Hello my dearest readers. Wow, you guys really had a lot to say about the last chapter. It's now easily the most reviewed chapter of this story. Thank you for your feedback as well as the names you suggested. I liked quite a lot of them, which does put me in the kind of difficult position of choosing, but there's time for that. Hopefully the new alias I choose will be satisfactory to you all.
However, you didn't come for that, you came to find out what happens now that Bell's totally lost it. So let's find out, shall we?
I do not own Danmachi
The entire city, everyone within the great walls of Orario, watched in horror as the white rabbit of the city and the beloved captain of the Hestia familia, began to transform into something that could only be described in one word.
Monstrous.
The first thing to change were the eyes. The pupils turned into slits and the color changed from a welcoming ruby, to a malevolent crimson that made all who could see them think of blood.
Then his teeth changed. Gone was any shed of humanity as the teeth transformed into fangs that screamed out a desire to rip, tear, and devour.
Next his finger nails receded and were replaced by terrible, bone white talons that seemed to beg to be used for slaughter and mayhem.
As the talons arrived, his hair changed. The color was still the same, but it began to move and change, reforming into what appeared to be spikes and horns upon his crown.
Lastly, though this detail was the hardest to see; the skin around his eyes, mouth, and on his hands was replaced by snow white scales that, in any other situation, would have been beautiful to behold. But Ottar, who saw these scales, did not find them beautiful, but recognized them as a sign. A sign that what he now faced was not Bell Cranel, the young captain of the Hestia familia and his goddess's beloved, but something bestial and destructive. Something that had one simple goal. To kill him.
By the time Bell finished his transformation, there was not a person in the whole city who did not feel fear. Even those who did not now gaze upon his terrible visage felt the chill of terror run up their spines as it consumed the city.
Little Rookie, Mord thought from the bar, sweat dripping down his skin.
Kid, Mia thought as she and everyone in her establishment stared at the horrifying image before them, none with more unwavering or terrified eyes than Syr.
B-Bell, Eina thought as her body began to shake as, for the first time in her life, she wasn't afraid for Bell, but afraid because of him.
Argonaut…, Tiona thought, unable to believe her eyes as she stared down at the thing her favorite little hero had become.
This isn't like Hell Finegas. This is far worse, Finn thought, staring down upon the monster.
This is why they didn't want to share his new skill. Why he was ashamed of it, Riveria recognized, even as she tried to gain control of her own horror.
Bell, Welf thought, wanting to do something to help his little brother, but being far too scared to do anything but stare, and even that filled him with dread.
Bell-dono, Mikoto thought, unable to stop the feeling inside her telling her to run.
Bell, Ryuu thought as she felt a fear greater than anything she'd felt since facing Alfia. No, it's worse, she recognized. So much worse.
Bell-sama, thought Lili and Haruhime as they stared down at the man they loved as he became something nearly unrecognizable to them.
Bell-kun, Hestia thought as finally saw what it was that Bell so loathed. The unwanted power that filled him with despair. And now that she could see it, see this curse, she could finally truly understand why he hated the skill and, dare she think it, himself as well.
What is this? Freya thought from her box as her eyes took in the sight of her beloved as he turned into something beyond the capacity for love. What have I done?
However, amongst all these thoughts and all the fear, there was one who had it the worst. The one who recognized this power and whose very soul had been consumed by it.
Aiz stared down at the boy who had claimed her heart, but her eyes did not contain love. No, now they contained nothing but the purest form of fear. The kind of fear that freezes the very soul. The kind of fear that stops the heart. The kind that makes you want to throw up, but so stills the body that you can't. The kind of absolute terror that even drains of the mind of sense and leaves you in nothing but a pit of darkness. Such was the state of Aiz Wallenstein as she stared at the young man she loved become the thing she hated the most.
Then...it got worse.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAWRRR!"
The very heavens seemed to quake in terror at that roar, but it awakened all to the reality before them and forced their refocused attention back to the bestial captain as he began his assault.
One moment Bell was on one side of the arena, the next, he was before Ottar, shocking the boaz to his core.
How did he…?
He did not have time to finish that thought as Bell lashed out with the fury of a monster, his newfound speed and ferocity allowing him to score a long, horrid gash across Ottar's chest.
To the even greater shock of all, a spray of blood flew through the air as Bell managed to easily tear through Ottar's armor and bite into his flesh.
Ottar growled, but the pain did awaken his mind enough to get him back into the fight and he countered by making his own strike at the boy, or whatever he was, before him.
Only, to his renewed shock, Bell simply batted his sword away with his sword and knife as if it was an annoying fly. Not a moment later, the Hestia captain turned monster, rushed him again and jumped, blades in hand, looking to impale the Freya captain. Ottar brought his sword up and managed to catch both blades before they could complete their mission, however the new strength of the thing before him almost overcame him and allowed Bell's sword to leave a long gash across his face as he all but tore Ottar's cheek away.
Ottar growled before moving his feet and using his tremendous strength to force the boy back.
Bell flew through the air, but managed to flip and land on his feet. The moment he was back on the ground, he attacked again, running straight at Ottar with reckless abandon.
He desires only one thing now, Ottar recognized. My and my familia's death.
