AUTHOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT: Hi everyone! Sorry to take you away from the story, but I have a big announcement. My book is finally out on Amazon! I finally did it! So I must beg your forgiveness as I shamelessly shill myself.
The book is called Consuls & Slaves and you can find it here: www .amazon . com dp/B08NHR7FF7 (I added some spaces in hope of getting passed Fanfiction. Just delete those spaces and you'll get the link. ) It's under my real name, so I'm effectively tanking my anonymity on this site, but I hope you're all respectful and generous enough not to make me regret that in some way.
The ebook is on sale for free between Monday 11/16/2020 and Friday 11/20/2020, after that the ebook is $3.00 and the paperback is $9.00. Here's the summary for the book:
Rome. City of wine and blood. Conquerors and conquered. Consuls and slaves. It is here that the fate of millions is decided.
Tiberius Galerius, the last of the greatest and wealthiest family in Rome, returns home from the conquest of Gaul tormented by the atrocities he committed there in the name of Rome. He soon discovers, however, that the home he sacrificed so much for is being eaten away from the inside by corruption and that his war is far from over.
He does not fight this battle alone though. Alongside him is his oldest friend, Gnaeus Domitius. Charming and friendly, Gnaeus will join his friend in combating the corruption and injustice that plagues their republic.
However, the two may find that the cost is too great for them to bear. Soon they understand that their lives are not the only things at risk, as their mission may also cost them the ones they love as the demands of their quest become ever greater and more dangerous.
Meanwhile, far outside the walls of Rome, Marcus Artorius prepares for his invasion of the mysterious land across the northern sea. However, the Gauls have not forgiven his past transgressions and seek to inflict terrible retribution upon their new conqueror.
If you're at all interested, I would really appreciate it if you checked it out and told me what you think. Now, that's enough personal shilling, it's time for the actual reason you're here!
Hello everyone, and welcome back. I am terribly sorry for the whole problem getting to see chapter 36 last time. I think I can honestly say it wasn't my bad this time and that Fanfiction appeared to be having some problems. Anyway, with any luck that won't happen this time, not that you'll be able to see this message if it does (sweat drop). Anywho! You're not here for apologies, you're here for the story, so let's get to it.
I do not own Danmachi.
She sat at the table, reading and rereading the letter with an amused, if somewhat irritated smile playing on her lips.
That light show of a captain goes quiet for fifteen years and then suddenly asks us to come help him and a little familia out? That sounds just like him, she chuckled, her eyes turning down to the name that was now piquing her interest. Bell Cranel is it? Well, he must certainly be something if sparkles is calling us back for him.
A few paces away, a group of men were looking at her with desire.
"Would you look at that," one said.
"I know. I've seen some beautiful dark elves, but never one like that," another added.
It was quite understandable why they were all but drooling over her as the woman before them was stunning.
The first thing anyone noticed was that she was a dark elf, and a very nicely proportioned one at that. The second thing one noticed was her golden hair that showed like starlight and dazzled all who saw it. This was as far as most went, including the men now ogling her, but for the more observant, they noticed a few other things that would have given them pause.
She wasn't wearing average attire, at least not for that part of the world. They were clearly the clothes of an adventurer. She wore a reddish brown duster with an insignia on it, not that anyone in that bar or even town would recognize it. For those that managed to pull themselves away from her beauty, they noticed that under this duster was black chain-mail that looked like it could take any cut or slash. On her legs were red shorts and leggings, the latter of which was partly hidden by golden shin guards. Around her neck was a scarlet scarf that partly covered a golden pauldron on her left shoulder. However, the thing that any adventurer worth their salt would notice and be concerned about most, were her gauntlets.
The men in the bar, of course, didn't know it, but these were specialized gauntlets, containing both mythril and adamantine, and cost more than they all, combined, would make in a year. Had they known this, they would not have likely done what they did next.
"I'm going to go talk to her," a third man said.
"Ah, Celeb, you don't deserve a woman like that," the second man stated.
"Fortune favors the bold," he threw back, departing his group right after and making his way over to the elf.
"Hi there beautiful," he greeted, giving her his best smile.
She did not respond.
He was silent for a moment, a bit put off by her lack of response, but he wasn't ready to give up.
"Why is such a lovely creature like yourself sitting here all alone? Someone as gorgeous as you should have some company," he said, reaching for the chair.
A sudden burst of energy sent him flying across the bar to land in front of his friends' table.
The whole bar went silent, except for the sounds of the man's friends rushing over to him, finding him unconscious. Discovering this, they looked up with wide eyes at the elf.
She had a hand raised, but gently put it back down.
"I am not a creature, nor did I invite you to sit with me," she said coldly, before getting up from her chair and making her way over to a now frightened bartender. "Looks like it's time for me to go," she said, all her previous frigidness gone, replaced by a warm smile. "Do you have some more of those dried peaches? They were quite delightful and I'd love to take some on the road with me."
The bartender simply nodded and ran off to collect them. Not a minute later he had a bag of them ready for her.
"Thank you," she said kindly before taking out far more money than necessary and putting it on the counter. "A tip for your excellent peaches."
