Hello good people. We're back for another chapter. The war has begun, Aiz wants to take the step with Bell, and Hades has appeared before our hero. So many interesting developments (if I may say so).
I am sorry that these chapters are taking longer to get out, motivation is a fickle thing. I'll try to be better in the future.
Before we begin, it was requested that I provide a reminder or list of all the new characters as there were so many recently that some people were a bit confused, so here it is:
-Clara Minya: the cow girl demi-human cook of the Mania familia as well as the main cook at the Mania familia restaurant.
-Frandine: a black catgirl who is not an official member of the Mania familia because she has always desired to join the Hera familia, given her admiration/idolization of its former captain, Briseis.
-Geneve Dedoldia: "the Spellsword". The dog woman vice-captain of the Mania familia.
-Hades: god of the Underworld and leader of the Hades familia. Also known for collecting rare, odd, and interesting items and information.
-Ivanna Demetri: "the Bronze Lionness". A catgirl demi-human member of the Mania familia. Known for calling out Agrippina and other members of the Athena familia.
-Kaios Draxx: "the Mad Fox". The redheaded renard and third in command of the Mania familia. Also their resident lady-killer.
-Krysta: "the Gunslinger". The werewolf member of the Mania familia and first known adventurer to use the new firearm technology found in Athens.
-Laura: one of the vampire twin members of the Hades familia. Often assigned to information gathering missions.
-Leanna: the other vampire twin member of the Hades familia. Often assigned to information gathering missions alongside her sister.
-Mavis Tenda: a young Light Elf who is under the Mania's familia's care, but who is too young to be an official member. However, has an incredible intellect comparable to Finn of the Loki familia.
-Metis: the captain of the Athena familia and one of the greatest adopters of Athena's scorn for the masculine sex.
-Mordred: an ancient and powerful High Elven mage and Riveria's former master/teacher, as well as an advisor to Athena.
-Norman Gastov: the prum treasurer of the Mania familia. Considered a "miracle worker" when it comes to finance.
-Rue Bee: the youngest addition to the Mania familia, resident were-deer and "source of the purest cuteness". Now Achilles's "little sister".
-Uriel: the albino succubus captain of the Hades familia and his lover.
Hopefully that helps a little bit with the confusion. I apologize if I only made it worse, I just wanted to keep things short and sweet so that we could continue on with our story. If you need any more help, feel free to review or PM me and I'll do my best to fill in the blanks. Thank you.
Alright, all that said, let's get to our story, shall we?
I do not own Danmachi
The camp was completely annihilated, that was really the only way to describe it. Adventurers and soldiers were strewn everywhere, bloody, broken, and unconscious. The only one who wasn't was the one who currently had the misfortune of being held in the grasp of Achilles Caesar.
"Where is Ares?" the Father on High demanded.
"I-I-I don't know. I-I swear! Ares-sama is constantly on the move so that he can't be pinned down! We just receive orders from messengers! I swear on my family!" the soldier said.
"Hm," Achilles eyed him for a moment, quickly discovering he wasn't lying. "Fine," he dropped the soldier. "Then run back to your lines and tell them that Achilles Caesar is here to put an end to the war. That should get your bloodthirsty god's attention."
"I-I will! I-I promise!"
Achilles nodded and gestured for him to go, which the soldier happily did, running for his life as fast as he could.
Now alone, Achilles looked over the ruined camp and took a deep breath.
"Looks like my work is done for today. Time to head back."
Activating his Lightning Steps, he launched himself into the air, aiming for Athens.
Not long after his jump, he discovered that something other than whistling wind was reaching his ears.
Are those screams?
Turning his head in the direction of the sounds, he quickly heard more, even more disturbing noises. Narrowing his eyes, he changed course and headed towards the sounds of slaughter.
"Please! I beg you!" the Rakian soldier cried out, scooting himself away from the prum who had caused the terrible carnage that surrounded him.
"Yes. Beg. Beg for a mercy you won't ever receive. Beg like you Rakian bastards have made so many others beg. Beg!" the colorful prum girl demanded before raising her weapon.
The man held his arms, trying desperately to defend himself, but knowing it would be no use and that he was going to die at the hands of the crazed halfling like everyone else.
However, to both their shock, her weapon, a parasol with a bloody blade at the end of it, suddenly flew out of her hand and away towards something behind her.
They both turned and watched the parasol fly into the electrified hand of a thoroughly displeased Achilles.
"So you're a little psychopath. Good to know," he said as he approached.
Gumi growled.
"The Rakians deserve whatever is coming to them!"
"Says you," Achilles said calmly as he reached the two. He turned his eyes towards the soldier. "Can you walk?"
The man, happy and relieved beyond belief, vigorously nodded his head.
"Then go," Achilles told him.
The soldier didn't need to be told twice and practically flew off the ground as he ran in the opposite direction of the adventurers.
Gumi, her eyes burning with rage, tried to stop him, only to find Dragonsbane blocking her path.
"Enough, you bloodthirsty twerp. You've slaughtered plenty for today," the ex-captain said.
Gumi growled more viciously than before.
"As long as there's Rakians alive, there's no such thing as 'plenty'."
"Listen crazy girl, I don't know and I don't care what vendetta you have against Rakia. Maybe that soldier deserved to die, maybe he didn't. I don't know. What I do know is that this," he gestured towards the butchered corpses strewn about. "Is insanity. And I'm not inclined to let insanity run wild."
He pulled back his sword and began walking off, however Gumi, even more bitter and enraged then before, was not about to go quietly into that good night.
Grabbing a pair of knives, she rushed towards Achilles, looking to stab him in the back. However, when she was but an inch away, he disappeared from her sight.
The prum barely had enough time to widen her eyes before a pressure on the back of her head dragged her to a nearby tree and slammed her face into it.
"Try that again and I'll make you a quarterman, halfling," Achilles threatened.
He slammed her face into the tree one more time for good measure before letting her drop.
The Father on High turned to leave again, but stopped when Gumi called out to him.
"You don't deserve Freya-sama!" she roared.
To her surprise and anger, he began to chuckle.
"Your mistress would disagree with that," he said, turning back to her, a smile on his lips. "And so would I, but not for the same reason. You see, your mistress will think that I am worthy of her, whereas I...know...she is not worthy of me," he said.