However, Ottar was prepared now, or as prepared as he could be, and when Bell got in range, he swung with all his terrible might. Bell attempted to block again, but in his unrestrained rampage, he failed to properly put up a defense, and so soon found himself being lifted off the ground once again and crashing into the arena wall.
"Damn, he's not holding back," Riveria thought as she felt the power of the strike through the ward.
This needs to be finished quickly or else the ward won't hold, she recognized.
Unfortunately, it was clear that the fight was far from over as Bell was jumping back to his feet immediately, somehow looking even more murderous than before.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAWRRR!" he cried a moment before he was rushing at Ottar again.
"W-What the hell is going on? What happened to Bell?" Hephaestus asked, trying desperately to stop her shaking, but finding it completely impossible.
"It's his fifth skill."
All eyes turned to Hestia.
"This...That is a skill?" Hephaestus asked in disbelief.
"Yes. And it's a skill that Bell hates terribly. That he wishes so desperately that he didn't have," Hestia answered, even as her eyes never strayed from her captain as he continued to throw himself at Ottar with one, obvious, intent.
"Hestia-sama," Finn called, stepping forward. "What is this skill? What is it called?"
Hestia finally closed her eyes and sighed. A moment later, she turned to them all.
"Wrath of the Dragon."
Somehow, all went silent. Even the noise of Bell's battle fell away as the shock set in.
"W-What?"
All eyes turned again, this time to a young woman with golden hair and wide, terrified eyes.
Hestia met Aiz's shaky gaze with her own, unwavering eyes, before she said.
"Now you know why Bell hates it so much."
He wouldn't stop. No matter how many times Ottar deflected his attacks, counter-attacked, or outright bashed him away, he just kept coming.
He refuses to stop until I'm dead, and even then it's likely he will simply move on to new prey, Ottar thought as his labored breath parted his lips.
Again, the rampaging Hestia captain charged him. Ottar waited for him to be in range, then swung, hoping that this time, the boy would finally have some sense knocked into him.
However this time, once he caught sight of the giant blade heading straight for him, Bell slid under it, bending himself backwards and letting the sword fly harmlessly over him. Then, as Ottar's eyes widened, he closed the remaining distance and stabbed the boaz's shin with the Hestia knife and the back of his knee with his sword, the long blade piercing all the way through and popping out the other side.
"Argh!" Ottar grunted as he fell to one knee. Bell prepared to attack again, looking as though he intended to shove his knife through Ottar's brain. But Ottar was the King for good reason, and a mere scratch like this was little more than irritating. As such, he quickly reached out and grabbed Bell's head before slamming it into his knee. He did so a second time, not heading the pain he felt in doing so, then slammed Bell's head into the arena sands causing a crater. Knowing this was not enough to even slow the monster captain, he then stomped on Bell's back, causing the young man to cry out. Yet Ottar was still not done, for he then grabbed Bell's leg and threw him with all his might across the arena and into walls with such force that the ward began to shake again.
Now free of the bloodthirsty beast, Ottar pulled the sword from his knee and threw it to the other side of the arena, having had quite enough of the blade.
Bell slowly picked himself up from the beating, growling in pain and rage, before shifting his murderous eyes back to Ottar.
"RAAAAAAA!" he roared again, before charging once more, still just as keen for the kill.
He ran at speeds most could not see and was soon upon Ottar once again. This time, he decided to leap again, looking as though he still wished to impale the boaz's head.
Ottar swung at the leaping captain, only for Bell to take his knife in both hands and bash it away.
What is this strength? Ottar wondered as his fear grew.
Not about to let his chance slip away again, Bell immediately turned back to Ottar, reading his dagger for the killer blow.
Ottar managed to dodge to the side just enough to prevent the dagger from plunging into his skull, but could not stop it from diving into his shoulder, instantly breaking through his armor and digging into his shoulder.
Bell growled in dissatisfaction, but did not lament long. Instead, he pushed off Ottar's chest with his legs and flipped over the Freya's captain's head, landing behind him.
Ottar turned as quickly as he could to meet Bell's newest assault, but it was already too late.
Bell jumped upon his back and stabbed his knife into Ottar's other shoulder, while his free hand forced Ottar's head to the side, opening up his neck.
Opening his mouth wide enough for all to see his new, dagger-like teeth, he then struck forward and plunged them deep into Ottar's neck.
"Aah!" Ottar cried, unable to deny the pain he was feeling. It was as if the teeth had made every nerve more sensitive just for the enjoyment of causing more pain.
Not wishing to have the Hestia captain feast on his neck for even a split second longer, Ottar punched Bell's head. Despite the force of the hit, Bell continued to hang on. If anything, he seemed to dig in even further, blood squeezing through his lips in greater quality as he forced his jaw down harder.
Not giving up, Ottar slammed his fist into Bell's head again, finally forcing the boy off, but not with tearing off a piece of his own neck and sending up a spray of blood.
Now free of the terrible leech, Ottar grabbed Bell and threw him on the ground with enough force to shake the Coliseum. He then slammed his foot down upon Bell once again, deepening the crater he'd created. However, he now knew that no level of mercy was necessary or could be tolerated, and so he quickly picked Bell up and slammed him, spine first, into his knee.
The young man gasped, his blood-red eyes finally losing their malevolent edge as pain shot through them.
