Heroes

by The Four Crosses

A powerful figure has returned to Orario seeking Bell. What does this person want? What will happen to Bell and all those around him? How will the gods react, and, more importantly, what will they uncover upon their return? (My not so grand return to Fanfiction is here!)

23. Awakening

Hello my dear friends. I hope you are all doing wonderfully.

IT'S FINALLY HERE! The chapter I've been planning for over a year! This will be a big one, and I'm very excited. In some ways this chapter is the true start to the story as we begin delving into the heart of the plot. Funny, if I remember correctly, it was originally supposed to be chapter five of this story. Well...that didn't happen. Not that I'm complaining, all the additions have been fun. But, I shouldn't say anymore, if not to protect myself against spoilers than to protect against building too much anticipation and failing to live up to it. That said, if you want to know how important this chapter is, I'll say this. Normally, when I'm writing these, I give myself an outline. It usually spans about one to one and a half pages. This one was almost four pages long. But enough of my yammering. It's time for the story. So let's jump in!

Oh, and we hit over 100,000 views for this story! Thank you all very much!

I do not own Danmachi

---

Anxiety filled the air. How could it not? Ever since Aiz had returned from her talk with Achilles, she had thrown herself into her training with an absolutely terrifying vigor that bordered on recklessness, and no one knew why. Correction, two knew why and it was for that reason that Finn was currently eying the sad form of Riveria and the tired form of Achilles with questioning eyes.

"They know what's going on, and I think it's about time that whatever they know is brought to light," the Loki captain thought.

"Alright," he called. "I think that should do it for today. Everyone seems pretty tuckered out."

Most seemed relieved by this, perhaps Tiona especially given that she not only had noticed Aiz's shift, but had also been one of the main recipients of her vigorous assault and looked exceedingly worn down. Aiz however, upon hearing the declaration, turned to Finn with blazing eyes.

"I can keep going," she said, her voice as cold and hard as stone.

"That's not the problem here," Finn thought.

"Well the others seem pretty tired, so I'm calling an end to today's training," he responded.

That did not sit well with Aiz, but there was little she could do.

"Then I'll head to the Dungeon," she said, before proceeding to make her way out.

However, before she could get very far, a familiar voice called out to her.

"Aiz!"

She stopped, then slowly turned.

"What is it Bell?" she asked.

"Is...is something wrong? If there is, then I...we, would be more than willing to help," he replied, gesturing around him.

Aiz finally looked around and saw the concerned and confused looks of everyone there. Those looks filled her with guilt as she realized what was happening. What she was doing. Her fight against the Dragon was causing her to push them away again.

"I shouldn't do that," she recognized. "I still care about them. They're still my…" she looked at Bell, his concerned, but warm eyes boring directly into her own, causing a warmth to fill her and that weird feeling in her stomach to return. "Friends?"

"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, causing her eyes to widen.

"Do I...Do I love…?"

However, before she could realize the truth, other, darker words began to fill her mind.

"...your mother, Aria Waldstein rescued me and as of fifteen years ago was still alive."

"What if you lost them all? Would that be worth it? What about Bell? Would losing him be worth it in your eyes?"

The image of Achilles seared its way into her mind, burning away her previous question. However, it did not, by a heavenly grace, burn away all the potential that question held and replace it with naught but grim determination. Instead, it combined and molded into something new, though Aiz herself did not fully recognize it.

"I won't lose them. I won't lose any of them. Riveria. Tiona. Tione. Lefiya. My mother…" her eyes refocused on Bell. "Bell. I won't lose anyone. I will keep them safe."

"Everything's fine, Bell," she said resolutely. "I won't let anything bad happen."

Bell had little time to process this confusing statement before Aiz leapt away, intent on becoming strong enough, not to destroy the Dragon, but to protect everything she loved.

---

"The rabbit still hasn't answered our lady," Allen growled.

"We are aware," Hedin said, not even looking up from his book.

"Then tell me why we're not doing something about it!" the catman demanded.

"What would you have us do?" Grer asked, clearly not liking Allen's tone.

"Punish him for his transgressions," Allen immediately responded.

"There's not a single person here who wouldn't love to do that," Hedin said, finally looking up. "But it's not that simple. He's being protected by the Olympian and-."

"I don't give a shit about the Olympian!" Allen cut in.

They all had to keep from rolling their eyes at how obviously untrue that was, but Hedin managed to restrain himself and pressed forward.

"You should, given he defeated, nay, humiliated you at Freya-sama's party."

Allen bared his teeth.

"He got lucky."

"He was weakened and he still defeated you with ease," Hedin countered.

The Gulliver brothers laughed at that, further infuriating Allen, but he knew he couldn't dispute it without making himself look like an even greater fool.

"Also, as much as we all hate it, Bell Cranel is our lady's beloved. That means we would have to bring him to her unharmed which would only work if he agreed to it. If he decided to resist, even with all of us, it would likely end with injury coming to him, which in turn would displease our lady," Hedin explained.

"Then we take one of his familia and force him to come with us in exchange for them."

"Do you think that will bring him closer to Freya-sama? If we attack his familia, that will upset him. Normally I wouldn't care, indeed I would revel in putting the rabbit in his place, but that would in turn make him less open to our goddess, which would upset her. And that's if we forget that Achilles Caesar is still a part of this equation and while all of us together might be able to overcome him, even without Ottar, it would not be a simple matter."

Everything the white elf said made complete sense, but Allen wasn't in the mood for sense.

"Well I'm not just going to stick around here while that rodent goes around insulting our lady!" he roared before picking up his spear and making his way out.

A few moments later, the resident dark elf began to follow.

"You're joining him?" Hedin asked.

"Someone has to restrain him. Besides, if we keep our eyes on Cranel we may find opportunities for bringing him to Freya-sama," Hogni explained, before following after Allen.

That seemed to be enough for the Gulliver brothers, who grabbed their weapons and joined the former dark elf king in following after Allen.

"Well then I suppose I should follow after as well," Hedin said, putting down his book and getting up. "It would, afterall, please our lady if we were to present him to her. Besides," his knuckles bled white. "Being punished by Freya-sama wouldn't be so bad if it means showing that little rabbit where he really belongs."

---

Aiz gave herself one more look over, making sure everything was as it should be, before nodding, grabbing her sword, and exiting her room.

She made her ways through the dark halls as quietly as she could. She didn't want to wake up any of her familia as she knew they were worried about her.

She felt her heart sink a bit at that thought, but she only allowed it to bother her for a moment before she pushed it aside and pressed on.

She arrived at the lightless entrance and prepared to leave once again and make her way to the Dungeon. Had she not been so focused on her act of sneaking she would have remembered the fact that the entrance was never dark. In fact, the Twilight Manor was never this dark as a whole. There were always at least a few lights, especially in the front entrance where the lights were always on because of the wide variety of times members of the Loki familia returned and as a means of security.

Aiz was suddenly blinded as all the lights in the entrance suddenly awoke from their unusual slumber, revealing that she was not alone.

"Figured you'd attempt to sneak out again."

Aiz turned and found Finn, along with Riveria, Gareth, Tione, Tiona, Bete, and Lefiya before her and staring directly at her.

"Finn," she said in surprise.

"Aiz," Finn continued, his voice clearly tired, but not from lack of sleep. "I understand that what Achilles told you has hit something very personal within you, but this can't go on. You've been sneaking off to the Dungeon then sneaking back in after dark for almost an entire week. Not only is that not healthy, but we're all worried about you."

Lefiya and the amazon sisters nodded.

The guilt reappeared in Aiz's heart, but once more, she pushed it down.

"I thank you for your concern, but I'm fine," she said firmly.

"Don't lie to me, Aiz. Don't even try," Finn threw back, his eyes fierce, as if daring her to make that ludicrous statement again.

Aiz wanted to push back, but she knew better than that and so bit her lip.

"You are not alright," Riveria jumped in, afraid to leave the situation as it was. "You've retreated back into yourself since Achilles confirmed that your mother was still alive. You spend all your time in the Dungeon. You barely sleep. I suspect you barely eat, and you don't talk to us. This is the first time some of us have seen you in days."

Now the guilt was here to stay, no matter how hard Aiz tried to push it down.

"We all understand how you feel Aiz," Gareth said. "You may not think so, but we do."

"We're your friends, Aiz. We're your familia. You can come to us for help," Tione said.

"Yeah! Whether it's the One-Eyed Black Dragon or Loki perving on you in the bath, we'll be there for you!" Tiona affirmed.

Aiz's knuckles bled white and she bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.

"The fact that you can say that proves you don't understand," she said lowly.

Everyone froze, the cold tone she used stunning them into silence.

"That thing isn't just some monster. It's destruction incarnate. It's pain, fear, cruelty, and everything bad in the world combined. I remember…" she almost choked on her next words. "I remember the day it came. The day it took my mother and...and killed my father." No one liked where this was going. "It wasn't just that it attacked us, it was like...like the whole world was on fire. It destroyed everything. Our home, along with everything green, burned. It's fire was so hot that rock melted. The air itself seemed to be on fire. And the smoke…" she did choke for a moment here as she tried desperately to stay in control of herself. "Was like some kind of poison. It didn't just make it hard to breathe, it felt like it was actively trying to steal the air from your lungs. It hurt to move. It hurt to breathe. It hurt to think. And during all this I watched as my parents went to fight it, and...and…" tears were in her eyes. "And then I was here."

Things were silent. The pain that flowed from Aiz crushing the Loki familia as the image of what she had experienced weighed down upon them.

"All the more reason," Finn finally said, moving towards her. "For you to lean on us."

"I can't…" Aiz shook her head. "I can't lose anymore people."

"Then we'll all get strong together," he replied resolutely. "To ensure we all come back together."

"Finn."

"Yeah. We'll all get super strong and kick that thing's butt!" Tiona declared, cognizant that she didn't really know anything about the Dragon, like Aiz said, but refusing to allow Aiz to feel down.

"We'll fight it together, Aiz-san," Lefiya stated, going up to her idol.

"We're a familia, doing anything else would simply not do," Gareth said.

"Guys," Aiz said, not sure what to say or think about what was transpiring.

"You heard them," Finn said. "You can turn to us for help. And that means no more sneaking out. In fact, today I'm forbidding you from going to the Dungeon and from any sort of training." She looked like she wanted to argue, but he wasn't done. "And you're going to spend today with your family. Play games, gossip, go shopping, I don't care, just spend time with us. Am I clear?"

Aiz was silent for a moment. She wanted to deny him, but not only was this an order, but after that display from her familia, she wasn't sure she could.

"I...understand."

"Good. But just in case," he held out his hand. "Sword."

She stared at him, then her sword before, slowly unhooking the blade and placing it in his hand.

"Thank you," he said with a smile.

The smile, in any other situation, would have made Aiz pout, but here it simply inspired a tired sigh.

She froze when she suddenly felt a hand land on her head.

Her eyes turned to find Bete staring down at her.

"We're not going to be killed by some stupid lizard," he said.

"Bete."

"Now go get some sleep, you idiot! We had to stay up all night for your stupid ass and we won't get to go back to sleep until you do," he demanded.

Stunned, she scanned her familia who gave her a variety of looks, including a bashful one from Lefiya, all of which informed her that this was, in fact, true.

"Okay. I'll um...go get changed."

She departed, leaving her familia to let out a breath of relief.

"Well, that went better than expected," Finn said.

"Speak for yourself, I lost an entire night of sleep to find out that I have to fight some crazy flying lizard at some point!" Bete shouted.

"Is that thing really so bad?" Tiona asked.

"No," Riveria said, causing everyone to turn to her. "It's much worse."

That didn't sit well with anyone, but Bete was in no mood for everyone to suddenly become depressed.

"We've dealt with tough shit before and we'll deal with this, so stop your moping!" he ordered. "Honestly, you're all being as dumb as she is, and that's saying something. Almost makes me feel bad that the Rabbit is smitten for her. Two freaking air-heads running around each other like morons!"

Those were the last words he spoke before departing the group and heading back to try and make up for the sleep he lost.

"Was that...a statement of approval...from Bete?" Tiona asked, her eyes practically sparkling.

"I think that's the closest we'll ever come to getting one," Tione answered, quite surprised herself.

Gareth laughed.

"Yet another piece of evidence towards the young Cranel's skill and drive. If he can win over even Bete than he can win over anyone."

Finn chuckled.

"It's quite the surprise."

Riveria smiled, at least until Tiona turned her attention to her.

"Which means we can focus more attention on you and the Olympian!"

The motherly elf suddenly found all eyes on her.

"Oh for the love of…"

---

Bell woke up as worn out as he had been when he fell asleep, and it was no mystery why, to him or his familia.

"I hope I get to see her today."

Ever since Achilles had told Aiz about her mother, the Sword Princess had been utterly absent from his life. This, in itself wasn't usual. If the Loki went on an expedition they could be gone for days, even weeks. However, the knowledge that she could see him, but didn't want to, and was growing more distant from him with each passing day due to her renewed obsession with the Dragon, hit him hard.

He sighed as he slowly got up, his body groaning in protest as all motivation was utterly lacking in his being.

"Maybe some food will help me feel better," he thought, though he already knew the answer to that thought.

He made his way downstairs and into the kitchen and found everyone was already there.

Achilles, having heard Bell coming, was the first to greet him.

"Morning, Bell."

That caused everyone else to turn towards him, all with the same worried look in their eyes that had been present the last few days.

Feeling guilty at having them all so concerned about him, he put on the best smile he could, even though he knew it wasn't terribly convincing, and returned the greeting.

"Morning, Dad. Morning everyone."

They all returned the greeting, knowing the smile was fake, but allowing it to pass, even as they hoped to find some way to pull Bell out of his current lowness.

