Chapter 12: War Game
A/N: yo wys. No notes really, do consider leaving your opinion in the reviews tho.
Hope you enjoy.
"Oi ya heard what went down in the Apollo Familia banquet?"
"Yeah, I heard that Spades choked Apollo, wild stuff man."
"Well now a war game has been announced."
"What?! But Ain't that Spades guy a level 5? Phoebus Apollo is only level 3."
"Well word round the streets say…"
"Please Bell dono, allow me to assist you in this war game." Mikoto knelt onto one knee, "You have done much for our familia and though I may not be able to provide much support, I want to help you in any way possible."
Behind her, the rest of the Takemikazuchi Familia had gathered in Bell's office filled with furnishings probably worth more than their entire home.
Though they weren't what drew Bell's attention.
Rather it was the maiden in front of him that was occupying most of his mental capacity at the moment. It felt weird to see her kneeling on one knee in such a manner. Her long, beautiful eyelashes latched down to the skin of her face. A firm posture, and nothing but sincerity in her voice.
He appreciated her sentiment, he really did. But-
"I'm sorry I cannot allow you to do that." Bell informed her. Clearly, his decision was against what they had expected, shock fulminated on their faces.
"Why?"
"Because this is personal." Bell crossed his arms, allowing his forearm muscles to flex as they lay over each other, " Apollo attacked specifically me and my God. I cannot allow you to get involved in the matter."
"But Bell dono, Apollo sama has fought in other War Games and his record shows that he is quite strategically apt, he wouldn't accept a war against a level 5 for no reason. He must have an advantage that gives him the confidence to win!"
Bell smirked, "I'm well aware."
"Then why?"
This time however, Bell didn't respond immediately. The look of confusion on Mikoto's smooth face was well justified. Bell had nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain from this request, all he would have to do was allow her to convert to the Zeus familia.
…Convert.
"No." Bell replied curtly, "I'm not letting you convert to Zeus familia. The Zeus familia will not accept anyone."
"Wha-"
"I'm aware of Apollo's confidence. Actually, I was well aware of it since he first latched Lissos onto me." Bell revealed, his vocal chord letting out the resolute words. " But even so."
Mikoto was left agape, unable to formulate any coherent sentences. In such a situation, where most-no EVERYTHING Bell wanted, everything he had! All of it was on the line and he was still stubborn.
"Oh come on, it's hardly the suitable time to allow pride to cloud your judgement." Ouka snapped, not maliciously but still with every bit of intent. "Even I wouldn't be rejecting help considering we all know that there is a 100% chance that Apollo is planning something."
"You can tell me that once you stand on the ashes of your predecessors."
And quiet. Just like that.
"...Bell dono."
"Yes?"
"What is your goal? Not just now, as in overall, your final destination." Mikoto asked cautiously, mouthing her words, trying to gauge his reaction as each word left.
"...to finish what we started."
"Is that something you can do by yourself?"
Truthfully speaking, Mikoto didn't even know what she expected as a response to this question. She wasn't by any means challenging Bell's strength or trying to suggest otherwise. She wanted to know what he planned.
"Of course not." Bell replied with a chipper voice.
"...Huh?"
"Please I'm not egotistical enough to think I can take down the One Eyed Black Dragon by myself." Bell smiled, " The system I'll be operating with is using an old system that has stopped being used for quite a while…a vassal system."
"A vassal system?"
"Simply put, it's a familia swearing loyalty to the other familia. Entering a commander and subordinate relationship." He explained and though he would carry on, the look on Ouka's face either insinuated that Ouka desperately had to go to the toilet or…
"ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?!"
Yup, the latter option it was, he's pissed.
"As serious as I can be." Bell replied resolutely.
"You mean to tell me, that when Mikoto has decided to take such a big decision in order to help you, you will allow your ego to cloud your judgement and spit on her face?" Ouka asked fuming.
"I have no obligation to accept her help. And though you are free to believe I am letting my ego get in the way of my future, allow me to counter with a question of my own."
The cold rationality displayed by Bell, repelled the heated aggression of Ouka. It was almost frightening how quickly Ouka was shut down by Bell's silent aura which commandeered him to be quiet.
"Do you guys know what Apollo is planning?"
Ouka stumbled forwards, "We-"
*SLAP*
"Shut up, no you don't." Bell interrupted, " In war, information is everything, especially so with their speciality being castle defence."
Mikoto felt perplexed at his statement, how would he know that castle defence was going to be picked? Not to mention, he hasn't even been in Orario long enough to know that!
"I do my research on my opponent Mikoto," Bell flippantly replied, before grabbing Ouka by his clothes and shaking him. " Can Mikoto handle half the Apollo familia?"
"Ye-"
*SLAP*
"No she can't, I taught her, I know." Bell spoke. " Does she have any particular defence abilities?"
"N-"
*SLAP*
"Can she work in total sync with me?"
"Y-"
*SLAP*
"Can she guarantee that they won't capture her instead making it easier for them to target me?" Bell asked, shaking a now red faced Ouka violently.
"..."
"..."
"Ye-"
*SLAP*
Take knew his captain was a very… quick to anger type of person. But he knew he meant well at least. Ouka was the type to care for his familia more than he did for himself, though he would never admit it.
What was it called again?
Ah yes. A tsundere. That's what Ouka was.
And while he was a bit rough around the edges, Ouka's diligent attitude to help his familia was something Take liked quite a lot, and of course he expected Ouka to be very dissatisfied with Mikoto's wishes.
But now… this was just pitiful.
" I beg you…"
*SLAP*
"Please…" Ouka's voice came out weaker and weaker with each hit. Bell was holding back a lot, you hit the same thing enough times and force isn't an issue.
" I was wrong!"