Ottar then flipped him around and slammed him, stomach first into his knee, causing Bell to vomit blood.
Then, as all watched with a mixture of horror and hope that this horrifying display would finally be over, Ottar shot off towards the arena wall and slammed Bell into it.
Bell tried, at this point, to get away, but immediately found Ottar's hand on the back of his head a moment before the boaz slammed it right back into the wall.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Over and over Ottar slammed the young Cranel's head into the wall, desperate to end his monstrous rampage and allow this terrible event to finish.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The Hestia familia and their friends all flinched as the banging shook the arena again and again. Many had their hands clasped together, praying that this would all finally be over and they could just forget everything that had happened that terrible day.
Please, Hestia thought as another 'BANG' rang through the air. Please be alright. 'BANG'. PLEASE!
Not far away, Freya had her own prayer as she looked down on her captain and beloved.
Finish it Ottar. Finish this horrid affair. Finish it for me. For you. For us all. End this!
"Raaw!" Ottar roared before throwing Bell across the arena one final time, sending him skipping across the sands before slamming into the wall with such force that it nearly broke the protective ward.
That's it. It's finally done, Riveria thought as she held her staff in order to preventing herself from falling down as she had expended far more magic then she had expected.
Ottar fell to his knees, his breath ragged and more uneven than it had been in years.
It's done. This victory belongs to my lady.
A sigh of relief passed through the city.
It's over, they all thought.
RING
Every heart stopped at the sound of those terrible bells.
Ottar's eyes turned to where he had tossed Bell.
RING
From within the dust, the shadow of a figure appeared.
RING
It can't be, Ottar thought.
RING
The dust parted and the familiar sight of Bell Cranel standing with his hand pointed straight out appeared. Only now, it was not familiar. Now, it was a nightmare.
White scales now covered the entirety of Bell's skin, protecting him from all damage and making the previously fearsome young man look beyond terrifying.
His breath was heavy and his teeth were bared, but his eyes shook with the same, unwavering desire to slaughter the one before him.
Ottar immediately stood and grabbed his sword with both hands.
"I call forth the rage of battle to help me destroy my enemies and steal away their lives," he began to chant.
RING
"Let them tremble under the might of my sword. Let them fear the sound of my coming. Fierce Charge of Mortality!"
His blade was instantly covered in dark red energy as he prepared for the onslaught that the monster before him was about to unleash.
"We need to evacuate, now!" Hestia cried.
"What's going on?" Hephaestus asked in alarm.
"We need to get everyone out of the way of that attack now! That's the attack that created the explosion over the city! And he was only a level four then!"
Terrified eyes met that announcement, and Ganesha immediately called out.
"Evacuate the Coliseum! Evacuate the Coliseum!" he cried, his voice booming through the whole structure.
People began to flee in panic, creating chaos.
"Aiz, Tiona, Tione, Bete, start getting people out of here. Gareth, you and I will try to create some level of order! Riveria, can you reinforce the ward?!" Finn called.
"We're all pouring everything we have left, Finn, but if what Hestia-sama just said was true, I'm not sure if it'll be enough!" the elf answered.
"Shit!" Finn cursed.
"Let me down there, I can talk sense to him!" Hestia begged.
"No Hestia! He's not in his right mind and you'll likely just be evaporated when those two clash!" Loki shouted, grabbing Hestia.
"Please! I have to! I have to try! Bell!"
"It's too late! Hephaestus, help me with her!" Loki cried.
Hephaestus and the other deities were quickly there and helping Loki pull the distraught goddess away.
"No! Please no! Bell! BELL!"
"Everyone get out of here!" Finn ordered.
We're not going to be able to hold this back. We were already exhausted before, now we're on our last legs, Riveria thought, fear digging deeper and deeper into her heart.
"Keep chanting, Riveria."
The new voice caused her to swing her head around.
"Galadriel?"
"Keep chanting," the dark elf replied. "We shall hold them back together," she continued calmly, holding out her hands as she began to chant.
Not having time to ask questions, Riveria simply nodded and refocused on the ward, this time with just enough hope to think that things would be alright.
His chest hurt like hell.
It hasn't hurt like this since the Dragon.
The sound of battle made him look up. It wasn't easy given his position and his helmet, but he could see enough.
Bell.
He watched as his son battled Ottar, but there was something different about how he fought.
His skill, Achilles recognized. It's activated and…, he watched, despair filling his heart. It's worse than before. Far worse, and he knew why. Because of me.
He grit his teeth and tried to get up, but the spear in his chest brought him back down to earth.
Fucking alley cat, he mentally cursed. All this because of spite. When I get my hands on you I'm going to skin you with a spoon. That's assuming your damn goddess doesn't eat your liver first.
He tried to get up again, but we still couldn't. He'd lost so much blood and felt so weak.
Come on, get up! You have to get up! You have to help Bell!
Yet still, he felt too weak.
You promised not to fail anymore. So why aren't you getting up?! How can you be so weak at a time like this?!
Self-loathing filled him and he wanted to cry at his own uselessness.
"Come on big guy, stop beating yourself up."
His eyes shot up.
"B-Briseis?"
"Yep! Well, kind of. I think this is just a memory of me you're playing back. Or a hallucination due to lost blood," the ginger replied with a bright smile.
He didn't know how to respond to that.
