Hello everyone. I'm terribly sorry this one has taken so long to put out and that, if anything, everything is taking me longer. I won't bother you with my excuses, I will only say, again, I'm sorry. That out of the way, I believe you all would like to see what happens with our dear Sword Princess and our not so dear toad, am I right? Well then, let's get into it.
I do not own Danmachi
Achilles kicked open the door to Hearthfire Manor, causing the slabs of wood to crash against the walls with a terrible burst of thunder.
Naturally, this startled and frightened the occupants of the mansion, causing them to come running, weapons drawn. Seeing that it was Achilles, they calmed a bit and would have gone on to either question or reprimand him for scaring them half to death. However, discovering Bell in his arms, unconscious, that was thrown out the window as their fear returned and they ran up to him.
"What happened to Bell-kun!" Hestia screamed.
She reached out to try and check over the unconscious young man, only to find herself stunned as Achilles brushed passed her, not sparing her, or any of the other stunned members of Hestia familia, a word.
"Achilles?" Haruhime called, her voice barely registering for the others as they watched the former captain continue to walk away from them, heading for the stairs.
Snapping out of her stupor, Hestia angrily called out.
"Achilles, what happened?!"
The demand was again ignored as he began to make his way up the stairs.
Hestia's teeth smashed together, the force of her bite causing them to groan in agony as her fists tightened until her nails finally pierced them.
"Achilles Caesar, what happened to my Bell?!"
Finally, he stopped at the top of the stairs.
Slowly he turned.
Not a single member of the Hestia would sleep that night, for any chance of sleep was rendered impossible before the terrible might of the soul-shattering nightmare that was Achilles's eye at the moment when he said but one thing.
"Aiz Wallenstein."
Phryne glared at her.
"What the hell are you talking about? Who did I hurt? I don't remember squashing some pathetic dog recently."
"Bell Cranel," Aiz answered, her eyes turning colder by the second.
"The rabbit? I didn't hurt him. Least not recently. If anything, I promised him the greatest pleasure he'll ever have once I get accepted into his familia."
Aiz's fist tightened on her sword.
"Draw your weapon," she demanded.
"What?"
"Draw. Your. Weapon," Aiz repeated.
Phryne was silent for a moment, her eyes looking over the Sword Princess, trying to figure out what was up with her. In the end however, she didn't really care. She hated the Sword Princess and this was as good a time as any to vent her frustration.
"Alright, Sword Princess. You want a fight," she went over and grabbed her axes. "I'm more than happy to oblige."
The moment the frog-like adventurer took a fighting pose, Aiz attacked.
As much as Phryne hated to admit it, even to herself, the force that suddenly hit her upon Aiz's blade meeting her axe was nothing to sneeze at. Soon enough, she found herself not only being forced back, but smashing through the door she had just come through and being launched into the rest of the building, startling the other patrons there.
"Not bad, Sword Princess," she conceded. "You must really like the rabbit. Too bad a real woman like me got to him first!" she declared before swinging her second axe at Aiz's head.
The Sword Princess's eyes turned even darker as she took in Phryne's words. It seemed almost as if she did not notice the axe aiming to cut her cranium in half, so much so that Phryne actually began to salivate at the idea of killing the false beauty. However, when the axe's edge was less than an inch from making contact, Aiz suddenly battered it away as if the heavy weapon was as light as air. Phryne found her footing lost at the sudden counter-attack and as she tried to regain her position, Aiz struck, lashing out with her sword and cutting Phryne across her face.
Crying out in pain, the man-eater jumped back and checked her face. Seeing her blood and realizing what had happened, her eyes turned into pits of furious rage before turning back to her opponent.
"My face! My beautiful face! I'll kill you for that Sword Princess!" she screamed before attacking with all her horrid fury.
Aiz held up her sword and took the attacks calmly, as if she were a machine made of automated parts, not a human with hot blood in their veins.
The attacks of the terrible toad failed to break through Aiz's defenses, but the force of the blows were enough to force her through the wall of the building and into the open air of Orario's night darkened streets.
"Die!" Phryne demanded.
The ring of metal filled the streets as the two clashed again and again against each other, causing the citizens of Orario unlucky enough to be within range of the two, to dive for cover and flee in terror as the ladies of war battled against each other.
Naturally, Aiz had the advantage. Not only had she already beaten Phryne, but she was of a higher level and significantly quicker. Normally this distinction would have been enough for her to restrain herself like when she trained with Bell or the time she had battled him in order to destroy the monster he protected. However, this was not like those times. Indeed, the memory of Bell, especially of the bravery and determination he had shown when defending the monster, no, the girl, Weine, now filled her with such fury that she discarded all restraint.
"She hurt Bell. That cannot go unpunished."
Seeing an opportunity, she blocked two strikes from Phryne, using her strength and skill to knock the second blow back, causing Phryne to lose her balance again. That was all Aiz needed as she struck out and cut the frog woman diagonally across the chest, sending up a spray of blood.
"Gah!"
Phryne jumped back and put a hand on her wound.
Seeing her mortality draining from her, Phryne's eyes, which were already furious to the point of terrifying, turned utterly hateful.
"What is with you, you crazy bitch?! Are you actually trying to kill me?! Here?! Out in the open?!"
"My aim is to punish you for what you did to Bell," Aiz responded coldly as she slowly made her way towards Phryne.
"What's the rabbit to you?! What, are you in love with him or something?!"
Aiz stopped.
"Love?"
Aiz's mind began to turn as that word began to echo in her mind.
