Hello dearest readers. Welcome back. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day! So, our heroes are on their way to Athens to fight Rakia and find out if the Athenians are a threat to Orario, yet already we have new issues and conflicts arising as the war for Bell and Achilles's hearts rages on. So, let's jump in and see what other battles await us, shall we?
Quick note/shameless personal shill: My book will once again be on sale for free between February 16th, 2021 and February 20th, 2021. If you're interested, it's called Consuls and Slaves and you can find it on Amazon. Thank you kindly for your support.
I do not own Danmachi
Bell tried desperately to focus on putting his things away, but he could not turn his mind away from his thoughts.
Eina-san and Bache-san love me? Why? What did I do to earn that? His mind, as if asking "seriously?" immediately replayed what Bache said, then reminded him of both his close relationship with Eina and the fact that he had saved her life. Okay, I guess I've just been blind. Willfully blind, he confessed. But, what am I supposed to do? Haruhime. Hestia. Lili. Ryuu. Aisha. Syr Eina. Bache. So many women are showing interest in me and all I can do is freak out. I don't want to hurt them, but I'm with Aiz now even if, he paused as guilt filled his eyes to bursting. Perhaps she's not the only one I can love.
A familiar flash of gold filled his minds and, even in his current confusion and distress, he could not help but smile as he pictured her twitching ears and smile. However, that smile lasted but a moment before he angrily shook his head.
"No," he growled. "I will not betray Aiz. I love her so much and have never been happier than I am now. No matter what I feel or don't feel, that will never change," he swore.
His vow eased away the burden on his mind, though he still wasn't sure what he should do with regards to the other women who apparently had feelings for him.
His mind was pulled away as his rabbit, whom he had placed on the floor, caught his attention by moving his hand to its head.
Looking down, he found his adorable pet attempting to get some pets, causing him to smile.
"I'm sorry," he said, picking up the furry ball and petting it. "My mind was elsewhere."
The rabbit seemed more than willing to forgive him and snuggled into his arms.
"I do need to think of a name for you, and no, it won't be Bell," he said, unable to stop himself from pouting.
Somehow, he could tell that the bunny seemed to agree with that, which allowed his smile to cease and a smile to replace it.
"So, what should I-."
He was stopped the moment his door slammed open, revealing his dearly beloved Sword Princess. However, any joy he might have felt at seeing her ended the moment he saw her fiery eyes.
"A-Aiz?"
She did not respond, she simply slammed the door behind her and locked it.
This is about Bache, he quickly recognized.
Knowing what was likely to happen and having no interest in letting it play out, he quickly, but gently, put his pet down and stood up.
"Bell," she growled, not out of any anger towards him, but out of the jealousy caused by the recent events. She fully intended on claiming him here and now so that none of the other women around him ever could. However, all her plans died the moment that Bell suddenly rushed over to her, pinned her against the door, and kissed her with enough force and passion to make her toes curl.
Her eyes widened at the sudden offense. She had expected to be the one doing the kissing and pinning, so the sudden attack from the normally gentle, and often shy young man was quite surprising.
Even so, her mind began to turn to mush as his warmth washed over her. Her higher brain functions lasted only to the point of Bell's tongue pressing against her lips, asking for entry. After that she simply opened her mouth to welcome him and allowed herself to fall into the delight he was providing for her.
She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck as their tongues battled, though she quickly found herself surrendering to him, and for the first time, she was more than happy to do so.
Suddenly, and without pulling away from the kiss, Bell placed his hands under her thighs and lifted her so he could even more fully pin her to the door. In response, she simply wrapped her legs around his waist and fell even more deeply into the kiss.
However, since the two had yet to master the technique of breathing through their noses during such passionate displays, they were forced to part, their breath hot and labored as their eyes opened to stare at their partner.
"I am yours," Bell said resolutely. "I will not betray you or stray. You're the one I want."
Remembering why she had come here, Aiz smiled, understanding now the purpose of his wanton display of affection.
"Thank you, and I'm sorry," she said.
"Just remember that," he replied, before kissing her cheek. "I love you, Aiz."
"And I love you, Bell."
The two shared a quick smile before falling into another kiss. This one was shorter and less passionate, but far sweeter. However, when they pulled back, Aiz had a gleam in her eye that Bell recognized.
"So...will you allow me to claim you?" she asked.
He smiled and kissed her again.
"Soon. When we don't have an audience."
Her brow scrunched in confusion, before some movement over Bell's shoulder caught her attention.
Her eyes widened as she found Bell's rabbit, sitting on the bed, staring at them.