Bell went over to Haruhime, who had prepared breakfast. She smiled more brightly at him, hoping it would have some effect on him. He smiled back, but it wasn't his usual smile and she felt herself wavering as she handed him a plate.

"Thank you," he said, before heading for the table.

"Bell-sama," she thought in worry.

Bell sat down and began to eat, feeling the eyes on him.

"They're all worried about me," he thought, guilt weighing on his heart even more heavily. "I have to pull myself out of this. They shouldn't have to worry about me," he thought, getting a little angry with himself. "But how?" he wondered.

His mind began to ponder and soon enough came to a solution.

"Going on a walk or heading to the Dungeon again might help. But after what I told them I'm not sure they'll allow me to go out alone again," he thought, his eyes shooting towards Hestia.

Hestia, who had been watching her captain like the rest of her familia, instantly met Bell's eyes. Usually that would have been enough for him to immediately look away, but this time their gaze held for a few moments, just long enough for Hestia to understand what was going through Bell's mind before he looked away.

"I see," she thought.

Bell finished eating and got up, taking his dishes to the sink and washing them, still feeling the eyes on him.

"I have to ask. I can't have them worrying about me anymore!"

He opened his mouth to ask his request when Hestia suddenly spoke up.

"I feel like going out today!" she declared. "I don't have work today and it's been too long since I've gone for a stroll." Everyone, including Bell, turned to her with confused looks. She ignored this and instead focused solely on her captain. "So, won't you escort your goddess around town, Bell-kun?"

Everyone shifted back to Bell whose confusion had only grown at the request.

"W-What?"

"You wouldn't have your lovely goddess walking around town unguarded, would you, Bell-kun?" she asked.

"I-."

"You've walked around by yourself plenty of times before, Hestia-sama." Lili stated firmly.

"Nevermind that," Hestia brushed off, irritating Lili. "So, what do you say, Bell-kun, will you be my valiant protector today?"

Still monstrously confused, Bell wasn't sure what else to do, but nod.

"O-Of course, Hestia-sama."

"Wonderful! Well, no time like the present!" she declared, then got up from her seat, strode over him and wrapped her arm around his. "Let's go."

"Um...o-okay," Bell said, allowing himself to be dragged along.

"We'll be back soon!" Hestia called, still dragging Bell. "Just keep training or whatever until we get back."

With that, the two departed, leaving behind a thoroughly confused familia.

"What just happened?" Welf asked.

"I'm not sure," Mikoto said.

Haruhime and Ryuu were also confused; the only member of the Hestia familia who wasn't was Lili, and that was simply because she was too furious at the moment.

"Who does she think she is, snatching Bell-sama away like that for some date?! I should go and-!"

"Lili."

The prum stopped and turned to the voice, along with the rest of her familia.

"She's doing her job as a goddess," Achilles said calmly. "We all know that Bell's been under the weather, courtesy of suddenly finding a chasm between him and Aiz Wallenstein. More importantly, he knows that we're worried about him. I think we all know he'll feel guilty about that." Lili's anger evaporated as she and the others recognized that fact. "My guess is that Bell wanted to go out again but, knowing what happened last time he did that, he knew we wouldn't exactly be eager to allow him to be out and about alone. Hestia decided to give him the excuse, or as close to it as possible," he explained. "Now we just have to wait, pray, and see if she's able to pull him out of this."

There were a few nods as the Hestia familia came to terms with his words.

"Do you think she'll be able to do so?" Haruhime asked.

Achilles shrugged.

"She is his goddess so I think there's a good chance. Also, never underestimate a woman in love," he said.

The other three ladies vying for a certain white rabbit didn't seem too pleased by that final statement, namely a certain brunette supporter.

"Still, she didn't have to press herself up against him so forcefully."

---

Bell watched his goddess walk along with a smile on her face and not a care in the world.

"Why did she ask me to accompany her? Did she really just want to go out," he already knew the answer to that. "No, this wasn't some whim. She wanted to get me alone so she could talk to me. But why then," he continued to watch her all but skip along. "Is she so happy."

"Oh Bell-kun, look at that!" Hestia suddenly declared.

Before he could react, Bell suddenly felt his hand being grabbed and a moment later he was being dragged towards a stall.

"Oh aren't these so pretty?" she proclaimed, and it was only then that Bell recognized that it was a flower stall.

"T-They are, Hestia-sama," he conceded.

"Would the lovely goddess like a bouquet?" the stall owner asked with a smile.

"Hm, I'm not sure I want to carry a bouquet around all-day, beautiful though they are," Hestia replied as she continued to eye the stall. Her eyes landed on a pair of flowers, one a blue that matched perfectly to her eyes and the other, by some odd stroke of luck, did the same with Bell's eyes. "These two!" she all but shouted. "They're perfect!"

The seller, happy to see such an excited customer, immediately grabbed the two flowers and handed them to Hestia. Luckily, Bell had brought money with him or things would have turned awkward at this point.

"Now, this one's for me," she said before putting the red one in her hair. "And this one's for you," she explained before she reached up and placed the blue on in Bell's hair.

"Hestia-sama," Bell said, obviously embarrassed.

"Oh you look so cute, Bell-kun! Now onto the next stall!" she declared before once again grabbing his hand and dragging him on, leaving him no time to think.

The two went around the city, stopping and stalls, and entering any shop that caught Hestia's fancy for hours, and it was easily noon when Hestia decided that they should get something to eat.

"This is pretty good," the goddess stated, munching on a sandwich from a cafe they'd found before ending up at their current location, one of Orario's many small, hidden parks.

"It is," Bell agreed, his mind still playing catch-up from the last few hours.

The two ate silently, content to simply munch on their food and enjoy the quiet.

"Ah, that was good," she said with a smile.

"It was," he agreed.

Hestia turned to him, her eyes pointing directly at his and still smiling.

"I'm glad you could take a moment to simply enjoy things again."

The sudden shift in tone caught Bell off guard and he had no response to that, which served Hestia's purposes.

"The world keeps moving," she continued, turning her gaze towards the sky. "Whether or not we want it to, Bell-kun. There are times I wish things had just stopped back when it was just the two of us in our little home. It wasn't grand, and we weren't rich, but I will always treasure those days. I suppose that's part of the reason I wanted to take you out today," she said, turning back to him and smiling. "But there's something else to remember when it comes to how the world keeps turning and that's this. As long as it keeps turning it will keep providing us chances to gain what we want. That's why I'm sure you'll be able to get back to where you were with Aiz Wallenstein."

Now Bell felt like his head was going to spin off his neck.

"But...I thought that you…?"

"Loved you? Didn't like Wallenstein? Both are completely true, but that certainly doesn't mean I want to see you worried or upset, let alone in pain. That said, I know I can be a pain myself sometimes. I know that I'm a jealous goddess who often tries to capture your attention in annoying ways, but I do love you, Bell. That means I want to see you happy. But," she suddenly jumped to her feet and stood before him proudly, with her hands on her hips and chest pushed out. "I'm also not going to give up on you. Even if Aiz Wallenstein gets you in this life, I'll make sure to find you and love you for all the lives that follow, because that's how much I love you and will always love you. No one else has or ever will have my heart like you do, Bell. So, I won't give up and will give you all my love forever."

"Hestia...sama," tears began to prick at his eyes.

"Oh Bell-kun, still such a crybaby," she said tenderly, her hand reaching out and stroking his cheek.

The feeling of his goddess's hand on his cheeks soothed Bell some, but there was something he needed to say, so he gently took the hand off his cheek and interlocked his fingers with hers.

"The day you found me was one of the happiest in my life," he began, his eyes focused on their interlocked hands. "When you held out your hand and asked me to be a part of your familia… even now I can still feel the joy I felt then," he smiled. "I will never be able to put into words how grateful I am to you or how much you mean to me, but," he looked back up to his goddess. "I can promise you that you will always be my goddess."

The vow, the intensity of his gaze, the intertwined fingers, it all filled Hestia with a sense of euphoria she had never felt before. Not in all her years had she been this happy.

She leaned down and kissed his forehead.

"And I'll always be waiting for you, Bell," she promised.

The two smiled brightly at each other, both knowing that whatever was to come, they would always have each other.

"Well isn't this cozy."

Bell's eyes widened.

"I know that voice."

He jumped to his feet and pulled out his knife, placing Hestia behind him.

Above him, alongside numerous other members of the Freya familia was Allen Fromel, glaring down at the Rabbit Foot with an intensity that would have turned most people's blood to water.

"Allen-san," Bell all but growled, knowing full well this wasn't a pleasant social visit.

"Do not say my name so casually, rabbit," the catman demanded with a sneer.

Bell knew how dangerous the situation was, but he was also no fan of the level six above him. While he might have been open to Freya, mostly because he didn't understand her, that didn't mean he was exactly open to her familia. Indeed, Bell understood Allen almost too well, having seen him, and those like him, plenty of times, both before and after he'd come to Orario.

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice holding just as much force as the Freya officer's.

Allen did not like Bell's tone.

"He should be bowing and grovelling before me, yet he bares his teeth. Someone so weak shouldn't have such stupid courage."

"You have not answered our lady."

"So that's what this is about," Bell thought.

"I will," he replied. "When I feel it is right to."

That did not please any of the Freya officers, all of whom took a step closer as their grip on their weapons tightened.

"You dare keep our lady waiting?" Allen said, his teeth grinding as his body nearly burst with rage.

"Freya-sama put the time and place of our meeting in my hands, meaning she is willingly waiting for my reply. The meeting is also for the express purpose of her earning my trust, which, now that I think about it, makes this meeting counterproductive doesn't it?" Bell shot back.

The Freya officers, besides Allen, all backed up a step, knowing full well the rabbit had gotten them.

"Well he's not an idiot, at least," Hedin conceded internally.

"So tell me," Bell pushed on. "How do you think your goddess will feel when she hears that you ambushed me and my goddess to threaten us, putting our meeting and any trust I may gain in jeopardy?" Allen growled. "Do you think that will please her? I also noticed that Ottar-san is not here, reinforcing that this wasn't sanctioned by Freya-sama. So tell me, Allen Fromel, what precisely was the point of all this?"

Hestia, who had been watching all this unfold from behind Bell, was thoroughly surprised by this side of Bell. Oh sure, she knew he was cool and could be serious, but this kind of force and confidence was not a side of him she'd seen before.

"He really is growing," she recognized. "And he's just getting cooler!" she thought, allowing herself a bit of a fangirl moment.

Meanwhile, Allen knew he was in a tight position. He was aggressive, but he wasn't brain-dead, he knew the situation he was putting himself in before he came looking for the rabbit, but to have it pointed out so bluntly, and by the rabbit himself, was nothing short of infuriating.

Perhaps it was for that reason that, to the surprise of all, including his own familia, Allen jumped down to the ground level, placing himself only a few paces away from Bell and Hestia.

"You proud of yourself, rabbit?" he asked, taking a step forward. "You think that because you've gotten this far so quickly that you're something special?" another step. "You think because you've gained our lady's affections that you're hot shit? Well let me tell you!" he pointed his spear directly at Bell's head, the blade being only a few inches from the young man. "You're nothing by a brat who got lucky!"

"Allen!" The catman turned. "That's enough," Hedin called, knowing just how close his fellow officer was to crossing a line that would see them all severely punished.

Having burned through some of his rage, Allen had calmed enough to know that the light elf spoke the truth and so, begrudging, pulled his spear back.

That was the plan at least, but that died the moment Bell grabbed the spear shaft.

"You're right," Bell said, as everyone tried to get over their surprise at the sudden turn of events. "I did get lucky. I got lucky when my goddess found me and asked me to be part of her familia. I got lucky when Aiz Wallenstein saved my life. I got lucky when I met each of my friends and earned their friendship. I've gotten lucky plenty of times, but there are two things you need to recognize. One: that my drive and my luck are two different things and I did not get as far as I have based simply on luck."

"And the second?" Allen asked, baring his teeth.

Bell smiled.

"The second is that, just because you aren't allowed to hurt me, doesn't mean I'm not allowed to hurt you."

Before Allen, or anyone else for that matter, could process those words, Bell pulled the spear in his hand towards him. Allen, caught off guard, both by the move and the strength of the rabbit, didn't have time to react before Bell's other hand pulled back and launched forward, striking Allen in the cheek and launching him into the nearby building.

Everyone stared in shock at the newly made hole in the wall Bell had made via the Freya officer.

"Never bother my goddess or me ever again," Bell ordered.

Allen pulled himself from the rubble of the wall with eyes screaming bloody murder. However, before he could launch himself at the rabbit, Hedin and Hogni appeared before him.

"Enough," the ex-light elf king said firmly. "Do anymore and Freya will punish us all severely."

Allen looked like he was willing to risk that, which in turn caused the light elf to lean in next to his ear.

"You can use this against the rabbit. Tell our lady that he attacked you unprovoked. Play this smart."

Allen thought on this for a moment, clearly torn between revenge now and in discrediting the rabbit in his lady's eyes later. However, after a few moments, and a few deep breaths, he realized the potential of the latter was far greater seeing as, without his lady's love, Bell Cranel would be wide open for attack.

"Alright," he agreed, though not without a flinch as pain shot through his jaw.

"He was able to hurt me this badly? Him?!" his eyes shot back to Bell. "You just signed your own death warrant, rabbit. I'll get my revenge one way or another."

"We're leaving," Hedin said, giving one final look towards Bell before he, and the other Freya officers all disappeared.

The moment they were gone, Bell sighed.

"Bell-kun." He turned. "That was amazing. Dangerous and stupid too," Hestia added, still smiling. "But amazing!"

He smiled.

"Thank you, and I'm sorry. I let my anger get the better of me."

"Understandable, you were protecting your goddess after all."

"And I always will," he vowed.

