Heroes

by The Four Crosses

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

59. A Royal Welcome

Hello my dearest readers. Well, the Athens arc is done, and we're on our way back to Orario. However, there is more waiting for our heroes than they know and the battles are far from over. So let us jump back into our story and see what happens next, shall we?

I do not own Danmachi

---

She walked around the town with a small, but warm smile upon her lips.

It's nice to get out and enjoy such lovely weather.

She went from one shop to another, picking up supplies for her and her two companions back home.

Is that the right word? We've known each other for so long, yet we also don't see eye-to-eye nowadays.

She sighed, as the memory of so many recent arguments and harsh discussions filled her mind.

"Meteria!"

She turned and found a man walking over to her with a smile on his face.

"Ah, Gnaeus, how are you?" she greeted.

"I'm doing well. I see you're out shopping," he replied.

"That I am."

"Well, I didn't call you just to say hello. I actually have a letter for you."

"A letter for me?" she asked, genuinely surprised.

"Yep. Arrived on the leg of the most magnificent eagle I've ever seen."

An eagle? she questioned.

She took the letter from Gnaeus and inspected it, soon finding she recognized the writing.

Why is Galadriel sending me a letter?

She was not upset, if anything, she was overjoyed to get a chance to hear from her friend again, it was just unexpected and a tad troubling.

She wouldn't send a letter just for the sake of pleasantries. There's a purpose to this.

"Thank you, Gnaeus. I appreciate you bringing this to me."

"My pleasure, Meteria. Have a pleasant rest of your day."

"You as well."

With the courier gone, she quickly turned for home.

She arrived at the temple and made her way inside, stopping only to stare a moment at the statue before her.

"I miss you darling," she said with a sad, but adoring smile.

She then pressed the secret button, causing the statue to move, revealing the secret chamber below.

Quickly making her way down, she put down her shopping, only to stop when a familiar voice called out.

"Oh, back already? I figured you'd be out for longer," Zeus said with mild surprise.

"I would have, but I ran into Gnaeus while out shopping and he gave me a letter from Galadriel."

"Galadriel?"

"Yes. Now, where is Hera? I'm sure she'll want to hear whatever Galadriel has to say."

"Ironically, she's sending her own letter to Dido to get an update on the situation in Orario," he answered, "but there's no real point in waiting, we can open it up and see what my favorite dark elf has to say."

She rolled her eyes.

"You always were impatient."

"It's part of my charm. Besides, if there's bad news in there, this will give us time to figure out how to sugarcoat it before Hera gets back," he replied with a smile.

"In all the eons you two have been together, have you ever managed to sugarcoat something into her not being angry?" she asked.

"You'd be surprised. My success rate is in the green these days."

She laughed.

"Then I suppose we might as well open it up now."

She quickly opened the letter and began to read aloud.

Dear Meteria,

I hope you can forgive me for what I've done. I know it was unwise, even cruel, in a way. I know I should have revealed nothing to him, let alone agreed to his request, yet I could not find it within my heart to deny him. As such, truly all I can do is apologize to you and hope you'll one day be able to forgive me.

Galadriel

The two looked at each other.

"That's a bit ominous," Zeus stated.

"Yes. I knew this had to be serious, but I can't imagine what Galadriel could have done that would make her need to so desperately apologize to me. And who is this 'him', she's referring to?"

"I'm not sure. That makes it even spookier. It's also interesting that she's using your cover name. I don't think I've ever heard her call you 'Meteria' before."

"Maybe there's something in the letter that explains that," she reasoned.

"Then let's find out."

She turned back to the papers in her hand and turned to the next page. The moment she did, her heart stopped.

Dear Mom,

She began to shake and tears filled her eyes.

"What?! What is it?! What happened?!" Zeus questioned desperately.

"It's…it's from Bell."

Zeus's eyes widened.

"Bell?" he rushed to her side and looked over her shoulder. "But...how? The last we heard Galadriel was on her own in the middle of nowhere. How did she meet Bell?"

"I...I guess the only way to find that out is to continue reading," she said, her voice shaking terribly as she read and re-read those first two words over and over again.

Dear Mom,

I hope beyond hope that this letter reaches you. When Galadriel said that she knew you and could get a letter to you I thought I was going to burst into tears. Haha, I guess I'm still a bit of a crybaby, even after all this time.

"Okay, now I'm wondering why Galadriel would reveal that information to him, and how much she told him," Zeus said.

She completely ignored him, not out of any malice, but because she herself was close to bursting into happy tears.

It is, she realized as her eyes filled with joyous tears. It's really my baby boy.

I hope you are doing well, wherever you are, and whatever you're doing. I miss you so much. I can't even begin to try and put into words how much I miss you and wish I could see you, the letter continued.

I miss you too, she thought as her tears began to drip down her face, though she made sure they did not dare damage this most precious of treasures in her hands.

Zeus, for his part, knowing how much this was affecting her, put aside his questions and was just happy for her, rubbing her back soothingly as she continued to read.

So much has happened since we got separated. I got adopted by Grandpa, who I later found out was the god Zeus!

She laughed and looked at her companion who smiled back just as joyously.

I know, it's crazy. I had no idea! Now though, I'm in Orario and the captain of the Hestia familia. I know that must sound weird. Me, the captain of a familia? But I swear it's true!

The wind spirit's smile grew, now reinforced with pride in her son.

"Looks like Hermes was telling the truth," she said.

"Did you doubt him?" Zeus asked.

"No, at least not on that, but he does make it difficult to trust him."

Zeus nodded before she continued reading.

I really hope that I get to introduce you to everyone someday. There's Hestia, of course. She's the best goddess I could have ever asked for and gave me a home when I had none, Aria's eyes softened further as she silently thanked the goddess. Then there's Lili. She's a pallum and really really smart. I'd be lost without her help. Welf is our smith and he's really talented. He's built all my armor and can even make magic weapons. Next is Mikoto. She's from the east and knows ninjutsu and all sorts of amazing techniques. We also have a renard in our familia named Haruhime. She's beautiful and so kind, perhaps the kindest person in the world, besides you of course.

She laughed, love and joy pouring from her.

"Sounds like he's got a little bit of a crush there," Zeus joked.

"As long as he doesn't take after you and chase after every pretty girl and short-skirt," she playfully replied.

"Hey, it's a man's duty to romance as many beautiful women and lovely ladies as he can!"

She rolled her eyes, then continued.

Next is Ryuu. She's an elf and one of the best, most graceful fighters I've ever seen. That brings me to our newest member, Achilles, or as I like to call him, Dad.

The two froze.

"Could you read that again? I'm sure I misheard you," he requested.

That brings me to our newest member, Achilles, or as I like to call him, Dad.

The two looked at each other.

"Keep reading," he stated.

I know you're probably really confused right now, but I'll try to explain, her son wrote. You see, Achilles was Grandpa's captain back when the Zeus familia was around. Grandpa sent him to Orario to check in on me and we quickly got close. A lot happened, but long story short, I kind of adopted him, if that makes sense.

"He adopted him?" Zeus asked, shocked.

"Apparently," she replied, just as shocked, "but you didn't tell us that you sent your captain to look in on him."

"I did it before I came here. I guess, since I hadn't heard anything from him since then, it kind of slipped my mind. However," Zeus's face burst into a smile, "this seems like fate."

"Fate?"

"Do you remember the member of my familia you rescued?" Zeus asked her.

A bit surprised by the counter question, Aria did answer after a moment.

"The one that stood up to the Dragon even with the grievous injury on his chest?"

"That's the one," Zeus replied, still smiling. "That was Achilles."

Aria's eyes widened.

"That was the man Bell's talking about?"

"Yep. I'm actually surprised I never mentioned it before. You rescued Achilles all those years ago and now he's the adoptive father to your son. If that's not fate, I don't know what is."

She was stunned by all these revelations and wasn't sure what to make of them for a few moments.

"You're not displeased are you?" Zeus asked, worried.

She turned to him and, after another moment, she smiled brightly and shook her head.

"Not in the slightest. And why would I be? My son finally has a father. A real father," she stated firmly.

Zeus beamed.

"That's right. A real father."

She turned back to the letter, happiness warming every inch of her.

Achilles, she thought as she looked down at the letter. She hugged the piece of paper. Albert.

"Is there anything else?" Zeus inquired.

"Oh! Yes."

I hope neither you, nor my birth father are mad that I've done this.

The two frowned, but quickly discarded their negative feelings so they could continue happily enjoying the letter.

If so, I'm sorry. It just seemed like the right thing to do, and while we've had an argument or two, I couldn't have asked for a better father.

"I'm so glad, Bell," she said as her happy tears returned.

I wish I could tell you more about what's happened since I've last seen you, and maybe, in a future letter I can, if Galadriel's willing to send another.

"Oh, I'll force her to," she swore.

"We'll have to keep this a secret from Hera. She won't like that you two are in contact."

She nodded and continued reading.

There really is so much to tell you. I haven't even told you about the girl I've fallen for. She could be a whole letter by herself.

"Oh, looks like you were wrong, Zeus," she joked.

"Or he has taken more after me," he countered with a smile.

She playfully nudged him, before continuing.

But for now, I'm just happy to know that I was able to reach you again. I really do miss you so much, Mom. I would do anything to be able to see you again and introduce everyone to you.

"Oh Bell, I wish we could. What I would give to be able to do that," his mother replied.

I know you're doing something important, as Galadriel said, though she wouldn't tell me what...

"Which is probably for the best," Zeus said.

...but whatever it is, I hope you complete it soon so I can see you again.

I love you, Mom

She hugged the letter again as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"I need to write a reply," she said, rushing to find a pen and paper.

Before she could however, the two heard the statue begin to move.

"Hide the letter!" Zeus told her.

She quickly did so, and just in time, as Hera walked in.

"Aria? You're back earlier than expected," the goddess said.

"I was a little tired is all," Aria replied.

Hera nodded.

"You are still recovering your power, though," she looked into the spirit's eyes, "it looks like your eyes have returned to their golden color."

"Yes. It raised some questions in town. Everyone was so used to my blue eyes."

"And what was your response?" Hera questioned.

"I just told them I wanted a change and used magic to change the color."

"Hm, I suppose that will do, though that does tell them you know magic," Hera softly scolded.

"Only the most minor amount, nothing to indicate who I truly am."

"But the clever are able to put small pieces like that together."

"Come now, dear, I'm sure we're still completely safe here," Zeus jumped in.

"I would be less inclined to scold if someone took this a little more seriously," the goddess shot back.

He scratched his cheek.

"But I will drop the matter. Now, what did you get from dinner tonight?"

"Oh, I was thinking a nice stew, and maybe some potato snacks," Aria answered.

"Hm, that will do. Well, no time to waste then. And don't think you're getting out of helping this time you oaf!"

Zeus raised his hands in surrender.

Aria chuckled and moved towards the chicken, only to suddenly freeze.

Both deities instantly noticed this.

"Aria?" Zeus called.

The spirit did not respond. Instead, her eyes widened, her skin paled, and she began to shake and sweat.

"What happened?!" Hera cried.

"Bell…he's reached the next stage," she said, her voice filled with terror as she turned her eyes to the gods, "and He knows now too."

---

Bell looked over the side of the ship, watching the waves and the clouds.

"Mind if I join you?"

He turned and found Achilles smiling softly at him.

He smiled back and nodded.

Achilles took his place next to his son and let a few quiet, peaceful moments pass, before speaking again.

"Something's bothering you."

