TLH Chapter 11: Humiliation
A/N: Idk whether this will be uploaded before or after Walking the Wrong Path, the reason being that I'm writing both simultaneously.
Well, I wasn't planning to, but I got stuck at a scene in Walking the Wrong Path and Idk how to proceed so I just came back here.
Anyway, no notices for now.
Reviews:
Uh, thanks to Musashi I realised that I had made a blunder with the dungeon going bit, so I edited that back. Please let me know if any other inconsistencies pop up.
I guess it is my fault, but I'm writing like 4 series, and information doesn't tend to stay in my brain for long.
Guest: Bell does seem like a douchebag here. Partly my fault, I'm trying to find a balance between comedic statements, and straight-up dickhead behaviour. Give me some time to find it please, his characterisation is occasionally rude but not even to make him a complete cunt.
Comteqfr: No it's not the same as Ryuu's backstory. But I won't spoil much.
Musashi 566: he has 12 techniques. I messed up man. Accidental error.
Shadinho: I can respect your wish for no romance. I can see why you would say so as well, but the people have spoken. My fics are typically controlled by my readers. I pick who they say, so I can't very well ignore the ppl who said it. I can assure you that the romance will be built up at a controlled rate.
Would really appreciate it if you guys could provide some Constructive criticism.
But yeah, Tata~
-Break-
It had been two weeks since The three from the Takemikazuchi Familia began training under Bell, on the Eastern Wall, where it was once a smooth walking path littered with bird poop.
Now it had become a slightly broken and rough walking path. After the effects of their daily training, or so Bell called it.
Cracks on the ground and chunks of the serrated walls missing, it was a surprise that the guard below was never hit once in the head.
Still filled with bird poop though.
It was a contrast to the Northern Wall which was offly clean and well managed but the Eastern Wall seemed to be the gathering spot for the birds who had dinner it seemed.
Bell was once more amid a spar with the three altogether.
Their entire flow and individual abilities had evidently grown over the past two weeks.
Welf having agreed to be a smith for the entire Takemikazuchi familia had provided better quality weapons than what they previously had, while they honed their ability to work together and fight against something stronger.
Ouka no longer had to be asked to cover, when Mikoto was stunned.
Mikoto no longer had to declare what move she was going to do next.
Chigusa was no longer helpless from being attacked from behind.
Though their growth was impressive, a person could only grow so much over a couple of weeks.
Ultimately, Bell could still easily overpower all three of them, but their overall response had dramatically improved, something which was a testament to his abilities as a teacher and their bond and levels of trust.
"Ough," Ouka flew back onto the ground, gripping his chest where the kick had landed, throbbing pain pulsed with every breath he took.
Not even half a second later, Mikoto appeared right next to Bell performing a downward slash. A bit basic and easily parried, but she quickly recovered her form and bought some time for Ouka to get up.
Suddenly ducking and allowing an arrow to fly right to Bell's head. Her mind was already aware that her friend would pull the bow.
The arrow was going to strike true, the sharp tip tore through the wind, whistling as it reached its target.
Unfortunately, Bell was fast enough to catch the arrow while simultaneously kneeing Mikoto as she lowered her head. Blood spurted out of her nostrils like a broken faucet. The loud crunch was only shadowed by the simultaneous fall of Chigusa, who failed to react to a head-on blow of a stone being thrown at her. Thus having to stop the bleeding they had no choice but to take pause.
Within those few moments, the entire party of three had been reduced to a pile of groaning, and aching human mush.
"Bell dono, did you use a level 4's strength in that knee?" Mikoto asked, pinching the soft part of her nose and leaning forwards. Soon, she poured a bit of a potion directly on her nose while she drank the rest.
It would've been the most effective had the potion been directly administered to inside her nostril, but that simply felt too uncomfortable and was quite frankly,
disgusting.
"I'm impressed with how much you guys have improved." Bell complimented sipping on his water canister.
Ouka being the type of person he is, couldn't help but snort, "Please, tell us that once we last longer than ten minutes against you."
Over the weeks one of the things Bell struggled to understand about Ouka was his true motive as to why he was the way he is.
Frankly, it was somewhat weird with how he spoke, behaved and handled himself. It was almost humble.
Almost.
Yet, his tone was one of arrogance and self-depreciation. Frankly, it was hard to understand how he displayed such contrasting emotions at the same time, but he managed it.
He was always self-demeaning and lowered his accomplishments but would glare at Bell somewhat aggressively. Comical as it was, It would get tiring for even Bell to have to deal with that.
At first, he thought Ouka's aggressiveness could've stemmed from the wrong impression that Bell was trying to waste their time. Or trying to inflate his own ego by repeatedly beating them up.
As if he didn't have anything better to do.
But even after seeing his improvements over time, and the amount by which they grew, his glare did not subside even a little bit. Bell tried everything, probing around to find a way to get rid of that horrid look.
He beat Ouka to the ground.
He tried to befriend him.
He tried to tame him with food.
He beat the shit out of him.
There was an attempt with a gift like flowers, but that was quickly scrapped as February 14th was right around the corner.
Oh, and he had offered further private lessons to really show him the 'ropes' but he sort of...shivered away.
And finally, Bell had beaten the ever-living shit out of him.
...
Yet nothing worked despite the earnest attempts at mellowing him out a bit. In the end, he had found the final diagnosis that would even make Amid proud.
Ouka...
was a Tsundere.
Someone who couldn't handle compliments and would be unreasonably aggressive at you, but deep within their hearts, they loved you very much.
It was the only true explanation he could come up with and a darn solid one at that.
Yup.
" Well, today will be the last time we train like this, for a while at least." Bell pushed himself off the wall and stretched his limbs loose.
"Oh? Is there any particular reason for this?" Mikoto asked curiously as to why he was stopping.
Grateful didn't even begin to describe how she felt about what he had been doing. It was her pride to have received lessons from someone as capable as him, and honestly, his movements had always appealed to her a lot.
His body had been honed through earnest hard work, capable of making flexible movements and fitting through even the tightest of spaces.
Not that he lacked strength, his lean muscles were evidently efficient and even some of his lightest blows felt like heavy war hammer strikes to her. Through it all, however, he had a patient and calm mentality, to guide them each step of the way.
She had found the sessions most helpful, and she saw the visible improvement whenever she decided to dungeon dive with her familia, their connectivity had greatly improved and they fought better as well.
She reckoned that had the situation in which they met happened again, she and her familia would have a much greater chance at getting away in one piece. Though, she wouldn't allow herself to be conceited and let this growth get to her head.
"Nothing to be concerned about...kind of." Bell scratched his cheek with a bead of sweat going down the side of his face, " Well I don't know if you know, but there's been an insect around for the last couple of days now."
Mikoto's eyes widened in realisation, though she didn't express her thoughts, worried that whoever it was, might overhear her.
She understood exactly what he meant, and nodded to Ouka and Chigusa as if to hint at them to stay quiet too.
"...Is everything going to be ok?" She asked hesitantly, afraid she might end up alerting whoever it was. Since she couldn't sense them, they took into consideration of Bell's level 5 status to stay clear of his zone of detection.
Yet he found out anyways.
All it took was one slip-up. A single step into his range of detection and gaze, immediately Bell was aware of him. It was strange that whoever it was, didn't leave after seeing the skirmish against Allen.