"Bell-kun!" Hestia cried as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

He laughed and returned the hug.

"Now, we should probably head home," he said. "We need to tell the others and," he held up his hand. "I think I broke my hand with that punch."

"My poor Bell-kun," Hestia said, looking over his hand. "Right, we'll head right home!" she said, before her eyes caught sight of something. "Oh, Bell-kun, you dropped this," she said, before leaning down and grabbing the blue flower she'd bought earlier and putting it back in his hair.

"Wait, did I have that in my hair during all that?" Bell thought. A moment later, the realization that he probably had caused a blush to come to his cheeks as the image of everything that had transpired now had the addition of a blue flower resting contently in his hair.

---

Achilles sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Bell, I'd appreciate it if you stopped somehow attracting powerful members of a rival familia to you," he said wearily.

Bell blushed.

"It's not like I'm trying to get their attention," he said bashfully.

"I don't blame you, Bell-sama," Lili said, coming to his defense.

"You don't?" the young man asked, expecting her to be the angriest of them all.

"No. I blame you!" Lili screamed, pointing at Hestia.

"Me?!"

"Yes you! You just all of a sudden dragged Bell-sama out on a date without discussing it with any of us. The blame for this happening is solely on you!"

"Now wait just a minute here-!" Hestia responded, leading to a shouting match between the two women

"While it's true that this wasn't your fault," Ryuu cut in. "Your reaction was, to put it nicely, not the best."

Bell rubbed his neck before nodding.

"You're right but I… I don't know. I guess I was sick of being pushed around, especially by all of them. And they were putting Hestia-sama in danger, I couldn't let that stand," he said.

That instantly pulled said goddess out of her spat with Lili, and caused her to turn to her captain with adoring eyes.

"Bell-kun!" she cried as she wrapped herself around him.

"Get off of him!" Lili screamed, trying to pull the goddess off the object of their shared affection, who was, once again, blushing terribly.

"Still," Achilles stated, catching everyone's attention. "This does bring up an important fact. We've been avoiding the topic of Freya for too long and even if she's not getting impatient, her familia is. We need to have the meeting, and soon."

They knew he was right, but that didn't exactly make any of them happy about it.

"That said," Achilles pressed on, noting the solemn looks on their faces. "It's not going to happen today, and this incident actually brings up something that I've been wanting to discuss for a while." Seeing that he had their attention, he continued. "We've been doing plenty of physical training and team building exercises, so I think it's time we move onto psychological training."

Now, for most present, that didn't mean much, but for Bell it caused a wave of memories to fill his mind and a blush to soon appear on his cheeks.

Luckily, Achilles was the only one who noticed this and quickly signalled to his son.

"Not that kind of training."

Seeing the signal, Bell calmed down, his cheeks slowly gaining their normal hew.

"So, what's this training entail?" Ryuu inquired.

"Well, as Bell displayed, it's quite easy for your emotions to get the better of you in a fight. Fear is, of course, the first most think of, but it's also important to remember the potentially serious outcomes of anger and rage. A fit of rage can make you forget yourself and put you in a dire situation. You've all seen how my temper has caused me to act and how that's put me in quite a few bad situations." They nodded. "So this is as much a re-training for me as it is training for you. So, today I'm going to take each of you individually and throw taunts, teases, and jeers at you in the hopes of causing you to react. Your goal is to withstand my attacks and, if you're able to, throw a few back at me. Basically it's a game of who can cause who to crack under pressure." Everyone nodded in understanding. "However, before I do this, I want to make sure you're all okay with it. I'm going to be going for whatever I think will work against you. That means low blows. Personal attacks. Threats on loved ones. Everything's game. You can throw whatever you want back at me, but I need to know you're all okay and ready for this."

The Hestia familia shared a few looks, everyone checking with each other before turning back and nodding.

"We understand," Bell said.

"We can take it," Welf added.

"We won't get stronger if we back away from a challenge," Mikoto stated.

Each gave their consent and Achilles nodded.

"Alright. Good. But don't be afraid to call it quits, this is, after all, going to be the first time we do this and I'm not exactly comfortable making any of you cry...or crying in front of you if you've got some below the belt shot lined up for me."

Everyone smiled and a few laughed.

"Alright, go get your equipment. I might throw in some attacks during this to make it a bit more like an actual battle."

The members of the Hestia familia left to go get their equipment and returned a few minutes later, looking ready.

"Well, I guess I'll do ladies first, starting with Haruhime," Achilles said, turning to the renard. "That'll give me time to warm up and I can't imagine Haruhime saying a cruel word to anyone so my ego will get to last a little longer."

A few more laughs echoed through the halls as Haruhime stepped forward.

"I will do my best," she swore.

"Of course you will," the Olympian replied. "Let's head to the back. You all can prepare and share ideas while I'm training Haruhime."

"Will do," Bell said.

Achilles and Haruhime made their way outside and took their places before each other.

"You're sure you're okay with this Haruhime?" he double-checked, not much caring for the idea of hurting the sweet girl he viewed effectively as his daughter at this point.

"Yes, I'm sure," she said resolutely.

"Alright, but before we begin, I just wanted to talk to you about something that occurred a few days ago."

"Oh? What is it?" she asked.

"Well I couldn't help but notice that you and Bell had a little moment when he put that necklace on you."

Haruhime blushed as her hand came up and touched the very necklace.

"I-I don't know. It certainly felt… special," she said with a smile.

"Did anything else happen?" he inquired.

She shook her head.

"No. It was just that moment. Then everything with Aiz Wallenstein happened and we haven't had a moment since."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing," she said sadly.

Things were silent for a moment before Achilles, his eyes turning cold, spoke again.

"That's why you're losing."

Haruhime actually jumped at the sudden frigidness of his voice.

"W-What?"

"I said, that's why you're losing. To be more specific, it's why you're losing Bell to Aiz Wallenstein and, it appears after today, Hestia. Both of them have made moves towards Bell's hearts, and here you are, sitting on the sidelines even as you're provided opportunities to get closer to him."

"I-I…"

"You, you, what?" he demanded.

"I...didn't think it would be appropriate to…"

"You didn't think it was appropriate?!"

Haruhime jumped again and backed away from the Olympian.

"What's that old saying? 'All's fair in love and war'? He was right there, offering himself up to you. Practically saying, 'Take it. Take my heart. Take my love.' and you do nothing. Are you not in love with him?"

"I am!" she cried. "I am. I love him so much. More than anything! He saved me, even when I thought myself worthless. He risked so much for me, when he didn't have to. When it would have been wiser to leave me. How could I not love him?!"

"Then why do you let others get closer to him? Why do you wait for him to come to you?"

"I haven't!" she tried to defend herself.

"Oh? What have you done to gain his attention? To earn his love?"

"I kissed him!"

That stopped Achilles.

"You kissed him?"

Haruhime, realizing what she said, began to fidget.

"O-O-On the c-cheek," she said, pointing to her cheek.

A moment later she found herself lifted off the ground staring directly into the eyes of a very annoyed Achilles.

"On the cheek?! That means nothing. Children kiss their parents on the cheek and parents do likewise with their children. Some kiss cheeks as a sign of greeting. A kiss on the cheek! Are you an idiot?!"

"I-I-," tears began to prick at the corners of her eyes.

"You're never going to win him if you keep acting like a stupid blushing maiden! Is he not worth the effort? Are you even really in love with him, because it doesn't seem he's worth your effort."

"I do love him!" she cried, tears now running freely down her cheeks. "I love him so much my heart aches just by thinking about him. I want to be with him so much. I've never wanted anything so much. Not my freedom. Not life. Nothing as much as I want him because the thought of not being in his life feels like my heart's being ripped out!"

She suddenly felt herself being wrapped tightly in strong, warm arms.

"I'm sorry," the soft voice of Achilles said.

Realizing what had happened, Haruhime hugged back.

"I-I'm s-sorry," she said quietly, barely able to keep herself from hiccuping. "I-I should h-have been s-stronger."

"No, you were plenty strong. You fought back and I'm very proud of you, not only for that, but for all you've done to get closer to Bell."

"Y-You're proud of me?" she asked.

"Very much so."

"E-Even though I h-haven't gotten closer to B-Bell-sama?"

"You have gotten closer, that's undeniable," he said, pulling back to look her in the eyes. "I saw how he looked at you when he put the necklace on. There is room in his heart for you, of that I have no doubt."

Haruhime, her eyes red and wide, stared at him in shock.

"T-Then," her eyes gained an inkling of determination. "I'll fight harder for him."

Achilles allowed himself a smile.

"Good, because no one deserves him as much as you do, of that I'm also sure."

The two parted and Achilles escorted Haruhime back inside.

"How did it-," Bell greeted them, only to stop seeing the obviously tear stained cheeks and red eyes of Haruhime.

"It was a bit tough," Achilles answered, looking down at the still somewhat shaky Haruhime.

"I-It was productive," she added, even as she wiped her eyes. "And I'm eager to try again in the future."

The Hestia familia all shared looks, some of confusion, most of concern given the fact that, if Achilles could make one of them cry in the first go round, how well would the rest do? True, this was Haruhime, the sweetest of them, but that did little to comfort them. Still, the determination in her eyes was something to see and gave them a little courage.

"Well, if you're all still up for it, Lili, you're up next," Achilles called, hoping that the prum would put up more fight given he already felt like shit for making Haruhime cry.

"Right," Lili said, giving Haruhime one last look.

The renard, catching her gaze, was able to manage a smile and a nod of conviction. Receiving this, Lili felt the conviction within her grow and she followed Achilles outside.

The two took their places, like Achilles had done with Haruhime.

"You ready?" he asked.

"Yes," Lili replied firmly.

"Good, though I suspect you'll be a tough one to crack," he conceded. "Haruhime faced many hardships, but she always maintained this innocence that left her vulnerable. You are different. You have also faced some serious hardships and grew from the experiences."

"Are you trying to get under Lili's skin?" Lili asked, keeping her crossbow always pointed towards the ex-captain.

"Not at all, just giving an honest compliment. I feel a bit guilty at making Haruhime cry and I suppose I have to ease myself back into things."

"Lili can take care of herself."

"True, you have shown quite the capacity for taking care of yourself," he said, his voice slowly losing its gentle edge. "Stealing. Lying. Double-crossing. Leaving others for dead, including Bell," his eyes turned a noticeable hostile tint. "You've managed to keep yourself alive at others expense, so, well done I suppose."

A whistling sound passed through the air and a second later Achilles batted away a crossbow bolt.

"Lili knows she's done bad things in her past. Things she isn't proud of, but she accepts them because it all allowed her to be with Bell-sama."

"Be with him?" Achilles inquired. "And how precisely are you, 'with' him? As far as I can tell you just carry his luggage."

"Says the man who fell in love with someone who thinks of him as a toy."

Achilles wasn't permitted an immediate reaction as a series of bolts launched at him. One towards his eye, another his heart, and the last his crotch.

"Oh ho, attacking the personals, and in more ways than one," he commended. "And yet, there's a few problems with your little attack. One, I've realized the errors of my ways, which, admittedly, you seem to have well. Two: If I wanted to, I could walk straight to the Tower of Babel, declare my love for Freya and immediately be embraced by her, which is important because, three: unlike me, you will never be with Bell."

A series of bolts shot at him from numerous angles as Lili went on the attack. Every once in a while she would use one of her hidden items on him, but all was ineffective as he was simply too strong and battered them all away.

"Why would he go for you after all, especially when he had such better options? Aiz Wallenstein. The Sword Princess herself. Beautiful. Powerful. A bit of a ditz, but that makes her honest. Haruhime. Kind. Gentle. Patient. Not jealous or easily led into anger. Even Hestia's a better option." That got him another bolt aimed towards the crotch. "Jealous and a bit overzealous though she may be, she gave him a home, and has quite the figure as well. And what do you have, hm? You're short-tempered." Bolt at the head. "Jealous." Toward the stomach. "You're a liar." Item. "You left him for dead." Two bolts toward his knees. "And, sorry short stuff, but even physically you're lacking." The third shot to his personals was completely expected. "So tell me, Liliruca Arde, what makes you think that you have any chance?" he asked, turning his eyes towards the now thoroughly exhausted Lili hunched over a few paces away.

"You think…" she began as she caught her breath. "That any of that is going to stop me?" she asked. "That I don't know I'm tainted and not good enough for Bell-sama? I've known that since long before you returned to Orario," she stated firmly. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop loving him. Even if I never earn his love, I'll always be by his side. Helping him. Smiling with him, and giving him all my love. And no one, not you, not Aiz Wallenstein, not Hestia-sama, and most importantly, not me and my guilt, is going to stop me from being by his side and giving him everything I can."

Achilles smiled and clapped.

"Well said," he stated. "No one should be able to convince you to not go for your goal, especially when it involves love. You truly are worthy of respect, Liliruca Arde, and I'm glad you've become part of Bell's life."

"Lili-," she didn't know how to respond to that. "Lili doesn't know what to say."

"No need to say anything, now come on. You've passed for today and I'm going to have to think a bit before I try to get under your skin again."

Not knowing what else to do, Lili followed him back inside, where they found the others waiting with some evident concern for her return.

Upon Lili's return, and seeing no evidence of tears they relaxed somewhat.

"She's a tough cookie," Achilles noted. "I'll have to better prepare if I'm going to go up against her again."

"Lili can take whatever you have to throw at her," the prum said confidently.

"Good, then maybe you can share your strategies with the others while Mikoto-san and I go have a little chat."

Encouraged though she was by Lili's confident return, Mikoto couldn't help but be nervous about her upcoming moment with the former captain. Even so, she followed after him and prepared herself as best she could for what was to come.

"So," Achilles began. "I'm not quite sure how to come at you."