Bell sighed and his eyes dropped.

"Yes," he admitted, "something is."

"And I'm guessing that something is connected to Ares," Achilles pressed.

Bell nodded.

"I killed someone, Dad, and worse yet, I didn't feel guilty about it. Not until the others snapped me back to my senses."

"You were angry, Bell. Justifiably so."

"But that's just the thing," the young captain turned fully to the former captain, "I've been so angry so much recently. It seems like it takes nothing to set me off now. Ever since the tournament, and maybe even before that, I've just been so...furious! At everything! Or at least it feels like that."

"Bell…"

"I'm sorry," his son quickly apologized, only to be quickly pulled into a hug.

"Don't apologize, there's no need to. Especially not to me." Bell looked up at him, with confused eyes. "We've both been angry, which is especially egregious for me because I swore to work on it. We've let our more destructive emotions get the better of us, I won't deny that, mostly because I don't think you'll believe me."

That got a smile out of Bell.

"So we both need to work on it. Given that, why don't we both go find your grandmother and ask her if she's willing to start training both of us in how not to be so angry all the time?"

Bell's smile grew and he nodded.

"I'd like that, and I think she would too."

"Then let's go find Mama. The sooner we get started the sooner we deal with this problem."

Bell happily agreed and the two set off to find the goddess.

---

The two made their way through the ship until they reached Mania's room where Achilles proceeded to knock. A moment later, the door opened, revealing the goddess.

"Well, isn't this a lovely surprise?" she said, beaming at her two boys.

"Hi Mom. Can we come in?" Achilles asked.

"Of course!"

The two men entered the room and Mania closed the door.

"What were you up to?" Achilles asked, noting the paperwork strew out on her bed.

"Oh, I was just making plans on how to bring over the children from the orphanage to Orario. I already have a means for transporting them, but until I have some place to actually bring them, I won't be able to send for them," Mania replied, looking a bit sad.

"Who's watching over them now?"

"Clara and Norman are still in Athens until I find a place."

"Ah, that explains why I didn't see them."

"Yes. Hopefully I'll be able to find a place quickly. I don't like being separated from any of them for long."

"I actually might know a place," Bell jumped in.

"Oh really?" Mania inquired, her eyes lighting up.

"Yeah. It's a place Syr took me to."

"Syr," Achilles repeated, not happy to hear that name again.

"Is something wrong?" his mama goddess asked.

"She's connected to Freya," he answered.

That made Mania frown, but Bell quickly jumped in.

"She's a good person, I swear. She's helped me a lot in the past. I would have ended up in the Apollo familia if not for her."

That gave her pause and she turned to Achilles for verification, which he gave with a sigh and nod.

"That is true," he conceded.

"Well then, I suppose I can at least see this place and meet this Syr girl."

Bell smiled, which made her smile in turn.

"Now, what brings you two here? Not that I don't love your visits, it's just that you two look like you have something on your minds," she stated.

"We do, baa-chan," Bell readily admitted, getting serious, "you see, we both feel we've been letting our anger get the better of us recently. So, Dad was wondering if he could join us for self-control training."

"I see," she replied, turning to her son, "you do have more of a temper than you used to."

Achilles nodded.

"Which I hate. I don't like being this way Mom. It feels like I've lost something or, worse, like I've lost who I am."

"Oh my sweet boy," she walked over to him and cupped his cheek, "you haven't lost yourself, but it does appear, I am sad to say, that you've grown to loath yourself a bit."

He nodded again.

"I won't deny that. Ever since the battle with the Dragon, finding out what I was to Freya, and running from Orario, I've held contempt for myself. I don't have as much as I used to!" he quickly added, turning to Bell, "gaining a son, a new familia, and a lover has greatly helped with that, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to completely let it go, despite a past promise I made to Bell."

He gave the young man a sad smile, which in turn earned him a tight hug from Bell.

"You'll get past this," his son said with conviction.

"Yes you will," Mania agreed before suddenly flexing. "well then, I have a goal for myself!" she declared with a bright smile. "I'll get you to forgive yourself while helping you both to control your tempers."

The two regained their joyful smiles and nodded.

"We're in your hands, Mania-baa-chan," Bell said.

The goddess practically glowed at that, and couldn't stop herself from going over and snuggling her grandson.

"Alright!" she continued after smothering Bell with hugs and kisses for a couple of minutes, "let's get started. No point in waiting, after all!"

She began rummaging through her belongings until she found a few candles, which she then proceeded to light. She then went to the windows and closed the curtains, darkening the room.

"Alright, both of you get comfortable. We're going to meditate with the focus being on making our minds nice and tranquil. Once you two get good at doing that in a nice, calming environment, I'll start adding some challenges. Sound good?"

"Yes," Achilles said.

"Yeah," Bell seconded.

The two men got comfortable as instructed, making Mania smile.

"Now, close your eyes, and just...breathe."

---

A few hours later, Bell and Achilles departed, but not before thanking Mania with a big hug.

The two men then bid each other goodnight and headed to their rooms.

Bell opened the door and found Aiz already there and dressed for bed.

"Bell," she called, rushing over to him, "I was wondering where you were."

"I'm sorry if I made you worry. Dad and I were training with Mania-baa-chan," he told her.

"Training?" she asked as she cocked her head to the side.

"Yeah," his eyes fell, "I really haven't been myself lately. I've let my anger run wild and have...done things I'm not proud of. So Mania-baa-chan is helping me."

"I see," his lover replied as she thought for a moment, "well, I'm happy to hear that," she continued as she took his hands, "I love your kindness and much prefer you when you're my rabbit then when you're a dragon."

He blushed lightly, but chuckled.

"Then I'll keep working hard on being your rabbit."

"Good," she said, giving him a smile, "that's when you're at your best, although, I will admit," she stopped as a blush came to her cheeks, "I do like how...passionate you are...when you use your dragon powers."

Bell's blush intensified as his eyes widened.

"Y-You...you do?"

She only nodded this time, unable to speak due to her embarrassment.

"Well...um...I don't think using my power in that way is so bad...so...uh...I can do that for you if you'd like."

"Really?" she asked, her eyes gaining a darker, yet warmer tone.

He nodded, as he felt his body beginning to heat up.

"Of course. I want to make you happy, Aiz, in any way that I can. Though…"

"Though?" she questioned, as she inched towards him.

"Rabbits are also known for being very...vigorous when it comes to...mating."

"They are?"

"Uh huh. They're actually kind of famous for it. 'Mating like rabbits' is a pretty well-known term."

Aiz processed this for a moment, before smiling sultrily.

"Would you mind showing me?"

Bell swallowed hard, and nodded.

He cupped her face and pulled his lover into a sweet, gentle kiss.

She was happy to return it, but it was not long before their awakened fire started to make itself known. Soon, their hands began to move, gripping onto their respective partner, while tongues began to battle for dominance.

The heat became too much for either to bear and they quickly discarded their clothing, leaving them in nothing but their skin as they continued to explore and conquer each other.

Finally, when their breaths were ragged and steamy, Aiz pulled back, and met her lover's eyes.

"Bed. Now."

He nodded, then lifted her into his arms, allowing her to wrap her arms and legs around him as she reclaimed his lips.

Bell gently lowered them down on the bed, before pulling from Aiz's lips, only to quickly latch onto her neck, making her moan and tangle her fingers in his hair.

"Bell," she whispered, as if her breath had been stolen away.

He continued his marking of her beautiful skin as he hands moved up and cupped her breasts, massaging them and pinching her nipples.

She cried out before wrapping her legs around his waist, silently begging him to continue.

Continue he did, lathering her neck and breasts with pleasure and love until she felt like she would lose her mind.

However, Aiz was not a selfish lover. She wanted Bell to feel just as wonderful as he was making her feel and so, to his surprise, she suddenly flipped them over so she was on top of him, her breasts pressing delightfully against his chest.

Before he could respond to their new position, Aiz shot forward and began to nibble and lick his ear.

"A-Aiz!" he cried, as his fingers tangled into her hair, just as hers had done with him not so long ago.

She continued her licking and nibbling for a few moments more, before pulling back and kissing him passionately.

He eagerly returned the kiss, only to groan as his princess began to grind her wet, warm, pussy against his now aching cock.

His hands fell to her waist as he tried to increase the speed and pressure of her gyrations, only to find that Aiz refused to allow him to take control.

Suddenly, she pulled back and smiled seductively down at him.

"What do you want, Bell?" she asked, her voice pure desire. "What do you want right now?"

"I want to be inside you, Aiz! I need to be inside you."

She bit her lip and nodded. She looked down as she slowly grabbed his sensitive, needy manhood, and lined it up to her equally needy womanhood.

She turned her eyes back to him, and after seeing his burning, desperate eyes looking up at her, she smiled and sank down upon her man once again.

They both moaned and reveled in feeling the warmth of their lover again.

Aiz threw her head back and slowly moved her hips, letting Bell's cock poke and grind wherever it pleased while she gasped and shuddered above him.

Bell, meanwhile, arched his back as pleasure coursed through his veins. He desperately clung to her hips, biting his lips as he tried to restrain himself.

"Does my rabbit like that?" she asked, meeting his rubies once again. "Does he feel good?"

"I feel incredible, Aiz. Nothing feels as good, as wonderful, as being with you. I love you so so much."

That was apparently a very good response as Aiz quickly smashed her lips upon his and began to bounce upon his lap.

Bell's groans grew louder, the kiss doing little to silence them, but he wasn't the kind to just lay back and let his lover do all the work, so he soon after began bucking into Aiz with all his might, needing her to feel just as good as he did.

His offensive upon her flower finally Aiz broke the kiss as she threw her head back again and moaned.

"Oh...Be~~ll!" she cried, only for her cry to turn into gasps as he pumped into her again and again.

"A~~iz," he called back as he redoubled his efforts to send his lover over the edge.

"Mhmmm!" she moaned as she bit her lip, trying to restrain herself, though not completely sure why. Maybe deep in her subconscious, she was aware others might hear, but more likely, it was simply a way to goad Bell. To get him to take up the challenge of making her scream. A challenge he evidently took as he moved one hand to her breast to pinch her nipple, while the other moved to play with her clit.

"Bell!" she screamed, unable to even try and restrain herself. "Ah! Ah! Ah!" she cried out again and again with each thrust.

Wanting to bring her the most wonderful climax he could, Bell suddenly shifted them again, placing himself above the startled Aiz. However, he wasn't done, as he flipped her around, lifted her ass and pressed himself behind her.

"Now," he whispered into her ear, "let me show you why they say 'mating like rabbits'."

He then plunged back into her.

Aiz cried out into her pillow as Bell sent delightful shockwaves through her body. Over and over and over he pushed her near the edge of blissful surrender, making it hard for her to breathe, and impossible to think. All she could truly do was feel. Feel her lover's feelings for her. How much he loved her.

And yet, for all the passion, all the power of his thrusts, there was one thing, her chaotic mind was able to note. It was gentle. He was gentle.

For all his desperation to make her feel as euphoric as possible, he never once pushed even close to the threshold of pain or roughness. Though their bodies felt on fire, in her heart, Aiz felt nothing but the warmth of her dearly beloved Bell. This wasn't a claiming session, showing her that she was his and he was hers, this was love-making. Sweet, if very passionate, love-making, and she adored it.

I was right. I much prefer my rabbit.

That was the last thought even her subconscious could manage before Bell finally cast her over the edge and her back arched in glorious release.

