burned into it's original form, the crest of Hestia's Familia.
As he says that, Freya notices a blue flame form around the sky, "Hestia..?"
The flame surrounded the entire city, purifying every charmed mind from the goddess of love spell.
Everyone who was involved with her attack in the festival, those who immediately remember rejecting Bell were now aware what was happening.
Freya was frightened, but just looked down. She didn't had the intention of turning everyone into mindless puppet, which lead into this result for leaving their free will to an extent.
It happened in an instant, countless of affected familias, everyone who knew Bell were arriving to Folkvarg.
"My charm... was broken? If it were possible then--?" What did I overlooked? I checked everything! What did I miss?
A lot, she realized, she stopped paying attention at some point. Not because she was feeling safe... her broken heart and memories made her exhausted.
The goddess stunned expression shifted as her brows furrowed into annoyance.
While Bell was shocked, he noticed her gaze down. She was angry, but looking in silence at the floor. It made him feel hurt, regardless of their discussion.
"Freya, listen..."
But before he could talk, the enormous window break, two figures entered the scene.
Hestia, who immediately hugged Bell charging to him, and Asfi, who landed on their side as Freya stared in shock.
Bell never felt so happy after realizing Hestia was who outdone the Charm on the city, feeling safe to be with his real patron goddess after days dealing with pain on his heart.
Freya stared at them with a grim look as Hestia faces her, "And with that, Freya! I will be taking Bell back! Not yours! Mine, my beloved Bell who I share the deepest bond out of anyone and who I share mutual love!" She exclaim proud to the goddess of love, making Bell sweat with an uncomfortable laugh as he stood as well.
While displeased she just twirled her hair looking at Hestia and Bell holding hands.
Freya wasn't angry at Hestia for destroying her charm, neither to her followers to allowing it to happen. She was angry at herself, for letting her pain unable her to notice.
She should had realized Hestia and Hermes could do anything behind the charm track.
And most of all...
"It's all thanks to your Half heartedness, or kindness in not forcing me go back to heaven! You wouldn't get thanks from me though!" Hestia mocked her, feeling triumphant.
Freya was out of options, she cannot charm Bell. And even if she tried charming everyone in Orario again, Bell will don't lost himself, neither Hestia allow it to happen.
Being now the one cornered, as Hestia was staring all her movements, and Bell just looking nervous at both goddesses discussions; Freya was just expressionless.
I need to do something, I cannot let this to go out of control!But before Bell was able to do anything.
"A war game..."
He stopped immediately, as Hestia gasped in shock.
"Hestia... I challenge you to a War game." Freya didn't even raise her voice, she was cold, but not letting her turmoil emotions show, "If I lose, then I'll do whatever you say. I'll even accept being sent back to the heavens..." she did a step forward, now looking at the little rabbit, "And if I win, I'll take Bell."
Hestia tried to deny it, commenting Freya should pay for what she did and understand her situation. Even though, Freya explained her Familia was still important to complete the three great quest of Orario, so the most they will suffer is a penalty. Then probably once everything cool off, she would just do another trick.
Even if it wasn't true, Hestia would be haunted by the thought, now cornered to her proposal.
Her Familia was fighting back the intruders, the only ones able to reach her chambers was Bell, who she willingly let enter. And Hestia who stormed alongside Asfi. The later stayed silent, knowing she spoke the truth.
"That is the true strength and influence of my familia..." her way of speaking was haughty and shameless, "all the status I'd build up after all this time..."
I'm so proud of it, so proud of my children, how strong and far they come... but...
"And I wager all of it... My wealth, honor, even myself..."
The three who listened couldn't believe it. She basically bet all of her possessions and accomplishment, if she lost, she would become a naked queen. Losing everything, including her name as the strongest goddess in Orario. The guild would critically worse her penalty if that happens.
"What..?!" Bell exclaim, Why? This is how far you're going to attempt get me!?
The voice of Syr asking him to save her was echoing on his mind. Freya had everything, but what she really wanted. She did told him, she already decided to put aside anything just for that goal.
"You may have as many cooperators as you wish, even ally with all of the familia in the city. I'll face it with only my children."
