There will be some SO15 and MS20 spoilers. I won't mention what is cannon and what is not but juat so you know :)
Feeling the sharp bite of the winter air and the soft, pale glow of the season's sunlight, Aiz quietly confirmed herself with a firm resolution.
"I'll go see Bell."
…trying to go unnoticed, I turn onto the main street in the southwest, which leads to the sixth district of the city, where the Hearth Mansion is. I crossed a main street that's more bustling than usual, I tried to blend into the crowd, avoiding attention.
I turn onto the southwest avenue, which leads toward the Sixth District, home to the Hearth Mansion. As I walked somewhat distracted, I noticed a woman ahead at the corner, her head lowered as she moved slowly.
She's an enchanting woman, her radiant golden hair gleaming in the light, almost mesmerizing. She looks breathtaking, far more so than I could ever hope to.
Wait, is that? "AIZ-SAN?!"
A startled, high-pitched voice, like that of a rabbit struck by a falling star, reached her ears.
"Ah." Stopping in her tracks, Aiz turned around and blinked in mild surprise. White hair, crimson rubellite eyes. Though he carried an unfamiliar bag, there was no mistaking him. It was Bell, the boy she had been searching for.
"Bell," she said softly.
"Ah, h-hello! Good morning!? Good morning… or maybe it's afternoon? Oh, yes, good afternoon!" He darted over in a brisk jog, arriving before her in moments. Bell, his face flushed pink for some reason. Seeing Aiz's curious expression, he shook his head vigorously before hesitantly asking.
"W-what brings you here? Is something wrong?"
"I went to your home."
"…What!?" Bell's shock was evident as Aiz, now slightly blushing herself, explained.
"I wanted to see if you still wanted to train," Aiz said, her voice soft but direct. Her golden eyes met his crimson ones, and for a moment, Bell froze like a deer caught in headlights.
"T-train?" Bell stammered, his mind racing as he processed her words. "Oh, yes! I-I mean, of course! I haven't forgotten at all!"
Aiz tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Really? It's been a long time. I wasn't sure if you still wanted to."
Bell's expression grew earnest. "Of course I do! I've been working hard, but… I still have a long way to go. If anything, I've been hoping to train with you again. You're amazing, Aiz-san!" Bell's ears reddened.
The straightforward compliment caught her off guard too, and a faint blush painted her cheeks. She averted her gaze momentarily, unsure how to respond, before nodding.
"Great. Then… let's start now?" Aiz said excited.
"N-now?!" Bell blinked, his voice cracking slightly. He glanced down at the bag he was carrying.
"I mean, sure, I'd love to, but… I just picked up some groceries for dinner,"
Aiz blinked. "Groceries?"
Bell nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, it was my turn today. Hestia-sama's been…Well, let's just say I owe her a good meal after everything lately."
Troubleshooting Aiz thought for a moment. "Then… I'll help you carry them. Afterwards, we can train."
Bell's eyes widened, and he instinctively took a step back. "Y-you don't have to do that, Aiz-san! I can manage…"
But Aiz had already stepped forward, her hand reaching for the bag. Bell, in a panic, tried to stop her, but she effortlessly plucked it from his grasp.
"It is light," she said simply, holding the bag as if it weighed nothing.
Bell sighed, knowing better than to argue. "Alright… thank you."
The two walked together through the streets of Orario, drawing the attention of passersby. Aiz, the renowned Sword Princess, casually walking alongside Bell, the Little Rookie, was a rare sight. Whispers and murmurs followed them, but neither seemed to notice or, in Aiz's case, care.
As they approached Hearth Manor, Bell hesitated outside the gate. "Um… about Hestia-sama…"
Aiz tilted her head. "Yes?"
"She… she might be a little upset about me training with you," Bell admitted, scratching his cheek nervously. "I think she's worried you'll take me away or something."
Aiz blinked, confused. "Take you away? Why would I do that?"
Bell laughed awkwardly. "I think it's just her way of being protective. She really cares about me."
"I see," Aiz said, her expression thoughtful. "Then… I'll make sure to explain. I don't want to cause problems."
Bell smiled. "Thank you, Aiz-san. That means a lot."
As they approached the manor, Aiz braced herself for another encounter with Hestia. Whatever awaited her, she was determined to fulfil her promise to Bell… and to herself.
When they reached the manor, Bell pushed open the gate and led her to the entrance. He knocked lightly on the door, bracing himself for the inevitable storm.
The door swung open, and Hestia appeared, her blue twin tails bouncing as she glared at them.
"Bell! You're back! And…eh?! Wallen-whatsit?! What are you doing here?!"
"Good afternoon, Hestia-sama," Aiz said politely, bowing slightly.
Hestia's eyes narrowed.
"Don't 'good afternoon' me! What's the meaning of this? Are you trying to snatch Bell away for some secret training date or something?!"
"No. I just want to keep my promise for us to train," Aiz replied, her tone calm but firm.
Hestia crossed her arms, pouting. "Hmph! I don't like it, but… fine. Only because it's for Bell's growth! But if you try anything funny, Wallen-whatsit, I'll—!"
"Hestia-sama!" Bell interrupted, his face burning with embarrassment.
Aiz tilted her head, clearly puzzled by the goddess's outburst. But she simply nodded. "Thank you. I'll make sure Bell gets home safe."
"Aiz-san?!" Bell said embarrassingly.
With that, Hestia begrudgingly went back inside, allowing them to continue their day. Bell sighed in relief, grateful that the confrontation hadn't escalated further.
"Let's get going," Aiz said as they left the manor behind. Her determination was unwavering, and Bell couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. After a quick pass at the Jagar Maru-kun shop, they headed toward their usual training ground.