Hey guys, I'm back with another chapter for all of you. Thank you all for the reviews, some of you pointed out some things I needed to address, which is greatly appreciated, as are your very kind words. So, really, thank you. Also, I would like to apologize in advance. I do not know Danmachi Sword Oratoria very well. I have seen the anime and heard brief snippets, but overall, I have very little knowledge on the series. I do plan to get my hands on the light novels sometime soon, but until then I ask that you either bear with me or inform me of what I am getting wrong with regards to the storyline. On that note as well, I just want to ask if I'm naming things correctly. I've seen multiple different ways to name people and places, depending on whether it's the light novel, anime, or manga, so, if I'm saying something wrong, or you'd like me to change it, please tell me. Thank you very much in advance. Now, it's time for us to finally get to a certain Goddess of Beauty's party, isn't it? So, off we go.
I do not own Danmachi
Achilles stared at the invitations silently.
Hestia familia waited nervously for him to say something, unsure of how he would respond.
"Well," he finally said. "It's a trap."
A few of them nodded.
"So we shouldn't go, right?" Hestia said with an air of relief.
"No, we should," Achilles answered.
That got him a few looks.
"She's invited every familia in Orario, our absence would very well noticed. Plus, even if Freya herself doesn't do anything in retaliation, her familia will take it as a slight to their goddess which increases the likelihood of an attack from at least one of them, if not more."
A heavy dose of fear entered their heart.
"Do you think Ottar might?" Bell asked, only increasing everyone's anxiety.
"Hm. It's possible, but I don't think it's likely. While he doesn't appreciate any slight towards Freya, I'm sure he recognizes that we don't want to come and that, strategically, it's probably wise that we don't. And he's probably on thin ice with Freya right now for recent actions. To attack us would not please his lady," Achilles responded. That eased everyone a bit. "But, Freya familia is still filled with many powerful adventurers. Even if I can fight any of them on an individual level, there are still enough of them to, at the very least, hold me down while they go after all of you which, even with Ryuu here, will not end in our favor."
Everyone knew he was right and that didn't sit well with any of them.
"So...we have to go?" Hestia asked.
Achilles nodded.
"It's the only real move we have that doesn't immediately open Pandora's box. She's going to try something, that's unquestionable, but we know that, so we can prepare and keep an eye on her. Hell, we might actually gain some level of information on her, her familia, and her plans. So, if we play this right, we might actually come out the better for it."
"What is the likelihood of that?" Ryuu asked.
Achilles smiled at her.
"Pretty low."
Things were silent for a moment before Hestia sighed.
"Then I guess we'd better prepare for a party," she conceded.
No one was particularly excited by that statement, but they all gave their consent, if only very begrudgingly.
"Alright," Achilles said. "While you're all getting ready, I'm going to go to Loki familia."
"What for?" Hestia asked.
"I need to talk to them about a few things, including this party and a certain favor I've been asked to fulfill," his eyes turned to Bell who gave him a small smile. "We may be able to coordinate our efforts tonight to ensure that whatever Freya's planning doesn't come to pass."
The loli goddess nodded.
"Alright," she said.
"I'll go too," Bell said. "As Hestia familia's captain, it's only right I be there as well."
"Hm," Hestia eyed him skeptically. "You're not just going there to flirt with Wallen-whatisit, are you?"
Bell blushed but quickly shook his head.
"No, of course not!" he exclaimed.
Lili was now also looking at him skeptically, making him sweat. Achilles decided to step in and save his ward.
"Don't forget, I'll be there as well," he said. "Our meeting will be purely professional, if only so I don't have to deal with a doe-eyed Bell stuttering through his sentences."
"Achilles!" Bell cried.
A few smiles and chuckles passed amongst the familia and Hestia seemed satisfied.
"Alright, then I'm tasking you with keeping him in line, Achilles-kun!" Hestia proclaimed.
"As you command, Hestia-sama," he answered, smiling.
The two captains left the manor and began their trek towards the Twilight Manor.
"So…" Achilles began. "Should we pick up roses, or does Aiz not like those?"
"Achilles!" Bell responded, blushing. "We're going their purely on familia business."
"Well that's not true is it? After all, I am offering to personally train your dear Sword Princess as a favor to you."
"T-That's only partly the reason! We do need to talk to them about tonight," Bell tried to defend.
"Easy there, Bell, I'm only teasing." Bell pouted, causing him to laugh. "I'd have thought you'd be in a better mood given what happened with her yesterday."
"I am happy," Bell responded, an adoring smile coming to his face as he remembered the previous day's event. "But now we have to focus on Freya and this party," he said seriously.
"True. Amongst other things."
The two arrived and found that the Loki familia had, evidently, decided to increase their security and doubled the guards at their gate.
"Not like that would be enough to stop me," Achilles pointed out.
"Morning," Achilles greeted, getting a few nervous glances. "We're here to see Aiz and Finn."
"U-Uh, well, if you'll just wait here," one of the guards said.
"Why don't we walk in together?" Achilles asked.
"Uh...um...that," the guard tried to respond.
"Come on, you can announce us," Achilles said, walking by leaving the guards to scramble after them.
"Achilles," Bell said, giving his mentor a chastising look.
"What? No need to waste time waiting for them to come to us, especially not when we have things to do," Achilles responded.
The group entered the manor, finding it mostly empty. Achilles and Bell were curious about this until they entered the dining area and found most people there eating breakfast. Of course, the sight of Achilles and Bell there had a way of ending their peaceful meal.
"Achilles?!" Loki exclaimed, spitting out her food. "You can't just stroll in here like you own the place!"
"And yet I did. Even brought someone with me," the Zeus captain responded.
As Loki growled Bell caught sight of Aiz and, smiling like a complete fool, waved at her. She smiled back, returning his wave. Riveria, not particularly surprised by Achilles's actions, was able to focus on this and smiled. She was the only one however as the only other person who saw the exchange, growled and went back to eating his food.
