Bell reached over and grabbed the tray sitting next to his bedside. On it was meat stew with a slice of bread and a glass of water. He placed it on his lap and made sure it was steady before speaking.
"Meat stew? This must have cost you a fortune down here."
"You know how the economy works down here?" Shakti asked.
Bell nodded and took a bite of his bread. "Yeah, my master told me never to buy anything from Rivera because it would be surcharged."
Shakti smiled at the wise words. "Your master would be correct. But I didn't have to spend anything on this. They gave it to you for free."
"For free?" Bell furrowed his brow. "But why?"
Shakti tilted her head and gave him a knowing look. "Take a guess, silly boy."
Bell felt a butterfly-like sensation in his stomach with the way she said silly boy. It looked like she would let out a serene giggle at any moment to hammer home what she had just said.
'Why am I so hyper-aware of her every movement and words?'
He knew why.
'Right, my brain still thinks I'm in trouble. It's still processing things at a faster rate to help me survive. It doesn't realize that I'm safe yet.'
Bell looked down at his soup before grabbing his spoon and taking a bite. A tinge of venison lingered on his tongue as he chewed the meat and swallowed. The broth he couldn't quite place but it complimented the venison nicely.
"Is it because I saved people?" Bell asked.
Shakti nodded. "It is, even in this thieves den of a town they're still grateful for their lives being saved."
Bell picked at his bread. "Oh, but still, I didn't do much. That woman kicked me away into the forest. I wasn't able to heal as many as I could have because of that."
"That was out of your control Bell. No one knew that woman would decide to target you. I'm just glad you're safe and sound now." She added softly.
Bell had to fight back a blush as he ate his soup. He was never good with people showing concern about him.
'Master never really showed that much concern for me. Or she did in her own way I guess. Would she be disappointed in me because of how I handled the woman? Or would she give me a pat on the back and say I can do better?'
No answers would come to Bell as his master wasn't here. She could offer him no guidance now. He was on his own.
"Well, if it wasn't for you I doubt I'd be alive. Still can't believe she cut my leg off." He muttered that last part.
"If she didn't do that Nine Hells and I wouldn't have been able to find you. As messed up as it is to say your screams let us locate you."
Bell nervously chuckled and took another bite of bread. He gulped it down before taking a sip of water from his cup.
"Well, small mercies where I can get them." He said. A tremble in his voice.
"You ok?" Shakti asked.
Bell took a deep breath and held it for four seconds. Then let it out for four seconds.
'In for four. Out for four.' He chanted.
After doing this a few more times he opened his eyes and answered Shakti.
"Yeah I'm fine, it's just...I really cut it close last night." He trembled again as he let out another breath.
Shakti stood up from her chair and approached Bell. Her hand coming to rest on his shoulder in a comforting manner.
"You did, but it's over now. I won't let anything else happen to you while we're down here."
Bell took another calming breath before nodding. Feeling a serene sense of calm fill his chest.
"Thanks, that makes me feel a little better."
Shakti smiled before removing her hand from his shoulder and taking her seat once more. She leaned back in the chair and watched as Bell ate. A question nagging at her in the back of her mind.
"That woman, did she hit as hard as your master?"
Bell had just taken another bite of bread. So he shook his head in the negative as he swallowed.
"No, not even close. She only broke three of my ribs with her hit. I broke my back on the way down because of the fall. If my master wanted to she could break all my ribs with a single punch. While still holding back as well, compared to my master that woman is nothing."
Shakti internally cringed imagining the sheer monstrosity the Battle Ax was. She felt her heart race imagining what Bell would become as he grew older. But right now her focus was on making sure Bell was alright.
"I imagine that must be pretty painful."
Bell shook his head. "When it comes to pain, I mostly don't feel it. Whether if it's a result of my magic or training, I don't know. Pain isn't really something I feel. Well until last night that was, before that night I can scarcely remember when the last time I felt it was."
"That must feel weird. How do you know if something is wrong with your body if you don't feel pain?"
Bell shrugged. "I can just tell, it's like a sixth sense thing. Or how your body just knows something is wrong."
