Hello good people. I'm back with the second chapter of my triumphal return. Thank you all so much for the absolutely lovely reviews, they were very touching and encouraged me to throw myself back into this story. That being said, let's get to it shall we?
I do not own Danmachi
Achilles listened intently to the stories the Hestia familia were telling him, each one surprising, impressing, and astounding him more and more.
"And I thought I liked this kid before."
"So, let me get this straight," he said holding up his hand. "Killed a Silverback," he held up one finger. "Defeated a Minotaur. A red Minotaur no less," two." Fought an irregular floor boss," three. "Defeated Apollo familia with less than ten people, after fighting the Soma familia," this time he held up two more fingers. "Fought with Ishtar familia multiple times, including in a kidnapping. Fought the captain of that familia head on, with some help," he gestured towards Haruhime. "In order to rescue a lovely young lady." Haruhime blushed. "Which you succeeded in, at the same time Freya's familia was going to war with the Ishtar familia no less," he now added four fingers. "You rescue your goddess from an attempted kidnapping by an enemy army," he now pointed towards Hestia. "And to finish us off, you discovered a Labyrinth that surrounds the Dungeon itself where they captured and sold monsters around the world, only to have some of those monsters escape and make it to the surface, courtesy of this Labyrinth, which eventually finishes with you fighting yet another Irregular monster that had previously been knocking around numerous, high level members of the Loki familia. Is that about right?" he finished, his hands now moving about furiously as if trying to figure out how many fingers he was supposed to be holding up.
"Y-Yes," Bell answered, both from a mixture of embarrassment and nervousness. He had told Achilles the truth, but not all of it. The Xenos were still a classified subject and he didn't know how the former captain would react if told about them, even if Bell himself had been granted permission to reveal the truth. As such he kept quiet on the subject, especially with regards to Wiene.
His nervousness was apparently unneeded as Achilles suddenly got up and, before anyone knew what he was doing, grabbed Bell's head and kissed his forehead before bursting out laughing.
"I love this boy!"
The whole familia's jaw dropped at the action and proclamation. Poor Bell's face lit up once again, unsure of how to react to everything that just happened.
"You're all are quite something," Achilles continued, completely oblivious or just uncaring of the bewildered, and in Hestia's and Lili's case, annoyed faces. "I can say with all honesty you're all on the way to surpassing me and my familia," he finished, no hint of dishonesty or jealousy at the statement.
"N-No...that's not...I mean, thank you...but," Bell stuttered out.
"No, no, it really is. Some of those are things I would have trouble with now. I mean, taking on an irregular floor boss? Sure I could do it, but it's not like it would be a walk in the park, and at level 2? No way! And fighting with an entire familia to save one girl, that...well there's no other way to put besides heroic. You're a hero, Bell, and that's no exaggeration."
Bell, whose embarrassment already threatened to consume him, was positively beside himself at the praise he was receiving, and receiving from the captain of Zeus familia, a hero himself. Bell wasn't sure how much more he could take before bursting into flames of embarrassed joy, that was, until he remembered something, and his smile dropped.
"But isn't it all...isn't it just because of that skill?"
Everyone lost their smiles as they realized what he meant. His familia grew looks of shame, none more so than Hestia, who looked ready to cry and beg for forgiveness, but it was Achilles who jumped in first.
"Bell that skill, is you."
Bell looked at him confused.
"Bell," Achilles took a knee in front of him. "That skill appeared, if I understand it right, because of how you felt. Because you fell in love and wanted so badly to catch up to this Aiz. It's a testimonial to your conviction. It appeared, because your will wanted something so badly it couldn't stand to be stuck where you were. That skill isn't separate from you, and it certainly isn't the reason you've come so far or done what you've done. You could be the most powerful person in the world, but if you're a coward at heart, it wouldn't matter. Believe me, I know," he said, the genuineness of his words piercing Bell all the way to his heart. "So no thinking like that. You're here because you earned it. Because of who you are. Because. You. Are. A. Hero."
Tears began to prick at Bell's eyes, which he quickly noticed and tried to rub away to hide his embarrassment. Achilles, for his part, just smiled and ruffled his hair before retaking his seat and allowing the boy a moment to regain his bearings.
His familia were all keen to agree with Achilles on this wholeheartedly, and were prepared to force even more praise on the poor, modest boy, when, luckily for him, the bell signalling that someone was at the gates went off.
"I wonder who that could be," Hestia said.
"I'll get it Hestia-sama," Haruhime states before moving to do so.
Bell, thankful that the focus has been shifted off of him took a deep breath.
"Don't get too comfortable," Achilles said. "I have more I want to ask you, and I'm sure that will only earn you more of my praise."
Bell's blush return, but he smiled nonetheless.