"So whatcha want?!" Loki demanded.
"Well, first off," Achilles said turning to Aiz. "I'm here to offer you one-on-one training."
The whole room, minus Riveria and Aiz, was flabbergasted by this, the elf having failed, by some grievous mistake, to mention this tidbit of information to Finn, Gareth, and Loki yesterday. Aiz, for her part, stood up and bowed.
"Thank you very much. I accept and promise to do my utmost best."
"I would expect nothing less," Achilles responded.
"May I ask what brought this on?" Finn inquired.
"A certain someone asked me to train her as a favor."
"Who?"
Achilles gave the prum a 'are you serious' look.
"Hm," his hand fell onto Bell's head and beg to ruffle his hair. "I wonder who could have asked me to do him a favor and train a member of another familia," he pulled Bell to his side causing the young man, and numerous members of the Loki familia to smile. "It really is a mystery. I mean, there are so many people who could ask me that particular favor and, at the same time, know Aiz well enough to ask. Hm, truly a mystery," he finished.
Finn chuckled.
"Alright, you made your point."
"I certainly hope so," Achilles responded, letting go of Bell. "But that's not the only reason we're here. We also wanted to talk about Freya's little party tonight." Seriousness fell over the room. "And I wanted to ask you if you'd come across this before," Achilles said before reaching into his pocket and pulling out an oddly colored magic stone.
The Loki familia tensed.
"That appears to be a yes," the ex-captain stated.
"Why don't we talk somewhere more private?" Finn offered before he and the most senior members of the Loki familia all got up.
"Oh, it's one of those talks. Just what we needed," Achilles said before following after them with a now nervous Bell.
They all entered Loki's office, with everyone taking their usual place, except Bell who, given that this was his first time in said office, placed himself next to Achilles, making sure he was on the side near Aiz.
"Mind starting us off with telling us where and how you found that?" Finn requested.
"A group of caterpillar like monsters attacked me on the fiftieth floor. Once I got rid of them, I discovered their magic stones," Achilles said holding up the stone. "Along with the fact that I was being watched."
"Watched? By who?" Finn asked.
"Don't know. One of them had a mask, the other was a red-haired woman."
Everyone tensed a bit at that, Aiz most of all, which caught Achilles's and Bell's attention.
"It appears you've met her," Achilles said.
Finn nodded.
"We've had numerous encounters with her and she's attempted to kill Aiz in the past."
Bell's eyes widened as he turned to Aiz who nodded, but signalled that she was alright which, though it did not dissipate his concern, did calm down Bell enough to focus back on the conversation.
"Hm," Achilles hummed, noticing something. "You say that like she was focused on her," he turned to the Sword Princess. "She have a personal vendetta against you?"
Tension returned to the room, but only part of it, as Achilles noted that only Loki, Finn, Riveria, Gareth, and Aiz herself, tensed at the question.
"She…" Aiz looked anxious. "Thought I was someone else."
Achilles stared at her for a moment, knowing full well that there was more to that statement than anyone in the room was letting on. But he wasn't here to grill them on the issue, and so, for now, he let it pass.
"Alright," he said, signalling to all that he wasn't going to force any more from the girl. "So she's hostile. About what I figured. Anything else I should be aware of?"
Finn sighed.
"You might want to get comfortable, this might take a while."
Achilles and Bell had listened to the Loki familia's explanation of what happened during their own adventures in silence, though Bell had grown increasingly alarmed at what he was hearing, especially with regards to Aiz.
"Quite the collection of tales you've had recently," Achilles said.
"You could say that," Finn replied.
"A corrupted spirit turned Dungeon boss, that's a new one, even for me," Achilles stated, crossing his arms. "The fact that there's something that powerful hiding in the Dungeon is very troubling, especially given that you've told us it might be connected to this red-haired woman, who apparently has a friend whose identity we don't know. And a crazy resurrected adventurer on top like a cherry. My my, it seems I've been missing out on some fun."
"This isn't some game," Tione said angrily.
"Tione," Finn said, signalling for her to calm down.
"No, no, she's right," Achilles conceded. "I apologize. I was just masking my own concern for this news with a poor attempt at humor. After all, hearing that some of the best adventurers in Orario almost got wiped out by one monster is not exactly news I like to hear in the morning, or any time for that matter."
Tione accepted this and calmed down, as did the others.
"Be that as it may, there's not much I can do right now, except hand over the magic stones in case you want to study them. However, if in the future you are in need of help with this matter, I'll do what I can, assuming of course I'm not needed elsewhere and it's alright with Bell," he punctuated this by turning to the snow-haired young man.
"Of course. Hestia familia will be there to help in any way we can," he said resolutely.
There were a few smiles at this, none of which were more genuine and pleased than Aiz's, though one Loki familia member wasn't smiling.
"Tch. What's a level four going to do to help us?" Bete asked.
Numerous hostile eyes turned to the wolf man.
"A level four on par with most level fives," Achilles pointed out, his voice barely more than a growl. "And I seem to have noticed another level four in this group," he said looking at Lefiya.
"Lefiya's in our familia and has proven herself more than capable," Bete countered.
"Well I'll be. I didn't know you were capable of compliments," Achilles bit back.
Bete began to growl when Bell stepped forward.
"It's alright," he cut in. "He's right to ask," he turned to Bete. "I recognize that I may very be the weakest person here." Achilles looked ready to argue that, but kept silent. "That said, we are still allies and I am still the captain of my familia. As such, it's only right I offer you help in whatever way shape or form that I can."
The speech seemed to impress the Loki familia, getting him a look of astonishment from Lefiya and Tione, and smiles from Tiona, Riveria, Gareth, and, of course, Aiz.
Bete just looked at the boy for some time, trying to gauge whether or not Bell was spouting bull. However, he already knew the answer. The boy was as honest as he was driven, so it wasn't long before he gave off a sound of annoyance and backed away.