Aiz stared up at the ceiling with wide eyes and drool slipping down her chin for a good five seconds, before her strength left her and she fell back into the mattress.

She was collecting her bearings and her breath when she felt Bell's chest press against her back.

"Are you alright? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

She smiled adoringly before shaking her head as best as she could.

"No," she replied, her voice quiet, but loving, "you were perfect."

He smiled then leaned down to kiss her shoulder.

"So were you."

She hummed in gratitude before turning to him.

"But I hope you don't think we're done. You still haven't proved to me that 'mating like rabbits' is an honest saying."

His eyes darkened and he thrust his still hard cock into her, making her gasp.

"Don't worry. I'm nowhere near done."

By the end of the night, Aiz found that she very much enjoyed the sweet, but no less vigorous love-making of her affectionate snowy bunny, and that, if rabbits weren't her favorite animal before, they certainly were now.

---

The next couple of days out on the sea passed peacefully with Bell and Achilles continuing their training and no sign of another Herald coming to destroy their ship.

Everyone noted a shift in the two, despite how little time had passed, and were glad for it, figuring that the two were finally returning to who they really were. Of course, in the back of their minds, they knew that the father-son duo might revert back to their furious, vengeful selves if those they cared for were put in danger, but they did not let such thoughts ruin their moods.

At that very moment, they were all enjoying dinner together, happily chatting away about this and that.

"It'll be nice to be back home, then again, I'm sure Hephaestus is going to demand I do overtime for the next month to make up for all the time I've missed!" Hestia realized, her head falling to the table in anguish.

"It will be nice to sleep in Lili's own bed again."

"And to see everyone again. I know we weren't away for very long, but I do miss seeing Ouka, Chigusa, Takemikazuchi-sama, and the others," Mikoto said.

"Oh, and who have you missed the most out of all of them, hm?" Hestia asked, her head popping back up so she could give Mikoto a teasing smile.

The poor girl blushed and began to stammer, making those around her chuckle.

"We shouldn't tease her," Haruhime defended, rubbing her friend's back to try and soothe her embarrassment.

"I suppose not, but you really should tell him, Mikoto. You are a lovely girl and I'm sure he'd be thrilled to be with you," their goddess stated.

"You think so?" the ninjutsu artist asked hopefully.

"Absolutely! Don't hold back your own happiness out of fear for what could happen."

The others nodded in agreement and gave her a few words of encouragement.

Mikoto smiled and nodded.

"I'll...start working up the courage then."

"Atta girl!" Hestia declared, giving her a thumbs up.

Bell beamed as he silently wished Mikoto luck and happiness.

"Seems like we'll have another couple soon enough," Galadriel said beside him.

"I hope so, she really deserves to be happy," he replied, giving the dark elf his one million valis smile.

"You all do," she added. "Oh, and your letter should have arrived by now."

"Really?!" he asked excitedly.

"Mhmm, my messenger eagle, Eclipse, is very quick and has never failed to deliver a message before."

He hugged her tightly, which, after getting over her surprise, she happily returned.

I guess he's a big hugger, she thought, feeling his warmth and joy pour into her.

"Thank you. Thank you so much," he said, as he pulled back just enough to look up at her.

"My pleasure. Now, why don't you go join your beloved Sword Princess. She's looking a little jealous."

Bell turned, and saw Aiz pouting, making him chuckle.

"Yeah, I'll do that. Though she is cute when she pouts."

He let go of Galadriel and made his way over to a still pouting Aiz. He quickly wiped away the expression however, with a kiss, then pulled her into his arms, which she then happily snuggled into.

"What was that about?"

Galadriel turned and found Riveria next to her.

"I just did him a little favor is all," Galadriel replied.

"Didn't seem like a small favor, given that hug," Riveria replied with a smile.

Galadriel laughed.

"Apparently he's quite the hugging type."

Riveria chuckled and nodded.

"I've discovered that myself. Still, thank you."

"Why are you thanking me?" the dark elf asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Because you made him happy. Bell Cranel is at his best when he's smiling and laughing, and I want him to be at his best as much as he can be."

"For Achilles?" Galadriel questioned with a smirk.

"Yes, but also for me. I've grown quite close to him, and while I haven't earned a title like Achilles has, I hope that one day I will."

Galadriel's eyes widened before she began to laugh again.

"Well look who's ready to officially become a mother."

Riveria just smiled and shrugged.

---

Finally, on the third day, a familiar spire poked out from the horizon.

Bell smiled as the Tower of Babel came more and more into view.

"Home."

Can I still say that though, given how everyone feels about me now?

His smile fell.

They'll likely still scared of me. Still think I'm a monster.

He shook his head.

"No, I won't let that bring me down. Even if the whole city thinks badly of me, I still have my familia and my friends. And even if I didn't, I won't let myself become a monster again or fall into despair, I won't," he vowed.

His darkness banished, he turned back to the Tower and smiled, this time though, more resiliently.

No matter what.

---

Everyone disembarked with smiles on their faces.

"Ah, it's good to be back on land. There are nice things about the sea, but nothing beats solid land, I say," Hestia said.

"For once, I agree with you, Hestia-sama," Lili seconded.

"It is nice to be back," Mikoto added, "I can't wait to tell Takemikazuchi-sama and the others about all that happened."

"Is that the only reason you'll be happy to see him?" Hestia teased, causing the easterling to blush.

"Well, first we have to actually make it back home. We still have a bit of a walk ahead of us," Achilles pointed out.

"Can't we find a carriage or something to take us back?" his goddess asked.

"I wouldn't count on it. Melen may be the port of Orario, but it's never focused much on land transportation, probably because most who come to its docks are adventurers with only a few valis to their names," he replied.

"Well maybe they've changed since the tournament," she suggested.

"Maybe, but again, don't count on it."

"It's not like we're not all used to walking to get where we need to," Riveria said, smiling at her lover.

"Very true," he agreed, smiling back, "at this point I've walked, run, and jumped across the whole of Gekai multiple times."

"That would explain why you're so fit," the elf replied with a hint of desire.

"You two sound like you're going to go at it right here and now," Aisha joked.

"We do have some decency," Achilles returned, giving her a disapproving look.

"No one's doing anything until we get back home! Now come on, let's get going!" Hestia declared.

Everyone was happy to agree, and the newly returned adventurers began the final trek of their return journey.

---

The hooded figure watched the adventurers from the shadows, their eyes focused on one in particular.

That's him. The Olympian, their eyes turned, and the other secondary targets are here as well.

The figure quickly turned into the alley where they then pulled out a piece of parchment, wrote a quick message, then attached it to a hawk, which they then sent into the air.

Good luck, Sir.

---

The group was happily chatting amongst themselves as they walked towards the walls of the Dungeon city, except for the Freya and Kali familia, who remained almost entirely silent, though Bache did dare to join in on a few occasions, receiving a glare from Aiz each time.

"So, when we meet with Ouranos to tell him about the mission, do we call it a success or a failure?" Riveria asked her lover.

"Well, the point was just to gather information and see if they were a threat to Orario. On that count, we found out what we needed to and, more importantly, they aren't, which will take a little burden off of Orario's shoulders. However, I imagine Ouranos isn't going to be exactly happy that Bell and I spilled the beans on the mission, and he will likely have a few words on our little side mission."

"Do you think he'll punish you?"

"I don't think so. He'll reprimand us for our unnecessary actions, but given they were done for the Xenos or to free people from a terrible situation, I doubt he'll shed too many tears. The big question is though…" he took a deep breath, "how will he react to news of Bell killing Ares?"

Riveria nodded, knowing the seriousness of that situation.

"Killing a god is beyond off-limits for mortals. It's not even supposed to be possible, but the other deities made sure to outlaw it in the strictest terms, which means there might be actual danger for Bell."

"You don't think they'll…?"

"Demand his execution?" he inquired. After a moment, she nodded. "Some will undoubtedly demand that, but I don't think they'll get it for a few reasons. For one: it was Ares, who wasn't exactly popular and who had been running wild for too long. Secondly, Ouranos holds some fondness for Bell. His actions with the Xenos, his good nature, and the fact that the tournament backfired in what it was supposed to do, will likely work to Bell's advantage. However, that leads to perhaps the bigger problem. The one that puts Bell in real danger."

"Half the city is already scared of him," Riveria stated.

"And want him gone. In any way they can make that happen. While they might not get an execution, the other deities may be able to force a banishment. Only the power of Ouranos, Hestia, and the other gods we're allied with will be able to prevent that."

"I'm sure Loki will be willing to help, even if she'll be alarmed that he somehow managed to kill Ares."

"That will help a great deal, but I don't think it will be enough," Achilles said.

"Not even with Ouranos, Hestia, Hephaestus, Hermes, Miach, Takemikazuchi, and Astraea with her?"

"No. Combined they have a great deal of influence and power, but not enough to counter the numbers they will be facing. There is, however, one person who, if added to the mix, would tip the balance in Bell's favor. But I do not like the idea of being in her debt."

It did not take even a second for his beloved elf to figure out who he meant.

"Freya."

He nodded.

"With her, Loki, Ouranos, and all the others, a banishment would be prevented, despite the numbers."

"And...that makes you uneasy?"

"I love Bell, Riveria, you know that," he said immediately, "and am willing to do anything to give him the best future I can, even accept Freya's help, but I can't deny it puts a bad taste in my mouth."

She nodded then took his hand.

"I understand. It's an unfortunate situation that may require some sacrifice. However," she smiled, "I will be there to get rid of any unpleasant tastes you may suffer from."

That made him smile and he turned and kissed her.

"Thank you."

Nearby, Ottar watched with disdain, despising his old teacher for failing to understand his lady's love and so callously, nay, viciously, insulting her as he did now.

Before the boaz's rage could grow too great, he felt a rumbling in the ground.

He wasn't the only one, as Achilles pulled back with a confused expression.

"What is it?" Riveria asked.

"Something's coming."

Achilles walked towards the rumbling, his hand on his sword, causing the column to stop.

"Dad, what is it?" Bell asked.

"Something's headed this way," the Father On High responded.

The others shared looks, but seeing the hand on his sword and hearing the seriousness in his voice, they all unsheathed their weapons and made a defensive circle.

Achilles watched and waited as the rumbling grew and grew. Soon, all the adventurers and deities could feel it and anxiety began to fill them.

"There," Achilles finally said.

They all turned and found, to their shock, what seemed to be an entire army on horseback.

"Who are they?" Tiona asked.

"Those are the banners of the Holy Kingdom," Achilles said, his eyes narrowing.

"The Holy Kingdom? What are they doing here?" Patroclus asked.

"The answer to that lies with who's at their head," Achilles replied.

"And who's that?" Aiz asked.

"Based on the personal standard? Lancelot Chevalerie, better known for his title, The Knight of Knights."

Eyes widened and jaws dropped. However they were not provided time to get over their shock as a few seconds later, the song of war trumpets sang through the air and the horsemen charged.

"What are they doing? Why are they charging at us?!" Hestia called.

"There's only one reason why the Knight of Knights would come here," Achilles pulled out his sword, "to kill me."

Before the others got the chance to take this horrible revelation in, the Father On High called.

"Ajax! Patroclus! I'm entrusting my familia and the gods to you two."

"Got it!" Patroclus immediately replied.

"Bell," Achilles turned to his son, "I'll take on Lancelot. He was a level 7 the last time we fought, and I haven't heard anything about him leveling up, so I should be able to defeat him, but only so long as I can focus solely on him. I'm sorry I'm giving orders, but can you keep his subordinates off me?"