The sound of feet gained their attention and Haruhime stepped into the room.
"Hephaestus-sama with one of her familia," she announced.
There was a bit of surprise at this announcement though none seemed displeased as the Divine Smith walked in.
"Ah, and there's my favorite eye-patch wearing goddess," Achilles said, getting up. "I'm going to guess that you're here because of me."
"Achilles," Hephaestus said, not believing her eye. "What are you doing back here?"
"What, no hello? No hug? No demands on how my sword's doing?" he joked.
The tension in the goddess's shoulders eased a bit.
"If he's joking, it's not anything bad," she reckoned.
"Well it came as a bit of a shock when I heard you were back in town," she said.
"I imagine. But no need to worry, especially not so much that you brought a level five with you," he said pointing to the adventurer next to her. "And you are?"
The woman, clearly sensing his power, and unnerved by the ease he was speaking to her goddess, answered nervously.
"T-Tsubaki Koruburando. Captain of the Hephaestus familia."
"Oh, you really were nervous weren't you," he said to Hephaestus. "Bringing your captain. With Bell and the others here, you might actually prove a challenge for me in case I do decide to do something mean-spirited."
The easy, joking way he said that made everyone understand that this was not the case. If he wanted to, he could run right through them all.
"You still need to answer my question. Why have you returned, Achilles," Hephaestus said, this time using as much force as she dared.
"The old man wanted me to look after his grandson here," he answered, gesturing towards Bell.
"Grandson?" she questioned, looking at Bell. Her eye widened and she turned back to Achilles who was still smiling.
"Was a surprise for the kid too, not to mention the others."
"But, why now?"
Achilles shrugged.
"You'd have to ask the big guy. He didn't explain himself, just asked as a personal favor, and given how rarely he asks for those I figured it was for a good reason. Besides it gave me an excuse to come back after all these years."
Hephaestus stared at him a while, trying to find any hint of a lie, but finding none, she sighed.
"Well, I'm sure that your return is going to cause quite the stir, but," she smiled at him. "It is good to see you again."
"It's good to see you as well."
"Now," she continued as if nothing happened. "Show me your sword, I want to make sure you're taking care of it."
Achilles laughed.
"There's the Hephaestus I know."
"Uh..." He turned to see Tsubaki staring at him, her nervous expression now changed into one more of confusion. "Hephaestus-sama didn't actually tell me who you were or why we're here and I'm at a bit of a loss."
"As you should be because, I just realized, I was terribly rude and didn't return your introduction, Tsubaki-san. My apologies. My name is Achilles Caesar. You may know me as the Olympian and former captain of the Zeus familia."
Tsubaki's mouth fell open.
"You're the Olympian! The greatest captain the Zeus familia!"
"Oh, now that last bit might be an exaggeration. There were quite a few really great Zeus captain, My own captain, Chiron, was a hell of a leader."
"But he didn't make it to level seven," Tsubaki countered.
"True."
"Enough fanfare, show me your sword," Hephaestus demanded.
"You know, Hephaestus-sama, in certain situations that might have been construed as an innuendo," he said.
Numerous blushes suddenly burst onto the faces of those in the room, including a small one on the Divine Smith's face, much to the enjoyment of her captain who began to laugh.
Irritated by the comment, Hephaestus replied without thinking.
"You and I both know what your tastes in women are."
She realized her mistake too late.
A terrible tension suddenly fell on the room as Hephaestus slowly turned to Achilles. He was still smiling, but this smile was anything by joyous. A deep, terrible pain radiated off this one in waves, making everyone in the room uncomfortable, but only Hephaestus knew why.
"Yes. I suppose we do," he answered.
A few seconds went by, the two beings, one mortal hero, the other immortal god, simply looking at the other, before the god finally mouthed the words, 'I'm sorry'.
The tension disappeared as quickly as it came, leaving everyone nervous and confused except for Achilles, who pulled out his sword and sat in front of Hephaestus before holding it out for her to take.
The goddess, eager to change the focus of everyone's attention, took the sword and began to inspect it.
"Hm, seems you're treating it right," she said.
"You say that like it's a surprise."
"You did have a tendency to get into trouble back in the day, and without me there to fix it up, I was worried about the state I'd find it in."
"It's borderline indestructible. No overconfident asshole looking for revenge is going be able to nick that," he countered.
Off to the side, Welf, who now was able to see the sword in full, was staring at it with clear, unrestrained adoration. Something which did not go unnoticed by Achilles for long.
"You want to take a look?" he asked the young smith.
Welf was startled at suddenly being addressed, but quickly gained a look of excitement.
"Can I?"
"Be my guest."
Welf quickly went over and sat next to Hephaestus, both of them growing a small hint of red on their cheeks at their close proximity, which caused Hestia to grow a smug smile.