Aiz looked at her mother curiously. She had this look on her face that Aiz didn't really understand. It only ever appeared when she looked at her father, but she didn't understand why.
"Mommy?"
Aria looked at her daughter.
"Yes Aiz?"
"Why do you look different when you look at daddy?"
Aria seemed confused for a moment before realization filled her eyes and she smiled.
"That's because I love him."
"Love?"
"Mhm," Aria answered, lifting Aiz into her lap. "Love is a wonderful thing. It makes you feel warm inside and makes you want to be with someone forever. To stand next to them, smile with them, even go through hard times with them. One day, you'll find someone who you'll always want to be with like I always want to be with your father, and when you do, dear Aiz, don't let them go."
Aiz was confused, but whatever this 'love' was, it made her mother happy and if her mother said to do something, she knew she should.
"Okay Mommy. When I find someone I love I'll never let them go."
The Sword Princess's eyes widened.
"Do I…?"
Phryne noticed that Aiz had frozen, and not one to miss and opportunity, she smiled and launched herself at the maiden of the sword.
"Ooora!"
Snapping out of her stupor, Aiz had barely enough time to raise her sword up to defend herself before Phryne's axe came crashing down. However, given her lack of preparedness, she did not put up enough resistance and her sword was forced down and the axe bit into her shoulder.
"Argh!"
Phryne licked her lips.
"That's what you get, Sword Princess!" she cried before delivering a kick to Aiz's side.
Aiz went flying through the street, landing halfway down the block. However, with her head back in the game, courtesy of the pain now coursing through her body, she was prepared for Phryne's next attack and was more ready than ever to give the man-eater exactly what she deserved.
Ottar walked out of the Dungeon into the night air, a large haul hidden away in his bag, eager to return to his mistress and inform her of what happened with Bell. However, before he could get far, a number of people ran into the square.
"Run!" one of them cried.
It did not take long to discover why the individual had made such a cry as soon, two figures came crashing into the square, scaring the life out of civilian and adventurer alike, except for the King of course.
He set down his bag and grabbed his sword, ready to intervene in the unsightly affair that now risked annoying his lady, when he saw who it was that was fighting.
"Phryne Jamil...and the Sword Princess?"
The sight was surprising, and he wondered what precisely had transpired for this situation to unfold, but whatever the reason, he decided it was best to put a stop to it. Indeed, should fortune favor him, the Sword Princess may decide on an unwise path and provide him the chance to remove her as an obstacle from his lady's acquisition of Bell Cranel's affections.
Oblivious to this, and all else around them, the two ladies of war continued to strike and counter against each other.
It was obvious that Phryne was on the verge of losing. She'd gotten a lucky strike in, but it was far from enough to stop Aiz. The toad was now bleeding from multiple wounds, at least one of which was serious, and was slowing down, which against the legendary speed of the Sword Princess, was not a good thing.
Enraged and desperate, Phryne gave off a cry and launched an all-out strike at Aiz's head, only for the swordswoman to block the attack, send the axe flying from her hand, then launch her blade directly at Phryne's throat.
However, the lethal strike was prevented from fulfilling its goal by the sudden appearance of a large, cleaver-like sword.
The two women, wide-eyed from the weapon's sudden appearance, turned and found Ottar staring down at both of them.
"That's enough, Aiz Wallenstein."
"Ottar," she breathed out.
"Killing her out here would be unwise," he continued calmly, as if he had not just prevented a murder.
Before Aiz, or for that matter, Phryne could say anything, dozens of adventurers suddenly appeared in the square, one of them being Shakti.
"Cease hostilities immediately!" the captain of Ganesha familia ordered.
Ottar pulled his blade back and placed it on his back.
"Shakti," he greeted.
"Ottar," she returned. "What is going on here?"
"You will have to ask them. I merely intervene to prevent Aiz Wallenstein from killing Phryne Jamil."
Shakti wondered about that, but said nothing, instead turning her gaze to the two women. Both had seen better days, but it was very clear that Phryne was in worse condition.
"Drop your weapons, both of you," she ordered.
Phryne did so immediately, happy as can be that she had been saved and knowing she now had a chance to get the Sword Princess punished. Aiz, however, did not respond immediately, instead looking at Shakti for a moment, before turning back to Phryne.
The toad smiled at her, even as blood dripped out of her mouth, and this caused Aiz's rage to boil.
"Aiz Wallenstein, I will not ask you again!" Shakti stated.
Turning back to the captain, Aiz finally let her weapon go, the sword crashing against the ground.
"Take them both to the Guild and see to their wounds. Ottar, you will also be coming with us. I don't know what your role was in all of this, but I have questions that I want answered," Shakti said.
"Very well," he replied stoically.
"You and you," Shakti said, pointing at two members of her familia. "Go to Loki and Freya familia and inform them of what's going on. They may have more information for us. At the very least they will want to know what happened to their familia members."
The two saluted and ran off towards their respective destinations. That done, Shakti turned back to the three now in her hands.
"Let's go."
The Ganesha familia plus three made their way through the streets towards the Guild silently. As time passed, more and more people began to gather and follow after them, having been attracted by either the sight itself or by the sounds of battle. However, that was not the only reason so many now followed the entourage. What Aiz, Ottar, and Phryne were not aware of was that many of those that followed had actually initially been drawn out by the sudden appearance of lightning flying into the sky not much earlier and now wondered if perhaps what they now saw had something to do with it. Some tried calling out for answers but all within the entourage remained silent until they finally reached the Guild.