"Yes," Bell replied instantly, fully in combat mode.

"We'll help too," Aiz joined in.

"You betcha we will!" Tiona said.

"As will we," Bache said.

"Are we finally getting a real fight?! Fuck yeah!" Argana cried.

Achilles would have responded, but the approaching force was too close now and so he turned back to them, ready for battle.

"Lightning Steps!" he roared, before rushing towards the mass of knights, specifically, one adorned in the grandest armor any of them had ever seen.

The Knight of Knights, seeing his target rushing towards him, rose from his saddle and jumped off it, sending him flying towards Achilles like a ballista bolt.

The two great swordsmen clashed with such tremendous force that they sent a shock wave through the area, nearly knocking over both the Knight's warriors, and the Orario adventurers. However, this was only the beginning as the two began their deadly dance in earnest not a moment after, attacking each other with the furor of primordial beings.

"Been a long time, Lancelot," Achilles greeted as they battled, their swords singing the great dueling song of warriors.

"Achilles," the Knight of Knights growled back as his silver eyes burned with determination.

"What? That's all you have to say?" Achilles replied as he parried Lancelot's silver blade and countered with a stab towards the Knight's head, which was gracefully dodged.

"I don't need to speak with you to kill you," the Knight replied.

"And why are you trying, and failing, to kill me again?"

"You know perfectly well why," the Knight of Knights dodged another strike from the Father On High before counter-attacking with an attempt to pierce Achilles's knee. However, the ex-captain of the Zeus familia used his great speed to kick the blade away harmlessly.

"Oh, the whole, 'maintain balance' thing."

"Don't speak to me as if I'm a child," Lancelot demanded, "it's not just about that."

"Then what else is it, pretty boy?"

"I will not allow another Alfia and Zald to rise up and attempt to destroy the world."

Achilles froze, which provided the Knight of Knights just enough time to pull back and slash at the former captain.

Achilles managed to pull himself back in time to prevent a lethal blow, but not enough to dodge the strike entirely, and soon, the brilliant blade of the world's greatest knight plunged into the intersection of his neck and shoulder.

The Father On High growled, and now even more determined to defeat his opponent, he grabbed Lancelot's arm and pulled the knight towards him. He then grabbed the Knight of Knights by his face and threw him across the entire battlefield, before charging after.

---

"Surround the Olympian and destroy him! Do not be troubled by dishonor, my brothers and sisters, for we have much more at stake than our pride! The world is at stake. We must defeat the Olympian or else countless may suffer. Sacrificing your pride for the sake of all those innocent souls is the highest form of chivalry!" a young, handsome man in beautiful armor cried.

The other knights cheered and moved to surround Achilles.

The young man smiled and prepared to join them, only to see, out of the corner of his eyes, another young man rushing straight towards him.

Before he could do anything, Bell's fist crashed into his face, sending him flying from his horse.

"Galahad!" a female knight cried.

Before she, or the other knights could do anything other than stare in shock, Bell raised his hands and cried out.

"Firebolt!"

Two streams of magic erupted from his hands and tore through the lines of equestrian warriors, who cried out at the sudden barrage.

Their troubles would not end there though, as many more were set flying into the air as the ground beneath the broke and tore asunder, courtesy of Ottar, who was not about to let the warriors of the kingdom touch his lady's beloveds without severe repercussions.

Soon, all the Orario adventurers, along with the Mania and Hades familia, were in the fray, except for the remaining Hestia familia who were guarding the deities. Near to them, were Patroclus and Ajax, both of whom were fulfilling their orders and batting away any knights who dared to pose a threat to their former captain's new familia.

"How dare you attack my son!" a woman in flowery armor roared at Bell, "I shall punish you for your evil deed!"

The woman charged Bell, only to be shocked by him easily parrying away her strike, and countering in the blink of an eye, leaving a thin, but long gash across her torso. As she reeled in pain and shock, Bell attacked again, kicking her with enough force to send her skipping across the battlefield.

"Mother!" the knight known at Galahad cried. He turned his now furious amber eyes to Bell. "I will make you pay for that villain!"

Galahad attacked and did battle with Bell, with several more knights joining the fight. Yet, to their surprise and horror, they could not touch the captain of the Hestia familia, and, worse still, his snow-haired opponent was quickly overcoming him.

"Who is this boy?" a nearby knight asked, shocked to see so many of their best warriors unable to even touch him.

"I don't know," another replied, "but our focus is the Olympian. We can deal with him once the Olympian is dead."

Unbeknownst to these two knights, Bell picked up their little chat and after dispatching his opponents, he turned his hand towards them.

"Firebolt!"

The spell sent the two knights flying, allowing Bell to refocus on his enemies, which now consisted of only Galahad and his mother.

"Who are you, boy?" the mother demanded.

"Bell Cranel. Captain of the Hestia familia and Achilles Caesar's son," he answered.

"Achilles Caesar's son?"

"Mother." She turned to her son. "That's the name of the monster adventurer," Galahad said.

Bell tensed and his grip on his knives tightened.

"Indeed it is," she answered as she looked Bell over for a few moments, "well, creature of chaos, I, Lady Elaine of Corbenic, left-hand of my husband, Lancelot Chevalerie, the Knight of Knights, and mother of his son, Galahad, shall slay you here and now and rid the world of your tyranny and evil."

Bell got ready for the next onslaught, but this would prove unnecessary as a blur of gold rushed passed him and, before she could even blink, cut Elaine's sword in two.

"You will not touch him," Aiz said before slashing the lady from hip to forehead.

"Mother! You fie-!"

Galahad was once again sent flying by Bell's fist.

"Thank you, Aiz," he said, giving her a smile.

"My pleasure," she replied, returning his smile.

The two then turned back to their opponents and restarted their fights.

---

They were not the only ones embroiled in duels as not far away, both Patroclus and Ajax were currently facing off with Lancelot's lieutenants.

"I heard you were here, Patroclus. Still chasing after Achilles, are you?" the pale, gray-eyed knight dueling the Zeus member said with a smirk.

"Yep," Patroclus replied immediately and with his own smirk, "and what about you, Tristan? Still getting poisoned every other week?"

Tristan lost his smile and restarted his attack upon Patroclus.

"Oh, that's a new trick," Patroclus grinned, as he dodged a flurry of attacks, some of which, he discovered, were illusions.

"I have learned much since our last duel," Tristan snarled.

"Good, because…" Patroclus twirled his blade in an elaborate, but precise counter that opened Tristan up to a jab at the weak point in his armor near his armpit.

The knight cried out as Patroclus smiled.

"I have some new tricks of my own."

---

"Looks like they're having fun," the giant of a knight with a manly ginger beard said with a smile.

"It does indeed," Ajax agreed, "still, I wish they could take this a little less seriously."

"Is this not serious?"

"Well you're certainly not treating it as such, Gawaine."

Gawaine laughed, his laugh booming like thunder.

"I'm just here because they told me to come and to get some fresh air. Lancelot's the one who feels the need to 'strike down the Olympian' as he said."

"Did he give a reason?" Ajax asked.

"I think he did, but I was either too drunk, too bored, or too focused on some pretty barmaid to remember." Both men laughed. "I suppose it must be the whole 'maintain the balance between nations' thing, but that's only existed since the failure to kill the Dragon. Not that I want to bring up bad memories."

"It's alright," Ajax quickly stated, "still, I imagine we will both be in trouble if we don't put on a good show."

The Zeus warrior took his mace off his shoulder and got into a battle ready position.

"I suppose you're right," Gawaine agreed as he took his greatsword off his shoulder, "I can't stand when Lancelot or worse, Elaine nags at me. Besides, I've missed these little tussles of ours."

"I don't think Zoligham has."

Gawaine boomed cheerfully again.

"Do you think we're still banished?"

"After how much of the town we wrecked during our last 'little tussle'? Undoubtedly."

The knight chuckled.

"That was one hell of a night. Want to see if we can outdo it?"

"Thought you'd never asked," Ajax replied with a smile.

With that, the two old warrior friends charged each other. When their weapons clashed, it was as if a storm had opened from the earth as the constant booms of thunder shook the whole battlefield, with the occasional boom of laughter erupting from one or both of the warriors.

---

"Arcs Ray!"

Lefiya fired her magic at a group of knights, sending them flying.

"Great job, Lefiya!" Tiona cried as she easily disposed of several knights attempting to reach the elf.

Lefiya blushed lightly at the praise, but didn't let it distract her as she continued to fight the force arraigned against them.

"Ice Spears!" Riveria cried, sending a wave of frigid javelins at another group of knights moving against them and stopping them in their tracks.

To send this many knights against us...the Holy kingdom truly wanted to kill Achilles, didn't they?

That filled the elven princess with rage and she soon redoubled her efforts to bring down the chivalric warriors.

"Holy Smiting!"

Riveria turned to see a pair of knight mages cast a spell. She did not have long to take this in as a pair of giant swords made out of light appeared above her and Lefiya.

Shit!

"Guard us from the sun's cruel rays! Svalinn!" she quickly chanted.

A giant shield of magic appeared above the two elves just in time to guard them from the falling blades, though Riveria did grunt as they came crashing down upon her spell.

Lefiya, who had been caught completely off guard by the sudden attack, stared up at the shield with wide eyes. Once the spells dispersed, she turned to her superior.

"T-Thank you, Riveria-sama!"

The High Elf only had time to release the breath she had been holding before the mages who had attacked them spoke.

"I see the rumors of your prowess with magic are not unfounded, Riveria Ljos Alf."

The mage who spoke was a pale woman with hair and eyes as black as night.

"Morgana Le Fay," Riveria said.

"Oh? You know who I am?" the mage asked.

"By description and reputation only," the elf replied.

Morgana chuckled.

"I can only imagine what sort of rumors there are about me. I imagine they aren't quite as lovely as the ones about you."

"The ones about your magical prowess are quite impressive. The ones about your...interests, are less so," Riveria answered.

Morgana laughed wholeheartedly.

"I suppose they would be. I do enjoy my little experiments. But where are my manners? Please allow me to introduce my associate, Nimue Coeden."

The other mage stepped forward, allowing the two elves to see her more clearly.

In many ways, she was quite similar in appearance to Lefiya. Long, ginger hair, pale complexion, and she was even an elf like Lefiya. However, she was clearly a few years older, maturer in appearance and, to put it bluntly, bustier.

Lefiya suddenly found herself quite inadequate before the other elf and crossed her arms over her chest.

Riveria did not fail to miss Lefiya's reaction and swore she would speak with the young woman later, but for now, she focused on Nimue.

"I would say it was nice to meet you, but current circumstances don't allow for such pleasantries."

"Indeed," Nimue replied without the amusement of her companion, "it is a pity though. I would have been very pleased to speak with you on magic and magical theory had the situation been different. However," she held up her staff, "you stand in the way of our goal, thus you must be removed."

Hearing this, Lefiya snapped back into the fight and prepared herself.

"She is right there," Morgana agreed, "we are here to deal with the Olympian, and if you stand in our way, you will be pushed to the side."

Riveria's eyes narrowed and she held up her own staff.

"If your goal is to kill Achilles, then it is you who will be pushed aside."

---

Ottar was crushing all the knights sent against him. None were strong enough to pose a challenge, despite their numbers and the debuffs he felt their mages inflict upon him. He was simply too strong for them.

Only Lancelot could hope to challenge me, these fools should keep their distance.

Suddenly something hit his back with enough force to actually force him a step forward.