Shakti nodded as Bell ate more of his stew. The sound of silverware clinking against the bowl filled the silence of the room. But Shakti's mind brimmed with even more questions.
"So what's it like fixing a broken bone?"
Bell swallowed before wiping his lips.
"Kind of like a puzzle. Each piece of bone has its own place to fit into. Since I've had mine broken so many times I can fix mine as easily as washing my hands. But it takes a little bit of time when it's someone else's. Everyone's bone structure is a little different. The changes are minor but they're there."
Shakti was a little amazed by the analogy.
"So if I were to break a leg or an arm. How fast do you think you could fix it?"
Bell shrugged. "Depends on the severity of the break. If it's a simple snap-in-half with the bone sticking out, a minute tops. But if it's a shatter it could take me anywhere between five to fifteen minutes. Really just depends on how bad the break is and who it is I'm working on. A whole lot of variables that are impossible to predict."
Shakti nodded in understanding as Bell finished his bread. He took another sip of water as Shakti sat in her chair in silence. Watching as the boy finished his meal.
Once he was done he used the sleeve of his shirt to wipe his mouth before finishing his water and setting it back down on the tray.
"Well, that was a nice meal. I was starving, thank you for getting it for me."
Shakti smiled as she stood. Brushing the wrinkles from her dress to straighten it out.
"Since you're done with your meal. Are you ready to explore now?"
Bell nodded and got out of the bed. "I am, I'm excited to see what this floor has to offer. Other than the crazy murder mystery and silent assassin that tried to kill me."
He said that last part jokingly but his eyes still darted around the room when saying that. Like the redheaded woman was hiding inside the walls waiting for his guard to drop.
Shakti patted him on the back and pulled him closer to her. "Don't worry, it's daytime so I'll be able to see her coming this time."
Bell nervously chuckled, feeling safer standing so close to Shakti. But also growing slightly embarrassed as he remembered last night.
"T-thanks, I feel safer already."
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Shakti pushed the door to Bell's room open revealing the granite wall of the cliff face. The rock was smoothed stone thanks to the efforts of the builders of the inn. The floor was smoothed as well but Bell could see the hints of chiseling that had been done to make it smooth.
He ran his hand across the wall in curiosity. Enjoying the smooth feel of the granite under his palm. He couldn't remember the name of this inn. He thinks it was Last Light? Lost Light? Light Light?
'Something to do with lights.' He thought.
"This way Bell," Shakti called out.
Bell snapped out of his curious stupor before looking back toward his room. "But what about my dishes? I don't want to just leave them there."
Shakti gave a small smile at his respectful manners. "Someone will come by to take care of it. It'll be alright."
Bell took one last tentative look back before turning around and following Shakti. The woman smiled and he smiled back as he caught up to her.
They walked down the smooth stone hallway until arriving at the lobby. Much like the hallway it was also smooth stone. But the noticeable difference was the wooden front desk that stretched across part of the floor and the corkboard behind it with keys to the rooms on it.
Shakti reached into her pocket and pulled out Bell's room key and handed it to the cat person receptionist. The catman gave a small boy and a thank you to Bell before putting the key back on the corkboard.
Bell quirked an eyebrow at the thank you. Unaware as to why a receptionist who wasn't even in the battle was thanking him.
But Shakti hurried him along and the two exited the Inn back outside to the 18th floor. Bell's eyes squinted as the crystal light hit them. He raised his hand to block the light and allowed his eyes to adjust to it before blinking a few times.
"Everything alright?" Shakti asked.
Bell rubbed his eyes and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I guess my eyes are just sensitive to the crystal light since it's my first time down here."
"You need a minute?"
Bell shook his head as his eyes grew used to the light. "No, I'm good. So where to first?"
Shakti raised a brow. "Where would you like to go?"
Bell opened his mouth to respond but then shut it. He grasped his chin and tapped his finger against it for a second before letting go and shrugging.
"I don't know. I've never been down here before."
Shakti held back a small chuckle as she shook her head. "Alright, we'll point in a direction and we'll walk that way. How does that sound."
"Sounds like an easy way for us to get lost." Bell deadpanned.
Shakti pinched the bridge of her nose. Bell's age showing with how quickly and bluntly he responded. "I know the layout of the floor. We won't get lost."