It wasn't that Bell had heavily damaged Allen, hell he got a bit injured himself but still.
One of them he knew to be coming from the top of Babel, and he held nothing but disgust for it. Unfortunately, he couldn't change anything a bit yet.
The other person, however...
"Don't worry." Bell smiled at Mikoto albeit a bit ominously, "Everything will be juuuuust fine."
-Break-
Later that day
"Oi, where do you think you're going to?" Bell sneered, launching himself right at the man currently on the run from him.
An elf. A being of noble birth, a race chosen by the Gods, The species loved by nature. Now he ran, ragged and exhausted, from trying to escape from that-that-
"YOU MANIAC!"
The elf stumbled; crashing into a blockade of crates put there by fate to allow his hunter to catch up to him. His feet kicked up dirt with every step he took, dirtying his pristine clothes as he ran and ran.
Not caring what he ran into.
Who he ran into.
Where he ran into.
So long as he got away from that...Thing.
"Damn you human!" he cursed, the phrase leaving a foul aftertaste-hell he was an aristocrat- from Apollo's sake. Yet, here he was being chased endlessly by a creature he would deem worse than any monster in existence.
Another pile of crates fell over.
"You piece of -" he held himself back. He couldn't waste any energy on cursing a freak of nature, and judging by the burning sensation in his lungs he didn't have much, to begin with. Adrenaline was the only thing to keep him running, trying to escape to the nearest safest place.
Initially, he was wary of undertaking the task of watching level 5, due to the disparity between their levels. But after the first few days, he could only play it off as Bell having duller senses, as Bell never managed to see him, despite him getting too close a few times.
'Who could've known that he was planning this?'
He could only blame his bad luck, but his deep-rooted loyalty to his deity prevented him from rejecting a chance to get closer to him. A chance to get one more night. In his arms, receiving his affection.
In his mind, it made full sense that Bell was toying with him. No level 5, would be slower than a level 2 like him. Besides, he had seen it! The light scuffle or his deity called it, between Bell and Allen.
Bell had been following him, running after him just enough of a distance to give him a fake sense of hope.
A fake exit.
But each and every time he tried to get anywhere near his familia's manor or the Guild, Bell would appear right in front of him to block the way.
Always with a deep, near demonic grin, and tell him, "Wrong way, ninja. Try again!"
'How long is this going to continue?' he wondered. His stamina was now drained, each and every step he took felt heavier than the last, each time a ton of weight was added to his body. His breaths became shallower and shallower.
The edges of his vision blurred and very quickly the world turned black.
-Break-
Sometime Later
"Ngh..."
The elf awoke. Pain coursed through his body faster than blood ever did. Quaking muscles spasmed every so often, a sign of the lack of oxygen they had.
"Where am I?" His raspy voice croaked out, a result of running so long without even taking a single sip of water. His eyes saw nothing but black, unnatural, dark black.
Restraints were put on him, imprisoning him to the uncomfortable wooden chair.
"Oh my," a voice spoke outward, "It looks like the guest of honour is awake."
A deep, gnawing feeling was seeded in the elf's heart. It only grew, as the blindfold was lifted from his face. The first thing he saw?
Fierce red eyes.
"Well, well, well."
The seed sprouted.
"Isn't this weird, I don't recall having a fan as persistent as you?"
Panic.
Dread.
Worry.
Many things ran through the elf's mind. But his delirious and exhausted mind could not process things any faster than they already were.
"Well no matter, I must welcome you to my humble Abode,"
A little cornered mouse staring right into a lion's mouth. The aggressive, firm and strong eyes of the lion looking down on the little mouse. It was quite easy to understand that his situation was simply hopeless.
No level of emotion could ever suppress what a prey felt in front of its predator. A feeling so raw, and crucial it's one instilled in every living being.
Whether it be a dwarf or even an elf.
Fear.
"Lissos."
His worn-out heart picked up, beating incomparably faster than before. Almost as if the rest of his body couldn't keep up with his pumping chest. A new supply of energy burst out, his muscles seemingly forgot their own fatigue as they fought against the restraint. Wanting to escape. He had never feared monsters much before, for he was always prepared to strike down any beast if his God so wished.
Yet now that he was bound. Unable to move, he felt the ends of his hair stand.
His hands wanted to push Bell's face away.
His legs wanted to run away from there.
But it was to no avail.
"Lissos, Level 2, Adventurer from the Apollo Familia. Previously an elf nobility that has travelled into the outside world to prove himself to his father. Joining a familia with a similar structure to the Freya familia, where you all compete for the approval of your deity. Rather barbaric if you ask me, but seems you love him dearly." Bell grinned. "It'd be a shame if something happened to him wouldn't it?"
A chill ran down his spine.
His dear Apollo-sama.
'My Lord is in danger!'
As soon as the thought appear, Lissos began to struggle more than ever, not caring for a second if he broke every bone in his body, he had to take this man out right now. It didn't matter he was level 2, nor did it matter that his lord had taken a liking to this human boy.
He.
Did.
Not.
Care.
This boy could not be allowed to live.
Bell backed away, before driving a devastating punch right into Lissos's gut. A thick wad of saliva came out of his mouth as a result. A pang of pain rang out from his innards, as he felt his intestine be crushed under the extreme pressure.
"Relax, I'm not going to harm Apollo," Bell reassured. "Nor am I going to torture you, I don't condone such brutality anyways. I only tied you up because you wouldn't sit down and speak." Bell reassured the man, though he doubted if the man would even believe it.
And as he suspected.
"Conniving liar, you cannot deceive me!" Lissos croaked out, his parched throat once more reminding him that he had a thirst to quench.
Bell sighed as he went got a mug of water, threw in a straw and put it in front of his face.
Lissos instead sneered, "Do you think I'll allow you to poison me so easily?"
Fair assumption.
To demonstrate the lack of poison, Bell took a sip from the mug and then offered it again to him.
"You expect me to drink the water that a filthy human drank?"
'This fucker...'
Bell pinched the soft part of Lissos's nose without hesitation, pulling it up and forcefully making him open his mouth to breathe.
"Drink," Bell poured the water into his throat directly. Both openings now blocked, Lissos had no other choice but to drink, lest he wanted to drown in the liquid.
"I said I wouldn't torture you, but that doesn't mean I'll be gentle."
Lissos was reduced to a coughing mess. His eyes watered and his body tried desperately to get rid of the water that had intruded into his airways.
"What- Cough what the hell do you want?!" Lissos spat out, gasping for air.
"That's exactly my question," Bell replied as he toyed with a small dagger. The light refracted from its edges, giving it a rather menacing glint "You were there when I had that...encounter, with Allen. You should be well aware both you and your familia are no match for me." Bell came back to him.
"Tell me, what is it that your Beloved Apollo wants."
A second passed and soon another rolled in, slowly and slowly, the silence became progressively more and more defeaning, as Bell stared at Lissos.
It wasn't that he wanted to do this to Lissos, but was well aware that being soft wouldn't help. He had to assess the current situation, and most importantly gauge whether Apollo would get in his way. Violence was never the answer but from what he learned before, being naive would never help his case.
He would never again take chances, nor show any pity to those who want to harm him. He had sworn, on that day, that he would be careful.
He swore that there wouldn't be a second time.
"No good huh..." Bell murmured without a hint of disappointment, as though he had expected this, "Well, I feel like I know enough anyways. So here's my hypothesis. Apollo has acquired something. Something that will make him powerful. Powerful enough to stand a chance against a level 5. His goal has now become me and by extension my God, Zeus."
