Hello! Sorry for being two months late with the next chapter, but with the death of a villain, I figured I'd keep going on with the story I started regarding said villain.

Regulus, I'm talking about Regulus.

Either way, I am back, so feel free to enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Danmachi or Re:Zero.

Chapter 3: A Lion's Brother

How long had Bell been running? How long has it been since Bell left that bar? How long has it been, exactly, since he just left after hearing the words from that demihuman, and the frustrating laughter…and even more importantly his growing anger?

Bell is frustrated more than anything at himself. And for good reason, he was…weak. So weak. What else could be said? Bell is just a beginning Level 1, and he doesn't have it in him to lead anything or anyone at all. No, he was just good with a knife and for attacking the dungeon monsters. He's…just a kid from nowhere, so he really found it frustrating that he can't say anything back.

What's worse, they were right. Bell is still some kid. He can't do anything about that, and neither is he strong enough to actually be with Aiz at all. No, a kid like him couldn't get close to her even if he tried.

In all honesty, he felt defeated, but more angry at himself that when he left the bar, he just ran aimlessly and didn't pay heed to Regulus' shouting when he left the bar. He found himself at the base of the tower, Babel, and for a moment he could only hear his own panting from the sudden sprint. However, he grit his teeth and his eyes turned intense as he began running towards it.

If he wasn't strong enough to be with Ais, then all he needed to do was to actually fight against monsters and be stronger.

There's no need to think of anything else.

He was weak, and until he actually grows strong enough he wouldn't be anything other than a weakling he hates to look at in the mirror.

He stopped right at the entrance of the Dungeon, and while he had no armor, he also rightfully felt angry enough to have not even considered that at all right now.

I need…to get stronger! Bell grit his teeth, about to take his first steps forward–

"Now you listen here!" Bell flinched in surprise at the familiar voice, and admittedly he turned behind him to see…Regulus?!

Regulus stood there, panting heavily with a frustrated, almost angered frown. To Bell, that looked almost more terrifying and very unnerving to him more than any monster could do to him.

"R-Regulus? W-What are you–"

"You…need to pay more attention…to where you're going…!" Regulus panted out his frustrated gasps. "Honestly, it's late, we just had our meals, and now you're going to run off like that with no concern for me?! I called your name, multiple times and you didn't stop! Are you just deaf or stubborn?!"

Bell flinched at the shouting, having been surprised by how…vitriolic Regulus sounded right now. It almost felt concerning and yet terrifying to be on the receiving end of his ranting and frustration.

"Regulus, I-I–" Bell started.

"No, no! I'm talking!" Regulus took a step forward, his eyes shadowed by his hair and yet showing the angered gold. "The nerve of you, running off like that without even talking to me about it! What has gotten into you?! Is this about what that mutt said?!"

"...!" Bell twitched at that, looking up at Regulus for a moment and gritting his teeth.

"...you're seriously worried about what he had to say?" Regulus muttered with a frustrated expression, before he paused to take a breath, although that did nothing to calm the frown that Bell could see. "What do you have to worry about–?"

"Because he's right!" Bell shouted at Regulus, gripping his fists tightly, as Regulus looked affronted with anger and yet grit his teeth to listen. "He…y-you heard exactly what he said. They were…talking about me. About the rookie who ran away from Ais, who couldn't even be strong enough to fight against a Minotaur! It's…It's…It's frustrating…! To have to hear them laugh at me, and to not be able to say anything because they are right! I'm not strong, I am not anywhere strong enough to be next…to be next to Ais…and we're not anywhere near their level yet! Don't you understand?! You and I can't do anything about that–"

"Do you think you're the only one who's frustrated?"

Bell winced at that, but he seemed confused by Regulus' unreadable expression.

"Are you saying that, because you're not strong yet…or even next to Ais, or even anywhere close to that mutt's level of strength,that you're the only one who's angry?" Regulus muttered low, and audible…almost seemingly his voice being frustrated. "That you're the only one who hates your position? That you're the only one who has to get stronger?"