With that, she turned and left, leaving behind a group of scared shitless people wondering what they had just seen.
Freya awoke wonderfully refreshed and beaming.
This is how things should be, she thought as she snuggled up to Bell.
However, her pleasant thoughts quickly ended when she noticed how cold and clammy he was, as well as how wet the bed around him was.
Pulling away, she found him sweating terribly, which given his soaked sheets, he must have been doing all night. She also saw his scrunched up and clearly terrified face.
"Bell," she called gently. She received no response. "Bell," she called again.
This time, his face scrunched and he gently called out.
"No."
The fear and desperation in his voice were clear as day to the goddess and she quickly moved and shook him.
"Bell," she called more loudly.
His eyes finally snapped out and the same fear and desperation she heard in his voice, she now saw in his eyes.
It took a moment for his breathing to calm and his eyes to focus, but eventually they did and he turned his gaze to her.
"Freya?"
"Yes Bell, it's me," she said gently, giving him a reassuring smile. "Are you alright? You appeared to be having a nightmare."
"Oh...um," his gaze turned away. "Yes...I'm fine," he tried to convince her.
It didn't work, and she frowned.
"You know goddesses can tell when mortals are lying, Bell," she reminded him.
He was silent for a moment, before sighing.
"It doesn't matter. It was just a dream," he said, his voice devoid of its usual fire.
Before he knew it, he was pulled into her arms and his head was pressed against her naked breasts.
"You asked me to try and see all of you, Bell. So please, let me see this as well. Let me see what terrifies you so, and then let me help you," she pleaded.
The tone was surprising to Bell, if not outright shocking. In all his interactions with Freya, she had never come across as gentle as she did now. There was always a force behind her that demanded submission in one form or another. Even her former pleading had a power to it that seemed to demand compliance. This was different and he found that he didn't hate it.
"I…" he began, still not completely sure, but eventually his gentle heart could no longer resist the pleading call she had given, and so he told her. "I had a nightmare about the Dragon."
"The Dragon?" she asked.
He nodded against her chest.
"Everything was dark. Darker even than night. I couldn't see anything, but I could hear. There was the flapping of wings in the distance and it was getting closer and closer. I could feel the power behind those wings, like...like my very soul knew I needed to be afraid. I couldn't see it, not until the very end, and then…"
"And then?" she asked, knowing whatever it was was the main source of Bell's terror.
"Then the flapping stopped and it opened its eye. It was right before me. That terrible, blood-red eye. It glowed in the dark and was pointed directly at me. It had so much malevolence and rage, but...that wasn't all I saw."
This time Freya didn't even ask, she simply waited.
"It...seemed happy. Even under all the hate, I could tell it seemed pleased to see me, and that's what scares me the most," he pulled back enough to look her in the eyes. "Why would it be happy to see me?"
"Bell," she called soothingly, her hand coming to his cheek and cupping it. "It was just a dream."
"But it felt so real and I felt so…"
"Scared?" she asked.
After a moment or two, he nodded.
"Is there something wrong with being afraid?" she questioned. "My goodness, if there was anything in the world to be afraid of, it would be that beast."
He looked at her, surprised.
"You're not disappointed in me?" Bell asked.
"For being scared? No. Especially not about this. The Dragon is a monster unlike any other. In fact, I'll admit, I'm scared of it too," she confessed. "How could I not be? It represents the very destruction of this world. It seeks to destroy everything I know and care for. Besides that, don't forget Bell, you cannot be brave without being afraid and, knowing you," she smiled at him. "You'll overcome this, just like you've overcome everything else. Because that's who you are. The man whose heart burns so brightly that it burns away all darkness," she finished, her voice unshakeable in its confidence.
Bell gaped at her. It was still reeling from this new side to Freya and though a part of him wondered for a brief moment if she was tricking him, that was quickly discarded as he realized she was being completely genuine, surprising though that was.
Maybe she can actually see people for who they are, he thought. Just maybe.
He finally smiled back.
"Thank you, Freya."
Her smile grew and she leant down to kiss his cheek.
"You are welcome, my dearest Bell. Now," she turned and got out of bed. "It is time for us to begin our days and for you to return home."
She walked over to her mirror and grabbed her brush before she began to comb her silky hair. However, she soon noticed that no sounds were reaching her ears besides the comb through her hair. She turned and found Bell staring at her.
"Why are you not getting ready, Bell?" she asked.
He blinked and, instantly realizing what he was doing, he blushed terribly.
"I-I'm sorry," he apologized, jumping out of bed.
Freya watched him begin to get ready and smiled as she came to understand what had happened.
Perhaps I should have allowed him to continue staring. Showing him what a real woman can offer him, her eyes focused on his form as he changed and she licked her lips. But I suppose then I wouldn't have gotten the chance to see his delightful form, she thought as new, luscious ideas began to pop into her mind. These only increased when he turned around and gave her a quick glimpse of something she was oh so happy to see. Oh yes, there is absolutely nothing unsatisfactory about you, my dear.