"Make sure that you do," he finished.
The room now calm, Achilles decided it was time to move on.
"Well, with that out of the way, there is one last thing I wanted to talk to you all about."
"Freya's party," Loki stated.
Achilles nodded as everyone lost their smiles.
"I take that to mean you're going."
"Like I'd miss a party thrown by Freya. Can't remember the last time she threw one of those," the trickster god said.
"Yes you can," Achilles replied cryptically.
Loki opened her eyes.
"I guess you're right."
The two shared a look for just long enough to make everyone uncomfortable, before Achilles continued.
"Obviously she is going to try something tonight. I suspect that the target is Bell, given recent events."
"You mean the rabbit throwing down the gauntlet to Freya?" Loki said with a smile.
Bell blushed and looked down.
"Indeed," Achilles replied, ignoring the many looks now pointed at his young counterpart. "That would certainly rile her up. Whatever the case or reason though, I hope that I can count on all of you to have our backs for whatever is to come. If not for us, then to make sure we don't fall into her hands."
"Yeah, wouldn't want that," Loki said honestly. "Don't worry we've got you covered. If Freya tries to pull something I'll smell it from a mile away and have my kiddies help you out."
Achilles allowed himself a small smile.
"Much appreciated. Now," he got up. "I need to go buy a tux as, though I would love nothing more than to piss off a few of Freya's kids by coming wearing mud-covered pants." A few smiles grew. "It's probably wise that I wear something at least semi-presentable. Come on, Bell."
"Thank you all for your help, and we'll see you soon," Bell said with a bow, making sure to give Aiz one final smile before departing.
"Now, I asked around and apparently the best clothing shop for the price is a place in Amor Square. Apparently they do a lot of weddings for adventurers so you get more bang for your valis," Achilles said.
Bell smiled.
"It'll be interesting to see you in a tux, Achilles."
"Yeah well, don't get used to it. For all the 'style' they sure do make them uncomfortable. I mean, who came up with the tie? Honestly! It's a freaking noose! I feel bad for women in high-heels but at least I understand the point to it. What's the point of creating a noose that someone can pull you along by? Was it meant to be some stylized leash?"
Bell laughed as his mentor ranted, going into all the evils of tuxedos, suites, and especially the dreaded tie.
The two found the store readily enough and entered.
"Welcom-!" the woman at the front desk began, but seeing who it was, her voice cut out.
"Hello," Achilles greeted, clearly not bothered.
"We're here to get fitted for some tuxes."
"Oh...um. Right this way," she gestured.
Bell turned to his fellow captain.
"But I already have a tux, Achilles."
"Doesn't hurt to have a second, plus I suspect that Freya is expecting you to treat this as an extra special occasion. Meaning her familia will as well. As such, I want to decrease the likelihood of enraging her familia as much as possible."
Bell, seeing his point, nodded.
The tailor, a friendly looking cat woman, came out and smiled that the two of them.
"So you two are here to be fitted for some tuxedos?" she inquired.
"Correct," Achilles said. "We have an important party to go to tonight and need to look sharp enough for the host not to be mad at us."
"Oh, is this the grand Freya party I've been hearing about?" she asked.
"Indeed."
"Oh, how wonderful. Well then, I must work quickly."
So began the process. The tailor took their measurements and made suggestions here and there, slowly but surely coming up with the perfect design for them both.
"You two are going to look so dashing next to each other," she gushed. "I'm sure even Freya-sama herself will notice you," she said.
"That's not going to be an issue," Achilles stated.
The measurements and planning all done, the tailor informed them that she would have their suites done in a few hours, Achilles making sure to pay extra to place them at the front of her to-do list, and they were free to leave until the appointed time.
Departing from the tailor, the two decided to go for lunch, Achilles suggesting they find something outside of Amor Square lest they risk, 'interesting' rumors circulating about them. Bell, blushing, readily agreed.
The two found a nice cafe and were seated outside, allowing them to enjoy the sun.
"So," Achilles began, after they had ordered. "Things have progressed with Aiz?" he questioned as he pulled a pipe from a pocket.
Bell's blush returned, as did his smile.
"It seems so. I mean, she did say she'd consider herself lucky to be with me."
"As she should," Achilles lit his pipe and placed it in his mouth. "I'm still firmly under the impression you're too good for her, but if she's the one you want, I won't stand in your way."
"Really?" Bell asked, giving him a look.
Achilles exhaled.
"Alright. Maybe I will, if I'm concerned she'll be a risk to your safety. I'm still worried about her obsession, though I will say she gained some points with me when she revealed her familia's plans. That took courage and a level of decency a lot of people don't have."
"She really is a good person," Bell defended.
"I don't doubt that," Achilles responded taking in another breath of smoke. "She seems like a good girl. At the very least she appears too airhead to be dishonest." Bell couldn't really deny that. "But, and I know I'm stepping into territory I have no right to be stepping in, I want you to be with someone who's more than just, 'good'." Bell looked at him curiously. "I want you to be with your perfect match. Your soulmate. Someone who not only treats you right, with the kindness and respect you deserve, but who knows your soul even better than you do. Who can sense when your troubled even when you hide it behind smiles. I want a girl whose very presence comforts you. Inspires you to be better, but never makes demands of you. I want you to be with someone who gives their soul to you so fully that it becomes completely intertwined with yours. And, well, I'm not sure that Aiz is that person. At least not as long as her soul is pulled towards the Dragon."
Bell's eyes widened. The raw, unrestrained, honest hope that Achilles had for him was beyond touching. It brought a couple tears to his eyes, even if he was a bit saddened about Achilles's continued concern over the girl he loved. However, something else came up due to this speech that Bell needed to address.
"And what about you?" the young man asked.
"What about me?" Achilles asked, his pipe taking an inquisitive position.
"Is Freya-sama giving you all those things."
Things went silent for a moment, Achilles's eyes darkening before falling as a smoke filled sighed passed his lips.