"What do you mean, Achilles-dono?" Mikoto asked.

"Well, for Haruhime and Lili it was easy, just attack them based around Bell, but you appear to be the only girl in this manor that isn't smitten for my son."

Mikoto blushed lightly.

"Bell-dono is a very nice young man and an inspiring leader, however I never thought of him in...that way," she admitted.

"Oh, no reason to be embarrassed, people like who they like. At least it doesn't appear that you've fallen for some crazy goddess," he said with a laugh.

Mikoto smiled.

"No I have not, but I have made some mistakes as well, including with Bell-dono, which I will do my best to rectify."

"I am well aware of what you're talking about, Mikoto, and I'm also aware that you have more than made up for your past mistake. A mistake, I'll remind you, that was done in order to help another member of your previous familia."

"Even so," she said, a tad solemnly. "I will continue to do my best."

"Good. Not only because that shows real integrity and courage, but because it means I can't attack you effectively on that front. You know you made a mistake and you're already working on correcting it, so bravo."

"Thank you, Achilles-dono."

"Of course. However that means you're going to have to start telling me about you and Takemikazuchi."

All gratitude and relief disappeared in an instant in Mikoto's mind and was instantly replaced by deep, morbid embarrassment.

"I-I'm not sure I know what you mean, Achilles-dono," she tried to deflect.

"Oh come now, you may be more subtle about it than Bell is with Aiz, but that's like saying a slap to the face is subtle because it's less garring than a warhammer to the cranium."

Her blush intensified.

"Well. I-I care very much for Takemikazuchi-sama," she said, still trying to not outright admit it.

"Hm," Achilles replied, as if contemplating something. "You know he's a bit of a slut right?"

Mikoto froze.

"P-Pardon?"

"Well, to be fair, only Hestia, Artemis, and Athena remain virgins if I remember correctly, but from what I can tell, Takemikazuchi isn't exactly unfamiliar with the fairer sex."

"He's not like that," she stated, a dangerous edge beginning to form in her voice.

"Really? I mean, you would probably know better, but then again you are smitten for him so you might be a bit blind of this matter. I mean, I have seen him a few times chatting up some ladies. Ladies who," he gave her a pitying look. "Didn't exactly look like they were asking for recipes or for fashion advice."

"Stop it," she said, her voice barely more than a growl.

"But, if you want an experienced man, I can respect that. I'm sure he knows exactly what words to say and what," he cleared his throat. "Actions to take in order to please you."

"Shut up!" Mikoto screamed before launching at him.

Achilles, expecting this, quickly blocked before knocking her sword away and, just as she realized her mistake, backhanded her hard enough to send her flying a good twenty feet before landing far harder than she would have liked.

Getting up, she saw Achilles waiting patiently for her to retake her position.

"Temper temper, Mikoto-san. I can't imagine Takemikazuchi likes short-tempered girls," his mocking voice echoed.

Knowing what was going on now, Mikoto took a deep breath to calm and steady herself. That said, she was still angry and the additional comments weren't helping if her tightened grip was any indication.

"Good, she's realized her mistake, but she's still vulnerable."

"Well, at least you're not Chigusa-san. A small, foolish girl with a child's figure silently pining after a block-head."

Mikoto's eyes widened and her anger flared at the sudden switch in targets.

"Chigusa-san is a good, hard-working girl, don't you dare mock her feelings," she demanded.

"How can I not? She's right next to him and has known that muscle brain her whole life but refuses to do a damn thing about it. What's she waiting for? For him to realize her feelings and sweep her off her feet? Even if he wasn't so damn oblivious I doubt it would end up like that. He'd probably put her down gently, saying something about duty or honor then, in a couple years find himself a real woman to share his bed with."

He didn't even need to turn his head to block the next attack that came from the enraged easterling.

"How dare you!"

"If you want me to stop trash talking everyone you care about, why don't you shut me up?" he challenged.

Now properly goaded, Mikoto lashed out, striking out again and again, only for Achilles to block every strike. Seeing that her actions weren't working, she jumped back and threw a pair of knives at him.

He smiled as he grabbed them from the air.

"Well, seems she took my suggestion to heart, but I think it's time I put an end to this."

He stuck his sword in the ground as Mikoto made another charge at him. When she launched a thrust to his head, he dodged, grabbed her arm and, while she reeled back in shock, he punched in the face, not hard enough to send her flying, but hard enough to cause her to release her sword. Once she'd done that, he took it and looked her in the eye.

"You dropped your sword," he said before unceremoniously hitting her forehead with the buttcap causing her to fall onto her back.

As she slowly got up, her head aching and her body exhausted, she found her own blade pointed at her face.

"Don't let anyone use your friends and loved ones against you," Achilles said, his voice and eyes now sympathetic. He flipped the blade around so that the handle was pointed towards her. "Even if it hurts to hear someone degrade them."

Mikoto looked up at the ex-captain as she slowly recognized that she had failed the lesson.

"Yes, Achilles-dono," she said, her voice low in frustration and solemn realization.

She grabbed the hilt, and Achilles pulled her up.

"Mikoto," he said gently. "This is nothing to be ashamed of. Wanting to protect your friends and the one who's earned your heart is admirable."

"There was nothing admirable about my actions here," she said, not able to meet his eyes.

His hand lifted her head so she had to look him in the eyes.

"Yes there is. Loyalty for one. Protecting the honor of those beside you, that is quite admirable. So please, don't turn against yourself for this. Use this experience to grow. To become wiser and stronger. To help you with that, let me remind you of one key fact. You know all those I mentioned quite well, yes?"

She nodded.

"Does what I said sound anything like them? Does it sound truthful or in any way honest?"

She shook her head.

"No, it was a perversion of the truth."

"Then there you have it. If what I said was a lie, then it is meaningless. Me lying about your friends and god doesn't reflect badly on them, only on myself for being such a damn fool or malevolent jackass. So, remember that, Mikoto. Next time any enemy lies or spits venom, realize they are just fools too stupid or ignorant to know better."

Finally, the sad look in her eyes departed and she smiled.

"I will do that, Achilles-dono."

"Good," he said, returning her smile. "Now, let's get something cold on that forehead of yours before it starts to swell."

"So how'd it go?" Bell asked upon their return.

Mikoto blushed.

"I lost my temper," she confessed.

"Really? That's not like you, Mikoto-sama," Haruhime said.

"He… um… hit a nerve."

"What, did he go after your crush on Takemi-...oh," Hestia realized and stopped herself.

Mikoto's face was now burning as everyone knew effectively what happened, most giving the young man a sympathetic look.

"Cheap shots are definitely a part of this training," Achilles stated readily. "But now it's time for our final lovely lady. Let's see what you can handle, Gale Wind."

Ryuu nodded and followed Achilles out, leaving the others to talk about strategy and, in the case of Mikoto, get over her embarrassment and soothe her forehead.

"So," Achilles began. "How have things been since you've become a member of Hestia familia? I imagine they're a bit more hectic than being a waitress. Then again, any place run by Mia is sure to be lively."

"Your attempts at humor will not work here, Achilles-san. I am well aware that anything you say at this moment is not idle chat or small talk," Ryuu answered seriously.

Achilles smiled and nodded.

"You're right. The moment we're out here I'm trying to get under your skin. Your experience is paying off. I was able to get Haruhime and Mikoto to relax and relatively defenseless with some pleasant talk. Lili I just jumped right in, and with you I'll give you the same courtesy."

"Do your worst, lover of Freya."

His smile actually grew.

"Lili attacked that sore spot too. Mine is pretty obvious, the only thing that would be worse would be talking about my familia and the Dragon which, you all appear to have the decency to not go after."

"Would you like me to?" the elf asked, her voice firm and threatening.

"That's your prerogative, but you know what I won't use, in relation to you? Bell." Ryuu's eyes narrowed and her grip on her weapon tightened, but Achilles pretended not to notice. "One would expect I would given that you obviously have feelings for him." Ryuu attacked, striking for his head, which he nonchalantly batted away. "I mean, I already used Bell as a means of attacking Haruhime and Lili, but with you I won't bother." Another strike, this time towards his arm, then when that was blocked, another towards his side with the same result. " After all," he continued unabated. "You're so distant from his heart it's almost a waste of breath."

As much as Ryuu hated it, that one hurt. As much as she didn't believe she was worthy of Bell's love and desired him to end up with Syr, that did not mean that she could deny her feelings or that having them thrown in her face was easy on her heart.

"Let's see," Achilles pressed on, aware of the pain he had inflicted. "Aiz. Haruhime. Hestia. Lili. I think Eina as well," he listed, each name weighing on Ryuu more and more. "Aisha seemed pretty smitten." That one hit a nerve and she struck out furiously at him.

The force of her attack was enough to get him to pause in his mockery, but was of little effect as he was simply too strong and too fast for her, not to mention experienced enough to know the kinds of tricks she would use to try and level the playing field. Counters. Feints. Brutal assaults. Nothing worked. He simply took her attacks, not even bothering to counter, as if she was beneath him. At least that's what his eyes suggested at the moment.

"By the gods," he restarted, seeing her beginning to crack "I think Tiona would have more of a chance than you. At least she's not a liar and a murderer."

Ryuu was not a little girl. She had seen and done terrible things in her life, as Achilles himself pointed out. She was a hardened adventurer but there was only so much she could take, especially when it came to Bell. He had this tendency to bring out a kinder, gentler side of her that made her feel warm, cared for, and safe enough to let her guard down. However, without him here now and having her feelings thrown at her in vicious mockery, she felt defenseless. Naked against this monster of power and poisoned words. As such, even she could not prevent the tears that began to leak from the corners of her eyes.

"I know," she replied with a shaky voice. "Where I stand with Bell-san. I will not try to push it or gain more than his friendship, but that doesn't mean I can simply let go of my feelings."

Achilles's eyes turned hostile and, before she could react, Achilles cast her weapon aside, leaving her side open. He then punched her in the stomach hard enough to cause her to bend over as her breath was ripped from her then proceeded to grab her face and chuck her forty feet away as if he was throwing away trash.

"You will simply surrender? Before even trying? I thought you had a spine. Is my son not worth your time?"

"How dare you say something like that," Ryuu growled and she slowly got up. "You who regret falling in love with the one you did."

"So you regret falling in love with Bell?" the Olympian asked, enraged. "You regret falling in love with a kind, gentle, courageous soul? So much so that you dare to compare him to a manipulative goddess?"

"I do not regret it!" she denied. "But I know I am not worthy of him."

"I believe he's the one to decide that."

"Why do you care?!" she demanded. "Are you suggesting you would be happy if he fell in love with me? If he chose me?"

"My concern is Bell's happiness. Whoever brings him the most is the one that earns my vote of approval, yet you do not even attempt to bring him happiness. To love him. You do no even try and see what he thinks or how he feels. To earn what could be."

"Because I know it is pointless."

Achilles looked down on her with eyes full of disgust.

"And now I see why your familia died."

That was a step too far.

"You bastard!"

She came at him with everything. Strike after strike, blow after blow rained down from the elven warrior as she tried to make him pay for his words.

"You are the last person who may ever say that!" she roared. "You failed your familia as well. They're all dead yet here you stand!"

She prepared to strike him again, when his hand struck out, faster than she could see, and grabbed her throat, pulling her towards him so their faces were mere inches apart.

"I tried," he growled. "With my guts hanging out and with the very air smelling like death, I tried. I failed, yes, but at least, unlike you, I'm willing to try."

"I avenged them," she threw back, though she could barely speak. "You did not."

"You surrendered yourself to death. I tried to live. To understand. To grow. To move forward. I did not simply roll over and wait for death's embrace after my failure. If that waitress girl had not found you and given you purpose again you would not be here right now, the same is not true for me. Even at my lowest I always had purpose. A goal."

"Is being his friend and comrade not goal enough? Is wishing to help my new familia grow and become stronger not a great enough aspiration?"

"If those were what you truly wanted, then they would be. But they aren't, are they? Those aren't the goals you really aspire towards. They aren't what you truly desire."

"What do you want from me?" she demanded.

"I want you to try. You may fail, that's possible, but I want you to try, Ryuu Lion. Not because I say so, not because it might make my son happy, but for two simple reasons," he said, holding up two fingers. "One: it may very well set your soul free of the pain you carry, and two: because if your familia is as worthy as your rage indicates, then they wouldn't want you hurting and alone like this."

The tears returned to Ryuu's eyes and now she did not have the strength to fight them.

"They were...they were so good," she could barely speak. "They were my f-family and I… I… I miss them so much!"

"I miss mine too," Achilles replied softly, gently bringing her back down. "But neither or us can let the pain of losing them stop us from moving forward," he gently brought her face up to look her in the eyes. "Had I been stuck in my pain, I would never have met all of you and earned the right to be Bell's father, and had you been stuck in your pain you would never have been given a second chance at life and finding happiness."

"Do you really think… I can?" she asked, still trying to catch her breath.

"If you're willing to try, yes."

Ryuu did not respond and for a time, everything was silent between them.

"Then," she finally broke the silence. "I will try," she said, giving him a small smile.

He smiled back.

"That's all I ask. You're a good person Ryuu, I do believe that, and I'd like to see you live a happy life. Speaking up which, I do believe I've once again gone a bit too far and so apologize," he said with some mortification at making yet another person cry.

"No, I shouldn't have reacted as I did. I understood this was a training exercise yet still fell into a rage, so it is I who should apologize," she replied, bowing.

"Well then, let's just both agree to be nice to each other for the next few days and do our best in the future."

"Agreed," Ryuu said with a smile.

The two returned, the ex-waitress having calmed herself and wiped away her tears, though the red eyes were an instant give away for the others, which proved extremely disheartening as they all knew how tough the elf was.