Bell raised his arm and pointed toward a cliff to the east. "That way, I heard running water earlier when we first arrived."
Shakti quirked an eyebrow. "You want to go towards the water?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, it means there's a waterfall nearby and I want to see it. I've never seen a waterfall before."
Shakti stared blankly at the boy. It was such an odd and childish request. But then Shakti had to remind herself that despite how Bell carried himself in battle he was still in fact a child.
"Ok, we'll go to the waterfall."
"Cool."
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Bell and Shakti walked down the rocky path of Rivera. Many buildings had been destroyed in the battle. Whether from falling debris or stray vines. Some had even been melted from those plant monsters' acid. But the people of the town were rebuilding. Just like they always had and always will.
As Bell and Shakti walked, however, many people in the town stopped the two to thank Bell. Shakti noted that they barely paid any mind to her.
Their attention being solely on Bell.
She didn't mind of course. Bell had saved a lot of people last night and deserved the praise he was receiving. But she also did notice that the boy seemed to tense up and grow nervous each time he was thanked.
His cheeks would turn red and his eyes would dart everywhere. While his right hand would rub the back of his head. Shakti had to admit she found the nervous bumbling sight of him cute.
But it was clear to her that he was uncomfortable every time this happened. So she'd wait a few seconds. Let the people get their praises in before ushering Bell away gently but firmly so they wouldn't get bogged down.
This happened a number of times before they were finally able to leave the town. After they did Bell let out a sigh of relief and let his shoulders sag.
"And here I thought you'd be used to praise as a healer." Shakti teased. But her voice did hold an undertone of softness.
Bell glanced over at Shakti and noted that her brow was scrunched up a little in worry despite the teasing look in her eyes.
"Not really. I mean there were only a hundred people in my village and we lived in the middle of nowhere. Plus there was two healers and my master normally did the majority of the work. Last night I healed well over three hundred people, not including myself. All that praise from all those strangers, it just overwhelmed me I guess."
Bell let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He took a look back at the town allowing a small but noticeable smile to grace his lips.
"It felt good saving all of those people. I liked doing it." He finished.
Shakti let a small smile come to her lips as she looked at the young boy. 'It's refreshing to see a good person in this line of work. Too many people let the Falna corrupt them.'
"Alright, enough of that I want to see the waterfall." Bell quickly said.
Shakti took a step back and gestured outwards with her arms. "Lead the way then."
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Bell entered the eastern forest and pushed aside stray branches that got in his face. Shakti was next to him. Ducking under branches and pushing them back her face as well.
The forest was quiet and only the sound of their footfalls. However muted they were was the only sound they could hear. The two didn't even speak as Bell's curiosity and wanderlust seemed to nearly explode from him.
However, Shakti's mind still swam with questions. If the Battle Ax was his master, and that was a very probable chance. Even if Bell didn't say it directly.
What was she like now? With her familia gone and a kid to raise. That thought was at the forefront of Shakti's mind the most. So she decided to simply ask Bell instead of wondering anymore.
She felt as if last night at least brought them close enough for that.
"Pardon me if this is sudden Bell. But I'm curious as to what your relationship was with your master. You don't have to answer it if you don't want to."
Bell's shoulders raised themselves just a tad before settling back down. He moved another branch out of his way and held it so Shakti could move past it. She got a look at his face and saw it etched in thought.
Once passing under the beach Bell let it go and proceeded down their path. The silence was lasting so long that it felt awkward and nearly suffocating. She felt like maybe she had made a mistake before Bell had finally spoke.
"Complicated. I think that word would probably be best to describe it." He answered. Yet his voice wasn't filled with sadness or longing. More like acceptance.
Shakti swallowed a lump in her throat before she asked another question. "Complicated how, if you don't mind me asking?"
Bell was silent once more. His face once again etched in thought. After a minute he answered again. This time with a somber smile on his face.
"She was never one to really show care as someone like you or I would do. I know she loved me but when it came to her showing it that was a different story. I don't blame her of course, she went through a terrible tragedy and then she was stuck with me in a sense right after. But she stepped up and still raised me along with my Grandpa." Bell's smile then grew wider and his eyes seemed to fill with joy.