"It appears she wasn't lying about our Divine Smith being smitten," Achilles thought as his own smile grew.
"It's beautiful," Welf said, his awe at the weapon growing with every moment.
"Yes it is. Cost a fortune, so it better be," Achilles joked.
"Given what it was for you got off lucky."
"What is was for?" Bell asked.
Hephaestus froze again as Achilles gave her an exasperated look.
"When did you become loose-lipped?"
Another moment passed in silent before Achilles sighed.
"It's name is Dragon's Bane. I believe that answers the question."
It did, and a feel of discomfort and sadness filled the room. However, it appears Bell's luck once again saved the day as the gate bell went off again.
"My my, you guys are quite the popular hang out," Achilles said with a smile.
"I suspect it has something to do with our present company," Hestia joked back.
Once more, Haruhime left and soon after, returned and bowed.
"The Takemikazuchi and the Miach familias," she announced.
Said familias entered, each member looking very ill-at-ease, especially when they spotted Achilles."
"Evening, Hestia," Miach greeted, being the only one smiling amongst the new arrivals.
"Evening Miach, Takemikazuchi," she greeted the two gods. "I'm guessing you're all here because you heard about our guest as well," she said gesturing towards Achilles.
"I can't deny the truth of that," Takemikazuchi said.
"We were concerned. We didn't get many details, only that a very powerful adventurer had arrived in Orario and had left the Guild with Bell."
"And you rushed to his rescue. Quite admirable of you," Achilles said, getting up and walking up to the two gods. He easily noticed that each member of their respective familias tensed at his approach, either grabbing weapons or cowering as they were given their first dose of his strength.
"Achilles Caesar. Former captain of the Zeus familia, at your service," he said a bow.
All the eyes of the newcomers widened at this and one girl, a member of Miach's familia, who Achilles later learned was named Cassandra, looked ready to faint.
"Nice to meet you," Miach said after a moment.
"Uh, yes. Very nice to meet you," Takemikazuchi.
"Oh calm down you two, he's not going to eat you," Hephaestus said.
"Says the woman who brought her level five captain along because she was concerned."
The Divine Smith had enough courtesy to blush at this.
"Anyway, I'm sure I already know what questions you're going to ask, so I'll make it quick. I came here because Bell's grandfather requested I look after him. I'm not here to hurt him or cause any trouble, you have my word. And-," he cut himself off. He was going to say that he didn't know how to kill the Dragon, but he preferred to leave that topic untouched as much as possible. "-I'll be happy to answer any questions you have."
The gods seemed to notice his sudden shift, but decided not to press him on it, and so, finding a seat, began to ask their questions.
For nearly an hour Achilles answered all inquiries from all sources, be they god or mortal, and asked a few of his own. As this was going on Welf continued to look over Achilles sword, taking its measure and coming up with designs of his own based off the sword. Bell, for his part, watched the exchange happily, pleased to have all his friends and familia together in one room. This only changed when Achilles would talk about how impressed he was with the young man, causing the white rabbit to gain a red hue.
"So you two are former Apollo familia?" Achilles asked to Daphne and Cassandra.
"Yeah," Daphne said while Cassandra only managed to nod shyly.
"Any bad blood between you and the Hestia familia?"
The question was more asked out of curiosity, but no one, especially not the two former Apollo members, failed to notice he was taking their measure. He was the new guardian of the Hestia familia afterall.
"N-Not at all," Daphne managed to force out, Cassandra vigorously shaking her head in a desperate attempt to convince him. "In fact we actually thought about joining the Hestia familia."
"Did you? What stopped you?"
"Oh. Um. Well…" Daphne just realized she had unintentionally brought up Hestia's massive debt to someone who was now, effectively, a member of her familia. Her eyes wandered towards the goddess who now had a hint of red on her cheeks.
Achilles noticed the glance and turned towards the hearth goddess.
"Hestia-sama?"
The divine loli sighed.
"I own Hephaestus a hefty debt for a weapon she made and it got out so most people are too afraid to join the familia now."
Off to the side, Mikoto covered in face in mortification as she remembered her own role in the revealing.
"How much do you owe?" he asked.
"Two...Two hundred million," Hestia all but whispered.
The room fell silent for a moment before Achilles turned to Hephaestus.
"And that was for one weapon?" The goddess nodded, unashamed. Achilles stared at her for another few moments before exclaiming. "That's twice as much as I paid for my sword!"
The entire room was flabbergasted by this proclamation as, even without Welf's skill and appreciation for smithwork they knew it was quite a weapon, but Achilles was not done.
"Where is this weapon? I have to see this."
"It's the knife that Bell carries," Hephaestus stated.