The two finished getting ready, though Bell's heart was still beating a bit too quickly.
"Thank you for accepting my request and for having me, Freya-sama," he said, bowing.
"Please Bell, just Freya," she said, smiling. "And thank you for offering your compromise so willingly. I know I was being very forceful, but I do worry about you," she stated, her hand returning to his cheek.
"I'd like to promise that I won't get into any more trouble, but, as you said, I can't lie to a goddess."
She laughed.
"No, and I won't ask you to change. I love you just the way you are, but I will still worry. If you ever feel unsafe or need something, feel free to come to me."
"I'll...I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, you'd best get going or else your dear father will come bursting in here to drag you back home."
He smiled and nodded before bowing once again and departing.
She watched him open the door to reveal Ottar who gave her a quick look. She smiled and nodded, and he returned her smile with a very subtle one of his own before departing with Bell.
With her beloved now gone, she turned to her thoughts.
Hm, perhaps 'seeing him' is not such a bad way to win his heart, the goddess thought, thinking back to their recent moment. It certainly has the potential to create some delightful moments.
"I can get home from here, Ottar-san," Bell said.
"Are you sure? I am more than willing to escort you all the way to the Hearthfire Manor," the boaz said.
"I'm sure. I'd actually like to use this time to think, if you don't mind. A lot has happened recently."
Ottar nodded.
"Understandable. I will leave you then. Take care, Bell Cranel. I do not like to see my lady worried."
Bell nodded.
"I will. Thank you again."
Ottar nodded again, then departed, leaving Bell alone.
The young man sighed.
What is going on with me? First that thought about Haruhime and now I'm acting differently with Freya? Am I really the womanizer Lili said I was?
He sighed again and shook his head.
No. No I'm not. But I am confused. Hopefully the others won't mind if I extend my return back by a few minutes to clear my head.
He began walking through the still dark streets of Orario. Light was beginning to appear over the horizon, but the sun itself had yet to appear, all of which helped to ensure the previously crowded streets were mostly empty, which is exactly what he wanted at the moment.
He walked for some time and he began to calm down.
Even if I'm still not entirely sure what to think about all this, he admitted to himself.
He stopped when his eye caught sight of something familiar.
Is this…?
He walked over to an alley, then began to walk down it before discovering a familiar courtyard.
It is, he realized, brightly smiling. This is where Aiz said she would feel lucky to have me.
The memory filled him with warm feelings and started to burn away his doubts.
I love her so much, he thought. No matter what else happens or what I face, that will always be true.
He basked in the warmth of his feelings for a moment longer, then, feeling lighter than he did before, he turned to leave.
"Bell."
He stopped as he instantly recognized that voice and shot around.
His eyes widened to near impossible proportions.
"Mom?"
The woman before him smiled happily at him.
"Hello Bell," she greeted, opening her arms to him.
His smile somehow became even brighter and he prepared to run straight into her embrace when a sudden cold wind blew through the courtyard. It was so powerful and cold that Bell closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around himself in order to try and protect himself from it. However, it was gone as quickly as it arrived, and he soon opened his eyes.
"Mom?"
She was gone. He looked left and right, but she was nowhere.
"Mom?" he called again as he began to search. Yet no matter where he looked she was nowhere to be found. He checked the entire courtyard, even jumping on the roofs of buildings to scan the surrounding area. Yet, he found nothing. One moment she had been there, the next she was gone. There hadn't even been a scream or sound of a scuffle to indicate someone had taken her or anything had happened at all. Only the sound of that cold wind blowing past them.
"Mom?!" he called again, and again, he received no answer.
What's going on? he asked himself, desperate for an answer he would not receive. Am I going crazy? he briefly wondered, before shaking his head. I guess I just miss her. It's been so long since I last saw her face, he smiled sadly and reminisced for a moment before shaking his head again and taking a deep breath. I should get home, the others are probably worried sick, he thought, turning to leave, only to stop. But...there's no reason I couldn't continue searching later, right?
His smile more genuine now, he silently vowed to continue later, before rushing off back home.
"I'm home!" Bell called, his voice echoing through the halls of Hearthfire Manor.
"Bell!" called many voices.
Not a second later, his familia rushed into the entrance, Hestia in the lead, only this time, Bell was prepared and had his arms out, ready to capture her when she threw herself into his chest.
"I was so worried!" Hestia cried as she snuggled into his chest.
"We were worried, Hestia-sama," Lili pointed out.
"I'm sorry," Bell apologized.
"There is nothing to apologize for, Bell-dono. We all understand your reason for going with Freya, but we could not help but be concerned with what could have happened," Mikoto said.
"Even so, I'm sorry I didn't consult you all before I made my deal with Freya. It just seemed like the best thing to do at the time."
"Well, while I don't agree with that," Hestia stated, pulling back from his chest. "I do understand why you did it and will forgive you."
"Thank you, Hestia," Bell said, smiling down at her.
"She didn't do anything to you, did she?" Ryuu asked.
Bell scratched his cheek and blushed lightly.
"Well…," he began.
"Oh what did she do?" Achilles asked, numerous ideas already popping into his mind.