*SLAP*
"Bell…dono," Mikoto spoke up hesitantly, a sweatdrop dripping down her chin, "I understand you might be a bit frustrated and we understand your wishes to not accept the offer. But… Do you mind letting Ouka go? Please?" She requested.
Bell glanced at Mikoto, a disinterested gaze as if he cared not for what she was saying.
Or so she thought,
"Fine." He sighed before dropping Ouka. The man slumped over, his cheeks so red that he may as well become a tomato.
"Thank you for your mercy." She bowed.
"Ah well, it was just a little bit of bonding between me and good ol' Ouka over here." Bell shrugged.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Bell moved towards his table, "So… you guys wanna join the vassal system?"
"F} ?$*^*"
When a wargame is declared, the Gods gather. They become an audience to the agreement to the two parties involved, as they decide on dates, type of war etc.
Usually, some decide to show up while others don't. Yet today, nearly every deity available had arrived. From the biggest Freya familia to even the non-existent familia of the mythical Loli big boobs, Hestia.
All of them anticipated this particular fight. Live chattering as divine entities did what they did best.
Gossip and heckle.
Majority of them knew the type of tactician Apollo was. He would never make a move without knowing for sure he'd win. It was how he got to where he was.
Apollo would often shamelessly bully the weak to get what he wanted, he'd trick and he'd harass people until they joined his familia. Though he never threatened those stronger than him, for some reason he'd gone after Zeus familia.
A level 5 opponent was no joke, but that's exactly why everyone was on their toes.
A single foot step was all it took for the hall to silence. The sound of thunder cracked above head, and even on a supposed clear day the clouds gathered to pay their respect.
All eyes turned to the wizened Zeus, entering in his robes that he'd worn back in heaven.
"Fashionably late aren't we, Zeus?" Apollo rolled his eyes, the man had always gotten on his nerves.
"Ah well, unlike you, who's a quickshot, I like to come second." Zeus grinned.
"Grrr, sit down already!" Apollo barked, seemingly annoyed by his comments. "We'll see how long you can maintain that attitude old man! You stink of vegetable soup!"
"And you stink of gonorrhoea, but you don't see me complaining." Zeus bit back, unrelenting as always.
"Gentlemen, hate to ruin the…touching reunion," Hermes snorted at his own joke, "but we have decisions to make. And so, as the ever so uninvolved party I shall draw the lots!"
"Hold up!" Apollo slammed his hands onto the table, "You are clearly friends with Zeus! I will not tolerate biased decision making!"
"Friends? Who's Zeus? Literally never heard of him in my life." Hermes mockingly looked side to side.
"You!"
"Enough." A new voice stopped them both. "I shall be the one to draw the lot."
Opulent chestnut hair swayed as she descended the marbled stairs. Her full body swaying with each step, her bountiful mounds contained by the modest and simple kirtle that she wore.
Justice.
Shone in her deep and seemingly endless indigo eyes.
"Astraea." Zeus nodded.
"Pleasure to see you again Zeus." She greeted curtly, though she'd like to catch up more in depth there were more important matters on hand. "Apollo, you do not mind if I take over right?"
Not that it mattered since even if he did, it didn't matter. This was Astraea.
The Goddess of the familia of Justice. Protecting the people alongside Ganesha, and even helping out in Daedalus Street. Her contribution during the dark times and even now always painted her in good light. Especially since one of her monikers was 'Astraea The Impartial'.
"Not at all, in fact, I welcome it." Apollo acknowledged.
With everlasting grace, she went and put her hand in the box.
Apollo had wanted to use Hermes as a distraction to use one of his secret associates to be responsible to get the result he wanted, but now he just had to accept whatever Astraea pulled.
"Geh," she recoiled, before realising what she did and coughing in an attempt to regain composure, she flipped the paper to show to everyone.
'Castle defence'
"Yes!" Apollo cheered, it was his speciality anyways. His win was already in the bag with this. "I hope you don't back down from this Zeus. But since one person can hardly defend a castle, it seems you will be the ones attacking."
"Sure." Zeus shrugged before picking his nose, taking out a booger and flicking it towards Apollo.
"Oi, you disgusting gramps, stop that!" Apollo grit his teeth.
"I'm sorry but this hardly seems fair." Astraea spoke up, "Regardless of the level difference, one man versus so many just seems too extreme."
As always, she stuck to sound reasoning. It was true that in siege, numbers mattered most, and it put the already disadvantaged solo Bell Cranel in disadvantage.
"Oh hardly my dear Astraea." Apollo smiled, "If it was any level 5 I'd be inclined to agree with you. But this is the Zeus Familia we are talking about, they are heroes right? Heroes always win against the odds so I find this hardly disadvantageous. Isn't that right, Zeus?"
His shit eating grin was the only thing that anyone needed to know that he was planning something distasteful. But it was all out of anyone's hands, since they weren't the ones involved.
"Sure whatever." Zeus shrugged, "Hey are we done here? I need to go take a shit, your food yesterday was so bad I think I got poisoned."
"Urgh, as crass as always." Astraea spoke in disgust, "Well with that we have decided. When shall the fight be held?"
"Next week." Zeus replied, not really caring much.
"Hehehe, very well Zeus. I shall find it within my magnanimous heart to give you a week to enjoy with your grandson, before I, Apollo," He licked his tongue, an overwhelmingly perverse grin spread across his face, "Take him as mine forever."
"...Never mind, I prefer the crass Zeus," Astraea inched away from Apollo. Now that her job was done, she no longer had any reason to stay.
"Now to discuss the rewards if one party wins," Hermes jumped back into his job. "Apollo."