Achilles instantly turned to Bell and held out his hand. The poor boy was frazzled at everything that had just happened and didn't know how to respond.
"Bell, I'm not going be satisfied until I see it," Achilles said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
And so, not knowing what else to do, Bell took out the Hestia knife, and handed it to Achilles.
Achilles looked over the knife with a critical eye. Had it been anyone else, they would have thought it was just a plain old knife, not worth even a hundred valis. But Achilles wasn't just anyone, and he knew how to read the ruins engraved on the knife.
"What the fuck is this thing."
Everyone blinked.
"This thing is beyond anything I've ever seen. You're telling me you could make something like this!" he demanded of Hephaestus. "This knife...it's-," he couldn't find the words. "It's alive. It grows with its user, not to mention it's effectively indestructible, maybe even more so than my sword. And do I sense divinity in it? Is there a piece of god in this?"
"I-I," everyone turned to Hestia. "I put a hair into it. So, I guess that what's you're feeling."
Everyone stared at her, none more intently than Achilles. This lasted long enough for Hestia to feel terribly uncomfortable before Achilles finally turned to Bell.
"Bell, this knife is incredible, there's no other way to put it. It's easily better than my sword." Bell's eyes widened at this. "Hell, with something like this you could actually-."
Achilles's eyes widened at what he was about to say.
"You could actually kill the Dragon with this."
He instantly threw those thoughts away.
"No, I will not encourage anyone to go after that thing. It's just a waste of life." But something deep within his mind whispered to him. "But this knife, combined with his skill, he might just be able to pull it off. In fact, he may be the only person who can. If he can grow to level nine, with this knife, he could actually cut out that thing's heart."
For the briefest of moments, Achilles felt excited. Joyous, and more hopefully than he'd felt in fifteen years. But that moment passed quickly and was soon consumed by despair and terror.
"No! I'm here to protect him, not throw him into the worst fight of his life!"
"Achilles-san?"
The former captain jumped and turned to a startled Bell who had a hand reaching out towards him.
"Are you alright?" the young man asked.
It took a moment for Achilles to regain his bearings and remember where he was, when it did, he laughed lightly.
"Oh, sorry, got lost in thought for a second." then, to make sure no one asked what he was thinking about, he quickly continued. "That's quite the knife you've got there. Really, I've never seen anything like it. In fact, I'm actually a bit mad at Hephaestus for not making me something like that."
"That knife is an insult to smithing, and was a once in an eternity thing, so don't even try to complain," she replied, crossing her arms.
Achilles smiled at her, grateful that the conversation was now fully diverted.
The conversation lasted into the night, everyone talking, exchanging stories and banter before it was finally decided that it was time to rest. Hestia offered their spare rooms to their guests, even going so far as to fulfill Achilles request to have a room close to Bell's to ensure he could act as quickly as possible in case something happened.
And so it was that Achilles Caesar completed his first day as guardian of the Hestia familia.
Achilles walked down the street towards the Loki familia without a care in the world. Of course he knew that his presence was startling for those he passed but, as long as they didn't try anything stupid, he didn't mind a few worried glances and simply gave them a smile as he passed.
He'd asked Bell for directions and details about the Loki mansion before leaving, knowing full well things were sure to have changed since he left. Luckily the boy knew the way and could describe the location in great detail so finding it wasn't of any real issue.
Seeing the Loki familia mansion for the first time, he whistled.
"Nice place."
"Excuse me?"
Achilles looked down towards a pair of guards that were standing in front of the entrance.
"Can we help you?"
The tone the guard used was anything but gentle or cordial and Achilles felt his smile falter.
"Great, another one of those kids that think that just because they got in with a big name that makes them special."
"Morning," he greeted. "My name is Achilles and I'm here to see Finn."
He figured started with an old acquaintance would be better than trying to meet Aiz Wallenstein immediately and without proper introductions.
The guard scoffed.
"Yeah, you and half of Orario, bub."
Achilles eyes lowered and he turned towards the other guard.
"You seem like a more pleasant fellow," he said with a smile. "Would you mind going to Finn and giving him my name? I assure you that will gain his attention."
"U-uh, sure! Achilles, was it?"
"That's right."
"Hey, I'm in charge here, and I say we don't bother this captain with some ragged bum who looks like he just dragged himself from some bodunk farm in the middle of some place no one cares about!"
The air got cold and the two refocused on Achilles who was now terribly close to the guard.
He stared down at the guard, his smile now turned into something that was anything but friendly. Sweat began to drip down both guards' skin as Achilles looked down at the much smaller, much weaker, and much less terrifying adventurer.
"You are not in control here," he said simply before turning to the other, less rude adventurer. "Would you mind getting Finn for me?"
The guard simply nodded and ran off.