"She...requested that we sleep next to each other," Bell said, hoping not to go into any more detail.
"What?!" Hestia and Lili cried, with Ryuu looking just as furious.
"Wait!" Achilles called, holding up his hand. "Just sleep next to each other?" he questioned.
Bell grimaced.
"...Naked."
Welf backed up a few steps and covered his ears.
"WHAT?!"
Hestia jumped up and grabbed Bell's head, rubbing their foreheads together hard.
"You slept next to her, naked?!"
"I-I didn't...ow, Hestia-sama!" Bell cried.
"Answer me!" she demanded.
"I didn't think I should say no. I agreed to stay with her to prevent her from causing trouble after all!" he quickly spat out.
"You don't call this trouble?!" the goddess cried.
Bell didn't know how to answer, and was luckily saved from having to do so when Hestia was pulled off him by the largest figure in the room.
Achilles sighed as he struggled to hold onto Hestia, Lili, and Ryuu, who were now all wiggling fiercely in his arms in a desperate attempt to get free.
"Well, that's certainly not the best news," he said, tightening his grip as Lili attempted to squeeze out of his hold and Ryuu glared at him. "But it's hardly the worst. And yes," he glared down at the three ladies in his arms. "This isn't that bad. As unhappy as we are with this whole situation, I think we all understand why it all went down like it did and what Bell was thinking."
The three ladies glared back fiercely, and if Achilles hadn't been one of the scariest people alive himself, he very well may have died of fright.
"Even I haven't gotten the chance to sleep next to Bell naked!" Hestia cried.
"Why would you get that privilege?!" Lili demanded, with Ryuu silently backing her.
Off to the side, Haruhime looked like she was about to explode, but managed to hold on to consciousness with some help from Mikoto.
"You and I are sleeping next to each other tonight, Bell-kun! That's an order!" Hestia roared.
"Alright alright, let's all calm down," Achilles said, not wanting the ridiculous conversation to continue. "Bell's back and unharmed. While an...unfortunate, for lack of better word, situation occurred, it's not the worst thing that could have happened by a long shot. So, let us simply be glad he's alright and move forward so that we can prepare for the day. After all, our captain does have a fight today and with someone of a superior level."
Hestia and Lili looked ready to continue ranting, but the others were willing to move on, even if in Ryuu's case it was a tad reluctantly.
"Indeed, Achilles-dono, and he's been challenged by someone we know little about," Mikoto said.
"I asked Tione and Tione about this, Bache, and they were willing to share what they knew. Now, if our dear goddess and little pallum supporter were willing to let their anger subside for the time being, I'd be able to tell Bell what they told me, thus preparing him for his fight," Achilles said, eying the two ladies.
They pouted fiercely, but they couldn't exactly refuse Achilles's not so subtle request. They did care for Bell after all, so even their jealousy was forced to go silent in favor of helping him.
"Fine," Hestia said, still pouting.
"Lili agrees," the supporter relented, also pouting.
Bell smiled.
"Thank you."
The smile made it easier for them to accept it and Achilles could see the tension drain from them even if they were outwardly trying to appear as if they were still annoyed.
"Excellent. Then let's have breakfast and I'll tell you what I learned," the ex-captain said.
The mention of food reawakened Bell's stomach and he realized that, since he had denied Freya's meal last night, he had gone without food for nearly a whole day. Thus, it was only natural that it began to demand its fill.
"That sounds good to me," he agreed, the others quickly following suit.
"We're finally here, ladies and gentlemen! It's time for another special fight, this time brought to us by the amazon powerhouses, Tione and Tiona Hiryute!" The crowd cheered, eager for the special event. "And they're not going up against small fry, oh no. Their opponents are familial powerhouses themselves. Please help me in welcoming...the Gulliver brothers!"
Four pallums in full armor walked out into the arena to the sounds of a roaring crowd. However, even with the armor on, the two amazonian sisters could tell they were scowling.
"You two were fools to challenge us," Alfrigg stated, pointing his spear at them. "Our lady is watching us, thus we cannot lose."
"Didn't stop Hedin from getting his butt kicked by Riveria, did it?" Tiona pointed out, smiling teasingly.
A few growls emitted from the brothers.
"He shamed us all for that loss, but now we will correct that failure by crushing you," Alfrigg pressed.
"We'll see about that, Captain-wannabe," Tione growled back.
Up in the stands, Finn smiled and shook his head.
"Looks like all the siblings are ready to rumble, so let's get it going! Three! Two! One! Begin!"
The six charged each other, Tione heading for Alfrigg and Grer, while Tiona headed for Berling and Dvalinn.
Alfrigg reached his opponent first and thrust his spear at Tione's head. She dodged and smacked it out of the way with one of her knives before focusing on Grer and blocking his greatsword. She forced his blade up, thus opening him up for a counter, which came in the form of a kick to his chest that sent him bouncing across the sanding floor of the arena.
While satisfied with the sight, Tione didn't have much time to enjoy it as Alfrigg reappeared and attacked again.