"The other day, I received the banquet invite from the Apollo Familia. So here's the shtick. You were sent as bait." Finally, Lissos flinched, ever so slightly, "A bait for me to notice, and maybe beat up or even kill. Then at the banquet, he'll use another child as a 'witness' to my crimes, and then start a war."
...
That was all Bell needed.
Now that he had gotten what he needed, it was time for him to start preparing for a banquet. For that to happen, however.
" Hey, Lissos." Bell called out, "Good night."
And the world returned to black for the elf.
-Break-
Having knocked Lissos's daylights out and dropped him off at the Apollo Mansion, Bell walked straight to the Olympian Manor.
He had all the pieces of the puzzle for now, thus having many of his questions answered.
Why there was someone constantly following him around?
Why was Allen tailing him too? More importantly, there was no way Allen didn't notice the other person tailing him, why did he ignore it?
And perhaps, the greatest answer he could've procured.
Where did a familia like Apollo familia find the audacity to go against a level 5?
'It seems, I'll have to hasten the plans somewhat.' Bell smiled.
Confidence was nothing something he lacked in most of his actions; so he didn't really have any reason to feel worried about what was to come. The best thing he could do was to get prepared for it.
Yes there was a probability of things going wrong, and there definitely was a reason why Apollo was acting so courageously, but it didn't matter.
Not to him.
He knew what needed to be done. Why he came to Orario, to begin with. Not because he desperately wanted to finish what his predecessors had started, but because he knew of the fate that he bore.
But he never failed to appreciate life, he treasured most of the people he had become 'friends' with and had much he wanted to complete. If some weirdo God wanted to hinder his path.
Well...
Bell would eradicate them from his sight.
NONE Shall get in his way.
Slamming open the doors, Bell's nostrils were attacked by the sweet aroma of tea, along with something that easily overpowered it. A sweet scent, so sickening that it brought bile to his throat. The nauseating smell played with his senses and tricked his body into swallowing an empty gulp. Almost making him zone out before he snapped back to reality. It was...disgusting.
How he hated such perturbing substances that tickled his senses in all the wrong ways.
"Ah, Bell you're back." Zeus greeted by lifting his teacup. For once, Zeus was sat in the front lounge. "Perfect timing, this here is-"
"Soma."
The...blob replied.
...
That thing was human? Scratch that, it could speak?
Bell released a long sigh, the earlier kick to his nostrils now making sense. Of course, it had to be the God Soma.
Why wouldn't it be?
The pile of hair probably had a million species of lice living in it. They probably had mansions scaled to the size of the Olympian manor there too.
The wine God was so close to his craft, that his clothes were now infected with the strong fragrance of his wine.
His eyes hidden from the aforementioned pile of hair, he wore a rough purple habit. Slight stains here and there, evidence of him not looking after himself.
"Bell why do you look like you had Horse dung shoved into your nostrils?" Zeus asked interrupting his internal monologue.
"Why do you think gramps?" Bell replied, weakly glaring at Soma. Though he didn't maintain it for too long.
'Divinity is still divinity, Bell. Calm down.' He repeated to himself, forcefully keeping himself at bay.
"Ah right, you have a sharp sense of smell. Forgot that." Zeus guffawed at the rather funny situation before him.
Bell shook his head as if trying to get himself out of a daze before he refocused his gaze on Soma. The smell was still rapin- attacking his nostrils. But if he breathed through his mouth instead, he would be in better shape.
"Pleasure to meet you, Lord Soma, I am Bell Cranel." Bell gave a slight bow, though his greeting was somewhat strained by his emotions contradicting the words leaving his mouth.
"Likewise."
And, Soma gave not a single fuck about Bell's opinion, another thing Zeus found rather amusing.
But he was well used to it.
"So, if I may ask," Bell moved on from the previous statement, " What is a God like you doing here?"
A bit blunt yes, but Bell doubted that empty pleasantries mattered much to Soma, judging his previous response.
"...I'm not welcome?" Soma replied dryly, not really sounding offended.
"It's not that, but I doubt you aren't aware of your reputation as a deity that never really shows his face," Bell stated matter-of-factly.
Soma's reputation was through mainly 2 sources from what he had known.
One was obviously, from the wine and the alcohol that his familia made.
Another was from the ramblings of his gramps and other deities he's ever interacted with, of Soma being one to never really show up to things. His reputation was something that came from Tenkai too.
Hell, he'd been pretty darn sure that Soma was as friendless as a being could get. If Zeus and he were to turn out buddies, then Bell would have to remind his grandfather of how to choose the right friends.
"He came here because he was requested something by another deity," Zeus answered for him.
"Another deity?"
"Apollo," Soma informed.
Right.
Of course.
Makes even more sense now.
" I'm here for no harm," Soma suddenly spoke up with a bit of assurance. As if sensing the budding hostility in Bell. "You may not be aware, but I'm acquaintanced with Zeus and his familia."
"Sorry?"
"Boy, do you know why Soma came down to the Gekai?" Zeus asked Bell. Of course, he got his expected response, silence.
Not because Bell was in the wrong for not knowing, but because silence was always the right answer to the reason for a God's descent.
" He wanted a challenge." Zeus responded, "He came down to make the Godly wine he made in heaven but wanted to see what kind of peak he could reach here and what kind of mortals would be able to resist the intoxicating bliss of his wine."
"None of my own managed though." Soma tacked on with a hint of disappointment.
" Right, most of his children succumbed to his alcohol, and as of late he stopped caring. But back in the days well, contrary to public knowledge he was very welcome in our familia home."(1)
"His familia's captain...was the first," Soma added nostalgically.
-Break-
Flashback
The door to the Olympian Manor slammed open.
"Oi, old man, look here! I found something!"
"*sigh* Who did you bring again? This late at night no less?" Zald huffed turning to see his lax captain.
"I found the greatest fuzz ball!" Maxim grinned shoving the person in his arms forward. His 6'10" stature makes the person seem equivalent to a toy. "It even talks!"
"...put me down."
"See?" Maxim grinned, his short brown hair shifting, as he nodded.
"...Maxim, stop messing with the poor man. He clearly feels uncomfortable."
"What's with the noise? Did Maxim come back?" Zeus asked, entering their front lounge. A room filled with the warriors of the Zeus Familia, though it was a night like any other it was an area full of life.
Far from a meeting of high society, huddles of people littered the ground. Some were enjoying some light snacks, some were simply sitting with idle chatter.
A rambunctious crowd watching two of the fellow familia members going at it in an arm wrestling match, watching with rapt attention to see who would win.
It was an atmosphere that called upon the very definition of joy. Not a single frown was in place, and anyone who entered the room would not feel even a twinge of discomfort.
That was the familia that Zeus had cultivated.
"Oh! Ain't that Soma?" Zeus put on his glasses.
"...Could you tell your child to unhand me?" Soma replied. Despite being a God, he was constricted in the arms of a mortal that he could not escape from.
Even he, the ever-infamous shut-in wine master, knew quite well of who Maxim was.
The tall man was but the second strongest person on level, just behind 'The Empress' of the Hera Familia.
He as a deity was understandably curious as to Maxim's personality, but his desire to create the perfect wine only made him push his curiosity down as he kept trying to perfect his craft in the lower world too.