"Now, with that out of the way," Achilles was about to give the guard a lesson in modesty, when, out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure moving on a roof.
Turning his focus to them he quickly found himself quite interested.
It was a young lady, quite an attractive one too. Shining golden hair, nice figure, and even from this far away he could tell she had a nice face. But what really caught his attention was that she was evidently practicing with a sword, and was good with it too.
"Hm, I probably should wait for Finn and the others, but if I'm not mistaken, that would be Aiz Wallenstein, and this could be a good chance to test her metal. Besides, it'll annoy the shit out of Loki."
His mind made up, he suddenly jumped, leaving the guard shocked and scrambling to regain his wits before he chose to run back inside to inform everyone of the intruder.
Aiz was practicing as usual when a powerful presence suddenly appeared behind her. Spinning around with her sword at the ready she found a tall man standing a few paces away, smiling at her and giving her a wave.
"Morning," he greeted.
She didn't reply, feeling that something was off and not incline to chitchat in the first place.
"Sorry to startle you, but I noticed you practicing from down below and I was wondering if we might spar a bit," he punctuated this by pulling out his own sword.
Aiz could tell it was well-made. In fact, it looked like the nicest sword she'd ever seen, definitely not something some random guy on the street would carry. This only served to heighten her alertness, and, deciding that this person was an intruder, she attacked.
She feinted a strike to his face only to move for his right side, aiming for a slash across his chest. However, suddenly, when she was but an inch from making contact, his sword appeared and blocked it.
"Oh, I'm glad you decided to take me up on my offer. I was worried you would think I was an enemy."
Aiz stared at him with wide eyes. The ease of his block and the way he spoke suggested that her attack had little to no effect on him, like he viewed it only as the opening act to a friendly spar.
She jumped back, intent on figuring out an attack plan, only for the man in front of her to charge.
"My turn," he said, his smile still unwavering.
This time, she blocked, but the force of the blow was overwhelming. She couldn't remember the last time she had fought someone with this much physical strength.
"No, that's not true," she realized, and that realization only unnerved her more. "The King."
The blow knocked her back, but she quickly recovered, now fully understanding that she could not hold back in this fight. It was good that she did as her 'sparring partner' was already on the offensive again.
Again and again the swords clashed against each other, the ring of their blades singing a ballad of battle to the heavens, telling all of the magnificent sight of two heroes crossing blades.
"You're quite good," he said, dodging a strike for his left eye. "Haven't had a fight like this in years."
Aiz continued to say nothing, too focused on fighting to make banter.
"Aiz-san!"
The sound of a voice behind her, caused Aiz to involuntarily turn. She saw that Lefiya, Tiona, Tione, and Bete had all come to the roof, the young elf looking terrified as she crossed blades with the unknown man.
"Don't get distracted," said man stated.
He suddenly knocked Aiz's blade away, before punching her in the stomach. The hit was devastating, more so because Aiz was unprepared for it. She felt herself emptying her stomach as she was launched all the way to her familia.
Using her sword to slow her pace, she was able to stop herself from crashing into them, if only barely.
"Aiz-san!" Lefiya cried, going to her side, while the rest of them surrounded her.
"Who is this guy?" Bete growled. He looked ready to charge, but was stopped by Aiz grabbing his arm.
"Wait," Aiz said. "This isn't someone you can fight. I can tell," she glared at the man in front of her. "He's as strong as the King."
The eyes of her familia widened as they went from looking at Aiz, to the unknown man.
"You need a break?" the man called, placing his sword on his shoulder.
The chevalier way he said that hit a nerve with Aiz, but she was still calm enough to turn to Lefiya.
"Bring Finn, Riveria, and Gareth here as quickly as you can."
"R-Right!" she said, sparing on the unknown adventurer one last look before running off.
That done, Aiz stood up, signalled to her familia that she would deal with it. This very clearly didn't please them, but they knew better than to get in her way when she was like this.
"You ready to go again?" the adventurer said, still smiling.
This time, Aiz did answer.
"Tempest!"
Wind suddenly surrounded Aiz and she launched herself at the adventurer.
His smile dropped and his eyes widened at the speed in which she now attacked him with. Now her attacks were stronger, but more importantly, they were faster.
"Well, well, a one word spell. That's quite something. I'm beginning to see why Bell likes her so much," he thought as his smile returned.
Her attacks came in a flurry, and at one point she actually managed to knick his neck in a move that, he couldn't not fail to realize, was meant to cut off his head.
"Hm. I guess she doesn't think this is a friendly spar. I suppose that's fair enough, I did technically break in. But if we're getting serious…"
"Make me faster than even the gods," he chanted. "Lightning Steps!"