"No," he answered. "No she's not."
"Don't you deserve someone like that too?" Bell asked.
Achilles chuckled.
"I'm not sure I do."
Bell frowned.
"Well I am."
Achilles looked up at him.
"I sure you deserve someone that is all those things to you as well. Your soulmate. Your comforter. The person who will know when you're troubled, even when you hide it. The person that inspires you. Comforts you. Who, does not, make demands of you," he emphasized this. "You deserve someone who will give their soul to you and intertwine it with yours. You deserve more than good."
Achilles was deathly silent as he stared at the boy. Even the smoke in his pipe seemed to have stopped in midair after Bell's counter. Finally though, a smile appeared and he reached across the table, pulled Bell over and kissed his forehead.
"Honestly, where do they make kids like you?"
Bell smiled back.
"The same place they make people like you," he stated resolutely.
The sound of someone clearing their throat caught their attention. They turned to see their dark elf server standing there, plates in her hands, and smiling at them.
"So sorry to interrupt, but, here are your orders."
Bell blushed furiously and hid his face while Achilles laughed.
"Thank you. Sorry about that," he said.
"Oh don't be," she said, putting down the food. "It's nice to see a father and son getting along so well."
Now both of them were blushing. However, neither felt like correcting the young lady, instead just sharing a shy smile before turning their attention to their food.
The two finished up at the cafe, Achilles making sure to give a large tip to the dark elf, and made their way back to the tailor where said tailor was waiting for them with their tuxes all prepared.
"So? What do you think?" she asked as they looked over her work.
They turned to each other and smiled.
"They're perfect."
Night had fallen and it was time for the party. The Hestia familia minus Bell and Achilles, had gathered at the entrance.
Everyone was nervous. Whatever Freya had planned for them was certainly not going to be good, but not knowing what it was made it all the worse.
"Alright, everyone just take a deep breath," Hestia said. "Us being anxious isn't going to help anything."
"That's rich coming from you, Hestia-sama. You tap your feet anymore and the floor will crack."
The rest of the familia smiled as the two began to bicker. They were certainly nervous themselves, but the familiar sight of the two going at it helped calm them a bit.
"Sorry I'm late," Achilles called from the top of the stairs. "Haven't worn one of these in a while and I wanted to check in on Bell beforehand."
"Well don't you look spiffy," Hestia said, taking note of Achilles's tux. It was a standard black tux, but with blue trim the same color as his lightning. Normally that might have come off as off-putting, but it seemed only to compliment the ex-captain in such a way as to make him appear more friendly.
"Why thank you. You all look very nice as well."
And indeed they did.
Hestia wore a blue dress, similar to the one she wore to Apollo's party, but a tad more daring, with a long slit on one side to show leg should she feel so inclined, and showing off her back just enough to come off as seductive, but not promiscuous.
Lili wore a lovely hazel dress that showed off her shoulders, but was far more conservative than Hestia's, though no less alluring in the gentleness of its color and tone. Mixed with its frills, it gave off an aura of innocence.
Mikoto was wearing the same dress she had worn at Apollo's party, the lovely purple matching her perfectly as did the shape of the dress, which accentuated certain parts of her figure enough to titillate any self-respecting, red-blooded man.
Welf looked dashing in his own black tux. It was standard fare, but the addition of a scarlet tie and vest did wonders to enhance his charm and there was no doubt a certain smith goddess would appreciate the sight.
Ryuu's dress was perhaps the simplest. A graceful, forest green dress that covered what it needed to, showed what it must, but flowed so as not to hinder any movements. A practical dress for a practical woman, with functional hidden pockets to hide a dagger or two as well.
Finally, Haruhime was wearing a golden kimono that was a sight to behold. More conservative than any of the other ladies' gowns, it came off, not as stiff or pompous, but regal. Like one was seeing the princess of the sun grace them with her presence, gently warming them with her gentle gaze and smile.
"That we do," Hestia said with a smile. "But where's Bell-kun?"
"Right here."
Everyone turned and all eyes widened at the sight, except for Achilles who, having already seen it, simply smiled.
Bell wore a white suit that perfectly matched his hair, with red trim and gloves that did likewise with his eyes. Like Achilles's tux, it was an unorthodox choice to say the least, but the snow white, mixed with powerful, but gentle red, was truly a wonder to behold. Emitting both strength and a purity that few could ever match, it was as if a hero from an ancient epic had arrived to sweep his beloved off her feet and ride off to their shared happily ever after.
"Bell-kun…" Hestia said, her mouth wide open.
"You look amazing Bell-sama!" Lili cried.
"Do I?" he asked nervously. He quickly found everyone nodding with bright smiles. "Thank you."
"We only speak the truth," Achilles said. "Now, I think it's time for this hero and his grand entourage to get on going and see what poison our dear viper has in store for us."
Everyone nodded, a seriousness entering their eyes.
"Then let's be off!"
The streets were alive and buzzing as the familia rode towards Folkvangr, but they noticed that everything seemed especially abuzz tonight.
"Everyone's excited because Freya's having a party," Achilles explained. "They're taking it as a sign of good luck. After all, the Queen of Orario is in the mood for a party. That can only mean good things."
No one failed to take note of the seriousness in his voice.
"We'll watch over you two," Hestia said. "She won't dig her claws into you."
Achilles allowed himself a smile.
"Thank you."
They arrived at the Freya familia mansion and exited their carriage.
"Wow," Bell couldn't help but say seeing the mansion.
"You can say that again," Welf said.
"Humph, it's too gaudy," Hestia declared.
"I'm not saying I disagree with you Hestia-sama," Achilles said. "But you may wish to be careful with that tonight."
Hestia cooled and soon nodded.
"Welcome," everyone turned to see none other than Allen Fromel walking towards them wearing a get-up that looked more expensive than everything they were wearing put together. "My lady is overjoyed that you accepted her invitation."