"Hmph, if we win, which we will," Apollo shot a smirk at Zeus, "Then your rabbit joins my familia, on top of that, all the wealth, relics and knowledge that the Zeus familia possessed comes to me and you go back to Tenkai forever!"
"Big demands from a loser there," Zeus snorted, "and what do I get if we win?"
"Well, you can do whatever you want. Why? Because you won't be winning, I'll make sure of that."
"Is that a hard on under your pants?" Zeus grinned.
"O-OI!"
"No wonder even the virgin Hestia wasn't satisfied with you."
And so before any heads went flying off, the meeting came to a close as the individual deities began to leave with their own thoughts and opinions of what would happen.
Would Apollo win like he was claiming? Or was it a fake bravado, his overinflated ego impeding his rational judgement?
Whatever it may be, his behaviour had garnered him some…unpleasant attention.
Unbeknownst to them all, a figure in the Eastern towers smirked, swirling a glass of wine.
As dark and murky as her soul.
"I wonder what makes that woman like you so, Bell Cranel."
Night, 1.30 am
In the midst of the night; the pleasure district remained vibrant. A colourful dye in the dark of the night, its overbearing colours hid the most heinous of criminals.
Bringing forth infinite pleasures.
Bountiful women exchanged currency; offering nightly titillation to the weary of the day.
"Ah, YES MORE!"
"Fuckin' bitch take it!"
"You are a man, yes? Then, give it to me harder!"
Truly a mixture of culture.
The moon came to view, shining its light harshly onto the sinful mortals, exposing them for their corruption and vulgar acts.
…
"... The night is beautiful once more." A dispirited voice spoke. Her pale skin- whatever of it was exposed through her yukata- glistened under the light, gently. For she was untainted. The moon accepted her, and so it gave her its abstract warmth.
She was pure.
She was loved by nature.
She sat in the open light, by the window, allowing the slow winds to caress her skin.
"... I wonder how Apollo Familia is going to be? Right, Aisha san?"
"..." Her sister (Or so she liked to say) sat in the dark, giving the girl silence in response. She sat away from the moon, afraid its light may scorch her dark skin further. For she was her sister's counterpart. The moon wouldn't accept her; that she was sure of. For she was tainted.
She wasn't pure.
She wasn't loved by nature.
…
But it's not like she had a choice.
Right?
Under his domain, the moon glowed brighter. A night, where Soma decreed the moon to outshine the hidden sun.
His mortal body's blood had run faster than it had ever done before, under the anticipation of what was to come in one week's time. Though judging from the look in the current Zeus Familia's captain's eyes…
"Foolish mistake you have made, brethren of mine." Soma whispered alongside a dry chuckle uncharacteristic of him.
"His fate is not one for you to control, for we Gods are too weak to be able to contain his destiny."
"Oh Apollo, do you not see the mistake you are releasing upon yourself? Your familia is too weak to be able to face his wrath," Soma carried on, in his rarely used chalice, he drank upon the beverage he made today. "Hm… a pass."
The night was going to be long, Soma's eyes peaked out, glowing in the moonlight. An unwavering belief of what is to come.
The termination of the age of God is certainly about to come.
What would follow?
Peace?
War?
Not even he knew, and though his wine wasn't so bad today, he could only wish for it to be better tomorrow.
"Bell Cranel shall be your undoing, Apollo, rest tonight…for next week you may no longer be here."
"Fate is such a wondrous thing. Something that seemingly transcends even deities."
…
"It is not a tangible item nor a metaphysical existence, its presence graces yet also binds us all."
…
" But for him? Fate has its toughest, harshest and most brutal path awaiting. But he will not be held back, I pity you Apollo. You have made a big mistake."
A week passes by quicker than one might think.
A little shopping trip here, a dungeon dive there and the days flash by.
Soon the streets were filled with anticipation, pubs across the entire city enjoying massive profits from all the customers.
People setting up betting pools, much of the same business as one might expect. Especially so when it's a one man team against an entire familia.
And even though people put respect to the name of Bell Cranel as a level 5, due to his recent arrival into the city of Orario, not much about his prowess was known.
But it didn't matter to most anyways, the bets were placed fairly against him. Either by those who knew that Apollo wouldn't be dumb enough to attack a level 5 without any reasoning, but also by those who simply hated the white rabbit.
And yet the man himself was busy napping away on the hard soil. He had been taken to the arena the night before, while the Apollo familia prepared the castle for his invasion.
Who could have known the impact of what was to come? A fight that originated from a sick, perverted desire, would turn into a great battle for those who cared.
And yet, even though a girl awoke from her prophetic nightmare, her warnings had been silenced. Foolish ramblings that held no purpose nor reason behind them.
Oh if only they had listened…
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME!"
"I am your super duper commentator Ibri joined here by the man, the myth, the elephant legend, Ganesha Sama!" Ibri's voice roared loud, sending shivers of excitement down everyone's spines.
"I am Ganesha!"
"Yes yes great. I know all of you are excited to get things started, but as always there are some things to know about." Ibri began, "please do understand that in this familia war, there is a heavy chance that there will be bloody battles and potential deaths so as always parental discretion is advised."
"The show is being broadcasted to the entire city, so gather around and get the betting pools ready and let's get things started!"
"Ganesha is very excited to see what comes out of the two familia's involved, in the red corner, is the familia with a clean 100% win rate in war games. These bunch are large in number and rumour has it that their numbers have increased very recently,
It's the Apollo Familia!"
"In the metaphorical blue corner, we have the solo brave warrior of the Zeus Familia. He may look like an adorable rabbit but don't let his looks deceive you or his level 5 claws might get ya! It's Bell Cranel!"
The energy was shared through all the spectators, and a bubbling excitement emerged in all of them.
"With all of that said, let the familia war game…BEGIN!"