A new, and even more terrible rage filled Gumi's eyes, but Achilles didn't care, he simply turned back around for the third and final time and jumped into the air, the sound of a screaming prum echoing behind him.
"My my, seems you've been getting busy, my cute little student. In more ways than one," Mordred said.
Riveria couldn't help but blush, though she quickly forced it aside by coughing and forcing the conversation forward.
"Yes, well, things have been exciting to say the least."
"And they are sure to be even more exciting now that I've returned," Mordred stated. "Speaking of excitement," she turned. "I feel someone of immense power flying right towards us."
The entourage stopped and turned. Not two seconds later, Achilles appeared and landed before them.
"Hey everybody," he greeted, smiling.
"Heya, Big Daddy!" Tiona shouted, waving excitedly.
Achilles and a few others chuckled before the Father on High approached Riveria and took her into his arms.
"Everything go alright?" he asked her.
"It did," she confirmed, smiling up at him. "We however met someone I wasn't expecting to see."
Riveria turned, pulling Achilles's eyes to the petite mage next to her.
"Achilles, this is my master, Mordred Avalon. Master, this is Achilles Caesar, the former captain of the Zeus familia."
"Mordred Avalon, I've heard a great deal about you, both from Riveria," Achilles looked towards his lover. "And from your impressive reputation. It is an honor to meet you."
He finished with a small bow. However, he received no response from the mistress of magic, who simply looked up at him.
The response was a bit jarring, even unnerving for the others, especially Riveria, who had rarely seen her master so silent.
The silence dragged on as Mordred's eyes scanned Achilles who, confused though he was, waited for her to respond.
"So," she finally began. "You're Riveria's squeeze."
Riveria's face lit up.
"Master!"
Mordred completely ignored her student as she strode up to the ex-captain. She took a moment to look him over a bit more, before a perverse smile grew upon her lips.
"Hm, I always thought my dear little student was a bit of a fool, but I can tell she at least isn't foolish with her taste in men," Mordred punctuated this by lightly stroking Achilles's chest.
The red of Riveria's face immediately changed from an embarrassed scarlet to an angry burgundy. Seeing this, Aiz moved to intercept her, though she completely understood where her mother-figure was coming from.
Mordred, still completely ignoring her former student, continued to stroke the now thoroughly weirded-out Achilles, going so far as to purr as she felt his muscles.
"Mm, yes, you are quite a specimen. I've always found you human men the most delightful. The perfect mixture of all the other races," she said before she finally pulled her hand back. "And if you're interested in older women, I'd be more than happy to show you a most delightful evening."
"Absolutely not!" Riveria roared, Aiz not even attempting to restrain her after that last comment.
"Oh calm down, Riveria, it was just a joke," Mordred paused, then added with a smile. "Mostly."
Riveria glared at her master's retreating form, not noticing that Achilles was now beside her.
"Riveria," he whispered into her ear.
She froze as warm tingles played up her spine. She knew that tone.
"I'm yours. Only yours. And I'll prove it to you later. No need to be upset."
She turned and met his burning eyes. Seeing those electric, yet fiery eyes instantly cooled her anger, but replaced it with a different kind of warmth.
"I look forward to it," she whispered back.
He smiled at her before leaning down to kiss her again.
"Come on, Athena will be more annoying if we keep her waiting," he said.
Riveria nodded and they rejoined the group which, having seen the entire exchange, began to viciously tease the both of them. Needless to say, the two were quite red in the face by the time they reached Athena's war room.
The goddess of wisdom was waiting for them, alongside her officers, Hestia and Mania, the latter two of whom smiled and waved upon seeing their familias return.
Agrippina quickly separated from the Orario adventurers, though not without giving Haruhime a smile and wink.
The renard, for her part, smiled back, but that was mostly because she didn't know what else to do or what to make of the Athena vice-captain. Lili and the others, though, weren't not so impressed and frowned as they watched the man-hating officer return to her goddess's side.
"You're late," Athena stated with her usual harshness.
"You say that like war is predictable, Athena," Mordred said, revealing herself.
"Mordred," the goddess said, surprised to see the mage for a moment before her eyes narrowed again. "I was wondering when you'd return."
"If...I returned," the elf corrected. "I am not beholden to you, you simply have the best collection of books and scrolls for me to rummage through."
"You swore fealty to me," Athena growled.
"No, I said that as long as you feed and house me I'd be useful, which is up for interpretation. For example, I'll be helpful to you right now by pointing out that you are totally mucking up this war," Mordred threw back.
Athena and her familia sneered as a few people, such as Tiona, dared to laugh.
"I am not 'mucking up' anything. The situation is well under control," the goddess stated firmly.
"Now that the Orario adventurers are here. Honestly, I can't believe that you would need them to deal with Ares of all people. Something must be up for you to call on them."
No one in the room failed to notice the suggestion behind the mage's words, nor did the Orario adventurers fail to notice the look Mordred and Athena shared once the former had finished.
She knows as well as we do the real reason we were summoned, Riveria thought as she looked at her master. She then turned to Athena whose eyes were both angry and a tad timid as she attempted to silence Mordred through both intimidation and pleading. And she's warning Athena that this will not end well.
"I am simply trying to protect my people to the best of my abilities," Athena finally managed.
Mordred stared at the goddess a moment longer before breaking eye contact and shrugging.
"Whatever you say, Athena. Just make sure you've got all your ducks in a row. That's all I'm saying."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Things were silent for a moment before, after taking a deep breath, Athena turned back to the adventurers.
"Now, fill me in on what transpired."
The adventurers began informing the goddess about what transpired throughout the day.
Athena listened intently while her familia wrote down the details for their records and their future plans. Finally, they got to Achilles.
"Was it difficult to find the assassins?" the goddess asked.
"Not really. They were well hidden, but with my speed and senses, I found them soon enough, and once I found the first camp it was easy to find a Rakian who was eager to reveal the other locations with a little persuasion," Achilles answered.
"Were you able to locate Ares?"
"No," he replied with a shake of his head. "Apparently he's constantly on the move for the exact purpose of ensuring his men can't squeal."
Athena nodded.
"Yes, we had heard much the same, but I had to ask, regardless. Very well, you have been a great use to us and may retire for the day."
The adventurers filed out of the room, eager to get some food and rest. The Hestia familia was also eager to learn if Bell had discovered anything in the library.