Surprised, he turned, finding a woman with blonde, braided hair, an eyepatch, and a smile on her face, rushing towards him.

She suddenly jumped, bringing a warhammer above her head.

"Sup little piggie?!"

She came crashing down, forcing Ottar to bring up his sword to block her strike.

"Sif Germania," he said as he forced her back, "what is the Thor familia doing here?"

"Well, the answer for Thor is that pretty boy over there offered a nice price for helping them out, and because she wanted to see her little sister," Sif answered, "as for me, I heard that my man had returned to Orario and I was not going to lose the chance to finally hold him down and get some babies out of him."

Ottar scowled.

"His heart belongs to my lady."

"Funny you should say that, because I heard a nice little rumor that he's finally dropped your goddess like the underdressed sack of moldy potatoes that she is."

Steam began to arise from the now thoroughly enraged Ottar.

"You dare insult, MY LADY?!"

"Yep, and for one good reason. It's a damn good distraction."

Suddenly, several adventurers attacked Ottar at once.

The first managed to hit him with an ice spell, though it did little but annoy him. The next few were not so lucky as Ottar battered them away as easily as he had the knights.

Sif whistled.

"Wow, you got even stronger."

The boaz turned his fury back to her.

"I will crush you for your insults to my lady."

She smiled.

"Well, I didn't just come here to jump Achilles's bones. Bring it on big guy."

---

The Father On High and the Knight of Knights battled each other with everything they had. This was no friendly spar or even a battle with the chance of surrender. This was a fight for survival and one, the Knight of Knights did not care to admit, he was losing.

I cannot fall here! He must be stopped!

"Oh Heavenly light, bestow your grace upon me," he began to chant.

Hearing this, Achilles began his own.

"I summon the rage of all the gods on high to me so that I may low my foes."

"Grant me your divine lance so I may strike down the wicked and protect the faithful."

"May their skies darken and-"

"Lance of Heavenly Wrath!"

Light burst from the Knight of Knights as his longsword was completely wrapped up in blinding heavenly power and transformed into a great lance twice as long as its wielder.

Not wasting any time, Lancelot rushed Achilles, who moved to parry the lance. However, the force of Lancelot's thrust and the power of the spell was too great, so he failed to fully parry the attack, allowing it to all-but rip off his entire left shoulder.

"Argh!" Achilles growled.

"I'm not done!" the Knight of Knights cried as he moved to attack again.

Achilles, however, was in no mood to be pierced again, and so used his Lightning Steps to dodge the attack and begin dancing around the Lancelot.

"I summon the rage of all the gods on high to me so that I may low my foes," he began again.

Lancelot attempted to stop him, furiously jabbing and swinging his great weapon of light at the Father On High, but to no avail, and soon, Achilles had finished his own spell.

"Storm of the Divine!"

Pale blue lightning covered Dragonsbane, allowing Achilles to reappear in front of Lancelot. As the Knight of Knights moved to counter, Achilles struck out, slashing the great chivalric warrior from hip to shoulder, slicing through his great and beautiful armor.

"Aah," Lancelot cried out, before moving to attack again, only for the former captain of the Zeus familia to double kick him across half the battlefield, dispelling the lance and leaving the Knight of Knights a battered mess.

The Knight picked himself up, finding he had also lost his helmet during his flight across the battlefield, fully revealing his long black hair, handsome face, and allowing his silver eyes to bore Achilles with frightful intensity.

"Ready to surrender now? Or do I need to continue to teach you a lesson in modesty across the entire battlefield?" the big daddy of Hestia familia asked.

"You think this is enough to stop me, Achilles? I thought you were just a coward, but it seems you are also a fool."

Achilles frown deepened.

"I was a coward, but not anymore. As for being a fool...well...same thing actually, but not for anything related to you. Now," he took a step forward, "why don't I scar up that pretty face of yours?"

"CEASE ALL HOSTILITIES IMMEDIATELY!"

All the fighters in the field stopped and turned to the voice, finding that, as they had been fighting, a full-fledged army had been formed and surrounded them.

About time you guys showed up, Achilles thought.

All around them, the adventurers of Orario stood, ready for battle. Nearest to Achilles were the Loki and Freya familia, with Finn at their head, however, Achilles saw all the most powerful familias there. Hephaestus, Ganesha, Hermes, all the familias of any renown and strength had gathered and surrounded the returning Orario expedition and the knights.

"Looks like it's over," Achilles said as he put his sword back in its scabbard.

"Like Hell it is!" Lancelot roared.

The Knight of Knights rushed Achilles, whose hand fell to his sword as he prepared to defend himself once more. However, before the great knight could reach him, a familiar dwarf appeared between them and took Lancelot's blow head-on.

"Gareth!" Lancelot roared.

"Good morning to you too, Lancelot," the dwarf replied.

Not a moment later, Finn, the Loki familia, the Freya familia, and Shakti all surrounded the Knight of Knights.

"Lay down your sword, Lancelot Chevalerie! I will not ask again!" Shakti demanded.

"Don't be stupid, Lancelot. You're not going to accomplish anything if you try to attack anyone now," Finn informed the surrounded swordsman.

The Knight of Knights growled but nonetheless returned his sword to his scabbard.

"I told you to drop your sword," Shakti reminded him.

"I will not allow my blade to be dirtied by your hands," Lancelot spat.

Shakti looked ready to force the issue, but Achilles intervened.

"It's alright Shakti. If he tries anything, I'll just continue beating him black and blue."

Lancelot's burning eyes shot towards him.

"You conceited wretch."

"Says the man who easily spends more on hair products than most people make in a year."

"Enough," Shakti cut in, "I do not know why you are here, Lancelot Chevalerie, but you have attacked citizens of Orario and sent a panic throughout the city. You will now be escorted to Ouranos-sama where you will explain yourself and face his judgment."

"Only my king, queen, and goddess may truly judge me," Lancelot replied.

"And yet, you and your knights will still be coming with us," Finn stated.

Though clearly displeased by this, the Knight of Knights made no further remark and simply allowed the Loki and Freya familia to escort him away.

With the knight gone, Finn turned and smiled at Achilles.

"You couldn't just return quietly like a normal person?" he joked.

Achilles smiled.

"Hey, this is one of the few times where things weren't my fault."

"You say that, yet, for some reason, I just don't believe you."

The two men laughed.

"Come on Finn, give him a break this time. I'm sure he and the others just wanted to get home," Gareth said.

"We did. And sort out some business, namely, finding a place for all the others to stay."

"Others?" Finn questioned before turning his gaze. After a few moments, a familiar face peeked through the crowd. "Mania?"

"Yeah," Achilles answered with a smile, "she's even got her own familia now. She's not alone either. Mordred Avalon is with us, along with Hades and his familia."

"Mordred Avalon and Hades are here? Geez, you guys must have had one hell of an adventure while you were in Athens."

"More than you know," Achilles said, suddenly getting serious, which was not missed by those around him, "but, that will all be explained once we deal with pretty boy and his friends."

Finn, Gareth, and Shakti shared looks, but soon after nodded, allowing them all to begin the trek back to the Orario.

---

It wasn't long after they all began walking that Achilles heard his name being called.

He turned and smiled as Bell, the Hestia familia, Mania, Riveria, and all the others rushed over to him.

"Hi guys. Is everyone doing okay?"

"That's our question, young man!" Mania cried as she began checking him over, "you're bleeding everywhere!"

"Oh. Right," he looked down at himself.

"Here," Riveria walked up to him and began healing his wounds.

"Thank you," he said gently.

"You can thank me by not getting wounded so often," she chastised, though he could see from her eyes that she was far more relieved than she was upset.

"But I thought my tendency to rush into danger was one of the things you love about me?" he replied with a smile.

"I love your bravery, not your tendency to earn what are normally mortal wounds," she told him sternly.

"I second that," Mania said as Riveria finished up.

"There," the elf said.

"Thank you," he repeated, "now, are you all alright?"

"Yes," Bell said, "I fought Lancelot's son Galahad, while Aiz fought his wife, Elaine."

"Me and Gawaine had a good, old-fashioned brawl, while Patroclus renewed his rivalry with Tristan," Ajax added with a smile.

"Did he now?" Achilles asked as he turned to the younger swordsman. "Did you win?"

"Of course," Patroclus answered with a smile.

"Lefiya and I fought Morgana Le Fay and a younger mage named Nimue Coeden," Riveria informed him.

"Morgana Le Fay? That doesn't fill me with happy thoughts," her lover replied.

"Understandable, but we were more than able to hold them off," she said, turning to Lefiya and smiling. The younger elf, though a bit embarrassed at the praise, smiled and nodded.

"And the rest of us were more than capable of dealing with the knights and adventurers that attacked us," Ryuu said, signalling to the others.

"Adventurers?" Achilles question.

"The Thor familia."

They all turned and found Ottar now beside them.

"The Thor familia is here?" Achilles questioned.

"Indeed, though their alliance with the Holy Kingdom seems to be more a matter of finding an excuse to come to Orario than anything else," the High King explained.

"Well then, let's hope that they won't cause any more trouble," Achilles said.

And that Sif got over that obsessive crush of hers. Patroclus was meek in comparison to how desperately she tried to get into my pants.

Disregarding that thought for now, he and the others continued on their way to Orario, unsure of what the next few hours would entail.

---

Bell walked alongside Aiz and his familia while a mixture of emotions filled him.

Anger over the recent attack, mixed with joy at finally being home.

Breathe. Breathe. Let go of the anger, just like Mania-baa-chan taught you. Breathe and let it go. Focus on the happiness. It's all in my control.

After a few deep breaths, he was able to feel the anger slipping away as the joy began to take precedence.

Smiling in both relief and triumph, Bell turned to Aiz and silently took her hand.

His lover turned to her hand, then to him, and when she found him smiling at her, she smiled back. When he leaned in to kiss her she happily accepted it.

"Disgusting."

Bell broke away from her when that distant word reached his ears.

He turned his eyes and finally realized just how not alone they all were.

The battle outside the walls and the giant precession through the streets had gathered the collective attention of the entire city and now thousands of people surrounded the adventurers and knights. Most were focused elsewhere, specifically on Lancelot and his knights, but more than a few eyes were boring down on him, and most were not looking at him with kindness or warmth.

Everywhere he looked, Bell found eyes filled with fear, scorn, and disgust. The contempt he had received when he'd saved Wiene could not compare to the negative emotions now showered upon him.

Breathe, he tried to tell himself, but to little effect. The terror and scorn directed his way was too great for his limited training to resist. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe!

He commanded himself over and over, until his breath became shallow and desperate, which was immediately noted by the already worried Aiz.

"Bell!"

He turned to her and she froze at seeing his anxious eyes, sweating face, and shaking body.

"What's wrong?" she asked, stopping to take both his hands, not caring what anyone else thought.

"T-They...they're all still scared of me," he choked out.

Aiz was confused for but a moment, before she came to understand what he meant. When she did, she turned to the crowds, finding many glaring at Bell or clearly uneasy at his presence.

The Sword Princess was instantly filled with a terrible rage of her own, but the feeling of shaking hands in her own quickly pulled her away from any plans she might have had to confront those who made her beloved captain feel so terrible. Instead, she focused back on him and pulled him into a hug.

"They're stupid," she said into his ear, "stupid and cowardly. You're a good person Bell. The best person I know."

"Am I? After everything?"

"Yes. There's not a doubt in my mind."

He did not reply to that, maybe because he did not have her certainty. However, he did wrap his arms around her and return her hug.