"The way I know she loves me is because she saved my life when I was six. I had gone out wandering with some of the village kids in the woods nearby. But we seemed to be unlucky children that day as a Kobold appeared. I remember it seemed so big and scary back then. It nearly killed one of the other kids if I didn't throw a rock at it. Which while brave at first turned into stupidity as it jumped at me and afterward clawed me."
Bell's hand subconsciously rubbed over his right arm. Something which Shakti noted but kept her mouth shut as Bell kept speaking. Ducking under another branch while doing so.
"Next thing I know my arm hurts really bad. My blood's on the ground and the kids are screaming and running away. I had fallen down and was just frozen in fear. The Kobold seemed to sense this as it licked its lips and started to approach me. It opened its mouth and was getting ready to kill me before my master came in and stomped its head in. Next thing I know she has me wrapped in her arms as she healing me. Running her hand through my hair and calming me down. She spent the rest of the day with me. Keeping me in her arms and reading stories to me. Singing to me as I went to sleep. Then she was back to her old self the next morning."
Bell let out a chuckle at that last part and Shakti felt her heart warm at that last part of the story. It all seemed so gentle and sweet. Not something you would expect out of a woman named Battle Ax.
"Then I awakened my magic and everything seemed to turn on its head. Next thing I know it's training, training, training until I drop. Then she heals me and it's more training. Rinse and repeat for the next five years and that brings me to now." Bell finished. His smile going back to a cheerful one.
Before Shakti could even respond the sound of heavy rushing water filled the two's ears. Bell was quick to scurry up a hill and his eyes brightened in wonder as he finally laid eyes on the waterfall.
Like most waterfalls, it was pressed up against a cliff with thousands of gallons of water running down it into the river below. On both sides of the waterfall was more forest. The path that connected the two was cut in half by the rushing water.
Shakti was quick to catch up and Bell took in the sight before him. A bright smile on his face as he watched the water run down the cliff. The sound filling his ears and making him feel a serene calm wash over him.
"Now that's a sight I'll never forget." Bell breathed out. His eyes sparkling as he looked at the waterfall.
Shakti let out a breath and had to agree it was quite a sight. Even if she had already seen this sight many times before.
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A couple hours later Bell was bathing in the river. He had covered himself in mud the night before and could still feel it on his skin. Making him feel dirty and sticky and he hated that feeling.
His clothes were discarded on the shoreline near the tree and Shakti had gone back to Rivera to help manage her familia with the reconstruction efforts. Only after multiple assurances from Bell that he would be fine on his own and a reminder that she would have to stand guard while he bathed.
That last part seemed to send her scurrying back to Rivera. Leaving Bell to chuckle as he undressed and got into the water.
He cupped the water and ran it over his skin. The water cool and making his skin glisten. While also washing away the dried mud and the feeling of it on his skin. Had he been on the surface he most likely would've heard the sounds of chirping birds. Or perhaps fish jumping up and swimming in the river.
But he was in the dungeon. There was no such thing that existed on this floor. If it did it was most likely a monster that would attack him. Meaning his peaceful bath would come to an end.
But lucky for him there were no such creatures on this floor anymore. Last night's battle had made this floor a safe zone once more.
Bell let his hands drop to his sides before opening his eyes and looking down. Being able to see his reflection through the clear water. He gave himself a cheeky smile before diving into the water headfirst.
He swam around for a minute before emerging from the water and running his hand through his hair. His entire body minus his head completely submerged.
'Hmm, I wonder if this is what Grandpa called skinny dipping.' Bell wondered.
He submerged himself once more. Swimming under the water and letting himself drift. A smile pursed on his lips as he remembered how his master taught him to swim.
"You call that swimming! My Grandma's dog could swim better than you and she's nothing more than ash! Come on paddle harder! Forward stroke!"
Bell emerged from the water. Laughing to himself in his head. He regarded those times fondly. When it was just him, his Grandpa, and his master.
But now he was in the big city. Away from them but not alone. Enjoying his newfound freedom and life.