"Um...that's probably for the best," she conceded.
Achilles put down the last of his things and propped his sword up against the bed.
"Another eventful day," he said out loud.
As if Fate had decided that this was a challenge, his door suddenly burst open, causing him to turn.
"Riveria?"
The elf didn't respond, at least not in the way he expected. Instead, she chanted briefly and suddenly a magical ward was placed in front of the door.
Before he could figure out what that was about, Riveria put her staff down, rushed over and kissed him.
The kiss itself was startling, but the force behind it left him in a state of shock. This only got worse when she forced him back, sending them both tumbling into bed.
"Riveria, what-?"
"No more waiting," she said, her voice coming out more like a command. "I've done my waiting and I'm in no mood to wait any longer."
With that, she quickly removed her green overclothes, leaving her in her black under armor. She was hardly finished however, as she quickly reached up and began pulling the skin tight outfit down, soon revealing her beautiful breasts.
"Wow," was all Achilles could manage. Well, that and a fine dusting of red on his cheeks.
"Touch them," she commanded, her voice raspy with desire. "Feel them. Claim them. Claim them as I'm about to claim you."
That snapped Achilles back to reality and he met her eyes, even as she continued to remove her outfit. It was only when she lifted her hips to move the undergarment passed her hips and perfect backside that he finally acted.
Grabbing her arms, he stopped her progress and forced her eyes back to him.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
"I could ask you the same question," he threw back.
She nearly growled.
"I'm claiming the man I've desired for decades. I'm making sure everyone knows he's mine."
Realizing what was going on, he sighed.
"Riveria," he sat up. "I am yours. Completely, wholeheartedly, and unreservedly."
"Then why are you stopping me?" she asked, her voice still harsh.
"Because I don't want our first time together to be when you're mad at me," he replied gently.
"I'm not mad at you," she said quickly.
"Alright then you're pissed about what just happened," he said, making her frown deepen. "Riveria," he cupped her face with his hand. "I want you. Only you. And yes, in case earlier events weren't any indication, I desire you, badly," he punctuated this by grinding his hips against hers, finally destroying her fury as she gasped. "But I want to give myself to you in the best situation I can. I don't want a quick romp in some hay or angry claiming session. I wanted to surrender myself to you. To submit myself, fully and willingly to you. I want our first time together to be so special that the first thought you have when we're done to be 'worth it'," he said, smiling at her. "Worth all the waiting, frustration, pain, and yes, jealousy. So, as much as I desire you, as you clearly felt, I don't want any claiming to be done now."
Why is he so damn convincing? Riveria internally growled, even if she wasn't truly angry.
"Then when?" she asked. "When will you finally surrender yourself to me?"
To her surprise, his response was immediate.
"When we get to Athens. Once I've settled things with Mania, for good or ill, and we're given what I suspect will be very nice rooms, then I will surrender to you. Fully and for however long you wish to claim me."
That burned away the last of her jealous frustration and she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him.
"Athens?" she asked. He nodded. "And for however long I wish to claim you?" Another nod. She smiled. "Then you'd best be prepared, Achilles Caesar, because I've got decades worth of desire pent up and I mean to have my fill of you, pun very much intended."
He chuckled before allowing himself to be pulled into a kiss.
The kiss was sweet, but had a hidden fire within it as the promise of what was to come passed between them.
"Well," Achilles said, pulling away. "How about I reward your patience with a little treat?"
Something about the way he said that made her spine tingle.
"What did you have in mind?" she asked, barely able to keep her voice from shaking.
"Finish removing that and skootch to the edge of the bed."
Doing as requested, Riveria finished removing her garment and now fully naked, she placed herself at the edge of the bed.
"Fuck, you are beautiful," he said, his voice practically drowning in desire.
"Thank you. It's nice to be appreciated, in more ways than one," she said suggestively, her foot lifting and pressed against his straining crotch.
He groaned.
"Fuck. Tease."
"Says the man who just stopped me from ravaging himself senseless," she replied with a smile that would make a succubus blush.
"Well, I'm about to remedy that a bit," Achilles said, before getting on his knees before her.
There was no way she could mistake what he intended to do and her heart began to fly to the heavens as he gently parted her legs.
"Now, just sit back, and let me reward your patience," he said before dipping down.
Though he said that, he did not simply dive in, but began by kissing her thighs, first her right, then her left, slowly moving his ways towards the spot she now desperately needed him to be.
This is agonizing! she mentally cried, even as the kisses filled her stomach with more and more butterflies. Finally though, he was right next before her now dripping flower and she waited with baited breath for him to finally give her what she craved. Unfortunately for her, he had one final tease.