Not far away, Tiona was smiling as she engaged her own pair of brothers.
They attacked together, Berling trying to cleave her in two, while Dvalinn attempted to smash her into mush. She deftly dodged both their strikes and used the pillars of sand they set up as cover for a counter-attack.
She struck out at Berling first, slashing at his head with Urga. He pulled back enough to save his skull, but her blade still managed to scratch across his helmet and knock him balance, Giving Tiona enough time to focus on Dvalinn.
The hammer-wielding prum moved to intercept her and swung the hammer at her with all his might. Powerful as it was though, it was not fast enough, and the amazon, still smiling, twirled around it like a child playing in the street, then used the momentum of her spinning to kick his head and send him flying.
"Hehe," she said, before refocusing on the now thoroughly pissed off Berling.
Tione dodged another thrust from Alfrigg's spear, this time at her stomach.
"Watch it. That's where Captain and my future babies will grow!" she roared.
"If Finn really does get with you, he'll bring shame to our entire race," Alfrigg stated, continuing his attack.
He thrust at her head again, having had quite enough of her yammering, only to be shocked when she caught the spear.
"What was that you little shit?!"
Before he knew it, she pulled on the spear, sending him soaring towards her. He had only enough time for his eyes to widen, before he fist came crashing into his face, destroying his helmet and crushing his nose before he found himself flying across the arena like his brothers.
"Quite the lady you've got there, Finn," Achilles joked in the stands, a few people chuckling beside him.
Finn didn't answer, simply hid his face in his hand while promising to have a talk with the amazon lady later.
Down below, Tione was still fuming.
"No one insults my Captai-aagh!" she cried out.
Grer had gotten behind her while she was focused on Alfrigg and slashed her across her back.
Swinging her head around, she turned her furious eyes upon the swordsman and charged him.
"Whoo, looks like she's having fun," Tiona said, watching as her sister chased after Grer, who had the good sense to keep his distance until Alfrigg could rejoin him.
"You have greater concerns."
She turned and found Dvalinn behind her, midswing. She managed to bring up Urga in time to block the strike, but it did send her back and force her onto the defensive.
"Far greater," Berling said, appearing before her.
He swung his axe down at the ill-prepared young woman, who brought her own weapon up to try and stop the axe, but only managed to slow it down.
"Agh," she groaned as it sunk into her shoulder.
However, her pain was far from over as Dvalinn reappeared and smashed his hammer into her back, sending her crashing into the arena wall.
"That's what stupid little amazons get when they try and face the might of Freya," he said.
"Tiona!" Tione called, seeing her sister crash into the wall.
"Idiot."
She turned back to Grer who had regained his footing and was now ready to get some payback.
He swung his sword, knocking her knives away and giving her a nice long cut across her stomach.
She growled in pain, but was far from out of the fight and so swiftly turned her even more enraged eyes at Grer.
"Bastard!"
Just as she was about to attack, she found a sharp pain pierce her back and go all the way through her chest. At the same time she was forced off her feet and went crashing into the arena sands.
"Aah," she groaned as she picked herself up. She turned her head and found a spear was now jutting out from the spot where her shoulder and chest met.
"We told you," Alfrigg said, approaching her. "You two were fools for challenging us."
He put his foot on her back and grabbed his spear, before beginning to pull it out. However, he only managed to pull it out a few inches when it suddenly stopped.
"You really think this would be enough to stop me?"
There was no way Alfrigg could have stopped what happened next. In the blink of an eye, Tione jumped back to her feet, her hand still holding onto the spear, and forced him off of her. He stumbled, which provided her just enough time to pull the spear all the way out of her in the opposite direction, and swing back around.
"Ora!"
She roared as she swung the spear and cracked it against his unprotected head, shattering the spear shaft in the process.
Once more, a prum went flying, though, luckily for Alfrigg, the crack to the head forced him into unconsciousness, so he didn't have to feel the pain of crashing into the arena wall.
Grer, wide-eyed, didn't have much time to come to grips with his brother's defeat, before Tione was upon him.
"Your turn," she said menacingly.
He tried to defend himself, but even at level five, he couldn't stop her fist from driving into his stomach, forcing the wind from his lungs. He only had enough time to bend in half and gasp though, before Tione grabbed his face and threw him on the ground.
Her prey now all-but incapacitated before her, Tione put her knees on both of his shoulders and removed his helmet.
"Just as I thought, nowhere near as handsome as my Captain," she said. "Let's see if I can improve it," she continued holding up her fist.
Moments later, Tione was "improving" Grer's face by punching it over and over again until he was unquestionably unconscious.
She's really going to town, Tiona thought as she picked herself up. And what kind of sister would I be if I let her have all the fun? she added as she turned her eyes back to her opponents.
"Berling, go deal with the other amazon, I've got this one," Dvalinn said.
"Oh do you?!"
Dvalinn, shocked that Tiona was once again before him, managed to bring his hammer up in a guard. However, as unprepared as he was, and as eager as Tiona was, it did him little good as she used Urga to bash it away, before her foot came up and kicked him right between the legs.