'Maybe I should write them a letter. Let them know I'm doing alright.' Bell then let out a resigned sigh. 'Which means I'll have to find that feathered hat god that always visited.'
He shook his head, dreading having to see him again. But he knew he was the only one who could deliver a letter to them without leaking their location. He had been doing it for nearly 20 years now.
Bell ran his hands through his hair one more time before dropping them to his side and shaking them off. With another resigned sigh he opened his eyes and immediately ducked back under the water.
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Lefiya stood at the edge of the forest with her blue eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. Her ears rushed with blood and muted out all the sound. She wasn't even able to hear the party of women behind her nor could she warm them.
She was just frozen. Frozen as she took in the sight before her. Her mind having trouble comprehending what she saw.
In front of her. Naked as the day he was born was Bell Cranel. His eyes closed and staring up at the ceiling. His arms dropped lazily by his side and his body seemed to have a resounding calm to it.
His body was lean but incredibly muscular. With strong arms and strong legs. His thighs were meaty and muscular. Along with a eight-pack of abs and he was practically a woman's dream guy physicality-wise.
Not that Lefiya paid attention to any of that. No her face was fully flushed red and heart racing. She couldn't hear her friends calling out to her. Only the blood pumping in her ears.
"Lefiya you al- woah Lambton!" Tiona shouted.
Bell was quick to dive under the water. Submerging his entire body except his head and covering his crotch with his hands.
Tiona whistled as she walked over to the edge. Only for Riveria to grab her shoulder and yank her back.
"Aw Riveria, I wanted to see." She pouted.
Riveria had a slight blush on her cheeks while her eyes were adverted. As did Alicia and Lefiya. Though Lefiya was more mortified if anything.
She had seen him naked. Not on purpose but she had. Her mind was swimming and her heart wouldn't stop hammering in her chest.
The amazonian girls of the party didn't seem to mind, however. They just stared at Bell. Tione in mild disinterest while Tiona was with interest.
Bell's face was as red as scarlet. In both embarrassment and anger. The girls of the Loki familia were just staring. The two elves looked off to the side but kept stealing glances at him. Like he was some piece of meat.
"This isn't a show! Piss off, you damn perverts!" He yelled.
Riveria went to apologize but Bell spoke further.
"I mean it! Piss off or I'll tell the whole city that your familia is as perverted as your goddess. Spying on a boy as he's bathing! Shame on you!"
Riveria seemed to pale at the thought. The thought of being labeled a degenerate pervert as bad as Loki. Such a thought made her skin crawl.
"Everyone back to the town! We will come here later." Riveria ordered.
"Aw, but I wanted-
"Tiona!"
Tiona grumbled as Riveria ushered her and the others back into the forest. The rustling of branches and bushes was all Bell heard as they disappeared from sight.
He remained in the water for another five minutes. His eyes laser-focused on the foliage. He didn't move, barely even breathed. He remained perfectly still.
'Why does it seem I can never get a moment's peace?' He wondered.
After another five minutes of laser focus Bell moved to the shore. He still kept his body underwater until he was right against the shoreline. Only then standing up to his full height and grabbing his clothes.
Realizing one very important thing as he grabbed his pants.
'I don't have a towel, crap.'
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After a certain amount of time that Bell wouldn't care to admit for he was finally dry. He was quick to put his clothes back on and scurry down the hill.
His eyes darted every which way. Looking for the signs of the Loki familia girls being nearby. Yet he saw nothing of the sort. Only trees and leaves.
'No perverts, good.'
He exited the forest and saw Rivera in his sight. His body felt a little lighter seeing the town. It had been a good day before he was peeped on. But now he felt ready to go home, he'd had enough of the dungeon for a while.
Breaking out into a light jog Bell reached the town in less than two minutes. Only to be accosted by more grateful people.
"Mr Cranel thank you for all your help. You truly saved a lot of us yesterday."
"Hey, kid thanks for the save."
"You did excellent out there kid. Lot more people would've died without you."
More and more joined the crowd. Leaving Bell cornered with no way out. His cheeks had a slight dusting to them as he held up his hands. Being slowly overwhelmed with praise.
"Oh well...I-I was just d-doing my best to help." He sputtered out.