"...Soma? You mean the creator of the wine that fucks the people's minds up?" Maxim asked his grin fading a slight bit.
"!"
"Yeah. The same one." Zeus nodded, knowing well what was about to happen.
As a heroic Familia, the Zeus familia were a culmination of like-minded freaks, that were able to see the bigger picture of their goal.
Not a single one of them would hesitate before giving themselves up just to save a single person because they knew the worth of life. They were willing to let go of theirs and that was the altruistic feature of their familia.
But they weren't just a bunch of righteous guys that were brought together by pure luck. Most of them had reasons to find the better for humanity.
Some were traumatised from a young age.
Some admired heroes.
While some were abused.
"..." Maxim stood rooted to the spot. The rest of the familia is similarly in a bind, all of them frowning or rather worried about what Maxim was going to do.
For Maxim fell in the category of someone who was abused.
Heavily so.
His parents were but one abuser in his life.
The cause?
Soma.
"...Calm down Maxim," Zeus's voice pierced the silence. His voice of reasoning came, not too quiet nor too loud. A voice that spoke of understanding.
Zeus knew very well of Maxim's past and found it quite a coincidence for the very cause of Maxim's problems to be standing right in front of him.
But he knew he could trust that Maxim would not let his emotions get the better of him.
He knew he could trust Maxim to not draw the sword that his hand gripped. His mind and body fighting a battle against each other.
The logic is to not exact his revenge, for all those years of pain and suffering. The desire not to throw away the very morals he stood for.
But his body wanted it so badly.
Oh so bad.
The sweet taste of revenge would feel more pleasurable than any wine Soma could ever conjure up.
And there was no doubt in his mind about it.
"...*sigh*" Maxim relaxed his grip on his blade. The menacing glint in his eyes was present like before, a glare filled with hatred. " Tell me, God Soma, are you aware of what your hobby has done to people?"
His voice filled with venom and distaste for the deity.
"...I do," Soma replied with an air of nonchalance. Every second of him not even flinching at the harsh tone used by Maxim pissed him off.
Was it arrogance?
A blind trust that no mortal would dare to do that which is forbidden and slay a God?
Maxim couldn't understand, but he knew better than let his body move, a feat capable of those with only a great mental fortitude to comprehend.
"Then why?!" Maxim nearly cried out, before reeling himself back in, "Why is it that you make such a venom? One that reduces the voice of reason in any man into nothing but a tiny whisper, that dies with every gulp they take of your shit!"
"Because I'm trying to perfect my craft," Soma replied.
Crack
"...perfect your craft?"
The Gods were fickle.
Beings who behaved however they pleased. Many Gods forced their families to fight each other to the death, simply because they had a minor feud. Entire families were destroyed overnight because one flippant deity thought the Gekai would be better off without them.
"Yes. I seek to create the ultimate Wine. One that no chalice deserves to hold. The pinnacle of beverage that shakes you to the very core of your being."
With every word he spoke, Maxim's anger continued to rise. Each phrase tested his patience and wore thinner and thinner.
He knew that Gods were selfish. That they were unchanging and uncaring.
But it didn't help much to alleviate the anger. Countless people suffered because of the drink this God made.
The number of people that would be better off without this nonsensical God being in the Gekai.
"But I also seek to find worthy ones. One who could resist succumbing to this wine." Soma informed.
Had he spoken more bullshit, these words would've flown right by Maxim's head.
Maxim drew his sword and raised it.
"Maxim don't!" Zald tried to stop him.
But it was already too late.
Crash
Maxim's sword had narrowly missed Soma, and cut right through the floor of the House. A clean crevice as the sword was embedded in the ground.
"You know? Your very existence disgusts me." Maxim huffed, glaring at Soma, "You who uncaringly continue to produce this drug, irresponsibly and stupidly feeding to people left and right, ruining their lives and robbing their futures. People like you piss me off the most."
The entire familia remained in silence, not a single one of them dared to look in his direction besides Zald. Alas, the captain of the Zeus Familia beckoned respect, his intimidating aura was one which very few could resist, as his watchful eye bore right into your soul.
Though it was nothing compared to a deity's full presence, it was something that even level 4s would have a difficult time looking at.
"Cleaving your head off would be the easiest thing to do right now, and I can assure you not a single person here would be able to stop me from doing so. Frankly speaking, I should be doing so immediately. To stop you from harming the people I know you will in the future."
"..." Soma didn't reply, continually staring at Maxim.
Maxim sat, the table serving as his chair. His hand resting on his blade.
"But that isn't how I roll." Maxim added, " You say you wish to find one worthy? Very well! Bring forth your best wine, I shall beat you at your own game."
"...No."
...
Soma's immediate rejection left everyone once more speechless. It was as though he was trying to anger Maxim even more.
"Don't think wrong of me, Olympian." Soma began, "I may be out of touch with many things, but even I know the importance of your presence. The wine of my creation fails most of the time, the ingredients of the lower world being full of impurities and ineffective."
"But when it does work, it creates an abomination."
" I cannot allow you to drink such a substance that can ruin you for the rest of your life. Many mortals before have tried. Many that had futures filled with success." Soma's hair shifted, revealing an abyssal pair of black eyes.
Eyes that have seen disappointment, time and time again. Seeing the descent of even the noblest of people being reduced to addicts, fumbling, stuttering and begging for more.
In the world of monsters, joy was a commodity many did not have. Soma's wine was a weapon of destruction that could even make the most loyal of vassals turn their blades to their master, just so they could have one more sip.
To see the people lose against this drink was something Soma abhorred.
Not one.
Not a single one had the willpower to back their bold claims. Some called him a monster.
Some called for his banishment from the Gekai.
Some adored his wine.
Some begged for him to stay.
But none of them mattered.
For none were worthy.
"Do not underestimate me." Maxim chastised Soma without hesitation. Even as he spoke with the divine, his hazel eyes exuded nothing but strength. An endless belief that he would not lose.
Determination.
"I swear upon my title, Olympian, I shall not yield to the empty pleasures of your wine."
Fierceness.
"I will not allow your wine to get the better of me."
Absolute Trust.
These emotions were all but evident in the eyes of the captain of the Zeus Familia. On a night like any other, turned awry Soma found something different from the endless hordes of people begging for his wine.
Faith.
"Besides, if I get drop-dead drunk on your wine, then Zald shall strike me down, maybe it'll be enough of a handicap for him to win for once." Maxim grinned.
Laughter filled the entire room, as Zald himself prepared to attack him in indignation.
'...'
"Very well." Soma smiled, reaching into his back pocket, and retrieving a vial of liquid.
"You keep that kinda thing in your back pocket?"
"You never know when you could find one who is worthy," Soma responded.
Well to be fair, it was seemingly applicable to this situation after all.
"Here." Soma handed the vial to Maxim. The thick, dark red liquid sloshed inside with a smooth consistency. Simply uncorking the vial allowed its smell to invade the entire room.
A mellow scent, that tingled your nose emerged. Along with its phantom taste of the liquid, it made even Maxim, who rarely drank alcohol, nearly gulp in anticipation.
Though he had made promises and spoken big words of assurances, it was a product that was deemed "Semi successful" by the Wine God.
But Maxim was not one to be swayed by such emotions.
In one swift swig, he chugged the vial till there was not a single drop left. He planned to drink it quickly, to not allow his tongue to feel the wine.