"Ah!" she cried as he blew upon her sensitive button.
She immediately covered her mouth with her hand, then sat up to glare at him, seeing nothing but his teasing eyes.
Deciding he had made her wait long enough, he finally placed his mouth upon her and gently licked. The result was instantaneous as her glare disappeared, her eyes rolled back and she fell back into the bed.
"Fuuuck," she called, though her voice was barely above a whisper.
Her hands quickly found his head, tangling in his hair and forcing him deeper before her legs came up and further locked him in place.
He did not mind in the least, for he was far too preoccupied with using his lips and tongue to please and reward his beautiful, beloved elf.
She gasped, moaned, and squirmed as he found her most wonderful spots over and over again. Her grip tightened more and more as her legs did the same, desperate not to lose out on even a second of this mind-numbing euphoria.
"H-How…"she tried, but she could barely maintain her breath. "How are you," she moaned as he gently nibbled her clit. "How are you so good at this?!" she forced out as quickly as she could before throwing her head back and moaning into her hand.
He managed to pull himself back, despite her hands and legs, and smiled at her.
"While I never did anything during all those sessions Zeus had me do during 'seduction training' that doesn't mean I wasn't paying attention or not learning anything," he replied, before dipping back down and sucking on her clit.
"Fuck!" she wasn't able to stop herself from screaming. "You are doing this every day of this trip, do you hear me! Every single day! Twice, no, three times a day, if I so desire it!"
He pulled back again and nodded.
"Whatever my princess wants."
"What your princess wants right now is for you to release all her pent up frustration and make her toes curl."
His smile turned devious.
"Gladly."
His head fell between her thighs again and she wrapped him up even more tightly than before as he positively attacked her womanhood.
"Fuck. Shit. Gods," she said, trying desperately to retrain her voice, even going so far as to bite her lip so that she didn't have to pull her hands back.
It's coming. It's coming, she chanted in her mind.
The final straw came when he suddenly added a finger and curled it within her, hitting the single most delightful spot of the day.
Her back arched and her eyes widened, but no sound passed her lips, so glorious was the release her dear human champion had provided for her that it had stolen her breath away and all she could do was look up at the ceiling, latch onto him all the tighter, and allow the tears of pleasure to drip down the side of her face.
Finally, her body relaxed and she fell back into the bed, exhausted, but pleased in a way that she never knew she could be. This of course meant that her arms and legs fell away, allowing Achilles to stand back up, before leaning over and placing his hands on either side of her head as he smiled down at her.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"I'm not sure I've ever felt better," she answered honestly, her voice wispy and quiet.
"Good," he leant down and kissed her. "I'll satisfy you as much as you need so," he stroked her cheeks with his knuckles. "No need to be jealous."
She nodded, before bringing his hand to her lips and kissing his palm.
"I'm sorry for that, but I don't like others going after you, and I refuse to lose you to Freya, Argana, or Patroclus for that matter.
"Yeah, I noticed he still had that crush," Achilles commented.
"It appears to be more than a crush," she pointed out. "He's well and truly smitten for you."
He hummed and nodded.
"Well, unfortunately for him," he kissed her. "I now find myself quite the fetishist for lovely," another kiss. "Shapely," a third. "And undeniably sexy High Elves."
This time, when he went for a kiss, she wrapped her arms around him, and forced her tongue into his mouth. They did battle for a time, but Achilles was content to give her victory and allow her to conquer his mouth.
"Glad to hear it," Riveria said once they pulled back. "Because I now have quite the fetish for big, strong, human adventurers who know how to use their tongue."
Bell awoke and stretched as he sat up in bed.
"Nooo."
He turned and smiled as he saw a still sleeping Aiz frowning as she patted the spot next to her on the bed, looking for her missing source of warmth.
He leant down and kissed her forehead.
"Come on Aiz. Time to get up."
She groaned again, but a moment or two later, her eyes fluttered open. After a few more moments, her eyes cleared and she looked up at him and smiled.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," he replied, giving her another kiss before getting out of bed.
Aiz followed after a short while later and the two got dressed.
"Looks like it's going to be a nice day," Bell said, looking out the window. "Would you like to join me later for a walk through the ship?"
Aiz frowned, which he instantly noted.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I...don't like water," she replied.
A bit surprised, Bell nonetheless pressed forward.
"Why?"
His beloved princess was quiet for a time, but he was patient with her.
"When I was younger I called Riveria an old lady, so she tied a stone to my legs and threw me into water."
"Oh?" was the only reply he could manage.
I knew Riveria was scary, but that's ridiculous!