Upon entering Aiz, Phryne, and Ottar discovered it was quite busy, despite the time of day.
"What was that light?" Aiz heard coming from the counter.
"We're investigating and will have answers for you shortly," Eina said, trying her best not to sound tired given that this felt like the hundredth time she'd heard that question in the last hour.
She and everyone else present, however, shifted their attention the moment Shakti and her three escortees entered the Guild.
"Wallenstein-san?" the half elf said, her voice barely more than a whisper.
"This way," Shakti said, the three following after her.
"Shakti!" Everyone turned to find Royman approaching her. "Have you any more information on the lightning from earlier? And what are these three…" his eyes grew nervous when he noticed just who the three were. "Doing here?"
"We had reports of two high-level adventurers fighting in the streets. Upon investigating, we discovered Phryne Jamil, Aiz Wallenstein, and Ottar with weapons drawn. Ottar says he intervened to stop further bloodshed and given that only Phryne and Aiz are injured, it appears that it was only they who were fighting. However, I asked Ottar to accompany us so that we could get a better picture of the situation and discover if they had anything to do with the incident with the lightning."
The people within the Guild people to chatter at this new information as Royman contemplated what he'd heard.
"Hm. Alright. We need to get to the bottom of this. Take them to the back. No need to make this any more of a scene," he grumbled, seeing that word was already spreading.
"Of course," Shakti responded. "I also took the liberty of sending word to Loki and Freya familia of what's transpiring. They should be here relatively shortly. They may have more information on the fight and the lightning that went up from the Pleasure District."
"Hm, they may, or they may just cause us more trouble."
"That's a risk we will have to take if we are to get to the bottom of this and appease the masses," she said.
"Said like a true member of Ganesha familia," Royman growled. "And what of Phryne Jamil? Has she found a new familia?"
"Hestia familia," the toad responded.
"Hestia familia?" Shakti questioned.
"You are not a member of Hestia familia," Aiz growled, her eyes warning Phryne away from another such blatant lie.
"Well, not yet, but they'll have me signed up and ready to go by tomorrow."
"Have you sent word to Hestia familia?" Royman asked Shakti.
"No, and I don't think it's necessary. As of right now she is not a member of their familia, even according to her own word. Dragging them needlessly into the matter seems unnecessary."
"Achilles is the most likely culprit for the lightning from earlier," Royman pointed out.
"True, but he is also not a member of Hestia familia and it seems wisest to wait until we have more information before we expand this investigation."
Royman growled again, obviously hoping to find a chance to punish Achilles, but seeing the potential for an accusation to bite him in the future, he relented, much to Shakti's relief. Not only did she not wish to drag Hestia familia into the matter if it was unneeded, but if Achilles was indeed behind the lightning from earlier she recognized that that meant the ex-captain was in less than pleased mood, and she was in no way interested in pushing his patience.
With that, the three were escorted to the back rooms where Phryne and Aiz had their wounds attended to.
Things were uncomfortably silent for a long time as they all waited for Loki and Freya familia to arrive and it was making Aiz anxious.
"I did what I thought was best. Was I wrong?" she wondered. Then she remembered Bell's words. The fear in his eyes, and that notion was discarded as anger reappeared in her heart. "No. She hurt him," she turned a malevolent gaze towards a now healed Phryne who, feeling her eyes, turned and returned her glare.
"Calm yourselves," Ottar ordered, causing the two to turn their gazes to him. "Fight now and they're will be no way either of you will escape unpunished."
"I'm not the one who started the fight!" Phryne roared.
"You hurt Bell," Aiz countered.
Ottar's eyes darkened.
"She what?"
Before he could learn more, Shakti returned.
"Your familias have arrived."
The four of them entered the hall and began to make their way through the Guild. Aiz had expected them to simply move to a different office, but as time went on and they delved deeper and deeper into the Guild, she realized that wasn't the case.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Given the seriousness of the situation, both with who was involved and their respective familias, it has been decided that Ouranos-sama himself will take charge," Shakti answered.
"Ouranos-sama?"
Finally, the three arrived at the end of the Guild where Ouranos, and their fates, resided.
Shakti pushed open the door and they all walked in. Aiz was surprised by the number of people present. Royman, Loki, Finn, Gareth, Riveria, where all present as she expected, but along with them were Tiona, Tione, Bete, and Lefiya, all looking anxious or concerned. On the other side of the room was Freya herself, alongside all the highest level members of her familia. Naturally, only Freya seemed undisturbed by all that was transpiring, her usual smile in place. Finally, off at the far end of the room, sitting upon a throne, looking down on all of them, was Ouranos himself.
Aiz had never seen the god before, and found herself somewhat mystified by him. Unlike other gods, he appeared old, with white hair and wrinkles, yet his gaze held a power and firmness that she had never felt from any other god, including Loki.
"My my, Ottar, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into?" Freya teased.
"My apologies, Freya-sama. I had no intention of causing any trouble, especially not for you," the King responded.
"That remains to be seen," Ouranos stated, his eyes boring down on all three of the adventurers intensely. "You are all here because you are believed to be involved in incidents that have disturbed the peace of this city, beginning with the lightning that appeared from the Pleasure District and ending with the fight in the main square." That seemed to catch the attention of the familia present, especially the Loki familia. "I will now give you time to explain yourselves, starting with you, Ottar, given that you say that you only intervene to prevent further violence."