Yet it mattered not. As soon as it reached inside his body, it felt as if he had a molten core inside him. Warmth spread from the very corner of his soul. As if his parents had given him the warm embrace of love and affection that he longed for a long time ago.
Truly a sensation inexplicable to anyone that hasn't drank this liquid. Everything shook around him, and his vision blurred from the sensory overload his brain felt. The absolute bliss that he felt was a hundred times stronger than any effect Freya's charm ever had on him.
He, who was an adventurer standing at the pinnacle of level 8, felt as if all his desires now and forever had been fulfilled.
He felt this torrent of emotions in just that split second of swallowing the liquid.
But just as it came, the feeling left. A deep, empty hole burrowed itself in him. His body craved it. It craved to feel that pleasure. He wanted it.
He needed it.
Just like his parents.
Just one more time.
Just one more sip...
'No!'
He fought.
'I can overcome this!'
Valiantly so. An uphill battle that felt harder than any leviathan or behemoth would've felt. (2)
'I won't let this consume me, not like it did them.'
Images of his parents flashed in his eyes. A desperate attempt at shaking this feeling off.
Meanwhile, Soma once more felt the same disappointment.
He had hoped that perhaps a man with such strong convictions would be able to resist. Sure, the vial he gave was actually the purest he has made to this date, but he had a sliver of hope, that perhaps one as strong as him could resist.
Alas, it seemed his belief was unfounded. Judging by the face of the Olympian, it left no doubt in his mind.
He would not find a worthy person in this world.
Turning to Zeus, Soma lowered his head ever so lightly, "Apologies Zeus. It seems as though I have taken away some of the great value from you. I do hope you can forgive me, but I cannot recompensate you for this loss."
Zeus smirked and shook his head, "Don't bother worrying about things like that. He made the choice himself, to challenge your wine. It was purely his decision to do so, thus the consequences are his to suffer."
Soma began to walk to the exit. It was time for him to return to his room. Having lost the final vestige of faith in humanity, he walked but-
"...where?"
"!" Soma's eyes widened as he turned back around.
"Where huff do you think huff you're going?" Maxim laughed dryly as if all the moisture from his throat had been sapped out. " Tis' but a scratch."
That night was just as normal as any other. A night that had gone awry, but it had been one that Soma would not forget for the next ten thousand years.
A night when he finally found one.
Someone who could resist his wine.
End Flashback
-Break-
"Maxim was the first person to have fought against my wine. Attacking you, his successor is something I refuse to do." Soma's weary voice explained.
When you hear of a shut-in Wine God, you would hardly think of someone that had gotten attached to a mortal from more than a decade ago.
Let alone someone of Soma's stature, a divine entity whose face was shown around so little, even some of his children had difficulty remembering him.
Sniffle.
Truly some sad business, regardless it was one that Bell found rather comical despite the connotations of the ever so easily forgettable God.
"But if you aren't here to attack, what exactly did you come for?" Bell enquired, hoping his intentions weren't mistaken as one of telling Soma to leave.
...Not that he would mind if he chose to do so.
" Am I not welcome?"
NO.
"But of course you are. I was simply curious," Bell replied sweating, only remembering the fact that Gods can detect lies, at the end of his sentence.
He would pray that Soma didn't realise it, but judging by the boisterous laughs coming from Zeus, he detected it alright.
Soma looked at Bell for a second, before turning to his bag.
"Here." Soma handed to Bell, "I had forgotten that when you visit someone else's abode you should hand them a gift. My apologies."
What he handed Bell, well...brought a mixture of feelings.
See, he could feel appreciation for the sentiment of having brought a rather nice assortment of cookies.
But he couldn't help but feel mildly concerned at the fact that they had expired...3 years ago.
Not trusting his words to be truthful, Bell simply smiled and nodded before excusing himself to the kitchen so that he could put the cookies where they belonged.
...
In the trash.
Soma, not being one to stay for a sleepover with his fellow God took his leave, not having seen Bell's face after the initial interaction.
Thankfully as he left, dinner had been prepared so, the grandfather and grandson duo had to go get their bellies filled.
It was a long-standing tradition between Bell and Zeus to have a small catch-up talk during dinner, talking about the activities they each did during the day.
Talking of how training with Takemikazuchi Familia went.
How Hermes was still hiding from Bell like a little wuss.
And How Bell was taking to his level up.
"I've chosen our outfits for Apollo's Banquet by the way." Bell brought up. Since it was as good timing as any.
"You plan on attending that?"
"Well, it seems he wants to challenge us." Bell smirked deviously before explaining his entire interaction with Lissos, not hiding the...'joke' he played on him, by binding him to a chair.
Putting a cloth over his eyes.
...Beating him up.
Well, he had healed him afterwards so it's all good.
All's well that ends well.
"Speaking of Apollo's banquet, can you tell me a bit about Apollo himself? I tried to get some of that info when I was questioning Lissos, but all I got in response was stories of when Lissos sucked his di-"
"Bell!" Zeus chastised.
"Sorry, when Lissos...worshipped Apollo." Bell rephrased, though with a distinct sense of distaste as he spoke the words. While Bell was never one to judge, it is understandably disturbing when the person you are interrogating spends well over 15 mins, describing their God's phallus of all things.
"Information huh, well let's with basics. He's Apollo, he's known as the Sun God and his alias is Phallus."
Right.
Of course, it was.
"He's one hell of a weird guy, but that just about describes any deity. While, I'd say he's a grand pervert, perhaps worse than me, he's also someone that genuinely cares for his children and can make them grow exponentially. From his past achievements, well, growing his familia to the point he has is also something that should be attributed to him."
"Huh? That's odd from what Lissos described him as he-"
"He's also Bisexual." (3)
"Right then," Bell stood up having finished his dinner and gotten the information he was lacking, he excused himself.
Zeus was thus left all alone to prepare himself for the banquet that was coming in just two days. His mind wandering to different places uninhibited by constraints of morality, he wondered what the fair maidens taking a shower right now looked like.
A grin adorned his face, pink dusting his face in lust as he used his rather astonishing imagination to think of the maids that had been hired.
Their bountiful bosoms that were firm due to their young age, oh how he would've loved to be embraced from both sides of his face, their bright pink tips grazing his face occasionally.
Meanwhile, Bell had retreated to his office. Having kept his professional environment separate, the room had unmistakable differences from his bedroom.
His bedroom while plain and not very decorated was enough for his purpose.
Sleep.
That's all he used it for anyways.
But his office was a different matter. This was where he had worked for any guild papers he had to fill in. Any people that'd come to meet him would typically meet him here too. So needless to say he had decorated it a fair amount.
The walls were tall, unsplintered planks of oak wood. Sturdy yet not overly fancy. Similar to the flooring.
The main items of furniture are two comfortable-looking couches, in a blended cream colour with a small tea table in between them. A shelved cabinet to store the well-organised notes and files that had to be kept.
As standard, a couple of pots of greenery stood by the main desk, giving the room a fresh yet organised vibe. Being a nice offset to the table on which Bell worked. His mahogany table is made at just the right height for him to have optimum reach and posture. A fine marbling finish ran along its edges, bringing its own aura of refined tastes.
Bell sat on his chair in a pensive mood, reeling his tired thoughts from floating around uninhibited, and remained focused.
The game plan was set.