The crowd seemed to grow denser and thicker with each passing moment causing Bell's heart to race. His face felt hot and his hands were starting to sweat. He didn't know how much more of this he could take.
"Alright, all of ye get back to work! Yer scaring the poor lad!" A strong dwarven voice rang out.
The crowd seemed to disperse like minos at the voice's authority. Bell found out why once the crowd had cleared and he was able to see who the voice belonged to.
A short fat dwarf standing at around five feet with long brown hair along with a receding hairline. Along with brown eyes and a long brown beard that was tied off into a mini bun at the end.
He was dressed in a white tunic with a green neckpiece along with a green kilt and belt. There was no armor adorning him. But the dwarf had sweat atop his brow. Signs that he had been working hard all day.
"Looks like ye decided to return to town. How was yer little vacation while the rest of us worked?" The man teased.
But the jest went over Bell's head as his face turned into a scowl. "I did all my work last night running the aid station."
Gareth calmly waved Bell off. "Aye calm down lad, only joking. Though you seem to be all the miracle child the hag hyped ye up to be."
Bell's scowl broke for a second as he raised a brow in confusion.
"Riveria." Gareth deadpanned. "Yeah, she said quite a few interesting things about you. About your rare healing magic. She and Shakti had some lady gossip about you having a master who taught you everything you know about healing. How she was a fiery woman but also cared for you. Tell me, lad, what's it like training with the Battle Ax?"
Bell felt his heart skip a beat. But he kept the surprise away from his face. His scowl deepening once more. "Is that name supposed to mean something to me? Why would I receive training from an inanimate object?"
Gareth gave the boy a once over. Bell was taller than him but not stronger. While Bell was level two Gareth was level six. If he had pushed too far on accident and a fight broke out he could handle it.
"Hmm, I see. My mistake then." Gareth said. To Bell's surprise, the dwarf's eyes seemed to fill with something akin to sadness.
Bell's brow furrowed as he saw this. 'Is that regret?'
"Well, I won't take up any more of yer time lad. Best be on yer way before more of yer adoring fans show up." He chuckled.
Bell felt a mix of emotions bubble in his chest as he turned and walked away. After taking a few steps he took a look back at Gareth. Only to see the dwarf with his shoulders sagged as he moved onto another debris field.
'Maybe I shouldn't have acted like that.' Bell thought as a wave of guilt washed over him.
Only to be replaced by a tidal wave of anger as Bell knew who Gareth was. 'No! He was there all those years ago! He's one of the people that-
Bell quickly stopped that line of thought as he knew that guilt could send him down a dangerous and reckless path. So with a calming breath and went to find Shakti.
Gareth's words about her lingered in the back of his mind. "She and Shakti had some lady gossip about you having a master that taught you everything you know about healing."
Bell kicked a rock down the street as he thought about that. He felt a little betrayed by Shakti. But then remembered he never asked her to keep it a secret. That her talking about him to other people was to be expected.
He was an anomaly. Anyone in her position would gossip about him to anyone who would listen. He couldn't blame her for having her suspicions of who his master really was.
'Doesn't help I keep dropping hints. Why don't I just hold up a sign and say hey my master is one of the people you banished 17 years ago.'
Bell shook his head as he crested a hill and saw Shakti organizing her familia to help with the rebuilding.
Her posture was straight and an air of authority hung around her every word. Bell hung back and let her speak. Waiting for her to finish before making his request.
'I'll need to be a lot more careful with her from now on. Who knows how far her information sharing with Riveria goes.'
Shakti fished her speech and those of her familia dispersed to finish the new jobs they had been given. She turned and smiled when she saw Bell. The boy gave her one back albeit a little forced.
"Enjoy your bath?" Shakti asked.
Bell shrugged. "It was nice to get the mud off. But I've had enough of the dungeon for the day. I'm ready to head back to the surface now if that's possible?"
Shakti nodded and looked over her shoulder to Ragnar. The dark-haired man helping move stacks of debris from one spot to another.
"Sure, let me put Ragnar in charge of everyone and then I'll escort you back to the clinic."
Bell gave a nod and watched as Shakti walked away. His mind only having one thought.
'I wonder how Airmid's doing?'