"Anyway," she quickly pressed on. "Why are you laying down here when your cute kiddo needs you?"
"B-Because...I'm weak," he replied, his voice shaking.
"Oh that's not true," she said waving her hand. "My best buddy was the strongest, coolest, and nicest guy in the world."
"I failed you," he pointed out.
"How? Because you didn't save me from the Dragon?" she asked. He fell silent again. "You didn't fail me, goofball. You tried to save me, like the good man you are. I fell for that stupid lizard's trap, but you were there, rushing to bail me out again."
"But I didn't."
"So? You were still there, weren't you? Which just proves my point. My best buddy wouldn't give up just because things were tough. He'd rush in and give it his all, no matter what."
"What if I fail again?"
"You won't," she said with absolute confidence and still smiling that wonderful smile.
He stared into her amber eyes, feeling the warmth of her soul filling him.
"Come on," she said, holding out her hand. "Get up and kick some butt."
He looked at her hand, then back to her eyes.
Suddenly, his own electric blue eyes flashed white, reigniting the fire within him.
"That's my Achilles," she said.
Bell stared at Ottar as the Dark Argonaut charged, wanting nothing more than his death and the death of his entire familia.
I'll kill you all. Every last one of you. I'll kill you all for what you've done. What you're familia's done. What's your goddess has done. I"LL KILL YOU ALL!
Across the arena, Ottar prepared for an attack he knew he would likely not survive.
As long as it's for my goddess, I don't mind dying.
Bell opened his mouth to call out his spell.
The whole city stopped.
And then a spear flew between the two combatants.
Bell threw his head around, ready to kill whoever dared interfere.
The moment he saw who it was his hand fell, Argonaut dispersed and all his monstrous qualities disappeared, returning him to the sweet young man he truly was.
"D-Dad?"
Everyone stared wide-eyed at the now standing Achilles.
His helmet was gone and he looked worse for wear, but the spear in his chest was gone, having been thrown to stop his son, and his sword was in his hand.
Instead of turning to Bell, Achilles turned to Ottar, who was just as shocked to see the ex-captain standing. Then, before anyone could react, Achilles rushed at Ottar with all the speed he could muster.
The Freya captain barely had time to react before his old mentor was upon him, slashing out with strength that should have been impossible for him at the moment.
Yet Achilles's strength held firm as he attacked again and again, pushing the boaz back.
He's...He's alive, Riveria thought.
The last of her strength evaporated and she fell to her knees, but never stopped watching her Achilles as he continued his onslaught.
"Looks like the walking thunderstorm has still got it," Galadriel said. "And it looks like there's no reason to worry."
All over the city, everyone's fear dispersed and was replaced with shock as the captain they thought was dead now battled the King of Orario and pushed him further and further back.
"Come on, you can do it!" Mord called from the bar.
Soon people all over the city were crying the same, unable to do anything but cheer on the father as he came to his son's rescue and finished the fight.
"You can do it!" Tiona cried from outside the Coliseum next to the people she had evacuated.
"Come on you shitty old man. Finish it!" Bete roared.
"Come on, Achilles!" Welf cried nearby.
"Fight, Olympian!" Ryuu added.
"Please Achilles!" Haruhime pleaded.
"Finish this! Please! For Bell!" Hestia begged.
Aiz stared up at the Divine Mirror, eyes wide and mouth open.
For Bell.
Her eyes turned and found the young man staring at the fight before him in shock.
He's back, she shook her head. No, he was always there. I just let my fear consume me, her fists tightened. Never again. I will never look upon him with fear again.
Her eyes turned back to Achilles.
"WIN!" she demanded.
Whether or not Achilles heard any of these calls will never be known by anyone but him. Yet it mattered not. He simply continued to battle his fellow level seven as the words of his best friend rang through his head.
I won't lose. I won't fail. I will win!
"Raaaa!" he roared as he swung Dragon's Bane with all his might.
The blow was so powerful that it loosened Ottar's grip on his sword. Taking advantage of this, Achilles grabbed the sword and then proceeded to toss both it and his own sword aside.
I'll finish this with my own two hands.
Then, as Ottar watched their blades fall, Achilles covered his fists in lightning and swung.
The first hit took Ottar by complete surprise and smashed into his jaw with the might of an earthquake. The second was not so lucky as Ottar managed to bring up his arms to guard against the blow aimed at his torso. But the moment the second was blocked, Achilles came at him with a third, sending an uppercut into his jaw and lifting the giant a few inches off the ground.
Having had enough, Ottar, upon landing, cast down an overhead hammer strike towards Achilles. The Olympian blocked it, but the force of it thundered through his body and the Coliseum, causing him to grit his teeth.
Achilles threw Ottar's arm up and struck out again, landing a blow on Ottar's stomach, forcing the air from the captain's lungs. However, the King was far from out, and threw his own punch straight at Achilles's head, only to have Achilles dodge, grab the arm and spin him so that his back was now facing the Olympian.
Not a second later, Achilles's arms were around his neck in a choke-hold, blood covering his arms from Ottar's wound as he did so. Achilles then forced them to the ground, his legs wrapping around the boaz nearly as tightly as his arms.
Ottar struggled with all his might, first to try and get the arms away from his throat, and then to force Achilles off him, repeating bashing his elbows against Achilles's side or slamming his fists against Achilles's legs .