"I'm sure she'd also be overjoyed to learn you said that as if you had just drunk poison," Achilles stated.
The catman sneered, but kept his mouth shut.
"If you'll follow me."
The Hestia familia gave each other one final look, before following him, making sure to keep close to each other and their eyes wide open.
They entered the mansion and walked down the halls towards the ballroom. The halls were unnervingly empty, but off in the distance they heard music playing. As they walked it got louder and louder until they were standing in front of a large, beautifully decorated door that seemed to be barely muffling it.
Allen opened the door and a wave of sound and light hit the Hestia familia.
"Show off," Achilles said.
Every familia in Orario had to be before them in the ballroom. Hundreds, nay, thousands of people were eating, drinking, talking, and dancing in an area that was even bigger than Hearthfire Manor. And the ballroom. Everywhere they looked was the most dazzling of decorations. Crystal chandeliers. Silk curtains. Flowers of every color and variety. Statues of perfectly cut marble. It was a palace. One truly worthy of the goddess of beauty and Queen of Orario.
"Holy-," Welf breathed out.
"Uh huh," Achilles responded being the only one who heard him over the noise.
Allen strode forward.
"Introducing, the guests of Honor! The Hestia familia!"
The ballroom instantly went quiet.
"That's unnerving," Achilles said.
They all walked in, feeling thousands of pairs of eyes fall on them as they did so, causing all of them to feel a drip of sweat down their necks. This only got worse as the sound of clicking heels echoed through the room.
Every eye turned to the sound, all knowing who it was without seeing her. The Hestia familia, minus Bell, Achilles, and Hestia herself, all looked down, afraid to be Charmed as the mistress of the house came towards them.
To say that Freya looked stunning was an unspeakable crime for its utter failure to capture the utter beauty that she was at that moment. As if knowing what Bell was going to wear, she had decided on a white dress of the finest silk. Everything about it was perfect. It showed just the right amount of skin, being both tantalizing, yet modest. It fit her like a second skin, hugging her gently, yet somehow never revealing too much. It even somehow seemed to pull light towards it, making her appear as if she was a star descending from the heavens which, when next to Bell's own snow white tux, presented a sight so breathtaking one might very well have thought that this was the very beloved that he had come to sweep off her feet.
"Hestia, I'm so glad you could make it," she said, taking the hearth goddess's hands and kissing her cheeks.
"It's nice to see you as well, Freya. Thank you for inviting us," Hestia replied politely.
Freya turned to her two targets, a shiver going up their spines.
"Achilles. Bell," her smile threatening to drown them. "To have two here brings a joy to my heart that I can't put into words so please, allow me this," she said as she leaned towards them.
The Hestia familia froze as she kissed their cheeks, starting with Achilles who, despite the blush on his face and noticeable tension, remained in control of himself, then to Bell where she made sure to kiss him for an unquestionably lengthier amount of time before pulling back.
"Thank you for inviting us," Bell said, bowing, his cheeks red and heart racing, but nonetheless, holding strong.
"Good evening Freya. You're looking even lovelier than usual," Achilles said, keeping with the polite tone of the conversation.
"I'm so glad you think so. I had to make sure I looked my best for tonight," her eyes turned. "Now, seeing as you've arrived, would do me the honor of dancing with me, Bell?" she asked.
Once more the Hestia familia froze, not liking that invitation for a second. Still, there was little they could do, especially as they hadn't even gotten far enough in to create the excuse of other dancing partners. Knowing that, Bell answered.
"The honor would be mine," he said.
Then, as thousands of gods and adventurers watched with bated breath, including his own familia, Bell held out his hand, which was soon filled with the hand of an enraptured Freya who allowed the young man to lead her to the middle of the now empty dance floor.
Music began to play, a slow waltz, and one perfectly designed to encourage that the partners dancing to it were as close as possible.
And so, with a deep breath, Bell began.
It was awkward, to say the least. Bell, being shorter than the goddess and in no small way intimidated by her, had a hard time taking the lead. Freya, naturally, noticed this and smiled. Seeing the object of her affections so off center and unprotected caused her heart to flutter and she wanted to see more.
Placing her hand on the back of his head, she pushed him into her breasts and held him there, the weakness Bell was feeling at the action having more to do with why he didn't pull away than the physical strength of the goddess.
"Relax, Bell," she whispered. "Just enjoy the moment."
That was easier said than done. However, after taking a deep breathe, Bell managed to calm himself enough to focus and began to dance properly, carrying his partner across the floor in an eloquent and beautiful display.
"There's that strength I adore," the goddess thought.
Thousands of eyes watched with rapt abandon. Some wondered why it didn't appear that Bell had been Charmed. Others made bets that the poor boy would trip and humiliate himself. Yet others, namely Hestia familia and those allied with them, watched with fearful eyes as the two danced away. And none were more afraid or more enraged than Achilles Caesar, who looked ready to go to war after seeing his ward's head shoved into the goddess's cleavage.
Another person was also terribly concerned, but she couldn't understand why. This person was Aiz Wallenstein who, watching the scene unfold before her, had a terrible sinking feeling in her stomach which, had she been able to vocalize it, would have matched the descriptions of what numerous other ladies were feeling at the moment, watching Bell and Freya dance.
Finally though, after dancing just long enough for sparks to begin flying off Achilles, the two stopped in the middle of the dance floor and looked each other in the eye.
"Thank you, Freya-sama," he said, bowing.
She placed a hand over her heart.
"Oh no. Thank you, Bell-kun," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Clapping suddenly erupted around them, pulling them both back to the real world.
They both looked around, even Freya showing she was a tad startled, before she remembered where she was and laughed.
"It seems we make quite the dancing partners, Bell-kun," she said.
The two walked back to the Hestia familia, all of whom were very poorly attempting to hide their disdain.
"I do hope you'll dance with me again before the night is over, Bell," Freya said.
"If there's time, I would be happy to, Freya-sama," he agreed.