Bell immediately realized what Regulus was saying, and he felt a pang of guilt about that. "T-That's not what I–"

"Don't act so conceited, Bell! You're not the only one who's angry or indignant!" Regulus shouted out with pin-prick pupils out of anger, his temper having reached a boiling point. "Honestly, that's just frustrating! The fact that we're not strong enough to shut them up is the least of my worries, and yet that bothers me so much! I can't let this stand, no matter what they say, even if we're nowhere near that level of strength! But more than that, the fact that you haven't even considered how I feel about our predicament is insulting! It's HUMILIATING! You don't think…you don't think that I would feel insulted by what they had to say either!?"

"...are you…what are you saying?" Bell looked confused, from the way Regulus spoke, it seemed even he was frustrated and angry, both at Bell for running away so suddenly…and for what the Ais' ally said? "You're not making any sense…"
"Grrrrr…" Regulus let out a growl, but he grabbed half of his face in anger before sliding it down as he let it fall to his side. His expression seemed not calm, but focused and indignantly angered. "You're going to the Dungeon, right?"

"..." Bell looked down in shame, but he also didn't want to deny the truth. "...Yes."

"Not until we both get some rest, understood?" Regulus stated tersely, with no room to argue.

"B-But!"

"NO BUTS!" Regulus raised his voice at Bell because of that, his expression turning frustrated once again and stern. "You can go to the dungeon all you like, after we go back and rest."

"...okay…" Bell looked down, seemingly in shame and having been subdued by Regulus' words so suddenly. The fact that Regulus seemed to be in no mood to argue or let Bell have the last word didn't…discourage him, surprisingly.

Bell see's Regulus turn away, and Bell follows close to him, behind him but always maintaining a bit of distance. That said, as they walked out of Babel and made their way to the Church…Bell had a question burning into his mind.

"...you're coming with me to the Dungeon…tomorrow, right?" Bell asked slowly, but almost barely above a whisper.

Regulus kept walking, and didn't look back. "Of course. You're still my… responsibility…"

Bell raised a brow in confusion at the sudden shift in tone from angry to…exasperated.

The White Rabbit followed the White Lion back to their home, but the rabbit didn't feel discouraged.

Where did they go? Hestia paced back and forth from the basement of their home, and she was already dragging her feet along with impatience and slightly bratty pouting. Ever since she noticed Bell's stats raise up even further thanks to Liaris Freese, she already knew that Regulus would have obtained the same benefits due to those weird Skills…but darn it, of all people why did that Wallen-whatsit have to be the one to stir her child's growth!?

She may have felt somewhat bad for snapping at Regulus and denying him his updated Stats, but she felt no shame for leaving them both to eat dinner at some bar for themselves! If they really wanted to do that, then so what? It's not like she cares at all…!

…agh, who am I kidding! Somebody could be taking Bell away from me! And then what will Regulus do, that troublesome child!? Hestia clutched the sides of her head in pale shock, although she didn't know what to do since they just left right now and were taking a while to get back home. Even so, why wouldn't she be a bit paranoid!?

That's when she heard a click of the door opening, and she immediately whirled towards the end of the stairs to look up at Bell and Regulus just in time. "There you two are! Where exactly were you–"

"Not right now." Regulus' words were cutting through hers, but she stopped as she noticed Bell and Regulus' expressions.

Bell looked dejected, and yet he seemed almost as if he was scolded hard and yet determined for a moment. Determined from what, and scolded?

Regulus had an unreadable expression on his face, but his jaw was tense, and he looked at Hestia with a small frown. He was probably still mad about her not updating his status. However, Hestia didn't frown or seem miffed either. However, she looked concerned at the two of them as Bell and Regulus walked down the stairs.

"What happened?" Hestia asked, but she didn't even know what she was going to hear from these two.

"...nothing." Regulus started with a bit of a bite to it as he brushed her off and went over to take a seat at the edge of the bed that was close to the couch, but Hestia knew instantly that was a lie. After all, Gods and Goddesses can tell a truth and a lie because of their divine nature. However, Regulus should already know better than to lie.

So why is he lying about it? Hestia hummed, but spoke with a concerned expression. "You're lying, you know. Bell? What happened, tell me."

"..." Bell looked down, but then looked at Hestia with a dejected look. "I…I was about to go into the Dungeon late at night."