For a few moments they were in their own little world, simply finding some peace away from the contempt of others. Finally, a familiar, but worried voice caught their attention.

"Is everything alright?" Mania asked, her eyes filled with concern.

She was not alone. Achilles, Riveria, and all their respective familias had noticed the two stop and became worried.

Before Bell could attempt to brush off their concern with an obvious lie, Aiz jumped in.

"The crowds are being stupid."

It took a moment for those that knew to interpret that, but when they did, many of them, first and foremost, Achilles, turned to the crowd.

Seeing the eyes directed towards his son, Achilles growled, but turned back to Bell.

"Bell, you don't need to take their feelings into account. They're not worth it," he said as calmly as possible.

"They have every right to be afraid," Bell replied.

"But not to be cruel," Riveria joined.

"You're a better man than any of them are," Welf stated.

"A much better one," Lili seconded.

"Yet I've done so many bad things," their captain replied.

"Bell-kun." He turned to his goddess who joined Aiz and took his hand. "We all do things we regret. It's a part of life. You, however, are the kind of person who works to correct those mistakes. Now, in some obvious cases, you can't fully correct it, but that doesn't somehow make you a bad person. Learn, grow, do your best always, be kind, and don't let others dictate what you'll do or who you are. That's what makes someone great. What makes you good," she finished as she placed a hand over his heart.

Bell stared down at his goddess's smiling face for a moment before turning to the others, finding that they too, were smiling. Soon, he found his own smile returning and he nodded.

"Okay," he said quietly.

"Okay," Hestia repeated."

---

The massive entourage finally reached the Guild, finding a huge crowd had gathered, desperate to see the procession and learn what was going on.

"Lancelot, you and your officers will enter the hall. Your knights will remain here," Shakti commanded.

"Very well," he replied.

"Thor. Sif Germania, you two will also be joining us to explain your part in this incident."

A tall, red-headed woman with rippling muscles, a bright smile, and very generous bust stepped forward and nodded.

"Sure thing, beautiful. I'm sure my little sister will be there anyway, and it'll be nice to give her a big bear hug after so many years."

The Loki familia grimaced. They all knew that Loki would not be so happy to see her big sister, and would especially not be happy to have the Goddess of Thunder's bust smashed against her more modest frame.

"Good. Then if you'll all follow me inside," the Ganesha captain instructed.

They all did so, finding the Guild cleared of its usual traffic and nothing but a few dozen guards present.

"This way," Shakti instructed, pulling them towards the backrooms.

They all made their way through the halls, being watched the entire way there by the seemingly countless guards, all of whom were ready for a fight to break out at any moment. However, none did, and they arrived at Ouranos's chamber without incident.

"Enter," boomed the voice of the god before anyone even had the chance to announce themselves.

They all entered and found the god of the city staring at them with an even sterner expression than normal.

Of course, he was not alone as many gods were with him: Loki, Freya, Ganesha, and Hephaestus being first and foremost among them, but several other, high-ranking deities were also present and anxious to hear what had happened.

"Loki!" Thor cried before rushing over to her sister.

The trickster goddess's eyes widened as the familiar redhead rushed towards her.

"Tho-!"

She did get a chance to finish as she was pulled into a tight bear hug and her face was smashed into her older sister's bosom.

"I've missed you! Why haven't you written?" Thor cried as Loki tried desperately to escape.

"Thor!"

The thunder goddess froze and found herself now the sole receiver of Ouranos's steely gaze.

"Return to the others," he ordered.

Nodding, Thor put Loki down - who gasped and worked to regain her breath - and rejoined the others.

The room fell silent as Ouranos's heavy gaze fell upon them like a mountain.

Finally, when they were all properly sweating, he spoke again.

"Lancelot, step forward."

The Knight of Knights did so without a word and bowed to the god.

"Explain yourself," the god ordered.

"I am here on behalf of the world, Ouranos-sama," Lancelot replied.

No one dared scoff out loud, not with Ouranos current limited patience, but many rolled their eyes internally.

"By attacking citizens of this city and sending fear throughout its walls?" the god shot back.

"I do sincerely apologize for the fear I inspired, that was not my intention. However, it was unavoidable. When word reached the Holy Kingdom that Achilles Caesar had returned to Orario, we knew we must act."

"So this attack was sanctioned by both King Arthur and Hygeia?" Ouranos questioned.

"It was, though I will admit Hygeia-sama preferred a diplomatic response," Lancelot answered.

"And why wasn't a diplomatic approach taken?"

"Forgive me, Ouranos-sama, but what would have been the point of that? If we had sent a diplomatic mission to you, would you have banished Achilles or handed him over to us as we would have requested?"

Ouranos did not reply.

"I thought not. Thus, diplomacy was a waste of time, effort, and resources. Not only that, but it would have informed you that we were aware of his return and were displeased by it. Thus, force was decided on."

"This was not a simple duel or even an assassination attempt, Lancelot Chevalerie. You brought an army to the gates of this city. You attacked not only Achilles Caesar, but many others as well, many of whom posed no threat to you or the Holy Kingdom."

"That was not by choice, but necessity. We were aware that Achilles would not be alone and that others would come to his defense, most notably, Freya-sama," the Knight of Knights stated, turning his gaze towards the goddess, though making sure not to meet her eyes.

"Indeed I would have," she immediately conceded.

"As such," the knight continued, "an army was necessary. I will also admit that Achilles was not our only target. Ottar was another target, along with the other Zeus and Hera members we learned had returned."

Said adventurers all glared at the Knight of Knights, but remained quiet.

"Indeed, upon our arrival into Orarian lands, we learned of another threat to the world. A young adventurer said to hold a terrible power and who rivalled both Achilles and Ottar in strength."

There was no mistaking who he meant and a terrible rage filled the room as said adventurers friends, family, and loved ones all took a step towards the Knight of Knights.

The sound of a sword being unsheathed turned all attention towards the Father On High who looked ready to bring ungodly fury down upon the man before him.

"You better not be saying what I think you are," he warned.

Lancelot lifted his head.

"Figures you would come to the defense of the monster adventurer, Bell Cranel."

Achilles would have charged Lancelot at the very moment had not Mania and Ajax both grabbed his arms.

"I will defend my son until my dying day you effeminate bastard!" Achilles roared.

"Son?" Lancelot asked in genuine surprise.

"Achilles, restrain yourself," Ouranos ordered.

"Eat a cock!" Achilles roared, causing many jaws to drop. "He threatened my son! Do whatever you want to me, but do it after I cut him in half!"

The knights surrounded their leader, ready to defend him, while the guards inside the room all prepared for battle.

However, no battle would come to be as Bell walked forward and placed himself before his father.

"Dad, calm down."

Achilles looked at his son in surprise.

"But he threatened you."

"I know. And I would be furious if the situation were reversed, but you'd be telling me the same thing as I am now. Remember what Mania-baa-chan has been teaching us. Remember what we want to accomplish. This isn't who we want to be."

The reminder caused Achilles to turn to his mother, who smiled at him and nodded. He then returned his gaze to Bell, then to Lancelot, then back to Bell again before his shoulders slumped and he sighed.

"Okay," he said.

Bell smiled and hugged his father as Mania and Ajax let him go.

Achilles handed Dragonsbane to Mania for a moment, so he could return the hug, before the two broke apart.

"Thank you for keeping me under control," the elder captain said to the younger.

"You'd do the same for me," Bell restated.

With things having calmed again, Ouranos spoke.

"Does that appear to be a 'monster adventurer' to you, Lancelot Chevalerie?"

The Knight of Knights turned to the enthroned god and frowned.

"One act of control does not absolve him of his past crimes for which, I hear, there are many. If anything, the fact he has such a gentle mask only proves how dangerous he is."

This time, it was not Achilles who responded, but a familiar golden-haired young woman.

"Bell isn't dangerous, at least not to those who don't deserve his anger," Aiz said sternly.

"And what, Sword Princess, makes them deserve his anger?" Lancelot questioned.

"Hurting those he cares about. Being cruel. Acting like real monsters," she answered.

The Knight of Knights fell silent as he stared into her golden eyes. Finally, after meeting her unflinching gaze, he nodded.

"We shall see, Aiz Wallenstein."

With that, the interrogation was allowed to continue with Ouranos turning to Achilles.

"I will tolerate your outburst this time, Achilles Caesar, but you will never tell me to 'eat a cock' again. Am I understood?"

The order was so ridiculous that a few couldn't help but laugh, though they quickly covered it up.

Achilles bowed.

"Of course," he answered with a smile.

"Good. Now we shall continue. Lancelot Chevalerie, why attack Achilles now? Surely if he was such a threat you would have attacked him long ago?"

"In fact we did, a few years after the Zeus and Hera familias were banished, we discovered him in the Holy Kingdom and attempted to slay him, though we failed." A few people turned to Achilles who shrugged, indicating the Knight was telling the truth but didn't think much of the event. "After that defeat though, Hygeia-sama deemed that it was unnecessary to make another attempt. By himself Achilles is dangerous, but after some consideration and investigating it was deemed that the defeat at the hands of the One-Eyed Black Dragon had sapped him of his will to fight, unless provoke, anyway. However, that changed after the incident eight years ago."

Achilles tensed, all previous humor gone.

Ouranos's frown deepened.

"You mean the Evilus attack?"

"Of course. After Alfia and Zald's attempt to destroy Orario, we have been searching for Achilles with all our effort so as to ensure he could not ever make a second attempt."

"What are you talking about?"

All eyes now turned to Galadriel, who strode forward, staring directly into Lancelot's silver eyes with confusion and rage.

"Why did you just say that Alfia and Zald attempted to destroy Orario eight years ago?" she asked.

The Knight of Knights gave her a look.

"You don't know? Have you been living under a rock?"

"Answer me, worm," Galadriel demanded.

Though he and his knights sneered at her, Lancelot was perfectly inclined to answer.

"Very well. Seeing as you apparently haven't heard, eight years ago, Alfia of your familia, and Zald of the Zeus familia, allied with Erebus, an Evilus god in an attempt to destroy Orario and bring about an age of darkness. They nearly succeeded and many died. Luckily both those villains were killed in their failed attempt."

"You liar," Galadriel hissed, "you fiend. You fucking putrid whelp!"

She prepared to send a spell at the knight, while Dido, Imile, Ajax, and Patroclus readied to join her, but they were all stopped as a call rang out.

"Galadriel!"

The dark elf turned to Achilles, finding his sad, desperate eyes boring into her.

"I will explain everything later. There's more going on than he knows. Then almost anyone here knows."

"What don't I know, Achilles Caesar? What detail have I missed?" Lancelot demanded, only to be ignored by the Father On High.

"Is he telling the truth? Did Alfia and Zald do...that?" she asked, desperately.

Achilles's eyes saddened further.

"I will tell you everything. I promise, Galadriel. I ask only that you wait for a little while. Just until we get back home. Please."

She was desperate for answers, they all were, but they understood that they needed to wait.

"As soon as we get back," she demanded.

He nodded and silently thanked her.

"Regardless of what Achilles Caesar knows about the event eight years ago and the event itself, you are not permitted to attack an adventurer without just cause, Lancelot Chevalerie, and no, I do not deem your reason to be just," Ouranos continued.

"But my king and goddess do," the Knight of Knights replied sternly.

"You are not in the Holy Kingdom. You are in Orario and thus subject to its laws."