A collective 'ooh' was heard from the men of Orario as every last one of them crossed their legs.
We all felt that. Can't say it wasn't at least a tiny bit earned though, Welf noted.
With Dvalinn out of the game due to the sheer amount of pain overloading his brain, Tiona was free to turn to Berling and finish things.
Berling, for his part, was scared, though not because his brothers had fallen and he was facing the two amazon sisters by himself, but because of what that meant for the result of this fight.
"I will not lose. Not when my lady is watching. I will not shame my goddess!" he roared, charging, Tiona.
"Sorry little guy," Tiona said calmly as he rushed her. He swung at her, but she readily dodged it. "That's what's about to happen."
"Raa!" Berling screamed as he attacked again.
Again she dodged, but this time, she smiled at him.
"But I tell you what," she said, before paring his axe. "I'll give you a little treat."
Before he knew it Tiona had jumped in the air and wrapped her legs around his neck and forced him to the ground. He tried to get her off him, but she managed to pin his arms too, making it so that he couldn't even swing his axe.
"I heard that some guys pay to have amazons wrap their legs around them like this. I think they called it, 'snu snu'," she said.
Off in the Pleasure District, Aisha and her companions laughed and applauded their brethren as she slowly but surely cut off the prum's air.
Not like this, Berling thought as he tried again and again to get her off. Not like th…
His eyes slowly shut as he finally passed out.
Feeling him go limp in her legs, Tiona's smile grew and she hopped to her feet.
"Hehe, victory!" she said holding up the victory sign.
"You heard her folks! The amazon sisters are the winners!" Ibri declared.
The crowd cheered and applauded, making Tiona's smile somehow grow even larger.
"Snu snu? Really?" Tione asked, approaching her sister.
"What? He seemed so upset. Thought I'd give him a nice send off to make him feel better," Tiona said.
Tione rolled her eyes, even as she smiled.
"Come on, I need to get this looked at," she said, pointing to the hole in her chest.
"Looks like you're up," Achilles said to Bell.
The young captain nodded.
"Good luck, Bell-kun," Hestia said, giving him a hug.
"Good luck, Bell-sama," Haruhime added.
"Ah, our favorite white rabbit doesn't need luck, he'll be fine," Welf stated.
"Welf," Bell whined.
"Don't get distracted by her outfit Bell-sama," Lili warned.
"I...really should head out," he responded, before quickly departing.
Aiz watched him go, wanting to call out to him, but being very conscious of the others.
No, I need to talk to him, no matter what, she thought.
Her willpower fortified, she chased after Bell, the Loki familia smiling knowingly while everyone else gained questioning looks.
Luckily for Aiz, he hadn't gotten far.
"Bell!"
He stopped and turned to her.
"Aiz-san. Is something the matter?" he asked.
"No...at least...I don't think so," she responded.
"I'm not sure I understand," he replied.
"I just...I just wanted to say," she stopped, not really sure what she wanted to say. She took a deep breath then continued. "Can we talk after your fight? Alone."
"Oh, um...of course!" he answered, still a bit confused. "I'd be happy to talk afterwards. But are you sure you don't need to say it now? If there's something I can help you with I'd be happy to do so."
She bit her lip. She wanted to talk to him now. To find out if Freya was speaking the truth and discover if she really did have a place in his heart, but even she knew, now wasn't the time.
"No, it can wait," she said, a bit deflated. "It's just a question I want to ask you."
"Oh, well, if you're sure?" he asked, giving her a look.
She nodded.
"Yes. Good luck with your fight," she said, finally smiling.
He smiled back, a tiny bit of red on his cheeks.
"Thank you, Aiz. I'll do my best."
"I know you will."
Bell walked out in the arena where his challenger was already waiting.
"And here he is, ladies and gentlemen. Our rising star! The Rabbit Foot himself, Bell Cranel!"
The cheers rushed past his ears as he approached the amazon.
"Hello," he greeted.
"Good afternoon," she replied.
"I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Bell Cranel, though of course, you already knew that."
She nodded.
"I am Bache Kalif, co-captain of the Kali familia."
"It's nice to meet you. I was surprised by this challenge and I hope I haven't done anything to offend you or your familia," he continued.
She shook her head.
"No. You simply piqued my interest," she explained.
"I'm glad to hear that. I really was worried for a moment. I'll do my best not to disappoint."
"Good."
"That sounds like they're ready to me!" Ibri announced. "So let's get this show on the road! Three, two, one, go!"
The two captains rushed each other, Bell with his knives in hand, and Bache with a short sword in hers.*
Their blades met with a roar from the crowd.
He's stronger than I expected, Bache thought as Bell held her blade in place without so much as a shake or grimace, in spite of their level difference.
It would take more than that to keep her interest though, and she quickly threw a punch at him with her empty hand. He dodged, giving her the chance to launch a kick towards his head. To her surprise, he bent backwards and did a backflip, avoiding the kick.
He's fast too. Seems I chose well.
Bell, having had enough of being on the defensive, counterattacked and lashed out with his knives. Again and again their blades sent the ringing song of steel into the air, much to the crowd's delight.