Based on the rules of War Games, the familia that challenges is the one that decides where the location is and based on past records of Apollo Familia being the one to challenge, they have always without a fail picked Castle Defense.
Their success rate?
100%.
-Break-
The Night of the Banquet
Banquets were events frequently held among Gods. It was like a bourgeoisie social event if you will.
However, Apollo's banquet was unique, as for once, Gods were allowed to show off a child of their choosing.
Their children were their prized possession after all.
"We have arrived, sir."
On that certain cold night of Orario, many Goddesses would be charmed by the handsome allure of the Zeus familia.
God and child alike were both mesmerising by the many deities present. The child Bell Cranel is outfitted with a pristine all-white suit, with a black button-up shirt inside. A crimson tie, matching with ruby eyes slotted right in the middle of his body.
His deity, ageing like a fine wine, getting better and better every day. Cream-coloured slacks rolled up sleeves on a black shirt with a white vest never described suited someone as well as it did him. His forearms, exposed and showing a good amount of muscle.
Truly, a charming duo.
Their approach further into the room only drew glances from men and women alike. An attraction that was akin to a charm pulling in the gazes of people nearby and holding their looks for just a second longer than normal.
"Hahaha, do you sense it Bell? Their gazes are on us!" Zeus laughed boisterously, unbefitting for a God but not him, " Maybe you can lose your V-card here and begin your journey of a true man!"
"Yeah yeah, just worry about yourself gramps, no amount of cologne can get rid of the smell of vegetable soup from you anyways."
Bell's flippant response garnered some quiet chuckles from the Gods who remembered Zeus's "Unique" personality.
"My my Bell kun, Zeus, what a surprise to see you here."
Mock surprise emanated from the voice, to which both Bell and Zeus turned to spot their ever-so-friendly messenger God and his captain, Asfi Al Andromeda, with Takemikazuchi and Mikoto in tow.
"I'm surprised you had the gall to show your face around here," Bell smirked, "What? Does your shin not have enough cracks?"
"Bell I'd prefer if you didn't... cripple my God."
"Aw, Asfi so you do care for me."
Asfi promptly punched the top of Hermes's head, her level 5 strength knocking him straight to the ground even with her holding back.
"You hush, I just don't want to carry you all the way back." Asfi admonished her deity before turning to Bell, her expression softening somewhat, " Hello again Bell, it's been a while."
"I mean, I've seen better days." Bell shrugged, "but it's great to see you again Asfi nee."
Bell's opinion of Asfi was better than that of Hermes. His genius older sister equivalent was someone he learned much from, and someone who was as capable as princesses came.
Though, he found it a bit odd that Asfi regarded him so casually, especially after what he had done.
"Are you confused about why I'm ignoring the Lulune incident?" Asfi asked, a knowing smile adorning her face, clearly knowing what Bell was thinking about.
"I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to join...this manchild's familia, you stealing my storage cluster, ripping my familia off and threatening to kill them was about within the expected range," Asfi informed as if it was the most normal thing possible.
Did she even hold any standards anymore? Or did having to take care of Hermes short-circuit some wire in her brain?
But Bell was never one to look at luck and pass it off, so he took it in stride, disregarding the somewhat disturbingly low expectations of the Hermes familia captain before looking at the duo beside them.
Takemikazuchi and Mikoto had patiently been listening to the antics of the Hermes and Zeus familia group, feeling relatively out of place, though entertainment didn't happen to be something they lacked.
"Greetings to you Takemikazuchi sama, Mikoto." Bell bowed respectfully, "I must admit, the both of you look absolutely stunning today."
Take's expression brightened more, as a warm smile bloomed on his face, "Why thank you Bell kun. I could say the same about you too. Isn't that right Mikoto?" Take grinned as he asked his child.
Mikoto's blush strengthened as she nodded albeit minutely.
"OOOOHHHH!"
"Hm, now that's quite an entrant." Hermes, who seemingly recovered from the previous hit. Before, remembering who he was with, "Bell, uh well, she's-"
"Freya I know."
Seeing her was rather shocking, as she was never one to come to these sorts of social events. Her captain, King, Ottarl accompanied her into the hall.
Almost as if she heard her name, Freya's gaze turned to Bell and the rest of his group and she walked directly towards them.
Sensuality dripped from each of Freya's steps. Her high heels clacked against the ground, and with each clack, another man fell for her charms.
Wavy silver hair draped over her shoulders, the ends tickling her lower back.
Her delicate face shone under the light, enough to leave a lasting impression. A diaphanous nose embedded on her face, long and slender like the wings of a butterfly. Full lips that begged to be kissed, not too thin nor too bloated.
Harmonious purple eyes that seemed to gaze into your very soul, lighting the flame of desire.
The gaze of lust.
Her eyelashes batted seductively, a slow rise along with the mischievous smile that decorated her face.
Skin smooth like porcelain the dress that hung on for dear life didn't leave much to the imagination. Covering what was needed to show elegance, but exposing what was needed to show her raw carnality.
Her heavenly figure was so divine that calling her beautiful was a sin.
If Bell and Zeus had drawn the glances of the Goddesses.
She had enraptured the complete attention of each God.
"Ufufu~ it's been a while hasn't it Hermes, Take? I hope you are all doing well?" Once more, her sexual charm oozed out of her. Her voice sent shivers down the spines of those in the vicinity.
"U-uh yeah, you've become more beautiful Freya," The natural gigolo blushed.
She crossed her arms just under her full breasts that looked like they'd fit just right in a person's hands and smiled before turning to the Zeus familia duo.
Her purple eyes glinted as she looked at Bell, gazing for a second longer than what would be normal, "Is this the infamous captain of the Zeus Familia?"
Blood filled Bell's mouth as he bit the inside to control himself.
It'd be all too easy to just twist her neck and send her back to Tenkai. With all his desire to do just that, he knew it wouldn't be enough.
He wouldn't be able to even grasp her neck before Ottar reaches him. And in such a public event, his doing that for no reason will only spell doom for him and Zeus.
With hesitance, Bell bowed, " Pleasure to meet you, Goddess Freya, I'm Bell Cranel."
On cue, Freya too looked towards him. Her eyes held that suspicious glint within them. The same ones that destroyed entire familias, in her goal to get what she wants.
Freya moved closer, her slender and tapered fingers dancing down his jawline. "Will you be giving me sweet dreams tonight?"
An explosion of Freya's charmed covered the room. Her perfect body became even harder to comprehend, as her charm enticed just about every man and woman alike in the room.
Impossibly regal, elegant yet attractive was her body, but her charm only amplified it. Her charm was so strong, that even Mikoto couldn't help but feel hot and bothered just by being near her.
It certainly didn't help with how scarcely she was dressed, showing off her perfectly shaped mounds and smooth navel.
'If she's here then...'
Mikoto's eyes wandered towards Bell, a deep pit forming in her stomach, in anticipation of what his expression would be off.
Somehow she hated the idea of him being captivated by Freya's beauty.
Yet to her surprise Bell didn't look affected by it at all.
Rather judging by his clenched fists, he seemed to be holding himself back as much as he could. Pursed lips, and a slight crinkle around his nose. His rubellite eyes burnt in pure unadulterated rage.
"...Abso-fucking-lutely not," Bell replied, making just about everyone screech to a halt. Freya's own expression faltered, as her back straightened in shock.
...
"What?" was all she could ask in confusion.