He quickly banished his thoughts as he saw Aiz's distress.
"Aiz," he called gently, going over to her and taking her hands. "I'm sorry that happened to you. She shouldn't have done that, no matter what you said. However, if you want, I'd be happy to try and help you get over your fear if you want."
"Really?" she asked, her hopeful golden orbs meeting his rubies.
He smiled and nodded.
"Of course. I love you and you've helped me so much in the past, so if I can do something to repay you even just a little bit, I will happily do so."
She smiled then kiss him.
"Thank you, Bell."
"No need to thank me, I'd do anything for you, Aiz."
That earned him a second kiss.
"Come on, let's go get some breakfast," he said.
She immediately agreed and the two departed their room.
They were making their way down towards the mess hall, when they ran into the vice-captain of the Athena familia.
"Oh! Good morning," Bell greeted.
The vice-captain did not respond, instead simply looking upon the young man with cold eyes for just long enough to make him uncomfortable, before suddenly shifting towards Aiz and smiling.
"Good morning, Sword Princess, I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I am Agrippina Salamis, vice-captain of the Athena familia."
Both Aiz and Bell found her actions quite strange, but brushed it off for the moment.
"Good morning. I am Aiz Wallenstein."
"I know, of course. You are quite legendary, and if you'll allow me, it is quite the pleasure to have someone as remarkable as you agree to join us in our efforts against those Rakian brutes."
"Happy to be of assistance," Aiz said, finding the woman stranger by the moment.
"Are you off to have breakfast?" Agrippina asked, her voice flowing with something that Aiz did not recognize, but Bell did.
I guess I now know how Aiz felt with Bache, he thought, feeling a bit of possessiveness play at the edges of his heart.
"Yes. Bell and I were heading to the mess hall," Aiz responded.
Agrippina's smile fell as she turned to Bell, her eyes lowering in disgust so blatant that Aiz could not fail to notice it.
"I see. Well, I won't hold you any longer. That said, if you would like some more refined company later, my room is just down the hall. Come by whenever you wish. Goodbye for now, Aiz Wallenstein."
With that, the vice-captain departed, leaving an uncomfortable Bell and fuming Aiz behind.
"I don't like her," Aiz said, her voice frigid, but her eyes blazing. "Come on Bell, let's go get breakfast."
Bell was more than happy to do just that.
The smell of salt filled the air and a cool breeze rushed over the skin of all those above deck. One such person was Riveria who, after a delightful morning, courtesy of her lover, now stood upon the deck, smiling out towards the open sea.
I almost feel spoiled, she thought as another wonderful breeze passed by her skin. But this is just me collecting on an investment I made so many years ago, so I plan to enjoy it to the fullest and without shame. In fact, I'm starting to feel like a second helping, she thought as the delightful tingle returned. She chuckled at the sensation and her newfound desire. You really have turned me into a teenager, Achilles. Yet I can't seem to care.
She pushed off the edge of the ship, intent on finding Achilles again and "collecting" her dues, though with a willingness to share some of her patiently begotten gains with her champion. However, her plans ceased or at the very least were paused, when she came face to face with the high elf emissary.
"Your Highness," he greeted with a bow and a smile she recognized all too well.
"Good morning," she replied, returning the gesture. "I do not believe we have been introduced."
"Indeed we have not, your Highness, not officially, though I do recall seeing you some decades ago back at court alongside your family," he said. "I am Thranduil Mirkwood."
"Ah, I know that name. You are the lord of the eastern edges of the High Elven forest, correct?"
"I am indeed, your Highness, I am glad that you know of me, if only by name."
"Your family were very loyal to my father and he always spoke very highly of you," she replied.
Loyal to the point of being borderline sycophants, she thought, but of course did not say.
"I am overjoyed to hear it, your father is a great king and to earn is praise is a high honor."
Remove the 'borderline', she added, barely stopping herself from rolling her eyes.
"I am sure you are happy that you get to see him and the rest of your family," Thranduil continued.
"I am, though I wish it was under better circumstances," she answered.
"Ah yes, war is hardly the best time for reunions of any stripe, yet I am still glad for this opportunity to meet and become closer to you, your Highness."
Become closer?
"As I am sure you suspected, there is more to his Majesty's request than simply seeing you again or even the war against Rakia."
"I did suspect so," she replied.
"Of course you did, you are as renowned for your intelligence as you are for your beauty," the elven lord continued, his words beginning to truly wear on her nerves. "As such, I hope you will permit me to add my name to the list of potential candidates," he finished, bowing again.
"Candidates?"