Bache, deciding to change tactics, grabbed her sword with both hands and swung it with all her strength. Bell brought his knives up to block, but the power behind the blow was enough to send him a good twenty feet back.
Digging his knives into the sand, he managed to stop himself and prepared for the amazon's next attack, only to find that it had not followed him to press her attack.
That's not good, he noted when he saw why.
"Velgus," she said as she finished her spell. Immediately after, a blackish, purple light covered her blade.
That's the spell Tione-san and Tiona-san warned us about, Bell noted, knowing full well he could not allow the poisonous blade to make contact with him, no matter what.
Her weapon now enchanted, the Kali familia captain restarted her offensive, intent on putting Bell out of commission.
"Firebolt!" he called out, holding up his hand.
The spell flew at the amazon fast enough that she didn't have time to dodge, and so was forced to block. This stopped her for a moment, which was all Bell needed to close the distance.
Seeing him now before her, Bache thrust her sword at his head. He batted the poisoned blade away with the Hestia knife before stabbing her arm with Hakugen.
"Argh," Bache groaned as she let go off her sword.
Now open for attack, Bell struck out, scoring a slash across her chest with the Hestia knife, then a slash across the stomach with Hakugen. However, Bache wasn't a level six and the co-captain of the Kali familia because of favoritism. She had the strength to back up her position.
This pain is nothing, she thought.
Sending a quick kick down, she crushed Bell's foot, stopping his attack in its tracks.
"Ah!" he cried as his foot was shattered.
The pain was only beginning for him though, as Bache grabbed his collar and smashed his forehead with hers. As he reeled, she picked him up, lifted him over her head, then brought him down, stomach first, onto her knee.
Bell gasped as the wind was forced from his lungs, but Bache was still not finished with him. Grabbing him by his armor, she spun around a few times to build momentum, before throwing him across the arena and into the surrounding walls.
Groaning, Bell picked himself up and turned his gaze towards his opponent. She had picked up her sword and was rushing towards him again, ready to finish their fight.
Acting quickly, he threw Hakugen at her, only for her to smack it away without so much as breaking stride. However, this didn't shake him and instead, he rushed to meet her, pushing past his own pain in order to do so.
Bache prepared her blade as she watched the white-haired captain rush her.
Show me what you can do. Show me your worth, she thought.
And show her he did, and in a way that left her surprised and wide-eyed.
Just as she was pulling her arm back to slash at him, she found her opponent jumping into the air and twisting above her.
"Firebolt!"
As he was so close, there was nothing else for her to do, but block with her sword. The sudden shifting of position as well as the force of the attack knocked her off balance just enough for Bell's next attack.
Bache's only warning was the split-second sound of whistling before the Hestia knife embedded into her shoulder.
She cried out, but had no time to regain her footing or remove the blade, before her eyes caught sight of Bell running straight for her.
Not a moment later, the Hestia captain tackled her to the ground, pulled his knife from her shoulder and placed it against her neck. But it was not alone as his empty hand pressed against her head with the clear warning that he was prepared to blast her face with the full force of his magic.
"Submit," he demanded, pressing his knife just hard enough to nick her neck.
For a moment, she considered continuing the fight. She knew, after all, that unlike the fights on Telskyura, these weren't to the death. However, that thought left her mind when she saw his eyes.
They're so determined.
Under her scarf, she smiled.
Yes. I can submit to this man with shame.
She held up her arm.
"I submit."
"And it's over!" Ibri declared. "Bell Cranel continues building his legend, this time by defeating a level six! Will this guy ever stop surprising us?!"
The crowds cheered as Bell got up from Bache, then held out his hand.
"You're...you're offering to help me?" she asked.
"Of course," he said as if it was the natural thing in the world. "Why wouldn't I?"
Bache didn't reply. She was so unused to this kind of kindness.
Yet his eyes don't contain any falsehood, she thought. They're just...warm.
Her smile returned as that warmth began to work its way into her heart.
"Thank you," she said, taking his hand.
He smiled at her, then offered her his shoulder to help her exit the arena.
"But what about your knife?" she asked.
"I can get it later," he said immediately, which in turn made the warmth in Bache's chest grow as she accepted his offer.
Bell deposited Bache onto one of the beds where a healer quickly went to work on her.
"Well done, Bell Cranel."
He turned and found Shakti smiling at him.
"I believe this belongs to you," she said, holding out Hakugen.
"Thank you very much," he said, taking the knife.
"You really are impressing everyone. It makes me quite glad that you accepted my challenge so I could test your strength myself," she continued.
"I'm glad you offered, and I would be very happy to spar with you again, if you're willing."
"I'd like that. But, for now, you should go find a bed and get patched up."
"Will do," he said.
Making his way over to one of the open beds, Bell sat down. A few moments later a healer arrived and healed his wounds and gave him a minds potion, leaving him good as new.
"Bell?"
His head shot around, knowing full-well whose voice that was.
"Aiz-san. Oh, that's right, you wanted to talk," he said as he remembered her requested.
She nodded.
"Is now alright?" she asked.