Pain reverberated through his body as Ottar tried to get him off. He could feel his bones breaking, his armor being useless against the desperate attacks of his old student. Yet he did not weaken his grip around Ottar's neck for even a moment. In fact, he pulled all the harder.
Go to sleep! Go to sleep!
"GO TO SLEEP YOU BIG BASTARD!"
Ottar continued to struggle, but nothing he did could get Achilles off of him.
I can't...get free.
His strength began to leave him and his struggles began to cease.
I'm...I'm going to lose, he recognized. Yet, despite this recognition, he was not upset. In fact, just before he fell into unconsciousness, Ottar smiled. Looks like I still have a ways to go before I catch up to you, Achilles.
A moment later, Ottar went limp in Achilles's arms.
Achilles felt Ottar go limp in his arms. He knew that his old student wasn't one to fake a defeat in order to pull a trick, he was too honorable for that. As such, he let his arms drop, then pushed his student off of him.
Groaning, he slowly got up then turned to his son.
Bell stared at his father, wide-eyed and mouth open, as the ex-captain slowly came towards him. He didn't know what else to do. He was still in shock.
Finally, Achilles reached him.
"D-Dad?"
Achilles smiled at him and then patted his head.
"Sorry to worry you," he said.
Then, as Bell continued to try and regain his wits, Achilles pulled his hand down and grabbed Bell's arm, before lifting it into the arm.
Bell stared at his arm, then back to Achilles with obvious confusion.
Achilles laughed.
"Bell, I believe you're supposed to be happy when you win a tough battle."
Bell's eyes widened in realization, and not a moment later a familiar voice called out.
"They've done it! Bell Cranel and Achilles Caesar in the most intense, and frankly scary fight I've ever seen, have gained victory over Allen Fromel and Ottar!" Ibri declared.
Slowly, realization began to set in all across the city and soon, cheers and applause sang through every street as the citizens of Orario congratulated the victorious duo.
It won't last for long. Soon, they'll remember what they just saw, but it only needs to last long enough for us to get inside, away from all the eyes, Achilles thought.
"Come on Bell, we should get to the…" he stopped as he began to cough.
"Dad!"
Achilles continued to cough and soon, blood covered his hand.
"Shit," he groaned before he fell to his knees.
"Dad!"
"Achilles! Bell!"
The two looked up to find the Ganesha familia rushing to them.
"Please help him!" Bell pleaded.
"Get him to the healers!" Shakti ordered.
A moment later, a pair of Ganesha familia members picked up the Olympian and rushed him inside.
"You four, tend to Allen Fromel and Ottar!" Shakti continued, pointing at more of her familia who immediately rushed off to aid the fallen Freya familia.
"Please...please help…" Bell continued before exhaustion finally hit him and he fell.
Shakti reacted quickly and pulled the young captain into her arms.
"I've got you, Bell-san," she said gently as she began to make her way back inside.
"Please...please don't take me from his side," he pleaded.
"Don't worry. I'll bring you to his side," she said.
"Thank you. I'm sorry," he said, his voice quiet from exhaustion.
She knew he wasn't apologizing for his current situation.
"I've seen many strange and scary things in my time, Bell Cranel. You might be the top of my list for both now," she said. He looked away in shame. "However, if there was ever a good reason for a rampage, it would be in defense of those you love," she finished, smiling down at him.
He turned back, tears of relief in his eyes.
"Thank you."
"I am only speaking the truth, Bell-san. And don't worry, your father will be fine. There's no way he'd allow himself to die after a performance like that."
He smiled softly.
"You're right."
"Let me through!" Riviera demanded, rushing down into the healing area of the Coliseum.
The Ganesha familia parted, allowing her and the others to rush into the room where Achilles had been placed.
"We need to get his armor off," one of the healers said.
Having neither the time nor patience to take the armor off normally, the healers quickly cut the straps and pulled it off, before tossing it to the side.
"Is he going to be alright?" Hestia asked, fear in her voice.
"Yes. I'm not about to let him die," the elf replied with unshakeable conviction.
Not now. Not ever, she thought.
"Someone give me scissors. I need to get his shirt off so I can get to the wound directly!" she ordered.
A moment later someone handed her scissors and she moved to cut off the shirt, only to have a hand suddenly reach out and stopped her.
Turning, she found a barely conscious Achilles staring at her.
"Don't…" he said weakly.
"Achilles," she said gently. "Please."
He stared for a moment longer, before giving her the tiniest of nods and falling into unconsciousness.
Permission granted, she cut the shirt and tore it off him.
Gasps rocked the room.
"Allen did that?" Hestia asked, staring at the horrible scar upon Achilles's chest.
"No," Riveria replied simply before she began to work on Achilles's recent wound.
That filled everyone with confusion as they wondered where the terrible wound could have come from. However, it did not take long for them to figure it out.
"The Dragon," Finn stated.
"Correct."
Everyone turned to see a dark elf enter the room.
"Galadriel?" Finn asked in shock.
"Hello Finn. I'd like to catch up, but the thunder cloud needs my help at the moment," she replied, before joining Riveria in healing his wound.
"Is he going to be alright?"
Again, all eyes shifted.
Bell stood on his own two feet now, though he was leaning against Shakti for support.