"For your hand in marriage, your Highness," he said casually.
She blinked, then blinked again.
What?
Thranduil smiled at her, perhaps thinking that she was flattered into silence, though that was hardly the case as she simply did not know how to respond. Luckily, she was saved by the one person that actually could ask her for her hand and receive a positive answer.
"There you are Riveria."
The two turned, Thranduil's eyes turning dark as he glared at the arriving human adventurer, while Riveria had to restrain herself from kissing him.
My champion.
"Enjoying the ocean air?" he asked.
"Quite, it's been too long since I've been able to truly enjoy the ocean," she replied, smiling at him.
"Excuse me!" Thranduil cut in with utter indignation.
"Oh, my apologies, were you two talking?" Achilles asked, looking between the elf lord and Riveria.
Riveria prepared to answer, only for the outraged elf to answer.
"We were indeed, human!" he spat this last word like a curse. "And how dare you address her Highness so casually!"
Achilles turned to Riveria, giving her a look that clearly said "what am I missing?", and she sighed.
"Lord Thranduil, please. I have not been a princess for many years. I left that title behind when I left the forest so there is no need for him to address me as such."
"And I think she and I are well beyond using titles for each other," Achilles added.
"Forgive me your Highness, but even with your departure from the forest, you are still a princess and thus should be addressed as such, especially by a human," again, this last word came out as a curse. "And what do you mean, 'beyond using titles'?"
Before Achilles managed to answer, Riveria jumped in.
"We're old friends. I've known Achilles for years and we are very close."
As Thranduil eyed her skeptically, Riveria had to stop herself from shrinking away from the other set of eyes currently boring into her.
"Friends or not, he should not address you so casually, your Highness," Thranduil stated, his eyes turning back to Achilles who did not even register the elven lord's existence at the moment as his eyes continued to bore into Riveria.
"I shall be the one to decide that, my lord. Now, I actually have something I need to discuss with Achilles, so if you'll excuse me."
She did not leave Thranduil time to respond as she took Achilles's arm and led him off.
The two travelled down into the ship until finding their room and making their way inside.
"Friend?" Achilles questioned.
"I know. I'm sorry," she quickly apologized.
"I don't know many friends whose wake up routine is one of them shoving their tongue into the other until they scream," he continued.
She blushed, but knew she was in the wrong here.
"I'm sorry," she said again. "I just didn't want him to know."
A brief silence fell upon them.
"Are you ashamed of me?" Achilles asked.
"Oh gods!" she cried before rushing over to him and kissing him. "No! Never! Heaven, if it was just him, I would have happily wrapped my arms around you and had my wicked way with your mouth the moment you arrived!"
"Okay. Then why didn't you? What's the issue?" he asked.
She sighed.
"For one, I want this trip to be as pleasant and stress-free as a trip to a war can be. Secondly, if, or more likely, when, my family finds out about you and I, it's not going to be pretty."
"Because your father is a racist ass like the prissy little shit?"
"He's worse, and he'll be far worse when he discovers our relationship. I'm not afraid of him and I'm not going to give you up," she clarified, looking him in the eyes. "But that doesn't mean I am exactly eager for the headache it will cause. I am not ashamed of you in the least, so please, please don't think that for even a moment."
He was annoyed, she could tell, and she could not blame him. This was unfair and she was effectively forcing him into a situation he didn't like.
"So what, no displays of affection on this trip?" he asked, his tone revealing to her just how much he did not like that idea. "That would mean no more pleasant wake up calls," he pointed out.
"Don't you dare stop," she growled. "You've given me a new addiction and I do not intend on quitting it any time soon, if ever."
Finally his frown departed as he chuckled.
"So then what? I want to kiss you, Riveria. I want to hold your hand and pull you close, and I also rather enjoy this new morning routine of ours," he said, pulling her close as his voice became husky. "But you're not exactly quiet," he finished.
Her blush returned and she smacked his chest.
"We just have to be discreet. And I won't ask it of you for this entire mission, just until we reach Athens. Once we arrive and you fulfill your promise, I don't give a single fuck if people find out."
His smile grew and he pulled her tighter against him.
"That almost sounds like you want me to make you scream so all of Athens hears you," he growled with desire.
Her eyes darkened with desire.
"No, as my champion, I'm ordering you to do just that," she growled back.
He chuckled, sending an eye-rolling tingle up her spine.
"Of course, your Highness," he replied before leaning in to kiss her again.
Their passion quickly overwhelmed them and soon their tongues did battle again as they grabbed and groped at each other.
Achilles pulled back for a moment, much to Riveria's chagrin.