She provided a handicap, her eyes were just set on her resolve.
"Let's duel Hestia... and Bell."
The three of them were in silence, just the cold breeze of the night was hear.
Hestia made clear she will never forgive Freya, for all the harm she did to her followers, and hurting Bell. Even so she asked worried.
"...But why are you so hung out on Bell? Why would you go this far? Because you're a goddess of love? Taking a shine on him?" She left aside her dominion and control of the situation, "Freya... what do you really want?"
Bell just hear her in silence, her words pierce his heart just acknowledging how far all of this turned. Freya didn't answered, her gaze lowered, like a child who just didn't knew what she wanted.
I want my odr...
Was all Freya have in mind, her heart wanted him, needed him, but even with that, her heart still crumbled...
Exhausted of the silence, Hestia look at her child, "Bell, what do you want to do?" In a way or another, she already knew. He didn't seem angry, neither relieved or anything negative towards Freya. She noticed on his eyes his usual determination, even care? It was not the time to ask further, as she finally wanted to hear his words.
He was the main victim after all, and the person Freya desired as her only reward if she win. Unlike Freya, Hestia would lost nothing in comparison, even with him being her everything it was an absurd bet.
Bell just released Hestia's hand and took a step forward, "If we win, would you finally listen to me?"
"Very well, whatever you request, or you want to say, I listen..."
"We talk in the pub once we win the war game, and..." he looks at her eyes determined, "I want you to be your real self."
He asked for neither Syr, or Freya.
He already knew the answer, she should be able to figure it. It was the only way his feelings for her should get across.
Freya's eyes widened slightly, blinking in confusion for a bit, "All right... I don't understand what you meant but, I accept." She looked lost but didn't waver to stop looking at his eyes.
Freya's eyes were pretty, but currently lost all signals of life and motivation. This war game was her last resort.
With all bets meet, Hestia accepted the War game.
The greatest battle in Orario that would later be known as the great familia war.
Freya... I'm really sorry it lead to this, I will not lose. But... I wouldn't let anything to happen to you, I save you. Then finally, I know you will recover that smile. Syr... Freya... both are the real you.
Nothing was going to stop Bell's resolve.
Freya stopped the invaders with her charm, ceasing all the battles immediately, making them walk away from Folkvarg peacefully. Once they were far enough, she cease the control. It took everyone unaware on the strength of her power by surprise.
She places her hand on the glass, looking at everyone going away in silence, knowing she gained the ire and disgust of many around Orario. I don't care...
That was half true, she obtained her high reputation by her own efforts. So she just threw all of that away willingly, she didn't really need it.
Her eyes were set on Bell, who she could see staring at her at the distance. Her heartbeat quickens, while she bit her lips. She was so close, yet so far to finally have him.
Then why, I don't feel it would relieve me...
Charm the only person who was immune to her spell, her Odr...
It was the only way...
But now there was a chance to officially get him, without ever needing to use that spell ever again. And she will not let Hestia win, she gave her all possible options to stop her, so she will show why her Familia was the strongest in Orario.
"Ottar, please tell everyone to rest for today, and wait for me to make an official announcement in the morning, I'll sleep here in Folkvarg today."
"As you wish my lady," he replied with a bow before going away.
Freya sat on her bed looking down to her feet, she didn't felt victorious or in danger. Her heart was tired, she wanted to have a moment just for herself.
She took a Bell plush she hide under her pillow and hug it, giving it kisses on its head, as she closed her eyes to distract herself from the pain.
"Bell..."
Bell looked at the entrance one last time, finally free from the place that haunted his doubts so far, then the chambers he felt safe everyday after training, talking with Freya who always made his heart felt at ease. Just a bit ago, in that same place he had a huge discussion with the goddess of love. He was sure she was still there looking at him, thinking about his company.
It surprise him how he didn't felt anger, neither disgust, or even rejection towards her.
Love could be complicated.
He remembers, he was rejected immediately by her children when he first arrived to Orario, when he was looking for a Familia. He wondered if Freya was in the mansion that day, she would've let him join immediately.
But that was nothing the current Bell was going to worry, he was a proud member of Hestia's Familia, he wouldn't change his life for nothing.