"In most circumstances, you would probably be right, Ouranos-sama. However, given this was a mission given by my king and goddess, should you attempt to punish me, they will respond, and I know you are wise enough not to start a war and cause the deaths of thousands of your people for the sake of a few adventurers."

Ouranos's stern face darkened into true anger and all in the room could feel the air growing cold.

"Due not presume to know what I will or will not do, child," Ouranos warned.

Lancelot swallowed, understanding that he had pushed back too hard.

"Even so, I will not take any action recklessly. You, your knights, and the Thor familia will be placed into custody while an envoy is sent to Camelot to try and solve this matter diplomatically. You will be under heavy guard and not permitted free reign in the city. Any attempt to leave will be met with all the force necessary to stop you. Am I understood?"

"Yes," Lancelot answered.

"Thor?" Ouranos turned to the goddess.

"Perfectly gramps," she replied.

"Very well, then you are remanded into the Guild's custody. Loki."

"Yeah?" she asked.

"I am assigning your sister and her familia into your custody."

"What?!" she cried while her sister's eyes lit up with joy. "Why?!"

"Keeping the knights of the Holy Kingdom together with their allies would be unwise. Also, your sister wishes to see you and will be better behaved if she's with you," he answered.

"You bet I will!" Thor vowed as she smiled at her little sister.

"No she won't! She'll just be busy harassing me!" Loki whined.

"That is better than having her run amok in the city."

"Come on!" Loki pleaded. Seeing she was getting no sympathy from the god, she threw her head back and groaned. "Fiiiiiine. But I want compensation for holding them up at my place!"

"The Guild will cover all costs incurred and pay a stipend for guarding them."

"A generous stipend," Loki demanded. Ouranos silently consented, and she sighed again. "Alight, come on, you busty meathead."

"Yeah!" Thor cried excitedly before rushing over to give her sister another bear hug.

"Stooooop...huuuuggging...meeeeee!" Loki screamed as her organs were squished.

"Ganesha, I will be remanding the knights into your custody. However, I am expecting the rest of you to help watch over them, especially you, Freya," Ouranos commanded.

"With pleasure," she stated coldly, staring at Lancelot with utter contempt.

You will suffer for threatening my beloveds! she vowed.

"Then you are excused. However, those who went to Athens shall stay."

The knights and adventurers began to make their way out.

"We'll see you guys back at the Twilight Manor," Finn said to Riveria.

"See you soon," she replied.

Finn joined the others in making their way out of the room, leaving only the Athens expedition and those that returned with them in the chamber.

"Now, you will explain to me, in detail, what transpired during your expedition. Including why you returned with more than you departed with," Ouranos stated, his eyes darting over the extra adventurers and deities.

So the expedition began to retell all that happened, starting with the arrival of the Kraken.

"We had received word that the Kraken had been killed, though it was the Athenians who claimed the kill," Ouranos said.

"Of course they did," Hestia said with clear annoyance.

"Don't be too upset, Hestia. The truth will come out eventually and they will look like the false fools they are," Hades assured her.

"Regardless, it is a relief to know the Herald of the seas is no longer a threat to the world. You all shall be rewarded for the service you have done," Ouranos decided.

"Ouranos-sama," Bell called.

The anxious, quiet way the young man had spoken piqued the interest of the enthroned god, as well as the concern of those around him.

"What is it, Bell Cranel?"

"Please hold off on any rewards or punishments until the end. A great deal happened while we were there, and you...you may find that you no longer feel bound to your previous decisions."

His comrades all understood why he said this, though they wished he did not feel so obviously guilty. Ouranos, for his part, was confused, but understood that he would soon learn why the captain of the Hestia familia had made his request.

"Very well. Then I shall wait."

"Thank you, Ouranos-sama."

They continued their retelling. Explaining what happened with the Forest Elves, their arrival to Athens, and reuniting with Mania.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you here, Mania," the god said.

"Are you upset by my return?" she inquired with a bit of playfulness.

"Not at all. These are trying times and I trust you more than most of the gods within the city. The fact that you are one of the few people who can restrain your son is also an added bonus."

The goddess laughed and nodded.

"Like any good boy, he listens to his mother," she joked.

The adventurers continued, informing Ouranos that Apollo was in Athens, which did not surprise the god; their confrontations with Larfal; and the attempts to kidnap Haruhime.

"That is troubling," Ouranos turned to the renard, "are you alright, child?"

"Y-Yes, Ouranos-sama. Thanks to everyone here," she answered.

"I am glad to hear that."

Finally, they arrived to the first of the three great incidents, the Evilus.

Ouranos listened as the attack on Athens was detailed, including Shiro and her association with Orario's enemy.

"This is more troubling news. If the Evilus are on the move again then it is only a matter of time before they act here as well."

"I will inform Finn of this development as soon as I return to the Twilight Manor, Ouranos-sama," Riveria vowed, "and we'll be preparing for another expedition into the Dungeon to find and defeat them."

"Good. This threat must be dealt with and soon."

Nearby, Achilles turned his sad eyes towards Galadriel and the others, all of whom had focused on him upon the mention of the Evilus.

I promise. Soon, he silently told them.

None of them were particularly keen on his silent reply, but they held their tongues, though their patience was running dangerously low.

Finally, they arrived at the subject of the Xenos.

The god of the Guild turned his eyes to Mania, Hades, Kali and their respective familias at the mention of the Xenos, but the deities quickly assured him they either already knew about their existence or were informed in Athens. Mania and Hades also assured him that they were willing to help, allowing for Bell to continue.

The young captain detailed his search for the Xenos, his meeting Hades, and finally, the operation to rescue those imprisoned by Athena.

He left out nothing, confessing to all that he had done, including the use of his skill and his attack on Athena herself. When he was finished, he bowed before the god.

"I am deeply sorry for the trouble I have caused you and Orario, Ouranos-sama."

His familia, friends, and loved ones all looked at his bowing form with sympathy, understanding how guilty he felt for all that had transpired.

Above the adventurer, Ouranos stared down upon Bell with unwavering eyes.

"Your actions were indeed very reckless, Bell Cranel." Bell's head fell further as guilt began to radiate off him. "You put yourself, your familia, your allies, and even the people of Athens in danger." With each new group, Bell's shame grew, and both Achilles and Mania were prepared to start cursing at the god seated above them, when said god continued. "And yet I think it would be wrong to condemn you."

Bell looked up, eyes wide with shock.

"You rescued not only the Xenos, but those who were being tormented by Athena's cruelty. Your actions were unwise, yet born of a kind heart and anger at a terrible injustice. As such, I will not punish you for your actions. However, I will also not reward you. You performed a noble deed, but you were reckless and could have done real harm to many as well as damaged the relationship between Orario and Athens."

"I understand," Bell said, feeling a tad bit relieved. It was short-lived however, as he knew that there was still one more dire point he needed to inform the god about.

"Good," Ouranos turned to Hermes, "have you been able to secure safe passage for the Xenos?"

"I have indeed. In fact, they are already in Melen and on their way to the Dungeon where they will be reunited with their kin," the messenger god informed him.

"Very good. Now, is there anything else I need to be informed about?"

A heavy air fell upon the room as the expedition knew what was left.

Mania stepped forward.

"There is one final matter that must be discussed, but before it is told to you, Ouranos, I want it said that I take full responsibility for it."

"No baa-chan!" Bell cried, rushing over to her.

"Bell, please, let your grandmother take care of this," she replied warmly.

"But it's my fault! I was the one who did it!"

"For my sake and because I didn't tell you or your father sooner."

He continued to shake his head, only stopping when Achilles stepped forward as well.

"I will also share in responsibility," he said.

"No!" both Bell and Mania cried.

"I should have been more in control of myself and I should never have allowed Bell to join me. Fathers are meant to protect their child, not drag them into terrible situations," he stated resolutely.

Both tried to argue with them, until Ouranos held up his hand.

"I cannot assign responsibility to anyone until I am told what transpired."

The three shared looks amongst themselves, then turned to the others, who gave them as much silent support as they could, before they turned back to Ouranos.

"It all began when Athena told them the reason behind my banishment," Mania began.

Ouranos listened silently, but with ever increasing alarm to the retelling, at least if his bone white knuckles were any indication. Finally, the fate of Ares was revealed.

"So it's true," he said, his voice quiet, but his voice holding an edge to it so dire it made all others in the room, mortal and god, shake.

His eyes fell upon Bell once again, who now had a look of such extreme shame and regret that, evidently, he could not even stand anymore, as not a moment later, he fell to his knees before the god and pressed his head to the ground.

Bell opened his mouth to say something, but he found he could not find the words. Did he apologize? Explain himself? Did he ask for mercy? What did one do after they had murdered a god in an act of wrath?

An eternity stretched on within the chamber as they all awaited Ouranos's response to the confirmation of Bell's act. Finally, when they all felt ready to collapse under the pressure, Ouranos spoke.

"This is a grave act you have committed, Bell Cranel."

"I know," Bell confessed.

"You have committed murder, a high crime in the eyes of all the world, and you did so, not in an act of self-defense, but in a fit of rage and as an act of vengeance."

"I did."

"And you did so against a god. Against a being who, many believe, you have no right to raise a hand against."

"Yes."

Ouranos fell silent again, but after a moment, he closed his eyes and sighed.

"I cannot simply let this go."

"Ouranos," Mania tried.

"No," he quickly held up his hand, "I cannot. Bell has committed a crime, which he is well aware of. His victim was a cruel man, I do not deny, nor do I say that Ares did not deserve his fate. His crimes were many and the suffering he caused was great. Yet that does not excuse murder. If it did, then vigilantism would be law. It is not. Therefore a punishment must be given."

"Whatever it is, I'll pay it!" Hestia cried, rushing forward. "If I have to spend 100,000 years working my fingers to the bone, I'll pay it!"

"So will I!" Aiz joined, stepping forward.

"So will we!" Lili cried as she and the Hestia familia joined them.

"No," Bell said, turning to all of them, his eyes filled with grateful tears, "this is my crime. I will accept the punishment."

"Bell," they said, fear filling their hearts to overflowing.

As this all unfolded, Ouranos's eyes moved over them all, taking in the sight of those who had come to the young man's defense.

"Then tell me, Bell Cranel," he called, turning all attention back to him, "what price do you think should be paid for the life you have taken?"

Bell Cranel, with a shaking body, clenched fists, but unwavering eyes, answered almost immediately.

"There's really only one price that can be paid, Ouranos-sama. A life for a life."

"NO!" cried out all his loved-ones.

Ouranos nodded.

"Yes, that is the proper price to pay."

"I will not let you take my son from me!" Achilles roared, unsheathing his blade, with many behind him doing likewise with their own weapons.

"I never claimed that I would, Achilles Caesar," Ouranos replied calmly.

They all froze.

"What do you mean, Ouranos? Don't you dare play coy now," Mania demanded.

"Executing Bell Cranel would in no way satisfy the debt of life owned, it would only make it greater," Ouranos explained, "as such, to pay for the debt of life, Bell Cranel is hereby commanded to provide one life, in other words, he must save someone."

And just like that, relief filled their hearts.

"He...has to save someone?" Mania asked, making sure she wasn't hearing things.

"That is correct. To make up for the life he has taken, Bell Cranel must save a life."

"Then...he's already paid for the price, hasn't he?!" Hestia cried excitedly. "He saved so many people from Athena."

"They shall not count," Ouranos informed her, "I have already weighed those lives against the increased tension with Athens, thus he may not use them."

"What about the Xenos?" Mania asked. "Surely those four lives are worth more than Ares?"

Again, Ouranos nodded.