Athena watched the Orario adventurers depart but, to her mild surprise, Mordred stayed behind.
"Is there something I can help you with, Mordred?" Athena asked once no one but her familia remained.
"You should cease your foolishness immediately," the mage replied.
Athena lifted a brow as her familia growled and glared at the elf.
"I beg your pardon?" the goddess asked.
"This ploy with the Orario adventurers will only backfire," Mordred said without a hint of playfulness.
"I don't know what you mean."
"Don't for a minute think that I am one of your stupid fangirls, Athena," the mage spat, earning even harsher growls and glares from the Athena familia. "You are spying on them to gauge their strength and see how much of a challenge they are to you. Anyone with half a brain could figure that out, which means that they already know that is your intention."
Athena frowned.
"They only know that I've requested their aid in defeating Rakia," she responded defiantly. "Nothing more."
"I didn't know the goddess of wisdom could be braindead."
"How dare you?!" Agrippina called, grabbing her weapon alongside nearly all the Athena familia.
Not a second later, all of them were flat on the ground, unable to move anything but their eyes, which widened in shock and terror.
"It appears you're not the only braindead one in this room," Mordred stated. A moment later the spell she had cast lifted, allowing the women to pick themselves up, though most of the women were shaking. "Heed my words, Athena. This will not end well."
Those were the great mage's last words before she too departed, leaving a frowning Athena and a shaken familia behind.
"Are you all, alright?" Athena asked, her focus shifting to her familia.
"Yes, Athena-sama, we are," Agrippina said, speaking for the others, who all nodded. "I apologize for such a pathetic display."
"It was a foolish display," the goddess agreed, causing her familia members' heads to fall lower. "You should have been smart enough to know not to pick a fight with Mordred. She's one of the most powerful mages in the word. That said, it was not pathetic." Her members' heads rose. "You acted to protect me and my honor. For that, I am grateful."
Agrippina and the others smiled, before bowing again and thanking her.
"You're all welcome. Now, Agrippina, tell me what transpired today from your end."
Agrippina, now beaming, happily began.
"You were right, Athena-sama, Haruhime-chan does have a level boosting magic. I am sure of it after today."
The Athena familia shared eager and happy looks amongst themselves as the prospect of such magic being added to their ranks was exceedingly pleasing. The only thing that was more pleasing to them was the thought of adding the beautiful renard herself.
"Excellent," Athena said. "Having that confirmed does please me immensely. Now we just have to convince her to join us, which shouldn't be too hard."
The ladies of her familia became even more eager, except for Agrippina who suddenly lost her joy and frowned.
"Actually, Athena-sama, it may be a bit more complicated than we initially thought," she said.
Athena and the others refocused on her, having now also lost their smiles.
"How so?" her goddess asked.
"The prum girl of the Hestia familia noticed my gaze on Haruhime-chan earlier and warned me away from any attempt at collecting her."
"And you were intimidated by this prum girl?" Athena asked with a smile, earning a few chuckles from the other women.
"Not at all, Athena-sama," Agrippina quickly stated. "However, she did tell me of two important bits of information that gave me pause. The second was after I questioned the prum on her belief that she could take on our familia. She very confidently replied by pointing out they had already taken on a greater familia than their own before, meaning the Apollo familia, and that was before Achilles Caesar had joined their ranks."
Athena lost her smile at that reminder, but she also couldn't help but notice that her vice-captain had started on the 'second' bit of information.
"And what was the first?"
Agrippina scowled and her fists tightened to the point of almost breaking skin.
"That Haruhime-chan was in love with Bell Cranel," she answered
As her familia began discussing that unfortunate tidbit of information, Athena's frown deepened.
Bell Cranel.
Her mind flashed back to the night Dido and Imilce had appeared before her, telling of the terrible danger that was Bell Cranel.
How could one boy be so dangerous? I had not even heard of him until now, yet he apparently is on par with Ottar and Achilles. This doesn't make any sense. Her frown deepened. I don't like when things don't make sense.
"That does make things more difficult. However," she quickly added. "Not impossible."
The goddess stood from her chair and began to pace the room.
"Agrippina you will continue your mission, but try to focus more on charming Haruhime. Show her around the city. Sweet talk her. Buy her gifts. You may, of course, use my personal treasury to cover the expense."
"Thank you, Athena-sama!" Agrippina said before bowing.
"What about Bell Cranel, Athena-sama?" Captain Metis asked.
"Bell Cranel is an anomaly. I don't like anomalies," her goddess responded firmly. "Dido is not the kind of woman to go through the trouble of warning someone needlessly, which is why we've been observing him. His meeting with Hades makes him even stranger, as does the fact that someone prevented us from actually hearing what they were speaking on," she continued, her mind quickly turning to who she believed that 'someone' to be. "This however, makes him both an irritation and a barrier to us getting Haruhime. All in all, he's far too bothersome to be allowed to continue."
"Do you wish for us to kill him, Athena-sama?" Metis asked, a notable eagerness in her voice. That eagerness, however, was nothing compared to what was seen in Agrippina's eyes.
"No, or at least, not yet," Athena responded. "If what we are hearing is correct, he is not to be trifled with and, as much as I don't like to admit it, he would tear through you all like paper." This took the wind out of her familia members' sails, but she simply continued. "We must continue observing for now and wait for the right opportunity. Who knows, we may not even need to do anything ourselves. One of Hades's women might take offense to something he says and attack or the boy might finally leave my library and do the job I brought these bastards here for," she said with unmistakable rage. "Whatever the case though, he must be dealt with in such a way that there is no way it can even be suggested that we were involved. As much as I hate to say it, if Achilles even gets a whiff of us, he'll reduce Athens to rubble."
Her underlings gulped and began to sweat nervously.
"We will see it done, Athena-sama. Bell Cranel will be dealt with and Haruhime will join our familia. I swear to you," Metis vowed.
Athena turned to her captain and smiled.
"I look forward to welcoming her."
The Orario adventurers, along with their newly made Mania familia friends, made their way through the halls of the palace eager to get some well-earned rest. Amongst the ranks of adventurers was a well-known golden-haired young woman who began to fidget as the walked, before finally calling out to the elf beside her.
"Riveria."
The 'Mama' of the Loki familia turned and met the nervous eyes of her ward.
"Yes Aiz? What is it?"