"You what!?" Hestia immediately widened her eyes and went to pat down Bell, inspecting his body and his every move despite it all. "You were going there without any armor either!? Why would you even think of doing that–"

"Because Bell was being an idiotic boy." Regulus stated with more of a stern voice to it, his golden eyes glaring at Bell with a seemingly exasperated and yet…annoyed expression. "He would have gone there just because he was impatient."

"H-Huh?" Hestia blinks at that, but she looked to Regulus and then Bell. "I-Is that true?"

"...Goddess. I-I…" Bell looked down in shame, and he tightened his hand a bit with a soft clench. "...it's true."

Hestia remained silent, a bit shocked but seeing that he was telling the truth. However, Hestia looked at Regulus and she wanted to ask him a few questions. "Bell, mind waiting upstairs? I need to talk to Regulus, alone."
"Huh? O-Okay." Bell looked up, nodding slowly but looking at Regulus with a nervous expression.

"...well? I'm not going to say no, so go." Regulu stated honestly, prompting Bell to turn and walk upstairs, leaving their room.

This left Hestia and Regulus alone in the room, with Regulus sitting at the edge of the bed and Hestia standing a few feet away. However, she had a soft serious expression, her arms crossed underneath her chest as she looked at Regulus, who seemed miffed and to look at her with an unreadable frown.

"Regulus…what really happened?" Hestia asked bluntly, and she saw him look in front of him, away from her gaze. Hestia sighs, but explains. "I-I don't know why Bell would have gone to the Dungeon this late at night, but I know if I ask him why and what happened, Bell won't tell me. He's too good, and too naive to be able to voice his concerns and anxieties."

"That's an understatement, but what is your point, Hostess?" Regulus spoke, lifting his chin up as he sighs in exasperation. "If this is about the lie I gave you, then I can assure you I am not unaware of your ability to tell the truth and lie. It's infuriating, and I am not in a good mood, so if you would please not act like a child this time and let me go to sleep–"

"Regulus" Hestia's curt tone came out faster than she wanted it to sound, making him flinch and turn to her with a frown and grit teeth. "I'm serious. I know…I know you can be such a moody little child, but if you don't tell me what upsets you, then how am I supposed to help you? Why is Bell so dejected, and why are you so upset? Is this because I didn't update your status?"

"...now, look here, Hestia." Regulus stood up from the bed and walked over to her, despite towering over her with a frown and golden glare. "I'm willing to overlook the fact you just interrupted me, but I don't think you should concern yourself with my own responsibilities, especially considering you have better things to worry about?"
"Like what?"

"Well, that young Bell for that matter. It's truly stupid, wouldn't you agree? You've only been with each other for two weeks, and yet I can clearly see you favoring him more than me. Not that I am upset about you clearly caring more for the naive boy, I can see why you would, even if I don't understand. But how can you be so happy with him, and how can he be so happy with you when we're…stuck like this!?" Regulus spoke, his voice growing ever more frustrated and his arms spread out, gesturing to their hovel of a home. Hestia saw the look in his eyes, and yet she could tell that while his frustrations were true, he was also laced with something else.

"What's wrong with our home?" Hestia spoke clearly, her eyes serious but also concerned, but Regulus didn't seem to know.

"What's wrong with it? I can go all day! But that's not the issue that upset me!" Regulus barked out a yell, but he grit his teeth as he seethed. "That mutt, he had the gall to just…insult me, like that!"

"Wait, you two were clearly going out…but what is this about?" Hestia frowned in thought.

"His words were insulting, and I clearly can't let that stand but the audacity of that dog to just speak so crudely when I am in his presence, and all towards Bell is infuriating! Who forgot to teach that mutt some common courtesy!" Regulus yelled out, turning around and walking back to the edge of the bed. "The worst part of it all…I can't even understand! WHY!? WHY…!"

Regulus shouted as Hestia watched his expression turn…conflicted, confused, and yet very much lost and frustrated. Lost. Frustrated…but alone.

"Why…am I this upset…over what they said to Bell? It doesn't make any sense…I don't know why…I don't know anything." Regulus gives out a hiss of a breath, taking a seat at the edge of the bed.

She'd never seen Regulus this upset, or even so…conflicted before. He's usually always so self-assured, and especially greedy and obnoxious about it. That was Regulus, even with all of his flaws and greedy behavior. Always wanting more, and always asking for more.