"Alright, the ladies are done," Achilles said, hoping to press on before anyone asked any questions about the elf and her puffy eyes. "That means it's the gentlemen's turn. Welf, come on, let's see if your heart and mind are as strong as your steel."

Welf, giving one last look to Ryuu and the others, got up and departed with Achilles.

"A thousand valis he comes back in tears," Lili bet once they were gone.

"You really did a number on everyone didn't you?" Welf stated, an easy smile on his face.

"That sort of was the intention," Achilles replied, smiling as well. "Though, to be fair, they did get a few shots off themselves and I think at least two of them tried to actually kill me."

"Guess that means you're pretty good at hitting nerves," Welf said, still relaxed.

"It would appear so. Speaking of which, you appear quite calm at the moment. Not worried I'm going to hit a little too close to home on something?" the elder man asked.

"It's all to get us better prepared for what's to come right? Besides, the only thing that really gets me mad is when someone attacks my friends, but you can bet that just makes me more determined."

"I see. I approve of your confidence," Achilles complimented. "In that case you won't mind me asking about your family."

"Ask away," Welf said nonchalantly.

"Not bothered being related to a bunch of war-profiteers? People who made weapons knowing they'd be used to burn down homes in bouts of bloody conquest?"

"It did bother me, still does in a way. It's why I gave up making magic weapons, at least in part. That and the fact that you can't really grow with a magic weapon, and depending on something that breaks is hardly a good thing."

"But you make them now? What changed? The price people willing to pay get too high to ignore?"

Welf laughed.

"You know why. I'm not going to let my pride put my friends, no, my real family, in danger."

Achilles nodded.

"A good reason. I suppose that method of attack won't work on you. Then how about we switch it up?"

"Sounds good," the smith replied, still smiling and calm, acting as if this whole thing was some kind of comedic skit.

"Alright then, answer me this, if you please. Do you really think you and Hephaestus are going to be some happy couple with a bunch of red-headed cycloptic babies?"

This finally got a reaction, but not the one Achilles was expected. Instead of pain or anger, like Achilles had previously received, the only indication that Welf was bothered at all was his cheeks turning a nice shade of red before he brightly smiled.

"I think I've got as good of a chance as you do in having a bunch of green-haired half elf babies with the Nine Hells."

Achilles froze.

Silence. Nothing but silence between them as Achilles simply stared at the unwavering smile of the man before him.

He opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again. Still nothing. Finally, he managed a few words.

"Riveria actually…?"

"Yep."

"And you all…?"

"We do."

Achilles thought for a moment.

"And...Loki familia…?"

"They do too."

Things feel silent again as Achilles processed this information.

"Shit."

Welf laughed.

"Looks like I won this round."

"Can't exactly deny that," Achilles said, a small dash of red now present on his cheeks. "I'm now thoroughly distracted and open for attack. You not only deflected all means of offense I threw at you, but you switched it back on me, and quite easily. I'd congratulate you but-."

"Your mind's in other places," Welf finished for him.

"You could say that."

"Want to talk about it?"

"No, not really," the Olympian answered.

"Alright then. I'll head back inside and send Bell out. Though, I will say, I think you guys would be good together."

Achilles groaned, causing Welf to laugh again before he turned back towards the manor.

"Welf." The smith stopped and turned. "I think you and Hephaestus would make a good couple as well," the ex-captain stated.

Welf's blush returned, but so did his bright smile.

"Thanks."

Welf departed leaving Achilles to sigh and stare up at the sky.

"Well, now I've got to figure out what to do about that," he thought. He shook his head. "But not right now, I've got other things to think about."

"Dad?"

"Speaking of which."

Achilles turned, and smiled upon seeing Bell.

"Hello, Bell," he greeted. "You ready?"

"I think so. Seeing Welf coming back smiling certainly made me feel better."

Achilles laughed.

"Well, don't think that just because he pulled a fast one on me that you'll be able to do the same."

"I'll do my best."

"I know you will," his father replied. "But, before we get to it, I did want to apologize about Aiz."

"Why would you need to apologize?" Bell asked, confused.

"Because I didn't need to tell Aiz about her mother, at least not yet. In fact, I was actually seriously considering waiting on telling her, Riveria even asked me to do just that. And I was very tempted to leave it be, but it just didn't feel right to keep it from her. So, that's why I'm apologizing."

Bell smiled softly at his father.

"No, you were absolutely right to tell her. She had the right to know, and hiding it from her, even if there was a good reason, would have been cruel and may have actually backfired. So, no, you did the right thing, Dad. You have no need to apologize."

Achilles smiled and went up to Bell and hugged him.

"Thank you, Bell. I'm glad that you're not mad at me. I'm also glad that you seem to be in a better mood now. Even with Allen's little appearance and breaking your hand on his face you seem to have gotten back into good spirits."

"Hestia-sama helped me. She talked with me for a little while and reminded me that, as long as we're all still here there will be more opportunities."

"Well, she is a goddess after all. I'm sure in her many years she's picked up many good tidbits of wisdom."

"Yes, and our talk also helped me remember how lucky and happy I am that she found me and made me a part of her familia. There's no other god or goddess I'd rather call mine."

"Not even Zeus?" the Olympian asked.

Bell shook his head.

"Not even Freya?"

"Dad," Bell gave him a look.

"Alright, alright, just checking. Well, I'm glad everything worked out on that front, but," Achilles lost his cheerfulness as a more serious expression grew on his face. "There is something else about Aiz I want to talk to you about."

Noting the change, Bell also lost his smile.

"What is it?"

"I'm concerned." Achilles stated. "Aiz was showing such tremendous progress, enough progress that I was even beginning to set aside my doubts about her and really think you two had a chance. And then that progress evaporated. Maybe not completely," Achilles quickly added, seeing Bell ready to jump in. "But enough that a question formed in my head."

"What question?" Bell asked nervously.

"Bell," his father replied, his voice pained and clearly wishing he did not feel as he did. "You love that girl. I understand that and I understand why. At her best she is exceptional. Beautiful in many different ways. She's kind. Determined. Ditzy, but that has its own charm," he threw in, hoping to ease what came next. "She would make you very happy, I'm sure. But I need you to answer this question, and please be honest."

Bell could only nod.

"Do you believe that your love is enough to break Aiz Wallenstein out of her hatred of the One-Eyed Black Dragon? Or, failing that, can you tell me, at the very least, that should you two find each other, that she will love you more than she hates the Dragon?"

Bell stared at his father, silent as a grave. That was answer enough.

"I feared not," he sighed. "Bell, the fact that you can't answer that makes me very concerned. No, not concerned. Afraid. Afraid of what a future between you and Aiz could bring about. What it would mean for you. You love her, so fiercely. So terribly. It's carved into your soul. She means so much to you and I'm afraid she'll use that against you. Not intentionally," he added quickly. "She's not so cruel or malevolent as that. Indeed, she might not even know she's using you. But, I'm afraid. Afraid for you in a future where Aiz cannot let go of her hate."

"W-What are you saying, Dad?" Bell asked, his voice shaking as a sense of dread washed over him.

"I'm saying Bell that, if I believe that Aiz, intentionally or otherwise, looks like she's going to drag you into a fight with the One-Eyed Black Dragon, a fight that can only end in your death, then I will prevent that."

"H-H-," Bell couldn't say it, he knew what his father meant. He swallowed and took as large a breath as his thundering heart would allow. "How?"

Achilles stared right into his son's eyes when he answered.

"By killing her."

The world froze.

"Y-," Bell couldn't speak. His mind and heart were in chaos. His whole body felt cold. So cold that it was a miracle he didn't begin to shiver. "You don't mean that. Y-You can't… you can't mean that."

"I do Bell. As much as I hate to say it, I do. And understand that this is not a part of your training. If Aiz puts you at risk of facing down the Dragon, I will remove that threat, by any means necessary."

"No, you're lying!" Bell screamed. "I know you're lying. I remember what you told us the day you told Aiz about her mother. You said you were honor bound to help her to repay your debt to Aria Waldstein. You vowed to aid her. You can't hurt her! You can't! Your honor wouldn't allow it!"

"It isn't very honorable to threaten your friends either," Achilles pointed out. "Or use young women's feelings against them for a 'training exercise' but I did both of those. Besides Bell, if you think my vow to repay Aria Waldstein or that my honor matters more to me than your life, you should quickly reconsider."

Understanding that Achilles spoke the truth and was dead set on this path, Bell's head fell.

"You will not touch her," he growled lowly, barely loud enough for Achilles to hear.

"I will do what I must," he stated resolutely as he got in position for what he knew was coming. "Even if it earns your hatred."

"Heaven forgive me," Achilles thought as his heart wailed in agony at the torment he was putting it through.

"Earn my hatred?" Bell asked, now a bit louder. However, something was off. His voice seemed...different. Lower. Colder. Crueller.

"You already have," he turned his eyes to his father.

Achilles's eyes widened.

"What are those eyes?"

"YOU WILL NOT TOUCH HER!"

The cry shook the heavens, but Achilles had no time to react to the roar as, before he even realized it, Bell was in front of him

"How did he-?!"

Bell slashed at him. Achilles barely had time to block the first attack and nearly faltered at the force of it.

"He's stronger. And faster. What the hell is going on?!" Achilles asked himself as he stared into Bell's eyes.

"You will not touch her," Bell growled, pressing harder against Dragon's Bane.

Achilles groaned as he actually found himself being pushed back.

"Where did this strength come from?"

Deciding he needed to go on the offensive, Achilles firmly planted himself and pushed back against Bell. He successfully managed to push his son off, but the relief lasted only a moment as the boy immediately rushed him again and lashed out with even greater fury.

"He's attacking without care or control. There's no strategy or planning in any of his strikes. He's just coming at me with fury alone. Like an animal. No. Not an animal. Like a monster," he realized. "And like a monster, his only goal," his heart clenched painfully. "Is to kill me."

That terrible thought distracted him just long enough for Bell to get an opening and kick him in the face.

As the former captain reeled, the enraged younger captain struck, lashing out across Achilles's back, leaving a nice, long cut along it.

"Agh!" Achilles cried.

He knew he couldn't take this easy anymore, as much as he loved his son, something was wrong and he needed to defeat him quickly in order to figure out what it was.

"Lightning Steps!"

The Olympian suddenly disappeared from Bell's view only to find himself suddenly thrown against the ground hard enough to cause a crater.

Bell groaned in pain, but had little time to regather himself, as he immediately found himself lifted into the air by his fellow captain's foot, only to then be thrown across the field at speeds that would make most heads spin.

"I just need to get him to burn through his energy. No need to really hurt him," Achilles noted, waiting for his son's inevitable response.

He did not have to wait long as, soon enough, a terrible cry went up and Bell was once more coming straight for him. However, now he did not have the speed advantage and with him in a state of rage that didn't allow him to think or strategize, he soon found himself on the defensive as Achilles appeared and reappeared all around him, battering away at him in a series of hit-and-run attacks. Naturally this served to infuriate Bell further, but there was little he could do. He couldn't match the Olympian's speed and he wasn't thinking clearly enough to even try to come up with a plan. As such, he was soon battered and bruised enough that Achilles decided to end things.

Giving one final strike that sent his son flying, Achilles prepared a spell.

"Come to me, oh foul chains from the deepest pits…" he chanted.

However, that all stopped when he heard a familiar, yet horribly unfamiliar sound ring through the air.

The bells of Argonaut began to ring, their song piercing the air, but they were different now. All times before they echoed with hope, announcing the arrival of a hero to overcome some great challenge and save the day. Now things were different. Now the bells sang not of hope, but despair. Rage. Hatred. Now they boomed an ominous song, promising not protection and a savior, but pain and a destroyer.

"That's not good."

Bell sat up, his blood-red eyes boring into the electric blue of the man before him as he stood up and pointing his hand at him.

"That's really not good!"

Switching spells, Achilles quickly began to chant.

"I summon the rage of all the gods on high to me so that I may lay low my foes. May their skies darken and fill them with dread. May they know their end has come."

He finished just in time as Bell roared the magic word.

"FIREBOLT!"

"Storm of the Divine!"

---

Aiz had taken Finn's suggestion to heart. Or, more accurately, Tiona had, and dragged her along.

The five members of Loki familia: Aiz, Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, and Riveria, all made their way through the streets of Orario with no particular destination in mind, simply window shopping and enjoying some time together.

"Oh look!" Tiona cried excitedly.

"That is the third weapon shop you've tried to drag us to," her sister complained.

"What's wrong with that?"

Riveria watched the two sisters bicker with a smile before turning her attention to the reason they were currently out and about.

"Are you alright, Aiz?"

Aiz turned to her and, after a moment, nodded.

"Yes."

The motherly elf had hoped for more, but it was a start.

"Is there any place you'd like to go?"

"I don't really shop," the Sword Princess replied. "Except for things like weapons, armor, and potions, that is."

"Well this is a good opportunity to try it. The sun is out. The air is fresh. And you're with your friends."

Aiz looked around and watched the others. Tiona and Tione were still fighting, with Lefiya now trying to peacefully resolve the argument. Soon enough, a small smile grew on her lips.

"Yes. This is nice."

Riveria's smile grew as relief filled her.

"She's not lost, she just needed a reminder."

A sudden growling noise snapped her back to reality and her eyes focused on the young woman before her who was now blushing.

"I'm sorry," Aiz said.

"Did you forget to eat breakfast again?" Riveria asked with a chuckle.

"I didn't get the chance. Tiona invited me to go shopping the moment I came downstairs and I didn't have the heart to say no."

"Then let's get you something to eat, shall we?"

The two went to a nearby cafe and walked up to the counter.

"Well, it must be my lucky day. First the Rabbit Foot, now the Nine Hells and the Sword Princess," the owner said happily.