"I would normally agree and consider the debt paid at this moment, however," he turned his eyes back to Bell, "I believe that your grandson would not be satisfied with such an easy resolution."

Once more, Bell was the center of attention, but this time, instead of being filled with heartbreaking guilt or self-loathing, he was smiling and his eyes burned with conviction.

"You're right. I wouldn't be. I need to make up for what I did. So I will save a life. To pay my debt to life. But I swear I won't stop there. I will continue saving people until my last day, debt or no debt."

Ouranos smiled.

"That is what I thought you would say. Then I, Ouranos, God of the Sky and Orario, do hereby convict you, Bell Cranel, of the murder of Ares, God of War, and sentence you to a restoration of life."

Bell, smiling, bowed humbly.

"Thank you, Ouranos-sama."

"I'm not sure anyone has ever thanked another for punishing them for a crime, but I accept your gratitude. However, I will also warn you, this news will spread, and the other gods will not take kindly to it. You will have my support and the support of your allies, I suspect, but you have made many enemies with your actions, young Bell Cranel. Enemies who will seek to bestow upon you their own punishment. You have already earned the fear and condemnation of many, deserved or undeserved, it does not matter. Now, however, you will find yourself in a sea of antagonists seeking to do you harm or destroy you."

"I understand," Bell replied seriously.

"I hope so, your life is about to get much harder, and you may not find peace for a very long time. That said, I believe in your capacity to overcome, and you have many friends and allies at your side. As such, I highly suspect you will overcome."

Bell's smile returned.

"I will," he swore.

"Good. Then I shall dismiss you. Good luck to you, Bell."

---

The Athens entire expedition departed the chamber. All except one.

"What do you wish to speak about, Hades?" Ouranos asked.

"I think you already know," the God of the Underworld replied.

The God of the Sky nodded.

"Yes, I do."

"So you felt it too?"

"Yes. There is a darkness latching onto his soul. A fragment of malice and rage calling out for annihilation."

"You say that like you don't believe it is Bell himself who holds the darkness," Hades noted.

"That is because I know it is not, especially after the recent display. Bell Cranel is many things. Inexperienced. Excitable. Overly trusting. Defensive of those he loves. And, admittedly, as of late, his wrath has become dangerous and uncontrolled. He has many weaknesses and vices, that is without a doubt. But he is not cruel. Even in the darkest moments of his fury he is not cruel. What I feel within him is cruel, thus it is not him."

Hades smiled.

"I wholeheartedly agree. I have not known him for long, but I can feel his goodness. The warmth of his soul. Still," his smile dropped, "that does leave the origin of that darkness in question."

"That is why we will watch him carefully," Ouranos stated with absolute seriousness, "so that we may discover the origin of this darkness."

"Indeed. We must watch carefully. Very carefully," Hades agreed.

Hades thereafter departed, though his heart felt heavier with each step.

But is the origin of his darkness truly in question? he wondered, thinking back to his recent letter to his brother. A darkness that profound and malicious can only come from one source.

For all his power and all his millennia of existence, he dared not finish his thoughts, fearing that, if he did, they would come true.

---

"Well that was weird," Kali began, "but at least it was entertaining."

"For who, precisely?" Achilles asked.

"Me of course, big guy," the goddess answered immediately, "but anyway, I'm beat, and want to get something to eat and then sleep until tomorrow afternoon, so, bye!"

The goddess and her captains departed, though Bache gave one final look and wave to Bell before departing.

"I guess we can finally go home now," Achilles groaned.

"My lady will wish to speak to you," Ottar stated.

"About what? I'm sure you can fill her in about what happened," the ex-captain replied.

"She will prefer to hear it from you, Bell, and Haruhime," the boaz replied stoically.

"Then we'll see her tomorrow. Right now, we all need to get home," Achilles replied, his eyes darting to a certain dark elf.

Ottar's eyes moved to the elf as well, and he understood that, in this rare instance, it would be best if his lady's request was not immediately fulfilled.

"Very well. First thing tomorrow then."

The Freya familia silently departed, though Gumi did so only sending a scorching glare at Achilles, not that he cared.

"We should go too," Riveria said, "Loki is no doubt losing her mind with Thor there and I'm sure Finn needs help dealing with out 'guests'."

Her lover gave her a genuine, but tired smile.

She smiled sadly back and kissed him.

"If you need us, don't hesitate even a moment," she whispered.

His smile grew a little and he gave a quick kiss.

"Thank you," he whispered back.

Nearby, Aiz hugged Bell tightly.

"I'm so glad nothing bad happened to you," she said, relief flooding out from her.

"I'm sorry if you were scared," he replied gently.

She pulled back and glared at him.

"I was worried because of what you said to Ouranos."

He shrunk as there was no mistaking what she meant.

"I'm sorry. I just...I...felt that was really the only way to make up for what I did."

Her golden eyes bore down upon his rubies for a long few seconds before she stated firmly, and without the option to object.

"You will never offer or suggest something like that again."

He nodded.

"I promise."

Her stern eyes turned more gentle, though there was no mistake her command still applied and that any breach of her orders would be met with swift retribution, likely in the form of her repeatedly knocking him out until he begged her to stop.

"Good."

She gave him one final, tight hug and kiss then joined Riveria and the others.

With only the three familias now gone, it was finally time to move forward.

"Come on, let's get home," Hestia said.

---

The return to Hearthfire Manor was done in complete silence. Though almost everyone was happy that Bell's life was spared and his punishment was well within his capacity, that was the limit of their relief. They knew that Ouranos had spoken true about the other gods and they knew that, from now on, they would never fully be at peace. Worse yet, Galadriel's eyes had not moved from Achilles since their departure, signaling that she had not forgotten, for even a moment, his vow. She wanted answers, and she would receive them.

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime away, the manor came into view.

They all made their way inside as quickly as their tired bodies would allow. Nearly immediately, the sound of feet rushing towards them reached their ears.

"You're back!" Ajax's children cheered as they rushed their father, who laughed and began greeting them.

A few moments later, Polyxo, Astraea, Miach, Take, Hephaestus, and their respective familias appeared.

"There you are! We were worried sick about you!" Polyxo cried as she rushed over to her husband.

"We heard that there was some sort of battle just outside the walls," Take added.

"Yeah," Hestia replied, stepping forward, "apparently the...what did you call him, Achilles? 'The Knight of Knights', attacked us."

"The Knight of Knights!" Hephaestus shouted, shocked.

"Lancelot heard I was back and decided it would be best to remove me, permanently, from the world equation," Achilles explained, "though, as you can see, he failed."

"That's still very alarming to hear. The Knight of Knights is one of the most powerful adventurers in the world," Miach said, "we were also told there was a full army with him."

"It seems he brought the full might of the Holy Kingdom with him, at the command of his king and goddess," Hermes revealed.

"Then are you safe, Achilles? I know you are very powerful, but even you have your limits," Astraea said.

His eyes fell upon the goddess and she felt herself tense at the sadness and concern in his eyes.

"I'm not worried about Lancelot. But there is something I need to ask of you, Astraea-sama."

Everyone stopped as they heard the seriousness in his voice.

"I need you to tell them what happened with Alfia and Zald," he finished.

Confusion spread amongst those that did not know the truth, while those who did felt anxiety sink into their stomachs.

"Please," the former captain of the Zeus familia asked, bowing to her, "I know you swore to keep it a secret, but I ask you reveal this information just one more time so that they may know the truth."

Astraea looked upon the bowing captain before turning to the Hera and Zeus familia, who all looked so desperate for answers that their eyes screamed "Tell us!".

Seeing all this, the Goddess of Justice nodded.

"Alright," she agreed, "I shall tell them. In fact, I'm glad you have asked this, Achilles. The truth should be known, at least by those who can accept it. Come, we'll all want to sit down for this."

Silently, everyone made their way to the living room where they took their seats.

"Is it right of me to assume that you five were not aware of the terrible event that happened eight years ago in Orario?" Astraea began.

"We heard some whispers about something happening, but not the details," Dido answered.

Astraea nodded.

"Then I shall begin by telling you what happened, before telling you the truth behind why it happened. This will no doubt be very upsetting for all of you, and I would even suggest the children be taken upstairs until we are done."

"If something's going to be upsetting my husband, then both I and my children should be here for him," Polyxo said resolutely.

Astraea smiled and nodded.

"Very well. Then I will only request that you allow me to reveal everything before you jump in. Can you all promise me that? Again, this will not be easy to hear."

"We will listen until the end," Galadriel avowed, her voice dark and filled with desperation.

That did not ease the fear and tension in the room even a bit, but it was enough for Astraea to continue.

"Very well. Then I shall begin."

---

And so she told them everything. All that had happened. The belief the world shared, and the truth of Erebus, Alfia, and Zald's actions.

And the five adventurers listened. At a couple points it was clear that they wished to object or scream out in rage, but they managed to restrain themselves until, finally, Astrea finished.

"So that's what happened," Galadriel said, her voice sounding drained of all life.

"It's...I don't know what to think," Patroclus said, his eyes filled with pain and confusion.

"Neither do I," Ajax seconded, "on one hand I'm proud of them for what they were willing to sacrifice, on the other hand I want to beat them both to a pulp for going so far!"

Dido remained silent, but looked ready to kill someone, who though, was up for debate.

"A-Alfia," Imilce whispered as tears filled her eyes, "Zald!"

She began to weep, with Polyxo, Hestia, Haruhime, and even Cassandra going over to try and comfort her.

The room fell silent, with nothing but Imilce's weeping in the background to fill their ears.

Finally though, Galadriel stood and something in the air changed.

"Ryuu Lion."

The younger elf froze as the icy tone the elder woman called to her.

"Y-Yes?"

"You were one of those who fought Alfia, correct? That's what Astraea said, yes?" Galadriel asked, her voice still soul-freezingly cold.

"That...is the case."

"I see…" Galadriel took a step towards Ryuu, "Alfia was like an older sister to me. I loved her dearly. Thus, knowing I'm in the same room as one of those who caused her death is...troubling."

Fear turned to terror within the room and the Hestia familia began moving towards Ryuu.

"Galadriel...please. She didn't know. None of them did," Achilles pleaded, as he placed himself between the two elves, "but more important than that, they wanted to be defeated. Zald and Alfia wanted Ryuu and the others to overcome them. That was the point of their actions. To bring real heroes back."

"Logically I understand that. Logically I understand that Alfia and Zald were trying to create a new generation of heroes. Logically I understand that Ryuu and the others were fighting a great and terrible threat. Logically...I understand that they were right to defeat them," she said darkly. "But unfortunately, logic has no place here, Achilles."

Galadriel turned back, her eyes falling upon Ryuu like a minotaur upon a level one adventurer.

"Alfia was my sister in all ways that count. As such," her fists tightened, "I can't accept this," she took another step towards Ryuu. "I cannot accept any of this. There must be...recompense."

---

And done.

Yikes, this chapter had A LOT to it. The Aria/Meteria reveal (which I expect many of you are going to be VERY upset with me over), the second Aiz X Bell lemon (which I only just realized might not have the same effect now... ...oops), the fight with the Knight of Knights, and the cliffhanger with Galadriel. A lot of big moments in this chapter, but I hope that makes the wait worth it.

Anyway, do tell me what you thought in the reviews. I'm steeling myself for the upset comments, so don't worry about that, I just want to hear your thoughts.

That said though, this chapter has come to a close. As such, I will bid you all a fine day or evening. Bye for now, everybody.