"Yes, Ouranos-sama," Ottar replied being completely respectful. "I had just exited the Dungeon when these two entered the main square. It was clear that they were in the midst of combat and had been for some time, if their injuries were any evidence. I intervened just as Aiz Wallenstein was about to strike a lethal blow on Phryne Jamil."
The Loki familia was shocked.
"That's right! She attacked me out of nowhere! Tried to kill me!" Phryne cried.
"There's no way Aiz-san would do that!" Lefiya cried.
"Silence."
Instantly the room went quiet, so was the power of the god of Orario itself.
"Aiz Wallenstein, is this true?" he asked.
Only Phryne, Ottar, and Ouranos showed no surprise when she nodded.
"It is. I tried to strike down Phryne Jamil."
"Aiz," came the voices of numerous members of her familia.
"How interesting," Freya thought, her smile growing.
"What reason did you have for such an action?" Ouranos pressed on, unaffected by her answer.
Once more, many within the room found themselves surprised, if not outright shocked as the Sword Princess's eyes turned malevolent.
"She hurt Bell."
That got everyone's attention.
"So that's why she ran off," Riveria thought, a weight lifting off her heart as the threat of Achilles was unburdened from her.
Her familia was much the same, as they came to understand that their friend, though acting rashly, had acted in such a way that might actually, not, earn the ire of the Olympian. However, they were alone in their relief and a certain goddess of beauty had lost her smile and now carried a deep frown upon her lips.
"She...what?"
Freya's eyes turned to the toad-like woman who, lucky for her, was too focused on glaring at Aiz to notice that terrible visage now pointed directly at her.
Ouranos finally reacted as his frown deepened and he leant forward. Ever since Bell had rescued the Xenos, going above and beyond what anyone could expect of him, he had felt indebted to the boy and so the concept of someone hurting him did not sit well with him.
"Explain," he said.
"I can help with that," Finn said stepping forward, wanting to take some of the heat off Aiz, especially after seeing the anger she displayed. "As well as shed some light on what happened with the lightning earlier. No pun intended."
Ouranos turned his gaze to the prum.
"Very well, Finn Deimne," Ouranos said.
"A few hours ago we, along with half of Orario I suspect, noticed a bolt of lightning shoot into the air from the Pleasure District. Naturally, we suspected Achilles Caesar and, given our past with him, we knew that if he was shooting off lightning, he was quite angry about something," he began.
"He does wear his emotions on his sleeve," Freya said, now distracted from Phryne by the memory of her love's display of power.
"Freya," Ouranos warned.
The goddess bowed her head, allowing for Finn to continue.
"Myself, Gareth, Riveria, Tiona, Tione, Bete, Lefiya, and Aiz all headed for the Pleasure District and arrived just in time to meet up with Achilles who was just exited the district. However, he wasn't alone. Bell Cranel was accompanying him."
"Both had entered the Pleasure District?" Ouranos questioned.
"Yes. From the looks of it, Cranel-san had accompanied Achilles in order to restrain him."
"Some restraint," Royman grumbled.
"Had Cranel-san not been there I suspect Achilles may have tried to destroy the district," Finn pointed out.
"Wouldn't that have been a sight," Freya thought with a smile, even as she felt many eyes turn her way.
"Whatever the case, we confronted Achilles and inquired about the lightning. His response was to say that he had…" Finn bit his lip, feeling the desperate need instead to bite his now throbbing thumb. "That he learned some, as he put it, 'unfortunate information'."
Something about the way Finn said, put everyone on edge, and no one failed to notice how the members of Loki familia tensed, their fists tightening and anger filling their eyes.
"What was this 'unfortunate information'?" Ouranos questioned.
"Achilles was reluctant to inform us, but I noticed that Bell Cranel seemed to have become extremely uncomfortable all of a sudden and so asked him for more details, at which point, Achilles tried to shut the conversation down."
"Had we been wise, we would have allowed him," Riveria said, unintentionally loud enough for everyone to hear.
"What do you mean by that, Riveria Ljos Alf?"
Realizing her mistake, Riveria sighed and stepped forward.
"After some pressing Bell-san revealed to us some...personal and...disturbing information," she said, desperate not to reveal any more.
Unfortunately this was not enough for any present, besides the Loki familia, especially not Ouranos or Freya.
"That information being?" Freya pressed, not in any mood for games when it came to her Bell's well-being.
"I'm afraid I must press you on this Riveria. What information did he reveal?" Ouranos pressed.
Riveria looked at the ground. She did not want to answer. She desperately did not want to.
"It's not my place to reveal it," she answered, hoping beyond hope they wouldn't make her reveal what she had no right to reveal.
"Riveria," Ouranos stated.
"Phryne Jamil attempted to rape him."
The room fell deathly silent as everyone turned to the one who spoke.
Aiz's face was contorted into a mass of rage. Her eyes burned with a fury that could burn a city and her nails now bit so hard into her palm that blood dripped from her fingers.
"What?" Freya asked, her eyes wide and her gloves groaning under the pressure of her own tightened fists.
Ottar was little better. While he held nowhere near the affection his lady or even the members of Loki familia had for the young adventurer, he did respect the boy, perhaps even admired his drive, his words earlier with Bell being utterly genuine. Added onto the fact that the boy was his mistress's beloved it was easy to understand why he was utterly furious to the point that steam began to roll off him.
"Tsk, the hell you talkin' about? I would have given him the time of his life! If Haruhime hadn't gotten in the way we would have had a great time."
Eyes of flaming rage pointed at her from all over the room as the entirety of the Loki familia, Ottar and Freya, and even to some extent, Ouranos himself, glared at the woman.