"He'll be fine, child," Galadriel said. "Fool though he often is, he's a tough fool. A simple spear would not be enough to lay him low. This wound is proof of that," she said, quickly gesturing towards the scar.
"Thank goodness," he said, his shoulders slumping as the tension within them finally dropped.
However, a new tension soon filled the room as recent events began to replay in everyone's mind.
"Come on, Bell," Hestia said, going over to him. "You need to rest."
Bell nodded, unable to bear the guilt he was feeling at the moment that he knew was because of him.
With Shakti's help, Bell and the Hestia familia were escorted to another empty room and the young captain was placed on an empty bed.
"Thank you, Shakti-san," he said.
"Of course, Bell-san. I need to go report to Ganesha-sama about the situation, but I will be back soon to check up on you," she said.
He nodded and she turned to leave. However, she stopped in the doorway and turned back to him.
"Remember what I said, Bell-san. Anyone who has a problem with what you did is a fool who doesn't understand how important it is to protect those we love."
Bell managed to smile at her and gave her a small nod.
Satisfied, she returned the smile then departed.
The moment she did, his smile dropped again.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice filled with fear and regret.
For a time no one said a word, which filled him with dread as he expected nothing but fear and loathing from his familia for what he'd done. For what he'd become.
He was suddenly wrapped in a hug from his entire familia.
"I'm so glad you're alright," Hestia said, her head buried in his shoulder.
"H-Hestia-sama?"
"We were really worried about you, Bell," Welf added.
"Y-You were?"
"Of course we were, Bell-sama! Seeing you so angry scared us," Lili said.
His head fell in shame again, only to be immediately forced up by his goddess.
"We weren't scared because you transformed into that form, Bell," Hestia paused. "Okay, that's not true. We were all scared of that. You were terrifying." Pain filled his eyes. "But we were far more worried that you would do what you're doing now. Blaming and hating yourself. That, because you used that skill, you would think you were some sort of monster."
"But I am, aren't I?!" he cut in, tears now freely flowing from his eyes.
"No! No you are not!" Hestia threw back. "You are a good, wonderful young man who loves so fiercely and so whole-heartedly that you cannot bear to have those you love hurt. That is not monstrous! If anything that's heroic."
"But I almost killed him! I wanted to use Argonaut to kill him, and if Dad hadn't stepped I would have-!"
"That doesn't make you a monster, Bell-sama!" Haruhime cut in. "Remember the old heroes. Even they had moments of wrath where an injustice or cruelty pushed them too far. Fear not the monsters, for they will tire, fear the righteous man for he will not," she quoted. "And yet they remain heroes in our eyes. The same way you remain a hero in all our eyes."
Everyone nodded.
"But…" he tried.
"But nothing," Hestia cut him off. "You were justly enraged. Sure, we weren't happy to see you use that skill and, heck, maybe some anger management classes are in order, but that doesn't mean you're a monster, villain, or in any way evil. Do you hear me?!"
He did not know how to respond. He wanted to deny them. Wanted to take the burden of his actions upon his shoulders and be crushed for the horrible things he'd done and tried to do, but they wouldn't allow it.
"Do you hear me?" Hestia asked again.
"Hestia-sama," he tried.
Now it was Ryuu who cut in.
"Bell, the fact that you're having such a negative reaction proves you aren't a monster or villain. You recognize you went too far and look upon your actions with shame. Neither a monster nor a villain would do that," the elf stated.
"But-."
He suddenly found his face in his goddess's hands as she forced him to look into her eyes.
"Bell, you're not a monster. Say it," she ordered gently.
"Hestia."
"Say it," she ordered again.
He closed his eyes, tears leaking between his eyelids and running down his face.
"Bell. You can say it," his goddess called so gently it was almost unfair. "You can say it, because it's the truth."
He slowly opened his eyes and looked into her warm, honest sapphires.
"I'm not a monster," he finally said.
They all smiled and Hestia pulled him into her chest, her arms wrapping around his head as she began to stroke his hair.
"Good boy."
Achilles opened his eyes.
I'm sore everywhere, he thought.
Despite this, he tried sitting up. A groan immediately passed his lips.
"Achilles!"
He turned and found Riveria sitting beside.
"Hello there," he greeted with a smile.
"You should be resting," she said as she gently brought him back down to the bed.
"You're probably right," he said as he laid back down. "How's Bell?" he asked.
"He's fine," Riveria said. "A little shaken up, but then again, we all are after that fight."
"Are you scared of him now?"
"That display was certainly terrifying, I won't lie," she replied, looking him in the eyes. "But no, I'm not scared of him, I'm far too busy being scared for you!"
Despite the situation, he smiled.
"I'm sorry I worried you."
"Worried me? I thought you were dead!"
"You know me well enough to know that a little spear to the chest wouldn't be the end of me," he countered.
"Don't you joke about this! Even the most veteran adventurers would have died from that!" she screamed.
His smile dropped.
"You're right. I'm sorry," he said seriously.
She calmed down a bit, though she was still, clearly, very upset.
"It's honestly amazing that you survived that whole ordeal."
"There might actually be a reason that I did."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"No one but I and Zeus know this, but after my fight with the Dragon, I gained a new skill."
"You did?" she asked, surprised, but wondering what this had to do with their discussion.