Aiz thought she had retaken the advantage with her speed, but that advantage disappeared the moment the man completed his spell. Suddenly he was before her, his smile even more irritating than before.
"There's only one thing faster than the wind, my dear," he said as his sword smashed into hers. "Lightning!"
Fear entered Aiz's heart as again and again she found herself merely defending herself against his blows, unable to counter or even think. One strike. Then another. Then another hit, numbing her arms and rattling her bones. This fight was no longer one she could win, but, as much as she wanted to cry out to her familia, for aid, or to tell them to run, she couldn't. She couldn't do anything. Even speak.
"Don't let fear rule you, girl," the man suddenly said, his smile now replaced with a serious look. "It'll tear you apart. Believe me."
That was the last thing he said before he knocked her sword out of her hand, caught it, twirled it around and placed both her sword, and his own at her neck.
It was as if time had stopped. The man stared down at her, his serious eyes trying to convey some message she couldn't understand. Off to the side, Tiona, Tione, and Bete were all in shock at seeing their friend, the great Aiz Wallenstein herself, defeated by some guy whose name they didn't even know.
"What's going on here!"
Everyone turned to see Finn, Riveria, Gareth, and Lefiya, who looked completely out of breath, standing on the rooftop.
"Ah Finn, there you are!" the man suddenly exclaimed, his smile once more plastered on his face.
Just as quickly as they appeared, the swords at Aiz's neck were gone, and Aiz felt the familiar weight of her sword back in his sheath. She looked down to find that, in fact, it had been slipped back in its case and done so quickly she hadn't even seen it.
"Achilles?" Finn said, snapping her back to reality.
"Who else could I be?" Achilles asked, going up to the captain of the Loki familia. "And I see you're just as handsome as ever. And Riveria, even more lovely than the last time I saw you! And Gareth, looking even stronger. I bet you could lift a mountain now!"
"What are you doing here?" Finn asked, clearly shocked by the sudden appearance of the former leader of the Zeus familia.
"By here, do you mean Orario, or this mansion?" Achilles inquired.
"Let's start with Orario."
"Well, I was asked to check in on someone and make sure they're doing alright."
"Who?"
"Bell Cranel."
"Argonaut-kun?"
Achilles turned to the Amazon who'd spoken.
"Argonaut-kun?" Achilles asked, wondering if they had seen Bell's skills.
"That's just what my sister calls him," the other Amazon said.
"Is someone going to tell us who the hell this guy is!?" Bete cut in, clearly more than a bit irritated and more freaked out then he'd ever admit.
"Well I can already tell you're a gaggle of fun," Achilles said earning him a growl from the wolf of Loki familia.
"This," Finn began, regaining control of the situation. "Is Achilles Caesar. Also known as the Olympian. He was the last captain of the Zeus familia."
"And the only one to survive fighting the One-Eyed Black Dragon," he thought, but did not say for obvious reasons.
"No way! The Olympian!" Tiona cried. "Aren't you the only person to survive fighting the One-Eyed Black Dragon!"
Finn sighed and bit his thumb.
"There goes that idea."
Aiz's jaw dropped and her eyes widened.
"The only person to have survived the…"
"Yes, well," Achilles said, hoping to change the subject quickly. "I do believe I still need to be introduced to all of you."
"Right," Finn said, clearly eager himself to change the subject. "This is Tiona. Tione." The sisters bowed. "Bete." The beast man growled. "Lefiya." The elf just glared at Achilles, causing him to chuckle to himself.
"And I do believe I've already met this one," Achilles said. "You're the famous Aiz Wallenstein, correct? Bell speaks very highly of you and I wanted to personally thank you for taking care of him before I got here."
It was then that he noticed the look on Aiz's face and stopped.
"Oh, I know that look."
"No."
Everyone blinked.
"What?" Aiz said, staring into his eyes.
"No," Achilles repeated. "I will not tell you anything about how to fight that thing. It's a suicide mission and I won't help anyone run to their deaths."
Aiz immediately sprang into action.
"But-."
"No!" he cried, startlingly everyone. "No buts. For fifteen years I've had people coming to me for one of three things. For stories, which I was happy to share. For revenge, which, while not quite as happy about, did give me a chance to practice. And finally, for information on that accursed beast. And let me tell you, I hated it every time someone did. They all had that same look on their faces," he said to Aiz. "All of them wanted revenge for some person it had killed or some village it had destroyed, but I'll tell you what I told them," he took a step forward and placed himself within inches of Aiz. "My familia, and that of Hera, the two best familias in existence, the familias which had killed the other two Great Beasts, couldn't do it. We fought and were annihilated. I survived on pure luck. Nothing more. Not skill. Not strategy. Luck. I watched almost everyone I cared about die that day, some in unspeakable manners," his eyes closed as a shiver went up his spine. "I still have nightmares about it. So, I will make this as clear as possible. Drop. It. You won't kill it. Even the Sword Hero couldn't and you are no Sword Hero," Achilles took notice of the extreme look of pain that entered her eyes at this. It was even greater than the look that was in her eyes at the mention of the Dragon. Mixed with the subtle gasps that he heard emitting from the three leaders of Loki familia, and his curiosity was peaked, but, for now, he decided to leave it be. "There is maybe one person in this entire world capable of killing that thing single-handedly, but I wouldn't want him to try even if I could resurrect my entire familia to fight alongside him."