"Who'd want to even touch you, you nasty toad!" Tiona cried.
"Don't talk shit just because you're not as beautiful as I am!" Phryne replied.
"Have you ever looked into a mirror? I'm surprised it didn't crack at the sight of you!" Bete added.
"You're just mad because I didn't want you, doggy!"
The tension in the room threatened to boil over, when Ouranos held up his hand.
"Enough," he ordered.
The adventurers went silent as ordered, though the scornful eyes persisted. However, this lasted only a moment as everyone began to notice the room suddenly felt colder.
Everyone's eyes turned to the source and a cold sweat dripped down their skins.
"Oh shit," Loki thought.
It is not quite possible to describe in mortal words the visage that was now Freya. Anger. Fury. Rage. Contempt. None could fully comprehend what was now presented before those within the room. However, if one was allowed one word, just one word to best describe what they saw, it would have to be: cold.
The rage, fury, and hate that Freya currently felt at this new information regarding her dearly beloved was of such an extent it was as if, to keep itself burning, it had consumed all the heat present, leaving behind only a terrible, bone-chilling cold. A cold so great that more than one of those present to bear witness to her contempt found their teeth chattering.
"You. Tried. To. Rape. My. Bell?"
The words, so precise, so quiet, yet so powerful, caused Phryne to fall backwards.
"Wh-wh-wh-wha-," she couldn't even form words to respond.
"You. Tried. To. Rape. My. Bell?!"
Suddenly, light filled the room as Freya activated her Arcanum, startling and dazzlingly all present. All except Phryne, of course, who finally seemed to understand how much trouble she was in.
"Freya!"
The goddess turned, finding the cold eyes of Ouranos staring down at her.
"Calm yourself," he ordered.
As enraged as she was, Freya knew not to disobey him. Indeed, if he or Loki wanted to at the moment, they could send her back to Heaven for breaking the rules. Recognizing this, she deactivated her Arcanum and took a deep breath.
"My apologies," she said, her eyes boring into the floor for fear that if she saw the toad again, she would re-activate her power and be sent to Heaven.
With Freya now calm, or as calm as she could be, Ouranos turned back to the matter at hand.
"So this all stems back to what happened to Bell Cranel? Is that correct Finn Deimne?" he asked.
After taking a moment to regain his senses, Finn nodded.
"Yes, Ouranos-sama."
"That explains the lightning," the elder god said. "But what about you, Aiz Wallenstein? What was your role in all of this?"
All eyes turned to her, perhaps none more intently than Freya who despite her disdain for the Sword Princess for holding her love's eye, had earned the goddess's appreciation for attempting to kill the man-eating creature.
"After learning about what happened to Bell all I felt was anger," she explained. "I could not let what she did stand, so I went in search of her and eventually found her. I then told her to draw her weapon, which she did and we began our battle. It ended when Ottar intervened in the main square in front of the Tower of Babel."
"Did you try and kill, Phryne Jamil?"
Aiz was silent for a moment as she reflected on what had transpired.
"That was not my original intention," she said. "Initially, I simply wanted to punish her for hurting Bell, but I suppose, by the end, I did fully intend to kill her."
Concerned eyes pointed her way from her familia. Not a single one blamed her for her response, not even Loki or Lefiya, but now that she had confessed, there was no way she would go unpunished.
"Hm," Ouranos leaned back in his seat. "This situation is serious. The city was in a state of tension even before the events of this night and now we are but an inch from full blown panic. Many have acted irresponsibly, from Achilles and his lightning, to your fight, Aiz Wallenstein. Punishment, therefore, must be doled out."
Heads bowed. Some in sadness. Some in acceptance. They knew this was how it must be.
"However." Everyone looked up. "The mitigating circumstances cannot be ignored in good faith. Achilles, if what is said is true, acted as a protective father, yet still showed restraint, despite his rage. He has also not been allowed a chance to explain the situation himself and should be provided the opportunity. Shakti," he called.
"Yes, Ouranos-sama?" the captain replied, startled to suddenly be addressed.
"Tomorrow, you will go and bring Achilles here so that I may question him. From there, I will decide what should be done."
"Yes, Ouranos-sama," she said with a bow.
"Aiz Wallenstein."
Aiz turned to the god.
"Your actions were irresponsible and endangered many. However, defending your friends is a noble position and I shall take it into account. Therefore, you will be fined for your crimes, the amount of which will be decided on a later date."
Relief washed over the Loki familia and they even allowed themselves to smile.
"I understand, Ouranos-sama, and I apologize for my actions," she said, bowing.
"Good. Freya," Ouranos turned to the goddess.
"Yes?"
"Your familia has done Orario a service tonight and thus will be rewarded. However, please refrain from using your power henceforth. Do so again, and I will return you to Heaven."
Freya, her smile now returned, bowed obediently.
"Of course, Ouranos-sama."
"Now, Phryne Jamil."
All eyes turned to the still frozen toad.
"For some time now the Guild has heard of your lascivious actions. Indeed, the rumors indicate that you do not simply force yourself on your victims, but end up using them until their bodies can no longer take your punishment and they expire."
That little detail had not been shared with many in the room and their fury returned instantly. Ouranos, though, continued as if not noticing.