Bell had woken up just as the war game began. His body was well rested and his weapons had been maintained to the best of their conditions.
This was as prepared as he was going to get.
He was confident but he wasn't foolish; his mind still thought of potential ways in which Apollo could contain him.
Something that greatly weakened him?
The use of cursed weapons was banned though, especially since they were seen as unethical.
Heh, ethics eh? Here we are about to break either their or my familia and they care about ethics.
He got up and wore his gloves, the etched design of a skeletal king pulled itself as it fit comfortably over his hands.
He normally wouldn't wear every item, but today just for this war… he brought it out.
'Ace'
A cursive notation left upon his knife. A symbol of their status, a proof of their might.
The Knights of dawn.
The tale of heroes outside the dungeon city's walls was one that was spread out. It was a remembrance of his attempt of being a hero and also a reminder of his failures.
Bell shook himself from his thoughts, now was not the time to be reminiscing. He had a war to win.
"Let's get this started shall we?" He sheathed his weapons and immediately bolted from his position.
In an empty field, the castle that Apollo Familia was supposed to defend was the only thing that stood. Tall white pillars on its outer walls, a central tower with a spire on top; a building like that, was the one that housed almost a hundred adventurers.
The enemy?
One man.
"Flow freely, my body is the clouds, ZAP!"
Violent thunder began to thrum through his body, looking for an exit and being guided to his feet. It exploded with vigour, as if to portray the anger he had barely contained thus far.
With a crack in the hard soil, he took off, the flowing electricity scorching the ground in his silent but impetuous dash towards the Eastern Wall.
He didn't know the layout of the building, but the tactic he had to use was obvious. In a battle of numbers, jumping through the front gate was nothing but suicide, and considering the high possibility that Apollo Familia was already aware of which direction he was coming from, it was hardly practical.
So sneaking in was the only option, especially considering that should he be able to whittle down their numbers as much as possible; the entire war would be far easier.
Yet as he approached the castle, he spotted guards in every direction of the wall; clearly there to prevent him from just jumping from up top.
Going around however, he discovered an open window, which although seemed suspicious, his IQ was telling him that it wasn't a trap.
Trusting his instincts he jumped, landing on the edge of the window and entering.
An armoury huh…
Spotting only one person he began to inaudibly make way towards them.
…
"The rabbit of white shall jump and devour the sun, freeing the golden fox, who may freely gaze upon the moon…"
…
" In the dark, the shackles of charms shall fall useless and the rabbit shall stand. An unrivalled champion."
…
"He is neither master nor a slave, neither good nor evil. His power will enshroud upon all."
…
"One not impeded by fate, not hindered by the divine, he shall strike. The owner of his own destiny."
"Indeed I am." Bell appeared behind the woman who had softly murmured the words in the dark silence.
"Hiii!"
Blades pressed against her throat, just enough to draw some blood, riding along the edges of the falcata.
"I trust that you are aware that killing is not entirely prohibited in this war game." Menacingly, Bell whispered the words into her ear.
His hot breath sent shivers down her spine; as she herself turned to face him.
Teary eyed, her face could definitely be described as beautiful; a full figure with lavish blue hair and light emerald green eyes.
But she was an enemy at the moment, her gentle aura was being heavily suppressed by the fear she felt as she looked up at the blood red eyes.
" You wouldn't dare to lie to me in this situation right?" He asked, emphasising his statement by pressing his sword just a bit more.
" N-no…"
"Name?"
"C-Cassandra…please don't kill me…" desperation leaked out of her voice.
"Kill you…hm should I? Or Should I not?" Bell put on a pensive look, correctly intimidating the girl.
"We'll decide after the next few questions. How many are you?"
"..."
"..."
"...I-I can't tell you."
…
"What?"
"I- I know I'm weak but… I can't betray my familia like this." Cassandra responded.
…
Well what do you know…
"Then I have no need for you." Bell's cold voice entered the ear canal, the last vibrations that she felt before her world turned black.
No longer did he smile.
Words were a very powerful instrument that one being could use to manipulate another's behaviour.
Apollo had abused his rights to those words.
All the anger.
All the rage.
All the resentment.
It all burst forth, like a venomous gas, it spread. Knocking out Cassandra was the final act of mercy he would've shown to the Apollo Familia.
No longer did he need a plan.
He'd have to crush them anyway…
"BELL CRANEL HAS INFILTRATED INSIDE!"
Blood.
Thick viscous red liquid smeared the walls. A gory sight for those, who had a weak stomach.
Skimming his cheek, an arrow flew by, drawing blood just a little…but it didn't matter, he had already reached upon the archer.
"12th moon- Were beast moon cycle."
In a pummeling drive, Bell drove his fist into the archer, smashing their skull into the ground and breaking their nose.
Scarlet arterial essence flowed out of their nose staining the sole white spot on the ground.
"Oi, he's over there!"
The next target offered itself to him.
His calves contracted painfully, as he once more pushed off his feet, moving at incredible speeds to dispatch of the fool that chose to follow the sorry excuse that Apollo was.
Twisting himself to dodge a sideways punch, he pushed on, landing a blow straight into the chin of his next victim.
"3rd race- Elven Crescent Rise."
An uppercut delivered, another knocked down. Oh how great it would've been if that was all he did.
Bell did not hesitate.
His fists were but one weapon for him to utilise, the ones in front of him were simply too weak for him to even use his swords for.
Lightning quick, he dinted his fist straight into the gut of another.
With a nimble pace, he drove his foot to sweep an amazoness off her feet and crushed her face in with an axe drop.
Expeditiously, he threw an Apollo member into another, letting out a shock of electricity that could fry them into paralysis.
A brutal blood bath, resulting from the one emotion that he could not contain.