"You still know that silencing ward?" he asked.
It took her a moment to recollect her mind, but when she did, she smiled.
"I do."
"Good, because I rather like hearing your voice and I don't want you restraining yourself in the name of some stupid high elf."
Riveria quickly chanted out the spell, covering the room in the ward, before all but ripping her clothes off so that she could receive another "payment".
"Has anyone seen Dad and Riveria?" Bell asked, looking at those around the table.
"No. Not since yesterday," Welf answered, the others giving similar answers.
"Perhaps the two have decided to make this a bit of a pleasure cruise," Hermes said suggestively, quickly receiving a jab to his side from Asfi.
"Who could blame them? Achilles is an exquisite man. Powerful. Mature. And I can tell you he's not lacking downstairs," Aisha said, licking her lips and causing many blushes.
"Aisha," Bell whined.
"And Riveria, mmm, I wouldn't mind having some alone time with her. That round ass, nice hips, and wonderful breasts. I mean, who could blame them if they decided they need to ravage each other senseless?" Aisha continued unabated.
Asfi had had quite enough and went over to smack Aisha on the back of the head, doing her best to ignore her own blush. Not far away, Aiz wanted to curl up into a ball as she did not want to picture any of what Aisha was talking about with regards to her second mother figure.
"Ahem, well, whatever they're doing, as long as they're happy and enjoying themselves, I don't think it's a big deal," Hestia said, forcing the conversation to move on, much to most everyone's appreciation.
"Quite right. We should instead focus on the adventures that await us at our destination," Hermes said, smiling even as his captain rolled her eyes.
"We're headed to a warzone, Hermes," Hestia reminded him.
"True, but I have absolute confidence in our children, so I don't think we should let the glum reason for our trip stop us from enjoying ourselves," he responded.
"I am rather excited to see Athens," Bell admitted. "I've wanted to see it for years."
"You've never gone, Bell-san?" Hermes asked.
Bell shook his head.
"I spent most of my life in my village, never straying more than a few miles outside it."
"Then you are in for quite the treat. The City of Magic truly lives up to its name. Mages, witches, wizards, and all sorts of magical beings live there. Magical items of all kinds fill the shops and new ones are invented everyday. It is the one place in all the world where you can find more to do with magic than Orario."
"That sounds delightful," Haruhime said, beaming.
"But we still need to be careful," Lili pointed out.
"You are both very right," Hermes said. "Even so, I see no reason why we can't all have some fun while we're there."
"Oh I'll make sure of that."
Everyone turned to find Rei standing a pace or two away and smiling at them.
"Rei-san. Good morning," Bell greeted.
"Good morning, Bell-san. And good morning to all of you," the rabbit captain greeted, receiving many 'good mornings' in response. "Would you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," Bell said, getting agreement from the others.
Rei sat down, then looked about the table.
"Achilles-sama isn't here?" he asked.
"He's currently enjoying some alone time with-," Hermes began, only to get elbowed in the side once more by Asfi.
"We think he's with Riveria-kun," Hestia explained, giving the blue-haired young captain and appreciative glance.
"Oh? Are they friends?" Rei asked.
"Actually, they are together," Bell said.
"Really?" Rei asked, surprised. "Mania-sama informed us that he had been seduced by the goddess, Freya."
Everyone tensed a bit, but Bell responded quickly enough.
"It's a bit complicated, but he used to love her, that is true. However, my dad and Riveria have recently found each other."
Rei blinked.
"Your dad?"
Bell stopped, realizing he had kind of blurted out important information without thinking.
"Um, yeah," he blushed lightly and scratched the back of his head. "He kind of adopted me."
"More like the other way around," Hestia said, getting smiles all around the table.
"You're...Achilles-sama's son?" Rei asked, as if he didn't believe his long ears.
Bell nodded.
Rei suddenly jumped out of his seat and began bowing.
"I'm so sorry for my rudeness, Bell-sama!"
Everyone jumped and it took Bell a moment to respond.
"What rudeness? You didn't do anything wrong."
"But I did! I've been treating you so casually even though you're Achilles-sama's son and Mania-sama's grandson! That is beyond rude!"
"Please, Rei-san, it's alright," Bell said, doing his best to calm the captain down.
It seemed to work as the bunny captain slowly looked up.
"You didn't know, and actually I'd far prefer it if you just called me Bell like my friends do," the bunny-like Hestia captain said.
"You'd...like to be friends?" Rei asked.
"Of course," was Bell's immediate reply before he gave his grandmother's captain one of his million valis smiles.