"However, we had no definitive proof of this, effectively only rumor, and given the nature of how Orario is run, we were not willing to risk an incident on word of mouth. That said, given your words, which one could interpret as a confession, it appears that what has reached the Guild's ears is indeed true. Thus you shall be punished. Now, seeing as we cannot banish you for fear of the damage you could do in the outside world or against Orario should you join with hostile elements, then we must find another method. Many, including some in this very room I imagine, would say you deserve to be executed." Phryne finally reacted as her eyes widened and her skin went pale. "Ironically enough, you may wish to thank Aiz Wallenstein for, had she not decided to take matters into her own hands and inflict a punishment of her own variety onto you, your punishment may well have been just that. However, given that she has inflicted a level of punishment on you, and because I do not approve of capital punishment, your punishment shall be imprisonment under the Guild's authority and supervision until such time as your debt to Orario is paid, if it is ever determined to be so."
Normally, Phryne would have raged against such a sentence. Screamed and even physically fought against it, but given that she was escaping the death penalty, she decided against it. Not only that, but she understood that, had she been released or even exiled, someone in this room would have come after her and ended her life, and given the wanton hatred the goddess of beauty had shown earlier, Phryne had a pretty good idea of who that someone would have been.
"I-I understand," she said.
"Good, then this meeting is adjourned. Unless someone here has something else to add."
No one did. The Loki familia was happy with the results. Aiz wouldn't face too harsh a punishment and Phryne would be locked away. It wasn't perfect in their eyes, but it was certainly better than it could have been. Freya was not too pleased by the results, wanting to punish the toad herself and far more severely, but there was little even she could do against Ouranos, and in the end, Phryne was punished and her Bell was still pure and alive. That, plus the information of Haruhime's involvement in his rescue placated her as the renard now more than interested her or even held her goodwill. Now she had earned Freya's affections and would reap the rewards of that fact.
"Then you are all excused."
Everyone bowed, even the goddesses, and departed.
Once they were outside the room, Aiz turned to her familia and bowed deeply.
"I am terribly sorry for my actions and the trouble I caused all of you."
Her familia all smiled at her.
"We're not mad at you, Aiz," Riveria said.
"You're not?" Aiz asked, clearly confused.
"No. If anything we're relieved."
"Why?" Aiz asked, now even more confused.
"I'll explain once we get back home, but let's just say, we averted disaster," Riveria answered.
"Meaning no angry ex-captain coming to kick our shit in," Bete commented.
No one could help but show some sign of relief at that.
"And I'm just glad that you're okay, Aiz-tan!" Loki declared before hugging the Sword Princess who, for once, allowed the hug, partly out of guilt for causing them trouble, even if they said otherwise, and partly because she was still confused.
"Well, as long as they're happy, I guess it's fine."
The Freya familia entered the walls of their home where Freya then dismissed all of them, besides Ottar.
Leaving behind the furious adventurers whose blood still boiled at the toad for enraging their goddess and at Bell Cranel for warranting such a response, Freya and Ottar made their way to her room.
Entering, Freya immediately went over and sat down on her bed.
"Well, that was quite something," she said.
Ottar kneeled before her.
"My apologies for causing you so much trouble, my lady. I will do whatever is necessary to make up for my crime."
"Trouble?" the goddess asked. "You caused me no trouble, Ottar. Indeed, your actions are the reason the Guild is now rewarding us, signally we are now back in their good graces. Not only that," she got up and strode up to him. Reaching out, she gently stroked his cheek and raised his head so that he was looking at her. "If not for you I would have never known how my Bell was almost taken away from me nor how important Haruhime was in his survival."
"My lady?"
She smiled at him, and not her usual, mysterious smile, but a genuine, grateful one.
"You deserve to be rewarded, Ottar. Ask of me anything and I shall bestow it."
"I want nothing but to continue serving you, my lady."
"Then you shall," she said, bending down to kiss his cheek. "And on that note, I have a task for you."
"Anything, my lady."
"My beloved Bell has been hurt by that creature. I wish to comfort him. Not only that, but Haruhime has earned my affection as well for her part in his rescue. I wish to thank her. At the nearest possibility, I'd like you to bring them to me."
Remembering what had transpired earlier with Bell, Ottar spoke.
"It may actually be wiser if you request them to come yourself."
Intrigued, Freya asked the obvious question.
"And why is that?"
"Today I actually came across Bell Cranel by chance in the Dungeon. Alone."
"Oh?" her interest grew. "I'm surprised that was possible. After recent events I would have assumed his familia and Achilles would have ensured that did not happen."
"I thought much the same, but I believe I know why," seeing his goddess was hanging on his every word, he continued. "He appeared to be in a state of confusion. Like he was trying to figure something out. That something, I learned, was why you love him."
"Oh?" she repeated, though now her words came out with a hint of desperation and her breath grew a little heavier.
"I explained how it was because you saw who he was. Who he really was. You saw how his aura shined. Saw his need to be a hero. The drive of his soul, and that this is what drew you to him."
"And how did he respond to that?" Freya's breath was now ragged, as she waited, with desperate impatience for his answer.
Ottar smiled.
"He bowed, thanked me, and told me that, should you win his trust he would not be opposed to speaking with you and getting to know you better."
Pleasure pulsed through Freya's veins as she took that in, and her smile turned euphoric.
"He's opening up to me," she all but gasped out.
"It seems so, my lady."
"He wants to come to me."
"If you can earn his trust," Ottar stated. "And I think that a more direct, honest approach would work better on that front."
"I think you're right, Ottar," she purred.
Things were silent for a moment as Freya basked in the idea of bringing Bell to her and Ottar basked in the joy of his goddess. However, the King was surprised when the euphoric look on his goddess's face suddenly intensified, her smile grew, and a laugh suddenly erupted from her lips.