The mention of the young man caught Aiz's attention.

"Bell was here?" she asked.

"Yep. Him and his goddess. She was practically bouncing off the walls, but the poor boy seemed a bit under the weather."

"He was sick?" Riveria asked, noticing how Aiz tensed.

"No, I don't think so, at least not physically. Seemed like he had something on his mind, but I didn't pry. Just gave him an extra helping of our secret sauce in hopes of cheering him up a bit," the owner replied.

"I see," the elf replied, taking note of the increasingly worried look Aiz had.

The two ordered and received their food, Riveria making sure to give the owner a good tip before they departed.

"It's my fault Bell's feeling badly, isn't it?" Aiz asked, staring down at her food.

"We can't be sure, but I suspect he misses you."

"I miss him too," Aiz stated instantly.

"Well, I wasn't expect that to come out of her mouth so easily," Riveria thought, her smile returning.

"Then why don't we go visit him later today. I'm sure he'll be very happy to see you."

Aiz's face lit up and she soon gave a vigorous nod.

"Yes, we should visit. You can see Achilles as well."

Riveria's smile vanished and was replaced by a blush.

"I should have seen that coming."

"There you guys are!"

"What was that about the Olympian?"

The two turned to find the other three members of their entourage returning to them, with Tiona smiling, Tione looking annoyed, and Lefiya looking dreadfully tired.

Naturally, Tiona was the last person that Riveria wished to discuss the topic of Achilles with, but the girl's attention had been grabbed and now she would not stop until she was sated.

"Are you going to confess to him?!" she asked excitedly.

"Please, keep your voice down," the elf asked, getting more embarrassed with each passing second.

"Well are you?" Tiona kept pressing.

Riveria sighed.

"I was not making any specific plans on it, no," she said.

"Aah, why not?" the amazon whined. "Don't you love him?"

"Tiona please, we're in public," Riveria pleaded, mortified.

"While I don't agree with my sister's whining, I do have to ask, Riveria, what precisely do you see in him?" Tione inquired, jumping in.

Seeing that all her companions' eyes were now focused solely on her, she sighed again.

"The Achilles you know is quite different from the one I knew many years ago," she began. "Back then he wasn't angry. He was cheerful. Energetic. Optimistic. A bright light of life that pulled you in and made everything seem… better."

All her young female proteges leaned in.

"He was kind. Courageous. Determined. I remember," she laughed as a memory came forward. "How much he loved to dance. No one danced as well as him, in any fashion nor for nearly as long. It was like he was born for it. And he was always there for me. To train. To listen to my problems. To congratulate me on my successes, no matter how small and making me feel like I had accomplished some Herculean feat," her eyes softened with adoration. "He was a good man through and through, that's how he earned my heart."

This was not a side that any of the other ladies of Loki familia had ever seen of their motherly elf, and it took them a while to respond.

"And now?" Tione asked.

"Now," Riveria said, losing a bit of her joyful tone. "His pain has eaten away at him. He's still the same person he always was, deep down, I know that," she said confidently. "But it's buried within him. Underneath the loss of his familia, his past with Freya, and I suspect, a great deal of self-loathing."

A sad silence fell over the group as they simply thought on all this.

"But," Tiona began. "You do love him right? So that means you're not gonna give up on him, right?"

Riveria's smile returned.

"I doubt you would let me even if I wanted to."

The smiles began to return at that, each young woman having a better understanding of both their elven superior and the man who had won her heart. However, there was one person who still had a question she wanted answered.

"Riveria." The elf turned to a certain sword maiden. "What's it like to be love?"

Everyone turned to Aiz.

"Now there's a question I've been waiting to hear," Riveria thought.

"Why the sudden interest?" she couldn't help but ask, wanting to tease, just a bit.

Aiz began to blush and fidget, causing the amazons to smile, and for Lefiya to start tearing up.

"I just… want to know," she said, trying to evade any specific reason.

"Hm. Well, it's a bit difficult to say exactly," Riveria stated. "The best way I can really describe it is that you're happy. But not, regular happy. This happiness runs deeper. It makes you feel warm and light. You feel like things will always be better with the other person around. Sometimes it's actually a bit nerve-wracking as you feel butterflies in your stomach when they're near you or if you think about them. And yet, you don't mind. As weird as it feels or as confusing as it can be, you don't want the feeling to go away. Overall, you just want to be around them. You're pulled towards the person and don't feel any need to resist because you know, even if maybe you're not willing to outwardly admit it, that being with them would bring you joy that few things, if anything else, ever could."

Aiz took this all in, everyone word, a tiny dash of red burning just a bit more brightly with every passing moment as realization finally set in for a question that she had been asking herself quite a lot recently.

"I...I guess I really do love-."

Aiz would not finish that sentence as suddenly a mass of dark energy shot into the sky over Orario and exploded in a roar of terrible power, sending a shock wave of air pulsing through the city streets, throwing items around, causing people to scream and cry in alarm, and nearly knocking many people over.

"What was that?!" Tione demanded asking the question the entire city was now wondering, even as they tried to get over the shock of what had just transpired.

"I'm not sure," Riveria said, before turning her gaze in the direction of the blast.

The remnants of the explosion were still dissipating in the air, giving an approximate location of where the explosion had originated.

"That's in the direction of-."

Aiz suddenly leapt away heading directly towards the origin of the explosion as fast as she could

"Aiz!"

---

Freya looked over the city with her usual smile painted on her lips.

"My lady," came the voice of Ottar. "They have arrived."

"Send them in," she said, her voice as sultry as ever.

A moment later the sound of feet echoed through her room.

"You've all been very naughty," she said, not even turning to face her familia.

"Our only desire is to serve you, my lady," came the voice of Allen Fromel.

"By attacking my beloved Bell?" she asked, finally turning around.

"No my lady. Indeed, we only went in search of him to ask that he finally respond to your letter. It was he that attacked us, even going so far as to throw in our faces that he knew we could not attack him due to your affections," the catman lied.

Freya walked up to her bowing officer, and yanked his head up so that he was staring into her eyes.

"You shouldn't lie to your goddess, Allen."

"M-My lady?"

"I am well aware of what transpired between all of you and my Bell," she stated. "I watched the entire scene take place from start to finish."

A nervous sweat dripped down the officers' skin.

"I knew you would try something eventually, your disdain for my dear Bell has been evident since the beginning," she said, her voice gaining the tiniest hint of anger. This lasted but a moment as her smile soon returned, only this time, the euphoria practically rolled off her. "Lucky for you, your actions allowed me to see something quite spectacular. To know that my Bell has come so far that he is willing to challenge all of you so directly, even using physical force was quite the sight to see," she said in evident delight. "So, given that no harm came to him, and I was provided such a delectable sight, I shall forgive you all for today, but," she warned, her voice cold and eyes barring down on her wayward officers. "Should you act out again I will be forced to punish you all quite… severely. Am I understood?"

Now sweating quite noticeably, all her officers, minus Ottar, bowed.

"Yes, Freya-sama!" they said.

"Good," she said, her voice returned to normal. "Then you are all-."

A shadow suddenly covered the room and a moment later the windows cracked as the sound of rushing air shook the room.

Turning around in surprise, Freya's eyes turned to the city, soon discovering it was not the city she needed to focus on, but the remnants of some dark explosion over the city.

Moving her eyes, she quickly discovered where the explosion had originated, her eyes widened in minor shock and extreme interest.

"Are you alright my lady?" Ottar asked, appearing by her side.

"Perfectly fine, Ottar, however, it appears something has happened at Hearthfire Manor," she said, turning her eyes to him.

Understanding instantly, he bowed.

"I shall leave immediately."

The boaz departed, leaving Freya to turn back towards the now frantic city, a smile on her lips.

"I wonder what could have caused that."

---

Eina sat on the bench, lunch in her lap, smiling contently as she soaked in the sun.

"Such a nice day," she thought, happily absorbing the sun's rays.

"Eina-san!"

She turned and found Misha running towards her, lunch box in hand.

"Sorry I'm late, my supervisor kept me back and wouldn't let me leave even though it was lunch time," she complained.

"Did you complete your work?" Eina asked with a teasing tone.

"I was gonna when I got back!" her fellow Guild work swore.

Eina laughed.

"Well, it's all done now, so you can enjoy your lunch without having to worry about it."

"I guess you're right," the pinkette admitted.

The two ate their lunches, talking cheerfully as they watched people pass by.

"So," Misha said, gaining a predatory gleam. "What's going on with you and the Rabbit Foot?"

Eina spit out her drink and began coughing violently.

"W-What… what are you talking about?" she asked, her face red.

"Oh come on, don't try and pretend that there is something between you two."

"T-There's absolutely nothing between us! I'm just his advisor!" Eina denied. "And even if there was that it would be between myself and Bell-kun."

"Ah come on Ein-."

She was cut off as the sky darkened and a terrible wind threw the girls against the bench they were sitting on.

Both quickly turned in the direction of the blast and saw the same darkened sky that every other resident of Orario was seeing.

"What the heck is that?" Misha asked, more than a bit freaked out.

"I don't know," Eina said.

"But… isn't that in the direction of Bell's home?" she thought, fear eating at her heart.

---

Achilles's breath came out ragged and heavy, but he was still standing.

"Though I can't say I'm in great condition."

The attack had not been an easy one to block and even more difficult to redirect, both of which had come at a price.

The skin of his hands and arms was all burned away, revealing the bone and muscle underneath and his clothes had been reduced to barely more than burnt rags. That was not the only skin missing either, the blast had burned away some of the skin off his cheeks, allowing just a bit of white to be seen under his eyes. His shoes were gone, but his feet and legs were relatively fine, at least in comparison to his hands and arms. All of this, combined with extreme exhaustion after pouring his magic into his counter-attack made it very hard to stand. The smell of burnt flesh didn't help either.

However, he could not allow himself to fall, not until he was sure of something, and that something was standing a few paces away, his hand raised from his recent attack.

Bell was still glaring at him when the smoke cleared, the rage that fueled the attack having a few embers left, before exhaustion finally overtook Bell and his eyes rolled back and he collapsed.

"Bell!"

Achilles turned to find the rest of the Hestia familia running towards them as fast as they could.

Ryuu was the first to reach the downed captain, and quickly checked to see if he was alright. Finding his pulse and discovering he was still breathing, she let out a breath of release.

"He's alright. It's just Mind Zero," she said.

A bit of relief passed over the Hestia familia, but this lasted only a moment as they remembered what they had just witnessed, as well as the ex-captain only a few feet away.

"Achilles!" Hestia cried in shock, seeing his current state. "Are you alright?!"

"I'll be fine," he tried to reassure, though when he held up his hand to try and calm her, the sight of his bones did the exact opposite.

"What happened?" Lili asked, as disturbed as the rest of them by what they had just witnessed.

"In all honesty, I'm not completely sure," Achilles answered, his mind trying its best to make sense of what he witnessed.

No one knew what to say. They were desperate for answers given the immensity of what just happened, but none was sure how to proceed.

"Will think about this later," Hestia finally decided. "Right now, we need to take Bell inside to rest, and you need to be healed."

"I'll take care of that later," he responded.

"What? Why?" the goddess asked.

"Because the entire city just saw that," he pointed towards the sky. "And no doubt we're about to have company."

A new wave of nervousness passed over everyone.

"Then I'll go up and talk to those that come," Hestia stated.

"You don't know what happened."

"Neither do you, apparently," she countered.

"I don't really understand it, but I did partake, they'll take my word more readily as such. Once I'm done with whoever comes, I'll come back and tell you what happened as best as I can."

Everyone looked at each other, trying to figure out what best to do. Finally, and begrudgingly, they accepted Achilles's 'plan' if one could call it that.

"Very well, but I want a full report once you're back, you hear me?"

"Of course," Achilles said, bowing.

Everyone went back inside, the worried members of Hestia familia, taking their young captain upstairs while Achilles prepared himself for whatever was to come once he went outside.

He headed towards the front door, deciding to check to see how many had arrived already, finding at least a dozen already at the gates, one of whom he recognized instantly.

"Of course she'd be the first."

Aiz stood at the gate, pressing the bell over and over, desperately hoping someone would answer. She was severely tempted to simply jump the fence and burst in, but was stopped just before she did so by the sound of her name being called.

"Aiz!"

She turned and found Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, and Riveria running towards her.

"Geez, don't just run off like that, we want to know what's going on too," Tiona said.

"I'm sorry, it's just…," Aiz didn't know what to say.

"It's alright," Riveria said stepping forward. "We understand, and we're just as worried as you are."

Feeling a bit calmer, Aiz took a deep breath and nodded.

"Has anyone responded?"

That calm instantly disappeared the moment she heard that voice.

She and her familia all spun around to find Ottar standing only a few paces away.

"What are you doing here, Ottar?" Riveria asked.

"That explosion caught the attention of the entire city, my lady very much included. The fact that it has originated from here only serves as more justification for my being here," he stated.

None of them liked that, but none were prepared to try and compel him to leave.

By this point nearly a hundred people had arrived at the gates, hoping for answers as to the many questions connected with what they just witnessed, and all with a tinge of fear in their hearts.

"I think I see something," Lefiya called.

Everyone turned towards the direction she was looking and found the front door of the manor opening.

"Who is it?" someone asked.

"I can't tell yet."

The Loki familia and Ottar all waited for the person to draw nearer. Of course, they all instantly recognized that it was Achilles, but at the same time they all recognized that something was off. Once he got close enough, they realized why.

Lefiya gasped and Tiona and Tione did not look at ease as the full sight of the Olympian drew closer. Ottar's eyes narrowed as his former mentor and rival approached with his injuries bared to the world. Aiz fared little better than the amazons, her eyes widening in shock at seeing his state. The worst however, was Riveria, who felt a deep horror fill her as her eyes took in the sight of his burnt flesh and exposed muscle and bone.