Rei's eyes widened and began to sparkle before he suddenly rushed over and hugged Bell, much to the Hestia captain's surprise.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Rei said after pulling back, I was just really excited. I don't have many friends outside the Mania familia so having another one made me really happy."
Bell laughed.
"I'm happy to have another friend too."
Rei rejoined the table, positively beaming and bouncing in his seat a bit.
"Mania's going to absolutely lose her mind when she meets you," Rei said. "But you'd better be prepared. She's a hugger and is way stronger than she looks."
Bell and the others laughed.
"I'll keep that in mind."
"So, Rei-dono, is there anything we should know about Athens?" Mikoto asked.
"Hm, well, first thing you should probably know is that Athena doesn't much like men," Rei began.
"Why?" Haruhime asked.
"She views them as piggish, lecherous, violent, and volatile, a bit ironic if you ask me given I've seen her temper," Rei said. "In fact, she used to have this screen she would put up during meetings with male emissaries so that they couldn't look at her, but Mania made her stop doing that because it was rude."
Hestia nodded.
"Athena has been like that for a while. As one of my fellow, virgin goddesses, she took a more negative view of relationships and men in general. Though, to be fair, a certain someone's attempts to peak on her while she was bathing didn't help."
Everyone turned to Hermes.
"What?"
Asfi, now well and truly annoyed, elbowed him again.
"I can only imagine how much that set her off," Rei said. "But yeah, it might be best to have the ladies speak when you meet her. Also, hide him," he suggested, pointing at Hermes. Everyone nodded, except for Hermes. "As for Athens itself, it's the city of mages and magic. There's plenty of spectacular and fun things to do, but there is a draw-back," he continued, his voice getting serious. "Athens prefers mages to an extreme point. Non-mages or worse yet, people who don't or can't use magic at all are not viewed with a generous light. They are viewed as unskilled, unworthy, or even downright lesser by the population at large." Frowns appeared around the table. "And be on your guard. If you have a rare or worse yet, unique magic, you will garner unwanted attention. People will attempt to 'acquire you' as they say, and some people are willing to use some unsavory, even illegal methods to do so."
A grim air fell upon the table and the reality of their situation began to seep in more.
Bell's eyes turned to Haruhime, his mind churning as recognized that she would be a prime target for 'acquiring'.
I will protect her, he swore.
"But don't worry!" Rei quickly added. "Not only do you guys all appear really strong, but there's absolutely no way that Mania-sama's going to allow anyone to touch you. She'll tear anyone who even thinks it apart with her bare hands."
That did ease them a bit and some even managed to chuckle.
"That's good to know," Hestia said.
"Now, what else can I tell you?" Rei wondered. "Oh I know! Did you guys know that Mania-sama runs both an orphanage and a restaurant. When we get there, we have to go there, our food is the absolute best!"
His excitement was met with laughs and, for now, everyone let their concerns fall away, even if in the back of their minds they understood that this mission was more dangerous than they had originally thought.
Hours later, night had fallen and all had gone to sleep, including a certain snow-haired captain and his golden-haired beloved. However, something stirred the young man awake and he sat up in bed, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dark room.
"Mm," he groaned as he wondered why he was awake.
A groan to his side caused him to turn and not a moment later he was smiling down at the sleeping form his precious Sword Princess. She, however, was not so pleased as she tried to snuggle up to him and regain the warmth she had lost.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, leaning down to kiss her forehead. That calmed her and her frown was soon replaced by a dreamy smile.
Bell stared down at her for a few more moments, his heart swelling as he found himself falling in love all over again. However, he could already tell he wasn't getting back to sleep any time soon and so, with another kiss to Aiz's forehead, he got up and silently made his way out of the room, intent on going for a quick walk to hopefully burn off his excess energy.
Deciding on a path, Bell began his trek, slowly and quietly making his way past the other rooms of his sleeping companions.
It was as he was passing by Cassandra's room that he heard a noise. He stopped and looked at her door and focused on listening. His ears caught the sounds of ruffling sheets and, more concerningly, whimpers.
Should I see if she's alright?
He was a bit anxious to do so. This was a girl's room after all, and he certainly wouldn't want to impose or, worse yet, be thought of as some sort of pervert that was sneaking into her room. That anxiety ended the moment he heard a scream.
"NO!"
Acting immediately, Bell rushed in.
"Cassandra, what's wrong?!"
The girl did not reply. Indeed, she did not even seem to recognize his existence as she gripped her head as if in pain and tears streamed down her face.
Seeing this and feeling a terrible tug at his heart, Bell quickly closed the door and went over to her.
"Cassandra," he called gently.