"This is too perfect," she declared.
Confused, Ottar nonetheless waited for his lady to continue.
"Not only is Bell opening up to me, but I now have the key to winning Achilles as well."
"How so, my lady?"
She smiled brightly at him.
"Bell is Achilles's son. And Haruhime is the one that Achilles wishes Bell to be with. If I bring them together would that not please my dear Olympian?"
Realization hit Ottar and he soon found himself smiling.
"That would indeed, my lady."
"And should I win both their affections would they not, in turn, bring Achilles to me?"
"That seems very likely, Freya-sama."
"So, it appears Ottar, that should I wish to claim Bell and Achilles, I must first claim my new, dearly beloved renard. She, my dear Haruhime, is the key. The key to claiming all three of them."
The Loki familia, in its entirety finally, returned home and let out a breath of relief.
"Today's really been something," Finn stated.
"Indeed," Gareth said.
"Something crazy," Loki complained.
"Well, it appears to finally be over," Riveria said.
"Don't you go and jinx us," Loki warned.
Riveria smiled and actually went up to the wooden doors and knocked on them.
"There," she said.
A few smiles appeared and even a chuckle or two.
Aiz, for her part, was glad everyone was at ease, but still felt guilty about her part in worrying them.
"I am sorry for worrying all of you," she said.
"We're just glad everything worked out in the end," Riveria reiterated.
Bete tsked.
"Speak for yourself," he said before going up to Aiz. "That Zeus bastard is fucking pissed at you and looked ready to rip our guts out because you ran off."
"Bete," Finn said, exhaustion in his voice.
"I…I don't understand," Aiz said.
"I believe that's my cue," Riveria said. "Come Aiz, there's something I need to explain to you."
"A-Alright. Goodnight everyone," she called.
"Goodnight," they returned.
Aiz and Riveria made their way up to Aiz's room where Riveria had Aiz sit down on her bed while she took a seat in front of the girl.
"Aiz, you remember that discussion we had some years ago about sexual intercourse?"
Aiz nodded.
"Yes. Your face was red for most of it."
Riveria blushed.
"Like that."
Her blush deepened.
"Yes well, for most, including myself, it's a bit of an uncomfortable topic. That said, I explained to you the general, mechanical, and technical concepts of it, as well as the potential repercussions, however there is a bit more to it and that. Quite a bit more in fact," Riveria explained.
"What else is there?" Aiz questioned.
"There are the social aspects of it. In this case I wish to focus on the perceptions of virtue or, what some might call, 'cleanliness'."
Aiz's confusion heightened, but she was content to listen.
"You see, Aiz, there are some stigmas to sex. Yes it can be a pleasurable act that releases tension and can even bring people together, but it's not always so pleasant as that, and some have a very negative view of sex and sexual acts."
"Why's that?"
"It's hard to say for certain, but you remember what I told you about the potential consequences of sex? About the diseases?"
"Yes. You told me that many diseases can be caused by sexual intercourse."
"That's right. Perhaps that's the reason many view sex as a dirty act, even if they don't consciously understand it. Whatever the case, I want to focus on that concept of 'dirty' and 'cleanliness' and connect to the idea of virtue. You know what virtue is, yes?"
"Doing the right thing?"
"It's a bit more complicated than that, but that effectively is the idea of it when you strip it to the bare minimum. So, to have virtue is have goodness. To lack it is to lack goodness. Following me so far?"
"I believe so," Aiz answered.
"Good. Now, you need to understand that society often views those who have not had sex as virtuous or 'clean', I want you to really focus on that word. Clean. The only way to get rid of that virtue or 'cleanliness' is to have sex. To partake in a dirty act. Do I still have you?"
"Yes," Aiz answered again.
"Good. Now, I want you to think back to what happened with Bell when it told us what happened with Phryne."
Aiz's expression turned vicious.
"I know. I know, I don't like it either. What she did was horrid, and the fact that it could have ended so terribly frightens and angers me," Riveria said, attempting to placate her. "But now I want you to think on Bell's last words. The ones he directed towards you."
Aiz thought for a moment.
"He said nothing happened. That she, Phryne, was going to use an aphrodisiac, but that Haruhime rescued him before that could happen."
"Do you remember how he said all this?" Riveria pushed.
"He seemed...afraid. Like something bad was about to happen."
"That's right. And something bad did happen."
"What?"
"You ran away."
Aiz was now utterly confused.
"But I didn't run away. I went to find Phryne," she said.
"Yes but Bell, nor we, for that matter, knew that. For all intents and purposes, you fled from him."
"But why would I flee from him? That doesn't make sense."
"That's where what I'm telling you about cleanliness now comes into play," Riveria explained. "You see, Aiz, the reason why Bell was so afraid, so desperate to tell you that Phryne didn't do anything to him, was because he was afraid you'd think of him as unclean."
Aiz's brow furrowed.
"But that doesn't make any sense. She didn't touch him, and besides that she tried to force herself on him. Why would he be unclean?"
Riveria smiled.
"He wouldn't be. Not really. But that's not how everyone views it and it's certainly not how Bell viewed it at the moment. He was concerned you would think of him as 'unclean', 'dirty' or 'unvirtuous' because of what Phryne did; an idea that you effectively confirmed when you turned and ran away from him. You unintentionally made it appear that you thought Bell was disgusting, tainted person."