Still, his love for Syr... Freya, remained the same.
I swear, I will save you...
Hestia, who was behind him just exhaled loudly, "It's always like this with you..." she stomped the grass frustrated, then in her anger took her sandals off and threw them away with a fierce expression not caring to feel the damp grass on her soles.
"Goddess! It's dangerous to walk barefoot outdoors!" Bell immediately exclaim using his speed to catch her footwear quickly, then running back to his goddess. She didn't received it as she placed a palm on her temple.
"Bell, I worked hard to stay strong. I cried silently that you were suffering... it was tough to follow Hermes schemes outside the limits of the charm..." now she pierce her gaze into Bell taking him aback, "I know those eyes of you, don't tell me you are planning something with that bitch who is obsessed with you?!"
"Goddess, please don't call her like that."
"You're not even angry why!!!" Hestia continue to stomp the grass with her soles.
A few meters away Ryuu was looking at the mansion, she pressed her own chest in worry. She felt uneasy for not being able to talk with Syr, not today, who knows if ever again.
"What's the matter Gale Wind?" Aiz asked confused, she followed her fellow adventurer after helping each other against Freya's Familia. but the Elf shook her head, before she could walk away they noticed Bell trying to calm Hestia.
"Bell!" Both women said in unison, approaching the goddess and child pair.
"Please goddess, just hear me out! I don't think you should stay angry, well maybe a bit but please."
Hestia force a smile pretending to be all right. She went through so many emotions that single day she didn't expected this turn of events at all. I'm not angry, at all!
"I'm fine Bell! It's just not fair! Ahhh," she shouted, while trying to control her anger, breathing to let steam out, "Now, tell me Bell... be honest with me," her eyes were fierce, but he didn't waver, "Are you in love with Freya?"
"Yes, I do..."
Both Ryuu and Aiz stopped their steps right behind Hestia. Their eyes and mouth wide open.
"Are you serious? Like you're not fooling yourself, in delusion, or fall in her charm? DID YOU LOST LIARIS FREESE!? Freya when I get my hands on you...
But he shook his head, "Yes, I can promise is me, really fine. I'm in love with Freya, and I want to save her."
"Save her you say..." she pouted, looking to her side, then groaning in anger, "That stupid goddess is taking away my Bell, even after I'm rightfully getting him back, is not fair!!" She shouted then mumble to herself in drama.
"Huh... Bell, what you mean by that!?" Bell tremble hearing Ryuu's voice, and was taken aback when he saw Aiz, blushing furiously since they heard him.
"Are you under the effect of her charm!?" Aiz comment narrowing her brows, "Hestia why you didn't purified Bell? We can't let him under that horrible spell!"
"WallenWhat-it-is? He is not charmed, Bell is immune to her Charm" Hestia pointed, "She won his heart just being herself, before she took him away from me to be precise," she added, immediately followed by Aiz in disbelief.
"Ms.Ryuu, Freya is Ms.Syr..." he noticed her brows narrow in anger at that mention, "I did a mistake and rejected her fumbling my words, that's why all of this happened..."
"No..."
"Wait, Goddess Freya is the waitress you were on a date with?" Aiz eyes trembled, trying to control her anger, "How can you be so calm about it? I doubt you knew back then."
"I figured a few days ago, and to be honest... all these days she reminded me to Ms.Syr..." while is true she was making him feel pain, he wondered if it was related to being inmune to her Charm. He never saw her kindness as a facade, she does seems incredible when she is angry but... "She is suffering..." he muttered, neither Aiz or his goddess heard him. But Ryuu did.
Hestia sighed, "Well, I'm conflicted about your feelings, I did say to her face I will hate her for eternity. But I'm not going to take away that happiness from you..." Hestia crosses her arms, "So Bell, I figure you way to save her was accept her War game?"
At that last part, the Sword Princess and Gale Wind eyes widened again, "What, a War game against Freya Familia!?" Ryuu said in cold sweat.
Hestia nodded, focused on her follower. It was a crazy idea, a fight against the biggest Familia in all of Orario. Freya did gave them the green light to let any other Familia to join their side, and by the look of it, she will left the other gods to decide any further details.