"Can we," Aiz tried as her fidgeting got worse. "Can we continue our talk from earlier?"
Riveria had to take a moment to think back to what the young woman meant, but when she did, she smiled.
"Of course. I'm not entirely sure how precisely I can help beyond giving you some safety advice and providing you some contraceptives, but I will do my best regardless."
Aiz stopped fidgeting and smiled.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure."
The group finally reached the Mania familia apartments and entered.
"I get first dibs in the baths!" Ivanna called before running off.
"There's enough room in there for everyone, Ivanna!" Geneve called back before following after the catgirl.
"Food sounds a lot better to me than a bath," Kaios said.
"I have to agree," Frandine said.
"I'm sure Clara will have left us something delightful to stuff ourselves with," Mania said.
The mention of the cow woman and her cooking made many mouths salivate, including those of Riveria and Achilles.
"I may have to join you two," Riveria said. "But only after I change."
"I'm not sure there will be anything left by then," Mania joked.
"Snooze you lose!" Kaios cried before running towards the kitchen, Frandine following quickly after while the others laughed.
Everyone broke up to go to their rooms to drop off their equipment and change into clean clothes. Soon after, they all returned into the living room, refreshed and ready to enjoy their evenings.
"I wonder when Bell-kun will come back. I hope him being gone for so long means he's finding something helpful," Hestia said.
"What is he searching for? Perhaps I and my familia can be of assistance," Mania offered.
The Hestia familia shared looks, which Achilles's mother did not fail to notice.
"It's a familia project," Achilles said. "And while I trust you completely, this is not something that can be easily shared. So, for now, I can only ask for your forgiveness."
Mania was beyond surprised, not only with the response, but the fact that her son was clearly keeping something secret from her.
This isn't like his scar. This is something important. Very important, she thought as she saw the looks the Hestia familia was giving her and each other. She turned back to Achilles. He wouldn't be hiding it if he didn't believe it was essential.
She smiled at him and nodded.
"I understand. I hope I'll be able to one day earn enough of all of your trust to learn about this 'project'."
"I suspect that you already have," Hestia said. "But this is a very sensitive matter. Besides that, I think we'd all like to talk to Bell first before sharing. However, knowing him and how much he obviously cares for you, I doubt he'll be hard to convince."
Mania's smile grew as she nodded again.
"Then I shall be patient."
"Thank you, Mom," Achilles said, pulling her into a hug.
"Of course. I can't exactly get mad at another familia for having their own secrets. Even if I could, I certainly can't get mad at you," she replied.
Achilles looked ready to say something, when there was suddenly a knock at the door.
"Who could that possibly be?" Mania asked.
"I'll get it, Mania-sama," Rei said before heading towards the door.
A moment later it was opened, revealing, much to the chagrin of all inside, Larfal, his entourage and, even more worryingly, Hedin.
Oh this ought to be fun, Achilles thought as he lost his smile.
"Where is Riveria?" the king demanded.
"Good evening to you too, Larfal," Mania said. "Please won't you come in?" she added sarcastically.
He frowned, but held his tongue. Luckily, or unluckily, depending on your view, it was at this moment that Riveria returned, having changed her clothes and with the intent to find Aiz and have their talk. Of course, the moment she saw her father and Hedin, her plans died.
Please don't be what I think this is, she thought.
"There you are," her father said, his voice nearly a growl.
"Here I am," she replied.
"You were supposed to come and speak with me the moment you returned," he reminded her.
"Am I not allowed to get changed first?" she questioned, deepening his frown.
"We have important matters to discuss."
"I figured as much. Would you like to sit down?" his daughter asked.
"I will not submit myself to whatever passes as accommodations here," Larfal responded, her burning glares from the Mania and Hestia familia.
Careful, knife-ears. I get very impatient when someone insults my mother, Achilles growled in his mind as a bit of electricity played along his fingers.
"No," Larfal continued. "I shall be quick. You will marry King Hedin Selland of the Light Elves and return home with us."
The room went deathly silent.
"You...can't be serious," Riveria said.
Larfal's frown somehow deepened.
"Of course I'm serious. I admit that it is below our people to marry with the Light Elves, but Hedin is of high enough birth to be acceptable."
"That is not what I'm talking about," Riveria threw back, barely controlling her voice. "You can't simply dictate who I am to marry."
"Of course I can," Larfal responded immediately, offended by the suggestion. "I am both your father and your king. It is my right and duty to find you a proper match, which I have. You shall cease your foolishness and do as commanded."
"I will not!" the Nine Hells roared, startling most of the High Elven entourage and causing them to take a step back.
Larfal looked ready to explode at her refusal, but the appearance of a certain Light Elf in the corner of his eye, caused him to stop.
"Please, your Majesty, allow me. I am sure your daughter is simply surprised. Once I explain things to her, I'm sure she will come around."
Larfal stared at the Light Elf for a few moments before nodding, likely because he was sick of dealing with the problem himself.
"Your Highness," Hedin began, turning to Riveria. "I know that this must be very surprising to you, having it so suddenly decided that we shall wed, but I swear to you I shall be a good husband. You have known of my feelings for you for years. And I can assure you that they haven't changed a bit."
Pardon? Achilles asked himself as he switched from the Light Elf to Riveria whose heart began to thunder after feeling his eyes.
"You feelings?" she questioned, deciding to focus entirely on the elf before her so that she didn't crumble under her lover's inquiring gaze. "You mean your lust!" she spat.
"No," Hedin replied with a shake of his head. "What I feel for you is so much more than mere desire. Your beauty. Your intelligence. Your drive. All of it pulls me towards you. I swear, what I feel for you is true. As true and passionate as that night we shared together."
The room froze, except for the smile that grew on Hedin's face and Riveria's widening eyes.
Ex-fucking-cuse me?
Achilles's eyes were now focused, unwaveringly upon Riveria who, unable to resist them any longer, turned to him, her eyes as scared as they were apologetic.
"What?"
All eyes, except for Achilles's turned to Larfal, whose face looked ready to explode from all the boiling blood inside it.
"My sincerest apologies, your Majesty," Hedin said, bowing to the king. "I know it was entirely improper of me, but Riveria and I have already given ourselves to each other. Fifteen years ago, after the defeat of the Zeus and Hera familia, she sought my comfort, which I provided. Again, my sincerest apologies."