"Achilles...what happened?"

Reaching the gate, Achilles pulled it open and stepped outside, ignoring the many looks he, or more accurately his wounds, were receiving.

"Afternoon," he greeted calmly. "I'm here to explain what you all just witnessed."

"Is that the same reason you are also currently injured, Achilles?" Ottar asked.

The ex-captain nodded.

"It is."

"Forget that for a moment! Achilles let me heal you!" Riveria cried, already preparing a spell.

"It's alright Riveria, I'll heal up once I'm done here. This needs to be explained as quickly as possible so that the entire city doesn't go completely crazy."

"But-."

"After. I swear," he said.

She was extraordinarily reluctant to leave him as he was, but she could practically feel the increasing number of eyes and ears pointing their way, and so relented.

"Thank you," he said, giving her the best smile he could at the moment.

"So," he began, his voice loud enough for all to hear. "Today I decided to train the Hestia familia in psychological attacks. The point was to boost their resistance to taunts, jeers, and distractions during a fight. I went through each of the members of the Hestia familia, ending with Bell Cranel. I did not hold back with any of them, and Bell was no exception. I hit a nerve. Indeed," he sighed, shame filling his features. "I went too far. Very much too far with my attacks. The result was, in all honesty, justified. My son attacked me with all the fury and rage he could muster. The end result," he pointed to the sky. "Was what you all saw. That was an Argonaut enhanced Firebolt, like the one I hear you all saw during the War Game with Apollo, only this one was far more powerful, as you can clearly see," he held up his hands. "All in all, what you just witnessed was the manifestation of the following statement. Do not, ever, make Bell Cranel angry."

This was a bit much to take in for those present. Bell Cranel, after all, while a respected adventurer of known quality, was not someone anyone thought to fear. It simply wasn't in his nature to be fearsome, intimidating, or terrifying. The closest anyone had seen to him actually being any of these things was his confrontation with Freya at her party. He had shown a level of fearsomeness at that moment, but it was in a bout of anger, and understandable anger against someone who had just made a move against his family. This led many to wonder what precisely could have been said to make the Rabbit Foot enraged enough to inflict those kinds of injuries on his own father.

For her part, Aiz could not believe it was true.

"That can't be right. Bell would never do anything like that. Especially not to someone he cares for. That's not who he is," she said.

"I pushed him too far," Achilles reiterated simply, though the regret in his voice was greater than before. "I take the entire blame and full responsibility for what transpired. As I said, these injuries were justified. I hurt him. Quite deeply, much to be immense regret. However, you are completely right to defend him. Bell is a good, noble, and kind young man. That said, I have heard it said that the most terrifying thing in the world is a good man who has been pushed too far. Even monsters will tire and retreat in time, but a man of virtue and quality, when pushed over the line, will not. He will never tire. He will never stop. Or so the saying goes," Achilles explained.

"What did you say to set him off?" Ottar asked.

"That is for me to know and for you to never find out," Achilles answered. "Nor should you want to, else you would run the risk of facing what I did, and if my boy is willing to do this to me, I can't imagine what he'd be willing to do to you."

Ottar did not seem to care for that answer, but then again, Achilles didn't care if he did. Besides, he was too focused on the lie he had just said.

"He was willing to do this because I was his father. A father who just threatened to kill the woman he loved."

His heart sank deeper into his stomach, and it was only when a soft hand touched his shoulder that he was able to snap out of it.

"Achilles?" Riveria called softly.

He smiled as best he could.

"I'm fine," he reassured her, though it was clear she didn't believe that for even half a moment. "Anyway, that's about all I have to say, so if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to go deal with my injuries."

"Wait!"

He and everyone else turned to find Eina sweating and breathing heavily.

"Is… is Bell-kun alright?" she asked.

"Yes, Bell is fine. He sustained no injuries, he simply overused his magic."

Eina seemed relieved, as did Aiz and the members of the Loki familia, though there were those amongst the crowd who did not seem so at ease. Whether this was because the knowledge that the Hestia familia captain managed to injure the famous ex-captain of Zeus familia without injury, or perhaps out of simple jealousy of his apparent power, was not discernable, but whatever their reasons, Achilles did not care.

"Well, if there's nothing else," he said, turning around again.

"My lady will expect more."

"Your lady," Achilles said, turning to face Ottar. "Can expect whatever she wants, doesn't mean she'll get it, no matter how many times she claims to 'always getting what she wants'."

Ottar glared at Achilles but made no reply, allowing Achilles to finally depart, leaving behind a still quite frightened group outside the gates, including a certain green-haired elf.

"Achilles, what happened between you two? What could have possibly driven him to this end?"

Not far away, a golden-haired princess stared at Hearthfire Manor in the direction of its captain.

"Please be alright, Bell."

---

Achilles re-entered Hearthfire Manor and sighed heavily.

"Why did I do this? Why did I say that? I could have explained my worry to him without going after Aiz like that. Why would I say that?!" he screamed internally as his face fell into his hand. "Why would I effectively force him to choose him between me and the woman he loves," tears began to form at the corner of his eyes. "And now the whole city is scared shitless, again, and that fear is directed right at him. Gods," his heart was ready to explode in guilt. "I'm so sorry, Bell."

"Achilles?"

He looked up and found Hestia and the rest of her familia a few paces away.

"I explained what happened to the people outside, so, with any luck, that information should start to spread and things will calm down," he said quickly, hoping that they wouldn't ask questions about his current state.

Naturally, they were inclined to do just that. No one failed to notice the distress look on his face or the tears that he was barely managing to restrain. They could tell how desperately he wished not to talk about what was eating him alive, but they also knew that they would have to, given it was unquestionably related to what transpired with Bell.

"Alright," Hestia said softly. "Then can you explain to us what precisely happened."

He nodded, as the strength to even speak was becoming increasingly harder to find.

They all made their way to the living room and took their seats, waiting as patiently as possible for Achilles to begin.

"I know of two ways to get under Bell's skin. The first, is all of you," he said, looking at each of them. "You're his familia. His friends. His family. Going after you, even with words will have a good chance of earning his ire."

They all nodded, Welf and Lili both thinking back to their initial fight with Apollo familia.

"The second, is Aiz Wallenstein," Achilles continued. "And given recent events I decided to follow that route with Bell."

Nervousness began to seep into the members of the Hestia familia.

"I began by apologizing to him for telling Aiz about her mother. Given that my doing so led to the rift reopening between the two of them, I felt it was appropriate. Then, I began going on the offensive."

Fists tightened, the worry in everyone's eyes grew, and someone was tapping their foot anxiously.

"I began to question him on her. More specifically, on her desire to kill the One-Eyed Black Dragon. I pointed out how easy it was for her to fall back into her anger and vengeance and then I asked him if he believed his love would be enough to pull her out of her rage. Or, failing that, would she be able to love him more than she hated the Dragon. He was unable to answer."

The worry began to suffocate all those in the room, but they knew they couldn't stop him. They needed the truth, even if they didn't want it.

"And so," Achilles voice began to crack. "I told him that, if need be, I would protect him, even from her. I told him that, if there was a risk that if," he choked for a moment. "That if there was a risk she would pull him into a fight with the One-Eyed Black Dragon, I would… intervene."

That last word hung over all of them like a sword.

"Intervene… how?" Hestia managed to ask.

His only answer was to look into her eyes.

"Oh."

The realization of his words passed through all of them and froze them to their core. They all understood why he would make such a threat, they truly did, and in some ways might have even been grateful. They didn't want to lose Bell to anything, and that certainly included due to the actions of Aiz Wallenstein. Yet, they all understood the implications of that threat, namely how it would affect Bell and the anger and fear it would fill him with.

Hestia stood, catching everyone's attention. She walked up to Achilles, who was slouched over in shame and guilt, but who managed to hold her eyes, if only barely.

"I understand why you would do that, Achilles-kun," she said, her voice gentle, yet holding an unmistakable sternness. "And I thank you for caring about Bell so much and wanting to protect him so desperately. That makes me very happy. However," her voice lost all gentleness. "You and I both know how much that would hurt Bell. How it would strike at his heart to hear his own father threaten the woman who's earned his heart." Achilles couldn't hold her eyes anymore and his gaze fell as guilty tears finally began to freely flow. "I do not want my Bell hurting, for any reason. Not from a simple papercut. Not because Aiz Wallenstein has been threatened. And not because he has come to hate the man whom he so happily claimed as his father."

Achilles looked back up, his crying eyes staring at the unwavering eyes of the goddess.

"So you will rescind your threat, just as you did with the Loki familia, but you will do so with the most complete and sincere apology that has ever been given. Not for the threat you made against Aiz Wallenstein. As far as I'm concerned you simply acted as a father and sought to protect your son. Cruel though the threat might be. No, you will apologize because that threat has torn you two apart. Two people who should love and trust each other. That is what you will apologize for," Hestia ordered.

Achilles could not answer, not with words. His body could barely manage to hold her gaze. So, he did the one thing he could. He bowed, his head falling as far as it could, before giving a single, shaking but resolute nod.

"Good. Now heal yourself. Get on some new clothes. Clean yourself up and prepare for whatever my Bell-kun will throw at you when he wakes up."

Achilles nodded again and got up silently, before departing the room, leaving behind a silent Hestia familia filled with worry.

---

Syr was working as hard as she could, not because she had suddenly gained a strong work habit, but to try and distract herself. Unfortunately, it appeared that no matter how desperately she tried to not think about what had happened only a few hours earlier, luck would not allow her to forget it.

"So you're saying it was the Rabbit Foot?" one of the patrons asked the man beside him.

She froze for a moment, but quickly shook it off, pretending she had misheard or that they were talking about some other 'Rabbit Foot'.

"Yeah, I have a pal who was there when the Olympian explained everything. Said that the attack was because the Rabbit was pissed off about something."

She tried to shut off her ears, to drown out what she was hearing, but she couldn't.

"Shit, that blast looked like it could level a city block and it came from the Rabbit? Shit, he's scarier than I thought."

"Yeah, the whole city's freaking out. I've even begun hearing that there are familia who are looking to nab him or even, you know," the guy ran his thumb across his throat.

The tray in Syr's hands nearly broke.

"Can't really blame them can we? If the Rabbit Foot can do that he could take out a freaking familia by himself. But the question is, how would they get past the Olympian?"

"From what I heard they might not need to. My friend said that when the Olympian came out he looked like a freaking corpse. Burns everywhere. Bones sticking out. Blood dripping from him. He might be dead by now."

"Shit, you serious? The Rabbit Foot killed the Olympian? If that's true he really needs to be taken out before he destroys the whole freaking city."

Syr couldn't take anymore, and slammed her tray down, catching the attention of everyone in the Hostess of Fertility.

"Don't you dare-!"

The sound of shattering wood cut her off and everyone refocused on the counter where an angry Mama Mia held her fist over the ruined furniture.

"This is a place of food and drink. A place to relax and have fun, not plan assassinations, especially not of one of my best customers." she said. "So if you want to talk about that filth you can pay your tab and head elsewhere, you bastards!"

The two guys that had been talking were effectively cowed and quickly shut up before focusing all their attention on their food.

"Syr." The gray-haired young woman turned. "Come here," Mia ordered.

Syr did as ordered and headed towards the back where Mia was waiting for her with her arms crossed.

"I won't ask you if you're alright, 'cause you're definitely not, but I will tell you not to listen to fools like that."

"I'm sorry, Mama," she said meekly.

"Did I ask for an apology? If you're going to apologize, apologize for slacking off at work, not because the boy your pining for scared the city shitless."

"Mama," Syr said, not knowing what else to say.

"The kid's no monster," Mia pressed on. "Whatever set him off was probably a one-time thing. Even if it wasn't the kid's allowed to get pissed off everyone once in a while. Monsters trying to kill him. Crazy gods trying to claim him, and a father who can be the world's biggest asshole, he's got a lot on his plate. He has the right to get pissed off every once in a while. That doesn't mean however that he's suddenly become a bad kid. Got that?"

Surprised by the defense of the boy she loved, it took Syr a moment to regain herself, but when she did, she smiled.

"Yes Mama. Thank you," she said, bowing.

"Thank me by doing your job and doing it well."

"Yes ma'am!" Syr said, quickly departing to get back to work.

Mia watched her go then sighed.

"Please don't prove me wrong, kid."

---

Bell's eyes slowly fluttered open.

For a moment he wondered where he was before he recognized that he was in his room.

"How did I get here?" he wondered.

He turned his head and found Hestia sleeping beside him.

"Hestia-sama?"

Even in sleep, the goddess reacted to the young man she loved and began to awaken. A few moments later, she sat up, cleared her eyes, then looked at him.

"Oh, Bell-kun, you're awake," she said with a smile.

"What happened?" he asked, his mind still foggy.

"You… you had a fight with your father," she said wearily.

Everything rushed back to Bell's mind and his eyes darkened and his fists tightened.

"Caesar-san."

The cold, formal way her captain said that hurt Hestia as she hated seeing him so angry and at someone he truly did care for.

"I understand why you're angry, Bell. He went too far."

"He told you?" he asked, his voice holding none of the usual gentleness it had when speaking with her.

She nodded.

"He did. He told all of us, and he's very sorry."

Bell growled.

"He should never have threatened her in the first place."

"He knows that, but he's just so protective of you," she tried to defend the ex-captain.

"I can take care of myself."

"That doesn't mean others don't want to protect and help you, Bell-kun. No matter how strong you are, I, our familia, your father, will want to protect you. So please," she placed her hand against his cheek. "Allow him to apologize. Yell and scream at him all you want, but forgive him because I know you, Bell, and I know you love him. Your anger only proves that as it shows how hurt you are by what he did. That's why he will apologize to you, completely and totally, and it's why you need to forgive him. So that you can reunite with your father."