"Yes, she was too honest about not giving up. Not matter who wins, it will bring an end to this..." he crossed his arms, "But I don't plan to lose, win is our only option. The only way I can save her."
The three women were in silence, Aiz was very conflicted. It was a first from her to heard from the boy she was interested in, to be in love with someone else. Ryuu was putting her feelings aside for now, paying attention, because it involved the friend who saved her life, and of course she will cooperate to bring her back.
"We should get back, I doubt Freya have the patience to let us stand here in front of her mansion," Hestia warned, so Bell nodded.
He took a last look at the broken window, "Wait for me, Syr..."
Bell got the welcome home he expected, all his friends cried at his return, his fellow Familia members. Ryuu, Aiz, Hermes, and Asfi entered while looking at the heartwarming scene, it has been a couple of tough days, specially for Ryuu and Asfi, who were worried to death if Freya could be stopped.
"I missed all of you!" Bell was able to say, although he was happy, he never felt sure how to react in these situations.
They brainstormed him with questions, apologies, and pleads he was barely able to keep up with. Until Hestia clapped her hands, "All right, all right, we have a very important announcement to give, so please everyone take a seat." And they did as she asked, aware of her serious tone.
Everyone were surprised , expecting her to be all over the moon to have Bell back.
"Lilly have a bad feeling..." she said herself, fingering her indexed while in the sofa, her, Haruhime, and Mikoto were at the left of Bell, and Welf on his right who felt the same.
In truth she just wanted to keep hugging Bell and apologize, but Lilly was very worried about the news they wanted to give.
Ryuu was lean on the wall behind Bell, and Aiz on foot on the other side, both women were anxious since they overheard Bell and his goddess a bit before.
"You know why they are impatient?" Hermes asked Asfi, who just shrugged her shoulders.
Hestia cleared her throat, it was for the best just go straight to the point, "Freya and I agreed to fight in a War Game," everyone shouted their surprise, wondering why she did it, not making sense considering what the Goddess of beauty did to Orario, "She has too much influence, the guild will do everything to just give a penalty to her Familia, and once all is cool off she could just don't give up on Bell, basically she restrained us into accept her duel."
"But why she is so obsessed with Bell? Why go that far to steal him from us?" Welf asked.
"Because he is immune to her charm, the only one in all Orario capable to face her without falling to her grasp," Asfi pointed, taking everyone who didn't knew by surprise.
"Well... she did wanted to name him Vanadis Odr, remember Hestia?" Pointed Hermes, which made Hestia sigh, tired of Freya's schemes and teases about Bell.
"If is not a bother, can you explain to us what that means?" Lilliruca asked, sharing the confusion with the mortals in the room.
"Husband of Freya," Hestia immediately said, taking the Adventurers in shock.
It was the first time Bell heard about this, he did remember Syr telling him about looking for her Odr, and Hedin saying something about him being Freya's Odr. If his immunity to her charm was connected... Freya, how long that spell made you suffer?
"Freya descend from Heaven just looking for that alone, her Odr. Her destined partner, the only person that is inmune to her charm, she hates how it normally turns any mortal or gods to her command." Hestia explain to everyone, she remembered when Freya told her personally before her descent. I wished for you to find your happiness back then...
Haruhime lowered her gaze, "A destined lover, the only one who can love her back genuinely..." the renard could relate with her pain, while disagreeing on her methods.
"Is true her charm makes you vulnerable to everything she says, but if she hates it so much why inflict all Orario with it?' Mikoto pointed.
Aiz opinion on her was getting worse.
"If I have to guess, it was her last resort. She set herself to get what she wanted." Lilly says, with her arms crossed. She was furious with the goddess, hating that she forced her to hurt Bell.
"In any case Hestia, we need to reunite with the other in Dynatus, now! This War game cannot be taken lightly," Hermes pointed as he stood, walking away with Asfi, leaving Hestia who was still in an sour mood.
She was still very conflicted but already accepted her role, and rejection. After all she always looks for the best for her Childrens.
And right now, Bell needed all the help possible.
"Bell, if you have something to tell them just do it now! Don't let me be the only one suffering!" Hestia warned him as she immediately went away.