"W-Who?" Aiz asked, quietly.
"What?"
"Who could kill it?" she asked.
Achilles blinked. He only just then realized he had revealed what he had thought the night before and quickly shoved back into the recesses of his mind. Truth be told, he didn't know why he'd said it, it had just spilled out, to his current chagrin. He could feel the stares of the other members of the Loki familia on his back as well. They wanted to know almost as much as she did.
"Doesn't matter," he said quickly, glaring when Aiz tried to press the point. "The task, if it's even possible to complete, must be done by a hero, which you are very clearly not."
"How dare you!" Lefiya cried. "Aiz-san is a greater hero than you'll ever be!"
"No hero is driven by revenge, which your precious Aiz Wallenstein clearly is," he turned back to Aiz. "You are not the one to kill that beast and all you're doing by going down this current path of yours is destroying yourself, and likely everyone around you. So, I repeat. Drop. It."
That was impossible. Aiz knew that. Achilles knew that. The Loki familia knew that, but Achilles had said his piece and if she destroyed herself in a quest for revenge, so be it. His only regret would be the hurt it caused Bell.
"Now," Achilles said, clapping his hands together, clearly forcing the present conversation to end. "I do believe I still need to say hello to the mistress of this familia. With any luck I'll get to see her to do a spit take. I could use a good laugh."
They made their way through the Loki mansion, Achilles getting even more curious and worried stares than usual until they finally arrived at Loki's office.
Finn knocked on the door.
"Get in here!" cried the clearly annoyed voice of Loki.
Finn sighed and Achilles rolled his eyes.
"I'm going to guess that annoyed tone has something to do with me," Achilles said.
"It'll only get worse once she sees you," Finn replied.
"Probably."
Finn opened the door, and walked in, promptly followed by Riviera, Gareth, and the rest of the Loki familia.
"Finn, what the hell is going on?! Everyone's running about like chickens without their heads! And what's this I hear of an intruder attacking Aiz?!"
"I'd prefer the term, sparing."
Not only did Loki actually open her eyes at hearing a voice she knew all too well, but widened them in clear shock.
"Achilles?!"
"Hello to you too, Loki," he greeted, pleased that his appearance was having at least some effect on her, even if he had wished to see her spit out some expensive wine.
"What are you doing here?" the goddess demanded. Then realization hit her. "Wait, you're the one that attacked Aiz?! I'll flay you for that!"
"Well I'm not as flat as you, so that may take some time."
Loki's mouth fell open and Finn and Riveria sighed, knowing that a headache was sure to come about before the end of this meeting.
"Please you two, be civil," Finn begged, rubbing his temple.
"No promises," Achilles stated with a smirk.
Loki growled, but sat down.
"So what are you doing here?" she questioned.
"I'll repeat what I asked Finn. By 'here' do you mean Orario or your mansion?"
Loki growled again.
"I'll take that to mean Orario. I was asked to look after a young man. Bell Cranel, I believe you know him."
"The rabbit? Who would ask you to look after him? Better yet, why would you accept?"
"Well, when the head of my familia asks a personal favor to look after his grandson, I figured it'd be rather rude of me to say no."
Numerous pairs of eyes widened at this statement.
"That kid is-," Loki began.
"The oldman's grandson, yes. Adoptive anyway. I debated whether or not I should have kept that information closer to the chest, but people would have figured it out sooner or later, if only by asking the same questions you did just now," Achilles confirmed.
This information did not seem to please Loki who snarled.
"So that's how the kid grew so fast."
Achilles laughed, catching everyone's attention.
"What're you laughing about?" Loki demanded, her patience all but gone.
"Bell's rapid growth has nothing to do with his grandfather. In fact the reason is far more interesting," he said with a smile.
"And that reason being," Loki tried to pull out of him.
"Oh, come now Loki, you don't think I'll actually tell you, do you? I've already given you some valuable information, plus, it'll be fun to see you squirm as you try and figure out why Bell's fast becoming the strongest person in Orario."
"That's a hell of a claim," Loki said. Achilles shrugged. "Well, he won't beat my kids. Especially not Aiz. She's determined to become stronger and has even beaten a floor boss by herself," Loki gloated. "I suspect within a couple years she'll be a level seven."