Bell wanted to argue. Wanted to scream and shout how much he hated Achilles Caesar. That the man was evil and his threat was proof of it. That he regretted ever claiming the older captain at his father, but he couldn't. Not when his goddess was talking to him so gently. Not when she was looking at him the way she was, and not when he knew she was speaking the truth.

"I'll hear him out," he said bitterly.

Hestia smiled and kissed his forehead.

"Thank you, Bell-kun."

He departed and a moment later he heard her calling for Achilles.

The former captain walked inside, shame evident on everyone inch of his body. Yet, for all his shame and for all his guilt, he still looked his son in the eye. Bell deserved that much.

"Bell," he said, bowing.

"Caesar-san."

A knife to the heart would have hurt less than that and Achilles doubled over as that name echoed in his mind.

"I… I-I'm here to apologize."

"For what, precisely?" Bell asked, wanting, nay, demanding the man before him say it.

"For… for threatening Aiz Wallenstein."

"Threatening her… how?" Bell growled.

"By threatening her life," Achilles said, unable to meet Bell's gaze.

Bell's nails bit into his hand, breaking the skin.

"Did you mean it?"

"At the time, yes," Achilles admitted.

Bell's teeth gnashed together.

"Why?"

"Because," Achilles looked back up at him. "I love you, Bell, and the thought of losing you hurts me like nothing else has."

"If you loved me you wouldn't threaten the person I love!" Bell roared, jumping out of bed.

"You're right. You're absolutely right," Achilles willingly admitted. "I should have found a different way. A better way. I let my own fear and anger overshadow my reason and my compassion and for that," he fell to his knees. "I am sorry," he placed his head firmly against the floor. "Because of my own foolishness I did the last thing I ever wanted to do. Hurt you. I can never apologize enough for that, but I will do whatever it takes, for however long it takes to make it up to you."

Bell stared down at Achilles, the man who he so recently looked up to, the one who he had called his father and loved as a son loves a father, with scorn.

"Then rescind your threat," he demanded.

"Done," Achilles replied instantly. "I will never lay a malevolent hand on her, I swear."

Bell continued to stare down at him.

"Not enough."

Achilles pressed his head more firmly against the ground.

"What else would you have of me?"

"A father protects his children, but he also works towards their happiness. You have fulfilled the first requirement, but failed in the second, as such, you are not a father."

A part of Achilles died at that.

"However, there is a way for you to do both."

Achilles's head shot up, his tearful eyes staring directly into the eyes of the boy he wished to once more be able to call 'son'.

"What must I do?" he asked desperately.

"I love Aiz. I want to stand by her side through good and through ill. If that means facing the One-Eyed Black Dragon, so be it." Achilles's nails bit into the floor. "So, there's only one option," Bell squatted before the only survivor of the Dragon. "Help us."

"W-What?"

"Help us. Train us. Make us stronger. Strong enough that we can defeat it, together. Ensure that we survive by being our mentor, our protector, and our ally. Do that, and you can fulfill both roles. Do that, and you can be a father. My father," Bell said, his anger finally dissipating as he offered the one chance at redemption Achilles would ever have.

"I…"

"What matters more to you? Your fear of the Dragon or your son?" a voice echoed in his mind.

That was all he needed and soon, his eyes lost their misery, fear, and confusion, and regained their fire.

"I won't let you down, ever again."

Bell finally smiled, lifting the weight off both their souls.

"Then it's a deal," he said, holding out his hand.

Achilles took the hand and Bell pulled him to his feet. The moment he was back up, Achilles pulled his son into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry Bell. I'm so sorry. I promise I'll never hurt you again. No matter what, I'll never make you regret choosing me again."

"I know, Dad. I know," Bell said, returning the hug.

---

Outside the door, Hestia smiled and turned to the rest of the Hestia familia, who were awaiting the results of Bell and Achilles's talk.

Her smile and a thumb's up was enough for their anxiety and fear to finally dissipate and they all let out a breath of relief as things were set right.

Hestia's smile grew as all the negative feelings that had consumed them disappeared and she had to hold in a laugh of relief.

"Honestly, you two are such a handful," she thought looking towards the door. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."

---

Achilles maintained his respectful bow during the entire process, knowing now was not the time for anything but the fullest courtesy and politeness.

"A training exercise?" Ouranos asked, reaffirming what he'd heard.

"Yes, Ouranos-sama. A psychological training, to be precise."

"And the explosion of magical energy that countless citizens of this city saw was a result of you 'pushing' Bell Cranel too far?"

"Yes, Ouranos-sama."

"And you still refuse to say what exactly you said to Bell Cranel?"

"Forgive me, Ouranos-sama, but yes. It doesn't seem right to divulge that information, but I can swear it will never happen again."

"You and I both know that you cannot make that promise, Achilles Caesar." Achilles did not respond. "The city is in a state of panic due to the many incidents that have happened recently, disturbing the peace of Orario. Monsters on the surface. Familias destroyed. Powerful magic being shot into the sky. Twice. Combined with the concern over a potential war in the streets. This does not sit well with me, Achilles Caesar. None of this does."

"I understand, Ouranos-sama."

The elder god stared down at the human before him, before letting out an uncharacteristic sigh.

"Not all of this is your fault however. Indeed, much of it occurred before your return and is just a mess you have stepped into. That said, I cannot overlook the incidents you are involved in. As such, I am fining you again for your actions. One million valis seems enough for now. But I am also stipulating that, in the future, you will answer my summons for a mission that I shall give you. Am I understood?"

"Perfectly, Ouranos-sama."

"Then you are dismissed."

Achilles bowed more deeply, then departed, leaving the god to continue his prayers and ponder the future of Orario.

Achilles made his way through the city, noting the renewed attention on himself and the increased number of whispers.

"Give it a week. They'll find something else to talk about," he thought, hoping that whatever it was had absolutely nothing to do with him.

He returned to Hearthfire Manor and planned on checking in on Bell before trying to catch up on some sleep. His plans changed however when he was met by the sight of an anxious looking Hestia.

"Hestia-sama? Is something wrong?" he asked.

"No, well... not really." He grew confused. "It's just… I updated Bell's status and he's levelled up."

"Bell's a level five now?" She nodded. "That's great!"

"It is. And he got a new skill, but you see… that's the problem."

"How can that be a problem?" Achilles asked, more confused than before.

Hestia's response was to hand him Bell's status sheet.

Achilles took it and began searching for the new skill. When he found it, he immediately understood.

"Oh," he said.

"Yeah. When Bell saw it he just went quiet. I think you should talk to him," she suggested.

"I'll do that."

Making his way upstairs, Achilles went up to Bell's door and knocked.

"Bell?" he called, slowly opening the door.

His son was sitting on his bed, looking quite unhappy for someone who had just become an official upper-class adventurer.

"Bell," Achilles said, giving his son a gentle smile.

"Hi Dad," was the young man's only response.

"And why, young man, aren't you celebrating?"

"Because I… I got a new skill and-."

"It's not what you expected?" Achilles finished.

Bell finally looked up and nodded.

"Well, I'll admit I was a bit surprised when I saw it," the Olympian said, looking over the status sheet. "But then again this just reinforces what I already knew. Don't, under any circumstances, make you mad," he joked with a smile.

"Dad…"

"Bell," Achilles said, taking a seat next to his son. "This," he said holding up the sheet. "Isn't a bad thing. Heck, this isn't even the first time I've seen a skill like this. Finn has a skill like this too," he pointed out.

"He does?" Bell asked.

"Mhmm. It's one of the reasons I try to avoid pissing him off too. So, don't think this is some sort of negative reflection on you, Bell."

"But," Bell still wasn't wholly convinced. "Isn't this because of what I did?"

"And what did you do Bell, besides becoming a level five in less than a year?"

"I… I tried to kill you."

The room fell silent for a moment before the unlikeliest sound echoed through it. Laughter.

Bell turned to his father in shock.

"Is that all?" Achilles asked.

"W-Wha-?"

"Bell, I totally deserved what you did. I threatened someone close to your heart. I not only deserved that particular ass-kicking, but needed it. I was monstrous at that moment so don't feel guilty for even a moment for giving me my just desserts."

"Dad…" Bell wasn't sure what to say given that the normal reaction to being told that someone tried to kill you wasn't laughter.

"Bell," Achilles said, smiling. "You did nothing wrong."

"I… I don't think I can believe that."

Seeing the state his son was in, Achilles got up and took a knee in front of him.

"Then how do we fix this? I can't exactly leave my boy feeling all guilty when he's not."

"I want to make it up to you. What I did was wrong, I know it was. No matter how angry I was I shouldn't have done what I did. So please, tell me how I can make this up to you, Dad."

Achilles wanted to say that he didn't need Bell to make anything up to him, but seeing the look in his eyes, he knew that wouldn't do. So he began to think, trying to find something that they could both agree to that would resolve this issue.

"What could he do or what could I ask for that would relieve him of this guilt?"

He thought for a few moments when the answer came to him, and he smiled.

"I think I have an idea," he told his son. "It's actually something I've been considering for a while now and I think I'm ready to ask it."

"Anything. Whatever it is, I'll do!" Bell immediately stated, jumping on the opportunity to correct his mistake.

"Alright, but we're going to need Hestia for this."

Bell titled his head in confusion, which only made Achilles's smile widen.

---

Every member of the Hestia familia was practically bouncing in excitement.

"I can't believe this is happening," Haruhime said, brightly smiling.

"Yeah, can't say I expected this to happen, not that I'm complaining," Welf said, smiling himself.

"Lili just wished it didn't take so much craziness for it to happen," the resident prum stated.

The sound of feet approaching caused them all to turn and Hestia and Achilles soon appeared before them, both beaming.

"Well, with that all done, I think we need to head to the Guild to make it official," Achilles said.

"Yep! Boy, I can't wait to see the looks on their faces," Hestia said, pushing out her chest in prideful delight.

"No time like the present," Bell said, smiling at his father.

"Then let's get to it," Achilles said, returning the smile.

The entire familia made their way through the streets of Orario, aware of all the looks they were getting, but not caring in the least, not only because of what to come, but because they knew that, once it happened, everyone would be talking about something else.

They arrived, and Bell soon noticed Eina.

"Eina-san!"

The half-elf looked up, surprised to see not only Bell, but his whole familia and Achilles with him.

"Bell-kun? Are you alright?" she asked having heard no news about his condition since Achilles's had told her he was fine.

"Yes I'm fine. Actually I'm great!" he said, smiling.

The smile caught her off guard, having been worried about him for nearly two days, but she quickly decided that she wasn't about to complain and smiled back.

"What has you so happy?" she asked.

"That's actually why we're here," Achilles said, stepping forward. "You see, we need your help with two little things."

"Oh? How can I help?"

"Well, firstly, we need to update Bell's information at the Guild since he's now a level five."

"You levelled up again?!" Eina asked, loud enough for everyone in the Guild to hear her.

"Yep," Bell said, giving her the same bright smile he'd given her when he'd first leveled up, though this time it caused her heart to jump and her face to warm up.

"That's wonderful!" she said after calming herself down. "I'll be happy to help you. And what's the other thing you need?" she asked Achilles.

"I need to update my own information. Namely I need to re-register my familia," Achilles stated.

"You're going to restart the Zeus familia?" Eina questioned in shock, earning even more interest from those in the Guild.

The members of the Hestia familia almost laughed in delight as their bounciness became almost uncontrollable.

Achilles, for his part, simply smiled and shook his head.

"No. I need to re-register what familia I'm in given I am no longer a member of the Zeus familia, but the Hestia familia."

Eina's jaw dropped while Misha, who had been listening intently a few feet away, spit out her drink.

They were not the only ones with these reactions and the entire Hestia familia, including its newest member, all beamed as they took in the sight of everyone in the Guild either spitting out their drinks or unhinging their jaws.

---

She watched the adventurer pack with her usual stern gaze.

"Your objective is simply reconissiance, nothing more," she said, taking note of the weapons the woman was packing.

"It may already be too late for that, Hera-sama," the woman replied. "If he's awakened like she said he has then we need to be prepared to do more than simply watch."

"It was a minor incident lasting but a few minutes," Hera stated.

"And can we be sure that it will be the same the next time?" the woman asked.

"Please don't hurt him, Dido."

The goddess and the woman turned towards the new voice.

"As I told Hera-sama, I will do what I must," Dido stated firmly, completely lacking any sympathy towards the new woman.

A fire suddenly grew in the new woman's eyes as she glared at Dido.

"Don't you dare hurt my son," she warned.

Dido didn't even flinch.

"You are terrifying, Aria, but you don't terrify me nearly as much as your son does."

---

Holy Hell! That was a MONSTER. I almost hit 25,000 words with this one. Whew! There were so many times I was tempted to split it again, but I said I was going to get it all done in this chapter and I meant it! But, goodness, not only did I keep having to rewrite and fix this one up to make sure it made sense (I hope), but I kept thinking up new stuff that I wanted to add. Ah, the pains of being a writer.

That said, I am SO happy I finally got to this chapter. This was the one that inspired the whole story and I've been waiting for over a year to finally write it.

So, please do tell me what you think. This one was a bit chaotic and I know it might have come across like I was resolving things too quickly, but I thought it made sense in context and for the story, so I hope you'll forgive me that. It was also a lot longer than my other chapters, but I do hope you all still enjoyed it. From here on out, we'll be diving into the real plot of the story and inching our way towards more and more good stuff (or what I hope will be viewed as good stuff). So, share your thoughts and send me your feedback as I do love hearing from you guys.

With that, I'll sign off for the day and bid you farewell. So, until next time, bye for now.