She blinked and turned her tearful eyes to him.
"Bell?" she asked, her voice shaking like mad.
"Yes, it's me," he replied, doing his best to smile.
He suddenly found himself wrapped in a hug as Cassandra began crying into his shoulder.
"Shh, it's okay," he said gently, wrapping her in his arms and stroking her hair.
He whispered gentle words to her for a time, letting her know everything would be okay as she let her tears flow. Slowly but surely, the tears began to dry up and her shaking form calmed.
"There you go," he said, pulling back so he could look her in the eyes. "Feeling better?" he then asked, smiling at her.
"Y-Y-Yes," she managed to say.
"I'm glad. Now, what's happened Cassandra? Did you have a nightmare?"
Fear filled her eyes again and for a moment it looked like she would begin crying again. Yet she didn't and instead managed to nod.
"Will you tell me about it?" he asked, his voice even more gentle.
Her eyes filled with uncertainty.
"I…" she stopped, choking on her words.
"It's okay, I'm here."
Something about those words made her feel so warm and at peace, which gave her enough strength to continue.
"I saw," she took a deep breath, Bell squeezing her hands in reassurance. "I saw a white dragon eating the heart of a warrior."
The room fell silent as Bell processed her words.
"That must have been very frightening."
She nodded.
"It was. It was worse than anything I've seen before."
"I bet. I'm sorry you had to suffer through that."
Silence fell upon them again and it was clear to Bell that she was struggling with something.
"You…" she stopped.
"It's alright. What is it?" he asked, smiling at her.
"You won't hurt anyone, will you, Bell?"
He blinked as confusion filled his eyes.
"Why would you ask me that?"
The struggle in her eyes grew as shame was added to the mixture.
"The dragon...it felt like you. It even had the same colored eyes."
Bell's heart stopped for a moment.
The White Dragon.
The title echoed through his mind and, though he didn't mean to, he pulled away from her.
Pain filled Cassandra's eyes as she realized she had hurt him and shame overwhelmed her. She turned away, wanting to curl up into a ball and disappear.
I've hurt him. I called him something terrible. Why am I so horrible!
A gentle hand on her shoulder pulled her back and turned her around so she was looking at Bell again. To her absolute shock, he was smiling at her.
"It's alright Cassandra, I'm not mad."
"R-Really?"
He shook his head.
"No. At least not at you," he answered honestly. "As for your question, I can't promise you that I will never hurt anyone. If someone tries to hurt my familia or those I care about, I will protect them, even if I must hurt others," he said with complete seriousness. "However," his smile returned. "I can promise that I'm not going to eat someone's heart."
The conviction and warmth in his voice stunned her more than anything that night had. It filled her with such joy and hope that her previous fear seemed to cower before it and went utterly silent.
"You...you promise?" she asked.
His smile grew and he held up his pinky.
"Pinky promise."
Cassandra stared at the digit for a moment before shyly reaching out and clasping it with her own pinky.
"Now it's an iron-clad vow," he said, earning himself the first laugh he had heard from the young woman.
"T-Thank you, Bell," she said.
"You don't need to thank me. If anything, I should thank you for trusting me with this."
She shook her head.
"I'm just glad you believe me."
"Of course I believe you," he said immediately.
Again, the young woman was stunned into silence as she stared at the young man before her with wide eyes.
She felt her heart thunder in her chest, butterflies fill her stomach, and her face get scorching hot.
I...I love him, she thought, fully coming to understand that the man before her was now the owner of her heart.
"T-Thank you," she someone managed to say. "Thank you so much."
"I'm not sure what you're thanking me for, but you're welcome. Now, you should probably get back to sleep," he said.
"W-Will you stay? At least until I fall asleep."
"I can do that," he replied.
"T-T-Thank you," she said as her shock finally subsided enough for her shyness to come back in full force.
Cassandra laid down in her bed and Bell sat on the side of her bed and took her hand, providing her with warmth and comfort until such time as she finally fell back to sleep, only now she would have warm, wonderful dreams, filled with a certain white-haired young man.
And done. This was a bit of a shorter one, but I thought that little prophecy was a good place to leave off. But what could this prophecy mean? What future does our young hero have in store? Well, you're going to have to wait for a while to find out. Sorry.
Anyway, what did you guys think? Did you like our little Cassandra moment? What about our moments with Aiz and Riveria? Did I overdue the lemony goodness or was there not nearly enough? Please share your thoughts, criticisms, and ideas, as I do love to hear back from you all.
With that said, thank you again for reading, and all the support you've given me, and I'll see you all next time. Bye for now!