Finally, the pieces began to fall into place, and as Aiz understood more and more what had transpired, her eyes widened more and more and her heart beat ever more rapidly as she felt a part of her die inside as the weight of her mistake came crashing down onto her soul.
"I need to go!" she cried, jumping to her feet.
"Wait, Aiz!" Riveria jumped in front of her.
"I need to go! I need to apologize! I have to...I have to…!" she could barely breathe as she began to hyperventilate as her mind fell to pieces at the degradation she had unknowingly cast on Bell filled her entire conscious.
"You will. You will apologize," Riveria vowed to her. "But not right now. A great deal has happened and it would be exceedingly unwise to go to him right now."
"But I have to...I have to...I can't let this…"
"Breathe, Aiz. Breathe. Deep breaths," Riveria told her. "You will get to apologize. I promise you that. But right now is not the proper time. Likely, Bell is asleep and neither his familia, nor Achilles will be in any mood to see you right now. I know it's difficult, but you must wait until tomorrow."
"But...But..."
"Tomorrow. Only a few hours away. That's all, Aiz," Riveria stated.
Aiz was silent for a moment. She was absolutely desperate to go and apologize, her soul screamed for her to do so, but Riveria was hardly, if ever wrong. If she said she should wait until tomorrow, she should wait until tomorrow.
"W-Will you go with me?" she asked.
Riveria smiled.
"Of course. I actually suspect that all of us are going to have to go with you just to ensure that Achilles doesn't do something drastic."
"He hates me, doesn't he?"
Riveria sighed.
"I don't think it goes that far, but he's certainly angry at you right now."
"I didn't know," Aiz said meekly.
"And that's my fault for not explaining it to you," Riveria said before sitting them both down on the bed. "Sex, sexual relations, societal expectations, and romantic partnerships are difficult to understand for even the wisest. Even my explanation to you about cleanliness is not completely true."
"What do you mean?"
"The concept of cleanliness and virtue in relation to sex do exist, but it's not universal and its rules are in constant flux. Ishtar familia and the Pleasure District, for example, hold no such negative view with regards to sex. If anything, they view sex in the highest light. As an form of art. A sort of release for the aggression of men, or so I hear. Indeed, many view men who haven't had sex are seen as lesser, pathetic, or unmanly."
"They do?" Riveria nodded. "Then why was Bell so afraid?" Aiz asked.
"Likely, for him, he does not share that viewpoint."
"Love has a funny way of focusing our desires," Riveria thought with a smile.
"As I said," she continued. "It's all very complicated. A man who has a lot of sex might be viewed in a very positive light by some. A masculine, desirably individual, full of power and vigor. For others, they will view him like a mangy dog. A filthy creature. Lascivious. Lustful. Perverted. Women also have their own confusing rules and stigma. A woman who has lots of sex may be viewed as unclean. Slovenly or tainted by some. Others, however, will view her effectively as a goddess. Ishtar herself was a good example of this. A personification of desire that encouraged pleasure and the release of tension, frustration, even rage through sexual acts. There are no concrete rules for sex, even if perhaps there should be. Each person must decide for themselves what the rules are and what they are willing, and unwilling, to do."
Once more, Aiz fell silent, her mind taking in all that had been explained to her and trying to wrap her head around it all.
"Sex is weird," she finally said.
Riveria could not help but burst out laughing.
"I cannot deny that," she said, trying to stifle her giggles. "It's very confusing. But, when done right, it is an act that can bring pleasure to its participants, and even bring them so close that it's as if their hearts have combined into one," her smile grew as she saw the look of wonderment Aiz grew, "However, when done wrong. Well...I believe Phryne personified what that's like."
The look of wonderment disappeared from Aiz, replaced by anger and discontent. However, it did not last long as she once more began to think. After a moment, she spoke again.
"Bell could never be dirty. No matter how many or how few women he'd be with. He'd never be dirty."
Riveria was quite surprised by that, but very pleasantly so.
"That's quite the high praise, Aiz. Few would say that about anyone."
"It's the truth," Aiz said firmly.
Riveria's eyes softened as her smile returned.
"I believe he would say the same thing about you."
Aiz turned to her, surprised.
"You think so?"
Riveria nodded.
"I do. In case you haven't noticed, Aiz, Bell thinks very highly of you."
"One day, you'll find someone who you'll always want to be with like I always want to be with your father, and when you do, dear Aiz, don't let them go."
Her mother's words echoed in her mind and without even realizing it, she began to smile.
Riveria's mouth fell open as the single most dazzling smile she had ever seen on Aiz's lips, one even greater than after Bell had forgiven her, suddenly grew before her.
"I think very highly of him too."
Riveria's heart swelled.
"She's almost there. Just one more push and their two hearts will join."
"I'm very glad to hear it," she said.
And finished. I am so, SO sorry that took so long to put out. Things have been crazy lately. A job that's killing me and my desperate search for a new one, trying to be healthier and get into shape for the new year/decade, and trying to give my writing the time it deserves has made life quite hectic. But, enough complaining and giving non-excuses.
I do also want to apologize for the fact that this is actually only half the chapter I had in mind. I'm splitting it because this seemed like a good place to stop and you guys have been waiting, FAR too long for another chapter, so I hope you can forgive me.
That said, I do hope you enjoyed the chapter. Things are really starting to roll aren't they? Please tell me what you thought of the chapter, and criticisms, concerns, or mistakes I made. I do read your reviews and take them very seriously, so please, share away.
That said, thank you very much for joining me again on our little adventure and I will see you all next time. Bye for now.