Hestia's expression softened, her frown gone in place for a motherly smile. She took a seat next to Regulus, and she didn't even need to look into his eyes to know he was frowning and yet softly thinking.

"...I'm sorry." Hestia said, prompting Regulus to turn to her with a confused expression. "I should have considered how you must have felt, and not make assumptions in my own head. But…I don't know what happened while I was gone, so I can't really make any guesses, and I know you don't like it when I pry so…I just want to say this.

"You're mad that they insulted Bell, because on some level…you consider him someone important. You say it yourself all the time, he's your responsibility, and yet nobody needs you to make him your responsibility, right?" Hestia prompts him, before he raises his brow, humming to himself. "You just decided it so selfishly, but you consistently, over the past week, made it a case to be sure he comes back home safe…you put a lot of time and effort into him, especially for someone who doesn't remember who he is or…who he was."

Hestia took a small breath, but she saw Regulus wince in frustrated acceptance. Unsure, and yet clearly not liking being read like this. However, his silence prompted her to keep going.

"So when someone insults Bell, they are insulting your hard work. They are insulting the time you spend to make sure Bell is acting appropriately and coming back home. Am I right?" Hestia asked, her smile never leaving her face while Regulus looked at her with widened eyes…for the first time in a while in shock and surprise. "Because he's important to you. Because he's someone you consider a treasure, in this familia."

"..." Regulus's jaw was hanging, but he clenched it shut while glancing to the side and seemingly peeved at how she was saying all these accusations, she thought. However, Hestia was happy that he didn't deny it. It was a good guess, but she smiled all the same. "It's not really courteous or respectful of my rights for you to make these baseless theories…"

"Hehehe!" Hestia giggled a bit, almost getting a reaction out of him with an annoyed frown and grunt, before she suddenly stood up, and gave him a standing hug while he was still sitting on the bed.

"What. What are you doing?" Regulus stiffened at that, but he seemed mildly peeved despite seemingly not hugging back. However, Hestia could feel he wasn't angry at all now.

"Hugging my second child of the Hestia Familia." Hestia cheerfully said with a smile, although she said in a motherly way, unbefitting her usual stature and behavior. "Regulus. Take care of your brother, while you're in this Familia. Since you and Bell are together almost all the time…you need to watch out for each other. Like brothers, understand?"

Hestia looked at Regulus only to see her child have a look of…confusion, unreadable contemplation while seemingly unable to say much. He rolled his eyes and sighed, but otherwise didn't move. "..."

Hestia didn't say anything back either. After all, she already said everything she wanted to say, and Regulus seemed to be listening all the same. He was too self-assured to say anything back that would be too mushy, and she already knew how annoyed he felt from being hugged all the same. That didn't matter. Hestia knew that he understood. He didn't need to say anything.

She just stayed there, hugging him and patting his white hair while he slowly grumbled.

What a problem child. Hestia thought to herself, almost happy that she had two children all the same for her familia. Bell may be the good one, and Regulus may be a problem child…but that didn't mean she didn't care about them both.

If only Bell was more aware of me. Hestia pouted, at that, before blinking and realizing something as she parted from the hug she was giving Regulus. "Oh, I almost forgot about Bell!"

"Huh?" Regulus looked at her with a soft expression of smarmy annoyance. "You're always fawning over him, I doubt you actually forgot about him."

"T-That's not what I mean! And I don't fawn over him like that!" Hestia complained and pouted as she crossed her arms again, while huffing and going up the stairs. "I'm going to talk to him and see how he is. You just stay here, okay?"

"You shouldn't need to tell me that, I already know." Regulus grumbled all the same, side-glancing at Hestia and returning back to his usual attitude.

Hestia pouted, but as she got up the stairs…she stopped right before opening the door to upstairs. At the moment, she just wanted to make sure how her Bell was doing, and to assure him that everything was fine. Even so, Hestia couldn't help but have a smile on her face when she remembered one thing.

Regulus didn't deny anything she said, and didn't even retaliate with his usual sarcasm or smarm. He just…listened and she could tell he was lying about a few things…but his emotions and frustration were all truthful.

She shouldn't be too happy, but she's glad to see that her second child is at least reflecting and somewhat has the heart to be angry for Bell.