The way Loki said this was clearly suggesting that she was using it as a threat. She hoped the information would unnerve Achilles, who had put her on the backfoot the entire conversation. However, her hope died when she saw his smile widen, not shrink.
"Good for her. I suspect within a year's time Bell will be stronger than me."
That floored everyone in the room, from Loki herself all the way to Aiz who was both astonished, and desperate.
"I need to learn how he gets stronger so quickly."
"You're lying," Loki accused.
"Level four in half a year. You might slow down after level five, but if he was given twice the time and some motivation," Achilles shrugged again." The kid's something. Besides, with me here to train and guard him, who knows how far he'll go."
The younger members of Loki familia didn't notice, but Loki, Finn, Riveria, and Gareth certainly took note of the threat that was implied with the word 'guard'. It warned them, "try anything against Bell Cranel or his familia and you will suffer greatly". It was not a warning they were incline to ignore.
"As for what I'm doing here at your mansion," Achilles continued, as if he had said nothing of great importance or interest. "Bell spoke very highly of Aiz-san and I wanted to thank her for taking such good care of him," he said with a smile, but internally, he was anything but pleased.
"But her role as his guardian and mentor is over. She is far too focused on that monster and I saw that look in her eye when I said Bell would surpass me. She intends to use him in her quest for vengeance and I'll be damned if I let Bell be hurt by this girl in a suicide mission."
"Well, that's all I wanted to say," he declared. "So, I'll be seeing you all around. I'm sure you all have a lot to talk about now, so I'll leave you to it."
"Hey-! Wait! I'm not done talking to you!" Loki cried.
Achilles had every intention of ignoring her, if only to annoy her further, but a sudden hand on his arm stopped him.
"She said wait, asshole," Bete said, glaring.
The room got cold and a foreboding sense of danger fell over the Loki familia.
"Finn," Achilles said, a calm expression on his face as he looked at the younger man. "I suggest," Achilles's hand wrapped around Bete's. "You keep your puppy on his leash."
Achilles then began to squeeze Bete's hand. First the knuckles crackled. Then a pained expression grew on Bete's face. Finally, Achilles pulled the hand off and began to twist the appendage until Bete's knee began to buckle and he lowered it to the ground. Then, and only then, did Achilles release his hand.
"See you guys later," Achilles called, leaving Bete to nurse his hand and the Loki familia to regain their wits and discuss the future that now had to include the former captain of the familia they helped to banish.
Achilles made his way out of the mansion with a smile, pleased, for the most part, with how things went.
"Though that Aiz Wallenstein…" he sighed. "I'm sorry, Bell, I can't say I approve."
Outside the gate he stretched and let out a pleased sign.
"Now. How to spend the rest of my day."
"Achilles."
He turned.
"Well that answers that question."
Before him stood none other than the 'King' of Orario himself, Ottar. With him was a collection of other Freya familia, all level five or six, by Achilles reckoning. One was a cat man. Four were pallum with various weapons, and still two others were elves, one dark, one regular.
"Ottar. You got bigger," he said, still smiling, though he knew what was coming.
"My mistress wishes to speak with you," the boaz said.
"I know," Achilles responded simply.
The cat man stepped forward, snarling.
"That means now."
"I don't believe I was talking to you pussy cat, and given that I've already dealt with one house pet today, I suggest you keep quiet."
That didn't sit well with the feline of Freya familia, who grabbed his weapon, only for Ottar to place his hand before him.
"Don't. He will kill you."
The cat looked at him in disbelief while Achilles crossed his arms.
"Listen to him, kitty. He's the only one here who has a chance of beating me. Which you should have understood given that your mistress sent all of you just to gather little ol' me. Besides, I imagine Freya told you to bring me to her, unharmed if possible. Though one might wonder who she was referring to at such a request," he said sternly.
The cat man, Allen Fromel, as Achilles would later discover, growled again, but obeyed. He wasn't the only one clearly upset by Achilles. The casual tone he used when addressing their goddess hit more than a few nerves. But still, they kept quiet. The man wasn't wrong. Freya had told them to collect him unharmed, though her smile did suggest more than her simple request let on.
"Well, we'll catch up along the way," Achilles said, once again addressing Ottar.
The captain of the Freya familia nodded and turned to lead Achilles to his goddess. Achilles followed without any word, reminding himself he knew this would come, but dreading it all the same.
Done. And with a cliffhanger! Mean aren't I mean? Anyway, I really hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, your positive reviews really encouraged me to get this one out, so, thank you very much for all the lovely feedback. That said, please continue that love and alert, favorite, and review the story, and I'll see you guys soon. Bye for now.