You disgusting snake! Riveria mentally roared.
Larfal looked ready to scream at his daughter, when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Be at peace, dear husband. I shall take things from here," Irime said.
He looked ready to argue, but her smiling face was enough to calm him and he nodded.
"Thank you dear," she said before turning to Riveria. "Is what Hedin said true?"
Riveria did not want to answer. Gods, she did not want to answer. Yet she had to, and she had to answer truthfully. And so, her teary eyes falling to Achilles, who was still staring unwaveringly at her, she answered.
"Yes. It's true."
"I see," Irime said, barely able to contain her smile. "One more question, Riveria. Why do you now look at that human there?" she said pointing at Achilles, making him the center of attention.
Riveria couldn't answer this one. Her voice was too choked up to answer. Luckily, she didn't have to.
"Because she loves him."
Everyone turned to discover Riveria's mother, Nerdanel stepping forward.
"What?" Larfal asked, his voice nothing but terrible, disgusting rage.
"She loves that man. Achilles was it?" Nerdanel asked.
Finally, he turned from Riveria so as to answer her mother.
"Yes, your Majesty," he replied so calmly that it legitimately freaked everyone out.
"And do you love her?" the queen continued.
"Yes," he answered instantly. "With all my heart."
"Then one final question? What are your thoughts on this matter?"
"I don't care wh-!" Larfal tried to say, only for his wife to use a quick, silencing spell on him.
"Well?" Nerdanel pressed.
Instead of answering her, Achilles turned back to a frozen and terrified Riveria.
"Why him?"
Things were silent for a moment as no one, especially Riveria, knew how to respond.
"W-What?" she finally managed to ask.
"Why him?" Achilles repeated.
"A-Achilles," she tried. "I-I swear it didn't...I don't-."
He waved his hand to stop her.
"Easy there, Riveria. I'm not questioning it happening, that's not the issue here. That was years ago, long before we were together."
"Together?!" Larfal cried, now free of his wife's spell
"Shut up," Achilles ordered before focusing back on Riveria. "We weren't together fifteen years ago. I have no right to be upset about you being with someone before me. Shut up!" he ordered again as he saw Larfal about to begin raging once more. Luckily, Nerdanel silenced him again, allowing the former captain to continue unabated. "No, that's not the issue. I'm just wondering why him?" Achilles pointed towards Hedin. "You deserve so much better than that. I don't believe I deserve you, but I'm certainly better than Four Eyes over there."
Hedin, now thoroughly insulted, jumped to his feet.
"Excuse m-"
Achilles suddenly appeared behind him and chopped his neck, knocking him out.
"Shut up," the Father on High said for a third time after the elf's body had fallen to the floor. He then turned back to Riveria. "Seriously, you deserve someone better than me and far better than him," he pointed at the unconscious Hedin. "So I'm questioning why you had such low standards for yourself."
"I-I," Riveria had no idea how to respond. This was not what she expected at all. However, after managing to take a deep breath, she answered him. "I was upset when you left. I had all these pent up feelings that I didn't know what to do with. I...I guess part of me was so angry at you that I blamed all humans for a time and so turned to 'one of my own kind' for comfort. Hedin took advantage of that mindset. The next morning, after realizing what I had done, I fled in disgust," she quickly added, her desperation returning. "It meant nothing! A one-time mistake that I wish, so much I could go back and prevent. He's not the one I want. You are!"
Achilles nodded.
"Alright."
Again, no one knew how to respond to that.
"Alright?" Riveria asked after a moment.
"Alright," he repeated before turning to Larfal. "You can go now."
"EXCUSE ME!"
"You are excused. Now leave," Achilles ordered.
"You have no power here, you wretched, filthy monkey!"
Before he could blink, Achilles was before him.
"I have all the power here," he said before grabbing Larfal by his head and lifting him.
The High Elves, alarmed and enraged, attacked him, only to be stunned and terrified when their weapons shattered against his skin.
"You see that?" Achilles asked the king. "I could crush your skull in my hand and your guards wouldn't be able to do a damn thing about it. They would only be able to watch and listen as your skull cracked and your brain squished between my fingers."
He dropped the king.
"However, you are Riveria's father, the asshole that you are. So, you get to live. However, you do not get to dictate a damn thing about our relationship. The only ones who get to do that are Riveria and myself. Now, I repeat for a third, and final time. Fuck off."
Larfal, mad with rage, was prepared to continue his attack, but was prevented from any foolish action, once again, by Nerdanel.
"It's time to go," she said calmly.
"Mother!" one of the male High Elves cried.
"Does anyone here wish to die or be maimed today?" she asked, her eyes scanning the entourage. "I thought not. Now come. We will not gain any sort of victory here."
With that, the queen began to stride off. However, before she got too far, she turned and smiled at her daughter.
"Congratulations, my dear. I can tell he makes you very happy," she turned her eyes to Achilles. "Even if he's a bit of a handful."
The former captain smiled at her.
"I'd like to think I'm worth it."
"As long as she thinks so," Nerdanel replied before shifting back to Riveria. "We'll see you later, Riveria. Have a pleasant evening."
With one final wave to her daughter, Nerdanel left, the entourage following after her.
"This is not over, monkey," Larfal vowed.
"It is if you know what's good for you," Achilles replied.
The king growled, then finally left, leaving nothing but silence in his wake.
With the High Elves now gone, Achilles looked down at the still unconscious form of Hedin. He then bent down and grabbed him by his shirt's collar, dragged him to the door and threw him out of the room before closing the door.
"Now then," Achilles said before he headed for Riveria.
"Achilles," she began, only to be suddenly pulled into a passionate kiss.
Everyone's eyes widened once more as they watched Achilles positively claim Riveria's lips.
The kiss continued on for long enough that some were worried the ex-captain would take it further. However, he finally pulled back from a now breathless Riveria and sighed heavily.
"A-Achilles?" she called, her face burning bright red. "Are...are you alright?"
"Of course I'm not fucking alright!" he roared, meeting her eyes. "I just had that smarmy little four-eyed shit rub you and him being together in my face!"
Riveria's eyes widened further.
"Y-You're jealous."
"Of course I'm fucking jealous! I just didn't want your asshole father, shitty family, and that Light Elf dickhead to know it bothered me, so I held it in! What? You think I like the idea of you being together with someone else?" he asked her.