"Goddess... ah..." he didn't got a chance to reply, since she closed the door, both gods left the mortals, now reunited with Bell. I wasn't planning to keep it a secret.
It was more like Bell wasn't sure how to bring it up. Not to say how exactly his friends would react to the news.
He tapped his foot while he was on his thoughts, then finally turned back to the living room, "Everyone, I have something to- Ahhhhh!!!" He exclaim as two figures jumped right to hug him.
"Bell!" "Bell!"
Next thing he knew he was on the center of the couch hugged by Lilly, and Haruhime. Welf, Mikoto, and others were surrounding him. Ryuu was looking at him with a smile while Aiz was looking pensive with her arms crossed, not understanding her own impatience.
"Bell, what did your Goddess told you to tell us? I hope you can explain yourself..." the Sword Princess was agitated.
"I agree, can you explain every detail about what you said to Lady Hestia back there?" added Ryuu, her gaze changed reminiscent to when they first met.
In a cold sweat, Bell nodded, "Yes of course, but please, don't look at me like that..." they didn't say anything, waiting for him to speak.
"Oh, it's something wrong?" Haruhime asked in confusion, giving Bell space.
"Tell us Bell, these days were tough but don't worry, we're here for you. We help you!" Lilly assured, still holding one of his hands.
Welf and Mikoto stayed silent, knowing he already got enough spoken worries, they nodded to tell the rabbit to proceed.
Bell thought about Syr, about Freya. All the moments they were together, her teasing, her help. Even the times she helped him growth without knowing, she may start her interest on him for something else, but her love felt so real. He was not able to fool himself anymore.
"I'm in love with the Goddess Freya."
Not hesitation in his voice. There wasn't going back once he realized his feelings, not like he was planning to.
Everyone gasped, with the exception of the veteran Adventurers.
"What!? How? She took you away from us, she hurt you! How can you love that witch, you already have Lilly!!"
"Last comment aside, I agree with her..." Welf places his fingers on his chin, "care to explain? We may be able to understand you, Bell." He added, making the rabbit smile.
"Yes, the only Lady Freya I know is the one I heard others talking about, I never met her... but after that incident, she seems scary to me," Haruhime commented.
"Freya's Familia attacked us without mercy, are you not angry or worried about that?" Mikoto asked, stern on her voice.
"Of course not, her Familia can really be crazy... it's just my fault that all of this happened to begin, I can't do nothing about that, but accept that it happened..."
No the answer Mikoto expected, she nodded and waited further explanation.
"Cranel, you know who Freya is, to us right?" Ryuu's voice was cold, she was still very angry with Freya. Hear Bell was all over her felt like an insult, but wanted to understand, not to say, how much she still appreciate both of her friends.
It was for Hestia's Familia to hear.
"Yes, I figured it by myself. Freya was Syr all this time," he slightly smiled.
"So that witch was really one all this time! Unforgivable, Lilly doesn't accept it!" She shook Bell with her hands until Mikoto hold her, "Let me go! I cannot let her keep Bell charmed!"
"He is immune to her Charm Lilly! Let's just hear master Bell!" Mikoto calmed her down, but Lilliruca was still agitated.
"Syr told me, she used Anya to lure me out of hiding... then said her life as Syr was just a game. Nothing she did was real, just that goddess taking us for fool... all her words, all our tears, hugs... everything!" Ryuu exclaim with a surprising calm, her voice sent chill to everyone's spine.
"Yes, that's what Freya continues to tell me, but I don't believe her."
"How can you be so sure!?" Ryuu trusted her instincts, she wasn't able to recognize Syr when she tried to touch her.
"Because her eyes, her expressions... the way she is with me is like how she always was as Syr," Bell pointed, "We have so much fun in our date, Freya looked so happy to feel free, to just be a regular girl not monitored by her own Familia..." he fisted his fist, his other clue was still painful to his heart.
"You did say, you weren't able to answer her feelings properly..." The Elf remarks.
"I wasn't sure of my feelings, I wanted to follow what Welf told me to be clear with others to avoid misunderstandings. But my mind was a mess with Syr... she thought I rejected her, and cried... It hurt me see her in that state." He explain, trying to control his nervousness. He never got a proper time to talk about this with others.