Hestia walks up the stairs all the same, and opens the door all the same to talk to Bell.

Take care of your brother.

Regulus' mind raced at that single sentence, as he remained sitting in his bed and began frowning in thought. Not at the anger and frustration, let alone at the words that Hestia provided for him. He had his hands at his lap, as he grows tired. He removes his white overcoat and hangs it up in the coat rack, leaving himself with his white pants and navy blue long-sleeve shirt.

At the end of the day, Regulus had vented out a lot of his frustrations to Hestia, and he still had that mutt's words ringing in his head, and the image of Bell's frustrated and despondent face. It bothered Regulus to no end, and yet he didn't know anything about why he snapped so vehemently towards Bell and just ran after him.

All he knew was how he felt. None of the reasoning. He felt as if Bell was looking down on him, and forgetting that they were both in the same situation. Regulus felt anger, and felt frustration, and yet after vehemently ranting towards Hestia…he felt empty. So empty.

Regulus grit his teeth as his eyes were shadowed, and he squeezed a hand into a fist.

Brother.

Brother?

Why…why does that feel so familiar?

Regulus furrowed his brow even closer, having a familiar feeling of the word and…unsure of what to think about that. After all, he was alone with his own thoughts and yet his self-assuredness reflected only on himself. He can't control what Bell thinks, so he always had to assume and take responsibility as…some way to keep control.

Bell…a brother? Why would Regulus have any need for a brother? He didn't like the idea…but he knew that it was also the most accurate statement that Hestia had called out on him.

He really was taking care of Bell in some way, and yet to Regulus the notion of caring and giving too much stock in his treasure only for Bell to doubt him is what…makes him hesitate for a bit.

However, he feels a familiarity when he hears the word brother all the same. Since when was the last time he heard that word–

!

"Ghk!" Regulus felt a shock to his head, a splitting headache that suddenly caught him by surprise. As if his head was splitting apart, he feels dizzy and pain so difficult to handle that he groans and yelled out a bit as he hunched over with his hands on his hair.

However, the pain only intensified even further when he was getting images and flashes of two young kids. Both with seemingly golden-brown hair, looking at him with teasing, childish and yet very happy smiles. But he can't see their eyes. In fact, the pain only got worse before the image turned to static.

The splitting headache left, and finally it only left a reeling Regulus panting out of pain, having a cold sweat and a daze.

D-Dammit…w-who… Regulus widened his eyes, unsure of who they were, but he felt a familiarity that one could only have when looking at someone who came from the same roots.

Regulus didn't know, but he felt a familiarity for those two, that was similar to what he felt for Bell…wait…

Take care of your brother. Regulus repeated Hestia's words in his head, but this time he seemed to be slowly dawning on him.

He stands up from the bed, but paces around the empty basement. For now…Regulus was certain about one thing.

He had a flash of…memories he wasn't familiar with, and neither they were complete…but they were there.

Which meant that to Regulus, he did come from somewhere, and knew somebody out there...before he was in the Dungeon.

But…that did depend on figuring out how and why he was in the Dungeon to begin with.

There was one major issue however, for Regulus especially. Could he trust to tell Bell and Hestia about this for now?

…no, of course he could…but he wouldn't know when to bring it up so soon. Not when the 'memories' aren't even clear, and when this could all be just a huge headache causing him to have hallucinations.

Too hazy…to be considered complete, but felt too familiar to be a lie. Regulus came to that conclusion, and thankfully…he just took a moment to calm down and lay down on the bed all the same. He was too tired, and too exhausted from the day today, and he needed his sleep.

However, he just put the sheets over his body, as he looks up at the ceiling when he lays down…and thinks to himself, as he closes his eyes.

Those two…seriously are a handful.

The Lion hums with a slow closing of his eyes, and the Lion sleeps tonight, with more questions than answers.

Hello! I have finally finished this chapter, and while it is shorter than my last three chapters by a few thousand words…I won't lie, I have been considering shortening my chapters for more frequent updates for you guys, as well as practicing on how to condense as much information as I can in one chapter.

However, I'll set up a poll for those curious. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter at least, and if not, feel free to leave a review and some constructive criticism!

Either way, I'll see you on the horizon! Here's hoping the next chapter comes much sooner with these shorter lengths.