Animosity dripped from his being like the blood of his enemies. Though he clipped the herds, they kept coming.
He quickly found out Lissos was lying, there definitely weren't 30 people here.
Then again, Ishtar did add her own forces.
He saw a few whom he had clearly seen in other familias, yet their presence here only meant one thing.
There was an anti-Zeus faction. One that had joined with Apollo in an effort to once and for all drive him out.
Kick us out? Again? Fools, we are the last chance you have.
"Hehe…HAHAHAHA," the nightmare-inducing laughs continued as he mowed through the enemies.
Ignoring the bruises he got, Bell charged forth.
An arrow had dug into him?
So what?
A knife had been stabbed into his arm?
So what?
A sword had nicked his quads?
SO.
WHAT?
Who would stop him?
No one.
Apollo was destined to fall.
It wasn't a possibility… it was the inevitable future.
"..."
Apollo was quiet.
Words were not enough to describe the sight of what was happening in front of him. It wasn't that Bell was thoroughly destroying any and all adventurers that were coming his way, regardless of them being level 2 or below.
It was the fact that…despite being injured from various orifices, he…he was laughing!
What in the world even was this? He almost seemed…blood thirsty. It was almost as if he revelled in the blood shed.
Was this really a Zeus familia member?
They were 150 strong, you know?! 150 adventurers isn't a walk in the park when there were numerous level 3s involved, not just Hyakinthos.
Hell, Hyakinthos was still at the top of the tower!
Through this entire fight, the Gods could not find it within them to utter any words of relevance.
The hall was filled with nothing but empty words of confusion, as they themselves found difficulty in believing what they saw.
War? This was no war.
This was a massacre.
Apollo could do nothing but watch. As his children, some he found cute, some were his lovers, were all beaten.
Pummelled.
Brutalised to an inch of their life.
"...Zeus…what the hell did you raise?"
A question worthy of being asked. Now, more than ever. They needed the answer to this.
Fighting so many, so mercilessly, so fast, was not something any normal individual would do. Especially; when they come from a familia of heroes.
"...A man."
Making it to the top floor took longer than expected, by now as much as Bell would've loved to deny it; he was a bit tapped from energy.
Uncorking his bottle and taking a quick sip of water helped bring some of his rationality back.
He had gone off on a frenzy; but well… it's not like they didn't deserve it.
Opening the door, he went out onto a rooftop. A flat white slabbed floor held up a total of 30 adventurers.
"Honestly I must say," Hyakinthos began. The pompous twink sat on his makeshift throne. "I'm surprised you made it this far."
Drip.
"I mean you look disgusting, just how much did you bleed?"
Drip.
"Oh well, it was a good fight it seems."
Drip.
"What? Are you mute or something?" Hyakinthos asked; while Bell struggled to find how he could afford to act so arrogant to him now.
"Oh foolish one." Bell's voice croaked out, the earlier sip of water seemingly evaporated on his tongue, not helping his parched throat whatsoever. "Do you not see the near future? Wherein, your defeat lies?"
*Snort*
"Defeat? Hardly, after all, the 30 adventurers here are all going to simultaneously attack you." Hyakinthos laughed, his conceited voice boosting the morale amongst the remaining fighters.
Honestly, from the look of the people around him, Bell's appearance was more frightening than concerning.
Stained in blood, head to toe, there was no way that it wouldn't be seen as anything short of a nightmare.
"Yo, so you're Bell Cranel eh?"
Silky smooth black hair.
Still an enemy.
Velvety chocolate skin.
Still an enemy.
Tantalising curves, body filled with assets that swayed with every step she took.
Still an enemy.
"Not much of a talker huh, oh well. The name's Aisha." The woman prepared her oversized blade.
Another berbera beside her, with short grey hair raised her fists.
"From the very beginning of time," Bell began, bolts of electricity surfacing on him, he drew his blades.
"Whether the tale be set in this world or another."
Crackles fired off, impacting every molecule in the air. Ripping them into shreds, breaking the very bonds they contained.
" A man's hubris… has always been his undoing."
"Oh… that is true." Hyakinthos laughed, "But did they have…this?!"
He pulled out a small plate.
A grey slab of marble; with inscriptions that Bell could barely make out in the distance.
"Hehehe, you fell for it. Take this, Kairos's trap… Ire's gaze!"
…
*Cough*
A wad of blood exited from Bell's mouth.
What the…
His knees buckled a bit, he felt some of his strength leave his body.
"Wh-what?"
This feeling…a level 4? How? Did they decrease my level somehow?
"Don't fear Cranel. It's temporary, I wouldn't want to damage Apollo sama's…new toy so quickly." Hyakinthos spat in disdain.
"Oi you dumb fox, you too." Aisha shouted behind her. That's when he saw her.
The rabbit of white shall jump and devour the sun, freeing the golden fox, who may freely gaze upon the moon…
Inside a cage sat a renard…
Why in a cage? Bell couldn't understand, but what he did know was that the woman cast some sort of spell… and the power on Aisha grew to a level 4 too.
Without even giving him any time to spare, Hyakinthos shot forward, approaching him with speed.
TWANG
Sparks flew, as metal collided with metal.
"GIVE UP CRANEL, YOU GOT NO CHANCE!"
With all his might, Bell pushed off Hyakinthos; he took a step back, hoping to secure his footing.
Only for Aisha to come and attack him.
"Sucks for a kid like you, but you brought the wrong kind of attention to yourself." Aisha spoke to him.
"..."
Bell fought back wordlessly, swinging his falcatas with precision and haste that was unseen for a level 4.
Samira didn't sit twiddling her thumbs either, and jumped straight into the mix.
Both of them being Berbera, they had a great level of coordination that was only seen for true families.