Giving the young captain one final smile, she departed the familia with a wave.
Bell let out a breath.
"You alright?" Achilles asked.
Bell nodded.
"Yes, though my heart is racing."
"I can imagine."
The others chimed in.
"I can't believe it. You're actually immune to Charm," Hestia said with unquestionable shock.
"You let Bell-sama fall into her hands without being sure!" Lili cried starting a spat with Hestia.
"That was certainly something," Welf said, still tense, but happy that everything went alright.
"Indeed," Ryuu said, a bit upset from watching Freya place Bell's head against her chest.
"Gotta say, Rabbit." They all turned to see Loki walking up with her familia. "You really are full of surprises. When my kids told me you were apparently immune to Charm, I thought they'd lost it. But here you are," she said with a smile.
"I guess I'm just lucky," Bell replied shyly.
"Can't argue with that. Though, that luck might actually be a bit unlucky given that half the crowd's been glaring at you since Freya stuffed you in her fun-bags."
A quick look around confirmed that Loki wasn't lying as many eyes were still on the young man and many of them were unreservedly hostile. Bell blushed and quickly hid his head.
"And why shouldn't we be jealous of dear Bell-kun?"
Again, they all turned, finding Hermes, Asfi, and numerous other members of his familia walking towards them.
"Hermes," Achilles greeted. "Been a long time."
"Indeed it has my dear, Achilles. When I heard of your return I was honestly in shock."
"Don't lie. You probably knew of my return before anyone else in this city besides maybe Freya," Achilles countered, clearly used to, and in no mood for, Hermes's games.
"Ah, you wound me, Achilles-kun!" he declared. "However, I am glad to see you're looking after our dear Bell."
Achilles looked back to Bell to find, not only had his blush disappeared, but now he was looking at Hermes with honest to goodness hostility.
Achilles was shocked.
"Hermes, you are in more trouble than you've been in a millennia."
"Hello, Hermes-sama," Bell greeted coldly, which no one failed to notice.
Hermes, ignoring the tone, continued to smile.
"And how are you this evening Bell? I imagine quite well after dancing with Freya herself."
"I'm doing fine," the young captain responded, not even a hint of a blush at the mention of Freya. "Freya-sama is an excellent dancer."
Sensing the direction the conversation was going and not wanting the tension to spill over, Achilles decided to intervene.
"Bell." The Hestia captain turned to him. "It looks like the dance floor is now open for everyone why don't you and Aiz go and have a dance? For...comradery purposes."
The mention of Aiz finally snapped Bell out of his anger and he turned to the Sword Princess, freezing when his eyes landed on her.
Her dress was a mixture of light blue and white, as if someone had painted the sky into the cloth which, in turn, made Aiz, with her golden hair and eyes, look like the sun. This charm was only enhanced by the fact that, unlike Freya's dress which acted like a second skin, Aiz's dress seem to float over her like clouds. Never bulky or puffy, but magical, as if nature itself wished to show her beauty to the world. At least that was how Bell saw it.
"A-Aiz-san. Y-You...You look beautiful."
A dusting of red came to her cheeks, though she still didn't understand why even as she shyly looked away.
"Thank you, Bell. You look very nice as well."
The two were silent for a moment, completely oblivious to the numerous looks they were getting. Looks of jealousy from Hestia and Lili. A look of horror from Loki. A pleased looked from Hermes. A genuinely happy one from Riveria. And finally a roll of the eyes from Achilles who was sick of watching the two stare at each other.
Clearly his throat loudly, he caught Bell's attention who, quickly understanding the look his mentor was giving him, blushed, before turning back to Aiz and bowing.
"Would you care to dance?"
Aiz smiled.
"I would love to."
Smiling, Bell held out his hand, which Aiz instantly took and the two turned to join the other dancers.
The two now gone, Achilles's hand shot to Hermes's throat as he lifted him off his feet.
"What did you do?" he demanded as everyone scrambled to regain their bearing at the sight of the adventurer lifting the god off the ground.
"I-," Hermes tried to choke out. "I don't know what you mean, Achilles-san," he tried to play off.
"Bell, perhaps the sweetest, gentlest boy in the world, was glaring at you. That means you did something wrong. Very wrong. You are now going to tell me what."
Hermes looked desperate to placate the level seven adventurer, while the others around them tried to figure out what to do.
"Excuse me." Achilles turned. "Would you mind letting him go?" Asfi requested.
"And you are?"
Asfi bowed calmly.
"Asfi Al Andromeda. I am the captain of the Hermes familia, so I must request you release my god."
"Captain?" Asfi nodded, as did Hermes when Achilles's eyes shot to him. "My condolences."
Asfi sighed, unable to restrain herself and pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Thank you. As you are clearly aware, my god can be very trying. So I would greatly appreciate it if you would limit the amount of work I have to do and not add a hospital visit to my to do list."
"Hm. Well, I certainly don't want to cause you any trouble," Achilles said, putting Hermes down. "Having to deal with him I'm sure is irritating enough. However," he turned back to a now gasping Hermes. "I expect an answer to my question next time I see you."
Hermes, not willing to risk angering the adventurer anymore, nodded.
"I hope I can come up with a convincing lie before the next time. I'm not sure I'll be able to hide from him. Not if he wants to find me. And," Hermes thought, concern eating at his heart. "I'm not sure what he'll think of the Xenos, or of Bell for protecting them."
"Thank you," Asfi said grabbing her god and pulling him away from the irritated adventurer.
"Glad to see I'm not the only god you're pissy with," Loki joked, taking a swig of some wine she had snatched from somewhere.
"Well, in my defense, he's always rubbed me the wrong way with his secretive nature. The fact that Bell's mad at him only serves to make it easier for me to dislike him."
The party continued on without incident, which in it of itself unnerved everyone. Every last person there that night knew this was all apart of some plan by Freya to get her hands on Bell, Achilles, or both, yet she had remained to the side of the party alongside Ottar, smiling pleasantly. She did not even stir as Bell danced with Aiz, which was more than could be said of Hestia and Lili who took his next two dances, glaring at the Sword Princess the entire time.