"Uh huh. It's called Second Chance."
"Second Chance? What does that do?"
"Not completely sure. But I think it has something to do with me seeing Briseis out there and having the strength to get back up."
"You saw Briseis?" she asked. He nodded. "Are you sure it wasn't a hallucination?"
He chuckled.
"Nope. In fact, it's more than likely that's the case. However, her giving me a pep talk certainly helped. More importantly, right before I got back up I felt this power I've never felt before, fill me and give me the strength I needed to get up and finish the fight."
"That's…I'm not sure what to say," she said.
He chuckled again.
"That's fine. Actually, it's perfect, because there's something I want to say to you, Riveria."
"What's that?" she asked.
He smiled warmly at her before sitting up. She was about to tell him to lay back down, but she was stopped when his hand reached out and cupped her cheek.
She immediately blushed at the display of affection and her heart began to race.
"I love you."
Her jaw dropped as her mind went blank.
"W-What?"
His smile grew and he flipped himself around so that he was sitting in front of her, allowing him to cup both her cheeks.
"I love you, Riveria Ljos Alf. With all my heart."
She couldn't believe it. After all this time. After years yearning for the man before her, he was confessing to her.
"Please tell me this isn't a dream."
His smile turned predatory and before she knew it, he was leaning in and claiming her lips.
Her heart stopped when his warm lips took her own. For a few seconds, she did nothing but try and process what was happening. Soon enough though, instinct or desire kicked in and she closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and returned the kiss.
It was more than she could even dream of. So warm. So gentle. So filled with affection and love that she felt warm tears run down her cheeks as absolute happiness overwhelmed her.
Please, if this is a dream, don't wake me up, she begged to whoever might be listening.
Suddenly, Achilles began to pull away. She tried to follow after his lips, but soon found them parted, snapping her eyes open in disappointment.
Achilles smiled at her as he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.
"So. Did that feel like a dream?"
Breathless and euphoric, she laughed as the happy tears returned, before she shook her head.
"No. That was real," she said.
"Yeah it was. I'm sorry I've kept you waiting, but," he took her hands in his, kissing both of them on the knuckles. "I promise that, for long as you'll have me, I'll make you happy," he vowed.
She laughed again, her overwhelming happiness getting the best of her. She managed to control herself and place her hand on his cheek.
"Then you'd best be prepared, Achilles Caesar, because I intend to keep you forever."
He laughed.
"Well then, I guess you've got a lot of happiness heading your way."
"We have a lot of happiness heading our way," she said as she began to lean in again.
"Ah, of course. How silly of me," he whispered before rejoining her lips.
The kiss was somehow even more wonderful than the first and the two held onto the other as their senses were overwhelmed by the other.
They kissed for a long time, allowing themselves to be wrapped up in their own little world until they finally needed to be part for air.
"So," Achilles said as they caught their breaths. "Do you love me too?" he asked, smiling.
She chuckled.
"Yes Achilles. I love you. I love you so much."
"Eeee!"
The two jumped and turned towards the noise, their eyes widening as they found everyone staring at them.
"How long have you been there?" Riveria asked, her cheeks burning for an entirely different reason now.
"Just long enough to hear that confession," Finn answered, smiling.
"You did it, Riveria!" Tiona cried, rushing in, the others following after.
Riveria covered her face in embarrassment and exasperation.
"Took you long enough," Finn stated.
Achilles laughed as Riveria further buried her face.
"I suppose you got us there. But it's finally happened," he said.
"Now you have to make up for lost time," Gareth commented.
"I fully plan to," Achilles replied.
Riveria finally looked up and met his eyes.
"You'd better," she said, though she could not help but smile.
"My my, it appears something quite interesting has happened while I was away."
Achilles's eyes widened at the familiar voice.
"Galadriel?"
"Hello, Achilles. I would ask how you are, but it appears you're quite well," the dark elf said with a soft smile.
"You could say that," he replied, smiling brightly. "I didn't know you were here."
"How could you? I'd only arrived today. Just in time to be dragged into all this craziness."
"I would apologize, but I suspect you've rather missed the craziness."
She chuckled.
"Perhaps a bit. But I would like to know how this," she pointed at the two of them. "Came about."
"Oh wow, where do we even begin?" Achilles asked, looking at Riveria.
"I suppose it would make sense for me to start the story," the elf replied.
"By all means," he replied, smiling at her with pure adoration.
She smiled back, the two sharing a moment, before Riveria returned her gaze to her fellow elf.
"Well, I suppose we have to begin with the Foundation Day party all those years ago."
Bell watched from the back as everyone congratulated the new couple with a smile, overwhelmingly happy for both of them.
They deserve each other.
Despite his happiness for them and his recent conversation with his familia, he didn't dare join the group. He knew that, while his familia may not think of him as a monster, that didn't mean the others wouldn't. At the very least, he had scared them, and he didn't want to ruin the good mood.
Let them be happy. I don't need to be in there.
That thought hurt him terribly, but he believed it was for the best.
Bell, evidently, forgot that his father was also a part of his familia and was thus inclined to be in the same mindset as the others.
"Bell."
He froze as he heard his name.
"Come on," Achilles called, waving him over.