Their timings matched, taking any seconds of respite Bell might've had constantly attacking him.
"URRAH!" Bell roared, punching Aisha straight in the face and kicking Samira away.
"To fight in such a manner…" Bell murmured blankly.
"Why? Did you think we'd fight fair?" Hyakinthos snorted, "Your familia may be some deadbeat familia now but we wouldn't take any risks of course."
"..."
"Disgrace to Orario, why did you come back? Did you really just want for your dear old grandpa to see his family be taken away from him again?" Hyakinthos taunted him.
"..."
"Well guess what?! Those threats you gave to Apollo sama a week ago? I'll make sure you pay for them, and once you lose. I'll make you watch as your grandpa is stoned out of Orario and then sent to Tenkai."
*SNAP*
Killing was not allowed in wargames.
He didn't want to kill either.
Killing was not allowed in war games.
He didn't want to be here either.
Killing was not allowed in war games.
…
But
…
Why would he let the bastard talk any longer?
"13 ways of the moon- 6th moon…" A soul gripping aura spread through the roof top. Similar to the one from the ball, yet
more…murderous.
Bell walked.
For he had no reason to rush.
Bell looked calm.
For he had no reason to anger.
Bell gripped his swords.
For he had no room for mercy.
…Not that he would've shown them any to begin with…
"Vampir's…Rona Fall."
And so, with a single tranquil jump. He landed behind Hyakinthos in one second.
The next a blood curdling scream rang out on the rooftop, as an arm flew off.
*Drip…drip drip drip*
Rain began to fall, heavy showers that hit the skins of the awestruck people.
Hyakinthos lay on the ground, writhing in pain and screaming.
Tried as it might, the rain water failed to wash away the blood.
"A chance is all I'll give to you guys." Bell spoke, his monotonous voice taking over the entire area.
Dominating them.
The skies darkened, enhancing the crimson red glow of his eyes.
Even in the rain; the flames of vengeance burned strongly in his eyes.
Not black in colour, but stained red.
"COME. Hit me with everything you've got. Just know this…from this point on?" Bell raised his sword, "Your lives are no longer guaranteed."
His energy hit them harder than any word he uttered, their hearts palpitated in an emotion they rarely ever felt.
The overwhelming presence of a being so powerful that it made their knees weak.
"What the fuck are you all doing?!" Aisha's voice boomed, "He's one man, get him already!"
Broken out of their trance, the warriors charged while the mages began to cast their spells.
"Hell Kaios!"
"Ifrit!"
"Frostviller!"
Spells of varying magnitudes fired off, swordsman, shielders all bolted straight towards one man.
Streaking back, Bell jumped high, his swords drawn ready to strike at full force. The light of spells shining through the dark, his biceps just barely visible.
Flexed to their maximum, veins bulged in his arms. Power coursing itself to them, his grip tightened on the swords.
"13 ways of the moon…"
"Oh shit watch out!" Samira tried to warn…but it was already too late.
"4th moon- Giant's Mawu Fall!"
An impact of absurd degrees collided to the ground, bolts of electricity vibrated and thrummed as he swung his blades, crashing into the floor, sending gusts of wind and dust.
And just like that, he had taken down an entire line of warriors.
"I told you to give your all…was that it?" He asked, the earlier spells fired hard completely missed him.
His insane speed still allowed him to jump further than any they have ever seen.
This time… he would attack.
His magic came back to life, tapping into his seemingly endless source of mind.
"Unholy flames of purgatory surge-"
Bell absconded towards the enemies, meeting Aisha head on first. Slamming both his blades down onto her.
"The war has long finished, cinders rise and be ignited once more-"
"Is this guy really down to a level 4? What the fuck!" Aisha cursed, "Oi, Samira help out here."
Yet before she could, Bell disappeared from her sight. Reappearing by Samira's side, landing an elbow straight to her side.
"Burn the slaves of hell, who are sinners. What is dead is brought back to life-"
Samira could not even react, as Bell threw his sword in a frenzy.
For most mages, concurrent chanting was a tall task. That's how rare of a skill it was, being able to even move around while chanting was a sign of a high level mage.
Yet this man…
"Fuck," Samira coughed out blood.
Bell cut her in astonishing speeds, her life essence spurting out from every orifice he created.
And then…
"Where the fuck is he?"
He disappeared once more, leaving the mangled but breathing body of Samira on the ground.
Hyakinthos began to recover, having used a potion to temporarily stop the bleeding. His mind remained confused, in a baffling twist of events, even with so many people. Even with decreasing his level! Bell Cranel could not be stopped.
"...Fuck, where is he…I'll kill him!" Hyakinthos spat, though his voice came out weaker. He had lost a lot of blood by now and
realistically, he was on the verge of passing out.
But then, a low voice spoke behind him. Uncomfortably close to his ear.
"To be incinerated by the flames of vengeance-"
The remainder of Bell's spell being cast, he had reappeared right by Hyakinthos's side, tapping him on the shoulder.
"Wha-"
With a clear swing, Bell cut off Hyakinthos's other arm.
"AAAAAAHHHH!"
Bell kicked him in the stomach, twisting and grabbing him by the throat, before slamming him right into the ground.
Cracks followed, the cruel fight, as the others remained frozen in place, unable to move.
Fear coursing through their veins, as even Aisha forgot what to do.
Bell didn't let it end though, he picked up Hyakinthos by the throat and slammed him down again into the ground.
"...please…" Hyakinthos croaked out. His eyes watering from the unbearable pain. "I…concede."
"..."
Yet Bell still drove him into the ground again.
"Oi! What are you doing? He admitted defeat!" Aisha asked, finally finding her voice. "The fight's over, we lose. Let him go."