"Of course," he said immediately. "What is it you wanted to ask me?"
Taking a deep breath, she replied.
"What do you think of me?"
He froze.
"W-What?"
"What do you think of me?" she repeated, closing what little distance remained between them. "What do you feel for me? Am I your mentor? Your friend? Or...or do you feel something else for me?" she asked, her conviction beginning to waver as a blush grew on her lovely cheeks.
For a time, there was nothing but silence between them. For anyone else it was likely only a few seconds, maybe a minute, but for them it felt as though the silence went on for hours. Finally though, with his heart thundering, Bell answered.
"I want to answer you, Aiz. I really do. I want to tell you exactly how I feel, but I can't. Not yet. There's something I need to do before I can."
"What do you need to do?" she asked a bit desperately.
He smiled at her.
"You'll find out soon."
That vow calmed her. Yes, she hadn't received the answer she wanted or really an answer at all, but he was promising she would know soon, which was something. Besides, there was also no way she could be upset when she saw that warm smile.
"Alright. I'll wait then," she conceded.
"Thank you," he said.
Then, to the surprise of them both, he hugged her.
"S-Sorry," he said. "I acted without thinking."
He began pulling back, only for her to wrap her arms around him and pull him right back in.
"No...it's okay. I like it," she said shyly.
Both were blushing, but they lasted only a moment before they were replaced by smiles as the two simply fell into the other's warmth.
The two rejoined their familias, smiling like idiots. Naturally, this, plus their joined arrival, caught the attention of all and earned the duo many a jealous glare, but neither of them noticed as they retook their seats. Luckily, Ibri saved them from being harassed by the others as he began again.
"It's time for me to announce our next fights ladies and gentlemen and holy cow, do I have a fantastic one for you all!" he declared, looking like he was about to bounce off the stage. "It appears the Rabbit Foot is tired of being challenged and wants to bring a challenge himself. I am happy and eager to announce that Bell Cranel has made his first challenge and it's none other than the Loki familia's very own Sword Princess, Aiz Wallenstein!"
As the city went wild, every eye around Bell shot towards him.
It's time, Hestia thought, her heart squeezing painfully as she knew what that meant should her beloved captain win.
Bell-sama, Lili thought, jealousy induced fear entering her heart. However, it was only allowed to grow for a moment, before it was stopped. No. I swore that no matter what, I wouldn't leave his side, and I meant it, she reminded herself, her fists tightening in conviction.
Good luck, Bell, Welf silently said to his little brother.
You can do it, Bell-dono. You can win and take your place by her side, Mikoto thought, wishing him the best.
I shall pray for your success, Bell, but no matter what, I won't give you up. I don't think Syr would allow me to even if I wanted to, Ryuu mentally noted with a small smile.
Good luck, Bell-sama. No matter what happens, I will always love you, Haruhime vowed as she smiled at the man she adored.
This is it. His final push, Riveria thought before she turned to her ward, who looked so confused and conflicted. Part of her felt bad for the young woman, but she knew that soon, all her confusion would be replaced with joy. Be patient, Aiz. I promise you it will be worth it, she smiled at the young woman before turning back to the challenger. Good luck, Bell.
Off in her hidden box, Freya was nowhere near as pleased as the elven princess.
He believes he's caught up, which means, her grip tightened on her chair. I will not lose him to you, Aiz Wallenstein, not when I'm so close.
This is it. If he wins, Achilles thought before he turned to Aiz. He confesses.
He turned back to his son and smiled.
"Good luck, Bell," he said.
Bell, who had been intentionally focusing forward, finally turned and smiled at him.
"Thank you."
Bell, Aiz thought as she looked at the one who had claimed her heart. The man that had quieted the black flame within her, and wondered for one terrible moment, if she was wrong. If Freya had played some cruel trick on her or if it was all some sort of misunderstanding. That all ended when, feeling her eyes, Bell turned and smiled at her.
Just as before, the moment she caught his eyes and that wonderful smile of his, her doubts burned away, replaced by serenity and joy.
This is the last step he was talking about. He needs to challenge me in order to tell me, and he needs me to go all out, she recognized. No holding back. No restraining myself this time. A real battle.
All of this she understood within moments of her meeting his eyes.
Her fists tightened with conviction.
Then that is exactly what I will give him.
Done!
Well, this one was a bit shorter than the previous ones, but you could just consider it a warm up for the big fight in next chapter. That's right ladies and gentlemen, it's finally time for Bell and Aiz's big fight. There's no way I could not have them fight, that was actually one of the main reasons for this tournament, and now we're finally getting to it. This, I will say, is the second to last fight I have planned as the tournament arc is about to wrap up, unless something drastically changes, which I don't expect it to.
*QUick note, I wasn't sure what weapon Bache carried. In one of the pictures I saw, it looked like she might be carrying a whip, but I wasn't sure and that seemed like a special weapon choice, so I went the safe route with a sword. Sorry if that bothers anyone.
Anyway, please tell me what you think, good or bad, it's all appreciated and I'll see you all in the next chapter for our big fight. So, until then, bye for now.