"But...what you said...about us not being together," she said.
"Yes, we weren't together. Logically, I have no right to be upset, but that doesn't mean I'm not, in actuality, possessive of you," he replied.
"Oh," she replied before falling silent for a moment, but only a moment, for soon she smiled and pulled him into her arms. "I see. Well, I'm quite possessive of you too, Achilles. So, I'm sorry you had to go through with that."
"If you're really sorry, you'll make it up to me."
"And how am I to do that?" she inquired.
"You know precisely how to do that," he replied, his voice growing rugged.
Her face lit up again.
"I...suppose I do."
"Um, guys?"
The two turned to find a very amused and embarrassed group of adventurers and deities around them.
"We're still here," Welf continued.
"Oh no, please. Don't mind us," Hermes said, earning a very quick elbow to the side from his captain.
Achilles chuckled.
"Sorry. Guess we were somewhere else."
"Understandable, given all that," Hestia said, jabbing a thumb towards the door. "But no hanky-panky in the living room! Am I understood?"
The two, embarrassed, but smiling, nodded.
"Yes Hestia-sama."
With things calmed down and Achilles placated for the moment, Riveria finally completed her journey to Aiz and Bell's room and knocked.
"Hi Riveria," Aiz greeted upon opening the door.
"Good evening. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, there was a matter that needed to be attended to," the elf said, refusing to delve any deeper than that.
"It's okay," Aiz replied, not even thinking to inquire.
"So," Riveria continued, taking a seat on the bed. "You wish to take the next step with Bell?"
Aiz nodded before sitting down next to her.
"Yes. I have for a while, actually. I just...love him so much, and I want to show him how much he means to me."
Rivera smiled.
"I understand completely," she stated, earning a smile from the blonde swordswoman. "And I won't ask you if you're sure, because I can tell you are. However, don't forget all the information and warnings I gave you when you were younger. Sex comes with many benefits, including bringing two people who love each other closer together. However, it is not without risk, the most notable being pregnancy."
Aiz nodded.
"On that note," the elf pulled out two little bags and handed them to Aiz. "That one contains contraceptive leaves that you can turn into tea," she said, pointing to the one in Aiz's left hand. "And that one contains a powder that boosts your immune system and helps prevent diseases. Take both before you do anything with Bell, alright? I don't want you sick, and I certainly am not ready to become a 'grandmother'," she said.
Aiz laughed and nodded, before putting down the bags and hugging Riveria.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome," the older woman said. "I admit, I am a bit surprised and more than a bit weirded out to be having this conversation, but I am glad that it gives me the opportunity to ensure you do things safely. Now," Riveria stood. "I have a date with Achilles and after everything that's happened today, I am very eager to get to it."
"Don't forget you baggies," Aiz said, holding up the two parcels with a teasing smile.
"Don't get cheeky with me, young lady, or I'll be sure to embarrass you and Bell like Achilles and I were embarrassed this morning," the mother of the Loki familia warned.
That threat did the trick as Aiz immediately blushed, allowing Riveria to depart with a triumphant laugh.
"Hi guys," Bell greeted as he entered the Mania apartments.
"Bell!" his familia cried as they rushed over to him.
The young captain soon found himself pulled into numerous hugs, which made him smile and laugh.
"So," he restarted once things had calmed down. "How did things go with the Rakians?"
"Nothing we couldn't handle," Welf said confidently.
"Some issues did arise, such as our discovery that there is a bounty on Welf-san," Ryuu added, making the smith scratch his head in embarrassment due to his now obvious attempt at skirting over that detail. "However, things did go well."
"Lili did discover a major problem though," the prum said, causing all attention to turn to her.
"What happened?" Bell asked.
"Let's sit down, then Lili will tell you," she continued.
Everyone followed her suggestion and sat down in the living room. Once they were all comfortable, Lili continued.
"During the fight, Lili noticed that Agrippina of the Athena familia was paying a lot of attention to Haruhime." The renard jumped at hearing her name. "More attention than there really was any need to. As such, Lili began to watch her, and soon Lili realized why she was looking at Haruhime. She, and by extension the Athena familia, wish to take Haruhime."
The eyes of the Hestia familia widened and turned to the now stunned, and somewhat scared renard. However, their eyes soon turned to another member of their familia when he began to growl.
"What?" Bell asked, his voice rough and intimidating.
The extreme reaction stunned and, dare they admit it, scared his familia.
"Bell-sama," Haruhime called gently, though she was perhaps the most uneasy by his display. "It's alright. I won't leave our familia. This is my home."
"No, it's not alright," he responded forcefully. She shrunk back at his tone, which made him feel like a knife had just plunged into his heart. As such, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Once he had done so, he smiled at her and finished. "But thank you for saying that."
Seeing the man she loved back to his usual self, she smiled back.
"The Athena familia will likely not care about our opinion," Lili told them. "However, Lili did warn them that things might not end the way they think should they challenge us."
"That probably wasn't a wise thing to do," Hestia stated seriously, before suddenly smiling and adding. "But I'm glad you did it anyway."
Lili and the others smiled and nodded, completely agreeing with her.
"Still, that will make things more tense between our familias," Achilles pointed out. "Did you or they say anything else?" he asked Lili.
She thought for a moment, before her eyes widened and fell to the ground, worrying the others.
"Lili told Agrippina that one of the reasons Haruhime wouldn't leave was because she loved Bell-sama."
The poor renard's face burst into a brilliant shade of scarlet before she hid herself in the couch cushions. Bell wasn't much better as a fine dusting of red soon covered his cheeks and he turned his head away, unable to look towards this renard.
"Well…" Achilles tried. "That probably doesn't help."
"Probably not," Ryuu agreed as she watched Mikoto try and coax her embarrassed friend out of the cushion, with little success. "While that will tell them how unlikely it is for them to win Haruhime to their ranks, it also tells them who they should remove should they want to claim her."
The Hestia familia shifted their focus back to Bell, including Haruhime, who pulled away from the couch to turn her worried eyes to him. To her, and the rest of the familia's surprise, he smiled.
"Let them try. I'm not going to leave any of you or let anyone take you, whether they are bounty hunters," he turned to Welf. "Or other familias," he turned to Haruhime and gave her his million valis smile.
Bell-sama, she thought as she felt herself somehow fall deeper in love with him.