Bell paused. His wet hair hid his face, yet the look from his eyes was one Aisha would never forget.
Silently, Bell lifted up Hyakinthos. The man's limp body gave no resistance. He held him towards the original Apollo Familia members.
"Burn eternally," he continued his chant, uncaring.
Unforgiving.
Unbridled.
"Hell Flame!"
Mikoto was left dumbfounded. His prowess was one she could aim for, limitless strength that allowed him to dominate all.
"What the hell…" Ouka whispered.
Yet as she watched, the fight. She couldn't help but feel…awed. A warm feeling spread in her chest, as she unknowingly blushed. Her eyes honed in on Bell and his movements.
Graceful yet strong.
Complex yet effective.
Violent yet calm.
'13 ways of the moon…'
"What a beautiful technique he has come up with." Suddenly someone spoke up next to her.
"Takemikazuchi sama?"
"The technique is one I've never seen, it primarily consists of a specific sequence of moves but besides that, he's flexible to do whatever he wants." The martial arts expert analysed, "Unlike many other forms of arts, this doesn't have the same level of
restriction. He can hit from virtually every angle."
"Yes." She smiled, oddly feeling pleased hearing the compliments. After all, Bell developed them.
"This…is troubling indeed." Finn bit his thumb.
"Ruthless and efficient, we may have to re-evaluate him."
"But boy is he strong, is he really a level 5?"
"Wait but didn't that artefact lower his level by one?"
"Then it's even more unbelievable!"
Yet as they watched on, only the figures of Ais and Riveria displayed any semblance of concern.
Not for Apollo.
But Bell.
A sea of flames came to life, ignoring the rain and burning forwards, torching everything in their path straight towards the sky. A
deadly barrage that burnt blue and red, from the combustion that consumed everything up.
Eyes bulged; as the captain of the Zeus Familia, the familia of heroes, completely reduced their captain to ashes.
…
Or so they thought, yet as the flames cleared…
"What?"
Bell stood there, with Hyakinthos in his hand. Still gripping him by the throat, but not a single burn mark on him.
"Do not mistake this for mercy…I chose to leave you to suffer a cripple than to die an easy death." Bell spoke as he threw Hyakinthos onto the ground, "Your captain is breathing but not for long. I'd suggest you get him treatment soon."
He turned to look back, "This war is over."
And with that, Bell left. Walking into the red halls that he painted himself.
…
"...Shit I think I'm wet." Aisha looked down.
"..."
"..."
"U-uh, well you saw it yourself folks! The captain of the Zeus Familia has SINGLE HANDEDLY defeated the entirety of the Apollo Familia!" Ibri's voice spoke up once more.
And so the crowds erupted into cheers, the literal blood bath paired with a final act of mercy was the peak level of entertainment the citizens have had.
Meanwhile, the Gods were all looking at Zeus expectantly.
Although they had momentarily feared what would come of Hyakinthos, they let out a breath of relief as Bell let Hyakinthos live.
Though what kind of life it'd was a question, considering he had turned him into a cripple.
"L-look Zeus, it was just a game, y-your child was just a bit cute is all." Apollo backed away, "besides see? He completely crippled
Hyakinthos, I think a substantial price has been paid right?"
"Shut up fool," Zeus spoke, a malicious grin adorned his face, as he too agreed with the punishment he and Bell came up with.
"You planned to have me stoned? Very well," Zeus chuckled, "For you…hm…let's see, how about…everything you have, every asset you have is all mine."
"U-uh…"
"AND your familia is disbanding."
"Hiii! Please Zeus!"
"Did I say I was done bitch?" Zeus asked, quirking an eyebrow. Though by now, Apollo was frothing at the mouth.
"You have to run around Orario, save from the school district, butt naked with a sign that says "I am a pervert" and then, only then, do you leave the world and go back to Tenkai."
"Ain't you being too harsh there?"
"Harsh? Hardly, it's his fault for saying I can do what I want." He laughed maniacally.
"...Oh dear…"
The aftermath of the war was something that left dents in people's minds. In just a couple days, so much had happened. Apollo had gone back to Tenkai after his…performance.
Then, the disbanded members had to disperse though of course a few stuck by. A decent few of the Apollo familia were from other familias that had 'loaned' out their fighters, having to go back to their old familias if they were able to.
Which led to today. Bell, having gotten stitched up, sat in the front living room of their manor. While he knew he wanted all the assets Apollo Familia had, he didn't really have a use for the manor right now.
Not to mention, very few familias would even be able to afford it. He had been planning on using it as housing for those who joined as vassals, but it's not like he had any just yet.
"...Come in." he subconsciously responded, already aware of who it was outside the door. He had sat in peace, sipping on a new tea leaf he had received from the far east.
"Weirdly relaxed aren't ya?"
"Well after thoroughly fucking over 150 people, I suppose a bit of rest is well earned." Bell replied. "How are you doing, Aisha san?"
"Oh just dandy y'know? A bit frustrated since I can't go back to the pleasure quarters, but oh well." She shrugged.
"And who's the fair maiden beside you?"
*Snort* "Oi, introduce yourself."
"H-huu…N-nice to meet you…C-Cranel sama, I am Sanjouno Haruhime." The demure girl whispered out.
"The fox here is a failure of a prostitute, she's having a hard time bearing the sight of your bare chest." Aisha spoke for the girl.
"Hm…right. So I'm assuming you want me to protect her or something?"
"..."
"What?" Bell asked, looking up to see Aisha's bright purple eyes widened. "How did I know?" He asked for her, a cheshire grin adorning his face.
"Easy really, I'm very knowledgeable about the things of the world," Bell replied, taking the tea pot and pouring two more cups for the two and motioning for the pair to sit. "Well of course I don't know everything, like with that darn artefact for level decrease but I, at the very least, know about the Killing Stone."