"Does Syr knows?"
"She doesn't want to listen, I doubt she believes me until I save her first." Bell assured, determined to fulfill his promise.
"Sounds like her... still, is too much to take in," Ryuu pointed, one hand over her forehead, "I'll help you Bell. Syr is still my dear friend... a least that's what I want to believe, I want Freya to tell me herself. And give her a good slap in the face!" She fisted her fist in anger. Bell never saw her once this angry at her friend, as much he was sure everything will be fine between both, it was a matter between them.
"Thank you Ryuu, she will be back with us!" He assured.
Welf exhaled, "So much to follow my suggestions, to think you will give a wrong answer for not understanding your own heart, is really common." He placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm on your side, so hope I can give you a hand."
"Welf..."
"Indeed, you can try talking with her another time. She must be heartbroken, waiting to hear your real feelings..." The renard points, "Lady Freya is scary to us, but if you saw kindness in her, I'm willing to help you save her."
"Haruhime."
"We have a lot to solve against her Familia, of course I'll be there," Mikoto says, "Just promise that you will save her, if you believe that will help all of us, including yourself" she smiles, assuring her support.
"Of course, Mikoto!"
Aiz stayed silent hearing their exchange, unlike them she didn't really knew the goddess or the waitress personally. They did interacted a lot when I find them together...
It bothered her to remember.
"Bell, why are you sure the goddess needs to be saved? It's difficult for me to believe someone who takes the will of everyone in Orario regret her actions," Aiz put aside her weird feelings on her chest for now, she wanted to help Bell as much she could.
Bell proceeds to explain about Horn and how she can take the form of both Freya and Syr.
"Remember when Freya's Familia tried to kill Syr?" Everyone nodded, "That's Ms.Horn, is the same girl who gave us the letter. But we never met her as Syr until that day," he clarify, "She is connected to Freya's feeling, so she was able to communicate to me how she really feels..."
Bell explained how Freya tries to push Syr away from herself, because his rejection made Freya insecure of her love being properly reciprocate, just leaving the option of taking him by force.
"I understand, I'll trust your judgment then Bell," Aiz finished before turning to the exit, "My Familia is probably looking for me, call me if you need my help... and welcome back, Bell."
"Thank you for all your help Aiz, your support brought us back here. I promise everything will be fine" Bell responded in relieve, he was happy to have her at his side when he needed it the most in the Charmed Orario. He could tell something was troubling her mind, hoping to help her once the War game is over.
"I wish you luck, everyone," the Sword Princess said with a smile before leaving the mansion.
Everyone stayed silent for a bit, processing everything Bell explained. That with an upcoming War Game, they needed to be more prepared than ever.
Freya's Familia was one of the strongest in Orario, they hope the gods could plan a balance.
"Lilly doesn't believe in those who hurt master Bell, but I will not oppose to help you if you are sure about your decision, is Freya really the person you love? What happened with The Sword Princess?" Lilliruca asked in a serious tone, which took Bell by surprise, but really appreciate it.
Both her and his goddess were so against his feelings for Aiz, but part of it was him never stating how he actually feels about many others in this circumstances, which Welf needed to point in their previous talk days ago. He learned his lesson, delaying it so much that his mind didn't knew how to properly answer Syr...
"I understood that my feelings for Ms.Aiz are just admiration, while I looked at her as a love interest... my heart felt more drawn towards Syr... if I love her? I do, she's the woman who makes me feel the happiest, and my heart wants to protect. I feel Freya went through so much, and must feel lonely... but is not the reason I like her, I love who she is as a person," Bell stated, there was so much details about her to point out but he wanted to express it to Freya herself once the war game is over.
"I'll support you then... I hope she doesn't hurt you ever again, or Lilly will never forgive her!" She finished, giving a reassuring smile.
Bell felt so happy to be back home, with the friends he made and grew alongside these months. Their decisive battle was just in a few days, which he needed to make sure to not lose, for everyone at his side he was the one at stake, for him, it was save a girl from her suffering.
I will save you, Freya...
-To be continue