"That's right!" Hestia declared as she proceeded to glomp her captain, much to the chagrin of most of the other ladies. "We aren't losing anyone for any reason!"
"Not as long as we have the strength to fight," Mikoto said.
"And the wits not to fall into obvious traps," Lili added.
"And even if we do, we'll just bust our way out!" Welf declared, earning laughs from the others, except for Lili who rolled her eyes.
"Then it looks like we don't really need to worry," Achilles said. "We should all keep our eyes and ears open, of course," he quickly added. "And Bell and Haruhime should take extra precautions, but I doubt the Athena familia has anything to throw at us that we need to be scared of, especially with the other familias here."
"We hope," Lili stated.
"We hope," he readily agreed.
"Then let's talk about something else," Hestia suggested, turning to Bell, who was still wrapped up in her arms. "Did you find anything in the library, Bell?"
"Yes and no," he answered. Everyone looked at him, confused. "Technically, I didn't find anything, but the person who I talked to today, gave me a lot," he continued.
He pulled away from Hestia and pulled up a box that he had brought with him from the library. He opened it and pulled out a stack of scrolls, packets, and booklets, placing them on the table before him and his familia.
Very curious now, everyone reached out and grabbed an item from the table and began reading. What they found made their jaws drop.
"Where did you get these, Bell-sama?!" Lili cried, speaking for everyone who was now either looking at Bell or rummaging through the information before them.
"From Hades-sama."
That reply somehow shocked them even more.
"Hades is here?" his goddess asked.
He nodded.
"Yes, and he knows about the Xenos."
Their jaws dropped.
"Are you sure?" Achilles asked, being the first to regain his senses.
"There's not a doubt in my mind," the Hestia captain replied.
His familia was unsure what to make of that and so fell silent, trying to figure what to do or say next. Finally, Hestia spoke again.
"Do you think he would help us, Bell-kun?"
"As odd as it might seem...yes," he answered honestly. "I think he would." Things were silent again, but not for so long as he continued. "I know we can't trust him yet, especially after what happened today," he added under his breath, which did not prevent Achilles from hearing it and wondering what had happened that day. "But I think that, if we can come to trust him, then he'll help. However, I want Mania-baachan told first!"
To his surprise, his familia laughed.
"We were actually intending to ask you about that," his father said. "Mania was wondering what you were doing in the library. We kept it a secret, but we were hoping to broach the subject with you when you returned."
"We should tell her," Bell said almost immediately. "As long as everyone agrees of course," he added, feeling a bit embarrassed when he realized how quickly he had made his decision.
The others simply chuckled and nodded.
"Alright, I think we're all in agreement," Hestia said. "I imagine she'll be quite surprised, but I'm also sure she'll help us, if only because her adorable grandson is asking," she continued, squeezing his cheek.
"Hestia," he whined as his cheeks turned red again.
"It looks like we have a general plan," Ryuu said.
"And some important information to look over," Mikoto added, holding up a scroll.
"Yeah, but I think we should all rest for now. I'll entrust this information to Achilles and that Infinite Purse thingy of his for now, and we'll talk to Mania tomorrow. Who knows, she might also have some information on Hades as well that will help us come to a decision on him as well," Hestia said.
"Sounds good to me," Welf said.
"I agree," Haruhime added, now beaming.
"Alright, then you're all excused for the evening, but be careful, Athena is my friend, but I also know how driven she is when she wants something," their goddess warned.
They all promised and the familia parted, each one ready to enjoy their evenings.
A certain young fox girl was going through her things when she heard a knock at her door.
Her ears perked up and she tilted her head to the side, curious who it could be.
She made her way over and opened it, a little dusting of red coming to her cheeks as her beloved captain came into view.
"Hi Haruhime," he greeted, a bit of red on his cheeks. "Sorry to bother you right after we finished talking with everyone, but I just wanted to check in on you and see if you were alright."
"Oh it's no problem at all, Bell-sama, in fact I'm glad that you care so much about me and my safety," she replied with a smile.
"Of course I care," he said seriously, but with a warmth that sent tingles down her tail and made her blush grow.
Realizing what he said, his own blush grew, but he wasn't done.
"I've always cared about you, Haruhime. Even before we were in the same familia. You're so kind and good that I think it's impossible for me not to. Also-"
His sudden stop startled her, but it was the way he began to fidget that made her decide to push him.
"Also what, Bell-sama?"
Her gentle voice had more force behind it than a horde of a thousand minotaurs in Bell's heart and he simply could not stay silent nor could he even try to lie.
"You have a special place in my heart."
Her breath caught as what she so desperately wished for was all-but confirmed to her at that moment.
"So I just wanted to check up on you," he quickly added, not wanting for either of them to think about what he had just said.
Of course, part of her wanted to delve more into what he had just revealed, but when she saw the guilt-ridden look on his face, she could not. She knew what he must have been feeling, given his relationship with a certain Sword Princess, and if there was one thing she wanted more than his love, it was to not hurt him. As such, she let it go. At least for now.
"Thank you," she said, making sure he would understand that she wouldn't push him with the softness of her voice. "I admit I was surprised by what Lili-sama revealed, but I am not so afraid. I know you and the others will protect me, and I'll be sure to keep my eyes and ears open for any trouble," she wiggled her ears to demonstrate her point, making both of them laugh.
"Alright," he said, giving her that smile she loved so much. "Maybe you can ask Aisha to keep an eye out too. I'm sure she'd be willing to help, though she might ask me to do something in return," he added, scratching his reddening cheek.
Haruhime giggled.
"That would be like her, but I shall ask regardless."
"Good. And, if you need anything or feel in any way unsafe for even a moment, please, come to me immediately."
"I will. I promise."
His smile turned soft and, dare she think it, loving, before he nodded and turned to leave.
"Bell."
He stopped and turned back to her.
"I know you love Aiz Wallenstein very much, and I will never ask that you choose me over her, but know that my feelings for you haven't changed. I still love you with all my heart and I will until my last breath."
His heart began to pound against his ribcage at that confession. Yes, he had heard it before, but the purity, gentleness, and absolute honesty of it, made him feel a warmth and joy that he only had ever felt once before.
When Aiz confessed.
Seeing that he was stunned, Haruhime smiled and decided to spare him any embarrassing attempt at trying to find his words.