"!"
"Ishtar isn't so frivolous that she'd get a Renard princess, especially one from the Sanjouno Clan, just to boost a bit of the customer income. And given from the public rivalry between her and…Freya." he spat in mild disgust, "It doesn't really take Sherlock Holmes to figure out what she wants."
"Who?"
"Either way, that's beside the point." Bell shrugged, "Protection of a girl is fine and all, but…you'll be killed y'know?"
"A-Aisha san!"
"...It doesn't matter." Aisha replied resolutely, "From the war game I understood, even as a single person, Ishtar wouldn't try to fuck with you easily."
"My, what a nice compliment. I'm flattered."
"Hmph, you're welcome." Aisha grunted, the captain of Zeus Familia seemingly a lot more talkative than he was in the war, "Anyways could you?"
"Sure. On one condition."
"Shoot."
"Become my woman."
"Done."
"A-Aisha san!" Haruhime blushed beet red.
"Damn you're fast, what does love not exist for you or something?" Bell asked.
"Bitch, I'm an amazoness. From the second you beat the shit out of Samira and Hyakinthos, my pussy has been throbbing for you."
"Fair game, but I was kidding."
"I wasn't."
Admittedly, this time Bell had to recompose himself. Pulling on his sleeves, "Unfortunately, I'm a bit of a romantic, so I'd have to
fall for you first."
"G-"
*Knock Knock*
"Damn I'm popular today," Bell murmured, "Come in."
"Excuse me Bell sama, Takemikazuchi and Miach Familia are both here to see you."
"I called them, let them in."
Within a few seconds, further knocks came and in with them came the Takemikazuchi Familia and Miach familia.
"Congratulations on the win Bell dono," Mikoto entered with a bright smile, though as she looked around, the fruit basket dropped from her hands.
"..."
"..."
"...H-Haruhime dono?!"
"WHAT?!"
"No way!"
The outburst from the Take familia wasn't completely unwelcomed per se. However, Bell too was shocked to see that they knew Haruhime.
"You guys know each other?"
"M-Mikoto chan!" Haruhime got up, and jumped to get embraced by the Takemikazuchi Familia.
"Well colour me surprised, Bell Cranel you have done us quite a favour once more," Takemikazuchi smiled ear to ear. "You see, Haruhime here was a close friend of ours during the time we were in the far east, but then we lost all contact with her."
"I see, well a good sight too."
"Oh Haruhime dono, where have you been?! I missed you so much!"
" Yes, Mikoto chan. It's been a while," the renard shed began to bawl her eyes out in the arms of Mikoto.
"Well, it's gonna be hard to get their attention anymore… How can I help you two?" Bell turned to Miach and Naaza.
Being well acquaintanced with both Blue Pharmacy and Dian Cecht, Bell never really judged either of the two. He went to blue pharmacy for potions while he went to Dian for when he got seriously injured.
"Ah nothing, we just came to congratulate you on your win," Miach informed him, "A stunning performance if I do say so myself."
"Thank you, I…did it myself?" He chuckled, unsure on how to reply.
"Yes and though it's a small gift," Naaza turned around, her tail wagging lethargically as she picked up a box, "Here is a box of new experimental dual potions."
…Did she say experimental?
"Um…Naaza san?"
"Yes?"
"Are you trying to…use me as a test subject?"
Surely, no-one would be so shameless as to disguise such a thing as a gift!
"No~" The chienthrope smirked, a mischievous glint dancing around her eyes.
This girl…
"Then."
"Eeeep!" Naaza jumped back, having felt a sudden pull on her tail.
This time Bell smirked, "A naughty puppy needs to be educated it seems."
Although the statement had no place sounding as perverse as it did, Naaza didn't completely retort to it, blushing a bit of red before shoving the box onto Bell's hand.
Their hands meeting for the briefest of moments, giving Bell a last minute idea.
"Say, Miach sama…are you willing to discuss a business deal at some point in the near future?" Bell asked, carefully phrasing his question as professionally as he could.
"Hm…I don't see why not, how about you drop by the Blue Pharmacy later?"
"Very well."
The plan settled; Bell called for a maid to guide them out, while he focused on dealing with the Far Eastern members present, who were somehow…still crying.
How high was the capacity of the tear glands?
"Oh, I know! Haruhime, you should come and live with us." Take proposed.
"Unfortunately that ain't possible." Aisha cut in.
"Wh-what? Why not?"
"Because you are too weak." Aisha's flat response seemingly struck some nerves in a certain Kashima Ouka, so to diffuse the situation, Bell took charge and explained the whole situation.
"Right…so Ishtar is after Haruhime for a ritual of sorts?"
"Yup."
"And…we are too weak to do so?" Ouka asked with a frown.
"Whine all you want, it's the truth. Listen, I'm trying to save you from being raped by the toad captain she has."
Admittedly, they did become depressed hearing the news, especially Mikoto, who began to sport an adorable pout.
She seemed like she wanted to say something but she kept stopping herself.
*sigh* I am gonna have to make myself the villain again aren't I?
But then suddenly Takemikazuchi stepped forward, the compassionate war God peered over Bell, his tall and built stature giving him almost the same vibes that King emits.
"Bell Cranel." He began. "...I ask, as the Patron Deity of the Takemikazuchi Familia, to let us join your mission and become vassals to the Zeus Familia."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"WHAT?!"
A/N: And that's a wrap, whew. That took a while to write. champagne without the cham level.
Anyways, hope you liked it, do let me know in the reviews.
Minor errors in spacing, converting from google docs was a bit of a pain my bad, let me know if any pops up.
Bless.