Achilles watched it all with a smile on his face, though occasionally turning his gaze to Freya to try and gauge what she was planning. He learned nothing, which he expected, and soon gave up, knowing full well that he wouldn't know her plan until she enacted it.
After his final attempt his eyes fell to a certain renard who now had a far too friendly god hanging off her.
"You truly are a beauty," the god said.
"Um...t-thank you," Haruhime responded uncomfortably.
"Hey, why don't we find a spare bedroom and spend some time together? We gods are very experienced and know how to make an evening very pleasurable."
It looked like blood was about ready to burst out of Haruhime's adorable golden ears, when a shadow fell over them and a terrifyingly strong hand fell on the god's shoulder.
They turned and the god began to sweat.
"Go away," Achilles ordered.
The god was gone within seconds.
"T-Thank you, Achilles-s," she remembered his request. "Achilles."
"My pleasure," he responded. "Now. What are you doing over here by yourself?"
"W-Well...I...um."
Achilles looked at her curiously. It was only when he noticed her eyes darting to the side that he found the answer to why.
Finding what she was looking at, he smiled.
"Why don't you ask him to dance?"
Haruhime's blush grew.
"O-Oh, I couldn't do that. I'm sure that Bell-sama would far prefer to d-dance with Aiz-san."
Achilles looked down at her for a moment, clearly thinking about something, before he spoke again.
"You love him don't you."
Now the poor fox girl looked ready to faint but, with one firm hand on her shoulder, commanding her to stay conscious, she was able to regain control of herself, look up at him, and nod.
"Yes."
He nodded.
"I figured you were smitten, just thought I'd verify. Second question then. Why aren't you going after him?"
She was shocked by the question.
"I-I could never! I mean...he's in love with Aiz-san-."
"And you're in love with him," Achilles stated.
"But I'm unworthy of him."
"Says who?"
"W-Well...I did work as a prostitute."
"I seem to recall the detail of you being far too shy to do anything."
She blushed again.
"E-Even so. Bell deserves someone better than me."
Achilles was silent for a moment before a sigh passed his lips.
"Haruhime." She turned to him. "I can't say that I'm the best person to go to when it comes to romance. I fell in love with the wrong person after all, and regret much of what happened with her. But there's something I don't regret. Trying." She cocked her head in confusion. "I regret the way I acted with her. I regret not listening to other people's advice about her. I regret not thinking clearly and seeing her for what she was and how she viewed me, but I don't regret going after her in the first place. I don't regret that I fell in love and pursued it. Even if things went wrong; very very wrong in my case," he admitted with no small level of mortification. "I would have tortured myself had I never acted. Never tried. The what ifs would have tormented me. In your case, you fell in love with someone you know is good and gentle. A man who saved you when he had no reason to and every reason to leave you to Ishtar and her schemes. Your story won't end like mine has. You may not win his heart, I can't promise you the happy ending I think you deserve," he punctuated this by looking right into her emerald eyes. "But I know you'll torment yourself if you don't at least try. You need to try. And, in case you really need the push, let me tell you something," he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Out of all the girls around him, you're the one I'm rooting for."
She shot back, eyes wide and mouth opened.
"W-Why?"
"You're the only one who I think will give him what he deserves. You're not jealous or petty. You aren't obsessed with some dangerous goal. And you're not a fool like me. Just very innocent," he said with a smile. "Your intentions are pure and built on affection. You even share a common interest in your mutual enjoyment of legends and heroic tales. I see within you a person that can comfort him when he's worn down. Someone who will gently encourage him to further heights simply because he is inspired by you. With you, I see that potential to intertwine souls that will make a new heroic tale that will last the ages. To put it simply, I think you will make him the happiest."
Huarhime's consciousness was in full retreat. Achilles, seeing this, quickly grabbed her shoulders, snapping her back to the world of the awake.
"Just think about. Please. As a mercy to this old man."
Haruhime stared into his eyes, her emeralds meeting with his sapphires as they poured their feelings into each other hoping to understand the other. Finally, she pulled back.
"I-I...I will try," she swore.
He beamed at her.
"That's all I ask."
The two broke apart, Achilles leaving Haruhime to gather her courage to ask Bell to dance while he found something to eat.
He was looking over the desert table when an all too familiar voice crawled up his spine.
"I made sure to have plenty of blueberry cheesecake for tonight."
He shivered and turned.
"Hello Freya."
She smiled at him.
"I remember it being your favorite."
"It still is," he admitted.
"I'm glad."
Achilles went over and grabbed a plate and was intent on keeping his mouth filled so as to mitigate the need to talk while also focusing on something besides her. He had a piece ready to do just that when she spoke again.
"What were you and that lovely renard talking about."
Knowing she had done that on purpose he put down the plate with a growl, hearing a quiet giggle emit from her.
"Love," he answered honestly.
"Love?" she inquired, her interest now piqued. "Quite the wonderful topic."
"Indeed."
"Talking about anything or...anyone, in particular?"
"We were focusing on her, as I tried to give her some advice."
"And what advice was that, my dear Achilles?"
She placed herself right next to him, pressing just a bit against him. He found that she wasn't using Charm against him which, he was grateful for, yet her regular charm was more than enough worry him.
"That she should at least try to go after the one she loves. It may not end perfectly, but she'd only be torturing herself with what ifs if she never tried."
"Oh?" Freya's smile grew and she pressed herself against him harder.
He sighed as his knuckles turned bone white.
"I regret much about our so called 'relationship', Freya. I wish I had never fallen in love with you. That is the truth. But so is the fact that I don't regret trying when I did fall in love. The trying wasn't wrong. What I did afterwards was."
His attempts to minimize the pleasure he knew she would take at this utterly failed as radiant joy filled her face at his confession and soon her hand found its way to his cheek where she began to stroke it gently.