"Goodnight, Bell. I hope you have a wonderful evening."
She bowed and slowly closed her door, giving him one final wave before he lost sight of her.
He waved back only after the door closed and he was left alone in the hall.
"Good night," he finally said, his voice naught but a whisper as if his vocal cords themselves were stuck in stunned bliss.
Bell made his way down the hall, not really sure where he was going, as his mind was anywhere but in the physical world.
What is wrong with me?!
He didn't even know at this point how many times he had roared this question in his mind.
I'm with Aiz! She is enough. More than enough! Why am I acting like this with Haruhime?
He stopped as the answer, which he already knew, washed over him.
Because I'm in love with her too.
Guilt filled him from the tips of his toes to the ends of his hair.
I shouldn't feel this way. I love Aiz so much. She means the world to me. Why do I feel like this?
Images of Haruhime's smiling face and the sound of her beautiful laughter provided him the answer to that, and for a moment, he dared to smile, but only for a moment. Soon it departed, leaving him with his thoughts.
I shouldn't feel like this. I love Aiz. And I should only love her.
"Bell?"
His heart nearly leapt out of his throat as he jumped into the air.
His pulse now erratic, he turned and found Aiz cocking her head to the side.
"A-Aiz!" he cried.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Y-Yes! Of course! You just startled me," he said too quickly.
He could tell from the look she was giving him that she didn't believe him. So he took a deep breath and added.
"I guess I just have a lot on my mind, given all that's happening."
She eyed him for a moment longer, before nodding.
"A lot is happening," she agreed.
Glad she hadn't decided to push him, he gave her a genuine smile.
"Still, it is pretty exciting to be in Athens, even if I wish it was for better reasons," he said.
"I agree. It is a nice city, though a little unfriendly."
He chuckled and nodded.
"I noticed that too."
Things were quiet for a moment or two, before Aiz said.
"I was actually hoping we could go on that date now."
"Oh. Yes! Of course! I'd love to!"
She smiled and then wrapped her arm around his.
"Then let's go," she said, not waiting for his response before pulling him along.
Now out and about in the city, the two took in the sights with smiles on their faces. Of course, there was still the occasional glare at Bell, but whether this was because of his sex or because they were jealous he was with someone as beautiful as Aiz was impossible to know.
Neither was about to let their evening be ruined though, so the glares were quickly brushed aside as they continued on.
Naturally, it did not take long for Aiz to locate a potato snack cart and she dragged Bell to it as quickly as she was able, buying several local flavors so she could compare them to those she ate in Orario.
"They're good, but not as good as the ones in Orario," she concluded after eating all the snacks.
"I agree," he replied. "They have their own, unique flavor, but they just aren't as satisfying as what Orario offers."
She turned and smiled at him, which made his heart skip a beat.
Yes, this is where I'm meant to be. By her side, he thought. And I won't stray or betray her. No matter what. I will never betray her.
His vow made, he returned the smile with a bright one of his own.
"There's someplace I want to show you," Aiz suddenly said.
"Alright. Lead the way."
Aiz led Bell through the city, eventually ending up at a tower in a quiet neighborhood. The two climbed the structure, and Bell noted that it appeared to be abandoned, but still in decent condition. Finally, they reached the top of it and Bell's eyes widened at the sight.
"Wow."
Before him was the now darkened city of Athens. Everywhere he looked, little splotches of light shined in the darkness, illuminating the image before him so beautifully that any artist would have been jealous that they could not create something so spectacular.
"This is incredible."
"I'm glad you like it," Aiz said, her voice containing a ruggedness that Bell failed to notice.
What he didn't fail to notice was her lips suddenly latching onto his neck.
"A-Aiz?" he called, his body shivering as her lips and tongue began to play along his skin.
She did not respond, instead she attacked his neck even more ferociously, causing him to gasp and moan.
"A-Aiz! W-What...what are you-?"
He didn't manage to finish before she latched onto his ear and began to nibble on it, causing another, louder moan to escape his lips. At the same time, his strength seemed to evaporate, which Aiz did not fail to notice and soon, she was pushing him towards the ground.
Bell, now on his back, looked up at the golden goddess before him with wide eyes and ragged breath.
"Aiz! What are you doing?!" he finally managed to get out.
"I want to take the next step with you," she said with absolute certainty. "I want to make love to you."
As Bell's jaw dropped, she reached down and lifted her shirt over her head, revealing the beautiful, porcelain skin of her torso to him, and making his already erratic heartbeat positively go insane
She reached behind her back to remove her bra, when he suddenly lifted himself up and grabbed her hands.
Her eyes shot back to him, silently questioning what he was doing.
"No."
That made her heart stop.
"Y-You don't want to?" she asked.
"Of course I want to!" he shouted, startling her. "But not like this," he quickly added. "I want our first time to be special."
"That was the point of the tower," she pointed out.
He laughed and nodded.
"The location is beautiful," he readily admitted. "But I don't think cold stone is very comfortable."
She pouted and was about to argue when he said.
"Tomorrow."
She blinked, then, realizing what he meant, she asked.
"You mean…?"
"Tomorrow we will go on a date. We will see more of the city, eat somewhere very nice, and then," his eyes burned as he said the next part. "We will go back to our room and I will give myself to you."
Her eyes now burning with just as much love and desire, she nodded in agreement.
"Tomorrow."
He smiled and pulled her into a passionate kiss that made both their toes curl.
When they pulled back, rested his forehead against hers and said.
"Tomorrow I'm all yours, Aiz Wallenstein. I promise."
Finito!
Alright, chapter 50 done! Wow, can you believe we've hit 50 chapters! I'm pretty stunned. I thought this entire story was going to be that long when I first started, but I'm not even sure we're at the halfway point now. Crazy.
Anyway, my apologies again for the increasing time it's been taking me to put these chapters out. As I said, motivation is extremely fickle and has not been generous as of late. That, plus work on my second book has made me not keep up to pace with this story. For that, I sincerely apologize. I hope that the prospect of the Aiz X Bell lemon will ease some of the wait though.
All that said, please tell me what you thought of the chapter. Did you love it? Hate it? Just want to rant about my terrible writing schedule? Share your thoughts in the reviews or send me a PM.
That's all for now, so I hope you all have a fantastic day, week, month, and so on, and I'll see you all next time. Bye for now.