" Oi did that kid just..."
"Yeah, he just resisted Freya's charm."
"WHAT?!"
" Woman, the only dreams you will get from me, are flashing images of me breaking your house cat's arms," Bell growled, holding his aggression back.
Her initial panic quickly settled and Freya quickly recomposed herself. Her eyes glowing with lust stronger than before, "I always liked that about you. So aggressive and ready to bite...I wouldn't mind letting you sink your teeth into me."
"Don't bother, I'd spit you out quicker than Hermes can finish in bed."
"Oh, my~" Freya giggled. "Well, it seems my presence has angered you so for now I'll take my leave."
As she left, Bell could swear there was extra sway, as if she threw her hips from side to side to tempt him.
Not that it would work. Bell simply turned around, facing away from the disease.
"WELCOME, FELLOW DEITIES!" Apollo's voice suddenly boomed, a spotlight falling onto him, " THIS TIME WE DID THINGS A BIT DIFFERENT, ARE YOU ENJOYING YOURSELF?!"
"YEAH!"
"GOOD CHOICE APOLLO!"
A cacophony of showboating deities filled the room, irritating Bell to a great extent. As if Freya's audacity to use a charm on him wasn't bad enough, this prick had to come and rile everyone up.
Thankfully that didn't last too long, so he could bear with it.
It was difficult to gauge Apollo from the situation, but Bell got what he needed. Indeed, Apollo could be best described as boisterous and annoying.
Though that may have just been his thoughts, it was evident Apollo was doing this to garner more attention.
So that when he challenges the Zeus familia and ends up winning, it'll gain him even more notoriety.
Not that Bell would even allow the man to have a chance at winning.
"Enjoy the party people, let the dancing commence," Apollo raised his glass of wine before retreating into the darkness, and allowing the people to begin their interactions again.
Graceful melodies began playing, the air vibrating from the pull of each violin string. The rich instrumentation of the classical music brought the night to life, as the people within the room began to pair up and move towards the centre to begin dancing.
Bell couldn't help but sigh, feeling himself somehow become more exhausted than a full day at the dungeon.
He wanted nothing more than to get away from the noise and go home, but from the way Zeus had already found his separate way to go flirt with another goddess, he knew that the time to leave wouldn't come for a good while.
"Quite the event isn't it?" Bell asked without turning around to know that people were approaching him.
"Indeed it is, I assume it's your first time attending an event such as this since coming to Orario?" Riveria's voice questioned from behind her making Bell turn around.
The high elf was dressed to impress, whether she did so willingly or not was a story for another day, but the outfit suited her.
A long beautiful gown, almost skimming the ground providing the illusion of her almost gliding across the hall. Rich emerald green, flowing freely as the chiffon skirt hung loosely. Only a teasingly small amount of her neck was revealed, but the pale skin did not look out of place at all.
Sophisticated embroidery covered the rest of her outfit, enhancing her appearance further and matching well with her green hair.
"...I must admit, you are looking quite beautiful today. Once a princess always a princess I guess." Bell complimented, however backwards it was.
Though judging by the light tint of pink on her cheek, it seemed as though she may have appreciated it.
"Don't you have to be by your Goddess's side?"
"Oh well I saw what happened with Freya," Riveria began once more making Bell sigh, " I kind of guessed you wouldn't want to see either of the two for now, so I left her under Goddess Hephaestus's care."
"Aw, So the princess chose me over her Goddess." Bell mocked before promptly receiving a chop to the head.
Riveria regardless wasn't one to just cut her duty away. Instead, it was more surprising that she had come instead of Ais, but in all honesty, it was kind of obvious why she was here twiddling her thumbs.
'Very well, may as well entertain the thought.' Bell mentally shrugged looking at the Elven Royalty, before bowing and offering his hand, "May I have the privilege of escorting you on this dance?"
Though Riveria hesitated for a second, her eyes spotting a couple of high elves already present, the single confident look in Bell's eyes eased any fears she had.
'It'll be alright.' He seemed to be telling her.
Thus, they began a fluid waltz.
The movement brought shock to many in the room, or at least to those who expected the high-elven princess to not reciprocate the formal request.
Surprisingly, Bell took the lead, his snow-white hair swaying as they drifted from side to side. The confident smile on his face assured Riveria that he knew what he was doing.
Though she had expected to take the lead given that she was an elven royalty.
Yet Bell had pulled her into a comfortable rhythm. His gentle touch not trespassing into an area which she would be uncomfortable with, resting simply in the middle of her back. Allowing her to relax, and move to the tune of the music.
The rest of the people seemingly parted, as the final notes of the piano were hit and the dance ended in a twirl.
Riveria looking only at Bell and Bell at Riveria.
Bell let go of Riveria's hand, somehow leaving a phantom touch in her hands. The lack of warmth. The missing sensation, of his calloused hand in her gloved one. It somehow felt...wrong.
"Thank you for this dance milady." Bell bowed.
"The pleasure was all mine."
Riveria smiled, forcing herself to forget the ghost of his touch as she internally shook her head at her own antics. "I'm surprised you knew how to dance so well, didn't you say you were from outside Orario?"
"I am. It doesn't mean I don't know how to dance." Bell shrugged, "Or are you saying I don't act like a hillbilly enough? In da' case, why didn't ya say so before?"
Riveria rolled her eyes at him before simply smiling, "Heh, you know that wasn't the point."
"IIYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAA, That bunny boy is gonna sink his claws into my Riveria tan!" Loki shrieked from behind them.
...
"Pfft." Bell and Riveria laughed, "It seems my time to go has come." Riveria once more bowed before turning to return by Loki's side, the deity attempting and failing, to cling onto Riveria as if to protect her.
Bell grabbed a glass of wine and made his way into the balcony, to get some cool air. He was never one to drink much alcohol, typically sticking to fruit juice instead, but on nights like these it wasn't so bad to let loose a bit.
Especially, since he knew exactly what was going to happen soon.
' Apollo's mansion is pretty big for his familia size,' Bell thought as he quietly sipped on his drink, basking in the moonlight.
It wasn't that Bell was calling the Apollo Familia weak or something, it just didn't make sense. To have this level of wealth for a familia of Apollo's magnitude was...strange. A good amount of members is true, but the highest level was simply 3.
But who knows, perhaps they won it from a war game, after all, it was Apollo Familia's speciality.
Bell opened his eyes, seemingly locking onto a sight he thought he wouldn't see. Immediately a smirk spread on his face.
'Oho, to think they'd allow me to be privy to a secret deal.' Bell thought as he saw the Apollo Familia captain meet a cloaked stranger and it was as standard as can be.
A couple looks both sides, to evade any suspicions.
Covering what they were exchanging and a quick departure.
Not suspicious at all.
"...don't worry just go and ask him, he's right there." Bell heard a hushed voice speak, recognising it to be Takemikazuchi.
"B-but what if he doesn't want to? I mean he's already danced with Riveria san, he might be tired." Mikoto replied.
"Nonsense! If he's tired from just that, then he's not worthy of your affection!"
...
Okay, douche.
"T-Takemikazuchi sama, it's n-not affection," Mikoto replied.
As comical as it was listening to the two, it was getting a bit tiresome. Hyakinthos had long since disappeared, and somehow staring at the moon no longer provided him with any sense of joy.
"Mikoto, he will definitely agree! Carry your pride and go and ask." Takemikazuchi assured.