Bell did not immediately respond; he felt all eyes turn towards him and tensed as the room went quiet. Yet, he couldn't deny Achilles, especially not at that moment.
He slowly made his way into the quiet room and did his best to smile at the two.
"Congratulations, you two. I'm so happy that you two found each other."
"Thank you, Bell," Achilles said.
"Thank you," Riveria added, giving him a warm smile that eased some of his anxiety.
"How are you?" Achilles asked.
"Fine," he responded simply.
"Good. I was worried you know," Achilles said, pulling him into a hug. "I can't have my boy getting all upset because of me, can I?"
Tears filled Bell's eyes as he recognized what those words meant. Achilles wasn't afraid of him either.
"I-I'm sorry," he said, choking up a bit.
"For what? Going toe-to-toe with Ottar?"
"For using that skill," he replied.
"Bell, it's a skill. You're supposed to use it. And if there's someone to blame for what happened, it's me for being such a wimp," Achilles stated.
"No," Bell said, shaking his head against the older man's chest. "You saved me. I should have been paying more attention."
"Bell, saving you is my job. I will always be there to protect you," his father said gently, before lifting his head up to look him in the eyes. "So don't be upset."
Having expended all his arguments, the only thing Bell could do was nod and throw his head back into his dad's chest.
Achilles smiled down at him, pouring his love into his son, before suddenly looking at the others.
Anyone got a problem? he silently demanded of them.
Those around him shared looks amongst each other, before smiles began to reappear.
No, was the silent response.
Nodding, Achilles turned back to his boy and hugged him a bit more tightly.
The hug lasted a few more minutes, long enough for Bell's tears to dry and his smile to return.
"Sorry," he apologized again, a bit embarrassed.
"It's quite alright," Riveria said, smiling tenderly at him.
Achilles said nothing, he just continued to smile at Bell.
"Well...um. I'm going to get some air," Bell said, feeling a bit awkward with all the eyes upon him.
"Don't go too far," Achilles said.
Bell nodded and excused himself, every pair of eyes following him as he departed.
However, there was one person that decided that she wanted to follow him with more than just her eyes.
Bell walked silently through the lower levels of the Coliseum. Luckily it was empty and he came across no one. He eventually found the way that led outside and entered the darkened streets of Orario.
His luck seemed to still be working as there was no one nearby, though the sounds of celebration could easily be heard.
Maybe everyone's keeping clear because of me.
Guilt returned for a moment, but he managed to shake it off.
My familia and friends have forgiven me. That's what matters. I can accept everything else, he thought, taking a deep breath. Or...almost anything else.
There was one person he wished to talk to in order to hear what she thought about what he'd done; what he'd become. Yet, the thought of seeing her at this moment terrified him.
"Bell?"
He jumped and he turned, finding that very person standing before him.
"A-Aiz!"
"Are you alright?" she asked, approaching him.
"I-I'm fine," he replied nervously.
"Good. I'm glad," she said, smiling.
The smile and honesty he heard in her voice shocked him.
"Y-You are?"
She continued to smile as she nodded. Then, to his increased surprise, she closed the distance between them and took his hands.
"I'm not scared of you, Bell. I know that no matter what happens or what skills you have, you're still you."
His jaw dropped.
"I...don't know what to say."
"Well...you could tell me what it is you've been wanting to say to me," she suggested.
His breath caught and for a time, he could do nothing but stare.
"Please Bell," she asked gently. "Please tell me. What do you feel for me?"
The gentle pleading brought him back and filled him with conviction.
Taking a deep breath, he squeezed her hands.
"Aiz. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fully put into words what you mean to me," he began.
She stared into his eyes, her heart beating faster and faster with each word.
"You are beyond wonderful. You are kind, beautiful, and so strong it's incredible," he said, laughing as joy began to overwhelm him.
She laughed too, happy tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Ever since you saved me from that minotaur, you've had a place in my heart and there was nothing I wanted more than to become worthy of you."
"You've always been worthy," she stated.
"Really?" he asked, shocked.
She nodded, her smile growing as the tears barely held on at the corner of her eyes.
"Well then, I suppose I shouldn't hold back any longer," he said, mustering all his courage. "Aiz Wallenstein. I love you."
A happy, choked laugh, parted her lips as tears finally began to flow down her cheeks.
"You do?" she asked.
"Yes," he said, happy tears now forming in his eyes as well. "So so much."
That's all she needed. She rushed into his arms and kissed him.
It was brief as both couldn't help but laugh in unrestrained joy.
"I love you too, Bell."
"You do?" he repeated her question.
"Yes," she returned. "So so much."
He laughed again, before reclaiming her lips and wrapping his arms around her waist. Aiz in turn, wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.
Thus Bell Cranel and Aiz Wallenstein found each other.
So...did I make up for all my teasing?
It's finally happened. After forty chapters, Bell and Aiz are together, and so are Achilles and Riveria to boot! The pairings have begun and don't worry, this story is far from over. There is much left to do. People to introduce. Places to go. Secrets to reveal. We're just getting started!
Anyway, I do hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, I've had this one in the works for a looooong time, so I really hope that I did well in your eyes. Please though, share your thoughts.
Well, that's all for now ladies and gentlemen. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. I'll see you all in the New Year. Fingers crossed that it's less crazy than this one was. Alright peeps, have a good one!