"I'm glad you tried as well, Achilles. I still remember how my heart fluttered when you spoke those words to me. Pouring out your soul to me in such a beautifully honest ballad. It was as if you knew the precise words to earn my love and affection."
Achilles growled and he turned on her with hateful eyes.
"Don't. Lie. To me."
"But I'm not lying," she said, her hand never leaving his cheek.
Now he grabbed it and pulled it away.
"If you loved me, you wouldn't have demanded I prove myself to you. Lovers don't do that. Lovers, love each other for who they are."
"You needed a push to fulfill your true potential. It was because I loved you that I did that."
"I did not need a push. I would have done all I did anyway because I wanted to impress you. To bring you joy by seeing me succeed. To show you how much you meant to me as I pushed myself harder and harder to be the person I thought you deserved. The fact that you demanded more and more from me proves you didn't love me."
"As I seem to recall you asked me what it would take for you to be my one and only."
Achilles's gaze dropped as he bit his lip.
"You're right," he admitted. "You're absolutely right. I wanted you to myself. I was jealous of the idea of others having you. Heaven above, perhaps that means I never really loved you," had he been looking at her, he would have seen the flash of shock in Freya's eyes. "Love requires trust, and jealousy is the antithesis of trust. I shouldn't have made that request. I should have simply proven myself and earned your sole, undivided love. In fact," he looked her in the eye. "I'm sorry I made that request. I shouldn't have, and I apologize." Now he did see her surprise, but was far too wrapped up in his thoughts and feelings to care. "But you shouldn't have made that demand either. We were both in the wrong. Yet another reason we should end this farce."
He turned away to leave, only to have her wrap her arms around him, stopping him in his tracks.
"Oh Achilles. So much strength and so much pain. Both pull me towards you as I find myself desiring your strength and wishing to soothe your pain."
He found himself almost choking on his words as he responded.
"Freya, if you want to soothe my pain then release me."
She knew he wasn't speaking on her arms wrapped around him.
The goddess was silent for a time, unnerving Achilles as he hoped beyond hope that she would finally grant him mercy.
"One dance," she said. "Dance with me one time and, if I can't soothe away your pain, I will release you."
All rational thought screamed at him not to take her bet. This was it. Her play of the evening. He knew that, and his mind screamed at him to pull her arms off of him and walk away from her. But it was too tempting an offer for his desperate hope to ignore.
"One dance."
The two made their way to the dance floor. Seeing the two, all other partners immediately left, allowing the two to take the entire floor. Soon, all eyes were once again on the goddess of beauty and her partner as everyone recognized that this was what Freya had been building up for. This was when she would enact her plan.
Hestia familia, seeing the two enter the dance floor, quickly grew concerned, sharing alarmed looks between each other and trying to figure out what to do. Their allies were doing little better as Hephaestus felt a nervous pin poke her heart, Miach and Takemikazuchi shared a nervous look, and Loki downed her drink and declared.
"Idiot."
Freya held up her hand to give the signal.
The moment the music started playing, Achilles's heart shattered.
"You are a cruel woman," he said, his voice barely managing a whisper.
"This was your favorite song," she said as the melody passed through the air.
"It was," he said, his voice dead and hollow. "It was once so joyful and filled with life, hopes and dreams. Now though," he looked her in the eyes. "Now it's cold and miserable."
She stared into his eyes.
"Then let's make it joyful again."
They began to dance.
One step. Then another. Then another. All in perfect unison. It was honestly quite dazzlingly. The two matched each other in a way that few dancers have ever managed. It was as if they were synced, mind and body; an unnerving idea for all those who were close to the ex-captain.
The two continued to dance, oblivious to all those around them as they moved around the dance floor.
"Isn't this nice?" Freya asked, placing her head against his chest.
His grip on her waist tightened.
"You're killing me, Freya," he whispered. She looked up. "You're killing me," his eyes, glassy with tears, met hers. "And if you really love me like you say you do, you'll stop hurting me like you are right now."
The music ended, prompting them to stop.
"I haven't soothed you?" she questioned.
"No," he said, unable to look her in the eye. "You have lost the bet," he finished and turned.
"Then let me try this."
Then, before anyone could react or stop it, she pulled Achilles toward her, brought his head down, and kissed him.
A gasp went through the room followed by a growl from Loki.
"Idiot."
The moment that her lips touched his, Achilles felt every ounce of her Charm fall upon him. In the best of circumstances he would have been hard pressed to resist her, but these were far from the best of circumstances. As such, within moments, his hands came up and cupped her cheeks as he kissed her back.
The kiss was long and passionate. A show of dominance as Freya's plan was fulfilled, showing all not only her own power, but the new power she had just acquired as, in a single moment, she turned the ex-captain of the legendary Zeus familia, the Olympian, survivor of the One-Eyed Black Dragon, the first level seven, and the guardian of the Hestia familia, into her willing slave.
"Now," she said pulling back, a trail of spit keeping the two connected. "Do you feel better?"
"Yes, Freya-sama," he said, his voice now devoid of his usual fire.
"Then, you wouldn't mind telling me...who do you love?"
"You, Freya-sama. You, and only you. Now and forever."
Fear filled the hearts of the Hestia familia.
What's this? A cliffhanger. How dare I! Wait...Anyway. I hope you enjoyed that. I did, though got to say, there were more than a few points where I had to stop and think about what I wanted to do here. I had an outline all planned, but I kept thinking up new stuff that I liked and wanted to add that kind of messed that up and brought the flow to a halt. Oh well, thus is one of the challenges of writing. All that said, I do really hope you guys enjoyed it. If you did, or even if you didn't please send me a review and tell me what you think. Share your thoughts and concerns so that I may know what I missed and so I may improve and make an even more compelling story. With that, I think I've rambled on enough, so I'll sign off her and bid you all a fine farewell. So, until next time, bye for now.