"O-oh, uhm Bell dono?" Mikoto called out.
Finally.
"Yes, Mikoto?" Bell turned around, displaying a smile that could even make a miracle melon taste sweet. (4)
He could totally bring up the fact that he easily heard the two whisperings, but he wasn't so cruel.
Bell knew just how socially awkward Mikoto could be, and for that girl he had been training to muster the courage to come and ask him for a dance, well he wouldn't dare to spit on that effort.
He was a gentleman of course.
Bell noticed her still fidgeting a bit, evidently drawing blanks in her mind deciding on what exactly to say.
'Oh my, the ladies of Orario sure are shy.'
"You know Mikoto," he brought her attention, the pair of purple irises staring at him, alongside her slight red blush.
She was pretty cute alright.
"You are breathtaking today," Immediately a blush crept up on her face, "It'd be a waste not to dance one round tonight right?"
Bright.
Too Bright.
The smile on Mikoto's face was enough to blind him. A beam of joy shot out of her face as she nodded.
"Indeed, I was thinking the same thing!" She replied with a chipper voice.
Bell extended his hand, offering to take her for a dance to which she reciprocated.
Walking together indoors, they were just about to start dancing when...
FLASH
A spotlight descended right upon Bell and Mikoto. Apollo's figure began to walk towards the pair.
"Are you guys all enjoying the party?" Apollo asked aloud, though he got no answers. As he came in front of Bell, his face contorted into something disgusting.
A perverted grin.
A lecherous gaze.
A disgusting lick of his lips.
'Oh, this guy is a fucked up alright.' Bell realised, truly Apollo's behaviour could not be done justice by words alone.
Just from his look, Bell could see the thousand different situations playing behind the sicko's eyes. Something truly thought up by one who is known to be a degenerate.
"Zeus, I've heard from my child that he had a run-in with your captain," Apollo called out.
"Oh did he now?"
"Yes he did, he put my child in quite the state."
Zeus turned to Bell who had stood in front of Mikoto as if to shield her, "Is that true Bell?"
"No Kami sama, I did not leave him in any weird state," Bell replied.
His word had rung true.
After all, he had healed Lissos before letting him go.
"If that's true then look at this!" Apollo swung his arms out, dramatically. Behind him came Lissos, bandaged in a far worse state than anything Bell had done to him. His leg was covered with a thick cast. bandages put over him in a clumsy state evidently done by someone that wasn't a medical professional.
"Look at him! My poor Lissos has been beaten and beaten into a pulp," Apollo once more flailed his body around, "This brutal captain of the Zeus familia went and viciously assaulted my child. Is this how the familia of heroes exercises its return?!"
Apollo's goal was becoming clearer as he spoke more, turns out, he had quite the way with his words. Riling up the people nearby, completely making himself the victim.
"Is this how a first-class adventurer should be acting?! Going around and bullying those weaker than him!"
"What do you have to say for yourself, Zeus?" Apollo grinned as he pointed at the wisened God.
" Bell had said it earlier and his words had rung true, are you suggesting that my captain has somehow found a way to lie to Gods?" Zeus asked.
" My oh my, how far have you fallen you old fool! Using that as an excuse, are you trying to escape judgement? Like what had happened all those years ago?" Apollo shouted, a bead of sweat running down his jaw, "You should be ashamed of yourself! To think you were respected as a hero back then, your dead children would be weeping in their gra-"
Swish
A drop of sweat fell onto a knife, shock coursed through the crowd along with discord of gasps.
Bell had grabbed one of the knives and held it right against Apollo's throat. A mere inch away.
This...was not the right response.
Bell knew it.
Zeus knew it.
No matter what they said, Bell would be known to have pulled a weapon on Apollo, a deity.
But it's far from the worst thing he had done.
"I have had dealt with enough fucking perverts today," Bell's words came out as a hiss, the voice of a strained predator.
Barely holding himself back.
The urge to lash out and do the deed against this foul-mouthed deity grew with each passing second.
But he held himself back.
Apollo's face remained still, a privilege of those who know that they wouldn't die. A smug grin played at the edge of his lips.
" It's one thing for you to slander me, but I will not allow any disrespect to my God," Bell snarled venom in each of his words. "So, you half-baked paedophile, either apologise to him or state what the fuck you truly want."
Apollo's eyes kept fixed, looking down at Bell. As if he could no longer hold back the smirk.
"Truly what a barbarian you've raised Zeus. I guess it suits for the captain to be just as incompetent as his God."
That was the last straw.
His taunt.
His words.
His provocations.
This man has greatly insulted the one person he should not have.
And so, Bell saw red.
Within a split second, Bell had reached out with his other hand and grabbed onto Apollo's throat, the 14-year-old squeezing but not crushing it. A feral rage roared in his being, a haze of violence and hatred that had stemmed from Bell's family being insulted.
Time after time.
Time after time.
Time after time.
This city has insulted, humiliated, and cursed the one familia that had protected them for a thousand years.
He too was one of them.
"That's enough Bell," Zeus's voice cut through the tension in the room and reached Bell.
As if a magic spell had been cast, Bell calmed and let go of Apollo's throat, the deity collapsed onto the ground in a coughing fit.
His captain and the apparently 'injured' reached his side, leaving his crutch behind and running right at him as if nothing happened.
" Oh I thought he was injured," Bell's icy voice came out. The eyes of the others soon saw Lissos moving away if he was fine. Slight panic became apparent in Apollo's voice as Lissos had made a blunder. "Apollo Familia you have lied and slandered my familia."
"You scoundrel, you dare lay your hands on Apollo sama?" Hyakinthos cut him off and immediately went in for a punch, yet Bell effortlessly dodged the punch.
Bell crouched down to meet Apollo's eyes, a glare fixed on his face. "Do it. Challenge us."
Apollo was left at a loss for words.
He had been exposed. Though he could still challenge the Zeus familia, he had lost the benefit that he had of an injured Lissos.
Now the almost maniacal captain, who knew about Apollo's plan, was making him challenge them to a war game.
"T-the Apollo Familia challenges the Zeus familia to a war game on the ground of assault against a member." Apollo's voice croaked out.
...
"Heh, you're still trying to maintain that lie?" Bell snorted, " Very well, we accept. Now fuck you!"
Bell stood up and began to leave, following his deity Zeus.
Zeus knew what Bell had done wasn't inherently right, but he would allow Bell to continue this. Bell was as mature as a teen should be, though it didn't mean he had complete emotional control.
He didn't know whether to be proud of his grandson for protecting their pride or admonish him for drawing a weapon against the divine.
Bell stopped before looking back at Apollo, " Bear this in mind, I am NOT like my predecessors. I will ruthlessly tear you apart, so you better start to prepare. Because not even grovelling will make me stop."
-Break-
A/N: and that's a wrap. Bits and pieces here were actually assisted by IreJas, so big thanks to them. If you haven't read their fics (for whatever odd reason), and you want to read something good for once, then their fics r defo worth checking out.
(1) Soma was described as initially caring but later gave up on his children thus why he does nothing and lets Zanis take care of everything.
(2) They haven't fought the behemoth yet.
(3) Fact implied by the fandom.
(4) Miracle Melons, otherwise known as Bitter gourds are well, very bitter fruits.
The next chapter most likely Walking the Wrong Path.
Anyways, Bless.